ES2992178T3 - Safety opening cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lid (1) with a safety opening for a container (2), comprising: - a first part (10) designed to be fixed to said container, defining an outlet orifice of the container, - a second part (11) mounted on the first part (10) so as to be pivotable about a longitudinal axis (X) of the lid, comprising a fixing ring (110) and a cap (111) fixed to the fixing ring by means of a hinge (114), the first part (10) comprising a rib (100) defining a slot (101) extending over a part of the circumference of the first part, and a slot (102) extending from the slot towards the outlet orifice, the cap comprising a tab (112) configured to slide in the slot (101) and in the slot (102), the slot (102) being configured such that the second part (11) of the lid can be manipulated with respect to the first part (10) between: - a closed position - an open position in which the plug (111) releases the outlet orifice, the plug (111) and the rib (100) having respective shapes designed to allow the closure of the cover by interlocking the plug (112) in the slot (101) in any position other than the unlocking start position. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Safety opening cap

Technical field

The invention relates to a stopper with a safety opening for a container.

State of the art

For the safety of children, it is generally desirable that they do not have access to the contents of a container, so that they do not run the risk of ingesting a potentially toxic product or choking on an object or objects contained in the container.

For this purpose, container caps are known to be equipped with a safe opening device.

The general principle of these plugs is that they require a combination of operations that is, in principle, beyond the reach of a small child.

For example, US 5,316,162 and US 5,520,305 describe safety-opening caps comprising a ring adapted to be fixed to the neck of a container and a removable cap opposite the ring. The ring has a circumferential groove and the cap comprises a tab arranged in the groove of the ring. The groove of the ring opens into a groove extending axially towards the cap, the width of the groove being greater than or equal to that of the tab. The cap can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the cap by sliding the tab in the ring. As long as the tab is not completely opposite the groove, the cap is held in the closed position by the ring. To open the cap, it is necessary to rotate the cap relative to the ring so that the tab faces the groove, which allows the cap to be released simply by pulling it axially. The correct position is indicated by the alignment of two arrows on the ring and the cap, respectively. Conversely, the cap can be resealed by placing the tab in front of the groove, pushing the cap in, and then turning it so that the tab fits into the circumferential groove and holds the cap on the ring.

One disadvantage of these caps is that, when open, the lid separates from the container and can therefore be lost or dropped, with the consequent risk of becoming dirty or damaged.

To avoid this type of disadvantage, it is known to connect the lid to the container by means of a hinge, see in particular the safety opening cap of US 5065876 A.

However, if the cap described above is fitted with such a hinge, there is a significant risk that, when the cap is closed, the tab will remain opposite the groove, with the user forgetting to pivot the cap to engage the tab in the circumferential groove. In this case, the safety function is no longer fulfilled.

Brief description of the invention

An object of the invention is therefore to design a cap with a secure opening which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned. In particular, this cap should prevent the cap from being lost after opening, while ensuring that when the cap is closed it is again in a secure configuration.

To this end, the invention proposes a safety opening cap for a container, comprising:

• a first part adapted to form an integral part of said container, defining an outlet of the container, • a second part pivotally mounted on the first part about a longitudinal axis of the cap, comprising a fixing ring and a cap fixed to the fixing ring by a hinge,

the first part comprises a rib defining a groove extending around part of the circumference of the first part and a groove extending from the groove towards the outlet,

The cap comprises a tongue configured to slide in the slot and in the groove, the groove being configured so that the second part of the cap can be manipulated with respect to the first part between:

• a closed position in which the tab is retained in the slot, closing the cover to the outlet hole,

• an initial unlocking position in which the tongue is positioned in the slot facing the oblique groove,

• an unlocking final position in which the tab is positioned opposite the slot, said opening final position being angularly offset with respect to the initial unlocking position, and • an open position in which the cap releases the outlet orifice, the tab and the rib having respective shapes adapted to allow the closure of the cap by engaging the tab in the slot in any position other than the initial unlocking position and characterized in that part of the rib (100) arranged opposite the tab (112) when the tab (112) is in the initial unlocking position forms a sufficiently high step to prevent the tab (112) from passing into the slot (101) and thus prevent the closure of the cap (1), and in which when the tab (112) is in any position other than the initial unlocking position, the faces of the tab (112) and the rib (100) that are opposite each other when the plug (1) is in the open position have respective slopes conducive to the sliding of said faces over each other, associated with the elastic deformation of the cover (111), until the tongue (112) is inserted into the slot (101).

According to other advantageous features of the invention, considered in isolation or in combination when technically possible:

• the first part forms an integral part of the container;

• the first part is separated from the container and adapted to be rigidly fixed to it;

• the hinge comprises a joint axis connecting the fixing ring and the cover;

• the hinge is an integral part of the fixing ring and the cover;

• the first part and the second part comprise respective first and second indicators arranged so that said indicators are aligned when the second part is in the unlocking start position;

• the plug also includes a sealing gasket arranged between the first part and the second part;

• the first part is closed by an operculum;

• the first part is provided with an outlet cross-section reducer.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the plug in the open position;

Figure 2 is a stripped view of the plug in the closed position;

Figure 3 is a detached view of the plug in the initial unlocked position;

Figure 4 is a stripped view of the plug in the final unlocked position;

Figure 5 is a peeled view of the cap during an attempt to close it in the initial unlocked position; Figure 6 is a peeled view of the cap after closing;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a stopper in which the first part is integral with the container; Figure 8 is an exploded view of a stopper in which the first part is separated from the container;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a plug provided with a sealing gasket;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a stopper provided with an operculum;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a plug provided with a flow section reducer.

Detailed description of the achievements

The tamper-evident cap comprises a lid connected to a fixing ring by a hinge. The assembly formed by the lid and the fixing ring can pivot with respect to an integral part of the container (which may be an integral part of said container) about a longitudinal axis of the cap. This part defines a container outlet.

The cap is provided with a tab which, when the cap is in the closed position, is received in a circumferential groove in the integral part of the container. The respective shapes and dimensions of the tab and the groove are chosen so that the tab can slide in the groove when a user pivots the cap and ring assembly relative to the container.

The opening of the cap is made possible by the presence of a groove which extends from the slot, opening outwards from it, towards the outlet orifice. Advantageously, this groove is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap. By "inclined" we mean that the groove extends in a direction which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap. For example, the groove extends at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap. Preferably, the groove extends in the direction opposite to unscrewing.

The dimensions of the tab and the groove are chosen so that the tab can slide in the groove when a user exerts a combined rotation and traction movement on the lid.

As a result of its inclination, the groove is configured so that the position of the tab when it enters the groove, i.e. at the intersection between the circumferential groove and the groove, which defines a position at the start of the unlocking of the cap, is angularly offset with respect to the position of the tab when it exits the groove, i.e. at the end of the groove opposite to the groove, which defines a final position of the unlocking of the cap. From this end of the unlocking position, a user can release the outlet of the container by exerting a turning force on the lid about the hinge axis, thus bringing the cap into its open position.

The slot and groove are delimited, on the side facing the opening of the container, by a rib whose shape and dimensions are chosen to match the shape and dimensions of the tab in order to provide a particular mechanism for opening and closing the stopper, as described below.

On the one hand, the rib and the tab are configured so that the tab cannot be pulled out of the slot by a pulling movement exerted on the cap in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. This function can be ensured, in particular, by the fact that the faces of the tab and the rib opposite each other when the cap is in the closed position extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap, or in any direction that ensures retention of the tab in the slot.

Thus, the cap can only be opened by inserting the tab into the groove and applying a combined rotation and traction movement on the lid that allows the tab to slide into the groove in the direction of the container outlet hole.

On the other hand, the rib and the tab are configured so that the tab can be engaged in the slot when the user folds the cap towards the fixing ring, in any position other than the initial unlocking position. This function can be ensured, in particular, by the fact that the faces of the tab and the rib, opposite each other when the cap is in the open position, have respective slopes which promote the sliding of said faces, the other, associated with a slight elastic deformation of the cap, until the tab is inserted in the slot. However, for the rib, this configuration only occurs in positions other than the initial unlocking position. On the other hand, with respect to the unlocking position (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cap), the face of the rib has a shape that prevents the sliding of the face of the tab; For example, in this area, the face of the rib forms a step high enough to prevent the tongue from passing into the groove.

In this way, the cap can be closed in any position other than the one in which unlocking begins. This ensures that after closing, the tongue is retained in the groove, at a distance from the intersection with the groove. Thus, even if the user does not rotate the retaining ring and lid assembly relative to the container after lowering the lid onto the container, the cap is not in the unlocking position and the safe opening function remains full. To reopen the cap, the user must rotate the entire retaining ring and lid back to the initial unlocking position.

If the user attempts to close the cap when the tab is facing the unlocked position, the rib forms an obstacle that prevents closure. To close the cap, the user must rotate the locking ring and lid assembly relative to the container so that the tab is facing one side of the rib, allowing the tab to pass over the rib into the groove.

This particular configuration of the cap therefore allows the safe opening function to be maintained without the user having to perform any particular action when closing it.

Particularly advantageously, the unlocking start position is indicated on the container component and on the fixing ring or lid by means of respective indicators which are aligned in this position.

Since the cap is advantageously manufactured by moulding in plastic material(s), such indicators may be simply moulded in recess or relief.

The hinge may be manufactured by any suitable means. For example, the hinge may be in the form of a plastic film moulded with the fixing ring and the lid. The hinge then forms an integral part of the fixing ring and the lid. In another embodiment, the hinge may comprise a male part forming an axis and a female part hinged on the male part, one of said parts belonging to the fixing ring and the other to the lid. Alternatively, a separate pin, made of metal or plastic, may provide a pivotal connection between the fixing ring and the lid.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the plug according to an embodiment in the open position.

The cap 1 comprises a first part 10 which forms an integral part of the container 2. Advantageously, this part 10 forms at least a part of the neck of the container, and defines an outlet of the container 20. This first part 10 may be an integral part of the container, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 7, or it may be a part separate from the container 2, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 8, but fixed to it in an immovable manner. In the latter case, it is preferable that the part 10 is rigidly attached to the container, that is to say fixed to it. The first part may be fixed to the container by any suitable technique, such as welding, gluing, snapping, screwing, etc.

The plug also comprises a second part 11, which includes a fixing ring 110 and a cover 111 fixed to the fixing ring by means of a hinge 114.

The second part 11 is pivotally mounted on the first part 10 about a longitudinal axis X of the cap. To this end, the fixing ring has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the region of the first part that it surrounds. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the fixing ring and the first part comprise, respectively, at least one tongue and a groove that allow the fixing ring to be fastened to the first part, while allowing it to pivot relative to the latter.

The first part 10 comprises a rib 100 extending in a radial direction. Said rib defines a circumferential groove 101, as well as a groove 102 communicating with the groove 101 and extending towards the outlet.

As explained above, the groove 102 is not oriented parallel to the X axis, but is inclined with respect to said axis. Thus, the output-side end of the groove 102 is angularly offset with respect to the opposite end, which forms the connection with the slot 101. Advantageously, the groove 102 is oriented in the opposite direction to a conventional screw pitch.

The cover 111 comprises a base adapted to close the outlet orifice and a generally cylindrical side wall extending from the base.

A tab 112 extends radially inwardly of the lid from the side wall.

The tab is sized to slide into slot 101 and groove 102.

When the plug is in the closed position, the tab 112 is positioned in the slot 101 and held therein in the direction of the X axis.

To open the cap, the user must release the tab 112 from the slot 101 by sliding it in the groove 102, the groove 102 acting as a means of unlocking the cap. The proper position of the second part with respect to the first to allow this unlocking is indicated by an alignment of two indicators 113, 103 arranged respectively on the second part and on the first part.

Figures 2 to 4 are skin views at different stages of opening the stopper.

In Figure 2, the plug is in the closed position. The tab 112 is arranged in the slot 101. The indicators of the first and second parts are angularly offset.

In Figure 3, the cap is in the initial unlocked position, in which the tab 112 is in the slot 101, opposite the groove 102. To reach this position, the user rotated the second part relative to the first so that the indicators 103, 113 were aligned.

In Figure 4, the cap is in the fully unlocked position, where the tab comes out of the groove 102, at the end opposite to the slot 101. To reach this position, the user has turned the second part clockwise (which is the opposite direction to unscrewing) while exerting a slight traction in the X direction to fit the tab into the groove 102 and then slide it into said groove. This may involve a slight twisting of the second part, which is possible thanks to its plastic construction.

To fully open the cap and release the outlet, the user rotates the cap around the hinge axis, thus reaching the position in Figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates the open cap during an attempt to close it from the initial unlocked position (with the indicators 103, 113 aligned). The portion 1000 of the rib arranged opposite the tab 112 has a shape and thickness adapted to obstruct the passage of the pin and thus prevents the closure of the cap in this position. In fact, this position is not desirable for closing because, with the tab opposite the groove, the cap would no longer be locked, allowing the child to easily open it.

This forces the user to pivot the second part relative to the first so that the tab faces an area of the rib 100 that allows it to pass into the slot 101. In practice, any position other than the start of unlocking is adapted to allow the tab to pass over the rib, which does not require complex manipulation by the user to close the cap. Figure 6 illustrates the cap in the closed position.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two embodiments of the stopper and container.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the first part 10 is formed integrally with the container. For example, the first part, which forms part of the neck of the container, may be formed by moulding, and the remainder of the container by blow-molding.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the first part 10 is separate from the container, but configured to be irreversibly attached to it, for example by welding or any other suitable means.

Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the plug of Figures 7 and 8, respectively, in the closed position.

The tab 112 has a face 1120 located on the side of the outlet orifice, which extends in a radial direction, like the face of the rib 100 facing it. This face 1120 therefore forms a step which prevents the pin from passing over the rib 100 and, therefore, the plug from opening.

The tab 112 also has a face 1121 facing the bottom of the container, which is inclined with respect to the radial direction. This face 1121 therefore forms a slope suitable for sliding on the rib 100 when the cap is closed.

In addition to the secure opening functionality just described, the cap may include other functionalities frequently sought in caps.

For example, the plug may comprise a sealing gasket. As shown in Figure 11, the gasket may take the form of an elastomer disk 115 arranged at the bottom of the cap. When the plug is in the closed position, said gasket 115 is interposed between the end of the first part 10 and the cap 111, thus ensuring the hermetic closure of the outlet orifice 20.

Furthermore, the stopper may comprise a cap which is removable when the stopper is first opened. As shown in Figure 12, the cap 104 seals at the end of the first part 10, thus closing the outlet opening. Advantageously, the cap includes a tab to facilitate the user's grip to remove the cap.

Furthermore, the cap may comprise a reducer of the passage cross section, with a reduced cross section with respect to that of the first part, in order to facilitate the dosing of the product contained in the container. As shown in figure 13, the reducer 105 may form an integral part of the first part 10 or be attached to it by any suitable means.

Claims (9)

1. Safety opening cap (1) for a container (2), comprising: - a first part (10) adapted to form an integral part of said container, defining an outlet opening of the container, - a second part (11) pivotally mounted on the first part (10) about a longitudinal axis (X) of the cap, comprising a fixing ring (110) and a cap (111) fixed to the fixing ring by a hinge (114), the first part (10) comprising a rib (100) defining a slot (101) extending over a part of the circumference of the first part and a groove (102) extending from the slot towards the exit hole, the cap comprising a tongue (112) configured to slide in the slot (101) and in the groove (102), the groove (102) being configured so that the second part (11) of the cap can be manipulated with respect to the first part (10) between: - a closed position in which the tongue (112) is retained in the slot (101), the cover (111) sealing the outlet hole, - an initial unlocking position in which the tongue (112) is located in the slot (101) opposite the oblique groove (102), - an end-of-unlocking position in which the tongue (112) is located facing the groove (102) opposite the slot (101), said end-of-opening position being angularly offset from the start-of-unlocking position, and - an open position in which the cap (111) releases the outlet orifice, in which the tongue (112) and the rib (100) have respective shapes adapted to allow the cap to be closed by engaging the tongue (112) in the slot (101) in any position other than the unlocking start position, the cap being characterized in that a part of the rib (100) arranged opposite the tongue (112) when the tongue (112) is in the unlocking start position forms a step high enough to prevent the passage of the tongue (112) in the slot (101) and thus prevent the closure of the cap (1), and wherein when the tab (112) is in any position other than the unlocking start position, the faces of the tab (112) and the rib (100) that are opposite each other when the cap (1) is in the open position have respective slopes conducive to the sliding of said faces over each other, associated with an elastic deformation of the cap (111), until the tab (112) is inserted into the slot (101). 2. A stopper according to claim 1, wherein the first part (10) forms an integral part of the container (2). 3. A stopper according to claim 1, wherein the first part (10) is separated from the container and adapted to be rigidly fixed to the container. 4. Cap according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge comprises a joint axis connecting the fixing ring and the cap. 5. Cap according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge is an integral part of the fixing ring (110) and the lid (111). 6. Cap according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first part and the second part comprise a first and a second indicator (103, 113) respectively arranged so that said indicators are aligned when the second part (11) is in the unlocking start position. 7. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sealing gasket (115) arranged between the first part and the second part. 8. Stopper according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first part is sealed by an operculum (104). 9. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first part is provided with a reducer (105) of the cross section of the outlet opening.