Tamper Evident Package and Closure for Package

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/651,563, filed May 24, 2024, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to a package, and particularly to a package including a container and a closure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a polymeric package including a container and a closure.

According to the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container includes a floor and a sidewall coupled to the floor and extending in an upward direction away from the floor to at least partially define a product storage region. The sidewall includes a sidewall panel having a first end coupled to a periphery of the floor and a second end spaced apart from the first end, a closure mount coupled to an exterior surface of the sidewall panel at a position closer to the second end than the first end, and a band mount coupled to the exterior surface of the sidewall panel and located below the closure mount at a position closer to the second end than the first end.

In illustrative embodiments, the closure is configured to mount selectively to the container at the second end of the sidewall panel. The closure includes a cover extending across the second end of the container, a skirt coupled to a periphery of the cover and extending in a downward direction away from the cover to engage with the closure mount of the container, and a tamper-evident band coupled to a lower end of the skirt.

In illustrative embodiments, the tamper-evident band includes a band ring extending annularly around the sidewall panel, a frangible connector interconnecting the lower end of the skirt and an upper end of the band ring and configured to separate the band ring from the skirt when the closure is opened, and a band anchor having a proximal end coupled to an inner surface of the band ring and a distal end spaced apart from the band ring. The band anchor is movable between a molded, unlocking position in which the band anchor extends at a downwardly-sloped angle away from the cover and toward a central axis of the closure from the proximal end to the distal, to an attached, locking position in which the band anchor extends at an upwardly-sloped angle toward the cover and the central axis of the closure from the proximal end to the distal end and the distal end abuts against the band mount to block upward movement of the tamper-evident band relative to the container. In illustrative embodiments, the band anchor is formed to include a notch and the notch is configured to flex as the band anchor moves from the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

A packageincludes a containerand a closureconfigure to couple selectively to the containerto block access to a product storage regiondefined by the containeras shown in. The containerincludes a floorand a sidewallcoupled to the floorand extending in an upward direction away from the floorto at least partially define the product storage region.

The sidewallof the containerincludes a sidewall panelhaving a first endcoupled to a peripheryof the floorand a second endspaced apart from the first endas shown in. The sidewallmay further include a closure mountcoupled to an exterior surfaceof the sidewall panelat a position closer to the second endthan the first end. The sidewallmay further include a band mountcoupled to the exterior surfaceof the sidewall paneland located below the closure mountand at a position closer to the second endthan the first end. The closure mountmay include one or more threads. The band mountmay include a rib extending annularly around the central axisor a plurality of ribs positioned about the central axis.

The closureincludes a coverextending across the second endof the container, a skirtcoupled to a peripheryof the coverand extending in a downward direction away from the coverto engage with the closure mountof the container, and a tamper-evident bandcoupled to a lower endof the skirtas shown in. The tamper-evident bandis configured to be retained to the containerafter the closureis opened for the first time to indicate to users that the packagehas been opened.

The tamper-evident bandincludes a band ring, a frangible connector, and a band anchoras shown in. The band ringextends annularly around the sidewall panel. The frangible connectorinterconnects the lower endof the skirtand an upper endof the band ring. The frangible connectoris configured break as the closureis opened to separate the band ringfrom the skirt. The band anchoris configured to engage the band mountto block upward movement of the tamper-evident bandrelative to the containerto cause the frangible connectorto break as the closureis opened for the first time.

The band anchorincludes a proximal endcoupled to an inner surfaceof the band ringand a free, distal endspaced apart from the band ring. The proximal endprovides a living hinge for the band anchor. The distal endof the band anchoris located below a lower endof the band ringin a molded, unlocking position and above the lower endof the band ringin an attached, locking position.

The band anchoris integrally molded with the rest of the closureduring manufacture of the closure. The band anchoris molded with the closure in a molded, unlocking position in which the band anchorextends at a downwardly-sloped angle away from the coverand toward a central axisof the closurefrom the proximal endto the distal endas shown in. This orientation facilitates molding of the closureand removal of the closurefrom a mold after the closureis formed by minimizing overhangs in a part removal direction P toward the cover.

The band anchoris movable from the molded, unlocking position to an attached, locking position in which the band anchorinverts and extends at an upwardly-sloped angle toward the coverand the central axisof the closurefrom the proximal endto the distal endas shown in. In this orientation, the distal endof the band anchorpoints toward and is configured to engage the band mountto block upward movement of the tamper-evident bandrelative to the container.

The band anchoris formed to include at least one notchas shown in. In the illustrative embodiment, the band anchoris formed to include a plurality of notches. The notchesallow the band anchorto flex as the band anchorchanges from the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position. In other words, the notchesprovide flexion zones for the band anchorand are configured to flex as the band anchormoves from the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position.

In the illustrative embodiment, each of the notchesextends only partway through a thickness of the band anchoras shown in. This provides the band anchorwith increased hoop strength and, as a result, resistance to upward movement of the tamper-evident bandrelative to the container while allowing the band anchorto flex to move from the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position. Some tamper-evident bands include apertures or a complete removal of material in portions of the band anchor to allow for the band anchor to flex during install on a container. However, such apertures may allow the band anchor to flex too much such that the tamper-evident band remains attached to the skirt when the closure is opened for the first time.

Additionally, closuremay be a relatively large size or diameter for engagement with a relatively large size or diameter container. For example, closuremay have a diameter in the range of about 80 mm to about 140 mm, or between 100 mm and 140 mm. Increasing the diameter of the closuregenerally increases the size or circumferential length of the band anchor. When the closureis formed from polymeric materials, this increased size can allow for greater flex of the band anchor. The band anchorincludes notchesthat do not extend entirely through the band anchorto increase rigidity of the band anchorand retain the tamper-evident bandto the containerwhen the closureis opened while still allowing some flexing of the band anchorto occur to facilitate installation.

The band anchorhas a first thicknessat each of the notchesand a second thicknessgreater than the first thicknessat a location offset from each of the notches. In particular, the location(s) having the second thicknessis offset circumferentially from each notch. The band anchormay increase in thickness from the proximal endto the distal endat each location having the second thickness. Having a thicker distal endcompared to proximal endat such locations may increase or reinforce engagement between the band anchorand the band mountand may facilitate bending of the band anchorabout the proximal endfrom the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position.

Each notchhas a proximal endspaced apart from the proximal endand terminates at the distal end. Each notchmay have a constant thicknessfrom the proximal endto the distal end, or may decrease from the proximal endto the distal end. In some embodiments, the band anchormay have a constant thickness from the proximal endto the distal endat each notch. In some embodiments, the band anchormay decrease in thickness from the proximal endto the distal endat each notch.

Each notchis spaced an equal distance from one another about the central axis. Each notchhas a first circumferential lengthabout the central axis. Each of the notchesis spaced circumferentially from each neighboring notchby a second circumferential lengthabout the central axis. The second circumferential lengthis greater than the first circumferential length. Such lengths provide the band anchorwith increased hoop strength while still allowing the band anchorto flex at each notchas the band anchormoves from the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position.

The frangible connectorincludes a plurality of frangible segmentsas shown in. Each frangible connectionhas a triangular-shaped profile along central axis. The triangular-shaped profile includes a curved sidefacing toward the central axis, a first circumferential sidecoupled to a first endof the curved sideand facing away from the central axis, and a second circumferential sidecoupled to a second endof the curved sideand facing away from the central axisand away from the first circumferential side. The first and second circumferential sides,join one another at a pointpointing away from the central axis. The triangular-shaped profile of each frangible segmentdecreases the force required to break the frangible connectoras the closureis opened for the first time. This shape may also provides a uniform cross-sectional area across all the segmentsin the line of draw for the tooling.

The closurefurther includes a stacking ringcoupled to a top end of the coverand extending in an upward direction away from the coveras shown in. A second closure′ is configured to be stacked on the stacking ring. The second closure′ is substantially similar to closureand includes an band anchorabutting the stacking ring. In particular, the proximal endof the band anchormay be configured to rest on or abut the stacking ring. The stacking ringis positioned radially inward of the peripheryof the coverto provide a stacking shoulderat a location radially outward of the stacking ringand directly above the skirt.

When the band anchoris in the locking position, a stacking gap or recessis provided directly below the proximal endof the band anchor. When the band anchoris in the molded position, the distal endof the band anchormay reside radially inward of the stacking ringand rest on or abut a portion of the stacking ringand/or the coverof a similar closure. In this way, the closurecan be nested with another closure′ with the band anchorin either the locking position or the molded position.

The containermay further include a bumpercoupled to the exterior surfaceof the sidewall panelat a location below the closure mountand the band mountand closer to the second endof the sidewall panelthan the first end.

A method of manufacturing the closuremay include molding the closure from one or more polymeric materials. The closuremay be molded by any suitable manner including injection molding, thermoforming, rotary thermoforming, etc. The method may further include inverting the band anchorfrom the molded, unlocking position to the attached, locking position. In some embodiments, the band anchoris inverted to the locking position during the manufacturing process and prior to being installed on the container. For example, a ring, mandrel, or tool can be used to press the band anchorto the locking position after the closure is formed. In some embodiments, the band anchoris inverted during installation of the closureon the containeras the band anchorengages the closure mountor the band mount.

The method may further include stacking the closurewith at least one other closure′. In some embodiments, the closureis stacked with at least one other closure′ with the band anchor in the attached, locking position such that the stacking gapis formed radially inward of the lower endof the band ringto receive the stacking ringof the at least one other closure′ to nest the closurewith the at least one other closure′. In some embodiments, the closureis stacked with at least one other closure′ with the band anchor in the molded position such that the distal endis received in a recessed areaof the closureradially inward of the stacking ring. In each situation, the stacking ringblocks movement of the closures,′ relative to one another in a direction transverse to the central axis.

The closuremay further include a plug sealand/or a rim sealas shown in. The plug sealis configured to extend into the product storage regionof the containerand abuts against an inner surface of the sidewall panelto provide a seal therebetween. The rim sealis configured to abut against the second endof the sidewall panel(also called a brim) to provide a seal therebetween.

The covermay include a central panel, a perimeter panel, and a shoulderbetween the central paneland the perimeter panelas shown in. The central panelprovide a majority of a diameter of the cover(i.e. more than 50%) and is coupled to an inner edge of the shoulder. The perimeter panelis coupled to an outer edge of the shoulderand provides the peripheral endof the cover. The shouldertransitions the coverfrom a lower elevation at the central panelto a higher elevation at the perimeter panel. The stacking ringis coupled to an upper end of the perimeter panelto position the staking ringas the highest point of the closure. In other words, the central paneland the perimeter panelare recessed relative to the stacking ringand the central panelis recessed relative to the perimeter panel.

Some embodiments of a package, such as the exemplary embodiment shown in, may include a containerand a closure. Closuremay be coupled to containeras shown in. Containermay include a sidewalland a floorthat cooperate to form a product storage regionin which any of a variety of products or contents may be stored (see, e.g.,). Closuremay include a coverand a skirtdepending downwardly from coverand may be configured to selectively open or close access to product storage regionof container. Closuremay include a tamper bandthat is frangibly connected to skirtso that tamper bandmay separate from skirtwhen closureis removed from containerto provide an indication that packagehas been opened or tampered with. Containermay include a bumperto protect tamper bandfrom accidental or intentional contact, which may for example cause separation of closurefrom container.

As shown in cross-section in, tamper bandmay be configured to engage with containerto form a locking position in which tamper bandengages containerto prevent or inhibit removal of closurefrom containerwithout separating tamper bandfrom skirtthereby providing a visual indication that packagehas been opened. Closuremay be a relatively large size or diameter for engagement with a relatively large size or diameter container. For example, closuremay have a diameter in the range of about 80 mm to about 140 mm.

Containermay have an upper sectionaxially or longitudinally above ringas shown for example in. Upper sectionmay be configured for removable attachment to closure, for example, by use of threads. Upper sectionmay include container threads. Upper threadsmay engage closure threads(see). One or more thread starts may be used. For example, as shown in the various figures, 4 thread starts may be used. Using more than 1 thread start may facilitate relatively quick axial movement of closurerelative to container, and/or shorter or fewer revolutions of closurefor removal or attachment. Removal of closuremay allow exposure of a brimwhich may define an opening into product storage region.

Closuremay be provided in an attached or locking position, in which a segmentof tamper bandis extending radially inwardly and/or axially upwardly from a proximate endtoward a distal end. Proximate endmay extend from tamper bandat a location axially above a bottom edge of tamper bandto provide a stacking recess. Stacking recessmay provide a stacking or coining area for a portion of closureas discussed more below and shown in. Segmentmay include one or more notchesfor any of a variety of reasons, including but not limited to facilitating inversion of tamper bandfrom the molded or unlocking position shown into the locking position shown in, or vice versa. Segmentmay be substantially continuous or solid to provide hoop strength, which may be helpful particularly in larger size closuresand/or may include flexibility via notches. In some embodiments, serrations may be used instead of or in addition to one or more notches. One or more serrations, if included, may extend substantially through the thickness of tamper bandand/or segment. Any serrations may extend from distal endtoward proximate endand may stop short of proximate end, for example, to maintain some hoop strength while also adding flexibility to segmentand/or tamper band, and/or to optimize the angle at which segmentextends radially inwardly and/or axially upwardly or downwardly.

Closuremay include a stacking ringand/or a stacking shoulderat or near coverand/or radially inwardly from skirt. Stacking ringmay extend upwardly from coverabove stacking shoulderto provide an abutment and area for stacking of another closure, for example, via stacking recess. Closuremay be provided with a sealand/or closuremay be linerless. Sealmay be configured to receive brimof containerand/or provide a sealing engagement to prevent or inhibit egress of contents from containerwhile closureis attached.

A plurality of closuresmay be stacked as shown for example in. Tamper bandmay be configured to provide stacking recessbelow proximate endof segmentfor example by providing proximate end an axial distance above a bottom edge of tamper band. As shown in particular in, such a configuration of stacking recessmay allow stacking ringof an adjacent closureto be provided radially inwardly of tamper bandin a stacked position.

It is understood that containerand/or any component thereof may be made of any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, any of a variety of suitable plastics material, any other material, or any combination thereof. Suitable plastics material may include, but is not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), polylactic acid (PLA), mixtures and combinations thereof, or any other plastics material or any mixtures and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics material may include fillers or filled resin such as mineral, acrylic, glass, and/or other fillers, which may for example be found in post-consumer recycled (PCR) or post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials. It is understood that multiple layers of material may be used for any of a variety of reasons, including to improve barrier properties, or to provide known functions related to multiple layer structures. The multiple layers, if included, may be of various materials, including but not limited to those recited herein.

It is further understood that containeror any component thereof may be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, a hybrid of rigid and flexible, or any combination of rigid, flexible, and/or hybrid, such as having some areas be flexible and some rigid. It is understood that these examples are merely illustrative, are not limiting, and are provided to illustrate the versatility of options available in various embodiments of container.

It is further understood that any of a variety of processes or combination thereof may be used to form container, any component thereof, or any layer or substrate used therein. In some embodiments, containerand/or any component thereof may be formed substantially of injection molded HDPE or PP, although other materials and forming processes may be used instead of or in addition to HDPE or PP and injection molding, respectively. Various materials and/or processes may be used to form containerand/or any component thereof as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, containermay be substantially a one-piece design and/or substantially formed as an integral or unitary structure.

These and other modifications and variations may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and it is not intended to limit the scope of that which is described in the claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the exemplary description of the versions contained herein.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

Clause 1. A package includes a container.

Clause 2. The package of clause 1, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the container including a floor and a sidewall coupled to the floor and extending in an upward direction away from the floor to at least partially define a product storage region.

Clause 3. The package of clause 2, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the sidewall including a sidewall panel having a first end coupled to a periphery of the floor and a second end spaced apart from the first end.

Clause 4. The package of clause 3, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the sidewall including a closure mount coupled to an exterior surface of the sidewall panel at a position closer to the second end than the first end.

Clause 5. The package of clause 4, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the sidewall including a band mount coupled to the exterior surface of the sidewall panel and located below the closure mount at a position closer to the second end than the first end.

Clause 6. The package of clause 5, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, including a closure configured to mount selectively to the container at the second end of the sidewall panel.

Clause 7. The package of clause 6, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the closure including a cover extending across the second end of the container.

Clause 8. The package of clause 7, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the closure including a skirt coupled to a periphery of the cover and extending in a downward direction away from the cover to engage with the closure mount of the container.

Clause 9. The package of clause 8, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the closure including a tamper-evident band.

Clause 10. The package of clause 9, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the tamper-evident band includes a band ring extending annularly around the sidewall panel and/or a central axis of the closure.

Clause 11. The package of clause 10, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the tamper-evident band including a frangible connector interconnecting the lower end of the skirt and an upper end of the band ring and configured to separate the band ring from the skirt when the closure is opened.

Clause 12. The package of clause 11, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, the tamper-evident band including a band anchor.