Split band closure with single anchor

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are provided for a closure for sealing contents within an interior of a container. The closure comprises a closure portion that is coupled to a tamper evidence band by a single anchor. The closure portion threadably engages with a finish portion of the container and seals contents in the interior of the container. The anchor is configured to keep the closure portion coupled with the tamper evidence band when the closure portion is untightened from the finish portion. A multiplicity of thin connections between the tamper evidence band and the closure portion break apart when the closure portion is untightened from the finish portion. The anchor remains unbroken and allows the closure portion to be tilted away from the finish portion. The tamper evidence band includes a split portion that separates when the closure portion is pulled from the finish portion with sufficient force.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A closure for sealing contents within an interior of a container, the closure comprising:
 a closure portion for threadably engaging with a finish portion of the container;   a tamper evidence band for engaging with the finish portion;   an anchor for keeping the closure portion attached to the tamper evidence band; and   a split portion for allowing the tamper evidence band to separate from the finish portion.   
     
     
         2 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the split portion comprises a separation that extends along a segment of the tamper evidence band. 
     
     
         3 . The closure of  claim 2 , wherein the separation leaves the tamper evidence band connected to the anchor by way of a thin bridge. 
     
     
         4 . The closure of  claim 2 , wherein the separation has a length along the tamper evidence band. 
     
     
         5 . The closure of  claim 4 , wherein the separation has a length ranging between about 3.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The closure of  claim 5 , wherein the separation has a length of substantially 4.0 mm. 
     
     
         7 . The closure of  claim 5 , wherein the separation has a length of substantially 7.0 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein a thin bridge cooperates with the anchor to keep the closure portion attached to the tamper evidence band. 
     
     
         9 . The closure of  claim 8 , wherein the thin bridge has a length and a thickness that affect the ease with which an end-user can tilt the closure portion away from the finish portion to access contents within the container. 
     
     
         10 . The closure of  claim 8 , wherein the thin bridge operates to keep the tamper evidence band attached to the closure portion when the closure is pulled with enough force to break the split portion. 
     
     
         11 . The closure of  claim 8 , wherein the tamper evidence band includes a thin portion, a line of perforations, or other suitable device that facilitates the tamper evidence band snapping and separating into a single strip of plastic when the closure portion is pulled from the container. 
     
     
         12 . The closure of  claim 11 , wherein the strip of plastic remains attached to the closure portion by the anchor and the thin bridge. 
     
     
         13 . The closure of  claim 11 , wherein the strip of plastic provides an observational indication that the closure has been unsealed from the finish portion after having been installed by a manufacturer. 
     
     
         14 . A method for unsealing contents within an interior of a container, comprising:
 disengaging a closure portion from a finish portion of the container;   breaking thin connections between the closure portion and a tamper evidence band; and   tilting the closure portion away from the finish portion.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising pulling the closure portion away from the finish portion with enough force to break a split portion comprising the tamper evidence band. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising separating the tamper evidence band and the closure portion from the finish portion. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein pulling includes exerting enough force to tear a thin portion comprising the tamper evidence band. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein disengaging includes twisting the closure portion to disengage threads of the closure portion with threads comprising the finish portion. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein breaking the thin connections includes partially separating the closure portion from the tamper evidence band while an anchor keeps the tamper evidence band attached to the closure portion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein tilting the closure portion includes flexing a thin bridge disposed between the anchor and the tamper evidence band.