DE10318454B4 - Screw cap for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Screw cap for containers (10),
with an approximately cylindrical, with its diameter of a container mouth (13) adapted main body (20);
an internal thread (24) in the main body (20) which is screwed onto a corresponding external thread on the container mouth (13) about an axis of rotation (25);
with a retaining ring (30) encircling the main body (20) externally connected to the outside (22) of the main body (20) adjacent to its lower circular edge (23) by means of links (32) at two or more locations;
in which the connections (32) are broken in the opening direction on the occasion of the first rotation of the screwed-on screw cap;
in which the circlip (30) is equipped with at least six projections (35) distributed uniformly around the circumference, which protrude substantially parallel to the axial direction of the axis of rotation (25) of the main body (20) of the screw cap and
in which the projections (35) are more firmly connected to the securing ring (30) than the securing ring (30) via the connections ...

Description

The The invention relates to a screw cap for containers, with an approximately cylindrical, with adapted to its diameter of a container mouth Main body with an internal thread in the main body, which has a corresponding external thread at the container mouth around a rotation axis is screwed, with an outer circumferential to the main body Circlip over Connections at two or more locations adjacent to the outside of the main body to the lower circular Edge is connected, the connections on the occasion of the first rotation of the Screwed screw closure broken open in the opening direction become.

Screw caps are in multiple form for Known container. The containers can bottles, canisters, tons or small ampoules.

In many cases It is important for the user to recognize such a container can, if this container already open before he uses it for the first time. This is not only ensures that no unauthorized person is already valuable container capacity It is equally important that any manipulation on the container capacity can be found in this way in time, so about the filling or adding substances that worsen or even deteriorate the contents of the container unusable or dangerous do.

This is becoming increasingly important to guarantee a consumer quite sure to be able to that the substances acquired by him in the container untouched and originally sealed are. As more and more containers must be closed in this way, exists at the same time a significant interest in not making these closures too expensive to let, because it is more and more about bulk goods. On the other hand must the functioning and safety of the screw cap really absolutely guaranteed be to the desired ones To achieve effects in any case.

Have proven very useful while screw caps, which are provided with a locking ring and, for example, in the DE 37 34 034 A1 , of the DE 93 18 799 U1 or the DE 94 00 507 U1 are described. The circlip is attached via attachments to the main body or main body of the screw cap. These connections are only slightly molded and the retaining ring projects beyond the main body in the direction of the container mouth. The retaining ring is additionally provided with locking cams in addition to the connections. At the container mouth there are corresponding counterparts, which engage in the locking cams, after the screw cap is attached and screwed in the closing direction.

Becomes now for the first time the screw cap turned in its opening direction, hold the counter elements at the container mouth the Locking cams firmly, so that the circlip is not or only with difficulty can turn when the main body the screw is further rotated. This will tear the Connections. After this tearing can be the screw then easily turn and re-close, allowing the user in own responsibility the contents of the container then in its area of disposition can consume.

Has an unauthorized person the container before this authorized first opening open, this falls later Users immediately on the torn off or damaged or even missing circlip on.

This successful concept naturally requires that the connections are only relatively sensitive and easily broken off being held. On the other hand could a normal consumer does not even open the screw cap or this first opening would on very annoying in any case fall and require tools to appropriate exertion.

The But very sensitive connections lead in addition to the fact that even when transporting the screw caps individual Connections damaged be or even break.

A further considerable risk of damage exists when closing the screw caps after filling of the original content. Even with this handling, it can cancel the delicate connections come.

Both But it has the consequence that not only the screw cap completely useless is, but also the entire container with its contents mostly Handling and control reasons can no longer be used and, despite partially valuable content, is disposed of.

In the already mentioned DE 93 18 799 U1 is about the special case that a container is to be provided with a screw cap, which is also equipped childproof. For this purpose, the cylindrical portion of the adapted to a container mouth main body is oval impressively equipped. Two opposing portions of the cap of the main closure are designed to be determined by applied radial external compressive forces within the cap Security mechanisms can be triggered. To prevent the child safety device from being released when the retaining ring has not yet been removed, the safety ring is equipped with two handles which cover the pressure surfaces in the area of the opening pressure surfaces of the cap and which are inaccessible or at least difficult to access. Tensile forces can also be exerted on the two handles in order to cut through the breakaway points of the safety ring.

These Conception is especially for Child safety devices provided and for other containers neither thought still suitable.

task the invention is in contrast, a generic screw cap to propose that reduces this problem as much as possible.

These Task is solved with a screw cap for Container, with an approximately cylindrical, adapted with its diameter of a container mouth Main body with an internal thread in the main body, which corresponds to a corresponding one external thread at the container mouth around a rotation axis is screwed, with an outer circumferential to the main body Circlip over Connections at two or more locations adjacent to the outside of the main body to the lower circular Edge, at which the connections on the occasion of the first rotation of the Screwed screw closure broken open in the opening direction in which the circlip is at least six evenly over the Circumference distributed projections equipped is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the main body protrude the screw and in which the projections with the circlip are more firmly connected than the circlip over the Connections with the outside of the main body.

On This way will be surprising the problem is solved. First is the original one Handling of the known tamper-evident closures with their circlips unchanged given. The preferred in the axial direction of the retaining ring upwards from the container protruding tabs change the normal operability first Nothing. They increase Also, not the cost of manufacturing, since the projections without can be formed integrally with the retaining ring, so No additional, mean extra parts or make the Entformbarkeit difficult.

Of the User finds all the features and properties that are his Also offer the known screw caps with locking ring. Is the original sealed screw cap on the container for the first time in the opening direction turned, breaking the connections between circlip and outside of the container on and the circlip is loose. From that moment on, the screw cap can open as desired and be closed. Each subsequent user, however, sees at the loose or missing safety ring and the remains of the broken ones Connections that he is not the first user and not original locked container more present.

Also an unauthorized, abusive user comes at its opening or manipulation attempt on this destruction of the connections not over, careful as he tries to turn.

It However, an additional arises functionality: The authorized first-time user of the container may, at its first opening, instead of the tedious and power-consuming rotary motion in the opening direction against the resistor the connections, first without further ado the projections grasp or with a thumb or forefinger behind a respective Take the lead and move it radially outwards and downwards at the same time in the direction of the container mouth.

Thereby becomes the weakest Element of the total combination main body / connection / circlip / projection in a sense "cracked", which clearly represents the connection. By the slight pressure on the projection in a not particularly sophisticated defined direction arises exactly the desired Effect, the circlip is released from the main body.

This can with several protrusions all around without major problems for all provided for, since the consumer does not have any must drive special effort. After that he can use the screw cap by rotation in the opening direction completely solve it easily, without a force in terms of locking cams with their counter-elements to have to drive. These are, as mentioned, nonetheless present to the purpose of the tamper-evident closure still to secure, so a turning of the screw cap to prevent discernible deformation.

For the legitimate first-time user shares the Erstöffnungsvorgang So different than before in two steps: First break up the connections by push off the projections, then slightly turning the shutter in the opening direction. Previously had yes, combining both effects in a simultaneous step is enforced become.

For the abusive User changes in the result nothing. The "cracking" of the connections by low or push off the projections reveals his manipulation as well as a destruction when Rotate.

Especially it is preferred if the projections there from the retaining ring protrude or protrude from this where it radially over the Connections with the outside of the main body the screw is connected.

The leads to that the user applied force directly on the connections can act and therefore with particularly easy means the connections destroyed become.

are about that also ribs on the outside of the main body provided with the screw cap to facilitate rotation, is it about it out of greater benefit, if the projections and the connections also correspond exactly with the ribs. The Connections can then especially fine and thin accomplished and exactly protruding from the ribs. Such ribs can especially evenly complained and about 6, 8 or 10 pieces on the outside be provided.

The projections yourself can have different shape. It can be about tabs to conical or cylindrical Pins or more complicated trained elements.

With The invention is the originality of a sealed container with screw cap and container for the User ensured. The molded on the closure circlip, in practice also called "grid ring" dissolves only after the first opening of the container from the lock.

The Connections can much stronger be formed as in the prior art, because by the provision the "snap-tabs" or tabs et something greater powers through the user when opening can be easily applied, otherwise as in the prior art, at the same time with the Erstöffnungsdrehung this Connections had to be blown up. This process is now in two Parts split, first the cracking of the connections, then then the first turn.

Thereby, that the connections no longer have to be made extremely thin, are the screw caps with the circlips arranged thereon during transport essential less against damage endangered. Despite the stronger education Connections the closure without the use of additional tools, without a key or pliers or special tools, remove from the container. The additional Tools were so far for Many users unacceptable and, of course, also one additional Cost point.

The Connections between the shutter and the grid ring respectively Circlip can now be made so stable that even with an automatic Mounting a damage can be excluded. To consider is yes, that the complete closures including circlip placed on the container mouth Need to become, in such a way that at the same time the originality closure is created. By a very lightly exercised Pressure on the projection or the tab by the thumb or a finger, the individual connections between the main body and Circlip cracked.

in the Below are exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing explained in more detail. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a container in the region of its container mouth with a section of the screw cap;

2 a perspective view of another embodiment of a screw according to the invention;

3 a top view of a screw similar to the embodiment in 2 ;

4 a section through the embodiment 3 ;

5 an enlarged section of the representation of the embodiment in 4 ;

6 an enlarged view of a third embodiment;

7 an enlarged view of a fourth embodiment;

8th an enlarged view of a fifth embodiment;

9 an enlarged view of a sixth embodiment;

10 an enlarged view of a seventh embodiment, and

11 a representation similar 3 for a slightly modified embodiment.

A container 10 has a handle indicated only schematically 11 and a container mouth 13 , The container 10 may be a canister as in this embodiment, but other container shapes are possible.

The container mouth is circular and provided with an external thread, which in the 1 but it is hidden.

The container mouth 13 is closed with a screw cap, which is a main body 20 having. At the top of the main body 20 is a deck area 21 provided, in particular, a leakage of the contents of the container 10 prevented when screwed screw cap.

In addition, the main body has 20 a cylindrical outside 22 with a lower circular peripheral edge 23 ,

Inside is the main body 20 with an internal thread 24 provided (in 1 concealed). The internal thread 24 and the external thread have a common axis of rotation 25 and are also adapted to each other, so that the main body 20 of the screw cap on the container mouth 13 of the container 10 can be screwed on.

Below, in the area of the lower circular border 23 , is a circlip 30 intended. This runs concentrically around the cylindrical outer side 22 of the main body 20 around, but has a small distance from the outside 22 ,

The circlip 30 has locking cams 31 , which engage in corresponding counter-elements in the area of the container mouth. All these elements are in the 1 through the circlip 30 even hidden and lie inside the circlip 30 between this and the cylindrical outside 22 of the main body 20 , These locking cams 31 extend from the circlip 30 radially or obliquely inward, but are not necessary with the cylindrical outer side 22 connected.

The circlip 30 is about six to ten connections 32 with the cylindrical outside 22 connected.

These connections can also, like the locking cams 31 , but this is not absolutely necessary. The connections 32 are in particular with ribs 28 on the cylindrical outside 22 connected. These ribs 28 also make it easier to rotate the main body 20 of the screw cap for the user.

The user turns the main body 20 of the sealed container with the screw cap 10 , so would itself to the circlip 30 with projections 35 and resting cams 31 as well as connections 32 rotate. However, this is prevented by the counter elements coming from the wall of the container 10 rise up and the locking cams 31 and the connections 32 stop their movement, so that then the circlip 30 and with him about the connections 32 connected main body 20 stay standing.

The user could now force the main body 20 continue to turn against the resistance and break the weakest link in the connection - these are the connections 32 , He has, however, a much more comfortable and enjoyable option.

The user therefore takes his finger first 40 and move him in the direction of the arrows 41 against the projections 35 , The projections 35 are thereby moved outwards and at the same time downwards. Because the connection of the projections 35 with the circlip 30 is relatively fixed, at the same time the circlip 30 pushed slightly outwards. The connection of the circlip 30 about the connections 32 with the cylindrical outside 22 of the main body 20 on the other hand, it is less stable and in this case gives the pressure of the finger 40 to. These connections 32 crack up and be destroyed.

But this eliminates the connection of the locking ring 30 with the main body 20 , The main body 20 can then continue to rotate without the circlip 30 rotates. The circlip 30 so can through the locking cams 31 and the remnants of the connections 32 in the counter elements on the container 10 get stuck. Nevertheless, the screw cap is complete with the main body 20 relative to the container 10 turned and can be opened.

The circlip 30 is now loose and can be removed and disposed of by the user, which is not mandatory.

However, the next user will definitely see that another person is already in front of him on the container 10 was active and the screw cap with the main body 20 has opened. It is therefore clear to the user whether he still has an original sealed container in front of him or only an already previously opened container 10 whose content could have been manipulated.

Due to the light, simple and for the user also easy operation of the "snap tab", so the projection 35 or the projections 35 , the connection may be 32 be destroyed without, as before, a tool needs or that the risk is taken, by particularly sensitive and thinly formed connections 32 to accept unintentional destruction of the tamper-evident closure prior to its actual use.

2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, which is essentially that of 1 equivalent. Slightly indicated is a container 10 on which the screw cap with its main body 20 is screwed on. The main body 20 also has a deck area here 21 and a cylindrical outside 22 with a lower circular peripheral edge 23 , The rotation axis 25 runs in the cylinder axis of the main body 20 exactly vertical in the middle of the picture in 2 ,

Good to see are the ribs 28 ; in this embodiment, four faces the viewer, so that a total of eight ribs 28 available. These help the user to turn the screw cap outside of the initial use period.

The circlip 30 is here still largely indicated implied. Just opposite the ribs 28 are each projections 35 provided by the circlip 30 rise upwards. The circlip 30 itself runs concentrically around the cylindrical outside 22 around and overhangs this something down over the lower circular peripheral edge 23 out.

On the right side is shown how the user uses his thumb or another finger 40 in the direction of the arrow 41 the lead 35 from the outside 22 of the main body 20 away and at the same time press something down. In this direction, the user has over his fingers 40 a considerable lever arm and can very easily and easily exert this force, which immediately connects 32 destroyed, between the circlip 30 in the area of the projection 35 and the rib 28 on the cylindrical outside 22 exist. This connection 32 is in this representation only very vague to recognize.

3 shows from above the screw cap 2 or in one of the 2 very similar embodiment.

So is on the well visible deck area 21 to recognize a figure, which is similar in appearance to a 2 shows and so the user of the screw at the same time indicates how he can open this easily, although this is relatively easy to open anyway.

The cylindrical outside 22 of the main body 20 stands here perpendicular to the image plane and is therefore practically undetectable. The total eight equally spaced from each other and around the outside 22 distributed ribs 28 each show with their approximately circular cross-section.

Concentric around the outside 22 and the ribs distributed on this 28 around here is the circlip 30 very easy to recognize. The circlip 30 has a small distance from the outside 22 of the main body 20 ,

From the circlip 30 now slightly angled extend a total of twenty-four elements inside. It is always alternately two locking cams 31 , then a connection 32 , then again two locking cams 31 and so on. The connections 32 each connect the circlip 30 with a rib 28 while in the spaces between the ribs 28 or the connections 32 the two locking cams 31 not with the outside 22 are connected, but free ends.

It becomes very clear here that a parallel to the ribs 28 , So perpendicular to the image plane standing counter element, from below between the locking cams 31 protrudes, this prevents in a rotational movement in the opening direction, ie counterclockwise in the illustration, at such a rotation. The locking cams 31 then hold the circlip 30 firmly and this over the binding 32 Ribs 28 and with it the main body 20 , The weakest element is the connection 32 so that it breaks down when additional force is applied.

To avoid just this effort for the authorized first user, this can be on projections 35 make the above-mentioned Wegknackbewegungen. The projections 35 are also perpendicular to the image plane and are only shown as something thicker areas on the retaining ring 30 to recognize.

4 now shows the embodiment 3 on average. The main body is clear 20 and the internal thread located in it 24 to recognize. Furthermore, the axis of rotation is also 25 indicated. Upwards is the main body 20 through the top surface 21 completed.

Outside, there are ribs left and right again in the section plane 28 , These are from the main body 20 to be distinguished by the slightly changed upper edge with rounded area.

Outside the ribs 28 is in turn Cut each left and right a projection 35 to recognize while the circlip 30 here just below below the main body 20 as an extension of the projections 35 to recognize.

In the illustration in 5 is enlarged, in detail, shown again as the circlip 30 with the lead 35 via a connection 32 at the lower circular edge 23 with the cylindrical outside 22 of the main body 20 connected is. This connection 32 is also here preferably in the ribs 28 , This is somewhat more stable than the prior Tech technology and thus better secured against damage during assembly or transport. An unintentional cancellation is thus much less likely.

The 6 to 10 show different possibilities, like a lead 35 can be designed.

The 6 simply shows a pen-like arrangement, either as a cone (left) or as a cylinder with a rounded upper end.

7 shows a tab-like shape, in front of the recognizable in the background rib 28 in the foreground a flatter flap is formed.

As 8th shows, this tab must be the projection 35 not symmetrical in front of the rib 28 be arranged, but can also be laterally offset.

Another alternative shows 9 , Here's the rib 28 a sloping ledge 35 intended.

10 shows another, also unbalanced training.

In the 11 is a similar representation as in 3 played. It shows a plan view of a slightly different embodiment. Clearly visible is again the top surface 21 of the main body 20 with the image of a perspective opening representation for the user. Concentric around the outside 22 around is the circlip 30 with the projections 35 , the locking cam 31 and the connections 32 to the ribs 28 to see. In addition, another detail falls on top right here 38 on. In the field of this detail 38 is another, mechanically slotted breaking point 39 to recognize. This breaking point 39 slits the circlip 30 in an area away from the projections 35 between two locking cams 31 to a degree.

With even a slight rotational movement in the opening direction, ie a Aufdrehbewegung, the main body 20 of the screw cap, this area will be slightly stretched, that the or at least one of the two nearest locking cams 31 behind a counter element on the container mouth 13 bump. As a result, here is a slight tension in the circlip 30 induced in this area, which causes it to break immediately.

Thereby receives the end user an additional optical safety, that the sealed container lying in front of him indeed is originally locked.

This breaking point 39 can now be provided in screw caps according to the invention, since the more stable design of the connections 32 By the way, it allows the circlip 30 to weaken at this point, without having to be expected damage during transport or installation. The circlip 30 deserves all the more names like "originality ring".

10

container

11

Handle

13

container mouth

20

main body

21

cover surface

22

cylindrical outside

23

lower circular surrounding border

24

inner thread

25

axis of rotation

28

ribs

30

circlip

31

locking cams

32

connections

35

projections

38

detail

39

Breaking point

40

finger

41

arrows

Claims (11)

Screw cap for containers ( 10 ), with an approximately cylindrical, with its diameter of a container mouth ( 13 ) adapted main body ( 20 ); with an internal thread ( 24 ) in the main body ( 20 ), which on a corresponding external thread at the container mouth ( 13 ) about a rotation axis ( 25 ) is screwed; with an outside around the main body ( 20 ) circumferential circlip ( 30 ), which has connections ( 32 ) at two or more places with the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ) adjacent to its lower circular edge ( 23 ) connected is; in which the connections ( 32 ) on the occasion of the first rotation of the screwed screw cap be broken in the opening direction; in which the retaining ring ( 30 ) with at least six evenly distributed over the circumference projections ( 35 ), which is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the axis of rotation ( 25 ) of the main body ( 20 ) protrude of the screw cap and in which the projections ( 35 ) with the retaining ring ( 30 ) are more firmly connected than the retaining ring ( 30 ) about the connections ( 32 ) with the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ). Screw cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body ( 20 ) on the outside ( 22 ) with several ribs ( 28 ), that the projections ( 35 ) from the circlip ( 30 ), radially project there in the axial direction, where the retaining ring ( 30 ) about the connections ( 32 ) radially with the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ) of the screw cap, and that the projections ( 35 ) with the connections ( 32 ) and the ribs ( 28 ) correspond. Screw cap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that 6, 8 or 10 projections ( 35 ) and / or ribs ( 28 ) are provided evenly spaced. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections ( 35 ) from the circlip ( 30 ) in the axial direction in the direction of the container mouth ( 13 ) project away. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections ( 35 ) are pin-shaped. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections ( 35 ) are tab-shaped. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining ring ( 30 ) with a predetermined breaking point ( 39 ) in an area outside the projections ( 35 ) is provided. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining ring ( 30 ) in addition to the connections ( 32 ) with locking cams ( 31 ) directed inwards towards the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ) protrude. Screw closure according to claim 8, characterized in that the predetermined breaking point ( 39 ) between two locking cams ( 31 ) is provided. Screw cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining ring ( 30 ) the lower circular edge ( 23 ) of the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ) in the direction away from the top surface ( 21 ) surmounted. Screw cap according to claim 10, characterized in that the connection ( 32 ) the circlip ( 30 ) on its upper side with the ribs ( 28 ) on the outside ( 22 ) of the main body ( 20 ) in its lowest area.