Tamper evident cap

Abstract

A tamper-evident lid for a container includes a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion. The lid has a cap with a rib. A tamper-evident tab extends from the rib. The tab has an inwardly extending lug configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the straw when the cap is rotated relative to the straw when the cap and straw are secured together. The tab has a foldable portion configured to fold the lug inwardly to provide a visual indication when the cap is in an unsealed configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 477,776, filed Sep. 17, 2021, entitled "TAMPER-EVIDENT CLOSURE FOR CONTAINER," inventors Steven Gosling, Peter J. Walters and David Williamson, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION For example, the lid of the present disclosure may be used in combination with a pouch or other container that holds perishable food.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention A variety of different lids have been used to seal flexible sachets containing liquids, pastes, gels and similar products. Some lids are designed for single use, meaning that once the lid is opened or removed, the contents are completely consumed and the lid is not designed to be placed back on the opening or spout. However, some lids are designed to reseal the opening and preserve the contents remaining in the sachet. In the case of resealable lids, there is often no visual indication that the cap has been partially or completely removed and then replaced on the spout. This presents a safety issue when customers want to know if the contents are fresh, if they have been exposed to the atmosphere, or if they have been tampered with.

[0004] In particular, the flexible sachet may be part of a fruit juice container that is normally used by children. Countries have various child safety regulations to prevent choking by children. These regulations tend to provide restrictions on the dimensions of the cap to prevent the possibility of children swallowing the cap.

[0005] Overview of Different Embodiments According to one embodiment of the invention, a tamper-evident lid for a container includes a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion. The lid includes a cap with a rib. A tamper-evident tab extends from the rib. The tab has an inwardly extending lug configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the straw upon rotation of the cap relative to the straw when the cap and straw are secured together. The tab has a foldable portion configured to fold the lug inwardly to provide a visual indication when the cap is in an unsealed configuration.

[0006] In various different embodiments, the cap has a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the tab may extend circumferentially from a first rib to a second rib. For example, a hinge of the tab may be coupled to the first rib and a break segment of the tab may be coupled to the second rib. In some other embodiments, the tab may extend circumferentially across the ribs. For example, a break segment of the first tab may be coupled to the second tab.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a tamper-evident lid for a container includes a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion. The lid includes a cap with a rib. A tamper-evident tab extends from the rib. The tab has inwardly extending lugs configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusions of the straw upon rotation of the cap relative to the straw. The tab has a hinge coupled to the rib. The hinge is configured to rotate the tab outwardly relative to the rib. The tab also has a foldable portion configured to fold to provide a visual indication when the cap is in an unsealed configuration.

[0008] Among other things, the tab may include a break segment, the break segment configured to break when a threshold force is applied to transition the lid from the sealed configuration to the unsealed configuration. The cap may include a plurality of ribs. A hinge of the tab may be coupled to a first rib and the break segment may be coupled to a second rib. The hinge may include a recessed portion of the tab.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cap includes an outer shell having a gripping feature. The cap may have an inner cap body. A plurality of ribs may extend from the inner cap body to the outer shell. The inner cap body may have internal threads configured to engage with external threads on the straw. A ratio of a maximum height of the outer shell to a height of a tab of the plurality of tabs is 6:1 or less.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a method of visually indicating tampering with a container is provided. The method includes providing a container in a sealed configuration. The container includes a straw with an outer edge having an outwardly extending protrusion. The container may include a cap sealed to the straw. The cap includes a rib having a tab extending from the rib. The tab has an inwardly extending lug configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the straw when the cap is rotated relative to the straw. The tab also includes a hinge coupled to the rib. The hinge is configured to pivot the tab outwardly relative to the rib. The tab also includes a foldable portion configured to fold. The cap is rotated relative to the straw to overcome a threshold force. The tab pivots outwardly at the hinge. The tab also folds at the foldable portion.

[0011] In various embodiments, the tab includes a break segment configured to break when a threshold force is applied. The method may cause the break segment to break. In various embodiments, rotating the cap relative to the straw causes lugs on the cap to engage protrusions on the straw.

[0012] The cap may include a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the hinge is coupled to a first rib and the break segment is coupled to a second rib. The cap may include an outer shell having a gripping feature and an inner cap body. The inner cap body includes threads configured to engage threads on the straw. The plurality of ribs may extend from the inner cap body to the outer shell.

[0013] According to another embodiment, a tamper evident system includes a container configured to contain a fluid, a straw, and a cap. The straw is partially sealed within the container. The straw has an exposed portion and an unexposed portion. In particular, the straw has an exposed outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion. The system also includes one or more tabs configured to rotate outwardly, the tabs further having a foldable portion configured to fold.

[0014] In various embodiments, the one or more tabs are coupled to the ribs. The tabs may have inwardly extending lugs configured to engage outwardly extending protrusions of the straw when the cap is coupled to the straw and rotated relative to the straw. In various embodiments, the lugs have slidable surfaces configured to slide along the protrusions after the lid is in the unsealed configuration. Various embodiments may rotate the cap relative to the straw in the unsealed configuration such that the slidable surfaces slide over the protrusions. Advantageously, the slidable surfaces reduce or do not produce ratcheting noise.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will be able to more fully appreciate the advantages of different embodiments of the present invention from the following "Description of Exemplary Embodiments", which is set forth with reference to the drawings, which are briefly described immediately below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tamper-evident device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a bottom perspective view showing a schematic view of the cap shown in FIG. 2B. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a top view that illustrates the cap shown in FIG. 2C. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a straw according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram illustrating a straw according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram illustrating a straw according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3D]FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram illustrating a straw according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3E] FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram illustrating a straw according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4C] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for providing a visual indication that a device has been tampered with, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates an apparatus in a sealed arrangement, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap in a sealed arrangement, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a straw in a sealed arrangement, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates the device when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 1 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] 1 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a straw when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating an apparatus in a recognizably modified arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8B]FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating a cap in a recognizably modified arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating a straw in a recognizably modified arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9A] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a partially cut-away perspective view of FIG. 6A. [Figure 9B] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a partially cut-away perspective view of FIG. 7A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a partially cut-away perspective view of FIG. 8A. [Figure 10A] 11A-11C are side views that diagrammatically illustrate alternative embodiments of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view showing a schematic view of the cap shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a top view that illustrates the cap shown in FIG. 10B. [Figure 11A] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11B] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11C] 2 is a partial cutaway view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap coupled to a straw, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagram that illustrates a device in a sealed arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap in a sealed arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating a straw in a sealed arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A]FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates the device when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] 1 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a cap when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13C] 1 is a partially exposed top view that diagrammatically illustrates a straw when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating an apparatus in a recognizably modified arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating a cap in a recognizably modified arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14C] FIG. 2 is a partially exposed top view diagrammatically illustrating a straw in a recognizably modified arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15A] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 1-9C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 15B] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 1-9C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 15C] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 1-9C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 16A] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 10A-14C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 16B] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 10A-14C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 16C]FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the tamper-evident belt shown in FIGS. 10A-14C, with the inner cap body and outer shell omitted for clarity. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a lug according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating alternative embodiments of a cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Description of exemplary embodiments In an exemplary embodiment, the tamper-evident container has a cap with a tab that provides a visual indication that the container has been opened / tampered with. Details of an exemplary embodiment are described below.

[0018] 1 shows a schematic representation of a container 8, e.g. a flexible pouch. The container 8 may contain perishable food or beverage. To access the contents of the container 8, the container 8 includes a straw 102 (also called a drinking spout 102) with a cap 100 (the straw 102 and cap 100 are collectively referred to as the device 10). The container 8 or a portion of the container may be sealed (e.g. hermetically) to the periphery of the device 10. A user may access the contents by, e.g., drinking through the straw 102.

[0019] To ensure the quality of the contents within the container 8, it may be desirable to provide a tamper-evident seal that provides a visual indication if the seal between the cap 100 and the straw 102 has been broken. This may be desirable because, for example, if the cap 100 is opened, the air-tight seal of the container 8 may be broken, thereby allowing oxygen to enter the container 8 and potentially accelerating the spoilage of the contents within the container 8. As another example, it may be desirable for a user to know if a third party has opened the container and potentially tamped, contaminated, or altered the contents within the container 8. To this end, the exemplary embodiment provides a tamper-evident device 10.

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of a tamper-evident device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device illustrated in FIG. 2A is in a sealed configuration, i.e., the original seal between the straw 102 and the cap 100 is not broken. In the sealed configuration, the device 10 can be visually inspected to ensure that the seal is not broken. In particular, one or more tamper-evident tabs 114 are not broken. The cap 100 is configured to provide a visible indication to a user if the container 8 has been unsealed, opened, or otherwise tampered with. The cap 100 and the straw 102 together form the device 10, which has a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 relative to a longitudinal axis A1 of the device 10.

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of a cap 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the cap 100 seals or closes a container 8. In various embodiments, the cap 100 includes an outer shell 104, an inner cap body 106, and one or more tamper-evident belts 108. One or more ribs 110 extend between the inner cap body 106 and the outer shell 104. The tamper-evident belt 108 runs or encircles at least a portion of the inner cap body 106 and may be formed at or adjacent to a distal end 111 of the one or more ribs 110. As described in more detail below, the tamper-evident belt 108 may include one or more tamper-evident tabs 114 (e.g., between the ribs 110).

[0022] In various embodiments, the tamper-evident tabs 114 may substantially surround the cap 100. Each tamper-evident tab 114 may include a tab or flag 114 and a break-off segment 116. The tamper-evident belt 108 is configured such that rotation of the outer shell 104 relative to the straw 102 causes one or more of the tamper-evident tabs 114 to deform in a manner visible to a user and to pivot about one of the ribs 110. The tabs 114 of the present disclosure may be configured to clearly indicate to a user that the cap 100 has been opened or tampered with. For example, as described in more detail below, the cap 100 of the present disclosure may include a tab 114 having a height, as measured along the central longitudinal axis A1, that may be a greater percentage of the height of the outer shell 104 than currently available caps.

[0023] The outer shell 104 may have a proximal end 104p and a distal end 104d with a central lumen 104L extending therebetween. An outer surface 104o of the outer shell 104 may be grasped by a user and rotated to open the cap 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 104o of the outer shell 104 may include one or more features that may assist a user in gripping the cap 100. For example, the outer shell 104 may have a convex contour and / or may include gripping features such as ridges or grooves 113. The distal end 104d of the outer shell 104 may terminate near a tamper-evident tab 114, such that the entire tamper-evident tab 114 may be visible to a user.

[0024] In some embodiments, the height of the tab 114 may be about or greater than 1 / 6 of the height of the outer shell 104 as measured from the proximal end 104p to the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104 along the proximal-distal axis A1. Thus, the illustrated embodiment has a ratio of the height of the tab 114 to the height of the outer shell of 6:1 or less (e.g., 5.5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1). The inventors have found that this relatively large tab height (compared to the outer shell height) is advantageous for facilitating tamper-evident visualization. Various embodiments and the relative height of the tab 114 to other components of the cap 100 are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 855,939, filed April 22, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0025] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of the lid shown in FIG. 2B. The inner cap body 106 may be at least partially disposed within the outer shell 104. The inner cap body 106 may extend from a proximal end 106p to a distal end 106d and may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In various embodiments, the distal end 106d may extend distally beyond the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104. The inner cap body 106 fixedly couples the cap 100 to the straw 102 (e.g., using female threads 105 or protrusions configured to engage male threads or protrusions on the straw 102). For example, an inner surface of the inner cap body 106 may include threads 105 configured to engage corresponding threads (not shown) on the straw 102. Alternative fixed coupling mechanisms between the inner cap body 106 and the straw 102 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] One or more ribs 110 extend between the inner cap body 106 and the outer shell 104. Each rib 110 may be rigid and may extend vertically (e.g., parallel to the central longitudinal direction A1). The ribs 110 may have a proximal portion that is coupled to the outer shell 104. The ribs 110 may have a distal or terminal portion that is coupled to the tabs 114 and / or break segments 116. The exemplary embodiment of the cap 100 includes four ribs 110, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cap 100 of the present disclosure may have a greater or lesser number of ribs 110. The one or more ribs 110 may extend radially outward from the outer surface 106o of the inner cap body 106 to the inner surface 104 of the outer shell 104. In some embodiments, each rib 110 may extend along the inner surface 104i of the outer shell 104 from the proximal end 104p to the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104.

[0027] FIG. 2D is a schematic top view of the cap 100 shown in FIG. 2C. In various embodiments, the proximally facing surface 106pf of the inner cap body 106 has a circular shape. The ribs 110 each extend between the outer shell 104 and the inner cap body 106. The ribs 110 may extend substantially tangentially to the proximally facing surface 106pf of the inner cap body 106. Although shown extending tangentially, the ribs may extend radially outward from the proximally facing surface 106pf (e.g., in a cross orientation) or in any other suitable orientation. As shown, the ribs 110 may extend proximally beyond the proximally facing surface 106pf. Regardless of the shape of the proximally-facing surface 106pf, the ribs 110 may be offset from the central longitudinal axis A1 (e.g., the axes Ar of the ribs 110 do not intersect the central longitudinal axis A1 of the cap 100). In other words, the ribs 110 may be substantially parallel to a plane that contains the central longitudinal axis A1. This is in contrast to some other embodiments in which the rib axes Ar may intersect a plane that contains the central longitudinal axis A1.

[0028] 3A-3E diagrammatically illustrate different views of a straw 102 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of a straw 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3A and 3B are two different views of the straw 102, rotated 90 degrees about the central longitudinal axis A2 of the straw 102. The straw 102 is shown alone, without the cap 100, and without the container 8. The straw 102 may have threads or protrusions configured to threadably engage with corresponding threads on the cap 100. Thus, the cap 100 may be opened and then removed from the straw 102 by rotating the cap 100 relative to the straw 102, or by rotating the straw 102 relative to the cap 100. When the device 10 is opened, the tamper-evident tab 114 of the cap 100 is engaged and pivoted outward. As best shown in Figure 3C, the straw 102 includes one or more protrusions 120 that are configured to interact with the tabs 114 of the cap 100 and cause the tabs 114 to pivot outwardly when the seal is broken. In various different embodiments, the protrusions 120 may be disposed on a plane defined by line BB.

[0030] FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic perspective view of the straw 102 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The straw 102 includes one or more protrusions 120. The protrusions 120 are configured to interact with the cap 100 (e.g., with lugs) to pivot the tab 114 outward. In this example, the straw 102 includes four protrusions 120. However, it should be understood that different embodiments may have one or more protrusions 120. The protrusions 120 may be spaced apart along an otherwise smooth or slidable outer edge 125 (also referred to as the outer surface 125).

[0031] FIG. 3D illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view along plane BB shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B according to an exemplary embodiment. The straw 102 has a relatively smooth outer edge 125. When the cap 100 is rotated relative to the straw 102 (e.g., when the cap 100 is twisted off the straw 102), the internal features of the cap 100 may slide along the smooth outer edge 125. However, the internal features of the cap 100 (e.g., lugs) may engage with the protrusions 120 extending radially outward from the outer edge 125. FIG. 3E illustrates a schematic top view of the straw 102 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] 4A-4C generally illustrate partial cutaway views of a cap 100 coupled to a straw 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4A, the cap 100 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the straw 102 (although alternative embodiments may be configured to open when the cap 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction). A tab 114 of the cap 100 may be directly or indirectly coupled to one or more ribs 110 integrally molded with the cap 100.

[0033] Tab 114 includes an inwardly projecting lug 118 configured to engage protrusion 120 as cap 100 is rotated. When lug 118 and protrusion 120 contact one another (i.e., engage one another), a user encounters resistance while turning cap 100. If a user applies sufficient force, the engagement between protrusion 120 and lug 118 causes tab 114 to fold, rotate, and / or swing out (as shown in FIG. 4B ).

[0034] The tab 114 is configured to pivot outwardly when the seal between the cap 100 and the straw 102 is broken. Thus, the tab 114 has at least one hinge 114R configured to rotate R the tab relative to the first rib 110 when the seal is broken. Additionally or alternatively, different embodiments have a foldable portion 114F configured to fold F the tab 114 when the seal is broken. In different embodiments, both the folding F and the rotation R can be accomplished with a thinned portion of the tab 114 configured to act as a hinge 114R. In different embodiments, the hinge 114R is adjacent to and / or in contact with the rib 110.

[0035] To rotate the tab 114 outward, in some embodiments, the bridge 116 breaks. The bridge 116 holds the tab 114 directly or indirectly against the second rib 110. In various different embodiments, the bridge 116 is configured such that the force normally applied by the user to open the device 10 (i.e., to overcome the engagement between the lug 118 and the protrusion 120) is sufficient to break the bridge 116. When the lug 118 engages the protrusion 120, the lug 118 no longer rotates due to interference with the protrusion 120. Thus, continued application of force by the user (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) breaks the bridge 116 and the tab 114 folds at the foldable portion 114F. However, some embodiments may not include the bridge 116.

[0036] 4B is a schematic illustration of the device 10 shown in FIG. 4A after the bridge 116 has been broken and the tab 114 has been folded, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the tab 114 folds at the crease F and rotates relative to the first rib 110 at the hinge 114R. Thus, the tab 114 pivots outward, providing a visual indication that the seal (e.g., the bridge 116) has been broken. The lug 118 and the protrusion 120 may remain in contact, albeit with significantly less resistance, until the cap 100 is rotated further.

[0037] 4C is a schematic illustration of the device 10 shown in FIG. 4B with a visual indication that the seal has been broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4C is a schematic illustration of the device 10 shown in FIG. 4B rotated further in an opening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In various different embodiments, as the cap 100 is rotated further, the lug 118 disengages from the protrusion 120. Thus, the tab 114 remains in its outwardly pivoted position regardless of the rotation of the cap 100. Thus, the user can now visually recognize that the container 8 has been tampered with or opened.

[0038] 5 illustrates a process 500 for providing a visual indication that the device 10 has been tampered with, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the context of this application, tampering with the device 10 means that the seal of the device 10 (i.e., between the cap 100 and the straw 102) has been broken. In other words, the device 10 provides a visual indication that the device has been transitioned from a sealed configuration to an unsealed configuration.

[0039] It should be noted that this method is greatly simplified from the lengthy process that may be typically used. Thus, the method shown in FIG. 5 may have many alternative steps that one skilled in the art would likely use. Furthermore, some of these steps may be performed in a different order than shown or simultaneously. Furthermore, some of these steps may be optional in some embodiments. Thus, method 500 is merely illustrative of one method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thus, one skilled in the art may modify the process as needed.

[0040] The process begins at step 502, which provides a sealed device 10, i.e. a cap 100 sealed with a straw 102. In use, as shown in FIG. 1, the sealed device 10 is also joined to a container 8. Among other things, the container 8 may include a pre-fabricated spouted pouch. Advantageously, the pouch may include an enclosed, flow-through straw 102, which is joined to a reclosable, tamper-evident cap 100, as described in the different embodiments. The pouch 8 may be commercially available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. The container 8 may be a spouted or flat pouch and may be used for all types of liquid and viscous food and non-food products, over a range of processes including hot fill, retort, cold / ambient fill and high pressure processing. In the different embodiments, the sealed device 10 may be joined to a container 8 having contents therein for the user.

[0041] The process then proceeds to step 504, which involves rotating the cap 100 relative to the straw 102 to open the device 10. This step may be performed, for example, by a customer or end user. Alternatively, it may be performed by some bad actor attempting to access the contents of the container 8.

[0042] 6A-6C each show a schematic diagram of the device 10, cap 100, and straw 102 in a partially exposed top view in a sealed arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of the cap 100 in an isolated view in a sealed arrangement. FIG. 6C shows a schematic diagram of the straw 102 in an isolated view in a sealed arrangement. The device 10 is configured such that the lug 118 of the cap 100 moves (e.g., slides) along the outer edge 125 of the straw 102. In some embodiments, the edge 125 may be smooth and / or dimensioned such that the lug 118 is not inhibited from rotating. In contrast, the protrusion 120 is configured to engage the lug 118 to inhibit further rotation of the lug 118 without opening the device 10 (i.e., without breaking or otherwise altering the tab 114).

[0043] Although the different embodiments refer to tabs 114, lugs 118, protrusions 120 and other components in the singular, it will be apparent that the different embodiments may include one or more of the above components. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6A-6C, for example, four tabs 114 are provided, each tab 114 has a respective lug, and four protrusions 120 are provided on the straw 102.

[0044] Additionally, it should be noted that some embodiments are configured to open when rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) but not open when rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, in the example of FIG. 6A, the device is opened / unsealed when the cap 100 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the straw 102. Some embodiments may have features configured to prevent the cap 100 from being rotated clockwise. Alternatively, the cap 100 can be rotated clockwise without opening / unsealing the device 10. For example, the lugs 118 can slide onto and over the protrusions 120 when rotated clockwise, whereas the tabs 114 flex without the bridges 116 breaking and / or without the tabs 114 folding.

[0045] Returning to the process of Figure 5, in step 506, the cap 100 is rotated until the lugs 118 engage the protrusions 120. Figure 6A shows the lugs 118 just prior to engaging the respective protrusions 120. Additionally, two other lugs 118B may be configured to engage the protrusions 120 at a subsequent time (i.e., after further rotation). Figure 9A shows a schematic representation of the partially cut-away perspective view shown in Figure 6A.

[0046] Once the lugs 118 engage the protrusions 120, the process 500 proceeds to step 508, which applies a sufficient force to transition the device to an unsealed configuration. In various embodiments, this includes breaking the bridge 116, folding the tabs 114, and / or rotating the tabs 114 about the hinges 114R for one or more of the tabs 114. In various embodiments, the breaking of the bridge 116, folding of the tabs 114, and / or rotating of the tabs 114 about the hinges 114R may occur simultaneously or sequentially based on the configuration of the device 10. Additionally, various embodiments may be tailored to configure the threshold force required to transition the device to an unsealed configuration. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments require a threshold force that is commonly used to open a sealed container (e.g., a soda bottle).

[0047] This process may be repeated until all of the tabs 114 have been broken, folded, and / or rotated outward. FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic illustrations of partially exposed top views of the device 10, cap 100, and straw 102, respectively, when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bridge 116 breaks when a sufficient rotational force ("breaking force") is applied by the user to overcome the interference between the lug 118 and the protrusion 120. In various embodiments, the breaking force causes the tab 114 to fold F along the foldable portion 114F and / or rotate R or pivot outward at the hinge 114R. Some embodiments may have the tab 114 including one or more of the breakable bridge 116, the foldable portion 114F, and / or the rotating hinge 114R. FIG. 9B shows a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, of FIG. 7A.

[0048] The process then proceeds to step 510, which visually indicates to the user that the seal has been broken. When the tab 114 is rotated outward (e.g., about the hinge 114R), the user can clearly see that the device 10 has been tampered with or is in an unsealed configuration. Figures 8A-8C each show a partially exposed top view of the device 10, cap 100, and straw 102 in an obviously tampered configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the obviously tampered configuration, the tab has been pivoted outward, readily alerting any user that the seal has been broken and that access may have been gained to the contents with the container 8. Figure 9C shows a schematic partially cut-away perspective view of Figure 8A.

[0049] In some embodiments, the process proceeds to step 512, which queries whether there are any more tabs to break. For example, in some embodiments, only a portion of all the tabs 114 may be configured to break, rotate, and / or fold at a given time. Thus, if there are more tabs to break, rotate, and / or fold, the process may return to step 506, which engages the lug 118 of the given tab 114 with the protrusion 120. As described above, steps 508 and 510 are repeated until the tabs 114 are broken, rotated, and / or folded. Thus, in some embodiments, step 506 may be repeated (i.e., the cap 100 may be rotated) until all the lugs 118 are engaged with the protrusion 120. The process 500 then ends.

[0050] 5 is shown and described with respect to a particular type of cap 100, it should be understood that the cap 100 may have a variety of different configurations that are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. For example, Figures 10A-14C generally illustrate alternative embodiments of caps in accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 10A shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of a cap 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cap 100 can seal or close a container 8. In various different embodiments, the cap 100 has an outer shell 104, an inner cap body 106, and one or more tamper-evident belts 108. One or more of a plurality of ribs 110 extend between the inner cap body 106 and the outer shell 104. The tamper-evident belt 108 may run or encircle at least a portion of the inner cap body 106 and may be formed at or adjacent to a distal end 111 of the one or more ribs 110. As described in more detail below, the tamper-evident belt 108 may include one or more tamper-evident tabs 114 (e.g., between the ribs 110).

[0052] In various embodiments, the tamper-evident tabs 114 may substantially surround the cap 100. Each tamper-evident tab 114 may include a tab or flag 114 and a break-off segment 116. The tamper-evident belt 108 is configured such that rotation of the outer shell 104 relative to the straw 102 causes the tab 114 of one or more of the tamper-evident tabs 114 to deform and pivot about one of the ribs 110. More specifically, the tab 114 may rotate about a central axis A1 of the rib 110 in a manner that is visible to a user. The tab 114 of the present disclosure may be configured to clearly indicate to a user that the cap 100 has been opened or tampered with. For example, as described in more detail below, the cap 100 of the present disclosure may include a tab 114 having a height, as measured along the central longitudinal axis A1, that may be a greater percentage of the height of the outer shell 104 than currently available caps.

[0053] The outer shell 104 may have a proximal end 104p and a distal end 104d with a central lumen 104L extending therebetween. An outer surface 104o of the outer shell 104 may be grasped by a user and rotated to open the cap 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 104o of the outer shell 104 may include one or more features that may assist a user in gripping the cap 100. For example, the outer shell 104 may have a convex contour and / or may include gripping features such as ridges or grooves 113. The distal end 104d of the outer shell 104 may terminate near a tamper-evident tab 114, such that the entire tamper-evident tab 114 may be visible to a user.

[0054] In some embodiments, the height of the tab 114 is about or greater than 1 / 6 of the height of the outer shell 104, as measured from the proximal end 104p to the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104 along the proximal-distal axis A1. Thus, the illustrated embodiment has a ratio of the height of the tab 114 to the height of the outer shell of 6:1 or less (e.g., 5.5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1). The inventors have found that this relatively large height of the tab 114 (compared to the outer shell height) is advantageous for facilitating tamper-evident visualization. Various embodiments and the relative height of the tab 114 to other components of the cap 100 are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 855,939, filed April 22, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0055] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom perspective view of the cap 100 shown in FIG. 10A. The inner cap body 106 may be at least partially disposed within the outer shell 104. The inner cap body 106 may extend from a proximal end 106p to a distal end 106d and may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In various embodiments, the distal end 106d may extend distally beyond the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104. The inner cap body 106 fixedly couples the cap 100 onto the straw 102 (e.g., using female threads 105 or protrusions configured to engage male threads or protrusions on the straw 102). For example, an inner surface of the inner cap body 106 may include threads 105 configured to engage corresponding threads (not shown) on the straw 102. Alternative fixed coupling mechanisms between the inner cap body 106 and the straw 102 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] One or more ribs 110 extend between the inner cap body 106 and the outer shell 104. Each rib 110 may be rigid and may extend vertically (e.g., parallel to the central longitudinal direction A1). The ribs 110 may have a proximal portion that is coupled to the outer shell 104. The ribs 110 may have a distal or terminal portion that is coupled to the tabs 114 and / or break segments 116. The exemplary embodiment of the cap 100 includes four ribs 110, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cap 100 of the present disclosure may have a greater or lesser number of ribs 110. The one or more ribs 110 may extend radially outward from the outer surface 106o of the inner cap body 106 to the inner surface 104 of the outer shell 104. In some embodiments, each rib 110 may extend along the inner surface 104i of the outer shell 104 from the proximal end 104p to the distal end 104d of the outer shell 104.

[0057] FIG. 10C is a schematic top view of the cap 100 shown in FIG. 10B. In various embodiments, the proximally facing surface 106pf of the inner cap body 106 has a circular shape. The ribs 110 each extend between the outer shell 104 and the inner cap body 106. The ribs 110 may extend substantially tangentially to the proximally facing surface 106pf of the inner cap body 106. Although shown extending tangentially, the ribs may extend radially outward from the proximally facing surface 106pf (e.g., in a cross orientation) or in any other suitable orientation. As shown, the ribs 110 may extend proximally beyond the proximally facing surface 106pf. Regardless of the shape of the proximally-facing surface 106pf, the ribs 110 may be offset from the central longitudinal axis A1 (e.g., the axes Ar of the ribs 110 do not intersect the central longitudinal axis A1 of the cap 100). In other words, the ribs 110 may be substantially parallel to a plane that contains the central longitudinal axis A1. This is in contrast to some other embodiments in which the rib axes Ar may intersect a plane that contains the central longitudinal axis A1.

[0058] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating partial cutaway views of a cap 100 coupled to a straw 102, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11A, the cap 100 is secured to the straw 102. To remove the cap 100 from the straw 102, the cap 100 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the straw 102 (although alternative embodiments may be configured to open when the cap 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction). A tab 114 of the cap 100 may be directly or indirectly coupled to one or more ribs 110 integrally molded with the cap 100.

[0059] Tab 114 includes an inwardly projecting lug 118 configured to engage protrusion 120 when cap 100 is rotated and coupled to straw 102. When lug 118 and protrusion 120 contact one another (i.e., engage one another), the user encounters resistance while rotating cap 100. When the user applies a force that exceeds the uncoupling threshold, the engagement between lug 118 and protrusion 120 causes tab 114 to fold inwardly on itself (as shown in FIG. 11B).

[0060] Unlike the cap 100 shown in Figures 4A-4C, the cap shown in Figures 11A-11C does not include a hinge 114R (e.g., adjacent the rib 110). Thus, the tab 114 shown in Figures 11A-11C is configured to resiliently return to its initial configuration when flexed.

[0061] When a user rotates cap 100, lug 118 interferes with lug 120. Due to the rigidity of tab 114 and the lack of a hinge, lug 118 deforms along with foldable portion F. In various different embodiments, foldable portion F is formed from a pre-thinned portion of tab 114.

[0062] In various embodiments, the bridge 116 breaks so that the tab 114 folds. The bridge 116 holds the tab 114 directly or indirectly against the second rib 110. In various embodiments, the bridge 116 is configured such that the force normally applied by a user to open the device 10 (i.e., applying a threshold force by rotating the cap to overcome the engagement between the lug 118 and the protrusion 120) is sufficient to break the bridge 116. Once the lug 118 engages the protrusion 120, the lug 118 can no longer rotate due to interference with the protrusion 120. Thus, continued application of force by the user (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) breaks the bridge 116 and the tab 114 folds at the foldable portion 114F. However, some embodiments may not include the bridge 116.

[0063] After bridge 115 breaks, when the user rotates cap 100, lug 118 interferes with lug 120. Due to the rigidity of tab 114 and the lack of a hinge, lug 118 deforms along with foldable portion F. In various different embodiments, foldable portion F is formed from a pre-thinned portion of tab 114.

[0064] 11B is a schematic diagram of the device 10 shown in FIG. 11A after the bridge 116 has been broken and the tab 114 has been folded, according to the illustrated embodiment. As shown, the tab 114 is folded along crease F. Because no hinge is present, the tab 114 is not free to rotate outward as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B. However, the tab 114 is able to rotate outward slightly due to deformation caused by the application of force.

[0065] FIG. 11C is a schematic illustration of the device 10 shown in FIG. 11B with a visual indication that the seal has been broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11C is a schematic illustration of the device 10 shown in FIG. 11B rotated further in the opening direction (e.g., counterclockwise). In various embodiments, as the cap 100 is rotated further, the protrusions 118 fold inward as the tabs 114 spring back toward their original position. Thus, the tabs 114 fold inward, which can provide a visual indication that the seal has been broken (e.g., the force required to break the bridges 116 has been overcome). The lugs 118 and the protrusions 120 can remain in contact, albeit with a fairly small resistance, until the cap 100 is rotated further. Thus, the user can visually recognize that the container 8 has now been tampered with or opened.

[0066] 12A-12C each show a schematic diagram of the device 10, cap 100, and straw 102 in a partially exposed top view in a sealed arrangement, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of the cap 100 in an isolated view in a sealed arrangement. FIG. 12C shows a schematic diagram of the straw 102 in an isolated view in a sealed arrangement. The device 10 is configured such that the lug 118 of the cap 100 moves (e.g., slides) along the outer edge 125 of the straw 102. In some embodiments, the edge 125 may be smooth and / or dimensioned such that the lug 118 is not inhibited from rotating. In contrast, the protrusion 120 is configured to engage the lug 118 to inhibit further rotation of the lug 118 without opening the device 10 (i.e., without breaking or otherwise altering the tab 114).

[0067] Although the various embodiments refer to tabs 114, lugs 118, protrusions 120, and other components in the singular, it will be apparent that the various embodiments may include one or more of the above components. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 12A-12C, for example, four tabs 114 are provided, each tab 114 having a respective lug, and four protrusions 120 are provided on the straw 102.

[0068] Additionally, it should be noted that some embodiments are configured to open when rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) but not open when rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, in the example of FIG. 12A, the device is opened / unsealed when the cap 100 is rotated counterclockwise relative to the straw 102. Some embodiments may have features configured to prevent the cap 100 from being rotated clockwise. Alternatively, the cap 100 can be rotated clockwise without opening / unsealing the device 10. For example, the lugs 118 can slide onto and over the protrusions 120 when rotated clockwise, whereas the tabs 114 flex without breaking the bridges 116 and / or without folding.

[0069] The cap 100 is rotated until the lugs 118 engage the protrusions 120. Figure 12A shows the lugs 118 just prior to engaging the respective protrusions 120. Additionally, two other lugs 118B may be configured to engage the protrusions 120 at a subsequent time (i.e., after further rotation).

[0070] Once the lugs 118 engage the protrusions 120, the process 500 proceeds to step 508, which applies a sufficient force to transition the device to an unsealed configuration. In various embodiments, this includes breaking the bridge 116, folding the tabs 114, and / or rotating the tabs 114 about the hinges 114R for one or more of the tabs 114. In various embodiments, the breaking of the bridge 116, folding of the tabs 114, and / or rotating of the tabs 114 about the hinges 114R may occur simultaneously or sequentially based on the configuration of the device 10. Additionally, various embodiments may be tailored to configure the threshold force required to transition the device to an unsealed configuration. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments require a threshold force that is commonly used to open a sealed container (e.g., a soda bottle).

[0071] The cap 100 can be rotated until all of the bridges 116 are broken and / or the tabs 114 are folded. FIGS. 13A-13C each show a schematic of a partially exposed top view of the device 10, the cap 100, and the straw 102 when the seal is broken, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the bridges 116 break when a sufficient rotational force ("breaking force") is applied by the user to overcome the interference between the lugs 118 and the protrusions 120. In various different embodiments, the breaking force causes the tabs 114 to fold along the foldable portions 114F. Some embodiments may have the tabs 114 including one or more of the breakable bridges 116 and / or foldable portions 114F.

[0072] The inward folding of the tabs 114 provides a visual indication that the seal has been broken. The user can now clearly see that the device 10 has been tampered with or is in an unsealed configuration. Figures 14A-14C each show schematic, partially exposed top views of the device 10, cap 100 and straw 102 in an obviously tampered configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the obviously tampered configuration, the tabs are rotated inward, readily alerting any user that the seal has been broken and that access to the contents with the container 8 may have been gained.

[0073] 15A-15C show a schematic representation of the tamper-evident belt 108, with the inner cap body 106 and outer shell 104 omitted for clarity. FIG. 15A-15C show the transition of the device 10 from a sealed configuration in FIG. 15A to an unsealed configuration state in FIG. 15C. Similarly, FIG. 16A-16C show an alternative embodiment of the tamper-evident belt 108, with the inner cap body 106 and outer shell 104 omitted for clarity. As shown, the tamper-evident belt 108 surrounds the straw 102. The lugs 118 interact with the protrusions 120 as the cap 100 rotates, providing a visual indication that the seal between the cap 100 and the straw 102 has been broken. In FIG. 15A-15C, the tabs 114 pivot outward. 16A-16C, tabs 114 are folded inwardly.

[0074] Various embodiments may include a slidable surface 128 on the lug 118. The slidable surface 128 is configured to ride or slide over the protrusion 120. Advantageously, this reduces or prevents ratcheting noise when the cap 100 is screwed onto or off the straw 102 after opening. In various embodiments, the surface 128 may be a chamfered or beveled surface. However, in some alternative embodiments, the slidable surface 128 may be located above the lug 118 such that the lug 118 rides under the protrusion 120.

[0075] FIG. 17 shows a schematic of details of the slidable surface 128 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 17 shows the foldable tab 114 having the slidable surface 128. In some embodiments, the slidable surface 128 may be a chamfered surface 128. The slidable surface 128 allows the tab 118 to gently slide over the protrusion 120 of the straw 102 without generating a ratcheting noise. Thus, a user may hear a distinct opening sound when the cap 100 is first opened from the straw 102 as compared to when the cap 100 is removed from the straw 102 in an unsealed configuration.

[0076] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a cap 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the cap 100 has two tabs 114, each having a foldable portion 114f. The tabs 114 may be formed as part of and flush with the tamper-evident belt 108. Each tab 114 extends from a nearest adjacent rib 110. Although different embodiments show two or four tabs 114, it should be understood that some embodiments may have more or fewer tabs 114. For example, some embodiments may include a single tab 114 (e.g., extending from a rib 110). Other embodiments may include three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more tabs 114. For example, some embodiments may include up to 20 tabs 114 (eg, 12 or 16 tabs 114).

[0077] As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to a "tab" in the singular includes a plurality of tabs, and a reference to a "protrusion" in the singular includes one or more protrusions and equivalents known to those skilled in the art. Thus, in various embodiments, any reference to the singular includes the plural, and any reference to a plurality of components may include the singular.

[0078] While a variety of different inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art can readily envision a variety of alternative means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or improvements is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the particular application or use for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein.

[0079] Therefore, the above-described embodiments are presented by way of example only, and it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described and claimed. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Moreover, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. The disclosed embodiments or portions of the embodiments may be combined in ways not described above and / or not explicitly claimed. Thus, one or more features from the different disclosed examples and embodiments may be combined in various ways.

[0080] Various inventive concepts may be implemented as one or more methods, examples of which have been provided. The operations performed as part of a method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be constructed in which operations are performed in an order different from that illustrated, and may include performing some operations simultaneously despite being shown as sequential operations in the illustrated embodiments.

[0081] While the above discussion discloses different exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made which achieve several of the advantages of the present invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tamper-evident lid for a container, the lid comprising: a cap having ribs with tabs extending therefrom, the tabs having inwardly extending lugs configured to engage outwardly extending projections on the straw upon rotation of the cap relative to the straw when the cap and straw are secured together; The tab has a foldable portion configured to fold the lug inward to provide a visual indication when the cap is in an unsealed configuration.

2. 10. The tamper-evident lid of claim 1, wherein the tab includes a break segment configured to break when a threshold force is applied to transition the lid from a sealed configuration to an unsealed configuration.

3. 3. The tamper-evident lid of claim 2, wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs, and the tab extends from a first rib to a second rib.

4. 3. The tamper-evident lid of claim 2, wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs, and the tab extends across a first rib.

5. The tamper-evident lid of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes an outer shell having a gripping feature and an inner cap body.

6. 6. The tamper-evident lid of claim 5, wherein the inner cap body includes internal threads configured to engage external threads of the straw.

7. 6. The tamper-evident lid of claim 5, wherein a ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is 6:1 or less.

8. 2. The tamper-evident lid of claim 1, wherein the lug has a slidable surface configured to slide over the protrusion.

9. 1. A method for providing a visual indication that a container has been tampered with, the method comprising:

1. Providing a container in a sealed arrangement, the container comprising: a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion; a cap sealed to the straw, the cap having ribs with tabs extending therefrom, the tabs having inwardly extending lugs configured to engage the outwardly extending projections of the straw upon rotation of the cap relative to the straw; and and providing a container, wherein the tab has a foldable portion configured to fold the lug inwardly; rotating the cap relative to the straw to overcome a threshold force; folding the tab at the foldable portion; A method comprising:

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the tab includes a breakable segment, the breakable segment configured to break when the threshold force is applied.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising breaking the break segment.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein rotating the cap relative to the straw causes the lugs on the cap to engage the protrusions on the straw.

13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs, the foldable portion being bonded to a first rib and the breakable segment being bonded to a second rib.

14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs and the break-away segment is connected to another tab.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lug has a slidable surface, the method further comprising rotating the cap relative to the straw in the unsealed configuration, whereby the slidable surface slides over the protrusion.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cap includes an outer shell having gripping features, an inner cap body having threads configured to engage the external threads of the straw, and a plurality of ribs extending from the inner cap body to the outer shell, wherein the ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is 6:1 or less.

17. 1. A tamper-evident system, comprising: a container configured to contain a fluid; a straw partially sealed within the container, the straw having an exposed portion and an unexposed portion, the straw further having an exposed outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion; a cap having an inner cap body and an outer shell, the cap having ribs extending from the inner cap body toward the outer shell; one or more tabs having foldable portions, the foldable portions configured to fold when the container is in an unsealed configuration; A tamper-evident system with

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the one or more tabs include a break-off segment.

19. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the tab extends from the rib, the tab having an inwardly extending lug configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the straw when the cap is coupled to the straw and rotated relative to the straw.

20. The system of claim 17 , wherein a ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is 6:1 or less.

21. A tamper-evident lid for a container, the lid comprising: a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion; a cap having ribs with tabs extending therefrom, the tabs having inwardly extending lugs configured to engage outwardly extending projections on the straw upon rotation of the cap relative to the straw when the cap and straw are secured together; Equipped with The tab has a hinge coupled to the rib, the hinge configured to rotate the tab outward relative to the rib, and the tab has a foldable portion configured to fold the tab when rotated outward.

22. 22. The tamper-evident lid of claim 21, wherein the tab includes a break segment configured to break when a threshold force is applied to transition the lid from a sealed configuration to an unsealed configuration.

23. 23. The tamper-evident lid of claim 22, wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs, the hinge being connected to a first rib and the break-away segment being connected to a second rib.

24. 22. The tamper-evident lid of claim 21, wherein the cap includes an outer shell having gripping features and an inner cap body.

25. 25. The tamper-evident lid of claim 24, wherein the inner cap body includes internal threads configured to engage external threads on the straw.

26. 25. The tamper-evident lid of claim 24, wherein the plurality of ribs extend from the inner cap body to the outer shell.

27. 25. The tamper-evident lid of claim 24, wherein a ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is 6:1 or less.

28. 22. The tamper-evident lid of claim 21, wherein the hinge comprises a recessed portion.

29. 1. A method for providing a visual indication that a container has been tampered with, comprising:

1. A container in a sealed arrangement, the container comprising: a straw having an outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion; a cap sealed to the straw, the cap having ribs with tabs extending therefrom, the tabs having inwardly extending lugs configured to engage the outwardly extending projections of the straw when the cap is rotated relative to the straw; providing a container in a sealed configuration, the tab having a hinge coupled to the rib, the hinge configured to pivot the tab outwardly relative to the rib, the tab further having a foldable portion configured to be folded; rotating the cap relative to the straw to overcome a threshold force; and pivoting the tabs outward at the hinge; folding the tab at the foldable portion.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the tab includes a breakable segment, the breakable segment configured to break when the threshold force is applied.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising breaking the break segment.

32. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein rotating the cap relative to the straw causes the lugs on the cap to engage the protruding portion of the straw.

33. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cap has a plurality of ribs, the hinge is connected to a first rib, and the break segment is connected to a second rib.

34. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cap includes an outer shell having gripping features and an inner cap body having threads configured to engage external threads on the straw.

35. 35. The tamper-evident lid of claim 34, wherein the plurality of ribs extend from the inner cap body to the outer shell.

36. 35. The tamper-evident lid of claim 34, wherein a ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is 6:1 or less.

37. 1. A tamper-evident system, comprising: a container configured to contain a fluid; a straw partially sealed within the container, the straw having an exposed portion and an unexposed portion, and further having an exposed outer edge with an outwardly extending protrusion; a cap having an inner cap body and an outer shell, the cap having ribs extending from the inner cap body toward the outer shell; one or more tabs configured to rotate outward and further having a foldable portion configured to be folded; A tamper-evident system with

38. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the one or more tabs include a break-off segment.

39. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the tab extends from the rib, the tab having an inwardly extending lug configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the straw when the cap is coupled to the straw and rotated relative to the straw.

40. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein a ratio of a height of one of the plurality of tabs to a maximum height of the outer shell is less than 6:

1.

41. A tamper-evident system comprising a container configured to contain a fluid, a straw, and a tamper-evident lid as described in claim 1.

42. A tamper-evident system comprising a container configured to contain a fluid, a straw, and a tamper-evident lid as described in claim 21.

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