EP1427646B1 - Dispenser closure for a container that contains a flowable product - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dispensing closure for flowable goods containing containers, especially for beverage containers.

Such dispensing closures are included in the prior art in a variety of designs and are used for beverage containers of different materials, especially glass and plastic. A dispensing closure that has all the features of the The preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in US-A-5,743,443.

Especially in recent years, increased demands are placed on such beverage containers and associated dispensing closures for different uses and uses has been provided, on the one hand, the reliable tightness of the dispensing closure also under increased stresses, e.g. when taking along the drinks container athletic activities occur, is problematic, on the other hand, it is desired that the user the container in the removal of the goods, especially when drinking, in which in the Usually the mouth of the user comes into direct contact with the dispensing closure, if possible is pleasant

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing closure container for flowable goods, in particular for the abovementioned beverage containers to provide, on the one hand, an increased tightness of the dispensing closure ensures, on the other hand, a pleasant feeling in direct contact with the dispensing closure allows.

This object is achieved by a dispensing closure according to claim 1.

By this dispensing closure of the invention, the user's sense of touch, the e.g. when drinking substantially or exclusively with that of the softer material existing shell element comes into contact, very positively influenced. Furthermore the tightness of the dispensing closure by the softer material of the shell element elevated. Because the closing element occluding the outlet opening preferably seals the outlet opening by a direct contact with the shell element. Further Due to the higher compressibility of the softer material, the dimensions can be reduced the components are chosen so that in a secure seal no excessive requirements must be made to the accuracy of manufacturing tolerances. If necessary In addition, a tamper-evident in the form of a closure of the outlet opening be provided of the closure body. This is in the sense of quality of the Bag contents any possibility of air or oxygen access to the interior of the container excluded until the container is opened for the first time. This originality assurance can be made of the same material as the sheath element and / or of the material of Consist closure body. In addition to a high quality assurance of the container contents can Thus, a mass production of the dispensing closure significantly simpler and cheaper The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that through the Providing the shell element consisting of softer material both above mentioned Tasks or problems can be solved.

Another advantage of the dispensing closure with the soft material Hüllelement is the noise insulation, because a disturbing noise when opening and closing a lid, in particular a hinged lid is avoided. This is especially advantageous when e.g. in a quiet atmosphere, like in a library or during a lecture, as unnoticed a corresponding container opened shall be.

As material for the shell element is suitable thermoplastic polyester (TPE). This Material can be adjusted to the desired softness of the shell element, But is resistant enough to a long life of the shell element and thus of the dispensing closure.

Preferably, the closure body is formed integrally with the dome-like elevation, wherein the dome-like increase over the top or the edge of the closure body protrudes and as a drinking nozzle for can serve the user. Also preferred is the dome-like elevation over its height in Diameter graded, with preference to their outer area towards a lower Diameter and at its outer end has the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the sheath element is formed so that the dome-like Increase in their outdoor area substantially complete, - possibly also the Opening and / or its tamper-evident closure of the material of the closure body, of the shell element is covered. This ensures that the entire area, which may come into contact with the mouth of a drinking person from the casing element is covered, so that the pleasant feeling of contact is completely retained. Furthermore, can characterized in that the closure element can be made more variable, because a provided for sealing Counter element of the closure element at different points of the shell element attack and can ensure a seal. Is e.g. the tamper-evident element as a tear-off tab sealing the opening, the user, e.g. a cyclist, while driving without the help of one hand, the tear-off tab with the teeth tear down to open the container.

However, the sheath element can only over certain portions of the dome-like increase extend, in particular over an upper portion of the dome-like elevation. These Design, in particular the size of the dome-like elevation, can be made by a person skilled in the art be adapted to the desired use.

In contrast, the sheath element may not only be above the dome-like elevation and, if desired, extend over the opening, but also further portions of the closure body cover.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure element is a hinged lid, through a hinge is articulated integrally on the closure body. Thus forming the closure element and the closure body a unit which are molded in one piece of plastic and in which the closure element is not lost after its mounting on the container.

Of course, instead of a closure element connected to the hinged lid be provided separate closure elements. Further, without departing from the object to deviate from the invention, all closure possibilities conceivable, e.g. a closure element, that by a snap mechanism or a screw thread on the closure body is attached.

Fig. 1

einen geöffneten Abgabeverschluß in einem Mittellängsschnitt;

Fig. 2

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Abgabeverschlusses in einem Mittellängsschnitt wie in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Abgabeverschlusses in der gleichen Darstellung wie sie Fig. 1 und 2 zeigen;

Fig. 4

eine vierte Ausführungsform eines Abgabeverschlusses in der Darstellung wie in Fig. 1-3; und

Fig. 5

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Abgabeverschlusses in Fig. 4.

The invention is described below with reference to schematic drawings of embodiments of a dispensing closure. Show it:

Fig. 1

an opened dispensing closure in a central longitudinal section;

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a dispensing closure in a central longitudinal section as in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a dispensing closure in the same representation as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Fig. 4

a fourth embodiment of a dispensing closure in the illustration as shown in Figures 1-3; and

Fig. 5

a three-dimensional representation of the dispensing closure in Fig. 4th

Fig. 1 shows a dispensing closure 10 for flowable goods containing container with a Closure body 100 and a closure element 200 designed as a lid. The closure body 100 and the closure element 200 are connected via a hinge 290, as a film hinge is formed, one-sided connected to each other, so that the closure element 200th from the position shown in Fig. 1, the closure body opening position by a through the film hinge 290 formed axis pivoted by 180 ° in the closure body closing position can be.

The closure body 100 has on its top a cover 120, from the radial Outside edge, a jacket 110 extends laterally. The jacket 110 is substantially cylindrically shaped and has an internal thread 112, with which he on a Container (not shown) with a corresponding mating thread screwed and fastened is.

Instead of the screw can also other types of fastening of the closure body be provided on a container, e.g. Snap connections. It is also possible that the Dispensing closure is formed directly in one piece with a corresponding container.

In the upper region of the shell 110 of the closure body 100, in the vicinity of the outer edge the cover 120 of the closure body 100 is in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 a sealing lip 114 is provided, which in the form of a relative to the horizontal easily is formed downwardly inclined ring, so that this sealing lip 114 when screwing of the closure element 100 presses on the container on an upper side of the Behälteröffaung and this seals.

The sealing lip 114 is integral with the closure body in the embodiment shown here formed, but consists of a soft material, in this case silicone, im Contrary to the hard plastic from which the closure body 100 and also the closure element 200 of the dispensing closure 10 are made. It should be at this point, however be noted that in another embodiment, the sealing lip 114 of the same Material as the closure body 100 may be made, which is the manufacturing process simplified.

The cover of the closure body 100 has a substantially horizontal annular shoulder 122, from which a radially to the longitudinal central axis of the inside lying area extends dome-like and stepped beyond the annular shoulder outwards, the dome-like Increase 124 is stepped over its height in diameter and at its outer end has an outlet opening 126.

The dome-like elevation essentially comprises a first (or upper) step 128 which, with respect to the cover 120, above a second (or lower) step 134. Each of the steps 128, 134 is substantially cylindrical, with both gradations 128, 134 comparable heights, the first gradation 128 but one having smaller diameter. The outside transitions between the first gradation 128 and the second step 134 and the second step 134 and the annular shoulder 122 are rounded so that no sharp edges are created. Above the first Graduation 128 is a radially inwardly bent end edge 136 of the outlet opening 126 provided, which runs almost horizontally in its uppermost region.

Also, the interior of the dome-like elevation 124 of the cover 120 is stepped: Below the smallest inner diameter of the exit opening 126 within the dome-like Increase is the inner diameter of the dome-like increase in the downward direction or enlarged inside. After the first extension of the inner diameter directly below the End edge 136, the inner region extends substantially cylindrical over the entire axial extent (in the direction of height) of the first gradation and widens into approximately at the level of the transition region between the first step 128 and the second Grading 134 continues.

The lower end of the first step 128 of the tube holder 180 forms inside an annular stop surface 130, which at the same time an annular groove 132 in the upper region within the second tier 134. The inner area of the second gradation 134 below the annular groove 132 is frustoconical and widens in the direction down and goes to the lower side of the horizontally lying at its lower end Ring shoulder 122 of the cover 120 via.

The closure element 200 is formed substantially lid-shaped and comprises a Top plate 210 and a side portion 220 extending therefrom, the side portion 220 is substantially formed so that it is in a closed position of the closure element 200 is substantially aligned with the jacket 110 of the closure body 100.

Furthermore, the closure element 200 has at its opposite the hinge 290 Side a groove 260 for receiving a quality assurance element 160, wherein the groove 260 (in the position shown in Fig. 1 position of the closure element 200 in the lower region, so in the closed position in the upper area) is withdrawn inward, so that the quality assurance element 160 for unsealing in this withdrawn area can be pressed. The groove 260 for the quality assurance element 160 is bounded by a nose 262 and a projection 264 in its upper and lower regions.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 comprises a thermoplastic polyester (TPE) existing shell element 150, which extends substantially over the entire outer area the dome-like elevation 124 of the cover 120 extends and the contour of the dome-like Increase 124 follows.

The dimensions of the sheath member 150 of thermoplastic polyester and the dome-like Rise 124 and one on the inside of the top plate 210 of the closure element 200 provided squeezing member 280 which is formed substantially circular, are coordinated so that the virtually silent closing of the closure element 200 the pinching member 280 the first step 128 of the dome-like elevation 124 overlaps with the sleeve member 150 applied thereto and thereby the outlet opening 126 closes tightly to the outside

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is the outer diameter of the shell element 150 at first level 128 something in its uncompressed state larger than the inner diameter of the circular pinch member 280 of the closure element 200, so that by closing the closure element designed as a hinged lid 200 while slightly compressing the sheath member 150 a press fit between pinch member 280 and sleeve member 150 is generated, resulting in a secure seal at this point, even if slight manufacturing tolerances in geometry or the dimensions of the individual elements occur, which is particularly true in mass production at least to a small extent unavoidable, or to comply with increased Tolerances more expensive manufacturing processes are required.

For the sake of completeness, it is pointed out that the embodiment shown in FIG the dispensing closure is designed so that in the inner region of the closure body 200 also a discharge hose can be used in the interior the dome-like elevation 124 is securely fixed and the outer end thereof the outlet opening 126 protrudes to possibly an even easier removal of the flowable To enable good.

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of a dispensing closure, which is substantially identical to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, however, the sheath element 150 is formed so that it covers only an upper portion of the dome-like elevation 124, namely the first graduation 128 and the transition between the first graduation 128 and the second step 134 of the dome-like elevation 124.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a dispensing closure is substantially equivalent of the embodiment in Fig. 1 configured. However, it is the exit opening 126th in the top of the closure body 100 with a tamper evident closure 300 Mistake. This tamper evident closure 300 is a unitary part of the dispensing closure 10 and for this purpose from the relatively soft material of the shell element 150 produced. A weakening line 302, which is the edge of the exit opening 126 follows in the dome-like elevation 124, connects the outlet opening 126 sealing Tamper-evident closure 300 with the shell element 150. Advantageous is a Tear tab 304 connected to the tamper-evident closure 300 and preferably made with this one-piece The tear-off tab 304 allows easy opening of the container by tearing off the tear tab 304 even if it does not happen by hand can, for example at bicycle races o.dergl ..

The tamper-evident element 300 thus ensures that air or oxygen does not increase a reduction in quality of the container contents until the first opening of the container or the bottle can lead. Again, the sheath member 150 together with the tamper-evident closure 300 made of thermoplastic polyester (TPE).

The embodiment of a dispensing closure 10 in FIG. 4 differs from that in Fig. 3 only in that a tamper-evident closure 400 made of the material of Closure body 100 manufactured and together with this as a single workpiece in the Plastic injection molding is made. This tamper-evident closure 400 is up or out freely and is through a the annular edge of the outlet opening 126 following weakening line 402 unitarily connected to the closure body 100 or manufactured. A tear tab 404, as in FIG. 3, from the top of the tamper-evident closure 400 obliquely rises, consists of the same material as the closure body 100 and is intended to open the container provided with the dispensing closure 10 facilitate, but by this time of opening the quality of the container contents through Ensure hermetic sealing of the outlet opening 126 of the container. The closure body With the tear-off tab 404, 100 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) produced by injection molding uniform.

Naturally, if necessary, the existing of the material of the closure body 100 may Tamper evident 400 and its tear tab 404 in addition to the soft Material of the sheath member 150 to be coated, in particular, if a so equipped Container intended for a purpose in which the container is not or only can be opened by hand under difficult circumstances, as is certain Sports such as cycling, etc. is the case.

FIG. 5 gives a general impression of the described dispensing closure in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, wherein the dispensing closures in FIGS. 1 and 2 show the dispensing closure in Fig. 5 are also comparable, if you look at the tamper-evident closure 400 and the tear tab 404 wegdenkt and an open outlet opening 126 of the Introduces closure body 100.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

dispensing closure

100

closure body

110

coat

112

thread

114

sealing lip

120

cover

122

annular shoulder

124

dome-like elevation

126

outlet opening

128

first gradation

130

annular stop surface

132

ring groove

134

second gradation

136

terminal edge

150

shell member

160

Tamper-evident element

200

closure element

210

headstock

220

page range

260

groove

262

nose

264

head Start

280

Quetschorgan

290

hinge

300

Tamper-evident closure

302

weakening line

304

pull tab

400

Tamper-evident closure

402

weakening line

404

pull tab

Claims (17)

1. A dispensing closure (10) of plastic material for containers containing flowable material, particularly for beverage containers, the dispensing closure including:

   a closure body (100) with a cover (12), projecting from whose outer edge there is a wall (110), which may be connected to a container above an opening in it,

   a substantially horizontal annular shoulder (122) on the cover (120), extending outwardly from whose region situated inwardly towards the longitudinal central axis there is a dome-like protuberance (124) which has an outlet opening (126) at its outer end, which communicates with the opening in the container, a casing element (150), which at least partially covers an outer region of the dome-like protuberance (124) and the material of which is softer than the material of the dome-like protuberance, and

   a closure element (200) for the outlet opening (126),

      characterised in that

   the dome-like protuberance (124) constitutes a drinking spout, the outlet opening (126) of which has a radially inwardly bent end edge (136), whose uppermost region extends nearly horizontally, the dimensions of the casing element (150) of thermoplastic polyester material and of the drinking spout (124) and of a cylindrical squeezing element (280), provided on the inner surface of a head plate (210) of the closure element (200) are so matched to one another that, in the closed position of the closure element (200), the squeezing element (280) engages over the drinking spout (124) with the casing element mounted on it such that the outlet opening (126) is tightly sealed with respect to the interior, the closing of the closure element (200) occurring practically noiselessly.
2. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the drinking spout (124) is of stepped diameter over its height.
3. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first, upper step (128) on the drinking spout (124) is arranged above a second, lower step (134) with respect to the cover (120).
4. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that each of the steps (128, 134) on the drinking spout (124) is of substantially cylindrical shape.
5. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of Claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the two steps (128, 134) on the drinking spout (124) have comparable heights but the first step (128) has a smaller diameter.
6. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of Claims 3-5, characterised in that the external transitions between the first step (128) and the second step (134) on the drinking spout (124) and the second step (134) on it and the annular shoulder (122) are rounded.
7. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of Claims 3-6, characterised in that the casing element (150) covers only the first step (128) and the transition between the first step (128) and the second step (134) on the drinking spout.
8. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the casing element (150) extends substantially over the entire outer region of the drinking spout (124) and follows the contour thereof.
9. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of Claims 2-7, characterised in that the internal area of the drinking spout (124) is also stepped, the internal diameter of the drinking spout (124) being enlarged in the inward direction below the smallest internal diameter of the outlet opening (126).
10. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 9, characterised in that the internal area of the drinking spout (124) extends substantially cylindrically over the entire axial extent of the first step (128) after the first broadening of its internal diameter below the end edge (136) of the outlet opening (126) and broadens approximately at the height of the transition region between the first step (128) and the second step (134).
11. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of Claims 3-7, 9 and 10, characterised in that the lower end of the first step (128) on a tube holder (180) constitutes an annular abutment surface (130) in the internal area of the drinking spout (124), which simultaneously bounds an annular groove (132) in the upper region of the second step (134).
12. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that the internal area of the second step (134) extends in a frustoconical shape below the annular groove (132) and broadens in the downward direction and merges at its lower end into the horizontal annular shoulder (122) of the cover (120).
13. A dispensing closure as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a dispensing tube may be inserted into the internal area of the closure body (100), which is securely fixed in position in the internal area of the drinking spout (124) and the outer end of which projects out of the outlet opening (126) for the purpose of easier removal of the flowable material.
14. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the closure element (200) is substantially lid-shaped and includes a head plate (210) and a side region (220) extending from it, which, in a closed position of the closure element (200), is substantially flush with the wall (110) of the closure body (100).
15. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 14, characterised in that a pivotable lid constituting the closure element (200) is integrally and pivotally connected to the closure body (100) by means of a film hinge for opening and closing the outlet opening (126) in the closure body (100).
16. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the closure element (200) has a groove (260) for receiving a quality assurance element (160) on its side opposite to the hinge (290), the groove (260) being inwardly recessed in the upper region in the closed position of the closure element (200) so that the quality assurance element (160) may be pressed into this recessed region for the purpose of unsealing.
17. A dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 16, characterised in that the groove (260) of the quality assurance element (160) is bounded by a nose (262) and a projection (264) in its upper and lower regions.

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