ES2303214T3 - BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH WARRANTY SEAL. - Google Patents

Abstract

Closure (1) with a guarantee seal (21, 121), for liquid containers, particularly bottles for valuable beverages, with a hole (2) located at the end of a neck (3) extending axially from the body (4) of the container along a longitudinal axis (XX), said closure comprising: - a pouring unit associated with the neck (3) of the container, said pouring unit being provided with a pouring body (5, 205 ) forming a chamber (6) having a pouring hole (7), - a tubular member (8, 208) for anchoring the pouring body (5, 205) to the neck (3) of the container, - a stop ( 14) to open and close the pouring hole (7) having an end wall (15) transverse to said longitudinal axis (XX) and a tubular skirt (16) connected to the edge of said end wall, being applied so that said stop (14) can be removed from the pouring body (5, 205), - an outer tubular plug (17, 217), with a closed end (18, 218 ), secured to the stop (14) in such a way that it covers it with said closed end (18, 218) and with one of its axial portions (17a) that ends at a free edge (17d, 217d) that faces the body ( 4) of the container, - said axial portion (17a) of the tubular cap being secured to the stop by means (19, 17c, 16a) preventing any relative axial and radial movement between the cap and the stopper, - a seal (21, 121 , 221) breakable connecting said plug (17, 217) with the tubular member (8, 208) that anchors the pouring unit to the neck of the container, characterized in that said breakable seal (21, 121, 221) comprises an annular strip ( 22, 122, 222) surrounding said tubular member (8, 208) located in the axial zone (8c, 208c) below the free edge (17d, 217d) of said stopper and which is provided with at least one line of weakening ( 28, 128, 228) for its breakage, at least of a rod-shaped member (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) integral with said annular strip (22, 122, 222), qu e extends axially from one of its perimeter zones (26, 27, 126, 127) towards the closed end (18, 218) of said stopper (17, 217), of first means (29, 30, 129, 130, 229 ) to apply said at least one rod-shaped member (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) with at least one axial length of said tubular plug (17) and second means (31, 32, 122b, 122c, 222c ) to apply said strip (22, 122, 222) with at least one axial length of said tubular member (8, 208) anchored to the neck of the container, said first and second means preventing any relative angular movement between the parts.

Description

Bottle closure with warranty seal.

This invention relates to a closure with a warranty seal, for liquid containers, especially bottles for valuable drinks, with a hole located in the end of a neck that extends axially from the body of the vessel along a longitudinal axis X-X, said closure comprising:

- a discharge unit associated with the neck of the container, said pouring unit being provided with a pouring body that forms a chamber that has an orifice of spill,

- a tubular member to anchor the body of poured into the neck of the container,

- a stop to open and close said opening poured, which has a lower wall transverse to said axis longitudinal X-X and a tubular skirt connected to the edge of said lower wall, being applied so that you can remove said stopper to the pouring body,

- an outer tubular plug, with one end closed, secured to the top so that it covers it with said closed end and with one of its axial portions that ends on a free edge that looks at the body of the container,

- said axial portion being fully secured of the tubular plug by means that prevent any movement axial and radial relative between the cap and the stop,

- a breakable seal that connects said plug to the tubular member that anchors the spill unit to the neck of the container.

In the document EP-A-1027263, for example, is describes and illustrates a closure having a seal of the type specified above.

Although it offers effective protection against handling, the above-mentioned closure of the technique known has, however, several disadvantages of nature structural that complicate its assembly and therefore do also relatively expensive. According to such known closure, the effect guarantee is achieved by leaving visible the first opening of the close a tensioned strip with a tongue once pulled corresponding grip, the strip being arranged in the second axial portion of the cap covering the stop by lines of Default fractures that form your contour. The seal known also comprises the arrangement of a ring of material laminar mounted on the strip, which covers the fracture lines predetermined, anchored to the capsule below by axial annular joining lines produced by rolling which, by therefore, they make the assembly relatively complex.

The object of this invention is to disclose a closure of the type that has a guarantee seal in the form of a tear-off annular strip in which the structural parts of the seal are simple to build by pressing materials plastics and can be mounted with the other parts of the closure by mutual axial insertion that can be carried out so automated without having to resort to accessory operations of rolling and realization of joining lines.

An additional object is to disclose a closure in which the seal provides a high guarantee security and, at the same time, also allows a rapid withdrawal in The moment of first opening.

These and other objects, which will be more evident to from the description that follows, they are achieved by closing according to claim 1 below.

The invention will be described more particularly in below with reference to several illustrated embodiments of mode of indication and without restriction of the attached drawings, in the that:

- Figure 1 shows a cross section vertical closure according to a first embodiment of the invention, mounted on the neck of a bottle, in the closed condition and with the seal intact,

- Figure 2 shows a side view of the closure of figure 1 in a first position,

- Figure 3 shows a side view of the same closure of figure 1 in a position that is rotated 90º with with respect to the position of figure 2,

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the closure in the condition of figure 1,

- Figure 5 shows a sectional view vertical cross-section of the closure according to the invention, mounted on the neck of a bottle, in the closed position after it has the first opening happened and the seal of warranty,

- Figure 6 shows a side view of the closure of figure 5 in a first position,

- Figure 7 shows a side view of the same closure of figure 5 in a 90 ° rotated position with respect to to the position of figure 6,

- Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the closure in the condition of figure 5,

- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the guarantee seal according to a first embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 10 shows a plan view of the warranty seal of figure 9,

- Figure 11 shows a cross section of the warranty seal on line XI-XI of the figure 10,

- Figure 12 shows a cross section of the guarantee seal on line XII-XII of the figure 10,

- Figure 13 shows a closure according to the invention in side view, which has the seal constructed with a modified and intact form,

- Figure 14 shows the closure of Figure 13 in a position that is rotated 90º with respect to the position of the preceding figure,

- Figure 15 shows the closure of Figure 13 in side view with the warranty seal removed,

- Figure 16 shows the closure of Figure 15 with the warranty seal removed and in a position that is rotated 90º with respect to that of the preceding figure,

- Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the guarantee seal according to a corrected embodiment,

- Figure 18 shows a plan view of the seal of figure 17,

- Figure 19 shows a sectional view cross section of the guarantee seal along the line XIX-XIX of Figure 18,

- Figure 20 shows a sectional view cross section of the guarantee seal along the line XX-XX of Figure 18,

- Figure 21 shows an embodiment additional modified closure with the seal according to the invention.

With reference to the figures above mentioned, the closure according to the invention is indicated as a whole by 1. Said closure is placed over hole 2 of neck 3 which extends along a longitudinal axis X-X from the body 4 of a bottle.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 20, the closure 1 comprises a pouring unit with a body of discharge 5 forming a chamber 6 having a discharge opening 7, and a tubular member 8 that is integral with the pouring body 5 thanks to an axial connection 9 made, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding.

The tubular member 8 is firmly secured to the outer wall of the neck 3 by the lip 10 that is applied in an annular groove 11 in the neck and by a plurality of grooves and axial ribs 12 and 13 arranged in the wall inside the tubular member and on the outer wall of the neck 3.

Therefore, the tubular member 8 is anchored to the neck 3 of the bottle without the possibility of axial movement or angularly The tubular member 8 extends axially towards the body 4 of the bottle by means of a tubular extension 8a, of larger diameter, with the formation of an annular step 8b.

The closure 1 also comprises a stop 14 for close and open the pouring hole 7. The stop 14 comprises a bottom wall 15 and a tubular skirt 16 connected to the edge circular wall 15. The tubular skirt 16 is applied to the opposite wall of the pouring body 5 via a threaded connection usual, so that the stop 14 can be removed and adjusted to Open and close the bottle.

The closure 1 also comprises a tubular plug, indicated as a whole by 17, seated at stop 14 coaxially with the X-X axis.

More specifically, the plug 17 is provided of a closed end 18, transverse to the X-X axis, which overlaps the transverse wall 15 of the stop and a first portion 17a that overlaps the skirt 16 of the stop, as well as a second portion 17b that coaxially overlaps the tubular member 8, leaving an axial portion 8c ending in an opposite step 8b without cover.

The plug 17, by its first axial portion 17a, is anchored to the stop 14 which is below by usual means together indicated by 19, which prevent any movement relative angular The plug is also connected to the bottom edge 16a of the stop skirt by applying to one of its annular nerves 17c.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the closure 1 includes a valve unit that prevents refilling, indicated as a whole by 20, and that is not described in detail because It is of the usual type and, in addition, irrelevant in order to understand this invention.

According to the invention, the closure 1 is provided with a breakable warranty seal indicated together by 21.

This seal comprises a strip 22 which is located around the portion 8c of the tubular member 8, substantially within the axial zone under the free edge 17d of the second portion 17b of the stopper and the step cancel 8b. In its inner wall 22a, the strip 22 is provided with annular steps 23 and 23a that are applied with the edge 17d and the step 8b, respectively, securing a position for strip 22 stable in relation to any axial movement. In addition, these annular steps 23 and 23a perform a protective function of assurance in relation to the plug 17.

The strip 22 is also stiffened by axial nerves 22b that are made in its inner wall 22a and that protrude radially from it towards the axis X-X

According to the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 12 of the attached drawings, they are associated with the strip 22 a rod-shaped members 24 and 25, which in the Illustrated examples are diametrically opposed and extend, preferably, circumferentially arched with a center of curvature that substantially coincides with that of strip 22, a plug 17 and a tubular member 8. Each member 24 and 25 comprises corresponding first 24th and 25th portions extending axially in the direction of the end wall 18 of the plug 17 and respective respective second portions 24b and 25b that are extend axially in the direction of the body 4 of the bottle. Members 24 and 25 are integral with perimeter zones 26 and 27 corresponding to strip 22, each of which, in the illustrated example, is fixed to the remaining perimeter parts of the strip 22 by axial lines of weakening 28 by the that strip 22 can be detached, as will be more particularly evident from the rest of the description.

Although in the illustrated example portions 24b and 25b are axially aligned with portions 24a and 25a corresponding, alternatively, these portions may be also constructed not to be in alignment with each other, but extending from different perimeter zones of strip 22.

In addition, in order that the seal of guarantee works according to the invention, a single can be arranged member 24 or 25 as an alternative to the pair of members 24 and 25 faced.

Finally, but not necessarily, the members 24 and 25 should be diametrically opposed; in fact in order of the invention, said members may also protrude and be angularly offset from each other any angle, by example 90º or 120º.

According to the invention, portions 24a and 25a of rod-shaped members 24 and 25 find housing within corresponding axial grooves 29 and 30 arranged in the tubular cap 17. These grooves 29, 30 are open towards the outside of the closure and have a cross section whose dimensions match those with the first portions 24th and 25th corresponding that are designed to apply to same.

In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 29 and 30 extend axially between the edge 17d of the cap and the extreme wall 18. On wall 18 these grooves are open to allow a user to grab the free end of at least one rod-shaped member Alternatively, these grooves they can be closed but extended by a length that goes longer beyond the free end of each rod-shaped member in order to allow, again, that the limb of at least one of the 24th and 25th portions.

Instead, portions 24b and 25b of these rod-shaped members 24 and 25 are housed in recesses 31 and 32 corresponding axially arranged in the tubular extension 8a which, in the illustrated example, is open towards the outside of the closing.

As an alternative, not illustrated in the drawings because, in any case, a person skilled in the art is capable of easily understand, recesses 31 and 32 may be arranged in section 8a of the tubular member 8 in order to be open into that tubular member and be closed towards the Exterior.

In both structural alternatives, the perimeter of each recess 31, 32 is open next to the step annul 8b and has such dimensions and shape that match with the cross section and the perimeter of the second portion 24b, 25b relative relative of the members in the form of dipstick.

When the seal is mounted on closure 1 and is intact, strip 22 is located between edge 17d of the plug 17 and the step 8b of the tubular member 8, being anchored the latter at the neck of the bottle. The seal is immobilized then with respect to any axial movement. In addition to this, as the first corresponding portions of members in the form of rod 24 and 25-24a, 25a and the second portions 24b, 25b are applied in grooves 29, 30 and recesses 31, 32, it is also prevented any angular movement

At the time of the first opening, a user acting on the accessible limb of one of the first 24th or 25th portions of the rod-shaped members 24 or 25 will make that they be removed from the groove 29 or 30 corresponding, and by continuing to drive in the opposite direction to plug 17 will break one of the weakening lines 28 of strip 22, with the consequent destruction of continuity annul it, which remains permanently separated from its initial position.

As strip 22 and the members in the form of rod 24 and 25 cannot be repositioned correctly because, evidently, they have broken or been damaged, the lack of seal provides a clear indication that the closure has already been opened a first time and this condition is visible even when the stop is replaced over the closure.

Since the outer wall of the axial portion 8c of the tubular member 8 is kept exposed, said wall can be also use to present letters, colors or messages that indicate that the closing has already been opened.

In addition to this, the visible surfaces of the rod-shaped members can be used to present messages of advertising and these members can also be made completely or partially in colors that differ from those that have the remaining parts of the closure, helping to impart an aspect nice to it.

It will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 20 a different embodiment of the closure according to the invention. The structural members corresponding to those of the Embodiments in Figures 1 to 12 will be indicated using the same reference numbers, but the others will be increased by 100.

It will be seen that the seal, indicated together by 121, it is provided with a strip 122 to which they are associated rod-shaped members 124 and 125 which, in the illustrated example, they are diametrically opposed to each other, extend axially in the direction of the end wall 18 of the plug 17 and are housed within corresponding axial grooves 129 and 130 completely equivalent to grooves 29 and 30.

Members 124 and 125, equivalent to portions 24a and 25a of the embodiment of figures 1 to 12, are integrals with corresponding perimeter zones 126 and 127 of the strip 122, each of which is fixed to the parts remaining perimeter of strip 122 by axial lines of weakening 128 which make it possible to release strip 122 when a tensile force is exerted on at least one of the members in the form of rod 124 or 125 in the opposite direction to the cap 17.

In accordance with this modified embodiment of the seal, the inner wall 122a of the strip 122 is provided with axial nerves 122b extending radially towards the axis X-X and are designed to be applied in corresponding grooves 122c made in axial portion 8c of the tubular member 8.

In addition to this, strip 122 is provided with annular steps 123 and 123a that apply to and rest against the edge 17d and the step 8b, respectively, setting for the pull a stable position in relation to any movement axial.

As a consequence of the existence of nerves 122b projecting radially from the inner wall 122a of the strip 122, step 123a is not strictly necessary to apply axially strip 122 with step 8b because the same function of butt support can be achieved directly by lower extremities of nerves 122b.

In particular, the cross section of said ribs and said grooves is substantially of the tail type of Milano, which complement each other, as illustrated by way of example in the drawings, so that it is ensured that they are applied in relation to any relative angular or radial movement.

The use of the closure and seal according to the embodiment described above with reference to the figures 13 to 20 is exactly the same as described in relation to embodiments of figures 1 to 12.

It will be described below with reference to the 21 a further embodiment of the closure according to the invention. The structural members corresponding to those of the Embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 20 have been indicated using the same reference numbers, while the others are They have increased by 200.

It will be noted that the tubular member 208 which connect the discharge body 205 to the neck 3 of the container 4 is provided with an annular step 208a that is axially applied to a annular step 205a of the pouring body, forming the Connection.

This tubular member 108 is also connected axially to the skirt 16 of the stop by a line circumferential weakening 216.

The guarantee seal 221, in the realization illustrated in figure 21, comprises a strip 222 to which they are associated rod-shaped members corresponding to the indicated by 24 and 25 in the embodiment of the figures 1-12 and that, in the illustrated example, are diametrically opposed to each other. It can only be seen in figure 21 one of these members that is indicated by 224 and flanked by weakening lines 228 to detach the strip.

This member extends axially in the direction of the end wall 218 of the plug 217, being housed in a groove 229 that is completely equivalent to the grooving 29.

Strip 222 is provided with annular steps 223 and 223a that apply to and lean against the edge 217d of the plug 217 and step 208b of tubular member 208, respectively, making the strip 222 stably located in relation to any axial movement.

The inner wall 222a of the strip 222 is provided with axial ribs 222b projecting radially towards the X-X axis and are designed to be applied in corresponding grooves 222c made in the axial portion 208c of tubular member 208.

The use of the closure and seal according to the embodiment described above with reference to figure 21 is completely identical to the one already described in relation to the embodiment of figures 1 to 12.

Any dimension or material can be appropriate as required, without going beyond the scope of the invention, as described above and has been claimed in the following.

Claims (18)

1. Close (1) with a warranty seal (21, 121), for liquid containers, particularly bottles for valuable drinks, with a hole (2) located at the end of a neck (3) extending axially from the body (4) of the vessel along a longitudinal axis (X-X), said closure comprising: - a discharge unit associated with the neck (3) of the container, said pouring unit being provided with a pouring body (5, 205) that forms a chamber (6) that has a pouring hole (7), - a tubular member (8, 208) to anchor the pouring body (5, 205) to the neck (3) of the container, - a stop (14) to open and close the hole of discharge (7) having an end wall (15) transverse to said longitudinal axis (X-X) and a tubular skirt (16) connected to the edge of said end wall, being applied so that said stop (14) can be removed to the pouring body (5, 205), - an outer tubular plug (17, 217), with a closed end (18, 218), secured to the stop (14) so that covers it with said closed end (18, 218) and with one of its axial portions (17a) ending in a free edge (17d, 217d) which looks at the body (4) of the container, - said axial portion being fully secured (17a) of the tubular plug by means (19, 17c, 16a) that prevent any relative axial and radial movement between the plug and the stop, top, maximum as a noun, top as an adverb, - a breakable seal (21, 121, 221) that connects said plug (17, 217) with the tubular member (8, 208) that anchor the pouring unit to the neck of the container, characterized in that said breakable seal (21, 121, 221) comprises an annular strip (22, 122, 222) surrounding said tubular member (8, 208) located in the axial zone (8c, 208c) below the free edge (17d, 217d) of said cap and which is provided with at least one line of weakening (28, 128, 228) for its breakage, at least of a rod-shaped member (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) integral with said annular strip (22, 122, 222), which extends axially from one of its perimeter zones (26, 27, 126, 127) towards the closed end (18, 218) of said stopper (17, 217), of first means (29, 30, 129, 130, 229) to apply said at least one rod-shaped member (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) with at least one axial length of said tubular plug (17) and of second means (31, 32, 122b, 122c, 222c) to apply said strip (22, 122, 222) with at least one axial length of said tubular member (8, 208) anchored to the neck of the container, preventing said first and said second m ie any relative angular movement between the parts. 2. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 1, characterized in that said perimeter zone (26, 27, 126, 127) of the strip (22, 122, 222) from which said rod-shaped member extends axially ( 24, 25, 124, 125, 224) constitutes a body with said member. 3. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said weakened line (28, 128, 228) to detach the strip (22, 122, 222) extends axially between said perimeter zone (26, 27, 126, 127) of the strip and the remaining perimeter part thereof. 4. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said breakable guarantee seal (21, 121, 221) comprises a pair of said rod-shaped members (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) integral with said strip (22, 122, 222) and extending axially therefrom away from the corresponding perimeter zones. 5. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 4, characterized in that the perimeter zones (26, 27, 126, 127) from which the pair of rod-shaped members extend are diametrically opposed. 6. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first means for applying said strip (22, 122, 222) of the guarantee seal with at least one axial length of said tubular plug (17, 217) they comprise axial grooves (29, 30, 129, 130, 229) arranged in the tubular plug (17, 217) within which the corresponding rod-shaped members (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) are housed, being said grooves open towards the outside of the plug and being provided with a cross section whose dimensions coincide with those of said rod-shaped members in their cross section. 7. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 6, characterized in that said axial grooves (29, 30, 129, 130, 229) extend over the entire length of the plug (17, 217) and have open ends at the closed end (18, 218) and at the free edge (17d, 217d) of the cap. 8. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said second means for applying said strip (22) of the guarantee seal with at least one axial length (8a) of said tubular member (8) comprise at least a recess (31, 32) disposed on the wall of said tubular member (8a), at least a second portion (24b, 25b) of an integral rod-shaped member with the strip (22) extending axially from an area perimeter of said strip (22) towards the body (4) of the container, said second portion being housed within said recess, the perimeter and cross section of said recess (31, 32) having dimensions such as to coincide with those of the corresponding second portion (24b, 25b) of a rod-shaped member. 9. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 8, characterized in that said recess (31, 32) is axially open at the end facing the strip (22) of the seal and closed at the opposite end. A closure with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said second means for applying said strip (122, 222) of the guarantee seal with at least one axial length (8c, 208c) of said tubular member (8 , 208) comprise a plurality of ribs (122b, 222b) projecting radially and grooves (122c, 222c) made in the inner wall (122a, 222a) of the strip (122, 222) and in the outer wall of length axial (8c, 208c) of said tubular member (8, 208), respectively and alternatively, said ribs and said grooves being applied to each other. 11. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 10, characterized in that said ribs (122b) and said grooves (122c) have a substantially dovetail cross-section, which complement each other. 12. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it also comprises immobilization means for axially immobilizing said strip (22, 122, 222) of the guarantee seal in relation to said plug (17, 217) and the axial length (8a, 208a) of the tubular member (8, 208) that connects the pouring body with the neck (3) of the container. 13. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claim 12, characterized in that said means for axially immobilizing the strip (22, 122, 222) comprise steps (223, 23a, 123, 123a, 223, 223a) arranged on opposite edges of said strip, which form axial butt supports with the edge (17d, 217d) of the plug (17, 217) and with the step (8b, 208b) of the axial length (8a, 208a) of said tubular member (8, 208 ), respectively. 14. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each of said rod-shaped members (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) extends substantially circumferentially with a center of curvature that coincides substantially with that of the perimeter walls of said plug (17, 217) and said tubular member (8, 208). 15. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said strip (22, 122, 222) and said rod-shaped members (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) comprising the guarantee seal (21, 121, 221) are constructed of plastic material and are of a color that differs from the color of the other parts of the closure. 16. Closing with a guarantee seal according to claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the visible surface of at least part of said rod-shaped members (24, 25, 124, 125, 224) and said strip (22, 122 , 222) is provided with messages that are intended for the user. 17. Closure according to claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said tubular member (8) for anchoring the pouring body (5) to the neck (3) of the container is integrally made with said pouring body (5) by welding and / or adhesive bond 18. Closure according to claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said tubular member (208) for anchoring the pouring body (205) to the neck (3) of the container (4) is applied with the latter by axial interlocking between the annular steps ( 208a, 205a) and is also connected to said tubular skirt (16) of the stop by a circumferential line (216) of weakening.