EP4107083B1 - Aseptic container closure having a hinge and a mouthpiece - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container closure having a base part, a spout area and a cap part which is connected to the base part by a hinge and can be rotated back and forth between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis running perpendicular to the reference axis.

PREVIOUS STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

From Scripture DE69605288T2 a container closure of the type mentioned is known in which the drinking part has a peripheral wall which runs around a reference axis of the container closure and extends axially from the base part to a peripheral upper edge of the spout area which surrounds the drinking opening. The cap portion has a bottom and an outer wall that extends axially from the bottom to a peripheral lower edge of the cap portion. In the closed position, the drinking part is surrounded and covered by the cap part. In the open position, the cap portion lies on an opposite side from the drinking portion of a first reference plane of the container closure which contains the axis of the hinge and is parallel to the reference axis. The hinge is a bistable snap hinge and is located in a groove in the outer wall of the cap portion which is a leak point of the closure. In order to ensure aseptic protection of the spout area, the cap part has an inner skirt which extends from the bottom to an annular sealing collar, wherein in the closed position the inner skirt encloses the drinking part and the sealing collar bears against an annular sealing surface of the base part, while the peripheral lower edge of the cap part faces a shoulder of the base part. However, with this configuration, a non-aseptic annular cavity is created between the outer wall and the inner skirt, which can be contaminated by the leaking snap hinge and is difficult to rinse off. In addition, the high inner apron of the cap part takes up a volume that limits the design freedom for the drinking part. In particular, the distance from the base part to the upper edge of the spout area and the diameter of this upper edge must be kept small so that the drinking part does not represent an obstacle when the cap part transitions between the closed position and the open position. Furthermore, this closure requires a significant amount of plastic material.

With a shorter inner skirt, such as in GB2430667 discloses, the upper edge of the spout area can be made higher and wider, but the sealing of the spout area against contamination is no longer guaranteed by the gap between the hinge and the outer wall of the cap part.

From the EP2250102B1 a container closure is known which is compatible with aseptic sealing of a drinking portion. The closure includes a base portion, a cap portion and an external hinge assembly arranged to project radially outwardly from the cap portion and base portion of the closure in the closed position of the closure and connected to each of these portions by a radially extending bridge is. This ensures that the interface between the hinge and the cap part does not show any leakage. However, this hinge configuration requires a lot of space in the radial direction. Furthermore, it is sensitive to shock and difficult to assemble in a bottling plant.

From the EP0590325 a container closure with a base part and a cap part is known, wherein the cap part is connected to the base part by a snap hinge, which has two lateral hinge tabs and a central hinge. At their ends, the hinge shackles are attached to free-standing webs in a stepped recess in the outer wall of the cap part or base part, these webs being able to be bent out to avoid overstretching of the hinge shackles. However, the central hinge is attached directly to the outer wall of the cap portion, and forms a leak, so that the closure is unsuitable for aseptic use. Furthermore, the pivot axis of the hinge is close to the outer wall and the pivoting movement of the cap part that can be achieved thereby is unsuitable for a container closure with an axially extending drinking part.

From the WO 2008/024775 a container closure is already known, with a base part, a spout area which has a peripheral wall which runs around a reference axis of the container closure and extends axially from the base part to a peripheral upper edge of the spout area which surrounds a drinking opening, a cap part which connected to the base by a hinge and rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis perpendicular to the reference axis. The cap portion has a base and an outer peripheral wall, the outer peripheral wall surrounding an inner surface of the base and extending axially from the base to a lower peripheral edge of the cap portion. In the closed position, the outer wall and base of the cap portion surround and cover the spout area. The cap portion has a wall extending radially spaced from the outer wall outwardly of the outer wall and rigidly connected to the lower edge of the cap portion by a radially extending bridge of the cap portion. In the closed position, the wall protrudes from the bridge in a direction opposite to that of the base. The hinge is connected to the anchor wall and extends from the anchor wall toward the base.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the object of providing a container closure of the type mentioned at the outset which eliminates at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

In a container closure having a base portion, a spout portion having a peripheral wall that extends about a reference axis of the container closure and extends axially from the base portion to a peripheral upper edge of the spout portion, the one surrounding a drinking opening, and a cap portion hingedly connected to the base portion and rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis perpendicular to the reference axis, the cap portion having a bottom and a peripheral outer wall defining an inner surface of the base and extends axially from the base to a peripheral lower edge of the cap part, the outer wall and the base of the cap part together surrounding and covering the spout area in the closed position, the cap part having an anchor wall which is radially spaced from the outer wall extends outside the outer wall and is rigidly connected to the lower edge of the cap part by a radially extending bridge of the cap part, wherein in the closed position the anchor wall projects from the bridge in a direction opposite to the base part and the hinge is connected to the anchor wall and extends from the If the anchor wall extends in the direction of the base part, the object is achieved in that a channel is formed by the anchor wall, the bridge and a surface of the outer wall opposite the bridge, which groove extends circumferentially and circumferentially at two opposite ends and in one opposite end to the base part direction opens.

The bridge connecting the anchor wall to the outer wall of the cap portion provides a separation between the hinge and the outer wall, allowing the outer wall to enclose the spout area without interruption and ensure aseptic protection of the spout area. Because the anchor wall extends radially outside the outer wall, the distance between the pivot axis and the reference axis is greater than the distance between the outer wall and the reference axis, thereby ensuring sufficient design freedom for the spout area. The location of the bridge on the lower edge of the outer wall reduces the risk of damage from an impact and simplifies the assembly of the container closure onto the container in a bottling plant. The channel formed by the anchor wall, the bridge and the opposite surface of the outer wall is easily flushed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bridge has a flat contact surface which, in the closed position, is opposite a flat surface of the base part and preferably comes into contact with the flat surface of the base part. The bridge is protected by the base part.

For a comfortable user experience, the hinge is preferably designed such that in the open position the cap portion lies on a side opposite the spout area of an orthoradial reference plane of the container closure which contains the axis of the hinge and is parallel to the reference axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is a bistable snap hinge, which can preferably be pivoted back and forth through more than 180°. In particular, the hinge can be designed as a film hinge or a butterfly hinge.

In the closed position, the hinge can lie partially in a depression in the anchor wall and, if necessary, be protected by being surrounded on the side by the anchor wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is connected to a preferably flexible web which is free-standing in the recess of the anchor wall and which prevents the hinge from being overstretched.

In a similar manner, the hinge in the closed position can lie partially in a depression in the base part and, if necessary, be laterally surrounded and protected by the base part. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is connected to a preferably flexible web which is free-standing in the recess of the base part and which prevents the hinge from being overstretched.

In order to ensure reliable aseptic protection of the spout area, the outer wall of the cap part can have a peripheral sealing surface which, in the closed position, bears against a peripheral sealing surface of the peripheral wall of the spout area. One of the two seals may be a seal collar and the other a seal seat. The geometry is preferably designed such that, in the closed position, a circumferential contact line between the sealing surfaces is at a distance from a cross-sectional plane containing the pivot axis and running perpendicular to the reference axis, which is less than one third of the distance from the upper edge of the spout area to the second reference plane. Preferably, the circumferential line of contact has a diameter that is greater than the distance from the upper edge of the spout area to the cross-sectional plane. The circumferential line of contact is preferably at a distance from an orthoradial reference plane which contains the axis of the hinge and runs parallel to the reference axis and is greater than the distance of the circumferential line of contact from the cross-sectional plane.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cap part has an inner circumferential centering bead, which in the closed position surrounds the upper edge of the spout area and touches the upper edge of the spout area. This prevents lateral impacts during transport or storage of the closed containers from causing damage or leaks to the closure. In the closed position, the centering bead can have a circumferential contact surface with the upper edge of the spout area, which can contribute to sealing the drinking opening.

In order to seal the drinking opening, the cap part may have an inner sealing skirt which extends axially from the inner surface of the bottom of the cap part and in the closed position comes into contact with an inner annular fold of the peripheral wall of the spout portion.

According to one embodiment, the cap part is formed in one piece with the hinge and the base part. The spout area can be designed in one piece with the base part or can be separate from the base part. According to a variant, the base part has a base part and an anchor ring which snaps into an annular groove of the base part, the anchor ring being formed in one piece with the hinge and the cap part.

The spout portion may be integral with the base portion. As an alternative to this, the container closure can have a spout which is separate from the base part and which forms a spout area and the drinking opening of the container closure, the spout being covered by the cap part in the closed position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base part has a connection point, in particular a thread, for connection to a container neck. However, other fastening means are conceivable, e.g.

The base part can have a sealing collar, which is preferably directed radially outwards, in order to ensure a tight connection to the container neck.

The cap part has a bottom that closes the opening of the base part. Preferably, the outer wall of the cap portion tapers from the groove to the bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1: eine erste Perspektivansicht eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer offenen Stellung aus einer Spritzgussform;
• Fig. 2: eine zweite Perspektivansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer offenen Stellung aus einer Spritzgussform;
• Fig. 3: eine Draufsicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 4: eine Schnittansicht durch die Schnittebenen A'-A' der Figur 3;
• Fig. 5: eine Schnittansicht durch die Schnittebene A-A der Figur 3;
• Fig. 6: eine Detailansicht eines Anzeigeteils des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in der offenen Stellung aus der Spritzgussform;
• Fig. 7: eine Detailansicht des Anzeigeteils des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer Schließstellung;
• Fig. 8: eine Detailansicht des Anzeigeteils des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung während der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 9: eine Perspektivansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung während der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 10: eine Draufsicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer offenen Stellung nach der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 11: eine Schnittansicht durch die Schnittebenen B'-B' der Figur 10;
• Fig. 12: eine Schnittansicht durch die Schnittebene B-B der Figur 10;
• Fig. 13: eine Schnittansicht eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 14: eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in der geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung, durch eine quer zur Schnittebene der Figur 13 verlaufende zweite Längsschnittebene;
• Fig. 15: eine Schnittansicht eines Spritzgussteils des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, in einer offenen Stellung, unmittelbar nachdem es aus der Spritzgussform ausgeworfen worden ist;
• Fig. 16: eine Draufsicht des Spritzgussteils der Figur 15;
• Fig. 17: eine Perspektivansicht eines Garantierings des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 18: eine Schnittansicht des Spritzgussteils der Figur 16, nachdem es in die geschlossene Stellung gebracht worden ist, und des Garantierings des Figur 17, bevor er auf das geschlossene Spritzgussteil aufgesetzt wird;
• Figur 19: eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, in der offenen Stellung nach der ersten Öffnung;
• Figur 20: eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel, in der Schließstellung nach der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 21: eine Schnittansicht eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 22: eine Schnittansicht eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung nach der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 23: eine Schnittansicht eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 24: eine Schnittansicht der einzelnen Spritzgussteile, die den Behälterverschluss gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel zusammen bilden, bevor sie zusammengesetzt werden;
• Fig. 25: eine Perspektivansicht der drei Teile eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 26, eine Schnittansicht der drei Teile eines Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 27, eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 28: eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel in der geschlossenen Stellung vor der ersten Öffnung, durch eine quer zur Schnittebene der Figur 27 verlaufende zweite Längsschnittebene;
• Fig. 29: eine Schnittansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel, in der Schließstellung nach der ersten Öffnung;
• Fig. 30: eine Perspektivansicht des Behälterverschlusses gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel, in der Schließstellung nach der ersten Öffnung;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 Fig. 1: a first perspective view of a container closure according to a first embodiment of the invention in an open position from an injection mold;
• 2 1: a second perspective view of the container closure according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in an open position from an injection mold;
• 3 1: a plan view of the container closure according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in a closed position in front of the first opening;
• 4 : a sectional view through the sectional planes A'-A' of FIG figure 3 ;
• figure 5 : a sectional view through the section plane AA figure 3 ;
• 6 Fig. 1 is a detailed view of a display part of the container closure according to the first embodiment of the invention in the open position from the injection mold;
• 7 : a detailed view of the display part of the container closure according to the first embodiment of the invention in a closed position;
• 8 Fig. 1: a detailed view of the display part of the container closure according to the first embodiment of the invention during the first opening;
• 9 1: a perspective view of the container closure according to the first embodiment of the invention during the first opening;
• 10 1: a top view of the container closure according to the first embodiment of the invention in an open position after the first opening;
• 11 : a sectional view through the sectional planes B'-B' figure 10 ;
• 12 : a sectional view through the section plane BB figure 10 ;
• 13 1: a sectional view of a container closure according to a second embodiment of the invention in a closed position in front of the first opening;
• 14 : a sectional view of the container closure according to the second embodiment in the closed position in front of the first opening, through a plane transverse to the sectional plane figure 13 running second longitudinal section plane;
• 15 Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an injection molded part of the container closure according to the second embodiment, in an open position, immediately after being ejected from the injection mold;
• 16 : a plan view of the injection molded part of FIG figure 15 ;
• 17 : a perspective view of a guarantee ring of the container closure according to the second embodiment;
• 18 : a sectional view of the injection molded part figure 16 , after it has been placed in the closed position, and the guarantee ring of the figure 17 before it is placed on the closed injection molded part;
• figure 19 1: a sectional view of the container closure according to the second embodiment, in the open position after the first opening;
• figure 20 : a sectional view of the container closure according to the second embodiment, in the closed position after the first opening;
• 21 1: a sectional view of a container closure according to a third embodiment of the invention in a closed position in front of the first opening;
• 22 1: a sectional view of a container closure according to the third embodiment of the invention in a closed position after the first opening;
• 23 1: a sectional view of a container closure according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention in a closed position in front of the first opening;
• 24 Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the individual injection molded parts that together form the container closure according to the third embodiment, before they are assembled;
• 25 : a perspective view of the three parts of a container closure according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
• 26 12 is a sectional view of the three parts of a container closure according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;
• 27 12 is a sectional view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment of the invention in a closed position in front of the first opening;
• 28 : a sectional view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment in the closed position in front of the first opening, through a plane transverse to the sectional plane figure 27 running second longitudinal section plane;
• 29 : a sectional view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment, in the closed position after the first opening;
• 30 : a perspective view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment, in the closed position after the first opening;

Throughout the drawings, individual reference numbers designate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures 1 to 12 1, a first preferred embodiment of a container closure of the present invention is identified by reference numeral 10. FIG. The closure 10 is intended to be mounted on the neck of a container.

In this embodiment, the container closure 10 is injection molded from a single piece 12 in an injection mold in an open position as shown in FIGS Figures 1 and 2 manufactured. The container closure 10 can be made of a plastic or other material compatible with the contents of the container. A polymer is preferred here, in particular a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In particular, opaque materials such as opaque polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used here. Clear materials are also applicable.

The injection molded article 12 includes a base portion 16, a cap portion 18 , and a hinge 20 connecting the cap portion 18 to the base portion 16. As shown in FIG. Throughout the specification, implicit reference is made to an upward direction, which in a closed position of the container closure 10 corresponds to an orientation in which a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 is vertical and the cap portion 18 is above the base portion 16 (see, e.g Figures 4 and 5 ).

The base part 16 has an attachment area 22 which encloses the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and has attachment projections 24, for example a thread, for attachment to the container neck. In the fastening area 22 there is also optionally a sealing skirt 26 intended to engage inside the container neck when the container closure 10 is fitted onto the container neck. The sealing skirt 26 may have a circumferential bead or a curvature. Further, the base part 16 has a spout portion 28 protruding axially in the opposite direction of the attachment portion 22 . This spout area 28 has a peripheral wall 29 that runs around the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and extends and tapers axially from the fastening area 22 to a peripheral upper edge 30 of the pouring area 28 and at the upper edge of the pouring area 28 a radially inward wall directed fold that surrounds a drinking opening 31 .

The cap portion 18 includes a base 32, an outer wall 34 surrounding an inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 , and a gripping projection 38 extending radially outward from the outer wall 34. As shown in FIG.

The floor 32 can be flat or curved. Extending from the inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 is an annular sealing skirt 40 which is surrounded by the outer wall 34 at a radial distance. This sealing skirt 40 is designed to engage inside the drinking opening 31 of the spout portion 28 when the cap portion 18 is in the closed position. The Gasket 40 may have a circumferential ridge or buckle. At the edge of the base 32, the cap part 18 has an inner peripheral centering bead 410 which, in the closed position, surrounds the upper edge 30 of the spout area 28 and touches it on the outside. If necessary, the centering bead 410 can have a circumferential contact surface with the upper edge 30 of the spout area 28 .

The outer wall 34 has a free circumferential lower edge 41 , which runs in one plane over an angle of preferably more than 180°, in this example more than 260°, around the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and over the remaining angle of preferably more than 30° °, in the example by more than 90 ° an approximately rectangular recess 141 delimits. In this recess 141 is housed a display portion 114 having a pull tab 156 and a hook portion 162 , which is detailed on FIG figure 6 are shown. The hook portion 162, which projects radially outward, lies on a lower side of the pull tab 156 and is connected to the pull tab 156 by a tear line 160 or frangible webs. The pull tab 156 and hook portion 162 extend circumferentially across the entire width of the recess to occupy the entire recess. At one end, the pull tab 156 is secured to a lateral edge of the recess 141 , while the free opposite end 157 of the pull tab 156 protrudes from the recess 141 so that it can be grasped and pulled by a user. Optionally, the pull tab 156 is connected to an upper edge of the recess 141 by a tear line 260 or frangible webs. The bottom edge 41 of the outer wall may also include a protrusion 262 immediately adjacent to the recess 141 and projecting outwardly.

On the inside, the outer wall 34 has an annular lower sealing bead 42 , which is located axially at a certain distance from the recess 141 and, in the closed position of the closure piece 12 , radially on a cylindrical or slightly conical, radially outwardly directed seat surface 44 of the in a connecting area between the spout area 28 and the Attachment area 22 of the base part 14 is present. The cap part 18 thus encloses the spout area 28 in the closed position. The sealing bead 42 and the sealing apron 40 allow the space enclosed by the cap part 18 and base part 14 to be sealed against liquids and gases. This is advantageous when using the closure for aseptic filling. Optionally, the sealing bead can be present on the spout part and the seat on the cap part.

The seating surface 44 is partially enclosed by a curved hook wall 46 which protrudes axially from the attachment portion 22 and extends through an angle of preferably more than 30°, in the example more than 90° , about the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 . The seating surface 44 and the hook wall 46 are spaced radially from one another and define an arcuate cavity 48 into which the hook portion of the indicator member 58 in the closed position and the projection reside. The hook wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52 under which the hook portion 162 of the indicator member 58 and the projection 262 engage.

The cap part 18 also has an anchor wall 80 which extends at a radial distance from the outer wall 34 outside of the outer wall 34 and is connected to the lower edge 41 of the cap part 18 by a bridge 82 of the cap part 18 which extends radially outwards from the lower edge 41 of the cap part 18 is rigidly connected. In the closed position, the anchor wall projects from the bridge 82 in an axial direction opposite the attachment portion 22 , while the bridge 82 itself faces a planar surface 84 of the base 16 and preferably contacts the planar surface 84 of the base 16 . The anchor wall 80 serves to attach the hinge 20 to the cap portion 18 and for this purpose has a recess 86 in which a part of the hinge 20 is accommodated. In the closed position, this depression 86 lies axially opposite a depression 88 of the base part, in which a part of the hinge 20 is also accommodated. As previously mentioned, the bridge 82 connecting the anchor wall 80 to the outer wall 34 of the cap portion 18 provides a Separation between the hinge 20 and the outer wall 34 so that the outer wall 34 can enclose the spout area 28 without interruption and provide aseptic protection of the spout area. The fact that the anchor wall 80 extends radially outside of the outer wall 34 also means that the distance between the pivot axis 200 and the reference axis 100 is greater than the distance between the outer wall 34 and the reference axis 100, which ensures sufficient design freedom for the spout area 28 . The location of the bridge 80 on the lower edge 41 of the outer wall 34 reduces the risk of damage from an impact and simplifies the assembly of the container closure 10 onto a container in a bottling plant. The trough formed by anchor wall 80, bridge 82 and the opposing surface of outer wall 34 is easily rinsed off.

The hinge 20 is preferably a snap hinge and allows pivotal movement of the cap portion 18 about a pivot axis 200 perpendicular to the reference axis of the container closure between a stable closed position and a stable open position. Like in particular on the figure 9 As shown, the snap hinge 20 may include a center hinge tab 90 sandwiched between two parallel side hinge tabs 92 , with the three hinge tabs 90, 92, 92 extending between the base 16 and cap 18 portions. The center hinge tab 90 has a single fold line that extends along the pivot axis 200 . The two side hinge tabs 92 each have a trapezoidal center portion 94 which is positioned by oblique fold lines with a ridge 98 freestanding in the recess of the base portion 88 and with a ridge 86 freestanding in the recess 86 of the anchor wall 80 . The fold lines are thin areas of much less thickness than the other locations of the hinge flaps 90, 92. The free standing ridges 96, 98 are preferably resiliently deformable.

The snap-in hinge 20 can preferably be pivoted back and forth through more than 180° , so that in the open position the cap part 18 is on a side of an orthoradial reference plane 300 of the container closure that contains the pivot axis 200 of the hinge 20 and is parallel to the reference axis 100 .

In the closed position, characteristic dimensions of the container closure 10 can be observed. A circumferential line of contact between the sealing bead 42 and the seat surface 44 has a distance from a cross-sectional plane 400 containing the pivot axis 200 and running perpendicularly to the reference axis 100 , which is less than one third of the distance from the upper edge 30 of the spout area to this cross-sectional plane 400. The The circumferential line of contact has a diameter that is greater than the distance from the upper edge 400 of the spout area 28 to the cross-sectional plane 400. The circumferential line of contact has a distance from the orthoradial reference plane 300 that is greater than the distance of the circumferential line of contact from the cross-sectional plane 400.

The container closure 10 is injection molded in the open position Figures 1 and 2 manufactured and then in one assembly step in the closed position Figures 3 to 5 brought, wherein the hook portion 162 of the indicator part 114 and the projection 262 penetrate under the shoulder 52 by elastic deformation and produce a positive connection. The bridge 82 connecting the anchor wall 80 to the outer wall 34 of the cap portion 18 provides a separation between the hinge 20 and the outer wall 34 so that the outer wall 34 encloses the spout area 28 without interruption and aseptic protection of the spout area 28 can be provided .

To open the container closure 10 , the user pulls the pull tab 156, see FIG Figure 8 and Figure 9 , separating the tear lines 260, 160 or frangible webs between the pull tab 156 and the hook portion 162 on the one hand, and between the pull tab 156 and the top edge of the recess 141 on the other, see FIG figure 8 . The pull tab 156 remains end-connected to the outer wall of the cap portion, while the separate hook portion 162 in the arcuate space 48 between the Hook wall 46 and the outer wall 34 remains trapped. A slight pulling force on the gripping projection 38 overcomes the resistance between the locking projection 262 and the shoulder 52 and brings the cap part 18 into the open position, as shown in FIG Figures 10 to 12 shown. When the cap member 18 is returned to the closed position after the initial opening, the pull tab remains in its deformed position as shown in FIG figure 9 shown.

In common with the first exemplary embodiment, all further exemplary embodiments have a hinge 20 which is connected to an anchor wall 80 which is separate from an outer wall 34 and which is firmly connected to the lower edge of the outer wall by a bridge 82 . The exemplary embodiments differ mainly in the display device, in the number of injection molded parts that make up the container closure and in the distribution of the various functions between these parts. To avoid repetition, the following description will focus on the differences and will not necessarily repeat the common features described in the first embodiment.

Referring to the Figures 13 to 20 A second preferred embodiment of a container closure of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10. FIG.

In this exemplary embodiment, the container closure 10 is composed of two separate injection molded parts, namely a closure piece 12 and a guarantee ring 14 . The closure piece 12 may be made of a plastic or other material compatible with the contents of the container. A polymer is preferred here, in particular a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In particular, opaque materials such as opaque polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used here. The guarantee ring 14 can be made of a plastic, in particular an opaque plastic, preferably with a color that gives a desired color contrast with the closure piece.

The closure piece 12, individually in the Figures 15 and 16 1 includes a base portion 16, a cap portion 18 , and a hinge 20 connecting the base portion 16 to the cap portion 18. FIG. The hinge 20 is shown here as a snap hinge and allows a pivoting movement of the cap part 18 about a pivot axis perpendicular to the sectional plane of the figure 13 runs. Other types of hinges are also applicable. The base 16, cap 18 and hinge 20 are molded together in one piece in the open position as shown in FIGS Figures 15 and 16 evident.

The base 16 has a fastening zone 22 which encloses a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 , and means for fastening to the container neck, in this embodiment a thread 24. In the fastening zone there is also a sealing skirt 26 intended to be inserted inside the Intervene container neck when the container closure 10 is placed on the container neck. The sealing skirt 26 may have a circumferential bead or a curvature. In this embodiment, the base 16 further includes a spout portion 28 protruding axially in the opposite direction to the attachment portion and surrounding a drinking opening 31 .

The cap portion 18 includes a base 32, an outer wall 34 surrounding an inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 , and a gripping projection 38 extending radially outward from the outer wall 34. As shown in FIG.

The floor 32 can be flat or curved. Extending from the inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 is an annular sealing skirt 40 which is surrounded by the outer wall 34 at a radial distance. This sealing skirt 40 is designed to engage inside the drinking opening 31 of the spout portion 28 when the cap portion 18 is in the closed position. The sealing skirt 40 may have a circumferential bulge or a curvature.

The outer wall 34 has a lower cylindrical or slightly conical edge region 42 which, in the closed position of the closure piece 12 , bears radially against a cylindrical or slightly conical seat surface 44 directed radially outwards in a connecting region between the spout region 28 and the fastening region 22 of the base part 14 . In this way , the cap part 18 encloses the spout area 28 in the closed position . This is advantageous when using the closure for aseptic filling.

The seat surface 44 is partially surrounded by a curved peripheral wall 46 , which protrudes axially from the fastening area 22 in the direction opposite to the thread 24 and extends over an angle of preferably more than 90°, in the example more than 180°, about the reference axis 100 of the Container closure 10 extends. The seat surface 44 and the peripheral wall 46 are radially spaced apart and define an arcuate cavity 48 into which the lower edge portion 42 of the outer wall 34 of the cap portion 18 penetrates in the closed position. The arcuate cavity 48 is peripherally bounded by two stops 50 , as in FIG figure 16 shown. The peripheral wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52 having a central interruption 53 so that it is in the sectional plane of the figure 14 is visible in the cutting plane of figure 13 However not.

The outer wall 34 of the cap part 18 has a radially outwardly directed annular groove 54 , which is preferably located in a central region of the cap part 18 , axially between the bottom 32 and the lower edge region 42 and which, in the closed position, extends from the curved peripheral wall 46 of the base part 16 is not covered.

The in the Figures 17 and 18 The anti-tamper ring 14 shown has an annular, radially inwardly projecting, closed bead 56, an arcuate indicator portion 58, and a break point 60 located between the bead 56 and the indicator portion 58 . The breaking point 60 can preferably have breakable webs or a tear-off line, optionally also a tear-off strip. The display part 58 has a radially outwardly projecting hook area 62 with a central interruption 63 .

As in the first embodiment, the cap portion 18 includes an anchor wall 80 that extends radially outwardly of the outer wall 34 from the outer wall 34 and is connected to the bottom edge 41 of the cap portion 18 by a bridge extending radially outwardly from the bottom edge 41 of the cap portion 18 82 of the cap part 18 is rigidly connected.

The container closure 10 is manufactured as follows. The closure piece 12 is in the open position of the by an injection molding process Figures 15 and 16 manufactured and in a first assembly step in the closed position figure 18 brought. In a second assembly step, the guarantee ring 14 is placed on the cap part 18 by elastic deformation until the annular bead 56 penetrates into the annular groove 54 and creates a positive connection with the cap part 18 , while the indicator part 58 partially penetrates into the cavity 48 and the hook area 62 engages behind the shoulder 52 of the peripheral wall 46 of the base part 16 , as can be seen from FIGS Figures 13 and 14 evident. The central discontinuity 63 of the indicator portion 58 coincides with the central discontinuity 53 of the shoulder 52 to precisely index the circumferential location of the indicator portion. According to a variant, the gaps 53, 63 can be omitted if necessary.

The indicator portion 58 is partially located in an upper portion of the cavity 48, radially between the hook wall 46 and the lower edge portion 42 of the cap portion 18, and circumferentially between the stops 50, and protrudes axially from the cavity 48 so that it is in front of the first opening partially remains radially visible. The hinge 20 and the indicator portion 58 are on the same side of a transverse plane 500 passing through the annular collar 56 .

When the container closure 10 for the first time from the closed position of the Figures 13 and 14 to the open position of the figure 19 is brought, the indicator part 58 is held by the shoulder 52 and the collar 56 by the groove 54 . The fracture point 60 breaks while the collar 56 remains in the groove 54 and the indicator part 58 falls to the bottom of the cavity 48 due to gravity.

If the container closure 10 after the first opening back into the closed position figure 20 is brought, the display part 58 remains in the lower region of the cavity 48, where it is completely covered by the hook wall 46 of the base part 16 . This ensures that the container closure 10 is changed in an irreversible and visible manner. The indicator part 58 remains trapped in the cavity 48 .

The container closure 10 according to the third embodiment is in the Figures 21 and 22 shown, and differs from the second embodiment only in that the hook wall 46 of the base part 16, which delimits the cavity 48 radially outwards, has a window 64 in the lower area, through which the display part 58, after it has been opened after the first opening in the lower region of the cavity 48 has fallen becomes visible. In this embodiment, the hook portion 62 of the indicator portion 58 is uninterrupted and engages behind a shoulder 52 of the hook wall 46 which is also uninterrupted in the middle.

The container closure 10 according to the fourth embodiment is shown in FIGS Figures 23 and 24 1, and differs from the second embodiment in that the container closure 10 includes a spout 128 separate from the closure piece 12 that mounts inside the attachment portion 22 of the base 16 and abuts against a shoulder 68 of the attachment portion that includes a sealing collar 70 . This spout 128 forms the spout area 28 of the container closure. The installation of the spout 128 can take place before, after or at the same time as the installation of the guarantee ring 14 .

The container closure 10 according to the fifth embodiment is in FIGS Figures 25 to 30 shown, and comprises three separate pieces, namely a base piece 12.1, a head piece 12.2 and a guarantee ring 14, wherein the base piece 12.1 and the head piece 12.2 in the assembled state in the Figures 27 to 30 form an assembly 12.3 , which is largely identical in form and function to the closure piece 12 of the first exemplary embodiment.

The base piece 12.1 comprises a connection area 22 with a thread 24 for connection to a container neck, a spout area 28, which forms the drinking opening 31 of the container closure 10 , and a curved hook wall 146, which extends from a flat upper bearing surface 122 of the attachment area 22 axially into the dem Thread 24 protrudes in the opposite direction and extends over an angle of preferably more than 180 °, in the example by more than 270 ° to the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 . The two ends of the hook wall 146 lying opposite one another in the circumferential direction form two lateral stops 150 which circumferentially delimit a recess 120 of the base piece. The hook wall 146 has a shoulder 152 protruding radially inwards and delimits a groove 148 with the upper bearing surface 122 of the fastening region 22 .

The headpiece 12.2 has a cap portion 18, a hinge 20 and an anchor ring 210 connected at a lower lug 212 of the hinge.

Anchor ring 210 comprises an annular, planar lower bearing surface 222, an annular, planar upper bearing surface 224, and an arcuate anchor projection 248, the dimensions of which correspond to the dimensions of bearing surface 122 or hook wall 146 and their shoulder 152 , so that after assembly, anchor projection 248 engages behind the shoulder 152 in a positive or non-positive manner while the bearing surface 222 lies broadly on the bearing surface 122 , and in such a way that there is no longer any possibility of movement between the anchor ring 210 and the base piece 12.1 , and that the anchor ring 210 and the base piece 12.1 together form a base part 16 which has the same external shape as the base part 16 of the first exemplary embodiment.

The hinge 20 is shown here as a snap hinge and allows a pivoting movement of the cap part 18 about a pivot axis 200 perpendicular to the sectional plane of the figure 28 runs. The shoulder 212 of the hinge 20 rests in the recess 120 on the bearing surface 122 and radially on a bearing surface 124 of the recess 120 and is held against the lateral stops 150 on the peripheral side. The pivot axis 200 is the line of intersection between a transverse plane 400, which runs between the bearing surface 122 and the annular groove 54 of the cap part 18 in the closed position, and an orthoradial plane 300, which runs parallel to the reference axis 100 of the base part 16 and is further away from the reference axis 100 than the outer surface of hook wall 146.

As with the other embodiments, the cap portion 18 includes an anchor wall 80 that extends radially outwardly of the outer wall 34 from the outer wall 34 and is connected to the bottom edge 41 of the cap portion 18 by a bridge extending radially outwardly from the bottom edge 41 of the cap portion 18 82 of the cap portion 18 is rigidly connected and to which the hinge 20 is connected.

After assembly, the head piece 12.2 and the base piece 12.1 together form an assembly 12.3 that has the same external shape and function as the closure piece 12 of the first embodiment, with the exception that the two pieces 12.1 , 12.2 may be made of two different materials exist or have different colors. For example, it is possible to make the head piece 12.2 from transparent or opaque polypropylene (PP) and the base piece 12.1 from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

The anchor ring 210 has a curved hook wall 46 which extends over an angle of preferably more than 180°, in the example more than 270°, about the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 . The hook wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52 which has the same shape and function as the shoulder 52 of the first embodiment and, when assembled, lies radially opposite and with the lower edge portion 42 of the outer wall 34 of the cap member 18 and the upper bearing surface 224 defines a cavity 48 .

The guarantee ring 14 is identical to that of the first exemplary embodiment, to which reference is made for a detailed description.

The container closure 10 is manufactured as follows. The three pieces 12.1, 12.2, 14 are made separately by injection molding, with the head piece 12.2 in the open position of the figure 13 . In a first assembly step, the cap part 18 is brought into the closed position. Then the closed head piece 12.2 is placed on the base piece 12.1 until the anchor projection 248 of the anchor ring 210 is seated behind the shoulder 52 . In a third assembly step, the guarantee ring 14 is placed on the cap part 18 by elastic deformation until the annular collar 56 penetrates into the annular groove 54 and creates a positive connection to the cap part 18 , while the indicator part 58 partially penetrates into the cavity 48 and the hook area 62 engages behind the shoulder 52 of the hook wall 46 of the anchor ring 16 as seen in FIGS Figures 15 and 16 apparent.

If necessary, the order of the three assembly steps can be changed. The cap part 18 can be brought into the closed position, for example, after the open head piece 12.2 has been placed on the base piece 12.1 . The guarantee ring 14 can optionally be placed on the open head piece 12.2 .

After assembly, the indicator part 58 is located partially in an upper region of the cavity 48, radially between the hook wall 46 and the lower edge region 42 of the cap part 18, and partially outside of the cavity 48 so that it remains partially radially visible in front of the first opening. When the container closure 10 for the first time from the closed position of the Figures 27 and 28 is placed in the open position, indicator member 58 is retained by shoulder 52 and collar 56 is retained by groove 54 . The fracture point 60 breaks while the collar 56 remains in the groove 54 and the indicator part 58 falls to the bottom of the cavity 48 due to gravity. If the container closure 10 after the first opening back into the closed position Figures 29 and 30 is brought, the display part 58 remains in the lower region of the cavity 48 on the upper bearing surface 224 of the anchor ring 210 , where it is completely covered by the hook wall 46 of the base part 16 . This ensures that the container closure 10 is changed in an irreversible and visible manner. The indicator part 58 remains trapped in the cavity 48 .

If necessary, the hook wall of the anchor ring can have recesses or windows, which possibly correspond to recesses in the hook wall of the base piece and through which the cavity can be seen before the break point is separated and the indicator part can be seen after the break point has been separated.

Other variants are planned. The outer guarantee ring 12 according to the invention can be applied to a container closure with a closure piece 12 and a spout piece 128 , the closure piece 12 having a base part 16 and a cap part 18 which are injected in the closed position, and the spout piece 128 is inserted into the closed closure piece 12 becomes.

Claims (17)

1. Container closure (10) comprising

   - a base part (16),

   - a pouring region (28) which has a circumferential wall (29) that extends around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10) and extends axially from the base part (18) to a circumferential upper edge (30) of the pouring region (28), which edge surrounds a drinking opening (31), and

   - a cap part (18) which is connected to the base part (16) by a hinge (20) and can be rotated back and forth between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis (200) extending perpendicularly to the reference axis (100), the cap part having a base (36) and a circumferential outer wall (34) which surrounds an inner surface (36) of the base (32) and extends axially from the base (32) to a circumferential lower edge (41) of the cap part (18), the outer wall (34) and the base (32) of the cap part (18) together surrounding and covering the pouring region (10) in the closed position, the cap part (18) having an anchor wall (80) which extends at a radial distance from the outer wall (34) outside the outer wall (34) and is rigidly connected to the lower edge (41) of the cap part (18) by a bridge (82) of the cap part (18), which bridge extends radially outward from the lower edge (41) of the cap part (18), and, in the closed position, the anchor wall (80) projecting from the bridge (82) in a direction opposite the base part (16) and the hinge (20) being connected to the anchor wall (80) and extending from the anchor wall (80) in the direction of the base part (16),
   characterized in that a channel is formed by the anchor wall (80), the bridge (82) and a surface of the outer wall (34) opposite the bridge, which channel extends circumferentially and opens on the circumferential side at two opposite ends, as well as in a direction opposite to the base part (16).
2. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bridge (82) has a planar contact surface which, in the closed position, lies opposite a planar surface (84) of the base part (16) and preferably comes into contact with the planar surface (84) of the base part (16).
3. Container closure (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the open position, the cap part (18) is located on an opposite side of an orthoradial reference plane (300) of the container closure (10) from the pouring region (28), which plane contains the pivot axis (20) and extends parallel to the reference axis (100).
4. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (20) is a bistable snap hinge, in particular a living hinge, in particular a butterfly hinge.
5. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (20) is connected to a preferably flexible connecting piece (96) which is freestanding in a recess (86) of the anchor wall (80).
6. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (20) is connected to a preferably flexible connecting piece (98) which is freestanding in a recess (88) of the base part (16).
7. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (34) of the cap part (18) has a circumferential sealing surface (42) which, in the closed position, rests against a circumferential sealing surface (44) of a connection region between the pouring region (34) and the base part (18).
8. Container closure (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that in the closed position, a circumferential contact line between the sealing surface (42) of the cap part (18) and the sealing surface (44) of the connection region is at a distance from a cross-sectional plane (400) which contains the pivot axis (200) and extends perpendicularly to the reference axis (100), which distance is smaller than a third of the distance from the upper edge (30) of the pouring region to the cross-sectional plane.
9. Container closure (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the circumferential contact line has a diameter which is greater than the distance from the upper edge (30) of the pouring region (28) to the cross-sectional plane (400).
10. Container closure (10) according to any of claims 8 to 9,
    characterized in that the circumferential contact line is at a distance from an orthoradial reference plane (300) which contains the pivot axis (200) and extends in parallel with the reference axis, which distance is greater than the distance from the circumferential contact line to the cross-sectional plane (400).
11. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap part (18) has an inner circumferential centering bead (410) which, in the closed position, surrounds and contacts the upper edge (30) of the pouring region (28).
12. Container closure (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that in the closed position, the centering bead (410) has a circumferential contact surface with the upper edge (30) of the pouring region (28).
13. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the cap part (18) has an inner sealing skirt (40) which extends axially from the inner surface (36) of the base (32) of the cap part (18) and which, in the closed position, comes into contact with an inner annular fold of the circumferential wall (29) of the pouring region (28) and seals the drinking opening (31).
14. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap part (18) is integral with the hinge (20) and the base part (16).
15. Container closure (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14,
    characterized in that the pouring region (28) is integral with the base part (16).
16. Container closure (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14,
    characterized in that the pouring region (128) is separated from the base part (16).
17. Container closure (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the base part (16) has a base piece (12.1) and an anchor ring (210) that engages in an annular groove (148) of the base piece (16), the anchor ring (210) being integral with the hinge (20) and the cap part (18).

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