Polymeric Closure with Frangible Tamper-Evident Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for tamper-evident polymeric closures is complex and costly due to the need for folding and scoring machinery, and the folding of tamper-evident bands can be unreliable, especially for large diameter closures, which affects the effectiveness of the tamper-evident feature.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric closure design that eliminates the need for folding and unfolding of the tamper-evident band by using a frangible connection and retention tabs and catch teeth/lugs, allowing the closure to be securely positioned on a container without additional processing steps, and maintaining the tamper-evident functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If folding and scoring machinery is used to manufacture tamper-evident closures, then the tamper-evident band can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folding and scoring operations from the manufacturing process by pre-forming the tamper-evident band in its final configuration during the primary molding process. This eliminates the need for downstream folding and scoring machinery, reducing process complexity while maintaining the tamper-evident functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident band is pre-formed and configured in its final state during the initial molding operation, rather than being created through subsequent folding and scoring steps. This preliminary formation of the band eliminates the need for complex downstream processing equipment and operations.
2Reliability
If folding steps are included in the manufacturing process, then the tamper-evident band can be formed, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of the tamper-evident band with the primary molding process, combining what were previously separate operations (molding, folding, scoring) into a single integrated step. This eliminates processing time associated with downstream operations while ensuring proper band formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident band is pre-formed during the initial molding operation, performing the necessary formation actions before any potential tampering occurs. This eliminates the time required for subsequent folding and scoring steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tamper-evident band is made detachable with a frangible connection, then the closure can be securely positioned, but the band may unfold before or during application
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into separable components with a frangible connection that allows controlled separation during tampering while maintaining secure positioning during normal use. The detachable design enables the band to remain stable during application but separate when tampering occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connection provides dynamic behavior where the tamper-evident band transitions from a secured state during normal use to a separated state during tampering. This dynamic characteristic allows the closure to maintain security during application while enabling tamper detection.
4Ease of manufacture
If catch lugs and catch teeth are added to prevent removal, then the closure is securely positioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates discrete catch lugs on the container and corresponding catch teeth on the closure that engage to prevent removal. This segmented approach provides secure positioning through simple interlocking features rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch lugs and catch teeth act as intermediary elements between the container and closure, providing a mechanical interlocking mechanism that secures the closure in place. These intermediate features enable secure positioning without requiring complex integration into the main closure structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A package includes a container and closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has an external thread formation and catch lugs. The closure fits to the neck portion for closing the opening. The closure includes first and second closure portions. The first closure portion includes a top wall portion and a skirt portion. The skirt portion depends from the top wall portion. The skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation. The second closure portion includes a tamper-evident band depending from and being partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by a frangible connection. An interior surface of the second closure portion includes catch teeth. The catch lugs mechanically catch and lock with a respective one of the catch teeth to prevent or inhibit the second closure portion from being removed during the opening of the container.