Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
Combination of a bottle wi~h an adapter, which = s held
--arched, and/or a closure cao
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.
~t is an object of the invention to form a unit or
combination of the generic type with a high mechanical
1C strength which is advantageous in terms of assembly,
including with regard to reliable precentering.
This object is achieved first of all and substantially
with a combination having the features described in
claim l, in which it is provided that both a latching
projection and an orientation projection are formed on
the bottle neck.
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 crientation 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 ef the parts to
one ancther, it is provided Lhat a lower edge of the
window, runn;~ng in the circumferential direction, is
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
formed so as to run obliquely radially ,inward and
vertically upward. This leads to engagement beneath the
latching projection in the manner cf 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
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catc~-free guiding-in action through this practically
roll-,-ike structure. Another advantageous configuration
of a mal a joining partner of this type consists in the
face 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 zo demclding if the orientation projections lie
in a diametral of the bottle neck, which is circular in
i0 cross section. The demolding join is expediently also
oriented at this plane.
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
userul. Otherwise, the closure cap or the adapter can
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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
indlCating 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.
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, w:~ich is similar to an integral
hinge, the outer contour of the latching button can
~
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
remain connected by a thin skin, so hat in this way a
struc-~ura~ly simple tamperprooiing 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 i~ part ef 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.
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 l, 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.
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Furthermore, the invention relates to a closure cap or
an adapter which is characterized by a iatch=~ng 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 vhread on a bcttle 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
~0 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.
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.
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
_ 7 _
Preferab,~y, the blocking bars are seated or. the rear
side of the outer wail of the closure cap. They exh-lbit
a barb-like function if it is further provided that the
blocking bars converge away from the latching button.
Acccrdir~g~~y, when it is attempted to manipulate them by
pivoting the .rocker button back, they merel~r 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
th;~s 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.
The subject matter of the invention is explained in
more detail below with reference to an exemplary
embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the bottle
neck of a bottle,
Fig. 2 shows a perspective side view of the bottle
with closure cap,
Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic side view of the closure
cap, specifically in the form of a detail
illustration,
F=~g. 4 shows the bottle neck which is to be fitted
with the closure cap, in the same form of
illustration,
Fig. 5 shows an excerpt cf a modified part of an
orientation recess on the closure cap,
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
Fig. 6 shows a vertical, section through the bottle
neck with a closure cap associated ir_ a latched
a rr angemerL t ,
Fig. ~ shows a side view of the bottle neck, showing a
modified configuration of an orientation
projection,
Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the bottle neck,
Fig. 9 shows a perspective illustration of the bottle
neck,
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,
Fig. 11 shows an illustration corresponding to that
shown in Fig. 10, but seen from a different
viewing angle,
Fig. 12 shows a perspective illustration of the article
shown in Fig. 11,
Fig. 13 shows a modified form of the closure cap in
vertical section,
Fig. 14 shows a perspective illustration of the
closure,
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,
Fig. 16 shows a variant with a dividing web of reduced
wall thickness,
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Fig. 17 shows a further variant with an undulating
dividing web,
Fig. 18 shows a side view of the closure,
hic. ,~9 shows a plan view cf the closure,
Fig. 20 shows the closure in vertical section, dealing
with the particular configuration of a latching
i0 button,,
Fig. 21 shows an enlargement in this respect,
Fig. 22 shows a further variant of the closure, without
a hinged lid,
Fig. 23 shows the same closure with a hinged lid which
covers over a pouring spout,
Fig. 24 shows a bird's-eye view of this closure,
Fig. 25 shows a side view of the closure,
Fig. 26 shows a front view of the closure,
Fig. 27 shows the closure in an enlarged illustration
compared to Fig. 24, and
Fig. 28 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the closure,
Fig. 29 shows a final variant of the closure cap, seen
in plan view and with the hinged lid hinged
open,
Fig. 3C shows the section online XXX>-XXX in Fig. 29,
Fig. 3,_ shows a view of the closure cap from below, and
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Fig. 32 shows an enlarged view of a lateral-wall part
e= the closure cap with an unbroken
tamperprooflng means, as seen in the direction
of the arrow XXXII in Fig. 29.
J
The drawing illustrates a bottle i which, above a
shoulder 2, merges into a bottle neck 3.
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.
The adapter 6 or the closure cap 7 is held latched on
the bottle neck 3.
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.
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.
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
~
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the latching projection 8. The vertical direction is
defined by a center axis x-x of the bottle neck 3.
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.
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 window-
sill 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.
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 25
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is part of a secant which interseccts the bottle neck
cr part of a tangent on the bottle neck 3. This allows
demolding without the use of transverse slides.
.. Moreover, the inclined position of the lower edge 12 ef
the window which has been explained above promote
demoiding in the axial direction. It is preferable for
there to be a plurality of latching projections 8 and a
p-~urality of orientation projections 12 in the
1C 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.
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.
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.
3C 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.
~
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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 diametrai D-D of the bottle neck
3, wh,_ch is circular in cross section. In this case
toc, 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.
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.
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.
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.
With regard to she mating screw thread 17, this is in
principle provided by the latching recess 10, likewise
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forming windows in the direction of the pitch o~. the
screw thread 16.
The mating screw thread 17 forms template-like openings
i n a cap connection piece 18 . The cap connection pi ece
18 is cylindrical and can be retained on the bottle
neck 3 witi-1 the corresponding superstructure, forming a
closure cap, in a mechanically fixed association.
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.
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 .
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
ver-~icall~> 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,
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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se that the result is that the screw thread 16 is
securely gapped in the mating screw thread 17.
Whether by knocking or by screwing, the dividing web 19
ends up in a vertical gorge 21, which crosses the
using 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.
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.
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.
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 signiiicar~tly outward through the template-
~
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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like openings. The ratio is 1:3. The thickness of the
wall ef she cap connection piece 18 is approximately
1 rrL~~, .
Finally, the combination of closure cap 7 and/or
adapter 6 fcr fitting onto a bottle neck 3 relates to a
variant sclution 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.
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.
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.
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.
The latching button 22, which has been cut free in the
shape cf a keyhole in the outer wall 27, has a lower
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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stop face 29 with a blocking action. This face extends
radially or radially inward with a slight diverting
slope.
The lower stop face 29 is the circumferential surface
of the latching button ~2, and specifically, with a
blocking action, its lower semicircle.
A blocking face 30, which is taken out of the hole edge
of the through-opening 25, is associated with the stop
race 29. This blocking face is therefore part of a
boundary face of the inner edge of the through-opening
25.
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 outer-
side 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.
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.
' ' CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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The bas,-s is correspondingly resilient and elastic
plastic material, specifically with regard to all the
closure-forming parts and also the bottle 1 itself.
~f 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
0 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.
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.
Lugs 37 located in the vicinity of the indentation and
a transverse bar 38 promoting through roughness the
opening of the hinged lid 23.
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.
The superstructure which adjoins the adapter ~ may be
design-varied in a very wide range of embodiments.
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
' ~ CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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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
~rcm Fig. 32, i.e. is longer in the vertical direction
then 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" .
i0 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.
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
4i 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.
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 cf the latching button 22 converge
' CA 02442689 2003-09-30
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remotely forms the anchoring means. Tine acute-angled
rise with regard to the wall 27 is at
app-ox. 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 whicr is to be retained, i.e. the patching
button 22, and if appropriate al so into the tongue 32,
if this is of the same width.
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 U in
Fig. 32.
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.
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.
The hexagonal structure of the closure and of the
closure cap 7 has a rotation-preventing action with
CA 02442689 2003-09-30
_ 2~ _
re;~ard tc a matching mating contour provided to the
shcu"~.der 2 of the bottle 1. Moreover, in the basic
screwed position which is reached, a blocking finger 42
pa5Se5 Wlth a blocking action in front of a
protuberance 43 of the shoulder 2 cf the bott=a 1.
I' also remains to point out that the cap connection
piece 18, on account of its radial distance from the
wall 2'7, leaves sufficient tilting-displacement space
for the rocker button.
Ail 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.
