EP0652160A1 - Snap-on cap for a beer keg - Google Patents
Snap-on cap for a beer keg Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0652160A1 EP0652160A1 EP94308002A EP94308002A EP0652160A1 EP 0652160 A1 EP0652160 A1 EP 0652160A1 EP 94308002 A EP94308002 A EP 94308002A EP 94308002 A EP94308002 A EP 94308002A EP 0652160 A1 EP0652160 A1 EP 0652160A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- tooth
- skirt
- teeth
- tail member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/46—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
- B65D41/48—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
- B65D55/06—Deformable or tearable wires, strings, or strips; Use of seals, e.g. destructible locking pins
- B65D55/08—Annular elements encircling container necks
- B65D55/0863—Plastic snap-on cap-like collars having frangible parts
Definitions
- This invention relates to a push-fittable cap, for example for fitting onto a keg spear as a deterrent to pilfering.
- a keg spear has an annular projection over which a cap can be push-fitted by means of resilient teeth to secure the cap to the spear.
- a cap of this type is known, for example, from GB-A-2082151.
- the cap has a plastics skirt with an inner ring of teeth, which snap engage over the annular projection of a keg spear.
- the cap of the present invention is usable for any purpose where it is desired to snap engage a cap over a projection, so that removal of the cap is resisted.
- the teeth project inwardly from the skirt at an acute angle towards the top of the cap.
- the teeth are thickest at the junction with the skirt and taper towards their free ends. The teeth are caused, during snap-engagement, to bend near their free ends.
- the cap is composed of a brittle material, the teeth may break during engagement. If, on the other hand, the material is resilient, the teeth may still be deformed and the cap may be easily removable due to the resilience. This problem is exacerbated where large tolerances are required. This is the case with keg spears, since the annular projections, over which the teeth engage, are of varying profiles. It is clearly of great benefit, if each cap does not have to be made specifically for a keg spear with one profile.
- the present invention provides a cap, which can be push-fitted into engagement with a keg spear, or other article with an annular projection, without damage to the teeth and with substantial resistance to removal of the cap.
- GB-A-2082151 provides a cap for a keg spear, the cap having a top and a skirt provided with a ring of inwardly projecting teeth, which can be passed over an annular projection on a keg spear to resist removal of the cap, each tooth being delectable towards the cap top under a force towards the cap top, so as to permit the tooth to pass over the annular projection, the tooth being resiliently biased to said inwardly projecting position.
- each tooth is provided with a tail member the tooth and tail member combination being joined to the skirt by a hing portion, the skirt having a stop engageable by the tail member under a force on the tooth in a direction away from the cap top, so as to resist pivotal movement of the tooth in that direction.
- the hinged arrangement permits each tooth to pivot during fitting, so that the cap is easily pushed on to a keg spear, or other article, without damage to the teeth.
- the tail members provide substantial support for each tooth against forces applied to remove the cap.
- the cap may be removable by means of a tab forming a part of the top and the skirt of the cap, and secured to the remainder of the cap by lines of weakness.
- the tab can be pulled to permit easy removal of the cap.
- the cap comprises a one-piece injection moulding having a top 11, a skirt 12 and a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced teeth 13 projecting inwardly from the skirt at an axial location between the top 11 and the free end 14 of the skirt.
- the skirt has an outwardly extending flange 15 near the free end 14.
- the top 11 has apertures 18 provided for moulding the teeth.
- the skirt has a number of circumferentially spaced, axial slots 20 bridged by relatively weak portions 21. These provide for tamper evidence, since attempts to remove the cap may result in breaking of the weak portions 21. They also assist in removal of the cap, when required.
- a tab 30 is provided, which is mainly defined by parts of the skirt 12 and top 11.
- the tab is elongate and has opposite longitudinal edges 31 joined to the top 11 by frangible portions 32 and joined to the skirt 12 by frangible portions 33.
- the tab terminates in a grippable portion 34, which extends radially from the skirt and is reinforced by a peripheral wall 35.
- the grippable portion is pulled to break the frangible portions, so that the cap is split and easily releasable from the keg spear, or other article.
- the tab remains attached to the remainder of the cap.
- the skirt 12 has an outwardly directed flange 15, defining a ring 16 adjacent the free end 14 of the skirt.
- An annular rebate 40 is defined within the ring 16 by the flange and the inner peripheral surface 39 of the ring.
- Each tooth 13 is attached to the skirt 12 at a location adjacent to the rebate 40 by a respective hinge portion 41, projecting inwardly from the skirt.
- the hinge portion 41 resiliently biases the tooth 13 to a normal, as moulded, position as shown in Fig 3. In this position, the tooth extends at an acute angle towards the top 11 of the cap.
- the flange 15 joins the main portion of the skirt (12) adjacent to the hinge portion 41.
- Each tooth 13 is integrally formed with a tail member 45, which, in the normal, as moulded, position, extends away from the top 11 generally parallel to the axis of the cap.
- the tail member joins the tooth adjacent to the hinge portion 41, so that the tooth and tail member combination is pivotally movable relative to the skirt by means of the hinge portion.
- Each tail portion is spaced from the peripheral wall 39 of the ring 16, due to the flange 15.
- Fig 3 there is shown in dash lines a portion of a keg spear, including an annular projection 50.
- the cap is in the process of being push-fitted on the spear, with the projection 50 within the ring of teeth 13, but not yet engaged with the teeth.
- the teeth 13 are pivotally movable about the hinge portions 41, under an axial force applied towards the top 11 of the cap.
- an axial force is applied during fitting of the cap and, as shown in Fig 4, engagement of the outer faces of the teeth 13 with the projection 50 causes them to pivot towards an axially extending position, to facilitate entry of the spear into the cap past the teeth.
- the cap can, therefore, be readily push-fitted onto a keg spear, but is very difficult to remove without damaging the cap, and thereby providing tamper evidence, except by means of the tab, which also provides tamper evidence.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The cap can be push-fitted, for example, on a keg spear and has teeth 13 which engage over an annular projection 50 on the spear. The teeth are designed to permit easy fitting, but difficult removal. Each tooth 13 is hinged at 41 to the cap skirt, so as to move pivotally to permit passage over projection, but is biased to a position resisting removal. Each tooth is pivotally in the reverse direction when an attempt is made to remove the cap, causing a tail member (45) associated with the tooth to engage a stop (39) and serve as a resistive support for the tooth.
Description
- This invention relates to a push-fittable cap, for example for fitting onto a keg spear as a deterrent to pilfering.
- A keg spear has an annular projection over which a cap can be push-fitted by means of resilient teeth to secure the cap to the spear. A cap of this type is known, for example, from GB-A-2082151. The cap has a plastics skirt with an inner ring of teeth, which snap engage over the annular projection of a keg spear.
- The cap of the present invention is usable for any purpose where it is desired to snap engage a cap over a projection, so that removal of the cap is resisted.
- In GB-A-2082151, the teeth project inwardly from the skirt at an acute angle towards the top of the cap. The teeth are thickest at the junction with the skirt and taper towards their free ends. The teeth are caused, during snap-engagement, to bend near their free ends.
- If the cap is composed of a brittle material, the teeth may break during engagement. If, on the other hand, the material is resilient, the teeth may still be deformed and the cap may be easily removable due to the resilience. This problem is exacerbated where large tolerances are required. This is the case with keg spears, since the annular projections, over which the teeth engage, are of varying profiles. It is clearly of great benefit, if each cap does not have to be made specifically for a keg spear with one profile.
- The present invention provides a cap, which can be push-fitted into engagement with a keg spear, or other article with an annular projection, without damage to the teeth and with substantial resistance to removal of the cap.
- GB-A-2082151 provides a cap for a keg spear, the cap having a top and a skirt provided with a ring of inwardly projecting teeth, which can be passed over an annular projection on a keg spear to resist removal of the cap, each tooth being delectable towards the cap top under a force towards the cap top, so as to permit the tooth to pass over the annular projection, the tooth being resiliently biased to said inwardly projecting position.
- The present invention is characterised in that each tooth is provided with a tail member the tooth and tail member combination being joined to the skirt by a hing portion, the skirt having a stop engageable by the tail member under a force on the tooth in a direction away from the cap top, so as to resist pivotal movement of the tooth in that direction.
- The hinged arrangement permits each tooth to pivot during fitting, so that the cap is easily pushed on to a keg spear, or other article, without damage to the teeth.
- The tail members provide substantial support for each tooth against forces applied to remove the cap.
- The cap may be removable by means of a tab forming a part of the top and the skirt of the cap, and secured to the remainder of the cap by lines of weakness. The tab can be pulled to permit easy removal of the cap. An arrangement of this type is disclosed in US-A-4779750.
- Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-
- Fig 1 is a side elevation of a cap according to the invention,
- Fig 2 is a plan view of the cap,
- Fig 3 is a part-sectional view, showing a tooth in its normal, as-moulded, position,
- Fig 4 is a view similar to Fig 3, showing the tooth passing over a projection,
- Fig 5 is a view similar to Fig 4, showing the tooth having passed over the projection and returned to the normal position of Fig 3, and
- Fig 6 is a view similar to Fig 5, showing the position of the tooth during attempted forced removal over the projection.
- Referring to Figs 1 and 2, the cap comprises a one-piece injection moulding having a
top 11, askirt 12 and a multiplicity of circumferentially spacedteeth 13 projecting inwardly from the skirt at an axial location between thetop 11 and thefree end 14 of the skirt. The skirt has an outwardly extendingflange 15 near thefree end 14. Thetop 11 hasapertures 18 provided for moulding the teeth. - The skirt has a number of circumferentially spaced,
axial slots 20 bridged by relativelyweak portions 21. These provide for tamper evidence, since attempts to remove the cap may result in breaking of theweak portions 21. They also assist in removal of the cap, when required. - A
tab 30 is provided, which is mainly defined by parts of theskirt 12 andtop 11. The tab is elongate and has oppositelongitudinal edges 31 joined to thetop 11 byfrangible portions 32 and joined to theskirt 12 byfrangible portions 33. The tab terminates in agrippable portion 34, which extends radially from the skirt and is reinforced by aperipheral wall 35. - In order to remove the cap, the grippable portion is pulled to break the frangible portions, so that the cap is split and easily releasable from the keg spear, or other article. The tab remains attached to the remainder of the cap.
- As shown in Fig 3, the
skirt 12 has an outwardly directedflange 15, defining aring 16 adjacent thefree end 14 of the skirt. Anannular rebate 40 is defined within thering 16 by the flange and the innerperipheral surface 39 of the ring. - Each
tooth 13 is attached to theskirt 12 at a location adjacent to therebate 40 by arespective hinge portion 41, projecting inwardly from the skirt. Thehinge portion 41 resiliently biases thetooth 13 to a normal, as moulded, position as shown in Fig 3. In this position, the tooth extends at an acute angle towards thetop 11 of the cap. Theflange 15 joins the main portion of the skirt (12) adjacent to thehinge portion 41. - Each
tooth 13 is integrally formed with atail member 45, which, in the normal, as moulded, position, extends away from thetop 11 generally parallel to the axis of the cap. The tail member joins the tooth adjacent to thehinge portion 41, so that the tooth and tail member combination is pivotally movable relative to the skirt by means of the hinge portion. Each tail portion is spaced from theperipheral wall 39 of thering 16, due to theflange 15. - In Fig 3, there is shown in dash lines a portion of a keg spear, including an
annular projection 50. The cap is in the process of being push-fitted on the spear, with theprojection 50 within the ring ofteeth 13, but not yet engaged with the teeth. - In use, the
teeth 13 are pivotally movable about thehinge portions 41, under an axial force applied towards thetop 11 of the cap. Such a force is applied during fitting of the cap and, as shown in Fig 4, engagement of the outer faces of theteeth 13 with theprojection 50 causes them to pivot towards an axially extending position, to facilitate entry of the spear into the cap past the teeth. - Once the
projection 50 has passed theteeth 13, the teeth return resiliently to the normal, as moulded position, as shown in Fig 3. This state, with theprojection 50 within the cap, is shown in Fig 5. - Any attempt to remove the cap over the spear causes the
teeth 13 to engage theprojection 50, as shown in Fig 6. This engagement is with the tips of the teeth causing the teeth to pivot about thehinge portions 41 in a direction away from thetop 11. - Such movement is permitted until the
teeth 13 are in an optimal position to resist passage of the teeth over theprojection 50. This position is determined by engagement of thetail members 45 with theinner surface 39 of therebate 40 of thering 16. This forms a stop surface and the tail members are positioned, as shown in Fig 6, in a strongly supporting position for theteeth 13, generally in the manner of a gusset. - The cap can, therefore, be readily push-fitted onto a keg spear, but is very difficult to remove without damaging the cap, and thereby providing tamper evidence, except by means of the tab, which also provides tamper evidence.
Claims (6)
- A cap for a keg spear, the cap having a top (11) and a skirt (12) provided with a ring of inwardly projecting teeth (13), which can be passed over an annular projection (50) on a keg spear to resist removal of the cap, each tooth being deflectable towards the cap top under a force towards the cap top, so as to permit the tooth to pass over the annular projection (50), the tooth being resiliently biased to said inwardly projecting position, characterised in that each tooth (13) is provided with a tail member (45) the tooth and tail member combination being joined to the skirt (12) by a hinge portion (41), the skirt (12) having a stop (39) engageable by the tail member (45) under a force on the tooth in a direction away from the cap top, so as to resist pivotal movement of the tooth in that direction.
- A cap according to claim 1, wherein the skirt (12) has an outwardly extending flange (15) adjacent the hinged portions (41) and defining a ring between a main portion of the skirt and the end of the skirt remote from the cap, the inner periphery of the ring defining a stop for each of said tail members (45).
- A cap according to Claim 1 or 2, where each tooth (13) is formed in one piece with the respective tail member (45) and hinge portion (41) and with the skirt (12), the hinge portion comprising a projection located between each tooth and the skirt.
- A cap according to Claim 3 in the form of a one-piece injection moulding.
- A cap according to any preceding claim, wherein the skirt has weak portions (21), which indicate tamper evidence, if broken when an attempt is made to remove the cap.
- A cap according to any preceding claim, including a tab (30) connected with the remainder of the cap by frangible portions (32), whereby pulling on the tab splits the cap to facilitate removal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9322909 | 1993-11-06 | ||
GB939322909A GB9322909D0 (en) | 1993-11-06 | 1993-11-06 | Push-fittable cap |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0652160A1 true EP0652160A1 (en) | 1995-05-10 |
Family
ID=10744764
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94308002A Withdrawn EP0652160A1 (en) | 1993-11-06 | 1994-10-31 | Snap-on cap for a beer keg |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0652160A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9322909D0 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0761556A1 (en) * | 1995-08-26 | 1997-03-12 | Ledwell Plastics Limited | Tamper-evident cap for a barrel |
WO1997038913A1 (en) * | 1996-04-12 | 1997-10-23 | Gevaplast | Snap-locking closure device for a beer barrel |
CH690327A5 (en) * | 1995-11-16 | 2000-07-31 | Novoplast Gmbh | Tamper-proof protective plastic cap for e.g. stainless steel kegs with outlet fitting, includes rip-off tab with intentional break points and integral hinge |
NL1012741C2 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-01-30 | Ten Cate Plasticum Ede B V | Lid. |
WO2004094237A3 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2004-12-16 | Gevaplast | Closure cap for a barrel |
FR2863257A1 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-10 | Dinamic Emballages Soc Nouv | Cap for outlet port of container e.g. bottle, has stripping unit delimited by lines provided to disintegrate unit from rest of cap to obtain two disc parts with size smaller than two halves of disc having projections forming spacers |
EP4108593A1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2022-12-28 | Gevaplast NV | Tamper proof seal |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4779750A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1988-10-25 | Arlco Pty. Limited | Beer keg cap |
US4796771A (en) * | 1985-07-18 | 1989-01-10 | Friedrich Stettler | Security closure lid and container provided with such lid |
DE9109221U1 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1991-09-19 | Lars International S.A., Luxemburg/Luxembourg | Cap |
DE4201997C1 (en) * | 1992-01-25 | 1992-12-10 | Stella Kunststofftechnik Gmbh, 6228 Eltville, De |
-
1993
- 1993-11-06 GB GB939322909A patent/GB9322909D0/en active Pending
-
1994
- 1994-10-31 EP EP94308002A patent/EP0652160A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4796771A (en) * | 1985-07-18 | 1989-01-10 | Friedrich Stettler | Security closure lid and container provided with such lid |
US4779750A (en) * | 1986-12-19 | 1988-10-25 | Arlco Pty. Limited | Beer keg cap |
DE9109221U1 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1991-09-19 | Lars International S.A., Luxemburg/Luxembourg | Cap |
DE4201997C1 (en) * | 1992-01-25 | 1992-12-10 | Stella Kunststofftechnik Gmbh, 6228 Eltville, De |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0761556A1 (en) * | 1995-08-26 | 1997-03-12 | Ledwell Plastics Limited | Tamper-evident cap for a barrel |
CH690327A5 (en) * | 1995-11-16 | 2000-07-31 | Novoplast Gmbh | Tamper-proof protective plastic cap for e.g. stainless steel kegs with outlet fitting, includes rip-off tab with intentional break points and integral hinge |
WO1997038913A1 (en) * | 1996-04-12 | 1997-10-23 | Gevaplast | Snap-locking closure device for a beer barrel |
EP1714899A1 (en) | 1996-04-12 | 2006-10-25 | Gevaplast | Snap-locking closure for a beer keg |
NL1012741C2 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-01-30 | Ten Cate Plasticum Ede B V | Lid. |
WO2001008991A1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-02-08 | Ten Cate Plasticum Ede B.V. | Tamper-proof lid |
WO2004094237A3 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2004-12-16 | Gevaplast | Closure cap for a barrel |
FR2863257A1 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-10 | Dinamic Emballages Soc Nouv | Cap for outlet port of container e.g. bottle, has stripping unit delimited by lines provided to disintegrate unit from rest of cap to obtain two disc parts with size smaller than two halves of disc having projections forming spacers |
EP1541483A1 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-15 | Société Nouvelle Dinamic Emballages | Tamper evident closure cap for beverage container like beer barrel |
EP4108593A1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2022-12-28 | Gevaplast NV | Tamper proof seal |
BE1029529B1 (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2023-01-30 | Gevaplast Nv | CAP FOR BARRELS |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9322909D0 (en) | 1993-12-22 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE DE ES FR GB IE IT NL |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19951102 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN |
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17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19960125 |
|
18W | Application withdrawn |
Withdrawal date: 19960122 |