EP2206655B1 - Lid for closing a container opening, packaging with a container and such a lid and method for sealing a container with such a lid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lid for closing an opening of a container, a package with a container and such a lid and a method for sealing a container with such a lid.

Packaging of consumer goods, such as food, cosmetics, medicines and the like, are often provided with a sealing film. This sealing film serves as a tamper-evident closure, which can only be opened once or can not be opened indestructibly, so that an unnoticed closing after a previous opening of this closure is not possible. Depending on the design of the sealing film, this also serves as a barrier layer, for example, to preserve the nature or the aroma of the respective consumer goods in the still sealed packaging.

The sealing of the packaging is usually carried out by one of two known methods. For example, by applying pressure and heat, the sealing film is glued or welded directly onto the edge of a container opening before the lid is placed on the container opening. In another method, the sealing film is first placed in the lid and then pressed when mounted on the container opening lid against the edge of the container opening, before the bonding or welding of the sealing film with the edge of the container opening, for example, is made inductively. The latter inductive sealing has the advantage that it can be done in the filling line of production with very short sealing times.

Containers sealed with sealing films of this type are for example in the documents DE 39 20 324 A1 and DE 91 08 868 U1 described, which are specifically concerned with the problem of tearing open the sealing film to open the container.

In the arrangement of the sealing film in the lid and the subsequent placement of the lid on the container opening and sealing the sealing film on the edge of the container opening, it is currently common to first laminate the sealing film on a support plate, usually made of a foam or cardboard, and then this Insert composite material in the lid. This method is for example from the DE 40 20 371 C1 known. Upon first opening of the package by the consumer, this connection between the carrier plate and the sealing film dissolves, while the Sigelverbindung between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening is initially maintained. The consumer realizes this release process between the support plate and sealing film by an increased effort in the Erstöffnung and the associated noise.

The carrier plate for the sealing film is used in particular for simplifying the handling of the sealing film during the manufacturing process and the filling and sealing process. The backing plate provides a rigid composite that reduces the risk of falling out of the cover (e.g., due to air jets in the production lines) and damage. A disadvantage of these carrier plates, however, is that they remain after the separation of the sealing film in the lid. This causes, for example, in the recycling of the lid, which usually consists of a different material than the carrier plate, an additional effort, since the carrier plate must be separated in an additional complex operation from the rest of the lid. In addition, the carrier plate forms an additional component, which causes corresponding additional production and storage costs.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved sealing technique for containers, which manages without a support plate for the sealing film.

DE 199 51 331 discloses a lid, package and method of sealing according to the preambles of claims 1, 9 and 11.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a lid for closing an opening of a container, which is provided with a sealing foil, which is attachable to an edge of the container opening, wherein the sealing film formed tear-open and / or torn off at the edge of the container opening is attachable, wherein the sealing film is fixed directly to the lid, wherein the fixing connection between the sealing film and the lid is formed weaker than the intended sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening.

The sealing film has a metal foil which is provided with plastic layers on both sides, wherein the plastic layers have different compositions.

According to the invention, the sealing film is not arranged with the aid of a support plate in the lid, but fixed directly to the lid. By this measure, eliminates a support plate or the like for the sealing film as an additional component. This in turn reduces the cost and expense of manufacturing, warehousing and recycling of the lid. So that the consumer when first opening the container receives a similar impression as in the conventional system with the laminated on a support plate sealing film in the lid, the fixing connection between the sealing film and the lid is formed weaker than the intended sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening , In this way it is ensured that the first time the cover is removed from the container opening, the sealing film is separated from the lid, but the seal between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening is maintained, and the user the dissolution process of the sealing film from the lid by an increased effort and realized the associated noise.

The present invention basically includes all types of containers of arbitrary shapes and sizes, of any materials (glass, plastic, metal, etc.) and of any shapes, sizes and arrangements of container openings. The containers may be used to hold various items such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Also, the present invention basically includes all types of lids of arbitrary shapes and sizes, of any materials (glass, plastic, metal, etc .) And with various locking mechanisms (screw cap, snap closure, cuff closure, etc.), the lid of course to the respective opening to be closed of the container must be adapted. Container and lid can be made of the same or different materials. In addition, the lid can be designed either for multiple or only for one-time closure of the container.

The term "sealing film" encompasses both coated single-layer and multi-layer film structures as well as film structures made of one or more materials. The nature of the sealing film is freely configurable according to its compatibility with the substances to be contained in the container and their desired barrier layer effect (e.g., vapor barrier, oxygen barrier, fluid-tight, gas-tight, condensation-preventing, etc.). Further, the "sealing film" may be a sealing film with or without a tear tab for easier opening of the container.

The term "fixing compound" between the sealing film and the lid in the context of the present invention includes all kinds of releasable connections. The fixation connection is achieved in particular by non-positive and / or material-locking connections, in which case especially material-bonded connections such as welded or adhesive connections are preferred.

In the context of the present invention, the term "seal compound" between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening fundamentally encompasses all types of detachable and insoluble compounds which form a connection with sealing properties adapted to the respective intended use of the packaging. The sealing compound is preferably achieved by material bonds such as welding or adhesive joints. In this case, the sealing compound can be produced for example by heat and / or pressure and inductively or by heat radiation and / or conduction.

The sealing film preferably has a metal layer whose metal is an aluminum alloy or contains aluminum.

Particularly preferably, the sealing film is a metal foil, which in particular contains aluminum, which is provided on both sides with a plastic layer for inductive fixing of the film.

According to the invention, the sealing film can be fixed to the cover, for example, with its side surface facing away from the container opening and / or with its radial peripheral surface.

In this case, the sealing film may optionally be fixed substantially over the whole area on the cover or be fixed in sections only on the cover. In the latter case, the sealing film can be fixed to the cover, for example via one or more connection points, strips and / or surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid may have a web which presses the sealing film against the edge of the container opening when the lid closes the container opening. By the contact pressure of the sealing film against the edge of the container opening by means of the web, the sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening can be improved or reinforced.

In this case, the web on the lid with respect to shape and size in the radial direction of the lid substantially correspond to the edge of the container opening, so that the contact pressure of the sealing film can be applied to the edge of the container opening substantially uniformly over the entire edge connecting surface.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing film may be fixed to this web of the lid.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a package having a container with an opening; a lid for closing the container opening; and a sealing film which is sealed to an edge of the container opening, wherein the sealing film formed tear-open and / or tear-off attached to the edge of the container opening, characterized in that the sealing film is fixed directly to the lid, wherein the fixing connection between the sealing film and the lid is made weaker than the sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening, so that the sealing film is separated from the lid at least when first removing the lid from the container opening, but the seal connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening is maintained.

The differences in the fixing compound can be brought about by providing a metal foil with plastic layers on both sides, wherein the plastic layers have different compositions and / or thickness. According to the invention, the sealing film has a metal foil which is provided with plastic layers on both sides, wherein the plastic layers have different compositions.

The advantages and definitions of this packaging of the invention correspond to those of the above-explained cover according to the first aspect of the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lid and the sealing film for this packaging are formed or arranged in the manner described above.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a method of sealing a container having an opening closable by a lid, comprising the steps of: providing a lid; Fixing a sealing film directly to the lid, wherein the sealing film comprises a metal foil provided with plastic layers on both sides, the plastic layers having different compositions; Closing the container opening with the lid; and sealing the sealing film to an edge of the container opening, the fixing connection between the sealing film and the lid being made weaker than the sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening.

The advantages and definitions of this method according to the invention correspond to those of the above-described cover according to the first aspect of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, when sealing the container opening with the lid, the sealing film can be pressed against the edge of the container opening. In this way, the sealing connection between the sealing film and the edge of the container opening can be improved or reinforced.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lid and the sealing film for this method are formed or arranged in the manner described above.

Fig. 1A

eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Verpackung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, vor dem Verschließen der Behälteröffnung mit dem Deckel;

Fig. 1 B

eine schematische Schnittansicht der Verpackung gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, nach dem Versiegeln des Behälters;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Deckels mit Siegelfolie gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3A bis C

schematische Darstellungen zum Erläutern verschiedener abschnittsweiser Fixierungsverbindungen zwischen der Siegelfolie und dem Deckel von Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Deckels mit Siegelfolie gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Deckels mit Siegelfolie gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Deckels mit Siegelfolie gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

The above and other features, advantages and applications of the invention will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1A

a schematic sectional view of a package according to a first embodiment of the invention, before closing the container opening with the lid;

Fig. 1 B

a schematic sectional view of the packaging according to the first embodiment of the invention, after sealing the container;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of a lid with sealing film according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3A to C

schematic representations for explaining various section-wise fixing connections between the sealing film and the lid of Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a schematic sectional view of a lid with sealing film according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view of a lid with sealing film according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6

a schematic sectional view of a lid with sealing film according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Fig. 1A and 1B First, a first embodiment of a package according to the present invention will be described in detail.

The package includes a container 10, for example in the form of a glass, with an opening 12 delimited by a rim 14. The container opening 12 serves on the one hand for filling the container 10 with, for example, a food and on the other hand for removing the food from the container 10th

The container opening 12 is closed by a lid 16, for example made of plastic. The cover 16 is preferably formed in one piece and has a disk-shaped closure plate 18 and a rim portion 20 projecting from the radial periphery of this closure plate 18 in the direction of the container 10. The inner diameter of this edge portion 20 is dimensioned larger than the outer diameter of the opening edge 14 forming container wall, so that the lid 16 can be placed on the container 10 while its edge portion 20 surrounds the container wall of the opening 12.

As in Fig. 1A and 1B illustrated, the container wall forming the opening edge 14 is formed with an external thread 22 and the edge portion 20 of the lid 16 is formed with an internal thread 24 which can be brought into engagement with the external thread 22 of the container opening 12. In the present embodiment, the lid 16 is thus screwed onto the container 10. However, the present invention is intended neither to the in Fig. 1A and 1B sketched thread still be limited to a screw cap itself.

In the interior of the lid 16, more precisely on the side of the closure plate 18 facing the container 10, a sealing film 26 is arranged. This sealing film 26 is fixed directly to the lid 16 via a welding or adhesive connection 28. As in Fig. 1A and 1B can be seen, the lid 16 is also provided on the container 10 facing side of its closure plate 18 with a substantially annular designed web 30 and the sealing film 26 is fixed with its side facing away from the container 10 on this web 30. This fixing connection 28 between the sealing film 26 and the web 30 of the cover 16 can optionally be carried out essentially over the entire web region or only in sections (eg adhesive dots).

As in particular in Fig. 1B can be seen, the sealing film 26 is pressed by the web 30 of the lid 16 against the edge 14 of the container opening 12 when the lid 16 is completely screwed onto the container 10. In this state, a sealed joint 34 is then produced between the sealing film 26 and the edge 14 of the container opening 12. This sealing connection 34 is designed, for example, as a welded or adhesive connection and is preferably carried out inductively. For the inductive sealing compound 34, the preferably made of metal sealing film 26 has a plastic layer 32 or the like, at least in the region of the edge 14 of the container opening 12 but preferably over the entire surface. However, the heat required to produce the sealed joint 34 can also be supplied in another way, for example via direct contact with a heating element or by means of a hot air flow.

The sealing film 26 is simple, for example because of its low material thickness and / or a suitable material condition, i. preferably without aids, rupturable. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing film 26 can also be torn or detachable from the edge 14 of the container opening 12. For this purpose, the sealing film 26 may, for example, have a pull-tab or the like, even if this is not absolutely necessary and is therefore not the case in the exemplary embodiments illustrated here.

As in Fig. 1B indicated, correspond to the shape and size of the web 30 of the lid 16 in the radial direction (right / left direction in Fig. 1A and 1B In this way it is achieved that the sealing surface 26 is pressed with screwed lid 16 substantially uniformly and completely against the edge 14 of the container opening 12, so that a better or stronger sealing compound 34 between the Sealing film 26 and the edge 14 can be achieved.

In the preparation of the fixing compound 28 between the sealing film 26 and the web 30 of the lid 16 on the one hand and the sealing compound 34 between the sealing film 26 and the edge 14 of the container opening 12 on the other hand, make sure that the fixing compound 28 is made significantly weaker than the sealed joint 34. This may be due to differences in the Materials are achieved. This ensures that at least the first time the lid 16 is removed from the container 10, the sealing film 26 is separated from the web 30 of the lid 16, while the sealing compound 34 between the sealing film 26 and the edge 14 of the container opening 12 is retained. This in turn causes the consumer experiences similar impressions as when opening conventional packaging with sealing film on a support plate in the lid for the first time.

In contrast to conventional packaging systems in which a sealing film with the aid of a support plate (eg cardboard) is arranged in the lid, can be dispensed with in the packaging according to the invention on such a support plate, since the sealing film 26 is fixed directly on the lid 16 and so against a falling out or blowing out during the manufacturing or filling process is secured. By eliminating the carrier plate, the number of components for packaging is reduced. Furthermore, the lid can be recycled more easily because it consists of only one component and thus only one material.

As a precaution, it should be noted that the illustrations in Fig. 1A and 1B and are not to scale in the other figures. In particular, the sealing film 26 is generally much thinner than shown in relation to the other components such as lid 16 and container 10.

A second embodiment of a package according to the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2 and 3 explained in more detail.

As in Fig. 2 illustrated, the lid 16, in contrast to the above first embodiment, no web 30. Instead, the sealing film 26 is in full contact with the inside of the closure plate 18 of the lid 16 in contact. In this case, the fixing compound 28 between the sealing film 26 and the lid 16, for example, substantially over the entire surface.

Alternatively, however, an only partial fixation connection 28 between the sealing film 26 and the closure plate 18 of the lid can also be provided in this case. As in Fig. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrated by way of example, this section by section Fixing connection 28 may be configured for example by punctiform connections, annular strip connections or radial strip connections of different sizes and numbers. The person skilled in the art will readily be able to recognize numerous further variants for section-wise fixation connections.

At the in Fig. 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment, the distance between the sealing film 26 and the internal thread 24 of the lid 16 in comparison to the embodiment of Fig. 1A and 1B increased. Consequently, the positioning of the external thread 22 on the edge 14 of the container opening 12 must be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, the position of the internal thread 24 on the cover 16 or the radial dimension of the edge portion 20 of the lid 16 can be adapted to the container 10 accordingly.

Incidentally, this embodiment corresponds to in Fig. 1A and 1B shown packaging and a new description of the other components and their advantages is therefore omitted.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a lid of a package according to the invention.

This lid 16 of Fig. 4 differs from that of the first embodiment of Fig. 1A and 1B by the configuration of the web 30 '. While at the lid of Fig. 1A and 1B the web 30 projecting from the closure plate 18 in the axial direction in the direction of the container 10, protrudes the web 30 'in this third embodiment of the edge portion 20 of the lid 16 substantially radially inwardly.

The other components and arrangements, for example, correspond to those of the first embodiment.

In Fig. 5 a fourth embodiment of a lid of a package according to the invention is shown.

This embodiment differs from the ones described with reference to FIG Fig. 1 to 4 described embodiments by the nature of the fixing compound 28 'between the sealing film 26 and the lid 16. While the sealing film 26 in Fig. 1 to 4 The sealing foil 26 is fixed here via its radial peripheral surface at the edge portion 20 of the lid 16 via its side surface facing away from the container with the web 30 or the closure plate 18 of the lid 16.

Further, in the closure plate 18 of the lid 16 of this embodiment, a viewing port 38 is provided. This viewing opening 38 is provided, for example, substantially centrally and formed, for example, by a transparent or non-colored plastic area within a plastic lid 16. On the closure plate 18 of the lid 16 facing side surface of the sealing film 26 may then be provided, for example, a print or the like as an information surface for the consumer.

Furthermore, it is possible to insert in the space 40 between the closure plate 18 of the lid 16 and the sealing foil 26 smaller objects (e.g., as an additional advertising measure) which the user can see through the viewing aperture 38. After the first opening of the packaging, the interior 40 is then freely accessible to the consumer, since the sealing film 26 has separated from the lid 16.

The other components and arrangements are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 6 another embodiment of a lid of a package according to the invention will be described.

The lid 16 of Fig. 6 differs from that of the previous embodiments by the nature of the closure technique in combination with the container 10. While the lid 16 of Fig. 1 to 5 were each formed with an internal thread 24 for screwing onto an external thread 22 of the container 10, the lid 16 of the present example at its edge portion 20 a radially to inner protruding projection 36 which can snap into a corresponding recess or recess (not shown) on the outer periphery of the edge 14 of the container opening 12.

The other components and arrangements are the same as those of the second embodiment.

Of course, the features of the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings may be combined in any manner. For example, the snap cap of Fig. 6 also with the packaging of the Fig. 1 to 5 be applied. Likewise, the viewing opening of the lid of the fourth embodiment can also be used in the other embodiments.

Claims (13)

1. A cover (16) for the closing of an opening (12) of a container (10), comprising: a sealing foil (26) which can sealed onto a fringe (14) of the container opening (12), wherein the sealing film (26) is formed such that it can be torn open and/or that it can be mounted on the fringe (14) of the container opening (12) in a tearable way;
   wherein the sealing foil (26) is fixed directly onto the cover (16), wherein the fixing connection (28) between the sealing foil (26) and the cover (16) is formed weaker than the intended sealing connection (34) between the sealing foil (26) and the fringe (14) of the container opening (12);
   characterized in that;
   the sealing foil (26) comprises a metal foil, which is provided with plastics layers on both sides, wherein the plastics layers have different compositions.
2. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing foil (26) is fixed with its side surface facing away from the container opening (12) and/or with its radial circumferential surface onto the cover (16).
3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing foil (26) is fixed onto substantially the entire surface of the cover (16).
4. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing foil (26) is fixed in sections onto the cover (16).
5. The cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the sealing foil (26) is fixed via one or several connecting points, connecting strips and/or connecting surfaces onto the cover (16).
6. The cover according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover (16) has a land (28) that presses the sealing foil (26) against the fringe (14) of the container opening (12) when the cover (16) closes the container opening (12).
7. The cover according to claim 6, characterized in that the land (28) is in regard to the size and the shape in the radial direction of the cover (16) corresponding substantially to the fringe (14) of the container opening (12).
8. The cover according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the sealing foil (26) is fixed onto the land (28) of the cover (16).
9. A packaging comprising:

   a container (10) having an opening (12);

   a cover (16) for the closing of the container opening (12); and

   a sealing foil (26) which can sealed onto a fringe (14) of the container opening (12), wherein the sealing foil (26) is formed such that it can be torn open and/or that it can be mounted on the fringe (14) of the container opening (12) in a tearable way;

   wherein the sealing foil (26) is fixed directly onto the cover (16), wherein the fixing connection (28) between the sealing foil (26) and the cover (16) is formed weaker than the intended sealing connection (34) between the sealing foil (26) and the fringe (14) of the container opening (12) such that at least upon an initial removal of the cover (16) from the container opening (12) the sealing foil (26) is separated from the cover (16), but the sealing connection (34) between the sealing foil (26) and the fringe (14) of the container opening (12) is retained;

   characterized in that;

   the sealing foil (26) comprises a metal foil, which is provided with plastics layers on both sides, wherein the plastics layers have different compositions.
10. The packaging according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover (16) and the sealing foil (26) are formed and arranged, respectively according to one of the claims 2 to 8.
11. A method for the sealing of a container (10) having an opening (12) which can be closed by a cover (16), wherein the method comprises the steps:

    a providing of a cover (16);

    a fixing of the sealing foil (26) directly onto the cover (16), wherein the sealing foil (26) comprises a metal foil, which is provided with plastics layers on both sides, wherein the plastics layers have different compositions;

    a closing of the container opening (12) with the cover (16); and

    a sealing of the sealing foil (26) onto an fringe (14) of the container opening (12), wherein the fixing connection (28) between the sealing foil (26) and the cover (16) is formed weaker than the sealing connection (34) between the sealing foil (26) and the fringe (14) of the container opening (12).
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that upon the closing of the container opening (12) with the cover (16) the sealing foil (26) is pressed against the fringe (14) of the container opening (12).
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the cover (16) and the sealing foil (26) are formed and arranged, respectively according to one of the claims 2 to 8.

Images