CONTAINER WITH CAP

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to containers, and particularly to containers for supplying beverages to consumers. The invention has particular utility for the storage and supply of carbonated and other sparkling drinks, but is also suitable for use with non-carbonated drinks and other types of beverage or other materials.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A well known drink container comprises a glass bottle with a crown cap formed of metal. The cap is pressed over a lip around the opening of the bottle and held in place by being crimped beneath the lip. Whilst very successful, this form of closure has the disadvantage that it requires a tool, e.g. a bottle opener, to prize the cap off the bottle.

[0003] Other well know forms of container comprise a plastic bottle with a plastic screw cap. In many cases, these caps can be Installed by pressing onto the bottle (rather than being screwed on) but their removal requires the cap to be unscrewed, often requiring rotation of the cap through 360 degrees or more. This type of closure also requires the provision of thread forms on the exterior of the bottle neck.

[0004] WO82/03058 discloses a plastic closure for fitting to a neck of a container. A skirt of the closure comprises radially inwardly projecting circumferentially spaced lugs which are engageable with thread segments on the neck of the container.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative to this prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container body with an opening defining an axis (A) passing therethrough for receiving a cap for closing the opening, the cap having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly projecting members around an inner circumference thereof, the container body having an outwardly projecting lip around the opening, the lip having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses in a lower part thereof for receiving said members when a cap is press fitted to the container body, an upper surface of the lip being shaped so that, when a cap Is pressed axially onto the container body, the members are driven outwards and the cap is resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape until the members are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip, and snap fit into the recesses in the lip, the recesses being shaped such that subsequent rotation of the cap relative to the container body and, consequential relative circumferential movement of the members within the respective recesses, enables the cap to be tightened against the lip.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a container body with an opening defining an axis (A) passing therethrough and a cap for closing the opening, the cap being formed of resilient material and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly projecting members around an inner circumference thereof, the container body having an outwardly projecting lip around said opening, and the lip having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses in a lower part thereof for receiving said members when the cap s press fitted to the container body, an upper surface of the lip being shaped so that, when the cap is pressed axially onto the container body, the members are driven outwards and the cap is resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape until the members are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip, and snap fit into the recesses in the lip, the recesses being shaped such that subsequent rotation of the cap relative to the container body and, consequential relative circumferential movement of the members within the respective recesses, tightens the cap against the lip.

[0008] The invention also relates to a cap for fitting to a container body as described above having an opening defining an axis (A) passing therethrough and an outwardly projecting lip around the opening, the lip having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses in a lower part thereof, to provide a container as described above, the cap being formed of resilient material and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly projecting members around an inner circumference thereof, each projecting member having a lower surface which is inclined upwardly in a radial direction so that, when the cap is pressed axially onto the container body, the members are driven outwards whereby the cap s resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape, so that the members are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip to snap fit into the recesses in the lip, each projecting member having an upper surface shaped to engage a respective recess so that relative circumferential movement of the members within the respective recesses, upon rotation of the cap relative to the container body, tightens the cap against the lip.

[0009] One of the alms of the invention is to provide a container which has the aesthetics of a crown cap and the convenience of a screw cap.

[0010] Another aim is to provide a plastics cap which uses less material and hence is lighter than a conventional plastics screw cap.

[0011] Preferred or optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B show side views of a container according to a first embodiment of the invention with a cap shown fitted to a container body and shown detached from the container body;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 1A;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in Figure 2;

Figures 4 to 7 show perspective views of a second embodiment of a container according to the present invention:

Figure 4 shows a cap and container body prior to the cap being fitted thereto;

Figure 5 Illustrates how the cap is fitted to the container body;

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how the cap is removed from the container body; and

Figure 8 shows a cap and container body following removal of the cap from the container body.

Figures 9-13 show perspective views of a third embodiment of a container according to the present invention:

Figure 9 shows a cap and container body prior to the cap being fitted thereto;

Figure 10 shows an underside view of the cap;

Figure 11 Illustrates how the cap Is fitted to the container body;

Figure 12 illustrates how the cap is opened;

Figure 13 illustrates how the cap may be re-fltted to the container body;

Figures 14-18 show perspective views of a fourth embodiment of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a cap and container body prior to the cap being fitted thereof;

Figure 15 shows the cap when fitted to the container body;

Figure 16 shows the cap at a first stage of removal from the container body;

Figure 17 shows the cap at a second stage of removal from the container body;

and

Figure 18 shows the cap following removal from the container body.

Figures 19-21 show perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a container according to the present Invention;

Figure 19 shows a cap and container body prior to the cap being fitted thereof;

Figure 20 shows the cap when fitted to the container body; and

Figure 21 shows the cap following removal from the container body.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 

Figures 1A and 1B show a container in the form of a bottle comprising a container body 1 and a cap 2 for closing an opening 3 at the upper end of the container body. The opening may, typically, have a diameter of around 28mm.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the neck portion of the container body 1 and of the closure cap 2 for fitting to the container body 1. The opening 3 at the upper end of the container body defines an axis A passing therethrough.

[0014] The container body 1 has an externally projecting lip 4 around the opening 3. A plurality (four in the illustrated embodiment) of spaced apart recesses 5 are provided in a lower part of the lip 4. Each of these recesses 5 is defined by an upper surface 5A and two end surfaces 5B and 5C. The upper part 4A of the lip 4 has a smooth, curved profile such that its external diameter decreases at position towards an upper surface 4B of the lip 4.

[0015] The cap 2 comprises an upper portion 6 which a substantially circular skirt portion 7 depending therefrom. A plurality (four in the illustrated embodiment) of spaced apart inwardly projecting members 8 (see Figure 3) are provided around the inner circumference of the skirt portion 7. As will be described below, the members 8 engage with respective recesses 5 when the cap 2 is fitted to the container body 1.

[0016] In order to install the cap 2 onto the container body 1, it is pressed onto the lip 4 so that the members 8 engage the upper surface 4B or curved surface 4A thereof. As the cap 2 is pressed downwards, the members 8 slide over the curved surface 4A and are thus driven radially outwards to ride over this surface until they reach the lower part of the lip and snap-fit into the respective recesses 5.

[0017] As the members 8 are forced radially outwards, the cap 2 is distorted into a substantially polygonal shape (a four-sided shape with rounded corners in the illustrated embodiment). This is possible due to the length of the circumferential spaces between adjacent members 8 and the resilient nature of the skirt portion 7. The inner surface of the skirt portion 7 in the areas between the members 8 is inclined outwardly towards the open end of the cap 2 so that the diameter of the opening In the cap Increases towards the open end thereof. This also reduces the wall thickness of the skirt portion 7 towards the open end of the cap 2 so increasing the resilient flexibility of the cap in this region. Inclination of the inner surface also helps ensure a snug fit between the inner surface of the skirt portion 7 and the inwardly tapering external surface of the upper part 4A of the lip when the cap 2 has been fitted to the container body 1.

[0018] As Indicated, the spacing between the members 8 helps the skirt portion 7 of the cap to be capable of being flexed into a polygonal shape. Preferably, the length of each member 8 in the circumferential direction is less than the circumferential spacing between adjacent members. In the embodiment illustrated, the cap has an internal diameter of around 28mm, each member 8 has a circumferential length of around 7-8mm (at their largest dimension) and the circumferential spacing between adjacent members is around 13-14mm. The depth of the skirt portion 7 (from the upper portion 6 to the open end of the cap) is typically 5-6mm (compared to around 10mm for a conventional 28mm diameter screw cap).

[0019] Each of the members 8 has an upper surface 8A, a lower surface 8B, end surfaces 8C and 8D and an inwardly facing surface 8E. The lower surface 8B is inclined upwardly in a radial direction, i.e. it slopes upwardly towards the axis of the cap, so that when the lid is pressed onto the container body the lower surface 8B engages the curved surface 4A of the lip whereby the members 8 are pushed radially outwards as they ride over the surface 4A towards the lower portion of the lip 4. In the circumferential direction, the lower surface 8B is substantially horizontal.

[0020] As the cap 2 is pushed onto the container body 1, the members 8 are able to ride over the external surface of the lip 4 as the skirt portion is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape until they reach the recesses 5. The members 8 then snap-fit into the recesses 5 as the resilience of skirt portion 7 brings it back to a substantially circular shape and the members 8 move radially Inwards beneath the upper surfaces 5A of the recesses 5.

[0021] The upper surface 8A of the members are then in engagement with the upper surfaces 5A of the recesses. As shown In Figures 2 and 3, the upper surface 5A of the recesses is inclined in the circumferential direction so that if the cap 2 is then rotated in a tightening direction (clockwise when viewed from above In the illustrated embodiment) relative to the container body 1, the cap 2 is tightened onto the container body 1. This causes the inner surface of the upper portion 6 of the cap and/or the inner surface of the skirt portion 7 thereof to be brought into sealing engagement with the surfaces 4A and/or 4B of the lip 4.

[0022] The upper surfaces 8A of the members 8B are substantially horizontal in the radial direction but are inclined in the circumferential direction to add to the above tightening.

[0023] The end surfaces 5B of the recesses 5 provide a stop to prevent the cap 2 being over-tightened. Engagement of the end surface 8D of each projection with the end surface 5B of the respective recess prevents further movement of the cap 2 in the tightening direction relative to the container body 1. The end surfaces 8D and 5B are both substantially vertical and both extend substantially radially towards the axis A.

[0024] To release the cap 2 it is rotated In the loosening direction (anticlockwise when viewed from above in the illustrated embodiment) relative to the container body. Initially, this moves each member 8 along the respective recesses from the end 5B towards the end 5C. Due to the inclination of the upper surface 5A of the recess and / or of the upper surface 8A of the member 8, this permits the cap to move at least a short distance (e.g. 1-2mm) in the direction of axis A away from the container body 2. This releases the seal between the cap 2 and the container body and permits venting of the container body whereby excess pressure therein (for Instance due to a carbonated beverage) may be released. The cap 2 is, however, still held captive on the container body 1 by the engagement of the members 8 in the recesses 5 so the cap 2 cannot fly off the container body 1 as this pressure is released.

[0025] Upon further rotation of the cap 2 in the loosening direction, the end surface 8C of each member engages the end surface 5C of the respective recess. These surfaces are both substantially vertical but are inclined so that as the cap 2 is rotated, the members 8 ride up the end surfaces 5C whereby the members 8 are driven radially outwards (resulting in the skirt portion 7 again becoming substantially polygonal in shape) until they reach the external surface of the lip 4 in the region 4C between adjacent recesses 5.

[0026] As mentioned above, the external surface of the lip 4 is inclined so that the diameter of the lip 4 reduces towards the open end of the container body 1. Due to its resilient nature, the skirt portion 7 of the cap tries to revert to a substantially circular shape so there is a tendency for the members 5 to slide upwards over the external surface of the lip 4 so they can move radially inwards In order for the skirt portion 7 to assume a more circular shape. The cap 2 thus tends to ride up the lip 4 so it moves further in the direction of axis A away from the container body 1. This also helps reduce the risk that the members 8 inadvertently slip back (clockwise) to re-engage the recess 5 or slip forwards (anticlockwise) to engage the next recess 5.

[0027] If it is desired to re-fit the cap 2 to the container body 1, this can be done by pressing it back over the lip 4 (by means of a downward force along the axis A) and clockwise rotation (if it is desired to tighten it onto the lip).

[0028] From the above description, it will be appreciated that each member 8 thus has a lower surface 8B which is inclined upwardly in a radial direction but is substantially horizontal in a circumferential direction, an upper surface 8A which is substantially horizontal in a radial direction but is inclined in a circumferential direction and two end surfaces 8C, 8D one of which is laterally inclined in a radial direction and both of which are substantially vertical in an axial direction. These four surfaces define the perimeter of an inwardly facing surface 8E which, as shown in Figure 3, is substantially triangular. In use, the surfaces 8E lie adjacent the external surface of the container 1 within the recesses 5.

[0029] Figures 4-8 illustrate a container according to a second embodiment of the invention. This is similar to the container shown in Figures 1-3 but also has a first type of tamper evident feature. Parts of the container of Figures 4-8 which correspond to those of the container of Figures 1-3 are given the same reference numeral but increased by 10.

[0030] The cap 12 is similar to the cap 2 but has a tamper band 10 depending from the skirt portion 17 thereof. The tamper band 10 is connected to the skirt portion 17 by a plurality (sixteen in the illustrated example) of small, friable bridges 10A and a plurality (four in the Illustrated example) of tether bands 10B. A plurality (four in the illustrated example) of projections 10C project radially inwards from the inner surface of the tamper band 10.

[0031] When the cap 12 is pressed onto the container body 11 in the direction D1 shown in Figure 5, the skirt portion 17 is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as the members 18 ride over the lip 14 until they engage recesses 15 as In the first embodiment. In addition, the projections 10C ride over the lip 14 when the cap 12 is pressed onto the container body 11 and, once the cap 12 has been rotated In the direction D2 shown in Figure 5, the projections 10C are located beneath lower surfaces 14D of the portions 14C of the lip 14 between the recesses 15.

[0032] The lower surfaces 14D of the lip 14 are inclined in the circumferential direction so that when the cap 12 is rotated in the direction D3 (the loosening direction) as shown in Figure 6, the projections 10C are driven downwards as illustrated by arrow D4 in Figure 6. As the remainder of the cap 12 is unable to move downwards (as it is engaged on the upper surface of the lip 14), this causes rupture of the friable bridges 10A (as shown in Figures 6 and 7).

[0033] The projections 10C are positioned on the band 10 so that once the members 18 have moved along the recesses 15 to engage the end surfaces 15C thereof and ride up these onto the external surface of lip 14 (flexing the skirt portion 27 into a substantially polygonal shape), the projections 10C have moved along the lower surfaces 14D to the adjacent recess 15. The cap 12 is then free to be removed in the direction D5 (with the tamper band 10 connected thereto by the tether bands 10B) as shown in Figures 7 and detached from the container body 11 as shown in Figure 8.

[0034] Figures 9-13 illustrate a container according to a third embodiment of the invention. This is similar to the container shown in Figures 1-3 but also has a second type of tamper evident feature. Parts of the container of Figures 7-13 which correspond to those of the containers of Figure 1-3 are given the same reference numeral but increased by 20.

[0035] The cap 22 is similar to the cap 2 but has a tamper band 20 depending from the skirt portion 27 thereof. The tamper band 20 is connected to the skirt portion 27 by a plurality (about twenty four in the illustrated example) of small, friable bridges 20A and a single tether band 20B. A lower portion 20D of the tamper band is folded inwards (as illustrated by arrow B in Figure 10) so that the upwardly facing edge 20E thereof projects radially inwards from the inner surface of the tamper band 20 around the entire internal circumference thereof.

[0036] When the cap 22 is pressed onto the container body 21 in the direction D1 shown in Figure 11, the skirt portion 27 is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as the members 28 ride over the lip 24 until they engage recesses 25 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the edge 20E of the tamper band 20 rides over the lip 24 when the cap 22 is pressed onto the container body 21 and is a snap-fit beneath lower surfaces 24D of the lip 24. Lower surfaces 24D are shown inclined in the circumferential direction in Figures 9-13 but in this embodiment they could also be horizontal. Cap 22 is rotated in the direction D2 shown in Figure 11 to tighten it onto the container 11 as in the first embodiment.

[0037] When the cap 22 is rotated in the loosening direction, the members 28 ride up the end surfaces 25C of the recesses 25 (flexing the skirt portion 27 into a substantially polygonal shape) so the upper portion 26 and skirt portion 27 are able to move upwards as in the first embodiment but the tamper band 20 is prevented from doing so by the engagement of the edge 20E of portion 20D under the lower surfaces 24D of the lip 24. This causes rupture of the friable bridges 20A although the tamper band 20 remain connected to the remainder of the cap 22 by the tether band 20B. The tamper band 20 is then free to slide down the external surface of the container body 21 in the direction D6 shown In Figure 12 whilst the remainder of the cap can be pivoted away from the opening 23 as shown by arrow C.

[0038] A circular ridge 21A is provided around the neck of container body 21 and the tamper band 20 can be pushed down over this so the edge 20E of the upstanding portion 20D passes over the ridge 21A and is then trapped beneath it so that the tamper band is held in this position (as shown in Figure 12). This prevents the tamper band sliding back up towards the opening 23 when the container body is tilted to pour a beverage therefrom. The tether 20B is, however, of a sufficient length such that the cap 22 can be re-fitted to the container body 21 (as shown in Figure 13) by pressing it down again over the lip 24 (and screwed tight if desired).

[0039] Figures 14-19 illustrate a container according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. This is similar to the container shown in Figures 1-3 but also has a third type of tamper evident feature. Parts of the container of Figures 14-19 which correspond to those of the container of Figures 1-3 are given the same reference numeral but increased by 30. The container body in this embodiment is suited to being made of glass (although can also be made of plastic).

[0040] The cap 32 is similar to the cap 2 but has a tamper band 30 depending from the skirt portion 37 thereof. The tamper band 30 is connected to the skirt portion 37 by a plurality (eight in the illustrated example) of small, friable bridges 30A and a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of tether bands 30B. A plurality (eight in the illustrated example) of projections 30C project radially inwards from the inner surface of the tamper band 30.

[0041] The container body 31 is similar to that of the first embodiment but in addition has a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of projections 31A which project radially outward from the exterior wall of the body 31 at a position below and spaced from the outwardly projecting lip 34 (see Figures 14 and 18).

[0042] When the cap 32 is pressed onto the container body 31, the skirt portion 37 is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as inwardly projecting members 38 (not shown) ride over the lip 34 until they engage recesses 35 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the projections 30C ride over the lip 34 when the cap 32 is pressed onto the container body 31 and, once the cap 32 has been rotated in the tightening direction, the projections 30C are located at the level of the projection 31A referred to above.

[0043] When the cap 32 is rotated in the loosening direction, the projections 30A on the cap 32 engage the projections 31A on the container body 31 so as to halt rotation of the tamper band 30 relative to the container body 31. Further rotation of the cap 32 in the loosening direction thus causes rupture of the friable bridges 30A as well as moving members 38 (not shown) of the cap 32 out of the recesses 35 in the lip 34 of the container body 31. The tether bands 30B are concertinered during this relative rotation as illustrated in Figure 16. The cap 32 is then free to be removed from the container body 31. The tamper band 30 remains connected to the cap 32 by the tether bands 30B and Is thus removed along with the cap 32 as shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0044] Figures 19-21 illustrate a container according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. This is similar to the container shown in Figures 1-3 but also has a fourth type of tamper evident feature. Parts of the container of Figures 19-21 which correspond to those of the containers of figure 1-3 are given the same reference numeral but Increased by 40.

[0045] The cap 42 is similar to the cap 2 but has a tamper band 40 depending from the skirt portion 47 thereof. The tamper band 20 is connected to the skirt portion 27 by a plurality (eight in the illustrated example) of small, friable bridges 40A. A plurality (four in the illustrated example) of projections 40C project radially inwards from the inner surface of the tamper band 40.

[0046] The container body 41 is similar to that of the first embodiment but in addition has a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of projections 41A which project radially outward from the exterior wall of the body 41 at positions below and spaced from the outwardly projecting lip 44 (see Figures 19 and 21). In this embodiment, a groove 41B is provided in the container wall for gripping by a blow moulding tool. This groove divides each projection 41A into two parts.

[0047] When the cap 42 is pressed on the container body 41, the skirt portion 47 is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as Inwardly projecting members 48 (now shown) ride over the lip 44 until they engage recesses 45 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the projections 40C ride over the lip 44 when the cap 42 is pressed onto the container body 41 and, once the cap 42 has been rotated in the tightening direction, the projections 40C are located at the level of the projections 41A referred to above.

[0048] When the cap 42 is rotated in the loosening direction, the projections 40C on the cap 42 engage the projections 41A on the container body 41 so as to halt rotation of the tamper band 40 relative to the container body 41. Further rotation of the cap 42 in the loosening direction thus causes rupture of the friable bridges 40A as well as moving members 48 (not shown) of the cap 42 out of the recesses 45 in the lip 44 of the container body 41. The cap 42 is then free to be removed from the container body 41.

[0049] The tamper band 40 is separated from the cap 42 upon rupture of the friable bridges 40A and drops down the neck of the container 41 as shown in figure 21 to a position at which the external diameter of the container 41 Is similar to the internal diameter of the band 40. Alternatively, the band 40 may be lifted off the neck of the container 41 separately from the cap 42.

[0050] In each of the embodiments described, the cap may be formed of a plastics material, e.g. by injection moulding. The container body may also be formed of a plastics material, e.g. by injection moulding and blow moulding. The container body may, however, also be made of glass.

[0051] The diameter of the opening of the container body preferably lies in the range 25-30mm, e.g. as typically used for bottles. However, the invention may also be used on containers with other size openings, including diameters up to 50mm and wide mouth openings (which typically have a diameter in the range 50-80mm).

[0052] In the embodiments described, the cap is provided with four internally projecting members for engaging four recesses in the lip of the container body. Other embodiments may use more or less members and recesses. Preferred embodiments have three, four or five members and recesses. Four members (and recesses) may, for example, be used for a container opening with a diameter in the range 25-35mm, five for a container with an opening In the range 35-45mm and six for an opening in the range 45-55mm. More members (and recesses) may be used for a given diameter but the greater the number the less flexible the skirt of the cap will be (although, with a large number of members each need project inwards by a smaller distance).

[0053] It will be appreciated that the container employs two separate camming actions to distort the skirt portion of the cap into a substantially polygonal shape, one when the cap is fitted to the container body and the other when the cap is removed therefrom. In the first case, the inwardly projecting members on the cap are forced radially outwards over the lip as the cap is press-fitted to the container body. In the second case, the members are forced radially outwards by ramps at the ends of recesses in the lip as the cap is rotated relative to the container body.

[0054] Containers having the features described above can thus be press-fitted to a container body and can be opened by a relatively small rotational movement (depending on the number of projecting members used). With four members, the cap need be rotated less than 90 degrees to release it from the container body. In addition, no external threads need be provided on the neck of the container body. The neck may therefore have a smooth aesthetically pleasing appearance, e.g. as on a conventional glass bottle neck.

[0055] The cap, which is preferably formed of a plastic material, can thus be press-fitted to the container, the container need not have thread portions on the exterior of the neck and the cap can be removed by a relatively small rotational movement. Optionally, the cap may be arranged so it can be re-fitted by a user. The cap thus combines the advantages of a conventional crown closure and a conventional screw-threaded cap and bottle neck. It also uses significantly less material than a conventional plastic screw cap so saves on material cost and wight.

Claims

1. A container body (1) with an opening (3) defining an axis (A) passing therethrough for receiving a cap (2) for closing the opening (3), the cap having (2) a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly projecting members (8) around an inner circumference thereof, the container body (1) having an outwardly projecting lip (4) around the opening (3), the lip (4) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses (5) in a lower part thereof for receiving said members (8) when a cap (2) is press fitted to the container body (1), an upper surface of the lip (4) being shaped so that, when a cap (2) is pressed axially onto the container body (1), the members (8) are driven outwards and the cap (2) is resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape until the members (8) are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip (4), and snap fit into the recesses (5) in the lip (4), the recesses (5) being shaped such that subsequent rotation of the cap (2) relative to the container body (1) and, consequential relative circumferential movement of the members (8) within the respective recesses, enables the cap (2) to be tightened against the lip (4).

2. A container body (1) as claimed in claim 1 in which the recesses (5) are shaped such that, upon rotation of the cap (2) relative to the container body (1) in a loosening direction, the cap (2) is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as the members (8) are driven out of the respective recesses (5) onto an external surface of the lip (4) until the cap (2) is free to be moved to an open position.

3. A container body (1) as claimed in claim 2 in which each of the recesses (5) has an end surface (5C) that forms a ramp along which the respective member (8) is able to slide when the cap (2) is rotated in a loosening direction whereby the member (8) moves out of the recess (5) onto an external surface of the lip (4) so the cap (2) is free to be moved to an open position.

4. A container body (1) as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the recesses (5) has an upper surface (5A) and first and second end surfaces (5B, 5C), the upper surface (5A) being inclined or curved relative to a plane perpendicular to said axis (A) whereby the second end surface (5C) extends further In the axial direction than the first end surface (5B).

5. A container body (1) as claimed in claim 4 in which the first end surface (58) forms a stop for limiting rotation of the cap (2) In said tightening direction.

6. A container body (1) as claimed In claim 3 and 4 In which the second end surface (5C) forms the ramp along which the respective member (8) Is able to slide when the cap (2) is rotated In a loosening direction.

7. A container body (1) as claimed In any preceding claim In which the external diameter of an upper part of the lip (4) decreases towards the open end thereof.

8. A container (1) comprising a container body (1) with an opening (3) defining an axis (A) passing therethrough and a cap (2) for closing the opening (3), the cap (2) being formed of resilient material and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart Inwardly projecting members (8) around an Inner circumference thereof, the container body (1) having an outwardly projecting Ilp (4) around said opening (3), and the lip (4) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses (5) In a lower part thereof for receiving said members (8) when the cap (2) is press fitted to the container body (1), an supper surface of the lip (4) being shaped so that, when the cap (2) Is pressed axially onto the container body (1), the members (8) are driven outwards and the cap (2) Is resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape until the members (8) are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip (4), and snap fit Into the recesses (5) in the lip (4), the recesses (5) being shaped such that subsequent rotation of the cap (2) relative to the container body (1) and, consequential relative circumferential movement of the members (8) within the respective recesses (5), tightens the cap (2) against the lip (4).

9. A container as claimed in claim 8 in which the recesses (5) are shaped such that, when the cap (2) is rotated relative to the container body (1) in a loosening direction, the cap (2) is flexed into a substantially polygonal shape as the members (8) are driven out of the respective recesses (5) onto an external surface of the lip (4) until the cap (2) is free to be moved to an open position.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9 in which each of the recesses (5) has an end (5C) surface that forms a ramp along which the respective member (8) slides when the cap (2) is rotated In a loosening direction whereby the member (8) moves out of the recess (5) onto an external surface of the lip (4) so the cap (2) is free to be moved to an open position.

11. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10 in which rotation of the cap (2) in the loosening direction by means of relative circumferential movement of the projecting members (8) within the respective recesses (5), releases the seal between the cap (2) and the container body (1) and so permits venting of the container.

12. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11 in which the cap (2) has four inwardly projecting members (8), whereby the cap (2) needs be rotated less than 90 degrees to release it from the container body (1).

13. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12 In which the opening (3) has a diameter in the range 25-30mm.

14. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13 in which the container body (1) and the cap (2) are both formed of plastics materials.

15. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13 in which the container body (1) is formed of glass and the cap (2) is formed of a plastics material.

16. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 15 in which, following removal of the cap (2), it can be re-fitted to the container body (1) by pressing it back over the lip (4).

17. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 16 in which no external threads are provided on the neck of the container body (1).

18. A cap (2) for fitting to a container body (1) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 having an opening (3) defining an axis (A) passing therethrough and an outwardly projecting lip (4) around the opening (3), the lip (4) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses (5) in a lower part thereof, to provide a container as claimed any of claims 8 to 17, the cap (2) being formed of resilient material and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inwardly projecting members (8) around an inner circumference thereof, each projecting member (8) having a lower surface (8B) which Is inclined upwardly in a radial direction so that, when the cap (2) is pressed axially onto the container body (1), the members (8) are driven outwards whereby the cap (2) is resiliently flexed into a substantially polygonal shape, so that the members (8) are able to pass over the external diameter of the lip (4) to snap fit into the recesses (5) in the lip (4), each projecting member (8) having an upper surface (8A) shaped to engage a respective recess (5) so that relative circumferential movement of the members (8) within the respective recesses (5), upon rotation of the cap (2) relative to the container body (1), tightens the cap (2) against the lip (4).

19. A cap (2) as claimed in claim 18 which each has two end surfaces (8C, 8D) one of which is laterally inclined In a radial direction and both of which are substantially vertical in an axial direction (A).

20. A cap (2) as claimed in claim 18 or 19 in which the cap (2) has a tamper band (10) connected to a skirt portion thereof by friable connections (10A).

21. A cap (2) as claimed In claim 20 in which the tamper band (10) has one or more projections (10C) on an inner surface thereof (4) such that rotation of the tamper band (10) relative to the container body (1) in the loosening direction causes axial separation of the tamper band (10) and skirt portion (7) resulting In breakage of one or more of the friable connections (10A).

22. A cap (2) as claimed in claim 21 in which at least one tether connection (10B) is provided between the tamper band (10) and skirt portion (7) so that the tamper band (10) remains attached to the cap (2) even when all the friable (10A) connections have been broken.

Ansprüche

1. Behälterkörper (1) mit einer Öffnung (3), die eine Achse (A) definiert, die dort hindurchläuft, um eine Kappe (2) zum Schließen der Öffnung (3) aufzunehmen, wobei die Kappe (2) eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter nach innen vorspringender Elemente (8) um einen Innenumfang davon aufweist, der Behälterkörper (1) eine nach außen vorspringende Lippe (4) um die Öffnung (3) herum aufweist, die Lippe (4) eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter Vertiefungen (5) in einem unteren Teil davon zum Aufnehmen besagter Elemente (8) aufweist, wenn eine Kappe (2) mit Presspassung auf den Behälterkörper (1) gepresst wird, wobei eine obere Fläche der Lippe (4) so geformt ist, dass, wenn eine Kappe (2) axial auf den Behälterkörper (1) gepresst wird, die Elemente (8) nach außen getrieben werden und die Kappe (2) federnd in eine im Wesentlichen polygonale Form durchgebogen wird, bis die Elemente (8) fähig sind, über den externen Durchmesser der Lippe (4) zu gehen und in die Vertiefungen (5) in der Lippe (4) einzuschnappen, wobei die Vertiefungen (5) so geformt sind, dass nachfolgende Drehung der Kappe (2) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1) und daraus folgende relative Umfangsbewegung der Elemente (8) innerhalb der jeweiligen Vertiefungen, das Festziehen der Kappe (2) gegen die Lippe (4) ermöglicht.

2. Behälterkörper (1), wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, bei dem die Vertiefungen (5) so geformt sind, dass, nach Drehung der Kappe (2) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1) in eine lockernde Richtung, die Kappe (2) in eine im Wesentlichen polygonale Form durchgebogen wird, sowie die Elemente (8) aus ihren jeweiligen Vertiefungen (5) auf eine externe Oberfläche der Lippe (4) herausgetrieben werden, bis die Kappe (2) frei ist, in eine offene Position bewegt zu werden.

3. Behälterkörper (1), wie in Anspruch 2 beansprucht, bei dem jede der Vertiefungen (5) eine Stirnfläche (5C) aufweist, die eine Rampe bildet, entlang der das jeweilige Element (8) gleiten kann, wenn die Kappe (2) in eine lockernde Richtung gedreht wird, wodurch sich das Element (8) aus der Vertiefung (5) auf eine externe Oberfläche der Lippe (4) bewegt, sodass die Kappe (2) frei ist, in eine offene Position bewegt zu werden.

4. Behälterkörper (1), wie in einem beliebigen vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, bei dem jede der Vertiefungen (5) eine obere Fläche (5A) und erste und zweite Stirnflächen (5B, 5C) aufweist, die obere Fläche (5A) relative zu einer Ebene senkrecht zu besagter Achse (A) geneigt oder gekrümmt ist, wodurch sich die zweite Stirnfläche (5C) in der axialen Richtung weiter als die erste Stirnfläche (5B) erstreckt.

5. Behälterkörper (1), wie in Anspruch 4 beansprucht, bei dem die erste Stirnfläche (5B) einen Anschlag zum Begrenzen der Drehung der Kappe (2) in besagte festziehende Richtung bildet.

6. Behälterkörper (1), wie in Anspruch 3 und 4 beansprucht, bei dem die zweite Stirnfläche (5C) die Rampe bildet, entlang der das jeweilige Element (8) gleiten kann, wenn die Kappe (2) in die lockernde Richtung gedreht wird.

7. Behälterkörper (1), wie in einem beliebigen vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, bei dem der externe Durchmesser des oberen Teils der Lippe (4) in Richtung des offenen Endes davon abnimmt.

8. Behälter (1), der einen Behälterkörper (1) mit einer Öffnung (3), die eine dort hindurchlaufende Achse (A) definiert und eine Kappe (2) zum Schließen der Öffnung (3) umfasst, wobei die Kappe (2) aus einem federnden Material gebildet ist und eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter nach innen vorspringender Elemente (8) um einen Innenumfang davon aufweist, der Behälterkörper (1) eine nach außen vorspringende Lippe (4) um besagte Öffnung (3) herum aufweist und die Lippe (4) eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter Vertiefungen (5) in einem unteren Teil davon zum Aufnehmen besagter Elemente (8) aufweist, wenn eine Kappe (2) mit Presspassung auf den Behälterkörper (1) gepresst wird, wobei eine obere Fläche der Lippe (4) so geformt ist, dass, wenn eine Kappe (2) axial auf den Behälterkörper (1) gepresst wird, die Elemente (8) nach außen getrieben werden und die Kappe (2) federnd in eine im Wesentlichen polygonale Form durchgebogen wird, bis die Elemente (8) fähig sind, über den externen Durchmesser der Lippe (4) zu gehen und in die Vertiefungen (5) in der Lippe (4) einzuschnappen, wobei die Vertiefungen (5) so geformt sind, dass nachfolgende Drehung der Kappe (2) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1) und folgerichtig relative Umfangsbewegung der Elemente (8) innerhalb der jeweiligen Vertiefungen, die Kappe (2) gegen die Lippe (4) festzieht.

9. Behälter, wie in Anspruch 8 beansprucht, bei dem die Vertiefungen (5) so geformt sind, dass, wenn die Kappe (2) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1) in eine lockernde Richtung gedreht wird, die Kappe (2) in eine im Wesentlichen polygonale Form durchgebogen wird, sowie die Elemente (8) aus den jeweiligen Vertiefungen (5) auf eine externe Oberfläche der Lippe (4) herausgetrieben werden, bis die Kappe (2) frei ist, in eine offene Position bewegt zu werden.

10. Behälter, wie in Anspruch 9 beansprucht, bei dem jede der Vertiefungen (5) eine Stirnfläche (5C) aufweist, die eine Rampe bildet, entlang der das jeweilige Element (8) gleiten kann, wenn die Kappe (2) in eine lockernde Richtung gedreht wird, wodurch sich das Element (8) aus der Vertiefung (5) auf eine externe Oberfläche der Lippe (4) bewegt, sodass die Kappe (2) frei ist, in eine offene Position bewegt zu werden.

11. Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 10 beansprucht, bei dem Drehung der Kappe (2) in die lockernde Richtung mittels relativer Umfangsbewegung der vorspringenden Elemente (8) innerhalb der jeweiligen Vertiefungen (5), die Dichtung zwischen der Kappe (2) und dem, Behälterkörper (1) freigibt und so Entlüften des Behälters zulässt.

12. Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 11 beansprucht, bei dem die Kappe (2) vier nach innen vorspringende Elemente (8) aufweist, wodurch die Kappe (2) weniger als 90 Grad gedreht werden muss, um sie vom Behälterkörper (1) zu lösen.

13. Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 12 beansprucht, bei dem die Öffnung (3) einen Durchmesser im Bereich 25-30 mm aufweist.

14. Behälter, wie in einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13 beansprucht, bei dem der Behälterkörper (1) und die Kappe (2) beide aus Kunststoffmaterialien gebildet sind.

15. Behälter, wie in einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13 beansprucht, bei dem der Behälterkörper (1) aus Glas gebildet ist und die Kappe (2) aus Kunststoffmaterial gebildet ist.

16. Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 15 beansprucht, bei dem, anschließend an das Entfernen der Kappe (2), diese durch erneutes Pressen über die Lippe (4) wieder an den Behälterkörper (1) angebracht werden kann.

17. Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 16 beansprucht, bei dem keine externen Gewinde am Hals des Behälterkörpers (1) bereitgestellt sind.

18. Kappe (2) zum Anbringen an einen Behälterkörper (1), wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 beansprucht, mit einer Öffnung (3), die eine dort hindurchlaufende Achse (A) definiert und einer nach außen vorspringenden Lippe (4) um die Öffnung (3) herum, wobei die Lippe (4) eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter Vertiefungen (5) in einem unteren Teil davon aufweist, um einen Behälter, wie in einem beliebigen der Ansprüche 8 bis 17 beansprucht, bereitzustellen, wobei die Kappe (2) aus federndem Material gebildet ist und eine Mehrzahl umlaufend mit Abstand angeordneter nach innen vorspringender Elemente (8) um einen Innenumfang davon herum aufweist, wobei jedes vorspringende Element (8) eine untere Fläche (8B) aufweist, die aufwärts in einer radialen Richtung geneigt ist, sodass, wenn die Kappe (2) axial auf den Behälterkörper (1) gepresst wird, die Elemente (8) nach außen getrieben werden, wodurch die Kappe (2) federnd in eine im Wesentlichen polygonale Form durchgebogen wird, sodass die Elemente (8) fähig sind, über den externen Durchmesser der Lippe (4) zu gehen, um in die Vertiefungen (5) in der Lippe (4) zu schnappen, wobei jedes vorspringende Element (8) eine obere Fläche (8A) aufweist, die geformt ist, in eine jeweilige Vertiefung (5) einzugreifen, sodass relative Umfangsbewegung der Elemente (8) innerhalb der jeweiligen Vertiefungen (5), nach Drehung der Kappe (2) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1), die Kappe (2) gegen die Lippe (4) festzieht.

19. Kappe (2), wie in Anspruch 18 beansprucht, wobei jede zwei Stirnflächen (8C, 8D) aufweist, wovon eine quer in einer axialen Richtung geneigt ist und wovon beide im Wesentlichen in einer axialen Richtung (A) senkrecht sind.

20. Kappe (2), wie in Anspruch 18 oder 19 beansprucht, bei der die Kappe (2) ein manipuliersicheres Band (10) aufweist, das mit einem Schürzenteil davon durch brüchige Verbindungen (10A) verbunden ist.

21. Kappe (2), wie in Anspruch 20 beansprucht, bei der das manipuliersichere Band (10) einen oder mehrere Vorsprünge (10C) an einer Innenfläche (4) davon aufweist, sodass Drehung des manipuliersicheren Bands (10) relativ zum Behälterkörper (1) in der lockernden Richtung, axiale Trennung des manipuliersicheren Bands (10) und des Schürzenteils (7) bewirkt, was zum Bruch einer oder mehrerer der brüchigen Verbindungen (10A) führt.

22. Kappe (2), wie in Anspruch 21 beansprucht, bei der zumindest eine Verankerungsverbindung (10B) zwischen dem manipuliersicheren Band (10) und dem Schürzenteil (7) bereitgestellt wird, sodass das manipuliersichere Band (10) an der Kappe (2) angebracht bleibt, selbst wenn alle der brüchigen Verbindungen (10A) gebrochen worden sind.

Revendications

1. Un corps de récipient (1) possédant une ouverture (3) définissant un axe (A) le traversant pour recevoir une capsule (2) fermant l'ouverture (3), ladite capsule (2) présentant une série d'éléments (8) saillants vers l'intérieur espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel autour d'une circonférence interne, le corps de récipient (1) possédant un rebord à saillie (4) vers l'extérieur situé autour de l'ouverture (3), le rebord (4) présentant une série d'évidements (5) espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel dans une partie inférieure pour la réception desdits éléments (8) lors de l'application sous pression d'une capsule (2) sur le corps du récipient (1), une surface supérieure du rebord (4) étant façonnée de sorte que lorsque l'on enfonce axialement une capsule (2) sur le corps de récipient (1), les éléments (8) sont entraînés vers l'extérieur et la capsule (2) se ploie de façon élastique sous une forme dans l'ensemble polygonale jusqu'à ce que les éléments (8) sont en mesure de se placer sur le diamètre extérieur du rebord (4), et de s'emmancher dans les évidements (5) du rebord (4), lesdits évidements (5) étant façonnés de sorte que la rotation suivante de la capsule (2) par rapport au corps du récipient (1), et le mouvement circonférentiel relatif des éléments (8) qui en résulte dans les évidements respectifs, permet de serrer la capsule (2) contre le rebord (4).

2. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme à la revendication 1 dans lequel les évidements (5) sont façonnés de sorte que lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) par rapport au corps de récipient (1), dans une direction de desserrage, la capsule (2) se ploie de façon élastique sous une forme dans l'ensemble polygonale lorsque les éléments (8) sont refoulés des évidements (5) respectifs sur une surface extérieure du rebord (4) jusqu'à ce que la capsule (2) puisse être déplacée librement vers une position ouverte.

3. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme à la revendication 2 dans lequel chacun des évidements (5) possède une surface d'extrémité (5C) formant une rampe le long de laquelle l'élément respectif (8) est en mesure de glisser lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) dans une direction de desserrage, l'élément (8) sortant alors de l'évidemment (5) sur une surface extérieure du rebord (4) afin que la capsule (2) puisse être déplacée librement vers une position ouverte.

4. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme à une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacun des évidements (5) possède une surface supérieure (5A) ainsi qu'une première et une deuxième surface d'extrémité (5B, 5C), la surface supérieure (5A) étant inclinée ou recourbée par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire audit axe (A), de sorte que la deuxième surface d'extrémité (5C) s'étende, dans le sens axial, au-delà de la première surface d'extrémité (5B).

5. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme à la revendication 4 dans lequel la première surface d'extrémité (5B) forme une butée limitant la rotation de la capsule (2) dans ladite direction de serrage.

6. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme aux revendications 3 et 4 dans lequel la deuxième surface d'extrémité (5C) forme une rampe le long de laquelle l'élément respectif (8) est en mesure de glisser lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) dans une direction de desserrage.

7. Un corps de récipient (1) conforme à une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le diamètre extérieur d'une partie supérieure du rebord (4) diminue vers son extrémité ouverte.

8. Un conteneur (1) comprenant un corps de récipient (1) possédant une ouverture (3) définissant un axe (A) le traversant et une capsule (2) fermant l'ouverture (3), ladite capsule (2) étant réalisée dans une matière élastique et possédant une série d'éléments (8) saillants vers l'intérieur espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel autour d'une circonférence interne, le corps de récipient (1) possédant un rebord à saillie (4) autour de ladite ouverture (3), et le rebord (4) présentant une série d'évidements (5) espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel dans une partie inférieure pour la réception desdits éléments (8) lors de l'application sous pression de la capsule (2) sur le corps du récipient (1), une surface supérieure du rebord (4) étant façonnée de sorte que lorsque l'on enfonce axialement une capsule (2) sur le corps de récipient (1), les éléments (8) sont entraînés vers l'extérieur et la capsule (2) se ploie de façon élastique sous une forme dans l'ensemble polygonale jusqu'à ce que les éléments (8) sont en mesure de se placer sur le diamètre extérieur du rebord (4), et de s'emmancher dans les évidements (5) du rebord (4), lesdits évidements (5) étant façonnés de sorte que la rotation suivante de la capsule (2) par rapport au corps du récipient (1), et le mouvement circonférentiel relatif des éléments (8) qui en résulte dans les évidements (5) respectifs, permet de serrer la capsule (2) contre le rebord (4).

9. Un récipient conforme à la revendication 8 dans lequel les évidements (5) sont façonnés de sorte que lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) par rapport au corps de récipient (1), dans une direction de desserrage, la capsule (2) se ploie sous une forme dans l'ensemble polygonale lorsque les éléments (8) sont refoulés hors des évidements (5) respectifs sur une surface extérieure du rebord (4), jusqu'à ce que la capsule (2) puisse être placée librement dans une position ouverte.

10. Un récipient conforme à la revendication 9 dans lequel chacun des évidements (5) possède une surface d'extrémité (5C) formant une rampe le long de laquelle l'élément respectif (8) est en mesure de glisser lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) dans une direction de desserrage, l'élément (8) sortant alors de l'évidemment (5) sur une surface extérieure du rebord (4) afin que la capsule (2) puisse être déplacée librement dans une position ouverte.

11. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, dans lequel la rotation de la capsule (2) dans une direction de desserrage sous l'effet du mouvement circonférentiel relatif des éléments saillants (8) au sein des évidements (5) respectifs, desserre le joint d'étanchéité entre la capsule (2) et le corps du conteneur (1), en permettant ainsi la mise à l'air libre du conteneur.

12. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, dans lequel la capsule (2) possède quatre éléments (8) saillants vers l'intérieur, de sorte que la capsule (2) doive être tournée de moins de 90 degrés pour pouvoir être détachée du corps du conteneur (1).

13. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, dans lequel l'ouverture (3) présente un diamètre compris dans la plage 25 à 30 mm.

14. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, dans lequel le corps du conteneur (1) et la capsule (2) sont réalisés tous les deux en matières plastiques.

15. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, dans lequel le corps du conteneur (1) est en verre et la capsule (2) est en matière plastique.

16. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 15, dans lequel, à la suite de l'enlèvement de la capsule (2), on peut remonter cette dernière sur le corps du conteneur (1) en l'enfonçant de nouveau sur le rebord (4).

17. Un récipient conforme à une quelconque des revendications 8 à 16, dans lequel le col du corps du conteneur (1) ne présente aucun filet extérieur.

18. Une capsule (2) conçue pour être placée sur un corps de conteneur (1), conforme à une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, présentant une ouverture (3) définissant un axe (A) la traversant, ainsi qu'un rebord (4) saillant vers l'extérieur autour de l'ouverture (3), le rebord (4) présentant une série d'évidements (5) espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel dans une partie inférieure, en formant un conteneur conforme aux revendications 8 à 17, la capsule (2) étant réalisée dans une matière élastique, et présentant une série d'éléments (8) saillants vers l'intérieur espacés l'un de l'autre sur un plan circonférentiel autour d'une circonférence interne, chaque élément (8) saillant présentant une surface inférieure (8B) inclinée vers le haut dans une direction radiale de sorte que lorsqu'on appuie la capsule (2) dans une direction axiale sur le corps du conteneur (1), les éléments (8) sont entraînés vers l'extérieur, la capsule (2) se ployant de façon élastique sous une forme dans l'ensemble polygonale, de sorte que les éléments (8) puissent passer sur le diamètre extérieur du rebord (4) pour s'emmancher dans les évidements (5) du rebord (4), chaque élément saillant (8) possédant une surface supérieure (8A) façonnée de façon à s'engager dans un évidement correspondant (5) de sorte que le mouvement circonférentiel relatif des éléments (8) au sein des évidements correspondants (5), lors de la rotation de la capsule (2) sur le corps du conteneur (1), serre la capsule (2) contre le rebord (4).

19. Une capsule (2) conforme à la revendication 18 possédant deux surfaces d'extrémité (8C, 8D), une desquelles étant inclinée latéralement dans une direction radiale, et les deux étant dans l'ensemble verticales dans le sens axial (A).

20. Une capsule (2) conforme à la revendication 18 ou 19, dans laquelle ladite capsule (2) possède une bague de fermeture inviolable (10) reliée à la jupe de la capsule par des raccords friables (10A).

21. Une capsule (2) conforme à la revendication 20, dans laquelle la bague de fermeture inviolable (10) possède une ou plusieurs projections (10C) sur une de ses surfaces internes (4), de sorte que la rotation de la bague de fermeture inviolable (10) par rapport au corps du conteneur (1), dans le sens du desserrage, entraîne la séparation axiale de la bague de fermeture inviolable (10) et de la jupe de la capsule (7), et, de là, la rupture d'une ou plusieurs des raccords friables (10A).

22. Une capsule (2) conforme à la revendication 21, dans laquelle au moins un raccord d'attache (10B) est prévu entre la bague de fermeture inviolable (10) et la jupe de la capsule (7), de sorte que la bague de fermeture inviolable (10) reste fixée sur la capsule (2), même en cas de brisure de tous les raccords friables (10A).

Drawing