EP4192754A1

EP4192754A1 - Tamper-evident closure and method for opening a tamper-evident closure

Info

Publication number: EP4192754A1
Application number: EP21752064.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert Wohlgenannt
Original assignee: Capartis AG
Current assignee: Capartis AG
Priority date: 2020-08-05
Filing date: 2021-07-30
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Also published as: EP3950531A1; WO2022029034A1

Abstract

The tamper-evident closure (1) for closing a pouring opening of a container comprises a closure cap (3) with a closure-cap axis (AV) and an engagement element (12), wherein the engagement element (12) is configured in the form of an internal thread (12a) or a bayonet-closure part (12b), also comprises a securing ring (2), which is arranged following the closure cap (3) in the direction of the closure-cap axis (AV) and concentrically in relation to the closure-cap axis (AV), further comprises a plurality of predetermined breaking crosspieces (7), by means of which the closure cap (3) is connected to the securing ring (2), wherein the closure cap (3) can be separated from the securing ring (2) by the predetermined breaking crosspieces (7) being broken, and additionally comprises a single retaining band (6), which is connected, at its first end (6g), to the closure cap (3) and, at its second end (6h), to the securing ring (2), wherein the retaining band (6) is of U-shaped or V-shaped configuration and consists of a first arm (6a), a second arm (6b) and a connecting portion (6c), which connects the first and the second arms (6a, 6b).

Description

CLOSING THE WARRANTY AND PROCEDURE FOR OPENING A GA¬

RANT ILOCK

description

The invention relates to a guarantee closure for closing a pouring opening of a container. The invention also relates to a method for opening a guarantee closure.

State of the art

So-called guarantee closures are known from the prior art in the field of plastic closure caps for closing the pouring opening of a container, which make it possible to determine whether the pouring opening of the container has ever been opened. Such a tamper-evident closure, which is frequently used for beverage bottles, for example, comprises a screw cap and a securing ring, also referred to as a tamper-proof band, with the tamper-proof band being connected to the free edge of the screw cap via predetermined breaking points. The screw cap comprises a cylindrical cap jacket with an internal thread, it being possible for the screw cap to be fastened to an external thread of the container via the internal thread. The anti-tamper strip can preferably be latched, preferably on a neck of the container. When opening such a guarantee closure, the screw cap is turned until all predetermined breaking points usually break, so that the guarantee band remains on the container and the screw cap can be removed completely. The broken predetermined breaking points are a clear indication that the guarantee seal has been opened, even if the screw cap was then screwed back onto the container. Containers made from polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET bottles, or containers made from a similar material are particularly widespread. A widespread guarantee closure or screw cap for such containers as PET bottles is referred to as a PCO-28 closure, which is particularly suitable for containers with a PCO 28 mm closure thread. Other well-known specifications for mutually adapted guarantee closures and pouring openings for containers are, for example, PCO1881, PCO1810, PCO3025 or PCO2925.

Legal regulations are to be expected in the near future, which will prescribe that plastic closure caps of containers such as beverage bottles, for example, must remain captively connected to the container even when they are open. The document W02020/089148A1 discloses a guarantee closure for opening and closing a container with such a captive closure cap. This guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can dangle uncontrollably on the container while a liquid is being poured out, so that the closure cap can get into the outflowing stream of liquid, which can result in the liquid spilling or in an uncontrolled splashing of the liquid. If the neck of the container is brought directly to the mouth in order to drink directly from the container, the guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can make dancing movements, so that the closure cap can hit the face in different places in an uncontrolled manner, which is very is felt to be uncomfortable. In order to avoid such uncontrolled movements of the cap, the document discloses a container with a specially designed for

Holding the closure cap provided recess. Such a configured container has the disadvantages that whose production costs are relatively high, that a special design is required for such containers, and that the extremely widespread standard beverage bottles, which have no recess for holding the cap, can no longer be used if you want to prevent the cap from dangling and dancing.

The document WO2019/207153A2 discloses another captive guarantee closure for opening and closing a container. This tamper evident closure is designed in such a way that the closure cap is guided in two places and is turned or folded to the side in the manner of a hinge. can be tilted so that after opening the guarantee seal the closure cap is positioned on the side of the container neck at a point on the container neck which is determined by the guarantee seal. This guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can be arranged in an unfavorable position and hinders pouring the liquid out of the bottle or drinking the liquid directly from the bottle by mouth.

Document JP2013230822A discloses a container closure comprising three parts, a cylindrical body with a closure plate, a closure cap and a circlip. The cylindrical body can be connected to a threadless bottle neck of a container via a snap connection, the bottle neck having an outlet opening. The separately manufactured closure cap and the separately manufactured securing ring each have an engagement part, via which these two separate parts can be connected. The closure cap each comprises two separate connecting parts, which are connected to the engaging part. This container closure has the disadvantage that it is not suitable as a guarantee closure, since the entire container The end can be removed from the bottle neck or from the outlet opening via the snap connection without having to break predetermined breaking points. The predetermined breaking points therefore provide no indication as to whether the container closure was ever completely removed and reassembled, so that this container closure cannot guarantee that the container was never opened. If broken predetermined breaking points are found on this container closure, this is only an indication that the closure cap has been lifted in relation to the cylindrical body. With this container closure, it is also necessary to remove the closure plate in order to gain access to the container contents. Only a closure plate that is at least partially open gives an indication that access to the contents of the container has been gained via the container closure. In contrast to a guarantee closure, no indication can be derived from the condition of the predetermined breaking points of the container closure disclosed in the aforementioned document as to whether access to the container contents was gained via the container closure. This container closure also has the further disadvantages that complex assembly of the closure cap and locking ring is required, that the two connecting parts are extremely vulnerable, that when the closure cap is rotated there is a risk of plastically deforming the two connecting parts or even tearing them off, and that the container closure not suitable for attachment to a container having a pouring spout with an external thread. This container closure is also not able to guarantee that the closure cap remains captively connected to the container when the container closure is used once or several times. Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a more advantageous guarantee closure that is more comfortable and safer to use and is also particularly suitable for use with standard beverage bottles.

This object is achieved with a guarantee closure comprising the features of claim 1. The dependent claims 2 to 15 relate to further advantageous configurations. The object is further achieved with a method for opening a guarantee closure comprising the features of claim 16. The dependent claims 17 to 18 relate to further advantageous method steps.

The object is achieved in particular with a guarantee closure for closing a pouring opening of a container, comprising a closure cap with a closure cap axis and an internal thread, comprising a securing ring which is arranged following the closure cap in the direction of the closure cap axis and running concentrically to the closure cap axis, comprising a plurality of Predetermined breaking webs, through which the closure cap is connected to the safety ring, the closure cap being separable from the safety ring by breaking the predetermined breaking webs, and comprising a single retaining strap which is connected to the closure cap at its first end and to the safety ring at its second end, wherein the retaining strap is designed to run in a U-shape or V-shape and consists of a first arm, a second arm and a connecting section connecting the first and second arms, the first arm and the second arm extend in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the closure cap, with the retaining strap having a length which makes it possible to separate closing cap and locking ring in the direction of the locking cap axis and removal of the locking cap from the pouring opening, the locking cap remaining connected to the locking ring by the retaining strap even after it has been separated from the locking ring.

The object is further achieved in particular with a method for opening a guarantee closure which closes a pouring opening of a container, the pouring opening having an external thread, the guarantee closure having a closure cap with a closure cap axis and an internal thread, one connected to a container neck of the container Circlip, which is arranged in the direction of the cap axis following the cap and running concentrically to the cap axis, and a single retaining strap, wherein the retaining strap is U-shaped or V-shaped and runs in the circumferential direction with respect to the cap axis, and the retaining strap at its first end is connected to the closure cap and at its second end to the retaining ring by turning the closure cap to be opened for the first time, starting from a starting position, in a guarantee closure that has never been opened is raised in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the closure cap in the direction of the axis of the closure cap, in that the closure cap is removed from the pouring opening and positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck, and in that the closure cap, due to the spring properties of the retaining strap, on the one hand automatically attaches with a pretension the outside of the container neck is pressed, and on the other hand is automatically moved back in the direction of the closure cap axis along the outside of the container neck in the direction of the starting position. The object is further achieved with a closed container comprising the guarantee closure according to the invention. The object is further achieved with a use of the guarantee closure according to the invention for closing a pouring opening of a container.

The guarantee closure according to the invention must meet the condition that the closure cap remains open even after the pouring opening of a container has been opened, e.g. B. a beverage bottle, remains connected to the container. The guarantee closure according to the invention comprises only a single retaining strap, so that when it is opened the closure cap does not perform a hinge-like tilting movement as disclosed in document WO2019/207153A2, but can be moved in a number of directions. The guarantee closure according to the invention therefore has the advantage that the closure cap can be arranged in different positions relative to the container neck of the container after the guarantee closure has been opened, depending on other boundary conditions or preferences. For example, a left-handed person or a right-handed person can arrange the sealing cap of the guarantee seal in relation to the container neck in such a way that the liquid can be conveniently poured into a drinking cup, or it is possible to drink comfortably by mouth directly from the container. After opening, the guarantee closure according to the invention allows the closure cap to be arranged in a number of ways with respect to the container neck, particularly advantageously in such a way that the closure cap rests against the container neck, and particularly advantageously in such a way that the closure cap retains the position it has taken on without further application of force, which is is considered extremely beneficial and enjoyable by users . The guarantee closure according to the invention is preferably also designed in such a way that the closure cap is placed back on the container neck after opening and this can be closed. The guarantee closure according to the invention can thus be opened and closed again several times, with the guarantee closure essentially retaining its mechanical properties, in contrast to the embodiments disclosed in document WO2019/207153A2, in which parts of the guarantee closure are excessively damaged during the initial opening have to be stretched and in particular deform plastically, so that the tamper-evident seal exhibits changed mechanical behavior after opening it for the first time due to the overstretching of certain components of the tamper-evident seal, or that the closure cap can only be placed back on the container neck with additional effort due to overstretching can .

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the closure cap of the tamper-proof closure has a jacket surface running in the circumferential direction, with the retaining strap being designed in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the jacket surface in the radial direction. Such a guarantee closure has the advantage that it essentially has the same external dimensions as a conventional guarantee closure without a permanently attached closure cap, so that the guarantee closure according to the invention can be used in automated bottling plants with little or no adjustment work. The guarantee closure is particularly advantageous in the form of a PCO 28 closure, so that it can be applied to all PET bottles with a PCO 28 mm closure thread, in particular with existing, automated filling systems.

The guarantee closure according to the invention has the further advantage that the part of the guarantee closure which forms the retaining strap has no or only a different negligibly small attack surface, and the retaining strap is thus very well integrated in the guarantee seal and is protected from accidental damage, so that the guarantee seal according to the invention has an extremely low error rate during filling, and that the guarantee seal during transport of the container with an extremely low probability of damage. The guarantee closure according to the invention is therefore ideally suited for existing, automated filling systems and for existing sales channels.

The tamper evident seal or container neck defines a tamper evident seal axis and the closure cap defines a closure cap axis. In the case of a guarantee closure which has never been opened, the guarantee closure axis and the axis of the closure cap are identical, whereas in the case of a closure cap which has been lifted off and removed from the pouring opening, these two axes are no longer identical. After opening the guarantee seal for the first time, the securing ring and the container neck preferably remain concentric to the guarantee seal axis, whereas the closure cap axis assumes a different position with respect to the guarantee seal axis after the closure cap is lifted and removed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the retaining strap of the guarantee closure comprises a first arm and/or a second arm, with at least one of the arms and preferably both arms running concentrically to the axis of the closure cap, with at least one of the arms preferably being designed as a flat spring by the arm has a larger dimension in the direction of the axis of the closure cap than radially to the axis of the closure cap. If the guarantee closure is open with the closure cap removed, the arm or the arms or the flat springs formed by the arms, that on the removed, non-twisted closure cap an increasingly greater, essentially acting in the direction of the closure cap axis, restoring spring force is exerted on the closure cap, the further the closure cap is removed from the guarantee closure axis. The guarantee closure according to the invention makes it possible in an extremely skilful manner that the closure cap can on the one hand be moved relatively far away from the safety ring, so that a pleasantly large movement path for opening the closure cap is available, and on the other hand that the closure cap can be attached to the safety ring by the retaining strap with an effective restoring spring force to or . is pulled toward the container neck, so that the closure cap removed from the pouring opening of the container neck is preferably arranged in a relatively stable position with respect to the container neck, with a plurality of such relatively stable positions being particularly advantageously available due to the spring force caused by the retaining strap, in which the closure cap can preferably be selectively arranged as desired. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the retaining strap ensures that the open closure cap, which is left to its own devices, rests on the outside of the container neck on the one hand and assumes or assumes a predetermined position on the other hand in the direction of the tamper-proof closure axis. comes to rest in a predetermined area due to the spring forces of the retaining strap acting in the axial direction with respect to the bottle neck.

The retaining strap of the guarantee closure has a first end and a second end, the first end preferably being connected directly, and preferably non-detachably and at the transition point, preferably relatively rigidly, to the closure cap, and the second end preferably being connected directly, and primarily preferably non-detachably and preferably relatively rigidly connected to the retaining ring at the transition point. The retaining strap preferably has no weak point at the transition point, in particular in order to optimally transmit the acting spring forces between the closure cap and the retaining strap, and in particular also the spring forces between the securing ring and the retaining strap. The tether includes a first arm and a second arm, with at least one arm preferably being designed as a flat spring. The first and second arms are particularly advantageously designed as flat springs, and the transition points of the retaining strap are designed to be relatively rigid, which has the advantage that the open closure cap can be reproducibly moved into the same or a very similar end position by the restoring forces of the retaining strap, at least in the axial direction can be brought. Compared to document WO2020/089148A1, in which the opened closure cap dangles completely uncontrollably on the retaining strap, the guarantee closure according to the invention thus has the advantage that the opened closure cap rests on the bottleneck in an orderly, controlled and preferably even reproducible manner, which users consider extremely is felt pleasantly.

The guarantee closure is preferably designed in one piece and is preferably made from a plastic. However, the guarantee seal can also be made from several, at least two, parts which form the guarantee seal when connected to one another. In particular, the closure cap and/or the retaining strap and/or the securing ring could be manufactured individually and connected to one another after they have been manufactured.

A closed container is particularly advantageously designed in such a way that this container has a container neck with a A pouring opening with an external thread, the pouring opening being closed with a guarantee closure according to the invention attached to the external thread, the guarantee closure preferably being attached to the external thread of the container neck via its internal thread. After the container has been filled, the guarantee seal is preferably applied to the latter in such a way that all predetermined breaking webs are unbroken or not damaged when the guarantee seal is not yet open.

The guarantee closure according to the invention is preferably used to close a pouring opening of a container having a container neck with an external thread, the guarantee closure being attached to the external thread of the container via its internal thread. The container is preferably designed as a drinks bottle or as a drinks carton.

The guarantee closure according to the invention is designed as a rotary closure or as a bayonet closure, with the closure cap and the container neck having essentially complementary engagement elements. The engagement element of the closure cap is particularly preferably designed as a thread running on the inside of the hollow cylindrical shell of the closure cap, the thread preferably protruding in the direction of the closure cap axis Av as radial projections beyond the inside of the shell.

The thread can be designed as a continuous thread in the direction of its extension. The thread particularly preferably consists of a plurality of thread sections with intermediate spaces.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. From the exemplary embodiments shown here does not represent a restriction to the variants shown, but merely serve to explain a principle of the invention. Identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference symbols. In order to be able to illustrate the method of operation according to the invention, the figures show partially simplified basic representations in which certain elements of a guarantee closure are not shown for the sake of better clarity. However, this does not mean that such elements are not present in a solution according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

The figures used to explain the exemplary embodiments show:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the guarantee closure;

Fig. 3 shows a view of the guarantee closure rotated by 90° compared to FIG. 2;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the partially opened guarantee closure with the closure cap raised;

Fig. 5 shows a view of the guarantee closure rotated by 90° compared to FIG. 4;

Fig. 6 is a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a first configuration of the closure cap;

Fig. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from below of the fully opened guarantee closure according to FIG. 6;

Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a second configuration of the closure cap; 9 is a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a third arrangement of the closure cap;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a third arrangement of the closure cap according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a third arrangement of the closure cap according to FIG. 9;

12 is a top perspective view of the guarantee closure fully opened with a fourth arrangement of the closure cap;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the fully opened guarantee closure with the fourth arrangement of the closure cap according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a fifth arrangement of the closure cap;

Figure 15 is a top perspective view of a tamper evidence container;

16 shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

17 shows a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

18 shows a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

19 shows a side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

20 shows a side view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

21 shows a side view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure;

FIG. 22 shows a longitudinal section through the guarantee closure according to FIG. 3; FIG. 23 shows a longitudinal section offset by 90° with respect to FIG. 22 through the guarantee closure according to FIG. 3;

24 shows another embodiment of a container neck;

25 shows a longitudinal section through a further exemplary embodiment of a closure cap;

26 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure comprising the container neck according to FIG. 24 and the closure cap according to FIG. 25.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 6 shows an example of an opened guarantee closure 1 according to the invention comprising a safety ring 2, a closure cap 3 and a single retaining strap 6, this guarantee closure 1 and in particular its closure cap 3 serving to close a pouring opening 33 of a container. Such a container usually comprises an end section 35 of a container body 34, which is known per se and only shown in outline, as well as a container neck 31 with a pouring opening 33, wherein the pouring opening 33 can be opened using the closure cap 3 of the guarantee closure 1 and, if desired, can also be closed again afterwards . The illustrated embodiment of the container neck 31 includes, as also shown in Fig. 5, an end section 35 of the container body 34, a container neck ring 36, a projection 37, an external thread 32 and the pouring opening 33. The container body 34 arranged below the end section 35 can be be configured in a variety of forms in a known manner. Such container bodies are known per se and half not shown in detail. The entire container, in particular the container body 34 and container neck 31, is particularly preferably designed as a PET bottle, preferably with a PCO-28 closure, and preferably serves as a beverage bottle. The entire container 30 could also be designed, for example, as a beverage carton with a container neck 31 attached attached to the beverage menu, as shown in FIG. 15 is shown . The necked container 30 can be configured in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Figures 1 to 3 show a first exemplary embodiment of a tamper evident closure 1 in a state that has never been opened from three different views, with parts of the container closed by the tamper evident closure 1, in particular the end section 35 and the container neck ring 36, also being shown for better understanding. FIGS. 22 and 23 show longitudinal sections, mutually offset by 90°, of the guarantee closure 1 according to exemplary embodiment 1. The guarantee closure 1 essentially comprises a safety ring 2 , a closure cap 3 and a single retaining strap 6 which connects the safety ring 2 and the closure cap 3 to one another. The guarantee closure 1 defines a guarantee _closure axis AG and the closure cap 3 defines a closure cap axis A _v , these two axes coinciding when the guarantee closure 1 has never been opened and being identical. The securing ring 2 is preferably arranged immediately following the closure cap 3 in the direction of the guarantee _closure axis AG and is connected to the closure cap 3 via first predetermined breaking webs 7 . The closure cap 3 comprises a circumferential direction U defined by the closure cap axis A _v , and in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises a cylindrical jacket 4 and an end face 5 . The closure cap 3 also includes on the inside inner side an engagement element 12 designed as an internal thread 12a, which can engage in the external thread 32 of the container neck 31 and is adapted in relation to this, so that the closure cap 3 is detached from the container neck 31 in a manner known per se by turning about the closure cap axis A _v and can then be removed, or the closure cap 3 can be screwed back onto the container neck 31 via its internal thread 12a using the external thread 32 . The circlip 2 is arranged on the container neck 31 between the container neck ring 36 and the projection 37 in such a way that the _circlip 2 is rotatably mounted in the circumferential direction to the tamper evident seal axis AG, with the projection 37 and the circlip 2 are preferably designed to be mutually matched in such a way that the locking ring 2 remains on the container even after it has been opened, for example in that the locking ring 2 has latching elements 2a which interact with the projection 37 . The safety ring 2 and the projection 37 are preferably designed in such a way that the safety ring 2 is permanently connected to the container neck 31 during normal operation of the guarantee closure 1, i.e. in the absence of impermissibly high attacking forces, with the closure cap 3 being connected via the retaining strap 6 remains permanently connected to the locking ring 2 during normal use. Of course, by applying an exceptionally high force, it would be possible to tear off the securing ring 2 from the container neck 31 and/or to tear off partial components of the guarantee closure 1 from one another, which, however, is undesirable and should therefore be avoided. As can be seen in particular from FIG. a first section comprising a second arm 6b and a second section, and comprising a connection section 6c, which connects the first arm 6a in a U-shape to the second arm 6b. The tether 6 includes a first end 6g or 6g. a first connection point via which the first arm 6a is connected to the closure cap 3 . The tether 6 includes a second end 6h, respectively. a second connection point via which the second arm 6b is connected to the retaining ring 2 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b run in the circumferential direction U, with an intermediate gap 6d running in a straight line being formed between the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b. In addition, an upper intermediate gap 6k running in the circumferential direction U is formed between the first arm 6a and the closure cap 3 . In addition, a lower intermediate gap 61 running in the circumferential direction U is formed between the second arm 6b and the securing ring 2 . Advantageously, the first arm 6a, the second arm 6b and preferably also the gaps 6d, 6k, 61 run perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the axis A _v of the closure cap. These intermediate gaps 6d, 6k, 61 are preferably designed to run in a straight line, but at least one or even all of these intermediate gaps could also have a different course shape, for example a tooth-shaped, in particular a sawtooth-shaped course, or a wavy course, for example a sinusoidal course.

The closure cap 3 and the securing ring 2 are connected to one another in the never opened state via a plurality of first predetermined breaking webs 7 distributed in the circumferential direction U, preferably via between 5 and 20 predetermined breaking webs 7 . It may prove advantageous to connect the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b via at least one and preferably a plurality of second predetermined breaking points 8. It may also prove to be advantageous, the first arm 6a and the cap 3 at least to connect a single and preferably a plurality of third predetermined breaking points 9 . It can also prove to be advantageous to connect the second arm 6b and the securing ring 2 via at least one and preferably a plurality of fourth predetermined breaking points 14 . However, at least one, some or even all of the second, third and fourth predetermined breaking points 8, 9 and 14 could also be dispensed with.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 3, the retaining strap 6 is preferably designed in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the lateral surface 4 in the radial direction with respect to the closure cap axis A _v , as can be seen in Figures 22 and 23, and preferably along the entire circumferential direction U does not protrude beyond the lateral surface 4 . In a further embodiment, the retaining strap 6 could also protrude beyond the lateral surface 4 in the radial direction mentioned, possibly also along the entire circumferential direction U . However, this embodiment with a protruding retaining strap 6 has the disadvantage that the retaining strap 6 is arranged in a more vulnerable manner. In a further embodiment, the retaining strap 6 could also be arranged set back in the radial direction mentioned with respect to the lateral surface 4 . This embodiment has the advantage that the retaining strap 6 is particularly well protected in the guarantee seal 1 or is arranged in the closure cap 3 .

In an advantageous embodiment, the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b are designed as a flat spring running concentrically to the closure cap axis A _v , the flat spring particularly preferably having a rectangular cross section. Particularly advantageously, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b have a constant arm thickness radially to the closure cap axis A _v , at least in the region of the first th and second connection point 6g, 6h and preferably along the entire length in the circumferential direction U. Preferably, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b have an arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v which is at least twice and preferably at least three times as large as the arm thickness, the first and the second arm 6a, 6b preferably along their entire length are designed in the circumferential direction U in such a way.

The first arm 6a and the second arm 6b preferably have the same arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v . However, it can also prove to be advantageous to design one of the two arms with a wider arm width, for example in order to give this arm a greater restoring force acting in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v .

The length of the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b in the circumferential direction U is preferably in the range of 2/6 to 5/6 of the inside diameter of the closure cap 3 . The first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b preferably extend in the circumferential direction U along an angle in the range between 37° and 95°. In further advantageous embodiments, the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b extend in the circumferential direction U along an angle in the range between 20° and 50°, preferably between 35° and 45°, and particularly preferably along an angle of 42°. Depending on the outside diameter of the container neck, the closure cap 3 has a different inside diameter adapted to the outside diameter of the container neck in order to ensure a threaded engagement. If the closure cap 3 has an inner diameter of 28 mm, for example, so that the closure cap 3 preferably corresponds to a PCO 28 closure, the length range is from first and second arm 6a, 6b in the circumferential direction U in the area of 9 . 3 mm to 23 mm, and more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. In all of the embodiments described herein, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b preferably have the same length in the circumferential direction U or a mutually deviating length in the range of +/-10%. Particularly preferably runs or at least one of the two arms 6a, 6b, and preferably both arms, extends perpendicularly to the cap axis A _v when the guarantee closure is not open, as z. B. is shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the arms 6a, 6b preferably run in the circumferential direction U, and extend along this circumferential direction U in relation to the closure cap axis A _v perpendicular direction. The lengths or angles disclosed in the present paragraph and their ranges in relation to the first and/or second arm 6a, 6b are of particular importance for the following reasons. The tamper-proof closure 1 is opened or closed again by rotating the tamper-proof closure 1 in the circumferential direction U with respect to the closure cap axis A _v . The guarantee closure 1 is particularly advantageously designed in such a way that the first and/or second arm 6a, 6b is elastically deformed during rotation, but is not or only slightly plastically deformed. If the two arms 6a, 6b are too short, the closure cap 3 cannot be removed from the container neck 31 without exerting force. In this case, an additional application of force and associated plastic deformation of the arms 6a, 6b is therefore required in order to remove the closure cap 3 from the container neck 31. If the arms 6a and/or 6b are too long, there is a risk of plastic deformation of at least one of the arms and/or its connection section 6c and/or its first and/or second connection point 6g, 6h when rotating, because the arms 6a, 6b also have to turn the retaining ring 2 in the circumferential direction U. the in The lengths or angles disclosed in this paragraph and their ranges in relation to the first and/or second arm 6a, 6b are an optimal compromise and thus ensure problem-free removal of the closure cap 3 from the container neck 31, with a reduced risk of plastic deformation of the arms 6a, 6b or the Places 6c, 6g, 6h . This ensures, among other things, that preferably each guarantee closure 1 behaves in the same way when it is opened for the first time, or that opening it for the first time feels the same, so that the respective closure cap 3, which is resiliently connected to the safety ring 2 after opening, closes in a spring-dynamic manner preferably behaves similarly to all open guarantee closures 1, so that over time it becomes habitual for a user, for example, with which movement the closure cap 3 must be arranged and/or twisted with respect to the container neck so that the closure cap 3 assumes a stable position. Particularly preferably, the spring-dynamic behavior of the retaining ring 2, arms 6a, 6b and the closure cap 3 connected to it remains identical or almost identical when the guarantee seal 1 is opened for the first time and during the subsequent closing and reopening of the guarantee seal 1, which gives the user a particularly pleasant, reproducible drinking experience conveyed. This is made possible, among other things, by the guarantee closure 1 being dimensioned and designed in such a way that plastic deformation of the guarantee closure 1 , which is preferably made of a plastic material, is prevented or largely prevented during its operation.

The retaining strap 6 or the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b could also have other cross-sectional shapes, for example a round, triangular, square or more than quadrangular cross-section. The closure cap 3 advantageously has a first recess 10 and/or the securing ring 2 has a second recess 11, within which the entire retaining strap 6 or at least part of the retaining strap 6, in particular the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b, in the circumferential direction U is arranged to run. Advantageously, the first arm 6a runs in the first recess 10 and the second arm 6b runs in the second recess 11 in the circumferential direction U, or the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b only run in the first recess 10, or the first arm runs 6a and the second arm 6b only in the second recess 11 . As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first arm 6a and / or the second arm 6b is preferably arranged in the first and / or second recess 10, 11 that the surface of the first and / or second arm 6a, 6b with of the closure cap 3 form a common outer surface running in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , so that the outer surface of the first and/or second arm 6a, 6b does not project or recede radially to the closure cap axis A _v with respect to the outer surface of the cylindrical jacket 4 of the closure cap 3, or preferably only jumps forwards or backwards in a range of +/- 3 mm. Advantageously, the lower intermediate gap 61 running in the circumferential direction U between the second arm 6b and the retaining ring 2 and/or the upper intermediate gap 6k running between the first arm 6a and the closure cap 3 and/or the one between the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v has a width in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably a width in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm. Such a narrow gap width has the advantage that the guarantee closure 1, as can be seen from FIG. that the arms 6a, 6b are, for example, better protected against objects and forces that attack the arms 6a, 6b unintentionally. Particularly advantageously, the outer surface of the arms 6a, 6b with respect to the lateral surface 4 of the closure cap 3 has no or a negligibly small projection or recess radially to the closure cap axis A _v , or the outer surface of the retaining ring 2 has a recess in the area with respect to the lateral surface 4 from 0.5 to 3 mm. The outer surfaces of the arms 6a, 6b arranged in the locking ring 2 preferably have the same outer diameter as the locking ring 2 .

In the case of a guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are advantageously connected directly to one another via at least one second predetermined breaking web 8 . The first arm 6a is advantageously connected directly to the closure cap 3 via at least one third predetermined breaking web 9 . Advantageously, the second arm 6b is connected directly to the securing ring 2 via at least one fourth predetermined breaking web 14 . Advantageously, the second predetermined breaking bar 8 is designed in such a way that it requires a lower breaking force than the third and/or the fourth predetermined breaking bar 9 , 14 , with the result that when opening the guarantee closure 1 the predetermined breaking bar 8 usually breaks before the third and/or fourth predetermined breaking web 9, 14 breaks, or that only the predetermined breaking web 8, but not the third and/or fourth predetermined breaking webs 9, 14, break. A plurality of second predetermined breaking webs 8 and/or third predetermined breaking webs 9 and/or fourth predetermined breaking webs 14 are preferably arranged in the circumferential direction U.

Preferably, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are spaced apart from one another by an intermediate gap 6d running in a straight line in the circumferential direction U, the intermediate gap 6d to the connecting section 6c ends in an end section 6i. The intermediate gap 6d preferably has a greater width in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v in the region of the end section 6i than the rest of the intermediate gap 6d, with the end section 6i of the intermediate gap 6d preferably being designed to be oval or circular.

As soon as the closure cap 3 of the guarantee closure 1 shown in Figure 1, which has never been opened, is rotated, the closure cap 3 moves due to the increasing external thread 32 in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , so that the closure cap 3 is raised with respect to the pouring opening 33, whereas the locking ring 2 is rotated only in the circumferential direction U, and due to the projection 37 of the container neck 31, however, remains trapped in its position in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , so that, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, at least some and preferably all of the predetermined breaking webs 7 , 8 , 9 , 14 so that the closure cap 3 is only connected to the retaining ring 2 via the retaining strap 6 . FIGS. 4 and 5 show the state in which the engaging element 12 of the end cap 3 designed as an internal thread 12a no longer engages in the external thread 32 of the container neck 31, so that the closure cap 3 can be lifted off the container neck 31. In this position, the retaining strap 6 shown in the exemplary embodiment shown has a V-shaped course. The retaining strap 6 is preferably designed in such a way that, when it is stretched in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , it exerts a restoring force acting in the opposite direction on the closure cap 3 .

Figures 6 and 7 show a geöf fnete guarantee closure 1, in which the closure cap 3 completely of the pouring opening 33 and brought to rest laterally on the container neck 31 so that the cylindrical jacket 4 of the closure cap 3 can rest on the external thread 32 and/or on the securing ring 2 . The retaining strap 6 is particularly preferably designed in such a way that at least one pretensioning force directed from the first arm 6a and the second arm _6b towards the guarantee closure axis AG acts on the closure cap 3 so that it preferably rests on the external thread 32 and/or on the securing ring 2 . The retaining strap 6 is particularly preferably designed in such a way that at least one _restoring force acting from the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b in the direction of the guarantee closure axis AG acts on the position of the closure cap 3 shown in Figures 4 and 5, so that, as shown in Figure 6 , the open closure cap 3 resting on the outside of the container neck 31 is preferably automatically moved back in the direction of the guarantee _closure axis AG, as is shown in FIG. 6, for example. The retaining strap 6 thus preferably has a spring-elastic property acting in the direction of the _tamper -proof closure axis AG or has a spring-elastic property acting in the radial direction towards the _tamper -proof closure axis AG. Particularly preferably, the retaining strap 6 has both spring-elastic properties in the direction of the _tamper -proof closure axis AG and spring-elastic properties in the radial direction with respect to the _tamper -proof closure axis AG. Advantageously, when the tamper-proof closure 1 is open, all predetermined breaking webs 7, 8, 9, 14 that are present when the tamper-proof closure 1 has never been opened are broken, as shown in FIGS. However, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it can also prove to be advantageous that, for example, the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 is designed to be stronger than the other predetermined breaking webs 7, 8, 9, so that, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, these remaining debit Breaking webs 7, 8, 9 are broken, whereas the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 is still intact, so that the second arm 6b is still connected to the retaining ring 2. An advantage of this configuration can be seen in the fact that only the first arm 6a can move freely, and the closure cap 3 with respect to the securing ring 2 or is held with a reduced degree of freedom with respect to the container neck 31, so that the closure cap 3 is arranged even more precisely and reproducibly on the outside of the container neck 31, with the closure cap 3 preferably automatically assuming the end position with respect to the container neck 31 due to the spring forces caused by the retaining strap 6.

The guarantee closure 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, which has never been opened, has the advantage, as shown by way of example in FIGS of possibilities with respect to the container neck 31 can be arranged, with the closure cap 3 always remaining firmly connected to the securing ring 2 and thus to the container neck 31 via the retaining strap 6 . Consumers find this multitude of possible arrangements to be particularly pleasant, since they can freely choose how the closure cap 3 is to be arranged, depending on their individual needs. Arrangements are particularly preferred in which the closure cap 3 assumes a defined position in relation to the container neck 31 and also maintains this position, in particular due to the forces acting and/or due to the geometric configuration of the mutually touching surfaces, as long as the closure cap 3 is not positioned differently. The guarantee closure 1 according to the invention can also be closed again, for example by closing the closure cap 3 shown in Figures 6 to 14 is put back on the container neck 31 by hand, and the closure cap 3 is screwed tight by turning the external thread 32 of the container neck 31 until the pouring opening 33 is firmly closed.

The variants of differently opened tamper evident seals shown as examples in FIGS. 6 to 14 are briefly explained below. In FIG. 6, the closure cap 3 is arranged to the left of the container neck 31 with respect to the selected view, whereas the closure cap 3 is arranged to the right of the container neck 31 in FIG. Compared to FIG. 8, the closure cap 3 in the example according to FIGS. 9 to 11 is also rotated through an angle of rotation 5 of 90°, preferably around an axis of rotation Ai, which runs radially with respect to the closure cap axis A _v . The angle of rotation 5 is preferably in the range between 80° and 190°.

The closure cap 3 particularly preferably rests with its cylindrical jacket 4 on the container neck ring 36, forming a contact point 15, with the retaining strap 6 preferably exerting a prestressing force on the closure cap 3 acting towards the closure cap axis A _v , so that the closure cap 3 is particularly stable in the Figures 9 to 11 shown position is held. Compared to FIG. 8, the closure cap 3 in the example according to FIGS. 12 and 13 is rotated through 180°, and the closure cap 3 in the example according to FIG. 14 is rotated through 360°. In these exemplary embodiments too, the closure cap 3 advantageously rests with its cylindrical jacket 4 on the container neck ring 36 , forming a contact point 15 . The positions of the closure cap 3 shown in FIGS. 6 to 14 are particularly stable positions which are preferably maintained even when the container is moved and in particular tilted, for example by pouring the contents of the container into a glass. is poured, or by bringing the container neck 31 directly to the mouth in order to drink directly from the pouring opening 33 . Consumers regard this stable position of the closure cap 3 as particularly pleasant when pouring out or drinking directly from the container. However, the closure cap 3 can, in addition to the positions shown in FIGS. be placed in a variety of other layers, for example by the cap 3 is held by hand, or by the cap 3 rests on the face. Ultimately, the degree of freedom of movement of the closure cap 3 is determined in particular by the retaining strap 6 and in particular by the available length of the retaining strap 6 . The available length of the retaining strap 6 is understood to mean that length which the closure cap 3 has available for movement after the closure cap 3 has been removed from the container neck 31 . The available length depends on the number of predetermined breaking webs 7 , 8 , 9 , 14 that have been broken. In the state according to FIG. 4, all predetermined breaking webs are broken, so that the available length corresponds to the maximum available length of the retaining strap 6, which is essentially determined by the sum of the lengths of the first and second arms 6a, 6b. Depending on the broken breaking points, the available length may vary. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13, not all predetermined breaking webs are broken, and one of the arms 6a or 6b is in the original position, which it assumed when the guarantee closure 1 had never been opened , while the other arm 6a or 6b is movable . The predetermined breaking webs are particularly advantageously designed in such a way that during the process of unscrewing the closure cap 3 , as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, all predetermined breaking webs are broken. Figures 10 and 14 show examples in which all breaking webs broken are . If all predetermined breaking webs were broken in the examples shown in FIGS Closure cap 3 would still preferably occupy the same or substantially the same position.

FIG. 15 shows a guarantee closure 1 according to the invention in the open state in combination with a container 30 with a container body 34 designed as a beverage ticket. The guarantee closure 1 according to the invention is therefore not only suitable for bottles, but also for a large number of differently shaped containers. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container neck 31 was manufactured as a separate part, then fitted with the closure cap 3 and the securing ring 2 , with the container neck 31 then being fixed to the container 30 , for example by gluing.

Figure 16 shows a side view of another embodiment of a guarantee closure 1, which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, has an intermediate gap 6d with an end section 6i, the end section 6i being designed to run in a curve and preferably in a circle . This configuration reduces in particular the notch effect exerted by the first and second arm 6a, 6b on the connecting section 6c, so that the two arms 6a, 6b can be spread over an extended area without the connecting section 6c or the retaining strap 6 being damaged.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, has a retaining strap 6 which is completely closing cap 3 is integrated, with the retaining strap 6, together with the predetermined breaking webs 9 and 14, being connected to the closure cap 3 via the first end 6g, and with the retaining strap 6, together with the fourth predetermined breaking web 14, being connected via the second end 6h to the securing ring 2 connected is .

Figure 18 shows a side view of another embodiment of a guarantee closure 1, which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 16, has a retaining strap 6, which is fully integrated in the securing ring 2, the retaining strap 6, together with the third predetermined breaking point 9 , is connected to the closure cap 3 via the first end 6g , and the retaining strap 6 , along with the third predetermined breaking web 9 and the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 , is connected to the securing ring 2 via the second end 6h .

FIG. 19 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1, which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. so that the tether 6 has a substantially V-shaped profile. In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown, the V-shaped profile could be designed even more pronounced, in that the retaining strap 6 has an intermediate gap 6d tapering in a V-shape towards the connecting section 6c in the circumferential direction, and the retaining strap 6 has a constant gap in the circumferential direction U or has a substantially constant arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v .

FIG. 20 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 in a side view, which, in the differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the closure cap axis A _v . In all of the exemplary embodiments of guarantee closures 1 shown in the figures, the retaining strap 6 could also be arranged running mirror-symmetrically to the closure cap axis A _v .

FIG. 21 shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a tamper-proof closure 1, which is configured similarly to the tamper-proof closure 1 shown in FIG. 19, with a substantially V-shaped retaining strap 6 running. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 21 has two second predetermined breaking bars 8 , a third predetermined breaking bar 9 and a fourth predetermined breaking bar 14 , whereas the example according to FIG. 19 has no third and fourth predetermined breaking bars 9 , 14 and only a single second predetermined breaking bar 8 . Depending on the requirements, these predetermined breaking webs 8 , 9 and 14 can be arranged in a large number of ways. In addition, the end section 6i has a circular recess. The exemplary embodiment of a retaining strap 6 shown in FIG. 21 has particularly advantageous resilient properties, particularly in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , with the predetermined breaking webs 8 , 9 and 14 being able to be broken particularly advantageously due to their arrangement with a relatively small distance from one another in the circumferential direction U.

The guarantee closures 1 shown in Figures 1 to 23 are preferably opened in such a way that, in the case of a guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened before, the closure cap 3 to be opened for the first time is raised from a starting position in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v , as in Figures 4 and 5 shown by the closure cap 3 is removed from the pouring opening 33 and laterally on the is positioned on the outside of the container neck 31, as shown for example in Figure 6, and by the closure cap 3, due to the spring properties of the retaining strap 6, being pressed on the one hand automatically with a pretension to the outside of the container neck 31, and on the other hand in the direction of the closure cap axis A _v is preferably automatically moved back along the outside of the container neck 31 in the direction of the starting position, so that the closure cap 3 assumes the position shown in FIG. 6, 7 or 8, for example.

The guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened defines a guarantee _closure axis AG, with the retaining strap 6 preferably automatically acting on the closure cap 3 after the closure cap 3 has been lifted from the pouring opening 33 in such a way that the position of the closure cap axis A _v of the closure cap 3 during pivoting away of the closure cap 3 from the pouring opening 33 continues to run parallel or essentially parallel to the guarantee _closure axis AG.

Through this stabilizing or The closure cap 3 aligning effect of the retaining strap 6 allows the closure cap 3 to be brought into contact with the outside of the container neck 31 in a particularly simple, comfortable and secure manner, as is shown in FIGS.

In a further advantageous method step, the closure cap 3 , after it has been positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck 31 , can be further rotated by a rotation angle 5 in the range between 80° and 190° around an axis of rotation _Ai running perpendicular to the guarantee closure axis AG, with the closure cap 3, preferably due to the spring properties of the retaining strap 6, is then preferably automatically applied to a container neck ring 36 of the container neck 31, so that the closure cap 3 is held in a predetermined position with respect to the container neck 31 .

FIGS. 24 to 26 show a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 in which the closure cap 3 can be fastened to the container neck 31 with the aid of a bayonet catch. The bayonet closure is formed by an engagement element 12 designed as a bayonet closure part 12b and by a complementary engagement element 16 arranged on the container neck 31 . As can be seen from FIGS. 24 and 25, the bayonet locking part 12b is arranged on the inside of the essentially hollow-cylindrical locking cap 3 and projects beyond the inside of the locking cap 3 in the direction of the locking cap axis Av. FIG. 24 shows the container neck 31 , a plurality of complementary engagement elements 16 being arranged on the outside of the container neck body 24 . The section part 16a preferably runs perpendicular to the closure cap axis Av, wherein the section part 16a can also run slightly inclined to the closure cap axis Av, preferably at a constant angle in the range between +/-1 to 10° with respect to the closure cap axis Av. In the guarantee closures 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 23 or their closure caps 3, the engagement element 12 is designed as an internal thread 12a. The engagement element 12 could also, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, be configured as a bayonet closure part 12b, with a plurality of bayonet closure parts 12b arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction and protruding in the direction of the closure cap axis Av, with a total of preferably at least three or four bayonet locking parts 12b.

Claims

35

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Guarantee closure (1) for closing a pouring opening (33) of a container (30), comprising a closure cap (3) with a closure cap axis (A _v ) and an engagement element (12), the engagement element (12) being an internal thread (12a ) or as a bayonet closure part (12b), comprising a retaining ring (2) which is arranged following the closure cap (3) in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ) and running concentrically to the closure cap axis (A _v ), comprising a plurality of predetermined breaking webs (7) through which the closure cap (3) is connected to the securing ring (2), the closure cap (3) being separable from the securing ring (2) by breaking the predetermined breaking webs (7), and comprising a single retaining strap (6) , Which is connected at its first end (6g) to the closure cap (1) and at its second end (6h) to the retaining ring (2), the retaining strap (6) extending in a U-shape or V-shape altet and consists of a first arm (6a), a second arm (6b) and a connecting section (6c) connecting the first and second arms (6a, 6b), the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b ) run in the circumferential direction (U) with respect to the closure cap axis (A _v ), the retaining strap (6) having a length which allows the closure cap (1) and retaining ring (2) to be separated in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ) and the Cap (3) from the pouring opening (33) allowed, the cap

(3) remains attached to the circlip (2) by the tether (6) even after separating from the circlip (2) . 36 Guarantee closure according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retaining strap (6) is connected directly to the securing ring (2) at its second end (6h). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guarantee closure (1) is designed in one piece. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and/or the second arm (6b) extends in a direction perpendicular to the closure cap axis (A _v ) when the guarantee closure is unopened. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a lateral surface (4) running in the circumferential direction (U) to the closure cap axis (A _v ), and in that the retaining strap (6) in relation to the closure cap axis (A _v ) radial direction does not protrude beyond the lateral surface (4). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and/or the second arm (6b) is designed as a flat spring running concentrically to the axis (A _v ) of the closure cap. Guarantee closure according to Claim 6, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) have a constant arm thickness radially to the closure cap axis (A _v ), and that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) in Have an arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ) which is at least twice and preferably at least three times as large as the arm thickness.

8. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) have the same arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ).

9. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) in the circumferential direction (U) have a length in the range from 2/6 to 5/6 of the inner diameter of the closure cap 3, and that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) preferably have the same length in the circumferential direction (U).

10. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a first recess (10) and/or the securing ring (2) has a second recess (11), within which the retaining strap (6) in the circumferential direction ( U) is arranged to run.

11. Guarantee closure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first arm (6a) in the first recess (10) and the second arm (6b) in the second recess (11) runs, or that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) run only in the first recess (10), or that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) run only in the second recess (11).

12. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a guarantee closure (1) that has never been opened, the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) are connected to one another via a second predetermined breaking web (8), that the first arm (6a) is connected to the closure cap (3) via a third predetermined breaking web (9), and that the second arm (6b) is connected to the securing ring via a fourth predetermined breaking web (14).

(2) is connected. Guarantee closure according to Claim 12, characterized in that the second predetermined breaking web (8) is designed in such a way that it requires a lower breaking force than the third and/or the fourth predetermined breaking web (9, 14). Tamper evident seal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) are spaced apart from one another by an intermediate gap (6d) running in the circumferential direction (U), and in that the intermediate gap (6d) to the connecting section ( 6c) ends in an end section (6i). Guarantee closure according to Claim 14, characterized in that the end section (6i) of the intermediate gap (6d) is designed to run in a curve and preferably in a circle. Method for opening a guarantee closure (1) which closes a pouring opening (33) of a container (30), the pouring opening (33) having an external thread (32), the guarantee closure (1) having a closure cap (3) with a closure cap axis ( A _v ) and an internal thread (12a) or as a bayonet fitting part (12b) designed engagement element (12), with a container neck (31) of the container (30) connected locking ring (2) in the direction of

The closure cap axis (A _v ) is arranged following the closure cap (3) and running concentrically to the closure cap axis (A _v ), and a single retaining strap (6), the retaining strap (6) being U-shaped or V-shaped and runs in the circumferential direction (U) with respect to the closure cap axis (A _v ), and the retaining strap (6) is connected to the closure cap (3) at its first end (6g) and to the retaining ring (2) at its second end (6h). , by at 39 a guarantee closure (1) that has never been opened, the closure cap (3) to be opened for the first time is raised from a starting position by turning in a circumferential direction (U) with respect to the closure cap axis (A _v ) in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ) by the The closure cap (3) is removed from the pouring opening (33) and positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck (31), and in that the closure cap (3), due to the spring properties of the retaining strap (6), on the one hand automatically presses against the Outside of the container neck (31) is pressed, and on the other hand in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _v ) is automatically moved back along the outside of the container neck (31) towards the starting position. Method according to Claim 16, characterized in that the guarantee seal (1) which has never been opened defines a guarantee seal axis (A _G ), and in that the holding strap (6) automatically acts on the sealing cap (3) after the sealing cap (3) has been lifted off in such a way that that the cap axis (A _v ) of the opened cap (3) runs parallel or substantially parallel to the guarantee cap axis (A _G ). Method according to one of Claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the closure cap (3), after it has been positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck (31), by an angle of rotation (5) in the range between 80° and 190° around a perpendicular to the The guarantee closure axis (A _G ) running axis of rotation (Ai) is rotated, and that the closure cap (3), due to the spring properties of the retaining strap (6), is then automatically placed on a container neck ring (36), so that the closure cap (3) with respect to the loading 40 holder neck (31) is held in a predetermined position. Sealed container, wherein the container (30) comprises a container neck (31) with a pouring opening (33) and an external thread (32), and wherein the pouring opening (33) is attached to the external thread (32) with a guarantee closure (1) having the features one of claims 1 to 15 is closed. Closed container according to Claim 19, characterized in that all the predetermined breaking webs (7) are unbroken when the guarantee closure (1) is unopened. Use of the guarantee closure (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 15 for closing a pouring opening (33) of a container (30) having a container neck (31) with an external thread (32), the guarantee closure (1) having its internal thread (12a) is attached to the external thread (32) of the container (30). Use according to claim 21, wherein the container (30) is designed as a beverage bottle or as a beverage carton.