CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 16/520,958, filed July 24, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of closures for bottles. The present disclosure relates specifically to a closure for a bottle that provides tamper evidence. The closure can remain on the bottle up until disposal or recycling of the bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A closure, for closing a bottle having a neck portion including a mating sealing formation and a mating attachment formation, includes a hinged sealing element. The hinged sealing element includes a top wall and a first skirt extending downwardly from the top wall. The first skirt includes a circumference, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inner surface has a sealing formation that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation of the bottle. A tab is attached to the outer surface of the first skirt. The first skirt extends below and perpendicular to the top wall down to a lower edge of the first skirt. A second skirt defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, and a circumference larger than the circumference of the first skirt. The inner surface of the second skirt has an attachment formation engageable with the mating attachment formation of the bottle. The second skirt extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt. A plurality of frangible members each has first and second edges and are each attached to a respective skirt to form a gap between the first and second skirts. The first edges of the frangible members are each attached to the first skirt with frangible formations. A pair of hinge members is attached between the first and second skirts within the gap. A biasing member is attached to the first skirt between the hinge members and extends downwardly from the first skirt to interact with the neck portion of the bottle such that the sealing formation of the inner surface of the first skirt and the mating sealing formation of the bottle are biased toward each other. [0004] A closure, for closing a bottle having a neck portion including a mating sealing formation and a mating attachment formation, includes a hinged sealing element including a top wall and a first skirt extending downwardly from the top wall. The first skirt includes a circumference, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inner surface has a sealing formation that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation of the bottle. The sealing formation includes an outer section and an inner section, with the outer section defining a circumference, and the inner section defining a circumference smaller than the circumference of the outer section. A space is between the outer section and the inner section to receive the mating sealing formation of the bottle. The outer section creates an outer seal with the mating sealing formation of the bottle, and the inner section creates a plug seal with the mating sealing formation of the bottle. A tab is attached to the outer surface of the first skirt. The first skirt extends below and perpendicular to the top wall down to a lower edge of the first skirt. A second skirt defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, and a circumference larger than the circumference of the first skirt. The inner surface of the second skirt has an attachment formation engageable with the mating attachment formation of the bottle. The second skirt extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt. A plurality of frangible members each has first and second edges and are each attached to a respective skirt to form a gap between the first and second skirts. The first edges of the frangible members are attached to the first skirt with frangible formations. A pair of hinge members is attached between the first and second skirts within the gap. A biasing member is attached to the first skirt between the hinge members and extends downwardly from the first skirt to interact with the neck portion of the bottle such that the sealing formation of the inner surface of the first skirt and the mating sealing formation of the bottle are biased toward each other.

[0005] A closure, for closing a bottle having a neck portion including a mating sealing formation and a mating attachment formation, includes a hinged sealing element including a top wall and a first skirt extending downwardly from the top wall. The first skirt includes a circumference, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The inner surface has a sealing formation that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation of the bottle. The sealing formation includes an outer section and an inner section, with the outer section defining a circumference, and the inner section defining a circumference smaller than the circumference of the outer section. A space is between the outer section and the inner section to receive the mating sealing formation of the bottle. The outer section creates an outer seal with the mating sealing formation of the bottle, and the inner section creates a plug seal with the mating sealing formation of the bottle. A tab is attached to the outer surface of the first skirt. The first skirt extends below and perpendicular to the top wall down to a lower edge of the first skirt. A second skirt defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, and a circumference larger than the circumference of the first skirt. The inner surface of the second skirt has an attachment formation engageable with the mating attachment formation of the bottle. The attachment formation of the second skirt includes a plurality of threads spaced around the circumference of the inner surface of the second skirt. The second skirt extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt. A plurality of frangible members each has first and second edges and are each attached to a respective skirt to form a gap between the first and second skirts. The first edges of the frangible members are each attached to the first skirt with frangible formations. A pair of hinge members is attached between the first and second skirts within the gap. A biasing member is attached to the first skirt between the hinge members and extends downwardly from the first skirt to interact with the neck portion of the bottle such that the sealing formation of the inner surface of the first skirt and the mating sealing formation of the bottle are biased toward each other.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a closure and a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear/side view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner surface of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a closure in an open position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a top view of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 9 of a closure in a closed position on a bottle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a closure 10, for closing a bottle 12 having a neck portion 14 including a mating sealing formation 16 and a mating attachment formation 18, includes a hinged sealing element 20. The hinged sealing element 20 includes a top wall 22 and a first skirt 24 extending downwardly from the top wall 22. The first skirt 24 includes a circumference 24a, an inner surface 24b (FIG. 7), and an outer surface 24c. As detailed in FIG. 6, the inner surface 24b has a sealing formation 24d that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. A tab 26 is attached to the outer surface 24c of the first skirt 24. The first skirt 24 extends below and perpendicular to the top wall 22 down to a lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24.

[0019] Typically, closure 10 is injection molded from a plastic such as HDPE and typical containers are formed from plastics such as HDPE.

[0020] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the closure 10 also includes a second skirt 28 that defines an inner surface 28a, an outer surface 28b, a top edge 28c, and a circumference 28d larger than the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24. FIG. 6 shows that the inner surface 28a of the second skirt 28 has an attachment formation 30 that is engageable with the mating attachment formation 18 of the bottle 12. The second skirt 28 extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt 24.

[0021] Further, the closure 10 includes a plurality of frangible members 32 that each have first 32a and second edges 32b, best shown in FIG. 8. The frangible members 32 are each attached to a respective skirt 24, 28 to form a gap 34 between the first and second skirts 24, 28. The first edges 32a of each of the frangible members 32 is attached to the first skirt 24 with frangible formations 32c, also depicted in FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates that the closure 10 also includes a pair of hinge members 36, each attached between the first and second skirts 24, 28 within the gap 34.

[0023] Additionally in FIG. 3, the closure 10 includes a biasing member 38 attached to the first skirt 24 between the hinge members 36. The biasing member 38 extends downwardly from the first skirt 24 to interact with the neck portion 14 of the bottle 12 such that the sealing formation 24d of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 and the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12 are biased toward each other.

[0024] In another embodiment of the closure 10, depicted in FIG. 7, the lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24 detaches from the frangible formations 32c of the first edges 32a of each the frangible members 32 upon lifting the tab 26. The first skirt 24 is moved from a closed position to an open position. The pair of hinge members 36 and the biasing member 38 allows the first skirt 24 to remain in the open position. [0025] In a further embodiment of the closure 10, depicted in both FIGS. 6 and 10, the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 includes an outer section 24f and an inner section 24g. The outer section 24f of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24h. The inner section 24g of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24i smaller than the circumference 24h of the outer section 24f. A space 40 is between the outer section 24f and the inner section 24g to receive the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The outer section 24f creates an outer seal 42 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12, and the inner section 24g creates a plug seal 44 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12.

[0026] In yet another embodiment of the closure 10, first shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of frangible members 32 is positioned at an angle from 0 degrees to 130 degrees, relative to a horizontal axis. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of frangible members 32 is positioned at an angle from greater than 0 degrees to 130 degrees, relative to the horizontal axis.

[0027] In yet a further embodiment of the closure 10, illustrated in FIG. 9, the plurality of frangible members 32 is spaced around a portion of the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24, at 90 degrees, or less, angle increments.

[0028] In a yet another embodiment of the closure 10, the attachment formation 30 of the second skirt 28 is a plurality of threads (not depicted) spaced around the circumference 28a of the inner surface 28a of the second skirt 28.

[0029] In a yet a further embodiment of the closure 10, similar to FIG. 9, the plurality of frangible members 32 is spaced around a portion of the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24, at 90 degrees, or less, angle increments.

[0030] Referring to the figures as above, in an embodiment, a closure 10, for closing a bottle 12 having a neck portion 14 including a mating sealing formation 16 and a mating attachment formation 18, includes a hinged sealing element 20. The hinged sealing element 20 includes a top wall 22 and a first skirt 24 extending downwardly from the top wall 22. The first skirt 24 includes a circumference 24a, an inner surface 24b, and an outer surface 24c. The inner surface 24b has a sealing formation 24d that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The sealing formation 24d includes an outer section 24f and an inner section 24g. The outer section 24f of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24h. The inner section 24g of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24i smaller than the circumference 24h of the outer section 24f. A space 40 is between the outer section 24f and the inner section 24g, to receive the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The outer section 24f creates an outer seal 42 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12, and the inner section 24g creates a plug seal 44 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. A tab 26 is attached to the outer surface 24c of the first skirt 24. The first skirt 24 extends below and perpendicular to the top wall 22 down to a lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24.

[0031] The closure 10 also includes a second skirt 28 that defines an inner surface 28a, an outer surface 28b, a top edge 28c, and a circumference 28d larger than the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24. The inner surface 28a of the second skirt 28 has an attachment formation 30 that is engageable with the mating attachment formation 18 of the bottle 12. The second skirt 28 extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt 24.

[0032] Furthermore, the closure 10 includes a plurality of frangible members 32 that each have first and second edges 32a, 32b and are attached to a respective skirt 24, 28 to form a gap 34 between the first and second skirts 24, 28. The first edges 32a of the frangible members 32 are each attached to the first skirt 24 with frangible formations 32c.

[0033] The closure 10 also includes a pair of hinge members 36 that are each attached between the first and second skirts 24, 28 within the gap 34.

[0034] Additionally, the closure 10 includes a biasing member 38 attached to the first skirt 24 between the hinge members 36 and extending downwardly from the first skirt 24 to interact with the neck portion 14 of the bottle 12 such that the sealing formation 24d of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 and the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12 are biased toward each other.

[0035] In another embodiment of the closure 10, the lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24 detaches from the frangible formations 32c of the first edges 32a of each the frangible members 32 upon lifting the tab 26. The first skirt 24 is moved from a closed position to an open position. The pair of hinge members 36 and the biasing member 38 allow the first skirt 24 to remain in the open position. [0036] In a further embodiment of the closure 10, the frangible members 32 are each positioned at an angle greater than 0 degrees relative to a horizontal axis. In a specific embodiment, the frangible members 32 are each positioned at an angle from 0 degrees to 130 degrees, relative to the horizontal axis.

[0037] In yet another embodiment of the closure 10, the plurality of frangible members 32 is spaced around a portion of the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24, at 90 degrees, or less, angle increments.

[0038] In yet a further embodiment of the closure 10, the attachment formation 30 of the second skirt 28 is a plurality of threads (not depicted) spaced around the circumference of the inner surface 28a of the second skirt 28.

[0039] Referring again to the figures as above, in an embodiment, a closure 10 for closing a bottle 12 having a neck portion 14 including a mating sealing formation 16 and a mating attachment formation 18, includes a hinged sealing element 20. The hinged sealing element 20 includes a top wall 22 and a first skirt 24 extending downwardly from the top wall 22. The first skirt 24 includes a circumference 24a, an inner surface 24b, and an outer surface 24c. The inner surface 24b has a sealing formation 24d that allows engagement of the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The sealing formation 24d includes an outer section 24f and an inner section 24g. The outer section 24f of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24h, and the inner section 24g of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 defines a circumference 24i smaller than the circumference 24h of the outer section 24f. A space 40 is between the outer section 24f and the inner section 34g to receive the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The outer section 24f creates an outer seal 42 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. The inner section 24g creates a plug seal 44 with the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12. A tab 26 is attached to the outer surface 24f of the first skirt 24. The first skirt 24 extends below and perpendicular to the top wall 22 down to a lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24.

[0040] The closure 10 also includes a second skirt 28 that defines an inner surface 28a, an outer surface 28b, a top edge 28c, and a circumference 28d larger than the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24. The inner surface 28a has an attachment formation 30 engageable with the mating attachment 18 formation of the bottle 12. The attachment formation 30 of the second skirt 28 includes a plurality of threads (not depicted) spaced around the circumference 28d of the inner surface 28a of the second skirt 28. The second skirt 28 extends downward in a same direction as the first skirt 24.

[0041] Further, the closure 10 includes a plurality of frangible members 32 that each have first and second edges 32a, 32b and are attached to a respective skirt 24, 28 to form a gap 34 between the first and second skirts 24, 28. The first edges 32a of the frangible members 32 are each attached to the first skirt 24 with frangible formations 32c.

[0042] The closure 10 also includes a pair of hinge members 36 that are each attached between the first and second skirts 24, 28 within the gap 34.

[0043] Additionally, the closure 10 includes a biasing member 38 attached to the first skirt 24 between the hinge members 36 and extending downwardly from the first skirt 24 to interact with the neck portion 14 of the bottle 12 such that the sealing formation 24d of the inner surface 24b of the first skirt 24 and the mating sealing formation 16 of the bottle 12 are biased toward each other.

[0044] In another embodiment of the closure 10, the lower edge 24e of the first skirt 24 detaches from the frangible formations 32c of the first edges 32a of each the frangible members 32 upon lifting the tab 26. The first skirt 24 is moved from a closed position to an open position. The pair of hinge members 36 and the biasing member 38 allow the first skirt 24 to remain in the open position.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the closure 10, the plurality of frangible members 32 is positioned at an angle from greater than 0 degrees to 75 degrees, relative to a horizontal axis. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of frangible members 32 section is positioned at an angle from 0 degrees to 135 degrees, relative to the horizontal axis.

[0046] In yet another embodiment of the closure 10, the plurality of frangible members 32 is spaced around a portion of the circumference 24a of the first skirt 24, at 90 degrees, or less, angle increments. [0047] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0048] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0050] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or with the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0051] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. In addition, in various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.