JP4949250B2 - Sealing means for closure, closure and sealing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a sealing means (2) for sealing of a neck (25) of a container, especially a container for carbonated beverages. The sealing means comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means (20) suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface (17) of a neck (25) of the container. The outer sealing means (20) comprises an annular base (22) which blends by a blend (34) into a vertical top surface (35) and at least one annular sealing ring (23) arranged at a free end of the annular base (22), protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base (22) and forming in engaged position with the neck (25) a first contact area (30) with the outer free surface (17).

Description

Field of Invention

  The present invention relates to sealing means for closures, and in particular to sealing means for closures in liquid packaging containers such as beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sealing means for carbonated beverage containers such as soft drinks, which contain contents that are in a state of pressure above or below atmospheric pressure, or in gaseous form. It relates to a sealing means that is well adapted to seal other containers, such as glass containers or PET containers, that contain components or that need to be hermetically sealed. The invention further relates to closures and methods for creating and attaching sealing means to each closure.

Background of the Invention

  Closures of closures are typically made from several types of plastics such as polyethylene (hereinafter referred to as PE) or polypropylene (hereinafter referred to as PP), or from EVA-based materials such as Darex ™ liners. It is manufactured. The latter is mainly used for the production of liner closures, and this material is not as hard and durable as PE. More flexible materials such as low density PE (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or compounds based on polyolefin raw materials are often used as sealing materials. Harder materials such as polypropylene are often used as closure shell materials.

  From the prior art, a vast literature is available for closures and caps for sealing containers. The selected range is described next.

  Albert Obrist AG European Patent No. 0076778, filed in 1982, has an annular outer sealing lip made of plastic material and having a thickness that decreases continuously with respect to its free end. It is related to the closing cap. The outer sealing lip is arranged in the region of the joint between the outer vertical skirt and the disc-shaped upper end and faces diagonally inward. The sealing lip has a rounding sealing portion at its smallest diameter. Below the sealing portion, the sealing lip is spread outwardly like a funnel to receive the opening of the container. However, due to the forced placement of the sealing lip, the sealing lip is often prone to deformation during installation, especially during twisted attachment to the neck of the container. Yet another disadvantage is that due to the slanted arrangement, this enclosure is relatively rigid and therefore cannot be adjusted very well in the lateral direction.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,845 was filed in 1984 and granted to Albert Obrist AG. U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,845 relates to a screw-fit cap for closing a container opening. The cap has a sealing lip attached to the upper end surface of the cap. The inner side wall of the outer sealing lip has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the outer wall of the container. According to the clamping device that can be designed as an inner seal, when the screw-fitted cap is screwed into the container, the deformation of the outer shell of the closure causes the cap upper surface to contract, Means that the sealing lip is pressed against the mouth of the container. In this way, the sealing lip is only pressed radially against the mouth of the container during the screw fitting process. This prevents over-extension of the sealing lip and damage to the material. In the engaged position, the sealing lip engages around the outer edge of the neck of the container opening. One disadvantage is that the above deformation of the closure is related to a wide range of operating forces. Yet another disadvantage is that they are prone to breakage due to a wide range of stresses and deformations (stress cracks) that cause total closure failure and product loss.

  Both Continental Whitecap's European Patent No. 0114127 filed in 1984 and Sun Cost Plastic's European Patent No. 0176205 filed in 1985 have two sealing flaps arranged in a generally V-shape. A sealed body is disclosed. When the closure is pulled down into the container, the flap is deformed according to the cross-section of the container's sealing surface area including the lower inside of the mouth of the container and the lower near side of the outer surface of the neck end. An effective seal in contact with the area is provided. The sealing flap is in an engaged position that is laterally supported and pressed against the neck of the closure.

  European Patent No. 0529383 by Jacob Berg GmbH, filed in 1992, relates to plastic screw-fitting caps for containers, particularly pressurized beverage containers. The closure includes an annular sealing strip molded integrally with the closure outer shell. Adjacent to the sealing strip is a bead that presses the sealing strip against the upper outer edge of the neck of the container. One disadvantage is reduced lateral adjustability.

  European Patent No. 0770559, filed in 1996 by Sacmi Cooperation Meccanici, relates to a lined plastic screw-fitting cap made by compression molding. The closure includes an annular lip designed to support the lining and projecting concentrically from the disc-shaped portion relative to the cylindrical outer wall. The annular lip acts as a shoulder for the sealing lining so that when the cap is attached to the container, the lining engages the edge of the mouth of the container.

  Filed in 1982, Charles A. Breskin Assoc. Inc. U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,844 relates to a reusable cap for closing carbonated beverage containers and the like. The closure consists of a female threaded shell in which there is a mounting portion in a free end that sealingly engages the neck of the beverage container. The outer shell and the mounting portion are made of different plastic materials and are injection-molded at different portions of the same molding die. First, the mounting portion is formed, and then the outer shell is formed without moving the mounting portion from the position where the mounting portion is formed, and a monolithic structure in which a substantial part of the mounting portion is embedded in the outer shell is manufactured. Is done.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,674 by Frank Schellenbach, filed in 1993, relates to a method and mold core for the production of plastic closures by a two-component injection molding process. The mold core is composed of a first sub core and a second sub core. After injection of the first material, one sub-core or instrument element is moved a certain amount relative to the first mold. One disadvantage of this method is that the core movement, which causes a considerable delay, occurs only when the first stage material is fully solidified. Yet another disadvantage is that the geometry of the closure and closure is considerably limited by the function of the mold. Yet another disadvantage is that the mold closure is not provided with a radial protrusion that cuts off the lower part of the mold, since no further movement of the mold core is possible.

  International Patent Publication No. 0301699 by Bericap, filed in 2002, relates to a closure cap with an inner sealing skirt that is substantially truncated at its top and converges from its base toward its free end. is there. The inside of the sealing skirt is designed to cooperate with the outside of the neck. The inner diameter of the sealing skirt toward the free end is designed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the neck. As described, the closure may include an annular V-shaped notch designed to improve the attachment of the lining to the rim of the neck or the contact between the lining and the rim.

  From the inventor of the invention disclosed herein, a series of closures for carbonated beverage containers are known, in particular WO 99/03746 (1998), WO 99/03747 ( 1998), International Patent Publication No. 89/12854 (1989), International Patent Publication No. 03/022701, International Patent Publication No. 00/56616, and International Patent Publication No. 00/56615. These closure closures generally have all of the annular sealing ribs that initially project downward and inwardly relative to the upper end portion of the closure for attachment to the neck of the container. Turned inside out.

  The problems with the closures known in the prior art are that the closures of these closures fail at high internal pressures and the contents leak due to the dome formation or elevation of the upper end of the cap. In particular, this problem may occur for a cap that mainly seals the peripheral surface of the neck of the container or the upper end surface of the ring. Yet another problem commonly encountered with closures known in the prior art is the leakage of the seal due to the high internal pressure in the container and the additional top added to the top end of the closure, for example by stacking several containers. It is an end face load. Reasons for this can be found in the deformation of the closure and the associated movement of the closure. Yet another problem with closures known in the prior art is poor sealing due to the twisted attachment of the closure to the neck of the container.

  One object of the present invention is to have certain imperfections or damage, especially to the neck of the container, especially for closures related to containers for carbonated drinks and other hot or cold liquids. Providing a sealing means with improved properties for attachment to the neck of a container.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide carbonated beverages and other hot beverages that provide manufacturing advantages such as low cycle times and low material consumption, and are still pressure resistant even at high internal pressures and top end loads. To provide a sealing device or closure suitable for liquids or cold liquids.

Summary of the Invention

  A closure comprising a sealing device according to the invention is suitable for being engaged with a container with a standardized container neck. The standardized neck has an outer peripheral surface provided with external threads. This outer peripheral surface is fused by an edge surface into an annular upper end surface that forms the upper end of the container when the container is stood. Between the annular upper end surface and the male thread, there is an outer free surface that extends over a length of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm and that is not covered by the male thread and that is suitable for sealing purposes. Furthermore, the neck of the container has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface adjacent to the annular upper end surface.

  In addition to the sealing means according to the present invention, closures generally comprise a base with a disc-shaped upper end and an outer skirt adjacent thereto, the outer skirt being a male thread on the standardized neck of the container as described above. Holding means such as an internal thread suitable for being engaged with corresponding holding means such as Where appropriate, the closure may include a hinged lid that is interconnected to the base of the closure and is suitable for hermetically closing the opening.

  The plastic material of the closure is preferably high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene or a compound thereof. Where the container is used for a gaseous fluid, it is preferred that the plastic material has a very low porosity.

  The sealing means described in the present specification basically has a P-shaped cross section in the first embodiment. The sealing means extends substantially vertically from the disc-shaped upper end of the closure into a closure spaced a distance of a predetermined width and depth radially inward relative to the outer skirt of the closure. With a cylindrical skirt. The inner skirt is generally in the form of a self-supporting, laterally adjustable downward leg with respect to its cross-section and is preferably directly interconnected at its base to the upper end portion of the closure. In the area of its opposite lower free end, the inner skirt has been transformed into at least one annular sealing ring that projects above the side of the cylindrical skirt. In the closed position, the annular sealing ring interacts radially from the outside with the outer free surface of the neck of the container via the designated contact surface, so that this contact surface is known to have known problems, e.g. In order to reduce the effects of certain dome formation, bottle finish damage at the upper outer edge, closure lift, it is preferably placed as far down as possible on the free surface of the bottle neck. The cylindrical skirt acts as a base for the annular sealing ring and has a length that prevents the bad interaction of the threaded annular sealing ring on the neck of the container. The at least one annular sealing ring is preferably formed such that it is sealed primarily by annular tension. Therefore, it is preferred that this sealing means be self-supporting even when in a radially deformed position when mounted on the neck of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the gap between the inner skirt and the outer skirt is designed so that no contact occurs between the sealing means and the outer skirt at any time.

  The annular sealing ring includes a protrusion that is configured to face the neck of the container in the engaged position and that defines a contact area. In contrast to known prior art seals that are primarily subjected to annular pressure or bending forces in the valleys, the substantially vertically self-supporting sealing means according to the present invention occurs in the annular sealing ring when attached to the neck of the container. Sealed mainly by annular tension. This sealing means is designed to be able to adjust / compensate for a certain amount of lateral and / or radial misalignment or twist in the neck of the container. A cylindrical skirt acting as a base provides some flexibility in the transverse / radial direction. Good in that the proportional ratio to the radial thickness of the base of the sealing means arranged between the upper end part of the closure and the annular sealing ring is at least 1: 1, preferably 4: 1 The result is achieved. Depending on the field of application, the radial thickness and shape of the base of the sealing means, the aspect ratio of the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring, and the aspect ratio of the vertical length to the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring Further aspect ratios are involved, such as the gap between the inner skirt and the outer skirt.

  In yet another embodiment, the closure has a generally R-shaped cross-section, whereby the P-shaped cross-section is fused on the inside into the inner top surface of the closure. The fusion part has an edge surface of the neck of the container, and when the edge surface is pressed over the fusion part, the annular sealing ring is placed on the outer free surface of the container by a controlled deformation of the base. It is formed to form a second sealed region that is pulled inwardly upward. Depending on the field of application, the fusion part can be smoothly connected to the base and the upper end surface by a concave shape with a radius, by an inclined surface shape, or by a convex shape protruding locally outward. Interconnect.

  In a preferred embodiment, the aspect ratio between the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring and the base is in the range of 2: 1 to 3: 1 (other aspect ratios may be appropriate depending on the field of application). . The aspect ratio between the vertical free length of the annular sealing ring and its radial thickness is in the range of 1: 1 to 4: 1. Other aspect ratios are appropriate depending on the field of application. The cross-sectional shape of the annular sealing ring and the eccentricity of the contact surface with respect to the base of the annular sealing ring are further related to the field of application, but these parameters influence the distribution of the annular tension. Because it receives.

  The shape and alignment of the base of the sealing means is related to the performance and physical action of the sealing means. For example, when the base of the sealing means is inclined at an angle with respect to the upper end of the closure (conical), it becomes more difficult to attach the closure to the opening (opening) of the container, and Failure due to inconsistency is more likely to occur. One reason for this is that the distribution of forces and the initial expansion of the enclosure becomes more difficult.

  A preferred embodiment of the sealing means and closure is performed by an injection molding process, respectively, in a two-component injection process in a multi-component mold, whereby the first plastic material is in a liquid state and is cast into the first cavity. A sealing lining is made in that it is injected up to the core of the mold cavity where the first material forms a lining solidified body. The lining is then moved into the second cavity position relative to the first core, where a second material for the closure shell is injected into the second cavity. The sealing lining material and the outer shell material are thereby joined together.

  In order to optimize this manufacturing process, the area in the gap of the sealing lining that does not contact the first core is formed so that this sealing lining can be taken out of the first gap without holding force. Is preferred. Accordingly, blocking undercuts that extend mainly perpendicular to the direction of movement or the core are avoided. The described injection molding process provides a secure bond between the lining material and the shell material. The difference from the two component closures as known in the prior art made by the pressure molding process is that the invention disclosed herein provides a more reliable seal. The problem typically encountered when removing a closure made by pressure molding, where the closure shell is made first and the sealing lining is made second, is the invention described herein. Does not occur. The outer shell is preferably made from polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) so that the lining can be formed from a composite material based on EVA, LDPE or polyolefin-based raw materials. This embodiment of the closure comprises a sealing means that interacts with an externally threaded cylindrical outer peripheral surface formed between the threaded portion of the neck of the container and the annular upper end surface.

  A preferred embodiment of a sealing means for sealing the neck of the container is suitable for coupling to the outer free surface of the neck, thereby having an annular base in a substantially P-shaped cross section. A radially deformable outer sealing means and a free end of the annular base, projecting radially inward above the inner surface of the base, and a first of the outer free surface in engagement with the neck And an annular sealing ring forming a sealing area.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing means comprises an outer sealing means with a generally R-shaped cross section. A fusion part is formed at the base, and the base is interconnected to the vertical upper end surface of the closure. This fusion part can be provided at the engagement position between the sealing means and the neck and in the second sealing area between the rim of the neck and the outer sealing means. The outer sealing means is formed so that the outer sealing means is controllably deformed by the interaction between the edge surface and the fusion part so that the annular sealing ring is more firmly pressed against the outer free surface of the neck. be able to. The fusion part depends on the field of application, but may have different shapes, such as an inclined cross section, a convex cross section or a concave cross section. When the fusion part is designed as a smooth interconnection, it is preferred that there is a radius R that is greater than the radius of the edge at the neck of the container.

  In yet another embodiment of the sealing means, each closure may comprise a lining made from a lining material. Thereby, the lining comprises an inner skirt that extends vertically along the outer downward-facing leg. An annular sealing ring made from a lining material may be constructed at the end of the inner skirt.

  In addition, the sealing means may comprise a hole seal, whereby the hole seal is made from a lining material and may have a core made from a shell material.

  The sealing means and closure according to the invention are described in more detail by means of preferred embodiments.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

  FIG. 1 shows a closure 1 with a sealing means 2 according to the invention in an isometric side view from below, and FIG. 2 shows the same closure 1 in a perspective side view from above. Show. The closure 1 comprises an outer skirt 3 that extends substantially vertically from the disc-shaped upper end portion 4. The outer skirt 3 has on its outer surface a vertically configured knurl 5 that provides a better gripping force when operating the closure. The inside of the outer skirt 3 is provided with a screw 6, which comprises a screw section 7. The outer skirt is interconnected to the tamper band 8 at its lower end. The tamper band 8 of the illustrated embodiment has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer skirt 3 of the closure. Inside the tamper band 8 is an undercut section 9 which projects radially inward and has a substantially spherical lower part 10. When this closure is attached to the neck of a container (not shown), the spherical undercut section maintains the alignment and alignment of the sealing means to the neck of the container. As a result, obstacles due to tilt mounting can be significantly reduced. Above the undercut section 9 is formed a centering element 11 projecting radially above the inner surface 15 of the tamper band 8, which is aligned with the axis z of the closure and Helps center 1 against the locking bead on the neck of the container. This reduces the inclination of the tamper band when the closure 1 is opened.

  The tamper band 8 is interconnected to the outer skirt 3 of the closure 1 by a fragile bridge 12 that is broken when the closure 1 is first opened. The tamper band 8 is spaced from the closure skirt 3 by a gap 13. The bridge 12 is, in the illustrated embodiment, configured in a recess 14 that extends over the length of the bridge 12, thereby preventing undesired breakage of the bridge 12 during installation of the closure 1. Helpful.

  FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the closure 1 in a side view. The closure 1 includes a tamper band 8 having a generally smaller outer diameter than the skirt 3 of the closure 1. The tamper band 8 comprises a shoulder 16 that is suitable as a contact point during the release of the closure 1. The bridge 12 is similar to the closure according to FIGS. 1 and 2 constructed in the recess 14. A cross-sectional view along line AA is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure 1 and the sealing means 2 along the line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail B of the sealing means 2 in FIG. In FIG. 5, the neck portion 25 (broken line) of the container is schematically displayed. The sealing means 2 of the illustrated embodiment is shown in an undeformed state, and from the outer side sealing part 20 and the inner surface of the disc-shaped upper end part 4 of the closing tool 1 to the inside of the closing tool 1. A substantially V-shaped upper end sealing portion 21 that protrudes substantially vertically and is configured to interact with the annular end surface 27 of the neck portion 25 in the closed position is provided. The side sealing part 20 has a substantially P-shaped cross section and comprises a base 22 and an annular sealing ring 23, which is radially inward in the thread-free area above the screw 26. Protrusively in a transverse direction. The side sealing portion 20 is configured to be spaced radially from the outer skirt 3. In the embodiment shown, the annular gap 24 in an undeformed stage extends vertically between the side sealing part 20 of the closure 1 and the outer skirt 3 on the substantially parallel side walls, thereby sealing the side. An outer free length L of the portion 20 is defined. The thickness of the annular gap 24 is selected such that the annular sealing ring 23 and the base 22 are free to spread in the radial direction r ⁺ and the closure is mounted on the neck 5. The vertical length L of the base 22 of the side seal 20 is here the annular seal ring 23 of the outer vertical surface 17 of the neck 25 just above the starting point of the container external thread 26 in the embodiment shown. It is chosen to be as far apart as possible along the lower free length. The contact area depends on the starting point of the screw but is above the PET container and is typically located about 0.5-2 mm below the annular end face of the neck. With such a configuration, the effect of dome formation or other deformation of the closure 1 can be minimized so that the sealing body 2 is more reliable. According to the base portion 22 of the side sealing portion 20 that can be adjusted flexibly in the lateral direction and rigid in the vertical direction, the side sealing portion 20 whose center is shifted particularly in the radial direction at the neck portion of the container Even when installed, it is guaranteed that the annular sealing ring 23 can be adjusted laterally. The amount of radial protrusion p over the base 22 of the annular sealing ring 23 is related to the interference with the neck 25. In order to obtain a radial sealing force, the inner diameter D of the annular sealing ring 23 is smaller than the outer diameter Da of the neck of the container. If appropriate, the vertical position of the sealing means 2 with respect to the neck 25 is defined by an additional stop element.

  FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the closure 1 in a side view, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure along the line CC of FIG. 6, and FIG. The detail D of FIG. The overall configuration of the closure 1 corresponds to the closure as described with reference to FIGS. Accordingly, descriptions of similar details such as outer skirts, tamper bands and screws will not be repeated again, and references will be made to these drawings.

  As can be seen in FIG. 8, the side seal 20 of the sealing means 2, which has a substantially R-shaped cross section in the embodiment shown here, is spaced radially from the outer skirt 3. Configured. An annular gap 24 in an undeformed stage extends vertically between the side seal 20 of the closure 1 and the outer skirt 3 on substantially parallel side walls. The annular gap 24 is mounted on the neck 5 (shown schematically by a broken line), while the annular sealing ring 23 and the base 22 are at least initially freely deformed in the radial direction r. So that it is selected. The vertical length L of the base 22 of the side seal 20 is such that the annular seal ring 23 is, in the illustrated embodiment, just above the starting point of the external thread 26 and the free length 17 of the outer vertical surface of the neck 25. It is chosen to be as far apart as possible along the bottom. In the mounted position, the first sealing area 30 is between the sealing means 2 and the neck 25 so that the annular sealing ring 23 is pressed against the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 for lateral extension. Has been produced. It can be seen that the base 22 is fused into the vertical upper end surface 35 of the closure 1 by a fusion part 34, here with a radius R. The fusion part 34 in the closed position is in intimate contact with the edge surface 28 that interconnects the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 and the annular top surface 27, in a second sealed area / contact region 31. Is formed. The radius R is generally larger than the radius of the edge surface 28 so that a precise interaction area is determined. When attaching the sealing means 2 to the neck portion 25, the annular sealing ring 23 of the outer sealing portion 20 first contacts the annular upper end surface 27 and / or the edge surface 28 of the neck portion 25. As the installation proceeds further, the annular sealing ring 23 is stretched circumferentially until it slides onto the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 to establish the first contact area 30. As the attachment procedure of the annular sealing ring 23 proceeds further, the first contact area 30 is connected to the cervix until the fusion part 34 contacts the outer edge 28 of the neck 25 to establish the second contact area 31. Slip along the outer free surface 17 of 25. Due to the geometry, the closure of the closure is controlled in that its edge is pressed against the inner valley (fusion 34) of the outer seal 20, as schematically indicated by the arrow F. Due to the deformation, the annular sealing ring 23 is pulled inwards (schematically indicated by the arrow rp), thereby pressing more reliably against the outer free surface 17 so that the sealing performance is improved. Is achieved. Such functional interconnection between the first and second contact areas is schematically indicated by an arrow a. The base 22 of the outer seal 20 can be adjusted laterally before the second contact area 31 is established, and once the second contact area 31 is established, by its functional interconnection, Locked to the final position. Thereby, upon installation of the sealing device 2, all the advantages of the embodiment as described by FIGS. 3 to 5 are maintained before the second contact area 31 is established, and in the final position, Once the second contact area 31 is established and the outer seal 20 is thereby locked, a further improved overall sealing performance is achieved.

  It can be seen that the annular sealing ring 23 projects locally above the inner side surface of the base 22. The protrusion 33, in the embodiment shown, has a substantially circular cross-section, forms a suitable first contact area between the annular sealing ring 23 and the outer free surface 17 and is undercut. The product can also be taken out. The annular sealing ring 23 is suitable for establishing a first contact between the outer sealing portion 20 and the neck portion 25 and so that it slides easily onto the outer free surface 17. The surface 29 is further provided with a funnel-shaped first introduction part that acts as an inclined surface for 23.

The sealing means 2 shown is further provided with a hole seal 36 that reaches into the opening of the neck 25 in the closed position. The hole sealing portion 36 has a substantially conical shape extending from the valley, and forms an angle α radially outward with respect to the free end of the disc-shaped upper end portion 4 of the closure 1. Are interconnected. The cross section of the base portion 37 of the hole sealing portion 36 is substantially V-shaped at an angle β having its apex in the free end region. The hole sealing part 36 further has a funnel-shaped second introduction part on the surface 38 that ensures easy insertion of the hole sealing part 36 into the opening of the neck 25. Adjacent to the second introduction part in the surface 38, the hole sealing part is here provided with an annular contact surface 39, so that in the closed position the sealing means 2 and the inner side surface 41 of the neck 25 A third contact area 32 is formed between the two. The sealing means 2 is shown in an undeformed stage and can be seen to be due to the overlap of the neck 25 with the geometry. However, it is clear that the closure 1 is adjusted during operation on the neck 25 due to the elastic deformability of the closure material. The trough diameter Dr of the hole seal 36 is selected so that the hole seal 36 does not interact with the closure neck in the area of its base. When attaching the annular sealing means 20 to the neck 25, the hole sealing section 36, it is to fit into the inner diameter Di of the opening of the neck 25, the direction r ^- bent inwardly to. In the embodiments of the invention described herein, the third contact area 32 established in the closed position is configured with a vertical height (z-axis) that is substantially the same as the first contact area 30 of the outer seal 20. Has been. Such an arrangement at the same height ensures that the neck 25 is held and the tightness and sealing performance are increased. This bend angle of the closure can be adjusted by an effective length Lb corresponding to the distance between the third contact area 32 and the valley of the hole seal 36. To obtain a larger bend, the effective length Lb of the hole seal 36 is increased and to reduce the lower bend it is reduced (this bend corresponds to the angle at which the closure is rotated until the bend occurs). To do). Depending on the field of application, the hole seal can be omitted.

  When a sealing means is provided in that area or adjacent to the intermediate upper end face 35, a substantially V-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) is provided at the upper end sealing part (fourth contact area / sealing area). And interacts with the annular upper end surface 27 of the neck 25 in the closed position.

  FIG. 9 shows in a side view yet another embodiment of a closure 1 comprising a sealing device according to the invention made by a two-component injection molding process. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view along the line EE of the closure according to FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 shows an enlarged detail F of FIG.

  The best manufacturing method of the sealing means as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is described in detail in the same inventor's international patent application PCT / EP2005 / 051559 as the invention disclosed in this specification. The contents of which are fully incorporated into this patent application with all embodiments.

  Attention is now directed to FIG. The cross-section and function of the sealing means 2 as shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the sealing means shown in FIG. 8 with the only difference that the sealing means 2 is here made of two materials (shell material). And lining material). Therefore, for function, reference is made to FIG. 8 and the description accompanying it.

  With respect to the closure described in FIGS. 1 to 8 above, the closure means 2 of the closure according to FIGS. 9 to 11 is preferably made from two materials by a two-component injection molding process. The outer shell 45 made from the shell material (the disc-shaped upper end 4 and the outer skirt 3), and the lining material, which covers all surfaces touching the goods contained in the container to be sealed here. A sealing lining 46 is provided. The outer shell 2 of the closure 1 is preferably made from polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) so that the sealing lining 46 is a more flexible lining material such as Darex ™. Preferably it is formed from. The outer shell 45 and the sealing lining 46 are securely joined together along their interface surfaces 49, 50 to allow safe mounting and positioning of the sealing means 2 as shown herein. ing.

  The base 22 of the sealing means 20 comprises an outer downward leg 47 made from a shell material, which supports an inner skirt 48 made from a lining material. The downward legs 47 support and secure an inner skirt 48 and an annular sealing ring 23 that are partially made from a lining material and are laterally and vertically disposed at the end of the base 22. It can be seen that the lining 46 is formed so that it extends in the xy direction along the inner upper end surface 35 of the closure 1 and then descends along the outer downward leg 47 (in the z direction). The inner skirt 48 is fused into the vertical upper end surface 35 by the fusion part 34. Inner skirt 48 and inner base 22 are shown undeformed, but spread radially outward upon attachment of the closure to the neck. The vertical interface 49 between the outer downward legs 47 of the sealing lining 46 and the inner skirt 48 of the illustrated embodiment is generally straight so that the lining 46 can be easily removed after molding in the first stage. It is slightly tapered. Depending on the field of application, the interface is indicated by the line s so that the lower end of the outer seal 20 is made entirely of shell material and is only supported at its lower end by the outer downward legs 47. Different shapes may be used.

  As described with respect to FIG. 8, the sealing means may comprise a substantially V-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) in its area or adjacent to the intermediate upper end face 35, which is It forms a seal (fourth contact area) and interacts with the annular upper end surface 27 of the neck 25 in the closed position (see FIG. 8).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing means 2 further includes a hole sealing portion 36 having a substantially olive-like cross section, unlike the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8. It can be seen that the sealing portion 36 is integrated into the lining disk 46. Where appropriate, the hole seal 36 may comprise a portion made from shell material to obtain increased lateral support. Alternatively or additionally, the hole seal can be supported by lateral ribs (not shown in detail).

A closure with sealing means is shown in a perspective view from below. Fig. 2 shows the closure according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view from above. The closure provided with the sealing means of 1st Embodiment is shown with the side view. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the line AA of the closure according to Fig. 3; FIG. 5 shows detail B of FIG. The closure provided with the sealing means of 2nd Embodiment is shown with the side view. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the line CC of the closure according to FIG. Detail D of FIG. 7 is shown. The closure provided with the sealing means of 3rd Embodiment is shown with the side view. 10 shows a cross-sectional view along the line EE of the closure according to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a detail F of FIG.

Claims (14)

In the sealing means (2) of the closure (1) for sealing the neck (25) of the container,
The closure (1) includes a base having a disc-shaped upper end portion (4), and a skirt (3) having retaining means adjacent to the base and configured to engage the neck of the container. And
The sealing means (2)
A radially deformable outer sealing means (20) suitable for engaging the outer free surface (17) of the neck (25) of the container;
Said outer sealing means (20),
a) An annular base (22) spaced radially from the skirt (3) of the closure (1) by a gap (24) and extending substantially perpendicularly from the disc-shaped upper end portion (4) of the closure. )When,
b) Constructed at the free end of the annular base (22), protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the base (22) and when in the engaged position with the neck (25) An annular sealing ring (23) forming a first contact area (30) with the outer free surface (17) of 25);
c) a fusion portion (34) provided inside the annular base (22) and interconnecting the annular base (22) to the disc-shaped upper end portion (4) of the closure (1);
With
d) When the sealing means (2) and the neck (25) are engaged with each other, the fusion part (34) is connected to the edge (28) of the neck (25) of the container and the outer sealing. Forming a second sealed area (31) with the means (20), and when the edge surface (28) presses the fusion part (34), by controlled deformation of the annular base (22), A functional interconnection for pulling the annular sealing ring (23) inward and pressing it against the outer free surface (17) of the neck (25) of the container comprises the first contact area (30) and the second sealing area. (31), and is configured to more reliably press the annular sealing ring (23) against the outer free surface (17) .
The fusion part (34) has a concave cross section;
Sealing means characterized in that the fusion part (34) has a radius R which is greater than the radius of the edge surface (28) of the neck (25) of the container . The annular sealing ring (23) is suitable for establishing a first contact between the outer sealing part (20) and the neck (25) and easily onto the outer free surface (17). characterized in that it comprises a surface (29) comprising a funnel-shaped first introduction part that acts as an inclined surface for sliding proceeds as annular sealing ring (23), sealing means according to claim 1. It said outer sealing means (20), characterized in that it comprises a lining which is produced from lined material (46), sealing means according to claim 1. Sealing means according to claim 3 , characterized in that the outer sealing means (20) comprises an inner skirt (48) extending vertically (in the z-direction) along the outer downward leg (47). Sealing means according to claim 4 , characterized in that the annular sealing ring (23) made from a lining material is constructed at the end of the inner skirt (48). Characterized in that it comprises holes sealing portion (36), sealing means according to any one of claims 1-5. 7. Sealing means according to claim 6 , characterized in that the hole sealing part is made from a lining material. 8. Sealing means according to claim 7 , characterized in that the hole seal (36) has a core made of shell material. The hole sealing part (36) is formed by a substantially conical base part projecting radially outward at an angle (α) and an annular contact surface (39) configured in the area of the maximum diameter of the hole sealing part (36). 9. Any one of claims 6 to 8 , characterized in that the base has a substantially funnel-shaped introduction surface interconnected and the base has a continuously decreasing thickness with respect to its lower free end. The sealing means according to claim 1. The sealing means according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , characterized in that the hole sealing part (36) has a substantially olive-like cross section. The sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the hole sealing portion (36) is supported by a lateral rib. Closure comprising a sealing means according to any one of claim 1 to 11 (1). A lining (46) made from a lining material comprising said lining (46) securely joined to the outer shell (45) of a closure made from a shell material by a two-component injection molding process. 13. A closure device according to claim 12 , characterized. A method for attaching a closure (1) comprising a sealing means according to claim 1 to the neck (25) of a container,
a) aligning the closure (1) above the neck (25);
b) moving the closure (1) relative to the neck (25) until contact is established between the outer sealing means (20) and the edge (28) of the neck (25); Step to
c) The annular sealing ring (23) slides over the outer free surface (17) of the neck (25) so that the annular sealing ring (23) extends in the circumferential direction, and the first sealing area ( 30) is established and until the second sealed area (31) is established between the edge surface (28) and the fusion part (34), the closure (1) is placed on the neck. Further moving with respect to (25);
A method comprising the steps of:

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