Anti-Backoff Closure

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a closure assembly for use with a container. The closure includes a generally cylindrical cap portion and an annular skirt extending from, and frangibly coupled to, the cap portion. The annular skirt includes a number of lugs extending inward from an inner portion of the annular skirt. At least one lug of the number of lugs extends circumferentially along the inner portion and includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a generally flat portion that extends therebetween. The generally flat portion is structured to engage a corresponding portion that extends outward from a neck of the container.

1 . A closure assembly for use with a container, the closure assembly comprising:
 a generally cylindrical cap portion; and   an annular skirt extending from, and frangibly coupled to, the cap portion, the annular skirt comprising a number of lugs extending inward from an inner portion of the annular skirt, at least one lug of the number of lugs extending circumferentially along the inner portion and including a top portion, a bottom portion and a generally flat portion extending therebetween, the generally flat portion being structured to engage a corresponding portion extending outward from a neck of the container.   
     
     
         2 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the flat portion of the at least one lug is oriented generally perpendicular to the top portion of the at least one lug. 
     
     
         3 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one lug of the number of lugs comprises an inclined front portion opposite the generally flat portion. 
     
     
         4 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the top portion of the at least one lug of the number of lugs comprises a generally flat surface structured to engage a corresponding portion extending outward from the neck of the container. 
     
     
         5 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion of the at least one lug of the number of lugs comprises a surface generally inclined inward and upward. 
     
     
         6 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the annular skirt is frangibly coupled to the cap portion via a number of frangible connection points. 
     
     
         7 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the annular skirt is frangibly coupled to the cap portion via a membrane. 
     
     
         8 . The closure assembly of  claim 1  wherein the number of lugs comprises a plurality of lugs of identical or similar form as the at least one lug. 
     
     
         9 . A closure in combination with a container, the combination comprising:
 a container having a neck portion disposed about an opening, the neck portion having a number of retention lugs extending outward therefrom, at least one retention lug of the number of retention lugs having a generally flat portion; and   a closure assembly comprising:
 a generally cylindrical cap portion threadedly coupled to the neck portion of the container; and 
 an annular skirt extending from, and frangibly coupled to, the cap portion, the annular skirt comprising a number of lugs extending inward from an inner portion of the annular skirt, at least one lug of the number of lugs extending circumferentially along the inner portion and including a top portion, a bottom portion and a generally flat portion extending therebetween, the generally flat portion of the at least one lug cooperatively engaging the flat portion of the at least one retention lug in a manner that inhibits movement of the at least one lug with respect to the at least one retention lug in a direction corresponding to removing the cap portion from the neck portion. 
   
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the neck portion comprises a retention ring extending outward therefrom and wherein the top portion of the at least one lug cooperatively engages the retention ring in a manner that inhibits movement of the at least one lug with respect to the retention ring in a direction corresponding to removing the cap portion from the neck portion. 
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the engagement between the generally flat portion of the at least one lug and the flat portion of the at least one retention lug results in separation of the annular skirt from the cap portion upon rotation of the cap portion with respect to the container in a direction corresponding to removing the cap portion from the container. 
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein the rotation comprises one degree or less of rotation. 
     
     
         13 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the annular skirt is moveable on the neck portion of the container from a first position in which the annular skirt is coupled to the cap portion to a second position in which the annular skirt is uncoupled and spaced a distance from the cap portion when the cap portion is tightly threadedly coupled to the neck portion.