EP3543171B1 - Lid adapter, lid, container and method for discharging at least one plastic bag - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lid adapter for fastening to a lid opening of a lid, preferably made of plastic, which is designed to close a container, preferably made of plastic, in particular a bucket. The cover adapter comprises a nozzle with a pouring opening which can be closed with a closure, preferably with a rotary closure. The invention also relates to a lid for closing an opening of such a container, the lid having at least one lid opening to which at least one such lid adapter is attached, as well as a container with such a container and with such a lid. The invention also relates to a method for emptying at least one film bag via a pouring opening of a lid adapter.

In the context of this application, a bucket is understood to mean a container with a circumferential cylindrical, usually slightly conically inclined side wall and an opening which typically extends over the entire top of the bucket. The basic shape of the bucket, which typically corresponds to the basic shape of the bottom, is arbitrary. The bucket can, for example, have an oval, round, rectangular or square basic shape.

It is known to use non-dimensionally stable foil bags for the transport of filling goods which are connected to an adapter for filling and emptying. The adapter can, for example, a nozzle with a Have a pouring opening and a tap to empty the contents of the bag. The film bag can be stored in an interior of a cardboard packaging (bag-in-box) and the adapter can be attached to an opening in the cardboard packaging in order to make the nozzle with the pouring opening accessible to an operator.

In the WO 2006/051284 A2 For example, a collapsed bag insert for bag-in-box carton packaging has become known which is configured for installation as a self-contained module in an opening in a pre-assembled box wall. The bag insert has a folded-up bag in a compact folded format with a positioning and retaining collar for a bag neck, the collar having a profile that is complementary to the box opening. The bag insert includes complementary mating ribs and slots on a lip of an opening in the collar and on the bag neck for receiving a torque in the documents US2012 / 248117A1 , US6454134B1 , DE3836069C1 and WO87 / 06922A1 further cover adapters are disclosed.

The invention is based on the object of providing a lid adapter, a lid with such a lid adapter, a container and an associated method, which facilitate the handling of foil bags that are stored in containers, for example in buckets, in particular with regard to their filling and emptying to simplify.

This object is achieved by means of a cover adapter according to claim 1.

The use of a lid adapter enables the container, in particular in the form of a bucket, to have the functionality of a hollow body, such as a canister, takes over. A plurality of cover openings, into each of which a cover adapter is inserted, can be formed on the cover. The number of cover adapters on a cover is, however, limited by the available area of the cover and the size of the cover adapter.

It goes without saying that several cover openings with different sizes and / or geometries for inserting corresponding cover adapters on one and the same cover can also be provided. A respective cover adapter can be attached to the cover, more precisely at the edge of the cover opening, with the aid of one or more latching elements in a detachable or permanent manner (see below). The cover adapter, more precisely the connection piece with the closure (cover), can basically be designed as a twist, pull-out or bounce closure. The lid adapter, more precisely the nozzle, is adapted to the requirements of the closure. In the case of a twist lock, a thread is typically formed on the outside of the connecting piece. If the twist lock has a guarantee ring, corresponding counter bearings for opening the guarantee ring can be formed on the cover adapter, more precisely on the socket. To accommodate pull-out closures and / or snap closures, the connecting piece does not have a thread, but rather internal and / or external undercuts to which the aforementioned closures can be adapted. The nozzle can also be made open or closed by means of a top plate. In the closed variant, the top plate can be opened or torn off by means of a circumferential film hinge and thus on the one hand have a sealing effect, on the other hand it can indicate first use. The cover adapter is preferably made of plastic.

In the aspect of the invention described here, the cover adapter is detachable and, in particular, loosely connected, i.e. with (little) play with the cover, more precisely with the edge of the cover opening. Due to the loose connection with the lid, an air gap remains between the lid adapter and the lid, through which air can flow into the container closed with the lid when the filling material is emptied. In this way, the filling material can typically be emptied from the foil pouch that is located in the container and attached to the lid adapter without a glug.

According to the invention, the latching element can be moved between a latching position and a release position, wherein the latching element in the latching position for reaching over an edge of the cover opening protrudes further (radially) outward beyond the connecting piece than in the release position.

According to the invention, the cover adapter can be pushed from the back of the cover through the cover opening, the locking element (s) being moved elastically in the direction of a central axis of the connecting piece into their release position. If the lid adapter reaches its fastening position when pushed through the lid, the latching element (s) moves outward into the latching position, ie they latch onto the top of the lid and overlap the lid. The latching element (s) thus counteract a vertical force which acts on the cover from above and prevents the cover adapter from being pushed out onto the back of the cover. The latching element (s) thus block, in the latching position, a downward movement of the cover adapter, that is to say in a direction opposite to the free end of the connecting piece.

In a further development, the latching element forms a pivotable latching hook which can preferably be pivoted from the latching position into the release position by the action of external force. In this case, the latching hook remains in the latching position without the action of an external force. The latching hook has a sufficiently long bending length to achieve the elastic deformation required to achieve the release position with little effort and little deformation of the cover surface in the area of the cover opening provided. By pivoting the latching hook or hooks in the direction of the central axis of the cover adapter, more precisely the connection piece, the cover adapter can be detached from the cover in a reversible manner.

In a further embodiment, the cover adapter has a plate-shaped area for flat contact with a rear side of the cover, the connecting piece and the at least one latching element protruding upward beyond the plate-shaped area. The cover adapter can lie flat against the back of the cover with the plate-shaped area, but optionally one or more film layers of one or more film bags can also be attached between the cover adapter and the back of the cover. As described above, the lid adapter is pushed through the lid opening from the back of the lid until the lid adapter has reached its fastening position in which the plate-shaped area rests flat against the back of the lid and the (at least one) latching element is in its latching position is located.

In a further aspect of the invention, which can in particular be combined with the aspect described above, the cover adapter has at least one, in particular exactly one, from the Nozzle, for example from a circular edge contour of the nozzle, outwardly extending projection for engaging in a complementary shaped recess on the edge of the cover opening, or vice versa, wherein the locking element is preferably attached to the top of the projection. The projection typically projects upwards over the plate-shaped area of the cover adapter in order to be able to engage in a recess of complementary shape on the edge of the cover opening. Alternatively, a recess can be formed on the cover adapter, which also protrudes upward beyond the plate-shaped area and into which a projection formed on the edge of the cover opening engages. The cover opening, more precisely its edge, can in particular have a circular basic shape from which the recesses extend radially outwards or from which the projections extend radially inwards. The (precisely) one projection and the (precisely) one complementary recess can serve to position the cover adapter in the correct position.

In the event that the closure of the lid adapter is designed as a twist lock, the projections or recesses can also serve to transfer the torque exerted on the lid adapter when closing and opening a twist lock to the adjacent lid surface, ie a form-fitting connection of the lid adapter to produce with the lid.

As already stated, the cover adapter according to the invention has at least one latching element for releasably fastening the cover adapter to the cover opening.

In a further development, the cover adapter has at least two differently shaped and / or differently spaced projections or recesses for engaging in at least two complementary, differently shaped and / or differently spaced recesses or projections on the edge of the cover opening.

The foil pouch can be attached to the lid with a predetermined orientation, the foil pouch preferably being designed asymmetrically with respect to the central axis of the lid adapter. Such a connection, which does not run symmetrically to the central axis, is favorable, since the at least one cover opening is usually also attached eccentrically to the cover. A central arrangement of the cover adapter is also possible. In the case of an eccentric arrangement of the lid opening, it is generally advantageous if the foil pouch expands to different degrees in different directions during filling, which can only be achieved if the lid adapter is also correctly oriented on the lid.

For the correct orientation, at least one projection or a recess can be formed in the circumferential direction of the cover adapter, which only fits to a complementary shaped recess or to a complementary shaped projection on the edge of the cover opening. For example, to ensure correct orientation, the width of at least two projections or recesses can be selected differently. In this way, the lid adapter and thus also the film bag can be aligned with the lid with a desired, unambiguous positional orientation. A different shape of the projections is particularly useful if they are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction along the connecting piece, for example if they are each aligned at an angle of 90 ° to one another.

Even if two or more identically shaped projections and complementary recesses (projections) are provided on the nozzle or on the edge of the lid opening, these can ensure correct positioning of the lid adapter, provided that they are not uniform, ie not at the same intervals or at the same Angles are distributed in the circumferential direction along the connecting piece. For example, if three projections are provided that are not aligned at an angle of 120 ° to each other, but for example at angles of 100 °, 120 ° and 140 °, correct positioning of the cover adapter is possible even with identically shaped projections or recesses.

In a further embodiment, the lid adapter has a connection area for connection to at least one foil pouch, wherein the connection area is preferably formed on the plate-shaped area. The at least one film pouch has a pouch opening, the edge of which is typically connected or is connected to the connecting area. The connection area of the cover adapter can be formed on the front side of the plate-shaped area, on which the connecting piece and, if applicable, the latching element are also arranged. The connection area can, however, also be formed on the underside of the plate-shaped area or the cover adapter facing away from the socket or at another point on the cover adapter.

In a further development, the lid adapter comprises at least one foil pouch attached to the connection area. The attachment or the connection between the foil bag and the connection surface is usually materially bonded, e.g. by gluing, or by another connection technique, e.g. by welding or sealing. Two or more foil bags can also be welded one on top of the other. As described above, the film bag can be aligned with a desired orientation relative to the central axis of the lid adapter when it is attached to the connection area.

The film bag, more precisely its structure (possibly multilayer film layers, etc.) is basically known and is therefore not described in more detail in this application. By selecting a suitable material for the film (s) and, if necessary, the lid adapter with closure, special properties of the lid adapter unit consisting of the lid adapter and one or more foil bags can be achieved (barriers, breaking strength, UV permeability, chemical, oxygen, water, Resistance to water vapor, increasing the best-before date through sterile packaging, etc.).

The lid adapter can also have a closure, in particular a rotary closure, which closes the pouring opening. In this case the closure is attached to the lid adapter. In the case of a twist lock, the twist lock is screwed onto the lid adapter. The cover adapter is typically designed or matched to the cover opening of the cover in such a way that the cover adapter with the lock attached to it can be pushed from the rear of the cover through the cover opening.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a lid according to claim 8 for closing an opening of a container preferably made of plastic, in particular a bucket, wherein the lid has at least one lid opening in which a lid adapter, which is designed as described above, is preferably detachable and is stored or can be stored with the formation of an air gap between the cover and the cover adapter, the cover opening preferably being closed with a peelable film section. The lid is usually detachably connected to the container, in particular to the bucket.

In the area of the opening, the container typically has a circumferential edge on which an engagement area for interacting with the lid is formed. The engagement area can, for example, have a clamping profile which cooperates with a clamping profile on the inside of the edge of the lid in order to ideally close the opening of the container in a sealing manner. The container may have an opening tab that extends into the engagement area to facilitate removal of the lid for a user.

The cover adapter is basically in its dimensions, for example in its diameter, so on the dimensions of the cover opening coordinated so that the nozzle of the lid adapter fits through the lid opening. When establishing a detachable connection between the lid and the lid adapter with the aid of locking element (s), the diameter of the lid adapter, more precisely the outer circumference of the nozzle, which is in the fastening position at the height of the lid opening, can also be adjusted to the diameter the lid opening can be matched so that an intended play or an intended difference between the diameter of the lid adapter and the diameter of the lid opening is established, ie a loose and leaky connection is created. In this way, when the foil bag is emptied, there is no negative pressure in the interior of the container closed with the lid, which enables the foil bag to be emptied without gurgling.

The cover opening (s), into which a respective cover adapter is inserted or can be stored, can be produced by breaking out a cover section with a perforated, pre-punched opening geometry. The cover section with the perforated pre-punched opening geometry can be closed in a sealing manner with an in particular peelable film or an in particular peelable film section. The film section can be applied from the inside of the lid or from the outside of the lid. It has proven to be advantageous to apply the film section to the outside of the cover and to connect it to the cover in a detachable manner (ie peelable) at a typically annular, circumferential connecting surface. After the peelable film has been removed, the perforated, pre-cut opening geometry can be broken out of the cover in order to form the cover opening. Alternatively, the lid opening under the peelable film can also already be completely punched out so that it is not more needs to be broken out. The peelable film section also represents a tamper-evident seal.

In a further development of the cover, at least one recess is formed on the edge of the cover opening, into which a complementarily shaped projection of the cover adapter engages, or vice versa. As has been described above, a torque that is generated when the rotary lock is opened or closed can be transmitted from the lid adapter to the lid in this way.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a container according to claim 10, comprising: a container preferably made of plastic, in particular a bucket, with a bottom and a circumferential side wall, and a lid for closing an opening formed on the container, the lid as is designed as described above. The inclusion of the filling material in the foil pouch enables high barrier requirements to be met. In particular, a container can be created - possibly using a locking ring (see below) - which meets the UN standard for the storage of liquid hazardous goods. The container, in particular in the form of a bucket, can also take on the functionality of a hollow body, for example a canister, since it can be filled with the filling material via the lid adapter on conventional filling systems for filling hollow bodies, such as canisters.

In one embodiment, the container has a securing ring for securing the lid during transport, which has a circumferential side wall for gripping around an edge of the container and a securing area protruding inward over the circumferential side wall for engaging over of an edge of the cover, the side wall and / or the securing area being self-contained.

In this embodiment, a locking ring is used to secure the container for transport, which is typically pushed from the top of the container onto the edge of the container closed with the lid. The securing area of the securing ring protruding inwards beyond the side wall secures the cover against unintentional lifting off of the container.

The side wall and the securing area of the securing ring are typically formed in one piece. The side wall has a predetermined dimension on its inside which is adapted to the dimension of the edge of the container, so that the side wall of the securing ring encompasses the edge of the container and usually the edge of the lid in particular in a form-fitting manner. The side wall of the locking ring is typically flat against the edge of the container. In the case of a round container, the diameter of the inside of the locking ring corresponds approximately to the diameter of the outside of the edge of the container and of the lid, which is typically flush with the container at its outer edge. The securing area overlapping the cover can in particular rest on the upper side of the edge of the cover when the securing ring is in its securing position.

In order to prevent the locking ring from being unintentionally pulled off upwards, locking elements or a locking edge for fastening the locking ring to the edge of the container can be formed on the side wall. The cover can also be pre-assembled on the locking ring in order to place this on the container together with the locking ring. For this purpose, at least one holding element for holding the cover between the holding element and the inside of the securing area of the securing ring can be formed on the side wall of the securing ring.

The securing ring can in particular have a stacking area which protrudes upward from the securing area and which comprises a support surface for supporting a further container, more precisely a base of a further container. The stacking area is used to create a free space for the upwardly protruding cover adapter attached to the cover, more precisely for its socket including the closure. The stacking area protrudes so far over the securing area of the securing ring that the support surface for supporting the further container is located above the connecting piece and the closure projecting over the top of the lid or is flush with the top of the connecting piece or the closure applied to it.

In a further embodiment, the material of the container, the lid, the lid adapter and / or the securing ring is polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, PET or polyolefins. Containers made from polyolefins, in particular from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide or from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are typically inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, such containers have advantageous properties, such as, for example, great resistance due to high toughness and elongation at break values. In principle, however, the container and / or the lid and / or the locking ring and / or the lid adapter can also be made from other plastic materials (in particular from thermoplastics, possibly also from thermosets). The container, the lid adapter, the lid and / or the locking ring are typically in one Injection molding produced, but it is also possible, if necessary, to produce the container by a deep-drawing or a blow molding process. The locking ring can consist of plastic, but it is also possible to produce the locking ring from a composite of plastic and metal or of metal. In particular, it is advantageous if the cover adapter, possibly the film (s), the cover, the container and possibly the locking ring, ie the entire container, are made from a recyclable plastic.

In a further embodiment, the lid has a lid opening to which a lid adapter with at least one foil bag is attached, as well as a further lid opening to which a further lid adapter with another foil bag is attached, the further foil bag in one of the connecting pieces The area adjoining the lid adapter has a bottle neck-shaped constriction which widens to a wider filling area, wherein a pouring opening of the nozzle of the further lid adapter is preferably smaller than a pouring opening of the nozzle of the at least one lid adapter.

The foil bag and the further foil bag are stored together in an interior of the container. The bottle neck-shaped constriction of the further foil bag makes it easier to use it as a pressure bag, ie to inflate it by supplying a gas, typically by supplying (compressed) air, in order to exert a pressure force on the other foil bag to be emptied in order to use the bag To empty the pouring opening of its lid adapter. At the bottle neck-shaped constriction, the further film bag is only slightly inflated, while it expands considerably in the filling area. The bottle neck constriction typically extends from the Lid adapter almost to the bottom of the container, so that the further film bag expands essentially starting from the bottom of the container. This is favorable in order to prevent the further film bag from constricting the film bag when the pressure force is applied, so that it may not be able to be completely emptied. A tap or the like, for example, can be attached to the pouring opening of the lid adapter with the film bag to be emptied in order to empty the contents out of the film bag in a metered manner.

The invention also relates to a method according to claim 14 for emptying at least one foil bag via at least one pouring opening of a lid adapter which is attached to a lid of a container which is designed as described above, comprising: feeding a gas into a further foil bag via a nozzle a further lid adapter, which is attached to the lid of the container, for applying a pressure force to the at least one foil bag to be emptied, which is stored together with the further foil bag in an interior of the container closed with the lid. The method can be used particularly advantageously in the container described above, in which the further film bag has the bottle neck-shaped constriction.

Further advantages of the invention emerge from the description and the drawing. The features mentioned above and below can also be used according to the invention individually or collectively in any combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather have an exemplary character for describing the invention.

Fig. 1

eine Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Deckeladapters mit zwei Rastelementen zur lösbaren Befestigung des Deckeladapters an einem Deckel,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Deckels mit einem perforierten Deckelbereich, der mit einer peelfähigen Folie verschlossen ist,

Fig. 3

den Deckel von Fig. 2 mit dem Deckeladapter, der lösbar an einer an dem perforierten Deckelbereich gebildeten Deckelöffnung befestigt ist,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch den Deckel mit dem Deckeladapter und einem montierten Drehverschluss entlang der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittansicht eines Gebindes mit einem Behälter, einem Sicherungsring sowie mit dem Deckel und dem Deckeladapter von Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Gebindes von Fig. 5, bei dem der Deckel für den Transport mit einem Sicherungsring gesichert ist,

Fig. 7a,b

Darstellungen eines Behälters bzw. eines Gebindes, in dem der Deckeladapter mit dem an diesem befestigten, befüllten Folienbeutel im Behälter abgelegt ist,

Fig. 8

einen Deckeladapter, der zur dauerhaften Verbindung mit einem Deckel ausgebildet ist und der vier Vorsprünge zur Übertragung eines Drehmoments auf den Deckel aufweist,

Fig. 9

einen Deckel mit einer Deckelöffnung, deren Rand vier komplementär zu den Vorsprüngen ausgebildete Aussparungen aufweist,

Fig. 10

ein Detail des Deckeladapters von Fig. 8, der dauerhaft an einem Deckel befestigt ist,

Fig. 11a,b

Schnitte durch ein Gebinde, bei dem in einem Stutzen des Deckeladapters ein Sperrventil zum Zuführen von Luft in einen an dem Deckeladapter befestigten Folienbeutel gebildet ist,

Fig. 12a,b

Darstellungen eines Gebindes, welches zwei Deckeladapter mit zwei Folienbeuteln aufweist, die in einem Behälter angeordnet sind, sowie

Fig. 13a,b

Darstellungen analog zu Fig. 12a,b, bei dem ein Folienbeutel durch Aufblasen eines weiteren in dem Behälter gelagerten Folienbeutels entleert wird.

The invention is illustrated in the drawings and is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. It shows the:

Fig. 1

a representation of an embodiment of a cover adapter with two latching elements for releasable attachment of the cover adapter to a cover,

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a lid with a perforated lid area which is closed with a peelable film,

Fig. 3

the lid of Fig. 2 with the lid adapter, which is releasably attached to a lid opening formed in the perforated lid area,

Fig. 4

a section through the lid with the lid adapter and a mounted twist lock along the in Fig. 3 shown cutting line,

Fig. 5

a sectional view of a container with a container, a locking ring and with the lid and the lid adapter from Fig. 4 ,

Fig. 6

a three-dimensional representation of the container of Fig. 5 , in which the cover is secured with a locking ring for transport,

Figures 7a, b

Representations of a container or a container in which the lid adapter with the filled film bag attached to it is stored in the container,

Fig. 8

a cover adapter which is designed for permanent connection to a cover and which has four projections for transmitting a torque to the cover,

Fig. 9

a cover with a cover opening, the edge of which has four recesses that are complementary to the projections,

Fig. 10

a detail of the lid adapter from Fig. 8 permanently attached to a lid,

Figures 11a, b

Sections through a container in which a shut-off valve is formed in a connection piece of the lid adapter for supplying air into a foil bag attached to the lid adapter,

Figures 12a, b

Representations of a container which has two cover adapters with two foil bags, which are arranged in a container, as well as

Figures 13a, b

Representations analogous to Figures 12a, b , in which a foil bag is emptied by inflating another foil bag stored in the container.

Fig. 1 shows a lid adapter 1, which is used for detachable attachment to a lid opening 2 of an in Fig. 2 as in Fig. 3 shown cover 3 is trained. The cover adapter 1 has a cylindrical connector 4 in which a pouring opening 5 is formed. A thread is formed on the outside of the connecting piece 4 in order to provide the connecting piece 4, more precisely the pouring opening 5, with an in Fig. 4 to close the rotary lock 6 shown, which has a correspondingly adapted internal thread. The twist lock 6 has a guarantee ring and counter bearings are formed on the outside of the connecting piece 4 for opening the guarantee ring. The cover adapter 1 has a plate-shaped area 7 which surrounds the connecting piece 4 in a ring shape and over which the connecting piece 4 protrudes upward. At the lower end of the connector 4, at the transition to the plate-shaped area 7, a circumferential circular edge contour 8 is formed, over which four projections 9a-d protrude radially outwards, which are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction along the connector 4.

As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the cover 3 has a pre-perforated cover section 10 with a perforated pre-punched opening geometry. The in Fig. 2 In the example shown, the cover section 10 is sealed with a circular, peelable film section 11 , which is applied to the outside of the cover 3. The film section 11 is on a ring-shaped circumferential, in Fig. 2 The edge area shown in dashed lines is detachably connected to the cover 3. In order to fasten the cover adapter 1 to the cover opening 2, an operator first pulls off the film section 11 and then breaks out the pre-perforated cover section 10 in order to form the cover opening 2. As in Fig. 2 As shown in dashed lines, the cover opening 2 has a circumferential circular edge 13 in which recesses 12a-d (projections) protruding outward in the radial direction are formed. The recesses 12a-d are complementary to the projections 9a-d educated. If the cover adapter 1 is inserted into the cover opening 2 from below, the projections 9a-d on the edge contour 8 of the connector 4 engage in the recesses 12a-d on the edge 13 of the cover opening 2. In this way, a torque which is exerted on the cover adapter 1 when the rotary fastener 6 is opened and closed can be transmitted to the cover 3 and absorbed by the latter.

For the releasable attachment of the cover adapter 1 to the cover 3, the cover adapter 1 has two latching elements 14a, b , which are located on the top of two diametrically opposed projections 9b, 9d, more precisely on the top of two upwards over the projections 9b , 9d protruding, vertically aligned wall sections 15a, b are attached. The latching elements 14a, b are designed in the form of latching hooks that are positioned between the in Fig. 1 shown latching position and a release position are pivotable. Without the action of external forces, the locking elements 14a, b remain in the in Fig. 1 shown locking position. If the cover adapter 1 is inserted into the cover opening 2 from below, the latching hooks 14a, 14b are pivoted radially inward until they rest with their respective free ends on the outside of a respective projection 9b, 9d.

As soon as the cover adapter 1 has reached its fastening position in which the plate-shaped area 7 rests against the underside of the cover 3, the locking elements 14a, b are located above the cover 3 and pivot outward into the locking position in which the locking elements 14a, b the Reach over the edge 13 of the cover opening 2. The latching elements 14a, b counteract a vertical force and prevent the cover adapter 1 from being pushed out onto the back of the cover 3. By pressing the latching elements 14a, b together in the direction of the central axis of the connector 4, the cover adapter 1 can be reversibly detached from the cover 3.

On the cover adapter 1 is an in Fig. 3 indicated foil bag 16 attached. In the example shown, the film bag 16 is glued or welded to the edge of a circular bag opening 18 at a connecting area 17 which is formed on the outer edge of the top of the plate-shaped area 7 of the lid adapter 1. As in Fig. 4 It can also be seen that the cover adapter 1 is attached to the cover 3 with the formation of a small amount of play, so that an air gap 19 is formed between the cover adapter 1 and the cover 3. If necessary, more than one foil bag 16 can also be attached to the cover adapter 1 or to the connection area 17.

Such a loose, leaky connection between the lid adapter 1 and the lid 3 does not result in a negative pressure when the contents of the foil bag 16 are emptied if it is in an in Fig. 5 shown container 20 in the form of a bucket, which is closed with the lid 3, is used, so that a gurgling-free emptying of the film bag 16 can take place. The lid 3 closes an opening 23 formed on the top of a circumferential side wall 22 of the container 20 adjoining a bottom 21. The container 20 forms together with the lid 3, to which the lid adapter 1 is detachably attached, and with an in Fig. 6 The securing ring 24 shown for securing the cover 3 during transport is a container 25.

As in the sectional view of Fig. 5 As can be seen, the securing ring 24 has a circumferential, self-contained side wall 26 with a constant diameter for encompassing an edge 27 of the cover 3 and an inward over the circumferential side wall 26 protruding, self-contained securing area 28 which engages over the edge 27 of the cover 3. A circumferential skirt 29 is formed on the edge of the container 20, ie the container 20 has a double edge. An engagement area in the form of a groove is formed on the apron 29, into which a clamping profile formed on the edge 27 of the lid 3 engages in order to fasten the lid 3 to the container 20.

The securing ring 24 is pushed onto the edge of the container 20 closed with the lid 3 from above. The securing area 28 of the securing ring 24 protruding inwards beyond the side wall secures the cover 3 against unintentional lifting off the container 20.

In order to prevent the securing ring 24 from being unintentionally pulled off upwards, locking elements 31 are formed at the lower end of the side wall 26 of the securing ring 24, which engage behind the skirt 29 of the container 20 on its underside. The securing ring 24 also has a stacking area 32 which protrudes upward beyond the securing area 28 and on which a supporting surface for supporting a further container is formed, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 can be seen.

While the in FIGS. 5 and 6 The example shown, the (filled) film bag 16 closed with the twist lock 6 is detachably connected to the lid 3, is shown in the FIG Figures 7a , b The illustrated representation of the (filled) film bag 16 closed with the rotary lock 6 and connected to the lid adapter 1 is deposited in the container 20 without the latter being detachably connected to the lid 3. As in Figure 7b can be seen, the container 20 for transport with the in Fig. 2 Lid 3 shown are closed on which the pre-perforated Lid section 10 is formed, which is covered with the peelable film section 11. The in Figure 7b In the example shown, the cover 3 is secured for transport with the securing ring 24 described above, but this is not absolutely necessary.

While in the examples described above the cover adapter 1 is detachably connected to the cover 3 with the aid of the latching elements 14a, b, FIG Fig. 8 a cover adapter 1 is shown, which has no locking elements and which is fixed to an in Fig. 9 Lid 3 shown, more precisely with a lid opening 2 of the lid 3, is connected. The lid adapter 1 is identical to that in Fig. 1 Lid adapter 1 shown and differs from this only in that there are no latching elements.

As in Fig. 8 As can be clearly seen, the shape of the first projection 9a of the four projections 9a-d of the cover adapter 1 differs from the remaining three projections 9b-d in that the width B1 of the first projection 9a in the circumferential direction is greater than the width B2 of the three other projections 9b-d. Correspondingly, the four recesses 12a-d, which are formed on the edge 13 of the cover opening 2, also have a different shape, namely such that the first recess 12a has a width adapted to the first projection 9a and that the second to fourth recess 12b-d has a width adapted to the second to fourth protrusions 9b-d. The cover adapter 1 can therefore only be inserted into the cover opening 2 with a predetermined orientation relative to the cover 3.

This is favorable because the film bag 16 is generally not symmetrical when the cover opening 2 is attached eccentrically to the center of the cover 3 a central axis of the lid adapter 1 is aligned so that the film bag 16 can fill the entire interior volume of the container 20. It goes without saying that the projections 9a-d of the in Fig. 1 The cover adapter 1 shown can be designed accordingly in order to fasten it in the correct position to the cover opening 2 of the cover 3.

For a positionally correct alignment of the cover adapter 1 relative to the cover 3, it is sufficient if a single projection is formed on the cover adapter 1 which engages in a complementary recess on the edge 13 of the cover opening 2. Alternatively, two or more identically shaped projections can also be formed on the cover adapter 1 which engage in respective complementarily formed recesses 1. This can be useful, for example, if the cover adapter 1 or the cover opening 2 is attached centrally to the cover 3. In order to enable the cover adapter 1 to be oriented in the correct position, with identically shaped projections 9a-d and corresponding identically shaped complementary recesses 12a-d, the distances between the projections 9a-d in the circumferential direction and the distances between the recesses 12a-d in the circumferential direction can be different can be selected so that the cover adapter 1 can only be inserted into the cover opening 2 with a desired orientation.

Fig. 10 FIG. 11 shows the cover adapter 1 fastened to the edge 13 of the cover opening 2 from FIG Fig. 8 , which is fastened with the plate-shaped area 7, more precisely with a connection area 33 formed on the upper side of the plate-shaped area 7 on the underside of the cover 3. In the example shown, the connection is a welded connection, but there are also other possibilities for connecting the cover adapter 1 to the cover 3. As in FIG Fig. 10 Likewise As can be seen, the outer dimension or the diameter D of the lid opening 3 is greater than the outer dimension or the diameter d of the rotary fastener 6 of the cover adapter 1. This is advantageous in order to have the cover adapter 1 closed with the rotary fastener 6 with in Fig. 10 To be able to introduce the filled foil bag 16 (not shown) from the rear side of the lid 3 through the lid opening 2.

Figures 11a, b show a container 25 with a lid 3, to which a lid adapter 1 is attached, in the nozzle 24 of which, more precisely in its pouring opening 5, a shut-off valve 34 in the form of a ball check valve is attached. The shut-off valve 34 can be incorporated into a further component that is clicked or screwed into the connecting piece 24.

Figure 11a shows the shut-off valve 34 in an open position in which air is let in from the outside through the shut-off valve 34 into the foil bag 16 connected to the lid adapter 1 in order to inflate the latter. The film bag 16 is filled with air until the in Figure 11b The state shown is reached, in which the film bag 16 completely fills a free space 36 formed above the filling material 35 stored in the container 20. In this way, adhesions of the filling material 35, for example in the form of paint residues, on the underside of the lid 3 can be avoided. When using the shut-off valve 34, it is advantageous to secure the cover 3 with the aid of the locking ring 24 described above for transport.

Figures 12a , b show a container 25 with a container 20 with a rectangular basic shape and with a lid 3 which has a first lid adapter 1 and a second lid adapter 1a. The lid 3 is with a Circlip 24 secured for transport. The two foil bags 16, 16a, which are connected to the first and the second cover adapter 1, 1a and which are stored together in an interior 37 of the container 20, can be used in parallel on a conventional filling system for canisters via the respective cover adapter 1, 1a or be filled sequentially with a product, as described in Figure 12a for the first film bag 16 is shown. After filling, the two cover adapters 1, 1a are closed with a respective rotary lock 6, 6a. This in Figures 12a, b The container 1 shown is particularly suitable for multi-component applications. It is also possible to replace typical canister applications with a container 25 with a container 20 with a rectangular basic shape and a lid 3, which is firmly connected to a lid adapter 1, and to fill it on conventional canister filling systems.

Figures 13a, b show a container 25, which is similar to FIG Figures 12a, b has two lid adapters 1, 1a inserted into a respective lid opening 2, 2a, of which the first lid adapter 1 shown on the right has a pouring opening 5, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the pouring opening 5a of the second lid adapter 1a shown on the left. In the second lid adapter 1a, a filling nozzle 38 of a filling device, not shown, is inserted, via which a gas, in the example shown in the form of compressed air, is introduced into the second film bag 16a in order to form a pressure cushion and in this way a pressure force on the to apply the first film bag 16 stored in the interior 37 of the container 20. As a result of the compressive force on the first film bag 16, the latter is emptied via the associated lid adapter 1, more precisely via its pouring opening 5. The pouring opening 5 of the first cover adapter 1 is used for emptying a filling nozzle 39 is inserted into which a tap 40 is inserted in order to empty the contents stored in the foil bag 16 in a metered manner. In order to prevent the second foil bag 16a, which serves as a pressure bag or to form a pressure cushion, from constricting the foil bag 16 to be emptied during its expansion, the second foil bag 16a has a bottle neck-shaped area in an area adjoining the nozzle 4a of the second lid adapter 1a Constriction 41 , which widens to form a wider filling area 42 which is further removed from the connection piece 4a of the second cover adapter 1a. In this way, the film bag 16a of the second lid adapter 1a expands when it is filled, essentially starting from the bottom 21 of the container 20, so that the film bag 16 to be emptied does not constrict. This in Figures 13a, b The container 25 shown, secured with a securing ring 24 for transport, can be used, for example, for filling goods such as ketchup, mustard, etc., which are emptied via the tap 40.

The material of the container 20, the lid 3, the lid adapter (s) 1, 1a and the securing ring 24 is preferably plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, PET or polyolefins. If necessary, the locking ring 24 can also be formed entirely or partially from another, for example metallic, material.

Claims (14)

1. Lid adapter (1) for fastening to a lid opening (2) of a lid (3) formed of plastic, which lid is designed to close an opening (23) of a container (20), formed of plastic, in the form of a bucket, comprising:

   a spout (4) having a pouring opening (5) which can be closed with a closure, preferably with a screw cap (6), wherein the lid adapter (1) has at least one detent element (14a, b) for the releasable fastening of the lid adapter (1) to the lid opening (2),

   wherein the detent element (14a, b) is movable between a detent position and a release position, characterised in that the detent element (14a, b) in the detent position, in order to grip over an edge (13) of the lid opening (2), protrudes beyond the spout (4) further to the outside than in the release position, in order to prevent the lid adapter (1) being pushed out on the rear side of the lid, and that the detent element (14a, b) is elastically movable in the direction towards a middle axis of the spout (4) into the release position in order to push the lid adapter (1) through the lid opening (2) from the rear side of the lid.
2. Lid adapter according to claim 1, in which the detent element forms a pivotable snap-in hook (14a, b) which can preferably be pivoted from the detent position into the release position by means of external application of force.
3. Lid adapter according to any of the preceding claims which has a plate-shaped region (7) for the flat abutment on a rear side of the lid (3), wherein the spout (4) and the at least one detent element (14a, b) protrude outwardly beyond the plate-shaped region (7).
4. Lid adapter according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one, in particular precisely one protrusion (9a-d), extending outwardly from the spout (4), for engaging in a complementarily formed cutout (12a-d) at an edge (13) of the lid opening (3), or vice versa, wherein the detent element (14a, b) is preferably fastened on the top side of the protrusion (9b, 9d).
5. Lid adapter according to claim 4, which has at least two protrusions (9a; 9b-d) or cut-outs, which are differently formed and/or spaced to different extents from one another, for engaging in at least two complementary cut-outs (12a, 12b-d) or protrusions, which are differently formed and/or spaced to different extents from one another, on the edge (13) of the lid opening (3).
6. Lid adapter according to any of the preceding claims, which has a connecting region (17) for connecting with at least one plastic bag (16), wherein the connecting region (17) is formed preferably on the plate-shaped region (7).
7. Lid adapter according to claim 6, further comprising: at least one plastic bag (16) fastened to the connecting region (17).
8. Lid (3) made of plastic for closing an opening (23) of a container (20), formed of plastic, in the form of a bucket, wherein the lid (3) has at least one lid opening (2) in which a lid adapter (1) according to any of the preceding claims mounts or can be mounted, in a preferably releasable manner and by forming an air gap (19) between the lid (3) and the lid adapter (1), wherein the lid opening (2) is preferably closed with a removable film portion (11).
9. Lid according to claim 8, in which on the edge (13) of the lid opening (2) is formed at least one, in particular precisely one cut-out (12a-d), into which engages a complementarily formed protrusion (9a-d) of the lid adapter (1), or vice versa.
10. Package (25), comprising:

    a container (20), made of plastic, in the form of a bucket having a base (21) and having a circumferential side wall (22),

    and

    a lid (3) for closing an opening (23) formed on the container (20),

    characterised in

    that the lid (3) is formed according to claim 8 or 9.
11. Package according to claim 10, further comprising:
    a safety ring (24) for securing the lid (3) during transportation, which has a circumferential side wall (26) for gripping around an edge of the container (20) as well as a safety region (28), protruding inwardly beyond the circumferential side wall (26) for gripping over an edge (27) of the lid (3), wherein the side wall (26) and/or the safety region (28) is closed on itself.
12. Package according to any of claims 10 or 11, in which the material of the container (20), of the lid (3), of the lid adapter (1) and/or of the safety ring (24) are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, PET or polyolefins.
13. Package according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which the lid (3) has a lid opening (2) to which is fastened a lid adapter (1) having at least one plastic bag (16), as well as a further lid opening (2a) to which a further lid adapter (1a) is fastened having at least one further plastic bag (16a), wherein the further at least one plastic bag (16a) has a bottleneck-shaped narrowing (41) in a region adjoining on the spout (4a) of the further lid adapter (1a), which narrowing widens to a wider filling area (42), wherein preferably a pouring opening (5a) of the spout (4a) of the further lid adapter (1a) is smaller than a pouring opening (5) of the spout (4) of the at least one lid adapter (1).
14. Method for emptying at least one plastic bag (16) via at least one pouring opening (5) of at least one lid adapter (1) according to any of claims 1-7, which is fastened to a lid (3) of a package (25) according to any of claims 10 to 13, comprising:
    supplying a gas into a further plastic bag (16a) via a spout (4a) of a further lid adapter (1a), which is fastened to the lid (3) of the package (25), in order to exert a pressure force on the at least one plastic bag (16) to be emptied, which together with the further plastic bag (16a) is stored in an interior (37) of the package (25) closed with the lid (3).

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