Tamper-evident closure

Abstract

The tamper-proof closure (1) comprises: an outer cap (2) having a side wall (21) and a top wall (23) having a tamper-proof member (24) connected to a surrounding area (25) by a breakable structure (26); an inner cap (4) having a side wall (41) and a top wall (43) coaxially nested in the outer cap, possibly with the top walls (23, 43) facing each other relatively axially movable; a protruding element (46) arranged between the top walls (23, 43) facing the tamper-proof member (24); first engagement means (52, 54) for driving the outer cap and the inner cap consistently when a rotational torque is applied on the outer cap (2) in a screwing direction (R1); second engagement means (72, 74) for driving the outer cap and the inner cap consistently when a rotational torque is applied on the outer cap (2) in a unscrewing direction (R2) while an axial force (F) is applied; third engagement means (82, 84) for breaking the breakable structure (26) when the outer cap and the inner cap relatively rotate when the outer cap is rotated in the unscrewing direction (R2) regardless of the axial force applied on the outer cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tamper-evident closure for containers with threaded openings. The invention also relates to a container with a tamper-evident closure and its specific application. Background Technology

[0002] Tamper-evident closures are commonly used for containers holding pharmaceutical substances. One safety feature of such closures allows detection of whether the closure has been opened, which can be combined with child safety features. For this purpose, tamper-evident indicators are typically used. For screw caps, the most common tamper-evident indicator is a ring around the lower end of the cap, connected to the cap by multiple breakable bridges. When the closure is opened for the first time, the breakable bridges are broken, thus detaching the tamper-evident ring from the cap. However, this solution requires a fitted container with a protruding portion or a peripheral groove near the threaded neck. Another solution providing tamper-evident functionality involves welding foil to the upper surface of the container opening. However, with this solution, it is no longer possible to integrate a chamber within the closure to receive active material intended for controlling the atmosphere within the container.

[0003] WO2017 / 220729A1 discloses a closure that includes an anti-theft system, a child safety mechanism, and a desiccant chamber integrated within the closure. The closure includes an outer cover and an inner cover capable of relative axial movement. When the closure is mounted on a container, a combination of axial force and rotational torque applied to the outer cover in the loosening direction can both disrupt the anti-theft mechanism of the outer cover, indicating that the closure has been opened, and engage a cooperating device between the outer and inner covers, allowing the inner cover to be rotated by the outer cover, and enabling the closure to be removed from the container.

[0004] An anti-theft system is still needed to protect this enclosure in order to prevent any fraudulent opening of the enclosure without compromising the anti-theft system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is an anti-theft closure for a container having a threaded opening, the closure comprising:

[0006] - An outer cover having a first sidewall and a first topwall, the first topwall including an anti-theft component connected to the surrounding area by a vulnerable structure;

[0007] - An inner cover having a second sidewall and a second topwall, the inner cover including a cover thread configured to engage with a container thread, the inner cover being coaxially nested in an outer cover and capable of relative axial movement, such that the first and second topwalls are able to be displaced relative to each other in the main axis direction of the closure;

[0008] - At least one protruding element, which is arranged between the first top wall and the second top wall and faces the anti-theft component;

[0009] - A first engagement mechanism between the outer and inner caps, the first engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer and inner caps in a consistent direction of tightening the cap threads onto the container threads when a rotational torque is applied to the outer cap in the tightening direction, so as to install the closure onto the container without damaging the vulnerable structure.

[0010] - A second engagement mechanism between the outer and inner covers, which is configured to drive the outer and inner covers in a consistent direction relative to the container threads in loosening the cover threads when a rotational torque is applied to the outer cover in the loosening direction while an axial force is applied in the main axis direction, so as to remove the closure from the container.

[0011] The closure also includes a third engagement mechanism between the outer cover and the inner cover, which is configured to break the fragile structure when the outer cover rotates in the unscrewing direction, regardless of the axial force applied to the outer cover in the direction of the main axis.

[0012] Due to its specific structure, the anti-theft closure according to the invention ensures that the anti-theft component is disassembled not only when the closure is normally opened, i.e., when the outer and inner covers are rotated together using the child-safe second engagement mechanism, but also when the closure is fraudulently opened without the outer and inner covers being rotated together. More specifically, the third engagement mechanism ensures relative rotational movement between the outer and inner covers, particularly preventing breakage of the fragile structure due to relative rotational movement caused by fraudulent attempts to open the closure without using the second engagement mechanism.

[0013] In practice, when the closure is opened using the child-safe second engagement mechanism, the vulnerable structure is destroyed by the protruding elements that abut against the anti-theft component due to the axial displacement of the first and second top walls in the direction of the main axis, caused by the rotational torque applied to the outer cover in the loosening direction and the axial force applied in the direction of the main axis. Note that within the framework of this invention, the protruding elements arranged between the first and second top walls can be fixed to either the outer or inner cover.

[0014] Advantageously, in order to initially install the closure onto the container without damaging the vulnerable structure, the first engagement mechanism is configured to consistently drive the outer and inner covers in the tightening direction when the user applies a rotational torque to the outer cover in the tightening direction, even without applying an axial force to the outer cover in the direction of the closure's main axis. This configuration prevents the protruding elements from coming into contact with the tamper-evident components in the direction of the closure's main axis, thereby maintaining the integrity of the vulnerable structure during the initial installation of the closure onto the container.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the second engagement mechanism includes coupling elements that engage with each other in such a way that, under the action of an axial force in the direction of the main axis, they overcome the elastic action of at least one elastic member of the closure, i.e., when the axial force is released, the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism automatically disengage.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one resilient member is configured to remain functional so that the coupling element of the second engagement mechanism automatically disengages in the event of a breakage of the vulnerable structure. In other words, child safety is maintained even when the anti-theft component is removed, as the second engagement mechanism acts as a "push-turn" mechanism.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the closure includes at least one elastic member disposed between an outer cover and an inner cover for biasing the first and second top walls away from each other in the direction of the closure's main axis. Coupling elements of a second engagement mechanism engage with each other against the elastic action of the at least one elastic member. In one embodiment, the elastic bias is provided by elastic members that also form coupling elements of at least one engagement mechanism (e.g., a first engagement mechanism) of the closure. As a variation, the elastic bias can be provided by a dedicated spring member independent of the engagement mechanism of the closure.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the outer cover is elastically deformable, and the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other through the reversible elastic deformation of the outer cover. In particular, the engagement of the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism can be generated by the elastic deformation of the outer cover under the action of an axial force applied in the direction of the main axis of the closure, and when the axial force is released, the outer cover can elastically return to its initial configuration, thereby automatically disengaging from the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the third engagement mechanism is separate from and different from either the first engagement mechanism or the second engagement mechanism. In other words, the coupling element of the third engagement mechanism is different from the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism. It should be understood that the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism may be formed by the same element or by different elements.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the third engagement mechanism is configured to break the fragile structure during relative rotational movement of the outer and inner covers, both when the outer cover rotates in the loosening direction and when it rotates in the tightening direction, regardless of the axial force applied to the outer cover in the direction of the main axis. In this way, the third engagement mechanism ensures that relative rotational movement of the outer and inner covers in any rotational direction results in the breakage of the fragile structure.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the third coupling mechanism includes a first coupling element on the anti-theft member and a second coupling element on the inner cover, the first coupling element having a coupling edge configured to engage with a corresponding coupling edge of the second coupling element during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover when the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the engagement edge of the second coupling element disposed on the inner cover is an inclined edge, on which the first coupling element disposed on the anti-theft member is configured to move away from the surrounding area in the direction of the main axis of the closure when the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction, during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover, so that the vulnerable structure breaks under the action of the axial tensile stress applied thereon.

[0023] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first coupling element arranged on the anti-theft member rises away from the surrounding area in the direction of the main axis of the closure, while simultaneously traveling on the inclined edge of the second coupling element. This causes axial displacement of the anti-theft member away from the surrounding area, thereby causing the vulnerable structure to break. This embodiment is advantageous because the breakage mode of the vulnerable structure is the same regardless of whether it breaks due to the abutting contact of the protruding elements (multiple) or due to the engagement of the coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism. In both cases, the breakage of the vulnerable structure is caused by the axial tensile stress applied to the vulnerable structure in the direction of the main axis of the closure.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the engagement edge of the second coupling element disposed on the inner cover is a substantially straight edge, and the first coupling element disposed on the anti-theft component is configured to circumferentially press against the edge when the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction, during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover, so that the fragile structure breaks under the action of the circumferential shear stress applied thereon.

[0025] More specifically, in this embodiment, a first coupling element disposed on the anti-theft member presses against the engagement edge of a second coupling element, causing the anti-theft member to tend to shift circumferentially relative to the surrounding area, thereby resulting in shear stress being applied to the vulnerable structure. In this embodiment, the vulnerable structure is designed to fail according to two different failure modes: under axial tensile stress applied thereto, when the vulnerable structure fails due to the abutting contact of (multiple) protruding elements; and under circumferential shear stress applied thereto, when it fails due to the engagement of the coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, each pair of coupling elements of the third coupling mechanism includes a male coupling element and a female coupling element, the male coupling element being received within the female coupling element. From the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the male and female coupling elements are capable of axial displacement toward each other in the direction of the main axis of the closure. Throughout this text, the expression "initial mounting configuration of the closure" refers to a configuration suitable for the initial mounting of the closure onto a container, which advantageously corresponds to the configuration in which the inner and outer covers are initially assembled.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one pair of coupling elements of the third coupling mechanism includes a male coupling element disposed on the anti-theft member and a female coupling element disposed on the inner cover. According to another embodiment, at least one pair of coupling elements of the third coupling mechanism includes a male coupling element disposed on the inner cover and a female coupling element disposed on the anti-theft member. The male and female coupling elements may be disposed on one of the anti-theft member and the inner cover, while corresponding female and male coupling elements are disposed on the other of the anti-theft member and the inner cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, the coupling element of the first engagement mechanism includes a plurality of inclined strip-shaped elastic members and a plurality of wedge-shaped elements, such that when a rotational torque in the tightening direction is applied to the outer cover, the elastic members and the higher edges of the wedge-shaped elements form a locking arrangement, and the inner cover and the outer cover rotate in unison in the tightening direction.

[0029] In one embodiment, the coupling element of the first engagement mechanism includes a plurality of drive ribs and a plurality of wedge elements, such that when a rotational torque in the tightening direction is applied to the outer cover, the drive ribs and the higher edges of the wedge elements form a locking arrangement, and the inner cover and the outer cover rotate in unison in the tightening direction.

[0030] In one embodiment, the coupling element of the second engagement mechanism includes the same coupling element as the first engagement mechanism, in the form of a drive rib and a wedge element, such that when a combination of an axial force in the direction of the main axis and a rotational torque in the loosening direction is applied to the outer cover, the drive rib and the lower edge of the wedge element form a locking arrangement, and the inner cover and the outer cover rotate in unison in the loosening direction.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the vulnerable structure includes a plurality of vulnerable bridges, and each coupling element of the third engagement mechanism arranged on the anti-theft member is positioned near the vulnerable bridge. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the vulnerable structure includes four vulnerable bridges, and the anti-theft member includes four male coupling elements, each positioned near a respective vulnerable bridge.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, in the initial installation configuration of the closure, the angular travel of the coupling element for engaging the first engagement mechanism in the tightening direction is less than or equal to, and preferably less than, the angular travel of the coupling element for engaging the third engagement mechanism in the tightening direction. This configuration ensures that the closure can be installed on a container without damaging the vulnerable structure.

[0033] In the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism can be positioned in pairs abutting each other in the tightening direction, corresponding to an angular travel of substantially zero in the tightening direction for engaging the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism. As a variation, in the initial mounting configuration of the closure, an initial gap may exist for each pair of coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism. The width of the initial gap between the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism is then selected to be less than or equal to, preferably less than, the width of the gap between the coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism, all gaps being considered in the tightening direction.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, in the initial installation configuration of the closure, the angular travel of the coupling element for engaging the third engagement mechanism in the loosening direction is substantially equal to the angular travel of the coupling element for engaging the third engagement mechanism in the tightening direction. In this way, from the initial installation configuration of the closure, the efficiency of the third engagement mechanism in disrupting vulnerable structures during relative rotational movement of the outer and inner covers is substantially the same in any rotational direction, both in the tightening and loosening directions.

[0035] According to one feature of the invention, the axial clearance of the closure in the direction of the main axis (corresponding to the axial displacement of the outer cover toward the inner cover between the initial installation configuration of the closure and the configuration of the closure in which the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism begin to engage with each other) is greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, the axial displacement required for the (plural) protruding elements to come into contact with the anti-theft member and break the vulnerable structure. In this way, when the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other, under the pressure exerted by the (plural) protruding elements, the anti-theft member must be disassembled from the surrounding area through the breakage of the vulnerable structure.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the closure includes an indexing mechanism for positioning an outer cover and an inner cover in an initial mounting configuration of the closure. In one embodiment, the indexing mechanism includes complementary raised structures on the outer and inner covers, adapted to guide the outer and inner covers toward the initial mounting configuration of the closure while allowing the outer and inner covers to rotate freely relative to each other in the initial mounting configuration. Specifically, the indexing mechanism may include at least one indexing rib disposed on one of the outer and inner covers and configured to engage with a complementary indexing groove disposed on the other of the outer and inner covers. Preferably, the indexing mechanism includes a plurality of complementary raised structures (e.g., a plurality of indexing ribs and grooves) distributed around the periphery of the outer and inner covers to control the relative position of the covers over their entire circumference during assembly.

[0037] Note that instead of a mechanically guided indexing mechanism, the outer and inner covers can be positioned in the initial installation configuration of the closure using other types of indexing devices, such as a vision inspection system that includes a camera for pre-positioning the inner cover at an angle relative to the outer cover about the main axis of the closure before the inner cover is nested within the outer cover.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the closure includes a locking mechanism for retaining the inner cover within the outer cover. Specifically, the locking mechanism may include an inwardly rolled edge of the outer cover, which is designed to engage with a corresponding outwardly projecting flange of the inner cover.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the inner cap defines a cavity for receiving active material. Within the meaning of this invention, active material is a material capable of modulating the atmosphere within the container. Active material can be of any type. In particular, active material can belong to the group consisting of: moisture absorbers (desiccants); oxygen scavengers; odor absorbers; and / or emitters of moisture or volatile olfactory organic compounds. Optionally, active material may be capable of releasing gaseous substances (such as moisture or fragrance). For example, this property can be used in applications where sensitive products require specific moisture levels. Such products are, for example, powders, particularly powders used to generate aerosols, gelatin capsules, herbs, gels and creams (including cosmetics), and food products.

[0040] Examples of suitable dehydrating agents include, but are not limited to, silica gel, dehydrating clay, activated alumina, calcium oxide, barium oxide, natural or synthetic zeolites, molecular sieves or similar sieves, or deliquescent salts such as magnesium sulfide, calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride, etc. Preferably, the dehydrating agent is a molecular sieve and / or silica gel.

[0041] Examples of suitable oxygen collectors include, but are not limited to, reducing metal powders (particularly iron, zinc, and tin powders), metal oxides that still possess oxidizing capabilities (particularly ferrous oxide and iron compounds (such as carbides, carbonyl compounds, and hydroxides), activated carbon, activated alumina, or activated clay, used alone or in the presence of activators (such as organic acid salts or hydroxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals, carbonates, sulfites, thiosulfates, phosphates, and hydrogenates). Other reagents for collecting oxygen may also be selected from specific reactive polymers, such as those described in patent documents US5,736,616A, WO99 / 48963A2, WO98 / 51758A1, and WO2018 / 149778A1.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the inner cover includes a sealing member configured to provide an airtight seal between the inner cover and the opening of the container, the sealing member preferably being an inner sealing skirt having an angled sealing surface.

[0043] Another subject of the invention is a container having a closure as described above, the closure being securely screwed onto the threads of the container and sealing the container.

[0044] Another subject of the invention is the use of the container as described above for containing moisture-sensitive items (such as tablets or capsules containing pharmaceutical compositions; health products; herbal products; diagnostic products). Attached Figure Description

[0045] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of four embodiments of the anti-theft closure and container according to the invention, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a container with an anti-theft closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective bottom view of the outer cover of the anti-theft closure component;

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective top view of the inner cover of the anti-theft closure;

[0049] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective bottom view of the inner cover of the anti-theft closure;

[0050] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 The larger proportion of the cross section of the plane V;

[0051] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross section of line VI-VI, where line VV corresponds to Figure 5 The cross-section;

[0052] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a large proportion and partially cut open portion of an anti-theft enclosure;

[0053] Figure 8 The outer cover of the anti-theft closure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is... Figure 2 Similar perspective bottom view;

[0054] Figure 9 The inner cover of the anti-theft closure according to the second embodiment is... Figure 3 Similar perspective top view;

[0055] Figure 10 This is a partially cut-away perspective view of the anti-theft closure according to the second embodiment;

[0056] Figure 11 The anti-theft closure according to the second embodiment and Figure 5 Similar cross-sections;

[0057] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a container with an anti-theft closure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A perspective bottom view of the outer cover of the anti-theft closure component;

[0059] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A perspective top view of the inner cover of the anti-theft closure;

[0060] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A perspective bottom view of the inner cover of the anti-theft closure;

[0061] Figure 16 It is based on Figure 12 The larger proportion of the cross section of the plane XVI;

[0062] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 The cross section of line XVII-XVII, where line XVI-XVI corresponds to Figure 16 The cross-section;

[0063] Figure 18 The outer cover of the anti-theft closure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is... Figure 2 Similar perspective bottom view;

[0064] Figure 19 The inner cover of the anti-theft closure according to the fourth embodiment is... Figure 3 Similar perspective top view;

[0065] Figure 20 It is the anti-theft closure according to the fourth embodiment and Figure 5 Similar cross-sections;

[0066] Figure 21 It is the anti-theft closure according to the fourth embodiment and Figure 6 A similar cross section, where line XX-XX corresponds to Figure 20 The cross-section;

[0067] Figure 22 It is the construction of the tamper-evident seal corresponding to the first step of loosening the seal from the container. Figure 21 Similar cross-sections; and

[0068] Figure 23 It is the construction of the anti-theft closure corresponding to the second step of loosening the closure from the container. Figure 21 Similar cross-sections. Detailed Implementation

[0069] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the first embodiment shown, the anti-theft closure 1 according to the invention is configured to screw onto a container 10, such as... Figure 5The figure shows an opening 12 with external threads 14. The shape of the container 10 shown is merely illustrative; it should be understood that the container 10 can have any shape as long as it has an opening, which is surrounded externally or otherwise internally by threads 14 to which a closure 1 can be screwed. Figure 1 In the example, the container has a neck portion. However, it is also possible to provide a container with a bottle shape having a relatively narrow neck or a straight cylindrical shape. Similarly, a non-rotational geometry can be provided for the container, provided that it has an annular container thread, which can be a continuous thread or an interrupted thread.

[0070] The closure 1 comprises two caps nested inside each other. Figure 1 In this embodiment, only the outer cover 2 is visible, which includes a first sidewall 21 and a first top wall 23. The first sidewall 21 may be provided with suitable means to increase grip for the user. In the example shown, multiple ribs are provided on the first sidewall 21 and extend axially in the main axis direction X1 of the closure. The first top wall 23 includes an anti-theft member 24, which is connected to the surrounding area 25 via a vulnerable structure 26. As a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown, the vulnerable structure includes four different vulnerable bridges 26 regularly distributed around the periphery of the anti-theft member 24. In a variation, the vulnerable structure 26 may be formed of a material of reduced thickness that completely surrounds the anti-theft member 24. Figure 1 The geometry of the outer cover 2 shown is only an example, and other geometries are also possible, as long as the anti-theft component 24 is positioned at the first top wall 23 of the outer cover 2.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner cover 4 includes a second sidewall 41 and a second top wall 43. The top wall 43 is provided with a protruding element 46. Figure 5 As can be seen, the protruding element 46 has a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the anti-theft member 24, which is part of the first top wall 23 of the outer cover 2. As will be explained below, the protruding element 46 is configured to remove the anti-theft member 24 by breaking the fragile bridge 26 between the anti-theft member 24 and the surrounding area 25 when the outer cover 2 is axially displaced toward the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1. In this case, the breakage of the fragile bridge 26 is caused by the axial tensile stress applied thereon in the main axial direction X1.

[0072] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As can be seen, the inner cover 4 is provided with an inner cover thread 44, which is configured to mate with the container thread 14 of the container 10. In this way, the closure 1 can be tightened onto the neck of the container 10 by rotating in the tightening direction R1, which in this example is clockwise. The inner cover 4 also includes a sealing skirt 48, which is configured to establish a sealing contact with the inner wall surface of the container 10 surrounding the dispensing opening 12. Figure 5 As shown, the sealing skirt 48 has an inwardly sloping outer sealing surface 49. This geometry of the sealing surface 49 enhances the sealing performance of the closure 1 when used on standard bottles or containers, because the sloping sealing surface 49 can more easily adapt to different dimensional variations on the inside of the neck of the bottle or container on which the closure 1 is used. Utilizing the sloping sealing surface 49, the sealing contact tends to be purely line contact, allowing tolerances and even small irregularities in the dimensional variations of the container neck to be compensated for. Figure 5 As can be seen, in the installed state, there is line contact between the beveled sealing surface 49 and the inner edge of the neck of the container 10, which provides optimal sealing contact due to the deformation of the sealing surface along the contact line. Furthermore, the beveled sealing surface 49 allows for easy adaptation to dimensional variations in the thickness of the nozzle of the container 10.

[0073] The inner cover 4 also includes an annular wall 45 defining a cavity 40 for receiving active material 16 (particularly a desiccant and / or oxygen scavenger) capable of modulating the atmosphere within the container 10. Figure 5 As shown, the cavity 40 is enclosed by a breathable cover 15 that retains the active material 16 within the cavity. In the illustrated example, the breathable cover 15 is a cardboard piece held at its periphery by a thin, rolled-up extension 45' of an annular wall 45. Figure 4 As can be seen, axial ribs 40' are provided in the inner surface of the annular wall 45 to enhance the support of the cardboard 15 when the cavity 40 has been filled with the active material 16. In one embodiment, the breathable cover 15 may be a porous membrane fixed to the distal end of the annular wall 45, for example, by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc. In a variation, the inner cover 4 may be provided with a suitable attachment structure for holding the pre-formed container containing the active material.

[0074] The first sidewall 21 of the outer cover 2 includes a radially inwardly extending rolled edge 22, which, when the outer cover 2 is mounted on the inner cover 4, forms a forced lock with a radially outwardly extending flange 42 provided on the second sidewall 41 of the inner cover 4. The inward rolled edge 22 and the outward flange 42 cooperate in such a way that the outer cover 2 is securely held on the inner cover 4, making it impossible to remove from the inner cover 4. (As in...) Figure 2As can be seen in the bottom view, the outer cover 2 also includes several coupling elements integrally formed on one side of the first top wall 23, which faces the second top wall 43 of the inner cover 4 in the installed state. The coupling elements of the outer cover 2 include a plurality of resilient members 52 in the form of inclined strips regularly distributed on the surrounding area 25 and a plurality of peripheral drive ribs 72. Advantageously, each resilient member 52 has a geometry as described in WO2017 / 220729A1, having a base extending substantially vertically from the first top wall 23, followed by a transition portion in which the resilient member 52 changes its orientation to an angular position. Reinforcing ribs, not shown in the figure, may also be provided close to the base in the width direction of the resilient member 52 to increase the robustness and stiffness of the resilient member.

[0075] The inner cover 4 includes corresponding coupling elements surrounding the protruding element 46 on the upper side of the top wall 43, including a plurality of wedge-shaped elements 54 with beveled surfaces and a plurality of peripheral serrations 74. Each wedge-shaped element 54 is configured to engage with the resilient member 52 of the outer cover to form a first engagement mechanism, while each peripheral serration 74 is configured to engage with the peripheral drive rib 72 of the outer cover to form a second engagement mechanism. The resilient member 52 is configured to offset the outer cover and the inner cover away from each other in the main axial direction X1 in such a way that the drive rib 72 of the outer cover 2 does not initially engage with the serrations 74 of the inner cover 4. When the outer cover 2 moves axially toward the inner cover 4 against the action of the resilient member 52, each drive rib 72 is received in the gap between two consecutive serrations 74, more precisely, between the edge 74a of the first serration 74 in the tightening direction R1 and the edge 74b of the second serration 74 in the loosening direction R2. As a non-limiting example, in this embodiment, the first engagement mechanism includes five resilient members 52 on the outer cover 2 configured to engage with five wedge-shaped elements 54 on the inner cover 4, and the second engagement mechanism includes ten drive ribs 72 on the outer cover 2 configured to engage with ten serrations 74 on the inner cover 4.

[0076] The closure 1 also includes a third engagement mechanism between the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4, which is designed to break the vulnerable structure 26 during relative rotational movement of the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4. The coupling element of the third engagement mechanism includes a plurality of bolts 82 regularly arranged on the periphery of the anti-theft member 24 and configured to engage with a plurality of corresponding recesses 84 provided on the protruding element 46. More precisely, each bolt 82 is received in a corresponding recess 84 and is capable of axial displacement in the main axis direction X1. Specifically, as shown... Figure 6As can be seen, for each pair of bolts 82 and recesses 84, bolt 82 has a first engagement edge 82a and a second engagement edge 82b. When the outer cover 2 rotates in the tightening direction R1, the first engagement edge is intended to engage with the first engagement edge 84a of the recess 84 during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover. When the outer cover 2 rotates in the loosening direction R2, the second engagement edge is intended to engage with the second engagement edge 84b of the recess 84 during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover.

[0077] Advantageously, for each recess 84, the engagement edges 84a and 84b on each side of the recess have inclined surfaces, such that when the outer cover rotates in either of the rotational directions R1 or R2, the bolts 82 received in the recess 84 during the relative rotational movement of the outer and inner covers can smoothly climb on each inclined edge 84a or 84b. The engagement edges 82a and 82b of each bolt 82 may also have inclined surfaces complementary to the inclined edges 84a or 84b of the inner cover, which further facilitates the climbing of the bolts 82 on the corresponding inclined edges 84a or 84b. When all the bolts 82 present on the tamper-evident member 24 move upward on the inclined edges 84a or 84b of the inner cover, the tamper-evident member 24 is axially displaced away from the surrounding area 25 in the main axial direction X1. This generates an axial tensile force in the vulnerable bridge 26 connecting the tamper-evident member 24 to the surrounding area 25, which ultimately leads to the breakage of the vulnerable bridge 26.

[0078] Interestingly, in this embodiment, the fracture modes of the vulnerable bridges 26 are identical (i.e., by axial tension of the bridges), regardless of whether they fracture due to the abutting contact of the protruding element 46 or due to the engagement of the coupling elements 82 and 84 of the third engagement mechanism. Advantageously, each bolt 82 is positioned adjacent to the corresponding vulnerable bridge 26, which improves the fracturing efficiency of the third engagement mechanism. Figure 7 As can be seen, each vulnerable bridge 26 has a generally U-shaped cross-section, a flat bottom wall 261 facing the inner cover 4, and a thinner middle portion 262, such that breakage of the vulnerable bridge 26 preferably occurs at the thinner middle portion 262. Utilizing this geometry of the vulnerable bridges, once the anti-theft member 24 has been removed, a portion of each vulnerable bridge 26 still protrudes beyond the surrounding area 25, making it clearly visible that a portion of the outer cover 2 has detached from the surrounding area and the container is no longer anti-theft. Furthermore, another portion of each vulnerable bridge 26 remains attached to the anti-theft member 24, having an irregularly shaped breakage area, such that the anti-theft member 24 cannot be deceptively repositioned in the surrounding area in an attempt to conceal that the closure 1 has been opened.

[0079] To increase visibility, it is preferable that the protrusion of each vulnerable bridge 26 attached to the surrounding area protrudes at least 0.5 mm from the surrounding area 25 and enters the opening left once the tamper-evident member 24 is removed. As a non-limiting example, in this embodiment, the third engagement mechanism includes four studs 82 on the tamper-evident member 24 of the outer cover 2, which are configured to engage with four recesses 84 of the inner cover 4, each stud 82 being located near a corresponding one of the four vulnerable bridges 26.

[0080] In operation, the nested outer cover 2 and inner cover 4 can rotate together to mount the closure 1 onto the container 10. A clockwise rotation direction R1 for tightening the cover thread 44 onto the container thread 14 causes each resilient member 52 to engage with the higher edge 54a of the corresponding wedge element 54, even when no axial force is applied in the main axis direction X1. The higher edge 54a provides an abutment for the corresponding resilient member 52, allowing the inner and outer covers to rotate synchronously in the tightening direction R1. This locking interaction between the resilient members 52 and the wedge elements 54, without any axial force, is only possible when the closure 1 is secured to the container 20 by rotation in the tightening direction R1.

[0081] When a user rotates the outer cover 2 counterclockwise R2 to loosen the cover thread 44 relative to the container thread 14 in an attempt to open the closure 1 without applying an axial force to the outer cover 2 in the main axis direction X1, the elastic member 52 slides on the inclined surface of the wedge element 54 at its angle. As a result, the rotation of the outer cover 2 does not cause a corresponding rotation of the inner cover 4, which may generate sufficient relative rotational movement between the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 to allow the coupling elements 82 and 84 of the third engagement mechanism to engage with each other, thereby breaking the vulnerable bridge 26. Of course, the same construction and function can be provided if the rotational directions R1 and R2 for closing and opening the container 10 should be reversed. As a non-limiting example, in the illustrated embodiment, the height h1 of the higher edge 54a of each wedge element 54 is on the order of 1 mm, while the height of the lower edge 54b of each wedge element 54 is essentially zero.

[0082] Opening the closure 1 requires engagement of the drive ribs 72 of the outer cover 2 with the edges 74b of the serrations 74 of the inner cover 4. This is only possible after the outer cover 2 has overcome the effect of the elastic member 52, which offsets the outer and inner covers away from each other in the main axial direction X1, and has been axially displaced toward the inner cover 4. When the axial thrust F is applied to the top surface of the top wall 23 in the main axial direction X1, each drive rib 72 is received in the gap between two consecutive serrations 74 and can interact with the adjacent serration edges 74b as the outer cover 2 rotates in the loosening counterclockwise direction R2, causing the inner cover 4 to also rotate in the same loosening direction R2. Then, when the axial thrust F on the outer cover 2 is released, the elastic member 52 applies a biasing force toward the disengagement of the drive ribs 72 and the serrations 74, allowing the elastic member 52 to return to its relaxed position and displace the outer cover 2 away from the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1.

[0083] The initial setting of the closure 1 is such that, in the initial mounting configuration of the closure (which is suitable for the initial mounting of the closure on the container and actually corresponds to the configuration in which the inner cover 4 is initially nested in the outer cover 2), the angular travel α1 of the engagement between each elastic member 52 of the first engagement mechanism and the edge 54a of the corresponding wedge element 54 in the tightening direction R1 is less than or equal to, preferably less than, the angular travel α2 of the engagement between each stud 82 of the third engagement mechanism and the first engagement edge 84a of the corresponding recess 84 in the tightening direction R1.

[0084] This initial arrangement of the angular travels α1 and α2 ensures that the closure 1 can be installed on the container 10 without damaging the fragile bridge 26 due to the interaction between the coupling elements 82 and 84 of the third engagement mechanism. In the initial installation configuration of the closure, the coupling elements 52 and 54 of the first engagement mechanism can be positioned in pairs abutting each other in the tightening direction R1, which corresponds to an angular travel α1 that is essentially zero, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown in the example. As a variation, in the initial installation configuration of the closure 1, there may be an initial gap between the coupling elements 52 and 54 of the first engagement mechanism.

[0085] Figure 6It is also shown that in an initial mounting configuration of the closure suitable for initial mounting the closure onto the container, the angular travel α4 in the loosening direction R2 for engaging each bolt 82 of the third engagement mechanism with the second engagement edge 84b of the corresponding recess 84 is substantially equal to the angular travel α2 in the tightening direction R1 for engaging each bolt 82 of the third engagement mechanism with the first engagement edge 84a of the corresponding recess 84. In this way, starting from the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the efficiency of the third engagement mechanism in disrupting the vulnerable structure 26 during relative rotational movement of the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 is substantially the same in either the rotational direction R1 or R2. However, in other embodiments, the angular travel α2 and α4 may also have different values.

[0086] It can be noted that the angular stroke α3 of each drive rib 72 for the second engagement mechanism in the loosening direction R2 and the engagement of the corresponding serrated edge 74b can be selected independently of the other angular strokes α1, α2, α4, because the second engagement mechanism is only effective in a configuration in which the outer cover 2 is pressed against the inner cover 4 and the anti-theft member 24 must be removed from the surrounding area 25.

[0087] Another initial setting of the closure 1 is its axial clearance h0, which corresponds to the axial displacement of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1 between the initial installation configuration of the closure and the configuration of the closure in which the coupling elements 72, 74 of the second engagement mechanism begin to engage with each other. The axial clearance h0 is selected to be greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, the axial displacement required for the protruding element 46 to abut against the anti-theft member 24 and destroy the vulnerable bridge 26, such that when the coupling elements 72, 74 of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other, the anti-theft member 24 has been dislodged from the surrounding area 25 under the pressure exerted by the protruding element 46.

[0088] Additionally, the axial clearance h0 is selected to be less than or equal to the maximum travel h of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 in the main axis direction X1. m This ensures that the coupling elements 72 and 74 of the second coupling mechanism can effectively engage with each other. Figure 5 As shown, the maximum stroke h m The distance is equal to the height of the base of each elastic member 52 (i.e., the height of the portion of each elastic member 52 extending substantially vertically from the surrounding region 25) obtained by subtracting the initial distance between the surrounding region 25 and the second top wall 43 under the initial installation configuration of the closure. As a non-limiting example, in this embodiment, the axial clearance h0 has an order of 1.3 mm, while the maximum stroke h... m It has a thickness on the order of 2.3 mm. Maximum stroke h m It is also higher than or equal to, preferably higher than, the axial displacement required for the protruding element 46 to come into contact with the anti-theft component 24 and to destroy the vulnerable bridge 26.

[0089] exist Figures 8 to 11 In the second embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The anti-theft closure 1 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes an indexing mechanism for positioning the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 in the initial installation configuration of the closure 1, and predetermined angular travels α1, α2, α3, α4 for engaging coupling elements for the first, second, and third engagement mechanisms. Figures 8 to 11 As can be seen, in this second embodiment, the indexing mechanism includes four axial indexing ribs 47 disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall 41 of the inner cover 4, which are configured to engage with four complementary indexing grooves 27 disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall 21 of the outer cover 2.

[0090] The indexing ribs 47 are equidistantly distributed around the periphery of the inner cover, as are the indexing grooves 27 around the outer cover, ensuring that the relative positions of the two covers are precisely controlled across their entire periphery during assembly. The complementary indexing ribs 47 and grooves 27 are designed to guide the outer cover 2 and inner cover 4 toward the initial mounting configuration of the closure 1, but also allow the outer cover 2 and inner cover 4 to rotate freely relative to each other once in the initial mounting configuration of the closure 1. More precisely, as specifically in… Figure 10 As can be seen in the partial cross-sectional view, the indexing groove 27 is provided only in the inner rolled edge 22 of the outer cover, so that once the outer flange 42 of the inner cover has been locked behind the inner rolled edge 22 of the outer cover, the indexing rib 47 is no longer held in the circumferential direction, and the inner cover 4 can rotate freely inside the outer cover 2.

[0091] Of course, within the framework of this invention, the relative positioning of the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 corresponding to the initial installation configuration of the closure 1 with predetermined values ​​of travel α1, α2, α3, α4 can be obtained using an indexing device, except for indexing mechanisms involving mechanical guidance via a complementary structure with raised surfaces. For example, in embodiments where the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 do not have such a complementary indexing structure, the initial installation configuration of the closure 1 can be achieved using a visual inspection system, such as a camera for pre-positioning the inner cover 2 at an angle relative to the outer cover 4 about the main axis X1 of the closure before the inner cover 4 is nested within the outer cover 2.

[0092] exist Figures 12 to 17In the third embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The difference between the anti-theft closure 1 of the third embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the third engagement mechanism, which includes a female coupling element 92 on the outer cover 2 and a male coupling element 94 on the inner cover 4. This is in contrast to the first embodiment, where the third engagement mechanism includes a male coupling element 82 on the outer cover 2 and a female coupling element 84 on the inner cover 4. More precisely, in the third embodiment, the coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism include two slots 92 arranged radially opposite each other on the periphery of the anti-theft member 24 and configured to engage with two teeth 94 provided on the protruding element 46. Each tooth 94 is received in a corresponding slot 92 and is capable of axial displacement in the main axis direction X1. In this embodiment, the dimensions of each slot 92 are determined to receive and interact with the corresponding tooth 94, while disallowing the insertion of tools to loosen the inner cover without damaging the vulnerable bridge 26.

[0093] Especially as Figure 17 As can be seen, for each pair of grooves 92 and teeth 94, the teeth 94 have a first engaging edge 94a and a second engaging edge 94b. The first engaging edge is designed to engage with the first engaging edge 92a of the groove 92 when the outer cover 2 rotates in the tightening direction R1, during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover. The second engaging edge is designed to engage with the second engaging edge 92b of the groove 92 when the outer cover 2 rotates in the loosening direction R2, during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover. Figure 14 and Figure 17 As best seen, for each tooth 94, the mating edges 94a and 94b defining the tooth have inclined surfaces. In this way, when the outer cover rotates in either of the rotational directions R1 or R2, during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover, the mating edges 92a or 92b of the groove 92 surrounding the tooth 94 can climb on the corresponding inclined edges 94a or 94b of the tooth.

[0094] When the engaging edges 92a or 92b of the two slots 92 in the anti-theft member 24 move upward on the inclined edges 94a or 94b of the two teeth 94 of the inner cover, the anti-theft member 24 is axially displaced away from the surrounding area 25 in the main axial direction X1. This generates an axial tensile force in the vulnerable bridge 26 that connects the anti-theft member 24 to the surrounding area 25, which ultimately leads to the breakage of the vulnerable bridge 26. As in the first embodiment, the breakage of the vulnerable bridge 26 is due to the axial tension of the bridge, whether it is due to the abutting contact of the protruding element 46 or the engagement of the coupling elements 92 and 94 of the third engagement mechanism.

[0095] exist Figures 18 to 23In the fourth embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The anti-theft closure 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the first and second engagement mechanisms use the same coupling elements 62, 64, which are designed to engage each other in pairs according to two different configurations, depending on whether the outer cover 2 rotates in the tightening direction R1 or the loosening direction R2. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, there is no elastic member for offsetting the outer cover 2 and inner cover 4 away from each other in the main axial direction X1. In the fourth embodiment, the coupling elements 62, 64b of the second engagement mechanism overcome their engagement by their elastic action and automatically disengage when the axial force is released, directly provided by the elastically deformable outer cover.

[0096] In the fourth embodiment, the outer cover 2 includes a plurality of radial ribs 62 regularly distributed on a surrounding area 25. These radial ribs are configured to engage corresponding wedge-shaped elements 64, which have inclined surfaces disposed on the top wall 43 of the inner cover 4, surrounding the protruding elements 46 at an angle. The inner cover 4 also includes a plurality of arcuate support elements 65 projecting from its top wall 43, positioned between the wedge-shaped elements 64 and the protruding elements 46. Figures 18 to 23 In the non-limiting example shown, there are four support elements 65 regularly distributed around the protruding element 46 on the top wall 43 of the inner cover 4, and twelve radial ribs 62 on the outer cover 2 configured to engage with the twelve wedge-shaped elements 64 of the inner cover 4. The coupling element of the first engagement mechanism is the radial ribs 62 and the upper edge 64a of the wedge-shaped elements 64, while the coupling element of the second engagement mechanism is the radial ribs 62 and the lower edge 64b of the wedge-shaped elements 64. The closure 1 of the fourth embodiment also includes a third engagement mechanism, which is the same as the third engagement mechanism of the first embodiment, namely, including a plurality of studs 82 of the outer cover 2 configured to engage with a plurality of recesses 84 provided on the protruding element 46 of the inner cover 4.

[0097] like Figure 20 As shown, in this fourth embodiment, the initial mounting configuration of the closure 1, suitable for initial mounting the closure onto the container 10, allows the radial rib 62 to contact the higher edge 64a, and the radial rib 62 to potentially move axially in the main axis direction X1 within the gap between the wedge-shaped elements 64, while the anti-theft member 24 rests on the protruding element 46. In this fourth embodiment, the anti-theft member 24 is configured to disengage from the surrounding area 25 when an axial thrust F is applied to the outer cover 2 in the main axis direction X1, causing the protruding element 46 to displace when it is pushed against the anti-theft member 24, thereby destroying the vulnerable bridge 26, while the radial rib 62 displaces towards the lower edge 64b of the wedge-shaped elements 64 within the gap between the wedge-shaped elements 64.

[0098] As in the first embodiment, the initial configuration of the closure 1 is such that, in the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the angular travel α1 in the tightening direction R1 for each radial rib 62 to engage with the higher edge 64a of the corresponding wedge element 64 is less than or equal to, preferably less than, the angular travel α2 in the tightening direction R1 for each stud 82 of the third engagement mechanism to engage with the first engagement edge 84a of the corresponding recess 84. This initial configuration of the angular travel α1 and α2 ensures that the closure 1 can be mounted on the container 10 without damaging the vulnerable bridge 26 due to the interaction between the coupling elements 82, 84 of the third engagement mechanism. As an example, in the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the coupling elements 62, 64a of the first engagement mechanism can be positioned in pairs abutting each other in the tightening direction R1, which corresponds to an angular travel α1 that is essentially zero, such as... Figure 21 As shown.

[0099] Again, in the initial mounting configuration of the closure suitable for initial mounting the closure onto the container, the angular travel α4 in the loosening direction R2 for engaging each bolt 82 of the third engagement mechanism with the second engagement edge 84b of the corresponding recess 84 is substantially equal to the angular travel α2 in the tightening direction R1 for engaging each bolt 82 of the third engagement mechanism with the first engagement edge 84a of the corresponding recess 84. However, in other embodiments, the angular travel α2 and α4 may have different values. The angular travel α3 in the loosening direction R2 for engaging each radial rib 62 with the corresponding lower edge 64b of the second engagement mechanism can be selected independently of the other angular travel α1, α2, α4, because the second engagement mechanism is only effective in a configuration in which the outer cover 2 is pressed against the inner cover 4 and the anti-theft member 24 must be removed from the surrounding area 25.

[0100] Another initial configuration of the closure 1 in the fourth embodiment is its axial clearance h0, which corresponds to the axial displacement of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1 between the initial mounting configuration of the closure and the configuration in which the coupling elements 62, 64b of the second engagement mechanism begin to engage with each other. The axial clearance h0 is selected to be greater than or equal to, preferably greater than, the axial displacement required for the protruding element 46 to abut against the anti-theft member 24 and destroy the vulnerable bridge 26, such that when the coupling elements 62, 64b of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other, the anti-theft member 24 has been dislodged from the surrounding area 25 under the pressure exerted by the protruding element 46.

[0101] In this fourth embodiment, without deformation of the outer cover 2, the maximum travel h of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 in the main axis direction X1 is... mThis is equal to the axial distance between the surrounding area 25 and the support element 65. In this embodiment, contrary to the previous embodiment, the axial clearance h0 is greater than the maximum stroke h. m Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the outer cover 2 is required to achieve the mutual engagement of the coupling elements 62 and 64b. As a non-limiting example, in this fourth embodiment, the height h1 of the higher edge 64a is on the order of 2.8 mm; the height h2 of the lower edge 64b of each wedge element 64 is on the order of 1.5 mm; the axial clearance h0 is on the order of 1.3 mm; and the maximum stroke h... m It has a thickness on the order of 0.8 mm. Preferably, the maximum stroke h m The axial displacement required for the protruding element 46 to come into contact with the anti-theft component 24 and to destroy the vulnerable bridge 26 is selected to be higher than or equal to, preferably higher than, the axial displacement required for the protruding element 46 to come into contact with the anti-theft component 24 and to destroy the vulnerable bridge 26.

[0102] During operation, when torque is applied to the outer cover 2 in the tightening direction R1, even without any axial force in the main axis direction X1, the radial rib 62 is locked to the higher edge 64a of the wedge element 64, causing the inner cover 4 to rotate in unison with the outer cover in direction R1, thereby allowing the closure 1 to be installed on the container 10. Conversely, when the user rotates the outer cover 2 in the loosening direction R2, attempting to open the closure 1 without applying axial force to the outer cover 2 in the main axis direction X1, the radial rib 62 slides on the inclined surface of the wedge element 64, and the rotation of the outer cover 2 does not cause a corresponding rotation of the inner cover 4. This generates a relative rotational movement of the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 sufficient to engage the coupling elements 82 and 84 of the third engagement mechanism, thereby breaking the vulnerable bridge 26.

[0103] Opening the closure 1 requires the radial ribs 62 of the outer cover 2 to engage with the lower edge 64b of the wedge-shaped element 64 of the inner cover 4. This is only possible when the outer cover 2 is axially displaced and deformed toward the inner cover 4, and especially under the action of an axial thrust F applied to the top wall 23 in the main axis direction X1. Figure 20 As shown. More precisely, as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the engagement of the radial rib 62 with the lower edge 64b of the wedge-shaped element 64 is achieved through two steps. In the first step, under the action of the axial force F applied to the surrounding area 25, the outer cover 2 moves according to the maximum stroke h. m The inner cover is axially shifted towards the inner cover 4, that is, until the surrounding area 25 abuts against the support element 65. Figure 22 In the configuration shown, the anti-theft component 24 has been disassembled from the surrounding area 25 under the pressure applied by the protruding element 46.

[0104] In the second step, under the continuous action of the axial force F applied to the surrounding area 25 supported by the support element 65, the outer cover 2 elastically deforms, causing the radial rib 62 to rotate slightly and further shift toward the top wall 43 of the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1. In this way, as... Figure 23 As shown, under the continued application of the axial thrust F, the radial rib 62 can interact with the lower edge 64b, causing the rotation of the outer cover 2 in the loosening direction R2 to also cause the inner cover 4 to rotate in the same direction. In the fourth embodiment, in the absence of an elastic member for separating the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 from each other, the child safety performance of the closure 1 is maintained even after the first use due to the elasticity of the outer cover 2. In fact, when the axial thrust F on the outer cover 2 is released, the outer cover elastically returns to its initial configuration, causing the radial rib 62 to disengage from the edge 64b of the wedge element 64.

[0105] As can be seen from the above description of several embodiments of the closure according to the invention, the installation (or sealing) of the closure 1 onto the container is easily achieved and only requires a simple rotational movement of the outer cover 2 in the tightening direction R1. Opening the closure 1 requires a complex operation, which begins with an axial displacement of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 in the main axial direction X1 under axial pressure F, followed by a rotational movement in the loosening direction R2 while maintaining the axial pressure F. This complex operation establishes highly efficient child safety for the closure 1. As shown in the above embodiments, child safety of the closure according to the invention can be achieved due to the presence of at least one elastic member configured to offset the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 from each other, or due to the reversible elastic deformation of the outer cover 2. When the closure includes at least one elastic member disposed between the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 for offsetting the first and second top walls away from each other in the main axial direction X1, the at least one elastic member may form a coupling element of at least one engagement mechanism of the closure 1, as shown in the first, second and third embodiments described above, or in a variant not shown in the figures, the at least one elastic member may be a dedicated spring member independent of the engagement mechanism of the closure 1.

[0106] Furthermore, upon first use of the closure 1, the axial displacement of the outer cover 2 toward the inner cover 4 serves to disrupt the vulnerable structure 26 between the anti-theft member 24 and the surrounding area 25 of the outer cover 2. More precisely, upon first downward push of the closure 1, the protruding element 46 abuts against the anti-theft member 24, thereby disrupting the vulnerable bridge 26 and separating the anti-theft member 24 from the surrounding area 25. In the event of an attempt to fraudulently open the closure 1 without rotating the outer cover 2 and inner cover 4 together, the third engagement mechanism ensures that when the outer cover rotates in either rotational direction R1 or R2, the vulnerable bridge 26 is also disrupted during the relative rotational movement of the outer and inner covers. According to, for example, in Figure 5 , Figure 16 and Figure 20 Advantageous features visible in the cross-section include an outer peripheral shoulder 41', which limits the surface area of ​​the sidewalls 21 and 41 that tightly overlap each other. This configuration reduces the rotational torque transmitted from the outer cover 2 to the inner cover 4 through friction between the sidewalls 21 and 41 in the event of an attempt to deceptively open the closure 1 by radially deforming the outer cover 2.

[0107] Preferably, the tamper-evident component 24 has the largest possible diameter, for example, at least 60% of the diameter of the outer cover 2. Preferably, the radial width of the surrounding area 25 is greater than or equal to 5 mm. Advantageously, the tamper-evident component 24 is integrally formed with the remainder of the top wall 23 of the outer cover 2. The tamper-evident component 24 may have a different color and / or a different material than the surrounding area 25. This can be achieved, for example, by a dual injection molding process. For example, the tamper-evident component can be molded first, and then the surrounding area 25 and the first sidewall 21 of the outer cover 2 can be molded in the same mold. Alternatively, the outer cover 2 with a hollow space can be molded first in the top wall 23, and then the tamper-evident component 24 can be molded in the same mold. By using a different color for the tamper-evident component 24 than for the rest of the outer cover 2, tampering becomes more noticeable.

[0108] In all embodiments, the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 are advantageously manufactured by injection molding of a suitable polymer material(s), which may be the same polymer material for all of the outer and inner covers, or different polymer materials may be selected according to the intended function of each cover, or even according to the intended function of each part of each cover. Examples of polymers suitable for both covers include polyolefin-based polymers, particularly polyethylene or polypropylene. In one embodiment, the constituent polymer of the outer cover 2 is the same as that of the inner cover 4, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In another embodiment, the constituent polymer of the outer cover 2 is different from that of the inner cover 4; for example, the outer cover may be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM), while the inner cover may be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polypropylene (PP) and polyoxymethylene (POM) are advantageous polymer materials for the outer cover, especially because they are brittle materials (which is required for the fracture of easily broken structures) and flexible (which is required for the elastic properties of the elastic member 52 (as shown in the first, second, and third embodiments) and / or the elastic properties of the outer cover itself (as shown in the fourth embodiment)).

[0109] Choosing different constituent materials for the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 also helps to reduce the coefficient of friction at the interface between the two covers and improve the movement and transmission from one cover to the other. The constituent material of the sealing member 48 of the inner cover 4 can also be a specific polymer, especially one with a Young's coefficient lower than that of the rest of the inner cover 4. As a non-limiting example, when the rest of the inner cover 4 is made of HDPE, the seal 48 can be made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0110] Preferably, the outer cover 2 and the inner cover 4 are each configured to be demolded without the need for a mold with sliding parts. In embodiments where the outer cover 2 includes elastic members 52 (which begin vertically from the top wall 23 and then travel in an inclined direction, as shown in the first, second, and third embodiments above), it is preferred that the core of the mold, in the form of two parts, is used to mold the inner surface of the outer cover. More precisely, the mold suitable for molding the outer cover 2 with the elastic members 52 includes a central core portion for molding the central portion of the top wall 23 and the surface of the elastic members 52 facing the top wall 23, and an outer annular core portion for molding the inner surface of the sidewalls 21, the remaining portion of the top wall 23, and the surface of the elastic members 52 opposite the top wall 23. In this way, once molded, the outer cover 2 can first separate from the outer annular core portion of the mold, thereby allowing the elastic members 52 to then flex and be gently released from the central core portion of the mold by rotational movement. In the case where the outer cover 2 additionally includes male coupling elements 82 on the inner surface of the anti-theft member 24, the draft angle of each male coupling element 82 is advantageously selected to correspond to the pitch for releasing the outer cover 2 from the central core portion of the mold. In other words, referring to the illustrative embodiment described above, the inclination angle of the first engaging edge 82a of each stud 82 corresponds to the pitch of the resilient member 52.

[0111] The materials used to construct the closure and container according to the invention, as well as the active material received in the cavity of the closure for regulating the atmosphere inside the container, are selected based on the intended use of the container. An advantage of the closure according to the invention is its high versatility, as it can be used with all screw-neck bottles or containers. Child safety, anti-theft, and active control of the air within the container can be combined without any modification to conventional screw-neck bottles or containers. Due to its high safety, not only because it is child-proof, but also because the third engagement mechanism is anti-theft (making any fraudulent opening of the closure visible by systematically breaking the anti-theft component), containers with closures according to the invention are advantageously used for storing tablets or capsules containing pharmaceutical compositions; health supplements; herbal products; or diagnostic products.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

[0113] In particular, the geometry and distribution of the coupling elements of various engagement mechanisms may differ from those described above. For example, when the vulnerable structure 26 comprises multiple discrete vulnerable bridges, the coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism may be located indiscriminately near or far from the vulnerable bridges, for example, depending on the manufacturing constraints of the outer and inner covers, even though it is assumed that the closer they are to the vulnerable bridges, the better the destructive efficiency of the third engagement mechanism.

[0114] According to a variant not shown in the figure, the third engagement mechanism can be designed such that the engagement edge of the second coupling element disposed on the inner cover 4 is a substantially straight edge, rather than the sloping edge as described above. The first coupling element disposed on the anti-theft member 24 is configured to circumferentially press against this edge during the relative rotational movement of the outer cover and the inner cover when the outer cover 2 rotates in the unscrewing direction. In this case, the anti-theft member 24 tends to circumferentially displace relative to the surrounding area 25, resulting in shear stress being applied to the vulnerable structure 26. Then, in this variant, the vulnerable structure should be designed to fail according to two different fracture modes; that is, firstly, it should fracture under the axial tensile stress applied to it, which can be achieved by utilizing a design of a vulnerable structure with a thinner middle portion in the direction of the main axis of the closure, such as... Figure 7 As can be seen from the image; and secondly, it should also fracture under the circumferential shear stress applied to it, which can be achieved by using a design of a fragile structure with a thinner middle section in the circumferential direction of the closure.

[0115] According to another variation not shown in the figure, the protruding element or each protruding element of the closure can be fixed to the anti-theft member 24 instead of the inner cover 4, and moved to abut against the top wall 43 of the inner cover 4 when an axial thrust F is applied to the outer cover 2, so as to destroy the vulnerable structure 26. In this case, the protruding elements fixed to the anti-theft member 24 can also form the male coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism, which are configured to mate with the corresponding female coupling elements provided on the inner cover 4.

[0116] As previously mentioned, a container with a closure according to the invention may also differ from the container 10 shown in the figures. In particular, the container may have other shapes, possibly non-rotational geometries, as long as it is provided with an opening, to which the closure can be screwed, either externally or internally, as shown in the figures. As readily understood, when the container thread is internal, i.e., on the inner surface of the container opening, the cap thread is advantageously located on the outer surface of the annular wall of the inner cap, which is configured to be received within the container opening.

[0117] Of course, many other variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims may be considered.

Claims

1. Tamper-proof closure for a container having a threaded opening, the closure comprising: - an outer cap having a first side wall and a first top wall, the first top wall comprising a tamper-proof member connected to a surrounding area by a breakable structure; - an inner cap having a second side wall and a second top wall, the inner cap comprising cap threads configured to threadedly cooperate with the container threads, the inner cap being coaxially nested in the outer cap and being axially movable relatively thereto so that the first and second top walls are displaceable relatively to each other in the direction of a main axis X1 of the closure; - at least one protruding element arranged between the first and second top walls while facing the tamper-proof member; - a first engagement mechanism between the outer cap and the inner cap, the first engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer cap and the inner cap in unison in a tightening direction R1 of tightening the cap threads onto the container threads when a rotational torque is exerted on the outer cap in the tightening direction R1 so as to mount the closure on the container without breaking the breakable structure; - a second engagement mechanism between the outer cap and the inner cap, the second engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer cap and the inner cap in unison in a loosening direction R2 of loosening the cap threads relatively to the container threads when an axial force F in the direction of the main axis X1 is exerted on the outer cap while a rotational torque in the loosening direction R2 is exerted on the outer cap so as to remove the closure from the container; - wherein the closure further comprises a third engagement mechanism between the outer cap and the inner cap, the third engagement mechanism being configured to break the breakable structure upon relative rotational movement of the outer cap and the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated in the loosening direction R2 regardless of an axial force exerted on the outer cap in the direction of the main axis X1.

2. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement mechanism comprises coupling elements which, under the effect of the axial force F in the direction of the main axis X1, engage each other against the elastic action of at least one elastic member of the closure so that the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism automatically disengage when the axial force F is released.

3. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 2, wherein the at least one elastic member is configured to remain active to automatically disengage the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism when the breakable structure is broken.

4. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 2 or 3, comprising at least one elastic member arranged between the outer cap and the inner cap for biasing the first and second top walls away from each other in the direction of the main axis X1, the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism engaging each other against the elastic action of the at least one elastic member.

5. Tamper-proof closure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer cap is elastically deformable, the coupling elements of the second engagement mechanism engaging each other by reversible elastic deformation of the outer cap.

6. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the third engagement mechanism comprises a first coupling element on the tamper-evident member and a second coupling element on the inner cap, the first coupling element having an engagement edge configured to cooperate with a corresponding engagement edge of the second coupling element upon relative rotational movement of the outer cap and the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated in the unscrewing direction R2.

7. The tamper-evident closure of claim 6, wherein the engagement edge of the second coupling element disposed on the inner cap is a ramped edge over which the first coupling element disposed on the tamper-evident member is configured to move away from the peripheral region in the direction of the major axis X1 of the closure upon relative rotational movement of the outer cap and the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated in the unscrewing direction R2.

8. The tamper-evident closure of claim 6, wherein the engagement edge of the second coupling element disposed on the inner cap is a substantially straight edge against which the first coupling element disposed on the tamper-evident member is configured to press circumferentially upon relative rotational movement of the outer cap and the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated in the unscrewing direction R2.

9. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein one or more of the protruding elements are configured to break the frangible structure by abutting contact with the tamper-evident member upon axial displacement of the first and second top walls toward one another in the direction of the major axis X1.

10. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each pair of coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism comprises a male coupling element and a female coupling element, the male coupling element being received in the female coupling element, the male and female coupling elements being axially movable toward one another in the direction of the major axis X1 beginning from an initial mounting configuration of the closure adapted for initial mounting of the closure on a container.

11. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one pair of coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism comprises a male coupling element disposed on the tamper-evident member and a female coupling element disposed on the inner cap.

12. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one pair of coupling elements of the third engagement mechanism comprises a male coupling element disposed on the inner cap and a female coupling element disposed on the tamper-evident member.

13. The tamper-evident closure of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the coupling elements of the first engagement mechanism comprise a plurality of resilient members in the form of inclined strips and a plurality of wedge elements, wherein the resilient members form a locking arrangement with the wedge elements when a rotational torque in the screwing direction R1 is applied on the outer cap such that the inner cap rotates in unison with the outer cap in the screwing direction R1.

14. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said breakable structure comprises a plurality of breakable bridges, each coupling element of the third engagement means arranged on said tamper-proof member being positioned in the vicinity of a breakable bridge.

15. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein in the initial mounting configuration of the closure, the angular travel al of the engagement of the coupling elements of the first engagement means in the screwing direction Rl is lower than or equal to the angular travel a2 of the engagement of the coupling elements of the third engagement means in the screwing direction Rl.

16. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the axial clearance ho of the closure, corresponding to the axial displacement of the outer cap towards the inner cap between the initial mounting configuration of the closure and the configuration of the closure in which the coupling elements of the second engagement means start to mutually engage, is higher than or equal to the axial displacement required for one or more of said protruding elements to come into abutting contact with said tamper-proof member and break said breakable structure.

17. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising an indexing means for positioning the outer cap and the inner cap in the initial mounting configuration of the closure, said indexing means comprising complementary structures of reliefs on the outer cap and on the inner cap, said complementary structures being adapted to guide the outer cap and the inner cap towards the initial mounting configuration of the closure, while leaving the outer cap and the inner cap free to rotate relative to each other in the initial mounting configuration of the closure.

18. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the inner cap defines a cavity for receiving an active material capable of regulating the atmosphere in a container equipped with said closure.

19. The tamper-proof closure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the inner cap comprises a sealing member configured to provide a hermetic seal between the inner cap and the container opening.

20. A container having a closure according to any one of the preceding claims, said closure being fixedly screwed onto the threads of said container and closing said container.

21. Use of a container according to claim 20 for containing tablets or capsules of pharmaceutical compositions; nutraceuticals; herbal products; diagnostic products.

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