DE69731002T2 - RE-LOCKABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND COVER FOR THIS - Google Patents

Abstract

A resealable can end (10) having a neck member (11) and hat member (12) which can be sealed onto and removed from the neck member (11) is capable of containing a product under pressure. This end can (10) be attached to a metal container body by a conventional seam (20). The end provides resealing containment of the contents of the container and an improved mouth for better pour opening and direct drinking. The method of making and the apparatus for making the can end is disclosed.

Description

Territory of technology

These The invention relates to container ends according to the preamble of claim 1 and the method for Production of container ends according to claim 9.

background the invention

The known today type of easy-open container end, using a rupturable Outlet lid, which operated by an attached closure will, and which diverse of bottling plants, especially in the beer / soft drinks industry something like a luxurious one Convenience items. these can are reused insofar as they are mainly made of aluminum, but apart from that, successful efforts are a reclosable device or a resealable one Mechanism, in particular one or one which in the same original container is installed, to introduce, so far in the market, for a number of reasons, failed.

such container become ordinary used as disposable packaging for single use, and are not suitable to keep the contents safe while doing so intermediate partial serving of the contents after the first opening enable.

In front the introduction and while the introduction easy to open container ends was a container design in use, which mainly one truncated conical top on the can body, and one not resealable crown-shaped Cover provided. Some even had a separate, resealable cover, which is attached to a lid was and which the crown-shaped Lid of once opened container as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,337,616. For various reasons these were containers not accepted by the market.

however There is also a need for resealable containers for liquids which through part of the original one container construction or due to the container composition can be closed again, to preserve a content remainder under shutter conditions. The mouthpiece of such a container is also more acceptable than that of an easy-to-open container for direct pouring of the contents of the container.

The Feature of reclosability container are plastic (non-metallic) containers (which are normally air bubbles) are available for carbonated drinks, and available in both liter and half liter sizes (0.59 ml). Have such containers a rupturable one Closure and molded from a plastic material again lockable Screw cap, but these lose through the plastic body parts Carbonic acid, which manifests itself in a reduced lifetime of the content and Difficulty in recycling can result in what a widely spread dissemination of such a plastic container stood against.

Therefore is there a market for Liquid container and especially for pressure-resistant liquid container (z. B. become such containers used for beer / refreshment drinks), which have an attachment of resealable property, which can be made of metal, preferably aluminum.

One another resealable Container end, which characterizes the state of the art, is in US patent 5,322,177 (on which the preamble of the present claims is based). Of the container consists of a lid with an associated molded neck part, which ends in an inwardly rolled, the container opening forming part.

The Neck portion has integrally formed outwardly extending crooked cam surfaces, in which complementary shaped cam surfaces can snap into place, which one over an edge piece the lid slides in, which one at a connection between the edge and a top of the lid in a notch having positioned sealant. The engagement of the complementary cam surfaces pulls the sealant down on a lower surface of the inwardly rolled part of the neck.

The principal feature of this invention is to provide a reclosable end having a removable lid construction (also referred to herein as a neck and hat) which can be added to a metallic container body by conventional crimping so as to retain remnants in a resealable container as well stored under pressure, so as to provide an improvement of the mouthpiece (or the outflow opening) for better pouring and for comfortable drinking directly from the container and to provide an improved method for producing such a reclosable hat and neck piece. The present invention provides a resealable container end for egg A liquid-containing container as defined in claim 1, and a method for producing such a container end, as defined in claim 9 before.

Prefers is the container with a resealable Metal lid or hat equipped. Preferably, the end is with an attached sealing Hat equipped, which over the open end of a filled Can through a conventional, double-rolled hem enclosed becomes. The container end is preferably with the can body by a conventional double rolled crimp between the bottom of the neck section and the edge of the can body connected.

Other Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following Description, the attached Drawings and the appended claims clarified.

Short description of drawings

1 is a summary drawing showing two superimposed embodying the invention container, the upper container is shown in dashed lines;

2 Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a container end constructed in accordance with the invention, including the rim at the lower end of the neck portion which is part of a flared connection of the end and top edges of the can body;

2a Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the outwardly formed projections / ledges in the upper neck portion of the (container) end;

3a . 3b and 3c are sequential cross-sectional views illustrating the process of forming a hat or cover section on the new container end;

4a - b are successive, his shaping representing cross-sectional view of a hat means;

5a - e Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a punch and forming tools in a typical forming tool illustrating the formation of the lid or neck construction of the container end;

6a - G are enlarged cross-sectional views of the successive formation of the neck construction;

7 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment for forming a flange on the neck portion;

8th Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the stacking of containers on the covers and seals; and

9 is a drawing showing the effects of stacking (containers) on the lid and its seal.

preferred Way to execution the invention

The container

The container end of the present invention consists of two main parts, a dome construction 10 and a lid or hat means 12 , which mainly has the shape of an inverted cup, which has an outwardly turned-up edge 13 having, which the lid assembly 14 of the hat means 12 having.

In 1 are a few containers with can-shaped body 15 each equipped with such an end, such bodies have on their underside a concave center piece 16 and are stacked on top of each other to show the ability of the stackable containers to be equipped with a new resealable end. The design of the underside of these cans is state of the art.

Referring to 2 the dome closes a neck construction 11 with a wing-like lower edge 20 which can be formed by crimping to a lower end or edge of the can body (shown in the left edge of FIG 2 ), and which additionally a sealing component 21 on the bottom of the edge 20 having. The edge 20 extends from the lower edge of the main frusto-conical central neck portion 22 on the outside, that in turn has on its upper edge a mainly cylindrical upper neck portion 25 on, which in its upper edge in an outwardly flanged sealing edge 30 on a ledge / ledge 31 ends. The seal edge 30 is with an elastomeric, preferably circular sealing element 32 which, as will be explained later, may take various forms but mainly in the lid 12 is fitted.

Starting from the upper neck section 25 There is a first set of elongated protrusions / ledges 35 , mainly of triangular outline (shown in 2a ), with angled lower cam surfaces 35c extending at a predetermined angle to the generally vertical direction outside directed surface of the neck section 25 extend. These projections / ledges 35 agree with a second set of inward extending ledges / eaves 36 match, which at the beaded edge 13 of the hat means 12 are formed so as to hold the lid firmly on the dome construction, as will be explained later. When the hat means is mounted on the upper neck part, the first and second protrusion / simulants are right 35 . 36 match, and pull the upper stringing 14 against the crimped sealing ring 30 firmly, and squeeze the sealant 32 against the beaded edge 30 and the lead / Sims 31 , like this one in 2 is shown.

The sealant 32 can take different forms. In a first form, the arcuate O-ring sealant is in an outer portion of a thin, flexible and pliable plate 33 which is at the bottom of the top cover 14 installed, let in. In another embodiment, the O-ring sealant will act as an edge of a circular thin means, which will be on the outer portion of the underside of the top cover 14 attached attached. In any event, the compressible elastomeric sealant is within the hat means 12 attached, like this one in 2 is shown. This arrangement can withstand pressure of the product during initial filling (if necessary) and also withstand the residual pressure after resealing (the container).

The apparatus and tools disclosed are not part of the invention. The tools disclosed herein are intended for repeated use in a high speed stamping process. In accordance with the 5a - b , A typical press includes an upper press plate UP, and a lower press plate LP and a guide bar GP, which ensures the alignment of the punch or punches on the upper press plate UP and the corresponding sleeve on the lower press plate LP.

The Represent variations within the figures shown in a schematic way the different materials and auxiliary equipment within the pressing process.

education of the hat

3a - b and 4a - b show the hat and lid and two steps to form the projected with a ledge / Sims hat 12 , Both steps can be contracted in the same pressing operation, if this should be more comfortable in a large-scale production environment, however, the second operation can be performed in an auxiliary operation auxiliary step;

In the first operation (in stations I-II) in 3a As shown, a blank is made from a sheet or material fed from a bobbin during the downstroke of the punch through the blank punch 45 cut out. In the continuation of the downward stroke of the blank is in a cup-shaped hat part 40-1 drawn. At the bottom dead center of the down stroke, the plate shape becomes the upper part of the hat part 40-1 through the press 45 with the appropriate template 46 shaped ( 3a ).

When pulling upwards, the lower spiral edge becomes 48 , which is under spring pressure, raised together with the blank press. The edge 50 of the hat part 40-1 becomes outward through the spiral rim ring 48 and the blank press 45 curled forming recess. This is the shaped hat and lid part 40-1 with an outwardly curled ring flange 55 provided, as in 4a shown.

A second process (which has already been described as another station in the pressing operation or which is performed in an auxiliary equipment part) is performed in a second station II-N shown in FIG 3b , performed, there is a punch 60 with a die 62 which has a recess which the hat part 40-1 in a reverse orientation, which is in a recess 63 in the mold 62 lies. A punch probe which has a plurality (eg, three or four) radially movable fingers 64 and in cooperation with a central pointed triggering cam 65 acts first in the side of the product (inside) of the formed hat part 40-1 introduced before the press against the hat part 40-1 closes. The finger 64 be through the nock 65 (in the position as they are in 3b is shown) and the ends of the fingers 66 extend into the hat part 40-1 against the inside of the ring flange 55 to the height of the ledge / ledge 36 to set up which of the material of the ring flange 55 is formed. A ring flange 67 on the punch has formed a set of recesses in its radially inwardly facing portion, these corresponding with the location and size of the projection / ledge 36 , The radially outward area of the ring 67 has, corresponding to, inward-expanding surfaces 68 which material from the outer ring flange 55 to the inside of the hat part 40-1 move, and in the ring curl 67 outward and over the ends of the fingers 66 crimped down. This will be the final shape of the hat part 40-2 forming such inward protrusions / ledges 36 (preferably three or four) above the au beaded spiral edge 50 includes.

Education of the neck construction

The neck / dome construction 11 is formed in seven operations as described here. However, the first station of the blank and the draw operation and the second station, the pull-back operation, if desired, may be combined into a single station so as to reduce the total number of stations to six. The following description assumes that the first and second stations are separate.

At the first station IN a blank is cut from either a sheet or from wound on sheet metal coils material and in a cup-shaped configured part 70-1 pulled like this in 5a & 6a is shown.

At the second station II-N ( 5b and 6b ) becomes the part 70-1 for forming a centering area 72 formed and the edge 74 is rolled up to make the final outside diameter. The resulting part 70-2 can continue to be positioned by this process on a conveyor belt-like transfer system, so as to enable a higher production speed through the use of such transfer systems. This takes into account that the first and second stations can be separated from each other, however, in a production process involving an automatic transfer system, it is preferable that the stations IN & II-N are merged so as to only center the parts on the To allow conveyor belt or a similar transfer system.

In a third station III-N (shown in 5c & 6c ) becomes the part 70-2 withdrawn to an additional increase of the central section 75 and in the fourth station IV-N becomes a projection / sim 67 whereupon a ring flange (which is formed in the seventh station, as will be described later) will rest, which as a result will cause the piece to rest 70-3 Has ( 5d & 6d ).

In the fifth station VN (shown in 9e & 6e ) becomes a hole or openings 78 in the part perforated, and in the sixth station VI-N becomes the openings 78 pushed up to the material used for ring curling in part 70-4 shown ( 5f & 6f ) is necessary to obtain.

This is indicated in the seventh station VII-N (shown in 5g & 6e ) the spiral sealing ring (ring flange) 30 formed around the drinking opening. The ring flange is formed over the full circumference of 360 °, so that a sharp edge of the material can not reach the mouth of the user when drinking directly from the container. This results in the part 70-5 (shown in 6g ).

The projections / ledges 35 can to the upper neck section 25 be added in another punching station. In addition, it is also possible to form such a protrusion / sill with a separate auxiliary equipment, which is a technique for embossing threads or the like used in thin-walled metal cylinders or cup-shaped parts.

In the additional pressing station VIII-N (shown in FIG 5N ) becomes the part 70-5 in a die medium 80 which recesses 81 corresponding to the desired external arrangement and positioning of the projections / ledges 35 provides, positions. In a preferred embodiment, there are three or four such recesses (as previously described) which exist on the circumference of the neck portion in the desired locations of the projection / ledge 35 can be placed. A punch 82 , which are radially extended fingers 84 which is characterized by a tapered cam 85 is guided into the part 70-5 introduced and the wall of the neck portion is imprinted in the recesses in the punch by radially outwardly directed extension of the fingers in the punch. The finger 84 have reinforced parts 86 according to the size and shape of the protrusions / ledges 35 and are at the recesses 81 customized. After the protrusions / ledges 35 have been formed so are the fingers 84 withdrawn, the press 82 and the matrix 80 are separated, and the entire neck part 70-5 will be removed. In the same station, the wing-shaped lower edge can be formed by further spiral flanging, preparatory to the flanging operation, in which the beggars end is added to the inserted can body.

Alternatively, with the use of equipment, the wing-shaped lower rim or helical arrangement may be finally formed, and the projection / ledge 35 is formed at the same time using rotation techniques. The part 70-5 is rotated by a gripper 90 picked up and around the first axis 92 , which coincide with the central line of the upper neck section 25 matches, turned. In conjunction with rotatable roller (or stirrup) tools, such as an outer anvil 94 , which is about the axes 95 rotates, and an inner matrix 96 which are about the axes 97 rotated, are brought into contact with the wall of the neck portion. The anvil and the cooperating die and their respective rotary drives are toward and away from the gripper / part axis 92 rotatable in the radial and longitudinal directions; so that these parts in relation to and on, and / or to and from this surface of the upper neck part 25 gripped part 70-5 can be moved. The rotating anvil 94 and the matrix 96 have a male / female arrangement in relation to the ledge / sims 35 which is formed on it. When the anvil and the die engage and rotate with the rotating part 70-5 , the projection / ledge is impressed in the wall of the upper neck portion.

industrial applicability

Therefore The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a Neck and hat means for a container end in front. The various presses, dies and attached equipment will connect to the successive stations Means of execution the numerous described steps to a neck remedy and a to belonging Hat means in punching and similar Producing machines in mass production disclosed.

8th illustrated the shape of the lid at 6,21 bar (90 psi) compared to an original, non-pressurized shape, the deformation due to the introduction of an external, vertical-axial load on the container due to the direct stacking of a second container or container Can on the top of another can (as in 1 ). Trials and computer models indicate that the hat or lid flattened to a lower minimum position, with a dome shape still visible in the hat. The seal 32 moves there further into the gap between the hat means 12 and the outer surface of the discharge orifice, resulting in a more tight seal.

9 showed the original shape of the hatgear 12 at 6,21 bar (90 PSI) compared to the undeformed shape of the hat. The load is applied to the center of the hat means, with the hat means tending to flatten due to pressure. Which causes deformation by outward movement in the sides of the hat means (exaggerated). This may possibly decompress the O-shaped seal ring somewhat, but even in such a decompressed state, the built-in biasing mechanism which acts between the sealant, the upper neck region on the dome and the lid functions. Therefore, a container equipped with a gasket according to the present invention will not lose tightness even if weakening of the hat means as in the situation described above (US Pat. 9 ) occurs in combination with the flattening of the hatching agent.

While the container end and the manufacturing method which this describes mainly on embodiments support this invention, However, this should be understood that this invention is not on this precise container end and methods limited is, and that deviations can be made without the To leave the core of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims (9)

A resealable container end ( 11 . 12 ) for attachment to a fluid receptacle, said end including: a throat ( 11 ) having a substantially cylindrical central upper neck portion ( 25 ) with a smaller diameter than a wing part ( 20 ) and including an outlet opening with a surrounding ring flange ( 30 . 55 ), a first set of approaches ( 35 ) with the neck piece ( 11 ) downwards facing surfaces ( 35c ), the approaches ( 35 ) outwardly to a first diameter around the upper neck portion ( 25 ) are shaped around with a closure hat element ( 12 ), a removable closure hat element ( 12 ), which covers the outlet opening and which a cover plate ( 14 ) and a hat element edge shaped to face downwardly from the cover plate (Fig. 14 ), around the upper neck portion ( 25 ), and this Hutelement edge in a substantially circular lower edge ( 13 ), a sealing element ( 32 ) within the closure hat element ( 12 ) which extends completely around the hat element edge, wherein the sealing element ( 32 ) against the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ) is pressed when the closure hat element ( 12 ) in its place on the neck piece ( 11 ), a second set of approaches ( 36 ) formed inwardly within the hatch edge, to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the first set of lugs (Fig. 35 ) under the first set of approaches ( 35 ) to snap the hat element ( 12 ) sealed in relation to the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ) of the outlet opening, characterized in that (i) the throat ( 11 ) has a lower edge, which has a wing part ( 20 ) for connection to an upper end or edge of a can body ( 15 ) of the container; (ii) the upper neck part ( 25 ) a ledge / ledge ( 31 ) includes all around and immediately under the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ), wherein the sealing element ( 32 ) against the ledge / Sims ( 31 ) and the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ge can be pressed when the closure hat element ( 12 ) in its place on the neck piece ( 11 ). The resealable container end of claim 1, wherein the first set of approaches ( 35 ) includes elongate triangular lobes, which angled lower cam surfaces ( 35c ), which with the second group of after. inward approaches ( 36 ), which are formed in a curled edge, which the lower hat element edge ( 13 ) to the sealing element ( 32 ) against the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ) and the projection / Sims ( 31 ) to press. The resealable container end according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element ( 32 ) is an elastomeric ring-like element, which within the edge of the closure cap element ( 12 ) is received, adjacent to a connection of the cover plate ( 14 ) and the edge. The resealable container end of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an outwardly directed ring flange on the lower edge ( 13 ) of the edge of the hat element ( 12 ), and the second set of approaches ( 36 ) extends inwardly from the outward annular flange. The resealable container end of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a seal composite ( 21 ), which on the underside of the wing part ( 20 ) of the neck piece ( 11 ) to be received in a rolled seam passing through the upper end or upper edge of the can body (Fig. 15 ) of the container and the wing part is formed. The reclosable container end of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of approaches ( 35 ) are substantially triangular in shape and have inclined cam surfaces ( 35c ) coming from the upper neck part ( 25 ) are directed downwards, and the sealing element ( 32 ) circular and within the edge of the hat element ( 12 ) adjacent to the cover plate ( 14 ), wherein the sealing element ( 12 ) has an inner diameter that is larger than the upper neck ring ( 30 . 55 ). The resealable container end according to claim 6, wherein the sealing element ( 32 ) is an elastomeric ring-like element, which within the edge of the hat element ( 12 ) is received, adjacent to a connection of the cover plate ( 14 ) and the edge. The resealable container end of claims 6 or 7, wherein said circular lower edge ( 13 ) of the edge of the hat element ( 12 ) has a surrounding, outwardly directed annular flange formed thereon and the second set of approaches ( 36 ) extends inwardly from the outward annular flange. A method of manufacturing a container end including a throat ( 11 ) for connection to a can body ( 15 ) and a hat element ( 12 ), which with the neck piece ( 11 ) forms a reclosable closure, comprising the steps of: forming a neck piece ( 11 ), comprising a cylindrical upper neck part ( 25 ), Forms an outward ring flange ( 30 . 55 ) on the upper neck part ( 25 ) to define an outlet opening forms a first set of approaches ( 35 ), which outwardly from the upper neck portion ( 25 protrude), to a predetermined first diameter, and forms of cam surfaces ( 35c ) on the first set of approaches ( 35 ), Forms an inverted substantially cup-shaped hat element ( 12 ), including a cover plate ( 14 ) and a rim extending from the cover plate ( 14 ) and having an edge with an outwardly directed annular flange formed thereon, forming a second set of lugs extending inwardly from the rim to a predetermined second diameter less than the diameter of the first set of lugs; Cooperating with the cam surfaces on the first set of lugs on the neck member to urge the lid plate against the surrounding ring flare on the outlet opening, forming a seal member including a ring having an inner diameter dimensioned to face outwardly placing the sealing member within the hat member so that the ring presses against the outward annular flange on the outlet opening when the lugs on the hat member are fully engaged with the lugs on the upper neck.