DE60111416T2 - CHILD SAFE SAFETY LOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

Safety screw-closure device for a container provided with an outer screw thread opening, which is made up of two coaxial caps, nested one inside the other, one of them, an outer cap, being able to turn the other, an inner one, by axial pressure and turning: the outer cap comprising, on the inner surface of one of its walls, mutual-engagement means; the inner cap comprising a screw thread on the inner surface of its cylindrical side wall and mutual-engagement means on the outer surface of its wall, facing the wall of the inner cap comprising the mutual-engagement means; and an elastic means disengaging the mutual-engagement means of the walls of the two inner and outer caps, placed between the upper end walls of the two caps, and made of a material of different composition from the composition of the caps.

Description

technical area

The The invention relates to a child-resistant security screw cap for containers whose opening is a external thread having.

The The invention particularly relates to a security screw cap for containers, like for example, bottles, an inner screwed onto this container inner Includes closure cap and a coaxial outer closure cap, which completely covers the inner cap, with the outer cap is capable by means of a Einrastsystems take the inner cap with, if on the outer cap an axial pressure force and a rotational force act.

State of technology

Childproof Sicherheitsschraubverschlüsse for containers whose opening is a Having external thread, have been around for many years.

These closures are formed by two interlocking lids / caps that both each have a cylindrical side wall and an upper end wall have, which closes the side wall.

The Inner cap includes on the inside of its cylindrical wall Screw thread, so that it can be screwed onto the container, and on the outside their cylindrical wall and / or end wall facilities, with their Help her through the outer cap taken along when it is rotated.

The to the inner cap coaxial outer cap, which the inner cap completely covered, covers on its interior walls Facilities that serve, with simultaneous use of Axial pressure and rotation on the outer cap, the inner cap in the closing or opening direction of the container take along, with these axial pressure rotational forces locking of the entrainment devices the outer cap effect in the corresponding facilities of the inner cap, so that the rotational movement is transmitted to the inner cap.

A The two caps also includes elastic features that go with it serve, the driving devices of the inner and outer cap mechanically decouple, these elastic devices made of the same material as the caps, by Injection molding.

Such Child-resistant safety closures are described in numerous patents some of which are subsequently explained in detail Recall be called.

A first device, the subject of the European patent EP 0631943 relates to the (child-proof) safety closure of a screw-threaded container formed by two interlocking caps, the inner one serving to close the container and the outer one being intended to open or close the container by a combined pressure and / or Rotational movement to take the inner cap.

• – umfasst die zu schraubende Innenkappe auf der Außenseite ihrer zylindrischen Wand eine Riffelung, bestehend aus aufeinanderfolgenden lamellenförmigen Rippen, die sich auf der Außenoberfläche ihrer oberen Endwand verlängert in Form einer radialen Riffelung, deren Lamellen eine lange Seite haben, ausgerichtet in die Öffnungsrotationsrichtung, und eine kurze Seite, die sich vorzugsweise in der Ebene befindet, welche die Längsmittelachse des Verschlusses des Behälters enthält;
• – umfasst die Außenkappe auf der Innenoberfläche ihrer absichtlich konvex ausgebildeten (die zylindrische Wand abschließenden) oberen Endwand Vorsprünge, die sich in die Riffelung der Innenkappe setzen, wenn durch Axialdruck auf diese obere Endwand eine elastische Verformung dieser oberen Endwand der Außenkappe stattfindet.

In this device:

• The inner cap to be screwed comprises, on the outside of its cylindrical wall, a corrugation consisting of successive lamellar ribs extending on the outer surface of its upper end wall in the form of a radial corrugation, the lamellae of which have a long side aligned in the direction of opening rotation, and short side, which is preferably in the plane containing the longitudinal center axis of the closure of the container;
• - The outer cap on the inner surface of their intentionally convex (the cylindrical wall final) upper end wall projections which sit in the corrugation of the inner cap, when by axial pressure on this upper end wall, an elastic deformation of this upper end wall of the outer cap takes place.

consequently will - through one on the inside of the convex end wall of the outer cap exerted Axial pressure and rotation of this cap - through the projections of the outer cap on the radial corrugation of the inner cap such a torque exerted that unscrew the inner cap from the container becomes.

The Device also includes, as already described, the corrugation with on the cylindrical outer wall the inner cap aligned lamellae whose function is to Turning the inner cap to be screwed in the outer cap to facilitate when the projections the outer cap is not in the oblique Slats of radial corrugation of inner cap sit.

The device also includes a second system for rotatably driving the inner cap through the outer cap in the screwing direction, which is independent of the first driving system, so that the outer cap carries the inner cap in the form of a simple rotation during the closing operation, without the convex outer end wall of the outer cap must exert an axial pressure. This entrainment system is by Einrich formed on the cylindrical inner wall of the outer cap and are referred to as "frontal surfaces", and devices which are located on the cylindrical outer wall of the inner cap and are referred to as projections.

These Child-resistant closure device has disadvantages that arise show their use.

To the Example is the outer cap (like the inner cap) made of a single polymeric material with a more or less elastic property, and consequently are the projections on the inside of the upper end wall of the outer cap made of the same material and by injection molding on said inside of said Cap realized: because the upper end wall of the outer cap is convex and through numerous repetitions of the axial pressure-rotational moment claimed will, lets that elastic memory or shape memory the material after and the deformation of this upper end wall can due to material fatigue become quasi-permanent, making the protrusions more or less permanent remain engaged and consequently the inner cap in the screwing or screwing could be taken.

If So the material fatigue effect sets in, the upper end wall of the outer cap no longer moves away sufficiently far from the outer surface of the End wall of the inner cap, so that the device no longer It is absolutely safe because the two caps engage independently of the necessary axial pressure rotational forces could be.

Another device, subject of the European patent EP0602925 , relates to the child-resistant closure of a screw-threaded container also comprising two inter-engaging caps, one serving to close the container and the other serving to entrain the first upon opening and closing of the container under the effect of axial pressure and / or a rotation.

• – umfasst die Außenkappe auf der Innenseite ihrer oberen Endwand längliche, radial ausgerichtete Einraststege und in ihrem zentralen Teil eine elastische Einrichtung, um die obere Endwand der Außenkappe auf Abstand zu halten von der oberen Endwand der Innenkappe;
• – umfasst die zu schraubende Innenkappe auf der Innenseite ihrer zylindrischen Wand ein Gewinde und auf ihrer oberen Endwand längliche, radial ausgerichtete Einraststege. Diese Stege haben schräge Flächen (in der Zuschraubungsrichtung der Innenkappe) und dienen den Stegen der Außenkappe als Anschlag, wenn diese Außenkappe in der Zuschraubrichtung gedreht wird und dabei die Innenkappe mitnimmt. Wenn diese Außenkappe aber in der Aufschraubrichtung gedreht wird, ohne die vorherige Anwendung einer Axialkraft auf die obere Endwand der Außenkappe, gleiten die Stege der Innenseite der oberen Endwand der Außenkappe über die schrägen Flächen der Innenkappe hinweg und die Innenkappe wird nicht mitgenommen.

In this device:

• - The outer cap comprises on the inside of its upper end wall elongated, radially aligned Einraststege and in its central part an elastic means for keeping the upper end wall of the outer cap at a distance from the upper end wall of the inner cap;
• - The inner cap to be screwed on the inside of its cylindrical wall threaded and on its upper end wall elongated, radially aligned Einraststege. These webs have inclined surfaces (in the direction of the direction of the inner cap) and serve as a stop for the webs of the outer cap when this outer cap is rotated in the screwing direction, thereby entraining the inner cap. However, when this outer cap is rotated in the unscrewing direction, without the prior application of an axial force on the upper end wall of the outer cap, the lands of the inner side of the upper end wall of the outer cap slide over the inclined surfaces of the inner cap and the inner cap is not entrained.

from that results in that you screwing the inner cap through the successive Application of an axial pressure on its upper end wall causes which this end wall of the upper end wall of the inner cap is approaching what for locking the webs of the upper end wall of the outer cap leading into the webs of the upper end wall of the inner cap, leaving the inner cap then through the outer cap is taken with the rotation.

As soon as the pressure exerted on the upper end wall of the outer cap ends and thanks to the elastic system - the webs of the outer cap loosen from the webs of the inner cap, making the two caps uncoupled become.

This also has two caps comprehensive child-resistant safety closure Disadvantages, which one finds only in the use.

So are, for example, the latching webs of the outer cap and their elastic Device provided on the inner surface of the upper end wall of this Cap made of a single polymeric material (by injection molding), which has a certain natural elasticity. Yet more precisely, the elastic means consists of four vertical tongues, with one of its ends with the inner surface of the upper end wall of the said cap are connected. These four tongues form a virtual one cylindrical, to the outer cap coaxial wall. In the exercise a pressure on the upper end wall of the outer cap have these four tongues the tendency to move away from each other at their lower ends, then flattened on the upper end wall of the inner cap, as long as said pressure is maintained.

If this pressure is no longer exercised, have to the tongues take a vertical position again. In practice leads the Repetition of axial pressures (Axialdruck-Rotation) on the outer cap, however, to a fatigue of polymeric materials, resulting in a quasi-permanent deformation the elastic device and possibly their breakage - whole or partially - leads.

The two upper end surfaces of the two caps are then not at rest in the resting state distance from each other, so that it can lead to an undesired engagement of the driving teeth of the outer cap and the driving teeth of the inner cap. As a result, the so-called child-resistant safety lock is no longer completely safe.

• – eine mitzunehmende Innenkappe mit einer zylindrischen Seitenwand und einer Endwand,
• – eine oben offene zylindrische Mitnahme-Außenhülle, wobei die obere Öffnung dieser zylindrischen Hülle einen etwas größeren Durchmesser als der Zylinder der Innenkappe hat, so dass die Innenkappe aus der zylindrischen Außenhülle herausragen kann.

Another device, the subject of the European patent EP 0725012 is suggests a threaded closure of a container which is considered to be absolutely child safe. This device is formed by:

• An inner cap to be taken with a cylindrical side wall and an end wall,
• - An open-top cylindrical driving outer shell, wherein the upper opening of this cylindrical shell has a slightly larger diameter than the cylinder of the inner cap, so that the inner cap may protrude from the cylindrical outer shell.

If the inner cap sits in the cylindrical outer shell, the outer shell is through the inner shell recorded: in the lower part by a stop acting as a stop Wreath and in the upper part by one of its upper peripheral surface as Stop serving wreath.

The cylindrical drive outer shell includes on its inside latching devices, which also include guiding devices the inner cap can be.

The only latching means of the inner cap, which is driving through the cylindrical shell allows is outside on the side wall of said cap. The mechanical entrainment The inner cap through the cylindrical outer shell is made by snap-in devices the cylindrical shell and Latching means of said inner cap by a mechanical Apply moment, consisting of pressure on the shell to lower it and latching, and rotation of the shell, to take the inner cap.

The Elastic decoupling device is by leaves or wings of the formed lower rim of the inner cap, said leaves or Wings same Have composition and with one of their ends with the said lower wreath are connected and put in the said wreath, if on the outer shell Pressure exerted from top to bottom becomes.

It shows that the devices of this device take away make the inner cap difficult, because you have to go to the cylindrical Outer shell one exercise vertical force, which requires that you first make this outer shell with an uncomfortable movement and then apply a vertical force to the circumference of the shell, to the engagement of said outer shell and the inner cap and after all to bring the entrainment of this cap by rotation of the outer shell.

It also sees that the elastic decoupling device is on the lower rim of the inner cap is located and made of the same material (Composition) as the cap and the cylindrical outer shell is, being this material, if it is common is claimed to lose some of its elasticity and a state of fatigue can reach, so that cracks can form and even breakage occur can.

• – Die Innenkappe umfasst auf ihrer Innenwand ein Gewinde, das auf das Gewinde des Wasseraustrittsstutzens geschraubt wird.
• – Die Außenkappe wird in einer zur Innenkappe koaxialen Position gehalten durch einen Umfangsring, der die Führungseinrichtung und die elastische Entkupplungseinrichtung der beiden Kappen bildet.
• – Eine Feder befindet sich zwischen ihren sich gegenüberstehenden oberen Flächen, wobei sie in entsprechenden koaxialen Ringnuten sitzt.

Finally, another device describes the subject of the patent GB 2,209,156 is a safety closure device for extinguishing water connections. This device comprises an inner cap of technical polyamide and an outer cap of aluminum alloy.

• - The inner cap has a thread on its inner wall, which is screwed onto the thread of the water outlet nozzle.
• - The outer cap is held in a position coaxial with the inner cap by a peripheral ring which forms the guide means and the elastic decoupling means of the two caps.
• - A spring is located between their opposing upper surfaces, sitting in corresponding coaxial annular grooves.

• – drei auf der Innenoberfläche des oberen Endes der Außenkappe befindlichen Zähnen, die sich, wenn Druck und Rotation angewendet werden, in drei Vertiefungen setzen, die in der Außenoberfläche des oberen Endes der Innenkappe vorgesehen sind.

The pressure-rotation driving devices of the inner cap through the outer cap is formed by:

• - Three located on the inner surface of the upper end of the outer cap teeth, which, when pressure and rotation are applied, set in three recesses, which are provided in the outer surface of the upper end of the inner cap.

• – es bedarf eines relativ genauen mechanischen Manövers in Form eines Axialdrucks, um die drei Zähne genau und gleichzeitig in drei Vertiefungen einzuführen, deren Durchmesser nur wenig größer ist als derjenige der Zähne, was eine gute manuelle Geschicklichkeit und eine große Kraft erfordert, um die Mitnahme beim Öffnen oder Schließen zu gewährleisten;
• – die elastische Entkupplungseinrichtung, gebildet durch eine metallische Feder, ist für eine hohe Lebensdauer kalibriert, wird aber aufgrund dieser sehr speziellen Anwendung nur selten betätigt und erfordert bei ihrer Handhabung einen großen Kraftaufwand und manuelle Geschicklichkeit;
• – dieser Sicherheitsverschluss erweist sich als gänzlich ungeeignet für das Verschließen von Behältern wie etwa Flaschen.

It is clear that such a device is difficult to operate because:

• - It requires a relatively accurate mechanical maneuver in the form of an axial thrust to introduce the three teeth accurately and simultaneously in three wells whose diameter is only slightly larger than that of the teeth, which requires good manual dexterity and a large force to take along to ensure when opening or closing;
• - The elastic decoupling device, formed by a metallic spring, is calibrated for a long life, but is rarely used due to this very special application and requires in their handling a lot of effort and manual dexterity;
• - this security closure proves to be totally unsuitable for closing containers such as bottles.

Tasks of invention

The inventive device has many tasks. For example, she must as well as possible the mentioned above Eliminate disadvantages and re the various devices of the known security closures suggest improvements.

A The first object of the invention is the realization of a safety closure device a container by means of a screw, which is safe against screwing by children, this device by means of two caps made of thermoplastic Formed polymers that stick together and with a Device for locking the outer cap on the inner cap work by applying a thrust-axial moment to the top end wall exercised the device becomes.

A Another object of the invention is the realization of a safety closure device of a container by means of a screw, which is safe against screwing by children, this device being an instantaneous device Decoupling of the entraining outer cap from the entrained inner cap covers once the on the upper End wall of the device exerted pressure ceases.

A Another object of the invention is the realization of a safety closure device of a container by means of a screw, which is safe against screwing by children, their facilities for latching and disengaging the entraining outer cap with the entrained inner cap by the frequent repetition of the application Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments on the upper end wall of said Device no fatigue or deformity, and also suffer no breakage.

A Another object of the invention is the realization of a safety closure device of a container by means of a screw, which is safe against screwing by children, their facilities for latching and disengaging the entraining outer cap with the entrained inner cap the adaptation or wear games between the outer cap and the inner cap compensates and gives them an excellent cohesion confers, when engaged, and a backlash-free independence, when they are off.

Summary the invention

All mentioned above Expenses can with the closure device according to the invention solved become.

• – die Außenkappe umfasst auf ihrer Innenoberfläche Einrasteinrichtungen, die ihr eine Rotationsmitnahme der Innenkappe ermöglichen, durch Anwendung eines mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments;
• – die Innenkappe umfasst auf der Innenseite ihrer zylindrischen Seitenwand ein Schraubgewinde und Einrasteinrichtungen, die denen der Außenkappe auf deren Außenoberfläche entsprechen und die genannte Rotationsmitnahme durch die Außenkappe ermöglichen, wenn diese letztere einem mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moment ausgesetzt ist;
• – eine elastisches Einrichtung bewirkt die Entkupplung der Einrasteinrichtungen der Innen- und Außenkappe, wenn die Anwendung des mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments auf die Außenkappe aufhört;
• – Führungseinrichtungen gewährleisten die Koaxialität der Innen- und Außenkappe;

und ist dabei dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte elastische Entkopplungseinrichtung:

• – sich zwischen den oberen Endwänden der inneren und äußeren Verschlusskappe befindet,
• – und gebildet wird durch einen thermoplastischen polymeren Formgedächtniskunststoff mit einer anderen Zusammensetzung als den Zusammensetzungen der die Verschlusskappen bildenden Kunststoffe.

According to the invention, the safety screw cap of a container with an externally threaded opening comprises two coaxially nested caps of thermoplastic polymeric materials, an outer cap and an inner cap, each having a cylindrical sidewall and an upper end wall terminating the cylindrical sidewall.

• - The outer cap comprises on its inner surface Einrasteinrichtungen that allow it to rotate the inner cap, by applying a mechanical Axialdruck-rotating torque;
• - The inner cap comprises on the inside of its cylindrical side wall, a screw thread and latching devices which correspond to those of the outer cap on the outer surface and allow said rotation driving through the outer cap when the latter is subjected to a mechanical axial pressure rotation moment;
• - An elastic means causes the disengagement of the latching means of the inner and outer cap when the application of the mechanical thrust-axial moment of rotation on the outer cap stops;
• - Guidance devices ensure the coaxiality of the inner and outer cap;

and is characterized in that said elastic decoupling means:

• - is located between the upper end walls of the inner and outer cap,
• And is constituted by a thermoplastic polymeric shape memory resin having a different composition than the compositions of the plastics forming the caps.

• – umfasst die Außenkappe auf ihrer Innenoberfläche Einrasteinrichtungen, die ihr eine Rotationsmitnahme der Innenkappe ermöglichen, durch Anwendung eines mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments;
• – umfasst die Innenkappe auf der Innenseite ihrer zylindrischen Seitenwand ein Gewinde und auf der Außenoberfläche ihrer oberen Endwand Einrasteinrichtungen, die denen der Außenkappe entsprechen und die genannte Rotationsmitnahme durch die Außenkappe ermöglichen, wenn diese letztere einem mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moment ausgesetzt ist;
• – gewährleisten Führungseinrichtungen die Koaxialität der Innen- und Außenkappe, und
• – bewirkt eine elastische Einrichtung die Entkupplung der Einrasteinrichtungen der oberen Endwände der Innen- und Außenkappen, wenn die Ausübung des mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments auf die Außenkappe aufhört, wobei diese elastischen Entkupplungseinrichtung:
• • sich zwischen den oberen Endwänden der inneren und äußeren Verschlusskappe befindet,
• • und gebildet wird durch einen thermoplastischen polymeren Formgedächtniskunststoff mit einer anderen Zusammensetzung als den Zusammensetzungen der die Verschlusskappen bildenden Kunststoffe.

More specifically, and according to a first variant, the safety screw cap of a container with an externally threaded opening comprises two coaxially nested caps of thermoplastic polymeric materials, an outer cap and an inner cap, each having a cylindrical sidewall and an upper end wall terminating the cylindrical sidewall , here

• - The outer cap comprises on its inner surface Einrasteinrichtungen that allow it to rotate the inner cap, by applying a mechanical Axialdruck-rotating torque;
• - includes the inner cap on the inside of her cylindrical side wall threaded and on the outer surface of its upper end wall latching devices, which correspond to those of the outer cap and allow said rotation driving through the outer cap when the latter is exposed to a mechanical axial pressure rotation moment;
• - Guide devices ensure coaxiality of inner and outer cap, and
• An elastic device causes the disengagement of the latching devices of the upper end walls of the inner and outer caps when the exertion of the mechanical thrust moment of rotation ceases on the outer cap, this elastic decoupling device being:
• • is located between the upper end walls of the inner and outer cap,
• And is formed by a thermoplastic polymeric shape memory resin having a different composition than the compositions of the plastics forming the caps.

• – umfasst die Außenkappe auf der Innenoberfläche ihrer zylindrischen Seitenwand Einrasteinrichtungen, die ihr eine Rotationsmitnahme der Innenkappe ermöglichen, durch Anwendung eines mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments;
• – umfasst die Innenkappe ein Gewinde auf der Innenseite ihrer zylindrischen Seitenwand, und Einrasteinrichtungen auf der Außenoberfläche ihrer zylindrischen Seitenwand, die denen der Außenkappe entsprechen und die genannte Rotationsmitnahme durch die Außenkappe ermöglichen, wenn diese letztere einem mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moment ausgesetzt ist;
• – gewährleisten Führungseinrichtungen die Koaxialität der Innen- und Außenkappe, und
• – bewirkt eine elastische Einrichtung die Entkupplung der Einrasteinrichtungen der oberen Endwände der Innen- und Außenkappen, wenn die Ausübung des mechanischen Axialdruck-Rotations-Moments auf die Außenkappe aufhört, wobei diese elastischen Entkupplungseinrichtung:
• • sich zwischen den oberen Endwänden der inneren und äußeren Verschlusskappe befindet,
• • und gebildet wird durch einen thermoplastischen polymeren Formgedächtniskunststoff mit einer anderen Zusammensetzung als den Zusammensetzungen der die Verschlusskappen bildenden Kunststoffen.

Also in more detail and in a second variant, the safety screw cap of a container with an externally threaded opening comprises two coaxially interlocking caps of thermoplastic polymeric materials, an outer cap and an inner cap, each having a cylindrical sidewall and an upper end wall terminating the cylindrical sidewall , here

• - The outer cap on the inner surface of its cylindrical side wall engaging means, which allow it to rotate the inner cap, by applying a mechanical Axialdruck-rotation torque;
• The inner cap comprises a thread on the inside of its cylindrical side wall, and latching means on the outer surface of its cylindrical side wall corresponding to those of the outer cap and allowing said outer port to rotate, when the latter is subjected to a mechanical thrust moment of rotation;
• - Guide devices ensure coaxiality of inner and outer cap, and
• An elastic device causes the disengagement of the latching devices of the upper end walls of the inner and outer caps when the exertion of the mechanical thrust moment of rotation ceases on the outer cap, this elastic decoupling device being:
• • is located between the upper end walls of the inner and outer cap,
• And is formed by a thermoplastic polymeric shape memory plastic having a different composition than the compositions of the plastics forming the caps.

detailed Description of the invention

The inventive device is formed by two nested caps, each one these caps in the form of a superstructure with such facilities provided is that the outer cap, when exposed to axial pressure and then to rotation, vertically with a downward movement shifts into the inner cap and locks it in place at an opening or a closing movement takes along, as desired.

As soon as the axial pressure on the outer cap stops must the device to really be a safety device, the upward movement of the outer cap ensure and thereby ensure the decoupling of the outer and inner caps: once the outer cap in its uncoupled position and is only exposed to a rotation operation is, it can not the inner cap with any Aufschraubbewegung more take.

A such device is of a great safety with regard to small children, where the coordination of simultaneous movements to the opening of the Device necessary generation of the axial pressure-rotation torque not yet developed.

The Outside- and inner caps of the device according to the invention are after the methods of plastic technology adapted to their realization made of materials that are thermoplastic polymers such as the polyethylenes, the polypropylenes, the ethylene-propylene copolymers and their mixtures, the polyamides, the polystyrenes (PS), the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), the styrene and acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), the polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polycarbonates (PC), methyl polymethacrylates (PMMA), the polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

To the invention and with a large Difference to the prior art, the elastic shape memory device, which the decoupling of foreign and inner cap allows as soon as the axial pressure followed by a rotation on the outer cap ceases is characterized by an elastic thermoplastic polymeric shape memory material formed, whose composition differs from the compositions the materials used to manufacture the exterior and Inner caps are used.

At least one natural or synthetic thermoplastic elastomer may be used to make the elastic shape memory device. The elastomer (s) used may preferably be selected from the group formed by isobutylene / iso ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-propylene (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM), ethylene-acrylic esters (EMA-EEA), the fluoropolymers, the diolefin rubbers such as the polybutadienes, the styrene Butadiene copolymers (SBR), the rubbers based on condensation products such as the thermoplastic polyester and polyurethane rubbers, the silicones, the styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) styrene rubbers and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and others, used singly or as a mixture.

The elastic shape memory device can also be made of a thermoplastic polymer foam.

The Shape memory device according to the invention may be the shape of a volume of the substantially cylindrical, frustoconical, cylindrical-frustoconical, cylindrical-hemispherical or hemispherical Type, whose diameter adapted to that of the device is and its height at least equal to the minimum distance that is necessary with it the latching devices of the outer and the inner cap is not in the locked position.

As already mentioned, can the elastic according to the invention Formgedächniseinrichtung have a diverse volume or have various volumes. This Volume can be full and in this case the shape of a disk, of a truncated cone, a dome, or be hollow and in this one Case have the shape of a capsule, a truncated cone, a calotte, and this volume can be broken to the suction cup effects to avoid when the axial pressure (followed by a rotation) on the outer cap exercised and then no longer exercised.

The elastic according to the invention Facility is located between the upper end walls of the both caps: they can be inserted freely between these two walls, or on the inner surface the upper end wall of the outer cap stick, or on the outer surface of the adhere to the upper end wall of the inner cap, either glued to the surface the cap or molded to the said cap forming injection molded part.

The elastic according to the invention Shape memory device, made of a thermoplastic polymeric material, can by one of the making possible the production of this device Means of plastic technology can be realized.

The Snap-in devices are generally known, but their shape must be adapted to their arrangement range because of the presence the elastic according to the invention Decoupling device of said latching devices, the extending between the upper end walls of the Inner and outer caps located.

• – Lamellen mit quadratischem, rechteckigem, dreieckigem oder anderem Querschnitt, auf wenigstens einem Teil der genannten Seitenwand vorhanden und entsprechend den Mantellinien angeordnet,
• – Zähnekränze auf dem Umfang der betreffenden Oberflächen.

In the case where the latch means are disposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the outer cap and on the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the inner cap, they are of generally known type and are not reshaped: they are formed, for example by:

• - slats of square, rectangular, triangular or other cross-section, present on at least part of the said side wall and arranged according to the generating lines,
• - Zähnekränze on the circumference of the surfaces concerned.

In the case where the latch means are arranged on both the facing surfaces of the cylindrical side walls and on the upper end surfaces of said caps, the latch means are often of known type such as lamellae. Such slats described in the European patent EP 0631943 , form a corrugation consisting of successive lamellar ribs which extend over at least one of the corresponding surfaces of the upper end walls in the form of a radial corrugation, in which the radial length of each lamella must be limited to provide a reserve surface, coaxial with the caps and necessary for the arrangement of the elastic device according to the invention.

These radial length is at most equal to the radius of the surface the upper end wall of the outer and inner caps, reduced by the radius of the base of the geometric volume of the elastic device according to the invention.

In In the case where the latching devices on the inner surface of the upper end wall of the outer cap and on the outside surface of the Upper end wall of the inner cap are arranged, these facilities formed for example by crown-shaped teeth, lamellae with square, rectangular, triangular or other cross section, in a radial position whose radial dimension is limited to a reserve area to create, coaxial with the caps and necessary for the arrangement the elastic device according to the invention.

This radial dimension is at most equal to the radius of the surface of the upper end wall of the outer and inner caps, reduced by the radius of the Base surface of the geometric volume of the elastic device according to the invention.

• – welche dieselbe Morphologie haben, zum Beispiel kranzförmig angeordneten Zähne oder radiale Lamellen auf jeder der Oberflächen der oberen Endwände der Kappen oder Umfangszahnkränze auf den sich gegenüberstehenden Oberflächen der zylindrischen Seitenwände der Kappen;
• – welche unterschiedliche Morphologien haben, zum Beispiel kranzförmig angeordnete Zähne auf der Innenoberfläche der oberen Endwand der Außenkappe und radiale Lamellen auf der Außenoberfläche der oberen Endwand der Innenkappe.

According to the invention, it is possible to arrange latching devices on the corresponding surfaces facing each other:

• - which have the same morphology, for example crown-shaped teeth or radial lamellae on each of the surfaces of the upper end walls of the caps or circumferential toothed rings on the facing surfaces of the cylindrical side walls of the caps;
• - Which have different morphologies, for example, annularly arranged teeth on the inner surface of the upper end wall of the outer cap and radial fins on the outer surface of the upper end wall of the inner cap.

To a special variant of the invention, the latching devices, that face each other on the inside surface the upper end wall of the outer cap and on the outer surface of the upper End wall of the inner cap, on each of these surfaces a teeth wreath whose diameter is smaller than that of the Caps, preferably for both caps are the same.

The the two wreaths forming teeth spaced apart so that the teeth of the rim of the outer cap easily between the teeth of the Can put wreaths of inner cap, if on the outer cap an axial thrust force and then a rotational release force act.

• – eines Parallelflachs, das an seinem Eingriffsende zwei symmetrische schräge Ebenen aufweist, getrennt durch eine horizontale Ebene,
• – eines Parallelflachs oder Zylinders mit einem halbkugelförmigen oder kegelstumpfförmigen Eingriffsende.

The teeth of the wreaths, which allow the engagement of the outer cap and the inner cap, have the form:

• A parallelepiped having at its engagement end two symmetrical oblique planes separated by a horizontal plane,
• - A parallelepiped or cylinder with a hemispherical or frusto-conical engagement end.

These special form of the teeth is designed so that the outer cap, if it is not exposed to axial pressure, but only a rotational movement, can rotate in one direction or the other, without the inner cap take with you, taking the teeth the wreath of the outer cap on the teeth of the rim of the inner cap can slide when they contact each other without them locking into each other.

The The number of teeth present in each garland depends essentially on that Diameter of these wreaths From: the preferred number of teeth is at least four teeth per wreath. Preferably, the ratio of the number of teeth to the rim diameter in mm between 0.15 (4/24) and 0.5 (12/12).

To of the invention the management facilities the outer cap with regard to the inner cap, in order to achieve excellent coaxiality, on one side and / or the other of the cylindrical side walls of the Outer surface of the Inner cap or the inner surface the outer cap be arranged.

The guide devices can through slats with square, rectangular, triangular and other cross sections are formed, extending over part of the height or the entire height of the extend cylindrical side wall, according to generatrices of said Wall.

If these leadership facilities just this one function of leadership they are on one side and / or the other cylindrical side walls the inner and / or outer cap and extend over a part of the height or the entire height the said side walls.

To of the invention these leadership facilities have two functions simultaneously, namely the function of leadership and the function of a driving device of the inner cap through the outer cap, but only in the screwing.

• – in Zentripetalneigungsrichtung, wenn die Lamellen sich auf der Innenoberfläche der zylindrischen Seitenwand der äußeren Verschlusskappe befinden,
• – in Zentrifugalneigungsrichtung, wenn die Lamellen sich auf der Außenoberfläche der zylindrischen Seitenwand der inneren Verschlusskappe befinden.

In order for these two functions to be ensured at the same time, these lamellar devices for guiding and entrainment in the fastening device preferably extend over the entire height of the cylindrical side walls of the two caps. These lamellae have, in section, essentially the shape of a wave or curvature of triangular or rectangular cross-section, the beginning of which is located on a surface line of the cylindrical side surfaces and whose end is oriented in an oblique plane:

• In the centripetal inclination direction, when the lamellae are on the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the outer cap,
• In the centrifugal inclination direction, when the fins are on the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the inner cap.

If So the outer cap is subjected to rotation in the auger, without any axial pressure, come the ends of the guide blades the outer cap to stop with the ends of the guide blades the inner cap and take the inner cap in the screwing With.

If, however, the outer cap is subjected to a rotation in the screwing, without ever the axial pressure, slide the inclined planes of the guide lamellae of the outer cap over the inclined planes of the guide plates of the inner cap, without taking the inner cap in the Zuschraubrichtung.

Except the elastic device made independently of the caps or as part of one of the two caps on these from one Material that differs from that of the caps, whereby the foreign and the inner cap, the screw thread, the latching and guiding devices simultaneously realized by injection molding of a polymeric material usually for such Products is used.

The Invention will be better understood by the following, provided with reference numerals description of figures. These explanatory, not restrictive Figures relate to a particular device of the invention.

The 1 is a perspective view of the outer cap.

The 2 is a perspective view of an elastic device according to the invention.

The 3 is a perspective view of the inner cap according to the invention.

The 4 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a closure device of a moisture adsorbing material reservoir.

The 5 is a vertical section of the device according to the invention with the inner and the outer cap.

The 6 is a horizontal section of the device according to the invention according to BB.

The 7 is an interior view of the outer cap of the device according to the invention.

The 8th is a vertical section of the outer cap of the device according to the invention.

The 9 is a perspective view of a tooth of the latching devices according to the invention.

After the 1 to 4 the safety closure device according to the invention comprises an outer cap 1 , an elastic shape memory device 20 , an inner cap 40 and a lid 60 a reservoir having a hydrophilic material which absorbs moisture present in the container (not shown).

• – die erste Funktion ist die koaxiale Führung der Verschiebung der Außenkappe 1 in Bezug auf die Innenkappe 40, wenn der Axialdruck auf die Außenkappe 1 zunächst ausgeübt wird und dann nicht mehr ausgeübt wird;
• – die zweite Funktion besteht in einer Beteiligung an der Rotationsmitnahme der Innenkappe nur in der Zuschraubrichtung der Vorrichtung, wenn keinerlei Axialdruck auf die Außenkappe ausgeübt wird. Wie die 6 zeigt, haben die Lamellen 6 im Querschnitt im Wesentlichen eine länglich rechteckige Form, deren Neigung gemäß der Messlinie der Ebene (trace du plan) 7 eine Ausrichtung (gemäß dem Pfeil) in der Richtung mit zentripedaler Tendenz anzeigt und mit der Berührungsebene 8 am Ursprung bzw. Anfang der Lamelle 6 einen Winkel "α" bildet.

The outer cap 1 includes a cylindrical side wall 2 and an upper end wall 3 which closes the cylindrical side wall. On the inner surface of the upper end wall 3 there is a latching device ( 7 ), formed by a wreath 4 with a smaller diameter than that of the outer cap and formed by twelve teeth 5 , On the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall are ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) Centering devices formed by lamellae 6 which simultaneously - in this illustrative case - have two functions:

• - The first function is the coaxial guidance of the displacement of the outer cap 1 in relation to the inner cap 40 when the axial pressure on the outer cap 1 is first exercised and then no longer exercised;
• - The second function is to participate in the rotation driving the inner cap only in the direction of the device, if no axial pressure is exerted on the outer cap. As the 6 shows have the slats 6 in cross section, essentially an oblong rectangular shape whose inclination is in accordance with the plane of measurement of the plane (trace du plan) 7 indicates an orientation (according to the arrow) in the centripedal direction and the plane of contact 8th at the origin or beginning of the lamella 6 forms an angle "α".

The inner cap 40 also includes a cylindrical side wall 41 and an upper end wall 42 which closes the cylindrical side wall. On the inner surface of the upper end wall 42 there is a latching device ( 3 ), formed by a wreath 43 with a diameter that is smaller than that of the inner cap but the same size as that of the wreath 4 which lies on the inner surface of the upper end wall of the outer cap 1 located. The wreath 43 includes the same number of teeth as the garland 4 ,

• – die erste Funktion ist die koaxiale Führung der Verschiebung der Außenkappe 1 in Bezug auf die Innenkappe 40,
• – die zweite Funktion besteht in einer Beteiligung an der Rotationsmitnahme der Innenkappe nur in der Zuschraubrichtung der Vorrichtung, wenn keinerlei Axialdruck auf die Außenkappe ausgeübt wird. Wie die 6 zeigt, haben die Lamellen 45 im Querschnitt im Wesentlichen eine dreieckige Form, bei der die Messlinie der Vorderseiteebene (trace de plan de face) 46 eine Ausrichtung (gemäß dem Pfeil) in der Richtung mit zentrifugaler Tendenz anzeigt und mit der Berührungsebene 47 am Ursprung bzw. Anfang der Lamelle 45 einen Winkel "β" bildet.

On the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall 41 There are also guide devices, formed by lamellae 45 which simultaneously (in this illustrative case) have two functions:

• - The first function is the coaxial guidance of the displacement of the outer cap 1 in relation to the inner cap 40 .
• - The second function is to participate in the rotation driving the inner cap only in the direction of the device, if no axial pressure is exerted on the outer cap. As the 6 shows have the slats 45 in cross-section, essentially a triangular shape, in which the measurement line of the frontal plane (trace de plan de face) 46 indicates an orientation (according to the arrow) in the direction with centrifugal tendency and with the plane of contact 47 at the origin or beginning of the lamella 45 one Angle "β" forms.

This tooth shape is such that in the absence of axial pressure on the outer cap, but while the outer cap is subjected to rotational movement, the inclined planes 92 and 93 the teeth 5 of the wreath 4 and the teeth 44 of the wreath 43 (in the case of an unwanted approach, which causes a contact) without the teeth of said crowns can engage in each other and cause the entrainment of the inner cap by the rotation of the outer cap.

Between the upper end walls of the outer and the inner cap is the elastic shape memory device according to the invention 20 ( 2 ). This elastic device 20 is of cylindrical-frustoconical hollow type and is formed by a circular ring 21 , a cylindrical-frusto-conical sidewall 22 and an upper end wall with a spider 23 , pierced by openings 24 ,

The diameter of the elastic shape memory device is smaller than the inner diameter of the Einrastkränze 4 and 43 so that it can be easily inserted into this.

The elastic shape memory device, made by injection molding of a mixture of thermoplastic elastomers, is in its working position between the two upper end walls 3 and 42 the caps arranged.

The thickness of the elastic shape memory device 20 is slightly larger than the distance between the end walls 3 and 42 so that when no thrust is effective, the outer cap 1 a rotational movement can be suspended (in the opening direction), without the inner cap 40 take.

Under the effect of an axial pressure on the outer plug 1 becomes the elastic shape memory device 20 compressed and deformed, being within the limits of the wreaths 4 and 43 remains. The deformation of the elastic memory memory device by pressure displaces the in the latching zone of the two rings 4 and 43 existing air.

The outer cap can take the inner cap with a rotation, especially in the screwing direction. When the axial pressure ceases, the elastic shape memory device decreases regain their initial volume, especially by giving their initial Restores air volume. The two caps snap together by they move away from each other: the outer cap can not seal the inner cap take more, especially not in the Zuschraubrichtung.

The device according to the invention is covered by a lid 60 completes that serves a reservoir 48 to close that part of the inner cap 40 and containing a material having specific properties, for example capable of absorbing the internal moisture of the container (not shown) sealed by the device according to the invention.

In the case of a realization of the device according to the invention shown above by way of example, the device according to the invention is closed by lamellae 6 and 45 that come to the stop when the inner cap 1 is only exposed to a rotational movement in Zuschraubrichtung: the slats 6 the inner cap, taken in the direction of the arrow 49 , come with their steep side in contact with the slats 45 the inner cap 40 and take this inner cap with it in the screw jack.

In reverse, if the outer cap ( 4 ) is exposed only to a rotational movement in the screwing, according to the arrow 50 , the slats slide 6 with its sloping plane 7 over the sloping plane 46 the slats 45 : the inner cap is not taken during the screwing movement.

To open the container by the device of the invention is screwed, the outer cap must 1 be exposed to an axial pressure, which is followed by a rotation in the screwing. In this context, the outer cap approaches 1 the inner cap 40 By using the elastic shape memory device 20 compresses.

The teeth of the wreath 4 the outer cap 1 engage between the teeth of the wreath 43 the inner cap 40 : the inner cap is then through the outer cap 1 taken along, when this is set in rotation, and the closure device is screwed and separated from the container.

According to another variant (not shown), the safety device comprises all the devices described in the first explanatory case, except that the lamellae 6 on the outer cap 1 or 45 on the inner cap 40 exist, these slats then play only their leadership function role. In this case, the closing and opening of the device according to the invention takes place only by axial pressure on the outer cap, followed by a corresponding rotation, the engagement of the wreaths 4 and 43 and the entrainment of the inner cap 40 in the direction of rotation of the outer cap 1 cause.

Claims (27)

Safety screw cap device for a container opening with external thread, formed by two interlocking coaxial caps made of thermoplastic polymer plastic, an external ( 1 ) and an inner ( 40 ), each formed by a cylindrical side wall and a top wall terminating the cylindrical side wall: - the outer cap ( 1 ) comprises on its inner surface latching devices ( 4 ) ( 5 ), which rotates the inner cap ( 40 ) by applying a mechanical axial rotation pressure moment; - the inner cap ( 40 ) comprises on the inside of its cylindrical side wall a screw thread and snap-in devices which correspond to those of the outer closure cap on its outer surface and said rotation entrainment by the outer closure cap (10). 1 ) when the latter is subjected to a mechanical axial rotational pressure moment; - ensure leadership facilities ( 45 ) the inner and outer cap their coaxiality; An elastic device ( 20 ) causes the decoupling of the locking means of the inner and outer closure cap, when the application of the mechanical Axialrotationsdruck- torque ceases, characterized in that said elastic decoupling device • is located between the upper end walls of the inner and outer cap, and is formed by a thermoplastic polymeric shape memory plastic having a different composition than the compositions of the caps forming plastics. Security screw locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that - the latching devices ( 4 ) ( 5 ) of the outer cap ( 1 ), by applying a mechanical Axialrotationsdruck-Moments the rotational driving of the inner cap ( 40 ) on the inner surface of the upper end wall of said outer cap ( 1 ) are located; - that the latching devices of the inner cap ( 40 ), those of the outer cap ( 1 ), from which they are taken when this outer cap ( 1 ) a mechanical axial rotational pressure moment is applied to the outer surface of the upper end wall of said inner cap ( 40 ) are located. Security screw closure device of a container according to claim 1, characterized in that - the snap-in devices ( 4 ) ( 5 ) of the outer cap ( 1 ), by applying a mechanical Axialrotationsdruck-Moments the rotational driving of the inner cap ( 40 ) on the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of said outer closure cap ( 1 ) are located; - that the latching devices of the inner cap ( 40 ), those of the outer cap ( 1 ), from which they are taken when this outer cap ( 1 ) a mechanical axial rotation pressure moment is applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of said inner closure cap ( 40 ) are located. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized that the elastic shape memory device with none of the surfaces the upper end walls is firmly connected. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized that the elastic shape memory device with one or the other of the surfaces of the upper end walls fixed connected is. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized that the elastic shape memory device is realized by means of at least one of the elastic shape memory plastics, which are selected from the group formed by at least one elastomer. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that that the elastic shape memory device made of plastics selected from the group, which is formed by elastomers of the type natural rubber and synthetic rubber, which are used individually or as a mixture. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the elastic device is preferably made of plastics which is selected are selected from the group of elastomers formed by isobutylene / isoprene, Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-propylene (EPR), ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene acrylic ester (EMA-EEA), the fluoropolymers, the polybutadienes, the styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), the polyester and polyurethane rubbers, the silicones, the styrene rubbers of the type styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), used singly or as a mixture. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elastic shape memory device takes the form of a volume of has substantially cylindrical, frusto-conical, cylindrical-truncated, cylindrical-hemispherical or hemispherical type, the diameter of which is adapted to the device and whose height is at least equal to the minimum distance necessary for the latching means of the outer and inner cap is not in the locked position. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that that the volume of the elastic shape memory device is a full volume is. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that that the volume of the elastic shape memory device is a hollow volume is. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that that the hollow volume of the elastic shape memory device is broken is. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 12, characterized in that the elastic shape memory device by Gluing or casting firmly connected to one or the other of the upper end walls is. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 and 8 to 13, characterized in that the elastic shape memory device with a thermoplastic polymer foam is realized. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymeric plastic, used to make the inner and outer cap will be chosen is made from the group that is formed by the polyethylenes which Polypropylene, the ethylene-propylene copolymers and their blends, the polyamides, the polystyrenes (PS), the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), the styrene and acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), the polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polycarbonates (PC), methyl polymethacrylates (PMMA), the polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 15, characterized in that the latching devices, when on the inside surface the upper end wall of the outer cap and on the outer surface of the upper End wall of the inner cap are arranged, among which selected which are formed by wreath-shaped teeth, lamellae with square, rectangular, triangular cross-section, in radial Position and with a radial length of at most equal to the radius of the Snap-in receiving surface, reduced by the radius the base area the geometric volume of the elastic device. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the latching devices, when at the same time they are confronting each other surfaces the cylindrical side walls and on the upper end surfaces the inner and the outer cap are formed, successive ribs which form lamellae, the radially over at least one of the corresponding surfaces of the upper end walls of Cover caps in the form of a radial corrugation extend whose radial length at the most is equal to the radius of the latch receiving surface, reduced by the radius of the base surface of the geometric volume the elastic device. Device according to at least one of claims 1 or 3 and 4 to 15, characterized in that the latching devices, when on the inside surface the cylindrical side wall of the outer cap and on the outer surface of the arranged cylindrical side wall of the inner cap are selected from the group formed by slats with square, rectangular, triangular cross-section extending over at least part of height of extending side wall and are formed according to the generatrices or sprockets, present in perimetry on the relevant surfaces. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that on the opposite surfaces the outer and inner cap formed latching devices the same Morphology or have a different morphology. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 16, characterized in that the opposing ones Latching devices formed on the inner surface of the upper End wall of the outer cap and on the outside surface of the upper end wall of the inner cap, on each of these surfaces through a sprocket are formed whose apparent diameter, which is smaller than that of the closure caps, preferably for both Wreaths the same is. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that that the teeth the Einrastkränze have a parallelepiped shape, which at their mechanically intervening End two symmetrical oblique surfaces has, separated by a horizontal surface. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the teeth of Einrastkränze a have a parallelepiped or cylindrical shape, which has a hemisphere or a truncated cone at its mechanically engaging end. Device according to at least one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that preferably each wreath at least four teeth has and the relationship from number of teeth and ring diameter in mm between 0.15 and 0.5 is included. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the guide means of the outer cap in relation to the inner cap on one and / or other the cylindrical side walls one and the other cap, on the outer surface of the inner cap and / or on the inner surface of the outer cap present are. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that that the leadership facilities formed by slats with square, rectangular, triangular cross section, present on the cylindrical side wall and formed according to generatrices the said wall. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the guide means of the outer cap with respect to the inner cap and at the same time driving devices only in the direction of tightening the inner cap through the outer cap are and preferably over the entire height the cylindrical side walls the two caps are present. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that that the leadership and entrainment facilities in the direction of tightening the inner cap the outer cap Lamellae are the appearance of a wave or curvature with have triangular or rectangular cross-section whose beginning is on a generatrix of the cylindrical side surfaces is located and the end thereof according to a bevel Level is aligned: - in Zentripetalneigungsrichtung when the lamellae on the inner surface of cylindrical side wall of the outer cap are located, - in Centrifugal inclination direction when the fins are on the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the inner cap are located.