Single plastic, tamper evident closure system

Abstract

A closure container capable of providing a hermetic seal is contemplated. A plastic insert, preferably matching the same plastic materials used to construct the cap and the two piece container associated with this system, is fixed into place when the cap is initially screwed onto the container. Thereafter, protrusions on the insert and a catchment within the container neck insure the insert remains sealed unless and until a tear-out panel formed in the insert is removed. In further aspects, the insert is installed through a bottom opening of the container which is thereafter sealed by a plug. The insert includes a protrusion that engages the container along an inner surface to secure the insert in place.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATIONInventors: Simon C. KnightDocket No.: 53144-000010TITLESINGLE PLASTIC, TAMPER EVIDENT CLOSURE SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to two United States provisional patent applications, serial no. 63 / 688,490 filed on August 29, 2024 and serial no. 63 / 736,164 filed on December 19. 2024, both of which are incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a closure sy stem constructed entirely from the same polymeric material and, more specifically, to a two piece container that is sealed by a lid having a tamper evident seal that becomes permanently affixed to the container when the pieces are first joined together or a vial / elongated tube sealed by a child resistant cap and with a tamper evident insert captured in or near the opening of the tube.BACKGROUND

[0003] Screw top closures for container systems often require hermetic sealing to protect their contents from ambient environmental conditions, especially to the extent they contain medications, supplements, foodstuffs, and other consumable materials. While the hermetic seal may serve as a form of tamper evidence, these closure also benefit from having child resistant features.

[0004] A variety of mechanisms have been employed to meet these needs. The most simplistic form of tamper evidence involved the use of a plastic sleeve that was shrink- wrapped around the closure and the container opening. The resulting seal wasn’t necessarily hermetic, and the positioning of the wrap on an exterior surface made it susceptible to accidental tearing or removal.

[0005] A further solution was to seal a film or "liner" made of metallic foil and / or plastic film onto the top edge of the container opening itself. This typically required the use of liner affixed adhered or welded (e.g.. inductively, via infrared, etc.) to a flat portion of the136724569.1container edge. These operations tended to cost and complexity to closure operations, and the need to punch circular shapes into a roll of film created significant waste.

[0006] In both instances, the shrink wrap and liner materials required the use of different polymeric compositions than what was used to make the container and lid. In this regard, the disparate materials means that the final product had to be segregated into different recycling streams (if recycling was even possible, as may metalized liner films are completely incompatible for recycling with the thermoplastics used to make the container and lid).

[0007] Container systems for vials or elongated tubes (i.e., where the height of the enclosed space in the container is more than three time larger than the maximum outer diameter of the enclosed space) presents additional challenges, especially when small volumes are involved. That is, the comparatively small size of the container opening makes handling and positioning of liners challenging. Also, to the extent many vials and elongated tubes are made of glass, recycling of the container system becomes more complicated by the potential need to separate plastic elements from the glass.

[0008] United States patent 6,450.352 shows a child resistant locking cap for use on vials or tubes, while United States patent 10.232,990 provides for a jar with a child resistant element. Various other caps, containers, and arrangements can be found in United States patent publications 2021 / 0171249 and 2012 / 0175336, as well as United States patents 10,723.526 and 9,731,869.

[0009] Another shortcoming of existing closure systems, for both jars and elongated tubes, is that many rely upon the use of mass-produced, blow-molded containers. This process strives to produce consistently-sized containers (in terms of their exterior dimensions), but it has proven be difficult to make containers with consistent and repeatable weights (i.e., the mass of material will vary from blow-molded bottle to blow-molded bottle). These variations in weight of the container can be problematic insofar as filling the containers with comparative expensive consumables, such as medications or supplements, requires separate dosing / measuring of the consumable prior to transfer into the container. A closure system that used both a container and lid, as well as tamper evident features, that relied upon the same mass of polymer (which can be easily and repeatably controlled by injection molding, at least in comparison to blow molding) allows the manufacturer to rely upon the weight of the filled container alone in order to package the final product.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, a complete jar or container system, made entirely from a single plastic material and made from a mass of material (at least with respect to the container) that is consistent and repeatable throughout the manufacturing process, is needed.236724569.1Such a container system having tamper evident and child resistant opening features integrated onto each individual vial / tube would also be welcome, especially in regard to elongated tubes and vials. Further, a container system and method of assembling one that relies upon a two piece container (cylinder and plug), in combination with a child resistant cap and a tamper evident panel introduced into and coupled to the cylinder from opposing ends would present advantages over current solutions.SUMMARY

[0011] A closure system includes an injection molded, two piece container, used in combination with a three piece closure system. This closure system includes a child resistant, removable cover that cooperates with an insert including a tamper-evident panel and an annular flange. The insert is configured so that it can preliminary carried within the inner cap of the cover, with the flange engaging an axially aligned retention feature positioned on an inner facing of the container neck so that, after the cover is screwed on to the container neck, the flange is captured by the retention element so as to remain affixed to the container.

[0012] In a further aspect, a closure system includes an injection molded tube and plug, used in combination with a child resistant cap and tamper evident insert. The insert includes a removable panel and couples to the container by snap-fitting or interference fit at its top edge while its bottom edge flares out to engage and position the insert relative to the container neck. The insert may be positioned in the tube from the bottom before the plug is affixed, with one aspect having the insert carried on / around a top edge of a tubular product. The cap includes an inner shell attached to the container (e.g., by screw-top connection), with an outer shell fitted over the inner shell so that child resistant engagement features selectively couple or decouple, depending upon the axial and rotational forces applied, so as to impart child resistant opening. The container comprises a cylindrical tube or wide-bodies jar with a narrowed neck at one end and an opposing end that is configured to couple to a plug.

[0013] Lastly, a method of packaging a sealed consumable product contemplates positioning the aforementioned insert around the top end of an elongated cylindrical consumable product to create a packaged unit. That unit is pushed up through the bottom end of the cylindrical tube of the container until the insert couples to the container. Thereafter, the plug is coupled to the container to form a hermetic seal. In some aspects, the cylindrical tube is fitted with a child-resistant cap. A similar method of forming a child resistant and tamper evidence container system is also contemplated.336724569.1

[0014] Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on / in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on / in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

[0016] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross sectional, isometric view of the closure system according to selected aspects, while Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of callout box A in Fig. 1.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross sectional, exploded, perspective view of the insert and upper container (both as contemplated in Fig. 1) shown in isolation.

[0019] Figures 3A and 3B are complementary top and bottom perspective view of the closure system of Fig. 1 in an exploded state, with the three components of the closure shown on the left side of the images and the two components forming the final container shown on the right.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross sectional, perspective view of the closure system according to selected aspects, with Figure 4A being an exploded sectional view' of callout box Al in Fig. 4.

[0021] Figures 5A and 5B are exploded, perspective view of the closure cap and insert shown contemplated in Fig. 4. with Figure 5B being a reverse perspective view of the436724569.1underside of these elements so as to highlight the child resistant features on the inner surface of the outer shell.

[0022] Figure 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the two-piece container, including the tubular cylinder and the plug.

[0023] Figure 7 is an isolated perspective view of the insert affixed to an elongated consumer good, prior to positioning within the container.

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross sectional perspective view of the insert / consumer good of Fig. 4 positioned within the container system of Fig. 4.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0026] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0027] References to horizontal and vertical are relative to the drawings and, more specifically, the expectation that industrial drums and containers typically provide an opening along a top facing. Generally, references to coupling or attachment in this disclosure are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field, such as by way of of snap- or force fitting of components, threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and slot- and-flange assemblies and the like. Similarly, the term engagement may involve coupling or an abutting relationships, depending upon the context. Finally, to the extent the containers used in these systems tend to have cylindrical and / or cup-like shape, the height will align in an axial plane (i.e., the vertical or top-to-bottom direction of the pages in the drawings) whereas the width extends radially and perpendicular to the height (i.e., the horizontal536724569.1direction in the drawings). All of these terms should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings, the description, and the general understanding and expectations in this field.

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 through 3B closure system 10 comprises a detachable cap or cover assembly 20 and a two-piece container 30. The cover 20 is child resistant, with an outer cap or shell 21 receiving inner cap or shell 22 along the interior of its cup-like shape. Insert 23 is initially seated within the inner cap 22 to allow the entire assembly of cover 20 to be transported as a single unit. In some aspects, the insert 23 can be seated on the ramp 313 of the container 30 for shipping purposes, after which the insert is temporarily moved for filling and then the combined outer and inner shells 21, 22 are screwed down onto the insert / container to seal the system 10. In other aspects — particularly when a narrowed neck is employed — the insert and / or the entire cap assembly can be nested within the hollow' cylinder of the container during shipping, while the plug is stacked on the open container neck. In short, the ability to reconfigure the elements of the closure system 10 allow' for greater flexibility and more compact shipping options when initially transporting the unfilled system to the filling line / final assembly destination.

[0029] After cover 20 is fitted onto the opening 310 of the container 30 (e g., by way of screw ing the cover 20 onto the container 30 using cooperating threads 221, 311), the insert 23 becomes affixed to the container 30 by engagement of annular protrusion 233 with / against axial catchment 312. Thereafter, the insert 23 will release from the cover 20 and be retained in the opening 310 when the cover is once again removed. A frangible panel 231 can be removed by pulling on bail handle 238, so as to tear out the panel along a perforation or groove 231a provide at the periphery nearby where the sidewall 234, protrusion(s) 233, and panel 231 all adjoin. Preferably, the axial elevation of the protrusion 233 is at the same or slightly below that of the removable panel 231 (as seen in Fig. 1A), so as to impart sufficient strength and resistance for the panel 231 to be easily tom away from the insert 23 along the groove 231a.

[0030] The outer shell 21 and inner shell 22 are formed as separate pieces that are coupled together. Interlocking features 211, 223 are provided on each shell, respectively, to create a child resistant cap as is well known in this field. Additional features in the skirts 215, 225 (i.e., sidewalls) along the interface of shells 21, 22 to retain the inner shell 22 within outer shell 21, as well as improve the hoop strength and / or impact strength of the combined elements as cover 20.636724569.1

[0031] The inner shell 22 also has an axial engagement cylinder 223 extending downward from its panel 222. Cylinder 223 is sized and configured to engage a surface of the insert 23 along its skirt / axial wall 234. This enables the insert 23 to be temporarily coupled to the cover 20, and thereafter release when the protrusion 233 slides over inner ramped section 313 and becomes caught in or on the underside of catchment 312. In some aspects, the catchment 312 extends along the entire circumference of opening 310. or it may be provided as a plurality of discrete arcuate sections. In the same manner, the protrusion is preferably formed as a continuous annular element, with spaced apart lower ribs 236 improving strength on the underside of panel 321 and separate upper ribs 237 above the panel serving to improve strength and provide an abutting surface to align with, position, and / or receive the lower edge of cylinder 236.

[0032] The insert 23 is configured to seal, preferably in an air-tight and fluid- impermeable manner, the contents of the container after the cover 20 is initially attached to the container 30 for the first time. Thereafter, the seal will remain intact even after the inner and outer shells 21, 22 are unscrewed or detached. Anyone wishing to access the contents of the container must tear out the removable panel 231, meaning that the insert 23 also provides a form of tamper evidence.

[0033] In some aspects, the insert 23 will include an a radial flange 235 along its top and outer periphery. Flange 235 is sized to fit in the gap between the inner facing of the skirt 222 and the engagement 223, so as to facilitate the initial (and temporary) coupling of the insert 23 to the shell 22 / cover 20.

[0034] Container 30 will be formed from two cooperating pieces, an upper cylinder or tubular element 31 and a plug 32. The plug 32 couples to the cylinder, preferably along an axial interface, to form a cup-shaped container. In some aspects, a thinned axially extending section 322 of the plug 32 fits within or over the bottom edges 315 of the sidewalls of the cylinder 31. This interface may be impart with engagement features to insure the cylinder 31 and plug 32 do not inadvertently separate. The upper cylinder 31 has an annular or tubular shape, with a neck section defining one opening and the plug-connecting end forming the opposing opening.

[0035] This construction for the container 30 is particularly advantageous because it allows the container 30 to be formed from the same mass more consistently than a single, blow-molded piece. In turn, this allows for filling systems to be based solely on the total weight, because the weight of the container itself will remain identical or substantially736724569.1constant (i.e., within less than 1% and, more preferably, within less than 0.5% or 0.25%, variability across multiple different containers).

[0036] The upper cylinder 31 may be further characterized by narrowing neck 314 (relative to and radially inset from the main sidewall). The threads 311 can be disposed at the top edge and / or along the neck 314, while the ramped section 313 and the catchment 312 are formed along an inner surface. Preferably, the catchment 312 is coaxially spaced apart from the inner surface of the neck 314 so as to allow the catchment 312 and ramped section 313 to temporarily flex as the protrusion 233 of the insert 23 is received in the opening 310. In some aspects, the lower most edge of the catchment 312 also remains at an elevation within the region defined by the narrowed neck 314. In this way, the insert 23 cooperates with the cylinder 31 and the neck 314 to form a seal, so that the panel 231 must be removed to access the contents of the container 30.

[0037] It will be understood the outer diameter of the protrusion 234 is larger than both the inner diameter of the opening 310 at its most narrow point (i.e., the inner surface of catchment 312) and the outer diameter of the insert's skirt 234. Conversely, the outer diameter of the protrusion 234 should be equal to or preferably smaller than that encountered along top edge of the opening 310 and / or the inner surface of ramped section 313. In this context, diameters are measured in the radial plane of the cylindrical components.

[0038] All components of cover 20, including insert 23. and the container 30 can be made from the same polymeric material or from compatible materials (so as to allow for single stream recycling). This would allow for the same molding procedure to be employed during manufacture, while still allowing for one-step recycling.

[0039] One example of a single plastic closure with a tear-out. tamper-evident panel can be found in United States patent 11,242,179. Here, a snap-in drum closure is modified to have a living hinge that covers a tamper-evident pour spout. More specifically, the spout is created after the panel is removed. To the extent this panel bears similarities, this patent is incorporated herein so as to inform selected aspects of the invention.

[0040] Similarly, United States patent 11,912,476 discloses a two piece, child resistant cap that can be adapted for purposes of the invention(s) disclosed herein. In particular, it provides additional details on the use of a restraining engagement groove, interlocking engagement features along the interface of the top panels for the inner and outer shells, and structural features within the skirt of each that can provide enhanced hoop strength and / or impact strength. Here again, this patent is incorporated by reference.836724569.1

[0041] With reference to Figures 4 through 8, an alternative version is set forth using similar reference numerals for components of similar function. Thus, closure system 10 comprises a child resistant, detachable closure assembly 20 and a two-piece container 30. The closure 20 includes a child resistant cap with an outer shell 21 receiving inner cap or shell 22 along the interior of its cup-like shape, and the cap couples (e.g., by way of screw top rotation) onto the container 30 to seal the product access opening 31a of cylindrical tube 31. Insert 23 is also couples to the container 30 to form a second, hermetic seal across opening 31 a. The insert 23 and a consumable product 40 (typically having a shape that conforms to that of the container 30) are loaded into the container via product loading opening 31b, after which a plug 32 is coupled to the tube 31 to hermetically seal opening 31b.

[0042] The insert 23 is affixed to the container 30 by engagement of annular protrusion 233 with / against protrusion 312 formed on the inner facing of the opening 31a. The tube 31 includes a narrowing neck section defined by ledge 313. In this manner, a flared bottom section 235, optionally including axial positioning fins 235a extending upward from an outer facing of section 235, engages the ledge 313 and insures proper alignment and fit between the insert 23 and the opening 31a. Notably, when viewed in isolation (as in Fig. 2B). the insert 23 forms a cup-shaped, open container along the volume of its underside 239, thereby providing a convenient means by which consumable materials can be charged (e.g., filled, deposited, attached to, etc.) within the insert 23 during the assembly process. In this regard, attachment of the plug 32 to the tube 31 during or after the insert 23 itself is coupled at the opposite end creates a sealed container with the consumable product hermetically contained therein, while attachment of the closure cap 20 protects the insert 23 and insures the assembly will have both tamper evidence (via the insert 23) and child resistant features (via the closure cap 20).

[0043] The frangible panel 231 that initially seals opening 31a (when the insert 23 is coupled to the tube 31) can be removed by pulling on bail handle 238, thereby tearing out a predetermined portion of the panel 231 along a perforation or groove 231a provide at the periphery' of the panel 231. The flared section 235 (and particularly fins 235a) insure that the insert remains in place as the panel 231 is removed. In some aspects, the axial spacing of the protrusion 233 and fins 235a (as well as the cooperating protrusion 312 and annular ledge 313) is configured to insure the insert 23 remains in placed, with the fins 235a (or the section 235) flexing to create a snug fit. In some aspects, the top edge of the insert 23 remains level with or below the elevation of the upper-most edge of the container neck, so that the inner shell 21 of the closure cap can come into direct contact with the container 30 and without direct contact that might impact / alter the positioning of the insert 23.936724569.1

[0044] The inner diameter of the insert 23 along its midsection 234 is selected to accommodate the outer diameter of the consumable product 40 intended for storage in the system 10. The product 40 can be an elongated and / or tapering cylinder, although other shapes are possible. In some aspects, the product 40 can be carried on / in the insert 23 or the product 40 can be received by it, with the result in either instance being that the top end of the product 40 nestles into the interior of the insert 23 below the frangible panel 231. This should facilitate loading of the container system prior to sealing the bottom end 31b by affixing the plug 32. After the insert 23 and plug 32 are affixed to the tube at the opposing ends 31 a, 31 b, the container will be hermetically sealed. As described in more detail below, the child resistant cap can be fitted onto the container before or after the product 40 is loaded and / or the plug 32 is affixed.

[0045] The child resistant cap has inner shell 22 seated within an outer shell. Each shell 21, 22 has a cup-like shape, with a skirt extending downward from a top panel. Threads can be provided on the skirt for coupling to other components, along with other features commonly found on screw cap closures of this type. The materials and configuration of the shells 21. 22 is such that they can be selectively coupled to the container 30 in order to create a seal.

[0046] Anti-rotation features 211, 223 are provided on each shell along their anticipated interface, respectively, to create a child resistant cap as is well known in this field. In one aspect, serrations or ratchet teeth are formed in the top sidewall of the inner shell 22 or at the juncture where the sidewall meets the top panel 222 or even on the top panel 222 itself. Corresponding stops 211 on the inner surface(s) of the outer shell 21 (again on, at, or near the underside of top panel 212) are configured to allow rotation in only one direction. Additional features in the sidewalls / skirts of the shells 21. 22 can insure retention of the inner shell 22 within outer shell 21 (e.g., by having an annular protrusion on the bottom edge of the outer shell’s skirt), as well as improve the hoop strength and / or impact strength of the combined elements as cover 20 (e.g., by way of thickened bands, annular ledges / stoppers, and the like.

[0047] In some aspects, one or both of the engagement features — protrusions 233 and / or 312 -may extend along the entire circumference of their respective elements as continuous circumferential element(s), or they can provided individually as a plurality of spaced apart, discrete arcuate sections. Similarly, the fins 235a may extend around the entire circumference below' the midsection 234 at periodic intervals, with as few as three or as many as twelve (or more).1036724569.1

[0048] The insert 23 is configured to seal, preferably in an air-tight and fluid- impermeable manner, the contents of the container after the cover 20 is initially attached to the container 30 for the first time. Thereafter, the seal will remain intact even after the inner and outer shells 21, 22 are unscrewed or detached. Anyone wishing to access the contents of the container must tear out the removable panel 231 , meaning that the insert 23 also provides a form of tamper evidence.

[0049] Container 30 will be formed from two cooperating pieces, an upper cylinder or tubular element 31 and a plug 32. The plug 32 couples to the cylinder, preferably along an axial interface, to form a cup-shaped container. In some aspects, a thinned axially extending section 322 of the plug 32 fits within or over the bottom edges at the opening 3 lb of the tube 31. This interface may be impart with engagement features to insure the cylinder 31 and plug 32 do not inadvertently separate. The upper cylinder 31 has an annular or tubular shape, with a narrowing neck section at opening 31a and a plug-connecting end at opening 31b.

[0050] This construction for the container 30 is particularly advantageous because it allows the container 30 to be formed from the same mass more consistently than a single, blow-molded piece. In turn, this allows for filling systems to be based solely on the total weight, because the weight of the container itself will remain identical or substantially constant (i.e., within less than 1% and, more preferably, within less than 0.5% or 0.25%, variability across multiple different containers).

[0051] The upper cylinder 31 is further characterized by narrowing neck (relative to and radially inset from the main sidewall) by way of annular ledge 313, which could also be formed as a narrowing obstruction that engages section 235 and / or fins 235a. The threads 311 are disposed at the top edge and / or along the neck of the container, while the protrusion 312 is formed along an inner surface.

[0052] It will be understood the outer diameter of section 235 is larger than both the inner diameter of the ledge 313, preferably with cooperating surfaces (e.g., flush and / or horizontal) to resist upward forces during removal of the panel 231. Conversely, the fitment of protrusions 233, 312 remain securely engaged to prevent insert 23 from falling down due to the force of gravity and, equally important, to cooperate with engagement of section 235 with ledge 313 to effectively keep the insert 23 permanently immobilized after it is initially installed as described above.

[0053] All components of cover 20, including insert 23, and the container 30 can be made from the same polymeric material or from compatible materials (so as to allow for single1136724569.1stream recycling). This would allow for the same molding procedure to be employed during manufacture, while still allowing for one-step recycling.

[0054] One example of a single plastic closure with a tear-out, tamper-evident panel can be found in United States patent 1 1,242,179. Here, a snap-in drum closure is modified to have a living hinge that covers a tamper-evident pour spout. More specifically, the spout is created after the panel is removed. To the extent this panel bears similarities, this patent is incorporated herein so as to inform selected aspects of the invention.

[0055] Similarly, United States patent 1 1 ,912,476 discloses a two piece, child resistant cap that can be adapted for purposes of the invention(s) disclosed herein. In particular, it provides additional details on the use of a restraining engagement groove, interlocking engagement features along the interface of the top panels for the inner and outer shells, and structural features within the skirt of each that can provide enhanced hoop strength and / or impact strength. Here again, this patent is incorporated by reference.

[0056] The removable diaphragm also selves as evidence of tampering. That is, once the closure is attached, the bayonet-fitting of the insert snaps into place underneath the axial extending flange on the inner opening of the container so that the only way to access the inside of the container is to remove the diaphragm using the bail. Thus, the presence or absence of the diaphragm (or a break along its frangible groove / tear-line) serves as tamper- evident seal, thereby eliminating the need for frangible rings and / or separate shrink-wrapping of the sealed container and cover.

[0057] Further, the insert eliminates any need for inductively sealed liners, foils, or sealing foams. The protrusions of the insert being captured on the catchments of the container insures that the desired sealing can only be released by removing the diaphragm. Further, the closure system 10 eliminates the need for capital equipment (e.g., inductive welding machinery, etc.) because the cap, which would have to be screwed on to the container regardless, urges the insert into its final, sealed position.

[0058] The foregoing advantages are not necessarily limited to containers with an elongated shape. The ability to introduce child-resistant features via a cap affixed to a first end of the cylindrical tube while providing the tamper evident insert from the bottom end (prior to the tube being plugged to form a cup-shaped container) could apply to jars or other containers where the diameter (whether along the inner-most surfaces of the neck opening or at the outer-most point in the main body of the cylinder) is closer in size to the height would still present advantages. In some aspects, the diameter of a jar can be as little as one half the height, about the same height, up to twice, or even up to three times the comparative axial1236724569.1height of the cylinder / container (either with or without the plug). When the tamper evident insert is introduced from the bottom, the consumable product can be deposited, confined, or carried in the cup-shape formed by the insert, with the container flipped around after the plug is affixed / container is sealed. This arrangement provides advantages irrespective of and, in some instances, in addition to those inherent to the elongated tubes contemplated above.

[0059] Any of these arrangements may be molded from any polyolefin. Advantageously, a single polymer may provide the benefit of recycling the assembly 10 as a single entity, without having to disassemble or separate any of the components 20, 30 (or the subcomponents comprising those elements). In some aspects, low density polyethylene is preferred for the cap 20 or polypropylene is preferred for at least the cap 20 when associated with elongated tubes, although other polymeric materials can be selected based upon cost and workability along with various blends of polymers used. In additional aspects, the container may be made from polypropylene or high or low density polyethylene for jars or from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for elongated tubes. If a clear plastic is preferred, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is amenable to injection molding processes disclosed herein. In some aspects, the insert (which will remain affixed to the container after the initial sealing) can be made from the same material as the container, whereas the outer and inner shells of the child-resistant portion of the cap could be made from a different material.

[0060] All of the aforementioned materials are amenable to injection molding, so as to facility manufacture and assembly. Also, selected materials such as PET, can be infused with additives to impart specific, desired features like color, translucence, and / or opacity, as well as ultraviolet protection, texture / smoothness, and other features known and commonly encountered in this field.

[0061] All components should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. The materials should also be selected for workability, cost, and weight. In addition to the materials specifically noted above, common polymers amenable to injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have particular utility, although metals, alloys, and other composites may be used in place of or in addition to more conventional container and closure materials.

[0062] Any reference to engagement, coupling, or attachment in this disclosure are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field, and coupled elements will generally move as a single unit. These means can take the form of snap-fitting, frictional / force-fitting, threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and bayonet-style / slot-and- flange assemblies. Use of adhesives or discrete fasteners is not preferred, owing to the 1336724569.1multiplicity of parts and added complexity in assembling the closure system. Ultimately, any implicit or explicit reference to engagement, coupling, or attachment should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings.

[0063] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.1436724569.1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A closure system comprising: a container defining an opening; a cap configured to be removably attached to the container to seal the opening; an insert configured to be temporarily carried on the cap and, after the cap is initially affixed to the container, to thereafter remain attached to the container; and wherein the insert includes a cylindrical sidewall configured to cooperate with the cap to form a hermetic seal, a removable panel positioned coaxially within the cylindrical sidewall, and a radial protrusion extending below the removable panel and configured to engage a catchment positioned along an inner surface of an opening.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the container, the cap, and the insert are all made from a single polymeric material.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the single polymeric material includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the cap consists of an inner shell and an outer shell, with child resistant interlocking features provided along an interface of the inner shell and the outer shell.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein an axial engagement cylinder is provided along an underside of the inner shell, with the axial engagement cylinder configured to releasably couple with the insert.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the insert includes a radial flange along a top periphery.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein structural support ribs are provided along a periphery above and / or below the removable panel.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the catchment is positioned below a ramped section on an inner surface of the container.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the cap and the container are selectively coupled and released by threaded engagement.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the container consists of a tubular element having a neck and a plug attachable to the tubular element at an end opposite the neck.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein tubular element is configured to carry the insert prior to assembly of the system.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the removable panel is positioned at an axial elevation that is equal to or above the protrusion.1536724569.

113. A closure system comprising: a container comprising a tube with a top opening, a bottom opening and a plug configured to attach to the bottom opening; a cap configured to be removably attached to the container to seal the opening; an insert configured to be affixed to a narrowing section in the tube by corresponding engagement of a protrusion on the insert capturing a protrusion on an inner surface of the top opening; and wherein the insert includes a flared section that engages narrowing section and a removable panel positioned at a top end of the insert so as to create a hermetic seal across the top opening.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the container, the cap. and the insert are all made from a single polymeric material.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the single polymeric material includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein the cap consists of an inner shell and an outer shell, with child resistant interlocking features provided along an interface of the inner shell and the outer shell.

17. The system of claim 13 wherein the insert includes upwardly extending fins provided the flared section.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the cap and the container are selectively coupled and released by threaded engagement.

19. The system of claim 13 wherein the narrowing section comprises a radial ledge positioned adjacent to the top opening immediately below a threaded section at a terminal end of the top opening.

20. The system of claim 13 wherein the container is an elongated tube or vial wherein an axial height of the container is at least three times larger than an outer diameter of the top opening of the container.

21. The system of claim 13 wherein the container has a maximum outer diameter that is between at least one half an axial height of the tube and no greater than twice the axial height of the tube.

22. A method of packaging an elongated consumable product, the method comprising: providing the container system of claim 13; introducing the insert into the bottom opening of the container and engaging the protrusions on the insert and the tube so as to hermetically seal the top opening;1636724569.1affixing the plug to the bottom open so as to hermetically seal the bottom opening; and affixing the cap onto the container so as to enclose the insert.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein, prior to introducing the insert, a consumable product is charged in a cup shaped underside formed by the flared section and the removable panel of the insert and wherein, after affixing the plug, the consumable product is hermetically sealed within the container.1736724569.1

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