DK174625B1 - Warranty closures made of plastic - Google Patents

Description

DK 174625 B1 i

The invention relates to a guarantee closure for a container, as described in the preamble of claim 1.

For many types of consumer products, it is desirable to use warranty closures that can show whether the container has been illegally opened by partially or completely removing the closure resulting in clearly visible alterations thereof. Shutters of this kind usually have a top cap section and a hanging guarantee ring, designed to cooperate with the container on which the closure is placed. The guarantee ring is typically designed to be broken and / or separated from the closure capsule when removed, thereby providing visible evidence that the container has been partially or completely opened.

The closest known technique is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,613,052, which discloses a tamper-evident, thermoplastic bottle cap. The capsule (12) comprises a circular top wall (13) connected to an annular, downward, cylindrical skirt (14) with internal thread (18), which cooperates with an external thread (19) of a bottle. throat.

A cylindrical indicator band or guarantee band (15) extends downward from the underside of the skirt (14), which guarantee band is partially liftably connected to the skirt (14) by a plurality of fragile rib means (16) that will break when the capsule is screwed of.

Furthermore, the warranty band (15) comprises an annular stop ring (20) extending inward and upward. Furthermore, an engagement bead (18) is arranged under the tabs (17) on the lower edge of the guarantor ring. As the capsule is moved or unscrewed, the fragile rib means are broken, the stop ring (20) being unable to move past the bottle locking ring (26).

Thereby, a tamper-evident capsule is obtained where removal of the capsule will result in the indicator band being separated from the skirt and thus moving to a lower position on the neck of the bottle. This prevents the indicator band from being brought back to its original starting position, thus giving a visible indication that the bottle has been opened.

2 DK 174625 B1

It is the object of the invention to provide a closure guarantor which should be as resilient as possible at all to unlawful changes which produce no clearly visible evidence. For this purpose, the patch guarantee closure according to the invention is specially designed for economical and efficient manufacture for use on existing containers.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a plastic closure having the characteristic features as set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Other characteristic features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in connection with the drawing, in which: - Fig. 1 is a side view of a section through an embodiment of the guarantee closure according to the invention attached to an associated container; 2 is a section through the closure in the non-attached position; FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing attachment 20 of the closure of the associated container; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, shown closed after application to the container and in a position where a first method of engagement with the container is provided; FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the closure 25 in a position where a second method of engagement with the container is provided; FIG. 6a and 6b are views similar to FIG. 5, further illustrating the manner of engagement between the closure and the associated container, FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of the plastic guarantee closure of the invention; 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing yet another embodiment of the closure according to the invention; FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the closure according to the invention; FIG. 10 is a longitudinal section through the closure of FIG. 9 and 3 DK 174625 B1 fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10th

Although the invention can be used in many different embodiments, a preferred embodiment is described and illustrated in the following, it being understood that the described embodiment is only one example of the closure of the invention.

In FIG. 1, a plastic guarantee closure 10 according to the invention is shown. The closure 10 may be made by various forms of injection molding or pressing, and it may be formed by the pressing technique disclosed in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 4,497,765 to which reference is made herein.

As shown, the closure 10 consists of an upper, generally cup-shaped closure capsule 12 with circular top wall 14, and a downwardly annular cylindrical skirt 16. The skirt 16 has an internal thread 18 which can cooperate with the recovered T on an associated container C which closed fits. If desired, the plastic closure may be provided with a sealing liner as shown in the aforementioned patent specification.

The closure further includes a warranty ring 20 which extends downwardly and is at least partially releasably connected to the skirt 16 of the closure cap. The guarantee ring 20 has a continuous annular band portion 22 which is substantially flush with the skirt 16. The guarantee ring is at least partially releasably connected to the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs 24 extending between the inside of the skirt. the skirt 16 and the band portion 22 of the guarantee ring. As shown, the guarantee ring 20 is otherwise separated from the skirt portion 16 by a circumferential ridging line 26.

30 In accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 4,418,828, the scratch line 26 and the ribs 24 cooperate to form the desired flawless connection between the guarantee ring 20 and the closure caps 12. In particular, the closure capsule 12 and the guarantee ring 20 during molding are integrally formed with the ribs 24. molded on the inside of the skirt and warranty ring. Thereafter, the scratch line 26 is formed, preferably DK 174625 B1 4, by using a cutting knife blade, whereby the guarantee ring 20 has been delimited and separated from the skirt 16, the scratch line 26 extending partially into the ribs 24.

In this arrangement, the non-scratched or cut "residual portions" of the ribs 24 together form the desired weak connection between the guarantee ring and the skirt. If desired, an integral connecting portion can be found between the guarantee ring and the skirt (for example, by failing to form a portion of the closure to be cut by the scratch line 26), whereby the guarantee ring 10 remains in contact with the skirt 16 after the ribs are broken. Along with such a connecting portion, there may be one or more defective areas in the warranty ring itself, whereby the gazant in the ring splits and breaks when the closure is removed from the associated container.

With regard to the design of the guarantee ring 20, the closure in question is specially designed to provide a very high degree of security against unauthorized use, and in particular to produce two distinct and different ways of engaging in interaction with the associated container. For this purpose, the warranty ring has a plurality of spacers 28 spaced inwardly extending inwardly from the annular band portion of the warranty ring. In a present embodiment, there are twelve evenly distributed lugs 28 around the circumference of the warranty, each 25 tabs. has a width of approx. 6.1 mm and a thickness of between approx. 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. In this arrangement, the free end portions of adjacent tabs 28 are arranged close to each other (at a distance of about 0.5 mm) as the tabs extend horizontally inwards. The horizontally inward orientation of the tabs is indicated by dotted lines, and represents the orientation by which the flexible tabs 28 are preferably molded.

As further described below, the flexible tabs 28 interact with an annular locking ring L on the container 35 C to cause breakage of the ribs 24, thereby providing the desired detection of an illegal engagement. In a first mode of engagement and breaking, the free ends of the flexible tabs may contact the locking ring L. In a second mode of engagement and breaking, the flexible tabs are shaped so that they can cooperate with an annular engaging bead 30 which in rule 5 is arranged at the lower edge of the annular band portion 22 of the guarantee ring 20.

For this purpose, the engagement bead 30 is positioned below the flexible tabs 28 with the upper and inner edge portion of the bead so positioned relative to the flexible tabs 10 that this edge portion is struck by the tabs in the second mode of breaking.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the engagement bead is approximately equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the total surface formed by the inside of the spaced apart ridges 15 24.

The operation of the closure is then described with reference to FIG. 3. During attachment of the closure 10 to the associated container, the flexible tabs 28 hit the container C and move upwards to an upward position where they are not in the way when the guarantee moves downwards relative to the container thread T and the container locking ring L. For this purpose, the flexible tabs 28 preferably have a thickness approximately equal to the radial dimension of the ribs 24, or the tabs 28 may be formed in a different manner so as to together establish an internal diameter approximately equal to the internal diameter. diameter of the total surface of the ribs 24.

When fully closed on the container, the flexible tabs 28 have moved past the locking ring L of the container, and then, due to the elasticity of the plastic material, assume a generally inclined upward and inward position as shown in FIG. 4. The flexible tabs 28 are now in position corresponding to the first method of engagement in cooperation with the locking ring of the container. More particularly, unscrewing 35 of the closed 10 upwardly relative to the container will force the upwardly flexible tabs 28 toward the locking ring L. of the container.

DK 174625 B1 6

This engagement with the locking ring of the container causes resistance to the upward unscrewing movement of the closure, thereby straining and breaking the ribs. Rupture of the ribs 24 results in a clearly visible separation between the guarantee ring 20 and the skirt 16, thus providing a clear indication that the container has been opened.

In one embodiment, each of the flexible tabs 28 has a substantially planar shape with a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. However, it will be appreciated that any flexible tab 28 is preferably dimensioned and shaped with sufficient thickness in the direction from its free end to its base with the band portion 22 to exert sufficient resistance to collapse or deformation to provide the desired cooperative engagement 15 with the locking ring L. For this purpose, each of the tabs may have non-planar shape, e.g. they may be slightly curved in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tab or similarly having an angled or composite design, considered similarly. It will be appreciated that such arrangements act to increase the column strength of each flexible tab to provide the desired engagement with the locking ring L.

According to the invention, the flexible tabs 28 are designed to cooperate with the engaging bead 30 to provide a different and distinct method of engagement for cooperative engagement with the container locking ring L. If the flexible tabs 28 are moved from their inclined upward and inward position, (e.g. by unauthorized manipulation or equivalent which one wishes to prevent with the inward bias 30) the flexible tabs will assume an oblique downward and inward position, as shown in FIG. 5. With this orientation of the tabs, they are ready to engage the container locking ring L, being between the locking ring portion and the upper, inner edge of the engagement bead 30. In this way, the tabs 35 interact again with the engagement bead to provide a cooperation with the container's locking ring. for breaking the ribs 7 so that the guarantee ring 20 is at least partially released from the skirt 16. This function is illustrated in FIG. 6a and 6b, where a flexible tab 28 of FIG. 6a is shown between the locking ring L and the engagement bead 30, while FIG. 6b shows the subsequent rupture of the rib 24 and separation along the line 26.

In FIG. 7, another embodiment of the yarn closure according to the invention is shown. In most respects this embodiment is carried out in the same manner as the one described above, but it can be seen that the closure of FIG. 7 has a sealing intermediate layer or liner 15 at the top wall 14, and that a ventilation groove 17 is passed through the inner thread 18 and down into the cylindrical skirt of the closure 16. By using one or more ventilation grooves 17, the relief of the gas pressure is facilitated by 15 removal of the closure. when applied to a container containing carbonic acid or the like.

As in the previous embodiment, the closure 10 has a guarantee ring 20 which is at least partially separated from the skirt 16 by a circumferential ridging line 26. The guarantee ring 20 20 also has a plurality (preferably twelve) along the circumferentially spaced, inwardly flexible tabs 28, which are in turn shaped so that they can provide two different ways to engage the locking ring portion of the associated container. For this purpose, an inwardly engaging bead 25 is disposed beneath the flexible tabs 28 which may engage the bead 30 by the second mode of engagement, in which the closure may cooperate with an associated container.

In this embodiment, the fracture connection between the guarantee ring 20 and the skirt 16 is provided by a plurality of interstitial spaced ribs 124 extending between the inside of the skirt and the guarantee ring. It is important that at least some of the ribs 124 extend on the inside of the band portion 22 of the guarantee ring 20 between neighboring tabs 28. In the 35 embodiment shown, all of the ribs 124 are designed in this way.

The design of the ribs 124 acts in a desired manner 8 centering the guarantee ring 20 on the container C relative to the container locking ring L. As a result of this design of the ribs 124 there is a very limited clearance between the container locking ring L and the inside of the ribs 124. , when 5 closed 10 is completely disposed on the container. This contributes in a desired way to increasing the resistance to unlawful treatment of the capsule, the ribs 124 acting in this way to prevent deformation of the guarantee ring so that it comes out of its round shape, and thereby greatly serves to prevent tearing. of the guaranty ring without causing breakage of the ribs 124. Like the ribs 24 in the embodiment described above, the ribs 124 can be broken due to the scratch line 25 which extends partially into at least some of the ribs.

15 In the closure of FIG. 7, there is a device for facilitating efficient and accurate provision of the scratch line 26. More specifically, this embodiment has a circumferential ridging edge 127 on the inside of the closed and preferably extending continuously along its inside, so that the circumferential ridging line 26 is located below the ridged edge.

When a scratch is to be made in the closure, preferably a scratch mandrel is inserted into the closure while a scratch knife or similar instrument acts on the outside of the closure. For serial preparation, it is preferred that the position of the scratching knife be adjusted relative to the internally positioned scratching mandrel.

It is therefore desirable for the closure to remain in a substantially fixed position on the scratch mandrel without excessive deformation or bending during the scratch. Otherwise, the result may be inaccurate scratching.

The ridge edge 127 is therefore designed so that it abuts and forms a seat for the ridge mandrel, thereby providing a very efficient and accurate design of the ridge line 26 with the desired degree of partial cutting of the ribs 124.

9 DK 174625 B1

As in the first embodiment, the flexible tabs 28 preferably have a thickness approximately equal to the radial dimension of the ribs 124. This preferred aspect ratio allows the tabs 28 to support the interior of the closure during scratching (when the tabs 28 are bent upwards). towards the inside of the closed) in the absence of the scratching edge 127.

Effective and accurate scratching is further facilitated by the placement of the ribs 124 between neighboring flaps 128. This avoids any overlapping one of the tabs 128 over a nearby rib (for example, by deforming and extending a flexible tab in connection with ejection from the mold). This extension of the ribs 124 further causes the scratch line 26 to be positioned relatively close to the lower edge of the guarantee ring 20, which has been found to be suitable for increasing the resistance to accidental closure treatment, with a greater chance of any unauthorized tampering. resulting in rupture of one or more of the ribs 124.

Yet another characteristic feature of the embodiment of FIG. 7 relates to the configuration of each of the ribs 124 with a top portion 125 extending on the inside of the skirt 16 above the ridge edge 127. This configuration of the ribs has been found to increase the column strength of the entire closure in a desired manner, The mold is lightened.

In FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the closure according to the invention. In most respects, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7, although the embodiment of FIG. 8 does not include a scratching edge 127.

The absence of the scratch edge in connection with the elongated ribs 124 (with the upper portions 125) can improve the gas venting properties of the closure.

Two other features of the embodiment of FIG. 8 should be highlighted. First, this embodiment of the guarantee closure includes an arrangement for biasing the breaking connection between the guarantee ring 20 and the skirt 16 provided with the ribs 124. More specifically, there are a number of circumferentially spaced biased projections 131 on the inside of the warranty ring. 20 band portion 22. In the embodiment shown and in the preferred composition, each of these prestressed projections 131 is disposed on one of the ribs 124. In the embodiment shown, the projections 131 are disposed on each other by the ribs 124, but a smaller one can also be used. or greater number of projections 131.

Protrusions 131 can be used to bias the ribs 124 both during application and during removal of the closure.

During application of the closure to the container, the projections 131 may strike the locking ring L of the container and thereby act to expand and "bulge" the guarantee ring 20 upon application.

This function may act to weaken the uncrossed, residual portion of each rib 124, thereby facilitating the tearing of the ribs in the intended manner when the closure is removed.

Furthermore, the prestressed projections 131 can cooperate with the locking ring L during the removal of the closure. This can occur in connection with tensioning and breaking of the ribs 20 124 when the tabs 28 extend obliquely downwards and are arranged between the container locking ring L and the engagement bead 30. Under this influence, the projections 131 provide additional engagement with the container's locking ring, thereby exposing the desired way the ribs 124 for an additional tensioning effect which can ensure breaking and damage of the ribs.

Yet another characteristic feature of the embodiment of FIG. 8 relates to the design of the guarantee ring 20 in order to break the band portion 22, which as mentioned above is usually desired when there is an unrestricted connecting portion 30 which integrates the guarantee ring with the skirt 16 after breaking the ribs 124. In such an arrangement the guarantee remains in associated with, but partially detached from, the skirt 16.

For this purpose, FIG. 8, how a vertical scratch 133 is conveniently formed in the guarantee ring 20. Preferably, an external scratching knife inserted 11 is used against the guarantee ring to form one or more scratches 133 extending to a depth as shown by a dashed line. .

This vertical scratch is preferably performed between one of the flexible tabs 28 and a neighboring rib 124 so that the vertical scratch does not fit into either tab 28 or rib 124.

It is particularly preferred that the vertical scratch line partially enters, but not fully through, the engaging bead 30 so that a tear-off residual portion 135 is formed in the guarantee ring 10. This preserves a certain degree of strength in the guarantee ring to facilitate application at high speed, while at the same time the guarantee ring can still be broken in the intended way.

Thus, the closure of the invention provides great resistance to unmoored engagement. It will be understood that various modifications and deviations from the embodiments shown can be made. Eg. For example, the number, distance between, thickness, and configuration of the flexible tabs 28 can be varied and selected in accordance with the principles described. Although the annular engagement bead 30 is preferably substantially continuous to provide additional circumferential tension in the closure, alternatively segmented or other discontinuous designs of the engagement bead may be used. Further, it will be understood that although the closure of the invention is shown and described as a one-piece plastic closure, closures according to the invention may also be made of a composite nature, e.g. as a combined metal and plastic closure (with or without a separate liner or sealing disc).

In FIG. 9-11, there is shown yet another embodiment of yarn 30 closure 10 of plastic. As in the embodiments described above, this closure 10 has a cup-like closure capsule 12 with a circular top wall 14 and a downwardly annular or cylindrical skirt 16 with an internal thread 18. As shown in FIG. 9, the closure 10 is intended to be placed on a 35 associated container C with an outer edge-like locking ring L extending around the neck portion of the container perpendicular to its vertical axis. The locking ring L is located just below an external thread T on the container which is provided with a handle or handle H.

In this embodiment, a guarantee ring 20, 5 extending downstream of the skirt 16, which is at least partially peelably connected to the skirt by a number of circumferentially spaced apart frangible ribs 24. The ribs may optionally be closed. be positioned alternately along the insides of the warranty ring and skirt, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 10,184,828.

The guarantee ring 20 has an annular engagement bead 30 extending around the inside of the warranty ring 20.

It is noted that the engagement bead does not extend perpendicular to the vertical axis of the closure, but rather proceeds in a plane which forms a pointed angle with the vertical axis of the closure.

In the proposed embodiment, this plane forms an angle of approx. 1 ° to 5 ° relative to the shaft axis. Although the engagement bead is shown continuously extending along the inside of the guarantee ring 20, it is noted that the bead 30 may be 20 shaped differently, e.g. extend discontinuously along the inside so that it e.g. forming a series of segments, cams or similar projections. Whether the engagement bead 30 is continuous or discontinuous, it must be inclined or not perpendicular to the vertical axis of the closure.

Due to the inclined configuration of the engagement bead 30 relative to the shaft axis, non-circular contact is provided between the engagement bead and the locking ring L of the container during application and removal of the closure. As a result, the voltages produced in the closure are not uniformly distributed along the circumference of the closure.

Under application, this uneven tensioning effect, in the desired manner, results in deformation of the guarantee ring 20 to a non-circular configuration, i.e. to generally elliptical or oval shape. This deformation 35 of the guarantee ring facilitates the movement of the engagement bead past the locking ring L during application of the closure to the container and thereby reduces the necessary force for application and reduces the stresses induced in the fragile ribs 24. During removal of the closure, the engagement bead 30 cooperates. again with the container locking ring L to provide a non-uniform tension in the guarantor 20 and in particular induce a progressive tension in the ribs 24.

During removal of the closure, the portion of engagement bead 30 which is closest to the top wall 12 will first hit the locking ring L on the container. This results in local voltage influence 10 in the region of the first touch. In this way, progressive fractures of the ribs 24 can be induced.

In order to prevent the engagement bead 30 from sliding over the locking ring L without breaking the ribs 24 during the removal of the closure, it is desirable that means be provided to prevent the guarantee ring from assuming a non-circular shape. For this purpose, a number of spaced centering ribs 29 are spaced above the engagement bead 30 above the engagement bead 30. The centering ribs 29 are positioned so as to strike the locking ring 20 L of the container during removal of the closure, thereby holding the guarantee ring in circular shape. .

It will be appreciated that other suitable forms of centering means may be used, e.g. a continuous ring on the inside of the closure or an area of reduced internal diameter just above the engagement bead. In short, a centering arrangement is intended to engage the locking ring L when the engagement bead 30 strikes it, thereby preventing the guarantee ring from assuming a non-circular shape, thus ensuring that the ribs 24 are broken as intended.

30

Claims (4)

14 DK 174625 B1 A plastic guarantee container (10) for a container, with a locking ring (L), comprising: a plastic capsule (12) with an annular upper wall (14) and an annular, suspended cylindrical skirt (16), an annular guarantee band (20) comprising an annular band portion (22) which hangs down from the cylindrical skirt (16), frangible rib means (24, 124) which at least partially connect the guarantee band (20) to the skirt (16), wherein the guarantee band (20) has engaging means (28,30) on the inside thereof, the engaging means (28,30) being able to cooperate with the locking ring (L) during removal of the closure (10) for breaking the breakable ribs (24,124), characterized by: the engagement means comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs (28) extending inward from the lower edge of the annular band portion (22) and an engagement bead (30) disposed on the inside of the annular band portion (22). ) below the flexible tabs (28), the flexible tabs 20 (28) has sufficient length and stiffness to be able to cooperate with the locking ring (L) for breaking the brittle ribs (24, 124) as the flexible lugs (28) extend head upwards and inwards relative to the annular ribbon portion (22), and the flexible tabs (28) are capable of cooperating with the locking ring (L) for breaking the frangible ribs (24, 124) when the flexible tabs (28) extend substantially down and down. inwardly relative to the annular band portion (22) and disposed between the locking ring (L) and the engagement bead (30). Guarantee closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible tabs (28) have a thickness approximately equal to the radial dimension of the rubbable ribs (24,124). Guarantee closure according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the tabs (28) has a thickness of between approx. 0.3 and 0.5 mm. Guarantee closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the guarantee belt (20) comprises at least one vertical scratch (133) which extends partially into the engagement bead (30) to provide a tear-off residual portion (135) of the warranty belt (135). 20). DK 174625 B1 V — 7 / y / _ MC JO /> \ xsvs ~ V \ x \ Ngtøm if \ I jlTff ^^ '2 _ ^ Κ ^ ε5η ======; ==' '' —18 Hfi 1111 fl c | Ί ~ ^ \ - 22 28 30 7r: .i £ 7- 2_ - = 7 j4 | 0 X \ ^. \ "Ννχ.ξ ^ 26 / * hR J = IP-ir · tT ^ µ ^ ΐµ— ^ 4Τ = 1Τ ^ Ί ^ ρρ "$ Γ 28 28/28 30 DK 174625 B1 7 ^ -JL Z = 7 - ^ - tjg% Tif Jjinr JBI jSl '. i® ~ 7zzjl £ ^ 1Æ i ^ zzj- iz ^ G <x-.f -— 7 / -7 6½ T->. C ΤΛ C Tn C zqM zfx'J ^ S f ^ ST "'S'u'jLr ^? 1 r-28 i Jp 8 zoAÆL ·! I 1 zf 22 i 22 1 22 / Χα! Γ' -> 5e \ - ^ rnf | 2nd J / xTOrgr ^ • ro "EB DK 174625 B1 tFZTqL 7_ Y \ W \\\ W \) n \ - \ J ___ F ^ EFiFFR \ f" lir JL / F_li) 3-b .— u - / \) ί ~% ΧΛ_ j ^ 'x> 0 I jmmWåm, / y- \ li \ ΰΡ ~ L% t> (-) ^ === 1 X 2 DK 174625 B1 -j — ji ΊΞϊ-8- \ J -— J ry i;: j I p A_ ,, Y ^ iXr ^ iy - 'i <—- L- - -4' / ^ Vj? X '-'3' L - ^. X 131 JI Kis ) / - ... ........ J _ / Xnx 115 DK 174625 B1 21 ~~ -I0 i ^^ z-Hl 11 1111111111111111111111 b = 24 28— ^ fiii 111 '1 TT [II [| _ ill [~~ —c a-10, io - / -14 ^ WAV / ^ J2 I ___ jf ^ T '~ H ~ ^ - ·· 7 · lJLIL ·