A TAMPER-EVIDENT CLOSURE

Abstract

A tamper-evident closure (1) for a container, the closure comprising: a shell comprising a first shell part (3A) and a second shell part (3B); and a tamper-evident overcap, the overcap comprising a cap (4A) which is fixed to the exterior of the first shell part and a tamper-evident member (4B) which is releasably connected to the cap (4A) and releasably located around the exterior of at least part of the second shell part (3B), such that the first and second shell parts (3A, 3B) cannot be separated unless the member (4B) is released, and thereafter the cap (4A) is removable together with the first shell part (3A).

Claims

1. A tamper-evident closure for a container, the tamper-evident closure comprising: a shell comprising a first shell part and a second shell part; and a tamper-evident overcap, the tamper-evident overcap comprising a cap which is fixed to the exterior of the first shell part and a tamper-evident member which is releasably connected to the cap and releasably secured around the exterior of at least part of the second shell part; wherein the first and second shell parts cannot be separated before the tamper-evident member is released; wherein after the tamper-evident member is released the cap is removable together with the first shell part.

2. (canceled)

3. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first portion including inner and outer parts, and a second portion, the first portion being connected or connectable to the second portion and removable therefrom, the outer part movable relative to the inner part upon first opening of the tamper-evident closure from a first position to a second position, and means for preventing the outer part from returning to the first position.

4. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 3, in which the outer part is movable relative to the inner part from a first position in which the outer part is adjacent the second shell part to a second position in which there is a gap there-between, the tamper-evident closure comprising locking means for locking the outer part in the second position upon first opening of the tamper-evident closures so that the gap cannot easily be closed.

5. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 3, in which the tamper-evident closure includes means for preventing the inner part from moving relative to the second portion until the outer part has reached the second position.

6. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 3, in which the tamper-evident closure comprises a ratchet arrangement for preventing return to the first position.

7. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the first and second shell parts are joined by a line of weakness when the tamper-evident closure is in the unopened state.

8. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 3, in which the gap is one of: obstructed, unobstructed.

9. (canceled)

10. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the tamper-evident member is frangibly connected to the cap.

11. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the tamper-evident member includes anti-rotation features for engaging corresponding anti-rotation features on the second shell part.

12. (canceled)

13. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the cap is friction fitted onto the first shell part.

14. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the first shell part is rotatable relative to the second shell part to open the tamper-evident closure.

15. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the second portion is attachable to a container.

16. (canceled)

17. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the tamper-evident member is a tamper-evident band.

18-24. (canceled)

25. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1, in which when the tamper-evident closure is in the unopened state, the overcap prevents at least one of: axial separation of the first and second shell parts and relative rotation of the first and second shell parts.

26-30. (canceled)

31. The tamper-evident closure as claimed in claim 1 and a container.

32. A tamper-evident overcap for use with a closure, the closure having a shell comprising a first shell part and a second shell part, the tamper-evident overcap comprising a cap which is fixable to the exterior of the first shell part of the closure and a tamper-evident member which is releasably connected to the cap and releasably securable to the exterior of the second shell part whereby when the tamper-evident overcap is arranged for use on the closure, the first and second shell parts cannot be separated before the tamper-evident member is released, and after the tamper-evident member is released the cap is removable together with the first shell part.

33-34. (canceled)

Description

[0040] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a side view of a closure formed according to the present invention and shown in a fully closed position;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 1 shown with a tamper-evident band partially removed;

[0043] FIG. 3 shows the closure with the tamper-evident band fully removed;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the closure of FIG. 3;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the closure of FIG. 4 shown with a cap partially removed;

[0046] FIG. 6 shows the closure of FIG. 5 with the cap fully removed;

[0047] FIG. 7 shows the closure of FIG. 6 with the cap replaced;

[0048] FIG. 8A is a side view of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment shown in an unopened state;

[0049] FIG. 8B is a side view of the closure of FIG. 8A with a tamper-evident member released;

[0050] FIG. 8C is a side view of the closure of FIG. 8B with a cap removed;

[0051] FIG. 8D is a side view of the closure of FIG. 8C with the cap replaced;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a side view of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and shown in a fully assembled state;

[0053] FIG. 10 shows the closure of FIG. 9 at a partially assembled stage;

[0054] FIG. 11 shows the closure of FIG. 10 as an overcap is received to complete an assembly process;

[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shell component forming part of the closure of FIG. 9;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a cut-away section of the shell of FIG. 12;

[0057] FIG. 14 is a side view of a gap generating mechanism forming part of the closure of FIG. 9;

[0058] FIG. 15 is a section of the closure of FIG. 9;

[0059] FIG. 16 is a side view of an overcap component forming part of the closure of FIG. 9;

[0060] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the overcap of FIG. 16;

[0061] FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of the overcap of FIG. 16;

[0062] FIG. 19 is a side view of a shell component forming part of the closure of FIG. 9;

[0063] FIG. 20 shows a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and fitted to a container neck;

[0064] FIG. 21 shows the closure of FIG. 20 with a tamp-evident member partly removed;

[0065] FIG. 22 shows the closure of FIG. 21 with the member fully removed;

[0066] FIG. 23 is a section of a closure illustrating a gap forming mechanism suitable for us in conjunction with the present invention in a first, unopened position;

[0067] FIG. 24 is a section of the closure of FIG. 23 shown in a second, opened position;

[0068] FIG. 25 is a side elevation of the opened closure shown in FIG. 24;

[0069] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second portion of the closure;

[0070] FIG. 27 is an underside perspective view of the second portion shown in FIG. 26;

[0071] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a first portion inner part of the closure;

[0072] FIG. 29 is an underside perspective view of the inner part of FIG. 28;

[0073] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the inner part shown in FIG. 28;

[0074] FIG. 31 is an underside perspective view of a first portion outer part of the closure;

[0075] FIG. 32 is an under planned view of the outer part of FIG. 31;

[0076] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a valve housing forming part of the closure;

[0077] FIG. 34 is a further perspective view of the valve housing of FIG. 33;

[0078] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a valve member forming part of the closure;

[0079] FIG. 36 is a further perspective view of the valve member of FIG. 8A;

[0080] FIG. 37 is a side elevation of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and also illustrating a gap generating mechanism suitable for use in the present invention;

[0081] FIG. 38 is a section of the closure shown in FIG. 37;

[0082] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the closure of FIGS. 37 and 38 shown in an open position;

[0083] FIG. 40 is a side elevation of the closure of FIG. 39;

[0084] FIG. 41 is a section of the closure shown in FIG. 40;

[0085] FIG. 42 is a section of the closure shown in FIGS. 37 to 41 shown in a closed position following an initial irreversible opening event;

[0086] FIG. 43 is a side elevation of a closure having a further gap generating mechanism and shown in an open position;

[0087] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the closure shown in FIG. 43;

[0088] FIG. 45 is a section of the closure shown in FIGS. 43 and 44;

[0089] FIG. 46 is a section of the closure shown in FIGS. 43 to 45 shown in a closed position following an initial irreversible opening event;

[0090] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of part of a closure body forming part of the closure shown in FIGS. 43 to 46 illustrating connection of an inner part terminal end portion;

[0091] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the closure body shown in FIG. 47;

[0092] FIG. 49 is a plan view of the closure body/end portion shown in FIG. 48;

[0093] FIG. 50 is a section of a closure formed according to a further embodiment; and

[0094] FIG. 51 is an exploded view of the closure of FIG. 50.

[0095] Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a closure generally indicated 1 which is secured onto a container neck 2.

[0096] The closure comprises a shell 2 having a first shell part 3A (not shown) and a second shell part 3B. In this embodiment the shell 2 is formed from metal; in other embodiments a shell formed from a plastics material may, for example, be provided.

[0097] An overcap 4 is provided and fits on top of the first shell part 3A. The overcap 4 includes a cap part 4A and a tamper-evident band 4B. In this embodiment the overcap 4 is formed from a plastics material.

[0098] The cap part 4A is secured to the shell part 3A (in this embodiment by friction and an adhesive) and is frangibly connected to the band 4B at its free end.

[0099] The band 4B includes a generally disc-shape section 4C formed to appear like a seal. Around one side of the seal 4C a frangible line 4D extends.

[0100] The band 4B is removably secured to the shell part 3B, so that the cap part (carried on the shell part 3A) cannot be removed.

[0101] In order to remove the cap part 4A the band 4B must first be released. This is achieved by lifting the seal 4C to cause the line 4D to break as shown in FIG. 2 (in which the shell part 3A can now be seen). The seal 4C can then be pulled to tear it away from the free end of the cap 4A as shown in FIG. 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 also show axial ribs 3C provided on the outer surface of the shell part 3B for engaging corresponding ribs on the band to prevent the band 4B from rotating.

[0102] In FIG. 4 the band is shown completely removed. This allows a user to grasp the cap part 4A and unscrew it (in other embodiment the overcap could, for example, be pulled off rather than unscrewed). The cap part 4A is secured to the shell part 3A so that they co-rotate off the container neck.

[0103] In this embodiment a gap generating mechanism is provided (further details of which are provided below). Accordingly in an initial rotation phase the cap/shell part rotation causes the shell parts to be separated (in this embodiment a frangible line between the parts is initially present and is broken) a gap G to open up between the shell parts as shown in FIG. 5. Continued rotation then causes the cap/shell part to be rotated off the neck as shown in FIG. 6.

[0104] When the cap/shell part are replaced, the gap G between the shell parts remains and cannot be reclosed, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0105] FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a closure 101 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The closure 100 is similar to the closure 1 except that no gap generating mechanism is provided. Therefore the member 104B is removed (FIG. 8B) and the cap/shell part are removed (FIG. 8C); then when the cap/shell part are replaced (FIG. 8D) no gap is provided between the shell parts.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 19 there is shown a closure 201 formed according to a further embodiment and components thereof.

[0107] The closure 201 is similar to the closure 1 and comprises a shell with a removable first part 203A and a second part 203B. The closure also comprises an overcap 204 with a cap 204A and a tamper-evident member 204B. The overcap and shell have, in this embodiment, a diamond knurling pattern on their exterior surface.

[0108] The closure 201 further comprises a gap generating mechanism 205 which fits within the shell 203 (see FIGS. 10, 14 and 15).

[0109] The open end of the shell 202 includes anti-rotation ribs 206 for engaging corresponding ribs 207 on the mechanism body. Location lugs 208 on the inner surface of the shell part 203B grip in a groove 209 formed on the mechanism body. Vertical ribs 204F on the inner surface of the cap 204A grip on to corresponding ribs 203D formed on the exterior surface of the shell part 203A. Ribs 204E on the interior surface of the band 204B engage with ribs 203C on the exterior of the shell part 203B.

[0110] The closure is assembled by fitting the shell 203 over the mechanism 205 as shown in FIG. 10. The overcap 204 is then fitted on as shown in FIG. 11.

[0111] The mode of operation of the closure 201 is generally the same as for the closure 1.

[0112] In FIGS. 20 to 22 a closure 301 formed according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The closure 301 is similar to the closure 1, except that the seal 304C has a frangible line which causes it to be broken it half as shown in FIG. 21. The functioning of the closure is otherwise the same. FIG. 22 also shows co-operating ribs 303C, 304E on the exterior of the shell part 303B and the interior of the band 304B.

[0113] There now follows a description of some gap generating mechanisms which could be used together with the tamper-evident overcap of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 23 there is shown a closure generally indicated 10 secured onto a container neck 15.

[0115] The closure 10 comprises a main body 20, an inner part 25 and an outer part 30. A metal shell 35 forms an outer casing to the closure and is divided into a cylindrical lower part 36 and a cup-shape second part 37. The parts 36, 37 are separated at a split line 40 formed by a cutting process once the shell 35 has been applied to the first and second portions of the closure.

[0116] Together the body 20 and the shell part 36 comprise a second portion and the inner and outer parts plus the shell part 37 comprises a cap-like first portion.

[0117] The main body 20 is fixed onto the container neck 15 by clips 45 which project inwardly and engage under a shoulder 50.

[0118] A valve housing 55 is clipped into the main body 20 and includes a sealing lip 57 which seals against the top surface 16 of the container neck 15.

[0119] A float valve 65 is housed in the housing 55 and can seal against a valve seat 60 to prevent re-filling of the container. A valve control ball 70 is located on top of the float valve 65.

[0120] In use, the second part 37 of the shell 35 is rotated. This unscrews the outer part 30 from the inner part 25. The outer part unscrews until a locking mechanism described in more detail below locks it to the inner part 25. With the outer and inner parts locked together the inner part 25 can then be unscrewed from the main body 20.

[0121] When the cap (shell part 37/outer part 30/inner part 25) is screwed back onto the main body 20, a gap G is formed between the first and second shell parts 36, 37. This is because the outer part 30 cannot be screwed completely back down onto the inner part 25 by virtue of the locking mechanism. In addition, the bottom of the inner part 25 protrudes below the bottom of the outer part 30 so as to be visible in the gap G.

[0122] The gap G formed between the shell parts 36, 37 is unobstructed in the sense that there is no obstruction member trapped between the parts 36, 37.

[0123] Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27 the main body 20 is shown in more detail.

[0124] The body 20 comprises a lower engagement portion 21 and an upper flow regulation portion 22.

[0125] The lower portion 21 comprises a generally cylindrical body having two diametrically opposed windows 21a each of which has at a lower edge a ledge 45 for engagement under the container neck shoulder 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, the interior surface of the lower portion 21a has a plurality of mutually spaced axial ribs 21b which lock onto the outer surface of the container neck in use to prevent relative rotation between the container neck and the body 20.

[0126] The upper portion 22 of the main body 20 is generally frusto-conical in shape and has external screw threads 22a. At the base of the portion 22 where it joins the portion 21, two sets of ratchet teeth 23 are positioned. The teeth 23 engage corresponding teeth on the inner part 25 to prevent it from rotating whilst the outer part 30 is being rotated for the first time in use. Only after the outer part 30 has locked against the inner part 25 can the inner part 25 be rotated relative to the body 20. At the opposite end of the portion 22 a dome-shape flow regulator 22b is positioned in the aperture. The aperture itself is defined by a circumferential pouring lip 22c.

[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 28 to 30 the inner part 25 is shown in more detail.

[0128] The inner part 25 is generally cup-shape with a cylindrical side wall 25a closed at one end by a top plate 25b.

[0129] The interior surface of the open end of the sidewall 25a includes a continuous series of ratchet teeth 25b which engage the ratchets 23 on the main body portion 22.

[0130] The exterior of the sidewall 25a includes two inclined side ramps 26. At the start of each ramp 26 is a locking step 26a the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.

[0131] The sidewall 25a also comprises a pair of ratchet members 27a, 27b adjacent the top plate 25b.

[0132] The exterior surface of the sidewall 25a also comprises a circumferential bead 25c the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.

[0133] The top plate 25b comprises a pair of opposing arcuate ramps 28a, 28b each of which terminates with a locking recess 29a, 29b.

[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32 the outer part 30 is shown in more detail.

[0135] The part 30 is generally cup-shape and comprises a cylindrical side wall 30a and a top plate 30b.

[0136] The exterior of the part 30 comprises a plurality of knurls 30c which help to lock the shell part 37 and to prevent relative rotation.

[0137] The interior of the sidewall 30a comprises a circumferential bead 31 for preventing the outer part 30 being lifted off the inner part by engagement with the corresponding bead 25c.

[0138] The interior of the sidewall 30a also comprises a pair of drive dogs 32 which engage in the ramps 26 of the inner part 25 and ride up them as the outer part 30 is rotated relative to the inner part 25.

[0139] The interior of the side wall 38 also comprises a pair of diametrically opposed ratchet arrangements 33a, 33b designed and positioned to run over and lock onto the corresponding ratchet arrangements 27a, 27b on the inner part 25 to prevent counter rotation.

[0140] The underside of the top plate 30b includes a pair of drive dogs 34a, 34b each of which comprises a main body 38a, 38b and a locking tooth 39a, 39b.

[0141] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34 a valve housing 55 is shown in more detail.

[0142] The housing 55 comprises a generally cylindrical body having a circumferential sealing flange 56 with a depending sealing lip 57 (sometimes referred to as a crabs claw).

[0143] The exterior of the housing includes two circumferential beads 61, 62 which are used to clip the housing into the body 20 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0144] The interior of the housing 55 comprises a valve chamber 58 having four locating ribs 59 and a valve seat 60.

[0145] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36 a float valve 65 is shown in more detail.

[0146] The valve 65 comprises a generally cup-shape body comprising a cylindrical side wall 66 and a recessed top plate 67.

[0147] The operation of the closure will now be described in more detail.

[0148] Initially the body 20 is locked on to the neck 15 be the ribs 21b to prevent axial and rotational movement. The inner part 25 cannot rotate relative to the body 20 by virtue of the ratchets 23, 25b. The shell part 37 cannot rotate relative to the outer part by virtue of the knurls 30c. The outer part 30 cannot be lifted off the inner part 25 by virtue of the locking beads 25c, 31 and by virtue of the drive dogs 32 engaging under the steps 26a

[0149] The shell part 37 is grasped by a user and turned. This causes the outer part 30 to rotate relative to the inner part 25. The drive dogs 32 in the outer part rise up the ramps 26 in the inner part and the drive dogs 34a rise up the ramps 28a, 29a. The ratchets 33a pass over the ratchets 27a, 27b.

[0150] The outer part is caused to rise by 2 mm. At this point continued rotation causes the locking teeth 39a, 39b to drop into the locking recesses 29a, 29b. In addition, the ratchets 33a have rotated beyond the ratchets 27a, 27b. The inner part drops back down by 0.5 mm.

[0151] Continued rotation of the outer part relative to the inner part is not possible because the drive dogs 32 abut against the end of the ramps 26 and the drive dogs 34a, 34b abut against the end of the ramps 28a, 28b.

[0152] In this second position the open end of the outer part 30 has moved axially away from the open end of the inner part 25 to expose the free end of the sidewall 25a.

[0153] Continued rotation of the cap part (the shell part 37, the outer part 30 and in the inner part 25) overcomes the torque required to allow the ratchets 25 to pass over the ratchets 23 which causes the inner part to rotate relative to the body. The internal screw threads 25d on the inner part rise up the external screw threads 22a of the body.

[0154] The cap part can now be lifted off the body 20 to allow the contents of the container to be dispensed.

[0155] The contents are dispensed through the valve housing 55. The valve 65 lifts off the seat 60 as the container is upturned and contents flow out. The valve 65 re-seals against the seat 60 under the weight of the ball 70 when the container is returned to an upright position. This prevents re-filling of the container.

[0156] When the cap part is returned the inner part 25 is screwed back onto the body 20. The inner part screws back down to its original position, but the outer part cannot because it is locked in position both by the axial locking means provided by the drive dogs 34a, 34b and the lateral locking means provided by the ratchets 33a, 33b and 27a, 27b. This means that the gap G is formed between the shell parts 36, 37 with free end of the inner part skirt visible through it. This irreversible opening event provides visual evidence that the closure has been opened at least once. The gap G cannot be closed without destroying the closure.

[0157] Because the gap G between the metal shell parts 36, 37 is not generated by placing an obstruction directly between them, it is not possible to close the gap G by a simple cutting operation.

[0158] By providing the dual axial and lateral ratchet arrangements, re-setting closure back to its original position to close the gap G is prevented. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a similar closure is provided with just an axial ratchet arrangement.

[0159] Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38 there is shown a closure 110 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The closure 110 is similar to the closure 10 illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 36.

[0160] In this embodiment the upper and lower shell parts 136, 137 are initially joined by a plurality of frangible bridges 180 which will break if either: i) the lower shell part 136 is rotated before initial opening; or ii) an attempt is made to pull the top part of the closure off without unscrewing. The bridges therefore serve as an additional tamper-evident feature.

[0161] As seen best in FIG. 38, the inner part 125 of the closure extends beyond the split line 140 and the open end of the outer part to provide a dog-leg shape terminal portion 190 which rests on a shoulder 120a on the main body 120 so that one half 192 of the terminal portion fits beneath the upper end of the lower shell part 136 and the other half 194 fits in the upper shell part 137. Above the shell split line 140 a plurality of frangible bridges (not shown) are formed in the inner part 125 to form a split line 185.

[0162] Referring now to FIGS. 39 to 42, in use, when the closure is opened the shell part 137 is unscrewed in the same way as that described for the closure 10. In this embodiment, however, the unscrewing action breaks both the bridges 180 on the split line 140 and those on the split line 185. The result is that the terminal portion 190 of the inner part remains held on the body so that the half 194 produces a visible upstanding band. When to top cap is replaced, as shown in FIG. 14, the band 194 is visible through the gap G.

[0163] FIGS. 43 to 49 show a closure 210 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The closure is very similar to the closure 110 and includes an extended inner part 225 which has a dog-leg shape terminal portion 290. In this embodiment a split line 285 is formed approximately in line with the split line 240 between the shell parts. The result is that in use instead of a band being retained on the lower part of the closure, the upper half 294 of the terminal portion 290 is removed with the top cap on first opening and projects below the open end of the cap so as to be clearly visible. When the closure is then returned to the closure position (FIG. 18) the portion half 294 is visible in the gap G.

[0164] As shown best in FIGS. 47 to 49, the terminal portion half 292 sits on the body shoulder 220a. The body wall extending from the shoulder 220a carries a plurality of ratchet teeth 295 for engaging a plurality of corresponding teeth 296 formed on the interior surface of the half 292.

[0165] This prevents the half rotating relative to the body 220 in use and ensures breakage of the bridges formed along the split line 285. A similar arrangement is provided for the closure 110.

[0166] In FIGS. 50 and 51 a closure 410 formed according to a further embodiment is shown.

[0167] The closure is very similar to the closure 210 of FIGS. 9 to 19 except that the sleeve upper part (203A) and the outer ratchet part (225) are combined into one component 403A. In other words the upper part of the sleeve 403A also carries the functionality of the outer ratchet part. The functionality of the closure 410 is unchanged.

[0168] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.