ES2751420T3 - Tamper-proof safety closure to access the opening of a container, in particular a bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

Tamper proof closure (10) for an access opening in a container (B), the tamper proof closure (10) comprising: a closure part (12) which can be placed in the access opening in a sealed manner and having a lower sleeve portion (13) and a cover portion (14), which are connected in one piece by a first tamper-proof indicator (15), and a cap-like indicator plug (11) which forms a second tamper-proof indicator (20) and at least partially surrounds the cover portion (14) of the closure part (12), wherein: access to the first tamper-proof indicator (15) only It is possible when the indicator cap (11) is broken, an extraction tab (16) is formed in the indicator cap (11), the extraction tab (16) being delimited by two grooves (17, 18) that are arranged to a distance and end at a distance from the bottom edge (11a) of the tap n indicator (11), characterized in that the first tamper-proof indicator (15) is formed by a circumferential band (25) delimited by two perforation lines (27) and extending between the sleeve portion (13) and the cover portion (14) of the closure part (12) and because at least one of the grooves (17, 18) is assigned a break point (19, 19a) that extends to the lower edge (11a) of the indicator plug (11).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Tamper-proof safety closure to access the opening of a container, in particular a bottle

The invention relates to a tamper-proof closure for an access opening of a container, in particular a bottle, with a closure part that can be positioned on the access opening in a sealed manner and has a lower sleeve portion and a top cover portion, which are connected in one piece to each other through a first tamper-evident indicator, and with a cap-like indicator plug that forms a second tamper-resistant indicator and at least partially surrounds the cover portion of the closure part, in which access to the first tamper-evident indicator is only possible when the indicator plug is broken, and in which a pull-out tab is formed in the indicator plug. Such tamper proof closure is known from international application WO2013 / 132384 A1.

For some products, for example medicines or even alcoholic beverages, it is advisable for the user to identify if the container, for example a bottle, has been previously opened or is still in the original closed state. To this end, what is known as a tamper-proof lock that breaks at least partially during the initial opening and thus irreversibly indicates that the lock has already been opened once.

It is assumed below that the tamper evident closure is mounted on an upright bottle that is vertically oriented and whose longitudinal axis is in the vertical direction, in which the details "at the top", "at the bottom", " axially "and" radially "refer to this orientation of the bottle. However, the invention is not limited to a correspondingly oriented bottle.

In the case of a beverage bottle, a tamper-evident closure typically has a tamper-proof first indicator that forms between a cover portion, which is normally in the form of a screw cap that can be unscrewed located at the upper end of the bottle, and a portion of cover arranged below. The sleeve portion sits on the bottle in such a way that it cannot be removed axially. If the user rotates the cover portion or the screw cap, the one-piece molded bands which, in the intact state, connect the cover portion to the cover portion inevitably break, as the cover portion rises axially by the rotational motion and the sheath portion cannot follow that axial motion. The broken bands serve as an irreversible indication to the user that the closure has already been opened.

It is known that in some cases, for transport and / or hygiene reasons, a wrapper in the form of an external plastic film is also placed on a bottle that is provided with a tamper-proof closure mentioned above, said shrink wrap being on the top closing. To open the bottle, the user first has to damage and remove the shrink film so that the user has access to the cover portion of the closure part and can open the bottle by breaking the mentioned bands. The shrink film is therefore effective as a second tamper-proof indicator that indicates to the user that the bottle is still in its original state.

A portion of the indicator cap formed by the shrink film is usually in the form of a pull tab through which the user can tear the shrink film. It has been shown that, particularly at the beginning of the pulling movement, when the dynamic forces resulting from the pulling movement are not yet effective, it is relatively difficult and inconvenient for inexperienced users to apply the appropriate pulling forces through the pull tab. Very small removal of the shrink film or indicator cap, making tamper-proof closure opening difficult.

The invention is based on the aim of providing a tamper-proof closure of the mentioned type that can be opened in a simple and reliable way by a user.

This objective is achieved by means of a tamper-proof closure with the characteristics of claim 1. Here it is detailed that the extraction tab is delimited by two grooves that are arranged at a distance and that end at a distance from the lower edge of the indicator cap. , and that at least one of the grooves is assigned a break point that extends to the bottom edge of the indicator plug.

The invention begins with the basic consideration of forming the pull tab between two vertical grooves in the skin surface of the indicator plug, and therefore the user has to grasp the pull tab and pull it down, which it constitutes a movement that is easy to carry out for said user. The pull tab preferably extends here from the top edge of the indicator cap down on the skin surface thereof to just short of the bottom edge of the indicator cap.

In order to completely break the indicator plug and remove it from the closure part, the user pulls the pull tab downward to such an extent that the break point between the lower end of at least one slot and the lower edge of the indicator plug is applies a pulling force and breaks, causing the indicator plug cut or open in the circumferential direction and can be removed from the closure part below.

In one embodiment, both slots in the indicator plug can be assigned a break point and each can extend to the bottom edge of the indicator plug at the bottom end of each respective slot. To remove the indicator plug from the closure part, when the user pulls the extraction tab down to such an extent that the break points that are between the lower end of the respective grooves and the lower edge of the indicator plug are applied a pulling force and it tears. Tearing of break points results in a cut or opening of the indicator cap, which can be removed from the closure part below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two slots of the indicator plug are of the same length.

The indicator cap is preferably composed of an intrinsically stable plastic and sits in the closing part that is rotatably below it, but without axial movement capacity.

The two grooves preferably run in the circumferential direction of the indicator plug offset and parallel to each other in the vertical orientation,

wherein it is preferably provided that the grooves in each case start at the top edge of the indicator plug and extend vertically from there.

The break point at the lower end of at least one slot may be formed by transverse weakening of the indicator plug material in this position and / or by perforation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pull tab is provided to move inward radially with respect to the outer skin surface of the indicator plug. This provides the advantage that the user, by pulling down on the pull tab, makes a radially outward jerk-shaped movement at the lower end of said pull tab near the bottom edge of the indicator plug. , thus facilitating tearing of the break point in the region of the lower end of at least one of the grooves.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the user directly grasps and pulls down on the pull tab formed on the wall of the indicator plug. However, a functional improvement is provided if, in a development of the invention, the pull tab is connected at its upper end out of the breaking point to a handle. The handle is preferably larger than the pull tab, and therefore can be easily grasped by users. The handle is preferably molded in a single piece within the pull-out tab and, in the initial state, can be integrated into the indicator cap and attached to it via breakable breakable zones. To open the tamper-proof closure, the user tears the handle of the indicator cap breaking the areas of rupture, which may be, for example, bands or lines of perforation or a transverse weakening, bends the handle upwards and, in the latter Pull the pull tab vertically down.

In an unused or unbroken condition of the indicator plug, the handle preferably preferably completely or at least partially forms the top wall of said tamper-proof seal, and therefore the handle is firstly easily accessible and secondly not requires no additional construction space

To release the handle from the retained and fixed position on the indicator cap, according to the invention an actuation part for releasing and holding the handle can be formed on the handle on the outward facing side of the grooves. The actuation portion is in the form, for example, of a protruding push edge in which the user can grasp the pull tab and lift it out of the indicator plug with the break zones being destroyed.

The closure part has a lower sheath portion and a cover portion which is disposed thereon and is connected to the sheath portion in one piece with the interconnection of the first tamper-proof indicator found in the container under the indicator cap. The cover portion of the closure part is preferably in the form of a screw cap, and the bottom and bottom of the container have a corresponding thread with which the screw cap can be attached.

In an example that is not part of the invention, it can be provided that the first tamper-proof indicator is formed by bands through which the sheath portion and the cover portion of the closure part are connected in one piece and which inevitably breaks when the cover portion is first opened. According to the invention, the first tamper-proof indicator is formed by a circumferential band which is limited by two perforation lines and runs between the sheath portion and the cover portion of the closure part. The circumferential band is preferably assigned to a handle by which the user can hold the band and open it by breaking the perforation lines, and therefore the cover portion is released from the cover portion and can be removed from the container.

Further details and features of the invention are apparent from the following description of one form of exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a tamper-proof closure according to the invention in the initial state,

Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the tamper-proof closure according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 (a) shows a perspective view of a tamper evident closure indicator cap according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 3 (b) shows a perspective bottom view of the indicator plug according to figure 3 (a),

Fig. 4 (a) shows a perspective view of a tamper evident closure indicator cap according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4 (b) shows a top perspective view of a tamper evident closure indicator cap according to FIG. 4 (a),

Fig. 4 (c) shows a tamper-proof closure with indicator plug according to fig. 4 (a),

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the tamper-evident closure with the indicator cap removed, but with the closure portion still unbroken.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the tamper-proof closure along a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis X according to the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the tamper-proof closure taken along the plane of a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tamper-resistant closure 10 for a container B in the form of an upright bottle having a standard access opening (not shown) at the upper end of the neck of a bottle. A closure part 12, shown in detail in Figure 5, is placed in the access opening. The closing part 12 has a lower sleeve portion 13 which is placed from above on the neck of the bottle and is axially attached to the bottle so that it does not move, that is, along the longitudinal axis X of the bottle, and furthermore preferably rotatably. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower sleeve portion 13 on its inner side may be provided with an annular wedge 31 which can be coupled to the corresponding wedge 32 formed on the outside of the neck of the bottle.

A portion of the cap 14 in the form of a screw cap which can be customarily coupled with a thread formed at the upper end of the neck of the bottle is placed on top of the portion of the cap 13 connected to the first tamper-proof indicator 15 .

Cover portion 14 and sheath portion 13 are connected together in one piece, in which two completely circumferential perforation lines 27 are provided which extend perpendicular to longitudinal axis X, said perforation lines being separated between yes in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, such that a circumferential one-piece molded strip 25, having a one-piece handle 26 at one end, is formed between the two perforation lines 27.

In the assembled state, the closure part 12 is placed in the access opening in the bottle in a sealed manner and fixed in the bottle in such a way that said closure part 12 can only be removed by breaking the first indicator under test tampering 15.

An indicator plug 11 is placed from above on the cover portion 14 and the first tamper-evident indicator 15 and preferably hooks on the closure part 12. In such a way that said indicator plug 11 remains fixed with respect to the part seal 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and can only be removed from the closure part 12 if it breaks. As shown in Figure 6, a circumferential rib 33 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X is provided within the indicator plug 11 which can be coupled with the corresponding circumferential rib 34 formed on top of the sheath portion 13 The circumferential ribs 33, 34 provided on the indicator cap and the sheath portion are configured such that they snap on the indicator cap with the closure part and to hold the indicator cap 11 securely relative to the closure part 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. Once the indicator plug is connected or hooked with the closure part 12, the connection or the hooking between the two can be further ensured by the appropriate means selected, but not limited to, the welding, the adhesive, ultrasonic welding or laser welding, etc., at the place of connection or hooking (i.e. at the l place of engagement of the circumferential ribs (33, 34)). Preferably, the indicator plug 11 is also held in the closure part 12 to rotate together. As shown in Figure 7, the indicator plug can be provided with elongated projections 35 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, being arranged circumferentially inside the indicator cap 11. The elongated projections 35 of the indicator cap 11 conform to the corresponding grooves 36 formed on the outside of the cover portion 14, in this way the movement Relative between indicator plug 11 and cover portion 14 is restricted.

According to Figure 3, the indicator plug 11, which, in its entirety, forms a second tamper-evident indicator 20, has a basic body in the form of a cylindrical circular sleeve 30, in whose wall an extraction tab 16 is integrated, which is extends vertically upwards, said extraction tongue being delimited on its sides by two grooves 17 and 18 that run parallel and vertically and are formed on the wall of the basic body 30. Grooves 17 and 18 extend to the upper edge of the indicator plug 11 and combined in a circumferential annular space 28 which extends in the circumferential direction and extends on the upper surface of the indicator plug 11 over the upper circumference of the indicator plug 11. Radially within the circumferential annular space 28, a ring or a ring-shaped handle 22 is arranged on the upper surface of the indicator plug; said handle 22 being molded in a single piece in the extraction tongue

16 and being connected to the basic body 30 of the indicator plug 11 through a plurality of rupture zones 23, 37, which can be perforations and / or weakening of the material and that are formed in the circumferential annular space 28, and being fixed in its initial position as illustrated in the figures. An actuation part 24 in the form of a projection edge is formed on the handle 22, in that portion thereof which is diametrically opposite to the extraction tab 16, said projection edge projecting into a space 29 of the basic part 30, of the indicator cap 11, and therefore being easily accessible to a user (see Figure 2). As shown in Figures 3 (a) and 4 (b), the handle 22 is connected by at least two break zones 37, which are arranged in the annular space 28 adjacent to the drive part 24 and multiple break zones 23 arranged in the annular space 28 adjacent to the extraction tab 16, facing out from the break zones 37.

As shown in Figures 1, 3 (a) and 3 (b), the vertical grooves 17 and 18 do not extend to the lower edge 11a of the indicator plug 11, but end at a distance above the latter. In an extension of the left slot 17 according to Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b), a break point 19 that extends to the bottom edge 11a of the indicator plug 11 is formed between the bottom end of the slot 17 and the lower edge 11a of the indicator cap 11. As shown in the bottom view of figure 3 (b), the break point 19 is formed by a transverse weakening of the wall of the indicator cap 11 and, according to figures 3 (a) and 3 (b), aligns with vertical slot 17.

As shown in Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b), both grooves 17, 18 can be provided with break points 19, 19a as extensions of grooves 17, 18. Break points 19, 19a extend each one to the bottom edge 11a of the indicator plug 11 between the bottom end of the slot 1718, respectively, and the bottom edge 11 a of the indicator plug 11. As shown in Figure 4 (c), the dimensions of the gap 29 can be increased to improve the accessibility of the drive part 24 to a user. As shown in Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b), both grooves 17 and 18 extend vertically and in the same direction of the longitudinal axis X towards the lower edge of the indicator plug 11. In other words, both grooves 17, 18 have the same length in the direction of the longitudinal axis X.

The base body 30 of the indicator plug 11 has a substantially circular-cylindrical shape with a skin surface 21 that is continuous apart from the region of the grooves 17 and 18 and the pull tab 16, in which the pull tab 16 is displaced radially inward relative to the skin surface 21 of the indicator plug 11, as can be seen in Figs. 1, 3 (a) - (b) and 4 (a) - (b).

The person skilled in the art would understand that the diameter of the indicator plug can be dimensioned so that the outer peripheral surface 21 can be aligned with the outer surface of the sleeve portion 13 or displaced from the outer surface of the sleeve portion 13.

Figures 1 and 2 show the indicator plug 11 in the unused and undamaged starting state. To open the container B or the bottle, the user exerts a force that is directed upwards in the longitudinal direction X on the actuation part 24, as indicated by the arrow P in figure 2. By means of this force, the Break zones 23 in the circumferential annular space 28 are broken and the handle 22 can be rotated upwards so that the user can hold it. The user then pulls on the handle 22, and therefore also on the pull tab 16 which is connected to it, downwards, as a result of which a pulling force is exerted at the breaking point 19, causing said pulling force pull the break point 19 to tear. In the case of the two breaking points 19, 19a as shown in Figure 4 (a) - (c), said pulling force causes the tearing of one or both of the breaking points 19, 19a. By tearing the break point 19 or tearing the break points 19, 19a, the indicator plug is no longer closed in the circumferential direction and can be extended radially and removed. The breakage of the indicator cap 11 at the break point 19 is clearly visible to the user and therefore the indicator cap 11 in its entirety forms a second tamper-evident indicator 20 indicating whether an attempt has already been made to open the bottle or if the bottle is still in its initial state.

In one embodiment, the hinges 38 are disposed, along a hinge axis AA, opposite each other on handle 22, dividing handle 22 into a first portion of handle 22a and a second portion of handle 22b.

As shown in Figures 3 (a) and 4 (b), the first portion of the handle (22a) is connected to the basic body 30 of the indicator plug 11 through at least two break zones 37 and the second portion of the handle. 22b is connected to the basic body 30 of the indicator plug 11 through the rupture zones 23. By means of the force P, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, at least two rupture zones 37 in the circumferential annular space 28 they break and the first portion of the handle 22a is rotated upwards through the area of the hinge, so that the user can hold it. The user then pulls the second portion of the handle 22b, tearing the break zones 23 in the circumferential annular space 28. The user then pulls on the handle 22, and therefore also of the pull tab 16 which is connected to this, downward, as a result of which a pulling force is exerted on the break point 19, said pulling force causing the break point 19 to tear (or causing the two break points 19, 19a to tear). as shown in figure 4 (a) - (c)).

After the indicator cap 11 has been opened and removed, the bottle is still closed by the closure part 12, as illustrated in Figure 5. To open the bottle, the user has to break the first tamper-evident indicator. 15, i.e., it has to hold the band 25 of the handle 26 and tear said band out of its connection with the cover portion 14 and the cover portion 13 through the circumferential perforation lines 27.

As a result, the cover portion 14 is released from the cover portion 13 and can subsequently be removed or unscrewed from the bottle in the usual manner. Alternatively, steps can be taken to break the tamper-proof first indicator 15 by unscrewing the cover portion 14, since the cover portion 14 is raised axially by the unscrewing action and is therefore displaced relative to the axially fixed sleeve portion 13.

Claims (16)

1. Tamper proof closure (10) for an access opening in a container (B), the tamper proof closure (10) comprising: a closure part (12) that can be placed in the access opening in a sealed manner and that has a lower cover portion (13) and a cover portion (14), which are connected in one piece by a first indicator to tamper proof (15), and a cap-like indicator plug (11) forming a second tamper-evident indicator (20) and at least partially surrounding the cover portion (14) of the closure part (12), wherein: access to the first tamper-proof indicator (15) is only possible when the indicator cap (11) is broken, an extraction tab (16) is formed in the indicator plug (11), the extraction tab (16) being delimited by two grooves (17, 18) that are arranged at a distance and end at a distance from the lower edge (11a ) of the indicator plug (11), characterized in that the first tamper-evident indicator (15) is formed by a circumferential band (25) delimited by two perforation lines (27) and extending between the sheath portion (13) and the cover portion (14) of the closure part (12) and because at least one of the grooves (17, 18) is assigned a break point (19, 19a) that extends to the bottom edge ( 11a) of the indicator plug (11). 2. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the break point (19, 19a) assigned to at least one of the grooves (17, 18), is formed by a transverse weakening and / or a perforation. 3. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the grooves (17, 18) is assigned a break point (19, 19a), each of which extends to the bottom edge ( 11a) of the indicator plug (11). 4. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 3, characterized in that the break points (19, 19a) are formed by transverse weakening and / or perforation. 5. Tamper proof closure according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the grooves (17, 18) follow a vertical path. 6. Tamper-proof closure according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that both slots (17, 18) of the indicator plug (11) have the same length. 7. Tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pull-out tab (16) is displaced radially inward with respect to the outer skin surface (21) of the indicator plug (11). 8. Tamper-proof closure according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the extraction tab (16) is connected at its upper end out of the break point (19, 19a) to a handle (22). 9. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 8, characterized in that the handle (22) is integrated in the indicator cap (11) and is fixed to it through the rupture zones (23, 37) which can be broken . 10. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 9, characterized in that the handle (22) is provided with hinges 38 arranged on the handle 22 along a hinge axis AA, which divides the handle 22 into a first portion of the handle 22a and a second portion of handle 22b. 11. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first portion of the handle 22a of the handle 22 is connected to the indicator plug 11 through at least two break zones 37 and the second portion of the handle 22b is connected to the indicator plug 11 through the break zones 23. 12. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the actuating part (24) for releasing the handle (22) is formed in the handle (22) on the opposite side of the grooves (17, 18) . 13. Tamper proof closure according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cover portion (14) of the closure part (12) is screw cap. 14. Tamper proof closure according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the indicator plug 11 is placed from above on the cover portion 14 and the first tamper-proof indicator 15 and preferably hooks to the closure part 12. 15. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 14, characterized in that a circumferential rib 33 is provided inside the indicator plug 11, which can be hooked with a corresponding circumferential rib 34 on top of the sleeve portion 13 to engage or retain the indicator plug 11 with the closing part 12. 16. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 15, characterized in that the engagement or retention between the indicator plug 11 and the closure part 12 is further secured by welding or adhesive at the engagement or retention site.