KR20070033052A - Closure with frangible tamper-evident band - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container closure, and more particularly, to a container closure that can be identified whether the opening. According to one aspect of the invention, the stopper is the top wall 102, the skirt 104 is formed integrally with the top wall and extends downward and is coupled to the neck of the container to secure the stopper to the container, the Opening identification band 110 is rupturably connected to the skirt. The neck of the container includes a plurality of protrusions 18 spaced apart from each other, and the protrusions extend outwardly from the neck to engage with tabs of the opening identification band 110 to open the identification band 110. Is easily broken from the skirt of the closure.

Identification bands, skirts, tabs opened

Description

Container closure with a rupturable band {CLOSURE WITH FRANGIBLE TAMPER-EVIDENT BAND}

1 is a view showing a dispensing end of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that the neck of the container includes an opening identifying member.

2 is a view showing the dispensing end of the container shown in Figure 1, showing another embodiment of the opening identification member in the neck of the container.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the opening identification plug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the opening identification stopper located in the neck of the container.

5 is an enlarged view of the projection located on the neck of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container neck shown in FIG. 1 cut in the W-W 'plane. FIG.

Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a preferred embodiment of the opening identification band according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating a mold assembly apparatus for forming the opening closure plug shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the mold assembly device shown in FIG. 7A showing the formation of the skirt of the closure and the lower portion of the opening identification band. FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the opening identification stopper located in the neck of the container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an opening identification stopper in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and includes a dispensing arrangement for dispensing an additive in the contents of the container.

10 is another embodiment of the opening identification plug shown in FIG.

11 is another embodiment of the opening identification plug shown in FIG.

12 is a cross-sectional view of an opening identification stopper in the neck of a container according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an opening identification dispensing stopper shown in FIG. 12 further including an opening identification cover.

14 is a plan view of the opening identification dispensing stopper shown in FIG.

15 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the dispensing portion of the dispensing plug and cover.

FIG. 16 shows a mold assembly apparatus for forming the stopper shown in FIG. 12.

17 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the opening identification stopper and cover.

18 is a cross-sectional view of an orifice device and associated cover fitted to the dispensing orifice of a container stopper.

19 to 24 is a view showing a conventional opening identification stopper.

25 is a view showing another embodiment of the opening identification plug according to another aspect of the present invention.

26 is a view showing a conventional opening identification stopper.

27 to 33 are views showing another embodiment of the device for manufacturing the opening identification stopper stopper according to another aspect of the present invention.

34-36 show yet another embodiment of a container closure including various aspects of the present invention.

37, 38, and 38A illustrate another embodiment of an opening and closing identification stopper incorporating a bowl or cup to allow an article to be contained in a closure container.

The present invention relates to a closure of a container, and more particularly to a closure that can identify whether the container is open.

The prior art referred to herein is by no means universally known or meant to be common sense in the art.

There is a wide range of prior art related to the design and manufacture of tamper-evident stoppers, for example, US Pat. No. 4,653,657 (Papavasilopolous), 4,807,771 (Roy), 5,660,288 Nyman, 6,551,093 (Taha) and 6,640,998 (Taha) and the like are incorporated herein by reference.

A problem with conventional containers that can be identified as being open is that the seal between the closure and the opening of the opening of the container is lost before the opening identification member actually operates.

Another problem is the poor visibility of the state of the unidentified identification members, which in turn may not allow consumers to discern that the seal of the container has been damaged.

The design of the opening or closing identification band in most closures includes an interference between the neck of the container and the tamper band. Often, when opening and removing the closure, the opening identification band does not fall off the body of the closure and is left by the interference between the opening identification band and the neck of the container, the location of the tamper band on the unopened package. Similar to In addition, if the container is opened intentionally, the container may be opened and contaminants may come in, replace the stopper, and press the opening identification band to make it appear unopened.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one or more of the problems of the prior art and to present a useful alternative.

To this end, the present invention is a stopper for connecting to the container, which stopper:

Means for cooperating with means corresponding to the container for an effective connection between the closure and the application;

A discharge orifice for discharging the contents from the container, and

A lid for sealing and covering the discharge orifice, comprising a lid including an opening identification band,

When removing the lid from the closure, a closure is provided that causes the opening identification band to indicate that the lid has been at least partially removed from the closure.

At this time, the cover is:

Upper wall;

A skirt extending downwardly from said upper wall and integrally formed; And

It is preferable to further include a seal extending downward from the inner surface of the upper wall to be fastened to the discharge orifice in order to effectively seal the discharge orifice.

Preferably, the seal is integrally formed with the upper wall.

It is preferable that the opening identification band is breakably connected to the skirt.

Preferably, the opening identification band is breakably connected to the skirt by a plurality of breakable legs.

The lid preferably includes one or more protrusions that engage one or more corresponding fastening ridges on the closure to retain the lid over the closure.

The one or more protrusions are annular and preferably engage with the corresponding one or more fastening ridges on the stopper to hold the cover over the stopper.

The discharge orifice preferably comprises a plurality of dispensing holes.

The discharge orifice preferably includes an opening for discharging the discharge of the contents from the container in a small or bulk.

The lid preferably seals the discharge orifice by an interference fit.

The cover includes a flap for covering the discharge orifice, the flap being raised along a predetermined hinge line to allow the flap to be lifted upward to allow for the discharge of the contents of the container through the discharge orifice. It is preferable to connect to the wall.

1 shows the neck 10 of the container. Generally, the container is a blow-moulded container with a suitable material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the present invention can be applied to various types of containers made of various materials. The neck 10 includes a helical threaded portion 12 formed on the outer surface 14. Generally, the threaded portion 12 is integrally formed on the neck 10. The threaded portion 12 is formed to be suitable for engaging with a helical threaded portion correspondingly formed on the inner surface of the skirt of the opening or closing identification plug.

The neck 10 includes a ring-shaped unidentified bead 16 located below the threaded portion and extending radially outward from the outer surface 14. Preferably, the opening identification bead 16 is molded on the outer surface 16 of the neck 10. One or more projections 18, which are located on the major surface of the neck 10, are spaced apart and extend downward from the bead 16. In one example, the container neck 10 has four protrusions 18 that are substantially uniformly spaced apart. The protrusions 18 are formed to facilitate engagement with the tabs on the closure band identification band and to disconnect the band from the skirt of the closure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the opening or closing identification stopper 100 formed to fit in the neck of the container 10 shown in FIG. 1, showing the stopper 100 before being inserted into the container 10. Generally, the closure is a one piece molded structure. The stopper 100 includes an upper wall 102 and a skirt 104 extending downward. The closure skirt 104 is formed to engage correspondingly with the threaded portion 12 formed on the outer surface 14 of the neck 10 of the container, including a helical threaded portion 106 located on its inner surface 108. do. The stopper further includes an open / close identification band 110 extending downward from the skirt of the stopper. The opening identification band 110 has a bottom surface of the skirt 104 by a rupturable section 114 formed by a series of ribs 116 spaced apart in the circumferential direction by the slots 118 ( 112). The cross section of the ribs 116 provides sufficient strength to withstand typical forces that may be transmitted during operation of the closure and / or fitting of the closure to the container neck. The opening identification band has an annular wall 120 extending from a series of separated tabs 122. The tabs 122 are connected to the bottom surface of the annular wall 120 along the hinge line 123. Initially, the tabs 122 extend radially inward at an obtuse angle with respect to the annular wall 120, to facilitate removal from the mold. Following the shaping of the plug, the tabs 122 are moved at right or acute angles with respect to the annular wall 120. Each tab includes an engagement surface 124 formed to engage a protrusion 18 formed on the neck 10 of the container during removal of the closure from the container.

An annular sealing member 130 extends downward from the inner surface of the top wall 102 of the stopper. The sealing member 130 includes a vertex portion 132 which is fitted to the inner wall of the container and is formed to seal the container and extends in the circumferential direction. An auxiliary sealing member 134 that engages the outer surface 14 and / or the upper surface 15 of the neck 10 extends downwardly from the top wall 102 inwardly from the wall 108.

Hereinafter, the design of the protrusion 18 will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane YY of FIG. 1 between Z _1- Z ₂ , showing the side of the protrusion 18, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the neck cut by the plane WW of FIG. 1, and a protrusion at the outer peripheral surface of the neck. The preferred position of the field 18 is shown. Upon removal of the cap from the neck of the container, the cap is rotated counterclockwise as indicated by arrow X in FIG. 6.

5 and 6, the protrusions 18 are molded on the outer surface of the neck under the opening bead 16. Each protrusion comprises a series of faces 18a, 18b and 18c. The dimension J of the face 18a is equal to or less than the distance at which the opening identification bead 16 protrudes beyond the outside of the neck of the container. The face 18a is designed to interact with the tabs 122 on the stopper 100 such that the inclined engagement surface 18a engages with the engagement surface 124 of the tab 122 as the stopper rotates. As the stopper rotates further, the tab 120 is moved downward along the inclined surface 18a to stress the rupturable ribs 116 to facilitate separation of the ribs 116. Thus, opening the identifiable gap between the lower edge of the skirt 104 and the opening identification band 110 facilitates the opening identification operation early.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment in which one side 18a includes a portion 18a 'that has a variable angle with respect to the bottom plane of the opening identification bead 16. In one embodiment, the face has an initial curved section that provides a slowly increasing angle with respect to the bottom face of the bead. This gradually pulls and weakens the rupturable ribs 116 so that when the engagement surface 124 of the tab 122 on the opening identification band 110 reaches a steeperly sloped section of the surface The ribs 116 are already sufficiently weakened and the stopper is further rotated to facilitate the rupture of the breakable ribs by positioning the engagement surface 124 below the face 18m. In another embodiment (not shown), face 18a may include two or more separate planes having a gradual increasing angle with respect to the opening bead identification 16. In this embodiment, following one or more faces having an increasing angle with respect to the bottom plane of the unopened identification bead 16, the face 18a is the initial face relative to the plane of the bottom face of the unidentified bead 16. Has an angle.

4 shows the sealing member used in sealing engagement with the outer wall of the container neck 10.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the distance between the bottom surface and the protrusion surface 18m of the container opening identification bead 16 and the size and position of the progressively inclined portion 18a 'of the protrusion surface 18a are as follows. It was designed with these in mind.

i) The distance represents the gap between the engaging surfaces 124 of the open / close identification band 110 and the bottom surface of the open / close identification bead 16 when the stopper is fully inserted into the container. Considering the relative position of the engaging surfaces 124 and the progressively inclined portion 18a 'of the protruding surface 18a, the engaging surfaces 124 may be progressively contacted before contacting the steeperly inclined section of the protruding surface. It comes into contact with the inclined portion 18a 'first. And,

ii) The distance is the distance deformed in the axial direction before the breakable ribs 116 break.

A particular container may predetermine the relative position of any portion of the closure opening identification band 110 relative to the protrusions 18 when the closure is fully inserted into the container.

By selectively weakly designing one or more of the disruptive ribs 116, the force required to initially pull and cut the first disruptive ribs can be reduced. Upon determining which ribs will first advance to the protrusions 18 upon removal of the plug, the weakened, bursting ribs may be positioned to be the first ribs to be pushed downward along the protrusion 18a.

The dimension K of the face 18b exceeds at least the width of the space 122c between the engaging portions 122 of the opening identification band 110 so that the free ends 126 of the tabs 122 are projected. 18) below the edge 18m. As a result, a more obvious gap is formed between the separated opening identification band 110 and the plug skirt 104.

The face 18c has an inclined face in order to minimize obstruction and allow tabs 122 to easily pass through the protrusions at the earliest stage when the stopper is fitted to the neck of the container. The stopper may be designed to be fitted by axial movement (eg by using multiple threads) rather than by rotation.

7 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an openable identification band 110 before being inserted into a container. The opening identification band 110 is suspended on the bottom surface of the skirt of the closure (not shown) by a series of ribs 116 forming a rupturable section. The band includes an annular wall 120 and a plurality of tabs 122 connected to the inner surface of the annular wall and spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The tabs 122 extend from the bottom surface of the annular wall 118 by the hinge section 123 and end at the free end including the engagement surface 124. Initially, the tabs 122 extend radially inward at an obtuse angle with respect to the annular wall 120 and continuously bend inward along the hinge line 123.

In one embodiment (not shown), the engaging surfaces 124 of the tabs 122 have an angle corresponding to the inclined surfaces 18a of the protrusions 18, so that the engaging surfaces 124 are more visible. It may contact the faces 18a over a wide portion. This prevents the intersection of the faces 124, 124a from curling up and folding, facing the engagement face 124a downward along the inclined faces 18a.

Preferably, one or more holes 128 are provided along the hinge line 123 to allow the discharge of product spilled during the filling process.

Concave portions 122a having a width R and a depth S are provided between each tab 122. Preferably, the depth 'S' is the strength of the hoop present in the continuous annular portion of the band along the line extending from the bottom surfaces 122e of the recess 122a while plugging the container. The depth is sufficiently reduced to allow bending along the line of the bottom surfaces 122e. Thus, the stopper fits easily in the container.

Preferably, the depth 'S' of the recess 122a is greater than the distance between the dashed line W and the dashed line X in FIG. 1, so that when at least in close proximity to the inclined engagement surfaces 18a, the freedom of the tabs 122 is achieved. The stage 124 remains in an area proximate to the neck of the container and the free end of the closure engagement surface 124a engages the inclined engagement surfaces 18a. As the rotation for removal continues, the free end of the engagement surfaces 124a is moved downward along the inclined engagement surface 18a to induce an axial stress on the bursting ribs 116. Thus, breaking one or more of the ribs and promoting early detachment of the open identification band 110 from the stopper 100. The continuous annular portion of the engagement portions 122 of the opening identification band 110 along the line extending from the bottom surfaces 122e of the concave portion 122a maintains the position of the engagement surface 124a so as to maintain the position of the engagement surfaces. Increase the contact effect between 124a and the inclined engagement surfaces 18a.

When the stopper is inserted into the container, the inclined upper shoulder of the opening identification bead 16 pushes the opening identification bead engaging portion 122 of the opening 110 to the inner wall of the opening identification band 110 to open the opening. Engagements of the identification band 110 may pass over the protrusions 18. In addition, the inclined surfaces 18c of the protrusion 18 push the free ends of the upper regions of the engaging portions to the inner wall of the opening identification band 110, so that the engaging portions of the opening identification band 110 are the projections ( 18) You can pass above.

In another example of the closure opening identification band, at least four concavities 122a, referred to as concavities, may have a large dimension R, provided that they are close enough to the neck of the container, The center point is located approximately close to each center of approximately the same number of protrusions 18 (in this example, four protrusions 18 are provided) such that the engaging surfaces 124 are formed of the protrusions 18. A predetermined clearance is removed from at least one side of at least one side 18b. In this example, at least four other recesses 122a have a dimension R of a smaller size than the position recesses, and ideally the dimension R of the other recesses 122a is the surface () of the projections 18. It is smaller than the length of this portion of the bottom face 18m adjacent to 18b). Upon closure removal, the engagement surfaces 124 contact the protrusions 18 and are forced downward along the surfaces 18a. Thus, sequential axial stress is applied so that most or all of the bursting ribs 116 are substantially or completely cut to open the opening Yeosu identification band 110 below the bottom 18m of the protrusions 18. Move it. The recesses 122a other than the location recesses will have a small dimension 'R' and will pass below the portions of the bottom 18m adjacent to the surface 18b of the protrusions 18. Thus, the sequential axial stress is continuously applied to substantially cut the tearing ribs 116 and to separate the opening Yeosu identification band 110 from the stopper 100 so that the opening of the container is quick and noticeable. It can be identified at the same time.

Referring to FIG. 28, a partial cross section of the neck and stopper of the container is shown. The neck of the container includes a tamper bead 16, the unopened bead 16 having a flat bottom surface. According to another feature of the invention, the closure is designed according to the following equation:

A ≥ B + C + D + E + F

here,

(i) A is the length by which the sealing member can provide a seal against the inner wall or outer wall (not shown) of the neck of the container;

(ii) B is the distance between the engagement face 61 of the opening identification bead 16 and the engagement face 124 of the tabs 122 when the closure is sufficiently applied to the container;

(iii) C represents the amount of compression occurring in the open / close identification band taps 122 in the course of removing the plug;

(iv) D is an amount of stretch occurring in the skirt and the tearable ribs 16 connecting the opening band 110 and the stopper skirt 104 under stress in the process of removing the stopper. Indicates.

(v) E is the distance equal to the tolerance allowed by the measurement specification of the container neck 10 and the stopper 100; And

(vi) F is the distance for the margin of safety required for a particular stopper and neck combination in order for the openness identification means to be activated before the seal between the stopper and the container neck is lost.

The dimension unit of the variance of the above equation is measured to the extent of the removal rotation of the stopper. This alternative equation is useful in opening-closing closure systems using protrusions 18 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The various features of the present invention mentioned above can be designed to manufacture the container closure using the mold facility and the methods disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,551,093 and 6,640,988 (Taha). The above-described invention is included in the specification of the present invention. According to one modified example illustrated in FIG. 7, a line A1 extending in parallel in the inner wall of the open / close identification band 110 and a line extending in parallel in the inner wall of the annular engagement portion 122 of the open / close identification band. The interlocking portion of the open / close identification band 110 may be shaped such that the angle between A2 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees, preferably about 30 degrees.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the container neck 10 showing the preferred location of the inclined protrusions 18 below the opening identification bead 16 (shown as an annular dashed line). The manufacturing method and mold assembly for forming the container neck are as follows.

Line VV is a line which partitions two mold parts. As shown by lines V1-V1 of FIG. 1, the mold partition line such that the inclined surfaces 18a in the projections 18-2, 18-4 are formed at least in the mold portions Q ₃ , Q ₁ , respectively. It would be advantageous to follow the path indicated by the silver surface 18a and the surface 18b or the boundary between the surface 18b and the surface 18c. As shown at " F " in FIG. 6, the angle between the tip of the protrusions and the wall surface of the neck is preferably 90 degrees or less.

In a two-piece mould, a split of 90 to 270 degrees (3 to 9 o'clock) and 0 to 12 o'clock along a portion of the container mold forming the neck and protrusions 18 Take a section using a line, quadrants Q ₁ And Q ₂ is in the first bisector of the mold and quadrants Q ₃ And The section is divided into four identical quadrants so that Q ₄ belongs to the second half of the mold. Where Q ₁ Is located between 270 and 360 degrees, Q ₂ is between 0 and 90 degrees, Q ₃ Is located between 90 and 180 degrees, Q ₄ Is located between 180 and 270 degrees. Quadrants Q ₁ And Q ₃ , or quadrants Q ₁ And Q ₃ and Quadrants Q ₂ And Only at the junction of Q _{4 can} the surface 18a be formed at an angle 'F' of 90 degrees or less.

The protrusions 18 shaped to form the surface 18a in the quadrant Q ₁ between 270 and about 359 degrees have a 359 degree (difference between 359 and 360 degrees, so that the mold can be removed without interference with the surfaces 18a). It may have surfaces formed with angles F that are reduced by 90 degrees to 1 degree in an angular range smaller than that, which may be opened and closed to draw a molding). This applies similarly within quadrant Q ₃ from 179 degrees.

Upon rotation for removal of the plug by making the angle F smaller than 90 degrees, the free ends 124, 124a of the engagement portions 122 contacting the surface 18a are inwardly passed through the surfaces 18a to the neck wall 14. Pressed against the surface 18a and closely contact the surfaces 18a and the container neck wall 14 so that they can continue to move downward along the surface 18a.

However, if the protrusions 18 are shaped such that the surfaces 18a are formed in quadrants Q ₂ , Q ₄ of the mold (or junctions with quadrants 1, 3), the surfaces 18a are 90 degrees. You will have an angle 'F' greater than a degree. In this case, the free ends 124, 124a of the engagement portions 122 move away from the wall 14 of the container upon rotation for removal of the plug, resulting in excessive protrusion 18.

The mold dividing line may deviate to form one or two protrusions 18 (ie, the mold dividing line may deviate from a centerline in which one half mold piece is symmetrical with another half mold piece), Accordingly, one half mold piece may protrude across the mirror image dividing line into a space where the other (second) half mold piece is normally located and the second half mold piece may have a corresponding shape to accommodate this protrusion. Will have

In the process of separating a commonly used single threaded plug from a container, the dimensional tolerances between the container and the interlocking threads of the cap differ at first to some extent, so that the stopper can be removed with an initial closure of about 90 degrees. It is not lifted up.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the neck of the container comprises four protrusions 18 at equidistant or substantially equidistant intervals, so that most of the engagements on the initial closure removal rotation of about 90 to 120 degrees The free ends 124 and 124a come into contact with the protrusions and are pressed downward along the surfaces 18a to exert an axial stress, thus cutting substantially or completely most of the bursting bridges, thus opening The identification band 110 is moved below the bottom 18m of the protrusion 18. Thus, the opening of the plug can be confirmed in a faster and more visible way.

According to another example of the invention, preferably, the container neck comprises two or more protrusions 18 located in quadrants Q ₁ , Q ₃ , such that all protrusions 18 have an angle 'F less than 90 degrees. Or substantially equally spaced, such that most of the free ends 124, 124a of the engagement portions contact the protrusions and are pressed downwards along surfaces 18a during the initial closure removal rotation of about 90 degrees. As a result, most of the rupturable bridges are cut, whereby the opening identification band 110 is moved below the bottom 18m of the protrusion 18. Thus, the opening of the plug can be confirmed in a faster and more visible way.

The dividing lines V1-V1 shown in FIG. 1 can be changed within the range in which the inclined protrusions can be formed.

The container mold may be of an extended cavity type having two or more segments. In this case, at least one protrusion 18 is formed in each segment.

The shaping of the stopper 100 shown in FIG. 4 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7A. According to the shape of the bore seal 130, the core 4 moves in the direction of the arrow to release the inner bore seal 130. However, depending on the shape of the bore seal 130, movement of the core 4 may not be necessary. In addition, the outer core sleeve is moved in the same direction to release the outer side of the opening identification band (110). The stripper ring 22, the ejector sleeve 5, and the inner core 6 move in opposite directions. At the end of this movement, the thread core 3 is peeled off from the stopper 100 and the bore seal 130 is also completely out of the thread core 3. The inner barrel 42 also falls off the front of the core 4. Here, the inner core 6 and the stripper 21 are constrained. Then, after the ejector sleeve 5 is pushed further, the inner barrel 42 is separated from the inner core 6 and the outside of the opening identification ring 110 is pushed out of the stripper ring 22. As the core 4 is completely separated from the inner barrel 42, the undercut 44 passes freely onto the inner core 6.

8 through 11 illustrate another aspect of the present invention. According to another aspect of the invention shown, the container closure comprises dispensing means for dispensing one or more additives contained therein into the container associated with the closure, wherein the container closure is preferably And a means of identifying whether it is opened. Such a dispensing device provides the advantage that the additive can be stored separately from the outside atmosphere and the contents of the container until the user uses the additive.

8 shows a stopper 100 comprising an upper wall 20 with a circular opening 22 of diameter P formed. One or more annular ribs 24 are formed around the opening 22. The stopper 100 includes a deflecting skirt 30, and the deflecting skirt is formed with helical threads 32 corresponding to the helical threads 66 formed on the outer surface of the container neck 60. The stopper may engage and disengage against the container neck.

FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the plunger housing 200 is inserted into the opening 22 of the top wall 20 of the stopper 100 shown in FIG. 8. Although the plunger housing 200 shown in the present embodiment is provided as a separate component, the plunger housing 200 may be formed integrally with the stopper 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, the plunger housing 200 comprises a pair of radially extending flanges 210, 212, the pair of flanges 210, 212 having the housing 200. ) Is used to position and maintain its position within the opening of the top wall 20 of the closure. The plunger housing 200 is in close contact with the inside of the upper wall 20. The lower flange 210 is formed with an inclined surface 214 so that the plunger housing can be easily inserted into the opening 22, and by using the flange 210, the housing 200 is formed inside the upper wall 20. It sticks in place. The upper flange 212 may be formed to have a larger diameter than the lower flange 210. The plunger housing 200 includes an outer wall 220 of diameter R between the radial flanges 210, 212, the outer wall 220 having annular ribs 24 formed in the opening of the upper wall 20. Contact with sealing.

Plunger housing 200 includes an inner wall 230 in which bore 232 is formed to receive plunger 240. Bore 232 includes a pair of annular ribs 234, 236 in sealing contact with outer wall 242 of plunger 240. The plunger 240 is operated with the annular ribs 234 until a force sufficient to move the plunger end wall downward while acting in the arrow Q direction while deforming the annular rib 225 closest to the plunger end wall 221. 236, in a non-actuated position (see FIG. 9).

The plunger housing 200 includes an annular end wall to which a sealing member 250 is attached which covers and seals the open end thereof. For example, the sealing member may be formed using aluminum foil, plastic, or other suitable material.

According to another embodiment not shown, the sealing member 250 may be integrally formed with the plunger housing 200, and formed in a weak linear shape so that the plunger 240 is easily moved when the plunger 240 is sufficiently moved in the direction of the arrow 'Q'. Can lose.

Referring to FIG. 10, additive 260 is illustrated using dashed lines. For example, the additive 260 may be in one or more capsules or pills, powder, or liquid form. For example, the additive may include vitamins, dietary supplements, herbal products, alcoholic beverages or spirits, condiment, sweeteners or flavorings. The additive may be sealed separately using a packing material such as aluminum foil. Preferably, the additive is stored using most of the space defined by the plunger housing, inner wall 230, sealing member 250, and plunger actuator end wall 221.

The additive 260 is stored separately from the contents of the container (not shown), the plunger housing, the inner wall 230, the outer wall 208, the annular sealing assembly 201, 201a, the sealing member 250, the plunger actuator, the plunger End wall 221 and annular sealing assembly 225 prevent contact with the atmosphere.

If the additive is stored in a separate packing, one wall of the separate packing extends to the annular edge of the outer wall 208 and the separate packing ends the wall 207 as shown in part of the sealing element 250. The outer edges of the separate packing are fixed on the end walls 207 by being attached and sealed to the end wall 207 and immediately adjacent outer wall 208. Thus, when the plunger 240 is moved maximum in the direction of the arrow 'Q', the components of the additive may be pushed into the contents of the container through the end of the separate packing by the movement of the end wall or the disk 221. .

When the bottom wall 227 of the actuator 224 contacts the top wall 231 of the plunger housing 200 by the arrow Q direction movement of the end wall 221, the additive 260 is removed from the plunger housing 200. The relative position of the end wall 221 and the plunger 240 is designed to be completely discharged.

 After the additive has been released into the vessel, the stopper 100 can be removed and removed from the vessel in a conventional manner. Thereafter, the container contents may be used.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the body of the plunger 240 may be designed to have an open end. The actuator disk 224 is formed separately in the form of a cover cap or stopper. By coupling a known means such as thread or clip means 241 to a corresponding thread or clip means 228 formed on either the outer wall or the inner wall of the plunger, the cover cap or stopper can be attached to the plunger body. The stop means 229 located on the outer wall of the plunger 240 is in contact with the upper wall 231 of the plunger housing 200 to limit the extent to which the plunger moves in the direction of the arrow 'Q'.

According to another embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the cover cap 224 and the plunger actuator cylinder 226 are separately formed and assembled to provide a "push-pull cap" for plug manufacturing and beverage marketing. It may be operated similarly to conventional resealable dispensing stoppers, widely referred to as "or" sports caps. "

Once the cover cap 224 is removed after injecting additives into the container, the contents of the container can be leaked out through the open end of the plunger actuator cylinder 226 so that the user can easily use it.

12-15 illustrate another aspect of the present invention. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stopper and the container neck. The stopper 100 includes an upper wall 102 in which an annular skirt 104 is formed, which includes the threads 12 and corresponding threads 106 formed in the neck of the container. Optionally, the closure may include an annular opening identification band 110. The dispensing means core 208 is integrally formed with the stopper 100 and extends over the top surface of the upper wall 102, and includes a plurality of dispensing cap lift ramps 209 and dispensing cap lower ramps 201. ), An annular wall 207, a retention feature 202, and a top pillar 205 having a wall 206 and a top pillar support 203.

FIG. 13 shows a central cross-sectional view of a stopper 100 having a conical dispensing cap 300 and a tamper-evident cover 400. The conical dispensing cap 300 has a sealing member 301. The plurality of recesses 304 formed on the outer surface of the dispensing cap 300 provide a raised node, thereby providing a handle means when rotating the dispensing cap 300 between an open position and a closed position. The sealing member 302 is in sealing contact with the annular auxiliary wall 207 while the dispensing cap moves to the open or closed position, such that the container contents leak along the wall 207 through the orifice 204. Seal the container to prevent it. The sealing member 302 is constrained in movement by the retention structure 202.

A lifting ramp engagement feature (not shown) engages with the rising ramp 209 to raise the dispensing cap 300 to the open position when the dispensing cap rotates in the open direction, and the annular closing ramp engagement member The dispensing cap moves in the closing direction C in conjunction with the closing lamp 201 when the dispensing cap rotates in the closing direction.

The annular orifice 305 is smaller in diameter 'K' than the outer diameter of the spigot pillar 205 so that the sealing member 301 seals against the wall 206 when it is rotated in the closing direction to seal the container contents from the atmosphere. Has

The annular base 306 has an area (not shown) of a predetermined shape (not shown) formed on the inner wall 405 of the cover 400 so that the annular base is rotated when the cover is rotated. Is configured to interlock with.

The opening identification cover 400 has an annular upper wall 403, and an engagement member 401 is formed in an annular skirt 405 hanging thereon, and the engagement member 401 is a circular ring or It may consist of one or more individual members. The engagement member or members engage the top surface of the annular base 306 of the dispensing cap 300, thereby placing the cover on the annular base.

The inner wall 405 has an area formed in a shape that cooperates with a corresponding portion (not shown) formed on the outer wall 307 of the dispensing cap 300 to lock the cover 400 in engagement with the dispensing cap 300. do. According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the cover 400 is also associated with the dispensing cap 300 by one or more interlocking protrusions and / or interlocking recesses formed in the annular base 306 and the bottom wall 408. Alternatively, the dispensing cap 300 may be engaged with the dispensing cap 300.

One or more rupturable bridges 402 have annular or other unopened identification bands or means (not shown) suspended from them, the unmarking means being a component 13 formed in the upper wall 20. Meshes with a corresponding member such as (14).

As another embodiment of the inner wall 405, the cover 400 may be configured to engage in a locked manner with the dispensing cap 300 after the opening member is opened. The opening identification member may be suspended farther from the top wall 403 than the position mating pins 407 (dashed and shaded portions), and the position mating pins 407 are cylindrical members suspended from the top wall 403. 406 (dotted portion) can be formed on the inner wall.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a stopper 100 including an upper wall surface 11, a lower ramp 201, a spigot pillar support 203, an orifice 204, a spigot pillar 205, and a rise ramp 209. .

FIG. 15 shows the dispensing cap engagement means 308 (309) after opening or not identifying means (including known means not shown) have been separated from the lowest end of the wall 404, for example the rupturable bridge 402. FIG. Shows a cross section of the cover engagement means 409 and 410. The engagement means or engagement locking means allows the dispensing cap 300 to be rotated from the closed position to the open position, and by holding and turning the cover, it is moved to the closed position. The first rotational movement to the open position is caused by the axial rotation of the cover 400 and / or by the upward movement that occurs when the dispensing cap is engaged with the rising ramp 209 (FIG. 12), during which the opening identification means Silver is constrained by engagement with protrusions and recesses (components 13 and 14 of FIG. 13) formed in top wall 102 (FIG. 12), by which the rupturable bridge 402 is cut.

FIG. 15 also shows another embodiment of engagement means 412 that engages, locates or locks the components 400 and dispensing cap 300. The diameter of the top wall 403 is increased so that the diameter of the top wall 403 is increased so that the bottom wall has more bottom surface to allow the package contents to pour out the container contents by gravity in the direction of the suspension orifice. 404) extend beyond.

16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a dispensing plug in simplified form according to another embodiment consisting of fewer parts and thus less expensive to manufacture.

The stopper 100 comprises dispensing means 20 with an annular dispensing orifice 22. The annular dispensing orifice 22 is sealed by interlocking with the annular sealing device 42 formed in the seal opening cover 40 to identify whether it is opened. The identification whether the opening seal cover 40 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the dispensing portion 20, it may be attached to the stopper at a different point than the position of the opening identification band (110). In addition, the opening identification band 110 may be located in the dispensing portion 20.

The tearable region 114 that attaches the open / close identification band 110 to the wall of the open / close identification seal cover is cut when the open / close identification seal cover is removed and rotated. The opening identification band 110 is provided with engagement means to constrain the removal rotation and promote breakage of the rupturable bridge.

The opening or closing identification sealing cover 40 is closed after the initial opening operation is performed by the annular protrusion 47 which positions and maintains the opening or closing identification sealing cover 40 in conjunction with the annular engagement ridge 123. It can be reattached to the body.

The stopper 100 is manufactured by modifying the shape of the stopper portion on the top wall annular disc to form a hollow dispensing portion 120 using a mold assembly as shown in FIG. 16. can do.

It is desirable to have smaller or larger dispensing orifices 22 depending on the viscosity of the contents to be dispensed and the size of the particles. 18 shows an orifice device 630 engaged in a locked manner with the dispensing portion 20. The orifice device may have an annular orifice having a diameter as shown by 31, 32, and 33. The orifice device works in conjunction with the annular seal 542 to seal the container. By using the orifice device 630, there is an advantage that only one sized stopper can be produced to satisfy various distribution requirements. This configuration makes it possible to cope with all orifice sizes by manufacturing one large vacuum closure mould, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

In addition, by attaching the orifice device 630 as described above after the injection of the contents, the customer has only one size of the stopper and does not have a much smaller size stopper dispensing orifice of various sizes for the customer The necessity of securing the dispensing stopper provided can be reduced.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the plug is opened and closed in a rotational manner. According to this embodiment, the stopper may be opened and closed by removing and / or replacing the opening identification seal cover 540. The sealing cover 540 has an annular sealing device 542 which engages with the annular orifice 22 in the dispensing portion 20 of the stopper 100. The opening identification ring 543 is connected to the cover wall 546 by a rupturable bridge 545.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the plug shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. 16 shows a cross section of a mold apparatus for making a dispensing plug. The mold apparatus attaches a portion of the circular stripper ring 1C, the rupturable ribs 116, and the open / close identification band 2 attached to the plate 1 and forming the lower surface of the wall 30. Include. The shaping device also includes an outer core 2C and an outer wall of the opening identification band engaging means 122 attached to the plate 2 and forming part of the outer wall and the lower surface of the opening identification band 110. do. The mold apparatus also includes annular core 3C with threads attached to plate 3 (not shown), annular core 4C attached to plate 4 (not shown), and plate 5. It further includes an annular core or stripper sleeve 5C attached to (not shown).

Annular core 6C is attached to plate 6 (not shown). The annular core 6C has therein an annular void 8 and a hollow tube 7 which is used to guide the coolant over the top of the annular core 6C and at least over the top wall 102 of the closure 100. . An annular core 6C portion located on the upper subwall 11 of the stopper 100 and forming an inner wall, a member including an inner wall formed in a shape corresponding to the outer wall, and the dispensing core means 208, for example, a lift The members constituting the inner wall surface of the lamp 209 are parallel to the upper or outer surface corresponding thereto and engaging the rising ramp engagement means 310 formed inside the dispensing cap 300.

The mold apparatus is operated as follows.

Liquefied plastic is injected through orifice 502 under a predetermined pressure. The orifice is in fluid communication with the void (V2), and the void (V2) is formed in the mold cavity insert (9C) and annular core (1C), (2C), (3C), as shown in the closed position of the mold. Formed by the interaction between (4C), (5C), and (6C). Thus, the void V2 is formed in the desired shape to create the dispensing plug 100.

After the plastic is injected into the void V2, heat transfer to the cooling water circulation channel 9W through the cavity insert 9C, cooling water circulation channel 8W through the annular core 6C (this cooling water circulation channel 8W) By reducing the diameter of the hollow tube 7 and by reducing the diameter of the water circulation channel 8W, it is also possible, if necessary, to provide additional cooling means via one or more cooling water through the annular outer core 2C (not shown). Solidification of the plastic occurs by heat transfer to the annular retention member 202 by addition in the form of a circulation channel.

By the relative motion between the plates 6 and the plates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9, the plate 6 moves in the C direction so that the annular core 6C ) Is sufficiently pulled to create a void inside at least the dispensing core means 208 adjacent to the annular retention means 202, thereby allowing the annular retention means 202 to deflect when the mold is opened. Provide spaces

The mold opens at line 9A as the plate 9 moves in the O direction.

Then, the plates 1, 3, 5, and 6 move in the same plane in the O direction, and the plates 2 and 4 do not move or at least the plates 1, 3 Relative to (), (5), and (6). The relative movement between the annular cores connected to the plates creates an empty space through which the seal 40, the opening identification band 110, and the opening identification engagement means 122 can be deflected. The relative movement of the annular core 4C in the C direction closes the void V1 and opens a similar void adjacent to the seal 40 and moves the annular outer core 2C moving a relatively similar distance relative to the core C1. ) Opens a similar void adjacent to the opening identification band 110 and the opening identification band engagement means 122.

Then, the plate 3 stops moving and at least the plate 1 and the plate 5 continue to move in the O direction, causing a relative movement between the plate 3 and the plate 1, 5. As a result, the core 3C provided with the screw thread is separated from the stopper 100. The stopper 100 is now free from the cores 2C, 3C, 4C, and 6C and is supported by the sputter ring 1C. The annular core or stripper sleeve 5C maintains contact with the lower surface 21 of the upper wall circular disk 20.

The plate 1 then stops moving and the plate 5 continues to move in the O direction, causing the core 5 to eject the shaped plug from the stripper ring 1C.

The plate 5 stops moving and the stopper is ejected from the mold.

The mold is then closed for the next injection stroke.

Further improvements in mold design are described below.

Distance I is the total space available for accommodating annular cores 3C, 4C, 5C, and 6C. In large multi-cavity molds operating at high stroke speeds, it is highly desirable to form the distance I as large as possible for at least the following reasons.

In order to accommodate a large volume of coolant flow, the cavity part (7) and the water channel void (8W) are sufficient to rapidly solidify and inject the molded part so that the mold can produce more parts at a given time. It is preferable to form the diameter of the core 6C as large as possible to have a diameter.

In addition, the bushes present in the wall thickness, distance H, and space of annular cores 3C, 4C, and 5C, to make the mold robust and able to withstand millions of strokes (not shown) Preferably) as large as possible.

Preferably, by reducing the distance F (the length of the opening identification band engagement means 122) and the distance G, a point is created in which the outer wall of the annular core 3C is parallel to the axis of the annular cores, so that the distance I is Is increased.

The angle E is also a factor on which the distance I is determined. The distance I is increased by limiting the angle E to 50 ° or less, preferably 45 ° or smaller than the point at which the outer wall of the annular core 3C is parallel to the annular axis.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. The figure was introduced in U. S. Patent 5,755, 347, which shows a stopper 32 with an opening identification band 35. As shown in Fig. 21, the opening or not identification band 35 is molded in the extended position, and then the engaging portion 40 of the band is folded upward into the position shown in Fig. 19, so that the stopper is applied to the container. .

Referring to FIG. 22, the engagement portion 40 may include segments separated by a slot S that serves to reduce the hoop strength of the free edge of the engagement portion 40. Tabs 43 are provided to allow the abutment 40 to more easily pass over the opening identification band formed on the neck of the container. However, it is necessary to maintain sufficient hoop strength to keep the engagement portion 40 in the engaged position. In addition, the engagement portion 40 and the container opening identification bead 37 interfere with each other.

Referring to FIG. 23, when the stopper 32 is rotated to be removed from the container, the engaging portion 40 of the open / close identification band 35 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the open / close identification bead 37. The axial force acted on is transmitted to the body of the opening identification band 35 through the engaging portion 40. This force can initially be expressed as acting along a vector in the F direction. However, the predetermined component of the force is acted in the radial direction (K direction) by the geometrical arrangement and relative position of the members 41, 42, and 43, which radially opens the identification band 35. By deforming in the direction, the hinge point 41 is moved outward. This action increases the angle between the engagement portion 40 and the axial direction, which in turn increases the force in the radial direction (K direction) and reduces the force in the axial direction (L direction). Therefore, the engaging portion 40 can be deformed so as to be inverted without damaging the opening identification band 35 at the stopper, so that the opening marking characteristic of the stopper 40 is removed.

 The above-mentioned problem can be minimized by having the opening identification band 35 with sufficient thickness be resistant to deformation. Increasing the thickness of the band, however, makes it difficult to stretch the band over the container opening identification bead, thus making it difficult to initially apply a stopper to the container.

24 is introduced in US Pat. No. 6,640,988, the contents of which are incorporated into the present specification as a cross-reference. Referring to FIG. 24, a stopper having an open / close identification band is disclosed. According to the closure, the engaging portion 40 is composed of a plurality of tabs 43 that move in a hinged manner from the lower end about the hinge point 41. This arrangement has many advantages over the prior art such as US Pat. No. 5,755,347 in the following points. That is, according to US Patent '988, when applied to the stopper, there is no hoop strength to overcome to the engaging portion of the identification band opening or not. However, the following problem still exists. In other words, the force acting on the engagement portion 40 while the plug is removed causes the hinge point 41 to move outwards and the engagement portion 40 is turned over before breaking the rupturable bridge 38. Thus, the unmarked feature is also removed.

The following examples of the present invention can be made using methods and mold apparatus as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,551,093, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This embodiment of the present invention provides a stopper having a tamper band having a plurality of engagement tabs 43, wherein the removal force acting on the engagement tabs 43 is in the axial direction ( L direction) to reduce the tendency of the opening identification band 35 to deform outward while the plug is removed from the container. This is accomplished by positioning the hinge point 41 in the radial direction. This relocation is achieved by forming the opening identification band 35 thick at the hinge point 41. By doing so, the angle at which the removal force acts on the engagement tabs 43 is reduced, so that the removal force acts more in the axial direction (L direction) and smaller in the radial direction (K direction). Moreover, thickening the opening identification band 35 near the hinge portion 41 increases the deflection force to the outside, which contributes to maintaining the position of the hinge portion 41, so that the engagement tabs 43 Maintains most of the force acting in the axial direction. The thin portion of the hinge portion 41 provides an area for the engagement tabs 43 to bend into the interior while the engagement portion 40 crosses the container opening identification bead 37 while the stopper is attached to the container. do.

Compared to FIGS. 25 and 26 (prior art), the angle of the force acting on the engagement tabs 43 during the removal operation is reduced by about 60% (reduced from about 15 degrees to about 5 degrees), and the opening or unidentifying band ( Increasing the hoop strength by thickening the bottom of 35) further contributes to resisting the band from stretching during the removal operation. These two changes work together to make the hinge point 41 more resistant to outward movement due to the pressure upon removal, such that the engagement tamps 43 are held in place to open the identification band 35. To be separated from the stopper.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33. Specifically, description will be given on one opening if the container neck and cap assembly mold corresponding with the identification cap (closure mould assembly).

28 shows an annular sealing device 40 for sealingly engaging the opening confirming stopper 10 (partially shown) with the top wall 20 and the inner wall 65 of the container neck 60. have. The annular sealing device 40 is sealingly engaged with the upper wall 63 and / or the outer wall 64 of the container neck 60. Preferably, the stopper 10 has an interference fit and seal state when the stopper is completely covered, while removing the stopper from a distance 'A' (the position from the fully closed position on the container neck). Distance between the inner wall 65 of the container and the annular sealing device 40, which is in contact with the upper wall 63 of the container neck 60 measured at the point where the plug is completely covered by the container neck 60. Can be described as the distance between the line A1 corresponding to the line and the line A2 corresponding to the line contacting the sealing engagement point between the inner wall 65 of the container neck 60 and the annular sealing device 40). It is designed to be greater than the sum of the following distances.

(i) the distance 'B'; Distance between engagement surface 61 of opening bead 62 and engagement surface 59 of tamper ring engagement means 58 when the plug is fully covered by the container

(ii) distance 'C' (not shown); Distance equal to the amount of compression occurring in the tamper ring engagement means during the removal process

(iii) distance 'D' (not shown); Elongation occurring in frangible bridges 50 connecting tamper-evident annular ring 55 to stopper skirt 30 under pressure during removal of the stopper. Distance equal to the amount of

(iv) distance 'E' (not shown); Distance equal to the allowable tolerances in the measurements of the container neck 60 and stopper 10

(v) Distances for safety margins for engagement of specific stoppers and necks, if required

The corresponding design formula for a non bore-seal or "shallow" bore seal plug is shown below.

G <H + I + J + K + L

In the above formula,

(i) 'G' is the distance expressed as the rate of rotation in the removal direction, which is expressed as the degree of rotational movement of the plug during removal;

(ii) 'H' (not shown) is the magnitude of the rotation corresponding to the distance 'B' (in the bore seal formula), which is expressed as the degree of rotational movement, which magnitude is the upper surface of the container neck of the sealing means, if required May be considered during the closure design phase associated with the compression on 135;

(iii) 'I' (not shown) is the rate of rotation that needs to be provided at the engagement surface 70 and engagement point 75 on the openness identification ring for the corresponding engagement surfaces 116, 118 on the vessel neck. Which is expressed in degrees of rotational movement;

(iv) 'J' (not shown) is the magnitude of the rotation corresponding to the distance 'C' (in the bore seal formula), which is expressed in degrees of rotational movement;

(v) 'K' (not shown) is the magnitude of the rotation corresponding to the distance 'D' (in the bore seal formula), which is expressed in degrees of rotational movement;

(vi) 'L' (not shown) is the magnitude of the rotation corresponding to the distance 'E' (in the bore seal formula), which is expressed as the degree of rotational movement.

Advantageously, by designing the stopper according to this formula, the stopper remains sealed to the neck of the container even after the tamper-evidence indication is shown, thus providing a tamper-evidence indication. Without this, no contamination of the contents occurs.

31 shows the neck 100 of the container. The neck 100 has an outer wall 105, an inner wall 130, and an upper wall 135 connecting the outer wall 105 and the inner wall 130. The outer wall 105 has one or more outer threads 110 that are configured to engage each other with corresponding inner threads or threads on the bung. In the case of multi-start threads, the threads may have a narrow profile on the neck and stopper so that the stopper can cover the container in the radial or push-on direction. The threads can be continuous or split if necessary. In the case of a container for carbonated beverages, the threads 110 engage with the cap threads to allow the cap to remain on the neck while the pressurized gas is discharged. To achieve this, the threads of one or more of the closures or container necks can be divided or divided to facilitate the release of gas.

The neck 100 is opened with a tamper-evidence engagement means or tamper-evident ring on the stopper identification bead 115 and a face 116 that meshes with each other. It further comprises a identification bead 115. Preferably, in order to reduce the material required, the opening identification beads may be divided at equal intervals.

One or more ramped angled projections 120 are located under the opening bead identification and allow the corresponding curved surfaces of the stopper to stop while the curved surfaces 124 cover the neck of the container. It is formed to pass over. However, rotation to remove the closure causes the engagement surfaces 122 to engage the corresponding engagement surfaces on the closure, thereby enabling premature cutting of the rupturable bridges as described above and detachment of the identification ring from the closure skirt. .

29 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which a stopper 10 is shown before being covered by the container. The stopper 10 includes an upper wall 20 and a skirt 30 extending downwards. The skirt 30 has an inner wall having a helically threaded section which will properly engage a corresponding outer thread on the neck of the container. The opening identification ring 55 is hooked to the bottom wall of the skirt 30 by the breakable bridges 50. One or more sealing means, such as annular sealing means 40, 41, extend downward from the inner surface 13 of the bottom wall 20. The sealing means 40, 41 are provided with the neck of the container so that the opening confirmation ring is substantially separated from the closure skirt to seal between the closure and the container with at least one sealing means that actuates until the opening of the seal is clearly identified. It is operated to seal sealingly. Preferably, in order to facilitate easy removal from the mold assembly, the sealing means 41 can be configured to have a cross-sectional size that gradually decreases from the point of engagement with the inner surface 13 of the top wall 20. have. One or more retaining means 42 are provided to hold another device (not shown) inside the stopper, for example a cup, a receptacle, a disc or the like. The retaining means 42 is located on the inner surface 13 of the top wall 20 and may take the form of, for example, one or more clips, protrusions, recesses, rings, flanges, grooves, or the like. . An object, such as a cup, may engage the retaining means 42 while the stopper is sealingly engaged with the container and may be removed to access the contents contained therein (eg food or beverage additives). Can be.

The held cup, container, or other device may have one or more cooperating fearures, such as, for example, clips, protrusions, recesses, rings, flanges or grooves. Preferably, the retaining means 42 can be designed to have, for example, a cornered flange on the cup so that the cup fits easily into the retention means 42.

The neck of the container may include engagement means 58 having an opening bead on the neck of the container. Engagement means 58 may be comprised of curved protrusions, which may be formed to more easily pass over the opening bead on the neck of the container when covering the stopper and also when the stopper is removed from the container. Can be formed to engage the corresponding surface on the container neck to facilitate premature cutting of the breakable bridges and separation of the tamper rings from the closure skirt.

The flap 58, which can be folded after molding, may be formed one end thicker than the other end and may have stiffening ridges thereon. The flap may be formed to facilitate folding, and preferably, the end 59 is molded in a position such that the end 59 is close to the center or axis of the stopper such that the flap is engaged with the wall 105 when the flap is folded to the stopper. 118) can be positioned to engage.

As shown in FIG. 29, the flap 58 allows one or more protrusions 73 to be formed on the wall of the flap 58 so that the curved surface 72 is inside the plug (shown in dashed lines). As it is folded, it may be molded in a position such that as soon as the stopper is covered (not shown), it is formed to more easily pass over the unopened identification bead on the neck of the container. The curved protruding surface 72 is formed so as to pass over the curved surfaces 124 on the protrusions 120 on the neck of the container under the opening bead as soon as the closure is closed. When the stopper is rotated in a direction such that the stopper is removed from the neck of the container surfaces 70, 59, the protrusions 73 engage the corresponding mating faces 122, 116 on the neck of the container, respectively, to move the tamper ring. And premature cutting of the bursting bridges and separation of the tamper ring from the container skirt. The protrusion shapes 74 (see partial view 2 of FIG. 29) are not larger than the spacings of the dimension 'Y' inside the identifying bead 115 inside the secondary container neck (see FIG. 32). Has X '

Referring to FIG. 29, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a stopper is provided that is designed to inhibit the movement of the opening identification ring 55 while the stopper is removed from the cooperating container. The stopper includes a cooperating engagement means 58 on an unopened identification ring that cooperates with the engagement means 115 over a container neck (shown in FIG. 31) so that the joint engagement means engages upon rotation for removal. If it is further rotated, the ruptured bridge 50 that breaks open the identification ring 55 from the plug skirt 50 is broken. The lower edge 59 of the engagement means 58 has projections 73 with engagement surfaces 70 and inclined surfaces 72. The protrusions are spaced around the entire lower part of the opening identification engagement means 58 having projections 73 projecting in the 'B' direction, so that the opening identification engagement means 58 is folded with a stopper (indicated by the dashed line). When the protrusions are turned in the direction of removal upon rotation of the stopper, they are engaged with corresponding neck engagement means 115, 120 on the neck of the container. The neck engagement means 115 has engagement surfaces 116 to limit axial movement and engagement surfaces 122 to limit rotational movement of the opening identification ring 55, and further rotation to remove the closure. The tearing bridges 50 are cut. Part 2 shows another configuration of the protrusions 73, 74. The protrusions 73, 74 are designed to cooperate or be a combination of FIGS. 30 and 31 as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. Therefore, since the distance 'X' on the protrusion 74 is larger than the distance 'Y' shown in FIG. 31, the protrusion 74 does not pass the gap 'Y' at the opening bead identification bead 115 and the neck of the container. The identification band 55 is maintained on the opening. FIG. 3 is a view from the 'B' position in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 30A, part 4 is a view from the 'B' position, extending from the lower edge 59 of the open / close identification engagement means 58, with the corresponding engagement surfaces 116, 118 during removal rotation. 32 to form a series of toothed engagement devices 76 having engagement surfaces 70, inclined surfaces 72 and first engagement points 75, designed to gradually engage (shown in FIG. 32). Show the protrusions 76. FIG. 5 is a perspective view in the 'C' direction, showing open / close identification engagement means 58 folded into a stopper. As can be seen, the engagement surfaces 70 may be engaged with all of the corresponding neck engagement means 116, 118 (shown in FIG. 32), and, if applied, identify whether the opening passes past the opening identification bead 115. The face of the engagement means 58 has no projections on top and will deflect out of the plug. When the face 72 is in contact with the corresponding opposite face of the engagement face 116 on the container opening or not identification bead 115 while the opening means engaging means 58 passes over the tamper bead 115, the face is inclined. 72 assists in this operation.

32 and 33 are plan views showing two embodiments of a container neck for use with the closures disclosed herein. The necks can be divided into quadrants (quadrant, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) as shown. Each quadrant includes a plurality of equally spaced protrusions separated by Y intervals. In the embodiment shown in Figure 32, the neck has four protrusions spaced equally in each quadrant. All four quadrants in FIG. 32 are similar, but in FIG. 33 Q ₃ is a mirror image of Q ₁ , and Q ₃ and Q ₄ half are mirror images of Q ₁ and Q ₂ half. The interruption or gaps Y in the opening or not identification bead 115 may take other forms depending on the manufacturing means or the desire to reduce the amount of material used. The relationship between the spacings Y and the segments Z can be usefully changed to save material, for example by setting the dimensional ratio 3Y to 2Z, resulting in 60 of the materials used for solid opening identification beads. As much as% material is saved, such container necks and open identification beads can be designed to work with other stoppers.

Various aspects of the present invention can be applied to dispensing stoppers for certain dry products, such as condiments. For example, the stopper of the type disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,341,720 can be modified as shown in FIGS. 33-35 attached. 34 to 36, the stopper 10 cooperates with the annular protrusion 47 on the over cap 40, after the initial breakdown of the bursting bridges of the opening identification ring 43. It has an annular retention member 123 that serves to hold the overcap when replaced by a stopper. Opening 70 is provided for spoon or bulk dispensing, while adjacent opening 71 with multiple holes is provided for a shaker-type dispenser.

The open-cap identification over cap 47 has separate sealing means 85, 86 for sealing the closure openings 70, 71, respectively. The sealing means operate by interference fit between the outer walls 84 and the inner walls 49 of the openings 70, 71. One or more hinge lines 80, which may be spaced apart from one another, allow one or more overcap portions (eg, overcap portion 88) to rise upwards to dispense the contents of the container through orifices. You can do that. Preferably, one of the hinge lines is positioned such that 50% of the circumference of the overcap is secured to the plug by cooperation between the annular retention member 123 and the annular protrusion 47.

FIG. 37 shows a partial cross section of an openable identification stopper and a receptacle or cup. The stopper 10 has a sealing means 40 which meshes with the inner wall 65 of the container neck and a sealing means 44 which meshes with the outer wall 64 of the container neck 60. The tamper band 55 is attached to the skirt 30 by a rupturable bridge 50, and the one or more tamper band engaging portions 58 are separated from each other, so that when applied to the container, the identification of whether the container is opened or not is above the bead 61. Provides less resistance when passing by

The receptacle 150 in the form of a cylinder may be formed integrally with the stopper, or may be made of individual components and fixed inside the top wall of the stopper. The receptacle may have any desired length, but by extending from the top wall 20 of the stopper between the lines marked "G" and "H", the opening or closing identification band 55 is on the stopper while the end of the receptacle is It is advantageous not to protrude from the plug. Thus, the stopper can be easily aligned to the container, pointed in a certain direction, and applied. When the stopper is removed from the container, the end of the receptacle can protrude from the stopper to easily remove any sealing means applied to the open end of the receptacle. Receptacle sealing means are required to separate the contents of the receptacle from the contents of the container. The receptacle has an inner wall 151 and an outer wall 152, which are thicker at the point of engagement with the top wall 20 of the stopper. The walls of the receptacle are thinner at the open ends. Preferably, the inner wall of the receptacle is tapered sufficiently for easy removal of the mold by relative movement between one or more mold elements and / or relative movement between the mold element and the closure.

38 and 38A, the mold assembly disclosed in Taha's US Pat. No. 6,551,093, incorporated herein by way of cross reference, is modified to make the walls 150, 151 of the receptacle. The annular receptacle can be made smaller in diameter and can be located closer to the mold portion 220. On stoppers with larger diameters, the thickness of the mold portion 210 can be increased, thus facilitating the walls of the receptacle having a larger length than shown.

Advantageously, various embodiments of the closure to identify the opening according to the present invention may be adapted or combined with one or more openings for dispensing the contents of the container, or with thread and opening identification beads on an outer skirt. The plug seal type over cap may be secured to the base plug to initially seal the container and provide clear visual evidence that the over cap is open. It also provides a means of resealing the container. This is especially useful if the container has a wide range of tolerances. This is because the base plug can snap into the sealed position and cannot be removed without first removing the opening identification band. The over cap can be designed to seal more effectively in multiple removal / resealing operations.

The present invention relates to U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,598,833, 6,551,093, 6,626,310, and 6,640,988, and Australian Patent No. 550878 and Australian Patent Application No. 79927/98, which are incorporated herein by way of cross-reference. One or more aspects disclosed with the mold assembly and closures disclosed in the call.

Various aspects of the invention described above may be combined with one or more of the following teachings.

(i) Various features that are safe for children, one of which may be in the form of the need to apply a downward force to one of the top of the stopper and the top of the overcap that fits over the top of the stopper. Thus, the downward force overcomes the resistive force causing the engagement means between the overcap and the closure to allow the removal rotation of the closure to activate the opening identification feature and to remove the closure from the neck of the container.

(ii) Safe opening and closing identification stoppers for children, including dispensing stoppers of the "squeeze dropper" type.

(iii) dispensing stoppers for liquids such as oils.

(iv) Dispensing stoppers for special materials such as overribbed powders and the like.

(v) molding of the closure from one or more types of materials. For example, if the closure opening band is molded with the same material as the container, it may be helpful for recycling. In another example, other colors or forms of material may be used to mold the visual difference between the closure body and the open identification band, or the open identification band that enhances the physical performance of the open identification band.

(vi) but not limited to perforated or partially perforated plugs with a flip top cover, flexible with crosses or other forms of slits or openings to allow dispensing of container contents Various dispensing means such as membranes or pump action dispensers or push / pull valve opening and closing members.

(vii) Stoppers having one or more threaded means and media applied by axial movement rather than rotational movement.

(viii) A stopper having a ratchet or engagement means cooperating between an opening identification band and members on the neck of the container. Thus, the engagement between the engagement means or any one of them in the removal rotation of the threaded stopper tends to facilitate the breakage of the breakable ribs connecting the opening identification band with the skirt of the stopper. The engagement means have inclined surfaces that cooperate while applying the closure to the neck of the container, thereby reducing the rotational force on the opening identification band and reducing the possibility of cutting of the rupturable ribs connecting the opening identification band with the closure scud. Decrease.

(ix) Various means that may include means for using additional foil seals and penetrating the foil to ensure freshness of the contents of the container.

(x) Plugs made of metal or plastic materials, or a combination of metal and plastic materials, may be useful in a hot fill vacuum seal package.

(xi) Containers made of plastic, metal and glass materials.

While various aspects of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many different forms.

Claims (12)

As a stopper for connecting to a container, the stopper is: Means for cooperating with means corresponding to the container for an effective connection between the closure and the container; A discharge orifice for discharging the contents from the container, and A lid for sealing and covering the discharge orifice, comprising a lid including an opening identification band, When removing the lid from the closure, the closure identification band causes the lid to indicate that the lid is at least partially removed from the closure. The method of claim 1, wherein the cover is: Upper wall; A skirt extending downwardly from said upper wall and integrally formed; And And a seal extending downward from the inner surface of the upper wall to engage the discharge orifice to effectively seal the discharge orifice. The method of claim 2, And the seal is integrally formed with the top wall. The method of claim 2 or 3, A closure for connecting to a container, wherein the opening identification band is breakably connected to the skirt. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, And the opening identification band is rupturably connected to the skirt by a plurality of breakable legs. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, And the lid includes one or more protrusions that engage one or more corresponding locking ridges on the closure to hold the lid over the closure. The method of claim 6, And the one or more protrusions are annular and engage with the corresponding one or more fastening ridges on the stopper to hold the cover over the stopper. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, And the outlet orifice comprises a plurality of dispensing holes. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, And the discharge orifice includes an opening for discharging a small amount or a large amount of discharge of the contents from the container. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, And the lid is plugged to the container, sealing the discharge orifice by an interference fit. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The cover includes a flap for covering the discharge orifice, the flap being raised along a predetermined hinge line to allow the flap to be lifted upward to allow for discharge of the contents of the container through the discharge orifice. A stopper for connecting to the container, which is connected to the wall. A stopper for connecting to a container substantially described herein with reference to any of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings or examples.

Images