ES2366276T3 - WINTER CLOSURE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Tamper-evident closures are known in which the tamper-evidence remains attached to the closures after initial opening. However, the tamper-evidence is not always that clear and therefore it is desirable to produce a closure which more clearly shows it has been initially opened. This may be achieved by having a tamper-evident closure (10,110,310,410,510) comprising a base (20,320,420,520), a lid (25,325,425,525), and a tamper-evident member (30,130) frangibly connected to a lid side skirt, and becoming at least partly hidden from view upon first opening of the closure.

Description

The present invention generally relates to a closure for a container and particularly a closure, which can provide some indication that the closure has been opened at least once.

It is known to provide closures for containers with falling strips of inviolability which are released from the open end of a side wall of the closure at the time of a first opening. Although the falling belts provide some indication that the closure has been opened, since they are physically separated there is no clear indication of the opening of the remaining part of the closure. It is also known to provide strips that are torn off which are removed from the body of the closure at the moment of the first opening. However, the strips that are torn off present a problem of disorder and a potential risk of obstruction because they are generally small tongues which are separated from the closure body.

Other inviolable closures are known from US Patent No. 6,269,986 which discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1 and US Patent No. 4,941,592.

The present invention contemplates addressing the problems of known inviolable closures.

The invention provides an inviolable closure as defined in claim 1.

The base and the lid can be articulated entirely with each other since they are manufactured as one piece. For example, the closure may be made of plastic and the base and lid may be molded at the same time, connected together through the hinge. The hinge may be a pressure type hinge and may include at least one seal.

A distribution element may be provided and may be an element separate from the cover and / or the base. For example, it may be molded separately, as opposed to being integral with the lid and / or the base. The distribution element can then be mounted with the cover and / or the base. The distribution element can be a discharge mouth to drink directly or to pour from it. Alternatively, the distribution element can form a single piece with the lid or base.

The inviolability element can be mobile from an unprepared position to a prepared position. This movement can occur at the time of assembly of the distribution element and the base.

An extension may be planned. This extension can be coupled with the base and / or the distribution element so that when the closure is opened for the first time the inviolability element cannot follow the relative movement of the cover so that the connection or frangible connections are break up

The inviolability element may be separated from the base, the cover and the distribution element and the closure and the inviolability element may include corresponding means to limit their relative movement at the time of the first opening. For example, the inviolability element may have the form of two rings connected together by frangible connections. This ring can be adjusted between the lid and the base and surround the distribution element. The cover and the discharge or base mouth may include extensions which are coupled with the corresponding extensions in the inviolability element such that at the first opening of the closure the strip of inviolability is separated so that a ring is dragged by the cover and the other ring is dragged by the base or discharge mouth. The frangible connection or connections can then be broken in such a way that the inviolability element is divided into two pieces. The lower ring of the inviolability element may fall into a bag or vacuum provided at the base so that it is at least partially hidden from view and at least partially exposes the distribution element.

The distribution element may be of a different color from that of the lid or base so that it is more clearly visible when the inviolability element has moved at the time of the first opening.

There may be more than one inviolability element.

The inviolability element of the closure is therefore retained at the time of the first opening but is hidden at least partially from view as an indicator that the closure has been opened at least once. In some embodiments, the inviolability element may be completely hidden from view.

The inviolability elements formed according to the present invention can be frangibly connected to the closure body. At the time of the first opening of the closure the inviolability element can therefore be released from the body.

The closure body may comprise an indicative section of open and the inviolability element may comprise a mask which exposes the indicative section of opening at the time of the first opening of the closure. The indicative open section may comprise an additional section or part of the closure, such as a discharge mouth.

The indicative section of the opening can be formed so that it is highly visible so that once the inviolability element moves there is clear evidence that the closure has been opened at least once. The indicative section of the opening can be formed by a color or a texture that forms contrast with the other parts of the closure for increased visibility.

The closure comprises a window in which or through which the inviolability element is visible before in the first opening of the window. Therefore, at the time of the first opening of the closure the inviolability element may fall out of, or be out of the exact correspondence with, the window.

The inviolability element can be mobile from an unprepared position to a prepared position. For example, the closure may comprise a plurality of components and the inviolability element is moved to the position prepared only at the time of assembling the component parts of the closure together. In other words, the inviolability system is only activated at the time of assembly.

The closure body may comprise a plurality of pieces. For example, the closure body may comprise a first piece and a second piece such as a base and a cover which can be joined together articulately. The closure may comprise a discharge mouth piece through which the contents of an associated container can be distributed. In one embodiment, the closure comprises a base piece connected to the lid by a hinge and a discharge mouth piece which is received internally by the base / lid.

The closure may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example plastic or metallic material. Different components of the closure may be formed from different materials.

The present invention will now be described more particularly, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure formed according to a first embodiment of the present invention represented in an unopened state;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 depicted in an open position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 2 shown re-closed;

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the closure of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section of a closure formed according to a second embodiment and illustrating a body of the closure and a discharge mouth before assembly;

Figure 6 is a section of the closure in Figure 5 depicted during assembly;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area of an inviolability element of the closure shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a section of the closure of Figure 5 depicted fully assembled;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area of the inviolability element of the closure shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the area of the inviolability element shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 8 before the first opening;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 11 shown open;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 12 shown re-closed;

Figure 14 is a front elevation of the closure shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a section of the closure shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the area of the inviolability element of the closure shown in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the larger scale area of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the area of the inviolability element formed according to a third embodiment;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of another closure, with the lid in the initially closed position, according to a

fourth embodiment; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 19 with the lid in the closed position but having been opened at least once;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the closure of Figures 19 and 20 with the lid in the open position; Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of part of the closure of Figure 19; Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of part of the closure of Figure 20; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of part of another closure, with the cover in the initially position

closed, which does not correspond to the invention; Figure 25 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 24; Figure 26 is a side view of the closure of Figure 24; Figure 27 is a side view of the inviolability element of the closure of Figure 24; Figure 28 is a front elevation of the closure of Figure 24 having been opened and closed again; Figure 29 is a side view of the discharge mouth member of the closure of Figure 24, Figure 30 is a perspective view of another closure with the lid in the initially closed position, which does not

corresponds to the invention;

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 30 with the lid in the closed position but having been opened at least once; Figure 32 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 30 with the lid in the open position; Figure 33 is a cross-sectional side view of part of the closure of Figure 30; Y Figure 34 is a cross-sectional side view of part of the closure of Figure 31. Referring first to Figure 1, an inviolable closure is indicated as indicated by 10. The closure 10

It is intended for joining the neck 15 of a container.

The closure 10 comprises a base 20 and a cover 25 which together comprise the body of the closure. Cover 25 It is connected to the base 20 by a hinge 26. The base 20 comprises a cylindrical skirt 20a which is open at both ends. At the end of the skirt

20a adjacent to the cover 25 a flange 24 or upper part or surface 24 of the base 20 extends radially

inward The lid 25 comprises an upwardly shaped cup-shaped body provided with an upper plate 25a and a side skirt 25b hanging from the periphery of the upper plate 25a.

The skirt 25b is coaxial and concentric with the skirt of the base 20a. The flange 24 reduces the diameter of the base 20

to attach the lid. Accordingly, the flange 24 comprises an inward step. The base 20 is provided with an inviolability tongue 30. The tongue 30 is shown in a position vertical in which it is in exact correspondence with a window 27 formed as a cutout at the base of the top skirt 25b.

The tongue 30 is placed in the mouth of a bag 31 formed on the flange 24. The tongue 30 is held in place by two frangible bridges (not shown). One bridge connects the tongue 30 to the base 20 and the other connects the tongue to the cover 25.

In order to open the cover 10, the cover 25 is articulated to the position shown in Figure 2 away from the base 20. When the cover moves, both frangible bridges are broken. The tongue 30 is released into the bag 31, in which it is retained as shown in Figure 2.

When the lid 25 is returned to the closed position as shown in Figure 3, the window 27 of the lid 25 is no longer covered by the tongue 30 because the tongue is hidden from view and thereby provides visible evidence that The closing has been opened.

The closure 10 may include a distribution element (not shown) which may be visible through the window 27.

Referring now to Figure 5, a closure 110 is shown according to a second embodiment.

The closure 110 includes a base 120 and a cover 125 which are connected together by a hinge (see Figures 11 to 13). The base and the cover together comprise the closure body.

The base 120 comprises a globally cylindrical skirt 120a with internal threaded formations 121 and a retaining rib 122 formed on its inner surface.

At one end of the skirt of the base 120a is provided a strip that falls from inviolability 123. The strip 123 comprises an annular strip 123a with an annular wing turned upward 123b at its free edge formed to engage below a retaining rib of a bowl The belt 123a is connected to the lower end of the base 120 by frangible bridges 123c. At the other end of the skirt 120a a flange 124 extends radially inwardly to form a shoulder.

The cover 125 comprises an upper plate 125a and a side skirt 125b which hangs from the periphery of the skirt 125b. The lower side of the upper plate 125a is formed with a sealing stud 125c. At the open end of the skirt 125b, two diametrically opposed inviolability tabs 130 are provided. The tabs 130 are formed in windows 127 at the lower end of skirt 120a and are frangibly connected to windows 127 by bridges 132, as best represented in figure 10.

The tabs 130 generally have the L-shaped section and comprise a main plate 130a to which the frangible bridges 132 and a clipped leg portion 131 are connected centrally.

The flange 124 is formed with two diametrically opposed cut portions 124a which are in exact correspondence with the tabs 130, as better represented than Figure 10.

The closure 110 is represented in its molded condition (that is, it is molded in the closed position) in which the lid 125 is held on the base 120 by a hinge (see Figures 11 and 12). Accordingly, the tabs 130 are effectively suspended from the window 127 by the bridges 132. The relative dimensions of the tabs 130 and the grooves 124a of the flange 124 assume that, in the molded condition, if the cover 125 was articulated away from the base 120 the tabs 130 could pass through the slots 124a without breaking.

The closure 110 additionally comprises a section of the discharge mouth globally indicated by 140. The section of the discharge mouth 140 comprises a body with a frustoconical nozzle 141 which defines an opening 141a which is attached to the section of the base 142 in a highlight 142a. A retaining hook 143 extends transversely from the base 142. A sealing lip 144 hangs from the free end of the base 142 and is intended to form a joint in the hole in the neck of a container (not shown).

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the closure 110 is shown in a partially assembled position.

The discharge mouth 140 is inserted into the closure 110 through the skirt of the base 120a to the position shown in Figure 6. It should be noted that the upper face of the rib 143 of the discharge mouth 140 engages the lower side of the rib 122 of the base 120. In addition, the stud 125c begins to enter the opening 141a of the nozzle 141.

It should also be noted that the rounded shoulder 142a of the discharge mouth 140 engages the tabs 130 at the intersection of the main plates 130a and the leg portions 131. Referring below to Figures 8 to 11, the discharge mouth 140 It is represented inserted to the maximum inside the closure body. The continuous insertion of the discharge mouth 140 means that the rib 143 presses onto the rib 122 to hold the discharge mouth 140 firmly in position. In addition, the pin 125c is hermetically coupled in the opening 141a.

The continued insertion of the discharge mouth 140 means that the shoulder 142a pushes on the tabs 130 to cause them to swing radially outward as they articulate around the bridges 132. This means that the leg portions 131 of the tabs 130 engage below the flange 124 outside the slots 124a.

It should be noted that a vacuum 150 is formed between the flange 124 and the annular retaining rib 143.

Referring now to Figure 12, the cover 125 is shown tilted towards its open position so that the nozzle 141 is exposed through the base 120. The windows 127 at the open end of the skirt of the cover 125b are clearly represented.

It should be noted that the tabs 130 are hidden from view now that the lid 125 has been opened. This is because when the lid 125 opens the legs 131 of the tongues 130 they rest against the flange 124 to prevent the tongues 130 from being raised with the rest of the lid. Accordingly, when the cover 125 is raised, the bridges 132 are broken which releases the tabs 130. The tabs 130 fall into the vacuum 150 as shown in Figures 13 to 17. The tabs 130 are retained in the vacuum 150 during the subsequent opening and closing operations.

It should be noted that since the tabs 130 cease to be in exact correspondence with the windows 160, the nozzle of the discharge mouth 141 is clearly visible through the cover 125. In this embodiment the nozzle of the discharge mouth 141 and the cover 125 are formed from materials of different colors so that the discharge mouth 140 can be clearly seen through the windows 127 as an indicator that the tabs 130 are no longer present.

Referring now to Figure 18, a larger-scale section of the inviolability tongue region 230 formed according to a second embodiment is shown. The tongue 230 is very similar to the tongue 130 shown in Figure 10. However, while the tongue 130 represented in Figure 10 is retained by a single bridge from above, the tongue 230 is retained by two frangible side bridges

232.

In Figure 19, a closure according to a third embodiment is referenced as 310. The closure comprises a base 320 provided with a substantially cylindrical skirt 320a and a cover 325 provided with an upper plate 325a. The lid 325 also comprises a substantially cylindrical side skirt 325b. In this embodiment, the side skirt 325b has a part directly opposite the hinge which is similar to a visor in a motorcycle helmet.

In the connection between the upper part of the base 320 and the lower side of the lid 325, an inviolability element 330 is visible. This inviolability element 330 is in the form of a tongue and is frangibly connected to the lid 325. Making Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the inviolability element 330 has an extension 333 on its lower side radially outward. The lid is mounted in the open position. When the lid is initially closed at least part of the inviolability element 330 passes through a hole in the upper surface 324 of the base partially into a vacuum or bag 331 provided in the base 320. The extension 333 is coupled below of the upper surface 324 of the base 320. The extension is formed in such a way that it allows the inviolability element to pass through the hole in the upper surface 324 but will not allow it to be removed. Therefore, when the lid 325 is opened for the first time the frangible bridges 332, which connect the inviolability element 330 to the lid 325, are broken since the extensions 333 prevent the inviolability element 330 from leaving the vacuum 331 provided by under the hole in the upper surface 324 of the base 320. When this occurs the inviolability element moves further inside the vacuum or bag 331.

A cross-sectional side view of part of the closure 310 is shown in Figure 23 in which the closure has been initially opened and then closed again. Consequently, the frangible bridges 332 have been broken and the inviolability element 330 resides in the vacuum 331 provided below the surface 324 of the base 320. A space 327 is left between the lower side of the lid 325 and the upper surface 324 of the base through which the distribution element 340 is visible.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the closure after it has been initially opened and closed again. The space 327 is visible where the inviolability element 330 was previously present. No other part of the closure rests between the space 327 and the discharge mouth 340 which rests inside the closure 310. Accordingly, the discharge mouth 340 it is visible through space 327. If the discharge mouth is made of a material other than that of the inviolability element 330, then it can be more clearly visible through space 327 and thereby provides evidence that the closure has been opened and closed again in a more obvious way.

Figure 21 shows the closure 310 in the open position. The inviolability element 330 is not visible because it has fallen inside the vacuum 331 provided on the upper surface 324 of the base 320. A grip portion 325c is provided at the upper end of the lid 325 directly above the inviolability element. 330. It is noted that the lid 325 is connected to the base 320 by a hinge 326. The lid and the base may be molded together or may be formed as separate articles. The closure 310 may be fitted to a container 315. The closure 310 may include an additional inviolability element 323 provided at the lower end of the base 320. This inviolability element 323 provides evidence that the closure has been removed from the container 315 and It works in the well-known way of falling bands of inviolability.

Figures 24 to 29 refer to an example of closures referenced as 410. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of closure 410. It is noted that closure 410 comprises a base 420 and a cover 425. The cover has an upper surface 425a and an extension 425c on one side to aid in the grip and opening of the lid 425. Inside the closure 410 there is a discharge mouth or distribution element 440. This is a separate element which is fitted inside the base 420 and the cover 425. The base 420 and the cover 425 are articulated together by the hinge 426. The cover 425 has an annular extension 425d which hangs from the upper surface 425a and presses against part of the discharge mouth 440 of mode that provides a board. In addition, the cover 425 includes an annular extension that hangs from the lower side of the upper surface 425a and which takes the form of a drill joint to seal tightly against the inner surface of the discharge mouth 440 to prevent content leakage. of the container when the lid is in the closed position.

The discharge mouth 440 includes an extension 441 which extends radially outwardly from the side of the discharge mouth 440 approximately to the same axial level, when mounted with the base or the cover, than the plane of separation between the lower side of the cover 425 and the upper surface of the base 420. In addition, the skirt 425b of the cover 425 has an extension 425e. This extension extends radially inwards at the lower end of the cover 425 in the circumferential area radially opposite to the hinge 426. A space 427 is left between the lower end of the side skirt 425b in an area approximately opposite to the hinge 426 and the upper surface of the base 420. A vacuum or bag 431 is provided between the discharge mouth 440 and the base 420. An inviolability element 430 which takes the form of a separate element provided with an upper ring 430a and a lower ring 430b connected together by frangible connections 432 (refer to Figure 27) is mounted with the closure 410. At the time of assembly, the inviolability element 430 fits between the base and the cover and radially out of the discharge mouth 440. The inviolability element 430 includes an upper extension 434 which extends radially outwards and a lower extension 433 which extends radially towards inside. When the inviolability element 430 is mounted with the closure 410 the upper extension 434 is coupled with the extension 425e provided on the radially inner surface of the side skirt 425b of the cover 425. In addition, the lower extension 433 is coupled with the extension 441 provided in the discharge mouth 440. Thus, when the lid is initially closed it cannot be opened without breaking the frangible connections 432. This is so because the extensions 434, 425a, 433, 441 prevent the lid from being opened. The extensions 434, 433, 425e, 441 are all shaped to allow initial installation because they are provided with angled surfaces on one side so that the corresponding extensions can pass over each other during assembly. However, they also include biased cuts, on the sides opposite the sides that have the angled surfaces, which are coupled with the corresponding biased cuts of the corresponding extensions to prevent the extensions from passing over one another after installation. .

The discharge port 440 also also a hole seal 444 that forms a seal against the radially inner surface of an associated container (not shown). In addition, the closure 410 includes an inviolability element 423 at the lower end of the base 420 which functions in a manner similar to the known inviolability elements.

In Figure 25, hinge 426 is more clearly visible in the "back" of the closure, radially or circumferentially opposite the grip extension 425c. In Figure 26, the inviolability element 430 is visible between the base 420 and the cover 425. In Figure 28, the inviolability element has fallen inside the vacuum 431 when the cover 425 has initially been opened and closed again. after. Accordingly, part of the discharge mouth 440 is visible through the space 427. In Fig. 29, the discharge mouth 440 is more clearly represented. The discharge mouth includes an annular extension 441, referred to hereinbefore, for coupling with the inviolability element 430. It also includes, in an axially lower position, an annular extension 442 which closes tightly against the inside of the base 420.

Figures 30 to 34 refer to another example of closures. This example works in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figures 24 to 29 because the closure has a separate inviolability element 530. In this embodiment the closure 510 is molded with the lid 525 in the closed position. It can be connected to base 520 through frangible bridges. The cover 525 of the closure 510 has an upper surface 525a and a sight glass 525b in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, the closure 510 may include an inviolability belt 523 at the lower end of the base 520 in a manner similar to that described above. When the inviolability element 530 has fallen inside the vacuum 531 (refer to Figures 33 and 34) a space 527 allows the discharge mouth 540 to be visible even when the lid 525 is in the position in which it has become close. The cover 525 can be connected to the base 520 by a hinge 526.

The inviolability element 530 has an upper ring 530a and a lower ring 530b. The upper ring 530a includes an extension 534 on the radially outer surface. The lower ring 530b includes an extension 533 on the radially inner surface. The discharge mouth 540 includes an extension 541 on its radially outer surface. The viewfinder 525b includes an extension 525e on the radially inner surface at its lower end. When the inviolability belt 530 is mounted with the closure, extensions 534 and 525e are coupled with each other and extensions 541 and 533 are coupled with each other. The extensions are all formed with angled surfaces on one side to allow the extensions to pass over each other during assembly. They also include surfaces with slanted cuts, on the sides opposite to the angled surfaces, which support one another when the cover is initially opened such that frangible connections 532 are broken and the lower ring 530b falls inside the vacuum 531 provided in the base 520. With respect to the use of relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" through the report, these refer to the orientation of the closures represented in the figures and should not be interpreted in in any way as limiting the invention. The term "axial" refers to the vertical axis (as shown in the figures) through the opening of the closure and the term "radial" corresponds to this axis.

Although several different embodiments have been described herein, many of the features present in each of the closures are similar or identical. For example, each closure may be retained in an associated container by means of pressure ribs or threads. In addition, the shape and appearance of the distribution element or discharge mouth are similar in each closure being provided with a "nozzle" and coupling means with the base. Therefore, not all of the various features in each embodiment have been fully described.

Claims (11)

one.

Inviolable closure (10) comprising a closure body provided with a base (20) and a cover (25), and an inviolable element (30) that is visible before the first opening of the closure, in which the cover comprises an upper plate (25a) and a side skirt (25b), and the base of a bag or vacuum (31) being provided, and the inviolable element is frangibly connected with the side skirt of the lid, characterized in that when it is opened the lid for the first time the element (30) is released from the body of the closure and falls at least partially inside the bag or vacuum (31) and is at least partially hidden from view, thus indicating that the Closure has been opened at least once.

2.

Closure according to claim 1, wherein the element (30) is completely hidden from view in the bag or vacuum (31).

3.

Closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base (20) and the cover (25) are fully articulated with each other.

Four.

Closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (20) and the cover (25) are manufactured as one piece.

5.

Closing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises a window (27) in which or through which the element (30) is visible before the first opening and in which at the time of the first opening the inviolability element falls outside of, or is outside the exact correspondence with the window.

6.

Closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises an indicative section of open and the element comprises a mask which exposes the section at the time of the first opening of the closure.

7.

Closing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the element (130) can be moved from an unprepared position to a prepared position.

8.

Closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a distribution element (140).

9.

Closure according to claim 8, wherein the distribution element is integral with the base.

10.

Closing according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein when the element is released, the distribution element is exposed.

eleven.

Closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is formed from plastic material.