EP1397297B1 - Tamper-proof closure of a bottle by a capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

The means for closure with the aid of a capsule (1, 2, 2', 3) comprises a head (4) and a skirt (5) fixed to the neck (6) during an encapsulation exercise, characterized in that a) the neck (6) has at least one throat (61) having a depth H of 0.2 mm - 6 mm, and/or a curve radius of 0.2 mm - 6mm, b) at least one part (50) of said skirt (5) comprises an adhesive (7) which can adhere to all or part of said throat (61), c) at least one fraction of the part (50) forms a contracted ring (51) in said throat (61), d) all or part (71) of said contracted ring (51) adheres to said throat (61) by virtue of the adhesive layer (70). Said means ensures that the capsule will break if anyone attempts to separate it in a fraudulent manner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of capsules for capping or overcapping of containers or bottles containing, in particular, wines, alcohols, aperitifs and, Generally, all alcoholic beverages.

It relates more particularly to closure or overcaping capsules equipped with Anti-fraud means.

STATE OF THE ART

We already know many anti-fraud capsules.
Thus, for example, the applicant has already developed several means for this purpose, in particular in its French applications Nos. 90-02058, 95-10997 and 95-11682.

Application No. 90-02058 published under the number FR-2657862 discloses a means of closure according to the the preamble of claim 1 and method of manufacturing said means according to the preamble of claim 19.

PROBLEMS POSED

In the field of anti-fraud plugging or over-sealing means, this is a on the one hand, to improve the effectiveness of existing anti-fraud means, on the other hand, to introduce new ways to at least complicate the task of fraudsters, and finally to obtain these means at the lowest possible costs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

a) ledit goulot présente, outre une contre-bague de sertissage, au moins une gorge de profondeur H comprise entre 0,2 mm et 6 mm, et/ou de rayon de courbure R compris entre 0,2 mm et 6 mm, R ou H étant compris de préférence de 0,4 à 3 mm,

b) au moins une partie (50) de ladite jupe (5), celle en regard de ladite gorge lorsque ladite capsule coiffe ledit goulot, comprend, sur tout ou partie de sa surface intérieure, un adhésif (7) pour former une couche (70) apte à adhérer à tout ou partie de ladite gorge (61),

c) la totalité ou une fraction de ladite partie (50) de ladite jupe (5) forme un anneau rétreint (51) dans ladite gorge (61) par déformation radiale de ladite partie (50),

d) tout ou partie dudit anneau rétreint (51) adhère à ladite gorge (61) grâce à ladite couche (70), de manière à ce que toute tentative de séparation frauduleuse de ladite capsule se solde par la rupture dudit anneau rétreint, rendant ainsi visible ladite tentative.

According to the invention, the tamper-proof closure means of a neck of a container, typically a bottle, using a capsule comprising a head and a skirt attached to said neck during a so-called capping operation, is characterized in that

a) said neck has, in addition to a counter-crimping ring, at least one groove of depth H between 0.2 mm and 6 mm, and / or radius of curvature R between 0.2 mm and 6 mm, R or H being preferably from 0.4 to 3 mm,

b) at least a portion (50) of said skirt (5), the one facing said groove when said cap covers said neck, comprises, on all or part of its inner surface, an adhesive (7) to form a layer ( 70) adapted to adhere to all or part of said groove (61),

c) all or a fraction of said portion (50) of said skirt (5) forms a narrowed ring (51) in said groove (61) by radial deformation of said portion (50),

d) all or part of said shrunken ring (51) adheres to said groove (61) by said layer (70), so that any attempt to fraudulently separate said capsule results in the rupture of said shrunken ring, thereby rendering visible said attempt.

This combination of means solves all the problems posed.
Indeed, on the one hand, the means of the present invention is not only totally new compared to the known anti-fraud means, but it is also more effective than the known means, insofar as, to date, and in despite many attempts, no fraudulent removal of capsules with a closure means according to the invention could be achieved.
Finally, the closure means according to the invention is relatively inexpensive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

All the figures relate to the closure means according to the invention and are axial cuts of necks (6) along their vertical axis of symmetry (63) covered or not of capsules (1, 2, 2 ', 3).

In Figures 1a and 1b, the closure means comprises an overcap (2), the neck (6) being closed by a plug (20).
FIG. 1a shows, before crimping, the capsule (2), coated locally, on a portion (70) of its skirt (5 '), with an adhesive layer (7), placed on the neck (6) comprising a throat (61) formed between the counter-ring (60) and an annular bead (62). The portion (70) coated with an adhesive layer comprises the skirt portion (50) facing the groove (61).

FIG. 1b represents the closure means according to the invention, after crimping of capsule, deformation of the skirt in the throat (61) and gluing of all or part of the ring shrinks (51) in the groove (61) thanks to the adhesive layer (7).

Figure 2 is a partial view of the neck (6).

• sur la figure 3 a, on a sensiblement H₇₀ = H₇₁, inférieur et inclus dans H₅₀,
• sur la figure 3b, on a sensiblement H₇₀ = H₇ = H₅₀,
• sur la figure 3c, on a H₇₀ > H₅₀, H₇₁ étant scindé en deux compte tenu du fait que l'anneau rétreint (51) n'adhère pas au fond de la gorge (61),
• sur la figure 3d, on a H₇₀ >> H₅₀ et H₇₁ = H₅₀, la couche adhésive (7) s'étendant au niveau de la ligne d'affaiblissement (53) localisée sur la contre-bague (60).

FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate four modalities according to the extent and the position of the skirt portion internally covered with an adhesive layer (70) over a height H ₇₀ , of the portion (71) adhering to the neck over a height H ₇₁ (dark line), with respect to the skirt portion (50) facing the groove (61) over a height H ₅₀ :

• in Figure 3a, there is substantially H ₇₀ = H ₇₁ , lower and included in H ₅₀ ,
• in FIG. 3b, there is substantially H ₇₀ = H ₇ = H ₅₀ ,
• in FIG. 3c, H ₇₀ > H ₅₀ , H ₇₁ being split in two, given that the shrinking ring (51) does not adhere to the bottom of the groove (61),
• in Fig. 3d, there are H ₇₀ >> H ₅₀ and H ₇₁ = H ₅₀ , the adhesive layer (7) extending at the weakening line (53) located on the counter ring (60).

FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar to FIG. 1b and correspond to the case where the capsule (1) is respectively a cap (2 ') for sparkling wines, and a cap closure (3).

FIGS. 6a and 6b, respectively similar to FIGS. 2 and 1b, relate to a a method in which the neck (6) does not comprise an annular bead (62).

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in axial section of the device (8) used to form said tamperproof closure means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, said narrowed ring (51) may present a total radial deformation corresponding substantially to the profile of said groove (61), said ring shrinks being plated at the bottom of said groove (61), all or part of said necking ring adhering to said throat.

As already pointed out, the purpose of the invention is to obtain, after crimping a capsule on a neck according to the invention, a capsule crimped onto the neck and at least partly glued into the throat of the neck, so that the capsule is destroyed in case of fraudulent attempt to remove the capsule.
The invention is based on the combination of two means, a first geometric-type means, with a groove (61) not accessible except to destroy all or part of the lower part of the capsule, and the other means, complementary to the previous one, preferably, the cohesive energy of the capsule material at said groove is preferably less than the adhesive energy between the capsule and the neck.
These two means could be used independently of one another according to the invention, in particular the second means could be used in isolation. However, it is best to use them simultaneously to get the best result.
In order to reinforce this second means, the skirt (5) of said capsule or at least said skirt portion (50) may be chosen, in particular in thickness, so that said necking ring (51) comprises at least a portion thinned or weakened (510), so as to reinforce the inviolability of said closure means.

Optionally, the skirt (5) may comprise a thinned or weakened portion below the ring shrinks, so as to further weaken the lower part of the skirt and to make more obvious any fraudulent attempt to separate the capsule from the bottle.

In addition, said radial deformation may be chosen, in particular at depth, so that said necking ring (51) comprises a thinned or weakened portion (510), so as to reinforce the inviolability of said closure means.
In many situations where materials, especially metal and strip, are deformed, it is most often sought a deformation without local decrease in mechanical characteristics. This is the opposite in the case of the present invention, without however the capsule obtained after crimping according to the invention has visible defects such as cracks.

According to the invention, and as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, said neck (6) may comprise, from top to bottom, said counter-ring (60) and at least one annular bead (62), said groove - or said grooves - (61) being constituted by the annular space formed between said counter-ring (60) and said annular bead (62).
However, the invention also applies when the neck (6 '), as illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, does not comprise an annular bead (62), said groove (61) being defined as the portion of the neck, located below said counter ring (60) which has a sufficient depth H and / or a sufficient radius of curvature R.
In this case, the radius of curvature R 'is substantially greater than the radius R of FIG. 2, and the groove (61) typically extends over a height H ₅₀ of the order of 2.R'. This neck (6 ') may possibly correspond to a standard manufacturing neck, which is advantageous on a practical level.

The closure means according to the invention can be applied to any type of capsule.
Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5, said capsule (1) may be a closure cap (3), typically comprising a plastic capping insert (30). Such a closure cap (3) may be an aluminum or alloy capsule, tin or alloy.

Similarly, as illustrated in Figures 1b, and 6b, said capsule (1) may be an overcap (2). This overcap (2) can be a capsule for quiet liquids of aluminum or alloys, tin or alloys, complex metalloplastic material, plastic, crimpable capsule or heat shrinkable as appropriate.
Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, said overcap (2) may be a cap (2 ') for effervescent liquid under pressure, made of aluminum or alloys, of tin or alloys, of complex metalloplastic material, of plastic material, capsule crimpable or heat shrinkable as appropriate. In Figure 4, there is shown the cap (22) which dyes the cap head (21) by a single wire.

Said adhesive layer (70) may form at least one annular or segmented strip of width typically between 3 and 30 mm.
In the set of figures, the capsules (1) according to the invention comprise a single adhesive strip forming said adhesive layer (70), except in FIGS. 6a and 6b where, for reasons of economy, the capsule (2) ) has two bands, one located at the groove (61), and the other at the weakening lines (53), so as to reduce to zero the risk of injury to the capsule edge after tearing of the removable tongue (54).
When the height H ₇₀ of said adhesive layer (70) corresponds to the height H ₅₀ of the groove, it may form an annular band of width typically between 5 and 15 mm.
According to the invention, it is also possible to cover with adhesive (7) the entire inner surface of the skirt (5) of the capsule or capsule (1) itself, depending on the starting material used to manufacture said capsule (1) and the manufacturing method used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3d and 6b, said capsule (1, 2, 2 ', 3) can comprise typically on its skirt (5) an easy opening means positioned above said skirt portion (50), typically between said head (4) and said skirt portion (50), said easy opening means comprising at least one line of weakness (53).

The skirt (5) of the capsule of Figure 3d comprises a single line of weakening (53), whereas the skirt (5) of the capsule (2) of FIG. 6b comprises two lines parallel weakening which delimit a strip or tongue (54) tearable. he is advantageous, as illustrated in these figures, that said easy opening means is internally coated with said adhesive layer, the corresponding inner face of the skirt being covered with an adhesive layer (70), which reduces the risks of get hurt when opening the bottle.

Said adhesive layer (70) is a layer of a varnish or a heat sealable plastic material on said neck (6). Typically, the skirt (5 ') of the capsule used to form said closure means comprises, as illustrated in Figure 1a, said adhesive layer (70).
The adhesive (7) constituting said adhesive layer (7) may be an olefinic copolymer comprising acid groups, for example of the EAA type, copolymer of ethylene and of acrylic acid.

It is advantageous that said skirt portion (50) forming said necking ring (51) is spaced from the lower end of said skirt (5) by at least 10 mm, so that any fraudulent attempt to separate from said groove said skirt portion (50) forming said narrowed ring (51) is accompanied by visible and irreversible deformations of said lower end, which corresponds to a height of under-groove capsule H ₅₂ of at least 10 mm, and preferably at least 15 mm, as illustrated in Figure 1b.

a) on approvisionne ledit récipient doté dudit goulot (6), et ladite capsule (1, 2, 2', 3), et on fixe ladite capsule sur ledit goulot, par sertissage et/ou thermorétractation selon la nature de ladite capsule,

b) on déforme ladite partie de jupe (50) de manière à plaquer ladite partie contre ladite gorge et ainsi à former ledit anneau rétreint (51), et à le faire adhérer à ladite gorge par thermoscellage, typiquement à l'aide d'une molette tournante portée à une température suffisante pour assurer le scellage de ladite partie sur ledit goulot, ladite molette présentant un bord actif à rayon de courbure inférieur ou égal à R.

Another object of the invention is constituted by a method of manufacturing said closure means according to the invention, in which:

a) supplying said container provided with said neck (6), and said capsule (1, 2, 2 ', 3), and fixing said capsule on said neck, by crimping and / or heat shrinking according to the nature of said capsule,

b) deforming said skirt portion (50) so as to press said portion against said groove and thereby forming said necking ring (51), and adhering it to said groove by heat sealing, typically using a rotating wheel raised to a temperature sufficient to seal said portion on said neck, said wheel having an active edge radius of curvature less than or equal to R.

It is also possible to use, in place of said rotating wheel, a form heat sealing tool which is applied against said neck (6) in rotation.
Any heating means can also be used to obtain a high heat sealing speed compatible with the capping rates. Thus, it is possible to further use alone or in combination the following means: hot air blowing, induction heating and HF (high frequency) currents.
Similarly, the formation of said narrowed ring (51) can be performed simultaneously with the crimping of said capsule, or possibly prior to the crimping of said capsule.
It is thus possible to crimp said capsule in a standard manner, then to locally apply on the portion (50) of the skirt a wheel or a tool so as to locally deform said skirt and thus form said ring shrunk (51) locally of reduced thickness, by making it adhere to said groove by localized pressure and heating, the remaining portion of the skirt, in particular the lower portion (52) being typically immobilized.

EXAMPLES OF REALIZATION

• goulot "A" selon la figure 2, avec R = 0,5 mm, H = 0,5 mm, et H₅₀ = 5 mm
• et goulot "B" selon la figure 6a, avec R = 0,8 mm, H = 1,5 mm et H₅₀ = 7 mm

The closure means as illustrated in Figures 1a to 6a are exemplary embodiments.
Capsules (1) adapted to two types of necks have been manufactured:

• neck "A" according to Figure 2, with R = 0.5 mm, H = 0.5 mm, and H ₅₀ = 5 mm
• and neck "B" according to Figure 6a, with R = 0.8 mm, H = 1.5 mm and H ₅₀ = 7 mm

As adhesive (7), a commercial copolymer based on ethylene and acid was used Applicable acrylic by coating or spraying.

• pour la modalité de la figure 3a, on a pris :
  H₇₀ = H₇₁ = 8 mm pour le goulot A où H₅₀ = 5 mm, - H₇₀ = H₇₁ = 10 mm pour le goulot B où H₅₀ = 8 mm.
• pour la modalité de la figure 3b, on a pris H₇₀ = H₇₁ = H₅₀.
• pour la modalité de la figure 3c, on a pris :
  H₇₀ = 20 mm
  H₇₁ = 2 x 4 mm pour le goulot A et 2 x 5 mm pour le goulot B
• pour la modalité de la figure 3d, on a pris :
  H₇₀ = 30 mm, de manière à ce qu'il y ait de l'adhésif au niveau de la ligne d'affaiblissement (53),
  H₇₁ = H₅₀
• pour la modalité de la figure 6b, on a pris :
  H₇₀ = H₇₁ = H₅₀ pour la partie adhésive correspondant à la gorge (61
  H'₇₀ = 12 mm pour la partie de la jupe comprenant une couche adhésive - mais non adhérente au goulot - au niveau de la languette d'ouverture (54).
  Toutes ces modalités ont été réalisées en pulvérisant localement ledit adhésif (7) sur l'intérieur de la jupe (5) pour former ladite couche d'adhésif (70).
  Par ailleurs, on a réalisé également des capsules à partir de bande d'aluminium recouverte d'adhésif.

Overcap caps (2) corresponding to the closing means according to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 6b have been manufactured and adapted to both types of necks A and B.
These capsules (2) are made of aluminum, with a skirt thickness of between 50 and 90 μm in the portion (50) facing the groove (61).
The capsules modalities corresponding to FIGS. 3a to 3d, and 6b have been carried out:

• for the modality of Figure 3a, we took:
  H ₇₀ = H ₇₁ = 8 mm for the neck A where H ₅₀ = 5 mm, - H ₇₀ = H ₇₁ = 10 mm for the neck B where H ₅₀ = 8 mm.
• for the modality of FIG. 3b, H ₇₀ = H ₇₁ = H _{50 was taken} .
• for the modality of Figure 3c, we took:
  H ₇₀ = 20 mm
  H ₇₁ = 2 x 4 mm for the neck A and 2 x 5 mm for the neck B
• for the modality of figure 3d, we took:
  H ₇₀ = 30 mm, so that there is adhesive at the line of weakness (53),
  H ₇₁ = H ₅₀
• for the modality of Figure 6b, we have taken:
  H ₇₀ = H ₇₁ = H ₅₀ for the adhesive part corresponding to the groove (61
  H _'70 = 12 mm for the portion of the skirt comprising an adhesive layer - but not adherent to the neck - at the opening tab (54).
  All of these have been accomplished by locally spraying said adhesive (7) on the inside of the skirt (5) to form said adhesive layer (70).
  In addition, capsules were also made from aluminum tape coated with adhesive.

Capsules (3) corresponding to the closure means according to FIG. 5, and adapted to the two types of necks A and B, made of aluminum with a skirt thickness of between 65 and 250 μm, were manufactured.
The same capsule modalities as those indicated above were carried out.

Covers (2 ') corresponding to the closing means according to FIG. 4, and adapted to the two types of necks A and B, were manufactured from Al / PE / Al metal complex where Al denotes a 20 μm aluminum foil. thickness, and PE an inner layer of PE 20 μm thick.
The same capsule modalities as those indicated above were carried out.

• un système d'entraínement du goulot (80) et un guide supérieur du goulot (81), pour positionner le goulot et le mettre en rotation,
• un outil de thermoscellage de forme (82) avec un guide latéral formant une butée radiale (83) porté par un positionneur axial et radial (84), l'outil (82) comprenant une résistance électrique (85).
  On a utilisé un outil (82) ayant un rayon de courbure égal à R.
  Dans le cas de la figure 3c, on a obtenu un amincissement significatif de la jupe notamment en empêchant que la partie basse (52) de la jupe suive l'écoulement du métal durant la formation dudit cordon annulaire (62).
  Dans certains essais, on a également utilisé du chauffage par induction pour augmenter la cadence de thermoscellage.
  Dans d'autre essais, on a également préchauffé les bagues avant thermoscellage.

The capsules (1, 2, 2 ', 3) were applied or crimped normally on the necks A and B.
The device (8) of FIG. 7 was then used to form said tamper-proof closure means.
This device (8) comprises:

• a neck drive system (80) and an upper neck guide (81) for positioning the neck and rotating it,
• a shape heat sealing tool (82) with a lateral guide forming a radial abutment (83) carried by an axial and radial positioner (84), the tool (82) comprising an electrical resistor (85).
  A tool (82) having a radius of curvature equal to R.
  In the case of Figure 3c, there has been a significant thinning of the skirt including preventing the lower part (52) of the skirt follows the flow of the metal during the formation of said annular cord (62).
  In some tests, induction heating has also been used to increase the rate of heat sealing.
  In other tests, the rings were also preheated before heat sealing.

Results obtained:

We tried by any means, including using very thin blades, to separate the capsule (1) of the neck (6).
In any case, it was impossible to separate an intact capsule that could be reused fraudulently without it being visible or seen by a consumer of average attention.
The closure means according to the invention thus makes it possible to solve the problems posed.

LIST OF REFERENCES

Capsule 1 Overcap Capsule 2 Cap 2 ' Plug 20 Head cap 21 muselet 22 Capsule closure 3 insert 30 Capsule head 4 Capsule skirt 5 Capsule skirt before crimping 5 ' Part of skirt next to 61 50 Ring shrinks 51 Thinned part 510 Part or bottom end 52 Line of weakening 53 Opening tab 54 Neck 6 Ring-free neck 6 ' Counter crimping ring 60 Lower slope 600 Throat 61 Ring cord 62 Vertical axis of symmetry 63 Adhesive 7 Adhesive layer on skirt 70 Ring part 51 adhering to 61 71 Device 8 Bottle drive system 80 Top guide of the neck 81 Heat seal tool 82 Lateral guide (radial stop) 83 Axial and radial positioner 84 Electrical resistance 85

Claims (22)

1. Tamper-proof closing means of a receptacle neck (6), typically a bottle neck, using a cap (1, 2, 2', 3) comprising a head (4) and skirt (5) fixed to the said neck (6) during a so-called cap fitting operation, characterised in that,

   a) apart from a crimping mating ring (60), the said neck (6) has at least one groove (61) with depth H between 0.2 mm and 6 mm, and / or a radius of curvature R between 0.2 mm and 6 mm,

   b) at least one part (50) of the said skirt (5) facing the said groove when the said cap covers the said neck, comprises an adhesive (7) on all or some of its inner surface to form an adhesive layer (70) capable of bonding to all or some of the said groove (61),

   c) all or some of the said part (50) of the said skirt (5) forms a constricted ring (51) in the said groove (61) by radial deformation of the said part (50),

   d) all or some (71) of the said constricted ring (51) bonds to the said groove (61) due to the said adhesive layer (70)

      so that any fraudulent attempt to separate the said cap (1, 2, 2', 3) will cause breakage of the said cap, and particularly of the said constricted ring (51), thus making the said attempt visible.
2. Means according to claim 1 in which the said constricted ring (51) has a total radial deformation corresponding substantially to the profile of the said groove (61), the said constricted ring being in contact with the bottom of the said groove (61), all or part of the said constricted ring bonding to the said groove.
3. Means according to either of claims 1 or 2 in which the skirt (5) of the said cap or at least the said part of the skirt (50) is chosen, and particularly its thickness is chosen, such that the said constricted ring (51) comprises a thinned or weakened part (510) so as to strengthen the tamper-proof nature of the said closing means.
4. Means according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the said radial deformation is chosen, particularly in depth, such that the said constricted ring (51) comprises at least a thinned or weakened part (510) so as to strengthen the tamper-proof nature of the said closing means.
5. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the said neck (6) comprises, working from top to bottom, the said mating ring (60) and at least one annular bead (62), the said groove (61) being composed of the annular space formed between the said mating ring (60) and the said annular bead (62).
6. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the said cap (1) is a closing cap (3), typically comprising a plastic stopper insert (30).
7. Closing means according to claim 6 in which the said closing cap (3) is an aluminium or aluminium alloy cap, or a tin or tin alloy cap.
8. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the said cap (1) is an outer cap (2).
9. Closing means according to claim 8 in which the said outer cap (2) is a cap for still liquids made of aluminium or aluminium alloy, tin or tin alloy, a metalloplastic complex material, or a plastic, crimpable or heat sealable material, depending on the case.
10. Closing means according to claim 8 in which the said outer cap (2) is a cover (2') for a pressurised effervescent liquid, made of aluminium or aluminium alloy, tin or tin alloy, or a metalloplastic complex material, or a plastic, crimpable or heat sealable material, depending on the case.
11. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in which the said adhesive layer (70) forms at least one annular or segmented strip typically between 3 and 30 mm wide.
12. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in which the said cap (1, 2, 2', 3) typically comprises an easy opening means on its skirt (5) positioned above the said part of the skirt (50), typically between the said head (4) and the said part of the skirt (50), the said easy opening means comprising at least one line of weakness (53).
13. Closing means according to claim 12 in which the said easy opening means is coated with the said adhesive layer on the inside.
14. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in which the said adhesive layer (70) is a layer of varnish or plastic material that can be heat sealed on the said neck (6).
15. Closing means according to claim 14 in which the adhesive (7) forming the said adhesive layer (70) is an olefinic copolymer comprising acid groups.
16. Closing means according to claim 15 in which the said copolymer is EAA, ethylene copolymer and acrylic acid.
17. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in which the said part of the skirt (50) forming the said constricted ring (51) is at least 10 mm from the lower end of the said skirt (5), so that any fraudulent attempt to separate the said part of the skirt (50) forming the said constricted ring (51) from the said groove will be accompanied by visible and irreversible deformations of the said lower end.
18. Closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in which the depth of the said groove (61) is between 0.4 mm and 3 mm and its radius of curvature R is between 0.4 and 3 mm.
19. Process for manufacturing the said closing means according to any one of claims 1 to 18 in which:

    a) the said container, provided with the said neck (6), and the said cap (1, 2, 2', 3) are supplied, and the said cap is fixed on the said neck by crimping and / or heat shrinkage, depending on the nature of the said cap,

    b) the said part of the skirt (50) is deformed so as to bring the said part into contact with the said groove and thus form the said constricted ring (51), and to make it bond to the said groove by heat sealing, typically using a rotating wheel sufficiently hot to seal the said part onto the said neck, the said rotating wheel having an active edge with a radius of curvature less than or equal to R.
20. Process according to claim 19 in which in step b), it is possible to use a shaped heat sealing tool applied in contact with the said neck (6) in rotation, to replace the said rotating wheel.
21. Process according to either of claims 19 or 20, in which the said constricted ring (51) is formed at the same time as the said cap is crimped, or before the said cap has been crimped.
22. Process according to any one of claims 19 to 21 in which, in view of the said heat sealing, any heating means capable of obtaining a high heat sealing speed compatible with cap fitting rates can be used, particularly hot air blowing or induction heating.

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