US3913772A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamperproof closure cap and sealed package
Assignee: Anchor Hocking Packaging Co
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Filing: 1973-09-14
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A closure cap for threaded containers is described which includes a tamperproofing means to indicate unauthorized tampering with or removal of the closure cap from the sealed container. The closure cap is of composite construction having a metal disc-like top fitted into a molded plastic ring or skirt. The plastic skirt includes container engaging threads positioned above a tear-off tamper indicating band. The tamper indicating band has integral molded pawl members which engage lugs or ratchet teeth on the container so that the tamperproofing strip must be removed before the closure cap can be turned off of the container. Should there be an unauthorized attempt to open the container, the tamperproofing strip will be torn off as the closure is turned on the container.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S Ochs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D41/00; B65D41/32; B65D41/34; B65D41/3404; B65D2401/00; B65D2401/15; B65D2401/25; B65D2401/35
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
An improved sealed tamperproof package comprising the combination of: a glass container; said container having closure engaging threads adjacent its rim; an annular transfer bead extending outwardly from the upper portion of the container below said cap engaging threads and having a smooth Surface and being positioned below said container threads for engaging all of the cap pawls as the cap is turned onto the container and prior to any pawl engaging one of said container lugs; a plurality of spaced pawl engaging lugs positioned on the container immediately adjacent to said smooth surface; a composite closure cap positioned on said container comprising the combination of: a plastic ring having an annular cover portion and a depending skirt; a metal cap cover; means on the skirt of said plastic ring engaging the outer edge of said cap cover and for permitting relative rotation between the ring and the cover; container engaging threads formed on the inner surface of said ring; a tear-off band formed integrally with and extending downwardly from the lower edge of said skirt and being connected thereto by a frangible connection; and a plurality of lug engaging resilient pawls formed on said band and projecting inwardly thereof for engaging said lugs on the container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
An improved sealed tamperproof package comprising the combination of: a glass container; said container having closure engaging threads adjacent its rim; an annular transfer bead extending outwardly from the upper portion of the container below said cap engaging threads and having a smooth Surface and being positioned below said container threads for engaging all of the cap pawls as the cap is turned onto the container and prior to any pawl engaging one of said container lugs; a plurality of spaced pawl engaging lugs positioned on the container immediately adjacent to said smooth surface; a composite closure cap positioned on said container comprising the combination of: a plastic ring having an annular cover portion and a depending skirt; a metal cap cover; means on the skirt of said plastic ring engaging the outer edge of said cap cover and for permitting relative rotation between the ring and the cover; container engaging threads formed on the inner surface of said ring; a tear-off band formed integrally with and extending downwardly from the lower edge of said skirt and being connected thereto by a frangible connection; and a plurality of lug engaging resilient pawls formed on said band and projecting inwardly thereof for engaging said lugs on the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The sealed package as claimed in claim 1 in which said lugs on said container include a flat, radially directed, pawl engaging surface for engaging a corresponding flat surface on the container lugs and also include an inwardly slanted surface for permitting the pawls to pass over the lugs during cap application.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sealed package as claimed in claim 1 in which the lower edge of said closure skirt immediately above said tear-off band engages the outermost surface of said transfer bead.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
220 words
An improved vacuum sealed tamperproof package comprising the combination of: a glass container; said container having closure engaging threads adjacent its rim; an annular transfer bead extending outwardly from the upper portion of the container below said cap engaging threads and having a smooth surface; a plurality of spaced pawl engaging lugs positioned on the container below said transfer bead each having a flat, radially directed pawl engaging surface; a composite closure cap positioned on said container comprising the combination of: a plastic ring having an annular cover portion and a depending skirt; a metal cap cover; a resilient gasket on said cover; groove means on the skirt of said plastic ring engaging the outer edge of said cap cover and for permitting relative rotation between the ring and the cover; the edge of said cover being spaced from the bottom of said groove means; container engaging threads formed on the inner surface of said ring; the transfer bead on said container engaging the lower edge of the cap skirt; a tear-off band extending downwardly from the lower edge of said skirt and being connected thereto by a frangible connection; and a plurality of elongated lug engaging resilient pawls formed on said band and projecting inwardly thereof and having a flat end surface for engaging said lugs on the container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
220 words
An improved vacuum sealed tamperproof package comprising the combination of: a glass container; said container having closure engaging threads adjacent its rim; an annular transfer bead extending outwardly from the upper portion of the container below said cap engaging threads and having a smooth surface; a plurality of spaced pawl engaging lugs positioned on the container below said transfer bead each having a flat, radially directed pawl engaging surface; a composite closure cap positioned on said container comprising the combination of: a plastic ring having an annular cover portion and a depending skirt; a metal cap cover; a resilient gasket on said cover; groove means on the skirt of said plastic ring engaging the outer edge of said cap cover and for permitting relative rotation between the ring and the cover; the edge of said cover being spaced from the bottom of said groove means; container engaging threads formed on the inner surface of said ring; the transfer bead on said container engaging the lower edge of the cap skirt; a tear-off band extending downwardly from the lower edge of said skirt and being connected thereto by a frangible connection; and a plurality of elongated lug engaging resilient pawls formed on said band and projecting inwardly thereof and having a flat end surface for engaging said lugs on the container.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sealed package as claimed in claim 4 in which said lug engaging resilient pawls comprise elongated members projecting from said band at an angle thereto and being positioned inwardly of a pawl receiving slot in the band.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sealed package as claimed in claim 4 in which an upwardly facing bead is positioned at the container rim for engaging said gasket.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |