Tamper evident closure for container

0001The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly, although not exclusively, to a dosing closure for a container.

0002Dosing closures are well known and used, for example, in household applications such as mouthwash and detergents. In many cases it is advantageous if a visual distinction between opened and unopened closures is provided. There are known methods for providing tamper-evidence on oral care mouthwash closures, the most common being shrink sleeves, paper tabs and tamper-evident drop bands. Current drop band-based solutions use a band connected at the open end of the closure by frangible bridges; when the closure is opened the bridges break and allow the band to fall. This can lead to sharp edges in the area intended to be placed to the lips during use as a dosing cup.

0003According to the present invention there is provided a closure for a container, the closure comprising tamper-evident means for indicating if the closure has been removed from the container, in which the means may be provided within the interior of the closure.

0004The tamper-evident means therefore can be adapted to activate upon first opening of the closure to provide, for example, a visually distinct appearance of the closure.

0005Upon first opening at least part of the means may be retained within the interior of the closure.

0006For example, by having a tamper-evident feature up inside a cap body this can be used to provide an open end with a smooth finish even after opening.

0007In some embodiments the closure may include a sidewall or skirt and at least part of the tamper-evidencing feature may be carried on or by the interior of the skirt, for example spaced from the free end of the skirt.

0008The tamper-evident means may include two or more separable parts and, for example, may include a frangible connection.

0009The means may comprise or include a tamper evident band, such as a tamper-evident drop band. The means may comprise a band having first and second tamper-evident annuli frangibly connected together and adapted to split apart from each other upon first opening.

0010The closure may include one or more markings to indicate fill levels, such as lines or other indicia. At least part of the tamper-evident means may be aligned with a marking after opening. This could be used, for example, to give part of the means a dual function.

0011The closure may comprise a body which may be generally frustoconical. The body may include a top plate and a side wall. The top plate may be generally circular and the side wall may be generally cylindrical (and may include a degree of conicity).

0012At least part of the body may be non-opaque. This is particularly useful with tamper-evident means provided within the interior of the closure so that part or all of the means is visible, for example before/after opening. At least part of the body may be transparent. At least part of the body may be translucent.

0013The closure may further comprise child-proofing means. The enclosure may therefore comprise a temper-evident, child-proof dosing closure. In this respect the closure may be formed as a squeeze-and-turn and/or a push-and-turn closure. The child-proofing features may comprise, for example, lugs, fins and the like. The tamer-evident means may be located so that it does not interfere with the child-proofing mechanism. For example, by locating the tamper-evident means away from the free end of a closure the child-proofing means can be located there.

0014At least part of the tamper-evident means may be retained on a container after first opening. For example, part of the tamper-evident means may be released from the closure so that it drops onto the container.

0015The closure may include surface formations, such as screw threads, snap beads and the like, for engaging a container.

0016The closure may be formed as a dosing closure. For example the closure may include one or more markings or other indicia to indicate one or more fill levels.

0017The closure may be formed as a mouthwash closure. Other suitable applications for the closure are possible.

0018The present invention also provides a closure as described herein in combination with a container.

0019Further aspects and embodiments are listed in the following numbered paragraphs. <ol id="ol0001"><li>1. A closure for a container, the closure comprising tamper evident means for indicating if the closure has been removed from the container, in which the means is provided within the interior of the closure.</li><li>2. A closure according to paragraph 1, in which at least part of the means is retained within the interior of the closure upon first opening.</li><li>3. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the means comprises or includes a tamper-evident band.</li><li>4. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the means include a frangible connection.</li><li>5. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the means comprises or includes a tamper-evident band.</li><li>6. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the means comprises or includes a tamper-evident drop band.</li><li>7. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the means comprises a band having first and second tamper-evident annuli frangibly connected together and adapted to split apart from each other upon first opening.</li><li>8. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the closure includes one or more markings to indicate fill levels.</li><li>9. A closure according to paragraph 8, in which at least part of the means is aligned with a marking after opening.</li><li>10. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the closure comprises a body.</li><li>11. A closure according to paragraph 10, in which the body is generally frustoconical.</li><li>12. A closure according to paragraph 10 or paragraph 11, in which the body includes a top plate and a sidewall.</li><li>13. A closure according to any of paragraphs 10 to 12, in which at least part of the body is non-opaque.</li><li>14. A closure according to any of paragraphs 10 to 13, in which at least part of the body is transparent.</li><li>15. A claim according to any of paragraphs 10 to 14, in which at least part of the body is translucent.</li><li>16. A closure according to any of paragraphs 13 to 15, in which the tamper-evident means is visible through the wall of the body.</li><li>17. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the closure further comprises child-proofing means.</li><li>18. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the closure is formed as a squeeze-and-turn closure.</li><li>19. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which at least part of the means is retained on a container after first opening.</li><li>20. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, in which the closure includes screw thread formations for engaging a container.</li><li>21. A dosing closure comprising or including a closure according to any preceding paragraph.</li><li>22. A mouthwash closure comprising a closure according to any preceding paragraph.</li><li>23. A closure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.</li><li>24. A closure according to any preceding paragraph in combination with a container.</li><li>25. A closure (10) for a container (5), the closure (10) comprising tamper evident means (40) for indicating if the closure (10) has been removed from the container (5), in which the tamper evident means (40) is provided within the interior of the closure (10), <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>the closure (5) comprises a body (15),</li><li>at least part of the body (15) is non-opaque,</li><li>the tamper-evident means (40) is visible through the body (15), and</li><li>a part (42) of the tamper-evident means (40) is retained within the interior of the closure (10) upon first opening and a part (44) of the tamper-evident means (40) is retained on the container (5) after first opening.</li><li>26. A closure according to paragraph 25, in which the closure (10) includes one or more markings to indicate fill levels and at least part of the tamper-evident means (40) is aligned with a marking after opening.</li></ul></li></ol>

0020Different aspects of the invention may be used separately or together.

0021Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

0022The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 2</figref> is a further perspective view of the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> is a side elevation of the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 4</figref> is a plan view of the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 5</figref> is an under plan view of the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 6</figref> is a perspective view of the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shown following activation of a temper-evident drop band;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 7</figref> shows the closure of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 2</figref> following activation of the drop band;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 8</figref> shows the closure of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> following activation of the drop band;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 9</figref> is a section of the closure of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">Figures 1 to 5</figref> prior to activation of the drop band;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 10</figref> is a section of the closure of <figref idref="f0003">Figures 6 to 8</figref> following activation of the drop band;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 11</figref> is a side elevation of the closure of <figref idref="f0001 f0002">Figures 1 to 5</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">9</figref> shown attached to a container;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 12</figref> is a side elevation of the closure of <figref idref="f0003">Figures 6 to 8</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">10 </figref>after an opening event;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 13</figref> is a magnified perspective view of the closure and container of <figref idref="f0006">Figures 12</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">Figure 14</figref> is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and shown before application to a container neck;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">Figure 15</figref> is a section of the closure of <figref idref="f0008">Figure 14</figref> shown fitted to a container;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">Figure 16</figref> is a section of the closure of <figref idref="f0009">Figure 15</figref> shown during first opening;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">Figure 17</figref> is a perspective view of the closure of <figref idref="f0010">Figure 16</figref> shown removed from the container;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">Figure 18</figref> is an underplan perspective view of the closure of <figref idref="f0011">Figure 17</figref>; and</li><li><figref idref="f0013">Figure 19</figref> is a section of the closure of <figref idref="f0011">Figure 17</figref> shown re-fitted onto the container.</li></ul>

0023Referring first to <figref idref="f0001 f0002">Figures 1 to 5</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">9</figref> there is shown a closure generally indicated 10. The closure 10 comprises a generally frustoconical body 15 comprising a cup-shape top cap 20 at one end and a flared skirt 25 at the other and joined to the cap 20 by a waist 30. The body is formed from a transparent plastics material.

0024The cap 20 comprises a circular top plate 21 and a cylindrical side wall 22 depending from the periphery of the plate 21. The interior surface of the side wall 22 is provided with screw threat formations 23.

0025The waist 30 comprises an interior annular recess 31 including a ledge 32 which merges into the skirt 25.

0026The skirt 25 extends from the waist 30 and flares slightly outwardly towards its open end 26. The exterior or the skirt 25 carries a pair of diametrically opposed pressing pads 27. The skirt 25 also includes two annular projections 28a, 28b which are labelled and function as fill lines. The interior of the skirt 25 is also provided with a pair of opposed lugs 29 which are positioned diametrically opposite each other and offset by ninety degrees to each of the pressing pads 27.

0027The closure 10 is provided with a tamper-evident band arrangement 40. The arrangement 40 comprises an upper annulus 42 and a lower annulus 44 joined together by a plurality of frangible bridges 46. The upper annulus 42 is generally wedge-shaped and is received in the body recess 31 so that it clips into the recess and is retained by the ledge 32 as shown best if <figref idref="f0004">Figure 9</figref>. The lower annulus 44 is locked under a neck locking bead 53.

0028In use the closure 10 is applied to the neck 50 of a container 5 as shown best in <figref idref="f0004">Figures 9</figref> and <figref idref="f0005">11</figref>. The screw thread formations 23 engage corresponding formations 52 on the neck and the wedge-like locking lugs 29 engage corresponding locking lugs (not shown) on the neck. The top plate 21 includes an annular ceiling plug 24 which depends from its underside and fits within the bore of the container neck mouth.

0029In order to remove the closure 10 from the container neck 50 the pressing pads 27 are depressed which ovalises the skirt 25 and causes the lugs 29 to be deflected outwardly and clear of the neck lugs. This allows the closure to be unscrewed and in doing so the frangible bridges 46 are caused to break under the lower annulus 44 is released and drops down so that it rests on the container neck transfer bead 54 as shown best in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 10</figref>.

0030The closure 10 can now be removed with the upper annulus 42 retained in the recess 31 and the lower annulus 44 retained on the container neck. In this position the upper annulus 42 is indicative of a further fill line. After opening the closure for the first time, therefore, the remaining portion of the coloured tamper ring is set at a height that provides a very clear, obvious level line for a consumer to use when dosing the product.

0031When the closure is replaced as shown in <figref idref="f0006">Figures 12</figref> and <figref idref="f0007">13</figref> the band arrangement 40 is clearly shown to be separated into the upper and lower annuli.

0032Because the annulus 44 is retained on the bead 54 it does not interfere with subsequent removal of the closure involving depression of the pads 27. In other words, because the tamper evidence is internal, when the closure is squeezed for the first time to undo the child-resistant feature the band does not get in the way of the functionality of the child resistance. Current child-resistant closures that require squeezing in order to open and that have tamper-bands at the bottom are difficult to use as the TE band restricts the squeeze. Having the band internally and away from the bottom of the closure means that the band does not restrict the squeeze.

0033Referring now to <figref idref="f0008">Figures 14</figref> and <figref idref="f0009">15</figref> there is shown a closure 110 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The closure 110 is very similar to the closure 10, with one difference being that the waist 130 is less pronounced. Furthermore, the lower ring annulus 144 is shown to have a radially inclined flap 145 which projects from the inner, upper corner.

0034In use the double ring tamper-evident band 140 is first fitted into the closure body so that the upper band 142 clips over the closure bead 132 at the 10ml fill line 133.

0035Thereafter the closure 110 can be screwed down onto the container neck 150. The lower ring flap 145 can flex and pass over the neck screw threads 152. When the closure is fully screwed on to the neck the flap locks under the neck transfer bead 154. In this embodiment the transfer bead on the neck is used, but in other embodiments the band could also be used with a purpose made tamper-evident bead on the neck.

0036As shown in <figref idref="f0010">Figure 16</figref>, when the closure 110 is unscrewed for the first time the lower ring 144 cannot move up because the flap is locked under the transfer bead. Therefore the bridges 146 are broken and the two rings 142, 144 get pulled apart, with the upper ring 142 remaining clipped into the closure. The lower ring 142 falls down and rests on the neck shoulder 151 (there is no ring 54 in this embodiment).

0037The closure 110 is shown removed in <figref idref="f0011">Figures 17</figref> and <figref idref="f0012">18</figref>, with just the upper ring 142 retained and visible through the closure body (which in this embodiment is translucent). The ring section 142 is shown to be in register with the 10ml fill line.

0038As shown in <figref idref="f0013">Figure 19</figref>, when the closure 110 is replaced it is screwed fully back onto the neck so that the plug 124 engages into the neck mouth and the lugs 129 re-engage over the corresponding formations on the neck finish. The ring 144 remains on the neck shoulder 151 and in this embodiment the lower edge of the ring lies generally in line with the open end 122a of the closure body skirt 122.

0039Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.