WO2005009860A1

WO2005009860A1 - Screw cap for container

Info

Publication number: WO2005009860A1
Application number: PCT/ES2003/000378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesús Mª BASTERO LOPEZ
Original assignee: Barangüá, S.L.
Priority date: 2003-07-22
Filing date: 2003-07-22
Publication date: 2005-02-03
Also published as: EP1650135A1; US20060207960A1; CN1802294A; CA2533053A1; AU2003249124A1; JP2007514612A

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 pass between 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

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[0001] The present invention relates to a screw closure or cap for closing a container. [0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a screw cap comprising at least one removable retaining flap, which can be threaded or unscrewed onto an outer thread belonging to a container, in order to prevent improper handling of the content stored inside the container. STATE OF T, A TFCNTCA

[0003] Currently, various sealing systems suitable for closing a container are known. These 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 plug or screw closure. Said bands, like the plugs to which they are incorporated, are cylindrical and are vertically attached to the cylindrical body of the cap or closure at the bottom thereof and are provided with different internal profiles in counter-output that guarantee, after initial threading of the cap on the threaded neck of the container, the inviolability of the container and its contents by means of the housing of said counter-output profiles, 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 thread or thread area, which prevents its unscrewing without previously breaking the joints arranged for that purpose between said band and the body of the cap.

[0005] The effectiveness of the different existing inviolability bands incorporated into screw caps or closures is measured at or at the time of the first opening of the package, at which time they must have sufficient strength so that the cap cannot be unscrewed or closing without breaking, by breakage, previously the corresponding unions that join the mentioned bands of inviolability to the body of the cap or closure, which determines, depending on the result, evaluate the effectiveness that allows the manufacturer and the final consumer, whether or not to rely on a certain type of cap or closure whose inviolability should be as evident 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 counter-output profiles need to exceed the diameter of the threads of the neck of the container and, then, that of the circular ring below which it must be placed at the end of the path. Therefore, to perform said threading on the packaging line, a high thread pair must be made to ensure efficient threading, which in many cases cannot be specified and in other cases deforms, in excess, the external image of the screw cap . [0007] Another problem is that the operation of the current inviolability systems is also not absolutely reliable, that is, they do not guarantee 100% the tightness of the container before the breakage or detachment of the inviolability band incorporated into the cap, since any Partial rotation prior to the total unscrewing of the cap or closure, causes a loss of the tightness and, therefore, the real possibility of leakage or entry of liquid into the container, without the band being broken or detached.

[0008] This fact is usually and easily observed in a package containing, for example, a carbonated beverage. When the cap is unscrewed, a noise that is caused by the exit of carbon dioxide from inside the container is audible. It should be noted that, at that moment, the cap and the inviolability band are still attached.

[0009] If the action of unscrewing the cap is stopped at that moment, in which the inviolability band and the cap are attached, just as gas has flowed out from inside the container, liquid can also be extracted and, consequently , it is feasible to introduce liquid into the container. Consequently, the initial contents of the package can be distorted and, as a result, the final consumer can lose his confidence that would result in a loss of sales for the manufacturer. [0010] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a screw cap that, in cooperation with a mouth of a container, completely avoids the possibility of handling the contents stored in the container and, in addition, enhances the confidence of both the manufacturer and the consumer final in the inviolability system installed in the container.

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[0011] The inviolability system of the present invention comprises a screw 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 shoulder and a second highlight; so that in the first thread of the threaded closure, the retention flap is diverted towards the axis of the container in order to pass between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and in the final position the retention flap bumps against the second protrusion of Reliable and safe way. [0012] The inviolability system of the present invention is advantageous for eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages, those of manufacturing, those of its application in the packaging lines and, above all, for guaranteeing the inviolability of the contents of a package before First use

[0013] An object of the invention is to develop a simple inviolability system, low manufacturing cost and easy application in a packaging line, and prevent the total or partial manipulation of the content stored in a container that incorporates said inviolability system .

[0014] Another object of the invention is to ensure the existence of evidence in the inviolability system, in case of attempted manipulation of the contents of the package, easily identifiable by both the manufacturer and the final consumer.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the inviolability band of other systems, to simplify the packaging recovery line, the recycling industry, since if there is no inviolability band in the neck of the container to be recycled, it is possible to eliminate the useful in charge of removing said band from the neck of the container, It should be noted that the container and the inviolability band are made of different materials, so they must be separated to be recovered

[0016] Still another object of the invention is to simplify the manufacturing and application processes in the packaging line of the screw caps themselves. [0017] It should be noted that the mere fact of eliminating the resistance of the counter-output profiles incorporated in the current inviolability bands makes it possible to simplify and economize the manufacture of tools or molds, on the one hand, and improve industrial efficiency, from elsewhere. All this, without damaging the tools and industrial processes for the containers that, if desired, can be lightened in weight without losing their resistance.

[0018] By eliminating the current counter-output profiles of the neck of the container, the threading resistance is minimized, allowing high precision and a low thread torque, which results in the effectiveness of the application machines or encapsulators, which They will increase their performance and their useful life. [0019] Another objective of the invention is to improve the efficiency, useful life and quality of the manufacturing processes of screw caps. Therefore, the manufacturing and packaging system is also low cost.

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[0020] Sealing and cleaning devices that materialize the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a neck of a container 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 view in plan of how the threaded closure is after the first threaded according to the invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the threaded closure according to the invention, and Figure 6 is a plan view of how the threaded closure of the previous figure looks after the first thread according to the invention. nFSCRTPCTÓN FT, A TNVFNCTÓN

[0021] Figure 1 represents a retention or locking device 15, 16 located below the outer thread or threads 13 located on the neck 12 of a container or container 11. The container 11 is preferably made of a plastic material, so that the material can be injected into an injection mold. The container lies suitable for storing a substance such as a liquid, a carbonated beverage, or the like. [0022] The retention device comprises a first protuberance and a second 16 protuberance or projections arranged close to the kissing edge 14 of each of the two parts or halves constituting the container 11.

[0023] As can be seen in Figure 2, each half of the package includes a first 15 protrusion and a second 16 protrusion each located on one of the kissing edges corresponding to one half of the container 11. For example, the First flange 15 is in contact with the neck 12, that is, in contact with the outer face of the cylinder of the neck of the container 11, and on a horizontal base ring 17 which is located below the thread 13.

[0024] On the opposite edge, said half of the package includes the second 16 provided on the base ring 17, externally and separately, and without contact with the neck cylinder 12. Therefore, by joining the kissing edges of both halves of the package, two sets of locking devices 15, 16 are constituted, so that each of the blocking devices comprises a first 15 protruding from one half and a second 16 protruding from the other half of the container 11.

[0025] In relation to Figures 1 and 3, it should be noted that both 15, 16 projections are facing each other, at the same height at the base of the neck 12 and on the ring 17 base of the container 11, and radially displaced one of the other. 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 cap 31 is unscrewed for the first time.

[0026] When the cap 31 is threaded, the retaining flap is pressed radially towards the axis of the container, inwards, by the second 16 protrude and, once, after passing said second 16, the screw cap 31 has reached the final closing position of the screw cap 31.

[0027] As mentioned above, in this position, the retaining flap 33 cannot be displaced radially towards the axis of the container 11, said movement is prevented by the first shoulder 15 being in contact with the neck 12 of the container 11 .

[0028] Returning to Figure 1, it should be noted that the first 15 protrudes comprises a deflection bevel on the introduction side, that is, on the side closest to the kissing edge 17, which acts in the threading direction , so that when the threaded cover 31 is threaded, the retaining flap 33 deviates radially outward 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 16 protrudes in the first threading of the cap 31. [0029] In relation again to Figures 1 and 3, the first 15 is intended to limit the radial travel of towards the axis of the container 11 of the retaining flap 33 in the final position of closing the screw cap 31, once it has been placed after the first thread, and thus preventing the cap 31 from unscrewing without previously manipulating or detaching said flap 33, for example, by breaking a bridge or strip 34 of evidence and / or a movie chamela 35 by means of which the retention flap is attached to the skirt or jacket of the cap 31. It should be noted that the evidence strip 34 is located on the side opposite the chamele 35.

[0030] The first protrusion 15 extends like a circular arc-shaped cord, along a part of the contour of the neck 12 of the container 11, that is in contact with the outside of the neck of the container, and on the ring 17 horizontal base.

[0031] On the other hand, the second 16 is molded on the pyramidal quasitriangular wedge-shaped base ring 17, along a part of the contour of the base ring 17, such that its inner, concave face is arranged with a predetermined separation from the outer face of the neck 12 of the container 11. [0032] The inner face of the second 16 acts in the threaded direction, so that when the threaded cover 31 is threaded, the retaining flap 33 is radially deflected towards the axis of the container, and may pass between the outer face of the neck 12 and the inner face of said second 16 protrude in the first tap of the cap 31.

[0033] Figure 3 represents the position of the closure 31 after the first threading on the neck 31. The thread closure 31 is molded in teπnoplastic material, in one piece, suitable for use in cooperation with the locking device 15, 16 in an inviolability system that prevents illegal manipulation of the content stored in the container 11.

[0034] The screw cap 31 comprises a cap bottom and a cap shirt or skirt 32 with an inner thread, not shown, so that the cap 31 can be screwed and unscrewed onto the outer thread thread / s 13 belonging to the neck 13 of the container 11.

[0035] In the bottom, lower area of the sleeve 32 of the cap, the retaining flap 33 is molded so that it protrudes outwardly, being oriented approximately tangentially in the cap sleeve 32, as seen in Figures 3 to 6. The retaining flap 33 protrudes from the cover sleeve 32, against the thread direction.

[0036] The retaining flap 33 can be easily divided and molded into the skirt 32 of the screw cap. Accordingly, the threaded cap 31 with retaining flap 33 can easily be manufactured in a single-piece unit from a low-cost material, such as plastic, which has adequate flexibility that allows the flap 33 to pass between neck 13 and second 16 protrude after the first thread.

[0037] The retention flap 33 ends on its front face on a stop surface, which is oriented approximately radially, while the end of the second 16 protrudes, located in the unscrewed direction, forms a contact surface, which is also oriented approximately radially, so that after the first tapping of the cap 31 both surfaces are in contact in order to prevent unscrewing of the cap 31. When the cap is unscrewed for the first time, the flap 33 of retention has to move radially outward, since the second flange 16 prevents it from moving radially inwardly, therefore, the flap 33 is totally or partially detached and implies that the evidence strip 34 and the chamfer 35 have been broken . Therefore, the final consumer and / or manufacturer have evidence that the package has been opened by them. In another case, the cap shows evidence of prior manipulation and, therefore, the final consumer may suspect that the contents of the package 11 may have been altered.

[0038] It should be noted that the retaining flap 33 on its abutment surface may include a deflection bevel on the inner face, which acts in the direction of unscrewing, in such a way as to facilitate the unscrewing action of the lid. 31 threaded. In the first unscrewing, the retaining flap 33 deviates radially out of the container 11, breaking the evidence strip 34 and, in addition, will also cause the total or partial breakage of the chamfer 35 of the retention flap 33 film , being able to pass through the convex outer face of the second 16 protruding after the first unscrewing of the cap 31.

[0039] The retaining flap 33 protrudes from the jacket 32 of the cover 31, so 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 retaining joint, which acts only in the direction of the first unscrewing of the threaded cover 31.

[0040] 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, on the bottom edge of the jacket 32 of the cap 31, at a predetermined distance from the abutment surface of the retaining flap 33 in the threading direction, so that the cap 31 is properly stopped after the first threading, that is, the contact between the abutment surface of the flap 33 and the contracting surface of the second flange 16.

[0041] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it should be noted that the number of retaining flaps 33 can be variable depending on the number of threads of the neck 12 of the container 11, so that a single thread thread a single retention flap 33 will correspond to the cap 31, removable and elastic flap, and 1 or 2 for fixed retention 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 a 3-wire neck will have 2, 4 or 6 fixed retention flaps 51. As shown in Figure 6, in all cases, two retention devices 15, 16 on the base ring 17 180 ° apart from one another are sufficient, consequently, the fixed retention flaps 51 act in pairs.

[0042] Therefore, for opening the container by unscrewing the cap, it is necessary to cause the instantaneous rupture of the joints between the inviolability band 52 and the sleeve 32 of the cap 31, in the case of fixed retention flaps 51 and rigid.

[0043] In summary, the cooperation of the retaining flap 33 and the locking device 15, 16 act in such a way that they necessarily facilitate its passage and coupling in the threaded direction of the plug 31 and, by means of the regulated thread travel on the the neck 12 of the container 13 and at its end, it is necessarily made to coincide at a previously predetermined point, confronting them by their flat surfaces, which will prevent their unscrewing from the very beginning of the unscrewing path and, consequently, will fully guarantee that the contents of the The packaging has not been tampered with and, in addition, provides easy evidence to detect externally of an illegal manipulation of the cap.

Claims

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1. Suitable locking device for a container (11) comprising a neck (12) with an external thread (13) on which a screw closure (31) can be threaded; characterized in that the locking device includes a first shoulder (15) and a second shoulder (16) located at the kissing edge (14) of each of the two halves from which the container (11) is formed.

2. Locking device according to claim 1; both projections (15, 16) being positioned below the outer thread (13) of the neck (13) of the container (11).

3. Locking device according to claim 2; both projections (15, 16) being positioned below the outer thread (13) of the neck (13) and above a base ring (17) of the container (11).

4. Locking device according to any of claims 2 to 3; the first shoulder (15) being arranged in contact with the neck (12) and the base ring (17) of the container (11).

5. Locking device according to claim 4; the first projection (15) extending like a circular arc-shaped cord, along the outside of the neck (12) of the container (11).

6. Locking device according to any of claims 2 to 3; the second projection (16) extending in the form of a semicircular arc along a portion of the base ring contour (17), such that its inner face is located at a predetermined distance from the outer face of the neck (12) of the container (11).

7. Locking device according to claim 6; the second protrusion (16) having a wedge shape.

8. Locking device according to claim 5; the first projection (15) can be provided with a deflection bevel on the insertion side that acts in the threading direction.

9. Locking device according to claim 2; both of them Projections (15, 16) are molded on the corresponding half of the container (11), such that they protrude outward or in relief.

10. Screw closure suitable for threading on an external thread (13) of the neck (12) of a container (11); characterized in that the thread closure (31) is configured to comprise a retaining flap (33) disposed on the bottom of a sleeve (32) of the thread closure (31).

11. Screw closure according to claim 10; the retention flap (33) being attached to the jacket (32) by means of at least one inviolability strip (34).

12. Screw closure according to claim 11; being, in addition, the retention flap (33) attached to the shirt (32) by means of a film chamfer (35).

13. Screw closure according to claim 11; being inviolability strip (34) located on the bottom edge of the shirt (32), on the opposite side of the hinge (35) of film.

14. Screw closure according to any of claims 10 to 13; the retaining flap (33) being molded on the sleeve (32) of the threaded closure (31), so that it protrudes outwards, oriented tangentially, against the threading direction.

15. Screw closure according to any of claims 10 to 14; the plug (31) with a single piece molded thread being in a plastic material.

16. Screw closure according to claim 10; including a circular strip (52) of inviolability comprising at least one outer fixed retention flap (51) whose number is a function of the number of threads (13) disposed on the neck (12) of the container (11).

17. Screw closure according to any of claims 10 to 15; including a braking means (369 molded in such a way as to protrude out of the axis of the plug (31) at the bottom edge of the sleeve (32) of the plug (31), at a predetermined distance from the abutment surface of the retaining flap (33) in the threading direction.

18. A combination of the closure (31) with thread as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17 and a locking device (15, 16) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.

19. Combination according to claim 18; so that in the first tapping of the plug (31), the retaining flap (33) is deflected to be able to pass between the first shoulder (15) and the second shoulder (16).

20. Combination according to claims 16 and 19; acting the fixed retention flaps (51) two by two depending on the number of thread threads (13).