Container Closure and Dispensation System

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/645,761 filed on May 10, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to closures for containers. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to caps and closures suitable for sealing and selectively dispensing contents from an associated container. In some embodiments, devices, methods and systems are provided that comprise a hinged over-cap and the ability to direct and/or confine liquid (for example) within a system.

Various systems and devices exist for liquid containers and related closures and/or dispensation features. Certain known caps for liquid containers comprise, for example, an opening that defines a dispensing outlet in communication with a container's interior. The cap may comprise, for example, a lid or closure that comprises a hinged member for selectively sealing and dispensing contents.

Existing systems related to liquid containment and selective dispensation comprise, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,646 to Danks et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021/0307352 to Durand et al., which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Known systems, methods and devices, however, fail to disclose various aspects and benefits of the present disclosure as shown and described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for improved fluid containment, shaking, pouring, and/or user experience, for example.

There has been a long-felt and unmet need to provide systems, devices and methods for containment fitments and cap devices that enable a clean and controlled opening and pouring experience while also providing suitable containment of product and contents in at least a first a position.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide closure systems and methods of using the same. In certain embodiments, fitment and cap systems are provided that are operable to and well adapted to house and dispense liquid contents from a container (e.g. a bottle). It will be recognized, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use with liquid contents. For example, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use with solid objects including but not limited to dry cereals, kibble, and solid items that are generally pourable if provided with the appropriately sized container and pour spout.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, containment and dispensing systems are provided that are adapted for use with liquids such as creamers and similar products that are often contemplated as having a need to be poured from the container in which they are stored and sold. In other embodiments, container lids are provided that are operable to and intended to be provided as direct-consumption devices that a user or consumer may drink directly from. In some embodiments, systems are provided that comprise a fitment for direct attachment to a container (e.g. bottle) and flip top cap that is operable to be secured to the fitment. Fitment devices of the present disclosure are contemplated as comprising securing features including, for example, a particular thread arrangement, lug arrangement, or system to secure the fitment to a container in manner that enables maintaining sterility and is operable to provide evidence of tampering while still allowing a reduced or desired pull tab force.

In some embodiments, fitments are provided that are contemplated as being directly connected to a container (e.g. a bottle). The bottle may be sealed with a sealing member on or within the fitment. Flip top caps are contemplated as being provided in combination with a fitment and the caps are further contemplated as being threaded onto the fitment or otherwise secured to the fitment in a manner that allows for the cap to be removed to enable access to the seal (for example). While various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate closure systems that comprise a cap and a fitment, alternative embodiments are contemplated that comprise a flip top cap in accordance with the various embodiments shown and described herein that attach directly to a container (e.g. a bottle). Various novel features are provided herein and inventive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular combination of parts, features, etc. Additionally, various concepts disclosed herein may be provided in combination with one another even if such combination is not specifically depicted or described.

In various embodiments, flip top cap systems are provided that comprise a base portion and a flip top or over-cap portion hingedly secured to the base portion. The base portion is contemplated as being secured to a fitment and/or container and comprises a pour spout for controlled and reliable dispensation of contents. The flip top is contemplated as comprising a spud or spud member. As used herein, the terms “spud” and “spud member” generally refer to a projection extending from a bottom of the flip top that is operable to extend at least partially into and at least partially seal the pour spout at least when the system is provided in a closed position. Spuds of the present disclosure are sized and formed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure to provide enhanced sealing, shaking and pouring as will be shown and described herein.

In various embodiments, a closure, dispensing and containment system for liquids and the like is provided. In some embodiments, a system is provided that comprises a cap and a fitment. In one embodiment, a closure and dispensing system is provided that is operable to be provided on a container that is operable to house liquid contents. The system comprises a closure member comprising a base having a pour spout, and a cap having a protuberance or spud, the cap being hingedly coupled to the base, and the protuberance comprises a wall and a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs extend from a distal end of a wall of the protuberance and taper inwardly toward a center of the protuberance, and wherein the plurality of tabs comprise a plurality of different lengths such that distal ends of the plurality of tabs extend away from the distal end of the wall by varying amounts. The fitment member is operable to be secured to a neck of a container (e.g. a bottle with a threaded, lugged, or ridged neck) and the fitment is operable to receive the closure member. The fitment comprises an external thread or ridge operable to communicate with a threaded portion of the closure member and an internal thread or projection operable to communicate with the neck of the container. The internal thread of various embodiments comprises at least one of a ramp and a projection operable to lockingly engage a portion of the container such that the fitment is generally not removable from the container.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate fitment members suitable for being secured to a container and for receiving a cap member that are devoid of helical thread members. More specifically, fitment members of the present disclosure contemplate polymeric members with one or more features extending along an interior circumference of the fitment. The one or more features are operable to contact, communicate with, and/or be secured to corresponding projections on a container member. In some embodiments, a plurality of spaced apart features or lug members are distributed around the internal circumference (or perimeter) of a fitment, providing multiple points of contact and/or attachment while also allowing for a certain degree of flexibility in the sidewall of the fitment to facilitate installation and securing of the fitment to the container.

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprising non-threaded fitment elements, such as lugged or ridged elements are contemplated as being installed or secured to a container by application of a force to elastically deform at least a portion of the fitment, translate the fitment relative to at least certain features of the container, and wherein the fitment is operable to restore to its original condition in a secured and substantially non-removable position. The fitment(s) are further contemplated as being operable to receive additional elements including, for example, a cap or pour spout that is secured to the fitment.

Fitments of the present disclosure are contemplated as being formed of various materials. In preferred embodiments, fitments of the present disclosure comprise a polymeric material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Non-threaded fitments of the present disclosure are contemplated as comprising structure as shown and described herein that allow for or enable the use of different materials while also providing suitable application and removal-resistance forces.

In some embodiments, including embodiments comprising lugs as shown and described herein, fitment members are contemplated as being formed from LDPE. Fitments according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated as being provided as a packaging component for consumable products including liquids. Such products and their associated packaging are subject to various requirements and design considerations. These considerations and requirements include, for example, that the container be subject to aseptic techniques and is thus capable of withstanding high heat, that the fitment(s) be applied by a compressive or axial force, and that the container(s) comprise a tear away panel and other features that are relatively easy to use while also be tamper resistant or at least comprise tamper evidence. Applicant has determined that in at least some embodiments, including those with non-threaded lugs, LDPE is a preferred material due to one or more of LDPE's ability hardness, associated required application force(s), performance in drop and impact testing, and ability to be worked or removed by a user to access and/or dispense a product housed by embodiments of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

Reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that more than one element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one element. The indefinite article “a” or “an” thus usually means “at least one.”

As used herein, “about”, “approximately”, and/or “substantially” means within a statistically meaningful range of a value or values such as a stated concentration, length, molecular weight, pH, sequence identity, time frame, temperature or volume. Such a value or range can be within an order of magnitude, typically within 20%, more typically within 10%, and even more typically within 5% of a given value or range. The allowable variation encompassed by “about”, “approximately”, and/or “substantially” will depend upon the particular system under study, and can be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.

is a perspective view of a capaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the capcomprises a main body portionand a pour spout. The capand spoutare sized and operable to pour liquid contents from a container to which the capis secured including, for example, liquid food product such as creamers, beverages, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that the contents and intended use of the cap is not critical to the invention and it is contemplated that devices and embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for and may be used to house and dispense various materials (e.g. laundry detergent, cereals, motor oil, etc.). The capfurther comprises a hinged over-cap or lid. The lidis preferably rotatably secured to the main body portionat a hingesuch that the lid is rotatable relative to the main body portion. The hingeis contemplated as comprising a living hinge or similar feature. The main body portion, the lidand the hingeare contemplated as being formed or molded as a single element. In alternative embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the capis formed as multiple parts. For example, the main body portionand the lidcan be formed as separate elements and connected at the hinge. A spudis provided on an underside of the lid. The spudgenerally comprises a projection on the underside of the lidand will be described in more detail herein. Generally, the spudcomprises a male extension that is sized and operable to extend at least partially into the pour spoutwhen the lidis moved to a closed or partially closed position and to provide a seal to the pour spout for preventing spillage during storage, transit, shaking, tipping, etc. of a container to which the disclosed features are secured.

is a side elevation view of the capof the embodiment of. The lidis shown in the open position. While no limitations with respect to size, dimensions, or proportions are provided herewith, it is contemplated that in various embodiments, capsof the present disclosure comprise a main body portionwith a height of between approximately 0.50 inches and 5.0 inches. In preferred embodiments, the main body portioncomprises a height of between approximately 0.80 and 1.5 inches, and more preferably of about 1.1 inches.

is a perspective view of a closure systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a capis provided that comprises a main body portionwith a pour spoutand a flip-top lidwith a spud. The capis contemplated as being selectively secured to a container(e.g. a bottle) and the container is contemplated as being provided with a sealin at least a first state. The capis contemplated as comprising female threads that are operable to communicate with and connect to male threads provided on the container. Accordingly, the capcan be selectively removed from the containerto allow access to and removal of the seal. Once the seal is removed, the capmay be replaced and made available for use.

is a perspective view of a closure systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a capis provided that comprises a main body portionwith a pour spoutand a flip-top lidwith a spud. The systemfurther comprises a collar or fitmentthat is secured to a containerand to which the capis contemplated as being attached. The fitment comprises a generally annular member with internal, female threads or projections that are operable to communicate with external threads of the container. The fitmentfurther comprises external, male threads that are operable to communicate with internal threads on the cap. A sealis provided either on an opening of the containeror on the fitment. As shown and described herein in more detail, the fitment is preferably permanently or semi-permanently secured to the container. The capis contemplated as being selectively secured to the fitment. Accordingly, the capcan be selectively removed from the fitmentto allow access to and removal of the seal. Once the seal is removed, the capmay be replaced and made available for use.

is a top plan view of a capaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the capis of generally the same construction as the cap of the embodiment of. As shown, the cap comprises main body portionand a lid. The main body portioncomprises a pour spoutand the lidcomprises a spud member. The spudcomprises a plurality of cuts or slotsproducing a non-contiguous rim at a distal end of the spud. The slotsseparate a plurality of angled tabsthat extend around a perimeter of the distal end of the spud. The arrangement and structure of the distal end of spud members in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure provides for moldability of non-round spud features, accommodate a corresponding pour spout with improved directional pour control, improve fluid retention during tipping, and minimize an amount of liquid that is retained in the cap during shaking of a container.

As shown in, embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that a capis provided wherein a spudcomprises a maximum width Wthat is slightly greater than a corresponding maximum Wof a pour spoutinto which the spudis to be at least partially inserted. Accordingly, an interference fit is provided between the spudand the pour spoutand wherein the spudis deflected or compressed slightly to form a connection and seal between the two components. In some embodiments the angled and spaced apart undercuts of the spudfacilitate the insertion and mating of the spudwith the pour spout.

is a bottom plan view of the capofwith the capin an open position and showing the top side of the lidand an underside of the main body portion. The main body portioncomprises internal threadsfor securing the cap to a fitment or a container (not shown in).

is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the capofand taken at line A-A of. Various dimensions are provided into illustrate one embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure. It will be recognized that these dimensions are not intended to be limiting but merely show one contemplated set of dimensions for a cap. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the cap may be scaled up or down and that inventive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to caps of particular sizing. The capofcomprises a lidwith a spud. The spud comprises a non-round member (see, for example) that extends from an undersideof the lid. The underside of the lid and the corresponding outside of the lid comprises an irregular shape as shown.shows the lidas being provided in an open position wherein the lidhas been rotated about an axis of the hinge180 degrees relative to a fully closed position. In this open position and as shown in, a perimeter or rimof the spud is provided in a substantially horizontal arrangement. A continuous spud sidewallextends from the lidby varying amounts. As shown, a first endof the spud sidewallis larger than a second endof the spud sidewallto produce a rim portionwhen the lidis provided in the open and closed positions. A plurality of undercuts or tabsextend from the rim portion. The undercutsare spaced apart by cuts or slotsand are angled toward a center of a spud opening. As shown, the undercutsvary in length and undercutsdisposed at a first endof the spud extend away from the rim portionby a lesser amount than the undercuts provided at the second endof the spud. The variations in the spud undercutsallow for improved moldability wherein the part can be ejected from a mold and cooperate with the non-uniform shape of the pour spoutto enhance both pouring and fluid retention.

As shown in, the cap is contemplated as comprising a depth of about 2.2 inches. While certain embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the main body portion of the capcomprises a round shape, it is also contemplated that caps of the present disclosure comprise oval or irregular shapes. Accordingly, the depth D may represent a diameter of the cap in certain embodiments and a depth in other embodiments where the width is not the same as the depth. As noted, caps of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific size or proportion. Caps of the present disclosure are contemplated as comprising a depth D of between approximately 1.0 inches and 6 inches, and preferably of between about 1.5 inches and 3.0 inches.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cap that comprises and/or forms a reliable seal between the cap and a fitment or container to which the capis secured. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a seal between capsand related to components to prevent leakage and spilling, particularly when liquids are to be contained. In some embodiments, including that shown in, a primary sealis provided that comprises an annular member extending beneath the pour spout and intended to communicate with a portion of a fitment (not shown in, but see). The primary sealis sized and operable to extend into and provide multiple points of contact with a corresponding feature of the fitment when the cap is threaded securely to the fitment and preferably provides a hermetic seal between the cap and the fitment.

is a perspective view of a protuberance or spudextending from a lid. As shown, the spudcomprises a distal end having a rimfrom which a plurality of undercutsextend. The undercutsare separated by slotsand comprise a plurality of angled, tooth-like projections that vary in length and angle relative to horizontal.

While no limitation is provided relative to the sizing, spacing, and other dimensions of the undercuts, it is contemplated that undercutson a first endof the spudcomprise a length of between approximately 0.05 inches and 0.20 inches, and preferably of approximately 0.129 to 0.143 inches; and angle relative to horizontal of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees and preferably of about 40 degrees. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a total vertical height of one or more undercutsat the first endcomprise a total height of between approximately 0.075 inches and 1.25 inches and preferably of about 0.101 inches above the perimeter. It is contemplated that undercutson a second endof the spudcomprise a length of between approximately 0.003 and 0.010 inches, and preferably of approximately 0.007 inches; and angle relative to horizontal of between approximately 5 and 30 degrees and preferably of about 15 degrees.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a total vertical height of one or more undercutsat the second endcomprise a total height of between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.05 inches and preferably of about 0.011 inches above the perimeter. It is contemplated that the undercuts increase in height and angle from horizontal from the second endto the first endand undercuts between the ends comprise angles and heights between the aforementioned ranges.

is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the lidin an open position and wherein the rimis disposed horizontally. As shown, the undercutsextend from the spudin a non-uniform manner such that a distal end of the spudcomprises a parabolic shape. When closed, the spud extends at least partially into the pour spout(). The pour spoutcomprises an irregular non-round shape with an inner periphery generally corresponding to the shape of the spud. As further shown in, a narrow endof the spudcomprises one or more undercuts. While it is contemplated that most pouring operations will be performed by rotating the device clockwise with respect to, it is further contemplated that some users may attempt to pour contents by rotating the system in various different orientation. The undercuts provided at the narrow endare operable to account for such anomalies and to maintain fluid within the spudat least until the lid is closed and fluid is allowed to drain into an associated container.

is a perspective view of a fitmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fitment comprises a generally annular member that is operable to be secured to a container (not shown in) and operable to receive a cap (not shown in). The fitment is contemplated as comprising a tool interface portion such as toothed or knurled portion to receive a tooling member. The fitmentcomprises a central aperture. In some embodiments, including that shown in, a frangible sealis provided within the fitment. In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that a seal (e.g. a foil seal) is provided on an opening of a container to which the fitment is to be attached in addition to or in lieu of the sealof. In some embodiments, the fitment comprises a textured or knurled surface. Exterior threadsare provided to receive a cap including, for example, caps as shown and described herein.

is a cross-sectional top view of a fitmentconnected to a container. In various embodiments, including that shown in, the fitmentis contemplated as comprising a threaded member that is operable to lock to a threaded neck of a containerto which the fitment is to be applied. Specifically, the interior threadsof the fitmentcomprise one or more ramps or ratchet membersand the threadsof the containerare contemplated as comprising a projection. The ratchet member(s)and projection(s)are collectively operable to prevent reverse rotation of the fitmentonce the fitment has been rotated onto the container by a certain amount. It is contemplated that the ratchetand projectioncombination is formed and sized such that reverse rotation would effectively damage or destroy the system and any tampering (for example) of the container would be readily apparent.

are top and bottom perspective views of the fitment, respectively. As shown in, internal threadsare provided on an interior of the fitment. The thread arrangement comprising a ramp or ratchet memberthat is operable to communicate with the threads of a container. More specifically, and as shown in, the containercomprises external threads and a projectionoperable to communicate with a surfaceof the ratchet portion. The ratchet memberis provided generally at or proximal to a leading portion of the helical thread pattern of the fitmentand the projectionof the container is provided at or proximal to a lower portion of the threaded neck of the container. Accordingly, the fitment is fully threaded or installed on the container and ramp or ratchetengages with the projectionto provide a substantially irreversible connection between the fitmentand the container. The secure engagement between these components provides enhanced product safety and results in a tamper-evident feature wherein removal of the fitment will result in visible damage to the container, for example.

are top cross-sectional views of a fitmentand a containeraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure and taken at line A-A of. As shown and discussed, a ramp featureand a projectionare provided that are operable to secure a fitmentto a containerin a substantially irreversible manner and wherein the ramp featureis arranged to move past the projectionin a first direction (i.e. clockwise rotation of the fitmentin) and wherein reverse rotation of the same past a certain point is substantially prevented by the trailing ends of both the projectionand the ramp. It is a further object of embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a further rotational limit wherein continued clockwise (in) rotation of the fitmentis prevented or discouraged. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure comprise fitments and related features that generally prevent a user or a machine from continually applying a rotation of the fitment and to prevent, for example, a condition wherein the fitment is rotated onto the container to an extent wherein an upper portion of the fitment begins to compress and/or be deformed by an upper portion of a neck of a containerto which the fitment is applied.further illustrate a thread startprovided on the fitment(see also) which is sized and operable to communicate with corresponding threaded features of a container (, for example). As shown in, the disclosed features are provided on opposing sides of the fitmentand container, and are occasionally described herein with respect to only one set of features. As shown in, the rampcan be rotated approximately 9 degrees radially beyond the projectionbefore contact is made between the projectionand the thread start. However, as shown and described herein, this contact between the projectionand the thread startis avoided or limited in various embodiments by a contact between an upper stop memberand a second projection(see, for example).

provide a series of views showing a rotational progression of a fitmentonto a containerand in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and taken at a vertical position as indicated by line A inand A-A of. A plurality of different “locked” positions are provided including a minimal lock condition (), a true zero lock condition (), and a maximum rotation or lock condition (). As shown, the minimal lock condition is characterized by the ramp portionhaving been rotated past the projection. The true zero condition is characterized by an additional 2.5 degrees of angular rotation relative to. A rotational limit or maximum lock condition is characterized by a contact between the thread startand the projection of the containerand/or a contact between the stop memberand the second projection(not shown inbut see) to prevent further rotation and wherein this condition is met at approximately 19 degrees of angular rotation relative to the true zero condition (i.e.) or 21.5 degrees of angular rotation relative to the minimal lock condition (). The embodiment of, and as best shown in, provides for an increased amount of possible rotation of the ramp portionbeyond the projectionbefore contact is made between the projectionand the thread start. Contact between the projectionand the thread startcan cause a deformation of the fitment and/or bottle that is generally to be avoided or minimized. Accordingly, the enhanced window or available rotation of the fitment relative to the container and beyond the projection(in combination with features shown and described relative to) assist in preventing over-rotation, over-torquing and deformation of the fitmentat least when being applied to the container.

In various embodiments, it is contemplated that components of the present disclosure are subjected to high heat during or after manufacturing, including, for example, during sanitization procedures. For example, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that components of the present disclosure are subject to temperatures of up to 100 degrees C. after formation and prior to filling to sanitize various components. Embodiments and components of the present disclosure are thus provided with increased tolerances and structural integrity to withstand such conditions without excessive deformation, damage, etc. to the components.

is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fitmentaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure and with various dimensions provided to illustrate an exemplary embodiment only. No limitation with respect to sizing or dimensions of the fitmentis provided. As shown, a central apertureis provided with a frangible sealto seal a container in at least a first state. In some embodiments, the frangible sealcomprises a pull ringthat is secured at one location such that a user may grasp the pull ring and apply an upward tension force to initiate tearing and removal of the frangible sealwhen the system is ready for use and dispensing of contents. The frangible sealfurther comprises a score lineextending at least partially around a circumference of the frangible seal. In some embodiments, and as shown in, the frangible seal comprises a first portionand a second portionand wherein the first portioncomprises a first thickness and the second portioncomprises a second thickness. It is contemplated for example, that the first portioncomprises an area proximal to where the pull ringis secured and where score line fracture is intended to be initiated. Accordingly, the thickness at the first portionis contemplated as comprising a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of the second portion. In some embodiments, the first thickness comprises a thickness of between approximately 0.001 and approximately 0.010 inches and preferably of about 0.005 inches. In some embodiments, the second thickness comprises a thickness of between approximately 0.001 inches and approximately 0.10 inches and preferably of about 0.007 inches.provides top, elevation, and bottom views of the fitmentin addition to detailed views (Detail 1 and Detail 2) of the first portionand the second portion, respectively.

further illustrates a primary seal and secondary seal portion forming an annular gap to receive a container. More specifically, an annular gap is provided that receives an upper portion of a neck of a container to which the fitment is connected and fully rotated onto. The annular gap is contemplated as providing multiple points of contact between the fitment and the container to prevent fluid leakage during shaking, pouring, etc.

are top cutaway perspective views of a fitmentaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure along line B-B in. As shown, the fitmentscomprise one or more upper stop membersthat serve to limit rotation and/or provide resistance to indicate to a capper tool or machine that further application and rotation of the fitment onto the containeris not desired. More specifically, the upper stop member(s)are operable to contact and communicate with a second projectionof the container. An upper portion of the fitmenthas been omitted into show an upper portion of the containerthat is nested within the fitment, and that comprises the projection. The contact of the upper stop member(s)and the components of(including, for example, the ramp, the projectionand the stop) collectively serve to provide a reliable and complete installation of the fitmentonto the containerand to limit over-rotation and potential damage to the fitment and/or container.

is a cross-sectional elevation view of a lidand a spudaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.is provided for illustrative purposes and to show one particular embodiment and associated dimensions of components of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the undercutsof the spudvary both in terms of size and angle relative to horizontal as they extend around a perimeter of the spud. Additionally, an angle or taper is provided on the distal ends of the undercutsand as shown in.

are detailed perspective views of a spudand associated undercutsaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, an undercutprovided at the second end of the spud comprises a curved lip portion operable to (for example) retain liquid and/or redirect liquid into a container.

is a front elevation view of a portion of a containercontemplated in various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the containerpreferably comprises a polymeric or plastic container that is operable to receive at least one of a fitment and a cap member. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular material and it is contemplated, for example, that fitments of the present disclosure are suitable with glass or aluminum containers. The upper portion of the containercomprises a non-threaded member devoid of helical external threads. The containercomprises one or more circumferentially extending tapered ledgeswith angled or tapered surfaces. As shown and described herein, at least the upper ledgeof the pre-form is operable to receive a non-threaded cap or fitment (not shown in) and allow the cap or fitment to be installed or connected with the pre-form in a substantially non-removable manner. Additional, revolved protrusions,are provided that are operable for and useful for manufacturing, handling, and filling the container (for example).

is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fitmentor closure member according to one embodiment the present disclosure and contemplated for use with a container of(for example). As shown, the fitmentcomprises at least one lug elementextending along an internal circumference (or a portion thereof) of the fitment. The one or more lugsare contemplated as communicating with the ledge(s)of a container. More specifically, lower portions of the lugsare operable to contact and communicate with upper surfaces of the ledge(s)provided on a container. In some embodiments, at least gap or voidis provided between adjacent lugs. The void(s)enable the fitment sidewalls to flex in the appropriate manner at least during an installation operation and as will be described in more detail herein. The fitmentfurther comprises a main opening area with a frangible or tear-away seal operable to be removed prior to use. Additional fitment features including those shown and described with respect to, for example, are contemplated for use with lugged fitments (including that shown in) and are not exclusive to particular embodiments.

depicts a fitmentat an initial stage of installation or connection with an upper portion of a container. As shown, the fitmentcomprises at least one lugextending inwardly from a main body portion of the fitment. As shown, the ledgeof the pre-formcomprises an angled or tapered upper surfaceoperable to contact the lower portion of the lugduring the installation step of. A downward force Fis contemplated as being applied to the fitmentwhereupon a deflection of the outer sidewall(s)is achieved. A rotational force Fr may further be applied during the installation step ofto assist with installation. In certain embodiments, for example, the lug(s) provided on the fitment are angled relative to a horizontal axis (at least in), and a rotational force Fr and a downward force Fare provided to install the fitment. In certain embodiments, however, it is contemplated that fitments (including but not limited to the fitment shown in), are applied to a container solely by an axial compressive force wherein the fitment is pressed onto the container. As shown in, an interference fit is provided at least with respect to the inner diameter formed by the lug(s) of the fitmentand the outer circumference of the ledgeof the container.

illustrates a subsequent step of an installation process of a fitmenton a pre-form. Specifically, and as shown in, one or more application forces are operable to cause a preferably elastic deflection of the sidewall(s)of the fitmentas the lug(s)of the fitmentpasses over and beyond the ledgeof the pre-form. As shown, the lug(s) of the fitmentare operable to be situated in a receiving areaof container.

illustrates a subsequent step of an installation process of a fitmenton the pre-formand wherein the lug(s)has been displaced beyond the ledge, and the sidewallhas been restored approximately to its original undeflected position. As shown, the pre-form comprises a receiving areain which the lug(s)are situated once the fitmentis fully installed on the pre-form. Removal of the fitment is substantially prevented at least in part by the geometry of the upper portionsof the lug(s) and the lower portions of the ledge.

depict a fitment or closure member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a fitment installed on a container, respectively. As shown at least in, the fitmentcomprises one or more lugsand the lugs further comprise one or more downwardly-extending elementsto provide lead-in zones and ease the installation process, for example, the lug(s)are contemplated as comprising a single, revolved lugs that extends around the interior of the fitmentby 360 degrees, or less in embodiments where the lug does not extend around the full interior circumference of the fitment. The lead-in elementsare contemplated as providing a reduced amount of surface contact area between the fitmentand the pre-form at least during an initial phase of installation and wherein the element(s)contact an upper surface of the ledgeof the container. In various embodiments, the ledgeof the pre-form is contemplated as comprising a continuous ledge that extends 360 degrees around an exterior circumference of the container. It is further contemplated that at least the lower portions or surfaces of the lead-in elementscomprise an angled surface. The angle of the lower portion of the lead-in elementsis contemplated as comprising a different angle than other portions of the lug(s). In various embodiments, the lower portions of the lead-in elementsare angled relative to the sidewall by about 120 degrees, and relative to horizontal by about 5 to 45degrees and more preferably of about 5 degrees relative to horizontal. The upper portion of the ledge 102 of the container is contemplated as comprising an angle of between about 45 and 90 degrees relative to horizontal, and more preferably of between 50 and 70 degrees relative to horizontal. The underside of the lug members are contemplated as being angled by aboutdegrees relative to horizontal. It is also contemplated that the lead-in elements and the shape of the lug(s) in various embodiments provide an enhanced pull-off force thereby providing a tamper-resistance feature wherein the fitmentis not easily removed from a container.