Closure and container package with RFID circuit

• US 7,479,887 B2
• Filed: 09/07/2006
• Issued: 01/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rexam Healthcare Packaging Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Rexam Healthcare Packaging Incorporated
• Inventors: Meyer, Todd W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bugg; George A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tang; Son M
• Application Number:
  US11/517,000
• Publication Number:
  US 20080068179A1
• Time in Patent Office: 866 Days
• Field of Search: 340/571, 340/572.1, 340/572.3, 340/572.4, 340/572.8, 340/539.1
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 41/3423 with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt B65D41/3404 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 55/028 initial opening or unauthorised access being indicated by the presence or absence of an audible or electrical signal

Abstract

A tamper-indicating closure includes a closure shell having a skirt for securing the closure to a container neck finish and a tamper band frangibly coupled to the skirt for separation from the skirt upon first removal of the closure from the container. An RFID circuit, including an RFID tag and an antenna, is carried by the tamper band for separation from the skirt with the tamper band and remaining operational on the container after the closure has been removed from the container. The RFID circuit preferably is carried by a stop flange that extends from the tamper band, and is disposed between the stop flange and the tamper band.

Claims

1. A tamper-indicating closure that includes:

a closure shell having a skirt for securing the closure to a container neck finish and a tamper band frangibly coupled to said skirt for separation from said skirt upon first removal of the closure from a container, and

an RFID circuit, including an RFID tag and an antenna, carried by said tamper band for separation from said skirt with said tamper band and remaining operational on the container after the closure is removed from the container, wherein said tamper band includes a stop flange extending from said tamper band to be positioned between said tamper band and container neck finish and said RFID circuit is carried between said tamper band and said stop flange.

2. The closure set forth in claim 1 wherein said RFID circuit is carried by said stop flange.

3. The closure set forth in claim 2 wherein said shell is of molded plastic construction.

4. The closure set forth in claim 3 wherein said stop flange has a lip extending toward said tamper band and enclosing said RFID circuit.

5. The closure set forth in claim 3 wherein said RFID circuit is on a substrate that is molded into or adhered to said stop flange.

6. A package that includes:

a container having a neck finish with at least one external thread segment and an external bead, and

a closure having a skirt with at least one internal thread segment for engaging said at least one external thread segment on said neck finish to secure said closure to said neck finish, a tamper band frangibly extending from said skirt for engagement with said external bead to separate said tamper band from said skirt upon first removal of said closure from said neck finish, and an RFID circuit, including an RFID tag and antenna, carried by said tamper band for separation from said skirt with said tamper band and remaining operational on said container after said closure is removed from said container, wherein said tamper band includes a stop flange extending from said tamper band to be positioned between said tamper band and the container neck finish and said RFID circuit is carried between said tamper band and said stop flange.

7. The package set forth in claim 6 wherein said RFID circuit is carried by said stop flange.

8. The package set forth in claim 6 wherein said stop flange has a lip extending toward said tamper band and enclosing said RFID circuit.

9. The package set forth in claim 6 wherein said closure is of molded plastic construction, and said RFID circuit is on a substrate that is molded into or mounted on said stop flange.