DK2707304T3

DK2707304T3 - DOUBLE, CHILD SAFETY LOCK MECHANISM

Info

Publication number: DK2707304T3
Application number: DK12726351.5T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Severin Herborn; Inge Köppen
Original assignee: Remy & Geiser Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-05-12
Filing date: 2012-05-11
Publication date: 2017-12-04
Also published as: NO2707304T3; DE102011101464A1; WO2012152450A2; EP2707304A2; WO2012152450A3; PL2707304T3; DE102011101464B4; EP2707304B1; ES2646393T3; PT2707304T

Description

The invention relates to a two-part child-proof closure, in particular for containers, with an inner cap which is in the form of a hollow body and has a first cylindrical, upwardly open casing section which can be closed by a cover, and a second lower, downwardly open casing section, and an outer cap at least partially surrounding the inner cap, wherein the outer cap has a central, upwardly open cutout through which at least a part of the inner cap can be at least partially guided and which can be deflected from a starting position in the direction of the centre axis of the closure by application of force and, after the application of force is ended, can be returned again into the starting position by at least one spring means.

Numerous flip top closures are known from the previous prior art which are used almost without exception in the food industry. Due to the easy and simple opening of such flip tops the filling material, such as for example ketchup, mayonnaise or honey, can be quickly removed from the container. Thus these closures which only need a small application of force to open them can only be used in areas in which the filling material is designed to be consumable or not harmful to health when swallowed or in contact with skin. As soon as filling materials are used which are not consumable or are even harmful to health, the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances, for example, or also EU directives, such as for example the Directive 1999/45 eG, require a child-proof closure which prevents children from coming into unwanted contact with the filling material and suffering serious injuries, such as for example bums. Conventional flip top closures are not suitable for this purpose because of the lack of child-proof locking.

The document US 2010/0147732 A1 discloses a closure according to the preamble to claim 1.

Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a closure, in particular for containers, which is suitable for child-proof closing of containers for filling materials which are non-consumable or are harmful to health or hazardous substances according to the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to ensure that, the child-proof locking has been overcome, a simple, reliable and quick opening of the closure and removal of the filling material take place. Furthermore, the present invention provides a closure which does not have to be removed from the container during removal of the filling material. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a closure which can be opened with one hand. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a closure which can be used in particular for the cosmetic industry, the dye and paint processing industry, for the chemical industry and for the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, the object of the present invention is that it should be cost-effective and technically simple to manufacture and should be suitable for mass production.

In terms of apparatus this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and modifications are the subject of the subordinate claims.

The idea underlying the present invention involves a two-part child-proof closure, consisting of an inner cap and an outer cap at least partially surrounding the inner cap, wherein the closure is easy to open after the child-proof locking has been overcome. The spring means comprises at least two band-like spring elements, which are arranged on the inside of the outer cap and in each case have and end directed obliquely downwards. This is advantageous since the spring strength can be adjusted by the obliquely downwardly directed arrangement of the spring elements. Moreover, when force is applied to the spring elements, the force applied is better distributed and discharged, so that the spring elements according to the invention are more stable and more unbreakable than purely vertically arranged spring elements. Moreover, because of the obliqueness the spring elements according to the invention are acted on by a higher force, preferably a compressive force, and have a greater spring deflection than is case with purely vertically arranged spring elements. According to the invention this gives rise to a relatively long service life of the closure, since the bending stress is reduced to a minimum.

In the simplest embodiment the band-like spring elements are rectilinear and produce an oblique plane. The band-like spring elements are advantageous wound at least partially helically. This is advantageous since when force is applied to the outer cap along the centre axis greater forces are absorbed by the spring elements. Moreover, the spring deflection is advantageously increased by comparison with known horizontally arranged band-like spring elements, so that cracks and fractures of the spring elements caused by overstressing are avoided. Furthermore, the at least partially helical curvature of the band-like spring elements according to the invention brings about a fast return of the outer cap to its initial position when the application of force ends.

The spring elements can be guided against the inner cap. The band-like spring elements are preferably configured as compression spring elements. Advantageously during the application of pressure to the outer cap the spring elements can be guided along the centre axis against a region of the inner cap, preferably against an edge region between the upper and lower casing section, so that this region of the inner cap acts as a limiting means and force is applied to the spring element itself. If a pressure is applied to the outer cap along the centre axis, the free ends of the spring elements are guided without force until they have a first contact region with the edge region of the inner cap. With a further application of force to the outer cap the free ends the spring elements are guided further against the edge region of the inner cap, until a surface-like contact region between the free ends and the edge region of the inner cap is produced. The spring elements are deformed and tensioned with further, sustained application of force. In this case according to the invention the spring elements are deflected out of their starting position and are guided in the direction of the inner wall of the upper cover surface of the outer cap. This requires a predeterminable application of force in order to tension the spring elements according to the invention appropriately, which can be set by material selection, material thickness as well as material flexibility of the spring element. Thus short thick spring elements require a greater application of force for tensioning them than long thin spring elements.

In the simplest implementation of the application of force, which is not a part of the invention, the free ends of the spring elements are constructed in such a way that in a closure according to the invention consisting of an inner cap and an outer cap, in each case an edge of a spring element forms a contact surface with the edge region of the inner cap arranged below it.

According to the invention the respective free end has an end surface which in the force-free state is arranged parallel to an edge region of the inner cap. This is advantageous, since when force is applied to the outer cap the spring elements can be guided against the edge region of the inner cap, so that the end surfaces of the free ends form a common enlarged contact surface which serves for stabilisation and the distribution of force. According to the invention this enlarged contact surface results in an increased absorption of pressing force by the spring elements without them being destroyed.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, when force is applied the end surface forms with the edge region of the inner cap a contact surface which is preferably rectangular. In particular it is advantageous if the end surfaces have a rectangular cross-section, so that a rectangular common contact surface is produced between the respective end surfaces and the inner cap. This is advantageous in particular since thus the deformation of the spring elements takes place in a controlled and uniform manner and fractures or cracks in the spring elements are avoided. Furthermore, it would of course also be conceivable to provide the cross-section in any shape, such as round, oval or polygonal.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the outer cap has, at least partially, with the spring means preferably arranged fixedly on the inner cap, a common contact surface, preferably on the inner wall of the outer cap. Thus the outer cap is held by the spring means in an initial position in which advantageously the closure cannot be opened. If force is applied to the outer cap along the centre axis of the closure, in particular if pressure is applied, the outer cap is deflected out of its starting position and the inner wall of the outer cap is guided against the spring means.

Due to the configuration of the spring means, which is not a part of the invention, as bandlike spring elements, which moreover have a convex upwardly directed curvature, the force acting on the spring elements due to the application of force is absorbed by the spring elements, and is in particular led away laterally from the force application surface, so that the formation of cracks and fractures is avoided even in the event of overstressing of the spring elements. Depending upon the configuration of the curvature, the spring elements have a more or less great spring deflection.

The spring elements are advantageously fixedly connected at their ends to an edge region of the outer cap, for example as fixed bearings. In this case it is conceivable that, depending upon the configuration, the ends of the spring elements are arranged spaced apart differently from one another at the edge region. This fixing brings about the spring deflection of the spring element. If the spring elements are for example arcuate with an upwardly directed convex curvature and if, moreover, the two ends of the arcuate spring element are arranged spaced far apart from one another on the edge region, the spring deflection of the spring element when force is applied is greater than in the case of ends which are arranged directly adjacent to one another.

Due to the force acting in the direction of the centre axis the outer cap is deflected out of its starting position, whereas the inner cap advantageously remains in place. Thus during this application of force the inner cap can be passed at least partially through an upwardly directed central opening of the outer cap, so that preferably the cover of the inner cap can be opened with one hand and the filling material can be removed.

After the application of force is ended, the spring elements are returned to their original shape and position again by the restoring force, so that the outer cap is also returned to its initial position again, so that the cover of the inner cap can no longer be opened. The outer cap in its starting position is advantageously mounted without resistance, that is to say freely rotatably about the centre axis of the closure, so that the closure cannot be opened for example by a screwing movement.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the spring elements are rhomboid with two upper rhombus sides and two lower rhombus sides, so that these spring elements advantageously have an upwardly convex curvature and two opposing laterally convex curvatures. The lower rhombus sides are advantageously arranged with their respective free end firmly on the inner cap, preferably spaced apart from one another. In each case a lower rhombus side and an upper rhombus side have a common contact surface. Moreover the two upper rhombus sides are fixedly connected to one another by means of the convexly upwardly directed curvature. The rhomboid form is particularly advantageous, since during the application of force the lower rhombus sides of each spring element limit the deformation of the spring element and determine the spring deflection. Thus during the application of force the lower rhombus sides are advantageously deformed less strongly than the upper rhombus sides, wherein deformation should be understood as the deflection of the rhombus sides or the spring elements out of their initial position, in which no force acts thereon, through the application of force.

When force is applied, the upper rhombus sides are deformed more strongly at the point or the surface of the greatest vertical expansion in the direction of the centre axis of the closure than the lower rhombus sides. The acting force is advantageously led off into the upper rhombus side. After the ending of the application of force, the restoring force of the spring elements causes them to returning into the initial position, so that the outer cap resting at least partially on the spring elements is likewise returned into its initial position. Thus the deformation can be introduced in a controlled and targeted manner. Moreover, the rhomboid configuration is advantageous since thus no predefined breaking point after frequent application of force is required.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the spring elements are formed as a distorted rhombus so that the lower rhombus sides are shorter along their longitudinal direction than the upper rhombus sides are along their longitudinal direction. This is advantageous if a high spring restoring force is desired, so that also after frequent application of force the spring elements automatically return into their initial position and hardly any wear is required.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the spring elements are arranged diametrically opposite one another on the inner cap. This is advantageous since thus the force applied to the outer cap in the direction of the centre axis of the closure can be uniformly absorbed and thus tilting or tipping of the outer cap are avoided.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the spring elements have a cross-section increasing towards their fixing on the inner cap. This is advantageous in order to set the spring deflection and to limit it. Moreover, the increasing cross-section, which also requires an increasing wall thickness of the spring element, in the lower region of the spring elements gives these spring elements an additional stability during the application of force and the compression, so that the formation of fractures and cracks is avoided. Moreover, these thickened fixing regions also give rise to the advantageous restoration of the spring elements after the ending of the application of force.

In a further embodiment, which is not a part of the invention, the spring elements are arranged at points on their vertically largest dimensions above a plane which is spanned by an upper edge of the opening of the first cylindrical casing section of the inner cap. This arrangement is advantageous since thus in the joined state of the closure the outer cap rests at least partially in a region of its inner wall on the points or surfaces of the vertically largest dimensions of the spring elements, so that the upwardly directed upper cover surface of the outer cap and the upwardly directed upper cover surface of the cover of the inner cap span a common plane. Due to the at least partial support of the outer cap on the spring elements, the outer cap is held appropriately in its initial position and cannot be deflected out of its starting position by children who have less strength. Thus the closure according to the invention cannot be opened by children.

The upwardly directed cover surface of the outer cap and the upwardly directed cover surface of the cover are arranged radially spaced apart from one another, wherein the gap dimension may be regarded as a spacing dimension which determines the radial spacing between the cover surface of the outer cap and the cover surface of the cover of the inner cap. The gap dimension is advantageously selected in such a way that, with the closure closed and without the application of force to the outer cap in direction of the centre axis of the closure, the cover of the inner cap cannot be opened, not even by small children's fingers.

In a further advantageous embodiment the second, lower casing section of the inner cap has a sawtooth-like projection. This is preferably arranged consistently on the periphery of the lower casing section. Furthermore, however, it would also be conceivable to provide a plurality of sawtooth-like projections radially spaced apart from one another, arranged on the periphery at the same height. Advantageously the outwardly chamfered projection is constructed in such a way that it is engaged by a complementary further guide projection extending on the inner wall of the outer cap. Thus the outer cap and the inner cap can be fixed to one another, for example by means of a snap mechanism. Thus this sawtooth-like projection can serve to secure the outer cap against inadvertent detachment during the application of force or against inadvertent detachment of the outer cap from the inner cap by children's hands. The sawtooth-like projection of the inner cap and the guide projection of the outer cap which engages behind the said projection can be constructed in such a way that during tensioning both caps are releasable from one another and thus are also replaceable. It is conceivable that, by means of one and the same type of outer caps, different inner caps always form a two-part child-proof closure. Differently configured inner caps should be understood for example as inner caps which have different originality-guarantee elements, or which are constructed differently from one another in the form of the cylindrically arranged casing section. Of course, according to the invention the releasability of the inner cap from the outer cap is configured in such a way that the force of a child is not sufficient in order to overcome the sawtooth-like projection of the inner cap and to separate the two caps from one another. Thus the child-proof locking is ensured.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the inner cap has at least two diametrically opposing openings in the lower casing section. This is advantageous since these recesses are part of a locking mechanism by means of which, with a simultaneous possibility of opening the closure of the inner cap, the outer cap can be fixed in a position subjected to force. Of course, a plurality of such recesses are also conceivable, such as for example two to ten, preferably two to six such recesses. According to the invention at least two such diametrically opposing recesses are provided, since thus a uniform fixing of the outer cap can also take place while the spring elements are tensioned. If only one recess were provided, the restoring force of the spring elements would cause an oblique return of the outer cap and it would not be possible to open the closure. Furthermore, it is conceivable to arrange the recesses in any way on the periphery in the lower casing section, so that two to ten such recesses are preferably provided, wherein the distances between successive recesses may be the same and/or different relative to one another.

In addition to the locking mechanism of the closure according to the invention, the recesses also advantageously serve for screwing of the closure according to the invention.

In a further advantageous embodiment the outer cap has at least two cam-like projections complementary to the recesses in the inner cap. These cam-like projections are a further component of the locking mechanism of the outer cap on the inner cap. According to the invention the same number of cam-like projections on the outer cap and of recesses in the inner cap are provided. According to the invention the cam-like projections also serve for screwing the closure according to the invention.

According to the invention the outer cap of the present closure according to the preamble to claim 1 is guided downwards along the centre axis against an edge region of the inner cap, wherein the spring elements are increasingly acted upon by pressure and in each case form a common contact surface with the edge region. For fixing, the outer cap is rotated, preferably in a clockwise direction, about the centre axis after maximum application of force, so that the cam-like projections of the outer cap are introduced into the openings of the inner cap and locked. Thus the outer cap is locked in a state subjected to force. The upper casing region of the inner cap is guided at least partially through the central upwardly open opening in the outer cap, so that the cover of the inner cap can be opened. If the outer cap is rotated in the opposite direction, the cam-like projections of the outer cap are guided out of the recesses in the inner cap and the locking is released. The outer cap is returned to its initial position by the spring restoring force of the spring elements, so that the cover of the inner cap can no longer be opened. Therefore the closure according to the invention is child-proof, since it is configured in such a way that the force of children is not sufficient to deform the spring elements by pressure in this way and at the same time to lock the outer cap in rotation.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the inner cap and the outer cap are preferably releasably fixed to one another. This is advantageous for closing by the manufacturer, since thus a two-part child-proof closure is provided which is easy and cost-effective to produce. In the joined state of the closure according to the invention, if the inner cap and outer cap are connected to one another the closure is made child-proof in such a way that the force of a child is not sufficient to separate the inner cap and the outer cap again from one another.

Due to the rotatably mounted outer cap, preferably the outer cap mounted rotatably about the centre axis, the inner, and thus secured, inner cap cannot be unscrewed from the container to be closed, since due to the screwing movement only the outer cap rotates freely and the inner cap remains at rest.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, in a closed state a gap dimension between the inner cap and the outer cap is designed in such a way that the cover of the inner cap cannot be opened. This is advantageous since thus the cover of the inner cap can only be opened after the application of force and locking of the outer cap. Thus small children are prevented from being able to reach the contents of the container to be closed. The gap dimension is chosen in such a way that the inner cap can be passed at least partially through the central upwardly open opening of the outer cap without tilting, and on the other hand the gap dimension is small in such a way that even small children's fingers cannot open the cover of the inner cap in the closed state not open to be able.

Further advantageous embodiments are apparent from the appended drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a closed closure according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows an external view of an inner cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of an opened inner cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of an example of an inner cap along the line A-A in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows an external view of an outer cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a cross-section of an outer cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of an outer cap which is not a part of the invention; Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of a further closed closure according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional representation of an outer cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of an opened closure according to the invention which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional representation of a further inner cap which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 12a shows a three-dimensional representation of a closure which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 12b shows a cross-section of an application of a closure which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 13 shows a further part of a closure which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-section of a further outer cap according to Figure 13 which is not a part of the invention;

Figure 15 shows a schematic cross-section of an outer cap according to Figure 13;

Figure 16 shows a plan view of a further outer cap according to the invention according to Figure 13;

Figure 17 shows a three-dimensional representation of a further inner cap; and

Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-section of the further inner cap according to Figure 17.

Figure 1 shows a closed closure 1 according to the invention with an at least partially visible inner cap 2 and an outer cap 3 surrounding the inner cap in particular on the periphery. Advantageously the inner cap 2 is arranged centrally inside the outer cap 2. In this closed state the gap dimension X is determined by the spacing of the outer cap 3 from the inner cap 2 guided centrally therein. The gap dimension X is configured in such a way that no manual opening of the cover 10 is required, neither by an adult nor by a child. Thus the closure 1 according to the invention is designed to be child-proof in the closed state. Thus the filling material of the container (not shown) to be closed by the closure 1 cannot be removed.

The closure 1 is advantageously made of plastic. Furthermore, composite materials or fibre-reinforced plastics would also be conceivable for example. The material of the closure 1 according to the invention is advantageously resistant to solvents and/or to chemicals and/or to light and/or can be sterilised or autoclaved.

Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of an inner cap 2, which is not a part of the invention, which has an upper at least partially cylindrical casing portion 4 and a further lower casing portion 6. Moreover, the upper casing section 4 has an upwardly directed opening 8, which is preferably round and which can be closed by means of a cover 10 arranged on the casing section 4. The opening 8 is arranged centrally in relation to the centre axis M.

Advantageously the cover 10 has on its inside 12 at least one, preferably two, projections 13a and 13b, extending on the inside 12 of the cover 10 in the closed state thereof in the direction of the centre axis M and which have on their outer surfaces facing away from one another a radial thickening of the material, for example in the form of a bulge or a raised area, the said projections tapering towards their free end. This is advantageous since thus the cover 10 can be designed as a flip top and with a low application of force by means of a hinge-like element 14, which is preferably designed as a film hinge, forms with the inner wall 15 of the upper casing section 4 a positive lock which can also be released again with a low application of force. The cover 10 is advantageously fixed releasably on the inner wall 15 by means of a snap mechanism. Furthermore, however, all mechanisms suitable for closing would also be conceivable.

Furthermore, the cover 10 has on its inside 12, preferably opposite the hinge-like element 14, an originality-guarantee strip 16 which is releasably connected by means of one or more predefined breaking points (not shown) to the inside 12 of the cover 10. The originality-guarantee strip 16 is constructed for example in the form of a strip or a tab and has at least one cutout 18. This cutout 18 can be arranged symmetrically within the originality-guarantee strip 16, but can also be arranged asymmetrically. The cutout 18 is advantageously arranged in such a way that with the cover 10 closed at least one lug-like element 20 arranged on the outer surface of the upper casing section 4 engages in the cutout. In this case the hook-like element may be constructed in the form of a hook or web or may also be rounded. Alternatively the originality strip can also be arranged on the upper casing section 4 or the inner part.

When the cover 10 is opened for the first time after being closed in the factory, first of all the resistance of the lug-like elements 20 must be overcome, wherein the lug-like element 20 is designed in such a way that when force is applied the predefined breaking points (not shown) provided on the originality-guarantee strip 16 are broken up are and the originality-guarantee strip 16 is separated from the inside 12 of the cover 10 and the originality-guarantee strip 16 is simultaneously retained by the lug-like element 20. Thus the user recognises whether the container was already in use was or whether it is a container originally closed in the factory. This is particularly importance in the case of pharmaceutical filling materials or also hazardous substances, since in containers which are already opened a contact of the filling material with oxygen should be assumed, so that the shelf life or usability of the filling material can be limited.

The lug-like element 20 is advantageously arranged in a depression 21 in the outer wall of the upper casing section 4. The depression 21 is preferably constructed in such a way that, in the original factory-closed state of the cover 10, the originality-guarantee strip 16 is arranged inside this depression 21. In the simplest exemplary embodiment the depression is rectangular, but it may also have any other geometric shape depending upon the requirements and the configuration of the originality-guarantee strip 16.

If the originality-guarantee strip 16 is separated from the cover 10 by the application of force, the cover 10 can be completely opened by the previously described example of a snap mechanism.

Advantageously the inside 12 of the cover 10 has one or more sealing elements 22. A radial sealing element 22 is preferably provided which, with the cover 10 closed, forms a gas-tight and liquid-tight barrier with the upper edge of the opening 23 provided for discharge of the filling material forms, so that discharge of the filling material is prevented. The sealing element 22 can have additionally sealing rings, sealing strips or sealing discs, which are preferably made of plastic and are for example solvent-resistant.

The opening 8, which can be constructed as an engagement cutout, of the upper casing section 4 is advantageously constructed centrally in the direction of the centre axis M. Depending upon the application, the filling material can be removed directly by means of this opening 8. The central arrangement of the opening 8 is advantageous particularly for the production process, since the manufacture is simplified. Moreover, depending upon the application, the shape and size of the opening 8 can be changed during production, so that only slight conversions are required in terms of manufacturing technology.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that an adapter-like element 24 is arranged, preferably undetachably, inside the opening 8, and thus is formed in one piece with the upper casing section 4. Depending upon the application, the adapter-like element 24 can be specially constructed in its geometric configuration and size and can serve for example to accommodate nozzles of medical syringes. The fixed arrangement of the adapter-like elements 24 on the inner cap 2 is advantageous, since previous syringe inserts are pressed into existing closures, so that there is a danger of leakage or being pulled out.

If no adapter-like element 24 is provided, it is conceivable that the at least partial radial projections 13a and 13b have at least one sealing element (not shown) or fix the sealing element when the cover 10 is closed, so that no discharge of the filling material is possible.

The lower casing section 6 has a greater external diameter than the upper casing section 4. The spring means 30, shown here by way of example by the two spring elements 30a and 30b, is fixedly arranged on an edge region 28 extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the centre axis M. In this case the spring elements 30a, 30b are advantageously constructed in rhomboid form and in each case have two upper rhombus sides 32a, 32b and two lower rhombus sides 34a, 34b. In each case an upper rhombus side 32a or 32b meres by means of a convex curvature into a lower rhombus side 34a or 34b directly adjacent to it. The two upper rhombus sides 32a and 32b are advantageously connected fixedly to one another by means of a surface section 36, wherein the surface section 36 is preferably oriented parallel to the edge region 28. The surface area of the section 36 is not fixed at a specific size, but can be adapted depending upon the application. In the simplest case the surface of the surface section 36 is of rectangular construction. However, it can also be constructed with a shape which is not rectangular, for example polygonal, round or elliptical. The cross-section of the two lower rhombus sides 34a, 34b increases in the direction of the edge region 28. This thickening of the material which increases towards the fixing serves for stabilisation of the spring elements 30a, 30b against breakage and determine the spring stiffness as well as the spring deflection thereof.

The lower casing section 6 has at least partially, preferably completely, on the periphery a sawtooth-like projection 38 which has a negative gradient downwards from above in the direction of the centre axis M. The outer edge 40 of the sawtooth-like projection 38 is advantageously has an angular or rounded construction.

Subsequently along the centre axis M there is an increase in the external diameter of the lower casing section 6 forming a slope 42 which serves for guiding a guide projection 82 of the outer cap 3 (not shown).

Furthermore the lower casing section 6 of the inner cap 2 has a plurality of cutouts 44 which are preferably arranged diametrically opposite one another on the outer face of the lower casing section 6.

Figure 3 shows a side view of an inner cap, which is not a part of the invention, with an opened cover 10. Components which are the same are provided with the same references as in the preceding Figure 1 and are not explained again here. In this illustration by way of example, the rhomboid spring element 30a in its vertical orientation in the direction of the centre axis M is constructed higher than the upper edge 46 of the upper casing section 4. Advantageously, however, the vertical orientation with the cover 10 closed (not shown) can be less than the outer cover surface of the cover 10. This is advantageous since it is possible to rest on the spring element 30a, preferably on the surface section 36 at least partially in the region of the inner wall of the outer cap (not shown). The lower rhombus sides 34a and 34b are fixedly arranged spaced apart from one another on the edge region 28. Moreover, the cross-section of the two lower rhombus sides 34a and 34b increases towards the edge region 28, so that both rhombus sides 34a, 34b are thicker in the region of their fixing on the edge region 28 and thus have a thickening of the material by comparison with the other regions. This increasing cross-section serves for stabilisation of the spring element on the edge region and determines the possible spring deflection of the spring element 30. If the two lower rhombus sides 34a, 34b have a large increase in cross-section towards the edge region 28, the spring element 30 has a small spring deflection which can take place in the axial direction when high force is applied, since the lower rhombus sides 34a, 34b can be changed a little flexibly in their position due to the large increase in cross-section. If the two lower rhombus sides 34a, 34b have a small increase in cross-section towards the edge region 28, the spring element 30 has a large spring deflection which can take place in the axial direction when low force is applied. However, if the cross-section of the lower rhombus side 34a, 34b is chosen to be too thin, when force is applied in the axial direction there is risk of breakage of the spring element 30a, which leads to the closure 1 according to the invention becoming unusable and defective. Restoration of the spring and pre-tensioning of the spring take place.

Moreover, in the lower casing section 6 the inner cap 2 has a ring 48 formed at least partially on the periphery which has a greater external diameter than the lower casing section 6. The ring 48 has an upper boundary edge 50 and a lower closing edge 52, wherein the lower closing edge is formed completely on the periphery. The ring preferably has two and particularly preferably four diametrically opposing recesses 44, in which cam-like elements of the outer cap configured to be complementary can be releasably fixed (not shown).

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of an inner cap 2, which is not a part of the invention, with two spring elements 30a, 30b.

The inner cap 2 has an inner internal thread 54 which is advantageously designed in such a way that it can be screwed onto all conventional external threads of the container (not shown). The inner cap 2 has material sections 56 arranged peripherally on its inner wall and projecting perpendicularly to the centre axis M, so that the cap does not co-rotate in a production tool.

The cross-section shows that the geometric form of the spring elements 30a, 30b can also be, in addition to the rhomboid form, arcuate, preferably curved convexly outwards. This enables variable lengths of the upper and lower rhombus sides 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b, wherein the spring elements 30a, 30b advantageously arranged uniformly spaced apart from the upper casing section 4. Due to this arcuate configuration it is possible to releasably fix the outer cap (not shown) without the spring elements 30a, 30b in their radial configuration coming into contact with it and having a common contact surface on the periphery.

The adapter-like element 24 is advantageously made in one piece with the inner cap 2. The opening 23 of the adapter-like element 24 is arranged centrally in relation to the centre axis M in the inner cap 2, so that the filling material can be easily removed. In an exemplary embodiment the adapter-like element 24 has a tubular, centrally arranged element which consists of a first section 60 and a second section 62, wherein both sections 60, 62 are connected to one another by means of a third section 64. Advantageously the first section 60 and second section 62 have the same external diameter, but different internal diameters, wherein advantageously the internal diameter of the first section 60 is greater than the internal diameter of the second section 62. The internal diameter of the first section 60 is cylindrical, preferably slightly conical downwards, so that its internal diameter tapers towards the third section 64. Advantageously the internal diameter of the first section 60 is chosen in such a way that the conically shaped nozzle of medical syringes can be arranged and fixed therein. The fixing of such syringes to the first section 60 of the adapter-like element 24 preferably takes place by means of a standardised connection system, for example by means of Luer Lock. The second section 62 is advantageously constructed in such a way that a riser tube (not shown) can be arranged thereon, so that the filling material can be removed from the container without the need to use it upside down. Both sections 60, 62 are connected to one another by means of a third section 64. This is constmcted for example in the form of a channel and serves to transport the filling material out of the container. The third section 64 advantageously serves for adaptation of the internal diameter of the first section 60 and of the second section 62, so that loss-free transport of filling material is possible. Of course, the tubular element 58 is not limited to the described embodiment with limitations, but can also be used with a changed geometric shape and can for example have a polygonal cross-section. Furthermore, both the external and internal diameters can be chosen according to the application and likewise are not limited to the configuration described by way of example. Thus it would be conceivable for example that the container is divided into a plurality of chambers, in order thus to provide a plurality of filling materials, and thus to give rise to mixing of the individual differing filling materials first only upon removal. In this connection the adapter-like element 24 is advantageously constructed in such a way that the lower section 62 is divided into further regions which are separated from one another, wherein each one is equipped for example with a riser tube, in order to remove the corresponding filling material from the individual chambers of the container, for example by the attachment of a syringe, so that the different filling materials are only mixed in the hollow body of the syringe. This is practical particularly in the medical and cosmetic fields, since in this way costly multiple injections can be avoided. A barrier element (not shown) is advantageously provided in the third section 64, which prevents filling material from escaping from the container into the inner cap 2. Such barrier elements can be constructed for example as a valve or membrane, advantageously made of plastic.

Figure 5 shows a conical outer cap 3, which is not part of the invention, with an outer casing surface 68 constructed on the periphery, an upper cover surface 70 as well as an end element 72 arranged on the periphery. Advantageously the outer casing surface 68 may or may not have, at least partially, particularly preferably completely, gripping grooves 74. These are preferably constructed vertically in the direction of the centre axis M. Furthermore it is conceivable to configure the shape and also the arrangement of the gripping grooves in any way, for example so that surfaces of the outer cap 3 determined by the arrangement of the gripping grooves 74 are gripped by the user, in order thus to simplify the opening of the closure. The gripping grooves 74 can be constructed for example in the direction of the centre axis M, radially perpendicularly to the centre axis M or also in preferably concentric circles or ellipses. Moreover it is conceivable that the gripping grooves 74 are arranged at variable distances relative to one another. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the entire outer surface of the outer cap 3 has gripping grooves 74, other depressions or no depressions.

Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional partial sectional representation of the outer cap 3. The upper cover surface 70 is not continuous, but has a concentric, upwardly directed opening 76. The internal diameter of this concentric opening 76 is advantageously designed in such a way that the inner cap 2 (not shown) described above can be passed at least partially through this opening in the direction of the centre axis M.

The inner wall 78 of the outer cap 3 has, level with the end element 72, at least one, preferably a plurality of cam-like elements 80, which are advantageously arranged diametrically opposite one another. These cam-like elements 80 are constructed in a complementary manner to the recesses 44 in the inner cap 2 and thus can be introduced into these recesses, for example by rotation. Furthermore, the inner wall 78 of the outer cap 3 has an at least partially radially circumferential guide projection 82. This is preferably continuous radially, but can also be interrupted radially in the direction of the centre axis M. The guide projection 82 on the inner wall 78 of the outer cap 3 is advantageously arranged at a height at which the outer casing surface 68 transitions from a conical shape, which widens downwards in the direction of the centre axis M, into a cylindrical shape.

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-section of the outer cap 3. in which the guide projection 82 as well as the arrangement thereof is shown. Components which are the same have the same references and are not explained again here.

Figure 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a closed child-proof closure 1 according to the invention having an inner cap 2 and an outer cap 3 arranged at least partially above it. In contrast to the example of a closure described in Figure 1, the inner cap 2 here in the assembled state is longer in the direction of the centre axis M than the outer cap 3, so that the ring 48 projects at least partially below the end element 72 in the direction of the centre axis. However, this described projection is advantageously small, such that there is no clearance, not even for small children's fingers, for separating the outer cap 3 from the inner cap 2. Such a configuration of a closure is advantageous when the container to be secured only has a short bottle neck and thus the application of force in the direction of the centre axis M downwards in the direction of the container shoulder (not shown) is only possible to some extent. Thus an outer cap 3 shortened in the direction of the centre axis constitutes an advantageous and extremely practical solution.

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional representation of a closure, which is not a part of the invention, in which an axial force has been applied to the upper cover surface 70 of the outer cap 3 in the direction of the arrow P. Due to this application of force the spring elements 30a, 30b (not shown) undergo a deformation, so that the upper casing section 4 projects at least partially out of the concentric opening 76. After the ending of the application of force, the spring elements 30a, 30b (not shown) bring about the return of the outer cap 3 into its starting position, so that the cover 10 can no longer be opened and is closed in a child-proof manner.

For simplified removal of the filling material, a force is first of all applied to the outer cap 3 downwards in the direction of the arrow P. The outer cap is deflected in the direction of the arrow P until the cam-like elements 80 arranged on the inner wall 78 of the outer cap 3 come to rest on the upper boundary edge 50 of the ring 48. Then the outer cap is preferably rotated in a clockwise direction about the centre axis M, so that the cam-like elements 80 can be introduced by means of a slope into the cutouts 44 and can be releasably fixed there. This fixing of the outer cap 3 to the inner cap 2 is advantageously configured as a bayonet fitting. However, any types of closure can be used. After removal of the filling material the outer cap is rotated in the opposite direction, that is to say preferably anticlockwise about the centre axis M and is released from the cutouts 44. Due to the restoring force of the spring elements 30a, 30b the outer cap 3 is restored to its starting position again and the closure is closed in a child-proof manner.

In this case the user recognises whether the closure is still in the originally closed state, since the originality-guarantee strip 16 is still intact and has not been tom off from the cover 10.

Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of an opened closure, which is not a part of the invention. Components which are the same as those in the preceding Figures 1 to 9 have the same references and are not explained again. The cover 10 of the inner cap 2 is opened. The cam-like elements 80 arranged on the inner wall 78 of the outer cap 3 are fixed releasably in the complementary cutouts 44 in the inner cap 2, so that the outer cap 3 is retained in its deflected position. The spring elements 30a, 30b are compresses and thus are under tension.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of an inner cap 84, which is not a part of the invention, which is identical to the inner cap 2 described in Figure 2 apart from the formation of the spring means 30 constituted here by the spring elements 86a, 86b. In this example the spring elements 86a, 86b are arcuate and have a convex curvature upwards. Furthermore, the spring elements 86a, 86b in their radial configuration are likewise curved convexly outwards, so that they are both arranged furthest apart from one another at the respective points of their maximum vertical configuration. This arcuate geometry of the spring elements 86a, 86b provides an advantageous absorption of force when force is applied.

Figure 12a shows a three-dimensional representation of a closure 1, which is not a part of the invention, which is open and in which a syringe 88 is introduced. A riser tube 90 arranged on the inner cap 2 is shown in the lower region. Figure 12b shows a cross-section of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 12a, wherein the inner cap 2 has a fixedly arranged adapterlike element 24. This constitutes either the male or the female conical connection. If the conical nozzle of the syringe 88 has male connection in the form of an external cone, a closure 1 according to the invention with a female adapter-like element 24 is required, so that the first section 60 is constructed as an internal cone and can be introduced into the male section of the syringe nozzle, or vice versa. A reversible closure is brought about by this interaction of the two accurately fitting regions, so that the filling material can be removed in a controlled and almost loss-free manner from the container. In particular when used with syringes 88 the closure 1 according to the invention enables simplified drawing of the syringe 88 as well as secure use upside down, since due to the inner cap 2 constructed in one piece no filling material can escape alongside the opening provided therefor and there is no longer as danger of tilting when large-volume bottles are used upside down.

The syringe nozzle 92 is arranged releasably inside the first section 60 of the tubular element 58. The riser tube 90 is fixed on the second section 62, so that by tensioning of the syringe plunger 94 the filling material can be removed from the container (not shown) by means of the adapter-like element 24 without the need for difficult upside down use. Due to the advantageous embodiment of the closure filling material can be removed simply and without losses.

Figure 13 shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a further outer cap 96, which is not a part of the invention. This has a spring means 98 in addition to the components already described such as the guide projection 80, a plurality of cam-like elements 82 and the upwardly directed central opening 78. The spring means 98 is advantageously made of plastic, but could be made of metal. Moreover, the spring means is arranged on the inside of the outer cap 3 in such a way that it has a free end directed obliquely downwards and has a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the spring means 98 advantageously decreases towards its free end. More such spring means 98 are advantageously provided, particularly preferably two or four diametrically opposing spring means. When force is applied in the direction of the centre axis M the free ends of the spring means 98 are guided at least partially against the inner cap 2, so that the spring means 98 is subject to tension. After the ending of the application of force, the spring restoring force guides the spring means 98 as well as the outer cap 96 back again into the initial position and the cover 10 of the inner cap 2 (not shown) is closed in a child-proof manner. Information elements, for example in the form of arrows as shown in Figure 13 which indicate to the user the direction of movement of the outer cap 3, 96, can also be arranged advantageously on the outer surface of the outer cap 3, 96.

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-section of the outer cap 96 shown in Figure 13, which is not a part of the invention, wherein components which are the same have the same references and are not explained again. The outer cap 96 comprises, in addition to the cam-like projections 80 as well as the guide projection 82, further spring elements 98 which are fixedly arranged on the inner wall of the upper cover surface 70. The spring elements 98 are band-like and each have a free end 100 directed obliquely downwards. Depending upon the embodiment, the free end 100 has an end surface 102 which here, although not within the scope of the invention, is constructed as an edge. In the illustrated embodiment the spring elements 98 are at least partially wound helically and have, along the centre axis M, a curvature K directed outwards towards the inner wall 78. This is advantageous, since thus the pressure introduced into the spring elements 98 can be distributed better. According to the invention the spring elements 98 are constructed in such a way that they are arranged without contact with a plane spanned by the guide projection 82, that is to say they have no common contact surface or interface with this plane.

Figure 15 shows a similar embodiment of an outer cap 96 according to the invention, wherein the same references correspond to the same components and here not explained again here. In contrast to the spring elements 98 in Figure 14, the free ends 100 of the spring elements 98 in each case have an end surface 102 which in the force-free state is oriented substantially horizontally. This is advantageous, since thus the common contact surface is formed between the end surface 102 and the edge region 28 of the inner cap (not shown) is larger than if the end surface 102 is provided only as an edge, as provided in Figure 14. Thus an improved distribution of pressure and guiding of the free ends 100 on the edge region 28 takes place, so that an increased pressure can be applied to the spring elements 98 overall, without cracks or material fatigue being observed.

The end surfaces 102 of the spring elements 98 (Figure 14; Figure 15) are guided against the edge region 28 when force is applied and, when further force is applied, describe an at least partially curvilinear, preferably at least partially circular, path on the edge region 28 of the inner cap (not shown). Thus due to the application of force the free ends 100 of the spring elements 98 carry out a sliding movement on the edge region 28 and thus are deflected laterally out of their original starting position.

Figure 16 shows a plan view of an outer cap 96 of Figure 15 according to the invention, wherein, as illustrated, most preferably five spring elements 98 are arranged firmly on the inner wall of the upper cover surface 70 the outer cap 96. The same references are used as previously, and are not explained again. Depending upon the application, more or fewer of the spring elements 98 are arranged on the inner wall 70 of the outer cap 96.

Figure 17 shows a further inner cap 104 according to the invention which corresponds substantially to the inner cap 2 described in Figure 2, so that components which are the same also have the same references and are not explained again here. The inner cap 104 described here has, in contrast to the previously described inner caps 2, 84, no spring elements 30, 86, 98 and thus is free of spring elements. According to the invention the inner cap 104 in combination with the outer cap 96 (not shown) is fixed to the latter in such a way that a separation of the outer cap 96 from the inner cap 104 is no longer possible and thus the childproof locking is provided. The spring elements 98 which are arranged on the inner wall of the outer cap 96 (not shown) are guided, during the application of force, against the inner cap 104, preferably against the edge region 28. This serves, with sufficient application of force, for tensioning the spring element 98, preferably by deflecting it out of its starting position and preferably describing an at least partially curvilinear path on the edge region 28.

Furthermore, the illustrated further inner cap 104 differs in that the cover 10 has a lateral originality-guarantee strip 16 which comprises an opening 18. In a complementary manner the upper casing region 4 of the inner cap 104 has a lug-like element 20 which, in the closed state of the cover 10, is arranged inside the opening 18 and, when the cover 18 is opened for the first time, causes the originality-guarantee strip 16 to be tom off.

Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-section of the further inner cap 104 shown in Figure 17, wherein references which are the same are not explained again. The cross-section of the inner cap 104 shows, on the lower casing region 6, a further originality-guarantee strip 106 which comprises a plurality of predefined breaking points 108. This originality-guarantee strip 106 serves for identification that the closed container (not shown) is still in the originally closed state and has not undergone any replacement or change of the contents. In this case the number of predefined breaking points is variable and is preferably between two and twenty and more preferably between four and ten.

List of references 1 closure 2 inner cap 3 outer cap 4 upper casing section 6 upper casing section 8 opening 10 cover 12 inside of the cover 14 hinge-like element 15 inner wall 16 originality-guarantee strip 18 cutout 20 lug-like element 21 recess 22 sealing element 23 opening 24 adapter-like element 28 edge region 30 spring means 30a, 30b spring element 32a, 32b upper rhombus side 34a, 34b lower rhombus side 36 surface section 38 sawtooth-like projection 40 outer edge 42 slope 44 recess 46 upper edge 48 ring 50 upper boundary edge 52 lower end edge 54 internal thread 56 protruding material section 58 tubular element 60 first section 62 second section 64 third section 68 outer casing surface 70 upper cover surface 72 end element 74 gripping grooves 76 concentric cutout 78 inner wall of the outer cap 80 cam-like element 82 guide projection 84 further inner cap 86a, 86b further spring elements 88 syringe 90 riser tube 92 syringe nozzle 94 syringe plunger 96 further outer cap 98 further spring means 100 free end 102 end surface 104 further inner cap 106 further originality-guarantee strip 108 predefined breaking point K curvature M centre axis P direction of application of force X gap dimension

Claims

A two-piece child-resistant locking mechanism (1), especially for containers, with a cavity-like inner cap (104) having a first cylindrical tube portion (4) that can be closed with a lid (10) and opened upwardly and a second tube portion ( 6) below, which is opened downwards, and an outer cap (96) which surrounds at least partially the inner cap (104), the outer cap (96) having a centric recess (76) which opens upwardly, and through which can at least partially pass through at least part of the inner cap (104) and which, when exerted by pressure, can be rotated out of an initial position towards the center line (M) of the locking mechanism (1) and upon completion of the exerted pressure via at least one spring can be returned to the starting position, the spring comprising at least two band-like spring elements (98) located on the inside of the outer cap (96) and which by means of the applied pressure perform a sliding movement on an edge area ( 28) of the contents end cap (2; 84; 104), characterized in that the spring elements (98) have an inclined downwardly free end (100), the respective free end (100) having an end face (102) which is placed in parallel in a powerless state. with the edge region (28) of the inner cap (104).

Locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the end surface (102), when applying pressure, has a common contact surface with the edge region (28) of the inner cap (104), which contact surface is rectangularly shaped.

Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower pipe part (6) has a saw-like projection (38) extending at least partially along the circumference.

Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner cap (104) has at least two diametrically opposed notches (44) in the lower pipe part (6).

Locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer cap (96) has at least two cam-like projections (80) which are formed in addition to the notches (44) of the inner cap (104).

Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner cap (104) and the outer cap (96) are fixed to each other in a way that they can be separated.

Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gap (X) is provided between the inner cap (104) and the outer cap (96) in such a way that the lid (10) the inner cap (104) cannot be opened.