EP2362844A1

EP2362844A1 - Drink can closure element

Info

Publication number: EP2362844A1
Application number: EP09740846A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wladimir Brandtner
Original assignee: WB Innovations Ltd Great Britain
Current assignee: WB Innovations Ltd Great Britain
Priority date: 2008-08-29
Filing date: 2009-08-27
Publication date: 2011-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-27
Also published as: WO2010022951A1; ZA201102376B; EP2362844B1; DE102008044981A1; US20110155737A1; CA2735684C; CA2735684A1; AU2009287036A1; US20140367381A1; US8651318B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a drink can closure element (10) comprising a cover part (12) which is to be placed in an opening of a drink can (30), and a locking mechanism (16) which is embodied and/or arranged on the cover part (12), said locking mechanism being embodied and/or arranged in such a manner that the drink can closure element (10) arranged in an opening of a drink can (30) can be closed in an opening of a drink can (30). The cover part (12) is designed and arranged in such a manner that, when the drink can closure element (10) is in an opening of the drink can (30), said cover part can be elastically deformed between at least two states. Said locking mechanism (16) is embodied and arranged on the cover element (12) in such a manner that, in at least one of the at least two states of the cover element (12), said locking mechanism (16) is arranged further inwards in the radial direction in relation to the cover element (12) than in at least one other of the at least two states of the cover element (12).

Description

Beverage can closure element

The invention relates to a beverage can closure element according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a beverage can lid with such a beverage can closure element and a beverage can with such a beverage can lid.

Beverage cans are next to bottles the most important trade packaging for drinks and serve at the same time as a drinking vessel. They are mainly used for carbonated drinks such as canned beer and soft drinks.

Beverage cans usually consist of a one-piece, cylindrical container made of aluminum or tinplate and a aufgefalzten lid made of aluminum with an oval Ritzline or break line and a riveted metal tab that pushes the raised oval by leveraging into the can interior when lifting and so a Ausgießbzw. Drinking opening generated.

The invention relates to a beverage can closure element which is in a simple manner in a position to close, lock and release an opening of any kind. In particular, the invention relates to a lid for a container such as a beverage can, wherein the lid consists of a sheet, preferably tinplate. Beverage cans usually have a predetermined breaking line in the lid, whereby a removal opening can be released by means of a lid attached to the opening tab via a predetermined breaking lever.

Such beverage cans usually contain liquids such as beer, lemonade, fruit juices, mineral water or the like. but can also be used for sauces, herbal mixtures, grated cheese, nuts or the like.

The known beverage cans have the disadvantage that they are not resealable after opening, there is a risk of spillage of the remaining content in the workplace, in vehicles, while playing, etc. Furthermore, contaminants and insects can penetrate.

WO 2006/009483 discloses a resealable lid according to the preamble of claim 1 and claim 7. In this cover, the opening tab can be rotated after opening and close the removal opening. For this purpose, the opening tab on its underside an annular sealant, such as magnets, adhesive, rubber or a plastic seal. Because several materials are used in the production of the lid, the production of such a lid is costly and labor intensive.

The US 4,673,099 also discloses a resealable lid according to the preamble of claim 1 and claim 7. For closing the removal opening, the opening tab is formed on the underside obliquely outwards, whereby they can engage in the removal opening. To get a good seal ensure there is also a separate one here

Sealing material, such as elastomer used. Thus, the production of the lid is cost and labor intensive here too.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a cover of the type mentioned in such a way that it can be produced more cheaply, with the removal opening easy to close, to lock and again easy to open.

The object of the invention is achieved with a beverage can closure element according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a beverage can closure element is provided with a cover member for placement in an opening of a beverage can and a cover member formed and / or arranged locking device which is formed and / or arranged such that the arranged in an opening of a beverage can beverage can closure element in an opening a beverage can is lockable, wherein the cover member is formed and arranged such that the cover member when the beverage can closure element is disposed in an opening of a beverage can, between at least two states is elastically deformable, wherein the locking device is arranged and formed on the cover member in that, in at least one state of the cover member of the at least two states of the cover member, the locking device is radially further inward relative to the cover member than in at least one other of the at least two states of the cover is arranged corner member.

According to the invention the cover member by external force between the at least two states is elastically deformable.

According to the invention, the cover member may be elastically deformable by cooperation with the beverage can between the at least two states.

According to the invention, the locking device can be arranged and / or formed on the underside of the cover member. By underside of the cover member is meant the side of the cover member which faces the contents of the beverage can when the beverage can closure member is disposed in the mouth of the beverage can to reclose the beverage can.

Alternatively or additionally, the locking device may be arranged and / or formed on the upper side of the cover member.

According to the invention, the cover member may be formed like a plate spring.

According to the invention, the cover member may have a surface portion which is formed curved in one of the states upwardly and is curved in another of the states downwardly curved. Variants and alternatives are conceivable. For example, indentations or flat sections or grooves and / or ribs can be provided in the curvature. Also conceivable is the transition from a flat surface to a curved or vice versa. A transition from a lesser curvature to a greater curvature or from a greater curvature to a lower curvature is also conceivable.

According to the invention the cover member at least one and preferably have a plurality of stiffening ribs and / or stiffening grooves.

According to the invention, the locking device may comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of locking members, which is or are preferably designed as a rim which completely or partially surrounds the cover member and / or as a nose or noses.

Such locking members of the locking device may preferably be designed and arranged such that in the locked state they engage behind the edge of the opening of the beverage can and thus lock the beverage can closure element in the opening.

According to the invention, the locking device may comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of projections arranged on the cover member.

According to the invention the cover member may be arranged in an annular member which surrounds the edge of the cover member, wherein preferably on the cover member projections are formed, which are accommodated in slots formed in the annular member.

In this embodiment of the invention, the extensions may act as locking means by moving radially outward through the slots of the annular member upon pressing on the cover member to provide locking of the beverage can closure member in the extraction opening. Preferably, in this embodiment of the invention, the cover member including its extensions and the annular member made of the same material as the beverage can lid or beverage can. However, it would also be conceivable to form the components of other materials, such as preferably food-grade plastic. there The components can be made of the same or different materials.

According to the invention, the beverage can closure element can have an unlocking device which is designed and arranged such that the locking device is unlocked by actuation of the unlocking device, preferably by elastic deformation of the cover element into the state in which the locking elements of the locking device are arranged radially further inwards.

Thus, the opening of the beverage can after the operation of Entriegeleinrichtung be released again. In other words, the unlocking device can be used to cancel the elastic deformation of the cover member which has occurred during locking, by exerting a force on the cover member in such a way that the cover member is moved from a stable state, ie. for example, the lock state, to another stable state, i. For example, the unlocking state, which corresponds to the state in which the cover member has been arranged in the opening of the beverage can for locking. After unlocking the cover member can be removed again from the opening of the beverage can and rotated to another position to release the opening for further removal of the content of the beverage can.

According to the invention, the unlocking device comprises a lever arranged on the beverage can closure element or a mechanism with one or more vanes arranged on the beverage can closure element.

Alternatively or additionally, the suspension of the elastic change in shape of the cover member of the beverage can closure element can be achieved by actuating the beverage can closure element itself. According to the invention the cover member may have a curved surface or partial surface, preferably an upwardly curved surface or partial surface, wherein the surface and / or the partial surface preferably round, oval, trapezoidal with rounded corners, bridge-shaped, grooved, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal or dergl. is trained.

Of course, the curved surface or partial surface of the cover member may also have any other suitable shape, in particular a shape with rounded corners.

According to the invention, the cover member may have a curved surface or partial surface facing downwards or having an upwardly curved surface which partially comprises a downwardly directed surface.

According to the invention, the cover member may have as a locking member an edge, wherein the edge is a complete or a partially circumferential edge, or comprises one or more projecting parts.

According to the invention the cover member may have a complete or partially circumferential stiffening groove and / or stiffening rib, for example in the form of an offset.

This embodiment has the advantage that the cover member receives a higher stability, whereby the locking in the removal opening is easier and safer to handle.

According to the invention, the edge of the cover member may have one or more lugs.

As a result, a better, ie simpler and safer locking of the cover member achieved in the removal opening become .

According to the invention, the cover member may have a flat surface or a surface protruding from a plane, wherein the plane protruding from the plane is preferably a curved or a multi-curved surface.

The cover member is preferably designed such that it is the part of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element that can close the removal opening of the beverage can again.

The invention also relates to a beverage can lid with a beverage can closure element according to the invention, preferably with a predetermined opening line for removing the contents of the beverage can defining a break line.

According to the invention, the beverage can closure element can be arranged and designed as an opening tab for opening the beverage can by pressing in the beverage can lid on the predetermined breaking line.

This embodiment of the invention is preferred. Alternatively, the beverage can closure element can also be provided as a component or part separate from an opening tab. It is clear that according to the invention the beverage can closure element can also be provided as a separate part from the beverage can. However, it is preferred to form the opening tab of the beverage can according to the invention as a beverage can closure element. For this purpose, then beverage can closure element has the double function of opening tab for the first time opening the beverage can and reclosing the beverage can and locking the beverage can closure element in the opening of the beverage can at the predetermined breaking line opening of the beverage can. According to the invention, the beverage can closure element can be arranged and configured on the beverage can lid such that the beverage can closure element can be arranged after opening the removal opening either by turning and / or folding the beverage can closure element over the removal opening in order to cover and close it again.

According to the invention, the edge of the beverage can closure element can be arranged and designed such that it snaps into the removal opening (4) when closing the removal opening (4), is clamped in the removal opening (4) or snaps into it.

According to the invention, the reopening mechanism may consist in that the beverage can closure element has a breakaway lever which is used as a reopening lever, or that the reopening mechanism consists of one or more vanes attached to the opening tab or integrally formed with the opening tab, the / the Wing is made of the same or a different material as the opening tab is / are.

Alternatively or additionally, the reopening mechanism can also consist in that an opening mechanism is arranged on the other side of the opening tab, opposite to the predetermined breaking lever, which can be used as an auxiliary opening mechanism or as a main opening mechanism, wherein for reopening the edge of the opening tab or one or more wings used can be.

According to the invention, the upper side of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element can be designed in such a way from the shape and the surface texture that it can be used for advertising purposes, pictures, logos, Numbering, etc. can be used.

The invention also relates to a beverage can with a beverage can lid according to the invention and / or a beverage can closure element according to the invention.

According to the invention, the beverage can can be made of metal, preferably tinplate, and / or plastic and / or of a combination of different materials.

According to the invention, the beverage can beverages, granular and / or powdery products, for sauces, for nuts or other products can be used.

For example, the beverage can lid according to the invention can be made such that the lid is initially punched in a conventional manner, but such that the opening tab is shaped to be inserted and locked into the dispensing opening and easy to reopen the removal opening can be raised again. In this case, the edge provided for the locking can be formed as a completely or partially circumferential edge, or consist of one or more projecting parts, and / or that a complete or partially circumferential stiffening groove are provided, which for more stability of the opening tab and for a better locking ensures in the removal opening. Further, the opening tab may be punched such that one or more vanes are integrally formed, or one or more vanes are attached to the opening tab.

When handling the beverage can according to the invention, the beverage can by means of the opening tab can be opened and then the opening tab rotated 180 ° or folded to close the removal opening and be locked, wherein locking members of the beverage can closure element by moving the surface of the beverage can closure element relative to the surface are moved radially outwardly to lock the removal opening, and that the mechanism for canceling this change in shape is actuated, whereby the locking elements, based on the Surface, be moved radially inward to release the opening again.

To lock the removal opening, for example, in some embodiments of the invention, an upwardly curved surface of the opening tab can be pressed down, in such a way that the curvature reverses, whereby the opening tab snaps into the removal opening and locks the lid, or that upwards curved surface is pressed down, in such a way that the curvature decreases or even completely flat, whereby the opening tab stretches and the edge of the opening tab is pushed outwards, and whereby the opening tab snaps into the removal opening and locks the lid.

In some embodiments of the invention may be for closing the removal opening, the nose or noses at the edge of the opening tab for locking pin or lock it.

For locking the removal opening, the opening tab or the cover member can be pressed down, for example, in such a way that the curvatures of the curved surface are reversed, i. that the upwardly curved surface curves downwards and the downwardly curved surface or partial surface upwards, whereby the opening tab or the cover member or the beverage can closure element snaps into the removal opening and locks.

To reopen the beverage can, the break lever be used as a reopening lever, in such a way that the predetermined breaking lever, which was rotated together with the opening tab or the beverage can closure element, is pressed down, whereby the snapped edge back in and the curved surface, which in the latched state less curved or was even flat, pushes back upwards, whereby the opening tab or the beverage can closure element is released from the removal opening, and can be turned back or folded back.

Alternatively or additionally, an opening mechanism may be provided for reopening, located on the other side of the opening tab, opposite the breakaway lever, such that the edge of the opening tab or one or more wings may be used to close the opening tab to solve.

To reopen the container, the wing (s) can be pushed down, in such a way that the opening tab nbzw. The beverage can closure element resumes its original shape or the wing (s) are raised and pulled up.

After opening the beverage can, the opening tab or beverage can closure element or

Beverage can closure element turned or folded down and pushed into the removal opening. Locking elements can be provided in order to prevent the opening tab or the beverage can closure element from coming off the removal opening, and a reopening mechanism can be provided in order to be able to release the removal opening again.

The reclosing opening tab or serving for reclosing beverage can closure element can, in particular, if it consists of a thin sheet-metal stamped part, readily accommodate in the circular disc-shaped, upwardly open cavity formed between the central lid portion and the upper edge of the can. This means that the lid according to the invention can be produced without major adjustments of conventional machines.

The removal opening can be reliably closed and locked, and dirt, dust and vermin can not get into the opened can. At work, playing or staying in moving vehicles, the contents can not be spilled to any significant extent. The subject of the invention is even sufficiently closable and lockable that its content does not escape appreciably even when the can is falling over. Also, such a box equipped is very environmentally friendly, since the opening tab or the beverage can closure element that serves or re-closing always remains connected to the can.

The locking elements are designed such that the opening tab or beverage can closure element or beverage can closure element snaps into the removal opening when it is closed again and is locked. For this purpose, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element preferably has an upwardly curved surface or partial surface, and preferably has a peripheral edge which can snap into the removal opening. The surface or the partial surface may be round, oval trapezoidal with rounded corners, bridge-shaped, grooved, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal or the like. or it can have any other shape, possibly with rounded corners. The surface or the partial surface can also consist of combinations of different shapes, for example angular and round shapes. The curved surface or partial surface may also be directed downwards or the upwardly curved surface partially has a downwardly directed surface. The down-facing surface or partial surface makes resealing and locking easier.

In some embodiments of the invention, the locking can be achieved in the following manner: the upwardly curved surface is pressed down, in such a way that the curved surface presses the edge of the opening tab or beverage can closure element radially outwardly by this change in shape ; the opening tab or the beverage can closure element snaps into the removal opening and locks the lid. The snapping edge may be a full or partial circumferential edge, or may consist of one or more protruding parts. A complete or partial circumferential stiffening groove, e.g. in the form of an offset, in the form of a depression or in the form of an elevation can provide for more stability of the opening tab or the beverage can closure element and for a better snapping into the removal opening.

The reopening mechanism may, in some embodiments of the invention, be that a breakaway lever (ie, the lever used to break the break line) is used as the reopening lever, such that the breakaway lever, which rotates together with the opening tab or beverage can closure member, respectively or has been folded down, whereby the latched and locked edge pushes back inwards and the curved surface, which extended downward in the latched and locked state, pushes up again. In this way, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element releases from the removal opening; the opening tab or the Beverage can closure element can thus be turned back or folded back and the beverage can can be further emptied. The curved surface, which has been pressed down for locking, may also be less curved downward or even flat in the locked state.

Alternatively, the locking device may consist in that the edge of the removal opening is formed such that the opening tab or beverage can closure element or beverage can closure element is clamped in the removal opening when reclosing or snaps into it. For the locking in the removal opening, the edge of the opening tab or beverage can closure element or beverage can closure element has one or more lugs.

Alternatively, the reopening mechanism may consist of one or more vanes attached to the opening tab or beverage can closure member or integrally formed with the opening tab or beverage can closure member. The wing (s) is / are made of the same or a different material as the opening tab or the beverage can closure element.

Preferably, the part of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element which can reseal the removal opening can have a flat surface or an area raised out of the plane. This plane, which is emphasized out of the plane, may be a curved or a multiply curved surface and may preferably be the cover member or a substantial part of the cover member.

In addition, the upper side of the opening tab or the

Beverage can closure element of the shape and the surface texture ago be designed so that it can be used for promotional purposes, images, logos, numbering, etc. The invention also relates to a container with an inventive closure member or lid, wherein the container may be made of an environmentally friendly material such as metal, preferably tinplate, or plastic or a combination of different materials. Such a container can be used, for example, for beverages, for granular or powdery products, for sauces, for nuts or for other products.

If the container is a beverage can, the lid, in particular the opening tab or the

Beverage can closure member having a hole or a plurality of holes through which tubular articles, such. Straws can be passed.

The invention also includes a method for manufacturing a lid, wherein the lid is first stamped in a conventional manner, but such that the opening tab or the beverage can closure element is shaped so that it can be inserted into the removal opening. For this purpose, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element has a peripheral edge, which can snap into the removal opening or engage or can be clamped therein. Alternatively, the edge of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element can have one or more lugs.

The invention also includes a method for opening, resealing and reopening the container. For reopening, for example, the predetermined breaking lever can be pressed down, whereby the locked by snapping, snapping or pinching edge triggers and the opening tab or beverage can closure element can be turned back or folded back. Alternatively, one or more wings may be provided to open and reopen the container To be able to solve opening tab or beverage can closure element.

Although the invention particularly relates to a lid for a beverage can, other applications are possible, e.g. as a beverage can closure element to temporarily close bottles or similar containers or as a cover for e.g. Camera lenses or similar items.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a

Beverage can with a beverage can lid and a beverage can closure element according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the beverage can of FIG. 1 along the line II-II of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the beverage can of Fig. 1 with broken out opening portion of the beverage can lid.

4 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the opened beverage can of FIG. 1 along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the beverage can of Fig. 1 with broken out

Opening portion of the beverage can lid, wherein the beverage can closure element is rotated in a central position.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic partial sectional view of Beverage can from FIG. 5 along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of the beverage can of Fig. 1 with broken out

Opening portion of the beverage can lid, wherein the beverage can closure member is rotated over the beverage opening or portion of the beverage can lid, from which the opening portion has been broken out.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the beverage can of Fig. 7 taken along the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7, which schematically shows the finger of a user who wants to close the opened beverage can with the beverage can closure element again.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic plan view of the beverage can of Fig. 1 with broken out

Opening portion of the beverage can lid, wherein the beverage can closure element was pressed into the beverage opening or the area of the beverage can lid, from which the opening portion was broken out to close the first opened beverage can again.

10 shows a schematic partial sectional view of

Drinks can of Figure 9 along the line X-X of Fig. 9, wherein the finger of a user is shown schematically, which has the opened beverage can with the beverage can closure element re-closed.

FIG. 11 shows a partial section corresponding to FIG. 10. looks, with the dashed lines drawn circle sections are shown again greatly enlarged according to the arrows.

FIG. 12 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10, which schematically illustrates how the beverage can closure element can be unlocked again by the user.

FIG. 13 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10, showing the beverage can closure element in the position unlocked again by the user.

14 shows a schematic top view of a beverage can with a beverage can lid and a beverage can closure element according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 15 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of Fig. 14 along the line XV-XV.

16 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of FIG. 14 along the line XVI-XVI.

17 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of FIG. 14 along the line XVII-XVII.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic plan view of a beverage can with a beverage can lid and a beverage can closure element according to another Embodiment of the invention.

19 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of FIG. 18 along the line XIX-XIX.

Fig. 20 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of Fig. 18 along the line XX-XX.

Fig. 21 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can lid with the beverage can closure element of the beverage can of Fig. 18 taken along the line XXI-XXI.

FIG. 22 shows an enlarged detail of the partial sectional view of FIG. 19. FIG.

FIG. 23 shows an enlarged detail of the partial sectional view of FIG. 19.

Figures 24 a) to 1), 25 a) to 1) and 26 a) to h) show top views of variants of the beverage can closure element.

Figures 27 a) to i) show partial sectional views of variants of the beverage can closure element.

Figures 28a and 28b show plan views of variants of the beverage can closure element with straw openings in the cover member.

Fig. 29 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 30 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 29 with a beverage can lid along the line XXX-XXX of FIG. 29. FIG.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 29 in a locked state. FIG.

FIG. 32 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 31 with a beverage can lid along the line XXXI I -XXXI I of FIG. 31. FIG.

33 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 34 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 33 with a beverage can lid along the line XXXIV-XXXIV of FIG. 33. FIG.

Fig. 35 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 33 with a beverage can lid taken along the line XXXV-XXXV of Fig. 33 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 36 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 35 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 33 in a locked state.

Fig. 37 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 38 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can Closing member of Fig. 37 with a beverage can lid along the line XXXVIII- XXXVIII of Fig. 37.

FIG. 39 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure member of FIG. 37 with a beverage can lid taken along the line XXXIX-XXXIX of FIG. 37 in an unlocked state. FIG.

FIG. 40 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 39 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 37 in a locked state.

41 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 42 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 41 with a beverage can lid along the line XLII-XLII of FIG. 41. FIG.

Fig. 43 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 41 with a beverage can lid along the line XLIII-XLIII of Fig. 41 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 44 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 43 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 41 in a locked state, wherein a variant with an additional nose is shown in the circle b).

Fig. 45 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 46 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure member of FIG. 45 with a beverage can lid taken along line XLVI-XLVI of FIG. 45 in an unlocked condition. FIG.

FIG. 47 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 46 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 45 in a locked state, whereby a partial sectional view along the line b-b of FIG. 47 is shown in circle b).

Fig. 48 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

Fig. 49 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 48 with a beverage can lid taken along the line XLIX-XLIX of Fig. 48 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 50 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 49 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 48 in a locked state, wherein a partial sectional view along the line b-b of FIG. 50 is shown in circle b).

51 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

Fig. 52 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 51 with a beverage can lid taken along the line LII-LII of Fig. 51 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 53 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 52 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 51 in a locked state, wherein in the circle b) is a partial sectional view along the line bb of Fig. 53 is shown.

54 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 55 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 54 with a beverage can lid along the line LV-LV of FIG. 54. FIG.

Fig. 56 is a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure member of Fig. 54 with a beverage can lid taken along the line LVI-LVI of Fig. 54 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 57 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 56 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 54 in a locked state.

Fig. 58 shows a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 59 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 58 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 58 in a locked state.

Fig. 60 shows a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

61 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. See the beverage can closure element of Fig. 60 in a locked state.

Fig. 62 shows a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 63 shows a partial sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 62, of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 62 in a locked state.

Fig. 64 shows 16 further variants with possible

Nose shapes that can be used, for example, alternatively or additionally in the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 33 to 53.

FIG. 65 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state, wherein two partial sectional views along the dashed lines are shown on the right-hand edge.

FIG. 66 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 65 with a beverage can lid taken along line LXVI-LXVI of FIG. 65 in an unlocked state. FIG.

FIG. 67 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 66 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 65 in a locked state.

Fig. 68 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 69 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure member of FIG. 68 with a beverage can lid taken along line LXIX-LXIX of FIG. 68 in an unlocked state. FIG.

FIG. 70 shows a top view of the embodiment of a beverage can closure element of FIG. 68 in a locked state. FIG.

FIG. 71 shows a partial sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 69, of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 68 with a beverage can lid along the line LXXI-LXXI in a locked state.

FIGS. 72 a) to g) show variants of partial sectional views of a beverage can closure element in a representation corresponding to FIG. 69 with a beverage can lid, which are preferably alternatives to the partial sectional view illustrated in FIG. 66 or 69, in unlocked states.

FIGS. 73 a) to g) show the variants of FIGS. 72 a) to g) in the locked state.

FIGS. 74 a) to e) show variants of side views of beverage can closure elements according to the invention with a partially illustrated beverage can lid.

FIG. 75 shows a section along the line LXXV-LXXV of FIG. 74. FIG.

Fig. 76 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 77 shows a side view of the beverage can closure element with a beverage can lid in a view corresponding to FIGS. 74 a) to e).

FIG. 78 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure member of FIG. 76 with a beverage can lid taken along line LXXVIII-LXXVIII of FIG. 76 in an unlocked condition. FIG.

Fig. 79 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

FIG. 80 shows a side view of the beverage can closure element with a beverage can lid in a view corresponding to FIGS. 74 a) to e) in an unlocked state.

FIG. 81 shows a side view of the beverage can closure element with a beverage can lid in a view corresponding to FIG. 80, but in a locked state. FIG.

Fig. 82 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state.

Fig. 83 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 82 with a beverage can lid taken along the line LXXXIII-LXXXIII of Fig. 82 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 84 shows a partial sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 83, of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 82 with a beverage can lid along the line LXXXIII-LXXXIII in a locked state. FIGS. 85 a) to 1) show partial sectional views of alternative beverage can closure elements in a representation corresponding to FIG. 83 with a beverage can lid in an unlocked state.

Figures 86 a) and b), 87 a) and b) and 88 a) and b) show partial sectional views of alternative beverage can closure elements in a representation corresponding to FIG. 83 with a beverage can lid, wherein the figures a) represent an unlocked state, while the Figures b) represent the respective corresponding locked state.

FIGS. 89 to 91 show partial sectional views of alternative beverage can closure elements in a representation corresponding to FIG. 83 with a beverage can lid, wherein the circles show the corresponding partial sectional views of the ribs or beads along the dash-dotted lines.

92 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. Wherein in the right circle an alternative embodiment of the locking member is shown, which can be provided alternatively or in addition to the locking member shown in the left circle.

Fig. 93 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 92 with a beverage can lid taken along the line XCIII-XCIII of Fig. 92 in an unlocked state. FIG. 94 shows a partial sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 93, of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 92 with a beverage can lid along the line XCIII-XCIII in a locked state.

Fig. 95 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. Wherein in the right circle an alternative embodiment of the locking member is shown, which can be provided alternatively or in addition to the locking member shown in the left circle.

Fig. 96 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 95 with a beverage can lid taken along the line XCVI-XCVI of Fig. 95 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 97 shows a partial sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 96, of a partially alternative embodiment of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 95 with a beverage can lid along the line XCVI-XCVI in a locked state.

Fig. 98 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a beverage can closure element according to the invention in an unlocked state. Wherein in the right circle an alternative embodiment of the locking member is shown, which can be provided alternatively or in addition to the locking member shown in the left circle.

Fig. 99 shows a partial sectional view of the beverage can closure element of Fig. 98 with a Beverage can lid along the line XCIX-XCIXI of Fig. 98 in an unlocked state.

FIG. 100 shows a partial sectional view corresponding to FIG. 99 of the beverage can closure element of FIG. 98 with a beverage can lid along the line XCIX-XCIX in a locked state.

FIGS. 101 a) to f) show possible partial sections of embellishments or stiffening ribs or stiffening beads, preferably for the exemplary embodiments of beverage can closure elements according to the invention shown in FIGS. 102 a) to 1).

Figures 102 a) to 1) show embodiments of beverage can closure elements according to the invention.

In the description of the embodiments, the following reference numerals are used, wherein in the various embodiments, corresponding parts or like parts are designated by like reference numerals and reference is made to the description of the previous embodiments (and possibly vice versa) for the description of the later embodiments:

1 finger

2 fingers

3 straw opening

10 beverage can closure element

11 edge area (support area)

12 cover member

13 extension

14 rivets (preferably forms the axis of rotation of the beverage can closure element

15 breakthrough line 16 locking member

17 opening section

18 support bead

19 wings

20 beverage can lids

21 lid section

22 predetermined breaking line

23 opening section

24 folding section

25 groove

30 soda can

31 cone section

32 cylinder section

111 recess

112 gradation

121 extension

122 beading

123 deepening

124 nose

-125 stiffener bead

126 stiffening bead

127 stiffening rib

128 deepening

129 denting

1210 Straight surface section (essentially without curvature)

1211 groove (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1212 continuous edge with bevel

1213 continuous edge with fine reefing

1214 continuous rim with rough ribbing

1215 continuous edge with fine cut

1216 continuous edge with coarse punching

1217 continuous edge with coarse ribbing without bevel

1218 groove (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1219 groove (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12) 1220 groove (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1221 rib (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1222 rib (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1223 rib (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

1224 rib (preferably circumferentially in the transition region between edge 11 and cover member 12)

161 rounded peripheral edge

162 straight peripheral edge

163 circumferential fold (or gripping nose)

164 locking member

165 locking member

166 locking member

167 locking member

168 locking member

169 locking member 211 gradation

300 additive

1 shows a schematic top view of a beverage can 30 with a beverage can lid 20 and a beverage can closure element 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The beverage can closure element 10 has an edge region 11 and a cover member 12, which is suitable for covering the opening of the beverage can 30 after the beverage can has been opened.

Furthermore, the beverage can closure element 10 has an extension 13 which widens the edge region 11 on one side. In the resulting by the extension wider edge region a rivet 14 is provided, which preferably forms an axis of rotation for the beverage can closure element 10. In the extension 13 is also a breakthrough line 15th provided that allows the beverage can closure element to be folded up to open the beverage can 30.

The beverage can 30 is constructed in two parts and has a beverage can lid 20. The beverage can lid 20 comprises a substantially flat lid portion 21 and an opening portion 23 which is enclosed by a predetermined breaking line 22. When opening the beverage can, the opening portion 23 is broken out of the lid portion 21 along the predetermined breaking line 22 in a known manner.

The beverage can lid 20 further includes a fold portion 24, with which the beverage can lid is attached to the beverage can body in a known manner.

The beverage can lid 20 further includes between the cover portion and the rabbet portion 24 a groove 25 which receives any leaked liquid and prevents it from flowing back into the beverage can.

The beverage can 30 is substantially cylindrical and has a cylindrical portion 32, which merges into a tapered conical section 31 in the upper region, thus ensuring that the beverage cans 30 can be stacked in a known manner.

The cover member 12 of the beverage can closure element is in the illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 embodiment of the invention as a relative to the beverage can upwards (the top of the can, which has the beverage can lid) curved surface whose size and shape substantially the Opening portion 23 of the beverage can lid 20 and the opening of the opened beverage can corresponds.

Figures 1 and 2 show the beverage can before the first Open, when the opening portion 23 is still included in the beverage can lid 20, as can best be seen in the sectional view of Fig. 2.

The beverage can body of the beverage can is shown in the partial sectional view of Fig. 2 only partially and as a dash-and-dot line.

Figures 3 and 4 show the beverage can shown in Figures 1 and 2 after opening, i. after the opening portion 23 along the predetermined breaking line 22 has been broken out of the beverage can lid 20 in a known manner out. To open, for example, the beverage can closure element 10 can be bent upward in order to press the extension 13 onto the opening section, which is then broken out of the beverage can lid 20 as a result of the pressure exerted by the extension 13 along the predetermined breaking line 22.

Of course, according to the invention, another opening mechanism known or obvious to the person skilled in the art can be provided. For example, the beverage can closure element may also not be formed as part of the opening mechanism. In this case, the breakthrough line 15 can be omitted, because it is then no longer necessary that the beverage can closure element is formed bendable upwards.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the embodiment of the invention with a beverage can closure element 10 twisted by approximately 90 °. The beverage can closure element 10 is rotatably arranged around the rivet 14, i. the rivet 14 defines an axis of rotation about which the

Beverage can closure element 10 is rotatable. This rotatable arrangement knows the expert of the known at the beverage can lids by means of a rivet hinged opening tabs. Figures 7 and 8 show the beverage can 30 of Fig. 1 with broken out opening portion of the beverage can lid 20, wherein the beverage can closure element 10 is rotated over the beverage opening or the region of the beverage can lid 20 from which the opening portion 23 along the predetermined breaking line 22 has been broken out , In Fig. 8, the hand 1 of a user is shown schematically, who would like to close the opened beverage can 30 with the beverage can closure element 10 again. Furthermore, locking members 16 are shown schematically in FIG. 8, which engage in the reclosure of the beverage can 10 under the lid portion 21 of the beverage can lid 20 and clamp the beverage can closure element 10 on the beverage can lid 20. To re-close the beverage can, the user need only rotate the beverage can closure element 10 about the rivets 14 to the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and press with a finger 1 onto the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure element 10 to make it into the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to put the state shown.

Figures 9 and 10 show the beverage can 30 of Fig. 1 with broken out opening portion 23 of the beverage can lid 20, wherein the beverage can closure member 10 was pressed into the beverage opening or the portion of the beverage can lid 20 from which the opening portion 23 was broken out to the to be closed again for the first time opened beverage can 30, wherein schematically the finger 1 of a user is shown, who has closed the opened beverage can 30 with the beverage can closure element 10 again.

By the pressure of the finger 1, the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure element 10 from its upwardly curved shape shown in Figures 1 to 8 in the in the Figures 9 and 10 offset downward curved shape. In other words, the cover member is transferred from a stable equilibrium to another stable equilibrium. In the downwardly curved shape shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover member 12 tends to be in a relaxed as possible form in which the cover member is curved approximately as far down as before, as in Figures 1 to 8 shown was arched upwards. As a result, the locking members 16, pushed upward against the lid portion 21 of the beverage can lid 20. Since the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure element 10 can not fully enter the relaxed downwardly curved shape, because the locking members abut against the cover member 21 of the beverage can lid 20, the beverage can closure element is clamped by means of the locking members 16 against the beverage can lid 20.

In Fig. 11 can be seen in particular in the greatly enlarged sections better seen how the locking members 16, the beverage can closure element 10 against the beverage can lid 20 stretch on the edge of the opening, which is defined by the predetermined breaking line 22.

To close the user presses with his finger 1 on the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure element 10 in the direction of arrow A. As a result, the extension 13 is moved upward in the direction of arrow B.

To unlock the user, as shown in Fig. 12, exert a force in the direction of arrow C on the extension 13. Thereby, a force in the direction of arrow D (see Fig. 13) is exerted on the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure member such that the cover member returns from its downwardly curved shape back to its upwardly curved shape, as shown in Fig. 13. As a result of the upwardly curved shape, the locking members attached to the cover member become relative to the cover member offset radially inwards, so that they no longer reach under the edge of the lid portion 21 and the beverage can closure element release again, so that it can be rotated back into the position shown in FIG. 1 or the position shown in Fig. 5 in which the opening for drinking or for removing the liquid is free again.

Figures 14 to 17 show a further embodiment of the invention, which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13. Identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Reference is made to the description of the previous embodiment. In the following, only the differences from the previous embodiment will be described.

The beverage can 30 is shown in Figures 14 to 17 in a position in which the already at least once opened opening in the beverage can lid 20 was closed by means of the rotated over the opening beverage can closure element 10 again and in a locked position by pressing on the cover member 12 of Beverage can closure element was brought.

The beverage can closure element 10 has two opening sections 17 and a support bead 18 in the edge region 11. By exerting a force in the direction of arrow E on the opening portions 17 with the fingers 1, 2, the user can unlock the beverage can closure element 10 again, so that the opening can be released by turning the beverage can closure element 10 about the axis defined by the rivet 14 again.

Figures 18 to 23 show a further embodiment of the invention, which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13 and 14 to 17. Identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. On the description of previous embodiments will be referred. In the following, only the differences from the previous embodiment will be described.

The beverage can closure element 10 has two wings 19 and a support bead 18 in the edge region 11. By exerting a force in the direction of arrow E on the wings 19 with at least one finger 1, the user can unlock the beverage can closure element 10 again, so that the opening can be released by turning the beverage can closure element 10 around the axis defined by the rivet 14.

FIGS. 7 to 11 show how the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is pressed into the removal opening and how the edge of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element 10 snaps into the removal opening and locks it. For this purpose, a force is exerted on the cover member 12 in the direction of arrow A, so that the extension 13 lifts in the direction of arrow B. The locking member 16 clamps behind the edge of the removal opening, which is defined by the predetermined breaking line 22.

Figures 12 and 13 show how the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is released from the removal opening so that the removal opening can be released again by turning back or folding back the opening tab or beverage can closure element.

FIGS. 14 to 17 show a variant of the opening mechanism according to FIGS. 12 to 13, which optionally can also be used as an auxiliary opening mechanism.

Figures 18 to 21 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 14 to 17, wherein two wings 19 enhance the leverage of the opening mechanism. FIGS. 22 and 23 show sections through the wings 19 shown in FIGS. 18 to 21.

Figures 28a and 28b show a variant of the opening tab and the beverage can closure element with straw hole or - holes.

Figures 29 to 32 show a variant of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7 to 10, wherein the preferably the same material as that of the beverage can or a combination of different materials can be used.

FIGS. 33 to 61 show further locking constructions which can be used as variants for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.

Fig. 64 shows further variants of different nose shapes to the nose shapes shown in the other figures.

From the figures 65 to 71 the skilled person recognizes that different shapes of lid openings with different shapes of the curved surface of the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 can be combined.

FIGS. 72 to 75 show possible cross-sectional shapes that may fit the embodiments of FIGS. 65 to 71.

FIGS. 76 to 81 show further variants in section and in plan view of the embodiments of FIGS. 65 to 75.

FIGS. 82 to 84 show how the rivet 14, which serves as a fastening and as an axis of rotation for the opening tab or the beverage can closure element is used, is punched out of the material of the lid.

1 shows a beverage can is shown in plan view, which is made as a cylindrical container made of an aluminum material. The beverage can 10 has a lid 20 with an opening tab or a beverage can closure element 10. In the can lid 20, a predetermined breaking line 22 is provided, which marks a removal opening. In the region of the predetermined breaking line 22, preferably in the middle of the can lid 20, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is mounted so as to be horizontally rotatable about a rivet 14 forming an axis. The rivet 14 is preferably punched out of the material of the lid.

In the region of the predetermined breaking line 22, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 has a predetermined breaking lever (extension 13) which covers the same and projects at least partially into the region of the later removal opening.

FIG. 8 shows that the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 has an upwardly curved surface (cover member 12) and a circumferential downwardly extending edge (locking member 16).

Figures 1 to 13 illustrate how the opening and reclosing of the can lid 20 functions. By moving the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 vertically upward, the predetermined breaking lever presses on the part of the lid marked by the predetermined breaking line 22 so that the predetermined breaking line 22 breaks open and the removal opening is formed.

To close the removal opening, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is 180 ° to the rotated axis defined by the rivets 14, so that the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 comes to rest over the discharge opening. Then, the upwardly curved surface is pressed down into the discharge opening, in such a way that the curvature reverses downwards. The locking elements are moved relative to the cover member radially outward, whereby the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 snaps into the removal opening and the lid 20 is locked. The process of opening, reclosing and locking the removal opening can be repeated as often as desired.

Figures 7 to 13 show the operating principle of the closing, the Verriegeins and reopening of the lid. When the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is pressed down, as shown in FIG. 8, and the edge 16 snaps into the removal opening, the predetermined breaking lever 13 moves upward, as can be seen in FIG. FIG. 12, which corresponds to the locked state according to FIG. 11, shows how the lid is opened again. As shown in FIG. 12, one presses on the predetermined breaking lever 13, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 2 again curves upwards, the locked edge 16 comes off and it is possible, e.g. Release the removal opening again by means of the predetermined breaking lever 13.

In order to increase the reopening leverage, a support may be provided under the lever to be used, which acts as a fulcrum for the leverage. Such a support may be stamped from the material of the cover or the predetermined breaking lever, or be attached as a separate part either on the cover or on the breaking lever. The support can also consist of two parts, one part on the cover and the break lever. In the event that the predetermined breaking lever is no longer able to supply the reopening due to damage, or if the predetermined breaking lever is partially or completely broken off, an auxiliary opening mechanism shown in FIGS. 14 to 23 may additionally be provided. This auxiliary opening mechanism is arranged on the other side of the opening tab or the beverage can closure element, opposite the predetermined breaking lever, and preferably has one of the shapes indicated in FIGS. 14 to 21, but may also have any other suitable shape.

The auxiliary opening mechanism can also be used as a main opening mechanism. When the opening mechanism is used (as an auxiliary or main opening mechanism), one presses on one or both sides 17 indicated in Figs. 14-17, or on one or both of the wings 19 indicated in Figs. 18-21. Here, the opening mechanism acts as a support for the lever arm. Figures 22 and 23 show that the wings 19 are partially closed at an angle of e.g. 5 to 35 ° are directed upwards; but it is also possible to direct the entire wing upwards at this angle; or to direct a part of the wing or the entire wing at a different angle obliquely upward.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a lid, wherein the upwardly curved surface or partial surface is shown as round. Further possible shapes are shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, wherein FIG. 27 shows which cross-sectional shapes are possible. The shapes shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 can be arbitrarily combined with the cross-sectional shapes of FIG. 27. Apart from the shapes shown here, other shapes may be used.

Figures 27 g), 27 h) and 27 i) show cross-sectional shapes with a stiffening groove, the survey or as Well is shown. FIG. 27 i) shows that an additive 300, for example in the form of a powder, a liquid or a tablet, preferably an effervescent tablet, can be arranged below the opening tab or the beverage can closure element. The additive can be held by a foil; if it is a powder or a tablet, a liquid seal is also possible; and a tablet may also use a food adhesive such as starch or the like.

Figures 28a and 28b show variants, wherein the opening tab or the beverage can closure element has one or three straw holes; However, it can also be provided one or more straw holes. Another possibility would be to attach the straw holes not in the opening tab or beverage can closure element, but in the can lid, or both in the opening tab or beverage can closure element as well as in the can lid.

FIGS. 29 to 32 show an embodiment in which composites can be used in addition to the preferred embodiment in which the materials of the beverage can are used. All conceivable metals and plastics can be used, but preferably aluminum, steel, rubber or rubber-like materials in any combination. The surfaces of the materials used may be completely or partially anodized. Figures 29 to 32 show an embodiment wherein the opening tab or beverage can closure member is, for example, an upwardly bent cover member having four tabs 121 (or legs) (in practice, the cover member may be and may be a plastic part or a metal part one or more legs are provided). If the opening tab or the beverage can closure element for Sealing is pressed into the removal opening, these legs will move radially outward and pressed into corresponding slots 111 of the opening tab and the beverage can closure element, whereby the opening tab or the beverage can closure element is locked in the discharge opening. The corresponding slots 111 in the opening tab or beverage can closure element are as wide as the wider part of the conical extensions 121, so that a good seal is achieved when pushing in. Alternatively, the legs may also have a different shape, eg rectangular; Preferably, then the corresponding width of the slots should be slightly larger than the width of the legs. In order for the extensions 121 to be positioned where the corresponding slots 111 are located, the legs 16 are preferably slightly longer than shown in FIG. 17, whereby the extensions 121 partially extend already into the corresponding slots 111 in the initial position. Alternatively, other locking options can be provided.

FIGS. 33 to 61 show various locking constructions as a variant with respect to those shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. The locking elements consist of one or more lugs or of a completely or partially circumferential edge.

FIGS. 33 to 36 show a locking construction, which consists of three lugs 122. Instead of the lugs shown one or more lugs may be provided or the same ^' profile may also be formed as a completely or partially circumferential edge. Figure 34 is a section without lugs, Figure 35 is a section with lugs 122 and Fig. 36 shows the locked state. FIG. 33 also shows the corresponding opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10, wherein the opening tab or the beverage can closure limb 10 may have any shape; the upper part of the opening tab or beverage can closure element is shown rectangular in Figure 33 with rounded corners, but may have any other shape, eg curved, rectangular with no rounded corners, triangular, polygonal, elliptical, etc. In this locking construction will find in addition to a snap a clamping action takes place; when snapping the noses namely the obliquely formed edge 8 is pulled slightly downwards and clamped in the discharge opening.

Figures 37 to 40 show a variant over the embodiment of Figures 33 to 36. The circumferential fold additionally has a stiffening groove 112, e.g. in the form of an offset, as can be clearly seen from the circled detail, which contributes to the sealing and stiffening of the opening tab or the beverage can closure element.

Figures 41 to 44 are similar to Figures 37 to 40, but also show in detail a variant with extended nose 124 in order to fix the opening tab or the beverage can closure element better when locking. This extended nose 124 is shown as a round projection, but may have any other shape, such as rectangular, triangular, etc., and one or more extended tabs may be provided. FIGS. 41 to 44 show the extended nose 124 in combination with the offset shown in FIGS. 37 to 40, but it can also be applied to the circumferential fold without offset (see FIGS. 33 to 36).

Figures 45 to 47 show an alternative way to close the removal opening. The upwardly curved surface is pressed down into the removal opening, and extends almost horizontally or is only slightly curved downwards. This is achieved by that the peripheral edge of the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is only slightly smaller than the removal opening, ie that the peripheral edge and the removal opening are coordinated so that in the Horizontalalläge or the curvature slightly downwards such a clamping effect is achieved, the one prevents full curvature downwards. By this clamping effect sufficient locking is achieved. Fig. 46 shows the position where the opening tab or beverage can closure element is in the removal opening, but not yet locked. FIG. 47 shows the locked position based on clamping action, wherein the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 is in the horizontal position. Also in the embodiment of Figures 45 to 47, and in all other embodiments, the offset and / or the extended nose 121 may be used.

FIGS. 48 to 50 show one of the embodiments corresponding to FIGS. 45 to 47, stiffening grooves 126 being additionally provided.

FIGS. 51 to 53 show one of the embodiments corresponding to FIGS. 45 to 47, wherein stiffening ribs 127 are additionally provided.

Figures 54 to 57 show another way to lock the removal opening. In this embodiment, the opening tab or beverage can closure member 10 has an upwardly curved surface and a centrally located downwardly curved surface 128 (this surface may also be located off center); the opening tab or the beverage can closure element is therefore wavy. The lock in this embodiment is also that the opening tab or beverage can closure element is pressed down, but it works here so that the waveform when turned down, turns over, ie, the upwardly curved surface curves downwardly and the downwardly centered surface 128 disposed in the middle curves upward, as seen in FIG. The reopening can be achieved here by pressing on the upwardly curved surface 128 (FIG. 57).

FIGS. 58 to 59 show a variant with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 54 to 57, wherein one or more gripping noses or a completely or only partially circumferential edge surround the edge of the removal opening when pushed in. In FIGS. 58 and 59, the one or more gripping lugs or the edge which extends completely or only partially and encompasses the circumference is designated by the reference numeral 163. This locking is a kind of snapping, whereby possibly also a clamping action can occur.

Figures 60 and 61, and 62 and 63 show locking similar to Figures 58 and 59. Figures 60 and 61 show an upwardly curved surface which completely turns over upon locking. In contrast, Figures 62 and 63 show that the upwardly curved surface partially includes a horizontal surface 1210 (the horizontal surface may be arbitrarily large or small), whereby in the locked position, the opening tab or beverage can closure member extends less far down.

FIG. 64 shows further variants with different nose shapes compared to the nose shapes shown in FIGS. 33 to 53.

FIGS. 65 to 71 show that different shapes of discharge openings can be combined with different shapes of the curved surface of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element. The dash-dotted line in FIGS. 65 to 71 represents a possible removal opening in the cover. FIGS. 69 and 71 additionally show in cross section the unlocked or locked position. Figures 72 to 75 show the matching possible cross-sectional shapes; Figure 73 shows the locked state. Figure 74 a) shows a continuous edge, whereas the other cross-sectional shapes of Figures 74 b) to 74 e) show a corrugated or punched edge.

FIGS. 76 to 81 show further variants in section and in plan view in relation to those shown in FIGS. 65 to 75.

Figures 82 to 84 show how the rivet 14, which serves as a fastening and as an axis of rotation for the opening tab or beverage can closure element is formed out of the material of the lid. A part of the lid material is shaped out, and then pushed down, whereby the rivet 14 is formed.

Figures 85 to 91 show further cross-sectional shapes, partly in the locked state.

Figures 92 to 100 show further variants in section and in plan view with respect to the figures 76 to 81. These figures show both the unlocked and the locked state.

Finally, FIGS. 101 to 102 show further variants of the design of the opening tab or of the beverage can closure element, wherein the shapes shown in FIG. 102 can be usefully combined with the cross sections shown in FIG. 101.

As already explained above, the opening tab or the beverage can closure element 10 can be moved around the axis of the rivet by 180 ° in order to lock the removal opening be, whereby the opening tab or the

Beverage can closure element 10 comes to rest over the removal opening. One automatically senses when the 180 ° position is reached, because then the peripheral edge or the projections, which may be provided instead of the peripheral edge, sink into the removal opening. In addition, one or more stops may be arranged to accurately determine the 180 ° position. The stops may be arranged to rotate the 180 ° position to the right and / or to turn to the left.

The removal opening is usually round, but may also have a different shape than the shape indicated by the dot-dashed line in Figures 65 to 67, or any other shape, such as e.g. oval, trapezoidal with rounded corners etc.

All variants and embodiments are arbitrarily combinable and variable.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 48 to 50 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 45 to 47. In this embodiment, the locking device is designed as a straight peripheral edge 162 which is clamped in the locked state against the edge of the opening in the beverage can lid 20. Die Verstellvorrichtung ist in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellt. There is thus a clamping lock by frictional engagement. The stiffening beads 126 are formed flush with the straight peripheral edge 162.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 51 to 53 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 48 to 50. In this embodiment, stiffening ribs 127 are provided instead of stiffening beads. Of course, also stiffening ribs and stiffening ribs in one Embodiment be provided. The locking device is also formed as a straight peripheral edge 162 which is clamped in the locked state against the edge of the opening in the beverage can lid 20. There is thus a clamping lock by frictional engagement. The stiffening ribs 127 are formed flush with the straight peripheral edge 162.

FIGS. 54 to 57 correspond to FIGS. 33 to 36 recess 128

FIGS. 58 and 59 show a further exemplary embodiment of a beverage can closure element 10 according to the invention. A peripheral fold 163 or one or more encompassing lugs with a shape corresponding to the image are provided. When locking takes a kind of snap, which may also occur a clamping effect. Approximately in the center of the cover member 12, a dent 129 is provided, which can reverse upon locking, as shown in Fig. 59.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 60 and 61 differs from that shown in Figs. 58 and 59 in that the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure member 10 has an upwardly curved surface which bulges completely downward upon locking ,

The embodiment shown in Figures 62 and 63 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 58 and 59 or 60 and 61 in that the cover member 12 of the beverage can closure member 10 has an upwardly curved surface, preferably in the center has a substantially straight surface. The size of the middle straight surface can be selected as desired. In this embodiment extends in the locked state, the cover member less far down in the direction of the beverage can contents.

Fig. 75 Schnitt gelt for all variants of Figures 74 a) to e)

It is clear that obvious alternatives and equivalent solutions to the person skilled in the art when studying the documents are also to fall within the scope of the present application.

For example, alternative arrangements are conceivable. For example, could

The principle of the beverage can closure element according to the invention can also be applied according to the invention to other containers in the food industry. For example, it would be conceivable to provide closure members according to the invention on packages of milk or juice made of a composite material. In this case, the closure member according to the invention may preferably be formed of a plastic material that preferably corresponds to the material from which, for example, the dispensing opening is made.

All variants and exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another in any meaningful manner and varied.

Claims

claims

A beverage can closure element having a cover member for placement in an opening of a beverage can and a locking member formed on the cover member and arranged and / or arranged such that the beverage can closure member disposed in an opening of a beverage can is lockable in an opening of a beverage can .

characterized in that the cover member is formed and arranged such that the cover member, when the beverage can closure element is disposed in an opening of a beverage can, is elastically deformable between at least two states, wherein the locking device is arranged and formed on the cover member such that the latch - Device in at least one state of the cover of the at least two states of the cover member relative to the cover member radially further inward than in at least one other of the at least two states of the cover member is arranged.

2. beverage can closure element according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover member by external

Force is elastically deformable between the at least two states.

3. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member is elastically deformable by cooperation with the beverage can between the at least two states.

4. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is arranged and / or formed on the underside of the cover member.

5. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is arranged and / or formed on the upper side of the cover member.

6. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is arranged and / or formed on the upper side of the cover member.

7. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member is formed like a plate spring.

8. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has a surface portion which is formed curved in one of the states upwardly and in another of the states is formed downwardly curved.

9. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has at least one and preferably a plurality of stiffening ribs and / or stiffening grooves.

10. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of locking members, which is preferably designed as a cover member completely or partially circumferential edge or edges and / or as a nose or are.

11. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of extensions arranged on the cover member.

12. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member is arranged in an annular member which surrounds the edge of the cover member, wherein preferably on the cover member projections are formed, which are received in slots formed in the annular member.

13. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage can closure element has an unlocking device which is designed and arranged such that by actuation of the unlocking device, the locking device is unlocked, preferably by elastically deforming the cover member in the state in which the locking device radially further inside are arranged.

14. The beverage can closure element according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking device comprises a lever arranged on the beverage can closure element or a mechanism with one or more vanes arranged on the beverage can closure element.

15. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has a curved surface or partial surface, preferably an upwardly curved surface or partial surface, wherein the surface and / or the partial surface is preferably round, oval, trapezoidal with rounded corners, bridge-shaped, grooved, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal or the like is trained.

16. A beverage can closure element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has a curved surface or partial surface which faces downwards or has an upwardly curved surface which partially comprises a downwardly directed surface.

17. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has a border as a locking member, wherein the edge is a complete or a partially circumferential edge, or comprises one or more projecting parts.

18. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member has a complete or partially circumferential stiffening groove and / or stiffening rib, for example in the form of an offset.

19. beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the cover member has one or more lugs.

20. The beverage can closure element according to claim 1, wherein the cover member has a flat surface or a plane protruding from a plane, wherein the surface protruding from the plane is preferably a curved or a multiply curved surface.

21. beverage can lid with a beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims, preferably with a removal opening for Removal of the content of the beverage can defining breaking line.

22. beverage can lid according to the preceding claim, wherein the beverage can closure element is arranged and designed as an opening tab for opening the beverage can by pressing the beverage can lid on to the predetermined breaking line.

23. beverage can lid according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the beverage can closure element is arranged and formed on the beverage can lid so that the beverage can closure element after opening the removal opening can be arranged either by turning and / or by folding the beverage can closure element on the discharge opening to cover this and again to close.

24. beverage can lid according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the edge of the beverage can closure element is arranged and designed so that it snaps when closing the removal opening (4) in the removal opening (4), in the removal opening (4) is clamped or snaps into it.

25. beverage can with a beverage can lid and / or a beverage can closure element according to one of the preceding claims.

26. beverage can according to the preceding claim, wherein the beverage can of metal, preferably tinplate, and / or plastic and / or is made of a combination of different materials.