MXPA06000757A - Screw cap for container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a screw cap (31) for a container. The inventive cap consists of a holding flap (33) and a locking device comprising a first flange and a second flange (16). According to the invention, the holding flap (33) is turned in the first screw thread of the screw cap (31) such that it can passbetween the first flange and the second flange (16) and, when in the final position thereof, the holding flap (33) butts safely and securely against a contact surface of the second flange (16).

Description

CLOSURE WITH THREAD FOR A CONTAINER OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a closure or screw cap for closing a container. [0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a screw cap comprising at least one detachable retaining flap, which can be threaded or unscrewed on an external thread belonging to a container, in order to prevent undue tampering with the container. content stored inside the container. STATE OF THE ART [0003] Currently, various sealing systems suitable for closing a container are known. Said sealing systems have the function of guaranteeing the inviolability of the content stored in the container or container. [0004] Normally, a sealing system includes an inviolability band attached to a screw cap or closure. Said bands, like the plugs to which they are incorporated, are cylindrical and are vertically joined to the cylindrical body of the cap or closure in the lower part thereof and are provided with different internal profiles in undercut that guarantee, after the initial threading of the cap on the threaded neck of the container, the inviolability of the container and its contents by means of the accommodation of said profiles in undercut, arranged in the inviolability bands, below a circular ring with a diameter greater than that of the profiles, provided in the threaded neck of the container following the area of thread or threads, which prevents its unscrewing without previously breaking the joints arranged to the effect between said band and the body of the stopper. [0005] The effectiveness of the different existing tamper-evident bands incorporated into screw caps or closures is measured at or at the time of the first opening of the container, at which time they must have sufficient strength so that they do not allow the cap to be unscrewed or closing without separating, by breaking, previously the corresponding unions that join the aforementioned bands of inviolability to the body of the plug or closure, which determines, depending on the result, to evaluate the efficiency that allows the manufacturer and the final consumer to trust or not in a certain type of plug or closure whose inviolability should be as evident as possible. [0006] However, this type of sealing system has some disadvantages derived, for example, from the existence of a circular ring below the thread / s of thread in the neck of the container. Thus, when performing the threading operation, the undercut profiles need to exceed the diameter of the threads of the neck of the container and, subsequently, that of the circular ring below which it must be placed at the end of the travel. By Consequently, in order to carry out said threading in the packaging line, a high thread torque has to be carried out to ensure efficient threading, which in many cases can not be specified and in others it deforms, by excess, the external image of the screw cap. [0007] Another problem is that the operation of the current systems of inviolability is not absolutely reliable either, that is, they do not guarantee 100% the tightness of the container before the break or detachment of the tamper-proof band incorporated in the cap, since any partial rotation prior to the complete unscrewing of the cap or closure, causes a loss of the hermeticity and, therefore, the real possibility of leakage or entry of liquid into the container, without the band having broken or detached. [0008] This fact is commonly and easily observed in a package containing, for example, a carbonated beverage. When the cap is unscrewed, a noise is heard which is caused by the release of carbon dioxide from the inside of the container. It should be noted that, at that moment, the plug and the band of inviolability are still attached. [0009] If the unscrewing action of the stopper is stopped at that instant, in which the tamper-proof band and the stopper are attached, just as gas has been released from the inside of the container, liquid can also be extracted and, consequently, , it is feasible to introduce liquid inside the container. Therefore, the content may be distorted Initial packaging and, as a result, the end consumer may lose their confidence which would entail a loss of sales to the manufacturer. [0010] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a screw cap which, in cooperation with a mouth of a container, completely avoids the possibility of manipulating the contents stored in the container and, in addition, enhances the confidence of both the manufacturer and the consumer final in the system of inviolability installed in the container. [0011] Document US 3,805,987 discloses a container and a screw cap so that, once the cap is placed, it can not be removed without damaging an outer band so that the deterioration of the same is evident to anyone who use the container with the cap. However, it is possible to perform slight movements of the plug in both directions of rotation without damaging the tamper proof. [0012] Document D2 W095 / 28334 describes a thermoplastic closure having internally threaded a part of an annular skirt, one or more parts of the lower part of said skirt are configured as flaps capable of bending radially outwards with respect to the skirt on a vertical hinge. The aforementioned document D2 has the same problem as the DI document. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The inviolability system of the present invention comprises a threaded closure or cap that includes a retaining flap and cooperates with a locking device, comprised in the neck of a container, which, in turn, includes a first projection and a second highlight; so that in the first thread of the threaded closure, the retaining flap is deflected towards the axis of the container in order to pass between the first projection and the second projection, and in the final position the retaining flap bumps against the second projection of the second projection. reliable and safe way. [0014] The inviolability system of the present invention is advantageous for eliminating the disadvantages stated above, those inherent to manufacturing, those of its application in packaging lines and, above all, to guarantee the inviolability of the contents of a container before the first use. [0015] An object of the invention is to develop a system of simple inviolability, low manufacturing cost and easy application in a packaging line, and prevent the total or partial handling of the contents stored in a container that incorporates said system of inviolability . [0016] Another object of the invention is to ensure the existence of an evidence in the inviolability system, in case of attempted manipulation of the content of the container, easily identifiable both by the manufacturer and by the consumer final. [0017] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the inviolability band of other systems, in order to simplify the packaging recovery line, the recycling industry, since if there is no band of inviolability in the neck of the container to be recycled, it is possible to eliminate the useful to remove said band from the neck of the container, It should be noted that the package and the tamper-evident band are made of different materials, which is why they must be separated to be recovered. [0018] Still another object of the invention is to simplify the manufacturing and application processes in the packaging line of the screw caps themselves. [0019] It should be noted that the mere fact of eliminating the resistance of the undercut profiles incorporated in the current inviolability bands, makes it possible to simplify and economize the manufacture of the tools or molds, on the one hand, and improve the industrial efficiency, from elsewhere. All this, without harming the tools and industrial processes for packaging that, if desired, can lighten weight without losing its strength. [0020] By eliminating the current contrasalida profiles of the neck of the container, the resistance of threading is reduced to the maximum, allowing a high precision and a low thread torque, which results in the effectiveness of the machines of application or encapsulators, which will increase their performance and their useful life. [0021] Another objective of the invention is to improve the efficiency, useful life and quality of the manufacturing processes of the screw caps. Therefore, the manufacturing and packaging system is also low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0022] Devices embodying the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a neck of a container of according to the invention, figure 2 is a plan view of the neck of the container according to the invention, figure 3 is a perspective view of a threaded closure on the neck of the container according to the invention, figure 4 is a plan view of how the screw closure is after the first threading according to the invention, figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the screw closure according to the invention, and figure 6 is a plan view of how is the threaded closure of the previous figure after the first threaded according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0023] Figure 1 shows a retention or locking device 15, 16 located below the thread or threads 13 with external thread located on the neck 12 of a container or container 11. The container 11 is preferably made in a plastic material, so that the material can be injected into an injection mold. The container 11 is suitable for storing a substance such as a liquid, a carbonated beverage, or the like. [0024] The retaining device comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion or projections disposed close to the kissing edge 14 of each of the two parts or halves constituting the container 11. [0025] As can be seen in figure 2, each half of the package includes a first projection and a second projection 16 each located on one of the kissing edges corresponding to a half of the container 11. For example, the first flange is in contact with the neck 12, that is, in contact with the outer face of the neck cylinder of the container 11, and on a horizontal base ring 17 which is located below the thread 13. [0026] On the opposite edge, said half of the package includes the second projection 16 disposed on the base ring 17, externally and separately, and without contact with the cylinder of the neck 12. Therefore, when joining the kissing edges of both halves two sets of locking devices 15, 16 are formed, so that each of the locking devices comprises a first projection of one half and a second projection 16 of the other half of the container 11. [0027] In With reference to figures 1 and 3, it should be noted that both 15, 16 projections are facing, at the same height at the base of the neck 12 and on the base ring 17 of the container 11, and displaced radially from one another. In order to prevent a retaining flap 33 belonging to a screw cap or closure 31 from moving radially towards the axis of the container 11, when said plug 31 is unscrewed for the first time. [0028] When the plug 31 is threaded, the retaining flap is pressed radially towards the container axis, inwardly, by the second 16 protruding and, once past said second projection 16, the threaded plug 31 has reached the final closing position of the screw cap 31. [0029] As mentioned above, in this position, the retaining flap 33 can not be displaced radially towards the axis of the package 11, said movement is impeded by the first projection that is in contact with the neck 12 of the package 11 • [0030] Returning to Figure 1, it should be noted that the first projection 15 comprises a deflection bevel on the introduction side, that is, on the side closest to the edge 17 of kissed, acting in the threaded direction, such that when the threaded cover 31 is screwed in, the retaining flap 33 deviates radially outwards from the axis of the container 11, being able to pass between the outer face of the neck and the inner, concave face of the second projection 16 the first threading of the cap 31. [0031] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first projection 15 has the purpose of limiting the radial path of the container axis 11 of the retainer flap 33 in the final position of the container. closing the screw cap 31, once it has been placed after the first thread, and thus preventing the plug 31 from being unscrewed without previously manipulating or detaching said flap 33, for example, by breaking a bridge or strip 34 of evidence and / or a film hinge 35 by means of which the retaining flap is attached to the skirt or jacket of the plug 31. It is to be noted that the evidence strip 34 is located on the side opposite the hinge 35. [0032] The first 15 projection extends as a cord in the form of a circular arc, along a part of the contour of the neck 12 of the container 11, this is in contact with the outside of the neck of the container, and on the horizontal base ring 17. [0033] On the other hand, the second protrusion 16 is molded on the base ring 17 in the form of a triangular pyramidal wedge, along a part of the contour of the ring 17. base, in such a way that its inner, concave face is disposed with a predetermined spacing with respect to the outer face of the neck 12 of the container 11. [0034] The inner face of the second 16 acts in the direction of threading, in such a way that by screwing the threaded cover 31, the retaining flap 33 deviates radially towards the axis of the container, being able to pass between the outer face of the neck 12 and the inner face of said second projection 16 on the first threading of the plug 31. [ 0035] Figure 3 shows the position of the closure 31 after the first thread on the neck 31. The closure 31 with thread is molded in thermoplastic material, in one piece, suitable to be used in cooperation with the locking device 15, 16 in a system of inviolability that prevents illicit manipulations of the contents stored in the container 11. [0036] The cap 31 with thread comprises a cap bottom and a cap skirt or skirt 32 with an internal thread, not mo This is so that the cap 31 can be screwed and unscrewed on the outer thread / s 13 belonging to the neck 13 of the container 11. [0037] In the lower end area of the sleeve 32 of the cap, it is molded the retaining flap 33 in such a way that it protrudes outwards, being oriented approximately tangentially in the cover sleeve 32, as seen in FIG. 3 to 6. The retaining flap 33 protrudes from the cover sleeve 32, against the thread direction. [0038] The retaining flap 33 can be easily divided and molded into the skirt 32 of the cap of the screw cap. Accordingly, the threaded plug 31 with retaining flap 33 can be easily manufactured in a one piece unit from a low cost material, such as plastic, which has adequate flexibility which allows flap 33 to pass between the neck 13 and the second 16 protrude after the first thread. [0039] The retaining flap 33 ends on its front face on a stop surface, which is oriented approximately radially, while the end of the second projection 16, located in the unscrewing direction, forms a contact surface, which is also oriented approximately radially, so that after the first tap of the plug 31 both surfaces are in contact in order to prevent unscrewing of the plug 31. When the plug is unscrewed for the first time, the retaining flap 33 has to moving radially outwards, since the second flange 16 prevents it from moving radially towards the inside, therefore, the flap 33 comes off completely or partially, implying that the evidence strip 34 and the hinge 35 have been broken. Therefore, the final consumer and / or manufacturer have evidence that the container has been opened by them. In another case, the cap shows evidences of previous manipulation and, therefore, the final consumer may suspect that the contents of container 11 could have been altered. [0040] It should be noted, that the retaining flap 33 on its stop surface may include a deflection bevel on the inner face, which acts in the unscrewing direction, in such a way as to facilitate the unscrewing action of the lid. 31 threaded. In the first unscrewing, the retaining flap 33 is radially deviated outwardly of the container 11, breaking the evidence strip 34 and, in addition, will also cause total or partial breakage of the film flap 35 of the retainer flap 33. , being able to pass through the convex outer face of the second 16 protruding after the first unscrewing of the cap 31. [0041] The retaining flap 33 protrudes from the sleeve 32 of the cover 31, in such a way that in the retained position it covers with its abutment surface, partially and reliably, the contact surface of the second 16 protrudes, to maintain a secure latching connection, which acts only in the direction of the first unscrewing of the threaded cap 31. [0042] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a braking means 36 can be molded in such a way that it protrudes outwardly from the axis of the cap 31, trapezoidal shaped, at the lower edge of the sleeve 32 of the plug 31, at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the retaining flap 33 in the threaded direction, so that the plug 31 is properly stopped after the first tapping, that is, the contact between the abutment surface of the flap 33 and the contact surface of the second flange 16 is ensured. [0043] With reference to figures 5 and 6, it should be noted that the number of retention flaps 33 can be variable depending on the number of threads of the neck 12 of the container 11, so that a single thread it will correspond a single retaining flap 33 in the plug 31, removable and elastic flap, and 1 or 2 for fixed retaining flaps 51 on a circular band 52 of inviolability as currently existing. Similarly, a 2-wire neck will have 2 or 4 fixed retention flaps 51 and 2, 4 or 6 fixed retention flaps 51 will correspond to a 3-thread neck. As shown in FIG. 6, in all cases, two retaining devices 15, 16 on the base ring 17 are spaced apart 180 ° from each other, consequently, the fixed retaining flaps 51 act in pairs. [0044] Therefore, for the opening of the container by unscrewing the cap, it is necessary to produce the instantaneous rupture of the connections between the tamper-evident band 52 and the sleeve 32 of the cap 31, in the case of fixed retaining flaps 51 and rigid. [0045] In summary, the cooperation of the retainer flap 33 and the blocking device 15, 16 act in such a way that they necessarily facilitate its passage and coupling in the threaded direction of the cap 31 and, by the regulated path of the thread on the neck 12 of the container 13 and at its end, it is necessarily made coincide in a previously predetermined point, confronting them by their flat surfaces, which will prevent their unscrewing from the very beginning of the unscrewed path and, consequently, will guarantee completely that the content of the container has not been tampered with and, in addition, facilitates easy evidence to detect externally of an illicit manipulation of the stopper.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. Suitable locking device for a container (11) comprising a neck (12) with an external thread (13) on which a threaded closure (31) can be screwed; characterized in that the blocking device includes a first projection (15) and a second projection (16) located at the kissing edge (14) of each of the two halves from which the container (11) is formed in such a way that the radial displacement towards the container axis (11) of a retaining flap (33) included in the threaded closure (31) is prevented, when said plug 31 is unscrewed for the first time.
2. 2. Blocking device according to claim 1; the first projection (15) extends as a cord in the form of a circular arc, along the outside of the neck (12) of the container (11) and the second projection (16) extends in the form of a semicircular arc along the length of a part of the contour of the base ring (17), such that its inner face is located at a predetermined distance from the outer face of the neck (12) of the container (11) and displaced from the first projection and its internal face is located at a predetermined distance from the external face of the first projection (15) and being further configured to be placed both projections (15, 16) below the outer thread (13) of the neck (13) of the container (11).
3. 3. Blocking device according to claim 2; both projections (15, 16) being configured to be located below the outer thread (13) of the neck (13) and above a base ring (17) of the container (11).
4. 4. Blocking device according to claim 3; the first projection (15) being arranged in contact with the neck (12) and the base ring (17) of the container (11).
5. 5. Locking device according to claim 4; the first projection (15) being arranged on the kissing edge (14) of a first half from which the container (11) is formed.
6. 6. Blocking device according to claim 3; the second projection (16) being arranged on the kissing edge (14) of a second half from which the container (11) is formed and in front of the first (15) projection.
7. 7. Blocking device according to claim 6; the second projection (16) having a wedge shape.
8. 8. Blocking device according to claim 5; it being possible for the first projection (15) to be provided with a deflection bevel on the insertion side which acts in the screw direction.
9. 9. Locking device according to claims 5 and 6; both projections (15, 16) are molded on the corresponding half of the container (11), so that they protrude outwards or in relief.
10. 10. Close with suitable thread to be threaded on an external thread (13) of the neck (12) of a container (11); characterized in that the threaded closure (31) is configured to comprise a retaining flap (33) disposed in the lower part of a closure sleeve (32) (31) with thread and a braking means (36) located at a predetermined distance from the abutment surface of the retaining flap (33) in the threaded direction.
11. 11. Screw closure according to claim 10; the retaining flap (33) being attached to the jacket (32) by means of at least one strip (34) of inviolability.
12. 12. Screw closure according to claim 11; the retaining flap (33) being attached to the jacket (32) by means of a film hinge (35).
13. 13. Screw closure according to claim 12; strip (34) of inviolability located on the lower edge of the jacket (32), on the opposite side of the film hinge (35).
14. 14. Screw closure according to claim 13; the retaining flap (33) being molded on the shirt (32) of the closure (31) with thread, in such a way that it protrudes outwards, oriented tangentially, against the thread direction.
15. 15. Screw closure according to claim 14; the braking means (36) is molded at the lower edge of the jacket (32) of the plug (31), so that it protrudes outwardly from the axis of said plug (31).
16. 16. Screw closure according to claim 15; including a circular band (52) of inviolability comprising at least one fixed outer retaining flap (51) whose number is a function of the number of threads (13) disposed on the neck (12) of the container (11).
17. 17. Screw closure according to any of claims 10 to 15; the stopper (31) having a one-piece moderated thread in a plastic material.
18. 18. A combination of the threaded fastener (31) as claimed in any of claims 10 to 17 and a locking device (15, 16) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.
19. 19. Combination according to claim 18; so that in the first threading of the cap (31), the retaining flap (33) is deflected to be able to pass between the first projection (15) and the second projection (16).
20. 20. Combination according to claim 19; the fixed retaining flaps (51) acting two by two according to the number of threads (13) of thread.