CLOSURE WITH RETAINING RING AND TAMPER EVIDENCE BAND

Abstract

A closure assembly for a carton, which includes a closure, a neck to which the closure is mounted and a cutter received within the neck for piercing a foil of the carton. The closure includes a retaining ring for securement around the container neck below an annular flange of the neck, a lid pivotally connected to the retaining ring and a tamper evidence band frangibly connected to the retaining ring. The closure engages the cutter when it is rotated, which causes the cutter to pierce the foil of the carton as the closure is opened. The tamper evidence band has a rotational stop which engages a rotational stop of the container neck to separate the tamper evidence band from the retaining ring on first rotation of the closure in the opening direction.

Claims

1. A closure for a container having a neck with an annular flange and at least one rotational stop, the closure comprising: a retaining ring for securement around the container neck below the annular flange; a lid for selectively closing an opening of the container neck, the lid comprising a top wall and a side wall depending from the top wall; a thread on an inner surface of the side wall for engaging an external thread of the container neck; a pair of spaced hinges in a void in the side wall of the lid, which pivotally connect the lid to the retaining ring; a tongue between the hinges, which depends from the lid for engaging the container neck when the lid is pivoted to an open position; and a tamper evidence band frangibly connected to the retaining ring and having a rotational stop for engaging the rotational stop of the container neck to separate, in use, the tamper evidence band from the retaining ring on first rotation of the closure relative to the neck.

2. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the rotational stop of the tamper evidence band comprises a radially sloped surface on a first side thereof, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to enable the closure to be rotated in a first direction to mount the closure onto the container neck without severing the tamper evidence band; and a radial surface on a second side thereof, opposite the first side, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to prevent rotation of the tamper evidence band relative to the container neck in a second, unscrewing direction, opposite the first direction, for removing the lid of the closure from the container neck.

3. (canceled)

4. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the retaining ring comprises an annulus having a substantially constant height with an inwardly projecting retaining rim or one or more retaining projections or cams for engaging the annular flange of the container neck and the hinges are connected to the retaining ring at substantially the same axial position as the retaining rim, projection(s) or cam(s).

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. A closure according to claim 1, wherein one or more ribs projecting from the top wall and from the side wall, at least one of which extend radially along the top wall and axially along the side wall; and an edge rib extending along its lower edge and comprising a substantially U-shaped portion describing the void.

8. (canceled)

9. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the tongue and the hinges extend in an axial direction, are circumferentially aligned and substantially contiguous with the side wall of the lid, the tongue is thicker than the side wall.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A closure assembly comprising: a closure according to claim 1; a container neck to which the closure is secured or securable, the container neck comprising an opening, an annular flange, at least one rotational stop, one or more internal threads and an external thread for engaging the thread on an inner surface of the side wall; and a cutter received or receivable within the container neck, the cutter comprising one or more external threads, a sharp and/or serrated lower edge and one or more stops for cooperating with one or more tab(s) or coupling feature(s) of the closure; wherein the assembly is configured such that rotation, in use, of the closure causes the cutter to rotate therewith, to engage the container neck via the thread(s) and to translate along the container neck for causing the sharp and/or serrated edge of the cutter to pierce and/or cut through a membrane of the container.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. A closure for a container having a neck with an annular flange and at least one rotational stop, the closure comprising: a retaining ring for securement around the container neck below the annular flange; a lid for selectively closing an opening of the container neck, the lid comprising a top wall and a side wall depending from the top wall; a tongue depending from the top wall; a leash on each side of the tongue and connecting the lid to the retaining ring for allowing the lid to be removed from the container neck while remaining attached to the retaining ring; and a tamper evidence band frangibly connected to the retaining ring and having a rotational stop for engaging the rotational stop of the container neck to separate the tamper evidence band from the retaining ring on first rotation of the closure relative to the neck, wherein the leashes act, in use, as a torsion spring when the lid is actuated to a fully open position such that the tongue exerts a force against the container neck for retaining the lid in the fully open position.

17. A closure according to claim 16, wherein the rotational stop of the tamper evidence band comprises a radially sloped surface on a first side thereof, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to enable the closure to be rotated in a first direction to mount the closure onto the container neck without severing the tamper evidence band, and a radial surface on a second side thereof, opposite the first side, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to prevent rotation of the tamper evidence band relative to the container neck in a second, unscrewing direction, opposite the first direction, for removing the lid of the closure from the container neck.

18. (canceled)

19. A closure according to claim 16, wherein the retaining ring comprises an annulus having a substantially constant height with an inwardly projecting retaining rim or one or more retaining projections or cams for engaging the annular flange of the container neck.

20. (canceled)

21. A closure according to claim 16, wherein the leashes each comprise first and second portions, which are positioned at an angle in relation to each other when the closure device is in a fully closed position, the first portions depend from the lid and diverge from one another.

22. (canceled)

23. A closure according to claim 21, wherein the tongue is in a void in the side wall, the void comprising a pair of flanks or chamfers describing a relief for inhibiting interference between the lid and the container neck as the lid is pivoted toward an open position, the first portion of each leash extends along a respective flank or chamfer of the void, the second portion of each leash extending from the first portion, along a circumferential portion of the lower edge of the side wall and being formed within the retaining ring.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. A closure according to claim 16, wherein the tongue comprises a first projecting lip positioned at the free end of the tongue, a second projecting lip positioned at a root end of the tongue and a rib which extends between the first and second projecting lips.

27. (canceled)

28. A closure assembly comprising: a closure according to claim 16; a container neck to which the closure is secured or securable, the container neck comprising an opening, an annular flange, at least one rotational stop, one or more internal threads and an external thread for engaging the thread on an inner surface of the side wall; and a cutter received or receivable within the container neck, the cutter comprising one or more external threads, a sharp and/or serrated lower edge and one or more stops for cooperating with one or more tab(s) or coupling feature(s) of the closure; wherein the assembly is configured such that rotation, in use, of the closure causes the cutter to rotate therewith, to engage the container neck via the thread(s) and to translate along the container neck for causing the sharp and/or serrated edge of the cutter to pierce and/or cut through a membrane of the container.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. A closure for a container having a neck with an annular flange and at least one rotational stop, the closure comprising: a retaining ring for securement around the container neck below the annular flange; a lid for selectively closing an opening of the container neck, the lid comprising a top wall and a side wall depending from the top wall; a pair of spaced hinges in a void in the side wall of the lid, which pivotally connect the lid to the retaining ring; a locking tab between the hinges, which projects from the retaining ring toward the top wall of the lid; and a tongue between the hinges, which projects radially from the lid for engaging a recess in the locking tab when the lid is pivoted to an open position; and a tamper evidence band frangibly connected to the retaining ring and having a rotational stop for engaging the rotational stop of the container neck to separate, in use, the tamper evidence band from the retaining ring on first rotation of the closure relative to the neck.

32. A closure according to claim 31, wherein the rotational stop of the tamper evidence band comprises a radially sloped surface on a first side thereof, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to enable the closure to be rotated in a first direction to mount the closure onto the container neck without severing the tamper evidence band, and a radial surface on a second side thereof, opposite the first side, which is configured to engage the rotational stop of the container neck to prevent rotation of the tamper evidence band relative to the container neck in a second, unscrewing direction, opposite the first direction, for removing the lid of the closure from the container neck.

33. (canceled)

34. A closure according to claim 31, wherein the retaining ring comprises an inwardly projecting retaining rim or one or more retaining projections or cams for engaging the annular flange of the container neck, and the hinges are connected to the retaining ring at substantially the same axial position as the retaining rim, projection(s) or cam(s).

35. (canceled)

36. A closure according to claim 31, comprising a snap fit engaging lip or flange on an inner surface of the side wall for engaging an external snap fit engaging lip or flange of the container neck, and a grip tab projecting radially from an outer surface of the side wall at or adjacent its lower edge, which is substantially aligned with the snap fit engaging lip or flange on the inner surface of the side wall.

37. (canceled)

38. A closure according to claim 36, wherein the retaining ring comprises a locating projection on or in an inner surface thereof for engaging a locating projection of the container neck to provide a rotational stop for orienting the closure in a predetermined position relative to the neck or container.

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. A closure assembly comprising: a closure according to claim 31; a container neck to which the closure is secured or securable, the container neck comprising an opening, an annular flange, at least one rotational stop, one or more internal threads and an external snap fit engaging the lip or flange for engaging a snap fit engaging lip or flange on an inner surface of the side wall; and a cutter received or receivable within the container neck, the cutter comprising one or more external threads, a sharp and/or serrated lower edge and one or more stops for cooperating with one or more tab(s) or coupling feature(s) of the closure; wherein the assembly is configured such that rotation, in use, of the closure causes the cutter to rotate therewith, to engage the container neck via the thread(s) and to translate along the container neck for causing the sharp and/or serrated edge of the cutter to pierce and/or cut through a membrane of the container.

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. A closure assembly according to claim 41, wherein the container neck comprises a locating projection for engaging a locating projection of the retaining ring to provide a rotational stop for orienting the closure in a predetermined position relative to the neck or container.

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. A mold stack describing a closure according to claim 1.

48. (canceled)

49. (canceled)

50. (canceled)

51. A mold stack describing a closure according to claim 16.

52. A mold stack describing a closure according to claim 31.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure assembly according to a first example:

[0063] FIG. 2 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0064] FIG. 3 is a section view of the closure assembly along line A-A of FIG. 2:

[0065] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a rotational stop of the tamper evident band of the closure of the closure assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0066] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container neck of the closure assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3:

[0067] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cutter of the closure assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3:

[0068] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a closure assembly according to a second example:

[0069] FIG. 8 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 7;

[0070] FIG. 9 is a section view of the closure assembly along line B-B of FIG. 8;

[0071] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7 to 9;

[0072] FIG. 11 is a side view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7 to 10;

[0073] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the closure of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7 to 11 from below;

[0074] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a closure assembly according to a third example;

[0075] FIG. 14 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 13;

[0076] FIG. 15 is a section view of the closure assembly along line C-C of FIG. 14;

[0077] FIG. 16 is a side view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7 to 9;

[0078] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7 to 10;

[0079] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the closure of the closure assembly of FIGS. 13 to 17;

[0080] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the closure of FIG. 18 from below; and

[0081] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the container neck of the closure assembly of FIGS. 13 to 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is depicted a closure assembly 100 for a carton (not shown), which includes a closure 101 having a retaining ring 102, a lid 103 pivotally connected to the retaining ring 102 by a pair of spaced hinges 104 and a tamper evidence band 105 frangibly connected to the retaining ring 102. The closure 101 is mounted to a container neck 106 and rotationally engages a cutter 107 received within the container neck 106.

[0083] The retaining ring 102 in this example is a narrow band having a substantially constant height H described between an upper edge, to which the lid 103 is pivotally connected, and a lower edge, to which the tamper evidence band 105 is frangibly secured. The retaining ring 102 includes a plurality of retaining cams 120 projecting internally and spaced about its circumference.

[0084] The lid 103 includes a top wall 130, a side wall 131 depending from the periphery of the top wall 130 and gripping ribs 132 extending axially along the external surface of the side wall 131 and radially along a curved transition 133 between the side wall 131 and the top wall 130. The side wall 131 includes a void within which the hinges 104 are located. The lid 103 also includes an edge rib 134 extending about the entire lower edge of the side wall 131, including the edges describing the void, thereby reinforcing the region connecting the lid 103 to the hinges 104.

[0085] The side wall 131 includes an internal thread 135 projecting from an inner surface thereof. The side wall 131 also includes a tongue 136 depending from an upper edge of the void toward the retaining ring 102. The tongue 136 is thicker than the side wall 131 to give it rigidity. The hinges 104 extend from the upper edge of the void and join the upper edge of the retaining ring 102. The hinges 104 are thinner than the side wall 131, in order to provide them with the requisite flexibility to open the closure 101. Although not present in this example, the side wall 131 may be frangibly connected to the retaining ring 102 by a series of bridges (not shown).

[0086] The top wall 130 includes a depression 137, which creates a sealing rim that seals against the container neck 106, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3. Part-cylindrical tabs 138 depend from the top wall 130 for engaging the cutter 107.

[0087] The tamper evidence band 105 also has a substantially constant height, but with a series of pockets 150 within which a respective bridge 151 is formed. Each bridge 151 is a narrow band of material that frangibly joins the tamper evidence band 105 to the retaining ring 102. Each bridge 151 tapers toward its connection with the retaining ring 102, as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 4. The tamper evidence band 105 also includes a plurality of rotational stops 152 projecting from its inner surface, which is also shown in FIG. 4. Each rotational stop 152 includes a radially sloped surface 153 on one side, but the surface on its opposite side lies on a radial plane to provide the rotational stop surface (not shown).

[0088] The container neck 106, shown more clearly in FIG. 5, includes a mounting flange 160 for mounting the container neck 106 to a carton (not shown) and a hollow cylindrical neck portion 161 projecting from the mounting flange 160. The neck portion 161 includes an external thread 162 for cooperating with the internal thread 135 of the side wall 131 of the lid 103 of the closure 101.

[0089] The neck portion 161 also includes a retaining flange 163 projecting radially below the external thread 162, a tamper evidence flange 164 projecting radially below the retaining flange 163 and a series of stops 165 depending from the tamper evidence flange 164 and projecting outwardly. The neck portion 161 also includes a series of internal threads 166 and a series of internal stops 167 projecting upwardly from the internal threads 166 and inwardly from the neck portion 161. The internal threads 166 are threaded in the opposite direction to the external thread 162 and have a much steeper helix angle.

[0090] The cutter 107, shown more clearly in FIG. 6, is hollow and substantially cylindrical, with external threads 170 and external stops 171 projecting outwardly and spaced about its upper edge. The external threads 170 of the cutter 107 cooperate with the internal threads 166 of the container neck 106, while the external stops 171 of the cutter 107 cooperate with the internal stops 167 of the container neck 106 to prevent the cutter 107 from being retracting out of the container neck 106.

[0091] The cutter 107 also includes a series of internal stops 172, for cooperating with the tabs 138 depending from the top wall 130 of the lid 103 the closure 101, and a serrated lower edge 173 for piercing a foil of the container (not shown).

[0092] In use, the cutter 107 is received within the container neck 106 such that their threads 166, 170 are engaged with one another, but such that the cutter 107 is in an uppermost, retracted position. The closure 101 is mounted to the container neck 106 such that the external thread 162 of the neck portion 161 engages the internal thread 135 of the side wall 131 of the lid 103 of the closure 101, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The closure 101 is then forced onto the container neck 106 by an axial force, such that the internal thread 135 of the closure 101 is forced over the external thread 162 of the neck portion 161.

[0093] When the closure 101 is rotated in an unscrewing direction, the rotational stops 152 of the tamper evidence band 105 engage the stops 165 of the container neck 106 and break the bridges 151, thereby breaking or severing the frangible connection between the tamper evidence band 105 and the retaining ring 102. Continued rotation of the closure 101 causes the tabs 138 depending from the top wall 130 of the lid 103 the closure 101 to engage the internal stops 172 of the cutter 107, thereby driving rotation of the cutter 107. As the cutter 107 rotates, the external threads 170 of the cutter 107 cooperate with the internal threads 166 of the container neck 106 to cause the cutter 107 to translate downwardly along the container neck 106. This rotation and downward translation of the cutter 107 causes the serrated lower edge 173 to engage and cut a hole through a foil (not shown) sealing the carton (not shown) to which the container neck 106 is attached.

[0094] When the closure 101 is unscrewed fully, the lid 103 may be pivoted about the hinges 104 to reveal the opening of the container neck 106. The resilience of the hinges 104 urges the tongue 136 against the container neck 106, such that it engages the external thread 162 of the neck portion 161 and retains the lid 103 in an open position. The thickness of the tongue 136 ensures that the lid 103 is retained in this orientation.

[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, there is depicted a closure assembly 200 for a carton (not shown), similar to the closure assembly 100 according to the first example, wherein like references depicting like features are incremented by 100. Whilst the closure 201 in this example also has a retaining ring 202 and a lid 203 pivotally connected to the retaining ring 202, the spaced hinges 104 are replaced with a pair of leashes 204. The closure 201 also includes a tamper evidence band 205 frangibly connected to the retaining ring 202. The closure 201 is mounted to a container neck 206, which is identical to the container neck 106 according to the first example and will therefore not be described further. Similarly, the closure 201 rotationally engages a cutter 207, which is received within the container neck 206, and the cutter 207 is identical to the cutter 107 of the first example and will therefore not be described further.

[0096] The retaining ring 202 in this example is also a narrow band with a height H described between an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge of the retaining ring 202 in this example is frangibly connected to the lid 203, as well as being connected thereto by the leashes 204. As with the first example, the lower edge of the retaining ring 202 is frangibly connected to the tamper evidence band 205. The retaining ring 202 also includes a plurality of retaining cams 220 projecting internally and spaced about its circumference. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 12, each retaining cam 220 has a substantially U-shape, with an upper ledge and a pair of lead-in ramps at each end of the upper ledge.

[0097] The lid 203 includes a top wall 230, a side wall 231 depending from the periphery of the top wall 230 and gripping ribs 232 extending axially along the external surface of the side wall and radially along a curved transition 233 between the side wall 231 and the top wall 230. The side wall 231 includes a trapezoidal void within which part of the leashes 204 extend, which describes a relief on each of its sides for providing clearance between the side wall 231 and the container neck 206 as it pivots to an open position. The lid 203 is frangibly connected to the retaining ring 202 by a plurality of bridges 234 spaced about the lower edge of the side wall 231 and to each leash 204 by a single bridge 234a.

[0098] The side wall 231 includes an internal thread 235 and a tongue 236 depending from an upper edge of the void toward the retaining ring 202. The retaining ring 202 also includes a pair of triangular tabs 221 projecting upwardly from its upper edge, on either side of the tongue 236, and into the void in the side wall 231. The tongue 236 includes upper and lower projecting lips 236a, 236b and a rib 236c extending between and joining a respective central portion of the projecting lips 236a, 236b. The projecting lips 236a, 236b and rib 236c increase the effective thickness of the tongue 236 and together describe a contact surface between the tongue 236 and an exterior surface of the container neck 206 when the lid 203 is actuated to a fully open position.

[0099] Each leash 204 is connected to the lid 203 on a respective side of the tongue 236 at an upper edge of the void in the side wall 231. Each leash 204 includes first and second portion 241, 242 extending at an angle relative to one another, substantially in the shape of a dogleg. The first portions 241 depend from the lid 203 and diverge from one another along the upper edge of the tabs 221 of the retaining ring 202. Each second portion 242 is connected at a first of its ends to the first portion 241, extends along the retaining ring 202 and is connected to the retaining ring 202 at a second of its ends. In this example, each second portion is frangibly connected to the side wall 231 of the lid 203 by a single bridge 234a. Each second portion 242 is formed within the retaining ring 202 and may, but need not, be frangibly connected thereto.

[0100] The top wall 230 includes a depression 237, which creates a sealing rim that seals against the container neck 206, as shown more clearly in FIG. 9. The lid 203 also includes part-cylindrical tabs 238 depending from the top wall 230 for engaging the cutter 207.

[0101] The tamper evidence band 205 also has a substantially constant height, with a series of pockets 250 within which a respective bridge 251 is formed. Each bridge 251 is a narrow band of material that frangibly joins the tamper evidence band 205 to the retaining ring 202. Each bridge 251 tapers toward its connection with the retaining ring 202. The tamper evidence band 205 also includes a plurality of rotational stops 252 projecting from its inner surface, as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 12. Each rotational stop 252 includes a radially sloped surface 253 on one side, but the surface 254 on its opposite side extends radially to provide the rotational stop surface 254.

[0102] In use, the cutter 207 is received within the container neck 206 such that their threads are engaged with one another, but such that the cutter 207 is in an uppermost, retracted position. The closure 201 is mounted to the container neck 206 such that the external thread of the neck 206 engages the internal thread 235 of the side wall 231 of the lid 203 of the closure 201, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The closure 201 is then forced onto the container neck 206 by an axial force, such that the internal thread 235 of the closure 201 is forced over the external thread of the container neck 206.

[0103] When the closure 201 is rotated in an unscrewing direction, the stop surface 254 of the rotational stops 252 of the tamper evidence band 205 engage those of the container neck 206 and break the bridges 251, thereby breaking or severing the frangible connection between the tamper evidence band 205 and the retaining ring 202. Continued rotation of the closure 201 causes the bridges 234, 234a frangibly connecting the retaining ring 202 and leashes 204 to the side wall 231 of the lid 203 to break and separate from the retaining ring 202.

[0104] This rotation also causes the tabs 238 depending from the top wall 230 of the lid 203 the closure 201 to engage the internal stops 272 of the cutter 207, thereby driving rotation of the cutter 207. As the cutter 207 rotates, the external threads of the cutter 207 cooperate with the internal threads of the container neck 206 to cause the cutter 207 to translate downwardly along the container neck 206. This rotation and downward translation of the cutter 207 causes the serrated lower edge 273 to engage and cut a hole through a foil (not shown) sealing the carton (not shown) to which the container neck 206 is attached.

[0105] Moreover, as the lid 203 is rotated and translates along the container neck 206 by virtue of the threaded engagement therebetween, the leashes 204 stretch between the retaining ring 202, which is held in place by the retaining flange 263 of the container neck 206, and the lid 203. The leashes 204 are sized and shaped to permit the lid 203 to be removed from the neck portion 261 of the container neck 206. When the closure 201 is unscrewed fully, the lid 203 may be manipulated and/or pivoted about the retaining ring 202, by virtue of the leashes 204, thereby to reveal the opening of the container neck 206.

[0106] As the lid 203 pivots, the depending tongue 236 is brought into contact with the container neck 206. This contact describes a pivot axis or point about which the lid 203 pivots. As the lid 203 articulates, the tongue 236 rolls and/or slips along the container neck 206 and the leashes 204 are twisted, thereby applying a torsional force to them. The resilience of the leashes 204 causes them to act as a torsion spring or torsion bar in this, twisted state, such that the tongue 236 exerts a force against the container neck 206 for retaining the lid 203 in the fully open position.

[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 17, there is depicted a closure assembly 300 for a carton (not shown), similar to the closure assemblies 100 according to the previous example, wherein like references depicting like features are incremented by a further 100. The closure 301 also has a retaining ring 302 and a lid 303 pivotally connected to the retaining ring 302 by spaced hinges 304, similar to the first example, but in this example the lid 303 engages the container neck 306 by a snap fit connection instead of via threads.

[0108] The closure 301 also includes a tamper evidence band 305 frangibly connected to the retaining ring 302. The closure 301 is mounted to a container neck 306 and rotationally engages a cutter 307, which is received within the container neck 306. The cutter 207 is substantially the same as the cutter 107 of the first example and will therefore not be described further.

[0109] The retaining ring 302 in this example has a height H described between an upper edge, to which the lid 303 is pivotally connected, and a lower edge, to which the tamper evidence band 305 is frangibly secured. The retaining ring 302 includes a retaining rim 320 projecting internally and spaced about its circumference.

[0110] The lid 303 includes a top wall 330, a side wall 331 depending from the periphery of the top wall 330 and gripping ribs 332 extending axially along the external surface of the side wall 331 and radially along a curved transition 333 between the side wall 331 and the top wall 330. The side wall 331 is frangibly connected to the retaining ring 302 by a series of bridges 334. The side wall 331 includes a trapezoidal void within which the hinges 304 are located, which describes a relief on each of its sides for providing clearance between the side wall 331 and the container neck 206 as it pivots to an open position.

[0111] The side wall 331 includes an internal lip 335, which projects from an inner surface and on the opposite side thereof to the hinges 304, and a gripping tab GT projecting from an outer surface and substantially aligned, but slightly below; the internal lip 335. The side wall 331 also includes a tongue 336 projecting radially outwardly from an upper edge of the void. The hinges 304 extend from the upper edge of the void and join the upper edge of the retaining ring 302. The retaining ring 302 also includes a pair of triangular tabs 321 and a locking tab 322, both of which project upwardly from its upper edge and into the void in the side wall 331. The tabs 321 are on either side of the hinges 304 and fill the outer, relief portions of the void, whilst the locking tab 322 is between the hinges 304. The locking tab 322 also includes a recess 323 across an upper portion thereof.

[0112] The top wall 330 includes a depression 337, which creates a sealing rim that seals against the container neck 306, as shown more clearly in FIG. 15. Part-cylindrical tabs 338 depend from the top wall 330 for engaging the cutter 307.

[0113] The tamper evidence band 305 also has a substantially constant height, but with a series of pockets 350 within which a respective bridge 351 is formed. Each bridge 351 is a narrow band of material that frangibly joins the tamper evidence band 305 to the retaining ring 302. Each bridge 351 tapers toward its connection with the retaining ring 302, as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 19. The tamper evidence band 305 also includes a plurality of rotational stops 352 projecting from its inner surface, which is also shown in FIG. 19. Each rotational stop 352 includes a radially sloped surface 353 on one side, but the surface 354 on its opposite side extends radially to provide the rotational stop surface 354.

[0114] The container neck 306, shown more clearly in FIG. 20, includes a mounting flange 360 for mounting the container neck 306 to a carton (not shown) and a hollow cylindrical neck portion 361 projecting from the mounting flange 360. The neck portion 361 includes a first external flange 362 projecting radially for cooperating with the internal lip 335 of the side wall 331 of the lid 303 of the closure 301. The neck portion 361 also includes a second, retaining flange 363 projecting radially below the first external flange 362, an external locating projection 364 at an intended rear side of the container neck 306 and a series of stops 365 projecting outwardly below the retaining flange 363 and locating projection 364.

[0115] The retaining ring 302 also includes an internal locating projection 324, which is directly below the locking tab 322, which cooperates with the locating projection 364 to provide a rotational stop for orienting the closure 301 in a predetermined position relative to the container neck 306. Advantageously, the container neck 306 may include a pair of spaced locating projections 364, between which the locating projection 324 of the retaining ring 302 may be captivated when it is rotated to the predetermined position. This would lock the closure 301 in place against rotation. The locating projections 364, 324 both have a triangular cross-section along a radial plane, with an upper, tapered surface and a lower surface that extends radially.

[0116] As in the previous examples, the neck portion 361 also includes a series of internal threads 366 and a series of internal stops 367 projecting upwardly from the internal threads 366 and inwardly from the neck portion 361.

[0117] In use, the cutter 307 is received within the container neck 306 such that their threads 366 are engaged with one another, but such that the cutter 307 is in an uppermost, retracted position. The closure 301 is mounted to the container neck 306 by applying an axial force therebetween until the retaining rim 320 of the retaining ring 302 passes over both the external and retaining flanges 362, 363 of the neck portion 361 and the internal lip 335 of the side wall 331 of the lid 303 passes over and engages the external flange 362, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0118] The skilled person will appreciate that the radially sloped surfaces 353 of the rotational stops 352 enable the closure 301 to be rotated relative to the container neck 306 in a first direction without breaking the bridges 351 that frangibly join the tamper evidence band 305 to the retaining ring 302, since they ride up and over the stops 365 of the container neck 306. However, when the closure 301 is rotated in the opposite direction, the stop surfaces 354 of the rotational stops 352 of the tamper evidence band 305 engage the stops 365 of the container neck 306 and break the bridges 351, thereby breaking or severing the frangible connection between the tamper evidence band 305 and the retaining ring 302.

[0119] Continued rotation of the closure 301 causes the tabs 338 depending from the top wall 330 of the lid 303 the closure 301 to engage the internal stops 372 of the cutter 307, thereby driving rotation of the cutter 307. As the cutter 307 rotates, the threaded engagement between it and the container neck 306 cause the cutter 307 to translate downwardly along the container neck 306. This rotation and downward translation of the cutter 307 causes the serrated lower edge 373 to engage and cut a hole through a foil (not shown) sealing the carton (not shown) to which the container neck 306 is attached. At this point, the locating projections 324, 364 engage to provide a rotational stop and the closure 301 is oriented such that the grip tab GT of the lid 303 is at the front of the carton (not shown).

[0120] The closure 301 is opened by gripping the grip tab GT and urging it upwardly, such that the bridges 334 frangibly connecting the side wall 331 to the retaining ring 302 break and the internal lip 335 of the side wall 331 of the lid 303 passes over and disengages the external flange 362 of the neck portion 361 of the container neck 306. The lid 303 may be pivoted about the hinges 304 to reveal the opening of the container neck 306. When the lid is in its fully open position, the resilience of the hinges 304 urges the tongue 336 into the recess 323 of the locking tab 322, thereby retaining the lid 303 in an open position.

[0121] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.