ONE-PIECE CLOSURE AND PACKAGE OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

A one-piece closure includes first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a first polymeric top wall portion and a first polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the first polymeric top wall portion. The first polymeric top wall portion includes a continuous wedge seal extending from an inner surface of the first polymeric top wall portion. The continuous wedge seal includes a surface-tension geometric structure being located therein to assist in preventing or inhibiting contents of a container from leaving the one-piece closure when the first closure portion is in an open position. The second closure portion includes a second polymeric top wall portion and a second polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the second polymeric top wall portion. The one-piece closure is adapted to be opened by flipping the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion via a hinge or pivot point.

Claims

1. A one-piece closure comprising: a first closure portion including: a first polymeric top wall portion including a continuous wedge seal extending from an inner surface of the first polymeric top wall portion, the continuous wedge seal including a surface-tension geometric structure being located therein to assist in preventing or inhibiting contents of a container from leaving the one-piece closure when the first closure portion is in an open position, a first polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the first polymeric top wall portion; and a second closure portion including a second polymeric top wall portion and a second polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the second polymeric top wall portion, wherein the one-piece closure is adapted to be opened by flipping the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion via a hinge or pivot point.

2. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal.

3. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal.

4. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the continuous wedge seal is generally circular shaped.

5. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure is a honeycomb structure.

6. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure is a lattice or slat structure.

7. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure is a swirl or a plurality of concentric rings.

8. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein a depth of the surface-tension geometric structure is from about 20 to about 100% of a depth of the continuous wedge seal.

9. The one-piece closure of claim 8, wherein the depth of the surface-tension geometric structure is from about 40 to about 100% of the depth of the continuous wedge seal.

10. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure covers from about 50 to about 100% of an interior area of the continuous wedge seal.

11. The one-piece closure of claim 10, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure covers from about 70 to about 100% of the interior area of the continuous wedge seal.

12. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein a volume-to-surface ratio of the various geometric structure is from about 0.02 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 to about 0.06 in.sup.3/in.sup.2.

13. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the one-piece closure includes a hinge and a tamper-evident component.

14. The one-piece closure of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises at least one polyolefin.

15. A package comprising: a container having a neck portion defining an opening; and a one-piece closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the one-piece closure including a first closure portion and a second closure portion, the first closure portion includes a first polymeric top wall portion and a first polymeric annular skirt portion, the first polymeric top wall portion including a continuous wedge seal extending from an inner surface of the first polymeric top wall portion, the continuous wedge seal including a surface-tension geometric structure being located therein to assist in preventing or inhibiting contents of a container from leaving the one-piece closure when the first closure portion is in an open position, the first polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the first polymeric top wall portion, the second closure portion including a second polymeric top wall portion and a second polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the second polymeric top wall portion, wherein the one-piece closure is adapted to be opened by flipping the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion via a hinge or pivot point.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein the container includes an external thread formation on the neck portion, and wherein the one-piece closure includes an internal thread formation that corresponds with the external thread formation on the neck portion of the container.

17. The package of claim 15, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure is a honeycomb structure.

18. The package of claim 15, wherein a depth of the surface-tension geometric structure is from about 20 to about 100% of a depth of the continuous wedge seal.

19. The package of claim 15, wherein the surface-tension geometric structure covers from about 50 to about 100 percent of an interior area of the continuous wedge seal.

20. A package comprising: a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the container having an external thread formation on the neck portion; a tamper-evident component having an external thread formation and an internal thread formation; and a one-piece closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the one-piece closure including a first closure portion and a second closure portion, the first closure portion includes a first polymeric top wall portion and a first polymeric annular skirt portion, the first polymeric top wall portion including a continuous wedge seal extending from an inner surface of the first polymeric top wall portion, the continuous wedge seal including a surface-tension geometric structure being located therein to assist in preventing or inhibiting contents of a container from leaving the one-piece closure when the first closure portion is in an open position, the first polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the first polymeric top wall portion, the second closure portion including a second polymeric top wall portion and a second polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the second polymeric top wall portion, the one-piece closure including an internal thread formation, wherein the tamper-evident component is adapted to thread onto the external thread formation of the container via the internal thread formation of the tamper-evident component, wherein the one-piece closure is adapted to thread onto the external thread formation of the tamper-evident component container via the internal thread formation of the one-piece closure, wherein the one-piece closure is adapted to be opened by flipping the first closure portion with respect to the second closure portion via a hinge or pivot point.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0034] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 1B is another top perspective view of the package of FIG. 1A in an opened position.

[0036] FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of the package of FIG. 1A in a closed or unopened position.

[0037] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 1D-1D of FIG. 1A.

[0038] FIG. 1E is a bottom perspective view of a continuous wedge seal of the closure shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the continuous wedge seal of the closure of FIG. 1E.

[0040] FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 1G-1G of FIG. 1C.

[0041] FIG. 1H is an enlarged view of generally circular area FIG. 1H shown in FIG. 1G.

[0042] FIG. 1I is an enlarged view of generally oval area FIG. 1I shown in FIG. 1G.

[0043] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to another embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 2B is another top perspective view of the package of FIG. 2A in an opened position.

[0045] FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of the package of FIG. 2A in a closed or unopened position.

[0046] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2D-2D of FIG. 2C.

[0047] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2E-2E of FIG. 1A.

[0048] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to another embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 3B is another top perspective view of the package of FIG. 3A in an opened position.

[0050] FIG. 3C is a top perspective view of the package of FIG. 3A in a closed or unopened position.

[0051] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3D-3D of FIG. 3C.

[0052] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3E-3E of FIG. 3A.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to a further embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to yet another embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to yet another embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a package including a closure and a container with the closure in an opened position according to a further embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of a closure according to another embodiment.

[0058] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention 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

[0059] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a one-piece closure 10 in a package 100 with a container 108 according to one embodiment. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the package 100 in an open position, while FIG. 1C shows the package 100 in a closed position. FIG. 1G shows a cross-sectional view of the package 100 taken generally along line 1G-1G of FIG. 1C with the one-piece closure 10 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the package 100 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 10, the container 108, and a tamper-evident component 60. The one-pieces closures are shown in conjunction with container 108, but it is contemplated that other containers may be used.

[0060] The one-piece closure 10 of FIGS. 1A-IC is generally cylindrically shaped. The one-piece closures of the present invention are configured to be placed on a container or bottle that contain product. The product is typically a liquid product, but also may be a solid product or a combination of a liquid and solid product. The one-piece closure may be configured to remain with the container so as to reduce environmental waste. It is contemplated that in other embodiments that the one-piece polymeric closure may be removable from the container. The one-piece closure is desirably lightweight.

[0061] Referring back to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1G, the one-piece closure 10 includes a first closure portion or lid 12 and a second closure portion or base 14. The first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 18. The hinge 18 may be continuous and of one integral component. It is contemplated that the hinge may be a plurality of hinges to assist in moving the first closure portion and the second closure portion with respect to each other. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of a hinge.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1G, the first closure portion 12 includes a first polymeric top wall portion 22 and a first polymeric annular skirt portion 24. The first polymeric annular skirt portion 24 depends from the first polymeric top wall portion 22. The second closure portion 14 includes a second polymeric top wall portion 40 and a second polymeric annular skirt portion 42. The second polymeric annular skirt portion 42 depends from the second polymeric top wall portion 40.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, the first polymeric top wall portion 22 includes a continuous wedge seal 26 extending from an inner surface 22a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 26 works in conjunction with a slanted extension 28 of the second closure portion 14 to form a continuous wedge seal (see FIGS. 1G, 1H). The continuous wedge seal 26 and the slanted extension 28 provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed. For example, in this embodiment, one tamper-evident feature is a removable pull ring 62. The continuous wedge seal 26 is sized and located such that a sufficient seal is formed with the slanted extension 28 of the second closure portion 14. It is contemplated that continuous wedge seal may form a seal with a straight or generally straight extension.

[0064] The continuous wedge seal 26 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped. It is contemplated that the continuous wedge seal may be other shapes-both polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. The continuous wedge seal is typically integrally formed with the remainder of the first closure portion or lid.

[0065] The continuous wedge seal includes a surface-tension geometric structure being located therein to assist in preventing or inhibiting contents of a container from leaving the one-piece closure when the first closure portion is in an open position. The surface-tension geometric structure in one embodiment extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal. In another embodiment, the surface-tension geometric structure occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal. In a further embodiment, the surface-tension geometric structure extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal.

[0066] In the one-piece closure 10, the surface-tension geometric structure 70 located in the continuous wedge seal 26 is a honeycomb structure. This is shown best in FIGS. 1D, 1E. The surface-tension geometric structure 70 includes a plurality of hexagonal shaped areas 70a that each enclose a respective area 70b. Each of these areas 70b is configured to contain product therein, which assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 12 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 70b due to surface tension of the hexagonal shaped walls 70a. The surface-tension geometric structure 70 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 26 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 26.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1D, the surface-tension geometric structure 70 has a depth D1 that extends from the inner surface 22a of the first polymeric top wall portion 22. The depth D1 of the surface-tension geometric structure 70 is from about 0.1 to about 0.4 inch in one embodiment. The depth D1 of the surface-tension geometric structure 70 is from about 0.2 to about 0.4 inch in another embodiment.

[0068] The depth D1 of the surface-tension geometric structure 70 is from about 20 to about 100% of a depth D2 of the continuous wedge seal 26 in one embodiment. The depth D1 of the surface-tension geometric structure 70 is from about 30 to about 100% of the depth D2 of the continuous wedge seal 26 in another embodiment. The depth D1 of the surface-tension geometric structure 70 is from about 40 to about 80% of the depth D2 of the continuous wedge seal 26 in a further embodiment.

[0069] The depth of a surface-tension geometric structures is from about 20 to about 100% of a depth of the continuous wedge seal in one embodiment. The depth of the surface-tension geometric structures is from about 30 to about 100% of the depth of the continuous wedge seal in another embodiment. The depth of the surface-tension geometric structures is from about 40 to about 100% of the depth of the continuous wedge seal in a further embodiment. The depth of a surface-tension geometric structures is from about 50 to about 100% of a depth of the continuous wedge seal in yet another embodiment. The depth of the surface-tension geometric structures is from about 60 to about 100% of the depth of the continuous wedge seal in yet another embodiment.

[0070] The surface geometric structures in one embodiment would cover from about 50 to about 100% of an interior area of a continuous wedge seal. The surface geometric structures in another embodiment would cover from about 60 to about 100% of the interior area of the continuous wedge seal. The surface geometric structures in a further embodiment would cover from about 70 to about 100% of the interior area of the continuous wedge seal. The surface geometric structures in yet a further embodiment would cover from about 80 to about 100% of the interior area of the continuous wedge seal.

[0071] The surface geometric structures have a ratio of a total volume that could be potentially filled with a liquid divided by the total surface area that the liquid could potentially contact. Thus, in the honeycomb example, the volume of an individual hexagon is calculated and then divided by the total area of the bottom and the six sides of the hexagon. The volume-to-surface ratio of the various geometric structures is generally from about 0.02 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 to about 0.06 in.sup.3/in.sup.2. The volume-to-surface ratio of the various geometric structures is from about 0.02 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 to about 0.05 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 in another embodiment. The volume-to-surface ratio of the various geometric structures is generally from about 0.03 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 to about 0.05 in.sup.3/in.sup.2 in a further embodiment.

[0072] It is contemplated that the honeycomb structure may be formed of other polygonal or non-polygonal shapes therein other than a hexagon. For example, a honeycomb structure may be a polygonal shape such as, for example, a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, etc. The honeycomb structure may be non-polygonal shapes such as, for example, circle, oval, spiral, and other curved shapes.

[0073] It is also contemplated that other surface-tension geometric structures may be used other than a honeycomb structure. Some non-limiting examples are shown in FIGS. 2-7, which will be discussed below.

[0074] Referring back to FIGS. 1C and 1G, to assist a user in opening the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14, the first polymeric annular skirt portion 24 includes a lift extension 36. The lift extension 36 of FIGS. 1C, 1G is shaped and sized for a user to grasp when opening the one-piece closure 10. The lift extension 36 is generally located opposite of the hinge 18.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 1G, the first polymeric annular skirt portion 24 includes an internal thread formation 50 that extends from an inner surface 24a thereof. In this embodiment, the thread formation 50 is threaded onto the tamper-evident component 60 that includes a removable pull ring 62 to seal the components. The removable pull ring 62 is removed to gain access to an opening 106 (FIGS. 1A, 1B) and the contents of the container 108. The removable pull ring 62 is one of the tamper-evident features in the one-piece closure 10.

[0076] The tamper-evident component 60 in this embodiment is a separate component from the one-piece closure 10 and the container 108. It is noted that the tamper-evident component 60 of FIG. 1G is not shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B since the tamper-evident component 60 has been removed. It is contemplated that the tamper-evident component may be integrally combined with the one-piece closure, for example, such as shown in a closure 810 in FIG. 8, which will be discussed below.

[0077] Referring back to FIGS. 1G, 1I, the tamper-evident component 60 includes an external thread formation 64 on an outer surface 60a that works in conjunction with the internal thread formation 50 for threading the one-piece closure 10 onto the tamper-evident component 60. The tamper-evident component 60 also includes an internal thread formation 68 on an inner surface 60b that works in conjunction with a thread formation 104 of the container 108 for threading the tamper-evident component 60 onto a neck portion or finish 102 of the container 108. The tamper-evident component 60 also includes a tamper-evident feature 70 that works in conjunction with an A-collar 116 of the container 108 to assist in preventing repositioning of the tamper-evident component 60.

[0078] The external and internal thread formations may include a first lead and a second lead. The first and second leads are referred collectively as a double lead thread. Each of the first and second leads is continuous. The first positions of the first and second leads may be located roughly 180 degrees apart from each other and, thus, begin on generally opposing sides. The external and internal thread formation may be a helical thread formation.

[0079] It is contemplated that the first and second leads may be discontinuous. It is also contemplated that the thread formations may differ from a helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other internal thread formations may be used. For example, the internal thread formation may include a triple-threaded structure having first, second and third leads.

[0080] The removable pull ring 62 is configured to be removed from the tamper-evident component 60 by its perimeter that includes a thinned tearable section 74. The thinned tearable section 74 generally has from about 5 to about 30 percent of the thickness of the remainder of the removable pull ring 62. This assists the user in removing the removable pull ring 62 without an undue force, while still preventing or inhibiting inadvertent removal of the removable pull ring 62. To remove the pull ring, a user grasps the removable pull ring 62 and, more specifically, grasps a ring portion of the removable pull ring 62. After grasping the ring portion, the user pulls with sufficient force to break the thinned tearable section 74 that extends around the perimeter of the removable pull ring 62.

[0081] In another embodiment, foil or other tamper-evident feature may be used to close and seal up an opening formed in a finish of a container. The opening allows the contents or product to be removed from the container.

[0082] The container 108 is shown with respect to the one-piece closure 10 in FIGS. 1A-1C, 1G. The container 108 includes the neck portion 102 that defines the opening 106. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes the external thread formation 104, an A-collar 116, and a transfer collar 110. The A-collar 116 prevents or inhibits the tamper-evident component 60 from being lifting upwardly and away from the container 108. A top surface 118 of the neck portion 102 forms a top seal with the tamper-evident structure 60.

[0083] The external thread formation 104 includes a first finish lead and a second finish lead. The first and second finish leads may extend in a helical fashion. Each of the first and second finish leads may be discontinuous.

[0084] In another embodiment, the first positions of the first and second finish leads are located roughly 180 degrees apart from each other and, thus, begin on opposing sides of the neck portion of the container. When opening the container, a first closure lead is desirably in contact with the first finish lead and the second closure lead is desirably in contact with the second finish lead. It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may have discontinuous leads. It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may be different than depicted in FIG. 1G.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E, a one-piece polymeric closure 210 in a package 200 with the container 108 is shown according to another embodiment. The one-piece closure 210 is identical to the closure 10, except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the package 200 in an open position, while FIG. 2C shows the package 200 in a closed position. FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the package 200 taken generally along line 2D-2D of FIG. 2C with the one-piece polymeric closure 210 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the package 200 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 210, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the one-piece polymeric closure 210 includes a first closure portion or lid 212 and a second closure portion or base 214. The first closure portion 212 and the second closure portion 214 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 218. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of a hinge.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 2D, the first closure portion 212 includes a first polymeric top wall portion 222 and a first polymeric annular skirt portion 224. The first polymeric annular skirt portion 224 depends from the first polymeric top wall portion 222. The second closure portion 214 includes a second polymeric top wall portion 240 and a second polymeric annular skirt portion 242. The second polymeric annular skirt portion 242 depends from the second polymeric top wall portion 240.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E, the first polymeric top wall portion 222 includes a continuous wedge seal 226 extending from an inner surface 222a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 226 works in conjunction with a slanted extension 228 of the second closure portion 214 to form a continuous wedge seal (see FIG. 2D). The continuous wedge seal 226 and the slanted extension 228 provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 226 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped. It is contemplated that the extension may be straight or generally straight.

[0089] In the one-piece closure 210, the surface-tension geometric structure 270 located in the continuous wedge seal 226 is a lattice or slat structure. This is shown best in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E. The surface-tension geometric structure 270 includes a plurality of horizontal slats 270a and a vertical slat 270b. The plurality of horizontal slats 270a and the vertical slat 270b form areas 270c. Each of these areas 270c assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 212 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 270c due to surface tension of the plurality of horizontal slats 270a and the vertical slat 270b. The surface-tension geometric structure 270 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 226 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 226.

[0090] The surface-tension geometric structure 270 has a depth D3 that extends from the inner surface 222a of the first polymeric top wall portion 222. The depth D3 of the surface-tension geometric structure 270 is from about 0.1 to about 0.3 inch in one embodiment. The depth D3 of the surface-tension geometric structure 270 is from about 0.15 to about 0.2 inch in another embodiment. The depth D3 of the surface-tension geometric structure 270 is from about 20 to about 100% of the depth D4 of the continuous wedge seal 26 in one embodiment. The depth D3 of the surface-tension geometric structure 270 is from about 30 to about 100% of the depth D4 of the continuous wedge seal 226 in another embodiment. The depth D3 of the surface-tension geometric structure 270 is from about 40 to about 100% of the depth D4 of the continuous wedge seal 226 in a further embodiment.

[0091] It is contemplated that the number of horizontal slats and the vertical slats may vary. It is contemplated that the slats may be formed in a combination of horizontal, vertical, diagonal slats, or any combination thereof.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, a one-piece polymeric closure 310 in a package 300 with the container 108 is shown according to a further embodiment. The closure 310 is identical to the closures 10, 210 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the package 300 in an open position, while FIG. 3C illustrates the package 300 in a closed position. FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional view of the package 300 taken generally along line 3D-3D of FIG. 3C with the one-piece polymeric closure 310 in a closed position. In this embodiment, the package 300 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 310, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the one-piece polymeric closure 310 includes a first closure portion or lid 312 and a second closure portion or base 314. The first closure portion 312 and the second closure portion 314 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 318. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of another hinge.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 3D, the first closure portion 312 includes a first polymeric top wall portion 322 and a first polymeric annular skirt portion 324. The first polymeric annular skirt portion 324 depends from the first polymeric top wall portion 322. The second closure portion 314 includes a second polymeric top wall portion 340 and a second polymeric annular skirt portion 342. The second polymeric annular skirt portion 342 depends from the second polymeric top wall portion 340.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, the first polymeric top wall portion 322 includes a continuous wedge seal 326 extending from an inner surface 322a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 326 works in conjunction with a slanted extension 328 of the second closure portion 314 to form a continuous wedge seal (see FIG. 3D). The continuous wedge seal 326 and the slanted extension 328 provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 326 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped.

[0096] In the one-piece closure 310, the surface-tension geometric structure 370 located in the continuous wedge seal 326 is a lattice or slat structure. This is shown best in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E. The surface-tension geometric structure 370 includes a plurality of horizontal slats 370a and a vertical slat 370b. The horizontal slats 370a and the vertical slat 370b extend further from an inner surface 322a than the horizontal slates 270a and the vertical slat 270b of FIG. 2.

[0097] The plurality of horizontal slats 370a and the vertical slat 370b form areas 370c. Each of these areas 370c assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 312 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 370c due to surface tension of the wall forming the plurality of horizontal slats 370a and the vertical slat 370b. The surface-tension geometric structure 370 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 326 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 326.

[0098] The surface-tension geometric structure 370 has a depth D5 that extends from the inner surface 322a of the first polymeric top wall portion 322. The depth D5 of the surface-tension geometric structure 370 is from about 0.2 to about 0.4 inch in one embodiment. The depth D5 of the surface-tension geometric structure 370 is from about 0.25 to about 0.35 inch in another embodiment. The depth D5 of the surface-tension geometric structure 370 is from about 30 to about 100% of the depth D6 of the continuous wedge seal 326 in one embodiment. The depth D5 of the surface-tension geometric structure 370 is from about 40 to about 100% of the depth D6 of the continuous wedge seal 326 in another embodiment. The depth D5 of the surface-tension geometric structure 370 is from about 50 to about 80% of the depth D6 of the continuous wedge seal 326 in a further embodiment.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, a one-piece closure 410 in a package 400 with the container 108 according to one embodiment. The one-piece closure 410 is identical to the one-piece closures 10, 210, 310 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIG. 4 shows the package 400 in an open position. The package 400 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 410, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0100] Referring still to FIG. 4, the one-piece polymeric closure 410 includes a first closure portion or lid 412 and a second closure portion or base 414. The first closure portion or lid 412 and the second closure portion or base 414 are the same as described above with the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 414 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. The first closure portion 412 and the second closure portion 414 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 418. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of a hinge.

[0101] A first polymeric top wall portion 422 includes a continuous wedge seal 426 extending from an inner surface 422a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 426 works in conjunction with a slanted extension of the second closure portion 414 to form a continuous wedge seal. The continuous wedge seal 426 and the slanted extension provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 426 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped.

[0102] In the one-piece closure 410, the surface-tension geometric structure 470 located in the continuous wedge seal 426 is a slat structure. The surface-tension geometric structure 470 includes a plurality of horizontal slats 470a. The plurality of horizontal slats 470a forms areas 470b therebetween. Each of these areas 470b assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 412 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 470b due to surface tension of the walls forming the plurality of horizontal slats 470a. The surface-tension geometric structure 470 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 426 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 426. It is contemplated that the slat structure may be of different sizes and shapes with areas formed between these slats. The depths of the horizontal slats 410 are the same or similar to the above discussed depths of the surface-tension geometric structures.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, a one-piece polymeric closure 510 in a package 500 with the container 108 according to one embodiment. The closure 510 is identical to the closures 10, 210, 310, 410 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIG. 5 illustrates the package 500 in an open position. The package 500 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 510, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0104] Referring still to FIG. 5, the one-piece polymeric closure 510 includes a first closure portion or lid 512 and a second closure portion or base 514. The first closure portion or lid 512 and the second closure portion or base 514 are the same as described above with the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. The first closure portion 512 and the second closure portion 514 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 518. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of a hinge.

[0105] A first polymeric top wall portion 522 includes a continuous wedge seal 526 extending from an inner surface 522a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 526 works in conjunction with a slanted extension of the second closure portion 514 to form a continuous wedge seal. The continuous wedge seal 526 and the slanted extension provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 526 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped.

[0106] In the one-piece closure 510, the surface-tension geometric structure 570 located in the continuous wedge seal 526 is a swirl structure. The swirls or swirl segments 570a forms areas 570b therebetween. Each of these areas 570b assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 512 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 570b due to surface tension between the walls forming the swirl 570a. The surface-tension geometric structure 570 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 526 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 526. It is contemplated that the swirls may be continuous in nature instead a number of swirls 570a shown in FIG. 5.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 6, a one-piece closure 610 in a package 600 with the container 108 according to one embodiment. The closure 610 is identical to the closures 10, 210, 310, 410, 510 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIG. 6 illustrates the package 600 in an open position. The package 600 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 610, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0108] Referring still to FIG. 6, the one-piece polymeric closure 610 includes a first closure portion or lid 612 and a second closure portion or base 614. The first closure portion or lid 612 and the second closure portion or base 614 are the same as described above with the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. The first closure portion 612 and the second closure portion 614 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 618. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of another hinge.

[0109] A first polymeric top wall portion 622 includes a continuous wedge seal 626 extending from an inner surface 622a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 626 works in conjunction with a slanted extension of the second closure portion 614 to form a continuous wedge seal. The continuous wedge seal 626 and the slanted extension provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 626 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped.

[0110] In the one-piece closure 610, the surface-tension geometric structure 670 located in the continuous wedge seal 626 is a plurality of concentric rings 670a. The concentric rings 670a are generally oval or tear-shaped and form areas 670b therebetween. Each of these areas 670b assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 612 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 670b due to surface tension between the walls forming the concentric rings 670a. The surface-tension geometric structure 670 extends completely across or substantially across the continuous wedge seal 626 and occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 626.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7, a one-piece polymeric closure 710 in a package 700 with the container 108 according to one embodiment. The closure 710 is identical to the closures 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. FIG. 7 illustrates the package 700 in an open position. The package 700 includes three componentsthe one-piece polymeric closure 710, the container 108 and the tamper-evident component 60.

[0112] Referring still to FIG. 7, the one-piece closure 710 includes a first closure portion or lid 712 and a second closure portion or base 714. The first closure portion or lid 712 and the second closure portion or base 714 are the same as described above with the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 except for the surface-tension geometric structure. The first closure portion 712 and the second closure portion 714 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge 718. In another embodiment, a first closure portion and a second closure portion may be flipped using a pivot point instead of another hinge.

[0113] A first polymeric top wall portion 722 includes a continuous wedge seal 726 extending from an inner surface 722a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 726 works in conjunction with a slanted extension of the second closure portion 714 to form a continuous wedge seal. The continuous wedge seal 726 and the slanted extension provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature is removed as discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 726 is generally circular shaped or circular shaped.

[0114] In the one-piece closure 710, the surface-tension geometric structure 770 located in the continuous wedge seal 726 comprises a plurality of geometric projections 770a. The plurality of geometric projections 770a are shown as hexagonal projections. It is contemplated, however, that other polygonal shapes and non-polygonal shapes may be used. The geometric projections 770a form areas 770b therein and also have areas 770c formed between adjacent geometric projections 770a. Each of these areas 770b, 770c assists in preventing or inhibiting product from dripping out from the first closure portion or lid 712 during pouring. The product remains in these areas 770b due to surface tension between the walls forming the geometric projections 770a. The surface-tension geometric structure occupies a substantial amount of an interior space of the continuous wedge seal 726.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, a one-piece polymeric closure 810 is illustrated in a closed position. The one-piece closure 810 is configured to be threaded directly onto a container. One non-limiting example of a container that may be used is container 108. The one-piece polymeric closure 810 is generally cylindrically shaped.

[0116] The one-piece polymeric closure 810 includes a first closure portion or lid 812 and a second closure portion or base 814. The first closure portion 812 and the second closure portion 814 are adapted to be flipped with respect to each other via a hinge. The first closure portion 812 includes a first polymeric top wall portion 822 and a first polymeric annular skirt portion 824. The first polymeric annular skirt portion 824 depends from the first polymeric top wall portion 822. The second closure portion 814 includes a second polymeric top wall portion 840 and a second polymeric annular skirt portion 842. The second polymeric annular skirt portion 842 depends from the second polymeric top wall portion 840.

[0117] The first polymeric top wall portion 822 includes a continuous wedge seal 826 extending from an inner surface 822a thereof according to one embodiment. The continuous wedge seal 826 works in conjunction with a slanted extension 828 of the second closure portion 814 to form a continuous wedge seal. This is similar to the continuous wedge seal 26 and the slanted extension 28 discussed above. The continuous wedge seal 826 and the slanted extension 828 provide sealing to prevent or inhibit air or moisture from reaching the contents of the container 108 after a tamper-evident feature (in the form of removable pull ring 862) is removed. The continuous wedge seal 826 is sized and located such that a sufficient seal is formed with the slanted extension 828 of the second closure portion 814.

[0118] The continuous wedge seal 826 includes a surface-tension geometric structure 870. The surface-tension geometric structure 870 is in the form of honeycomb structure. The surface-tension geometric structure 870 is identical to the surface-tension geometric structure 70 and functions in the same manner. It is contemplated that this one-piece closure may include other surface-tension geometric structures such as those discussed in detail above.

[0119] The second polymeric annular skirt portion 842 includes a first interlocking bead 880 that extends from an outer surface 842a thereof. The first polymeric annular skirt portion 824 includes a second interlocking bead 882 extending from an inner surface 824a thereof. The first and second interlocking beads 880, 882 cooperate to assist in maintaining the one-piece closure 810 in a closed position.

[0120] The second closure portion 814 further includes a polymeric continuous plug seal 872, a top seal 874 and an outer seal 876. The polymeric continuous plug seal 872, a top seal 874 and the outer seal 876 depend from the second polymeric top wall portion 840, and provide a sealing mechanism. The continuous plug seal 872 provides an inner seal with an inner finish surface of a container. The top seal 874 provides a top seal with respect to an outer top finish surface of a container. The outer seal 876 provides an outer seal with respect to an outer finish surface of a container.

[0121] In another embodiment, the one-piece closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include only a polymeric outer seal and a continuous plug seal. It is contemplated that the closure may include other scaling mechanisms.

[0122] Referring still to FIG. 8, the second polymeric annular skirt portion 842 includes an internal thread formation 890 for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container. The internal thread formation may be the same as discussed above.

[0123] It is contemplated that the second polymeric annular skirt portion may include a locking ratchet band that includes a plurality of teeth. The locking ratchet band works in conjunction with finish ratchet teeth of a container. The plurality of teeth of the locking ratchet band folds up and ratchets onto the finish ratchet teeth of the container during application of the closure onto the container, which creates an irreversible lock. Thus, a user cannot unscrew the polymeric closure from the finish of the container to gain access to the contents of the container. The locking ratchet band and the finish ratchet teeth form a tamper-evident feature that prevents or inhibits a user from gaining access to the contents of the container by attempting to unscrew the polymeric closure with respect to the container.

[0124] The tamper-evident features may be modified in other embodiments. For example, the polymeric closure may include at least one frangible connection instead of a locking ratchet band. The at least one frangible connection is in the form of scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks or other lines of weaknesses. In this embodiment, the remaining features of the polymeric closure may be present. The at least one frangible connection would be a tamper-evident feature. The container to be used with this closure would not include finish ratchet teeth. In one method, the at least one frangible connection is formed by a slitting technology that is independent from the formation of the remainder of the polymeric closure.

[0125] The closures of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen-scavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.

[0126] Alternatively, or in addition to, the closures may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the closure itself. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-barrier materials may be used in the closure.

[0127] The one-piece closures of the present invention comprises polymeric material. One non-limiting example of polymeric material includes polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)) or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or the combination thereof. It is contemplated that the closure may be made of other polymeric materials.

[0128] The polymeric closure is typically lightweight. The polymeric closure is generally from about 8 to about 30 grams and typically is from about 8 to about 20 grams. In other embodiments, the polymeric closure is from about 10 to about 17 grams, or from about 12 to about 17 grams. The polymeric closure in a further embodiment is from about 8 to about 15 grams, or from about 10 to about 15 grams.

[0129] The polymeric closures are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding.

[0130] The container 108 is typically made of polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used in forming a polymeric container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric or copolymer materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed of glass. The container 108 typically has an encapsulated oxygen-barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0131] In one method to open the container and gain access to the product therein, the first closure portion is initially flipped with respect to the second closure portion using the hinge or a pivot point. A user will grasp the lift extension and pull upwardly. If interlocking beads are present, this will break the contact of the interlocking beads, which is not very strong, and allows the first closure portion to slip past the second closure portion.

[0132] In the one-piece closures, it is desirable for the first closure portion to flip or rotate at least about 125 degrees or even more desirably at least 135 or at least 150 degrees from a closed position to an open position until being locked.

[0133] The polymeric closures of the present invention are desirable in both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymeric closures may be used in low-temperature applications such as an ambient or a cold fill. These applications include aseptic applications such as dairy products, water, sports drinks, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that other low-temperature applications may be used with the polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention.

[0134] The polymeric closures of the present invention may be exposed to high-temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. A hot fill application is generally performed at temperatures around 185 F., while a hot-fill with pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205 F. Retort applications are typically done at temperatures greater than 250 F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention can be used in other high-temperature applications.

[0135] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.