FR3099142A1 - Secure opening cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stopper (1) with a secure opening for a container (2), comprising: - a first part (10) adapted to be integral with said container, defining an outlet orifice of the container, - a second part (11) pivotally mounted on the first part (10) about a longitudinal axis (X) of the cap, comprising a fixing ring (110) and a cap (111) integral with the fixing ring by a hinge (114), the first part (10) comprising a rib (100) defining a groove (101) extending over a part of the circumference of the first part and a groove (102) extending from the groove towards the outlet port , the cap comprising a lug (112) configured to slide in the groove (101) and in the groove (102), the groove (102) being configured such that the second part (11) of the stopper is manipulable with respect to the first part (10) enters: - a closed position in which the lug (112) is retained in s the groove (101), the cap (111) closing off the outlet opening, - an unlocking start position in which the lug (112) is positioned in the groove (101) opposite the oblique groove (102 ), - an end-of-unlocking position in which the lug (112) is positioned facing the groove (102) opposite the groove (101), said end-of-opening position being angularly offset with respect to to the unlocking start position, and an open position in which the cap (111) releases the outlet orifice, that the lug (112) and the rib (100) having respective shapes adapted to allow closing of the stopper by snap-fastening the lug (112) in the groove (101) in any position other than the starting position of unlocking. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Cap with secure opening

The invention relates to a cap with a secure opening for a container.

State of the art

For the safety of children, it is generally desirable that they cannot access the contents of a container, so as not to risk ingesting a potentially toxic product or choking on swallowing one or more objects contained in the container. .

To this end, it is known to provide the caps of the containers with a secure opening device.

The general principle of these caps is to require a combination of operations which is in principle beyond the reach of a young child.

For example, documents US 5,316,162 and US 5,520,305 describe caps with secure opening comprising a ring adapted to be secured to the neck of a container and a removable cap vis-à-vis the ring. The ring has a circumferential groove and the cap includes a lug arranged in the groove of the ring. The throat of the ring opens into a groove extending axially towards the cap, the width of the groove being greater than or equal to that of the lug. The cap is movable in pivoting around a longitudinal axis of the cap by sliding of the lug in the ring. As long as the lug is not completely opposite the groove, the cap is thus retained by the ring in the closed position. To open the cap, it is necessary to rotate the cap relative to the ring so as to bring the lug opposite the groove, which allows the cap to be released by a simple pull in the axial direction. The correct position is indicated by an alignment of two arrows present respectively on the ring and the cap. Conversely, the cap can be closed by positioning the lug opposite the groove, pushing the cap in then rotating it so as to engage the lug in the circumferential groove and thus hold the cap on the ring.

A disadvantage of these caps is that in the open position the cap is separated from the container and is therefore likely to be lost or fall, with a risk of soiling or damage.

To avoid this type of inconvenience, it is known to connect the cap to the container by a hinge.

However, if the cap described above is fitted with such a hinge, there is a significant risk that, when closing the cap, the lug remains facing the groove, the user forgetting to rotate the cap to engage the lug in the circumferential groove. In this case, the security function is no longer fulfilled.

Brief description of the invention

An object of the invention is therefore to design a stopper with secure opening which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, this cap must make it possible to avoid losing the cap after opening while guaranteeing that when closing the cap is again in a secure configuration.

To this end, the invention proposes a cap with secure opening for a container, comprising:
- a first part adapted to be integral with said container, defining an outlet orifice of the container,
- a second part pivotally mounted on the first part around a longitudinal axis of the cap, comprising a fixing ring and a cap secured to the fixing ring by a hinge,
the first part comprising a rib defining a groove extending over a part of the circumference of the first part and a groove extending from the groove towards the exit orifice,
the cap comprising a lug configured to slide in the groove and in the groove,
the groove being configured in such a way that the second part of the stopper can be manipulated with respect to the first part between:
- a closed position in which the lug is retained in the groove, the cap closing the outlet orifice,
- an unlocking start position in which the lug is positioned in the groove facing the oblique groove,
- an end-of-unlocking position in which the lug is positioned opposite the groove opposite the groove, said end-of-opening position being angularly offset with respect to the start-of-unlocking position, and
- an open position in which the cap releases the outlet orifice,
the lug and the rib having respective shapes adapted to allow the cap to be closed by snapping the lug into the groove in any position other than the unlocking start position.

According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, considered alone or in combination when technically possible:

- the first part is an integral part of the container;

- the first part is separate from the container and adapted to be rigidly fixed to the container;

- the hinge comprises a hinge pin connecting the fixing ring and the cap;

- the hinge is an integral part of the fixing ring and the cap;

- the first part and the second part comprise a first and a second respective indicator arranged in such a way that said indicators are aligned when the second part is in the unlocking start position;

- the cap further comprises a seal arranged between the first part and the second part;

- the first part is closed by a lid;

- the first part is provided with a reducer for the section of the outlet orifice.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

is a perspective view of the cap in an open position;

is a cut-away view of the cap in a closed position;

is a cutaway view of the cap in the start unlocking position;

is a cutaway view of the cap in the end of unlocking position;

is a cutaway view of the cap during an attempt to close in the start unlocking position;

is a cutaway view of the cap after closure;

is an exploded view of a stopper in which the first part is an integral part of the container;

is an exploded view of a cap in which the first part is separate from the container;

is a sectional view of the cap of Figure 7;

is a sectional view of the cap of Figure 8;

is a perspective view of a cap provided with a gasket;

is a perspective view of a cap provided with a lid;

is a perspective view of a plug provided with a passage section reducer.

Detailed description of embodiments

The cap with secure opening comprises a cap secured to a fixing ring by a hinge. The assembly formed by the cap and the fixing ring is movable in pivoting relative to a part secured to the container (possibly being able to form an integral part of said container) around a longitudinal axis of the cap. Said part defines an outlet orifice of the container.

The cap is provided with a lug which, when the cap is in the closed position, is housed in a circumferential groove of the integral part of the container. The respective shapes and dimensions of the lug and of the groove are chosen so that the lug can slide in the groove when a user pivots the assembly formed by the cap and the ring relative to the container.

The opening of the stopper is made possible by the presence of a groove which extends from the throat, emerging from it, towards the outlet orifice. Advantageously, said groove is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap. By "inclined" is meant that the groove extends in a direction not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stopper. For example, the groove extends in an inclined direction of 30 to 60° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap. Preferably, the groove extends in the opposite direction to that of unscrewing.

The dimensions of the lug and of said groove are chosen so that the lug can slide in said groove when a user exerts a combined movement of rotation and traction on the cap.

Due to its inclination, the groove is configured so that the position of the lug at its entry into the groove, that is to say at the intersection between the circumferential groove and the groove, which defines a start position for unlocking the cap, or angularly offset with respect to the position of the lug at its exit from the groove, that is to say at the end of the groove opposite the groove, which defines an end position of unlocking the cap. From this end of unlocking position, a user can release the outlet orifice of the container by exerting a pivoting force on the cap around the axis of the hinge, thus bringing the cap into its open position.

The throat and the groove are delimited, on the side of the orifice of the container, by a rib whose shape and dimensions are chosen in line with the shape and dimensions of the lug to ensure a particular mechanism for opening and closure of the cap, as described below.

On the one hand, the rib and the lug are configured so that the lug cannot be extracted from the groove by a pulling movement exerted on the cap in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Such a function can be ensured, in particular, by the fact that the faces of the lug and of the rib which are opposite each other when the stopper is in the closed position, extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stopper, or in any direction ensuring retention of the lug in the groove.

Thus, the cap can only be opened by introducing the lug into the groove and applying a combined movement of rotation and traction on the cap allowing the lug to slide in the groove in the direction from the outlet of the container.

On the other hand, the rib and the lug are configured so that the lug can be snapped into the groove when the user flips the cap towards the fixing ring, in any position other than the unlocking start position. This function can be ensured, in particular, by the fact that the faces of the lug and of the rib which are opposite each other when the plug is in the open position, have respective slopes conducive to the sliding of said faces l one on the other, associated with a slight elastic deformation of the cap, until the insertion of the lug in the throat. However, this configuration only occurs, for the rib, in the positions distinct from the unlocking start position. On the contrary, opposite the unlocked position (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug), the face of the rib is shaped so as to prevent such sliding of the face of the lug; for example, in this zone, the face of the rib forms a step high enough to prevent the passage of the ergot towards the throat.

Thus, the plug can be closed in any position other than that of the start of unlocking. This ensures that, after closing, the lug is retained in the groove, away from the intersection with the groove. Consequently, even if the user does not rotate the assembly of the fastening ring and of the cap relative to the container after having folded the cap on the container, the cap is not in the unlocking position and the function safe opening remains filled. To open the cap again, the user must rotate the assembly of the fixing ring and the cap to the start unlocking position.

If the user attempts to close the cap when the lug is facing the unlocking position, the rib forms an obstacle which opposes closing. To close the cap, the user must then rotate the assembly of the fixing ring and the cap relative to the container to present the lug opposite one face of the rib allowing the crossing of the rib by the ergot up to the throat.

Consequently, this particular configuration of the cap makes it possible to retain the secure opening function without the user having to perform any particular action when closing.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the unlocking start position is materialized, on the integral part of the container and on the fixing ring or the cap, by respective indicators which are aligned in said position.

The stopper being advantageously made by molding in plastic material(s), said indicators can simply be molded in hollow or in relief.

The hinge can be made by any suitable means. For example, the hinge can be in the form of a molded plastic film with the fixing ring and the cap. The hinge then forms an integral part of the fixing ring and of the cap. In another embodiment, the hinge may comprise a male part forming an axis and a female part articulated on the male part, one of said parts belonging to the fixing ring and the other to the cap. Alternatively, a separate axis, metal or plastic, can provide a pivoting connection between the fixing ring and the cap.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cap according to one embodiment in an open position.

The stopper 1 comprises a first part 10 which is integral with the container 2. Said part 10 advantageously forms at least part of the neck of the container, and defines an outlet orifice 20 of the container. Said first part 10 can form an integral part of the container, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 7, or else be a separate part of the container 2, as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. this in an irremovable way. In the latter case, the part 10 is preferably rigidly linked to the container, that is to say in a fixed manner with respect to the latter. The fixing of the first part to the container can be carried out by any suitable technique, such as welding, gluing, snap-fitting, screwing, etc.

The cap also comprises a second part 11, which comprises a fixing ring 110 and a cap 111 secured to the fixing ring by a hinge 114.

The second part 11 is pivotally mounted on the first part 10, around a longitudinal axis X of the plug. For this purpose, the fixing ring has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the region of the first part that it surrounds. As best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the fixing ring and the first part respectively comprise at least one lug and a groove for holding the fixing ring on the first part while allowing its pivoting relative to that- this.

The first part 10 includes a rib 100 extending in a radial direction. Said rib delimits a circumferential groove 101, as well as a groove 102 which communicates with the groove 101 and extends towards the outlet orifice.

As explained above, the groove 102 is not oriented parallel to the X axis, but is inclined with respect to said axis. Thus, the end of the groove 102 located on the side of the outlet orifice is angularly offset with respect to the opposite end, which forms the junction with the groove 101. Advantageously, the groove 102 is oriented to the opposite of a conventional screw pitch.

The cap 111 comprises a bottom adapted to close the outlet orifice and a side wall, of generally cylindrical shape, extending from the bottom.

A lug 112 extends radially inwardly of the cap from the side wall.

The lug has dimensions adapted to allow it to slide in the groove 101 and in the groove 102.

In the closed position of the cap, the lug 112 is positioned in the groove 101 and retained therein in the direction of the axis X.

To open the cap, the user must release the lug 112 from the groove 101 by sliding it into the groove 102, the groove 102 performing the function of unlocking the cap. The appropriate position of the second part relative to the first part to allow this unlocking is materialized by an alignment of two indicators 113, 103 arranged respectively on the second part and on the first part.

Figures 2 to 4 are cutaway views at various stages of the opening of the cork.

In Figure 2, the cap is in the closed position. The lug 112 is arranged in the groove 101. The indicators present respectively on the first part and the second part are angularly offset.

In Figure 3, the cap is in the unlocking start position, in which the lug 112 is in the groove 101, opposite the groove 102. To reach this position, the user has turned the second part relative to the first part so that the indicators 103, 113 are aligned.

In FIG. 4, the plug is in the end of unlocking position, in which the lug comes out of the groove 102, via the end opposite the groove 101. To reach this position, the user has turned the second part in the direction of clockwise (which is the opposite direction to that of unscrewing) while exerting a slight traction in the X direction to engage the lug in the groove 102 and then slide it into said groove. This may involve a slight twisting of the second part, which is made possible by its plastic construction.

To completely open the cap and release the exit orifice, the user rotates the cap around the axis of the hinge, thus arriving at the position of figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates the cap open during an attempt to close from the unlocking start position (indicators 103, 113 being aligned). The part 1000 of the rib arranged opposite the lug 112 has a shape and a thickness adapted to obstruct the passage of the lug, and thus prevents the cap from closing in this position. This position is in fact not desirable for closing because, the lug being opposite the groove, the cap would no longer be locked, allowing a child to open it easily.

This obliges the user to pivot the second part relative to the first part so that the lug is opposite a zone of the rib 100 allowing it to pass towards the groove 101. In practice, any position other than the unlocking start position is adapted to allow the passage of the lug on the rib, which does not require complex manipulation on the part of the user to close the cap. Figure 6 illustrates the plug in the closed position.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two embodiments of the cap and the container.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the first part 10 is formed integrally with the container. For example, the first part, which is part of the neck of the container, can be formed by molding, and the rest of the container by blow molding.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the first part 10 is separate from the container, but configured to be secured thereto irreversibly, for example by welding or any other suitable means.

Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of the cap of Figures 7 and 8, respectively, in the closed position.

The lug 112 has a face 1120 located on the side of the outlet orifice, which extends in a radial direction, like the face of the rib 100 which faces it. This face 1120 therefore forms a step which prevents the passage of the lug above the rib 100 and therefore prevents the cap from being opened.

The lug 112 also has a face 1121 located on the side of the bottom of the container, which is inclined with respect to the radial direction. This face 1121 therefore forms a slope suitable for sliding on the rib 100 when closing the cap.

In addition to the secure opening feature just described, the cap may include other commonly sought-after features on caps.

Thus, the cap may include a seal. As illustrated in Figure 11, the seal may take the form of an elastomer disc 115 arranged in the bottom of the cap. When the plug is in the closed position, said seal 115 is interposed between the end of the first part 10 and the cap 111, thus ensuring hermetic closure of the outlet orifice 20.

Furthermore, the stopper may comprise a lid, removable when the stopper is first opened. As illustrated in Figure 12, the cap 104 is sealed on the end of the first part 10, thus closing the outlet orifice. The cap advantageously comprises a tab facilitating the gripping by the user for the purpose of removing the cap.

Furthermore, the cap may include a reducer of the passage section, having a reduced section compared to that of the first part, in order to facilitate the metering of the product contained in the container. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the reducer 105 can form an integral part of the first part 10 or be secured thereto by any suitable means.

Naturally, the different embodiments described and illustrated are not limiting and can optionally be combined.

References

US 5,316,162

US 5,520,305

Claims (9)

Cap (1) with secure opening for a container (2), comprising:
- a first part (10) adapted to be integral with said container, defining an outlet orifice of the container,
- a second part (11) pivotally mounted on the first part (10) around a longitudinal axis (X) of the plug, comprising a fixing ring (110) and a cap (111) secured to the fixing ring by a hinge (114),
the first part (10) comprising a rib (100) defining a groove (101) extending over a part of the circumference of the first part and a groove (102) extending from the groove towards the opening of exit,
the cap comprising a lug (112) configured to slide in the groove (101) and in the groove (102),
the groove (102) being configured such that the second part (11) of the stopper can be manipulated with respect to the first part (10) between:
- a closed position in which the lug (112) is retained in the groove (101), the cap (111) closing the outlet orifice,
- an unlocking start position in which the lug (112) is positioned in the groove (101) facing the oblique groove (102),
- an unlocking end position in which the lug (112) is positioned facing the groove (102) opposite the groove (101), said opening end position being angularly offset with respect to the unlocking start position, and
- an open position in which the cap (111) releases the outlet orifice,
that the lug (112) and the rib (100) have respective shapes adapted to allow the cap to be closed by snapping the lug (112) into the groove (101) in any position other than the unlocking start position . Cap according to Claim 1, in which the first part (10) forms an integral part of the container (2). Cap according to claim 1, in which the first part (10) is distinct from the container and adapted to be rigidly fixed to the container. Cap according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the hinge comprises a hinge pin connecting the fixing ring and the cap. Cap according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the hinge forms an integral part of the fixing ring (110) and of the cap (111). Cap according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the first part and the second part comprise a first and a second respective indicator (103, 113) arranged so that the said indicators are aligned when the second part (11) is in the unlocking start position. Cap according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a seal (115) arranged between the first part and the second part. Stopper according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the first part is closed off by a lid (104). Plug according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the first part is provided with a reducer (105) of the section of the outlet orifice.