Exterior tamper evidence for interfacing polyester resin closures with containers and methods of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

Polyester resin closures for closing containers, the closures including anti-counterfeit features that result in an irreversible feature on each of a closure and a finish of a container upon detachment from the container, are provided herein. Methods of making the closures with anti-counterfeit features are further provided. Methods of engaging the closures onto a finish of a container are further provided. Systems for creating anti-counterfeit features on a closure are further provided.

Description

GT Docket No. 227254-721601EXTERIOR TAMPER EVIDENCE FOR INTERFACING POLYESTER RESIN CLOSURES WITH CONTAINERS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 729,013 filed December 6, 2024, and US Provisional Application No. 63 / 740,811 filed December 31, 2024, with the entire disclosure of each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relates to anti-counterfeit plastic closures. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to polyester resin closures with anti-counterfeit features.BACKGROUND

[0003] Current tamper evidence strategies rely on evidence of the tampering being indicated solely on the closure. As a result, part of the closure is often left behind on a neck finish of a bottle, which can be removed leaving the bottle not visibly different from an unused bottle or untampered bottle. There is a need for a clear sign on a bottle that tampering has occurred, meaning that even if a new cap is applied to the bottle, it is clear the bottle has previously been opened.

[0004] Additionally, larger caps or closures generally hide finish features of a container when the closures are assembled with the containers, resulting in inadequate tamper evidence or a lack of visible tamper evidence when the closures are removed from the containers. Conventionally, foil seals may be used as tamper evidence in addition to the closures during sealing, which adds cost during manufacturing. Therefore, there is a need in the art for closures with tamper evidence features that interact with a different component of the container rather than just the finish.SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a closure for mounting onto a finish of a container, including: a closure body including at least one layer of thermoplastic material, the closure body further including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) at least one surfaceGT Docket No. 227254-721601 along an inner surface of the outer wall that is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish; and wherein the closure body, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the thermoplastic material includes polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandicarboxylate, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy late. In some aspects, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes one or more of a width or a length, wherein each of the width or the length ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 100 mm. In some aspects, the closure body further includes one or more paper layer. In some aspects, the at least one surface of the closure body includes a material that is the same as the portion of the finish. In some aspects, the portion of the finish includes a ledge of the finish. In some aspects, the portion of the finish includes one or more threads. In some aspects, the at least one surface of the closure body includes the annular wall. In some aspects, detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature. In some aspects, closure body includes a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anti-counterfeit feature by a predetermined distance. In some aspects, a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on the outer wall or the thread is an internal or external thread. In some aspects, when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when force is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from the container. In some aspects, the closure body further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish. In some aspects, the outer wall includes internal threads configured to engage with the finish.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the method including: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface ofGT Docket No. 227254-721601 the rim of the finish; and welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the forming includes thermoforming, injection molding, or compression molding. In some aspects, the forming includes applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold. In some aspects, the mold includes a male mold or a female mold. In some aspects, the mold includes aluminum. In some aspects, the mold includes one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires. In some aspects, the method further includes applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold. In some aspects, the method further includes demolding the closure body from the mold. In some aspects, the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240 to 270°C. In some aspects, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding. In some aspects, the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating. In some aspects, the welding includes applying a gas composition including air or one or more gases at the one or more locations.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the closure including a closure body that includes: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; the method including welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure from the container provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the welding is performed at a predetermined temperature. In some aspects, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding. In some aspects, the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating. In some aspects, the welding includes applying a gas composition including air or one or more gases at the one or more locations, the composition being at a predetermined temperature.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for creating an anticounterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system including: a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including a closure body that includes: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding finish at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding container provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly including: a container; a closure mounted onto a finish of the container, the closure including: (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (d) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; wherein at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer wall is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure from the container provides at least one anticounterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 closure and the portion of the finish; and wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container; the polyester resin closure including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs include one or more adjacent folding tabs being separate from one another and individually movable relative to the outer wall. In some aspects, the one or more adjacent folding tabs are spaced apart from one another. In some aspects, the tamper evidence ledge is below the finish of the container. In some aspects, the tamper evidence ledge includes one or more cams projecting from a position below the finish of the container. In some aspects, each of the one or more cams is positioned lateral to a corresponding folding tab of the plurality of folding tabs. In some aspects, one or more of the plurality of folding tabs engage with the tamper evidence ledge at one or more welds. In some aspects, one or more adjacent folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs are integrally connected. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs are integrally connected so as to form a ring circumferentially around the container. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs includes a trap flap, a portion of the trap flap extending sufficiently to rest between the tamper evidence feature and the outer wall. In some aspects, a material of the polyester resin closure includes polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandicarboxylate, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carboxyl ate. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure further includes a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer wall. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure further includes a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer wall. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs includes a base arranged to sit on the outer wall, and an outer side opposite the base. In some aspects, in an initial position, each of the plurality of folding tabs point outwards away from the outer wall and a diameter of a circle with a second circular line formed by the outer side of the plurality of folding tabs is greater than a diameter of a circle with a first circular line formed by a diameter of the base. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs in the end position on the outer wall point inwards towards the outer wall or the finish and the diameter of the circle with the second circular line formed by the outer side of the plurality of folding tabs is smallerGT Docket No. 227254-721601 than the diameter of the circle with the first circular line formed by the diameter of the base. In some aspects, a width of a respective folding tab at its outer side is smaller than a width at its base. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs has such a shape that, when folding from an initial position, in which the plurality of folding tabs point outwards away from the outer wall, into an end position, in which the plurality of folding tabs point inwards at an opening on the outer wall, there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent folding tabs. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs has an initial position, in which they point outwards away from the outer wall, and an end position in which they lie in the opening and point inwards. In some aspects, a free space between adjacent folding tabs is trapezoidal or triangular or rectangular in shape. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure further includes an end face at the end position, wherein the end face includes an inner edge line and an outer edge line, and in that the plurality of folding tabs cover and touch the inner edge line. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs are separated from one another by punching. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs at a base, when positioned within an opening of the outer wall, does not project into an outer space surrounding the outer wall, or project at most 0.5 mm into the outer space. In some aspects, each of the plurality of folding tabs has a recess on a folding line and / or pivot axis and / or tilting axis, which recess forms a depression starting from an underside of the respective folding tab, wherein in an end position of the respective folding tab the underside faces the outer wall. In some aspects, the recess is channel-shaped and extends between a first transverse side and an opposite second transverse side of the respective folding tab and is adapted to the end position. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs are arranged and designed in such a way that they maintain their reached position during a movement towards the outer wall. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure further includes a thread, wherein the thread is arranged on the outer wall, the thread is positioned between the annular wall and the end position, or the thread is an internal or external thread. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs form a tamper-evident device for the polyester resin closure. In some aspects, the outer wall has a first part and a second part, the plurality of folding tabs being arranged on the first part and the annular wall being arranged on the second part, wherein the first part and the second part are connected to one another, and wherein the outer wall is designed such that when force is exerted on the second part relative to the first part and a force threshold is exceeded, the second part moves relative to the first part and in particular detaches from the first part. In some aspects, a thread is arranged on the second part, a transition from the first part to the second part is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point, and the first part and the second part are connected to one another via at least one securing element, wherein in particular the at least one securing element is seated in one piece on the first part. In some aspects, at least one securing element is arranged on the outer wall, the at least one securingGT Docket No. 227254-721601 element being connected to the outer wall in such a way that at least one securing element is connected to the outer wall in one piece. In some aspects, one or more folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs include a cutting depth such that movement of the one or more folding tabs influences a position of one or more neighboring tab when folded. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish. In some aspects, the outer wall includes an outer skirt having a clearance with a corresponding outer surface of the rim to allow the polyester resin closure to deform in a region of the plug seal. In some aspects, the plug seal includes a chamfer for guiding the plug seal past a lip of the inner surface of the finish when the polyester resin closure is capped onto the container. In some aspects, the plug seal includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall. In some aspects, the inner wall includes a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of finish for sealing. In some aspects, the interference fit is configured to seal the polyester resin closure to the finish. In some aspects, an amount of interference in the interference fit is from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm. In some aspects, an amount of interference in the interference fit is about 0.05 mm. In some aspects, a lower wall extends across a bottom of the inner wall. In some aspects, the lower wall is configured to change shape in response to pressurized contents within an interior of the container. In some aspects, the lower wall has a concave upward shape that becomes a convex upward shape when pressure is applied by pressurized contents within the interior of the container. In some aspects, the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish. In some aspects, a width of the sealing interface is configured to bridge defects present in the finish. In some aspects, the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the container. In some aspects, the outer wall includes a plurality of spaced-apart bridges that connect each of the plurality of folding tabs to the outer wall of the polyester resin closure. In some aspects, the plurality of spaced-apart bridges is configured to break when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container. In some aspects, the plurality of folding tabs is configured to be retained in position by a ledge when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the method including: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall; wherein the closure body when detached from the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for creating a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container, the system including: a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall. In some aspects, the system further includes a welding module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the tamper evidence feature to a portion of the tamper evidence ledge at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from a corresponding container provides an irreversible feature on the one or more closures or the corresponding container. In some aspects, the system further includes a blowing module configured to controllably blow the tamper evidence ledge below the finish of each of the plurality of containers, wherein the tamper evidence ledge includes a ring or one or more cams projecting from the container.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for creating a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container, the system including: a blowing module configured to controllably blow a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of each of a plurality of containers, wherein the tamper evidence ledge includes a ring or one or more cams projecting from the container; a rotational module downstream of the blowing module, the rotational module being configured to engage the one or more closures onto each of the plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly including: a container including a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container; a closure mountedGT Docket No. 227254-721601 onto the container, the closure including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall, the tamper evidence feature being configured to engage with the tamper evidence ledge; wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a closure for mounting onto a finish of a container, including: a closure body including at least one layer of thermoplastic material, the closure body further including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall that is welded to a portion of the outer wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall; and wherein the annular wall, after being detached from the outer wall, is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the thermoplastic material includes polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy late. In some aspects, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes one or more of a width or a length, wherein each of the width or the length ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 100 mm. In some aspects, the closure body further includes one or more paper layer. In some aspects, the at least one surface of the closure body includes a material that is the same as the portion of the finish. In some aspects, the portion of the finish includes a ledge of the finish. In some aspects, the portion of the finish includes one or more threads. In some aspects, the at least one surface of the closure body includes the annular wall. In some aspects, detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature. In some aspects, closure body includes a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anti-counterfeit feature by a predeterminedGT Docket No. 227254-721601 distance. In some aspects, a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on the outer wall or the thread is an internal or external thread. In some aspects, when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when force is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from the container. In some aspects, the closure body further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish. In some aspects, the outer wall includes internal threads configured to engage with the finish.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the method including: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body including: (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (d) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the forming includes thermoforming, injection molding, or compression molding. In some aspects, the forming includes applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold. In some aspects, the mold includes a male mold or a female mold. In some aspects, the mold includes aluminum. In some aspects, the mold includes one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires. In some aspects, the method further includes applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold. In some aspects, the method further includes demolding the closure body from the mold. In some aspects, the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240 to 270°C. In some aspects, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding. In some aspects, the welding is selected fromGT Docket No. 227254-721601 radiofrequency or dielectric heating. In some aspects, the welding includes applying a gas composition including air or one or more gases at the one or more locations.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the closure including a closure body that includes: (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (d) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; the method including welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the container provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer wall of the container is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. In some aspects, the welding is performed at a predetermined temperature. In some aspects, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding. In some aspects, the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating. In some aspects, the welding includes applying a gas composition including air or one or more gases at the one or more locations, the composition being at a predetermined temperature.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for creating an anticounterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system including: a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including a closure body that includes: (e) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (f) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding outer wall provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer wall, the at leastGT Docket No. 227254-721601 one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some aspects, the closure body further includes an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly including: a container; a closure mounted onto a finish of the container, the closure including: (g) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (h) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; wherein at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall is welded to a portion of the outer wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that includes an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall; and wherein the annular wall, after being detached from the outer wall, is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal.

[0020] These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view with a partial diametrical cross-section of an example of a closure mounted to an example of a finish of a container;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a diametrical cross-sectional view of another example of a closure including an external seal for sealing to another example of a finish of a container;

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure with anti-counterfeit features in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively;

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure with anti-counterfeit features in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively;

[0026] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various views of an exemplary embodiment of a closure either with (FIGS. 5A-5B) or without (FIGS. 5C-5E) outer cylindrical walls, respectively, including aGT Docket No. 227254-721601 hinge for opening and closing. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate closures with a thread on an outer cylindrical wall; FIGS. 5C-5E illustrate partial side views of a closure that is directly welded to the container at the hinge; FIG. 5C illustrates a closure having an open position and closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 5D and 5E, respectively;

[0027] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate side views of a closure and a finish of a container, the closure either not including (FIG. 6A) or including (FIGS. 6B-6D) a hinge respectively, including weld tags left on the closure and container finish. FIG. 6A illustrates a closure that is separated from the container; FIGS. 6B-6D illustrate a closure that is directly welded to the container at a hinge; FIG. 6B illustrates a partial perspective view of a closure having an open position and a closed position, illustrated in perspective views in FIGS. 6C and 6D, respectively;

[0028] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure with anti-counterfeit features in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively. FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of the closure with weld tags on each of the closure and container finish, respectively;

[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a closure and a container finish with an anti-counterfeit feature on a lower thread;

[0030] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a perspective view of a closure and a container finish with anticounterfeit features in both closed and open configurations, respectively;

[0031] FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate photographs of exemplary embodiments of a closure having folding tabs that are extended around a container or independent, respectively, and engaged with cams on the container. In FIG. 10A, the folding tabs are arranged on a ring which is connected to a side wall of a closure. In FIG. 10B, the folding tabs are independent from each other;

[0032] FIGS. 11A to 11B illustrate photographs of exemplary embodiments of a closure having folding tabs that are extended around a container or independent, respectively, and engaged with the container via one or more welds. In FIG. 11 A, the folding tabs are arranged on a ring which is connected to a side wall of a closure. In FIG. 1 IB, the folding tabs are independent from each other.

[0033] While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particularGT Docket No. 227254-721601 forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0035] The present disclosure provides anti-counterfeit feature(s) on a thermoformed polyester resin closure, the closure being for mounting onto a finish of a container. The closure includes a closure body including at least one layer of thermoplastic material. The closure further includes an annular wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container. The closure further includes an outer wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The closure further includes at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer wall that is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish. After being detached from the container, the closure body is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer wall comprises an outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer wall can be any of cylindrical, oval, square, etc. For the sake of clarity throughout, only cylindrical walls will be referenced, though any shape can be used.

[0037] The closure may further include an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall. The inner cylindrical wall may be configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly lacing surface of the finish. In some embodiments, the inner wall comprises an inner cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the inner wall can be any of cylindrical, oval, square, etc. For the sake of clarity throughout, only cylindrical walls will be referenced, though any shape can be used. The closure may further include a lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

[0038] In some embodiments, an irreversible feature includes a structural indication or characteristic on one or more of at least one surface of the closure or at least one surface of a finish of a container. In some embodiments, a structural indication or characteristic is visible fromGT Docket No. 227254-721601 outside of the container, inside of the container, outside of the closure, or inside of the closure, to indicate to a user that the closure has been removed from the container. In some embodiments, an irreversible feature is permanent or irreversibly destroyed without the additional use of specialized tools, such as those for forming, welding, thermoforming, machining, or the like. In some embodiments, an irreversible feature is irreversibly deformable.

[0039] In some embodiments, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature may further include a predetermined width or length. In some embodiments, a width or a length of the at least one anticounterfeit feature ranges from about 0.05 to about 2 mm, from about 0.1 to about 0.8 mm, from about 0.4 to about 0.9 mm, from about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, from about 0.5 to about 3 mm, from about 0.7 to about 1.7 mm, from about 1 to about 3 mm, from about 1 to about 4 mm, from about 0.5 to about 5 mm, from about 3 to about 10 mm, from about 5 to about 20 mm, from about 10 to about 25 mm, from about 10 to about 50 mm, from about 20 to about 40 mm, from about 20 to about 60 mm, from about 40 to about 70 mm, from about 50 to about 100 mm, from about 40 to about 75 mm, from about 80 to about 100 mm, or greater than 100 mm, depending on the desired strength of the feature, a desired distance around the closure rim, and / or a circumference of the closure rim. The length or width may also be determined based on a frangibility of bridges with that width. In some embodiments, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes multiple discrete bonds. In some embodiments, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes a continuous ring of attachment at the rim of the container.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes a critical stress intensity feature. A critical stress intensity feature may include sharp notches or tight radii that have a higher stress concentration than obtuse angles or larger radii. In particular, a critical stress intensity feature may include a peel-off or unzipping seal for peeling the closure off of the container due to a sharp notch at the rim of the container where a closure connects with a top sealing surface (TSS) of the container, a thread of the container, or both. For example, a critical stress intensity feature at a thread of the container may allow for avoiding the creation of a rough surface at the TSS, as “mouth feel” or tactile sensation in contacting the rim of the container may be important to the consumer.

[0041] Using a critical stress intensity feature to unzip a long welded bond from the container would allow for the user to not need to break the full seal at once. Such unzipping could be accomplished with an asymmetric or tilted thread. In some embodiments, the at least one anticounterfeit feature includes a thread that is biased on opening and left aligned on closing. In some embodiments, the at least one anti-counterfeit feature includes a pull tab.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one anti-counterfeit feature is structured so as to balance an ease of removal of the closure and a strength of a seal of the closure to the container without disrupting manufacturing. To enhance the ability to remove a closure, in some embodiments, a closure can incorporate a tab to provide the consumer opening the container with additional leverage to propagate a crack at the seal location. The tab may provide leverage so that the energy to initiate failure of the seal and therefore opening of the bottle is low enough for hand strength.

[0043] In some embodiments, a closure includes an asymmetric thread. An asymmetric thread allows use of the energy for opening to be concentrated in a small space to initiate the crack (i.e., failure at a seal) needed to open the closure from the container, as well as to push the crack along an interface to open the closure. In some embodiments, a closure includes a coating (which may be incorporated on a thermoplastic sheet during forming of the closure) to exaggerate a weakening of the interface for preferential cracking, either at the interface or below the interface on the container. In some embodiments, the coating includes a plasticizer, an anti-blocking agent, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, a closure body includes a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anti-counterfeit feature by a predetermined distance. Such a distance may range from about 0.05 to about 2 mm, from about 0.1 to about 0.8 mm, from about 0.4 to about 0.9 mm, from about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, from about 0.5 to about 3 mm, from about 0.7 to about 1.7 mm, from about 1 to about 3 mm, from about 1 to about 4 mm, from about 0.5 to about 5 mm, from about 3 to about 10 mm, from about 5 to about 20 mm, from about 10 to about 25 mm, from about 10 to about 50 mm, from about 20 to about 40 mm, from about 20 to about 60 mm, from about 40 to about 70 mm, from about 50 to about 100 mm, from about 40 to about 75 mm, from about 80 to about 100 mm, or greater than 100 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the closure body includes a multilayer closure. In some embodiments, the closure body further includes one or more paper layer. In some embodiments, a multilayered closure includes at least one paper layer and at least one thermoplastic layer. In some embodiments, a multilayer closure comprises at least one paper layer positioned between at least two thermoplastic layers. In some embodiments, each of the at least two thermoplastic layers includes a polymer sheet of thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the polymer sheet includes a very thin layer or recyclable polymer sheet. Such a polymer sheet may be used as the base material for caps and closures described herein. This polymer sheet provides the necessary strength and flexibility required for caps and closures. In some embodiments, the polymer sheetGT Docket No. 227254-721601 comprises a thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm., less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material may comprise a polystyrene such as SAN or ABS, or a polyolefin such as PP or PE, or a polycarbonate or, in particular, a polyester such as PET, PBT or PEF. Further, in some embodiments, the polymer sheet can be made from a single thermoplastic material or can be made from a plurality of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic material comprises PET, and the container, which is to be closed with the closure, is also made of PET. The use of PET allows for making mono-material recyclable containers. However, PHA or PLA are also practical options to allow for the manufacture of bio-degradable closures. Further, HDPE or PP can be adapted to the process and allow the use of a wider spectrum of melt flow indices, which would be important for the use of recycled resins.

[0046] In some embodiments, the at least one surface of the closure body includes a material that is the same as the portion of the finish. In some embodiments, the portion of the finish includes a ledge of the finish. In some embodiments, the portion of the finish includes one or more threads. In some embodiments, the at least one surface of the closure body includes the annular wall.

[0047] In some embodiments, detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature. For example, if one opens the closure causing the at least one anti-counterfeit feature to fracture, the fracture may be heard by a user. As another example, such a fracture may be felt by the user opening the bottle, such as by a sudden change in pressure or resistance to opening the closure.

[0048] In some embodiments, a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on an outer wall or the thread is an internal or external thread. In some embodiments, an outer wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish. In some embodiments, the closure is welded to a container along a thread on the container, either by directly welding a thread on the closure to the thread on the container finish, or by directly welding an outer wall of a closure, without threading, to the thread on the container finish.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when force is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 container. In some embodiments, the closure body further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

[0050] Further disclosed herein is a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure. The method includes thermoforming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body. The closure body includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The method further includes welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall. Further, when detached from the finish of the container, the closure body is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0051] The present disclosure further provides anti-counterfeit feature(s) on a thermoformed polyester resin closure, the closure being for mounting onto a finish of a container. The closure includes a closure body including at least one layer of thermoplastic material. The closure further includes an annular wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container. The closure further includes an outer wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The closure further includes at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall that is welded to a portion of the outer wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall. After being detached from the outer wall, the annular wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal.

[0052] In some embodiments, the annular surface is connected to the outer wall via one or more hinges or tethers. Such connections allow the annular surface to act as a flip top or tethered cap, thereby allowing the closure portions to maintained connected to each other once they are disconnected at the one or more locations of the welds.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0053] Further disclosed herein is a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure. The method includes thermoforming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body. The closure body includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The method further includes welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall. Further, when detached from the outer wall, the annular wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0054] In some embodiments, the thermoforming includes applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold. In some embodiments, the mold includes a male mold or a female mold. In some embodiments, the mold includes aluminum. In some embodiments, the mold includes one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold. In some embodiments, further includes demolding the closure body from the mold.

[0055] In some embodiments, the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240 to 270°C. The welding may be a function of the melting temperature, Tm, for PET, which can range from 240 to 270°C. In some embodiments, a hotter tip temperature is useful in accelerating welding. In some embodiments, temperatures on the order of 500°C can be used for higher speed welding. In some embodiments, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, induction, or orbital welding. In some embodiments, the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0056] In some embodiments, the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations. In some embodiments, a gas composition includes nitrogen, which may help in avoiding oxidation. In some embodiments, a gas composition includes oxygen and acetylene. In some embodiments, a temperature of welding using a gasGT Docket No. 227254-721601 composition ranges from about 1500-2000 °C, from about 1500-2500 °C, from about 2000-3000 °C, from about 2500-3500 °C, from about 3000-4000 °C, or greater than 4000 °C.

[0057] In some embodiments, the welding comprises applying inductive welding at the one or more locations. Induction welding can include applying an induction current external from the cap, used to generate heat to bond the closure to the finish of the container. Such a mechanism can allow for reusable sealing as compared to, for example, application of a foil layer that is a onetime use seal to the top of the finish. In some embodiments, the induction welding is performed using a heated metal plate.

[0058] Such inductive welding can also allow for more control over welding locations and welding strength. This can be beneficial when the welding strength must be adjusted when the closure includes a coating, which may be incorporated on a thermoplastic sheet during forming of the closure. For example, a coating can affect how long it takes for the weld to be secure. In some embodiments, a coating can be selected that reduces the time it takes for the weld to be secure. For example, a coating can include a conductive element that increases the rate of heating. In some embodiments, a coating can be selected that increases the time it takes for the weld to be secure. For example, a coating can include an insulating element that reduces the rate of heating of the weld. In some embodiments, a coating may be selected to exaggerate a weakening of the interface for preferential cracking, either at the interface or below the interface on the container.

[0059] In some embodiments, the coating includes a polymer, a plasticizer, an anti-blocking agent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coating includes a silicone material, for example, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a plastic material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coating includes a friction-reducing additive. In some embodiments, the frictionreducing additive is a silicone additive. In some embodiments, the additive is selected from a wax, an oily mineral, a lubricant, or a combination thereof.

[0060] Further disclosed herein is method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure. The closure includes a closure body that includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The method further includes welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall. When detached from the finish of the container, the closure body is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0061] Further disclosed herein is method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure. The closure includes a closure body that includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The method further includes welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the container at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall. When detached from the outer wall, the annular wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0062] Further disclosed herein is system for creating an anti-counterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container. The system includes a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers. Each of the one or more closures includes a closure body. The closure body includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The system further includes an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding finish at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall. When detached from the finish of the container, the closure body is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0063] Further disclosed herein is system for creating an anti-counterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container. The system includes a rotational module configured toGT Docket No. 227254-721601 engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers. Each of the one or more closures includes a closure body. The closure body includes an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The system further includes an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding outer wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall. When detached from the outer wall, the annular wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal. In some embodiments, the seal is sufficient to prevent leaks or any fluid internal to the container from escaping the container.

[0064] Further disclosed herein is an assembly. The assembly includes a container and a closure mounted onto a finish of the container. The closure includes: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish. The closure further includes at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall that is welded to a portion of the outer wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer wall. After being detached from the outer wall, the annular wall is capable of reattachment to the outer wall with a sufficient seal.

[0065] The present disclosure further provides a polyester resin closure. The closure includes (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall.

[0066] In some embodiments, a finish of a container is a portion of container adapted to receive a closure. A finish may be formed from a wall of the container that defines an opening or an outletGT Docket No. 227254-721601 therethrough, and is generally known for being above a neck of the container. In some embodiments, a finish of a container includes one or more threads for engaging with a closure. In some embodiments, a finish is integrated or of unitary construction with other components (e.g., a lip, a neck, a body, or the like) of a container. In some embodiments, a finish comprises any portion of the container that is above an upper terminus of a neck of the container. In some embodiments, a finish of a container terminates at a rim of the container.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plurality of folding tabs include one or more adjacent folding tabs that are separate from one another and individually movable relative to the outer wall. In some embodiments, the one or more adjacent folding tabs are spaced apart from one another.

[0068] In some embodiments, one or more adjacent folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs are integrally connected. In some embodiments, the folding tabs are integrally connected so as to form a ring circumferentially around the container.

[0069] In some embodiments, the tamper evidence ledge is below the finish of the container. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence ledge includes one or more cams projecting from a position below the finish of the container. In some embodiments, each of the one or more cams is positioned lateral to a corresponding folding tab of the plurality of folding tabs.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of folding tabs engage with the tamper evidence ledge at one or more welds.

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of folding tabs includes a trapped flap, a portion of the trapped flap extending sufficiently to rest between the tamper evidence feature and the outer wall. A ‘trapped flap’ or ‘trap flap’ is a tab or flap geometry that is designed to restrict the movement of the tab and tamper band (e.g., a tamper evidence band (TEB) portion of the closure) after capping. US Provisional Application 63 / 718,242, incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses ‘trapped flap’ or ‘trap flap’ for closures in more detail.

[0072] In some embodiments, a closure further includes a plurality of external knurls or internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer wall. Both internal and external knurls are possible with closures described herein, but plurality of internal knurls may be easier to form in thermoformed closures described herein.

[0073] In some embodiments, the outer wall includes a plurality of spaced-apart bridges that connect each of the plurality of folding tabs to the outer wall of the polyester resin closure.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0074] In some embodiments, the plurality of spaced-apart bridges is configured to break when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container. In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to break when the closure is unthreaded from the finish, such that the folded band is retained in position by the tamper evidence ledge. In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to withstand a greater breaking stress than a breaking stress of the remaining bridges, such that the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges remain intact to provide a tether to keep the closure attached to the finish. In some embodiments, an orientation of the bridges corresponds to an orientation of a threading on the closure. In some embodiments, the bridges are rectangular. In some embodiments, the bridges are knife shaped. In some embodiments, a shape of each bridge of the plurality of bridges varies and / or alternates with neighboring bridges or at patterned intervals.

[0075] In some embodiments, the plurality of folding tabs is configured to be retained in position by a tamper evidence ledge when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container.

[0076] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the method including: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall; wherein the closure body when detached from the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0077] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system for creating a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container. In some embodiments, the system includes a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0078] In some embodiments, a system further includes a welding module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the tamper evidence feature to a portion of the tamper evidence ledge at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from a corresponding container provides an irreversible feature on the one or more closures or the corresponding container.

[0079] In some embodiments, the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240 to 270°C. The welding may be a function of the melting temperature, Tm, for PET, which can range from 240 to 270°C. In some embodiments, a hotter tip temperature is useful in accelerating welding. In some embodiments, temperatures on the order of 500°C can be used for higher speed welding. In some embodiments, the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding. In some embodiments, the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0080] In some embodiments, the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations. In some embodiments, a gas composition includes nitrogen, which may help in avoiding oxidation. In some embodiments, a gas composition includes oxygen and acetylene. In some embodiments, a temperature of welding using a gas composition ranges from about 1500-2000 °C, from about 1500-2500 °C, from about 2000-3000 °C, from about 2500-3500 °C, from about 3000-4000 °C, or greater than 4000 °C.

[0081] In some embodiments, a system further includes a blowing module configured to controllably blow the tamper evidence ledge below the finish of each of the plurality of containers, wherein the tamper evidence ledge includes a ring or one or more cams projecting from the container. In some embodiments, a blowing module is upstream of or combined with a rotational module or other module for engaging a closure of the present disclosure with a container. In the process of blowing a container, a feature can be blown into the container that interacts with a closure. In some embodiments, this feature includes one or more rings, one or more cams, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, this feature includes a tamper-evidence ledge or similar protruding feature to which the closure can be welded. The blowing module is configured to form the feature below a traditional finish when blowing the container. This may be formed at a separate time than when the closure is formed, but formed in a way to mate the container with the closure after filling. The features on each of the container or the closure may be adjusted further so that they interact when capping. In some embodiments, a blowing module comprises a blow molder. In some embodiments, a rotational module comprises a capping machine.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0082] In some embodiments, such features do not require rotational symmetry on either of the container or the closure. For example, a ring formed in the container can interact with a tab on the closure, or a ring on the closure can interface with a tab on the container. In some embodiments, a ring on the closure can interact with a ring on the container as well. In this scenario, allows for an applied welding process to not require orientation, rather to simply allow for welding at one or more points of contact between the ring (or band) on the closure with a protruding ring on the container.

[0083] Further disclosed herein is an assembly including: a container including a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container; a closure mounted onto the container, the closure including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish of the container; (b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and (c) a tamper evidence feature including a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer wall, the tamper evidence feature being configured to engage with the tamper evidence ledge; wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0084] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed resin closure for closing a container including a polyester. The closure includes a top wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container. The closure further includes an outer wall extending downwardly from the top wall and configured such that an inwardly facing surface of the outer wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the rim for sealing against the outwardly facing surface of the rim.

[0085] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an injection molded polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, wherein the polyester resin includes polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (“PEF”).

[0086] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester. The closure includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer includes an outer layer annular wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer outer wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annular wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annual wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the outer layer inner depression wall, the outer layer lower wall including a first shapedGT Docket No. 227254-721601 downward depression. The inner layer includes an inner layer annular wall. The inner layer includes an inner layer outer wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall. The inner layer includes an inner layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall, the inner layer depression wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner layer inner depression wail has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the finish for sealing against the outwardly facing surface of the finish. The inner layer includes an inner layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner layer inner depression wall, the inner layer lower wall including a second shaped downward depression that receives the first shaped downward depression. A lower surface of the first shaped downward depression is configured to confront and lock against an upper surface of the second shaped downward depression.

[0087] Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a closure element (closure) for a container or a precursor for such a closure element, comprising a closure body which is made of thermoplastic material and is formed by thermoforming, with a lid wall and a side wall, wherein the side wall has an end face facing away from the lid wall, and wherein the side wall surrounds an opening of the closure body at the end face.

[0088] The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a closure element for a container or a preliminary product for a closure element for a container, in which a starting material is provided in sheet form or film form from thermoplastic material and a closure body is produced by thermoforming the starting material, which closure body has a lid wall and a side wall, the side wall surrounding an opening. An example of such a closure element is a cap for a bottle (for holding liquids) as a container.

[0089] WO 2023 / 205730 Al, incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses poly-ester resin closure elements for containers produced by thermoforming. The present disclosure is based on the task of developing a closure element of which may be produced with advantageous properties in a simple manner by thermoforming. This task is solved in accordance with the present disclosure in the case of the closure element mentioned at the beginning in that a plurality of anti-counterfeit features are arranged on the side wall in the region of the end face, adjacent anti-counterfeit features being separate from one another, and in that the anti-counterfeit features may be welded individually.

[0090] By thermoforming from a thermoplastic material, closure elements may be produced which have a relatively low wall thickness. This means that the amount of material used may beGT Docket No. 227254-721601 kept low and the mass of a of such a closure element may be kept relatively low. This also makes it possible to produce closure elements from PET for PET bottles, for example. This makes it easy to recycle the entire system of closure element and bottle.

[0091] In some embodiments, the anti-counterfeit features arranged on the side wall allow at least preliminary elements for such anti-counterfeit features to be produced integrally during thermoforming. The anti-counterfeit features may be used in particular to realize a tamper-evident device that is suitable for ensuring tamper-proof opening of the closure element on the container. The fact that neighboring anti-counterfeit features are separated from each other means that a preliminary element for such a anti-counterfeit feature may be used in a thermoforming process, integrally with the production process. In particular, anti-counterfeit features may be produced starting from a contact area (clamping edge) of a workpiece during thermoforming.

[0092] In some embodiments, orienting the anti-counterfeit features parallel to the side wall in the end position, or at a small acute angle at most, allows for a tamper-evident device. Due to the orientation of the anti-counterfeit features transverse to a height axis of the closure body, the anti-counterfeit features may be produced from a contact area or clamping edge during a thermoforming process.

[0093] In some embodiments, anti-counterfeit features of a base, when positioned inside the opening of the closure body, do not protrude into an outer space surrounding the side wall or, at most, protrude 0.5 mm into the outer space. This allows the anti-counterfeit features to be advantageously integrated into the closure element as a tamper-evident device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the anti-counterfeit features form a tamper-evident device for the closure element. In the closure element, the anti-counterfeit features may be arranged in an interior of the closure body. This results in a narrowing of the cross-section. In this way, a type of press fit and / or form fit of the corresponding container element may be achieved.

[0095] In some embodiments, the closure body has a first part and a second part, wherein the anti-counterfeit features are arranged on the first part and the lid wall is attached to the second part, and wherein the closure body is designed such that when a force is exerted on the second part relative to the first part and when a force threshold is exceeded, the second part moves towards the first part and in particular detaches from the first part. This allows for a tamper-evident seal with the aid of the anti-counterfeit features, and to recognize whether a corresponding container has already been opened. The container may be opened in a reclosable manner by moving the second part relative to the first part and, in particular, by releasing it.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0096] In some embodiments, a thread is arranged on the second part; a transition from the first part to the second part is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point. In some embodiments, the second part may then be removed from the container after releasing the antitampering device (by moving the second part towards the first part). Opening may be carried out in the same way as unscrewing. In this way, reclosability may be achieved. By providing at least one predetermined breaking point, for example in in the form of at least one perforation, the second part may be released relative to the first part once a force threshold has been exceeded. Such perforations may be produced, for example, on the preliminary product (after the thermoforming process has been completed).

[0097] In some embodiments, the folding tabs (“flaps”) arranged on the side wall allow at least preliminary elements for such folding tabs to be produced integrally during thermoforming or molding (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, or the like). The folding flaps may be used in particular to realize a tamper-evident device that is suitable for ensuring tamper-proof opening of the closure element on the container. The fact that neighboring folding tabs are separated from each other means that a preliminary element for such a folding tab may be used in a thermoforming process, integrally with the production process. In particular, folding tabs may be produced starting from a contact area (clamping edge) of a workpiece during thermoforming. Due to the individual mobility of the folding tabs in relation to the side wall, the closure element may then be easily produced from a pre-product, in which the folding tabs are positioned in an interior space of the closure body and may be folded into the side wall.

[0098] Due to the separation of adjacent folding tabs and their individual mobility in relation to the side wall, adjacent folding tabs are not coupled to each other in terms of mobility and these may be easily moved from an initial position outside through the opening into the interior of the closure body to a position outside the side wall. If folding tabs are arranged in the interior of the body, the diameter of the opening is reduced. As a result, a closure element that is correspondingly aligned with the closed opening may be used.

[0099] The container may be fixed in place in the form of a press fit and / or by positive locking, particularly via undercuts. Increased force is then used at least for the initial opening and a tamperproof device is realized as a result. In particular, a separating plane between adjacent folding tabs extends to the side wall. This allows the folding tabs to be moved independently of each other (without coupling with each other) relative to the side wall and, in particular, to be brought into their end position. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent material overlap or the like. Starting from a starting position, the end position of the folding flaps may be easily achieved byGT Docket No. 227254-721601 machine, for example using punches as the corresponding tools. For the same reason, in some embodiments, neighboring folding tabs are spaced apart from each other and are not connected to each other. As a result, there is no direct mechanical coupling between adjacent folding tabs and, as a result, the closure element may be realized in a simple manner starting from an initial position of the folding tabs (corresponding to a preliminary product for a closure element) with simple manufacturability, with the folding tabs are in the end position. In some embodiments, the folding tabs each have a base, with which they sit on the outside of the side wall, and a base opposite the base, with which they sit on the side wall.

[0100] In some embodiments, the corresponding shape is achieved by cutting or punching a workpiece from a thermoforming process. For the same reason, it is favorable if the folding flaps have a first transverse side, which lies between the outer side and the base, and a second transverse side, which lies between the outer side and the base, the first transverse side and the second transverse side being spaced apart from one another. This results in a simple shape such as Trapezoidal or triangular shape for a folding flap.

[0101] In some embodiments, one or more folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs are cut in a way such that movement of the one or more folding tabs influences a position of one or more neighboring tab when folded. In particular, such cuts may vary based on a cutting depth, where the folding tabs can be cut toward a side wall via punching, e.g., from a punching mechanism. Thus, based on the cutting, folding of one or more folding tab may start to influence a fold in the neighboring tab. In this way, some of the folding tabs may be cut so as to allow for dependency or influence from other tabs.

[0102] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: the first transverse side and the second transverse side run up to an outside of the side wall; or the first transverse side of a first folding flap is adjacent to a transverse side of a second folding flap adjacent to the first folding flap, where the first transverse side of the first folding flap and the second transverse side of the second folding flap are adjacent to each other and are separated from the second folding flap by a free space.

[0103] The corresponding folding flaps may therefore be produced easily and also easily moved from the starting position to the end position. By providing a free space, adjacent folding tabs may be lugs are not directly mechanically coupled to each other. In a constructively favorable embodiment, the bases of the folding tabs lie on a circular line. The corresponding closure bodyGT Docket No. 227254-721601 then has in particular (at least in relation to the envelope ends) a cylindrical shape or Cone shape or cone section shape.

[0104] In some embodiments, the bases of the folding tabs lie on a common plane. This results in a simple design and easy to manufacture. In some embodiments, the outer sides of the folding tabs lie on a second circular line. This allows for simple manufacturability with a simple design. In particular, in an initial position, the folding tabs point away from the side wall away from the closure body to the outside and a diameter of a circle with the second circle line is larger than a diameter of the circle with the first circle line. This corresponds to the preliminary product for a closure element. The initial position may be determined integrally from a contact area (clamping area or sealing area) during thermoforming.

[0105] In some embodiments, the folding tabs in an end position on the side wall point inwards in relation to the closure body and a diameter of a circle with the second circle line is smaller than a diameter of a circle with the first circle line. This may allow for implementing a tamper-evident device for a closure element on a container via the folding tabs in the end position. In particular, it is intended that the width of one folding flap on each of its outer side is smaller than a width at its base. This may allow for reaching the end position from the starting position. This may be achieved in such a way that adjacent folding tabs do not touch or overlap, thus preventing mechanical coupling. This in turn allows for reaching the end position from the starting position. Punches, for example, may then be provided as corresponding tools.

[0106] For the same reason, in some embodiments, if the sum of the widths of the outer sides of the folding flaps on the second circular line is at most as great as a length of the first circular line and, in particular, is smaller than a length of the first circular line. As a result, the movement of the folding tabs prevent contact or overlapping from the starting position to the end position. In some embodiments, the folding flaps are shaped in such a way that when folding and / or pivoting and / or tilting from one starting position, in which the folding flaps point outwards away from the closure body, into an end position, in which they point inwards at the opening on the closure body (and in particular are positioned in the interior of the closure body), there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent folding flaps. As a result, the adjacent folding flaps are protected during movement. The adjacent folding flaps are mechanically decoupled from the initial position to the end position. The transfer from the initial position to the end position may be achieved by folding, pivoting or tilting. This mobility is achieved by the plastic deformability of the pre-product material.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0107] In particular, the folding tabs have an initial position in which they point outwards away from the side wall, and have an end position in which they lie in the opening and point inwards, in particular with at least one of the following: in the end position, the folding tabs are oriented parallel to the side wall or at an acute angle of no more than 20° to the side wall; in the starting position, the folding tabs are transverse and in particular oriented perpendicular to a height axis of the closure body; in the initial position, the folding tabs are positioned outside an interior space of the closure body and in the end position they are positioned in the interior space of the closure body; in the initial position, the folding tabs are oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the side wall; or an angle between the starting position and the end position is in the range between 340°-a and 380°-a, where a is an angle between the side wall and the folding tabs is in the starting position.

[0108] In some embodiments, the folding tabs have an initial position where they point outwards away from the inner cylindrical wall. This allows for the possibility of having an outer wall that does not have tabs.

[0109] In some embodiments, orienting the folding tabs parallel to the side wall in the end position, or at a small acute angle at most, allows for a tamper-evident device. Due to the orientation of the folding tabs transverse to a height axis of the closure body, the folding tabs may be produced from a contact area or clamping edge during a thermoforming process. In the starting position of the pre-product, the folding tabs are positioned outside the interior of the closure body and in the closure element they are positioned in the interior of the closure body. This allows for producing the pre-product and the closure element may be easily produced from the pre-product. In some embodiments, a tamper-evident device for the closure element is again provided in a structurally simple manner and in a simple manner in terms of production technology. The movement from the starting position to the end position is a kind of swivel movement, whereby the corresponding swivel angle corresponds at least approximately to the supplementary angle to 360°. If, for example, in the initial position the folding tabs are perpendicular to the side wall, the corresponding swivel angle is approximately 270°. In some embodiments, there is a free space between adjacent folding flaps trapezoidal-shaped or triangular or rectangular. The corresponding shape of the folding tabs may be produced, for example by punching. By shaping the folding tabs accordingly, they may be mechanically decoupled from each other and also kept decoupled when a movement is made from the starting position to the end position.

[0110] In particular, the end face has an inner edge line and an outer edge line, and a folding tab, which is positioned in the opening, covers and in particular touches the inner edge line. OnGT Docket No. 227254-721601 the one hand, this allows for producing the folding tabs integrally during the thermoforming process. Secondly, this allows for an end position of the folding tabs on the closure element.

[0111] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: the folding tabs sit in one piece on the edge of the side wall; or the folding tabs may be folded and / or pivoted and / or tilted from a position outside the opening into the opening. This allows the folding flaps to be produced in a simple manner and a tamper-evident device may be realized in a simple manner. In some embodiments, a folding line and / or a swivel axis and / or a tilt axis of a movement of the respective folding tab in the closure body is located on the side wall and in particular in the area of the end face. The mobility of a folding tab in relation to the side wall is realized primarily by plastic deformation. In this sense, there is no discrete swivel axis or the like. The movement may be assigned a virtual axis, which may be regarded as a folding line or swivel axis or tilting axis. The terms “folding line”, “swivel axis” and “tilting axis” are to be understood in this sense. The fact that the corresponding line or axis is located on the end wall and in particular in the area of the end face, the closure element with inward-facing folding flaps may be easily produced from a pre-product with outward-facing folding flaps. In some embodiments, the end face has an inner edge line and an outer edge line, and that the folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes are located on the outer edge line. This makes it easy to produce a folding flap by means of a contact area or clamping edge during thermoforming.

[0112] In some embodiments, the folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes of the folding tabs lie in a common plane. This may allow for a simple process for producing the folded flaps from a contact area or clamping edge during thermoforming. In some embodiments, the folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes lie on a first circular line, which in particular surrounds the opening. This may allow for the pre-folded part to be easy to manufacture and also makes it easy to manufacture the closure element from the primary product. In some embodiments, the folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes are transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to a height axis, of the closure body. This may allow for producing the folding tabs due to the corresponding mobility.

[0113] In some embodiments linear stamping processes may be used to position the folding tabs from outside an interior space of the closure body into the closure body. In some embodiments, the folding tabs are arranged on a ring which is connected to the side wall and which is created from a contact area or part of the contact area of a sheet or film on a mold during thermoforming. This allows for producing predecessors for the folding tabs on a ring. The folding flaps may then be produced in their final shape by cutting or punching, for example.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0114] In some embodiments, folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes are provided for the folding flaps to be movable in relation to the side wall. This means that a transition area between a contact area (clamping edge) may be used directly to form (virtual) fold lines or pivot axes or tilting axes during thermoforming. In particular, spaced folding tabs are separated from each other by cutting and, for example, punching. The folding tabs themselves are then cut out, so to speak, from a clamping edge that is present during the thermoforming process. Material may be removed, for example by punching, in order to create the final shape of the folding tabs.

[0115] In some embodiments, folding tabs of a base, when positioned inside the opening of the closure body, do not protrude into an outer space surrounding the side wall or, at most, protrude 0.5 mm into the outer space. This allows the folding tabs to be advantageously integrated into the closure element as a tamper-evident device.

[0116] In some embodiments, folding tabs have a recess on a folding line and / or pivot axis and / or tilt axis, which forms a recess starting from an underside of the respective folding tab, whereby in an end position of the respective folding tab, the underside of the side facing the outer wall. Such an outer wall allows the folding tabs to be positioned “snugly” on the closure element within an interior space of the closure body. A type of immersion space may be provided for the side wall on the corresponding folding flap. In particular, it is then intended that the recess is annular and extends between a first transverse side and an opposite second transverse side of the respective folding flap and is adapted to the end face. For example, the recess is curved with radii, which correspond to the radii of the side wall. This makes it possible to achieve a correspondingly close-fitting positioning of the folding tabs.

[0117] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: the folding flaps have a wall thickness between an underside and an upper side which differs by at most 50% and in particular by at most 25% from a wall thickness of the side wall, and in particular the wall thickness of the side wall corresponds to the wall thickness of a respective folding flap; the wall thickness of the folding flaps is a maximum of 2 mm; the folding tabs are evenly spaced around the opening; or the folding flaps have the same size and shape.

[0118] In some embodiments, the uniform spacing around the opening and the same size and shape allows for producing the folding flaps. The pre-product may be made by thermoforming, and the closure element made from the pre-product by demolding. If the folding tabs have essentially the same wall thickness as other wall elements of the closure body, they may be produced by thermoforming.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0119] In some embodiments, the folding tabs are arranged and designed in such a way that they retain their achieved position when moving towards the side wall. The positioning of the folding tabs may then be achieved by plastic deformation on the thermoplastic material of the closure body. The closure element may then be produced from the pre-product. The mobility may be realized in a simple way. The closure body with the folding tabs may be integrally produced by thermoforming. In some embodiments a thread is arranged on the closure body, in particular with at least one of the following: the thread is located on the side wall; the thread is positioned between the cover wall and the end face; or the thread is an internal or external thread. This allows the closure body to be screwed onto a container. The container may be easily opened and closed again.

[0120] In some embodiments, the folding tabs form a tamper-evident device for the closure element. In the closure element, the folding tabs may be arranged in an interior of the closure body. This results in a narrowing of the cross-section. In this way, a type of press fit and / or form fit of the corresponding container element may be achieved.

[0121] In some embodiments, the closure body has a first part and a second part, wherein the folding tabs are arranged on the first part and the lid wall is attached to the second part, and wherein the closure body is designed such that when a force is exerted on the second part relative to the first part and when a force threshold is exceeded, the second part moves towards the first part and in particular detaches from the first part. This allows for a tamper-evident seal with the aid of the folding tabs, and to recognize whether a corresponding container has already been opened. The container may be opened in a reclosable manner by moving the second part relative to the first part and, in particular, by releasing it.

[0122] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: a thread is arranged on the second part; a transition from the first part to the second part is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point; or at least one securing element, which is connected to the second part, sits integrally on the first part. In some embodiments, the second part may then be removed from the container after releasing the anti-tampering device (by moving the second part towards the first part). Opening may be carried out in the same way as unscrewing. In this way, reclosability may be achieved. By providing at least one predetermined breaking point, for example in in the form of at least one perforation, the second part may be released relative to the first part once a force threshold has been exceeded. Such perforations may be produced, for example, on the preliminary product (after the thermoforming process has been completed).GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0123] When manufacturing the closure body, a securing element may be produced in one piece, in particular from a clamping edge during thermoforming. This may be connected to the first part. The second part, which may in principle be removed from the first part, may be secured against loss in relation to the first part and therefore also in relation to the fastener via the securing element as a holder on which the first part (with the folding tabs as a manipulation safety device) is located. The task mentioned at the beginning is further solved in accordance with the present disclosure in that at least one securing element is arranged on the side wall, wherein the at least one securing element is integrally connected to the side wall. The at least one securing element serves as an anti-loss device for the locking element in relation to the container. The locking element is secured via the at least one securing element is connected to the container, even if the closure element no longer closes the container, or it connects parts of the closure element to one another, in particular a first part of the closure element being held on the container by the securing element and a second part of the closure element being removable from the container and is securely connected to the first part via the locking element.

[0124] In some embodiments, at least one securing element is integrally connected to the side wall. The at least one securing element may be easily produced integrally with the closure body during thermoforming. In particular, the at least one securing element may be connected to the side wall in the area of the end face. This makes it easy to manufacture the at least one securing element integrally with the connector body. In some embodiments, the at least one securing element protrudes outwards from the side wall in a basic position. The basic position is in particular the position of the at least one securing element towards the side wall. The thermoforming process and, if necessary, a cutting or punching process in which the shape of the securing element is cut or punched out of the clamping edge makes it easy to manufacture the closure body with integrated at least one securing element.

[0125] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is produced from a contact area of a sheet or film on a mold during thermoforming. This allows for the at least one securing element to be integrally connected to the closure body (including folding tabs), without subsequent connection or similar with a closure body. This further allows for material-saving use. The recyclability of a corresponding closure element with an integrated at least one securing element is also high.

[0126] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is provided to one or more of the following: a base to which the at least one securing element is connected to the side wall; a fixing area for fixing to the container; or, if necessary, a web area between the base and the fixationGT Docket No. 227254-721601 area. The at least one securing element may be integrally connected to the side wall via the base. The at least one securing element may also be fixed to the container via the fixing area. The web area may be used to adjust the distance between the base and the fixing area, in case of use for a desired application. The fixing area may allow for fixing the at least one securing element and thus the closure element to the container or to fix parts of the container to the container. This fixation may be achieved in different ways, for example by welding or adhesion. The design of the fixing area of the at least one securing element depends on the application. For example, if an adhesive connection is provided it makes sense if the fixing area provides a continuous surface. For other applications, the fixing area may have a recess with an opening to the outside and a horseshoe shape, for example.

[0127] In some embodiments, the fixing area of the at least one securing element is a loop or comprises a loop and is, in particular, an annularly connected loop or comprises such a loop. For example, a neck of a container may be dipped through an opening of the loop, or a form-fit connection with the container may be made via the loop. Such a securing element may be easily integrated during the manufacture of the closure. The corresponding shape may be easily obtained by cutting or punching from a clamping edge. In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is produced by stamping. This results in simple production from a clamping edge during thermoforming.

[0128] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is movable relative to the side wall, with at least one of the following: the at least one securing element is foldable and / or pivotable and / or tiltably connected to the side wall; or the at least one securing element exhibits mobility due to its inherent elasticity. This may allow for creating a securing element with which the closure element may be held securely to a container.

[0129] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: a base of the at least one securing element, with which the at least one securing element is connected to the side wall, lies between folding tabs; the at least one securing element has the same wall thickness as the folding tabs; a folding line and / or swivel axis and / or tilting axis of the at least one securing element for a movability of the at least one securing element of a securing element to the side wall lies in the same plane as folding lines and / or pivot axes and / or tilting axes of folding flaps; or folding tabs and the at least one securing element are produced from the same contact area on a mold during thermoforming.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0130] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element may be integrated with the production of folding tabs. The at least one securing element and the folding tabs may be produced from a clamping edge during thermoforming. Their final shape may be created by punching or cutting the clamping edge. The transition from the closure body to the clamping edge makes it easy to achieve a folding line or pivot axis or tilting axis for movement of the at least one securing element in relation to the side wall.

[0131] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material of the closure body comprises PET. PET is a common material for containers and in particular for bottles. In the case of a closure element made of PET, a standardized material may be used for the system of bottle and closure element. This allows for high recyclability and, in particular, no plastic separation required during recycling. Furthermore, the closure element may be produced with relatively little material input, low mass and low wall thicknesses.

[0132] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material comprises a polystyrene, a polyolefin, a polycarbonate, a polyester or a thermoplastic elastomer (such as TPE, TPE-O, TPE- S, TPE-U). In some embodiments, the closure element is used as a cap and in particular a screwable closure cap for a container and in particular a bottle is designed as a container. The corresponding closure element may be effectively produced in large quantities by thermoforming. In some embodiments, the closure element according to the present disclosure is used for a container which is made of the same thermoplastic material as the closure body, such as, for example, PET. This may allow for in high recyclability.

[0133] According to the present disclosure, a method of the type mentioned at the beginning is provided in which at least one of the following is produced from a clamping edge for the thermoforming process: at least one safety element; or folding tabs, which are separate from each other and may be moved independently of each other in relation to the side wall.

[0134] The present disclosure further provides a method for a closure element according to the present disclosure or preliminary product according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for a closure element to be produced, a clamping edge, which may be present during thermoforming, may be used to produce at least one securing element and / or folding tabs. In particular, the folding tabs and / or the at least one securing element may be produced by punching on the clamping edge. This production by punching allows for shaping of the folding tabs and / or the at least one securing element. In some embodiments, folding tabs are moved from an initial position (in the pre-product), in which they are outside the closure body, by folding and / or pivotingGT Docket No. 227254-721601 and / or tilting through the opening into a may be moved inside the closure body. In some embodiments, the folding tabs then form the tamper-evident device for the closure element when it closes the container.

[0135] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides closures formed from a polymer that may be recycled in the same recycling stream as the containers closed by the closures. Examples of suitable polymers from which the closures described herein may be formed may include polyester resins, including bio-modified polyesters, such as co-polymers of PET and polyethylene furandicarboxylate (“PEF,” also referred to as “polyethylene 2.5- furandi carb oxy late,” polyethylene 2.5 -furanoate,” or “polyethylene furanoate”), which may include from 0 to 100 mole percent of each of PET and PET (for example, 100 mole percent or less of PET, with the remainder, if any. being PEF), and co-polymers modified by isophthalic acid (“IP A”) or other additives or co monomers. In some embodiments, closures may be made of a polyester resin that includes PEF of up to 90 mole percent (0.90 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, the PEF may be derived from a reaction of furandi carb oxy late (“FDCA”) with ethylene glycol polyethylene glycol (“PEG”) and / or diethylene glycol (“DEG”). In some embodiments, closures may be made from a polyester resin having a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG, and / or DEG of up to 50 mole percent (0.5 mole fraction)of the polyester resin. The polyester resin may be prepared by a process including melt blending PEE with PET, or by a process that includes reacting ethylene glycol with FDCA. In some embodiments, closures may be made by injection molding or compression molding a polyester resin including a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG, and / or DEG of up to 90 mole percent (0.90 mole fraction) of the polyester resin), or up to 50 mole percent (0.50 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 5 to 25 mole percent (from 0.05 to 0.25 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 12 to 15 mole percent (0.12 to 0.15 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, closures may be made by thermoforming a polyester resin having a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG. and / or DEG of up to 50 mole percent (0.50 mole percent) of the polyester resin, or from 0.5 to 20 mole percent (from 0.05 to 0.20 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 1 to 8 mole percent (from 0.01 to 0.08 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, a container may be made of a polyester or polyester resin described herein. A closure comprising a polyester or polyester resin described herein may be shrunk to a finish or thermally or ultrasonically bonded to a finish of a container comprising a polyester or polyester resin described herein. Alternatively, a closure may be heat shrunk to a finish.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0136] In some embodiments, a closure may include a plurality of layers of polyester resins. In some embodiments, an inner layer of a plurality of layers may be more compliant than an outer layer of the plurality of layers to more readily deform to the finish, and provide a better seal. Additionally, or alternatively, an outer layer may provide more aesthetic appeal than an inner layer, which may be more functional than an outer layer. Examples of techniques for preparing a closure including a plurality of layers of polyester resins may include thermoforming, compression molding, and injection molding.

[0137] As described herein, examples of closures made from polyester resin, such as PET and / or PEF, may have a number of advantages over closures made from conventional materials, such as HDPE and / or PP. For example, the polyester resin closures described herein may help to avoid contaminating a recycle stream and may be made from a high fraction of recycled polyester resin, such as recycled PET (“rPET”). The rPET supply may be cleaner and more readily accessible than HDPE supplies. In some embodiments, the polyester resins may be supplemented with biobased PET (“bio-PET”) or virgin-PET.

[0138] In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may increase the oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier compared to HDPE and PP, thereby increasing the resulting shelf-life of beverages due to the improvement barrier. In some embodiments, an oxygen barrier of closures including PET may be at least 10 times greater than an oxygen barrier of closures made from HDPE. In some embodiments, the oxygen barrier of closures may even further increase if the closures also include FDCA. In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may not float (e.g., may have a reduction in buoyancy), and may reduce the tendency of closures to contaminate the environment.

[0139] In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may provide for lighter container finishes, which may reduce the cost of materials and the amount of material wasted. Further, because the coefficient of thermal expansion of a polyester resin closure described may closely match the coefficient of thermal expansion of a PET finish of a container, the ability to successfully seal a lighter finish may improve. In some embodiments, during a deformation caused by an external force, such as during storage or transportation, a closure and a finish may deform similarly due to the material of the closure and the finish being similar, resulting in a sealing between the closure and finish remaining intact.

[0140] In some embodiments, because the polyester resin closures are made from a material similar to, or the same as, the container, such as, for example, PET, the closures may be thermally or ultrasonically welded to the finish of the container. In some examples, a polyester resin closureGT Docket No. 227254-721601 described herein may be welded to a PET finish at one or more locations. In some embodiments, a closure may be welded to a top rim of a finish to provide an additional seal between the closure and the finish. In some embodiments, one or more spot welds may be included so as to provide evidence of lack of tampering. The ability to weld a closure to a PET container may also offer a unique way to meet the tethering requirements of the European Union and considered for the United States. In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein may include a tamper-evident (“TE”) band, a spiral tether, or another feature such as a hinge that is spot welded at one or more terminal points to the container, providing a tether with controlled strength.

[0141] In some embodiments, the closures described herein may require from 10 N to 20 N of force for removal.

[0142] In some embodiments, polyester resin closures described herein may be made via a thermoforming process. Thermoformed closures may be designed to balance wall thickness and tuning for an interference fit with container finishes within the elastic limit of PET or any of the other polymers described herein, such as by, for example, including a plug seal or an external seal. Because of the relatively higher stiffness of polyester resins, such as PET, compared to HDPE and PP (for example, on the order of two times higher), the seal designs for conventional HDPE and PP closures may be ineffective for thermoformed polyester resin disclosures described herein, because the seal designs for conventional HDPE and PP closures rely upon a relatively high level of elastic deformation that is generally not achievable with thermoformed polyester resin closures described herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the seal configurations of thermoformed polyester resin closures may be tailored to provide sufficient sealing with less material strain.

[0143] In some embodiments, the thermoforming is done using a thermoforming machine, which shapes the material into the desired size and shape. A thermoforming machine may include a mold, which may be a male mold or a female mold. The male mold may matches a shape of a desired interference with the finish while accounting for shrinkage. The features of the closure that may provide the interference and clearance with the finish may be in contact with the mold.

[0144] In some embodiments, a mold in a thermoforming machine comprises a female mold. Such a female mold would comprise inverting the mold such that the thermoforming material would be inserted into the female mold to impart features from the female mold, rather than the thermoforming material being placed onto the mold to impart features from the mold. In some embodiments, a mold comprises a female mold, which is then penetrated with a male mold to compress a formation of features, e.g., threads, into place. Subsequently, the female portion of theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 mold may be unscrewed from the male mold. In some embodiments, the closure is trimmed from the multilayer structure as a final part or an intermediate part with features on the periphery designed for forming tamper evidence. In some embodiments, a closure of the present disclosure is cooled within a thermoforming machine.

[0145] In some embodiments, a thermoforming machine comprises a rotary thermoforming machine. Rotary thermoforming machines may serve as an alternative to thermoforming closures in a previously formed sheet that is subsequently heated, such that parts may be formed from a thermoplastic material out of the molten state, As a result, parts may be extruded like a sheet that is quenched onto a chilled mold. Rather than forming only a sheet, the chilled mold, typically in the form of a roller or wheel, may also include any number of intricate parts (e.g., threads) for forming closures as segments on the roller. This works particularly well for positive molded parts, also known generally as male mold components. Similar to forming on a flat mold, individual closures with threads may be rotationally removed from a sheet after it is cooled. Such removal may be driven by rotation of a cam or gear within a roller. This method may allow for high fidelity formation of the part and any engravings on the part. In some embodiments, the thermoforming machine comprises multiple rotary thermoforming machines in series.

[0146] In some embodiments, a diameter of a roller or wheel may is matched to an extrusion rate and the part thickness. For example, as a thickness of an extruded sheet decreases (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.5 mm), the parts may need to be removed by rotating off at a faster rate to accommodate the larger material. In some embodiments, the removal may be timed with a cooling rate of the thermoplastic material and a rotational step of the parts. In some embodiments, the formation of knurls on the formed parts may be performed with another roller mated and timed to coin knurls on outer portions of the parts. If not trimmed in place, trimming of the parts from the sheet may be performed in a second station. In some embodiments, design of the mold, roller, and part may allow room for cooling the roller, which, for example, may be performed using chilled water. With advances in additive manufacturing of steels or other alloys, some mold components may be generated by additive manufacturing to get around standard machining limitations that otherwise may cause excessive skeleton scrap.

[0147] In some embodiments, a rotary thermoforming machine comprises a hinged wheel or roller 2601 for receiving an extrusion die or sheet, a screen changer / vacuum pump, and a press. In some embodiments, the rotary thermoforming machine comprises a rotary mold system. In some embodiments, the rotary thermoforming machine rotates at a desired speed, such as, for example, a speed less than 1 RPM, or a speed ranging between about 1 and about 5 RPM, between about 5GT Docket No. 227254-721601 and about 10 RPM, between about 10 and about 20 RPM, between about 20 and about 30 RPM, between about 30 and about 40 RPM, between about 40 and about 50 RPM, between about 50 and about 60 RPM, between about 60 and about 70 RPM, between about 70 and about 80 RPM, or greater than 80 RPM.

[0148] In some embodiments, closures described herein may be made by vacuum forming. In some embodiments, closures described herein may be made via pressure-assisted vacuum forming at pressures up to 4 bar, preferably up to 24 bar, and more preferably up to 40 bar. In some embodiments, a thermoformed polyester resin closure with a plug seal may include a relatively wide sealing surface that may be designed to bridge defects (for example, scratches) that may be present in the finish of a container. By contrast, plug seals of conventional HDPE and PP closures take advantage of the relative softness of the HDPE and PP material and are designed with relatively high levels of elastic deformation that result in relatively smaller areas of sealing contact with the finish. In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein, such as a thermoformed polyester resin disclosure, may include a sealing surface of a plug seal with a width of 0.7 millimeters that may be configured for a finish with an inner diameter of 26 millimeters, and a width of 1.5 millimeters that may be configured for a finish with an inner diameter of 48 millimeters.

[0149] In some embodiments, a plug seal of a closure described herein may be configured for providing an interference fit with a finish, such that a sealing surface of the closure may provide sufficient pressure against a mating surface of the finish and provide sufficient sealing, including for containing pressurized contents, such as carbonated liquids. An amount of interference may refer to a difference between a radius of a sealing surface of a closure and a corresponding sealing surface of a finish. The amount of interference may vary depending on a diameter of a finish and a wall thickness of a closure. In some embodiments, an amount of interference may range from 0.02 millimeters to 0.2 millimeters for material thicknesses in a range of from 0.2 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, an amount of interference for a closure thermoformed from a sheet of PET having a thickness of 0.5 millimeters may be 0.05 millimeters. An amount of interference may be adjusted, for example by changing a behavior of the polyester resin such as by including FDCA and / or DEG, such that a softer polymer may result in a larger interference fit and / or a larger thickness. The values for interference disclosed herein are nominal interference values provided as examples, and variations from the disclosed values may occur due to manufacturing variability.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0150] In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein may be thermoformed from a sheet of polyester resin described herein having a thickness of from 0.20 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters. In some embodiments, a sheet of polyester resin may have a thickness of from0.20 millimeters to 1.95 millimeters, or to 1.90 millimeters, or to 1.85 millimeters, or to 1.80 millimeters, or to 1.75 millimeters, or to 1.70 millimeters, or to 1.65 millimeters, or to 1.60 millimeters, or to 1.55 millimeters, or to 1.50 millimeters, or to 1.45 millimeters, or to 1.40 millimeters, or to 1.35 millimeters, or to 1.30 millimeters, or to 1.25 millimeters, or to 1.20 millimeters, or to 1.15 millimeters, or to 1.10 millimeters, or to 1.05 millimeters, or to 1.00 millimeters, or to 0.95 millimeters, or to 0.90 millimeters, or to 0.85 millimeters, or to 0.80 millimeters, or to 0.75 millimeters, or to 0.70 millimeters, or to 0.65 millimeters, or to 0.60 millimeters, or to 0.55 millimeters, or to 0.50 millimeters, or to 0.45 millimeters, or to 0.40 millimeters, or to 0.35 millimeters, or to 0.30 millimeters, or 0.25 millimeters; or from 0.25 millimeters, or from 0.30 millimeters, or from 0.35 millimeters, or from 0.40 millimeters, or from 0.45 millimeters, or from 0.50 millimeters, or from 0.55 millimeters, or from 0.60 millimeters, or from 0.65 millimeters, or from 0.70 millimeters, or from 0.75 millimeters, or from 0.80 millimeters, or from 0.85 millimeters, or from 0.90 millimeters, or from 0.95 millimeters, or from 1.00 millimeters, or from 1.05 millimeters, or from 1.10 millimeters, or from 1.15 millimeters, or from 1.20 millimeters, or from 1.25 millimeters, or from 1.30 millimeters, or from 1.35 millimeters, or from 1.40 millimeters, or from 1.45 millimeters, or from 1.50 millimeters, or from 1.55 millimeters, or from 1.60 millimeters, or from 1.65 millimeters, or from 1.70 millimeters, or from 1.75 millimeters, or from 1.80 millimeters, or from 1.85 millimeters, or from 1.90 millimeters, or from 1.95 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters; or any range that may be formed from any two of the foregoing numbers, including any subranges therebetween. Preferably, a sheet of polyester resin may have a thickness of from 0.50 millimeters to 0.90 millimeters, including any of 0.50 millimeters. 0.55 millimeters, 0.60 millimeters, 0.65 millimeters. 0.70 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters, 080 millimeters, 0.85 millimeters, or 0.90 millimeters, including any ranges or subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, a desirable or preferable thickness of a sheet of a polyester resin described herein used to prepare a polyester resin closure described herein may be a determinable function of a diameter of a polyester resin closure.

[0151] In some embodiments, so as to allow a plug seal of a closure described herein to deform when engaging a finish, a thermoformed polyester resin closure may be configured with sufficient radial clearance between an outer surface of the finish and an outer wall of the closure, which encloses the outer surface of the finish. Without a radial clearance, a plug seal of a closure may not be able to fully insert within a finish, or stress on a closure may be high enough to cause failure.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0152] In some embodiments, a thermoformed polyester resin closure described herein may be configured with an external seal that seals with an outer surface of a mouth of a finish. The external seal may be achieved with an interference fit with the finish. An amount of interference may depend on the application. Examples of interferences and wall thicknesses disclosed above for the plug seal may be used for the external seal. In some embodiments, a sealing of the external seal may be enhanced by taking advantage of an ability of a polyester resin to heat shrink by heat shrinking a closure after capping.

[0153] To achieve a suitable interference of a seal, such as a plug seal and / or an external seal, with the finish, and In some embodiments, a suitable clearance between an outer wall of a closure and a finish, the dimensions of the interference and the clearance may be well controlled during manufacture by thermoforming a closure using a male mold that matches a shape of a desired interference with the finish while accounting for shrinkage. The features of the closure that may provide the interference and clearance with the finish may be in contact with the mold.

[0154] Because thermoformed polyester resins are relatively stiff, a sealing surface of a polyester resin closure may have a relatively low surface roughness. In some embodiments, a low surface roughness may be achieved by polishing regions of a thermoforming mold that form the sealing surfaces. In some embodiments, portions of a thermoforming mold that do not form the sealing surfaces of the closure are not polished, or are not polished to the same degree as portions that do form the sealing surface so as to avoid a closure sticking to the mold and being difficult to release. Examples of a roughness of sealing surface(s) of a closure may include about 0.2 microns (an Ra value of 0.2 or an N4 finish).

[0155] In some embodiments, a seal, a thread-engagement, and / or a TE band of a polyester resin disclosure described herein may be configured to provide an opening torque in a range of from 0.45 N-m to 1.24 N m, and preferably 1.02 N-m. In some embodiments, a closure may be configured to provide a pressure retention of less than or equal to 2 bar, and preferably less than or equal to 10 bar.

[0156] In some embodiments, a polyester resin used in thermoformed closures described herein may include some amount of FDCA and / or DEG, which may provide numerous advantages. For example, FDCA and DEG may interfere with crystal formation, so resulting material may have a longer processing window in which to form features on the closure. Additionally, including FDCA and / or DEG may make material of a closure sufficiently different from material of a finish such that the closure does not fuse to the container during storage. Additionally, including FDCAGT Docket No. 227254-721601 and / or DEG may lower a modulus of material of a closure, which may allow for higher material strains, and higher material strains may be useful for increasing a seal between a closure and a finish.

[0157] In some embodiments, a closure may be made by injection molding or compression molding a polymer resin. In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include some amount of FDCA and / or DEG. The FDCA and / or DEG content may sufficiently reduce the modulus of the material such that a closure may easily eject from various cavities of a mold. For example, a modulus of the amorphous phase of the material may be in the range of 1 to 3 GPa. An increased FDCA content may increase the processing window such that ejection of a closure is easier, because the polyester resin may remain soft for a longer period of time. The amount of FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin that is submitted to injection molding or compression molding may be relatively higher than an amount of FDCA and / or DEG in a thermoformed closure because of a need for greater compliance in injection molding or compression molding. In some embodiments, an ability of a material to flow during injection molding or compression molding may be increased by limiting an intrinsic viscosity of the material. Examples of methods of limiting an intrinsic viscosity of the material may include limiting the duration of solid-state polymerization of the polyester resin after synthesizing the polyester resin. In some embodiments, an intrinsic viscosity may be in a range of from 0.4 dL / g to 0.7 dL / g. A higher intrinsic viscosity may lead to more toughness in the final closure. In some embodiments, an intrinsic viscosity in the range of Irom 0.8 dL / g to 1.2 dL / g may be beneficial for toughness. A bimodal resin may provide benefits from both of a low viscosity polyester and a high viscosity polyester to impart both beneficial flow and toughness characteristics. Similar to thermoformed closures, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the closure material may be made sufficiently different from a finish material such that the closure may not fuse to the container during storage. Further, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the modulus of the closure material may be lowered, which may allow for higher material strains, and which may increase the seal between the closure and the finish. Further, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the co-monomers may also lower the melting point, allowing reduced energy for bonding or intentional sealing using heat as is used with inductive seals on metalized film.

[0158] In some embodiments, a movable core component may be used in injection molding or compression molding in order to reduce the need of warm threads so as to strip stiff PET, which is conventionally performed with injection molded HDPE. In some embodiments, an FDCA-. PEG-, and / or DEG-modified polyester resin may be used in combination with a movable core.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0159] In some embodiments, closures may be colored using dye or dyeing processes that are compatible with recycling. For example, a dye used to color a closure may be compatible with recycling. In some embodiments, a dye or an ink may be removable via washing. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of a closure.

[0160] Closures may be configured to fit custom or industry standard finishes. Examples of industry standard thread finishes may include 26 / 22, 29 / 25, 29 / 21, 28PCO1881, 30 / 25, 38 / 33, and 48 mm.

[0161] In some embodiments, a closure may be made of a PET-based copolymer that may be particularly suited for injection molding and / or thermoforming. The PET-based copolymer incorporates a co-monomer to control crystallization and reduce melt processing temperatures. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a copolymer of PET and PET (also referred to as a FDCA-modified PET copolymer, or “PETF”). In some embodiments, the FDCA may be incorporated at a range of amounts such as to enhance the polymer reaction rates during both melt and solid state polymerization, and such as to allow polymer performance that may match traditional PET controlled by adding an amount of IPA. In some embodiments, FDCA may be substituted for or added to PET in addition to IPA so as to make PETF. In some embodiments, FDCA may be added in a low fraction, and the PETF copolymer product may be made following the same process as to make PET.

[0162] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a FDCA-modified PET copolymer that incorporates FDCA at an amount that may allow appropriate retardation of crystal formation in PET during closure forming. In some embodiments, the PETF may include less than 10 mole % FDCA, or less than 9 mole % FDCA, or less than 8 mole % FDCA, or less than 7 mole % FDCA, or less than 6 mole % FDCA, or less than 5 mole % FDCA, or less than 4 mole % FDCA, or less than 3 mole % FDCA, or less than 2 mole %, or less than 1 mole % FDCA, or an amount in a range formed from any two of the foregoing numbers, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the PETF may include as low as 0.5 mole % FDCA, and retard crystal formation sufficiently. In some embodiments, the PETF may include from 0.5 mole % to 5 mole % FDCA, of from 0.5 mole % to 4 mole % FDCA, or from 0.5 mole % to 3 mole % FDCA, or from 0.5 mole % to 2 mole % FDCA, or from 1 mole % to 5 mole % FDCA, or from 1 mole % to 4 mole % FDCA, or from 1 mole % to 3 mole % FDCA, or from 1 mole % to 2 mole % FDCA; or about 1.1 mole % FDCA. or about 1.2 mole % FDCA, or about 1.3 mole % FDCA, or about 1.4 mole % FDCA. or about 1.5 mol % FDCA, or about 1.7 mol % FDCA. or about 1.8 mol % FDCA, or about 1.9 mol % FDCA, or about 2 mol % FDCA, or anGT Docket No. 227254-721601 amount in a range formed from any two of the foregoing numbers, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0163] In some embodiments, the copolymers provided herein may include repeating units (L), (M), and (N), or any salts thereof:

[0164] Repeating unit (L) may be a polyethylene furanoate (“PEF”) repeating unit based on furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In some embodiments, repeating unit (L) may be present in an amount of from 0.5 mol %, to 90.0 mol %, or to 85.0 mol %, or to 80.0 mol %, or to 75.0 mol %, or to 70.0 mol %, or to 65.0 mol %, or to 60.0 mol %, or to 55.0 mol %, or to 50.0 mol %, or to 45.0 mol %, or to 40.0 mol % or to 35.0 mol %, or to 30.0 mol %, or to 25.0 mol %, or to 20.0 mol %, or to 15.0 mol %, or to 10.0 mol %, or to 9.5 mol %, or to 9.0 mol %, or to 8.5 mol %, or to 8.0 mol %, or to 7.5 mol %, or to 7.0 mol %, or to 6.5 mol %, or to 6.0 mol % of the copolymer; or from 6.5 mol %, or from 7.0 mol %, or from 7.5 mol %, or from 8.0 mol %, or from 8.5 mol %, or from 9.0 mol %, or from 9.5 mol %, or from 10.0 mol %, or from 15.0 mol %, or from 20.0 mol %, or from 25.0 mol %, or from 30.0 mol %, or from 35.0 mol %, or from 40.0 mol %, or from 45.0 mol %, or from 50.0 mol %, or from 55.0 mol %, or from 60.0 mol %, or from 65.0 mol %, or from 70.0 mol %, or from 75.0 mol %, or from 80.0 mol %, or from 85.0 mol % to 90.0 mol % of the copolymer; or any range made from any two of the foregoing numbers, including any subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, repealing unit (L) may be present in an amount of from 0.5 mol % to 6.0 mol % of the copolymer, including all subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, repealing unit (L) may be present in an amount of up to 90.0 mol % of the copolymer. As the mole percent of FDCA is increased, the rate and degree of crystallization of PET may decrease.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0165] Repealing unit (M) is may be based on terephthalic acid (“PTA” or “TP A”). In some embodiments, repeating unit (M) may be present in an amount of from 10.0 mol % to 99.5 mol %, or to 99.0 mol %, or to 98.5 mol %, or to 98.0 mol %, or to 91.5 mol %, or to 97.0 mol %, or to 96.5 mol %, or to 96.0 mol %, or to 95.5 mol %, or to 95.0 mol %, or to 94.5 mol %, or to 94.0 mol%, or to 93.5 mol %, or to 93.0 mol%, or to 92.5 mol %, or to 92.0 mol %, or to 91.5 mol %, or to 91.0 mol %, or to 90.5 mol %, or to 90.0 mol %, or to 85.0 mol %, or to 80.0 mol %, or to 75.0 mol %, or to 70.0 mol %, or to 65.0 mol %, or to 60.0 mol %, or to 55.0 mol %, or to 50.0 mol %, or to 45.0 mol %, or to 40.0 mol %, or to 35.0 mol %, or to 30.0 mol %, or to 25.0 mol %, or to 20.0 mol %, or to 15.0 mol %, or to 10.0 mol %; or from 10.0 mol %, or from 15.0 mol %, or from 20.0 mol %, or from 25.0 mol %, or from 30.0 mol %, or from 35.0 mol %, or from 40.0 mol %, or from 45.0 mol %, or from 50.0 mol %, or from 55.0 mol %, or from 60.0 mol %, or from 65.0 mol %, or from 70.0 mol %, or from 75.0 mol %, or from 80.0 mol %, or from 85.0 mol %, or from 90.0 mol %, or from 90.5 mol %, or from 91.0 mol %, or from 91.5 mol %, or from 92.0 mol %, or from 92.5 mol %, or from 93.0 mol %, or f rom 93.5 mol %, or from 94.0 mol %, or from 94.5 mol %, or from 95.0 mol %, or from 95.5 mol %, or from 96.0 mol %, or from 96.5 mol %, or from 97.0 mol %, or from 97.5 mol %, or from 98.0 mol %, or from 98.5 mol % to 90.0 mol %; or any range made from any two of the foregoing numbers, including any subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, repeating unit (M) may be present in an amount of from 94 mol % to 99.5 mol %, including all subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, repeating unit (M) may be present in at least 10.0 mol % of the copolymer.

[0166] Repeating unit (N) is based on IP A, and may be optional. In some embodiments, repeating unit (N) may be present in an amount of from 0 mol % to 4 mol %, including all subranges therebetween.

[0167] In some embodiments, the FDCA-modified PET copolymers described herein may act as a polymerization / melt-processing aid and may lead to several processing advantages, including, for example: improving the melt-phase polymerization times and / or process temperatures; allowing lower melt-phase processing temperatures, which may reduce thermal degradation byproducts and may improve b* (yellow) color of the copolymer; as FDCA concentration increases, decreasing process temperatures and protecting the polymer from thermal degradation by-products that may be associated with FDCA polymers produced at typical, unmodified PET process temperatures; reducing the melt temperatures of the copolymer to allow lower processing temperatures in closure forming; reducing the melt temperatures without reducing the melt viscosity in closure forming; producing polymers with high intrinsic viscosity (“IV”) at polymerization times and temperatures associated with unmodified PET; and / or producing highGT Docket No. 227254-721601IV polymers with high IV at solid-state polymerization times and temperatures associated with unmodified PET.

[0168] In some embodiments, crystal nucleation in PETF including FDCA in amounts of <2 mol % may be accelerated by nano-particles that have the ability to nucleate crystals in PET. In some embodiments, the rate nucleation of PETF including FDCA in amounts of >2 mol %, and even over 5 mol, may be increased by using crystallization additives such as graphene.

[0169] In some embodiments, a PEF component may have less entanglement density than PET.

[0170] In some embodiments, the PETF provided herein may have low PEF yellowing due to low FDCA fractions used.

[0171] In some embodiments, pellet blending for PETF concentration may be another route to PET with a low mole percent of FDCA.

[0172] In some embodiments, PETF for use in the polyester resin closures described herein may be made by esterification of ethylene glycol (“EG”) and PTA in the presence of FDCA and optionally IPA. In some embodiments. FDCA may be present in a range of from 0.05 mol % to 6 mol %, or from 1.5 mol % to 2 mol %, including all ranges and subranges therebetween. In some embodiments of PETF, in which IPA is also incorporated, IPA may be present in a range of from 0.01 mol % to 2 mol %, including all subranges therebetween.PTA-Based Melt Polymer Process

[0173] In some embodiments, the initial reaction of the PTA-based polymer process may react PTA with EG under a pressure of 40-50 psig at 250-270°C. Water may be evolved and separated using a distillation column. The reaction may be carried out under pressure because of the low solubility of PTA in EG at the boiling point of EG of 197°C. After most of the theoretical amount of water has been collected, the pressure may be reduced to atmospheric as the remaining water is evolved. The resulting bi s(2-hydroxy ethyl) terephthalate (“BHET”) may be heated in the presence of a suitable catalyst (such as antimony triglycolate), and EG is extracted in a kind of ester- interchange as two molecules of BHET form a dimer. If the released EG is removed from the system by distillation, further reactions may be possible. In some embodiments, a dimer may react with another BHET molecule to form a trimer; two molecules of dimer may form a tetramer. By such stepwise growth process, a high-molecular-weight polymer may be produced.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0174] In some embodiments, suitable catalysts used for PET polymerization may include Sb- and Ti-based catalysts. In some embodiments, phosphoric acid and phosphates may be added to perform one or more of several roles, including, for example to serve as a catalyst or to minimize thermal oxidation. In some embodiments, impurities in PTA may be less than 1 ppm of one or more of Fe, Co, Mo, Ni, Ti, Cr, Ca, Al, MG, Na, and K. Impurities of greater quantity may be present in PTA, and the impurities may act as chain terminators or cause discoloration.

[0175] For melt-phase polymerization, high temperatures, such as from 265 to 300°C, may be required, and the pressure above the melt polymer must be reduced to approximately 1 torr so as to facilitate the high molecular weights required for polymer performance. In production plants, multi-stage steam or glycol ejectors may be used to achieve the low pressure of approximately I torr.PTA-Based Solid-State Polymerization (“SSP”)

[0176] Polyesters may be polymerized in the solid state as well as in the melt phase. In some embodiments, to achieve solid-state polymerization, the polymer chip produced in the melt polymer process may be heated to high temperatures, such as from 200 to 210°C, under vacuum or in a stream of inert gas, such as nitrogen. The SSP process may allow high molecular weights to be achieved without the problems associated with processing hot, extremely viscous melts. Further, because the reaction temperature of the SSP process is lower than melt polymerization, thermal degradation of the polymer may be minimal.

[0177] During melt polymerization, degradation reactions may lead to the formation of acetaldehyde (“AA”) and carboxyl end groups. The SSP process acts as a “cleaning” process that may remove the melt phase degradation products and may reduce AA levels in polymer chips to 1 ppm or lower. Reduction of AA levels may be important for polymers used to make food-grade bottles destined to contain sodas and water, because even trace amounts of AA may produce off- flavors.

[0178] The main reaction in SSP is polyesterification, a result of the dehydration reaction between carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups on the polymer chains. The results of the polyesterification process gives SSP the ability to increase the viscosity and reduce the carboxyl end group (“CEG”) level in the polymer, both of which may be desirable properties in downstream applications. Furthermore, SSP also removes the cyclic oligomers formed in the melt phase polymers that may cause deposition problems in downstream polymer applications.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0179] The rate of SSP may be governed by the diffusion of water and glycol out of the polymer chip and / or the rate of removal of AA. The reaction rate may be highly dependent upon a size of a polymer chip and there may be a molecular weight gradient from a surface to a center of a polymer chip.

[0180] In some embodiments, toners may be used to adjust a color of the resulting PETF.

[0181] In some embodiments, PETF for closures may be produced by melt mixing or blending pellets including FDCA in higher concentrations with PET that does not include FDCA. In some embodiments, 10 mol % PET including an FDCA content of 10% blended with 90 mol % PET without FDCA yields PET including 1% FDCA.Thermoformed PET Closure with Plug Seal

[0182] Referring to FIG. 1, a side view with partial diametrical cross section of an example of a thermoformed polyester resin closure 100 mounted to an example of a finish 200 of a container typically used for storing liquid contents, such as still or carbonated drinks, is illustrated. Closure 100 may be made of any of the polyester resins described herein. Closure 100 includes internal threads 102 formed into outer cylindrical wall 104 of closure 100 for engaging with external threads 206 of finish 200. The threads 206 may be continuous threads or may be interrupted threads. Other examples may be configured for snap-on engagement with finish 200. Outer cylindrical wall 104 extends downwardly from annular wall 112.

[0183] Closure 100 includes plug seal 108 for sealing against inner surface 204 of finish 200. Plug seal 108 includes cylindrical wall 110 that extends downwardly from annular wall 112 of closure 100. Annular wall 112 may be configured to scale against top surface 210 of rim 208 of finish 200. Outwardly facing radical surface 114 of inner cylindrical wall 110 of plug seal 108 may be dimensioned for an interference fit with the corresponding inwardly facing surface 204 of rim 208 of finish 200 for sealing. In some embodiments, an interference fit maybe 0.05 millimeters for a wall thickness of 0.5 millimeters. As closure 100 is threaded onto finish 200, plug seal 108 is forced into the mouth of finish 200 into a compressed state in which outwardly facing radial surface 114 of plug seal 108 pushes against inwardly facing surface 204 of finish 200, forming a seal, the mouth being the open volume between diametrically opposing inwardly facing surfaces 204 of rim 208 of finish 200. Inner cylindrical wall 110 extends downwardly from annular wall 112 to lower wall 120. The degree of interference fit and dimensions of plug seal 108 and finish 200 determine the sealing force and. thus, these parameters may be adjusted to adjust the degree of sealing force for a given application. The interference fit between plug seal 108 and finish 200GT Docket No. 227254-721601 may serve as a sealing feature for sealing closure 100 to finish 200. Plug seal 108 may include chamfer 122 for guiding plug seal 108 past lip 212 of the mouth of finish 200 as closure 100 is capped onto the container.

[0184] Plug seal 108 may be configured to have a relatively wide sealing interface with finish 200, the sealing interface being the contact area between outwardly facing radial surface 114 and inwardly facing surface 204 of finish 200, the sealing interface being designed to bridge defects (for example, scratches) that may be present in finish 200. An example width for the contact area between outwardly facing radial surface 114 and inwardly facing surface of the finish for finish 200 with an inner diameter of 26 millimeters may be 0.7 millimeters, and for finish 200 with an inner diameter of 48 millimeters may be 1.5 millimeters.

[0185] To enable closure 100 to elastically deform in the region of plug seal 108, closure 100 may be designed lor a clearance between outer skirt 126 of outer cylindrical wall 104 of closure 100 and corresponding outer surface 214 of rim 208 of finish 200. The amount of clearance may be at least as much as the amount of interference of plug seal 108 with finish 200. For example, the amount of clearance may be 0.05 millimeters or more for an interference of 0.05 millimeters.

[0186] An interference fit 250 may be provided for threads 102 to ensure that closure 100 is tightly fitted to finish 200. An exemplary interference fit is 0.05 millimeters. Interference fit 324 of threads 102 may also serve as a sealing feature for sealing closure 100 to finish 200. The interference may increase with reduction of the modulus of the material of closure 100.

[0187] In some embodiments, closure 100 includes tamper evidence feature 116, which in FIG. 1 is illustrated in the form of folded band 106 that engages with a tamper evidence ledge 202 of finish 200. As closure 100 is threaded onto finish 200, folded band 106 rides over ledge 202, and once folded band 106 has cleared ledge 202, fits into place beneath ledge 202, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Tamper evidence feature 116 may include a plurality of spaced-apart bridges 128 that connect folded band 106 to main body 124 of closure 100. In the event that closure 100 is unthreaded from finish 200, folded band 106 will be retained in position by ledge 202. The upward force from unthreading of closure 100 will eventually cause sufficient stress on bridges 128 that they will break, providing evidence that closure 100 has been tampered with.

[0188] Optionally, one or more of bridges 128 may be dimensioned such that its or their breaking stress is greater than the breaking stress of remaining bridges 128 such that the one or more bridges 128 will remain intact to provide a tether to keep closure 100 attached to the bottle upon removal.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0189] In some embodiments of closure 100, a pull tab may be included in place of an anticounterfeit feature or folded band 106 as tamper evidence feature 116. The pull tab may be configured such that the pull tab must be at least partially removed in order to disengage closure 100 from finish 200.

[0190] Closure 100 may be thermoformed with a sheet of PET (or any of the materials described herein) with a thickness of 0.22 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters, preferably about 0.5 millimeters.

[0191] In some embodiments, the interface between annular wall 112 and top surface 210 of rim 208 of finish 200 may serve as a secondary seal. In some embodiments, the secondary seal may be formed and / or enhanced by welding the two surfaces together, such as ultrasonically or via direct application of heat.

[0192] In some embodiments, the portion of closure 100 with the greatest diameter is cylindrical in shape without any significant outwardly projecting interruptions in the general cylindrical shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, lower outer wall 120 of outer cylindrical wall 104 of main body 124, which is at the greatest diameter of closure 100, may be vertical, which may enable the use of conventional capping equipment, which is typically designed to grip onto cylindrical shapes.

[0193] Lower wall 130 extends across a bottom of inner cylindrical wall 110. In some embodiments, lower wall 130 may have a concave upward shape as illustrated in the example in FIG. 1 that, when pressure is applied (upward against lower wall 130 from pressurized contents of the container that closure 100 closes, becoming convex downward. A change in shape may result in the pressure applied to lower wall 130 increasing the pressure on the sealing interface between plug seal 108 and finish 200. In some embodiments, lower wall 130 may include one or more ridges, such as cylindrical ridges, or other features to control a shape that lower wall 130 may form when under pressure.

[0194] Thermoformed polyester resin closures may be configured with an external seal instead of or in addition to a plug seal. External seals may be easier to thermoform than plug seals, and may provide sufficient sealing for at least some beverages. Optionally, a heat shrinking step may be used to solidify the external seal of the closure. In the embodiment where external seals are created, the PET closure can be welded to the PET finish to create tamper evident seals. For example, the weld can leave behind evidence on the finish and the closure after the closure has been opened the first time. In some embodiments, external seals, e.g., welds, can provide for lowerGT Docket No. 227254-721601 cost alternatives to other tamper evidence embodiments, closures with welds can be lower cost to produce, and those closures can still be re-closable. In some embodiments, external seals can replace the need for foil seals on the top of a finish, thereby reducing the bill of materials and bottling time.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 2, a diametrical cross-sectional view of another example of a thermoformed resin closure 300 that includes external seal 380 for sealing to finish 350 of a container is illustrated. Closure 300 may be made of any of the polyester resins described herein. External seal 380 may be provided by an interference fit between an inner surface 302 of the top end of closure 300 and outer surface 354 of mouth 352 of finish 350. An exemplary interference fit may be 0.05 milliliters.

[0196] Similar to closure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, closure 300 may be configured for threaded engagement with finish 350 or may be configured for a snap-on pressure fit engagement with finish 350. Closure 300 may also include a tamper evidence feature such as folded band 304 like folded band 106 in closure 100.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure 400 with anti-counterfeit features 401 is illustrated in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively. A double-sided arrow is provided for indicating a height of a finish of the container 450 relative to a base of an outer wall of the closure, which can vary as desired based on a desired height of the closure. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the anti-counterfeit features 401 are illustrated across multiple rows of threading of the closure 400 along an outer cylindrical wall of the closure 400.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure 500 with anti-counterfeit features 501 is illustrated in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively. In FIGS. 4A-4B, multiple anti-counterfeit features 501 are illustrated along a top surface of the closure 500, where the anti-counterfeit features 501 are spaced unevenly around a circumference of an annular wall of the closure 500. As shown, the anti-counterfeit features 501 are also relatively rough. Closure 500 also has a short height and outer cylindrical wall relative to closure 400 in FIGS. 3A-3B, as there are no threads in this embodiment due to the short height of the closure 500. Further, closure 500 has resulted in a greater than 200 lb side load resistance for removing from the container 550.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, various views of an exemplary embodiment of a closure 600 either with (FIGS. 5A-5B) or without (FIGS. 5C-5E) outer cylindrical walls 601, respectively,GT Docket No. 227254-721601 with anti-counterfeit features (not shown) are illustrated with a hinge 602 for opening and closing. The hinge 602 allows for sealing the closure 600, and to allow for the closure 600 to remain attached to the finish of the container 650. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate closures 600 with a thread 603 on an outer cylindrical wall 601. FIGS. 5C-5E illustrate partial side views of a closure 600 that is directly welded to the container 650 at the hinge 602. FIG. 5C illustrates a closure 600 having an open position and closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 5D and 5E, respectively. In some embodiments, the closure 600 can be welded to the finish much like the closure of FIGS. 9A-9B.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, a side view of a closure 700 and a finish of a container 750 either not including (FIG. 6 A) or including (FIGS. 6B-6D) a hinge 701 are illustrated, respectively. Weld tags 702a and 702b are shown left on the closure 700 and container 750, respectively, indicating tamper evidence that is available on each of the container 750 and the closure 700 that the closure 700 has been removed from the container 750. Additional weld tags can be added to the closure 700 and container 750 for additional visual evidence. FIGS. 6B-6D illustrate views of a closure 700 that is directly welded to the container 750 at a hinge 701. FIG. 6B illustrates a partial perspective view of a closure 700 having an open position and a closed position, illustrated in perspective views in FIGS. 6C and 6D, respectively.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure 800 with anti-counterfeit features 801 is illustrated in both opaque and transparent configurations, respectively. In FIGS. 7A-7B, multiple anti-counterfeit features 801 as “welded bridges” are illustrated along a lower end of an outer cylindrical wall of the closure 800, where the anti-counterfeit features 801 are spaced unevenly around a circumference of the closure 500. Closure 800 also has a taller height and outer cylindrical wall relative to closure 500 in FIGS. 4A- 4B, as there are threads in this embodiment. FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of the closure 800 with weld tags 802a and 802b on each of the closure 800 and container finish 850, respectively, indicating tamper evidence that is available on each of the container and the closure that the closure has been removed from the container. It should be noted that the anti-counterfeit features 801 can be used in any of the other embodiments, for example, in cases where the closure is snap-fit onto the finish.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 8, a side view of a closure 900 and a container finish 950 with an anti-counterfeit feature 901 is illustrated on a lower thread. Such a welded anti-counterfeit feature 901, by being on a lower edge of the closure 900, allows for greater tactile comfort, for example, when drinking from the container finish 950 as there is less likelihood of contact with skin.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, a perspective view of a closure 1000 and a container finish 1050 with anti-counterfeit features 1001 are illustrated in both closed and open configurations, respectively. FIG. 9A illustrates anti-counterfeit features 1001 on a top surface of the closure 1000. FIG. 9B illustrates welding tags 1002a and 1002b on each of the closure 1000 and the container finish 1050, respectively, which allows for more obvious tamper evidence once removed. In some embodiments, the anti-counterfeit features 1001 on a top surface of the finish 1050 and welding tags 1002a, 1002b, of FIGS. 9A-9B can be implemented in other embodiments, for example, for use in the closure 600 of FIGS. 5A-5E and the closure 700 of FIGS. 6A-6D.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10B, photographs of exemplary embodiments of a closure 1100 having folding tabs 1101 that are extended around a container 1110 or independent, respectively, are illustrated. In FIG. 10A, the folding tabs 1101 are arranged on a ring 1103 which is connected to a side wall 1104 of a closure 1100. The container 1110 further includes a tamper evidence ledge 1111 below a finish of the container 1110, the tamper evidence ledge 1111 having cams 1112 projecting at discrete locations around a circumference of the container 1110. In some embodiments, the cams 1112 may be blown into the container 1110 during manufacturing or prior to engaging the closure 1100 with the container 1110 during assembly. The cams 1112 act as stops to cause the folding tabs 1101 to break at perforations (e.g., bridges) once the pressure exceeds the force required for the perforations to break. The ring 1103 may help lock the folding tabs 1101 onto the cams 1112 during assembly. In some embodiments, the cams 1112 can be replaced or provided in addition to a tamper evidence bead (not shown) that is blown into the container 1110 during manufacturing or assembly, the tamper evidence bead being configured to catch the ring 1103. In FIG. 10B, there is no ring 1103, rather the folding tabs 1101 are independent from each other. Here, the folding tabs 1101 may operate as “flags” that either entirely break or are just weakened when force is applied when opening the closure 1100 from the container 1110.

[0205] Many different shapes for each of the ring, 1103, folding tabs 1101, cams 1112, or the tamper evidence bead are possible. In some embodiments, such shapes may include a ratchet-like shape, or the folding tabs 1101 can be tucked under a skirt of the container 1110. In some embodiments, the closure 1100 is split such that a greater or lesser height of the existing height of the closure 1100 is used as a tamper evidence band. In some embodiments, the ring 1103 is welded at one or more discrete locations along the container 1110 so as to allow for tethering of the ring 1103 and / or the rest of the closure 1100 to the container 1110 as the one or more discrete locations.

[0206] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11B, photographs of exemplary embodiments of a closure 1200 having folding tabs 1201 that are extended around a container 1210 or independent,GT Docket No. 227254-721601 respectively, are illustrated. In FIG. 11 A, the folding tabs 1201 are arranged on a ring 1203 which is connected to a side wall 1204 of a closure 1200. The container 1210 further includes a tamper evidence ledge 1211 below a finish of the container 1210, the folding tabs 1201 being welded to the tamper evidence ledge 1211 at discrete locations around a circumference of the container 1210. In some embodiments, the welds may be welded via hot welding or the like onto the container 1210 during or after engaging (i.e., after capping) the closure 1200 with or onto the container 1210 during assembly. The welds form bonds that act as stops to cause the folding tabs 1201 to break at perforations (e.g., bridges) once the pressure exceeds the force required for the perforations to break. The welds thus provide tamper evidence when the welded bonds break. The ring 1203 may help lock the folding tabs 1201 onto the welded bonds during assembly. In FIG. 1 IB, there is no ring 1203, rather the folding tabs 1201 are independent from each other. Here, the folding tabs 1212 may operate as “flags” that either entirely break or are just weakened at the welded bonds when force is applied when opening the closure 1200 from the container 1210.

[0207] The present disclosure additionally provides methods of making closures described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a closure described herein may include thermoforming a sheet of polyester resin into the closure. In some embodiments, the thermoforming may include applying the sheet of polyester resin to a male mold. In some embodiments, a method of making a closure described herein may include injection molding or compression molding a polyester resin into the closure.

[0208] The present disclosure additionally provides methods of sterilizing closures and containers described herein. In some embodiments, a method of sterilizing a closure and a container described herein may include exposing the closure to a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of inactivating pathogens. Exposure of the closure to the source of electromagnetic radiation may be enhanced by the transparency of the closure. The closure may be exposed to the source of electromagnetic radiation before or after the closure is applied to the container. Electromagnetic radiation may be capable of inactivating pathogens. For example, electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of from 200 to 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, the exposing may be for a duration from 1 minute, or from 2 minutes, or from 5 minutes, or from 10 minutes, or from 15 minutes, or from 20 minutes, or from 25 minutes to 30 minutes or more; or from 2 minutes to 5 minutes, or to 10 minutes, or to 15 minutes, or to 20 minutes, or to 25 minutes, or to 30 minutes or more; or any range made from any two of the foregoing numbers, including any subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of 253 nanometers to 254 nanometers. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of from 255GT Docket No. 227254-721601 nanometers to 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of about 230 nanometers. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of less than 10'7meters. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of less than 10'11meters. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of up to 10'6m. The source of electromagnetic radiation may also be of a wavelength within a range formed by any two foregoing wavelengths, including any subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the exposure may be to bursts of electromagnetic radiation of the same or varying wavelengths in a series. Examples of sources of electromagnetic radiation may include a low-pressure mercury lamp, ultraviolet lightemitting diodes, and a pulsed-xenon lamp. In some embodiments, the closure may include an antimicrobial coating on an outer surface or on an inner surface.

[0209] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container, the closure including: an annular wall that scales up against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; an outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall including an outer skirt configured to be spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish; and a lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

[0210] In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the lower wall may include a ramped portion for centering the inner cylindrical wall during engagement of the closure with the finish. In some embodiments, the lower wall has a concave upward shape when in an unpressurized state and a concave downward shape when the closure closes a pressurized container, such that a pressure acts to increase a sealing force of the inner cylindrical wall against the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may include a plurality of knurls distributed about an outer surface or an inner surface of the tamper evidence band. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band mayGT Docket No. 227254-721601 be configured to form a tether for attaching the closure to the container when the closure is removed from the finish. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall may be smooth. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall may include a roughness of 0.2 microns. In some embodiments, the closure may further include a thread in the outer cylindrical wall for engaging a thread of the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may include a plurality of threads in the outer cylindrical wall, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the outer cylindrical wall may include a plurality of knurls or a plurality of knurled portions distributed about at least a portion of an outer surface or an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the closure may further include a seal attached to the rim of the finish to close the finish of the container, the seal in contact with the lower wall of the closure when the closure is applied to the finish of the container. In some embodiments, the container may include PET. In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may include a copolymer including PET and PEF.

[0211] In some embodiments, a method of sterilizing the closure may include: exposing the closure to a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of inactivating pathogens. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying the closure to the container before the exposing. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying the closure to the container after the exposing. In some embodiments, the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of from 200 to 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, the closure may include an antimicrobial coating on an outer surface and / or an inner surface.

[0212] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the closure including: a top wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container: and a cylindrical wall extending downwardly from the top wall and configured such that an inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the rim for sealing against the outwardly facing surface of the rim.

[0213] In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the closure may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of theGT Docket No. 227254-721601 cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may include a plurality of knurls distributed about an outer surface or an inner surface of the tamper evidence band. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may be configured to form a tether for attaching the closure to the container when the closure is removed from the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may further include a thread in the cylindrical wall lor engaging a thread of the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may include a plurality of threads in the cylindrical wall, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the cylindrical wall may include a plurality of knurls or a plurality of knurled portions distributed about at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical wall or the inwardly facing surface. In some embodiments, the closure may include a seal attached to the rim of the finish to close the finish of the container, the seal in contact with a lower surface of the top wall of the closure when the closure is applied to the finish of the container. In some embodiments, the container may include PET. In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may include a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the closure may be shrunk onto the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be heat shrunk onto the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be bonded to the finish by thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding. In some embodiments, the closure may be bonded to the top surface of the rim of the finish. In some embodiments, a bonding of the closure to the finish may be configured to provide tamper evidence.

[0214] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an injection molded polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the polyester resin including polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include up to 90 mole percent of PEF and the PEF may be derived from a reaction of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and / or diethylene glycol (DEG).

[0215] In some embodiments, a method of making the closure may include injection molding or compression molding the polyester resin into the closure.

[0216] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the closure including: an outer layer including: an outer layer annular wall; an outer layer outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly form the outer layer annular wall; an outer layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annular wall; and an outer layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the outer layer inner depression wall, the outer layer lower wall including a first shaped downward depression: and an inner layer including: an inner layer annular wall; an inner layerGT Docket No. 227254-721601 outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall; an inner layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall, the inner layer inner depression wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner layer inner depression wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the finish for sealing against the outwardly facing surface of the finish; and an inner layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner layer inner depression wall, the inner layer lower wall including a second shaped downward depression that receives the first shaped downward depression; and wherein a lower surface of the first shaped downward depression is configured to confront and lock against an upper surface of the second shaped downward depression.

[0217] In some embodiments, the outer layer outer cylindrical wall may include an outer layer folded band disposed radially outward along a bottom circumference of the outer layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer layer outer cylindrical wall may include plurality of knurls distributed circumferentially about an outer surface of the outer layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include a thread for engaging a thread of a finish of the container. In some embodiments, the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include an inner layer folded band disposed radially outward along a bottom circumference of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer layer folded band may be configured to lightly fit within a groove between an outer surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall and the inner layer folded band. In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the inner layer lower wall may include a ramped portion for centering the inner layer inner cylindrical wall during engagement of the closure with the finish. In some embodiments, the inner layer lower wall may have a concave upward shape when in an unpressurized state and a concave downward shape when the closure closes a pressurized container, such that a pressure acts to increase a sealing force of the inner layer inner cylindrical wall against the Finish. In some embodiments, the outer layer and / or the inner layer may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the outer layer and / or the inner layer. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include a plurality of threads, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the container may include PET.GT Docket No. 227254-721601In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may be a copolymer including PET and PEF.

[0218] In some embodiments, a method of sterilizing the closure may include: exposing the closure to a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of inactivating pathogens. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying the closure to the container before the exposing. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying the closure to the container after the exposing. In some embodiments, wherein the source of electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength of from 200 to 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, wherein the closure may include an antimicrobial coating on an outer surface and / or an inner surface.

[0219] In some embodiments, a method of making the closure may include: thermoforming a sheet of polyester resin into the outer layer; separately thermoforming a second sheet of polyester resin into the inner layer; and combining the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0220] In some embodiments, the transforming may include applying the sheet of polyester resin to a male mold. In some embodiments, the separately transforming may include applying the second sheet of polyester resin to a second male mold.DEFINITIONS

[0221] The uses of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “plurality of’ is defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions or limitations hereinbefore or hereinafter unless expressly asserted by Applicant to the contrary, to mean a quantity of more than one. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein by context.

[0222] As will be understood by one skilled in the art. for any and all purposes, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. It is therefore understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if “10 to 15” is disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed, individually, and as part of a range. A recited range (for example, weight percentages or car bon groups) includes each value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range may he easily recognized asGT Docket No. 227254-721601 sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than,” “or more,” and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that may be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio. Accordingly, values recited for radicals, substituents, and ranges are for illustration only, they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for radicals and substituents. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0223] One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present disclosure encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Additionally, for all purposes, the present disclosure encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present disclosure therefore envisages the explicit exclusion of any one or more of members of a recited group. Accordingly, provisos may apply to any of the disclosed categories or examples whereby any one or more of the recited elements, species, or examples may be excluded from such categories or examples, for example, for use in an explicit negative limitation.

[0224] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The present description also contemplates other examples “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” the examples or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.

[0225] In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms “1st,” “2nd,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” and the like may be used herein. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, but do not limit the corresponding elements irrespective of the nature or order of the corresponding elements.

[0226] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0227] As used herein, the term “about,” when used in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means a variation of ±15%, ±14%, ±10%, or ±5%, among others, would satisfy the definition of “about,” unless more narrowly defined in particular instances.

[0228] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference Io examples and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.Illustrative Embodiments

[0229] Embodiment 1...

[0230] Embodiment 1. A closure for mounting onto a finish of a container, comprising:

[0231] a closure body comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic material, the closure body further comprising:

[0232] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish;

[0233] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0234] (c) at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall that is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish; and

[0235] wherein the closure body, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0236] Embodiment 2. The closure of Embodiment 1, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0237] Embodiment 3. The closure of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carboxyl ate.

[0238] Embodiment 4. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the at least one anti-counterfeit feature comprises one or more of a width or a length, wherein each of the width or the length ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 100 mm.

[0239] Embodiment 5. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the closure body further comprises one or more paper layer.

[0240] Embodiment 6. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises a material that is the same as the portion of the finish.

[0241] Embodiment 7. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the portion of the finish comprises a ledge of the finish.

[0242] Embodiment 8. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the portion of the finish comprises one or more threads.

[0243] Embodiment 9. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises the annular wall.

[0244] Embodiment 10. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-9, wherein detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature.

[0245] Embodiment 11. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-10, wherein closure body comprises a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anti-counterfeit feature by a predetermined distance.

[0246] Embodiment 12. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-11, wherein a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on the outer cylindrical wall or the thread is an internal or external thread.

[0247] Embodiment 13. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-12, wherein when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when forceGT Docket No. 227254-721601 is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from the container.

[0248] Embodiment 14. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the closure body further comprises a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

[0249] Embodiment 15. The closure of any one of Embodiments 1-14, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish.

[0250] Embodiment 16. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the method comprising:

[0251] forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body comprising:

[0252] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0253] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0254] welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides:

[0255] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall, and

[0256] wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0257] Embodiment 17. The method of Embodiment 16, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0258] Embodiment 18. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-17, wherein the forming comprises thermoforming, injection molding, or compression molding.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0259] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-18, wherein the forming comprises applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold.

[0260] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-19, wherein the mold comprises a male mold or a female mold.

[0261] Embodiment 21. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-20, wherein the mold comprises aluminum.

[0262] Embodiment 22. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-21, wherein the mold comprises one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires.

[0263] Embodiment 23. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-22, further comprising applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold.

[0264] Embodiment 24. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-23, further comprising demolding the closure body from the mold.

[0265] Embodiment 25. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-24, wherein the welding is performed at a temperature ranging from 240°C to 270°C.

[0266] Embodiment 26. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-25, wherein the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding.

[0267] Embodiment 27. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-26, wherein the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0268] Embodiment 28. The method of any one of Embodiments 16-27, wherein the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations.

[0269] Embodiment 29. A method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the closure comprising a closure body that comprises:

[0270] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0271] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0272] the method comprising welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure from the container provides:

[0273] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall, and

[0274] wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0275] Embodiment 30. The method of Embodiment 29, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0276] Embodiment 31. The method of any one of Embodiments 29-30, wherein the welding is performed at a predetermined temperature.

[0277] Embodiment 32. The method of any one of Embodiments 29-31, wherein the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding.

[0278] Embodiment 33. The method of any one of Embodiments 29-32, wherein the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0279] Embodiment 34. The method of any one of Embodiments 29-33, wherein the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations, the composition being at a predetermined temperature.

[0280] Embodiment 35. A system for creating an anti-counterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising:

[0281] a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising a closure body that comprises:

[0282] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; andGT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0283] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;

[0284] an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding finish at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding container provides:

[0285] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall, and

[0286] wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0287] Embodiment 36. The system of Embodiment 35, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0288] Embodiment 37. An assembly comprising:

[0289] a container;

[0290] a closure mounted onto a finish of the container, the closure comprising:

[0291] (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0292] (d) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;

[0293] wherein at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish; andGT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0294] wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0295] Embodiment 38. A polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container; the polyester resin closure comprising:

[0296] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container;

[0297] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0298] (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature comprising a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0299] Embodiment 39. The polyester resin closure of Embodiment 38, wherein the plurality of folding tabs comprise one or more adjacent folding tabs being separate from one another and individually movable relative to the outer cylindrical wall.

[0300] Embodiment 40. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-39, wherein the one or more adjacent folding tabs are spaced apart from one another.

[0301] Embodiment 41. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-40, wherein the tamper evidence ledge is below the finish of the container.

[0302] Embodiment 42. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-41, wherein the tamper evidence ledge comprises one or more cams projecting from a position below the finish of the container.

[0303] Embodiment 43. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-42, wherein each of the one or more cams is positioned lateral to a corresponding folding tab of the plurality of folding tabs.

[0304] Embodiment 44. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-43, wherein one or more of the plurality of folding tabs engage with the tamper evidence ledge at one or more welds.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0305] Embodiment 45. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-44, wherein one or more adjacent folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs are integrally connected.

[0306] Embodiment 46. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-45, wherein the plurality of folding tabs are integrally connected so as to form a ring circumferentially around the container.

[0307] Embodiment 47. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-46, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs comprises a trap flap, a portion of the trap flap extending sufficiently to rest between the tamper evidence feature and the outer cylindrical wall.

[0308] Embodiment 48. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-47, wherein a material of the polyester resin closure comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy 1 ate .

[0309] Embodiment 49. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-48, further comprising a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0310] Embodiment 50. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-49, further comprising a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0311] Embodiment 51. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-50, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs comprises a base arranged to sit on the outer cylindrical wall, and an outer side opposite the base.

[0312] Embodiment 52. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-51, wherein in an initial position, each of the plurality of folding tabs point outwards away from the outer cylindrical wall and a diameter of a circle with a second circular line formed by the outer side of the plurality of folding tabs is greater than a diameter of a circle with a first circular line formed by a diameter of the base.

[0313] Embodiment 53. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-52, wherein the plurality of folding tabs in the end position on the outer cylindrical wall point inwards towards the outer cylindrical wall and the diameter of the circle with the second circular lineGT Docket No. 227254-721601 formed by the outer side of the plurality of folding tabs is smaller than the diameter of the circle with the first circular line formed by the diameter of the base.

[0314] Embodiment 54. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-53, wherein a width of a respective folding tab at its outer side is smaller than a width at its base.

[0315] Embodiment 55. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-54, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs has such a shape that, when folding from an initial position, in which the plurality of folding tabs point outwards away from the outer cylindrical wall, into an end position, in which the plurality of folding tabs point inwards at an opening on the outer cylindrical wall, there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent folding tabs.

[0316] Embodiment 56. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-55, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs has an initial position, in which they point outwards away from the outer cylindrical wall, and an end position in which they lie in the opening and point inwards.

[0317] Embodiment 57. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-56, wherein a free space between adjacent folding tabs is trapezoidal or triangular or rectangular in shape.

[0318] Embodiment 58. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-57, further comprising an end face at the end position, wherein the end face comprises an inner edge line and an outer edge line, and in that the plurality of folding tabs cover and touch the inner edge line.

[0319] Embodiment 59. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-58, wherein the plurality of folding tabs are separated from one another by punching.

[0320] Embodiment 60. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-59, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs at a base, when positioned within an opening of the outer cylindrical wall, does not project into an outer space surrounding the outer cylindrical wall, or project at most 0.5 mm into the outer space.

[0321] Embodiment 61. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-60, wherein each of the plurality of folding tabs has a recess on a folding line and / or pivot axis and / or tilting axis, which recess forms a depression starting from an underside of the respective folding tab, wherein in an end position of the respective folding tab the underside faces the outer cylindrical wall.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0322] Embodiment 62. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-61, wherein the recess is channel -shaped and extends between a first transverse side and an opposite second transverse side of the respective folding tab and is adapted to the end position.

[0323] Embodiment 63. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-62, wherein the plurality of folding tabs are arranged and designed in such a way that they maintain their reached position during a movement towards the outer cylindrical wall.

[0324] Embodiment 64. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-63, further comprising a thread, wherein the thread is arranged on the outer cylindrical wall, the thread is positioned between the annular wall and the end position, or the thread is an internal or external thread.

[0325] Embodiment 65. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-64, wherein the plurality of folding tabs form a tamper-evident device for the polyester resin closure.

[0326] Embodiment 66. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-65, wherein the outer cylindrical wall has a first part and a second part, the plurality of folding tabs being arranged on the first part and the annular wall being arranged on the second part, wherein the first part and the second part are connected to one another, and wherein the outer cylindrical wall is designed such that when force is exerted on the second part relative to the first part and a force threshold is exceeded, the second part moves relative to the first part and in particular detaches from the first part.

[0327] Embodiment 67. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-66, wherein a thread is arranged on the second part, a transition from the first part to the second part is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point, and the first part and the second part are connected to one another via at least one securing element, wherein in particular the at least one securing element is seated in one piece on the first part.

[0328] Embodiment 68. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-67, wherein at least one securing element is arranged on the outer cylindrical wall, the at least one securing element being connected to the outer cylindrical wall in such a way that at least one securing element is connected to the outer cylindrical wall in one piece.

[0329] Embodiment 69. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-68, wherein one or more folding tabs of the plurality of folding tabs comprise a cutting depth such thatGT Docket No. 227254-721601 movement of the one or more folding tabs influences a position of one or more neighboring tab when folded.

[0330] Embodiment 70. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-69, further comprising a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

[0331] Embodiment 71. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-70, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises an outer skirt having a clearance with a corresponding outer surface of the rim to allow the polyester resin closure to deform in a region of the plug seal.

[0332] Embodiment 72. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-71, wherein the plug seal comprises a chamfer for guiding the plug seal past a lip of the inner surface of the finish when the polyester resin closure is capped onto the container.

[0333] Embodiment 73. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-72, wherein the plug seal comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall.

[0334] Embodiment 74. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-73, wherein the inner cylindrical wall comprises a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of finish for sealing.

[0335] Embodiment 75. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-74, wherein the interference fit is configured to seal the polyester resin closure to the finish.

[0336] Embodiment 76. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-75, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0337] Embodiment 77. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-76, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is about 0.05 mm.

[0338] Embodiment 78. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-77, wherein a lower wall extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

[0339] Embodiment 79. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-78, wherein the lower wall is configured to change shape in response to pressurized contents within an interior of the container.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0340] Embodiment 80. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-79, wherein the lower wall has a concave upward shape that becomes a convex upward shape when pressure is applied by pressurized contents within the interior of the container.

[0341] Embodiment 81. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-80, wherein the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish.

[0342] Embodiment 82. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-81, wherein a width of the sealing interface is configured to bridge defects present in the finish.

[0343] Embodiment 83. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-82, wherein the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the container.

[0344] Embodiment 84. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-83, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises a plurality of spaced-apart bridges that connect each of the plurality of folding tabs to the outer cylindrical wall of the polyester resin closure.

[0345] Embodiment 85. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-84, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart bridges is configured to break when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container.

[0346] Embodiment 86. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 38-85, wherein the plurality of folding tabs is configured to be retained in position by a ledge when the polyester resin closure is unthreaded from the container.

[0347] Embodiment 87. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the method comprising:

[0348] forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body comprising:

[0349] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container;

[0350] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; andGT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0351] (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature comprising a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer cylindrical wall;

[0352] wherein the closure body when detached from the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0353] Embodiment 88. A system for creating a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container, the system comprising:

[0354] a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising:

[0355] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container;

[0356] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0357] (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature comprising a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0358] Embodiment 89. The system of Embodiment 88, further comprising a welding module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the tamper evidence feature to a portion of the tamper evidence ledge at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from a corresponding container provides an irreversible feature on the one or more closures or the corresponding container.

[0359] Embodiment 90. The system of any one of Embodiments 88-89, further comprising a blowing module configured to controllably blow the tamper evidence ledge below the finish of each of the plurality of containers, wherein the tamper evidence ledge comprises a ring or one or more cams projecting from the container.

[0360] Embodiment 91. A system for creating a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a container, the system comprising:GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0361] a blowing module configured to controllably blow a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of each of a plurality of containers, wherein the tamper evidence ledge comprises a ring or one or more cams projecting from the container;

[0362] a rotational module downstream of the blowing module, the rotational module being configured to engage the one or more closures onto each of the plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising:

[0363] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish of the container;

[0364] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0365] (c) a tamper evidence feature that engages with a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container, the tamper evidence feature comprising a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0366] Embodiment 92. An assembly comprising:

[0367] a container comprising a tamper evidence ledge below a finish of the container;

[0368] a closure mounted onto the container, the closure comprising:

[0369] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish of the container;

[0370] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0371] (c) a tamper evidence feature comprising a plurality of folding tabs arranged on an end position of the outer cylindrical wall, the tamper evidence feature being configured to engage with the tamper evidence ledge;

[0372] wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0373] Embodiment 93. A closure for mounting onto a finish of a container, comprising:GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0374] a closure body comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic material, the closure body further comprising:

[0375] (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish;

[0376] (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0377] (c) at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall that is welded to a portion of the outer cylindrical wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer cylindrical wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer cylindrical wall; and

[0378] wherein the annular wall, after being detached from the outer cylindrical wall, is capable of reattachment to the outer cylindrical wall with a sufficient seal.

[0379] Embodiment 94. The closure of Embodiment 93, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0380] Embodiment 95. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-94, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy late.

[0381] Embodiment 96. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-95, wherein the at least one anti-counterfeit feature comprises one or more of a width or a length, wherein each of the width or the length ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 100 mm.

[0382] Embodiment 97. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-96, wherein the closure body further comprises one or more paper layer.

[0383] Embodiment 98. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-97, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises a material that is the same as the portion of the finish.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0384] Embodiment 99. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-98, wherein the portion of the finish comprises a ledge of the finish.

[0385] Embodiment 100. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-99, wherein the portion of the finish comprises one or more threads.

[0386] Embodiment 101. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-100, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises the annular wall.

[0387] Embodiment 102. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-101, wherein detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature.

[0388] Embodiment 103. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-102, wherein closure body comprises a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anti-counterfeit feature by a predetermined distance.

[0389] Embodiment 104. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-103, wherein a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on the outer cylindrical wall or the thread is an internal or external thread.

[0390] Embodiment 105. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-104, wherein when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when force is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from the container.

[0391] Embodiment 106. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-105, wherein the closure body further comprises a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

[0392] Embodiment 107. The closure of any one of Embodiments 93-106, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish.

[0393] Embodiment 108. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the method comprising:

[0394] forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body comprising:GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0395] (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0396] (d) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and

[0397] welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer cylindrical wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer cylindrical wall provides:

[0398] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the annular wall and the portion of the outer cylindrical wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and

[0399] wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer cylindrical wall is capable of reattachment to the outer cylindrical wall with a sufficient seal.

[0400] Embodiment 109. The method of any one of Embodiments 108, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0401] Embodiment 110. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-109, wherein the forming comprises thermoforming, injection molding, or compression molding.

[0402] Embodiment 111. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-110, wherein the forming comprises applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold.

[0403] Embodiment 112. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-111, wherein the mold comprises a male mold or a female mold.

[0404] Embodiment 113. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-112, wherein the mold comprises aluminum.

[0405] Embodiment 114. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-113, wherein the mold comprises one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0406] Embodiment 115. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-114, further comprising applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold.

[0407] Embodiment 116. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-115, further comprising demolding the closure body from the mold.

[0408] Embodiment 117. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-116, wherein the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240°C to 270°C.

[0409] Embodiment 118. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-117, wherein the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding.

[0410] Embodiment 119. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-118, wherein the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0411] Embodiment 120. The method of any one of Embodiments 108-119, wherein the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations.

[0412] Embodiment 121. A method of engaging a closure onto a finish of a container to create an anti-counterfeit closure, the closure comprising a closure body that comprises:

[0413] (c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0414] (d) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;

[0415] the method comprising welding at least one surface of the annular wall to a portion of the outer cylindrical wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall from the container provides:

[0416] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer cylindrical wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and

[0417] wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer cylindrical wall of the container is capable of reattachment to the outer cylindrical wall with a sufficient seal.GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0418] Embodiment 122. The method of Embodiment 121, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0419] Embodiment 123. The method of any one of Embodiments 121-122, wherein the welding is performed at a predetermined temperature.

[0420] Embodiment 124. The method of any one of Embodiments 121-123, wherein the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding.

[0421] Embodiment 125. The method of any one of Embodiments 121-124, wherein the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

[0422] Embodiment 126. The method of any one of Embodiments 121-125, wherein the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations, the composition being at a predetermined temperature.

[0423] Embodiment 127. A system for creating an anti-counterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising:

[0424] a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising a closure body that comprises:

[0425] (e) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0426] (f) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;

[0427] an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding outer cylindrical wall at one or more locations such that detachment of the annular wall of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding outer cylindrical wall provides:GT Docket No. 227254-721601

[0428] at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the outer cylindrical wall, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the annular wall, and

[0429] wherein the annular wall when detached from the outer cylindrical wall is capable of reattachment to the outer cylindrical wall with a sufficient seal.

[0430] Embodiment 128. The system of Embodiment 127, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

[0431] Embodiment 129. An assembly comprising:

[0432] a container;

[0433] a closure mounted onto a finish of the container, the closure comprising:

[0434] (g) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and

[0435] (h) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish;

[0436] wherein at least one surface along an inner surface of the annular wall is welded to a portion of the outer cylindrical wall such that detachment of the annular wall from the outer cylindrical wall provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the annular wall and the portion of the outer cylindrical wall; and

[0437] wherein the annular wall, after being detached from the outer cylindrical wall, is capable of reattachment to the outer cylindrical wall with a sufficient seal.

Claims

Docket No. 227254-721601CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A closure for mounting onto a finish of a container, comprising: a closure body comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic material, the closure body further comprising:(a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish;(b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and(c) at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer wall that is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish; and wherein the closure body, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carboxyl ate, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy late.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one anti-counterfeit feature comprises one or more of a width or a length, wherein each of the width or the length ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 100 mm.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure body further comprises one or more paper layer.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises a material that is the same as the portion of the finish.Docket No. 227254-7216017. The closure of claim 1, wherein the portion of the finish comprises a ledge of the finish.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the portion of the finish comprises one or more threads.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface of the closure body comprises the annular wall.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein detachment of the at least one anti-counterfeit feature provides one or more of an audible feature or a tactile feature.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein closure body comprises a plurality of anti-counterfeit features, wherein at least one anti-counterfeit feature is separated from a second anticounterfeit feature by a predetermined distance.

12. The closure of claim 1, wherein a thread is arranged on the closure body, such that the thread is located on the outer wall or the thread is an internal or external thread.

13. The closure of claim 1, wherein when the closure and the container are connected to one another via the weld between the at least one surface of the closure body and the portion of the finish, the closure body is designed such that when force is exerted on the closure relative to the container and a force threshold is exceeded, the closure moves relative to the container detaches from the container.

14. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure body further comprises a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

15. The closure of claim 1, wherein the outer wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish.

16. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container to create an anticounterfeit closure, the method comprising: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body, the closure body comprising:(a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and(b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; and welding at least one surface of the closure body to a portion of the finish at one or more locations such that detachment of the closure body from the container provides:Docket No. 227254-721601 at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the closure body further comprises an inner wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for sealing against the inwardly facing surface of the finish.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming comprises thermoforming, injection molding, or compression molding.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming comprises applying the sheet of the thermoplastic material to a mold.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the mold comprises a male mold or a female mold.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the mold comprises aluminum.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the mold comprises one or more wires configured to controllably weld the at least one surface of the closure body to the portion of the finish upon contacting the closure body with the one or more wires.

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising applying a vacuum or pressure to motivate the sheet of the thermoplastic material onto the mold.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising demolding the closure body from the mold.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the welding is performed at temperature ranging from 240 to 270°C.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein the welding is selected from ultrasonic, friction, laser, or orbital welding.Docket No. 227254-72160127. The method of claim 16, wherein the welding is selected from radiofrequency or dielectric heating.

28. The method of claim 16, wherein the welding comprises applying a gas composition comprising air or one or more gases at the one or more locations.

29. A system for creating an anti-counterfeit feature on a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising: a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising a closure body that comprises:(a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and(b) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure body and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; an anti-counterfeit module configured to controllably weld at least one surface of each of the one or more closures to a portion of a corresponding finish at one or more locations such that detachment of each of the one or more closures from the corresponding container provides: at least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface and the portion of the finish, the at least one surface being along an inner surface of the outer wall, and wherein the closure body when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

30. An assembly comprising: a container; a closure mounted onto a finish of the container, the closure comprising:(c) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; and(d) an outer wall extending downward from the annular wall, the outer wall spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; wherein at least one surface along an inner surface of the outer wall is welded to a portion of the finish such that detachment of the closure from the container provides atket No. 227254-721601 least one anti-counterfeit feature that comprises an irreversible feature on each of the at least one surface of the closure and the portion of the finish; and wherein the closure, after being detached from the container, is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

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