Abstract
A package is produced having an external and highly visible tamper evidencing band which surrounds portions of both a container lip flange and the periphery of a closure lid. A distal portion of the band is mechanically formed using a forming tool to have an inwardly directed portion which cooperates with an inwardly directed band flange to securely hold the container and closure lid together. The band must be removed to successfully open the package.
Claims
1. A method of manufacture of a consumer package comprising the steps of, producing a container having an upwardly extending side wall defining the inner horizontal cross section of said container and a container opening, said container further comprising a lip extending outwardly from said side wall at said container opening, said lip defining an outer lip perimeter, separately producing a closure lid designed to cover said container opening, separately producing a band preform comprising a frangible portion and further having structure and composition designed to be mechanically formed, said band comprising a first portion, said first portion having a terminal end which defines a perimeter greater than said outer lip perimeter such that said first portion can be applied over said lip without interference between said terminal end and said lip, filling the container with its contents, after filling the container, combining said band preform, lid, and filled container together to produce a filled and lidded container assembly wherein said closure lid covers said container opening and said band surrounds said lip, said filled and lidded container assembly being absent frangible connection between the band and the container, after said step of combining said band preform, lid and filled container together, mechanically forming said first portion of said band preform such that said first portion extends to overlap said container lip so that said frangible portion must be broken in order to allow removal of said band from said package and thereby allow said closure lid to be removed from said container, and wherein any mechanical forming of said band after said combining step is accomplished by forming tool movement which is absent a horizontal component relative to said inner container horizontal cross section.
2. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said mechanically forming step produces a curled structure.
3. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said container is in the form of a dish or cup.
4. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said lid has a downward depending outer skirt, and said outer skirt has an inner wall dimensioned to surround said container lip, and wherein said downward depending outer skirt inner wall comprises structure complimentary to structure on said lip to improve detachable engagement of said lid to said container.
5. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band preform and said closure lid are detachably joined in an assembled combination prior to subsequent combining of said assembled combination with said filled container.
6. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said mechanically formed first portion has a segmented structure.
7. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said mechanically formed first portion is positioned above said container lip after said mechanical forming.
8. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said mechanically formed first portion is positioned below said container lip after said mechanical forming.
9. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band preform comprises a second portion extending to overlap said container lip and said second portion remains unaltered by said mechanical forming step.
10. The method of manufacture of claim 9 wherein said band further comprises a substantially straight wall portion, said wall portion extending between said first and second band portions.
11. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band comprises structure to facilitate breakage of said frangible portion of said band without additional tools.
12. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band includes embossing, texture, lettering, or other molded-in design.
13. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band contains informational matter, said informational matter being visible prior to initial opening of said consumer package.
14. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein, said band is of color different than one or both of said closure lid or said container.
15. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band preform comprises structure to facilitate stacking of a multiple of said bands.
16. The method of manufacture of claim 15 wherein said band preform comprises an annular exterior surface extending inwardly from an outer edge of said preform and said structure to facilitate stacking comprises a raised portion of said exterior surface.
17. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said container opening is non-circular.
18. The method of manufacture of claim 1 wherein said band is produced by injection molding and comprises has a second portion having a terminal end defining a perimeter less than the outer lip perimeter prior to said combining step, said second portion remaining unaltered after said injection molding.
19. A method of manufacture comprising the steps of, producing a container having an upwardly extending side wall defining the inner horizontal cross sectional area of said container, and a container opening, said container further comprising a lip extending outwardly from said side wall at said container opening, separately producing a closure lid designed to cover said container opening, said closure lid comprising first detachable engagement structure, separately producing a band preform comprising second detachable engagement structure complementary to and engageable with said first detachable engagement structure, said band preform further comprising a frangible portion and further having structure and composition designed to be mechanically formed, forming an assembly comprising a combination of said band preform and said lid by attachment of said first detachable engagement structure to said second detachable engagement structure, said assembly being produced absent said container, while maintaining said attachment intact, applying said assembly comprising a combination of the band preform and the lid to the container to produce a lidded container assembly wherein said closure lid covers said container opening and said band preform extends around said lip, after applying the assembly comprising a combination of the band preform and the lid to the container, mechanically forming a first portion of said band preform such that said first portion extends to overlap said container lip so that said frangible portion must be broken in order to remove said band from said closure lid and said container and thereby allow said closure lid to be removed from said container.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein a multiple of said assemblies comprising a combination of a said band preform and a said lid are combined in a stack arrangement absent a said container.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
(2) FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a security band of the invention as molded and prior to forming.
(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the portion of FIG. 1 within the circle designated “2”.
(4) FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.
(5) FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 2.
(6) FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a band taken substantially along the lies 5-5 of FIG. 1 along with schematic representation of typical tooling used to accomplish mechanical forming or “curling” of a first portion of the band.
(7) FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the security band as formed by the mechanical forming process indicated in FIG. 5.
(8) FIG. 7 is a sectional view through a portion of a container, a container lid or closure and security band with a curled first band portion extending above the top surface of a lid.
(9) FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating further features of the invention.
(10) FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a portion of a assembly comprising a container, a lid, and a formed band showing different structure for the band wherein the band has a segmented or “scalloped” structure to permit a flatter formed structure.
(11) FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.
(12) FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing alternate structure for a second portion of a security band.
(13) FIG. 12 is a sectional view through an assembly of container, lid and security band showing the structure of the band of FIG. 11 following mechanical forming to produce a curled structure of the first portion of band to extend above the lid.
(14) FIG. 13 is a sectional view through another embodiment of security band prior to application to a package.
(15) FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a portion of package comprising an assembly of container, lid and security band of FIG. 13 following mechanical forming to curl a first portion of band below a container lip and lid.
(16) FIG. 15 is a view, partially in section, of portions of a container, a lid, a security band and tooling for mechanical forming, all positioned relative each other prior to the mechanical forming operation.
(17) FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing relative positioning of components after the mechanical forming operation producing a curled band structure.
(18) FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a band showing alternate structure.
(19) FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the lines 18-18 of FIG. 17.
(20) FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a portion of package comprising an assembly of container, lid and the security band of FIGS. 17 and 18 following mechanical forming to curl a first portion of band below a container lip and lid.
(21) FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a band showing alternate structure.
(22) FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the lines 21-21 of FIG. 20.
(23) FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a portion of package comprising an assembly of container, lid and the security band of FIGS. 20 and 21 following mechanical forming to curl a first portion of band below a container lip and lid.
(24) FIG. 23 is a top plan view of another embodiment of security band having additional structure.
(25) FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken substantially from the perspective of lines 24-24 of FIG. 23.
(26) FIG. 25 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly of lid and security band preform prior to application to a container.
(27) FIG. 26 is a view of multiple assemblies according to FIG. 25 showing a stacking arrangement of the assemblies. In the FIG. 26 sectional lines have been eliminated for clarity of presentation.
(28) FIG. 27 is a view partially in section showing possible arrangement and motion of tooling during the mechanical forming of the security band subsequent to combination of the assembly of FIG. 25 with a container.
(29) FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a portion of an assembly comprising a container and a lid wherein the lid comprises a depending monolithically formed band and having a portion of the band mechanically formed to a curled structure extending beneath the container lip.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(30) Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical, equivalent or corresponding parts throughout several views and an additional letter designation is characteristic of a particular embodiment.
(31) FIGS. 1 through 5 depict an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a top view of a polymeric band 21 as initially formed and prior to mechanical forming. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the portion of FIG. 1 within the circle designated “2”. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a band taken substantially along the lies 5-5 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 also includes a schematic representation of typical tooling used to accomplish mechanical forming or “curling” of a first portion of the band.
(32) Referring first to the FIG. 1 embodiment, there is shown a security band having generally round structure. In light of the teachings to follow, one will realize that the security bands of the instant invention may be of shapes other than round, such as substantially rectangular, oval or even irregular or “wavy” shapes. The actual shape will be as directed by the final overall package. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this design flexibility can be a major advantage compared with alternate forms of achieving tamper evidencing such as shrink bands.
(33) Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a sectional view of the band 21 taken from the perspective of lines 5-5 of FIG. 1. Band 21 has structure and is formed from material which may be mechanically formed (in this embodiment “curled”). Suitable materials include many plastics, materials comprising plastics and certain paper materials. One notes that FIG. 5 also includes schematic representation of mechanical forming tooling to be discussed below in this specification. Continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 shows that band 21 has a vertical wall 23 and an annular, inwardly directed annular flange 22. Band 21 comprises a “first portion” generally indicated by numeral 20. “First portion” 20 terminates in a distal end or edge 24. Portion 20 has characteristics such as design and thickness designed to allow facile mechanical forming such as will result in a “curled” structure as taught herein. Typically, portion 20 has a thickness greater than about 0.002 inch (i.e. 0.002 inch, 0.005 inch, 0.010 inch 0.020 inch). Thus the bands of the current invention are typically thicker than typical thickness for “shrink wrap” bands. This increased thickness is employed to produce precise mechanically formed geometries using the processing such as taught in FIG. 5. In addition, the thickness and structure of the bands of the invention, such as embodied in FIGS. 1 and 5, impart stiffness to the bands such that they can be machine handled, sorted, oriented and applied automatically at high speeds. Band 21 also comprises a “second portion” generally indicated by 25. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, “second portion” 25 comprises flange 22 and a portion of the wall 23 extending upward from flange 22. As will be seen, “second portion” 25 may remain unaltered during incorporation of security band 21 into the final assembled package, although this is not necessarily the case. However, if a portion remains unaltered, this facilitates either molded in or applied design of informational material such as ingredients, precautions, or aesthetics to be incorporated on that portion. Such informational material would be highly visible to the consumer. One will appreciate that the band structure of FIGS. 1 through 5 can be produced using standard plastic processing techniques such as injection molding.
(34) One means whereby the band may be mechanically formed is also illustrated in FIG. 5. There, a tool 31, possibly heated, having a curved undersurface 32 is brought in contact with the distal edge 24 of band portion 20 and the backup tool 34 engages the underside of band flange 22. Tool 31 is advanced with unidirectional motion toward backup tool 34 as indicated by arrows 27, thereby causing the first band portion 20 to curl or bend inwardly into the positions shown in FIG. 6. In most, but not all, cases the unidirectional motion of the forming tool is vertical as indicated in the FIG. 5. In addition to the tool movement indicated in the FIG. 5 embodiment, one may also consider relative rotational motion (a combination of linear and rotational motion) when contacting the tool 31 and band portion 20. Rotational motion is relatively simple for circular bands and containers. For odd-shaped containers such as oval or rectangular, one realizes that more complex equipment designs may be required to achieve relative horizontal motion. Fortunately, it has been found that simple relative unidirectional motion between the band and the curling tool is generally suitable for producing satisfactory curled forms. However, the invention is not restricted to using simple relative unidirectional motion to produce the curled structure.
(35) Referring now to the FIG. 6, the band is identified by the numeral 28 to reflect the altered “curled” structure, and the first portion of band, now curled, is indicated at 26. A number of different geometries may be produced by the mechanical forming. These geometrical possibilities result from a broad range of possible complimentary tooling and band characteristics. The application times and temperatures of the tool 31, the shape of surface 32, as well as the design of the band itself, are subject to considerable variation and therefore the final geometry of the mechanically formed band may also be varied considerably. For example, rather than the curved or curled shape shown in FIG. 6 at 26, the band wall portion 20 may be caused to assume a substantially flat horizontal orientation approximately parallel to the band flange 22.
(36) Turning now to FIG. 7, an embodiment comprising a combination of three initially separate package components is illustrated. There container 11, which may be of any convenient shape, has a body 12 terminating at its upper open end in an outward directed lip or flange 13. One will realize the container lip may take various forms, such as the annular flange depicted or a common rolled lip form. In some cases an outward directed lip structure may be absent. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, a lid 16 has been applied over the upper opening of container 11. Lid 16 may have a depending inner skirt 17 engaging the upwardly extending inner side wall 19 of body 12 to hold the lid in place before the band 21 is curled or possibly after the package is initially opened and the lid recloses the package. Depending skirt 17 may also contribute to achieving a seal between the lid and container. Such an arrangement is often referred to as a variant of a “plug seal”. In many cases of consumer packaging, such a “plug seal” is a very cost effective way of package sealing, avoiding more costly methods such as gaskets of foil seals. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, lid 16 has a peripheral flange 18 having approximately the same outside diameter as container flange 13. As shown in FIG. 7, the distal “first portion” 20 of band wall 23 is mechanically formed into an inwardly curled structure 26 so that distal end 24 is proximal the upper side of lid flange 18. The curled “first portion” 20 transitions into a substantially unaltered vertical wall portion which extends to inwardly directed flange 22 positioned beneath container flange 13. The band wall 23 envelops the outside peripheral edges of flanges 13 and 18. Band flange 22 also remains substantially unaltered from its original structure. The residual unaltered band portions and sharply formed “curls” of the invention clearly distinguish the bands of the instant invention from the rumpled appearance of many shrink wrap bands.
(37) It will be understood that container 11 and lid 16 may be made of many various materials which, as is well known, may differ. Band 28 comprises a formable material which, upon application of a proper tool thereto, may allow forming into a curled, rolled or bent structure. As previously noted, a number of choices exist for the band material. Polyolefin polymers have been determined to be particularly suitable for the band material. Polyolefin resins can be effectively mechanically formed as envisioned by the invention. In addition, many containers and lids employed in the practice of the invention comprise polyolefin resins and therefore all package materials may be totally compatible from a recycling standpoint and add to an already existing large recycling stream. Other techniques such as shrink bands and multi-material laminated peelable seals do not enjoy such an advantage.
(38) In preferred embodiments, the band 28 is initially formed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The band has an inward directed band flange 22 designed and sized to fit under (or over as subsequently taught herein) the container flange or lip 13 and having a band wall 23 projecting at an angle thereto and designed and sized to surround flanges 13 and 18. In a typical process in practice of the invention, the container 11 is filled and then the lid 16 and unformed band 21 (i.e. the band such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 prior to mechanical forming) are brought together with appropriate positioning. A mechanical forming tool such as illustrated in FIG. 5 is then activated to mechanically form the band wall such that it is bent or curled over (see FIGS. 6-8) or under (see FIGS. 13-25 and associated discussion) peripheral structure such as mating flanges on the container and lid.
(39) Turning now to the sectional view of FIG. 8, additional features of the invention are illustrated. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, an upwardly projecting lid wall 40 is shown. The distal edge 24a of the curled band 28a resides in close proximity to the lid wall 40. With this arrangement, the lid wall 40 shields the distal edge 24a to impede an unscrupulous individual from improper removal of the tamper band.
(40) Continuing reference to FIG. 8 shows an additional feature. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, lid 16a comprises a depending skirt 42 surrounding the container flange 13a. Skirt 42 has an inwardly directed projection 44 which engages beneath the outer edge of the container flange 13a as shown. The interaction of the projection 44 and container flange may hold the lid in the closed position prior to curling of the band 28a and also allow secure reclosure after band removal.
(41) Continuing reference to FIG. 8 shows an additional feature. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, a downwardly directed wall 46 depends from the lower surface of container flange 13a. Wall 46 provides support for maintaining the band and lid in proper position during the mechanical forming of curling step. In addition, wall 46 shields the lid skirt 42 prior to band removal.
(42) Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, there is embodied additional features of the security band 21. FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the encircled structural region labeled “2” in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of FIG. 2 respectively. FIGS. 2-4 show a frangible structure comprising a discontinuity in the band structure bridged by two frangible links or bridges 48. Bridges 48 may be broken by the initial consumer to remove the band. Importantly, broken bridges signal that the band integrity has been violated and thereby gives highly visual external tamper evidence. While not shown in the simplified depiction of the frangible section of FIGS. 2-4, one will realize that inclusion of a widely recognized and employed gripping tab (or tear tab) may be attached to the band adjacent the band discontinuity to facilitate band removal by the initial legitimate consumer. This is an important advantage over shrink bands which, unless perforated, may require an additional tool for removal. One also recognizes that other forms of frangible connection such as thinned score lines may be employed. Also, the frangible region may be distinct, such as a patch, and need not be monolithic with the material of the remainder of the band.
(43) Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a variation of the security bands of the invention. In the FIG. 9 embodiment, the initial upstanding wall portion of band is scalloped, formed by petal shaped segments 50 which have been bent over by the mechanical forming process to result in a structure as also depicted in the sectional view of FIG. 10. It is seen from the view of FIG. 10 that the inwardly directed petal shaped segments may be substantially flattened in this sectional view. A flattened structure and increased inward extension of the formed band segments 50 may be obtained with the segmented band compared to a band of continuously uniform cross section such as embodied in the prior figures. One understands that rather than a petal shape, the segments may assume other shapes such as substantially rectangular, triangular, etc.
(44) An additional embodiment of band structure is depicted in cross-section in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 depicts a band 21c as originally produced prior to application to a package. The “second portion” 25c of band 21c of FIG. 11 features a “hook-shaped” configuration 60 in place of the inward directed flange 22 of the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1-10. The “hook-shaped” portion terminates at edge 62. One will appreciate that the structure of FIG. 11 can be readily produced using standard plastic processing techniques such as injection molding, thermoforming or stamping.
(45) FIG. 12 is a sectional view through an assembly of container 11c, lid 16c and security band 28c showing the altered structure of the original band 21c of FIG. 11 following mechanical forming to produce a curled structure 26c of a first band portion extending above the lid 16c. In this embodiment, the terminal edge 62 is closely adjacent or in contact with the underside of container lip 13c while the distal edge 24c of the curled first band portion is closely adjacent or touching the upper surface of lid 16c. One understands that plastic fabrication techniques allow for large latitude in design choice for the band structure and that a flat annular flange or alternative “hook-like” embodiments for the “second band portion” represent but a small example of possible structure for this component.
(46) Turning now to FIG. 13 there is shown a sectional view of another embodiment of security band of the invention. FIG. 13 embodies a band 21d which, in the FIG. 13, appears similar to the bands of prior embodiments such as FIG. 1. However, the band 21d of FIG. 13 is designed to be applied with the inward directed flange 22d positioned above the top surface of lid 16d. This arrangement is depicted in FIG. 14. There it is shown that flange 22d is positioned above lid 16d and the “first portion” of band is formed into curl structure 26d. The distal end 24d of curl 26d is adjacent or in physical contact with the underside of container lip flange 13d. Thus the mechanically formed, curled band 28d secures the lid 16d to the container 11d.
(47) Positioning the “curled” structure beneath the container lip (lower curl) as shown in the FIG. 14 embodiment has some advantages compared to the top surface positioning of the curl (upper curl) embodied in the FIGS. 1-12. With the lower curl, the formed surface is partially hidden beneath the container lip, thereby also hiding any visual defects or blemishes which may occur occasionally in the curled form. This lower visibility of the curled band portion may also allow material reductions through band segmentation, wall thinning etc. Another advantage is the ability to produce a curled form which impacts the container surface in a slight interference fit to produce a preloaded stress. This would prevent repositioning of the band after initial removal. A further advantage to a lower curl is that the upper, highly visible band portion may remain unaltered by the mechanical forming. Thus the upper band portion may be embossed, patterned, decorated or otherwise designed to impart information or distinctiveness. Finally, the upper band portion may be designed to extend inwardly a sufficient amount to retain labels, coupons, etc.
(48) Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a view, partially in section, of portions of a container, a lid, a security band and tooling for mechanical forming, all positioned relative each other prior to the mechanical forming operation. The band 21e shown in section in FIG. 15 is similar to the band embodied in FIG. 13 discussed above. Mounting block 71 serves to position the container 11e relative the forming tool 31e. Forming tool 31e comprises a curved, upper surface portion 33e. As indicated, surface 33e may also serve as a temporary positioning nest for the band after it is place over the container/lid assembly and prior to forming. Pressure plate 65 may be moved unidirectionally (normally vertically) as indicated by arrows 66.
(49) FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing relative positioning of components after the mechanical forming operation comprising the relative unidirectional movement of pressure plate 65 and forming tool 31e. This movement produces a curled band structure indicated by numeral 26e. In the FIG. 16 embodiment, the distal edge 24e of curled portion 26e is shown in contact with the exterior surface 14e of container 11e. In embodiments, this contact can create interference such that the band is in slight tension or “spring loaded”. This has two results. First, the tension securely retains the band in place (and therefore the lid applied to the container) prior to removal of the band. Secondly, after severing the line of weakness and initial removal of the band, the band cannot be repositioned on the package without an enlargement of the gap at the line of weakness. This latter result significantly improves the shelf visibility of the tamper evidency. Finally, it is pointed out the mechanically formed “curled” structure is relatively rigid and difficult to straighten. Thus it is very difficult to push upward on the band to deform it and slip it off the container and lip peripheral edges enveloped by the band. This feature is an improvement over some tamper evident bands having “bi-stable” or “V” structures which can often be flipped to relieve the retention engagement.
(50) Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, there is illustrated another embodiment of a security band 21f of the invention. FIG. 17 is a top plan view of band 21f and FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken substantially from the perspective of lines 18-18 of FIG. 17. In the FIG. 17 embodiment, a inwardly directed, segmented or ‘scalloped” design 70 is substituted for the annular, inwardly directed flange 22d of the FIG. 13 embodiment. It is noted that in the FIG. 17 embodiment, the scalloped segments are inwardly directed in the band prior to mechanical forming of the band. This is in contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 where the inward direction of the scallops was produced by the forming process. Continuing attention to FIGS. 17-18, it is noted that designs such as the scallops indicated may be used to impart product distinction or identity or perhaps to conserve material weight. Turning now to FIG. 19, there is depicted the band of FIGS. 17 and 18 applied to a container 11f and lid 16f using a mechanical forming process such as embodied in FIGS. 15-16. In FIG. 19 it is seen that application of the band of FIGS. 17 and 18 produces a curled structure 26f extending inwardly beneath container lip flange 13f. In the FIG. 19 embodiment, the distal edge 24f of the curled end portion is closely adjacent or in contact with the underside of container lip flange 13f. In this embodiment, “scalloped” structure 70 remains unaltered by the mechanical forming or curling process.
(51) Turning now to FIGS. 20-22, an additional embodiment of band is illustrated using perspectives similar to FIGS. 17-19. The band of FIGS. 20-22 comprises an inwardly directed flange 72 having “cutout” portions 74. FIGS. 20 and 21 show views of the band 21g as originally produced. FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the band, now designated 28g reflecting the altered structure, after forming and in combination with a container 11g and lid 16g. As with the “scallop” design of the FIGS. 17-18 band, the “cutout” design of FIGS. 20-22 may save considerable material savings while imparting distinctiveness to the overall package.
(52) Turning now to FIGS. 23-24, there is shown an additional possible feature of the tamper evidencing security bands of the invention. The FIGS. 23-24 illustrate a band 21h as originally produced and prior to combination with a container and lid. The band 21h of FIGS. 23-24 is similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 13 but also comprises structure for stacking of multiple bands for packaging, transit and feeding to a packaging line. In the FIGS. 23-24 embodiment, the stacking structure consists of a simple bead or rib 82 positioned on the outer surface of annular flange 80. The distal end 24h of an adjacent band may positioned to encircle bead 82 for stacking of multiple bands. One readily appreciates that other stacking features known in the art may replace or augment the bead 82 embodied in the FIGS. 23-24.
(53) Turning now to FIG. 25, there is shown a sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly of lid and security band preform prior to application to a container. This assembly is generally indicated by the numeral 85. Assembly 85 comprises tamper band preform 86 coupled to container lid 87 using detachable engagement structure. In the embodiment, the detachable engagement structure comprises inwardly projecting preform bead 89 nestled within indentation 88 on the outer sidewall of lid skirt 42j. Tamper band preform 86 incorporates a step 90 supplying substantially horizontal surfaces both internally and externally. This step allows stacking of multiple assemblies as indicated in FIG. 26.
(54) FIG. 26 embodies a stack of a multiple of the assemblies of FIG. 25. Sectional lines are omitted in FIG. 26 for clarity. Stacking may result, for example, from resting of the internal horizontal surface of a step 90a of assembly 85a on the top surface of preform 86b. Alternatively, stacking may result from the lower distal end of preform 86a resting on the exterior horizontal surface of step 90b. One will understand that either of these situations can be repeated to stack many assemblies for shipping or feeding to an assembly process.
(55) FIG. 27 is a view partially in section showing possible arrangement and motion of tooling during the mechanical forming of the security band subsequent to combination of the assembly of FIG. 25 with a container. In the process embodied in FIG. 27, pressure plate 65j, forming tool 31j and mounting block 71j are moved toward each other as indicated by arrows 95 and 96. One notes that pressure plate 65j comprises a downward extension 97 intended to guide the assembly and also rest on the shoulder 90 of preform 86 to support the first portion 20j of preform 86 during the mechanical forming process. One will understand that the relative motion of pressure plate 65j, forming tool 31j and mounting block 71j as indicated in FIG. 27 will mechanically form the preform 86 to produce a result according to the embodiment of FIG. 16 above.
(56) Turning now to FIG. 28, there is illustrated yet another embodiment of the instant invention. In FIG. 28, there is illustrated a container 11i comprising flange 13i as in previous embodiments. In the FIG. 28 embodiment, container 11i also comprises a downward extending wall 52. Lid 16i comprises a downward extending portion 54 and also a band 56 joined to portion 54 through a circumferential line of weakness 58. Line of weakness 58 may be formed by multiple material bridges spaced around the circumference or a continuous frangible score line such as produced by a line of thinned material section. As is seen in FIG. 28, a portion of band 56 is formed into a curled structure 26i whereby the distal edge 24i of the band 56 is inserted into the annular space between the downward extending wall 52 and the container body 12i. Initial opening of the package requires removal of the band through fracture of the line of weakness 58. One notes that in contrast to the prior embodiments, the package embodied in FIG. 25 envisions a band and lid joined as an integral unit rather than as separate distinct components. The integral lid/band structure embodied in FIG. 28 may be accomplished using a monolithic material structure wherein a single material extends throughout both the lid and band portions. Alternatively, the integral structure may be achieved by methods such as seaming or 2 part injection of lid and band structures using different materials. In any case, the integral lid/band structure may be placed on the container and the curled structure 26i accomplishing tamper evidencing is produced by mechanical forming after the placement in a manner as taught above in this specification.
(57) When comparing the integral band/lid embodiments of FIG. 28 with the prior embodiments of a discrete, separately produced band, one notes that either approach has specific advantages. The integral lid/band approach of FIG. 28 has the apparent advantage of having one less separate part to produce, manage and assemble. Consolidation to reduce part numbers often reduces production cost, material shipping cost, logistics and process complication. On the other hand, such consolidation can lead to complications in other aspects so that the intended benefits are not realized. In contrast, having the band produced separately may allow simplified band production, design flexibility for the band and final package, and package distinction such as may be achieved by band printing, embossing or coloration.
