BRPI0611178A2 - tamper evident tamper proof closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A tamper-evident closure for a container, the closure including a first portion including inner and outer parts, and a second portion, wherein the outer part is movable relative to the inner part from a first position in which the outer part is immediately adjacent the second portion to a second position in which there is an unobstructed gap therebetween, and wherein the inner and outer parts are adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position so that the outer part cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap, wherein means are provided to prevent the inner part from moving relative to the second portion until the outer part has reached the second position.

Description

Report of the Invention Patent for "EVIDENT INFRINGEMENT CLOSURE".

The present invention generally relates to a closure for a container and particularly a closure with means for indicating that the closure has been opened at least once.

There is a growing demand for tamper indicating systems that clearly indicate to the consumer whether a container has been moved and, for example, has been refilled with unauthorized content. While it is relatively easy to produce some form of tamper evidence, it is far more difficult to provide tamper evidence that cannot be overcome without triggering the tamper evidence system activation, or be activated and then returned to a visually identical state of violation. to appear off.

A particularly useful method of providing evidence of tampering is to use a system in which a lock is initially located at a first position but once removed can only be returned to a second position that is visually distinct from the first position. For example, US 5738231 describes a one piece closure that is moved during the opening process so that at the next opening it cannot pass back through a projection over the finish of the container. The result is that the closure only may return to a position in which it is axially displaced with respect to its original position. WO02096771 describes a closure with a first part with internal and external parts, and a second part. Initially a section of the inner part of the first part protrudes below the level of the outer part and is held firmly by a region of the second part that is shaped to have a reduced circumference. When the first part is removed the inner part section is pulled from below the reduced circumference area in the second part. After removing the inner part of the first part and the reduced circumference area in the second part retains its original dimensions, so that if the first part is reapplied the inner part can no longer pass under the reduced circumference area. Suitably a gap is produced between the outer part of the first part and the second part, because the section of the inner part that was previously secured under the second part is now secured above the reduced circumference area.

In both prior art documents an interlock is formed by securing an obstructing member. The problem with such systems is that the obstructing limb is easily accessible and could be moved, for example by cutting to undo the evidence of tampering.

The present invention seeks to address the above problem.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a tamper evident closure for a container, comprising closure: a first part including inner and outer parts, and a second part, wherein the outer part is movable relative to the inner part from a first; first position in which the outer part is immediately adjacent to the second part to a second position in which there is an unobstructed gap therebetween, and wherein the inner and outer parts are parts adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position. such that the outer part cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap, wherein the closure includes means for preventing the inner part from moving relative to the second part until the outer part has reached the second position.

The present invention therefore does not rely on an obstruction member becoming trapped to form a gap between them. Therefore, it is not possible to destroy the evidence of violation by removing the obstruction member simply by cutting.

The preventive means may include friction means between the first and second parts.

The friction means may be provided by two ratchet finger assemblies. Such teeth are simple to produce with plastic materials.

The second part may be connected to a container and the first part may comprise a lid. Certain industries require closures with a first part comprising a lid and a second part comprising a glove that is connected to a container; for example the alcohol industry.

The second part may be permanently fixed in its position in the container. This prevents the second part from being moved up to close the gap.

The second part may be adapted to engage a non-return adjuster associated with the container. This is because certain industries, particularly the liquor industry, demand additional measures to prevent breaches.

Non-return adjusters fill this demand by preventing refilling of containers regardless of other evidence of tampering.

The first part may include a ratchet arrangement for locking the inner and outer parts in the second position. A ratchet arrangement is a simple and efficient method of irreversibly locking the inner and outer parts together.

In another aspect the invention provides a combination of a container and a tamper evident closure comprising closure: a first part including inner and outer parts, and a second part, wherein the second part is connected to the container and the first part. First part is a removable top cap, the outer part of the first part is movable relative to the inner part from a first position in which the outer part is immediately adjacent to the second part to a second position in which there is an unobstructed empty gap therebetween. , after which the first part is removable and the inner and outer parts are adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position so that the outer part cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap when the first part is replaced. prevented by the fact that preventive means are provided to prevent internal the second part until the outer part has reached the second position. The combination may further include a non-return adjuster connectable to the container, the second part being adapted to engage the adjuster.

The present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded side view of a closure arrangement formed in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 2A to 2F are views of a spillway part;

Figures 3A through 3F are views of an internal ratchet piece;

Figures 4A to 4F are views of an external ratchet piece;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a closure mounted in a first position;

Figure 6 is a cross-section through the closure of Figure 5 shown in a second position;

Figure 7 is a cross-section through the spillway with inner and outer cranks removed;

Figure 8A is a side view of the closure arrangement of Figure 1 shown mounted in an unopened position;

Figure 8B is a side view of the closure arrangement of Figure 8C following initial opening and removal of a lid piece; and

Figure 8C is a side view of the closure of Figure 8B when the cover has been replaced.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a closure generally indicated by 10. Closure 10 comprises: an external ratchet 30; an internal ratchet 40; an optional sealing sleeve 50; a spout 60. The closure 10 is adapted to form part of a closure arrangement when fitted into an aluminum container 20 and over the neck 80 of a bottle by means of a sealing washer 70.

Figures 2A to 2F show spillway 60 in more detail. Overhead 60 comprises a base part 61 which is generally cylindrical and of a diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of an associated container neck to which the closure may be adjusted. The base part 61 has an upper surface 62. A small diameter cylinder 63 is mounted on the upper surface 62 and has an external thread 65. Combination of the base part 61 and the smaller cylinder 63 have a hole 64 passing therethrough. allow the contents of the container to be poured once the closure has been opened. On the outer wall of the smaller cylinder63 are located two sets of ratchet teeth 64.

Figures 3A to 3F show inner ratchet 40 in more detail thereto. Ratchet 40 has a cylindrical body 41. Body 41 is open at one end but closed by an upper plate 42 at the other. On the inner surface of the open end of the body 41 are ratchet teeth 43. Further, a thread 44 is formed on the outer surface of the body41. A step 45 is provided between the outer surface on which the thread 44 is seated and the inner surface on which the ratchet teeth 43 rest.

The reason for step 45 will be explained below. Two sets of ratchet teeth 46 are also formed on the outer surface of the body 41 at the opposite end to the open end. Finally, another thread 47 is formed on the inner surface of the body 41 but axially above the front teeth 43.

Figures 4A to 4F show the outer ratchet 30 in more detail thereto. The ratchet 30 has a cylindrical body 31 which has a bore 32 that passes through it.

At the inner surface of the upper end of the body 31 is a set of ratchet teeth 32. At the lower end and the inner surface of the body 31 a thread 34 is formed. Finally, the body 31 has a ring 35 at the lower end of the body 31 which narrows the hole 32.

Figure 5 shows a cross-section through an assembled closure 10 including spillway 60, inner ratchet 40 and external ratchet 30. Closure 10 is shown in combination with an outlet neck 80. Spillway 60 is held in place over the container by sealing air washer 70 which fits within the neck 80.

Closure 10 is shown in the unopened home position. This is indicated by the fact that ring 35 of ratchet 30 is flush against the upper surface 62 of spillway 60.

Figure 5 shows the interrelationship between the various ratchet teeth and spillway thread 60 and ratchet parts 30, 40.

Figure 6 shows an additional cross section of the closure10. However, in this figure the closure was particularly open as indicated by the gap "G" between the upper surface 62 and the ring 35.

The partially open state of Figure 6 is reached by the external ratchet 30 which is rotated relative to the spillway 60. This rotation caused the outer ratchet threads 34 to assemble the inner ratchet threads 44. Ratchet teeth 32 and 46 do not prevent this relative rotation as they are arranged such that when they are rotated in this manner of opening the teeth do not interlock, but only walk one another in the well-understood ratchet teeth method.

In contrast the ratchet teeth 64 and 43 engage when closing is being opened. This ensures that the internal ratchet 40 and over 60 do not initially rotate relative to each other.

Also shown in Figure 6 is the feature that the ring 35 is raised upwardly away from the upper surface 62 thus creating the gap "G", but that the axial travel of the ring 35 is limited by degree 45 on the underside of the inner ratchet 40 Since this position has been reached the outer ratchet 30 cannot be rotated further relative to the inner ratchet 40.

Suitably, continued rotation of outer ratchet 30 relative to spillway 60 will overcome interlocking ratchet teeth 64, 43 and thus permits spillway 60 to unscrew from inner ratchet40. This is achieved by the interaction of the threads 65 and 47. Eventually, the internal and external ratchet coupling 40, 30 will be released 30 from the spindle 60 such that the contents of the container can be distributed through hole 64 in spillway 60.

Figure 7 shows the spillway 60 and the container neck 80 free inner and outer ratchets 40, 30. When it is desired to close the inner and outer ratchets 40, 30 are placed on the spillway 60 and rotated in the usual closing direction. that threads 65, 47 can interact. The toe teeth 64, 43 are designed such that when rotated relative to one another in this closing direction the teeth do not interlock but merely pass over each other.

The inner and outer ratchet combination 40, 30 can only be swung to the extent shown in Figure 6. This is because the underside of the ratchet teeth 43 in the inner ratchet 40 will abut against the upper surfaces 62 of spillway 60 which thus prevents any further relative axial movement. Further, the ratchet teeth 46, 32 interact between siquid external ratchet 30 is rotated in the closing direction. This prevents any relative rotation of the inner and outer ratchets 40, 30. This interaction between the ratchet teeth 46 and 32 also acts to prevent the outer carrier 30 from being turned in the closing direction even if the lock 10 has only been opened very slightly.

Once closure 10 has been opened for the first time an interval "G" is created between the underside of ring 35 and the upper surface62. This gap can never be closed again as the ratchet tooth arrangement prevents this as explained above. This gap is still present even if inner and outer ratchets 40, 30 are relocated from spillway 60 and then reapplied from ratchet teeth 46,32 to prevent relative rotation of inner and outer ratchets 40, 30.

Further, although not shown, the upper end of the outer handle 30 could be sealed such that no tools can be used to overcome the opposing ratchet teeth 46, 32.

Additionally, due to the wall of the cylindrical body 31 the opposing ratchet teeth 46, 32 cannot be violated from the underside without obviously damaging the outer ratchet 30.

Consequently, the combination of these features prevents "refixing" of closure in order to eliminate the "G" interval and, consequently, in this respect, closure is vastly superior to the known prior art.

The closure 10 is shown in Figures 8A to 8C in combination with a roll on pilfer proof (ROPP) metal container 20 which acts as a type of wrap.

Container 20 is divided into three main parts: upper 21; median 22; and lower 23. These three parts are separated by two lines of frangible bridges 24, 25. The upper part 21 is fixed to the outer ratchet 30 by means of well known means, so that to open the closure the upper part 21 is caught and turned. As the outer ratchet 30 rotates and moves axially away from spill 60 the first row 24 of the frangible bridges breaks. This disruption acts as evidence of violation. The gap "G" created as the closure is opened, and as discussed above will be seen as a gap between the upper part 21 and the middle part 22, as shown in Figure 8C. The upper part 21 also acts as a means of evidence of tampering as it encloses the outer ratchet 30 and consequently the inner ratchet 40 and is attached to the outer ratchet 30 such as edge-turning or gluing means. Suitably, the opposing ratchet teeth 46, 32 are even more difficult to access so that retightening of the closure is virtually impossible without visibly damaging the upper container 21.

The middle and lower parts 22, 23 are used to ensure that spill 60 cannot be removed from the container neck 80. This is achieved because the part 23 is turned over the neck 80 as can be seen by reference 26. The outer ratchet 30 is secured to upper part 21 by turning the edge as can be seen from reference 28. Further forward the middle part 22 is turned over part 61 of spillway base 60 as can be seen from reference 27. Thus If the spillway is removed from the container neck 80, the bottom line 25 of the frangible bridges is broken which acts as evidence of tampering.

Figure 8B shows a side view of a version of the closure including a ROPP wherein the upper part along with the inner and outer ratchets 40 and 30 have been removed revealing spill 60. The spout 60 is affixed to a container 80 by middle of lower parts 23 and middle 22 of ROPP being turned over them.

While edge turning is discussed as a means of securing container parts 21, 22, 23 to closure 10, other methods such as collating and welding could of course be used.

Another feature of the internal ratchet 40 can be seen in Figures 3A to 3F. This is the feature that the two sets of tie-down teeth are formed in a band 48 which is secured to the rest of the internal ratchet by means of narrow loops 49. The two sets of teeth closely fit the corresponding teeth 32 on the inner surface of the shell. However, lane 48 has a circumference that is slightly smaller than the circumference of the outer ratchet hole 30. This allows for a degree of flexibility in lane 48 as explained below. The handles 49 are spaced around the circumference of the inner ratchet 40 and form "windows" 49A between them. This arrangement further provides for a degree of flexibility in the strip 48 and allows it to deform out of a circular shape when the closure is initially being opened. This allows ratchet teeth 46, 32 to slide over one another as described above. This flexibility is necessary because the two sets of ratchet teeth 46 and 32 are arranged so that they fit very closely together. This proximity ensures that the outer ratchet 30 cannot rotate relative to the inner ratchet 40 in the closing direction since this relative rotation would eliminate the "G" gap and consequently eliminate the eid of the lock having been opened.

Although shown in this way it should be understood that other arrangements are possible to allow ratchet teeth to slide over one another. Also, it could be a different number of ratchet teeth 46 of the two described sets.

In another embodiment, the outer surface of the lower end of the inner ratchet 40 (i.e. that piece having ratchet teeth 46 on its inner surface) could be brightly colored. This would accentuate the presence of the "G" interval as it is this surface that is visible once the closure was initially opened.

Although a closure according to the invention has been described above in combination with a ROPP metal it would also be possible to combine the closure with other types of material. Also, the closure could be attached to an associated container by other means such as adhesive or soldering. Moreover, since the combination of inner and outer ratchet base and spillway is air-tight in its own right this combination could be used without any other form of outer casing.

Finally, although ratchet teeth 64, 46 are described as the friction means necessary to allow for correct closure, other means could be employed. For example, roughened surfaces could be chosen to provide enough friction to "lock" spill 60 and inner ratchet 40 together at the initial opening, while outer ratchet 30 is rotated relative to inner ratchet 40 but not sufficiently to provide sufficient friction. friction to prevent internal ratchet 40 and overrun 60 from being rotated relative to each other after the gap "G" has been created and with continued rotation of external ratchet 30.

Other means that could be employed are the use of such materials as (VELCRO (RTM)) or adhesive.

Claims (10)

1. Tamper evident evident closure (10) for a container (80), comprising closure: a first part including inner (40) and outer parts (30), and a second part (60), wherein the part The outer part (30) is movable relative to the inner part (40) from a first position in which the outer part (30) is immediately adjacent to the second part (60) to a second position in which there is an unobstructed gap (G) therebetween; and wherein the inner (40) and outer (30) parts are parts adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position so that the external (30) cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap (G), characterized in that whereby the closure includes means for preventing the inner part (40) from moving relative to the second part (60) until the outer part (30) has reached the second position. Closure according to claim 1, wherein the preventive means comprise friction means between the first and second parts. Closure (10) according to claim 2, wherein the friction means are provided by two sets of ratchet teeth (64, 32). Closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second part (60) is adapted to be connected to a container (80) and the first part comprises a lid. Closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the second part (60) is permanently fixed in position in the container. Closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (60) is adapted to engage a non-return adjuster associated with a container. Closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part includes a ratchet arrangement (46, -32) for locking the inner parts (40) to the outer parts (30) in the second position. Combination of a closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a container (20) in which the closure is provided. 9. Combination of a container (80) and tamper evident evident closure (10), comprising closure (10): a first part including inner (40) and outer parts (30), a second part (60), wherein the second part (60) is connected to the container (80) and the first part is a removable top cap, the outer part of the first part (30) is movable relative to the inner part (40) from a first position in that part The outer part (30) is immediately adjacent to the second part (60) to a second position in which there is an unobstructed empty gap (G) between them, after which the first part is removable and the inner (40) and outer (30) parts are adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position so that the outer part (30) cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap (G) when the first part is replaced, characterized by the fact that preventive means are provided. to pre-ven moving the inner part (40) to move relative to the second part (60) until the outer part (30) has reached the second position. The combination according to claim 9, wherein the combination further comprises a non-return adjuster connectable to the container, the second part (60) being adapted to engage the adjuster.