MXPA05000956A - Liquid container closure assembly. - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved closure assembly (5) adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion of a container (e.g. for liquid) such as a neck of a bottle. Known container closure assemblies suffer from a number of problems, e.g. simplicity of manufacture and provision of tamper evidence. Accordingly, the closure assembly (5) (or tamper-evident device) of the present invention comprises: a first body part (10) ; a tamper-evidence member or lock means (15) ; and a container closure member (20), wherein prior to initial opening the tamper-evident member or lock means (15)is in a first position such that the first body 15 part (10) and the container closure member (20)are disposed in a first relation to one another, and initial opening of the closure assembly (5) causes the tamper-evident member or lock means (15) to move a second position. Upon reclosure the lock means (15) causes the first body part (10) and the container closure member (20) to be disposed in a second (spaced) relation to one another, thereby evidencing opening and reclosure.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF CLOSURE OF CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a with a closure assembly adapted to be applied to the mouth of a container or container, for example for liquids, such as the neck of a bottle. The invention, in particular, although not exclusively, is concerned with an inviolable insert accessory or inviolable non-refillable insert accessory. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For various reasons, it may be desirable to ensure that a used container or container, such as a bottle designed to contain a liquid such as a valuable liquid, eg, alcoholic beverages, such as mineral volatiles, is not filled with an amount of replacement of another liquid, the characteristics and quality of which differ from the original content. Attempts to provide closures that make such filling difficult are not always proof against certain filling efforts.

Also, while it is considered advantageous to provide means of tampering that provide evidence that the bottle and its original contents are intact, if the bottle is resealable with a replacement cap or closure, there may be little that indicates a Ref .: Í61229 buyer that the bottle has been tampered with and / or refilled and that the content may be inferior to the original content. Accordingly, it has been found desirable to provide a closure that can not be removed without an extreme level of stress or rupture of the bottle. Such an arrangement is shown, for example, in GB Patent No. 2 274 837 also of the present applicant, selected only by way of illustration. While it is very important that an original closure can not be removed without visible damage or rupture that is caused either by closure and / or bottle, it has been found that a closure that can not be easily removed will become the target of attempts to fill the container by overcoming the characteristic provided in the closure, designed to prevent or prevent such filling. Accordingly, in addition to providing devices to prevent the filling of bottles, there is a need to provide such devices with aspects that indicate tampering or additional "inviolable", which, while not acting in a preventive function, give an irremovable indication and / or irreversibly clear that the bottle has been opened since it was originally filled with genuine content. Such clear indicators have been somewhat lacking in previous closure designs.

In addition, there is a need for simple designs of closure assemblies that allow easy and reliable manufacturing, assembly and adaptation to bottlenecks. Such simplicity has been somewhat lacking in the previous closure designs. Thus, it is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to eliminate or at least mitigate at least one of the problems / disadvantages mentioned above in the prior art. It is also an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved closure assembly that has no part that is brittle and / or removed at the initial opening and that are reliable to be re-annexed by counterfeiters or the like that a way that suggests that the closure assembly has not been previously opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One or more objects of the present invention are treated by the general solution of providing a container closure assembly having a first obvious element of tampering or inviolable element that moves irreversibly from a first position to a second position in the initial opening. Such action may cause that a first part of the body and a container closing element, which before the initial opening are arranged in a first arrangement with each other, are arranged in a second arrangement with each other, after re-closing, to make evident the opening and re-closing of the closing assembly. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure assembly (or obvious tampering device) adapted to be applied to the mouth neck portion of a liquid container, the assembly comprising: a first body part, an element that makes evident the tampering or fixing means and a closing element of the container, wherein, before the initial opening, the element that makes evident the tampering or fixing means are in a first position, in such a way that the first part of the body and the container closing element are disposed in a first relation to each other and the initial opening of the closure assembly causes the element that makes evident the tampering or fixing means to move to a second position. The device of the present invention has been named "ALUSNAP" (Trade Mark) closing assembly, device that makes evident the tampering, insertion accessory or non-refillable device. Preferably, after re-closing of the closure assembly, the fixing means cause the first part of the body and the closing element of the container to be arranged in a second relation to each other. In this way a clear indication is given to the person that the closure assembly has been opened and reclosed. Accordingly, the fastening means provide first means that make evident tampering, visual. Preferably, the fixing means comprise a retaining element retained within the first part of the body. The fastening element may comprise a fastening body portion having a first flanged end. Preferably, also the fixing body portion has a second flanged end. Preferably, the first flanged end and an inner side of the container closure element are provided with co-actuation coupling means. By such arrangement in an initially unopened arrangement, the closure element of the container and fastener are held together and an initial opening action of the container closure element causes the fastener to move from the first position to the second position. position.

The co-actuation coupling means may comprise a flexible male element resiliently provided on the inner side of the container closing element and a female element provided on the first end of the fixing element. Preferably, once the fixing element is in the second position, the additional opening action (either initial or re-opening) causes the male element to be released from the female element. Preferably, the first part of the body provides a tubular body having first and second open ends, the first end having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth. Preferably, the assembly includes a weir exit device that includes a weir flange, the tubular body is provided within the weir exit device. Preferably, the teeth are resiliently flexible. Preferably, in the initially unopened position, the first flanged end of the fastener is within the tubular body and an initial opening operation of the closure member of the container causes the first flanged end of the fastener to move past the fasteners. teeth and outside the first end of the tubular element. Accordingly, the teeth act as non-return means or "tines" by means of which the first flanged end of the fixing element is prevented from re-entering the tubular element. In the second position, the second flanged end of the fixing body portion can be spliced with a flange provided on the second end of the tubular body. Preferably, the fixing body portion carries driving means, which tend to drive the fixing element towards the first position. Preferably, the second flanged end of the fixing body portion substantially seals or closes a mouth of a container when in the first position and the closure assembly is applied to a container.

The driving means may comprise one or more spring-mounted arms extending from the fixing body portion towards the second end thereof.

The closure assembly may comprise an insertion fitting. The closure assembly may include means for preventing filling. Each of the teeth can extend from the tubular body and comprise an angular portion and an end portion that extends substantially in a manner longitudinal The first part of the body, the fastening element and closing element of the container can be manufactured from appropriate plastic materials. In a modality, the first part of the body may comprise a sleeve adapted to fall substantially concentrically with respect to the mouth and provided with means for fixing the sleeve on the container, the closure assembly further preferably comprises a first outer sleeve which is substantially adapted hermetic with the sleeve but rotatable with respect thereto and a second outer sleeve separated from the first outer sleeve and associated with the container closure element and wherein means are provided for spacing apart the initially adjacent portions of the first and second outer sleeves in the re-closing of the assembly after an initial opening of the container. The spacing means provide second means that make tampering evident. Preferably, the first outer sleeve has first and second open ends and the second outer sleeve has a first closed end and a second open end. Preferably, the closure element of the container includes a circumferential groove, which it may additionally provide a circumferential flange portion located below and adjacent to the circumferential groove. The initially adjacent portions may comprise adjacent respective circumferential edges of the first and second outer sleeves. The first and second circumferential edges may, before the initial opening, be placed in the circumferential groove and may be adjacent to each other. Preferably, during an opening operation of the initial container, the first circumferential edge expands or travels over the circumferential flange portion and is then rolled or retracted, preferably to substantially its original circumferential position to be positioned circumferentially behind the circumferential flange portion. Alternatively or additionally during an initial container opening operation, the circumferential flange portion contracts or travels below the first circumferential edge and is then preferably rolled or expanded to its original circumferential position to be positioned circumferentially forward of the first circumferential edge. This action places the circumferential edge longitudinally between the first and second circumferential edges in a non-obstructive manner such that when the container is closed by re-engaging the closure element, the first and second outer sleeves are spaced apart by at least the circumferential flange portion located therebetween. The first and optionally second means that make evident the tampering provide that, after the re-closing of the first and second circumferential edges are no longer adjacent but spaced, thus revealing a void or space between the first and second circumferential edges. This visual indicator makes it clear that the closure assembly (and container) has been opened and reclosed. The first circumferential edge of the first inner sleeve can provide a first circumferential flanged portion on the first outer sleeve and in the same manner, the second circumferential edge of the second outer sleeve can provide a second circumferential flanged portion on the second outer sleeve. The first and second sleeves may comprise any suitable material and preferably the material comprises a metal or metal-based material. Preferably, the metal or metal-based material substantially comprises aluminum or an alloy thereof and particularly laminated aluminum. Advantageously, aluminum provides a good means for applying printing dyes, inks, paints or the like, in such a way that messages, logos, images, names and / or other information can be carried by the first and / or second external sleeves. A message may comprise, for example, arrows indicating the direction of rotation for opening the closure assembly. The container closure element can be a lid that desirably includes a threaded portion that allows rotational movement (usually counterclockwise) of the lid during an opening operation of the container. The closure assembly may include a non-refillable device that provides a landfill outlet adapted to be secured to the mouth of a container or container for liquid. The container closure element can be a lid adapted to close an outlet of the weir exit device and the first outer sleeve can be adapted to receive at least part of the weir exit device. The outlet may be substantially angular and the lid may carry an inward facing end and an annular seal that can be detachably received within the annular outlet. Preferably, the second outer sleeve element is adapted to receive at least part of the lid.

The cover can generally be received in a tight interference fit to the second outer sleeve, but can optionally be rotatable with respect to the second outer sleeve in the application of sufficient force. Desirably, the landfill outlet device is manufactured in one piece with the sleeve, for example by injection molding. Preferably, the non-refillable device further comprises a valve seat body that can be received at least partially within at least part of the neck portion of the container and wherein the valve seat body is at least partially surrounded by the cuff. Preferably, at least one movable valve element is provided within the valve seat body. Preferably, means is provided for retaining the first outer sleeve in longitudinal relation to the sleeve, for example an end of the first outer sleeve formed at least partially on one end of the sleeve. Preferably, the first and second circumferential edges of the first and second sleeves are, prior to an initial opening of the closure element, located within the circumferential groove provided. on the closure element and are substantially adjacent. This positioning ensures that when the container is initially opened by the relative twist of the closure element and sleeve, the second circumferential edge of the second outer sleeve remains within the slot provided on the closure element and the first circumferential edge of the first external sleeve progressively in a resilient manner it may be caused to move circumferentially outwardly and out of the slit provided on the closure element as the closure element is removed from the weir exit device and the first portion. Alternatively or additionally, the circumferential rim portion may be caused to move circumferentially inwardly. In removing the contact between the cap and the first circumferential edge of the first outer sleeve, the first circumferential edge retracts to a substantially reduced circumference (e.g., its original circumference), such that the resulting circumference is smaller than that of a circumferential circumference. portion of the closure element that is located below the slit. This portion is preferably provided as the circumferential ridge on the closure element. When the closure element is reapplied to the landfill exit device, a position is reached stop, when the circumferential flange portion of the closure element rests, sits or splices on the first circumferential edge of the first outer sleeve, thus preventing the closure element from being returned to its original unopened starting position. A longitudinal space or void therefore remains between the first and second outer sleeves, thus exposing a circumferential part of the closure element, such part includes at least part of the circumferential rim that was originally enclosed or turned within the first circumferential edge and a surface of settlement of the original closure element of the landfill device. Advantageously, the exposed circumferential part of the closure element may be colored distinctly and / or printed with information, promotional messages or the like. The fixing means may comprise first means for fixing the sleeve on the container, to restrict the rotational movement of the sleeve with respect to the container neck portion. The fixing means may also comprise second means for fixing the sleeve on the container, to restrict the longitudinal movement of the sleeve with respect to the mouth of the container. Preferably, the second means for fixing the cuffs are in the form of at least projection means projecting into the sleeve, the at least one projection means are radially movable to the sleeve in a rigidly resilient manner and are engageable cor. a portion of external container flange. Preferably, the first outer sleeve is fitted into the sleeve by means of an interference fit between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the first outer sleeve. Preferably, the cap has on it a threaded portion, which engages a corresponding threaded portion on the first body part or weir outlet. It is desirable that the first and second outer sleeves be aesthetically pleasing and as such, it is preferred that the first and second outer sleeves comprise a sheet of metal. It is preferred that means for mounting the valve seat and valve body together be provided before application to the container. Preferably, the projecting means is provided on an inner wall of the sleeve to resiliently engage with the container neck portion. Preferably, the sleeve contains one or more circumferential openings around the sleeve, which are defined between axially extending portions of the sleeve. The / each projection means may be provided adjacent to one edge one of the openings. It is preferred that each projection means is positioned on a lower circumferential edge of one of the openings. Commonly, the weir exit device comprises a circumferentially extending weir flange. The sleeve may be additionally provided with a tubular body position inwardly and preferably concentrically of the weir exit device where the tubular body is attached to an inner surface of the sleeve via a plurality of reinforcements. Preferably the first end of the tubular body is positioned to be substantially flush with the circumferentially extending weir flange. Conveniently, the tubular body is provided with a circumferentially extending projection that is positioned on the lower outer edge of the tubular body. Conveniently, reinforcements connect an inner surface of the sleeve to the projection and to the tubular body. Conveniently, each reinforcement is configured to provide a clamp in which the projection is fixed firmly.

The projection is further conveniently provided with a plurality of ribs or ridges formed on an inner surface thereof, preferably arranged circumferentially around the sleeve and having their longitudinal axes arranged substantially axially to the sleeve. These ribs or ridges, in use, can coact with raised protuberances, ridges or the like, on an external surface of the container (for example a "glass finish" of the bottle) to seek to prevent undesirable rotational movement of the sleeve. The valve seat body may comprise a tubular portion, a portion of the free end of which provides a valve seat adapted to be contacted sealingly by a valve member captured in the tubular portion. The valve seat is preferably a circumferentially extending flange, extending radially inwardly of the tubular portion. In one embodiment, such a valve seat is positioned at one end of the tubular portion and that end of the tubular portion is closed except for a circular opening. It will be understood that the tubular portion is adapted to be substantially received within the mouth portion of the container.

The tubular portion may further comprise at least one coupling means on an external surface thereof for coupling with an internal surface of the container in an interference manner. The coupling means are preferably radially extending circumferential ribs. At or near one end of the tubular portion remote from the valve seat an additional substantially concentric tubular portion of larger diameter is provided than the tubular portion and an inner surface of the additional tubular portion is connected to an outer surface of the tubular portion by one or more additional reinforcements. It is preferred that a first end of the additional tubular portion is connected to an outer surface of the tubular portion by an annular rim. A) Yes, in one embodiment of the present invention, such a construction provides a circumferential channel defined between the outer surface of the tubular portion and the inner surface of the additional tubular portion with the flange forming a channel floor. The channel is divided into smaller arc-shaped channels by additional reinforcements. Such a channel helps prevent the insertion of objects into the container through the closure assembly.

Preferably, a second end of the additional tubular portion is arranged substantially level with one end of the tubular portion remote from the valve seat. In use, the tubular portion forms an internal sleeve of the assembled closure assembly. Advantageously, an external surface of the additional tubular portion interacts in an interference manner with an inner surface of the sleeve. Conveniently, a radially extending circumferential rim is located on an outer edge of one end of the additional tubular portion which in a mounted closing assembly is seated against a lower surface of a radially extending circumferential rim provided on an inner surface of the sleeve. According to a second aspect of the invention, a container including a closure assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided. The container is preferably a container for liquids. The container can be a bottle, for example a glass bottle and can be adapted for the containment of liquid, such as alcoholic drinks or beverages, for example mineral volatiles such as vodka, whiskey, brandy, gin or the like. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a combination of a container and a closure assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product of alcoholic beverages comprising a substantial alcoholic packaged in the combination according to the third aspect of the present invention. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a closure assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an outer sleeve element; (b) providing a weir exit device and a sleeve adapted to be secured to a mouth and neck portion of a liquid container and a container closure element releasably securable to the weir and / or sleeve outlet device; (c) arranging the dump outlet device, sleeve and container closure element at least partially inside the outer sleeve member; (d) forming the outer sleeve element to a first outer sleeve and a second outer sleeve separated . This method is particularly advantageous in mass production. Preferably, step (d) is carried out using a first cutting tool such as a blade of a machine tool. Preferably step (d) comprises: forming a cut around a portion of the outer sleeve member to form first and second adjacent circumferential edges on the first and second outer sleeves. Advantageously, the first and second edges are formed in a slit carried in the container closing element. Advantageously, the first and second circumferential edges are of reduced diameter compared to at least adjacent portions of the first or second outer sleeve, respectively. Preferably, after step (c), the method also comprises the step of: (e) forming one end of the first outer sleeve on one end of the sleeve to retain the first outer sleeve and the sleeve in longitudinal relation. Preferably, step (e) is carried out using a second cutting tool such as a additional blade of a machine tool. Steps (d) and (e) can be undertaken substantially simultaneously. The closure assembly thus formed can comprise a unitary assembly for insertion application to a mouth and neck portion of a container. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a bottling method is provided comprising: (a) providing a closure assembly manufactured in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; (b) provide a bottle; (c) filling the bottle with a liquid; (d) Close the bottle by applying the closure assembly to a mouth and neck of the bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, which are: Figure 1 (a) a cross-sectional side view of a closure assembly in accordance with with one embodiment of the present invention before the initial opening; Figure 1 (b) is a perspective view from a side and first end of a first body part and fixing means of the closure assembly of figure 1 (a) before the initial opening; Figure 1 (c) is an exploded perspective view of the closure assembly of Figure 1 (a); Figure 2 (a) is a cross-sectional side view of the closure assembly of Figure 1 (a) after initial opening with a container closure member removed; Fig. 2 (b) is a perspective view from one side and a first end of the first body part and fastening means of the closure assembly of Fig. 1 (a) after the initial opening, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure assembly of Figure 1 (a) after re-closure; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a closure assembly that falls outside the scope of the present invention during an initial stage of manufacture; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure assembly of Figure 4 during an intermediate stage of manufacture; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure assembly of Figure 4 after the manufacturing and before the initial opening; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view from one side and above the closure assembly of Figure 6 in combination with a bottle having a neck and mouth; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure assembly of Figure 6 applied to the bottle of Figure 7 before the initial opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 (a) to 3, there is shown a closure assembly (or device that makes tamper evident), generally denoted by the number 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closure assembly 5 is adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion of a liquid container (not shown). The closure assembly 5 comprises: a first body part 10; a first element that makes evident the tampering or fastening means or means that can be fixed 15 and a container closing element 20, wherein, before the initial opening, the fixing means 15 are in a first position, of such that the first part of the body 10 and the container closing element 20 are disposed in a first relation to each other and the initial opening of the closure assembly 5 causes the fixing means 15 move to a second (fixed) position. The closing assembly of the present invention has been named the closure assembly "ALUSNAP" (Trade Mark), device that makes evident the tampering, insertion accessory or non-refillable device. After re-closing of the closure assembly 5, the fixing means 15 causes the first part of the body 10 and the closure element of the container 20 to be arranged in a second relation to each other. In this way a clear indication is given to a person that the closure assembly 5 has been opened and reclosed. Accordingly, the fixing means 15 provide first visual means that make the tamper evident 16 (see Figure 3). The fixing means 15 comprises a fixing element 25. The fixing element 25 comprises a fixing body portion 30 having a first flanged end 35. Also, the fixing body portion 30 has a second flanged end 40. first flanged end 35 and an internal side of container closure element 20 are provided with co-actuation coupling means. By such arrangement, in an initially unopened device, the container closure element 20 and fastener 25 are maintained with just one and an initial opening action of the closure element of the container 20 causes the fixing element 25 to move from the first position to the second position. The co-actuation coupling means comprises a resiliently flexible male element 45 provided on the inner side of the container closure element 20 and a female element 50 provided on the first end 35 of the fixing element 25. Once the element of Fixation 25 is in the second position, the additional opening action (either initial or opening) causes the male element 45 to be released from the female element 50. The closure assembly 5 provides a tubular body 55 having first and second ends open 60, 65, the first end 60 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 70. The assembly 5 includes a weir exit device 75 that includes a weir flange 80, the tubular body 25 is provided with the weir exit device 75. The teeth 70 are resiliently flexible - that is, they have "memory", this extruded when they are flexed, they return to their original position. In the position initially without opening, the first flange end 35 of the fastening element 25 is inside of the tubular body 55, and an initial opening operation of the closure element of the container 20 causes the first flanged end 35 of the fixing element 25 to move beyond the teeth 70 by elastic deformation of the teeth 70 and outside the first end 35 of the tubular element 55. Accordingly, the teeth 70 act as non-return means or "tines" by which the first flanged end 35 of the fixing element 30 is prevented from re-entering the tubular element 55. As can be seen of Figure 2 (a), in the second position, the second flanged end 40 of the fixing body portion 30 is connected with a flange 85 provided on the second end 65 of the tubular body 55. The fixing body portion 30 carries driving elements 90, which tend to drive the fixing element 25 towards the first position. As can be seen from Figure 1 (a), the second flanged end 40 of the fixing body portion 30 substantially seals or closes a mouth of a container (not shown) when in the first position and the closure assembly 5 is applied to a container. In this embodiment, the driving means 90 comprises one or more spring loaded arms 105 extending from the fixing body 30 towards the second end 40 thereof. So, if a forger seeks removing or removing at least part of the fastening element 25 when cutting the flanged end 40, the fastening element 25 returns to its initial position and the container is sealed against outward flow and / or filling. The closure assembly 5 may comprise an insert and includes means for preventing the filling as described hereinafter. Each of the teeth 70 can extend from the tubular body 55 and comprise an angular portion 110 and an end portion 115 extending substantially longitudinally. It will be appreciated that the first part of the body 10, fixing means 15 and container closing element 20 can be manufactured from appropriate plastic materials. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the closure assembly 5 provides: (a) first means that make evident visual tampering 160; (b) means, that is, driven fastener 25, to prevent spillage or filling if or when the first element that makes evident tampering is removed at least partially. In a modification to the closure assembly 5, there are second means that make evident the undue modification provided substantially similar to the means that make tampering evident of the closure assembly 205 of Figures 4 to 8, as described hereinafter, the closure assembly 205 per is outside the scope of the present invention. In addition, the closure assembly 5 can be manufactured in a manner similar to the closure assembly 205, as described hereinafter. The closure assembly 5 shares many common parts with the closure assembly 205, similar parts are identified by like numbers, but with the suffix Certainly in the modification, the closure assembly 5 can have the parts of the closure assembly 205, but addition it is provided with the fixing means 15. Thus, referring to figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown a closure assembly (or device that makes evident tampering), gener designated 205 ', which f outside the scope of the present invention, but incorporating means that make evident the tampering that may be included in the closure assembly 5 according to one embodiment of the invention as second means that make tampering evident. The closure assembly 5 'is adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion 210', 211 'of a container or bottle 215' for liquid. The closure assembly 5 'comprises a sleeve 220' adapted to fall substantially concentrically with respect to the mouth 210 'and provided with means for fixing the sleeve 220' on the container 215 '. The closure assembly 5 'further comprises a first outer sleeve 225' which is in an interference fit substantially hermetic with the sleeve 220 'but rotatable therewith in the application of a sufficient rotational force. The closure assembly 5 'also comprises a second outer sleeve 230' separate from the first outer sleeve and associated with a container closure element 235 '. Before the initial opening, between the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230' a circumferentially extending cutting line 231 'formed as will be described hereinafter is provided. The cutting line 231 'extends 360 ° around the closure assembly 5' and separates the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230'. The cutting line 231 'may be imperceptible or at least almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Means are also provided for spacing apart initially adjacent portions of the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230' in the re-closure of the closure assembly 5 'after an initial opening of the container 215, as will be described hereinafter with greater detail, such spacing means comprises means that make tampering evident.

The first outer sleeve 225 'has first and second open ends 240', 245 'and the second outer sleeve has first closed ends 250' and a second open end 255 '. The lid 235 'includes a circumferential groove 260 'and further provides a circumferential flange portion 265' located below and adjacent the circumferential groove 260 '. The initially adjacent portions comprise respective initially adjacent circumferential edges 270 ', 275' of the first and second end sleeves 225 ', 230'. The first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275' are before the initial opening located in the circumferential groove and are substantially adjacent to each other. During an initial container opening operation, the first circumferential edge 270 'expands or travels over the circumferential flange portion 265' and then is rolled or retracted to substantially its original circumferential position to be placed radiantly behind the portion of the circumferential flange portion 265 '. circumferential flange 265 '. Alternatively or additionally during an initial container opening operation, the circumferential flange portion 265 'contracts or travels under the first circumferential edge 270' and is then rolled or expanded substantially to its original circumferential position to be positioned radially forward of the first circumferential edge 270 '. This action or these actions place the circumferential flange portion 265 'longitudinally between the first and second circumferential edges 270', 275 'in a non-obstructive manner, such that when the container 215' is reclosed by re-applying the element. of closure 235 ', the first and second outer sleeves 225', 230 'are spaced apart by the circumferential edge portion 265' located therebetween. By this arrangement, after the re-closing of the first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275' are no longer adjacent but spaced apart, thus revealing a void or space substantially comprising the slit 260 'and the flange portion 265' between the first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275'. This visual indicator makes it clear that the closure assembly 5 '(and container 215') has been opened and reclosed and thus provides means for making tamper evident evident. Similar means may be provided in the closure assembly 5 of Figure 1. The first circumferential edge 270 'of the first outer sleeve 225' may in a modification provide a first circumferential flanged portion on the first outer sleeve 225 'adjacent the first circumferential edge 270' and in the same manner the second circumferential edge 275 'of the second outer sleeve 230' can provide a second circumferential flanged portion on the second outer sleeve 230 'adjacent the second circumferential edge 275' . The first and second sleeves 225 ', 230' are fabricated from any suitable material, for example a metal or metal-based material. In this case, the metal comprises substantially aluminum or an alloy thereof, for example rolled aluminum. Aluminum provides a good medium for the application of printing dyes, dyes, paints or the like, such as messages, logos, images, media and / or other information can be carried by the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230'. The cap 235 'includes an internally threaded portion 285' which cooperates with an external thread 286 'on the sleeve 220' and allows a rotational movement (usually in the counterclockwise direction) of the cap 235 'during a opening operation of the container and a counter-rotational movement (normally in a clockwise direction), of the lid 325 'during a closing operation of the container. The closure assembly 5 'includes a non-refillable device 290' which provides an output device for weir 295 'adapted to be secured to the mouth 10 of the container 215' for liquid. The container closure element 235 'is adapted to close an outlet 300' of the weir outlet device 295 ', the first external sleeve 225' is optionally located to receive at least part of the weir outlet device 295 '. The outlet 300 'is substantially annular and the lid 235' carries on an internal front end 305 'an annular seal 310 which can be detachably received within the annular outlet 300'. The annular outlet 300 'defines a circumferential weir flange 301'. The second outer sleeve 330 'is adapted to receive the cover 235'. The cap 235 'is generally received in a tight interference fit to the second outer sleeve 230', but can be rotated with respect to the second outer sleeve 235 'after the application of sufficient force. For example, after re-closing of the closure assembly 5 ', when the circumferential flange portion 265' is joined with the first circumferential edge 270 'the additional reclosure movement (e.g., turning in the direction of the hands of the clock of the second outer sleeve 225 ') can cause the closure element 235' to remain stationary and the outer sleeve 225 'to rotate in relation thereto. In addition, the second circumferential edge 275 'maintains the second outer sleeve 230 'in longitudinal relation to the closure element 235'.

The landfill outlet device 295 'is, in this embodiment, manufactured in one piece with the sleeve 220', for example by injection molding. The non-reusable device 290 'further comprises a valve seat body 315', which can be received at least partially within at least part of the neck portion 211 'of the container 215', the body 315 'of the valve seat 315'. valve is at least partially surrounded by sleeve 220 '. First and second movable valve members 335 ', 336' are provided within the valve seat body 315 '. The second valve 336 'comprises a spherical body, while the first valve member 335' comprises a finned tubular body having a frustoconically closed bottom end directed downwards and an open top end which receives the second valve member 336 '. A unidirectional valve is formed from the valve seat body 315 'and valve members 335', 336 'which is closed in a normally vertical position of the bottle 215' and which in turn allows liquids to flow from the bottle 215 'in a pouring operation, restricts the inward flow of liquid to the bottle 315' by rudimentary unauthorized filling operations or even more sophisticated methods, which may involve the attempted insertion of objects, tubes or similar to the mouth 210 'of the bottle. Also provided on the closure assembly 5, 5 'are means for retaining the first end sleeve 225' in longitudinal relation to the sleeve 220 ', for example an end 226' of the first outer sleeve 225 'formed (bent) on one end 220 'of the sleeve 220'. The first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275' of the first and second outer sleeves 270 ', 275' are before an initial opening of the closure assembly 5 'located within the circumferential groove 260' provided on the lid 235 'and they are substantially adjacent. This positioning ensures that when the container 215 'is initially opened by the relative twist of the cap 235' the sleeve 220 ', the second circumferential edge 275' of the second external sleeve 230 'remains within the slit 260' provided on the lid 235 and the first circumferential edge 270 'of the first outer sleeve 225' can be progressively caused to be resiliently moved circumferentially outwardly out of the slit 260 ', provided on the lid 235' as the lid 235 'is removed from the container. dump outlet device 295 'and first portion of outer sleeve 225'. Alternatively or additionally as mentioned above, the circumferential flange portion 265 'is can move progressively resiliently circumferentially inwards. By removing the contact between the cap 235 'and the first circumferential edge 270' of the first outer sleeve 225 ', the first circumferential edge 270' retracts to a substantially reduced circumference (eg its original circumference), such that the circumference The resultant is less than that of a cap portion which is located below the slit 260 ', for example circumferential flange portion 265'. When the cap 235 'is reapplied to the weir outlet device 295', a stop position is reached when the circumferential flange portion 265 'of the cap 235' abuts, seats or splices on the first circumferential edge 270 'of the first outer sleeve 225', thus preventing the lid 235 from being returned to its original (unopened) starting position. A longitudinal gap or gap (not shown) therefore remains between the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230', thus exposing a circumferential portion of the lid 235 ', which includes at least part of the circumferential flange portion 265'. which was originally wrapped or enclosed within the first outer sleeve 225 '. There is also an additional vacuum (not shown) between a lower edge of the lid 235 'and a surface of settlement 320 'of the original cover 235' of the landfill outlet device 295 '. Advantageously, the exposed circumferential part of the lid 235 'can be colored distinctly and / or printed with information, promotional messages or the like. Means are provided to secure the closure assembly b, 5 'on the bottle 215'. The fixing means comprises first means 325 'for fixing the sleeve 220' on the container 215 'to restrict the rotational movement of the sleeve 220' with respect to the neck portion 211 'of the container 215'. The fixing means also comprise second means 330 'for fixing the sleeve 220' on the container 215 'to restrict the longitudinal movement of the sleeve 220' with respect to the mouth 210 'of the container 215'. The second means 330 'for fixing the sleeve 220' are in the form of at least projection means 330 'internally to the sleeve 220', the at least one projecting means 330 'are radially movable to the sleeve 23C in a rigidly resilient manner and are engageable with an outer flange portion 212 'of the container 215'. The first outer sleeve 225 'is engaged with the sleeve 220' by means of an interference fit between an outer surface 340 'of the sleeve 220' and an inner surface 345 'of the first outer sleeve 225'. The lid 235 'has therein the threaded portion 285' which engages a corresponding threaded portion 286 '(350') on the weir outlet device 295 '. It is desirable that the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230' be aesthetically pleasing and as such, the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230' comprise a sheet of metal. Means 346 'is provided for mounting the sleeve 220' and valve seat body 315 'together prior to application to the container 315', such as ribs and co-action grooves carried by each. The projection means 330 'is provided on an internal wall 215' of the sleeve 220 'to resiliently engage the neck portion 211' and the external rim portion 212 'of the container 215'. The sleeve 220 'contains one or more circumferential openings 315' around the sleeve 220 ', which are defined between axially extending portions of the sleeve 220'. The / each projection means 330 'are provided adjacent to an edge of one of the openings 315'.

As can be seen in this closing assembly, each projection means 330 'is positioned on a lower circumferential rim 360' of one of the openings 315 '. The sleeve 220 'further carries a tubular body 365' (comprising the tubular body 55 of Figure 1) positioned inwardly and substantially concentrically to the landfill outlet device 295 '. The tubular body 365 'is attached to an internal portion 370' of the sleeve 220 'or weir outlet device 295' via a plurality of reinforcements 375 '. In the closure assembly 5 ', a bore 380' of the tubular body 365 'is closed by an external front wall 385' since the closure assembly 5 'is not provided with fixing means. The closed wall 385 'of the tubular body 365' is positioned to be substantially flush with the circumferential weir flange 301 '. The tubular body 365 'is provided with a circumferentially extending shoulder 390' which is positioned on the lower outer edge 395 'of the tubular body 365'. Conveniently, the reinforcements 375 'connect an inner tubular member 400' of the sleeve 220 'to the projection 390' and the tubular body 365 '. Each reinforcement 375 'is configured to provide a clamp on which the projection 390' sits fixedly. The sleeve 220 'is further conveniently provided with a plurality of ribs (or ridges) 405' formed on an inner surface 410 'thereof, in this embodiment arranged circumferentially around the sleeve 220' and having their longitudinal axes arranged substantially axially. to the 220 'sleeve. These ribs 405 ', in use, form the first means 325' for fixation against anti-rotation and co-act with raised prominences or shoulders 213 'on an external surface of the container 215' (comprising a so-called " finished glass "of the bottle) to seek to prevent undesirable rotational movement of the sleeve 220 '. Some minor rotational play either clockwise or counterclockwise may occur until a stop position is found by a rib or ribs 405 'acting against a shoulder or shoulders 213'. However, the prolonged application of force will cause the first outer sleeve 235 'and / or the second end sleeve 230' to rotate relative to the sleeve 220 'and / or the cap 235', respectively. The valve seat body 315 'comprises a tubular portion 410', a portion of the free end 415 'of which provides a valve seat 420' adapted to be sealingly contacted by the first valve member 335 'captured in the 410 'tubular portion. Valve seat 420 'comprises a circumferentially extending shoulder 421' extending radially inwardly of tubular portion 410 '. In this case, the valve seat 420 'is positioned at one end of the tubular portion 410' and that end of the tubular portion 410 'is closed except by a circular opening 425 '. The tubular portion 410 'is adapted to be substantially received within the mouth portion 210' of the container 215 '. The tubular portion 410 'further comprises at least one coupling means 430' on an outer surface 235 'thereof for engaging an inner surface 440' of the container 215 'in an interference manner. The coupling means 430 'comprises circumferential ribs extending radially. At or near one end of the tubular portion 410 'remote from the valve seat 420' a further substantially concentric tubular body 445 'of larger diameter is provided than the tubular portion 410' and an inner surface 446 'of the additional tubular body 445' is connected to an outer surface 455 'of the tubular portion 410' by one or more additional reinforcements 460 '. In addition, a first end 465 'of the additional tubular body 445' is connected to an outer surface 455 'of the tubular portion 410' by an annular rim 475 '. Such construction provides a circumferential channel 480 'defined between the outer surface 470' of the tubular portion 410 'and the inner surface 450' of the additional tubular body 475 'with the flange 475' forming a floor of the channel. Channel 480 'is divided into smaller arc-shaped channels 485' by additional reinforcements 460 '. Such channel 480 'or channels 485' they help prevent the insertion of objects into the container 215 'through the closure assembly 5'. A second end 490 'of the additional tubular body 445' is arranged substantially level with one end 495 'of the tubular portion 410' remote from the valve seat 420 '. In use, the tubular portion 410 'forms an intl sleeve of the assembled closure assembly 5'. An outer surface 500 'of the additional tubular body 445' interacts in an interference manner with an inner surface 305 of the sleeve 420 '. Conveniently, a radially extending circumferential rim 510 'is located on an outer edge 515' of one end of the additional tubular body 445 ', which, in a mounted closure assembly 5' is seated against a lower surface of a circumferential rim extending radially inward 425 'provided on an inner surface of the sleeve 220'. The container 215 'is commonly a container for liquid. The container 215 'is most likely a bottle, for example a glass bottle, suitable for liquid containment, such as alcoholic drinks or beverages, for example mineral volatiles such as vodka, whiskey, brandy, gin or the like. Commonly, the 215 'bottle is made of glass or alttively a plastic material, the first and second outer sleeves 225 ', 230' of aluminum, the cap 235 'of low density polyethylene, the sleeve 230' and outlet of weir 295 'of a rigidly resilient plastic material such as polypropylene or polystyrene and which in this case is a polystyrene obtainable under the trade name, STYROLUX, the valve element 235 'from crystalline polystyrene and the valve seat body 315' from low density polyethylene. Referring now to Figures 4 to 7, a method of manufacturing the closure assembly 5, 5 'is illustrated. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an outer sleeve element 224, 224 '(Figure 4); (b) providing the landfill outlet device 295, 295 'with the sleeve 220, 220' adapted to be secured to the mouth and / or neck portion 210 ', 211' of the container 215 'for liquid and the closure element of container 235, 235 'releasably securable to landfill outlet device 295, 295' and / or sleeve 220, 220 '(Figure 4); (c) arranging the weir outlet device 295, 295 ', sleeve 220, 220' and container closure element 235. 235 'at least partially within the extl sleeve member 224, 224' (Fig. 5); (d) forming the outer sleeve member 224 'to the first outer sleeve 225, 225' and second separate outer sleeve 230, 230 '(Figure 6). This method is particularly advantageous in mass production. Step (d) is carried out using a first cutting tool, such as a blade of a machine tool (not shown). Step (d) comprises: forming a cut around a portion of the outer sleeve member 224, 224 'to form the first and second adjacent circumferential edges 270', 275 'over the first and second outer sleeves 225', 230 '. In this way, the blade forms the cutting line 231, 231 'mentioned hereinabove. As can be seen from Figure 4, where provided, the first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275 are formed in the circumferential groove 260' carried on the container closure element 235 '. Also as can be seen, the first and second circumferential edges 270 ', 275' are of reduced diameter compared to at least the adjacent portions of the first or second outer sleeves 225 ', 230', respectively. After step (c), the method also comprises the step of: (e) forming the end 226, 226 'of the first outer sleeve 225, 225' on the end 320, 320 'of the sleeve 220, 220' to retain the first outer sleeve 225, 225 'and the sleeve 220, 220' in relation longitudinal. Step (e) is carried out using a second cutting tool such as an additional blade (not shown) of the machine tool. Steps (d) and (e) are beneficially undertaken substantially simultaneously, for example for reasons of manufacturing speed. The closure assembly 5, 5 'formed by this method comprises a unitary assembly for insertion application to a mouth and neck portion 210', 211 'of a container 215'. A bottling method according to the present invention comprises: (a) providing the closure assembly 5 '; (b) provide a bottle; (c) filling the bottle with a liquid, - (d) closing the bottle by applying the closure assembly 5 to a mouth and neck portion of the bottle. It will be understood that the embodiment of the embodiment of the invention described hereinabove is given by way of non-limiting example only and that it can be make modifications without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, the outer sleeve element can be applied to several different designs of the landfill device adapted to be applied to a variety of container in which bottles are included. In one modification, the second outer sleeve and / or the first outer sleeve may include knurled surfaces or crenellations to assist in holding in the opening and re-opening and / or closing or re-closing of the closure assembly. It will be further appreciated that the present invention provides a particularly desirable one-piece insert which has functional advantages over the prior art, also as an improved aesthetic appeal. Finally, it will be appreciated that in the disclosed embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention, prior to an initial opening, the first and second circumferential edges of the first and second outer sleeves are substantially adjacent to each other and can certainly still be spliced together. However, advantageously, frangible or weakened links or frangible and / or detachable tear rings are not connected together, for example by any frangible line or weakened line of rupture, but rather are distinct and 4 separated from each other. However, it will be understood that in a less preferred implementation one or more frangible links may be provided between the first and second circumferential edges, such links are broken, torn or cut at the initial opening. It is noted that, with regard to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (85)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A closure assembly adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion of a liquid container, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a first body part, an obvious plug element or fixing means, And a container closing element, wherein, before the initial opening, the evident cap element or fixing means are in a first position, such that the first body part and the closure element of the container are arranged in a first relationship with each other and the initial opening of the closure assembly causes the apparent plug element or fixing means to move to a second position. The closing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that after the closing assembly is re-closed, the fixing means cause the first part of the body and the closing element of the container to be arranged in a second relationship between yes. 3. The closure assembly in accordance with Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing means provide first visual cap means. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means comprise a retaining element retained within the first part of the body, the fixing element comprises a fixing body portion having a first flanged end and a second flanged end. The closure assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the first flanged end and an internal side of the container closure element are provided with coaction coupling means, such that in an initially unopened arrangement, the The container closing element and the fixing element are held together and an initial opening action of the container closing element causes the fixing element to move in a longitudinal direction from the first position to the second position. 6. The closure assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the co-actuation coupling means comprise a resiliently flexible male element on the inner side of the container closing element and a female element provided on the first end of the fastening element. The closing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, in use, once the fixing element is in the second position, the additional opening action causes the male element to be released from the female element. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part of the body provides a tubular body having first and second open ends, the first end having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth. The closure assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the assembly includes a landfill outlet device that includes a landfill flange, the pipe body is provided within the landfill outlet device. The closure assembly according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the teeth are resiliently flexible. The closure assembly according to claim 8, when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that in the initially unopened position, the first flanged end of the fastener is within the tubular body and an initial opening operation of the container closing element causes the first flanged end of the fixing element to move beyond the teeth and out of the first end of the tubular element. The closure assembly according to any of claims 3 or 11, characterized in that, in the second position, the second flanged end of the fastening body portion is connected to a flange provided on the second end of the tubular body. 13. The closing assembly according to claim 3 or claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the fixing body portion carries driving elements, which tend to drive the fixing element towards the first position. The closure assembly according to claim 3 or any of claims 11 or 13, characterized in that the second flanged end of the fixing body portion substantially seals or closes a mouth of a container when in the first position and The closure assembly is applied to a container. The closure assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the driving means comprise one or more spring loaded arms extending from the fixing body portion towards the second end thereof. 16. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure assembly comprises an insertion fitting. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure assembly includes means for preventing filling. The closure assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the teeth extends from the tubular body and comprises an angular portion and an end portion extending substantially longitudinally. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body part, fastening element and container closing element are made of at least one plastic material. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part of the body comprises a sleeve adapted to fall substantially concentrically with respect to the mouth and provided with means for fixing the sleeve on the container, Closing assembly further comprises a first outer sleeve which is adjusted substantially hermetically with the sleeve but rotatable with respect thereto and a second outer sleeve separated from the first outer sleeve and associated with the container closure element and wherein means are provided for spacing apart initially adjacent portions of the first and second outer sleeves afterwards of the reclosing of the assembly after an initial opening of the container. 21. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the spacing means provide second visual cap means. 22. The closure assembly according to any of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the first outer sleeve has first and second open ends and the second outer sleeve has a first closed end and a second open end. The closure assembly according to any of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the container closure element includes a circumferential groove and a circumferential flange portion located below and adjacent to the circumferential groove. 24. The closure assembly according to any of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the initially adjacent portions comprise adjacent respective circumferential edges of the first and second outer sleeves. The closure assembly according to claim 24, when dependent on claim 23, characterized in that before opening, the first and second circumferential edges are located in the circumferential groove and are adjacent to each other. The closure assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, during an initial opening operation of the container, the first circumferential edge expands or travels from the circumferential flange portion and is then rolled or retracted., optionally to substantially its original circumferential position, to be positioned circumferentially behind the circumferential flange portion. The closure assembly according to any of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that, during an initial container opening operation, the circumferential flange portion contracts or travels under the first circumferential edge and is then rolled or expanded, optionally to substantially its original circumferential position, to be positioned circumferentially in front of the first circumferential edge. 28. The closure assembly in accordance with in any of claims 26 or 27, characterized in that after re-closing, the circumferential ridge is positioned longitudinally between the first and second circumferential edges in an obstructive manner, such that when the container is re-closed by reapplying the element of closure, the first and second outer sleeves are spaced apart by at least the circumferential flange portion located therebetween. 29. The closure assembly according to claim 24, when dependent on claim 3 or claim 21, characterized in that the first and / or second optional evident stopper means provide that after re-closing the first and second edges The circumferential ones are no longer adjacent but spaced, thus revealing at least one gap or space between the first and second circumferential edges, thus providing a visual indicator that makes it evident that the closure and container assembly has been opened and re-closed. 30. The closure assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the first circumferential edge of the first outer sleeve provides a first circumferential flanged portion on the first outer sleeve and the second circumferential edge of the second outer sleeve provides a second portion. circumferential flange on the second outer sleeve. 31. The closure assembly according to claim 20 or any of claims 21 to 30 when dependent on claim 20, characterized in that the first and second sleeves comprise a metal material or metal-based material. 32. The closure assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that the metal material or metal-based material substantially comprises aluminum or alloy thereof such as rolled aluminum. 33. The closure assembly according to claim 32, characterized in that printing dyes, inks or paints can be applied in the form of messages, logos, images, names and / or other information carried by the first and / or second external sleeves. . 34. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container closure element is a lid that includes a threaded portion that allows a rotational movement of the lid during an opening operation of the container. 35. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed assembly includes a non-refillable device adapted to be secured to the mouth of a container for liquid. 36. The closure assembly according to claim 20, when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that the container closure element is a cover adapted to close an outlet of the weir exit device and the first external sleeve is adapted to receive at least part of the landfill outlet device, the outlet is substantially annular and the lid carries on an internal front end an annular seal that can be detachably received within the annular outlet. 37. The closure assembly according to claim 34, when dependent on claim 20, characterized in that the second outer sleeve element is adapted to receive at least part of the lid. 38. The closure assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that the cover is generally received in a tight interference fit to the second outer sleeve but is optionally rotatable with respect to the second outer sleeve in the application of sufficient force. 39. The closure assembly according to claim 20, when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that the landfill outlet device It is manufactured in one piece with the sleeve. 40. The closure assembly according to claim 35, when dependent on claim 20, characterized in that the non-refillable device further comprises a valve seat body that is at least partially receivable within at least part of the neck portion of the container and wherein the valve seat body is at least partially surrounded by the sleeve. 41. The closure assembly according to claim 40, characterized in that at least one movable valve element is provided within the valve seat body. 42. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that means are provided for retaining the first outer sleeve in longitudinal relation to the sleeve, comprising one end of the first outer sleeve formed at least partially on one end of the sleeve. 43. The closure assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that the first and second circumferential edges of the first and second sleeves are, prior to an initial opening of the closure assembly, located within the circumferential groove provided on the sealing element. close and they are substantially adjacent, in such a way that when the container is initially opened by the relative torsion of the closing element and sleeve, the second circumferential edge of the second outer sleeve remains within the slot provided on the closure element and the first circumferential edge of the first sleeve externally is caused to move progressively resiliently outwards circumferentially and out of the slit provided on the closure member as the closure element is removed from the weir exit device and the first portion and / or the flange portion circumferentially it is caused to move circumferentially in a progressive manner inwards, by eliminating the contact between the closing element and the first circumferential edge of the first outer sleeve, the first circumferential edge retracts to a substantially reduced circumference, in such a way that the circumference resulting is less than that of a po of the closure element that is located below the slit. 44. The closure assembly according to claim 43, characterized in that the portion of the closure element comprises the circumferential rim on the closure element. 45. The closure assembly according to claim 44 when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that, when the closure element is re- applied to the weir exit device, a stopping position is reached when the circumferential flange portion of the closure element abuts, seats or splices on the first circumferential edge of the first outer sleeve, thus preventing the closure element from being returned to its original unopened starting position, a longitudinal space or gap remains between the first and second outer sleeves thus exposing a circumferential part of the closure element, such part includes at least part of the circumferential flange that was originally wrapped or enclosed within the first circumferential edge and an original cap settlement surface of the landfill device. 46. The closure assembly according to claim 45, characterized in that the exposed circumferential part of the closure element is colored distinctly and / or printed with information and / or promotional messages. 47. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the fixing means comprise first means for fixing the sleeve to the container to restrict the rotational movement of the sleeve with respect to the neck portion of the container. 48. The closure assembly according to claim 47, characterized in that the means of Fixation also comprises second means for fixing the sleeve on the container to restrict the longitudinal movement of the sleeve with respect to the mouth of the container. 49. The closure assembly according to claim 48, characterized in that the second means for fixing the sleeve are in the form of at least projection means projecting into the sleeve, the at least projecting means are radially movable. to the sleeve in a rigidly resilient manner and are engageable with an outer flange portion of the container. 50. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the first outer sleeve is fitted with the sleeve by means of an interference fit between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the first outer sleeve. 51. The closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element has on it a threaded portion that engages with a corresponding threaded portion on the first part of the body. 52. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the first and second outer sleeves are aesthetically pleasing, the first and second outer sleeves comprise a sheet of metal. 53. The closure assembly according to claim 40, when dependent on claim 20, characterized in that means are provided for mounting the sleeve and valve seat body with a fully prior application to the container. 54. The closure assembly according to claim 49, characterized in that the projection means are provided on an internal wall of the sleeve to resiliently engage with the neck portion of the container. 55. The closure assembly according to claim 54, characterized in that the sleeve provides one or more circumferential openings around the sleeve, which are defined between axially extending portions of the sleeve, the / each projection means are provided adjacent to the edge. lower circumferential of one of the openings. 56. The closure assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the landfill outlet device comprises a circumferentially extending weir flange. 57. The closure assembly according to claim 20, when dependent on the claim 9, characterized in that the sleeve is provided with a tubular body positioned inwardly and concentrically to the weir outlet device and wherein the tubular body is attached to an internal surface of the sleeve via a plurality of reinforcements. 58. The closure assembly according to claim 57, characterized in that a first end of the tubular body is positioned to be substantially flush with the circumferentially extending weir flange. 59. The closure assembly according to any of claims 57 or 58, characterized in that the tubular body is provided with a circumferentially extending projection that is positioned on the lower outer edge of the tubular body, the reinforcements connect an inner surface of the tubular body. sleeve to the projection and to the tubular body. 60. The closure assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the sleeve is provided with a plurality of ribs or ridges formed on an inner surface thereof, arranged circumferentially around the sleeve and having their longitudinal axes arranged substantially axially. to the sleeve, ribs or ridges, in use, coact with protuberances or ridges or the like elevated, on an external surface of the container to seek to prevent the undesirable rotational movement of the sleeve. 61. The closure assembly according to claim 40, characterized in that the valve seat body comprises a tubular portion, a portion of the free end of which provides a valve seat adapted to be contacted in a sealing manner by a valve element captured in the tubular portion. 62. The closure assembly according to claim 61, characterized in that the valve seat is a circumferentially extending rim extending radially inward of the tubular portion, the valve seat is positioned at one end of the tubular portion. and that end of the tubular portion is closed except for a circular opening. 63. The closure assembly according to any of claims 61 or 62, characterized in that the tubular portion is adapted to be received substantially within the mouth portion of the container, the tubular portion further comprises at least coupling means on a external surface thereof to engage with an internal surface of the container in an interference manner, the coupling means comprise circumferential ribs that extend radially 64. The closure assembly according to any of claims 61 to 63, characterized in that an additional substantially concentric tubular portion of larger diameter than the tubular portion is provided at or near one end of the tubular portion remote from the valve seat, an inner surface of the additional tubular portion is connected to an outer surface of the tubular portion by one or more additional reinforcements. 65. The closure assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that a first end of the additional tubular portion is connected to an external surface of the tubular portion by an annular rim. 66. The closure assembly according to claim 65, characterized in that a circumferential channel defined between the outer surface of the tubular portion and the inner surface of the additional tubular portion is provided, the flange forms a channel floor, the channel is divided into smaller arc-shaped channels by additional reinforcements. 67. The closure assembly according to any of claims 64 to 66, characterized in that a second end of the additional tubular portion is arranged substantially level with one end of the distant tubular portion of the valve seat. 68. The closure assembly according to claim 57, characterized in that, in use, the tubular portion forms an internal sleeve of the assembled closure assembly. 69. The closure assembly according to any of claims 64 to 68, characterized in that an outer surface of the additional tubular portion interacts in an interference manner with an inner surface of the sleeve. 70. The closure assembly according to any of claims 64 to 69, characterized in that a radially extending circumferential rim is located on an outer edge of one end of the additional tubular portion, which in a mounted closing assembly is seated against a lower surface of a radially extending circumferential flange provided on an inner surface of the sleeve. 71. A container characterized in that it includes an assembly according to any of claims 1 to 70. 72. The container according to claim 71, characterized in that the container is a container for liquid. 73. The closure assembly in accordance with any of claims 71 or 72, characterized in that the container is a bottle such as a glass bottle adapted for the containment of liquid, such as alcoholic drinks, beverages selected from volatile minerals comprising vodka, whiskey, brandy or gin. 74. The combination of a container and closure assembly according to any of claims 1 to 70. 75. A product of alcoholic beverages characterized in that it comprises an alcoholic substance packaged in combination according to claim 74. 76. A method for the manufacture of a closure assembly according to any of claims 1 to 70, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) providing an external sleeve member; (b) providing a landfill outlet device and a sleeve adapted to be secured to a mouth and neck portion of a liquid container and a container closure element that can be releasably secured to the landfill outlet device and / or sleeve; (e) disposing the landfill outlet, sleeve and container closure element at least partially within the outer sleeve member; (d) forming the outer sleeve element to a first outer sleeve and a second separate outer sleeve. 77. The method according to claim 76, characterized in that the step (d) is carried out using a first cutting tool comprising a blade of a machine tool. 78. The method according to any of claims 76 or 77, characterized in that step (d) comprises: forming a cut around a portion of the outer mantle element to form first and second adjacent circumferential edges on the first and second sleeves external. 79. The method according to the claim 78, characterized in that the first and second edges are formed in a slit carried on the closing element of the container. 80. The method according to any of claims 78 or 79, characterized in that the first and second circumferential edges are of reduced diameter compared to at least adjacent portions of the first or second outer sleeve, respectively. 81. The method according to any of claims 76 to 80, characterized in that, after the step (c) the method also comprises the step of: (e) forming one end of the first outer sleeve on one end of the sleeve to retain the first outer sleeve and the sleeve in longitudinal relationship. 82. The method according to claim 81, characterized in that the step (e) is carried out using a second cutting tool comprising an additional blade of a machine tool. 83. The method according to any of claims 81 or 82, characterized in that steps (d) and (e) are undertaken substantially simultaneously. 84. The method according to any of claims 76 to 83, characterized in that the closure assembly thus formed comprises a unitary assembly for insertion application to a mouth and neck portion of a container. 85. A bottling method characterized in that it comprises: (a) providing a closure assembly manufactured in accordance with any of claims 1 to 70; (b) provide a bottle; (c) filling the bottle at least partially with a liquid; (d) Close the bottle by applying the closure assembly to a mouth and neck of the bottle.