EP3950531A1 - Tamper-proof closure and method for opening a tamper-proof closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The guarantee closure (1) for closing a pouring opening of a container comprises a closure cap (3) with a closure cap axis (Av), a securing ring (2) which, in the direction of the closure cap axis (Av), follows the closure cap (1) and is concentric to the closure cap axis (Av ) is arranged running, a plurality of predetermined breaking webs (7) through which the closure cap (3) is connected to the securing ring (2), the closure cap (1) being separable from the securing ring (2) by breaking the predetermined breaking webs (7), and comprises a single tether (6) connected at its first end (6g) to the closure cap (1) and at its second end (6h) to the circlip (2), the tether (6) being U-shaped or is designed to run in a V-shape and consists of a first arm (6a), a second arm (6b) and a connecting section (6c) connecting the first and second arms (6a, 6b).

Description

The invention relates to a guarantee closure for closing a pouring opening of a container. The invention also relates to a method for opening a guarantee closure.

State of the art

Legal regulations are to be expected in the near future, which will prescribe that plastic closure caps of containers, such as beverage bottles, for example, must remain captively connected to the container even when they are open. The document WO2020/089148A1 discloses a guarantee closure for opening and closing a container with such a captive closure cap. This guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can dangle uncontrollably on the container while a liquid is being poured, so that the closure cap can get into the outflowing stream of liquid, which can result in the liquid spilling or in an uncontrolled splashing of the liquid. If the neck of the container is brought directly to the mouth in order to drink directly from the container, the guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can perform dancing movements, so that the closure cap can bump against the face in an uncontrolled manner, which is very uncomfortable is felt. In order to avoid such uncontrolled movements of the closure cap, the cited document discloses a container with a recess specially provided for holding the closure cap. Such a configured container has the disadvantages that its manufacturing costs are relatively high that for such containers require special production, and that the extremely widespread standard beverage bottles, which have no recess for holding the cap, can no longer be used if one wants to prevent the cap from dangling and dancing.

The document WO2019/207153A2 discloses another captive tamper evident seal for opening and closing a container. This guarantee closure is designed in such a way that the closure cap is guided in two places and can be turned or tilted to the side like a hinge, so that after the guarantee closure has been opened the closure cap is positioned on the side of the container neck at a point on the container neck determined by the guarantee closure. This guarantee closure has the disadvantage that the closure cap can be arranged in an unfavorable position and hinders pouring the liquid out of the bottle or drinking the liquid directly from the bottle by mouth.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a more advantageous tamper evident closure that is more convenient to handle and which is particularly suitable for use with standard beverage bottles.

This object is achieved with a guarantee closure comprising the features of claim 1. The dependent claims 2 to 12 relate to further advantageous configurations. The object is further achieved with a method for opening a guarantee closure comprising the features of claim 13. The dependent claims 14 to 15 relate to further advantageous method steps.

The object is achieved in particular with a guarantee closure for closing a pouring opening of a container, comprising a Closure cap with a closure cap axis, comprising a securing ring, which is arranged following the closure cap and running concentrically to the closure cap axis in the direction of the closure cap axis, comprising a plurality of predetermined breaking webs, through which the closure cap is connected to the securing ring, the closure cap being broken by breaking the predetermined breaking webs from the Securing ring is separable, and comprising a single retaining strap, which is connected at its first end to the closure cap and at its second end to the retaining ring, wherein the retaining strap is designed to run in a U-shape or V-shape and consists of a first arm, a second Arm and a connecting section connecting the first and the second arm, the first arm and the second arm running in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the closure cap, the retaining strap having a length which permits the closure cap and securing ring to be separated in Ri Alignment of the axis of the closure cap and removal of the closure cap from the pouring opening, the closure cap remaining connected to the retaining ring by the retaining strap even after it has been separated from the retaining ring.

The object is also achieved in particular with a method for opening a guarantee closure which closes a pouring opening of a container, the guarantee closure having a closure cap with a closure cap axis, a securing ring connected to a container neck of the container, which in the direction of the closure cap axis following the closure cap and concentrically to the is arranged running along the closure cap axis, and comprises a single retaining strap, the retaining strap being U-shaped or V-shaped and running in the circumferential direction with respect to the closure cap axis, and the retaining strap being connected at its first end to the closure cap and at its second end to the retaining ring is connected by starting with a guarantee closure that has never been opened, the closure cap to be opened for the first time is raised from a starting position in the direction of the axis of the closure cap, by the closure cap being removed from the pouring opening and being positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck, and by the closure cap, due to the spring properties of the retaining strap, on the one hand automatically being pretensioned to the outside of the container neck is pressed, and on the other hand is automatically moved back in the direction of the closure cap axis along the outside of the container neck in the direction of the starting position.

The guarantee closure according to the invention must meet the condition that the closure cap remains connected to the container even after the pouring opening of a container, eg a beverage bottle, has been opened. The guarantee closure according to the invention includes only a single retaining strap, so that the closure cap does not open as in the document WO2019/207153A2 disclosed hinge-like tilting movement, but can be moved in a plurality of directions. The guarantee closure according to the invention therefore has the advantage that the closure cap can be arranged in different positions with respect to the container neck of the container after the guarantee closure has been opened, depending on other boundary conditions or preferences. For example, a left-handed person or a right-handed person can arrange the sealing cap of the guarantee seal in relation to the container neck in such a way that the liquid can be conveniently poured into a drinking cup, or it is possible to drink comfortably by mouth directly from the container. After opening, the guarantee closure according to the invention allows the closure cap to be arranged in a number of ways with respect to the container neck, which is considered to be extremely advantageous and pleasant by users. The guarantee closure according to the invention is also designed in such a way that, after opening, the closure cap can be placed back onto the container neck and the latter can be closed. The guarantee closure according to the invention can thus be used several times be opened and closed again, whereby the tamper evident seal essentially retains its mechanical properties, in contrast to the document WO2019/207153A2 disclosed embodiments, in which parts of the guarantee seal must be excessively stretched during the initial opening, so that the guarantee seal after the first opening, due to the overstretching of certain components of the guarantee seal, has a changed mechanical behavior, or that the closure cap due to the overstretching only with additional effort can be put back on the container neck.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the closure cap of the tamper-proof closure has a jacket surface running in the circumferential direction, with the retaining strap being designed in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the jacket surface in the radial direction. Such a guarantee closure has the advantage that it essentially has the same external dimensions as a conventional guarantee closure without a permanently connected closure cap, so that the guarantee closure according to the invention can be used in automated bottling plants with little or no adjustment work. The guarantee closure according to the invention has the further advantage that the part of the retaining strap forming the guarantee closure
has no or only a negligibly small surface to attack from the outside, and the retaining strap is thus very well integrated in the guarantee closure, so that the guarantee closure according to the invention has an extremely low error rate during filling, and that the guarantee closure is extremely unlikely to be damaged during transport of the container. The guarantee closure according to the invention is therefore ideally suited for existing, automated filling systems and for existing sales channels.

The tamper evident seal defines a tamper evident seal axis and the cap defines a seal cap axis. In the case of a guarantee closure which has never been opened, the guarantee closure axis and the closure cap axis are identical, whereas these two axes are no longer identical if the closure cap has been lifted off and removed from the pouring opening. Preferably, the securing ring 2 and the container neck 31 remain concentric to the guarantee seal axis after the guarantee seal has been opened for the first time, whereas the closure cap axis assumes a different position with respect to the guarantee seal axis after the closure cap has been lifted and removed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the retaining strap of the guarantee closure comprises a first arm and/or a second arm, with at least one of the arms and preferably both arms running concentrically to the axis of the closure cap, with at least one of the arms preferably being designed as a flat spring, with the arm running in the direction of travel of the cap axis has a larger dimension than radially to the cap axis. When the guarantee closure is open with the closure cap removed, the arm or arms or the flat springs formed by the arms cause an increasingly greater restoring spring force to be exerted on the closure cap that is removed and not twisted, essentially acting in the direction of the closure cap axis , the further away the locking cap is removed from the guarantee locking axis. The guarantee closure according to the invention makes it possible in an extremely skilful manner that the closure cap can be moved relatively far away from the safety ring, so that a pleasantly large movement path is available for opening the closure cap, and that the closure cap can be pushed towards the safety ring by the retaining strap with an effective restoring spring force or is pulled towards the container neck, so that from the pouring opening of the container neck removed closure cap is preferably arranged in a relatively stable position with respect to the container neck, wherein due to the spring force caused by the retaining strap, a plurality of such relatively stable positions are particularly advantageously available, in which the closure cap can preferably be selectively arranged as desired. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the retaining strap ensures that the open closure cap, which is left to its own devices, rests on the outside of the container neck on the one hand and assumes a predetermined position in the direction of the guarantee closure axis or comes to rest in a predetermined area due to the forces acting in the axial direction Spring forces of the retaining strap.

The retaining strap of the guarantee closure has a first end and a second end, the first end preferably being permanently connected and preferably relatively rigidly connected to the closure cap at the transition point, and the second end preferably being permanently connected and preferably relatively rigidly connected to the securing ring at the transition point connected is. The retaining strap preferably has no weak point at the transition point, in particular in order to optimally transmit the acting spring forces between the closure cap and the retaining strap, and in particular also the spring forces between the securing ring and the retaining strap. The retaining strap comprises a first arm and a second arm, with at least one arm preferably being designed as a flat spring. The first and second arms are particularly advantageously designed as flat springs, and the transition points of the retaining strap are designed to be relatively rigid, which has the advantage that the open closure cap is brought into the same or a very similar end position reproducibly, at least in the axial direction, by the restoring forces of the retaining strap can be. Opposite the document WO2020/089148A1 , in which the opened closure cap dangles completely uncontrolled on the retaining strap, the guarantee closure according to the invention thus has the advantage that the opened closure cap is ordered, controlled, and preferably even rests reproducibly on the bottle neck, which users find extremely pleasant.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. The exemplary embodiments shown do not represent any restriction to the variants shown, but only serve to explain a principle of the invention. Identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference symbols. In order to be able to illustrate the functioning according to the invention, the figures show partially simplified basic representations in which certain elements of a guarantee closure are not shown for the sake of better clarity. However, this does not mean that such elements are not present in a solution according to the invention.

Short description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 3

eine gegenüber Figur 2 um 90° gedrehte Ansicht des Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht des teilweise geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit angehobener Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 5

eine gegenüber Figur 4 um 90° gedrehte Ansicht des Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Draufsicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit einer ersten Anordnung der Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Untenansicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses gemäss Figur 6;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Draufsicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit einer zweiten Anordnung der Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Draufsicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit einer dritten Anordnung der Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit dritter Anordnung der Verschlusskappe gemäss Figur 9;

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit dritter Anordnung der Verschlusskappe gemäss Figur 9;

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Draufsicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit einer vierten Anordnung der Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 13

eine Seitenansicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit vierter Anordnung der Verschlusskappe gemäss Figur 12;

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht des vollständig geöffneten Garantieverschlusses mit einer fünften Anordnung der Verschlusskappe;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf einen Behälter mit Garantieverschluss;

Fig. 16

eine Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 17

eine Seitenansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 18

eine Seitenansicht eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 19

eine Seitenansicht eines fünften Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 20

eine Seitenansicht eines sechsten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses;

Fig. 21

eine Seitenansicht eines siebten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Garantieverschlusses.

The figures used to explain the exemplary embodiments show:

1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a guarantee closure;

2

a side view of the guarantee closure;

3

one opposite figure 2 90° rotated view of the guarantee lock;

4

a side view of the partially opened tamper evident closure with the closure cap raised;

figure 5

one opposite figure 4 90° rotated view of the guarantee lock;

6

a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a first arrangement of the closure cap;

7

a bottom perspective view of the fully open guarantee closure according to figure 6 ;

8

a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a second arrangement of the closure cap;

9

a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a third arrangement of the closure cap;

10

a top view of the fully opened guarantee closure with the third arrangement of the closure cap according to FIG figure 9 ;

11

according to a side view of the fully open guarantee closure with the third arrangement of the closure cap figure 9 ;

12

a top perspective view of the fully opened guarantee closure with a fourth arrangement of the closure cap;

13

a side view of the fully open guarantee closure with fourth arrangement of the closure cap according to figure 12 ;

14

a side view of the fully open guarantee closure with a fifth arrangement of the closure cap;

15

a top perspective view of a container with a guarantee seal;

16

a side view of a second embodiment of a guarantee closure;

17

a side view of a third embodiment of a guarantee closure;

18

a side view of a fourth embodiment of a guarantee closure;

19

a side view of a fifth embodiment of a guarantee closure;

20

a side view of a sixth embodiment of a guarantee closure;

21

a side view of a seventh embodiment of a guarantee closure.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

figure 6 shows an example of an open guarantee closure according to the invention, which is used to close a pouring opening 33 of a container. Such a container usually comprises a container body 35 that is known per se and is only shown in outline, as well as a container neck 31 with a spout opening 33, with the spout opening 33 being able to be opened using a closure cap 3 of the tamper-proof seal and, if desired, subsequently closed again. The illustrated embodiment of the container neck 31 comprises an end section of the container body 35, a container neck ring 36, a projection 37, an external thread 32 and the pouring opening 33. The container body arranged below the end section 35 can be designed in a variety of shapes in a manner known per se. Such container bodies are known per se and are therefore not shown in detail. The container body is particularly preferably designed as a PET bottle and preferably serves as a drinks bottle.

the Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 in the never opened state from three different views. The guarantee closure 1 essentially comprises a safety ring 2, a closure cap 3 and a single retaining strap 6, which connects the safety ring 2 and the closure cap 3 to one another. The guarantee closure 1 defines a guarantee _closure axis AG and the closure cap 3 defines a closure cap axis A _V , these two axes coinciding when the guarantee closure 1 has never been opened and being identical. Preferably, the locking ring 2 is in the direction of the guarantee closure axis A _G immediately below the Closure cap 3 is arranged and connected to closure cap 3 via first predetermined breaking webs 7 . The closure cap 3 comprises a circumferential direction U defined by the closure _cap axis AV, and in the illustrated embodiment comprises a cylindrical jacket 4 and an end face 5. The closure cap 3 also comprises an internal thread 12 on the inside, which can engage in the external thread 32 of the container neck 31 , so that the closure cap 3 can be detached from the container neck 31 and then removed in a manner known per se by turning about the closure cap axis Av, or the closure cap 3 can be screwed back onto the container neck 31 using the external thread 32 . The securing ring 2 is arranged on the container neck 31 between the container neck ring 36 and the projection 37 in such a way that the securing ring 2 is rotatably mounted in the circumferential direction relative to the guarantee _seal axis AG. The safety ring 2 is permanently connected to the container neck 31 when the guarantee closure 1 is used normally, and the closure cap 3 is permanently connected to the safety ring 2 via the retaining strap 6 during normal use. Of course, by applying an exceptionally high force, it would be possible to tear the locking ring 2 off the container neck 31 and/or tear off partial components of the guarantee closure 1 from one another, but this is undesirable and should therefore be avoided. Like in particular figure 2 As can be seen, the retaining strap 6 is designed to run in a U-shape in the illustrated embodiment, comprising a first arm 6a or a first section, comprising a second arm 6b or a second section, and comprising a connecting section 6c, which connects the first arm 6a U- shape connects to the second arm 6b. The retaining strap 6 includes a first end 6g or a first connection point, via which the first arm 6a is connected to the closure cap 3 . The retaining strap 6 comprises a second end 6h, or a second connection point, via which the second arm 6b is connected to the securing ring 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b run in the circumferential direction U, an intermediate gap 6d running in a straight line being formed between the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b. In addition, an upper intermediate gap 6k running in the circumferential direction U is formed between the first arm 6a and the closure cap 3 . In addition, a lower intermediate gap 61 running in the circumferential direction U is formed between the second arm 6b and the securing ring 2 . These intermediate gaps 6d, 6k, 61 are preferably designed to run in a straight line, but at least one or even all of these intermediate gaps could also have a different course, for example a tooth-shaped, in particular a sawtooth-shaped course, or a wavy course, for example a sinusoidal course.
In the never-opened state, the closure cap 3 and the securing ring 2 are connected to one another via a plurality of first predetermined breaking webs 7 distributed in the circumferential direction U. It may prove advantageous to connect the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b via at least one and preferably a plurality of second predetermined breaking points 8. It can also prove to be advantageous to connect the first arm 6a and the closure cap 3 via at least one and preferably a plurality of third predetermined breaking points 9. It can also prove to be advantageous to connect the second arm 6b and the securing ring 2 via at least one and preferably a plurality of fourth predetermined breaking points 14 . However, at least one, some or even all of the second, third and fourth predetermined breaking points 8, 9 and 14 could also be dispensed with.

The tether 6 is like in particular figure 3 visible, preferably designed in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the lateral surface 4 in the radial direction with respect to the closure cap axis A _V . In a further embodiment, the retaining strap 6 could also protrude beyond the lateral surface 4 in the radial direction mentioned. However, this embodiment has the Disadvantage that the tether 6 is arranged vulnerable. In a further embodiment, the retaining strap 6 could also be arranged set back in the radial direction mentioned with respect to the lateral surface 4 . This embodiment has the advantage that the retaining strap 6 is arranged in the guarantee closure 1 or in the closure cap 3 in a particularly well-protected manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b are designed as a flat spring running concentrically to the closure _cap axis AV, the flat spring particularly preferably having a rectangular cross section. Particularly advantageously, the first arm 6a and the second arm _6b have a constant arm thickness radially to the closure cap axis AV, at least in the area of the first and second connection points 6g, 6h and preferably along the entire length in the circumferential direction U. Preferably, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b has an arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis A _V which is at least twice and preferably at least three times as large as the arm thickness, with the first and the second arm 6a, 6b preferably being configured in this way along their entire length in the circumferential direction U.

The first arm 6a and the second arm 6b preferably have the same arm width in the direction of the closure _cap axis AV. However, it can also prove to be advantageous to design one of the two arms with a wider arm width, for example in order to give this arm a greater restoring force acting in the direction of the closure cap axis Av.

The length of the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b in the circumferential direction U is preferably in the range of 2/6 to 5/6 of the inner diameter of the closure cap 3 . The closure cap 3 has a different inner diameter depending on the outer diameter of the container neck. Points the cap 3 For example, if the inside diameter is 28 mm, the range of the length of the first and second arm 6a, 6b in the circumferential direction U is in the range from 9.3 mm to 23 mm, and particularly preferably in the range from 10 mm to 20 mm, with the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b preferably have the same length in the circumferential direction U.

The retaining strap 6 or the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b could also have other cross-sectional shapes, for example a round, triangular, square or more than quadrangular cross-section.

The closure cap 3 advantageously has a first recess 10 and/or the retaining ring 2 has a second recess 11, within which the entire retaining strap 6 or at least part of the retaining strap 6, in particular the first arm 6a and/or the second arm 6b, in the circumferential direction U is arranged to run. Advantageously, the first arm 6a runs in the first recess 10 and the second arm 6b runs in the second recess 11 in the circumferential direction U, or the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b only run in the first recess 10, or the first arm runs 6a and the second arm 6b only in the second recess 11.

Advantageously, in the case of a guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are connected to one another via a second predetermined breaking web 8 . The first arm 6a is advantageously connected to the closure cap 3 via a third predetermined breaking web 9 . The second arm 6b is advantageously connected to the securing ring 2 via a fourth predetermined breaking web 14 . Advantageously, the second predetermined breaking bar 8 is designed in such a way that it requires a lower breaking force than the third and/or the fourth predetermined breaking bar 9,14, with the result that when the guarantee closure 1 is opened the predetermined breaking bar 8 usually breaks before the third and/or the fourth predetermined breaking web 9,14 breaks, or that only the predetermined breaking web 8 but not the third and/or fourth predetermined breaking webs 9, 14 break.

The first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are preferably spaced apart from one another by an intermediate gap 6d running in a straight line in the circumferential direction U, the intermediate gap 6d ending in an end section 6i towards the connecting section 6c.

As soon as the sealing cap 3 of the in figure 1 shown, never opened guarantee closure 1 is turned, the closure cap 3 moves due to the increasing external thread 32 in the direction of the closure cap axis _AV , so that the closure cap 3 is lifted with respect to the pouring opening 33, whereas the locking ring 2 is rotated only in the circumferential direction U, However, in its position in the direction of the closure cap axis A _V remains trapped that, as in the Figures 4 and 5 shown, at least some and preferably all of the predetermined breaking webs break, so that the closure cap 3 is only connected to the retaining ring 2 via the retaining strap 6 . the Figures 4 and 5 show the state in which the internal thread 12 of the end cap 3 no longer engages in the external thread 32 of the container neck 31, so that the closure cap 3 can be lifted off the container neck 31. In this position, the retaining strap 6 shown in the illustrated embodiment has a V-shaped course. The retaining strap 6 is preferably designed in such a way that, when it is stretched in the direction of the closure cap axis Av, it exerts a restoring force acting in the opposite direction on the closure cap 3 .

the figures 6 and 7 show an open guarantee closure 1, in which the closure cap 3 was completely lifted from the pouring opening 33 and was brought to rest against the container neck 31 laterally, so that the cylindrical jacket 4 of the closure cap 3 on External thread 32 and/or the retaining ring 2 can rest. The retaining strap 6 is particularly preferably designed in such a way that at least one prestressing force directed from the first arm 6a and the second arm _6b towards the guarantee closure axis AG acts on the closure cap 3, so that it preferably rests on the external thread 32 and/or on the securing ring 2. The retaining strap 6 is particularly preferably designed in such a way that at least one _restoring force acting from the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b in the direction of the tamper-proof seal axis AG acts on the in Figure 4 and 5 shown position of the closure cap 3 acts, so that, as in figure 6 shown, the open closure cap 3 resting on the outside of the container neck 31 is preferably automatically moved back in the direction of the _tamper -proof closure axis AG, as is the case, for example, in figure 6 is shown. The retaining strap 6 thus preferably has a spring-elastic property acting in the direction of the _tamper -proof closure axis AG or has a spring-elastic property acting in the radial direction toward the _tamper -proof closure axis AG. Particularly preferably, the retaining strap 6 has both spring-elastic properties in the direction of the _tamper -proof closure axis AG and spring-elastic properties in the radial direction with respect to the _tamper -proof closure axis AG. Advantageously, when the guarantee closure 1 is open, all predetermined breaking webs 7, 8, 9,14 that are present in the guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened are broken, as is shown in FIGS Figures 4 and 5 is shown. However, as in the figures 6 and 7 shown, also prove advantageous that, for example, the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 is designed stronger than the other predetermined breaking webs 7, 8, 9, so that, as in the figures 6 and 7 shown, these remaining predetermined breaking webs 7, 8, 9 are broken, whereas the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 is still intact, so that the second arm 6b is still connected to the securing ring 2. An advantage of this configuration is the fact that only the first arm 6a is freely movable, and the cap 3 is held with a reduced degree of freedom with respect to the securing ring 2 or with respect to the container neck 31, so that the cap 3 still is arranged in a more precisely reproducible manner on the outside of the container neck 31, with the closure cap 3 preferably automatically assuming the end position with respect to the container neck 31 due to the spring forces caused by the retaining strap 6.

The in the Figures 1 to 3 illustrated, never opened guarantee closure 1 has, as in the Figures 6 to 14 shown by way of example, has the advantage that after the guarantee closure 1 has been opened for the first time, the closure cap 3 can be arranged by the consumer in a large number of ways in relation to the container neck 31, with the closure cap 3 always being firmly attached to the securing ring 2 and thus via the retaining strap 6 remains connected to the container neck 31. Consumers find this large number of arrangement options to be particularly pleasant, since they can freely choose how the closure cap 3 is to be arranged, depending on their individual needs. Arrangements are particularly preferred in which the closure cap 3 assumes a defined position with respect to the container neck 31 and also maintains this position as long as the closure cap 3 is not positioned differently. The guarantee closure 1 according to the invention can also be closed again, for example by the Figures 6 to 14 cap 3 shown is placed back onto the container neck 31 by hand, and the cap 3 is screwed tight by turning the external thread 32 of the container neck 31 accordingly until the pouring opening 33 is firmly closed.

The in the Figures 6 to 14 Variants of differently opened guarantee closures that are shown as examples are briefly explained below. In figure 6 the closure cap 3 is arranged to the left of the container neck 31 with respect to the selected view, whereas the closure cap 3 in figure 8 is arranged to the right of the container neck 31. Compared to figure 8 is the cap 3 in the example according to Figures 9 to 11 also rotated by an angle of rotation δ of 90°, preferably about an axis of rotation A ₁ which runs radially with respect to the axis AV of the closure _cap . The angle of rotation δ is preferably in the range between 80° and 190°.

The closure cap 3 particularly preferably rests with its cylindrical jacket 4 on the container neck ring 36, forming a contact point 15, with the retaining strap 6 preferably exerting a prestressing force on the closure _cap 3 acting towards the closure cap axis AV, so that the closure cap 3 is particularly stable in the Figures 9 to 11 shown position is held. Compared to figure 8 is the cap 3 in the example according to figures 12 and 13 rotated by 180 °, and the cap 3 in the example according to figure 14 rotated 360°. In these exemplary embodiments, too, the closure cap 3 advantageously rests with its cylindrical jacket 4 on the container neck ring 36 , forming a contact point 15 . The in the Figures 6 to 14 The positions of the closure cap 3 shown are particularly stable positions, which are preferably maintained even when the container is moved and in particular tilted, for example by pouring the contents of the container into a glass, or by guiding the container neck 31 directly to the mouth in order to directly to drink from the pouring opening 33. Consumers regard this stable position of the closure cap 3 as particularly pleasant when pouring out or drinking directly from the container. The cap 3 can, however, together with the Figures 6 to 14 positions shown, assume a large number of further positions or are brought into a large number of further positions, for example by the closure cap 3 being held by hand, or by the closure cap 3 lying against the face. Ultimately, the degree of freedom of movement of the closure cap 3 is determined in particular by the holding strap 6 and in particular by the available length of the holding strap 6 . Under the available length of the tether 6 that length is understood, which of Cap 3 is available for movement after cap 3 has been removed from container neck 31. The available length depends on the number of broken breaking webs 7, 8, 9, 14. In condition according to figure 4 all predetermined breaking webs are broken, so that the available length corresponds to the maximum available length of the retaining strap 6, which is essentially determined by the sum of the lengths of the first and second arms 6a, 6b. Depending on the broken breaking bars, the available length may vary. At the in the figures 6 , 7, 8, 9 , 11, 12 , and 13 The examples shown are not all broken, and one of the arms 6a or 6b is in the original position, which was assumed when the guarantee closure 1 had never been opened, while the other arm 6a or 6b is movable. The predetermined breaking webs are particularly advantageously designed in such a way that during the process of unscrewing the closure cap 3, as shown in FIGS Figures 4 and 5 shown, all predetermined breaking webs are broken. the figures 10 and 14 show examples in which all predetermined breaking bars are broken. If at the in the figures 6 , 7, 8, 9 , 11, 12 , and 13 If all predetermined breaking webs were broken in the examples shown, the retaining strap 6 would have a slightly different course due to the freely movable second arm 6a or 6b, with the closure cap 3 preferably still occupying the same or essentially the same position.

figure 15 shows a guarantee closure 1 according to the invention in the open state in combination with a container 30 designed as a beverage carton with a container body 34. The guarantee closure 1 according to the invention is therefore not only suitable for bottles but also for a large number of differently shaped containers.

figure 16 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 which, in contrast to that in figure 2 illustrated embodiment, an intermediate gap 6d having an end portion 6i, wherein the end portion 6i curved is designed to run and preferably run in a circle. In particular, this configuration reduces the notch effect exerted by the first and second arm 6a, 6b on the connecting section 6c, so that the two arms 6a, 6b can be spread over an extended area without the connecting section 6c or the retaining strap 6 being damaged.

figure 17 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 which, in contrast to that in figure 16 illustrated embodiment, has a tether 6, which is fully integrated in the closure cap 3, the tether 6, along with the predetermined breaking webs 9 and 14, being connected to the closure cap 3 via the first end 6g, and the tether 6, along with the fourth Breaking web 14 is connected to the retaining ring 2 via the second end 6h.

figure 18 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 which, in contrast to that in figure 16 illustrated embodiment, has a retaining strap 6, which is fully integrated in the securing ring 2n, with the retaining strap 6, together with the third predetermined breaking web 9, being connected to the closure cap 3 via the first end 6g, and with the retaining strap 6, together with the third predetermined breaking web 9 and the fourth predetermined breaking web 14, is connected to the retaining ring 2 via the second end 6h.

figure 19 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1 which, in contrast to that in figure 16 embodiment shown, has a tether 6, the arm width of which tapers in the circumferential direction U, in the direction of the connecting section 6c, so that the tether 6 has a substantially V-shaped course. In a further exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, the V-shaped course could be designed to be even more pronounced, in that the retaining strap 6 in Circumferentially has an intermediate gap 6d that tapers in a V-shape toward the connecting section 6c, and the retaining strap 6 has a constant or essentially constant arm width in the circumferential direction U in the direction of the closure cap axis Av.

figure 20 shows a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a guarantee closure 1, which, in contrast to that in figure 16 illustrated embodiment, is configured mirror-symmetrically with respect to the closure _cap axis AV. In all of the exemplary embodiments of guarantee closures 1 illustrated in the figures, the retaining strap 6 could also be arranged to run mirror-symmetrically to the closure cap axis Av.

figure 21 shows a side view of another embodiment of a guarantee closure 1, which is designed similarly to that in figure 19 shown guarantee closure 1, with a substantially V-shaped running tether 6, in which, in contrast to the embodiment according to figure 19 , the second predetermined breaking web 8, the third predetermined breaking web 9 and the fourth predetermined breaking web 14 are arranged differently. In addition, the end section 6i has a circular recess. This in figure 21 The exemplary embodiment of a retaining strap 6 shown has particularly advantageous resilient properties, particularly in the direction of the closure _cap axis AV, with the predetermined breaking webs 8, 9 and 14 being particularly advantageous when they are arranged at a relatively small distance from one another in the circumferential direction U.

The in the Figures 1 to 20 Guarantee closures 1 shown are preferably opened in such a way that, in the case of a guarantee closure 1 that has never been opened, the closure cap 3 to be opened for the first time is raised from a starting position in the direction of the closure _{cap axis} AV, as in FIGS Figures 4 and 5 shown by the closure cap 3 being removed from the pouring opening 33 is removed and positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck 31, such as in figure 6 shown, and in that the closure cap 3, due to the spring properties of the retaining strap 6, is pressed on the one hand automatically with a pretension to the outside of the container neck 31, and on the other hand in the direction of the closure cap axis _AV , preferably automatically along the outside of the container neck 31 in the direction of the starting position is moved back, so that the closure cap 3, for example, in figure 6 , 7 or 8 position shown.

The guarantee closure 1, which has never been opened, defines a guarantee closure axis A _G , with the retaining strap 6 preferably automatically acting on the closure cap 3 after the closure cap 3 has been lifted from the pouring opening 33 in such a way that the position of the closure cap axis _AV of the closure cap 3 while the closure cap is pivoted away 3 from the pouring opening 33 continues to run parallel or essentially parallel to the guarantee _seal axis AG. This stabilizing effect of the retaining strap 6 or the effect of aligning the closure cap 3 allows the closure cap 3 to be brought into contact with the outside of the container neck 31 in a particularly simple, pleasant and secure manner, as is shown in FIGS Figures 6 to 8 is shown.

In a further advantageous method step, the closure cap 3, after it has been positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck 31, can be rotated further by an angle of rotation δ in the range between 80° and 190° about an axis of rotation A ₁ running perpendicular to the guarantee closure axis _AG , with the Closure cap 3, preferably due to the spring properties of the retaining strap 6, is then preferably automatically applied to a container neck ring 36 of the container neck 31, so that the closure cap 3 is held in a predetermined position with respect to the container neck 31.

Claims (15)

Guarantee closure (1) for closing a pouring opening (33) of a container (30), comprising a closure cap (3) with a closure cap axis ( _AV ) comprising a safety ring (2) following the closure cap in the direction of the closure cap axis ( _AV ). (1) and is arranged running concentrically to the axis ( _AV ) of the closure cap, comprising a plurality of predetermined breaking webs (7) through which the closure cap (3) is connected to the retaining ring (2), the closure cap (1) being broken by breaking the Breaking webs (7) can be separated from the safety ring (2), and comprising a single retaining strap (6) which is connected to the closure cap (1) at its first end (6g) and to the safety ring (2) at its second end (6h). is, wherein the retaining strap (6) is designed to run in a U-shape or V-shape and consists of a first arm (6a), a second arm (6b) and a connecting section (6c ) consists , wherein the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) run in the circumferential direction (U) with respect to the closure cap axis (A _V ), the retaining strap (6) having a length which allows the closure cap (1) and the securing ring ( 2) in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _V ) and removal of the closure cap (3) from the pouring opening (33a), the closure cap (3) being held by the retaining strap (6) with the retaining ring even after it has been separated from the retaining ring (2). (2) remains connected. Guarantee closure according to Claim 1, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a lateral surface (4) running in the circumferential direction (U) to the closure cap axis (A _V ), and in that the retaining strap (6) has a radial direction with respect to the closure cap axis (A _V ). does not protrude beyond the jacket surface (4). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and/or the second arm (6b) is designed as a flat spring running concentrically to the axis (A _V ) of the closure cap. Guarantee closure according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) have a constant arm thickness radially to the closure cap axis (A _V ), and that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) in Have an arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis ( _AV ) which is at least twice and preferably at least three times as large as the arm thickness. Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) have the same arm width in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _V ). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) in the circumferential direction (U) have a length in the range from 2/6 to 5/6 of the inner diameter of the closure cap 3, and that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) preferably have the same length in the circumferential direction (U). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a first recess (10) and/or the securing ring (2) has a second recess (11), within which the retaining strap (6) in the circumferential direction (U) is arranged to run. Guarantee closure according to claim 7, characterized in that the first arm (6a) runs in the first recess (10) and the second arm (6b) runs in the second recess (11), or that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) run only in the first recess (10), or that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) run only in the second recess (11). Guarantee closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a guarantee closure (1) which has never been opened, the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) are connected to one another via a second predetermined breaking web (8), that the first arm (6a ) is connected to the closure cap (3) via a third predetermined breaking web (9), and that the second arm (6b) is connected to the securing ring (2) via a fourth predetermined breaking web (14). Guarantee closure according to Claim 9, characterized in that the second predetermined breaking web (8) is designed in such a way that it requires a lower breaking force than the third and/or the fourth predetermined breaking web (9, 14). Tamper evident seal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (6a) and the second arm (6b) are spaced apart from one another by an intermediate gap (6d) running in the circumferential direction (U), and in that the intermediate gap (6d) to the connecting section ( 6c) ends in an end section (6i). Guarantee closure according to Claim 11, characterized in that the end section (6i) of the intermediate gap (6d) is designed to run in a curve and preferably in a circle. Method for opening a guarantee closure (1) which closes a pouring opening (33) of a container (30), the guarantee closure (1) having a closure cap (3) with a closure cap axis (A _V ), one with a container neck (31) of the container (30) connected retaining ring (2), which is arranged following the closure cap (3) and running concentrically to the closure cap axis (A _V ) in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _V ), as well as a single retaining strap (6), wherein the retaining strap (6 ) Is designed U-shaped or V-shaped and with respect to the cap axis (A _V ) in the circumferential direction (U), and wherein the retaining strap (6) at its first end (6g) with the Closure cap (3) and is connected at its second end (6h) to the securing ring (2) by the closure cap (3) to be opened for the first time starting from a starting position in the direction of the closure cap axis ( _AV ) is raised by the closure cap (3) being removed from the pouring opening (33) and being positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck (31), and by the closure cap (3) being raised by the spring properties of the retaining strap (6) on the one hand is automatically pressed against the outside of the container neck (31) with a pretension, and on the other hand is automatically moved back along the outside of the container neck (31) in the direction of the starting position in the direction of the closure cap axis (A _V ). Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the guarantee seal (1) which has never been opened defines a guarantee seal axis (A _G ), and in that the retaining strap (6) automatically acts on the sealing cap (3) after the sealing cap (3) has been lifted off in such a way that that the cap axis (A _V ) of the opened cap (3) runs parallel or essentially to the guarantee cap axis (A _G ). Method according to one of Claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the closure cap (3), after it has been positioned laterally on the outside of the container neck (31), by an angle of rotation (δ) in the range between 80° and 190° around a perpendicular to the Guarantee closure axis (A _G ) running axis of rotation (A ₁ ) is rotated, and that the closure cap (3), due to the spring properties of the retaining strap (6), is then automatically placed on a container neck ring (36) so that the closure cap (3) with respect to the container neck (31) is held in a predetermined position.

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