Recyclable fiber-based closures with polymer-based functionality

Abstract

Disclosed herein are recyclable closures and methods for manufacturing recyclable fiber-based closures with polymer-based functionality. A closure includes a shell component made from a first set of materials, and one or more functional overmolds formed by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell component. The first set of materials are structure forming materials, consisting of fiber, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, paper, recyclable materials, sustainable materials, degradable materials, repulpable materials, compostable materials, and biodegradable materials. The second set of materials are functionality forming materials, consisting of polymers, biopolymers, repulpable polymers, biodegradable polymers, and weight-optimized biodegradable polymers.

Description

Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WORECYCLABLE FIBER-BASED CLOSURES WITH POLYMER-BASED FUNCTIONALITYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to packaging and in particular, recyclable closures for packages, containers, and / or dispensers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Paper recycled packages, containers, and / or dispensers are deficient in terms of providing a seal to contain contents, structural integrity after repeated use, and / or other characteristics. Moreover, the die cut edges of these type of packages can limit the useability of these type of packages.SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein are recyclable closures and methods for manufacturing recyclable fiber-based closures with polymer-based functionality.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and are incorporated into and thus constitute a part of this specification. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example closure of FIG. 1 in accordance with implementations.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 1 in accordance with implementations.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 3 in accordance with implementations.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.4936-2224-3964- 1 -Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO

[0010] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the example closure of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fiber-based component of the example closure of FIG.5 in accordance with implementations.

[0012] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the example closure of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

[0014] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 9 in accordance with implementations.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a side view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 11 in accordance with implementations.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 11 in accordance with implementations.

[0018] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 13 in accordance with implementations.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a side view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 15 in accordance with implementations.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 15 in accordance with implementations.

[0022] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 15 in accordance with implementations.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 19 in accordance with implementations.

[0025] FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 19 in accordance with implementations.

[0026] FIG. 22 is a side view of an example closure of FIG. 19 in accordance withAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO implementations.

[0027] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 19 in accordance with implementations.

[0028] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 19 in accordance with implementations.

[0029] FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 24 in accordance with implementations.

[0030] FIG. 26 is a side view of an example closure in accordance with implementations.

[0031] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 26 in accordance with implementations.

[0032] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 26 in accordance with implementations.

[0033] FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 28 in accordance with implementations.

[0034] FIG. 30 is a side view of an example closure of FIG. 26 in accordance with implementations.

[0035] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the example closure of FIG. 26 in accordance with implementations.

[0036] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 26 in accordance with implementations.

[0037] FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the example closure of FIG. 32 in accordance with implementations.

[0038] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example package with a closure in accordance with implementations.

[0039] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the example package of FIG. 34 in accordance with implementations.

[0040] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 34 in accordance with implementations.

[0041] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 36 in accordance with implementations.

[0042] FIG. 38 is a method for making a closure in accordance with implementations.Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WODETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines, manufactures, and / or compositions of matter, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, compositions, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and / or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, compositions, and methods described herein. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of the discussion herein.

[0044] Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] The steps, processes, and operations described herein are thus not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction withAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO the disclosed aspects.

[0047] Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, steps or aspects, these elements, steps, or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, step, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, step, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0048] Additionally, terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to include the numerical range, concept, or base term with which they are associated as well as variations in the numerical range, concept, or base term on the order of up to 25% (e.g., to allow for manufacturing tolerances and / or deviations in design). For example, the term “generally parallel” should be understood as referring to an arrangement in which the pertinent components (structures, elements) subtend an angle therebetween that is equal to 180° as well as an arrangement in which the pertinent components (structures, elements) subtend an angle therebetween that is greater than or less than 180° (e.g., ±10%, ±15%, ±25%). The term “generally parallel” should thus be understood as encompassing configurations in which the pertinent components are arranged in parallel relation. Similarly, the term “generally identical” should be understood as encompassing configurations in which the pertinent components are identical in configuration as well as configurations in which there may be insubstantial variations between the pertinent components that do not influence the substantive construction or performance thereof.

[0049] The non-limiting embodiments described herein are with respect to recyclable and / or sustainable closures for packages. In implementations, the packages can include, but are not limited to, containers, dispensers, and / or the like for containing and / or dispensing content and / or useable material. These closures may be modified for a variety of applications and uses while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described herein, and / or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope and spirit. The descriptions herein may be applicable to all embodiments of the device and the methods for making the devices.

[0050] Disclosed herein are implementations of recyclable and / or sustainable closures for useAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO with packages. The implementations shown are illustrative and other implementations are within the scope of the specification and claims described herein. For purposes of illustration, certain aspects, features, and the like are described with respect to implementations. These aspects, features, and the like are appropriately applicable to and interchangeable with other implementations described herein.

[0051] In implementations, the method and recyclable and / or sustainable closures described herein can use one or more of injection molding (IM), in-mold labeling (IML), die cutting, compression blow molding, thermoform molding, over-molding, extruding, lamination, coating, and the like processing (collectively “structure forming process”) to manufacture packages, recyclable and / or sustainable closures, actuator mechanisms, components, housing, caps, containers, and other elements (collectively “structure” or “molded part or portion”) using fiber, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, paper, recyclable materials, sustainable materials, degradable materials, repulpable materials, compostable materials, and biodegradable materials (collectively “structure forming materials”).

[0052] In implementations, injection molding (IM), compression blow molding, thermoform molding, over-molding, heat, pressure, temperature, induction, mechanical, staking, ultrasonic, adhesive or chemical bonding, and / or combinations thereof (collectively “join processing”) can be used to fuse, weld, or bond (collectively “bond”) polymers, bio-polymers, repulpable polymers, biodegradable polymers, weight-optimized biodegradable polymers, and the like (collectively “functionality forming materials”) to, with, on, and / or encapsulate the molded part or portion to provide a functional overmold structure, component, and / or feature (collectively “functional overmold component”) to the molded part or portion as described herein. In implementation, the functionality forming materials can include materials which have viscosity, temperature, and pressure characteristics in a defined range. Non-limiting examples of ranges can include, but is not limited to, viscosity measured as a melt index of 5 to 100 grams I 10 minutes per ASTM D1238, temperatures of 200°F to 500°F, and pressures up to 15,000 PSI.

[0053] In implementations, the packages, recyclable and / or sustainable closures, and / or components thereof can include a barrier layer or film on an internal or inside surface, where the barrier layer is impervious to the content or material in the package and / or chemically inert with respect to the content or material in the package. In implementations, the functionality forming materials can include barrier additives and / or barrier layers (i.e., the additive is added to theAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO functionality forming materials when blended, extruded, laminated, and / or otherwise fabricated) that become integrated to the structure forming material during the bonding process. As a result, a barrier layer is formed which is impervious to the content or material in the package and / or chemically inert with respect to the content or material in the package.

[0054] Described herein are recyclable and / or sustainable closures and methods for making the same. In implementations, a closure can include a fiber shell and one or more functional overmold component and / or functional features which are formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces and / or exposed edges of the fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional features can include, but is not limited to, closure threads, tamper evident indicators, seals, locking mechanisms, retainment structures, and / or ribs. In implementations, the one or more functional features can provide and / or enhance resilience, strength, and sealability to paper recycled packages, containers, and / or dispensers. In implementations, the closure threads formed from the functionality forming materials can provide enhanced engagement with mating threads on a fiber container. In implementations, the mating threads can be formed from, but not limited to, structure forming materials, functionality forming materials, foil, and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example closure 1000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the closure 1000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 1000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 1000 in accordance with implementations.

[0056] The closure 1000 can include a shell component and / or structure (collectively “shell component 1100”) and one or more functional overmold components 1200. In implementations, the shell component 1100 can include, but is not limited to, a top portion 1110 and a bottom and / or band portion 1120. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 1200 can include, but is not limited to, threads 1210, tamper evident indicators 1220, and a band retainment structure 1230. In implementations, the band retainment structure 1230 retains the bottom and / or band portion 1120 on a container after twisting and / or opening the closure 1000 from the container. In implementations, the shell component 1100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 1100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 1200 can be formed byAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 1130 and / or exposed edges of the shell component 1100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The bond created by the join processing techniques and / or tools can include a chemical bond, a mechanical bond, and / or combinations thereof.

[0057] In implementations, the closure 1000 is recyclable based on at least an 80-to-20% weight ratio between the structure forming materials and the functionality forming materials. That is, the closure 1000 is made from at least 80% recyclable materials. This is applicable to the implementations described herein.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a top view of an example closure 5000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the closure 5000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fiber-based component 5100 of the closure 5000 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the closure 5000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 5000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 5000 in accordance with implementations.

[0059] The closure 5000 can include a shell component 5100 and one or more functional overmold components 5200. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 5200 can include, but is not limited to, snap-fit, interference, and / or friction fit threads (collectively “snap-fit threads”). In implementations, the shell component 5100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 5100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 5200 can be formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 5110 and / or exposed edges 5120 of the shell component 5100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0060] With respect to FIG. 7, the shell component 5100 can initially be a flat formed structure with cutouts 5130. In implementations, the flat formed structure can then be molded into a nonflat structure prior to use with the join processing techniques and / or tools. In implementations, the flat formed structure can then be molded into the non-flat structure during the bonding with functionality forming materials using the join processing techniques and / or tools.Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO

[0061] FIG. 11 is a side view of an example closure 11000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the closure 11000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 11000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 11000 of FIG. 13 in accordance with implementations.

[0062] The closure 11000 can include a shell component 11100 and one or more functional overmold components 11200. In implementations, the shell component 11100 can include, but is not limited to, a top portion 11110 and a bottom and / or band portion 11120. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 11200 can include, but is not limited to, threads 11210, tamper evident indicators 11220, and a band retainment structure 11230. In implementations, the band retainment structure 11230 retains the bottom and / or band portion 11120 on a container after twisting and / or opening the closure 11000 from the container. In implementations, the shell component 11100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 11100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 11200 can be formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 11130 and / or exposed edges 11140 of the shell component 11100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a side view of an example closure 15000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the closure 15000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 15000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 15000 in accordance with implementations.

[0064] The closure 15000 can include a shell component 15100 and one or more functional overmold components 15200. In implementations, the shell component 15100 can include, but is not limited to, a top portion 15110 and a bottom and / or band portion 15120. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 15200 can include, but is not limited to. threads 15210, tamper evident indicators 15220, and a band retainment structure 15230. In implementations, the band retainment structure 15230 retains the bottom and / or band portion 15120 on a container after twisting and / or opening the closure 15000 from the container. In implementations, the shell component 15100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 15100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 15200 can be formed by bonding functionalityAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 15130 and / or exposed edges of the shell component 15100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0065] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 22 is a side view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 19000 in accordance with implementations.

[0066] The closure 19000 can include a shell component 19100 and one or more functional overmold components 19200. In implementations, the shell component 19100 can include, but is not limited to, a top portion 19110 and a bottom and / or band portion 19120. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 19200 can include, but is not limited to, threads 19210 and tamper evident indicators 19220. In implementations, the shell component 19100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 19100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 19200 can be formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 19130 and / or exposed edges of the shell component 19100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0067] In implementations, the closure 19000 lacks a band retainment structure formed from the functionality forming materials to retain the bottom and / or band portion 19120 on a container after twisting and / or opening the closure 19000 from the container. In implementations, an edge portion 19122 of the bottom and / or band portion 19120 is rolled up during the bonding process to form a retainment structure 19124.

[0068] FIG. 26 is a side view of an example closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 30Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO is a side view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure 26000 in accordance with implementations.

[0069] The closure 26000 can include a shell component 26100 and one or more functional overmold components 26200. In implementations, the shell component 26100 can include, but is not limited to, a top portion 26110 and a bottom and / or band portion 26120. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 26200 can include, but is not limited to, threads 26210 and tamper evident indicators 26220. In implementations, the shell component 26100 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the shell component 26100 can be a molded fiber shell. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 26200 can be formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 26130 and / or exposed edges of the shell component 26100, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0070] In implementations, the closure 26000 lacks a band retainment structure formed from the functionality forming materials to retain the bottom and / or band portion 26120 on a container after twisting and / or opening the closure 26000 from the container. In implementations, an edge portion 26122 of the bottom and / or band portion 26120 is rolled up during the bonding process to form a retainment structure 26124.

[0071] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a package 34000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the package 34000 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the closure 34100 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the closure 34100 in accordance with implementations.

[0072] In implementations, the package 34000 can include, but is not limited to, a closure 34100 and a container 34200. In implementations, the closure 34100 can include, but is not limited to, user access and / or grip areas 34110 for removing the closure 34100 from the container 34200. The container 34200 can include a pair of locking mechanisms and / or structures 34210. The closure 34100 can include a shell component 34120 and one or more functional overmold components 34130. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 34130 can include, but is not limited to, snap-fit, interference, and / or friction fit threads (collectivelyAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO“snap-fit threads”) 34132 and rib, reinforcement structure 34134, and / or a pair of locking mechanisms 34136. In implementations, the rib and / or reinforcement structure 34134 can correspond to a position and / or location of the user access and / or grip areas 34110. The rib and / or reinforcement structure 34134 can provide reinforcement to the closure 34100 as the shell component 34120 can be made from the structure forming materials. In implementations, the pair of locking mechanisms 34136 can lock and / or engage with the pair of locking mechanisms and / or structures 34210 to maintain the closure 34100 on the container 34200 in a closed configuration. A user can pinch the user access and / or grip areas 34110 to disengage the pair of locking mechanisms 34136 from the pair of locking mechanisms and / or structures 34210 to detach the closure 34100 from the container 34200 in an open configuration. In implementations, the shell component 34120 can be a molded fiber shell. Repeated use of the user access and / or grip areas 34110 to open / detach and close / attach / re-attach the closure 34100 from the container 34200 may degrade the integrity of the structure forming materials and inclusion of the rib and / or reinforcement structure 34134 can enhance overall functionality, useability, and longevity of the package 34000. In implementations, the one or more functional overmold components 34130 can be formed by bonding functionality forming materials to, with, on, and / or encapsulate internal surfaces 34140 and / or exposed edges of the shell component 34120, as appropriate and / or applicable, using one or more of the join processing techniques and / or tools. The description with respect to FIG. 1 is applicable herein.

[0073] FIG. 38 is a method 38000 for making a closure in accordance with implementations. The method includes forming 38100 a shell component of the closure from a first set of materials; and forming 38200 one or more functional overmolds by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell component. In implementations, the method can be used to manufacture the closures described herein but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The method includes forming 38100 a shell component of the closure from a first set of materials. In implementations, the first set of materials can be the structure forming materials.

[0075] The method includes forming 38200 one or more functional overmolds by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell component. In implementations, the second set of materials can be functionality forming materials. In implementations, the defined surfaces of the shell component can include, but is not limited to, inner or internal surfaces of the shell component, edges of the shell component, and / or combinations thereof. In implementations, theAttorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO one or more functional overmolds can include, but is not limited to, closures, threads, tamper evident indicators, reinforcement structures, locking mechanisms, retainment structures, rib(s), and / or combinations thereof. In implementations, the closure can attach to a container as described herein.

[0076] The construction and arrangement of the methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials and components, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0078] While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WOWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for making a closure for a container, the method comprising: forming a shell component of the closure from a first set of materials; and forming one or more functional overmolds by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell component.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of materials are structure forming materials.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the structure forming materials are fiber, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, paper, recyclable materials, sustainable materials, degradable materials, repulpable materials, compostable materials, and biodegradable materials.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second set of materials are functionality forming materials.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the functionality forming materials are polymers, biopolymers, repulpable polymers, biodegradable polymers, and weight-optimized biodegradable polymers.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the defined surfaces of the shell component are at least one of inner or internal surfaces of the shell component and edges of the shell component.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more functional overmolds are at least one of threads, tamper evident indicators, and reinforcement structures.

8. A closure comprising: a shell component made from a first set of materials; and one or more functional overmolds formed by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell components.Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO9. The closure of claim 8, wherein the first set of materials are structure forming materials.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the structure forming materials are fiber, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, paper, recyclable materials, sustainable materials, degradable materials, repulpable materials, compostable materials, and biodegradable materials.

11. The closure of claim 9, wherein the second set of materials are functionality forming materials.

12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the functionality forming materials are polymers, biopolymers, repulpable polymers, biodegradable polymers, and weight-optimized biodegradable polymers.

13. The closure of claim 11, wherein the defined surfaces of the shell component are at least one of inner or internal surfaces of the shell component and edges of the shell component.

14. The closure of claim 13, wherein the one or more functional overmolds are at least one of closures, threads, tamper evident indicators, locking mechanisms, retainment structures, ribs, and reinforcement structures15. A package comprising: a container; and a closure configured to attach to the container, wherein the closure including: a shell component made from a first set of materials; and one or more functional overmolds formed by bonding a second set of materials to defined surfaces of the shell components.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein the first set of materials are structure forming materials.

17. The package of claim 16, wherein the structure forming materials are fiber, paperboard, pressed pulp, compostable coated paper, paper, recyclable materials, sustainable materials,Attorney Docket No. JABIN-122-B-WO degradable materials, repulpable materials, compostable materials, and biodegradable materials.

18. The package of claim 17, wherein the second set of materials are functionality forming materials.

19. The package of claim 18. wherein the functionality forming materials are polymers, biopolymers, repulpable polymers, biodegradable polymers, and weight-optimized biodegradable polymers.

20. The package of claim 19, wherein the defined surfaces of the shell component are at least one of inner or internal surfaces of the shell component and edges of the shell component.

21. The package of claim 20, wherein the one or more functional overmolds are at least one of closures, threads, tamper evident indicators, locking mechanisms, retainment structures, ribs, and reinforcement structures

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