ES2349755T3 - PLUG MEANS. - Google Patents

Abstract

A cap comprises a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to the lid through a breakable arrangement and comprises a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of the body, wherein with the further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of the opening indicating device when the hooking arrangement interacts with the further hooking arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to stopper means associated with a container, specifically, stopper means of the type with hinged lid.

Plugs with a flip lid are known that are made of plastic and comprise a body arranged to be fixed to the neck of a container by means of a threaded connection and provided with a dispensing hole through the
that it is possible to dispense a product contained in the container. The aforementioned caps also comprise a closing part that is movable between a closed configuration, in which the closing part is adjacent to the body to close the dispensing hole, and an open configuration, in which the closing part is separated from the body to allow the product to pass through the dispensing hole.

The closure part is connected to the body through a joint that can be very bulky. The joint is arranged in a peripheral end area of the body and is located in a support plane in which the body and the closure part are in mutual contact in the closed configuration mentioned above.

The body comprises a side surface and an end surface from which a protruding element in which the dispensing hole is arranged extends away. The projecting element is shaped so that it receives the mouth of a user.

From the closing part there is a retaining element that is arranged to be received in the dispensing hole.

The caps described above comprise a tamper-evident band fixed to the closing part through breakable bridge elements.

The tamper band is provided with first locking elements that are connected to second locking elements arranged in the body.

When the closing part rotates around the joint, a tension is generated that breaks the bridge element to separate the tamper band from the closing part. A user who checks if the tamper band is separated from the closing part (and if the breakable bridge elements have been broken), is informed of the perfect condition or possible manipulation of the product contained in the container.

A drawback of known plugs is that, being associated with the neck of a container, it is necessary to exert considerable force to allow the first blocking elements to be connected to the second blocking elements. Therefore, it is possible that the bridge elements are subject to tension to a point where they are damaged or even broken. To avoid this inconvenience, it is possible to use more resistant bridge elements, that is, larger bridge elements. However, these more resistant bridge elements are more difficult to break when opening the cap for the first time, which is very uncomfortable for the user.

By forming the caps described above, the closure part is in open configuration.

Then, before attaching the caps to the necks of the containers, the closing part rotates to the closed configuration.

Another drawback of the known plugs is that when the closing part passes from the open configuration to the closed configuration, it is possible that the retaining element is not aligned with the dispensing hole and interferes with the projecting element, making it difficult to close the cap.

Furthermore, it is possible that the blocking elements are not aligned in the additional blocking elements, making the closure of the plug even more difficult.

Another drawback of known plugs is that the blocking elements and / or the additional blocking elements conceal the breakable bridge elements, making it very difficult, or even impossible, for a user to check if the breakable bridge elements have been broken.

Another drawback of known plugs is that they can only be applied to container necks by means of specific cap placement devices, since conventional cap placement apparatus comprise tools that are not capable of handling plugs that have articulations of general dimensions very big.

EP 531887 describes plug means according to the preamble of claim 1.

An objective of the invention is to improve known plugs. Another object of the invention is to obtain a stopper means which, when closed for the first time, does not require great force to cause the blocking elements associated with a tamper band and the cooperative elements associated with a part of the means of plug connect each other.

Another objective is to obtain plug means provided with breakable bridge elements that do not break when the plug means are closed for the first time but which can be easily broken when the plug means are opened for the first time.

Another objective is to obtain a plug means that allow the user to easily and quickly check if the breakable bridge elements are not broken.

or if they have broken. Another objective is to obtain a stopper means that can be applied to container necks by means of usual stopper placement devices.

Another object of the invention is to obtain a stopper means in which the risk of a retaining element disposed in a closing part of the stopper means interfering with a protruding member protruding from a body of the stopper means is limited. and provided with a dispensing hole when the closing part rests on the body, that is, when the stopper means is closed for the first time.

According to the invention, plug means according to claim 1 are disclosed.

The invention may be more easily understood and practiced by referring to the attached drawings, which show some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the closure means in closed configuration; Figure 2 is a side view of the plug means of Figure 1 in open configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the plug means of Figure 1 in open configuration; Figure 4 is an enlarged and partial side view of a part of the plug means of Figure 1 in closed configuration; Figure 5 is an enlarged and partial side view showing a part of the plug means of Figure 1 in closed configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the closure means in closed configuration; Figure 7 is a view like that of Figure 6 showing the plug means in open configuration;

Figure 8 is a section taken along a longitudinal plane of

another embodiment of the plug means;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the means of

plug;

Figures 1 to 5 show stopper means 1 comprising a

body 2 associable to the neck of a container and a lid element 3 that

it can oscillate with respect to the body 2.

The stopper means can be made, for example, by plastic compression molding or plastic injection molding.

The body 2 is internally provided with a thread 5 (shown in Figure 5) thanks to which it is possible to screw the body 2 to the neck.

The body 2 comprises a side wall 4 bounded above by an end wall 6 extending transversely with respect to the side wall 4, in which a dispensing part 8 is disposed through which it is possible to dispense a product contained in the container.

The end wall 6 defines a support surface 9 on which a lid element 3 is supported to close the dispensing part 8.

The cover element 3 comprises an additional side wall 7 bounded above by a closing wall 11 arranged transversely with respect to the additional side wall 7.

A closing part 10 protrudes transversely from the closing wall 11, so that, when the cover element 3 approaches the supporting surface 9, it surrounds the dispensing part 8. A projecting element 41 also protrudes from the wall 11 of closing, so that, when the cover element 3 approaches the bearing surface 9, it penetrates a hole 42 disposed in the dispensing part 8.

The closing wall 11 is provided with a gripping element 12 which receives, during the opening of the container, the user's thumb.

The cover element 3 is connected to the body 2 by an articulation 13 comprising two connecting elements 14 separated from each other and an elastic connection element 15 interposed between the connecting elements 14.

The joint 13 allows the lid element 3 to be moved between a closed configuration A (shown in Figure 1), in which the closing part 10 is connected to the dispensing part 8, and an open configuration B (shown in Figure 2 ), in which the closing part 10 is separated from the dispensing part 8.

The joint 13 is arranged peripherally in the end wall 6 and is shaped so that it is arranged, in the configuration A, within an area limited by a perimeter edge 32 of the side wall 4.

In other words, the joint 13 is closer to the dispensing part 8 than the side wall 4 and does not protrude beyond the side wall 4.

In this way, the plug means 1 can be applied to container necks by means of conventional cap placement heads.

The connecting elements 14 define a turning X axis (shown in Figure 2) around which the cover element 3 rotates.

The X axis of rotation is arranged at a distance D from the bearing surface 9.

The position of the turning X axis makes it possible to tilt each other a limited angle the closing part 10, the projecting element 41 and the dispensing part 8 when interacting with each other for the first time when the cover element 3 turns from the open configuration B to the configuration closed A.

Specifically, the angle mentioned above is lower in cases where the axis of rotation X is arranged in the support plane 9, as is the case with the known caps.

In this way, the risk of interference between the closing wall 11 -and / or the projecting element 41- and the dispensing part 8 and the inconveniences of mutual positioning that can prevent the cover element 3 from adopting the closed configuration A are limited .

Specifically, the projecting element 41 is guided towards the hole 42 and penetrates it without interfering with the walls that limit it.

The elastic connection element 15 acts as a return spring which allows the cover element 3 to be kept close to the support surface 9 in the closed configuration A and which allows the cover element 9 to be kept separate from the support surface 9 in the open configuration B.

The lid element 3 is provided with means 16 opening indicators that allow a user to check if the plug means 1 have been manipulated.

The opening indicator means 16 comprise two anti-tamper bands 17 which, after opening the stopper means 1 for the first time, are connected to the additional side wall 7 through bridge elements 18.

The tamper bands 17 define parts of the additional side wall 7.

The tamper bands 17 are located on opposite sides of the cover element 3 with respect to the grip element 12 and are disposed in an area between the grip element 12 and the joint 13.

In an embodiment not shown, it is possible to arrange only a tamper band 17 disposed between the gripping element 12 and the joint 13.

Each anti-tampering band 17 comprises a first surface 20, facing the outside of the cover element 3, and a second surface 21, facing the inside of the cover element 3. Between the first surface 20 and the second surface 21 extends an edge surface 19 arranged to be received on the bearing surface 9 when the cover element 3 is in the closed configuration A.

Each tamper band 17 is circumferentially limited by opening areas 22 that separate it laterally from the additional side wall 7.

Each tamper band 17 is provided with two wedge-shaped engagement elements 23 that are spaced apart from each other and protrude transversely from the first surface 20.

The coupling elements 23 are shaped so that they have cross sections that progressively increase in distance from the support surface 9 when the cover element is in the closed configuration

B. Each engagement element 23 is provided with a third surface 24 inclined with respect to a first surface 20 and connected, by an end opposite to the edge surface 19, to a locking surface 25 (more clearly shown in Figure 5 ).

The opening indicator means 16 comprises two locking parts 26 associated with the body 2 and arranged on opposite sides with respect to the dispensing part 8 so that the bands 17 are received against tampering when the stopper means 1 is closed for the first time.

Each locking part 26 comprises a first wall 27 projecting from a peripheral area of the bearing surface 9 substantially parallel to the side wall 4. Hook holes 28 with a substantially rectangular shape are arranged on the first wall 27, being each of them arranged to receive a corresponding coupling element 23 when the closure means 1 is closed for the first time. Each hook hole 28 is limited by an additional locking surface 29, arranged substantially parallel to the supporting surface 9, which cooperates with the locking surface 25 to prevent the corresponding locking element 23 and, therefore, the band 17 against tampering, disconnect from the blocking part 26 when opening the plug means 1 for the first time.

Each blocking part 26 is provided with a surface 30 which facilitates the connection arranged in the first wall 27 so that it is facing the dispensing part 5 and arranged to interact with the blocking elements 23 when closing the stopper means for the first time. . The surface 30 that facilitates the connection is inclined with respect to the support surface 9 so as to guide each engagement element 23 towards the corresponding engagement hole 28.

The surface 30 that facilitates the connection is inclined with respect to an expected approach direction along which the cover element 3 approaches the body 2.

At the opposite ends of each first wall 27 are arranged second walls 31 protruding from the wall 27 towards a more internal area of the support surface 9 so that they are arranged transversely to the perimeter edge 32. The second walls 31 make the Opening means 16 indicators are safer and more reliable, since the tamper bands 17 are surrounded by several sides and, therefore, are more protected to limit the risk of manipulations.

The locking parts 26 comprise guide means 34 arranged to guide the bands 17 against tampering when the stopper means 1 is closed for the first time. The guide means 34 protrude from the support surface 9, are more separated from the perimeter edge 32 than the first walls 27 and face the same. The guide means 34 comprise a pair of end guide elements 33 connected to the second walls 31 and an intermediate guide element 35 interposed between the two end guide elements 33. In an embodiment not shown, it is possible to arrange a plurality of intermediate guide elements.

In another embodiment not shown, it is possible that the end guide elements are not connected to the second walls 31.

The extreme guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are positioned so that they interact with the second surface 21 of the band 17 against tampering.

In addition, the end guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are arranged in the bridge elements 18.

When the plug means 1 is closed for the first time, the tamper band 17 is pushed towards the support surface 9 to connect with the corresponding locking part 26. Thanks to the surface 30 which facilitates the connection, the coupling element 23 tends to occupy the corresponding connection hole 28.

When the third surface 24 interacts with the first wall 27, the bridge elements 18 deform. Excessive deformation could cause breakage of the bridge elements 18 and, therefore, render them unusable as opening indicating devices.

To prevent the bridge elements 18 from becoming excessively deformed, the guiding means 34 limit the bending of the bands 17 against manipulations on the bridge elements 18, preventing them from breaking prematurely.

In addition, the guide means 34 reduce the risk of tampering. In fact, the guide means prevent the engagement elements from being pushed towards the dispensing part 8, that is, into the stopper means 1, to disconnect them from the respective engagement holes 28.

In each blocking part 26, in an area that is more separated from the support surface 9, inspection openings 36 are arranged that allow a user to inspect the bridge elements 18 to verify that they are not broken when the cover element is in closed configuration A.

When opening the plug means 1 for the first time, the user acts on the gripping element 12 so that the cover element 3 is removed from the bearing surface 9. The locking parts 26 prevent the tamper bands 17 from moving together with the cover element 3. This generates a voltage that breaks the bridge elements 18.

The hooking elements interact with the hook holes 28 so that the tamper bands 17 are retained in the body 2 and do not disperse in the environment.

The bands 17 against manipulations are retained in the body 2 thanks also to a labyrinth structure or cage structure, defined by the first wall 27 (and by the hook holes 28 of which the first wall 27 is provided), by the guide means 34 and possibly by the second walls 31.

The labyrinth structure or cage structure mentioned above allows to obtain stopper means 1 with great inviolability. The tamper bands 17 and the locking parts 26 are closer to the turning X axis than the gripping element 12.

Therefore, because the distance of the grip element 12 from the joint 13 is greater than the distances of each of the bridge elements 18 from the joint 13, a force to facilitate the opening exerted on the grip element 12 by a user it has a torque greater than the torque of the opening resistance forces generated by the bridge elements 18.

Consequently, the user can easily open the stopper means 1, also taking advantage of the lever favorable thereto defined by the specific arrangement of the bridge elements 18 and the gripping element 12 in the cover element 3.

In addition, because the bridge elements 18 of each tamper band 17 are arranged at different distances from the turning X-axis, and thus, when opening the stopper means for the first time, they are subject to an increasing deformation. As its distance to the X-axis of rotation increases, it is possible to sequentially break the bridge elements 18 so that the stopper means can be opened very easily.

In an embodiment not shown, the bridge elements 18 disposed near the gripping element 12 have cross sections that are smaller than the cross sections of the bridge elements 18 disposed near the joint 3.

Specifically, the cross sections of the bridge elements progressively increase the closer they are to the joint 3. Consequently, when opening the plug means 1 for the first time, the first bridge elements 18 that will be subjected to tension are the closest to joint 13, that is, the most resistant.

This means that the risk of damage or breakage of the bridge elements 18 is reduced by closing the plug means 1 for the first time.

When opening the plug means 1 for the first time, the bridge elements 18 subjected to more tension are the closest to the grip element 12, that is, the least resistant.

This allows to facilitate the first opening of the plug means 1.

Consequently, because the cross sections of the bridge elements 18 increase from the gripping element 12 towards the joint 13, it is possible to limit the risk of breakage of the bridge elements by closing the plug means 1 for the first time and Get an improved seal.

Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the stopper means 1, comprising a single tamper band (the band 37 against further tampering) in cooperation with a single corresponding locking part (the additional locking part 38).

The additional blocking part 38 is disposed on a side opposite to the articulation 13 with respect to the dispensing part 8, while the additional tamper band 37 is disposed near the gripping element 12. Thus, when the cover element 3 is in the closed configuration A (shown in Figure 7), the additional tamper band 37 cooperates with the additional locking part 38 and is disposed between the gripping element 12 and the surface 9 support. The additional anti-tamper band 37 may have a greater extent than the anti-tamper bands 17 and may comprise a larger number of engagement elements 23, for example, three engagement elements 23. Correspondingly, the additional locking part 38 may be provided with three hook holes 28.

The additional tamper band 37 may be provided with a larger number of bridge elements 18 (eg, four) with respect to the tamper bands 17.

Accordingly, the additional blocking part 38 may comprise a corresponding number of control openings 36.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, it is possible to connect a tamper ring 39 to the body 2 through bridge parts 40 that break if the body 2 loosens with respect to the neck, thereby indicating that the means of Cap has been opened or tampered with.

As shown in Figure 8, the dispensing part 8 protrudes from wall means 43 disposed substantially parallel to the support surface 9 and further separated from the ring 39 against tampering than the support surface 9.

In such a case, a user can rest his mouth on the wall means 43 instead of on the support surface 9, avoiding its interaction, even accidentally, with the blocking parts 26 or with the additional blocking part 38.

Referring to FIG. 9, a stopper means 1 is shown comprising incoming means 44 arranged in the body 2 and arranged 5 to receive the bands 17 against tampering when the cover element 3

is in closed configuration A.

The incoming means 44 have an opening 45 in the bearing surface 9 and are partially limited by the blocking portions 26, which are positioned so as to define an extension of the side wall 4.

10 The blocking parts 26 do not protrude from the incoming means 44 through the opening 45. In other words, the blocking parts 26 are shaped so that they do not protrude from the body 2 beyond the supporting surface 28. In this way, the plug means 1 are more comfortable for the user, who does not suffer the risk of interacting, even accidentally, with the locking parts 26.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8 and in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, it is possible to observe the nozzle surface means -defined, respectively, by the wall means 43 or by the support surface 9, which

20 are arranged to receive the mouth of a user and are more separated from an area of the body 2 opposite the dispensing part than the locking parts 26.

References mentioned in the description The list of references mentioned by the applicant is only included for the convenience of the reader. It is not part of the European patent document. Although references have been carefully collected, it is not possible to exclude errors or omissions, and the EPO disclaims all responsibility in this regard. Patent documents mentioned in the description EP 531887 A

Claims (33)

one.

Cap means, comprising: - a body (2) suitable for associating it to the neck of a container and comprising a side wall (4) bounded above by an end wall (6), said end wall (6) extending transversely with with respect to said side wall (4), said body (2) being provided on said end wall (6) of dispensing means (8); - cover means (3) arranged to close said dispensing means (8), said end wall (6) defining a support surface (9) on which said cover means (3) rest to close said means (8) dispensers; - means (17; 37) opening indicators connected to said cover means (3) through breakable means (18) and comprising coupling means (23) arranged for connection to additional coupling means (26; 38) corresponding of said body (2), said additional means (26; 38) comprising engaging wall means (27) associated with said body (2), said wall means (27) protruding from said support surface (9); characterized in that guide means (34) are associated with

said additional engagement means (26; 38), arranged to limit deformations in said means (17; 37) opening indicators when said engagement means (23) interact with said additional engagement means (26; 38), said means projecting (34) for guiding said support surface (9) and facing said wall means (27).

2.

Plug means according to claim 1, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) comprise additional wall means (31) associated with said body (2) and arranged transversely with respect to said wall means (27).

3.

Cap means according to claim 2, wherein said additional wall means comprise walls (31) that move away from opposite ends of said wall means (27).

Four.

Cap means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said guide means comprise guide elements (33, 35) associated with said

body (2).

5.

Cap means according to claim 4, wherein said guide elements (33, 35) face said wall means (27).

6.

Plug means according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said breakable means comprise a plurality of bridge elements (18), each guide element (33, 35) facing a respective bridge element (18) of said plurality of bridge elements (18) when said means

(23) of engagement engage with said additional means (26, 28) of engagement.

7.

Plug means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) comprise means (30) that facilitate connection arranged to cause said engagement means (23) to interact with said means (26; 28) additional hitch.

8.

Cap means according to claim 7, wherein said means facilitating the connection comprise a surface (30) that facilitates the inclined connection with respect to an intended approach direction along which said engagement means (23) interact with said additional attachment means (26; 38).

9.

Cap means according to claim 8, wherein said surface (30) that facilitates the connection converges in said dispensing means (8).

10.

Cap means according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said surface (30) that facilitates connection defines a beveled portion of said wall means (27).

eleven.

Cap means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) comprise opening means (36) arranged to allow checking the state of said breakable means (18) when said means (1) of stopper are in a closed position

(A) in which said lid means (3) are connected to said dispensing means (8).

12.

Cap means according to claim 11, wherein said opening means (36) comprise a plurality of openings (36) arranged in said wall means (27).

13.

Cap means according to claim 12, wherein, in said closed position (A), each opening (36) of said plurality of openings (36) is disposed in a breakable element (18) of a plurality of breakable elements of the that said breakable means are provided.

14.

Cap means according to any of the preceding claims, and which

they further comprise articulation means (13) that connect said cover means (3) to said body (2) so that said stop means (1) adopt a closed configuration (A) in which said means (3) of cover are connected to said means (8) dispensers.

fifteen.

Cap means according to claim 14, wherein said articulation means do not protrude from said body (2) beyond said side wall (4) when said cap means (1) are in said closed configuration (A).

16.

Stopper means according to claim 15, wherein said articulation means (13) are arranged in an area disposed within a perimeter edge

(32) of said body (2).

17.

Cap means according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said articulation means define pivot shaft means (X) for the mutual rotation of said lid means (3) and said body (2), being arranged said support surface (9) for receiving an end (19) of said cover means (3) in said closed configuration (A) and said rotation axis means (X) being separated from said support surface (9).

18.

Cap means according to claim 17, in combination with claim 15 or 16, wherein said pivot shaft means (X) are arranged on a side opposite said side wall (4) with respect to said surface (9) support.

19.

Cap means according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said pivot shaft means (X) are arranged substantially parallel to said bearing surface (9).

twenty.

Cap means according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said articulation means (13) comprise a pair of connecting elements (14) defining said pivot axis means (X).

twenty-one.

Cap means according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said articulation means (13) comprise elastic connection means (15) arranged to maintain said cap means (1) in said closed configuration (A), or in an open configuration (B) in which said lid means (3) are disconnected from said dispensing means (8).

22

Cap means according to claim 21, in combination with claim 20, wherein said elastic connection means comprises an elastic connection element (15) interposed between said connection elements (14).

2. 3.

Stopper means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said engagement means comprise engagement elements (23) projecting from said means (17; 37) opening indicators.

24.

Plug means according to claim 23, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) comprise incoming elements (28) arranged to cooperate with said engagement elements (23).

25.

Cap means according to claim 24, wherein said incoming elements (28) are arranged in said wall means (27).

26.

Plug means according to claim 25, wherein said incoming elements (28) comprise hook holes (28).

27.

Cap means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said opening indicating means comprise a pair of bands (17) against tampering.

28.

Cap means according to claim 27, wherein said tamper bands (17) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a gripping zone (12) of said cap means (3).

29.

Cap means according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein said opening indicating means comprise a tamper band (37).

30

Cap means according to claim 29, wherein said tamper band (37) is disposed in a gripping zone (12) of said cap means (3).

31.

Cap means according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising nozzle surface means (9; 43), said nozzle surface means (9; 43) being more separated than said additional engagement means (26; 38) of a zone (39) of said body (2) opposite said dispensing means (8).

32

Cap means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) are received in cavity means (44) of said body (2).

33.

Cap means according to claim 32, in combination with claim 31, wherein said additional engagement means (26; 38) are shaped to extend from said body (2) to said means

(8) dispensers without protruding from said cavity means (44) beyond said nozzle surface means (43).