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Title:
CHILD-PROTECTING SAFETY CAPSULE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2007/145558
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A capsule (1) which comprises an insert (5), which is mounted on a bottle neck (2), and an outer cap (4) and in which the outer cap cooperates with the bottle neck, the outer cap being caught and locked in its almost closed position by the bottle neck, and the capsule subsequently again being able to be opened up but only after having been turned additionally towards its closed position and in this position a force being applied, which presses inwards two resilient portions (21) on the sheath surface of the outer cap, after which the capsule can be opened up, the pressure against the resilient portions being maintained, to a final open position, in which the capsule will be stopped by built-in lips, which prevent the capsule from being screwed off completely, the insert (5) also allowing the capsule to function as a dosing capsule.

Inventors:
NILSSON HUGO (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/SE2007/000317
Publication Date:
December 21, 2007
Filing Date:
April 04, 2007
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PETRO PACK AB (SE)
NILSSON HUGO (SE)
International Classes:
B65D50/04; B65D35/50; B65D47/20; G01F11/28
Domestic Patent References:
WO2000066449A12000-11-09
WO2001000498A12001-01-04
Foreign References:
US5794803A1998-08-18
US5230433A1993-07-27
EP0780318A11997-06-25
DE2715787A11978-10-12
US2607515A1952-08-19
FR2049365A51971-03-26
DE2032454A11972-01-05
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SIEBMANNS, Christoph et al. (Box 3127, Jönköping, SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:

CLAIMS

1. A device designed to be mounted on a package, preferably a bottle (3), the device comprising a bottle neck (2), on the side of which an insert (5) is mounted, the device also comprising an outer cap (4) and these portions jointly comprising a complete capsule (1), the outer capsule (4) preferably comprising two resilient portions (21), which constitute two diametrically opposed parts of a cylindrical portion (12) of the outer capsule and a projecting portion (22) being provided on these resilient portions (21), which portion (22), at the same time as the outer capsule (4) is threaded downwards on the bottle neck (2) up to its almost closed lower position, cooperates with an oblique plane (23) on the bottle neck (2), which results in, that the cooperating portions (22) on the outer cap (4) snap into a projecting portion (25) on the oblique plane (23) and which in this mounting position results in a mutually locked position for the outer cap (4) and the bottle neck (2), as well as when the outer cap (4) is in this position, the insert (5), which has a center pin (39), which has been lifted to an opening (38), in a cap portion (14) of the outer cap has developed a satisfactory sealing of the opening (38) in the outer capsule, as well as, when the outer capsule has been opened up only partially, i.e. only so far, that the center pin (39) has lost its contact with the oblique plane (40) at the opening (38), but where a sealing lip (43) on the center pin (39) still functions as a sealing between the bottle (3) and its surrounding area, the complete capsule (1) has a dosing function, when a pressure is exerted on the bottle, which results in, that the medium in the bottle is pressed upwards through a number of holes (51) around the center pin (39) up to an interspace between the cylindrical portion (42) and another cylindrical portion (41) of the outer capsule (4) and its cap portion (14), a pressure being built in this interspace, which results in, that the center pin (39) and consequently the sealing lip (43) will be moved downwards towards the bottle (3), the sealing lip (43) then loosing its sealing capacity against the cylindrical portion (41) and its inner surface, an amount of the medium in the bottle flowing out through the opening (38), and as soon as the pressure on the bottle ceases, the capsule will be tight again, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the capsule (1) is a child-protecting safety capsule and also a dosing capsule.

2. A device according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the outer cap (4) preferably comprises two resilient portions (21), which comprise two diametrically opposed parts of an outer cylindrical portion (12) of the outer cap, and i n th a t these resilient portions (21) are obtained by including a number of slits (16), preferably four of them, in the cylindrical portion (21) from a lower end surface (17) and up to a bent zone (18), which constitutes the upper limit of the cylindrical portion (21).

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that on the resilient portions (21) there is a projecting portion (22), which in a finally mounted position of the outer cap (4) on the bottle neck (2) cooperates with an oblique plane (23) on the bottle neck and snaps into a cooperating position, which means, that the outer cap (4) cannot be screwed back in the opening direction.

4. A device according to claims 2 and 3, characteriz ed in that the two cooperating parts (22) and (23) are designed in such a way, that a locked mutual position of the outer cap (4) in relation to the bottle neck (2) is obtained, the projecting portion (22) of the outer cap having a groove (24), which receives the cooperating oblique plane (23) and a portion (25), which projects from the oblique plane, at the same time as a nose (26) of the projecting portion (22) is received by a groove (27) in the oblique plane (23).

5.A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the capsule (1) only can be screwed upwards to a stop position, which is obtained by means of an inner cylindrical portion (13) on the outer cap (4), having an inner surface (30), on which inner surface (30) there is a zone with a larger thickness of material and on which there is an inner corner (29), which is formed between the inner surface (30) and a plane (32), which extends inwards towards the center of the outer cap and is positioned at a tested distance from an end surface (31) on the cylindrical portion (13) and at such a distance from the end surface (31), that the capsule can be screwed upwards so far, as is required to allow the opening (38) of the capsule to be completely open, the stop position being obtained, when a number of lips (33) on the bottle neck (2) engage the plane (32), a stop being obtained for the continued turning of the capsule in the opening direction.

6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the outer cap (4) there are a cylindrical portion, a grove (35) in the cap portion (14) and its inner surface (36), which provide a centering effect for the outer cap (4) in relation to a flange portion (8) on the insert (5).

7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer cap (4) has a cap portion (14) with a centrally placed conical opening (38), with its smaller opening facing upwards, the conical opening forming an oblique plane (40) and the opening (38) cooperating with a center pin (39) on the insert (5), the center pin (39) being designed with the same conicity as the opening (38) and a reliable sealing being obtained, when the outer cap (4) is screwed downwards on the bottle neck (2), the insert (5) and its center pin (39) in their final upper position reaching the oblique

plane (40) and there forming a sealing with the oblique plane (40), at the same time as an upper plane (57) on the center pin is on the same level as a center plane (63) of the opening (38)..

8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the outer cap (4) and its cap portion (14) there is an inner cylindrical portion (41) having a length of 1 - 3 mm, which is centered around the center of the complete capsule (1) and has a tested inner diameter and cooperates with a sealing lip (43) on the insert (5), a sealing function for the capsule being formed, also if the outer cap (4) is not mounted in its lower position, i.e. also if the sealing function between the center pin (39) and the oblique plane (40) is not fully developed.

9. A device according to claim 1, char act erized in that the insert (5) has an outer diameter (6), which is adapted to the bottle neck (2) and its inner diameter, and in that there are a number of sealing lips (45) or sealing rings on the outer diameter (6) of the insert and i n t h a t the outer diameter (6) of the insert is somewhat conical, its small diameter being turned downwards, and i n that the design consequently guarantees, that no leakage will take place between the bottle neck (2) and the insert (5).

10. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert (5) has a flange portion (8), in which a number of recesses (46) have been made on the upper side of the flange and in which the recesses correspond to about 20 - 50 % of the thickness of the flange material and i n that also a sheath (47) for the insert (5) is provided with such recesses on its inner sheath surface and in that also these recesses correspond to 20-50 % of the thickness of the material, this design guaranteeing an air flow, if needed, into the interior of the capsule.

11. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the capsule is opened up by turning the outer cap (4) towards the closing position = clockwise, the projecting portions (22) of the outer cap disengaging from the projecting portion (25) of the bottle neck, the resilient portions (21) on the outer cap (4) then being pressed inwards towards the center of the capsule, and in that the outer capsule, with maintained pressure on the resilient portions, is turned in a direction towards its opening position = counter-clockwise.

12. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing lip (44) on a cylindrical portion (52) of the insert (5) engages the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion (42) of the outer cap (4), when the outer cap is moved downwards towards the bottle neck (2) and then the sealing lip (44), thanks to the friction, which arises between the sealing lip (44) and the

wall surface of the cylindrical portion (42) and then also the cylindrical portion (52) and a bottom (49) of the insert (5) being moved somewhat towards the bottle (3), an inner tension arising at a lower corner (50) and in the transitional area of the bottom (49).

13. A device according to claims 1 and 12, characterized in that the built-in spring force, which arises in the bottom (49), at the same time as the outer cap (4) is screwed downwards over the insert (5), results in, that the entire insert (5) with its center pin (39) always tries to occupy its tension-free position or neutral position, which means, that, when the outer cap (4) has been screwed upwards a small distance from its closed position, the built-in spring force will result in, that the sealing function, the linear contact, between the center pin (39) and the oblique plane (40) will be maintained, until the spring force is not able to move the center pin (39) further upwards.

14. A device according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that, when the outer cap (4) has been screwed upwards such a long way, that the built-in spring force is not able any longer to maintain the sealing between the opening (38) and the oblique plane (40), the capsule (1) is still tight, since the sealing lip (43) on the center pin (39) still engages the cylindrical portion (41) and this contact prevents a leakage.

15. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a number of recesses (46) in the flange portion (8) allows air to pass through a thread (11) on the bottle neck into the insert (5) in those operational situations, when a negative pressure arises in the bottle (3), the negative pressure acting on the bottom (49), thereby sucking it downwards towards the bottle, the cylindrical portion (52) with its sealing lip (44) also being bent towards the center of the insert, which results in, that the sealing between the sealing lip (44) and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion (52) ceases and consequently air will flow into the bottle (3) and equalize the pressure, the bottom (49) and matching parts again occupying their normal operational positions.

16. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a positive pressure in the bottle (3) results in, that the bottom (49) of the insert (5) is pressed upwards towards the cap portion (14) of the outer cap (4), resulting in, that the sealing between the center pin (39) and the oblique plane (40) is improved, at the same time as also sealing lip (44) is pressed harder against the inner wall of the cylindrical portion (42).

17.A device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the capsule is partially open, in that position, where the center pin (39) has lost its contact with the oblique plane (40), but

when the sealing lip (43) still is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (41), the capsule functions as a dosing capsule and this happens, when a pressure is applied against the bottle, the medium in the bottle being pressed through the holes (51) around the center pin (39) up to that interspace, which is defined by the two cylindrical portions (41) and (42) and by the bottom (49) and the cylindrical portion (52) with its sealing lip (44) as well as the center pin (39), a positive pressure being obtained in this interspace, which results in, that the bottom (49) with its center pin (39) is moved downwards towards the bottle and then the sealing Hp (43) will loose its sealing function against the cylindrical portion (41), a certain amount of the medium in the bottle flowing out through the opening (38), and when the pressure in the bottle ceases, the bottom (49) will spring back and then the sealing lip (43) will again seal against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (41) and the capsule will again be tight.

Description:

CHILD-PROTECTING SAFETY CAPSULE

The present invention relates to a child-protecting safety capsule of the type, which is set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

Such child-protecting safety capsules are designed in a plurality of different ways. Those, which have been developed during the last few years, may in certain ways meet the earlier applicable ISO code ISO8317-2003, but it has been observed, that these capsules in a few cases, despite this, have resulted in, that accidents have happened.

Regarding the presently used child-protecting safety capsules - from now on called capsules - there exists also another problem, connected to the containers or bottles — from now on called bottles — which the presently used capsules are to be mounted on. In certain cases, related to the contents in these bottles, a negative pressure may arise, which the presently used capsules cannot withstand. In order to prevent the negative effects of a negative pressure, the usual measure will then be to reinforce the bottle, to make the walls of the bottle thicker. This means in its turn, that the constructions of the presently used capsules and matching bottles must be reinforced in order to meet the operational requirements and that the final result will be a more expensive bottle.

Another drawback of the presently used capsules is, that they in certain cases can be disassembled from the bottle and therefore disappear. This is a functional problem as well as a waste material problem.

The main object of the present invention is to always be able to provide a completely satisfactory, reliable protection against an improper opening of a capsule as well as to see to it, that its construction results only in a minor environmental effect, by manufacturing the bottle with a reduced material consumption compared to the presently used products, at the same time as the capsule and the bottle always are mounted to obtain one unit, which results in, that a recycling of the complete capsule, mounted on the bottle, can be done as one unit.

According to the present invention the bottle comprises a neck, which is designed in a special way and which cooperates with the matching capsule. Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of a new capsule and a new connection part of the bottle or another type of package.

Regarding all the above-mentioned problems the present invention creates considerable improvements or can have the presently existing problems or risks eliminated. Also, the invention develops the state of the art in this technical field in various respects.

These improvements are implemented according to the present invention by mainly constructing a capsule with a matching connection to the bottle of the type set forth in the introduction in such a way, as is set forth in the characterizing clause of claim 1.

Additional characterizing features and advantages of the present invention are mentioned in the following description, reference being made to the enclosed drawing, which shows a preferred but not limiting embodiment in a partially schematic way. The present invention shows in detail, in diametrically axial, partially for the sake clarity to some extent schematic sections the following:

Fig. 1 A sectional view of a capsule, partially mounted on a bottle neck;

Fig. 2a and 2b External and perspective views of the outer cap of the capsule; Fig. 3 Perspective and sectional views of the insert to the capsule;

Fig. 4 Views of the bottle neck;

Fig. 5 A sectional view through a capsule with a mounted insert, the outlet of the capsule being open;

Fig. 6 The same sectional view with a marked bottle neck, the outlet of the capsule being closed.

In Fig. 1 a complete child-protecting capsule 1 is shown, which is mounted on a package, usually some type of bottle 3.

The complete capsule consists of a bottle neck 2, which forms the upper end portion of bottle 3. Bottle neck 2 and its construction is described in detail, reference being made to Fig. 4.

The capsule also comprises an outer cap 4 and an insert 5. Insert 5 is mounted in bottle neck 2 by pressing insert 5 into and down into bottle neck 2. The dimensions of insert 5 and its outer diameter 6 must have been tested and selected in such a way, that insert 5, with safety, will be fastened against bottle neck 2 and its inner diameter 7 and that also upper flange portion 8 of the insert, when the mounting is finished, will abut completely tight against bottle neck 2 and its upper end surface 9.

Outer cap 4 can easily be mounted on bottle neck 2, because the outer cap has an inner thread 10, which cooperates with an opposite thread 11 on bottle neck 2.

Fig. 2a shows external and perspective views of outer cap 4 and Fig. 2b shows a view of a section through the outer cap.

Outer cap 4 consists of two cylindrical portions 12 and 13 respectively, which in their upper portions become a common cap portion 14.

Cylindrical portion 12 is shown in the drawings with a grooved outer surface 15 to allow a better grip. This design must only be regarded as an example of a design and not as a limitation of the scope of protection of the inventive idea per se.

Cylindrical portion 12 has a few, preferably 4, slits 16, which means, that cylindrical portion 12 will comprise a few - in this case 2 - segments 28, which extend all the way from lower end surface 17 of the outer cap and up to the position, where portion 12 of the outer cap becomes a bent zone 18, which is bent inwards towards the center of the outer cap. Inner radius 19 - which preferably is about 2 mm - of this bent zone 18 is connected to the other cylindrical portion 13 and its outer diameter 20. The two cylindrical portions 12 and 13 become a common cap portion 14, which of course may have different radii and thicknesses, which are not completely specified in this document, since this is not important for the final function of the capsule. These dimensions will of course be selected in such a way, that a complete reliable function always will be guaranteed in the finished capsule.

Cylindrical portion 12 has, in addition to segments 28, preferably also two resilient portions 21, which constitute two diametrically opposed portions of cylindrical portion 12 of the outer cap.

These resilient portions 21 are able, thanks to slits 16, to be bent resiliently inwards towards the center of the outer cap, when a force is exerted on them. The slits extend from cylindrical portion 12 and its end surface 17 up to bent zone 18.

In order to give the outer cap a stable shape the two cylindrical portions 12 and 13 are mutually made steady through stiffening webs. These stiffening webs, preferably three per segment/portion, consequently three in a respective segment 28 and where these stiffening webs 65 extend preferably along about 60-75 % of the length of segment 28, whereas stiffening webs 66 on resilient portion 21 only is about 10 - 20 % of portion 21 and its length and in the two cases the lengths are measured from above along bent surface 18 of outer cap 4.

Also, these resilient portions have a projecting portion 22, which will cooperate with corresponding portions on bottle neck 2, which in a finally mounted position of outer cap 4 on bottle neck 2 means, that these cooperating portions 22 of the outer cap and cooperating oblique plane 23 of the bottle neck will snap into a cooperating position, which will make it impossible to screw the outer cap away from bottle neck 2.

This locking position is obtained thanks to the fact, that resilient portion 21, at the same time as the capsule is threaded downwards on the bottle neck, can be resiliently bent inwards towards the center of the capsule, when the capsule, when it is turned, will arrive at that position, where projecting portion 22 is pressed inwards towards the center of bottle neck 2 and its oblique plane 23.

The two cooperating portions 22 and 23 have in their design grooves, which allow a locked mutual position for the outer cap in relation to the bottle neck. Thus, projecting portion 22 of the outer cap has a groove 24, which receives cooperating oblique plane 23 and its projecting portion 25, at the same time as nose 26 of projecting portion 22 ends up in groove 27 in oblique plane 23. The height of these two cooperating portions 22 and 23 is about 1-5 mm and preferably 2 mm.

To be able to disassemble the capsule it is necessary to at first turn the capsule in the "wrong direction", to uncover projecting portion 22 from oblique plane 23 and then press resilient portions 21 inwards to be able to turn the projecting portions past the obstacles, which oblique planes 23 constitute. Thus, not until the capsule has been turned to such an extent, that portions 22 and 23 do not mutually engage any longer, it will be possible to, by keeping back resilient portions 21, partially screw the capsule away from the bottle neck.

However, the capsule cannot be completely disassembled from the bottle neck, but it is only possible to screw off the capsule to a stop position. This stop position is obtained, because there is on outer cap 4 and its cylindrical portion 13 and its inner surface 30 a zone, in which the wall thickness is larger and in which an inner corner 29 has been made, which is obtained between inner surface 30 and a plane 32, which extends inwards towards the center of the outer cap. This plane 32 has a width of 0.5 - 2 mm. Plane 32 is positioned at a distance from cylindrical portion 13 and its end surface 31, which means, that the outer cap can be screwed upwards to such an extent, that is required to let opening 38 of the outer cap become completely open. This means, that it must be possible to screw upwards the outer cap 2-5 mm and preferably about 3 mm. What determines the size of this open position for the capsule is a number of lips 33 - preferably 4 of them - which are

positioned on bottle neck 2 and its cylindrical outer surface 34. These lips 33 will function as a stop, since they will engage plane 32 and consequently stop the movement of the capsule upwards.

Also, outer cap 4 has a few additional constructive portions, which are important for its function.

Thus, there is a groove 35, which is situated in cap portion 14 of the outer cap and which is a cylindrical portion having a depth of 0.2 - 1 mm, i.e. the groove is placed above the stop face of the outer cap against the bottle neck, i.e. that surface, which comprises cap portion 14 and its inner surface 36 and where the width of the groove is somewhat larger than insert 5 and its upper place 37 and also in a radial direction adapted to the insert and its plane 37. The advantage of groove 35 is, that the outer cap allows a centering effect as regards insert 5. The center of the outer cap, with opening 38, is designed in such a way, that it will cooperate with insert 5 and particularly with center pin 39 of the insert and function as a guide for the pin in relation to opening 38. Opening 38 is designed with a conicity of 10-30 degrees. Conical opening 38 has its smaller opening - a diameter of 1 -3 mm - at its top and the opening is made in a zone of cap portion 14, which has a large wall thickness - about 2 times the normal wall thickness of the cap portion - to partly obtain a strong, shape-stable zone and partly provide a satisfactory sealing function between outer cap 4 and insert 5. A reliable sealing is obtained, when the outer cap is screwed downwards on bottle neck 2, insert 5 and its center pin 39 reaching opening 38 and all the way up to center plane 63 and in this place forms all around a linear contact with oblique plane 40. There are also three cylindrical portions, 41 and 42 respectively, in cap portion 14, which are concentrically placed around opening 38.

Inner cylindrical portion 41, the portion which is placed close to the center, has an inner diameter, which will cooperate with a sealing lip 43 of insert 5, which means, that there will be a sealing function of the capsule, also if the outer cap is not mounted in its very lowest position, i.e. when the sealing function between center pin 39 and the oblique plane is not fully developed. When the capsule is open, sealing lip 43 will be positioned below portion 41 and will then not become an obstruction for an outflow of the existing medium in the bottle.

The other portion, cylindrical portion 42, which has a large diameter - about twice as large - also has an axial extension, which is 2-3 times larger than inner portion 41. This cylindrical portion 42 cooperates with another sealing lip 44, which belongs to insert 5. This function will be described in detail below, reference being made to Fig. 6. The third cylindrical portion 64 is designed to be able

to press insert 5 outwards towards bottle neck 2 and its inner diameter 7 and consequently improve the impenetrability between the bottle neck and outer diameter 6 of the insert.

Fig. 3 shows external and perspective views as well as a sectional view of insert 5. The insert has several functions : a) One function is to be medium-tight, i.e. to prevent a medium in the bottle from flowing out, when the capsule is in its closed position; b) Another function is to ventilate the bottle, in case a negative pressure would arise in the bottle, and c) An additional function is to use insert 5 as a dosing capsule.

If the capsule is to be able to have these functions, the design of the insert is very important.

The function according to a) has been described above, reference being made to Figs. 2a and 2b.

The function according to b) and c) will be described in detail below, reference being made to Fig. 6.

The constructive design of insert 5 is shown in Fig. 3:

The insert has an outer diameter 6, which is in a natural way adapted to bottle neck 2 and its inner diameter. Also, there are several - preferably 2 or 3 - sealing lips or sealing rings 45 on the outer diameter, which guarantee, that no leakage appears between the bottle neck and the insert. Also, the outer dimensions of the insert must be somewhat conical, i.e. the insert must be thinner in its lower part. This is required to obtain a certain built-in tension in the insert, when it is mounted on the bottle neck, which results in, that the insert will be sort of glued to the bottle neck.

The insert will be terminated at its top and in its periphery with a flange portion 8, which in its radial direction has an extension, which corresponds to the thickness of the bottle neck. In the flange portion and approximately down to half the height of the insert there are several recesses or cuts 46, which have a depth down into the flange, from upper interface 48 of the flange, which corresponds to about 20 - 50 % of the flange thickness, recesses 46, also in the portion, which constitute the outer circular portion of the insert, which may be termed a sheath 47, making up about 20 - 50 % of the thickness of the sheath. The number of recesses 46 may of course be varied, but preferably it is 4 - 8 recesses and they are received or placed preferably having the same mutual

distance on the circumference of the insert. Recesses 46 are designed to allow, in case such an operational situation would arise, air to flow into bottle 3 via the threaded connection via these recesses.

The insert has a bottom 49, which extends from sheath 47 and its lower corner 50, which may be considered being a hinge, around which the bottom may obtain another inclination, say 5-30 degrees, preferably 10 degrees, the inclination extending upwards towards flange portion 8 of the insert. Bottom 49 extends inwards towards the center of the insert up to a position, which corresponds to about 50 % of the outer diameter of the insert. Then bottom 49 changes into a cylindrical portion 52, which extends with about 50-75 % of the height of sheath 47, up towards flange portion 8. In its upper portion 53 cylindrical portion 52 is terminated with a sealing lip 44, which extends outwards from the center of the insert and with an inclination of about 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. Sealing lip 44 is terminated outwards with an almost completely pointed part. This pointed part has a diameter, which is somewhat larger than the cylindrical portion 42 of outer cap 4.

From cylindrical portion 52 a number of webs 55 extend, preferably 4 such webs, inwards towards the center of the insert and up to a center pin 39. This center pin displays its lower end in the same plane, as where bottom 49 changes into cylindrical portion 52. Center pin 39 has an outer diameter 56, which is somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of cylindrical portion 41 of outer cap 4.

Center pin 39 has a length, which is adapted to a cooperation with outer cap 4, in such a way, that, when the insert is mounted on bottle neck 2 and the outer cap is screwed downwards on the bottle neck up to its closed position, the height of upper plane 57 of the center pin will end up in the same level as opening 38 of the capsule, at the same time as lateral plane 58 of the center pin also display a developed line contact with opening 38 and its oblique plane 40. The angles of side plane 58 and oblique plane 40 respectively are coordinated and normally lie within an angle interval of 10 - 30 degrees.

Center pin 39 has below side plane 58 a cylindrical portion 59, which only has a length of 1-3 mm and which in its turn changes into a horizontal plane 60. This plane extends in a radial direction a small distance outside outer diameter 56 of the center pin and plane 60 is in its outer portion a thin sealing lip 43, the lower side of which is connected back to outer diameter 56 of the center pin. This sealing lip 43 is stiffer than sealing lip 44, positioned on cylindrical portion 52 and its upper part 53.

Fig. 4 shows in figures of principal, how bottle neck 2 is constructed :

The bottle neck will of course have some type of thread. Type and design are not described in detail, since it is common knowledge how to screw together a capsule and a bottle or the like.

The bottle neck according to the present invention is characterized in that:

- There is a number of, preferably 4, lips 33 on outer surface 34 of the bottle neck. These lips will cooperate with horizontal plane 32 on inner surface 30 of outer cap 4 and its cylindrical portion 13. When the outer cap is screwed downwards on bottle neck 2, cylindrical portion 13 will be pressed outwards, at the same time as lips 33 slide along oblique plane 54 in order to, when the outer cap has been screwed down an additional distance, snap in over oblique plane 54 and in over plane 32. When the lips have reached this position in relation to the outer cap and its cylindrical portion 13, it is not possible to disassemble the capsule from the bottle neck.

- There are also a number of portions on flange surface 61 of the bottle neck, the surface of which is turned upwards towards the thread portion of the bottle neck and which is very important for the function according to the invention. On the flange surface there are a number of, preferably two, sections, in which an oblique plane has been designed, which displays a developed locking function or a design, which catches the outer cap, when it is threaded downwards to its closed lower position on the bottle neck. At the same time as the outer cap is threaded downwards on the bottle neck, the outer cap will, before it has reached its absolutely final lower position, in its final closing position, be resiliently pressed inwards towards the center of the capsule, since projecting portions 22 on resilient portions 21 on outer cap 4 of the capsule and its periphery, must pass over or better expressed past cooperating oblique plane 23, disposed on bottle neck 2 and its flange surface 61. These cooperating oblique planes are placed in such a radial direction and designed in such a way, that they will allow the outer cap to slide past. When the outer cap and its projecting portions 22 have passed cooperating oblique plane 23, portion 21 will again resiliently return to the same diameter, as the outer cap has in its unloaded position. The capsule can now be turned back to a position, in which projected portions 22 are caught by a projecting portion 25, with matching grooves 27, of stop lug 62. Projecting portion 25 is designed in such a way, that it fits into groove 24 in portion 22 and in the same way nose 26 will fit into groove 27.

In Fig. 4 two examples are shown, depicting how the physical design of oblique planes 23 can be constructed and how the design of projecting portion 25 and groove 27 can be constructed respectively. The description does not exclude any of these alternatives, but the function of the complete capsule is guaranteed with any of the two alternatives.

Fig. 4a is only shown in a perspective view, whereas the alternative according to Fig. 4b is shown in three views. In Fig. 2a and 2b it is shown in an external view, how the design according to Fig. 4b is done.

When the capsule has been mounted on the bottle neck, which has been described above, it is not possible to open the capsule or uncover opening 38 without carrying out several steps, which require the experience of an adult person.

To be able to open up the capsule the locking between projecting portions 22 on outer cap 4 and projecting portions 25 on bottle neck 2 and its flange surface 61 must be uncovered.

This can only be done by firstly turning the capsule towards its closed position = clockwise , when viewing downwards towards the top of the bottle, to be able to uncover the engagement between projecting portions 22 of the outer cap and projecting portion 25 of the bottle neck and then in a second step pressing the resilient portions 21 towards the center of the capsule and at the same time turning the capsule in the opening direction = counter-clockwise, allowing portions 22 to pass projecting portions 25.

The design, described above, of cooperating portions 22 and 23 and matching parts 24-27 can of course be varied regarding its details, of course within the scope of protection of the inventive idea.

Fig. 5 shows a bottle neck 2 with a mounted insert 5, opening 38 of the capsule being open.

An open capsule is obtained, as soon as center pin 39 and its sealing lip 43 have reached an axial position, which means, that the sealing lip is positioned below cylindrical portion 41 on cap portion 14 of the outer cap. In this position the sealing lip 43 is not in contact with cylindrical portion 41 and its inner wall and consequently the passage from bottle 3 via insert 5 and its hole 51, which is situated around center pin 39 is open outwards to opening 38.

Fig. 6 shows the working position of the capsule, when it is closed. In this position the outer cap is screwed down on the bottle neck to its lower position and this means, that insert 5 and its flange portion 8 is in contact with outer cap 4 and its cap portion 14 with its inner surface 36.

When the capsule is in this position, center pin 39 of insert 5 is also in its upper position, i.e. the capsule is completely closed. The two sealing lips 43 and 44 on insert 5 are also in this position in engagement with cooperating cylindrical portions 41 and 42 respectively.

The mounting order for the complete capsule: Insert 5 is firstly mounted in bottle neck 2 and then outer cap 4 is threaded onto the bottle neck.

At the same time cylindrical portion 42 of the outer cap will be the part, which will first engage insert 5 and its sealing lip 44. When the outer cap is moved downwards towards the bottle neck and then also downwards over the insert and sealing lip 44, the sealing lip and then also the entire inner portion of the insert with cylindrical portion 52 and then also bottom 49 will be moved somewhat downwards towards the bottle and this means, that a tension is built into the insert and this tension is received by bottom 49 of the insert. Consequently, bottom 49 obtains a built-in spring force, which means, that the central portion of the entire insert, with center pin 39 and bottom 49, reaches a position, which means, that, even if the capsule would be screwed upwards somewhat from its closed position, bottom 49 will be resiliently bent upwards to try to occupy its neutral position, i.e. when the built-in spring force not any longer is able to move center pin 39 further upwards from the bottle. Consequently, the pre-stress will result in, that the sealing between center pin 39 and the conical oblique plane 40 is available, even if the capsule is in its very lowest position, in its final closing position. Thus, the capsule can, expressed differently, be opened up to some extent without thereby starting to leak due to a ceasing of the line contact between center pin 39 and oblique plane 40.

Sealing lip 44 is designed in its contact surface against cylindrical portion 42 in such a way, that the friction is higher, when the outer cap is moved downwards towards the bottle neck, than when it is moved by screwing it upwards, which means, that the sealing lip 44 easily is moved upwards, as soon as center pin 39 does not engage oblique plane 40.

When the outer cap starts being screwed upwards, the capsule is still tight, according to the description above, due to the built-in spring force in that portion, which is called bottom 49.

However, when the outer cap has been screwed upwards to such an extent, that the built-in spring force is not able any longer to maintain the sealing, the capsule is still tight, and this is due to the fact, that sealing lip 43 on the center pin then still engages cylindrical portion 41 and that this line contact prevent a leakage. Only when sealing lip 43 has glided so far downwards along the inner

surface of the cylindrical portion, that this contact will cease, it will be possible for the medium in the bottle to leave through the opening.

The design of the complete capsule construction takes also into consideration the operational situations, which may result in a negative pressure in the bottle. To also be able in these operational situations to use bottles with small thicknesses of material, without causing a deformation of the bottle, the capsule has been designed in such a way, that an air flow into the bottle is allowed. This is done by providing insert 5 with a number of recesses 46 in flange portion 8. These recesses allow air to pass from the thread portion of the bottle neck into the inner portions of the insert and then also into bottle 3. In case recesses 46 are not provided, the air cannot pass between the upper interface between insert 5 and inner surface 36 of the outer cap. In order to additionally guarantee an air flow there is also provided a groove 35, all around and located in the outer part or the periphery of inner surface 36 of the outer cap.

When a negative pressure arises in the bottle, bottom 49 of insert 5 will be sucked downwards towards the bottle, because a negative pressure arises in relation to the upper side of the bottom, namely that surface, which thanks to recesses 46 display the same static pressure as the surrounding area of the bottle. When the bottom bends downwards, also cylindrical portion 52 with its sealing lip 44 will be bent towards the center of the insert, which results in, that the sealing between sealing lip 44 and cylindrical portion 42 and its inner wall surface ceases and then air can flow into the bottle and equalize the pressure. Thus, the air flows in operation with a negative pressure in bottle 3 via thread 11 of the bottle neck up to recesses 46, then further downwards to and below cylindrical portion 42 and upwards between the inner surface of this portion and upwards to sealing lip 44, which in this position with a negative pressure in bottle 3 allows the air to pass and consequently flow into the inner portion of the bottle.

However, in case a positive pressure arises, this results only in, that bottom 49 of insert 5 is pressed upwards, towards cap portion 14 of the outer cap, the result being, that the sealing between center pin 39 and oblique plane 40 is improved as well as that sealing lip 44 is pressed harder against the inner wall of cylindrical 42. Thus, a positive pressure only results in an improvement of the sealing function of the complete capsule.

An entirely different function of the complete capsule is, that it also can perform as a dosing capsule. This function is obtained in the following way:

When the capsule is partially open, when it is in such a position, that center pin 39 has lost its contact with oblique pane 40, but when sealing lip 43 still is in a sealing contact with the inner surface of cylindrical portion 41, the capsule will, thanks to insert 5, perform as a dosing capsule.

When the capsule is in this partially upwardly screwed position, the dosing function is realized in such a way, that a pressure is exerted on the bottle, which will result in, that the medium in the bottle is pressed upwards through holes 51 around center pin 39 and upwards to the interspace between the two cylindrical portions 41 and 42. This interspace is defined, outwards, in a radial direction, by bottom 49 and its cylindrical portion 52 with its sealing lip 44 and inwards by center pin 39. In this interspace a positive pressure arises, which means, that bottom 49 with its center pin will be moved downwards towards bottle 3 and in this way sealing lip 43 will loose its sealing function against cylindrical portion 41 and its inner surface. In this position an amount of the medium in the bottle can flow out through opening 38. As soon as the pressure exerted on the bottle ceases, bottom 49 will again be pressed back and consequently sealing lip 43 will again engage the inner surface of cylindrical portion 41 , and the capsule will then be tight again.

ELEMENT LIST

l=capsule 2= bottle neck 3=bottle

4=outer cap 5=insert 6=outer diameter 7=inner diameter 8=flange portion 9=upper end surface

10=inner thread 1 l=opposite end thread 12=cylindrical portion

13=cylindrical portion M^cap portion 15=outer surface

16=slits 17=lower end surface 18=bent zone

19=inner radius 20=outer diameter 21=resilient portion 22=projecting portion 23=cooperating portion 24=groove

25=projecting portion 26=nose 27=groove

28=segment 29=inner corner 30=inner surface

3 l=end surface 32=plane 33=lip

34=outer surface 35=groove 36=inner surface 37=plane 38=opening 39=center pin

40=oblique plane 41=inner portion 42=cylindrical portion

43=sealing lip 44=sealing lip 45=sealing lips

46=recesses 47=sheath 48=upper interface

49=bottom 50=lower corner 51=hole 52=cylindrical portion 53=upper portion 54=oblique plane

55=webs 56=outer diameter 57 : =upper plane

58=lateral plane 59=cylindrical portion 60=horizontal plane

61=flange surface 62=stop lug 63=center plane

64=cylindrical portion 65=stiffening webs-long 66=stiffening webs-short