So-called "press-on, pry-off" closures or caps are widely used; the number is in the billions per year. Such closures are applied by pushing the closure axially onto the container, until an inwardly facing rib, ring, or lugs on the closure are snapped over a circumferential bead on the container, just below the mouth of the container. The closure is removed by prying it upwardly over the bead, usually without rotating it. Press-on, pry-off closures are especially useful in the food packaging industry, for example on jam and jelly jars and on plastic milk containers, because of the ease and rapidity with which they can be applied. In comparison to press-on closures, closures that must be twisted or screwed on are slower to apply: they require proper initial engagement of threads or lugs, and either the container or the closure must be turned relative to the other. Further, the degree of rotation must not exceed some limit, lest the closure be turned too far and the threads or lugs stripped or deformed. Even on modern day, high-speed sealing lines such aligning and twist-on motions are substantially slower than the simple axial movement needed to apply a press-on cap. No thread or lug alignment is involved; rotation is not required, and there is no torque to limit.

However, offsetting their advantages in ease of application, press-on, pry-off closures are relatively difficult to remove in comparison to threaded, etc., twist-on closures. (Indeed, since roughly about 90% of all closures are of the threaded, twist-off type, consumers frequently first assume that every closure requires turning to open it.) To remove a pry-off

closure it is often easier (if not actually necessary) to hook or insert a prying instrument such as a beer can opener, knife blade, or other implement below the closure edge and pry it upwardly. Furthermore, use of a prying tool may permanently bend and deform the closure so that it cannot be reapplied at all or, if reapplied, cannot be effectively resealed. Without a supplemental tool, a pry-off closure may be difficult to remove manually; considerable force is required to press it off with the thumb, especially if the container has been vacuum packed or is of small diameter. Manual pry-off is difficult or impossible for those who do not have the necessary strength, for example, older people or people with arthritis or hand injuries.

Press-on, pry-off closures are especially difficult to remove if the package is vacuum packed; atmospheric pressure on the outside applies a pressure differential hold-down force, which exceeds the lower inside pressure force. In that case, opening requires not only prying the closure over the snap bead but also overcoming the pressure differential hold down force. For these reasons, press-on, pry-off closures are often relatively difficult for some people to open, even though easy to apply. This has tended to restrict their use for packaging food products.

Another variety of press-on closure, the so-called "press-on, twist off" "PT" type is widely used on baby food jars. However, they are prone to stripping and do not reseal as easily as desirable.

Thus, what has been needed is a press-on type closure which can be easily applied but more easily removed and/or reapplied and resealed than previous press-on, pry-off and press-on, twist off closures. In accordance with this invention a press-on closure is provided which, instead of requiring pry-off, is removed simply by gripping the closure in the hand and squeezing inwardly on a part of it. This "gripping and squeezing" action is the natural manipulation of any closure prior to opening; one's natural or mindless inclination is to grip and squeeze the closure. The unique squeezable structure of the closure of the present invention facilitates easy removal. Removal may be further facilitated by

simultaneously twisting the closure in either direction on the container; however, no threads are present and thus twisting is not required.

This closure is remarkably easy to remove in comparison to a pry-off closure of the same size and sealing ability; indeed, this closure admits of an even better seal while still being easily openable. Additionally, the closure is just as readily removed by right-handed and left-handed persons, since no twisting action is required. Furthermore, due to the design, closures according to the invention can be applied at high speeds, on the order of 1200+/rriinute. Another advantage is that the closures are useable with containers having the relatively uncomplicated, easy to manufacture, finish of the type usually provided by glass container manufacturers. Generally, the more complicated the finish, the higher the cost, so compatibility with simpler finishes is highly advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure is of the composite type and includes a plastic shell having a separately formed insert disk. The shell has an outer or cam skirt around an inner or snap skirt. The inner skirt has a rib which snaps over a bead around the mouth of the container. The bead may be a narrow or wide rib, or it may be a shoulder. Preferably it is continuous around the container, although an interrupted bead may be used. The outer skirt is radially flexible and extends outwardly of and downwardly around the inner skirt, and extends well below the snap rib on the inner skirt. The outer skirt is preferably about twice as long (measured vertically downwardly from the rim or mouth of the container) as the distance between the snap bead and the mouth. The container has an upwardly and inwardly tapered shoulder or cam surface on the finish, below the bead. When the closure is gripped and the outer skirt is squeezed inwardly between the thumb and fingers, or between the fingers and the heel of the palm, a part of the lower or cam edge of the outer skirt is brought into sliding, cammed engagement with the tapering shoulder on the container. The outer skirt acts as a long lever and when squeezed into cammed engagement with the container shoulder applies a leveraged lifting force to the snap rib on the inner skirt to release it over

the bead around the container mouth. It is found that the squeezing force, applied on approximately opposite sides of the closure skirt, tends to bend the skirt inwardly at those points and at the same time deflect or bend the skirt slightly outwardly and upwardly at positions midway between the gripping points, into a saddle-like shape. (Because the disk is non-integral and is not bonded to the shell, the gripping force deforms the shell without bending the disk significantly, if at all.) The non-uniform upward bending of the shell around the disk tends to concentrate the pry-off force between the squeeze points. This initially lifts a narrow circumferential portion of the snap rib over the bead on the container and the unsnapping proceeds very quickly around the rest of the container bead. Advantageously, the outer skirt may be uniform around its entire circumference, so that it can be released by squeezing at any point around it; or it may have distinct separate regions where the squeezing force must be applied. The cam interaction between the closure and container greatly facilitates removal of the closure.

Moreover, gently twisting the closure as it is squeezed (which one naturally tends to do) causes it to come off still more easily. No prying tool is required, and neither the flexible skirt nor the insert disk is permanently deformed or bent by the squeezing, thus facilitating reapplication of the closure and resealing. The closure can even be opened with one hand while the container rests on a table, something which cannot be easily done with other pry-off closures.

By reason of the inward taper of the container shoulder, the outer skirt of the closure shell can be, and preferably is, sized to have substantially the same outside diameter as the sidewall of the container, below the tapered shoulder. The package thereby presents an exceptionally neat and uniform appearance in which the closure forms a visual extension of the sidewall of the container, rather than being oversized and projecting outwardly as a typical press-on, pry-off closure does. Tamper-evidencing means can be incorporated into the invention. A frangible paper or shrink-on label having a line of weakness, can be placed around the package, preferably covering portions of both the

closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Preferably the line of weakness is centered over the gap between the lower edge of the closure's outer skirt and the container sidewall. Squeezing in on the closure breaks the label along the line of weakness, thereby providing readily visible evidence of opening. Furthermore, the package configuration enables use of a larger label, which facilitates compliance with new food labeling laws that effectively require large labels. In fact, using a label that extends up onto the closure, as in the present invention, increases the available label area by 100%, for some standard baby food packages. Alternatively, the lower edge of the outer skirt can itself be formed with frangible circumferential or radial bridges which are broken by the squeezing necessary to open the closure. Still other forms of tamper-evidencing can be used.

In another aspect, the invention provides a closure which is useful as a "support stand" for baby food and other containers, to facilitate spooning out the contents from the container. After the closure has been removed it is inverted and placed upon a table and the open container is set in the closure. The closure shell skirt is long enough (vertically deep enough) that it holds the lowermost point of the container edge above the top (base) of the inverted closure; and the edge of the outer skirt forms a "seat" for the lower edge of the container, which is convexly rounded and fits stably therein. Surprisingly this enables the container to rest at a desired tilted attitude, up to as much as about 45° from vertical. The tilted rest position greatly facilitates spooning the remaining contents out of the container. Heretofore baby food jars, for example, have had to be held tipped in one hand for ease of spooning with the other. The invention enables the container to be set upright and then tipped in its closure and remain stably tipped so remaining contents can be easily spooned with one hand, thereby freeing the other hand. Additionally, the closure may be provided with indicia so it can be used as a measuring device, like a measuring cup.

The insert disk may be held on the sealed container by a vacuum force; additionally or alternatively, it may be secured by an

adhesive. It is preferred that the disk be able to "float" in the axial direction within the closure shell. Such float relative to the closure shell enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the container and disk to unsnap the snap rib over the container bead, without having to lift the disk and break the vacuum at the same time. Once the closure snap rib has been cammed over the container bead, continued squeezing brings the rib upwardly against the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk so as to break the vacuum. "Sequencing" of the disk lifting step after the unsnapping step reduces the peak or total force required at any given moment to remove the closure. Tests have shown that such closures are especially easy to use in comparison to other pry-off closures, especially on vacuum packed containers.

Additionally, float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage on the shelf if someone partially opens the package to sniff or taste the contents. The reason for this is that the perforated label is broken by initial squeezing of the closure, but the container seal itself is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the label has been broken, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time. Because the package seal has not been broken, the shelf life of the product is not diminished by this type of partial opening.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a child resistant closure is provided. In such an embodiment, the outer skirt is relatively thick so that it is not so easily squeezed. However, the outer skin is provided with two or more thin wall regions, preferably 180' apart, or a thin wall segment extending approximately 60' , so that when gripped and squeezed at designated places not readily apparent to children, the skirt will flex and the closure is removed as described above.

Twist-off type (including threaded) closures account for roughly about 90% of all closures used on an annual basis; the number of such closures used is easily in the billions per year. The application of twist- off or threaded closures to containers requires twisting or screw threading the closure thereon, which necessitates proper initial engagement of threads or

lugs, and relative rotation between the container and the closure. Twist-off closures are generally one of several varieties, including the most common, continuous thread (CT), multi-start CT with several starts on the same helical angle, or the "lug-type" closure with ramp thread segments in the form of lugs. It is not uncommon with respect to the above types of closures that users may have difficulty removing the closure by overcoming the high removal torques and in tightly resealing the closure because of the unyielding "pinch" force required. Typically, threaded or twist-off closures require knurling on the grip surface to provide enough grip to overcome the torque removal and reseal forces. Such knurling in plastic closures is oftentimes sharp and uncomfortable to the user, and it would be desirable if it could be avoided.

Thus, what has been needed is a twist-off type closure which can be easily and comfortably removed and resealed. In accordance with this invention, a twist-off closure is provided which is readily removed simply by gripping the closure in the hand, squeezing inwardly on a part of it and twisting the closure off the container. Because the "gripping and squeezing" action is the natural manipulation of a closure prior to opening, one's natural or mindless inclination is to grip and squeeze the closure of the invention. The unique squeezable structure of the closure of the present invention facilitates easy removal and resealing since the closure deforms to softly form fit the hand and facilitate a grip on the closure during twisting of the closure to remove it or reseal it. In a preferred embodiment, the closure includes a plastic shell having an outer flexible skirt and an inner threaded skirt. The closure may be of the well-known composite type, thus including a plastic shell and a separately formed insert disk, or it may be of unitary, single-piece construction. The inner skirt has threads or lugs which engage a threaded container finish. In this regard, the closure may be of the CT (continuous thread), multi-start, or "lug"-type ramp thread variety. Any of these known threaded or twist-off configurations are suitable in connection with the

present invention. The outer skirt is sufficiently pliable and radially flexible that it inwardly deforms when opposing grip forces (i.e., when squeezed between the thumb and fingers) are applied to form fit the hand and provide a readily grippable closure which facilitates twist-off removal of said closure and resealing thereof. The outer skirt extends generally outwardly and downwardly around the inner skirt and preferably extends below the lower end of the inner skirt. In one embodiment, the outer skirt is preferably about twice as long (measured vertically downwardly from the rim or mouth of the container) as the inner skirt. The pliability of the outer skirt provides a user-friendly comfortable grip on the closure which enables the user to easily grip and twist the closure off the container and enables the user to easily reseal the container. This is particularly true as compared to typical twist-off closures which have much more rigid outer walls (rigid thin metal or rigid thick plastic) that are often knurled in an effort to provide sufficient grip to overcome high removal torques, and which are substantially unyielding in terms of flexibility and thereby make tightly resealing difficult and/or uncomfortable. This is a particularly important aspect of the present invention and is valuable for the "mindless" mass of consumers that simply grip and twist a closure to remove it. Furthermore, the elderly, arthritic or otherwise encumbered may have difficulty getting a sufficiently good grip on a typical threaded or twist-off closure to remove and/or reseal it. The closures of the present invention solve these problems.

It will be appreciated that the flexible, pliable-skirt closure may take a variety of forms, including a form suitable for use on wide mouth containers. However, the relative proportions of the closure (for example, the diameter to height ratio) is not critical and the closure of the invention may be suitable for use on extra tall containers with long, relatively narrow diameter necks such as on liquor bottles, mouthwash packages, etc. It will be further appreciated that the closure of the present invention may be of a single skirt construction rather than a dual skirt construction. In this alternative, the single skirt is pliable and flexible in a radial direction and

also includes internal threads adjacent its upper end so that the closure may be threaded onto a container. The lower portion of the threaded skirt provides the pliable, grippable portion.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is adapted to provide an improvement to "push-pull" type dispensing closures. In this embodiment, the dispensing orifice of the closure is unsealed by simply gripping and squeezing the outer flexible skin which rides on a cam shoulder of the container to provide the upward force required to unseal the dispensing orifice. The closure is simply pushed down to reseal. This type of closure is generally threaded onto the container finish by means of an internal threaded member; alternatively, the closure may be in press-fit engagement with the container mouth. In this embodiment, the squeezing action provides the upward cam force that "pops" open or unseals the dispenser orifice. The outer skirt acts as a long lever and when squeezed into cammed engagement with the container shoulder applies a leveraged lifting force to unseal the central dispensing orifice. Advantageously, the outer skirt may be of uniform thickness around its circumference, so that the dispensing orifice may be unsealed by squeezing inwardly at any point around it; or the skirt may have distinct separate regions where the squeezing force must be applied in order to effectuate unsealing of the dispensing orifice.

In all embodiments of the invention, the outer skin of the closure can be, and preferably is, sized to have substantially the same outer diameter as the sidewall of the container, below the tapered shoulder. The package thereby presents an exceptionally neat and uniform appearance in which the closure forms a visual extension of the sidewall of the container, rather than being oversized and projecting outwardly as in many twist-off type closures.

Tamper-evidencing means can be incorporated into the invention. In one embodiment, a frangible paper or shrink-on label having a line of weakness can be placed around the package, preferably covering portions of both the closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Preferably, the line of weakness is centered over the gap between the lower

edge of the closure's outer skin and the container sidewall. Squeezing in on the closure sidewall breaks the label along the line of weakness, thereby providing readily visible evidence of opening. Furthermore, the package configuration enables use of a larger label, which facilitates compliance with new food labeling laws that effectively require large labels. In fact, using a label that extends up onto the closure, as in the present invention, may increase the available label area by 100%, for some types of packages. Thus, when the closure is gripped, but prior to twisting, the tamper evidencing provided by the frangible label provides visible evidence of opening, or attempted opening of the package.

In embodiments wherein the closure is of the composite type, the insert disk may be held on the sealed container by a vacuum force. Additionally or alternatively, the disk may be secured by an adhesive. It is prefened that the disk be able to "float" in the axial direction within the closure shell. Such float relative to the closure shell enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the container and disk to begin unthreading or twisting the closure off the container without lifting the disk to break the vacuum or adhesive seal at the same time. Once the closure has been partially twisted off, continued squeezing and twisting brings the threads or bead(s) above the threads on the inner skirt upwardly against the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk so as to break the vacuum seal.

This float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage on store shelves if someone panially opens the package to sniff or taste the contents. The reason for this is that the perforated label is broken by initial squeezing and/or twisting of the closure, but the container seal itself is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the label has been broken, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time.

So-called "press-on, pry-off" closures or caps are widely used; the number is in the billions per year. They are applied by pushing the closure axially onto the container to snap an inwardly facing rib or ring on the closure over a circumferential bead below the mouth of the container.

The closure is removed by prying it upwardly over the bead, usually without any need to rotate it. Press-on, pry-off closures are widely used in the packaging industry because of the ease and rapidity with which they can be applied. In comparison to press-on closures, closures that must be twisted or screwed on are slower to apply; they require proper initial engage¬ ment of threads or lugs, and either the container or the closure must be turned relative to the other.

Further, the degree of rotation must not exceed some limit, lest the closure be turned too far and the threads or lugs stripped or deformed. Such aligning and twist-on motions are slower than the simple axial movement needed to apply a press-on closure, and even on modern day high-speed sealing lines twist-on closures cannot be applied at the same rates as press-on closures which require no thread or lug alignment and no rotation.

However, offsetting their advantages and ease of application, previous press-on, pry-off closures are relatively difficult to remove in comparison to twist-on closures. To remove a previous pry-off closure it was often easier, if not actually necessary, to hook on or insert a prying instrument such as a beer can opener, knife blade, or other implement below the closure edge and pry upwardly, which is slow and somewhat awkward. Furthermore, use of a prying tool may permanently bend and deform the closure so that it cannot be reapplied at all, or, if reapplied, cannot be effec¬ tively resealed. Without a supplemental tool, a previous pry-off closure may be difficult to remove manually; considerable force is required to press it off with the thumb, especially if the container has been vacuum packed or is of small diameter. Manual pry-off (particularly by pressing against a sharp thumb tab) is difficult or impossible for those who do not have the necessary strength, such as older people or people with arthritis or hand injuries. "Press-on, twist-off" or "PT" caps are also known. Threads are formed in a moldable gasket inside a closure skirt when pressed on. However, they are prone to stripping and do not reseal as easily as desired.

Thus, what has been needed is a press-on closure which can be easily applied but can be more easily removed and/or reapplied and resealed than the previous press-on, pry-off and press-on, twist-off closures.

In accordance with this invention a press-on type closure is provided which can easily be removed by squeezing it inwardly to deform it and then prying or pushing it off. It need not be twisted to remove it.

This closure is remarkably easy to remove in comparison to a conventional pry-off closure. It is just as readily removed by either right- handed or left-handed persons since no circumferential twisting action is required. Furthermore, due to the design, closures according to the inven¬ tion can be applied at high speeds, on the order of 1200+/min. Another advantage is that these closures are usable with containers having con¬ ventional, relatively uncomplicated, easy to manufacture finishes of the type usually provided by glass container manufacturers. Generally, the more complicated the finish the higher the container cost, so compatibility with simpler finishes is highly advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment the closure is of the composite type and includes a plastic shell with a separately formed disk inserted in the shell. The shell has an outer skirt around an inner or snap skirt. The outer skirt is "soft", that is, flexible or easily deformable, and can have a smooth, vertical sidewall of the same diameter or configuration as the container sidewall below it. The inner skirt has an internal rib which snaps over a bead, which may be of conventional shape, around the mouth of the con¬ tainer. (The rib on the closure may be either a continuous annular rib, or short or interrupted rib segments.) The top of the outer skirt is joined to the top of the inner skirt. The outer skirt extends outwardly and downwardly around the inner skirt and extends well below the snap rib on the inner skirt. Because it is thin and flexible, especially below the level of the rib on the inner skirt, it can be pushed inwardly between the fingers and thumb of one or both hands, or squeezed inwardly by the fingers with the palm of the hand resting on the top, to pry off the closure.

The container has a neck of reduced diameter below the bead, which leads outwardly to a sidewall which may be of the same diameter (configuration) as the closure outer skirt. The reduced diameter of the neck provides "squeeze room" into which the outer skirt can be pressed inwardly. When the outer skirt is pinched inwardly, its lower edge or at least a circumferential portion of it is pushed inwardly toward the neck to provide an inwardly and downwardly slanting surface, preferably directly beneath the snap bead. An upward force is applied to that surface with the thumb and/or fingers, to remove the closure. The closure is most easily removed with both hands, but one-handed removal is possible.

The prying or pushing force on the outer skirt when squeezed is transferred through the upper part of the outer skirt which curves inwardly and joins the inner skirt. The inner skirt is progressively unsnapped around the container bead. Because the insert disk is not integral and is not bonded to the shell, the pinching force deforms the shell without bending the disk significantly if at all. The non-uniform bending of the shell around the disk tends to concentrate the "unsnapping" force between the pressure points. This initially lifts a small circumferential portion of the snap rib over the bead, and the unsnapping then proceeds quickly around the rest of the container bead.

The outer skirt is not cammed upwardly by the neck; the outer surface need not engage the neck at all, nor any shoulder beneath the neck. However, it may abut or be arrested by the neck at the inner end of its travel. The snap rib on the inner skin may be segmented rather than uniformly continuous, but a continuous annular rib is preferred for smaller size containers. No tool is required, and neither the flexible skirt nor the insert disk is permanently deformed or bent by the pinching, thus facilitating reapplication of the closure and resealing. Especially if the outer skirt of the closure is sized to have substantially the same outside diameter as the side¬ wall of the container below the neck, the package presents an exceptionally neat and uniform appearance in which the closure appears to be an upward

extension of the sidewall of the container, unlike conventional press-on, pry- off closures having a radially offset outer edge.

Tamper-evidencing means can be incorporated into a package in accordance with the invention. A frangible paper or shrink-on-plastic label having a perforated or molded line of weakness can be placed around the package, preferably covering portions of both the closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Preferably the line of weakness is circumferential and is centered over the space between the lower edge of the closure's outer skirt and the container sidewall. Pinching the closure breaks the label along the line of weakness, thereby providing readily visible evidence of opening.

Alternatively, the lower edge of the outer skirt can be formed with frangible circumferential or radial bridges which are broken by the pinching necessary to open the closure. Furthermore, the package con¬ figuration provides a relatively large area for suitable for labeling, which facilitates compliance with new food labeling laws that require a larger area for printed information about food contents. In fact, using a label that extends onto the closure skin can increase the label space by up to 100% over that available on some standard baby food packages.

It is preferred that the closure shell be able to move relative to the insert disk. The disk may be held fixed on the sealed container by a vacuum force; additionally or alternatively it may be secured by adhesive. Such "float" enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the disk so that the snap rib can be unsnapped over the container bead before the disk is lifted by the closure rib, to break the vacuum or adhesive seal. Once the closure snap rib has been released from the container bead, continued prying brings the rib upwardly against the underside of the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk to break the vacuum and/or adhesive. This "sequenc¬ ing" of the disk lifting step after the unsnapping step reduces the peak or total force required at any given moment to remove the closure. Additionally, float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage if someone starts to open the package to sniff or taste its contents while it is on the shelf. The reason for this is that the perforated

label is broken by the initial pinching of the closure, but the disk seal is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the label has been broken, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time. Because the seal has not been broken even though the label has been torn, shelf life of the product is not diminished by this type of partial opening.

Child resistance can also be provided. The outer skirt may be formed relatively thick or reinforced with ribbing at some circumferential regions so that it is pinchable only at specific regions which are identifiable by adults but not readily apparent to children.

So-called "press-on, pry-off" closures or caps are widely used; the number is in the billions per year. Such closures are applied by pushing the closure axially onto the container, until an inwardly facing rib, ring, or lugs on the closure are snapped over a circumferential bead on the container, just below the mouth of the container. The closure is removed by prying it upwardly over the bead, usually without rotating it. Press-on, pry-off closures are especially useful in the food packaging industry, for example on jam and jelly jars and on plastic milk containers, because of the ease and rapidity with which they can be applied. Twist-off type (including threaded) closures account for roughly about 90% of all closures used on an annual basis; the number of such closures used is easily in the billions per year. The application of twist- off or threaded closures to containers requires twisting or screw threading the closure thereon, which necessitates proper initial engagement of threads or lugs, and relative rotation between the container and the closure. Twist-off closures are generally one of several varieties, including the most common, continuous thread (CT), multi-start CT with several starts on the same helical angle, or the "lug-type" closure with ramp thread segments in the form of lugs. It is not uncommon with respect to the above types of closures that users may have difficulty removing the closure by overcoming the high removal torques and in tightly resealing the closure because of the unyielding "pinch" force required. Typically, threaded or twist-off closures require

knurling on the grip surface to provide enough grip to overcome the torque removal and reseal forces. Such knurling in plastic closures is oftentimes sharp and uncomfortable to the user, and it would be desirable if it could be avoided. Although press-on, pry-off closures have certain advantages in terms of ease of application compared to threaded closures, they are relatively difficult to remove in comparison to threaded, etc., twist-on closures. (Indeed, since roughly about 90% of all closures are of the threaded, twist-off type, consumers frequently first assume that every closure requires turning to open it.) To remove a pry-off closure it is often easier (if not actually necessary) to hook or insert a prying instrument such as a can opener, knife blade, or other implement below the closure edge and pry it upwardly. Furthermore, use of a prying tool may permanently bend and deform the closure so that it cannot be reapplied at all or, if reapplied, cannot be effectively resealed. Without a supplemental tool, a pry-off closure may be difficult to remove manually; considerable force is required to press it off with the thumb, especially if the container has been vacuum packed or is of small diameter. Manual pry-off is difficult or impossible for those who do not have the necessary strength, for example, older people or people with arthritis or hand injuries.

Press-on, pry-off closures are especially difficult to remove if the package is vacuum packed; atmospheric pressure on the outside applies a pressure differential hold-down force, which exceeds the lower inside pressure force. In that case, opening requires not only prying the closure over the snap bead but also overcoming the pressure differential hold down force. For these reasons, press-on, pry-off closures are often relatively difficult for some people to open, even though easy to apply. This has tended to restrict their use for packaging food products.

Another variety of press-on closure, the so-called "press-on, twist off" "PT" type is widely used on baby food jars. However, they are prone to stripping and do not reseal as easily as desirable.

Thus, what has been needed is a press-on, pry-off or threaded type closure which can be easily applied but more easily removed and/or reapplied and resealed than previous press-on, pry-off and press-on, twist off closures, and which includes reliable tamper-evidencing structure. In its broadest aspects, the present invention relates to a closure for a container having a finish, and the combination of the closure and container as a package. The closure includes a top, an inner skirt, and an outer skirt around the inner skirt. The inner skirt includes structure for engaging sand releasably retaining said closure on a container finish. This engaging and retaining structure may be an inwardly facing snap rib or inwardly facing threads. Furthermore, the inner skirt includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band extending from a lower circumferential edge thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a press-on closure is provided which, instead of requiring pry-off, is removed simply by gripping the closure in the hand and squeezing inwardly on a pan of it. This "gripping and squeezing" action is the natural manipulation of any closure prior to opening; one's natural or mindless inclination is to grip and squeeze the closure. The unique squeezable structure of the squeeze-off closure embodiment of the present invention facilitates easy removal. Removal may be further facilitated by simultaneously twisting the closure in either direction on the container; however, no threads are present and t_hus twisting is not required.

This squeeze-off closure is remarkably easy to remove in comparison to a pry-off closure of the same size and sealing ability; indeed, this closure admits of an even better seal while still being easily openable. Additionally, the closure is just as readily removed by right-handed and left- handed persons, since no twisting action is required. Furthermore, due to the design, closures according to this aspect of the invention can be applied at high speeds, on the order of 1200+ /minute. Another advantage is that the closures are useable with containers having the relatively uncomplicated, easy to manufacture, finish of the type usually provided by glass container

manufacturers. Generally, the more complicated the finish, the higher the cost, so compatibility with simpler finishes is highly advantageous. Yet another advantage is the use of a tamper-evidencing band in conjunction with the closure. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a twist-off closure is provided which is readily removed simply by gripping the closure in the hand, squeezing inwardly on a part of it and twisting the closure off the container. Again, because the "gripping and squeezing" action is the natural manipulation of a closure prior to opening, one's natural or mindless inclination is to grip and squeeze the closure. The unique squeezable structure of this twist-off embodiment facilitates easy removal and resealing since the closure deforms to softly form fit the hand and facilitate a grip on the closure during twisting of the closure to remove it or reseal it. This embodiment is also suited for inclusion of a tamper-evidencing band. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a press- on type closure is provided which can easily be removed by squeezing it inwardly to deform it and then prying it off. It need not be twisted to remove it. This pry-off closure embodiment is remarkably easy to remove in comparison to conventional pry-off closures and it is just as readily removed by either right-handed or left-handed persons since no circumferential twist¬ ing action is required. Furthermore, as in the squeeze-off embodiment described above, closures according to this embodiment can be applied at high speeds, on the order of 1200+/min. Additionally, a tamper-evidencing band is advantageously used in this embodiment. In a preferred squeeze-off embodiment, the closure is of the composite type and includes a plastic shell having a separately formed insert disk. The shell has an outer or cam skirt around an inner or snap skirt. The inner skirt has a rib which snaps over a bead around the mouth of the container. The bead may be a narrow or wide rib, or it may be a shoulder. Preferably it is continuous around the container, although an interrupted bead may be used. The inner skirt further includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band connected to the lower circumferential edge of the

inner skirt by rupturable bridges. The outer skirt is radially flexible and extends outwardly of and downwardly around the inner skirt, and extends well below the snap rib and tamper-evidencing band on the inner skirt. The outer skirt is preferably about twice as long (measured vertically downwardly from the rim or mouth of the container) as the distance between the snap bead and the mouth.

In the squeeze-open embodiment, the container has an upwardly and inwardly tapered shoulder or cam surface on the finish, below the bead. When the closure is gripped and the outer skirt is squeezed inwardly between the thumb and fingers, or between the fingers and the heel of the palm, a part of the lower or cam edge of the outer skirt is brought into sliding, cammed engagement with the tapering shoulder on the container. The outer skirt acts as a long lever and when squeezed into cammed engagement with the container shoulder applies a leveraged lifting force to the snap rib on the inner skirt to release it over the bead around the container mouth. It is found that the squeezing force, applied on approximately opposite sides of the closure skirt, tends to bend the skirt inwardly at those points and at the same time deflect or bend the skirt slightly outwardly and upwardly at positions midway between the gripping points, into a saddle-like shape. (Because the disk is non-integral and is not bonded to the shell, the gripping force deforms the shell without bending the disk significantly, if at all.) The non-uniform upward bending of the shell around the disk tends to concentrate the pry-off force between the squeeze points. This initially lifts a narrow circumferential portion of the snap rib over the bead on the container and the unsnapping proceeds very quickly around the rest of the container bead. Advantageously, the outer skirt may be uniform around its entire circumference, so that it can be released by squeezing at any point around it; or it may have distinct separate regions where the squeezing force must be applied. The cam interaction between the closure and container greatly facilitates removal of the closure. Moreover, gently twisting the closure as it is squeezed (which one naturally tends to do) causes it to come off still more easily. No prying tool is required, and neither the flexible skirt nor

the insert disk is permanently deformed or bent by the squeezing, thus facilitating reapplication of the closure and resealing. The closure can even be opened with one hand while the container rests on a table, something which cannot be easily done with other pry-off closures. By reason of the inward taper of the container shoulder, the outer skirt of the closure shell can be, and preferably is, sized to have substantially the same outside diameter as the sidewall of the container, below the tapered shoulder. The package thereby presents an exceptionally neat and uniform appearance in which the closure forms a visual extension of the sidewall of the container, rather than being oversized and projecting outwardly as a typical press-on, pry-off closure does.

Tamper-evidencing means also form a part of the invention. Preferably, the inner skirt has a circumferential tamper-evidencing band depending downwardly from the lower edge thereof. The tamper-evidencing band may be connected to the inner skirt by frangible or rupturable bridges such that as the closure is cammed upwardly during squeeze-opening, a portion of the tamper-evidencing band engages the bead on the container finish causing the bridges to rupture. The tamper-evidencing band thus remains on the container finish below the bead to visually indicate that the package has been opened or tampered with. In connection with this tamper- evidencing structure, the outer skin may have "windows" formed therein which permit viewing and inspection of the integrity of the tamper-evidencing band. Alternatively, the outer skirt may not be continuous, but rather it may comprise at least two spaced apart skirt sections or tab-like members which would also permit such viewing and inspection in the regions between the tab members.

In addition to a tamper-evidencing band as described, the package may also include a frangible paper or shrink-on label having a line of weakness, wherein the label covers portions of both the closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Preferably the line of weakness is centered over the gap between the lower edge of the closure's outer skirt and the container sidewall. Squeezing in on the closure breaks the label along the line of

weakness, thereby providing readily visible evidence of opening. Furthermore, the package configuration enables use of a larger label, which facilitates compliance with new food labeling laws that effectively require large labels. In fact, using a label that extends up onto the closure increases the available label area by as much as 100% for some standard baby food packages.

The insert disk may be held on the sealed container by a vacuum force; additionally or alternatively, it may be secured by an adhesive. It is preferred that the disk be able to "float" in the axial direction within the closure shell. Such float relative to the closure shell enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the container and disk to unsnap the snap rib over the container bead, without having to lift the disk and break the vacuum at the same time. Once the closure snap rib has been cammed over the container bead and the tamper-evidencing band separated from the inner skirt, continued squeezing brings the rib upwardly against the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk so as to break the vacuum. "Sequencing" of the disk lifting step after the unsnapping and tamper-evidencing steps reduces the peak or total force required at any given moment to remove the closure. Additionally, float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage on the shelf if someone partially opens the package to sniff or taste the contents. The reason for this is that the tamper-evidencing band is separated by initial squeezing and lifting of the closure, but the container seal itself is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the tamper-evidencing band has been broken, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time. Because the package seal has not been broken, however, the shelf life of the product is not diminished by this type of partial opening.

In a preferred twist-off embodiment, the closure includes a plastic shell having an outer flexible skirt and an inner threaded skirt. The closure may be of the well-known composite type, thus including a plastic shell and a separately formed insert disk, or it may be of unitary, single- piece construction. The inner skin has threads or lugs which engage a

threaded container finish. In this regard, the closure may be of the CT (continuous thread), multi-start, or "lug "-type ramp thread variety. Any of these known threaded or twist-off configurations are suitable in connection with the present invention. The inner skirt also includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band connected to the lower circumferential edge thereof by rupturable bridges. The outer skirt is sufficiently pliable and radially flexible that it inwardly deforms when opposing grip forces are applied (i.e. , when squeezed between the thumb and fingers) to form fit the hand and provide a readily grippable closure which facilitates twist-off removal of said closure and resealing thereof. The outer skirt extends generally outwardly and downwardly around the inner skirt and preferably extends below the tamper-evidencing band on the inner skirt. In one specific embodiment, the outer skirt is about twice as long (measured vertically downwardly from the rim or mouth of the container) as the inner skirt. Also, as in the squeeze-off embodiment, the outer skirt may have windows or it may comprise two or more spaced apart tab-like skirt sections to facilitate viewing and inspecting the attitude of the tamper-evidencing band.

The pliability of the outer skirt provides a user-friendly comfortable grip on the closure which enables the user to easily grip and twist the closure off the container and enables the user to easily reseal the container. This is particularly true as compared to typical twist-off closures which have much more rigid outer walls (rigid thin metal or rigid thick plastic) that are often knurled in an effort to provide sufficient grip to overcome high removal torques, and which are substantially unyielding in terms of flexibility and thereby make tightly resealing difficult and/or uncomfortable. This is a particularly important aspect of the present invention and is valuable for the "mindless" mass of consumers that simply grip and twist a closure to remove it. Furthermore, the elderly, arthritic or otherwise encumbered may have difficulty getting a sufficiently good grip on a typical threaded or twist-off closure to remove and/or reseal it. The closures of the present invention solve these problems.

It will be appreciated that the flexible, pliable-skirt closure may take a variety of forms, including a form suitable for use on wide mouth containers. However, the relative proportions of the closure (for example, the diameter to height ratio) is not critical and the closure of the invention may be suitable for use on extra tall containers with long, relatively narrow diameter necks such as on liquor bottles, mouthwash packages, etc.

Also as in the squeeze-open embodiment, the twist-off embodiment may include a frangible paper or shrink-on label covering portions of both the closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Preferably, a line of weakness is centered over the gap between the lower edge of the closure's outer skirt and the container sidewall. Squeezing in on the closure sidewall breaks the label along the line of weakness, thereby providing readily visible evidence of opening, in addition to the previously described tamper-evidencing band. In the twist-off embodiment wherein the closure is of the composite type, the insert disk may be held on the sealed container by a vacuum force. Additionally or alternatively, the disk may be secured by an adhesive. It is preferred that the disk be able to "float" in the axial direction within the closure shell. Such float relative to the closure shell enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the container and disk to begin unthreading or twisting the closure off the container and to separate the tamper-evidencing band without lifting the disk to break the vacuum or adhesive seal at the same time. Once the closure has been partially twisted off, continued squeezing and twisting brings the threads or bead(s) above the threads on the inner skirt upwardly against the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk so as to break the vacuum seal.

This float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage on store shelves if someone partially opens the package to sniff or taste the contents. The reason for this is that the tamper-evidencing band is separated by initial squeezing and twisting of the closure, but the container seal itself is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the tamper-evidencing band

has been separated, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time. Because the package seal has not been broken, the shelf life of the product is not diminished by this type of partial opening.

In a preferred pry-off embodiment, the closure is of the composite type and includes a plastic shell with a separately formed disk inserted in the shell. The shell has an outer skirt around an inner or snap skirt. The outer skirt is "soft", that is, flexible or easily deformable, and can have a smooth, vertical sidewall of the same diameter or configuration as the container sidewall below it. The inner skirt has an internal rib which snaps over a bead, which may be of conventional shape, around the mouth of the container. (The rib on the closure may be either a continuous annular rib, or short or interrupted rib segments.) The inner skirt also includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band connected to the lower circumferential edge thereof by rupturable bridges. The top of the outer skirt is joined to the top of the inner skirt. The outer skirt extends outwardly and downwardly around the inner skirt and extends well below the snap rib and tamper-evidencing band on the inner skirt. Because it is thin and flexible, especially below the level of the rib on the inner skirt, it can be pushed inwardly between the fingers and thumb of one or both hands, or squeezed inwardly by the fingers with the palm of the hand resting on the top, to pry off the closure. Again, as in the squeeze-off and twist-off embodiments, the outer skirt may have windows or it may comprise two or more spaced apart tab-like skirt sections to facilitate viewing and inspecting the tamper- evidencing band for evidence of tampering. In this pry-off embodiment, the container has a neck of reduced diameter below the bead, which leads outwardly to a sidewall that may be of the same diameter (configuration) as the closure outer skirt. The reduced diameter of the neck provides "squeeze room" into which the outer skirt can be pressed inwardly. When the outer skirt is pinched inwardly, its lower edge or at least a circumferential portion of it is pushed inwardly to¬ ward the neck to provide an inwardly and downwardly slanting surface, pref¬ erably directly beneath the snap bead. An upward force is applied to that

surface with the thumb and/or fingers to remove the closure by a pry-off operation and simultaneously separate the tamper-evidencing band. The closure is most easily removed with both hands, but one-handed removal is possible. The prying or pushing force on the outer skirt when squeezed is transferred through the upper part of the outer skirt which curves inwardly and joins the inner skirt. The inner skirt is progressively unsnapped around the container bead. Because the insert disk is not integral and is not bond¬ ed to the shell, the pinching force deforms the shell without bending the disk significantly if at all. The non-uniform bending of the shell around the disk tends to concentrate the "unsnapping" force between the pressure points. This initially lifts a small circumferential portion of the snap rib over the bead, and the unsnapping then proceeds quickly around the rest of the con¬ tainer bead. The outer skirt is not cammed upwardly by the neck; the outer surface need not engage the neck at all, nor any shoulder beneath the neck.

However, it may abut or be arrested by the neck at the inner end of its travel.

The snap rib on the inner skirt may be segmented rather than uniformly continuous, but a continuous annular rib is preferred for smaller size containers. No tool is required, and neither the flexible skirt nor the in¬ sert disk is permanently deformed or bent by the pinching, thus facilitating reapplication of the closure and resealing. Especially if the outer skirt of the closure is sized to have substantially the same outside diameter as the side¬ wall of the container below the neck, the package presents an exceptionally neat and uniform appearance in which the closure appears to be an upward extension of the sidewall of the container, unlike conventional press-on, pry- off closures having a radially offset outer edge.

If desired, the package may include a frangible paper or shrink-on-plastic label covering portions of both the closure outer skirt and the container sidewall. Using a label that extends onto the closure skirt can increase the label space by up to 100% over that available on some standard baby food packages. Preferably the label has a circumferential line of

weakness centered over the space between the lower edge of the closure's outer skirt and the container sidewall. Pinching the closure in the pry-off removal process breaks the label along the line of weakness, thereby provid¬ ing visible evidence of opening in addition to the tamper-evidencing band. In this pry-off embodiment, it is preferred that the closure shell be able to move relative to the insert disk. The disk may be held fixed on the sealed container by a vacuum force; additionally or alternatively it may be secured by adhesive. Such "float" enables the shell to be moved upwardly relative to the disk so that the snap rib can be unsnapped over the container bead and the tamper-evidencing band can be separated before the disk is lifted by the closure rib to break the vacuum or adhesive seal. Once the closure snap rib has been released from the container bead and the tamper-evidencing band has been separated, continued prying brings the rib upwardly against the underside of the outer edge of the disk and then lifts the disk to break the vacuum and/or adhesive. This "sequencing" of the disk lifting step after the unsnapping step reduces the peak or total force required at any given moment to remove the closure.

Additionally, float between the disk and closure shell can help reduce food spoilage if someone starts to open the package to sniff or taste its contents while it is on the shelf. The reason for this is that the tamper- evidencing band is separated by the initial pinching and lifting of the closure, but the disk seal is not immediately broken. Many "sniffers and tasters" will be deterred from further efforts once they see that the tamper-evidencing band has been separated, and will return the package to the shelf where it may sit for some time. Because the seal has not been broken even though the tamper-evidencing band has been separated, shelf life of the product is not diminished by this type of partial opening.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the Figures taken in conjunction with the detailed description.

Description of the Drawings

The invention can best be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a package in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, being opened by squeezing the closure;

Figure 2 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, prior to squeezing the closure to remove it; Figure 3 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2 but with the closure shown in a squeezed position after the snap rib has been lifted off the container bead, and before the insert disk has been lifted to break the seal;

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3, showing in exaggerated form how the squeezing non-uniformly distorts the closure;

Figure 5 is a side view of the closure being squeezed, showing the temporary "saddle shape" caused by squeezing;

Figure 6 is a side view partially in cross-section showing the inverted closure being used as a base in which the open, tilted container is placed to facilitate spooning out its contents;

Figure 7 is an axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a modified closure having frangible tamper evidencing bridges molded in the outer skirt; Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-section similar to Figure 2, partially broken away, but shows a modified container with which the closure is in sealing;

Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-section, partially broken away, showing a prior art closure in sealing engagement with a container; Figure 11 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the top is integral with the shell;

Figure 12 is a transverse section similar to Figure 4 but shows an optional child resistant feature of the invention;

Figure 13 is a transverse section similar to Figure 12 but shows an alternative child resistant feature of the invention; Figure 14 is an axial section similar to Figure 2 but shows an aerosol can fitted with a cover in accordance with another embodiment; and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an aerosol can cover of the type shown in Figure 14, wherein the squeezing force must be applied to a particular segment of the outer shell; Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the package in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, being opened by squeezing and twisting the closure;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, prior to squeezing and twisting the closure to remove it;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 17 but with the closure shown in a squeezed position;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 20A is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, prior to squeezing the closure to unseal a dispensing orifice;

Fig. 20B is a sectional view similar to Fig. 20 A but with the closure shown in a squeezed position with the dispensing orifice unsealed; Fig. 21 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 20B showing an alternative closure structure in a squeezed position with an unsealed dispensing orifice;

Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic perspective showing a package in accordance with this invention, with the closure being gripped for pry-off removal;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged axial cross-section of a preferred form of closure in accordance with the invention, showing the closure in sealed

position on the container;

Fig. 24 is an axial cross-section similar to Fig. 23, but shows the closure as it is being squeezed to progressively pull the rib over the snap bead; Fig. 25 is a horizontal section taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 23;

Fig. 26 is a cross-section similar to Fig. 25, but is taken on line 26-26 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 27 shows an alternative form of package in accordance with the invention, and an alternative way to remove the closure; Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing a squeeze-open package in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, being opened by squeezing the closure;

Fig. 29 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a squeeze-open embodiment of the invention, prior to squeezing the closure to remove it;

Fig. 30 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 29 but with the closure shown in a squeezed position after the snap rib has been lifted off the container bead, after the tamper-evidencing band has been broken, and before the insert disk has been lifted to break the seal; Fig. 31 is an enlarged cross-section similar to Fig. 29, partially broken away, but shows a modified container with which the closure is in sealing engagement;

Fig. 32 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with another squeeze-open embodiment of the invention, generally similar to Fig. 28, wherein the top is integral with the shell;

Fig. 33 is an enlarged partial axial section of a sealed package in accordance with a threaded embodiment of the invention, prior to squeezing and twisting the closure to remove it;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 33 but with the closure shown in a position after twisting, after breaking the tamper- evidencing band, and after the insert disk has been lifted to break the seal;

Fig. 35 is a perspective view showing a package in accordance with a pry-off embodiment of the invention, with the closure being gripped for pry-off removal;

Fig. 36 is an enlarged axial cross-section of a pry-off closure embodiment in accordance with the invention, showing the closure in a sealed position on the container;

Fig. 37 is an axial cross-section similar to Fig. 36, but shows the closure as it is being squeezed and pried to progressively pull or push the rib over the snap bead and after the tamper-evidencing band has been broken; Fig. 38 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a squeeze-open package in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. 38 A is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a squeeze-open package in accordance with the invention. Detailed Description A first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1-6, comprises a package 10 which includes a container 11 and a squeeze release closure 12. In principal, container 11 can be glass or plastic or even a metal container like a "tin" can. (A structure especially useful with can-like containers is shown in Figure 7 and is subsequently described.) In preferred form, container 10 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall portion 14 which leads upwardly to an inwardly slanting shoulder 16. Shoulder 16 is preferably a conical surface, or it may curve upwardly with progressively increasing steepness. Above shoulder 16 container finish 18 presents a snap bead 20 around container mouth 22. Although the snap bead 20 may take any one of several forms, it is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 with a downwardly and outwardly tapered upper portion 24 and a reversely tapered, i.e., downwardly and inwardly tapered, lower portion 26, with a crest 28 between them. As will be described, the closure 12 has a snap ring or rib which is snapped over the crest 28 of bead 20 to retain the closure shell on the container. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9, the snap bead 20 may have a continuous, rounded surface 27, such that the closure snap ring or rib is snapped over the section of greatest diameter 29 to retain the closure

shell on the container. Glass containers having this latter type of bead configuration are becoming more prevalent because they are easier and less expensive to manufacture, and thus are preferred by glass container manufacturers. Closure 12 is preferably a composite-type closure comprising a plastic shell 23 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 32. However, it should be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to composite-type closures. An alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 11, which depicts a single-piece closure, will be described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, closure shell 23 is double walled, that is it has an inner or snap skirt 30 which houses the insert disk 32, and a larger diameter and longer outer or cam skirt 34. The outer skirt meets and joins inner skirt 30 at the top 35 of the closure, and surrounds and extends downwardly beyond the top. Inner skirt 30 is preferably relatively short; it extends downwardly from the top, past the crest 28 of container bead 20, and has a snap ring or rib 36 which in Figure 2 is shown snapped beneath (that is, downwardly of) container bead 20. Although snap rib 36 is shown as being circumferentially continuous, it will be appreciated that the rib may be a plurality of circumferentially spaced sections or snap lugs; alternatively, container bead 20 can also be interrupted or discontinuous. It is important that outer skirt 34 extend downwardly substantially beyond the plane of closure snap rib or ring 36. Thus, the length dimension LO (shown in Fig. 2) of outer skirt 34, measured from the plane of the container mouth vertically downwardly to the lower edge 42 of the outer skirt, is preferably at least twice the vertical dimension LI (shown in Fig. 2) of inner skirt 30, measured from the plane of the container mouth vertically downwardly to the snap rib 36. The longer length LO of the outer skirt serves an additional, advantageous function, which is to capture or retain steam in the head space 39 during the closure application process.

This is believed to result in more efficient steam sweeping, which in turn results in a higher vacuum seal of the container and longer shelf life.

It is further preferable that outer skirt 34 join inner skirt 30 above snap rib 36 and above the plane of insert disk 32. This reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of containers for shelf stacking, and saves material. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the outer skirt can join the inner skirt below the disk, although the resulting package is not so visually unique and may not be as effective.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-6, the insert disk 32 is a top loaded disk; i.e., it is inserted into shell 23 from the top, into the inner skirt past the disk retaining lip 40 thereon. (The invention is also useful with bottom load disks.) The disk may be made of metal, cellulosic material, or plastic. Usually it will have a gasket or sealant material 48 in a peripheral groove, which forms a top and/or side seal with the inner and outer sides and/or top of the container rim 38. The disk 32 may be held on the container rim 38 by a vacuum, i.e., greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive on the rim 38.

The disk 32 shown is of the preferred, floating disk type; i.e., it is axially movable within the shell 23. Disk 32 is retained by, and is movable between, the upper surface 36a of snap rib 36 and lip 40 at the top of the inner skirt 30. As will be seen, this disk "float" is highly desirable because it enables the disk lifting, vacuum breaking step of the closure removal operation to occur separately from (and subsequent to) the unsnapping step.

Shell 23 is elastically deformable and flexible and is preferably molded of a polyolefin such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 34 is longer and may be thinner and more flexible than the inner skirt 30. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-3, the outer skirt must be sufficiently flexible that it can be squeezed between the thumb and fingers of the hand (Figure 1), to press it inwardly into contact with container shoulder 16 (Figs. 2 and 3). When the outer skirt is squeezed, the inner skirt 30 also deforms, but to a lesser extent than the outer skirt 34; thus the inner skirt need only be

sufficiently elastically deformable so that the closure snap ring 36 can snap and unsnap over the crest 28 of container snap bead 20.

Preferably, outer skirt 34 is relatively thin so as to reduce material costs and to reduce the resistance to squeezing. However, this thin wall structure is susceptible to distortion during various stages of packaging and processing, such as retorting. This deformation can be corrected when the package label is applied as described below, by restoring the circular integrity of the skirt.

As noted, outer skirt 34 is inwardly bendable toward the container shoulder 16 and preferably has a continuous, uniform lower edge

42 which, when squeezed inwardly as shown, bears against and is cammed upwardly on container shoulder 16. The cam engagement of the lower edge 42 of outer skirt 34 with the shoulder surface exerts an upward force on the outer skirt 34 which is transmitted through the outer skirt to the inner skirt 30 where the two meet at the top, and thereby exerts an upward pull on the closure snap rib 36, tending to pull it over the container 20. The upward cam force is the primary force which pries the snap rib over the bead of 20. The greater the angle of the shoulder to vertical (i.e., the "flatter" the shoulder) the greater the mechanical advantage the cam provides, but the greater the squeezed distance required. Twisting the closure further increases the effective cam angulation and thus further facilitates removal. Shoulder angles in the range of about 15 ^* to 75°, relative to vertical, may be used. However, an angle in the range of about 30' to 60° is most preferred because it enables the closure to be removed with relatively little force, especially in comparison to the axial force required to remove a pry-off type closure, but at the same time only a relatively small inward squeeze is required. The force required to open a package depends on the amount the rib must be stretched to lift it. The force can be reduced by positioning the rib closer to the crest of the bead, or by changing the angulation of the bead. Lower edge 42 of outer skirt 34 is preferably spaced slightly upwardly, for example about 1/16", from container shoulder 16 (measured perpendicularly from the container shoulder). This gap or spacing allows

cleansing circulation and drainage of food residue after filling and processing the package.

Closure 12 can be removed simply by gripping it in one hand and pressing the outer skirt 34 inwardly between the thumb and forefingers, as shown in Figure 1. Two hands are usually not necessary. Most easily, however, it is removed by also twisting it slightly at the same time, i.e., over about 10-30 degrees of rotation. Because of the leverage provided by the camming of the long outer skirt, the force reduction is amazing: for example, only a few pounds (if that) of inward squeezing force are required to remove a closure in accordance with this invention, whereas an upwardly directed force of about 2 to 5 times as much is required to remove a pry-off closure of the same size from a corresponding vacuum packed container. Indeed, the force required to open a conventional closure may feel like 10 to 20 times as much to a user because all the force is concentrated on a small point of a finger or thumb.

It is believed that part of the force reduction occurs because the shell deforms non-uniformly around its periphery and concentrates the force on only small circumferential areas around rib 36, and thereby pulls the rib over the bead 20 more easily. Squeezing on approximately opposite sides of the outer skirt 34 deforms them inwardly, and at the same time deforms the regions in between outwardly and upwardly, as shown in exaggerated form in Figures 4 and 5. Thus, at the same time the lower edge 42 of the skirt is brought into cammed engagement with the container sidewall 16, the intermediate portions 44, 44 of the outer skirt are bent outwardly and upwardly. This outward movement is to some degree applied and transmitted to the inner skirt 30 at adjacent points, to lift those points first over the container bead 20.

By comparing Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that as the outer skirt 34 is cammed up the container shoulder 16, the angle formed between the outer skirt and the shoulder 16 progressively increases, because the outer skirt bends further inwardly about the "hinge" or corner portion 46 where it joins the inner skirt 30. This increasing angulation effectively makes the

ramp less steep and thereby increases the leverage, which lifts the snap ring 36 over the rib 20. Thus the mechanical advantage becomes greater as squeezing proceeds.

Moreover, it can be seen that the outer skirt 30, extending as it does well below the plane of the snap ring, acts as a long lever arm. This long lever arm, together with the increasingly powerful cam force applied as the skirt rides up the cam ramp, is believed to account for the surprising ease with which the closure is removed.

If, as in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the insert disk 32 is axially movable or "floats" relative to the closure shell, when the closure 12 is gripped and squeezed to move upwardly relative to the container 11, the closure snap rib 36 is pried at least substantially over the container bead 20 before the disk 32 is lifted. The closure components should preferably be dimensioned so that the closure shell does not start to lift the insert disk from the container until the snap ring 30 has been at least partially, and preferably entirely, snapped over the container bead. Continued squeezing lifts the closure shell further, until the upper surface 36a of closure snap rib 36 (or a separate internal projection) engages the underside of the outer edge 38 of the disk 32, and pushes it upwardly, to break the seal. This force is not additional to that required to unsnap the shell, but rather is applied subsequently to it. This sequential action substantially reduces the force required at a given moment to carry out these operations. Absent such sequential unsnapping and disk lifting stages, the force required to carry them out simultaneously would be substantially greater than needed to carry out either individually. If the closure is integral with the skirts (as in Figure 11) and has no floating disk, the long cam skirt 34 still provides a mechanical advantage to lift the top, but greater force is required.

It will be appreciated that during the closure application process, the snap rib 36 slides downwardly over the container bead 20, thus providing a squeegee action over the container finish. This squeegee action

serves to help remove any food that may have spilled out of the container upon filling and remained on the finish.

Figure 10 shows a prior art closure of the "PT" type widely used on baby food jars and having a moldable gasket composition which confirms itself to threads on the finish. For ease of push-on application, the closure skirt is not parallel to the axis of the closure but rather is at an angle α to it. In comparison to the present invention, such non-vertical angulation impedes the quality of the seal in that the closure sometimes tends to creep up or back and open slightly, as indicated by the arrow. Also, resealing does not draw down the closure so tightly and may strip the threads. The present closure, used on baby food jars, holds the disk or top down vertically and is not subject to such creep.

As previously indicated the invention is adaptable for use with tamper evidencing means. Figures 2 and 3 show a tamper evidencing means in the form of a paper band or a plastic shrink band 56, which tightly encircles the package 10, extending downwardly beyond the lower edge 42 of the outer skirt and onto the container sidewall. The outside configuration or diameter of the outer skirt 34 preferably substantially matches the outside diameter of the container sidewall below the shoulder 16. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the closure outer skirt then appears to be an extension of the line of the container sidewall, in contrast to most press-on pry-off closures in which the closure is often larger in diameter than the container sidewall so that it can be easily gripped for pry-off. (If smaller, a finger gap usually exists so it can be gripped.) The shrink band or paper label 56 has a line of weakness 58 that forms a series of straight or undulating perforations which break readily when the outer skirt 34 is squeezed (Fig. 2). These perforations preferably are centered over the gap between the skirt and the shoulder. Squeezing the outer skin at opposite points 43, 43, breaks the perforations at those points; at right angles to points 43, 43, "ovalizing" of the closure breaks the band by outward movement of the closure (Fig. 4). The opening or attempted opening is thereby readily displayed. It is particularly advantageous if the

line of weakness is in the form of an undulating line, as shown in Figure 2. Then, the natural tendency to twist the closure causes the peaks and valleys of the undulations to rub against one another, thereby deforming them and making the opening still more readily visible. Because outer skirt 34 is relatively thin and flexible as molded, prior to application it may be out of round or otherwise not perfectly symmetrical around its circumference; for example, it may initially be somewhat oval rather than circular in section. An advantage of providing a label which fits closely around both the skirt and the container sidewall is that, if applied tautly (under slight tension), it tends to "circularize" a skirt which is not already circular and thereby bring it into a much more nearly circular configuration. Similarly, other closure shapes which are intended to but do not conform precisely to the container cross-section, can be "regularized" (brought into close conformity) with the cross-section of the container sidewall which extends around substantial portions of both the skirt or the sidewall. This label provides a cleaner, more uniform appearance. Other tamper-evidencing means can be used, such as a tear band with integral bridges. The band may lock beneath a container rib; it may drop and remain on the container, or a tear tab may be discarded. Figure 8 shows a closure 80 having integral bridges 82 molded into an outer skirt 84. The skirt has vertical slots 86 extending toward its lower edge 88; the circumferential bridges 82 are positioned at or adjacent the lower skirt edge 88, and are broken when the skirt is squeezed.

Whereas the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a composite closure having a double-skirted shell, the invention can also be used, though less advantageously, in a single skirt embodiment as shown in Figure 7. This embodiment is especially useful for a metal can container 70 having a rolled chine or rim 71 which presents a bead 78 over which the closure snap rib 77 is pressed. The can 70 has an inwardly slanting shoulder 73 but its rim 72 may have the same outside diameter as the can diameter below the shoulder 73. Closure 74 has only a single skirt 75, which extends well below snap rib 77 to a lower cam edge 78 that will engage and be

cammed by shoulder 73. Again, the vertical distance from the can mouth to lower edge 78 is preferably at least twice the distance between the mouth and snap rib 77. This provides good leverage, although not as good as in the first embodiment. Figure 6 shows how the closure 12 can be inverted and used as a support to hold container 11 tilted, for ease of spooning. The rounded lower edge 61 enables the container to rest stably while tilted in the inverted closure (a container with a sharply rounded corner would not sit so stably in the closure). The closure 12 holds the lower edge 61 of the container slightly above the base (i.e., the inverted top) of the closure 12; the container

11 is thus supported at its lower edge by the closure sidewall, and need not rest on the closure top. This enables the closure to hold the container tilted at any of a range of angles, from approximately 25' to about 75' to vertical, to facilitate spooning out its contents. Figure 5 shows the closure with printed or molded markings or indicia 47 thereon so that the closure can be used as a measuring device.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 11, the closure 12 is a single-piece construction (the top is integral, not an insert disk) but in other respects it may be substantially the same as the closure shown in Figs. 1-6 and described hereinabove. In this particular embodiment, there is no float of the insert disk since the closure is of unitary construction. Under certain circumstances, such float is not necessary or required and this closure structure is applicable in those situations. In addition to relying upon vacuum sealing, the closure may be affixed to the container finish by means of a circumferential adhesive bead 90. Because there is no float in this embodiment, the squeezing action will simultaneously lift the bead over the container finish and will break the vacuum/adhesive seal on the container.

Of course, a separate foil or other freshness seal, beneath the top and adhered directly to the container rim, may be used to seal the container mouth; the top or disk of the closure need not necessarily provide the seal.

Yet another feature which may be incorporated in the closures of the present invention is a "child-proof" structure. Figure 12 shows one embodiment of a closure according to the invention wherein two circumferential portions or sectors 94, 94 of the outer skirt 34 of the closure are stiffened or reinforced by ribs on braces 95, or are made thicker, so as not to be deformed by squeezing. The outer skirt 34 has two diametrically opposite flexible portions 97, 97, unbraced or of reduced wall thickness, so that as the closure is gripped and squeezed in the direction of arrows 98, 98, the outer skirt deforms to an oval or somewhat "square" shape, as shown in phantom lines 99, to provide the cam action, but only when squeezed at the proper sectors. The closure will preferably include indica to instruct persons to grip and squeeze at the appropriate sector to open the package. Children will thus be thwarted from opening the package.

Figure 13 shows another form of a child-resistant feature wherein the outer skirt 34 has a single circumferential sector 102, on the order of 30 '-90' in angular width, of thin or unreinforced wall construction which can be deformed from its normal circular orientation, as shown by the phantom line 111. The remaining portion of the shell is extra thick and/or internally ribbed, etc., to render it essentially unsqueezable. By squeezing only at the sector of the thin wall region 102, the closure is removed from the container.

In previous embodiments the closure was described in packages wherein the closure sealed the container. The closure can be modified for use with containers which are unsealed or pre-sealed or wherein the closure does not form the seal. For example, in Figures 14 and 15 a double-skirted closure 101 is used as a cover for an aerosol can 102. The closure has an inner skirt 103 with a snap rib 104 which is engaged beneath a snap bead 108 around the valve stem or operator 106. A circumferentially uniform outer skirt 110 may be used to lift rib 104 as previously described. Alternatively, as shown, the lower edge 118 of skirt 110 may be seated in a confined, upwardly owning groove 112 around a cam shoulder 113, below rib 104. As shown in Figure 15, outer skirt 110 may have a flexible,

vertically shorter squeeze sector 112, defined between two slots 114 or other openings. The skirt sector 120 can be pressed inwardly to bring its lower edge 116 into engagement with can surface 113 (Fig. 14) to lift the cover 101 and pop rib 104 upwardly over bead 108 and at the same time lift the skirt cover edge 118 out of groove 112. The closure can also be made in a single skirt embodiment, wherein the snap rib is on the single skirt. As a further alternative, another shell (including a third shell or outer cover) may extend part way around the outer shell, to prevent squeezing it except through a limited opening or openings in the third shell. Another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 16-18, comprises a package 210 which includes a container 211 and a easy-to-grip, flexible squeeze closure 212 threaded on container 211. In principle, container 211 can be glass or plastic or even a metal container like a "tin" can, and can take a wide variety of configurations other than the cylindrical configuration shown.

In a preferred form, container 211 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall portion 214 which leads upwardly to an inwardly slanting shoulder 216. Shoulder 216 is preferably a frustoconical surface, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, or it may curve upwardly with progressively increasing steepness. Above shoulder 216, container finish 218 includes threads 220 around container mouth 222. Although shown with common continuous threads (CT), it will be appreciated that multi-start threading or lug-type ramp threads can be utilized and that the invention is not limited to the specific type of thread structure on the container. As will be described, closure 212 has a threaded, downwardly-depending skirt 224 with internal threads 226 which engage threads 220 on container finish 218. Thus, closure 212 is a true twist-off or threaded closure.

Closure 212 is preferably a composite-type closure comprising a plastic shell 223 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 232. However, it should be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to composite-type closures. Although not explicitly shown, an alternative embodiment contemplates a closure similar in all respects to that

shown in Figs. 17 and 18, except that the disk portion 232 is integral with and forms a part of a single-piece closure.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 16-18, closure shell 223 is double-walled; i.e., it has an inner threaded skirt 224 which houses the insert disk 232, and a larger diameter and longer outer skirt 234. The outer skirt

234 meets and joins inner skirt 224 at the top 235 of the closure, and surrounds and extends downwardly beyond the top. Inner skirt 224 is preferably relatively short; it extends downwardly from the top, and includes threads 226 for threaded engagement with threads 220 on container finish 218. Preferably, outer skirt 234 extends downwardly substantially beyond the plane of the lower terminal end 225 of inner skirt 224. The longer length of the outer skirt provides an advantageous function, which is to capture or retain steam in the head space 239 during the closure application process. This is believed to result in more efficient steam sweeping, which in turn may result in higher vacuum seal of the container and longer shelf life.

It is further preferable that outer skirt 234 join inner skirt 224 above the plane of insert disk 232. This reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of containers for shelf stacking, and saves material. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the outer skirt can join the inner skirt below the disk, although the resulting package is not so visually unique and may not be as effective.

Outer skirt 234 is of thin-wall construction such that it is sufficiently pliable to the extent that the opposing grip forces between the thumb and fingers of a user causes it to deform inwardly around these pinch points and softly, form fit the hand to enhance the user's grip on the closure and ease closure removal and resealing. With this construction, there is no need for the typical knurling that is used on many twist-off closures to overcome high removal torques or the forces necessary to effectuate resealing.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 16-18, the insert disk 232 is a top loaded disk; i.e., it is inserted into shell 223 from the top, into the

inner skirt past the disk retaining lip 240. Bottom load disks can also be used in connection with the closures of the present invention. The disk 232 may be made of metal, cellulosic material, or plastic. Usually it will have a gasket or sealant material 248 in a peripheral groove, which forms a top and/or side seal with the inner and outer sides and/or top of the container rim

238. The disk 232 may be held on the container rim 238 by a vacuum, i.e., greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive (not shown) on the rim 238. The disk 232 shown is of the preferred, floating disk type; i.e., is axially movable within shell 223. Disk 232 is retained by, and is movable between thread 226 and lip 240 at the top of the inner skirt 224. As will be seen, this disk "float" is highly desirable because it enables the disk lifting, vacuum breaking step of the closure removal operation to occur separately from and subsequent to the unthreading step and/or the breaking of tamper evidencing connectors. Shell 223 is elastically deformable and pliable and is preferably molded of a polyolefin such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 234 is also preferably thinner and more flexible than the inner skirt 224. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 16-18, the outer skirt must be sufficiently flexible that it can be squeezed between the thumb and fingers of the hand (Fig. 16), to press it inwardly (Fig. 18). When the outer skirt is squeezed, it deforms and form fits the hand to provide excellent gripping of the closure which facilitates easier twist-off action and removal of the closure. Preferably, outer skirt 234 is relatively thin so as to reduce material costs and to reduce the resistance to squeezing. It has been found that suitable outer wall thicknesses in the range of .012" to .045" depending on diameter and height ratios provide sufficient pliability to achieve the advantageous results of the present invention. However, this thin wall structure is susceptible to distortion during various stages of packaging and processing, such as retorting. This deformation can be corrected when the package label is applied, as described below, by restoring the circular integrity of the skirt.

In use, outer skirt 234 is inwardly deformed by a squeezing action and the container is readily unthreaded or twisted off container finish 218 due to the improved grip on the closure. As closure shell 223 travels in an upward direction due to the unthreading, it will subsequently engage and lift disk 232 off of the container mouth 222, thus breaking the seal and opening the package. As shown in Fig. 17, the lower edge 242 of outer skirt 234 is preferably spaced slightly upwardly, for example about 1/16", from container shoulder 216 (measured perpendicularly from the container shoulder). This gap or spacing allows spray washing and drainage of food residue after filling and retorting the package 210.

This invention is adaptable for use with tamper evidencing means. Figs. 17 and 18 show a tamper evidencing means in the form of a paper band or plastic shrink band 256, which tightly encircles the package 210, extending downwardly beyond the lower edge 242 of the outer skirt and onto the container sidewall. The outside configuration or diameter of the outer skirt 234 preferably substantially matches the outside diameter of the container sidewall below the shoulder 216. As seen in Figs. 16 and 17, the closure outer skirt then appears to be an extension of the line of the container sidewall, in contrast to many twist-off closures in which the closure is often larger in diameter than the container sidewall.

The shrink band or paper label 256 has a line of weakness 258 that forms a series of straight or undulating perforations which break readily when the outer skirt 234 is squeezed (see Fig. 18). These perforations are preferably centered over the gap between the skirt and shoulder. Squeezing the outer skirt at opposite points breaks the perforations at those points; at right angles to the squeeze points, "ovalizing" of the closure breaks the band by outward movement of the closure. The opening or attempted opening of the package is thereby readily displayed. It is particularly advantageous if the line of weakness is in the form of a vertically offset line, as shown in Fig. 17. Then, the natural tendency to twist the closure causes the peaks and valleys of the offsets to rub against one another, thereby deforming them and making the opening or attempted opening even more readily visible.

As mentioned above, because outer skirt 234 is relatively thin and flexible, it may not be perfectly symmetrical around its circumference and may initially be somewhat oval rather than circular in section. An advantage of providing a label which overlaps both the outer skirt and the container sidewall is that, if applied tautly (under slight tension), it tends to

"circularize" an outer skirt which is not already circular and brings it into a much more nearly circular configuration. This provides a cleaner, more regular appearance to the package.

Alternatively, other tamper evidencing means (not shown) can be used such as a tear band with integral bridges. The band may lock beneath a container rib; it may drop and remain on the container or a tear tab may be discarded.

Whereas a preferred embodiment of the invention as described hereinabove includes a composite closure having a double-skirted shell in combination with a relatively wide-mouthed jar or container, the invention can also be used in a single-skirt embodiment as shown in Fig. 19. This embodiment may be particularly useful with containers having taller necks or neck finishes of relatively narrow diameter, such as are commonly found in liquor bottles, mouthwash containers, etc. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, tlie container 211 has a relatively tall, small diameter neck 270 with threads 272 at its upper extremity adjacent mouth opening 274. Closure 276 has a top wall section 278 and a downwardly depending skirt 280 which is relatively thick at its upper end 281 adjacent closure top 278. As shown, upper skirt section 281 has internal threads 283 which engage external threads 272 on container finish 270. Skirt 280 is of thin- wall construction below the threaded upper section 281 so that it is pliable and readily squeezed by a user to provide the form-fit gripping action described hereinabove with respect to the closure of Figs. 16-18. It will be appreciated that closure 276 is preferably configured to provide a sleek profile that forms a visual extension of container 211 sidewall 289 or 291 (phantom).

Also, as described hereinabove, a tamper evidencing paper label or plastic band 286 may be applied about the closure and extends downwardly beyond the lower edge of flexible skirt 280 and onto container sidewall 289. It will be appreciated that in connection with either of the embodiments of Figs. 16 to 19, a separate foil or other freshness seal, beneath the top and adhered directly to the container rim, may be used to seal the container mouth; the top or disk of the closure need not necessarily provide the seal. Yet another feature which may be incorporated in the closures of the present invention are "child-proof" structures. A variety of suitable childproof structures are known in the art and can be utilized in connection with the present invention.

Figs. 20A, 20B and 21 show another application of the closure of the present invention in connection with a "push-pull "-type dispenser closure. Generally in this type of dispenser closure an outer or upper portion of the closure is pulled upwardly to unseal a central dispensing orifice and is then pushed downwardly to reseal the orifice. Utilizing a flexible outer skirt 302 of closure 300, the upward force required to unseal central dispensing orifice 304 in the present invention is provided by the cam lifting action generated as flexible skirt 302 is squeezed inwardly and rides up on angled container shoulder 316. In other words, as the user grips and squeezes inwardly on the skirt 302, the lower edge 303 thereof bears against and is cammed upwardly on container shoulder 316. The cam engagement of lower edge 303 of outer skirt 302 with shoulder 316 exerts an upward force transmitted through the outer skirt 302 to lift the closure top 306 (through which dispensing orifice 304 passes), so as to unseal the orifice 304 relative to orifice plug member 308, to provide a flow path for the contents of the container as shown in Figs. 20A and 20B. With this embodiment, the container can be opened using only one hand since the squeezing action provides the unsealing action and the user need not grip the container to hold it in place while the closure is lifted.

In the construction shown in Figs. 20 A and 20B, the dispensing orifice plug member 308 is integral with a threaded member 310 that is threaded on the container finish and is exemplary of a construction well known in the art. In that configuration, an intermediate skirt 312 is provided which frictionally engages threaded member 310 so as to facilitate application of the entire closure onto the container finish by thread-on action. An inner skirt 314 is provided which surrounds dispensing orifice 304. This inner skirt 314 engages upstanding section 315 of threaded member 310; these two components have limited relative movement due to the presence of respective beads 317, 319 (or lugs) which prevent complete disengagement of the closure top 306 and the threaded plug member 310. The interengagement between intermediate skirt 312 and the threaded member 310 facilitates removal of the entire closure 300 (including threaded member 310) by threading it off of the container, so the container can be refilled. In the alternative structure shown in Fig. 21, the plug member is integral with a press fit member 320 that is press fit on the inside of the container finish. This construction obviates the need for an intermediate skirt. In all other respects, this structure operates in the same manner as that described and shown in Figs. 20A and 20B; i.e., inward squeezing of the flexible outer skirt 302 provides a cam lifting action force which unseals the dispensing orifice 304.

An alternative structure (not explicitly shown) that is related to those shown in Figs. 20A, 20B and 21 is also contemplated. In this alternative, the container is biaxially asymetrical in cross-section; i.e., one axis is longer than a perpendicular axis, such as an oval for example. The closure would also be non-symmetrical such that as a twisting and squeezing force is applied, the closure would ride or cam up on the container shoulder, thus providing the requisite lift required to unseal the dispensing orifice.

In the preferred form of the invention shown in Figs. 22-26, the package 410 includes a container 411 and a closure 412, both having a circular or other cylindrical cross-section and both being of substantially the same outside diameter. Container 411 can be glass or plastic, or even a

metal container. (A structure especially useful for metal containers is shown in Fig. 27 and is subsequently described.) In preferred form container 411 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall 414 having a shoulder 415 which leads inwardly to a neck 416 of substantially reduced diameter. The neck 416 may be cylindrical as shown in Figs. 23 and 24, or it may have an

"hour-glass" shape as shown in Fig. 27. Neck 416 is inset sufficiently from container sidewall 414 that the closure skirt can be pushed inwardly between the sidewall and the bead to provide the necessary grip and to deform the inner skirt. Above neck 416 the container finish 418 presents a snap bead 420 around container mouth 422. The bead may be of the smoothly rounded, convex shape favored by glass manufacturers as shown in Figs. 23 and 24. Alternatively, it may have a more sharply formed angle or crest at its maximum diameter 421. Preferably snap bead 420 is continuous round the mouth of the container. Closure 412 is preferably a composite, comprising a plastic shell 423 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 425. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to com¬ posite type closures, and depending upon the application, the closure may have an integrally formed top panel. Closure shell 423 is preferably double-skirted, that is, it has an inner or snap skirt 430 which houses the insert disk 425, and a larger diameter and longer outer skirt 434. The outer skirt has a broadly rounded connecting portion or upper shoulder 432 which turns inwardly and joins the inner skirt 430 at the top 435 of the closure. The outer skirt thus surrounds and extends downwardly from the inner skirt. Inner skirt 430 is preferably relatively short and rigid; it extends downwardly from the top 435, past the crest 421 or portion of greatest diameter of snap bead 420, and has a snap ring or rib 436 which in Fig. 23 is shown snapped beneath (that is, downwardly of) container bead 420. It is important that outer skirt 434 extend downward substantially beyond the plane of the closure snap rib 436. Because outer skirt 434 is deformable inwardly, it is preferable that the connecting portion

or shoulder 434 joins inner skirt 430 above each snap rib 436 and above the plane of insert disk 425. This provides better flexibility and reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of con¬ tainers for shelf stacking, and saves material. While the outer skirt may join the inner skirt below the disk, the resulting package is not so visually unique and is not as easily used.

In the embodiment shown, insert disk 425 is a top loaded disk, i.e., it is inserted downwardly into the inner skirt from the top, past a disk retaining lip 443 which projects inwardly from the inner skirt at the top. (The invention is also useful with bottom load disks.)

The disk may be metal, cellulosic material, plastic, or laminated, and may have a gasket or sealant material 438 in a peripheral groove, for forming a seal with the top, inside and/or outside of the con¬ tainer rim 440. Disk 425 may be held on the container rim 440 by vacuum, i.e., by greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive 441 on the container rim. It should also be understood that a conventional metal foil or freshness seal may also be interposed between the closure top and the rim. Disk 425 has a peripheral upwardly opening gutter 426 which collects and retains particles of foreign matter that may fall on the top of the disk and help prevent them from contaminating the container contents when the vacuum is broken. The disk 425 illustrated is of the floating type; the closure shell is movable relative to the disk while the disk remains sealed on the container. The disk is retained by, and is movable between, the upper surface 436a of snap rib 436 and lip 443 at the top of the inner skirt 430. Floating disks are especially useful for containers packaged under vacuum.

Shell 423 is preferably molded of a polyolefin such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 434 is longer and much more flexible than the inner skirt 430. It is essential that the outer skirt be sufficiently flexible that it can be pinched manually by the user (Fig. 22) to press it into the space around the reduced neck 416 of the container (Fig. 24), sufficiently that it can be pulled upwardly. It has a lower edge 445 which is preferably

spaced above and does not touch container shoulder 415, between the con¬ tainer sidewall 414 and the neck 416. By way of example, a polypropylene closure in accordance with the invention, for use with a baby food jar of nominal 44mm diameter, may have an outer skirt with a wall thickness of 0.46mm (O.Olδinch), and an inner skirt which is .76mm (.030 inch) thick above the rib.

When the outer skirt is pinched, the inner skirt 430 is also deformed, but to a much smaller extent than the outer skirt; the inner skirt need only be deformed sufficiently that closure snap ring 436 can be pulled over the crest 421 of container snap bead 420. The required amount of inward deformation of the outer skirt is not great; inward travel of less than 3/8" may be sufficient. In the opening configuration shown in Fig. 24, opposite circumferential portions of the outer skirt are deformed inwardly toward (or even against) neck 416, sufficiently that they form upwardly and outwardly flaring surfaces 446, preferably with the lower end 445 of the skirt directly below or inwardly of the snap rib. Pushing upwardly on one or both of these upwardly and outwardly flaring surfaces 446 transmits an upward force (arrow 449) to pry the snap ring over the container bead. The plane of rib 436 is deformed upwardly between the regions where the pinch is applied, to release those portions first.

The outer skirt is deformed inwardly from a vertical or near vertical surface, to a surface which is sufficiently inclined that a closure- removing prying force can be applied to it by the fingers.

Fig. 26 illustrates the effect of pinching the outer skirt at diametrically opposite positions indicated by the arrows 450, 450. The outer skirt is ovalized, deforming inwardly where pinched and outwardly at regions in between. The deformation of the outer skirt apparently causes the inner skirt to deform outwardly and slightly upwardly at positions between those where the inward pinch is applied. This causes the opposite portions of snap rib 436 to move outwardly as the closure is ovalized. Those portions are first disengaged, and the other snap rib portions follow quickly and pro¬ gressively so that the closure can easily be pried off.

The package can be opened simply by gripping the package between the fingers and thumbs of one or both hands and pressing the outer skirt inwardly (Fig. 22). Alternatively, the palm of one hand can be placed over the closure top with the fingers hooked below the shoulder and snap rib 462 and pressing in on the skirt 464, as shown in Fig. 27. It is believed that unsnapping is facilitated because the inner skirt deforms inwardly non- uniformly around its periphery and concentrates the force on only narrow circumferential areas around the snap rib, and thereby tends to pry the rib more easily and sequentially over the bead. Because the closure is removed by prying, rather than twisting, it is especially useful with non-circular shapes, i.e., hexagonal which cannot be twisted.

Lower edge 445 of outer skirt 434 is spaced slightly above container shoulder 415. Outer skirt 434 preferably extends neatly and smoothly directly above container sidewall 414 and provides a large area for a label 452. The label can be used to provide tamper-evidencing means. Figs. 23 and 24 show a paper band or plastic shrink band 452 which encircles the package, extending downwardly beyond the lower edge 445 of the outer skirt and onto the container sidewall. This is in contrast to most press-on, pry-off closures in which the closure often has a different diameter than the container sidewall (so that it can be easily gripped for pry-off), which effectively prevents a label from extending continuously the closure. The shrink band or paper label has a line of weakness 453 in the form of a series of straight or vertically offset perforations which break readily when the outer skirt is pushed in. Pinching the outer skirt at opposite points breaks the perforations at those points; at right angles to those points outward movement of the ovalized skirt breaks the label. Opening or attempted opening is therefore readily displayed. Alternatively, the outer skirt can itself have frangible bridges molded into it, preferably around its lower edge, to be broken by pinching.

The label thus imparts a clean and smooth and somewhat intriguing appearance to the container; the package seemingly has no

gripping means for opening it, yet it can easily be opened by gripping the top part of the label and pinching it inwardly.

Another advantage of the package lies in the fact that a tautly applied label which extends from the container sidewall substantially onto the soft skirt will "conform" the skirt and hold it in precisely the same cross- sectional configuration as the container sidewall, e.g. circular, octagonal, etc. A thin-walled skirt, though intended to be molded to a desired configuration, often warps or deforms somewhat on cooling, so that, for example, a skirt molded with a circular cross-sectional shape may be somewhat oval at the point of application. The tightly-applied label conforms the skirt to the same cross-sectional configuration as the more rigid sidewall of the container.

Fig. 27 of the drawing shows an alternative form of container, a metal can having an inwardly, then outwardly flaring conical neck portion, as opposed to the more cylindrical neck portion of Fig. 26. The closure 460 of Fig. 27 is single-skirted; a snap rib 462 is provided on the single skirt

464. The lower portion of skirt 464 is thinner and hence more flexible than the upper portion, and can be pinched to provide the inwardly and downwardly included pulling surface.

Child resistance can be provided by making only certain limited circumferential portions of the skirt radially deformable. The remainder of the skirt may be thicker, or internally reinforced by ribbing, so that it will not deform.

A squeeze-open or squeeze-off embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 28-31, comprises a package 510 which includes a container 511 and a squeeze release closure 512. In principal, container 511 can be glass or plastic or even a metal container like a "tin" can.

In preferred form, container 510 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall portion 514 which leads upwardly to an inwardly slanting shoulder 515. Shoulder 515 preferably merges with a conical surface 516, or it may curve upwardly with progressively increasing steepness. Above surface 516 container finish 18 presents a snap bead 520 around container mouth 522. Although the snap bead 520 may take any one of several forms,

it is shown in Figs. 29 and 30 with a downwardly and outwardly tapered upper portion 524 and a reversely tapered, i.e., downwardly and inwardly tapered, lower portion 526, with a crest 528 between them. As will be described, the closure 512 has a snap ring or rib which is snapped over the crest 528 of bead 520 to retain the closure shell on the container.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 31, the snap bead 520 may have a continuous, rounded surface 527, such that the closure snap ring or rib is snapped over the section of greatest diameter 529 to retain the closure shell on the container. Glass containers having this latter type of bead configuration are becoming more prevalent because they are easier and less expensive to manufacture, and thus are preferred by glass container manufacturers.

Closure 512 is preferably a composite-type closure comprising a plastic shell 523 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 532. However, it should be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to composite-type closures. An alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 32, which depicts a single-piece closure, will be described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 28-31, closure shell 523 is double walled, that is it has an inner or snap skirt 530 which houses the insert disk 532, and a larger diameter and longer outer or cam skirt 534. (Although not explicitly shown, a single skirt closure including a tamper- evidencing band is contemplated.) The outer skirt meets and joins inner skirt 530 at the top 535 of the closure, and surrounds and extends downwardly beyond the top. Inner skirt 530 is preferably relatively short; it extends downwardly from the top, past the crest 528 of container bead 520, and has a snap ring or rib 536 which in Fig. 29 is shown snapped beneath (that is, downwardly of) container bead 520. Although snap rib 536 is shown as being circumferentially continuous, it will be appreciated that the rib may be a plurality of circumferentially spaced sections or snap lugs; alternatively, container bead 520 can also be interrupted or discontinuous. Inner skirt 530 also includes a downwardly-depending tamper-evidencing band 531

connected to lower circumferential edge 533 of skirt 530. Band 531 is preferably connected to edge 533 by rupturable bridges 537. As shown, tamper-evidencing band 531 has a configuration generally of the fish-hook type shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,258,191 and 5,341,949, which are owned by the assignee hereof, and which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. However, it will be appreciated that other types of tamper-evidencing bands may be equally well suited for this purpose, and the invention is not to be limited to any specific tamper- evidencing band structure. It is important that outer skirt 534 extend downwardly substantially beyond the plane of closure snap rib or ring 536. Thus, the length dimension LO (shown in Fig. 29) of outer skirt 534, measured from the plane of the container mouth vertically downwardly to the lower edge 542 of the outer skirt, is preferably at least twice the vertical dimension LI (shown in Fig. 29) of inner skirt 530, measured from the plane of the container mouth vertically downwardly to the snap rib 536. The longer length LO of the outer skirt serves an additional, advantageous function, which is to capture or retain steam in the head space 539 during the closure application process. This is believed to result in more efficient steam sweeping, which in turn results in a higher vacuum seal of the container and longer shelf life.

It is further preferable that outer skirt 534 join inner skirt 530 above snap rib 536 and above the plane of insert disk 532. This reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of containers for shelf stacking, and saves material. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the outer skirt can join the inner skirt below the disk, although the resulting package is not so visually unique and may not be as effective.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 28-31, the insert disk 532 is a top loaded disk; i.e., it is inserted into shell 523 from the top, into the inner skirt past the disk retaining lip 540 thereon. (The invention is also useful with bottom load disks.) The disk may be made of metal, cellulosic

material, or plastic. Usually it will have a gasket or sealant material 548 in a peripheral groove, which forms a top and/or side seal with the inner and outer sides and/or top of the container rim 538. The disk 532 may be held on the container rim 538 by a vacuum, i.e., greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive on the rim 538.

The disk 532 shown is of the preferred, floating disk type; i.e., it is axially movable within the shell 523. Disk 532 is retained by, and is movable between, the upper surface 536a of snap rib 536 and lip 540 at the top of the inner skirt 530. As will be seen, this disk "float" is highly desirable because it enables the disk lifting, vacuum breaking step of the closure removal operation to occur separately from (and subsequent to) the unsnapping step and tamper-evidencing band separation step.

Shell 523 is elastically deformable and flexible and is preferably molded of a polyolefm such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 534 is longer and may be thinner and more flexible than the inner skirt 530. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 28-30, the outer skirt must be sufficiently flexible that it can be squeezed between the thumb and fingers of the hand (Fig. 28), to press it inwardly into contact with container surface 516 (Figs. 29 and 30). When the outer skirt is squeezed, the inner skirt 530 also deforms, but to a lesser extent than the outer skirt 534; thus the inner skirt need only be sufficiently elastically deformable so that the closure snap ring 536 can snap and unsnap over the crest 528 of container snap bead 520.

Preferably, outer skirt 534 is relatively thin so as to reduce material costs and to reduce the resistance to squeezing. However, this thin wall structure is susceptible to distortion during various stages of packaging and processing, such as retorting. This deformation can be corrected when the package label is applied as described below, by restoring the circular integrity of the skirt.

As noted, outer skirt 534 is inwardly bendable toward the conical surface 516 and preferably has a continuous, umform lower edge 542 which, when squeezed inwardly as shown, bears against and is cammed upwardly on surface 516. The cam engagement of the lower edge 542 of

outer skirt 534 with the shoulder surface exerts an upward force on the outer skirt 534 which is transmitted through the outer skirt to the inner skirt 530 where the two meet at the top, and thereby exerts an upward pull on the closure snap rib 536, tending to pull it over the container 520. This upward pull also draws distal end 631 of tamper-evidencing band 531 into engagement with the underside of snap bead 520 and tends to rupture the rupturable bridges 537, thereby separating band 531 from inner skirt 530. The upward cam force is the primary force which pries the snap rib over the bead of 520 and which separates tamper-evidencing band 531. The separated band is retained on the container finish as shown in Fig. 30. The greater the angle of the shoulder to vertical (i.e., the "flatter" the shoulder) the greater the mechanical advantage the cam provides, but the greater the squeezed distance required. Twisting the closure further increases the effective cam angulation and thus further facilitates removal. Shoulder angles in the range of about 15' to 75' , relative to vertical, may be used. However, an angle in the range of about 30' to 60" is most preferred because it enables the closure to be removed and the tamper-evidencing band to be separated with relatively little force, especially in comparison to the axial force required to remove a pry-off type closure, but at the same time only a relatively small inward squeeze is required. The force required to open a package depends on the amount the rib must be stretched to lift it. The force can be reduced by positioning the rib closer to the crest of the bead, or by changing the angulation of the bead.

Lower edge 542 of outer skirt 534 is preferably spaced slightly upwardly, for example about 1/16", from container shoulder 515 (measured perpendicularly from the container shoulder). This gap or spacing allows cleansing circulation and drainage of food residue after filling and processing the package.

Closure 512 can be removed simply by gripping it in one hand and pressing the outer skirt 534 inwardly between the thumb and forefingers, as shown in Fig. 28. Two hands are usually not necessary. Most easily, however, it is removed by also twisting it slightly at the same

time, i.e., over about 10-30 degrees of rotation. Because of the leverage provided by the camming of the long outer skirt, the force reduction is amazing: for example, only a few pounds (if that) of inward squeezing force are required to remove a closure in accordance with this invention, whereas an upwardly directed force of about 2 to 5 times as much is required to remove a pry-off closure of the same size from a corresponding vacuum packed container. Indeed, the force required to open a conventional closure may feel like 10 to 20 times as much to a user because all the force is concentrated on a small point of a finger or thumb. It is believed that part of the force reduction occurs because the shell deforms non-uniformly around its periphery and concentrates the force on only small circumferential areas around rib 536, and thereby pulls the rib over the bead 520 more easily. Squeezing on approximately opposite sides of the outer skirt 534 deforms them inwardly, and at the same time deforms the regions in between outwardly and upwardly, to form a saddle¬ like shape. Thus, at the same time the lower edge 542 of the skirt is brought into cammed engagement with the container surface 516, the intermediate portions 544, 544 of the outer skirt are bent outwardly and upwardly. This outward movement is to some degree applied and transmitted to the inner skirt 530 at adjacent points, to lift those points first over the container bead

520.

By comparing Figs. 29 and 30, it can be seen that as the outer skirt 534 is cammed up the container surface 516, the angle formed between the outer skirt and the shoulder 516 progressively increases, because the outer skirt bends further inwardly about the "hinge" or corner portion 546 where it joins the inner skirt 530. This increasing angulation effectively makes the ramp less steep and thereby increases the leverage, which lifts the snap ring 536 over the rib 520 and separates tamper-evidencing band 531 from skirt 530. Thus the mechanical advantage becomes greater as squeezing proceeds.

Moreover, it can be seen that the outer skirt 530, extending as it does well below the plane of the snap ring, acts as a long lever arm.

This long lever arm, together with the increasingly powerful cam force applied as the skirt rides up the cam ramp, is believed to account for the surprising ease with which the closure is removed.

If, as in the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 29 and 30, the insert disk 532 is axially movable or "floats" relative to the closure shell, when the closure 512 is gripped and squeezed to move upwardly relative to the container 511, the closure snap rib 536 is pried at least substantially over the container bead 520, and the tamper-evidencing band is at least partially separated, before the disk 532 is lifted. The closure components should preferably be dimensioned so that the closure shell does not start to lift the insert disk from the container until the snap ring 530 has been at least partially, and preferably entirely, snapped over the container bead, and band 531 has been at least partially, and preferably entirely, separated from inner skirt 530. Continued squeezing lifts the closure shell further, until the upper surface 536a of closure snap rib 536 (or a separate internal projection) engages the underside of the outer edge 532a of the disk 532, and pushes it upwardly, to break the seal. This force is not additional to that required to unsnap the shell, but rather is applied subsequently to it. This sequential action substantially reduces the force required at a given moment to carry out these operations. Absent such sequential unsnapping and disk lifting stages, the force required to carry them out simultaneously would be substantially greater than needed to carry out either individually. If the top is integral with the skirts (as in Fig. 32) and there is no floating disk, the long cam skirt 534 still provides a mechanical advantage to lift the top, but greater force is required.

It will be appreciated that during the closure application process, the snap rib 536 slides downwardly over the container bead 520, thus providing a squeegee action over the container finish. This squeegee action serves to help remove any food that may have spilled out of the container upon filling and remained on the finish.

In connection with the tamper-evidencing band 531, outer skirt 534 preferably includes cooperating structures to facilitate viewing and

inspection of the status of the band, i.e., to ascertain whether the band 531 has been separated, thereby indicating possible tampering with the package. In one embodiment, this structure is in the form of one or more windows 634 through which the band 531 is visible. Alternatively, outer skirt 534 may have a configuration of one of the types shown in Figs. 38 and 38A, wherein skirt 534 is not continuous, but consists of at least two spaced apart, depending tab-like skirt segments 734. The attitude of tamper-evidencing band 531 is visible in the space between skirt segments 734.

In addition, further tamper-evidencing means is shown in Figs. 29 and 30, in the form of a paper band or a plastic shrink band 556, which tightly encircles the package 510, extending downwardly beyond the lower edge 542 of the outer skirt and onto the container sidewall. The outside configuration or diameter of the outer skirt 534 preferably substantially matches the outside diameter of the container sidewall below the shoulder 515. As seen in Figs. 28 and 29, the closure outer skirt then appears to be an extension of the line of the container sidewall, in contrast to most press-on pry-off closures in which the closure is often larger in diameter than the container sidewall so that it can be easily gripped for pry-off. (If smaller, a finger gap usually exists so it can be gripped.) The shrink band or paper label 556 has a line of weakness 558 that forms a series of straight or undulating perforations which break readily when the outer skirt 534 is squeezed (Fig. 29). These perforations preferably are centered over the gap between the skirt and the shoulder. Squeezing the outer skirt at opposite points 543, 543, breaks the perforations at those points; at right angles to points 543, 543, "ovalizing" of the closure breaks the band by outward movement of the closure. The opening or attempted opening is thereby readily displayed. It is particularly advantageous if the line of weakness 558 is in the form of an undulating line, as shown in Fig. 29. Then, the natural tendency to twist the closure causes the peaks and valleys of the undulations to rub against one another, thereby deforming them and making the opening still more readily visible.

Because outer skirt 534 is relatively thin and flexible, prior to application it may be out of round or otherwise not perfectly symmetrical around its circumference; for example, it may initially be somewhat oval rather than circular in section. An advantage of providing a label which fits closely around both the skirt and the container sidewall is that, if applied tautly (under slight tension), it tends to "circularize" a skirt which is not already circular and thereby bring it into a much more nearly circular configuration. Similarly, other closure shapes which are intended to but do not conform precisely to the container cross-section, can be "regularized" (brought into close conformity) with the cross-section of the container sidewall which extends around substantial portions of both the skirt or the sidewall. This label provides a cleaner, more uniform appearance.

In an alternative squeeze-open embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 32, the closure 512 is a single-piece construction (the top is integral, not an insert disk) but in other respects it may be substantially the same as the closure shown in Figs. 28-31 and described hereinabove, including tamper-evidencing band 531. In this particular embodiment, there is no float of the insert disk since the closure is of unitary construction. Under certain circumstances, such float is not necessary or required and this closure structure is applicable in those situations. In addition to relying upon vacuum sealing, the closure may be affixed to the container finish by means of a circumferential adhesive bead 590. Because there is no float in this embodiment, the squeezing action will simultaneously lift the bead over the container finish, separate the tamper-evidencing band, and break the vacuum/adhesive seal on the container.

Of course, a separate foil or other freshness seal, beneath the top and adhered directly to the container rim, may be used to seal the container mouth; the top or disk of the closure need not necessarily provide the seal. A threaded or twist-off embodiment of the invention, shown in

Figs. 33 and 34, comprises a package 510 which includes a container 511 and a easy-to-grip, flexible squeeze closure 512 threaded on container 511.

In principle, container 511 can be glass or plastic or even a metal container like a "tin" can, and can take a wide variety of configurations other than the cylindrical configuration shown.

In a preferred form, similar to the previously described squeeze-open embodiments, container 511 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall portion 514 which leads upwardly to an inwardly slanting shoulder 515. Shoulder 515 preferably merges with a frustoconical surface 516, as shown in Figs. 33 and 34, or it may curve upwardly with progressively increasing steepness. Above surface 516, container finish 518 includes threads 700 around container mouth 522. Although shown with common continuous threads (CT), it will be appreciated that multi-start threading or lug-type ramp threads can be utilized and that the invention is not limited to the specific type of thread structure on the container. As will be described, closure 512 has a threaded, downwardly-depending inner skirt 702 with internal threads 760 which engage threads 700 on container finish 518.

Thus, closure 512 is a true twist-off or threaded closure.

Closure 512 is preferably a composite-type closure comprising a plastic shell 523 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 532. However, it should be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to composite-type closures. Although not explicitly shown, an alternative embodiment contemplates a closure similar in all respects to that shown in Figs. 33 and 34, except that the disk portion 532 is integral with and forms a part of a single-piece closure.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 33 and 34, closure shell 523 is double- walled; i.e., it has an inner threaded skirt 702 which houses the insert disk 532, and a larger diameter and longer outer skirt 534. The outer skirt 534 meets and joins inner skirt 702 at the top 535 of the closure, and surrounds and extends downwardly beyond the top. Inner skirt 702 is preferably relatively short; it extends downwardly from the top, and includes threads 760 for threaded engagement with threads 700 on container finish

518. It further includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band 531 which is connected by rupturable bridges 537 to lower circumferential

edge 533 of inner skirt 702. Preferably, outer skirt 534 extends downwardly substantially beyond the plane of circumferential edge 533 of inner skirt 702. The longer length of the outer skirt provides an advantageous function, which is to capture or retain steam in the head space 539 during the closure application process. This is believed to result in more efficient steam sweeping, which in turn may result in higher vacuum seal of the container and longer shelf life.

It is further preferable that outer skirt 534 join inner skirt 702 above the plane of insert disk 532. This reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of containers for shelf stacking, and saves material. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the outer skirt can join the inner skirt below the disk, although the resulting package is not so visually unique and may not be as effective.

Outer skirt 534 is of thin-wall construction such that it is sufficiently pliable to the extent that the opposing grip forces between the thumb and fingers of a user causes it to deform inwardly around these pinch points and softly, form fit the hand to enhance the user's grip on the closure and ease closure removal and resealing. With this construction, there is no need for the typical knurling that is used on many twist-off closures to overcome high removal torques or the forces necessary to effectuate resealing.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 33 and 34, the insert disk 532 is a top loaded disk; i.e., it is inserted into shell 523 from the top, into the inner skirt past the disk retaining lip 540. Bottom load disks can also be used in connection with the closures of the present invention. The disk 532 may be made of metal, cellulosic material, or plastic. Usually it will have a gasket or sealant material 548 in a peripheral groove, which forms a top and/or side seal with the inner and outer sides and/or top of the container rim 538. The disk 532 may be held on the container rim 538 by a vacuum, i.e., greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive (not shown) on the rim 538. The disk 532 shown is of the preferred, floating disk type; i.e., is axially movable within shell 523. Disk

532 is retained by, and is movable between thread 760 and lip 540 at the top of the inner skirt 524. As will be seen, this disk "float" is highly desirable because it enables the disk lifting, vacuum breaking step of the closure removal operation to occur separately from and subsequent to the unthreading step and/or separating of the tamper-evidencing band.

Shell 523 is elastically deformable and pliable and is preferably molded of a polyolefm such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 534 is also preferably thinner and more flexible than the inner skirt 702. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 33 and 34, the outer skirt must be sufficiently flexible that it can be squeezed between the thumb and fingers of the hand to press it inwardly. When the outer skirt is squeezed, it deforms and form fits the hand to provide excellent gripping of the closure which facilitates easier twist-off action and removal of the closure. Preferably, outer skirt 534 is relatively thin so as to reduce material costs and to reduce the resistance to squeezing. It has been found that suitable outer wall thicknesses in the range of .012" to .045" depending on diameter and height ratios provide sufficient pliability to achieve the advantageous results of the present invention. However, this thin wall structure is susceptible to distortion during various stages of packaging and processing, such as retorting. This deformation can be corrected when the package label is applied by restoring the circular integrity of the skirt.

In use, outer skirt 534 is inwardly deformed by a squeezing action and the container is readily unthreaded or twisted off container finish 518 due to the improved grip on the closure. As closure shell 523 travels in an upward direction due to the unthreading, distal end 631 of tamper- evidencing band 531 will engage the underside of the lowermost threads 700, thereby causing bridges 537 to rupture and separation of band 531 from inner skirt 702. Separated band 531 remains on container finish 518. Subsequently, threads 760 on skirt 702 will engage and lift disk 532 off of the container mouth 522, as shown in Fig. 34, thus breaking the seal and opening the package. As shown in Fig. 33, the lower edge 542 of outer skirt 534 is preferably spaced slightly upwardly, for example about 1/16", from

container shoulder 515 (measured perpendicularly from the container shoulder). This gap or spacing allows spray washing and drainage of food residue after filling and retorting the package 510.

As described in connection with the squeeze-open embodiment shown in Figs. 28-30, outer skirt 534 preferably has either windows 634 or tab-like skirt sections 734 (see Figs. 38 and 38A), to facilitate visual inspection of tamper-evidencing band 531. Furthermore, this embodiment may also make use of the additional tamper-evidencing label such as 556 shown in Figs. 29 and 30. As mentioned above, because outer skirt 534 is relatively thin and flexible, it may not be perfectly symmetrical around its circumference and may initially be somewhat oval rather than circular in section. An advantage of providing a label which overlaps both the outer skirt and the container sidewall is that, if applied tautly (under slight tension), it tends to "circularize" an outer skirt which is not already circular and brings it into a much more nearly circular configuration. This provides a cleaner, more regular appearance to the package.

It will be appreciated that in connection with the above embodiment, a separate foil or other freshness seal, beneath the top and adhered directly to the container rim, may be used to seal the container mouth; the top or disk of the closure need not necessarily provide the seal.

In pry-off embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 35-37, the package 510 includes a container 511 and a closure 512, both having a circular or other cylindrical cross-section and both being of substantially the same outside diameter. Container 511 can be glass or plastic, or even a metal container. In preferred form container 11 has a circular, right cylindrical sidewall 514 having a shoulder 515 which leads inwardly to a neck 516 of substantially reduced diameter. The neck 516 may be cylindrical as shown in Figs. 36 and 37. Neck 516 is inset sufficiently from container sidewall 514 that the closure skirt can be pushed inwardly between the sidewall and the bead to provide the necessary grip and to deform the inner skirt. Above neck 516 the container finish 518 presents a snap bead 520

2 PCMJS95/12122

-64- around container mouth 538. The bead may be of the smoothly rounded, convex shape favored by glass manufacturers as shown in Figs. 36 and 37. Alternatively, it may have a more sharply formed angle or crest at its maximum diameter 528. Preferably snap bead 520 is continuous around the mouth of the container.

Closure 512 is preferably a composite, comprising a plastic shell 523 which houses a separately formed, non-integral disk 532. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to com¬ posite type closures, and depending upon the application, the closure may have an integrally formed top panel.

Closure shell 523 is preferably double-skirted, that is, it has an inner or snap skirt 530 which houses the insert disk 532, and a larger diameter and longer outer skirt 534. (Although not explicitly shown, this embodiment of the invention contemplates a single skirt including a tamper- evidencing band.) The outer skirt has a broadly rounded connecting portion or upper shoulder 546 which turns inwardly and joins the inner skirt 530 at the top 535 of the closure. The outer skirt thus surrounds and extends downwardly from the inner skirt. Inner skirt 530 is preferably relatively short and rigid; it extends downwardly from the top 535, past the crest 528 or portion of greatest diameter of snap bead 520, and has a snap ring or rib

536 which in Fig. 36 is shown snapped beneath (that is, downwardly of) con¬ tainer bead 520. Additionally, inner skirt 530 includes a downwardly depending tamper-evidencing band 531 connected to a lower circumferential edge 533 of skirt 530 by means of rupturable bridges 537. It is important that outer skirt 534 extend downward substantially beyond the plane of the closure snap rib 536. Because outer skirt 534 is deformable inwardly, it is preferable that the connecting portion or shoulder 534 joins inner skirt 530 above each snap rib 536 and above the plane of insert disk 532. This provides better flexibility and reduces the possibility of abuse from warehouse stack load, facilitates nesting of con¬ tainers for shelf stacking, and saves material. While the outer skirt may join

the inner skirt below the disk, the resulting package is not so visually unique and is not as easily used.

In the embodiment shown, insert disk 532 is a top loaded disk, i.e., it is inserted downwardly into the inner skirt from the top, past a disk retaining lip 540 which projects inwardly from the inner skirt at the top.

(The invention is also useful with bottom load disks.) The disk may be metal, cellulosic material, plastic, or laminated, and may have a gasket or sealant material 548 in a peripheral groove, for forming a seal with the top, inside and/or outside of the container rim 538. Disk 532 may be held on the container rim 538 by vacuum, i.e., by greater outside pressure force than the inside pressure force, and/or by an adhesive 590 on the container rim. It should also be understood that a conventional metal foil or freshness seal may also be interposed between the closure top and the rim. Disk 532 has a peripheral upwardly opening gutter 525 which collects and retains particles of foreign matter that may fall on the top of the disk and help prevent them from contaminating the container contents when the vacuum is broken. The disk 532 illustrated is of the floating type; the closure shell is movable relative to the disk while the disk remains sealed on the container. The disk is retained by, and is movable between, the upper surface 536a of snap rib 536 and lip 540 at the top of the inner skirt 530. Floating disks are especially useful for containers packaged under vacuum.

Shell 523 is preferably molded of a polyolefm such as polypropylene. The outer skirt 534 is longer and much more flexible than the inner skirt 530. It is essential that the outer skirt be sufficiently flexible that it can be pinched manually by the user (Fig. 35) to press it into the space around the reduced neck 516 of the container (Fig. 37), sufficiently that it can be pulled upwardly. It has a lower edge 542 which is preferably spaced above and does not touch container shoulder 515, between the con¬ tainer sidewall 514 and the neck 516. By way of example, a polypropylene closure in accordance with the invention, for use with a baby food jar of nominal 44 mm diameter, may have an outer skirt with a wall thickness of

0.46 mm (0.018 inch), and an inner skirt which is .76 mm (.030 inch) thick above the rib.

When the outer skirt is pinched, the inner skirt 530 is also deformed, but to a much smaller extent than the outer skirt; the inner skirt need only be deformed sufficiently that closure snap ring 536 can be pulled over the crest 528 of container snap bead 520, and to separate tamper- evidencing band 531 from inner skirt 530 by rupturing bridges 537. The required amount of inward deformation of the outer skirt is not great; inward travel of less than 3/8" may be sufficient. In the opening configuration shown in Fig. 37, opposite circumferential portions of the outer skirt are deformed inwardly toward (or even against) neck 516, sufficiently that they form upwardly and outwardly flaring surfaces 547, preferably with the lower end 542 of the skirt directly below or inwardly of the snap rib. Pushing upwardly on one or both of these upwardly and outwardly flaring surfaces 547 transmits an upward force (arrow 549) to pry the snap ring over the container bead and separate tamper-evidencing band 531. The plane of rib 536 is deformed upwardly between the regions where the pinch is applied, to release those portions first. As described in connection with the previous embodiments, outer skirt 534 has windows 634 or spaced apart tab-like skirt sections 734 (as in Figs. 38 and 38A), so that tamper-evidencing band 531 can be visually inspected.

In this embodiment, unlike the previously described squeeze- open embodiment, the outer skirt is not cammed upwardly by engagement with any surface of the container; rather its surface is merely deformed inwardly from a vertical or near vertical surface, to a surface which is suffi¬ ciently inclined that a closure-removing prying force can be applied to it by the fingers.

Although not explicitly shown, the outer skirt is ovalized, deforming inwardly where pinched and outwardly at regions in between. The deformation of the outer skirt apparently causes the inner skirt to deform outwardly and slightly upwardly at positions between those where the inward pinch is applied. This causes the opposite portions of snap rib 536 to move

outwardly as the closure is ovalized. Those portions are first disengaged, and the other snap rib portions follow quickly and progressively so that the closure can easily be pried off and the tamper-evidencing band separated from the inner skirt 530. The package can be opened simply by gripping the package between the fingers and thumbs of one or both hands and pressing the outer skirt inwardly (Fig. 35). Alternatively, the palm of one hand can be placed over the closure top with the fingers hooked below the shoulder and snap rib 562 and pressing in on the skirt 564, not specifically shown. It is believed that unsnapping is facilitated because the inner skirt deforms inwardly non- uniformly around its periphery and concentrates the force on only narrow circumferential areas around the snap rib, and thereby tends to pry the rib more easily and sequentially over the bead.

Because the closure is removed by prying, rather than twisting, it is especially useful with non-circular shapes, i.e., hexagonal which cannot be twisted.

Lower edge 542 of outer skirt 534 is spaced slightly above container shoulder 515. Outer skirt 534 preferably extends neatly and smoothly directly above container sidewall 514 and provides a large area for a label 556 (not shown). Such a label can be used to provide additional tamper-evidencing means as described hereinabove. The label thus imparts a clean and smooth and somewhat intriguing appearance to the container; the package seemingly has no gripping means for opening it, yet it can easily be opened by gripping the top part of the label and pinching it inwardly. It will be appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to the specific details and embodiments described herein. Various changes and modifications to the structure of the present invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art, and thus the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. What is claimed is: