EP2001760B1 - Childproof rotary closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The childproof rotary closure (1) for a container (5) comprises a locking part (3) and a closure cap (4), wherein the closure cap (4) is mounted on the locking part (3) such that it can be rotated about a common axis of rotation (D), and wherein the locking part (3) has an end side (3a) with at least one outlet opening (3h), and wherein the locking part (3) comprises an end portion (3d) which is located opposite the end side (3a) and has a circumferentially running locking element (3e) which is resilient in the radial direction in relation to the axis of rotation (D) and is accessible from the outside, and wherein a radially projecting latch-in nose (3f) is connected to the locking element (3e), and wherein the closure cap (4), on its inside, has a depression (4e) which extends over part of the way in the circumferential direction and has a stop edge (4b), and wherein the depression (4e) is arranged in relation to the latch-in nose (3f) such that, when the closure cap (4) has been rotated all the way in the closing direction (D2) and is thus located in a closure position, the latch-in nose (3f) abuts resiliently in the depression (4e) and prevents rotation of the closure cap (4) and locking part (3) in relation to one another.

Description

The invention relates to a child-resistant rotary closure according to claim 1.

The documents EP 1092643 B1 and US 2004/206779 A1 reveal childproof pressure-twist closures for bottles. These screw caps have the disadvantage that they are relatively easy to open.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a child-proof rotary closure for containers, which is difficult for children and easy to open for adults and thus has a higher security.

This object is achieved with a child-resistant rotary closure having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims 2 to 15 relate to further, advantageously designed screw caps.

The object is achieved in particular with a child-resistant rotary closure for a container, comprising a locking part and a closure cap, wherein the closure cap is rotatably mounted on the locking part about a common axis of rotation, and wherein the locking part has an end face with at least one outlet opening, and wherein the locking part a the end face opposite end portion comprising a circumferentially extending, radially to the axis of rotation D resilient, externally accessible locking member, and wherein a radially projecting latching lug is connected to the locking element, and wherein the closure cap on the inside a over a portion in the circumferential direction extending recess with a stop edge and wherein the recess is arranged with respect to the latching nose such that, when the closure cap is fully rotated in the closing direction and is thus in a closed position, the latching nose resiliently abuts in the recess and prevents mutual rotation of the closure cap and the locking member the latching lug abuts against the stop edge, and that the latching lug and the stop edge are designed to be adapted to one another such that the latching lug is lifted out of the recess by pressing the latching element in the direction of the rotation axis so that the closure cap can be rotated in an opening direction with respect to the latching part , And thereby the cap releases the outlet opening.

The inventive container closure has the advantage that it can only be opened by pressing on the locking element and a simultaneous rotation of the closure cap, wherein the locking element is also arranged relatively inconspicuous.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is designed rather small and with respect to its shape preferably also the geometric shape of the container closure modeled so that the locking element rather inconspicuous but still easily accessible is arranged on the surface of the container closure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container closure comprises at least two locking elements arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Preferably, both locking elements are operated simultaneously to open the container closure. However, it is also possible to provide only one of the locking elements with a locking effect, whereas the other or the rest Locking elements serve as dummies, without their being able to open the container closure.

The container closure can be designed with a closure cap which can be removed and screwed on again. However, the container closure can also be configured such that upon rotation of the closure cap, an outlet opening is released, which can be closed again by turning back the closure cap, without the closure cap being completely removed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking part is rotatably mounted with respect to the container. As long as the cap is locked with the locking part can thus be constantly rotated on the cap without them being opened, this arrangement has the particular advantage that the closure can not be opened even with an extraordinarily large acting force, for example, in contrast to in the cited document EP 1092643 B1 disclosed closure, which can be opened with a sufficiently large force application. In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure has a locking device which limits the maximum possible rotation of the closure and bottle. In an advantageous. Embodiment, this locking device is designed such that it acts only when closing the rotary closure, whereas this achieved when opening the rotary closure or when rotating the mutually locked closure cap and locking member no effect. Such a closure is particularly difficult for children to open, whereas this is very easily possible for adults. The container closure according to the invention can in particular also be easily opened by elderly and / or motor-impaired people.

The inventive container closure is particularly suitable for containers containing bulk materials or liquids.

The container closure can be connected to a wide variety of containers, in particular bottles or flat packs, in particular cardboard packagings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines geschlossenen, kindersicheren Drehverschlusses mit Halsteil, Verriegelungsteil und Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 2

das Halsteil, welches Teil eines Behälters bildet;

Fig. 2a

ein Halsteil, welches an einem Behälter befestigbar ist;

Fig. 2b

ein konusförmiges Halsteil;

Fig. 3

das Verriegelungsteil;

Fig. 3a

ein an einem Behälter befestigbares Verriegelungsteil;

Fig. 4

eine Unteransicht des Verriegelungsteils mit aufgesetzter Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 5

einen Längsschnitt durch das Halsteil mit aufgesetztem Verriegelungsteil;

Fig. 6

einen Querschnitt entlang der in Figur 5 dargestellten Schnittlinie A-A;

Fig. 7

die Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 8

einen Längsschnitt durch den gesamten, in Figur 1 dargestellten Drehverschluss.

Fig. 9

ein insbesondere für Flüssigkeiten geeignetes Verriegelungsteil;

Fig. 10

ein Längsschnitt durch das Verriegelungsteil gemäss Figur 9;

Fig. 11

ein Längsschnitt durch eine Verschlusskappe für das Verriegelungsteil gemäss Figur 9;

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines geschlossenen, kindersicheren Drehverschlusses, der insbesondere für Flüssigkeiten geeignet ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals relate to the same objects. The figures show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a closed, child-proof rotary closure with neck part, locking part and cap;

Fig. 2

the neck portion which forms part of a container;

Fig. 2a

a neck portion attachable to a container;

Fig. 2b

a cone-shaped neck portion;

Fig. 3

the locking part;

Fig. 3a

a locking member attachable to a container;

Fig. 4

a bottom view of the locking member with attached cap;

Fig. 5

a longitudinal section through the neck portion with attached locking member;

Fig. 6

a cross section along in FIG. 5 illustrated section line AA;

Fig. 7

the cap;

Fig. 8

a longitudinal section through the entire, in FIG. 1 illustrated screw cap.

Fig. 9

a suitable in particular for liquids locking part;

Fig. 10

a longitudinal section through the locking part according to FIG. 9 ;

Fig. 11

a longitudinal section through a cap for the locking part according to FIG. 9 ;

Fig. 12

a perspective view of a closed, child-proof rotary closure, which is particularly suitable for liquids.

A cone-shaped locking part is not shown in the figures. FIG. 1 shows a child-proof rotary closure 1 for a container 5. The rotary closure 1 comprises a neck part 2, a locking part 3 and a closure cap 4, wherein the neck part 2 is not visible in the illustrated view. The neck portion 2 forms part of the container 5. The rotary closure 1 has an axis of rotation D, wherein the closure cap 4 can be unscrewed and removed from the locking part 3 by rotating in direction D1, and can be placed on the locking part 3 again by turning in direction D2 , However, the closure cap 4 can, as explained in detail below, only be rotated by pressing on the locking element 3e relative to the locking part 3 and thereby released from the locking part 3. In one possible embodiment of the rotary closure 1, the locking part 3 is rotatable relative to the container 5. When opening the rotary closure 1 is therefore preferably held with one hand both the apron 3d of the locking member 3 and the locking member 3e pressed inward to rotate with the other hand, the cap 4 in the opening direction D1.

The height of the locking element 3e may be, for example, between 2 mm and 2 cm, as required, and the length in the circumferential direction may also be between 2 mm and 2 cm. In addition to the surface of the locking elements 3c, the spring force required for opening or the required spring travel can also be designed such that it is difficult for children to open.

To open the cap 4 is rotated in the direction of rotation D1 about the axis of rotation D until the cap 4 can be removed and completely removed.

FIG. 2 shows a neck part 2, which is firmly connected to a container 5 designed as a bottle. The neck part 2 comprises a cylindrical wall 2a, in the circumferential direction of which a projecting bead 2b extends. The neck part 2 also comprises a shoulder 2d, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced triangular webs 2c. It would also be possible to arrange only a single web 2c.

The neck part 2 could also, as in FIG. 2a shown, having a circumferential flange 2e, which can be glued, for example, with a flat package, to connect the neck part 2 fixed to the package.

The outlet 2a could also, as in FIG. 2b shown, not only have a cylindrically shaped outlet, but also a different shape such as the illustrated frusto-conical shape.

FIG. 3 shows a locking member 3, comprising an end face 3a and a circumferential at the opposite end of the skirt 3d, which has a locking element 3e with latching lug 3f, wherein the locking element 3e in the direction F and radially to the rotational axis D is resiliently movable. The locking part 3 comprises a cylindrical attachment 3b and an external thread 3c extending along the attachment 3b.

As in FIG. 3a illustrated, could also be arranged on the skirt 3d a circumferential flange 3n, which is firmly connected to a flat pack. In this embodiment, the cylindrical cap 3b extends under the apron 3d to the Flange 3n, and is sealed to this fluid. This ensures that the fluid flowing out from the container 5 via the attachment 3b can not flow out of the locking element 3e. The regulation element 3e is as in FIG. 3 described movably mounted in the direction F, thereby to solve the lock cap 4 or lock.

The locking part 3 could also have an attachment, which does not have a cylindrical configuration, but has a different design, such as in FIG. 2b represented a frustoconical design.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the in FIG. 3 illustrated locking member 3, wherein on this locking part 3, a closure cap 4 is placed. The locking part 3 comprises a plurality of circumferentially projecting ribs 3g, which serve to rotatably connect the locking part 3 to the bead 2b of the neck part with the neck part 2. The locking member 3 comprises in the illustrated embodiment, two protruding, resilient tabs 3i, which cooperate with the triangular webs 2c of the neck portion 2, that the locking member 3 is rotatable in rotational directions D1, whereas the rotational path in the opposite direction of closure D2 is limited by the fact that the resilient Tabs 3i get into abutment with the triangular web 2c, so that the locking part 3 can not be rotated further in the direction of rotation D2.

The locking element 3e is resiliently connected to the rest of the locking part 3 via a narrow web. The closure cap 4 comprises a marking 4a, the inside of which has a depression 4e. In the closed state, the locking element 3e is located with latching lug 3f in the recess 4e, wherein the latching lug 3f also bears against the stop 4b in order to prevent a mutual rotation of the locking part 3 and the closure cap 4.

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through a container 5, which with the in FIG. 2 neck part 2 is provided and on which neck part 2 in FIG. 3 shown locking part 3 is placed. The locking part 3 is rotatably mounted on the bead 2b of the neck part 2 via the ribs 3g. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient tab 3i is applied to the triangular web 2c, so that the locking member 3 can be rotated only in the direction of rotation D1. One or more outlet openings 3h may be arranged on the front side 3a, depending on the requirement of the medium in the container 5. It may prove advantageous to arrange a circumferential sealing lip 3k projecting against the apron 3d on the front side 3a in order to seal the neck part 2 with respect to the locking part 3, so that the medium located in the container 5 is the container 5 only via the outlet openings 3h can leave. The rotary closure 1 in this embodiment is suitable both for solid means, for example pulverulent agents, and for liquid agents.

FIG. 6 shows a section along the section line AA according to FIG. 5 , From this, in particular, the interaction of the triangular webs 2c with the resilient tabs 3i can be seen. These two means 2c, 3i form a rotation limiting unit or a locking device and prevent rotation in the direction of rotation D2 as soon as the two means 2c, 3i reach the mutual stop. In contrast, a rotation in the direction of rotation D 1 is always possible because the tab 3i springs can move over the web 2c. This allows when screwing the cap 4 completely screw this with the locking part 3, so that in the fully closed state, the latching lug 3f comes to lie in the recess 4e and abuts the stop 4b. In contrast, the locking member 3 and the patch cap 4 placed on it can be rotated continuously in the direction of rotation D 1, without the cap 4 can be removed, as long as the locking element 3e is not pressed. This causes a particularly high security against unintentional opening of the Drehverschlusses- 1. Instead of a web 2c could also be a recess, such as a groove formed, which acts together with the tab 3i as a locking device 2c, 3i.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cap with mark 4a, on the inside of a recess 4e and the stopper 4b is located. In addition, the closure cap 4 has an internal thread 4c. On the outside, the closure cap ribs 4d for easier holding and turning the cap 4. The closure cap 4 may have only a single marking 4a with a recess 4e and stop 4b or also a plurality of circumferentially distributed markings 4a, for example two, three or even more. In addition, it is also possible, for example, for only one or two of the markings 4a to have a depression 4e with stop 4b, whereas the remaining markings 4a do not have a depression 4e with stop 4b, so that these latter marks 4a do not engage with the respective locking element 3e with snap-in nose 3f can interact.

FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal section of a child-proof rotary closure 1 comprising a container 5, the upper part opens into a neck portion 2. The locking member 3 is slipped over the neck portion 2 and thus, as in the FIGS. 1 to 7 described, rotatably connected to the neck portion 2. In addition, the cap 4 is screwed onto the locking part 3, so that the latching lug 3f engages in the recess 4e and rests against the stop 4b, so that the cap 4 is rotatably connected to the locking part 3. The closure cap 4 also covers the outlet openings 3h, so that the medium located in the container 5 can not escape via the outlet openings 3h.

FIG. 9 shows a locking part 3, which is particularly suitable for a container 5 containing a liquid. Unlike the in FIG. 3 illustrated locking member, this locking part 3 no external thread, but a circumferentially extending bead 31. In addition, a single outlet opening 3 h is arranged on the front side 3 a, which also at the end of a protruding nose. 3m is arranged. Otherwise that is in FIG. 9 illustrated locking member identical to the in FIG. 3 designed illustrated locking part.

FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section through the in FIG. 9 The locking part 3 comprises an end face 3a with protruding nose 3m and outlet opening 3h. In addition, the locking part 3 comprises a cylindrical attachment 3b with bead 31 and sealing lip 3k. In addition, the locking member 3 comprises circumferentially extending ribs 3g, a skirt 3d, a locking element 3e and a resilient tab 3i.

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section through a cap 4, with recess 4e, stop edge 4b, ribs 4g and a cover 4f for an outlet opening.

FIG. 12 shows a childproof screw cap 1, the cap 4, as in the FIGS. 9 to 11 is shown configured so that the cap 4 is not completely removable, but after pressing the locking element 3e in the direction of rotation D1 with respect to the locking member 3 is rotatably supported mutually rotatable. In the direction of rotation D2 locking part 3 and cap 4 are mutually rotatable only until a lock takes place.
FIG. 12 shows the rotary closure 1 in the closed state by the closure cap is so arranged with respect to the nose 3m and the outlet opening 3h, the Cap 4 covered by the cover 4f the outlet opening 3h and simultaneously closes. If, for now, the locking element 3e is pressed in towards the rotation axis D and the closure cap 4 is then rotated in the direction of rotation D 1, the circular segment-shaped recess 4h slides along the nose 3m, the cover 4f moving away from the outlet opening 3h and thus the outlet opening 3h and the Nose is released 3m. The medium located inside the container 5, in particular a liquid, can now be poured out via the outlet opening 3h.

In contrast to the one in the FIGS. 9 to 12 In the embodiment shown, the locking part 3 may also have a plurality of outlet openings 3h which are covered by a common cover 4f or a plurality of individual covers 4f. In a further embodiment, the lugs 3m with outlet openings 3h can also be arranged at different locations on the front side 3a, that is to say distributed in the circumferential direction and / or in the radial direction, wherein the covers 4f and the recesses 4h are arranged to extend in such a way that Opening and closing, in particular a simultaneous opening and closing of all outlet openings 3h is possible. A plurality of outlet openings 3h and covers 4f can also be arranged such that the outlet openings 3h are opened one after the other as a function of the angle of rotation of the closure cap 4, so that, for example, only a single outlet opening 3h is opened first, and with a further rotation on the closure cap 4, two outlet openings 3h are open, etc. The closure cap 4 can also have a latching device in order to hold the closure cap 4 in the respective rotational position. Thus, the number of the opened outlet ports 3h can be adjusted. In contrast to the embodiments described in the present paragraph could in a further embodiment, the Cap 4 are designed to be removable by, for example, as in the Figures 3 and 7 shown, the cap 4 and the locking member 3 are provided with a thread 3c, 4d.

In the in the FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrated embodiment, the size of the outlet opening 3h is determined by the locking part 3. However, the size of the externally accessible outlet opening could also be determined by the mutual position of locking part 3 and rotatable cap 4, for example, by the locking member 3 has a circular segment-shaped outlet opening 3h, with a segment angle of, for example, 45 degrees, and by this outlet opening 3h through the rotatable cap 4, depending on the angle of rotation, either not at all, or partially covered completely, so that in addition to a fully open and closed outlet opening 3h the externally accessible portion of the outlet opening 3h, depending on the rotation angle between cap 4 and locking part 3, have different sizes can.

Claims (15)

1. Childproof rotary cap (1) for a container (5) including a latching part (3) and also a closure cap (4), with the latching part (3) having a step (3b), and end face (3a) and also an end section (3d) and with the step (3b) including an outer portion of the extending outer thread (3c) or an outer preferably extending bead (31) of which the closure cap (4) is rotatably mounted around a common axis of rotation (D) and wherein the step (3b) ends at the end face (3a), with the end face (3a) having at least one outlet opening (3h) and wherein the step (3b) ends opposite to the end face (3a) at the end section (3d), with the end section (3d) having a latching element (3e) accessible from the outside which is resilient radially to the axis of rotation (D) and extends in the peripheral direction and wherein a radially projecting latching nose (3f) is connected to the latching element (3e) and wherein the closure cap (4) has at its inner side a recess (4e) with an abutment edge and extending over a part section in the peripheral direction and wherein the recess (4e) is arranged with respect to the latching nose (3f) in such a way that when the closure cap (4) is fully turned in the closing direction (D2) and is thus located in a closed position, the latching nose (3f) resiliently lies in contact in the recess (4e) and prevents a mutual rotation of the closure cap (4) and the latching part (3) in that the latching nose (3f) contacts the abutment edge (4b) and in that the latching nose (3f) and the abutment edge (4b) are designed mutually latched in such a way that the latching nose (3f) can be lifted out of the recess (4e) by pressing the latching element (3e) in the direction towards the axis of rotation (D) so that the closure cap (4) is rotatable with respect to the latching part (3) in an opening direction (D1) and the closure cap therefore freeze the outlet opening (3h).
2. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the latching part (3) has a plurality of latching elements (3e) arranged spaced apart in the peripheral direction.
3. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that each latching element (3e) has a latch nose (3f) and in that the closure cap (4) has a number of recesses (4e) with abutment edges (4b) corresponding to the number of latching noses (3f).
4. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching part (3) has a latching device (3e, 2c) which permits a rotation of the latching part (3) in the opening direction (D1) and restricts a rotation in the opposite closing direction (D2).
5. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching part (3) forms a part of a container (5) or can be secured to the container (5).
6. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes a neck part (2), with the latching part (3 being rotatably journalled at the neck part (2) about a common axis of rotation (D).
7. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the neck part (2) has an at least projectingly arranged web (2c) and in that the latching part (3) has at least one resilient lug projecting in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) and in that the web (2c) and the lug (3i) are arranged such that they form a locking device (2c, 3i).
8. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the neck part (2) and the latching part (3) are made substantially of cylindrical shape.
9. Rotary cap in accordance with any one claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the neck part (2) has a projecting peripherally extending bead (2b) and in that the latching part (3) has ribs (3g) arranged at the inner side and distributed in the peripheral direction in order to mutually fix the latching part (3) and the neck part (2) and to rotatably arrange them about a common axis of rotation (D).
10. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the neck part (2) forms part of a container or in that the neck part (2) is securable to a container.
11. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching part (3) has an external thread (3c) extending in the peripheral direction with respect to the axis of rotation (D) and in that the closure cap (4) has an inner thread (4c) for the engagement into the outer thread (3c), so that the closure cap (4) can be removed from the latching part (3) by a rotation in the opening direction (D1) and can be screwed on again by rotation in the closing direction (D2).
12. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the latching part (3) has a projecting peripherally extending bead (31) and in that the closure cap (4) has ribs (4g) distributed in the peripheral direction arranged at the inner side in order to mutually fix and rotatably arrange the closure cap (4) and the latching part (3) about a common axis of rotation (D).
13. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the closure cap (4) has a recess (4h) which is arranged extending relative to the outlet opening (3h) in such a way that the outlet opening (3h) is covered over by the closure cap (4) when the closure cap is fully turned in the closing direction (D2) and in that the outlet opening (3h) is otherwise at least partly opened towards the outside.
14. Rotary cap in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that the outlet opening (3h) is designed as a projecting nose (3m) and the closure cap (4) has a cover (4f) matched corresponding to the nose (3m).
15. Rotary cap in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching part (3) has a sealing lip (3k) extending in the peripheral direction at its end face (3a) and projecting in the direction of the end portion (3d).

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