EP2148822B1 - Child safety closing device with first opening indicator screw and ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a child safety closing device (1) associated with a container (2), operating according to a design of two plugs (3, 4) embedded into each other, and allowing a vertical translation movement of the outer plug (4) relative to the inner screw-threaded plug (3) providing an unscrewing possibility and fitted with a first-opening indicator ring (5) connected by breakage bridges (8) to the outer plug (4) capable of vertical translation movement, characterized in that: a) said ring (5) has on its inner surface notches (9) for preventing its rotation when unscrewing the device by interaction with corresponding notches (10) formed on the neck of the associated container inside a peripheral groove (11) outside said collar, in order to induce the braking of the bridges by shearing; b) the upper wall of the groove (11) defines a guiding shoulder (12) for said ring (5) during the vertical translation movement of the ring (5) when connected to the outer plug; c) the notches (10) inside the groove (5) have a height such that they interact with the notches (9) inside the inner face of said ring (5) whatever the position of said ring (5) during the vertical translation movement thereof when connected to the outer plug (4).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a safety closure device for a container whose mouthpiece is provided with an external screw thread, a device that is child-proof and also includes a first-opening indicator and an element desiccant.

The invention more particularly relates to a safety device for screw-fastening for a container, comprising an internal cap screwed onto said container and a coaxial outer cap integrally covering the inner cap, the outer cap having the capacity to drive the inner plug by the intermediate of a latching system when are performed on the outer plug, an axial pressure and a rotation, said device being further equipped with a first opening control ring cooperating with the neck of the container on which the device of closure is mounted and a desiccant element.

State of the art

Closing devices offering child safety, such as screw caps, can be of different types. In particular, the security can be either the consequence of a deformation by opposite lateral pressure of the plug allowing unblocking of the unscrewing function, followed by the rotation of the plug or a vertical displacement interlocking a device allowing unscrewing, this vertical movement to be conducted simultaneously with a rotation.

Child-resistant caps operating on the principle of a double vertical movement and rotation equipped with a first-opening indicator ring exist. The following documents illustrate these different technical solutions proposed.

The document EP 0214711 discloses a child-resistant screw stopper of the double plug type fitting one into the other with vertical displacement of the outer plug. Crenellations present on the inner face of the outer cap cooperate with crenellations present on the outer face of the inner cap during the pressure exerted on the outer cap generating a vertical translation and thus making positive contact the two sets of slots to be able to exert a torque of unscrewing.

In addition, the inner cap has a first opening control ring secured to the lower portion of the inner cap, said ring comprising a plurality of attachment points for connecting to the lower portion of the skirt of the inner cap, said ring comprising plus an annular return positioned forcibly beyond a shoulder located on the neck of the container, during the screwing of said plug. When the cap is unscrewed, the annular return collides with the shoulder and causes the fixing points to break, thus separating the first opening control ring from the lower part of the inner cap skirt.

The diameter of the non-return shoulder is greater than the diameter of the threads of the thread of the neck of the container, and the diameter of the flexible annular return of the first opening control ring is smaller than the diameter of the non-return shoulder, however, the geometry and elasticity of the annular return enable it to cross the shoulder a first time in the direction of travel after screwing the cap on the neck of the container but does not allow the reverse crossing.

The document DE 3605953A1 describes a child-resistant screw cap of the double plug type with vertical displacement of the outer cap. The first-opening indicator ring is constituted by an assembly of two components fitting into the inner cap. The multiplicity of parts makes such a device particularly complex to achieve.

The document EP0297160 describes a child-resistant cap, operating on the principle of a double vertical movement and rotation, equipped with a first-opening indicator ring. The first opening indicator ring prevents, when present, the vertical movement of the two inner and outer plugs.

However, the breaking of the connection points between the ring and the lower part of the cap does not seem to be the result of a rotation of the cap but of an independent action on the ring itself at its connection, which requires an extra gesture on the part of the user.

The document EP 0592580 describes a child-resistant plug that works on the principle of a double vertical movement and rotation, also equipped with a ring witness of first opening. The principle of tearing of the ring is that of a tensile break, the ring being prevented from going up by the presence of a collar present on the neck of the container. The micro-points of connection between the ring and the lower part of the skirt of the inner cap are broken by the tensile force exerted, said ring having an annular zone expandable to allow its passage beyond a chamfered shoulder present on the neck of the container, but not allowing, by the ratios of the diameters, the passage in opposite direction during the unscrewing of the cap.

The document EP0609171 discloses an effectively double plug, having a first opening control ring, adjacent to the lower periphery of the outer plug, but whose device for tearing said ring is made by circumferential traction. An additional gesture is thus requested from the user when the container is first opened.

The document US4454955 describes a screw cap, having an inner cap and an outer cap fitting into one another and to ensure child safety. The testimony of first opening is ensured by a ring reported which constitutes an independent component. The assembly of such a set is obviously more complex than when the ring is molded together with the inner cap component child safety closure device.

The document EP0127943 also discloses a double plug for ensuring by antagonistic movement of vertical pressure and rotation the unscrewing of the plug, the ring first opening indicator to be previously separated by circumferential tearing.

The document FR2179029 also describes a double cap. The first opening indicator ring is positioned on the inner plug and separates by tearing subsequent to the vertical movement. There is no detent preventing its rotation during the setting in circular movement of the inner cap.

• un bouchon qui a un sommet et une jupe annulaire dépendante ayant des filets pour s'engager avec les filets du col du conteneur
• une bande indicatrice de violation élastique qui est reliée à la base de ladite jupe de bouchon au moyen d'une pluralité de connexions cassantes espacées de manière circonférencielle;
• une pluralité de dents d'encliquetage espacées de manière circonférencielle situées sur ladite bande pour s'engager avec les dents d'encliquetage situées sur le col de conteneur;

dans lequel les dents d'encliquetage situées sur ladite bande sont espacées de manière circonférencielle sur la bande par rapport aux dents d'encliquetage situées sur le col de conteneur de telle sorte que, lorsque le dispositif d'obturation est vissé sur le col de conteneur, les dents d'encliquetage situées sur ladite bande passent en séquence sur les dents d'encliquetage situées sur le col de conteneur.Finally, other types of plugs do not implement child protection mechanisms, but describing first-opening control ring systems articulated around a cooperation between neck container and ring exist. In particular the document FR 2670465 discloses a tamper indicating shutter for use on a container which has a threaded neck with latching teeth underneath threads, said shutter device being characterized in that it comprises:

• a plug which has a top and a dependent annular skirt having threads for engaging with the threads of the neck of the container
• an elastic violation indicator band which is connected to the base of said cap skirt by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart brittle connections;
• a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth located on said band for engagement with the ratchet teeth on the container neck;

wherein the ratchet teeth on said strip are circumferentially spaced apart on the in relation to the detent teeth located on the container neck so that, when the closure device is screwed onto the container neck, the detent teeth located on said band pass in sequence on the teeth of the container; snap located on the container neck.

Thus, the state of the art does not disclose a tamper indicating closure device for use on a threaded neck container providing child safety by conjunction of two opposing movements of vertical translation and rotation, but also equipped with desiccant means, and particularly simple design.

Objectives of the invention

Many objectives are therefore assigned to the device according to the invention, so that it can best eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and provide improved and improved solutions compared to the various means used in the closing devices. known security.

A first object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device of a container by screwing, to the test of a child on unscrewing, this device consisting of two nested plugs, operating by a detent means external cap on the inner cap by the application of an axial-rotational torque, on the upper end wall of the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device for a container by screwing, to the test of a child on unscrewing, this device comprising means immediately uncoupling the outer cap of the inner cap cap driven, as soon as the pressure exerted on the upper end wall of the device ceases.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device of a container by screwing, to the test of a child unscrewing, the means for snapping and disengaging the outer cap of training with the internal cap entrained do not undergo, in part, fatigue, permanent deformation or breakage by the repetition of the application of the axial pressure torque-rotation on the upper end wall of said device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device of a container by screwing, to the test of a child unscrewing, the means for snapping and disengaging the outer cap of training and the entrained inner cap compensate for the play of fit or wear between the outer and inner plugs, and provide excellent cohesion when snapped and independence, without play, when they are disengaged.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device of a container by screwing, to the test of a child unscrewing comprising a desiccant means integrated in said closure means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for screw-fastening a child-resistant container by screwing, comprising a dehydrating means integrated in said closure means and a tamper-proof indicator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety closure device for a container by screwing, to the test of a child on unscrewing comprising a desiccant means integrated in said closure means and a means of testimony d a first opening cooperating with the neck of the container on which the closure device is screwed.

Summary of the invention

• a) ladite bague possède, sur sa face interne, des crans dont la fonction est d'empêcher sa rotation, lors du dévissage du dispositif, par coopération avec des crans correspondants disposés sur le col du conteneur associé et à l'intérieur d'une gorge périphérique externe au dit col, en vue de provoquer la rupture par cisaillement des pontets,
• b) la paroi supérieure de la gorge périphérique externe au dit col constitue un épaulement guide pour ladite bague dans le mouvement de translation verticale de la bague lorsque ladite bague est solidaire du bouchon externe,
• c) les crans placés à l'intérieur de la gorge périphérique externe au dit col sont d'une hauteur telle qu'ils coopèrent avec les crans présents sur la face interne de la dite bague, quelle que soit la position de cette bague lors de son mouvement de translation verticale lorsque solidaire du bouchon externe.

Therefore, the invention relates to a child-resistant closure device associated with a container, operating according to the architecture of two plugs nested one inside the other, allowing a vertical translational movement of the outer plug with respect to the internal plug. thread of screw, generating a possibility of unscrewing and equipped with a first opening indicator ring secured by breakable bridges, the outer cap movable in vertical translation, and which is characterized in that:

• a) said ring has, on its internal face, notches whose function is to prevent its rotation, during the unscrewing of the device, by cooperation with corresponding notches arranged on the neck of the associated container and inside a external peripheral groove in said neck, with a view to causing shear breaking of the bridges,
• b) the upper wall of the peripheral groove external to said neck constitutes a guide shoulder for said ring in the vertical translation movement of the ring when said ring is integral with the outer cap,
• c) the notches placed inside the peripheral groove external to said neck are of a height such that they cooperate with the notches present on the inner face of said collar, whatever the position of this ring when its vertical translation movement when integral with the outer plug.

Detailed description of the intention

The closure device of a screw container, according to the invention consists of two plugs, one internal and the other external, nested one inside the other, and partly movable in translation one by report to the other. The inner cap has a thread allowing it to be screwed onto the neck of a container. The outer cap comprises a first opening control ring, connected to said outer cap by breakable bridges, said ring being equipped with notches cooperating with corresponding notches positioned on the base of the neck of the container inside a groove constituted respectively downwardly, the bulge of the container body and upwards by the lower part of a shoulder surrounding the neck of the container.

The inner cap also has a housing for storing a composition or desiccant element.

The outer cap of the child-resistant closure device, according to the invention, comprises a tamper proof ring of first opening, secured by breakable bridges, the outer cap movable in vertical translation.

The screw-type closure device is intended for a container of the type, for example, blown injected bottle, comprising a collar preferably 3 threads and not fast, a peripheral groove external to said neck, whose upper wall constitutes the shoulder guide for said ring in the vertical translation movement of the ring when integral with the outer plug.

The first opening control ring has, on its internal face, notches whose function is to prevent its rotation, during the unscrewing of the device, cooperating with corresponding notches arranged on the neck of the associated container, within the external peripheral groove to said collar, and this in order to cause breaking shear bridges.

The upper wall of the groove constitutes a guide shoulder for said ring in the vertical translation movement of the ring when integral with the outer plug.

The notches placed inside the groove are of a height such that they cooperate with the notches present on the inner face of said ring, whatever the position of this ring during its vertical translation movement when solidary external cap. So the notches placed inside the throat external device have a height greater than the notches placed on the inner face of the ring which is at most equal to the height of said groove.

The rupture of the breakable bridges connecting the upper circumference of the ring to the lower circumference of the outer cap is effected by shearing during the first opening and thus makes it possible to materialize the inviolability. The evenly distributed notches make the ring thus locked in rotation thus causing tearing of the breakable bridges and thus the separation of the ring relative to the outer plug.

The breakable bridges may be at least three and preferably 8 in number for reasons of balancing shear force during the first unscrewing of the child-resistant closure device and for reasons of ease of mold design.

The notches are present at least two as well on the inner face of the ring that inside the outer peripheral groove. These notches may be the same or different number both on the inner face of the ring and inside the outer peripheral groove.

The notches are preferably 3 in number on the internal face of the ring and inside the external peripheral groove, distributed at 120 ° in a regular manner, also for reasons of force balancing during the first unscrewing of the device. of child-proof closure and for ease of mold design.

The profile of the notches present on the inner face of the ring and inside the peripheral groove of the neck of the associated container is such that it allows the screwing of the inner plug and this, thanks to the fact that the profile is soft ramp in the screwing direction, causing a deformation of the tamper evident ring of first opening but not allowing its unscrewing without breaking the bridges connecting the first opening control ring to the lower part of the outer plug, by a steep profile or steep slope which prevents any rotation of said ring during unscrewing of the closure device, and which is of radial orientation.

The notches arranged on the neck of the container are located below a shoulder which is an integral part of the neck of the container and which also guides the ring when screwing the closure device on the neck of the container, ie during the first downward movement of the outer cap. In addition, said shoulder protects the notches arranged on the neck of the associated container, preventing them from appearing protruding relative to said neck.

Any attempt to rotate the control ring of the first opening secured to the plug during the unscrewing of the plug causes the breakable bridges connecting the upper periphery of the ring to the lower periphery of the outer plug, insofar as this ring is blocked by rotation by the notches arranged on the neck of the container in the outer peripheral groove, while the cap can perform this rotation.

The ring, moreover, must be able to maintain its freedom of vertical displacement to allow the vertical translation of the outer cap and thus allow the snap-fastening of the inner ring elements of the outer cap and the outer ring elements of the inner cap in order to allow it unscrewing the plug as part of the deployment of this child safety.

The regularly spaced notches, disposed on the inner face of the first opening control ring have a height less than the notches disposed on the outer surface of the container neck, housed just below the shoulder on the said neck, in such a way that the notches arranged on the inner face of the ring are positioned below said shoulder when the outer cap is in the upper position, that is to say unsolicited. Moreover said notches also have a chamfer allowing their passage facilitated by extension of the ring beyond said shoulder, itself of chamfered shape to facilitate the passage of the ring during the first screwing of the closure device.

The first opening control ring once disengaged by rupture of the breakable bridges of the lower circumferential portion of the outer cap, may either remain present in the outer peripheral groove of the container, in that the diameter of said container is greater than the diameter of the container. the ring, or be removed when opening the closure means.

The device according to the invention consists of two plugs, one internal and the other external, nested one inside the other, each of these plugs being provided in superstructure with drive means on the inner surfaces of the plug. external and on the outer surfaces of the inner cap such as the outer cap, when it is subjected to axial pressure, then a rotation, can move vertically by a downward movement, and snap into the inner cap and so the lead in a movement of opening, or closing, on demand.

As soon as the axial pressure ceases on the outer plug, the device, to be really safe, must ensure the upward reverse movement of the outer plug, causing the disengagement of the outer and inner plugs: as soon as the outer plug is in its disengaged position , and that it is subjected to a single action of rotation, it can not drive the inner cap in a unscrewing movement.

According to the invention, the latching means placed facing the inner surface of the upper end wall of the outer cap and on the outer surface of the upper end wall of the inner cap are formed on each of these surfaces, by a crown of teeth whose apparent diameter, which is less than that of the plugs, is preferably the same for both crowns.

The teeth forming one and the other of the rings are spaced from each other, so that the teeth of the crown of the outer cap can be embedded. between the teeth of the crown of the inner plug when the outer plug is subjected to axial pressure and then to a beginning of rotation.

• parallélépipède s'achevant à leur extrémité d'engagement mécanique par deux plans obliques, symétriques, séparés l'un de l'autre par un plan horizontal,
• parallélépipédique ou cylindrique, s'achevant à leur extrémité d'engagement mécanique par un hémisphère ou un tronc de cône.

The teeth of the crowns for snapping the outer cap with the inner cap have a shape of:

• parallelepiped terminating at their end of mechanical engagement by two oblique planes, symmetrical, separated from each other by a horizontal plane,
• parallelepipedic or cylindrical, terminating at their end of mechanical engagement by a hemisphere or a truncated cone.

This particular shape of the teeth is designed in such a way that the outer plug, when not subjected to axial pressure, but only subjected to a rotational movement, can rotate without causing the inner plug, the teeth of the crown external cap that can slide on the teeth of the crown of the inner cap, if they are in contact with them, without snapping into each other.

The number of teeth present in each crown depends essentially on the diameter of these crowns -

The outer cap also has on the inner surface of the upper end wall in contact with the outer surface of the upper end wall of the inner cap a shape memory deformable spacing means capable of deforming when pressure is applied. vertically from top to bottom is exerted on the outer cap, thus allowing the snap-in means drive. When the pressure is removed, the shape memory deformable spacing means reacts and re-recreates a space, thanks to its ability to regain its original shape, between the inner top end walls of the two plugs by disengaging the drive means. 'training.

The shape memory deformable spacing means may for example consist of helical segments, segments of tongues positioned in a circle, forming a sort of flared miniskirt integral with the internal face of the outer cap, each of the segments having the capacity to resiliently bend around its connecting line with the inner face of the outer cap when pressure is exerted on these segments. The flared miniskirt returns to its original shape when the pressure stops.

In order to facilitate this crushing of the segments of tongues positioned in a circle, forming in a manner a flared miniskirt, these are positioned in line with a corresponding slightly conical and protruding surface positioned on the upper surface of the inner cap. Thus, the inner surface formed by each of the segments of the flared skirt is guided by the slightly conical outer surface of the protrusion, positioned on the outer surface of the inner cap, so as to increase, reversibly, this flare.

The internal cap and the outer cap can not, once assembled, be separated from each other by means of an internal cylindrical bulge placed at the lower part of the inner surface of the cap skirt. external, which can deform when mounting the outer cap on the inner cap, but which acts as a non-return element making such disassembly impossible.

Such a device is very safe for young children whose coordination of gestures, to simultaneously create the axial pressure torque-rotation required to open the device, is not yet acquired.

According to the invention, the means for guiding the outer cap with respect to the inner cap, to ensure excellent coaxiality, may possibly be present on one and / or the other of the cylindrical side walls of the one and the other plugs, on the outer surface of the inner cap and / or on the inner surface of the outer cap.

According to the invention, the seal between the inner part of the neck of the container and the inner screw cap is provided by means of a cylindrical element of a certain height, coaxial with the inner cap and positioned inside the inner cap. and coming to fit through a terminal chamfer in the neck of the container.

The inner cap of the child-resistant closure device according to the invention further comprises a desiccant means of attached type, the desiccant being placed in a suitable housing, located on the bottom of the inner cap, said housing being closed by a means non-moisture-proof closure, for example, a porous cardboard membrane, to ensure the rapid desiccation of moisture-sensitive products packaged in the container.

The dehydrating agent used in the container is selected from the group consisting of silica gels, molecular sieves, diatoms or other desiccants, in powder form or deposited on a powdery support.

The desiccant may also be a capsule contained in said housing and made of a desiccant polymer material containing or not desiccant fillers.

As the safety closure devices belonging to the state of the art, the external and internal plugs of the device according to the invention are produced by injection molding of compositions formulated from thermoplastic polymers, chosen from the group consisting of polyethylenes. polypropylenes, ethylene / propylene copolymers used alone or in a mixture, formulated or not.

Other thermoplastic polymers may also be used such as polyamides (PA), polystyrenes (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), polymethyl methacrylates (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalates (PET), polybutyleneterephthalates (PBT), polyacetals (POM), polyvinylchlorides (PVC), polycarbonates (PC).

Thermoplastic elastomers may be added to such compositions formulated from the aforementioned thermoplastic polymers.

• La figure 1 est une coupe transversale du dispositif de fermeture déshydratant, à sécurité enfant et à bague témoin de première ouverture, monté par vissage sur le conteneur correspondant selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une coupe transversale du seul dispositif de fermeture selon l'invention comportant le bouchon externe équipé de sa bague témoin de première ouverture et le bouchon interne, prisonnier du bouchon externe.
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective du conteneur sur lequel vient se visser le dispositif de fermeture à sécurité enfant et à bague témoin de première ouverture.
• La figure 4 est une coupe transversale du bouchon externe du dispositif selon l'invention.
• La figure 5 est une vue en perspective du bouchon interne, mettant en particulier en évidence la couronne crantée.
• La figure 6 est une coupe suivant un plan au niveau de la jonction entre la partie supérieure de la bague témoin de première ouverture et la partie inférieure du bouchon externe du dispositif de fermeture mettant en évidence les trois crans et les 8 liens ou pontets sécables reliant la circonférence supérieure de la bague témoin de première ouverture à la circonférence inférieure de la jupe du bouchon externe.

The invention will be better understood thanks to the numerical description of the figures mentioned below, these figures having only a non-limiting illustrative character.

• The figure 1 is a cross-section of the desiccant closing device, child safety and first-opening control ring, mounted by screwing on the corresponding container according to the invention.
• The figure 2 is a cross section of the only closure device according to the invention comprising the outer cap equipped with its first opening control ring and the inner cap, prisoner of the outer cap.
• The figure 3 is a perspective view of the container on which is screwed the child-resistant closing device and control ring of first opening.
• The figure 4 is a cross section of the outer cap of the device according to the invention.
• The figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner cap, highlighting in particular the notched crown.
• The figure 6 is a section along a plane at the junction between the upper part of the first opening control ring and the lower part of the outer cap of the closure device showing the three notches and the 8 links or breakable bridges connecting the upper circumference of the first opening control ring at the lower circumference of the outer cap skirt.

The figure 1 is a cross section of the closure device (1) desiccant, child safety and first-opening control ring (5) mounted by screwing on the container (2) corresponding to the invention.

The closing device (1) of the screw container (2) according to the invention consists of two plugs, one internal (3), the other external (4), nested one inside the other, and partly movable in translation relative to one another, the inner cap (3) having a screw thread allowing it to be screwed onto the neck (6) of said container (2), and also comprising a housing (7) for storing a desiccant composition or desiccant element, the outer cap (4) further comprising a first opening control ring (5) connected to said outer cap (4) by breakable bridges (8), said ring (5) being equipped with notches (9) cooperating with corresponding notches (10) positioned on the base of the neck (6) of the container (2), at a groove (11) constituted respectively by the bottom, the bulge of the container body and upwards by the lower part of a shoulder (12).

The figure 2 is a cross section of the single closure device (1) according to the invention comprising the outer cap (4) equipped with its ring (5) first opening indicator and the inner cap (3), captive of the outer cap (5) but mobile in translation relative to each other. The two plugs, nested one inside the other, are each provided with superstructure means such as the outer cap, when it is subjected to axial pressure, then a rotation, moves vertically by a downward movement, snaps into the inner cap and drives in a movement of opening (or closing) on demand.

The outer plug (4) also has on its inner face in contact with the outer face of the inner plug (3) a shape memory deformable spacing means (15) capable of deforming when a vertical pressure up and down is exert on the outer cap (4), allowing the engagement of the teeth (17) crowns. When the pressure is removed, the shape memory deformable spacing means acts and space again, thanks to its ability to regain its original shape, the inner face in contact with the outer face of the inner cap disengaging the crown teeth.

The shape memory deformable spacing means (15) is constituted by several segments of tongues positioned in a circle, forming a kind of flared miniskirt integral with the internal face of the outer cap (4), each of the segments having the ability to resiliently bend around its connecting line with the inner face of the outer cap when pressure is exerted on these segments. The flared miniskirt returns to its original shape when the pressure stops.

In order to facilitate this crushing of the segments of tongues positioned in a circle, forming in a way a flared miniskirt, these are positioned in line with a corresponding slightly conical surface and protuberant (16) positioned on the upper surface of the inner cap (3).

The inner cap (3) and the outer cap (4) can not, once assembled, be separated from each other by means of a cylindrical bulge (19) internal to the lower part of the skirt of the outer cap (4). ), which can deform when mounting the outer cap on the inner cap, but which acts as a non-return element making such disassembly impossible.

According to the invention, the seal between the inner part of the neck (6) of the container (2) and the inner screw cap (3) is ensured by means of a cylindrical element (20) of a certain height concentric with the internal cap (3) and positioned inside the inner cap (3) and being fitted via a terminal chamfer in the neck (6) of the container (2).

The outer cap (4) of the closure device (1) according to the invention comprises a tamper evident ring (5) first opening control. The screw-type closure device is intended for a container of the type, for example a blown injected flask, comprising a neck (6) preferably with 3 threads and not fast, a shoulder flange (12) and a retaining groove (11). ring (5) inviolability, and notches (10) regularly distributed to materialize the inviolability through the pulling provoked said ring (5) which remains locked in rotation, thanks to the notches (9) and in number identical to the number of notches (10) present on the neck of the container, positioned on the inside of the ring (5) the rupture of the breakable bridges (8) connecting the upper circumference of the ring (5) to the lower circumference of the outer cap (4) is therefore sheared.

The notches (9, 10) are preferably three in number at 120 °.

The profile of the notches (9, 10) present on the inner circumferential portion of the outer plug and on the outside of the neck of the associated container is such that it allows the internal plug (3) to be screwed and this, thanks to a profile with soft ramp (21), causing a deformation of the tamper evident ring of first opening but not allowing its unscrewing due to a steep profile (22), breakable bridges (8) connecting the ring (5) witness first opening at the lower part of the outer plug (4), said steep profile (22) preventing any rotation of said ring (5) during unscrewing of the closure device (1).

The notches (10) disposed on the neck (6) of the container (2) are located below a shoulder (12) which is integral with the neck (6) of the container (2) and which also guides the ring when the closure device is screwed onto the collar (6) of the container, that is to say during the first downward movement of the outer plug (4).

The notches (10) are further contained in a groove (11) formed by the shoulder (12) and a bulge of the container body.

Any attempt to rotate the ring (5) first opening indicator secured to the outer plug (4), during unscrewing of the inner plug (3) causes rupture of the breakable bridges (8) connecting the upper periphery of the ring (5) at the lower periphery of the outer plug (4), insofar as this ring (5) is locked in rotation by the notches (9) arranged inside said ring, cooperating with the notches (10) arranged on the neck (6) of the container (2), at the groove (11) while the inner cap (3) driven by the outer cap (4) can perform this rotation.

The ring (5), maintains its freedom of vertical displacement to allow the vertical translation of the outer cap (4) and thus allow the snap-fastening of the inner ring elements of the outer cap (4) and the outer ring elements of the inner cap ( 3) in order to allow the unscrewing of the plug as part of the deployment of this child safety.

The notches (9) regularly spaced, arranged on the inside of the ring (5) control first opening have a height less than the notches (10) disposed on the outer surface of the neck (6) of the container, housed just below the shoulder (12) present on said neck, so that the notches (9) disposed on the inside of the ring are positioned below said shoulder (12) when the outer cap (4) is in position. high position, ie unsolicited. Moreover said notches (9) also have a chamfer allowing their passage facilitated by extension of the ring (5) beyond said shoulder (12), itself chamfered to facilitate the passage of the ring (5) during the first screwing of the closure device (1).

The ring (5) first opening indicator once disengaged by breaking breakable bridges (8) of the lower circumferential portion of the outer cap (4) may have remained present on the container due to the fact that the diameter of the upper container is at diameter of the ring, or be removed when opening the closure means (1).

The inner cap (3) of the device (1) according to the invention also comprises a type of desiccant means attached, the desiccant being placed in a housing (7), located on the bottom of the inner cap (3), said housing (7) being closed by a non-moisture-proof closure means, for example, a porous cardboard membrane (23), to ensure rapid desiccation of the moisture-sensitive products and packaged in the container.

The figure 3 is a perspective view of the container (2) on which is screwed the closure device (1) child safety and ring (5) first opening control according to the invention. The neck (6) of the container (2) comprises a triple screw thread (24), a shoulder (12) forming, with the bulge of the body of the container (2), a groove (11) in which three notches ( 10) whose height corresponds to the width of the groove (11).

These notches (9) have a gently sloped surface (21) and a steep slope surface (22). This gently sloping profile (9, 10) (21) therefore makes it possible to passing the corresponding notches (9) positioned inside the circumferential surface of the ring (5) over the notches (10) during the initial closing operation of the container (2) by the closing device (1) ), but does not allow its unscrewing without breaking shear breakable bridges, thanks to the fact that the ring (5) can not rotate, the steep faces (22) of the notches (10) coming to oppose the steep faces of the notches (9) positioned within the circumferential surface of the ring (5). The ring (5) first opening witness is released.

The figure 4 is a cross-section of the outer cap (4) of the device (1) according to the invention equipped with its first opening control ring (5) connected by a plurality of breakable bridges (8) to the lower periphery of the outer cap (4) . The shoulder (19) makes it possible to make the inner cap (3) trapped in the outer cap (4) while allowing them translational mobility. The notches (9) of limited height appear on the inner peripheral surface of the ring (5) first opening indicator. The outer cap (4) has on its inner plane face teeth (13) and deformable shape memory spacing means (15) in the form of skirt segments.

The figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner cap showing in particular the latching means (14) placed on the outer surface of the upper end wall of the inner cap type toothed crown.

The eight teeth (17) forming the crown are spaced from each other, so that the teeth the crown of the outer cap may fit between the teeth of the crown of the inner cap when the outer cap is subjected to an axial pressure and then to a start of rotation.

Each tooth (17) has a vertical plane (18), which corresponds to a plane of radial section of the inner cap, and an oblique opposite plane (19). The vertical plane (18) allows the latch with the corresponding vertical plane of the tooth of the toothed crown located on the inside of the outer cap, during unscrewing while the oblique plane instead raises the corresponding plane of the tooth which it is opposed during the screwing operation.

This particular shape of the teeth is designed so that the outer plug, when not subjected to axial pressure, but only subjected to a rotational movement, can rotate without causing the internal plug, the teeth of the crown of the outer cap can slip on the teeth of the crown of the inner cap, if they are in contact with them, without snapping into each other.

The figure 6 is a section along a plane at the junction between the upper part of the first opening control ring and the lower part of the outer cap of the closure device showing the three notches (9) and the 8 breakable links or bridges ( 8) connecting the upper circumference of the first opening control ring to the lower circumference of the outer cap skirt.

Such a safety closure device of a container whose mouth is provided with an external screw thread, a device that is child-proof and also includes a first-opening indicator and a desiccant element. to close a container, for storing products sensitive to moisture such as for example pharmaceutical or other products, to consume as and when, and for which it is important to secure their use by the final shaper that must d to be completely reassured, that is to say assured of the physical integrity of the packaging before first opening on the one hand and on the other hand assured that such products can not be consumed by children, and that in the measure where such a child safety is sufficiently effective.

Claims (20)

1. Childproof closure device (1) associated with a container (2) functioning on the basis of an architecture of two stoppers (3, 4) nested one within the other allowing vertical translational movement of the outer stopper (4) in relation to the inner stopper (3) bearing a screw thread, giving rise to the possibility that it can be unscrewed, and fitted with an integral ring providing evidence of first opening (5) of the outer stopper (4) which can move in vertical translation, by means of breakable bridges (8), characterised in that

   a) the said ring (5) has teeth (9) on its inside face whose function is to prevent it from rotating when the device is unscrewed by acting together with corresponding teeth (10) located on the neck of the associated container and within a peripheral groove (11) outside the said neck with a view to cause the bridges to break through shearing,

   b) the upper wall of the peripheral groove (11) outside the said neck comprises a guide shoulder (12) for the said ring (5) in vertical translational movement of the ring (5) when the said ring (5) is of one piece with the external stopper (4),

   c) the teeth (10) placed within the peripheral groove (11) outside the said neck (6) are of a height such that they act together with the teeth (9) present on the inside surface of the said ring (5) regardless of the position of that ring (5) in the course of its vertical translational movement when of one piece with the external stopper (4).
2. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 1 characterised in that the teeth (10) located within the groove (11) are of a height not greater than that of the groove.
3. Childproof closure device (1) according to either of Claims 1 or 2 characterised in that the number of teeth (9, 10) present on both the inside surface of the ring and within the external peripheral groove is at least two.
4. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the teeth on the internal surface of the ring and within the external peripheral groove are the same or different in number.
5. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the number of teeth (9, 10) on the internal surface of the ring (5) is preferably 3 and that those on within the external peripheral groove (11) are regularly distributed.
6. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the profiles of the teeth present on the inner surface of the ring and within the external peripheral groove on the neck of the container have a gentle gradient (21) in the screwing direction and a radially orientated steep gradient (22) in the unscrewing direction.
7. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the two inner and outer stoppers are each provided in their superstructures with engaging means (13, 17) on the internal surfaces of the outer stopper and on the external surfaces of the inner stopper such that when subjected to an axial pressure and then rotation the outer stopper engages with the inner stopper and causes it to make an opening or closing movement as desired.
8. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 7 characterised in that the engaging means in the superstructure on the internal surface of the upper end wall of the outer stopper and on the external surface of the upper end wall of the inner stopper are teeth (13, 17) placed in a crown.
9. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 8 characterised in that the teeth (13, 17) forming a crown are spaced apart from each other.
10. Childproof closure device (1) according to either of Claims 8 and 9 characterised in that the teeth (13, 17) are of solid rectangular shape ending at their mechanically engaging extremities in two oblique symmetrical planes separated from each other by a horizontal plane.
11. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the outer stopper comprises on the internal surface of the upper end wall in contact with the external surface of the upper end wall of the inner stopper, shape-memory deformable spacing means (15) capable of deforming when a vertically downward pressure is exerted on the outer stopper causing the engaging means to engage.
12. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 11 characterised in that the shape-memory deformable spacing means (15) comprises helical segments, segments of tongues positioned in a circle, forming a hollow mini-skirt of one piece with the internal surface of the outer stopper, each of the segments having the ability to bend resiliently about its line of connection with the internal surface of the upper end wall of the outer stopper when a pressure is exerted on the segments.
13. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the outer stopper (4) is provided at the lower end of the internal surface of its skirt with an internal cylindrical swelling (19) which acts as a non-return element with respect to the inner stopper.
14. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13 characterised in that it is provided with means to guide the outer stopper in relation to the inner stopper to ensure that they are excellently coaxial, these means being present on one and/or other of the stoppers, the external surface of the inner stopper and/or the internal surface of the outer stopper.
15. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 14 characterised in that in order to establish a seal between the inner part of the neck of the container and the stopper with an internal screw the said stopper is provided with a coaxial cylindrical element (20) positioned within the said stopper and adjusted through the intermediary of a terminal bevel on the neck of the container.
16. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 15 characterised in that the inner stopper of the device comprises dehydrating means of the separate type, this means comprising an appropriate housing (7) located on the base of the inner stopper in which a dehydrating agent is placed, the said housing being closed off by closing means which is not leaktight to ambient moisture, for example a membrane (23) of porous cardboard, to ensure rapid drying of moisture-sensitive products packed in the container.
17. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 16 characterised in that the dehydrating agent is selected from the group comprising silica gels, molecular sieves or diatomaceous earths and takes the form of a powder or deposit on a powder support or the form of a capsule made of dehydrating polymer material which may or may not contain dehydrating fillers.
18. Childproof closure device (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 17 characterised in that it is made of compositions formulated from thermoplastic polymers selected from the group comprising polyethylenes, polypropylenes, ethylene/polypropylene copolymers used alone or as mixtures, whether or not formulated, polyamides (PA), polystyrenes (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), styreneacrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), methyl polymethacrylates (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalates (PET), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT), polyacetals (POM), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) and polycarbonates (PC).
19. Childproof closure device (1) according to Claim 18 characterised in that the compositions formulated from thermoplastic polymers contain thermoplastic elastomers.
20. Use of the childproof closure device (1) according to Claims 1 to 19, for the closure of containers intended for the storage of moisture-sensitive products such as pharmaceutical or other products which have to be consumed progressively and which have to be made secure with regard to the physical integrity of the packaging before it is first opened and with regard to the child risk.

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