EP2654958B1 - Reaction container with lid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lidded plastic container for laboratory use.

Lidded vessels of the type mentioned typically have a capacity of a few tens of milliliters or a few milliliters or a milliliter or less.

Known plastic lidded containers for laboratory use have a tubular vessel having at the bottom a vessel bottom, at the top a vessel opening and below the vessel opening at the inside wall a sealing area. A lid having a lid bottom and a stopper protruding from the inside of the lid bottom is insertable through the vessel opening into a sealing position in the sealing area. The lid is sealed and held by the clamping force of the plug in the vessel. There are applications in which a sample liquid filled in the vessel is heated and has an increased vapor pressure. For example, in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, samples in lidded vessels are repeatedly heated to temperatures above 90 ° C. The clamping force of the plug shall be such that adequate steam tightness is ensured and the lid does not release under the increased steam pressure. As a result, a high force is required to press the lid with the stopper into the vessel. To open the lid, the user must press firmly against the lower edge of a protruding edge of the lid bottom.

From the EP 0 841 093 A2 and US 5,863,791 a lidded vessel of the type described above is known, are connected to the vessel and lid via a hinge hinge integrally pivotable with each other. The lid has a locking hook projecting downwardly from a laterally projecting lid flange and the vessel next to the vessel opening in the closed position of the locking hook behind engaged locking cam on. When closing the lid of the rigid locking hook snaps under elastic deformation of the cover flange behind the locking cam, whereby the lid is secured in the closed position. To open the lid, the user must push up the lid flange so that it is bent upwards and the locking hook is released from the locking cam. For this purpose, locking hook and locking cam only a small overlap. Due to the low overlap, the locking hook can unintentionally release from the locking cam, for example, when the internal pressure in the vessel increases. When opening the lid, the locking hook can jerky release from the Veiriegelungsnocken, which liquid sample can be sprayed from the vessel.

The lidded container has a support device which stabilizes the lid in an intermediate position between a starting position pivoted away from the vessel opening by approximately 180 ° and a closed position at the vessel opening.

In one embodiment of the lidded vessel, two parallel fork tines extend between the hinge straps from the vessel flange, between which a gap parallel to the hinge straps is formed. The forks have locking edges. On the gap, a detent nose is aligned, which is connected at its tip with the cover flange and has locking projections on both sides of its root. The locking lug is lined with their locking projections perpendicular to the cover flange. If the lid is closed in the direction of the vessel opening, then the latching nose enters into the gap between the fork tines and presses them slightly apart with their latching projections. When the locking projections come under the locking edges of the forks, they snap something together. If the lid is then released, the latching projections are retained by the locking edges and the lid stabilized in the achieved pivoting position. It is disadvantageous that the filigree forks in injection molding form flow path ends, which are difficult to vent due to their size. Air bubbles at the end of the flow path can lead to incomplete forks. However, a complete design of the forks is required for the pivoting position described above.

In a further embodiment, the support device has a latching nose, which is designed as a towering from the plane of the vessel flange hook. The locking lug is arranged between flexible middle portions of two parallel hinge bands, which are connected at one end to the vessel flange and the other end to the cover flange. The cover flange has a locking edge aligned perpendicular to its pivoting plane between the hinge straps. A flexibility of the locking lug or hinges allows when closing the lid, that the locking edge is lifted over the end of the latch. If you then let go of the lid, it is pressed due to the elasticity of the central portions with the locking edge against the locking lug so that it remains in this stable pivot position in which the vessel is open. To close the vessel, the lid is pivoted further and snapped with the locking hook behind the locking cam. This is disadvantageous that the achievement of the intermediate position can be hampered by the flexibility of the hinge straps. For example, if the user pushes against the outer edge of the cover flange when swiveling from above, he shifts the cover downwards due to the flexibility of the hinge straps. As a result, the locking edge meets at a low point on the locking lug and can only be pressed with great effort on the end of the locking lug.

A disadvantage of both embodiments is that the stability of the open position of the lid depends on the elasticity of the band sections. If the elasticity decreases, for example as a result of multiple closing and opening of the lid or due to heating or cooling of the vessel, the lid may become unintentional move out of the predetermined intermediate position and completely or partially close the vessel opening. This can affect the filling and emptying of the lidded vessel.

In a further embodiment, two parallel hinge bands are also arranged between the vessel flange and the cover flange, the flexibility of which is essentially concentrated on the narrowly limited area of a pivot axis. Vessel flange and cover flange are connected by another hinge strap, which is arranged between the hinge straps. The further hinge has one joint to the vessel flange at one end and a hinge to the cover flange at the other end. Between these two joints, it is relatively thin, so that it is elastically extensible. After injection molding the lidded container, the lid is angled at about 180 ° from the vessel opening. In this starting position, the further hinge band is not stretched. If you now fold the lid about the pivot axis, so the distance between the joints increases and the other hinge strip is stretched slightly elastic until it is arranged on the pivot axis about which the lid is pivotable relative to the vessel. If the lid is then swiveled further, the further hinge strap contracts a little until it reaches its original length. This is the case when the lid is oriented at about 90 ° to the vessel opening. In this stable pivot position, the lid is stabilized by the further hinge band with respect to the vessel. If you close the lid, the other hinge is bent outwards. When the lid is closed, the latching hook in conjunction with the locking cam prevents the lid from opening. After unlocking the lid can be moved back to its stable pivot position or in the starting position back.

A disadvantage of this lidded container is that because of the narrowly defined region of the pivoting axis, the hinge straps do not permit any compensating movement during insertion of the inventive sealing collar into the vessel opening. As a result, the closing of the lid is difficult. In the embodiments with flexible middle portions of the hinge bands, however, allow the flexible middle portions a compensation, which facilitates the coaxial insertion of the sealing collar into the vessel.

The EP 1 731 443 A1 describes a reaction vessel with a lid, which can be opened by a lever mechanism. The lever must be pressed from above. As a result, it can lead to incorrect operation, for example, when lidded vessels are removed from a fully loaded centrifuge or from a fully loaded container stand. Furthermore, the plug of the lid is kept short, so that the vessel has a low vapor-tightness. If the stopper were to be extended, the lever would need to be extended to provide easy opening, further increasing the risk of misuse.

The US 3,934,722 describes a package for sterile needles with a lid that can be opened via a lever mechanism. At the edge of the vessel, a lever is articulated via a film hinge, which can be placed with its inner lever arm on a vessel flange. By pressing against the underside of the outer lever arm, the plug of the lid is levered out of the vessel. The lid is secured in the closed position only by the clamping force of the plug in the vessel. The lever is used exclusively for opening the vessel.

The US 5,270,011 describes a reaction vessel with a lid, which is held by a securing device consisting of a bending tab and a locking pin in the closed position. The bending and snapping of the bending tab Over the locking pin is cumbersome and usually requires the use of both hands. Likewise, the release of the safety device.

The US 5,674,456 describes a substantially rectangular container for medical samples with a lid that can be closed or opened via a snap closure. The closure is attached to the front of the lid. It has a vertical, two-armed lever which is centrally connected to the edge of the lid. The lower lever arm has a hook, which engages in the closed state of the lid a projection on the edge of the vessel. The upper lever arm is provided with an outwardly projecting button. By pressing against the button from below the hook from the detent position under the locking projection can be lifted. The button is exposed so that incorrect operation is easily possible.

The US 6,398,067 B1 describes a tamper-resistant lidded container in which the vessel has at the top of a detachable projection having a hook and a break point. A lid has a hinge and a tab having first and second slots capable of receiving the projection. The second slot has a locking device. In the empty and closed state of the container, the projection is arranged in the first slot. In a filled and closed state, the protrusion is located in the second slot and the hook engages a latch to form a tamper resistant closure. To open the lid, the user must press with a sufficient force from below against the tab, so that the detachable projection breaks off at its breaking point. A disadvantage is the high force required to release the closure and thereby incurred as waste detachable projection.

The WO 95/13137 A1 describes a lidded container with a safety catch which is actuated by turning the lid with respect to the vessel. To open the lidded container, the lid must be rotated in the opposite direction with respect to the vessel and then pulled out of the vessel with the stopper. This requires two-handed operation.

The DE 3402276 C1 describes a reaction vessel made of plastic for small quantities of liquid with a lid arranged integrally by means of a flexible flat web arranged on the opening and an outwardly projecting edge which comes in the closed state over a substantial peripheral portion with the opening edge of the vessel in abutment. The cover has an insertable into the opening, cylindrical wall portion from which the outwardly projecting edge extends in a flange, and at its end to be inserted into the opening, a sealing lip is arranged outside. An edge flange at the vessel opening has the flat web opposite a tangible portion and the lid is a hook in the closed position downwards hook-like approach is arranged, which engages under the lid when the lid is closed. The flat bar is provided in its central area as a joint.

Known lidded containers with screw-on lid indeed close tight and secure. However, the screw closes closing or opening the lidded container with one hand or makes it difficult.

Based on this, the present invention seeks to provide a lidded plastic container for laboratory use, which can be easily closed, closes securely and can be easily opened.

The object is achieved by a lidded vessel with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the lidded vessel are specified in subclaims.

• ein röhrenförmiges Gefäß, das unten einen Gefäßboden, oben eine Gefäßöffnung und unterhalb der Gefäßöffnung an der Innenwand einen Dichtbereich aufweist,
• einen Deckel, der einen Deckelboden und einen von der Innenseite des Deckelbodens vorstehenden Stopfen aufweist, der durch die Gefäßöffnung in eine abdichtende Position in den Dichtbereich einsetzbar ist, und
• Verriegelungsmittel zum lösbaren Verriegeln des Deckels mit dem Gefäß mit
• mindestens einem am oberen Rand des Gefäßes radial nach außen vorstehenden Rastvorsprung,
• mindestens einer von der Unterseite des Deckelbodens vorstehenden, elastischen Lasche, an der in einem Abstand von dem Deckelboden vertikal unter der Anbindung der Lasche an den Deckelboden eine Rastkante angeordnet ist, die beim Einführen des Stopfens in den Dichtbereich unter den Rastvorsprung des Gefäßes schnappbar ist und
• einer von der Lasche seitlich nach außen vorstehenden Taste, wobei die Verrastung der Rastkante mit dem Rastvorsprung durch Drücken von unten gegen die Taste aufhebbar ist.

The lidded container made of plastic for laboratory use has

• a tubular vessel having at the bottom a vessel bottom, at the top a vessel opening and below the vessel opening at the inside wall a sealing area,
• a lid having a lid bottom and a stopper projecting from the inside of the lid bottom, which is insertable through the vessel opening in a sealing position in the sealing region, and
• Locking means for releasably locking the lid with the vessel with
• at least one locking projection projecting radially outward at the upper edge of the vessel,
• at least one of the underside of the lid bottom projecting, elastic tab on which at a distance from the lid bottom vertically below the connection of the tab to the lid bottom a latching edge is arranged, which is snapped when inserting the plug into the sealing area under the latching projection of the vessel and
• one of the tab laterally outwardly protruding button, the latching of the locking edge with the locking projection can be canceled by pressing down against the button.

The lidded container according to the invention can be closed in a conventional manner by the lid with the stopper inserted into the vessel opening and placed in sealing position in the sealing area. Here, the user can press against the rigid lid bottom. When closing the lid, the locking edge or an adjacent contour of the flexible tab slides over the locking projection and thereby the flexible tab is deflected slightly laterally outwards.

Finally, the locking edge reaches the lower edge of the latching projection and is pivoted by the elastic tab under the underside of the latching projection. As a result, the lid is locked with the vessel, so that it is secured against accidental opening. Due to the flexibility of the tab, no appreciably greater force is required for closing the lid container than when closing conventional lid containers which have no latching. For this purpose, the tab can be designed to be particularly flexible, so that it is easily deflected when closing the lid. Sufficient elasticity of the tab ensures that the latching edge automatically pivots under the latching projection when the latching edge reaches the lower edge of the latching projection. The locking edge is arranged vertically below the connection of the tab to the lid base, so that the tab is loaded by a force exerted vertically on the lid bottom force only in the pulling direction and the locking edge does not slip off the locking projection. The opening of the lid container is easily possible by the user pivots the flexible tab to the outside. When swinging the flexible tab outward, the locking edge of the locking projection is free. By pushing up the unlocked lid is moved out of the vessel with the stopper and the vessel is opened.

Closing and opening can be done with just one hand. A sufficient safety against automatic opening need not be realized by a larger overlap or clamping force between sealing plug and vessel. The associated higher closing and opening forces are avoided. The plug can sit in the sealing position with a relatively low clamping force. This clamping force can be measured so that a sufficient vapor-tightness is ensured. Due to the low clamping force, the lid can be easily lifted after loosening the catch, without the lid suddenly jumping up and liquid being spilled or aerosols escaping. It is advantageous that the user the lidded vessel in conventional Close the bottom of the lid by pushing it upwards and open the lidded container in an almost conventional manner by pushing the tab outwards and from below against the lid.

The lidded container has a button projecting laterally outwardly from the tab, wherein the latching of the latching edge with the latching projection can be canceled by pressing downwards against the button.

The opening of the lid container is easily possible by the user presses against the underside of the button. As a result, the flexible tab is pivoted outward and the locking edge is released from the locking projection. The fact that the button protrudes laterally from the tab, the pivoting movement of the tab is controlled to the outside when you press the button. In this way, a jerky release of the locking edge from the locking projection and a squirting of liquid sample can be avoided from the vessel. By further pushing up the unlocked lid is moved out of the vessel with the stopper and the vessel is opened.

It is particularly advantageous that the user can close the lidded container in a conventional manner by pressing from the top against the lid bottom and open the lidded container in approximately conventional manner by pressing against the lid from below. However, he does not press directly against the underside of the lid bottom, but against the button located underneath, whereby the latch is released and the lid is raised. Incorrect operations are avoided by the arrangement of the button below the lid bottom.

According to one embodiment, the protruding from the underside of the lid bottom elastic tab has at a distance from the lid bottom a support area with a locking edge on the side facing the vessel, which is snap-engageable when inserting the plug into the sealing area under the locking projection, so that the support area with a further outside than the connection of the tab to the lid bottom arranged portion is disposed below the deepest portion of the locking projection and the support area rests against the chamfer when acting perpendicular to the underside of the lid bottom a force.

When closing the lid, the locking edge or an adjacent contour of the flexible tab slides over the locking projection and thereby the flexible tab is deflected slightly laterally outwards. Finally, the locking edge reaches the lower edge of the latching projection and is pivoted by the elastic tab under the underside of the latching projection. In this case, the support area reaches with a partial area, which is located further outside than the connection of the tab to the lid bottom, below the deepest region of the latching projection. The partial area can be a single point, a line or a narrow strip or a partial area of the support area. As a result, the lid is locked with the vessel, so that it is secured against accidental opening. Due to the flexibility of the tab, no appreciably greater force is required for closing the lid container than when closing conventional lid containers which have no latching. When the lid is raised by an increase in internal pressure in the vessel or a force applied vertically to the lid bottom, the deepest portion of the detent protrusion pushes against the portion of the overlay area and the overlay area abuts against the chamfer at the bottom of the detent protrusion. The plant of the support area on the chamfer is preferably flat. But the support area can also come into contact only in at least one single point or area on the chamfer, for example with the locking edge. This is due to the fact that the sub-area is arranged further outward than the connection of the tab to the lid and on the flexibility of the tab and possibly the support area. In order to achieve the areal contact of the support area at the chamfer, it is sufficient if the portion is arranged farther outside than the middle of the connection of the tab to the lid bottom. As a result, the lid is "self-helping" secured in the vessel. The opening of the lidded container is easily possible by the user pressing the flexible tab away from the container. When swinging the flexible tab outwards, the locking edge is released from the locking projection. If necessary. The user may previously press against the top of the lid to release the support area of the chamfer. By pushing up the unlocked lid is moved out of the vessel with the stopper and the vessel is opened.

According to one embodiment, the lidded container has a plurality of elastic tabs projecting from the underside of the lid bottom at a distance from one another, on each of which a latching edge is arranged at a distance from the lid bottom and can be snapped under the latching projection when the plug is introduced into the sealing area.

The lidded container according to the invention can be closed in a conventional manner by the lid with the stopper inserted into the vessel opening and placed in sealing position in the sealing area. Here, the user can press against the rigid lid bottom. When closing the lid, the locking edges or adjacent contours of the flexible tabs slide over the at least one locking projection and thereby the flexible tabs are slightly deflected laterally outwards. Finally, the latching edges reach the lower edge of the latching projection and are pivoted by the elastic tabs under the underside of the latching projection. As a result, the lid is locked to the vessel, so he is secured against unintentional opening. Due to the flexibility of the tabs, no appreciably greater force is required for closing the lid container than when closing conventional lid containers which have no latching.

Due to the multiple locking of the lid with the vessel, a multiplication of the clamping force can be achieved. It is particularly advantageous that a uniform sealing of the lid can be achieved in the vessel. Thus, a lid with only a single catch on the vessel due to an increase in the internal pressure in the vessel relative to the ambient pressure can be raised at a distance from the latch. This may occur, in particular, if the lid is connected to the vessel in addition to the latching via a hinge in the form of a flexible hinge band, since the hinge band yields. In particular, according to the invention, lidded containers can be designed with a hinge with several latches.

This effect increases with the size of the lid surface. In particular, in vessels with large filling volumes (e.g., 10 or more milliliters), multiple latches may be advantageous.

Furthermore, the invention relates to lidded vessels in which no hinge is present between the lid and the vessel and in which the lid is connected to the vessel via a plurality of latching means. Preferably, the plurality of catches are evenly distributed around the circumference of the lidded vessel to evenly seal the lid in the vessel.

The opening of the lidded container is easily possible by the user presses the flexible tabs away from the vessel to the outside. When panning the flexible Latches outward, the locking edges of the locking projection free. By pushing up the unlocked lid is moved out of the vessel with the stopper and the vessel is opened.

Closing and opening can be done with just one hand. A sufficient safety against automatic opening need not be realized by a larger overlap or clamping force between sealing plug and vessel. The associated higher closing and opening forces are avoided. The plug can sit in the sealing position with a relatively low clamping force. This clamping force can be measured so that a sufficient vapor-tightness is ensured. Due to the low clamping force, the cover can be lifted slightly after loosening the groves without the cover suddenly jumping up and liquid spilling out of the wind or aerosols escaping.

According to one embodiment, the latching projection is a flange which at least partially surrounds the circumference of the upper edge of the vessel. The flange stabilizes the upper edge of the vessel. Preferably, the flange runs completely around the upper edge of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the latching projection on the outside and / or the tab has an outer and / or inner bevel adjacent to the latching edge, so that the flap is increasingly laterally deflected when the plug is introduced into the vessel. As a result, the closing of the vessel is further facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the latching projection at the top and / or the latch at the bottom has a radius. As a result, the initial deflection of the tab when placing on the locking projection is facilitated.

According to a further embodiment, the lid bottom has a laterally outwardly projecting lid projection, which protrudes radially beyond the latching projection when the plug is sealingly inserted into the sealing area. The lid projection protects the tab or key against unintentional actuation when lifting the vessel by grasping the lid. Preferably, the lid projection protrudes radially at least as far as the button outwards when the plug is sealingly inserted into the sealing area.

According to one embodiment, the lid is connected to the vessel via a hinge. In this embodiment, the lid is captively connected to the vessel. The lidded vessel can be closed and opened by simply pivoting the lid relative to the vessel. A special alignment of the plug on the vessel opening is eliminated.

According to a further embodiment, the hinge is a band hinge, via which the vessel is integrally connected to the lid. The ribbon hinge may include one or more hinge bands that are at least partially flexible. The tape hinge is similar to a film hinge, but can be flexible over a longer range perpendicular to the pivoting direction. A band hinge with at least one hinge strap, which is flexible in the longitudinal direction in at least one area, facilitates the insertion of the plug into the vessel opening of a cylindrical vessel, since it allows a compensating movement. By the one-piece connection of the vessel and lid on the hinge hinge the injection molding of the lid vessel is made possible in a single injection molding step. The lidded container can also be injected in one piece in several injection molding steps from a single or multiple plastics. Preferably, the lid bottom is connected via the film hinge with the upper edge of the vessel.

According to one embodiment, the locking edge of the lower edge of a recess of the tab. This design favors a particularly large button, which is located completely below the lid projection. As a result, the operation of the lid vessel is facilitated. In addition, this favors lid dimensions that are so small that a large number of lidded vessels in a centrifuge rotor or vessel stand or other device can fit next to each other without hindering each other. Alternatively, the locking edge may be formed on a locking projection of the tab, which projects from the inside of the tab to the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the tab has two lateral tab strips, which are connected at the top with the lid bottom and connected to the bottom of the key and between which the recess is present. The two tab strips ensure high flexibility of the tab. The button defines the recess from below, so that the lower edge of the recess is at the same time the inner upper edge of the button.

According to another embodiment, the tab has a single tab strip, which is connected at the top to the lid bottom and connected at the bottom with the button, which is wider than the tab strip, wherein at least one side of the tab strip protruding, inner upper edge of the key forms the locking edge , In this embodiment, the key is locked with at least one laterally projecting from the individual tab strip inner upper edge under the locking projection of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment, the key is arranged in the insertion direction of the plug below a congruent lid recess in the lid projection. This embodiment allows the removal of the lid by moving apart of parts of an injection mold in the axial direction.

According to a further embodiment, the lid projection has a width which decreases toward the outer end of the lid projection. As a result, a space-saving arrangement of several vessels side by side in a centrifuge, a vessel stand or other device is favored.

According to a further embodiment, a device for locking the lid in an open position is provided in addition to the hinge. The device for locking can be configured as in the EP 0 841 093 A2 and US 5,863,791 which is incorporated by reference. Further, it may be configured as described in the following embodiments.

According to a further embodiment, the vessel has, adjacent to the vessel opening, an insertion area for the stopper, which widens toward the upper edge of the vessel, and the sealing area below. As a result, the closing of the lid container is further facilitated.

According to a further embodiment, the plug is hollow cylindrical. As a result, the plug is particularly flexible, whereby the closing and opening of the lidded vessel is further facilitated.

According to a further embodiment, the plug on the outer circumference has a circumferential sealing bead. As a result, the vapor-tightness of the lidded vessel is further improved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lidded vessel is produced by injection molding. In a lidless vessel, the lid and vessel can be separately injection molded.

The lidded container according to the invention is made of one or more plastics. According to a further embodiment, the lidded vessel is made entirely of one or more elastic plastics. In the manufacture of the lidded vessel made of one or more elastic plastics, the at least one tab is preferably more elastic than the lid and / or the vessel. This can be achieved by a suitable shaping of the tab, in particular in that the tab is thinner than the lid and / or as the vessel. Furthermore, this can be achieved by choosing a particularly elastic plastic for the tab. Preferably, the tab is so elastic that for closing and opening the lid is predominantly or exclusively the tab is elastically deformed.

According to a further embodiment, the lidded vessel is made of one or more polyolefins. Preferably, the lidded vessel is made of a polypropylene and / or a polyethylene. It is also possible to produce the lidded container with a stopper of various plastics, which has harder and softer segments, as in the US 2003/0102323 A1 which is incorporated by reference. The lidded container can be produced in particular by multi-component injection molding.

Fig. 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Deckelgefäß im geschlossenen Zustand in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

dasselbe Deckelgefäß geschlossen in einem Vertikalschnitt;

Fig. 3a+b

dasselbe Deckelgefäß in geschlossenem Zustand in einer Perspektivansicht (Fig. 3a) und einem vergrößertem Detail b von Fig. 3a (Fig. 3b);

Fig. 4

die Deckelverrastung desselben Deckelgefäßes im geschlossenen Zustand in einem vergrößerten vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 5

dieselbe Deckelverrastung geschlossen in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht schräg von unten;

Fig. 6a-c

dasselbe Deckelgefäß in geöffnetem Zustand in einer Seitenansicht (Fig. 6a), in einer Draufsicht (Fig. 6b) und vergrößertem Detail c von Fig. 6b (Fig. 6c);

Fig. 7a+b

dasselbe Deckelgefäß in geöffnetem Zustand in einer Perspektivansicht (Fig. 7a) und einem vergrößerten Detail b von Fig. 7a (Fig. 7b);

Fig. 8a+b

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit dem Deckel in einer Zwischenstellung arretiert in einer Perspektivansicht (Fig. 8a) und in einem vergrößerten Detail b von Fig. 8a (Fig. 8b);

Fig. 9a+b

dasselbe Deckelgefäß mit dem Deckel in der Zwischenstellung arretiert in Seitenansicht (Fig. 9a) und in einem vergrößerten Detail b von Fig. 9a (Fig. 9b);

Fig. 10

dieselbe Deckelverrastung zu Beginn der Verrastung in einem vergrößerten vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 11

dieselbe Deckelverrastung vor Abschluss der Verrastung in einem vergrößerten vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 12

dieselbe Deckelverrastung geöffnet in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht schräg von unten;

Fig. 13

ein weiteres Deckelgefäß mit einem Flansch ohne zinnenartige Vorsprünge in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht schräg von unten;

Fig. 14

die Deckelverrastung eines modifizierten Deckelgefäßes mit einer Anschrägung an der Unterseite des Rastvorsprungs bei übereinstimmendem Druck innerhalb und außerhalb des Gefäßes in einem vergrößerten vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 15

dieselbe Deckelverrastung bei erhöhtem Gefäßinnendruck in einem vergrößertem vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 16

ein Deckelgefäß ohne Deckelvorsprung oberhalb der Taste im verrasteten Zustand in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite;

Fig. 17

die Deckelverrastung desselben Deckelgefäßes in einem vergrößerten vertikalen Teilschnitt;

Fig. 18

ein Deckelgefäß mit einer Deckelvenastung mit einem einzigen Laschenstreifen und beidseitig überstehender Taste in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 19

dasselbe Deckelgefäß in einer vergrößerten Teilansicht von derselben Seite;

Fig. 20

ein Deckelgefäß mit mehreren Verrastungen mit Tasten und Scharnier zwischen Deckel und Gefäß in einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite;

Fig. 21

dasselbe Deckelgefäß in einer vergrößerten teilweisen Perspektivansicht von derselben Seite;

Fig. 22

ein weiteres Deckelgefäß mit mehreren Verrastungen mit stark reduzierten Tasten und ohne Scharnier, mit geöffnetem Deckel in einer Perspektivansicht schräg von oben und von der Seite;

Fig. 23

dasselbe Deckelgefäß im geschlossenen Zustand in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Teilansicht schräg von unten und von der Seite.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

an inventive lidded vessel in the closed state in side view;

Fig. 2

the same lidded vessel closed in a vertical section;

Fig. 3a + b

the same lidded container in a closed state in a perspective view ( Fig. 3a ) and an enlarged detail b of Fig. 3a (Fig. 3b );

Fig. 4

the Deckelverrastung the same lidded vessel in the closed state in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 5

the same Deckelverrastung closed in a perspective partial view obliquely from below;

Fig. 6a-c

the same lidded container in an open state in a side view ( Fig. 6a ), in a plan view ( Fig. 6b ) and enlarged detail c of Fig. 6b (Fig. 6c );

Fig. 7a + b

the same lidded container in an open state in a perspective view ( Fig. 7a ) and an enlarged detail b of Fig. 7a (Fig. 7b );

Fig. 8a + b

the same lidded container with the lid locked in an intermediate position in a perspective view ( Fig. 8a ) and in an enlarged detail b of Fig. 8a (Fig. 8b );

Fig. 9a + b

the same lidded container with the lid in the intermediate position locked in side view ( Fig. 9a ) and in an enlarged detail b of Fig. 9a (Fig. 9b );

Fig. 10

the same lid lock at the beginning of the locking in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 11

the same lid lock before completion of the locking in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 12

the same Deckelverrastung open in a perspective partial view obliquely from below;

Fig. 13

another lidded vessel with a flange without crenellated projections in a perspective partial view obliquely from below;

Fig. 14

the Deckelverrastung a modified lidded vessel with a chamfer on the underside of the locking projection with matching pressure inside and outside of the vessel in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 15

the same lid lock with increased internal vessel pressure in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 16

a lidded vessel without lid projection above the button in the latched state in a perspective partial view obliquely from above and from the side;

Fig. 17

the Deckelverrastung the same lidded vessel in an enlarged vertical partial section;

Fig. 18

a lidded container with a Deckelvenastung with a single tab strip and on both sides protruding button in a side view;

Fig. 19

the same lidded vessel in an enlarged partial view from the same side;

Fig. 20

a lidded container with multiple latches with keys and hinge between lid and vessel in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

Fig. 21

the same lidded vessel in an enlarged partial perspective view from the same side;

Fig. 22

a further lidded container with multiple locks with strongly reduced keys and without hinge, with lid open in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the side;

Fig. 23

the same lidded vessel in the closed state in an enlarged perspective partial view obliquely from below and from the side.

In this application, the terms "top" and "bottom" and "top" and "bottom" on the arrangement of the lid vessel in the closed state with vertically aligned, tubular vessel, the bottom of the vessel and the bottom lid is arranged.

The lidded vessel 1.1 of FIGS. 1 to 12 has a tubular vessel 2 with a circular cross section, which has a hollow cylindrical portion 3 at the top and a conical portion 4 at the bottom. At the bottom, the vessel 2 has a cup-shaped bottom 5. At the top, the vessel 2 has a vessel opening 6. Underneath it, in the hollow cylindrical section 3, there is a conically tapered down insertion region 7 and below a circular cylindrical sealing region 8.

At the top of the vessel 2 has a circumferential, radially outwardly projecting flange 9.1 in the form of a circular disk. At the flange 9.1 a locking projection 9.2 is formed.

Below the flange 9.1 is optionally arranged on the outer circumference of the vessel 2, a series of crenellated projections 10.1, which serve to support on the edge of a vessel holder.

The lidded vessel 1.1 has a lid 11 which has a lid bottom 12 and a stopper 13 projecting from the bottom of the lid 12. The plug 13 has a hollow cylindrical plug portion 13.1. At the lower end of the plug portion 13.1, it has a circumferential, outwardly projecting sealing bead 13.2.

The lid bottom 12 protrudes laterally beyond the stopper 13 also. The lid base 12 has an approximately elliptical contour 12.1. The extension of the lid base 12 in the direction of the main axis of the elliptical contour 12.1 is approximated by two rectilinear cover edges 12.2, 12.3 which run parallel to the minor axis of the elliptical contour 12.1 ( Fig. 6b ).

The outer edge of the lid bottom 12 is connected via a hinge band 14 with the upper edge of the vessel 2. The hinge band 14 is connected to the longer rectilinear lid edge 12.2. The hinge band 14 comprises two parallel, spaced-apart hinge bands 14.1, 14.2. ( Fig. 8 The hinged bands 14.1, 14.2 each have a stiffer first portion 14.11, 14.21 connected to the upper edge of the vessel 2 and adjacent to each a more flexible elastic portion 14.12, 14.22 and adjacent thereto a second stiffer portion 14.13 connected to the outer edge of the lid bottom 12 , 14.23.

Preferably, the hinge bands 14.1, 14.2 are integrally connected by injection molding with these vessel parts.

The hinge straps 14.1, 14.2 have between the flexible sections 14.12, 14.22 and the second stiffer sections 14.13, 14.2.3 inside a respective shoulder 15.1, 15.2, the axial engagement means form ( Fig. 6b, c ). Between the hinge straps 14.1, 14.2 V-shaped locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 are arranged on the two sides of a side of the vessel 2 projecting support 17. The V-shaped locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 are each up and laterally open to the adjacent hinge straps 14.1, 14.2 out , They are bounded by radially directed to the pivot path of the lid 11 receiving edge 16.11, 16.12, 16.21, 16.22 ( Fig. 6c . 7b ). The locking receptacles represent further axial engagement means.

The carrier 17 comprises the carrier part 17.1, which protrudes radially from the edge of the vessel. The support member 17.1 carries above a narrow, disc or rib-shaped Carrier part 17.2. The disc-shaped support part 17.2 is provided on the two flat outer sides with the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 ( Fig. 6 ).

Opposite the film hinge 14 of the stopper 13 laterally protruding part of the lid base 12 forms a lid projection 18. The lid projection 18 tapers towards the outer edge of the lid bottom 12. The lid projection 18 is bounded by the shorter rectilinear lid edge 12.3. Below the lid projection 18, a latching device 19 is arranged.

The latching device 19 has a flexible tab 20, which is connected at the top to the underside of the lid projection 18. The tab 20 comprises two parallel tab strips 20.1, 20.2, which are spaced apart. The tab strips 20.1, 20.2 are connected together at the lower end via a plate-shaped button 21, which projects laterally outwards. In the tab strip 20.1, 20.2, a recess 22 is above the button 21 is present. The recess 22 is bounded at the bottom by the inner upper edge of the key 21. Underneath, the button 21 on the inside has a chamfer 24 and below it a radius 25.

The key 21 is in the undeflected state, which in the FIGS. 4 and 5 is shown, arranged below a congruent or slightly larger cover recess 26 in the lid projection 18. As a result, a one-piece production of the entire lidded vessel 1.1 is made possible by injection molding by means of a simple tool.

According to Fig. 4 and 5 the lid 11 is locked in the closed state with the vessel 2. This is achieved in that the latching edge 23 engages under the flange 9.1 in a free area of crenellated projections 10.1, which engages the latching projection 9.2 forms. The latching projection 9.2 has a radius 27 at the top and a bevel 28 underneath.

The lidded vessel 1.1 is in the in Fig. 6 and 7 shown, opened arrangement produced by injection molding. Due to the shape free of undercuts, the lidded vessel 1.1 can be produced by means of a simple injection molding tool without slides, the tool parts of which must be moved apart for removal from the mold only along an axis.

The lid 11 can by swiveling out of the in Fig. 6 and 7 closed opening position are closed. For this purpose, the user presses against the outside of the lid bottom 12. In an intermediate position according to Fig. 8 and 9 the lid 11 by constraining the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 in the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 can be locked. Here, the deflection of the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 laterally outward and backward by the flexibility of the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 and strip areas 14.12, 14.22 allows. As soon as the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 reach the area of the latching receptacles 16.1, 16.2, they enter the latching receptacles 16.1, 16.2 due to the elasticity of the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 and the strip areas 14.12, 14.22. In this holding position, the shoulders engage in the receiving edges 16.11, 16.21 and the lid 11 is held in this holding position by the elasticity of the hinge bands 14.1, 14.2.

To fully close the user presses again against the outside of the lid base 12. As a result, the lid 11 is pivoted further from the holding position.

The shoulders 15.1, 15.2 emerge at the top from the openings of the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 and do not collide with the receiving edges 16.12, 16.22. The Receiving edges 16.12, 16.22 can alternatively be arranged so that they are in the swivel range of the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 and the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 record positively. The shoulders 15.1, 15.2 have to be expressed by taking advantage of their flexibility from the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 to zuzuschwenken the lid 11.

The lid 11 pivots with the stopper 13 into the vessel opening 6, which is facilitated by the extended insertion area 7. Thereafter, the sealing bead 13.2 is introduced into the sealing area 8. The key 21 reaches its radius 25 on the radius 27 of the locking projection 9.2, as in Fig. 10 shown. Upon further pressing the lid 11, the tab 20 is deflected laterally outwards. Due to the flexibility of the tab 20 and bevels 24, 28 of the key 21 and the locking projection 9.2 this requires a slightly increased effort. When the latching edge 23 has reached the latching edge 29 of the latching projection 9.2 (cf. Fig. 11 ), the tab 20 springs towards the vessel 2 and the inner edge of the button 21 engages under the latching projection 9.2 (FIG. Fig. 4 . 5 ). As a result, the locking takes place and the lid 11 secured to the vessel 2.

To open the lid 11, the user presses from below against the button 21 so that it is deflected laterally, as in the Figures 11 and 12 shown. By pressing against the button 21, the lid 11 is moved out with the stopper 13 from the vessel opening 6 and opened. In the open position, the lid 11 is securely locked by the shoulders 15.1, 15.2 are engaged in the locking receptacles 16.1, 16.2 ( Fig. 8 . 9 ).

The lidded vessel 1.2 of Fig. 13 differs from the previously described 1.1 in that the flange 9.1 below not by crenellated projections 10.1, but is stabilized by a single, partially encircling bead-like projection 10.2, which is interrupted only in the region of the latching projection 9.2.

The locking according to Fig. 14 differs from the previously described Deckelverrastung characterized in that the locking projection 9.2 has a bevel 30 at the bottom. The chamfer 30 is inclined to the vessel 2 upwards.

In the closed state is a support area 31 on the top of the key 2.1. is associated with a portion 31.1 at a distance from the locking edge 23 of the deepest portion 32 of the locking projection 9.2 or is applied to this. This is in Fig. 14 shown. With regard to the vessel 2, the partial area 31. 1 is arranged further outward than the connection of the tabs 20. 1, 20. 2 to the lid base 12. In this case, it is sufficient if the partial area 31.1 with respect to the vessel 2 is arranged further outward than the center of the connection of the tabs 20.1, 20.2 to the lid base 12. In Fig. 14 this is shown in a situation where the pressure inside the vessel is equal to the ambient pressure.

Fig. 15 shows the lidded vessel 1.3 in a situation in which the internal pressure in the vessel 2 exceeds the ambient pressure. Due to the increased internal pressure or a force exerted on the lid bottom 12 from the outside, the lid 11 is pushed upwards. Since the portion 31.1 is located further outward than the connection of the tabs 20.1, 20.2, a bending moment is exerted on the key 21 so that it bears against the bevel 30 flatly with its bearing area 31. As a result, the button 31 is prevented from slipping off the locking projection 9.2 and the lid 11 additionally secured to the vessel 2. In this embodiment, therefore, an increased internal vessel pressure or a vertically acting force supports the Verrasturig the lid 11 with the vessel. 2

The lidded vessel 1.4 of FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from the lidded vessel 1.1 according to Fig. 1-12 in that it has no lid projection 18. This design has the advantage of less expensive production, as material and tool costs are saved.

The lidded vessel 1.5 of Fig. 17 and 18 has in contrast to the lidded vessel 1.1 of Fig. 1 to 12 only a single tab strip 20.3, which is connected at the bottom with a plate-shaped button 21. The key 21 is wider than the tab strip 20.3 and protrudes from both sides of the tab strip 20.3. The inner upper edges of the button 21 form locking edges 23.2, 23.3. Including the button 21 on the inside chamfers 24.2, 24.3 and below radii 25.2, 25.3. The locking edges 22.2, 22.3 are locked on the underside of the locking projection 9.3. The locking projection 9.3 has a tab associated with the vertical recess 9.4, in which the tab strip 20.3 engages when the locking edges 23.2, 23.3 engage under the locking projection 9.3.

The lidded vessel 1.6 according to FIGS. 20 and 21 has three evenly distributed over the circumference Deckelverrastungen 9.2, 19. These are each according to the Deckelverrastung 9.2, 19 of the lidded vessel 1.1 of Fig. 1 to 12 educated. Between the lid 11 and vessel 2, a hinge is present.

By means of the three Deckelverrastungen 9.2, 19, the lid 11 can be locked evenly with the vessel 2. As a result, the security against unintentional opening of the vessel and increased density can be achieved. This is especially true for lidded vessels with a relatively large diameter (eg with a volume of 10 milliliters and more).

The lid 11 is closed by pressing in Veitikalrichtung down on the vessel 2 until all locking has taken place. To open all buttons 21 at the same time or initially two buttons 2.1 and then another button 21 or the buttons 21 are operated in sequence to the lid 11 gradually from the locking projections 9.2. to solve the flange 9.1 of the vessel 2.

The FIGS. 22 and 23 shows a lid vessel 1.7 with smaller keys 21.2 than in the above-described embodiment. The keys 21.2 can optionally be operated with the thumb. It is also possible to detach the lid 11 from the vessel 2 by pressing upwards in this lidded vessel 1.7.

Claims (21)

1. A lidded container made of plastic for laboratory use having

   - a tubular container (2) which at the bottom has a container base (5), at the top a container opening (6) and below the container opening (6) a sealing region (8) on the internal wall,

   - a lid (11) which has a lid base (12) and a plug (13) protruding from the inside of the lid base, and which may be inserted through the container opening (6) into a sealed position in the sealing region (8), and

   - locking means for releasably locking the lid (11) to the container (2) comprising

   - at least one latching projection (9.2) projecting radially outward at the top edge of the container, and

   - at least one flexible and elastic connecting link (20) projecting from the bottom side of the lid base (12) on which a latching edge (23) is arranged at a distance from the lid base (18) vertically below the connection of the connecting link (20) to the lid base (18), and the latching edge can be snapped into the sealing area (8) below the latching projection (9.2) when the plug (13) is introduced into the sealing area and a button (21) projecting laterally from the link (20), the snapping connection of latching edge (23) and latching projection (9.2) can be released by pushing against button (21) from below,

   wherein the latching edge (23) of the bottom margin has a cutout (22) in the connecting link (20).
2. The lidded container of claim 1, wherein

   - the flexible and elastic connecting link (20) projecting from the bottom side of the lid base (12) has a contact area (31) with a latching edge (23) on the side facing the container at a distance from the lid base (12) which can snap under the latching projection (9.2) when the plug (13) is introduced into the sealing region (8) so that the contact area (31) is located below the lowest area (32) of the latching projection (9.2) with a section (31.1) located further to the outside than the connection of the connecting link (20) to the lid base (12), and the contact area (31) lies against the chamfer (30) when force is exerted vertically on the bottom side of the lid base (12).
3. The lidded container of claim 1 or 2, wherein
   a plurality of spaced, flexible and elastic connecting links (20) projecting from the bottom side of the lid base (12) on each of which a latching edge (23) is arranged at a distance from the lid base (12) that can be snapped into the sealing region (8) below the latching projection (9.2) when the plug (13) is introduced.
4. The lidded container according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the latching projection (9.2) is formed on a flange (9.1) that at least partially surrounds the perimeter of the top margin of the container (2).
5. The lidded container according to one of the claims 1 to 4, in which the latching projection (9.2) on the outside and/or the connecting link (20) on the inside has an outer and/or inner chamfer (28, 24) neighboring the latching edge so that the connecting link (20) is increasingly deflected to the side when the plug (13) is inserted into the container (2).
6. The lidded container according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which the latching projection (9.2) at the top and/or the connecting link (20) at the bottom has a radius (27, 25).
7. The lidded container according to one of the claims 1 to 6, in which the lid base (12) has a lid projection (18) projecting laterally to the outside that extends radially beyond the latching projection (9.2) when the plug (13) is inserted into the sealing region (8) to seal.
8. The lidded container according to claim 7, in which the lid projection (18) extends outward radially at least as far as a button (21) when the plug (13) is inserted into the sealing region (8).
9. The lidded container according to one of the claims 1 to 8, in which a hinge (14) is arranged between the lid (11) and container (2).
10. The lidded container according to claim 9, in which the hinge (14) is a strap hinge by means of which the container (2) is integrally connected to the lid (11).
11. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the latching edge (23) of the bottom margin has a cutout (22) in the connecting link (20).
12. The lidded container according to claim 11, in which the connecting link (20) has two lateral connecting link strips (20.1, 20.2) that are connected at the top to the lid base (12) and at the bottom to the button (21), and the cutout (22) is between them, wherein the inner, top margin of the button (21) forms the latching edge (23.1).
13. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the connecting link (20) has a single connecting link strip (20.3) that is connected at the top to the lid base (12) and at the bottom to the button (21) which is wider than the connecting link strip (20.3), and at least one inner, top margin of the button (21) projecting laterally from the connecting link strip (20.3) forms the latching edge (23.2, 23.3).
14. The lidded container according to one of claims 7 to 13, in which the button (21) is arranged in the direction of insertion of the plug (13) below a congruent lid cutout (26) in the lid projection (18).
15. The lidded container according to one of claims 7 to 14, in which the width of the lid projection (18) decreases toward the outer end of the lid connecting link (18).
16. The lidded container according to one of claims 9 to 14, which has a device for locking (15, 16) the lid (11) in an open position next to the hinge (14).
17. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which the container (2), adjacent to the container opening (6), has an insertion region (7) widening towards the upper edge of the container (2) for the plug (13) and the sealing region (8) thereunder.
18. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 17, in which the plug (13) is a hollow cylinder.
19. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 18, in which the plug (13) has a peripheral sealing bead (13.2) on the external periphery.
20. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 19, which is produced from a polyolefin.
21. The lidded container according to one of claims 1 to 20, which is injectionmolded from plastic.

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