DE60008409T2 - Snap-Action Closure with Elastic Seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements to snap-action closures. The problem of leakage in the conventional snap-action closures is overcome by providing a resilient seal comprising an elastic gel composition between the opening and the flexible panel (2) which deforms when the flexible panel (2) is closed to create a liquid-tight seal. In particular, the gap in the region of the closure hinge (7) is closed by the elastic flow of sealant material (9) where very little, if any, closing force is otherwise exerted.

Description

technical Field of the invention

These This invention relates to improvements for snap fasteners.

background the invention

Snaps are very often on containers for liquids or creams, such as cosmetics or household cleaning products, used. Although not necessarily more effective than others closures such as screw caps, they are with consumers popular and consequently have a significant commercial success.

The 1a - 1c show an example of a snap closure, which is described in more detail in UK Patent Application GB 2 269 811. A portion of the wall at the spout end of the container is flexible and defined by a thin portion that acts as a hinge. The hinge further defines an opening through which a flexible plate must be passed. The area of the opening is slightly smaller than the area of the flexible plate. The flexible plate may be either in a convex, open position (not shown) or in a concave, closed position (shown). By pressing on the flexible plate in its convex and open position, it is deformed to pass through the smaller opening so as to invert its curvature and snap it into a concave opening in the container, thereby closing it.

In practice, however, such snap closures usually do not succeed to close tightly only due to the process described above. It may not be possible to use a flexible plastic plate at the corners of the opening (cf. 1a and 1b ), because the force distribution on the flexible plate, except at the center of the plate, is not perpendicular to the sealing surfaces. Moreover, although the opening should be shaped according to the natural shape of the flexible sheet, the sealing effect will not be uniform due to changes in the material properties of the closure, such as stiffness at various temperatures or hysteresis properties, and creep of the materials used in its manufacture ,

consequently extends through the flexible plate in the closed position did not effect force to maintain a sealing effect. While this for powdery or granular Products may be sufficient, this is not true for liquids. Especially if such containers for example, by a rise in temperature with an increasing Internal pressure can be applied, leaks may occur. It is obviously, that a closure that does not work in these circumstances correctly sealed, only conditionally usable, especially if he for longer Storage periods is needed.

Summary the invention

According to one The first aspect of the present invention includes a resealable closure a curved, flexible plate, which is part of the wall of a container or whose lid forms, wherein the surface of the curved, flexible plate is larger as the area bounded by a line of action of a hinge Wall of the container or the lid, allowing the curved, flexible plate to do so can be initiated when exceeded the center with a snapping from a convex shape into one concave form and vice versa, while the curved, flexible plate through the surface the wall of the container or led the lid which is bounded by the hinge, and the curved, flexible Plate in a first position inwardly concave shaped to an opening in the container or at least partially close the lid, and in a second position outward is convex to form a spout opening, wherein the container or the lid has a seal having a fastened to it includes elastic seal which seals the opening when the curved, flexible plate is in the first position.

In In the present invention, the above-described problem of the Leakage of conventional snaps overcome, by between the opening and the flexible plate is provided with an elastic seal, which deforms with closed flexible plate to a liquid-tight seal to create. In particular, the gap is in the region of the closure hinge, otherwise, if at all, only a very small closure force is exerted by the elastic flow of the Sealed sealing material.

The Seal can be made by two-component injection molding on a peripheral area the opening and / or applied to a peripheral region of the flexible plate become. Alternatively, the seal may be an initially separate component act, which then during the manufacture is attached to the closure.

Preferably, the material of the elastic seal has an expansibility of at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, especially It prefers at least 1000%, a compressive strength at 70 ° C of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, a cone penetration depth (ASTM D217 for lubricant) of 10 to 40 mm, an initial attainment point of higher as 100 ° C and a stress relaxation of more than 500 seconds.

Even though the elastic seal of a closed-cell foam, silicone or polyurethane rubber, it is preferably around an elastic gel composition.

It is beneficial if the elastic gel composition is low Compressive strength, since the seal then quickly into the Return substantially the same shape can if the compressive force of the movable plate is removed becomes. Preferably, the elastic gel composition is sticky, so that it adapts to the contact surface and at this easily liable. Thus, the shutter can survive temporary pressure increases. Preferably, the seal can be loosely detached from the contact surface, without breaking, and she should continue to be soft enough without loss of the sealing ability any foreign bodies pick up the surface dirty the seal.

One particularly suitable material for use as a sealing material is one with liquid stretched polymer composition. Preferably, the polymer is the with liquid stretched polymer composition is a block copolymer. Especially Preferably, the polymer is the liquid-extended polymer composition Block copolymer with hard blocks and soft blocks. Most preferably, the polymer is that with liquid stretched polymer composition a styrene-diene block copolymer. Desirably, that is Polymer with liquid stretched polymer composition is a poly (styrene-butadiene-styrene) block copolymer (SBS), a poly (styrene-isoprene-styrene) block copolymer (SIS), a poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) block copolymer (SEBS), a poly (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) block copolymer (SEPS) or a poly (styrene-ethylene-propylene) block copolymer (SEP).

Other suitable elastic gels include bio-gels, i. H. gels, that come from plants or animals. Examples include Polysaccharides, for example cellulose-derived hydroxypropyl cellulose, or protein gels, such as collagen-derived gelatin, as well as rubber.

According to one second aspect of the present invention is a combination from a container and a resealable one Closure according to the first Aspect of the present invention.

A Unit of combination of the container with a resealable closure according to the present invention The invention may include a pressurized fluid, and in particular a liquid, the one solved in her Contains gas. Accordingly, the invention can be used to carbonated beverages to store and administer.

In In a preferred example, the container comprises a flexible tube which may contain a paste or a cream.

In In another example, the container comprises one on the flexible one Plate attached or with this integrally formed tab on, which supports the operation of the resealable closure.

Summary the figures

in the Below, examples of the present invention will be detailed illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1a an example of a known snap closure in the closed position, wherein the 1b and 1c Partial cross-sections through this closure and its film hinge, which represent the based on a gap in the corners bad seal;

2a the closure from the 1a - 1c with a seal according to the invention, wherein 2 B showing the closure in the open position;

3 and 4 the closure with a flexible plate than with this integrally formed part of a container, in each case in the closed and the open position;

5 an alternative one-piece construction based on a flexible tube-like container;

6a . 6b and 7 Examples of closures that indicate tampering;

8a - 8f a flexible plate closure in which the region of the flexible plate is an initially separate component;

9a - 9d a closure having a seal integrally formed therewith for sealing between a container and the closure body;

10a and 10b a cover which is secured thereto by a snap hook acting between it and a container;

11 a closure with flexible plate, which is welded to a container and

12a to 15c a tab attached to the flexible plate that supports operation of the resealable closure.

detailed description

1a shows a cylindrical closure for attachment to a container containing a body 1 with a flexible plate attached to the cylindrical wall 2 and a front wall 4 has, against which the flexible plate 2 closes, ie that the curved flexible plate 2 with a substantially matching section 5 in the front wall 4 interacts. One or more ribs 3 attached to either the flexible plate 2 attached or integrally formed with this stiffen the flexible plate 2 in the longitudinal direction while maintaining flexibility in the radial plane. This leads to a rapid and repeatable movement of the closure.

1b is a partial cross section through the end wall 4 of in 1a shown shutter and shows how the flexible plate 2 against the clipping 5 in the front wall 4 closes.

Unfortunately under certain circumstances, especially at the corners, no adequate sealing effect.

The reason why this simple closure does not always provide a good sealing effect is over 1c seen. If, as in 1c shown the flexible plate 2 is closed, is the movie hinge 7 too stiff to get a complete fit of the flexible plate 2 and cutting 5 to allow, which leads to an opening 8th remains open. Another reason for this problem is that the whole in the area of the film hinge 7 on the flexible plate 2 acting force is directed in the direction of the arrow F and that the maximum closing force in the center of the flexible plate 2 occurs in the direction of arrow G. Thus, there is almost no force to the opening 8th against the resistance of the film hinge 7 close.

An example of the present invention is shown in FIGS 2a and 2 B shown. In the present invention, the opening becomes 8th through the use of a seal 9 against the clipping 5 sealed. It may not be desirable or impossible for the seal 9 to the movie hinge 7 connects, in particular, if the seal 9 by a two-component injection molding on the neckline 5 is applied, wherein the mold temperature for certain sealing materials would bring the film hinge 7 to melt. In this case, between the seal 9 and the movie hinge 7 a small gap 10 remain. This is not a disadvantage as the sealant flows to the small gap 10 to close. Should it be necessary for the application, the sealing material can be applied to the flexible plate 2 be applied.

Will the flexible plate 2 against the clipping 5 closed, as in 2a shown, so is the seal 9 sufficiently soft to elastic in the openings 8th and 10 to flow and thus provide a seal between the adjacent surfaces of the cutout 5 , the flexible plate 2 and the movie hinge 7 to build. Although the closing force of the flexible plate 2 in the region of the film hinge 7 is close to zero, the sealing material flows elastically into the openings 8th and 10 and in fact exerts a small pressure against the adjacent surfaces and compensates for the lack of closure force in this area.

The applicant has found that a liquid-extended polymer composition sealing material is particularly effective in this application because it acts almost like a hydraulic fluid so that it is in the center of the flexible plate 2 acting pressure is transmitted laterally until the over the seal 9 applied pressure is almost uniform.

3 and 4 show container with a closure with flexible plate in the closed and open position. In 3 is the flexible plate 2 with a movie hinge 7 on the upper wall 11 fastened and closes against the neckline 5 in the sidewall 12 , This arrangement is preferred for pourable liquids such as fruit juice or milk, since the air can enter the container via the open area designated Z, while the liquid exits from the lower area K, causing a "clucking" due to the liquid passing through and in the container is avoided by the urgent air A lip 13 extending from the clipping 5 out, contributes to a controlled pouring of the liquid and can also serve to form a suitable opening for drinking. Furthermore, the lip can be removed after removing the below with reference to the 6a and 6b described remainder strips remaining remnant of a device for detecting a manipulation. In 4 is the flexible plate 2 through a movie hinge 7 on the side wall 12 a container attached and closes against a cutout 5 in the front wall 4 of the container. This arrangement is for more viscous Liquids, powders and granules suitable.

5 shows a container in the form of a flexible tube, as it is often used for creams and pastes. The flexible tube 14 has a lock with flexible plate 2 that with a movie hinge 7 on the front wall 4 is attached and the against the neckline 15 in the sidewall 16 closes. At the flexible plate 2 or the clipping 15 is a seal 9 , as described above, attached. Preferably, the side wall 16 , the cutout 15 , the movie hinge 7 and the flexible plate 2 in one piece with the flexible tube 14 shaped. The flexible plate 2 can by thermal fusion or otherwise with the cutout 15 be connected to form a device for detecting a manipulation, as described below. The advantage of this design is that the container can be filled in the form of a flexible tube to produce a low-cost packaging from the open end and then heat sealed, folded or otherwise sealed to retain the contents. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the tube can be safely placed upright on the closure end without the contents flowing out.

A common requirement for closures is that they should detect a tampering, that is, that there should be clear evidence that the closure has been opened. The 6a and 6b are partial cross sections along the longitudinal axis through a closure with a flexible plate and explain a principle that can be applied to all of the examples described here. The body 1 has an end wall 4 and a flexible plate 2 , which is shown in the open position. During manufacture, the gasket becomes 9 either on the sealing surface of the cutout 5 or preferably on the flexible plate 2 formed while the flexible plate 2 is in the open position. The flexible plate 2 has a strip 17 up, with a thin bridge 18 is fastened while the cutting 5 a collar 19 also with a through a thin web 18 attached strips 17 , The flexible plate 2 will then be like in 6b shown closed and the stripes 17 are heat sealed together or otherwise sealed together. The thin webs should be adjacent to each other. The seal 9 is compressed to seal the opening and through the connected strips 17 an additional seal is provided. When the shutter is to be opened for the first time, the interconnected strips become 17 Teared along the line of thin webs, causing an opening of the flexible plate 2 is possible. The seal 9 then works as previously described.

7 shows an improvement that can be adapted to all the aforementioned closures with a flexible plate. The cover 20 has a flexible plate 2 and a tear strip attached thereto by fragile means at an approximately right angle 21 with a finger grip 22 on. This structure prevents bending of the flexible plate 2 until the tear-off strip 21 Will get removed.

An alternative method of manufacturing a flexible panel closure is in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,378,355 8a - 8f illustrated, wherein the flexible plate is an initially separate component. With reference to 8a rejects the body 1 an end wall 4 and between the front wall 4 and the body 1 a plate 22 on. The plate 22 has a continuous opening 23 on and the wall 24 of the body 1 is cut to form a groove 25 around the plate 22 around away. The groove 25 is bulging to between the wall 24 and the plate 22 a pocket 26 to build. The flexible plate 2 has a retaining clip 28 with a hole 29 on, by at least a fragile connection 30 on the flexible plate 2 is attached. The hole 29 has a size that allows it, with the fragile, undercut projection 31 on the surface of the front wall 4 to get in touch. A catch 32 has a size such that it enters the hole 27 in the wall 24 of the body 1 fits. On the circumference of the flexible plate 2 is a seal 9 appropriate. A look at the other side of the flexible plate 2 shows the seal 9 , To make the closure, the flexible plate 2 in the groove 25 introduced until the catch 32 in the hole 27 intervenes. The undercut of the catch 32 ensures that the plate 2 can not be removed after assembly. The hole 29 then gets over the fragile lead 31 pressed and also here prevents the undercut of the fragile projection removal without breaking the projection.

The 8b and 8c are cross-sections to show the flexible panel in the open and closed positions, respectively, and to illustrate how the seal 9 against the plate 22 seals. 8d shows a view of the flexible plate 2 from behind.

8e shows the composite closure and 8f shows the appearance after removing the retaining clip 28 from the flexible plate 2 , This leads to a breakage of the fragile protrusion and it remains a small core 31a which thus provides evidence that the shutter has been opened. The shape of the seal 9 should be the shape of the opening 13 match, so that the product is not in the bag 26 can accumulate. Again, of course, it is possible the seal 9 the opening 13 surrounding on the floor che the plate 12 form or otherwise attach to it.

The 9a to 9d and the 10a and 10b show a flexible plate closure with the movable plate sealing element continuous with a seal for sealing between the closure body and its associated container.

9a shows a cover 20 with a side wall 1 and a front wall 4 , where the flexible plate 2 by means of the film hinge 7 on the front wall 4 is appropriate. The flexible plate 2 is shown in the open position for clarity. 9b is a view of the inside of the cover 20 , In a groove 33 is on the inner surface of the front wall 4 a seal 9 molded or otherwise fastened and sits over the inner surface of the flexible plate 2 continued. As a result, the seal 9 to be compared with an O-ring (or similar profile gasket) attached to the bulkhead 4 the cover 20 is attached and connected to the flexible plate 2 can move freely. In the sidewall 1 there is a section 34 in the closed state of the plate 2 from the flexible plate 2 and the seal 9 is spaced. Referring to 9c has a container 35 or the body of a cover (for example a rotary closure) has an edge 36 as well as a detail 37 whose shape is used to seal against the flexible plate 2 attached seal 9 is designed in the closed position. If the cover 20 with the container 35 is composed as in 9d Darge puts, presses the plate 2 the seal 9 in the neckline 37 of the container 35 ,

In 10a show the cover 20 and the container 35 a snap hook acting between the parts 38 on. The cover 20 is on the container 35 pressed, leaving the edge 36 of the container 35 sealing in the seal 9 in the groove 33 is pressed, and is through the snap hook 38 held in this position. The seal 9 that are about the flexible plate 2 continues, thus acting with the clipping 37 in the wall of the container 35 together and seals against this when the flexible plate 2 is in the closed position.

11 shows a similar type of closure, wherein the seal 9 is attached to the container instead of the flexible plate. In this arrangement, the connection between the cover 20 and the container 35 by ultrasonic welding along 39 or generated by an adhesive or a sealant.

alternative can also use a metal-enriched plastic seal which is melted by applying high-frequency energy to to connect and seal the two parts together.

In some applications, such as closures used to dispense beverages or to dispense irritating or hazardous chemicals, it is preferable that the user's hand not come into contact with the product to be served. 12a . 12b and 12c show a closure with a tab 40 that over the hinge 41 on the flexible plate 2 is attached. As in the 12a and 12b shown forms the tab 40 if the plate 2 in the closed position, through a cooperation with the lip 42 of the closure body 1 an additional safety device against accidental opening. If the tab 40 from the lip 42 is solved, it serves as a handle that the user takes to the flexible plate 2 to open by pulling, as in 12c shown.

The 13a and 13b show a flexible plate 2 with a tight tab 43 by means of which the user can push or pull on the flexible plate (s) in order to close or open them.

An easier way to keep the user's hand free of the spilled product is to use the front of the flexible plate 2 to form a tab 44 with which the plate can be operated to extend, as in 14 shown.

The 15a . 15b and 15c show how the flexible plate can be operated from an even further distance by attaching to a rib 46 attached to the flexible plate 2 attached, a paddle-like handle 45 is attached. The paddle-like handle 45 acts via a fulcrum 47 so that when the user in the direction of the arrow S on the paddle-like handle 45 presses, a force in the direction opposite to the arrow S direction on the plate 2 is exerted, whereby the plate is caused to open. To the plate 2 to close, the user presses on the rib 46 ,

In all in the 12 to 15 In embodiments shown, it is advantageous to have one or more ribs extending longitudinally across the flexible plate to provide sufficient rigidity to transmit the opening or closing force without warping.

Claims (22)

Resealable closure with one curved, flexible plate ( 2 ), which forms part of the wall of a container or its lid, wherein the surface of the curved, flexible plate is larger than the area of the wall of the container or lid bounded by a line of action of a hinge, so that the curved, flexible plate ( 2 ) can be made to pass over from a convex shape to a concave shape and vice versa when the center is exceeded, while the curved, flexible plate (FIG. 2 ) is guided through the surface of the wall of the container or the lid, which by the hinge ( 7 ) and the curved, flexible plate ( 2 ) is concave in a first position inwardly to at least partially close an opening in the container or lid, and convexly outwardly formed in a second position to form a spout opening, characterized in that the container or the Cover a seal ( 9 ) comprising a resilient gel composition affixed thereto which seals the opening when the curved, flexible plate (14) 2 ) is in the first position. Reclosable Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic Gel composition has an extensibility of at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, more preferably at least 1000%, a compressive strength at 70 ° C less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 10%, a cone penetration depth (ASTM D217 for lubricant) of 10 to 40 mm, an initial one Softening point of higher as 100 ° C and has a stress relaxation of more than 500 seconds. Reclosable Closure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gel composition is a block copolymer with hard blocks and relatively soft blocks includes that with an oil in a preferred ratio of five parts of oil to one Part of the copolymer is stretched. Reclosable Closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized the gel composition is a liquid-extended polymer composition. Reclosable Closure according to claim 4, characterized in that the polymer the with liquid stretched polymer composition is a block copolymer. Reclosable Closure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the polymer of liquid stretched polymer composition is a block copolymer with hard blocks and soft blocks is. Reclosable Closure according to one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the polymer is liquid stretched polymer composition is a styrene-diene block copolymer. Reclosable Closure according to one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the polymer is the liquid stretched polymer composition is a poly (styrene-butadiene-styrene) block copolymer (SBS), a poly (styrene-isoprene-styrene) block copolymer (SIS), a poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) block copolymer (SEBS), a poly (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) block copolymer (SEPS) or a poly (styrene-ethylene-propylene) block copolymer (SEP). Reclosable Closure according to one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the extender liquid the liquid stretched Polymer composition a Paraphin or a naphthenic oil is. Resealable closure after one the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the liquid-extended polymer composition between 80% and 90% extender fluid and between 10% and 20% polymer. Reclosable closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a flap attached to the flexible plate or integrally formed therewith ( 40 ), which supports the operation of the resealable closure. Reclosable closure according to claim 11, characterized in that the flap ( 40 ) via a fulcrum ( 47 ) on the flexible plate ( 2 ) is attached. Reclosable closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a closure ( 17 . 18 . 21 . 22 ), which reveals a manipulation. Reclosable closure according to claim 13, characterized in that the closure, which reveals a manipulation, comprises an extension region formed in the flexible plate (US Pat. 17 . 18 ). Reclosable closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is integral with the container is manufactured. Reclosable closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge ( 7 ) is formed integrally with the resealable closure. Reclosable closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible plate ( 2 . 8a-f ) is made as an initially separate, attachable to the container or lid component. Resealable closure with a curved, flexible plate ( 2 ), which forms part of the wall of a container or its lid, wherein the surface of the curved, flexible plate is larger than the area of the wall of the container or the lid bounded by a line of action of a hinge, so that the curved, flexible plate ( 2 ) can be made to pass over from a convex shape to a concave shape and vice versa when the center is exceeded, while the curved, flexible plate (FIG. 2 ) is guided through the surface of the wall of the container or the lid, which by the hinge ( 7 ) and the curved, flexible plate ( 2 ) is concave in a first position inwardly to at least partially close an opening in the container or lid, and is convexly outwardly formed in a second position to form a spout opening, characterized in that the container or the lid has an elastic seal attached to it ( 9 ), which deforms to form a liquid-tight seal when the curved, flexible plate ( 2 ) is in the first position. Combination of a container and a resealable closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the seal for the flexible plate throughout with a seal for sealing between the closure body and a container is trained. Combination of a flexible, tubular container and a resealable Closure according to one of the claims 1 to 18. Combination of a container and a resealable closure according to one of the claims 1 to 18, which includes a pressurized fluid. container according to claim 21, wherein the liquid a solved one Contains gas.