EP1266838A1 - Plastic closing cap with a separable safety seal and inner seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The cap (2) has an elongated guarantee strip (5,6) with a funnel- or bell-shaped extension on the free end. The elongated inner seal (7) has a funnel-shaped outer surface (8). The one-part cap consists of polyethylene, and the functional strength of this material is chosen, so that the guarantee strip extension sits on the holding collar of the container without engaging under it. The funnel-shaped seal surface is pressed elastically against the bottle neck. The bottle is a PET or PEN bottle.

Description

In the prior art, caps are made of plastic for closing containers, especially of bottles, widely used. Many embodiments of caps have a so-called guarantee tape, which is detachable and when opening the bottle from the cap is torn off. As long as the guarantee tape is in undamaged condition small webs is connected to the actual cap, this shows the original condition of the bottle contents. It is thus guaranteed that the Cap in the original condition attached to the bottle neck, preferably screwed on, is.

For this purpose, the guarantee tape comes under after filling and closing the Container a bulge or projection on the bottle neck. When the cap is opened , the connecting webs between the side wall tear due to the tensile and shear forces the cap and the guarantee tape. The guarantee band remains on the bottle neck, and the cap can be completely unscrewed.

The most common plastic material for the body of the closure cap is currently Polypropylene (PP) used. The plastic PP is relatively hard, so that the function of the guarantee band is guaranteed. The PP sealing cap is almost impossible with the help of a tool without visibly damaging them.

Because the sorting plants of the filling systems without a change only a uniform one Range of cap heights, the height is a uniform 20 mm. The guarantee tape made of PP sits firmly on the bottle neck and tears Attempts to open immediately.

Below the bulge or protrusion, which is underneath the detachable guarantee band there is a collar on the bottle neck. On this collar, the Bottle is usually hung up while it is being filled and then sealed. These are in particular bottles made of the plastic material PET or PEN. The guarantee band of the closure cap ends with the one mentioned here, in the state of Technically usual PP embodiment about 2 mm above the retaining collar on Bottleneck.

The known cap has the disadvantage that it must be carried out in two parts. The polypropylene material would be too hard for the sealing lips that cover the space between the Seal the bottle neck and the cap. This is particularly critical with PET bottles, which may have larger bumps or deformations than glass bottles. For example, the softer seal is made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), i.e. two different injection molding processes are necessary and a subsequent one Assemble the two-part cap.

To avoid this disadvantage, one-piece caps are already made of polyethylene been proposed. This material is softer than the common polypropylene, and can therefore ensure the sealing function by designing the sealing system ensure if the cap is in one piece by a single injection molding process will be produced.

On the other hand, due to the soft PE material, there is a risk that the guarantee tape in can be manipulatively resolved and an integrity can be feigned. The one-piece Plastic cap made of PE has therefore up to guarantee reasons cannot enforce now.

For these reasons, there is a need for a one-piece plastic cap, whose guarantee function offers more security than before.

From US-PS 4 592 476 is a plastic cap according to the preamble of Claim 1 known, in which the detachable guarantee band in the direction of the central axis the cap is extended. According to the US PS, the guarantee band extends to Retaining collar of the container when the cap on the opening of the container sits and the guarantee tape grips under the bead or projection on the bottle neck.

From the European patent application EP 536 082 a closure cap is known which in Injection molding process is made in one piece with a guarantee tape. Between the Closure cap and the guarantee band, connecting elements are provided. At the An inner seal is provided for the cap base.

From the European patent application EP 316 167 is the combination of a bottle and known a cap The bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The Cap is made of a thermoplastic resin such as Polyolephin made. The cap has an annular shoulder 10 which is on the upper and outer Of the bottle neck. The cap also has an annular Rib 13 on the inside of the shoulder 10 resiliently on the inner surface of the Bottleneck.

From the international application WO 93/24386 there is a cap for reusable PET bottles with an internally threaded cap wall, one the End wall and a cap on the cap wall subsequent guarantee band known. The front wall has one towards the open end projecting, annular inner seal spaced from the cap wall, the Outside diameter tapers in the area of the free end towards this. For gas-tight Use the closure cap is designed such that the inner seal one for Has cap facing bulge formed in the region of the free end, and that the bead encompasses the area which tapers in the outer diameter.

Finally, from international application WO 96/02430 a closure cap for releasable closure of a container is known, the one corresponding to the container Has cap body. The cap body and a seal act with the upper edge the container together to seal the container. The cap has at least one, integrally formed on the cap body on the top of the Opposite container and which cooperates with the seal when closing.

In addition to the reliable guarantee of the guarantee function and the sealing function it is desirable that no special cap be attached to such a cap Tolerance requirements are made. It is also desirable that a Cap can be produced in a few steps, i.e. malleable and from a single mold is demoldable and recyclable after use.

The problem of the invention is therefore a one-piece plastic closure, in particular to create from PE material that is filled on a filled with no special tolerance requirement Container can be placed, and at the same time the other, partially contradictory Requirements fulfilled, to be manufactured in a few steps and to be recyclable after use, as well as the guarantee function and the sealing function for the closed container to ensure equally reliable.

• einen trichter- oder glockenförmigen Fortsatz am freien Ende des verlängerten Garantiebands,
• eine trichterförmige Außenfläche an der verlängerten Innendichtung,
• und eine mittlere Gebrauchsfestigkeit des Kunststoffmaterials der einteiligen Verschlußkappe (insbesondere Festigkeit des PE-Materials) derart, daß
• der trichter- oder glockenförmige Garantieband-Fortsatz auf dem Haltekragen des gefüllten Behälters nicht untergreifbar aufsitzt, und
• die trichterförmige Innendichtungs-Außenfläche elastisch andrückbar am Behälterhals anliegt.

According to the present combination invention, the solution consists in a closure cap with an extended guarantee band and an extended inner seal, that is to say which extends beyond the edge of the container neck into the opening and is characterized by the following features in combination:

• a funnel-shaped or bell-shaped extension at the free end of the extended guarantee band,
• a funnel-shaped outer surface on the extended inner seal,
• and an average service strength of the plastic material of the one-piece closure cap (in particular strength of the PE material) such that
• the funnel-shaped or bell-shaped guarantee band extension does not sit on the holding collar of the filled container, and
• the funnel-shaped inner seal outer surface rests elastically on the container neck.

Due to the funnel-shaped extension on the guarantee band and the funnel-shaped outer surface the inner seal is the plastic closure without any special tolerance requirements put on a filled container. Due to the one-piece training Plastic closure in a few steps by injection molding and from the Injection mold demouldable. By the same feature (a single plastic material, especially polyethylene), the plastic closure is recyclable even after use. The Guarantee function for the closed container is reliably ensured that the funnel or bell-shaped extension of the guarantee band on the holding collar of the filled container does not sit underneath. The sealing function for the locked Container is thereby reliably ensured that the funnel-shaped outer surface of the The inner seal rests on the container neck in an elastically pressable manner. The plastic material of the one-piece cap has a strength in use, which is funnel-shaped extended guarantee band hard enough and at the same time for the funnel-shaped extended Inner seal is soft enough. The undercuts on the guarantee band and on the The inner seal can be removed from the injection mold as long as it is warm Plastic material has not yet reached its durability.

Further features of the invention are characterized in the subclaims. After this Claim 4, the guarantee band in the direction of the central axis of the cap longer than the usual 20 mm. In particular, a total height of 23.5 mm is for the Suitable to close the PET bottles that are currently common. The guarantee band is sufficient this length up to the retaining collar and is firmly pressed onto this. It is then not possible to lift the guarantee band with a lever. The lower end of the Guarantee bands can sit in a bell shape and then you cannot undermine what offers sufficient security even with the relatively soft PE material.

A one-piece construction of the entire closure cap is possible (claim 2). The Under these circumstances preferred material polyethylene (PE) is in claim 3 characterized.

It is important to have all the functions of the cap on the shape and material of the to tune the closing container. In the preferred embodiment, the Container a bottle (claim 6), which has a screw cap. The bottle is preferably made of plastic material (claim 7). Common at the moment and are widespread PET or PEN bottles (claim 8), for which the claimed plastic caps are particularly suitable. The preferred Embodiments for the construction and use of the caps are said to be in However, claim 1 not limit invention.

In the subclaims 9 to 23, a sealing system "a" in combination with the extended guarantee band claimed. In the sub-claims 24 to 35 is a Sealing system "b" included in combination with the extended guarantee band. The Claim 36 is based on a scale-like structure on the underside of a thin, wedge-shaped sealing lip directed.

Fig 1:

Das Grundprinzip einer Verschlußkappe nach der Erfindung mit einem verlängerten Garantieband und einer verlängerten Innendichtung;

Fig 1a, 2a, 3a:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "a" der Verschlußkappe nach der Erfindung in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig 1a), in axialem Teilschnitt (Fig. 2a) auf eine Flasche aufgeschraubt und in horizontalem Schnitt (Fig. 3a) entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 1a;

Fig 1b, 2b, 3b:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "b" der Verschlußkappe nach der Erfindung in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig. 1b) in verschlossenem Zustand, und für einen zu verschließendem Behälter (Fig. 2b) in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig. 3b); und

Fig. 4:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "c" der Verschlußkappe nach der Erfindung in axialer Schnittansicht.

The combination invention is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Show it

Fig 1:

The basic principle of a closure cap according to the invention with an extended guarantee band and an extended inner seal;

1a, 2a, 3a:

An embodiment "a" of the cap according to the invention in axial sectional view (Fig 1a), in axial partial section (Fig. 2a) screwed onto a bottle and in horizontal section (Fig. 3a) along the line AA in Fig. 1a;

1b, 2b, 3b:

An embodiment "b" of the cap according to the invention in an axial sectional view (Fig. 1b) in the closed state, and for a container to be closed (Fig. 2b) in an axial sectional view (Fig. 3b); and

Fig. 4:

An embodiment "c" of the closure cap according to the invention in an axial sectional view.

In the patent drawing in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, a preferred embodiment of the Invention shown in axial step. The shape of the cap is due to the Right hatching recognizable, the shape of the inside bottle neck through the Linksschraffur. The cap is in one piece, i.e. the three annular sealing lips 8a, 10a, 15a, which are opposite to the edge of the bottle neck 1, are like the one below molded guarantee band 6 produced in a single operation by injection molding. The Cap is shown in Fig. 1 in the state in which it is on the bottle neck 1 is screwed on tightly. The guarantee band 6, which is connected to the body 2, 3, 4 by means of small webs 5 the cap is connected, engages under a bead or projection on the outside of the bottle neck 1. The detachable guarantee tape 5, 6 extends far according to the invention below and sits on a collar of bottle 1. The holding collar serves the Container, here a PET bottle 1, to be suspended in a transport device during the Container 1 is filled and closed.

Although the molded guarantee band 6 can be relatively soft, it fits according to the invention firmly on the bottle neck and tears off immediately when the screw cap is opened. The shape of the plastic cap 2 to 7 makes it the first time possible to meet the technical requirements of simple manufacture (one-piece Sealing cap), secure sealing function (soft material for sealing lips), easy opening (easy tearing of the guarantee tape as intended) and reliable guarantee function (guarantee band close to the container) at the same time fulfill.

The claims 9 and 10 relate to a closure cap, in particular for Reusable PET bottles, with an internally threaded cap wall, one the end wall closing the cap wall and one on the cap wall subsequent, at a predetermined breaking point tear-open annular guarantee band, wherein the end wall protrudes toward the open end and is spaced apart from the cap wall has an annular inner seal whose outer diameter is in the range of the free Tapered towards this end.

These are basically screwable caps for closing Bottles, especially for closing so-called reusable bottles. Such bottles are used for bottling beverages of all kinds, in particular also carbonated drinks are bottled. So it must be there used cap also the gas pressure created within the bottle withstand, must therefore be gas-tight with the bottle or against the bottle.

So-called PET bottles have been on the market for some time now, but it is here is reusable plastic bottles, which in particular with a filling volume of 1.5 liters are offered. Due to considerable tolerances of the one in question Bottles in the area of the bottle mouth exist compared to those to be used Caps special sealing problems. Consequently, caps are here with special sealing measures required. On top of that, the ones in question PET bottles, especially when used multiple times, do not have perfect mouths and threads have more, especially since they are handled by consumers and fillers are mostly deformed or damaged.

Now one has in view of the problem explained above in the prior art already helped in that the caps at least in the area of the front wall where the face of the bottle mouth comes to rest with a special one Sealing material are provided. For this purpose, a preferably soft plastic used, which differs from the remaining material of the cap - aluminum or also plastic - differentiates. Consequently, this additional Sealing measure a multi-part cap made of different materials Made available with a view to the increasingly demanded recycling of such parts is no longer justifiable. In practice, it is not possible to put one in the cap introduced additional seal from a second material after using the Remove the cap again to initiate material-specific recycling. Consequently, there remains with caps of the type in question - with different ones Components - nothing else but to dispose of them with household waste. This is exactly what is supposed to However, be avoided in the future, so that the solution known from practice for It does not achieve a gas-tight seal, especially of reusable PET bottles or can only be realized in extreme emergency.

According to the invention it has been recognized here that a gas-tight closure of a bottle a special configuration by means of the screwable closure cap in question the inner seal is required. This makes this special configuration characterized in that the inner seal in the area of the free end to the cap wall has directed bead, the screwed cap against the Inner wall of the bottle presses in the area of the bottle mouth. Due to the Formation of the bead in the area of the free end and due to the integration of the Outer diameter tapering area in the bead presses the inner seal screwed on cap - very strong on the inner wall of the bottle and seals effective between the inner seal and the inside wall of the bottle. One yourself the gas pressure building up the bottle is used in a particularly advantageous manner for pressing on the inner seal to the inside wall of the bottle, the one at the free end of the Internal seal formed bead due to the considerable distance from the end wall is pressed against the inside of the bottle with enormous pressure. Because of the relative wide engagement of the inner seal or the bead provided at the free end in the A bottle cannot slip off the bead at the bottle mouth, but rather is a the bead can slide somewhat along the inside of the bottle without the loss of sealing effect.

As an alternative to the teaching according to the invention discussed above, the closure cap according to the invention also by the features of claim 10 to be marked. Thereafter, the closure cap according to the invention is equipped such that the end wall in the area between the cap wall and the inner seal one of the End wall protruding, at least slightly inclined towards the inner seal has an annular wedge seal. Within the scope of this alternative according to the invention has been recognized that a sufficient seal between the cap and the Bottle to be closed can be realized in that between the inner seal and the cap wall due to its wedge-shaped configuration as a wedge seal designated seal is formed. This seal is also circular and due to its tendency towards the inner seal towards screwing onto a bottle bent further towards the inner seal so that the wedge seal due to its inherent elasticity and the tension caused by the screwing firmly in the range of Bottle mouth touches the bottle.

With a view to a particularly effective seal between the cap and Bottle it is advantageous if the inner seal over the precaution of those previously discussed Wedge seal also directed towards the cap wall in the area of the free end trained bead and if this bead is the outside diameter includes tapered area. In other words, here are the previous ones as alternatives Solutions presented features combined in a very particularly advantageous manner to the Sealing effect especially with regard to a very high gas pressure inside the Improve bottle significantly and effectively.

With regard to the design of the inner seal, it is of further advantage if this on the side facing away from the cap wall runs approximately straight up to the bead. This means that the inner wall of the inner seal is approximately one overall forms an annular inner surface. On the side facing the cap wall the inner seal is approximately arched into the bead, i.e. that of the cap wall facing side of the inner seal extends in the direction of the cap wall. Of from there the inner seal tapers again approximately in a straight line in the outer diameter, causing one from the lower end of the inner seal to the outermost region of the bead extending wedge surface, by means of which the inner seal or the bead of the Inner seal can be inserted into the bottle mouth. Because of this wedge-shaped The inner seal is designed approximately by the amount of the bead protruding pressed inside and acts due to the material-specific elasticity due to the tension created a considerable pressure on the inside of the bottle Mouth area. The bead is preferably dimensioned in this way and extends into the cap wall in such a way that the inner seal or bead is screwed on Condition - according to the tolerances on the one hand of the closure cap and on the other hand the Bottle mouth - with a given contact pressure against the inside of the bottle Area of the bottle mouth.

The previously mentioned first wedge seal is of such a type in a particularly advantageous manner positioned and dimensioned so that when the cap is screwed on prestressed system at the radius of the bottle neck, i.e. at the transition to the Bottle mouth, serves. In other words, the first wedge seal at Screwing the cap bent towards the end wall and presses due to it Intrinsic elasticity and the resulting tension when screwed on to the Radius of the bottle neck or exactly at the transition into the bottle mouth, i.e. to the Edge between the end face of the bottle mouth and the inside wall of the bottle. at pressure builds up from the inside, the wedge seal becomes even closer to the bottle radius pressed so that the sealing effect is increased again due to the internal pressure. The same applies to the previously mentioned inner seal, which is also due to the Pressure inside the bottle builds up above the pressure caused by the material reached contact pressure, i.e. reinforced, pressed against the inside of the bottle.

The first wedge seal can have a different shape, for example taper to the free end with essentially flat surfaces. Likewise, the surfaces of the first wedge seal on both sides be concave or convex. A Rounding the free end of the first wedge seal is also possible.

To further increase the sealing effect of the closure cap according to the invention, it is from very special advantage if in the area between the cap wall and the inner seal, preferably in the transition between the cap wall and the end wall, i.e. about that between the cap wall and the end wall, an angle formed by the end wall or protruding from the cap wall, at least slightly inclined towards the inner seal second annular wedge seal is provided. This second wedge seal can be positioned and dimensioned so that when screwed on biased system on the end face of the bottle mouth. The second The wedge seal is therefore just like the first wedge seal when the Closure cap bent towards the end wall, which due to the inherent elasticity of the second wedge seal a considerable contact pressure on the bottle, more precisely on the End face of the bottle mouth. The second wedge seal can also be used for free Taper to the end with essentially flat surfaces, these on both sides Surfaces of the second wedge seal can also be made concave or convex. The The statements made on the first wedge seal also apply to the second wedge seal, see above that further explanations are unnecessary.

With a view to improving the sealing effect of the invention Finally, it is possible that the cap wall is preferably in the upper cap Area, i.e. in the area shortly before the transition to the end wall, approximately radially or behind internally protruding circular seal for contact with the bottle outer wall having. This can be in the sense of a cord seal or a sealing ring executed seal act, which is preferably an integral part of the Cap is. This seal could be in the sense of a sealing bead towards the inside rounded and dimensioned so that they are under tension when screwed on rests on the outside of the bottle.

The preceding statements regarding different sealing measures between the cap and bottle make it clear that a combination of above sealing measures or seals to a kind of multi-barrier system leads in terms of sealing the bottle. Except for that of the cap wall assigned seal all seals designed so that they increase with increasing internal pressure have an increased sealing effect because they are due to the increasing internal pressure stronger, i.e. with higher contact pressure, on the bottle wall or face of the Put on the bottle.

Now it is in view of a safe and recognizable closure of the bottle from the whole This is particularly advantageous if the guarantee band is provided in combination. This Guarantee tape closes to the cap wall on the side facing away from the front wall and has a first predetermined breaking point. Such a design of the guarantee band is however problematic in that when opening the bottle, i.e. when unscrewing the Closure cap, the guarantee band first broken and used by numerous users is torn off the cap altogether. After use, i.e. after emptying the Bottle, this torn guarantee band often migrates into that Bottle interior, from which it is difficult due to its curved design is removable. During the cleaning process of the bottle, those that get inside the bottle can be removed Guarantee tapes cannot be rinsed out. So-called bottle inspection machines do not recognize these tapes, which often means that such old - used - Put the guarantee bands in a drink that has been refilled into the reusable bottle. Complaints are preprogrammed here.

It is therefore of particular advantage to use the guarantee tape in question Avoiding the aforementioned problem with a second predetermined breaking point. This second predetermined breaking point could be arranged such that it is the first predetermined breaking point is approximately opposite, so that the guarantee tape when torn - after tearing the first Predetermined breaking point - due to the second predetermined breaking point tearing open in two equally long halves is divisible. As a result, the guarantee band cannot be made in one piece, but instead tear off only in two parts, namely in two short pieces. This comes from the The two short parts resulting from the entire guarantee band can easily be extracted from the Rinse the bottle through the relatively narrow bottle mouth so that it does mentioned problem is solved.

With a view to simple manufacture, the closure cap is made in one piece. To Polyethylene is particularly suitable, especially since this plastic is readily available to one Recycling process can be supplied. In the closure cap according to the invention Finally, it is essential that these are made exclusively from the same material can be that intended seals are required, so none Material combinations with regard to the front wall, cap wall and inside the Cap.

1a, 2a and 3a together show an embodiment of an inventive Cap for reusable PET bottles 1, with an internal thread 2 Cap wall 3, an end wall 4 closing the cap wall 3 and one to the cap wall 3, which can be torn open at a predetermined breaking point 5 circular guarantee band 6, 6a, the end wall 4 one to the open end protruding annular inner seal 7, 7a spaced apart from the cap wall 3, has, whose outer diameter tapers in the region of the free end.

According to the invention, the inner seal 7a has a facing towards the cap wall 3a Bead 8a formed area of the free end. The bead 8a includes the Outer diameter tapering area 9a.

Figures 1a and 2a further show that the end wall 4 in the area between Cap wall 3 and inner seal 7 projecting from the end wall 4 for Has inner seal 7 inclined first annular wedge seal 10a

The inner seal 7 runs approximately on the side facing away from the cap wall 3 rectilinear to the bulge 8. Runs on the side facing the cap wall 3 the inner seal 7 approximately in an arc shape up to the bead 8, that is to say into the bead 8, and from there tapers again approximately linearly in the outer diameter. The Bead 8 is dimensioned in this way or extends in such a way towards the cap wall 3, that the inner seal 7 or the bead 8 in the screwed state with a predetermined Contact pressure against the bottle inner wall 11 in the area of the bottle mouth 12a suppressed.

Fig. 2a shows particularly clearly that the first wedge seal 10a positioned and is dimensioned so that it is screwed on to the prestressed system on the radius or on the inner edge 13a of the bottle neck 14a or at the transition into the Bottle mouth 12a is used. This first wedge seal 10a runs towards the free end essential flat surfaces pointed.

1a and 2a also clearly show that in the area between the cap wall 3 and inner seal 7 in the transition between cap wall 3 and end wall 4 one of the End wall 4 or from the cap wall 3, inclined towards the inner seal 7 second annular wedge seal 15, 15a is provided. The second wedge seal 15, As shown in FIG. 2a, 15a is positioned and dimensioned such that it is in the screwed state to the prestressed system on the end face 16a of the Bottle mouth 12a also serves as the second wedge seal 15a to the free end down to a point with flat surfaces.

Figures 1a and 2a further show that the cap wall 3 in the upper region, i.e. in the Area shortly before the transition to the end wall 4, one approximately radially or inwards protruding annular seal 17a for contact with the bottle outer wall 18a having. This seal 17a is in the sense of a sealing bead towards the inside, i.e. to Bottle outer wall 18a, rounded. The seal 17a is as shown in FIG Fig. 2a dimensioned such that they are under tension on the in the screwed state Bottle outer wall 18a abuts.

Finally, FIGS. 1a and 3a together show that the guarantee tape 6, 6a is a second Has predetermined breaking point 19a. The second predetermined breaking point 19a lies on the first predetermined breaking point 5 opposite, so that the guarantee tape 6 when torn - after tearing the first Predetermined breaking point 5 - due to a tearing open of the second predetermined breaking point 19a in approximately two equally long heap 20, 21 is divisible.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the closure cap is made in one piece and made of plastic, namely polyethylene.

The following discussion of the subject matter of the application is limited to sealing caps to close GDB beverage bottles to keep the discussion clear. It however, it is expressly pointed out that the present invention is not based on Caps for GDB beverage bottles is limited, but is suitable for any type of containers, such as for food containers (so-called Tupper Would). Furthermore, the closure cap according to the invention is preferably both for Reusable bottles (MW) and disposable bottles (EW) made of PET usable.

Caps with which beverage bottles or similar containers are closed can meet different requirements. First, the seal the beverage bottles or containers can be reached so that the contained in them The beverage cannot escape from the container when it is closed or locked. If the containers to be sealed are bottles containing liquids, then this requirement is determined by the viscosity of the liquid. Are they in the Bottled drinks also with a pressurized gas such as. B. Carbon dioxide added, then the seal must also be gas-tight to the Prevent gas from escaping from the bottle.

In detail, the seal according to the embodiment "b" is achieved in that a corrugated ribbed structure is provided, which the sealant specifically against Presses the top edge of the container, creating a sealing zone in which the Sealant is pressed at high pressure against the top edge of the container. The Structure according to claim 24 enables targeted positioning of the Sealing lip on the edge of the container under a high contact pressure. This one very Good sealing leading sealing process is made possible without the sealing cap to complicate unnecessarily.

The embodiment "b" of the present invention is described below 1b, 2b and 3b explained in more detail.

In Figure 1b is a cap for releasably closing a bottle according to one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. The in The embodiment described in detail below relates to a screw closure for Cap a bottle that may contain carbonated liquids. As before previously mentioned, however, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to Screw caps for bottles is limited. Alternative embodiments relate to for example cans that are suitable for storing / freezing food. Mason jars, but also caps for containers that are not in the food sector be used. such as paint buckets.

In Figure 1b, a closure cap is shown in its initial form in a sectional view. The closure cap consists of a cap body 10b, which has an upper cover part 18b and comprises a substantially cylindrical side part 19b. The side part 19b extends in substantially perpendicular from the plane of the ceiling part 18b. According to the in Figure 1b illustrated embodiment, the transition from the ceiling part 18b to the cylindrical side part 19b not abruptly (sharp-edged), but by means of a rounded Transition part 20b. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown the Ceiling part 18b, side part 19b and transition part 20b are not separate elements, but rather that they together form the cap body 10b.

On the side part 19b, a screw thread 12b is formed, which as Closure mechanism serves by means of which the closure cap 10b on the sealing container 100 is attached. The screw thread 12b acts with a corresponding, paired screw threads 112 (see FIG. 2b) on the bottle 100 together. It is expressly pointed out that the screw thread 12b is not the only possible locking mechanism for the container to be closed represents. All possible other types of locking mechanisms known per se are also suitable, such as clip fasteners which engage in recesses Nose or shoulders, etc.

As can be seen from FIG. 1b, according to the preferred embodiment the present invention on the side part 20b inside a sealant in the form of a radially circumferential sealing lip 13, 13b provided. The sealing lip 13 has a long one wedge-shaped shape. In the idle state (i.e. in the state in which the closure cap does not have one Closes container), the sealing lip 13 extends almost from the transition part 20b horizontal, but preferably with a slight inclination towards the center of the Cap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inclination is 41 ° up to 48 ° against the horizontal to facilitate demolding (see Fig. 4). The width B of the sealing lip 13 is preferably chosen so that the inner end of the Sealing lip 13 in the closed state essentially flush with the upper one Bottle edge 104 closes (see FIG. 3b). In a particularly preferred In the exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 4), the width B is preferably in the range between 3.8 and 4.5 cm. This ensures that the entire top edge 104 of the bottle 100 through the Circularly circumferential sealing lip 13 essentially completely in the cap body 10b is applied when the cap body 10b is screwed onto the bottle. The wedge-shaped, long, thin sealing lip 13 adapts in its profile different bottle necks if normal during the closing process Torques are exerted on the cap. In particular, a Profile adjustment at the top edge 104 of the bottle neck both on the top outside and on the top Inside. The profile of the sealing lip 13 can adapt to any radius of curvature. The The bottle neck of a reusable bottle is 20.7 mm smaller than that of the disposable bottle, whose Inner diameter is 21.6 =. In both cases, the sealing lip 13 also puts on inside the bottle neck. The bottom line is the invention Cap close to the bottle under all conceivable environmental conditions.

The above-described inclination of the sealing lip 13 in its rest position is adapted to the inclination of the surface 104 of the bottle 100 from the horizontal plane, as can be seen in detail in FIG. 2b. As is clear from this figure, the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 has an inclination (shown here for the sake of illustration for reasons of enlargement) out of the horizontal plane H, which is indicated by S. It is pointed out that different configurations of the respective surface 104 can be selected depending on the container to be closed. According to the teaching of the invention, the inclination or shape of the sealing lip 13 is preferably adapted to the selected surface shape of the container to be closed. Of particular importance for achieving the success according to the invention is to provide the sealing lip 13 with a certain thickness profile, which is indicated by the reference symbol D in FIG. 1b. Extensive comparative tests, in which the sealing behavior of the closure cap has been tested with sealing lips of different thicknesses, have shown that the sealing lip 13 is preferably 3/10 mm to 7/10 mm thick at its root and a thickness of no more than 5 at its tip / 10 mm and should not be less than 2/10 mm, and according to a particularly preferred embodiment between 2/10 mm and 4/10 mm. These values have proven to be particularly advantageous for GDB glass bottles to be closed using the usual plastic materials for the cap body 10b. Correspondingly scaled values result for other caps, which have to close larger or smaller containers.

In addition, the sealing lip 13 has a special scale-like structure (Fig. 4) that interacts with the bumps on the top edge 104 of the bottle 100, so to seal the bottle better.

The sealant is arranged in a preferred embodiment so that a Chamber 33 between the ceiling part 18b and the side part 19b of the closure body and the thin, wedge-shaped sealing lip 13, that is, seen from the sealing lip above outside, arises. This chamber 33 provides room for adaptation to various Bottle neck diameter ready and thus supports a secure seal of the respective Container.

4 is another particularly preferred embodiment of the closure cap shown in which the sealant according to the teaching of the invention on the Inner surface 18 'has a wavy structure, with individual concentric arranged annular shoulders 34a-f run around the ceiling part 18b. Furthermore points the inner surface 18 'of the cap has a slope of 0.5 ° to 3 ° with respect to Horizontal and is wavy ribbed, as can be seen from Fig. 4. These shoulders 34 are arranged such that the sealing lip 13 on them in the closed state rests and is pressed by it against the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100. The distance between shoulders 34a-f is preferably chosen so that they are all on top edge 104 rest on the bottle 100; in other words, the radius Rs becomes the most concentric circumferential shoulders preferably chosen so that the outermost shoulder 34a (Fig. 4) or 14b (Fig. 1b) is adjacent to the outer edge of the bottle 100, whereas the innermost shoulder 34f (Fig. 4) or 15 (Fig. 1) adjacent to the inside edge of the bottle 100 is located. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius Rs is concentric shoulders 34a-f in the range of 16.5 mm to 18.5 mm, the radius Rs of the concentrically rotating shoulder 15b at 17.5 mm.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1b, the shoulders 14b and 15b have different heights H ₁ , H ₂ . The height difference H ₂ -H ₁ is chosen according to the invention such that, taking into account the gradient S of the bottle surface 104 (see FIG. 2b), a uniform pressure is set on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 in the closed state. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the heights of the shoulders 34 in this embodiment are selected according to the invention in such a way that the sealant, as it were, clings to the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 and seals it securely. The shoulders 34a-f in this embodiment Like the two shoulders 14b and 15b of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, they exert a uniform pressure on the sealing lip, which is comparatively high due to the small effective surface area of the shoulders. In conjunction with the scale structure provided on the lower side of the sealing lip and the unevenness on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100, a secure and reliable seal is thus achieved

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the sealing lip, an elastic lamella 16, 16b extending perpendicularly from the ceiling part 18b is also provided, which extends vertically downwards in the idle state (cf. FIG. 1b). The sealing lamella 16 also runs concentrically to the center line M of the cap body, the inner edge having a radius R ₁ and the outer edge having a radius R ₂ . The radii R ₁ and R ₂ are selected such that the sealing lamella 16 extends immediately adjacent to the sealing lip in the idle state; according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius R _{1 is} 15.4 mm and radius R _{2 is} 16.8 mm.

According to the invention. Teaching is the sealing lamella 16 with a shoulder 17, 17b equipped, the highest point in the idle state of the cap body 10b in Essentially on a cylinder surface along with the free end of the Sealing lip 13 is located. The radius of the shoulder 17 is preferably 0.25 mm and is selected so that the sealing lamella 16 from the highest point of the shoulder 17 to the top the slat 16 runs at an angle a. Extensive comparative tests have shown that the angle α should preferably be no more than 35 ° and no less than 25 °, and according to a particularly preferred embodiment should have 28 °. Have these values for glass bottles to be closed using the usual plastic materials for the cap body 10b proved to be particularly advantageous. For other caps that larger or smaller containers have to be closed, scaled accordingly Values.

As can be seen in detail in FIG. 3b, the shoulder 17b acts Sealing lamella 16b with the inside of the bottle 100 in the closed state together, by actuating the locking mechanism 12b the sealing lamella 16b is deflected from its rest position and bent towards the inside of the bottle. Just like for the shoulders 14b and 34a-f, the small effective surface of the Sealing lamella 16b (which is essentially through the tip region of the shoulder 17b is specified) a comparatively high sealing pressure is reached, which is caused by the Return torque of the deflected sealing lamella 16b is defined.

The closure flap according to the invention can be made from different materials become. If the sealant 11 (together with the shoulders 14b and 34a-f and the elastic slat 16b) provided as an integral part of the cap, suitable especially polyethylene as a cap material.

Claims (22)

Sealing cap (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 12, 18, 19, 5, 6, 16) with detachable guarantee band (5, 6) and with sealing lips (7; 16) for containers (1; 100), which have: a closure mechanism (2; 12) for releasably fastening the closure cap to an opening of the container (1; 100), a bulge or projection on the container (1; 100) for reaching under through the detachable guarantee band (5, 6) and a holding collar on the container (1; 100) for hanging up during filling, the detachable guarantee band (5, 6) having a height in the direction of the central axis of the closure cap, which extends beyond the bead or protrusion underneath to the holding collar of the container (1 ; 100), and the sealing lips comprise an inner seal (7; 16) which extends beyond the edge of the container neck and the opening, a funnel-shaped or bell-shaped extension at the free end of the extended guarantee band (6a; 6b), a funnel-shaped outer surface (8a; 17b) on the extended inner seal (7a; 16b), an average service strength of the plastic material of the one-piece closure cap (in particular strength of the PE material) such that the funnel-shaped or bell-shaped guarantee band extension sits on the holding collar of the filled container (1; 100) and cannot be reached under the funnel-shaped inner seal outer surface (9a; 17b) rests elastically on the container neck, characterized in that
the edge of the guarantee band (6) sits bell-shaped on the retaining collar. Closure cap according to claim 1, characterized by a structure which is in one piece including the guarantee band (6) and the sealing lips (7; 16). Closure cap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by polyethylene (PE) as the plastic material. Closure cap according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the closure cap, including the detachable guarantee band (5, 6), is higher than 20 mm, in particular approximately 23.5 mm, in the direction of the central axis of the closure cap. Plastic closure cap according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the container used is a bottle (1; 100). Cap according to claim 5, characterized in that the container used is a plastic bottle (1; 100). Plastic closure cap according to claim 5, characterized in that the container used is a PET or. PEN bottle (1; 100). Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, with an internal thread (2a) having cap wall (3a), one of the cap wall (3a) closing Front wall (4a) and one adjoining the cap wall (3a) on one The predetermined breaking point (5a) of the tear-open annular guarantee band (6a), the The end wall (4a) projects from the open end and is spaced from the cap wall (3a) has an annular inner seal (7a) whose outer diameter is in the range (9a) of the free end tapers towards this, the inner seal (7a) one to Cap wall (3a) directed bead (8a) formed in the area of the free end and that the bead (8a) has the area which tapers in the outer diameter (9a). Closure cap according to Claims 1 to 7 with an internal thread (2a) Cap wall (3a), an end wall (4a) closing the cap wall (3a) and one adjoining the cap wall (3a), at a predetermined breaking point (5) tearable circular guarantee band (6a), the end wall (4a) one for open annular end protruding from the cap wall (3a) Has inner seal (7a) whose outer diameter is in the area (9a) of the free End tapered towards this, the end wall (4a) in the area between Cap wall (3a) and inner seal (7a) projecting from the end wall (4a), at least slightly inclined towards the inner seal (7a), the first annular Wedge seal (10a). Closure cap according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner seal (7a) has a bead (8a) which is directed towards the cap wall (3a) and is formed in the region of the free end, and in that the bead (8a) has the region (9a) which tapers in the outer diameter. includes. Closure cap according to claim 8 or 10, characterized in that the inner seal (7a) on the side facing away from the cap wall (3a) extends approximately rectilinearly up to the bead (8a) and on the side facing the cap wall (3a) is approximately arcuate merges into the bead (8a) and from there tapers again approximately linearly in the outer diameter. Closure cap according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the bead (8a) is dimensioned or extends in such a way towards the cap wall (3a) that the inner seal (7a) or the bead (8a) in the screwed-on state with a predetermined contact pressure presses against the bottle inner wall (11a) in the area of the bottle mouth (12a). Closure cap according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the first wedge seal (10a) is positioned and dimensioned such that in the screwed-on state it is pretensioned against the radius of the bottle neck (14a), ie at the transition into the bottle mouth (12a) , serves. Closure cap according to claim 13, characterized in that the first wedge seal (10a) tapers towards the free end with essentially flat surfaces. Closure cap according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that in the area between the cap wall (3a) and the inner seal (7a), preferably in the transition between the cap wall (3a) and the end wall (4a), one of the end wall (4a) or of the Cap wall (3a) projecting, at least slightly inclined towards the inner seal (7a) towards the second annular wedge seal (15a) is provided. Closure cap according to claim 15, characterized in that the second wedge seal (15a) is positioned and dimensioned such that, when it is screwed on, it serves for prestressed contact on the end face (16a) of the bottle mouth (12a). Closure cap according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the second wedge seal (15a) tapers towards the free end with essentially flat surfaces. Closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cap wall (3a) in the upper region, ie in the region shortly before the transition to the end wall (4a), has an annular seal (17a) which projects approximately radially or inwards Has system on the bottle outer wall (18a). Closure cap according to claim 18, characterized in that the seal (17a) is rounded inwards in the sense of a sealing bead. Cap according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the seal (17a) is dimensioned such that it bears against the outer wall of the bottle (18a) under prestress in the screwed-on state. Closure cap according to one of claims 8 to 20, characterized in that the guarantee band (6a) has a second predetermined breaking point (19a). Closure cap according to claim 21, characterized in that the second predetermined breaking point (19a) is approximately opposite the first predetermined breaking point (5a), so that the tamper-evident band (6a) when torn open - after tearing open the first predetermined breaking point (5a) - due to a tearing open of the second predetermined breaking point (19a) can be divided into two halves (20a, 21a) of approximately the same length.

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