Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2021903172 filed on 5 October 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a tethered closure.

Background

[0003] One type of closure, often known as a tamper evident closure, is designed to more readily indicate to a consumer or user that a container to which the closure has been applied has previously been opened. The use of such closures can serve to reassure consumers that the contents of the container that they may be about to use or consume have not been accessed or otherwise adulterated prior to their use of the contents.

[0004] The manufacture of such closures presents challenges as such closures must often be capable of being relatively easy and inexpensive to make, typically by molding, be readily easy to apply to a container opening without being damaged, while also being very difficult if not impossible to remove from that container without some damage or change being caused to the closure that is indicative of removal or attempted removal.

[0005] While many containers are designed to be recyclable, there is evidence that closures are not as routinely placed in recycling receptacles after being removed from a container. To address this issue, regulators have commenced implementing directives that require closures to remain tethered to containers following opening of the container.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a closure attachable to a container having an opening, the closure comprising: an upper portion comprising: a top portion; and a skirt portion depending from the top portion, said top portion and skirt portion defining a cavity; and a tamper evident band joined to the skirt portion by one or more frangible connectors, the band having an annular or substantially annular outer surface; and a tether extending from a first end connected to the skirt portion to a second end connected to the tamper evident band; and wherein the tether extends from the first end to the second end circumferentially around the tamper evident band for a distance that is greater than about 180 degrees to less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the outer surface of the band.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the tether is spaced annularly outwardly from the tamper evident band for a majority of its length. In another embodiment, the tether is spaced annularly outwardly from the tamper evident band for all of its length, with the tether only connected to the closure at its first end and second end.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a closure attachable to a container having an opening, the closure comprising: an upper portion comprising: a top portion; and a skirt portion depending from the top portion, said top portion and skirt portion defining a cavity; and a tamper evident band joined to the skirt portion by one or more frangible connectors, the band having an annular or substantially annular outer surface; and a tether extending circumferentially around a majority of the circumference of tamper evident band from a first end connected to the skirt portion to a second end connected to the tamper evident band; and wherein prior to removal of the closure from the container the tether is spaced annularly outwardly from the tamper evident band for all of its length between the first and second ends.

[0010] In this second aspect, the tether can extend free from the band from its first end to the second end circumferentially around the tamper evident band for a distance that is greater than about 180 degrees to less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the outer surface of the band.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments are described which can comprise features of any of the aspects defined herein.

[0012] In one embodiment, the band can also have an inner surface, an upper end and a free end distal the skirt portion. The inner and outer surface of the band can define the thickness of the band.

[0013] The tether can have a relatively uniform thickness for at least a majority of its length. The tether can have a relatively uniform thickness for all of its length. In another embodiment, the thickness can vary in thickness along its length. The thickness of the tether can be the same or less than the thickness of the band.

[0014] In another embodiment, the tether extends circumferentially around the tamper evident band from the first end to the second end for a distance that is greater than about 225 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 270 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 315 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 325 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 330 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 335 degrees to less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the band. In yet another embodiment, the tether extends circumferentially around the tamper evident band for between about 320 degrees and about 335 degrees.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the tether has a length that allows the upper portion to be positioned, or to fall under gravity, relatively below the tamper evident band but still be connected thereto by the tether when the upper portion is detached from the band.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first end of the tether is connected at or adjacent a distal end of the skirt portion. The first end can comprise a substantially L-shaped member. The substantially L-shaped member can comprise a first portion that is connected integrally to and extending outwardly from the skirt portion and a second portion extending downwardly and spaced annularly outwardly from the outer surface of the tamper evident band. The connection between the first and second portions of the substantially L-shaped member can be curved and provide a curved connection. The substantially L-shaped member can have a hinge or relatively thinned region at or adjacent the connection between its first and second portions that allows its second portion to pivot relative to its first portion on removal of the closure upper portion from the container. The substantially L-shaped member can extend circumferentially for at least 10 degrees along the circumference of the skirt portion.

[0017] In another embodiment, the second end of the tether can be integrally connected to at least the outer surface of the tamper evident band. A portion of the tether adjacent the second end can be angled relatively inwardly to the second end that is integrally connected to the outer surface of the band.

[0018] In a still further embodiment, the tether has an upper end and also a lower end that is distal the skirt portion. The height of the tether defined by its upper end and lower end can be uniform for a majority or all of its length. The height of the tether can also vary along its length. The height of the tether be less than the height of the band. The distal lower end of the tether can in another embodiment be aligned with the free end of the band. In another embodiment, the height of the tether is such that the lower end of the tether extends distally a distance less than the free end of the band.

[0019] The connections made by the first end and second end of the tether respectively to the skirt portion and tamper evident band can be non-frangible during normal use of the closure. Normal use will typically comprise molding of the closure, application of the closure to the container, and/or removal or detachment of the upper portion from the container.

[0020] The inner surface and outer surface of the band define the thickness of the band. The band can have a uniform thickness for a majority or all of the circumferential extent of the band. The band can also have a varying thickness for a majority or all of its circumferential extent. The inner surface can have one or more undercuts that extend at least partially into the cavity. The undercuts can be curved. The undercuts can be adapted to engage under a retaining flange on an end portion of the container and so act to retain the band under the retaining flange when the upper portion of the closure is removed, for example by being relatively unscrewed, from the container.

[0021] In any one or more of the embodiments, the skirt portion can depend from an outer edge of the top portion. An inner surface of the skirt portion can have a screw thread. The screw thread of the closure can be engageable with a corresponding thread on an end portion of the container to allow attachment of the closure to the container. An outer surface of the skirt portion can have a series of parallel ribs of varying lengths.

[0022] The screw thread on the closure can comprise a continuous screw thread. The screw thread can also be segmented.

[0023] An underside of the top portion in any of the aspects can be provided with one or more sealing ribs to engage and seal the opening of the container on attachment of the closure to the container. The one or more sealing ribs either alone or in combination can engage an inner surface, and/or an end surface and/or an outer surface of the opening of a container. In another embodiment, the skirt portion can instead or also have a thickened region adjacent the connection with the top portion. The thickened region can have an inner surface, that can be cylindrical, that can seal against the outer surface of a container neck on attachment of the closure to a container. [0024] In a further embodiment, the one or more frangible connectors comprise frangible bridges. Where used, the frangible bridges can be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced around the circumference of the distal end of the skirt portion.

[0025] In any one or more of the embodiments, the closure can be formed in one piece. The closure can also be formed in a mold. It can be formed from a synthetic plastics material, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0026] In another aspect of this disclosure, there is a container and closure combination with the container having an opening sealed by a closure as defined herein.

[0027] In this aspect, the container can be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container. The container can be adapted to contain aerated, carbonated or still beverages.

[0028] In yet another aspect, there is provided a mold for forming a closure as defined herein, the mold comprising a cavity shaped to form the closure.

[0029] In this aspect, the mold can be used to form the closure using injection, rotary or compression molding.

[0030] In another aspect, there is provided a method of forming a closure as defined herein comprising molding the closure with the tamper evident band and a tether.

[0031] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of attaching a closure according to the first or second aspects to a container, the method comprising turning the closure onto the container until the closure seals the container and a portion of the tamper evident band is positioned under a retaining flange on the container.

[0032] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Brief Description of Drawings

[0034] By way of example only, embodiments are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is one perspective view of one embodiment of the closure;

[0036] Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the closure of Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 3 is a side-elevation view of the closure of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 4 is a plan view of the closure of Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 5 is an underneath plan view of the closure of Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 following removal of the upper portion of the closure from the neck of the container, with the band of the closure retained on the container;

[0042] Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of the closure and container depicted in Figure 7; and

[0043] Figure 9 is an alternative perspective view of the closure and container depicted in Figures 7 and 8.

Description of Embodiments

[0044] One example of a closure having features of the present invention is depicted generally as 10 in the Figures 1 to 9.

[0045] The closure 10 is suitable for capping or closing a container 50 (see Figures 7-9) having an opening 51, for example, a PET beverage container. The container 50 can be adapted to contain aerated, carbonated, still or other beverages. The closure 10 can be molded or otherwise formed, for example, in one piece from a synthetic plastics material, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0046] The closure 10 comprises an upper portion 11 that in turn comprises a top portion 12 and a skirt portion 13. As depicted, the skirt portion 13 can depend from an outer edge of the top portion 12 and together define a cavity that receives the opening 51 and adjacent portion of the upper end of the container 50. In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface of the skirt portion 13 has a series of parallel ribs 25 of varying lengths. In another embodiment, it can be envisaged that the ribs 25 are not provided on the outer surface of the skirt portion 13 or have a different configuration to that depicted.

[0047] A tamper evident band 14 is joined to the skirt portion 13 by a plurality of uniformly spaced frangible bridges 15. Embodiments having fewer or a greater number of bridges than that depicted can be envisaged. Non-uniformly spaced bridges can also be envisaged.

[0048] At least a portion of the tamper evident band 14 (as described below) is adapted to be retained under a retaining flange 52 on the container 50 following capping so that one or more of the frangible bridges 15 are partially or wholly severed on any attempt to then remove the upper portion 11 of the closure 10 from the container 50.

[0049] A tether 16 extends from a first end 17 connected to the skirt portion 13 to a second end 18 connected to the tamper evident band 14. In the depicted embodiment, the tether 16 extends from the first end 17 to the second end 18 circumferentially around the tamper evident band 14. In the depicted embodiment, the tether 16 extends around the annular outer surface of the band for a distance of between about 320 degrees and about 335 degrees. It will be appreciated that the circumferential extend of the tether 16 can be different to that depicted and can be, for example, greater than about 180 degrees to less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the outer surface of the band, or greater than about 225 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 270 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 315 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 325 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 330 degrees to less than 360 degrees, or greater than about 335 degrees to less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the band. [0050] As depicted, the tether 16 in extending from the first end 17 to the second end 18 is typically spaced annularly outwardly from the tamper evident band 14 for all of its length and is only connected to the closure 10 at its first end 17 and second end 18. It can be envisaged that the tether 16 may not be spaced annularly outwardly for a portion of its length.

[0051] The tamper evident band 14 comprises an inner surface 19, an upper end 21 and a free end 22 distal the skirt portion 13, and an outer surface 23. The inner surface 19 and outer surface 23 of the band 14 define the thickness of the band 14.

[0052] The tether 16, as depicted, has a relatively uniform thickness. In the depicted embodiment, the thickness is uniform for all of its length and is less than the thickness of the band 14.

[0053] As demonstrated by Figures 7 to 9, the tether 16 has a length that allows the upper portion 11 to be positioned, or to fall under gravity, relatively below the tamper evident band 14, that remains connected to the container 50, but still be connected thereto by the tether 16 when the upper portion 11 is detached from the band 14. This has the advantage of ensuring the upper portion 11 is substantially or wholly clear of the opening 51 of the container 50 when the contents of the container 50 are poured therefrom. This capability is particularly advantageous if the container is lifted to the mouth as it ensures the upper portion is in a position to not interfere with drinking of the contents of the container 50. The use of the tether 16 as depicted also ensures that the upper portion 11 is not lost or misplaced following removal from the container 50. The use of the tether 16 as depicted also allows the upper portion 11 to be relatively readily re-attached to the container 50 if desired. In particular, the positioning and function of the tether 16 does not interfere with the operation of the upper portion 11 if and when re-attached to the container 50 and also when the closure 10 is initially attached to the container 50 during the capping process.

[0054] In the depicted embodiment, the first end 17 of the tether 16 is connected at a distal end 24 of the skirt portion 13. The first end 17 comprises a substantially L-shaped member 30. The substantially L-shaped member 30 comprises a first portion 31 that is connected integrally to and extending outwardly from the distal end 24 of the skirt portion 13 and a second portion 32 extending downwardly and spaced annularly outwardly from the outer surface 23 of the tamper evident band 14. The connection between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the substantially L-shaped member 30 is curved and provides a curved connection between these two portions.

[0055] The substantially L-shaped member 30 has a hinge 33 provided by a relatively thinned region that allows a second portion 32 of the L-shaped member 30 to pivot relative to a first portion 31 of the member 30 on removal of the closure upper portion 11 from the container 50 (see Figures 7 and 9). As depicted, the substantially L-shaped member 30 can extend circumferentially for at least 10 degrees along the circumference of the skirt portion 11.

[0056] As also depicted, the second end 18 of the tether 16 is integrally connected to the outer surface 23 of the tamper evident band 14. A portion of the tether 16 adjacent the second end 18 is angled relatively inwardly so that the second end 18 is integrally connected to the outer surface 23 of the band 14.

[0057] As further depicted, tether 16 has an upper end 34 and also a lower end 35 that is distal the skirt portion 13. The tether 16, as depicted, has a uniform height for all of its length. The distal lower end 35 of the tether 16 is also depicted as substantially aligned with the free end 22 of the band 14. In another embodiment (not depicted), the height of the tether can be such that the lower end of the tether extends distally a distance less than the free end of the band 14.

[0058] The connections made by the first end 17 and second end 18 of the tether 16 respectively to the skirt portion 13 and tamper evident band 14 are non- frangible during normal use of the closure 10. In this regard, normal use will typically comprise molding of the closure 10, application of the closure 10 to the container 50 or other similar container, and/or removal or detachment of the upper portion 11 from the container 50 or other similar container.

[0059] Again, in the depicted embodiment, the band 14 has a uniform thickness for all of the circumferential extent of the band 14. While not depicted, it will be appreciated the band 14 could have a uniform thickness for a portion of its length, a majority of its length or be of varying thickness for a portion, a majority, or all of its circumferential extent. [0060] As is best depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the inner surface 19 of the band 14 can have one or more curved undercuts 36 that extend at least partially into the cavity of the closure 10. The undercuts 36 are adapted to engage under a retaining flange on an end portion of the container and so act to retain the band 14 under the retaining flange 52 when the upper portion 11 of the closure 10 is removed, for example by being relatively unscrewed, from the container 50. While curved undercuts 36 are depicted, other flanges and structures can be envisaged for retaining the band under the flange 52.

[0061] In the depicted embodiment, an inner surface 37 of the skirt portion 13 has a screw thread defined by a series of segments 38. This screw thread of the closure 10 allows the closure 10 to be engageable with a corresponding thread 53 on the end portion of the container 50 to allow attachment of the closure 10 to the container 50. While a segmented screw thread on the closure 10 is depicted, it will be envisaged that the screw thread can be continuous.

[0062] As depicted in Figures 5 and 6, an underside of the top portion 12 can be provided with a number of sealing ribs 39 to engage and seal the opening 51 of the container 50 on attachment of the closure 10 to the container 50. As depicted, the sealing ribs 39 in combination can engage an inner surface, an end surface and/or an outer surface of the opening 51 of a container 50. Other sealing rib combinations to that depicted can be envisaged.

[0063] A mold can be used to form the closure 10. The mold can comprise a cavity shaped to form the closure 10. The mold can be used to form the closure using injection, rotary or compression molding.

[0064] The method of forming the closure 10 can comprising molding the closure in one piece with the tamper evident band 14 and the tether 16.

[0065] The method of attaching the closure 10 to the container 50 can comprise turning the closure 10 onto the container 50 until the closure 10 seals the container 50 and the curved undercuts 36 of the tamper evident band 14 are positioned under the retaining flange 52 on the container 50. [0066] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.