Non-Frangible Dispensing Closure With Visible Tamper Evidence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closures with tamper evidence features often require complex manipulation, are difficult to manufacture, and generate waste with sharp edges, while prior art frangible elements lack consistency and are challenging to mold, especially for small diameters.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing closure with a body and lid featuring a non-frangible locking pin and tamper evidence tab that rotates into an aperture upon closure, providing visible evidence of tampering without complex manipulation, and is easily manufactured and assembled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frangible tear bands and one-way snap fit elements are used for tamper evidence, then tamper evidence functionality is provided, but the features are difficult to mold, require in-mold closing, and generate waste with sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence functionalityVSAvoidmolding difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the tamper evidence functionality from fragile frangible elements and integrates it into robust, non-frangible locking pin and tab structures. The locking pin with aperture and tab configuration provides tamper evidence through a different mechanism - through positive locking engagement that prevents reopening - eliminating the need for delicate tear bands while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using frangible elements that break upon opening, the patent inverts the approach by using a locking mechanism that positively prevents opening. The locking pin engages with the tab to secure the closure in a locked state, and tamper evidence is provided through the visible engagement of these robust features rather than through broken components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If frangible tabs are used for tamper evidence, then tamper evidence is provided, but they require in-mold closing and are difficult to handle during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidenceVSAvoidassembly handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the delicate, disposable frangible tabs with durable, reusable locking pin and tab structures. These robust features are designed to withstand handling during assembly and shipping, eliminating the need for special handling procedures associated with fragile frangible elements while maintaining tamper evidence functionality throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If drop pockets or shielding walls are added to hide moveable features, then tamper evidence visibility is improved, but closure diameter must be larger or useable height is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidence visibilityVSAvoidclosure diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides tamper evidence visibility through a different spatial arrangement - the locking pin with aperture and tab configuration is positioned to provide clear visual indication of locked state without requiring additional shielding structures. The tamper evidence is integrated into the existing closure geometry, eliminating the need for extra drop pockets or shielding walls that would increase diameter or reduce useable height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If prior art tamper evidence features are used, then tamper evidence is provided, but they are removed or change position upon lifting to reveal tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper evidenceVSAvoidfeature retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the tamper evidence features into the initial closed configuration of the closure. The locking pin and tab are positioned and engaged in the manufactured closed state, providing tamper evidence before the product reaches the consumer. This preliminary positioning ensures that the tamper evidence features remain stable and visible throughout storage and handling, only changing position when the closure is intentionally opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250263209A1Dispensing Closure With Tamper Evidence Features

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 APTARGROUP INC

AI summary

A dispensing closure (40) with non-frangible tamper evidence features includes a body (54) having a locking pin (68) with an initial configuration and a locking configuration moved relative to the initial configuration when engaged by a portion of a container (44) or a spout (60). The closure (40) includes a lid (56) connected to the body (54) and is movable between an initially closed position, an open position, and a subsequently closed position returned from the open position. The lid (56) has an aperture (94) and a tamper evidence tab (96), wherein, in the initially closed position of the lid (56), the locking pin (68) is located in the locking configuration and the tamper evidence tab (94) is retained beneath the locking pin (68). In the subsequently closed position of the lid (56), the tamper evidence tab (94) is rotated laterally outwardly into the aperture (94) to indicate evidence of tampering to a user.