DE102006001323A1 - Cap with snap hinge and retaining ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a closure (10) consisting of a cap portion (1), a retaining ring (3), a tear strip and a snap hinge (20), the snap hinge connecting the cap portion and the retaining ring in a single piece along a first circumferential section, wherein the cap portion (1) has a top plate (14) and the closure having overall a substantially cylindrical or slightly tapered closure skirt which, inter alia, comprises a substantially cylindrical cap skirt and the retaining ring (3), wherein the snap hinge (20) is integrated into the skirt and wherein the retaining ring (3) and the cap portion (1), in addition to being connected via the snap hinge (20), are also connected together along a second circumferential section (30) via the tear strip (4) which is also integrated into the skirt. To produce such a closure but at low cost and preferably using only a little material, and in particular to provide improved protection of the inside of the closure against environmental influences, the invention proposes that the cap skirt, tear strip, snap hinge and retaining ring together define an essentially closed closure skirt wherein the tear strip and the ends of the snap hinge (20) in the circumferential direction are connected with the cap skirt and/or the retaining ring and optionally with one another via film-like, easily tearable lines of weakness.

Description

The The present invention relates to a closure consisting of a cap part, a retaining ring, a tear strip and a snap hinge, which the cap part and the retaining ring integral with each other along a first peripheral portion, the cap member having a top plate and the closure as a whole an approximately cylindrical or slightly conical closure jacket comprising, inter alia, an approximately cylindrical cap coat and the retaining ring, wherein the snap hinge in the shell is integrated and wherein the retaining ring and the cap part except on the Snap hinge also over the tear-off band, which is also integrated in the jacket, is connected to each other are, along a second peripheral portion outside of the sector claimed by the snap hinge

One corresponding plastic closure is from WO 03/057585 A2 known. This is understood by a snap hinge Hinge, which in addition to the closed position of the cap also has a stable open position. Such a snap hinge is in one piece in the present case formed with the cap and the retaining ring. The peculiarity of a snap hinge, from which the present invention proceeds, is that the snap hinge integrated into an approximately cylindrical jacket wall of the closure cap is, d. H. forms a part of this approximately cylindrical shell wall. This jacket wall can also be slightly conical or spherical in particular, it can fill in the gaps and fine structures, e.g. B. in the form of lines of weakness, the Borders or hinge films between the individual components (Cap, tear tape, Hinge, retaining ring) of the closure.

Earlier snap hinges were added to and outside a first wall of the closure is formed, so that the closures in the area of the snap hinge were effectively double - walled, whereas the closure, from which the present invention proceeds, the hinge in the integrated by cap jacket and retaining ring wall has integrated. this makes possible a production of the cap in one piece in a closed, applicable or ready to use condition. Earlier closures with Snap hinge had, however, in an open, unfolded state getting produced. what the integral production with a tear strip practically impossible power.

there have to the cap skirt and the retaining ring are not necessarily of circular cross-section rather, they can be educated any circular, have elliptical or polygonal cross-section. The snap hinge effect it is achieved by at least one or more substantially extending in the circumferential direction, thin, flexible and approximately linear wall sections this hinge, to which connect more solid and dimensionally stable wall sections. By appropriate shaping succeeds in giving the hinge a "dead center" property, i.e. When opening the cap sets the hinge of the opening movement and the unfolding some resistance, but after overcoming it a dead center turns in a state in which the acting in and on the hinge elastic forces the cap pull into an open, unfolded position.

Of the Holding ring holds while the entire closure the neck of a corresponding container, for. A bottle, firmly. For this purpose, the bottleneck generally has an annular circumferential retaining flange on. In the initial, closed position, the retaining ring engages behind the retaining flange on Bottleneck and holds so that the lock on the Bottleneck tight. The retaining ring preferably has a circumferential, inner annular bead, which engages behind the retaining flange. It has that the cap and the retaining ring connecting guarantee band a fuse or Guarantee function as it is the cap and the bottleneck specified Retaining ring along a peripheral sector outside the snap hinge connects together so that the cap after removal of the guarantee band, i. after breaking the connection of the guarantee strip to the cap and the retaining ring, can be opened. After removal or tearing off this tear tape remains as the only connection between the retaining ring and Verschlußkap pe the Snap hinge and the cap can be opened by moving relative to the retaining ring to the about a snap hinge extending a certain small sector of the closure shell up and out is pivoted.

One inner plug or ring-shaped Sealing bar can additionally be provided, the outer diameter slight greater than the inside diameter of the bottleneck is closed at Cap to intervene in the interior of the container neck and so for a seal of the container interior across from the outside to care.

In the known closure, the snap hinge extends over a first sector of the circumference of the cap and retaining ring, and the tear strip extends over most of the remaining sector, in parallel to a plane inclined at less than 90 ° to the axis of the closure, while keeping a certain distance to the sector of the snap hinge, so that between the ends of the tear strip (in the circumference direction) and the ends of the snap hinge remain openings in the shell of the closure. This requires on the one hand a certain axial length of the closure and the open areas between the tear strip and the hinge can lead to the ingress of dirt, dust, germs and small animals or insects under the cap, so that the mouth of the bottle neck concerned possibly certain dirt or even microbial contamination, although the closure is fully closed and the guarantee band is intact.

Besides, has because of this known closure the inclination of the guarantee strip with respect to a vertical the closure axis, an axial length, which is bigger as the sum of the minimum (axial) widths of the cap skirt, the guarantee strip and the retaining ring.

Opposite this State of the art, the present invention, the object of a Closure with to create the features mentioned, but still with should be produced little effort and preferably only a little Material needed, and which, above all, better protects the interior of the closure against environmental influences.

These Task is solved by that cap coat, tear-off band, Snap hinge and retaining ring together a substantially closed closure skirt define, with the tear strip and the circumferentially facing ends of the snap hinge via film-like, easily tearable weakening lines with the cap jacket, and / or the retaining ring and optionally connected to each other.

In order to form in the closure according to the invention the cap jacket, the snap hinge, the tear strip and the retaining ring a closed along the entire circumference Closure coat, all of these parts over thin, one piece formed with the closure Films that are at least partially easily ripped together are. In particular, the tear strip on all sides only by light breakable Films or weakening lines of the closure material with the adjacent closure elements connected. Unless the tear tape just over a part of outside the Snap hinge lying cladding sector, are also the Cap or more precisely the cap jacket and the retaining ring directly over a thin Material film connected to each other, which defines a tear line. Also the in the circumferential direction of the closure facing ends of the snap hinge are with the adjacent parts, d. H. the tear strip or possibly (also) the cap jacket or the retaining ring over one easily ripped film or a weakening line connected. In the axial direction, however, is the snap hinge with the cap part and the retaining ring fixed, but pivotable connected.

Conveniently, is at the closure of present invention, the tear strip designed so that it, starting from one end of the snap hinge, in the circumferential direction Completely along the remaining perimeter sector to the opposite End of the snap hinge extends and thus no openings or interspaces between the ends of the tear strip and the ends of the snap hinge remain. This allows the Making a complete closed shell of the lock, the inside of which is better against environmental influences protected is.

In the preferred embodiment is this going? tear-off band along the circumference of the closure shell substantially parallel to the lower edge of the retaining ring and the head plate of the cap part, with the exception of axial extensions especially in the direction of Cap bottom along smaller peripheral sectors, z. To bind on the ends of the snap hinge adjacent areas and possibly also on the diametrically opposite the snap hinge Page. This configuration allows an axially short built lock and saves space and material for the Closure at its production. An axially very short built closure allows in particular also a very short and thus material-saving produced bottleneck, where the material savings at the bottleneck be much larger can than the shutter itself.

When the tear strip on one or both sides reaches up to the snap hinge, it is expedient if its adjoining the snap hinge ends are so wide that they extend over the entire axial height of the snap hinge, wherein a tear line formed by a thin film of material Ends of tear strip and snap hinge connects. Since the tear strip is generally narrower (has a smaller axial height) than the snap hinge, it expediently has corresponding extensions at its ends adjoining the snap hinge. Regardless of such extensions should along the peripheral ends of the snap hinge in each case extending tear lines over the entire axia le height, z. Example, even if the ends of the tear strip at a distance from the hinge end, so that a distance between the ends of the hinge and tear strip remains, which is optionally filled by the cap jacket, the retaining ring or axial extensions of these parts. This tear lines or Material films should extend to the upper end of the hinge and preferably to the top plate or at least very close to the top plate and also the hinge itself preferably extends directly to the top plate, so that the closure has a low axial overall height and as well as the associated bottle neck can be produced to save material.

The adjacent to the snap hinge recesses or axially extending weakening lines and the hinge thus preferably extend into axial regions which are otherwise caught by the cap skirt, which in turn for the Engaging with a container neck over at least a part of the scope one for the intervention must have sufficient axial height. This axial minimum height of the cap skirt should not be less than 2 mm and is preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4 mm, measured from the outside the top plate. So if from a "close to the top plate approaching" of the recesses and the snap-hinge, this means that the corresponding Replace or spare part of the cap skirt

In a preferred embodiment is the tear off band with at least one of the ends of the snap hinge, preferably with both ends, in one piece connected, over a thin one Material film or a tear-off line, so that the tear strip not only from the retaining ring and the cap, but also from the respective ends, preferably from both ends of the snap hinge can or must be disconnected.

For the separation of the tear strip a grip tab is provided, extending from one end section of the tear strip outgoing, radially outside of the closure jacket and in the circumferential direction over extends the snap hinge and by easily rupturable webs, preferably held in the region of the snap hinge, close to the closure jacket becomes

A Such grip tab is especially for a one-piece connection of the ends of the tear strip with each opposite lying ends of the snap hinge expedient, because otherwise one Tool for releasing would require the tear strip. These Pull tab of the tear-off hinge can, for example, over easily breakable bars with the closure or the outside be connected to the closure of the snap hinge.

The inventive design The lock ensures that the lock inside opposite to the first use the outside space Completely is encapsulated. This is especially true when the tear strip with the retaining ring and the cap as well as on its front sides with the front sides of the holding hinge over a thin, light breakable Material film is connected instead, as is the state of the art in other applications is known in principle, by a plurality of easily breakable connecting webs, but between which a separating gap remains, which has an opening between outside and inside of the closure. However, one could Part of the connecting the individual closure elements Material films, where appropriate, by a separation gap, by easily tearable Connecting bridges is bridged, be replaced, namely for example, at the connection between the retaining ring and tear strip, if the tear strip close to a container neck or closure neck is present, or possibly also on the front sides of the snap hinge, where you could even do without a connecting bar, and especially then, if the elements adjacent to the separation gap are very dense and preferably in contact with each other.

At the same time such a closure is inexpensive to produce, because it can be made at least in its simple variants by two relatively simple, only axially collapsible tools, even if more complex configurations and appropriate tools are appropriate in some applications. The cap skirt, the tear strip and the retaining ring form a continuous cylindrical or slightly conical or from the cap jacket to the retaining ring gradually slightly widening, continuous wall. For example, the cap skirt may have an outer diameter of about 36.5 mm, while the retaining ring has a slightly larger outer diameter of z. B. 39.5 mm, wherein the tear strip and the snap hinge together form a conical transition from the cap jacket to the retaining ring. Minor undercuts, for example, at the lower inner edge of the cap skirt, at the lower inner edge of the retaining ring and also to form weakening lines or film hinges on the snap hinge can be produced without multi-part inner shapes and can be incorporated directly into the inner mold dies, as long as these structures only one small radial depth of z. B. less than 1 mm. The shutter is then z. B. made by injection into a two-part mold, which consists of an outer mold and an inner punch, the outside has no significant structures and the outer mold can therefore be easily deducted from the reason of slight undercuts on the inner punch seal. After the outer mold is removed, the inner punch can be easily detached from the shutter where in the areas axially below undercuts during demoulding experience a slight expansion, but which is reversible because of the elasticity of the closure materials commonly used.

If the tear strip additionally another one parallel to the outer jacket or to the snap hinge of the closure extending grip tab, must the Form of course be supplemented by appropriate shaping elements, but no excessive overhead He also calls for and continues to use, as appropriate, the use of a allow relatively simple, two-part injection molding tool.

In the preferred embodiment The invention is the tear strip Furthermore designed so that it in its areas adjacent to the snap hinge at the same time extends to the top plate or in the vicinity of the top plate, thus forming part of the cap skirt in this area, as long as the tear off band not yet removed. Conveniently, the tear strip is easy in its two adjacent to the snap hinge ends in the axial Direction extended to the top plate zoom, for example, over a length of 2 to 6 mm in the circumferential direction, while the upper axial limit of the tear strip, i. the between tear-off band and cap coat formed line of weakness then away from the top plate and the rest of the area of the second sector at a distance of z. B. 1 to 5 mm parallel to Head plate extends in the circumferential direction. This distance of the tear line between tear-off band and cap to the top plate then corresponds to the remaining axial Length of the Cap casing. As a result, so the cap coat in the two, at the peripheral ends of the snap hinge adjacent areas removed to near the top plate and through the extensions of the tear strip replaced. This is particularly advantageous when the snap hinge extends substantially to the top plate zoom.

basics Parts of a snap hinge are z. B. two film-like, light bendable connecting lines of slightly thinner material, which you also referred to as "movie hinges" and the adjacent relatively rigid and thicker material portions of the hinge connect together and the substantially in the circumferential direction run, but also have axial components, so that they are about in the middle of the snap hinge lie relatively close together and then in its further course in the circumferential direction to the ends of the snap hinge (in the axial direction) diverge. The (Three) thicker and rigid sections of the snap hinge lie between the two film hinges respectively close above the top and below the lower hinge.

Of the Course of the upper hinge corresponds for example to the Section of a cylindrical surface with one to the cylinder axis inclined plane and runs thus along a circular or more precisely elliptical Arch in a plane inclined to the top plate with a center of the arch above the top plate, since the two ends of this arcuate film hinge itself approach the top plate. The lower hinge then follows, for example, also one ellipsoidal Arch, which also runs in a plane inclined to the top plate, however with a center well below the top plate and, for example, too below the retaining ring, so that the ends of the lower Film hinge away from the top plate and near the retaining ring extend. The total axial height the snap hinge is essentially determined by the distance of the to the ends of the snap hinge from each diverging film hinges certainly. This distance depends Of course also from the (in the circumferential direction) measured width of the film hinge and the diameter of the closure, but is at a typical Closure with a diameter of 35 to 40 mm about 5 mm.

The measures described above, such as the snap hinge extending close to the top plate and which extends in sub-sectors also close to the top plate tear-off band enable the production of a corresponding closure with very low axial dimensions of z. B. less than 15 in particular less as 12 mm at, for example, a diameter of 35 to 40 mm. hereby Can be a significant amount of material for the closure and, above all also for the associated container neck be saved, the closure in the unopened state, d. H. With intact tear strip, Nevertheless, a very stable, tight closure, if according to the preferred Design cap coat, tear strip, snap hinge and Retaining ring a continuous cylindrical or conical or part conical sheath of the closure without any gap or Define interruption.

The operation of the snap hinge can be described as follows. The snap hinge consists from top to bottom of an adjacent to the top plate section, which has approximately the shape of a circular section. The outer edge of this section is defined by the arcuate, upper film hinge. This is followed again by a somewhat more stable hinge section, which in turn is bounded below by a curved film hinge with opposite curvature. This more stable part of the snap hinge has so in the Side view roughly the shape of a lying "X" with curved side lines.

simultaneously is the snap hinge so described in a plan view also curved in a radial plane, i.e. it forms the part of a cylindrical (or slightly conical) Mantels of the closure.

This means that when Lifting the cap, i.e. When opening the closure after the tear strip has been removed, the initial one effective axis of rotation about which the cap pivots, approximately in the area of a tangent to the middle section of the hinge, specifically within the upper hinge and in the middle area of the same, runs. The head plate and the adjacent to the film hinge, circular section-shaped part the cap skirt essentially move rigidly as a unit around this axis. this leads to necessarily that the Both ends of the film hinge, which are at a distance to the effective initial Axis of rotation, are stretched while the hinge is in the middle area, i.e. where the two film hinges come closest to each other, tends to be upset.

simultaneously is due to the rigid connection of the top plate with the circular portion of the part Cap skirt, the middle region of the hinge is displaced radially inwards, while the ends of the hinge move radially outward. The elastic Elongation of the ends of the hinge as well as the compression of the central Area of the hinge cause an elastic restoring force in the closing direction.

As soon as however, the middle part of the hinge due to its radial Inward movement and the ends of the hinge due to their radial outward movement lying in a plane, the hinge is at a dead center, and further pivoting of the cap causes the outer ends the hinge is beyond, i. radially outside the course of the effective Swivel axis, which are still essentially through the Film hinge in the middle area of the snap hinge and parallel to a tangent to the cap coat in this area runs. The effect in the hinges acting elastic tensile forces then a support the opening movement.

It is understood that for proper function of such a snap hinge the ends of the hinge in the area the two hinges must be exposed, what the subject of the present Invention means that the ends the tear tape, which are integrally connected to the ends of the snap hinge, as possible also over the entire width of the snap hinge should extend, so that after the Remove the tear strip these ends completely exposed. It is particularly material-saving, if, as already mentioned, the snap hinge extends close to the top plate and consequently the tear strip itself close to the embodiment described above should extend to the top plate, at least in the Near the Snap hinge.

In the rest Areas, it is useful if the tear strip a sufficient distance from the top plate complies, so a corresponding jacket of the cap remains, on the one hand the Stabilized cap and on the other hand has holding properties, and, for example, a small radial projection at its lower Inner edge may have to bulge radially outward Edge of a container mouth too reach behind and hold the cap to it.

In a particular embodiment However, the invention is provided that the tear strip is also in a the Snap hinge diametrically opposite Area again approaches the top plate, so that even in this area a small Section of the cap coat in a length of z. B. 10 to 15 mm is removed in the circumferential direction. This recess in the cap coat, which preferably reaches up to the top plate, forms effectively a kind of grip-bottle into which one can easily reach in with a fingertip can to open the cap, i.e. from the edge of the container opening to to solve.

Otherwise has the tear strip a constant axial width of z. B. 2 to 3 mm, only in the area near the ends of the snap hinge and in the Snap hinge opposite The area is approximately doubled, because there the tear strip is up to or near extends to the top plate, on the one hand, a proper function to ensure the snap hinge by whose ends are exposed and on the other hand a grip tab on the cap to build.

there has to be in the above areas, the tear strip is not mandatory until exactly extend to the top plate, but it may optionally also a small section of the cap coat in these areas should remain, however, with a cap coat of only a few (eg 3-6) mm axial height this height of the cap coat in the mentioned extended areas of the tear strip by at least half be reduced, thus ensuring the above-mentioned functions are.

alternative However, the cap shell or in extension of the top plate a short grip tab on the snap hinge opposite Be formed on the side of the cap skirt. In this case you need Of course No recess in the cap jacket to form a grip tab. This embodiment will be described in connection with one to be described below inner retaining bead on the cap jacket preferred.

There where the cap coat its complete maximum height has, i. essentially outside the snap hinge and the adjacent recesses of the cap skirt, the cap coat has an inward one protruding bead or a bead near its lower edge, the or behind a corresponding projection at the mouth of a Bottle neck or the like can lock.

Preferably has such a bead only in the hinge opposite Area, where possibly also the grip tab is located, its full radial thickness. The peripheral portion along which the bead has its maximum radial thickness preferably comprises not more than 120 °, even more preferably not more than 90 ° and in particular at most 60 °, where the center of this section the center of the snap hinge diametrically opposite lies. Particularly preferably, the bead has, starting from a maximum value in a small central section or point, one continuous decreasing thickness and running no later than at about 90 ° on both sides the central point all the way or to a minimum bead thickness out.

These Design has the advantage of improved and safer Seal the closure when resealing. The consumer who owns the Closure on the opposite of the hinge If necessary, the side has been grasped by a gripping tab and opened and the closure again close wants, grasps typically when closing only the part of the cap, the nearby the gripping tab or the hinge diametrically opposite and pushes it Side of the cap from above onto the corresponding bottleneck or container neck on which the closure is attached is. As already mentioned, has the top edge of this neck, which is for attaching a corresponding closure is designed, one to the outside projecting retaining bead. By pushing down the cap slides the on the cap coat provided, inwardly projecting bead on the outward protruding bead on the bottleneck edge and locked behind this. However, if the inwardly protruding bead extends over the entire circumference of the Cap mantle or anyway along a perimeter sector of more as 180 °, starting from the central point opposite the snap hinge, would extend but only in the area of this central point or in the area of Grip bottle Pressure from above on the top plate or the grip tab exercised it will happen that, though the bead of the cap coat in the area of the grip tab over the Retracting bead of the bottleneck slips away, but in the rest, especially in the approximately 90 ° opposite the center the grip tab staggered areas on the retaining bead of the bottleneck edge would sit up without it to glide away. It would become the closure in total bulge slightly in the middle between the hinge and the grip tab all due to this deformation of the cap a dense resealing not more guaranteed would. Thereby however, that according to the preferred embodiment the invention of the inwardly projecting bead on the jacket of the cap only at a point or portion near the grip tab, i. the Diametrically opposite hinge, its full maximum thickness, which increases with increasing distance from this central area continues to decrease and preferably at the latest at a distance of 90 ° from the central area has reached a minimum value and, where appropriate also completely disappears, the cap with the cap bottom lowers over her full extent on the edge of the bottle neck, even if pressure From the top of the cap part is exercised only in the grip tab. This is an optionally smaller, radially inwardly projecting Bead, which is located at a distance to the grip tab, a sliding way over the Bead of the bottleneck edge only little resistance, so that it not to a bulge the cap comes in the middle area between hinge and grip tab.

Besides that is expediently on the top plate still a ring-shaped provided circumferential sealing web, which is dimensioned so that in engages the interior of a bottle neck or a container opening and thus acts as a stopper, and the expediently along its outer circumference has a bead-like projection, which serves as a seal on the inner surface of a corresponding Bottleneck serves, therefore, must have an outer diameter which is slightly larger as the inner diameter of a corresponding bottle neck or opening neck.

In a specific embodiment, the closure is made for a bottleneck with 33 mm inner diameter and 35 mm outer diameter, wherein, as already mentioned, the outer diameter of the inner sealing ridge in the region of the bead is accordingly slightly larger than 33 mm, z. B. 33.5 mm, and the inner edge of the (not completely circumferential) cap skirt has an inner diameter of, for example 35.5 mm.

For purposes the original one Revelation is noted that all features as they are from the present description, the drawings and the claims for a To open up a specialist, even if they are specific only in connection with certain others Characteristics have been described, both individually and in any Compilations with other features disclosed herein or Feature groups are combinable, unless this is expressly excluded or technical conditions such combinations were impossible or make pointless. On the comprehensive, explicit representation of all conceivable combinations of features is here only for brevity and omitted for the readability of the description.

Further Advantages, features and applications of the present Invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the associated Characters. Show it:

1 a side view of an embodiment of a applied on a container neck closure,

2 a side view of the closure after 1 , seen from the side of the snap hinge and no tab for the tear strip

2a A cut through the shutter to 1 according to the cutting plane DD in 4

3 a side view accordingly 2 but with the pull tab of the tear strip partially obscuring the snap hinge, the left part of the fastener being shown in section,

4 An axial sectional view corresponding to the sectional plane CC in 1 .

5 an axial view of the closure from above,

6 a sectional view through the applied on a bottle neck closure,

7 a detail of the sectional view 6 .

8th another detail of the sectional view 6 and

9 another detail corresponding to the circle E in 2a ,

One recognizes in the 1 to 6 the total with 10 designated closure consisting of a cap 1 , a retaining ring 3 and one between cap 1 and retaining ring 3 arranged tear strip 4 consists. The tear tape 4 connects the retaining ring 3 and the cap 1 each with one 15 respectively. 19 designated weakening line with each other. The lines of weakness 15 . 19 consist of film-like diluted, linear to strip-shaped sections of the closure shell. As you can see, the shutter widens from top to bottom, especially in the area of the tear-off band 4 Stepped on something, with the cap coat 2 , the tear tape 4 and the retaining ring 3 are substantially cylindrical in themselves. The retaining ring 3 , which has a slightly smaller inner diameter than a radially outwardly projecting retaining flange 32 of the bottleneck 30 (please refer 3 . 6 . 7 and 8th ), engages behind this flange 32 and keeps it closed 10 total on the radially outwardly projecting flange 32 or projection of a false neck 30 or an opening stub.

From the headstock 14 out still extends an annular circumferential sealing ridge 18 (please refer 2a and 3 ), which has on its outer circumference a small, circumferential bead, which acts as a sealing bead in the interior of a corresponding neck of the bottle 30 engages when the closure is placed on the neck of the bottle and the cap 1 closed is.

Also the cap coat 2 has at its lower edge a small, inward-facing projection 12 ( 7 ), which has a protruding outward snap edge 33 of the bottleneck 30 can engage behind the cap 1 securely held closed on a container mouth, even if the tear strip 4 is removed and the cap only over the snap hinge 20 with the retaining ring 3 connected is.

3 shows an outside view of the closure in the region of the snap hinge, in 3 partially covered by the grip tab 13 of the tear strip 4 , where two weakening lines or film hinges 6 . 7 that with the intervening section 8th and the sections above and below 16 . 17 the snap hinge 20 form, are indicated by arcuate, dashed lines. As you can see, these film hinges are lost 6 . 7 arched in such a way that it is approximately in the middle of the hinge 20 have a small distance from each other, and diverge outwards to the ends of the hinge. Between these two film hinges 6 . 7 remains a somewhat massive jetty 8th which is accordingly tapered in the middle and to its two ends extended, while the film hinges on the other side by a curved extended section 17 of the retaining ring 3 and an arcuate part 16 the cap coat 2 , additionally reinforced by an approximately rectangular pedestal 9 , which are also the snap function of the hinge 20 contribute. by making a relatively rigid connection of the hinge with the retaining ring 3 form. The right and left ends 21 . 22 of the snap hinge 20 are defined by thin, filmy and easily tearable connections to the adjacent sections of the tear strip 4 that in his to the ends 21 . 22 adjacent extensions axial extensions 5 has, the corresponding recesses 25 of the cap coat. To a tearing of the also relatively thin-walled film hinges 6 . 7 the snap hinge from the ends 21 . 22 To avoid here are on both sides of the snap hinge 20 just before the ends 21 . 22 end gussets 23 provided, which are the ends of the film hinges 6 . 7 from the ends 21 . 22 separate.

This type of hinge has the property that when lifting or folding up the cap 1 the elastic restoring forces in the hinge initially have a tendency to move the cap back into the closed state, but the elastic forces, after overcoming a dead center, turn into an opening-direction force, so that then the cap 1 is held in the unfolded state.

How to look at the 1 . 2 . 6 and 8th , the side views and through the hinge 5 show axial axial cuts through the closure, can easily imagine form the top plate 1 and the cap coat 2 in the area of the hinge 20 through the arched section 16 is formed, when pivoting the cap 1 in the direction of the arrow A in 8th a relatively rigid unit. The pivot axis for the cap is initially close to the taper of the bridge 8th , How to get out 8th detects, moves when pivoting the cap 1 the central section of the hinge 20 or of the bridge 8th radially inward and is thereby compressed, while the outer edge portions or ends 21 . 22 of the hinge 20 moved radially outward and thereby stretched, which causes the elastic restoring forces. The dead center is defined by the fact that the bridge 8th in the middle of the hinge in the radial direction between the two hinges 21 . 22 spanned plane happens and then snaps radially inward while the ends 21 . 22 of the hinge 20 to move radially outwards so that the bridge 18 and the ends 21 . 22 in the view according to the 6 and 8th lie over each other and finally pass each other, and exert an elastic force beyond the dead center, the cap 1 pulls into the open position.

This should make sure that liquid can be poured from a bottle without the Keep the cap away from the pouring spout so that not the outflowing liquid flows against the cap and is deflected uncontrollably and so spilled.

In the plan view from the outside according to the 1 . 2 and 3 you can also see exactly the course or the contours of the tear strip 4 , The tear tape 4 is in the at the ends 21 . 22 of the snap hinge 20 adjacent area in the axial direction to the width of the cap mantels 2 extends and sticks out with its extensions 5 in this area to the top plate 14 zoom in and thus after the separation of the closure, the ends 21 . 22 of the snap hinge 20 completely free.

It is understood that the hinge and the tear strip could equally well maintain a greater distance to the top plate and that the cap jacket then no corresponding recesses 25 must have.

A special feature of the closure shown in the figures is that it before the first use, ie in the in the 1 to 8th illustrated state, fully closed on all sides. As you can see, the cap is 1 , the tear tape 4 and the retaining ring 3 through tear lines, 15 . 19 connected to each other, which are formed by line or strip-shaped, film-like thinned portions of the closure material. Another tear line, also formed by a thin, film-like material, runs along the ends 21 . 22 of the hinge 20 , When removing the tear strip is first the handle 13 detected, with the (not shown here) easily rupturable bridges or webs, which the grip tab 13 with the outside of the snap hinge 20 connect, be demolished. By a sufficiently strong pull on the grip tab 13 then also the closure material along the line 22 torn open, which defines one end of the snap hinge to which that with the grip tab 13 provided extended end of the tear strip 4 followed. By pulling on the grip tab 13 then become the tear lines 15 . 19 torn up, to the point of enlargement 5 of the tear strip 4 , which at the end 21 of the snap hinge 20 followed. Lastly, the tear line will be along the end 21 torn. After that is the tear off band 4 completely separated from the closure and also cap 1 and retaining ring 3 are largely separated and hang only on the snap hinge 20 together.

In the in the 1 to 3 illustrated, unopened form, however, the shutter is closed on all sides and also the retaining ring 3 preferably sets when he takes the lead 32 of the bottleneck engages behind, at this projection 32 and preferably also still on the underlying flange edge 31 on, so that the closure interior, at least above the engagement of the retaining ring 3 with the flange or projection 32 , at least dustproof is completed to the outside.

Also the tear tape 4 lies close to the flange 32 the bottle stop 30 on, so that the thin film of material of the tear line 19 possibly also replace by a separation gap, which is bridged only by individual, easily rupturable webs between tear strip and retaining ring, without therefore the dustiness from the outer flange 32 would be impaired.

In an embodiment not shown here, the tear strip on the on the snap hinge 20 opposite side again in the axial direction around the height of the cap skirt 2 extends and extends here as far as the top plate 14 close, so that the cap coat 2 after removal of the tear strip in this area also has a recess which effectively exposes a grip edge, since in this area the top plate 14 exposed and can be detected at its free edge. This facilitates the operation of the closure, since the cap 1 as already mentioned, on the inside of the cap skirt 2 one or more bead-like projections 12 has, which engage behind an outwardly bulging bottleneck edge and thus the opening of the cap 1 to oppose a certain resistance.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, however, a grip tab is used 11 outside on the cap coat 2 formed.

How to get in 6 and in particular in the detail view according to 7 recognizes, has the cap coat 2 at its lower edge a radially inwardly projecting projection or snap edge 12 on, a corresponding, outwardly projecting projection or snap edge 33 at the top of the bottle neck 30 engages behind. This lead 12 stretches how to get in 4 can detect, over a relatively small circumferential sector of less than 60 °, whose center is the center of the snap hinge 20 diametrically opposed. The catch sector, over which the snap edge 12 extends, but may also be much larger and z. B. 160 ° or even up to 270 °, in which case, however, the radial thickness of the snap edge, especially in the opposite to the center of the snap hinge offset by about 90 ° areas should be significantly lower than in the snap hinge diametrically opposite area. In particular, this snap edge or bead has 12 its largest radial thickness in the central, the snap hinge 20 diametrically opposite area. In the peripheral portions which are farther away from this central region, in particular in the peripheral portions diverging by about 90 to 120 ° from the central region, the bead has 12 a much smaller radial thickness and eventually disappears completely. This is clear in the sectional view of the embodiment shown here in the 2a and 9 , which show a section or a corresponding detail E along a plane DD, which is offset from the center of the snap hinge by 90 °. As you can see, there is no snap edge on the cap skirt in this area 2 intended.

It has proven to be advantageous if the radial thickness of the bead 12 from the snap hinge 20 opposite center tapered either stepped or continuously. For example, the contour curve could be the radial thickness of the projection 12 a scaled adapted but in the axial view according to 2 similar crescent-shaped course have run as the gripping projection 11 However, this projection or bead 12 in contrast to the grip tab 11 extends radially inwardly.

Of course, but also other gradients and forms of snap edge or bead 12 conceivable, such. In 4 recognizable where the ends of a bead 12 from a previously constant thickness along a rounded, sloping step and take over into the wall of the cap skirt.

In the unopened state, ie as long as the tear strip 4 still intact and with the retaining ring 3 and with the cap 1 is connected, the shutter is completely closed on its outside, and there is between tear strip 4 on the one hand and the retaining ring or the cap jacket 2 on the other hand, no gaps, openings or gaps, in which any impurities could penetrate.

It can therefore penetrate any impurities in the interior of the closure, the whole by the retaining ring 3 , the tear tape 4 and the cap 1 is formed. After removing the tear strip 4 Furthermore, a good tightness to the container interior is ensured by the fact that the annular circumferential sealing web 18 has a corresponding outer bead which comes into sealing engagement with the inner surface of a bottle neck, while the cap skirt 2 with its inward projection 12 at its lower inner edge the cap 1 securely on the container mouth holds.

The closure of the invention is characterized by a relatively simple structure and manufacturability and can in particular in the in the 1 to 9 form shown closed. He also requires little material, the essential parts retaining ring, tear strip and cap or cap jacket can be made very short in the axial direction, so that the closure at a diameter of 38 mm a total of z. B. 12 mm, each 4.5 mm on the height of the retaining ring and the cap skirt (including top plate) accounts, and the remaining part is claimed by the tear-off, which in principle could be made even narrower, on the other hand, however the snap hinge requires a certain axial height, so that a further reduction of the width or axial height of the tear strip on the overall height of the closure would have no appreciable influence. This axially short construction has an even more advantageous effect on the material savings with a suitably adapted, short container neck.

Claims (26)

Closure ( 10 ), consisting of a cap part ( 1 ), a retaining ring ( 3 ), a tear strip and a snap hinge ( 20 ), which integrally connects the cap part and the retaining ring along a first peripheral portion, wherein the cap part ( 1 ) a head plate ( 14 ) and the closure as a whole has an approximately cylindrical or slightly conical closure jacket, which inter alia consists of an approximately cylindrical cap jacket ( 2 ) and the retaining ring ( 3 ), wherein the snap hinge ( 20 ) is integrated in the jacket and wherein the retaining ring ( 3 ) and the cap part ( 1 ) next to the snap hinge ( 20 ) along a second peripheral portion ( 30 ) on the also integrated in the jacket tear strip ( 4 ), characterized in that the cap jacket, tear strip, snap hinge and retaining ring together define a substantially closed closure shell, wherein the tear strip and the circumferentially facing ends of the snap hinge ( 20 ) are connected by film-like, easily tearable lines of weakness with the cap coat, and / or the retaining ring and optionally with each other. Closure according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tear-off strip is attached to the two ends ( 21 . 22 ) of the snap hinge ( 20 ) and extends over the entire, remaining outside the snap hinge peripheral portion of the closure jacket. Closure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tear-off strip adjoins with its end sections adjoining the snap hinge ( 5 ) extends substantially to the upper edge of the snap hinge and preferably over its entire axial height. Closure after one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tear strip with the exception of his the snap hinge adjacent end portions a smaller axial Height has as the snap hinge. Closure after one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a gripping tab of the tear strip, itself, starting from an end portion of the tear strip, radially outside of the closure jacket and in the circumferential direction over extends the snap hinge and by easily tearable tabs, preferably in the region of the snap hinge, close to the closure jacket is held. Closure according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tear strip in its region opposite the snap hinge with its upper edge in the vicinity of the top plate ( 14 ) runs. Closure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the snap hinge or a film hinge ( 6 ) of the snap hinge ( 20 ) to less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm to the top plate ( 14 ). Closure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the cap casing each one reaching close to the head plate recess ( 25 ) on both sides of the snap hinge ( 20 ) provided by the end sections ( 5 ) of the tear strip is filled. Closure after one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one close to the top plate Enriching recess in the cap coat the snap hinge diametrically opposite is provided, which is filled in intact closure by the tear strip. Closure after Claim 9, characterized in that the snap hinge diametrically opposite Recess over an angular range between 20 ° and 60 °, preferably between 30 ° and Extends 40 ° Closure according to claim 8 or one of the claims dependent thereon, characterized in that the recesses ( 25 ) extend on both sides of the snap hinge over an angular range between 5 ° and 20 °, preferably between 7 ° and 15 ° Closure according to claim 8 or 9 or one of the claims dependent thereon, characterized in that the height of the cap skirt measured in the axial direction ( 1 ) in the region of at least one of the recesses ( 25 ) is reduced by at least half, preferably by at least 75% of the height in the areas located outside the recesses, and in particular to a distance of less than 1 mm from the inner surface of the top plate Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the snap hinge consists of a sector of an approximately cylindrical or slightly conical jacket between top plate ( 14 ) and retaining ring ( 3 ), this sector has two film hinges ( 6 . 7 ) axially spaced apart from one another by substantially circumferentially extending lines of weakness, and which extend from a minimum axial distance approximately at the center of the hinge sector to the ends adjacent the tear strip. 21 . 22 ) of the hinge ( 20 diverge). Closure cap according to claim 12, characterized in that the weakening lines ( 6 . 7 ) each extend along an approximately circular or elliptical arc whose centers axially above or below the snap hinge ( 20 ) lie. Closure after one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that on the closure shell and structures provided between the shell sections small radial depth, less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Closure according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the tear strip ( 4 ) over the greater part of the next to the snap hinge ( 20 ) remaining at a distance from the top plate, which is at least twice the distance in the zoom reaching close to the top plate sector sections. Closure according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the distance of the tear strip from the top plate ( 14 ) is at most 1 mm in the sectors approaching the top plate and at least 2 mm outside these sectors. Closure after one of the claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the axial height of the closure total less than 15 mm and preferably not more than 12 mm, of which outside the recesses each slightly more than a third of the retaining ring and the cap coat and a little less than a third attributable to the tear strip. Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the cap casing in the region outside the recesses thereof has an inwardly projecting retaining bead (Fig. 12 ) having. cap according to claim 19, characterized in that the retaining bead in the of the snap-hinge furthest away areas one larger radial Thickness than in an imperial sector of about 180 °, in the Center is the snap hinge. cap according to claim 20, characterized in that the maximum radial thickness of the retaining bead in the snap hinge offset by more than 90 ° Ranges at least twice the radial thickness of the same in the 180 ° sector around the snap hinge amounts. cap according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the retaining bead has a radial thickness which, starting from a maximum value in from the snap hinge by more than 90 ° offset areas, in the direction of the holding hinge continuously or stepwise except for one Minimum value decreases, between the thickness zero and at most half the maximum thickness is. Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that a gripping tab which is connected to one end of the tear-off strip ( 4 ), parallel to the cylindrical cap skirt along the outside of the snap hinge ( 20 ) and connected thereto via easily rupturable connecting bridges. Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that radially inside the cap skirt ( 10 ) an outgoing from the top plate, annular sealing web ( 18 ). Closure cap according to claim 24, characterized in that the sealing web ( 18 ) has on its outer side an annular circumferential, bead-like radial extension. Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the retaining ring ( 3 ) on its inside and near its lower edge an inwardly projecting retaining bead ( 9 ) or tapers conically downwards.