MXPA99010577A - Tamper-evident closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure (10) is provided for a container. The closure (10) has a body (12) and a lid (14). The closure (10) includes a tamper-indicating member (54) connected to the body (12) of the closure (10) by an anchor member (64) received in an anchor member-receiving aperture (68) defined in the closure body. The tamper-indicating member (54) is also connected along a frangible junction (60) to the lid of the closure. A plug member (62) extends from the tamper-indicating member (54) and is receivable in a plug member-receiving aperture (66) defined in the body. When the tamper-indicating member (54) is depressed to force the plug member (62) into the plug member-receiving aperture (66), the frangible junction (60) is broken, and the tamper-indicating member (54) is retained in its depressed position. This provides an indication that the closure may have been previously opened. Also, an overhanging portion (60a) of the lid (14) can be readily engaged by a finger to facilitate opening of the lid (14) relative to the body (12) of the closure (10).

Description

CLOSURE WITH EVIDENCE OF INTROMYSITION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention refers to systems that show the interference for container, which must be altered in some way to have access to the contents of the container, the alteration being evidence that the container has been opened previously. The present invention is especially suitable for an evidence of intrusion construction where a panel to open the container must be cut or separated. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS RAISED BY THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Numerous closures have been developed or proposed for containers where the opening for the first time of a lid or a supply structure offers visual evidence of said event - even after the subsequent closure of the lid. or the peak. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,487,324 and 4,941,592 have closures incorporating a blocking band or locking tab fixed either on the lid or on the body of the closure with a plurality of fragile tissues in order to initially retain the closure lid on the closure. body in the closed position. To open the closure initially, the user must break the fragile tissues by pushing or pulling a tongue or band. U.S. Patent No. 5,201,440 describes a container closure that includes a body for assembly in a container. The body defines a supply hole. A lid is placed on the body so that it can move between an open portion and a closed portion relative to the delivery orifice. A member indicating tampering is provided as a unitary extension of the cap. A first fragile tissue connects the member with the lid. An anchor with a second fragile tissue is connected to another portion of the interfering member, and the anchor is retained by the closure body. The intruding member includes a detachable tab that can be grasped, which can be pulled in order to completely detach the fragile tissues that connect the interfering member with the cap and with the anchor. This allows the lid to be there while offering evidence of tampering with the closure. While the above shown closures may function correctly for the purposes for which they were designed, it would be desirable to offer an improved closure that gives evidence of intrusion, which could easily be fabricated with certain types of caps or flow control elements and which, before the initial opening, the cosmetic appearance of the closure could be integrated or improved. It would also be desirable that said closure exhibiting evidence of tampering can be easily molded in one piece, including cap, body, and portion indicating intrusion, and can be easily placed after molding in its ready condition to indicate interference for its eventual delivery to a user . In addition, it would be helpful if said improved closure could be opened with relative ease by the user. After the initial opening of an improved closure of this type and after its closure, the closure must offer a very clear indication that it has already been opened. It would also be desirable to offer a closure design with evidence of improved tampering which includes a tamper indicating member that, when altered during closure opening, does not result in the creation of a separate scrap piece requiring removal. The present invention offers a closure that indicates intrusion or that presents evidence of improved intromission, which can adapt designs that have the benefits and features discussed above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention offers a novel supply structure indicating tampering, which integrates well and / or improves the cosmetic appearance of a container or closure and which can nevertheless be easily handled by the user in order to allow the opening of the structure for supply. The structure of the present invention offers a clear indication of an initial opening of the structure. The structure, if integrated as a closure, it can be configured to be easily molded into a single piece which can be mounted in a container in a condition ready to indicate intrusion, ie, ready to be opened by a user. The features of the invention can be adapted for use in various closure designs or supply containers. In one embodiment, the features can be incorporated in a closure having a body suitable for being mounted on a container. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an arrangement indicating interference to a container is provided. The arrangement includes a first portion and a second portion, one of which is typically adapted to extend from the container. The two portions are at least partially separable in order to allow the supply of the material out of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the array is integrated into a supply closing structure where a first portion is a lid of the closure structure, and the second portion is a body defining a supply orifice. In a preferred embodiment of this type, the body is typically adapted to be mounted on the container. However, the body must be formed as a unitary part or an extension of the container. The cover can be articulated on the body or it can be a separate piece adapted to engage the body. The interfering arrangement of the present invention further includes a meddling indicating member which is connected to the first portion (eg, the lid of a closure) and to the second portion (eg, the body of a closure). The limb indicating interference is connected to the first portion through a fragile tissue, joint, or joint. The interfering indicating member is connected to the second portion to allow a relative displacement between at least part of the intruding member and the first portion. The displacement is of sufficient magnitude to break the brittle junction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection of the member indicating interference with the second portion is carried out with at least one anchor member which can be inserted into the second portion and retained there. Preferably, a shutter member is also provided on the member indicating tampering. The intruding member may be pushed inwardly in a region adjacent to the obturator member in order to push the obturator member into a receiving opening in the second portion as the brittle joint breaks. The limb indicating interference is retained in the orientation shifted inward as an additional indication that the brittle joint has been broken. The retention of the member indicating meddling in the inwardly displaced position also offers a space below a protruding portion of the first portion (eg, cap) to accommodate a person's finger to lift the first portion away from the second portion. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the visible rupture of the brittle joint, as well as the displaced position of the member indicating tampering, indicate to the consumer that the container has already been previously opened. The delivery structure, including body, cap, and interfering member may be molded into a separate unitary closure that is simply snapped into the ready condition to indicate intrusion. This closure can be manufactured economically and placed on a container. The intruding member, when displaced during the initial opening, provides access for the finger on a projecting portion of the cap that facilitates easy, repeated lifting of the cap to an open position for delivery. Various other advantages and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention., of the claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a non-assembled closure embodying the teachings of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure, along the plane 2-2 in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the closure in a partially assembled state; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the closure generally along the plane 4-4 in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the closure in the final assembly configuration; Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure along the plane 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the closure after manipulation of the meddling portion to allow opening of the closure cap; Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure along the plane 8-8 in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the closure with the lid open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES While this invention may be integrated in different embodiments, this specification and the appended drawings present only specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, and the scope of the invention will be set forth in the appended claims. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a supply structure such as a closure 10 that includes a first portion or cover 14 and a second portion or body 12. The cover 14 is connected by means of a hinge 16 on the body 12. Preferably, the joint 16 is a snap action joint integrally formed with the lid 14 and the body 12 in a molded unitary structure. The pressure-activated joint 16 illustrated may be of a conventional type described in U.S. Patent No. 4,403,712. Other articulated structures may also be employed, including a "flexible" type film hinge. However, it is preferable to employ a pressure actuated joint in order to be able to easily maintain the joint and cover in position during the delivery of a liquid from the container. The cover 14 can be tied on the closure body 12, or completely removable from said body. Also, the body 12 of the supply or closure structure 10 of the present invention can be formed as a unitary part of the container (not shown). Body 12 includes a skirt 20 defining a lower opening 22 (Figure 22). The skirt 20 is adapted to surround and engage a container (not shown). The skirt 20 includes a flange or pressure ring 24 (FIG. 2) that holds the body 12 on a corresponding flange or groove in the container (not shown). Alternatively, the skirt 10 can be fixed on a threaded container with a threaded connection. The skirt 20 can also be formed as an integral or unitary extension of the container or part thereof. A roof 26 (Figures 1 and 2) extends radially inward from the upper end of the skirt 20. As shown in Figure 2, the roof 26 includes a cylindrical wall 42 that extends upwardly and a nozzle 30 that defines a supply orifice 32. Outwardly of the ceiling 26, the upper end of the skirt 20 defines side shoulders or side ridges 34,36 (Figure 1). The lid 14 includes a bottom surface 38 (FIG. 1) that rests on the side ridges 34, 36 when the lid 14 is closed on the body 12. The lid 14 also includes a location ring 40 with a beveled edge 44 which is sized to slide downwardly around the cylindrical wall 42 of the roof 26 (as shown in Figures 4,6 and 8). The cover 14 further includes a seal collar 48 (FIG. 2) having a seal flange 50 on an inner surface thereof. The rim 50 seals around the nozzle 30 when the lid is closed on the body 12. The lid 14 has an outer peripheral wall 56 (figures 1 and 2). An interfering indicating member 54 extends from a front portion of the lid wall 56. The intruding indicating member 54 includes a panel or wall 58 connected to the lid 14 through a fragile tissue or junction 60 (FIG. 4 and 6). In the preferred mode, the wall or panel 58 is relatively flexible. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 10 is molded as a unitary structure from a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the closure 10 is molded in the open condition as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Subsequently, the closure lid 14 is closed in the closure body 12 (as shown in Figure 3). Then, the meddling member 54 is pivoted towards the downward extension position illustrated in Figure 5, where the meddling member 54 is retained in the body skirt 20 through a single system described in detail below. The steps described above are performed by the manufacturer of the closure before mounting the closure on the container. The flexible wall or panel 58 is preferably curved to correspond to the outer contours of the body 12 and lid 14. The brittle joint 60 is preferably molded with a closure 10 in the form of a section of reduced thickness of material preferably defined by a internal notch or slot 61 (figure 4 and 6). The brittle joint 60 can also be a weakened joint intentionally created by partial cutting through a thickness of the brittle joint 60 with perforations, marks, indentations, or created by material selection, taper, or other means for the purpose of defining an easily breakable connection between the flexible wall 58 and the cover 14. Extending from the flexible wall 58 is a shutter member 62 (Figure 1) and an anchor member 64 (figure 2). The shutter member 62 and the anchor member 64 each have elongated pins 62a and 64a, respectively, with enlarged tapered heads 62b and 64b, respectively. The skirt 20 includes a shutter member receiving aperture 66 (Figure 2) and an anchor member receiving aperture 68 (Figure 2). The opening 66 is located within a first recess 70 in the skirt 20. The opening 68 is located in a second recess 72 in the skirt 20. Each of the openings 66 and 68 has a diameter slightly less than diameter of the conical heads 62b and 64b, respectively. The heads 62b and 64b can be pushed through the openings due to the flexible deformation of the head and / or the flexible stretching of the skirt 20 around the openings. Thus, the tapered tapered surfaces of the heads 62b and 64b may temporarily stretch the openings to open, or the heads may be temporarily deformed in such a way as to allow the insertion of the heads. The openings 66 and 68 and / or the heads 62b and 64b return to their original, non-deformed shapes, once the heads have passed through the skirt 20 to a rear side of the openings in order to keep the ears 62a and 64a in the skirt 20. The first recess 70 extends deeper into the skirt 20 than the second recess 72. The second recess 72 is of a size suitable for receiving a lower portion of the tamper indicating wall 58 which is designated as an anchor region or connection region 58b (figure 6 and 8). This allows the flexible wall 58 and the skirt 20 to have external surfaces substantially at the same level (Figure 5). During assembly, when the lid 14 is initially closed on the body 12 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flexible wall or panel 58 is in a first position, as molded, extending outwardly from of the front part of the peripheral cover wall 56. The flexible wall 58 is subsequently forcedly forced downwards in the direction A (FIG. 4) to engage the anchor member 64 in the anchor member receiving aperture 68 of FIG. the body skirt 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the flexible wall 58 pivots generally around the brittle tissue or joint 60 according to the wall 58 is turned downward. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the closure 10 after rotation of the flexible wall 58 downwards and anchoring on the body skirt 20. The closure 10 is in a condition ready to indicate intrusion where it is ready to be opened for the first time by a user. The length of the anchor member shank 64a is such that the head 64b can be pushed through the opening 68 and fixed in place against an inner surface 76 of the skirt 20. The conical head 64b is of a size, material , and form such that the conical head 64b can not be pulled out of the opening 68 without breaking or tearing either the head 64b or the skirt 20. The anchor member 64 fixes the anchor region or connection region 58b of the flexible wall 58 on the body 12 at a location that is below but adjacent to the first recess 70. The upper part of the flexible wall member 58 defines an unsupported segment on the first recess 70 from the anchor region 58b to the brittle joint 60. The obturator member 62 is of a shorter length than the anchor member 64. Due to the deepest recess 70, the obturator member 62 is not initially received completely through the member receiving opening. or shutter 66 as can be seen in Figure 6. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, when the closure 10 must be opened for the first time, the flexible wall 56 is forcefully pressed (i.e., pushed in) in the direction B. The wall 58 is bent around a region of deflection, region of bending, or transverse region 58a (Figure 8). The brittle joint 60 is consequently broken and separated into free portions 60a and 60b (Figure 8). The obturator member 62 penetrates the obturator member receiving aperture 66, and the head 62b is pushed through the aperture 66 (by flexible distortion of either the head and / or the aperture) in such a manner that the head 62b is positioned back and retained against the inner surface 76 of the skirt 20. The obturator member 62 functions as well as a detent when it is fully inserted in the opening 66. The lid 14 can be opened by pushing upwards with a finger against the projecting rim of the lid 14 which is defined along the broken edge 60a above the space created by the movement inwardly of the flexible wall 58. The flexible wall 58 remains bent around the region of transverse deflection 58a as upper part of the wall 58 is maintained in the recess 70 against the cap skirt 20 by means of the hooked shutter member 62. Even when elongated cylindrical spikes are shown in the figures 62a and 64a as well as heads in the form of an arrowhead or conical shape, other engageable forms may be employed for the plug member 62 and for the anchor member 64 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, a hook-shaped head or a mushroom head can be used. Alternatively, the anchor member 64 may be replaced by an adhesive connection, a sonically welded connection, or another type of connection between the interfering member 54 and the body 12. Even when a single anchor member 64 and a member Single shutter 62 are shown, within the scope of the present invention it is possible to offer several shutter members which may, for example, be identical each with the shutter member 62. The invention also contemplates the use of anchor members multiples which may, for example, be identical to the anchor member 64. In - a contemplated embodiment of this type, three obturator members of this type and three anchor members of this type They can be arranged in two rows extending from the flexible wall 58. The skirt 20 would then have 3 corresponding obturator member receiving openings and 3 corresponding anchor member reception openings arranged in two corresponding rows. Multiple obturator members and anchor members can provide a more secure attachment of the flexible wall 58 on the skirt 20 as well as a more secure hold of the flexible wall 58 in its displaced position after the initial breaking of the fragile tissue 60 of member of indication of interference. Alternatively, the above-described single or multiple anchor members and obturator members may be replaced by laterally extending wall-like members where each wall-like member has an expanded distal end in the form of a continuous head with a triangular cross-section. These wall-like members may each have a cross-section corresponding to the cross section of the obturator member 62 and anchor member 64 as shown in Figure 2, but each wall-like member would present a lateral elongation in one direction. - inside and outside the plane of Figure 2. The conical heads 62b and 64b of the obturator member 62 and anchor member 64, respectively, would be replaced with triangular end portions, each having a triangular cross section, or other shapes with enlarged cross section, and the cylindrical pins 62a and 64b would be replaced with a protruding, plate-shaped wall. Within the recesses 70 and 72, the skirt 20- would define elongated slots for receiving the enlarged end portions of the wall-like members that function as the anchor member and obturator member. As can be understood from the above description of the various embodiments, the invention offers a structure indicating tampering that advantageously retains the interfering member 54 in a single configuration in the structure without creating a piece of waste to be disposed of. separately. The body 12, the lid 14 and the interfering indicating member 54 can be profitably molded from a thermoplastic material in the form of a unitary structure. The brittle joint 60 can be created by the molding process or after molding by other processes. Even when the depicted panel or wall 58 is bent around the bending region 58a towards its displaced position within the recess 70, within the scope of the present invention the wall 58 can be replaced by a two-part wall pivoting in a clear manner around a defined axis instead of bending gradually into a curved configuration. The invention may also employ other modes of movement of the intrusion indicating member 54, such as slip or torsion, for the purpose of breaking the brittle juncture 60. Within the scope of the present invention, it is also contemplated that the relative position between the anchor region 58b and the brittle junction 60 can be reversed in such a way that the intrusion indication member 54 is broken from a body of the supply structure and remains in the cover of the supply structure after the initial opening . It will be readily apparent from the above detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that different variations and modifications can be made without departing either from the true spirit or from the scope of the novel concepts and principles of the invention.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1. An arrangement indicating interference to a container, comprising: a first portion and a second portion at least substantially separable to allow supply of material outside said second portion; and a limb indicating interference adapted to be pushed with the finger, connected in a brittle joint on said first portion, and connected on said second portion in order to allow at least a part of said limb indicating interference to be pushed towards said second portion and in relation to said first portion over a distance sufficient to break said brittle junction. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said interfering indicating member includes a retainer that can engage said second portion to maintain said interfering indicating member in a displaced position after the breaking of said fragile attachment. 3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said arrangement further includes a hinge; said first portion is pivotally connected with said articulation on said second portion to allow separation of said first portion of said second portion by a relative pivotal movement between said first portion and said second portion; said member indicating interference is located on one side of said diametrically opposite arrangement in relation to said articulation; and said interfering indicating member is flexibly connected to said second portion and can move inwardly in a direction toward said articulation in order to break said brittle joint. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said interfering indicating member includes a shutter member; said second portion includes an opening; and said obturator member may engage in said opening wherein said interfering indicating member is displaced for the purpose of fracturing said brittle joint whereby said interfering indicating member is maintained in a displaced position. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said first portion comprises a lid and said second portion effectively functions as an upper wall portion of a container, the upper wall portion having a supply orifice that can be selectively closed by said lid.; and said interfering indicating member comprises a panel that can be folded. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said interfering indicating member includes a panel and a shutter member extending therefrom, said shutter member having a pin connected to one end of said panel, said shutter member. has an enlarged head at one end of said spike opposite said end; and said second portion defines an obturator member receiving aperture aligned with said head and of a suitable size to allow flexible penetration of said head through said obturator member receiving aperture in order to establish --- a connection between said shutter member and said panel when said interfering indication member is displaced relative to said first portion. The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said enlarged head of said obturator member is cone-shaped. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said interfering indication member includes a panel and an anchor member extending from said panel, said anchor member having a tang connected to an end of said panel, said member Anchor has an enlarged head and an end of said opposite spike; and said second portion defines an anchor member receiving opening aligned with said anchor member and of a suitable size to allow flexible penetration of said enlarged head to establish a connection between said anchor member and said second portion. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein said enlarged head of said anchor member is cone-shaped. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said intrusion indication member includes a panel and a shutter member extending therefrom, said shutter member having a first tang connected at one end of said panel, said member The shutter has a first enlarged head at one end of said first spike opposite said first spigot end, said first head having a first engaging surface; said second portion has a wall having a shutter receiving aperture aligned with said first head and of a suitable size to allow flexible penetration of said first head through said shutter member receiving aperture in order to engage said shutter member; first engaging surface with said second portion wall when said interfering indication member is displaced relative to said first portion; and said intrusion indication member includes an anchor member extending from said panel, said anchor member having a second shank connected at one end to said panel, said anchor member having a second extended head at one end of said anchor member. said second peg opposite said end of said second peg, said second head has a second engagement surface, and said wall of said second portion has an anchor member receiving opening aligned with said anchor member and of a suitable size for allowing flexible penetration of said second enlarged head therein whereby said second engagement surface engages a wall of second portion for the purpose of connecting said interfering indication member with said second portion. The arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said first enlarged head and said second enlarged head are cone-shaped.