WO2016128434A1

WO2016128434A1 - Bottle closure with means for evidencing a first use

Info

Publication number: WO2016128434A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/052783
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Torrent Ortega
Original assignee: Compañía De Tapones Irrellenables, S.A.
Priority date: 2015-02-11
Filing date: 2016-02-10
Publication date: 2016-08-18
Also published as: CO2017010025A2; EA201791796A1; PH12017501373A1; BR112017017169A2; DOP2017000172A; EP3256394A1; MX2017010308A; US20180072474A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure for bottles with means for evidencing a first use when it is in nominal conditions, i.e., fitted on the mouth of the bottle. The closure contains at least one spout (5), a plug (6) of the spout and a cap (3). The present invention allows evidencing the first opening of the closure due to the internal configuration of the closure changing. This change modifies the internal configuration and allows one or more visual changes in the device. The change in the internal configuration is based on modifying the position of an annular band (7) arranged between the plug and cap.

Description

BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH MEANS FOR EVIDENCING A FIRST USE

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closure for bottles with means for evidencing a first use when it is in nominal conditions, i.e., fitted on the mouth of the bottle.

The closure contains at least one spout, a plug of the spout and a cap. The present invention allows evidencing the first opening of the closure due to the internal configuration of the closure changing. This change modifies the internal configuration and allows one or more visual changes in the device. The change in the internal configuration is based on modifying the position of an annular band arranged between the plug and the cap.

If the invention incorporates windows or means for visual access to the inner portion of the closure, then after the first opening, the change in position of the annular band is visually accessible and shows a first way of evidencing the first opening.

If the invention makes use of an annular band which is placed between the cap and the plug, separating it, then the closure cannot close and move down to the original position leaving an annular segment that was initially concealed visible after the first opening. This is a second way of visually evidencing the first opening.

Given that the change in configuration takes place internally, it is not possible to modify the components and restore the configuration prior to the first opening without physically damaging at least part of the closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the fields of the art that has experienced most intensive development is the field of designing closures for bottles intended for containing high value beverages in which the first opening is evidenced. ln such high value beverages, such as liquors, trying to refill empty, known brand-name bottles with lower value beverages bought in bulk and closing the bottle again with the original closure as if the content were original, is common. If the bottle closure evidences the first opening, the customer receiving the fraudulently refilled bottle is aware of the fraud. Trusting that the beverage contained in the bottle is the original beverage depends on if the closure evidencing the first opening is tamper-proof and on if the way of evidencing the first opening cannot be readily hidden.

With respect to the first criterion, i.e., the closure is tamper-proof, ways of evidencing the first opening of the closure based on using breakable elements are known. This is the case of sealing rings. The first opening can only take place if a sealing ring is broken and disconnected from the closure. These rings are located in the lower portion of the closure and are accessible from the outside. The drawback of such closures is that the elements that are accessible from the outside can be tampered such that attempts can be made to restore the closure to its state before the first opening.

Another drawback of such closures is that the breakable element is an element that is detached and must be disposed of.

The present invention proposes an alternative design for evidencing the first opening wherein there are not necessarily breakable elements; essential elements that allow evidencing the opening are located inside the closure, and these elements remain therein after the opening, such that an additional operation consisting of throwing away a waste element is not necessary.

An additional advantage provided by the present invention is that the means of evidencing the first opening are visual means that can be shown on the upper surface of the cap, and even on the upper surface and side surface simultaneously.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closure for bottles with means for evidencing a first use in nominal conditions. The closure is intended for being located on the mouth of the bottle, wherein the bottle and the mouth thereof define a longitudinal axis X-X' that is coaxial with the main axis of symmetry of the closure. For this reason, the longitudinal axis X-X' is also the axis along which the closure extends and axial displacements are produced in the parts that are screwed together and unscrewed from one another.

Likewise, given that a bottle has a base intended for resting on a horizontal surface and a mouth that is arranged on the opposite side and located in the upper portion when the bottle rests on said base, the relative terms "lower" and "upper" can be used in an absolute manner in relation to the closure because when the closure is operatively fitted on the bottle, the longitudinal direction X-X' is a vertical axis. Nevertheless, the upper portion of the closure must be interpreted as the portion opposite the portion coupled to the mouth of the bottle.

Throughout the text, axial displacement must be interpreted as a displacement along the direction established by longitudinal axis X-X', unless indicated otherwise.

Axial displacement can be combined with movements of another kind. This is the case of movements for screwing and unscrewing parts such as the cap. Screwing and unscrewing combine axial movement and rotational movement. Therefore, indicating that there is axial movement does not exclude there also being rotational movement.

Another relevant direction is the radial direction. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This is the case of some radial projections. In the embodiments of the invention, most of these radial projections have a perimetral configuration. A cross-section containing the longitudinal axis X-X' shows this radial projection as a laterally arranged protuberance.

Stating that the closure for bottles evidences the first use in nominal conditions is interpreted as the closure performing its function when it is closing a bottle and has a specific first configuration. The first opening causes internal changes in the configuration that will be described below, and after this first opening, the closure adopts a second configuration. This second configuration is visually different from the first configuration, visually evidencing that the closure has been opened at some point at least once.

The second configuration allows establishing the closure of the bottle again, but it shows that at least one prior opening has taken place.

Considering the structure of the closure, said closure extends along a longitudinal axis X-X' corresponding to the axis of the mouth of the bottle when the closure is in an operative position on said mouth and comprises the following components:

- A spout with a seat configured for being coupled on the mouth of the bottle, a pouring mouth at the end opposite the seat according to axis X-X', and an outer thread.

The spout is the element that is coupled to the bottle through its seat and is permanently connected to it. Opening the closure releases the parts establishing the closure and leaves the spout free to enable pouring the desired amount of liquid. According to the embodiments, the connection between the spout and the bottle is done not only through the seat but also by means of a capsule segment improving retention between both.

- A plug configured for plugging the pouring mouth of the spout by means of the entrance into said pouring mouth according to axis X-X', and comprising at least one outer projection protruding according to the radial direction.

The plug is a part configured for being adapted to the pouring mouth, plugging it, i.e., preventing the liquid from coming out. In the embodiments, the plugging occurs because an annular closure portion arranged in the lower portion enters tightly against the inner wall of the spout, assuring leak-tightness. The pouring mouth of the spout is released when the plug moves axially according to direction X-X' coming out of said pouring mouth.

The plug has an outer projection protruding according to the radial direction. In other words, the projection extends according to the radial direction in at least one point, although in the most representative embodiment the projection is perimetral. Other alternative configurations consist of a plurality of projections which are distributed along the perimeter and also prolonged at least according to the radial direction. When another part moves axially and has another projection, in this case inner projection, configured for abutting with the outer projection, then after abutting, one part axially drives the other one. A projection is said to be an outer projection if it protrudes radially in the direction of moving away from the longitudinal axis X- X', and a projection is said to be an inner projection if it protrudes radially in the direction of moving closer to the longitudinal axis X-X'. When the end of an inner projection has a position having a smaller radius with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X' than the end of an outer projection does, then there is mechanical interference between them in the event of axial displacement. This condition is what is referred to by "abutting" in the event of axial movements. When two parts abut, axial displacement of one part imposes axial displacement of the other part.

- A cap with an inner thread configured for being screwed onto the outer thread of the spout such that screwing and unscrewing the cap gives rise to at least one axial displacement of said cap according to the direction of axis X-X' with respect to the spout, and it comprises a first inner projection configured for abutting with the outer projection of the plug in the displacement corresponding to unscrewing such that axial displacement of the cap according to the direction of axis X-X' during the unscrewing thereof imposes axial displacement of the plug and the exit thereof from the pouring mouth of the spout.

The plug and cap are two parts which have inner and outer projections, respectively, intended for abutting at least after a specific axial position. Unscrewing the cap gives rise to a movement having at least one axial displacement. This axial displacement means that its inner projection abuts with the outer projection of the plug after an axial position. After abutting, the cap can only come out if the plug also comes out of its housing in the pouring mouth of the spout.

Additionally, the invention is also characterized in that:

it additionally comprises an elastically deformable annular band, and in that the plug comprises both a first perimetral seat and a housing, both adapted to receive said annular band, wherein:

- the first perimetral seat is configured for housing the annular band by housing the annular band in the perimetral seat under stress in the configuration of the closure prior to the first opening;

- said perimetral seat allows axial displacement of the annular band according to direction X-X' along a segment after which the annular band is housed in the housing, under less stress, evidencing the first opening. The elastically deformable annular band is the element that allows evidencing the first opening and furthermore establishing an irreversible second configuration different from the first configuration prior to the first opening. In other words, once the closure adopts the second configuration, the position and conditions under which the band is in prevent it from readopting the position and conditions prior to the first opening either naturally or by externally tampering with the closure.

According to the most relevant embodiment that will be described below, the elastically deformable annular band is in the form of an open ring. The open ring means that the ring is sectioned at a point thereof. The open ring tends to remain closed, i.e., the ends where the perimeter is sectioned tend to move closer together.

In the first position, before the first opening of the closure, the elastically deformable band is housed in a first perimetral seat of the plug. This seat allows axial displacement of the band.

In this first perimetral seat, the band is under stress. In the embodiment described below, the stress is a result of the diameter of the seat being larger than the diameter of the band when the band is in the standby position, i.e., when it is not fitted on another part. The larger diameter of the seat forces the band to adopt this larger diameter and it does so under stress. The stress is such that the ring tends to adopt a smaller diameter. When the band is axially driven by displacement of the cap, it reaches an axial position where the housing is located. The housing has a configuration such that when housed in said housing, the band can have a shape corresponding to lower stress.

According to the embodiment, the housing has a smaller diameter. When the band surpasses the position where the perimetral seat is located and reaches the housing, it is no longer under the stress imposed by the support surface of the seat as the annular band is kept open, and it is at least partially closed, adopting a smaller diameter. Once it is closed due to the release that involves a transition from the perimetral seat to the housing, the band does not open again given that the process of releasing stress is irreversible, and the transition from a smaller diameter to a larger diameter is not possible without forcing the opening of the annular band. In the embodiment, the transition from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter is by means of a step. This is the particular configuration selected in the example to prevent the annular band from eventually being located again in the perimetral seat without increasing its diameter. According to another embodiment, the annular band allows compression reducing its diameter. This is the case of an open ring having the ends of the opening separated from one another, allowing certain mutual approach of such ends due to compression.

According to this other embodiment, the perimetral seat rests on the outside of the band, keeping said band under compressive stress. The housing has a larger diameter such that when axial displacement of the band caused by axial displacement of the cap occurs and the housing is reached, then the perimetral seat no longer applies a compressive force and the band opens, releasing all or some of its stress. If the transition from the perimetral seat to the housing is abrupt, for example by means of a step, the band cannot recover its initial position, being located again in the perimetral seat. This second example is an operation alternative with respect to the first example which will be described below in reference to the drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the cap comprises a second inner projection configured for abutting with the annular band such that axial displacement of the cap according to the direction of axis X-X' during the unscrewing thereof in the first opening imposes axial displacement of the annular band from the perimetral seat of the plug to the housing.

This is the mechanism which, in the first opening of the closure, gets the band to move from the perimetral seat to the housing. When opening upwardly, the cap moves axially in the direction opposite the seat of the spout, and when closing downwardly, it moves towards the location of the seat of the spout. The cap has an inner projection configured for abutting with the annular band when opening, moving it to the housing. The change in shape of the annular band which involves releasing stress allows this inner projection to only make contact with the annular band during the first opening.

Once the annular band is in the housing, its axial position in the second configuration after the first opening of the closure, different from the axial position in the first configuration before the first opening, establishes a visual change in the closure, evidencing the opening. If the cap has windows on its upper surface, for example, with transparent regions or regions with perforations, the annular band is visually accessible and it is possible to determine if there has been a first opening of the closure by observing the position of the band.

This effect is greater if the windows do not allow seeing the band in one of the positions and they do allow seeing it in the other position. The windows change the visual appearance and allow determining if there has been a first opening of the closure. Visual evidence is even greater if the annular band has a color that differs from the rest of the parts, particularly from the cap.

According to another embodiment, when the annular band is housed in the housing after the first opening, it establishes a separation between the cap and plug. This separation is irreversible due to the interposition of the annular band because said annular band cannot leave the housing.

The greater separation between cap and plug means that after closure, when the plug enters the mouth of the spout, the cap is in a higher position, i.e., separated from the bottle.

In this case, the lower portion of the cap is what is visually seen as being separated from the base of the spout, exposing an annular region that was covered before the first opening.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.

Figures 1A-1C Figures 1A and IB show a plan view and an elevational view of the closure according to a first embodiment in the configuration prior to the first opening. Figure 1A is lacking a capsule covering the cap in order to observe the inside thereof. The elevational view of

Figure IB is sectioned by a plane passing through the central longitudinal axis X-X' and shows the capsule. Figure 1C is an enlargement of the upper portion of Figure IB to show each of the components as well as the portions thereof in greater detail. Figures 2A-2C Figures 2A-2C show the same views as preceding Figures 1A-1C but with the closure according to the configuration it adopts after the first opening.

Figure 3 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment with the outer appearance and upper windows which allow observing one of the possible changes in visual appearance after the first opening.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment as that shown in Figure 3 in which the outer capsule has been removed, leaving the cap in view.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment as that shown in Figure 4 in which the cap has been removed, leaving the spout in view. I n this case the annular band has been included, unlike the preceding figure.

Figure 6 depicts the same view as that shown in the preceding figure after having removed the annular band.

Figure 7 shows a n exploded perspective view of the plug and band slightly separated.

Figure 8A shows a plan view of the closure of the embodiment before the first opening in which the ba nd is not visually accessible through the windows. Figure 8B shows the same plan view showing the visual appearance after the first opening, such that the annular band is visually accessible through the windows. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to the first inventive aspect, the present invention relates to a closure for bottles that allows evidencing the first opening, for example, to prevent fraudulent refilling. The most relevant aspects of the invention are described below in reference to the drawings, and other embodiments according to alternatives to configurations at specific points of the closure will also be indicated.

Figures 1A-1C show a plan view and a section of the elevational view of an embodiment of the closure. Figure 1C is an enlargement of the upper portion of the closure shown in Figure IB, where the most relevant parts are located.

The closure of the invention is intended for being fitted on a bottle or container. Longitudinal axis X-X' is used as a reference wherein the geometric axis of the neck of the bottle coincides with the longitudinal axis of the closure.

The closure according to this embodiment comprises a spout (5) which in turn has a seat (5.2) configured for being coupled on the mouth of the bottle. Given that the remaining elements are connected with the spout (5), the seat (5.2) of the spout (5) is the element that allows attaching the closure to the bottle.

The spout (5) has a pouring mouth (5.3) through which the content of the bottle is poured out once the closure has been open. According to the axial direction determined by longitudinal axis X-X', the pouring mouth (5.3) is located at the end opposite the seat (5.2).

The spout (5) also has an outer thread (5.1) intended for receiving a cap (3). The cap (3) has an inner thread (3.1), which screws onto the outer thread (5.1) of the spout (5), such that the cap (3) shows vertical displacement in addition to rotational movement in the screwing and unscrewing operation.

The cap (3) has a first inner projection (3.2) which is configured in this case as a perimetral projection with a planar support surface transverse to longitudinal axis X-X'. The spout (5) is closed by means of a plug (6). The plug (6) is a part having an annular closure portion (6.5) that enters the mouth of the spout (5) assuring a leak-tight fit in order to prevent the liquid from coming out when the closure is closed.

The plug (6) has an outer projection (6.1) protruding according to the radial direction with a radius greater than the radius of the end of the first inner projection (3.2) of the cap (3). In this embodiment, the outer projection (6.1) has a continuous perimetral configuration. During the opening of the cap (3), its first inner projection (3.2) is raised up until it abuts with the outer projection (6.1) of the plug. After both parts abut through their projections (3.2, 6.1), axial displacement of the cap (3) causes the raising up of the plug (6), releasing the spout (5).

According to the axial direction, a perimetral seat (6.2) in the form of a cylindrical sector is arranged above the outer projection (6.1) of the plug (6). This perimetral seat is configured for receiving an elastically deformable annular band (7). In this embodiment, the annular band (7) is a segment of an open cylindrical sector having an inner diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical sector of the perimetral seat (6.2). Another name for this configuration is a ring having an open, circular configuration. When the annular band (7) is fitted on the perimetral seat (6.2) of the plug (6), the open ends (7.1) of the annular band (7) are separated and the annular band (7) is under stress given that its natural position corresponds to the position showing a smaller diameter. Figure 1A shows the open ends (7.1) of the annular band (7) that are separated and the annular band (7) tightly fitting within the diameter imposed by the perimetral seat (6.2) of the plug (6).

Figure 1C shows the annular band (7) on its perimetral seat (6.2) and with the outer projection (6.1) preventing it from moving down. The only possible movement is upward movement driven by the first inner projection (3.2) of the cap (3).

A plurality of circumferentially distributed radial ribs (6.4) is shown in the upper portion of the plug (6). These radial ribs (6.4) do not reach the center, reducing weight of the closure.

A step (6.4.1) giving rise to a housing (6.3) for the annular band (7) is shown in the upper portion of the ribs (6.4). The set of circumferentially distributed steps (6.4.1) define points of support for the inner face of the annular band (7) but according to a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the seat (6.2) of the plug (6). The perimetral seat (6.2) of the plug (6) is a cylindrical sector with the axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X', such that in a section view it is shown as a vertical wall that allows the annular band (7) to slide upwards. The thickness of the annular band (7) is such that since it is located on the perimetral seat (6.2), it radially surpasses the outer projection of the plug (6). The cap (3) has a second inner projection (3.3), arranged axially above the first inner projection (3.2), such that in the upward movement during the first opening it abuts with the protruding lower portion of the annular band (7). When they abut, the upward movement of the cap (3) also imposes upward movement of the annular band (7), sliding over the seat (6.2) of the plug (6) until surpassing it in the upper portion thereof.

Once the annular band (7) has surpassed the seat (6.2) of the plug (6), the seat (6.2) no longer imposes its diameter and the annular band (7) reduces the diameter by releasing all or some of the stress to which it was subjected. The release of stress forces a change in configuration in which the annular band (7) is now housed in the housing (6.3) of the plug (6) showing a smaller diameter, i.e., the diameter now imposed by the support establishing the plurality of steps (6.4.1) of the ribs (6.4) of the plug (6).

The second inner projection (3.3) of the cap (3) and the thickness of the annular band (7) have dimensions such that when the annular band (7) is in the housing (6.3) of the plug (6) with a smaller diameter, any axial displacement of the cap (3) during screwing and unscrewing operations do not give rise to any mechanical interference between said second inner projection (3.3) of the cap (3) and said annular band (7). In other words, once the first opening of the closure has taken place, the second inner projection (3.3) of the cap (3) no longer has any function in the closure and does not interact with the annular band (7) given that said annular band (7) is already permanently housed in the housing (6.3).

Figures 2A-2C show this second configuration of the closure in the closed position but after the first opening took place. Particularly, Figure 2A shows the open ends (7.1) of the annular band (7) being less separated given that now the annular band (7) adopts a smaller diameter. In this same plan view, the annular area outside the circle corresponding to the larger diameter of the annular band (7) is the view of the outer projection (6.1) which in turn is separated from the second inner projection (3.3) of the cap (3). Nevertheless, the first inner projection (3.2) of the cap (3), which has larger dimensions than the second inner projection of the cap (3) and therefore has a smaller diameter in plan view, continues abutting during opening with the outer projection (6.1) of the plug (6) in each opening even though the first opening has already taken place.

According to this embodiment, the cap (3) is open in the upper portion. Although it could be closed, in the example it is shown to be closed by means of an aluminum capsule (1). In the outer and upper portion, the cap (3) has a knurled ring (3.4) on which the capsule (1) has been notched (1.1) to favor transmitting the effort that the user applies to screw and unscrew the cap (3) when applying effort on the outer surface of the capsule (1), i.e., torque, to the cap (3) through the knurling (3.4), preventing rotational sliding between both parts.

As shown in Figure 1C, the gap between the housing (6.3) and the capsule (1), or the upper portion of the cap (3) if it were closed, is very small in height before the first opening. This height is smaller than the height of the annular band (7). After the first opening, since the annular band (7) is in the housing, the cap (3) cannot be screwed on up to the same axial position because when being screwed on, the annular band (7) comes into contact with the capsule (1).

After the first opening, the lower portion of the cap (3) is positioned such that it is axially separated from the initial position before the first opening. This separation or raising of the cap (3) gives rise to a previously covered annular sector now being exposed.

In this embodiment, in an initial configuration the cap (3) is prolonged by means of a sealing ring (4). In this embodiment, the cap (3) and the sealing ring (4) are connected by means of a breakable attachment, for example by means of breakable bridges or by means of a perforated line.

At the same time, the sealing ring (4) is axially integral with the spout (5). The aluminum capsule (1) is prolonged into a lower portion (2). Cutting and notching is done by means of a splining operation, which separates the capsule (1) into two portions, a first upper portion (1) and a second lower portion (2).

The sealing ring (4) has a groove notch (4.1) defined by two annular projections, one arranged above the other according to the axial direction. The notching creating the separation between the lower edge of the upper portion of the capsule (1) and the upper edge of the lower portion of the capsule (2) is housed in the notch (4.1) of the sealing ring (4).

The upper edge of the lower portion of the capsule (2) housed in or entering the notch (4.1) of the sealing ring (4) assures the fixing of the spout (5) to the bottle to a greater extent.

In the first opening of the closure, the cap (3) moves upwards, causing the breakable connection between the sealing ring (4) and the cap (3) to break. This breaking is audible evidence of a first opening.

The sealing ring (4.1) remains fixed in position with respect to the spout (5), and the cap (3), together with the upper portion of the capsule (1), moves upwards, surpassing the upper perimetral projection giving rise to the notch (4.1).

As described, after this first opening the annular band (7) imposes a separation between the cap (3) and plug (6) which, in the leak-tight closing position with the spout (5), also results in a separation between the cap (3) and said spout (5). In other words, once the first opening has been carried out, the lower edge of the upper portion of the capsule (1) after the closure does not move down to the height of the notch (4.1) of the sealing ring (4), but rather stays at a greater height which leaves said sealing ring (4) visually accessible. Since the sealing ring (4) is visually accessible, there is evidence of the first opening. If the sealing ring (4) has a color that stands out from the color of the capsule (1, 2) this visual evidence is therefore greater.

In this embodiment, the sealing ring (4.1) has an annular projection (4.2) limiting the position of the lower edge of the upper portion of the capsule (1) so that said edge is protected after closure after having carried out the first opening. In this same embodiment, the upper portion of the closure has windows (1.2) which allow having visual access to the inside of the cap (3). Given that the cap (3) is open and closure is achieved with the capsule (1), the windows (1.2) are therefore located in the capsule (1). If the cap (3) were closed, the windows would therefore be located in the cap (3). In this particular case, the windows (1.2) are circumferentially distributed with a radius such that they allow direct visual access to the annular band (7) when said annular band (7) is located in the housing (6.4) but not when it is located in the perimetral seat (6.2). Before the first opening, the windows (1.2) do not show the annular band (7), but after the first opening the windows allow this visual access to at least part of the annular band (7).

Figures 8A and 8B show a top plan view of the closure. Figure 8A particularly shows the windows (1.2) with visual access to the housing (6.3) and the stepping (6.4.1) of the ribs (6.4) retaining the annular band (7) before the first opening. Figure 8B shows the annular band (7) in its position after the first opening. When the color of the annular band (7) stands out from the color of the upper portion of the capsule (1) the contrast is greater and evidence of the first opening is greater.

Visual evidence of the first opening obtained with the sealing ring (4) is independent of the visual evidence obtained with the windows (1.2). The invention can be provided with either one or both of them.

The sections of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2C additionally show that the spout has a frame (8) and a valve (9) to prevent fraudulent refilling. In this embodiment, the seat (5.2) has improved retention because the frame (8) enters said seat. Given that the frame (8) has a material that is more flexible than the spout (5), greater leak-tightness between spout and bottle is favored.

The sequence of Figures 3 to 7 allow seeing in perspective view the same parts that have been described in reference to the sections shown in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2C by removing in an orderly manner one or more parts when going from one figure to the next.

Figure 3 shows the perspective view of the outer appearance of the closure before the first opening. The windows (1.2) do not show the annular band (7), nor is the sealing ring (4) accessible, rather only the notched transition between the upper portion of the capsule (1) and the lower portion of the capsule (2) is shown.

Figure 4 shows the perspective view of the same closure after having removed the upper portion of the capsule (1). The cap (3) and sealing ring (4) arranged thereunder and attached by means of a breakable attachment can be seen by removing the upper portion of the capsule (1).

Shown in the upper portion are the outer knurled ring (3.4) of the cap (3), the gap which allows receiving the annular band (7), which is not shown, when it is located on the perimetral seat (6.2), the ribs (6.4), as well as the steps (6.4.1) defining the housing of the annular band (7.1) when the first opening has taken place.

Figure 5 shows the same closure after removing the cap (3) wherein the spout (5) and its outer threading (5.1) are visible. Said Figure 5 shows the annular band (7) located on the perimetral seat (6.2) when the closure has still not been opened for the first time.

Figure 6 reproduces the same situation after eliminating the annular band (7). Figure 7 is a detailed exploded perspective view of the plug (6) and the annular band (7).

Claims

1.- A bottle closure with means for evidencing a first use in nominal conditions wherein this closure extends along a longitudinal axis X-X' corresponding to the axis of the mouth of the bottle when the closure is in an operative position on said mouth and comprises the following components:

- a spout (5) with a seat (5.2) configured for being coupled on the mouth of the bottle, a pouring mouth (5.3) at the end opposite the seat (5.2) according to axis X- X', and an outer thread (5.1);

- a plug (6) configured for plugging the pouring mouth (5.3) of the spout (5) by means of the entrance into said pouring mouth (5.3) according to axis X-X', and comprising at least one outer projection (6.1) protruding according to the radial direction;

- a cap (3) with an inner thread (3.1) configured for being screwed onto the outer thread (5.1) of the spout (5) such that screwing and unscrewing the cap (3) gives rise to at least one axial displacement of said cap (3) according to the direction of axis X-X' with respect to the spout (5), and it comprises a first inner projection (3.2) configured for abutting with the outer projection (6.1) of the plug (6) in the displacement corresponding to unscrewing such that axial displacement of the cap (3) according to the direction of axis X-X' during the unscrewing thereof imposes axial displacement of the plug (6) and the exit thereof from the pouring mouth (5.3) of the spout (5),

characterized in that it additionally comprises an elastically deformable annular band (7), and in that the plug (6) comprises both a first perimetral seat (6.2) and a housing (6.3), both adapted to receive said annular band (7), wherein:

- the first perimetral seat (6.2) is configured for housing the annular band (7) by housing the annular band (7) in the perimetral seat (6.2) under stress in the configuration of the closure prior to the first opening;

- said perimetral seat (6.2) allows axial displacement of the annular band (7) according to direction X-X' along a segment after which the annular band (7) is housed in the housing (6.3), under less stress, evidencing the first opening;

and wherein the cap (3) comprises a second inner projection (3.3) configured for abutting with the annular band (7) such that axial displacement of the cap (3) according to the direction of axis X-X' during the unscrewing thereof in the first opening imposes axial displacement of the annular band (7) from the perimetral seat (6.2) of the plug (6) to the housing (6.3).

2.- The closure according to claim 1, wherein the annular band (7) is a ring having an open, circular configuration. 3.- The closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the annular band (7) has a height according to the direction of axis X-X' such that once housed in the housing (6.

3), it prevents the cap (3) during closure thereof from reaching the position according to the axial direction of axis X-X' adopted before the first opening by mechanical interference.

4. - The closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the perimetral seat (6.2) of the annular band (7) is a segment having a cylindrical outer surface.

5. - The closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (6.3) of the annular band (7) is formed by a plurality of radial ribs (6.4) distributed such that they are circumferentially arranged in the plug (6) and having a step (6.4.1) in each rib (6.4) located on the side farthest from the center and adapted to receive at least part of the inner face of the annular band (7), keeping said annular band (7) under stress that is less than the stress of said annular band (7) when it is located in the perimetral seat (6.2).

6. - The closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the annular band (7) is visually accessible from the outside to evidence the first opening depending on if said annular band (7) is located in the perimetral seat (6.2) or it if is located in the housing (6.3).

7. - The closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (3) is open on the face where the housing of the annular band (7) is located.

8.- The closure according to claim 7, wherein the cap (3) is covered by a capsule (1, 2).

9.- The closure according to claim 8 or any of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule (1) or the upper portion of the cap (3) has one or more windows (1.2) on the face corresponding to the housing of the annular band (7) to allow visual access to said annular band (7).

10. - The closure according to claim 8 or any of the preceding claims, wherein:

- the cap (3) comprises adjacent to its edge opposite the surface corresponding to the housing of the annular band (7) a sealing ring (4),

- the sealing ring (4) is axially integral with the spout (5),

wherein in the first opening axial displacement of the cap (3) causes the separation thereof from the sealing ring (4).

11. - The closure according to claim 10, wherein there is a breakable connection between the cap (3) and sealing ring (4) that breaks in the first opening.

12. - The closure according to claim 9 or 10, wherein

- the sealing ring (4) comprises a notch (4.1);

- the capsule (1,2) comprises an upper portion (1) and a lower portion (2) separated by a perimetral cut made in the notch (4.1) of the sealing ring (4); and,

wherein the lower portion (2) of the capsule makes the sealing ring (4) integral with the spout (5); and the notched portion of the upper portion (1) which is housed in the notch (4.1) is released therefrom after the first opening, leaving the sealing ring (4) visually accessible.