CONTAINER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING LABEL

Abstract

A container assembly includes a container, a closure and a one-piece tamper-evident label. The container has a neck portion defining an opening and a body portion. The body portion includes at least one sidewall and a bottom opposite of the neck portion. The closure fits to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening. The closure includes a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. The one-piece tamper-evident label is permanently attached to the container and the closure. The label includes at least one line of weakness extending across thereof. The label covers a majority of the at least one sidewall and substantially extends around the circumferences of the container and the closure. The label is configured to be separated into at least a first label portion and a second label portion via the at least one line of weakness.

Claims

1. A container assembly comprising: a container having a neck portion defining an opening and a body portion, the body portion including at least one sidewall and a bottom opposite of the neck portion; a closure configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the closure including a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion; and a one-piece tamper-evident label permanently attached to the container and the closure, the tamper-evident label including at least one line of weakness extending across thereof, the tamper-evident label covers a majority of the at least one sidewall and substantially extends around the circumferences of the container and the closure; wherein the tamper-evident label is configured to be separated into at least a first label portion and a second label portion via the at least one line of weakness.

2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the container has an external thread formation on the neck portion, and wherein the annular skirt portion of the closure includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation of the container.

3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the container is generally cylindrically shaped.

4. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one line of weakness is scoring or scored lines, perforations, notches, leaders, nicks or any combination thereof.

5. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident label further includes a pull tab connected to the at least one line of weakness to assist in facilitating the separation of the tamper-evident label into the first label portion and the second label portion.

6. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one line of weakness is a plurality of lines of weakness.

7. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label comprises paper or polymeric material.

8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label is permanently attached to the container and the closure via an adhesive.

9. The container assembly of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

10. The container assembly of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is a UV-cured adhesive.

11. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label covers substantially all of the at least one sidewall of the container.

12. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label extends around the entire circumferences of the entire container and the closure.

13. A container assembly comprising: a container having a neck portion defining an opening and a body portion, the body portion including at least one sidewall and a bottom opposite of the neck portion; a closure configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the closure including a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion; and a one-piece tamper-evident label permanently attached to the container and the closure via an adhesive, the tamper-evident label including a plurality of lines of weaknesses extending across thereof, the tamper-evident label covers a majority of the at least one sidewall and extends entirely around the circumferences of the container and the closure; wherein the tamper-evident label is configured to be separated into at least a first label portion and a second label portion via the at least one line of weakness.

14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the tamper-evident label further includes a pull tab connected to the at least one line of weakness to assist in facilitating the separation of the tamper-evident label into the first label portion and the second label portion.

15. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label comprises paper or polymeric material.

16. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

17. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the adhesive is a UV-cured adhesive.

18. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the one-piece tamper-evident label covers substantially all of the at least one sidewall of the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The disclosure, and its advantages and drawings, will be better understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments together with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments, and are therefore not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the various embodiments or claims.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view depicting a one-piece tamper-evident label in its flattened position prior to being permanently attached or affixed to a container assembly according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the label of FIG. 1 in the process of separating the one-piece tamper-evident label into first and second label portions.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of a container without a closure or lid according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of the container of FIG. 3 with a closure or lid according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of a container assembly using the container of FIG. 3, the closure or lid of FIG. 4, and the tamper-evident label of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view of the container assembly of FIG. 5 in the process of separating the one-piece tamper-evident label into first and second label portions.

[0026] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the container assembly of FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the generally circular area 7B shown in FIG. 7A.

[0028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in further detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Various embodiments are described with reference to the attached figures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tamper-evident label 20 of a generally rectangular shape is shown according to one embodiment. As will be discussed in detail below in FIGS. 5-7, the tamper-evident label 20 is configured to be used in a container assembly 10 that includes a container 40 and a closure or lid 60. The tamper-evident labels, when permanently attached or affixed to a container and a closure or lid, provide visible proof that a container assembly has been tampered with or opened. Thus, tamper-evident labels are useful for alerting consumers that the products in the container assemblies may have been opened prior to purchase or use.

[0031] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tamper-evident label 20 is made of a flexible sheet material. The tamper-evident label 20 is of a one-piece configuration in this embodiment. The tamper-evident labels of the present invention typically extend completely around a container and a closure. In one embodiment, the tamper-evident labels slightly overlap the container and the closure. In another embodiment, the tamper-evident labels substantially extend around the container and the closure. For example, the tamper-evident labels extend 85%, 90% or 95% around the container and the closure.

[0032] The tamper-evident label 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 and a pull tab 26. The plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 of the tamper-evident label 20 assists a user in tearing or dividing the tamper-evident label 20 into a first label portion 30 and a second label portion 32. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second label portion 32 is much larger than the first label portion 30. As discussed below, after tearing the tamper-evident label 20 into the first label portion 30 and the second label portion 32 via the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 and the pull tab 26, a user can continue the process of opening the container assembly and gaining access to the products contained therein by moving the closure with respect to the container.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 extends entirely across the tamper-evident label 20 (along length L1). The plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 formed on the tamper-evident label 20 is eventually positioned at the interface of the container and the closure as will be discussed below. It is desirable for the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 to extend entirely or substantially across the tamper-evident label 20 (along the length L1) so a user will more easily tear the tamper-evident label 20 to begin the process of opening the container assembly and gaining access to the products therein. It is contemplated that the plurality of lines of weaknesses may not extend completely or substantially across in other embodiments. In such embodiments, a user may cut, tear or rip a portion of the tamper-evident label to begin the process of opening the container assembly.

[0034] The plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 may be scoring or scored lines, perforations, notches, leaders, nicks or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that other lines of weaknesses may be employed in the tamper-evident label.

[0035] The pull tab 26 is connected to the plurality of lines of weakness 22, 24 to assist in facilitating the separation of the tamper-evident label 20 into the first and second label portions 30, 32. As shown best in FIG. 2, the pull tab 26 is grasped and moved in the general direction of arrow A to assist in facilitating the separation of the tamper-evident label 20 into the first and the second label portions 30, 32. The pull tab 26 may be of a distinctive color or pattern to assist in contrasting from a remainder of the tamper-evident label so as to be easily noticed by any user intent on opening the container assembly and gaining access to the products therein.

[0036] The tamper-evident label is configured and sized appropriately to conform with the container assembly. The tamper-evident label can display information associated with the container assembly or the objects therein, including, but not limited to, information about the content or product therein, advertising, instructions, warnings, graphics, and the like. It is desirable to have essentially the entire outer surface of the tamper-evident label available as an indicia-bearing surface.

[0037] The tamper-evident label 20 is configured to cover, at least partially, an exterior surface of at least one sidewall of a container, and also to cover, at least partially, an annular skirt portion of a closure. In one embodiment, the tamper-evident label covers a majority of the at least one sidewall of the container. In another embodiment, the tamper-evident label covers substantially all or all of the at least one sidewall of the container. The tamper-evident label typically covers a portion of the annular skirt portion of the closure.

[0038] In use, the tamper-evident label 20 is desirably positioned on a container assembly so that the first portion 30 of the tamper-evident label 20 is permanently attached or affixed to a closure, while the second portion 32 of the tamper-evident label 20 is permanently attached or affixed to a container.

[0039] The tamper-evident label 20 in one embodiment covers substantially all of the container and the closure. The tamper-evident label 20 generally has the length L1 (see FIG. 1) of from about 40 to about 350 mm and, more specifically, from about 80 to about 200 mm. The tamper-evident label 20 generally has a width W1 (see FIG. 1) of from about 40 to about 350 mm and, more specifically, from about 80 to about 200 mm. The thickness T1 (see FIG. 7) of the tamper-evident label 20 is generally from about 2 to about 5 mils and, more specifically, from about 2 to about 4 mils, or from about 2 to about 3 mils. It is contemplated that the tamper-evident labels may be of different shapes and sizes than depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0040] It is also contemplated that the tamper-evident label may have exactly one line of weakness, or more than two lines of weaknesses to facilitate the opening process. It is also contemplated that the tamper-evident label may not include a pull-tab. It is desirable, however, to have a mechanism to begin the opening process for a user.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the container 40 is shown without a closure or lid. The container 40 includes a neck portion 42 defining an opening 44, and a body portion 46. The neck portion 42 is integrally connected to the body portion 46. The body portion 46 includes at least one sidewall 48 and a bottom 50 opposite of the neck portion 42. In one embodiment, the container 40 has an external thread formation 52 on the neck portion 42. The at least one sidewall 48 includes a shoulder 54 that integrally connects with the neck portion 42.

[0042] The container may be in the form of, for example, a jar, bottle, can or the like. It is contemplated that the container may be in other forms. The body portion 46 of the container 40 is generally cylindrically shaped. It is contemplated, however, that a body portion of a container may shaped differently than depicted in FIG. 3.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a front view of the container 40 is shown with the closure or lid 60. The closure 60 is configured for fitment to the neck portion 42 of the container 40 for closing the opening 44. The closure 60 includes a top wall portion 62 and an annular skirt portion 64 depending from the top wall portion 62. In one embodiment, the annular skirt portion 64 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes an internal thread formation 66 for mating engagement with the external thread formation 52 of the container 40. It is contemplated that the internal thread formation may vary from that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0044] It is contemplated that the container and the closure may not include respective external and internal thread formation. In one non-limiting example, the container and the closure may be a flip-lid configuration. In another embodiment, the closure may be pressed or inserted into an opening of the container. It is contemplated that other containers and closures may be used in forming the container assemblies of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the container assembly 10 includes the tamper-evident label 20, the container 40 and the closure 60. To assist in securing with the tamper-evident label 20, the container 40 and the closure 60 are desirably of the same general diameter according to one embodiment. This is shown best in FIG. 4 where an exterior surface 64a of the annular skirt portion 64 has the same or substantially the same diameter as the sidewall 48 of the container 40. In such an embodiment, the tamper-evident label 20 is both secured tightly and permanently to the outer surfaces of the container 40 and the closure 60, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

[0046] In one embodiment, the diameters of the container 40 and the closure 60 are within about 2 mm. In another embodiment, the diameters of the container 40 and the closure 60 are within about 1.5 mm or about 1 mm. In a further embodiment, the diameters of the container 40 and the closure 60 are within about 0.75 mm or within 0.5 mm. In yet another embodiment, the diameters of the container 40 and the closure 60 are within about 0.25 mm or about 0.1 mm.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the tamper-evident label is permanently attached or affixed to an annular skirt portion of the closure and to an exterior surface of the sidewall 48 of the container 40 via an adhesive. The adhesive would be located between the tamper-evident label 20 and the sidewall 48. The adhesive may be part of the tamper-evident label 20 or may be applied separately. The adhesive may be one or more layers.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tamper-evident label is attached using a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive. These adhesives are configured to not be removed from the closure and the container. The permanently pressure-sensitive adhesives may be hot-melt, solvent or emulsions. The permanent hot-melt and solvent adhesives may be rubber based. A non-limiting example of a hot-melt adhesive include styrenic block copolymers (SBCs). The permanent solvent adhesives and emulsion adhesives may be formed by acrylic compositions. Some non-limiting examples of permanent emulsions include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl acetates (PVAs) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAs). The permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive may be a permanent UV-cured adhesive. It is contemplated that other permanent adhesives may be used that are compatible with the material forming the container and the closure.

[0049] In one embodiment, a portion of the tamper-evident label 20 in the immediate vicinity of the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24 is left without adhesive. By not including any adhesive in this area, the tearing apart along the perforations facilitates a cleaner separation of the tamper-evident label 20 into the first and second portions 30, 32. In this embodiment or in an alternative embodiment, the pull tab 26, if used, desirably does not include any adhesive.

[0050] During the packaging stage at, for example, a manufacturing facility, the tamper-evident label is permanently attached or affixed to both the container and to the closure so as to prevent or inhibit movement of the closure in relation to the container without tearing or ripping the tamper-evident label. In one method, the tamper-evident label is wrapped around the container and the closure. The tamper-evident label is typically wrapped substantially around the container and the closure in one method. In another method, the label is wrapped entirely around the container and the closure. Thus, in this method, the label extends around the entire circumferences of the container and the closure. In a further method, the label is wrapped entirely around the container and the closure with an end-edge overlap.

[0051] To open the container, a user initially tears apart the tamper-evident label along the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24. The beginning of this process is shown in FIG. 6 according to one method with the pull tab 26 being grasped and moved in the general direction of arrow A to assist in facilitating the separation of the tamper-evident label 20 to the first and the second label portions 30, 32.

[0052] Once the label has been fully torn apart along the plurality of lines of weaknesses 22, 24, the first label portion 30 of the tamper-evident label 20 may remain permanently attached or affixed to the closure 60 of the container assembly 10, while the second label portion 32 of the tamper-evident label 20 remains permanently attached or affixed to the container 40. At this point, the user is free to move the closure 60 with respect to the container 40 and to gain assess to the contents of the container 40.

[0053] The tamper-evident labels are typically made of paper or polymeric materials. Non-limiting examples of polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (e.g., biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The tamper-evident label may be in a laminated form in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the tamper-evident label may be in a non-laminated form. It is contemplated that the tamper-evident label may be formed from other materials.

[0054] The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0055] Although the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur or be known to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0056] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof, are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.