Tamper-indicating plastic closure with pilfer band having staggered scores

A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes an annular pilfer band which is partially detachably connected to the skirt portion of the closure, whereby the pilfer band remains connected to the closure after closure removal from an associate container. The pilfer band includes a fracturable region which fractures during closure removal, whereby the pilfer band splits and separates. The fracturable region is defined by a pair of circumferentially and vertically spaced, staggered scores which are configured to facilitate high-speed manufacture, and consistent tamper-indication. In one embodiment, one of the scores extends through one of a plurality of container-engaging projections of the pilfer band.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates generally to a tamper-indicating plastic 
closure for use with an associated container, and more particularly to a 
tamper-indicating plastic closure having a partially detached pilfer band 
configured to fracture by the provision of a pair of circumferentially and 
vertically spaced, staggered scores. In one embodiment, the fracturable 
region of the pilfer band is positioned to coincide with one of a 
plurality of container-engaging projections of the pilfer band. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Tamper-indicating plastic closures have found widespread acceptance in the 
marketplace for use on containers for beverages and food products, as well 
as for non-food items. One particularly commercially successful 
construction is disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,828, to 
Wilde et. The closure of this patent can be efficiently formed in 
accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,765, to Wilde et al., 
with a modified form of this tamper-indicating closure disclosed in U.S. 
Pat. No. 5,004,112, to McBride. 
Notably, another particularly effective tamper-indicating plastic closure 
is disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,938,370, to McBride, 
and 4,978,017, to McBride. 
A tamper-indicating plastic closure embodying the teachings of the above 
patents includes an upper closure cap, and an annular pilfer band 
depending from the skirt portion of the closure cap. The pilfer band is 
either partially or completely detachably connected to the skirt portion 
by a series of circumferentially spaced frangible bridges. For those 
applications where it is desired that the pilfer band be completely 
detached from the closure cap during closure removal, the closure 
typically functions such as that the annular band portion remains on the 
neck of the container. In contrast, for some applications (particularly in 
the case of returnable and reusable containers), it is desirable that the 
pilfer band only be partially detached from the closure cap attendant to 
closure removal, with the pilfer band remaining joined to the skirt 
portion of the cap. Use in this manner desirably avoids the need to remove 
the annular band from the container for its reuse. 
When it is desired that the pilfer band remain connected to the closure cap 
after closure removal, closures of the type disclosed in the 
above-referenced patents include two particular features. First, the 
closure is provided with a connector portion which joins the pilfer band 
to the closure cap after the frangible bridges fracture during closure 
removal so that the pilfer band is otherwise detached from the closure 
cap. Additionally, such closures include a fracturable region in the 
annular pilfer band itself. By this construction, closure removal not only 
results in the desired, readily visually discernable, partial separation 
of the pilfer band from the closure cap, but further results in splitting 
or fracture of the band itself. 
Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,053, to Corcoran et al., and 
4,720,018, to Schetzsle et al., both hereby incorporated by reference, 
illustrate arrangements for providing a fracturable region in the pilfer 
band of a plastic tamper-indicating closure. 
The present invention contemplates an arrangement for providing at least 
one fracturable region in the pilfer band of a plastic closure of the 
above-discussed type, with the present invention facilitating high-speed 
manufacture and reliable tamper-indication, while avoiding unintended 
premature fracture during manufacture, shipment, storage, or high-speed 
application to containers. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A tamper-indicating plastic closure embodying the principles of the present 
invention includes a generally annular pilfer band which is configured for 
partial separation during closure removal. To this end, the pilfer band 
includes at least one fracturable region defined by a pair of 
circumferentially and spaced, staggered scores. By this arrangement, 
high-speed closure manufacture is facilitated, while premature fracture is 
desirably avoided. The present scoring arrangement is particularly 
versatile in application and is suited for use with plastic closures 
having various types of container-engaging pilfer bands. By appropriately 
configuring the scoring arrangement, the strength exhibited by the 
construction, and thus the force required for its fracture, can be 
selected for optimum and efficient tamper-indication. 
In one embodiment, the fracturable region of the pilfer band is positioned 
to coincide with one of a plurality of container-engaging projections of 
the closure pilfer band. In this embodiment, one of the pair of scores 
extends into, and preferably completely through, the pilfer band 
projection. The pilfer band performs its interfering coaction with the 
container as desired, with the pilfer band fracturing into segments in a 
consistent and predictable manner. 
In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the present 
tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a closure cap having a top wall 
portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. 
The skirt portion includes an internal thread formation configured for 
engagement with a like thread formation on an associated container. 
The closure further includes an annular pilfer band detachably connected to 
the skirt portion by a plurality of circumferentially spaced frangible 
bridges. The pilfer band includes an annular band portion, inwardly from 
which extend a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 
configured for cooperation with an annular locking ring on the neck of the 
associated container. The projections cooperate with the container locking 
ring during closure removal to fracture and break the frangible bridges, 
thereby partially detaching the pilfer band from the skirt portion of the 
closure. In the preferred form, the frangible connection between the 
pilfer band and the skirt portion is provided by disposition of the 
frangible bridges on the inside surfaces of the skirt portion of the 
pilfer band, with the skirt portion and the pilfer band separated and 
distinguished from each other by a circumferential score line. The score 
line extends through the closure, and partially into the frangible 
bridges, whereby each of the frangible bridges defines a fracturable, 
unscored "residual" portion. 
The pilfer band includes a connector portion, preferably an unscored 
portion of the closure, which integrally connects the pilfer band to the 
skirt portion of the closure after fracture of the frangible bridges. The 
connector portion permits the pilfer band to be removed from the container 
together with the closure cap. 
In accordance with the present invention, the pilfer band includes at least 
one fracturable region that fractures upon removal of the closure from the 
container and fracture of the frangible bridges. The fracturable region is 
defined by a pair of spaced apart, vertically extending scores formed in 
the annular band portion of the pilfer band. The staggered scores can be 
arranged to extend vertically and parallel to the vertical axis of the 
closure, or can be angularly disposed. 
The pair of scores are arranged in staggered relationship, i.e., are 
circumferentially and vertically spaced from each other. In this regard, 
one of the vertical scores extends downwardly from the circumferential 
score line between the pilfer band and the closure skirt portion, while 
the other one of the vertical scores extends upwardly from a lower free 
edge of the annular band portion of the pilfer band. 
The vertically extending scores are preferably circumferentially spaced 
from each other by a distance less than the distance between adjacent ones 
of the container-engaging projections of the closure pilfer band. In the 
illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending scores are arranged in 
overlapping relationship, with the lowermost extent of one of the scores 
extending lower than the uppermost extent of the other one of the scores. 
However, the scores can be configured in non-overlapping relationship with 
each other. 
In one embodiment, the vertically extending scores are positioned to 
coincide with one of the projections on the inside surface of the pilfer 
band. One of the scores is arranged to extend into the projection, and 
preferably extends entirely through the entire thickness of the projection 
along its full extent, from the base to the free edge thereof. 
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily 
apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying 
drawings, and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, 
there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a 
presently preferred embodiments of the invention, with the understanding 
that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of 
the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific 
embodiments illustrated. 
With reference to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated a tamper-indicating 
closure 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. The closure 
10 is illustrated in a configuration particularly suited for use on 
threaded containers, and more particularly, containers having carbonated 
or otherwise pressurized contents. Closures of this nature can be 
efficiently formed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 
4,497,765, hereby incorporated by reference. 
Closure 10 includes an upper, generally cup-shaped closure cap 12 including 
a top wall portion 14, and an annular skirt portion 16 depending from the 
top wall portion. The skirt portion 16 includes an internal thread 
formation 18 configured for removable, threaded engagement with a like 
thread formation on an associated container. 
In order to enhance the sealing engagement of the closure with an 
associated container, the illustrated embodiment includes a generally 
disc-shaped sealing liner 20, which in the illustrated embodiment is 
configured for forming the top/side seal of an associated container. When 
used on a container having carbonated contents, it is preferred that the 
closure be provided with a plurality of generally axially extending vent 
grooves 22, which traverse the thread formation 18. The vent grooves 
facilitate the flow of gas pressure from a container during closure 
removal after liner 20 moves out of sealing engagement with the container, 
but prior to disengagement of thread formation 18 from the container. 
In order to provide visually discernable evidence that the closure has been 
partially or completely removed, closure 10 includes an annular pilfer 
band 24 depending from skirt portion 16. Pilfer band 24 can be configured 
in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,828, hereby 
incorporated by reference, and accordingly, includes a generally annular 
band portion 26 inwardly from which extend a plurality of 
circumferentially spaced flexible projections 28. Flexible projections 28 
each include an edge portion integral with annular band portion 26, which 
edge portion is disposed at an acute angle relative to the vertical axis 
of the closure. The projections 28 are configured for interfering 
engagement and cooperation with the annular locking ring portion L of a 
conventionally configured container C (FIG. 3). 
If desired, pilfer band 24 may be provided with a plurality of backing 
beads 30, two of which are illustrated in phantom line in FIG. 1, which 
backing beads are respectively associated with flexible projections 28. 
The flexible projections 28, and the optional backing beads 30, can be 
configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,112, 
hereby incorporated by reference. The projections and backing beads 
cooperate to promote engagement between the projections and the associated 
locking ring when each projection is bent generally downwardly and into 
engagement with the respective one of the backing beads. 
As will be appreciated, the tamper-indicating closure embodying the 
principles of the present invention may be configured for 
tamper-indication by including a container-engaging arrangement other than 
the projections 28. For example, the pilfer band can be configured in 
accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,938,370, and No. 
4,978,017, hereby incorporated by reference. 
In accordance with the present invention, pilfer band 24 is configured for 
partial detachment from the skirt portion of the closure cap 12, with the 
pilfer band remaining joined to the closure skirt after such partial 
detachment. To this end, the closure includes a plurality of 
circumferentially spaced frangible bridges 32 which extend between the 
inside surfaces of the skirt portion 16 and the annular band portion 26 of 
the pilfer band 24. The desired frangible connection between the pilfer 
band and the skirt portion is further provided by a circumferentially 
extending score line 34 which extends substantially, but preferably not 
completely, about the circumference of closure 10. The score line 34 
extends through the closure to thereby separate and distinguish the pilfer 
band 24 from the skirt portion, with the score line extending into the 
frangible ribs 32 whereby each of the frangible ribs includes an unscored, 
frangible "residual" portion. This, the detachable connection between the 
pilfer band and the skirt portion is collectively provided by the unscored 
residual portions of the frangible bridges 32. 
The pilfer band 24 remains joined to the skirt portion 16 of the closure 
cap by a connector portion 36. In accordance with the illustrated 
embodiment, the connector portion 36 extends between and is defined by the 
opposite ends of circumferential score line 34, with the connector portion 
36 being provided by an unscored portion of the closure. It will be 
appreciated that a relatively strong, non-frangible connector portion can 
be otherwise provided, such as by providing one or more relatively large, 
non-frangible bridges on the inside surface of the closure, with complete 
circumferential scoring of the closure. 
In accordance with the present invention, the pilfer band 24 is fracturable 
and detachable in a manner which results in fracture of the pilfer band 
itself, and partial, but not complete, separation of the pilfer band from 
the skirt portion of the closure. To this end, the pilfer band includes at 
least one fracturable region defined by a pair of vertically extending 
scores 40, 42. Preferably, each of the scores 40, 42 extends completely 
through the radial thickness of annular band portion 26. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the 0.degree. reference line 
identifies the orientation of the present closure, the fracturable region 
defined by the vertical scores 40, 42 can be provided in substantially 
diametrically opposed relationship to the non-frangible connector portion 
36. Alternately, the scores 40, 42 can be positioned in the region of the 
connector portion 36. If more than one fracturable region is provided by 
the provision of two or more pairs of the scores 40, 42, the fracturable 
regions can be positioned in spaced relationship to each other, as well as 
spaced from connector portion 36. Thus, the pilfer band can fracture into 
two or more band segments. 
If two pairs of the scores 40, 42 are provided, the pairs can be spaced 
apart by a distance which differs from the relative spacing of any two of 
the container-engaging projections, such as projections 28, of the band. 
This acts to avoid the respective positioning of both of the fracturable 
regions at two different ones of the projections, thus assuring fracture 
of the pilfer band. 
With particular reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated scores 40 and 42 are 
each vertically oriented, and generally parallel to the vertical axis of 
the closure 10. Alternately, the scores 40, 42 can be vertically 
extending, but angularly disposed at the same angle. Such angular 
disposition of the scores can be selected to correspond to the angular 
disposition of projections 28, such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Pat. 
application Ser. No. 07/901,082, filed Jun. 19, 1992, hereby incorporated 
by reference. As illustrated, scores 40, 42 are preferably arranged in 
staggered relationship to each other, i.e., are circumferentially spaced 
and vertically spaced from each other. As will be observed, one of the 
vertically extending scores, i.e., score 40, extends downwardly from the 
circumferential score line 34, while the other one of the scores, i.e., 
score 42, extends upwardly from a lower free edge of the annular band 
portion 26 of the pilfer band 24. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending scores 40, 42 are 
circumferentially spaced a distance "x" from each other. Additionally, the 
scores can be arranged in overlapping relationship, such that the 
lowermost extent of one of the scores, (i.e., score 40) extends lower than 
the uppermost extent of the other one of the scores (i.e., score 42). In 
this arrangement, the scores 40, 42 overlap by a dimension "y". However, 
it is within the purview of the present invention that there be no overlap 
between the otherwise staggered and vertically extending scores. In other 
words, for some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the dimension 
"y" with a negative, rather than the illustrated positive value. 
In a current embodiment, the score 40 has a vertical dimension of 0.131 
inches, with the score 42 having a dimension of 0.090 inches. This results 
in an overlap dimension "y" of 0.011 inches. 
Circumferential spacing dimension "x" is preferably selected to be less 
than the distance or spacing between adjacent ones of the flexible 
projections 28. In the above-described current embodiment, circumferential 
spacing of 0.025 inches is provided. 
As will be appreciated, the fracturable region of the pilfer band is 
provided by the residual portion which is defined by the vertically 
extending scores 40, 42. Typically, the residual portion will have a 
cross-sectional area equal to the circumferential spacing "x" of the pair 
of scores 40, 42, times the thickness of the annular band portion 26 of 
the pilfer band. Selection of the circumferential spacing of the scores 
with consideration of the desired strength of the pilfer band permits 
consistent and reliable operation to be readily achieved. By way of 
example, it can be assumed that it is desirable to have the pilfer band 
fracture under 3 pounds of force. Assuming the yield strength of the 
polypropylene typically used for closure manufacture to be on the order of 
4,000 pounds/inches.sup.2, with the cross-section thickness of the band 
portion 26 being 0.030 inches, the dimension "x" can be calculated as 
##EQU1## 
Thus, the relative circumferential spacing of the vertically extending 
scores can be selected to provide the desired degree of resistance to 
fracture. High-speed application of closures to containers is facilitated, 
while avoiding premature fracture. At the same time, convenient use by 
consumers is facilitated. Additionally, it is believed that the notch-like 
opening formed at the free edge of the closure by the lower one of the 
scores (i.e., score 42) permits the opening or "mouth" of the closure to 
slightly expand or open during high-speed application, thus promoting such 
application. 
FIG. 5 illustrates the present closure after fracture of frangible bridges 
32 and fracture of the region defined by scores 40, 42, with the pilfer 
band thus partially detached from the closure cap 12. As shown, the pilfer 
band splits into two segments respectively extending from the connector 
portion 36, with each segment preferably extending 120.degree. or more 
about the circumference of the closure. 
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
Generally, this embodiment of the present tamper-indicating closure is 
configured like the previously described embodiment, and accordingly, like 
reference numerals in the 100-series are employed for designating those 
components which generally correspond in structure and function to those 
of the previously described embodiment. However, this embodiment includes 
a tamper-indicating pilfer band, 124, configured in accordance with U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,938,370. As such, and as will be further described, the pilfer 
band 124 provides two distinct modes of tamper-indication for enhanced 
tamper resistance. 
As illustrated, the closure of this embodiment, generally designated 110, 
includes an upper, generally cup-shaped closure cap 112 including a top 
wall portion 114 and an annular skirt portion 116 depending from the 
topwall portion. An internal thread formation 118 cooperates with a like 
thread formation on an associated container. A sealing liner 120 can be 
provided for enhancing sealing engagement with an associated container. 
Vent grooves such as 122 can be provided to facilitate the flow of gas 
pressure from within a container during closure removal. 
In order to provide the desired tamper-indication, closure 110 includes a 
pilfer band 124 depending from skirt portion 116. The pilfer band includes 
a generally annular band portion 126 inwardly from which extend a 
plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible projections 128, each 
movable about a respective horizontal axis, for generally vertical 
movement with respect to the closure. This action is generally illustrated 
in phantom line, in FIG. 6, where one of the projections 128 is shown in a 
generally angularly upwardly disposition, with all of the projections 128 
assuming this upwardly and angularly disposed disposition for engagement 
with the locking ring element associated container, thus providing the 
first mode of tamper-indication, in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 
4,938,370. 
The pilfer band 124 further includes an annular interference bead 130 
positioned generally beneath the flexible projections 128. The 
interference bead 130 coacts with the projections 128 to provide a second 
mode of tamper-indication, during which the projections 128 are positioned 
generally between the container locking ring L, and the interference bead 
130. With the projections 128 extending generally downwardly and angularly 
inwardly of the closure, they coact with the interference bead to reduce 
the effective inside diameter of the closure, thus providing the desired 
interfering coaction with container locking ring L. In the illustrated 
embodiment, each of the flexible projections 128 is illustrated as 
including a relatively thickened portion, in accordance with the teachings 
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,426, hereby incorporated by reference. 
In accordance with the present invention, pilfer band 124 is configured for 
partial detachment from the skirt portion of the closure cap 112, with the 
pilfer band remaining joined to the closure skirt after such partial 
detachment. To this end, the closure includes a plurality of 
circumferentially spaced frangible bridges 132 which extend between the 
inside surfaces of the skirt portion 116 and the annular band portion 126 
of the pilfer band 124. The desired frangible connection between the 
pilfer band and the skirt portion is further provided by a 
circumferentially extending scoreline 134 which extends substantially, but 
preferably not completely, about the circumference of the closure 110. The 
scoreline 134 extends through the closure to thereby separate and 
distinguish the pilfer band 124 from the skirt portion, with the scoreline 
extending into the frangible ribs 132, whereby each of the frangible ribs 
includes an unscored, frangible "residual" portion. The pilfer band 124 
remains joined to the skirt portion 116 of the closure cap by connector 
portion 136 (FIG. 8). The connector portion 136 extends between and is 
defined by the opposite ends of circumferential scoreline 134, with the 
connector portion being provided by an unscored portion of the closure. 
In order to render the pilfer band 124 fracturable in a manner that results 
in fracture of the pilfer band itself, and partial, but not complete, 
separation of the pilfer band from the skirt portion of the closure, a 
fracturable region is provided which is defined by a pair of vertically 
extending scores 140, 142. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the 
0.degree. reference line identifies the orientation of the present 
closure, the fracturable region defined by the vertical scores 140, 142 
can be provided in substantially diametrically opposed relationship to the 
non-frangible connector portion 36. The scores 140, 142 can be otherwise 
positioned with respect to the connector portion, and a plurality of 
fracturable regions can be provided in the pilfer band, if desired. 
In accordance with the previously-described embodiment, each of the 
illustrated scores 140, 142 are vertically oriented, and extend generally 
parallel to the vertical axis of the closure. The scores 140, 142 are 
preferably arranged in staggered relationship to each other, i.e., are 
circumferentially spaced and vertically spaced with respect to each other, 
i.e., are axially offset. Preferably, one of the vertically extending 
scores, i.e., score 140, extends downwardly from circumferential scoreline 
134, while the other one of the scores, i.e., score 142, extends upwardly 
from a lower free edge of the annular band portion 126 of the pilfer band 
124. The scores can be arranged in overlapping relationship, such that the 
lowermost extent of one of the scores extends lower than the uppermost 
extent of the other one of the scores. However, the scores can be 
non-overlapping. As discussed in connection with the previous embodiment, 
a fracturable residual portion is defined generally between the scores 
140, 142. As illustrated, each of the scores 140, 142 extends only 
partially along the axial extent of the band portion 126 of the pilfer 
band 124. 
Notably, this embodiment of the present invention is configured such that 
at least one of the scores 140, 142 extends partially into, and preferably 
completely through, one of the flexible projections 128. In the 
illustrated embodiment, the lower one of the scores 142 is configured to 
extend completely through one of the flexible projections, designated 
128', with the score 142 including a portion 142' which extends completely 
through the flexible projection 128'. Additionally, the score 142 also 
extends completely through the interference bead 130. As will be observed, 
the score 142 has a greater vertical extent than the other vertical score 
140. It will be noted that in FIG. 9, the flexible projection 128' is 
illustrated in a generally upwardly flexed position, while the adjacent 
projections 128 are illustrated in a generally inwardly extending 
disposition in which they are molded. 
Even though the score 142, including the portion 142', extends completely 
through the flexible projection 128', the desired tamper-indicating 
function of the pilfer band is still provided. Even though the flexible 
projection 128' is, in a certain sense, sub-divided, each of its resultant 
portions can still provide the desired interfering engagement with the 
associated container to provide the two distinct modes of 
tamper-indication which can be achieved with this type of pilfer band. 
By the preferred formation of the score 142 completely through the flexible 
projection 128', the fracturable "strength" of the band portion of the 
pilfer band is still determined generally by the fracturable residual 
which is defined between the scores 140, 142, generally in accordance with 
the previously-described embodiment. Thus, consistent and reliable 
fracture is provided, even though the fracturable region of the pilfer 
band coincides with one of the container-engaging flexible projections 
128. 
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and 
variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and 
scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be 
understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment 
illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is 
intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall 
within the scope of the claims.