Patent Publication Number: US-10766676-B2

Title: Package or product having a use indicator

Description:
The present disclosure is directed to packages and, more particularly, to packages having anti-counterfeit features. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many containers are provided with tamper-resistant devices to resist refilling of contents in the containers. For example, a container for carrying a liquid product can include a fitment that renders the container non-refillable, so as to impede efforts to refill the container with inferior products. U.S. Pat. No. 3,399,811 illustrates a container of this type. 
     A general object of the present disclosure, in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, is to provide a product and/or package including a container and a use-evident indicator for indicating that the product and/or package has been used, for example, by opening of the package and/or by dispensing or other removal of original flowable product from the container. 
     The present disclosure embodies a number of aspects that can be implemented separately from or in combination with each other. 
     A product in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure includes a container and a use indicator carried by the container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used, wherein the container includes a wall recess and the use indicator is carried in the wall recess. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of discouraging reuse of a container after opening of the container, which includes the step of: applying a permanent discoloration to the container, which is observable by a potential user to indicate that the container has already been used, wherein said step of applying a permanent discoloration to the container is carried out by carrying a capsule of at least one of etchant material or colorant material in a wall recess of the container in such a way that the etchant and/or colorant material is released to change the appearance of the container upon rupture of the capsule caused by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a package in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container holding a flowable product, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coupled to exterior surfaces of the container and the closure and shown in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the package of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a ruptured or activated state and a permanent discoloration on the container; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of a package in accordance with an additional illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coupled to the container and positioned between the closure and the container; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the closure being pushed toward the container and the use indicator being compressed between the closure and the container so as to activate or rupture the use indicator; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, elevational, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 4 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a ruptured or activated state and a permanent discoloration on the container; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational, fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of a package in accordance with a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator positioned between the closure and the container; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded, elevational, fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 6 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a ruptured or activated state and a permanent discoloration on the container; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational, fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of a package in accordance with yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, a use indicator positioned between the closure and the container, and a reactive material carried by the container; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational, fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 8 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a ruptured or activated state and a permanent discoloration on the container; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a package in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coated to the container between the closure and the container and shown in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of the package of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and showing the use indicator in an activated state and a permanent discoloration on the container; 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of a package in accordance with still another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coated to an inside surface of the container and in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 12 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a partially activated state; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevational view of a package in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coated to an inside surface of the container and in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 14A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an elevational view of the container of  FIG. 14 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a partially activated state; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of a package in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coated to an inside surface of the container and in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 16A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary, perspective, cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 16 , illustrating the closure removed from the container and the use indicator in a partially activated state; 
         FIG. 17A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an elevational view of a package in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a use indicator coupled to an exterior surface of the container and in an initial or unactivated state; 
         FIG. 18A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an elevational view of the container of  FIG. 18 , illustrating the use indicator in an activated state; 
         FIG. 19A  is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear elevational view of a container in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, including grip recesses, which may accept the use indicator of  FIG. 19A  therein; and 
         FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of the container of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a package  110  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure as including a container  112  for containing an original flowable product P, a closure  113  coupled to the container  112  and a use indicator  114  coupled to exterior surfaces of the container  112  and the closure  113 . As used herein, the term “use” may include design intent use, for example, package opening, product dispensing, and/or the like, but also may include unintended or unauthorized use, for example, product withdrawal, for instance, via suction, or the like. As will be described below, upon removal of the closure  113  from the container  112 , a coloration of the package  110  visible from outside of the container  112  changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package  110  has been opened. As used herein, the term “coloration” includes color, hue, transparency, and/or any other suitable coloration qualities. Likewise, the term “discoloration” includes a change in state of coloration and may be carried out by, for instance, staining, etching, or any other suitable discoloration modes. 
     The discoloration of the package  110  may be established by discoloration of the container  112 , of the closure  113 , and/or of the indicator  114 , and a state of the coloration may change, for instance, from one color to another, from a hue of a color to another hue of that same color, from transparent to translucent or vice-versa, from transparent or translucent to opaque or vice-versa, and/or any other suitable discoloration or state change. As used herein, the terminology “closure removal” or “removal of the closure” may include partial or complete removal of the closure from the container and also may include the act of removing the closure from the container. Also, as used herein, the term “visible” includes visible to a human eye with or without aid of a special light, for example, an ultraviolet light, or the like. Accordingly, the state change of the coloration may be overt (visible to the human eye in natural daylight) or covert (visible to the human eye in the presence of a special light). The state change will deter a counterfeiter from refilling and/or repackaging the container  112  with counterfeit product. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the container  112  may be of one-piece integrally formed construction, preferably glass or plastic construction. (The term “integrally formed construction” does not exclude one-piece integrally molded layered glass constructions of the type disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,401, or one-piece glass bottles to which other structure is added after the bottle-forming operation.) The container  112  may be fabricated in press-and-blow or blow-and-blow glass container manufacturing operations, or in plastic injection and/or blow molding operations, or in any other suitable manner. 
     The container  112  may include a base  115  on which the container  112  may be supported, a body  116  extending axially from the base  115 , a shoulder  118  extending radially and axially from the body  116 , and a neck  120  extending axially from the shoulder  118 . As used herein, the term axial includes oriented generally along a longitudinal axis of the closure  113 , container  112 , or package  110  and may include but is not limited to a direction that is strictly parallel to a container longitudinal central axis A. The neck  120  may include a neck finish  122  ( FIG. 2 ), which may include one or more closure engagement features  124  ( FIG. 2 ), which may include thread segments, bayonet features, or any other suitable engagement features. As used herein, the term thread segment includes whole, partial, multiple, and/or an interrupted thread and/or thread segment. The container  112  may be of any suitable shape. For example, the body  116  and the neck  120  may be generally cylindrical, as illustrated, or they may be elliptical, tapered or of any other suitable shape. 
     The closure  113  may include a twist-off cap, pull cork, plug, or any other suitable closure. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure  113  may include one or more container engagement features (not shown) for cooperation with the closure engagement feature(s) of the container  112 . The closure  113  also may include any suitable seal(s) (not shown) or the like for sealing coupling to the container  112 , and any suitable cover (not shown), which may include a metal foil, plastic cup, wax seal, or any other suitable covering. 
     The flowable product P may be dispensably disposed within the container  112 , and the closure  113  may be sealingly coupled to the container  112  to establish a package that is factory sealed or in its original factory sealed state or condition. For example, a beverage manufacturer may fill the container  112  with an authentic or original beverage at a packaging plant or factory, and then close the container  112  with the closure  113  and, optionally, with a cover (not shown). The flowable product P may include any liquid or flowable solid, for instance, a food, or a beverage, for instance, beer, wine, liquor, soda, other beverage, or any other suitable liquid or flowable food product. Accordingly, the package  110  leaves the packaging plant in an original factory sealed condition. Thereafter, the closure  113  (and cover) may be removed from the container  112 . 
     The indicator  114  may be non-removably secured to the container  112 , or coupled to the container  112  in any other suitable manner. The terminology “non-removably secured” includes a manner in which the indicator  114  is, by design-intent, not intended to be removed from the container  112  without damaging the container  112  and/or indicator  114  or otherwise visibly compromising the structural and/or functional integrity of either or both. The indicator  114  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in an initial or unactivated state. 
     The indicator  114  may be of any suitable composition(s) and constructed in any suitable manner to enable the package  110  to exhibit one or more different colorations when the closure  113  is removed from the container  112 , for instance, discoloration or staining of the container  112 . For example, the indicator  114  may be constructed as a sticker that may be non-removably secured to the container  112  and the closure  113  by an adhesive. The sticker may include a hollow casing or housing  132  and an indicating liquid  134  ( FIG. 2 ), which may be carried in the hollow casing  132  in a sealed manner. The indicating liquid may include a stain, dye, ink, etchant, or any other suitable material to irreversibly or permanently discolor one or more surfaces of the container  112 , such that a counterfeiter cannot reverse the discoloration without compromising the structural integrity of some aspect of the package  110 . 
     Accordingly, and with reference to  FIG. 2 , when the closure  113  is removed from the container  112  for the first time, the indicator  114  ruptures into at least two portions  132   a ,  132   b  such that the indicating liquid  134  is released and flows over and permanently discolors one or more surfaces of the container  112 . Accordingly, surfaces of the container  112  itself become discolored. Accordingly, such container surfaces are preferably not covered with labels, seals, or the like. 
     The container  112  may be substantially or completely emptied of its original flowable product P. Thereafter, if counterfeiters attempt to refill the emptied container  112  with counterfeit product and repackage the container  112  with the closure  113 , the refilled and repackaged package  110  will include the stained container  112  as evidence of refilling and repackaging. Therefore, the indicator  114  may provide an anti-counterfeiting feature to the package  110 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate another embodiment of a package  210 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a package  210  includes a container  212 , a closure  213  coupled to the container  212 , a use indicator  214  carried between the closure  213  and the container  212 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  212 . The container  212  includes a neck finish  222  to which the closure  213  may be coupled, for example, via one or more closure engagement elements  224 . The neck finish  222  also may include an axial end surface or lip  233 . The closure  213  may include a base wall  226  and a skirt  228  extending axially from the base wall  226  and including one or more container engagement elements  230  for cooperation with the closure engagement element(s)  224 . 
     The indicator  214  may include a housing  232  and an indicating liquid  234  carried in the housing  232 . The housing  232  may include a membrane, skin, or any other suitable liquid impermeable material to contain the indicating liquid  234 . The indicator  214  may be axially trapped and in direct contact with the base wall  226  of the closure  213  and the lip  233  of the container  212 . In  FIG. 3 , the indicator  214  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the closure  213  may be a push-and-turn type of closure that requires a user to push the closure  213  toward the container  212  before rotating the closure  213  during removal of the closure  213  from the container  212 . Push-and-turn closures are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art in any suitable type of push-and-turn closure may be used. For example, instead of thread type engagement elements as illustrated in the drawing figures, bayonet and lug type engagement elements could be used that require user to push-and-turn the closure  213  to remove it from the container  212 . In another example, the closure  213  may include a multiple piece push-and-turn closure assembly that requires a user to push-and-turn the closure  213  to remove it from the container  212 . In any case, when the closure  213  is pushed toward the container  212  during closure removal, the indicator  214  is compressed between the closure  213  and the container  212  so as to rupture the housing  232  and liberate the indicating liquid  234 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the housing  232  is ruptured as a result of push-and-turn removal of the closure  213  such that the indicating liquid  234  is released and flows over and permanently discolors one or more surfaces of the container  212 . For example, portions  234   a  of the indicating liquid  234  are shown on exterior surfaces of the container neck finish  222 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the drawings are merely schematic and are not product blueprint drawings. 
       FIGS. 6-7  illustrate another embodiment of a package  310 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a package  310  includes a container  312 , a closure  313  coupled to the container  312 , a use indicator  314  carried between the closure  313  and the container  312 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  312 . The container  312  includes a neck finish  322  to which the closure  313  may be coupled, for example, via one or more closure engagement elements (not shown), which may include cooperating threads, bayonet and lug elements, or the like. The closure  313  may include a base wall  326  and a skirt  328  extending axially from the base wall  326  and including one or more container engagement elements (not shown) for cooperation with the closure engagement element(s). 
     The indicator  314  may include a housing  332  and an indicating liquid  334  carried in the housing  332 . The indicator  314  may be radially trapped in direct contact with the skirt  328  of the closure  313  and the neck finish  322  of the container  312 . The closure  313  also may include one or more radially inwardly extending projections  329 , which may include barbs, pins, or any other suitable structure to puncture the housing  332 . In  FIG. 6 , the indicator  314  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     To remove the closure  313 , a user must grasp the skirt  328  tightly to overcome frictional forces coupling the closure  313  to the container  312 . Such tight grasping of the closure  313  results in deflection of the skirt  328  in a radially inward direction toward the container neck finish  322 . In turn, such deflection causes the projections  329  to puncture the indicator housing  332  and thereby liberate the indicating liquid  334 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the housing  332  has ruptured during removal of the closure  313  such that the indicating liquid  334  is released and flows over and permanently discolors one or more surfaces of the container  312 . For example, portions  334   a  of the indicating liquid  334  are shown on exterior surfaces of the container neck finish  322 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the drawings are merely schematic and that, for example, the base wall  326  of the closure  313  may be tightly sealed against the axial end surface of the container neck finish  322  and the like. 
       FIGS. 8-9  illustrate another embodiment of a package  410 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , a package  410  is substantially similar to the package  310  of the previous embodiment and includes a container  412 , a closure  413  coupled to the container  412  and including one or more projections  429 , a use indicator  414  carried between the closure  413  and the container  412 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  412 . The container  412  includes a neck finish  422  to which the closure  413  may be coupled in any suitable manner. The closure  413  may include a base wall  426  and a skirt  428  extending axially from the base wall  426 . The indicator  414  includes a housing  432  and an indicating liquid  434  carried therein. 
     The container  412  includes a reactive material  436  on the container neck finish  422 , for instance, on an outer annular surface thereof. The material  436  is reactive with the indicating liquid  434  to change the coloration of the container  412 . For example, the material  436  may include a reactive ink, and the indicating liquid  434  may include an activator material to activate the reactive ink from one visible state to another. For example, the reactive ink may change from blue to red, or translucent to opaque, or clear to dark, or the like. Examples of stimuli-responsive or reactive inks or colorants could be formulated through the incorporation of acid/base indicators, for instance, similar to Thymol Blue, Methylene Orange, Methyl Red, Phenol Red, or the like, and pairing of the responsive or reactive coating or ink with an indicating liquid containing a suitable acid or base, for instance, acetic acid, citric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or the like. The material  436  may be a coating, a layer, or a separate element. In  FIG. 7 , the indicator  414  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the housing  432  has ruptured during removal of the closure  413  such that the indicating liquid  434  is released and flows over and reacts with the material  436  on the container  412  to permanently discolor one or more surfaces of the container  412 . 
       FIGS. 10-11  illustrate another embodiment of a package  510 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a package  510  includes a container  512  having a neck  520 , a closure  513  coupled to the container  512 , a use indicator  514  carried between the closure  513  and the container  512 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  512 . The container  512  includes a neck finish  522  to which the closure  513  may be coupled, for example, via one or more closure engagement elements  524 . The closure  513  may include a base wall  526  and a skirt  528  extending axially from the base wall  526  and including one or more container engagement elements (not shown) for cooperation with the closure engagement element(s). 
     The indicator  514  may include a reactive material  538  on one or more exterior surfaces of the container  512  in a location between the container  512  and the closure  513  when the closure  513  is applied to the container  512 . The material  538  may include a first plurality of microcapsules  538   a  including a first reactant and a second plurality of microcapsules  538   b  including a second reactant different from the first reactant. In  FIG. 10 , the indicator  514  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. The indicator reactive material  538  may be wet when applied to surfaces of the container  512 . Therefore, the lubricity of the material  538  allows the microcapsules  538   a,b  to flow without rupturing during application of the closure  513  to the container  512 . However, upon drying of the material  538 , the microcapsules  538   a,b  are fixed within the material  538  and cannot flow upon removal of the closure  513 . 
     To remove the closure  513 , a user must grasp the skirt  528  tightly to overcome frictional forces coupling the closure  513  to the container  512 . Such tight grasping of the closure  513  results in deflection of the skirt  528  in a radially inward direction toward the container neck finish  522 . In turn, such deflection causes the skirt  528  to crush at least some of each of the pluralities of microcapsules  538   a ,  538   b  and thereby liberate the corresponding first and second reactants. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , upon removal of the closure  513  from the container  512 , at least some of the microcapsules  538   a ,  538   b  rupture, and at least some of each of the first and second reactants mix and react with one another to change a coloration of the indicator  514  to discolor one or more surfaces of the container  512 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the material  538  may be clear or at least translucent. But, as shown in  FIG. 11 , after rupture of the microcapsules  538   a ,  538   b  and mixing and reaction of the reactants, the coating  514  may appear dark or at least opaque. 
     In another embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 10 , the indicator  514  may include forensic taggants  539 . The container  512  can be interrogated to detect presence of the taggants  539  to verify that the container  512  is authentic. Examples of such taggants may include rare earth phosphor compounds that are difficult to source and replicate, DNA marking from unique plant species, or any other suitable taggants. The taggants can be interrogated by electronic taggant reading devices or interrogators that can analyze the composition of the material and determine the presence or absence of taggants. 
       FIGS. 12-13  illustrate another embodiment of a package  610 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-11  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the package  610  includes a container  612 , a closure  613  coupled to the container  612 , a use indicator  614  carried inside the container  612 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  612 . The container  612  includes a base  615 , a body  616  extending from the base  615 , a shoulder  618  extending from the body  616 , a neck  620  extending from the shoulder  618 , and a neck finish  622  ( FIG. 13 ) to which the closure  613  may be coupled in any suitable manner. 
     The indicator  614  includes an air-reactive material on one or more interior surfaces of the container  612  that, upon contact with air, irreversibly changes a coloration of the container  612  and, thus, of the package  610 , to indicate to a user that the flowable product P has been removed. In this embodiment, the indicator  614  does not include a protective material. Instead the air-reactive material is composed of a material that is visually responsive to irradiation. In  FIG. 12 , the indicator  614  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     In production, the container  612  may be produced and then the indicator  614  may be applied as a coating to one or more of the inside surfaces of the container  612 . For example, the entirety of the interior surfaces of the container  612  may be coated, or just an isolated area of an interior surface of the container  612 , or anything therebetween. In any case, because the air-reactive indicator  614  is exposed to air during application to the container  612 , the indicator  614  may exhibit an initial state of a coloration. For example, the indicator  614  may be opaque, a dark color, or the like. Thereafter, flowable product P may be flowed into the container  612  and the container  612  may be closed by coupling the closure  613  thereto under a vacuum condition and/or in an oxygen-free environment in any suitable manner. 
     According to the present disclosure, the indicator  614  may be irradiated to actively set the coloration to a second state, for example, to translucent, a light color, or the like. A radiation source R may be used to irradiate the indicator  614 , such that radiation from the source R is absorbed by the indicator  614  in the container  612 , thereby causing the indicator  614  to visibly respond by changing to the second state. The radiation source may be used to apply ultraviolet radiation to the indicator  614 , but any suitable type of radiation and source may be used. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , after removal of the closure and dispensing or other removal of at least a portion of the flowable product P, a corresponding portion  634  of the indicator  614  is exposed to air. Such exposure passively resets the indicator  614  back to its initial state of the coloration. 
     In one embodiment, the flowable product P need not be dispensed or otherwise removed from the container  612  for the indicator  614  to change state. For example, with reference to  FIG. 12 , the level of the flowable product P is below a level of the indicator  614 . Accordingly, when the closure  613  is removed from the container  612  to open the package  610 , air will enter the container  612  and contact the uncovered portion of the indicator  614  to change the state of that portion of the indicator  614 , thereby providing an indication to a user that the package  610  has been opened. 
       FIGS. 14-15  illustrate another embodiment of a package  710 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-13  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , the package  710  includes a container  712 , a closure  713  coupled to the container  712 , a use indicator  714  carried inside the container  712 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  712 . The indicator  714  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14A , the indicator  714  may be of any suitable composition(s) and constructed in any suitable manner to enable the indicator  714  to exhibit different colorations. The indicator  714  may be composed of a base material  714   a  carried by one or more inside surfaces of the container  712 , and a protective material  714   b  carried, in turn, by the base material  714   a . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the protective material  714   b  is carried directly on the base material  714   a , and may be a coating, a layer, or a separate element. 
     For example, the base material  714   a  may include an air-reactive material that reacts with any one or more of the constituents of air so as to visibly change appearance of the material. For example, the air-reactive material may include, more particularly, an oxygen-reactive material or a nitrogen-reactive material. More specifically, the air-reactive material may include oxygen-reactive metals, polymers, or dyes. For instance, the air-reactive material may include copper, iron, potassium, sodium, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), or polycarbonate. 
     The protective material  714   b  may include a protective coating, protective component, or any other suitable protective element that may be composed of a protective material that is impermeable to any one or more of the constituents of air so as to protect the base material  714   a , but that is readily dissolvable by the product in the container  712  so as to prepare the base material  714   a  for exposure to air when the package  710  is opened and product is dispensed therefrom. For example, the protective material may include polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, xanthan gum, pectin, chitosan derivatives, dextran, carrageenan, guar gum, and/or cellulose ethers, for instance, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and/or sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (Na-CMC). 
     The indicator  714  may be produced in any suitable manner. For example, the base material  714   a  may be assembled, sprayed, or otherwise applied to the inside of the container  712  in any suitable manner. Likewise, the protective material  714   b  may be assembled, sprayed, or otherwise applied over the base material  714   a  in any suitable manner. The indicator  714  may be applied to the container  712  in an inert environment, for example, under vacuum conditions and/or in an oxygen-free environment. 
     The base material  714   a  may exhibit a first coloration, for example, a first color, hue, or translucency. But when exposed to air, for example, after removal of the material  714   b , the base material  714   a  may exhibit a second coloration, for example, a second color, hue, or translucency. In one embodiment, the material  714   b  may be transparent or at least translucent, such that the coloration of the base material  714   a  is visible. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , the use indicator  714  provides an indication that at least some of the flowable product P has been poured out of the container  712 , withdrawn from the container  712  via suction or the like, or otherwise dispensed or removed from the container  712  in any other manner. But it is also contemplated that the use indicator  714  could provide an indication of closure removal and subsequent exposure to air. For example, the indicator  714  or at least a portion thereof, could be located above the level of the flowable product P in the container  712 . 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 12-15  are similar to embodiments disclosed and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,589 filed Mar. 15, 2013, which was filed on the same date as the present application and is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIGS. 16-17A  illustrate another embodiment of a package  810 . This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-15  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , the package  810  includes a container  812 , a closure  813  coupled to the container  812 , a use indicator  814  carried inside the container  812 , and a flowable product P carried in the container  812 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 16A , the indicator  814  may be of any suitable composition(s) and constructed in any suitable manner to enable the indicator  814  to exhibit different colorations. The indicator  814  may be composed of microcapsules  838  carried in a forward osmosis membrane  840 . The indicator  814  may be applied to the container  812  by spraying the indicator  814  as a coating that includes microcapsules suspended in a liquid membrane material, or by applying the indicator  814  as a film that includes microcapsules and is inserted as a sleeve and then blown into tight contact with the container interior, or via any other suitable technique. The microcapsules  838  may contain an indicating liquid, for example, a stain, dye, ink, or the like. The forward osmosis effect is controlled by the movement of water, which may be an integral part of the flowable product P. Because only water is permitted to transport through the membrane  840  there is limited risk of cross contamination of the product P with the indicating liquid. Also, forward osmosis membranes are used in water filtration systems and, thus, are considered safe. Once the container  812  is filled with the flowable product P, the microcapsules  838  will be hydrated via the forward osmosis process. In  FIGS. 16 and 16   a , the indicator  814  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     But, with reference to  FIG. 17 , removal of the flowable product P from the container  812  will stop the forward osmosis process for that portion of the indicator which is no longer in contact with the liquid flowable product P. As shown in  FIG. 17A , this will cause the microcapsules  838  to dehydrate and rupture so that the indicating liquid permanently discolors the container  812  and/or the membrane  840 . 
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate additional embodiments of containers  912  ( FIGS. 18-19A ) and  1012  ( FIGS. 20-21 ). These embodiments are similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-17  and like numerals among the embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the embodiments generally may not be repeated here. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 18 and 18A , the package  910  includes a container  912 , a closure  913  coupled to the container  912 , a use indicator  914  carried by the container  912 , for instance, in a recess  950  of a container wall, and a flowable product P carried in the container  912 . 
     The use indicator  914  includes a capsule  942  that may include a relatively soft membrane and an etchant carried in the membrane, wherein the capsule  942  may be carried in a cavity  943  ( FIG. 18A ) in an external surface of the container  912 , for example, within the larger recess  950 . The indicator  914  also includes a capsule activator  944  that may include a relatively rigid member, for example, a piece of glass or plastic that may correspond in shape and size to the cavity  943  so as to be depressible into the cavity  943 . The indicator  914  also may include a cover  946  that may include a relatively soft and flexible material, for example, an elastic material. The cover  946  may seal to the container  912  to sealingly cover the activator  944  and the capsule  942 . The outer surface of the cover  946  may be recessed below corresponding outer surfaces of the container  912 , as illustrated. 
     Any suitable materials may be used for the indicator  914 . For example, the indicator  914  may include an etchant, which may include barium sulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium bifluoride, ammonium bifluoride, or any other suitable material. In another example, the indicator  914  may include a colorant as described previously above. The cavity  943  may be formed during manufacturing of the container  912  and may be provided in the form any suitable graphic, indicia, or the like, for example, for branding the container  912 . The activator  944  may be composed of the same material as the container, for example, glass or any other suitable material. The cover  946  may be composed of plastic, thin film metal, or any other suitable material. In  FIG. 18 , the indicator  914  is illustrated in an initial or unactivated state. 
     In one embodiment of use, the package  910  may be designed in such a way that the activator  944  would have to be pressed into the cavity  943  in order to remove the closure  913 . For example, the activator  944  could be provided on the container  912  in a location that overlaps and ordinarily interferes with closure rotation, such that the activator  944  would need to be pressed to allow closure rotation. For example, the activator  944  could be a lever ordinarily in a position of interference with the closure  913  and pivotable about its fulcrum to a position of clearance with respect to the closure  913  to allow rotation of the closure  913 . 
     In another embodiment of use, the activator  944  could be provided on a surface of the container  912  in an area specifically designed for gripping by the consumer, for example, in a set of recessed finger grips, or in a concave portion of the container  912  that would be a natural location for the consumer to grip the container  912  when removing the closure  913  and/or pouring the flowable product P from the container  912 . 
     For example, and with reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , a container  1012  may include grip recesses  1050  in or on a body  1016  of the container  1012 . The use indicator  914  of  FIGS. 18-19A  may be carried in one or both of the recesses  1050  of  FIGS. 20 and 21 . 
     In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the pressing or gripping action on the activator  944  would rupture the capsule  942 , thereby releasing the etchant. Eventually, the etchant would etch the glass of the container  912  and/or the activator  944 , thereby rendering a frosty visible appearance  942   a  ( FIG. 19 ). The package  910  may be packaged in secondary packaging materials such as a cardboard, plastic or metal box for shipping and sale to the consumer to protect against premature engagement or pressing of the activator  944 . 
     In a further embodiment, a use indicator may be provided in the form of a wick, as disclosed and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,628 filed Mar. 15, 2013, which was filed on the same date as the present application and is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The present disclosure also may include one or more methods of discouraging reuse of a container after opening of the container. The method(s) include the step of applying a permanent discoloration to the container, which discoloration is observable by a potential user to indicate that the container has already been used. The step of applying a permanent discoloration to the container may be carried out by a process selected from the group consisting of the following processes: 
     (1) applying a sticker to the outside of the container and the closure, which sticker contains a dye that is released when the closure is removed from the container (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiment disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-2 ); 
     (2) placing a packet of dye in a closure, which packet is ruptured upon removal of the closure from the container to release the dye (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiments disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-5  and  FIGS. 6-7 ); 
     (3) placing a reactive ink on an exterior surface of the container and an actuator material in a closure in such a way as to be released when the closure is removed from the container to release the actuator material and activate the reactive ink (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiment disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 8-9 ); 
     (4) placing microcapsules on an exterior surface of the container in such a way that at least some of the microcapsules are crushed when a closure is removed from the container, the microcapsules containing reactants that react with each other to generate a detectable spectral shift (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiment disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 10-11 ); 
     (5) placing air-reactive materials on an interior surface of the container such that, when the container is opened and/or contents of the container are removed, the air-reactive materials are exposed to air, thereby causing a detectable spectral shift (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiments disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 12-13  and  FIGS. 14-15 ); 
     (6) coating the interior surface of the container with microcapsules embedded in a forward osmosis membrane, such that the microcapsules rupture and permanently discolor at least one of the membrane material or the container when the contents are removed from the container (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiment disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 16-17A ); and 
     (7) carrying a capsule of etchant material on a container in such a way that the etchant material is released to change the appearance of the container upon rupture of the capsule caused by a user (this process may be carried out in accord with the teachings of the embodiments disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 18-21 ). 
     There thus has been disclosed a product, package, and methods that fully satisfy all of the objects and aims previously set forth. The disclosure has been presented in conjunction with several illustrative embodiments, and additional modifications and variations have been discussed. Other modifications and variations readily will suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing discussion. The disclosure is intended to embrace all such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.