Abstract: A lid assembly includes a lid element having an annularly shaped peripheral portion configured to be axially aligned with and disposed between a rim of a canning container and a radially extending portion of a retainer element when the lid assembly is engaging the canning container and the retainer element is removably coupled to the canning container. An annularly shaped sealing element is disposed on the peripheral portion of the lid element and is configured to directly engage the rim of the canning container when the lid assembly is contacting the canning container. A plurality of projections is formed in the peripheral portion of the lid element with each of the projections forming a distally disposed surface of the peripheral portion with respect to an exterior axial direction of the lid element extending away from an interior of the canning container when the lid assembly is engaging the rim.

Abstract: A child resistant container can include a container body, a closed base, an open top, an exterior and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly can include an inner cap configured to couple to a container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap. A first coupler can be coupled to the inner cap and a second coupler can be coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler. An outer cap can be configured to rotate relative to an inner cap when the outer cap is in one or more positions and to engage the inner cap when the outer cap is in one or more other positions. A child resistant container can be made from recyclable metal.

Abstract: A container for storing food includes a container wall with a top edge and a lid. The lid includes a lid edge with a sealing profile which contacts the top edge of the container wall when the container is closed, an opening with a valve which can have air be sucked therethrough when the container is closed so as to obtain a negative pressure inside the container, the negative pressure being lower than atmospheric pressure, a lid interior region, and a flexible profile which attaches the lid interior region to the lid edge so as to form a variable-height support of the lid interior region. The flexible profile maintains the lid interior region in an upper position if the negative pressure is not present and allows for a movement of the lid interior region into a lower position if the negative pressure is present.

Abstract: A container closure and methods are disclosed for providing visible evidence of removal of the closure from a container after installation by a manufacturer. The closure includes tamper evidence bridges comprising small tabs of material that extend from a bottom-most edge of the closure to a tamper evidence ledge of the container. The bridges break when the closure is rotated relative to the tamper evidence ledge, thereby providing readily visible evidence that the closure has been removed after installation by the manufacturer. In some embodiments, a tamper evidence closure engages with threads of a finish of the container. Cam locks around the perimeter of the tamper evidence closure are permanently flared by cams on the finish during loosening of the closure. Outward flaring of the cam locks provides a visual indication that the tamper evidence closure has been loosened after installation by a manufacturer.

Abstract: At least some example embodiments relate to a container including a body and a lid. The body includes a base, a side wall, and an interior region at least partially defined by the base and the side wall. The lid includes a lid wall and a skirt that extends from a periphery of the lid wall. The skirt engages the body to retain the lid on the body. The skirt cooperates with the lid wall to define a cavity. The lid is formed from a laminate including a metal layer and a polymer layer coupled to the metal layer. The polymer layer is disposed inside of the metal layer with respect to the cavity. A portion of the body is disposed inside the cavity when the container is in a closed configuration. At least some example embodiments relate to a forming of manufacturing the lid.

Abstract: A resealable, vacuum packable receptacle has a container, a sealing layer, an inner lid, and an outer lid. When (i) the outer lid opening receives the inner lid, (ii) the inner lid is threadably mated with the container, and (iii) the container has the sealing layer positioned over the container's mouth; (A) a portion of the outer lid causes the outer lid or the inner lid to contact the sealing layer to push a desired amount of air from the container which then results in inhibiting air from entering or exiting the container, or (B) the distance between the outer lid's top surface and the inner lid's top surface can be altered, and when the distance is increased, the air pressure in the container is decreased.

Abstract: A lid element for use with a canning container includes a centrally disposed domed portion, an annular channel portion disposed radially outwardly of the domed portion, and an annular peripheral portion disposed radially outwardly of the channel portion. The peripheral portion is configured to be axially aligned with a rim of the canning container about a circumference of the rim when the lid element is engaging the rim. The channel portion extends away from each of the domed portion and the peripheral portion with respect to an interior axial direction corresponding to an axial direction of the lid element towards the interior of the canning container when the lid element is engaging the rim.

Abstract: A method of aseptically distributing fluid including fluidly connecting a primary vessel to a fluid distribution system via a feedline of the supply vessel to form a closed system, priming the feedline to purge trapped gases and fluid from the feedline via a purge valve, simultaneously distributing fluid from the primary vessel to a plurality of secondary vessels, sensing a complete fill of the plurality of secondary vessels with the control system, and stopping the distribution of fluid when the complete fill is sensed by the control system.

Abstract: Cream dispenser for topically dispensing liquid onto the skin of a user including a liquid store, a discharge head that has a discharge opening and a hinged lid to protect the discharge opening. The dispenser has a multi-part design of the discharge head in order to limit, in a haptically satisfactory way, the movability of a release button of the discharge head and a special relative arrangement of the locking edges on the discharge head and on the hinged lid opposite a joint of the hinged lid in order to prevent the sharp-edged locking edges from coming into contact with the skin while cream is being discharged onto the skin.

Abstract: An application system is presented having a cartridge, at least one first accessory part, for example a stopper, and at least one second accessory part, for example a static or dynamic mixer. The cartridge has at least one container with an outlet opening and at least one outlet connected to the container via the outlet opening on the end face of the cartridge, wherein the at least one outlet can be connected to the at least one first accessory part and the at least one second accessory part such that a seal is produced between the outlet and the respective accessory part. At least one separate seal plane is provided for each accessory part.

Abstract: A glass container includes a base, a body extending axially from the base, and a neck finish extending from the body, the neck finish having an axial sealing surface, wherein at least a portion of the axial sealing surface extends both axially downwardly and radially outwardly. Also disclosed is a package including a glass container and a closure assembly.

Abstract: A method of sealing a container includes filling a receptacle with dispensable contents, coupling a closure to the receptacle to cover an open mouth of the receptacle, sealing the open mouth with a liner; engaging a pressure source to a sealing rib on a top face of the closure; and using a pressure source to force air through the openings and an air passage formed between a skirt of the closure and a neck of the receptacle.

Abstract: A closure comprises a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, a polymeric liner and a polymeric disc. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container. The polymeric disc has an exterior surface. The polymeric disc is located between the polymeric top wall portion and the polymeric liner. The polymeric disc includes a plurality of channels formed therein. The plurality of channels assists in allowing liquid to travel on the exterior surface of the polymeric disc and between the polymeric annular skirt portion and an external finish of a container.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant closure assembly, comprising an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; a ferrule defining an interior major surface, wherein the interior major surface has a proximal region and a distal region; and a boss positioned adjacent the distal end of the elongate body and configured to resiliently urge outwardly against the interior major surface; wherein the elongate body is slidably retained within the ferrule by a shoulder extending radially outward of the elongate body; wherein the ferrule, the elongate body, or both defines a region so complementarily arranged relative to the boss as to resiliently urge the elongate body in a proximal direction relative to the ferrule in correspondence with a radially outward force applied by the boss against the interior major surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic vascular valve includes one or more continuous loops of frame material or one or more strands of material that do not form a continuous loop. The frame includes a plurality of longitudinal portions, wherein a membrane is attached to at least one of the longitudinal portions, and wherein the membrane is configured to open and close. During implantation, the frame engages the inner surface of the vein wall and is biased against the vein wall to remain stationary. In use, blood flows from an upstream end to a downstream end, wherein the membrane mitigates regurgitation of the blood as the blood is conveyed through the subject vein.

Abstract: A closure for attachment to a sample container for use in a centrifuge includes a top wall, an annular skirt wall depending from the top wall and defining a maximum outer diameter, and a handle extending from the top wall and including a central boss and at least two finger grips extending radially outward from the central boss. A respective free terminal end of each of the finger grips is located so as not to extend beyond the maximum outer diameter.

Abstract: A container comprising a jar defining a volume for containing a liquid, the jar having a rim defining an opening having a first diameter, a removable lid defining a through hole of a second diameter and having a coupling element, the removable lid sealing the opening of the jar; a tool configured to extend through the removable lid and having a working portion disposed in the volume when the tool is attached the jar opening, wherein each of the working portion has a diameter less than the second diameter, which is smaller than the first, such that for an amount of liquid material above a threshold, the tool can access the liquid material through the throughhole, and for an amount of liquid material at or below the threshold, the lid is removable and the tool is used to access the liquid material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a food storage container comprising a body with a mechanism for denoting a time in which a food item was placed in the storage container for storage. In one embodiment, the time designation mechanism comprises a plurality of rings where each ring comprises at least one marker. Time is denoted by aligning the marker with a label located proximate to said ring.

Abstract: The present application is directed to closure assemblies, and particularly closure assemblies for closing an opening in a vessel. In particular embodiments, the closure assemblies described herein can have a first ring having a top surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises threading, wherein the first ring comprises a first flange having a top surface extending radially inward from the inner surface of the first ring a distance of FL, and wherein the top surface of the first flange is spaced apart from the top surface of the first ring by a distance FH, and wherein a ratio of FH:FL is greater than 1.

Abstract: For fermentation of wort during home beer brewing, a food grade plastic or glass cylindrical bottle is used which includes materials to reduce or eliminate UV light transmission through the bottle, and to minimize oxygen ingress into the bottle during fermentation where the bottle includes a flared neck gradually widening in circumference when approaching a bottle opening surrounded by a rim and the opening has dimensions capable of allowing a hand and arm inside the bottle for cleaning

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover unit (10) for closing and sealing a container (1). The opening (9) is surrounded by a sealing edge (8). The cover unit has an adapter (11), a cover (12), and a sealing film (13). The adapter can be arranged on the container in the opening thereof or around said opening so as to leave the sealing edge exposed, and the adapter has a through-opening (22). The cover is removably arranged on the adapter. The sealing film is clamped between the cover and the adapter so as to cover the through-opening. The invention also relates to a container with such a cover unit and to a method for sealingly closing a container.

Abstract: The present application is directed to closure assemblies, and particularly closure assemblies for closing an opening in a vessel. In particular embodiments, the closure assemblies described herein can have a first ring having a top surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises threading, wherein the first ring comprises a first flange having a top surface extending radially inward from the inner surface of the first ring a distance of FL, and wherein the top surface of the first flange is spaced apart from the top surface of the first ring by a distance FH, and wherein a ratio of FH:FL is greater than 1.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a feeding bottle comprises a vessel, collar, and nipple. The nipple comprises a base portion, a teat portion, an areola portion allowing movement of the teat portion towards and away from the base portion. According to a second embodiment, a feeding bottle comprises a vessel, collar, nipple and handle portion removeably secured to the vessel by the collar. The invention includes a flexible region or regions to provide a more natural feeding by closely mimicking the human breast.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a container opening having a cylindrical opening disposed on a container body and a cap for sealing the cylindrical opening. The cap includes a screw-on cap body and an upper lid for sealing the cylindrical opening. The cap body and the upper lid are independent of each other so that the cap body can be rotated without rotating the upper lid and are engaged by a concave/convex portion. When the cap body is moved away from the container, the cap body slidably abuts on the upper lid, and pushes up the upper lid to open the cylindrical opening, and when the cap body moves toward the container, the cap abuts on the upper lid and pulls down the upper lid to re-seal the cylindrical opening.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the device comprises a stainless steel container portion, a stainless steel annular portion, and a silicone mouthpiece portion. Fluid or other contents stored in the device only come in contact with the stainless container portion, the stainless steel annular portion, and the silicone mouthpiece portion. The stainless steel container portion, the stainless steel annular portion, and the silicone mouthpiece portion all do not contain plastic, therefore the fluid in contact with these surfaces is not exposed to any toxins or other compounds found in plastic and therefore the leaching of plastic toxins and compounds cannot occur while the fluid is stored in the device. The mouthpiece portion can be any of a number of different varieties, sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A bottle teat comprising: A nipple sleeve having a hollow nipple and a through-hole connected at the bottom to a hollow nipple sleeve which is connected at the bottom to a nipple flange that is connected to the nipple sleeve to be fastened to a bottle by a fastening ring which serves at the bottom with an annular disc-shaped ring flange overlapping the nipple flange, A contact area projecting downward or upward from the nipple flange, or from the nipple sleeve above the nipple flange outward into the area for placing a ring flange, and A lip valve that is opened when the nipple flange is not fastened to a bottle arranged in a deforming area next to the contact area so that the deformation of the nipple flange that arises from pressing the fastening ring against the contact area closes the valve.

Abstract: The improved portable gas can includes adjustable legs along a bottom surface, which aid in stabilizing the gas can on a floor of a vehicle while in transit. The gas can includes an extension leg that is also located on the bottom surface, and which is able to secure the gas can by engaging between the truck bed surface and the tail gate. The extension leg is comprises of a lateral member and a second member pivotably engaged thereto. The second member of the extension leg is configured to extends and engage in between the truck bed and tail gate of a truck thereby securing the gas can in place while in transit. The gas can further includes a recess handle along a front surface as well as a handle positioned atop of the gas can to aid in manipulating and carrying the gas can.

Abstract: A container adapter for use in feeding human infants and animal infants is shown. The container adapter has an internal threaded portion that can comprise a set of thread segments sized and configured to match the external threads of a commercially available soda or bottled liquid container, and can have an external threaded portion sized to match the internal threads of a standard nipple ring for an infant feeding bottle. The container adapter includes a funnel that provides a user with assistance in inserting infant feeding ingredients into the liquid container by placing the container adapter on the liquid container to use the funnel of the container adapter to place infant feeding ingredients into the liquid container. The container adapter is then inverted and installed onto the liquid container. A nipple within a collar is attached to the container adapter thus converting the liquid container to an infant feeding bottle.

Abstract: A two-part closure (1) which has a disc (2) and a skirt (3). In one example, the skirt wall is smooth between upper and lower rims so that the disc is moveable between the rim features. Typically in a metal skirt or ring, the upper rim feature is a curl (11) and the lower rim feature is a curled edge (12) with equi-spaced lugs (13) on the skirt wall.

Abstract: Retortable packages including plastic closure caps are disclosed. The closure cap includes an end panel and a liner applied to the end panel. The finish contacting surface of the liner has a profile that is generally arc-shaped or torroidal-like prior to contact with the finish.

Abstract: A closure and container package includes a glass container having an open mouth surrounded by an annular neck. An annular finish has at least one external attachment feature and is non-rotatably secured to the neck of the container. An annular skirt has at least one internal attachment feature for removable securement to the finish, and a glass closure has a circular periphery coupled to the skirt such that the skirt removably mounts the glass closure to the glass container. The finish can be of plastic or rubber, and the skirt preferably has a radially inwardly directed flange. The circular periphery of the glass closure preferably has a peripheral edge captured between the flange and a retention feature of the skirt. The peripheral edge of the glass closure preferably is annular and planar.

Abstract: A closure system for a baby bottle including a lower closure ring screwed onto an external thread of a bottle, an upper closure ring for connecting to a screw ring for fastening a drinking teat, locking elements which rotatably and releasably lock together the lower closure ring and the upper closure ring, a circular lip seal made of a soft elastic material concentric to a lower peripheral part being arranged on the first upper face, with at least one axially oriented sealing lip and at least one circular seal geometry engaging with the lip seal and concentric to an upper peripheral part being arranged on a second lower face or vice versa and by rotating the upper closure ring relative to the lower closure ring the upper throughflow hole may optionally be brought into overlapping and non-overlapping positions relative to a lower throughflow hole.

Abstract: A hydration bottle is described, including a body having a top neck and a bottom neck disposed at either end of the body, the top neck, the bottom neck, and the body being formed from a continuous mold of material, the top neck and the bottom neck having threads configured to engage thread channels, a top closure having a thread channel disposed about an inner surface of the top closure and configured to engage the threads disposed about the top neck, the top closure also having a nozzle shaft and a nozzle well configured to receive a nozzle, and a bottom closure having another thread channel configured to engage another thread about the bottom neck, the bottom closure having a groove configured to receive a gasket, the groove and the gasket being configured to provide a seal between the bottom closure and the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for accommodating the pressure decrease of the fluid in a hot-filled plastic container.

Abstract: A closure having a device for lifting a liner from a container opening. The lifting device being a finger projecting from a hinge connection within the closure. The hinge connection is positioned from a depending skirt of the closure. The hinged finger disengages the liner from a sealing engagement with the container while engaging along substantially the same annulus spaced from the liner edge. A plurality of the hinged fingers may be used for the lifting device. The closure may be used in various retort and aseptic applications, as well as provide for tamper indication.

Abstract: A closure system for a baby bottle including a lower closure ring screwed onto an external thread of a bottle, an upper closure ring for connecting to a screw ring for fastening a drinking teat, locking elements which rotatably and releasably lock together the lower closure ring and the upper closure ring, a circular lip seal made of a soft elastic material concentric to a lower peripheral part being arranged on the first upper face, with at least one axially oriented sealing lip and at least one circular seal geometry engaging with the lip seal and concentric to an upper peripheral part being arranged on a second lower face or vice versa and by rotating the upper closure ring relative to the lower closure ring the upper throughflow hole may optionally be brought into overlapping and non-overlapping positions relative to a lower throughflow hole.

Abstract: A closure for attachment to a centrifuge bottle. The closure comprises an end wall and a sidewall extending from the end wall. The sidewall comprises a first terminal end, a second terminal end, a first transition surface, and a second transition surface. The first terminal end has a first outer peripheral boundary at a first radial distance from an axial centerline. The second terminal end has a second outer peripheral boundary at a second radial distance from the axial centerline. The second radial distance is less than the first radial distance. The first transition surface extends between the first outer peripheral boundary and the second transition surface. The second transition surface extends between the first transition surface and the second outer peripheral boundary.

Abstract: Metal closure components and methods for making the same are provided. The closures may be formed from a metal sheet having a pre-formed polymer film adhered on at least one face. A circular blank may be cut from the sheet, such that the blank may have a circular “raw” cut edge unprotected by the polymer film. The metal blank may then be formed such that the cut edged may be embedded into the film.

Abstract: A readily manually removable and replaceable closure for reclosing beverage cans. The can has a principal opening for discharging liquids for drinking. The closure comprises a sealing member and a separate clamp. The clamp may thread to the body of the beverage can, and may have a depression formed therein so that a second can may be stacked thereon. The threading elements of the clamp and of the body may each extend less than half way around the circumference of the body such that the second closure may be secured by twist action after rotation of ten to fifteen degrees after initial contact of the threading elements. A foil bearing adhesive may be provided to cover that portion of the can contacted by the mouth when drinking.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or a soother comprises a base portion, a teat portion, an areola portion and a flex region allowing flexing of the teat portion towards and away from the areola portion. According to a second embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or soother is provided with a helical flow formation on the inner face of the teat, which allows continuous flow of liquid even when the teat is collapsed via the helical flow path which allows extension at the teat, in particular rotational or torsional extension.

Abstract: Threaded channel closure for tubular heat exchanger comprising channel header wherein the gasket is provided at the shoulder of the channel, tongue of the diaphragm is provided to apply pressure on the gasket to achieve the sealed joint, outer compression ring provided at back side of the diaphragm and being loaded by push bolts, provided at the periphery of threaded lock ring, outer compression ring being supported by channel cover, which is kept in position by threaded lock ring, characterized in that, the channel header being provided with plurality of radial holes on its periphery, approximately at the centerline of the width of the outer compression ring in its assembled condition; the outer compression ring being provided with plurality of radial through holes matching the set of holes in number as well as angular position.

Abstract: A plastic closure includes a plastic closure shell having a base wall with a central opening and a skirt for securing the closure to a container neck finish. A plastic disk includes angularly spaced fingers extending into the central opening of the shell base wall and external beads on the fingers for engaging an inner periphery of the central opening to retain the disk within the shell. The beads have flat undersurfaces and the inner periphery of the central opening has a ledge with a conical surface engaged by the beads. Any doming that occurs in the disk and/or the closure shell base wall increases the surface contact between the finger beads and the opposing surface of the ledge so that removal of the shell from a container neck finish will simultaneously lift and remove the disk from the neck finish without having the beads snap through the central opening in the shell so that the shell is removed while the disk is retained on the neck finish.

Abstract: A composite closure includes a band and an insert disk. A contact surface urges downwardly against the disk even while the band moves longitudinally relative to the disk or container. The closure has a fully tightened position in which the band's ring contacts the disk's annular channel, a loose position in which the ring is spaced apart from the annular channel, and an intermediate tightened position in which the ring is spaced apart from the disk and the contact surface urges against the curl. Another composite closure includes plural fins or gussets. The fins or gussets engage the peripheral curl of the insert disk to secure the band to the disk, which provides a resistance to initial unscrewing of the band. The disengagement torque required to disengage the curl from the fins may enable the closure to function as a one-piece closure.

Abstract: A self peelable seal having one or more layers for sealing containers by heat induction, conduction, or other means and having a stiffening structure. A portion of the seal is axially retained within a closure thereby allowing the peelable seal to be loosened from the container neck by placing a lifting force on the seal with the closure upon removal of the closure from the container.

Abstract: A synthetic resin container including a mouth part 2, a shoulder part 3, a trunk part 4 and a bottom part 5, wherein the trunk part 4 has rectangular cylindrical parts 41 and 42, and a round cylindrical part 43 which is formed by narrowing into a cylindrical shape a region between the upper rectangular cylindrical part 41 positioned near the shoulder part 3 and the lower rectangular cylindrical part 42 positioned near the bottom part 5 side.

Abstract: A plastic screw cap includes two cap halves, which are produced as plastic injection-molded parts and have an internally threaded segment and an inwardly directed ring shoulder segment. The two halves of the screw cap can be pushed together, for example, on the inlet connection of the valve body of a flap valve by tongue-and-groove joints. One cap half has two hook-like ends, each of which is provided with an inwardly sloped clamping sidepiece and a groove for receiving the tongues formed on the two ends of the other half of the screw cap.

Abstract: A plastic closure includes a plastic closure shell having a base wall with a central opening, a skirt for securing the closure to a container neck finish, and an internal ledge on the skirt adjacent to but spaced from the base wall. A plastic disk is retained within the closure shell. The disk includes a plurality of axially extending spacer elements, preferably in the form of angularly spaced circumferentially aligned bead segments around a peripheral portion of the disk, to engage an underside of the base wall and space the disk from the base wall of the shell. Angular gaps between the spacer elements permit flow of fluid from the central opening, between the base wall and the disk and through the gaps. A periphery of the disk is disposed between the internal ledge on the skirt and the base wall of the shell to capture the disk such that the disk is free to rotate within the shell. A resilient sealing liner is molded onto an underside of the disk for sealing engagement with the container neck finish.

Abstract: A beverage spout and threaded cap are joined by a safety tether that further acts as a guarantee strip to establish the integrity of the contents prior to opening. The safety tether as it is wrapped around the pour spout is connected by a series of break-away tabs the cooperate to form the guarantee strip, whereupon when the cap is unscrewed off the tabs are ruptured to unfurl the safety tether. The break-away tabs can be selected to promote ordered extension of the safety tether as the cap is removed from the spout.

Abstract: An attaching ring or fixing ring is provided for attaching or fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed. The ring is annular and has a bottom portion and a top portion. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion includes snap-fastening tabs for fixing the ring to the neck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser and a surrounding structure for securing the dispenser member to the neck. The top portion further includes at least one guide wall element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser member and around the periphery of the fixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening tabs. A hoop can be provided for preventing the tabs from splaying apart. The hoop can include an internal projection, such as a vertical rib or a thread.