A THREE-PIECE TAMPER EVIDENT CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of tamper evident closures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a tamper evident closure for a container, in particular, a bottle. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed towards the construction and mechanism of a three-piece tamper evident closure for preventing adulteration or counterfeiting of the contents in the bottle.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Containers, such as bottles, for valuable fluids like liquors, alcoholic beverages, oils etc are provided with closures that are sealed in a way that an end user can recognize if the bottle has been opened previously. Such tamper-evident closures are provided to guarantee the integrity of the contents in the bottle and provide indication to the user if any attempts of tampering or contamination have been made. Although there exist multiple tamper evident closures in the art, adulteration and counterfeiting of expensive liquors continues to remain a problem in the beverage industry.
Accordingly, there is a constant need to provide an improved tamper evident closure that has more than one tamper indicators and cannot be reused by counterfeiters. More specifically, there is a need in the art to provide a tamper evident closure that overcomes the one or more shortcomings associated with the closures known in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more drawbacks of conventional arrangements as described in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a three-piece tamper evident closure for a container as described in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure.
It is an aim of the present disclosure is to provide a tamper evident closure that has multiple tamper indicators.

Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a tamper evident closure that cannot be reused.
The present application provides a three-piece tamper evident closure for a container, preferably a bottle. The closure comprises an outer sleeve, a cover and a tamper indicator ring. The tamper indicator ring is provided at an intermediate portion of the closure, connecting the outer sleeve and the cover. The tamper indicator ring comprises at least two vertical slits formed opposite to each other, a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges. Rotation of the cover by a user in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of each of the first bridges and each of the second bridges in a predefined pattern, and breaking of the tamper indicator ring at the at least two vertical slits simultaneously, to open the closure for the container.
In an embodiment, the closure comprising the outer sleeve, the cover and the tamper indicator ring is having a unitary structure.
In an embodiment, the rotation of the cover in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of the bridges in the predefined pattern of (TF+TE+TC+TB) + (BA+BF+BD+BC) in first step and breaking of the bridges in combination of (TA+TD)+(BA+BB) in second step.
In an embodiment, the outer sleeve comprises a plurality of first tabs, and each of the plurality of first tabs is configured to engage with a plurality of second tabs formed on a pourer.
In an embodiment, the closure is press fitted on the pourer and a neck portion of the container, such that the outer sleeve of the closure encapsulates the neck portion.
In an embodiment, the outer sleeve of the closure is locked with the pourer through snap locks.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of first bridges connect the tamper indicator ring with the cover.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) are configured to connect the tamper indicator ring with the outer sleeve.
In an embodiment, each of the at least two vertical slits are formed between adjacent bridges of the plurality of first bridges and the second bridges.
In an embodiment, the cover of the closure is rotatably connected to the pourer by means of threads.
In an embodiment, the closure comprises a primary sealing portion formed along periphery of the pourer and the cover.
In an embodiment, the closure comprises a second sealing portion formed peripherally below the threads in the pourer.
The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a three-piece tamper evident closure with a neck of a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 depicts a sectional view along line A-A of the three-piece tamper evident closure of FIG. 1 secured with the container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3shows a perspective view of a pourer of the three-piece tamper evident closure for the container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of the three-piece tamper evident closure for the container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 shows a sectional view along line B-B of the three-piece tamper evident closure of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the three-piece tamper evident closure for the container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show opening sequence of the three-piece tamper evident closure for a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated 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 invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures 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 disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a three-piece tamper evident closure for a container. 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 proposed invention. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present 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.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, 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 elements in the system or apparatus.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a three-piece tamper evident closure for a container, such as a liquor bottle. The said tamper evident closure is secured at the top end of a neck portion of the bottle and is configured to limit access to the contents in the bottle.
The present application provides a three-piece tamper evident closure for a container. The closure comprises an outer sleeve, a cover and a tamper indicator ring. The tamper indicator ring is provided at an intermediate portion of the closure, connecting the outer sleeve and the cover. The tamper indicator ring comprises at least two vertical slits formed opposite to each other, a plurality of first bridges and a plurality of second bridges. Rotation of the cover by a user in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of each of the first bridges and each of the second bridges in a predefined pattern, and breaking of the tamper indicator ring at the at least two vertical slits simultaneously, to open the closure for the container.
In an embodiment, the closure comprising the outer sleeve, the cover and the tamper indicator ring is having a unitary structure.
In an embodiment, the rotation of the cover in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of the bridges in the predefined pattern of (TF+TE+TC+TB) + (BA+BF+BD+BC) in first step and breaking of the bridges in combination of (TA+TD)+(BA+BB) in second step.
In an embodiment, the outer sleeve comprises a plurality of first tabs, and each of the plurality of first tabs is configured to engage with a plurality of second tabs formed on a pourer.
In an embodiment, the closure is press fitted on the pourer and a neck portion of the container, such that the outer sleeve of the closure encapsulates the neck portion.

In an embodiment, the outer sleeve of the closure is locked with the pourer through snap locks.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of first bridges connect the tamper indicator ring with the cover.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) are configured to connect the tamper indicator ring with the outer sleeve.
In an embodiment, each of the at least two vertical slits are formed between adjacent bridges of the plurality of first bridges and the second bridges.
In an embodiment, the cover of the closure is rotatably connected to the pourer by means of threads.
In an embodiment, the closure comprises a primary sealing portion formed along periphery of the pourer and the cover.
In an embodiment, the closure comprises a second sealing portion formed peripherally below the threads in the pourer.
Referring to Figures 1-7, the present disclosure provides a three-piece tamper evident closure (100) defined having a unitary structure, comprising a cover (5), a tamper indicator ring (6) and an outer sleeve (1). The cover (5) is defined as a top portion of the closure (100) and the outer sleeve (1) is defined as a bottom portion of the closure (100). The tamper indicator ring (6) is provided at an intermediate portion of closure (100), connecting the cover (5) and the outer sleeve (1). The outer sleeve (1) comprises an outer surface adapted to receive artwork having brand name and other product information. The artwork is generally printed to the outer sleeve (1) of the closure (100). The closure (100) is adapted to mount on a pourer (2) and around a neck portion (4) of a container (200), preferably a bottle. The container (200) may be referred to as "bottle" hereinafter in the present disclosure. The pourer (2) is attached sealably to the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200) in such a manner that the pourer (2) can be detached from the neck portion (4) only through destruction of the tamper evident closure (100).

The closure (100) may be manufactured through any molding process, for example -injection molding, and likewise. The closure (100) is fitted to the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200) by press- fit mechanism, to prevent abrupt removal of the closure (100) from the neck portion (4). The press-fit mechanism may utilize hydraulic , pneumatic , servo driven, rotating belt to press tight fit the closure (100) around the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200). However, any other means to facilitate tight fitting of the closure (100) around the neck portion (4) may be also utilized, for example - mechanical press, etc. The neck portion (4) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs (4a) formed on circumferential surface of the neck portion (4), as shown in FIG. 5. The plurality of longitudinal ribs (4a) provide gripping to the pourer (2), and prevents rotation of the pourer (2) around the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200), during opening or closing of the bottle.
The pourer (2) is secured with the neck portion (4) by locking snaps (13), as shown in FIG. 2. The pourer (2) comprises threads (2a) to removably secure the cover (5) of the closure (100). The pourer (2) is formed with a plurality of second tabs (2b) formed at bottom end of the pourer (2). The plurality of second tabs (2b) prevent rotation of the outer sleeve (1) relative to rotation of the cover (5). The pourer (2) further comprises an access portion (2c) to accommodate a pouring chamber (2d) that enables pouring of the contents of the bottle (200), as shown in FIG. 3. The access portion (2c) has a generally circular configuration and corresponds to the diameter of the opening of the bottle (200). The pouring chamber (2d) has an opening of eight pouring windows (2e) to allow pouring of the contents of the bottle (200). The pouring chamber (2d) is configured to accommodate a restrictive ball (3). The restrictive ball (3), in the upright condition of the bottle (200) is configured to sit in a pre-defined restrictive position so as to close access to the opening. In the tilted condition, the restrictive ball (3) dislocates from the restrictive position and allows pouring of the contents of the bottle (200). Upon return to the upright condition of the bottle (200), under gravity, the restrictive ball (3) falls into the restrictive position thereby closing the access to the contents of the bottle (200). Therefore, the restrictive ball (3) allows only one-way flow of the contents, that is from the inside of the bottle (200) to the outside and prevents any liquid from entering the bottle (200) from the outside.
The closure (100) is defined having a unitary structure comprising the cover (5), the tamper indicator ring (6) and the outer sleeve (1). The cover (5) is defined in the form of a screw cap, which can be brought into engagement with the threads (2a) formed at the top end of the

pourer (2), as shown in FIG. 3. The closure (100) is located circumferentially over the pourer (2) and the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200). The outer sleeve (1) is attached with the cover (5) through the tamper indicator ring (6) by means of bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE BF) placed appropriately to form a single unit structure. The bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE BF) form weak portion on the tamper indicator ring (6) to facilitate breaking of the bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE BF) while opening of the bottle (200), to dispense contents of the bottle (200) from inside out, through the opening (2e). In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tamper indicator ring is defined having a plurality of first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) and a plurality of second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF). The first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) are extended from top edge of the tamper indicator ring (6) and the second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) are extended from bottom edge of the tamper indicator ring (6). The first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) configured to connect the tamper indicator ring (6) with the cover (5) and the second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) are configured to connect the tamper indicator ring (6) with the outer sleeve (1). In the secured condition, the tamper indicator ring (6) holds the cover (5) fixedly relative to the outer sleeve (1). In an embodiment, the tamper indicator ring (6) comprises at least two vertical slits (6a), to facilitate breaking of the tamper indicator ring (6) at two respective locations, as shown in FIG. 4. The at least two vertical slits (6a) are formed on the outer surface of the tamper indicator ring (6) and are located between the first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) and the second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF).
Once again referring to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the closure (100) fitted with the neck portion (4) of the bottle (200), is depicted. A primary sealing portion (10) is formed along the periphery between the pourer (2) and the cover (5). A second sealing portion (11) is formed peripherally below the threads (2a) in the pourer (2). The outer sleeve (1) is in relatively locked condition with the pourer (2) through snap locks (12, 13). The snap-locks (12, 13) prevent vertical movement of the outer sleeve (1) along line A-A. The plurality of second tabs (2b) formed on the pourer (2) prevent rotation of the outer sleeve (1) relative to the pourer (2), keeping line A-A as an axis of rotation. Referring to FIG. 6, the outer sleeve (1) of the closure (100) is defined having a plurality of first tabs (la). Each of the plurality of first tabs (la) are formed on an inner surface of the outer sleeve (1). Further, each of the plurality of first tabs (la) are configured to engage with each of the plurality of second tabs (2b) formed on the outer surface of the pourer (2). The engagement of the first tabs (la) with the

second tabs (2b) may form a ratchet mechanism and each tab (la, 2b) acts as an anti-rotation lug to prevent rotation of the outer sleeve (1) over the pourer (2) while opening the closure (100). In the mounted condition, the pourer (2) is encapsulated circumferentially by the outer sleeve (1) and by the cover (5) from the top side.
In order to open the bottle (200), as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, the user exerts a force on the cover (5) to rotate it in the direction of the indicative arrow, i.e. in counter-clockwise direction. Since the tamper indicator ring (6) is locked in position and cannot rotate, circumferential slitting of the tamper indicator ring (6) is caused along the bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE BF) and vertical slits (6a) simultaneously. Referring to FIG. 7b, during rotation of the cover (5) in counter-clockwise direction the breaking of bridges in a predefined pattern, i.e. initially the breaking of bridges (TF+TE+TC+TB) + (BA+BF+BD+BC) takes place. During, counter-clockwise rotation of the cover (5) twisting of tamper indicator ring (6) in counter-clockwise and in upward direction takes place. Further, on continuous rotation of the cover (5) in counter clockwise direction, another bridge configuration will break in combination of (TA+TD)+(BA+BB). Once the bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE BF) are broken the tamper indicator ring (6) breaks into two parts at the vertical slits (6a) provided on the tamper indicator ring (6) and the cover (5) gets disengaged from the outer sleeve (1) of the closure (100), as shown in FIG. 7c. The counter clockwise rotation of the cover (5) causes the tamper indicator ring (6) to tear off in two pieces. The user at this point can unscrew the cover (5) to access the contents of the bottle (200). Accordingly, it is an advantage of tamper evident closure (100) that it provides visual indication to the user of previous usage and cannot be reused.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tamper indicator ring (6) is provided with having three vertical slits (6a), configured to break the tamper indicator ring (6) in three parts. The three vertical slits (6a) are provided equidistant from each other. The outer sleeve (1) comprises a plurality of first tabs (la). According to present embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first tabs (la) are provided with an indicative text embossed on the first tabs (la), such that once the tamper indicator ring (6) is broken down into three-pieces, the indicative text is exposed to the user, indicating that the bottle (200) has been unsealed. In one embodiment, the indicative text is "OPEN", as shown in FIG. 8. The tamper indicator ring (6) is provided with ratchets (6c) at inner periphery of the ring (6). During opening of the closure (100), the ratches (6c) slides on the plurality of first tabs (la) on the

outer sleeve (1), creating friction in order to break the tamper indicator ring (6) into three parts.
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 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.
List of reference numerals

100 Three-piece tamper evident closure
1 Outer Sleeve
la First tab
2 Pourer
2a Threads
2b Second tabs
2c Access Portion
2d Pouring Chamber
2e Opening
3 Restrictive Ball
4 Neck Portion of Bottle
4a Ribs
5 Cover
6 Tamper Evident Ring
6a Vertical Slits
6c Ratchets
10 Primary Sealing Portion
11 Second Sealing Portion
12,13 Snap locks
200 Bottle

EQUIVALENTS:
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 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.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current 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 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.
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.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
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 in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values 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.

CLAIMS:

We Claim:-

1. A three-piece tamper evident closure (100) for a container (200), the closure (100)
comprising:
an outer sleeve (1), a cover (5) and a tamper indicator ring (6), wherein the tamper indicator ring (6) is provided at an intermediate portion of the closure (100), connecting the outer sleeve (1) and the cover (5);
the tamper indicator ring (6) comprises at least two vertical slits (6a) formed opposite to each other, a plurality of first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) and a plurality of second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF); wherein
upon rotation of the cover (5) by a user in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of each of the first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) and each of the second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) in a predefined pattern, thereby breaking the tamper indicator ring (6) at the respective two vertical slits (6a) simultaneously, and opening the closure (100) of the container (200).
2. The three-piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure (100) comprising the outer sleeve (1), the cover (5) and the tamper indicator ring (6) is having a unitary structure.
3. The three piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotation of the cover (5) in counter-clockwise direction facilitates breaking of the bridges in the predefined pattern of (TF+TE+TC+TB) + (BA+BF+BD+BC) in first step and breaking of the bridges in combination of (TA+TD)+(BA+BB) in second step.
4. The three-piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve (1) comprises a plurality of first tabs (la), and wherein:
each of the plurality of first tabs (la) is configured to engage with a plurality of second tabs (2b) formed on a pourer (2).

5. The three piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure (100) is press fitted on the pourer (2) and a neck portion (4) of the container (200), such that the outer sleeve (1) of the closure (100) encapsulates the neck portion (4).
6. The three piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve (1) of the closure (100) is locked with the pourer (2) through snap locks (12, 13).
7. The three-piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) connect the tamper indicator ring (6) with the cover (5).
8. The three-piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF) are configured to connect the tamper indicator ring (6) with the outer sleeve (1).
9. The three- piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least two vertical slits (6a) are formed between adjacent bridges of the plurality of first bridges (TA, TB, TC, TD, TE, TF) and the second bridges (BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF).
10. The three-piece tamper evident closure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure
(100) comprises a primary sealing portion (10) formed along periphery of the pourer (2) and
the cover (5) and a second sealing portion (20) formed peripherally below the threads (2a) in
the pourer (2).