EP3826935B1 - Closure - Google Patents
Closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3826935B1 EP3826935B1 EP19742711.5A EP19742711A EP3826935B1 EP 3826935 B1 EP3826935 B1 EP 3826935B1 EP 19742711 A EP19742711 A EP 19742711A EP 3826935 B1 EP3826935 B1 EP 3826935B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- tamper element
- cover
- tamper
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002087 whitening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3423—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt
- B65D41/3428—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0857—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures made separately from the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0876—Hinges without elastic bias
- B65D47/088—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0857—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures made separately from the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/20—Frangible elements completely enclosed in closure skirt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0809—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions
Definitions
- closures may include a base portion having a spout, which the user can place directly inside the month and therefore needs to meet high standards with respect to cleanliness.
- a valve may ensure a lower flow rate for comfortable drinking. Often, the valve may further seal the liquid container.
- WO2011154324A1 published by the applicant on 15.12.2011 and showing all the features in accordance with the preamble of appended claim 1, refers to a closure comprising a ring shaped base laterally surrounding a cap which is functionally interconnected to the ring shaped base via a hinge arrangement, whereby the ring shaped base is having an in general horizontal section on which a first end of the hinge arrangement is fixed protruding vertically above the horizontal section of the ring shaped base and whereby a second end of the hinge arrangement is laterally fixed to an outer sidewall of the cap.
- At least one tamper element extends from the annular base in the upper direction above the annular base along the outer wall of the cover but spaced a distance apart from said outer wall.
- the tamper element is initially (before initial opening) interconnected to the outer wall by at least one predetermined breaking linkage.
- the tamper element may be accommodated in a pocket formed in the outer wall of the cover to avoid unwanted protrusion above the outer surface of the closure.
- a rib may extend from the outer wall of the cover to interconnect the cover with the tamper element.
- the at least one predetermined breaking linkage is arranged between the rib and the tamper element, but other positions may also be suitable.
- the rib has an in general T-shaped cross-section in the upper direction.
- the tamper element may be formed comprising an opening, which is initially closed at least partially by a part of the rib and/or the at least one predetermined breaking linkage.
- the rib may comprise a widening at its outer end facing away from the outer wall (as it is the case for a T-shaped cross section).
- the tamper element is interconnected to the annular base by a hinge arrangement as described hereinafter in more detail.
- the hinge arrangement is arranged between the annular base and the predetermined breaking linkage, such that the tamper element can be bent away from the outer wall after tearing the predetermined breaking linkage.
- the hinge arrangement may provide at least one stable position in which the tamper element remains bent away from the cover such that a user may open and close the cover or drink from the spout without hindrance.
- the hinge arrangement comprises a first and a second stable position. In the first stable position, the tamper element may extend along the outer wall of the cover meanwhile in the second stable position the tamper element remains bend and folded away from the cover, as explained above, reliably indicating initial opening.
- the hinge arrangement of the tamper element comprises at least two film-hinges V- or arch-shaped, extending away from each other in an outward direction.
- the hinge arrangement can e.g. comprise four film-hinges arranged in pairs to each other.
- the tamper element may further feature additional folding means such as one or more fold points arranged in the tamper element allowing the tamper element to bend away more easily.
- the hinge arrangement folds away the tamper element from the cover and snaps to the at least one stable position. If only one stable position of the tamper element in the folded state is present, the tamper element cannot stay in the upright and unfolded position, once the predetermined breaking linkage is damaged, and will remain in the stable folded position. Hence, there will be a clear visual evidence that the tamper element has been tampered with.
- the at least one predetermined breaking linkage may be designed in form of a film layer, which breaks, respectively tears, during initial opening of the closure.
- the film layer may have the shape of a strip or a square or have a circular design. Other forms are also possible.
- the film layer is arranged to initially close (at least partially) an opening in the tamper element, as described above. Depending on the thickness of the film layer and/or the size of the opening, the film layer may thus be used to prevent that the tamper element cannot be hooked, respectively latched, back in the initial unfolded position once the tamper element has been bend away.
- the rib may be used to form an undercut with the opening of the tamper element to secure the tamper element to the cover after initially tearing the predetermined breaking linkage and reclosing of the closure, respectively the tamper element.
- the tamper element may be used as a closure element to secure the cover to the annular base after the predetermined breaking linkage is torn apart.
- the tamper element may e.g. be positioned close by the hinge.
- the tamper element gives a user an easy to determine visual impression if the liquid container has been opened before or has been tampered with in any way.
- the closure may additionally provide fragile bridges interconnecting the cover and the annular base along the circumference of the closure.
- the closure is made of plastic.
- the closure may be manufactured by injection molding.
- One or multiple plastic components may be used for different parts, respectively regions of the closure.
- Figure 1 Figure 4 discloses the closure 1 with the tamper element 13 bend backwards.
- Figure 5 further shows the detail B of the tamper element 13 according to Figure 4 .
- the illustrated closure 1 comprises a base portion 2 and a top portion 8.
- the base portion 2 comprises a top deck 3 with a spout 4 extending in an upper direction z away from the top deck 3.
- An outer skirt 5 further extends from an outer end 6 of the top deck 3 in a lower direction away from the top deck 3.
- the outer skirt 5 comprises a fastening means 7 to interconnect the closure 1 to a neck of the container (not shown).
- the top portion 8 comprises an annular base 9 interconnectable to the base portion 2 and a cover 10.
- the cover 10 has an outer wall 11, which is interconnected to the annular base 9 by a hinge 12.
- the cover 10 comprises a pocket 16 with a tamper element 13 arranged in the pocket 16. The tamper element 13 extends from the annular base 9 in the upper direction z above the annular base 9 along the outer wall 11 of the pocket of the cover and spaced a distance apart from the outer wall 11.
- a rib 17 extends from the outer wall 11 of the pocket 16, respectively the cover, and interconnects the outer wall 11 to the tamper element 13 though a predetermined breaking linkage 14.
- the rib 17 has a T-shaped cross-section in the upper direction. Tearing the predetermined breaking linkage 14 results in an opening 18 being formed in the tamper element 13, which was initially closed by an outer end of the rib and/or the predetermined breaking linkage.
- the tamper element 13 is further interconnected to the annular base 9 by a hinge arrangement 15, which is arranged between the annular base 9 and the predetermined breaking linkage 14. In such a way, the tamper element 13 can be bent away from the outer wall 11 after tearing the predetermined breaking linkage 14.
- the shown hinge arrangement 15 provides two stable positions: A first stable position in which the tamper element 13 extends along the outer wall 11 of the cover 10 and a second stable position in which the tamper element 13 is bent respectively folded away from the cover 10.
- the tamper element 13 of the top portion 8 of Figure 6 or Figure 7 features a rib 17 in form of a bridge between the outer wall 11 and the tamper element 13 arranged behind the tamper element 13 and thus not visible in Figure 6 .
- the tamper element 13 is interconnected to the outer wall 11 by a predetermined breaking linkage 14.
- the rib 17 may e.g. comprises a predetermined breaking linkage 14.
- the predetermined breaking linkage 14 may be arranged between the rib 17 and the tamper element 13 or between the rib 17 and the outer wall 11 .
- the tamper element 13 of Figure 8 differs from the tamper element 13 of Figure 7 only by the presence of additional folding means 21.
- the folding means 21, e.g. in form of multiple fold points or lines, can further facilitate the procedure of folding back the tamper element 13 and minimize the space needed for the folded tamper element 13.
- further visual tamper evidence may be provided by stress whitening of the material.
- the rib 17 of the tamper element 13 is interconnected to the tamper element 13 via the predetermined breaking linkage 14 in form of a tearable film layer.
- the film layer 14 may have the shape of square ( Figure 9) or a circular design ( Figure 10 ) arranged to initially close (at least partially) an opening 18 in the tamper element 13. Other shapes are also possible.
- the film layer 14 is deformed and broken. This further aids the visual tamper evidence from the front and side.
- the film layer may be used to prevent that the tamper element may to be latched back and held in place in the unfolded position once the film layer has been destroyed.
- Figure 11 shows a tamper element 13, with a predetermined breaking linkage 14 in form of two tearable film layer sections on either side of the rib 17 extending through an opening 18 of the tamper element 13. These film layer sections 14 will deform and tear when the tamper element 13 is pulled down.
- One advantage of the variation is that the broken breaking linkage 14 is visible from the front and side. Furthermore, the tearable film layer again prevents the tamper element to latch back in an upright position.
- the tamper element 13 of Figure 12 differs from the design of Figure 11 , in that multiple film layer section 14 are present on either side of the rib 17. In the shown example, four sections on each side of the rib 17 can be seen. However, other numbers of multiple breaking linkages 14 are possible.
- the multiple linkages 14 having a smaller dimension than e.g. the linkage of the tamper element of Figure 11 may even further prevent the tamper element 13 from being latched back in place.
- the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a closure, namely for containers. In particular, the invention relates to a closure for containers for carbonated liquids such as soft drinks, but is well adaptable to seal other containers such as glass or PET containers with contents at above or below atmospheric pressure or having gaseous components or requiring a hermetic seal.
- Packages for liquids, such as beverages, are often closed by screw caps which can be removed before usage and allow the package to be sealed again after usage, such as pouring the liquid out of the liquid container. The screw cap seals the container if attached and further prevents a contamination of the liquid. The outlet is usually circular with respective larger diameter and permits a high flow rate. The outlet is primarily designed in order to pour the liquid and not to drink directly from the beverages.
- In certain applications, such as beverages for sport drinks, however, drinking directly from the beverage respectively the liquid container is desired. Therefore, other geometries of closures are preferred. Such closures may include a base portion having a spout, which the user can place directly inside the month and therefore needs to meet high standards with respect to cleanliness. Furthermore, a valve may ensure a lower flow rate for comfortable drinking. Often, the valve may further seal the liquid container.
-
WO2011154324A1 , published by the applicant on 15.12.2011 and showing all the features in accordance with the preamble of appendedclaim 1, refers to a closure comprising a ring shaped base laterally surrounding a cap which is functionally interconnected to the ring shaped base via a hinge arrangement, whereby the ring shaped base is having an in general horizontal section on which a first end of the hinge arrangement is fixed protruding vertically above the horizontal section of the ring shaped base and whereby a second end of the hinge arrangement is laterally fixed to an outer sidewall of the cap. - To ensure the standards in regard of the cleanliness of the spout of the base portion, the spout is often protected by a top portion comprising a cover. Such re-closable two-piece closures may therefore provide an additional tamper seal to indicate if the cover, respectively the top portion, has been removed from the spout, respectively the base portion. Using breakable elements and a tamper band as a tamper seal are known from conventional screw caps. After tearing the breakable elements connecting the screw cap to the tamper band, the tamper band falls away leaving a visual gab between the screw cap and the tamper band, such that it can easily be detected that the container has been opened. However, breakable elements used as a tamper seal between the base portion and the top portion of a two-piece-closure do not provide an easy visual confirmation of a broken seal.
- It is an object of the present invention to avoid at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to provide a closure with an improved tamper seal.
- A closure for a liquid container according to the invention comprises a base portion and a top portion. The base portion serves to be interconnected to a neck of the container and comprises a top deck and an outer skirt extending from an outer end of the top deck in a lower direction away from the top deck. The outer skirt comprises a fastening means to interconnect the closure to the container neck. The top deck further has a spout extending in an upper direction away from the top deck. The top portion of the closure comprises an annular base interconnectable to the base portion and a cover. The cover has an outer wall, which is interconnected to the annular base by a hinge.
- According to the invention, at least one tamper element extends from the annular base in the upper direction above the annular base along the outer wall of the cover but spaced a distance apart from said outer wall. The tamper element is initially (before initial opening) interconnected to the outer wall by at least one predetermined breaking linkage. Furthermore, the tamper element may be accommodated in a pocket formed in the outer wall of the cover to avoid unwanted protrusion above the outer surface of the closure.
- Depending on the application, a rib may extend from the outer wall of the cover to interconnect the cover with the tamper element. Preferably, the at least one predetermined breaking linkage is arranged between the rib and the tamper element, but other positions may also be suitable. In a variation of the invention, the rib has an in general T-shaped cross-section in the upper direction. Furthermore, the tamper element may be formed comprising an opening, which is initially closed at least partially by a part of the rib and/or the at least one predetermined breaking linkage.
- The rib may comprise a widening at its outer end facing away from the outer wall (as it is the case for a T-shaped cross section).
- The tamper element is interconnected to the annular base by a hinge arrangement as described hereinafter in more detail. The hinge arrangement is arranged between the annular base and the predetermined breaking linkage, such that the tamper element can be bent away from the outer wall after tearing the predetermined breaking linkage. The hinge arrangement may provide at least one stable position in which the tamper element remains bent away from the cover such that a user may open and close the cover or drink from the spout without hindrance. Advantageously, the hinge arrangement comprises a first and a second stable position. In the first stable position, the tamper element may extend along the outer wall of the cover meanwhile in the second stable position the tamper element remains bend and folded away from the cover, as explained above, reliably indicating initial opening. Good results can be achieved when the hinge arrangement of the tamper element comprises at least two film-hinges V- or arch-shaped, extending away from each other in an outward direction. The hinge arrangement can e.g. comprise four film-hinges arranged in pairs to each other. The tamper element may further feature additional folding means such as one or more fold points arranged in the tamper element allowing the tamper element to bend away more easily.
- Preferably, once the predetermined breaking linkage has been broken, the hinge arrangement folds away the tamper element from the cover and snaps to the at least one stable position. If only one stable position of the tamper element in the folded state is present, the tamper element cannot stay in the upright and unfolded position, once the predetermined breaking linkage is damaged, and will remain in the stable folded position. Hence, there will be a clear visual evidence that the tamper element has been tampered with.
- Depending on the application, the at least one predetermined breaking linkage may be designed in form of a film layer, which breaks, respectively tears, during initial opening of the closure. The film layer may have the shape of a strip or a square or have a circular design. Other forms are also possible. Preferably, the film layer is arranged to initially close (at least partially) an opening in the tamper element, as described above. Depending on the thickness of the film layer and/or the size of the opening, the film layer may thus be used to prevent that the tamper element cannot be hooked, respectively latched, back in the initial unfolded position once the tamper element has been bend away.
- In another application however, the rib may be used to form an undercut with the opening of the tamper element to secure the tamper element to the cover after initially tearing the predetermined breaking linkage and reclosing of the closure, respectively the tamper element. Thus, the tamper element may be used as a closure element to secure the cover to the annular base after the predetermined breaking linkage is torn apart. For this, it is advantageous to arrange the tamper element with respect to the circumference of the closure diametrically opposite of the hinge. However, other positions are also possible. The tamper element may e.g. be positioned close by the hinge.
- The tamper element gives a user an easy to determine visual impression if the liquid container has been opened before or has been tampered with in any way. However, the closure may additionally provide fragile bridges interconnecting the cover and the annular base along the circumference of the closure.
- Preferably, the closure is made of plastic. The closure may be manufactured by injection molding. One or multiple plastic components may be used for different parts, respectively regions of the closure.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.
- The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:
- Fig. 1
- A first variation of the
closure 1 according to the invention in a perspective and partly sectionized view; - Fig. 2
- a detail A of the
tamper element 13 according toFigure 1 ; - Fig. 3
- the first variation of the
closure 1 according toFigure 1 in a second perspective view; - Fig. 4
- the first variation of the
closure 1 according toFigure 1 in a perspective view with thetamper element 13 bend backwards; - Fig. 5
- a detail B of the
tamper element 13 according toFigure 4 , - Fig. 6
- a
top portion 8 of a second variation of a theclosure 1 according to the invention in a partly sectionized view from the side, - Fig. 7
- a detail of the
tamper element 13 according toFigure 6 , - Fig. 8
- a third variation of the
tamper element 13, - Fig. 9
- a fourth variation of the
tamper element 13, - Fig. 10
- a fifth variation of the
tamper element 13, - Fig. 11
- a sixth variation of the
tamper element 13, - Fig. 12
- a seventh variation of the
tamper element 13. - Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
-
Figure 1 andFigure 3 both show a first variation of theclosure 1 for a liquid container (not shown) in a perspective view. InFigure 1 , theclosure 1 is further partly sectionized.Figure 2 illustrates a detail A of thetamper element 13 according to -
Figure 1 .Figure 4 discloses theclosure 1 with thetamper element 13 bend backwards.Figure 5 further shows the detail B of thetamper element 13 according toFigure 4 . - The
illustrated closure 1 comprises abase portion 2 and atop portion 8. Thebase portion 2 comprises atop deck 3 with aspout 4 extending in an upper direction z away from thetop deck 3. Anouter skirt 5 further extends from anouter end 6 of thetop deck 3 in a lower direction away from thetop deck 3. Theouter skirt 5 comprises a fastening means 7 to interconnect theclosure 1 to a neck of the container (not shown). Meanwhile, thetop portion 8 comprises anannular base 9 interconnectable to thebase portion 2 and acover 10. Thecover 10 has anouter wall 11, which is interconnected to theannular base 9 by ahinge 12. Thecover 10 comprises apocket 16 with atamper element 13 arranged in thepocket 16. Thetamper element 13 extends from theannular base 9 in the upper direction z above theannular base 9 along theouter wall 11 of the pocket of the cover and spaced a distance apart from theouter wall 11. - A
rib 17 extends from theouter wall 11 of thepocket 16, respectively the cover, and interconnects theouter wall 11 to thetamper element 13 though apredetermined breaking linkage 14. Therib 17 has a T-shaped cross-section in the upper direction. Tearing the predetermined breakinglinkage 14 results in anopening 18 being formed in thetamper element 13, which was initially closed by an outer end of the rib and/or the predetermined breaking linkage. Thetamper element 13 is further interconnected to theannular base 9 by ahinge arrangement 15, which is arranged between theannular base 9 and thepredetermined breaking linkage 14. In such a way, thetamper element 13 can be bent away from theouter wall 11 after tearing thepredetermined breaking linkage 14. The shownhinge arrangement 15 provides two stable positions: A first stable position in which thetamper element 13 extends along theouter wall 11 of thecover 10 and a second stable position in which thetamper element 13 is bent respectively folded away from thecover 10. -
Figure 6 illustrates atop portion 8 of a second variation for aclosure 1 according to the invention from a side view.Figure 7 shows a detail of thetamper element 13 ofFigure 6 .Figure 8 to Figure 12 show further variations of atamper element 13 according to the invention. The shown variations of thetamper elements 13 may be used in combination with abase portion 2 and anytop portion 8 of aclosure 1, as described above. Depending on thehinge arrangement 15, only one stable position of the tamper element in the folded state may be present, or multiple, such as two, stable positions can be used instead. - The
tamper element 13 of thetop portion 8 ofFigure 6 or Figure 7 features arib 17 in form of a bridge between theouter wall 11 and thetamper element 13 arranged behind thetamper element 13 and thus not visible inFigure 6 . Thetamper element 13 is interconnected to theouter wall 11 by apredetermined breaking linkage 14. Therib 17 may e.g. comprises apredetermined breaking linkage 14. Alternatively, thepredetermined breaking linkage 14 may be arranged between therib 17 and thetamper element 13 or between therib 17 and theouter wall 11 . Once thepredetermined breaking linkage 14 has been broken, thetamper element 13 preferably folds away from thecover 10 and snaps to a stable position. If only one stable position of thetamper element 13 in the folded state is present, thetamper element 13 cannot stay in the upright and unfolded position, once thepredetermined breaking linkage 14 is damaged, and will remain in the stable folded position. Hence, there will be a clear visual evidence that thetamper element 13 has been tampered with. Thetamper element 13 ofFigure 8 differs from thetamper element 13 ofFigure 7 only by the presence of additional folding means 21. The folding means 21, e.g. in form of multiple fold points or lines, can further facilitate the procedure of folding back thetamper element 13 and minimize the space needed for the foldedtamper element 13. Depending on the material further visual tamper evidence may be provided by stress whitening of the material. - The
rib 17 of thetamper element 13 according toFigure 9 and Figure 10 is interconnected to thetamper element 13 via the predetermined breakinglinkage 14 in form of a tearable film layer. Thefilm layer 14 may have the shape of square (Figure 9) or a circular design (Figure 10 ) arranged to initially close (at least partially) anopening 18 in thetamper element 13. Other shapes are also possible. During initial opening of the closure, thefilm layer 14 is deformed and broken. This further aids the visual tamper evidence from the front and side. Depending on the design and thickness of the film layer, the film layer may be used to prevent that the tamper element may to be latched back and held in place in the unfolded position once the film layer has been destroyed. -
Figure 11 shows atamper element 13, with apredetermined breaking linkage 14 in form of two tearable film layer sections on either side of therib 17 extending through anopening 18 of thetamper element 13. Thesefilm layer sections 14 will deform and tear when thetamper element 13 is pulled down. One advantage of the variation is that thebroken breaking linkage 14 is visible from the front and side. Furthermore, the tearable film layer again prevents the tamper element to latch back in an upright position. - The
tamper element 13 ofFigure 12 differs from the design ofFigure 11 , in that multiplefilm layer section 14 are present on either side of therib 17. In the shown example, four sections on each side of therib 17 can be seen. However, other numbers of multiple breakinglinkages 14 are possible. Themultiple linkages 14 having a smaller dimension than e.g. the linkage of the tamper element ofFigure 11 may even further prevent thetamper element 13 from being latched back in place. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.LIST OF DESIGNATIONS 1 Closure 12 Hinge 2 Base portion 13 Tamper element 3 Top deck 14 Predetermined breaking 4 Spout linkage 5 Outer skirt 15 Hinge arrangement 6 Outer end 16 Pocket 7 Fastening means 17 Rib 8 Top portion 18 Opening 9 Annular base 19 Fragile bridges 10 Cover 20 Tamper band 11 Outer wall 21 Folding means
Claims (13)
- A closure (1) for a liquid container comprisinga. a base portion (2) comprisingi. a top deck (3) with a spout (4) extending in an upper direction (z) away from the top deck (3) andii. an outer skirt (5) extending from an outer end (6) of the top deck (3) in a lower direction away from the top deck (3), said outer skirt (5) comprising a fastening means (7) to interconnect the closure (1) to a neck of the container;b. a top portion (8) comprisingcharacterised in the tamper element extending along the outer wall (11) spaced a distance apart from the outer wall (11) and being interconnected to the outer wall (11) by a predetermined breaking linkage (14),wherein the tamper element (13) is interconnected to the annular base (9) by a hinge arrangement (15), said hinge arrangement (15) being arranged between the annular base (9) and the at least one predetermined breaking linkage (14), such that the tamper element (13) can be bent away from the outer wall (11) after tearing the predetermined breaking linkage (14).i. an annular base (9) interconnectable to the base portion (2) andii. a cover (10) with an outer wall (11) interconnected to the annular base (9), andiii. at least one tamper element (13) extending from the annular base (9) in the upper direction (z) above the annular base (9)
- The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hinge arrangement (15) provides at least one stable position in which the tamper element (13) remains bent away from the cover (10).
- The closure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge arrangement (15) provides a first and a second stable position.
- The closure (1) according to claim 3, wherein in the first stable position the tamper element (13) extends along the outer wall (11) of the cover (10) and in the second stable position the tamper element (13) is folded away from the cover (10).
- The closure (1) according to one of the claims 1 - 4, wherein the hinge arrangement (15) comprises at least two film-hinges.
- The closure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) comprises a pocket (16) to accommodate the tamper element (13).
- The closure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rib (17) extends from the outer wall (11) interconnecting the cover (10) with the tamper element (13).
- The closure (1) according to claim 7, wherein the rib (17) has a T-shaped cross-section in the upper direction.
- The closure (1) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the at least one predetermined breaking linkage (14) is arranged between the rib (17) and the tamper element (13).
- The closure (1) according to one of the claims 7 -9, wherein the tamper element (13) comprises an opening (18), which is initially at least partially closed by a part of the rib and/or the at least one predetermined breaking linkage (14).
- The closure (1) according to claim 10 wherein the at least one predetermined breaking linkage (14) is a film layer.
- The closure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fragile bridges (19) interconnect the cover (10) and the annular base (9) along the circumference of the closure (1).
- The closure (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hinge (12) interconnects the cover (10) and the annular base (9).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CH9262018 | 2018-07-26 | ||
CH14552018 | 2018-11-26 | ||
PCT/EP2019/069197 WO2020020713A1 (en) | 2018-07-26 | 2019-07-17 | Closure |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3826935A1 EP3826935A1 (en) | 2021-06-02 |
EP3826935B1 true EP3826935B1 (en) | 2023-10-04 |
EP3826935C0 EP3826935C0 (en) | 2023-10-04 |
Family
ID=67402914
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19742711.5A Active EP3826935B1 (en) | 2018-07-26 | 2019-07-17 | Closure |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210253307A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3826935B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112752718A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2019311219A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020020713A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA202101286B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11718450B2 (en) * | 2020-01-24 | 2023-08-08 | Betapack, S.A.U. | Capping device intended to be fixed on the neck of a container and an assembly comprising a container and a capping device |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3117701A (en) * | 1958-04-11 | 1964-01-14 | Continental Can Co | Dispensing closure and container |
US4401227A (en) * | 1981-08-17 | 1983-08-30 | Pehr Harold T | Tamper indicating closure cap |
US5094357A (en) * | 1990-02-07 | 1992-03-10 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | Tamper evident seal |
US5875907A (en) * | 1997-06-17 | 1999-03-02 | Aptargroup, Inc. | Tamper-evident dispensing closure for a container |
US6116441A (en) * | 1999-06-15 | 2000-09-12 | Bouchons Mac Inc. | Dual tamper evident closure |
US6269986B1 (en) * | 2000-06-20 | 2001-08-07 | Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. | Dispensing closure with tamper evident lid panel |
FR2883552B1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2007-05-18 | Bericap Sarl | CAP IN PLASTIC MATERIAL |
US7810663B2 (en) * | 2006-04-11 | 2010-10-12 | John Young | Tamper-evident closure |
WO2011154324A1 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-15 | Creanova Universal Closures Ltd. | Tamper evident closure |
ES2621155T3 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2017-07-03 | Bericap | Closing device provided with a first opening indicator |
US9932158B2 (en) * | 2013-02-08 | 2018-04-03 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Closures |
US9868570B2 (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2018-01-16 | Silvia Ferrari | Reclosable stopper revealing a first opening |
FR3040046B1 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2017-09-01 | Bericap | ARTICULATED CLOSURE DEVICE FOR CONTAINER |
US10384843B2 (en) * | 2017-01-31 | 2019-08-20 | Smart-Tab, Llc | Pull-tab tamper evident container |
US20190106248A1 (en) * | 2017-10-05 | 2019-04-11 | Pinnpack Packaging, Llc | Tamper-evident containers |
IT201700122710A1 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2019-04-27 | Gfl S A | FLIP TOP TUBE WITH GUARANTEE SEAL |
US10829274B2 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2020-11-10 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Flip-top closure |
-
2019
- 2019-07-17 CN CN201980062218.0A patent/CN112752718A/en active Pending
- 2019-07-17 WO PCT/EP2019/069197 patent/WO2020020713A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-07-17 US US17/263,058 patent/US20210253307A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-07-17 AU AU2019311219A patent/AU2019311219A1/en active Pending
- 2019-07-17 EP EP19742711.5A patent/EP3826935B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-02-25 ZA ZA2021/01286A patent/ZA202101286B/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2020020713A1 (en) | 2020-01-30 |
AU2019311219A1 (en) | 2021-03-18 |
US20210253307A1 (en) | 2021-08-19 |
EP3826935A1 (en) | 2021-06-02 |
ZA202101286B (en) | 2022-02-23 |
CN112752718A (en) | 2021-05-04 |
EP3826935C0 (en) | 2023-10-04 |
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