Closure having taper-evidencing label

Abstract

A closure for a container having a neck and a neck opening including a cap and a tamper-evidencing label. The cap includes a top for closing the neck opening of the container and a closure retainer for securing the top to the neck of the container. The top includes an aperture for access to the container opening. The tamper-evidencing label is affixed to the top. The label includes a first removable portion covering the aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending from the first removable portion, a line of weakness dividing the first removable portion and second remainder portion such that the first removable portion can be separated from the remainder portion along the line of weakness. A method of using the closure having a tamper-evidencing label is also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container comprising: 
 an interior and a top having a dispensing aperture for access to said interior of said container; and    a tamper-evidencing label affixed to said top, said label including a first removable portion covering said aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending from said first removable portion, a line of weakness dividing said first removable portion and second remainder portion such that said first removable portion can be separated from said remainder portion along said line of weakness.    
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said label is a plastic membrane.  
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2  wherein said remainder portion is attached to said top of said container by heat sealing.  
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 2  wherein said removable portion and said remainder portion are attached to said top by a heat seal band extending adjacent a perimeter of said label.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4  wherein said heat seal band is segmented forming a gap, said gap being aligned with said line of weakness.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 4  wherein said heat seal band includes a first heat seal pattern attaching said first removable portion to said top and a second heat seal pattern attaching said second remainder portion to said top, said second heat seal pattern being thicker than said first heat seal pattern.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6  wherein said first heat seal pattern is separated from said second heat seal pattern by a gap, said gap being aligned with said line of weakness.  
     
     
         8  A closure for a container having a neck and a neck opening comprising: 
 a cap including a top for closing the neck opening of the container and a closure retainer for securing said top to the neck of the container, said top including a dispensing aperture for access to the container opening; and  
 a tamper-evidencing label affixed to said top, said label including a first removable portion covering said aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending from said first removable portion, a line of weakness dividing said first removable portion and second remainder portion such that said first removable portion can be separated from said remainder portion along said line of weakness.  
 
     
     
         9 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said line of weakness extends along a path spaced from said aperture.  
     
     
         10 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said line of weakness extends proximal to said aperture.  
     
     
         11 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said line of weakness is a perforated line.  
     
     
         12 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said line of weakness extends completely across said label.  
     
     
         13 . The closure of  claim 8  wherein said line of weakness terminates midway across said label.  
     
     
         14 . The closure of  claim 8  further comprising a second line of weakness further dividing said label into said removable portion and a third remainder portion.  
     
     
         15 . The closure of  claim 14  wherein said lines of weakness are parallel.  
     
     
         16 . The closure of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 a well including a side wall forming said aperture and an open bottom; and  
 a plug removably received in said well including a plug top and a plug wall, said plug wall having an outwardly projecting flange having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of said side wall to limit inward movement of said plug relative to said well.  
 
     
     
         17 . The closure of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 a well including a side wall forming said aperture and an open bottom, said side wall having an inner bead located adjacent a said open bottom; and  
 a plug removably received in said well including a plug top and a plug wall, said plug wall having an outwardly projecting flange having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of said side wall to limit inward movement of said plug relative to said well, and said plug wall having a circumferential groove dimensioned to engage said inner bead to restrain said plug from unintentional withdrawal from said well by engaging said inner bead, a portion of said plug wall being dimensioned to seal against a portion of said side wall when said plug is seated within said well.  
 
     
     
         18 . A method of using a closure including an aperture and a tamper-evidencing label having a first removable portion covering the aperture, a second remaining portion, a tab extending from the first portion, a line of weakness dividing the first and second portions, said method comprising: 
 gripping the tab;    pulling the tab away from the closure such that the label tears along the line of weakness separating the first removable portion from the second remaining portion; and    removing the first removable portion of the label from the second remainder portion thereby uncovering the aperture.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the label includes a second line of weakness further dividing the label into the removable portion and a third remainder portion, said method comprising pulling the tab away from the closure such that the label tears along the first and second lines of weakness separating the first removable portion from the second and third remaining portions.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said label includes a first heat seal pattern attaching said first removable portion to said top and a second heat seal pattern attaching said second remainder portion to said top, said second heat seal pattern being thicker than said first heat seal pattern, said method comprising pulling the tab away from the closure such that the first removable portion tears away from said closure along said first heat seal pattern leaving the remainder portion attached to said closure along said remainder portion.