Cap comprising a release indicator for a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap for an airtight container such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, which cap is suitable to be placed releasably in a closing position on a neck of the container, wherein the cap is provided with visual indicating means for indicating that the cap is no longer in the closing position, wherein the indicating means are adapted to be brought into an active state when the cap is arranged on the neck of the container and to be brought into the indicating state when the cap is removed. These measures have the result that the indicator only becomes active, i.e. enters into the indicating state, when this state is preceded by an active state. The fact that it has to be successively subjected to two different states makes it easier to find such an indicator; use can after all be made of indicating means which are not normally active, for instance in the stored situation, and which are only activated by arranging thereof on the neck of the container.

1 . Cap for an airtight container such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, which cap is suitable to be placed releasably in a closing position on a neck of the container, wherein the cap is provided with visual indicating means for indicating that the cap is no longer in the closing position, characterized in that the indicating means are adapted to be brought into an active state when the cap is arranged on the neck of the container and to be brought into the indicating state when the cap is removed.  
     
     
         2 . Cap as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the indicating means are adapted to be brought into the active state when the cap is displaced relative to the neck of the container.  
     
     
         3 . Cap as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that the indicating means comprise a mechanical connection which is adapted to be broken when the cap is placed on the neck of the container.  
     
     
         4 . Cap as claimed in  claim 3 , characterized in that the mechanical connection is arranged on the inner side of the cap, and that it is adapted to be broken by the upper edge of the neck of the container.  
     
     
         5 . Cap as claimed in  claim 3 , characterized in that the mechanical connection is arranged on the underside of the skirt of the cap, and that it is adapted to be broken through by a collar extending on the outside of the neck of the container.  
     
     
         6 . Cap as claimed in  claim 3 ,  4  or  5 , characterized in that the mechanical connection is formed by a limp element which is fixedly attached to the cap on two sides and which is provided with a weakened portion at the position where the limp element makes contact with a component of the container when the cap is arranged on the container, and that the limp element is held fast at the weakened portion by the clamping between the cap and the neck of the container.  
     
     
         7 . Cap as claimed in  claim 6 , characterized in that the limp element is arranged under mechanical tension between its two attachment positions.  
     
     
         8 . Cap as claimed in  claim 3 ,  4  or  5 , characterized in that the mechanical connection is formed by a seal of an envelope of an indicator, which seal is arranged at the position where it makes contact with a component of the container when the cap is arranged on the container, and that the component of the container covers the broken seal when the cap remains fastened on the container.  
     
     
         9 . Cap as claimed in  claim 8 , characterized in that the indicator is adapted to change colour when it comes into contact with a gas or vapour present in the container.  
     
     
         10 . Cap as claimed in  claim 9 , characterized in that the container is a soft drink bottle and that the indicator is adapted to change colour when it comes into contact with carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         11 . Cap as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cap is at least provided with a transparent window which is placed to show the indicator from a normal angle of view.  
     
     
         12 . Cap as claimed in  claim 11 , characterized in that the window is provided with a text which is visible when the indicator changes colour.  
     
     
         13 . Cap as claimed in any of the claims  8 - 12 , characterized in that the indicator is irreversible.  
     
     
         14 . Cap as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the indicating means are arranged in a liner for placing in the cap.