TAMPER EVIDENCE DEVICE FOR ROLL-ON PILFER PROOF CLOSURES

Abstract

Methods and apparatus of sealing bottles with Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closures and providing tamper evidence are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel ROPP closures that may be used to seal a bottle shaped container which can subsequently receive a tamper evidence device. The bottle can have a neck portion formed without a skirt portion. Optionally, the bottle can include an annular ring. The ROPP closure generally includes a body portion. In one embodiment, the body portion has a curl. A tamper evidence device can be applied to a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure by a capping apparatus. The tamper evidence device may be visually altered when the ROPP closure is rotated in an opening direction. In one embodiment, the ROPP closure cannot be rotated while the tamper evidence device is associated with the bottle. In another embodiment, the tamper evidence device includes at least one protrusion which extends inwardly at least partially into the bottle annular ring.

Claims

1. A capping apparatus to seal a bottle having a threaded neck with a ROPP closure, comprising: a pressure block ejector to apply a topload to a top portion of the ROPP closure; a thread roller to apply a sideload to an exterior surface of a body portion of the ROPP closure to form closure threads on the body portion; and a tool configured to apply a tamper evidence device to the bottle sealed with the ROPP closure.

2. The capping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tamper evidence device comprises one of: a tamper bead; a pilfer strip generally vertically oriented with respect to the bottle; a pilfer strip generally aligned with a diameter of a neck portion of the bottle; a pilfer wrap at least partially covering the ROPP closure, the pilfer wrap shrinkable in at least a width dimension; a pilfer wrap adhered to the bottle; and a pilfer overcap.

3. The capping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tool to form a tear line on the tamper evidence device.

4. The capping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ROPP closure includes a closed end-wall and a body portion with a curl.

5. The capping apparatus of claim 4, wherein the thread roller is configured to move upwardly toward the closed end-wall of the ROPP closure in response to contact with the curl.

6. The capping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capping apparatus is configured to apply thermal energy to the tamper evidence device.

7. A method of sealing a bottle with a roll-on pilfer proof (ROPP) closure, comprising: positioning the ROPP closure on the bottle, the bottle having: a closed end portion; a body portion extending upwardly from the closed end portion; a neck extending upwardly from the body portion; threads formed on at least a portion of the neck; and an opening positioned on an uppermost portion of the neck; pressing the ROPP closure downwardly against the uppermost portion of the neck; forming threads in a portion of a body of the ROPP closure; and applying a tamper evidence device to the bottle sealed with the ROPP closure.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tamper evidence device comprises one of a tamper bead, a pilfer strip generally vertically oriented with respect to the bottle, a pilfer strip generally aligned with a diameter of a neck portion of the bottle, a pilfer wrap to be at least partially shrunk around the ROPP closure, a pilfer wrap adhered to the bottle, and a pilfer overcap.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising applying thermal energy to the tamper evidence device such that the tamper evidence device shrinks in at least one dimension.

10. A metallic bottle sealed by a ROPP closure, comprising: a closed end portion; a body portion extending upwardly from the closed end portion; a neck extending upwardly from the body portion; threads formed on at least a portion of the neck; an opening positioned on an uppermost portion of the neck; the ROPP closure positioned on the neck and including closure threads engaging the threads of the metallic bottle; and a tamper evidence device applied to the metallic bottle sealed with the ROPP closure.

11. The metallic bottle of claim 10, wherein the tamper evidence device comprises one of: a tamper bead; a pilfer strip generally vertically oriented with respect to the metallic bottle; a pilfer strip generally aligned with a diameter of a neck portion of the metallic bottle; a pilfer wrap at least partially shrunk around the ROPP closure; a pilfer wrap adhered to the metallic bottle; and a pilfer overcap.

12. The metallic bottle of claim 11, wherein the metallic bottle further includes an annular ring formed in the neck to receive a protrusion extending inwardly from a sidewall of the pilfer overcap.

13. The metallic bottle of claim 10, wherein the ROPP closure includes a body portion with a curl.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the Summary of the Invention given above and the Detailed Description given below serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0065] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a method of sealing a metallic bottle with a ROPP closure using a prior art capping apparatus;

[0066] FIG. 1E is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a portion of a prior art metallic bottle before the metallic bottle is sealed with a ROPP closure;

[0067] FIG. 1F is another partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the prior art metallic bottle of FIG. 1E after the metallic bottle has been sealed with a prior art ROPP closure;

[0068] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a portion of a bottle of one embodiment of the present invention before the bottle is sealed with a ROPP closure of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates a capping apparatus of the present invention sealing the bottle of FIG. 2 with a ROPP closure according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ROPP closure has a body of a first length;

[0070] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the bottle of FIG. 2 sealed by a ROPP closure of another embodiment of the present invention which includes a body with a second length;

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a ROPP closure with a curl sealing a bottle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional front elevation view illustrating a tamper bead affixed to a ROPP closure and a bottle of the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of a pilfer strip of the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the pilfer strip of FIG. 7A affixed to a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 8A is a top plan view of another embodiment of a pilfer strip of the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the pilfer strip of FIG. 8A affixed to a ROPP closure sealed to a bottle;

[0077] FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a pilfer wrap of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 9B is a front perspective view of a pilfer wrap of another embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 9C is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the pilfer wrap of FIGS. 9A, 9B positioned on a bottle sealed with a ROPP closure;

[0080] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a pilfer wrap of another embodiment of the present invention affixed to a ROPP closure and a bottle;

[0081] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a portion of a bottle of one embodiment of the present invention which includes an annular ring formed in the bottle neck;

[0082] FIGS. 12-14 are partial cross-sectional front elevation views of a portion of another bottle and illustrating tooling used to form an annular ring in the neck portion of the bottle according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0083] FIGS. 15A-15B are views of a pilfer overcap of one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0084] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the pilfer overcap of FIG. 15 interconnected to a bottle.

[0085] To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

TABLE-US-00001 Number Component 2 Bottle of the prior art 4 Neck portion 6 Curl 8 Bottle threads 9 ROPP shell 10 ROPP closure 12 Body portion of ROPP closure 14 ROPP liner 16 Closure threads 17 Serrated band 18 Pilfer band 19 Bottom edge of pilfer band 20 Top portion of ROPP closure 22 Prior art capping apparatus 24 Pressure block ejector 25 Pressure block 26 Thread roller 28 Pilfer roller 30 Skirt of metallic bottle 32 Channel of closure 36 Bottle 38 Neck portion 38A Neck portion above annular ring 38B Neck portion below annular ring 40 Threads 42 Curl 44 Annular ring of bottle 48 Capping apparatus 50 Pressure block ejector 52 Pressure block 54 Thread roller 56A Exterior roller 56B Interior roller 56C Interior roller 58 ROPP closure 60 Closed end-wall 62 Body portion 64 Closure threads 66 End of closure threads 68 Lowermost portion of body 70 Length of body portion 72 Curl 74 Tamper evidence device 76 Tamper bead 78 Pilfer strip 80 Perforations 82 First narrow end 84 Second narrow end 86 Pilfer strip 88 Long ends 90 Tear line 92 Pilfer wrap 94 Long ends 95 Ends 96 Tear line 98 Pilfer wrap 100 Pilfer overcap 102 Closed end-wall 104 Sidewall 106 Protrusion 108 Grasping element 110 Aperture of grasping element 112 Tear panel 114 Score

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, a prior art method of sealing a ROPP closure 10 on a threaded neck of a metallic bottle 2 is provided.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 2, a threaded neck portion 38 of a bottle 36 of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The bottle 36 may be formed of one of a metal, a plastic, and a glass. In one embodiment, the bottle 36 is formed of a metal. In another embodiment, bottle 36 is formed of a metal with a decreased gauge compared to the prior art bottle 2.

[0089] The bottle 36 generally includes a neck portion 38 with threads 40 and a curl 42 formed at an uppermost portion of the neck portion proximate to an opening. In one embodiment, the bottle 36 does not include a skirt such as the skirt 30 of the prior art bottle 2. Accordingly, the bottle 36 may be manufactured in fewer operations, and with less tooling, saving time and expense. Further, the metal material of bottle 36 is less likely to fail due to metal fatigue or overwork during manufacture compared to bottle 2 because the operations and metal work required to form skirt 30 are not performed.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 3, a capping apparatus 48 of one embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated after sealing a ROPP closure 58A to a bottle 36 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The capping apparatus 48 is similar to the capping apparatus 22 of the prior art and generally includes a pressure block ejector 50, a pressure block 52, and a thread roller 54. Notably, in one embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 includes less tooling and requires less time and expense to set-up and service than capping apparatus 22. More specifically, in one embodiment, capping apparatus 48 does not include a pilfer roller 28.

[0091] The ROPP closure 58A generally includes a closed end-wall 60, a body portion 62 extending downwardly from the closed end-wall, and closure threads 64 formed on at least a portion of the body portion. When positioned on the bottle 36, the body portion 62 extends beyond the lowest portion of the bottle threads 40. In one embodiment, the ROPP closure 58A does not include the serrated band 17 or the pilfer band 18 of the prior art ROPP closure 10. Accordingly, fewer operations and less tooling is required to form the ROPP closure 58A of the present invention.

[0092] In one embodiment, the closure body portion 62 has a length 70A that is less than a length of the body portion 12 of a prior art ROPP closure 10. Accordingly, a ROPP closure 58A of the present invention may be formed of less material than a ROPP closure 10 of the prior art, saving material expenses.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 4, a ROPP closure 58B of another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. The ROPP closure 58B is similar to the ROPP closure 58A illustrated in FIG. 3; however, optionally, the ROPP closure 58B has a body portion 62 with a length 70B that is greater than the length 70A. The longer body portion may prevent, or reduce, flaring of a lowermost portion 68 of the body portion 62 away from the bottle neck 38. More specifically, in some instances, the lowermost portion 68 may bend outwardly during formation of the closure threads 64 by a thread roller 54. When the lowermost portion 68 flares outwardly, a gap may be formed between the bottle neck 38 and a ROPP closure 58. A body portion 62 with an increased length, such as of ROPP closure 58B, increases a distance between the lowermost portion 68 and an end 66 of closure threads 64 reducing the frequency at which the lowermost portion flares outwardly during closure thread formation. The body portion between the thread end 66 and the lowermost portion 68 of the closure body may also prevent a thread roller 54 from moving beyond the lowermost portion 68 into contact with the bottle neck 38. More specifically, the separation between the thread end 66 and the lowermost portion 68 provides more distance for the thread roller 54 to reset to a position proximate the bottle curl 42 without contacting the bottle neck 38 proximate to the closure lowermost portion 68.

[0094] FIG. 5 generally illustrates another embodiment of a ROPP closure 58C of the present invention. ROPP closure 58 is similar to ROPP closures 58A, 58B illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and is formed and sealed to a bottle 36 in the same or similar manner. Additionally, ROPP closure 58C includes a curl 72. In one embodiment, the curl 72 can be formed at a lowermost portion 68 of the ROPP closure 58C. However, the curl 72 can be formed at a different portion of the closure body 62. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the curl 72 is spaced from the closure lowermost portion 68.

[0095] In one embodiment, the curl 72 prevents a thread roller 54 of a capping apparatus 48 from moving beyond the lowermost portion 68. In this manner, the curl 72 prevents damage to the bottle 36 caused by a force received from a thread roller 54. In one embodiment, when the thread roller 54 contacts the curl 72 after forming closure threads 64, the thread roller 54 resets and returns to a position proximate to the bottle curl 42 as generally illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0096] The closure curl 72 also prevents outward flaring of the closure body portion 62 away from the bottle neck 38. More specifically, the curl 72 makes at least the lowermost portion 68 more rigid.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 6, a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58 can optionally include a tamper evidence device 74. In one embodiment, the tamper evidence device 74 comprises a tamper bead 76. The tamper bead 76 interconnects the ROPP closure 58 to the bottle neck 38. More specifically, at least a portion of the tamper bead 76 is interconnected to the ROPP closure 58 and another portion of the tamper bead is interconnected to the bottle 36. In one embodiment, the ROPP closure 58 cannot be rotated in an opening direction without one or more of visibly alerting or damaging the tamper bead 76. Although FIG. 6 illustrates a ROPP closure 58A with a short body portion 62 sealing the bottle 36, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the tamper bead 76 of the present invention can also be used with a ROPP closure 58B with a longer body portion or a ROPP closure 58C with a curl 72.

[0098] In one embodiment, the tamper bead 76 extends substantially continuously around a circumference of the bottle 36 and the ROPP closure 58. In another embodiment, the tamper evidence device 74 comprises a plurality of tamper beads 76 spaced around the circumference. More specifically, a plurality of tamper beads 76 can be applied to the ROPP closure 58 and bottle 36 with void spaces between adjacent tamper beads.

[0099] The tamper bead 76 can be formed of at least one of a wax, a glue, a plastic, a paint, and a varnish. Optionally, in another embodiment, the tamper bead 76 is formed of a food grade compound.

[0100] In one embodiment, a capping apparatus 48 of the present invention can apply the tamper bead 76 to the bottle 36 and ROPP closure 58. In another embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 applies the tamper bead 76 after forming the closure threads 64. In still another embodiment, the tamper bead 76 is applied to the bottle 36 and ROPP closure 58 by equipment downstream from the capping apparatus 48.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 7A, a tamper evidence device 74 comprising a pilfer strip 78 is generally illustrated. The pilfer strip 78 can be affixed to a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58 as generally illustrated in FIG. 7B.

[0102] The pilfer strip 78 generally has a length that is greater than a width. In one embodiment, the length is at least sufficient such that the pilfer strip 78 can be interconnected to a portion of the bottle neck 38 and to a portion of the closed end-wall 60 of the ROPP closure 58. The pilfer strip 78 is optionally formed of at least one of a paper, a plastic, and a metal.

[0103] The pilfer strip 78 can optionally include a tear line 80. The tear line can comprise a plurality of perforations. The perforations 80 may be configured to cause the pilfer strip 78 to tear in response to a torque received when the ROPP closure 58 is rotated at least partially in an opening direction. Optionally, the perforations 80 may be formed in a position to be proximate to the lowermost portion 68 of the ROPP closure when the pilfer strip 78 is interconnected to the ROPP closure and bottle. In one embodiment, the perforations 80 are formed generally parallel to the width of the pilfer strip, the width defined by narrow ends 82, 84. In another embodiment, the perforations 80 are formed closer to a second narrow end 84 than to a first narrow end 82.

[0104] After closure threads 64 are formed on a ROPP closure 58, the pilfer strip 78 can be interconnected to a bottle 36 and to the ROPP closure 58. At least a portion of the pilfer strip 78 is generally vertically oriented with respect to the bottle 36. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to one or more of the bottle 36, the ROPP closure 58, and the pilfer strip 78 to affix the pilfer strip to the ROPP closure and bottle. Optionally, a surface of the pilfer strip 78 may include an adhesive such that the pilfer strip is interconnected to the ROPP closure and bottle without application of a separate adhesive. Regardless, the pilfer strip 78 is interconnected to the bottle 36 and the ROPP closure 58 such that the ROPP closure 58 cannot be rotated in an opening direction without one or more of visibly alerting or damaging the pilfer strip 78.

[0105] In one embodiment, a first portion of the pilfer strip 78 is interconnected to the bottle 36. A second portion of the pilfer strip 78 is interconnected to the ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the second portion is interconnected to a closed end-wall 60 of the ROPP closure 58. Additionally, or alternatively, the pilfer strip 78 can be interconnected to the closure threads 64. In still another embodiment, another portion of the pilfer strip 78 may be interconnected to the bottle 36 at a position generally diametrically opposed to the first portion (not illustrated). More specifically, the pilfer strip 78 may have a length sufficient to extend across the closed end-wall 60 and beyond the ROPP closure 58 to be interconnected to another portion of the bottle 36.

[0106] In one embodiment, a capping apparatus 48 can apply a pilfer strip 78 to a bottle 36 and a ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 can form the perforations 80 on the pilfer strip 78. More specifically, in one embodiment the capping apparatus 48 includes a cutting tool. The cutting tool may form the perforations 80 before, or after, the capping apparatus applies a pilfer strip 78 to a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58. Alternatively, the perforations 80 can be pre-formed in the pilfer strip 78.

[0107] In another embodiment, a pilfer strip 78 can be applied by to a bottle and a ROPP closure by equipment downstream from the capping apparatus 48. Although FIG. 7B illustrates a pilfer strip 78 interconnected to a ROPP closure 58A, in another embodiment, the pilfer strip 78 is interconnected to one of ROPP closures 58B, 58C such as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 8A, a tamper evidence device 74 of another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. The tamper evidence device 74 comprises a pilfer strip 86 of another embodiment. The pilfer strip 86 generally has a width defined by a long end 88 that is greater than a height defined by a short end. In one embodiment, the width is greater than a circumference of a neck portion 38 of a bottle 36 to which the pilfer strip 86 will be affixed. Optionally, the pilfer strip 86 can have a shape that is generally rectangular. The pilfer strip 86 may be formed of at least one of a paper, a plastic, and a metal.

[0109] In one embodiment, the pilfer strip 86 includes a tear line 90. In one embodiment, the tear line 90 is formed of a plurality of perforations, cuts, or apertures. The tear line 90 can be formed in a portion of the pilfer strip 86 that will be proximate to a lowermost portion 68 of a ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the tear line 90 is formed closer to a first long end 88A than to a second long end 88B. In another embodiment, the tear line 90 is formed generally parallel to the first long end 88A.

[0110] Referring now to FIG. 8B, a first portion of the pilfer strip 86 is interconnected to a ROPP closure 58. A second portion of the pilfer strip 86 is interconnected to a bottle 36 sealed by the ROPP closure 58. Optionally, the pilfer strip 86 is oriented with the ROPP closure 58 such that the tear line 90 is proximate to the closure lowermost portion 68.

[0111] In one embodiment, the pilfer strip 86 is visibly altered when the ROPP closure 58 is rotated at least partially in an opening direction. In another embodiment, the pilfer strip 86 is damaged when the ROPP closure is rotated in the opening direction. For example, in one embodiment, the pilfer strip 86 tears in response to torque received when the ROPP closure is rotated. In one embodiment, the tear line 90 is damaged as the ROPP closure is rotated.

[0112] In one embodiment, the pilfer strip 86 can be applied to any ROPP closure 58A-58C of the present invention. Optionally, the pilfer strip 86 can be interconnected to a ROPP closure 58 and a bottle 36 by a capping apparatus 48 of one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 includes a tool to form the tear line 90 on the pilfer strip 86. In one embodiment, a cutting tool forms the tear line 90. The capping apparatus 48 may form the tear line 90 before, or after, applying a pilfer strip 86 to a bottle 36 and a ROPP closure 58. Alternatively, the tear line 90 may be pre-formed on the pilfer strip.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 9A, a tamper evidence device 74 of still another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. The tamper evidence device 74 comprises a pilfer wrap 92. The pilfer wrap 92 has a width at least equal to the circumference of a neck portion 38 of a bottle 36 to which the pilfer wrap will be applied. The width is defined by long ends 94. The pilfer wrap 92 has a height defined by ends 95 sufficient extend from a portion of the bottle neck 38 beyond at least one thread 64 of the ROPP closure 58. Optionally, the pilfer wrap 92 may include a tear line 96. In one embodiment, the tear line 96 comprises one or more of perforations, cuts, apertures, and a score. Optionally, the tear line 96 may be formed closer to a second long end 94B than to a first long end 94A. In another embodiment, the tear line 96 is generally parallel to at least one of the long ends 94. In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 has a shape that is generally rectangular. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9B, the pilfer wrap 92 has a shape that is generally cylindrical or tubular.

[0114] In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 is formed of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 is formed of a material that will decrease in at least one dimension in response to a predetermined type of energy. More specifically, in one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 is formed of a material selected to decrease in at least the width dimension after the pilfer wrap 92 is applied to a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58. In this manner, the pilfer wrap 92 is shrink-fit to the bottle and closure. Optionally, the pilfer wrap 92 comprises one or more of a shrinkable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a glycolized polyester (PETG), and an oriented polystyrene (OPS).

[0115] In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 will decrease in width in response to thermal energy of a predetermined temperature. In another embodiment, a height of the pilfer wrap will also decrease in response to the thermal energy. In still another embodiment, the pilfer wrap 92 will only decrease in width when exposed to the thermal energy.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 9C, the pilfer wrap 92 may be applied to a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58. The pilfer wrap 92 is positioned at least partially over a body portion 62 of the ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, a lower long end 94B of the pilfer wrap 92 extends beyond the closure lowermost portion 68 to a neck portion 38 of the bottle 36. Optionally, an upper long end 94A may extend above a closed end-wall 60 of the ROPP closure.

[0117] The pilfer wrap 92 is subsequently shrunk in at least the width dimension such that the pilfer wrap may not be removed from the bottle 36 or the ROPP closure 58. In this manner, the ROPP closure 58 may not be rotated in an opening direction without visible alteration of the pilfer wrap 92. In one embodiment, the tear line 96 fractures or is damaged when the ROPP closure 58 is rotated.

[0118] The pilfer wrap 92 may be applied by a capping apparatus 48 of the present invention. More specifically, the capping apparatus 48 may position the pilfer wrap 92 on a bottle 36 and a ROPP closure 58. A heat source can then generate thermal energy of a predetermined temperature to shrink at least the width of the pilfer wrap 92. In one embodiment, the heat source is a heat gun that blows hot air against the pilfer wrap 92. In another embodiment, the head source is a heat lamp or an electrical heating element. Optionally, the bottle 36 with the pilfer wrap 92 is transported through an oven, such as a heat tunnel. As the bottle 36 moves through the oven, the pilfer wrap 92 shrinks around the neck portion 38 of the bottle.

[0119] Optionally, the capping apparatus 48 may further include a tool to form the tear line 96. In one embodiment, the tool is operable to cut the pilfer wrap 92 to form the tear line. In one embodiment, the tool creates a score to form the tear line 96. In another embodiment, the tool forms a plurality of perforations through the pilfer wrap to define the tear line 96. In another embodiment, the tear line 96 is pre-formed on the material before it is installed over the ROPP closure 58.

[0120] Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a tamper evidence device 74 is illustrated affixed to a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58. The tamper evidence device 74 comprises another pilfer wrap 98 of the present invention. The pilfer wrap 98 is sized and positioned to extend from the bottle neck 38 to at least a portion of the closure body portion 62. In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 98 covers at least a portion of the closed end-wall 60 of the ROPP closure 58. In another embodiment, when affixed to the bottle 36, the pilfer wrap covers all of the exterior surfaces of the ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 98 is formed of a material that is thin. Optionally, pilfer wrap 98 may be formed of a metal foil, a paper, and a plastic.

[0121] In one embodiment, the pilfer wrap 98 is affixed to at least the bottle 36 with an adhesive. Optionally, the adhesive is applied to at least one of the bottle 36 and ROPP closure 58 before the pilfer wrap 98 is affixed thereto. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the adhesive is applied to a surface of the pilfer wrap 98. Regardless, at least a portion of the pilfer wrap 98 will be altered visibly by rotating the ROPP closure 58 in an opening direction. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the pilfer wrap 98 must be damaged, or removed, from the ROPP closure before the ROPP closure can be rotated.

[0122] Referring now to FIG. 11, a bottle 36 of another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. The bottle 36 may be formed of one of a metal, a plastic, and a glass. In one embodiment, the bottle 36 is formed of a metal. The bottle 36 generally includes a neck portion 38 with threads 40 and a curl 42 formed at an uppermost portion of the neck portion proximate to an opening. A groove or annular ring 44 is formed on a portion of the neck 38. The annular ring 44 is positioned on a portion of the neck 38 separate from the bottle threads 40. The position of the annular ring 44 is selected such that the annular ring is not covered by a body portion 62 of a ROPP closure 58 that will seal the bottle. More specifically, the annular ring 44 is spaced from the bottom portion of the bottle threads 40s by a predetermined distance such that the annular ring 44 is below a lowermost portion 68 of a ROPP closure body 64 used to seal the bottle 36.

[0123] The annular ring 44 has a predetermined geometry and a predetermined depth. Optionally, the annular ring 44 can have a cross-sectional profile that forms a portion of a circle or of an ellipse; however, as appreciated by one skilled in the art, other geometries can be used. For example, in one embodiment, the annular ring 44 has substantially linear sidewalls and a substantially linear end-wall. In this embodiment, the annular ring 44 has a cross section of three sides of a rectangle. In another embodiment, the annular ring 44 has two substantially linear sidewalls that intersect at an angle. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the annular ring 44 has a generally V-shaped cross section.

[0124] The annular ring 44 may have any predetermined depth. In one embodiment, the depth is at least approximately 0.03 inches. In another embodiment, the depth is at least approximately 0.04 inches. In still another embodiment, the depth is at least approximately 0.045 inches. In yet another embodiment, the depth is at least approximately 0.05 inches. Optionally, the depth of the annular ring 44 may be related to a diameter of the neck portion of the metallic bottle 36. Accordingly, for a bottle 36 with a smaller diameter the depth is at least approximately 0.04 inches and for a second bottle with a larger diameter, the depth is at least approximately 0.05 inches. In one embodiment, the depth is less than a depth of a skirt 30 of bottles 2 of the prior art. In another embodiment, the depth is between approximately 0.03 inches and about 0.08 inches.

[0125] In one embodiment, a portion of the neck 38A above the annular ring 44 has a diameter that is about equal to a diameter of a portion of the neck 38B below the annular ring 44. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the annular ring 44 is formed in a portion of the neck 38 with a substantially uniform diameter. More specifically, the annular ring 44 may be formed in a portion of the neck 38 that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bottle 36. Thus, in one embodiment, the neck portion 38A is generally parallel to the neck portion 38B.

[0126] In one embodiment, when the bottle 36 is formed a metal, the annular ring 44 can be formed by spin shaping the neck portion 38. In this manner, the annular ring 44 can be formed without expanding the neck portion 38 outwardly or die necking the neck portion inwardly. In one embodiment, the annular ring 44 is formed in a single operation by a metal forming tool. In one embodiment, the metal forming tool is a roller.

[0127] Optionally, in another embodiment, the annular ring 44 can be formed by necking the neck portion 38 of a bottle 36. Spinning tools, such as rollers, are subsequently pressed against predetermined portions of the neck 38. More specifically, and referring now to FIG. 12, after the bottle threads 40 are formed, the neck portion 38 has a first diameter. The neck portion 38A below the bottle threads 40 may be necked to a reduced diameter as generally illustrated in FIG. 13. In one embodiment, the bottle neck 38A of FIG. 13 is about half-way between the first diameter of neck portion 38 of FIG. 12 and an interior diameter of the annular ring 44 to be formed.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 14, rollers 56 then press against predetermined portions of the neck portion 38 to form the annular ring 44. In one embodiment, an exterior roller 56A applies a force to an exterior surface of the neck portion 38 substantially centered on a centerline of the annular ring 44 being formed. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more interior rollers 56B. 56C apply a force to interior surfaces of the neck portion 38 above and below the centerline of the annular ring 44.

[0129] As generally illustrated in FIG. 14, an upper portion 38A of the bottle neck has a first diameter, the annular ring 44 has a second diameter, and a lower portion 38B of the bottle neck below the annular ring has a third diameter. In one embodiment, the first and third diameters are approximately equal.

[0130] The rollers 56 may be the same as, or similar to, thread rollers 54 of capping apparatus 48. Accordingly, the rollers 56 can be operable to rotate in one or more directions around an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the metallic bottle 36. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the rollers 56 may be operable to rotate around the circumference of the metallic bottle 36 while applying a predetermined force to the neck portion 38. Examples of thread rollers and methods of forming threads on containers are described in U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2015/0225107 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0131] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15B, a tamper evidence device 74 of another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The tamper evidence device 74 is a pilfer overcap 100. The pilfer overcap 100 generally includes a closed end-wall 102, a sidewall 104 extending from the end-wall, and a protrusion 106. The protrusion 106 extends inwardly from the sidewall 104. In one embodiment, the protrusion 106 is oriented to align with an annular ring 44 of a bottle 36 sealed by a ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the sidewall 104 has a shape that is generally cylindrical. In one embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 is made of at least one of a plastic, a metal, and a paper. In another embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 is rigid.

[0132] Optionally, in one embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 includes a grasping element 108 associated with a tear panel 112. When the tear panel 102 is opened by a force received from the grasping element 108, the pilfer overcap 100 may be removed from a bottle 36 on which it is positioned.

[0133] In one embodiment, the tear panel 112 is defined by a portion of the pilfer overcap 100 adapted to sever or tear in response to a force. More specifically, in one embodiment, the tear panel 112 is defined by at least one score 114. The score 114 can comprise a portion of the closed end-wall 102 having a reduced thickness. In another embodiment, the score 114 comprises a plurality of perforations through the closed end-wall 102. Optionally, the tear panel 112 is formed by two scores 114. The size and shape of the tear panel 112 can vary from that depicted in FIG. 15A. In one embodiment, the tear panel 112 extends to at least a portion of the sidewall 104.

[0134] The grasping element 108, in one embodiment, is a portion of the tear panel 112 that extends from the pilfer overcap 100. Optionally, the grasping element 108 can have an aperture 110. In another embodiment, the grasping element 108 is interconnected to the tear panel 112. Optionally, the grasping element 108 is a pull tab.

[0135] Referring now to FIG. 16, when a pilfer overcap 100 is positioned on a bottle 36 sealed with a ROPP closure 58, a protrusion 106 of the pilfer overcap fits at least partially into the bottle annular ring 44. In one embodiment, the protrusion 106 has a cross-sectional shape that substantially corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the annular ring 44. Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 106 is generally that of a semi-circle. In another embodiment, contact between the protrusion 106 and the annular ring 44 prevents removal of the pilfer overcap 100 from the bottle 36.

[0136] The pilfer overcap 100 is configured to cover at least a portion of the ROPP closure 58. In one embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 covers at least a body portion 62 of the ROPP closure. In another embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 covers at least a portion of a closed end-wall 60 of the ROPP closure. In one embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 covers all of the ROPP closure 58.

[0137] In one embodiment, the ROPP closure 58 cannot be rotated in the opening direction while the pilfer overcap 100 is positioned on the bottle 36. In another embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 prevents removal of the ROPP closure 58 from the bottle 36. In still another embodiment, the pilfer overcap 100 cannot be removed from the bottle 36 without visibly altering the pilfer overcap 100. Accordingly, a user must tear or damage the pilfer overcap 100 to obtain access to the ROPP closure 58.

[0138] The pilfer overcap 100 can be sized for use with any ROPP closure 58A, 58B, 58C of the present invention. Accordingly, when a ROPP closure 58C with a curl 72 is used to seal bottle 36, the sidewall 104 may have a greater diameter to accommodate a diameter of the curl 72.

[0139] A pilfer overcap 100 may be positioned on a bottle 36 by a capping apparatus 48 of the present invention. More specifically, after a thread roller 54 of the capping apparatus 48 forms closure threads 64 on a ROPP closure 58 to seal the bottle 36, the capping apparatus 48 can position the pilfer overcap 100 on the bottle 36. In one embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 can form a score 114 in the pilfer overcap 100. Accordingly, the capping apparatus 48 may optionally include a cutting tool to form the score 114. In one embodiment, the capping apparatus 48 forms the score 114 after the pilfer overcap 100 is positioned on the bottle 36. In this manner, the pilfer overcap 100 may be positioned on the bottle 36 without inadvertent or unintended alteration or fracture of the score 114. In another embodiment, the score is pre-formed on the pilfer overcap 100 prior to placement of the overcap on a bottle 36. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a pilfer overcap 100 is positioned on a bottle 36 by equipment downstream from the capping apparatus 48.

[0140] Optionally, two or more pilfer overcaps 100 can be interconnected. In this manner, the interconnected pilfer overcaps 100 can be used to carry two or more bottles 36. More specifically, two or more pilfer overcaps 100 can be interconnected to form a carrier for two or more bottles 36. In one embodiment, six pilfer overcaps 100 can be joined together such that a six-pack of bottles 36 can be transported together. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of pilfer overcaps 100 can be interconnected.

[0141] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.

[0142] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to the present invention or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.