EP3141494B1

EP3141494B1 - Closure for a non-refillable receptacle intended to be used for a liquid such as oil or vinegar

Info

Publication number: EP3141494B1
Application number: EP15729208.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pedro Parellada Rigol
Original assignee: Plasticos Badorch SL
Current assignee: Plasticos Badorch SL
Priority date: 2014-05-08
Filing date: 2015-05-08
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-08
Also published as: ES1115605U; WO2015169995A1; EP3141494A1; TR201807708T4; ES1115605Y; ES2672803T3

Description

The present invention relates to a closure for a non-refillable container which allows users to be certain that the liquid contained inside the container corresponds to the one that is identified on the label. The closure is especially suited to plastic or glass containers, intended to contain oil or vinegar, although it can also be used for containers that store a different liquid to oil and vinegar which require ensuring that the content is the original.

Background of the invention

For several reasons, it may be desirable to ensure that a container which is used, like a container designed for containing a liquid, like for example, an alcoholic beverage, or oil or vinegar, is not refilled with a replacement quantity of a different liquid, whose characteristics in terms of quality may differ from the original content. Attempts at providing such closures which make refilling difficult are not always effective against certain improper manoeuvres.
Document GB729903A discloses a closure for collapsible tubes of the kind comprising a generally cylindrical discharge member slidably received in the axial bore of the collapsible tube neck.
Document EP0558470 discloses a pouring spout for bottles that has a basic body which can be mounted in a sealing manner on the bottle neck and has an outlet tube on which a closure body is guided captively and so as to be longitudinally adjustable between a closed position, in which an inlet aperture of an outlet of said closure body is closed by a plug held on the outlet tube by transverse webs bridging the aperture, and an outlet position in which the inlet aperture is closed off by the plug.
In general, the devices for closing non-refillable containers which are known in the state of the art, are configured for containers of alcoholic beverages or liqueurs. Most of these devices for closing non-refillable containers comprise a non-return valve which allows the liquid to exit and prevents fraudulent introduction of same. This valve is in turn associated with a dispensing unit which allows the liquid stored in the dispensing unit to be dispensed with each motion of tilting the container.
There are other types of closures for non-refillable containers. Nonetheless, these closures are more complex than the one described in the preceding paragraph, as they incorporate several valves. Document ES1058783 discloses a closure according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a base piece for inserting in the neck of said container, and a non-removable cap which is associated to said base piece in such a way that it is capable of being displaced vertically in relation to it, from a closed position to an upper position to allow the liquid to exit. The said base piece comprises two coaxial bodies with a substantially tubular configuration which are arranged in a concentric manner inside the neck of said container once the piece is inserted. The non-removable cap is capable of being inserted non-removably inside the tubular body which occupies the inner coaxial position, and the open space between the walls of both coaxial bodies defines an opening for the liquid to exit and air to enter simultaneously. The non-removable cap further includes a lid which is configured to prevent the exit of the liquid through the opening, said lid being capable of being vertically displaced until the aforesaid upper position on pulling the cap to allow the liquid to exit through the opening.
The closure disclosed in document ES1058783U has the drawback of dripping or spilling of liquid from the opening. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a type of closure for containers which has an anti-drip effect, has a simple construction and that is easy to assemble, guaranteeing at the same time an appropriate degree of protection which helps preventing the container from being refilled.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a closure for a non-refillable container which presents a simple configuration that brings about a practical benefit for the user and an assembly benefit for the manufacturer.
In line with this objective, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a closure for a non-refillable container intended for serving a liquid such as oil or vinegar, according to claim 1. The present invention provides a container intended for serving a liquid such as oil or vinegar which includes said closure including a non-removable cap.
Thanks to these characteristics, the closure a of the present invention allows liquid to exit from inside the container with an anti-drip effect and at the same time prevents the fraudulent reintroduction of another liquid, whose quality characteristics may differ from those of the original content.
In the closure of the present invention the liquid exits through a millimetre-sized opening defined by the open space between the walls of the two coaxial bodies of the base piece which is inserted inside the neck of the container. This millimetre-sized opening prevents the fraudulent refilling of the container but at the same time allows for a controlled exit of the liquid and the simultaneous entry of air in such a way that it avoids the vacuum or bubble effect inside the container. To prevent the exit of the liquid, the non-removable cap incorporates a lid which can be vertically displaced to a closure position to block the aforesaid opening, once the liquid has been served.
Advantageously, said two coaxial bodies are joined to each other by a plurality of ribs. The two coaxial bodies are configured in such a way that they project from the neck of said container, once the base piece is inserted, the upper edge of the tubular body that occupies the outer coaxial position defining a widening with a curved contour to facilitate the pouring of the liquid through said opening.
In this way, the pouring of the liquid occurs through this widening of the curved contour which prevents very effectively the inconvenient dripping or spilling of liquid from said opening.
Preferably, said lid is configured in such a way that, in the cap's closed position, the lid makes contact with said widening of the outer coaxial body to close the opening and effectively block the exit of the liquid.
According to a preferred embodiment, the internal face of the lid is provided with a tubular body which in the closed position of said cap is inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies of the base piece, the open space between the wall of said tubular body and the wall of the outer coaxial body defining an anti-drip channel for pouring the liquid, when the cap is in the upper position to allow the liquid to exit.
Advantageously, according to the same preferred embodiment, the tubular body of said lid presents a lower bevelled edge which is disposed facing the curved widening of the outer coaxial body when the cap is in the raised position to drive the exit of the fluid through said anti-drip channel.
Preferably, said non-removable cap comprises a piece for inserting in the inner coaxial body, said insertion piece being provided with an anchoring configured to butt against an edge of this inner coaxial body, the tubular wall of said inner coaxial body acting as a guide for said insertion piece of the cap when the cap is displaced until butting.
Advantageously, the non-removable cap comprises an anchoring blocking body to effectively prevent its removal.
According to one embodiment, said base piece comprises a tubular body for coupling to the outer wall of the neck of the container. Nonetheless, according to another embodiment especially adapted to containers made of glass or crystal, the base piece can lack this tubular body for outer coupling. In this case, the outer coaxial body of the base piece includes a segment configured to be coupled on the inner wall of the neck of the container, and an outer ring intended to butt against the inlet mouth of said neck. In this embodiment, the closure tends to be covered with a seal in the form of a capsule which encompasses one part of the neck of the container.
Optionally, the closure can comprise another removable cap intended to cover the lid which prevents the exit of the liquid L, and an outer tubular body associated to the base piece on which said removable cap can be screwed and unscrewed. When unscrewed, the removable cap displaces the lid by the action of an inner ridge until being completely released.
Advantageously, the lid of the non-removable cap, or the removable cap itself, is joined to a fastening strip which acts as the safety seal of the container.
Preferably, said base piece and said non-removable cap are made of a plastic material. Nevertheless, alternatively, said base piece and said non-removable cap can be made of metal.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of that which is described herein, a set of drawings is attached which, schematically and by way of a non-limiting example only, represent a practical case of embodiment.

Figure 1 is an exploded view in perspective of the closure of the invention, which shows the base piece and the non-removable cap.
Figure 2 shows a first cross-section of the closure of Figure 1 assembled on the neck of a container. In this figure the non-removable cap is in a closed position.
Figure 3 shows a second cross-section of the closure of Figure 1 assembled on the neck of a container in the closed position of the non-removable cap.
Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the closure of Figure 1 assembled on the neck of a container. In this figure, the non-removable cap is in the upper position to allow the liquid to exit.
Figure 5 shows schematically the pouring of the liquid from a container that incorporates the closure of the present invention, in the upper position of the cap which allows the liquid to exit.
Figures 6 and 7 show an elevation view and a cross-section of a second embodiment of the closure of the invention, which includes another outer removable cap half-unscrewed.
Figures 8 and 9 show an elevation view and a cross-section of the second embodiment of the closure of Figure 6, with the removable cap released.
Figure 10 shows an elevation view and a cross-section of a third embodiment of the closure of the invention adapted for inserting in a glass container.

Description of a preferred embodiment

Next follows a description of a preferred embodiment of the closure of the present invention referring to figures 1 to 5. The closure of this embodiment is especially indicated for using in containers intended to contain oil or vinegar and is very easy to assemble. These containers may be made of plastic or glass.
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the closure 1 of the present invention. This exploded view includes a base piece 2 for inserting in the neck of a container, and a non-removable cap 3 which is associated to said base piece 2 in such a way that it is capable of being displaced vertically in relation to it, from a closed position to an upper position to allow the liquid L to exit.
The base piece 2 comprises two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b with a ring configuration which are arranged in a concentric manner inside the neck 4a of the container which contains the liquid L, once the base piece 2 is inserted (see figures 2 and 3). In the described embodiment, the two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b are joined to each other by means of a plurality of ribs 5, the open space between the walls of both coaxial bodies 2a, 2b defining a millimetre-sized opening 6 for the exit of the liquid L and the simultaneous entry of air. Also, in the described embodiment, the base piece 2 presents a third body 2c with a ring configuration for coupling to the outer wall of the neck 4a of the container.
The cap 3 shown in Figure 1 comprises an insertion piece 3a for inserting non-removably inside the inner coaxial body 2a of the base piece 2. This insertion piece 3a is provided with an anchoring 7 which is configured to butt against an edge 8 of the inner coaxial body 2a. As can be seen in detail in Figure 4, when the cap 3 displaces vertically until it butts against the edge 8, the wall of the inner coaxial body 2a acts as a guide for the insertion piece 3a.
The same non-removable cap 3 comprises a lid 9 which is configured in the form of a disc to prevent the exit of the liquid L through the opening 6. This lid 9 can be displaced vertically up to an upper position on pulling on cap 3 to allow the exit of the liquid L through the opening 6 (see figures 4 and 5).
Figures 2 and 3 show two cross-sections of the closure 1 assembled on the neck 4a of a container 4 in the closed position of the opening 6. In this position, the lid 9 makes contact with a widening 10 of the upper edge of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2, to close the opening 6 and effectively block the exit of the liquid L.
As can be seen in detail in figures 4 and 5, the aforesaid widening 10 of the upper edge of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2 has been designed with a curved contour which allows the liquid L to be poured without producing inconvenient dripping.
In the preferred embodiment described, the internal face of the lid 9 is provided with a ring body 11 which in the closed position of the cap 3 is inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b of the base piece 2 (see figures 2 and 3).
As can be seen in detail in figures 4 and 5, the open space between the wall of the ring body 11 of the lid 9 and the wall of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2 determines an anti-drip channel 12 for the pouring of the liquid L when the cap 3 is in an upper position for the liquid L to exit. Also, in the same figures 4 and 5 it is possible to appreciate the bevelled lower edge 11a of the aforesaid ring body 11 which is disposed facing the curved widening 10 of the outer coaxial body 2b to direct very effectively the exit of the liquid L through the aforesaid anti-drip channel 12.
This anti-drip channel 12 makes it possible to control in an optimal manner the pouring of the liquid L, without producing unwanted dripping. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the operation of pouring the liquid L from a container 4 which comprises the closure 1 of the present invention.
When the container 4 is closed, the cap 3 is situated in a lower position in which the lid 9 makes contact with the widening 10 of the upper edge of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2, to prevent the exit of the liquid L through the opening 6. In this position, a fastening strip 13 which is joined to the lid 9 acts as a safety seal for the container 4.
When the user wishes to open the container 4 to serve the liquid L, the same user proceeds to first remove the fastening strip 13, and then, to pull on the non-removable cap 3 until an upper position in which the lid 9 of said cap 3 is vertically displaced to release the opening 6 for the exit of the liquid L. At this moment, the user can pour the container 4 to serve the liquid L through the millimetre-sized opening 6.
As can be seen in Figure 5, the opening 6 determined by the coaxial bodies 2a, 2b of the base piece 2 generates a circuit for the liquid L to exit and air to enter simultaneously, which prevents the vacuum or bubble effect inside the container. Also, the anti-drip channel 12 which is defined by the bevelled edge 11a of the ring body 11 of the lid 9 and the widening 10 of the outer coaxial body 2b, facilitates the direction of the liquid L without a dripping effect.
Figures 6 to 9 refer to a second embodiment of the closure 1 which comprises another removable outer cap 14 intended to cover the lid 9 which prevents the exit of the liquid L in the lower closed position.
As can be seen in figures 6 to 9, in this embodiment the base piece includes an outer tubular body 2d which projects in its position of use from the neck of the container to allow screwing of the removable cap 14. Figures 6 and 7 show the removable cap 14 half-unscrewed with the lid 9 displaced to the upper position by the action of an inner ridge 17 provided on the inner wall of said removable cap 14. In figures 7 and 8, the removable cap 14 has been released.
In the embodiment shown in figures 6 to 9, the non-removable cap 3 includes a blocking body 18 of the anchoring 7. This body 18 effectively prevents the extraction of the insertion piece 3a inserted inside the inner coaxial body 2a. In this way, obtainment of a non-removable closure is guaranteed which helps desisting the user from refilling the container. In the described embodiment, the blocking body 18 is configured in the form of a tube for inserting inside an insertion piece 3a which incorporates anchoring tabs 7. In its position of use, the blocking body 18 makes it impossible for the anchoring tabs 7 to bend until they butt against the edge 8 of the inner coaxial body 2a.
Figure 10 refers to a third embodiment of the closure 1 which is especially adapted for use in containers made of glass or crystal.
As can be seen in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece includes a segment 15 configured to be coupled on the inner wall of the neck of the container or bottle made of glass or crystal, and an outer ring 16 intended to butt against the inlet mouth of the neck of the container.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the closure 1 can comprise a seal in the form of an aluminium capsule which covers a part of the neck of the bottle or container. Optionally, this embodiment can also include a removable cap 14 such as the one represented in figures 6 to 9 which can, additionally, be covered in an aluminium capsule in the form of a seal.
Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the closure 1 described can be subject to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the aforementioned details can be replaced with others provided they do not fall outside the scope of protection defined by the attached claims. For example, although the described embodiments refer to a base piece 2 provided with two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b with a tubular shape and circular section, (ring bodies), the same result could be obtained by means of coaxial bodies with a tubular configuration of a different section, such as for example, a square section if the neck section of the container should require the closure to adapt to this.

Claims

Closure (1) for a non-refillable container intended for serving a liquid (L) such as oil or vinegar which comprises;
- a base piece (2) for inserting in a neck (4a) of said container,

- a non-removable cap (3) which is associated to said base piece (2) in such a way that it is capable of being displaced vertically in relation to it, from a closed position to an upper position to allow the liquid (L) to exit,
wherein said base piece (2) comprises two coaxial bodies (2a,2b) with a substantially tubular configuration which are arranged in a concentric manner inside the neck (4a) of said container, once the piece (2) is inserted, said cap (3) being capable of being inserted non-removably inside the tubular body (2a) which occupies the inner coaxial position, an open space between
the walls of both coaxial bodies (2a,2b) defining an opening (6) for the liquid to exit and air to enter simultaneously, said non-removable cap (3) further including a lid (9) which is configured to prevent the exit of the liquid (L) through said opening (6), said lid (9) being capable of being vertically displaced until the aforesaid upper position on pulling the cap (3) to allow the liquid (L) to exit through the opening (6), wherein the coaxial body (2b) of said base piece (2) which occupies the outer coaxial position is configured in such a way that it projects from the neck (4a) of said container once inserted, characterised in that the coaxial body (2a) of said base piece (2) which occupies the inner coaxial position is configured in such a way that it projects from the neck (4a) of said container once inserted, the upper edge of the coaxial body (2b) which occupies the outer coaxial position defining a widening (10) with a curved contour to facilitate the pouring of the liquid (L).
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (9) is configured in such a way that, in the closed position of the cap (3), this lid (9) is in contact with the widening (10) of the edge of the outer coaxial body (2b) to close the opening (6) and block the exit of the liquid (L).
Closure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner face of the lid (9) is provided with a tubular body (11) configured to be inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies (2a,2b) of the base piece (2) when said cap (3) is in the closed position, the open space between the wall of said tubular body (11) and the wall of the outer coaxial body (2b) of the base piece (2) defining an anti-drip channel (12) for pouring the liquid (L) when the cap (3) is in the upper position to allow the liquid (L) to exit.
Closure (1) according to claim 3, wherein said tubular body (11) of the lid (9) presents a lower bevelled edge (11a) which is disposed facing the curved widening (10) of the outer coaxial body (2b) when the cap (3) is in the upper position to direct the exit of the liquid (L) through said anti-drip channel (12).
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said non-removable cap (3) comprises an insertion piece (3a) for inserting in the inner coaxial body (2a), said insertion piece (3a) being provided with an anchoring (7) configured to butt against the edge (8) of this body (2a), the tubular wall of said inner coaxial body (2a) acting as a guide for said insertion piece (3a) of the cap (3) when said non-removable cap (3) is displaced until butting.
Closure (1) according to claim 5, wherein said non-removable cap (3) comprises a blocking body (18) of said anchoring (7) to effectively prevent extraction.
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) is joined to a tubular body (2c) for coupling to the outer wall of the neck (4a) of the container (4).
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said outer coaxial body (2b) of the base piece (2) includes a segment (15) configured to be coupled on the inner wall of the neck (4a) of a crystal container, and an outer ring (16) intended to butt against the inlet mouth of said neck (4a).
Closure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises another removable cap (14) intended to cover the lid (9) which prevents the exit of the liquid (L), and an outer tubular body (2d) associated to the base piece (2) on which said removable cap (14) can be screwed, said removable cap (14) making it possible to vertically displace said lid (9) when it is unscrewed until released.
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said coaxial bodies (2a,2b) are joined by a plurality of ribs (5).
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (9) of the non-removable cap (3) is joined to a fastening strip (13) which acts as a protective seal of the container (4).
Closure (1) according to claim 9, wherein said removable cap (14) is joined to a fastening strip which acts as a protective seal of the container.
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) and said non-removable cap (3) are made of plastic.
Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) and said non-removable cap (3) are made of metal.