U.S. patent application number 10/829472 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for sealing temper-proof cap.
This patent application is currently assigned to Famart Distribution NV. Invention is credited to Gancia, Carlo Vittorio Vallarino.
Application Number | 20050224445 10/829472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34896041 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050224445 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gancia, Carlo Vittorio
Vallarino |
October 13, 2005 |
Sealing temper-proof cap
Abstract
A sealing cover particularly suitable for bottles for beverages
comprises a sealing element for sealing an outlet opening of a
container. Further, the sealing cover comprises a safety element
which is cap-shaped, for example, and adapted to be displaced or
twisted relative to the sealing element from a closed position into
an opening position. Further, an indicator for indicating the
opening position is provided. The indicator is arranged at an
outside of the sealing element or the safety element so that the
indicator or is tangible because of the change of position of the
indicator upon transferring it from the closed position into the
opening position.
Inventors: |
Gancia, Carlo Vittorio
Vallarino; (Monaco, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul D. Greeley, Esq.
Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
10th Floor
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Famart Distribution NV
|
Family ID: |
34896041 |
Appl. No.: |
10/829472 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/204 ;
215/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1677 20130101;
B65D 51/18 20130101; B65D 2251/0028 20130101; B65D 2203/10
20130101; B65D 41/0442 20130101; B65D 2205/02 20130101; B65D
2401/00 20200501; B65D 55/026 20130101; B65D 2251/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/204 ;
215/217 |
International
Class: |
B65D 050/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 8, 2004 |
EP |
04008651.4 |
Claims
1. A sealing cover comprising: a sealing element for sealing an
outlet opening of a container, a safety element adapted to be
displaced relative to the sealing element from a closed position
into an opening position, an indicator connected with the sealing
element and/or the safety element, for indicating the opening
position, an actuator connected with the safety element and/or the
sealing element, for actuating the indicator upon displacing the
safety element, and a release unit connected with the sealing
element and the safety element, for permitting the rotation of the
sealing element, the indicator being arranged at an outside of the
sealing element or the safety element and the position of the
indicator changing such in the opening position with respect to the
closed position that it is tangible.
2. The sealing cover according to claim 1, wherein the actuator
comprises a ramp-shaped configuration so that the indicator is
pressed outward when the safety element and the sealing element are
displaced relative to each other.
3. The sealing cover according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is
connected with the safety element or the sealing element via a
web.
4. The sealing cover according to claim 1, wherein the safety
element at least partially surrounds the sealing element.
5. The sealing cover according to claim 1, wherein the safety
element is annular or cap-shaped.
6. The sealing cover according to claim 1, wherein the release unit
comprises at least one catch element to interconnect the safety
element and the sealing element for co-rotation.
7. The sealing cover according to claim 1, further comprising a
pressure compensator for reducing the pressure in the container
upon opening.
8. The sealing cover according to claim 7, wherein the pressure
compensator comprises a cutting element for removing a closing part
closing a pressure compensation opening in the sealing element.
9. The sealing cover according to claim 7, wherein the pressure
compensator is arranged within a storage room for storing the
separated closing part.
10. The sealing cover according to claim 1, further comprising a
sealing ring arranged in a groove of the sealing element.
11. The sealing cover according to claim 10, wherein the sealing
ring is arranged between an inside wall of the outlet opening of
the container and a groove wall and contacts them when the sealing
cover is screwed on.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a sealing cap for containers. The
sealing cap is particularly suitable for sealing bottles for
beverages, particularly plastic and glass bottles.
[0002] The commonly used system for sealing bottles for beverages,
it is known to provide at the lower periphery of a plastic or metal
cover a ring or several separate elements connected with the cover
via cages (webs), at least a portion of the connecting cages (webs)
that are broken/ruptured upon opening the bottle. The consumer can
recognize there from that the bottle has already been opened. Such
sealing caps, however, have the disadvantage that the cap may
already be slightly opened in a way that the connecting cages
(webs) are at first elongated and then broken thus permitting gas
and liquid to escape and foreign elements/liquids to be introduced
into the container. With carbonated pop-soda beverages or water
containing carbon dioxide, this results in that, for example, the
carbon dioxide escapes at least partially and the quality of the
beverage suffers a deterioration there from. Further, there is the
risk of a contamination of the contents of the container because of
the possibility of the sealing cap being slightly opened therefore
allowing the introduction of foreign contents into the
container.
[0003] To avoid these drawbacks, it is known from WO 02/057141 to
provide a sealing closure with two sealing caps, an inner sealing
cap being surrounded by an outer sealing cap. The inner sealing cap
is provided with an internal thread and adapted to be screwed onto
a bottleneck. The inner cap serving as a sealing element for
sealing an outlet opening of a container, such as a bottle for
beverages, comprises a closing part at its upper surface which
closes a pressure compensation opening in the inner cap. Further,
this surface is provided with a pulling element as well as with a
catch element. The outer cap surrounding the inner cap rotates
relative to the inner cap by a given angular range. At the inner
surface of the outer cap opposite to the upper surface of the inner
cap, an arm comprising a cutting edge is provided. By rotating the
outer cap, the cutting edge of the arm removes the closing part of
the inner cap thus the pressure compensation opening. When the
outer cap is rotated further, the arm of the outer cap abuts on the
holding element of the inner cap so that the inner cap is
co-rotated. Thereby, the bottle can be opened then. Additionally,
catch elements are provided at the above-described opposite
surfaces of the two caps in order to avoid that the outer cap is
rotated back with respect to the inner cap. As soon as the sealing
cover has been opened, the closing part of the inner cap is thus
removed. Since the outer cap is transparent, this can be recognized
by the consumer. To this end, however, it is absolutely necessary
that the outer cap is transparent. Further, the sealing cover has
the disadvantage that the fact that the closing part has already
been removed can be easily overlooked by the consumer.
[0004] It is the object of the invention to provide a temper-proof
sealing cap whereby the certainty that the cap has not previously
been opened by a third person is improved.
[0005] This object is solved, according to the invention, by the
features of claim 1.
[0006] The sealing cover according to the invention comprises a
sealing element for sealing an outlet opening of a container,
particularly a bottle and, in a particularly preferred case, a
plastic or glass bottle for beverages, carbonated and non.
Preferably, the sealing element has a cap-shaped configuration.
Further, the sealing cover according to the invention comprises a
safety element tailored to be displaced from a closed position into
an opening position with respect to the sealing element. Before
being opened first, the safety element is in the closed position
and can be transferred into the opening position by being
displaced, particularly twisted, once (and only once) with respect
to the sealing element. According to the invention, once a safety
element has been brought into the closed position, it cannot be
displaced or twisted back into the opening position any more. The
safety element may be an annular or cap-shaped element.
Particularly, the safety (temper-evident) element may be arranged
within or also without the sealing element and surround the latter
particularly partially and, in the particularly preferred case,
surround it completely. In order to prevent the safety element from
being twisted or displaced back from the opening position into the
closed position, a release means is connected with the sealing
element and the safety element or rather arranged between these two
elements. The release means serves to permit or release the
twisting of the sealing element for completely opening the element.
To this end, for example, a latch engaging into a recess of the
bottle may be pulled back by the release means. Preferably,
however, the release means comprises catch elements by which the
safety element is connected with the sealing element so as to
rotate with the latter.
[0007] To indicate to the consumer whether a bottle for beverages
or another container has already been opened, an indicating means
(temper-evident) is connected with the sealing element and/or the
safety element. The indicating means indicates whether the sealing
cover has ever previously been in the opened position. To this end,
an actuating means is connected with the safety element and/or the
sealing element, which serves to actuate the indicating element. In
doing so, the actuating means is displaced relative to the
indicating means to actuate the indicating means. The actuating
means may either be provided at the sealing element or at the
safety element, the indicating means being preferably provided at
the other element.
[0008] The indicating means is provided at an outside of the
sealing element or the safety element, i.e., at an outside of the
sealing cover so that the consumer is able to recognize as easily
as possible whether the sealing cover has ever been brought into
the opening position. The indicating means may be provided at the
sealing element or at the safety element, the indicating means
being provided, according to the invention, at an outside, i.e., at
that side of the two elements that is not covered by the respective
other element. In doing so, it has to be considered that the
elements do not have to cover each other completely since the
safety element may also be configured as a ring, for example.
According to the invention, the position of the indicating means is
changed upon opening, i.e. upon transferring the safety element
from the closed position into the opening position. This is
effected in that, for example, the indicating means is at least
partially pressed out of the outside. Since this change of position
occurs at an outside of the sealing element or the safety element,
it is readily perceived by the consumer. Particularly, the change
of position of the indicating means is also tangible so that it can
be perceived by blind consumers as well. In this case, it is
particularly preferred to provide the indicating means at an upper
surface and not at the outer jacket surface of the sealing cover so
that the indicating means is adapted to be seen and felt well.
Further, the indicating means may be configured in a colour
differing from that of the sealing cover, preferably in a signal
colour.
[0009] The invention aims at preventing foreign bodies and/or
liquids to be introduced into the container between the bottling
plant and the actual purchase point, without the knowledge of the
consumer, hence the temper-evident mechanism.
[0010] The mechanism according to the invention works in a way as
to make the undercap (which is in contact with the liquids in the
container) close--after briefly rupturing the pin--the container
thus providing all the sealing properties as found in the cap prior
to being opened.
[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuating means
is configured as a ramp. When displacing or twisting the safety
element and the sealing element relative to each other, the
indicating means is pressed outward according to the invention.
This is effected by displacing the indicating element preferably
vertical to the displacement direction along the ramp and thus
pressing it outward when it is displaced or twisted. The change of
position of the indicating means provoked thereby is effected to
the outside, i.e., in a manner that the indicating means protrudes
beyond an outside of the sealing cover. Preferably, the indicating
means is connected to the sealing element or the safety element via
a web. When the indicating means changes its position, a separation
of the web shall be preferably avoided. This can be guaranteed by
preferably providing the web on the side pointing towards the ramp
front end in the opening position.
[0012] The ramp as well as the indicating means can be arranged in
the jacket surfaces of the sealing element and the safety element,
respectively, so that the indicating means protrudes laterally
outward in an upright container in the opening position .
Preferably, however, the indicating means as well as the actuating
means are provided at those surfaces of the two elements that are
horizontal when the container is in its upright position. In this
preferred embodiment, the sealing element as well as the safety
element are configured as a cap, the safety element preferably
surrounding the sealing element.
[0013] Preferably, the sealing cap according to the invention
additionally comprises a pressure compensation means serving to
reduce the pressure in the container when it is opened. Preferably,
the pressure compensation means is actuated before the safety
element has reached the opening position. Preferably, the pressure
compensation means comprises a cutting element. By displacing the
safety element, the cutting element can remove a closing part
closing a pressure compensation opening of the sealing element. In
the case of non-carbonated beverages/fizzy liquids the cutting
mechanism and its relating pin may be optional as the concept
becomes redundant owing to the lack of gas.
[0014] Preferably, the pressure compensation means is arranged
within a storage room to ensure that the separated closing part
does not interfere or come between the sealing element and the
safety element and impair the operation of the sealing cap.
[0015] Preferably, a sealing ring is arranged in a groove of the
sealing element to prevent even small amounts of gas from escaping
from the container. To this end, with the sealing cover screwed on,
the sealing ring is preferably arranged between an inside wall of
the outlet opening of the container and a groove wall and contacts
both surfaces. The groove wall is arranged within the outlet
opening.
[0016] Optionally, upon cutting the pin to allow the exit of excess
gas from the bottle, a mechanism is provided producing a certain
noise, e. g. a. pop (like a champagne cork) or a whistle (for kids
parties).
[0017] Additionally, an RFD (radio frequency device) which is a
dormant chip (transponder) which can be activated by an external
radio source may be included within the cap. This technology may be
used for several applications, such as: substitution of codebars,
inventory management, prize-givings (raffles), research, etc.
[0018] Hereinafter, the invention is explained in detail with
respect to preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0019] In the Figures:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the sealing
element from below,
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the sealing
element from above,
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the sealing element,
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the sealing element
along line IV-IV in FIG. 3,
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the sealing element
along line V-V in FIG. 3,
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the safety element
from below,
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the safety element
from above,
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic internal view of the safety
element,
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view along line IX-IX in
FIG. 8,
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a sealing
ring,
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the sealing ring,
[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of the sealing ring
along line XII-XII in FIG. 11,
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the assembled
sealing cover,
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the
sealing cover screwed upon a bottle,
[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic enlargement of the portion XV in FIG.
14,
[0035] FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic diagram of another
embodiment of the sealing cover, and
[0036] FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic diagram of a further
embodiment of the sealing cover.
[0037] In the illustrated preferred embodiment (FIG. 1-15), the
sealing element 10 (FIG. 1-5) is configured as a cap with an
internal thread 12. Thus, the sealing element 12 comprises a
substantially cylindrical jacket surface 14 with several
projections and shoulders. A circumferential retaining ring 16
(FIG. 4) is provided at the outer jacket surface 14. The retaining
ring 16 serves to retain a safety element 18 (FIG. 6-9), the safety
element 18, in the illustrated embodiment, being also configured as
a cap and completely surrounding the sealing element 10 when the
sealing cover is assembled (FIG. 14). Then, the retaining ring 16
engages into a circumferential groove 20 (FIG. 9) provided at the
inner jacket surface 22 of the safety element 18 (FIG. 14).
[0038] Further, the outer jacket surface 14 of the sealing element
10 is provided with a release means with two stops 24,26 and a
catch element 28. The release element serves to firmly connect the
sealing element 10 with the safety element 18 (see below). A
further release means 24,26,28 is provided on the opposite side of
the outer surface 14 of the sealing element 14 (FIG. 5).
[0039] At an end face 30 of the sealing element 10, an actuating
means 32 is provided which, in the illustrated embodiment, is
configured as a double ramp. The actuating means 32 serves to
actuate an indicating means 34 provided in the safety element 18
(FIG. 6-9). Additionally, there may be located a protuberance
between the two caps, i.e. between the sealing element 10 and the
safety element 18.
[0040] Furthermore, an annular projection 36 is provided at the end
face 30 so that a storage room 38 is formed within this annular
projection 36. Within the storage room 38 at the end face 30, a
cylindrical closing part 40 of a pressure compensation means is
provided which further comprises a cutting element 44 (FIG. 8)
provided at an inner surface 42 (FIG. 9).
[0041] Furthermore, the sealing element 10 is provided with an
annular groove 48 (FIG. 4) at a cover inside. Within the groove 48,
a sealing ring 50 is arranged (FIG. 14,15). When the sealing cover
is screwed on (FIG. 14), an upper rim 52 of a bottleneck 54 of a
container is also arranged in the groove 48. Thereby, the sealing
ring 50 is compressed and has a substantially rectangular cross
section so that a portion of the sealing ring is arranged between
an inside wall 56 of the container neck 54 and a groove wall 58.
Thereby, a sealing of an outlet opening 60 of a container by means
of the sealing cover according to the invention is guaranteed. The
sealing ring 50 is shown in both FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0042] For mounting the sealing cover, for example, the sealing
element 10 configured as a cap is first screwed onto a bottleneck
54 of a container, the thread 12 of the sealing element 10 engaging
into a thread 62 provided at the bottleneck. In doing so, the upper
end 52 is introduced into the groove 48 of the inside of the
sealing element. Thus, the container is sealed tightly.
Additionally, a lower edge 64 of the sealing element contacts a
circumferential carrying ring 66 of the container whereby a further
sealing is ensured.
[0043] In the next step, the safety element 18 (FIG. 6-9) also
configured as a cap in the illustrated embodiment is pressed from
above onto the sealing element in the correct position. The
position is chosen such that a cutting edge 68 (FIG. 8) of the
cutting element 44 is arranged in front of the closing part 40 in a
counterclockwise rotational direction. Then, two opposite catch
elements 70 provided at the inside wall 22 of the safety element
(FIG. 8) are arranged in counterclockwise rotational direction in
front of the ramp-shaped catch element 28 which is also located
opposite (FIG. 2,3). Furthermore, the cylindrical indicating means
34 provided at the end face 72 (FIG. 6) is also arranged, in
counterclockwise rotational direction, in front of the double ramp
serving as an actuating means 32.
[0044] As long as the afore-mentioned elements are located in front
of the corresponding elements in counterclockwise rotational
direction, the sealing cover is in the closed position in which the
container has never been opened. In order to open the container for
the first time, i.e., to transfer the sealing cover into the
opening position, the safety element 18 is rotated in
counterclockwise direction. Due to the friction between the sealing
element 10 and the bottleneck 54, the sealing element 10 will not
be co-rotated from the start. By the rotation, the indicating means
34 is moved toward the actuating means 32 configured as a double
ramp and pressed outward by the ramp 32 when it is rotated further
in counterclockwise direction so that the indicating means 34
changes its position and is pressed out of an outside 74 (FIG. 7).
Because of this change of position of the indicating means 34, it
is clearly visible and also tangible that the receptacle has
already been opened. To avoid a loss of the indicating means 34
which would make the perception by touching harder, the indicating
means 34 is connected to the safety element 18 by a web 88 (FIG.
6).
[0045] During this rotation, the catch elements 70 (FIG. 6)
simultaneously glide over the ramp-shaped catch elements 28 located
opposite each other and provided at the outside 14 of the sealing
element 10, the safety element 18 being slightly deformed
elastically in this area. After the catch elements 70 have overcome
the ramp-shaped catch elements 28, they snap into spaces 76 (FIG.
2,3) between the catch element 28 and the stop 26. As soon as the
catch element 70 has snapped into the gap 76, it is no longer
possible to rotate back the safety element 18 in clockwise
direction without simultaneously taking along the sealing element
10. It is no longer possible to continue to rotate the safety
element 18 in counterclockwise direction without taking along the
sealing element 10, either. Thus, the receptacle is completely
opened by continuing to rotate the safety element 18 in
counterclockwise direction since the sealing element 10 is rotated
therewith.
[0046] Simultaneous with the two steps described above, namely the
actuation of the indicating means 34 by the actuating means 32 and
the snapping of the catch elements 72 into the recess 76, the
pressure compensation means 40,44 is actuated. To this end, a
cylindrical projection 78 (FIG. 2) is provided centrally in the
storage room 38, which engages into a cylindrical recess 80 (FIG.
6-9). Further, a nose 82 (FIG. 9) engaging into a guiding groove 84
(FIG. 2) is provided at the inside 72 of the safety element 18.
When the safety element 18 is rotated in counterclockwise direction
for the first time, the cutting edge 68 of the cutting element 44
removes the closing part 40 at the same time as the indicating
means 34 is pressed outward and the catch elements 70 snap in. By
removing the closing part 40, a pressure compensation opening 86
(FIG. 1) provided under the closing part 40 is opened. This has the
advantage that a small amount of gas may escape through the
pressure compensation opening 86 and the first opening process is
made easier thereby. Because of the storage room 38 defined by a
ring 36, the end face 30 and the inside 72 of the safety element
18, it is ensured that the separated closing part 40 remains within
the storage room 38.
[0047] Now, the sealing cover is in the opening position in which
the safety element 18 and the sealing element 10 are connected for
rotation. Now, the sealing cover can be repeatedly screwed onto the
container and off again.
[0048] In a further preferred embodiment (FIG. 16), an annular
safety element 90 is arranged within a sealing element 92
configured as a cap. In this embodiment, the indicating means is
provided at a jacket surface of the sealing element 92 and is
actuated by an actuating means attached to the outer jacket surface
of the annular safety element 90. The required release means
typically comprising catch elements is also arranged between the
two jacket surfaces of the sealing element 92 and the annular
safety element 18. If necessary, an appropriately designed pressure
compensation means may also be provided in this region.
[0049] In another embodiment (FIG. 17), a safety element 94 is also
configured as an annular ring, the safety element 94 surrounding a
sealing element 98 configured as a cap along the outer jacket
surface. In this case, the indicating means is arranged in the
jacket surface of the safety element 94, for example, and the
associated actuating means is arranged at the jacket surface of the
sealing element 96. In turn, the release means, which typically
comprises catch elements, is arranged between the two jacket
surfaces. In this region, a pressure compensation means may also be
provided, if necessary.
[0050] In the further embodiments illustrated in the two schematic
diagrams in FIGS. 16 and 17, the sealing element 92 and the safety
element 94, respectively, are also turned for the first opening
process, the respective other element not being co-rotated for the
moment. Only after the indicating means has been triggered by the
actuating means that can be configured in the above-described way
and the two elements have been connected by the release means which
also may comprise catch elements, as described above, the
respective other element is co-rotated and the receptacle can be
opened completely.
* * * * *