TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of packaging in beverage
industry. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a closure
for beverage packaging. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
5 tamper-evident closure for a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] The information in this section merely provides background information
related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present
10 disclosure.
[003] A container closure is a device or mechanism used to seal an opening of a
container, preventing leakage, contamination, and spoilage. There are multiple
types of container closures such as cork closures, screw cap closures, tamper15 evident closures, and crimped closures. The screw cap closures are basic closures
that screw onto a neck of a container. The screw cap closures can be resealed after
opening which makes counterfeiting hard to detect. The cork closures can be
removed or replaced without any visual indication. The crimped closures can be recrimped after tampering with very little visible change and require high machinery
20 costs for manufacturing. Therefore, the tamper-evident closures are utilized to
provide an indication of tampering of the container.
[004] The tamper-evident closures are positioned mechanically, and a seal needs
to be broken to open them, which leaves an obvious visual indication that the
25 container has been opened. Conventional construction of the tamper-evident caps
includes a band or a hermetic seal that must be peeled off to access the contents,
indicating tampering. The band is typically integrated into the construction of the
closure. The conventional constructions of tamper-evident closures often rely on
single-point indication, which may not provide sufficient evidence of tampering.
30
3
[005] The conventional construction of tamper-evident closures lacks a tether
feature and reusability. The lack of reusability can be inconvenient for consumers
and does not align with sustainable practices. Additionally, the tamper-evident
closure detaches completely and is discarded separately as plastic waste.
5 Additionally, the complexity of the conventional constructions can make the
tamper-evident closures difficult to produce consistently, potentially leading to
quality issues. The conventional constructions of the tamper-evident closures have
high manufacturing complexity and costs.
10 [006] The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more limitations
stated above or any other limitations associated with the tamper-evident closure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[007] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the
15 system/assembly/method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided
through the provision of the system/assembly/method as claimed in the present
disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques
of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are
described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
20
[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident
closure for a container is disclosed. The tamper-evident closure comprises a
dispensing member, a sleeve, a first cap, a second cap, and at least one tamperevident element. The dispensing member has a first portion and a second portion.
25 The dispensing member is securely connected to the container. The sleeve is
disposed around the second portion. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the
dispensing member. The first cap is removably coupled to the dispensing member
and configured to enclose the first portion. The second cap is disposed over the first
cap. The second cap is configured to exhibit a first tamper-evident indication upon
30 removal. The at least one tamper-evident element is connected to the first cap and
the sleeve via a plurality of frangible connectors, wherein upon rupture of the
4
plurality of frangible connectors, the at least one tamper-evident element secures
the first cap to the sleeve and exhibits a second tamper-evident indication.
[009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one tamper-evident
5 element comprises a tethering connector adapted to retain a physical connection
between the first cap and the sleeve after rupture of the plurality of frangible
connectors.
[010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cap comprises a first
10 component and a second component. The first component is positioned over the
first cap. The first component is configured to enclose the tamper-evident element.
The second component is detachably connected to the first component. The first
component comprises a plurality of engagement features configured to detachably
connect with the second component.
15
[011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cap defines a slot
adapted to permit access to the second component.
[012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the container comprises a body
20 and the tamper-evident closure. The body defines an opening and is configured to
store beverages. The tamper-evident closure is secured to the opening of the body.
[013] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a tamper-evident
closure for a container is disclosed. The tamper-evident closure comprises a
25 dispensing member, a sleeve, a first cap, a second cap, and at least one tamperevident element. The dispensing member has a first portion and a second portion.
The dispensing member is securely connected to the container. The sleeve is
disposed around the second portion. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the
dispensing member. The first cap is removably coupled to the dispensing member
30 and configured to enclose the first portion. The second cap is disposed over the first
cap. The second cap is configured to exhibit a first tamper-evident indication upon
5
removal. The at least one tamper-evident element is connected to the first cap and
the sleeve via a plurality of frangible connectors, wherein the at least one tamperevident element is peelable to allow opening of the first cap and forms a second
tamper-evident indication upon removal.
5
[014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tamper-evident closure
defines a groove positioned to facilitate removal of the tamper-evident element.
[015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cap comprises a first
10 component and a second component. The first component is positioned over the
first cap and encloses the tamper-evident element. The second component is
detachably connected to the first component. The first component comprises a
plurality of engagement features configured to detachably connect with the second
component.
15
[016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cap defines a slot
adapted to permit access to the second component.
[017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the container comprises a body
20 and the tamper-evident closure. The body defines an opening and is configured to
store beverages. The tamper-evident closure is secured to the opening of the body.
[018] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features
25 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent
by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[019] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the
30 description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use,
further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to
6
the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
5
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a tamper-evident closure, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tamper-evident closure, in
10 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[022] Figure 3 illustrates a front view in a half-sectioned assembled state of the
tamper-evident closure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
15
[023] Figure 4a illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
a second cap partially peeled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
20 [024] Figure 4b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
a first component of the second cap partially uncovered, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[025] Figure 5a illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure after
25 removal of the second cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[026] Figure 5b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure
indicating a first cap partially unscrewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the
30 present disclosure.
7
[027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure
indicating the first cap fully unscrewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
5 [028] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the tamper-evident closure, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[029] Figure 8a illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
10
[030] Figure 8b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
a second cap partially peeled, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
15 [031] Figure 9a illustrates a front view in half-sectioned assembled state of the
tamper-evident closure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[032] Figure 9b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure after
20 removal of the second cap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[033] Figure 10a illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
a tamper-evident element partially peeled, in accordance with another embodiment
25 of the present disclosure.
[034] Figure 10b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
the tamper-evident element half peeled, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
30
8
[035] Figure 11a illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure having
the tamper-evident element fully peeled, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
5 [036] Figure 11b illustrates a schematic view of the tamper-evident closure
indicating a first cap partially unscrewed, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[037] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated
10 for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present
disclosure.
15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[038] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in
Figures 1 to 11b and will be described in detail below. It should be understood,
however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms
20 disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by
the appended claims.
[039] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the
25 novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides
in a tamper-evident closure. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the
tamper-evident closure. However, such modification should be construed within the
scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those
30 specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present
9
disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[040] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
5 "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or
implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[041] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
10 intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a
list of components does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words,
one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does
not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
15 elements in the system or apparatus.
[042] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the
20 disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to
11b. In Figures 1 to 11b, the same element or elements which have the same
functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[043] The present disclosure relates to a tamper-evident closure (10) for a
25 container (100). The tamper-evident closure (10) is configured to provide an
effective sealing mechanism while incorporating tamper-evident features that
visually indicate if the container (100) has been previously accessed, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the container
comprises a body (100a) as shown in Figure 2. The body (100a) is configured to
30 store beverages. In an embodiment, the body (100a) is defined with an opening
10
(102) for dispensing fluid. In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (10) is
mounted to the opening (102).
[044] In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (10) is constructed as a
5 closing device for bottles used in the dispensing of fluids such as alcoholic
beverages, pharmaceuticals, edible oils, or other fluid storage products that require
secure and controlled access. In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (10) is
operable by a user through a sequence of manual actions to access the content of
the container (100). In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (10) comprises
10 visual marking to facilitate peeling, twisting, or removal steps.
[045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tamper-evident closure (10) according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In an embodiment, the
tamper-evident closure (10) comprises a dispensing member (12), a first cap (18),
15 a sleeve (16), a second cap (26), and at least one tamper-evident element (20)
(shown in Figure 2). Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the dispensing member (12) is
fixedly connected to the container (100). In an embodiment, the dispensing member
(12) comprises a first portion (12a) and a second portion (12b) connected to the
opening (102). The sleeve (16) is disposed around the second portion (12b) of the
20 dispensing member (12). The sleeve is fixedly connected to the dispensing member
(12). The dispensing member (12) facilitates a regulated dispensing of the contents
of the container (100). In an embodiment, the first portion (12a) is defined with a
threaded region (12c). The threaded region (12c) engages with threads (18a) on the
first cap (18).
25
[046] In an embodiment, the dispensing member (12) further comprises a ball (13)
and a ball receptacle (13a). The ball receptacle (13a) receives and retains the ball
(13). The ball (13) and the ball receptacle (13a) allow one-way dispensing of fluid
from the container (100). The dispensing member (12) is aligned axially to the
30 sleeve (16) with a leak-proof construction. In an embodiment, the dispensing
member (12) defines ports to dispense the fluid. In an embodiment, the sleeve (16)
11
is a cylindrical or tubular component. The sleeve (16) interfaces with both the
second cap (26) and the dispensing member (12).
[047] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the second cap (26) is the outermost
5 protective component of the tamper-evident closure (10), in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The second cap (26) encloses the first cap
(18). The second cap (26) exhibits a first tamper-evident indication upon its removal
from the tamper-evident closure (10). In an embodiment, the second cap (26) is
formed from a polymer or a plastic material such as high-density polyethylene.
10
[048] In an embodiment, the second cap (26) comprises a first component (32),
and a second component (28) detachably connected to the first component (32). The
first component (32) surrounds the first cap (18). The first component (32) encloses
the at least one tamper-evident element (20) to prevent unwanted access. In an
15 embodiment, the at least one tamper-evident element (20) is manufactured during
injection molding or post molding of the tamper-evident closure (10) by slitting
machine. In an embodiment, the first component (32) comprises a visual marking
for guiding the user to remove the second component (28). The first component
(32) comprises a plurality of engagement features (30) to detachably connect to the
20 second component.
[049] The second component (28) is connected to the second cap (26) via a
plurality of engagement features (30). The plurality of engagement features (30)
rupture upon peeling of the second component (28). The second component (28)
25 includes an extended portion (36) to release the second component (28) from the
first component (32). In an embodiment, the second component (28) includes a slot
(34). The second component (28) is accessible through the slot (34) to initiate the
removal of the second component (28). The slot (34) helps guide the user to apply
force on the extended portion (36) in a specified direction to break the plurality of
30 engagement features (30). In an embodiment, the breakage of the plurality of
12
engagement features (30) results in a visible and irreversible separation of the
second component (28) from the first component (32).
[050] Referring to Figures 5a, 5b, and 6, the first cap (18) is removably coupled
5 to the dispensing member (12). The first cap (18) can be manually gripped and
rotated by the user. In an embodiment, the first cap (18) is externally ribbed or
textured to improve the grip of the user. The tamper-evident element (20) is
connected to the first cap (18) and the sleeve (16). The tamper-evident element (20)
exhibits a second tamper-evident indicator upon removal of the first cap (18). The
10 tamper-evident element (20) is connected to the first cap (18) and the sleeve (16)
via a plurality of frangible connectors (22). The plurality of frangible connectors
(22) extends from the tamper-evident element (20). The plurality of frangible
connectors (22) fractures or shears upon rotational opening of the first cap (18). The
fracture or shearing of the plurality of frangible connectors (22) indicates
15 tampering.
[051] In an embodiment, the at least one tamper-evident element (20) comprises
a tethering connector (24). The tethering connector (24) is adapted to retain a
physical connection between the first cap (18) and the sleeve (16). The tethering
20 connector (24) has higher strength as compared to the plurality of frangible
connectors (22). The tethering connector (24) is constructed to withstand forces
greater than the rupture threshold of the plurality of frangible connectors (22). The
tethering connector (24) remains intact after opening of the first cap (18), even after
fracture or shearing of the plurality of frangible connectors (22). The tethering
25 connector (24) is adapted to be severed by the user through manual manipulation,
to allow complete removal of the tamper-evident element (20) if needed.
[052] In an embodiment, the tamper-evident element (20) comprises a visual
marking for removal of the tamper-evident element (20). The tamper-evident
30 element (20) comprises a first end (20a) and a second end (20b). The first end (20a)
is connected to the first cap (18). The second end (20b) is connected to the sleeve
13
(16). In an embodiment, the first cap (18) comprises a protrusion (38) adapted to
accommodate the second component (28).
[053] Hereinafter, a process of opening the tamper-evident closure (10) is
5 explained in detail. To initiate the opening of the tamper-evident closure (10), the
user first applies an opening force to the second cap (26). The opening force is
applied at the extended portion (36) accessed through the slot (34). In an
embodiment, the opening force is a manual lifting force. The opening force acting
on the second component (28) results in rupture of the plurality of engagement
10 features (30), which results in permanent separation of the second component (28)
from the second cap (26). Thereafter, the first component (32) is peeled to remove
the second cap (26) and access the at least one tamper-evident element (20). The
removal of the second cap (26) exhibits the first tamper-evident indication.
Thereafter, upon rotating the first cap (18), the plurality of frangible connectors (22)
15 rupture and release the at least one tamper-evident element (20). Upon rupture of
the plurality of frangible connectors (22), the at least one tamper-evident element
(20) secures the first cap (18) to the sleeve (16) and indicates a visual confirmation
of the second tamper-evident indication.
20 [054] Referring to Figures 7, 8a, and 8b, a tamper-evident closure (50) for a
container (100) is disclosed, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure. In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (10) comprises a
dispensing member (52), a sleeve (57), a first cap (56), a second cap (58), and at
least one tamper-evident element (60). The dispensing member (52) comprises a
25 first portion (52a) and a second portion (52b) connected to the opening (102). The
sleeve (57) is disposed around the second portion (52b) and fixedly connected to
the dispensing member (52). The first cap (56) is removably coupled to the
dispensing member (52). The first cap (56) encloses the first portion (52a) of the
dispensing member (52). The tamper-evident element (60) is connected to the first
30 cap (56) and the sleeve (57) via a plurality of frangible connectors (62). In an
embodiment, the plurality of frangible connectors (62) are formed either during
14
injection molding or post molding of the tamper-evident closure (10) by slitting
machine.
[055] Referring to Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b, the second cap (58) exhibits a first
5 tamper-evident indication upon removal. The at least one tamper-evident element
(60) is peelable to allow opening of the first cap (56) and forms a second tamperevident indication. In an embodiment, the tamper-evident closure (50) defines a
groove (70) positioned to facilitate the removal of the tamper-evident element (60).
The second cap (58) comprises a first component (72) and a second component (78)
10 detachably connected to the first component (72). The first component (72) is
positioned over the first cap (56) and encloses the at least one tamper-evident
element (60). The first component (72) comprises a plurality of engagement
features (80) to detachably connect to the second component (78). In an
embodiment, the second cap defines a slot (84). The slot (84) is adapted to permit
15 access to the second component (78).
[056] Hereinafter, the process of opening the tamper-evident closure (50) is
explained in detail. To initiate the opening of the tamper-evident closure (50), the
user first applies a separation force to the second cap (58) accessed through the slot
20 (34). In an embodiment, the separation force is a manual lifting force. The
separation force acting on the second component (78) results in rupture of the
plurality of engagement features (80), which results in the permanent separation of
the second component (78) from the second cap (58). Thereafter, the first
component (72) is peeled to remove the second cap (58) and permit access to the at
25 least one tamper-evident element (60) as shown in Figures 10a, 10b, 11a, and 11b.
The removal of the second cap (58) exhibits the first tamper-evident indication.
Thereafter, the at least one tamper-evident element (60) is peeled from the tamperevident closure (50) to allow the opening of the first cap (56) and forms a second
tamper-evident indication.
30
15
[057] The tamper-evident closure (10, 50) ensures reliable, multi-stage indication
of unauthorized access or first-time opening of the container (100). The tamperevident element (20, 60) and the second cap (26, 58) ensure that an attempt to access
the dispensing member (12, 52) is visually noticeable through the rupture of the
5 plurality of frangible connectors (22, 62) and the removal of the second cap (26,
58). The tamper-evident closure (10, 50) enhances product security, user trust, and
regulatory compliance for liquid dispensing containers. The tethered configuration
of the tamper-evident closure (10, 50) reduces plastic litter and environmental
impact and ensures the internal components remain mechanically associated with
10 the container (100) throughout the usage cycle. The tamper-evident closure (10, 50)
prevents refilling after initial opening, ensuring product authenticity and safety. The
tamper-evident closure (10, 50) aligns with modern packaging regulations without
compromising on safety and usability. The tamper-evident closure (10, 50) has a
unique construction for branding and multiple color combinations for
15 customization.
[058] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described
above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not
limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to
20 fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in
this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[059] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”,
25 “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or
contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[060] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for
brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all
30 combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
16
[061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used
herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
5 understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or
“including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
10
[062] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular
features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be
made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without
departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in
15 the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood
that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the
disclosure and not as a limitation.
20 EQUIVALENTS:
[063] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details
thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples
25 used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art
to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
30 [064] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal
the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current
17
knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within
the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be
5 understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have
been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within
the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
10
[065] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like
that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a
context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of
these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge
15 in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date
of this application.
[066] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters,
dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values
20 higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or
quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the
specification specific to the contrary.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
25
Reference number Description
10 Tamper-evident closure
12 Dispensing member
12a First portion
12b Second portion
18
12c Threaded region
13 Ball
13a Ball receptacle
16 Sleeve
18 First cap
18a Threads
20 Tamper-evident element
20a First end
20b Second end
22 Plurality of frangible connectors
24 Tethering connectors
26 Second cap
28 Second component
30 Plurality of engagement features
32 First component
34 Slot
36 Extended portion
38 Protrusion
50 Tamper-evident closure
52 Dispensing member
52a First portion
52b Second portion
56 First cap
57 Sleeve
58 Second cap
60 Tamper-evident element
62 Plurality of frangible connectors
70 Groove
72 First component
78 Second component
19
80 Plurality of engagement features
84 Slot
100 Container
100a Body
102 Opening
20
We Claim:
1. A tamper-evident closure (10) for a container (100) comprising:
a dispensing member (12) having a first portion (12a) and a second portion
5 (12b), the dispensing member (12) being securely connected to the container
(100);
a sleeve (16) disposed around the second portion (12b), the sleeve (16) being
fixedly connected to the dispensing member (12);
a first cap (18) removably coupled to the dispensing member (12) and
10 configured to enclose the first portion (12a);
a second cap (26) disposed over the first cap (18), the second cap (26) being
configured to exhibit a first tamper-evident indication upon removal;
at least one tamper-evident element (20) connected to the first cap (18) and
the sleeve (16) via a plurality of frangible connectors (22),
15 wherein upon rupture of the plurality of frangible connectors (22), the at
least one tamper-evident element (20) secures the first cap (18) to the sleeve
(16) and exhibit a second tamper-evident indication.
2. The tamper-evident closure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
20 tamper-evident element (20) comprises a tethering connector (24) adapted to
retain a physical connection between the first cap (18) and the sleeve (16) after
rupture of the plurality of frangible connectors (22).
3. The tamper-evident closure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cap
25 (26) comprises:
a first component (32) positioned over the first cap (18), the first component
(32) configured to enclose the tamper-evident element (20); and
a second component (28) detachably connected to the first component (32),
wherein the first component (32) comprises a plurality of engagement
30 features (30) configured to detachably connect with the second component (28).
21
4. The tamper-evident closure (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second cap
(26) defines a slot (34) adapted to permit access to the second component (28).
5. A container (100) comprising:
5 a body (100a) defining an opening (102), the body (100a) configured to
store beverages; and
a tamper-evident closure (10) as claimed in claim 1 secured to the opening
(102) of the body (100a).
10 6. A tamper-evident closure (50) for a container (100) comprising:
a dispensing member (52) having a first portion (52a) and a second portion
(52b), the dispensing member (52) being securely connected to the container
(100);
a sleeve (57) disposed around the second portion (52b), the sleeve (57) being
15 fixedly connected to the dispensing member (52);
a first cap (56) removably coupled to the dispensing member (52) and
configured to enclose the first portion (52a);
a second cap (58) disposed over the first cap (56), the second cap (58) being
configured to exhibit a first tamper-evident indication upon removal; and
20 at least one tamper-evident element (60) connected to the first cap (56) and
the sleeve (57) via a plurality of frangible connectors (62),
wherein the at least one tamper-evident element (60) is peelable to allow
opening of the first cap (56) and forms a second tamper-evident indication upon
removal.
25
7. The tamper-evident closure (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tamperevident closure (50) defines a groove (70) positioned to facilitate removal of the
tamper-evident element (60).
30 8. The tamper-evident closure (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second cap
(58) comprises:
22
a first component (72) positioned over the first cap (56), and enclosing the
tamper-evident element (60); and
a second component (78) detachably connected to the first component (72),
wherein the first component (72) comprises a plurality of engagement
5 features (80) configured to detachably connect with the second component (78).
9. The tamper-evident closure (50) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second cap
(58) defines a slot (84) adapted to permit access to the second component (78).
10 10. A container (100) comprising:
a body (100a) defining an opening (102), the body (100a) configured to
store beverages; and
a tamper-evident closure (50) as claimed in claim 6 secured to the opening
(102) of the body (100a).
15
Dated this 21st day of May, 2025 ANKUR SAXENA
IN/PA-4653
20 OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)
Digitally signed and filed through E-filing
23
ABSTRACT
“A TAMPER-EVIDENT CLOSURE”
The present disclosure relates to a tamper-evident closure (10, 50) for a container
5 (100). The tamper-evident closure (10, 50) comprises a dispensing member (12,
52), a sleeve (16, 57), a first cap (18, 56), a second cap (26, 58), and at least one
tamper-evident element (20, 60). The dispensing member (12, 52) is securely
connected to the container (100). The sleeve (16, 57) is fixedly connected to the
dispensing member (12, 52). The first cap (18, 56) encloses the dispensing member
10 (12, 52). The second cap (26, 58) is configured to exhibit a first tamper-evident
indication upon removal. The at least one tamper-evident element (20, 60) is
connected to the first cap (18, 56) and the sleeve (16, 57) via a plurality of frangible
connectors (22, 62). The at least one tamper-evident element (20, 60) exhibits a
second tamper-evident indication upon removal of the frangible connectors (22,
15 62).
[FIG. 2]