A “smart” closure system, apparatus, and method are contemplated. The closure includes mechanical capture and release mechanisms, electromechanical and/or optical indicators, wireless technologies, and/or web-based or remote authentication, verification, and serialization via remotely located data servers. A mobile computing device may further augment certain functions. The resulting system allows for anti-counterfeiting, authentication, serialization, and other capabilities.

A product preparation system and method for processing a container including a cup body and a cup closure assembly configured for removable operative engagement with the cup body, the cup closure assembly including a hinged spout cover and a user-removable multi-function restricting portion integrally formed as part of the cup closure assembly and detachable therefrom, the user-removable multi-function restricting portion being operative, when integrally attached to the cup closure assembly to prevent normal user opening of the hinged spout cover.

Tamper-evident features for containers. A tamper-evident film is target printed onto a sheet material that is thermoformable. The sheet is thermoformed into a container base or lid having a desired shape, such that the tamper-evident film is positioned in a desired area. A container lid is disposed on the container base, and heat sealed to a rim or edge of the container base. The heat sealing activates an adhesive of the tamper-evident film, and when the container lid is removed or separated from the container base, a first portion of the tamper-evident film remains on the container lid and a second portion remains on the container base. The separation of the tamper-evident film provides an indication of tampering.

A product preparation system and method for processing a container including a cup body and a cup closure assembly configured for removable operative engagement with the cup body, the cup closure assembly including a hinged spout cover and a user-removable multi-function restricting portion integrally formed as part of the cup closure assembly and detachable therefrom, the user-removable multi-function restricting portion being operative, when integrally attached to the cup closure assembly to prevent normal user opening of the hinged spout cover.

A package for shipping a product ordered via the Internet. The package comprising a container body, an inner label, a closure, an outer label removably attached to and covering all or part of the inner label, and a shipping label adhered to the outer label.

A cap (100) for a container comprises a disc-shaped top section (102), an annular side section (104) projecting from said disc-shaped top section (102), and a locking flange (111) disposed at an extremity of said annular side section (104) opposite said disc-shaped top section (102), and further comprises a locking flap (116) extending from said annular side section (104), which is mobile between a locked first position wherein a portion (114) of the locking flange (111) extends inwardly from the annular side section (104), and an unlocked second position wherein the locking flange (111) is at least partially recessed relative to the annular side section (104). First tamper evidence means formed as partially frangible tab (120) and second tamper evidence means (128) are proposed. A package comprising a container and proposed cap (100) is also proposed.

A product includes a container, and a use indicator carried inside the container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the product has been used.

A product includes a use indicator carried by a container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used, wherein the container includes a wall recess and the use indicator is carried in the wall recess.

A sterilization packaging system with features for sealing a volume against an ingress of contaminants is provided. Such features include a sealing gasket and a sheet of filter material. The gasket seals a lid to a seal rim of a container base of the sterilization packaging system. The gasket can enable quick identification of punctures, holes, tears, etc. so that the user notices immediately that the seal has been breached and that the contents of the sterilization packaging have been exposed to the outside environment.

A product preparation system and method wherein a single-use product container assembly, including a cup body and a cup closure, the cup closure including a rotatable blade, and a container processor including a container support and an electric motor including a drive shaft are employed to process contents of the container assembly.