Package and closure with tamper-evident band

Abstract

The closure has first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion including internal thread formations. The second closure portion includes a tamper-evident band at least partially removably connected to the skirt portion by a frangible connection. The tamper-evident band includes first and second portions connected through a bend region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region toward the top and is located inward from the first portion of the band. The second portion of the band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located further from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension portion extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 034,456, filed September 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to polymeric closures for packages, and more particularly to polymeric closures having tamper-evident bands and packages using the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Background of the Invention Polymeric closures have been used on containers for many years and in many applications. Polymeric closures are configured to be threadably attached and detached from a container. Many polymeric closures also include a tamper-evident element, such as a tamper-evident band. When properly designed and positioned, the tamper-evident band indicates to a user that the container has been opened. This indication can be achieved, for example, by removing a first portion of the closure from the container after opening while leaving a second portion of the closure around the container. The placement of the polymeric closure on the container is important to the removal of the closure and the effectiveness of the tamper-evident band.

[0004] One problem with placing a polymeric closure on a container occurs if any portion of the tamper-evident band is not properly positioned relative to the A collar or A diameter of the container during the opening process. If the tamper-evident band is not properly positioned, a user could open the container without the closure separating into two halves and revealing a tamper. Alternatively, a user may have difficulty breaking the frangible connection when the tamper-evident band rotates or deploys inward into the outer wall of the container. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a closure for a package that addresses and avoids these above-mentioned situations while still implementing other desirable properties of the closure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] summary In one embodiment, the closure has a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on a container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band extending downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion and removably connected at least partially thereto by a frangible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected via a bend region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region toward the polymeric top portion and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located further from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure.

[0007] In another embodiment, a closure has a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on a container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band extending downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion and removably connected at least partially thereto by a frangible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected toward the polymeric top wall portion through a bend region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region and is located inward from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located further from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension extends substantially continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the package includes a container and a closure. The container has a neck defining an opening. The container has an external thread formation and an A-collar on the neck. The closure is configured to attach to the neck of the container to close the opening. The closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall and a polymeric annular skirt extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall. The annular skirt has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt includes an internal thread formation for mating with the external thread formation of the container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band extending downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt and removably connected at least partially to the polymeric annular skirt by a frangible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected via a bend region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend area toward the polymeric top and inward from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located further from the bend area than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension portion extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure. The extension portion abuts the outer surface of the A-collar of the container.

[0009] 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 following detailed description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0011] FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a closure according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1A.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view (unhatched) of the closure taken generally along line 2A-2A of FIG. 1B.

[0014] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the substantially circular area 2B in FIG. 2A.

[0015] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a package including a container and the closure of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the package of FIG. 3A.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional front view of the package taken generally along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3B.

[0018] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the substantially circular area 4B in FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of the generally circular area 4B in FIG. 4A, further showing in dashed lines the original position of the second portion of the tamper-evident band.

[0020] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed herein, but rather the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 1A and 1B illustrate a polymeric closure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closure is configured to be placed on a container or bottle containing a product. The product is typically a liquid product, but may also be a solid product or a combination of liquid and solid products. The polymeric closure 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B has a generally cylindrical shape. The polymeric closure 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a one-piece closure assembly. It is contemplated that the closure may be a two-part closure. It is contemplated that the closure may be other shapes and sizes.

[0022] 1A, 1B, and 2A, polymeric closure 10 includes a polymeric top wall 12, a polymeric annular skirt 14, a polymeric continuous plug seal 16 (FIG. 2A), an outer seal 18 (FIG. 2A), a top seal 20 (FIG. 2A), and a polymeric tamper-evident band 30. Polymeric annular skirt 14 extends downwardly from polymeric top wall 12.

[0023] 1A and 1B, the outer surface 14b of the polymeric annular skirt 14 may include a plurality of ridges 14c having a contoured shape that assists a user in gripping the closure 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2A, a continuous polymeric plug seal 16 extends downwardly from the polymeric top wall 12 and provides a sealing mechanism. An outer seal 18 extends downwardly from the polymeric top wall 12 and also provides a sealing mechanism. An upper stop 20 assists in positioning the closure relative to the container mouth. The upper stop 20 may also assist in providing some sealing aspects to the closure. The continuous plug seal 16, the outer seal 18, and the upper stop 20 are spaced apart from the inner surface 14a of the polymeric annular skirt 14, as shown in FIG. 2A. It is contemplated that the outer seal may extend from the inner surface of the polymeric annular skirt rather than the top wall in another embodiment.

[0025] In another embodiment, the closure can include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure can include a polymer lining that seals the closure. This results in a two-part closure. Non-limiting examples of closures including a polymer liner and a polymer disc can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0099795, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this embodiment, the closure would be formed from separate components but would function as the one-piece closure described above, except for the different sealing mechanism. In another embodiment, the closure can include either a polymer outer seal or a continuous plug seal. It is contemplated that the closure can include other sealing mechanisms.

[0026] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the polymeric tamper-evident band 30 extends downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt 14 and is at least partially removably connected thereto by a frangible connection 50. When the closure is moved from an initial closed position (see, for example, FIG. 2A) to an open position, the polymeric tamper-evident band 30 desirably completely separates from the polymeric annular skirt 14. The tamper-evident band 30 cooperates with the container to indicate to a user that the contents of the container may have been accessed. More specifically, the tamper-evident band 30 is designed to at least partially separate from the annular skirt 14 if a user opens the package and accesses the container by unscrewing the threaded engagement and removing the closure. In one embodiment, the frangible connection 50 may be formed using bridges, scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, or other lines of weakness.

[0027] The polymeric tamper-evident band 30 includes a first portion 32 and a second portion 34 connected via a bend region 36. The first portion 32, the second portion 34, and the bend region 36 are typically integrally connected. The second portion 34 is folded inward and upward (arrow A in FIGS. 2A and 2B ) toward the polymeric top wall 12, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . The second portion 34 extends generally upward from the bend region 36 and is positioned inward from the first portion 32 of the polymeric tamper-evident band 30.

[0028] It should be noted that when the closure is manufactured, second portion 34 initially extends downward (arrow B in FIGS. 2A and 2B) generally opposite arrow A. Specifically, second portion 34 of tamper-evident band 30 is positioned substantially axially relative to first portion 32 before being folded inwardly via bend region 36 during the manufacturing process to the position shown in FIGS.

[0029] The second portion 34 of the tamper-evident band 30 includes a tab portion 38 and an extension portion 40. The extension portion 40 assists in initially locating and maintaining the position of the tab portion 38 during the opening process. The extension portion 40 is located further from the bend region 36 than the tab portion 38, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tab portion 38 and the extension portion 40 are generally vertical. This is indicated, for example, by the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The tab portion and extension portion may be substantially vertical or perpendicular in other embodiments.

[0030] It is preferred that tab portion 38 and extension 40 be vertical or substantially vertical to prevent or inhibit tab portion 38 from rotating inward or deploying toward the outer wall of the container or bottle mouth. Tab portion 38 and extension 40 desirably are substantially vertical to prevent or inhibit tab portion 38 and extension 40 from sitting too sharply against inner surface 14b of polymeric annular skirt 14.

[0031] Preventing the tab portions 38 from rotating inward or deploying helps to avoid or mitigate problems during the user's opening process. Specifically, when a user applies vertical and axial forces to open the closure, these forces are desirably applied to substantially break the frangible connection rather than transferring energy to moving (i.e., rotating or deploying) the tab portions 38. When the tab portions remain generally in place, the vertical and axial forces from the user are transferred only, or substantially only, to opening the frangible connection (e.g., breaking the bridge).

[0032] In one embodiment, to help prevent or inhibit the tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 from becoming perpendicular, the first portion 32 may include an inwardly extending bead 46. The bead 46 prevents or inhibits the tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 from folding too sharply against the inner surface 14a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 14.

[0033] If a more vertical tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 is desired, the inwardly extending bead may be smaller than the inwardly extending bead 46 of FIG. 2B or may be eliminated entirely.

[0034] Inward movement of the tab toward the outer wall of the bottle mouth or deployment of the tab can lead to undesirable consequences. For example, if a percentage of the bridge in the frangible connection does not break (typically on one side) due to the energy transferred to moving the tab, it can be difficult for the user to open the container and access the contents. Specifically, if a portion of the bridge remains intact, this can lead to a tether-like or hinged-band condition. This can lead to the closure being in a dangling or stuck position. If the bridge remains intact, the closure becomes looser, with increased ability and freedom to move around, which can lead to undesirable movement. For example, lateral movement of the closure can cause the user to inadvertently pull the closure to one side, causing it to become off-center.

[0035] If all bridges are not broken, several situations can occur. In one situation, the entire tamper-evident band may fall under the A collar or A diameter of the mouth, making it difficult to open the closure. In another situation, a portion of the tamper-evident band may partially lift past the A collar of the mouth, causing the band to rise and making it difficult to open the closure. In yet another situation, the position of the tab may cause the tamper-evident band to ride completely over the A collar of the mouth and come off with the rest of the closure when the container is opened. This is undesirable for several reasons, including making the container more difficult to open and compromising the tamper-evident nature of the package, since the tamper-evident band should remain with the container after the closure is unthreaded.

[0036] Tab portion 38 is preferably positioned to remain adjacent to and below the bottom surface of the A-collar of the container's mouth. As described above, tab portion 38 is preferably spaced from the outer wall of the container's mouth. Tab portion 38 includes a protrusion 38a. Protrusion 38a preferably seals below the A-collar of the mouth.

[0037] 2A, in one embodiment, extension 40 extends continuously around the entire inner circumference. The outer circumference of closure 10 is formed by polymeric annular skirt 14. The inner circumference of the closure is formed by second portion 34 of tamper-evident band 30.

[0038] In another embodiment, the extension extends substantially continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure. This embodiment also aids in placing and positioning the extension adjacent to and abutting the outer surface of the A-collar. In one embodiment, the extension extends around about 75% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure. In another embodiment, the extension extends around about 80% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure. In another embodiment, the extension extends around about 90% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure. In a further embodiment, the extension extends around about 95 to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure. If the extension does not extend at least substantially continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure, it will not desirably and consistently aid in preventing or inhibiting migration of the extension below the A-collar of the mouth during the opening process.

[0039] In more preferred embodiments, the extension extends around the entire inner circumference of the closure, and maintains a position adjacent to and against the outer surface of the A-collar without the extension moving underneath the A-collar. By having the extension against the outer surface of the A-collar and not underneath the A-collar, the problems discussed above, such as difficulty in opening the container and defeat of tamper-evident features, are substantially or entirely avoided.

[0040] As best shown in FIG. 4C , the extension 40 is positioned between the inner surface 14 a of the polymeric wall 14 and the A collar or A diameter 106. It is desirable for the extension 40 to fit or slightly fit the A collar 106 of the container continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure. In this specific embodiment, the extension 40 is wedged between the inner surface 14 a of the polymeric wall 14 and the A collar 106. By having no or little clearance therebetween, the tab portion 38 is prevented or inhibited from rotating inward toward the outer wall of the container mouth or from deploying further away from the A collar. However, maintaining tolerances such that the extension is wedged or wedged between the inner surface of the polymeric wall and the A collar can be difficult.

[0041] Extension 40 of tamper-evident band 30 conforms to and abuts outer surface 106a of A collar 106. Extension 40 desirably forms a seal with outer surface 106a of A collar 106. Overhang 38a desirably resides below A collar 106 and away from the sidewall of the mouth. As shown in FIG. 4B, extension 40 prevents or inhibits movement of tab portion 38 in either the vertical direction (arrows A and B) or the horizontal direction (arrows C and D).

[0042] The extension 40 has a smaller diameter than the A-collar 106 to better fit and abut against it. This is shown in FIG. 4C , which shows the extension 40 in a first position 82 in phantom before it is placed on the container, and in a second position 84 after it is placed on the container and moved outward by the A-collar 106. Note that even though the thickness of the extension 40 does not change, the diameter of the extension 40 changes because the second portion 34 that includes the extension 40 is angled rather than vertical (see first position 82). Thus, the upper end 40 a of the extension 40 has a smaller diameter than the lower end 40 b of the extension 40. Similarly, the diameter of the tab portion 38 changes from the angled state.

[0043] Preferably, extension 40 is initially angled at angle A so that collar 106 abuts and displaces extension 40. It is desirable to further reduce this angle to aid in the manufacturing process of removing the closure from associated machine tooling. Referring to FIG. 2B , extension 40 is generally at angle A of about 3 degrees to about 35 degrees. More specifically, extension 40 is generally at angle A of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. Extension 40 is generally at angle A of about 10 degrees to about 25 degrees, or about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees.

[0044] The diameter of extension 40 is smaller than the diameter of A-collar 106. Because the diameter of extension 40 is smaller than the diameter of A-collar 106, the extension is moved outward (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4D ) toward polymeric annular skirt 14. The relative diameters of extension 40 and A-collar 106 also aid in positioning second portion 34 of tamper-evident band 30.

[0045] The thickness and material used to form extension 40 allow the closure to move from the position shown in FIG. 2A to the positions shown in FIGS. 4A-4C during placement of the closure on the container mouth. Angle B of extension 40 in FIG. 4B is generally between about -5 degrees and about 35 degrees. Angle B of extension 40 is typically between about 0 degrees and about 35 degrees, more specifically between about 0 degrees and about 25 degrees. More specifically, angle B of extension 40 is between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees, more specifically between 0 degrees and about 10 degrees. Thus, after placement on the container mouth, angle B may be a negative angle (past perpendicular, angled toward inner surface 14a). Angle B of 0 degrees is in the perpendicular position.

[0046] 2B, 4B, and 4C, angle A is greater than angle B. Generally, angle A is 0 to about 20 degrees greater than angle B. Typically, angle A is 0 to about 10 degrees or about 15 degrees greater than angle B.

[0047] The average thickness of the tab portion 38 is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. As shown in FIG. 2B, the average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 2 to about 8 times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40. The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 2 to about 6 times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40. The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 3 to about 6 times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40.

[0048] The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 of the tamper-evident band 30 of Figure 2B is generally from about 0.03 to about 0.075 inches. More specifically, the average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is from about 0.03 to about 0.06 inches.

[0049] The length L1 of the tab portion 38 of the tamper-evident band 30 of Figure 2B is generally from about 0.05 to about 0.175 inches. More specifically, the length L1 of the tab portion 38 is from about 0.06 to about 0.16 inches, or from about 0.075 to about 0.15 inches.

[0050] The average thickness T2 of extension 40 of tamper-evident band 30 of FIG. 2B is generally from about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches. More specifically, the average thickness T2 of extension 40 is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.025 inches, or from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.

[0051] The length L2 of the extension 40 of the tamper-evident band 30 of Figure 2B is generally from about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches. More specifically, the length L2 of the extension 40 is from about 0.075 inches to about 0.12 inches, or from about 0.08 inches to about 0.10 inches.

[0052] The length of the tab portion is typically greater than the length of the extension portion. As shown in FIG. 2B , the length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 0.75 to about 3 times greater than the length L2 of the extension portion 40. The length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 1 to about 3 times greater than the length L2 of the extension portion 40. The length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 1 to about 2 times greater than the length L2 of the extension portion 40.

[0053] The polymeric annular skirt includes an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on a container. Specifically, the polymeric annular skirt 14 of FIG. 2A includes an internal thread formation 60 for mating engagement with an external thread formation on a container. The internal thread formation 60 includes a first closure lead 62 and a second closure lead 64. The thread development is typically discontinuous. The thread segment from start to finish on the polymeric annular skirt 14 is helical in this embodiment.

[0054] The first closure lead 62 begins at a first location (not shown in FIG. 2A ) near the polymeric top wall 12 and extends helically to a second location (not shown in FIG. 2A ) closer to the tamper-evident band 30. Similarly, the second closure lead 64 begins at a first location (not shown in FIG. 2A ) near the polymeric top wall 12 and extends helically to a second location (not shown in FIG. 2A ) closer to the tamper-evident band 30. The first and second closure leads 62, 64 are collectively referred to as a dual-lead closure thread. Each of the first and second closure leads 62, 64 is continuous. The first locations of the first and second closure leads 62, 64 are located approximately 180 degrees apart and, therefore, begin on generally opposite sides of the closure 10.

[0055] It is contemplated that the first and second closure leads may be discontinuous, that the internal thread formation of the closure may be different from the helical thread formation, and that other internal thread formations may be used on the closure.

[0056] While there may be applications where the closure does not have multiple thread segments, they are typically used with packages that hold less than 45 psi. It is contemplated that the turns of the thread closure may be continuous, particularly in those applications with packages that hold less than 45 psi. It is also contemplated that the internal thread formation of the closure may be different from a helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other internal thread formations may be used on the closure.

[0057] The frangible connections 50 may be formed, in one embodiment, by molded-in bridges. Bridges are typically formed using molded elements. In another embodiment, the frangible connections may be formed using scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, or other lines of weakness.

[0058] The closure 10 of the present invention can be used with a container 108 used to form the package 100 of Figures 3A and 3B. Figures 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the container 108, including the closure 10 and the neck 102 defining an opening. The neck 102 of the container 108 includes an external thread formation 140 and a continuous outer ring 110. The external thread formation 140 includes a first mouth lead 142 and a second mouth lead 144. The external thread formation 140 (first mouth lead 142 and second mouth lead 144) engage with corresponding internal thread formations 60 (first and second closure leads 62, 64) to seal the package 100.

[0059] The first mouth lead 142 begins near the open end of the container 108 and extends helically to a second location closer to the closed end of the container. Similarly, the second mouth lead begins near the open end of the container 108 and extends helically to a second location closer to the closed end of the container. Each of the first and second mouth leads is continuous. The first locations of the first and second mouth leads are typically approximately 180 degrees apart, such that the first and second mouth leads begin on opposite sides of the neck 102 of the container 108. When the container 108 is opened, the first closure lead 62 preferably abuts the first mouth lead 142, and the second closure lead 64 preferably abuts the second mouth lead 144. It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may have discontinuous leads.

[0060] It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the vessel may differ from that disclosed with respect to vessel 108 .

[0061] The closure may contain an oxygen scavenger, which may be distributed throughout the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger may be any material that helps remove oxygen from the container with little or no effect on the contents of the container.

[0062] The closure may include an oxygen barrier agent instead of or in addition to the materials listed above. The oxygen barrier agent may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated into the closure itself. The oxygen barrier agent helps prevent or inhibit oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen barrier agents may be used in the closure.

[0063] Additionally, it is contemplated that elements other than tamper-evident bands may be included within the closures described above. 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 contain such elements that may be incorporated into the closures of the present invention. These references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0064] The top wall 12, the annular skirt 14, and the tamper-evident band 30 are formed from a polymeric material. The top wall 12, the annular skirt 14, and the tamper-evident band 30 are typically formed from an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a mixture thereof. One example of a polyethylene that can be used is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is contemplated that the top wall, the annular skirt, and the tamper-evident band may be formed from other polymeric materials. The tamper-evident band 30 is typically formed from the same material as the top wall 12 and the annular skirt 14.

[0065] The closure is typically formed by a process such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The container 108 is typically formed from a polymeric material. Non-limiting examples of materials used to form the polymeric container are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures thereof. It is contemplated that the container may be formed from other polymeric or copolymeric materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed from glass. The container 108 typically has a sealed oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier agent incorporated therein.

[0067] To open the container 108 and access the product therein, the closure 10 is unthreaded by rotating the closure 10 relative to the container 108. After the closure is unthreaded, the closure 10 can be removed from the container 108. When using this method, the tamper-evident band 30 is desirably completely separated from the rest of the closure 10 via the frangible connection 50, thereby indicating that the closure 10 has been unthreaded from the container 108.

[0068] The neck 102 of the container 108 includes an external thread formation 104, an A collar 106, and a continuous outer ring 110. The continuous outer ring 110 helps position the tamper-evident band 30 when the annular skirt 14 is threadably disengaged from the neck 102 of the container 108 by breaking the frangible connection 50. The continuous outer ring 110 also helps simplify handling of the container during formation and filling of the container during the manufacturing process.

[0069] The polymeric closures of the present invention are desirable for both low and high temperature applications. The polymeric closures can be used in low temperature applications such as room temperature fill or cold fill. These applications typically involve pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that the closures may also be used in other applications such as water, sports drinks, and aseptic applications such as dairy products. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention may also be used in other low temperature applications.

[0070] The polymeric closures of the present invention may be used in high temperature applications such as hot fill, sterilization, and retort applications. Hot fill applications generally occur at temperatures around 185° F., and hot fill with sterilization generally occurs at temperatures around 205° F. Retort applications typically occur at temperatures above 250° F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention may also be used in other high temperature applications.

Claims

1. a polymeric top wall; a polymeric annular skirt extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, the annular skirt having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the annular skirt including an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on the container; a first closure part including: a polymeric tamper-evident band extending downwardly from said polymeric annular skirt and at least partially removably connected thereto by a frangible connection, said polymeric tamper-evident band including a first portion and a second portion connected through a bend region, said second portion extending generally upward from said bend region toward said polymeric top wall and located inward from said first portion of said polymeric tamper-evident band, said second portion of said tamper-evident band including a tab portion and an extension portion, said extension portion being located further from said bend region than said tab portion, said tab portion having an average thickness greater than an average thickness of said extension portion, said extension portion extending continuously around an entire inner circumference of said closure; a second closure portion including: Equipped with a closure wherein the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band forms an inwardly extending bead, the inwardly extending bead being immediately adjacent the bend area to prevent or inhibit the tab portion and the extension portion from folding too sharply inward beyond perpendicular.

2. 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein said tab portion and said extension portion are perpendicular.

3. 10. The closure of claim 1, wherein said extension of said tamper-evident band is at an angle of from 0 to about 35 degrees.

4. 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the average thickness of said tab portion is about 2 to about 8 times greater than the average thickness of said extension portion.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the length of the tab portion is about 0.75 to about 3 times greater than the length of the extension portion. The closure listed.

6. a polymeric top wall; a polymeric annular skirt extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall, the annular skirt having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the annular skirt including an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on the container; Including, a first closure portion; a polymeric tamper-evident band extending downwardly from said polymeric annular skirt and at least partially removably connected thereto by a frangible connection, said polymeric tamper-evident band including a first portion and a second portion connected toward said polymeric top wall through a bend region, said second portion extending generally upwardly from said bend region and located inwardly from said first portion of said polymeric tamper-evident band, said second portion of said tamper-evident band including a tab portion and an extension portion, said extension portion being located further from said bend region than said tab portion, said tab portion having an average thickness greater than an average thickness of said extension portion, and said extension portion extending continuously around an entire inner circumference of said closure; Including, a second closure portion; and Equipped with wherein the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band forms an inwardly extending bead, the inwardly extending bead being immediately adjacent the bend region, thereby preventing or inhibiting perpendicularity of the tab portion and the extension portion.

7. 7. The closure of claim 6, wherein said extension extends from about 75% to about 99% of the inner circumference of said closure.

8. a container having a neck defining an opening, the container having an external thread formation on the neck and an A collar; a closure configured to attach to the neck of the container to close the opening, the closure comprising a first closure portion and a second closure portion, the first closure portion including a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion extending downwardly from the polymeric top wall portion, the annular skirt portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation for mating with an external thread formation on the container; and a second closure portion extending downwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion and being at least partially detachable from the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection. a closure comprising: a polymeric tamper-evident band connected to the closure, the polymeric tamper-evident band including a first portion and a second portion connected through a bend region, the second portion extending generally upward from the bend region toward the polymeric top wall and located inward from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band, the second portion of the tamper-evident band including a tab portion and an extension portion, the extension portion being located further from the bend region than the tab portion, the tab portion having an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the extension portion, and the extension portion extending continuously around an entire inner circumference of the closure; A package comprising: the extension abuts the outer surface of the A-collar of the container; package.

9. 9. The package of claim 8, wherein the diameter of the extension of the tamper-evident band is less than the diameter of the A-collar.

10. 9. The package of claim 8, wherein the extension of the tamper-evident band abuts an inner surface of the polymeric wall and abuts an outer surface of the A-collar.

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