A CLOSURE

Abstract

This is a one-piece flip-top dispensing closure (10). The closure comprises a base (15) and a cap (20) joined by a hinge (25). The base is attachable to a container neck and includes an integral nozzle (45). A tamper-evident member is frangible connected to the cap. The tamper-evident member includes a hook (85). The base has a raised crossbar (550) under which the hook engages with the closure in an initially closed condition. When the cap is initially opened, the interaction between the crossbar and the hook causes the tamper-evident member to detach from the cap.

Description

1 / 15 A CLOSURE

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a closure and, particularly, though not exclusively, to flip-top type dispensing closures and sports closures.

[0002] Some aspects of the present invention generally relate to a beverage closure for a container, for example, a beverage closure that can provide some indication that the closure has been opened at least once.

[0003] Container closures with tamper-evident safety bands that are released from the open end of a side wall of the closure upon first opening are known to be supplied. Although the safety bands provide some indication that the closure has been opened, due to the fact that they are physically separated, there is no clear indication of the opening in the remaining part of the closure. Detachable bands that are removed from a closure body upon first opening are also known to be supplied. However, detachable bands present a problem related to litter and a potential choking hazard due to the fact that they are usually small tabs that are separated from the closure body.

[0004] Document US2016016703 describes a one-piece flip-top dispensing closure. The closure comprises a base and a lid joined by a hinge. The base is attachable to a container neck and includes an integral nozzle. Tamper-evident members are frangible connected to the lid. The tamper-evident members have hooks that engage under a front cutout. The interaction between the hooks and the cutout causes the members to detach from the lid. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 23 / 37 2 / 15 lid.

[0005] In the present invention, a base is provided with a crossbar that is raised from the upper platform and under which the hook engages with the latch in an initially closed condition. When the lid is initially open, the interaction between the crossbar and the hook causes the tamper-evident member to detach from the lid. The tamper-evident member is connected to the lid by a lateral frangible bridge on either side thereof. The crossbar is supported by lateral support members. Each lateral support member includes a groove in which the lateral frangible bridges sit in the initially closed position.

[0006] Document US2016016703 neither describes nor suggests grooves in the supports of a crossbar as a support for frangible bridges of a detachable hook retained by the crossbar.

[0007] This prevents frangible bridges from inadvertently breaking when the lid is initially closed on the base.

[0008] In some aspects and embodiments, the present invention relates to a closure with an anti-tampering system to ensure that a tampering event is clearly shown; that there is a strong visual difference between the initial, unopened condition and the condition after the anti-tampering system has been activated.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a one-piece flip-top closure, wherein the closure comprises a base and a cap joined by a hinge, wherein the base is attachable to a container neck and includes a spout. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 24 / 37 3 / 15 integral, an anti-tamper member is frangibly connected to the lid, the anti-tamper member includes a hook, the base is provided with a raised crossbar under which the hook engages with the latch in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the lid is initially open, the interaction between the crossbar and the hook causes the anti-tamper member to detach from the lid.

[00010] An additional aspect provides a dispensing closure comprising a base and a lid joined by a hinge, an anti-tamper member is frangibly connected to the lid, the anti-tamper member includes a hook, clip or the like, wherein the base is provided with a crossbar under which the hook, clip or the like engages with the closure in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the lid is initially opened, the interaction between the crossbar and the hook causes the anti-tamper member to detach from the lid.

[00011] An additional aspect provides a dispensing closure comprising a base and a lid, an anti-tamper member is frangibly connected to the lid, the anti-tamper member includes fastening means, the base is provided with a retainer that engages the fastening means with the closure in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the lid is initially opened, the interaction between the fastening means and the retainer causes the anti-tamper member to detach from the lid.

[00012] In some modes, following release, the anti-violation member is retained at or by the base.

[00013] In some modes, following the release, the anti-violation member is visible under the crossbar. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 25 / 37 4 / 15

[0010] The anti-tamper member and the crossbar can generally be opposite the hinge.

[0011] The tamper-evident member can be connected to the lid by a lateral frangible bridge on either side of the lid. In some embodiments, three frangible bridges are provided: two lateral bridges; and one upper medial bridge. The member can be provided in a recess, window or similar formed in the lid (e.g., in or towards the front of the lid).

[0012] The crossbar can be supported by lateral support members.

[0013] The lateral support member can be formed integrally with the beak.

[0014] Support members can, for example, support themselves facing upwards from an upper platform.

[0015] In some embodiments, each side support member includes a groove in which the frangible side bridges of the tamper-evident member sit in the initially closed position. This prevents the bridges from breaking when the cover is initially closed at the base.

[0016] The tamper-evident member may be shaped like a tab or similar. It may generally be rectangular, for example.

[0017] The anti-violation limb hook can, for example, be formed as a lower hook on the limb.

[0018] The closure may have a double hinge arrangement.

[0019] The base may include an anti-tamper band, for example, formed at a free end of a base side wall.

[0020] The band can, for example, be formed as a Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 26 / 37 5 / 15 cable. As a result, the band can be partially (but not completely) released from the base. The band is non-releasable and attached to a container so that it forms a cable to retain the closure.

[0021] The base may be fitted with screw thread formations for engaging cooperating formations in a container neck.

[0022] The base may be fitted with a ball joint for non-removable engagement of a container neck.

[0023] The closure may be formed in an open position, for example, with the molded lid (e.g., injection molded from a plastic material such as HDPE) in an open position. The lid must then be closed on the base for a first time without causing the tamper-evident member to be released. In addition, it is important to ensure that the member hook is properly engaged under the crossbar so that it is reliably released on the first opening of the lid by a user.

[0024] In some embodiments, features are provided to ensure proper hook engagement under the crossbar. In some embodiments, features are configured to prevent and / or limit and / or control flap deformation during initial closure. In other embodiments, features are configured to prevent and / or limit and / or control flap movement, for example, caused by articulation or stretching of the frangible bridges (i.e., the flap itself may not be deformed, but it could be more related to the cover). In some embodiments, features act to prevent and / or limit and / or control flap movement (however caused). Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 27 / 37 6 / 15 related to the crossbar which could tend to prevent proper hook engagement underneath caused by flap deflection (e.g., deformation and / or articulation / stretching) when the cover is first closed at the base and the hook must pass over the crossbar.

[0025] The latches formed according to the present invention may comprise means for resisting and / or causing deflection and / or deformation of the tamper-evident member upon the first closure of the lid to move the latch to the initially closed condition. This can be used, for example, to counteract the deflection of the flap as the hook passes under the crossbar and / or push the flap forward during and / or after the hook has passed under the crossbar so that the hook engages under the crossbar after it deflects to allow it to pass when the lid is closed.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more axial ribs are provided. For example, a single axial rib may project radially from a dispensing nozzle. The axial rib may provide an inclined bearing surface along which the tamper-evident member slides when the lid is initially closed. When inclined, the member is progressively pushed toward (in the opposite direction to the movement caused by the hook passing through the crossbar).

[0027] In some forms, the horizontal flap is at, or close to being, generally axially level with the underside of the crossbar.

[0028] In some disciplines, the flap is resilient and deflects as the limb slides over it. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, page 28 / 37 7 / 15

[0029] In some embodiments, both a vertical and a horizontal flap, rib or similar may be provided, for example, in a configuration generally in a T shape.

[0030] In some embodiments, the axial rib and / or horizontal flap are axially spaced from the upper platform of the base.

[0031] An additional aspect provides a sports cap comprising a base and a cap joined by a hinge, the base being attachable to a container neck, the base including an upper platform and a hanging side skirt, the base including a dispensing nozzle, the cap including a front cutout in which a tamper-evident member is frangible attached, the tamper-evident member including a hook, the base being provided with a crossbar which is raised from the upper platform and under which the hook engages with the latch in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the cap is initially open, the interaction between the crossbar and the hook causes the tamper-evident member to detach from the cap.

[0032] An additional aspect provides an aseptic closure for a ready-to-drink fruit juice container comprising a closure as defined in any of the preceding claims, and subjected to a sterilization process.

[0033] In some embodiments, the zipper is adapted to be sterilized, for example, by a dry aseptic technique. An aseptic closure allows it to form part of a sterile filling line in use, meaning that preservatives do not need to be used with fruit juices and Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, p. 29 / 37 8 out of 15 similar.

[0034] The present invention also provides a closure as described in the present invention in combination with a container.

[0035] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or in combination.

[0036] Additional particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are presented in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims, as appropriate, and in combination with others that are explicitly presented in the claims.

[0037] The present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] All orientation terms, such as superior, inferior, radial and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention or in connection with a closure.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to incorporate and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that the embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be interpreted as limiting the examples presented herein.

[0040] Consequently, although modalities can be modified in various ways and assume various alternative forms, specific modalities of the same are Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 30 / 37 9 / 15 shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed and also to the individual embodiments; the invention is intended to cover combinations of these embodiments as well. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that are covered by the scope of the appended claims shall be included. Elements of the exemplary embodiments are consistently represented by the same reference numbers in all drawings and detailed description, where appropriate.

[0041] The terminology used in the present invention is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent; however, the use of the singular form in this document should not exclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, the elements referred to in the singular may be one or more in number, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," when used in the present invention, specify the presence of mentioned features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and / or groups thereof.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this document shall be interpreted as commonly used in the art. It shall be further understood that terms in common use shall also be interpreted as routine in the art. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 31 / 37 10 / 15 relevant technique and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined as such in this document.

[0043] Figures 1 to 6 show a closure usually indicated by 10. Figures 1, 3 and 5 show the closure in an initially closed (not open) condition. Figures 2 and 4 show the closure in a molded (not closed) condition before a lid is initially closed. Figure 6 shows the closure following the initial opening.

[0044] The closure 10 comprises a base 15 and a cover 20 joined by a hinge 25.

[0045] The base 15 comprises a generally cylindrical side skirt 30 having, at one end, a tamper-evident safety band 35 defined by frangible bridges 36.

[0046] In this embodiment, the interior of the skirt is provided with screw thread formations for engaging corresponding formations in a container neck. The interior of the safety band is provided with an annular sphere for engaging under a retaining sphere in the neck. This ensures that the band is separated from the skirt in the event of the closure being removed from the neck.

[0047] At the other end of the skirt 30 an annular upper platform 40 extends radially inward.

[0048] A drinking spout 45 extends from the upper platform 40. The spout 45 is generally frusto-conical, and includes an intermediate rim 46.

[0049] The end of the nozzle opposite the upper platform is open, and ends with a central hole 47.

[0050] Usually opposite the hinge is a pair of Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 32 / 37 11 / 15 laterally spaced supports 42, 44 that rest facing upwards from the upper platform 40 and extend from the periphery of the upper platform back to the nozzle. Each of the supports 42, 44 has a U-shaped groove / slot 43, 46.

[0051] A raised crossbar 50 extends between the supports, radially out of the slots 43, 46. In some ways, this resembles a “goal,” with side posts and a crossbar, creating a gap / window.

[0052] The lid 20 includes a top plate 60 which has a peak 61 on one side (opposite the hinge) to help lift the lid in use.

[0053] An outer wall 63 depends on the top plate 60. In addition, a first annular sealing wall 65 depends on the top plate 60 and engages the nozzle. A second (shorter) annular sealing wall 70 depends on the top plate and engages in a sealing manner in the nozzle orifice 47.

[0054] Because, in this embodiment, the nozzle is integrally formed with the base, the closure can be sterilized using a sterilizing steam applied from below, i.e., from above the nozzle.

[0055] The front of the cover includes a cut-out section 75 in the wall 63. In the cut-out section 75, a tamper-evident flap 80 is frangible connected. In this embodiment, the flap 80 is connected by a central bridge 81 and by the side bridges 82, 83.

[0056] Tab 80 also includes a hook 85 on a lower margin.

[0057] Hook 85 can pass under crossbar 50 when the cover is moved from the as-molded condition to Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 33 / 37 12 / 15 the initially closed condition. After that, when the lid is lifted for the first time, the crossbar prevents the hook, and thus the flap, from lifting with the rest of the lid; consequently, when the lid is lifted, the flap detaches from the lid and falls onto the upper platform (Figure 6). This provides visual evidence that the lid has been opened.

[0058] Figures 7 and 8 show the closure 10 attached to a container 90 and shown in a molded as-is condition. Figures 9 and 10 show the closure in an initially closed condition.

[0059] Figure 11 shows a closure 110 formed according to an additional embodiment. The closure is similar to closure 10, except that there is no skirt cut; consequently, there is no tamper-evident band. This embodiment is intended to be fixed in a non-removable manner to a container neck (for example, with a ball joint), whereas closure 10 can be removed by unscrewing, in which case the band 35 would be separated from the skirt 30.

[0060] Figures 12 to 14 show closures 210, 310, 410 formed according to the additionally wired modalities.

[0061] The closure has a band 235 connected to a skirt 230 by a plurality of frangible bridges 236 and a single non-frangible bridge 237. The interior of the band is provided with an annular sphere to engage under a retaining sphere in a container neck. This ensures that the band remains in the neck even if the skirt is unscrewed. The non-frangible bridge means that the band connects the latch to the container by cable.

[0062] The 310 clasp has a 335 band that includes a pattern Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 34 / 37 13 / 15 of a cut resulting in a looped cable.

[0063] The 410 lock has a 435 band that includes a cutting pattern that results in an articulated cable.

[0064] Figures 15 to 23 show a 510 closure formed according to an additional modality.

[0065] The 510 closure is similar to the 10, 110, 210, and 310 closures. In this version, features are provided to ensure proper engagement of the hook under the crossbar.

[0066] Figures 15 to 17 show the closure in the unclosed condition. It will be noted that the crossbar 550 has a rounded / rounded back face 551 and a flat bottom face 552. It will also be noted that the flap hook 585 has a rounded bottom face 586 and a flat top face 587. This means that when the lid is first closed, the hook may press against the crossbar. As the hook passes over the crossbar, this will cause deflection and / or deformation of the flap, for example, deflection towards the spout.

[0067] In order for the tamper-evident effect of the latch to function, it is important that after the hook passes over the crossbar it moves back to the front of the latch, that is, radially outward and back down the crossbar so that the face of the hook 587 is positioned under the face of the crossbar 552, as shown in Figures 18 to 20. This is necessary so that when the cover is subsequently lifted, the faces 552, 587 level, causing rupture of the bridges 581a, 581b (there are two upper frangible bridges in this embodiment), 582, 583 (the side bridges) and release of the cutout / window flap 575, as shown in Figures 21-23. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pages 35 / 37 14 / 15

[0068] In order to help ensure that the hook moves back under the crossbar, the front of the nozzle is provided with a radially extending rib 595 and an axially extending triangular rib 597 which are arranged in a T-formation.

[0069] Rib 595 restricted the backward movement / deflection of the flap as the hook passes over the crossbar; then, as the lid is further closed, the flap slides down rib 597 (which increases in radial extension towards the upper platform) which gently guides the flap forward. There may also be some resilience provided by the bridges and / or in the flap that would naturally cause forward movement of the flap.

[0070] In this version, the side supports 542, 544 include tips 548, 549 that help define a slot into which the flap falls. The tips help prevent the flap from falling out of the zipper after the first opening.

[0071] Figures 24 to 30 show a 610 closure formed according to an additional modality.

[0072] The 610 closure is similar to the 510 closure except that the axial rib 697 extends below the rib 695, but not all the way to the upper platform 640, i.e., it is spaced from the upper platform.

[0073] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail in this document, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not strictly limited to the embodiments shown and that various alterations and modifications may be made thereto by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, pp. 36 / 37 15 / 15 annexes and their equivalents. Petition 870260041289, dated 04 / 05 / 2026, p. 37 / 37

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. One-piece flip-top dispensing closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), wherein the closure comprises a base (15) and a cap (20) joined by a hinge (25), the base (15) being attachable to a container neck and including an integral nozzle (45), a tamper-evident member (80) being frangibly connected to the cap (20), the tamper-evident member (80) including a hook (85), the base (15) having a raised crossbar (50) under which the hook (85) engages with the closure in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the cap (20) is initially open, the interaction between the crossbar (50) and the hook (85) causes the tamper-evident member (80) to detach from the cap (20), the member The anti-tampering device (80) is connected to the cover (20) by a lateral frangible bridge (82, 83) on either side thereof, in which the crossbar (50) is supported by lateral support members (42, 44).or a sports cap (10) comprising a base (15) and a cap (20) joined by a hinge (25), the base may be fixed to the neck of a container, the base (15) includes an upper platform (40) and a dependent side skirt (30), the base (15) includes a dispensing spout (45), the cap (20) includes a front cutout section (75) to which a tamper-evident member (80) is frangible connected, the tamper-evident member (80) includes a hook (85), the base (15) is provided with a crossbar (50) which is raised from the upper platform (40) and under which the hook (85) fits with the latch in an initially closed condition, wherein, when the cap (20) is initially opened, the interaction between the crossbar (50) and the hook (85) causes the tamper-evident member (80) to detach from the cap (20), the tamper-evident member (80) It is connected to the cover (20) by a lateral frangible bridge (82, 83) on either side of it.in which the crossbar (50) is supported by lateral support members (42, 44), the closure (10) and the sports cover (10) being characterized in that each lateral support member (42, 44) includes a groove (43, 46) in which the lateral frangible bridges (82, 83) sit in the initially closed position. Petition 870240050855, dated 17 / 06 / 2024, page 44 / 50 2 / 3, 2. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to claim 1, characterized in that, following release, the tamper-evident member (80) is retained by the base (15).

3. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to claim 2, characterized in that, following release, the tamper-evident member (80) is visible below the crossbar (50).

4. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-tampering member (80) and the crossbar (50) are generally opposite the hinge (25).

5. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral support members (42, 44) are integrally formed with the nozzle (45).

6. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-tampering member is a tab (80).

7. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (15) includes an anti-tamper band (35).

8. Closure (210, 310, 410), according to claim 7, characterized in that the band (235, 335, 435) is formed as a cable.

9. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (15) is provided with screw thread formations for engaging cooperating formations in a container neck.

10. Closure (110), according to any of the preceding claims when not dependent on any of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the base is provided with a fitting ball for non-removable engagement of a container neck.

11. Closure (510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims Petition 870240050855, dated 06 / 17 / 2024, page 45 / 50 3 / 3, and characterized by comprising means (595, 597, 695, 697) for resisting and / or causing deflection and / or deformation of the tamper-evident member (580, 680) upon first closing of the cover to move the closure to the initially closed condition.

12. Closure (510, 610), according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for resisting and / or causing deflection and / or deformation comprise an axial rib (597, 697).

13. Closure (10), according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the means for resisting and / or causing deflection and / or deformation comprise a horizontal flap (595, 695).

14. Aseptic closure for a ready-to-drink fruit juice container characterized by comprising a closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) as defined in any of the preceding claims.

15. Closure (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by being in combination with a container. Petition 870240050855, dated 17 / 06 / 2024, pp. 46 / 50

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