Container closure with an indicator element

Abstract

In a container closure (10) having a base ring (14), a closure cap (16) and at least one indicator element (42) which is separate from the base ring (14) and from the closure cap (16) and which has at least one actuating part (44), an indicator part (46) and a predetermined breaking point (48) between the actuating part (44) and the indicator part (46), wherein the actuating part (44) has an engaging surface (52) which, in the closed position, is opposite a correspondingly shaped engaging surface (53) of the base ring (14) and counteracts a movement of the closure cap (16) into the open position, the predetermined breaking point (48) is dimensioned such that when the closure cap (16) is first opened the engaging surface (52) of the actuating part (44) engages with the engaging surface (53) of the base ring (14), limits a movement of the actuating part (44) relative to the base ring (14), causes a pulling movement of the indicator part (46) relative to the closure cap (16) from an initial position to an end position, and only breaks after reaching the end position.

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a container closure with a base ring which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a closure cap which covers an opening of the base ring in a closed position and leaves the opening open in an open position, and an indicator element whose state changes irreversibly when the closure cap is opened. CURRENT STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] A container closure of the type mentioned above is known from patent WO2022 / 189351, wherein the indicator element is designed as a tamper-evident ring. The tamper-evident ring has an annular rim, an indicator element, and a predetermined breaking point between the rim and the indicator element. The rim extends in a form-fitting manner within an annular groove in the outer wall of the closure cap, which projects radially outwards. The indicator element engages behind a shoulder of the base ring. When the cap is opened, the predetermined breaking point breaks, allowing the indicator element to fall by gravity into a lower region of a cavity formed by the base ring and thus visibly indicate the initial opening.

[0003] The tamper-evident ring is placed onto the cap part in the closed position by elastic deformation until the annular bead engages in the annular groove and the tamper-evident ring is hooked to the base part. This tamper-evident ring is therefore particularly suitable for container closures where the outer wall of the cap part tapers from the groove in the opposite direction to the base ring. It is less suitable for closures with a cylindrical cap.

[0004] Furthermore, the movement of the display part, which is caused by gravity, is only possible in a predetermined vertical orientation of the container.

[0005] From BR PI0902735 A2, a container closure is defined as comprising a base ring which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a closure cap which covers an opening of the base ring in a closed position and provides access to the opening of the base ring in an open position, a hinge which connects the base ring to the closure cap and is integral with the closure cap and the base ring, and at least one indicator element which forms a molded part separate from the closure cap and the base ring and has an actuating part, an indicator part and a predetermined breaking point between the actuating part and the indicator part, wherein the actuating part has a detent surface which, in the closed position, is opposite a correspondingly shaped detent surface of the base ring and counteracts movement of the closure cap into the open position, and the predetermined breaking point is dimensioned such thatthat when the cap is first opened, the detent surface of the actuating element engages with the detent surface of the base ring and immediately breaks, so that the indicator element can move freely within a pocket and falls into a final position there due to gravity.

[0006] From US20180312305A1, a container closure is defined as a base ring extending around a reference axis of the container closure, a cap that covers an opening of the base ring in a closed position and provides access to the opening of the base ring in an open position, a hinge connecting the base ring to the cap and being integral with the cap and base ring, and at least one annular indicator element forming a separate component from the cap and base ring, comprising an annular actuating element, an annular indicator element, and a predetermined breaking point between the actuating element and the indicator element, wherein the actuating element has a detent surface that, in the closed position, opposes a correspondingly shaped detent surface of the base ring and prevents movement of the cap into the open position, and the predetermined breaking point is dimensioned such thatthat when the cap is first opened, the detent surface of the actuating part engages with the detent surface of the base ring and breaks immediately, so that the ring-shaped indicator part falls into a final position due to gravity.

[0007] IT201800002951A1 relates to a plastic closure with a safety device that activates after the first opening to detect a second opening of the plastic closure after the initial opening indicator has been removed. In the closed position after the first opening, the consumer presses a pin that slides in a groove in the closure cap to insert an arrow-shaped end of the pin behind a projection in the base ring. Upon the second opening, the pin breaks into two parts: an upper part that moves freely in the groove and a lower part that remains locked in a recess in the base ring.

[0008] From WO 94 / 03371 A1, a one-piece plastic closure for mounting on a container is known, consisting of a lower part with a top surface in which a pouring opening is arranged, and a cap connected to it that pivots about a hinge axis, as well as a tamper-evident element integrally connected to the closure, which is positively engaged with the lower part of the closure so that, upon the first opening of the entire cap, the tamper-evident element automatically moves from the tamper-evident state to a visually recognizable working state by pivoting about the main axis. The tamper-evident element has a plate which, in the tamper-evident position, is connected to the top surface of the cap via predetermined breaking points.On the underside of the plate is a strut with a positive locking element. In the warranty position, this strut extends through a recess in the top surface of the lower part of the closure and is held under tension in the recess. The strut is connected to the plate via a predetermined breaking point. A retaining element is located on the underside of the cap. During the initial opening movement, the strut pulls the plate into the retaining element. With continued opening, the strut detaches from the plate at the predetermined breaking point. This container closure features complex, nested shapes with numerous undercuts, which are very difficult to manufacture using a high-performance injection molding process.

[0009] From WO2009128095A1, a screw closure for a container is known, comprising a base ring which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a screw cap which covers an opening of the base ring in a closed position and provides access to the opening of the base ring in an open position, and at least one indicator element separate from the base ring and the closure cap, which has at least one actuating part, one indicator part and a predetermined breaking point between the actuating part and the indicator part, wherein the actuating part has a detent surface which, in the closed position, is opposite a correspondingly shaped detent surface of the base ring and counteracts a movement of the closure cap into the open position.The predetermined breaking point is dimensioned such that, upon initial opening of the closure cap, the detent surface of the actuating part engages with the detent surface of the base ring, limiting movement of the actuating part relative to the base ring, causing movement of the indicator part in relation to the closure cap from a starting position to an end position, and only breaking after reaching the end position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of equipping a container closure of the type mentioned above with means that give a visible signal of the first opening regardless of the orientation of the container closure, but are easy to manufacture.

[0011] In a container closure with a base ring which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a closure cap which covers an opening of the base ring in a closed position and provides access to the opening of the base ring in an open position, a hinge which connects the base ring to the closure cap and is integral with the closure cap and the base ring, and at least one indicator element which forms a molded part separate from the closure cap and the base ring and has at least one actuating part, one indicator part and a predetermined breaking point between the actuating part and the indicator part, wherein the actuating part has a detent surface which, in the closed position, is opposite a correspondingly shaped detent surface of the base ring and counteracts movement of the closure cap into the open position, the predetermined breaking point is dimensioned such thatThe problem is solved by the indicator element forming an irreversible backstop together with the cap upon initial opening, limiting movement of the actuator relative to the base ring, causing movement of the indicator element relative to the cap from a starting position to an end position, and only breaking after reaching the end position. This is achieved by the indicator element forming an irreversible backstop together with the cap, which holds the indicator element in the starting position before the initial opening and prevents movement of the indicator element from the end position to the starting position.

[0012] Although the manufacturing process requires an assembly step for the display element, it allows for the separate production of a first piece, which forms the base ring, the cap and the hinge, and a second piece, which forms the display element, by injection molding.

[0013] Because the indicator element is a molded part separate from the cap and the base ring, it can be a different color or made of a different material than the cap, making the indicator element and its position clearly visible.

[0014] Because the movement of the indicator element in relation to the cap during opening is caused by the actuating part and not by gravity, it is ensured that this change takes place regardless of the orientation of the container closure.

[0015] The at least one predetermined breaking point can be formed by one or more tearable bridges or a continuous tearable weakening line.

[0016] The display element may, in particular, have at least one locking projection which interacts with a corresponding stop on the closure cap to hold the display element in the starting position before the first opening.

[0017] The movement of the indicator element relative to the cap from its starting position to its end position is irreversible to prevent fraudulent manipulation. The indicator element's locking projection in the end position interacts with the corresponding stop on the cap to prevent movement from the end position back to the starting position. Optionally, the indicator element may have two actuating parts, with the locking projection located between them. This balances the forces acting on the indicator element during opening.

[0018] Preferably, the movement of the indicator element relative to the cap from its initial position to its final position is a translation. To facilitate this translation, the cap may have a channel extending axially, with the indicator element being at least partially received into the channel and sitting deeper in the channel in the final position than in the initial position. According to a preferred embodiment, the channel opens axially at a top plate of the cap. The indicator element may have a flat upper wall corresponding to an inner circumference of the channel. This upper wall is then visible through the channel's opening at the top plate of the cap in both the initial and final positions. Preferably, the upper wall of the indicator element is aligned with the top plate of the cap in the initial position.

[0019] If necessary, the shaft borders an outer circumferential wall of the closure cap, which may be cylindrical.

[0020] In the closed position, the indicator element is preferably located radially outside the opening of the base ring.

[0021] The base ring can define a cavity that accommodates the actuating part after the predetermined breaking point has broken or after the cap part has been re-closed.

[0022] Preferably, the actuating part is not visible from the outside in the closed position.

[0023] In order to compensate for the forces acting on the indicator element during opening, the indicator element is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which contains the reference axis and may optionally also be a plane of symmetry of the entire container closure.

[0024] The hinge is preferably a snap hinge. The display element is preferably located diametrically opposite the hinge.

[0025] The cap, hinge, and base ring can be manufactured in one piece using an injection molding process, preferably in the open position, and then brought into the closed position. The indicator element can be mounted either before or after closing.

[0026] The base ring is preferably suitable for tight fastening to a container neck and for this purpose has a circumferential wall with at least one radially inwardly directed projection in the form of a snap-fit ​​lug or thread. Alternatively, it is also provided that the base ring is mounted with a fastening ring which, for tight fastening to a container neck, has a circumferential wall with at least one radially inwardly directed projection in the form of a snap-fit ​​lug or thread.

[0027] The cap may have a radially inwardly directed detent projection which, in the closed position, engages behind a radially outwardly directed detent projection of the base ring to secure the closed position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the base ring has a spout surrounding the mouth, and the closure cap has an inner sealing skirt which, in the closed position, is in sealing contact with a preferably cylindrical or frustoconical sealing seat formed by the spout, the sealing seat preferably pointing radially inwards. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 : a perspective view of a container closure in the open position before it is closed for the first time; Figure 2: a perspective view of the container closure of the Figure 1 after the first closing, with a display element that has not yet been introduced; Figure 3 : a cross-sectional view of the container closure of the Figure 1 in closed position before first opening, after the display element has been inserted; Figure 4 : a top view of the container closure of the Figure 3 Figure 5 : a detailed view of a section through the section plane V of the Figure 4 runs before the container closure is first opened; Figure 6 : a detailed view of a section through section plane VI of the Figure 4 runs before the container closure is first opened; Figure 7 : a detailed view of a section through the section plane V of the Figure 4 This occurs during the initial opening of the container closure. Figure 8 : a detailed view of a section through section plane VI of the Figure 4This occurs during the initial opening of the container closure. Figure 9 Sectional view of the container closure of the Fig. 1 in a semi-open position after the container closure has been opened for the first time; Figure 10 : a detailed view of a section through the section plane V of the Figure 4 proceeds after the container closure is re-closed; Figure 11 : a detailed view of a section through section plane VI of the Figure 4 proceeds after the container closure is re-closed.

[0030] In all drawings, individual reference symbols denote identical or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0031] With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of a container closure of the present invention is designated by the reference numeral 10 marked. The closure 10 is designed to go on the neck 12to be mounted on a container. The closure 10 It can be made from a plastic or other material compatible with the container contents. A polymer, particularly a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, is preferred.

[0032] The container closure 10 includes a base ring 14, a cap 16 and a hinge 18, that the base ring 14 with the cap 16 connects. The hinge 18 It is shown here as a snap hinge and allows a pivoting movement of the closure cap. 16 around a pivot axis 180, the perpendicular to the cutting plane of the Figure 3 proceeds.

[0033] The base ring 14 runs around a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and has a spout 20 on, which has an estuary 200of the base ring 14 and the container closure 10 surrounds. The base ring 14 features means for attachment to the container neck 12 are intended to have a circumferential fixing bead in this embodiment. 21 with supporting wall sections attached to a perimeter wall 22 are distributed across the base ring and, when mounted on the container neck, are behind a circumferential retaining ridge. 121 grasp the neck of the container and position it between this retaining ridge. 121 and a flange edge 122 of the container neck, also known in technical terms as the "support ring", sits (see Figure 9 ). However, other methods are conceivable, e.g., a series of elastic locking hooks or a thread. The spout 20 has one or more slit-like openings 23 open, providing access to a cavity 300 give, which is from the perimeter wall 22 is enclosed.

[0034] The cap 16 includes a headplate 24, a perimeter wall 26, one inner wall surface 28 the headplate 24 surrounds and is preferably cylindrical, and has a gripping projection 30, which may be as shown from a lower edge of the perimeter wall 26 outstanding. The headstock 24 It can be flat or curved. From the inner side of the headstock. 24 Preferably, a ring-shaped sealing skirt extends 32 (see Figure 4 ), the perimeter wall 26 It is enclosed with radial spacing. This sealing apron 32 can form a circumferential sealing bead 37 exhibits and is designed to be in sealing contact with a sealing seat in the closed position. 34 to come, from the spout 20 is formed. Preferably, the sealing bead engages. 37in the closed position behind a radially outwardly directed locking bead of the sealing seat 34, to provide a certain resistance to the opening. In this embodiment, the spout 20 enclosed by the sealing apron, however, it is also provided that in one variant the spout 20 the sealing apron 32 surrounds.

[0035] If necessary, the base ring can 14 a flow restrictor or a valve 38 exhibit that the mouth 200 closes.

[0036] The cap has a shaft. 40 on the headstock 24 the cap 16 empties in and extends to a bottom 41 in a direction that, in the closed position, is parallel to the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 The shaft runs. 40 lies radially outside the sealing apron 32,diametrically opposite the hinge 18, and borders the outer perimeter wall 26 the cap 16 to.

[0037] The container closure 10 indicates a display element 42, that as one of the base ring 14 and from the cap 16 separate molded part manufactured and at least partially inserted into the shaft 40 is recorded.

[0038] The display element 42 includes at least one actuating part 44, a display section 46 and a predetermined breaking point 48 between the actuating part 44 and a connecting ledge 49 of the display section 46. The display element 42 is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that defines the reference axis 100 contains, and may, if necessary, as shown, have two parallel actuating parts 44 exhibit. The soil 41of the shaft 40 the cap 16 has slit-like openings 50 on, which the slit-like openings 23 of the base ring 14 oppose each other and with the connecting projections 49 and operating parts 44 are aligned, which pass through them.

[0039] Each actuating part 44 has a rest area 52 on, which in the closed position of a correspondingly shaped resting surface 53 at the edge of each slit-like opening 50 of the base ring 14 opposite.

[0040] The display section 46 has a flat upper wall 54 up, which in the starting position with the head plate 24 the cap 16 is aligned and has an inner circumference of the shaft 40 corresponds to, as well as at least one locking projection 56, the one from the upper wall 54protrudes in an axial direction and, if necessary, between the actuating parts 44 of the display element 42 proceeds.

[0041] In the starting position of Figure 3 The locking protrusion takes effect 56 with a corresponding stop 58 in the shaft 40 the cap 16 together, to display the part 46 to maintain this starting position. The attack 58 For example, it could have a concave, frustoconical upper wall. 581 exhibiting a corresponding convex frustoconical wall 561 of the locking tab 56 together to elastically counteract the tensile movement, while a flat lower wall 582 the attack 58 against a corresponding first flat surface 562 of the locking tab 56 It locks into place to prevent the locking tab from moving upwards.

[0042] At the latest when the cap is first opened 16 The resting area locks 52 each actuating part 44 with the resting area 53 of the base ring 14 (see the Figures 5 and 6 ), to move the actuating part 42 compared to the base ring 14 to limit. The opening of the cap 16 Moving the display from the closed position to a temporary intermediate position is caused by a pulling movement of the display part. 46 regarding the cap 16 opposite to the opening direction from a starting position to an end position (see Figure 7 ), in the upper wall 54 of the display section 46 on the ground 41 of the shaft 40 The stop is attached. During the pulling motion, the stop deforms. 58 elastic and expands to fit the locking protrusion 56 to pass through. The predetermined breaking points 48are dimensioned in such a way that they accommodate this pulling movement of the display part 46 withstand the change between the starting and final positions (see Figure 8 In the intermediate position of the cap, each actuating element is effective. 44 a further movement of the closure cap 16 into the open position. If the opening movement continues, the predetermined breaking points will break. 48.

[0043] The display unit is in the final position. 46 deeper in the shaft 40 than in the starting position. A second flat surface 563 of the locking tab 56 It lies on the flat lower wall 582 of the stop to prevent movement of the display part 46 to counteract the movement from the end position to the starting position, thereby slowing the movement of the display part. 46 regarding the cap 16 The change from the starting position to the final position is irreversible.

[0044] The locking protrusion 56 Thus, it forms a connection with the attack. 58 an irreversible backstop, whereby the display part 46 is formed in a rack-and-pinion style, while the stop 58 It performs the function of a pawl. If necessary, the same function can be performed by a circumferential lip. 59, which is located in the shaft, will be reinforced or taken over.

[0045] The pulling movement of the display part 46 regarding the cap 16 Moving from the starting position to the final position is a translation that corresponds to the orientation of the shaft. 40 follows.

[0046] The base ring 14 encloses a cavity 300, the after the predetermined breaking points 48 or after reclosing the cap part 16 the actuating part 44 records (see the Figures 10 and 11 ). In the closed position, the actuating part 44neither before the first opening nor after reclosing the cap 16 Visible from the outside.

[0047] The base ring 14, the cap 16 and the hinge 18 are combined in one piece in the open position of Figure 1 poured. As on the Figure 2 The display element is shown 42 after the container closure is closed for the first time 10 in the shaft 40 introduced.

[0048] Variations are planned. The base ring 14 It could be a fastening ring that fits onto a container neck 12 is mounted and in which a separate spout is mounted, or a spout that is separate from a retaining ring. The cap 16The cap is not necessarily connected to the base ring by a hinge. For example, it is possible for the cap to be hinged to a retaining ring or a spout that is separate from the base ring. The hinge 18 can be replaced by one or more stripes or omitted entirely.

Claims

1. A container closure (10) having a base ring (14) which extends around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10), a closure cap (16) which, in a closed position, covers a mouth (200) of the base ring (14) and, in an open position, provides access to the mouth (200) of the base ring (14), a hinge (18) which connects the base ring (14) to the closure cap (16) and is integral with the closure cap (16) and the base ring (14), as well as at least one indicator element (42) which forms a molded part separate from the base ring (14) and from the closure cap (16) and has at least one actuating portion (44), an indicator portion (46), and a predetermined breaking point (48) between the actuating portion (44) and the indicator portion (46), wherein the actuating portion (44) has an engaging surface (52) which, in the closed position, is opposite a correspondingly shaped engaging surface (53) of the base ring (14) and counteracts a movement of the closure cap (16) into the open position, wherein the predetermined breaking point (48) is dimensioned such that, when the closure cap (16) is first opened, the engaging surface (52) of the actuating portion (44) engages with the engaging surface (53) of the base ring (14), limits a movement of the actuating portion (44) relative to the base ring (14), causes a pulling movement of the indicator portion (46) relative to the closure cap (16) from an initial position to an end position, characterised in that the limited movement of the actuating portion (44) relative to the base ring (14) causes a pulling movement of the indicator portion (46) relative to the closure cap (16) from an initial position to an end position, and in that the predetermined breaking point (48) only breaks after the end position has been reached, wherein the indicator portion (46) together with the closure cap (16) forms an irreversible backstop which holds the indicator element (42) in the initial position before the first opening and prevents movement of the indicator portion (46) from the end position to the initial position.

2. The container closure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator element (42) has a different color than the closure cap (16).

3. The container closure (10) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the indicator portion (46) has at least one latching projection (56) which cooperates with a corresponding stop (58) of the closure cap (16) in order to hold the indicator element (42) in the initial position before the first opening.

4. The container closure (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the latching projection (56) in the end position cooperates with the corresponding stop (58) of the closure cap (16) to prevent movement of the indicator portion (46) from the end position to the initial position.

5. The container closure (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the indicator element (42) has two actuating portions (44), wherein the latching projection (56) extends between the actuating portions (44).

6. The container closure (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the pulling movement of the indicator portion (46) relative to the closure cap (16) from the initial position to the end position is a translation.

7. The container closure (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the closure cap (16) has a shaft (40) which extends in the axial direction, wherein the indicator portion (46) is at least partially accommodated in the shaft (40) and, in the end position, sits deeper in the shaft (40) than in the initial position.

8. The container closure (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the shaft (40) opens axially at a head plate (24) of the closure cap (16).

9. The container closure (10) according to any of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the indicator portion (46) has a flat upper wall (54) which corresponds to an inner circumference of the shaft (40).

10. The container closure (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper wall (54) is aligned with the head plate (24) of the closure cap (16) in the initial position.

11. The container closure (10) according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the shaft (40) adjoins an outer peripheral wall (26) of the closure cap (16).

12. The container closure (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the peripheral wall (26) of the closure cap (16) is cylindrical.

13. The container closure (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that in the closed position, the indicator element (42) lies radially outside the mouth (200) of the base ring (14).

14. The container closure (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the base ring (14) delimits a cavity (300) which accommodates the actuating portion (44) of the indicator element (46) after the predetermined breaking point (48) has broken or after the cap part (16) has been reclosed.

15. The container closure (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that in the closed position, the actuating portion (44) of the indicator element (46) is not visible from the outside.

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