Induction heat-sealing gasket with product flow-limiting orifice

Abstract

An induction heat-sealing closure gasket assembly has a product flow-limiting orifice, the size of which is smaller than the opening of a container to which the assembly is connected, to allow for restricted product dispensing through the orifice. The closure assembly is designed for storing and dispensing products, such as solid, liquid, or paste products, and includes a primary gasket component and secondary gasket components that are positionable within a fixed portion of a cap to form the closure gasket assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inductive heat-sealing gasket for sealing the edge of a container, and a method for manufacturing and using the gasket having a product flow-limiting orifice. Background Technology

[0002] Heat-sealable liners are induction heat-sealed to the edge of a container (also known as the neck or container opening), thus isolating the container contents from the external environment. There are generally two methods for applying heat-sealable liners, depending on whether they are applied alone (single-element liners) or in combination with a backing liner (two-element liners). When applying a single-element liner, the liner is cut from a sheet of heat-sealable liner material, inserted into a closure, screwed onto the neck of a pre-filled container, and then passed under a heat sealer (using induction heating) to bond the liner to the container edge. For two-element liners, a combined liner is cut from a sheet containing both a heat-sealable liner layer and a backing liner layer, inserted into a closure, screwed onto the container, and then passed under a heat sealer that induction heat-seals the heat-sealable liner to the container edge and melts a layer of material (such as wax) between the heat-sealable liner and the backing liner, so that the backing liner remains in the closure when the user removes it.

[0003] In various embodiments, the heat-sealable liner serves to tamper with the container and to provide a barrier between the contents and the external environment, such as for protecting drugs, pharmaceuticals, or food packaged within the container. For a two-element liner, when the heat-sealable liner is partially or completely removed, the secondary backing liner remains in the cap to provide a secondary seal (a barrier to the external environment).

[0004] One type of heat-sealable gasket includes a pull tab to facilitate removal of the gasket from the container opening. Generally, providing a pull tab significantly increases the complexity of the gasket structure and its manufacturing process and cost. Some designs require the use of a peel coating to separate the layers forming the pull tab. This typically requires multiple lamination steps and associated equipment, resulting in high capital and manufacturing costs. In many cases, the pull tab can become a weak point; for example, it may break or separate from the remaining gasket portion before the inductive heat-seal bond between the gasket and the container opening is compromised. Furthermore, based on the pull tab design, the pull tab portion may hinder the insertion of the gasket into the closure and / or the proper placement and application of the heat-sealable gasket to the container edge (e.g., a weaker seal at the pull tab).

[0005] Therefore, it is preferable to provide a simplified heat-sealing gasket structure that can be manufactured more easily and cheaply, while providing the necessary barrier function and strength, such as resisting gasket delamination or tearing when the gasket is separated from the container opening, without hindering the insertion or heat sealing of the gasket.

[0006] Preferably, an inductive heat-sealing gasket is also provided, which has a product orifice that is smaller (more flow-limiting) than the opening size provided by the container edge (opening) so as to dispense the product through the flow-limiting orifice. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to an induction heat-sealing closure gasket assembly with a product flow-limiting orifice, the size of which is smaller than the size of the container opening to which the assembly is attached, to allow for limited dispensing of product through the orifice. The closure assembly is designed for storing and dispensing products, such as solid, liquid, or paste products, and includes a primary gasket component and secondary gasket components that are positionable within a fixed portion of a cap to form the closure gasket assembly.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the invention, the gasket has a vertically stacked two-part structure, formed by a top multi-layer component (secondary gasket) facing the inner top wall of the closure cap and a bottom multi-layer component (primary gasket) facing the container edge, wherein both gasket components can be positioned within the inner closure region of the closure cap to form a closure assembly. After the container is filled with product, the closure assembly is applied to the container edge and induction heated to seal thereto, forming a tamper-evident seal. When the closure cap is removed by the user (e.g., unscrewed), the secondary gasket adheres to the primary gasket, forming a visible tamper-evident seal. In one embodiment, the secondary gasket is smaller than the primary gasket and smaller than the container edge (located within the inner diameter of the edge), so as not to hinder insertion into the container cap or the induction heat-sealing adhesion of the primary gasket to the edge. The smaller secondary gasket can then be removed by peeling it off from the primary gasket (which is still adhered to the container edge) or by opening it with the user's fingers or tools, allowing the product to be removed through a product flow-limiting orifice in the primary gasket (which is smaller than the container opening). In other embodiments, the secondary liner is permanently bonded to the primary liner, and the secondary liner includes a product flow-limiting orifice; once the closure cap is removed, a user can puncture the primary liner in the area below the product flow-limiting orifice of the secondary liner to allow product removal through the flow-limiting openings in both the primary and secondary liners.

[0009] In one embodiment, an inductively heat-sealable closure assembly with a product flow-limiting orifice is provided, the closure assembly comprising: two gasket components (30, 50) and a closure cap (20), the gasket components (30, 50) and the closure cap (20) being assembled to form a closure assembly (80), the two gasket components comprising: a multilayer main gasket (30) configured for inductive heat sealing to an edge surrounding a container opening, the main gasket having a product flow-limiting orifice (34) extending therethrough, the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container opening, and ... the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container opening, and the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container opening, the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container opening, and the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container The size of the flow-limiting orifice is designed to dispense the product through it; a multi-level liner (50) with a diameter smaller than the edge and the main liner, the secondary liner having a central portion (55) covering the product flow-limiting orifice (of the main liner), a peelable adhesive annular portion (58) surrounding the central portion, which is temporarily bonded to the main liner to seal the closed product flow-limiting orifice (34); and another annular portion (59) forming a non-adhesive integral pull tab around the adhesive portion to help the user peel the secondary liner from the main liner to expose the product flow-limiting orifice (34).

[0010] In one embodiment, a sensed heat-sealable closure assembly with a product flow-limiting orifice includes: two gasket components (140, 160; 240, 260) and a closure cap (120; 220), which are assembled to form a closure assembly (180; 280). The two gasket components include: a multi-layer primary gasket (140; 240) configured for sensed heat sealing to the edge surrounding a container opening; and a multi-layer secondary gasket (160; 260) having a product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265) extending therethrough, the orifice being smaller than the container opening, and the product flow-limiting orifice... The size of the orifice is designed for dispensing product through it, and the secondary liner is configured to be permanently bonded to the primary liner; the primary liner (140; 240) has a central region (144A; 244A) defined by perforated edges (144P; 244P) that matches the diameter of a product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265), wherein the perforated edges assist the user in piercing the central region (144A; 244A) of the primary liner, thereby forming a combined product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265) extending through the primary and secondary liners for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice.

[0011] In one embodiment, a heat-sealable closure assembly with a product flow-limiting orifice is provided, the closure assembly comprising: two liner components (330, 350) and a closure cap (320) assembled to form a closure assembly (380), the two liner components comprising: a multi-layer primary liner (330) configured for heat-sealing to an edge surrounding a container opening, the primary liner having a product flow-limiting orifice (334) extending therethrough, the product flow-limiting orifice being smaller than the container opening and sized to dispense product through it; and a multi-layer secondary liner (350) permanently bonded (non-peelable) to the top of the primary liner, the secondary liner (350) having a central region (355) disposed above the product flow-limiting orifice (334) of the primary liner and configured to be pierced by a user's finger or tool to form a combined product flow-limiting orifice (334) (extending through both the primary and secondary liners) for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice.

[0012] In each embodiment, the main liner comprises at least three layers.

[0013] In each embodiment, the secondary liner comprises at least two layers.

[0014] In various embodiments, the primary liner and / or secondary liner include one or more metal layers.

[0015] In various embodiments, the primary liner and / or secondary liner comprises one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and / or polyolefin film.

[0016] In various embodiments, the sealing assembly also includes a peelable liner (500) that is temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary liner (160) to cover the product flow-limiting orifice (165).

[0017] In various embodiments, the product flow-limiting orifice (34) in the secondary liner includes a single opening or multiple openings.

[0018] According to a method for manufacturing a closure component, a primary gasket and a secondary gasket are inserted into a closure cap before the primary gasket is induction heat-sealed to the edge of the container.

[0019] According to a method for manufacturing a closure assembly, a primary gasket and a secondary gasket are bonded together to form a gasket assembly, and then the gasket assembly is inserted into a closure cap to induction heat seal the primary gasket to the edge of the container.

[0020] In one embodiment, a closure liner assembly configured to seal an annular edge defining an opening of a product container is provided, the closure liner assembly comprising: A main gasket (30; 330) having a planar configuration, having opposing upper and lower surfaces and an annular periphery sized to span the container opening, the main gasket having a multi-layered structure in a direction transverse to the plane defining the container opening, the multi-layered structure including a lowermost heat-sensitive heat-sealing layer forming a lower surface for bonding to the container edge, an uppermost polymer layer forming the upper surface, and an intermediate metal foil layer, the main gasket having a product flow-limiting orifice (34; 334; 34') including one or more openings, the periphery of which is smaller than the size of the container opening, and the product flow-limiting orifice extending transversely through the multi-layered structure of the main gasket; A secondary gasket (50; 350) with a planar configuration is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the primary gasket and has a central portion sized to cover the product flow-limiting orifice and an outer peripheral portion smaller than the outer perimeter of the primary gasket. The lid (20; 320) has a top wall and an overhanging annular skirt defining an inner closure area configured to releasably engage with a container neck. The lid also includes a securing portion for temporarily securing a primary liner and a secondary liner within the inner closure area. The primary and secondary gaskets are positioned within the fixed portion of the cap to form a closure gasket assembly, which is configured to seal the opening of the product container by inductively heat-sealing the lowest heat-sealing layer to the container edge. When the cap is removed from the container, the secondary liner remains adhered to the upper surface of the primary liner, serving as a tamper-evident seal for the product flow orifice. The secondary liner is configured to peel off from the upper surface of the primary liner to open the product flow orifice, thereby enabling product removal. Alternatively, the central portion of the secondary liner above the product flow orifice may be configured to be punctured to open the product flow orifice, thereby enabling product removal.

[0021] In one embodiment, the closure liner assembly is configured to seal an annular edge defining the opening of a product container, the closure liner assembly comprising: A main gasket (140; 240) with a planar configuration has opposing upper and lower surfaces and an annular periphery sized to span the container opening. The main gasket has a multi-layered structure in a direction transverse to the plane defining the container opening. This multi-layered structure includes a lowermost heat-sensitive heat-sealing layer forming the lower surface for adhesion to the container edge, an uppermost polymer layer forming the upper surface, and an intermediate metal foil layer. A secondary liner (160; 260) having a planar configuration is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the primary liner and has a product flow-limiting orifice with an outer periphery smaller than the container opening and extending laterally. The product flow-limiting orifice is sized to dispense product through it. The secondary liner is configured to be permanently bonded to the primary liner. The lid has a top wall and a hanging annular skirt defining an inner closure area configured to releasably engage with a container neck. The lid also includes a securing portion for temporarily securing a primary liner and a secondary liner within the inner closure area. The primary gasket and the secondary gasket are positioned within the fixed portion of the cap to form a closure gasket assembly, and the closure gasket assembly is positioned to seal the product container opening by inductively heat-sealing the lowermost heat-sealing layer to the container edge. When the cap is removed from the container, the secondary liner remains adhered to the upper surface of the primary liner, serving as a tamper-evident closure for the product flow restrictor. The primary liner (140; 240) has a central region (144A; 244A) defined by perforated edges (144P; 244P), the diameter of which matches the diameter of the product flow restrictor (165). The perforated edges help the user pierce the central region (144A; 244A) of the primary liner, thereby forming a combined product flow restrictor extending through the primary and secondary liners together with the product flow restrictor (165; 265) to dispense product.

[0022] In one embodiment, the main liner comprises at least three layers.

[0023] In one embodiment, the secondary liner comprises at least two layers.

[0024] In one embodiment, the primary liner and / or secondary liner comprises one or more metal layers.

[0025] In one embodiment, the primary liner and / or secondary liner comprises one or more layers of PET and / or polyolefin film.

[0026] In one embodiment, the closure assembly further includes a peelable liner (500) that is temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary liner (160) to cover the product flow-limiting orifice (165). Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of the closed component attached to the top of the container; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Section 2-2 shows a sectional view of the enclosed component and container. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of multiple components of a closure assembly removed from a container. These components include a cap, a primary gasket with a product flow-limiting orifice, and a secondary gasket covering the product flow-limiting orifice on the primary gasket. This secondary gasket is smaller than the primary gasket and smaller than the container edge (located within the inner diameter of the edge), so as not to hinder insertion into the container cap or to hinder the induction heat-sealing adhesion between the primary gasket and the edge. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the main gasket being sealed to the edge of the container (defining the opening), with the secondary gasket partially peeled off from the main gasket to expose the product flow-limiting orifice. Figure 5 It is a top view showing multiple radially arranged annular portions of the secondary liner, including: a central portion covering the product flow-limiting orifice; a first annular portion bonded to the main liner and adjacent to the central portion and arranged radially outward; and another radially outward arranged second annular portion not bonded to the main liner, which serves as an integrated pull tab (for the user to grasp) to peel off the secondary liner and expose the product flow-limiting orifice of the main liner. Figure 6 This describes a method of enclosing a component (e.g., according to the present invention) Figures 1-5 (The diagram shows the steps of a method for manufacturing and applying a container.) Figure 7 This describes another method of enclosing components (e.g., according to the invention) Figures 1-5 (The diagram shows the steps of a method for manufacturing and applying a container.) Figures 8-12 It is similar to Figures 1-5 The views shown are multiple views, but are views of a second embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention, wherein: a product flow-limiting orifice is disposed in a secondary liner (instead of a primary liner); the primary liner and the secondary liner (having two and three layers respectively) both have substantially the same diameter, the bottom layer of the secondary liner is completely bonded to the primary liner, and the area of ​​the secondary liner disposed above the product flow-limiting orifice is configured to be pierced (by a user's finger or tool) to allow product to be dispensed from the product flow-limiting orifice; Figures 13-17 It is similar to Figures 1-5 The views shown are multiple views, but are views of a third embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention, wherein: a product flow-limiting orifice is disposed in a secondary liner (instead of a primary liner); the primary liner and the secondary liner (having four layers and three layers respectively) both have substantially the same diameter, the bottom layer of the secondary liner is completely bonded to the primary liner, and the area of ​​the secondary liner disposed above the product flow-limiting orifice is configured to be pierced (by a user's finger or tool) to allow product to be dispensed from the product flow-limiting orifice; Figures 18-22 It is similar to Figures 1-5The views shown are multiple views, but are views of a fourth embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention, wherein: a product flow-limiting orifice is disposed in a main liner; the main liner and the secondary liner (having two layers and three layers respectively) both have substantially the same diameter, the bottom layer of the secondary liner is completely bonded to the main liner, and the area of ​​the secondary liner disposed above the product flow-limiting orifice is configured to be pierced (by a user's finger or tool) to allow product to be dispensed from the product flow-limiting orifice; Figure 23 It shows something similar to Figure 2 A view of the closure assembly, which further includes a third-level stacked liner component (500) configured to releasably cover the product flow-limiting orifices (165, 265) of the secondary liner (e.g., in the second embodiment). Figures 8-12 ) and the third embodiment ( Figures 13-17 )middle); Figure 24 Another main gasket (30') is shown, which has a product flow restricting orifice 34' including multiple openings. This main gasket can be used in the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment (replacing the main gasket (30, 330) having a product flow restricting orifice (34, 340) including a single opening). Multiple openings (e.g.) Figure 24 The seven shown are suitable for dispensing spices or other granular products. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In various embodiments, the present invention provides one or more of the following features / advantages: 1) An induction heat-sealing closure gasket assembly having a built-in product flow-limiting orifice.

[0029] 2) An induction heat-sealing closure gasket assembly having two vertically stacked gasket components—a primary gasket component located at the bottom with a product flow-limiting orifice facing the edge of the container, and a secondary gasket component located at the top facing the inner top wall of the closure cap, the top secondary gasket component being used for temporary sealing and peeling off from the upper surface of the primary gasket to expose the product flow-limiting orifice.

[0030] 3) The primary and secondary gaskets are stacked and selectively bonded together to form a gasket assembly, which can then be inserted into the closure cap to form a closure assembly. The closure assembly is then applied to the container for ease of use and to achieve a consistent / effective heat seal at the container edges.

[0031] 4) The secondary gasket is smaller than the primary gasket and smaller than the edge of the container (located within the inner diameter of the edge), so as not to hinder insertion into the container cap or the induction heat-sealing adhesion of the primary gasket to the edge. The secondary gasket includes three radially arranged regions: a central region covering the product flow orifice in the primary gasket; an adhesive region arranged radially outward from the central region and adjacent to the central region, which seals the secondary gasket to the primary gasket and thus seals the product flow orifice, isolating it from the environment; and a further radially outward non-adhesive region (surrounding the adhesive region) forming an integrated pull tab, which does not hinder insertion of the gasket assembly into the closure cap or the heat sealing of the gasket to the container edge.

[0032] 5) The secondary gasket may be bonded to the primary gasket by induction heat sealing when the closure assembly is heat-sealed to the edge of the container; and / or by bonding the two gaskets before inserting the closure cap (and before the induction heat sealing step of bonding the closure assembly to the edge of the container).

[0033] 6) The induction heat-sealing closure gasket assembly with a built-in product flow-limiting orifice can be used with different types and sizes of closures, including child-proof closures, non-child-proof closures, and threaded and non-threaded (e.g. snap-on) closure caps.

[0034] 7) The multi-layered structure of the primary and / or secondary gaskets allows for different material combinations (e.g., including foil layers or non-foil material layers) for different product / seal / container applications.

[0035] 8) The secondary liner may be configured to peel off from the primary liner, or to be opened by piercing the area above the product flow-limiting orifice of the primary liner to allow removal of individual solid product articles from the container.

[0036] 9) The product flow-limiting orifice may be located in the secondary liner instead of the primary liner. In this case, the secondary liner is permanently bonded to the primary liner, and the user then punctures the area of ​​the primary liner located below the product flow-limiting orifice of the secondary liner to be able to remove a single solid product article through the product flow-limiting opening formed by the secondary liner and the primary liner.

[0037] Various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings: Figures 1-5A first embodiment of two gasket components (30, 50) and a closure cap (20) assembled to form a closure assembly (80) is shown. The two gasket components include: a three-layer (3L) primary gasket (30) having a product flow-limiting orifice (34); a two-layer (2L) secondary gasket (50) having a central portion (55) covering the product flow-limiting orifice (of the primary gasket), an adhesive annular portion (58) surrounding the central portion, which is bonded to the primary gasket to seal the product flow-limiting orifice (34); and another annular portion (59) forming an integral pull tab around the adhesive portion to help the user peel the secondary gasket from the primary gasket to expose the product flow-limiting orifice (34); the secondary gasket is smaller than the primary gasket and smaller than the container edge (located within the inner diameter of the edge) so as not to hinder insertion into the container cap or to hinder the induction heat-sealing adhesion of the primary gasket to the edge; Figures 6-7 Two embodiments of methods for manufacturing and using the gasket component and sealing the container opening by the resulting closure assembly are shown; Figures 8-12 A second embodiment is shown, comprising two liner components (140, 160) and a closure cap (120) assembled to form a closure assembly (180). The two liner components include: a double-layer (2L) secondary liner (160) having a product flow-limiting orifice (165) configured to be permanently bonded (non-peelable) to a primary liner; and a triple-layer (3L) primary liner (140) having a central region (144A) defined by perforated edges (144P) that matches the diameter of the product flow-limiting orifice (165), wherein the perforated edges facilitate a user to pierce the central region (144A) of the primary liner to form a combined product flow-limiting orifice (165) extending through the primary and secondary liners for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice. Figures 13-17 A third embodiment of two liner components (240, 260) and a closure cap (220) assembled to form a closure assembly (280) is shown, similar to the second embodiment. The two liner components include: a permanently bonded (non-peelable) four-layer (4L) secondary liner (260) having a product flow-limiting orifice (265); and a three-layer (3L) primary liner (240) having a central region (244A) defined by perforated edges (244P) that matches the diameter of the product flow-limiting orifice (265), wherein the perforated edges assist the user in piercing the central region 244A of the primary liner to form a combined product flow-limiting orifice (extending through the primary and secondary liners) together with the product flow-limiting orifice (265) for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice. Figures 18-22A fourth embodiment is shown, comprising two padding components (330, 350) and a closure cap (320) assembled to form a closure assembly (380). The two padding components include: an adhesive (non-peelable) double-layer (2L) secondary pad (350); and a triple-layer (3L) primary pad (330) having a product flow-limiting orifice (334), wherein a central region (355) of the secondary pad (350) located above the product flow-limiting orifice (334) of the primary pad is pierced by a user's finger or tool, thereby forming a combined product flow-limiting orifice (extending through the primary and secondary pads) to dispense product; and Figure 23 It shows the addition Figures 8-12 The third level (3) of the second embodiment rd The third-level liner is a small peelable liner (500) that is temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary liner (160) to cover the product flow-limiting orifice (165). Figure 24 Another primary gasket component (30') is shown, which, unlike the single opening of the product flow restrictor (34, 340) in the first and fourth embodiments, has a product flow restrictor (34') with multiple openings. All openings are covered by the central area of ​​the secondary gasket.

[0038] Figures 1-5 Figures 1-5 A first embodiment of the enclosed assembly according to the present invention is shown. The following reference numerals are used to denote specific components: 5 products 10 Containers, which have: 11. Container Body 12 Container neck 13 Container edge 15. Top sealing surface (TSS) 16 External Thread 20 lids, which have: 21. Top Wall 22. Circular skirt hem 23. Internal enclosed area 24 Fixed parts 25 Inner surface 26 Internal Thread 30. Main gasket, which has: 31. Disk-shaped planar solid 32 Upper surface 33 Lower surface 34 Product flow limiting orifice 35 Inner ring edge 36 Outer ring edge 37 Top Floor 38 Intermediate Layer 39. Bottom Floor 50 secondary gaskets, which have: 51. Disk-shaped planar solid 52 Upper surface 53 Lower surface 54 Outer ring edge 55 Central Region 56 Top Floor 57. Bottom layer 58. Adhesion area (around the central area) 59 Non-adhesive area (e.g., pull tabs surrounding adhesive area 58) 70 A gasket assembly consisting of a primary gasket 30 and a secondary gasket 50 80 A closing assembly consisting of a gasket assembly 70 and a cover 20 The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, wherein similar reference numerals (in different 100 series) denote corresponding parts in multiple views. The closure assembly 80 includes a closure cap 20, a primary gasket 30, and a secondary gasket 50. The closure cap 20 can be made of any conventional plastic material used for molding closures, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. More specifically, the closure cap 20 includes a planar top wall 21 having a circular outer peripheral edge 21P, and a drooping cylindrical skirt 22 extending from the circular outer peripheral edge 21P.

[0039] The closure assembly 80 is generally designed for use with any type of container 10, which is typically used for storing and dispensing products, such as solid, liquid, or paste products. In one embodiment, the product comprises multiple individual solid articles 5, wherein it is preferred to control (restrict) the outlet of a given product article, typically one or two at a time (e.g., tablets). While a specific type of container is not required for use with the closure assembly 80 of the present invention, it is contemplated that the container 10 will include a container neck 12, which may include external threads 16 designed to engage with accompanying threads 26 on the inner surface 25 of the closure cap 20. The upper end of the neck 12 terminates with an annular edge 13 that defines an open container opening 14. The opening into the container formed by the container opening 14 has a given diameter D1. The edge 13 has an inner diameter D1 and an outer diameter D5 (see...). Figures 4-5 ).

[0040] The main gasket 30 is a disc-shaped planar body having a lower surface 33, an upper surface 32, and a product flow-limiting orifice (hole) 34, which extends through the upper and lower surfaces and all layers of the main gasket (as described below). The product flow-limiting orifice 34 may include, for example, Figures 1-5 The single opening (hole) 34 shown, or as... Figure 24 The multiple openings (holes) 34A-34G are shown. The size and shape of the product flow-limiting orifice depend on the specific product and the required dispensing rate. In one example, the product flow-limiting orifice (size and shape) is configured according to the size of a specific individual product item 5, for example (allowing one or two individual solid product items to pass through at a time when the container is tilted or inverted to dispense item 5, without allowing more items to flow out). Figures 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the product flow-limiting orifice 34 is a single circular hole with a diameter D2 smaller than the container opening diameter D1; for example, D2 is less than 50% of diameter D1. The outer diameter D5 of the main gasket 30 is preferably equal to the outer diameter D5 of the container edge 13 to seal the container opening without unduly hindering the application and heat-sealing of the closure assembly onto the container. Figure 24 In this context, the product flow restrictor 34' is a plurality of openings (e.g., 34A-34G) whose dimensions are designed, for example, to dispense products such as fragrances or other products that require multiple openings for dispensing.

[0041] Reference Figures 2-5 The peelable secondary liner 50 is a disc-shaped planar body with a lower surface 53 and an upper surface 52. The outer diameter D4 of the secondary liner is large enough to cover the product flow-limiting orifice 34, but smaller than the diameter D1 of the container opening 14 to avoid covering the edges and interfering with the insertion of the secondary liner into the closure cap or the induction heat-sealing of the primary liner to the edges. The peelable secondary liner 50 protects the contents 5 of the container 10 and also provides a tamper-evident indication function. Figure 4 As shown, the contents of the container (through the product flow-limiting orifice 34 on the main liner) must be obtained by the consumer / user removing the peelable secondary liner 50.

[0042] like Figures 2-5 It is clearly shown that selected surfaces of the primary gasket 30 and the secondary gasket 50 also include an adhesive material for bonding the stacked layers in a predetermined manner. A permanent inductive heat-sealing material layer, such as a heat-sealable polyester film or a heat-sealable polyethylene film, is applied to the lower surface 33 of the primary gasket 30. The permanent adhesive material can be applied to substantially cover the entire lower surface 33, or it can be applied only along the outermost annular periphery 39P of the gasket 30 corresponding to (adjacent to) the annular edge 13 of the container 10, so that the sealing material can properly bond to the edge.

[0043] Suitable materials for permanent heat-sealing layers include heat-sealable polyethylene terephthalate or polyolefin materials, such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., depending on the composition of the container to be sealed and the parameters (composition and thickness) of the layer material, as well as the induction heating method applied.

[0044] like Figures 2-5 As shown, a temporary adhesive material is selectively applied to the lower surface 53 of the peelable secondary liner 50. This temporary adhesive material has a lower adhesive strength than a permanent adhesive material, so the end user of the container can easily remove (peel off) the peelable secondary liner 50 to access the container contents (through the product flow-limiting orifice on the main liner). The secondary liner has an outer diameter D4 (which is smaller than D1 and D5 for the reasons stated above) and includes three radially arranged portions: a) a central region 55 (diameter D2) located above the product flow-limiting orifice 34 and without adhesive material (where no adhesive material is required); b) an annular adhesive region 58 surrounding the central region 55 and defined by its inner diameter D2 and its outer diameter D3, which includes adhesive material for temporary attachment to the primary liner and for closing / sealing the area above the central product flow-limiting orifice 34; and c) an annular peripheral non-adhesive region 59 (defined by its inner diameter D3 and its outer diameter D4) located on the outer periphery of the secondary liner, which has no adhesive material, thus forming an integrated annular peripheral lug that allows a user to place their fingers under the peripheral region 59 to grasp and pull the peelable secondary liner 50 off the primary liner 30.

[0045] The primary purpose of the peelable secondary liner 50 is to cover the product flow-limiting orifice 34 of the primary liner 30 prior to dispensing. The peelable secondary liner 50 may also perform other auxiliary functions, including but not limited to: maintaining product freshness by covering the product flow-limiting orifice 34, acting as an indicator of tampering, and providing a surface for conveying textual or graphical information to the user (e.g., information about the product and / or how to remove the secondary liner to expose the product flow-limiting orifice).

[0046] In several embodiments, the primary liner 30 and / or the secondary liner 50 may include aluminum foil layers with a thickness of 0.0003 inches to 0.003 inches. The primary liner and / or the secondary liner may also include adhesive layers, each with a thickness of 0.0005 inches to 0.0035 inches. The primary liner and / or the secondary liner may also include layers for structural support or tear resistance, such as PET film or polyolefin film layers.

[0047] exist Figures 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the main liner 30 may include, for example: 37 is the top layer of PET film or polyolefin film; The intermediate layer 38 of the aluminum (AL) foil; and The bottom layer 39 is made of a permanent induction heat-sealing material.

[0048] exist Figures 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary liner may include, for example: 56 is the top layer of PET film, or aluminum foil, or PET film / polyolefin foam / aluminum foil, or paper; The base layer 57 is made of temporary adhesive material.

[0049] Once the primary and secondary liners are bonded together, they form a liner assembly 70, which can be placed (as a whole) within the retaining portion 24 of the closure cap 20. Optionally, the liner assembly 70 may include another liner component temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary liner with an adhesive, which detaches from the secondary liner and remains inside the closure cap when the user opens it; this additional liner component remaining inside the closure cap after the initial removal of the closure cap helps to reseal the closure cap to the edges, further maintaining the freshness of the container contents after the removal of the peelable secondary liner 50.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the gasket assembly 70 will be secured in the fixing portion 24 of the cap 20, for example by friction fit or by adhering it to the inner closure region 23, so that it will not shift or be lost during storage, transportation, or use. For this purpose, the internal thread 26 of the cap 20 forms an interference structure on which the gasket assembly 70 can be mounted and detachably secured. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the integrated lug (annular ring) formed by the non-adhesive region 59 surrounding the periphery of the secondary gasket 50 will not hinder the placement of the gasket assembly in the cap (this will not hinder the placement of the gasket assembly in the cap and / or the placement of the gasket assembly on the container edge, in order to achieve proper heat sealing between the gasket and the edge, compared to a protrusion extending beyond the periphery of the secondary gasket and having to fold over the upper surface of the gasket). Since the gasket assembly 70 is mounted in the fixing portion 24 of the cap, it can be transported to the bottling machine as a unit, i.e., as a closure assembly 80 including the container 10, the primary gasket 30, and the secondary gasket 50. The bottling machine can then quickly and easily install the sealing components onto the container.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, once the closure assembly 80 is applied to the container 10, a usable heat-activated sealing method (e.g., a heat-sealing head) can be used to activate the heat seal layer, thereby permanently bonding the primary gasket 30 to the container edge (and optionally, adhering a peelable secondary gasket 50 to the upper surface 52 of the primary gasket). In the inductive heat-sealing step, to further enhance the pressure engagement between the closure cap and the container edge, sealing beads can be provided on the inner surface of the top wall 21 of the closure cap 20.

[0052] Figure 6 Figure 6 A method for manufacturing a liner assembly 70 and a sealing cap 20 and applying them to a container 10 is shown. The method includes several steps outlined herein, but the exact order of the steps may be changed or adjusted without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Figure 6 The method (400) embodiment includes the following steps: Starting with (step 401) a first roll and a second roll, the first roll being a roll comprising multiple layers of primary padding layers and the second roll being a roll comprising multiple layers of secondary padding layers; next (step 402), the first roll is unrolled and multiple product flow-limiting orifices are cut into it (for forming multiple corresponding primary pads, each primary pad having one such product flow-limiting orifice); the second roll is unrolled and multiple individual secondary pads are cut into it. Next (step 403), each individual secondary pad is placed on a different corresponding product flow-limiting orifice (on the first roll), and then (step 404) each secondary pad is heat-fused to the area surrounding the corresponding product flow-limiting orifice to form a third roll comprising multiple padding assemblies. The third roll is rewound (step 405) and conveyed (step 406) to the closure / pad insertion station. At the insertion station, the third roll is unrolled and (step 407) die-cut (step 407) into multiple individual padding assemblies. Next (step 408), each gasket assembly is inserted into a different closure cap to form multiple closure assemblies, which are then conveyed to the filling station. At the filling station, the product is filled into each container (step 409). Next (step 410), the closure assemblies are attached to the neck of each container, and then (step 411) each container with the closure assembly attached is conveyed under a heat sealer to bond the closure assembly to the container edge. Now, the heat-sealed containers are ready to be shipped (step 412) to retailers or distributors for final sale to customers / users.

[0054] Induction heating of the sealing component 80 (when attached to the container) activates the adhesive properties of the heat seal layer, thereby permanently securing the main layer to the annular edge of the container. The filled and sealed container / cap unit is now ready to be shipped to the designated distributor or retailer.

[0055] Figure 7 Figure 7 It shows something similar to Figure 6 Another method embodiment (700) of the method embodiment (400) is used, but its primary gasket and secondary gasket are not assembled (not bonded) when the closure cap is inserted (step 504).

[0056] Figures 8-12 Figures 8-12 A second embodiment is shown, comprising two padding components (140, 160) and a closure cap (120) assembled to form a closure assembly (180). The two padding components include: a double-layer (166A-166B) secondary pad (160) having a product flow-limiting orifice (165) configured to be permanently bonded (non-peelable) to a primary pad; and a triple-layer (147A-147C) primary pad (140) having a central region (144A) defined by perforated edges (144P) that matches the diameter of the product flow-limiting orifice (165), wherein the perforated edges facilitate a user to pierce the central region (144A) of the primary pad, thereby forming, together with the product flow-limiting orifice (165), a combined product flow-limiting orifice (extending through the primary and secondary pads) for dispensing product.

[0057] Figures 13-17 Figures 13-17 A third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, is shown, in which two padding components (240, 260) and a closure cap (220) are assembled to form a closure assembly (280). The two padding components include: a four-layer (266A-266D) secondary pad (260) that is permanently bonded (non-peelable) and has a product flow-limiting orifice (265); and a three-layer (247A-247C) primary pad (240) that has a central region (244A) defined by a perforated edge (244P) that matches the diameter of the product flow-limiting orifice (265). The perforated edge helps the user pierce the central region 244A of the primary pad to form a combined product flow-limiting orifice (extending through both the primary and secondary pads) together with the product flow-limiting orifice (265) for dispensing product.

[0058] Figures 18-22 Figures 18-22A fourth embodiment is shown, comprising two padding components (330, 350) and a closure cap (320) assembled to form a closure assembly (380). The two padding components include: an adhesive (non-peelable) double-layer (356, 357) secondary pad (350); and a three-layer (337, 338, 339) primary pad (330) having a product flow-limiting orifice (334), wherein a central region (355) of the secondary pad (350) located above the product flow-limiting orifice (334) of the primary pad is pierced by a user's finger or tool, thereby forming a combined product flow-limiting orifice (extending through both the primary and secondary pads) together with the product flow-limiting orifice (334) for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice.

[0059] Various embodiments In various embodiments, the primary liner has three or more layers, with the product flow-limiting orifice (or the area to be punctured) extending through all layers. The three-layer structure of the primary liner may include, for example: The top support layer (adjacent to the bottom of the secondary liner) is made of a non-heat-sealable material that does not melt during the induction heat-sealing step, such as a solid PET film layer, a polyolefin foam layer, or a solid polyolefin film (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that can be punctured to expose the product flow-limiting orifice). An intermediate layer of metallic materials (such as aluminum foil) is used to inductively heat other layers during the induction heat sealing step and provides a barrier against the environment (e.g., protecting the product from humidity and oxygen); and The underlayer (adjacent to the container edge) is made of induction heat-sealing material (which melts and adheres to the container edge during the heat-sealing step of the assembled container / closure).

[0060] The product flow-limiting orifice (or the area to be pierced) can be located in the central area or off-center, and can be distributed in any suitable shape (such as round, elliptical, etc.) according to the needs of a given application / product.

[0061] The secondary liner is also multi-layered, having two or more layers of foil-based or non-foil-based materials, for example: It is the top layer of PET film, aluminum foil, or paper, or a multi-layered top layer, such as PET film / polyolefin foam / aluminum foil layer; and A sub-base made of adhesive material (adjacent to the top of the primary liner) is bonded to the upper surface of the primary liner before (e.g., by heat fusion) or during the induction heat sealing step. The secondary liner structure can be die-cut into desired shapes, such as circular, elliptical, leaf-shaped, or any shape, and the size of one or more layers can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary liner (e.g., the heat-fused material can be limited to a maximum cross-sectional area). In one embodiment, the sub-base / bottom surface of the secondary liner includes an adhesive area for bonding to the primary liner, and a peripheral non-adhesive area for the consumer / user to grasp and peel off the secondary liner (to remove the secondary liner from the primary liner). As an alternative (to releasable / peelable bonding with the primary liner), when packaging / application requires the consumer / user to obtain the product through the product flow-limiting orifice of the primary liner by piercing (penetrating or puncturing the secondary liner area located above the product flow-limiting orifice), the secondary liner can be permanently fused or welded to the primary liner by selecting a suitable adhesive material.

[0062] When a secondary gasket needs to be heat-fused (temporarily heat-bonded) to a primary gasket, the dimensions (cross-sectional area) of the secondary gasket may be smaller than those of the primary gasket; for example, its diameter may be smaller than that of the primary gasket. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the secondary gasket and the primary gasket may be the same.

[0063] After inserting the primary and secondary gaskets into the closure to form a closure assembly, the resulting closure assembly is applied to a container containing the product and then induction heat-sealed, whereby the primary gasket is induction heat-sealed to form a permanent / destructive bond with the container edge through induction heat sealing.

[0064] In one embodiment, a primary gasket (with a product flow-limiting orifice) and a secondary gasket are provided as two separate (unassembled) gaskets to the closure manufacturer. The closure manufacturer then die-cuts the gaskets and inserts them together or sequentially into the closure such that the primary gasket faces the product and contacts the container edge, forming a permanent seal with the container edge via induction heat sealing. The bottom sealing surface of the secondary gasket contacts the top of the primary gasket and is heat-bonded / adhesive to the top of the primary gasket, forming a temporary seal covering the product flow-limiting orifice of the primary gasket. This is a result of induction heat sealing along the product filling line. The non-heat-sealed top surface of the secondary gasket contacts the inner (internal) top wall of the closure.

[0065] Using an induction heat-sealing process (for closure components applied to containers already filled with product), a primary gasket with a product flow-limiting orifice is permanently heat-bonded to the container surface, while a secondary gasket is heat-bonded either peelable or permanently fused (depending on the application) to form a cover over the product flow-limiting orifice. Consumers / users of the package can tear or puncture the secondary gasket (at the product flow-limiting orifice) to dispense the product. In various embodiments, one or both gaskets may be a non-foil multilayer structure, if / depending on the requirements of a given application.

[0066] When the primary and secondary gaskets are provided as two separate gaskets for the closure insertion as described above, another method of bonding the secondary gasket to the primary gasket is to assemble the two gaskets using a heated mandrel-type tool so that the two gaskets are bonded during the closure die-cutting and insertion operations (rather than during the induction heat sealing step).

[0067] In various embodiments, the liner includes a bottom heat-sealable layer, an induction heating layer above the bottom heat-sealable layer (e.g., a thin metal film layer that is resistively heated during induction heat sealing operation), and one or more reinforcing (supporting) materials for enhancing the mechanical strength of the liner (e.g., enabling the liner to be punctured, inserted into a closure, pressed against the container opening by a closure (e.g., a screw cap), induction heat-sealed with the container edge, and subsequently not broken when the upper (secondary) liner is torn off the container edge).

[0068] As used herein, an induction heating material layer or sheet refers to any material that is resistively heated when an induced current is transmitted. Typically, an induction heating layer is a metal foil layer, such as aluminum foil.

[0069] The induction-heat-sealable (bottommost) layer can be made of any polymeric material capable of softening and sealing to the container edge. The heat-sealable layer is typically made of polyethylene terephthalate or a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers and mixtures thereof; this material can be a copolymer with ethylene, such as a copolymer with vinyl acetate, methyl acrylate, or ethyl acrylate, or a copolymer with various α-olefins such as butene, hexene, or octene. The induction heating layer and the heat-sealable layer can be bonded together using an adhesive, such as a two-component isocyanate-hydroxyl adhesive. In another embodiment, the induction heating layer can be coated with a heat-sealable material.

[0070] In various embodiments, the liner may comprise one or more layers of polyolefin material. The polyolefin may be one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA), and polyethylene-ethyl acrylate (EEA). The polyolefin material may comprise a single polymer, copolymer, or mixture. Preferably, the polyolefin layer is made of at least one of a vinyl polymer and a propylene polymer. The vinyl polymer may be an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, and the propylene polymer may be a propylene-α-olefin copolymer.

[0071] Additional layers to the liner may include reinforcing layers, such as biaxially oriented polyester films, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This layer may have a thickness, for example, between 4 micrometers and 100 micrometers. The total thickness of the liner is typically between 100 micrometers and 600 micrometers.

[0072] While several preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, this is not intended to limit the invention, but rather to cover all modifications and alternative structures that may fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An inductively heat-sealable closure assembly having a product flow restriction orifice, the closure assembly comprising: Two gasket components (30, 50) and a closure cap (20) are assembled to form a closure assembly (80). The two gasket components include: a multi-layer main gasket (30) having a heat-sealing layer configured for inductive heat sealing to an edge surrounding a container opening, the main gasket having a product flow-limiting orifice (34) extending through the main gasket, the product flow-limiting orifice (34) being smaller than the container opening and sized to dispense product through the product flow-limiting orifice (34); and a multi-level gasket (50) with a diameter smaller than the edge and smaller than the main gasket, so as not to hinder the insertion of the main gasket and the secondary gasket into the closure cap (20) and not to hinder the inductive heat sealing between the main gasket (30) and the edge (13). The primary gasket (30) and the secondary gasket (50) are heat-sealed together to form a gasket assembly (70), which is placed in a fixed portion (24) within the closure cap (20) to form the closure assembly (80). The closure assembly (80) is then applied to the container (10) to activate the heat-sealing layer on the primary gasket to permanently bond the primary gasket to the edge (13) of the container. The secondary gasket has a central portion (55) covering the product flow-limiting orifice of the primary gasket, a peelable adhesive annular portion (58) surrounding the central portion, which is temporarily bonded to the primary gasket to seal the product flow-limiting orifice (34); and another annular portion (59) surrounding the adhesive annular portion (58) to form a non-adhesive integrated pull tab to help the user peel the secondary gasket from the primary gasket to expose the product flow-limiting orifice (34).

2. An inductively heat sealable closure assembly having a product flow restriction aperture, the closure assembly comprising: Two gasket components (140, 160; 240, 260) and a sealing cap (120; 220) are assembled to form a sealing assembly (180; 280). The two gasket components include: a multi-layer primary gasket (140; 240) configured for inductive heat sealing to the edge surrounding the container opening; and a multi-layer secondary gasket (160; 260) having a product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265) extending through the secondary gasket. The product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265) is smaller than the container opening, and its size is set... For dispensing product through the product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265), the secondary liner is configured to be permanently bonded to the primary liner; the primary liner (140; 240) has a central region (144A; 244A) defined by perforated edges (144P; 244P), the central region (144A; 244A) matching the diameter of the product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265), wherein the perforated edges facilitate a user to pierce the central region (144A; 244A) of the primary liner (140; 240), thereby forming a combined product flow-limiting orifice (165; 265) extending through the primary liner and the secondary liner for dispensing product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice.

3. A heat-sealable sealing assembly with a product flow-limiting orifice, the sealing assembly comprising: Two gasket components (330, 350) and a closure cap (320) are assembled to form a closure assembly (380). The two gasket components include: a multilayer main gasket (330) configured for inductive heat sealing to the edge surrounding the container opening; the main gasket having a product flow restrictor (334) extending through the main gasket; the product flow restrictor (334) being smaller than the container opening; and the product flow restrictor (334) being sized to dispense product through the product flow restrictor (334). A multi-layered secondary liner (350) is permanently bonded to the top of a primary liner. The secondary liner (350) has a central region (355) disposed above the product flow-limiting orifice (334) of the primary liner. It is configured to be pierced by a user's finger or tool, thereby forming a combined product flow-limiting orifice (334) extending through the primary liner and the secondary liner to dispense product through the combined product flow-limiting orifice.

4. The closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main liner comprises at least three layers.

5. The closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The secondary liner comprises at least two layers.

6. The closure assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The primary and / or secondary pads comprise one or more metal layers.

7. The closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary liner and / or secondary liner comprises one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and / or polyolefin film.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 2 further includes a peelable liner (500) temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary liner (160) to cover the product flow restrictor (165).

9. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein, The product flow-limiting orifice (34) includes a single opening.

10. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein, The product flow-limiting orifice (34) includes multiple openings.

11. A method of manufacturing a closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Before induction heat sealing the primary gasket to the edge of the container, the primary gasket and the secondary gasket are inserted into the closure cap.

12. A method of manufacturing a closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The primary liner and the secondary liner are bonded together to form a liner assembly, which is then inserted into the closure cap to inductively heat-seal the primary liner to the edge of the container.

13. A closure gasket assembly configured to seal an annular edge defining an opening of a product container, the closure gasket assembly comprising: The main liner with a planar configuration (30; 330), having opposing upper and lower surfaces and an annular perimeter sized to span the container opening, the main liner having a multi-layered structure in a direction transverse to the plane defining the container opening, the multi-layered structure including a lowermost heat-sensitive heat-sealing layer forming a lower surface for bonding to the container edge, an uppermost polymer layer forming the upper surface, and an intermediate metal foil layer, the main liner having a product flow-limiting orifice (34; 334; 34') with one or more openings, the perimeter of the main liner being smaller than the size of the container opening, and the product flow-limiting orifice extending transversely through the multi-layered structure of the main liner; A secondary gasket (50; 350) with a planar configuration is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the primary gasket and has a central portion sized to cover the product flow-limiting orifice and an outer peripheral portion smaller than the outer peripheral dimensions of the primary gasket. A lid (20; 320) having a top wall and a hanging annular skirt defining an inner closed area configured to releasably engage with a container neck, the lid further comprising a securing portion for temporarily securing the primary and secondary liners within the inner closed area. The primary gasket and the secondary gasket are positioned within the fixed portion of the cap to form a closure gasket assembly, and the closure gasket assembly is positioned to seal the product container opening by inductively heat-sealing the lowermost heat-sensitive heat-sealing layer to the container edge. When the cap is removed from the container, the secondary liner remains adhered to the upper surface of the primary liner, serving as a tamper-evident closure for the product flow-limiting orifice. The secondary liner is configured to peel off from the upper surface of the primary liner to open the product flow-limiting orifice, thereby allowing the product to be removed. Alternatively, the central portion of the secondary liner above the product flow-limiting orifice may be configured to be punctured to open the product flow-limiting orifice, thereby allowing the product to be removed.

14. A closure gasket assembly configured to seal an annular edge defining an opening of a product container, the closure gasket assembly comprising: A main gasket (140; 240) having a planar configuration, having opposing upper and lower surfaces and an annular periphery sized to span the container opening, the main gasket having a multi-layered structure in a direction transverse to the plane defining the container opening, the multi-layered structure including a lowermost heat-inductive heat-sealing layer forming the lower surface for bonding to the container edge, an uppermost polymer layer forming the upper surface, and an intermediate metal foil layer. A secondary liner (160; 260) having a planar configuration is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the primary liner and has a product flow-limiting orifice with an outer periphery smaller than the container opening and extending laterally. The product flow-limiting orifice is sized to dispense product through the orifice. The secondary liner is configured to be permanently bonded to the primary liner. The lid has a top wall and a hanging annular skirt defining an inner closed area configured to releasably engage with a container neck. The lid also includes a securing portion for temporarily securing the primary and secondary liners within the inner closed area. The primary gasket and the secondary gasket are positioned within the fixed portion of the cap to form a closure gasket assembly, and the closure gasket assembly is positioned to seal the product container opening by inductively heat-sealing the lowermost heat-sensitive heat-sealing layer to the edge. When the cap is removed from the container, the secondary liner remains adhered to the upper surface of the primary liner, serving as a tamper-evident closure for the product flow restrictor. The primary liner (140; 240) has a central region (144A; 244A) defined by perforated edges (144P; 244P), the diameter of which matches the diameter of the product flow restrictor (165; 265). The perforated edges facilitate the user to pierce the central region (144A; 244A) of the primary liner, thereby forming a combined product flow restrictor extending through the primary and secondary liners together with the product flow restrictor (165; 265) for dispensing product.

15. The closure gasket assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The primary liner comprises at least three layers, and / or the secondary liner comprises at least two layers.

16. The closure liner assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The primary liner and / or the secondary liner comprises one or more metal layers.

17. The closure liner assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The primary liner and / or the secondary liner comprise one or more layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and / or polyolefin film.

18. The closure gasket assembly according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a peelable gasket (500) temporarily attached to the upper surface of the secondary gasket (160) to cover the product flow restrictor (165).

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