Tamper evident tap having retained tamper evident feature
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LB EUROPE LIMITED
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing tamper evident tap assemblies with 'tear away' tabs pose issues such as disposal challenges, potential hazards, and non-compliance with regulations that require tamper evident features to remain integrated after the seal is broken.
A tamper evident tap assembly with a retained tamper evident feature that remains integrated within the tap assembly after activation, utilizing wings that rotate inwardly and are held in place by engagement features, ensuring the feature remains attached and providing visual indication of activation.
The retained tamper evident feature addresses disposal and hazard concerns while ensuring compliance with regulations, providing a clear visual indication of activation and maintaining the feature's integrity within the tap assembly.
Smart Images
Figure IB2024059432_03042025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
TAMPER EVIDENT TAP HAVING RETAINED TAMPER EVIDENT FEATURESPECIFICATIONBACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure is in the technical field of tamper evident tap assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to tamper evident tap assemblies where the tamper evident feature is not removable from the tap assembly.
[0002] Many systems are used for filling and dispensing liquids and other flowable products from packages, such as bags that hold flowable products. Generally, these packages are made from a plastic material and have at least one spout through which the liquid or flowable material is filled and / or dispensed. It is critical that package or seal tampering be readily apparent upon inspection, particularly in the case of aseptically packaged food products. The tampering indicator must be robust enough to withstand the packaging, transporting, filling and sealing conditions.
[0003] The packaging used in these circumstances is relatively inexpensive and is only meant for single use. Nevertheless, it is important that such packaging maintain aseptic integrity until the packaged goods are consumed. Any failure of the seal prior to use of the package contents must be readily apparent. Generally, it is preferred that these packages be kept under aseptic conditions throughout the manufacturing and filling process, as well as prior to dispensing of the liquid or flowable product. Such conditions may be required if the flowable product will readily undergo deterioration or degradation when exposed to a non-aseptic environment.
[0004] Tamper evident tap assemblies have been developed with “tear away” tabs where the end user tears off a piece of the assembly in order to begin dispensing the flowable product from the tap assembly. If the tear away tab has been broken or removed prior to the end consumer’s first intended use, the possible corruption of the seal is evident to the end consumer. However, the nature of tear away tabs can be problematic. For example, once thetab has been tom away from the tap assembly, the user must dispose of the tab. Not only must a suitable receptacle for the tab be readily available, the likelihood that the tab will be discarded in a desired manner (e.g., recycled) can be relatively low. Additionally, the loose tab can serve as a hazard, such as a choking hazard for children when the dispensing occurs in a residence. Moreover, certain jurisdictions may require that tamper evident features of tap assemblies remain a retained part of the tap assemblies after the seal is broken. Thus, it would be advantageous for a tap assembly to have a retained tamper evident feature that remains an integrated part of the tap assemblies after the seal is broken.SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0006] In a first embodiment, a tap assembly is couplable to a container having a flowable material therein. The tap assembly includes a body, an outlet, a valve, an actuator, and a tamper evident feature. The body is configured to be in fluid communication with the container when the tap assembly is coupled to the container. The outlet in fluid communication with the body. The valve located with the body. When the valve is closed, the valve deters flow of the flowable material to the outlet and, when the valve is open, the valve permits flow of the flowable material to the outlet. The actuator is coupled to the valve. The actuator is biased to a first location where the valve is closed and the actuator is movable from the first location to a second location where the valve is open. The tamper evident feature that can be activated. The tamper evident feature is in a path of the actuator between the first and second locations before the tamper evident feature is activated. The tamper evident feature is located inside the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature is activated. The tamper evident feature is retained by the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature is activated.
[0007] In a second embodiment, the actuator of the first embodiment comprises flanges.
[0008] In a third embodiment, the tamper evident feature of the second embodiment comprises wings.
[0009] In a fourth embodiment, before the tamper evident feature of the third embodiment is activated, the wings are located in a path of the flanges as the actuator is moved from the first and second locations.
[0010] In a fifth embodiment, the tap assembly of any of the third or fourth embodiments further includes a cap fixedly coupled to the body.
[0011] In a sixth embodiment, the wings of the fifth embodiment are integrally formed with the cap. After the tamper evident feature is activated, the wings are configured to rotate with respect to the cap.
[0012] In a seventh embodiment, before the tamper evident feature of the sixth embodiment is activated, the cap further comprises bridges that fixedly and temporarily couple the wings to the cap.
[0013] In an eighth embodiment, the tamper evident feature of the seventh embodiment is configured to be activated by breaking the bridges.
[0014] In a ninth embodiment, the cap of any of the seventh or eighth embodiments comprises engagement features configured to engage the wings of the tamper evident feature after the tamper evident feature has been activated.
[0015] In a tenth embodiment, the engagement features of the ninth embodiment are configured to engage distal ends of the wings in response to the wings being rotated inwardly under the cap after the tamper evident feature has been activated.
[0016] In an eleventh embodiment, the actuator of the tenth embodiment further comprises a trigger fixedly coupled to the flanges. The trigger has a hollow interior and the engagement features are configured to hold the wings above the hollow interior of the trigger when the distal ends of the wings are engaged by the engagement features.
[0017] In a twelfth embodiment, when the engagement features of the eleventh embodiment hold the distal ends of the wings and the actuator is in the second position, the wings are located at least partially in the hollow interior of the trigger.
[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, the tap assembly of any of the third to twelfth embodiment further includes tabs extended upward from upper surfaces of the flanges and protrusions extended from lower surfaces of the wings. Before the tamper evident feature isactivated, the protrusions sit either on the tabs or on the upper surfaces of the flanges behind the tabs. During activation of the tamper evident feature, the protrusions pass the tabs.
[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment, the tabs of the thirteenth embodiment have inclined surfaces that incline as they extend away from the flanges
[0020] In a fifteenth embodiment, the valve of any of the preceding embodiments is biased closed.
[0021] In a sixteenth embodiment, the actuator of any of the preceding embodiments is biased to the first location.
[0022] In a seventeenth embodiment, the tamper evident feature of any of the preceding embodiments extends farther outward than the body before the tamper evident feature is activated. The tamper evident feature does not extend farther outward the body after the tamper evident feature is activated.
[0023] In an eighteenth embodiment, a package includes a container having a flowable material therein and a tap assembly coupled to and in fluid communication with the container. The tap assembly is the tap assembly of any of the preceding embodiments.
[0024] In a nineteenth embodiment, the container of the eighteenth embodiment comprises a flexible bag and the tap assembly is coupled to the flexible bag.
[0025] In an twentieth embodiment, the container of the nineteenth embodiment further comprises a box. The flexible bag is located in the box and the outlet of the tap assembly is located outside of the box.
[0026] In a twenty-first embodiment, the container of the nineteenth embodiment is a rigid or semi-rigid container.
[0027] In a twenty-second embodiment, the flowable material of any of the sixteenth to twenty-first embodiments is a liquid.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0028] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood byreference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0029] Figs. 1A depicts an embodiment of a tap assembly that has a tear away tamper evident feature;
[0030] Fig. IB depicts the tap assembly shown in Fig. 1A after the tamper evident feature has been removed and pulled away;
[0031] Fig. 2A and 2B depict perspective and front cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a tap assembly having a retained tamper evident feature, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0032] Fig. 2C depicts a partial view of an embodiment of the bridges of the tamper evident feature, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0033] Figs. 3A and 3B depict perspective and cross-sectional perspective views, respectively, of the tap assembly shown in Figs. 2A and 2B after the retained tamper evident feature has been activated, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0034] Figs. 4A and 4B depict lower perspective views of the cap of the tap assembly shown in Figs. 2A and 2B with the tamper evident feature before and after, respectively, the activation of the tamper evident feature, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0035] Figs. 5A and 5B show perspective and front views, respectively, of the tap assembly shown in Figs. 2A and 2B before the tamper evident feature has been activated, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0036] Figs. 6A and 6B show perspective and front views, respectively, of the tap assembly shown in Figs. 2A and 2B after the tamper evident feature has been activated;
[0037] Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective views of the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature has been activated both before and after respectively, the valve has been opened, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0038] Figs. 8 A and 8B depict perspective and front cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a tap assembly having a retained tamper evident feature with incidental activation prevention features, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0039] Fig. 8C depicts a partial view of an embodiment of the incidental activation prevention features of the tap shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; and
[0040] Figs. 9A and 9B depict perspective and cross-sectional perspective views, respectively, of the tap assembly shown in Figs. 8A and 8B after the retained tamper evident feature has been activated, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Figs. 1A depicts an embodiment of a tap assembly 100 that has a tear away tamper evident feature 130. The tap assembly 100 is coupled to a container 150. In some embodiments, the container 150 is flexible, such as a plastic pouch or bag. In one particular embodiment of the container 150 being flexible, the container 150 can be the bag of a bag-inbox product. In other cases, the container 150 can be rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the tap assembly 100 can be coupled directly to the container 150. In some embodiments, the tap assembly 100 can be coupled indirectly to the container 150, such as in the case where the container 150 is directly coupled to a fitment which is directly coupled to the container 150.
[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the tap assembly 100 includes a collar 102, a channel 104, and a body 106. The body 106 is in fluid communication with the container 150 via a passage in the collar 102 and the channel 104. The tap assembly 100 further includes an outlet 108 through which the flowable material can be dispensed. The tap assembly 100 includes a valve in the body 106. When the valve is open, the flowable material is permitted to flow from the container 150, through the channel 104 and the body 106, and out of the outlet 108. When the valve is closed, the valve prevents the flowable material in the body from flowing out of the outlet 108. In some embodiments, the valve is biased closed so that the valve is closed unless the valve is opened.
[0043] The tap assembly 100 includes flanges 110 and a cap 112. The tap assembly 100 includes an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes the flanges 110, the cap 112, or a combination of the flanges 110 and the cap 112. In the depicted embodiment, the flanges 110 are fixedly coupled to the valve in the body 106 and the cap 112 is fixedlycoupled to the body 106 such that upward movement of the flanges 110 with respect to the cap 112 causes the valve in the body 106 to open.
[0044] The tap assembly 100 further includes a tamper evident feature 130. In the depicted embodiment, the tamper evident feature 130 is in the form of a removable tab that has a pull end 132. The tamper evident feature 130 further includes bridges 134 that connect two portions of the removable tab and bridges 136 that connect portions of the removable tab to the cap 112. When the tamper evident feature 130 is on the tap assembly 100, as is the case in Fig. 4A, the bridges 134 and 136 hold the tamper evident feature 130 between the flanges 110 and the cap 112. In this configuration, the tamper evident feature 130 prevents respective movement of the flanges 110 and the cap 112 toward each other. In this way, the tamper evident feature 130 prevents the valve in the body 106 from opening to dispense the flowable material through the outlet 108. The tamper evident feature 130 also provides a visual indication to a user (e.g., a manufacturer, a packer, an end consumer, etc.) that the tap assembly 100 has not been opened.
[0045] To open the tamper evident feature 130, a user can pull the tamper evident feature 130 from the tap assembly 100. For example, the user can pull on the pull end 132 of the removable tab, lift upward to break the bridges 134, and then pull the pull end around the cap 112 to break the bridges 136. After all of the bridges 134 and 136 have been broken, the user can pull the tamper evident feature 130 away from the rest of the tap assembly 100.
[0046] Fig. IB depicts the tap assembly 100 after the tamper evident feature 130 has been removed and pulled away. In this state, a user can lift up on the flanges 110, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. IB, to move the flanges 110 toward the cap 112. In the depicted embodiment, this actuation of the actuator (i.e., the flanges 110 in Fig. IB) causes the valve inside of the body 106 to open and to permit flow of the flowable material out of the outlet 108.
[0047] As noted above, the use of a tamper evident feature 130 in the form of a tear away tab can be problematic. For example, as can be seen in Fig. IB after the tamper evident feature 130 has been tom away from the tap assembly 100, the user must dispose of the tab. Not only must a suitable receptacle for the tamper evident feature 130 be readily available, the likelihood that the tamper evident feature 130 will be discarded in a desired manner (e.g., recycled) can be relatively low. Additionally, the tamper evident feature 130 can serve as ahazard after it is removed, such as a choking hazard for children when the dispensing occurs in a residence.
[0048] The embodiments of tap assemblies described below have retained tamper evident features. A retained tamper evident feature remains retained to the tap assembly after the retained tamper evident feature is broken to permit dispensing of flowable materials. The retained tamper evident features also provide a visual indication as to whether the tamper evident features have been broken to permit dispensing from the tap assemblies. Having a retained tamper evident feature on a tap assembly avoid the drawbacks of the tear away type tamper evident features, while the visual indication of whether the retained tamper evident feature is broken permits a user to quickly and easily identify whether the retained tamper evident feature is still effective.
[0049] Fig. 2A and 2B depict perspective and front cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a tap assembly 200 having a retained tamper evident feature 230. The tap assembly 200 is coupled to a container 250. In some embodiments, the container 250 is flexible, such as a plastic pouch or bag. In one particular embodiment of the container 250 being flexible, the container 250 can be the bag of a bag -in-box product. In other cases, the container 250 can be rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the tap assembly 200 can be coupled directly to the container 250. In some embodiments, the tap assembly 200 can be coupled indirectly to the container 250, such as in the case where the container 250 is directly coupled to a fitment which is directly coupled to the container 250.
[0050] In the depicted embodiment, the tap assembly 200 includes a collar 202, a channel 204, and a body 206. The body 206 is in fluid communication with the container 250 via a passage in the collar 202 and the channel 204. The tap assembly 200 further includes an outlet 208 through which the flowable material can be dispensed. The tap assembly 200 includes a valve 214 in the body 206. When the valve 214 is open, the flowable material is permitted to flow from the container 250, through the channel 204 and the body 206, and out of the outlet 208. When the valve 214 is closed, the valve 214 prevents the flowable material in the body from flowing out of the outlet 208. In some embodiments, the valve 214 is biased closed so that the valve is closed unless the valve 214 is opened.
[0051] The tap assembly 200 includes flanges 210 and a cap 212. The tap assembly 200 includes an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes the flanges 210, the cap212, or a combination of the flanges 210 and the cap 212. In the depicted embodiment, the flanges 210 are fixedly coupled to the valve in the body 206 and the cap 212 is fixedly coupled to the body 206 such that upward movement of the flanges 210 with respect to the cap 212 causes the valve in the body 206 to open. The flanges 210 are fixedly coupled to a trigger 216. The trigger 216 has a hollow interior. The trigger 216 is coupled to the valve 214. The trigger 216 and the valve 214 are arranged such that, as the flanges 210 are lifted with respect to the cap 212, the upward movement of the flanges 210 causes corresponding upward movement of the trigger 216 and the upward movement of the trigger 216 causes upward movement of the valve 214 to open the valve 214.
[0052] In some embodiments, the valve 214 is formed form a resilient material, such as rubber, silicone, and the like. The shape and / or material of the valve 214 can be selected such that the valve 214 is biased downward toward the outlet 208. In this way, the valve 214 is closed when no external forces are applied to the tap assembly 200. When a user lifts the flanges 210 with respect to the cap 212, the valve 214 will remain open while the user exerts a lifting force on the flanges 210. When the user releases the flanges 210, the shape and / or material of the valve 214 causes the valve 214 to revert to its original position with the valve 214 closing the outlet 208. This reversion of the valve 214 to its original position causes the flanges 210 to be pulled downward toward the position shown in Figs. 2A and 2B.
[0053] The tap assembly 200 further includes a tamper evident feature 230. In the depicted embodiment, the tamper evident feature 230 is in the form of wings that are located above the flanges 210. In the orientation shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the wings of the tamper evident feature are positioned to prevent the flanges 210 from being lifted upward to open the valve 214. In this way, the tamper evident feature 230 indicates that the valve 214 has not been opened. In the depicted embodiment, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are configured to rotate with respect to the cap 212 by rotating about hinges 232. In the depicted embodiment, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are formed integrally with the cap 212 and the hinges 232 are portions of the cap that are thinner that the other portions of the cap 212 to permit rotation of the wings of the tamper evident feature 230.
[0054] The tamper evident feature 230 further includes bridges 234 that fixedly and temporarily couple the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 to the cap 212. Fig. 2C depicts a partial view of an embodiment of the bridges 234 of the tamper evident feature 230.The bridges 234 deter rotation of the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 with respect to the cap 212. The bridges 234 can deter unintended rotation of the wings of the tamper evident feature 230, such as in the case of inadvertent forces applied to the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 during shipping and handling of the container 250 to which the tap assembly 200 is coupled. The bridges 234 are breakable and can be broken by a user pushing inward on the wings of the tamper evident feature 230, as discussed in greater detail below. As long as the bridges 234 remain unbroken, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 indicate that the valve 214 has not been opened.
[0055] Figs. 3A and 3B depict perspective and cross-sectional perspective views, respectively, of the tap assembly 200 after the retained tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. In the depicted embodiment, a force has been applied to the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 to push the wings toward each other. The force can be applied, for example, by a user pressing on both of the wings at the same time (e.g., applying a pinching force to the wings with a finger and a thumb). The force applied to the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 caused the bridges 234 to break and also caused the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 to be rotated with respect to the cap 212 toward each other. In the depicted embodiment, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been rotated until the wings are located above the hollow interior of the trigger 216.
[0056] With the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 the positions shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the tap assembly 200 can be used to dispense flowable material through the outlet 208. In particular, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are out of the way of the flanges 210 and the trigger 216 so that a user can move the flanges 210 upward with respect to the cap 212. The upward movement of the flanges 210 with respect to the cap 212 cause the valve 214 to open and the flowable material to be dispensed through the outlet 208. In addition, the position of the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 shown in Figs. 3A and 3B provides evidence to a user that the tap assembly 200 has potentially been opened because the bridges 234 have been broken.
[0057] In some embodiments, after the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been moved to the positions shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, it may be advantageous for the tap assembly 200 to hold the wings in that position. In the depicted embodiment, the tap assembly 200 includes engagement features 236 that engage distal ends 238 of the wings tohold the wings above the hollow interior of the trigger 216 in the positions shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement features 236 are located under the top of the cap 212.
[0058] Figs. 4A and 4B depict lower perspective views of the cap 212 of the tap assembly 200 with the tamper evident feature 230 before and after, respectively, the activation of the tamper evident feature 230. In Fig. 4A, the bridges 234 are still intact to hold the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 outward. In Fig. 4B, the bridges 234 have been broken and the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been pushed inward. In particular, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been pushed inward until the distal ends 238 of the wings have engaged the engagement features 236.
[0059] The engagement features 236 hold the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 in the position shown in Fig. 4B. In this way, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are held inside of the tap assembly 200 after activation of the tamper evident feature 230. This location of the tamper evident feature 230 reduces the likelihood that any portion of the tamper evident feature 230 will separate from the tap assembly 200. Thus, the tamper evident feature 230 remains retained to the tap assembly 200 after activation of the tamper evident feature 230.
[0060] Figs. 5A and 5B show perspective and front views, respectively, of the tap assembly 200 before the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. Figs. 6A and 6B show perspective and front views, respectively, of the tap assembly 200 after the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. When viewing Figs. 5A to 6B, the visual indication of whether the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. In particular, when looking at Figs. 5A and 5B, it is visually evident that the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are located in the path between the flanges 210 and the cap 212 and would prevent respective movement of the flanges 210 and the cap 212. Similarly, when looking at Figs. 6A and 6B, it is clear that the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated because the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are not located in the path between the flanges 210 and the cap 212.
[0061] Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective views of the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated both before and after respectively, the valve 214 has been opened. In Fig. 7A, the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. In the depictedembodiment, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been pushed inward under the cap 212 so that the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are not located above the flanges 210. In this state, it is visually apparent to a user that the flanges 210 can be lifted upward with respect to the cap 212 and the body 206 because the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are not in the path of the upward movement of the flanges 210. In Fig. 7B, the flanges 210 have been lifted upward with respect to the cap 212 and the body 206. The upward movement of the flanges 210 lifts the trigger 216, which in turn lifts a portion of the valve 214 to open the valve. At the instance shown in Fig. 7B, flowable material in the container 250 would be permitted to flow through the channel 204, the body 206, and out of the outlet 208.
[0062] In the embodiments depicted herein, the tamper evident feature 230 is located in the path of the actuator of the valve 214 before the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated and the tamper evident feature 230 is located inside of the tap assembly 200 after the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. Before the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated, as can be seen in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5B, the tamper evident feature 230 extends outward farther than the exterior of the body 206 so that the tamper evident feature 230 is in the path of the actuator (e.g., the flanges 210 in the depicted embodiment). In the particular example shown in Fig. 5B, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 extend farther to the left and to the right than the left and right sides of the body 206 so that the wings are in the path of the flanges 210. After the tamper evident feature 230 has been activated, as can be seen in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 6B, the tamper evident feature 230 is located inside of the tap assembly 200. In the particular example shown in Fig. 6B, the left and right sides of the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 do not extend farther outward than the left and right sides of the body 206 so that the wings are not in the path of the actuator (e.g., the flanges 210).
[0063] The location of the tamper evident feature 230 inside of the tap assembly 200 after the tap assembly 200 after actuation can deter unintended separation of the tamper evident feature 230. For example, in an alternate embodiment not shown here, wings of a tamper evident feature could be located above the flanges 210 such that, as the wings are pushed outward away from the body 206 to break the bridges 234 and activate the tamper evident feature. In such an embodiment, the wings will be located above the flanges 210 and wouldbe free to rotate outwardly away from the body 206 each time that the flanges 210 are lifted to open the valve 214. However, such outwardly-rotating wings would leave the wings exposed to the environment and possibly detached (e.g., ripped or pulled) from the tap assembly 200. In contrast, the tamper evident feature 230 of the tap assembly 200 shown in Figs. 2A to 6B is located inside of the tap assembly 200 after the tamper evident feature 230 is activated. With the tamper evident feature 230 located inside of the tap assembly 200 after activation, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 are not exposed to the external environment and the likelihood of the wings been detached from the tap assembly 200 is extremely small.
[0064] In the depicted embodiments in Figs. 2A to 6B, the actuator of the tap assembly is the flanges 210 which move with respect to the cap 212 in order to open the valve 214. In other embodiments, the flanges 210 can be fixedly coupled to the body 206 and the cap 212 is movably coupled to the body 206 so that the valve 214 is opened by moving the cap 212 with respect to the flanges 210. In other embodiments, the actuator can have be of any other configuration or type, such as a push button actuator, a twisting actuator, and the like.
[0065] Fig. 8A and 8B depict perspective and front cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a tap assembly 200’ that is a variation of the tap assembly 200 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The tap assembly 200’ includes the collar 202, the channel 204, the body 206, the flanges 210, the cap 212, the valve 214, the trigger 216, the tamper evident feature 230, the hinges 232, the bridges 234, the engagement features 236, and the distal ends 238. The reference numbers in the tap assembly 200’ that match the reference numbers in the tap assembly 200 indicate similar parts in the tap assembly 200’ which operate in similar ways as they operate in the tap assembly 200.
[0066] The tap assembly 200’ also includes incidental activation prevention features that prevents incidental activation of the tamper evident feature 230, such as during shipping, handling, and storage of the tap assembly 200’ prior to use by the end consumer. In the depicted embodiment, the incidental activation prevention features include tabs 211 on the upper surfaces of the flanges 210 and protrusions 231 from the lower surfaces of the tamper evident feature 230. The tabs 211 extend from the flanges 210 and the protrusions 231 extend from the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 such that, prior to activation of the tamper evident feature 230, the protrusions 231 sit on the tabs 211 and / or the upper surface ofthe flange 210 behind the tabs 211. When a user intends to activate the tamper evident feature 230, the user can apply sufficient inward force on the wings to cause the protrusions 231 to pass the tabs 211 in order to activate the tamper evident feature 230.
[0067] Fig. 8C depicts a sectional view of the depicted embodiment of the flanges 210 and the tabs 211. In the depicted embodiment, the tabs 211 have inclined surfaces that incline as they extend away from the flanges 210. In some embodiments, the trigger 216 is coupled to an elastomeric section which causes the trigger 216 and the flanges 210 to act like a spring. The spring effect on the tabs 211 is sufficient to repel inadvertent forces applied to the wings before activation of the tamper evident feature 230 is desired. The inclined surfaces of the tabs 211 also allows the protrusions 231 to slide up the tabs 211 when activation of the tamper evident feature 230 is desired thereby not significantly increasing the force required to push the protrusions 231 beyond the tabs 211 when activating the tamper evident feature 230.
[0068] Figs. 9A and 9B depict perspective and cross-sectional perspective views, respectively, of the tap assembly 200’ after the retained tamper evident feature 230 has been activated. In the depicted embodiment, a force has been applied to the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 both to push the protrusions 231 past the tabs 211 and to push the wings toward each other. The force can be applied, for example, by a user pressing on both of the wings at the same time (e.g., applying a pinching force to the wings with a finger and a thumb). The force applied to the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 caused the bridges 234 to break and also caused the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 to be rotated with respect to the cap 212 toward each other. In the depicted embodiment, the wings of the tamper evident feature 230 have been rotated until the wings are located above the hollow interior of the trigger 216.
[0069] It will be noted that there are other changes to the tap assembly 200 can deter the likelihood of incidental activation of the tamper evident feature 230. For example, increasing a strength of the hinges 232, increasing the number of the bridges 234, and / or increasing a size of the bridges 234 can also deter the likelihood of incidental activation of the tamper evident feature 230. However, those changes also significantly increase the force required to activate the tamper evident feature 230. The use of incidental activation prevention features, such as the tabs 211 and the protrusions 231, can significantly deter the likelihood ofincidental activation of the tamper evident feature 230 while not significantly increasing the force required to activate the tamper evident feature 230.
[0070] For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.
[0071] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.
Claims
CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A tap assembly that is couplable to a container having a flowable material therein, the tap assembly comprising: a body configured to be in fluid communication with the container when the tap assembly is coupled to the container; an outlet in fluid communication with the body; a valve located with the body, wherein, when the valve is closed, the valve deters flow of the flowable material to the outlet, and wherein, when the valve is open, the valve permits flow of the flowable material to the outlet; an actuator coupled to the valve, wherein the actuator is biased to a first location where the valve is closed, and wherein the actuator is movable from the first location to a second location where the valve is open; and a tamper evident feature that can be activated, wherein the tamper evident feature is in a path of the actuator between the first and second locations before the tamper evident feature is activated, and wherein the tamper evident feature is located inside the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature is activated; wherein the tamper evident feature is retained by the tap assembly after the tamper evident feature is activated.
2. The tap assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises flanges.
3. The tap assembly of claim 2, wherein the tamper evident feature comprises wings.
4. The tap assembly of claim 3, wherein, before the tamper evident feature is activated, the wings are located in a path of the flanges as the actuator is moved from the first and second locations.
5. The tap assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a cap fixedly coupled to the body.
6. The tap assembly of claim 5, wherein the wings are integrally formed with the cap, and wherein, after the tamper evident feature is activated, the wings are configured to rotate with respect to the cap.
7. The tap assembly of claim 6, wherein, before the tamper evident feature is activated, the cap further comprises bridges that fixedly and temporarily couple the wings to the cap.
8. The tap assembly of claim 7, wherein the tamper evident feature is configured to be activated by breaking the bridges.
9. The tap assembly of claim 7, wherein the cap comprises engagement features configured to engage the wings of the tamper evident feature after the tamper evident feature has been activated.
10. The tap assembly of claim 9, wherein the engagement features are configured to engage distal ends of the wings in response to the wings being rotated inwardly under the cap after the tamper evident feature has been activated.
11. The tap assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator further comprises a trigger fixedly coupled to the flanges, wherein the trigger has a hollow interior, and wherein the engagement features are configured to hold the wings above the hollow interior of the trigger when the distal ends of the wings are engaged by the engagement features.
12. The tap assembly of claim 11, wherein, when the engagement features hold the distal ends of the wings and the actuator is in the second position, the wings are located at least partially in the hollow interior of the trigger.
13. The tap assembly of claim 3, further comprising: tabs extended upward from upper surfaces of the flanges; and protrusions extended from lower surfaces of the wings; wherein, before the tamper evident feature is activated, the protrusions sit either on the tabs or on the upper surfaces of the flanges behind the tabs; and wherein, during activation of the tamper evident feature, the protrusions pass the tabs.
14. The tap assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabs have inclined surfaces that incline as they extend away from the flanges.
15. The tap assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve is biased closed.
16. The tap assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is biased to the first location.
17. The tap assembly of claim 1, wherein the tamper evident feature extends farther outward than the body before the tamper evident feature is activated, and wherein the tamper evident feature does not extend farther outward the body after the tamper evident feature is activated.
18. A package, comprising: a container having a flowable material therein; and a tap assembly coupled to and in fluid communication with the container, wherein the tap assembly is the tap assembly of any of claims 1 to 17.
19. The package of claim 18, wherein the container comprises a flexible bag, and wherein the tap assembly is coupled to the flexible bag.
20. The package of claim 19, wherein the container further comprises a box, wherein the flexible bag is located in the box, and wherein the outlet of the tap assembly is located outside of the box.
21. The package of claim 19, wherein the container is a rigid or semi-rigid container.
22. The package of claim 18, wherein the flowable material is a liquid.