Package integrity indicating closure
US10118741B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2577/2091
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which connects the closure to a remaining portion of the container which must be broken in order to gain access to the contents of the container for a first time. The package integrity feature, in one form, includes a structure associated with the closure, wherein upon opening the closure for a first time, the structure stretches, increasing a length of the structure until the structure eventually breaks, leaving one or both residual ends of the broken structure rippled or curved upward from the remainder of the container. In one alternative form, the structure is associated with a pull tab of the sealing panel, which comprises the closure, whereby either the structure must be broken first, prior to pulling back the sealing panel, or while pulling back the sealing panel for a first time, the structure breaks, prior to gaining access to the contents therein. Advantageously, the package integrity feature is integrally formed with the closure and a remaining portion of the container. Integrity of the package is indicated by visually observing an intact breakable structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.