ES2672803T3 - Closure for a non-refillable container intended to serve a liquid such as oil or vinegar - Google Patents

Abstract

Closure (1) for a non-refillable container intended to serve a liquid (L) such as oil or vinegar comprising; a base piece (2) for inserting into the neck (4a) of said container, a non-removable cap (3) that is associated with said base piece (2) so that it is capable of being displaced vertically with respect to it, from a closing position to a higher position to allow the liquid to escape (L), and is characterized by the fact that said base part (2) comprises two coaxial bodies (2a, 2b) of substantially tubular configuration that are arranged concentrically inside the neck (4a) of said container, once the piece (2) has been inserted, said cap (3) being capable of being inserted in a non-removable way inside the tubular body (2a) that occupies the internal coaxial position , the open space between the walls of both bodies (2a, 2b) coaxial defining an opening (6) for the exit of liquid and simultaneous entry of air, including said non-removable cap (3) a cover (9) that is configured to prevent the exit d and liquid (L) through said opening (6).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Closure for a non-refillable container intended to serve a liquid such as oil or vinegar

The present invention relates to a closure for a non-refillable container that allows users to be certain that the liquid contained in the container corresponds to that identified on the label. The closure is especially suitable for plastic or glass containers, intended to contain oil or vinegar, although it is also capable of being used for containers that store a liquid other than oil or vinegar and for which it is intended to ensure that its content is the original.

Background of the invention

For various reasons, it may be desirable to ensure that a used container, such as a bottle intended to contain a liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage, or oil or vinegar, is not refilled with a replacement amount of another liquid, whose Quality features may differ from the original content. Attempts to provide closures that hinder such refilling are not always effective against certain improper manipulations.

GB729903A describes a closure for folding tubes of the type comprising a generally cylindrical discharge member slidably received in the axial hole of the neck of the folding tube.

EP0558470 describes a pouring spout for bottles that has a basic body that can be mounted tightly on the neck of the bottle and has an outlet tube on which a closing body is guided captively and to be adjustable longitudinally between a closed position, in which an opening of an outlet of said closing body is closed by a plug held in the outlet tube by transverse ribs that cover the opening, and an exit position in which the plug blocks the opening input

In general, the closure devices for non-refillable bottles that are known in the state of the art are configured for bottles of alcoholic beverages or liquors. Most of these closure devices for non-refillable bottles comprise a non-return valve that allows liquid to escape and prevents fraudulent introduction. This valve in turn is associated with a dosing unit that allows dispensing of the liquid stored in the dosing unit in each tilting movement of the bottle.

There are other types of closures for non-refillable containers. However, these closures are more complex than the one described in the previous paragraph, since they incorporate several valves. Document ES1058783 describes a closure according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a base piece for inserting into the neck of said container, and a non-removable cap that is associated with said base piece so that it is capable of moving vertically in relation to with it, from a closed position to a higher position to allow the liquid to escape. Said base piece comprises two coaxial bodies with a substantially tubular configuration that are arranged concentrically within the neck of said container once the piece is inserted. The non-removable cap can be inserted non-removably into the tubular body that occupies the internal coaxial position, and the open space between the walls of both coaxial bodies defines an opening for the liquid to flow out and the air to enter simultaneously. The non-removable cap also includes a lid that is configured to prevent liquid from flowing through the opening, said lid being able to move vertically to the upper position mentioned above when the cap is pulled to allow liquid to flow out of the opening.

The closure described in ES1058783U has the drawback of dripping or spilling liquid from the opening. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a type of closure for containers that has an anti-drip effect, a simple construction and is easy to assemble, while ensuring a suitable degree of protection that prevents refilling of the container.

Description of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a closure for a non-refillable container that has a simple configuration that provides a practical advantage for the user and a mounting advantage for the installer.

In accordance with this objective, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a closure for a non-refillable container intended to serve a liquid such as oil or vinegar, according to claim 1. The present invention provides a container intended to serve such a liquid. as oil or vinegar that includes said closure with a non-removable cap.

Thanks to these characteristics, the closure of the present invention allows the exit of the liquid from inside the container with an anti-drip effect and at the same time prevents the fraudulent reintroduction of another liquid, whose quality characteristics may differ from the original content.

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In the closure of the present invention the liquid outlet occurs through a millimeter opening defined by the open space between the walls of the two coaxial bodies of the base piece that is inserted inside the neck of the container. This millimeter opening prevents fraudulent refilling of the container but at the same time enables the controlled exit of liquid and the simultaneous entry of air in a way that avoids the empty or bubble effect inside the container. To prevent the flow of liquid, the non-removable cap itself incorporates a lid that can be moved vertically to a closed position to seal said opening, once the liquid has been served.

Advantageously, said two coaxial bodies are joined together by a plurality of ribs. The two coaxial bodies are configured so that they protrude from the neck of said container, once the base piece is inserted, defining the upper edge of the tubular body occupying the outer coaxial position a widening with a curved contour to facilitate the pouring of the liquid through of said opening.

In this way, the spillage of liquid occurs through this widening of curved contour that avoids in a very effective way the annoying dripping or spilling of liquid in said opening.

Preferably, said cover is configured so that, in the closed position of the plug, the cover contacts said widening of the outer coaxial body to close the opening and effectively seal the liquid outlet.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner face of the lid is provided with a tubular body which in the closed position of said cap is inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies of the base piece, defining the open space between the wall of said tubular body and the wall of the outer coaxial body of the base piece an anti-drip channel for the pouring of liquid when the plug is in the upper position to allow the liquid to escape.

Advantageously, according to the same preferred embodiment, the tubular body of said lid has a chamfered lower edge that is arranged facing the curved widening of the outer coaxial body when the plug is in the upper position to drive the liquid outlet through said anti-drip channel

Preferably, said non-removable cap comprises a piece to be inserted in the inner coaxial body, said insertion part being provided with an anchor configured to abut an edge of this inner coaxial body, the tubular wall of said inner coaxial guide body acting of said plug insertion part when the cap moves until it stops.

Advantageously, the non-removable cap comprises an anchor locking body to effectively prevent its removal.

According to one embodiment, said base part comprises a tubular body coupling to the outer wall of the neck of the container. However, according to another embodiment especially adapted for glass or glass containers, the base part may be devoid of this tubular outer coupling body. In this case, the outer coaxial body of the base piece includes a portion configured to fit in the inner wall of the neck of the container, and an outer ring intended to abut the inlet mouth of said neck. In this embodiment, the closure is usually covered with a capsule-like seal that covers a part of the neck of the container.

Optionally, the closure may comprise another removable cap intended to cover the lid that prevents the outflow of liquid L, and an outer tubular body associated with the base piece on which said removable cap can be threaded and unscrewed. When unscrewed, the removable cap displaces the cover by the action of an inner flange until it is completely released.

Advantageously, the non-removable cap lid, or the removable cap itself, is attached to a fastening strip that acts as a security seal for the container.

Preferably, said base piece and said non-removable cap are made of plastic material. However, alternatively, said base piece and said non-removable cap may be made of metal.

Brief description of the figures

To better understand how much has been exposed, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only by way of non-limiting example, a practical case of realization is represented.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the closure of the invention, showing the base piece and the non-removable cap.

Figure 2 shows a first cross section of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on the neck of a container. In this figure the non-removable cap is in a closed position.

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Figure 3 shows a second cross section of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on the neck of a container in the closed position of the non-removable cap.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the closure of Figure 1 mounted on the neck of a container. In this figure the non-removable cap is in an upper position to allow liquid to escape.

Figure 5 schematically shows the pouring of liquid into a container that incorporates the closure of the present invention in the upper position of the cap that allows liquid to escape.

Figures 6 and 7 show an elevational view and a cross section of a second embodiment of the closure of the invention that includes another removable outer cap half unscrewed.

Figures 8 and 9 show an elevational view and a cross section of the second embodiment of the closure of Figure 6, with the removable cap released.

Figure 10 shows an elevational view and a cross section of a third embodiment of the closure of the invention adapted to be inserted into a glass container.

Description of a preferred embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the closure of the present invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The closure of this embodiment is especially indicated for use in containers intended to contain oil or vinegar and is very easy to assemble. These containers can be plastic or glass.

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the closure 1 of the present invention. This exploded view includes a base piece 2 for inserting into the neck of a container, and a non-removable cap 3 that is associated with said base piece 2 so that it is capable of being displaced vertically with respect to it, from a closed position to a superior position to allow the exit of liquid L.

The base part 2 comprises two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b of annular configuration that are arranged concentrically inside the neck 4a of the container containing the liquid L, once the base part 2 is inserted (see figures 2 and 3). In the described embodiment, the two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b are joined together by a plurality of ribs 5, the open space between the walls of both coaxial bodies 2a, 2b defining a millimeter opening 6 for the exit of liquid L and simultaneous air inlet. In addition, in the embodiment described, the base piece 2 has a third annular configuration body 2c for coupling to the outer wall of the neck 4a of the container.

The plug 3 shown in Figure 1 comprises a part 3a for non-removable insert into the interior of the inner coaxial body 2a of the base part 2. This insert 3a is provided with an anchor 7 that is configured to abut an edge 8 of the inner coaxial body 2a. As can be seen in detail in Figure 4, when the plug 3 moves vertically until it abuts the edge 8, the wall of the inner coaxial body 2a acts as a guide for the insert 3a.

The same non-removable cap 3 comprises a lid 9 that is configured as a disk to prevent the exit of liquid L through the opening 6. This lid 9 can be moved vertically to a higher position by pulling the cap 3 to allow the liquid outlet L through opening 6 (see figures 4 and 5).

Figures 2 and 3 show two cross sections of the closure 1 mounted on the neck 4a of a container 4 in the closed position of the opening 6. In this position, the cover 9 contacts a widening 10 of the upper edge of the coaxial body 2b outside of the base piece 2, to close the opening 6 and effectively seal the liquid outlet L.

As can be seen in detail in Figures 4 and 5, the said widening 10 of the upper edge of the outer coaxial body 2b of the piece 2 has been designed with a curved contour that allows the liquid L to be poured without an annoying dripping. .

In the preferred embodiment described, the inner face of the cover 9 is provided with an annular body 11 which in the closed position of the cap 3 is inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b of the base piece 2 (see figures 2 and 3).

As can be seen in detail in Figures 4 and 5, the open space between the wall of the annular body 11 of the cover 9 and the wall of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2 determines an anti-drip channel 12 for the pouring of the liquid L when the cap 3 is in an upper outlet position of liquid L. In addition, in the same figures 4 and 5 the chamfered lower edge 11a of said annular body 11 is seen that is arranged facing the curved widening 10 of the outer coaxial body 2b to very effectively conduct the exit of liquid L through said anti-drip channel 12.

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This anti-drip channel 12 allows to optimally control the spillage of liquid L, without producing unwanted drips. In figure 5 the operation of pouring liquid L of a container 4 comprising the closure 1 of the present invention is schematically represented.

When the container 4 is closed, the cap 3 is located in a lower position in which the lid 9 contacts the widening 10 of the upper edge of the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece 2, to prevent the exit of liquid L through of the opening 6. In this position, a fastening strip 13 that is attached to the lid 9 acts as a security seal for the container 4.

When the user wishes to open the container 4 to serve the liquid L, the same user first proceeds to remove the retaining strip 13, and then to pull the non-removable cap 3 to an upper position where the lid 9 of the same cap 3 is displaced vertically to release the liquid outlet opening 6 L. At this time, the user can pour the container 4 to serve the liquid L through the millimeter opening 6.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the opening 6 determined by the coaxial bodies 2a, 2b of the base piece 2 generates a liquid outlet circuit L and simultaneous air inlet that avoids the empty or bubble effect inside the container. In addition, the anti-drip channel 12 defining the chamfered edge 11a of the annular body 11 of the cover 9 and the widening 10 of the outer coaxial body 2b, facilitates the conduction of the liquid L without dripping effect.

Figures 6 to 9 refer to a second embodiment of the closure 1 comprising another removable outer cap 14 intended to cover the lid 9 that prevents the exit of liquid L in the lower closing position.

As can be seen in Figures 6 to 9, in this embodiment the base piece includes an outer tubular body 2d that protrudes in the position of use of the neck of the container to allow threading of the removable cap 14. Figures 6 and 7 show the removable plug 14 half-unscrewed with the cover 9 displaced to the upper position by the action of an inner flange 17 provided on the inner wall of the same removable plug 14. In Figures 7 and 8, the removable cap 14 has been released.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9, the non-removable plug 3 includes an anchor locking body 18 7. This body 18 effectively prevents the removal of the part 3a inserted inside the inner coaxial body 2a. In this way, it is guaranteed to obtain a non-refillable closure that helps to desist the user from refilling the container. In the described embodiment, the blocking body 18 is configured as a tube for inserting into the interior of an insert 3a incorporating anchor flanges 7. In its use position, the blocking body 18 makes it impossible to flexion of the anchoring eyelashes 7 that abut the edge 8 of the inner coaxial body 2a.

Figure 10 refers to a third embodiment of the closure 1 that is specially adapted for use in glass or glass containers.

As can be seen in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the outer coaxial body 2b of the base piece includes a portion 15 configured to engage in the inner wall of the neck of the glass or glass container or bottle, and an outer ring 16 intended to butt with the mouth of the neck of the container.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the closure 1 may comprise an aluminum capsule seal covering a part of the neck of the bottle or container. Optionally, this embodiment may also include a removable cap 14 such as that shown in Figures 6 to 9 which may additionally be coated with the aluminum capsule as a seal.

Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to one skilled in the art that the closure 1 described is susceptible of numerous variations and modifications, and that all the mentioned details can be substituted by other technically equivalent ones. , without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. For example, although in the described embodiments reference has been made to a base part 2 provided with two coaxial bodies 2a, 2b, of tubular configuration of circular section (annular bodies), the same result could be obtained by coaxial bodies of tubular configuration of different section, such as a square section, if the neck section of the container made it necessary to adapt the closure.

Claims (14)

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Closure (1) for a non-refillable container intended to serve a liquid (L) such as oil or vinegar comprising; - a piece (2) base for inserting into a neck (4a) of said container, - a non-removable cap (3) that is associated with said base piece (2) so that it is capable of being displaced vertically with respect to it, from a closed position to an upper position to allow the liquid to escape (L), wherein said base part (2) comprises two coaxial bodies (2a, 2b) of substantially tubular configuration that are arranged concentrically inside the neck (4a) of said container, once the part (2) is inserted, being said plug (3) susceptible of being inserted in a non-removable way inside the tubular body (2a) that occupies the inner coaxial position, defining an open space between the walls of both bodies (2a, 2b) coaxial an opening (6) for the exit of liquid and simultaneous entry of air, including said non-removable cap (3) a cover (9) which is configured to prevent the exit of liquid (L) through said opening (6), said cover being susceptible ( 9) of being displaced vertically to the aforementioned upper position when pulling the cap (3) to allow the liquid (L) to escape through the opening (6), in which the body (2b) coaxial of said piece (2 ) base occupying the outer coaxial position est á configured so that it protrudes from the neck (4a) of said container once inserted, characterized in that the coaxial body (2a) of said base piece (2) occupying the internal coaxial position is configured so that it protrudes from the neck (4a) of said container once inserted, defining the upper edge of the coaxial body (2b) occupying the outer coaxial position a widening (10) with a curved contour to facilitate the pouring of the liquid (L) 2. Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (9) is configured such that, in the closed position of the plug (3), this lid (9) contacts the widening (10) of the edge of the outer coaxial body (2b) to close the opening (6) and seal the liquid outlet (L). 3. Closure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner face of the cover (9) is provided with a tubular body (11) configured to be inserted in the open space between the two coaxial bodies (2a, 2b) of the base piece (2) when said plug (3) is in the closed position, defining the open space between the wall of said tubular body (11) and the wall of the outer coaxial body (2b) of the piece (2) base an anti-drip channel (12) for the pouring of liquid (L) when the cap (3) is in the upper position to allow the liquid to escape (L). 4. Closure (1) according to claim 3, wherein said tubular body (11) of the lid (9) has a chamfered lower edge (11a) that is arranged facing the curved widening (10) of the body (2b) external coaxial when the plug (3) is in the upper position to drive the liquid outlet (L) through said anti-drip channel (12). 5. A closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said non-removable cap (3) comprises an insert (3a) for insertion into the inner coaxial body (2a), said insertion piece (3a) being provided with an anchor (7) configured to abut the edge (8) of this body (2a), the tubular wall of said inner coaxial body (2a) acting on said insert (3a) inserting the plug (3) when said non-removable cap (3) moves until it stops. A closure (1) according to claim 5, wherein said non-removable cap (3) comprises a body (18) for locking said anchor (7) to effectively prevent extraction. 7. Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) is attached to a tubular body (2c) coupling to the outer wall of the neck (4a) of the container (4). 8. A closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said outer coaxial body (2b) of the base piece (2) includes a portion (15) configured to engage in the inner wall of the neck (4a) of a container of glass, and an outer ring (16) intended to abut the inlet mouth of said neck (4a). 9. Closure (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising another removable cap (14) intended to cover the lid (9) that prevents the outflow of liquid (L), and an outer tubular body (2d) associated with the base piece (2) on which said removable cap (14) can be threaded, said removable cap (14) allowing to move said cover (9) vertically when it is unscrewed until it is released. 10. A closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said two coaxial bodies (2a, 2b) are joined by a plurality of ribs (5). 11. Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (9) of the non-removable cap (3) is attached to a fastening strip (13) that acts as a security seal for the container (4). 12. Closure (1) according to claim 9, wherein said removable cap (14) is attached to a fastening strip that acts as a security seal for the container. 13. Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) and said non-removable cap (3) are made of plastic material. 14. Closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said base piece (2) and said non-removable cap (3) are made of metal.