CHILDPROOF TAMPER EVIDENT CLOSURE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for sealing bottles with a Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure and a childproof overcap are provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an overcap that can be placed onto or formed onto the ROPP closure. The overcap has a retainer that secures the overcap to the ROPP closure and allows the overcap to move relative to the ROPP closure in a longitudinal axis. The overcap moves between a first position or mode of operation where the overcap can rotate about the ROPP closure and a second position or mode of operation where the overcap engages the ROPP closure to transmit a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure and open the bottle.

Claims

1. A method of filling and assembling a container, a roll-on pilfer proof (ROPP) closure, and a safety overcap, comprising: filling the container with a content, wherein the container has a sidewall and a neck extending upwardly therefrom, the sidewall and the neck oriented along a longitudinal axis, and a radial direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein a skirt of the container extends outwardly from the neck in the radial direction; positioning the ROPP closure on the container, wherein a pilfer band of the ROPP closure extends inwardly in the radial direction and is positioned below the skirt of the container to secure the ROPP closure to the container and seal the content in the container, wherein a retainer band of the ROPP closure extends outwardly in the radial direction; and positioning the safety overcap on the ROPP closure, wherein a lower end of the safety overcap extends inwardly in the radial direction and is positioned proximate to the retainer band of the ROPP closure to secure the safety overcap to the ROPP closure, wherein the safety overcap is movable between a non-engaging position relative to the ROPP closure where rotation of the safety overcap is not translated to the ROPP closure and an engaging position relative to the ROPP closure where rotation of the safety overcap is translated to the ROPP closure.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: pressing the safety overcap over the ROPP closure such that the lower end of the safety overcap deflects outwardly in the radial direction on an outer surface of the ROPP closure; and moving the safety overcap along the ROPP closure in the longitudinal axis such that the lower end of the safety overcap passes the retainer band of the ROPP closure, and the lower end deflects inwardly in the radial direction to secure the safety overcap to the ROPP closure.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning the safety overcap over the ROPP closure such that the lower end of the safety overcap is positioned below the retainer band of the ROPP closure; and deforming the lower end inwardly in the radial direction to secure the safety overcap to the ROPP closure.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least one roller deforms the lower end of the safety overcap.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming a recess on an outer surface of the ROPP closure to receive a portion of the safety overcap in the engaging position such that rotation of the safety overcap is translated to the ROPP closure.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the recess is part of a knurled pattern of alternating recesses and protrusions that extend about a perimeter of the ROPP closure.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning a pliable portion on an interior surface of a top portion of the safety overcap, wherein the pliable portion contacts the ROPP closure in the engaging position such that rotation of the safety overcap is translated to the ROPP closure.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ROPP closure further comprises: a top portion; a body portion extending from the top portion to a free end; a closure thread formed on a portion of the body portion; and the retainer band positioned between the closure thread and the free end.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the retainer band comprising a first fold and a second fold.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fold has a first diameter and the second fold has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the pilfer band is selectively connected to the body portion by a tear band, and wherein the pilfer band has a first interior diameter proximate to the tear band and a second interior diameter at the free end, the first interior diameter being greater than the second interior diameter.

12. An overcap for a roll-on pilfer proof (ROPP) closure having a retainer band extending outwardly in a radial direction, comprising: a top portion that is deflectable from an initial shape in a first mode of operation to a substantially planar shape in a second mode of operation; a sidewall extending downwardly from the top portion, the sidewall and the top portion defining an interior volume; an engagement feature connected to the top portion and positioned in the interior volume; a lower end of the sidewall extending inwardly in the radial direction, and the lower end configured to secure the overcap on the retainer band of the ROPP closure; wherein, in the first mode of operation, the engagement feature of the overcap is configured to be in a non-engaging position with the ROPP closure such that rotation of the overcap does not transmit torque to the ROPP closure; and wherein, in the second mode of operation, the engagement feature of the overcap is configured to be in an engaging position with the ROPP closure such that the overcap is configured to transmit torque to the ROPP closure.

13. The overcap of claim 12, wherein a center of the top portion of the overcap is configured to contact the ROPP closure in the first mode of operation.

14. The overcap of claim 12, wherein the engagement feature is a pliable material that extends from an interior surface of the overcap.

15. The overcap of claim 14, wherein the pliable material forms an annular ring.

16. The overcap of claim 12, wherein the overcap comprises at least one of a metallic material or a plastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the Summary given above and the Detailed Description given below serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. 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 present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0038] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a process of sealing a metallic bottle with a ROPP closure using a prior art capping apparatus;

[0039] FIG. 1E is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a portion of a prior art metallic bottle before the metallic bottle is sealed with a prior art ROPP closure;

[0040] FIG. 1F is another partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the prior art metallic bottle of FIG. 1E after the metallic bottle has been sealed with the prior art ROPP closure;

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure and with a childproof overcap in the process of being positioned on the ROPP closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure and with a childproof overcap positioned on the ROPP closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional top plan view of the ROPP closure of FIG. 3A taken along line B-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure and a childproof overcap engaged with the ROPP closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional top plan view of the ROPP closure and the overcap of FIG. 4A taken along line B-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle where rotation of the overcap has caused the serrated portion of the ROPP closure to break and open the bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle sealed with a deflectable ROPP closure and with a childproof overcap positioned on the ROPP closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional top plan view of the deflectable ROPP closure of FIG. 6A taken along line B-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a bottle sealed with a deflectable ROPP closure and a childproof overcap engaged with the ROPP closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0050] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional top plan view of the deflectable ROPP closure and the overcap of FIG. 7A taken along line B-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present disclosure the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

TABLE-US-00001 Number Component 2 Bottle of the prior art 4 Neck portion 6 Curl 8 Bottle threads 9 ROPP shell 10 ROPP closure 12 Body portion of ROPP closure 14 ROPP liner 16 Closure threads 17 Serrated band 18 Pilfer band 19 Bottom edge of pilfer band 20 Top portion of ROPP closure 22 Prior art capping apparatus 24 Pressure block ejector 25 Pressure block 26 Thread roller 28 Pilfer roller 30 Skirt of metallic bottle 32 Channel of closure 36 Bottle 38 Longitudinal Axis 40 Radial Direction 42 Neck 44 Skirt 46 Thread 48 Curl 50 Opening 52 ROPP Closure 54 Body 56 Thread 58 Liner 60 Pilfer Band 62 Serrated Portion 64 Retainer Band 66 Knurled Pattern 68 Overcap 70 Body 72 Lower End 74 Deflection Angle 76 Top Portion 78 Pliable Portion 80 First Distance 82 Lock Protrusion 84 Lock Recess 86 Second Distance

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present disclosure has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present disclosure, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the disclosure into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the disclosure might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, a prior art method of sealing a ROPP closure 10 on a threaded neck of a metallic bottle 2 is provided.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of a bottle 36, a ROPP closure 52, and an overcap 68 is provided where the ROPP closure 52 is positioned on the bottle 36, and the overcap 68 is in the process of being positioned on the ROPP closure 52. The bottle 36 is generally oriented along a longitudinal axis 38 and a radial direction 40 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38. The bottle 36 has a neck 42 extending upward along the longitudinal axis 38, and the neck 42 has a skirt 44 that extends outwardly in the radial direction 40 to secure the ROPP closure 52. The neck 42 also has a thread 46 that extends around the neck 42 and along the neck 42 in the longitudinal axis 38. The thread 46 engages a corresponding thread on the ROPP closure 52 so that the ROPP closure 52 can be selectively opened and closed on the bottle 36. A curl 48 is formed at an uppermost end of the neck 42 to define an opening 50 of the bottle 36 and to provide a suitable surface for contacting the mouth of a user when the user consumes the contents of the bottle 36.

[0055] Next, the ROPP closure 52 has several features that seal the bottle 36 and provide additional functions. The ROPP closure 52 has a body 54 with a thread 56 that engages the thread of the bottle 36 to provide the selective opening and closing of the ROPP closure 52. A liner 58 is positioned on an interior surface of the ROPP closure 52 at an uppermost end of the ROPP closure 52. The liner 58 presses into the curl 48 to seal the ROPP closure 52 against the curl 48 and seal the opening 50 of the bottle 36. Next, the ROPP closure 52 has a pilfer band 60 that is attached to the body 54 by a serrated portion 62. The pilfer band 60 in this embodiment is positioned at the lowermost end of the ROPP closure 52 and positioned below the skirt 44 of the bottle 36, and the pilfer band 60 extends inwardly in the radial direction 40 to secure the pilfer band 60 to the bottle 36. The pilfer band 60 can be deflected into place below the skirt 44 or, for example, the pilfer band 60 can be formed after the ROPP closure 52 is positioned on the bottle 36. The serrated portion 62 has at least one perforation such that the serrated portion 62 breaks when subjected to a predetermined twisting or torque force. During operation, a user rotates the ROPP closure 52, and the threads 56, 46 engage each other to urge the ROPP closure 52 away from the bottle 36. The force increases until the serrated portion 62 breaks, leaving the pilfer band 60 in place below the skirt 44 as an indication that the bottle 36 has been opened.

[0056] The ROPP closure 52 also has a retainer band 64 and a knurled pattern 66 that interact with features of the overcap 68 to provide various functions. Like the outwardly-extending skirt 44 on the bottle 36, the retainer band 64 extends outwardly in the radial direction 40 to help secure the overcap 68 to the ROPP closure 52. In this embodiment, the retainer band 64 is a double folded portion of the ROPP closure 52 positioned above the serrated portion 62. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the retainer band 64 may be a portion of the ROPP closure 52 that forms a partially or continuous protrusion or other feature that extends in an outwardly, radial direction. The knurled pattern 66 selectively engages the overcap 68 so that the overcap 68 can selectively transmit a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure 52, which provides the childproof feature of the assembly. In this embodiment, the knurled pattern 66 has alternating protrusions and recesses that extend around the ROPP closure 52.

[0057] Still referring to FIG. 2, the overcap 68 has a body 70 with a lower end 72 that extends inwardly in the radial direction 40 at a position below the retainer band 64 of the ROPP closure 52. As shown, the overcap 68 is pressed onto the ROPP closure 52 such that the lower end 72 deflects outwardly at an angle 74. Once the lower end 72 passes the retainer band 64, the lower end 72 deflects back inwardly at a smaller angle 74 to secure the overcap 68 to the ROPP closure 52. The lower end 72 may be a continuous feature extending about a perimeter of the ROPP closure 52. In other embodiments, recesses or slots may be cut into the lower end 72 to allow portions of the lower end 72 between the recesses or slots to more easily deflect outwardly and inwardly.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the overcap 68 and other components may be made from a variety of materials. The overcap 68 may be made from plastic or another material that is capable of deflecting outwardly to pass over the ROPP closure 52 and then deflect inwardly to secure the overcap 68 to the ROPP closure 52. In some embodiments, the overcap 68 may be made from a metallic material. Like the formation of the ROPP closure 52 described in FIGS. 1A-1F, the overcap 68 may first be positioned over the ROPP closure 52. Then, rollers can form the lower end 72 below the retainer band 64 of the ROPP closure 52 to secure the overcap 68 to the ROPP closure 52.

[0059] Next, the overcap 68 has a top portion 76 and a pliable portion 78 that is at least partially positioned on the interior surface of the top feature 76. The pliable portion 78 is a deflectable and/or flexible material that, when pressed into the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52, fills in the recesses of the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52 so that the pliable portion 78 and knurled pattern 66 are engaged and rotation of the overcap 68 causes rotation of the ROPP closure 52. It will be appreciated that the pliable portion 78 may have an annular shape without a center to engage the corresponding annular shape of the other knurled pattern 66. In addition, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the pliable portion 78 may be connected to the interior surface of a sidewall of the overcap 68 in addition to or in place of the top portion 76.

[0060] In addition, the top portion 76 is selectively deflectable between modes of operation. In the absence of a load on the top portion 76, the top portion 76 extends downward so that the pliable portion 78 of the overcap 68 does not engage the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52. When a load force is applied to an outer edge of the top portion 76, the top portion 76 flattens out into a more planar shape that allows the pliable portion 78 of the overcap 68 to reach and engage the knurled pattern 66.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a cross-sectional view of the bottle 36, the ROPP closure 52, and the overcap 68 is provided. The lower end 72 of the overcap 68 has now passed the retainer band 64 such that the lower end 72 deflects inwardly to secure the overcap 68 to the ROPP closure 52. In the absence of a force, the top portion 76 is in a downward, non-deflected position such that the top portion 76, or at least the portion of the pliable portion 78 at the center of the top portion 76, contacts the top of the ROPP closure 52 before the outer portion of the pliable portion 78 can engage the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52. In this mode of operation, the overcap 68 can rotate about the ROPP closure 52 without transmitting a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure 52 to break the serrated portion 62. Thus, a child can turn the overcap without breaking a portion of the ROPP closure 52 and gaining access to the contents of the container. Moreover, the lower end 72 of the overcap 68 is a first distance 80 from the retainer band 64 of the ROPP closure 52 in the longitudinal axis 38. Also shown in FIG. 3A is line B-B.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a cross-sectional view of the ROPP closure 52 taken along line B-B of FIG. 3A is provided. As discussed above, the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52 in this embodiment has alternating protrusions 82 and recesses 84 extending around an outer edge of the ROPP closure 52.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a cross-sectional view of the bottle 36, the ROPP closure 52, and the overcap 68 is provided. This figure shows a force applied to an outer edge of the overcap 68 such that the top portion 76 deflects into a more planar shape. As a result of this deflection, the pliable portion 78 of the over cap 68 engages the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52 such that a twisting or torque force imparted on the overcap 68 is transmitted to the ROPP closure 52. In addition, in this mode of operation, the overcap 68 moves downward relative to the ROPP closure 52 and the bottle 36 such that a second distance 86 between the lower end 72 of the overcap 68 and the retainer band 64 of the ROPP closure 52 is larger than the first distance. Also shown in FIG. 4A is line B-B.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 4B, a cross-sectional view of the overcap 68 and the ROPP closure 52 taken along line B-B of FIG. 4A is provided. As described above, the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure has alternating protrusions 82 and recesses 84. The pliable portion 78 of the overcap 68 is pressed into the knurled pattern 66 of the ROPP closure 52 where the pliable and/or flexible material of the pliable portion 78 extends into the recesses 84 of the other knurled pattern 66. For example, the pliable and/or flexible material may be a low durometer elastomer material in some embodiments. This allows a twisting or torque force from the overcap 68 to transmit to the ROPP closure. While this embodiment has a pliable portion 78 engaging a more rigid knurled pattern 66, other embodiments may include two pliable lock features or two rigid lock features. Furthermore, some embodiments may include only one lock feature positioned on the overcap or the ROPP closure. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a pliable portion 78 on the overcap 68 that engages a conventional ROPP closure 52 that does not have a knurled pattern 66. The conventional ROPP closure 52 may be smooth and featureless where the pliable portion 78 pushes into the ROPP closure 52 to transmit torque. In other embodiments, the ROPP closure 52 may have a coating to increase friction with the pliable portion 78.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the bottle 36, the ROPP closure 52, and the overcap 68 is provided. This figure shows a twisting or torque force applied to the overcap 68 imparted to the ROPP closure 52 during the second mode of operation. A user presses down on an outer edge of the overcap 68 to deflect the top portion 76, which engages the pliable portion 78 and knurled pattern 66. Then, or simultaneously, the user rotates the overcap 68 to transmit force to the ROPP closure 52. The ROPP closure 52 rotates against the bottle 36 to break the serrated portion 62, opening the bottle 36 and leaving behind a pilfer band 60 on the bottle 36 to indicate that the bottle 36 has been opened.

[0066] Now referring to FIGS. 6A-7B, various views of another embodiment of the disclosure are provided. In these embodiments, the lock feature 66 of the ROPP closure 52 is a deflectable area instead of alternating protrusions and recesses in a knurled pattern. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lock feature 66 of the ROPP closure 52 is in a non-deflected state, and the overcap 68 can rotate about the ROPP closure 52 as described in other embodiments. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ROPP closure 52 and the deflectable lock feature 66 taken along line B-B in FIG. 6A. As depicted, the deflectable lock feature 66 continuously extends around a perimeter of the ROPP closure 52, but it will be appreciated that the lock feature 66 may have alternating deflectable and non-deflectable portions extending around the perimeter, in some embodiments.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7A, as the lock feature 78 of the overcap 68 presses downward to the second position or mode of operation where the lock features 66, 78 engage such that rotation of the overcap 68 is transmitted to the ROPP closure 52. In this mode of operation, the lock feature 66 of the ROPP closure 52 is deflected inward to accommodate the lock feature 78 of the overcap 68. The deflection of the lock feature 66 of the ROPP closure 52 allows the other lock feature 78 to engage and generate a sufficient amount of friction to transmit torque or rotational forces. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ROPP closure 52 and the deflectable lock feature 66 in a deflected position taken along line B-B in FIG. 7A. While FIGS. 6A-7B describe a further embodiment, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass other lock features 66, 78 as described elsewhere herein. In addition, terms such as “pliable portion”, “knurled pattern”, “lock feature”, “engagement feature”, “lock pattern” and other terms can be used interchangeably to describe the features of the overcap and/or the ROPP closure that selectively engage each other to transfer rotational motion, torque, etc. from the overcap to the ROPP closure.

[0068] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the disclosure to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure, the practical application, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure.

[0069] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present disclosure” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.