EP0447357B1 - Plastic closure having a snap hinge and a snap-action bending element - Google Patents

Plastic closure having a snap hinge and a snap-action bending element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0447357B1
EP0447357B1 EP91810127A EP91810127A EP0447357B1 EP 0447357 B1 EP0447357 B1 EP 0447357B1 EP 91810127 A EP91810127 A EP 91810127A EP 91810127 A EP91810127 A EP 91810127A EP 0447357 B1 EP0447357 B1 EP 0447357B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bending element
snap
cap
closure
plastic closure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91810127A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0447357A2 (en
EP0447357A3 (en
Inventor
Werner Fritz Dubach
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Medisize Schweiz AG
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Createchnic AG
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0809Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions
    • B65D47/0814Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions by at least three hinge sections, at least one having a length different from the others

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a plastic closure with a snap hinge with the features in the preamble of claim 1.
  • Plastic snap hinges can be roughly classified into two types, namely those in which the snap action is achieved by a tension element or those in which this is done by a resilient bending element.
  • the present invention relates to a plastic snap hinge of the second type according to the preamble of the independent claim.
  • US-A-4'414'705 (Ostrowsky) has a closure with a hinge with snap action.
  • the hinge axis is also far outside the actual lock.
  • the snap effect is created by a toggle-like bending element in connection with the hinge.
  • the snap opening angle is large, but is bought with an oversized arm on the lower part of the closure for articulating the bending element.
  • resilient bending elements which have a U-shaped or L-shaped shape.
  • the dimensioning of the bending elements is essentially dependent on the spring travel and the spring force that are desired.
  • the known bending elements could not be used.
  • the leg extending into the cover surface of the cap cannot be made long enough because it would otherwise be in the sealing area of the pouring opening reaches in.
  • U-shaped bending element this cannot be made large enough because the small cap height does not offer enough space to accommodate the bending element.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide a plastic closure with a snap hinge, which enables a good snap action even when using a relatively flat cover with a minimal size.
  • FIGS. 1-5 show a plastic closure which is suitable for a plastic container 30 which only has a small outlet opening 31.
  • Such containers are used in particular for cosmetics that are applied directly to the skin, such as sun creams or body lotions. This means that the cap 2 of the closure can be pivoted open at least approximately 180 ° with respect to its closed position.
  • the closure consists of a lower part 1 and a cap 2 which are pivotally connected to one another via two film hinges 3 arranged on a straight line, the film hinges being arranged within the cross section of the lower part or the upper part.
  • the film hinges can also be located directly on the circumference of the lower or upper part, as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • a bending element 4 which generates the spring force required for the snap action.
  • the lower part 1 consists only of an annular, vertical side wall 10, which has only a tapered collar 11. Even in the closed state, a gap 12 remains between the cap 2 and the lower part 1. This is necessary in order to be able to inject the closure in the closed state.
  • the collar 11 of the lower part 1 is pulled down, so as to form a recessed grip 13, which allows the cap 2 to be pushed upwards with the thumb up to the unstable equilibrium position, whereupon the cap in the fully open position, as shown in Figure 4, snaps.
  • the sealing of the cap 2 with the pouring opening 31 of the container 30 takes place by means of a sealing pin 21 molded onto the underside of the cover surface 20.
  • This can be provided with one or more circular sealing rings 22 to increase the sealing and in particular the locking force.
  • the cover surface 20 is shaped concavely from above for optical reasons, but also to increase the rigidity.
  • a plurality of support cams 23 can be attached to the underside of the cover surface 20. These are in assembled State 1 of the closure and closed position of the cap 2 on the container 30.
  • the bending element 4 can also be removed from the mold when the closure is closed.
  • cross section it has the shape of a U and an adjoining L. which is upside down.
  • the recess 40 of the U-shaped part runs exactly in the direction of extension of the tool.
  • the bending element 4 is connected to the cap 2 or the lower part 1 via two joints 41 and 42.
  • the hinge 41 which forms the connection between the side wall 10 and the bending element 4, lies approximately at the level of the upper edge of the container 30 on which the closure is mounted.
  • the hinge 42 connects the cap 2 to the bending element 4.
  • the two joints 41 and 42 are each equidistant from the fixed film hinge 3.
  • the minimum distance between the two joints 41 and 42 is a ⁇ ⁇ 2 if the distance from each joint 41, 42 to the film hinge 3 is equal to a.
  • the maximum distance between the two joints 41 and 41 is reached and is exactly 2 a. This is the case when both joints 41, 42 are vertically one above the other.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the invention using a second closure.
  • This closure has essentially the same features as the closure previously described and shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.
  • This closure is suitable for a container 30 '(only dotted) with a further container neck 32.
  • the lower part 1 must be designed so that it can grip around the container neck 32.
  • the side wall 10 'of the lower part 1 which bears against the container 30' is provided with a cover surface 14 which has a vertically downwardly directed annular wall 15 which sealingly engages around the container neck 32 of the container 30 '.
  • a spout 16 is formed in the top surface 14 of the lower part 1 within the area delimited by the annular wall 15.

Abstract

Two parts (1, 2) are joined together, on the one hand, via a single-part or multi-part main hinge (3) and, on the other hand, via a snap-action bending element (4). The bending element (4), in turn, is linked via film hinges (41) to the part (1) and via a film hinge (42) to a second part (2). The bending element has a multi-folded shape which is such that there is always a straight line which penetrates the resilient bending element at at least three different points. The construction allows plastic closures to be designed with a flat cap (2) with an extremely large opening angle and a strong snap action. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Kunststoff verschluss mit Schnappscharnier mit den Merkmalen im Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a plastic closure with a snap hinge with the features in the preamble of claim 1.

Kunststoffschnappscharniere lassen sich grob in zwei Typen klassieren, nämlich solche bei denen die Schnappwirkung durch ein Zugelement oder solche bei denen dies durch ein federndes Biegeelement erfolgt. Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Kunststoffschnappscharnier der zweitgenannten Art nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Patentanspruches.Plastic snap hinges can be roughly classified into two types, namely those in which the snap action is achieved by a tension element or those in which this is done by a resilient bending element. The present invention relates to a plastic snap hinge of the second type according to the preamble of the independent claim.

Aus der BE-A-571′119 (Löhrer) ist ein Verschluss bekannt, welcher kein eigentliches Gelenk mit Schnappwirkung zum Oeffnen und Schliessen aufweist und dabei den Deckel in zwei definierte Lagen schnappen lässt. Ein Biegeelement dient nur als scharnierartiges Gelenk.From BE-A-571'119 (Löhrer) a closure is known which does not have an actual hinge with a snap action for opening and closing and thereby snaps the lid into two defined positions. A bending element only serves as a hinge-like joint.

DE-U-87′03′760 (Schulte) zeigt einen Verschluss, dessen Schnappwirkung durch einen Kniehebel verbunden mit einem Scharnier gewährleistet ist. Die Verwendung eines Kniehebels bedingt, eine Scharnierachse, die ausserhalb des Verschlusses liegt. Je weiter sich die Scharnierachse vom Verschluss weg befindet, um so grösser ist die Schnappwirkung. Dafür wird der Schnappöffnungswinkel stark eingeschränkt und der Deckel benötigt eine relativ grosse Bauhöhe.DE-U-87'03'760 (Schulte) shows a closure, the snap action of which is guaranteed by a toggle lever connected to a hinge. The use of a toggle lever requires a hinge axis that lies outside the lock. The farther the hinge axis is from the lock away, the greater the snap effect. For this, the snap opening angle is severely restricted and the lid requires a relatively large overall height.

US-A-4′414′705 (Ostrowsky) weist einen Verschluss vor, mit einem Gelenk mit Schnappwirkung. Die Scharnierachse liegt ebenfalls weit ausserhalb dem eigentlichen Verschlusses. Der Schnappeffekt wird durch ein kniehebelähnliches Biegeelement in Verbindung mit dem Scharnier erzeugt. Der Schnappöffnungswinkel ist gross, wird aber mit einem übergrossen Ausleger am Verschlussunterteil zur Anlenkung des Biegeelementes erkauft.US-A-4'414'705 (Ostrowsky) has a closure with a hinge with snap action. The hinge axis is also far outside the actual lock. The snap effect is created by a toggle-like bending element in connection with the hinge. The snap opening angle is large, but is bought with an oversized arm on the lower part of the closure for articulating the bending element.

Bekannt sind insbesondere federnde Biegeelemente, die eine U- oder L-förmige Gestalt haben. Die Dimensionierung der Biegeelemente ist im wesentlichen von Federweg und von der Federkraft die gewünscht werden, abhängig. Dem stehen aber andere Randbedingungen gegenüber, die die Geometrie eines Kunststoffschnappscharnieres stark beeinflussen, insbesondere bei der Anwendung an Kunststoffverschlüssen. Insbesondere bei Verschlüssen mit einer relativ grossen Ausgussöffnung und einem relativ flachen Deckel, liessen sich die bekannten Biegeelemente nicht einsetzen. Bei einem L-förmigen Biegeelement kann der in die Deckfläche der Kappe sich erstreckende Schenkel nicht genügend lang ausgebildet werden, weil er sonst in den Dichtbereich der Ausgussöffnung hineingreift. Bei einem U-förmigen Biegeelement kann dieses nicht genügend gross gestaltet werden, weil die geringe Kappenhöhe zu wenig Platz bietet, um darin das Biegeelement aufzunehmen.In particular, resilient bending elements are known which have a U-shaped or L-shaped shape. The dimensioning of the bending elements is essentially dependent on the spring travel and the spring force that are desired. However, there are other boundary conditions that strongly influence the geometry of a plastic snap hinge, especially when used on plastic fasteners. In particular with closures with a relatively large pouring opening and a relatively flat lid, the known bending elements could not be used. In the case of an L-shaped bending element, the leg extending into the cover surface of the cap cannot be made long enough because it would otherwise be in the sealing area of the pouring opening reaches in. In the case of a U-shaped bending element, this cannot be made large enough because the small cap height does not offer enough space to accommodate the bending element.

Die vorliegende Erfindung stellt sich zur Aufgabe, ein Kunststoffverschluss mit Schnappscharnier zu schaffen, welches auch bei Verwendung eines relativ flachen Deckels mit minimaler Baugrösse eine gute Schnappwirkung ermöglicht.The present invention has for its object to provide a plastic closure with a snap hinge, which enables a good snap action even when using a relatively flat cover with a minimal size.

Diese Aufgabe löst ein Kunststoffschnappscharnier, welches die Merkmale des Patentanspruches 1 aufweist. Weitere erfindungsgemässe Ausführungsformen gehen aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen hervor und deren Bedeutung ist in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung erläutert.This object is achieved by a plastic snap hinge, which has the features of claim 1. Further embodiments according to the invention emerge from the dependent claims and their meaning is explained in the description below.

In der Zeichnung sind zwei beispielsweise Ausführungsformen gezeigt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung erläutert.
Es zeigt:

Figur 1
eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Kunststoffverschlusses mit dem erfindungsgemässen Schnappscharnier;
Figur 2
einen durch das Biegeelement gelegten Längsschnitt des Verschlusses nach Figur 1 in geschlossenem Zustand;
Figur 3
in halbgeöffnetem Zustand und
Figur 4
in vollständig geöffnetem Zustand;
Figur 5
einen Schnitt durch den auf einen Behälter aufgesetzten Veschluss gemäss Figur 1 quer zu den vorher gezeigten Schnittebenen;
Figur 6
einen Querschnitt durch eine Variante des Kunststoffverschlusses mit einem anders gelagerten Biegeelement in der geschlossenen und
Figur 7
in der vollständig geöffneten Stellung.
Two exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawing and explained in the description below.
It shows:
Figure 1
a perspective view of a plastic closure with the snap hinge according to the invention;
Figure 2
a longitudinal section through the bending element of the closure of Figure 1 in the closed state;
Figure 3
in half open condition and
Figure 4
in fully opened condition;
Figure 5
a section through the closure placed on a container according to Figure 1 transverse to the cutting planes previously shown;
Figure 6
a cross section through a variant of the plastic closure with a differently positioned bending element in the closed and
Figure 7
in the fully open position.

In den Figuren 1-5 ist ein Kunststoffverschluss dargestellt, der für einen Kunststoffbehälter 30 geeignet ist, der lediglich eine kleine Austrittsöffnung 31 hat. Solche Behälter werden insbesondere für Kosmetika verwendet, die direkt auf die Haut appliziert werden, wie beispielsweise Sonnencremen oder Körperlotionen. Dies bedingt, dass die Kappe 2 des Verschlusses sich gegenüber seiner Schliesslage um mindestens annähernd 180° aufschwenken lässt.FIGS. 1-5 show a plastic closure which is suitable for a plastic container 30 which only has a small outlet opening 31. Such containers are used in particular for cosmetics that are applied directly to the skin, such as sun creams or body lotions. This means that the cap 2 of the closure can be pivoted open at least approximately 180 ° with respect to its closed position.

Der Verschluss besteht aus einem Unterteil 1 und einer Kappe 2, die über zwei auf einer Geraden angeordneten Filmscharniere 3 miteinander schwenkbar verbunden sind, wobei die Filmscharniere innerhalb des Querschnittes des Unterteiles oder des Oberteiles angeordnet sind. In einer besonderen Ausführungsform können die Filmscharniere sich auch direkt auf dem Umfang des Unter- oder Oberteiles befinden wie in den Figuren 6 und 7 ersichtlich. Zwischen den beiden Filmscharnieren 3 liegt ein Biegeelement 4, welches die für die Schnappwirkung erforderliche Federkraft erzeugt.The closure consists of a lower part 1 and a cap 2 which are pivotally connected to one another via two film hinges 3 arranged on a straight line, the film hinges being arranged within the cross section of the lower part or the upper part. In a special embodiment, the film hinges can also be located directly on the circumference of the lower or upper part, as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. Between the two film hinges 3 is a bending element 4, which generates the spring force required for the snap action.

Der Unterteil 1 besteht lediglich aus einer ringförmigen, vertikalen Seitenwand 10, die nur einen konisch zulaufenden Kragen 11 hat. Auch in geschlossenem Zustand verbleibt zwischen Kappe 2 und Unterteil 1 ein Spalt 12. Dieser ist erforderlich um den Verschluss in geschlossenem Zustand spritzen zu können. Im Bereich gegenüber dem Scharnier 3 ist der Kragen 11 des Unterteiles 1 heruntergezogen, um so eine Griffmulde 13 zu bilden, die es erlaubt, die Kappe 2 mit dem Daumen von unten nach oben zu stossen, bis über die labile Gleichgewichtslage, worauf die Kappe in die vollständig geöffnete Lage, wie in Figur 4 dargestellt, schnappt.The lower part 1 consists only of an annular, vertical side wall 10, which has only a tapered collar 11. Even in the closed state, a gap 12 remains between the cap 2 and the lower part 1. This is necessary in order to be able to inject the closure in the closed state. In the area opposite the hinge 3, the collar 11 of the lower part 1 is pulled down, so as to form a recessed grip 13, which allows the cap 2 to be pushed upwards with the thumb up to the unstable equilibrium position, whereupon the cap in the fully open position, as shown in Figure 4, snaps.

Die Dichtung der Kappe 2 mit Ausgussöffnung 31 des Behälters 30 erfolgt mittels eines an der Unterseite der Deckfläche 20 angespritzten Dichtzapfens 21. Dieser kann zur Erhöhung der Dichtung und insbesondere der Zuhaltekraft mit einem oder mehreren kreisförmigen Dichtringen 22 versehen sein. Die Deckfläche 20 ist hier aus optischen Gründen, aber auch zur Erhöhung der Steifigkeit von oben konkav geformt. Zur Definition der relativen Lage der Kappe 2 gegenüber dem Behälter 30 können an der Unterseite der Deckfläche 20 mehrere Stütznocken 23 angebracht sein. Diese liegen in montiertem Zustand 1 des Verschlusses und geschlossener Lage der Kappe 2 auf dem Behälter 30 auf.The sealing of the cap 2 with the pouring opening 31 of the container 30 takes place by means of a sealing pin 21 molded onto the underside of the cover surface 20. This can be provided with one or more circular sealing rings 22 to increase the sealing and in particular the locking force. The cover surface 20 is shaped concavely from above for optical reasons, but also to increase the rigidity. To define the relative position of the cap 2 relative to the container 30, a plurality of support cams 23 can be attached to the underside of the cover surface 20. These are in assembled State 1 of the closure and closed position of the cap 2 on the container 30.

Das Biegeelement 4 lässt sich bei dieser Lösung auch in geschlossenem Zustand des Veschlusses entformen. Es hat im Querschnitt die Form eines U und eines daran anschliessenden, auf dem Kopf stehenden L. Die Ausparung 40 des U-förmigen Teiles verläuft genau in der Ausfahrrichtung des Werkzeuges. Das Biegeelement 4 ist über zwei Gelenke 41 und 42 mit der Kappe 2, beziehungsweise dem Unterteil 1 verbunden. Das Gelenk 41, welches die Verbindung zwischen der Seitenwand 10 und dem Biegeelement 4 bildet, liegt etwa auf der Höhe der Oberkante des Behälters 30, auf dem der Verschluss montiert ist.
Das Gelenk 42 verbindet die Kappe 2 mit dem Biegeelement 4. Wie in der Figur 4 am deutlichsten sichtbar, sind die beiden Gelenke 41 und 42 je gleichweit vom fixen Filmscharnier 3 entfernt. Bei dieser Anordnung ist die minimale Distanz zwischen den beiden Gelenken 41 und 42 a·√2, wenn die Distanz von jedem Gelenk 41, 42 bis zum Filmscharnier 3 gleich a ist. In der labilen Gleichgewichtslage, etwa wie in Figur 3 dargestellt, ist dann die maximale Distanz zwischen den beiden Gelenken 41 und 41 erreicht und beträgt genau 2 a. Dies ist dann der Fall, wenn beide Gelenke 41, 42 vertikal übereinander liegen.
With this solution, the bending element 4 can also be removed from the mold when the closure is closed. In cross section it has the shape of a U and an adjoining L. which is upside down. The recess 40 of the U-shaped part runs exactly in the direction of extension of the tool. The bending element 4 is connected to the cap 2 or the lower part 1 via two joints 41 and 42. The hinge 41, which forms the connection between the side wall 10 and the bending element 4, lies approximately at the level of the upper edge of the container 30 on which the closure is mounted.
The hinge 42 connects the cap 2 to the bending element 4. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4, the two joints 41 and 42 are each equidistant from the fixed film hinge 3. With this arrangement, the minimum distance between the two joints 41 and 42 is a · √2 if the distance from each joint 41, 42 to the film hinge 3 is equal to a. In the unstable equilibrium position, as shown in FIG. 3, the maximum distance between the two joints 41 and 41 is reached and is exactly 2 a. This is the case when both joints 41, 42 are vertically one above the other.

In den Figuren 6 und 7 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung anhand eines zweiten Verschlusses gezeigt. Dieser hat im wesentlichen gleiche Merkmale, wie der bereits vorher beschriebene und in den Figuren 1 bis 5 dargestellte Verschluss. Dieser Verschluss ist geeignet für einen Behälter 30′ (nur punktiert eingezeichnet) mit einem weiteren Behälterhals 32. Entsprechend muss der Unterteil 1 so gestaltet sein, dass er den Behälterhals 32 umgreifen kann. Hierzu ist die an dem Behälter 30′ anliegende Seitenwand 10 des Unterteiles 1 mit einer Deckfläche 14 versehen, die eine vertikal nach unten gerichtete Ringwand 15 hat, welche den Behälterhals 32 des Behälters 30′ dichtend umgreift. Innerhalb des von der Ringwand 15 begrentzten Gebietes ist in der Deckfläche 14 des Unterteiles 1 ein Ausguss 16 geformt. Dieser wird wiederum durch einen an der Deckfläche 20 der Kappe 2 angeformten Zapfen 21 verschlossen. Die Dichtung erfolgt in diesem Fall nicht zwischen Behälter und Kappe, sondern wie bei Kunststoffverschlüssen üblich, zwischen Unterteil 1 und Kappe 2. Die am Unterteil 1 vorhandene Deckfläche 14 erlaubt selbstverständlich keine geschlossene Fertigung des Verschlusses. Dieser wird in der vollständig geöffneten Stellung, wie in Figur 7 dargestellt, gespritzt. Dies ist möglich, weil sich das Biegeelement 4 so anordnen lässt, dass sich dieses auch in der vollständig geöffneten Lage des Verschlusses entformen lässt. Die in geschlossenem Zustand des Verschlusses von aussen sichtbare Aussparung 40 liegt nun in der Seitenwand 10 des Unterteiles 1. In der vollständig geöffneten Lage des Verschlusses ist jedoch das Biegeelement 4 um das Gelenk 41 um 90° nach aussen geklappt. Nun verläuft die Aussparung 40 vertikal nach unten, und somit parallel zur Seitenwand 10 und in der Ausfahrrichtung der Spritzform.FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the invention using a second closure. This has essentially the same features as the closure previously described and shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. This closure is suitable for a container 30 '(only dotted) with a further container neck 32. Accordingly, the lower part 1 must be designed so that it can grip around the container neck 32. For this purpose, the side wall 10 'of the lower part 1 which bears against the container 30' is provided with a cover surface 14 which has a vertically downwardly directed annular wall 15 which sealingly engages around the container neck 32 of the container 30 '. A spout 16 is formed in the top surface 14 of the lower part 1 within the area delimited by the annular wall 15. This is in turn closed by a peg 21 formed on the cover surface 20 of the cap 2. In this case, the seal is not made between the container and the cap, but, as is customary in the case of plastic closures, between the lower part 1 and the cap 2. Of course, the cover surface 14 on the lower part 1 does not permit closed production of the closure. This is sprayed in the fully open position, as shown in Figure 7. This is possible because the bending element 4 can be arranged in such a way that it can also be removed from the mold in the fully opened position of the closure. The recess 40, which is visible from the outside when the closure is closed now lies in the side wall 10 of the lower part 1. In the fully open position of the closure, however, the bending element 4 is folded outward about the hinge 41 by 90 °. The recess 40 now runs vertically downward, and thus parallel to the side wall 10 and in the extension direction of the injection mold.

Auch bei dieser Ausführung ist die gleiche Geometrie des Biegeelementes verwendet worden. Obwohl hier nur eine generelle Form, und sicherlich die am häufigsten verwendete dargestellt ist, lässt sich der Gedanke der Erfindung genereller fassen, es ist selbstverständlich klar, dass die Teilabschnitte 4′, 4˝, 4′′′ des Biegeelementes nicht unbedingt parallel verlaufen müssen. Dies heisst, statt eines U-förmigen Teiles kann ein V-förmiger Teil vorhanden sein. Auch lassen sich die hier gerade verlaufenden Teilabschnitte auch gewölbt gestalten. Prinzipiel gilt nur, dass das Biegeelement 4 harmonikaartig gestaltet sein soll, so dass es immer gelingt eine Gerade hindurchzulegen, die das Biegeelement an drei verschiedenen Stellen durchstösst. Nur Biegeelemente, die diese geometrische Definition erfüllen, sichern eine harmonikaartige Gestalt, die auf kleinem Raum grosse Dehnungen ermöglicht und eine hohe Kraft für die Schnappwirkung sicherstellt.The same geometry of the bending element has also been used in this embodiment. Although only a general form, and certainly the most frequently used is shown here, the idea of the invention can be summarized more generally, it is of course clear that the sections 4 ', 4˝, 4' '' of the bending element do not necessarily have to run parallel . This means that instead of a U-shaped part, a V-shaped part can be present. The sections running straight here can also be designed curved. In principle, it only applies that the bending element 4 should be designed like a harmonica, so that it is always possible to pass a straight line through it, which pierces the bending element at three different points. Only bending elements that meet this geometrical definition ensure a harmonica-like shape that allows large expansions in a small space and ensures a high force for the snap action.

Claims (8)

  1. Plastic closure with a snap hinge comprising a base (1) and a cap (2), which are interconnected by means of at least one first film hinge (3) and a bending element (4) producing the snap action and which is connected to the base (1) and the cap (2) by means of in each case one further film hinge, characterized in that
    a) the first film hinge (3) is located on the circumference or within the cross-section of the base (1) or the cap (2) and
    b) the bending element (4) is provided between the two further film hinges with at least three partial areas, through which can be placed at least one straight line, which passes through the three partial areas.
  2. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending element (4) is formed from several L, U or V-shaped partial areas and leads to an accordion-like extension movement.
  3. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending element (4) is fitted to the top surface (20) of the cap (2) and a side wall (10) of the base (1).
  4. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that the bending element (4) has a S-shaped cross-sectional surface.
  5. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cap (2) sealingly closes a pouring opening (31) of the container (30) in the closed state.
  6. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cap (2) sealingly closes a pouring opening (16) in the actual closure in the closed state.
  7. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a recess (40) in the S-shaped bending element (4), which in the closed state of the closure is visible from the outside, appears as a recess in the top surface (20) of the cap (2).
  8. Plastic closure with a snap hinge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the recess (40) visible from the outside appears in the circumferential surface (10) of the base (1).
EP91810127A 1990-03-12 1991-02-26 Plastic closure having a snap hinge and a snap-action bending element Expired - Lifetime EP0447357B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH785/90A CH680430A5 (en) 1990-03-12 1990-03-12
CH785/90 1990-03-12

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0447357A2 EP0447357A2 (en) 1991-09-18
EP0447357A3 EP0447357A3 (en) 1992-03-11
EP0447357B1 true EP0447357B1 (en) 1994-07-27

Family

ID=4195133

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91810127A Expired - Lifetime EP0447357B1 (en) 1990-03-12 1991-02-26 Plastic closure having a snap hinge and a snap-action bending element

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0447357B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3048662B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE109099T1 (en)
AU (1) AU636963B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2037496C (en)
CH (1) CH680430A5 (en)
DE (1) DE59102305D1 (en)
HU (1) HUT56783A (en)
ZA (1) ZA911675B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018046472A1 (en) 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 L'oreal Closure cap

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH683253A5 (en) * 1990-12-13 1994-02-15 Feichtinger Ernst Expan Closure.
CH683092A5 (en) * 1991-02-12 1994-01-14 Createchnic Ag Plastic snap hinge closure.
EP0555624B1 (en) * 1992-02-10 1995-06-28 "EXPAN" Dipl. Kfm. Ing. Ernst Feichtinger-Chemische Fabrik und Plastikwerk Closure with a snap hinge
CH687253A5 (en) * 1993-03-30 1996-10-31 Createchnic Ag Plastic closure.
US6152320A (en) 1998-06-08 2000-11-28 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Closure with articulated lid
FR2802182A1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-15 Crown Cork & Seal Tech Corp Stopper for drinks bottle has pouring spout and hinged cap which fits over it, with first hinge attached to stopper and second hinge attached to cap which has two surfaces which abut when hinge is open
US6578744B2 (en) 2001-03-22 2003-06-17 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Watertight tube closure
DE102014107828B4 (en) 2014-06-04 2024-04-11 Albrecht Jung Gmbh & Co. Kg Hinged lid

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE571119A (en) *
DE1759430A1 (en) * 1968-04-30 1972-03-09 Lenox Werk Emil Liebke & Co One-piece hinge-like joint made of plastic
US4414705A (en) * 1981-07-17 1983-11-15 Ethyl Products Company Overcenter hinge
DE8703760U1 (en) * 1987-03-13 1988-07-14 Schulte, Wolfgang, 5880 Luedenscheid, De
US5199618A (en) * 1989-12-02 1993-04-06 Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A. Pouring device for container for flowable material

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018046472A1 (en) 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 L'oreal Closure cap

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU636963B2 (en) 1993-05-13
EP0447357A2 (en) 1991-09-18
EP0447357A3 (en) 1992-03-11
HUT56783A (en) 1991-10-28
AU7274091A (en) 1991-09-12
JP3048662B2 (en) 2000-06-05
DE59102305D1 (en) 1994-09-01
CA2037496A1 (en) 1991-09-13
JPH05118176A (en) 1993-05-14
HU910760D0 (en) 1991-09-30
ZA911675B (en) 1991-12-24
ATE109099T1 (en) 1994-08-15
CH680430A5 (en) 1992-08-31
CA2037496C (en) 2000-08-29

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