Tamper-evident closure

Abstract

The tamper-evident closure (1) comprises: an outer cap (2) having a side wall (21) and a top wall (23); an inner cap (4) having a side wall (41) and a top wall (43), coaxially nested in the outer cap; a security band (24) arranged between the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) so as to block at least one relative movement freedom of the outer and inner caps (2, 4), the security band (24) being made in one piece with one cap (2) and being connected to this cap by a frangible structure (26); a first engagement mechanism between the security band (24) and the other cap (4), the first engagement mechanism being configured to drive the caps (2, 4) in unison in a screwing direction (R1) so as to install the closure on a container; a second engagement mechanism (72, 74) between the caps (2, 4), the second engagement mechanism being configured to drive the caps (2, 4) in unison in an unscrewing direction (R2) so as to remove the closure from the container, the second engagement mechanism being activatable when the security band (24) has been removed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Tee-opening closures are commonly used in containers holding pharmaceutical substances. One safety feature of such closures (which can be combined with child-proof features) is the ability to detect if the closure has already been opened. For screw caps, solutions for providing tee-opening functionality involve welding foil to the upper surface of the container opening. However, with this solution, it is no longer possible to integrate a chamber into the closure to accommodate active materials intended to control the atmosphere within the container.

[0003] Another common tamper-evident indicator is a collar located at the lower end of the cap or closure, which is secured to the cap so lightly that a relatively slight separation force between the cap and the collar causes these parts to separate from each other. Specifically, WO9722534A1 discloses a collar with internal bosses arranged to cooperate with corresponding bosses on the outer side of the container. The engagement of the cooperating bosses limits the relative angle of rotation between the collar and the container. Opening the cap requires removing the collar, thus providing an indication that the cap has been opened. However, this solution can only be implemented with containers having matching bosses that correspond to the bosses on the collar.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages more specifically by proposing a closure that can be used in any type of threaded shrink container and enables active control of the atmosphere within the container. Mounting the closure on the container is also compatible with conventional container filling lines used in the pharmaceutical field. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] - An outer cap, which has a first sidewall and a first topwall;

[0007] - Inner cap, having a second sidewall and a second top wall, the inner cap including a cap thread configured to cooperate with the container thread, the inner cap being coaxially nested in the outer cap;

[0008] - A safety strip, which is arranged between the outer cap and the inner cap to block at least one degree of relative movement between the outer cap and the inner cap, the safety strip being integrally formed with one of the outer cap and the inner cap and connected to it by a fragile structure;

[0009] - A first engagement mechanism located between the safety strip and another of the outer and inner caps, the first engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer and inner caps in a consistent direction in which the cap threads are screwed onto the container threads in order to install the closure onto the container, wherein the first engagement mechanism can be activated without damaging the fragile structure by applying a rotational torque on the outer cap in the screwing direction.

[0010] - A second engagement mechanism located between the outer cap and the inner cap, the second engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer cap and the inner cap in a consistent direction of loosening the cap thread relative to the container thread in order to remove the closure from the container, wherein, when the safety strip has been removed, the second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque and at least one additional force on the outer cap in the loosening direction, the at least one additional force being used to activate at least one degree of relative motion freedom of the outer cap and the inner cap initially blocked by the safety strip.

[0011] Because of its specific structure, which includes a safety strip attached between the two parts of the closure without being secured to the container, the tamper-evident closure of this invention can be used with all threaded shrink containers. It combines child-proof functionality, tamper-evident functionality, and active control of the atmosphere within the container without requiring any modification to conventional bottles or containers. The tamper-evident closure can be integrated into conventional production lines when mounted on a container; the safety strip remains attached to the closure during installation, while the child-proof function for opening the closure is only activated after the safety strip is removed.

[0012] According to one feature, the safety strip is configured to at least partially keep the opposing walls of the outer cap and the inner cap spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and when the safety strip has been removed, a second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque and at least one additional force on the outer cap in the loosening direction to make the opposing walls of the outer cap and the inner cap at least partially spaced apart from each other by a second distance less than the first distance.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the inner cap is coaxially nested within the outer cap and is shaped to allow relative axial movement, such that the first and second top walls of the outer and inner caps can move toward or away from each other in the direction of the main axis of the closure; the safety strap is configured to at least partially hold the first and second top walls apart from each other by a first axial distance; and when the safety strap has been removed, a second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque and an additional force in the loosening direction to the outer cap, the additional force being an axial force in the direction of the main axis, such that the first and second top walls of the outer and inner caps are at least partially spaced apart from each other by a second axial distance less than the first axial distance. In this embodiment, the second engagement mechanism is a "push-and-rotate" child safety mechanism.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the inner cap is coaxially nested within the outer cap and shaped to allow relative radial movement, such that the first and second sidewalls of the outer and inner caps can move toward or away from each other in a direction transverse to the main axis of the closure; the safety strap is configured to at least partially hold the first and second sidewalls apart from each other by a first radial distance; and when the safety strap has been removed, a second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque and an additional force in the loosening direction to the outer cap, the additional force being a radial force in a direction transverse to the main axis, such that the first and second sidewalls of the outer and inner caps are at least partially spaced apart from each other by a second radial distance less than the first radial distance. In this embodiment, the second engagement mechanism is a "squeeze and rotate" child safety mechanism.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the inner cap is coaxially nested within the outer cap and is shaped to allow relative axial movement of the first and second top walls of the outer and inner caps, as well as relative radial movement of the first and second side walls of the outer and inner caps. The safety strap is configured to at least partially space the first and second top walls apart by a first axial distance and to space the first and second side walls apart by a first radial distance. When the safety strap has been removed, the second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque in the loosening direction and two additional forces to the outer cap. These additional forces include an axial force in the direction of the main axis to at least partially space the first and second top walls of the outer and inner caps apart by a second axial distance less than the first axial distance, and a radial force in a direction transverse to the main axis to at least partially space the first and second side walls of the outer and inner caps apart by a second radial distance less than the first radial distance. In this embodiment, the second engagement mechanism is a "push-press-rotate" child safety mechanism.

[0016] According to one characteristic, the safety strip is made of the same material as the cap to which the safety strip is attached via a fragile structure.

[0017] According to one characteristic, the safety strip is an injection-molded part integrally formed with a fragile structure and a cap to which it is connected via the fragile structure.

[0018] According to one feature, the safety strip includes gripping protrusions. This improves the ergonomics for opening the closure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fragile structure includes a continuously thinned portion between the safety strip and the cap to which it is attached.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fragility structure includes a plurality of fragility bridges between the safety strip and the cap to which it is connected.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the second engagement mechanism includes connecting elements that, when the safety strip has been removed, engage with each other under the action of at least one additional force resisting the elastic action of at least one elastic element of the closure, such that when the at least one additional force is released, the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism automatically disengage.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the outer cap is elastically deformable, and the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other through the reversible elastic deformation of the outer cap. In one embodiment, the engagement of the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism can be caused by the elastic deformation of the outer cap under an axial force applied in the direction of the main axis of the closure, and when the axial force is released, the outer cap can elastically return to its initial configuration, thereby automatically disengaging the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism. In another embodiment, the engagement of the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism can be caused by the elastic deformation of the outer cap under a radial force applied in the direction transverse to the main axis of the closure, and when the radial force is released, the outer cap can elastically return to its initial configuration, thereby automatically disengaging the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the closure includes at least one elastic member disposed between the outer cap and the inner cap for at least partially offsetting the opposing walls of the outer cap and the inner cap away from each other, and the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other against the elastic action of the at least one elastic member. In one embodiment, the at least one elastic member is configured to at least partially offset the first and second top walls of the outer cap and the inner cap away from each other in an axial direction parallel to the main axis of the closure, and the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other against the elastic action of the at least one elastic member. In one embodiment, the at least one elastic member is configured to at least partially offset the first and second side walls of the outer cap and the inner cap away from each other in a radial direction transverse to the main axis of the closure, and the connecting elements of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other against the elastic action of the at least one elastic member.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the inner cap includes a sealing member configured to provide a moisture-proof seal between the inner cap and the container opening.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the sealing member includes a flat sealing surface that forms the inner surface of an inner cap, which is positioned transversely to the main axis to provide a moisture-proof seal between the inner cap and the upper surface of the container opening. This flat sealing surface, positioned transversely to the main axis, allows for adaptation to a wide range of containers.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sealing member is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70. In the context of this invention, the Shore A hardness of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) can be measured according to the standard ASTM D2240. Due to the Shore A hardness of the thermoplastic elastomer it comprises, the sealing member is flexible enough to absorb surface irregularities on the upper surface of the container opening, which may be caused, for example, by its manufacturing process, such as molding defects or cutting marks.

[0027] According to one characteristic, the inner cap is an injection-molded part. In one embodiment, the inner cap includes a body made of a thermoplastic polymer (such as a polyolefin-based polymer) and a sealing member made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In one embodiment, the inner cap is obtained by injection molding the sealing member onto the body.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first engagement mechanism includes connecting elements on the safety strip that are complementary to and engage with connecting elements of another cap, an outer cap and an inner cap, wherein when a rotational torque in the tightening direction is applied to the outer cap, the connecting elements on the safety strip and the connecting elements of the other cap are in a locked arrangement such that the inner cap rotates in the same direction as the outer cap.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the inner cap defines a cavity for receiving the active material. Within the meaning of this invention, the active material is a material capable of regulating the atmosphere within the container. The active material can be of any type. In particular, the active material can belong to the group consisting of: humectants (or desiccants); oxygen scavengers; odor absorbers; and / or emitters of moisture or volatile olfactory organic compounds. Optionally, the active material may be capable of releasing gaseous substances, such as water vapor or fragrance. For example, such a property can be useful for applications requiring specific humidity levels for sensitive products. Such products are, for example, powders, especially for generating aerosols, gelatin capsules, herbs, gels and creams including cosmetics, and food products.

[0030] Examples of suitable hygroscopic agents include, but are not limited to, silica gel, dehydrated 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 hygroscopic agent is a molecular sieve and / or silica gel.

[0031] Examples of suitable oxygen scavengers 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, used alone or in the presence of activators such as hydroxides, carbonates, sulfites, thiosulfates, phosphates, organic acid salts, or hydrogen salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals, activated carbon, activated alumina, or activated clay. Other reagents for collecting oxygen may also be selected from specific reactive polymers, such as those described in, for example, patent documents US5,736,616A, WO 99 / 48963A2, WO 98 / 51758A1, and WO 2018 / 149778 A1.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Another subject of the present invention is the use of the container as described above for containing moisture-sensitive articles such as tablets or capsules containing pharmaceutical compositions, health products, herbal products, diagnostic products, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the tamper-evident closure and container according to the invention, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a container having a tamper-evident closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional bottom view of the outer cap of the thief-opening closure component;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional top view of the inner cap of the thief-opening closure component;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional bottom view of the inner cap of the thief-opening closure component;

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the tamper-evident closure, in which the security strip has been partially removed;

[0040] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 3 An enlarged cross section of the plane VI-VI;

[0041] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 1 The enlarged section of plane VII;

[0042] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 The cross section is in the configuration of the tamper-evident closure corresponding to the first step of loosening the closure from the container;

[0043] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 7 The cross section is in the configuration of the tamper-evident closure corresponding to the second step of loosening the closure from the container;

[0044] Figure 10 It is similar to the tamper-evident closure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The cross section;

[0045] Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 10 The local cross section is in the configuration of the slit closure corresponding to the step of loosening the closure from the container;

[0046] Figure 12 It is based on Figure 11 The enlarged cross section of line XII-XII;

[0047] Figure 13 It is similar to the tamper-evident closure according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A three-dimensional image;

[0048] Figure 14 It is based on Figure 13 An enlarged cross section of plane XIV;

[0049] Figure 15 It is similar to Figure 14 The cross-section is in a configuration corresponding to the step of loosening the closure from the container; and

[0050] Figure 16 It is a variant of the tamper-evident closure of the third embodiment, similar to Figure 14 The cross section. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the first embodiment shown, the tamper-evident closure 1 according to the invention is configured to screw onto the container 10, as... Figure 7 As can be seen, the container has an opening 12 with external threads 14. The shape of the container 10 shown in the accompanying drawings is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the container 10 can have any shape as long as it has an opening, either externally as shown in the drawings or internally surrounded by threads 14, onto which the closure 1 can be screwed. Figure 7In the example, the container has a neck portion. However, containers in the shape of a bottle with a relatively narrow neck or in the shape of a straight cylinder can also be provided. Similarly, a non-rotational geometry can be provided for the container, provided that the container has an annular container thread, which can be a continuous thread or an interrupted thread.

[0052] Closure 1 comprises two caps nested inside each other. Figure 1 In the diagram, only the outer cap 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 the user's grip. In the example shown, multiple ribs are provided on the first sidewall 21, extending axially in the direction of the main axis X1 of the closure. The distal end 22 of the outer cap 2 is connected to the safety strip 24 via a fragility structure 26. In this embodiment, the fragility structure 26 is a continuously thinned portion of material between the safety strip 24 and the distal end 22. In a variant, the fragility structure 26 may be formed by multiple fragility bridges regularly distributed around the periphery between the safety strip 24 and the distal end 22. The safety strip can be detached from the first sidewall 21 by gripping the grip protrusion 25.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner cap 4 includes a body 40 having a second sidewall 41 and a second top wall 43. In this first embodiment, the safety strap 24 is configured to prevent relative axial movement between the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4, and to keep the first top wall 23 and the second top wall 43 spaced apart from each other by a first axial distance h1, as shown. Figure 7 As can be seen in the image. The second top wall 43 is provided with a protruding peripheral edge 47, which is configured to guide the relative axial movement of the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4, such that when the safety strip 24 has been removed, the first top wall 23 and the second top wall 43 can move toward or away from each other in the direction of the main axis X1 of the closure.

[0054] The body 40 of the inner cap 4 is provided with an inner cap thread 44, which is configured to cooperate with the container thread 14 of the container 10. Thus, the closure 1 can be screwed onto the neck of the container 10 by rotating in a screwing direction R1, which in this example is clockwise. Similar to the container thread, the cap thread 44 can be a continuous thread or an interrupted thread. The inner cap 4 also includes a sealing insert 6, which is configured to establish a sealing contact with the upper surface 16 of the container opening 12.

[0055] The sealing insert 6 includes a flat sealing surface 60 that forms the inner surface of the inner cap 4, which is positioned transversely to the main axis X1. In this embodiment, the flat sealing surface 60 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As best seen in the figures, the sealing insert 6 includes a star-shaped top portion 63 from which an annular portion 61 defining a flat sealing surface 60 protrudes. Of course, the sealing insert 6 can have shapes other than those shown in the figures; in particular, the compressible sealing surface 60 may not be flat. For example, in a variant, the annular portion 61 of the sealing insert 6 may take the form of an annular semi-toroidal surface. Regardless of the shape of the sealing insert 6, the compressible sealing surface 60 allows for adjustment to different dimensional variations of the neck of the bottle or container on which the closure 1 is used, and absorbs surface irregularities of the upper surface 16 of the container opening.

[0056] Advantageously, the inner cap 4 is an injection-molded part. The body 40 can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, while the sealing insert 6 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In this case, the inner cap 4 is advantageously obtained by injection molding the sealing insert 6 made of TPE onto the body 40 made of a thermoplastic polymer.

[0057] The inner cap 4 further includes an annular wall 45 defining a cavity 48 for receiving an active material 18 (particularly a desiccant and / or oxygen scavenger) capable of regulating the atmosphere within the container 10. Figure 7 As shown, cavity 48 is closed by a vent cap 17, which retains the active material 18 within the cavity. In the illustrated example, the vent cap 17 is a cardboard piece held at its periphery by a thin, rolled-up extension 46 of an annular wall 45. In variations, the vent cap 17 may be a porous membrane attached to the distal end of the annular wall 45, for example, by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc. In another variation, the inner cap 4 may be provided with a suitable attachment structure for holding the pre-formed can containing the active material.

[0058] The second sidewall 41 of the inner cap 4 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 42 at its distal end. In the direction of the main axis X1, the safety strip 24 abuts against the outer flange 42 in such a way that the outer cap 2 is securely held to the inner cap 4, making it impossible to remove from the inner cap 4. Relative rotation between the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4 is also prevented by hook-shaped notches 52 present in the safety strip 24, which are configured to cooperate with complementary hook-shaped teeth 54 provided on the outer flange 42 of the inner cap. The hook-shaped notches 52 and hook-shaped teeth 54 are connecting elements of the first engagement mechanism. In a non-limiting example shown in the figures, the first engagement mechanism includes six hook-shaped notches 52 on the safety strip 24 of the outer cap 2, which are configured to cooperate with six hook-shaped teeth 54 of the inner cap 4.

[0059] In operation, the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4 nested therein can rotate together to mount the closure 1 onto the container 10. A clockwise rotation direction R1 for screwing the cap thread 44 onto the container thread 14 causes each hook-shaped notch 52 to engage with its corresponding hook-shaped tooth 54. Each hook-shaped tooth 54 provides abutment to its corresponding hook-shaped notch 52, causing the inner cap to rotate in unison with the outer cap in the rotation direction R1. The dimensions of this locking interaction between the hook-shaped notches 52 and the hook-shaped teeth 54 are configured to allow the closure 1 to be initially mounted onto the container without damaging the fragile structure 26.

[0060] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the outer cap 2 also includes a plurality of concentric drive ribs 72, which are regularly distributed on the inner side of the first top wall 23 facing the inner cap 4 of the second top wall 4. On the outer side of the second top wall 43, the inner cap 4 includes a plurality of wedge-shaped elements 74 with obliquely cleaved surfaces. Each wedge-shaped element 74 is configured to cooperate with the drive ribs 72 of the outer cap to form a second engagement mechanism. When the outer cap 2 is axially displaced toward the inner cap 4, after the safety strip 24 has been removed, the first top wall 23 and the second top wall 43 are spaced apart by a second distance h2, as shown. Figure 9 As shown, the second distance is smaller than the first distance h1, and each drive rib 72 is received in the gap between two successive wedge elements 74, more specifically, between the straight edge 74a of the first wedge element 74 in the twisting direction R1 and the inclined edge 74b of the second wedge element 74 in the loosening direction R2. In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the second engagement mechanism includes six drive ribs 72 on the outer cap 2, which are configured to cooperate with the six wedge elements 74 of the inner cap 4.

[0061] During operation, when the user rotates the outer cap 2 in the loosening direction R2, attempting to open the closure 1 without applying an axial force to the outer cap 2 in the direction of the main axis X1, the drive rib 72 slides on the inclined edge 74b of the wedge element 74, and the rotation of the outer cap 2 does not cause a corresponding rotation of the inner cap 4. Opening the closure 1 requires the drive rib 72 of the outer cap 2 to engage with the deeper portion of the edge 74b of the wedge element 74, which is only possible when the outer cap 2 is axially displaced and deformed towards the inner cap 4, especially under the action of an axial thrust P applied to the top wall 23 in the direction of the main axis X1. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. In fact, when the axial thrust P on the outer cap 2 is released, the outer cap elastically returns to its initial configuration, which causes the drive rib 72 to disengage from the edge 74b of the wedge element 74.

[0062] As can be seen from the above description, installing (or sealing) the closure 1 of the first embodiment onto the container is easily achieved and only requires a simple rotational movement of the outer cap 2 in the screwing direction R1. However, opening the closure 1 requires a complex operation, which begins with the axial displacement of the outer cap 2 toward the inner cap 4 in the direction of the main axis X1 under an axial thrust P, followed by a rotational movement in the loosening direction R2 while maintaining the axial thrust P. This complex "push and turn" operation establishes a highly effective child protection for the closure 1.

[0063] exist Figures 10 to 12 In the second embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The difference between the tamper-evident lock 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second engagement mechanism of the lock is a "squeeze and rotate" child safety mechanism, rather than a "push and rotate" child safety mechanism. In the second embodiment, the removal of the safety strip 24 releases both the axial translational degree of freedom parallel to the main axis X1 of the lock 1 and the radial compressive degree of freedom transverse to the main axis X1 of the lock 1.

[0064] More precisely, as in Figure 10 and Figure 11 As can be seen, the outer cap 2 includes a plurality of radial teeth 82 near its distal end 22. These radial teeth are regularly distributed on the inner side of the second sidewall 41 facing the inner cap 4 of the first sidewall 21. Each radial tooth 82 of the outer cap 2 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding radial tooth 84 protruding from the outer flange 42 on the outer side of the second sidewall 41 of the inner cap. The radial teeth 82 and 84 form a second engagement mechanism that is only activated when the safety strip 24 has been removed. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the configuration where the safety strip 24 has been removed, the outer cap 2 has automatically moved axially toward the inner cap 4 in the direction of the main axis X1 under the influence of gravity. For example, in... Figure 12 As can be seen, radial teeth 82 and 84 each have corresponding straight edges 82a, 84a and corresponding inclined edges 82b, 84b. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, straight edges 82a and 84a are arranged to be brought together in the twisting direction R1, while inclined edges 82b and 84b are arranged to be brought together in the loosening direction R2.

[0065] During operation, when the user rotates the outer cap 2 in the loosening direction R2, attempting to open the closure 1 without applying radial pressure transversely to the distal end 22 of the outer cap 2 via the main axis X1, the inclined edge 82b of the radial tooth 82 slides over the inclined edge 84b of the radial tooth 84. When the radial tooth 82 passes over the radial tooth 84, the diameter of the first sidewall 21 of the outer cap locally increases slightly, and the rotation of the outer cap 2 does not cause a corresponding rotation of the inner cap 4. Opening the closure 1 requires the inclined edge 82b of the radial tooth 82 of the outer cap to engage with the deeper portion of the inclined edge 84b of the radial tooth 84 of the inner cap, and requires that the expansion of the diameter of the first sidewall 21 of the outer cap 2 be blocked. This is only possible when the first sidewall 21 of the outer cap radially shifts and deforms toward the second sidewall 41 of the inner cap 4, especially under the action of the radial pressure S applied to the distal end 22 of the outer cap 2. Figure 11 As shown. In fact, when the radial compressive force S on the outer cap 2 is released, the outer cap elastically returns to its initial configuration, which causes the inclined edge 82b of the radial tooth 82 to disengage from the inclined edge 84b of the radial tooth 84.

[0066] In the second embodiment, opening the closure 1 requires a complex operation that begins with at least partially radial displacement of the distal end 22 of the outer cap 2 toward the inner cap 4 under a radial compressive force S transverse to the main axis X1, followed by a rotational movement in the loosening direction R2 while maintaining the radial compressive force S. Similar to the "push and turn" operation in the first embodiment, this "compress and turn" operation also establishes a highly effective child protection for the closure 1.

[0067] It should be understood that in a variant of the "squeeze and rotate" second engagement mechanism of the second embodiment, when the safety strip 24 is attached between the outer cap and the inner cap, the radial teeth 82 of the outer cap 2 and the radial teeth 84 of the inner cap 4 can be positioned at the same height along the main axis X1 of the closure, instead of as shown in the previous embodiment. Figure 10 The axial offset is shown. In this variant, which is part of the invention even though it is not shown in the figures, the second engagement mechanism is directly activating without prior relative axial movement of the outer and inner caps. In this case, engagement of the radial teeth 82 of the outer cap with the radial teeth 84 of the inner cap is directly achieved by applying a radial compressive force transverse to the main axis X1 on the first sidewall 21 of the outer cap 2.

[0068] In some embodiments of the above variations, radial compressive force may be applied near the distal end 22, serving both to break the fragile structure 26 at the junction with the safety strip 24 and to engage the connecting elements 82, 84 of the second engagement mechanism. However, in other embodiments, it may be preferable to design the fragile structure 26 to be less prone to breakage under radial compressive force. In this case, the safety strip 24 must first be removed, for example using the gripping protrusion 25, to release the relative radial degrees of freedom of the first and second sidewalls. Then, radial compressive force may be applied at least locally to the first sidewall 21 of the outer cap 2 to engage the connecting elements 82, 84 of the second engagement mechanism.

[0069] exist Figures 13 to 15 In the third embodiment shown, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. The difference between the tamper-evident closure 1 of the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the top wall 23 of the outer cap 2 includes a central portion 230 with an accordion-like structure and a concave shape, which is attached to the top wall 43 of the inner cap 4. The accordion-like concave central portion 230 forms a spring structure configured to axially offset the distal end 22 of the outer cap 2 from the outer flange 42 of the inner cap 4 along the main axis X1 when the security strip 24 is removed. It should be understood that in Figures 14 to 16 In the diagram, the bold line between the central portion 230 of the outer cap 2 and the top wall 43 of the inner cap 4 represents the contact surface at the joint between the outer cap and the inner cap.

[0070] exist Figures 13 to 15 In the third embodiment, the second engagement mechanism of the closure 1 is a "press and rotate" child-proof mechanism including radial teeth 82 and 84 similar to those in the second embodiment. However, it should be understood that the accordion-shaped concave central portion 230 of the third embodiment, which forms a spring structure, can also be implemented as having a "push and rotate" child-proof mechanism including connecting elements 72 and 74 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0071] In a variant of the third embodiment, the central portion 230 of the top wall 23 of the outer cap 2 can be removed by... Figures 13 to 15 Other designs besides the accordion-shaped design shown can form a spring structure. For example, the accordion-shaped concave structure can be formed by, for example... Figure 16 The conical concave structure shown is used instead, depending on the selection of a suitable material for the central portion 230 to control the deformation of the outer cap 2. In the variant, if the central portion 230 is Figures 13 to 15The accordion-shaped concave central portion shown, or any other shaped central portion, may also be made of a different material than the rest of the outer cap 2. In another variant not shown in the figures, the accordion-shaped concave structure of the third embodiment may be replaced by a concave structure with concentric grooves to improve control over the deformation of the outer cap 2.

[0072] In all embodiments, the outer cap 2 and inner cap 4, including the safety strip 24, are advantageously manufactured by injection molding of a suitable polymer material. This polymer material can be the same polymer material for the bodies of all the outer and inner caps, or different polymer materials selected according to the intended function of each cap, or even according to the intended function of each part of each cap. Examples of suitable polymers for both the bodies of the outer and inner caps include polyolefin-based polymers, particularly polyethylene or polypropylene. In one embodiment, the constituent polymer of the outer cap 2 is the same as the constituent polymer of the body 40 of the inner cap 4, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In another embodiment, the constituent polymer of the outer cap 2 differs from the constituent polymer of the body 40 of the inner cap 4; for example, the outer cap may be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM), while the body of the inner cap may be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polypropylene (PP) and polyoxymethylene (POM) are advantageous polymer materials for the outer cap, especially because they are brittle enough to allow the fragile structure 26 to break, but they are also flexible materials required for the elastic properties of the outer cap.

[0073] The sealing insert 6 can also be made of a specific polymer, particularly one whose Young's coefficient is lower than that of the body 40 of the inner cap 4. By way of a non-limiting example, when the body 40 of the inner cap 4 is made of HDPE, the sealing member 6 can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70. By way of a non-limiting example, the sealing member 6 can be made of a TPV- The V-series is made from thermoplastic elastomers selected from cross-linked EPDM-based thermoplastic elastomer-cured rubbers designed for medical applications, such as products with a Shore A hardness of 40 as measured according to standard ASTM D2240. P.V101, for example P.V101.A40.B, or with a Shore A hardness of 60 as measured according to standard ASTM D2240. P.V101.A60.B.

[0074] The materials used to construct the closure and container, as well as the active material received within the cavity of the closure for regulating the atmosphere inside the container, are selected according to 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-down bottles or containers. Child-proofing, tamper-evident opening, and active control of the atmosphere within the container can be combined without any modification to conventional screw-down bottles or containers. Due to its high safety, 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.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

[0076] In particular, the geometry, number, and arrangement of the connecting elements of the first and second engaging mechanisms may differ from those described above. It is worth noting that the invention can be implemented with any type of second engaging mechanism, such as a "push and rotate" child safety mechanism, a "squeeze and rotate" child safety mechanism, or a "push, squeeze, and rotate" child safety mechanism, as long as there is at least one degree of relative motion freedom between the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4 for removing the safety strap 24.

[0077] For example, for a "push-and-rotate" child safety mechanism, the connecting elements 72, 74 of the second engagement mechanism can be located between the distal end 22 of the outer cap and the outer flange 42 of the inner cap, rather than between the first top wall 23 and the second top wall 43, as shown in the first embodiment described above. For a "squeeze-and-rotate" child safety mechanism, when the safety strip 24 is attached between the outer cap and the inner cap, the connecting elements 82, 84 of the second engagement mechanism can be located at the same height along the main axis X1, rather than axially offset as shown in the second embodiment described above, so that the second engagement mechanism can be activated without relative axial movement between the outer cap and the inner cap.

[0078] According to one variant, child protection of the closure can also be achieved without reversible elastic deformation of the outer cap 2, but by using at least one elastic member positioned between the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4 and configured to offset the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 4 away from each other.

[0079] According to one variant, the safety strip 24 may also be integral with the inner cap 4, rather than with the outer cap 2. As already mentioned, the fragile structure may also include multiple fragile bridges regularly distributed around the periphery between the safety strip 24 and the distal end 22, rather than a continuous thinning of the material.

[0080] The sealing member 6 may also have shapes other than those shown in the figures. In particular, the closure according to the invention may include a lip sealing member integrally formed with the inner cap 4 and configured to provide a moisture-proof seal between the inner cap and the inner or outer surface of the neck of the container. Such a lip sealing member may be provided instead of, or in addition to, a sealing member defining a flat sealing surface. Of course, when the sealing member 6 is attached to the inner cap 4, the sealing member may be attached to the inner cap by any suitable means, such as overmolding, heat sealing, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, the container with a closure according to the invention may differ from the container 10 shown in the figure. In particular, the container may have other shapes, possibly with non-rotational geometry, as long as the container has an opening that is externally (as shown) or internally provided with an annular container thread, which may be a continuous thread or an interrupted thread, onto which the closure can be screwed. As readily understood, when the container thread is arranged internally, i.e., on the inner surface of the container opening, the cap thread is advantageously disposed on the outer surface of the annular wall of the inner cap, which is configured to be received inside the container opening.

[0082] Of course, many other variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims may be considered.

Claims

1. A tamper-evident closure (1) for a container (10) having an opening (12) with threads (14), the closure comprising: - Outer cap (2), the outer cap having a first sidewall (21) and a first top wall (23); - Inner cap (4), the inner cap having a second sidewall (41) and a second top wall (43), the inner cap including a cap thread (44) configured to cooperate with the container thread (14), the inner cap being coaxially nested in the outer cap; - A safety strip (24) is arranged between the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) to block at least one degree of relative motion of the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4). The safety strip (24) is integrally formed with one of the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) and is connected to the cap by a fragile structure (26). - A first engagement mechanism (52, 54) is located between the safety strip (24) and another cap of the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4), the first engagement mechanism being configured to drive the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) in a direction (R1) for screwing the cap thread (44) onto the container thread (14) so ​​as to install the closure onto the container, wherein the first engagement mechanism is capable of being activated without damaging the fragile structure (26) by applying a rotational torque on the outer cap (2) in the screwing direction (R1); - A second engagement mechanism (72, 74; 82, 84) located between the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4), the second engagement mechanism being configured to uniformly drive the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) in a direction (R2) of loosening the cap thread (44) relative to the container thread (14) in order to remove the closure from the container, wherein, when the safety strip (24) has been removed, the second engagement mechanism can be activated by applying a rotational torque and at least one additional force (P;S) on the outer cap (2) in the loosening direction (R2), the at least one additional force being used to activate at least one degree of relative motion freedom of the outer cap and the inner cap that was initially blocked by the safety strip (24).

2. The tamper-evident sealing member according to claim 1, wherein, The safety strip (24) is configured to at least partially keep the opposing walls (23, 43; 21, 41) of the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4) spaced apart by a first distance (h1; e1), wherein, when the safety strip (24) has been removed, the second engagement mechanism (72, 74; 82, 84) can be activated by applying a rotational torque and at least one additional force (P; S) along the loosening direction (R2) on the outer cap (2) to at least partially space the opposing walls (23, 43; 21, 41) of the outer cap and the inner cap apart by a second distance (h2; e2) less than the first distance (h1; e1).

3. The tamper-evident sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner cap (4) is coaxially nested within the outer cap (2) and is shaped to allow relative axial movement such that the first top wall (23) and the second top wall (43) of the outer cap and the inner cap can move toward or away from each other in the direction of the main axis (X1) of the closure, wherein the safety strip (24) is configured to at least partially keep the first top wall (23) and the second top wall (43) spaced apart from each other by a first axial distance (h1), wherein when the safety strip (24) has been removed, the second engagement mechanism (72, 74) can be activated by applying a rotational torque and an additional force along the loosening direction (R2) on the outer cap (2), the additional force being an axial force (P) in the direction of the main axis (X1) such that the first top wall (23) and the second top wall (43) are at least partially spaced apart from each other by a second axial distance (h2) less than the first axial distance (h1).

4. The tamper-evident sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner cap (4) is coaxially nested within the outer cap (2) and is shaped to allow relative radial movement, such that the first sidewall (21) and the second sidewall (41) of the outer cap and the inner cap can move toward or away from each other in a direction transverse to the main axis (X1) of the closure, wherein the safety strip (24) is configured to at least partially keep the first sidewall (21) and the second sidewall (41) spaced apart from each other by a first radial distance (e1), wherein when the safety strip (24) has been removed, the second engagement mechanism (82, 84) can be activated by applying a rotational torque and an additional force along the loosening direction (R2) on the outer cap (2), the additional force being a radial force (S) in a direction transverse to the main axis (X1) to make the first sidewall (21) and the second sidewall (41) at least partially spaced apart from each other by a second radial distance (e2) less than the first radial distance (e1).

5. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The safety strip (24) is made of the same material as the cap (2) to which the safety strip is connected via the fragile structure (26).

6. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The safety strip (24) is an injection-molded part integrally formed with the fragile structure (26) and the cap (2) to which it is connected via the fragile structure.

7. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The safety strip (24) includes a gripping protrusion (25).

8. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The fragile structure (26) includes a continuously thinned portion between the safety strip (24) and the cap (2) to which the safety strip is connected via the fragile structure.

9. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The second engagement mechanism includes connecting elements (72, 74; 82, 84) that, when the safety strip (24) has been removed, resist the at least one additional force (P) against the elastic action of at least one elastic element (2) of the closure. Under the action of S), they are joined together so that when the at least one additional force (P); When S) is released, the connecting elements (72, 74) of the second engagement mechanism; 82, 84) Automatic disengagement.

10. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 9, wherein, The outer cap (2) is elastically deformable, and the connecting elements (72, 74; 82, 84) of the second engagement mechanism engage with each other through the reversible elastic deformation of the outer cap (2).

11. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner cap (4) includes a sealing member (6) configured to provide a moisture-proof seal between the inner cap (4) and the container opening (12), wherein the sealing member (6) includes a flat sealing surface (60) forming the inner surface of the inner cap (4), the flat sealing surface being positioned transversely to the main axis (X1) of the closure to provide a moisture-proof seal between the inner cap (4) and the upper surface (16) of the container opening (12).

12. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 11, wherein, The sealing member (6) is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70.

13. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The first engagement mechanism includes a connecting element (52) on the safety strip (24), the connecting element being complementary to a connecting element (54) of the other cap of the outer cap (2) and the inner cap (4), wherein when a rotational torque along the twisting direction (R1) is applied to the outer cap (2), the connecting element (52) on the safety strip (24) and the connecting element (54) of the other cap are in a locked arrangement such that the inner cap (4) rotates in the twisting direction (R1) in unison with the outer cap (2).

14. The tamper-evident closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The inner cap (4) defines a cavity (45) for receiving an active material capable of regulating the atmosphere in a container (10) equipped with the closure (1).

15. The tamper-evident seal according to claim 14, wherein the active material is a desiccant and / or an oxygen scavenger.

16. A container having a closure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the closure being fixedly screwed onto the thread (14) of the container (10) and closing the container.

17. The use of the container according to claim 16 for containing moisture-sensitive articles.

18. The use according to claim 17, wherein, The moisture-sensitive items are selected from the group consisting of tablets or capsules containing pharmaceutical compositions, health products, herbal products, and diagnostic products.

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