AU2017232086B2

AU2017232086B2 - Tamper evident lid and method of making same

Info

Publication number: AU2017232086B2
Application number: AU2017232086A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen Hugh Witt
Original assignee: Stanpac Inc
Current assignee: Stanpac Inc
Priority date: 2014-10-07
Filing date: 2017-09-20
Publication date: 2018-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-12
Also published as: CO2017003463A2; WO2016054720A1; US20170305615A1; EP3204307A1; AU2014408671A1; DK3204307T3; EP3204307B1; MX2017004377A; PE20170614A1; CA2963825C; AU2014408671B2; BR112017006979B1; AU2017232086A1; CR20170126A; ES2900854T3; CL2017000376A1; BR112017006979A2; CA2963825A1; EP3204307A4

Abstract

A composite tamper resistant push-on closure member for a container having an opening with a peripheral outwardly extending lip formation, the closure comprising: a top cover; a cylindrical closure, the cylindrical closure comprising: a top cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin extending from the top cover portion, and a lower peripheral margin; a bottom cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin and a lower peripheral margin; a rupturable line of weakness between the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion and the upper peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion; and a plurality of rigid teeth extending from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion in an upward and inward direction for locking engagement against the lip of the container when the closure member is secured on the container; the top cylindrical band portion having an annular recess along an inner circumference of the upper peripheral margin for receiving and securing a peripheral margin of the top cover; wherein a bottom of the plurality of teeth are connected to the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion, the plurality of teeth being supported by a plurality of inwardly extending projections for increasing the rigidity of the plurality of teeth and for increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth against the lip of the container, the projections extending inwardly from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion at a position below the plurality of teeth.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to lids for containers and particularly to tamper-resistant, tamper-evident lids for containers for products that present significant concerns for the consumer about unauthorized tampering with the product (e.g. food products and other consumables).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the ice cream packaging industry, a variety of closure arrangements are used to hold a paperboard, plastic or composite lid in place on the paperboard container or tub holding the ice cream. Examples include U.S. Patent No. 6,772,901 (Witt), U.S. Patent No. 7,703,626 (Witt), and U.S. Patent No. 6,053,353 (Helms).

[0004] Previous solutions involve complex processes for incorporating a paperboard top within a closure. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,772,901 (to the present inventor Witt) describes that a paper top is peripherally sealed to a downwardly-recessed annular ridge of a plastic rim by induction heating, ultrasonic welding or spin welding. U.S. Patent No. 6,772,901 (to the present inventor Witt) describes that in the alternative, the paper top may be sealed to the annular ridge by applying a coating of adhesive to either side of the face surfaces prior to insertion of the paper lid. U.S. Patent No. 7,703,626 (to the present inventor Witt) describes the pre-assembly heating of the closure components with directed hot air to partially melt the thermoplastic surfaces and allow the parts to be immediately assembled sealingly, and describes a paperboard composite closure in which the plastic rim is of a two-piece snap-fit construction where the paperboard is compressed between first and second annular flanges of the two-piece plastic rim.

2017232086 09 Aug 2018 [0005] It is of great and increasing importance that the consumer, at the point of purchase of a product, be confident that the package that he or she intends to purchase has not been compromised. If there is a problem with the packaging which cannot be spotted until the consumer opens it for use, he or she may well never purchase that product again and consumer confidence is reduced generally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] There is provided a lid that can be used to resist and make readily detectable tampering of the products at the point of sale. Particular examples include dairy products, cosmetics, granular or powdered food products such as tubs for bread crumbs, hardware product tubs for screws, nuts and bolts, and so on.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a tamper-resistant tamperevident container closure is provided for ice cream, dairy and other food products that are commercially practical and provides the level of tamper evidence needed for food safety.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a composite tamper resistant push-on closure member for a container having an opening with a peripheral outwardly extending lip formation, the closure comprising:

a top cover;

a cylindrical closure, the cylindrical closure comprising:

a top cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin extending from the top cover portion, and a lower peripheral margin;

a bottom cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin and a lower peripheral margin;

a rupturable line of weakness between the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion and the upper peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion; and

2017232086 09 Aug 2018 a plurality of rigid teeth extending from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion in an upward and inward direction for locking engagement against the lip of the container when the closure member is secured on the container;

the top cylindrical band portion having an annular recess along an inner circumference of the upper peripheral margin for receiving and securing a peripheral margin of the top cover;

wherein a bottom of the plurality of teeth are connected to the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion, the plurality of teeth being supported by a plurality of inwardly extending projections for increasing the rigidity of the plurality of teeth and for increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth against the lip of the container, the projections extending inwardly from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion at a position below the plurality of teeth; and a plurality of tooth channels attached at and connecting the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion to the plurality of rigid teeth on the bottom cylindrical band portion for facilitating the flow of plastic resin during the production of the plurality of rigid teeth.

2a

2017232086 09 Aug 2018 [0009] As well, there is provided a closure member where the top of the plurality of rigid teeth are connected to the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion by a plurality of projections for providing a visual tamper evident indication and for increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth against the lip of the container.

[0010] Additionally, there is provided a closure member where the bottom of the plurality of teeth are connected to the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion by a plurality of inner projections for increasing the rigidity of the plurality of teeth and for increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth against the lip of the container.

[0011] As well, there is provided a composite tamper resistant push-on closure member for a container having an opening with a peripheral outwardly extending lip formation, the closure comprising: a top cover; a cylindrical closure, the cylindrical closure comprising: a top cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin extending from the top cover portion, and a lower peripheral margin;a bottom cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin and a lower peripheral margin; a rupturable line of weakness between the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion and the upper peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion; and a plurality of rigid teeth extending from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion in an upward and inward direction for locking engagement against the lip of the container when the closure member is in place; the top cylindrical band portion having an annular recess along the inner circumference of the upper peripheral margin for receiving and securing a peripheral margin of the top cover.

WO 2016/054720

PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] Reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompany drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the top of the example closure of FIG. 1; and [0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 1, across line A-A of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional portion view of the example closure of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 1 with a container;

[0017] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 1 attached to a container;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a outer side view of the example closure of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 1 with a container;

[0020] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional portion view of the example closure of FIG. 1 with a container;

[0021] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 1 attached to a container; and [0022] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional portion view of the example closure of FIG. 1 attached to a container.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS [0023] FIG. 1 shows an example closure 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The closure 10 is a snap-on closure such as a lid, and may be suitable for use to close an opening of a food container such as a plastic or paperboard container (e.g., an ice cream container). The closure 10 may be manufactured using a one-piece molding process, as described further below.

WO 2016/054720

PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017 [0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the closure 10 may include a top cover portion 20, a top cylindrical band portion 30 with upper and lower margins 30a and 30b, respectively, and a bottom cylindrical band portion 40 with upper and lower peripheral margins 40a and 40b, respectively. The top cylindrical band portion 30 and the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 are integrally formed and connected, and these portions 30, 40 as a single unit may be referred to in the application as the cylindrical closure portion 15. The top cylindrical band portion 30 and the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 are connected by a line of weakness 50 as described below.

[0025] At the top peripheral margin 30a the top cylindrical band portion 30 has a circumferential projection 34 that is recessed from the outer side of the top cylindrical band portion 30 and extends upwardly and inwardly. The bottom of the projection 34 provides an annular ledge 18.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the top cover panel 20 may consist of a paper disk or the like that may be printed on its upper side for product identification, marketing information, graphics etc. Particularly for use with ice-cream and food products, the cover panel 20 will have a polymer layer attached to the underside for keeping moisture from the product from entering through the paper. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, the top cover panel 20 is continuous with the annular ledge 18.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced tamper evident tooth system 70 (may also be referred to herein as tamper resistant teeth). Extending upwardly and inwardly from the lower peripheral margin 40b of the bottom cylindrical band 40 at the plurality of tamper evident tooth system 70 are a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 60. The plurality of teeth 60 lock under the rim of the container when the closure 10 is first pushed downwardly to seal the container. The plurality of teeth 60 act as a tamper resistant mechanism on the closure 10.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of teeth 60 may include notches 64, located at the right and left sides of a top edge 62 of the teeth 60. The notches

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64,66 may further facilitate the locking engagement of the plurality of teeth 60 of the rim of the container.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, for each tamper evident tooth system 70, between the plurality of teeth 60 and the lower peripheral edge 30b of the top cylindrical band portion 30 is an open space. Each tamper evident tooth system 70 further has a plurality of projections 72 that connect the plurality of teeth 60 to the bottom peripheral area 30b of the top cylindrical band portion 30. The plurality of projections 72 may be seen when viewing the outer side of the closure 10, providing an effective means for determining if the closure 10 has been tampered with. Additionally, the plurality of projections 72 may function to increase the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth 60 against the lip of the container.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, along the inner side of each tamper evident tooth system 70 there are two or more projections 76 that are connected to the bottom of the plurality of teeth 60 to the lower peripheral margin 40b of the bottom cylindrical band portion 40. The projections 76 may provide additional rigidity to the plurality of teeth 60 and also may assist in increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth 60 against the lip of the container.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper peripheral margin 40a of the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 is thinned and weakened. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4B, and 5, the line of weakness 50 includes one or more of a circumferential notch 52, the plurality of projections 72, and open spaces that are viewable from the outer side of the bottom cylindrical band portion 40. Legitimate opening of the container by a consumer starts by separating the top cylindrical band portion 30 from the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 by tearing away the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 along the line of weakness 50.

[0032] For convenience in legitimately opening the container, the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 is provided with a gripping means. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, the bottom cylindrical band 40 is formed with an accessible edge portion 45 disposed at a location along the outwardly facing surface. The accessible edge portion 45 may include projections or ridges on its

WO 2016/054720

PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017 outer surface that assist a user's ability to grip and hold the portion 45. By exerting moderate force on the accessible edge portion 45, the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 below the line of weakness 50 can be removed with the plurality of teeth 60 as a tear-away strip. That is, the line of weakness 50 is ruptured and the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 having the plurality of teeth 60 is easily removed from the closure 10 and from the container (not shown).

[0033] In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 3, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, the closure 10 has a multi-snap closing. The inner surface 32 of the top cylindrical band portion 30 may have a plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 extending inwardly along the circumference of the inner surface 32. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 provide multiple contact points against a paperboard or cardboard rim 102 of a container 100. As paperboard and cardboard rims are flexibly irregular, the plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 provide multiple places to contact the paperboard rim 102, thereby improving the seal of the closure 10 on the container 100. As well, when the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 has been removed, the plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 provide an improved mechanism for resealing the container 100.

[0034] The top cylindrical band 30 and the bottom cylindrical band 40 of the closure 10 may be manufactured by a one-piece molding process, such as injectionmolding, using a single mold. This one-step process may help to simplify manufacturing and/or reduce manufacturing costs. The closure 10 may be molded using any suitable polymer, for example any suitable food-grade plastic when used as a closure for a food container (e.g., used as a lid on a yogurt or ice cream container).

[0035] As well, in another embodiment, the cover panel 20 may be made of the same plastic material as the top cylindrical band portion 30 and the bottom cylindrical band portion 40. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the cover panel 20, the top cylindrical portion 30 and the bottom cylindrical portion 40 may be manufactured by a one-piece molding process, such as injection-molding, using a single mold.

WO 2016/054720

PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017 [0036] The closure 10 of the present application has specific elements that facilitate the molding process. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure 10 has one or more openings or gates 80 located on the upper peripheral portion 30a of the top cylindrical band portion 30. The gates 80 act as an opening for the plastic resin to enter a mold and fill the mold cavity.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4B and 5, the upper peripheral portion 40a of the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 has multiple tooth channels that allow the plastic to flow into the tamper evident tooth system 70. The tamper evident tooth system 70 includes the plurality of teeth 60 that is formed on the bottom cylindrical band 40 and the plurality of projections 72. The plurality of projections 72 define and/or delineate the tooth channels in the corresponding mold. The tooth channels improve the process of filling the mold cavity and also increases the speed by which the tamper evident tooth system 70 that includes the plurality of teeth 60 and the projections 72 are formed. As well, the tooth channels reduce the amount of defects in the tamper evident tooth system 70. Also, the tooth channels further facilitate the creation of larger and thicker tamper resistant bands than conventional solutions, thereby increasing the rigidity of the plurality of teeth 60.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the tamper evident tooth system 70 has edges 64, 66 that slope inwardly. During the injection molding process, the cover panel 20 is inserted into the mold. The mold is filled with resin by injection. The resin covers the edge of the paper cover panel 20, creating the lid. The mold then collapses at the edges of the tamper evident tooth system 70 to facilitate and the ejection of the part from the mold.

[0039] FIG. 4A illustrates the closure 10 with a container 100 and FIG. 4B illustrates the closure 10 attached to the container 100. In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B, the disc is inserted into the mold and then plastic resin is molded around the top and bottom to hold it in place. In other embodiments, a coating of suitable adhesive may be applied to either of the outer edge of the facing surfaces prior to insertion of cover panel 20 onto the annular ledge 18 located on the bottom of the projection 34. Alternatively, heating,

WO 2016/054720

PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017 ultrasonic welding, or spin welding may be used. In another embodiment, the cover panel 20 is secured to the top cylindrical band 30, by the interference fit in recess 19. The cover panel 20 is secured to the cylindrical closure portion 15 prior to attaching the closure 10 to the container 100 (FIG. 4B). The closure 10 is attached to the container 100 by applying a downward force to the top to the closure 10 onto the top of the container 100. As previously discussed, the plurality of teeth 60 of the closure 10 lock under the rim of the container when the closure 10 is pushed downwardly to seal the container.

[0040] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment for incorporating the cover panel 20 into the cylindrical closure portion 15. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, during assembly the cover portion 20 may be positioned above the container 100. For example, the cover portion 20 may be placed to sit and rest on the circumferential paperboard rim 102 of the container 100. As well, the cylindrical closure portion 15 is positioned above the cover portion 20. At this stage of assembly, the container 100 would contain a material or food product to be sealed.

[0041] To seal the container 100 with the cylindrical closure portion 15 and the cover portion 20, downward force is applied to attach the cylindrical closure portion 15 onto the cover portion 20 and the top of the container 100. As shown in FIGS.

7A and 7B, the cylindrical closure portion 15 snaps onto the paperboard rim 102 and in this process, the cover portion 20 is secured to the cylindrical closure portion 15. For example, the cover portion 20 is pushed into position in the upper cyclindrical band portion 30 and is secured within an annular recess 19 located along the inner circumference of the upper peripheral margin 30a of the top cylindrical band portion 30. In some embodiments, the cover portion 20 may also have an adhesive applied to its top circumference to further secure the cover portion 20 to annular ledge 18 of the top cylindrical band portion 30.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the plurality of teeth 60 lock under the rim of the container when the closure 10 pushed downwardly to seal the container. As well, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B once the closure 10 is attached to the container 10, the plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 provide multiple contact points

2017232086 20 Sep 2017 against the paperboard rim 102 of a container 100, providing an improved interference fit. This improves the seal of the closure 10 on the container 100. As well, when the bottom cylindrical band portion 40 has been removed, the plurality of continuous annular ridges 38 provide an improved mechanism for resealing the container 100.

[0043] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the lid is circular. In other embodiments, it is rectangular, oval, square, or other shapes.

[0044] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes or additions may be made to the design of the closure without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims attached hereto. For example, a solid resilient band might be used on the tear-away strip portion of the closure instead of individual tamper-evident teeth. In lieu of paperboard, different flexible sheet materials might be used, according to the final intended application. The inside wall of the top cylindrical band could be formed with threads to adapt the closure for use on a threaded container.

[0044a] The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0044b] Where the terms comprise, comprises, comprised or comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

io

2017232086 09 Aug 2018

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A composite tamper resistant push-on closure member for a container having an opening with a peripheral outwardly extending lip formation, the closure comprising:

a top cover;

a cylindrical closure, the cylindrical closure comprising:

a top cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin extending from the top cover portion, and a lower peripheral margin;

a bottom cylindrical band portion having an upper peripheral margin and a lower peripheral margin;

a rupturable line of weakness between the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion and the upper peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion; and a plurality of rigid teeth extending from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion in an upward and inward direction for locking engagement against the lip of the container when the closure member is secured on the container;

the top cylindrical band portion having an annular recess along an inner circumference of the upper peripheral margin for receiving and securing a peripheral margin of the top cover;

wherein a bottom of the plurality of teeth are connected to the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion, the plurality of teeth being supported by a plurality of inwardly extending projections for increasing the rigidity of the plurality of teeth and for increasing the force of engagement of the plurality of teeth against the lip of the container, the projections extending inwardly from the lower peripheral margin of the bottom cylindrical band portion at a position below the plurality of teeth;

2017232086 09 Aug 2018 a plurality of tooth channels attached at and connecting the lower peripheral margin of the top cylindrical band portion to the plurality of rigid teeth on the bottom cylindrical band portion for facilitating the flow of plastic resin during the production of the plurality of rigid teeth.
2. The closure member according to claim 1, wherein the closure is formed of plastic material in a single injection molding step.
3. The closure member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rupturable line of weakness is an apex of a circumferential groove along an outer wall of the bottom cylindrical band portion.
4. The closure member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an accessible edge portion is formed in the bottom cylindrical band portion to permit ready gripping and tearing a part of the bottom band below the line of weakness.
5. The closure member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top cylindrical band portion has a plurality of continuous annular ridges extending inwardly along the circumference of an inner surface each of said ridges for contacting a side surface of the container in an interference fit.

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PCT/CA2014/051209

2017232086 20 Sep 2017

FIG.2

1/6

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FIG.3

2/6

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FIG.4A

3/6

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4/6

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2017232086 20 Sep 2017

FIG.6A

5/6

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2017232086 20 Sep 2017

FIG.7A

FIG.7B

102
6/6