Package with Linked Closure

Abstract

The package includes a container and a closure. The container has an external thread formation on the neck and a peripheral bead. The closure includes first and second closure parts. The first closure part includes a top wall, a skirt, and first and second frangible connections. The first frangible connection extends along the periphery of the closure. The second frangible connection is spaced from the first frangible connection. At least a portion of the second frangible connection is located farther from the top wall than a portion of the first frangible connection. The second frangible connection defines an area configured to form a tab. The second closure part includes a tamper-evident band. The closure is configured to be opened by twisting to break the frangible connection and expose the tab, and then flipping the first closure part relative to the second closure part via the exposed tab. The closure is configured to lock when flipped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 116,564, filed on December 9, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 985,608, filed on March 5, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 958,842, filed on January 16, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to packages with connected closures, and more particularly to polymer packages with connected closures that are maintained in a locked position after opening.

Background Art

[0003] Polymer closures have been used for containers in many applications for many years. One type of polymer closure used for containers is a tamper-evident polymer closure. A tamper-evident closure is used for the purpose of preventing or deterring tampering by providing a visible indicator to the user if it has been opened. This visible indicator typically divides the closure into two parts when the tamper-evident element is broken. Thereafter, the upper part of the closure is removed from the container to provide access to the contents of the container. One problem with dividing a tamper-evident closure into two parts is that the upper part may not be recycled with the other part of the closure and the container. This can be a concern environmentally because there are a large number of containers with closures that can be divided into two parts and have a tamper-evident element.

[0004] One problem with using a flip-type connected closure is that the opening angle when the closure is locked relative to the outer wall diameter (E-diameter) of the mouth is small. When the opening angle is small, the position of the closure relative to the surface of the drinking spout is too high and the closure may hit the user's face during use, which is undesirable.

[0005] An example of the package that does not limit the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 showing the prior art. In FIG. 1, the package 310 includes a container or mouth portion 320 and a closure 330. The package 310 in FIG. 1 is in an open position, in which case the closure 330 is in a locked position relative to the container 320. In the locked position of FIG. 1, the orientation of the closure with respect to the mouth is undesirable (angle A) in that a large area 340 of the closure 330 is above the plane of the drinking opening. The large area 340 is the portion of the closure 330 that is above line A in FIG. 1.

[0006] When the angle of the package 310 is angle A, the flip angle takes various angles based on the orientation of the closure 330 on the container 320. More specifically, the flip angle of the closure varies depending on the radial position of the closure with respect to the container when the closure is flipped. For example, since the tab for locking the closure leans against the bottom side of the threaded portion of the container shown in FIG. 1, the flip angle is minimized when the locking tab aligns with the end of the male thread formation of the container in the radial direction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] It is desired to provide a flip-type closure with an anti-tampering indication element that solves the above environmental concerns, reduces the area of the portion of the closure above the plane of the drinking opening, and at the same time has desirable characteristics of the closure, such as the characteristic of stabilizing the position of the lid when drinking from the container. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] According to one embodiment, the package includes a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion that defines an opening. The container has an external thread forming portion on the neck portion and a peripheral bead. The peripheral bead is located farther from the opening than the external thread forming portion. The closure is configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening. The closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes an upper wall portion made of polymer, an annular skirt portion made of polymer, a first frangible connection portion, and a second frangible connection portion. The annular skirt portion made of polymer extends downward from the upper wall portion made of polymer. The annular skirt portion made of polymer includes an internal thread forming portion that engages with the external thread forming portion of the container. The first frangible connection portion extends along the periphery of the closure. The first frangible connection portion has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are spaced apart from each other. The second frangible connection portion is spaced apart from the first frangible connection portion. At least a part of the second frangible connection portion is located farther from the upper wall portion than a part of the first frangible connection portion. The second frangible connection portion defines a region configured to form a tab. The region configured to form the tab is located between the first end and the second end of the first frangible connection portion in a non-open position. The second closure portion includes a polymer-made tamper-evident band that extends downward from the annular skirt portion made of polymer and is partially removably connected to the annular skirt portion made of polymer by the first frangible connection portion. The closure is configured to be opened by breaking the first and second frangible connection portions to expose the tab and then flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion via the exposed tab. The closure is configured to be locked via the tab while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion.

[0009] The above summary is not intended to represent or cover all aspects of each embodiment of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0010] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and referring to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 2A

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Figure 2B

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Figure 2C

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Figure 3A

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Figure 3B

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Figure 3C

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Figure 4

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Figure 5

[0020]

Figure 6

[0021]

Figure 7A

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Figure 7B

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Figure 8

[0024]

Figure 9A

[0025]

Figure 9B

[0026]

Figure 10

[0027] Although the present invention can be subject to various modifications and changes, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and changes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] Figures 2A through 2C show a package 100 that includes a polymeric twist-and-flip closure 10 and a container 108 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The twist-and-flip closure is configured to be placed on a container or bottle that houses a product. The product is typically a liquid, but can also be a solid or a combination of a liquid and a solid. The polymeric closure 10 of Figures 2A through 2C generally has a cylindrical shape. The closure is configured to remain attached to the container to reduce environmental waste and to provide a desirable tamper-evident feature. The closure is locked after opening and is configured to allow for enjoyable drinking without interference.

[0029] The polymeric closure 10 includes a first closure portion or lid 12 and a second closure portion or base 14. The closure 10 is a one-piece closure. The first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 are configured to be twisted (twisted) with respect to each other via tabs and then flipped, as will be described in detail below. In another embodiment, the closure may be considered a two-piece closure.

[0030] The first closure portion 12 includes a polymeric upper wall portion 22 and a polymeric annular skirt portion 32. The second closure portion 14 includes a polymeric tamper-evident band 34. The polymeric tamper-evident band 34 extends downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion 32 and is partially removably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion 32 by a first frangible connection 50 (Figure 2A).

[0031] A cross-sectional view of package 100 is shown in FIG. 4. The first closure portion 12 further includes a polymeric continuous plug seal 24 and an outer seal 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the polymeric continuous plug seal 24 and the outer seal 26 extend downward from the polymeric upper wall portion 22, providing a sealing mechanism. The continuous plug seal 24 in FIG. 4 is spaced apart from the inner surface 32a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 32. The outer seal 26 provides an outer sealing mechanism for the outer mouth surface of the container 108.

[0032] In another embodiment, the closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include a polymeric lining material that seals the closure. In this embodiment, the closure is formed from separate parts but functions as the above-described closure except that the sealing mechanism is different. In another embodiment, the closure may include only a polymeric outer seal or only a continuous plug seal. It is contemplated that the closure may include other sealing mechanisms.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the polymeric annular skirt portion 32 includes an internal thread forming portion 40 that engages with the external thread forming portion of the container. The internal thread forming portion 40 includes a first closure lead 42 and a second closure lead 44. The first and second closure leads 42 and 44 are collectively referred to as a double-lead closure thread. Each of the first and second closure leads 42 and 44 is continuous. The first positions of the first and second closure leads 42 and 44 may be approximately 180 degrees apart from each other, and thus the first and second closure leads 42 and 44 may begin from generally opposite sides of the closure 10.

[0034] It is contemplated that the first and second closure leads may not be continuous. Further, it is contemplated that the internal thread forming portion of the closure may be different from a helical thread forming portion. Further, other internal thread forming portions may be used in the closure. For example, the internal thread forming portion may include a triple-thread structure having first, second, and third closure leads.

[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 2A through 2C. The outer surface 32b of the polymeric annular skirt portion 32 may include a plurality of ridges 32c. The plurality of ridges 32c assist a user in gripping the closure 10 when moving the closure 10 between a closed position and an open position.

[0036] The closure 10 of FIG. 2A includes a first frangible connection 50 and a second frangible connection 60. FIG. 2A shows the closure 10 and the container 108 in a non-open position. FIG. 2B shows the closure 10 and the container 108 in a partially open position. FIG. 2C shows the closure 10 and the container 108 in an open but non-flipped position. However, FIG. 2C is a perspective view looking down on the front portion, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are slightly misaligned from FIG. 2C.

[0037] FIGS. 3A through 3C are side views of a package 200 including the closure 10 and the container 208. The closure 10 of FIG. 3A includes first and second frangible connections 50 and 60. FIG. 3A shows the closure 10 and the container 208 in a non-open position. FIG. 3B shows the closure 10 and the container 208 in an open but non-flipped position. FIG. 3C shows the closure 10 and the container 208 in a flipped and locked position.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the entire periphery of the closure 10 in a flat and unfolded state in a non-open position. The first frangible connection 50 extends along the periphery of the closure 10. The first frangible connection generally extends along the periphery of the closure 10 over an arc of approximately 280 degrees to approximately 330 degrees. More specifically, the first frangible connection extends along the periphery of the closure 10 over an arc of approximately 300 degrees to approximately 325 degrees, and more specifically from approximately 310 degrees to approximately 320 degrees.

[0039] The first vulnerable connection part 50 has a first end part 50a and a second end part 50b. The first end part 50a and the second end part 50b are separated from each other. This is shown as a gap 52 in FIG. 5. The gap 52 generally extends along the periphery of the closure 10 over an angle of about 30 to about 80 degrees, and more specifically, extends over an angle of about 40 to about 60 degrees.

[0040] The second vulnerable connection part 60 includes a first part 62 and a second part 64. As shown in FIG. 5, the second vulnerable connection part 60 generally extends along the periphery of the closure 10 over an angle of about 120 to about 180 degrees. More specifically, the second vulnerable connection part 60 extends along the periphery of the closure 10 over an angle of about 130 to about 170 degrees.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the first part 62 includes a plurality of segments 62a and 62b. The second vulnerable connection part 60 has a structure including the first part 62 and the second part 64. The first part 62 includes two segments 62a and 62b, and the second part 64 includes three segments 64a to 64c. As shown in FIG. 5, the first part 62 and the second part 64 are connected. The two segments 62a and 62b are generally horizontal. The segments 64a and 64c are generally vertical, and the segment 64b is generally horizontal. The segments 64a to 64c are connected to each other to form a region 66. The segments 64a to 64c generally form a U shape.

[0042] It is considered that the shape of the second part of the second vulnerable connection part may be other than the U shape. For example, the second part of the second vulnerable connection part may be an elongated oval shape or a W shape.

[0043] The second breakable connection portion 60 is separated from the first breakable connection portion 50. At least a part of the second breakable connection portion is located farther from the upper wall portion than a part of the first breakable connection portion. In FIG. 5, the entire second breakable connection portion 60 is located farther from the upper wall portion than the first breakable connection portion 50. It is considered that the second breakable connection portion may be formed in a manner different from that shown in FIG. 5.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first and second breakable connection portions 50 and 60 may be formed by molded-in-bridges. In this embodiment, the molded-in-bridges are formed using molding elements. The first and second breakable connection portions are in the form of scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, or other weak lines.

[0045] In another method, the first and second breakable connection portions are formed by a slitting technique independently of the formation of other parts of the closure. The first and second breakable connection portions are formed using scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, or other weak lines.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, a region 66 is formed between a first portion 62 and a second portion 644 of the second breakable connection 60. The region 66 is configured to form a tab 70, for example, after the closure is fully twisted (i.e., the screw engagement is completely disengaged) as shown in FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 5, the tab 70 is provided between a first end 50a and a second end 50b. The region forming the tab generally aligns with the gap between the first end and the second end of the first breakable connection. In FIG. 5, the region 66 substantially aligns with a gap 52 formed between the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the first breakable connection 50. The region forming the tab should be positioned such that the tab acts as a hinge when the closure flips and then acts as a lock when the closure is in the flipped state.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, regions 68a and 68b are formed between the first breakable connection 50 and the second breakable connection 60. Regions 68a and 68b form hinge-type arms 72a and 72b after the first and second breakable connections are broken. The hinge-type arms 72a and 72b (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) assist in (1) holding the first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 together, (2) flipping the first closure portion 12 relative to the second closure portion 14 in cooperation with the tab 70, and (3) locking the first closure portion 12 with the tab 70. The hinge-type arms 72a and 72b are sized and shaped such that they can be twisted and extended.

[0048] For example, FIG. 2C shows the hinge-type arms 72a and 72b extending due to the gap 76 formed by the movement of the tab 70. The gap 76 in FIG. 2C is larger than the gap 78 shown in FIG. 2B. The increase in the gap helps provide a spatial relationship that supplies clearance for flipping the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14. The spatial relationship that supplies clearance for the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14 also depends on other elements such as the length of the annular skirt portion 34, the position and type of the female and male threads, and the size and shape of the tab 70.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2A, the polymeric tamper-evident band 34 of the closure 10 is disposed at its bottom (i.e., the end opposite the polymeric upper wall portion 22). The tamper-evident band 34 extends downward from the annular skirt portion 32 and is at least partially removably connected to the annular skirt portion 32 via the first frangible connection portion 50. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, the polymeric tamper-evident band 34 is a lower tamper-evident element. The tamper-evident band 34 cooperates with the container to indicate to the user that there may have been access to the contents of the container. More specifically, the tamper-evident band 34 is designed to be partially separated from the annular skirt portion 32 when the user opens the package by twisting the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14. By twisting in this way, the threaded engagement between the closure 10 and the container is disengaged.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tamper-evident band includes at least one band extension. For example, FIG. 6 shows that the tamper-evident band 34 of the closure 10 includes a plurality of band extensions 36a to 36c. As will be described in more detail below, the plurality of band extensions 36a to 36c help position the first closure portion or lid 12 in the locked position after the flip process.

[0051] A non-limiting example of a closure and a container forming a package is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C and FIG. 4 and described above. FIGS. 2A through 2C and FIG. 4 show a closure 10 and a container 108 forming a package 100. A portion of the container 108 is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C and FIG. 4. The container 108 includes a neck portion 102 (FIG. 4) that defines an opening. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes a male thread formation 104, an A collar 106 (FIG. 2C), a continuous outer ring 110, and a continuous bead 112. The A collar 106 prevents or inhibits the tamper evident band 34 from coming off after the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60 are broken. The continuous outer ring 110 helps to position the tamper evident band 34. The continuous bead 112 acts in a similar manner to the continuous bead 212. This is described in detail below.

[0052] The male thread formation 104 includes a first mouth lead 142 and a second mouth lead 144. The male thread formation 104 (mouth leads 142 and 144) engages a corresponding female thread formation 40 (closure leads 42 and 44) (FIG. 4) to seal the package 100. The first mouth lead 142 and the second mouth lead 144 may extend helically. Each of the first mouth lead 142 and the second mouth lead 144 is discontinuous.

[0053] In another embodiment, the respective first positions of the first and second mouth leads may be approximately 180 degrees apart from each other, and thus the first and second mouth leads may start from opposite sides on the neck portion of the container. When opening the container, it is desirable that the first closure lead is in contact with the first mouth lead and the second closure lead is in contact with the second mouth lead. It is contemplated that the male thread formation of the container may include discontinuous leads.

[0054] It is contemplated that the male thread formation of the container may be different from that described above. FIG. 3C shows another non-limiting example of the present invention, an embodiment including a container 208 having a continuous helical male thread formation 204.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3C, the container 208 includes a neck portion 202, a helical male thread forming portion 204, a peripheral bead 212, a continuous outer ring 210, and an A collar (not shown). The A collar prevents or inhibits the unsealing indication band 34 from coming off after the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60 are broken. The continuous outer ring 210 helps to position the unsealing indication band 34.

[0056] The male thread forming portion 204 and the peripheral bead 212 help to maximize the flip angle (angle B) of the connecting closure 10. By maximizing the flip angle of the closure 10, the possibility of the undesirable situation where the closure hits the user's face during use is minimized. To increase the flip angle (angle B in FIG. 3C), it helps to remove a portion of the male thread forming portion 204. The portion of the male thread forming portion to be removed can vary, but is typically a portion extending from about 40 degrees to about 150 degrees, generally a portion extending from about 80 degrees to about 130 degrees. The portion of the male thread forming portion to be removed can be the portion closest to the continuous outer ring 210.

[0057] In addition to increasing the flip angle, the peripheral bead 212 makes it possible to make the flip angle larger and more consistent. This is because the tab 70 is locked against the peripheral bead 212, not against the bottom of the helical path formed by the male thread forming portion 204 of the container 208. The flip angle is consistent. This is because the peripheral bead 212 extends along the periphery of the closure and does not change regardless of the radial position of the closure 10 relative to the container 208 during flipping.

[0058] In one embodiment, the peripheral bead 212 extends continuously along the periphery of the closure 10. However, it is considered that the peripheral bead may be formed discontinuously along the periphery of the closure. In such an embodiment, it is desirable to have a discontinuity smaller in size than the tab 70.

[0059] Figures 7A and 7B show a part of the container 208. The container 208 includes a peripheral bead 212 having a step portion 212a. As best shown in Figure 7B, the step portion 212a is a portion that slightly protrudes from the other part of the closure of the peripheral bead 212. As described below, due to the presence of the step portion 212a, it is easily shown in a way that can be heard by ear that the flip angle of the closure has reached the maximum limit.

[0060] Figure 8 shows only the container 208 and does not show the closure 10. Figure 8 showing the container 208 shows the depth D1 of the peripheral bead 212 and the depth D2 of the male thread forming portion 204. The depth D1 of the peripheral bead 212 is shallower than the depth D2 of the male thread forming portion 204. The depth D1 of the peripheral bead 212 is generally from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm, more specifically from about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm or about 0.6 mm. The depth D2 of the male thread forming portion 204 is generally from about 1.2 mm to about 2.0 mm, more specifically from about 1.4 mm to about 1.8 mm.

[0061] The ratio of the depth D2 of the male thread forming portion to the depth D1 of the peripheral bead is generally from about 2 to about 8, more specifically from about 2 to about 6, and even more specifically from about 3 to about 5.

[0062] By using a smaller amount of material when forming the male thread forming portion of the container, the container can be manufactured at a lower cost. This embodiment is a typical case. This is because the amount of material used to form the peripheral bead is less than the amount of material removed from a typical male thread forming portion.

[0063] The closure may include an oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenger may be distributed throughout the closure or may be in a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger may be made of any material as long as it helps to remove oxygen in the container with little or no impact on the contents of the container.

[0064] The closure may contain an oxygen barrier agent instead of or in addition to the above materials. The oxygen barrier agent may be added as a separate layer or integrated with the closure itself. The oxygen barrier agent helps prevent or suppress the entry of oxygen into the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is considered that other oxygen barrier agents may be used within the closure.

[0065] Furthermore, it is considered that other elements may be included within the above closure. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 009979, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0349336, U.S. Patent No. 9,126,726, U.S. Patent No. 9,085,385, U.S. Patent No. 8,763,830, U.S. Patent No. 8,485,374, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0045158, and U.S. Patent No. 6,123,212 all include elements that can be incorporated into the closure of the present invention. These documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for reference purposes in this specification.

[0066] The upper wall portion 22 and the annular skirt portion 32 are formed of a polymer material. The upper wall portion 22 and the annular skirt portion 32 are typically formed of an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a mixture thereof. An example of a polyethylene that can be used is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is considered that the upper wall portion and the annular skirt portion may be formed of other polymer materials. The tamper-evident band 34 is typically formed of the same material as the upper wall portion 22 and the annular skirt portion 32.

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

[0068] Containers 108 and 208 are also typically formed of a polymeric material. Examples of materials used to form polymeric containers that do not limit the present invention are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures thereof. It is contemplated that the containers may be formed of other polymeric materials or copolymeric materials. Further, it is contemplated that the containers may be formed of glass. Containers 108 and 208 typically have a sealed oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0069] According to one method of opening container 108 or 208 to access the product therein, first the first closure portion 12 is twisted relative to the second closure portion 14 and then flipped. The method of twisting and flipping the closure to open it is shown in FIGS. 2A - 2C and FIGS. 3A - 3C. FIGS. 2A and 3A show the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60 in the unopened position after closure 10 has been attached to container 108 or 208. The user then twists closure 10 generally along the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60. This causes the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60 to begin to break. The user continues to twist the closure until the screw engagement between the closure and the container is disengaged and the first and second frangible connections are completely broken. FIGS. 2C and 3B show closure 10 and containers 108 and 208 respectively after the twisting is complete (i.e., in a state where the screw engagement is completely disengaged).

[0070] After the twisting is complete, the user flips the first closure portion 12 relative to the second closure portion 14. The first closure portion 12 and the second closure portion 14 are flipped using tab 70. Tab 70 acts as a hinge after the first and second frangible connections 50 and 60 are completely broken. Tab 70 is shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C. During the flip process, hinge - type arms 72a and 72b twist and extend as tab 70 moves.

[0071] Figures 9A and 9B best show the movement of the first closure portion or lid during the flip process. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (without hatching) of the closure 10 and the container 208 at various positions or stages during the flip process, seen from the side. In FIG. 9A, the initial position of the first closure portion or lid 12 is shown at 12a. After the user begins to flip the lid 12 generally in the direction of arrow A, the lid moves to a second position (12b), a third position (12c), a fourth position (12d), a fifth position (12e), and a sixth position (12f).

[0072] The first closure portion or lid 12 is configured to flip or rotate by an angle B as shown in FIG. 3C. The first closure portion 12 is configured to flip or rotate at least 145 degrees from the closed position to the open position and is ultimately configured to be locked generally along arrow A in FIG. 9a. It is desirable for the first closure portion or lid 12 to flip or rotate at least about 150 degrees, more desirably at least 160 degrees, from the closed position to the open position until it is locked. It is desirable for the first closure portion or lid 12 to flip or rotate at least about 165 degrees, more desirably at least 170 degrees, from the closed position to the open position until it is locked.

[0073] The first closure portion or lid 12 generally rotates by an angle B of FIG. 3C, where the angle B is from about 145 degrees to about 170 degrees, more specifically from about 145 degrees to about 165 degrees. The first closure portion or lid 12 generally rotates by an angle B of FIG. 3C, where the angle B is from about 150 degrees to about 170 degrees, more specifically from about 150 degrees to about 165 degrees. The first closure portion or lid 12 generally rotates by an angle B of FIG. 3C, where the angle B is from about 155 degrees to about 170 degrees, more specifically from about 155 degrees to about 165 degrees.

[0074] Figure 9B is an enlarged view of region 9B of Figure 9A. Figure 9B shows a portion of the first closure or lid 12 at the third position 12c and illustrates the function of the band extension 36b relative to the A-color 206 of the container 208. The tamper-evident element 34 engages the A-color 206 to prevent or inhibit the tamper-evident element 34 from coming off after the first and second breakable connections 50 and 60 are broken.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9B, the band extension 36b prevents or inhibits the tab 70 from slipping under the A-color 206 of the container 208 during movement from the third position (12c) to the fourth position (12d) of Figure 9A. More specifically, while the first closure 12 flips when opening the product, the band extension 36b provides a transfer lip above the A-color 206 of the container 208, thereby preventing or inhibiting the tab 70 from slipping under the A-color 206 and becoming immobile. When the tab 70 becomes immobile, the rotation of the first closure 12 to its maximum extent is inhibited or suppressed. Due to the rotational force along arrow B (see Figure 9B), the tab 70 slips over the A-color 206 beyond the band extension 36b.

[0076] While the tab 70 rotates during the movement of the first closure 12, the hinge-type arms 72a and 72b twist and extend. The tab 70 contacts the outer surface of the neck portion 202. In one way, the tab 70 is generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the neck portion 202, whereby the hinge-type arms 72a and 72b extend significantly. The force required to move the tab to this position is greater than the force during the initial movement of the tab during the flip process. While the first closure 12 continues to flip, the edge 70a of the tab 70 continues to move upward (toward the upper part of the neck portion 102). The tab 70 is sized and formed to be elastic but can bend flexibly during the above movement. At this point, the hinge-type arms 72a and 72b are not extended much and are in a stable position.

[0077] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the sixth position 12f of the closure portion 12 shown in FIG. 9A. When moving from the fifth position 12e (see FIG. 9A) of the closure, the closure portion 12 contacts the step portion 212a at the position indicated by 12i in FIG. 10. When the closure portion 12 generally moves between the position 12i and the sixth position 12f along the direction of arrow C, a sound indicating that the flip angle of the closure has reached the maximum is audible to the user.

[0078] After the first closure portion 12 flips, the tab 70 cooperates with the hinge arms 72a and 72b to lock the first closure portion 12 with respect to the second closure portion 14 as shown in FIG. 3C. The hinge arms 72a and 72b are stable and maintain the tab in the locked position. In order to move the tab 70 from this stable position back to a position generally perpendicular to the neck portion 202, the first closure portion 12 needs to apply some force to the hinge arms 72a and 72b to return the hinge arms 72a and 72b to a greatly extended position. The closure 10 is configured to flip the first closure portion 12 in the reverse direction and then return to the initial position by the closure 10 itself being threadedly engaged with the container 208.

[0079] Polymer closures are desirable for both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. Polymer closures can be used in low-temperature applications such as room-temperature filling or low-temperature filling. These applications include aseptic applications such as water, sports drinks, dairy products, etc., and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is considered that polymer closures may also be used in other low-temperature applications.

[0080] Polymer closures may be subjected to high-temperature applications such as high-temperature filling, sterilization, and retort applications. High-temperature filling applications are generally carried out at a temperature around 185°F, high-temperature filling with sterilization is generally carried out at a temperature around 205°F. Retort applications are typically carried out at a temperature higher than 250°F. It is considered that polymer closures can also be used in other high-temperature applications.

[0081] From the above description of the present invention, those skilled in the art can manufacture and use what is considered to be the best mode of the present invention at present. Those skilled in the art understand and recognize the existence of modifications, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, and includes all embodiments and methods as long as they do not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A package comprising a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the neck portion having a male thread forming portion, a peripheral bead, an A collar, and a continuous outer ring thereon, the peripheral bead being located further from the opening than the male thread forming portion, the peripheral bead being disposed between the male thread forming portion and the A collar, and the peripheral bead being spaced from the A collar; and a closure configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening, the closure including a first closure portion and a second closure portion, the first closure portion including an upper wall portion made of polymer, an annular skirt portion made of polymer, a first frangible connection portion, and a second frangible connection portion, the annular skirt portion made of polymer extending downward from the upper wall portion made of polymer, the annular skirt portion made of polymer including a female thread forming portion that engages the male thread forming portion of the container, the first frangible connection portion extending along the perimeter of the closure, the first frangible connection portion having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from each other, the second frangible connection portion being spaced from the first frangible connection portion, at least a portion of the second frangible connection portion being located further from the upper wall portion than a portion of the first frangible connection portion, the second frangible connection portion defining a region configured to form a tab, the region configured to form the tab being located between the first end and the second end of the first frangible connection portion in a non-open position, and the second closure portion including a polymer-made tamper-evident band extending downward from the annular skirt portion made of polymer and being partially removably connected to the annular skirt portion made of polymer by the first frangible connection portion; comprising the closure being configured to be opened by breaking the first and second frangible connection portions to expose the tab and then flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion via the exposed tab; The closure is configured to be locked to the peripheral bead via the tab while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion. The continuous outer ring assists in positioning the polymer tamper-evident band that engages with the A-color, and is configured to prevent or inhibit removal of the polymer tamper-evident band after the first and second frangible connections are broken. The peripheral bead, together with the male thread forming portion, assists in maximizing the flip angle of the closure, and includes a step portion that the tab contacts when flipping the first closure portion from the second closure portion via the exposed tab, a package.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the step portion helps to produce an audible sound while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the peripheral bead is shallower than the depth of the male thread forming portion.

4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the peripheral bead is from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm, and the depth of the male thread forming portion is from about 1.2 mm to about 2.0 mm.

5. The package according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the depth of the male thread forming portion to the depth of the peripheral bead is from about 2 to about 8.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the depth of the male thread forming portion to the depth of the peripheral bead is from about 3 to about 5.

7. The package according to claim 1, wherein the region between the first frangible connection and the second frangible connection forms a hinge region that helps to move and lock the tab.

8. The package according to claim 1, wherein the entirety of the second frangible connection is located farther from the upper wall portion than the first frangible connection.

9. A package, A container having a neck portion that defines an opening, the neck portion having a male thread forming portion, a peripheral bead, an A-color, and a continuous outer ring thereon, the peripheral bead being located farther from the opening than the male thread forming portion, the peripheral bead being disposed between the male thread forming portion and the A-color, and the peripheral bead being spaced from the A-color, a container. A closure configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening, including a first closure portion and a second closure portion, the first closure portion including a polymer upper wall portion, a polymer annular skirt portion, a first frangible connection portion, and a second frangible connection portion, the polymer annular skirt portion extending downward from the polymer upper wall portion, the polymer annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation portion that engages with the external thread formation portion of the container, the second closure portion being a polymer tamper-evident band extending downward from the polymer annular skirt portion and being partially removably connected to the polymer annular skirt portion by the first frangible connection portion, a closure, including, the closure is configured to be opened by flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion, the closure is configured to be locked against the peripheral bead while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion, the peripheral bead includes a stepped portion that helps to produce an audible sound while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion, the first closure portion is configured to rotate by at least 155 degrees when moving from a closed position to an open position, the continuous outer ring assists in positioning the polymer tamper-evident band that engages with the A color and is configured to prevent or inhibit the removal of the polymer tamper-evident band after the first and second frangible connection portions are broken, the peripheral bead, together with the external thread formation portion, assists in maximizing the flip angle of the closure and includes a stepped portion that the tab contacts when flipping the first closure portion from the second closure portion via the exposed tab, a package.

10. The first and second breakable connections are spaced apart from each other so as to form tabs, and the closure is configured to be opened by flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion via the exposed tabs, and the closure is configured to be locked while flipping the first closure portion relative to the second closure portion. The package according to claim 9.

11. A part of the second breakable connection acts as a hinge when the first closure portion flips, and then acts as a lock in the state where the first closure portion has flipped, and the region between the first breakable connection and the second breakable connection forms a hinge-type arm after the first and second breakable connections are broken. The package according to claim 9.

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