EP1700790B1 - Tube for paste-like media or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A plastic tube holds a charge of paste e.g. toothpaste or prescription ointment. The outlet has a removable screw cap with a tamper-proof seal originality seal linked to the nozzle canula with a ring and locking nipple. On first use the originality seal is visibly broken.

Description

The invention relates to a tube with a tamper-evident closure, which has a screw cap and a ring integrally connected to this screw via at least one web ring, and a tamper-evident closure for such tubes

At the manufacturer, tubes are often provided with a tamper-evident after filling with a product, such as a pharmaceutical product or pasterous food or toothpaste or cosmetic product or the like.

Such tamper-evidence is designed to indicate in a first condition that the tube opening has not been released after packaging the product, and in a second condition to indicate that the tube opening has been released after packaging the product in the tube. If the originality assurance is still in the first state, which often corresponds to a non-damaged or a non-tube body of the tube or the tube cover (partially) state, it will be apparent to the consumer that after applying the tamper evidence neither unwanted media that In the tube contained product could be added, still parts of the product could be removed from the tube.

Moreover, such a (undamaged) tamper evidence usually provides a guarantee that the tube was not open for a long time after applying the tamper-evident, so that, depending on the design of the product in the tube, the product is possibly dried to an undesirable extent ,

Are known, for example, tamper-evident, which are formed as a film and are closed circumferentially closed at the tube shoulder facing away from the end face of the tube neck. If this film is undamaged and is circumferentially completely fixed to the mentioned end, it is ensured that the opening has not yet been released. If the film is at least partially torn off or has holes in the region of the tube opening, the above is no longer guaranteed.

Tubes with such a tamper-evident feature often have a screw cap. The film is (even if the originality is still displayed) formed separately from the screw cap.

In addition, tubes with a screw cap are known in which a tamper-evident in the screw cap is integrated.

In a variant of this type, this is such that with undamaged tamper evidence a ring is held on the tube cap over a plurality of circumferentially distributed webs, so that the ring and the cap are integrally formed. This unit is applied to the tube neck at the manufacturer's closing. If the screw cap is then opened, the ring is released from this screw, so that the ring and screw cover now form two separate parts. The ring can fall off the tube body, which is often unwanted, for example, from aspects of environmental protection.

In a further known variant of the above-mentioned type, it is provided that the ring held on the screw cap before the first opening of the tube is held on the screw cap even after this opening and forms a one-piece connection therewith. In the designs of this type can be provided, for example, that the ring is blown open when opening and is solved in the region of a plurality of web connections of the screw cap, although a connection between the screw cap and the ring is given, which is sufficient even when (initial) screwing is stably formed to prevent separation of the ring from the lid into two separate parts. In the designs of this type, the ring either from then on remains on the screw cap, so that it frequently forms a part which disturbs the customer in terms of ease of use, or the customer has to tear off or cut off this part - often laboriously.

Tamper evident closures of various designs are, for example, in the Patents US 4,715,506 . US 4,560,076 . US 4,541,536 and WO 03/037737 A1 described.

The generic Patent US 6,223,919 B1 discloses the preamble of claim 1 and shows in one embodiment a tube with a screw cap, between the screw cap and a ring (tamper-evident ring) first and second projections are arranged, which allow by means of a stop position screwing the screw on the tube, without doing so the ring is separated from the screw cap. When opening (first unscrewing) of the screw cap, however, the ring is separated from the screw cap by the connecting bars are sheared off. This shearing may be favored by a ramp-like formation of the second projections.

A disadvantage of such a tamper-evident closure that only the low resistance of shearing the connecting webs must be overcome during the first opening. Thus, the closure in question can be easily opened unnoticed or unintentionally, without it being perceived that it is a tamper-evident closure.

The invention is an object of the invention to provide a tube with a tamper-evident closure, which has a screw cap and an on this (just the originality securing state) integrally connected ring. However, unintentional opening should be largely prevented with such a tamper-evident closure. The design of the invention should also be simple in terms of handling and can reliably display the originality.

According to the invention, a tube according to claim 1 is proposed. An inventive tamper-evident closure is the subject of claim 12. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

By a third projection on the ring is provided according to the invention and the first, arranged on the protective cap, projection is positioned between the second and this third projection, also results in opening the protective cap, a stop position of the projections. This prevents too smooth and thus unintentional first opening of the tube. Rather, this striking the first projection of the third projection is consciously perceptible - a further rotation of the Screw cap will then inevitably be deliberately brought about. Such a consciously perceptible first opening of the tube creates additional confidence in the user or consumer.

According to the invention, in particular, a tube is proposed which has a tube body and a tamper-evident closure. It is provided in particular that the tube body defines a tube interior. The tube or the tube interior is intended for receiving medium, such as, for example, pharmaceutical product or toothpaste or cosmetic products or foods, such as pasty foods, or the like. The tube body forms a tube shoulder and a tube neck provided with an external thread. In this case, provision is made in particular for the tube shoulder to adjoin the tube neck at the end, wherein a tube opening for dispensing the medium is formed at the end formed on the tube shoulder. The tamper-evident closure has a screw cap or screw cap and a ring. The screw cap and the ring are - in particular in the original state indicating state - integrally connected to each other via at least one web, wherein it is preferably provided that a plurality of such webs are arranged distributed circumferentially for connection of screw cap and ring.

The tube body has at least one outwardly directed latching projection. This at least one outwardly directed latching projection of the tube body is preferably arranged between the external thread of the tube body and the tube shoulder of the tube body. The outwardly directed latching projection of the tube body is formed in a particularly preferable design on the tube neck. This latching projection of the tube body may be formed, for example, annular or disc or annular disk-shaped and be integrally connected at its radially inner end with the tube neck. It can also be provided that the latching projection of the tube body or a locking projection designed in this way is supported by reinforcing ribs or the like. The latching projection of the tube body is directed substantially outward or extends for example from the tube neck radially outward.

The ring, so the ring of tamper-evident closure that is not confused with the provided on the tube body locking projection, which may also be annular, and the at least one locking projection of the tube body form a locking connection or latching device. This locking device is in particular such that the ring from the direction of the tube shoulder remote from the end of the tube neck can be moved in the direction of the locking projection of the tube body and then - from the perspective of this direction or position - can engage at or behind the locking projection of the tube body. In the latched position of the latching connection, the ring is preferably positioned axially between the tube shoulder and the latching projection of the tube body. In this case, the ring is axially secured or held by the or by means of the locking projection of the tube body in the locked position, in particular in the direction away from the tube shoulder direction. The latching device is designed such that the ring can be brought into its latched position by screwing the screw cap in the external thread of the tube body. When the ring is in its locked position, the screw cap can be separated from the ring by screwing in the external thread. This is in particular such that by disconnecting the screw cap from the ring henceforth the screw cap and the ring are separate parts, that is no longer integrally connected. This separation can be carried out in particular in the region of the webs, which break up, for example. The screwing of the screw cap for separating from the ring is in particular such that the screw cap is screwed or moved from its substantially closed position in the direction of its open position.

It is further provided that at least a first stop surface is formed on the screw cap. This first stop surface is associated with a second stop surface formed on the ring. In the presence of a plurality of first stop surfaces on the screw cap is provided in particular that each of these first stop surfaces is assigned a separate, formed on the ring second stop surface. The first or the respective first abutment surface is facing the second abutment surface (respectively) assigned to it and spaced from it by a gap. This intermediate space can, for example, be such that, viewed in the circumferential direction of the screw cap, it is bounded on the one hand by the first stop surface and, on the other hand, by the second stop surface assigned to this first stop surface.

The at least one web or the entirety of the webs is deformable such that the at least one first abutment surface is movable toward the respectively associated second abutment surface for forming a first stop position without the screw cap being separated from the ring.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, in the event that a plurality of first and second abutment surfaces are provided, substantially each of the first abutment surfaces abuts against the second abutment surface associated therewith if at least one first abutment surface strikes against the second abutment surface associated therewith. The respectively associated abutment surfaces, ie a respective first abutment surface and the second abutment surface associated therewith, are configured and positioned relative to each other so that they move into the engaged position to avoid separation of the screw cap from the ring their (respective) first stop position to reach. This is in particular such that a relief in the region of the webs is effected by supporting the first abutment surface on the associated second abutment surface or the respective first abutment surface on the respective associated second abutment surface, which is such that acting in the region of the webs Load is not sufficient to separate the screw cap from ring in the area of the webs.

It has already been mentioned that the webs are formed so deformable that the (respective) first abutment surface is movable to the respectively associated second abutment surface to form a first stop position without the screw cap being separated from the ring. It can be provided that this deformability is given directly in the web; but it can also be provided that the unit of ring, screw cap and webs is deformable such that the separation in the first stop position or when starting the first stop position - as mentioned - is avoided, so that the mentioned deformability in the region of at least On the one hand, a bridge is narrowly defined, on the other hand - alternatively - but also broadly understood. The deformability may in particular be an elastic or plastic deformability.

It is provided in particular that the at least one web holds the ring axially spaced on the screw cap. In this design, the screw cap has at least one first axial projection on its axial end facing the ring. Furthermore, the ring has at least one second axial projection on its axial end facing the screw cap. Each first axial projection is assigned to a second axial projection. If a plurality of first axial projections are provided, provision is made in particular for each of these first axial projections to be assigned a different or separate axial second projection. Between each first axial projection and the second axial projection associated therewith, a gap is formed. This intermediate space is in particular such that, as seen in the circumferential direction of the screw cap, it is delimited on the one hand by a first stop surface provided on the first axial projection and on the other hand by a second stop surface provided on the second axial projection. These the respective gap bounding, first and second stop surfaces are each associated with each other. That the ring - in the axial direction of the screw - facing end of the first stop surface is located closer to the screw cap axially remote end of the ring than the end of the second stop surface, which - seen in the axial direction of the screw - faces the screw.

The second axial projection or the second axial projections are in particular designed so that they thus have an end face which faces the screw cap - viewed in the axial direction of the screw cap. In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that extends from at least one or all of these end faces (respectively) at least one web to the screw cap, so that the respective web on the one hand on the screw is fixed and on the other hand on said end face, and thereby a (one-piece) Connection between screw cap and web is generated.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that, in addition to the second axial projection (s), one or more third axial projections are provided on the ring, projecting from the ring in the direction of the screw cap in the axial direction of the screw cap. These third axial projections overlap in an advantageous configuration axially with the first axial projections. If not only a third axial projection is provided, but a plurality of third axial projections, it is advantageously provided that these are arranged circumferentially distributed on the ring are. It is preferably provided that a third projection is assigned in each case to a first projection.

It is particularly preferably provided that the respectively associated first, second and third projections relative to the circumferential direction of the screw is arranged relative to each other so that the first projection between the second and the third projection is positioned. Relative to the central longitudinal axis of the screw cap, the first and second protrusions and, if present, the third protrusions are advantageously substantially equally spaced radially from this central longitudinal axis or have an overlap region in the radial direction. This central longitudinal axis is in particular the axis about which screw cap is screwed. On the (assigned) second projection - seen in the circumferential direction of the screw - facing side, the third projection in a preferred embodiment at its free axial end on a slope or a rounded portion.

In a similar or corresponding manner can be provided that the first axial projection on its, the associated third projection side facing also has a slope or a rounded portion. These bevels or these rounded regions are provided in particular in the axial overlap region of the first and third axial projections. The bevels or rounded portions may serve the purpose of facilitating a relative rotation between the ring and the screw cap, which is such that the first axial projection is moved toward the third axial projections in the circumferential direction, the respective first axial projection overcomes the third axial projection assigned to it. For this purpose, in addition, for example, be provided that a certain deformability, which may be particularly elastic or plastic, given these projections. But it can also be provided that overcoming the projections is facilitated by the fact that the screw cap and / or the ring deformable, in particular elastically and plastically deformable, are formed. Furthermore, it can be provided that the mentioned bevels or rounded region are designed such that, taking into account the thread pitch when the screw cap is screwed on, they move past one another or contact one another.

In certain applications, however, it is advantageous if in this opening a contact between the respective first projection and the associated third projection comes about. In particular, this contact can be such that the opener is provided with an increased force in order to avoid too light-in particular unintentional opening or tearing off of the webs. By the aforementioned slope or rounded areas can be prevented, for example, on the other hand, that a (initial) opening of the screw cap is prevented or the force required for this purpose is undesirably large.

Collaborate the mutually associated first, second and third projections in particular so that in a Relatiwerschraubung or rotation of the screw relative to the ring in a circumferential or screwing the axial projection can abut the second axial projection and in this case a further continued relative movement of the Screw cap relative to the ring is substantially blocked or prevented, and that in a Relativverschraubung or Relatiwerdrehung in the opposite direction of the first axial projection reaches the third axial projection, where the continued relative movement of an increased force is opposed, however, overcoming the projections not prevented. The latter can in particular be such that an increased force must be applied by the interaction of the first and the third projection when the closure cap is opened manually. Such a design can be exploited, for example, to prevent the tamper evidence from being too easily damaged. It can be provided in particular that the webs or the screw cap and the ring are formed deformable such that the screw cap is not yet separated from the ring when the first axial projection reaches the third axial projection. It can be provided that this increased (counter) force must always be overcome if the screw is to be opened from a closed position; but it can also be provided that this increased (counter) force only when the first opening of the screw cap - so in particular if the originality assurance is still undamaged - must be overcome.

It may be provided that the second axial protrusions are formed separately from all third axial protrusions, so that they form different protrusions. However, it can also be provided that in each case a second and a third axial projection form a common projection. In such a design, in which a second and third axial projection have a common axial projection form, is provided in an advantageous manner, that the area which performs the function of the second axial projection cooperates with a different first axial projection, as the area which takes over the function of the third axial projection. These two first axial projections are arranged adjacent in particular in the circumferential direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, all first and all second stop surfaces are flat, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw cap. The - provided in particular on the tube neck - locking projection of the tube body may be closed circumferentially, for example.

It can be provided that the ring as such forms a latching device with the latching projection of the tube body or the tube neck. But it can also be provided that one or more latching projections are also provided to form the latching device on the ring. These may for example be provided on the inner side of the ring and extend radially from there (inwards). It can be provided, for example, that a plurality of such latching projections (of the ring) are distributed circumferentially, so that they do not form a circumferentially closed latching projection.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the latching projection of the tube body - seen in the axial direction of the tube neck, is designed as a projection only on one axial side, namely in particular on the axial side facing away from the tube shoulder; It can be provided, for example, that this locking jump merges at its other axial end into the tube shoulder. Furthermore, it can be provided that for axially holding or securing the ring in this locking projection, a groove is provided which is, for example, a circumferentially closed groove; In such a configuration, however, the region between the groove and the projecting region, which is arranged on the side remote from the tube shoulder, can also be regarded as a latching projection of the tube body.

In order to facilitate the engagement of the ring on or behind the locking projection of the tube neck, it can be provided that the locking projection of the tube neck bevelled or rounded in the region of its radially outer end on the side facing away from the tube shoulder and the ring or latching projection of the Rounded in the region of the radially inner end on the side facing away from the screw cap rounded or bevelled.

It is particularly envisaged that the ring is caught axially in its engaged position between the locking projection of the tube body and the tube shoulder, and after the first unscrewing the screw cap and the associated disconnection of the screw cap from the ring thereon remains caught axially. It can be provided that the tube body of exactly one material - in particular in one piece - is made. In particular, it can be provided that the tube shoulder and the tube neck are formed integrally and in particular from the same material. The tube or the tube body can be made for example of aluminum or a laminate or plastic.

The following is intended to explain which first and second abutment surfaces or stops or axial projections are preferably assigned to each other, if there are more than one. The assignment is in particular such that a respective first abutment surface or first abutment or first axial projection respectively the second abutment surface or second abutment or second axial projection is assigned, which is the least - in comparison to the remaining second - least distanced from the or the first, in particular as seen in the circumferential direction. The same applies preferably for assignments in which a third stop surface or third axial projection is assigned.

The separation or separation of the screw cap and ring is in particular such that, as a result, the one-piece connection is removed or eliminated, in particular, definitively.

The tamper evident closure is preferably made of plastic. The tube is preferably flanged down. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tube body forms a cannula.

Fig. 1

einen beispielhaften, teilweise dargestellten Tubenkörper, der Bestandteil einer beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Tube ist, in einer ersten 3-D- Ansicht;

Fig. 2

den Tubenkörper gemäß Fig. 1 in einer zweiten 3-D- Ansicht;

Fig. 3

eine (3-D-)Seitenansicht des Tubenkörpers gemäß Fig. 1 und 2;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht aus Sicht der Linie VI-VI aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des Tubenkörpers gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 4, wobei verdeckte Bereiche teilweise gestrichelt dargestellt sind;

Fig. 6

einen Längsschnitt durch den Tubenkörper gemäß Fig. 1 bis 5;

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht aus Sicht der Linie VII-VII aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 8

einen beispielhaften, erfindungsgemäßen Originalitätssicherungsverschluss, der auch Bestandteil einer beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Tube ist, und zwar insbesondere einer beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Tube welche gemäß der Gestaltung gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 7 ausgebildet ist, in einer ersten 3-D-Ansicht;

Fig. 9

den Originalitätssicherungsverschluss aus Fig. 8 in einer zweiten 3-D-Ansicht;

Fig. 10

eine (2-D-)Seitenansicht des Originalitätssicherungsverschlusses gemäß den Fig. 8 und 9;

Fig. 11

ein Ansicht aus Sicht der Linie XI-XI aus Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht des Originalitätssicherungsverschlusses gemäß den Fig. 8 bis 11, wobei teilweise auch verdeckte Bereiche dargestellt sind;

Fig. 13

einen Längsschnitt durch den Originalitätssicherungsverschlusses gemäß den Fig. 8 bis 12;

Fig. 14

ein Ansicht aus Sicht der Linie XIV-XIV aus Fig. 12; und

Fig. 15

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Fig. 12.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention, from which also further advantages and effects, will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It shows:

Fig. 1

an exemplary, partially shown tube body, which is part of an exemplary tube according to the invention, in a first 3-D view;

Fig. 2

according to the tube body Fig. 1 in a second 3-D view;

Fig. 3

a (3-D) side view of the tube body according to Fig. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 4

a view from the perspective of line VI-VI Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a side view of the tube body according to the Fig. 1 to 4 , where hidden areas are shown partially in broken lines;

Fig. 6

a longitudinal section through the tube body according to Fig. 1 to 5 ;

Fig. 7

a view from the perspective of line VII-VII from Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 8

an exemplary, inventive tamper-evident closure, which is also part of an exemplary tube according to the invention, and in particular an exemplary tube according to the invention which according to the design according to the Fig. 1 to 7 is formed, in a first 3-D view;

Fig. 9

the tamper evident closure Fig. 8 in a second 3-D view;

Fig. 10

a (2-D) side view of the tamper-evident closure according to the 8 and 9 ;

Fig. 11

a view from the point of view of the line XI-XI Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

a side view of the tamper-evident closure according to the 8 to 11 , where partially hidden areas are shown;

Fig. 13

a longitudinal section through the tamper-evident closure according to the 8 to 12 ;

Fig. 14

a view from the point of view of the line XIV-XIV Fig. 12 ; and

Fig. 15

an enlarged section Fig. 12 ,

The in the Fig. 8 to 15 shown in various views exemplary tamper-evident closure 2 of an exemplary tube according to the invention can with its internal thread in the external thread of the in the Fig. 1 to 7 shown in various views, partially shown tube body 1 of the exemplary tube according to the invention can be screwed to shoot or open the tube.

The tube body 1 has a tube shoulder 10 and a tube neck 12 adjoining thereto. The tube neck 12 has on its outer surface a male thread 16 extending around the central longitudinal axis 14 of the tube body 1 or the tamper-evident closure 2. On the tube shoulder 10 side facing away from the external thread 16 of the tube neck forms a cannula 18. On the side facing away from the tube shoulder 10 end 20 of the tube neck 12 and the cannula 18 is a dispensing opening 22 in the tube neck 12 and the cannula 18 is introduced, via which medium can be removed from the tube body 1 bounded from the tube body 1 with open screw 40 medium or can be issued. In the axial direction between the external thread 16 and the tube shoulder 10, the tube body 1 or the tube neck 12 has a radially outwardly directed latching projection 26. This locking projection 26 is formed here annular or circular disk-shaped and connected at its radial inner side with the tube neck 12 or integrally formed thereon. The latching projection 26 is designed to be continuous throughout.

The locking projection 26 forms with the ring 42 of the tamper-evident closure 2, which will be discussed below, a locking device, in the locked position of the ring 42 of the tamper-evident closure 2 is positioned axially between the tube shoulder 10 and the locking projection 26, wherein the ring 42nd of the tamper-evident closure 2 extends radially inwards further than the latching projection 26 extends radially outward, so that the ring 42 is axially secured by the latching projection 26 in its latched position, viewed axially in the direction of the opening 22. The ring 42 of the tamper-evident closure 2 is positioned in this latched position axially between the latching projection 26 and the tube shoulder 10, or is held there axially.

The latching projection 26 has at its radially outer end 28 or edge on the tube shoulder 10 side facing away from a slope 30 which is formed circumferentially and thus here runs trough conical. This bevel 30 extends in the direction of the tube shoulder 10 seen increasingly radially outward. The bevel 30 facilitates the engagement of the ring 42 of the tamper-evident closure 2. On the side of the latching projection 26 facing the tube shoulder 10, a plurality of transverse ribs 32 are integrally formed thereon. The transverse ribs 32 are essentially - like Fig. 7 can be removed - radially aligned. In the radial direction, however, these transverse ribs 32 do not extend as far outward as the latching projection 26, so that it is ensured that the ring 42 of the tamper-evident closure 2 can engage well or can be held well axially by the latching projection 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the transverse ribs 32 are each formed radially inward on the tube neck 12 and formed on the latching projection 26 and formed on the tube shoulder 10.

The in the Fig. 8 to 15 illustrated tamper-evident closure 2 has a screw cap 40 and a ring 42. The screw cap 40 is integrally connected to the ring 42 via a plurality of circumferentially distributed webs 44. Apart from the connection via these webs 44 no means are provided in this embodiment, via which the one-piece connection between the screw cap 40 and the ring 42 is effected. However, the one-piece connection via the webs 44 is only given if the tamper-evident closure is undamaged or - indicates at the latching projection 26 latched ring 42 - indicates that the originality is given. If, with the ring 42 engaged, the integral connection between the screw cap 40 and the ring 42 is no longer present, this indicates that the originality is no longer present.

By the webs 44, the ring 42 is held spaced from the screw cap 40, so that, apart from the connection points by means of the webs 44 - an axial gap 46 between the screw cap 40 and the ring 42 is given.

At the ring 42 facing axial end 48 of the screw cap 40 protrude a plurality of circumferentially distributed and spaced apart first axial protrusions 50 protrude. At the screw cap 40 facing the axial end 52 of the ring 42 protrude a plurality of circumferentially distributed second axial projections 54 and a plurality of circumferentially distributed third axial projections 56 before. This is good too Fig. 15 to recognize, which has an enlarged excerpt from the Fig. 12 shows.

As seen in the circumferential direction of the screw cap 40, a third axial projection 56 is followed by a first axial projection 50 and a second axial projection 54. This sequence is repeated in the circumferential direction several times, depending on how many sequences of these three consecutive axial projections 56, 50, 54 are provided. This sequence of such axially associated axial projections 56, 50, 54 may for example be provided sequentially once or twice or thrice or four times or five times or six times or seven times or even more than seven times distributed over the circumference. Thus, following a sequence of axial projections 56, 50, 54 in the circumferential direction, another sequence of axial projections 56, 50, 54, etc. follows.

In the Fig. 12 and 15 However, two third axial projections 56 are shown side by side. This has the background that the sequence shown in the left half of axial projections 56, 50, 54 with respect to a parallel to the image plane center plane through the tamper-evident closure 2 is located behind this plane and the sequence shown in the right half of axial projections 56, 50, 54 is located forward with respect to this plane. As Fig. 15 can be clearly seen, the first axial projections 50 with respect to the second axial projections 54 and with respect to the third axial projections 56 are each arranged axially overlapping. Each first axial projection 50 is associated with a circumferentially adjacent second axial projection 54 and a third axial projection 56 located adjacent in the opposite orientation of the circumferential direction. The first axial projections 50 each form a first stop surface 58, which in this example is flat and parallel to the central longitudinal axis 14 of the tamper-evident closure 2. The second axial projections 54 each form a second stop surface 60, which in this example is likewise designed flat and located parallel to the central longitudinal axis 14. The stop surfaces 58, 60 face each other. Between the mutually associated first 50 and second axial projections 54, seen in the circumferential direction of the screw cap 40, a gap 62 is formed. This (respective) gap 62 is - seen in the circumferential direction of the screw 40 - on the one hand by a first stop surface 58 and on the other hand limited by a, this first abutment surface 58 second stop surface 60.

The first axial projections 50 and the first stop surfaces 58 can be moved relative to the second axial projections 54 and the second stop surfaces 60 such that the respective first stop surface 58 as a result of its associated second stop surface 60 abuts. This stop position is also referred to as the first stop position. The tamper-evident closure 2 is designed so that the first stop surfaces 58 can be moved from a position in which a gap 62 between this respective stop surface 58 and the second stop surface 60 is given in a first stop position, without causing the screw cap 40 of the Ring 42 is disconnected or the one-piece connection between these parts is canceled. This may for example be such that the screw cap and / or the webs 44 and / or the ring 42 is correspondingly deformable, in particular elastically or plastically deformable, is formed.

On the side remote from the second axial projection 54 in the circumferential direction, the first axial projection 50 has a bevel 64. The third projection 56 has a bevel 66 on the side facing the first axial projection 50 facing it. Seen in the circumferential direction of the screw cap 40, a gap 68 is formed between these mutually associated bevels 64, 66.

The associated axial projections 50, 54, 56 are positioned relative to each other so that they do not contact directly in the unloaded state of tamper-evident closure 2.

According to a variation, it can be provided that the bevel 64 can be moved to the bevel 66 so that these bevels 64, 66 contact each other, without the screw cap 40 being separated from the ring 42. It can be provided that the webs and / or the tamper-evident closure and / or the screw cap 40 and / or the ring 42 is formed correspondingly malleable. In another variation, however, it may be provided that the screw cap 40 is separated from the ring 42, in particular in the region of the webs 44, when the slope 64 is moved to the slope 66, and that before the slope 64 has reached the slope 66 , The corresponding situations can occur, for example, when the ring is held substantially axially and the screw cap 40 is screwed via its internal thread 70 in the external thread 16 of the tube neck 12 in the direction of the open screw cap position. The axial holding is effected in particular by the fact that the ring 42 is engaged behind the locking projection 26. It may be provided in a further alternative design that, when the ring 42 is held in the aforementioned manner and the screw cap 40 is screwed in the direction of its open position in the thread 16, the bevels 64, 66 are guided past each other, that no contact occurs, regardless of when the separation between screw cap and ring 42 takes place.

On the ring 42 a plurality of circumferentially distributed locking projections may be provided which extend radially inward and are arranged axially substantially at the same or at different levels. It can be provided that these locking projections - or at least a portion of these locking projections - can engage behind the locking projection 26. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that an outer casing wall 72 of the ring 42 can latch behind this latching projection 26 in the region of its upper end face. In a further alternative design, it may be provided that profiling depressions are provided on the radially inner side in this lateral surface, wherein the latching on the latching projection 26 takes place in such a way that this latching projection 26 engages in the profiling recess. In a broader sense should also be understood that the ring snaps behind the projection 26.

The function of the tamper-evident closure 2 will now be explained in more detail below:

After filling the tube with a medium, the tube can be closed as follows: The tamper-evident closure 2 is screwed with its internal thread 70 in the external thread 16 in the closing direction. The corresponding load applied externally to the tamper-evident closure 2 is applied in particular to the screw cap 40. The ring 42, which is still connected in one piece to the screw cap 40 in this state, is correspondingly moved along, with essentially no appreciable relative movements initially occurring between the screw cap 40 and the ring 42. When the ring 42 or provided on this 42 locking projection abuts against the locking projection 26 of the tube body, the movement of the ring 42 is opposed to an increased resistance. Under sustained external load for screwing the screw cap 40 in the external thread 16 of the screw cap 40 is moved relative to the ring 42 or screwed or moved or loaded in the circumferential direction. The area of the webs 44 is exposed to an increased load. Despite the fact that the tamper-evident closure 2 is formed in the region of the webs 44 as a weak point or has a weak point, which basically has the aptitude that it comes in this area to a separation of screw cap 40 and ring 42 in two parts, a Separation at the mentioned relative load of screw cap 40 and ring 42 prevented. this happens in that the tamper-evident closure 2 or the screw cap 40 and / or the ring 42 and / or the webs 44 are deformable, in particular elastically deformable, such that a certain degree of relative mobility is possible between the screw cap 40 and the ring 42 without while the screw 40 and the ring 42 are separated. As a result of the mentioned loading conditions, the screw cap 40 moves relative to the ring 42 in a first stop position in which the first stop surfaces 58 and second stop surfaces 60 abut each other. The mentioned deformability is such that it does not come to a separation of screw cap 40 and ring 42 in this first stop position. By this striking, the screw cap 40 is supported on the ring 42 (more stable), so that henceforth a load on the stop surfaces 58, 60 can be transmitted. This allows the resistive load acting on the ring 42 from the latching projection 26 to be overcome by a corresponding larger load introduced externally into the screw cap 40 so that the ring 42 can be moved to its latching position. By the bevels 30 and / or in the region of the screw cap 40 remote from the axial end 80 of the ring 42 provided in the radially inner region bevel (s) 82 and / or not shown locking projection of the ring 42 bevels provided the engagement of the ring 42 on or ., facilitated behind the locking projection 26.

In this condition, in which the ring 42 is in its locked position and is (still) integrally connected to the screw cap 40, the tube is closed by means of the tamper evident closure, the originality being displayed.

In particular, if the above-mentioned deformability is an elastic deformability, take the ring 42 and the screw cap 40 after elimination of the introduced from the outside into the screw cap load (for closing) in Fig. 12 shown relative position again.

In this condition, the filled tube can be delivered delivered in stores. The fact that the tube or the tamper evident closure 2 in the region of the webs 44 is undamaged or the screw cap 40 is integrally connected to the ring 42, the consumer can see that the tube was not opened after sealing at the manufacturer. Because the fact that the ring 42 is held on the latching projection 26, prevents the tube or the screw cap 40 is opened can be, without causing the integral of screw cap 40 and ring 42 is repealed.

When first opening the screw 40 by a corresponding external load, which causes the screw cap 40 moves in the external thread 16 in the direction of its open position, namely the ring 42 is held on the latching projection 26. Now, if a correspondingly large external load is applied to the screw cap 40, the screw cap 40 is disconnected from the ring 42 in the region of the webs 42 when the ring 42 is engaged or held. The ring 42 remains trapped on the tube body 1, in particular caught axially and radially. Axial he can be trapped in particular between the locking projection 26 and the tube shoulder 10.

As a result of the fact that the aforementioned separation is effected when the first opening is effected by screw cap 40 and ring 42, the customer can infer from this separation that the tube was already open.

In the Fig. 1 to 4 or 8 to 11, the partially illustrated tube body 1 and the tamper-evident closure 2 are shown in dimensions which preferably correspond to a scale of 1: 1. However, other sizes or proportions may be provided.

In the Fig. 1 to 7 In particular, the upper part of the tube body 1 is shown. This area can also be referred to in this embodiment as a tube shoulder with cannula. It can be provided that such a tube shoulder is made with a cannula separately from the remaining part of the tube body, and then formed on this remaining part. The applicant reserves the right to such, in the Fig. 1 to 7 Tube shoulder shown by way of example with cannula separately desire protection, and in particular act together with a design according to the Fig. 8 to 15 ,

reference numeral

1

tube body

2

Tamper-evident closure

10

Tube shoulder of 1

12.

Tube neck of 1

14

central longitudinal axis of 1 and 2 respectively

16

External thread of 12

18

Cannula of 1

20

Front side of 12

22

Issue opening in 12 or 16

24

Tubes interior

26

Locking projection on 1 or 12

28

radially outboard end of 26

30

Sloping at 26

32

Cross rib at 26

40

Screw cap of 2

42

Ring of 2

44

Footbridge of 2

46

axial gap

48

42 facing axial end of 40

50

first axial projection on 40th

52

40 facing axial end of 42

54

second axial projection on 42nd

56

third axial projection 42

58

first stop surface at 50

60

second stop surface at 54

62

Space between 50 and 54

64

Sloping to 50

66

Sloping at 56

68

Space between 64 and 66

70

Internal thread of 40

72

Sheath wall of 42

80

40 facing away from the axial end of 42

82

Sloping at 42

Claims (11)

1. Tube with a tube body (1), which comprises a tube shoulder (10), a tube neck (12) with a male thread (16), a tamper-evident closure (2) with a screw cap (40), and a ring (42) connected to the screw cap (40) by at least one integrally formed bar (44),
   wherein the tube body (1) has at least one outwardly directed engaging protrusion (26),
   and the at least one bar (44) connects the ring (42) with the screw cap (40) at a distance, wherein the axial end of the screw cap (40) facing the ring (42) has at least one first axial protrusion (50),
   and wherein the axial end (52) of the ring (42) facing the screw cap (40) has at least one second axial protrusion (54),
   wherein a clearance (62) is between a particular first axial protrusion (50) and a particular second axial protrusion (54) dedicated to this first axial protrusion (50) in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40),
   wherein this clearance (62) is limited in this circumferential direction by a first stop face (58) of this first axial protrusion (50) and by a second stop face (60) of this second axial protrusion (54) dedicated to and facing this first stop face (58),
   wherein the axial end of the first stop face (58) facing the ring (42) is closer to the farther axial end (80) of the ring (42) than the axial end of the second stop face (60) facing the screw cap (40),
   characterised in that
   the ring (42) has at least one third protrusion (56) projecting in axial direction towards the screw cap (40),
   this third protrusion (56) and the first axial protrusions (50) overlap in axial direction,
   a third protrusion (56) is dedicated to a particular first protrusion (50),
   and wherein first (50), second (54) and third (56) protrusions are dedicated to each other such that the first protrusion (50) is placed between the second (54) and the third (56) protrusion in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40).
2. Tube according to claim 1, characterised in that
   the ring (42) and the at least one engaging protrusion (26) form an engaging device,
   wherein in engaged position the ring (42) is secured axially by the at least one engaging protrusion (26),
   wherein the engaging device is shaped such that the ring (42) is moved into the engaged position by screwing the screw cap (40) to the male thread (16) of the tube body (1),
   and wherein the screw cap (40) is separated from the engaged ring (42) by screwing it off the male thread (16)
   and wherein the at least one tamper-evident closure (2) or bar (44) are deformable such that the at least one first stop face (58) can be moved to the dedicated second stop face (60) to form a first stop position without separating the screw cap (40) from the ring (42),
   and wherein the dedicated stop faces (58, 60) are shaped and located with respect to each other such that they adopt their first stop position to avoid a separation of the screw cap (40) and the ring (42) while it is moved into its engaged position.
3. Tube according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterised in that
   at least one bar (44) extends in axial direction from a surface of a second axial protrusion (54) facing the screw cap (40) and towards the screw cap (40).
4. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   there is a chamfer (64) on a side of the first axial protrusion (50), wherein this side is opposite of the corresponding second axial protrusion (54) in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40),
   wherein the axial end of the third protrusion (56) facing the screw cap (40) is axially further away from the opposite axial end (80) of the ring (42) than the axial end of the first protrusion (50) facing the ring (42),
   and there is a chamfer (66) on a side of the third axial protrusion (56), wherein this side faces the corresponding first axial protrusion (50)
   wherein this chamfer (64) of this first axial protrusion (50) and the chamfer (66) of the third axial protrusion (56) limit a clearance (68) in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40).
5. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the screw cap (40) has multiple first axial protrusions (50) spaced circumferentially and that the ring (42) of the tamper-evident closure (2) has multiple second axial protrusions (54) spaced circumferentially,
   wherein a second axial protrusion (54) is located between two adjacent and circumferentially spaced first axial protrusions (50) in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40),
   and wherein a third axial protrusion (56) is located between two adjacent and circumferentially spaced first axial protrusions (50) in circumferential direction of the screw cap (40).
6. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the at least one first stop face (58) and the at least one second stop face (60) are planar, wherein all first (58) and all second stop faces (60) are planar, preferably.
7. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the at least one first stop face (58) and the at least one second stop face (60) extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tamper-evident closure (2),
   wherein all at least one first stop faces (58) and all the at least one second stop faces (60) extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tamper-evident closure (2), preferably.
8. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the engaging protrusion (26) arranged on the tube neck (12) is disc-like or ring-like.
9. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the radial end section of the engaging protrusion (26) on the tube neck (12) opposite of the tube shoulder (10) being provided is aslant or has a convex curvature.
10. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    the radial inner section of the ring (42) on the tamper-evident closure (2) axially opposite of the screw cap (40) is aslant or has a convex curvature.
11. Tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    the tube neck (12) has a cone (18) on the farther side of the male thread (16) opposite of the tube shoulder (10).

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