[0001] The present disclosure relates to closures for containers and containers. Some aspects
relate to reusable containers. Some aspects relate to reusable closures for containers,
such as reusable containers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Plastic containers are widespread in the food packaging industry. Such plastic food
containers can serve as end display packaging in which a product is presented for
sale to the customer. Typical of these containers are those used for dairy products
such as cheeses, creams, or the like where an integral body of the container is provided
having a sidewall that can taper down to an integral transverse bottom wall with the
top opening being closed by suitable closure or lid. Normally, the lid has a depending
peripheral skirt which locks onto the upper rim of the tapered wall of the container
body. A self-adhesive sealing layer or membrane can be provided in some cases between
the top opening of the container and the closure.
SUMMARY
[0003] This object is achieved by providing a plastic closure for a tamper-evident lidded
container closures for containers according to any one of the claims 1 to 9. This
object is also achieved by providing a plastic container assembly according to any
one of the claims 10 to 15.
[0004] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a plastic closure for a tamper-evident
lidded container, comprising
- a central portion, a sidewall structure surrounding said central portion and one or
more tamper-evident portions,
- wherein said tamper-evident portion comprises a tab portion and one or more frangible
portions frangibly connected to the sidewall structure.
[0005] Such a plastic closure permits to provide a visual indication that the closure has
been removed from a container or otherwise tampered with.
[0006] A second aspect of the present invention relates to plastic container assembly including
- a plastic lid as previously claimed and
- a container comprising a container body having one or more upstanding sidewalls extending
between a top and a bottom of the container, a bottom surface and a space being formed
in an interior of the container body between the sidewalls and the bottom surface.
[0007] Such a plastic container assembly permits to provide a closure that can be recycled
and a container that can be reused, e.g. collected by a retailer.
EMBODIMENTS
[0008] The plastic closure has a section of any shape or form. In some embodiments, the
section of the plastic closure can be a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, a polygon,
a circle or an oval.
[0009] In some embodiments, the central portion is essentially flat. In some other embodiments,
the central portion is textured.
[0010] In some embodiments, the central portion can have a rectangle, a circle, a triangle,
a polygon, a circle or an oval form.
[0011] In some embodiments, the sidewall structure is configured to be able to be releasably
locked or fixed in position to a container.
[0012] In some embodiments, the sidewall structure is configured to be able to engage with
a generally outer portion of a protective skirt of a container.
[0013] In some embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises said sidewall structure comprises
a first sidewall, a top platform, a second sidewall and a third sidewall wherein the
first sidewall is situated radially inwardly with respect to top platform, the top
platform is situated radially inwardly with respect to second sidewall and the second
sidewall is situated radially inwardly with respect to third sidewall. The second
sidewall and third sidewall define an outer skirt of the plastic closure.
[0014] Such embodiments permit to make it even more challenging the removal of the closure
without providing a visual indication.
[0015] The second sidewall and third sidewall are joined at a junction, in some preferred
embodiments, the junction is reinforced. This reinforcement can be a rib. Such a reinforcement
permits provide a clearer visual indication that the closure has been removed from
a container or otherwise tampered with.
[0016] In some preferred embodiments, said first sidewall of the sidewall structure is able
to fit against a container wall.
[0017] In some preferred embodiments, said one or more frangible portions are frangibly
connected to the third sidewall.
[0018] In some preferred embodiments, said one or more frangible portions are frangibly
connected to the outer skirt of the plastic closure.
[0019] In some preferred embodiments, said tab portion is linked to said outer skirt of
the plastic closure, and even more preferably to the third sidewall of the sidewall
structure.
[0020] In some embodiments, the tab portion can by any one or more of pushed, pulled, moved
axially upwards or moved axially downwards in the process of a user removing the plastic
closure from a container.
[0021] In some embodiments, when the plastic closure has a polygonal shape, the tab portion
is positioned at angle of the plastic closure.
[0022] In some embodiments, the tab portion comprises a through hole for removal of the
closure. In some preferred embodiments, said through hole is configured such that
a cutlery piece or a stick can be inserted through said through hole. Such embodiments
permit to ease the removal of the plastic closure, especially for people having manual
dexterity impairment. In some even preferred embodiments, the through hole is substantially
centered on the tab portion.
[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the tab portion is non perforated.
[0024] In some embodiments, the tab portion comprises a rib. In some preferred embodiments,
the rib is positioned on a side opposite to the sidewall structure. In some preferred
embodiments, the rib is positioned on the skirt side in use. Such embodiments permit
to ease the removal of the plastic closure as the rib generates more friction or contact
with the finger of the user in operation.
[0025] In some embodiments, the plastic closure is made of at least 25 weight percent of
recycled plastic. In some preferred embodiments, said plastic closure is made of at
least 50 weight percent of recycled plastic. In some even more preferred embodiments,
said plastic closure is made of at least 75 weight percent of recycled plastic.
[0026] In some embodiments, the plastic closure is made of polypropylene or Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics
or from Polyethylene or a combination thereof.
[0027] In some preferred embodiments, said plastic closure is monomaterial.
[0028] In some embodiments, the plastic closure comprises a sealed compartment wherein said
sealed compartment can be used to store a liquid, foodstuff or any items.
[0029] In some embodiments, the plastic closure comprises a compartment with a peelable
label or membrane or the like that can be used to access the compartment
[0030] In some embodiments of the plastic container assembly, said container comprises a
protective skirt having an outer portion, and the third sidewall of the plastic closure
is able to engage with said outer portion of said protective skirt of said container.
[0031] In some preferred embodiments of the plastic container assembly, in use, an end of
the third sidewall of the plastic closure extends above an end of the outer skirt
of the container.
[0032] In some embodiments, the closure is configured so as to be prestressed so that the
third sidewall of the lid closure pushes against the outer portion of the outer skirt
of the container.
[0033] In some embodiments, the plastic container assembly is made of at least 25 weight
percent of recycled plastic. In some preferred embodiments, said plastic container
assembly is made of at least 50 weight percent of recycled plastic. In some even more
preferred embodiments, said plastic container assembly is made of at least 75 weight
percent of recycled plastic.
[0034] In some embodiments, said container assembly is made of polypropylene or Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics
or from Polyethylene or a combination thereof.
[0035] In some preferred embodiments, said container assembly is monomaterial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0036] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, embodiments
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to, and
as shown in, the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 2 is a schematic representation of part of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 4 is a schematic representation of part of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 5 is a schematic representation of part of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 6 is a schematic representation of part of a closure according to an example;
- Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of part of a closure according
to an example;
- Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a combination of a closure and a container
according to an example;
- Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a combination of a closure and a container
according to an example;
- Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of part of a combination
of a closure and a container according to an example;
- Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of part of a combination
of a closure and a container according to an example;
- Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a container according to an example;
- Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a container according
to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0037] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary
skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described.
It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms
and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.
[0038] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various
alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described
in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed.
On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments
are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and
detailed description where appropriate.
[0039] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the
scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent,
however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the
presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular
can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including,"
when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used
herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood
that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant
art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0041] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary
skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described.
It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms
and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.
[0042] The following contains specific information related to implementations of the present
disclosure. The drawings and their accompanying detailed disclosure are merely directed
to implementations. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these implementations.
Other variations and implementations of the present disclosure will be obvious to
those skilled in the art. The phrases "in one implementation," or "in some implementations,"
may each refer to one or more of the same or different implementations. The term "coupled"
is defined as connected whether directly or indirectly through intervening components
and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The expression "at least one
of A, B and C" or "at least one of the following: A, B and C" means "only A, or only
B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C."
[0043] The terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably.
[0044] For the purposes of explanation and non-limitation, specific details such as functional
entities, techniques, protocols, and standards are set forth for providing an understanding
of the present disclosure. In other examples, detailed disclosure of well-known methods,
technologies, systems, and architectures are omitted so as not to obscure the present
disclosure with unnecessary details
[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a closure according to an example. The
closure 100 includes a substantially flat round central portion 110, an annular sidewall
structure 120 and a tamper evident portion 130.
[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of part of a closure according to an example.
In the example of Figure 2, a tamper evident portion 130 of a closure 100 is depicted.
In this embodiment, the temper evident portion 130 comprises a tab portion 131 and
two frangible portions 132. The frangible portions 132 enable a determination of use
of a closure. In this embodiment, the frangible portions are frangible connections
between the annular sidewall structure 120 and the tab portion 131.
[0047] For example, when in situ on a container, the frangible portions 132 of the tamper
evident portion 130 of closure 100 can be unbroken, providing a visual indication
that the closure has not been removed from the container or otherwise tampered with.
[0048] In order to remove the closure from the container, tab portion 131 of the tamper
evident portion 130 of closure 100 can be any one or more of: pushed (radially inwards),
pulled (radially outwards), moved axially upwards, or moved axially downwards in the
process of a user removing the closure from a container, thereby causing the frangible
portions 132 to break, thus indicating removal of the closure and/or tampering.
[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a part of a closure according to a further
example. In the example of Figure 3, the closure 100 includes a substantially flat
central portion 110, an annular sidewall structure 120 and a tamper evident portion
130. In this embodiment, the temper evident portion 130 comprises a tab portion 131,
two frangible portions 132 and a hole 133 in the tab portion 131.
[0050] Figure 4 is a top view schematic representation of a part of a closure according
to a further example. In the example of Figure 4, a tamper evident portion 130 of
a closure 100 is depicted. In this embodiment, the tamper evident portion 130 comprises
two frangible portions 132 and a tab portion 131 comprising a through hole 133. This
hole through 133 is configured such that a tool, a cutlery piece or a stick can be
inserted inside so as to facilitate the removal of closure 103 fixed or locked on
a container. The object inserted inside the through hole 133 can be used as a lever
arm.
[0051] Figure 5 is a bottom view schematic representation of a part of a closure according
to a further example. In the example of Figure 5, a tamper evident portion 130 of
a closure 100 is depicted. In this embodiment, the tamper evident portion 130 comprises
two frangible portions 132 and a tab portion 131 comprising a rib 134. The rib 134
is located opposite to the sidewall structure 120 and on the skirt side, i.e. on the
underside when in use. This rib 134 is configured to facilitate the removal of a closure
100 fixed or locked on a container.
[0052] Figure 6 is a bottom view schematic representation of a part of a closure according
to a further example. In the example of Figure 6, a tamper evident portion 130 of
a closure 100 is depicted. In this embodiment, the tamper evident portion 130 comprises
two frangible portions 132 and a tab portion 131 comprising a hole 133 and a rib 134.
[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a part of a closure
according to an example. In the example of Figure 7, a part of the substantially flat
round central portion 110 and a part of an annular sidewall structure 120 are depicted.
The portion highlighted in general by region 121 depicts a ring lock mechanism enabling
closure 100 to be releasably locked or fixed in position to a container.
[0054] As illustrated in Figure 7, the annular sidewall structure 120 includes a first sidewall
122 which is a vertical wall and which is able to fit against a container wall. The
annular sidewall structure 120 then angles obliquely outward to the top platform 123
which is a horizontal wall. Then the annular sidewall structure comprises the second
sidewall 127 and the third sidewall 125 which forms an outer skirt 124.
[0055] This third sidewall 125, which is a lip portion, is configured to be able to engage
with a generally upstanding lip or outer portion of a protective skirt of a container.
[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a combination of a closure and a container
according to an example. Closure 100 and container 200 are provided. In this embodiment,
the closure comprises a substantially flat central portion 110, an annular sidewall
structure 120 and a temper evident portion 130 comprising a tab portion 131 and two
frangible portions 132.
[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a combination of a closure and a container
according to an example. Closure 100 and container 200 are provided. In this embodiment,
the closure comprises a substantially flat round wall, the central portion 110, an
annular sidewall structure 120 and a temper evident portion 130 comprising a tab portion
131, two frangible portions 132 and a hole 133 in the tab portion 131.
[0058] In an example, closure 100 and/or container 200 can be coloured or transparent. A
container 200 and/or a closure 100 can comprise Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or
Polypropylene (PP) for example. A PET container and/or closure can be provided with
offset print and may be preprinted and/or provided with stickers. A PP container and/or
closure can be provided with, e.g., decorations made by way of In-Mould Labelling
(IML). In some examples, a closure can comprise a sealed compartment that can be used
to store a liquid, foodstuff, or items such as an item of cutlery for example. A closure
can comprise a compartment with a peelable label or membrane or the like that can
be used to access the compartment.
[0059] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of part of a combination
of a closure and a container according to an example. The portion highlighted in general
by region 121 depicts a ring lock mechanism enabling closure 100 to be releasably
locked or fixed in position on container 200. The example of figure 10 also depicts
part of the tamper evident portion 130.
[0060] As illustrated in Figure 10, the annular sidewall structure 120 includes a first
sidewall 122, a top platform 123, a second sidewall 127 and a third sidewall 125.
[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of part of a combination
of a closure and a container according to a further example. In the example of Figure
11, the closure 100 comprises a third sidewall 125, which is a generally upstanding
lip or outer portion of the closure skirt. The third sidewall 125 is configured to
engage with a generally upstanding lip or outer portion 211 of a protective skirt
210 of the container 200. According to an example, an end part 126 of the third sidewall
125 is configured to rest above an end part 212 of the portion 211. That is, the third
sidewall 125 extends above lip portion 211. The external shape of the closure 100
can be prestressed so that the lip portion 125 pushes against the lip portion 211,
forming an interference or friction fit between the container and the closure. The
third sidewall 125 can be prestressed, or the whole of the outer skirt region 124
of the closure can be prestressed.
[0062] As such, it is more difficult to remove the closure 100 from the container 200 and/or
pull or deform the protective skirt 210 of the container 200. Accordingly, the closure
100 can only be removed using the tab portion of the tamper evident portion of closure
100.
[0063] Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a container according to an example. In
the example of Figure 12, the container 200 is shown without a closure. The container
comprises an upstanding continuous sidewall 231, an open top 232 and a bottom wall.
The container comprises a protective skirt 210. This embodiment is a round cup or
bucket.
[0064] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a container according
to an example. According to an example, container 200 can be reusable. The container
comprises a container body having one upstanding sidewall 231 extending between a
top and a bottom of the container, a bottom surface 233 and a space being formed in
an interior of the container body between the sidewalls and the bottom surface. For
example, container 200 can be cleaned and refilled with a product, such as an edible
foodstuff or liquid for example. The product that the cleaned contained is filled
with may be the same as the product that was originally contained in the container,
or different.
[0065] In an example, the tamper evident portion 130 of the closure 100 means, in general,
that the closure 100 is a one-use closure. Accordingly, once a product in container
200 is used, the closure can be recycled and the container can be, e.g., collected
by a retailer. It can then be sent back to a producer where it can be cleaned and
filled with a product again. Container 200 can therefore comprise a reusable container.
Container 200 can be particularly suitable for fresh products for example, such as
dairy products, such as creams, soft cheeses and so on.
[0066] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to
best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary
description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the
spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should
be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be
made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the
instant disclosure.
1. A plastic closure 100 for a tamper-evident lidded container, comprising
- a central portion 110, a sidewall structure 120 surrounding the central portion
110 and one or more tamper-evident portions 130,
- wherein the tamper-evident portion 130 comprises a tab portion 131 and one or more
frangible portions 132 frangibly connected to the sidewall structure 120.
2. A plastic closure 100 according to claim 1, wherein said sidewall structure 120 is
configured to be able to be releasably locked or fixed in position to a container.
3. A plastic closure 100 according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sidewall structure 120
comprises a first sidewall 122, a top platform 123, a second sidewall 127 and a third
sidewall 125 wherein the first sidewall 122 is situated radially inwardly with respect
to top platform 123, the top platform 123 is situated radially inwardly with respect
to second sidewall 127 and the second sidewall 127 is situated radially inwardly with
respect to third sidewall 125.
4. A plastic closure 100 according to claim 3, wherein said one or more frangible portions
132 are frangibly connected to the third sidewall 125.
5. A plastic closure 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tab
portion 130 can by any one or more of pushed, pulled, moved axially upwards or moved
axially downwards in the process of a user removing the plastic closure 100 from a
container.
6. A plastic closure 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tab
portion 131 comprises a through hole 133 for removal of the closure.
7. A plastic closure 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tab
portion 131 comprises a rib 134.
8. A plastic closure 100 container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
said plastic closure 100 is made of at least 25 weight percent of recycled plastic.
9. A plastic closure 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plastic
closure is made of polypropylene or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or from Polybutylene
succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics or from Polyethylene or a combination
thereof.
10. A plastic container assembly including
- a plastic lid 100 as previously claimed and
- a container 200 comprising a container body having one or more upstanding sidewalls
231 extending between a top and a bottom of the container, a bottom surface 233 and
a space being formed in an interior of the container body between the sidewalls and
the bottom surface.
11. A plastic container assembly according to claim 10, wherein said container 200 comprises
a protective skirt 210 having an outer portion 211, and the third sidewall 125 of
the plastic closure 100 is able to engage with said outer portion 211 of said protective
skirt 210 of said container 200.
12. A plastic container assembly according to claim 11, wherein, in use, an end 126 of
the third sidewall 125 of the plastic closure 100 extends above an end 212 of the
outer skirt 210 of the container 200.
13. A plastic container assembly according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein
the closure 100 is configured so as to be prestressed so that the third sidewall 125
of the lid closure 100 pushes against the outer portion 211 of the outer skirt 210
of the container 200.
14. A plastic container assembly according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein
said plastic container assembly is made of at least 25 weight percent of recycled
plastic.
15. A plastic container assembly according to any one of the claims 10 to 14, wherein
said container assembly is made of polypropylene or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
or from Polybutylene succinate or homopolymers or from bioplastics or from Polyethylene
or a combination thereof.