Closures For Containers

Abstract

A safety closure for a container, e.g. an aerosol can, has a cap which covers the operative end of the can. An intermediate element is secured to the open end of the can and a breakable warranty tie or link immobilises the cap relative to the intermediate element to ensure that the container and its contents are tamper-proof prior to sale.

Description

The present invention relates to the sealing devices for containers having a generally cylindrical case, and relates more especially to sealing devices which include a cap for covering the end of the container.

It is frequently necessary to treat these caps as decorative elements of the container assembly.

Furthermore, these caps are frequently dimensioned to cover not only an extremity of distinctly smaller diameter than that of the container, but also a transitional region of ogival or similar shape, connecting the container to the extremity.

It is sometimes advantageous to select different materials for the container and the cap; for example, to fit a cap of plastics material on to a metal container.

These different requirements, which all may moreover be encountered in any one article, make it difficult to provide a tamper-proof seal for containers of the kind referred to above. A tamper-proof seal is available for containers of the aerosol type, comprising a cap with an external skirt having a diameter equal to that of the case of the container and an internal skirt secured to the extremity by a tearable warranty strip, which is hidden by the external skirt and is thus inaccessible. Generally tamper-proof seals which have been produced despite the aforesaid difficulties for containers of the aerosol or analogous type, have a complex structure and are costly.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to tamper-proof seals for containers comprising a case and an end portion. There is incorporated in a container comprising a case and a distributing end piece, an intermediate element adapted to be secured permanently to the end piece and having an outer lateral surface which contacts an inner lateral surface of a cap to secure the cap radially. A removable or breakable link immobilizes the cap axially relative to the intermediate element.

According to different embodiments of the invention, the removal of the link has the result of freeing the cap, so that the cap may be separated completely from the intermediate element and from the container, or the cap may perform a reciprocating axial displacement of limited amplitude.

In another embodiment, the link interconnects two parts of the cap, and the closure comprises a permanent link permanently connecting the intermediate element axially to one of the said parts, the removal of the link having the result that the other part of the cap becomes axially displaceable relative to the intermediate element and that it becomes possible to actuate a distributor, jet or the like.

The removable or breakable link appropriately comprises a ring or strip secured in separable manner to an element of the assembly consisting of the cap, intermediate element and container.

If appropriate, a ring of this kind forms a separate element, simply fitted to the assembly without being fastened to any of its component elements.

In one application, a warranty ring surrounding the intermediate element is connected to the latter by the breakable tie, and the cap which is at least partially insertable into the space between the ring and the intermediate element is formed with devices allowing the cap to be locked to the ring, as well as with means for breaking the tie by moving the cap in the said space. The ring is thus unitary with the cap, and has an uninterrupted visible surface which makes it possible to improve the appearance of the closure.

In a modified form, the ring is and remains covered by the cap.

The cap may be arranged to be rotatably secured to the ring after the breakable seal has been torn. The tie appropriately forms an element of this fastening, after tearing.

The cap and the ring, which are joined to each other, advantageously display a visible indication of the tearing of the warranty seal.

The means for breaking the connection between the ring and the cap appropriately consist of several blades or analogous elements formed on the cap and distributed circumferentially, in such manner as to come into consecutive and not simultaneous contact with an equal number of corresponding ties, which has the result of reducing the force required to break the warranty system.

In the case of an intermediate element arranged to be secured by screwing to the open top of the container, the assembly formed by the said element, the warranty ring and the cap, is fitted in one piece by screwing, and the blade or blades has or have a soft extremity at the other end from the cutting extremity which is arranged to come into contact with the breakable ties when the cap is turned on he ring in the direction of screwing. This prevents the tearing of the ties during the fitting of the assembly.

Whilst the container is in service, the replacement of the cap on the intermediate element is advantageously performed by means of a system of the bayonet or analogous type, which ensures a hermetic seal.

Another form of embodiment relates to the caps whose base comprises a part arranged for resilient and reciprocating displacement along the axis of the closure in a tilting motion, to actuate a distributor. For a cap of this type, the invention suggests a device for actuation of the movable part of the base, comprising a side formed to descend on to the inner surface of the movable part, and a radially slidable rod traversing the skirt of the cap and abutting in radial direction against the side to cause the movable part to tip, the rod being arranged to assume at least two angular positions by pivoting on its axis, and its inner extremity being arranged to prevent or allow of the tilting of the movable part, depending on whether it occupies one or the other of the said angular positions. This makes it possible to prevent accidental actuation of the distributor. The warranty system appropriately comprises an element which holds the rod in the locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an axial section, situated vertically, of a first embodiment of a tamper-proof closure according to the invention, in which the cap is secured on an intermediate element by means of a warranty strip unitary with the cap,

FIG. 2 is an axial section of a detail of the tamper-proof closure of FIG. 1, in which the warranty strip is unitary with the intermediate element.

FIG. 3 is an axial section of another embodiment of a tamper-proof closure, comprising a combined cap and press-button secured on the circumference of the intermediate element, the axial displacement of the cap with respect to the interposed element being impossible until a warranty strip has been torn off,

FIGS. 4,5 and 6 are axial sections through further embodiments with modified forms of the warranty strip of FIG. 3,

FIG. 7 is an axial section through another form of tamper-proof closure, in which the cap is fastened rigidly on the circumference of the intermediate element, the actuation of a nozzle not becoming possible until after the tearing off of a warranty tab situated on a part of the cap and partially dividing the cap into two parts,

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the closure of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a view in section along the plane IX--IX of a detail of FIG. 7,

FIG. 10 Illustrates in perspective another detail of the embodiment of FIG. 7,

FIG. 11 is a view in axial section of a modified form of the embodiment of FIG. 7,

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 illustrates another closure according to the invention, in axial section,

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate sectional views of the closure of FIG. 13 on horizontal planes XIV--XIV and XV--XV,

FIG. 16 is an elevation of the closure of FIG. 13,

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged scale detail of the closure of FIG. 13 in horizontal section,

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate in vertical section an indicating device giving a visible indication of the tearing of a warranty element,

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a modified form of closure device according to the invention in vertical and horizontal sections,

FIG. 22 illustrates in vertical section yet another modified form of closure device having a screwable intermediate element,

FIG. 23 is a partial vertical section taken along the line XXIII--XXIII of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a horizontal section along the line XXIV--XXIV of FIG. 22,

FIG. 25 shows in vertical section a closure whose cap is formed by two parts which are resiliently deformable relative to each other with respect to the axis of the closure,

FIG. 26 is a vertical section along the line XXVI--XXVI of FIG. 25,

FIG. 27 is a view in elevation in the direction of the arrow XXVII of FIG. 26, and

FIG. 28 is a plan view on the line XXVIII--XXVIII of FIG. 27.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, an intermediate safe closure element 1 according to the invention is secured on a projecting rim 2A of a circular neck element 2 of an aerosol can 3, by means of its circular part 4 in which there is a central opening whose inner surface is recessed with a groove which receives the projecting rim 2A. A cap 5 dimensioned to cover the end portion of the can 3 is held in place by friction on the outer cylindrical surface 6 of the element 1.

A warranty link in the form of a strip 7 has its upper end secured to the cap 5, by means of a thin skin 8 forming a breakable link or tearing line, whereas its lower edge has a projection 9 extending inwards radially, and situated immediately below the intermediate element 1, in such manner as to prevent the assembly 5, 7 from separating from the can, the removal of the cap 5 being possible only after the tearing-off of the warranty strip 7, which requires that the tearable link 8 be broken.

In the modified form of FIG. 2, the strip 7 has its lower edge secured to the element 1, by means of a tearable tie 8 such as a thin film, spot welds or the like, and at its upper edge has an annular or similar projection 9 received in a groove 10 formed in the outer surface of the cap 5, which is thus held axially to the element 1 for as long as the warranty strip 7 has not been torn off.

In FIG. 3, the cap is a press-button cap intended to actuate a distributor nozzle, of which particular parts such as feed passages 11 and spraying orifice 12, form part of the cap.

On its lower edge, the cap 5 has a projection 13 extending inwardly radially and situated immediately above the intermediate element 1. A warranty strip 7 connected through its upper edge to the lower edge of the cap by means of a tearable tie 14, bears with its lower edge against the case of the can 3. Tearing of the warranty strip 7 makes it possible to press the cap 5 downwardly, and a return device which is not illustrated, causes the cap to return upwardly until the projection 13 comes into abutment with the underside of the intermediate element 1. The cap 5 thus remains connected to the can, but can undergo a reciprocating axial displacement of limited stroke, after the tearing of the tearable tie 14.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show modified forms of the safety closure of FIG. 3, and relate to modified forms of embodiment of the warranty strip 7.

In FIG. 4, the strip 7 is not fastened to any element of the closure, but is clamped between the lower edge of the cap 5 and the case of the can 3, reciprocating displacement of the cap being impossible until after the strip 7 has been torn and removed.

In FIG. 5, the warranty strip 7 is connected by the tearable tie 14 to the intermediate element 1 and not to the cap 5.

In FIG. 6, the intermediate element 1 has in its outer lateral surface a groove 1A in which is received the projection 13, which bears against the upper surface of the groove. An annular warranty strip 7 situated in the groove 1A is clamped between the projection 13 and the lower surface of this groove. The tearing and removal of the ring 7 allows reciprocating displacement of the cap, whose stroke is limited in both directions by the upper and lower surfaces of the groove 1A.

In FIG. 7 there is illustrated another form of embodiment of the closure (with the feed passages 11 and the spraying orifice 12 forming part of the cap), in which the cap 5 is secured rigidly on the intermediate element 1, which is unitary with the end portion of the can 3.

A warranty tab or the like 7 is arranged on the cap 5, in such manner that, after it has been torn off, the cap is partially divided into two parts, which are resiliently deformable relative to each other in the direction of the axis of the cap, the feed passages being situated in the part 15 which is displaceable relative to the stationary part.

FIG. 8 illustrates the cap of FIG. 7 in plan view, and shows the location of the warranty strip 7, as well as a cavity 16 formed in the top of the cap to facilitate actuation of the part 15.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the warranty strip 7 has been replaced by a tearable film 17, which extends along the line separating the two parts. A strong pressure applied with a finger placed in the cavity 16 of the cap tears the film 17 and makes it possible to actuate the distributor.

In the closures illustrates as examples in FIGS. 3, 7 and 11, means are further incorporated to prevent spraying of the product contained in the can following accidental pressure on the cap, after the destruction of the warranty devices.

To this end, the lower part of the tube 18 is shaped in such manner as to form a portion of lesser diameter except at the location of two diametrically opposed sectors which form two bosses 19 (FIG. 10).

The two bosses 19 of the tube 18 illustrated in enlarged scale section in FIG. 9, bear against the plane surface of the element 1 (in the position illustrated), preventing the descent of the tube 18 and the opening of the aerosol valve. A small rotary displacement of thecap relative to the element 1 in the direction of the arrow M brings the bosses 19 into alignment with openings 21 formed in the side of the element 1, and allows the lowering of the tube required for aerosol can actuation. Two segments 22 concentric with the tube 18 are formed on the side of the element 1, in such manner as to limit the rotary and downward displacements of the tube 18 relative to this element.

It is apparent that the ring 7 or the film 17 may be replaced by other appropriate means accessible from the outside and which, prior to their destruction, prevent the rotary displacement of the cap relative to the intermediate element; in such manner as to lock the bosses 19 in the position of abutment against the element 1.

In FIG. 11, the films 17 may thus be omitted, thus forming distinct dividing space between the displaceable part 15 and the remainder of the cap, a warranty tie 23 being arranged to block the rotation of the cap in a position such that the bosses 19 are in abutment against the upper surface of the intermediate element 1.

In FIGS. 13 to 19, a container 101 has at its open end an annular projection or roll 102 in engagement with a corresponding groove formed in an intermediate element 103.

A ring 104 surrounding the element 103 is connected to that element by four breakable bridge elements 105 which, as apparent form FIG. 17, have a portion of minimum thickness at their point of connection to the intermediate element 103.

A cap 106 comprises a skirt 107 consisting of alternate thin sectors 108 and thick sectors 109. The thick sectors 109 have lower extensions 110 arranged for insertion between the intermediate element 103 and the ring 104 and in their outer surfaces have horizontal grooves into which penetrate an annular projection 111 formed on the inner surface of the ring 104. The cap is thus secured axially to the assembly 103-104 but can turn in this assembly around the closure axis.

In horizontal section, the extensions 110 have the shape of a knife blade, with a cutting edge 112 and a blunt edge 113. The edge 112 of each blade is arranged to act on a corresponding bridge element 105 at its point of least thickness and to sever the same by rotation of the cap around its axis, which allows the cap to be separated from the intermediate element whilst entraining the ring 104.

In FIG. 17, the blade 110 has a notch 114 in its outer surface, which engages the corresponding stub left after breaking the bridge element, with the result that the cap and the ring 104 are joined together for rotation.

If appropriate, the cutting edges 112 are arranged to contact the corresponding links 105 consecutively and not simultaneously.

FIG. 18 and 19, in two different conditions, illustrate a resilient tab 115 formed on the lower edge 116 of the cap. In the condition of FIG. 18, prior to tearing the warranty element, the tab 115 is folded between the element 103 and the ring 104. After rotation of the cap and tearing of the seal, the tab comes abreast an opening 117 formed in the ring 104 and expands to provide a visible indication of this breakage.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the intermediate element 103 is screwed on the neck of the container 101. The ring 104 which is connected to the element 103 by means of breakable bridge elements 105 is covered by the skirt 107 and the cap 107. An auxiliary skirt 107 in contact with the outer cylindrical surface of the element 103 carries lower extensions 110 forming cutting blades and inserted between the elements 103 and 104. The locking of the cap to the assembly 103-104 in the axial direction is ensured by co-operating annular fins 118, 119 respectively formed on the outer surface of the ring and on the inner surface of the skirt 107. An elastic tab 115 on the lower edge of the ring is arranged to expand through an opening, not marked, in the lower edge of the skirt 107, after rotating the cap and breaking the bridge elements 105.

The form of embodiment of FIGS. 22, 23, 24 also relates to an assembly 103-104 screwed on the neck of a container as in FIGS. 20 and 21, the ring 104 being visible from the outside, as in the example of FIGS. 13 to 19.

To prevent the warranty links 105 from being broken during manufacture whilst screwing-on the assembly formed by the cap 106 which is immobilized axially in the elements 103-104 but is free to turn between these, any rotation of the cap in the direction of screwing merely brings the blunt edges 113 of the blades 110 against the links 105. Breaking of these links requires a rotation of the cap in the direction of unscrewing, and requires a lesser force than that required to unscrew the element 103.

This arrangement thus makes it possible to seal the cans 101 hermetically at the works, by vigorous screwing, without incurring the risk of destroying the sealing system.

Projections 120 on the inner surface of the skirt 107 of the cap have a surface 121 sloping relative to the vertical along a direction tangential to the said inner surface. The surfaces 121 are arranged to engage by contact under corresponding projections 122 on the outer surface of the element 103, their inclination being such that the rotation of the cap in the screwing direction has the result of compressing the base of the cap against the opening of the container. The elements 121, 122 thus form a bayonet-type connection which ensures hermetic resealing of the container after breaking the warranty links, and after opening.

In the embodiment of FIG. 25 to 28, the base of the cap 106 has a relatively movable part 123, of substantially rectangular shape in the example illustrated, separated from the remainder along three sides by a dividing line 124, but connected to the skirt along a fourth curvilinear side 125. The side 125 forms a flexible hinge which allows the part 123 to tip about the closure axis.

A partition 126 descends from the lower surface of the part 123. A rod 127 traversing the skirt 107 in the radial direction is arranged in horizontally slidable manner in the skirt and in a partition 128 descending from the fixed part of the cap base. The outer end of rod 127 is formed with a knurled knob 129 which projects outwardly from the skirt, and can come into contact through its inner extremity with the partition 126 co-ordinated with the displaceable part 123 of the cap.

At its inner end, the rod 127 has a notch of square shape whose vertical surface 130 is in contact with the partition 126, and whose horizontal surface 131 is situated at a distance from the lower end of the said partition. This allows the element 123 to tilt downwards and to actuate a distributor, not illustrated, when the rod 127 is being pushed inwards in radial direction.

The inner end of the rod has two fins 132 diametrically opposed to the notch or step 130, 131. When the rod 127 is caused to pivot through 180.degree. on its axis, by operating the knurled knob 129, the two fins 132 enclose the partition 126 whose lower edge abuts against the bottom of the groove formed by these fins. This prevents the tilting of the element 132 even in case of accidental actuation of the control rod 127 or of vertical pressure applied directly on the element 123.

On its outer surface, the knurled knob has a notch 133 arranged to receive a warranty strip 134 which is secured to the skirt 107 and is removable, and which serves the purpose of immobilizing the rod 127 in the locked position, in such manner as to form a sealing element for the container.

The actuating rod 127 is illustrated in the free condition in FIGS. 25 and 26, and in the locked position in FIGS. 27 and 28.

The breaking of the tearable element or elements may be performed within the scope of the invention, by axial pressure exerted on the cap.

Claims

We claim:

1. A tamper-proof safety closure for an aerosol container and cap assembly comprising an axially elongated cylindrical container having an end wall of progressively decreasing diameter culminating in a neck, a cap having a cylindrical wall, an intermediate component between the cap and container and having a cylindrical side surface of substantially larger diameter than the neck and forming a sliding surface for the cap, first snap-action resilient means for securing the intermediate component to the cap, second snap-action resilient means for permanently locking the intermediate component to the neck, an underside bearing surface on the intermediate component bearing directly on the end wall, said first resilient means being independent of said bearing surface and including a ring adapted to separate by fracture from another portion of the closure to enable the cap to slide axially relative to the intermediate component upon separation.

2. A closure according to claim l, wherein the intermediate component has a central opening delimited by a surface in which is cut an annular groove arranged to receive a complementary annular projection formed on the neck.

3. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring forms the sole device preventing the cap from being separated from the container.

4. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is detachably connected to the cap and provided with a projection extending radially inwardly, the projection being arranged to abut against the intermediate component under the influence of a force tending to separate the container axially from the ring cap assembly.

5. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is detachably connected to the intermediate component and provided with a projection extending radially inwardly, the cap having an outer surface formed with a recess arranged to receive the projection.

6. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is frangibly linked to the intermediate component, the cap being provided with means secured to the ring for holding the cap axially, and with means for separating the ring from the intermediate element upon displacement of the cap relative to the assembly consisting of the intermediate component and ring.

7. A closure according to claim 6, wherein the frangible link comprises several breakable elements which are distributed circumferentially and arranged to break consecutively upon rotational displacement of the cap.

8. A closure according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical wall of the cap has at least one lower extension arranged for insertion into an annular space between the intermediate component and the ring, and to be secured permanently to the ring by a groove and rim joint, and wherein the frangible link comprises at least one bridge element spanning said annular space.

9. A closure according to claim 8, wherein a cutting edge is formed on one said extension and arranged to come into contact with a bridge element.

10. A closure according to claim 8, characterized by a notch formed in the surface of one said extension and arranged to come into engagement with a bridge element after the bridge element has been severed, in a manner to lock the cap for rotation with the ring.

11. A closure according to claim 6, wherein an indication becomes visible after a displacement of the cap sufficient to cause the fracture.

12. A closure according to claim 11, wherein a window and a resilient tab are formed, one in the ring and the other in the cap, and arranged to come into alignment with each other to form said visible indication.

13. A closure according to claim 9, wherein the extension is formed with a blunt edge opposed to the cutting edge.

14. A closure according to claim 6, wherein after fracture of the link, the ring forms an intact annular rim on the cap, which is visible from the outside.

15. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the base of the cap comprises a part arranged for relative displacement by tilting about the vertical axis of the closure and by a downwardly extending partition formed on the lower surface of the said part of the cap, a sliding rod traversing the skirt of the cap is arranged to exert a horizontal thrust on the said partition to cause said tilting, the said rod being arranged to assume at least two angular positions by rotation on its axis, and means for permitting or preventing displacement of the displaceable part, depending on whether it occupies one or the other of the said positions, the link being arranged to secure the rod in the locked position of the displaceable part.

16. A closure according to claim 15, wherein the link comprises a tearable tab received in a notch formed in the outer end of the rod and secured to the skirt to prevent the rotation of the rod on its axis.

17. A closure according to claim 15, characterized by the presence at the inner end of the rod, at two positions arranged to be placed in alignment with the partition according as to whether the rod occupies one or the other of the aforesaid positions, of a square step having a vertical face in abutment against the partition and a horizontal face situated at a distance from the lower end of the partition, and two fins adapted to enflank the partition, the lower extremity of the partition coming into contact with the base of the groove formed by the said fins.

18. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is detachably connected to the intermediate component.

19. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is detachably connected to the cap.

20. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the ring is independent of and retained between the container and intermediate component assembly.

21. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate component has means for retaining the cap thereto and limiting the upward sliding movement of the cap after said fracture.

22. A closure according to claim 21, wherein the permanent retaining means comprises a projection formed on the lower edge of the cap and extending radially inwards, the said projection being arranged to abut against the intermediate component in the presence of a force tending to separate the cap axially from the container.

23. A closure according to claim 22, wherein the axial displacement of the cap, in the direction of an approach of the cap to the container, is limited by abutment of the lower edge of the cap against the outer surface of the container.

24. A closure according to claim 22, wherein the intermediate component has an outer lateral surface in which is cut an annular groove within which said projection is housed, the ring is situated between the lower edge of the cap and the lower surface of the groove, and axial displacement of the cap made possible by removal of the ring, is respectively limited in both directions by the upper and lower surfaces of the groove.

25. A closure according to claim 21, wherein the cap incorporates an outlet passage and a spraying orifice for the contents of the container.

26. A closure according to claim 1, characterized in that said ring prevents the rotation of the cap.