EP3505465B1 - Closing means for bag, in particular refuse bag - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a closure means for bags, in particular waste bags, comprising two half-elements each with a first and a second edge spaced apart in the axial direction and with a wall extending in the axial direction between the first and the second edge, and wherein the half-elements are hinged to one another are connected and complement each other in a ring-like manner in a first position and are pivotable about the hinges in a second position so that the half-elements come to rest with their first edge, and locking elements are provided that lock the half-elements in the second position.

Such closure means for bags, in particular waste bags, are known in the prior art. Motion sickness is a common area of application, but there are also other cases of vomiting. In addition, other areas of application for bags, in particular garbage bags, come into consideration, in which a secure hold open of the opening of the bag or garbage bag by opening the same is desired and then a secure closure of the contents, in particular the waste, is achieved.

Such closure means have a first and a second edge, the first edge being the upper edge in use, which defines the actual opening for a user. If a bag or waste bag with such a closure means is used, the bag or waste bag is passed through the interior of the closure means in the area of its open end and this area of the bag or waste bag is folded over the first edge of the closure means. The bag or rubbish bag overlaps the first edge of the closure means from the inside to the outside. Here, the bag or waste bag is preferably fixed in an elastic and / or plastic manner with deformation.

With such closure means, the opening of the bag or garbage bag can be kept open securely, so that soiling of the opening area of a bag or garbage bag held in this way can be better avoided. Avoidance of contamination is particularly desirable in the case of contents, in particular waste, which are then to be sealed safely and without contact.

For example, in the prior art, as in US4610039 or US20070031068 described or also in The use of closure means is known, the bag being closed by twisting the bag below the lower second edge of the closure means and then hooking the twisted area into a notch of the closure means provided on the second edge. The disadvantage of this design is that soiling that is in the immediate area of the closure means is not reliably captured by such a closure of the waste bag. The disposal of such a waste bag can still be perceived as unhygienic.

The WO 2009/021268 A1 describes a closure means according to the preamble of claim 1, namely a disposable waste container for use in ambulances, hospitals, but also for travel applications, comprising a waste bag and a closure means. The application describes various ways of closing the bag. On the one hand, it is known from the prior art to provide a design in which a twisted waste bag is also hooked into a notch. Furthermore, it is described to provide a film hinge in the area of the first edge and a breakable connection in the area of the second edge, so that the two half-elements can be folded together in the direction of each other and thus relief of the waste bag guided over the closure means and thus removal same. In addition, it is already known to design the closure means in such a way that the two half-elements come to rest on top of one another and are locked to one another by means of closure elements. The closure means of this type known from the prior art are often difficult to grasp, that is to say unwieldy. It was also found that the two half-elements can often only be folded and locked using both hands. However There are often situations in which the user or the person giving a bag equipped with such a closure means does not have both hands available.

The invention achieves this object by a closure means for bags, in particular garbage bags of the type mentioned at the beginning, whereby the invention provides that at least one half-element in the area of the first edge has at least one indentation pointing inward in the radial direction and / or starting at least one half-element has at least one recess extending in the axial direction from the second edge.

This achieves that by means of an indentation and / or a recess on the respective edge, the closure means is advantageously designed to be ergonomically manageable within a per se continuous course of a half element, which also reduces the effort required to guide the closure from the first position to the second position causes.

The indentations pointing inward in the radial direction serve to grip the closure means on the one hand when using such a closure means for a bag, in particular a waste bag during use, wherein the bag, in particular a waste bag, can be held on the closure means and fingers can engage in the indentations and so improve the hold. In addition, these indentations, which can serve as recessed grips, also serve to facilitate the transfer of the closure means from the first to the second position, since this provides points of application for the fingers of one hand.

More preferably, at least two, more preferably at least three and more preferably four indentations can be provided on a half element.

In principle, the indentations can have different sizes and numbers depending on the desired ergonomic aspect.

The recess, which extends axially from the second edge, is used in particular to enable the closure means to be gripped from the underside and, in particular, to hold the hand and guide the hand in an ergonomic manner when moving from the first to the second position and when bringing it together of closure elements, for example when inserting locking lugs into corresponding openings. Closing the two half-elements to one another and locking the two half-elements together is thus significantly facilitated. These recesses serve in particular to enable after a first gripping and holding of the closure means by fingers in the area of the first edge during use, and then a safe transfer from the first to the second position and locking with the least possible effort. The reduction in the height of the wall of the half-element introduced with a recess enables, depending on the design, that the closure means can be easily manipulated with one hand.

In principle, the recesses can have different sizes and numbers depending on the desired ergonomic aspect.

In the use position with a bag, the first edge is the upper edge of the closure means that defines the actual opening.

The second edge is the boundary of the wall opposite the first edge.

In this context, ring-like is to be understood as a design in which the two half-elements complement each other, including a cavity, which they enclose in the manner of a jacket or sleeve. The ring-like design can have a round or oval shape. Any other shapes are also conceivable in which the edges and / or walls can be curved and / or straight and in which the edges or walls can be designed with kinks / corners or without them. The shape of the first edge can differ from the shape of the second edge when viewed from above in the axial direction. In addition, the shape of the wall that connects the two edges can also deviate from the shape of one or both edges when viewed from above in the axial direction.

The axial direction is understood here as the direction parallel to the central axis, which runs through the central point of the straight line connecting the hinges of a closure means in its open, spread configuration in a first position.

The radial direction is understood here as the direction running perpendicular to the axial direction, of the closure means in its open, spread configuration in a first position.

The hinges are preferably arranged in the region of the first edge, in particular on the first edge.

Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that preferably both half-elements have at least one indentation pointing inward in the radial direction in the region of the first edge. More preferably, at least two, more preferably at least three and more preferably at least four indentations can be present on both half-elements.

Conceivable as a design on at least one half-element, preferably on both half-elements, is for example a larger indentation with respect to the first edge of the half-element as a relatively central single indentation.

In addition, two, three or four indentations can also be provided on a half element.

An arrangement on the first edge with a smaller indentation and a larger indentation is also conceivable. The middle finger, ring finger and little finger, for example, can then engage in the larger indentation, while the index finger engages in the smaller indentation.

Alternatively, two smaller indentations are also possible on at least one half-element, preferably on both half-elements. In this case, the index finger and ring finger can then preferably engage in the indentations of the one half-element.

If three indentations are provided on at least one half-element, preferably on both half-elements, provision can be made to provide two smaller indentations on one half-element for the index finger and the little finger and a larger central indentation for the middle and ring fingers.

The indentations are preferably distributed uniformly over the half-element.

Preferably, however, the indentations can also be different in size and number for each half-element.

The arrangement of the indentation can be adapted to the desired ergonomic aspects and depends, among other things, on also depends on the size of the closure means, since the requirements for gripping and holding the closure means change with the size of the closure means and the application. For example, a closure means for a garbage bag, which is used as a travel sickness bag, has different dimensions and is kept different than, for example, a closure means for a garbage bag that is considerably larger and e.g. is used in doctors' offices and hospitals to absorb contaminated bandages.

With regard to the recess, it is particularly preferred if both half-elements have a recess on the second edge.

Two, three or four cutouts can be provided on a half element.

The provision of a single recess on a half-element is particularly preferred. In the embodiment of a single recess, this extends in particular over a large part of the circumference of the respective half-element. For example, three fingers or the ball of the thumb can be accommodated in such a recess. In this case, it can also preferably be provided that in this position the thumb continues to lie in one of the indentations of the first edge.

The edge or the edge of the recess can be designed to be contoured or non-contoured. The contouring can consist of elevations and depressions, for example. A contoured edge of the recess helps to further improve ergonomics. A contoured design of the recess in contrast to, for example, two or more recesses is to be understood when the edge of the recess does not return to the level of the second edge from which the recess starts, but the elevations and depressions in terms of their level to the course follow the respective recess.

Particularly preferred is a closure means in which both half-elements have at least one indentation pointing inward in the radial direction and / or at least one recess extending in the axial direction starting from the second edge in the region of the first edge.

Furthermore, a closure means is particularly preferred in which both half-elements each have the same number of indentations and the same number of recesses.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of a closure means, each half-element has only a single recess and preferably one, two, three or four indentations.

It is particularly preferred if the indentations and / or the recesses of one half-element are arranged on an imaginary straight axis connecting the hinges with their axis mirrored in position, contour and / or size in the other half-element. Such an axially symmetrical arrangement is a universal application, for example, regardless of whether the user is right-handed or left-handed, is possible.

Closing elements are provided for locking the half elements onto one another in the second position. The closure elements preferably comprise first closure elements and corresponding second closure elements.

The first and / or second closure elements are preferably arranged on the respective half element, preferably in the region of the first edge, in each case alternating with the indentations.

An alternating arrangement of closure elements and indentations advantageously contributes to easier handling in the closure process in the area of the first edge.

Particularly preferably, the first closure elements are only arranged on one half-element and the second closure elements are only arranged on the other half-element. This can advantageously contribute to guiding the closing force in one direction
Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the first and second closure elements to be arranged at least alternately on each half-element. Such an arrangement of the closure elements can contribute to the fact that the connection becomes more difficult to release or more stable when it is latched, since forces from different directions can be better balanced.

Examples of first closure elements are projections, latching lugs, hooks and, for corresponding second closure elements, openings, eyes or edges, behind which the first closure elements can engage.

Particularly preferred is the design of a closure means in which at least one recess of a half element is arranged such that a turning area or turning point of the recess is arranged centrally between the hinges in the course of the half element. In this case, in the transfer from the first to the second position, reaching around with one-handed guidance and closing is possible. The point of inflection should be understood to mean the point of the recess between which and the first edge the distance is shortest. A turning area is understood to mean an area or section of the recess which results when not one point but a plurality of adjacent points of the recess, such as a line, has the shortest distance from the first edge. If more than one point, which is not immediately adjacent and therefore does not form a line, has the same shortest distance from the first edge, the area between the two outer points forms the turning area. If several cutouts are provided, each of the cutouts can be designed accordingly.

Particularly preferred is at least one closure element, in particular in the area of the first edge, arranged at the level of a turning area, in particular centrally with respect to the turning area or turning point of the recess, in particular when it is centrally located in the course of the half-element between the hinges. With the ergonomic gripping during the transfer into the second position and then in the second position, primary fixation and locking of the half-elements to one another can be achieved at least in this section. A further preferred embodiment can provide that the half elements have a first or a second guide center element along the first edge, which in the can engage second position to form a guide means.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment provides that one of the half elements has a first guide element on its first edge, in particular in the form of a first groove open in the axial direction, and the other half element has a second guide element on its first edge, in particular in the form of its first edge or a Has rib and the two guide means elements can interlock in the second position to form a guide means. Alternatively, both guide means elements can be designed as a groove, as a first and second groove, with ribs delimiting the grooves, one rib per groove then engaging the other groove.

In particular, when viewed together with a groove of one half-element in which a rib or part of another groove of the other half-element is received in order to provide a guide means, a labyrinth-like closure can additionally be achieved, which securely encapsulates the contents contained in the bag, in particular waste bags , in particular waste achieved with clamping of the bag, in particular waste bags.

In this case, it is particularly preferred if the indentations are arranged in the course of the first and / or second guide means element and, in particular, are made therein. The angular changes in the course of the first and / or second guide means element caused by the introduction of indentations contribute to the improved clamping process of the bag and reinforce a labyrinth-like condition caused by the guide means Closure and thus contribute to the tightness of the closure.

The closure elements preferably comprise, as first closure elements, locking lugs which engage in the second closure elements in the form of corresponding openings.

In this case, latching lugs are preferably attached to one of the half-elements, which pass through openings in the second half-element and lock there.

Further preferably, the closure elements can comprise latching lugs, the latching lugs protruding in the axial direction beyond the first edge of the half elements, in particular a rib of a half element. This means that only one force component in the axial direction is necessary when the half-elements are transferred from the first to the second position.

This preferred embodiment with latching lugs protruding beyond the first edge is therefore particularly advantageous compared to latching lugs that run exclusively below the first edge and point inwards: In such a case, it is disadvantageous that there is a force when the two half-elements are folded together and when they are closed that is not directed purely axially.

The openings for engaging the latching lugs are particularly preferably arranged in the first and / or second guide element, in particular in the first groove or second groove.

It is particularly preferred if one of the half-elements has a groove open in the axial direction as guide means on its first edge, into which the other half-element engages with its first edge, in particular with a rib, in the second position. Here can It is particularly preferred that the locking lugs are provided in the region of the rib, in particular at the upper free end of the rib, and the openings for engaging the locking lugs are provided in the groove, preferably in the groove base. As a result, the process of closing, i.e. transferring the closing means from the first to the second position, can be carried out more securely and the two half-elements tilt less than in the prior art, which improves the secure engagement of the locking lugs in the openings becomes. The number of locking lugs and the associated openings can vary from one to three, four or more and is influenced, among other things, by the size of the closure means.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the closure means, the wall of the half-elements has a shoulder pointing radially outward in the area of the first edge. In particular, the first edge is arranged at the end of the shoulder or forms the end of the shoulder. Through this shoulder it can be achieved that a bag, in particular a garbage bag, can be securely stretched through the closure means, in particular with deformation of the bag or garbage bag, whereby the bag or garbage bag is securely held on the closure means. In addition, such an embodiment advantageously supports the stackability of the closure means in particular.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the half-elements comprise plastics, in particular consist of plastic.

The half-elements, in particular the closure means made of plastic, are particularly preferably designed as injection-molded parts. With such a design, the arrangement of the locking lugs in the shape protruding in the axial direction beyond the first edge is a particular advantage regarding the demoldability of the injection molded part from the tool.

The two half-elements in their connected design of the first position can be manufactured as such as an injection-molded part.

The hinges via which the two half-elements are connected to one another can then in particular be designed as film hinges. The hinges are preferably provided on both sides of the half-elements. A film hinge is understood to mean a design in which the hinge or joint is formed in one piece without further mechanical elements with the parts to be connected, in particular the half-elements. Such hinges essentially consist of a thin-walled connection which, due to its flexibility, enables a certain rotational movement of the connected parts. Film hinges are usually associated with jumps in wall thickness, i.e. the film hinge has a smaller wall thickness than the parts to be connected.

It is particularly preferred here to make the closure means disposable. In principle, however, reusable designs of the closure means are also conceivable.

To stabilize the closure means, it can be provided that the half-elements in the area of the second edge, in particular opposite the hinges, are connected to one another in the first position via a destructible material bridge which is destroyed in the second position. Such a material bridge can in particular be a thread-like connection between the two half-elements. The material bridge must be sufficiently stable on the one hand to allow a to prevent unwanted "collapsing", ie a transfer from the first to the second position, at an undesired point in time, in particular during the use of the closure means with a bag, in particular garbage bags and on the other hand easily enough to destroy a To enable transfer from the first to the second position.

Such a design can be implemented comparatively easily in the case of an injection-molded part.

The half-element, in particular the closure means, preferably comprises plastic or is formed from it. In particular, plastics are used which are assigned to thermoplastics, such as, in particular, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate.

The use of thermoplastics is particularly preferred for the production of the half-elements or the closure means as an injection-molded part.

It is particularly preferred if the locking of the two half-elements to one another, that is to say the connection of the closure elements in the second position, is designed to be non-detachable. Such a configuration is usually provided for disposable closure means. However, the lock can also be designed to be detachable, in particular in the case of reusable locking means or set systems.

The half-elements preferably have a corresponding shape at least in the area of their first edges, ie over the entire area of the first edges. In this case it can be achieved that the half-elements bear against one another, in particular over their entire length, and thus a secure closure of a waste bag received by the closure means is achieved.

The half-elements preferably have a ring-like, in particular exactly semicircular or circular segment-shaped or a semi-oval shape. Other shapes, which in particular are not completely rounded or not rounded at all or have kinks / corners, are entirely conceivable, although a rounded contour is preferred with a view to ergonomic handling.

It is also particularly preferred if the wall extending between the first and the second edge is designed to be closed over at least 50% of the surface, preferably at least 70% and preferably at least 90%, more preferably 100%. This can increase the stability.

If the second edge has recesses in the axial direction, the area that is considered should be the area that is formed between the second edge or the edge of the second indentation and the first edge.

Particularly more preferably, a thickening of the wall in the form of a material reinforcement is provided along the second edge, particularly preferably in the embodiment with rounded edges. This supports the stability of the wall in the application, especially during the transfer of the half-elements from the first to the second position, as well as providing the user with a comfortable grip and thus ergonomic handling of the half-elements or the closure means.

The invention now further relates to a container with a closure means and a bag, in particular a disposal container with a garbage bag, the bag, in particular a garbage bag having circumferential side walls, and a lower closed end and an upper open end, the bag or garbage bag being folded over of the upper open end can be fixed from the inside to the outside via the first edge on the closure means, the closure means being configured as described above.

Also included is a set of a bag, in particular a waste bag, which is designed as described above with circumferential side walls and a lower closed and an upper open end and a closure means as described above, the bag or waste bag by folding over the upper open end can be fixed from the inside to the outside over the first edge on the closure means, the joining of the bag or waste bag and closure means only takes place immediately before use and the bag or waste bag and closure means are separate in the packaged and ready-to-sell state. Such an arrangement is particularly desirable if the closure means is designed to be reusable. Such an arrangement is also desirable if, depending on the needs or the situation, there are or should be made available, defined versions of bags.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the remaining application documents.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

• Figur 1 ein Verschlussmittel in einer Draufsicht auf einen ersten Rand in einer ersten Position;
• Figur 2 das Verschlussmittel gemäß Figur 1 in einer Draufsicht auf den zweiten Rand;
• Figur 3 das Verschlussmittel während einer Überführung von einer ersten in eine zweite Position;
• Figur 4a) - 4d) das Verschlussmittel in einer zweiten Position;
• Figur 5 einen Ausschnitt aus Figur 1;
• Figur 6 einen Ausschnitt aus Figur 4;
• Figuren 7a) - 7f) schematisch verschiedene Ausführungen von Einbuchtungen am ersten Rand eines Verschlussmittels in einer ersten Position;
• Figur 8 ein Behältnis, insbesondere Entsorgungsbehältnis mit einem Verschlussmittel gemäß Figur 1;
• Figur 9 ein Behältnis, insbesondere Entsorgungsbehältnis mit einem Verschlussmittel gemäß Figur 3 in der Überführung von erste in zweite Position;
• Figur 10 zwei gestapelte Verschlussmittel vom zweiten Rand her betrachtet.

Show:

• Figure 1 a closure means in a plan view of a first edge in a first position;
• Figure 2 the closure means according to Figure 1 in a plan view of the second edge;
• Figure 3 the closure means during a transfer from a first to a second position;
• Figure 4a) - 4d ) the closure means in a second position;
• Figure 5 a section Figure 1 ;
• Figure 6 a section Figure 4 ;
• Figures 7a) - 7f ) schematically different designs of indentations on the first edge of a closure means in a first position;
• Figure 8 a container, in particular a disposal container with a closure means according to Figure 1 ;
• Figure 9 a container, in particular a disposal container with a closure means according to Figure 3 in the transfer from the first to the second position;
• Figure 10 two stacked closure means viewed from the second edge.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a closure means for bags, in particular garbage bags according to the present invention, the closure means being provided in its entirety with the reference number 10. The closure means has a first edge 12 and a second edge 14 between the First 12 and the second edge 14 extends a wall 16. The closure means 10 comprises two half-elements 18 and 20. The two half-elements 18, 20 together, connected via two hinges 22, here preferably connected via film hinges 22, the closure means 10. The Film hinges 22 are arranged in the area of the first edge 12. In an in Figure 1 In the first position shown, the half-elements 18, 20 are connected to one another in the region of the second edge 14 via a material bridge 24. The material bridge 24 stabilizes the in Figure 1 first position shown and counteracts pivoting about the film hinges 22. The material bridge 24 is designed in such a way that it enables sufficient stability when a shown closure means 10 is used in the first position, but can be destroyed easily enough to transfer the closure means from a first to a second position without great effort. The wall 16 of each half-element 18, 20 between the first edge 12 and the second edge 14 is formed essentially over the entire surface. In the area of the film hinge 22, a gap 28 is provided between the two half-elements 18, 20 between the film hinge 22 and the material bridge 24.

The otherwise full-surface design of the wall 16 improves the stability of the closure means. In the area of the first edge 12, the closure means 10 has two indentations 30 extending radially inward for each half-element 18, 20. These indentations serve to grasp and hold the closure means securely and ergonomically. When holding with one hand, for example, the thumb can come to rest in an indentation 30, which serves as a recessed grip of one half-element, and depending on the hand size and arrangement, the other fingers of the same hand, when held with one hand, in the others Engage indentations 30 of the second half element. In this way, handling can also be better ensured with one hand.

In addition, the closure means 10 has a recess on the second edge 14 for each half-element 18, 20, which recess extends in the axial direction. The recesses are provided here with the reference symbol 32. These recesses 32 come into play ergonomically when the closure means 10 is gripped from the side of the second edge 14, in particular when transferring from the first to the second position, in particular when the pivoting process around the hinge, in particular the film hinge 22, has already partially taken place. In order to be able to fix the two half-elements 18, 20 on one another in a second position, closure elements, in particular first closure elements 33a and corresponding second closure elements 33b, are provided. The first closure elements 33a preferably comprise latching lugs 34 and wherein the latching lugs 34 rise above the first edge 12 in the axial direction.

In the wall 16 34 openings 36 are provided immediately below the locking lugs. These openings 36 can represent evasive and relief spaces for the bag.

In addition, the first half-element 18 has on the first edge 12 a rib 38 which preferably extends over the entire length of the section of the half-element and which rises out of the closure means 10 in the axial direction. In contrast to this, the second half-element 20 has a groove 40 which is delimited by two ribs 42 and 44, openings 46 being provided on the groove base as part of the closure element as second closure elements 33b, which are first with the locking lugs 34 Corresponding closure element 33a and which are penetrated by the latching lugs 34, so that the latching lugs 34 are fixed in a latching manner.

By engaging the rib 38 in the groove 40, a type of labyrinth seal is formed. Since the engagement of the rib 38 in the groove 40 already takes place when the pivoting movement from the first to the second position is not yet fully completed, the groove 40 with its ribs 42 and 44 serves as the first guide element 39a for the rib 38 as a second guide element 39b and thus ensures that the locking lugs 34 can be inserted into the openings 46 without great expenditure of force and are correctly positioned relative to them.

The latching lugs 34 extend, as stated, in the axial direction over the first edge 12 of the one half element 18, the free latching sections 48 pointing radially inward.

Figure 2 now shows a design of the closure means 10 from the second edge 14 and shows in particular the recesses 32 of the second edge 14. In addition, as in FIG Figure 1 it can be seen that the closure means 10 has a shoulder 50 pointing radially outward in the region of the first edge 12. The first edge 12 is preferably arranged at the end of the shoulder 50. This radially outwardly pointing shoulder serves to securely fix a bag, in particular a waste bag, the opening of which is guided through the interior of the closure means 10 and is then laid over the first edge 12, deforming the bag or waste bag. In contrast to radially outwardly pointing latching lugs 34, the axially upwardly pointing latching lugs 34 according to the invention exist when the waste bag is slipped over the closure means 10 a lower risk that the garbage bag 10 is torn, in particular before or during use.

Figure 3 shows a situation in which the two half-elements 18, 20, around the hinges 22, are already being transferred from the first to the second position. For this purpose, the indentations 30 can be encompassed into the recesses 32, which are preferably arranged as the only recess 32 in the center of one of the half-elements 18, 20 and enable the closure means 10 to be held and guided easily with one hand. During the closing movement, the rib 38 engages in the groove 40, so that the half-element 18 is guided with respect to the half-element 20, whereby the positioning of the latching lugs 34 in the FIGS Figure 3 openings not shown is facilitated. The pivoting movement takes place in the direction of arrow 52. It can also be seen that the material bridge 24 is already destroyed during the pivoting movement about the hinges 22. It can also be seen that the indentations 30 are arranged in the course of the groove 40 as the first central guide element 39a and in the course of the rib 38 as the second central guide element 39b and are introduced therein.

Figure 4a ) now shows a closure means in a completely closed configuration, that is to say in the second position, the latching lugs 34 of the one half element 18 reaching through the openings in the groove of the half element 20. The height of the wall of the closure means 10 is now reduced by the recesses 32, so that it or the half-elements 18, 20 can also be easily handled with one hand.

The recesses 32 are not contoured and are each arranged centrally between the hinges 22 in such a way that their turning point 35 is the point of The shortest distance to the first edge 12 in the course of the half element 18, 20 is also arranged centrally between the hinges (22). Due to the uniform circular arc shape of the recess 32 in Figure 4a only one point has a shortest distance. It is advantageous, as in Figure 4a shown, at the level of a turning area or turning point 35 of the recess 32, in particular with its central arrangement in the course of the half element 18, 20, at least one closure element 33a, 33b, in particular in the area of the first edge, arranged.

The configuration of the locking lugs 34 with the openings 36 and the rib 38 is shown in FIG Figure 5 shown again in an enlarged view.

The Figures 4b) to 4d ) show alternative configurations of the closure means with regard to the configuration of the recesses 32 Figure 4b ) a design in which, instead of a large recess arranged centrally between the hinges 22, two smaller recesses are provided, which are arranged equally on both half-elements 18, 20, that is, symmetrically to the axis connecting the hinges 22. In relation to the respective half-element 18, 20, both recesses 32 of the same size and geometry and at the same distance from the hinges 22 are provided.

The Figures 4c) and 4d ) show configurations in which the recess 32 has a contoured edge shape. Here, depressions 32v and elevations 32e are provided in the edge of the recess 32. These are arranged alternately in wave form, with an odd number of elevations 32e and depressions 32v being provided in particular. The Figures 4c) and 4d ) differ in the number and height of the depressions 32v and elevations 32e. Such a contouring can further improve handling and ergonomics.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the second position and here the engagement of the locking lugs 34 of the half element 18 in the openings 46 of the half element 20. The immersion of the rib 38 on the first edge 12 with the locking lugs 34 in the groove 40, formed from the two ribs 42 and 44, and the engagement in the openings 46 can be clearly recognized. In this case, the latching takes place essentially in a non-releasable manner, that is to say only with the likely destruction of one of the components. The closure means 10, as shown in the preceding figures, is preferably manufactured as an injection-molded part. Due to the upwardly pointing latches, particularly easy and good demoldability is given. The two half-elements 18, 20 have a corresponding shape, essentially a rounded shape, which on the one hand enables the two half-elements to lie completely on top of one another with respect to their first edges 12 and the rib 38 of one half-element into the guide element of the groove 40 of the other half element engages. On the other hand, this enables the closure means 10 to be stacked, which is shown in FIG Figure 10 is shown. This simplifies storage.

In the Figures 7a) - 7f ) various conceivable arrangements of indentations 30 in the area of the first edge 12 are shown schematically in a top view.

For universal applicability, it is particularly advantageous if the indentations 30 on both half-elements 18, 20 on a straight axis 19 connecting the two hinges 22 are arranged axially symmetrically, and advantageously also have the same shape and size.

So preferably at least one ( Figure 7a ), more preferably two ( Figure 7b , Figure 7c ), more preferably three ( Figure 7d , Figure 7e ) and more preferably four indentations ( Fig. 7f ) be provided on each half element.

The closure elements, in particular as first closure elements 33a and as corresponding second closure elements 33b, which are provided for latching and locking the two half-elements 18, 20 in the second position, are preferably on the respective first edge 12 of a respective half-element 18, 20 alternating with the indentations 30 arranged. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first closure elements are only provided on one half-element 18 and the second closure elements only on the other half-element 20, as shown schematically in FIG Figures 7a) - 7e ) is indicated for the first closure elements with the reference number 33a and for the second closure elements with the reference number 33b. The first closure elements 33a can preferably be designed as latching lugs, the second closure elements 33b can preferably be designed as openings.

Figure 8 now shows a container, in particular a disposal container or an assembled set of bag or waste bag 60 and closure means 10. The bag or waste bag 60 has a circumferential wall 62 as well as a lower closed end 64 and an upper open end 66. With the upper open end, the bag or rubbish bag 60 is passed through the center of the closure means 10 and, in particular, is laid around the first edge 12 of the closure means 10 with deformation from the inside to the outside, this in particular with elastic and / or plastic deformation of the Bag or waste bag 60 takes place, so that the bag or waste bag 60 is held on the closure means 10 in a frictional and form-fitting manner. Such a bag or waste bag 60 together with a closure means 10 is shown in the first position Figure 8 .

Figure 9 shows a design in which the closure means 10 is in a position analog Figure 3 is located, that is, between a first and a second position, the material bridge 24 being destroyed and a pivoting about the hinge 22 taking place.

If the latching lugs 34 now enter the openings 46, depending on the elasticity of the bag or waste bag 60, the bag 60 is pierced in this area or a further elastic or plastic deformation occurs.

The bag or waste bag 60 with the contents received therein, in particular waste, is then securely closed and can be sent for further disposal.

Claims (17)

1. Closure means (10) for bags, in particular waste disposal bags (60), comprising two half-elements (18, 20) which each comprise a first edge (12) and a second edge (14) which are spaced apart in the axial direction, and which comprise a wall (16) which extends in an axial direction between the first edge (12) and the second edge (14), the half-elements (18, 20) being connected to one another by means of hinges (22) and complementing one another in a ring-like manner in a first position to form an expanded configuration of the closure element (10) and being pivotable about the hinges (22) in such a way that, in a second position, the first edges (12) of each of the half-elements (18, 20) come to rest on top of one another, and closure elements (33a, 33b) being provided which lock the half-elements (18, 20) onto one another in the second position, characterized in that at least one half-element (18, 20), starting from the second edge (14), has at least one recess (32) which extends in the axial direction and/or in that at least one half-element (18, 20) has at least one indentation (30) pointing inward in the radial direction in the region of the first edge (12) .
2. Closure means (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the indentations (30) and/or the recesses (32) of one half-element (18) are arranged on an imaginary straight axis (19) connecting the hinges (22) so as to be mirrored along the axis in position, contour and/or size in the other half-element (20).
3. Closure means (10) according to either of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure elements comprise first and second closure elements (33a, 33b), the first and/or second closure elements each being arranged on the particular half-element (18, 20), preferably in the region of the first edge, so as to alternate with the indentations (30).
4. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess (32) of a half-element (18, 20) is arranged in such a way that an inflection region or inflection point (35) of the recess (32) is arranged centrally between the hinges (22) in the course of the half-element (18, 20).
5. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one closure element (33a, 33b) is arranged at the level of an inflection region or inflection point (35) of the recess (32), in particular in the region of the first edge.
6. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-elements (18, 20) have a first and a second guide means element (39a, 39b) along the first edge (12), which guide means elements can engage one another in the second position in order to form a guide means.
7. Closure means (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the half-elements (18, 20) has, on the first edge (12) thereof, a first groove (40) which is open in the axial direction as a first guide means element (39a), into which groove the first edge (12), or a rib (38), or a second groove which is open in the axial direction, of the other half-element (18, 20) engages or cooperates as a second guide means element (39b) in the second position in order to form a guide means.
8. Closure means according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the indentations (30) are arranged in the course of the first and/or second guide means element (39a, 39b).
9. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure elements (33a, 33b) comprise, as first closure elements (33a), latching lugs (34) which engage in second closure means (33b) in the form of corresponding openings (46), the locking lugs (34) protruding in the axial direction beyond the first edge (12) of the half-elements (18, 20), in particular a rib (38) of a half-element (18, 20) .
10. Closure means (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the openings (46) for engaging the locking lugs (34) are arranged in the first and/or second guide means element (39a, 39b), in particular in the first groove (40) or second groove.
11. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (16) of the half-elements (18, 20) forms a shoulder (50) which points radially outward in the region of the first edge (12), and in particular the first edge (12) is arranged at the end of the shoulder (50).
12. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-elements (18, 20) comprise plastics material, in particular consist of plastics material, and in particular the half-elements, more in particular the closure means, are formed as an injection molded part.
13. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the half-elements (18, 20) are connected to one another in the region of the second edge (14), in particular opposite the hinges (22), in the first position by means of a destructible material bridge (24) which is destroyed in the second position.
14. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the closure elements (33a, 33b) in the second position is designed to be detachable or non-detachable.
15. Closure means (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (16) which extends between the first edge (12) and the second edge (14) is closed over at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 90% and more preferably 100% of the surface thereof.
16. Container comprising a closure means (10) and a bag, in particular a disposal container comprising a waste disposal bag (60), the bag, in particular a waste disposal bag, having circumferential side walls (62), an end (64) which is closed at the bottom, and an end (66) which is open at the top, it being possible to fix the bag, in particular the waste disposal bag (60), to the closure means (10) by turning the end (66) which is open at the top inside out over the first edge (12), characterized in that the closure means (10) is designed according to any of claims 1 to 15.
17. Set consisting of a bag, in particular a waste disposal bag (60), which has circumferential side walls (62), an end (64) which is closed at the bottom, an end (66) which is open at the top, and a closure means (10) according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the bag, in particular the waste disposal bag (60), can be fixed to the closure means (10) by turning the end (66) which is open at the top inside out over the first edge (12).

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