BRPI0514822B1 - SEAL FOR CLOSURE, CLOSURE AND PROCESS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a sealing means (2) for sealing of a neck (25) of a container, especially a container for carbonated beverages. The sealing means comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means (20) suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface (17) of a neck (25) of the container. The outer sealing means (20) comprises an annular base (22) which blends by a blend (34) into a vertical top surface (35) and at least one annular sealing ring (23) arranged at a free end of the annular base (22), protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base (22) and forming in engaged position with the neck (25) a first contact area (30) with the outer free surface (17).

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for "SEALING FOR CLOSURE, CLOSURE AND PROCESS".

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a sealing means for closures, especially a sealing means for closures for liquid containers such as beverages. In particular, the invention relates to a sealing means for carbonated liquid containers, such as refrigerants, although it is well suited for sealing other containers, such as glass or PET containers with contents above or below atmospheric pressure or having gaseous components or requiring an airtight seal. The invention further relates to a closure and a process for manufacturing and applying a sealing means and a closure, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Seals and closures are generally made of various types of plastics, such as Polyethylene (hereafter referred to as PE) or Polypropylene (hereafter referred to as PP) or EVA-based materials such as Darex coating material. ®. This material is mainly used for the manufacture of coating closures; The material is less hard and less durable than PE. Softer material, such as low density PE (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyolefin raw material compounds, are often used as a sealing material. Stiffer materials, such as Polypropylene, are often used as a closure shell material.

In the prior art, a large amount of documents are available which are directed to closures and closures for sealing containers. A selected track is explained below. Patent EP0076778 to Albert Obrist AG was filed in 1982 and is directed to a closure cap formed of plastics material having a circular outer sealing edge having a thickness that continuously decreases in contrast to its free end. The outer sealing lip is disposed in the region of the joint between an outer vertical skirt and a disc-shaped upper portion and points obliquely inwardly. At its smallest diameter, the sealing lip has a rounded sealing portion. Below the sealing portion, the sealing lip is widened outward as a funnel to receive a container opening. However, due to the forced arrangement of the sealing edge, the sealing edge often tends to be distorted during application, especially when improperly applied to a container neck. An additional disadvantage is that, due to the inclined arrangement, this seal is relatively rigid and therefore not very good in lateral direction adjustment. US4489845 was filed in 1984 and assigned to Albert Obrist AG. US4489845 is directed to a screw cap to close a container opening. The lid has a sealing lip that is affixed to the top of the lid. The inner sidewall of the outer sealing lip has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the outer wall of the container. A fastener, which may be designed as an inner seal, will create a lid top shrinkage when the screw cap is screwed into the container due to the deformation of the outer casing of the closure by means of which the sealing lip will be pressed against the mouth of the container. In this way, the sealing lip is only pressed radially against the mouth of the container during the course of the screwing process. This will prevent over stretching and damage to the sealing edge material. In a engaged position, the sealing lip is engaged around the upper outer rim of the neck of a container opening. A disadvantage is that the described deformation of the closure refers to extensive operating forces. An additional disadvantage is that the outer casing tends to break due to extensive stress and strain (stress cracking), which results in complete closure failure and product loss. Continental Patent EP0114127, filed in 1984, and Sun Cost Plastic Patent EP0176205, filed in 1985, both describe a seal having two sealing tabs disposed generally in the V-shape. In a container, the tabs will be deformed according to the cross-section of the container sealing surface area, including inside the container mouth and along the outer surface of the neck finish to provide effective sealing contact with the container. container sealing area. The sealing flaps are in a laterally engaged position and are pressed against the closure neck. EP0529383, filed in 1992 by Jacob Berg GMbH, is directed to a plastic screw cap for containers, in particular pressurized beverage containers. The closure comprises an annular sealing strip that is integrally molded with the closure housing. Adjacent to the sealing strip is a rib that presses the sealing strip against an upper outer edge of a container neck. A disadvantage is the reduced lateral adjustability. EP0770559, filed in 1996 by Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici, is directed to a plastic screw cap with a coating formed by compression molding. The closure comprises an annular edge that is designed to support a liner and protrudes from the disc-shaped portion concentrically with respect to the cylindrical outer wall. The annular lip acts as a shoulder for a sealing liner so that the liner engages the rim of the container mouth when the lid has been applied to the container. US4489844, filed in 1982 and assigned to Charles A. Breskin Assoe. Inc., is directed to a reusable lid for sealing carbonated beverage containers or the like. The closure consists of an integrally threaded enclosure featuring an attachment that tightly engages the neck of the beverage container at the free edge thereof. The housing and fitting are constructed of different plastic materials and are injection molded into different portions of the same molding cavity. First, the fitting is formed and then, without moving the fitting from the position in which it was formed, the housing is is formed to produce a unitary structure in which substantial portions of the fitting are embedded in the housing. US 5447674, filed in 1993 by Frank Schellen-bach, is directed to a method and a mold core for the production of two-component injection molded plastic closure. A mold core for use in a two-component injection molding method is provided for two-component injection molding of plastic container closures. The mold core consists of a first and a second subnucleus. After injecting the first substance, a sub-core or tool element is offset by a predetermined degree with respect to the first impression. A disadvantage of the described procedure is that core displacement can only occur when the first stage material has been sufficiently frozen, which results in a significant delay. An additional disadvantage is that the closure geometry and sealing are significantly restricted due to the mold function. An additional disadvantage is that the seal may not comprise a radial protrusion, which would result in a recess in the mold, because displacement of the mold core would no longer be possible. Patent W003011699, filed in 2002 by Bericap, is directed to a closure cap comprising an inner sealing skirt that is substantially truncated and converges from the sealing skirt base to the free end of the sealing skirt. The inside of the sealing skirt is designed to cooperate with the outside of the neck. The inside diameter of the sealing skirt toward its free end portion is designed smaller than the outside diameter of the neck. As described, the closure may comprise an annular v-notch designed to enhance the connection of a liner to the neck rim or contact between the liner and the rim.

According to the inventor of the invention described herein, a series of closures for carbonated beverage containers are presented and described, among other things, in WO99 / 03746 (1998), WO99 / 03747 (1999), WO89 / 12584 (1989), WO00 / 022701, WOOO / 56616, WO / 56615. The seals of these closures commonly have an annular sealing rib which is initially projected downwardly and inwardly with respect to the upper portion of the closure which is rotated from the inside out during application to a neck of a container.

A problem with known prior art closures is that the sealing of these closures often exhibits failures at high internal pressure and that the contents are leaking due to the top portion being shrouded or detached. This problem occurs especially with sealed caps mainly on the inner peripheral surface or the upper annular surface of the container neck. An additional problem that often occurs with known prior art closures is that of seal leakage due to the high internal pressure in the container and the additional top load applied to the top of the closure, for example by stacking multiple containers. The reason for this can be found in closure deformation and related seal displacement. A further problem with prior art known closures is that the seal fails due to improper application of the closure to a neck of a container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing means for closures, especially carbonated beverage container closures and other hot or cold liquids, which has an improved ability to adapt to container bottlenecks, especially container bottlenecks having a certain imperfection or damage. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sealing device and closure suitable for carbonated beverages and other hot or cold liquids, which have advantages for production, such as a shorter cycle time and lower material consumption, which means are still pressure-tight at high internal pressures and at a higher load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The closure featuring a sealing device according to the present invention is suitable for engagement with containers comprising a standard container neck. The standard neck comprises a peripheral surface with an external thread. The outer peripheral surface is adapted by means of an edge surface to an annular upper surface forming the upper end of the container when it is standing. Between the annular upper surface and the external thread, an external free surface will extend about a length of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm of the neck that is not covered by the thread and suitable for sealing purposes. Further, the container neck comprises a cylindrical inner peripheral surface adjacent the annular upper surface.

In addition to a sealing means according to the present invention, the closure generally comprises a base with a disc-shaped upper portion and an adjacent outer skirt therewith with a retaining means such as an inner thread suitable for engagement with the corresponding retention means such as an external thread of the standard neck of a container as described above. If appropriate, the closure may have a hinged lid that is interconnected to the base of the closure and suitable for sealant closing a hole.

Preferably, the plastic material of the closure is high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. When the container is used for gaseous liquids, the plastic material will preferably have a very low gas porosity. The sealing means described herein comprises, in a first embodiment, a substantially P-shaped cross-section. The sealing means comprises a cylindrical skirt generally extending perpendicular from the disc-shaped upper portion of the closure to the inside of the closure radially spaced from the outer skirt of the closure by a gap having a defined width and depth. The inner skirt, which generally has a free adjustable descending leg with respect to its cross-section, is at its base preferably interconnected directly to the upper portion of the closure. At its opposite lower end area, the inner skirt transforms into at least one toroidal sealing ring protruding above the side surface of the cylindrical skirt. The toroidal seal ring interacts in the radially closed position from the outside with the outer free surface of the container neck through an indicated contact surface, whereby this contact surface is preferably disposed as far below as possible on the free surface of the container. bottle neck to reduce the influence of known problems, for example, vaulting, damage to bottle finish on upper outer rim, lifting of closure, which may occur. The cylindrical skirt acts as a base for the toroidal seal ring and has a length that prevents negative interaction of the toroidal seal ring with the container neck thread. At least one toroidal sealing ring is preferably formed such that it is mainly sealed due to annular stress. Therefore, the sealing means will preferably be independent even in the radially deformed position when applied to the neck of a container. In a preferred embodiment, the gap between the inner skirt and the outer skirt is designed such that no contact occurs between the sealing means and the outer skirt at any time. The toroidal sealing ring comprises a protrusion which is arranged in engagement position towards the container neck, defining a contact zone. Unlike known prior art seals, which are mainly subjected to annular pressure or bending forces at the root, the generally perpendicular independent sealing means according to the present invention seals primarily due to annular stress forces occurring in the toroidal sealing ring when applied to the neck of a container. The sealing means is designed to be able to adjust / compensate for a certain degree of lateral and / or radial displacement or distortion of the container neck. The cylindrical skirt, which acts as the base, gives a certain flexibility in the lateral / radial direction. Good results will be achieved when the ratio of vertical length to radial thickness of the base of the sealing means that is disposed between the upper portion of the closure and the toroidal sealing ring is at least 1: 1, preferably 4: 1. . Depending on the field of application, additional aspect ratios are relevant such as the radial thickness and base shape of the sealing means and the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring and the vertical length to radial thickness aspect ratio of the sealing ring. ring seal and the gap between the inner skirt and the outer skirt.

In a further embodiment, the seal has a generally R-shaped cross-section, whereby the P-shaped cross-section is fitted on the inside to an inner upper surface of the closure. Said adjustment is formed in such a way as to form a second sealing region with the container neck edge surface, which causes the annular sealing ring to be pulled due to the controlled deformation of the base inwardly onto the surface. external clearance of the container neck when the edge surface is pressed over the adjustment. Depending on the field of application, the fit interconnects the base and upper surface smoothly by means of a concave shape having a radius or by means of a ramp-like shape or by a convex shape projecting locally outwards.

In a preferred embodiment, the aspect ratio between the radial thickness of the annular gasket and the base is in the range of 2: 1 to 3: 1 (depending on the field of application, other aspect ratios may be appropriate). The aspect ratio between the vertical free length of the annular seal ring and its radial thickness is preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 4: 1. Depending on the field of application, other aspect ratios are appropriate. The shape of the annular sealing ring cross-section and the eccentricity of the contact surface relative to the sealing base base is of additional relevance to the field of application because these parameters influence the distribution of annular stress forces. The shape and alignment of the sealing base is relevant to the performance and physical behavior of the sealing medium. For example, if the base of the sealing means is inclined (conically) at an angle to the top of the closure, firing of the closure into the container hole (opening) will become more difficult and failures due to discrepancy will be more likely. One reason for this is that force distribution and initial seal widening become more difficult.

A preferred embodiment of the sealing means and the closure is formed by an injection molding process, respectively, a two-component injection molding process, in a multi-component mold, whereby a sealing liner is formed, wherein a first plastics material is injected in liquid form into a first cavity in a core of a mold cavity, where the first material forming the coating is frozen. Thereafter, the liner is moved with the first core to a second cavity position, where a second material for an outer closure shell is injected into the second cavity. The sealing liner material and the outer shell material are thus integrally linked together.

To optimize the production process, the area in the cavity of the sealing liner not in contact with the first core is preferably formed such that the sealing liner can be retained from the first cavity without retaining forces. Therefore, hindering undercuts that mainly extend perpendicular to the direction of travel or core are avoided. By the described injection molding process, a film bond is obtained between the coating and the shell material. Unlike two-component closures, as known from the prior art, formed by a compression molding process, the invention described herein results in a more reliable seal. Problems that typically occur when demolding closures formed by compression molding, when the closure shell is formed first and the seal liner is formed later, will not occur with the invention described herein. The outer shell is preferably formed of Polypropylene (PP) or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) whereby the coating is formed of a softer material such as EVA, LDPE or a composite material based on polyolefin raw materials. -home. The embodiment of the closure further comprises a sealing means which interacts with a cylindrical outer surface of external free thread disposed between the thread and the upper annular surface of the container neck.

A preferred embodiment of the sealing means for sealing a neck of a container comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means suitable for engagement with an outer free surface of the neck whereby the outer sealing means has a general cross-sectional shape. of P with an annular base and an annular sealing ring disposed at a free end of the annular base, projecting radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming, in a position engaged with the neck, a first sealing area with the external free surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing means has an external sealing means having a generally R-shaped cross-section. An adjustment is arranged on the base and interconnects the base with an upper vertical surface of the closure. The fit may form, in a engaged position of the sealing means and the neck, a second sealing area between a neck edge surface and the outer sealing means. The outer seal may be formed such as by interaction between the edge surface and the fit, the outer seal means controllably deforming such that the annular seal ring is pressed more firmly against the outer free surface of the neck. Depending on the field of application, the adjustment may take different forms; for example, a ramp-shaped cross-section, a convex cross-section, or a concave cross-section. When the fit is designed as a smooth interconnect, it preferably has a radius R that is greater than the radius of the container neck edge surface.

In a further embodiment, the sealing means and, respectively, the closure may comprise a coating formed of a coating material. Therefore, the liner may comprise an inner skirt extending vertically along an outer descending leg. An annular sealing ring formed of liner material may be arranged at the outer skirt end.

Further, the sealing means may comprise an orifice seal, whereby the orifice seal may be formed of shell material and may have a core formed of shell material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The sealing means and closure according to the present invention are explained in more detail in accordance with preferred embodiments. Figure 1 shows a closure with a sealing means in a perspective view from below. Figure 2 shows the closure according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from above. Figure 3 shows a closure with a first embodiment of a sealing means in a side view. Figure 4 shows a cross section through the closure according to Figure 3 along line AA. Figure 5 shows detail B of Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a closure with a second embodiment of a sealing means in a side view. Figure 7 shows a cross section through the closure according to Figure 6 along line CC. Figure 8 shows detail D of Figure 7. Figure 9 shows a closure with a third embodiment of a sealing means in a side view. Figure 10 shows a cross section through the closure according to Figure 9 along line EE. Figure 11 shows the detail F of Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a closure 1 comprising a sealing means 2 according to the present invention in an isometric side view from below, and Figure 2 shows the same closure 1 from a perspective side view from above. Closure 1 comprises an outer skirt 3 extending generally perpendicularly from a disc-shaped upper portion 4. The outer skirt 3 has vertically disposed protrusions 5 on its outer side which have a better grip while operating the closure. . On the inside, the outer skirt 3 comprises a thread 6 consisting of thread segments 7. At its lower end, the outer skirt is interconnected with a tamper strap 8. The tamper strap 8 of the displayed embodiment generally has , the same outside diameter as the outer skirt 3 of the closure. On the inner side, the tamper strap 8 comprises radially inwardly projecting recessed segments 9 having a generally spherical underside 10. During application of the closure to the neck of a container (not visible), the spherical recessed segments support the centering and alignment of the sealing means with respect to the container neck. Thus damage due to tilt application can be significantly reduced. Above the recessed segments 9 are arranged centering elements 11 which project radially above the inner surface 15 of the tamper strip 8 which are aligned with the closure axis z and which help to center the closure 1 with respect to a rib. locking the neck of a container. Thus, the inclination of the tamper strap during opening closure 1 is reduced. The tamper strap 8 is interconnected to the outer skirt 3 of closure 1 by frangible bridges 12 which will be destroyed upon initial opening of closure 1. The tamper strap 8 is distanced from the closure skirt 3 by a gap 13. Bridges 12 are arranged, in the embodiment shown, in the notches 14 extending the length of bridges 12 and thus help to prevent unwanted breakage of bridges 12 during application. Figure 3 shows an additional embodiment of a closure 1 in a side view. The closure comprises a tamper strap 8 having an outside diameter generally smaller than the skirt 3 of closure 1. The tamper strap 8 comprises a shoulder 16 which is set as a point of contact during closure expulsion 1. Bridges 12 are similar to closure according to Figures 1 and 2, d. shown in the notches 14. The cross section along line AA is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a cross section through closure 1 and sealing means 2 along line AA of Figure 3, and Figure 5 shows detail B of sealing means 2 of Figure 3 in an enlarged form. In Figure 5, a bottleneck (dashed line) of a container is schematically displayed. The sealing means 2 of the embodiment shown is displayed in a non-deformed manner and comprises an outer side seal 20 and a generally V-shaped upper seal 21 protruding from the inner surface of the disc-shaped upper portion 4 of the closure. generally perpendicularly within the closure 1 and arranged in such a manner as to interact in a closed position with the annular end surface 27 of the neck 25. The side seal 20 has a generally P-shaped cross-section and comprises a base 22 and a radially inwardly projecting annular sealing ring 23 above the base 22 suitable for sealing on an outer peripheral surface 17 of the neck 25 in a threaded end area above the thread 26. The side seal 20 is radially disposed distance to the outer skirt 3. In the embodiment shown, an annular gap 24 with generally parallel sidewalls in stage undeformed extends vertically between the side seal 20 and the outer skirt 3 of the closure 1 which defines the length of the free end L of the side seal 20. The thickness t of the annular gap 24 is chosen such that the seal ring annular portion 23 and base 22 may extend freely in the radial direction r +, while closure is applied to neck 25. The vertical length L of base 22 of side seal 20 is chosen here such that annular seal ring 23 is arranged as far as possible along the free length of the outer vertical surface 17 of the neck 25 in the embodiment shown, well above the outer threaded container 26. The contact zone is in a PET container, depending on the beginning of the thread, typically positioned about 0.5 mm to 2 mm below the annular end surface of the neck. With this arrangement, the influence of shrouding or other deformation of the closure 1 can be minimized such that the seal 2 becomes more reliable. The vertically rigid and laterally flexibly adjustable base 22 of the side seal 20 ensures that the annular seal ring 23 can be adjusted laterally even when firing the side seal 20 into a neck of a container that is eccentric, especially in the radial direction. The radial protrusion p of annular sealing ring 23 over its base 22 is relevant for interference with neck 25. To obtain a radial sealing force, the inner diameter D of annular sealing ring 23 is smaller than the diameter Da from the neck of a container. If appropriate, the vertical position of sealing means 2 with respect to neck 25 will be defined by an additional stop member. Figure 6 shows an additional embodiment of a closure 1 in a side view, Figure 7 shows a cross section through the closure according to Figure 6 along line CC, and Figure 8 shows detail D of Figure 7 in an enlarged form. The general configuration of closure 1 corresponds to closure as described according to Figures 1 to 5. The explanation of similar details, such as the outer skirt, tamper strap, and thread, is not repeated again, with reference to these drawings.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the side seal 20, which in the embodiment shown here of the sealing means 2, has a generally R-shaped cross section, is arranged radially spaced from the outer skirt 3. A gap 24 with generally parallel sidewalls in undeformed stage extends vertically between the side seal 20 and the outer skirt 3 of closure 1. The annular gap 24 is chosen such that the annular seal ring 23 and base 22 can at least initially deform free in the radial direction r, while the seal is applied to a neck 25 (schematically indicated by dashed line). The vertical length L of the base 22 of the side seal 20 is adjusted such that the annular seal ring 23 is arranged as far as possible to the free length length 17 of the outer vertical surface of the neck 25 in the embodiment shown well above the start of the thread. 26. In the applied position, a first sealing zone 30 is developed between the sealing means 2 and the neck 25, wherein the annular sealing ring 23 is pressed against the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 due to lateral stretching. As can be seen, the base 22 is fitted on the inside by a fit 34 which here has a radius R on a vertical upper surface 35 of the closure 1. The fit 34 is formed to form a second sealing area / contact region 31 wherein, in the closed position, it is sealed in contact with an edge surface 28 which interconnects the external free surface 17 and the annular upper surface 27 of the neck 25.0 radius R is generally greater than the edge surface radius 28 such that a precise interaction zone is determined. During the process of applying sealing means 2 to the neck 25, the annular sealing ring 23 of the outer seal 20 is first in contact with the annular upper surface 27 and / or the edge surface 28 of the neck 25. During additional application , annular sealing ring 23 is circumferentially stretched until it slides into the outer free surface 17 of neck 25 establishing a first contact zone. During the additional procedure, annular sealing ring 23 and first contact zone 30 slide along the outer free surface 17 of neck 25 until the fit 34 contacts the outer edge surface 28 of neck 25, thereby establishing the second contact zone 31. With the edge surface pressed against the inner root (adjustment 34) of the outer seal 20, schematically indicated by arrow F, it is concluded that because of the geometry, the annular seal ring 23 is formed by controlled deformation of the inwardly drawn closure (schematically indicated by the arrow rp) and thus more firmly pressed against the outer free surface 17 such that the sealing enhancement is improved. This functional interconnection between the first and second contact zones is schematically indicated by the arrow a. Before the second contact zone 31 is established, the base 22 of the outer seal 20 is laterally adjustable and will be locked in its final position due to functional interconnection when the second contact zone 31 is established. Thus, it is concluded that during application of sealing device 2, before the second contact zone 31 is established, all advantages of the embodiment as described according to Figures 3 to 5 will be held in position. finally, when the second contact zone is established and the outer seal 20 consequently locked 31, resulting in further improved total seal performance.

As can be seen, annular sealing ring 23 protrudes locally above the inner side surface of the base 22. The protrusion 33 has, in the embodiment shown, a generally circular cross-section forming a suitable first contact zone between the sealing ring annular 23 and external free surface 17 and further allow demoulding of the recess. Annular O-ring 23 additionally comprises a first funnel-shaped front surface 29 suitable for establishing a first contact between outer seal 20 and neck 25 and acting as a ramp for annular O-ring 23 such that it slips easily over the outer free surface 17. The sealing means shown 2 is further equipped with an orifice seal 36 which reaches a close position at the neck hole 25. The orifice seal 36 has a generally tapered shape that extends from its root, where it is interconnected to the disc-shaped upper portion 4 of closure 1, in contrast to its free end radially outward at an angle α. The base cross-section 37 of orifice seal 36 is generally V-shaped at an angle β having its apex in the free end region. The orifice seal 36 additionally has a second funnel-shaped front surface 38 which ensures easy connection of the orifice seal 36 to the neck hole 25. Adjacent to the second front surface 38, the orifice seal is equipped with a contact surface which forms, in the closed position, a third contact zone 32 between the sealing means 2 and the inner side surface 41 of the neck 25. As can be seen, the sealing means 2 is shown in an undeformed stage and It is convenient to overlap with the geometry of neck 25. However, it is evident that closure 1 is adjusted during operation at neck 25 due to elastic deformation of the closure material. The diameter of root Dr of orifice seal 36 is chosen such that orifice seal 36 does not interact with the closure neck in the area of its base. During application of the toroidal sealing means 20 to the neck 25, the orifice seal 36 is bent inwardly in direction r to be adjusted to the inside diameter Dr of the neck orifice 25. In the embodiment of the invention described herein, in the position established, the third contact zone 32 is disposed at approximately the same vertical level (z-direction) as the first contact zone 30 of the outer seal 20. By this opposite arrangement at the same level, the neck 25 is firmly secured, which results in increased tightness and sealing performance. The opening angle of the closure can be adjusted by the active length Lb which corresponds to the distance between the third contact zone 32 and the hole seal root 36. To obtain a larger opening angle, the active length Lb of the hole 36 It is increased and to reduce, a lower opening angle is reduced (the opening angle corresponds to the angle at which the closure has to be rotated until the flow occurs). Depending on the field of application, orifice sealing may be avoided.

The sealing means comprises, in the area or adjacent to the intermediate upper surface 35, a generally V-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) that forms an upper seal (fourth contact zone / sealing region) and which interacts in the position of closure with an annular upper surface 27 of neck 25. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a closure 1 comprising a sealing device according to the present invention in a side view formed by two-component injection molding. Figure 10 shows a cross section through the closure according to Figure 9 along line EE, and Figure 11 shows a detail F of Figure 10 in an enlarged manner.

A detailed explanation of how a sealing means may be better formed as shown in Figures 9 to 11 is explained in more detail in the same inventor International Patent Application PCT / EP2005 / 051559 as the invention described herein which is It is now incorporated in its entirety and with all embodiments in the present patent application.

Attention is now directed to Figure 11. The cross section and functionality of sealing means 2 as shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the sealing means shown in Figure 8, with the only difference that sealing means 2 is formed here. of two materials (shell material and coating material). Regarding functionality, reference is therefore made to Figure 8 and the explanation pertaining to it.

Unlike the described closures according to Figures 1 to 8 above, the sealing means 2 of the closure 2 according to Figures 9 to 11 is formed of two materials preferably by two-component injection molding having a housing. outer 45 (disc-shaped upper portion 4 and outer skirt 3) formed of a shell material and a sealing liner 46 formed of a liner material that covers the entire surface exposed to the merchandise stored in the container to be sealed here. The outer casing 2 of closure 1 is preferably formed of Polypropylene (PP) or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) whereby the sealing liner 46 is preferably formed of a softer coating material, such as Darx®. Outer casing 45 and sealing liner 46 are, as shown herein, securely bonded together along their boundary surfaces 49, 50, such that a secure application and positioning of sealing means 2 becomes possible. The base 22 of the sealing means 20 comprises an outer descending leg 47 formed of shell material supporting an inner skirt 48 formed of lining material. The descending leg 47 supports and stabilizes the inner skirt 48 and the toroidal seal ring 23 formed partially of the liner material and disposed at the end of the base 22 in the lateral and vertical direction. As can be seen, the liner 46 is formed such that it extends in the xy direction along the inner upper surface 35 of the closure 1 and along the outer descending leg 47 (z-direction). Inner skirt 48 is adapted by fitting 34 to vertical top surface 35. Both inner skirt 48 and inner base 22 are shown to be deformed, but will extend radially outwardly during application to the neck of a closure. The vertical boundary surface 49 between the outer descending leg 47 of the sealing liner 46 and the inner skirt 48 of the shown embodiment is generally straight and slightly tapered, such that the liner 46 can be easily peeled from the mold after first stage molding. . Depending on the field of application, the boundary surface may have a different shape as indicated by line s such that the lower end of the outer seal 20 is formed completely outside the shell material and is supported only at its lower end by the leg. external descendant 47.

As explained in connection with Figure 8, the sealing means may comprise, in the area or adjacent to the intermediate upper surface 35, a generally v-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) forming an upper seal (fourth contact zone). and interacting in the closed position with an annular upper surface 27 of neck 25 (see Figure 8). The sealing means 2 additionally comprises in the embodiment shown an orifice seal 36 having, unlike the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, a cross section generally in the form of an olive. As can be seen, the orifice seal 36 is integrated into the liner disc 46. If appropriate, the orifice seal 36 may comprise a section formed of shell material for greater lateral support. Alternatively or additionally, the orifice seal may be supported by side ribs (not shown in detail).

Claims (21)

1. Sealing means (2) for sealing a neck (25) of a container, said sealing means (2) comprising: a) a radially deformable external sealing means (20) suitable for engagement with a surface b) (b) the outer sealing means (20) has a P-shaped cross section, with c) an annular base (22), and d) an annular sealing ring ( 23) disposed at a free end of the annular base (22), projecting radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base (22) and forming, in the position engaged with the neck (25), a first sealing area (30) ) with the outer free surface (17), characterized in that the annular sealing ring (23) and the base (22) extend freely radially while the sealing means (2) is applied to the neck (25) . Sealing means (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means (20) has an R-shaped cross-section whereby an adjustment (34) is arranged in the base ( 22) and interconnects the base (22) with an upper vertical surface (35). Sealing means (2) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fitting (34) forms, in the engaged position of the sealing means (2) and the neck (25), a second sealing area ( 31) between an edge surface (28) of the neck (25) and the outer sealing means (20). Sealing means (2) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the external sealing means (20) is formed such that, with the interaction between the edge surface (28) and the adjustment ( 34), the outer sealing means (20) is controllably deformed such that the annular sealing ring (23) is pressed more firmly against the outer free surface (17) of the neck (25). Sealing means (2) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fitting (34) has a ramp-shaped cross-section. Sealing means (2) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fitting (34) has a convex cross-section. Sealing means (2) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the fitting (34) has a concave cross-section. Sealing means (2) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the fitting (34) has a radius R which is greater than the radius of the edge surface (28). Sealing means (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (20) comprises a coating (46) formed of a coating material. Sealing means (2) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the outer sealing means (20) comprises an inner skirt (48) extending vertically (z) along an outer descending leg ( 47). Sealing means (2) according to Claim 10, characterized in that an annular sealing ring (23) formed of lining material is arranged at the end of the inner skirt (48). Sealing means (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (2) comprises an orifice seal (36). Sealing means (2) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the orifice seal is formed of coating material. Sealing means (2) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the orifice seal (36) has a core formed of shell material. Sealing means (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the orifice seal (36) has a conically formed base which projects radially outwardly at an angle (a). ) and a funnel-shaped front surface which are interconnected by a toroidal contact surface (39) disposed in the area of the largest diameter of the orifice seal (36), said base having a continuously decreasing thickness in contrast to its end. bottom free. Sealing means (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the orifice seal (36) has an olive-shaped cross-section. Closure (1) comprising a sealing means (2), characterized in that it is according to any one of claims 1 to 16; Closure (1) according to Claim 17, characterized in that the closure (1) comprises a covering (46) formed of the coating material which is firmly connected to a closing housing (45) formed of a material. of the shell by a two-component injection molding process. A process for applying a closure (1) comprising a sealing means (2) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 in a neck (25) of a container, characterized in that it has the following features: following steps: a) align the closure (1) above the neck (25); b) moving the closure (1) relative to the neck (25) until a contact between the outer sealing means (20) and the edge surface (27) of the neck is established; c) further moving the closure (1) relative to the neck (25) such that the annular sealing ring (23) is circumferentially stretched until it slides over an external free surface (17) of the neck (25) and a first sealing area (30) is established. Process according to claim 19, characterized in that the closure (1) is moved with respect to the neck (25) until a second sealing area is established between the edge surface (27) and an adjustment. (34). Process according to Claim 20, characterized in that the edge surface (27) is pressed against the adjustment (34), whereby the sealing means (20) is controllably deformed in such a manner. the annular sealing ring (23) is pressed more firmly according to the free outer surface (17).