Improved container with tamper-evident feature and method relating thereto

Abstract

A container (10) having tamper-evident features includes a bottle (12) having a neck (34) with an opening (14) at a distal end (16) thereof and a base (20) at a proximal end (18) thereof; a cap (22) disposed on the neck (34) and movably retained on the bottle (12), wherein the cap (22) includes a first tamper-evident feature (24) to provide a tamper-indication to an end user, the cap (22) further including a second tamper-evident feature (32) that becomes visible only when the first tamper-evident feature (24) is partially or completely removed from the bottle (12).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers and more particularly to an improved container having a tamper-evident feature with an easily observable indication to an end user of any potential tampering. The present invention also relates to a method associated with a container having a tamper-evident feature. BACKGROUND

[0002] The kind of container with which the present invention is concerned is used to hold a variety of products containing liquids and solids. Such containers vary widely in shape and size, as such containers typically have an upper portion or neck portion including an opening through which the contents of the container can be accessed and a closure in the form of a closure cap that is removably secured to the end of the upper portion or container body to close the opening. The container also has a base portion and the portion between the upper portion and the base portion defines a space for storing the contents of the container.

[0003] Conventionally, such containers are closed by simple bottle caps that are secured and / or sealed to the neck of the container by threads or otherwise. For many years, tampering with such containers and their contents has become an increasing problem and poses a danger to the end user. Often involved in the tampering with such containers is the addition of counterfeit or harmful products. There is a risk with reusable bottle caps or closures or seals that any third party can remove the bottle cap, tamper with the contents of the container and reseal the container using a resealable closure without arousing suspicion of the end user.

[0004] Accordingly, it has become desirable for the end user to be able to check for evidence of tampering with containers containing liquids, solids, powders and other mixtures before the end user opens the container. This can provide the end user with a proof of quality and purity so that the end user can be confident that it is an authentic product and not a counterfeit product and that it was manufactured by the authentic manufacturer and not tampered with by a third party.

[0005] To address the above problems, containers are now being made tamper-evident. In this context, tamper-evident means that it is readily apparent from the appearance of the closure of the container whether the container has been previously opened. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an end user with a sealed container having a tamper-evident feature so that the end user can be confident that the sealed container has not been tampered with by a third party on its way to the end user. SUMMARY

[0006] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved container having a tamper-evident feature with an easily observable indication to an end user of any potential tampering.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved container with two tamper-evident features that provides an easy observable indication to the end user to distinguish when the container has been previously opened for normal use and when the container can have been subjected to any tampering.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved tamper-evident closure for a container with an easy observable indication that is effective and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a closure with an improved tamper-evident feature that includes a first frangible strip that needs to be torn and pulled out of the closure to be rotated and opened as a first tamper-evident feature. The pulled out strip reveals a second strip with a colored layer that indicates that the closure has been opened and / or used and / or tampered with as a second tamper-evident feature. This second inner strip with a colored layer also serves as a measuring cup that includes a scale therein.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new container and / or bottle structure that has one or more edges cut off to impart a shape of a beveled edge thereto and has one or more faces with at least one facet for a product category and with a texture to provide a firm grip to hold.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new container and / or bottle structure that has a beveled edge with at least one facet for a product category to provide a firm grip to hold. The beveled edge is formed through the bottle to create a curved profile opposite the facet.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a pouring mechanism that includes a pouring cup with an internal pouring vane added inside the neck of the container to assist in pouring the contents therein, such as any liquid contents, and which also serves as an anti-spill mechanism that lets the liquid contents fall back inside the bottle after pouring instead of dripping out.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved container that is capable of preserving the contents in its intended quality without the need for any additional sealing.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a container with tamper-evident features, comprising: a bottle having a neck with an opening at a distal end thereof and a base at a proximal end thereof; a closure disposed on the neck and moveably retained on the bottle, wherein the closure includes a first tamper-evident feature to provide a tampering indication to an end user, the closure further including a second tamper-evident feature that becomes visible only when the first tamper-evident feature is partially or completely removed from the bottle.

[0015] The cap has a ring which is frangibly connected by a first band and a tear tab as a first tamper-evident feature. The tear tab is frangibly connected to the ring by a window formed in the ring.

[0016] A second inner band is fixedly housed in a groove formed behind the ring as a second tamper-evident feature.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the bottle has a structure with a beveled edge with at least one facet for product category, thereby providing a firm grip to hold. The beveled edge passes through the bottle, forming a curved and / or semi-cylindrical profile opposite to the facet. The beveled edge extends from the base and around to the neck of the bottle relative to the facet.

[0018] The cap has an inner housing space shaped with a measuring cup structure to accommodate a measurable volume of the bottle's contents.

[0019] The container further comprises a pour cup with an inner pour guide tab having an anti- spill mechanism that allows liquid contents to return to the bottle interior after pouring instead of dripping out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the claims to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Embodiments of the application are described below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C , FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E show a front view, a back view, a side view, a top view and a perspective view of the improved container with tamper-evident features according to the present invention, respectively.

[0022] FIG. 2 show a pour position of the improved container of Figure 1, and show the cap and / or closure.

[0023] FIG. 3 show an exploded view of the improved container of Figure 1, and show its components.

[0024] FIG. 4 show a cross-sectional view of the cap and / or closure.

[0025] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B With FIG. 5C Two tamper-evident features of the improved container are shown.

[0026] FIG. 6A , FIG. 6B , FIG. 6C With FIG. 6D A top view, a perspective view, a front view and a rear view of a pouring cup with a pouring vane according to the application are shown.

[0027] FIG. 7 A cross-sectional view of a bottle cap that fits with a bottle having a pouring cup is shown.

[0028] FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 With FIG. 12 A perspective view, a front view, a side view, a top view and a bottom view of an improved container comprising a bottle that fits with a bottle cap having a tamper-evident feature according to another embodiment of the application are shown.

[0029] FIG. 13A , FIG. 13B , FIG. 13C , FIG. 13D With FIG. 13E A perspective view, a front view, a side view, a top view and a bottom view of a bottle cap having a tamper-evident feature according to another embodiment of the application are shown.

[0030] FIG. 14 A cross-sectional view of a bottle according to the application FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 is shown.

[0031] FIG. 15 A front view of a bottle according to the application FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 is shown.

[0032] FIG. 16 A cross-sectional view of a bottle cap having a tamper-evident feature according to the application FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 is shown.

[0033] FIG. 17 A second tamper-evident feature fixedly provided on a bottle according to another embodiment of the application is shown.

[0034] FIG. 18 A cross-sectional view of an improved container comprising a bottle that fits with a bottle cap having a tamper-evident feature according to another embodiment of the application is shown.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0036] 10 container

[0037] 12 bottle

[0038] 14 opening

[0039] 16 distal end

[0040] 18 proximal end

[0041] 20 base

[0042] 22 cap

[0043] 24 first tamper-evident feature

[0044] 26 tear tab

[0045] 28 first frangible strip

[0046] 30 frangible member

[0047] 32 second tamper-evident feature

[0048] 34 neck

[0049] 36 face

[0050] 38 facet

[0051] 40 covering band

[0052] 42 helical thread

[0053] 44 inner wall

[0054] 46 outer wall

[0055] 48 internal containment space

[0056] 50 protrusion

[0057] 52 recess

[0058] 54 groove

[0059] 56 pour cup

[0060] 58 pour director

[0061] 60 cup rim

[0062] 62 ring

[0063] 64 second strip

[0064] 66 window

[0065] 68 measuring cup structure

[0066] 70 gasket

[0067] 110 container

[0068] 112 bottle

[0069] 114 opening

[0070] 116 distal end

[0071] 118 proximal end

[0072] 120 base

[0073] 122 cap

[0074] 124 first tamper-evident feature

[0075] 126 tear tab

[0076] 128 first frangible strip

[0077] 130 frangible member

[0078] 132 second tamper-evident feature

[0079] 134 neck

[0080] 138 facet

[0081] 142 helical thread

[0082] 144 inner wall

[0083] 146 outer wall

[0084] 148 internal containment space

[0085] 150 protrusion

[0086] 152 recess

[0087] 154 groove

[0088] 162 ring

[0089] 164 second strip

[0090] 166 window

[0091] 168 beaker structure

[0092] 172 bevelled edge

[0093] 174 curved profile

[0094] 176 cut protrusion

[0095] 178 top surface

[0096] 180 cap rim DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved container having a tamper-evident feature, wherein the tamper-evident feature provides an easily observable indication of any potential tampering to an end user. While the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there are described in this document specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated herein.

[0098] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the region of the container or on the container closest to, for example, the location of the user using the container. In contrast, the term "distal" refers to the region of the container farthest from the user, for example, the distal region of the container would be the region of the cap of the container having the tamper-evident feature.

[0099] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein FIG. 7 The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B , FIG. 1C , FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E respectively show front, rear, side, top and perspective views of a container 10 embodying the present invention, wherein the container 10 comprises a bottle 12 having a neck 34 with an opening 14 at a distal end 16 thereof and a base 20 at a proximal end 18 thereof, as shown in FIG. 2 The bottle 12 is capable of storing a desired quantity of contents as per the requirement of the user. The bottle 12 is capped with a cap 22 to securely store the contents in the bottle 12. The cap 22 thus prevents access to such contents of the bottle 12. The cap 22 is disposed on the neck 34 of the bottle 12 and is removably retained on the bottle 12 by means of a helical thread 42 as shown in FIG. 2 For mating between the cap 22 and the bottle 12, the helical thread 42 is provided on an inner wall 44 of the cap 22 and a corresponding mating helical thread 42 is provided on an outer wall 46 of the neck 34 of the bottle 12, as shown in FIG. 2 The mating method used between the cap 22 and the bottle 12 is not limited to the helical thread 42 and can include other arrangements such as a snap fit or any other arrangement.

[0100] The bottle cap 22 including the first tamper-evident feature 24 is used to provide a breakage indication to the end user. The first tamper-evident feature 24 includes tear tabs 26 and frangible strips 28 that are removably attached to the ring 62 of the bottle cap 22 by one or more frangible members 30. The frangible members 30 are capable of being broken from the ring by the application of a breakage- required optimal use force and provide sufficient rigidity when attached to the ring 62. The combined tension, rotation and / or bending of the frangible members 30 causes them to break. The frangible members 30 are aligned and / or attached to the ring 62 of the bottle cap 22 vertically and / or horizontally. The frangible members 30 are constructed so that the likelihood of their being undesirably broken is reduced. The bottle 12 is also provided with a second tamper-evident feature 32 that becomes visible only when the first tamper-evident feature 24 is partially or completely removed from the bottle 12, which can be seen in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C and discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0101] The bottle 12 has a structure that has one or more edges cut off to impart a beveled edge shape to it and has one or more faces 36 that include at least one facet 38 for the product category and that has a texture to provide a firm grip to hold. However, the shape of the bottle 12 can include a shape with one or more edges, such as a triangular, square, rectangular, semi-circular or cylindrical, pentagonal, etc. and / or combinations of these geometric shapes and is not limited to shapes with edges and can include other shapes without edges, such as an oval, a cylinder and / or the like and / or combinations of these various shapes. An overlay 40 with information related to the product / contents of the bottle 12 is attached and covers the facet 38. The space of the face 36 can also be used to include a similar overlay and / or sticker with information related to the product / contents of the bottle 12.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 2 , the improved container 10 is shown with the bottle cap 22 removed from the bottle 12. It can be seen that the neck 34 on its outer wall 46 is provided with a mating helical thread 42 that is movably engaged with the helical thread 42 of the bottle cap 22. The bottle cap 22 has a shape with an interior accommodation space 48 to contain a measurable volume of the contents of the bottle 12. The outer wall 46 of the bottle cap 22 has FIG. 1E one or more protrusions 50 and recesses 52 as shown in

[0103] Referring now to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 an exploded view of the improved container 10 is shown showing its components. As FIG. 7As can be seen, the container 10 includes a cap 22 that matingly engages the neck 34 of the bottle 12. The bottle 12 has an opening to receive and / or pour out the contents therein. The outer wall 46 of the neck 34 in the region of the distal end 16 thereof includes a helical thread 42, as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 . Further, as can be seen in FIG. 2 , a groove 54 surrounding the neck 34 is provided on the outer wall 46 in the region of the proximal end 18 thereof.

[0104] As can be seen in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D , the container 10 further includes a pouring mechanism that includes a pouring cup 56 having an internal pouring vane 58 added to the interior of the neck 34 of the bottle 12 that aids in pouring the contents, such as any liquid contents. The pouring cup 56 also serves as an anti-spill mechanism to allow the liquid contents to fall back into the interior of the bottle 12 after being poured and not to the outside. The pouring cup 56 is snap-fit within the opening 14 of the bottle 12 and is housed in the neck 34 of the bottle 12. The pouring cup 56 has a hollow profile with the opening 14 in communication with the interior space of the bottle 12 to allow the contents to be poured or received therethrough. The pouring cup 56 has a cup rim 60 in the region of the distal end 16 thereof. The cup rim 60 acts as a seal once the pouring cup 56 is snap-fit within the opening 14 of the bottle 12. The arrangement of the pouring cup 56 to the bottle is not limited to a snap-fit arrangement and can include other arrangements, such as by a thread or the like.

[0105] As can be further seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , the cap 22 has a shape with an interior housing space 48 to contain the contents of the bottle 12. The interior housing space 48 preferably has a measuring cup structure 68 to contain a measured amount of the contents when poured therein. The outer wall 46 of the cap 22 has one and more than one protrusion 50 and recess 52 to facilitate finger gripping to tighten or loosen the cap 22 from the bottle 12, as shown in FIG. 1E . The cap 22 has a ring 62 to which the first band 28 and tear tab 26 are frangibly attached by one or more frangible members 30 as a first tamper-evident feature 24, as shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1E and FIG. 4 . The frangible first band 28 can be pulled out by a slight force used to pull out the tear tab 26. The tear tab 26 is frangibly attached to the ring 62 by a window 66 formed in the ring 62. Once the tear tab 26 is pulled out from the band 28, a second band 64 having a colored layer indicating that the cap 22 has been opened and / or used and / or tampered with as a second tamper-evident feature 32 is revealed, as shown in FIG. 5BThe second band 64 provides an immediate visual indication of the presence of the colored layer to the user, which provides a clear warning that the container has been tampered with. This second inner band 64 with the colored layer also serves as a measuring cup that provides an indication to the user, which includes a scale therein. The colored layer of the second band 64 provides a measuring layer for the contents of the cup-like structure 68. The second inner band 64 is fixedly housed in the groove 54 formed behind the ring 62, such that once the pull-tab 26 is pulled out, the second inner band 64 becomes visible through the window 66 provided in the ring 62. A gasket 70 is fixedly provided between the ring 62 and the measuring cup structure 68, which helps prevent any leakage or spillage once the bottle 12 is screwed with the cap 22. The gasket 70 functions similar to the chemically resistant built-in seal layer of the cap 22.

[0106] The colored second band 64 is not limited to red color, but can be of any color. The second band 64, other than being a band mounted in the cap 22, can also be a flat band arranged only behind the window 66 portion in alternative embodiments.

[0107] As FIG. 1E With FIG. 3 visible in

[0108] Now referring to FIG. 5A , FIG. 5B With FIG. 5C , they show how the two tamper-evident features of the improved container work. As FIG. 5A With FIG. 7 visible, the cap 22 is fitly attached to the bottle 12. The pull-tab 26 with the bulging profile is frangibly attached to the ring 62 of the cap 22 as shown in FIG. 1E The pull-tab 26 is embossed with a downward arrow symbol that instructs the user to use his / her finger to pull the pull-tab 26 out of the cap 22. To unscrew the cap 22, the user pulls the pull-tab 26 out with his / her finger, and due to its frangible connection with the ring 62, the pull-tab 26 comes out, as FIG. 5B visible, thereby indicating the second inner band 64 through the window 66 formed in the ring 62. Thereafter, the first band 28 can be completely pulled out of the cap 22, as FIG. 5C visible, thereby unlocking the cap to be unscrewed. Thus, the pull-tab 26 with the first band 28 functions as a locking arrangement, and also as the first tamper-evident feature 24.

[0109] FIG. 6A ,FIG. 6B 、 FIG. 6C With FIG. 6D respectively show a top view, a perspective view, a front view and a back view of a pour cup 56 having pour deflectors 58. The pour cup 56 also serves as an anti-spill mechanism to allow the liquid content to fall back inside the bottle 12 after pouring instead of dripping outside. In the present embodiment, the pour cup 56 comprises at least two pour deflectors 58 having a semi-circular curved shape, wherein one deflector 58 is housed within the other deflector 58 facing each other. Other and / or alternative embodiments can comprise more than two pour deflectors 58. The pour cup 56 is snap-fitted within the opening 14 of the bottle. The pour cup 56 has a hollow profile having the opening 14 communicating with the interior space of the bottle 12, thereby allowing the content to be poured or received therethrough. The pour cup 56 has a cup rim 60 at the region of its distal end 16. The cup rim 60 acts as a seal once the pour cup 56 is snap-fitted within the opening 14 of the bottle 12. The arrangement of the pour cup 56 to the bottle is not limited to a snap-fit arrangement and can include other arrangements, such as by threading or the like.

[0110] Reference will now be made to FIG. 8 to FIG. 17 describe the present application wherein FIG. 8 、 FIG. 9 、 FIG. 10 、 FIG. 11 With FIG. 12 respectively show a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a top view and a bottom view of an improved container 110 according to the present application, wherein the improved container 110 comprises a bottle 112 fitted with a bottle cap 122 having tamper-proof features 124, 132. The container 110 comprises a bottle 112 having a neck 134 with an opening 114 at its distal end 116 and a base 120 at its proximal end 118, as shown in FIG. 14 With FIG. 15 respectively show a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a top view and a bottom view of an improved container 110 according to the present application, wherein the improved container 110 comprises a bottle 112 fitted with a bottle cap 122 having tamper-proof features 124, 132. The container 110 comprises a bottle 112 having a neck 134 with an opening 114 at its distal end 116 and a base 120 at its proximal end 118, as shown in FIG. 18 The bottle 112 is capable of storing a desired quantity of content as per the user's requirement. The bottle 112 is capped with the bottle cap 122 to securely store the content in the bottle 112. The bottle cap 122 thus prevents access to such content in the bottle 112. The bottle cap 122 is disposed on the neck 134 of the bottle 112 and is removably retained on the bottle 112 by a helical thread 142 as shown in FIG. 18 For mating between the bottle cap 122 and the bottle 112, the helical thread 142 is provided on the inner wall 144 of the bottle cap 122 and a corresponding mating helical thread 142 is provided on the outer wall 146 of the neck 134 of the bottle 112, as shown in

[0111] The bottle 112 has a structure with a bevelled edge 172 with at least one facet 38 for the product category, thereby providing a firm grip to hold. The bevelled edge 172 passes through the bottle 112, forming a curved and / or semi-cylindrical profile 174 opposite the facet 138. The bevelled edge 172 extends from the base 120 to the neck 134 of the bottle 112 surrounding the top relative to the facet 138. However, the shape of the bottle 112 is not limited to the shape shown in the figures and can also include other shapes, such as triangular, square, rectangular, oval, cylindrical, semi-circular or cylindrical and / or similar shapes and / or combinations of these various shapes. A cover strip and / or sticker with information related to the product / contents of the bottle 112 can be attached, thereby covering the facet 138. Thus, the space of the facet 138 and the curved profile 174 can be used to include similar cover strips and / or stickers with information related to the product / contents of the bottle 112.

[0112] The cover strip and / or sticker can be attached to the facet 138 with the help of glue and other known means. In order to be fixedly attached to the facet 138, the cover strip has an opening at its distal end region through which the cover strip is fixedly arranged on the neck 134 of the bottle 112.

[0113] Reference is now made to FIG. 13A , FIG. 13B , FIG. 13C , FIG. 13D and FIG. 13E , which show perspective, front, side, top and bottom views, respectively, of a bottle cap with tamper-evident features according to the present application. The bottle cap 122 includes a first tamper-evident feature 124 for providing a breakage indication to an end user. The first tamper-evident feature 124 includes a tear tab 126 and a frangible strap 128, both of which are removably attached to the ring 162 of the bottle cap 122 by one or more frangible members 130. The frangible members 130 are capable of being broken from the ring by the application of a breakage- required optimal use force, and provide sufficient rigidity when connected to the ring 162. The combined pulling, rotating and / or bending of the frangible members 130 causes them to break. The frangible members 130 are aligned and / or attached to the ring 162 of the bottle cap 122 vertically and / or horizontally. The configuration of the frangible members 130 is such that the likelihood of their being undesirably broken is reduced. The bottle 112 is also provided with a second tamper-evident feature 132, shown in FIG. 17 , which becomes visible only when the first tamper-evident feature 124 is partially or completely removed from the bottle 112, as can be seen in FIG. 18 and discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0114] Furthermore, as FIG. 13AAs shown, the bottle cap 122 has a cutting protrusion 176 on its top surface 178. The top surface 178 is at the depth forming the cap rim 180. The cutting protrusion 176 has a structure similar to an internal edge, which is used to cut the seal of the bottle 112, such as a sensor seal. It can be seen that the cutting protrusion 176 is positioned closer to the cap rim 180 of the bottle cap 122. However, the cutting protrusion 176 can be positioned at other locations on the bottle cap 122, such as along the side of the cap rim 180 on the outer wall 146 of the bottle cap 122. To use the cutting protrusion 176, the user needs to remove the bottle cap 122 and place it upside down on the seal of the bottle 112. Once the cutting protrusion 176 is placed on the seal, the upside-down bottle cap 122 is moved clockwise or counterclockwise on the seal to break the seal by means of the edge portion of the cutting protrusion 176.

[0115] like FIG. 13D and FIG. 13E As can be further seen, the bottle cap 122 has a shape with an internal receiving space 148 to receive the contents of the bottle 112. The internal receiving space 148 preferably has a measuring cup structure 168 to receive a measurement of the contents when they are poured in. The outer wall 146 of the bottle cap 122 has one or more protrusions 150 and recesses 152 to facilitate gripping with fingers to tighten or loosen the cap 122 from the bottle 112, such as... FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C As shown. The bottle cap 122 has a ring 162, a first strip 128, and a tear strip 126 that are fragilely attached to the ring 162 by one or more fragile parts 130 as a first tamper-evident feature 124, as shown. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C As shown. The fragile first strip 128 can be pulled out with a slight force used to pull out the tear strip 126. The tear strip 126 is fragilely attached to the ring 162 through a window 166 formed in the ring 162, as shown. FIG. 16 As shown. Once the tear strip 126 is pulled out from the strip 128, a second strip 164, serving as a second tamper-evident feature 132, is exposed, containing a colored layer indicating that the cap 122 has been opened and / or used and / or damaged, as shown. FIG. 18The presence of the immediately recognizable colored band of the second band 164 provides the user with a clear warning that the container has been tampered with. This second inner band 164 with the colored band also serves as a measuring cup that provides an indication to the user including the amount imprinted therein. The colored band of the second band 164 provides a measuring layer for the contents in the cup-like structure 168. The second inner band 164 is fixedly housed in the groove 154 formed behind the ring 162 such that once the pull-tab 126 is pulled out, the second inner band 164 becomes visible through the window 166 provided in the ring 162. A gasket, not shown, can also be provided that is fixedly disposed between the ring 162 and the measuring cup structure 168 that helps prevent any leakage or spillage once the bottle 112 and the cap 122 are tightened. The gasket functions similar to the chemically resistant built-in seal of the cap 122.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 14 , FIG. 15 and FIG. 18 , the neck 134 on the outer wall 146 is provided with a mating helical thread 142 that removably engages the helical thread 142 of the cap 122. The cap 122 has a shape with an interior housing space 148 to accommodate a measurable volume of the contents of the bottle 112, as shown in FIG. 13E . The outer wall 146 of the cap 122 has FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C and FIG. 16 one or more protrusions 150 and recesses 152 as shown in

[0117] As can be seen in FIG. 18 , the container 110 includes a cap 122 that matingly engages the neck 134 of the bottle 112. The bottle 112 has an opening to receive and / or pour out the contents therein. The outer wall 146 of the neck 134 in the region of the distal end 116 includes a helical thread 142, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 . In addition, a groove 154 is provided around the neck 134 on the outer wall 146 of the distal end 116 that fixedly houses a second tamper-evident feature 132. The second tamper-evident feature 132 can be a colored ring or band 164 for quick notice and detection.

[0118] The colored second band 132, 164 is not limited to red color but can be any color. As previously mentioned, the second band 164 can be a flat band that is disposed only behind the window 166 portion in alternative embodiments in addition to being a band installed in the cap 122.

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 18 , it shows how the two tamper-evident features of the improved container work. As FIG. 18As can be seen, the bottle cap 122 is matingly attached to the bottle 112. The tear-off tab 126 having a bulging profile is frangibly attached to the ring 162 of the bottle cap 122 shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The tear-off tab 126 can be embossed with a user indication, for example a downward arrow symbol indicating to the user to pull the tear-off tab 126 out of the bottle cap 122 using a finger. In order to unscrew the bottle cap 122, the user pulls the tear-off tab 126 out by his / her finger and due to its frangible connection with the ring 162, the tear-off tab 126 can be pulled out, thereby revealing the second inner strip 164 through the window 166 formed in the ring 162. Thereafter, the first strip 128 can be completely pulled out of the bottle cap 122, thereby unlocking the bottle cap to be unscrewed. Thus, the tear-off tab 126 having the first strip 128 serves as a locking arrangement and also as a first tamper-evident feature 124.

[0120] The improved container 10, 110 of the present disclosure can be embodied as an injection molded product, preferably made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE), or suitable plastic material or other paper-containing material, fiber, glass, metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), composite material and / or combinations thereof. The improved container 110, which is multilayered, is produced in a co-extrusion process.

[0121] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0122] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0123] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims

1. A container (10) having a tamper-evident feature, characterized in that, include: The bottle (12) has a neck (34) with an opening (14) at its distal end (16) and a base (20) at its proximal end (18). A bottle cap (22), disposed on the neck (34) and movably retained on the bottle (12), wherein the bottle cap (22) includes a first tamper-evident feature (24) to provide a tamper indication to the end user, and the bottle cap (22) also includes a second tamper-evident feature (32) that is only visible when the first tamper-evident feature (24) is partially or completely removed from the bottle (12). The bottle cap (22) has a ring (62) which serves as a first tamper-evident feature (24) by means of a first strip (28) brittlely connected by one or more fragile parts (30) and a tear strip (26); and The tear strip (26) is brittlely connected to the ring (62) through a window (66) formed in the ring (62), and when the tear strip (26) is pulled out, the second tamper-evident feature (32) becomes visible through the window (66).

2. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bottle (12) has a structure having one or more of its edges cut off to give it a beveled edge, and has one or more faces (36) including at least one facet (38) for product category and having texture, thereby providing a firm grip for holding.

3. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The neck (34) on its outer wall (46) is provided with a matching helical thread (42) which movably engages with the helical thread (42) of the cap (22).

4. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bottle cap (22) has an internal accommodating space (48) with a measuring cup structure (68) to accommodate the contents of the bottle (12) of measurable volume.

5. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cap (22) on its outer wall (46) has one or more protrusions (50) and recesses (52) that facilitate gripping with fingers to tighten or loosen the cap (22) from the bottle (12).

6. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that It further includes a pouring cup (56) with an internal pouring guide (58) having an anti-overflow mechanism that allows liquid contents to return to the inside of the bottle (12) after pouring rather than dripping out.

7. A container (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The pouring cup (56) engages within the opening (14) of the bottle (12) and is housed within the neck (34) of the bottle (12).

8. The container (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The pouring cup (56) has a hollow profile with an opening (14) communicating with the interior space of the bottle (12) and a rim (60) in the region of its distal end (16).

9. The container (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The pouring cup (56) includes at least two pouring guides (58) having a semi-circular curved shape, one of which is housed within another guide (58) opposite to it.

10. The container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second inner strip (64) is fixedly housed in a groove (54) formed behind the ring (62) as the second tamper-evident feature (32).

11. The container (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that A gasket (70) is fixedly provided between the ring (62) and the beaker structure (68) which helps to prevent any leakage or spillage once the bottle (12) is tightened with the cap (22).

12. A container (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that A band (40) having information related to the product / content of the bottle (12) is attached and covers the facet (38), wherein the band (40) has an opening (14) at its distal end (16) region and the band (40) is fixedly housed on the neck (34) of the bottle (12) through the opening (14).

13. A container (110) having a tamper-evident feature, characterized in that Comprising: A bottle (112) having a neck (134) with an opening (114) at its distal end (116) and a base (120) at its proximal end (118); A cap (122) provided on the neck (134) and moveably retained on the bottle (112), wherein the cap (122) comprises a first tamper-evident feature (124) to provide a breakage indication to an end user, wherein the cap (122) further comprises a second tamper-evident feature (132) which becomes visible only when the first tamper-evident feature (124) is partially or completely removed from the bottle (112); The cap (122) has a ring (162) as the first tamper-evident feature (124) frangibly connected by a first band (128) and a tear tab (126) frangibly connected by one or more frangible members (130); and The tear tab (126) is frangibly connected with the ring (162) through a window (166) formed in the ring (162), when the tear tab (126) is pulled out, the second tamper-evident feature (132) becomes visible through the window (166).

14. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that The bottle (112) has a structure having a bevelled edge (172) with at least one facet (138) for product category, thereby providing a firm grip to hold.

15. The container (110) according to claim 14, characterized in that The neck (134) on its outer wall (146) is provided with a matching helical thread (142) which moveably engages with the helical thread (142) of the cap (122).

16. The container (110) according to claim 15, characterized in that The bevelled edge (172) cuts through the bottle (112) forming a curved and / or semi-cylindrical profile (174) opposite to the facet (138).

17. The container (110) according to claim 15, characterized in that The bevelled edge (172) opposite to the facet (138) extends from the base (120) to the top encircling the neck (134) of the bottle (112).

18. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that The cap (122) has an inner housing space (148) shaped with a beaker structure (168) to hold a measurable volume of the content of the bottle (112).

19. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that The cap (122) on its outer wall (146) has one or more projections (150) recesses (152) to facilitate finger grip to tighten or loosen the cap (122) from the bottle (112).

20. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that A second inner band (164) is fixedly housed in a groove (154) formed behind the ring (162) as the second tamper-evident feature (132).

21. The container (110) according to claim 20, characterized in that The second tamper-evident feature (132) with a colored layer serves as a measure cup including a scale therein.

22. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that A cut-out protrusion (176) is provided on a top surface (178) of the cap (122).

23. The container (110) according to claim 22, characterized in that The top surface (178) is at a depth forming a cap rim (180).

24. The container (110) according to claim 23, characterized in that The cut-out protrusion (176) is positioned closer to the cap rim (180) of the cap (122).

25. The container (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that The container (110) is made of high density polyethylene or low density polyethylene, or suitable plastic material or other paper-containing material, fiber, glass, metal, composite material and / or combinations thereof, wherein the container (110) is multi-layered produced in a co-extrusion process.

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