EP0641724A1 - Device for closing containers and container - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for closing containers, in particular cans, is described, having a nozzle-shaped neck (1) which is or can be fixed on the container and is provided at its upper end with an external screw thread (2), and having a lid (3) which can be screwed onto the screw thread, the neck (1) and lid (3) having one or more interlocking devices (4, 5) which engage releasably in one another. The interlocking devices (4, 5) on the neck (1) and the lid (3) are formed in each case below the screw thread (2) in the direction towards the container, the interlocking devices (4, 5) on the lid (3) being designed to be rigid and on the neck (1) being designed to be elastically reversibly deformable, and the interlocking devices (4) on the neck (1) having such a longitudinal extent in the direction towards the container that they protrude beyond the lid (3) when said lid has been fitted on, thus resulting in pressure points (D) which allow the interlocking devices (4, 5) to be disengaged. The containers having the device are also described. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for closing containers or vessels, such as cans or canisters, which can be referred to as "childproof". It also relates to the container which contains the closure device at the emptying opening.

Childproof closures are known for various vessels. These are, for example, closures for plastic containers in which liquid or solid products customary in the household, e.g. Detergents. It is necessary that these closures are easy to open, but are not easily opened for children due to higher mechanical requirements. This is achieved, for example, in that the closure is supposed to break at certain previously prepared locations. After opening for the first time, the vessel can only be closed as usual. Child safety is no longer guaranteed afterwards.

Childproof closures for liquids are also designed so that a lid made of hard plastics is applied to a screw thread of the vessel to be closed. This can e.g. consist of two interlocking parts, the inner part carrying the closure thread and can be connected to the outer part via a groove. The outer cover part only engages in the groove when it is pressed onto the inner cover part. Only in this case can the lock be opened by turning it.

Closures are also known in which the vessel to be closed carries a thread at the opening. Two recesses are formed below this thread. A cover made of soft, flexible material is screwed onto these threads. This lid contains two downward projections that can engage in the recesses. It is only possible to open the closure cover if certain areas of the soft cover are deformed by lateral pressure so that it forms an oval shape. This removes the downward-facing extensions of the cover from the recesses on the thread and the cover can be opened by turning it.

For closures of containers for environmentally hazardous liquids there is also the requirement that the transport containers must be completely emptied. The closure must be attached to the container in such a way that there are no vascular zones that do not allow the liquid to drain out. In addition, easy pouring out of the containers must be possible.

Closures must secure the substances contained in the container to be sealed against leakage. Usually they only have to withstand the loads on the container or the closure which are common in the household or during transport. However, they must also be tightly sealed at the transition from the closure to the metal container.

All of the childproof closures mentioned above have the disadvantage that they do not meet the requirements for secure transport packaging. In particular through the necessary material selection, e.g. hard brittle lid materials or particularly soft closure lids, secure closure is not ensured. In addition, the various options for snapping into place when closing are still too prone to failure or too complicated.

German utility model application G 92 06 318.7 describes a device for closing a container, which consists of a neck-shaped neck with a screw-on cover, the neck and cover having detachably interlocking teeth. In order to be able to loosen the teeth, the neck-shaped neck must have a flexible zone.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for closing a vessel, in particular a vessel containing liquid, which prevents undesired leakage of the vessel during transport and improper handling, makes the vessels easy and complete to empty, but at the same time in the form of a container child-resistant closure is formed, which even with repeated use still meets these requirements and allows a simplified, largely independent of the material of the entire device construction.

This object is achieved by a device for closing a container with a nozzle-shaped neck attached or attachable to the container, which is provided at its upper end with a screw thread and has a screw-on lid, the neck and lid releasably interlocking one or more radially have trained locking devices. This device is characterized in that the locking devices on the neck and on the lid are each formed below the screw thread in the direction of the container, the locking device on the lid being rigid and elastically reversibly deformable on the neck and the locking devices on the neck in the direction of the container have such a length dimension that they protrude beyond the cover when this is in place, which results in pressure points which enable the locking devices to be released.

The neck-shaped neck has one or more locking elements below the screw thread in the direction of the container. These locking elements can be present as deformable teeth or in the form of obliquely arranged deformable lips. It can be, for example, a toothing with at least one tooth, preferably toothings made of at least one tooth are formed on two opposite sides of the neck. If necessary, two or more teeth can also be present together, but they must be able to be deflected from their position at the same time. The teeth or lips have a sloping flank on one side, the sloping flank is arranged so that the locking device (for example the toothing) of the cover slips over this slope when the cover is screwed on. The other side of the teeth or lips can either be perpendicular or steep to the neck or it has an undercut, ie there is a cavity between the nozzle wall and the tooth or lip. According to the invention, the locking device is so flexible that it can be deformed by pressure, for example in a flatter shape. As a result, the locking device of the neck is disengaged from that of the lid. For example, this shortens the distance between the outer surface of the tooth or the lip and the neck, so that the toothing of the lid is no longer blocked when opening (unscrewing).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck of the device according to the invention is designed to be stabilized in such a way that the locking devices are prevented from disengaging by pressing in the neck. This stabilization can take place, for example, through one or more central webs which extend between pressure points, in particular opposite pressure points. Another possibility for stabilizing the neck is, for example, a web running around the inner wall of the neck, which enables stabilization against undesired indentation of the neck. In this way, opening of the locking device due to unwanted pressure on the neck is avoided. Unlocking of the locking devices is only possible if pressure is applied to the pressure points, i.e. directly on the elastically reversibly deformable locking devices. A central web is preferably designed so that it extends into the lower region of the reversibly deformable locking devices formed on the neck. It begins and ends preferably within the neck directly at the pressure points.

The lid (or the closure part) has an internal thread, on the lower edge of which, for example, a toothed cross is formed as a locking device, the teeth of which are shaped so that they are in the Screwing the lid into the teeth of the neck can engage. If necessary, the ring gear can also not be continuous, ie be interrupted, and consist of one or more teeth.

The closure is closed by twisting the threads into one another, the locking devices (for example teeth or lips) of the cover sliding easily over the oblique flanks of the elastic locking devices (for example teeth and lips) of the neck-shaped neck and not further hindering the closing process. The teeth or lips on the neck-shaped neck are designed so that they extend so far down in length that they protrude far below the lid part after the lid has been put on and closed, so that pressure can be exerted on them. To open the lower part of the locking elements of the neck-shaped neck can be compressed. The elastic, flexible locking devices are also pressed inwards in their upper part, overlapped by the cover, from the toothed ring of the cover.

This enables the thread to be loosened by turning. After the end of printing, the elastic teeth straighten up again to their original shape. This makes it possible to open and close several times without damaging the locking device.

The neck, as well as the lower part of the neck of the closure device is made of any material. It can be rigid or elastic, since as such it does not have to contribute to the closing and opening of the closure device. According to a preferred embodiment, it can be designed to be folded into one another in a bellows-like manner and can be pulled out again. If it is designed as a bellows, it can be in a folded form, for example during transport, and can be made longer by pulling it out. It is advantageous if the neck or its lower part is made of elastic material, so that part of the deformation energy can be absorbed in the event of intermittent mechanical loading. Unwanted unlocking of the locking devices can be avoided by the preferred embodiment of the invention stabilizing the neck. This stabilization takes place, for example, in the form of a central web extending between the pressure points across the neck or a circumferential web on the inside of the neck, at least at the level of the pressure points. The material preferably becomes less flexible towards the upper opening of the neck; it forms a screw thread. The material should only allow slight deformations to ensure that the vessel is closed at all times. Even when the locking device is pressed in, the material of the neck should yield only slightly in order to achieve a slight turning of the cover in the thread. Also, the part of the neck lying under the elastically bellows-shaped zone should be made of a less flexible or rigid material and is designed so that the lower opening of the neck is suitable for connection or attachment to the container, so that a secure hold and closure of the container is given. This part of the neck is preferably also elastic in order to withstand loads in the event of a fall without being damaged.

The attachment can be achieved, for example, by means of a cuff-shaped design which engages in the opening of the container. A preferred embodiment is designed so that it reaches from above over the (for example bent) container edge. It is advantageous if the attachment reaches around the edge of the container in order to achieve a solvent-tight seal. If necessary, the connection can also be fastened with a locking ring. The cuff preferably does not have a continuous ring pointing into the interior of the container. A device shaped in this way is particularly suitable for completely emptying the containers.

At the lower end of the thread on the neck of the device, locking devices, for example toothing, are preferably formed on two opposite sides of the neck. The locking devices, such as gears, can be directly on the neck or on stabilizing Projections may be formed, these projections having up to three, preferably two or one tooth or lip. These teeth or lips face outwards. They are so pronounced that one tooth flank is chamfered, the other prefers to undercut the tooth. The beveled side of the teeth is arranged in the same direction in the direction of rotation, the direction of rotation relating to the closing of the cover.

It is possible that the threaded lower part of the neck has a further sealing cap that can only be used once. This is preferably arranged in the upper third of the thread height. It can, for example, be formed as a continuous layer produced together with the neck. This is e.g. on the edge thinner, so that tearing can take place according to the course of the thread. It is preferred that the closure lid is cup-shaped. It is also possible to subsequently apply a sealing film to the upper edge of the thread. In order to make removal easier, it is advantageous to provide this part, which additionally closes the neck, with a grip piece, which permits easier tearing open. This additional device can also be used as a control for the original closed state of the vessel.

The cover which can be screwed onto the neck of the device according to the invention has an internal thread. This thread matches the threaded part of the neck. It results in a tight seal when screwed together. Furthermore, this cover contains a locking device, for example a ring gear, on the lower side below the thread. This is directed inwards to engage in the outwardly facing teeth of the lower closure part. The teeth have a steep tooth flank and preferably another beveled tooth flank. If necessary, these teeth can also have an undercut shape. These are arranged in opposite directions to the direction of rotation when closing. The teeth can be permanently attached to the wall, but it is preferred that the teeth lie on the lower edge of the cover and are separated from one another by vertical cutouts.

The lid of the closure according to the invention consists of hard materials. They should not be deformed by the pressure required to absorb the rotary movement. Furthermore, they have such an elasticity that they do not break or are significantly deformed by possible shock-like mechanical loads. The neck is preferably formed in the thread area from such material that mechanical deformation does not lead to the screw cap becoming leaky. The material should be flexible in any bellows area. This can be done either through the selection of the material used or it is possible to influence the flexibility and hardness by varying the wall thickness.

When closing, the screw thread parts of the neck and lid interlock. They ensure that the container is locked securely. The beveled tooth flanks of the lid and neck slide slightly over each other due to the screwing movement. No increased effort is required. An opening of the closure is prevented by the vertical or undercut tooth flanks interlocking when the rotating device is reversed. This means that unintentional opening by turning is not possible. If the lower extension of the teeth is pressed, preferably on the two opposite sides on which the teeth are formed on the neck of the closure device, these deform due to the elasticity of the material. The teeth located there are pressed inwards out of the teeth of the cover. This means that the lock can be opened by turning it in the opposite direction. Since the material of the teeth is elastic, this process can be repeated without the tightness and security of the rigid lid material suffering.

If the lower part of the neck is pronounced as a bellows, there is a high degree of elasticity. This ensures a high level of safety against breakage even when the closure of the container is subjected to mechanical loads, for example due to a fall or impact. This makes it possible to meet the requirements for transport security. The upper part of the neck under the thread is preferably not flexible in order to prevent the lid from jamming and jamming when screwing on.

The preferred design of the neck as a bellows ensures that the vessels are well poured out. If the bellows is pulled out into the extended state, it is easy to empty the liquid from the vessels.

The bellows is preferably designed such that when the bellows is in the inserted state, the screwed-on lid is raised only slightly above the lid part of the container. As a result, it is not possible to press on the lower part of the blocked access. The lid cannot be unlocked and the container cannot be opened.

The device according to the invention for closing containers is particularly suitable for closing containers for dangerous liquids. The chemical resistance can be ensured by the choice of the material. With this device for closing containers, it is possible to meet the existing standards and requirements with regard to transport and use safety. This closure prevents the lid from tilting on the thread.

In the accompanying figures, preferred embodiments of the closure device according to the invention are explained using examples.

Fig. 1 shows a neck-shaped neck (1) which is provided at its upper end with a screw thread (2). A screw cap (3) is placed on this. Below the screw thread, the neck has outward-facing locking devices (4) on the opposite sides in the form of toothings which consist of laterally beveled elastic, pushable and reversibly resettable teeth. The latter can engage in the ring gear of the screw cap with teeth (5) facing inwards. The part of the neck lying under the screw thread can be formed from a uniformly rigid or flexible material. According to a preferred embodiment, it is less flexible in its upper zone (6) and elastically flexible in its zone (7) below. In the upper part of the zone (6) is the extension of the toothing. The lower part of the elastic zone is designed as a bellows (7) and the neck (1) has a fastening device (8), which is shown as a sleeve in the present embodiment. This can, for example, be inserted into a corresponding circular opening in the container and securely attached to it. In Fig. 1 the upper end of the neck is provided with a tamper-evident closure (9) which can be removed in the first application.

Fig. 2 corresponds to Fig. 1, however, the bellows (7) is shown in a folded form. It is also shown how the sleeve (8) is equipped with recesses that can engage in the edge of the container.

Fig. 3 shows an example of the closure according to the invention, in which the bellows (7) is shown in an extended form. The toothing (4) of the neck is in the form of projections (4) shown on two opposite sides (only one of these projections is shown in the figure). Each protrusion has two teeth that face outwards. These engage in the toothing (5) of the cover (screw cap) with teeth pointing inwards. The row of teeth has individual teeth that are separated from one another. In the direction of rotation (11), the cover, which is designed as a screw cap, can easily be screwed onto the neck. To unscrew it must be unlocked by pressing in the elastic teeth and the possibly elastic projection (4) underneath the cover part. The inner edge is interrupted in sections.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the neck with elastic teeth with a steep flank.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a neck with two strongly undercut teeth (lips) on opposite sides. The pressure points for the unlocking (represented by D) therefore lie directly on the tooth.

Fig. 6 shows a cross section through a closure with a secure attachment of the closure neck (7) via a sleeve (8) on the edge of the vessel (10).

Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 2, however, the embodiment of the invention is shown, in which extends between the pressure points (D), a central web (12) which stabilizes the neck against a push-in, which could cause unwanted unlocking of the locking device .

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the neck of Fig. 7 along the section DD with the stabilizing central web (12).

Fig. 9 also corresponds to Fig. 2, here the embodiment of the invention is shown with a reinforcement of the neck in the form of a web (13) running around the inner wall of the neck. This circumferential reinforcing web (13) also stabilizes the neck against being pressed in, which could lead to unintentional unlocking of the locking device.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the neck of FIG. 9 along the section line DD. The reinforcing web (13) running around the inner wall of the neck is also shown here.

Claims (14)

Device for closing a container with a nozzle-shaped neck (1) attached or attachable to the container, which is provided at its upper end with an external screw thread (2), and with a screw-on screw (2) cover (3), wherein Neck (1) and lid (3) have one or more detachably interlocking locking devices (4,5), characterized in that the locking devices (4,5) on the neck (1) and lid (3) each below the screw thread in the direction of the container are formed, the locking devices (4, 5) on the lid (3) being rigid and elastically reversibly deformable on the neck (1) and the locking devices (4) on the neck (1) in the direction of the container having such a length extension that they protrude beyond this when the cover (3) is in place, resulting in pressure points (D) which allow the locking devices (4, 5) to be released. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck (1) is designed to be stabilized in such a way that the locking devices (4) are prevented from disengaging by pressing in the neck (1). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the neck (1) is stabilized by one or more central webs (12) which extend between the pressure points (D). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the neck (1) is stabilized by a web (13) running around the inner wall of the neck (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking devices on the cover and neck-shaped neck consist of teeth with one or more teeth or lips, at least the teeth on the neck being chamfered on one surface in such a way that the teeth when put on and closed of the lid can slide freely over these inclined surfaces. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the teeth of the neck are designed so that their side facing the opening-rotating direction of the cover is perpendicular or steep to the neck or has an undercut towards the neck. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the neck-shaped neck is formed at least in part below the screw thread from elastically reversible material. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the neck-shaped neck in its lower part (7) is formed like a bellows and can be pulled out again. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (4) of the neck (1) is formed on two opposite sides of the neck (1), each side having at least one tooth. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toothing of the screw-on cover (3) is designed as a toothed ring with teeth directed inwards below the screw thread. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the teeth on the cover are separated from one another by cuts. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the neck (1) has at its lower end devices (8) for secure attachment to the opening of a container. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the tamper-evident zipper (9) is present. Container for holding liquids, characterized in that it has a closure device according to one of Claims 1 to 13 at the emptying opening.

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