WO2004096650A1

WO2004096650A1 - Pull tab on tear strip on platic cover, including break tab feature, and related apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2004096650A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/010279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frano Luburic
Original assignee: Ropak Corporation
Priority date: 2003-03-31
Filing date: 2003-04-03
Publication date: 2004-11-11
Also published as: US7837052B2; NZ540368A; US20030189048A1; US20090032534A1; US20110017740A1; US7134567B2; AU2003222191A1; AU2003222191B2

Abstract

Apparatus and related methods for a container lid (36) include a pull structure (32) affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip (30) and positioned in an outer flange (34) of the lid (36), the pull structure (32) having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip (30) from the lid (36). The lid (36) may further include an extendible connection member (55) positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip (30) in an area generally defined as a 'well' (75). Among other things, the extendible connection member (55) can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid (36), without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid (36). A satellite ring (85) may be attached to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.

Description

PULL TAB ON TEAR STRIP ON PLASTIC COVER INCLUDING

BREAKTAB FEATURE, AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

09/834,527, filed on April 12, 2001. Priority to the aforementioned application is hereby

expressly claimed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §120 and any other applicable statutes. The

contents of the aforementioned application, and of each U.S. Patent and other reference, if any,

cited in that and/or in this application, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus and methods regarding tamper evidencing and

removal of a tearstrip from a container lid assembly, container lids having tearstrips, and more

particularly to providing an improved pull tab and a connection member on such a tear strip.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Tearstrips are commonly provided to enable relatively easy removal of lids from their

associated containers. They can also provide some indication of tamper evidence with respect to

the sealed container (e.g., has the sealed container been opened previously). Such tearstrips have

been provided within injection molded lids, among others.

Within injection molded lids, however, it can remain relatively difficult for a user to

grasp the end of the tearstrip to initiate removal of the tearstrip. Simple tabs formed at the end of

the tearstrip remain relatively unsatisfactory in that regard, at least in comparison to the present

invention. Other approaches do not provide a reusable lid to cover the container opening once

the tearstrip is removed, require more complicated molding, may be less susceptible to ready

stacking and nesting (especially with other existing containers and lids), and have other

shortcomings. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved lid and tearstrip combination.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tearstrip assembly in combination with a

lid, including a pull ring molded at one end of the tearstrip. The lid is characterized by a

downwardly-depending skirt integrally molded at its periphery, with the pull ring initially

positioned within the skirt.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a container lid having a tamper-

indicating tearstrip, the tearstrip being injection molded as an integral part of the lid prior to

removal of the tearstrip from the remainder of the lid. The tearstrip includes at least one pull

structure affixed to at least one end and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, and has a portion

shaped to to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. Depending on the

application and the size of the lid, that shaped portion can be configured to receive at least one

finger of a user's hand or receive some other manipulator or otherwise be manipulated. Removal

of the tearstrip permits opening of the lid from its associated container, and the shaped portion on

the tearstrip is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits on

the user's hand in order to initiate the tearing.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of a tearstrip having a portion

shaped to at least partially wrap around a manipulator and provide selective engagement with the

manipulator to assist in tearing of the tearstrip from a lid.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a tearstrip positioned within a lid

such that removing the entire tearstrip permits the container to be opened but also leaves a remaining portion of the lid that is capable of covering the corresponding opening in the associated container.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of a method of closing and opening

a container, using a lid having the aforementioned characteristics.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus and methods of use of a tear-strip

and lid combination of the aforementioned character, that better facilitate necessary or desirable

"flex" during the molding and/or assembly process, while still maintaining sufficient/desired

alignment of the pull ring within the associated lid flange. Such apparatus preferably includes a

connection structure between the pull ring and one or more adjacent portions of the flange that

permits some degree of "expansion" of the diameter of the lid at that location (such as may be

necessary during assembly of the lid onto an associated container) while providing sufficient

material memory or stiffness to urge the pull ring back into a desired generally coplanar

relationship with that flange following such assembly.

A further object of this invention is to provide a container lid assembly of the

aforementioned character that includes a peripherally extending structure such as a satellite ring

and/or a bumper that protects against inadvertent dislodgment of the lid such as during shipment,

handling, etc. of the container lid assembly, and protects against and/or helps provide evidence of

tampering to the lid assembly.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following

specification and the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A is an isometric view of a container lid assembled with a container (of which only

the upper container portion is shown), illustrating various general aspects of prior art tearstrips, with the tearstrip shown partially removed (this FIG. 1 A is a copy of Fig. 10 of my U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,968).

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the tearstrip features of the

invention, illustrating a circular finger or manipulator opening for the pull structure at an end of

the tearstrip.

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but illustrates one of the many alternative embodiments of the invention, an oval finger or manipulator opening.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, but illustrates another of the many alternative

embodiments of the invention, a trapezoidal finger or manipulator opening.

FIG. 4 is similar to FIGS. 1-3, but illustrates yet another of the many alternative

embodiments of the invention, a generally C-shaped finger or manipulator opening.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along reference line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a planar view of a tearstrip, showing a preferred connection structure or

member between another oval fmger or manipulator opening and the associated flange in which

it is formed, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6B is similar to FIG. 6A, but shows an alternative embodiment of the connection

member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6C is similar to FIG. 6A, but shows another embodiment of the connection member

in accordance with present invention.

FIG. 6D is similar to FIG. 6A, but shows still another embodiment of the connection

member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a tearstrip similar to that of Figure 1 A, with a connection member in

accordance with the present invention. FIG.8 shows a tearstrip similar to that of Figure 4, with a connection member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the many alternative embodiments of a container

lid of the present invention, including a pull ring, a connection member, and a hinge structure.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of FIG. 9 taken along line 10 — 10 and enlarged.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another of the many alternative embodiments of a

container lid assembly of the present invention, illustrating a pull ring, a connection member, a

satellite ring, and a bumper.

FIG. 12 is sectional view of yet another of the many alternative embodiments of a

container lid assembly in accordance with the present invention, is similar to the embodiment of

FIG. 11, and shows an alternative arrangement of the satellite ring relative to the bumper.

FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view of a corner of still another of the many alternative

embodiments of the container lid assembly of the invention, illustrating an alternative

embodiment of the bumper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a container lid in accordance with the

present invention, and FIGS. 2-4 and 6-13 illustrate some of the many alternative embodiments.

Broadly, instead of a prior art tab such as tab 42 in FIG. 1A or similar structure that requires a

user to grip the end of a tearstrip between a finger and thumb (or other digits on the user's

hands), one aspect of the invention provides an improved engagement structure for a user's

fmger. Among other aspects of the invention, a connection structure (see FIGS. 6A-10) can be

used in combination with the aforementioned improved engagement structure of the invention

(and/or with prior art tabs such as tab 42 of FIG. 1 A) to improve the performance and methods of use of such lids and container/lid assemblies. Among other things, the improvements are useful .

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, a satellite ring and/or bumper may be used with the

improved engagement structure and/or connection member to protect against inadvertent

dislodgment of the lid such as during shipment, handling, etc. of the container lid assembly, and

protect against and/or provide evidence of tampering to the lid assembly.

The pull ring structure of the invention facilitates easier use for any given tearstrip

structure, as compared to conventional tearstrips. Among other things, the improved grippability

of the invention permits lids to have thicker (and therefore more rugged and sturdy) tearlines as

may be desirable for certain applications, while still permitting a user to remove the tearstrip

without undue effort.

Certain basic concepts regarding tearstrips and related matters are disclosed in my U.S.

Pat. No. 5,617,968, and the teachings of that patent are expressly incorporated by reference

herein. For example, FIG. 1 A illustrates a tearstrip 40 partially removed from a container lid 10

(with lid 10 assembled with a container 12). This particular tearline pattern leaves a reclosable

tab 70 on the lid 10. A user typically grasps the end 42 of the tearstrip to initiate tearing and

removal of the tearstrip 40 from the lid 10.

Although FIG. 1A illustrates a round lid 10 with a sinuous tearline pattern, persons of

ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention is useful on a wide variety of lids and

corresponding containers and tearline patterns, including without limitation square, rectangular,

hinged, non-hinged, recessed, and others.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the end of the tearstrip 30 includes at least one

pull ring or pull structure 32 molded at at least one end of the tearstrip 30. Preferably, the pull

structure 32 is integrally molded as part of the tearstrip 30. Also preferably, the pull ring or structure 32 is formed in a downwardly-depending skirt 34 integrally molded at the periphery of

the lid 36, so that the pull ring 32 is initially positioned within the skirt 34 (prior to removal of

the tearstrip from the lid).

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the preferred tearstrip 30 can

function to provide tamper-indicating evidence, including, for example, tearing or other damage

to the aforementioned tearline or other parts of the tearstrip. The tearstrip 30 is preferably

injection molded as an integral part of the lid 30. Moreover, the preferred lid 10 and tearstrip 30

are fabricated by injection molding or similar process, to provide a suitably strong closure

(lightweight or otherwise) for a corresponding container. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will

understand that the invention may be effectively practiced with a wide variety of materials and

fabrication methods.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, frangible connector portions 38 are preferably provided

to retain the pull ring or structure 32 in general alignment with the lid skirt 34 prior to removing

the tearstrip 30. As with other preferred features discussed herein, however, the connector

portions 38 are not required for practicing and receiving many of the benefits of the invention.

However, and among other things, these connector portions 38 preferably help provide tamper-

evidencing and help ensure stackability and nesting (as discussed elsewhere herein) as compared

to embodiments without such portions (in which the pull ring 32 might bend toward or away

from the center of the lid 36 due to heat shrinkage or the like). Such bending or curling of the

pull ring 32 out of its desired general alignment within the lid's flange/skirt 34 can be especially

problematic within automated handling/lidding processed and machines, in which a misaligned

flange/skirt 34 portion can stop the assembly line or worse. Reinforcing ribs 39 are preferably

provided to improve the strength of the pull ring 32. Although the ribs 39 are illustrated as being generally vertical, they can be provided horizontally, angled, cross-hatched, or a wide variety of patterns, including not providing any ribs 32 at all.

The tearstrip 30 is preferably removed from the lid 36 by inserting a finger or other digit

in the opening 37, and pulling in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1. This is the

opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 1 A, but persons of ordinary skill in the art will

understand that either direction can be effectively utilized. For many applications, the tearing

direction will not be important.

The opening 37 can be provided in any suitable shape. Among the many alternative

embodiments are those shown in FIG. 2 (oval shape 50), FIG. 3 (trapezoidal shape 52), and FIG.

4 (generally C-shaped structure 54). By way of further illustration and not by way of limitation,

persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the finger gripping section on the tearstrip

can be provided similarly to the generally C-shape of FIG. 4, but inverted so that the

uncompleted portion of the C-loop faces downwardly (rather than upward and to the right, as

shown in FIG. 4). Alternatively, although the pull-ring may be generally C-shaped, the opening

associated with the pull-ring may be partially obstructed by material. In this manner, although

insertion of a finger may be precluded, a manipulator, as descibed herein, could still be used to

facilitate removal of the tearstrip. In all such embodiments, the tearline aspect of the tearstrip 30

and its removal from the lid 36 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as by a straight or

generally horizontal tearline, a sinuous tearline (see FIG. 1A), or otherwise.

By positioning the pull ring or structure 32 generally within the plane of a downwardly

depending skirt/flange 34, the lid 36 can be readily stacked and nested, before or after assembly

on a container 12, and before or after removal of the tearstrip 30 from the lid 36. For

embodiments in which it is desirable to reuse the lid 36 to cover the container opening after the tearstrip 30 has been removed, the entire tearstrip 30 can be located within the skirt 34 about the periphery of the lid 36.

A related preferred method of using the tearstrip 30 of the invention involves providing a

lid 36 having the aforementioned characteristics described herein, assembling the lid 36 on a

corresponding container 12, engaging at least one finger with the shaped portion of the pull

structure 32, pulling with the at least one finger to tear the tearstrip 30 from the lid 36, and

removing the lid 36 from the container 12. Prior to the engaging step, the sealed container can be

transported, stored, or otherwise handled and processed.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the tearstrip 30 can be torn from

the lid 36 or otherwise manipulated by things other than human fingers. Although much of the

description herein focuses on a user's fingers and other digits on the user's hands, the relevant

tearstrip 30 portion can also be considered to be shaped to at least partially wrap around a

manipulator (such as a f ger, pencil, hook, etc.) to provide selective engagement with the

manipulator to assist in tearing of the tearstrip 30 from a lid 36. In other words, instead of

engaging the shaped portion with your finger or fingers, you can hook it with a tool or other

device. Similarly, for applications in which size or other factors require or make desirable a

shape that may not readily engage a user's finger or fingers (see Figure 4), the invention can be

practiced by some other manipulator, as described herein.

Preferably, the manipulator-engaging portion (such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5) includes a

return portion angled by more than 90 degrees with respect to a lengthwise axis of the tearstrip

30. By "bending back" in the direction of the tearstrip 30, the return portion provides an

effective hook for engaging a manipulator (again, such as a hook, screwdriver, finger, etc.). In some instances, assembling the lid 36 onto a container such as container 12 may cause

undesirable damage to the lid, and/or can compromise the tamper-evidencing function of the lid.

For example, placing the lid on a container may cause frangible connector portions or webbing

(even those similar to connector portions 38 of FIGS. 1-5) to "crack" or even break. Among

other things, damage of that nature (cracking, breaking, or even possibly stretching or deforming,

etc.) may give users/consumers the false impression that the contents of the container 12 have

been tampered with. This can be so even if the actual original "seal" between the lid 36 and

container 12 remains intact and even if the actual integrity of the sealed container 12 could not be

compromised without further "actual" damage to the tear strip 30 or pull ring 32 area.

Certain aspects of the invention have utility for applications with lids 36 incorporating

living hinges 80, such as shown in Figure 9. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand

that such hinges typically are constructed of plastic and integrally molded into the lid 36, and that

they typically can (among other things) provide access to the contents of the container 12 while

the remainder of lid 36 remains attached to the container 12. It is also known in the art that

flexing such hinges (especially while the plastic or similar "living" material is still warm) can

help "align" and "set" the molecules within the living hinge 80 in a way that improves the

strength and fatigue life and general performance of the hinge 80.

Conventional connection structures or webbing such as elements 38 typically limit the

ability to "flex" the living hinge 80 immediately or soon after removal of the lid from its mold.

Among other things, flexing the hinge to too great a degree may cause the breakage mentioned

above, leading to a false impression that the subsequently assembled lid/container has been

tampered with. In theory at least, some people may even get that false impression from inelastic

stretching or some damage short of actual breakage. To best facilitate this tamper-evidencing (at least for potential applications in which a

consumer is the ultimate user of the lid/container assembly), the connections must be sufficiently

strong to not break when as the lids are being removed from tooling (for injection molded

versions) and to not break during automatic or other "lidding" of the lid onto an associated

container, but must also be sufficiently "breakable" to permit a user to break open the

lid/container assembly. Prior art technology does not balance these goals (strong, yet breakable)

very well.

As described herein, however, alternative connection members such as structure 55 (see

FIGS. 6A-6D) may be used to provide sufficient or increased degree of "flex" for the hinge,

while still maintaining some degree of alignment/planarity of the pull ring 32 within the flange

34. As explained further below and in other of the figures, structure 55 may be provided in any

of a wide variety of shapes and sizes and locations. Preferably, elements such as 55 are

integrally molded into the lid as part of an injection molding or similar process.

In certain applications (not shown), a plurality of such elements 55 may even be provided

on a single lid, spaced from each other. The particular number, relative size, length, and other

aspects of any such structure 55 can be selected/designed to address the particular application for

which the lid and/or container is intended. Among other things, one or more structures such as

element 55 can provide expandability (especially in the hoop direction) in the downward

skirt/flange 34 during various processes, such as the molding and/or assembly or handling of the

lids/containers.

As mentioned above, and as shown in Figures 6A-6D, a connection member 55 may be

provided that further balances the desire or need for some degree of "flex" in the downward

skirt/flange 34 (useful at various times, such as during the molding and/or assembly or handling processes), while still maintaining a desired or necessary degree of alignment/planarity of the

pull ring 32 within the lid's flange 34. In considering Figures 6A-6D, as with Figures 1-5,

person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the opening 37 can be provided in any

suitable shape. Such opening 37 shapes may include, by way of examples and not by way of

limitation, oval shape 50, trapezoidal shape 52, and a generally C-shaped structure 54.

As noted above, the precise shape of the connection member 55 can vary widely.

Preferably, the connection member shape 55 is shaped (such as with a sufficient curve, bend, twist, or other configuration) to provide the desired blend of stiffness and flexibility as described

herein. As illustrated herein, the connection members 55 may include shapes that are

substantially half U-shaped (Figure 6A), U-shaped (Figure 6B), inverted U-shaped (Figure 6C),

and half inverted U-shaped (Figure 6D), to name a few. As indicated above, many other

connection member 55 shapes are possible so long as the shape of the connection member 55

provides the combination of improved flex (and eventual ability to be torn/broken with sufficient

ease when the tearstrip is removed) and sufficient aligning ability and structural integrity.

The precise materials, shapes, and dimensions of the components of the invention can be

selected based on the application for which the lid 36 and/or container 12 will be used. For the

preferred injection molding process of practicing the invention, the connection member 55 is

integrally molded from the same plastic or similar material, and during the same "shot", as the

remainder of the lid. Molding or other manufacturing and handling considerations may impact

the precise size, shape, and configuration of the connection member 55.

Figure 6A illustrates a planar view of a tearstrip 30 showing one of the many ways in

which a connection member 55 can be provided in accordance with the present invention. As

indicated above, and as with other tearstrip 30 structures, the connection member 55 is preferably formed by injection molding or a similar process that enables the aforementioned member to be

integrally molded as part of the lid 36 assembly. Preferably, the tearstrip 30, pull ring 32,

connection member 55, and, if provided, frangible connector(s) 38 are integrally molded

substantially along the periphery of the lid 36, and each are within a downwardly-depending skirt

34 (prior to removal of the tearstrip from the lid). The aforementioned aspects of the invention

may be practiced with other materials and other methods of manufacture, as described herein.

The preferred material for practicing the invention is plastic.

As described above, the pull ring or pull structure 32 preferably is provided in general

alignment with the skirt 34, prior to removing the tearstrip 30. Preferably, this is accomplished

by one or more frangible connector portions or web/webbing 38 (which also can be provided in a

wide variety of shapes, thicknesses, and locations), by connection member 55, and/or by some

combination of the two. Where one or more of the connection member 55 is used, it can be

located as the "outermost" or "lowermost" of the connection structures (to take advantage of its

"flexing" ability, as discussed above, useful for hinged lids and other applications). The

connector portion or portions 55 can even maintain the desired alignment of the pull ring or pull

structure 32 in situations where "less-flexible" webbing portions 38 might become broken or

otherwise disengaged prior to actual removal of the tearstrip from the lid.

Preferably, the frangible connector portion or portions 38 and/or the more flexible

connector portion or portions 55 are located generally adjacent and/or between opposite ends of

the tearstrip 30, or between one end of the tearstrip and an adjacent portion of the remainder of

the lid. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-D, the preferred tearstrip 30 may be defined as having a

first end 60 and a second end 65. The first end 60 of the tearstrip 30 may be generally defined by

Preferably, the frangible connector portion or portions 38 occupy a space or area 70

around or between the first end 60 and the second end 65 of the tearstrip 30. Likewise, the

connection member or members 55 are typically located within or around the space or area 70

between opposite ends of the tearstrip 30. As shown in Figures 6A-6D, the space 70 needed to

accommodate the connection member 55, such as might be defined by a "well" 75, might be

greater than the space 70 needed to accommodate the frangible connector portions 38. Persons

of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, depending on the application, the opposite might

be true, or the spaces might be approximately of equal dimensions.

As described herein, the connection member 55 typically will have at least a somewhat

curved shape (more curve will typically provide more degree of flex), and may have a

substantially curved shape. Among other things, some amount of curvature or radius along the

length of the connection member 55 will improve the desired performance of that connection

member 55 (to allow the desired flexing, etc.). However, persons of ordinary skill in the art will

understand that, among the many alternative embodiments of the invention, some connection

members (not shown) may have straight sections along their length (although these may not

perform as well as curved embodiments mentioned above). For example, a "N" or other shape

(including two or more straight portions in a single element 55) can be used (alone or in

combination with the one or more somewhat curved portions) within or comprising the

connection member 55. Among the many alternative embodiments of the invention are shapes

55 such as S, W, Ν, squared-off U, non-letter (abstract curves and other shapes), and various

combinations thereof. For any particular application, the length and complexity of the shape of

connection member 55 has to be balanced against the desired or necessary "stiffness" or

alignment of the gripping portion within the downward lid flange). Longer and more complicated shapes may provide greater flex, but may reduce the alignment function of the

member 55.

Another way to describe this aspect of the invention is that connection member 55 is not

a single straight section, but preferably is "longer" (by virtue of its bent or winding path or

shape) than the "straight line" distance it spans across the space or well in which the member 55

is positioned.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, in many embodiments (such as

those shown in the drawings) in which the space or area 70 extends generally around the pull

ring 32 and continues at least somewhat in the direction of the elongated body portion of tearstrip

30, the position of the connection member 55 is not limited to that shown in Figures 6A-6D, but

may be positioned at other locations along the space 70. Likewise, positioning of the living

hinge 80 is not restricted to the location shown in Figures 9 and 10, but may be positioned

anywhere along the space or opening 70 or otherwise, such that the hinge 80 and connection

member 55 are still able to "flex" during the molding and/or assembly process. Moreover, as

indicated above, multiple connection members 55 may be provided along the space or opening

70. If located in a position other than that shown in Figures 6A-6D, the width of the space or

area 70 between the pull ring 32 may have to be increased to accommodate the connection

member 55, depending on its specific configuration, size, thickness, and other design

considerations. In other words, formation of additional or differently located "wells" 75 or

similar structures may be needed.

The preferred connection member 55 is a relatively less "taut" connection between the

tearstrip gripping portion and the opposite end of the tearstrip, as compared to prior art of which

the inventor is aware. Whether this lessened "tautness" is provided by the preferred curved shape shown in the drawings or otherwise, it preferably allows connection member 55 to remain

intact (and functioning, among other things, to urge the pull ring or other tearstrip gripping

structure back into desired planar alignment within the lid's flange) through a greater degree of

flexion or deformation than do prior art devices.

Among other things, such greater "flexibility" is useful for embodiments in which the lid

incorporates a "living hinge." As indicated above, it is known that such flexing while the hinge

material is still warm can "align" and "set" the molecules within and/or adjacent the plastic living

hinge 80 (see, for example, FIGS. 9 and 10) in a way that improves the strength and fatigue life

of the living hinge. Figures 9 and 10 show the connector portion 55 in an "extended" but

unbroken position, such as while a living hinge 80 is being flexed just after manufacture. Thus,

the connection member 55 of the present invention is highly desirable in the manufacturing,

assembly, handling, and other uses of the lid and related container/lid assemblies.

In all such embodiments utilizing the connection member 55, the tearline aspect of the

tearstrip 30 and its removal from the lid 36 preferably can be provided in any suitable manner,

such as by a straight or generally horizontal tearline, a sinuous tearline (shown in Figures 1-5), or

otherwise.

Figures 6A-6D show the connection member 55 joining one end of the tearstrip 30 with a

pull ring 32 having a substantially oval shape, but other pull ring structures and shapes, such as

those shown in Figures 1-4 (and others, not shown) may used with the connection member 55 in

order to realize its benefits. For example, and as shown in Figure 7, the straight extension on the

tab 142 (similar to that of the lid assembly shown in Figure 1 A) may be replaced with a

connection member 155 having a substantially curved shape located in an "well" or open area

175, similar to the "well" 75 shown in Figure 6B. In addition, and as shown in Figure 8, a tearstrip similar to Figure 4 may be modified to include a connection member 255. Likewise

(but not illustrated in the drawings), each of the tearstrips depicted in Figure 1-3 may include a

connection member such as member 55, thus providing the lid assembly with some increased

degree of "flex" and alignment functionality, as described herein while also providing

sufficiently ready breakability (especially for consumer end users, as mentioned above).

Among other things, the preferred extendible connection member 55 can provide

additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing

value of the lid. In other words, the hinged portion of a lid may be flexed prior to assembly of

the lid onto a container without breaking the extendible connection member 55. Instead,

connector 55 simply extends during the flex and returns to its original shape when the lid/hinge

is again flat. Preferably, the connection member 55 then helps hold the tearstrip end or ends

within the desired generally planar alignment of the outermost downward flange on the lid (to

permit stacking, prevent breaking, etc.). Eventually, the lid can be assembled onto a container

and the tamper-evidencing features of the lid (including the unbroken connection member 55)

will remain effective for the desired tamper-evidencing function.

Other examples of the many alternative embodiments of the invention include multiple

pull rings (not shown) and/or multiple connection structures (also not shown) between a given

pull ring and the associated lid flange, provided on a single or multiple tearstrips 30. Similar to

the use of a single or first pull ring 32, any such second or additional pull ring will typically be

integrally molded substantially along the periphery of the lid 36, and will also be disposed in a

generally coplanar relationship with a downwardly-depending skirt 34. Positioning of the pull

rings may be such that a selected segment/portion of the tearstrip 30 or the entire tearstrip 30

may be removed. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of pull rings will have a connection member 55, as described herein. In addition, the size, shape, and material construction of each of

the multiple pull rings and/or connection members 55 may differ from the other pull rings and/or

connection members on the same tearstrip 30.

In any case, the connection member preferably is fabricated with sufficient material

memory to permit member to expand (or extend) to allow hinging or assembly of the lid onto a

container and to thereafter urge the lid sections to which the connection member is attached (such

as the first and second ends of the tearstrip) back toward each other.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the many embodiments of a container lid

assembly of the present invention, and shows a pull ring, a connection member, a satellite ring,

and a bumper. Although aspects of the invention can be practiced without any such satellite ring

or bumper, the satellite ring and/or bumper can (among other things) improve the tamper-

evidencing function of the invention. The satellite ring 85 may be positioned on the container 12

near the opening of the lid and preferably extends outwardly from the container sidewall to

underlie the downward edge of the skirt/flange 34 and/or tearstrip 36. By extending outwardly at

least to that downward flange edge, the satellite ring or similar structure can help make it more

difficult for persons to remove the lid from the container without leaving some "tamper-

indication" such as a tear along the tearstrip or other damage or deformation to the assembly.

Typically, the satellite ring 85 will extend outward from the container 12 or lid 36 and

peripherally about the entire container 12 or lid 36, or some portion thereof. As best shown in

Figure 12, the satellite ring 85 may extend beyond the flange 34 and/or tearstrip 32. In this

arrangement, the satellite ring 85 protects against inadvertent dislodgment of the lid 36 such as

during shipment, handling, etc. of the container lid assembly, and protects against and/or

provides evidence of tampering to the lid assembly so that any tampering is substantially likely to be evidenced by deformation or other damage to the peripheral structure 85, flange 34,

tearstrip 30, and/or some combination thereof. Alternatively, so long as the satellite ring 85

provides the benefits as described herein, the satellite ring 85 may be extended outwardly more or less than that shown in Figure 12.

The inadvertent dislodgment and/or protection against and/or providing evidence of

tampering to the lid assembly is at least partially due to the close proximity or substantially flush

positioning of the satellite ring 85 relative to the flange 34 and/or tearstrip 30. Positioning of the

satellite ring 85 in such a manner will typically preclude finger(s) or other objects access under

the flange 34 and/or tearstrip 30 where they may lift, pry, or dislodge the lid 36 from the

container 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, lids 36 stacked upon each other are not

spaced from each other by any extension of the pull ring 32 outside of the general plane and

dimensions of the lid's downward flange 34. The pull ring 32 and related structures are thus

further protected from damage during shipment, handling, etc. of the container lid assembly, and

the space efficiency of stacked lids is increased.

In addition to the satellite ring 85, a bumper 95 may be provided either alone or in

combination with the satellite ring 85, the improved engagement structure 32, and/or the

connection member 55. These various elements and/or combinations thereof can protect against

inadvertent dislodgment of the lid such as during shipment, handling, etc. of the container lid

assembly, and protect against and/or provide evidence of tampering to the lid assembly. Similar

to the satellite ring 85, the bumper 95 may be attached to (and is preferably integrally formed on)

the container 12 and will typically extend outward from the container 12 and peripherally about

all or some portion of the container 12. Depending on its positioning, the bumper 9 may provide various benefits. For example, when positioned near the flange 34 or tearstrip 30 the bumper 95

may reinforce the satellite ring 85 from below (as shown in Figure 12), "replace" the satellite

ring 85 (as shown in Figure 13), and/or otherwise provide stability to the sidewall of the

container 12 and protection to the lid assembly during side-by-side stacking of containers (as

shown in Figures 11-13). Furthermore, the preferred downward flange 41 of the bumper 95

and/or the satellite ring 85 may facilitate lifting of the container 12 by providing a convienent

area for hand placement, such as can be appreciated in Figures 11-13.

In contrast to the present invention, certain prior art pull rings on tearstrips (including, for

example, U.S. Patent No. 4,718,571, issued 12 January 1988 to Bordner and Switzerland Patent

No. 672,473, issued November 1989) extend outwardly and downwardly in a way that precludes

tamper-evidencing such as can be provided by the present invention. Among other things, such

prior art technology does not permit close abutment of an underlying satellite ring or bumper,

and therefore has an increased susceptibility to someone defeating the tamper-evidencing by

prying off the lid (such as by inserting a screwdriver under the tearstrip and prying without

breaking any portion of the lid), tampering with the contents, and replacing the lid.

Among the many embodiments of the invention, those having bumpers or satellite rings

such as described herein may include bumpers or satellite rings having staggered heights and/or

vertical locations (see FIG. 11). In other words, rather than having a consistent cross section at a

fixed height around the container, portions of the bumpers or satellite rings may be positioned

lower or higher (see the "lower" comer portions of bumper 95 in FIG. 11), may have differing

cross-sections at different locations around the container (FIG. 11 shows a horizontal portion at

the comer but a downward L-shape adjacent thereto), may be interrupted, etc. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with some

specificity, the description and drawings set forth herein are not intended to be delimiting, and

persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications may be made to the

embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scope of the invention, and all such

changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tearstrip assembly in combination with lid, including a pull ring molded at one

end of said tearstrip, said lid having a downwardly-depending skirt integrally molded at its

periphery, said pull ring initially positioned within said skirt.

2. A container lid having a tearstrip, said tearstrip being injection molded as an

integral part of said lid prior to removal of said tearstrip from the remainder of said lid, said

tearstrip including a pull stmcture affixed to one end and positioned in an outer flange of said lid,

said pull structure having a portion shaped to receive at least one finger of a user's hand to assist

the user to initiate tearing of said tearstrip from said lid, said removal of said tearstrip permitting

opening of said lid from its associated container, said shaped portion configured to eliminate the

need to grip said tearstrip between opposing digits on the user's hand in order to initiate said

tearing.

3. The lid of Claim 2 or Claim 9, in which said shaped portion of said pull stmcture

is not oval.

4. The lid of Claim 2 or Claim 9, in which said shaped portion of said pull stmcture

is generally C-shaped.

5. The lid of Claim 4, in which said generally C-shaped pull stmcture portion

constitutes an uncompleted loop, in which said uncompleted portion of said loop is directed

generally downwardly.

6. The lid of Claim 2 or Claim 9, including frangible connections between said pull

stmcture and adjacent portions of said lid, said frangible connections providing tamper- evidencing and helping to hold said pull stmcture in general alignment with said adjacent

portions of said lid prior to tearing said tearstrip.

7. The lid of Claim 2 or Claim 9, in which said tearstrip is positioned within said lid

such that removal of said entire tearstrip leaves a remaining portion of said lid that is capable of

covering the corresponding opening in the associated container.

8. A method of closing and opening a container, including the steps of:

providing a container lid having a tearstrip, said tearstrip being injection molded as part

of said lid prior to removal of said tearstrip from the remainder of said lid, said tearstrip

including a pull stmcture affixed to one end and positioned in an outer flange of said lid, said

pull stmcture having a portion shaped to receive at least one finger of a user's hand to assist the

user to initiate tearing of said tearstrip from said lid, said removal of said tearstrip permitting

need to grip said tearstrip between opposing digits on the user's hand;

assembling said lid on said container;

engaging at least one fmger with said shaped portion of said pull stmcture;

pulling with said at least one finger to tear said tearstrip from said lid; and

removing said lid from said container.

9. A container lid having a tearstrip, said tearstrip being injection molded as an

said pull structure having a manipulator-engaging portion to assist in tearing of said tearstrip

from said lid, said removal of said tearstrip permitting opening of said lid from its associated

container, said manipulator-engaging portion including a return portion angled by more than 90 degrees with respect to a lengthwise axis of said tearstrip so that said return portion provides an effective hook for engaging a manipulator.

10. A method of closing and opening a container, including the steps of:

pull stmcture having a portion shaped to at least partially wrap around a manipulator and provide

selective engagement with said manipulator to assist in tearing of said tearstrip from said lid, said

removal of said tearstrip permitting opening of said lid from its associated container;

assembling said lid on said container;

engaging at manipulator with said shaped portion of said pull stmcture;

pulling with said manipulator to tear said tearstrip from said lid; and

removing said lid from said container.

11. The method of Claim 10, in which said manipulator-engaging portion includes a

return portion angled by more than 90 degrees with respect to a lengthwise axis of said tearstrip

so that said return portion provides an effective hook for engaging a manipulator.

12. A lid assembly comprising:

a tearstrip having a first end and a second end; and

an extendible connection member having a first end and a second end, said first end of

said extendible connection member operatively affixed to said first end of said tearstrip;

wherein said tearstrip and said connection member are each integrally molded

substantially along the periphery of the lid, said tearstrip forms part of a downwardly-depending

skirt at that periphery.

13. The lid assembly of Claim 12, in which said connection member is positioned within the general plane of that downwardly-depending skirt.

14. The lid assembly of Claim 12, further including a first pull ring connected to said first end of said tearstrip.

15. The lid assembly of Claim 12, wherein said connection member is positioned in a

open well formed in said skirt.

16. The lid assembly of Claim 12, in which said connection member is frangible and

is attached between the first end and the second end of said tearstrip.

17. The lid of Claim 12, wherein the lid is fabricated by injection molding.

18. The lid assembly of Claim 14, further including a second pull ring integrally

molded substantially along the periphery of the lid, and positioned within said downwardly-

depending skirt.

19. The lid assembly of Claim 12, wherein the connection member is substantially

half U-shaped.

20. The lid assembly of Claim 12, wherein the connection member is substantially U-

shaped.

21. The lid assembly of Claim 12, wherein the connection member is substantially

inverted U-shaped.

22. The lid assembly of Claim 12, wherein the connection member is substantially

half inverted U-shaped.

23. A lid assembly comprising: a tamper evidence tearstrip having a first end and a second end, said tearstrip being

injection molded as an integral part of the lid prior to removal of said tearstrip from the remainder of the lid; and

a pull ring affixed to said first end of said tearstrip, said pull ring having a portion shaped to receive at least one finger of a user's hand;

wherein said pull ring is integrally molded substantially along the periphery of the lid

within a plane defined by a downwardly-depending skirt and not extending below the bottom of said skirt.

24. The lid assembly of Claim 23, further including an extendible connection member

connecting at least one end of said tearstrip to an adjacent location on said lid, said connection

member having sufficient flexibility and material memory to permit said first and second ends to

move away from each other and to thereafter urge said first and second ends back toward each

other.

25. The lid assembly of Claim 24, in which said adjacent location on said lid is a

second end of said tearstrip.

26. A method of closing and opening a container, including the steps of:

(a) providing the lid assembly of Claim 14;

(b) assembling said lid assembly on a container;

(c) engaging at least one fmger with said shaped portion of said pull ring;

(d) pulling with said at least one finger to tear said tearstrip from said lid assembly; and

(e) disengaging at least part of said lid assembly from said container.

27. The method of Claim 26, wherein the position of said substantially curved

connection member is between said first end and said second end of said tearstrip.

28. The method of Claim 26, further including a second pull ring integrally molded

substantially along the periphery of the lid, and positioned within said downwardly-depending

skirt.

29. The method of Claim 28, further comprising the step of repeating steps (c) and (d) for said second pull ring.

30. A lid in combination with a container comprising:

a tamper evidence tearstrip having a first end and a second end, said tearstrip being

injection molded as an integral part of the lid prior to removal of said tearstrip from the

remainder of the lid;

at least one pull ring affixed to at least one of said first end and said second end of said

tearstrip, said pull ring having a portion shaped to receive a manipulator, said pull ring being

positioned within a downwardly-depending skirt and does not interfere with nesting of like-

shaped and sized lids; and

a satellite ring extending outward from the container to substantially abut and underlie a

downwardly-depending skirt of the lid, said ring extending generally peripherally about the

container, said satellite ring helping to provide evidence of tampering after said lid is assembled

on said container.

31. The lid and container combination of Claim 30, further including a substantially

curved connection member connecting said first end of said tearstrip to adjacent structure on said

lid.

32. The lid and container combination of Claim 30, wherein said satellite ring extends

outward beyond said downwardly-depending skirt to protect the lid from inadvertent

dislodgement during handling.

33. The lid and container combination of Claim 32, in which said pull ring is

configured such that like lids nested with each other are not spaced from each other by contact

with the pull ring.

34. The lid and container combination of Claim 32, further including a bumper

extending outward from the container, and extending peripherally about the container.