FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a closure and in particular to a closure for engaging the neck of a container. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to such closures which are made from molded plastics material for sealingly closing beverage containers, such as glass or plastic bottles and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic beverage bottles and closures are well known. There is an established need to improve the security of such bottle and closure designs, in order to ensure that its contents are fresh and untainted at the time of consumption. However, there is also an established need to drive down manufacturing costs and reduce waste, and so design parameters are normally established with a view to balancing these competing factors.

Plastic beverage closures normally include four main functional elements: a tubular body, securing feature(s), sealing feature(s) and tamper evidence feature(s). The body typically includes a top wall, usually circular, with an annular side wall depending from the top wall. The side wall is typically in the form of a cylindrical skirt extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the top wall. The securing feature usually includes either a screw thread, or a snap on feature, both of which are known in the art. The securing feature is normally formed integrally with the side wall on the inner surface thereof and adjacent to the container opening, for example the neck of a bottle. Several different sealing features are known in the art which can be applied in isolation or in various combinations. Similarly, several different tamper evidence features have been developed which can also be applied in isolation or in various combinations.

There is a demand, especially in the beverage and food industry, for closures which can be sealingly fitted onto the neck of a container with liquid contents and have a pivotable lid that can be held in an open position. In general, such closures include a shell for securing the closure to a container neck and a lid pivotally connected to the shell by a hinge. In many cases, such closures also include means for locking the lid in an open position relative to the shell. The lid is normally connected to the shell by frangible bridges, which break upon first opening of the closure to provide tamper evidence in the event that the opening is unauthorised. WO 2019/113681 A1 discloses a closure of the aforementioned type, which includes a ratchet member projecting from the shell between a pair of elongate hinge elements on a first side of the closure. The lid engages the ratchet member when it is in an open position, thereby to lock the lid in place. The shell includes a plurality of cams that engage a tamper-evidence bead projecting from the container neck to retain the shell thereon. The lid includes a top panel with a depending side wall joined to the shell by frangible bridges. The lid includes an opening side, opposite the hinge, at which the height of the side wall increases, with a corresponding decrease in the height of the shell. This region of increased height of the side wall provides a latch for releasably securing the lid in a closed position. An engaging tab projects inwardly from the side wall at the base of the latch, and engages the tamper-evidence bead to retain the lid in the closed position. The lid also includes a gripping tongue projecting outwardly from the side wall above the engaging tab, which is reinforced by a series of ribs beneath it to provide additional rigidity. The gripping tongue is configured to be gripped by a user for urging the lid upwardly to open the closure.

The lid is frangibly connected to the shell by a series of bridges that join the lower edge of the side wall of the lid to the upper edge of the shell. These bridges are distributed evenly about the front and sides of the closure and are configured to break, in use, when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell from a closed position toward an open position. When the lid is pivoted back to the closed position, the container is closed once again, and sealed to prevent its contents leaking. However, the broken bridges provide evidence that the closure has been opened, and are therefore provide evidence of tampering in the usual way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed, in particular but not exclusively, to a closure for sealingly closing a neck opening of a container. The present invention is also directed to a mold stack, a mold and a molding system for molding such a closure. Aspects of the invention provide a closure having a shell, e.g. for securing the closure to a container neck. The closure may comprise a lid, which may include a side wall that may have a void. The closure may comprise a hinge, e.g. within the void. The hinge may pivotally connect the lid to the shell. The closure may comprise a bridge, which may span part of the void, e.g. between the hinge and the side wall. The bridge may be configured to break, in use, when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell toward an open position. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure for sealingly closing a neck opening of a container, the closure comprising a shell for securing the closure to a container neck, a lid with a side wall having a void and a hinge within the void which pivotally connects the lid to the shell, wherein the closure comprises a bridge that spans part of the void between the hinge and the side wall, which is configured to break, in use, when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell toward an open position.

The inventors have determined that the inclusion of a bridge in the space between the hinge and the side wall, which breaks when the closure is opened, provides more conspicuous evidence of tampering.

The lid may comprise a top wall. The side wall may depend from the top wall. The bridge may be connected to the side wall. The bridge may be connected to the hinge. The bridge may connect the side wall to the hinge.

The shell may comprise a portion, e.g. a projecting portion. The shell may comprise a portion that projects into the void. The portion may project between the side wall and the hinge. The bridge may connect the side wall to the portion of the shell that projects into the void between the side wall and the hinge.

The bridge may be one of a pair of bridges. Each bridge may span part of the void.

Each bridge may be connected to the side wall on one side, e.g. a respective side, of the hinge. Each bridge may connect the side wall to one side, e.g. a respective side, of the hinge.

The portion of the shell that projects into the void may comprise one or more projections or tabs. The shell may comprise a projection or tab on each side of the hinge. Each projection or tab may project into the void between the side wall and one side of the hinge. Each bridge may connect one of the projections or tabs to the side wall.

The closure may comprise an axis, e.g. a rotational axis. The closure may comprise an axial direction, e.g. along or parallel to the axis of the closure. The closure may comprise a radial direction, e.g. perpendicular or orthogonal to the axis of the closure. The or each bridge may comprise a membrane or film. The or each bridge may comprise a radial thickness and an axial dimension that is larger than its radial thickness. The axial dimension of the or each bridge may be at least twice, three or four times its radial thickness.

The bridge may have an intermediate and/or necked portion or region, hereinafter region. The bridge may be configured to break across the intermediate and/or necked region. The bridge may have a reduced axial dimension in the intermediate and/or necked region. The bridge may have an axial dimension that reduces or tapers toward the intermediate and/or necked region.

The bridge may have an edge, e.g. a lower edge, which may be adjacent the shell. The bridge may have a further or upper edge, which may be adjacent the lid or the top wall thereof. The edges may converge, e.g. to or toward the necked region. The upper edge may extend circumferentially and/or be straight or substantially straight. The lower edge may converge toward the upper edge, e.g. from the side wall toward the necked region. The lower edge may converge toward the upper edge from the hinge toward the necked region. The lower edge may converge toward the upper edge from the projecting portion or tab of the shell, if present, toward the necked region.

The bridge may comprise a strand. The bridge may comprise one or more strands. The or each strand may be linear or non-linear. The or each strand may be curved or curvilinear. The or each strand may comprise a cord, thread, strip or ribbon. The or each strand may be configured to straighten and/or stretch, in use, when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell toward the open position. The or each strand may be configured to straighten and/or stretch, in use, before breaking. The or each strand may be configured to straighten and/or stretch, in use, before breaking when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell toward the open position.

The bridge may comprise two or more, e.g. three or more, strands. The bridge may comprise a web, for example a web of strands, e.g. three or more strands. The strands, e.g. of the web, may be joined to one another. The strands, e.g. of the web, may be joined at an intersection, junction or node, which may be in the void. The strands, e.g. of the web, may extend from an intersection, junction or node to each of the hinge and side wall. Alternatively, the strands, e.g. of the web, may extend from an intersection, junction or node to each of the side wall and one of the projections or tabs of the shell. The strands or web may comprise or form a Y-shape. The web may comprise a Y-shaped web, e.g. of strands. The bridge, e.g. the membrane, strand or web may have a radial thickness that is less than 80%, such as less than 70% or 60%, of that of the side wall. The bridge, e.g. the membrane, strand or web may have a radial thickness that is less than half that of the side wall. The bridge, e.g. the membrane, strand or web may have a radial thickness that is less than 40%, such as less than 30% or 20%, of that of the side wall. The or each strand may have a substantially constant cross- sectional area, e.g. along its length. The or each strand may have a substantially circular, elliptical or obround cross-section, e.g. along its length.

The bridge may have a reduced radial thickness in the intermediate and/or necked region, e.g. compared with a radial thickness thereof at or adjacent its connection with the side wall and/or its connection with the hinge or projecting portion or tab. The bridge may have a radial thickness that reduces or tapers toward or in the intermediate and/or necked region, e.g. from the hinge or projecting portion or tab. The radial thickness of or in the intermediate or necked region may be reduced, e.g. relative to at least one end region thereof, e.g. a region at or adjacent the side wall and/or a region at or adjacent the hinge or the portion of the shell that projects into the void between the side wall and the hinge.

The necked region may be at or adjacent a centre or central portion of the bridge.

For examples in which the bridge connects the side wall to the hinge, the necked region of the bridge may be spaced equally from the side wall and from the hinge. Alternatively, the necked region of the bridge may be offset toward, or nearer to, the side wall or to the hinge. The necked region of the bridge may be nearer, or located nearer to, the side wall than to the hinge or vice versa.

For examples in which the bridge connects the side wall to the projecting portion or tab, the necked region of the bridge may be spaced equally from the side wall and from the projecting portion or tab. Alternatively, the necked region of the bridge may be offset toward, or nearer to, the side wall or to the projecting portion or tab. The necked region of the bridge may be nearer, or located nearer to, the side wall than to the projecting portion or tab or vice versa.

The side wall or void may comprise a relief, e.g. such that the lid clears, in use, a rim of the container neck as the lid is pivoted from a closed position to an open position. The side wall or void may comprise a relief on at least one side of the hinge. The side wall or void may comprise a relief on each side of the hinge. The or each bridge may span at least part of one of the reliefs. The side wall may taper or diverge away from the hinge, for example such that the relief is tapered. The or each relief may taper or comprise a tapering relief.

The or each relief may taper away from the hinge, e.g. from the top wall or adjacent the top wall and/or toward the shell. The relief may be larger at or adjacent a lower edge of the side wall, e.g. than at or adjacent the top wall. The side wall may comprise opposed tapered portions or edges. Each tapered portion or edge may at least partially describe the or a respective relief. The or each relief may be substantially triangular. The tapered portions or edges may be straight or curved, e.g. concave or convex. For examples in which the bridge connects the side wall to the hinge and the side wall or void comprises a relief, the necked region may be substantially triangular in plan.

The or each projection or tab may extend from an upper edge of the shell and/or into the or a respective relief, e.g. to inhibit tampering of the closure. The or each projection or tab may fill the void created by the relief. The shape of the or each projection or tab may correspond substantially to that of the or the respective relief. The or each projection or tab may be triangular, or substantially triangular. In some examples, the or each projection or tab may have a curved edge and/or may be quarter-circular.

The hinge may comprise a pair of hinge elements. The or each bridge may connect the side wall to an outer side of one of the hinge elements, for example between the side wall and one of the hinge elements. Alternatively, the or each bridge may connect the side wall to a portion of the shell that projects into the void, for example between the side wall and one of the hinge elements.

The or each bridge may comprise a circumferential or circumferentially extending bridge. The closure may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, axial bridges. The axial bridge(s) may connect the lid to the shell. The axial bridges may join facing portions of the lid and shell. The axial bridge(s) may be spaced equally about the circumference of the closure. The axial bridge(s) may be configured to break, in use, before the circumferential or circumferentially extending bridge(s), for example when the lid is pivoted relative to the shell toward the open position, e.g. from a closed position. At least one or each axial bridge may comprise a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the or each circumferential or circumferentially extending bridge.

When the circumferential or circumferentially extending bridge(s) is or are combined with axial bridges connecting the lid to the shell, a user is able to determine the extent to which the closure has been opened. More particularly, the axial bridges at the front of the closure, or on the opposite side of the closure to the hinge, break as the closure starts to open, followed by those at the lateral sides and eventually, the circumferential or circumferentially extending bridge(s).

The shell may comprise one or more projections, which may project inwardly and/or from an internal or inner surface of the shell. The projections may comprise cams. Each projection may comprise an engaging surface, which may face the top wall and/or may extend substantially radially. Each projection may comprise a lead-in, e.g. on an opposite side to the engaging surface. The lead-in may comprise an angled or tapered surface. The projections may be for engaging, or may be configured to engage, a tamper-evidence bead of a container neck.

The closure may comprise a grip tab, which may projecting outwardly and/or radially, e.g. from an outer surface of the side wall. The closure may comprise an engaging tab, which may project inwardly from an inner surface of the lid or side wall. The engaging tab may comprise a ridge or lip, which may extend about the inner circumference of the side wall. The engaging tab preferably extends about only a portion of the circumference of the side wall, e.g. opposite the hinge.

The engaging tab may be configured to engage the tamper-evidence bead of the container neck. Preferably, the engaging tab is for engaging, or may be configured to engage, a lip of the container, which may be located above the tamper-evidence bead and/or between the tamper-evidence bead and an opening or mouth of the container neck.

The lid or side wall may comprise a latch, e.g. a deformable latch. The side wall may comprise a hinge line that may delineate a portion of the side wall, for example an arc portion or latch portion. The side wall portion delineated by the hinge line may provide the deformable latch. The side wall portion delineated by the hinge line may include the grip tab and/or the engaging tab. The hinge line may be configured such that the side wall deforms, in use, therealong, e.g. when the opening force is applied to the grip tab.

The hinge line may comprise or describe a living hinge or living hinge portion, which may comprise a reduced radial thickness relative to the rest of the side wall. The hinge line, or the living hinge or living hinge portion, may extend between the grip tab and/or engaging tab and the top wall. The hinge line may extend from a lower edge of the side wall, for example on either side of the grip tab and/or of the engaging tab. The hinge line may be described or defined by a recess or groove, hereinafter groove. The lid may comprise a radial flange, which may extend from, and/or be contiguous with, the top wall. The lid may be configured such that the opening force may be applied, in use, to the grip tab by urging, pinching or clamping the radial flange and grip tab toward one another.

The shell or the side wall may comprise an annulus. Each of the shell and the side wall comprises an annulus. The or each annulus may have a substantially constant axial depth. The side wall may be substantially cylindrical. The side wall may comprise an edge, e.g. a free edge, which may be connected to an adjacent edge of the shell, e.g. by the axial bridges. The shell may be substantially cylindrical.

The shell may comprise a recess or cutout, which may be aligned with one of the axial bridges. The axial bridge aligned with the cutout may join a base of the cutout to an adjacent portion of the lid, e.g. the deformable latch or latch portion. The lid, e.g. the deformable latch or latch portion, may comprise a recess or cutout, which may be aligned with one of the axial bridges. The axial bridge aligned with the cutout may join a base of the cutout of the lid to an adjacent portion of the shell. The shell may comprise one or more projections, which may extend toward the lid and/or be configured to limit the deformation of the axial bridges. The lid may comprise one or more projections, which may extend toward the shell and/or be configured to limit the deformation of the axial bridges.

The closure may be injection molded or compression molded or formed by any other suitable process. The closure may, but need not, be formed of a plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene or any other suitable material. The closure may be for, e.g. adapted for use with, a bottle or container to be filled with a still beverage or other liquid.

The closure may comprise a locking means or mechanism, e.g. for locking the lid in an open position relative to the shell. The locking means or mechanism may be configured for locking or operable to lock the lid in one of two or more open positions, for example a fully open position and one or more (e.g. two or more) intermediate open positions.

The closure may comprise a rachet mechanism, as disclosed in WO 2019/113681 Al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The closure or top wall may comprise a tongue, which may be adjacent the hinge. The hinge may comprise a pair of hinge elements, which may be elongate. The hinge elements may be spaced apart from each other. The closure or shell may comprise a ratchet member, which may be disposed between the hinge elements.

The hinge elements may be formed integrally with the shell and/or with the top wall. Each hinge element may have a lower portion and an upper portion. The wall thickness of the lower portion may be substantially the same as the wall thickness of the shell. The wall thickness of the upper portion may be less than the wall thickness of the lower portion.

Each hinge element may have an intermediate portion, which may join the lower and upper portions together. The intermediate portion may comprise a step or slope, for example which provides a transition between the wall thicknesses of the upper and lower portions. The step or slope may be on an external surface of the hinge element.

The ratchet member may be formed integrally with the shell. The ratchet member may have an outer contour, which may comprise one or more recesses, e.g. upper and lower recesses. The recesses may be configured or operable to guide and/or engage an end portion of the tongue, e.g. during opening of the lid. The or each recess may be configured or operable to retain the tongue in an intermediate position, e.g. a respective intermediate position. The ratchet member, e.g. an upper end thereof, may be configured or operable to retain the tongue in a fully open position.

Another aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a container and a closure as described above. The container may comprise a tamper evidence bead, e.g. for engaging the projections or cams of or on the shell. The container may comprise a lip, which may surround a mouth of the container, e.g. for engaging the engaging tab of the closure or lid or latch portion.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mold stack comprising a plurality of mold inserts which, when in a molding configuration, together describe a molding cavity for molding a closure, e.g. as described above.

The mold stack may comprise any one or more features that correspond to those described above in relation to the closure. The mold stack may comprise a core or core assembly, which may describe one or more inner surfaces of the closure, e.g. inner surfaces of the top wall and/or of the side wall and/or of the shell. The core or core assembly may comprise an inner core and/or an outer core, e.g. between which an annular sealing element may be described.

The mold stack may comprise a cavity or cavity assembly, which may describe one or more outer surfaces of the closure, e.g. outer surfaces of the top wall and/or of the side wall and/or of the shell. The cavity assembly may comprise a gate pad and/or a gate insert, which may together describe at least part of the top wall, e.g. a top and/or radial outer part thereof. The slides may describe one or more outer surfaces of the closure, e.g. outer surfaces of the top wall and/or of the side wall and/or of the shell.

The mold stack may comprise one or more, e.g. a pair of, slide(s), which may describe an outer surface of at least part of the lid and/or of the shell.

Another broad aspect of the invention provides a slide for a mold stack, e.g. as described above. The slide may comprise molding surfaces describing at least a portion of a shell of a closure. The slide may comprise molding surfaces describing at least a portion of a lid of the closure, e.g. with a side wall having a void. The slide may comprise molding surfaces describing at least a portion of a hinge, e.g. within the void, which pivotally connects the lid to the shell. The slide may comprise molding surfaces describing at least a portion of a bridge, which may be connected to the side wall and/or which may span part of the void.

The slide(s) may describe an outer surface of at least part of the top wall, for example a lower and/or radial outer part thereof. The slide(s) may describe an outer surface of at least part of the side wall. The slide(s) may describe an outer surface of at least part of the shell.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mold. The mold may comprise at least one molding cavity for molding a closure, e.g. as described above. The mold may comprise at least one mold stack, e.g. as described above.

Another aspect of the invention provides a molding system. The molding system may comprise at least one molding cavity for molding a closure, e.g. as described above. The molding system may comprise at least one mold stack, e.g. as described above. The molding system may comprise a mold as described above. Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design, e.g. of the closure, inner or outer core, gate pad, gate insert, one of the slides, mold stack, mold or molding system described above or an embodiment thereof. The three-dimensional design may be for use with a simulation means or an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device.

The computer program element may be for causing, or operable or configured to cause, an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device to manufacture the closure, inner or outer core, gate pad, gate insert or slide described above or an embodiment thereof. The computer program element may comprise computer readable program code means for causing an additive or subtractive manufacturing means, system or device to execute a procedure to manufacture the closure, inner or outer core, gate pad, gate insert or slide described above or an embodiment thereof.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides the computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a closure according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 from below, illustrating the cams of the shell and the engaging tab of the lid;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the closure of FIGs. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 depicts a rear perspective view of the closure of FIGs. 1 to 3 illustrating the circumferential bridges;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the closure of FIGs. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the closure of FIGs. 1 to 5 through the centre of the grip tab and ratchet member, with the closure mounted to the neck of a container;

FIG. 7 depicts a section view similar to that of FIG. 6 illustrating the deformation of the latch immediately before the engaging tab disengages the lip at the mouth of the container;

FIG. 8 depicts a section view similar to that of FIGs. 6 and 7 illustrating the lid after it is disengaged from the neck of the container, after the axial bridges have broken and as the circumferential bridges begin to break;

FIG. 9 is a partial section view of a mold stack for molding the closure of FIGs. 1 to 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a molding system including a mold incorporating multiple mold stacks as illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the circumferential bridges connect the side wall to tabs projecting from the shell into the tapered reliefs on each side of the hinge elements; FIG. 12 depicts a rear perspective view of the closure of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the closure of FIGs. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 depicts a rear view of a closure according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15 depicts a rear view of a closure according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGs. 1 to 8, there is depicted a closure 1 for sealingly closing a container neck 11. The closure 1 includes a shell 2 for securing the closure to the container neck 11, a lid 3 with a top wall 4 and a side wall 5, a pair of spaced hinge elements 6 pivotally connecting the top wall 4 of the lid 3 to the shell 2 and a ratchet member 7 projecting from the shell 2 between the hinge elements 6 and toward the top wall 4 of the lid 3. The closure 1 also includes a deformable latch portion 8 and a pair of circumferential bridges 9 joining the side wall 5 to each hinge element 6.

The closure 1 is formed of a plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene or any other suitable material. The closure 1 is injection molded in this embodiment, but it will be appreciated that other methods of manufacture are also envisaged, such as compression molding. The container neck 11 forms part of a bottle in this embodiment, which is configured to be filled with a still beverage or other liquid.

The shell 2 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a series of cams 20 projecting from its internal surface. Each cam 20 includes an upper, engaging surface 21, which faces the top wall 4 and extends substantially radially for engaging a tamper-evidence bead 12 of the container neck 11. Each cam 20 also includes a tapered lead-in 22, on an opposite side to the engaging surface 21, for engaging the tamper-evidence bead 12 to gradually deform the shell 2 as the closure 1 is urged onto the container neck 11 in the usual way. The shell 2 also includes an upper edge 23 with a pair of spaced cutouts 24 and three spaced projections 25 between the cutouts 24, which are on the opposite side of the shell 2 to the hinge elements 6. The top wall 4 of the lid 3 is circular in plan and the side wall 5 depends from the top wall 4 adjacent, but spaced inwardly from, its periphery. As a result, the lid 3 includes a radial flange 40 about the periphery of the top wall 4. The radial flange 40 includes a pair of interruptions 41 where the hinge elements 6 join the top wall 4, which also creates a tongue 42 between the interruptions 41. The side wall 5 includes a void V to accommodate the hinge elements 6 and ratchet member 7. The top wall 4 also includes a plug seal 43, which is formed integrally therewith and is configured to sealingly fit into the opening of the container neck 11.

The hinge elements 6 are similar to those disclosed in WO 2019/113681 Al, and are formed integrally with the shell 2 and the top wall 4 of the lid 3. Each hinge element 6 has a lower portion 60 projecting from the shell 2 and an upper portion 61 depending from the top wall 4. The lower portion 60 has a wall thickness equivalent to that of the shell 2, while the wall thickness of the upper portion 61 is substantially less. The hinge portions 60, 61 are joined together by an external step 62, which provides the transition in wall thickness therebetween.

The ratchet member 7 is also similar to those disclosed in WO 2019/113681 Al, and is formed integrally with the shell 2. The ratchet member 7 has an outer contour with upper and lower recesses 70, 71. The ratchet member 7 and its recesses 70, 71 guide and engage an end portion of the tongue 42 during opening of the lid 3, to retain it in intermediate and/or fully open positions, as explained in more detail in WO 2019/113681 Al.

The side wall 5 also includes a deformable latch portion 8 on the opposite side to the hinge elements 6. The deformable latch portion 8 is delineated by hinge line 50 formed by a groove in the outer surface of the side wall 5. The hinge line 50 follows an arcuate path from a lower edge 51 of the side wall 5 to an upper portion thereof, along and adjacent the radial flange 40, and back down to the lower edge 51 , delineating an arc portion of the side wall that provides the deformable latch 8.

The deformable latch portion 8 includes a grip tab 80 projecting radially from its outer surface 81 and an engaging tab 82 projecting from its inner surface 83. The engaging tab 82 is located axially between the grip tab 80 and the top wall 4, on the inside of the lid 3, to engage a lip 13 surrounding the mouth of the container neck 11.

The portion of the hinge line 50 that extends along and adjacent the radial flange 40, above both the grip tab 80 and the engaging tab 82, describes a living hinge 50a. As such, the grip tab 80 and engaging tab 82 of the latch portion 8 are able to pivot about the living hinge 50a, thereby to perform a latching operation.

As illustrated in FIGs. 3 to 5, the void V in the side wall 5 is in the form of a truncated triangle described between opposed tapered portions 53 of the side wall 5. The tapered portions 53 of the side wall 5 provide a tapered relief R on each side of the hinge elements 6, forming a triangular gap between the shell 2, the hinge element 6 and the side wall 5 of the lid 3.

This tapered relief R in the side wall 5 on each side of the hinge elements 6 inhibits interference between the side wall 5 and the container neck 11 during opening. It has been observed that, in the absence of the tapered reliefs R, the opposed portions of side wall 5 on each side of the hinge elements 6 may interfere with the container neck 11 as the lid 3 of the closure 1 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. This would cause the side wall 5 to deform on opening, which increases the force necessary to open the lid 3. This interference may also cause the side wall 5 to fold toward the top wall 4 as the lid 3 is re-closed, which inhibit re-closing and/or may damage the side wall 5. The tapered relief R inhibits such interference, which facilitates both opening and closing operations of the closure 1, and may also avoid damage to the side wall 5 in use.

Each circumferential bridge 9 has a thickness substantially less than the thickness of the side wall 5 and shell 2, and joins one of the tapered portions 53 of the side wall 5 to the lower portion 60 of the adjacent hinge element 6. As a result, each of the tapered reliefs R of the side wall 5 is bridged by one of the circumferential bridges 9, which spans the portion of the void V that the tapered relief R creates. Each circumferential bridge 9 is in the form of a membrane, which has dimensions along the axial and circumferential directions of the closure 1 that are substantially greater than its radial thickness.

Each circumferential bridge 9 covers a substantial portion, preferably 50% or more, of the relief R to provide improved tamper evidence. Elowever, the shell 2 also includes a pair of shallow projecting tabs 26 projecting upwardly from the upper edge 23 of the shell 2, on either side of the hinge elements 6. Each projecting tab 26 projects into the relief R, toward one of the circumferential bridges 9, and fills part of the void V created by the tapered relief R to further inhibit undetected tampering of the closure 1. Each circumferential bridge 9 includes a central, necked region 90 having a reduced thickness compared with side regions 91 thereof. Each circumferential bridge 9 includes an upper edge 92, which is adjacent the top wall 4 of the lid 3, extends circumferentially and is substantially straight. Each circumferential bridge 9 also includes a lower edge 93, which is adjacent the shell 2 and also extends circumferentially.

In this example, however, the lower edge 93 converges toward the upper edge 92 from the hinge element 6 toward the necked region 90, thereby providing a reduced axial dimension in the necked region 90. Similarly, the radial thickness tapers along the circumferential direction, from each of the side regions 91 toward the necked region 90.

The lower edge 93 is parallel with the upper edge 92 from the tapered portion 53 to the necked region 90. However, the join between the circumferential bridge 9 and the tapered portion 53 creates an effective cross-sectional area that resists failure as compared with the necked region 90. Similarly, this also makes the necked region 90 skewed relative to the rotational axis of the closure 1.

The tapering radial thickness, together with the tapering axial dimension, creates a substantially triangular necked region 90, with an effective notch 93a formed at the centre of the lower edge 93, from which initiation of a breakage is favoured.

The lid 3 is also connected to the shell 2 by eight axial bridges 52, 52a, 52b in this example, which join the lower edge 51 of the side wall 5 to the upper edge 23 of the shell 2. The axial bridges 52, 52a, 52b are spaced equally about the closure 1, with the exception of the region incorporating the hinge elements 6 and the ratchet member 7. However, the number of axial bridges 52, 52a, 52b may vary depending on specific requirements.

A first pair of axial bridges 52a are aligned with the cutouts 24 of the shell 2, which are longer as each of them joins the base of a respective one of the cutouts 24 to an adjacent portion of the lower edge 51 of the latch portion 8. The cutouts 24 improve the visibility of the axial bridges 52a, enhancing their tamper evidence function by alerting more readily a user to unauthorised opening of the closure 1.

A second pair of axial bridges 52b join the lower edge 51 of the latch portion 8 to the shell 2 between pairs of the projections 25. The projections 25 limit the deformation of the lid 3 toward shell 2 during capping, which protects the axial bridges 52b from excessive deformation and damage. As such, the deformable latch portion 8 is connected to the shell 2 by four axial bridges 52a, 52b, whilst the remaining four axial bridges 52 (visible in FIG. 5) connect the rest of the side wall 5 to the shell 2.

In use and when the closure 1 is mounted to a container neck 11 as shown in FIG. 6, a user (not shown) urges the grip tab 80 upwardly, for example by urging, pinching or clamping the radial flange 40 of the top wall 4 and the grip tab 80 toward one another. This causes the deformable latch portion 8 of the side wall 5 to deform preferentially along the entire hinge line 50. This deformation causes the engaging tab 82 to pivot about the living hinge 50a such that it rides up the lip 13 surrounding the mouth of the container neck 11, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7.

The grip tab 80 is then urged upwardly relative to the hinge elements 6, such that the engaging tab 82 is urged over the lip 13 and snaps out of engagement therewith, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8. The axial bridges 52a, 52b joining the deformable latch portion 8 to the shell 2 sever or break as the engaging tab 82 disengages the lip 13. Further pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the shell 2 also causes the remaining bridges 52 to break, thereby providing evidence of opening in the usual way.

In this example, the closure 1 is configured such that the circumferential bridges 9 begin to stretch as the axial bridges 52 along the lateral sides of the closure 1 break. Further pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the shell 2 causes both strain whitening and substantial deformation of the circumferential bridges 9, along the necked region 90 in particular. Continued pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the shell 2 causes a tear to initiate midway along the lower edge 93, which propagates through the necked region 90 and breaks the radial bridge 9.

This causes both strain whitening and substantial deformation of the circumferential bridges 9, before they break, allowing the lid 3 to be pivoted freely about the hinge elements 6 to an open condition, thereby providing access to the contents of the container. As a result, the circumferential bridges 9 provide a much more conspicuous indication that the closure 1 has been opened.

The skilled person will appreciate that the closure 1 may be opened at various intermediate or fully open positions, as described in WO 2019/113681 Al. Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a mold stack 14 for molding the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8. The mold stack 14 includes an inner core 15a, an outer core 15b, a gate pad 16a, a gate insert 16b and a pair of slides 17a, 17b. The inner core 15a and outer core 15b together form a core assembly 15 that describes the internal surfaces of the closure 1 and between which the plug seal 43 is described. The gate pad 16a and gate insert 16b form a cavity assembly 16 that describes the top surface of the closure 1. The slides 17a, 17b together describe the outer, circumferential surfaces of the closure 1.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a molding system 18, which includes an injection unit 18a, a clamp unit 18b and a mold 19 received within the clamping unit 18b in the usual way. The mold 19 includes a plurality of mold stacks 14, in order to mold a corresponding plurality of closures 1 with each cycle.

FIGs. 11 to 13 show a closure 101 according to another example, which is similar to the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8, wherein like references depict like features which are incremented by 100. The closure 101 according to this example differs from that of the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8 in that the circumferential bridges 109 join the tapered portions 153 of the side wall 105 to tabs 126 projecting from the shell 102, and not the bridges 106.

More specifically, the shell 102 includes a pair of triangular tabs 126 projecting upwardly from the upper edge 123 of the shell 102. Each of the tabs 126 extends into a respective one of the tapered reliefs R, and fills the portion of the void V created by the tapered relief R. In some cases, this has been found to inhibit more effectively tampering of the closure 101.

The gap between each tab 126 and the facing tapered portion 153 of the sidewall 105 has a constant width across which the circumferential bridges 109 extend. Unlike the triangular relief R across which the circumferential bridges 9 extended in the closure 1 described above, this gap enables a simpler configuration of circumferential bridge 109. In this example, the necked portion 190 is provided as a narrow, diagonally extending thin band of material.

This provides a more predictable breakage line, but it may result in less deformation than in the closure 1 described above. As such, whilst the circumferential bridges 109 in this example provide some advantages over those of the closure 1 described above, the circumferential bridges 9 of the closure 1 may provide more conspicuous evidence of tampering than those according to this example. FIG. 14 shows a closure 201 according to another example, which is similar to the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8, wherein like references depict like features which are incremented by 200. The closure 201 according to this example differs from that of the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8 in that each circumferential bridge 209 is in the form of curvilinear strand that joins a respective one of the tapered portions 253 of the side wall 205 to a respective one of the bridges 206.

More specifically, the circumferential bridge 209 projects circumferentially at a first end from each of the lower portion 260 of the hinge element 206 and at a second end from an upper part of the tapered portion 253 of the side wall 205. These end portions are joined by a diagonal central portion, together forming an S -shape. In this example, the portion of the void V created by each tapered relief R is larger than in the first example, which increases the visibility of the circumferential bridge, particularly given its thin, thread-like shape.

In use, pivoting the lid 203 relative to the shell 202 toward the open position for the first time causes the circumferential bridge 209 to straighten and stretch before breaking. This deformation, coupled with the increased visibility mentioned above, results in more conspicuous evidence of tampering.

FIG. 15 shows a closure 301 according to another example, which is similar to the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8, wherein like references depict like features which are incremented by 300. The closure 301 according to this example differs from that of the closure 1 of FIGs. 1 to 8 in that each circumferential bridge 309 is in the form of a web of three interconnected strands 390, 391, 392. The strands 390, 391, 392 are connected to one another at a central node 393 located within the portion of the void V created by each tapered relief R.

A first strand 390 is connected to the lower portion 360 of the hinge element 206 and extends diagonally upward toward the central node 393. A second strand 391 connects an upper part of the tapered portion 353 of the side wall 305 to the node 393. A third strand 392 connects a lower part of the tapered portion 353 of the side wall 305 to the node 393. The node 393 has a cross-sectional area that is greater than that of each of the three strands 390, 391, 392. Together, the three strands 390, 391, 392 form a Y-shaped web within the portion of the void V created by each tapered relief R. In use, pivoting the lid 303 relative to the shell 302 toward the open position for the first time causes the Y-shaped circumferential bridge 309 to stretch and deform before breaking. It will be appreciated that the relative thickness of the node 393 favours breakage of the strands 390, 391, 392. As such, two of the strands 390, 391, 392 break. This deformation and double breakage, coupled with the increased visibility mentioned above, results in more conspicuous evidence of tampering.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.