Safety closure device with stabilizing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety closure device with a closure cap and a stabilizing device. The closure cap includes a primary cap and an overcap; the primary cap and the overcap each has a cover plate and a cylindrical skirt, and the overcap is axially movable relative to the primary cap between a first position where rotation doesn't rotate the primary cap and a second position where rotation does rotate the primary cap. The stabilizing device supports the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via at least one contact point when the overcap is in the first position. Also provided is a closure element with a cap, guarantee ring, and toothed ring. In addition, the present invention provides a process for making cuts in an injection molded cap body by guiding it using an external toothed ring rolling along a guide tooth system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a safety closure device, and in particular to a safety closure device used for packaging pharmaceutical, nutritional, or chemical products. The present invention also relates to a closure element. The present invention further relates to a process for making cuts in an injection molded plastic cap body.

BACKGROUND

Substances such as pharmaceutical, nutritional or chemical products provided in form of tablets, liquids or powder are often stored in packaging that has a safety closure so that children cannot easily come into contact with these substances. Such a closure is therefore also referred to as a safety closure device or child-resistant closure.

Child-resistant closures must fulfill a safety function, but should also be easy for an adult to use. Children should not be in the position or require strong effort to bring overcap and primary cap into the second axial position. Adults should overcome the safety lock with low effort. The overcap and primary cap should be in axial alignment during opening and closing for easy handling. If the overcap has too much play in the transverse direction in relation to the primary cap, both caps may tilt when the overcap is pushed in the direction of the primary cap, which is neither intended nor desirable.

Against this background, it is a problem of the present invention to provide a safety closure device which, on the one hand, provides a very good safety lock and, on the other hand, ensures increased user comfort.

SUMMARY

This problem is solved by a safety closure device, wherein the safety closure device comprises a closure cap, wherein the closure cap comprises a primary cap, wherein the primary cap comprises a primary cap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to a closure cap axis and a primary cap skirt extending axially from the primary cap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis, wherein the primary cap can be connected to a pouring spout of a container in such a way that the primary cap closes a pouring opening of the pouring spout in a closed state, wherein the closure cap comprises an overcap in addition to the primary cap, wherein the overcap comprises an overcap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to the closure cap axis and an overcap skirt extending axially from the overcap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis, wherein the primary cap is connected to the overcap in such a way that the overcap is mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the primary cap over a delimited axial distance, wherein the overcap skirt surrounds the primary cap skirt at least in an axially extending overlap section, wherein the overcap and the primary cap are configured in such a way that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a first axial position relative to the primary cap, wherein in the first axial position a rotation of the overcap does not cause rotation of the primary cap, wherein the overcap and the primary cap are configured in such a way that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a second axial position relative to the primary cap, wherein the second axial position differs from the first axial position, and wherein in the second axial position a rotation of the overcap causes rotation of the primary cap. According to the invention, the safety closure device comprises a stabilizing device, wherein the stabilizing device is configured and arranged such that it supports the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via at least one contact point when the overcap is in the first axial position.

The latter does not exclude that in embodiments of the invention the support also takes place when the overcap is in the second axial position. However, embodiments of the present invention also include embodiments in which the support takes place exclusively when the overcap is in the first axial position and consequently no support takes place when the overcap is in the second axial position.

Supporting via the at least one contact point stabilizes the mounting of the overcap relative to the primary cap. It is also possible to reduce or even completely prevent transverse movements or small rotational movements of the overcap about an axis of rotation which is aligned perpendicular to the closure axis.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the stabilizing device is configured and arranged such that transverse movements of the overcap with respect to the closure axis and/or rotational movements of the overcap about rotational axes extending perpendicular to the closure axis are inhibited or completely blocked by the stabilizing device when the overcap is in the first axial position. This results in an improved user experience when using the safety closure device.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the stabilizing device comprises a flange element, in particular an annular flange element, and a first supporting projection, wherein according to a first alternative the flange element is arranged on the primary cap skirt and extends radially outwards and the supporting projection is arranged on the overcap skirt and extends radially inwards, wherein, according to a second alternative, the flange element is arranged on the overcap skirt and extends radially inwards and the supporting projection is arranged on the primary cap skirt and extends radially outwards, wherein the supporting projection and the flange element abut one another via the contact point in order to support the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt when the overcap is in the first axial position.

A flange element is understood to be a radially projecting axial section of the primary cap skirt or the overcap skirt. In particular, the flange element can extend over the full circumferential angle of 360. Alternatively, the flange element can also extend over less than 360 degrees.

The combination of an annular flange element on the one hand, for example arranged on the primary cap, and a supporting projection or multiple supporting projections on the other hand, in the example mentioned arranged on the overcap, enables a material-saving solution with which at least one contact point for supporting the overcap on the primary cap can be guaranteed at any relative angular position of the overcap and primary cap.

Preferably, the flange element has a first structured surface, wherein the supporting projection abuts against the first structured surface via the at least one contact point. The structured surface increases the friction between the supporting projection and the flange element, which in turn increases the stability of the bearing of the overcap.

In particular, the flange element and the supporting projection can be engaged or brought into engagement via the contact point in such a way that a rotational movement of the overcap against an opening rotational movement of the overcap and primary cap is inhibited or blocked. This prevents incorrect operation of the overcap.

The flange element may in particular be a toothed ring. Preferably, the toothed ring comprises several radially protruding teeth. This enables engagement with corresponding counterparts on the respective other cap shell. Advantageously, the teeth of the toothed ring protrude by a distance of at least 0.2 mm to a maximum of 2.0 mm, particularly preferably by a distance of at least 0.4 mm to a maximum of 1.2 mm, in relation to a tooth root. The tooth root is formed by those sections of the toothed ring which—in relation to the teeth of the toothed ring—each have the smallest outer radius.

In particular, the toothed ring can comprise several radially protruding teeth, preferably a number of teeth selected from the closed interval [70, 150] and particularly preferably a number of teeth selected from the closed interval [85, 120].

It has been found that a toothed ring as a flange element enables particularly stable support of the overcap, since the corresponding supporting projection can be brought into positive engagement with the teeth of the toothed ring.

According to yet another embodiment of the safety closure device, the flange element has a substantially flat outer surface. Thus, in this case, the flange element is not toothed. This can sometimes be easier to manufacture, but still facilitates a sufficient abutment.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the stabilizing device comprises a first flange element, in particular a first toothed ring, and a second flange element, in particular a second toothed ring, wherein the first flange element is arranged on the overcap skirt and extends radially inwards, wherein the second flange element is arranged on the primary cap skirt and extends radially outwards. The two flange elements abut against each other when the overcap is in the first axial position. This increases the rigidity of the bearing of the overcap in relation to the primary cap and thus leads to an extremely pleasant user experience.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the flange element is configured in accordance with the first alternative and is thus arranged on the primary cap skirt, wherein the flange element extends to a maximum outer diameter that is smaller than the maximum inner diameter of the overcap skirt.

Preferably and in general, the flange element can protrude by a radial distance of at least 0.5 mm to a maximum of 3 mm, preferably by a distance of at least 1 mm to a maximum of 2 mm, relative to an axially adjacent skirt surface. It has been shown that with these dimensions the optimum balance between comfort and material savings can be reached.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the supporting projection is configured as a plate-shaped element with a longitudinal side, a wide side and a thickness, wherein the thickness is in each case smaller than a length measured along the longitudinal side and a width measured along the wide side, wherein the supporting projection extends substantially axially on the longitudinal side, wherein the supporting projection extends proportionally in the radial direction and proportionally in the circumferential direction on the wide side, wherein the wide side extends at an angle selected from the closed interval [20°, 70°] to the radial axis. It is particularly advantageous if the flange element corresponding to the supporting projection is configured as a toothed ring, for example if the primary cap skirt has a toothed ring and the overcap has a supporting projection as described here. In this case, the interaction of an inclined supporting projection and the toothed ring leads to a one-on-one engagement of the projection and tooth root or tooth flank, which inhibits one of the two possible directions of rotation of the overcap more than the other.

The supporting projection and toothed ring can also be configured in such a way that one direction of rotation is completely blocked by the engagement. Preferably, the supporting projection and the toothed ring are configured in such a way that the movement of the overcap in the direction of opening rotation is less strongly inhibited than the movement of the overcap against the direction of opening rotation. In a special embodiment, the movement of the overcap against the direction of opening rotation can be blocked.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the supporting projection protrudes in the radial direction by a distance of at least 0.5 mm to a maximum of 4 mm, preferably by a distance of at least 1 mm to a maximum of 2.5 mm, relative to a skirt surface axially adjacent to the supporting projection. It has been shown that the desired stabilization of the bearing of the overcap can be achieved with one or more appropriately configured supporting projections.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the flange element extends in the axial direction by a distance selected from the closed interval [1 mm, 4 mm], preferably selected from the closed interval [1.0 mm, 3 mm] and particularly preferably selected from the closed interval [1.0 mm, 2 mm]. Here, too, technology development has shown that appropriately configured flange elements provide the best balance between comfort and material savings.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, a plurality of supporting projections of the stabilizing device are provided, each of which supports the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via its own contact point with the flange element, when the overcap is in the first axial position, wherein the stabilizing device preferably comprises a number of at least three such supporting projections and preferably at least six such supporting projections. A plurality of contact points further stabilizes the bearing of the overcap relative to the primary cap. In particular, the plurality of supporting projections are arranged equidistantly.

Preferably, the stabilizing device comprises a maximum of 20 and particularly preferably a maximum of 15 supporting projections, wherein the projections each support the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via a separate contact point with the flange element.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the overcap skirt and the primary cap skirt are configured in such a way that in the axial region of the flange element and in circumferential regions in which no projections of the stabilizing device are arranged, a free gap extends between the overcap skirt and the primary cap skirt, wherein the free gap preferably has a minimum radial extent selected from the closed interval [0.2 mm, 1.5 mm], particularly preferably selected from the closed interval [0.4 mm, 1.0 mm]. A certain free gap is advantageous between the overcap and the primary cap in order to enable good functionality of the safety closure device. At the same time, it must be possible to support the overcap with as little material as possible in relation to the primary cap. The above-mentioned free gap extensions optimally compensate for these partially opposing requirements.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the safety closure device comprises a guarantee ring, wherein the guarantee ring is connected to the primary cap via a weakening line before the safety closure device is opened for the first time. This provides a guarantee function so that the user can see at a glance whether the safety closure device has already been opened for the first time (the guarantee ring is at least partially detached) or has not yet been opened for the first time (the guarantee ring is still fully intact). It turned out that safety closure devices with guarantee rings specifically benefit from a stabilizing device as described above, since the guarantee ring causes an additional lever for transversal movements.

For the purposes of the present invention, a weakening line is understood to mean in particular cutting lines which are introduced subsequently into the injection-molded closure device by cutting elements, as well as free gaps which are bridged by at least one tearable material bridge produced directly by the injection molding process.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the guarantee ring is configured as a flex band with a radially outer flex band section and an inwardly foldable or folded over inner flex band section, wherein the inner flex band section is hingedly tethered to the outer flex band section, wherein the inner flex band section is preferably hingedly tethered to the end of the outer flex band section, wherein this end is facing away from the primary cap cover plate or over cap cover plate.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the closure device comprises an activation device, wherein the activation device comprises a first abutment element arranged on the primary cap and a second abutment element arranged on the overcap, wherein the first abutment element and the second abutment element are configured in such a way that the first abutment element and the second abutment element are disengaged when the overcap is in the first axial position, so that rotation of the overcap does not cause rotation of the primary cap, and that the first abutment element and the second abutment element are or can be brought into engagement with each other when the overcap is in the second axial position, so that rotation of the overcap causes rotation of the primary cap. This advantageously provides the safety function of the safety closure device.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the activation device is arranged on the primary cap skirt and the overcap skirt, wherein the activation device is preferably arranged exclusively on the primary cap skirt and the overcap skirt.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the first abutment element is configured as a component of the primary cap skirt, in particular as an axially extending pin-shaped and radially protruding element of the primary cap skirt, wherein the second abutment element is configured as a component of the overcap skirt, in particular as an axially extending pin-shaped and radially protruding element of the overcap skirt.

The stabilizing device and the activation device are in particular two separate and axially spaced-apart devices. This means that in this case elements of the stabilizing device are not also elements of the activation device. In particular, embodiments are possible in which the first abutment element of the overcap and a supporting projection of the overcap are arranged axially spaced apart from one another on the overcap.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the overcap has a first maximum internal diameter in a first axial section, in which in any case the components of the activation device belonging to the overcap are arranged, and has a second maximum internal diameter in a second axial section, which is arranged axially on a side of the first section facing away from the over cap cover plate and in which in any case the projection or the flange element is arranged, wherein the second internal diameter is larger than the first internal diameter. In other words, the inside of the overcap has two different radial levels. The lower level extends at a larger radius than the upper level. This allows a solution with a flange element and supporting projection to be configured in a particularly material-saving manner. Advantageously, several supporting projections are arranged on the lower level.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the overcap skirt in the first axial section on the side of the second abutment element facing away from the over cap cover plate additionally has a retaining projection or a plurality of retaining projections projecting radially inwards, wherein the retaining projection or the plurality of retaining projections preferably extend longitudinally in the circumferential direction. The retaining protrusions allow the overcap to be movably mounted relative to the primary cap. The overcap is restricted in its axial upward movement by the retaining projections.

Particularly, the primary cap can have a third abutment element or multiple third abutment elements, which are configured to be engageable with the retaining protrusion or the retaining protrusions of the over plate in order to restrict the axial movability of the cover cap with respect to the primary cap.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the primary cap has an internal thread. Preferably, the internal thread has a thread diameter selected from the closed interval of 15 mm to 65 mm, further preferably having one of the following values: 24 mm, 28 mm, 38 mm or 45 mm. It has been shown that support via the at least one contact point leads to a significantly improved user experience, particularly with the aforementioned cap sizes.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device according to the invention, the primary cap and the overcap are made of HDPE, which is also referred to as high density polyethylene. The density of HDPE is in the range of 930 to 970 kg/m³. Because both caps are made of HDPE, the closure device is unmixed and can be recycled more easily. At the same time, there is less wear at the contact point of the flange element and supporting projection during use of the closure device.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the closure device comprises a spring element, wherein the spring element is configured and arranged such that a movement of the overcap from the first axial position to the second axial position with an external force causes a restoring force of the spring element, so that the overcap is moved back from the second axial position towards the first axial position when the external force is removed. Preferably, the spring element extends axially from an inner side of the over cap cover plate into a cavity surrounded by the overcap skirt. In addition, the primary cap can comprise a spring-receiving element, which is preferably arranged on the outside of the primary cap cover plate and is suitable for receiving the spring element of the overcap in such a way that the spring element deforms and thereby causes a restoring axial force on the overcap. In particular, the spring receiving element can be configured in such a way that it causes an elastic deformation of the spring element when the overcap is moved from the first axial position to the second axial position, so that the restoring force of the spring element is caused by the elastic deformation.

According to one embodiment of the safety closure device, the safety closure device comprises an anchor ring and a connecting element, the connecting element connecting the primary cap to the anchor ring in a tension-proof manner, the anchor ring being configured in such a way that it can be engaged in a tension-proof manner with a container neck of a container. In particular, the above-mentioned guarantee ring can be designed as such an anchor ring. For example, the guarantee ring can be connected to the primary cap by at least one breakable bridge but also by at least one non-breakable bridge, the non-breakable bridge forming the tension-proof connecting element. In one embodiment of the safety closure device, the connecting element connects the primary cap to the anchor ring in a tension-proof manner such that the resulting connection only tears when a tensile force of 12.5 newtons or more is applied.

In one embodiment of the safety closure device, the connecting element is a hinge element configured in such a way that the primary cap together with the over cap can be pivoted relative to the anchor ring about a pivot axis configured essentially perpendicular to the closure cap axis, when the primary cap is detached from a container opening.

In one embodiment of the combination of a safety closure device and a container according to the invention, the container has a container neck, wherein the anchor ring is in engagement with the container neck in such a way that the anchor ring is connected to the container neck in a tension-resistant manner, so that the primary cap is tethered to the container neck via the connecting element and the anchor ring, even when the primary cap is in an open position. The anchor ring can be engaged with the container neck in such a way that the resulting pull-resistant connection only breaks at a tensile force of 12.5 newtons or more.

Features of the safety closure device embodiments described above may also occur in combination in further embodiments of the invention, provided that no logical exclusions of such combinations exist or have been described herein.

For the purposes of the present invention, the spatial assignments “top” and “bottom” refer to the usual spatial directions to be understood hereunder and a state in which the closure device is applied to a container neck and the latter is in an upright position. In relation to the overcap, “up” refers to the spatial direction which, starting from the overcap skirt, points axially in the direction of the over cap cover plate. “Bottom” is then the opposite axial direction. This also applies analogously to the primary cap.

The underlying problem of the present invention is also solved by a closure element, wherein the closure element comprises a closure cap, wherein the closure cap comprises a cap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to a closure cap axis and a cap skirt extending axially from the cap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis, wherein the closure cap can be connected to a pouring spout of a container in such a way that the closure cap closes a pouring opening of the pouring spout in a closed state, wherein the closure element comprises a guarantee ring, wherein the guarantee ring is connected to the closure cap via a cut weakening line before the closure cap is opened for the first time, wherein the closure element comprises a toothed ring.

The toothed ring facilitates the use of the closure cap as a primary cap as described above with respect to the safety closure device. Further, the toothed ring enables guiding of the closure cap element by means of a guide tooth system. This can be advantageous, when cuts are to be made in the closure cap element after injection molding, e.g. to form breakable lines between an upper portion of the closure cap element and a lower portion, the lower part forming a guarantee ring or combined guarantee and anchor ring.

Particularly, the toothed ring can be arranged on the side of the weakening line facing the closure cap plate. Preferably, the toothed ring is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the weakening line. This allows the closure cap element to be guided close to the cutting area. This improves the cutting quality since the closure cap element is supported for cutting very close to the area of cutting.

The features of the above-described closure caps, in particular the primary cap, ca also be features of the here described closure cap element.

The underlying problem of the present invention is also solved by the use of the toothed ring of a cap element according to one of the afore-mentioned embodiments for guiding the cap element along a guide tooth system during the manufacture of a closure device from the cap element.

The underlying problem of the present invention is also solved by a process for making cuts in an injection molded plastic cap body, wherein the process comprises the following steps: (A) guiding the cap body to be cut along a guideway, (B) making one or more cuts in the closure body, wherein the cap body comprises an external toothed ring and wherein the guiding of the closure body in step A is carried out by rolling the toothed ring along a guide tooth system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the associated drawings shown in the figures and the description thereof. The figures show:

FIG. 1: a primary cap of a first embodiment of the closure device according to the invention in a plan view from diagonally above;

FIG. 2: an overcap of the first embodiment in a plan view from diagonally below;

FIG. 3: the overcap of FIG. 2 in a plan view from diagonally above;

FIG. 4: the first embodiment with combined overcap and primary cap in a top view from diagonally below;

FIG. 5: the first embodiment of FIG. 4 in a plan view from below;

FIG. 6: a first detailed view of the flange element and supporting projections from below;

FIG. 7: a second detailed view of the flange element and supporting projections from an oblique downward perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a safety closure device, wherein the safety closure device comprises a closure cap, wherein the closure cap comprises a primary cap, wherein the primary cap comprises a primary cap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to a closure cap axis and a primary cap skirt extending axially from the primary cap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis, wherein the primary cap can be connected to a pouring spout of a container in such a way that the primary cap closes a pouring opening of the pouring spout in a closed state, wherein the closure cap comprises an overcap in addition to the primary cap, wherein the overcap comprises an overcap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to the closure cap axis and an overcap skirt extending axially from the overcap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis, wherein the primary cap is connected to the overcap in such a way that the overcap is mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the primary cap over a delimited axial distance, wherein the overcap skirt surrounds the primary cap skirt at least in an axially extending overlap section, wherein the overcap and the primary cap are configured such that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a first axial position in which rotation of the overcap does not cause rotation of the primary cap, and that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a second axial position, which differs from the first axial position, in which rotation of the overcap causes rotation of the primary cap.

FIG. 1 shows a primary cap 3 which is connected to a guarantee ring 16 on its lower rim via a weakening line 20. The guarantee ring 16 indicates whether the safety closure device 1 equipped with the primary cap 3 has already been opened for the first time or not.

In the case shown here, the weakening line 20 is configured as a series of circumferentially distributed cuts 25, which are made in the plastic material after the primary cap and guarantee ring have been injection molded. The cuts 25 are each interrupted in pairs in the circumferential direction by uncut material bridges 26. The material bridges 26 are dimensioned in such a way that they tear when the primary cap 3 and guarantee ring 16 undergo a circumferential relative movement and/or axial relative movement, whereby the guarantee ring 26 is separated from the primary cap and clearly indicates the initial opening and/or the opening trial. This usually occurs when the primary cap 3 is connected to a corresponding container neck and the primary cap 3 is rotated in an opening direction for the first time. As an alternative to cuts, the guarantee ring 16 can also be connected to the lower edge of the primary cap 3 via injection-molded material bridges 26.

In the example shown in the figures, the guarantee ring is configured as a flex band with a radially outer section and a radially inner section 19 that is folded inwards. The inner section 19 of the flex band can be seen particularly clearly in the view in FIG. 4.

The inner section 19 of the flex band can be configured in one piece and annular. Alternatively, however, it can also comprise tabs spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, which extend radially inwards at least proportionally from the lower end of the radially outer section of the flex band.

The primary cap cover plate has a spring-receiving element 14, which is arranged centered with respect to the closure axis. This spring-receiving element 14 serves to receive the spring element 13 of the overcap (see FIG. 2) and to deform it elastically when the overcap 6 is pressed axially in the direction of the primary cap 3—onto the primary cap 3—in order to move the overcap 3 from the first axial position to the second axial position. The deformation of the spring element 13 of the overcap 6 causes a restoring force, which ensures that the overcap 6 moves back to the initial position-the first axial position-as soon as the externally acting pressure force is removed.

In order for the safety closure device 1 to fulfill its function, the primary cap can have first abutment elements 11, as shown in FIG. 1. These form a component of the activation device of the safety closure device 1. The first abutment elements 11 are mounted on the outside of the primary cap skirt and are configured in such a way that the internal second abutment elements of the overcap shown in FIG. 2 can be brought into engagement with the first abutment elements 11 in order to drive a rotation, indeed co-rotation, of the overcap 6 and primary cap 3—by actuating a rotation of the overcap 6. In the example shown, the first abutment elements 11 are configured laterally as part of the outer surface of the primary cap skirt 5. If a first abutment element 11 and a second abutment element 12 are in engagement, this means that a surface of the second abutment element 12 pointing in the direction of opening rotation-the direction of a surface is to be understood here in the sense of the direction of the associated surface normal—abuts against a surface of the first abutment element 11 pointing against the direction of opening rotation. In order to enable the safety function of the safety closure device 1, such engagement or being engaged is possible when the overcap 6 is in the second axial position, but not possible when the overcap 6 is in the first axial position. In other words, rotation of the overcap 6 does not cause rotation of the primary cap 3 when the overcap is in the first axial position 6.

In order to facilitate the engagement of first abutment element 11 and second abutment elements 12, the first abutment elements 11 attached to the primary cap 3 have an inclined surface 17 extending in the circumferential direction on their side facing the primary cap cover plate 4. If the pin-shaped configured second abutment elements 12 happen to be located exactly above the first abutment elements 11, these inclined surfaces 17 ensure that when the overcap 6 and primary cap 3 move axially towards each other, this axial movement of the overcap 6 is not blocked. Instead, in this special initial position, the second abutment elements 12 of the overcap slide over the inclined surfaces 17 into an axially lower position that is slightly offset in the circumferential direction, in which functional engagement of the first and second abutment elements 11, 12 is then possible and co-rotation of the overcap 6 and primary cap 3 can be driven—by actuating rotation of the overcap 6.

When the overcap 6 is in the first axial position, it is centered relative to the primary cap 3 via the spring element 13 and is mounted for axially limited movement via the several retaining projections 15, which are clearly visible in FIG. 2 and project radially inwards. To activate this mounting, the overcap 6 with the retaining projections 15 is slipped over the primary cap 3 in such a way that the retaining projections 15 slide over the horizontally extending third abutment elements 29 of the primary cap and are then restricted in their upward freedom of movement by the contact faces of the third abutment elements 29, which extend substantially perpendicular to the closure axis. Consequently, the overcap 6 can then no longer be lifted off the primary cap 3 without the application of forces exceeding the usual everyday level, since the engagement of retaining projections 15 and horizontal third abutment elements 29 restricts the upward movement of the overcap 6. So that the overcap 6 can be brought more smoothly into engagement with the primary cap 3, the third abutment elements 29 have guiding bevels 2 provided for this purpose on the side of the third abutment elements 29 facing the primary cap cover plate 4.

If the overcap 6 were now supported in the first axial position relative to the primary cap 3 only via the contact of spring element 13 and spring-receiving element 14, the radial play between the overcap 6 and the primary cap 3 would allow a slight rotational movement of the overcap 6 relative to the primary cap 3, which is also referred to as “tilting”. However, such a movement of the overcap 6 is prevented by the presence of the flange element 9 of the primary cap 3, which is configured as a toothed ring, and its interaction with the supporting projections 10 of the overcap 6.

In the primary cap 3 shown in FIG. 1, the flange element 9 is arranged below the third abutment elements 29 and slightly above the weakening line 20. This allows the overcap 6 to be supported at the lower end of the overcap 6. This is particularly advantageous, as it essentially completely prevents a rotational movement of the overcap 6 about an axis of rotation aligned perpendicular to the closure axis (a tilting movement). The corresponding supporting projections 10 of the overcap are clearly visible in FIG. 2. These are configured as plate-shaped projections that are positioned at an angle to the inside of the overcap and that engage with the tooth root 21 of the toothed ring 9 or abut against the side flanks of a tooth projection 23, thereby enabling effective support (see also FIGS. 6 and 7).

It can be seen from FIG. 5 that the exemplary overcap shown in the figures comprises ten supporting projections. These are arranged equidistantly and are all in contact with the toothed ring of the primary cap via a respective contact point. A transverse movement or tilting movement of the overcap is thus blocked.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the area 30 shown in FIG. 5. Here it can be seen how the supporting projections 10, which are each configured inclined by approx. 60 degrees relative to the radial axis, are in contact with corresponding teeth of the toothed ring. Advantageously, the inclination of the supporting projections is selected such that the tip of the supporting projection abuts along a contact line against one flank of a tooth projection 23.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, this illustration and description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the claims. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Variations of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the drawings, the description and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “one” or “a” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are claimed in different claims does not exclude their combination.

Reference symbols

• • 1 Closure device
  • 2 Guiding bevel
  • 3 Primary cap
  • 4 Primary cap cover plate
  • 5 Primary cap skirt
  • 6 Overcap
  • 7 Over cap cover plate
  • 8 Overcap skirt
  • 9 Flange element
  • 10 Supporting projection
  • 11 First abutment element (activation device)
  • 12 Second abutment element (activation device)
  • 13 Spring element
  • 14 Spring-receiving element
  • 15 Retaining projection
  • 16 Guarantee ring
  • 17 Inclined surface
  • 18 Internal thread
  • 19 Inner section of the flex band
  • 20 Weakening line
  • 21 Tooth root
  • 22 Tooth
  • 23 Tooth projection
  • 24 Contact point
  • 25 Cut
  • 26 Material bridge
  • 27 Second axial section
  • 28 First axial section
  • 29 Third abutment element
  • 30 Area for detailed view of FIG. 6
  • 31 Area for detailed view of FIG. 7

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A safety closure device comprising:

a closure cap comprising a primary cap and an overcap; and

a stabilizing device;

wherein the primary cap comprises a primary cap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to a closure cap axis and a primary cap skirt extending axially from the primary cap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis,

wherein the primary cap can be connected to a pouring spout of a container such that the primary cap closes a pouring opening of the pouring spout in a closed state,

wherein the overcap comprises an overcap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to the closure cap axis and an overcap skirt extending axially from the overcap cover plate and configured cylindrically around the closure cap axis,

wherein the primary cap is connected to the overcap such that the overcap is axially movably mounted relative to the primary cap over a delimited axial distance,

wherein the overcap skirt surrounds the primary cap skirt at least in an axially extending overlap section,

wherein the overcap and the primary cap are configured such that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a first axial position relative to the primary cap, wherein in the first axial position a rotation of the overcap does not cause rotation of the primary cap,

wherein the overcap and the primary cap are configured such that in the closed state, the overcap can be brought into a second axial position relative to the primary cap, wherein the second axial position differs from the first axial position, and wherein in the second axial position a rotation of the overcap causes rotation of the primary cap, and

wherein the stabilizing device is configured and arranged to support the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via at least one contact point when the overcap is in the first axial position.

20. The safety closure device according to claim 19, wherein the stabilizing device is configured and arranged such that transverse movements of the overcap with respect to the closure cap axis and/or rotational movements of the overcap about rotational axes extending perpendicular to the closure cap axis are inhibited or completely blocked by the stabilizing device when the overcap is in the first axial position.

21. The safety closure device according to claim 19, wherein the stabilizing device comprises:

a flange element; and

a first supporting projection,

wherein, according to a first alternative, the flange element is arranged on the primary cap skirt and extends radially outwards and the supporting projection is arranged on the overcap skirt and extends radially inwards,

wherein, according to a second alternative, the flange element is arranged on the overcap skirt and extends radially inwards and the supporting projection is arranged on the primary cap skirt and extends radially outwards, and

wherein the supporting projection and the flange element abut each other via the contact point to support the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt when the overcap is in the first axial position.

22. The safety closure device according to claim 21, wherein the flange element is a toothed ring, and wherein the toothed ring comprises a plurality of radially projecting teeth.

23. The safety closure device according to claim 21,

wherein the supporting projection is configured as a plate-shaped element with a longitudinal side, a wide side and a thickness, wherein the thickness is smaller than a length measured along the longitudinal side and a width measured along the wide side,

wherein the supporting projection extends substantially axially along the longitudinal side,

wherein the supporting projection extends on the wide side proportionally in the radial direction and proportionally in the circumferential direction, and

wherein the wide side extends at an angle selected from the closed interval [20 degrees, 70 degrees] to the radial axis.

24. The safety closure device according to claim 21, wherein the stabilizing device comprises a plurality of supporting projections, each of the plurality of supporting projections supporting the overcap skirt relative to the primary cap skirt via a separate contact point with the flange element, and wherein the stabilizing device comprises at least three such supporting projections.

25. The safety closure device according to claim 21, wherein the overcap skirt and the primary cap skirt are configured such that a free gap extends between the overcap skirt and the primary cap skirt in the axial region of the flange element and in circumferential regions in which no supporting projections of the stabilizing device are arranged, and wherein the free gap has a minimum radial extent selected from the closed interval 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

26. The safety closure device according to claim 19, further comprising a guarantee ring, the guarantee ring being connected to the primary cap via a weakening line before the safety closure device is opened for the first time.

27. The safety closure device according to claim 26, wherein the guarantee ring is configured as a flex band with a radially outer flex band section and an inwardly foldable or folded over inner flex band section, the inner flex band section being hingedly tethered to the outer flex band section.

28. The safety closure device according to claim 19, further comprising an activation device,

wherein the activation device comprises a first abutment element arranged on the primary cap and a second abutment element arranged on the overcap, and

wherein the first abutment element and the second abutment element are configured such that

the first abutment element and the second abutment element are disengaged when the overcap is in the first axial position so that rotation of the overcap does not cause rotation of the primary cap,

and that the first abutment element and the second abutment element are engaged or engageable when the overcap is in the second axial position, such that rotation of the overcap causes rotation of the primary cap.

29. The safety closure device according to claim 28, wherein the activation device is arranged on the primary cap skirt and the overcap skirt.

30. The safety closure device according to claim 28,

wherein the first abutment element is configured as a component of the primary cap skirt, in particular an axially extending pin-shaped and radially protruding element of the primary cap skirt, and

wherein the second abutment element is configured as a component of the overcap skirt, in particular an axially extending pin-shaped and radially projecting element of the overcap skirt.

31. The safety closure device according to claim 19,

wherein the overcap has a first maximum inner diameter in a first axial section, in which in any case the components of the activation device belonging to the overcap are arranged, and has a second maximum inner diameter in a second axial section, which is arranged axially on a side of the first section facing away from the overcap cover plate and in which in any case the supporting projection or the flange element is arranged,

wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter, and

wherein the overcap skirt in the first axial section on the side of the second abutment element facing away from the overcap cover plate additionally has radially one retaining projection or a plurality of radially inwardly projecting retaining projections and the retaining projection or the plurality of retaining projections extend longitudinally in the circumferential direction.

32. The safety closure device according to claim 19, wherein the primary cap has an internal thread, the internal thread having a thread diameter selected from the closed interval of 20 mm to 50 mm.

33. The safety closure device according to claim 19, wherein the primary cap and the overcap are made of HDPE.

34. A closure element comprising:

a closure cap;

a guarantee ring; and

a toothed ring,

wherein the closure cap comprises a cap cover plate configured at least in sections perpendicular to a closure cap axis and a cap skirt extending axially from the cap cover plate and configured cylindrically about the closure cap axis,

wherein the closure cap can be connected to a pouring spout of a container such that the closure cap closes a pouring opening of the pouring spout in a closed state, and

wherein the guarantee ring is connected to the closure cap via a cut weakening line before the closure cap is opened for the first time.

35. The closure element according to claim 34, wherein the toothed ring is arranged on the side of the weakening line facing the closure cap plate.

36. A process for making cuts in an injection molded plastic cap body, the process comprising:

guiding the cap body to be cut along a guideway, and

making one or more cuts in the closure body,

wherein the cap body comprises an external toothed ring, and wherein the guiding is carried out by rolling the toothed ring along a guide tooth system.