CZ297203B6 - Dispenser closure of container containing flowable product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispenser closure (10) for a container that contains a flowable product, especially for a beverage container. Said dispenser closure (10) comprises: a closing body (100) with a cover (120) from whose outer rim a jacket (110) extends downward that can be fastened through the mediation of an opening hinge (290), an outlet opening (126) in an upper face of the closing body (100), which communicates with the opening of the container, and a closure element (200) for opening or closing the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100), and a dome-shaped raised section (124) of the closing body (100), which is disposed around the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100). The closing body (100) is provided with a covering element (150) that covers at least partially an outer area of a dome-shaped raised section (124), whereby the material of the covering element (150) being softer than the material of the dome-shaped raised section (124) and/or the cover (120) and/or the material of the dispenser closure (10) closing body (100).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a dispensing closure for containers containing free-flowing substances, in particular for beverage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of shapes of dispensing closures of this type are known in the art, and the closures are used for beverage containers made of different materials, especially glass and plastic materials.

In recent years, increased demands have been placed on beverage containers of this type and their associated dispensing closures for the various intended uses and applications, and in this context, a reliable sealing of the dispensing closure even under high loads, such as when beverages used during sports activities cause problems, and secondly, it is desirable for the container users to have a pleasant feeling during emptying of the substances from the containers, especially during drinking, when the user's mouth usually comes into direct contact with the dispensing closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing closure for containers containing free-flowing substances, particularly for the aforementioned beverage containers, which both provide improved sealing of the dispensing closure and provide a pleasant feeling when directly in contact with the dispensing closure.

The above object has been achieved by providing, in accordance with the present invention, a dispensing closure made of plastic material for containers containing free-flowing substances, in particular for beverage containers, the dispensing closure comprising:

- a dispensing closure body having a cover from whose outer edge a shell extends which can be secured to the container through its opening,

- a substantially horizontal annular shoulder of the housing, from whose radially inner region a dome-like elevation extends with respect to the longitudinal centerline with an outlet opening communicating with the opening of the container at the outer end,

- a sleeve element which at least partially covers the outer region of the dome elevation, the material of which is softer than the dome elevation material, and

a closing element for the outlet opening, wherein

- the dome-like elevation is a beverage protrusion whose outlet opening has an end ring which is bent radially inwardly and extends horizontally in its upper region, the dimensions of the sleeve element made of thermoplastic polyester, the beverage protrusion and the cylindrical clamping member the inner side of the top wall of the closure element correspond to each other such that when the closure element is closed, the clamping member abuts the beverage protrusion with the sleeve element disposed thereon practically without any noise.

The beverage protrusion is preferably diameter-mounted along its height.

Advantageously, the first upper stepped beverage protrusion is disposed relative to the housing above the second lower stepped beverage.

Each of the stepped steps of the beverage protrusion is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape.

Preferably, both stepped steps of the beverage protrusion have a similar height, but the first stepped step has a smaller diameter.

The transitions on the outside between the first upper stepped step and the second lower stepped step of the drinking protrusion and between the second lower stepped step of the drinking protrusion and the annular step are preferably rounded.

Preferably, the sleeve element covers only the first upper stepped step and the transition between the first upper stepped step and the second lower stepped step of the beverage protrusion.

Preferably, the sleeve member extends substantially over the entire outer region of the beverage protrusion, following the outline thereof.

The inner region of the beverage protrusion is preferably similarly fitted, wherein the inner diameter of the beverage protrusion increases inwardly below the smallest inner diameter of the outlet opening.

The inner region of the beverage protrusion after the first extension of its inner diameter below the end ring of the outlet orifice preferably extends substantially cylindrically over the entire axial extent of the first upper step and extends approximately at the height of the transition region between the first upper step and the second lower step.

Preferably, the inner region of the second lower step is frustoconical under the annular groove and extends downwardly before transitioning at its lower end into a horizontal annular shoulder of the housing.

The lower end of the first upper step of the flexible tubular holder in the inner region of the beverage protrusion preferably forms an annular stop surface which simultaneously defines an annular groove in the upper region of the second lower step.

Preferably, the flexible discharge tube may be inserted into the inner region of the body of the closure member, the flexible discharge tube being securely mounted in the inner region of the beverage protrusion, the outer end of which protrudes out of the outlet to facilitate removal of free flowing substances.

The body of the closure element is preferably substantially cap-shaped, comprising a top wall and a side area extending from the top wall and in the closed position of the closure element substantially aligned with the housing of the dispensing closure body.

The hinge lid as a closure element for opening and closing the outlet opening of the dispensing closure body is preferably articulated integrally and rotatably on the dispensing closure body by means of an integral hinge.

The closure element on its side opposite the hinge is preferably provided with a groove for receiving the quality assurance element, wherein the groove is recessed in the upper region in the closed position of the closure element so that the quality assurance element can be pushed into the recessed area beyond to break the seal.

The groove for the quality assurance element is preferably defined by a projection and a protrusion in its upper and lower regions.

-2GB 297203 B6

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a dispensing closure has been developed for containers containing free-flowing substances, especially for beverage containers.

The dispensing closure comprises a dispensing closure body provided with a cover from which an outer shell protrudes from the outer edge thereof, which may be attached to the container through an opening in the container, an outlet opening on top of the dispensing closure body communicating with the opening in the container; and closing the outlet opening of the dispensing closure body, the dome-shaped elevation of the dispensing closure body, which is disposed around the outlet opening in the dispensing closure body having a sleeve member at least partially covering the outer region of the dome elevation, the sleeve member material being softer than the dome the elevation and / or cover and / or the material of the dispensing closure body.

The dispensing closure of the present invention has a very positive effect on the user ' s feelings which, for example, come into contact substantially or exclusively with the sleeve element, which is made of a softer material, during drinking.

In addition, the sealing of the dispensing closure is improved by the softer material used for the sleeve element, since the closure element that closes the outlet opening preferably seals the outlet opening through direct contact with the sleeve member.

Furthermore, the fact that the softer material is very easily compressible means that the dimensions of the components can be selected in such a way that, although a reliable seal is achieved, there is no need to impose extremely high accuracy requirements on manufacturing tolerances.

If necessary, it is also possible to provide locking means for providing a tightness in the form of a closure for the outlet opening of the dispensing closure body. In this way, in order to maintain the quality of the contents of the container, any possibility of air or oxygen entering the interior of the container before its first opening is prevented. These quality assurance means may be made of the same material as the sleeve member and / or the same material as the dispensing closure body.

In addition to this method of achieving a high level in ensuring the quality of the contents of the container, it is also possible to greatly simplify and reduce the cost of series production of the dispensing closure.

The object of the present invention is therefore based on the discovery that a sleeve element made of a softer material makes it possible both to fulfill the above-mentioned tasks and to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A further advantage of the dispensing closure provided with the sleeve element made of soft material consists in the noise insulation, since there is no noise when the lid, especially the hinge lid, is opened and closed. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, the corresponding container is to be opened as quietly as possible in a quiet environment, for example in a library or during class.

Suitable recommended materials for the sleeve element are, in particular, thermoplastic polymers, in particular thermoplastic polyester (TPE), high pressure polymers (low density polyethylene, LDPE), but also other soft plastic materials, rubber and / or silicone. These materials can be adjusted to the desired softness of the sleeve element, but are also sufficiently stable to ensure a long service life of the sleeve element and hence of the discharge cap.

Of course, it is possible for the sleeve element to be made of a combination of two or more of the above materials without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

-3 CZ 297203 B6

Preferably, the dispensing closure body is formed integrally with a dome-like elevation that projects above the top or edge of the dispensing closure body and can be used by the user as a beverage protrusion.

Furthermore, it is also preferred that the diameter of the dome elevation be mounted along its height, the dome elevation preferably having a smaller diameter towards its outer region and having an opening at its outer end.

In one preferred embodiment, the sleeve element is arranged in such a way that the dome-shaped elevation is substantially completely covered in its outer region by the sleeve element, that is to say optionally including an opening and / or a quality locking bolt formed of the material of the dispensing closure body. This ensures that the entire area that can come into contact with the mouth of the person drinking the beverage is covered by the sleeve element, so that the pleasant feeling of contact is completely maintained.

Moreover, it is thus possible for the arrangement of the closure element to be made more variable, since the corresponding element, arranged for sealing the closure element, can abut at different locations of the sleeve element and thereby provide a seal.

For example, if the quality assurance element is formed as a tear tab that seals the aperture, a user, such as a cyclist, can tear off the tear tab with the help of teeth without having to use his hands to ride the bicycle to open the container.

However, the sleeve element may extend only to a certain partial region of the dome elevation, in particular above the upper region of the dome elevation. This arrangement, in particular the size of the dome-like elevation, can be appropriately adapted to the desired use by a person skilled in the art.

Conversely, the sleeve element may extend not only over the dome-like elevation and, if desired, through its opening, as it may also cover other partial regions of the dispensing closure body.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure element is in the form of a hinge cap which is hinged integrally on the body of the dispensing closure by means of a hinge. Thus, the closure member and the dispensing closure body form a single unit that can be made integrally of plastic material by injection molding, so that the closure member cannot be lost when attached to the container.

Of course, it is also possible for separate closure elements to be provided instead of a closure element which is connected to the hinge lid.

Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is also advantageous to make use of all possible closure options, i.e., to use a closure element which is attached to the discharge closure body by means of a snap mechanism or screw thread.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of examples of specific embodiments thereof, the description of which will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an open drain plug in a central longitudinal sectional view;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the dispensing closure in a central longitudinal sectional view, as in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the dispensing closure in the same sectional view as in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the dispensing closure in the same cross-sectional view as Figs. 1, 2 and 3; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a dispensing closure 10 for containers containing free-flowing substances is shown. The dispensing closure 10 has a dispensing closure body 100 and a closure member 200 formed as a lid. The dispensing closure body 100 and the closure member 200 are connected to each other by a hinge 290 that is formed as an integral hinge so that the closure member 200 can rotate 180 ° about the axis formed by the integral hinge 290 from a position in which the dispensing closure body 100 is opened, as shown in Figure 1, to a position in which the hinge 290 closes the dispensing closure body 100.

On its upper side, the body 100 of the dispensing closure 10 is provided with a cover 120 from which a skirt 11 extends laterally from the radially outer edge thereof. The housing 110 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is provided with an internal screw thread 112 by means of which it can be screwed onto a container (not shown) provided with a corresponding screw thread and can thus be secured in place.

As an alternative to the screw connection, other methods of attaching the closure body to the container, such as a snap connection, may also be used. It is also possible for the dispensing closure to be directly formed integrally with the respective container.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in the upper region of the housing 110 of the dispensing closure body 100 near the outer edge of the cover 120 of the dispensing closure body 100, a sealing protrusion 114 is provided that is sloping in shape and slopes slightly downwardly with respect to the horizontal so that the sealing lip 114, when screwing the dispenser cap body 100 onto the container, pushes the top of the container opening and seals the embodiment shown, the sealing projection 114 is integrally formed with the dispensing cap body 100 however, it is made of a soft material, in this case silicone, as opposed to a hard plastic material from which the body 100 of the dispensing closure 10 and the closure member 200 of the dispensing closure 10 are formed.

At this point, however, it should be noted that in another embodiment, the sealing lip 114 may be formed of the same material as the body 100 of the dispensing closure 10, which contributes to simplifying the manufacturing process.

The cover 120 of the dispensing closure body 100 has a substantially horizontal annular shoulder 122 from which a radially inner region extends outwardly beyond the dome-like annular shoulder 122 in a molded form with the dome elevation 124 in the course of the longitudinal centerline. and the dome elevation 124 is provided with an outlet opening 126 at its outer end.

-5GB 297203 B6

The dome elevation 124 substantially comprises a first (or upper) step 128 that, relative to the housing 120, is above the second (or bottom) step 134.

Each step 128 and 134 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with both step 128 and 134 having a similar height, but the first step 128 has a smaller diameter. The transitions between the first step 128 and the second step 134 and the second step 134 and the annular step 122 are rounded on the outside so that there are no sharp edges.

Above the first step 128, there is an end ring 136 of the outlet opening 126, which is bent radially inwardly and extends in its upper region in a truly horizontal manner.

The inner region of the dome elevation 124 of the housing 120 is also provided. Below the smallest inner diameter of the outlet opening 126 in the dome elevation 124, the inner diameter of the dome elevation 124 extends downward or inward. After the first inner diameter extension just below the end ring 136, the inner region extends substantially cylindrically over the entire axial range (in the height direction) of the first stepped shoulder and extends further approximately at the transition region height between the first step 128 and the second step 134.

The lower end of the first step 128 of the elastic tubular bracket 180 in the inner region forms an annular stop surface 130 which simultaneously defines an annular groove 132 in the upper region in the space of the second step 134. The inner region of the second step 134 under the annular groove 132 has a truncated cone profile. it extends downwardly, passing at its lower end into the underside of the horizontally spaced annular shoulder 122 of the cover 120.

The closure member 200 is substantially formed in the form of a lid, comprising a top wall 210 and a side region 220 that extends from the top wall 210, the side region 220 being substantially formed such that in the closed position the closure member 200 is substantially aligned with the housing 110 of the dispensing closure body 100.

In addition, on the opposite side of the hinge 290, the closure member 200 is provided with a groove 260 for receiving a quality assurance member 160, wherein the groove 260 (in the lower region at the closure member position 200 in FIG. 1 and therefore in the upper region in the closed position) it is recessed inwardly, so that the quality assurance member 160 can be pushed into this recessed region to rupture the seal. The groove 260 for the quality assurance element 160 is limited by the edge projection 262 and the protrusion 264 in its upper and lower regions.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 has a sleeve member 150 that consists of a thermoplastic polyester (TPE) extending substantially over the entire outer region of the dome elevation 124 of the housing 120 and following the outline of the dome elevation 124.

The dimensions of the sleeve member 150 formed of thermoplastic polyester, the dome elevation 124, and the clamp member 280, which is disposed on the inside of the top wall 210 of the closure member 200 and are substantially circular in shape, match each other in such a manner The closure member 280 engages behind the first step 128 of the dome elevation 124 beyond the sleeve member 150 disposed therein, thereby closing and sealing the outlet opening 126 with respect to the external environment.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer diameter of the sleeve member 150 at the height of the first step 128 in its uncompressed state is somewhat larger than the inner diameter of the annular clamping member 280 of the closure member 200, so that due to the closure of the closure member 200, which is formed as a hinged lid, while the sleeve member 150 is simultaneously slightly compressed, a pressing abutment is achieved between the clamping member 280 and

This leads to reliable sealing in this area, even if there are minor manufacturing tolerances in terms of the geometry and / or dimensions of the individual elements, which is unavoidable at least to some extent, especially in the case of otherwise, relatively expensive manufacturing processes would have to be applied in order to meet the requirements for more precise tolerances.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the embodiment of the dispensing closure shown in FIG. 1 is designed in such a way that it is additionally also possible to insert a flexible dispensing tube into the inner region of the closure member 200, the flexible dispensing tube being securely fastened in the inner region of the dome elevation 124, the outer end of which extends outwardly through the outlet opening 126 to facilitate the discharge of free-flowing substances if necessary.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the dispensing closure substantially identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, however, the sleeve member 150 is arranged to cover only the upper region of the dome elevation 124, in particular the first step 128 and the transition between the first step 128 and the second step 134 the dome elevation 124. In this embodiment, the sleeve member 150 is formed of low density polyethylene (LDPE).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the dispensing closure is formed in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment of Figure 1.

However, the outlet opening 126 on the upper side of the body 100 of the dispensing closure 10 is provided with a locking closure 300. This locking closure 300 forms an integral part of the dispensing closure 10 and is formed from a relatively soft material of the sleeve member 150 for this purpose.

The line of weakness 302 that follows the edge of the outlet opening 126 at the dome elevation 124 attaches a locking cap 300 that seals the outlet opening 126 to the sleeve member 150. It is preferred that a snap tab 304 is attached to the locking cap 300, which may preferably be created integrally. The tear tab 304 facilitates opening of the container by tearing the tear tab 304, although this cannot be done manually, such as in cycling races or the like.

Thus, the locking cap 300 ensures that air or oxygen cannot adversely affect the quality of the contents in the container until the container or bottle is first opened. In this case, the sleeve member 150 together with the locking closure 300 can also be made of thermoplastic polyester (TPE) and / or low density polyethylene (LDPE), or of rubber, silicone and / or soft plastic material, or a combination of these materials.

The embodiment of the dispensing closure 10 shown in FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 3 only in that the locking closure 400 is formed from the material of the dispensing closure body 100 and is produced together with it as an integral piece by means of injection molding process.

This locking cap 400 is disposed on the top or the outside, either integrally with the dispensing closure body 100, or attached to the dispensing closure body 100 via a weakening line 402 that follows the annular edge of the outlet opening 126.

The tear tab 404 which extends obliquely from the top of the locking cap 400 as shown in FIG. 3 is formed of the same material as the dispensing cap body 100 to facilitate opening of the container having the dispensing cap JO and at the same time

To ensure that the contents of the container are guaranteed before being opened by hermetically sealing the outlet opening 126 of the container.

The dispensing closure body 100 is integrally formed with the tear tab 404, preferably of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) using a plastic injection process.

If necessary, it is of course also possible for the locking cap 400, which is formed from the material of the body 100 of the dispensing closure 10, and its tear tab 44 to be additionally coated with the soft material of the sleeve element 50, especially when the container provided with these elements is intended for use where the container cannot be opened manually or can be opened manually only with great difficulty, as is the case with certain sports such as cycling and the like.

FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of the dispensing closure 10 of FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the dispensing closure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is also comparable to that of the dispensing closure; of Fig. 5, assuming that the locking cap 400 and the tear-off tab 404 are not provided, with the outlet opening 126 of the dispensing closure body 100 open here instead

Claims (17)

A dispensing closure made of plastic material for containers containing free-flowing substances, in particular for beverage containers, the dispensing closure (10) comprising: - a dispensing closure body (100) having a cover (120) from which an outer casing (110) protrudes from the outer edge, which can be attached to the container through its opening, - a substantially horizontal annular shoulder (122) of the housing (120) from which a radially inner region extends with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the dome elevation (124) with an outlet opening (126) communicating with the opening of the container at the outer end, - a sleeve member (150) that at least partially covers the outer region of the dome elevation (124), its material being softer than the dome elevation (124), and - a closure element (200) for the outlet opening (126), characterized in that: - the dome-shaped elevation (124) forms a drinking protrusion whose outlet opening (126) has an end ring (136) which is bent radially inwardly and extends horizontally in its upper region, the dimensions of the sleeve element (150) formed of thermoplastic polyester , the beverage protrusion and the cylindrical clamping member (280) provided on the inner side of the top wall (210) of the closure member (200) correspond to each other such that when the closure member (200) closes the clamping member (280) drinking with the sleeve element (150) arranged thereon, virtually noiseless. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the beverage protrusion is mounted along its height. A drain plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first upper step (128) of the beverage protrusion is disposed above the second lower step (134) with respect to the housing (120). -8EN 297203 B6 A dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the stepped steps (128, 134) of the beverage protrusion has a substantially cylindrical shape. A drain plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two shoulder steps (128, 134) of the beverage protrusion have a similar height, but the first upper shoulder step (128) has a smaller diameter. A drain plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transitions on the outside between the first upper step (128) and the second lower step (134) of the beverage protrusion and between the second lower step (134) of the beverage protrusion and the annular shoulder (122) are rounded. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (150) covers only the first upper step (128) and the transition between the first upper step (128) and the second lower step (134) of the beverage protrusion. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (150) extends substantially over the entire outer region of the beverage protrusion, following the outline thereof. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the inner region of the beverage protrusion is mounted, wherein the inner diameter of the beverage protrusion increases inwardly below the smallest inner diameter of the outlet opening (126). The dispensing closure of claim 9, wherein the inner region of the beverage protrusion after the first extension of its inner diameter below the end ring (136) of the outlet opening (126) extends substantially cylindrically over the entire axial extent of the first upper step (128). and extends approximately at the height of the transition region between the first upper step (128) and the second lower step (134). The dispensing closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner region of the second lower step (134) is frustoconical under the annular groove (132) and extends downwardly before transitioning at its lower end into a horizontal annular step (134). 122) of the cover (120). Drain plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower end of the first upper step (128) of the flexible tubular holder (180) in the inner region of the beverage protrusion forms an annular stop surface (130) which simultaneously defines an annular groove ( 132) in the upper region of the second lower step (134). A dispensing closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a flexible dispensing tube which can be inserted into the inner region of the body of the closure element (200), the flexible dispensing tube being securely fastened in the inner region of the beverage protrusion. its outer end protrudes out of the outlet opening (126) to facilitate removal of the free-flowing substances. A dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the body of the closure member (200) is substantially cap-shaped, comprising a top wall (210) and a side area (220) extending from the top wall (210), and in the closed position of the closure member (200) it is substantially aligned with the shell (110) of the body (100) of the dispensing closure (10). Drain cap according to claim 14, characterized in that the hinge lid as the closing element (200) for opening and closing the outlet opening (126) of the drain cap body (100) is articulated integrally and rotatably on the body (100). a discharge closure (10) via an integral hinge (290). -9EN 297203 B6 A drain plug according to claim 15, characterized in that the closure member (200) has a groove (260) on its side opposite the hinge (290) for receiving the locking element (160) for quality assurance, wherein the groove (260) ) is in the closed position of the closure element (200) 5 is recessed in the upper region so that the quality assurance element (160) can be pushed into the recessed region to rupture the seal. 17. The dispensing closure of claim 16, wherein the groove (260) for the quality assurance member (160) is defined by a projection (262) and a protrusion (264) about its upper and lower portions. areas.