U.S. patent application number 10/472951 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for combination of a bottle and a snap-on adapter and/or a sealing cap.
Invention is credited to Suffa, Udo.
Application Number | 20040245204 10/472951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27214397 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040245204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suffa, Udo |
December 9, 2004 |
Combination of a bottle and a snap-on adapter and/or a sealing
cap
Abstract
The invention relates to a combination of a bottle (1)
comprising a bottle neck (3) and a snap-on adapter (6) and/or a
sealing cap (7) that is/are held on the bottle neck (3). The aim of
the invention is to produce a structural shape of great mechanical
strength that is easy to assemble. To achieve this, both a snap-on
projection (8) and an alignment projection (9) are configured on
the bottle neck (3).
Inventors: |
Suffa, Udo; (Gefell/Ot
Rottmar, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin A. Farber
Suite 473
866 United Nations Plaza
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
27214397 |
Appl. No.: |
10/472951 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 13, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR02/02779 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/224 ;
215/218; 215/237; 215/330; 222/556 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/16 20130101;
B65D 2401/20 20200501; B65D 2251/02 20130101; B65D 2251/105
20130101; B65D 41/0471 20130101; B65D 2251/20 20130101; B65D
47/0838 20130101; B65D 2251/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/224 ;
215/218; 215/330; 215/237; 222/556 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/00; B65D
055/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 5, 2001 |
DE |
101-17-852.2 |
May 10, 2001 |
DE |
101-22-651.9 |
Feb 21, 2002 |
DE |
102-07-204.3 |
Claims
I claim:
1-48. (cancelled)
49. A combination of a bottle (1) having a bottle neck (3) and a
latchable element that is an adapter (6) or a closure cap (7),
which element is held latched on the bottle neck (3), both a
latching projection (8) and an orientation projection (9) being
formed on the bottle neck (3), wherein the latching projection (8)
and the orientation projection (9) are formed next to one another,
and a latching recess (10) and an orientation recess (11) are
formed on the latchable element.
50. A combination according to claim 49, wherein the latching
projection (8) and the orientation projection (9) are formed on the
bottle neck (3) in the circumferential direction, and the latching
projection (8) and the orientation projection (9) are formed next
to one another in the circumferential direction.
51. A combination according to claim 49, wherein the latching
projection (8) and the orientation projection (9) are formed next
to one another in such a manner that at least an upper part of an
orientation projection (11) can be disposed above the latching
projection (8), as seen in the vertical direction.
52. The combination according to claim 49, wherein the latching
recess (10) is formed as a window.
53. The combination according to claim 52, wherein a lower edge
(12) of the window, running in the circumferential direction, is
formed so as to run obliquely radially inward and vertically
upward.
54. The combination according to claim 53, wherein an upper edge
(13) of the latching projection (8) runs in the circumferential
direction and runs obliquely radially outward and vertically
downward.
55. The combination according to claim 49, wherein at least one
peripheral end face (14) of the latching projection (8) is oriented
on a vertical plane which incorporates a center axis (x-x) of the
bottle neck (3).
56. The combination according to claim 49, wherein another
peripheral end face (15) runs beveled in such a way that its
vertical projection line is part of a secant which intersects the
bottle neck (3) or is part of a tangent on the bottle neck (3).
57. The combination according to claim 49, wherein at least an
upper part of the orientation projection (11) lies above the
latching projection (8), as seen in the vertical direction.
58. The combination according to claim 49, wherein the latching
projection and the orientation projection are part of a plurality
of latching projections (8) and a plurality of orientation
projections (9) provided on the bottle neck in the circumferential
direction.
59. The combination according to claim 58, wherein the orientation
projections (9) are formed as button-like disks.
60. The combination according to claim 58, wherein the orientation
projections (9) are formed as wedge-shaped protuberances.
61. The combination according to claim 58, wherein the orientation
projections (9) lie along a diameter of the bottle neck (3), which
neck is circular in cross section.
62. A combination of a bottle (1) having a bottle neck (3) and a
latchable element that is an adapter (6) or a closure cap (7),
which element is held latched on the bottle neck (3), wherein a
single or multiple screw thread (16) is formed on the bottle neck
(3), and the closure cap (7) or the adapter (6) have a
corresponding mating screw thread (17), wherein the mating screw
thread (17) is formed by template-like openings in a cap connection
piece (18), an opening which is associated with a thread turn of
the bottle neck (3) comprises two partial openings which are
separated from one another by a dividing web (19) in the wall of
the cap connection piece (18), the dividing web being disposed in a
cleft (21) crossing the thread (16).
63. The combination according to claim 62, wherein the dividing web
(19) runs vertically.
64. The combination according to claim 62, wherein an opposite
partial opening is open.
65. The combination according to claim 62, wherein the dividing web
(19) has an undulation transversely with respect to its extent.
66. The combination according to claim 62, wherein the dividing web
(19) can be stretched in the vertical direction.
67. The combination according to claim 62, wherein the dividing web
(19) can be torn off so as to act as a tamperproofing means.
68. A combination of a bottle (1) having a bottle neck (3) and a
latchable element that is an adapter (6) or a closure cap (7),
which element is held latched on the bottle neck (3), wherein a
single or multiple screw thread (16) is formed on the bottle neck
(3), and the closure cap (7) or the adapter (6) has a corresponding
mating screw thread (17), and the mating screw thread (17) is
formed by template-like openings in a cap connection piece
(18).
69. The combination according to claim 68, wherein the cap
connection piece (18) is cylindrical.
70. The combination according to claim 68, wherein the thickness of
a wall of the cap connection piece (18) in the radially outward
direction corresponds to only a fraction of the projecting extent
of a threaded projection on the bottle neck (3).
71. The combination according to claim 68, wherein the cap
connection piece (18), in a closed state, engages so closely
against the bottle neck (3) that the screw thread (16) projects
outward through the opening.
72. A combination of a bottle having a bottle neck, and a latchable
element that is a closure cap (7) or an adapter (6) for fitting
onto the bottle neck (3), wherein the adapter (6) has a latching
button (22) cut free in a radially outer wall, which button engages
in an associated through-opening (25) in an outer lateral wall of
the closure cap (7).
73. The combination according to claim 72, wherein the adapter (6)
is of double-walled form.
74. The combination according to claim 72, wherein the latching
button (22) has a lower stop face (29) which runs horizontally or
faces radially inward by means of a diverting slope.
75. The combination according to claim 74, wherein the lower stop
face (29) is formed as a peripheral-edge surface of the latching
button (22).
76. The combination according to claims 75, wherein the closure cap
(7) has a blocking face (30) which is associated with the stop face
(29).
77. The combination according to claim 76, wherein the blocking
face (30) is part of a boundary face of an inner edge of the
through-opening (25).
78. The combination according to claims 72, wherein the closure cap
(7), in a surrounding position with respect to the through-opening
(25), has an inclined face (31) which falls away.
79. The combination according to claim 72, wherein the latching
button (22) is part of a tongue (32), the thickened end of which,
passing through the through-opening (25), projects into an
indentation which is achieved as a result of the inclined face
(31).
80. A bottle (1), in particular a plastic bottle, preferably
blow-molded from a preform, having a bottle neck (3) and a
latchable element that is an adapter (6) or a closure cap (7),
which element is latched on the bottle neck (3) by means of a
latching formation, wherein both a latching projection (8) and an
orientation projection (9) are formed on the bottle neck (3).
81. The bottle according to claim 80, wherein the latching
projection (8) and the orientation projection (9) are formed next
to one another.
82. A latchable element for the neck of a bottle, the latchable
element being a closure cap (7) or an adapter (6), wherein latching
is accomplished by a latching recess (10) and an orientation recess
(11) in the latchable element.
83. The latchable element that is a closure cap (7) or adapter (6)
according to claim 82, wherein the closure cap (7) and/or the
adapter (6) have a single or multiple mating screw thread (17) for
a screw thread (16) on the bottle neck (3) on which the closure-cap
(7) or the adapter (6) is to be secured, and wherein the mating
screw thread (17) is formed by template-like openings in a cap
connection piece (18).
84. The latchable element according to claim 82, wherein the cap
connection piece (18) is cylindrical.
85. The latchable element that is a closure cap or adapter
according to claim 82, wherein an opening which is associated with
a thread turn of the bottle neck (3) comprises two partial openings
which are separated from one another by a dividing web (19) in the
wall of the cap connection piece (18), the dividing web being
disposed in a cleft (21) crossing the thread (16).
86. A closure on a latchable element that is a closure cap (7) or
on an adapter (6) for fitting to a bottle neck (3), wherein the
closure has a latching button (22) which engages in an associated
through-opening (25) in an outer lateral wall of the closure cap
(7) or of the adapter (6).
87. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 86,
comprising a double-walled construction, and wherein the latching
button is cut free in an outer wall of the double-walled
construction.
88. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 86,
wherein the latching button (22), which is produced as a rocker
button, is formed into a tamperproofing means (S) by means of a
thin-skinned connection.
89. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 88,
wherein the thin-skinned connection is reduced to a web (39) which
is remote from a tilting point.
90. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 86,
wherein the latching button (22) of the tongue (32), when it is
first used, becomes trapped on a stationary blocking bar (41) of
the adapter (6) or of the closure cap (7).
91. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 90,
wherein the blocking bar (41) is in a paired arrangement of plural
blocking bars.
92. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 91,
wherein the blocking bars (41) are seated on the rear side of an
outer wall (27) of the closure cap (7).
93. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 90,
wherein the blocking bars (41) converge as they move away from the
latching button (22).
94. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 91,
wherein a direct distance between the parallel ends of the blocking
bars (41) is less than a width of the latching button (22) measured
in this direction.
95. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 86,
wherein the latching button (22) has a round basic outline and
tapers frustoconically toward the outside.
96. The closure for the latchable element according to claim 91,
wherein ends of the blocking bars (41) are configured so as to
taper to a cutting edge, as seen in cross section.
97. The combination according to claim 72, further comprising
tamperproofing means, and wherein the latching button (22) is cut
free in the radially outer wall up to a thin-skinned wall of the
tamperproofing means.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a combination of a bottle having a
bottle neck and an adapter, which is held latched on the bottle
neck, and/or a-closure cap.
[0002] It is an object of the invention to form a unit or
combination of the generic type with a high mechanical strength
which is advantageous in terms of assembly, including with regard
to reliable precentering.
[0003] This object is achieved first of all and substantially with
a combination having the features described in claim 1, in which it
is provided that both a latching projection and an orientation
projection are formed on the bottle neck.
[0004] A configuration of this type creates a good precondition for
excellent connection of adapter elements on bottles, for example on
preform bottle sleeves with a PET bottle neck. Taking account of
the requirements of fully automated large-scale production, the
result is accurate precentering and threading in. The orientation
projection predominantly brings about the correct orientation for
the latching projection. Furthermore, for this purpose it is
provided for the latching projection and the orientation projection
to be formed next to one another. The corresponding spatial
proximity avoids relatively long bridges of material and therefore
occurrence of false starts caused by buckling. In this case, a
latching recess and an orientation recess are formed on the
adapter. This represents, as it were, the female joining partner
for the male joining partners, i.e. latching projection and
orientation projection. The latching recess is formed as a window.
To achieve good anchoring of the parts to one another, it is
provided that a lower edge of the window, running in the
circumferential direction, is formed so as to run obliquely
radially inward and vertically upward. This leads to engagement
beneath the latching projection in the manner of a cutting edge
and, at the same time, to moderate latching forces during
association. On the side of the latching projection, a generous
insertion slope which, by comparison, can be moved over easily,
results from the fact that an upper edge of the latching projection
runs in the circumferential direction and runs obliquely radially
outward and vertically downward. This allows assembly to be fully
automated with short cycles. A configuration in which at least one
peripheral end face of the latching projection is oriented on a
vertical plane which incorporates a center axis of the bottle neck
is favorable in terms of demolding. On the other hand, in this case
one end face is beveled in such a way that its vertical projection
line is part of a secant which intersects the bottle neck or is
part of a tangent on the bottle neck. This makes it possible to
dispense with complex side slides during the production by
injection molding of both the adapter part and the bottle neck. In
terms of material, the demolding direction is kept virtually
without undercuts. To ensure the primary centering of the parts
which are to be docked by being knocked together, the procedure is
such that at least an upper part of the orientation projection lies
above the latching projection, as seen in the vertical direction.
The orientation is concluded before latching occurs. It is then
accurate. Furthermore, in this context it is advantageous if a
plurality of latching projections and a plurality of orientation
projections are provided in the circumferential direction. This
additionally promotes the directing action and also allows the
retaining to occur securely even if the incoming element is
oriented at a slight tilt. It is preferable for three such
docking/centering points to be produced, distributed at regular
angular intervals. The orientation projections are formed as
button-like disks. This results in a catch-free guiding-in action
through this practically roll-like structure. Another advantageous
configuration of a male joining partner of this type consists in
the fact that the orientation projections are formed as
wedge-shaped protuberances. The upwardly pointing wedge tip is
expediently rounded convexly in the manner of the button-like disk.
It is also advantageous with regard to demolding if the orientation
projections lie in a diametral of the bottle neck, which is
circular in cross section. The demolding join is expediently also
oriented at this plane.
[0005] The invention furthermore relates to a combination of a
bottle having a bottle neck and an adapter, which is held latched
on the bottle neck, and/or a closure cap, a single or multiple
screw thread being formed on the bottle neck, and the closure cap
or the adapter having a corresponding mating screw thread, and with
regard to the docking means proposes that the mating screw thread
is formed by template-like openings in a cap connection piece.
Instead of creating an irreversible latching connection, the
latching projections are now simply inclined so as to form a screw
thread. The openings in this case form the mating screw thread. The
cap connection piece itself is of cylindrical configuration. A
configuration which is even of independent importance consists in
the fact that an opening which is associated with a thread turn of
the bottle neck comprises two partial openings which are separated
from one another by a dividing web left in the wall of the cap
connection piece. The dividing web functions as a means for
preventing unscrewing. This means can only be overcome
deliberately. The thread turn has a matching entry groove for the
dividing web. The dividing web runs vertically. The opposite
partial opening in the cap connection piece is open, thus creating
a thread entry. If association with the adapter or the like by
screwing is desired, this is useful. Otherwise, the closure cap or
the adapter can also be mounted by being knocked on. To achieve the
short-term stretching stock which is in this case required, the
dividing web has an undulation transversely with respect to its
extent. This does not obstruct the widening of the wall. However, a
function indicating first use can also be formed by the fact that
the dividing web can be stretched in the vertical direction. This
is embodied by the fact that the dividing web can be torn off so as
to act as a tamperproofing means. To promote the stretchability of
the supporting wall, a measure is taken according to which the
thickness of the supporting wall in the radially outward direction
corresponds to only a fraction of the projecting extent of a thread
projection on the bottle neck. The thickness is, for example, in
the millimeter range. The wall, which in practice forms a ring, can
be widened excellently during the knocking-on operation. It then
springs back again powerfully. Nevertheless, it has a high
mechanical strength and allows assembly which reduces the knocking
force. The mechanical anchoring strength, however, is high, since
the cap connection piece, in the closed state, engages so tightly
around the bottle neck that the screw thread projects outward
through the opening.
[0006] The invention also relates to a combination of closure cap
and adapter for fitting onto a bottle neck, and to achieve a
solution which is also advantageous with regard to handling, the
invention proposes that the adapter has a latching button which
engages in an associated through-opening in an outer lateral wall
of the closure cap. In this way, the closed position can be secured
in such a manner as to protect the product. The adapter is of
double-walled form; the latching button is cut free in a radially
outer wall thereof. It therefore acts as a rocker button. Apart
from the connecting section, which is similar to an integral hinge,
the outer contour of the latching button can remain connected by a
thin skin, so that in this way a structurally simple tamperproofing
means is achieved by simple means. Furthermore, it is provided that
the latching button has a lower stop face which runs horizontally
or faces radially inward by means of a diverting slope.
Advantageously, the lower stop face is formed as a peripheral-edge
surface of the latching button. In this case, the closure cap has a
blocking face which is associated with the stop face at a
corresponding point. The blocking face is part of a boundary face
of the inner edge of the through-opening. To achieve a sufficient
penetration depth of the latching button, it is provided that the
closure cap, in a surrounding position with respect to the
through-opening, has an inclined face which falls away toward the
edge of the through-opening. In this way, the area surrounding the
through-opening is practically formed as a dish. In this context,
it has also proven advantageous that the latching button is part of
a tongue, the thickened end of which, passing through the
through-opening, projects into the indentation which is achieved as
a result of the inclined face.
[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bottle, in
particular a plastic bottle, preferably blow-molded from a preform,
having a bottle neck and an adapter which is produced on the bottle
neck by means of a latching formation, and/or a closure cap, and
proposes that both a latching projection and an orientation
projection are formed on the bottle neck. This leads to the
advantages which have been explained in connection with claim 1,
but also utilizing the practically finished form of the PET bottle
neck. In a bottle of this type, the procedure is also such that the
latching projection and the orientation projection are formed next
to one another. Moreover, the bottle is characterized by one or
more features from claims 6 to 13.
[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a closure cap or an
adapter which is characterized by a latching recess and an
orientation recess. The invention also relates to a closure cap or
an adapter according to claim 35 or in particular according
thereto, the closure cap and/or the adapter having a single or
multiple mating screw thread for a screw thread on a bottle neck on
which the closure cap or the adapter is to be secured, to refine
which it is proposed that the mating screw thread is formed by
template-like openings in a cap connection piece. An article of
this type is furthermore characterized by one or more features from
claims 15 to 23.
[0009] Furthermore, the invention relates to a closure on a closure
cap or an adapter for fitting to a bottle neck, which closure is
characterized in that it has a latching button which engages in an
associated through-opening in an outer lateral wall of the closure
cap. This closure is furthermore characterized by one or more
features from claims 25 to 31. A closure of this type is
furthermore characterized in that the latching button, which is
produced as a rocker button, is formed into a tamperproofing means
by means of a thin-skinned connection. The changed position of the
rocker button which is brought about by the button being pressed in
is immediately obvious. Moreover, the torn skin provides an
optical-visual indication. To keep the corresponding actuating
forces to a moderate level, the thin-skinned connection may be
reduced to a web remote from the tilting point. A relatively small
material bridge of this type tears easily. The further
configuration of the closure is such that the latching button of
the tongue, when it is first used, becomes trapped on a stationary
blocking bar of the adapter or of the closure cap. The indication
of first use therefore in practice cannot be "covered up". A
solution which is particularly stable in use results if the
blocking bar is in a paired arrangement.
[0010] Preferably, the blocking bars are seated on the rear side of
the outer wall of the closure cap. They exhibit a barb-like
function if it is further provided that the blocking bars converge
away from the latching button. Accordingly, when it is attempted to
manipulate them by pivoting the rocker button back, they merely
become more deeply embedded into the latching button. The anchoring
action is further reinforced if the direct distance between the
parallel ends of the blocking bars is less than the width of the
latching lug measured in this direction. A similarly acting and
optimized engagement results if the latching button has a round
basic outline and tapers frustoconically toward the outside. The
indicated anchoring or embedding is further promoted if the ends of
the bars are configured so as to taper to a cutting edge, as seen
in cross section.
[0011] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more
detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated
in the drawing, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the bottle neck of
a bottle,
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the bottle with
closure cap,
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic side view of the closure cap,
specifically in the form of a detail illustration,
[0015] FIG. 4 shows the bottle neck which is to be fitted with the
closure cap, in the same form of illustration,
[0016] FIG. 5 shows an excerpt of a modified part of an orientation
recess on the closure cap,
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a vertical section through the bottle neck with
a closure cap associated in a latched arrangement,
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the bottle neck, showing a
modified configuration of an orientation projection,
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the bottle neck,
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of the bottle
neck,
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a modified form of the latching
means between bottle neck and closure cap, in which the latching
recess has a dividing web,
[0022] FIG. 11 shows an illustration corresponding to that shown in
FIG. 10, but seen from a different viewing angle,
[0023] FIG. 12 shows a perspective illustration of the article
shown in FIG. 11,
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a modified form of the closure cap in vertical
section,
[0025] FIG. 14 shows a perspective illustration of the closure,
[0026] FIG. 15 shows a section through the region of the dividing
web, kept in a basic version in terms of thickness, approximately
corresponding to the thickness of the cap connection piece,
[0027] FIG. 16 shows a variant with a dividing web of reduced wall
thickness,
[0028] FIG. 17 shows a further variant with an undulating dividing
web,
[0029] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the closure,
[0030] FIG. 19 shows a plan view of the closure,
[0031] FIG. 20 shows the closure in vertical section, dealing with
the particular configuration of a latching button,
[0032] FIG. 21 shows an enlargement in this respect,
[0033] FIG. 22 shows a further variant of the closure, without a
hinged lid,
[0034] FIG. 23 shows the same closure with a hinged lid which
covers over a pouring spout,
[0035] FIG. 24 shows a bird's-eye view of this closure,
[0036] FIG. 25 shows a side view of the closure,
[0037] FIG. 26 shows a front view of the closure,
[0038] FIG. 27 shows the closure in an enlarged illustration
compared to FIG. 24, and
[0039] FIG. 28 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the closure,
[0040] FIG. 29 shows a final variant of the closure cap, seen in
plan view and with the hinged lid hinged open,
[0041] FIG. 30 shows the section on-line XXX-XXX in FIG. 29,
[0042] FIG. 31 shows a view of the closure cap from below, and
[0043] FIG. 32 shows an enlarged view of a lateral-wall part of the
closure cap with an unbroken tamperproofing means, as seen in the
direction of the arrow XXXII in FIG. 29.
[0044] The drawing illustrates a bottle 1 which, above a shoulder
2, merges into a bottle neck 3.
[0045] The bottle neck 3 is of stepped cylindrical form. A
centering projection 5 of an adapter 6 or of a closure cap 7, which
simultaneously acts as a hollow stopper, engages in a sealing
manner into the opening 4 of the bottle neck.
[0046] The adapter 6 or the closure cap 7 is held latched on the
bottle neck 3.
[0047] For this purpose, the lateral wall of the bottle neck 3 has
a latching projection 8 in a supporting section. In addition, an
orientation projection 9 is produced on the lateral-wall side.
Latching projection 8 and orientation projection 9 are formed next
to one another. They project.
[0048] Exposed to their area of action, on the adapter 6 or on the
closure cap 7 there is a corresponding latching recess 10 and,
moreover, an orientation recess 11 which has a trapping action.
[0049] These features can be used to effect the mechanically fixed
docking of the parts of the bottle/adapter etc. combination. The
result is that the latching recess 10 is oriented on the latching
projection 8 in a manner which is suitable for latching. The
correspondingly steered precentering of the joining partners 8/10,
9/11 takes place as part of the turning/plugging precentering which
begins even at an early stage. Accordingly, an upper part of the
orientation projection 9 is located, in a vertical direction, above
the latching projection 8. The vertical direction is defined by a
center axis x-x of the bottle neck 3.
[0050] The latching recess 10 is formed as a window. The latching
projection 8, which is configured as an elongate rib or
protuberance, runs transversely to the center axis x-x, as does the
latching recess 10, which provides the contour-matching window. In
this way, it is possible to produce an unreleasable connection in
the combination.
[0051] The anchoring between latching projection 8 and latching
recess 10 is effected by one hooking beneath the other. For this
purpose, the lower edge 12 of the window has a contour which
resembles a cutting edge. This, as it were, provides the window
with a windowsill which is inclined so as to fall away outward.
This has, as a consequence, that the lower edge 12 of the window,
running in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical bottle
neck 3, is formed so as to extend obliquely radially inward and
vertically upward. By contrast, an upper edge 13 of the latching
projection 8 has an inclination which extends in the
circumferential direction and falls away in the radially outward
direction. This inclination is generous, so that only moderate
knocking forces are required to fit the neck.
[0052] As can be seen from the drawings, with regard to the further
configuration of the latching projection 8 the procedure is such
that at least one peripheral end face 14 of the latching projection
8 is oriented on the intersecting vertical plane which incorporates
the center axis x-x of the bottle neck 3. The demolding plane of
the injection mold which is used to produce the bottle neck 3 can
be oriented onto this plane. The same applies to the other
peripheral end face 15 of the latching projection 8. This
peripheral end face 15 is beveled. The form of the bevel is such
that the vertical projection line of this peripheral end face 15 is
part of a secant which intersects the bottle neck 3 or part of a
tangent on the bottle neck 3. This allows demolding without the use
of transverse slides.
[0053] Moreover, the inclined position of the lower edge 12 of the
window which has been explained above promotes demolding in the
axial direction. It is preferable for there to be a plurality of
latching projections 8 and a plurality of orientation projections
12 in the circumferential direction, taking account, of course, of
the corresponding female receiving parts on the other element which
is to be attached, i.e. adapter 6 or closure cap 7, in the form of
the latching recess 10 or orientation recess 11 which has been
described.
[0054] With regard to the geometric contour, the orientation
projections 9 are formed, for example, as button-like disks, as can
be seen from the diagrammatic illustration. These are, as it were,
roll-like bodies, one wide face of which is rooted in the lateral
wall of the bottle neck 3.
[0055] A variant which is illustrated provides a solution which
deviates from the circular geometric contour. In this case, there
is a basically triangular contour of the orientation projection 9,
representing a protuberance which in practice is wedge-shaped. Its
point faces upward. The point is convexly rounded, approximately in
the sense of the button-like disk. This makes it easier for the
joining partners to feel their way in, and thereby promotes
reliable centering in the matching orientation recess 11. This is
likewise triangular in contour and at the top ends in a concavely
rounded tip. The horizontal side, in the form of the base line of
the triangle, extends perpendicular to the vertical, so that there
is a relatively large trapping funnel which is open toward the
bottom, i.e. in the direction of the orientation projection 9. If
not every one of the three latching projections 8, which are
distributed at regular angular intervals, is provided with an
orientation projection 9 which is located laterally and is disposed
above 8, in any event the numerical plurality is maintained while
using a formation which is such that the orientation projections 9
lie in a diametral D-D of the bottle neck 3, which is circular in
cross section. In this case too, they are positioned as close as
possible to the edge of the bottle neck 3, in order to effect the
centering positional orientation at a very early stage.
[0056] In terms of its plane, the diametral is located in such a
way that it runs on an angle bisector, passing through a point of a
triangle. The latching projection which is in question in this
respect may have peripheral end faces 14 which are obtuse, i.e.
oriented radially or radially parallel with respect to the center
axis x-x, while the others have inclinations which, with respect to
the one peripheral end face 15, end in the form of a wedge on
the-lateral wall.
[0057] The drawing also illustrates a combination of a bottle 1
having a bottle neck 3 and an adapter 6, which is held latched on
the bottle neck 3, and/or a closure cap 7, with a single or
multiple screw thread 16 formed on the bottle neck 3. A triple
screw thread 16 is preferably used. The closure cap 7 or the
adapter 6 has the corresponding mating screw thread 17.
[0058] The screw thread 16 is an external screw thread. It
comprises the latching projections 8, which are now positioned so
as to rise. The reference numerals are transferred accordingly. The
form of the peripheral end faces 14, 15 corresponds to that which
has been explained in connection with the basic version.
[0059] With regard to the mating screw thread 17, this is in
principle provided by the latching recess 10, likewise forming
windows in the direction of the pitch of the screw thread 16.
[0060] The mating screw thread 17 forms template-like openings in a
cap connection piece 18. The cap connection piece 18 is cylindrical
and can be retained on the bottle neck 3 with the corresponding
superstructure, forming a closure cap, in a mechanically fixed
association.
[0061] The template-like openings of the multiple screw thread 16
are inherently configured in such a way that they can be associated
with the bottle neck 3 by screwing and can also be associated by
being knocked on.
[0062] If the first route is employed, the structural precaution is
taken whereby an opening which is associated with one thread turn,
i.e. the screw thread 16 of the bottle neck 3, comprises two
partial openings, with the lower partial opening being open at the
entrance. This is where the thread turn can commence.
[0063] With regard to the creation of two partial openings, it
should be noted that a dividing web 19, which forms the
corresponding dividing means, runs between the closed partial
opening and the open partial opening in the wall of the cap
connection piece 18. This web is oriented vertically and is in
practice part of the cylindrical wall of the cap connection piece
18. It serves for centering and to prevent rotation. The vertically
extending dividing web 19, as a bridge piece, holds the lower
region of the wall in combination with that section of the wall of
the cap connection piece 18 which has the larger accumulation of
material. It can be seen that the dividing web 19 runs at a certain
distance from an entry 20 of the partial opening which is open at
the base side. This opening is widened slightly in the outward
direction, so that the result is that the screw thread 16 is
securely trapped in the mating screw thread 17.
[0064] Whether by knocking or by screwing, the dividing web 19 ends
up in a vertical gorge 21, which crosses the rising screw thread 16
all the way to the base of the lateral wall of the bottle neck 3.
The vertical length of the dividing web 19 corresponds to the width
of the screw thread 16 in the region of the foot of the latter.
[0065] The dividing web 19 has an undulation running transversely
to its extent. This undulation represents a stretching reserve
which makes the knocking-on operation easier. This is because the
dividing web 16 is thereby made stretchable in the vertical
direction. A greater reduction in the wall thickness is also
conceivable.
[0066] As a result of utilization of the gorge 21 and of the flanks
which delimit the gorge, of which one may be steep and the other
may rise, it is even possible for the dividing web 19 to be used as
a tamperproofing means. The rise in the direction of rotation
causes the dividing web 19 to tear off. The steeper flank lies in
the opposite direction.
[0067] With regard to the desire for assembly which reduces the
knocking force, it is advantageous for the thickness of the wall of
the cap connection piece 18, as measured in the radial direction,
to correspond to only a fraction of the radially outwardly directed
projecting distance of a screw thread projection, i.e. of the screw
thread 16, in the radially outward direction on the bottle neck 3.
The cap connection piece 18 therefore, in the closed state, engages
tightly against the bottle neck 3, practically constricting it, in
such a way that the screw thread 16 projects significantly outward
through the template-like openings. The ratio is 1:3. The thickness
of the wall of the cap connection piece 18 is approximately 1
mm.
[0068] Finally, the combination of closure cap 7 and/or adapter 6
for fitting onto a bottle neck 3 relates to a variant solution
according to which the adapter 6 or the closure cap 7 has a
latching button 22. This button in this case holds a hinged lid 23
of the closure cap 7 in the closed position and allows this cap to
be opened deliberately.
[0069] The hinged lid 23 is pivoted on a lower part of the closure
cap 7 by means of an integral hinge 24. The integral hinge 24 is
located at a point of said lower part which is remote from the
latching button, specifically located on the upper edge of this
part.
[0070] The latching button 22 is produced as a pivoting or rocker
button. It is located on said lower part. The mating part, in terms
of forming a closure, is a through-opening 25 which is associated
with the latching button 22 or can be brought into the region of
action thereof. This opening is located on an outer lateral wall 26
of the closure cap 7, more precisely of its hinged lid 23.
[0071] Both the closure cap 7 and the adapter 6 are of
double-walled form. The latching button 22 is cut free in a
radially outer wall 27. The inner wall, which runs concentrically
with respect thereto, forms the cap connection piece 18. The
connection between the two is made by means of an annular bridge
28. A free yielding space for the latching button 22 which can be
depressed is located between the wall of the cap connection piece
18 and the outer wall 27.
[0072] The latching button 22, which has been cut free in the shape
of a keyhole in the outer wall 27, has a lower stop face 29 with a
blocking action. This face extends radially or radially inward with
a slight diverting slope.
[0073] The lower stop face 29 is the circumferential surface of the
latching button 22, and specifically, with a blocking action, its
lower semicircle.
[0074] A blocking face 30, which is taken out of the hole edge of
the through-opening 25, is associated with the stop face 29. This
blocking face is therefore part of a boundary face of the inner
edge of the through-opening 25.
[0075] The hinged lid 23 of the closure cap 7 is configured so as
to slope, thus forming an indentation. Specifically, the
through-opening 25 is provided with an inclined surface 31 which
falls away downward toward the edge, more accurately the outer edge
boundary of the through-opening 25. The indentation which is
produced by the inclination--which at the same time forms a helpful
opening aid for opening the lid 23--is clearly recognizable and is
formed with approximately fingertip width in the vicinity of the
latching button 22. The body of the latching button, which
resembles a push-button, passes through the through-opening 25 so
as to stand out and projects into the region of the outerside
indentation. Its front surface is of frustoconical configuration,
so that the tab 33 can be disengaged and snapped into place
successfully, with assistance from the floating-curve
configuration.
[0076] The circular latching button 22 is part of a tongue 32. It
has its root in the material of the outer wall 27 and just below
the annular bridge 28 is formed into a horizontal hinge 32'. The
hinge 32' may be produced in the shape of a slight arc, so that a
high-quality restoring action toward the blocking position is
present or is produced.
[0077] The basis is correspondingly resilient and elastic plastic
material, specifically with regard to all the closure-forming parts
and also the bottle 1 itself.
[0078] If the surrounding area of the thickened end of the tongue
32, which thickened end forms the latching button 22, is not cut
free toward the outer wall 27, including the tongue 32 which leads
upward toward the hinge 32', this region can be used as a
tamperproofing indicator or tamperproofing means S. The cut-free
channel, which forms the tearing contour, is produced as a thinned
part, such as for example a thin skin.
[0079] The through-opening 25 is located in the tab 33, which
passes downward over the obliquely dropping hinged join 23 between
lower part and hinged lid, of the hinged lid. In the closed
position, it enters flush into a niche 34 of corresponding shape in
the outer wall 27 of the adapter 6 or of the closure cap 7. The
hinged join is denoted by 35.
[0080] Lugs 37 located in the vicinity of the indentation and a
transverse bar 38 promoting through roughness the opening of the
hinged lid 23.
[0081] The closure, which is fitted with a cover, has a pouring
spout 36 in the region of the pouring opening, for controlled
discharge when product is being removed.
[0082] The superstructure which adjoins the adapter 6 may be
design-varied in a very wide range of embodiments.
[0083] Returning to the tamperproofing indicator or means S which
has been explained with regard to the latching lug 22, reference
should be made to the further development in FIGS. 29 to 32. The
structural resemblance to the article which has been outlined
primarily from FIG. 13 onward justifies corresponding transferral
of the reference numerals, in part without the text being repeated.
The tongue 32 which is fitted to the hinge 32' is more pronounced,
as can be seen from FIG. 32, i.e. is longer in the vertical
direction than is the case, for example, in FIG. 21. This results,
when one includes the latching button 22, in a relatively long,
tiltable body, i.e. a rocker button. The back of the tongue 32 is
reinforced by a rib 32".
[0084] The latching button 22, which is produced as a rocker
button, is attached to the outer wall 27 of the closure cap 7. The
thin-skinned connection which has already been explained is now
reduced to a web 39 which is remote from the tilting point (cf.
FIG. 32). This web extends in the vertical longitudinal center
plane of the tongue 32. It forms a material bridge between the
lower edge section 22' of the latching button 22 and the opposite
wall part 27' of the cut-free gap 40, which in practice forms a
keyhole contour.
[0085] The latching button 22 which is also explained here, as a
result of being pressed inward into the tilted position shown in
FIG. 30 (in dot-dashed lines), releases the tab 33, so that the
hinged lid 23 can be folded open, pivoting about the integral hinge
24. The pressed-in rocker button is held in this position so as to
function as a tamperproofing indicator or means S. This is because
during first use the latching button 22 of the tongue 32 is caught
on a stationary blocking bar 41 of the adapter 6 or of the closure
cap 7. Said blocking bar 41 is seated on the rear side of the outer
wall 27 of the closure cap 7. It is molded on directly, and can be
seen in a paired association.
[0086] Said blocking bars 41 act as a practically irreversible
anchor on the pressed-in rocker button or latching button 22.
Therefore, the damaged tamperproofing cannot easily be restored.
The measure according to which the blocking bars 41 of the latching
button 22 converge remotely forms the anchoring means. The
acute-angled rise with regard to the wall 27 is at approx. 30
degrees. This is clearly evident from FIG. 31. In addition, the
free ends of the blocking bars 41 are configured so as to taper to
a cutting edge, as seen in cross section. This promotes penetration
into the body which is to be retained, i.e. the latching button 22,
and if appropriate also into the tongue 32, if this is of the same
width.
[0087] The outlined taper is such that the blocking bars 41 with
their cutting edges yield when the rocker button is pressed in, in
such a manner that the distance between them widens. In the basic
position, therefore, the direct distance between the parallel ends
of the blocking bars 41 is less than the width of the latching
button 22 measured in this direction. As has already been
indicated, this button has a round contour. The corresponding
projecting distance of latching button 22 and blocking bar 41 is
denoted by the symbol in FIG. 32.
[0088] The retaining of the depressed position of the rocker button
is also promoted by the fact that the latching button 22 is of
frustoconical configuration. The oblique cone lateral surface
exerts a high level of blocking action on the cutting edge-like
ends of the blocking bars 41.
[0089] With regard to the screw thread 16 and the mating screw
thread 17, it remains to point out that these are triple screw
threads. The catching function with regard to the dividing web 19
is also applied in the latter version, FIG. 29 ff., so that when
the closure is unscrewed a tamperproofing indicator function is
also utilized in this respect.
[0090] The hexagonal structure of the closure and of the closure
cap 7 has a rotation-preventing action with regard to a matching
mating contour provided to the shoulder 2 of the bottle 1.
Moreover, in the basic screwed position which is reached, a
blocking finger 42 passes with a blocking action in front of a
protuberance 43 of the shoulder 2 of the bottle 1.
[0091] It also remains to point out that the cap connection piece
18, on account of its radial distance from the wall 27, leaves
sufficient tilting-displacement space for the rocker button.
[0092] All features disclosed are (per se) pertinent to the
invention. The disclosure content of the associated/appended
priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby
incorporated in its entirety in the disclosure of the application,
partly for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents
in claims of the present application.
* * * * *