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EP2643231B1 - Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device - Google Patents

Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2643231B1
EP2643231B1 EP11784706.1A EP11784706A EP2643231B1 EP 2643231 B1 EP2643231 B1 EP 2643231B1 EP 11784706 A EP11784706 A EP 11784706A EP 2643231 B1 EP2643231 B1 EP 2643231B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ring
locking
edge
handling body
outer peripheral
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11784706.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2643231A1 (en
Inventor
Antoine Aneas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
West Pharmaceutical Services Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
Kyowa Kirin Services Ltd
Original Assignee
West Pharmaceutical Services Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
West Pharmaceutical Services Drug Delivery and Clinical Research Center Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by West Pharmaceutical Services Deutschland GmbH and Co KG, West Pharmaceutical Services Drug Delivery and Clinical Research Center Ltd filed Critical West Pharmaceutical Services Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2643231A1 publication Critical patent/EP2643231A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2643231B1 publication Critical patent/EP2643231B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/28—Caps combined with stoppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/002—Closures to be pierced by an extracting-device for the contents and fixed on the container by separate retaining means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/1412—Containers with closing means, e.g. caps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/10—Caps or cap-like covers adapted to be secured in position by permanent deformation of the wall-engaging parts
    • B65D41/14—Caps or cap-like covers adapted to be secured in position by permanent deformation of the wall-engaging parts made of metallic foil or like thin flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/241—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with freeze-drying means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, and to a container equipped with such a device.
  • a glass vial to store an active ingredient in the form of lyophilisate, powder or liquid solution.
  • Such a bottle must be sealed in order to maintain its contents in a satisfactory state of preservation, until its date of use.
  • a closure device which comprises an elastomeric stopper and a plastic cap intended to be immobilized around the stopper to isolate it from the outside.
  • WO-2007/063218 proposes a closure device whose cap comprises a ring and a member for manipulating locking means of the ring on the neck of a container. It is also known from WO-2008/129144 integrating a deformable element for transmitting a thrust force into a closure device, this deformable element being designed to disappear when a thrust force has been effectively transmitted to bring an organ into a position where it actuates locking means of a cap on the neck of a container. These known containers are generally satisfactory, especially when used on bottles whose neck has a diameter of about 20 mm.
  • FR 2927316 A discloses a closure device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the present invention aims to treat by proposing a closure device which, when its locking means are activated, is firmly held in position on the neck of a container, without risk of inadvertent disassembly.
  • the invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, this device comprising a cap and a plastic cap, able to surround both the cap and the neck, the cap comprising a ring, adapted to surround the stopper and collar in mounted configuration and provided with locking means on the neck, and an actuating member of the ring provided with first means of transmission to this ring a thrust force and second activation means means for locking the ring, this maneuvering element surrounding the ring when it activates its locking means.
  • This device is characterized in that the ring is provided with a continuous outer peripheral flange, while the operating member is provided with at least one relief intended to bear against this continuous outer peripheral flange when it activates the locking means.
  • the cooperation of the peripheral collar, on the one hand, and the relief of the operating member, on the other hand, ensures the maintenance of the actuating member in a position where it activates the means such locking means remain effective to firmly immobilize the cap on the neck of a container and thus prevent fraudulent access to the contents of the container.
  • the invention also relates to a container, in particular a medicine bottle, equipped with a closure device as mentioned above.
  • the Figures 1 to 5 represent different steps of packaging a product P in glass vials 1 constituting containers.
  • a vial 1 is being filled with the product P, for example a drug.
  • a pipette 2 is introduced into the bottle 1 through its neck 11 which is defined by a neck 12 having an outer flange 13.
  • X1 is the axis of symmetry of the flask 1.
  • the device 50 comprises an elastomer plug 51 of shape adapted to be partially introduced into the neck 11, while resting on the face 131 of the flange 13 opposite the bottom 14 of the bottle 1. Once in place in the neck 12, the cap 51 isolates the contents of the vial 1 from the outside.
  • the device 50 also comprises a cap 52 intended to cover and isolate the cap 51 and the neck 12 in the closed configuration of the closure device 50.
  • the cap 52 comprises a plastic ring 53, which has a circular internal section and whose inside diameter is sufficient to allow it to surround the collar 13.
  • the cap 52 also comprises a maneuvering member of the ring 53, constituted by a ring 54 of plastic and which is intended to constitute the outer peripheral envelope of the cap 52.
  • the cap 52 further comprises a cover 56 also made of plastic. This cover 56 is generally symmetrical of revolution about a central axis X56.
  • 541 is the edge of the ring 54 which is oriented towards the bottle 1 in installed configuration of the cap 52 on this bottle.
  • This edge 541 can be described as “lower” in that it is oriented downwards in the configuration of the Figures 2 to 5 .
  • the spatial orientation of the various elements mentioned is considered in the case where a device 50 is mounted on a bottle 1 which rests on a flat surface by its bottom 14. A part is called “lower” when it is oriented down in this configuration and “upper” when facing up.
  • the partition 542 is the top edge of the crown 54 which is opposite the edge 541. This edge is cut from four openings 543 which pass through a partition 544 in the form of a skirt which constitutes the portion of the ring 54 intended to surround the ring 53 in configuration
  • the partition 544 comprises a cylindrical portion 5441 with a circular section which extends between the edge 541 and a shoulder 5442. Between the edge 542 and the shoulder 5442, the partition 544 is provided with four zones 5443 which are concave seen from the outside and which are each bordered by an opening 543.
  • the ring 54 also defines a central opening 545 centered on an axis X54 which constitutes an axis of symmetry for the ring 54, with the exception of its parts formed by the openings 543 and 5443 areas. 547 is the edge of the opening 545.
  • the openings 543 have the same geometry and are regularly distributed around the X54 axis, with an angular distance of 90 °.
  • the ring 53 is centered on an axis X53 which is aligned with the axes X54 and X56 in the assembled configuration of the cap 52, this axis then being merged with a central axis X52 of the cap 52.
  • the ring 53 comprises an annular portion 531 which defines a central opening 532 through which the top surface 511 of the cap 51 can be accessed if necessary.
  • the inner surface of the cover 56 that is to say its surface facing the plug 51 in the mounted configuration of the device 50 on the bottle 1, is noted 561.
  • the cover 56 is provided with two skirts 562 and 563 which are centered on the axis X56 and which extend parallel to this axis, each from the surface 561.
  • the skirt 562 has an axial length, measured parallel to the axis X56, greater than that of the skirt 563.
  • the cover 56 is attached to the ring 54 by bringing the surface 561 closer to the edge 542, by inserting the skirts 562 and 563 into the opening 545 and by welding the cover 56 to the ring 54, in the vicinity of the edge 542, by merging several pads 564 formed for this purpose on the surface 561 and equidistributed around the skirt 563. During this operation, the skirt 563 is brought into contact with the edge 547.
  • the cover 56 is provided with a rigid central portion 565 surrounded by a peripheral portion 566, also rigid, while a deformable web 567 connects the parts 565 and 566.
  • the geometry of the parts 53, 54 and 56 is chosen such that the maximum outside diameter D54 of the ring 54 has a value of less than 16.5 mm, preferably between 15.8 and 16.2 mm, more preferably equal to 16 mm.
  • the cap 52 mounted on the bottle 1 does not exceed or slightly exceeds the body of the bottle 1, in a radial direction relative to the axis X1.
  • the ring 53 comprises five strips 533 extending from the portion 531 to the lower edge of the ring 53 which is formed by a continuous ring 534 about the axis X53.
  • Part 531 comprises a continuous flange 5311, which extends peripherally and externally with respect to the rest of portion 531 and defines a second edge, or upper edge of ring 53.
  • Flange 5311 is defined between a top surface 5312 facing away from the edge 534 and a bottom surface 5313 facing the edge 534, each of these surfaces being perpendicular to the axis X53.
  • the flange 5311 is bordered, radially on the outside, by a frustoconical surface 5314 which is convergent opposite the edge 534.
  • Each band 533 is provided with an external rib 535 projecting radially outwardly relative to the axis X53 with respect to this tongue. Between each pair of two adjacent strips 533 is defined a window 536, that is to say an open area with a closed contour, putting the inner volume of the ring 53 into communication with the outside.
  • a locking tab 537 extends from the ring 534 in each window 536. Given the intrinsic flexibility of the material constituting the ring 53, each tongue 537 can pivot about its base relative to the edge 534. In other words, each tongue 537 may be more or less folded towards the inside of the ring 53, depending on the forces it undergoes.
  • each tongue 537 comprises a frustoconical surface 5373, centered on the axis X53 and converging towards the edge 534.
  • the surface 5372 constitutes the upper outer peripheral surface of a tongue 537, while its surface 5373 constitutes a lower outer peripheral surface.
  • the respective diameters of the surfaces 5372 and 5373 of a tongue are chosen such that a circular arc beak 5374 is formed at the junction between these surfaces.
  • the beaks 5374 constitute the outer radial portions of the tongues 537.
  • D534 denotes the outer diameter of the edge 534.
  • D537 denotes the diameter of an imaginary circle C537 centered on the axis X53 and passing through the nozzles 5374.
  • the value of the diameter D537 is greater than that of the diameter D534, of at least 1.5 mm. Even when the ring 54 surrounds the locking tabs 537, as envisaged above, the diameter D537 has a value greater than the diameter D534, the difference between these values being then reduced.
  • the ring 53 On the inside of the junction zone between a band 533 and the part 531, the ring 53 is provided with ribs 538 intended to penetrate superficially into the cap 51 in order to immobilize this plug in the ring 53 and in the cap 52.
  • the ring 54 is mounted on the ring 53, without interacting significantly with the locking tabs 537.
  • the plug 51 can be placed on the neck 12 of the bottle 1, as shown in FIG. figure 2 before the cap 52 is placed on the cap by an axial force E1.
  • the cap 51 does not completely close the neck 11 since this plug is provided with a lateral cutout 512 which communicates with a gap 200 at a portion of the upper face 131 of the neck 13.
  • the bottle 1 equipped with the device 50 can then be introduced into a freeze-dryer 300, within a batch of bottles 1.
  • Figures 3 to 5 three vials represent a batch that may comprise several hundred or even thousands of vials arranged in the lyophilizer 300.
  • the vials may be arranged in this lyophilizer on several superposed shelves.
  • the water molecules present in each flask 1 are discharged to the outside, as represented by arrows F1 to figures 3 and 6 , through the interstices that then remain between the cap 52 and the flange 13.
  • FIG. figure 4 exerts on the devices 50 a pushing force E2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the bottles 1 and necks 11, with which axis are then merged the X52 axes of the different caps 52.
  • This axial force E2 is exerted by a plate 301 movable inside the lyophilizer and controlled by a cylinder 302.
  • the plate 301 at the same time exerts substantially the same unit force E'2 on the cap 52 of each bottle 1 of a row of bottles disposed at the same level, on the same shelf 303 in the freeze-dryer.
  • the sum of the forces E'2 is equal to the effort E2.
  • the ring 54 is in a second waiting configuration where the ribs 535 remain engaged in the groove 5461. In this configuration, the ring does not interact with the locking tabs 537.
  • the application of the force E'2 has the effect of advancing the crown 54 of each cap 52 towards the bottom 14 of each of the bottles 1, as represented by the passage of the configuration of the figures 3 and 6 to that of figures 4 and 10 .
  • the force E'2 is transmitted from the ring 54 to the ring 53 via the throat 5461 and ribs 535 which cooperate.
  • the elements 535 and 5461 constitute means for transmitting the force E'2 of the ring gear 54 to the ring 53.
  • the force E'2 exerted on each device 50 has the effect of bringing the tabs 537 of its ring 53, along the axis X1, between the flange 13 and the body 16 of the bottle around the neck portion 12 not provided with the flange 13.
  • the annular portion 531 then comes into contact with the upper surface 511 of the cap 51 which stops the progression of the ring 53 towards the bottom 14.
  • the continuation of the application of the force E'2 on the ring 54 of each device 50 has the effect of driving the rib 535 of each band 533 outside the groove 5461 by elastic deformation of the bands 533, which allows the ring 54 to successively reach the position of the figure 12 , then that of Figures 13 and 14 .
  • This allows, in a first step, at the edge 541 of the ring 54 to contact the surfaces 5372 of the different locking tabs 537, as shown in FIG. figure 12 .
  • This movement also has the effect of bringing the edges 5431 of the notches or openings 543 bearing against the surface 5313 of the flange 5311 oriented towards the edge 534.
  • D531 denotes the maximum diameter of the continuous outer peripheral flange 5311. This diameter is that of the joining edge between the surfaces 5313 and 5314.
  • C543 is an imaginary circle centered on the axis X54 and tangent, on the inside, at the edges 5431 of the notches or openings 543.
  • the zones 5443 are elastically deformed, sliding against the surface 5314, during the passage of the configuration of the figure 12 to the configuration of Figures 13 and 14 . Then, by elasticity, the parts of the partition 544 which constitute the zones 5443 tend to fall back elastically towards the axis X52, so that the edges 5431 engage below the continuous outer peripheral flange 5311.
  • the ring 54 is in its locking configuration in which it ensures, by the hooping it exerts on the tongues 537, the maintenance of these tongues in an engagement configuration with the surface 132 of the collar 13.
  • the ring 54 thus constitutes an actuating member of the ring 53, this operating member actuating the locking means constituted by the tabs 537.
  • the elements 53, 54 and 56 are each one-piece and can be molded from polyoxymethylene (POM) or an equivalent material.
  • POM polyoxymethylene

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Description

L'invention a trait à un dispositif de bouchage pour un récipient pourvu d'un col, ainsi qu'à un récipient équipé d'un tel dispositif.The invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, and to a container equipped with such a device.

Dans le domaine des récipients pour médicaments, il est connu d'utiliser un flacon en verre pour conserver un principe actif sous forme de lyophilisat, de poudre ou de solution liquide. Un tel flacon doit être obturé de façon étanche afin de maintenir son contenu dans un état de conservation satisfaisant, jusqu'à sa date d'utilisation. Pour fermer hermétiquement un flacon, il est connu d'utiliser un dispositif de bouchage qui comprend un bouchon en élastomère et une coiffe en matière plastique destinée à être immobilisée autour du bouchon pour l'isoler de l'extérieur.In the field of medication containers, it is known to use a glass vial to store an active ingredient in the form of lyophilisate, powder or liquid solution. Such a bottle must be sealed in order to maintain its contents in a satisfactory state of preservation, until its date of use. To seal a bottle, it is known to use a closure device which comprises an elastomeric stopper and a plastic cap intended to be immobilized around the stopper to isolate it from the outside.

WO-A-2007/063218 propose un dispositif de bouchage dont la coiffe comprend une bague et un organe permettant de manoeuvrer des moyens de verrouillage de la bague sur le col d'un récipient. Il est par ailleurs connu de WO-A-2008/129144 d'intégrer à un dispositif de bouchage un élément déformable de transmission d'un effort de poussée, cet élément déformable étant destiné à s'effacer lorsqu'un effort de poussée a été efficacement transmis pour amener un organe dans une position où il actionne des moyens de verrouillage d'une coiffe sur le col d'un récipient. Ces récipients connus donnent globalement satisfaction, en particulier lorsqu'ils sont utilisés sur des flacons dont le col a un diamètre de l'ordre de 20 mm. WO-2007/063218 proposes a closure device whose cap comprises a ring and a member for manipulating locking means of the ring on the neck of a container. It is also known from WO-2008/129144 integrating a deformable element for transmitting a thrust force into a closure device, this deformable element being designed to disappear when a thrust force has been effectively transmitted to bring an organ into a position where it actuates locking means of a cap on the neck of a container. These known containers are generally satisfactory, especially when used on bottles whose neck has a diameter of about 20 mm.

FR 2927316 A divulgue un dispositif de bouchage selon le préambule de la revendication 1. FR 2927316 A discloses a closure device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Lorsqu'un dispositif de bouchage a été amené en configuration d'activation de ses moyens de verrouillage, il importe qu'il demeure sur le col du récipient, sans pouvoir être retiré autrement que d'une façon qui montre clairement que le contenu du flacon a été rendu accessible. Ceci est nécessaire pour éviter les risques de manipulation frauduleuse du contenu d'un flacon.When a closure device has been brought into the activation configuration of its locking means, it is important that it remains on the neck of the container, without being able to be removed otherwise than in a manner which clearly shows that the contents of the bottle has been made accessible. This is necessary to avoid the risk of fraudulent manipulation of the contents of a bottle.

C'est cette problématique que vise à traiter la présente invention en proposant un dispositif de bouchage qui, lorsque ses moyens de verrouillage sont activés, est fermement maintenu en position sur le col d'un récipient, sans risque de démontage intempestif.It is this problem that the present invention aims to treat by proposing a closure device which, when its locking means are activated, is firmly held in position on the neck of a container, without risk of inadvertent disassembly.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif de bouchage d'un récipient pourvu d'un col, ce dispositif comprenant un bouchon et une coiffe en matière plastique, apte à entourer à la fois le bouchon et le col, la coiffe comprenant une bague, apte à entourer le bouchon et le col en configuration montée et pourvue de moyens de verrouillage sur le col, ainsi qu'un organe de manoeuvre de la bague pourvu de premiers moyens de transmission à cette bague d'un effort de poussée et de deuxièmes moyens d'activation des moyens de verrouillage de la bague, cet organe de manoeuvre entourant la bague lorsqu'il active ses moyens de verrouillage. Ce dispositif est caractérisé en ce que la bague est pourvue d'une collerette périphérique externe continue, alors que l'organe de manoeuvre est pourvu d'au moins un relief destiné à venir en appui contre cette collerette périphérique externe continue lorsqu'il active les moyens de verrouillage.For this purpose, the invention relates to a closure device for a container provided with a neck, this device comprising a cap and a plastic cap, able to surround both the cap and the neck, the cap comprising a ring, adapted to surround the stopper and collar in mounted configuration and provided with locking means on the neck, and an actuating member of the ring provided with first means of transmission to this ring a thrust force and second activation means means for locking the ring, this maneuvering element surrounding the ring when it activates its locking means. This device is characterized in that the ring is provided with a continuous outer peripheral flange, while the operating member is provided with at least one relief intended to bear against this continuous outer peripheral flange when it activates the locking means.

Grâce à l'invention, la coopération de la collerette périphérique, d'une part, et du relief de l'organe de manoeuvre, d'autre part, garantit le maintien de l'organe de manoeuvre dans une position où il active les moyens de verrouillage, au point que ces moyens de verrouillage demeurent efficaces pour immobiliser fermement la coiffe sur le col d'un récipient et empêcher ainsi tout accès frauduleux au contenu du récipient.Thanks to the invention, the cooperation of the peripheral collar, on the one hand, and the relief of the operating member, on the other hand, ensures the maintenance of the actuating member in a position where it activates the means such locking means remain effective to firmly immobilize the cap on the neck of a container and thus prevent fraudulent access to the contents of the container.

Selon des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires de l'invention, un tel dispositif peut incorporer une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises dans toute combinaison techniquement admissible :

  • Le relief de l'organe de manoeuvre est formé par un bord d'une ouverture ménagé à travers une cloison périphérique de cet organe, cette cloison entourant la bague lorsque l'organe de manoeuvre active les moyens de verrouillage. On peut prévoir que cette ouverture borde une partie de la cloison périphérique qui est concave vue de l'extérieur.
  • Les moyens de verrouillage de la bague comprennent des languettes de verrouillage qui s'étendent, à partir d'un bord de cette bague, en direction de la collerette périphérique externe continue.
  • Le diamètre d'un cercle passant par les parties radiales externes des languettes de verrouillage a une valeur supérieure au diamètre externe du bord à partir duquel s'étendent ces languettes.
  • Le bord à partir duquel s'étendent les languettes de verrouillage est continu et chaque languette de verrouillage est disposée dans une ouverture à contour fermé qui traverse la bague selon une direction radiale par rapport à un axe longitudinal et central de la bague.
  • La bague et l'organe de manoeuvre sont respectivement pourvus de premiers moyens de retenue et de deuxièmes moyens de retenue qui coopèrent ensemble pour maintenir l'organe de manoeuvre par rapport à la bague dans une position d'attente où il n'active pas les moyens de verrouillage.
  • Les premiers moyens de retenue de la bague sont ménagés sur des bandes déformables qui s'étendent, selon une direction parallèle à l'axe longitudinal et central de la bague, entre la collerette périphérique externe continue et un bord annulaire de la bague à partir duquel s'étendent les moyens de verrouillage.
  • L'organe de manoeuvre comprend plusieurs reliefs destinés à venir simultanément en appui contre la collerette périphérique externe continue et repartis autour d'un axe longitudinal et central de l'organe de manoeuvre.
  • Le diamètre maximal de la collerette périphérique externe continue a une valeur supérieure à celle du diamètre d'un cercle imaginaire centré sur l'axe longitudinal et central de l'organe de manoeuvre et tangent, sur l'intérieur, avec les reliefs.
According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a device may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:
  • The relief of the operating member is formed by an edge of an opening formed through a peripheral wall of this member, the partition surrounding the ring when the operating member activates the locking means. It can be expected that this opening borders a portion of the peripheral wall which is concave from the outside.
  • The locking means of the ring comprise locking tabs which extend, from an edge of this ring, in the direction of the continuous outer peripheral collar.
  • The diameter of a circle passing through the outer radial portions of the locking tongues has a value greater than the outer diameter of the edge from which these tabs extend.
  • The edge from which the locking tabs extend is continuous and each locking tab is disposed in a closed contour opening which traverses the ring in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal and central axis of the ring.
  • The ring and the actuating member are respectively provided with first retaining means and second retaining means which cooperate together to hold the operating member relative to the ring in a waiting position where it does not activate the locking means.
  • The first retaining means of the ring are formed on deformable strips which extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal and central axis of the ring. the ring, between the continuous outer peripheral collar and an annular edge of the ring from which extend the locking means.
  • The actuating member comprises a plurality of reliefs intended simultaneously to bear against the continuous outer peripheral flange and distributed around a longitudinal and central axis of the operating member.
  • The maximum diameter of the continuous outer peripheral flange has a value greater than that of the diameter of an imaginary circle centered on the longitudinal and central axis of the actuating member and tangent, on the inside, with the reliefs.

L'invention concerne également un récipient, notamment un flacon pour médicament, équipé d'un dispositif de bouchage tel que mentionné ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a container, in particular a medicine bottle, equipped with a closure device as mentioned above.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lumière de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de bouchage et d'un récipient conformes à son principe, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 5 représentent schématiquement, en coupe axiale et en perspective pour les figures 1 et 2, plusieurs étapes de conditionnement d'un produit dans des récipients conformes à l'invention,
  • la figure 6 est une vue à plus grande échelle du détail VI à la figure 3,
  • la figure 7 est une coupe axiale, en perspective et à plus grande échelle, de la coiffe des dispositifs de bouchage des récipients des figures 1 à 5,
  • les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues en perspective éclatée, selon deux angles différents, de la coiffe de la figure 7,
  • la figure 10 est une vue à plus grande échelle du détail X à la figure 4,
  • la figure 11 est une coupe selon la ligne XI-XI à la figure 10,
  • la figure 12 est une coupe analogue à la figure 11 lors d'une étape intermédiaire entre les configurations des figures 4 et 5,
  • la figure 13 est une vue à plus grande échelle du détail XIII à la figure 5, et
  • la figure 14 est une coupe selon la ligne XIV-XIV à la figure 13.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a closure device and a container according to its principle, given only by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the Figures 1 to 5 represent schematically, in axial section and in perspective for Figures 1 and 2 , several stages of packaging a product in containers according to the invention,
  • the figure 6 is a larger-scale view of detail VI to the figure 3 ,
  • the figure 7 is an axial section, in perspective and on a larger scale, of the cap of the closure devices of the containers of the Figures 1 to 5 ,
  • the figures 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views, from two different angles, of the headdress of the figure 7 ,
  • the figure 10 is a larger-scale view of detail X to the figure 4 ,
  • the figure 11 is a section along the line XI-XI to the figure 10 ,
  • the figure 12 is a cut similar to the figure 11 during an intermediate step between the configurations of Figures 4 and 5 ,
  • the figure 13 is a larger-scale view of detail XIII to the figure 5 , and
  • the figure 14 is a section along the line XIV-XIV to the figure 13 .

Les figures 1 à 5 représentent différentes étapes de conditionnement d'un produit P dans des flacons en verre 1 constituant des récipients.The Figures 1 to 5 represent different steps of packaging a product P in glass vials 1 constituting containers.

A la figure 1, un flacon 1 est en cours de remplissage avec le produit P, par exemple un médicament. Une pipette 2 est introduite dans le flacon 1 à travers son goulot 11 qui est défini par un col 12 présentant une collerette externe 13. On note X1 l'axe de symétrie du flacon 1.To the figure 1 a vial 1 is being filled with the product P, for example a drug. A pipette 2 is introduced into the bottle 1 through its neck 11 which is defined by a neck 12 having an outer flange 13. X1 is the axis of symmetry of the flask 1.

Lorsqu'une quantité prédéterminée de produit P a été introduite dans le flacon 1, la pipette 2 est retirée et un dispositif de bouchage 50 est mis en place sur le col 12.When a predetermined quantity of product P has been introduced into the bottle 1, the pipette 2 is removed and a closure device 50 is put in place on the neck 12.

Le dispositif 50 comprend un bouchon en élastomère 51 de forme adapté pour être partiellement introduit dans le goulot 11, tout en reposant sur la face 131 de la collerette 13 opposée au fond 14 du flacon 1. Une fois en place dans le col 12, le bouchon 51 isole le contenu du flacon 1 de l'extérieur.The device 50 comprises an elastomer plug 51 of shape adapted to be partially introduced into the neck 11, while resting on the face 131 of the flange 13 opposite the bottom 14 of the bottle 1. Once in place in the neck 12, the cap 51 isolates the contents of the vial 1 from the outside.

Le dispositif 50 comprend également une coiffe 52 destinée à recouvrir et à isoler le bouchon 51 et le col 12 en configuration fermée du dispositif de bouchage 50.The device 50 also comprises a cap 52 intended to cover and isolate the cap 51 and the neck 12 in the closed configuration of the closure device 50.

Comme il ressort plus particulièrement des figures 7 à 9, la coiffe 52 comprend une bague 53 en matière plastique, qui est à section intérieure circulaire et dont le diamètre intérieur est suffisant pour lui permettre d'entourer la collerette 13. La coiffe 52 comprend également un organe de manoeuvre de la bague 53, constitué par une couronne 54 en matière plastique et qui est destinée à constituer l'enveloppe périphérique externe de la coiffe 52. La coiffe 52 comprend en outre un couvercle 56 également réalisé en matière plastique. Ce couvercle 56 est globalement à symétrie de révolution autour d'un axe central X56.As is clear from the Figures 7 to 9 , the cap 52 comprises a plastic ring 53, which has a circular internal section and whose inside diameter is sufficient to allow it to surround the collar 13. The cap 52 also comprises a maneuvering member of the ring 53, constituted by a ring 54 of plastic and which is intended to constitute the outer peripheral envelope of the cap 52. The cap 52 further comprises a cover 56 also made of plastic. This cover 56 is generally symmetrical of revolution about a central axis X56.

On note 541 le bord de la couronne 54 qui est orienté vers le flacon 1 en configuration installée de la coiffe 52 sur ce flacon. Ce bord 541 peut être qualifié de « inférieur » dans la mesure où il est orienté vers le bas dans la configuration des figures 2 à 5. Dans cette description, l'orientation spatiale des différents éléments mentionnés est considérée dans le cas où un dispositif 50 est monté sur un flacon 1 qui repose sur une surface plane par son fond 14. Une partie est dite « inférieure » lorsqu'elle est orientée vers le bas dans cette configuration et « supérieure » lorsqu'elle est orientée vers le haut.541 is the edge of the ring 54 which is oriented towards the bottle 1 in installed configuration of the cap 52 on this bottle. This edge 541 can be described as "lower" in that it is oriented downwards in the configuration of the Figures 2 to 5 . In this description, the spatial orientation of the various elements mentioned is considered in the case where a device 50 is mounted on a bottle 1 which rests on a flat surface by its bottom 14. A part is called "lower" when it is oriented down in this configuration and "upper" when facing up.

On note 542 le bord supérieur de la couronne 54 qui est opposé au bord 541. Ce bord est découpé de quatre ouvertures 543 qui traversent une cloison 544 en forme de jupe qui constitue la partie de la couronne 54 destinée à entourer la bague 53 en configuration montée de la coiffe 52. En pratique, la cloison 544 comprend une partie 5441 cylindrique à section circulaire qui s'étend entre le bord 541 et un épaulement 5442. Entre le bord 542 et l'épaulement 5442, la cloison 544 est pourvue de quatre zones 5443 qui sont concaves vues de l'extérieur et qui sont chacune bordée par une ouverture 543. On note 5431 le bord d'une ouverture 543 qui jouxte une zone 5443. Chaque bord 5431 constitue un relief qui s'étend à partir d'une zone 5443 en direction de l'axe X53.542 is the top edge of the crown 54 which is opposite the edge 541. This edge is cut from four openings 543 which pass through a partition 544 in the form of a skirt which constitutes the portion of the ring 54 intended to surround the ring 53 in configuration In practice, the partition 544 comprises a cylindrical portion 5441 with a circular section which extends between the edge 541 and a shoulder 5442. Between the edge 542 and the shoulder 5442, the partition 544 is provided with four zones 5443 which are concave seen from the outside and which are each bordered by an opening 543. There is 5431 the edge of an opening 543 which adjoins an area 5443. Each edge 5431 constitutes a relief which extends from a zone 5443 in the direction of the axis X53.

La couronne 54 définit également une ouverture centrale 545 centrée sur un axe X54 qui constitue un axe de symétrie pour la couronne 54, à l'exception de ses parties formées par les ouvertures 543 et par les zones 5443. On note 547 le bord de l'ouverture 545.The ring 54 also defines a central opening 545 centered on an axis X54 which constitutes an axis of symmetry for the ring 54, with the exception of its parts formed by the openings 543 and 5443 areas. 547 is the edge of the opening 545.

Les ouvertures 543 ont la même géométrie et sont régulièrement reparties autour de l'axe X54, avec un écart angulaire de 90°.The openings 543 have the same geometry and are regularly distributed around the X54 axis, with an angular distance of 90 °.

La bague 53 est centrée sur un axe X53 qui est aligné avec les axes X54 et X56 en configuration assemblée de la coiffe 52, cet axe étant alors confondu avec un axe central X52 de la coiffe 52.The ring 53 is centered on an axis X53 which is aligned with the axes X54 and X56 in the assembled configuration of the cap 52, this axis then being merged with a central axis X52 of the cap 52.

La bague 53 comprend une partie annulaire 531 qui définit une ouverture centrale 532 à travers laquelle on peut accéder à la surface supérieure 511 du bouchon 51 en cas de besoin.The ring 53 comprises an annular portion 531 which defines a central opening 532 through which the top surface 511 of the cap 51 can be accessed if necessary.

On note 561 la surface interne du couvercle 56, c'est-à-dire sa surface tournée vers le bouchon 51 en configuration montée du dispositif 50 sur le flacon 1. Le couvercle 56 est pourvu de deux jupes 562 et 563 qui sont centrées sur l'axe X56 et qui s'étendent parallèlement à cet axe, chacune à partir de la surface 561. La jupe 562 a une longueur axiale, mesurée parallèlement à l'axe X56, supérieure à celle de la jupe 563.The inner surface of the cover 56, that is to say its surface facing the plug 51 in the mounted configuration of the device 50 on the bottle 1, is noted 561. The cover 56 is provided with two skirts 562 and 563 which are centered on the axis X56 and which extend parallel to this axis, each from the surface 561. The skirt 562 has an axial length, measured parallel to the axis X56, greater than that of the skirt 563.

Lors de la fabrication de la coiffe 52, le couvercle 56 est rapporté sur la couronne 54 en rapprochant la surface 561 du bord 542, en introduisant les jupes 562 et 563 dans l'ouverture 545 et en soudant le couvercle 56 sur la couronne 54, au voisinage du bord 542, par fusion de plusieurs plots 564 ménagés à cet effet sur la surface 561 et équirépartis autour de la jupe 563. Lors de cette opération, la jupe 563 est amenée au contact du bord 547.During the manufacture of the cap 52, the cover 56 is attached to the ring 54 by bringing the surface 561 closer to the edge 542, by inserting the skirts 562 and 563 into the opening 545 and by welding the cover 56 to the ring 54, in the vicinity of the edge 542, by merging several pads 564 formed for this purpose on the surface 561 and equidistributed around the skirt 563. During this operation, the skirt 563 is brought into contact with the edge 547.

Le couvercle 56 est pourvu d'une partie centrale rigide 565 entourée par une partie périphérique 566, également rigide, alors qu'un voile déformable 567 relie les parties 565 et 566.The cover 56 is provided with a rigid central portion 565 surrounded by a peripheral portion 566, also rigid, while a deformable web 567 connects the parts 565 and 566.

Lorsque le couvercle 56 a été fixé sur la couronne 54, la couronne 54 est engagée autour de la bague 53, de telle sorte qu'elle délimite l'encombrement radial maximum de la coiffe 52, par rapport à son axe central X52.When the cover 56 has been fixed on the ring 54, the ring 54 is engaged around the ring 53, so that it delimits the maximum radial size of the cap 52, with respect to its central axis X52.

En pratique, la géométrie des pièces 53, 54 et 56 est choisie de telle sorte que le diamètre extérieur maximum D54 de la couronne 54 a une valeur inférieure à 16,5 mm, de préférence comprise entre 15,8 et 16,2 mm, de préférence encore égale à 16 mm. Dans ces conditions, lorsqu'on utilise un flacon 1 dont le corps 16 a un diamètre égal à 16 mm, ce qui est classique pour certains médicaments, la coiffe 52 montée sur le flacon 1 ne dépasse pas ou dépasse très peu du corps du flacon 1, selon une direction radiale par rapport à l'axe X1. Ceci permet de juxtaposer des flacons 1 pré-équipés de dispositifs de bouchage 50 sur une étagère d'un lyophilisateur, avec une grande densité, découlant du diamètre relativement faible des corps de ces flacons, sans risque que les flacons soient déséquilibrés par les dispositifs de bouchage qu'ils supportent.In practice, the geometry of the parts 53, 54 and 56 is chosen such that the maximum outside diameter D54 of the ring 54 has a value of less than 16.5 mm, preferably between 15.8 and 16.2 mm, more preferably equal to 16 mm. Under these conditions, when using a bottle 1 whose body 16 has a diameter of 16 mm, which is conventional for some drugs, the cap 52 mounted on the bottle 1 does not exceed or slightly exceeds the body of the bottle 1, in a radial direction relative to the axis X1. This makes it possible to juxtapose vials 1 pre-equipped with closure devices 50 on a shelf of a lyophilizer, with a high density, resulting from the relatively small diameter of the bodies of these bottles, without risk that the bottles are unbalanced by the closure devices they support.

La bague 53 comprend cinq bandes 533 qui s'étendent à partir de la partie 531 jusqu'au bord inférieur de la bague 53 qui est formé par un anneau 534 continu autour de l'axe X53.The ring 53 comprises five strips 533 extending from the portion 531 to the lower edge of the ring 53 which is formed by a continuous ring 534 about the axis X53.

La partie 531 comprend une collerette continue 5311, qui s'étend de façon périphérique et externe par rapport au reste de la partie 531 et qui définit un deuxième bord, ou bord supérieur de la bague 53. La collerette 5311 est définie entre une surface supérieure 5312 orientée à l'opposé du bord 534 et une surface inférieure 5313 orientée vers le bord 534, chacune de ces surfaces étant perpendiculaire à l'axe X53. La collerette 5311 est bordée, radialement sur l'extérieur, par une surface tronconique 5314 qui est convergente à l'opposé du bord 534.Part 531 comprises a continuous flange 5311, which extends peripherally and externally with respect to the rest of portion 531 and defines a second edge, or upper edge of ring 53. Flange 5311 is defined between a top surface 5312 facing away from the edge 534 and a bottom surface 5313 facing the edge 534, each of these surfaces being perpendicular to the axis X53. The flange 5311 is bordered, radially on the outside, by a frustoconical surface 5314 which is convergent opposite the edge 534.

Chaque bande 533 est pourvue d'une nervure externe 535 qui fait saillie radialement vers l'extérieur par rapport à l'axe X53 par rapport à cette languette. Entre chaque paire de deux bandes 533 adjacentes est définie une fenêtre 536, c'est-à-dire une zone ouverte à contour fermé, mettant en communication le volume intérieur de la bague 53 et l'extérieur.Each band 533 is provided with an external rib 535 projecting radially outwardly relative to the axis X53 with respect to this tongue. Between each pair of two adjacent strips 533 is defined a window 536, that is to say an open area with a closed contour, putting the inner volume of the ring 53 into communication with the outside.

Une languette de verrouillage 537 s'étend à partir de l'anneau 534 dans chaque fenêtre 536. Compte tenu de la souplesse intrinsèque du matériau constitutif de la bague 53, chaque languette 537 peut pivoter, autour de sa base, par rapport au bord 534. En d'autres termes, chaque languette 537 peut être plus ou moins rabattue vers l'intérieur de la bague 53, en fonction des efforts qu'elle subit.A locking tab 537 extends from the ring 534 in each window 536. Given the intrinsic flexibility of the material constituting the ring 53, each tongue 537 can pivot about its base relative to the edge 534. In other words, each tongue 537 may be more or less folded towards the inside of the ring 53, depending on the forces it undergoes.

On note 5371 le bord libre d'une languette 537. On note 5372 la surface extérieure de la languette 537 qui jouxte ce bord libre. La surface extérieure 5372 de chaque languette 537 est en forme de tronçon de surface tronconique, centrée sur l'axe X53 et convergeante en direction du bord 5371. A l'opposé du bord 5371 par rapport à la surface 5372, chaque languette 537 comprend une surface tronconique 5373, centrée sur l'axe X53 et convergeante en direction du bord 534. Ainsi, la surface 5372 constitue la surface périphérique externe supérieure d'une languette 537, alors que sa surface 5373 constitue une surface périphérique externe inférieure. Les diamètres respectifs des surfaces 5372 et 5373 d'une languette sont choisis d'une telle sorte qu'un bec en arc de cercle 5374 est formé à la jonction entre ces surfaces. Les becs 5374 constituent les parties radiales externes des languettes 537.We note 5371 the free edge of a tongue 537. Note 5372 the outer surface of the tongue 537 which adjoins this free edge. The outer surface 5372 of each tongue 537 is in the shape of a frustoconical surface section, centered on the axis X53 and converging towards the edge 5371. Opposite the edge 5371 with respect to the surface 5372, each tongue 537 comprises a frustoconical surface 5373, centered on the axis X53 and converging towards the edge 534. Thus, the surface 5372 constitutes the upper outer peripheral surface of a tongue 537, while its surface 5373 constitutes a lower outer peripheral surface. The respective diameters of the surfaces 5372 and 5373 of a tongue are chosen such that a circular arc beak 5374 is formed at the junction between these surfaces. The beaks 5374 constitute the outer radial portions of the tongues 537.

On note D534 le diamètre extérieur du bord 534. On note D537 le diamètre d'un cercle imaginaire C537 centré sur l'axe X53 et passant par les becs 5374. En position non contrainte des languettes de verrouillage 537, la valeur du diamètre D537 est supérieure à celle du diamètre D534, d'au moins 1,5 mm. Même lorsque la couronne 54 entoure les languettes de verrouillage 537, comme envisagé ci-dessus, le diamètre D537 a une valeur supérieure au diamètre D534, la différence entre ces valeurs étant alors réduite.D534 denotes the outer diameter of the edge 534. D537 denotes the diameter of an imaginary circle C537 centered on the axis X53 and passing through the nozzles 5374. In position constrained locking tongues 537, the value of the diameter D537 is greater than that of the diameter D534, of at least 1.5 mm. Even when the ring 54 surrounds the locking tabs 537, as envisaged above, the diameter D537 has a value greater than the diameter D534, the difference between these values being then reduced.

Sur l'intérieur de la zone de jonction entre une bande 533 et la partie 531, la bague 53 est pourvue de nervures 538 destinées à pénétrer superficiellement dans le bouchon 51 afin d'immobiliser ce bouchon dans la bague 53 et dans la coiffe 52.On the inside of the junction zone between a band 533 and the part 531, the ring 53 is provided with ribs 538 intended to penetrate superficially into the cap 51 in order to immobilize this plug in the ring 53 and in the cap 52.

On note 546 la surface radiale interne de la cloison 544. Cette surface est pourvue d'une gorge périphérique 5461 qui s'étend sur tout le pourtour de la surface 546 et qui est destinée à recevoir les nervures 535 de la bague 53 dans une configuration d'attente représentée aux figures 3 et 6. Dans cette configuration, la couronne 54 est montée sur la bague 53, sans interagir notablement avec les languettes de verrouillage 537.546 is the internal radial surface of the partition 544. This surface is provided with a peripheral groove 5461 which extends around the entire periphery of the surface 546 and which is intended to receive the ribs 535 of the ring 53 in a configuration waiting period represented figures 3 and 6 . In this configuration, the ring 54 is mounted on the ring 53, without interacting significantly with the locking tabs 537.

On parvient dans la configuration de la figure 7 en faisant coulisser la couronne 54 autour de la bague 53 grâce à un effort de prémontage qui est axial, c'est-à-dire parallèle aux axes X52, X53, X54 et X56 qui sont alors confondus. Ceci a pour effet d'amener la cloison ou jupe 544 autour des bandes 533 et ce mouvement est poursuivi jusqu'à ce que les nervures 535 s'engagent dans la gorge 5461 et s'y verrouillent. Le coulissement de la couronne 54 par rapport à la bague 53 a lieu grâce à l'élasticité des bandes 533 qui peuvent se déformer élastiquement lorsque leurs nervures respectives 535 glissent le long de la surface 546 de la couronne 54 avant de s'engager dans la gorge 5461. En d'autres termes, la géométrie de la bague 53 confère aux bandes 533 une souplesse suffisante pour que la mise en place de la couronne 54 autour de la bague 53 soit aisée. En pratique, les bandes 53 s'étendent chacune, par rapport à l'axe X53, sur un secteur angulaire d'angle au sommet α inférieur à 30°, de préférence de l'ordre de 25°, ce qui leur confère une bonne élasticité.We arrive in the configuration of the figure 7 by sliding the ring 54 around the ring 53 through a premounting force which is axial, that is to say parallel to the axes X52, X53, X54 and X56 which are then merged. This has the effect of bringing the partition or skirt 544 around the strips 533 and this movement is continued until the ribs 535 engage in the groove 5461 and lock. The sliding of the ring 54 relative to the ring 53 takes place thanks to the elasticity of the strips 533 which can deform elastically when their respective ribs 535 slide along the surface 546 of the ring 54 before engaging in the In other words, the geometry of the ring 53 gives the strips 533 sufficient flexibility so that the establishment of the ring 54 around the ring 53 is easy. In practice, the strips 53 each extend, with respect to the axis X53, on an angular sector with an apex angle α of less than 30 °, preferably of the order of 25 °, which gives them a good elasticity.

Lorsque la coiffe 52 a été ainsi pré-assemblée, il est possible d'y loger le bouchon 51 en l'introduisant à l'intérieur de la bague 53, jusqu'à ce que les nervures 538 pénètrent superficiellement dans le bouchon 51, ce qui assure un maintien en position du bouchon dans la bague. En variante, le bouchon 51 peut être mis en place sur le col 12 du flacon 1, comme représenté à la figure 2 avant que la coiffe 52 ne soit mise en place sur le bouchon grâce à un effort axial E1. Dans tous les cas, on arrive dans la configuration de la figure 3 dans laquelle le bouchon 51 n'obture pas complètement le goulot 11 puisque ce bouchon est pourvu d'une découpe latérale 512 qui communique avec un interstice 200 au niveau d'une partie de la face supérieure 131 du goulot 13.When the cap 52 has been thus pre-assembled, it is possible to accommodate the plug 51 by inserting it inside the ring 53, until the ribs 538 penetrate superficially into the plug 51, which which ensures a maintenance position of the plug in the ring. Alternatively, the plug 51 can be placed on the neck 12 of the bottle 1, as shown in FIG. figure 2 before the cap 52 is placed on the cap by an axial force E1. In any case, we arrive in the configuration of the figure 3 in which the cap 51 does not completely close the neck 11 since this plug is provided with a lateral cutout 512 which communicates with a gap 200 at a portion of the upper face 131 of the neck 13.

Le flacon 1 équipé du dispositif 50 peut alors être introduit dans un lyophilisateur 300, au sein d'un lot de flacons 1. Aux figures 3 à 5, trois flacons représentent un lot qui peut comprendre plusieurs centaines, voire plusieurs milliers, de flacons disposés dans le lyophilisateur 300. En outre, les flacons peuvent être disposés dans ce lyophilisateur sur plusieurs étagères superposées. Dans ce lyophilisateur, les molécules d'eau présentes dans chaque flacon 1 sont évacuées vers l'extérieur, comme représenté par les flèches F1 aux figures 3 et 6, à travers les interstices qui subsistent alors entre la coiffe 52 et la collerette 13.The bottle 1 equipped with the device 50 can then be introduced into a freeze-dryer 300, within a batch of bottles 1. Figures 3 to 5 three vials represent a batch that may comprise several hundred or even thousands of vials arranged in the lyophilizer 300. In addition, the vials may be arranged in this lyophilizer on several superposed shelves. In this lyophilizer, the water molecules present in each flask 1 are discharged to the outside, as represented by arrows F1 to figures 3 and 6 , through the interstices that then remain between the cap 52 and the flange 13.

A l'intérieur du lyophilisateur, on peut ensuite, comme représenté à la figure 4, exercer sur les dispositifs 50 un effort de poussé E2 parallèle à l'axe longitudinal X1 des flacons 1 et des cols 11, axe avec lequel sont alors confondus les axes X52 des différentes coiffes 52. Cet effort axial E2 est exercé par un plateau 301 mobile à l'intérieur du lyophilisateur et commandé par un vérin 302. Le plateau 301 exerce en même temps sensiblement le même effort unitaire E'2 sur la coiffe 52 de chaque flacon 1 d'une rangée de flacons disposée à un même niveau, sur une même étagère 303 dans le lyophilisateur. La somme des efforts E'2 est égale à l'effort E2.Inside the freeze-dryer, then, as shown in FIG. figure 4 exert on the devices 50 a pushing force E2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the bottles 1 and necks 11, with which axis are then merged the X52 axes of the different caps 52. This axial force E2 is exerted by a plate 301 movable inside the lyophilizer and controlled by a cylinder 302. The plate 301 at the same time exerts substantially the same unit force E'2 on the cap 52 of each bottle 1 of a row of bottles disposed at the same level, on the same shelf 303 in the freeze-dryer. The sum of the forces E'2 is equal to the effort E2.

Dans la configuration des figures 4 et 10, la couronne 54 est dans une deuxième configuration d'attente où les nervures 535 demeurent engagées dans la gorge 5461. Dans cette configuration, la couronne n'interagit pas avec les languettes de verrouillage 537.In the configuration of figures 4 and 10 , the ring 54 is in a second waiting configuration where the ribs 535 remain engaged in the groove 5461. In this configuration, the ring does not interact with the locking tabs 537.

L'application de l'effort E'2 a pour effet de faire progresser la couronne 54 de chaque coiffe 52 en direction du fond 14 de chacun des flacons 1, comme représenté par le passage de la configuration des figures 3 et 6 à celle des figures 4 et 10. L'effort E'2 est transmis de la couronne 54 à la bague 53 par l'intermédiaire de la gorge 5461 et des nervures 535 qui coopèrent. Ainsi, les éléments 535 et 5461 constituent des moyens de transmission de l'effort E'2 de la couronne 54 à la bague 53. L'effort E'2 exercé sur chaque dispositif 50 a pour effet d'amener les languettes 537 de sa bague 53, le long de l'axe X1, entre la collerette 13 et le corps 16 du flacon autour de la partie du col 12 non pourvue de la collerette 13.The application of the force E'2 has the effect of advancing the crown 54 of each cap 52 towards the bottom 14 of each of the bottles 1, as represented by the passage of the configuration of the figures 3 and 6 to that of figures 4 and 10 . The force E'2 is transmitted from the ring 54 to the ring 53 via the throat 5461 and ribs 535 which cooperate. Thus, the elements 535 and 5461 constitute means for transmitting the force E'2 of the ring gear 54 to the ring 53. The force E'2 exerted on each device 50 has the effect of bringing the tabs 537 of its ring 53, along the axis X1, between the flange 13 and the body 16 of the bottle around the neck portion 12 not provided with the flange 13.

La partie annulaire 531 parvient alors au contact de la surface supérieure 511 du bouchon 51 qui arrête la progression de la bague 53 en direction du fond 14. La poursuite de l'application de l'effort E'2 sur la couronne 54 de chaque dispositif 50 a pour effet de chasser la nervure 535 de chaque bande 533 à l'extérieur de la gorge 5461 par déformation élastique des bandes 533, ce qui permet à la couronne 54 d'atteindre successivement la position de la figure 12, puis celle des figures 13 et 14. Ceci permet, dans un premier temps, au bord 541 de la couronne 54 de parvenir au contact des surfaces 5372 des différentes languettes de verrouillage 537, comme représenté à la figure 12. La poursuite de ce mouvement a pour effet de faire glisser les surfaces 5372 contre le bord 541, ce qui rabat les languettes 537 radialement vers l'axe X1, en amenant leur bord libre 5371 contre la surface périphérique inférieure 132 de la collerette 13, comme représenté à la figure 14. Ainsi, le bord 541 permet d'amener les languettes de verrouillage 537 dans une configuration active où elles immobilisent la coiffe 52 sur le col 12.The annular portion 531 then comes into contact with the upper surface 511 of the cap 51 which stops the progression of the ring 53 towards the bottom 14. The continuation of the application of the force E'2 on the ring 54 of each device 50 has the effect of driving the rib 535 of each band 533 outside the groove 5461 by elastic deformation of the bands 533, which allows the ring 54 to successively reach the position of the figure 12 , then that of Figures 13 and 14 . This allows, in a first step, at the edge 541 of the ring 54 to contact the surfaces 5372 of the different locking tabs 537, as shown in FIG. figure 12 . The continuation of this movement has the effect of sliding the surfaces 5372 against the edge 541, which folds the tabs 537 radially towards the axis X1, bringing their free edge 5371 against the lower peripheral surface 132 of the collar 13, as represented at figure 14 . Thus, the edge 541 makes it possible to bring the locking tabs 537 into an active configuration where they immobilize the cap 52 on the neck 12.

Ce mouvement a également pour effet d'amener les bords 5431 des encoches ou ouvertures 543 en appui contre la surface 5313 de la collerette 5311 orientée vers le bord 534. On note D531 le diamètre maximum de la collerette périphérique externe continue 5311. Ce diamètre est celui de l'arête de jonction entre les surfaces 5313 et 5314. On note C543 un cercle imaginaire centré sur l'axe X54 et tangent, sur l'intérieur, aux bords 5431 des encoches ou ouvertures 543. Lorsque les zones 5443 de la cloison 544 ne sont pas soumises à l'action de la collerette 5311, la valeur du diamètre D543 est inférieure à la valeur du diamètre D531. Les zones 5443 sont déformées élastiquement, en glissant contre la surface 5314, lors du passage de la configuration de la figure 12 à la configuration des figures 13 et 14. Ensuite, par élasticité, les parties de la cloison 544 qui constituent les zones 5443 ont tendance à se rabattre élastiquement vers l'axe X52, de telle sorte que les bords 5431 s'engagent en dessous de la collerette périphérique externe continue 5311.This movement also has the effect of bringing the edges 5431 of the notches or openings 543 bearing against the surface 5313 of the flange 5311 oriented towards the edge 534. D531 denotes the maximum diameter of the continuous outer peripheral flange 5311. This diameter is that of the joining edge between the surfaces 5313 and 5314. C543 is an imaginary circle centered on the axis X54 and tangent, on the inside, at the edges 5431 of the notches or openings 543. When the zones 5443 of the partition 544 are not subjected to the action of the flange 5311, the value of the diameter D543 is smaller than the value of the diameter D531. The zones 5443 are elastically deformed, sliding against the surface 5314, during the passage of the configuration of the figure 12 to the configuration of Figures 13 and 14 . Then, by elasticity, the parts of the partition 544 which constitute the zones 5443 tend to fall back elastically towards the axis X52, so that the edges 5431 engage below the continuous outer peripheral flange 5311.

Si un effort E3 de retrait de la couronne 54 est exercé sur celle-ci, comme représenté à la figure 14, cet effort est transmis sous la forme d'un effort d'appui E4 des bords 5431 contre la collerette 5311 qui s'y oppose et bloque la couronne 54 dans sa position où elle maintient les languettes 537 en configuration d'engagement avec la collerette 13.If a force E3 for removing the ring 54 is exerted on it, as shown in FIG. figure 14 this force is transmitted in the form of a bearing force E4 of the edges 5431 against the flange 5311 which opposes it and blocks the ring 54 in its position where it holds the tongues 537 in engagement configuration with the flange 13.

Il en résulte un verrouillage particulièrement efficace de la couronne 54 autour de la bague 53, dans la configuration des figures 13 et 14. En effet, une fois le dispositif de bouchage 50 monté sur le col 12 d'un flacon 1, il n'est pas possible de retirer la couronne 54 car les bords 5431 des ouvertures 543 sont en appui contre la collerette 5311 qui est rigide et solide du fait de son caractère continu autour de l'axe X53. La seule façon d'accéder au bouchon 51, et à travers lui, au contenu du flacon 1, est d'arracher le couvercle 56 en rompant les plots 564.This results in a particularly effective locking of the ring 54 around the ring 53, in the configuration of the Figures 13 and 14 . Indeed, once the closure device 50 mounted on the neck 12 of a bottle 1, it is not possible to remove the ring 54 because the edges 5431 of the openings 543 bear against the flange 5311 which is rigid and solid because of its continuous character around the X53 axis. The only way to access the cap 51, and through it, the contents of the bottle 1, is to tear the cover 56 by breaking the pads 564.

Dans la configuration des figures 13 et 14, la couronne 54 est dans sa configuration de verrouillage dans laquelle elle assure, par le frettage qu'elle exerce sur les languettes 537, le maintien de ces languettes dans une configuration d'engagement avec la surface 132 de la collerette 13. La couronne 54 constitue donc un organe de manoeuvre de la bague 53, cet organe de manoeuvre actionnant les moyens de verrouillage constitués par les languettes 537.In the configuration of Figures 13 and 14 , the ring 54 is in its locking configuration in which it ensures, by the hooping it exerts on the tongues 537, the maintenance of these tongues in an engagement configuration with the surface 132 of the collar 13. The ring 54 thus constitutes an actuating member of the ring 53, this operating member actuating the locking means constituted by the tabs 537.

Les éléments 53, 54 et 56 sont chacun monobloc et peuvent être moulés en polyoxyméthylène (POM) ou dans un matériau équivalent.The elements 53, 54 and 56 are each one-piece and can be molded from polyoxymethylene (POM) or an equivalent material.

Claims (11)

  1. Device for stopping a container (1) with a neck (12), this device comprises a stopper (51) and a cap (52) consisting of a plastic material and able to surround both the stopper and the neck, with the cap comprising a ring (53) than can surround the stopper and the neck when mounted and provided with means (537) for locking onto the neck, and a body (54) for handling the ring provided with first means (535) for transmitting a thrust force (E2) to the ring and second means (541) for activating means for locking the ring (537), this handling body surrounding the ring when it activates its means for locking, characterised in that the ring (53) is provided with a continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) and in that the handling body (54) is provided with at least one raised element (5431) designed to abut (E4) against the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) when it activates the locking means (537).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the raised element of the handling body is formed by an edge (5431) of an opening (543) arranged through a peripheral barrier (544) of the handling body (54) which surrounds the ring (53) when the handling body activates the locking means (537).
  3. Device according to claim 2, characterised by the opening (543) bordering a part (5443) of the peripheral barrier (544) which is concave when seen from the exterior of the handling body (54).
  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by the locking means of the ring (53) comprising locking tabs (537) which extend, from an edge (534) of this ring, in the direction of the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311).
  5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the diameter (D537) of a circle (C537) passing through external radial sections (5374) of the locking tabs (537) has a greater value than the external diameter (D534) of the edge (534) from which these tabs extend.
  6. Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the edge (534) from which the locking tabs extend (537) is continuous and each locking tab is arranged in an opening (536) with a closed outline which crosses the ring (53) according to a radial direction in relation to a longitudinal and central axis (X53) of the ring.
  7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ring (53) and the handling body (54) are respectively provided with first means of retaining (535) and second means of retaining (5461) which work together to maintain the handling body in relation to the ring in a waiting position where it does not activate the locking means (537).
  8. Device according to claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the first means of retaining (535) the ring (53) are arranged in malleable bands (533) which extend, according to a parallel direction to the longitudinal and central axis (X53) of the ring, between the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) and the annular edge (534) of the ring from which the locking means extend (537).
  9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the handling body (54) comprises several raised elements (5431) configured to simultaneously abut against the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) and distributed around a longitudinal and central axis (X54) of the handling body.
  10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the maximum diameter (D531) of the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) has a value greater than that of the diameter (D543) of an imaginary circle (C543) centred on the longitudinal and central axis (X54) of the handling body (54) and tangential to the interior, with the raised elements (5431).
  11. Container (1) equipped with a stopping device (50) according to one of the preceding claims.
EP11784706.1A 2010-11-24 2011-11-22 Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device Active EP2643231B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1059683A FR2967656B1 (en) 2010-11-24 2010-11-24 DEVICE FOR CLOSING A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
PCT/EP2011/070609 WO2012069436A1 (en) 2010-11-24 2011-11-22 Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2643231A1 EP2643231A1 (en) 2013-10-02
EP2643231B1 true EP2643231B1 (en) 2014-05-14

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11784706.1A Active EP2643231B1 (en) 2010-11-24 2011-11-22 Device for stopping a container, and container provided with such a device

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US8714384B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2643231B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103347793B (en)
FR (1) FR2967656B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012069436A1 (en)

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GB2513730A (en) * 2013-04-30 2014-11-05 Threadless Closures Ltd A closure for a container
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2967656B1 (en) 2012-12-07
EP2643231A1 (en) 2013-10-02
WO2012069436A1 (en) 2012-05-31
CN103347793B (en) 2016-01-13
US20130233822A1 (en) 2013-09-12
FR2967656A1 (en) 2012-05-25
CN103347793A (en) 2013-10-09
US8714384B2 (en) 2014-05-06

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