Anti-rotation and removal closure

Abstract

A closure for use with a container, the closure including a polymeric top and a polymeric annular skirt. The skirt depends from the top. The skirt portion includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the skirt includes a collapsible rib and an anti-rotation lug. The collapsible rib is configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container to prevent or inhibit axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interference fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or inhibits rotational movement of the closure relative to the container such that the closure remains on the container.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 741,249, filed May 10, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a closure configured to cooperate with a container to form a package. More specifically, the present invention relates to an anti-rotation and removal polymeric closure. [Background technology]

[0003] Polymeric closures have been used in conjunction with containers for many years in many applications. Some containers contain products or contents that are not intended for certain individuals, such as children. These products can include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, prescriptions, etc.

[0004] Some existing containers with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and prescriptions use threaded necks to mate with threaded closures. Such containers use sealed applications at the container opening for product security because there is no tamper evidence built into the mating assembly. These sealed applications, which can include metal or polymeric materials, not only add additional expense but also require additional manufacturing equipment and processing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a closure that overcomes these shortcomings of existing containers by eliminating a sealed application to the container opening, while still implementing the desirable properties of a closure, including secure placement of the closure on the container and providing the potential for tamper evidence. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, a closure for use with a container includes a polymeric top and a polymeric annular skirt. The polymeric annular skirt depends from the polymeric top. The polymeric annular skirt includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt includes a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs. The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container to prevent or inhibit axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interference fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or inhibits rotational movement of the closure relative to the container such that the closure remains on the container.

[0007] According to a further configuration of the above implementation, each of the plurality of crushable ribs has a tapered or chamfered end, the tapered or chamfered end being located on an opposite side of the polymeric top.

[0008] In a further aspect of the above implementation, each of the plurality of crushable ribs has a height at a first end proximate the polymer top that is greater than a height of each of the plurality of crushable ribs at a second opposing end.

[0009] In a further aspect of the above implementation, each of the plurality of collapsible ribs has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. For example, each of the plurality of collapsible ribs may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0010] In still further aspects of the above implementation, the number of the plurality of crushable ribs is from about 3 to about 12 in one embodiment, and from about 4 to about 8 in another embodiment.

[0011] According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the plurality of anti-rotation lugs includes an arrow-shaped portion.

[0012] In a further aspect of the above implementation, each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a tapered or chamfered end, the tapered or chamfered end being located on opposite sides of the polymer top.

[0013] In a further aspect of the above implementation, each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a height at a first end proximate the polymer top that is greater than a height of each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs at a second opposing end.

[0014] In still further aspects of the above implementations, each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a tapered or chamfered outer surface at a section closest to the polymeric top.

[0015] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has opposing outer surfaces that are substantially vertical walls in a section closest to the polymeric top.

[0016] In still further aspects of the above implementations, the number of anti-rotation lugs in the plurality is from about 3 to about 12. In another embodiment, the number of anti-rotation lugs in the plurality is from about 4 to about 8.

[0017] In still further aspects of the above implementations, the closure is a one-piece closure.

[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container has a neck defining an opening. The neck has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The closure is configured to fit over the neck of the container to close the opening. The closure includes a polymeric top and a polymeric annular skirt. The polymeric annular skirt depends from the polymeric top. The polymeric annular skirt includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt includes a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs. The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container to prevent or inhibit axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interference fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or inhibits rotational movement of the closure relative to the container such that the closure remains on the container.

[0019] According to a configuration of the above implementation, the container has an external thread formation on the neck portion. For example, the external thread formation may be a continuous helical thread.

[0020] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings set forth below.

[0021] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a polymer closure according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the polymer closure of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1B is an interior side view of the polymer closure of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1B is another interior side view of the polymer closure of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A]FIG. 13 is a front view of an anti-rotation lug according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side view of the anti-rotation lug of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of a container according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the polymer closure of FIG. 1A during insertion into the container of FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view showing the external thread formation of the container contacting the anti-rotation lug. [Figure 5C] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view showing the external thread formation of the container contacting the anti-rotation lug. [Figure 6A] 5 is a top perspective view of a package including the container of FIG. 4 and the polymer closure of FIG. 1A, the package being in a closed position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of the package of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the neck of the package of FIG. 6A with the polymer closure in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0024] 1A and 1B, a polymer closure 10 is shown according to one embodiment. The polymer closure 10 is a one-piece closure and is configured not to be removable from the container as described below. Thus, the polymer closure helps reduce environmental waste when the container is recycled.

[0025] The polymer closure 10 is configured to fit over the neck of a container to open and close the container. The polymer closure 10 is configured to be used with the container 100 of Figure 4 to form a package 200 as shown in Figures 6A-6C.

[0026] The polymer closure of the present invention is advantageous because it saves costs associated with providing and placing a tamper-evident seal on the opening of a container, both from the standpoint of materials, inventory, and manufacturing process. The polymer closure also eliminates potential frustration for individuals when attempting to remove a sealed application from a container, especially for individuals with reduced grip strength, limited dexterity in the upper extremities (e.g., arm or hand), or other impairments in the upper extremities that make it difficult to remove the tamper-evident seal from the container.

[0027] The polymeric closure 10 of Figures 1A-1B includes a polymeric top 12 and a polymeric annular skirt 30. The polymeric top has an outer surface 12a and an inner surface 12b. The polymeric annular skirt 30 depends from the polymeric top 12. The polymeric annular skirt 30 is shown as having a substantially smooth outer surface 30a. This is advantageous because it is not desirable for a user to tighten their grip when attempting to unscrew or push the polymeric closure 10 from a container. However, it is contemplated that the polymeric annular skirt could have a textured outer surface.

[0028] The polymeric annular skirt 30 includes an outer surface 30a and an inner surface 30b. The inner surface 30b of the polymeric annular skirt 30 includes a plurality of collapsible ribs 32 and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs 40, which are shown in FIG. 1B as collapsible ribs 32a-32f and anti-rotation lugs 40a-40f. The anti-rotation lugs 40 alternate with the collapsible ribs 32 around the inner surface 30b of the polymeric annular skirt 30.

[0029] The combination of the plurality of crushable ribs 32 and the plurality of anti-rotation lugs 40 prevents or inhibits a user from removing the polymeric closure 10 without damaging the polymeric closure 10 or the container.

[0030] The plurality of crushable ribs 32 are configured to be crushed when the polymeric closure 10 is applied to a container to prevent or inhibit axial movement of the closure relative to the container, as described in detail below. When engaged with the container, the plurality of crushable ribs 32 apply a radial hoop load and interference fit to the outer diameter of the threaded neck of the container.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2A, a plurality of crushable ribs 32 are shown. Specifically, crushable ribs 32b-32d are shown in FIG. 2A. To assist in properly centering the polymeric closure 10 with respect to the container and avoiding potential deflection thereof, a leading edge or end 34b-34d of each crushable rib 32b-32d is shown as being tapered or chamfered. The leading edge or end 34b-34d of each crushable rib 32b-32d is the opposite edge or end of the top 12 of the polymeric closure 10. By making the leading edge or end 34b-34d tapered or chamfered, this assists in smoother placement of the polymeric closure 10 on the container.

[0032] The taper or chamfer of the leading edge or end 34b-34d of each crushable rib 32b-32d is best shown by comparing the heights H1, H2 and H3 at different locations of the crushable rib 32b. The height H1 of the crushable rib 32b is less than the height H2, which is less than the height H3. Thus, the height H3 of the opposing edge or end 36b (the edge or end closest to the top 12 of the polymeric closure 10) has a greater height than the height H1 of the leading edge or end 34b.

[0033] The height H3 of the crushable rib 32b is at least half the difference between the inner diameter of the polymer closure 10 and the outer diameter of the container. The inner diameter D1 of the polymer closure 10 is shown in FIG. 1B, FIG. 5A, while the outer diameter D2 of the neck portion 102 of the container 100 is shown in FIG. 5A. Therefore, it is desirable that the height of the crushable rib is at least 0.5 multiplied by (D1-D2). The height of the crushable rib 32 must take into account the balance of the difference between the inner diameter of the polymer closure 10 and the outer diameter of the container, as well as the dimensions and shape of the male threads of the container. The height of the crushable rib must also avoid having too much material, which may make it difficult to properly place the polymer closure 10 on the container during manufacturing, while still having enough material to prevent or inhibit a user from removing the polymer closure 10 from the container 100.

[0034] Thus, in summary, when the polymeric closure 10 is threaded onto the container, there is sufficient material from the crushable ribs 32 after being crushed to provide an interference fit that prevents or inhibits axial movement of the polymeric closure 10 relative to the container (movement of arrow B in FIG. 5A), as will also be described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 6C.

[0035] The shape of the crushable ribs 32b, 32d is shown in FIG. 2A as an elongated structure with a rectangular cross-section. It is contemplated that the crushable ribs may be elongated structures with a generally square cross-section. It is contemplated that the crushable ribs may have other polygonal cross-sections. It is also contemplated that the crushable ribs may have non-polygonal cross-sections. For example, the crushable ribs may have a generally semicircular or semi-elliptical cross-section.

[0036] The number of the plurality of crushable ribs 32 may vary. As the diameter of the polymer closure increases, the number of crushable ribs typically increases. In one embodiment, the number of crushable ribs is from about 3 to about 12. In another embodiment, the number of crushable ribs is from about 4 to about 10. In a further embodiment, the number of crushable ribs is from about 4 to about 8.

[0037] A plurality of crushable ribs 32 are disposed in a generally vertical or perpendicular direction from the bottom end 12b of the polymer closure 10 and extend upwardly to the polymeric top portion 12. It is contemplated that other orientations may be used with the crushable ribs.

[0038] Each of the anti-rotation lugs 40 is configured to prevent or inhibit rotational movement of the polymer closure 10 relative to the container after the polymer closure 10 is applied to the container. At least one of the anti-rotation lugs 40 prevents or inhibits rotational movement of the polymer closure 10 relative to the container after the polymer closure 10 is applied to the container. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, anti-rotation lug 40b is shown. With particular reference to Figure 3A, anti-rotation lug 40b has a generally straight or vertical portion 42 and an arrow-shaped portion 44. Arrow-shaped portion 44 may also be referred to as a half diamond or "greater than" (">") shape.

[0039] The arrow-shaped portion 44 is shown as having two angled linear segments 46, 48. The segment 46 is shown in FIG. 3A as being angled at an angle A. The angle A of the segment 46, in one embodiment, is generally about 10 to about 80 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle A of the segment 46 is generally about 20 to about 70 degrees, more usually about 30 to 60 degrees. The angle B of the segment 48, in one embodiment, is generally about 10 to about 80 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle B of the segment 48 is generally about 20 to about 70 degrees, more usually about 30 to 60 degrees. The first segment 46 has a first outer surface 46a and a second outer surface 46b.

[0040] The second segment 48 has a first outer surface 48a and a second outer surface 48b. The first outer surfaces 46a, 48a meet at a blocking or retention area 50. The blocking areas 50 of the first segment 46 and the second segment 48 of the anti-rotation lug 40b form an area that prevents or inhibits a user from further unscrewing the polymeric closure 10 from the container. More specifically, when a user attempts to unscrew the polymeric closure 10 from the container, a leading edge of the male threads of the container contacts and catches at least one blocking area 50 of the anti-rotation lug, thereby preventing or inhibiting further rotation of the polymeric closure 10 relative to the container.

[0041] Thus, after the polymeric closure 10 is placed on a container during manufacture, the amount of unscrewing depends on the distance between the leading edge of the container's male threads and the blocking area. If the closure 10 is placed on a container that uses a single continuous helical thread during manufacture, and a user attempts to unscrew the closure 10 from the container, only one of the blocking areas of the multiple anti-rotation lugs will be used. This is the anti-rotation lug that is closest to the leading edge of the container's male threads in the direction of movement for unscrewing. Having more anti-rotation lugs also reduces, on average, the amount of rotation that may occur between the polymeric closure 10 before being blocked or retained.

[0042] The movement to unscrew is counterclockwise for the user when the polymer closure is placed on the container clockwise during manufacturing. Alternatively, the movement to unscrew is considered to be clockwise for the user when the polymer closure is placed on the container counterclockwise during manufacturing.

[0043] The anti-rotation lug 40a in FIG. 2B has a tapered / chamfered surface on its leading edge or end 56a to assist in threading the closure 10 onto the container. Similar to the plurality of crushable ribs 32, the leading edge or end 56a of the anti-rotation lug 40a is shown as being tapered or chamfered to assist in properly centering the polymeric closure 10 relative to the container and avoiding potential deflection thereof. The leading edge or end 56a of the anti-rotation lug 40a is the edge or end opposite the polymeric top 12 of the polymeric closure 10. By making the leading edge or end 56a of the anti-rotation lug 40a tapered or chamfered, this assists in more smoothly placing the polymeric closure 10 onto the container.

[0044] The taper or chamfer of the leading edge or end 56a of the anti-rotation lug 40a is best shown by comparing heights H4, H5 and H6 in Figure 2B at different locations on the anti-rotation lug 40a. Height H4 of the anti-rotation lug 40a is less than height H5, which is less than height H6.

[0045] The anti-rotation lugs 40 (including anti-rotation lug 40b) also have a side chamfer or taper. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second outer surface 48b of the second segment 46 has a tapered / chamfered edge. This assists in threading the polymer closure 10 onto the container more smoothly. It is also contemplated that the second outer surface 46b of the first segment 46 may also be chamfered or tapered. When the polymer closure 10 is threaded onto the container, the threads should be designed to thread over at least some, if not most, of the anti-rotation lugs. In one approach, one or more of the anti-rotation lugs remain in their general original state without initially contacting the male thread formation. In another approach, each of the anti-rotation lugs contacts the male thread formation as the closure is inserted into the container. Note that one of the anti-rotation lugs, if it does contact, is at the end closest to the polymer top. The remaining anti-rotation lugs 40 are not used to prevent or inhibit rotational movement of the closure 10 relative to the container, but rather are used as an additional interference fit to further support the crushable ribs 32 .

[0046] As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, the anti-rotation lug 40b is designed with a blocking area 50 having a surface that is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the first outer surface 46a, 48a. The blocking area 50 is also undercut in one embodiment to assist in blocking the external thread formation of the container. The blocking area is aligned with a similar radial orientation / elevation of the leading edge of the external thread formation of the container. As the closure 10 rotates in the opening direction, the blocking area 50 engages the leading edge of the external thread formation of the container and prevents or inhibits further rotation after such engagement.

[0047] The number of anti-rotation lugs 40 may vary. As the diameter of the closure increases, the number of anti-rotation lugs typically increases. In one embodiment, the number of anti-rotation lugs is from about 3 to about 12. In another embodiment, the number of anti-rotation lugs is from about 4 to about 10. In a further embodiment, the number of anti-rotation lugs is from about 4 to about 8.

[0048] Having a closure with anti-rotation lugs is advantageous when the product stored with the container is undesirable for certain individuals (e.g., pediatric medicines). By having multiple crushable ribs and multiple anti-rotation lugs, a myriad of product dispensing devices can be applied to existing containers. These containers can be, for example, child-resistant containers, tamper-resistant containers, and over-the-counter containers.

[0049] It is contemplated that the anti-rotation lug may have different shapes than those shown in Figures 3A-3B. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation lug includes a semi-circular (") or semi-elliptical shape that forms a blocking area. In another embodiment, the anti-rotation lug has a right bracket ("[]") shape that forms a blocking area. It is contemplated that the anti-rotation lug may have other shapes configured to block the leading edge of the male threads of the container.

[0050] It should be noted that if the thread direction is reversed, the anti-rotation lug is modified to have the blocking area on the appropriate side. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation lug may include an arrow shaped portion ("<") in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the anti-rotation lug includes a semi-circular ("(") or semi-elliptical shape that forms the blocking area. In a further embodiment, the anti-rotation lug has a left bracket ("[") shape that forms the blocking area.

[0051] To access the polymer closure 10 (i.e., to open the closure), the polymer closure 10 is configured to have an opening formed therein. The polymer closure opening may be a slidable lid in one embodiment. The polymer closure opening in another embodiment may be a rotatable, inverted, or hinged lid.

[0052] The polymeric closure 10 may also include tamper-evident features. More specifically, tamper-evident features provide a visual indication to a user that the closure may be opened and the product may have been accessed. For example, these features prevent or deter the opening from being accessed. It is contemplated that other tamper-evident features may be added to the polymeric closure.

[0053] It is contemplated that the polymer closure may also include a liner disposed on an inner surface of the top wall portion. The liner is typically made of a compressible polymeric material and provides a seal for the closure. In one embodiment, the liner is a polymeric foam liner. In other embodiments, other sealing mechanisms may be used in combination with the polymer closure. For example, in one embodiment, the inner surface of the top wall portion may include a polymeric continuous plug seal and / or an outer seal. The polymeric continuous plug seal and / or outer seal depend from a polymeric top and provide the sealing mechanism. It is contemplated that other sealing mechanisms may be used with the polymer closure.

[0054] The closure may include an oxygen scavenger material, which may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger material may be any material that aids in the removal of oxygen within the container while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.

[0055] Alternatively, or in addition, the closure may include an oxygen barrier material. The oxygen barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be incorporated into the closure itself. The oxygen barrier material helps to prevent or inhibit oxygen from passing through the closure into the container. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen barrier materials may be used in the closure.

[0056] 4, a container 100 is shown including a neck 102 that defines an opening 106. The neck 102 of the container 100 includes an external threaded formation 110. The polymer closure 10 does not include internal threads, and therefore the polymer closure does not threadably engage the external threaded formation of the container.

[0057] The male thread formation 110 is one continuous helical thread in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment, the male thread formation includes a first vessel lead and a second vessel lead, collectively referred to as a dual lead closure thread. Each of the first and second vessel leads may be continuous. The first and second helical vessel leads may be helical. It is contemplated that the first and second vessel leads may be discontinuous.

[0058] It is also contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may be different than the helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other external thread formations may be used on the container. For example, the external thread formation may include a triple thread configuration having a first, second, and third closure lead.

[0059] It is contemplated that other features may be included in the neck portion 102. Some non-limiting examples include retention lugs, A-collars for sealing applications, and splines.

[0060] The polymer closure 10 can be assembled into the container 100 using existing manufacturing methods. More specifically, in one method, the closure 10 is gripped by a clutch at its outer diameter and rotates continuously as it is placed into the container, which is held in place.

[0061] Referring to Figure 5A, there is shown the process of placing or threading a polymeric closure 10 onto a container 100. The polymeric closure 10 is shown moving in the direction of arrow A. Figure 5A also shows that the outer diameter D2 of the neck 102 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the polymeric closure 10.

[0062] 5B and 5C show blocking area 50 of anti-rotation lug 40a blocking the leading edge of male thread formation 110 preventing or blocking the user from further unscrewing polymeric closure 10 onto the container. Arrow C indicates the clockwise direction in which polymeric closure 10 is applied and arrow D indicates the counterclockwise direction in which male thread formation 110 will unscrew where it contacts blocking area 50.

[0063] In one embodiment, the package comprises a container with an opening and a polymeric closure. The polymeric closure is configured to fit over the neck of the container to close the opening. The closure is configured to be placed over a container or bottle that contains the product. The product can be a liquid product, but is typically a solid product. In another embodiment, the product may be a combination of liquid and solid products. Some products that may be particularly desirable to use include dispensable tablets such as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, prescription drugs, and the like.

[0064] One non-limiting example of a closure and container forming a package is shown in Figures 6A-6C. Figure 6A is a top perspective view of a package 200 including the polymeric closure 10 of Figure 1A and the container 100 of Figure 4 in a closed position. Figure 6A also shows a slidable lid 60 for opening the closure and accessing the product in the container 100. Figure 6B is a side view of the package 200 including the polymeric closure 10 of Figure 1A and the container 100 of Figure 4 in a closed position.

[0065] FIG 6C shows a general cross-sectional view of the package 200 and polymer closure 10 of the neck 102 of the container 100. The polymer closure 10 includes a slidable lid 60 in an open position, allowing a user to access the opening. FIG 6C also shows the crushable ribs 32c, 32f deformed by the male thread formation 110, which prevents or inhibits a user from separating the polymer closure 10 from the container 100 by lifting axially (arrow B).

[0066] The closure is typically made of a polymeric material such as an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE). It is contemplated that the closure may be made of other polymeric materials.

[0067] The closure is typically formed by a process such as injection or compression molding.

[0068] The container 100 is typically made of a polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material used in forming a polymeric container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed from other polymeric or copolymeric materials. The container 100 typically has an encapsulated oxygen barrier layer or material incorporated therein.

[0069] While the foregoing written description of the invention will enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use what is currently believed to be its best mode, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand and recognize the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by the embodiments, methods, and examples described above, but rather by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 Polymer Closures 12 Polymer Top 12a Exterior 12b Inner surface, bottom end 30 Polymer annular skirt 30a Exterior 30b Inside 32 Crushable Ribs 32a Crushable Ribs 32b Crushable Ribs 32c crushable ribs 32d crushable ribs 32e Crushable Ribs 32f crushable ribs 34b end 34c end 34d end 36b end 40 Anti-rotation lug 40a anti-rotation lugs 40b anti-rotation lugs 42 Vertical section 44 Arrow shaped part 46 First segment, straight segment 46a First outer surface 46b Second outer surface 48 Second Segment, Straight Segment 48a First outer surface 48b Second outer surface 50 Blocking area, holding area 56a End 60 Lid 100 containers 100 Neck 102 Neck 106 Opening 110 Male thread forming part 200 packages A Arrow, angle B Arrow, angle C Arrow D Arrow D1 Inner diameter D2 outer diameter H1 Height H2 Height H3 Height H4 Height H5 Height H6 Height

Claims

1. A closure for use with a container, wherein the closure is The polymer top and, A polymer annular skirt portion hanging from the upper part of the polymer, wherein the polymer annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion includes a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of crushable ribs has a height at the first end near the top of the polymer that is greater than the height of each of the plurality of crushable ribs at the second opposing end, closure.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of crushable ribs has a tapered or chamfered end, the tapered or chamfered end is located on the opposite side of the polymer top.

3. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of crushable ribs is approximately 3 to approximately 12.

4. The closure according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a tapered or chamfered end, and the tapered or chamfered end is located on the opposite side of the polymer upper part.

5. It is a package, A container having a neck portion defining an opening, wherein the neck portion has an outer surface and an inner surface, A closure configured to fit into the neck portion of the container to close the opening, wherein the closure comprises a polymer upper portion and a polymer annular skirt portion, the polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer upper portion, the polymer annular skirt portion comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion comprising a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of crushable ribs has a height at the first end near the top of the polymer that is greater than the height of each of the plurality of crushable ribs at the second opposing end, package.

6. A package, A container having a neck portion defining an opening, wherein the neck portion has an outer surface and an inner surface, A closure configured to fit into the neck portion of the container to close the opening, wherein the closure comprises a polymer upper portion and a polymer annular skirt portion, the polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer upper portion, the polymer annular skirt portion comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion comprising a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a height at the first end near the top of the polymer that is greater than the height of each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs at the second opposing end. package.

7. A package, A container having a neck portion defining an opening, wherein the neck portion has an outer surface and an inner surface, A closure configured to fit into the neck portion of the container to close the opening, wherein the closure comprises a polymer upper portion and a polymer annular skirt portion, the polymer annular skirt portion hanging down from the polymer upper portion, the polymer annular skirt portion comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion comprising a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a tapered or chamfered outer surface in the section closest to the top of the polymer, Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has opposing outer surfaces which are walls substantially perpendicular to the section closest to the top of the polymer. package.

8. A closure for use with a container, wherein the closure is The polymer top and, A polymer annular skirt portion hanging from the upper part of the polymer, wherein the polymer annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion includes a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a height at the first end near the top of the polymer that is greater than the height of each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs at the second opposing end. closure.

9. A closure for use with a container, wherein the closure is The polymer top and, A polymer annular skirt portion hanging from the upper part of the polymer, wherein the polymer annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the polymer annular skirt portion includes a plurality of crushable ribs and a plurality of anti-rotation lugs, and Equipped with, The plurality of crushable ribs are configured to be crushed when the closure is applied to the container so as to prevent or block axial movement of the closure relative to the container by forming an interlocking fit. At least one of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs prevents or blocks the rotational movement of the closure relative to the container, thereby causing the closure to remain on the container. Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has a tapered or chamfered outer surface in the section closest to the top of the polymer, Each of the plurality of anti-rotation lugs has opposing outer surfaces which are walls substantially perpendicular to the section closest to the top of the polymer. closure.

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