PL196014B1 - Cup-shaped receptacle and lid - Google Patents

Abstract

A cup-shaped receptacle (c) has an outer bead (10) in its opening area for clipping on a plastic lid (D). The lid has a circumferentially continous clamping groove (1) for receiving the bead. The clamping groove is continued outwards by an elastically deformable constriction (14), and inwards by an outer wall ( 6) of a circumferentially continuous, U-shaped lid recess, the U-web (22) of which is situated below the height position of the constriction and the inner leg wall (23) of which forms a part of a dome (2) wall of a dome which extends upwardly beyond the height position of the constriction. The lid recess extends downwards beyond the height position of the constriction and has an outer diameter at its outer surface which is adapted to the inner diameter of the receptacle wall such that the lid recess functions at least as a centring and guide projection for the lid-clip-on action, which projection slidingly co-operates with the receptacle wall already at least while the bead passes the constriction.

Description

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a cup-shaped container and a cover for such a container.

In the plastic snap-on lid of a cup-shaped container according to US Patent No. 5,253,781, the outer surface of the outer leg wall of the lid recess extends downwardly slightly beyond the height of the leg. The conical angle and the outer diameter of the outer surface match the tapered angle and the inner diameter of the container wall such that the outer surface does not make clear contact with the container wall even when the bead of the container, which is inserted as a rollover rim, is fully seated in the snap groove. Due to the relatively small outer surface and the large radius of the U-shaped web of the cover recess, the latching groove tilts inward during the latching movement; this prevents the bead from sliding smoothly over the entire circumferential length while passing through the structure. It is first necessary to manually center the cover with the snap groove exactly on the bead and then clamp it onto the cover by pressing directly on the top side of the snap groove with a rotating sliding movement of the hand. This clamping in operation is cumbersome, time consuming, and increases the risk that the bead does not properly snap into the latching groove at some points along the circumference of the cup opening. As a result, fluid may leak when the full cup is tilted. The lid easily overflows when the full container overturns because the opening area of the cup readily deforms radially.

US Patent No. 5,975,344 discloses a high-volume PE container formed by injection molding with a cylindrical wall of the container in the upper region of the opening and a heavy-duty injection-molded lid, the surface of which is located below the elevation (elevation) of the uppermost periphery of the lid.

Patent DE 10 057 277 discloses a spill-resistant bottle neck cover, the top surface of which (Figs. 3 to 6) is formed with a conical or cylindrical central depression. The lower portion of the depression has a thinner wall than the upper surface of the cover and has intersecting, continuously open score lines for the introduction of the straw. The lid is a spare part to replace the usual bottle cap supplied.

The object of the invention is to provide a container and a cover that is adapted to said container, by means of which easy clamping of the cover during handling, even by unskilled persons, can be achieved, so that snapping onto the cover ensures leakage resistance and overflows slightly when the full cup overturns. out. Although the invention aims to achieve a high holding force for the lid and a very good seal, the lid should be clipped easily.

Since, according to the invention, the outer branch wall has a relatively large downward span, the U-shaped web of the cover recesses and the inner branch wall together constitute a rigid centering and guide projection which slidingly contacts the container wall at least while the bead is sliding through. by a constriction. The latch groove is automatically precisely centered on the bead and the bead is virtually snapped in one pass and along its entire circumferential length, passing through the constriction into the latching groove exerting pressure on essentially only the top face of the dome. The sliding contact between the outer surface of the container wall guides the constriction uniformly over the bead, since the bead is guided and centered by the bead everywhere to exert a uniform pressure on the lid downward movement. The guiding protrusion converts the pressure exerted on the dome into a downward pulling force uniformly distributed along the throat to pull the throat uniformly over the bead, until the bead is correctly positioned in the snap groove.

This advantageous effect of the centering and guiding protrusion, which is now a cone or cylinder, and the uniform transmission force, in cooperation, allows a high pressing force to be introduced between the bead and the snap groove, said pressing force being due to the relatively narrow dimensioning between the bead and the snap groove and given flexibility. Thus, snapping onto the lid prevents leakage and the bead, even locally, does not leave a latching groove when the full cup is tipped over. The shape of the dome and the recess of the cover results in a rigid bonded structure

Integrally with the lid, through which structure, the latching force exerted effectively latches the lid without significant distortion of the lid. Snapping onto the lid significantly stiffens the opening area of the container resulting in very good spill resistance as well as good leakage resistance.

A particularly important aspect of the invention is a circumferentially continuously operating hinge mechanism connected to the lid. This allows the cover to be easily clipped on, in practice by a quick clamping by hand. As soon as pressure is applied to at least the top wall of the dome, the dome lowers, the displaced inner branch wall tilts the U-shaped web downwards around the hinge formed in the transition between the U-shaped web and the outer branch wall as soon as it resists movement the narrowing above the bead begins to increase. The tilting movement of the U-shaped web temporarily tends to pull the outer branch wall away from the inner wall of the container. The contact between the bead and the constriction tilts the constriction outward and the clamping groove deviates slightly. Due to the snap-on pressure or, if necessary, also by automatic or alternative pressure on the outer cover area when the dome is pushed downwards, the bead easily passes through the constriction in one pass. When the thrust ceases, the hinge mechanism reestablishes the fit of the lid, that is, the U-shaped web returns to a position clearly perpendicular to the axis of the lid and firmly holds the outer branch wall against the inner wall of the container. The constriction is returned behind the bead until the bead is tight and hermetically sealed by the interference in the clamping groove. The dome projecting upwards allows the linkage mechanisms to be actuated primarily by lowering the dome relative to the snap groove to open the snap groove before the bead rests on it. The dome then returns to its original raised position. During the snapping action of the dome, the top wall can lower by pressure until the hand of the hand helps around the perimeter of the cover to easily complete the snapping action.

The bead of the container may be formed as a beaded bead or a fully curled bead or a partially curled bead or half curled bead or as an outwardly curved bead edge. The easy and convenient snapping action of the lid is achieved in any case, making the lid leakproof and giving the lid a firm hold effect. One lid model fits many bead models.

The cover is designed for optimal and easy snapping action despite a high force press fit. Due to its shape, the cover is relatively stiff in its central area so that the bead can easily and completely be clamped into the clamping groove for close fit and press fit exactly by pressing towards the clamp, assisted by guiding the guide projection and by temporarily opening the latching groove by movement the dome relative to the narrowing.

In this function it may be important that the U-shaped web extends clearly flat and clearly perpendicular to the axis of the cover and that the inner leg wall is clearly parallel to the axis of the cover. Due to these design features the integral hinge mechanism functions correctly when downward pressure is applied to the cover, mainly because for mechanical reasons the inner leg behaves more rigid than the outer leg wall when the U-shaped web tilts so that the outer leg is consequently the branch wall is to bend inwards under pressure and then opens the clamping groove from the inside.

It may be advantageous when the outer surface is sliding in contact with the wall of the container before the bead begins to elastically deform the constriction. As a result, the clamping groove and the constriction, respectively, are superimposed over the bead in a perfectly centered position such that the bead has to overcome substantially the same resistance in order to pass over its entire circumferential length and thus be easily and uniformly clamped in the clamping groove.

When the conical angles of the outer surface and the container wall are approximately identical, the outer diameter of the outer surface should correspond at the height of the throat to at least approximately the inner diameter of the container wall in the area of the opening, so that the centering and guiding effect begins before the bead reaches narrows 4

PL 196 014B1 nia. When the bead snaps into the snap groove, the particularly fragile material of the container flexes under pressure in the bead on the container wall so as to achieve strong positive engagement when the lid is tightened. Additionally or alternatively, also the outer leg wall of the lid recess may flex slightly inward under pressure as a consequence of the contact pressure between the outer surface and the container wall.

The outer diameter of the outer surface in the snap groove may even be significantly larger than the inner diameter of the container wall in the region of the opening, i.e. where the inner wall curves outwardly into the bead. This rhythm ensures that during the entire movement of the bead, a significant guidance and centering occurs after passing through the constriction into the locking groove. A particularly large diameter of approximately 35% _O may be advantageous, ie between approximately 15% _{and 5% O} depending on the size of the container.

The markedly downward extension of the outer surface beyond the throat height is of great importance for the intended centering and guiding effect. The cover can be clamped by simply applying pressure clearly only to the dome. The outer surface may be at least 2.5 times the height of the latching groove. Providing 3 times the height or even 4 times the height of the latch groove can still be more advantageous. It should be noted that due to the pressure between the outer surface and the wall of the container and through the contact area, an extremely effective sealing effect is created in addition to the sealing effect of the bead in the snap groove.

A cone angle of approximately between 6 ° and 12 °, that is a total cone angle of approximately between 12 ° and 24 °, may be preferred. The preferred angular range is between approximately 8 ° and 10 °, i.e. generally approximately between 16 ° and 20 °.

Depressions created where the apex of the dome's top wall meets the dome's outer wall facilitate the easy snap action of the cover and increase the dome's stiffness. Then, depressions give visual cues where to use the fingers and mark pinch points for convenient removal of the lid from the lid stack. The undercut depressions not only provide manual latching but may even define a shoulder of the stacked lid. Each lid can only remain with the depressions on the top dome wall of the next lid so that the lids on the stack cannot be blocked.

In order to achieve a tight press fit between the bead and the snap groove, which is important for tightness, the radial thickness of the bead should be greater than the radial width of the interior of the snap groove. The delicate paper or cardboard material of the container or the patent material of the bead, respectively, will flex under pressure on the inside and outside as soon as the bead engages in the clamping groove. Crushed areas with flat contact areas, i.e. not only line contacts, give a better sealing effect.

The radial thickness of the bead should be between 10% and 20%, preferably approximately 15%, greater than the average radial width of the interior of the locking groove. This dimensioning gives a good sealing effect and at the same time only moderate force is required to snap the lid onto the container.

For a better effect of holding the lid on the bead and for gradual squeezing of the material, the radial width of the interior of the latching groove may taper in the opposite direction to the snapping-on direction, preferably with the conical angle of the container wall. The snap groove, in this case, creates a wedge effect until it finally comes into place.

In order to achieve a better holding effect for snapping the lid on, at least one belt-like region with increased coefficient of friction should be provided on the outer surface of the outer branch wall and / or in the inner wall of the container. This can result in increased frictional engagement between the lid and the container and the opening area of the rigid cup.

Another important aspect of the invention is that the constriction may consist of successive depressions, deeper and shallower depressions formed externally. Preferably, the deeper depressions are longer in the circumferential direction than the shallower depressions. This facilitates the snapping action but produces a stable and lasting holding effect and stiffens the lid area.

PL 196 014 B1

A plurality of beverage distinguishing protrusions on the top wall of the dome may be provided to enable the type of fluid to be distinguished from outside, e.g. coca, diet drink, orange juice etc. The protrusions may be pressed with buttons.

Another generally important aspect is the penetration area formed on the top face of the dome. The area may have a wall thinner than at least the top wall of the dome, and has intersecting score lines through which a straw can be conveniently inserted through breaking score lines. The thinner wall thickness makes it easier to insert the straw. A smaller wall thickness can be created by local material compression of the cover. The area of less wall thickness is especially useful for a relatively rigid cover having a slightly thicker wall than the walls of conventional covers. However, providing a thinner area is generally advantageous for such covers as this layer generally facilitates the introduction of the straw.

The penetration area for introducing the straw is preferably provided in the lower part of the recess, for example located in the center of the top wall of the dome. The reduced thickness of the bottom wall increases the stiffness of the dome due to the easy snapping action.

The penetration region may be curved inward to facilitate the introduction of the straw and to increase the resistance to outward curving by the pressure of the liquid. The curvature also causes automatic closure of the dashed break lines when the straw is withdrawn and when fluid pressure is applied from the center to the flaps defined by the dashed break lines. The contour of the cavity, corresponding to two ellipses, the main axes of which are offset by 90 ° in relation to each other, increases the stiffness of the dome and offers an attractive appearance of the dome model. The score lines are preferably formed along the major axes of both ellipses. It may be sufficient to bring only the thin walled core portion of the bottom instead of facilitating the introduction of the straw.

Another important aspect of the invention is directed to the easy crimping lid of a conical double wall paper or cardboard container. Typically, double wall paper or cardboard containers have an opening area where the inner wall of the container is deformed outwardly on the step and is associated with the outer wall of the container. The cone angle of the inner conical wall of the container double wall is greater below the widened upper region of the opening that forms an extension of the container bottom wall by the circumferential shoulder and has a smaller or even zero cone angle from the container bottom wall. The lid located on the bead already contacts the inner wall of the widened area of the bore through the centering and guiding cone when the bead comes into contact with the constriction. During the snap action the lid is centered and guided over the bead. The centering and guiding protrusion is pulled inward due to the deformation occurring between the downwardly pressed dome and the snap groove so that the bead more easily passes through the constriction. The lid, when locked in position, provides high leakage resistance and stiffness in the region of the container opening.

Preferably, the cone angle of the outer surface of the centering and guide projection may either be zero or a value that is smaller than the cone angle angle of the inner wall of the container. The rigid centering and guide protrusion presses the bead tightly into the snap groove and can even deform the region of the double wall opening of the container to intensely stiffen and seal the rim portion of the container.

The centering and guiding protrusion, in this case, should extend downwardly through an inwardly directed step portion of the outer leg wall dimensioned for a press fit effect with the container wall. The inward stepped portion should have a cone angle clearly equal to the cone angle of the inner wall of the receptacle below the top stepped opening region. The interaction between the stepped portion and the inner wall of the container provides an intense seal even deep inside the container.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in the figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of the cover.

Figure 2 is a sectional view along the axis of the cover of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a section along the axis of a container for which the lid of Figures 1 and 2 is to be used.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged phase sectional view in time of the snapping action of the lid on the container.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase where the lid is fully latched to the container.

PL 196 014B1

Figure 6 shows an axial sectional view of a further embodiment of the lid.

Figure 7 shows a side view of a portion of the cover of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a portion of the lid member of Figure 6 in the lid snap action phase in which the bead of the container has just narrowed.

Figure 9 shows a view corresponding to Figure 8, in a snap action phase, in which the snap-on groove and temporarily is slightly open when the cover is snapped on.

Figure 10 shows a view corresponding to Figure 8, in the phase in which the lid is properly latched.

Figure 11 shows a top view of the dome of the cover of fig. 6.

Figure 12 shows an axial section at the center of the dome of Figure 11 in a sectional plane along the line XII-XII.

Figure 13 shows an axial section view of a further embodiment of the lid.

Figure 14 shows a view of the cover of the above-mentioned. Fig. 13.

Figure 15 shows a cover stack consisting of the individual covers of Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 16 shows an axial section view of the lid and the double wall container in a phase of preparing the lid-snap action.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 16 with the lid fully latched to the double wall container and

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5 of another embodiment.

A cover D to be used in a cup-shaped container C consisting of paper or cardboard or plastic is e.g. cut from a flexible plastic foil and has a wall thickness e.g. 0.3 to 0.5 mm (Fig. 1). ). The lid is adapted to snap in the area of the opening 9 of the container C such that said container C is sealed leak-proof and so that the cover D will not fall off, even if the full container C overturns. The cover D (fig. 1) is provided with a circumferential continuous snap groove 1 over the plane whose dome 2 arches inside the snap groove 1. The dome 2 is separated from the snap groove 1 by a circumferential clearly uniform recess of the cover V and is provided with a clearly flat the top wall of the dome 5 and the individual circumferentially distributed depressions 3. Concerning the latching groove, the outer leg wall 4 of the cover recess V (FIG. 2) extends clearly downward beyond the plane of the latching groove 1.

The cover D (Fig. 2) is clamped to the opening area 9 of the container C (Fig. 3) by applying pressure R, i.e. only to the top wall of the dome 5 in the snap-on direction. The top wall of the dome 5 extends substantially parallel to the plane of the cover D. The recess of the cover V has a U-shaped cross section and coaxially surrounds the dome 2. The recess of the cover V is delimited by the outer wall of the branch 4, which in this embodiment tapers conically towards bottom, U-shaped lower web 22, and leg inner wall 23 that forms an upwardly extending dome outer wall. The outer branch wall 4 has an outer surface 6 that extends into the snap groove 1. The outer surface 6 is arranged at a cone angle 2 which may correspond substantially at least to the cone angle a / 2 of the container wall 7 of the container C.

At the lower end of the container wall 7 in Fig. 3, a lower container part 8 is arranged, as well as the container opening area 9 is delimited by the container wall 7 and an outwardly projecting bead 10, preferably the circumferential rim 11 thus wrapped, consisting of cardboard or paper material. container C. In the case of a plastic container, the bead 10 may also be formed by injection molding. The bead, on the other hand, may be only a semi-curved bead or an outwardly projecting bead flange.

Figure 4 shows the cover D on the bead 10 which is formed as a beaded circumferential rim 11. The groove 14 of the cover D remains on the bead.

The outer branch wall 4 is extended at its upper end by a wall 12 which extends approximately parallel to the plane of the cover and through a peripheral cover 13. Cover 13 extends approximately parallel to the axis of the cover D down the throat 14.

The constriction 14 may be a cut-like depression on the outside and forms an inner rounded apex 15. The apex 15 and the constriction 14 can extend in the circumferential direction or alternatively can be formed by separate local depressions

An approximately outer contour extends between which (shown in broken lines) extends. The constriction 14 extends downwardly through an outwardly inclined wall 16 defining a snap-on ramp 17. From wall 16, a distal cover 18 extends downwards, terminating in an outer flange 19. The height of distal cover 18 may be lower than shown.

The radial thickness Y of the bead 10, measured at the transition from the rectilinear wall of the container 7 to the curve of the bead 10, may be greater than the radial width Y1 of the interior of the latch groove 1. The radial thickness Y may be greater than the interior width Y1 by about 10% to 20% preferably by about 15%. In the latch groove 1, the radial width Y1 of the interior gradually decreases, preferably with the cone angle [alpha] / 2 from the constriction 14 towards the wall 12.

A latch groove 1 defines a length L between the tip 15 and the inside of the wall 12. The outer leg wall 4 extends downward beyond the height of the throat 14 through a length L1 which may be at least 2.5 times the height L, preferably 3 times and even more preferably 4 L height or more.

The outer diameter D1 of the outer surface 6 of the branch outer wall 4 at the position of the height of the constriction 14 (i.e. tip 15) at least largely corresponds to the inner diameter D7 of the container wall 7 on the bead 10, e.g. outside the curve of the bead 10. The outer diameter D2 of the outer surface 6 of the outer branch wall at the junction with the wall 12 is even significantly larger than the inner diameter D7, preferably about 1.5% to 5.0 °%, preferably about 3.5% about.

When the pressure R is exerted on the dome 2 in Fig. 4, the outer surface 6 is already in sliding contact with the wall of the container 7 before or as soon as the bead 10 reaches the constriction 14. The recess in the cover V forms a centering and guiding protrusion K which supports and facilitates the operation. easy latching of the cover D. It is preferable that the sliding contact is established even before the bead 10 reaches the throat 14. While the cover D is still pressed further downward, the bead 10 deforms the throat 14 elastically forward; during this process, also the bead 10 is slightly deformed before it slides over apex 15 and snaps into the latch groove 1 (Fig. 5). The intersecting hatched areas shown in Figure 5 show the compressed areas 20, 21 formed in the bead 10 and the wall of the container 7 to facilitate sealing, retention and stiffening. Alternatively or additionally, the already outer wall of the branch 4 may slightly bend inwards under pressure (shown in broken lines by reference number 21 ').

The cover D in Figures 6 to 10 differs from the cover D of Figs. from 1 to 5 through the modified throat pattern 14 and through the recess 24 in the top wall of the dome 5. The throat 14 (FIG. 7) is formed by alternating successive deeper and shallower depressions 16a, 16b. The depressions 16a, 16b form an inner vertex 15 'line-shaped with a longitudinal fracture. The deeper depressions 16a may be longer in the circumferential direction than the shallower depressions 16b. Then, Fig. 7 shows the shortened skirt 18 in dashed line 19 '.

In Figure 6, the recess 24 has a lower dome region 25 of limited size clearly parallel to it and positioned below the top wall of the dome 5. The thickness of the cover wall x is clearly constant. Only area 25 is thinner (thickness x 1), for example by material compression. The area 25 is located in the center of the top wall 5 of the dome. For the introduction of the straw, area 25 is formed by intersecting dashed lines 26. Preferably, area 25 may be curved towards the inner side of dome 2.

The depressions 3 at the transition from the top wall 5 of the dome to the inner wall of the branch 23 increase the stiffness of the dome 2 and allow the lid D to be clamped with the fingertips, for example to make it easier to remove the lid D from the lid stack and place the lid D on the container C. be exerted by lowering 3 on the dome. However, preferably the easy snapping action can be performed by pressing the palm of the hand against the top wall 5 of the dome.

In Fig. 6, the outer branch wall 4 may have at least one belt-like circumferential region 30 in which the friction coefficient is increased in order to achieve an intense holding effect as soon as the cover D is clamped. Area 30 may be placed higher than shown or may be narrower or wider. A suitable area with an increased coefficient

The friction may also be provided in the wall 7 of the container either in place of the area 30 on the lid or in co-operation with the area 30 provided on the lid D.

The circumferentially continuous hinge mechanism M is integrally connected to the cover D through the model and shape of the dome 2 of the cover V recess. The hinge mechanism can assist in clamping the cover D as detailed in Figures 6-10.

The hinge mechanism M of the cover D consists of a dome 2, an inner branch wall 23, a U-shaped web 22 and an outer branch wall 4. Transitions of the outer branch wall 4 to the U-shaped web 22 and the U-shaped web 22 to the inner branch wall 23 delimited by hinges 29.

The inner leg wall 23 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cover, the U-shaped web 22 being flat and perpendicular to the cover axis. It should be noted that due to the stiffness of the dome 2 and due to the smaller diameter of the inner branch wall 23 in relation to the larger diameter of the outer branch wall 4, the outer branch wall will slope inward more easily than the inner branch wall 23. This effect is provided for a temporary purpose only. opening the latch groove 1 i to achieve easy latching of the cover.

In Fig. 8, the cover D is placed over the bead 10 of the container C so that the total circumferential extension of the constriction 14 is centered on the bead 10. The outer branch wall 4 contacts the container wall 7. Now the snapping pressure R is exerted on, for example, the top wall. 5 of the dome, for example by a flat hand until the top wall 5 of the dome is lowered (Fig. 9).

In Fig. 9, the reaction force R 'acts counter to the snap-on force R because the constriction 14 is seated on the bead 10. The inner leg wall 23 inclines the U-shaped web 22 downwards through the inner hinge 29 at the transition from the inner leg wall. 23 to the U-shaped web 22. Due to the radial stiffness of the dome 2, the slope of the U-shaped web 22 is the result of the force 28 acting on the outer hinge 29. The force 20 releases the outer wall of the branch 4 from the container wall 7 so that even the snap groove 1 may open slightly. from the inside. The cover 18 moves outward in the direction of the arrow 27 by the force of action so that even the latching groove 1 may temporarily open slightly on the outside. Under the effect of the latching force R, and since the top wall 5 of the dome is lowered by further pressing against the wall 12, the bead 10 slides through the throat 14 until it finally slides into the latching groove 1.

In Figure 10, the latching force R is stopped. The U-shaped web 22 returns by flexibility to a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cover and presses the outer wall of the leg 4 against the wall of the container 1. The cover 8 also returns through flexibility. The locking groove 1 tightly holds the bead 10. The centering projection K and the locking groove 1 significantly stiffen part of the opening of the container C.

In Fig. 11, the recess 24 has a wall contour resembling a four-petal flower, i.e. a contour which may be characterized by two equal ellipses, the main axes of which slide over 90 [deg.]. Score lines 26 in region 25 extend along the major axes of both ellipses.

Figure 12 shows the differences between the wall thickness x and the wall thickness x1 in area 25 on an enlarged scale. Area 25 may be inward curved as shown or may be parallel to the top wall 5 of the dome. A smaller x1 wall thickness is not required for the entire area 25. It would suffice to provide only a thin-walled central part of area 25, for example by material compression in the manufacture of cover D.

The radial width of the U-shaped annular web 22 in Figures 6 to 10 may be about 10% of the outer diameter of cover D, while the diameter of the top wall 5 may be about 60% of the outer diameter of cover D.

The embodiment of the lid Dz fig. 13 and 14 is similar to the embodiment of fig. 6 to fig. 12 but is additionally provided with a drink separating, regularly spaced protrusions 5a on the top wall of the dome 5. There are for example four oval protrusions 5a, delimiting the drink and each has an indication and / or a push button on its upper part. It is standard equipment for many lids on the market. The projections 5a are arranged at a small radial distance from the outer edge of the top wall of the dome 5 and also at a small radial distance from the central recess 24. Then, the depressions 3 are made with an undercut so that they can be clamped more easily.

With the fingertips when cover D is to be removed from a stack of several covers (as shown in Fig. 15). Each depression 3 may define a lateral shoulder 3a which can serve to retain the stack as shown in Fig. 15, such that a shoulder 3a remains on the top wall of the dome 5 of the next stack cover D. The shoulder 3a preferably prevents the stacked length of the covers from sticking together, since the stacked length of the covers abut each other mainly where the shoulder 3a remains on the top wall of the dome 5 and where the walls of the outer branch abut one another. This feature results in an orderly and compact stack from which each cover D can be easily removed. In the illustrated embodiment, eight reductions have been made 3.

The cover D in Figures 13 to 15 also has a centering and guide projection K (guide cone) and a hinge mechanism M to facilitate the snap action.

Figures 16 and 17 show easy clamping of the lid D of a double wall CD holder. A double walled CD container has an inner wall 7 and an outer wall 7c with an air gap therebetween to provide a heat-insulating effect. The bead 10 is formed at the upper end of the inner wall 7. A double-walled CD container is first formed at a cone angle [alpha] / 2 which extends into the bead 10. During the formation process, the upper part of the inner wall 7 is widened outwardly so as to the area of the opening 9a is formed where the cone angle α '/ 2 is smaller than the cone angle α / 2 or even almost zero and so that a shoulder 7b is formed. The lid D for a double-walled CD container has the already described centering guide projection K. In this case, the projection K is formed such that the outer surface 6 is either cylindrical (as shown) or has a small conical angle b / 2 between 0 ° (cylindrical) or a value similar to, but less than, the conical angle α '/ 2.

The outer surface 6 or outer leg wall 4 is extended by an inwardly stepped wall portion 4b such that a shoulder 4a is formed. The outer surface portion 6a of the wall portion 4b is inclined by a conical angle [alpha] / 2. The lower part of the centering and guiding protrusion K is formed by a U-shaped web 22 which extends clearly perpendicular to the central axis of the cover. The diameter D1 of the outer surface 6 corresponds substantially to the diameter D7 of the area of the hole 9a in the area of the bead 10.

In the area 9a of the opening, the inner parts of the inner wall of the container 7a and the outer parts of the outer wall of the branch 4 and the wall part 4a are designed to deform or adhere tightly under pressure when the cover D is fully latched onto the double wall CD container.

In Fig. 16, the cover D is centered on the double wall of the CD container so that the bead 10 approaches the constriction 14 from below. Then the outer surface 6 already contacts the inner wall of the container 7a in the area of the opening 9a to properly center and guide the cover D when the pressure R is exerted on the top wall of the dome 5, for example (not shown in Fig. 16).

When the snap-on forces pass through the constriction 14 above the bead 10, the outer surface 6 guides the cover D. When the U-shaped web 22 tilts downward, as already explained above, the outer branch wall 4 is slightly shifted towards the downward direction. downward, while the constriction 14 flexes outwardly. Thereby the constriction 14 can easily rest over the bead 10 until it reaches the position of Fig. 17. The bead 10 is then clamped on the outside and the inside. The adjoining wall portions (20 and 20 ') may be pinched. The shoulder 4a is either seated on the shoulder 7b or at least is close to the shoulder 7b.

A special contact pressure is achieved in the area 20 'giving an additional sealing effect in addition to the sealing effect achieved by the interaction between the snap groove 1 and the bead 10 and between the outer branch wall 4 and the inner part of the container wall 7a. In Fig. 17, the rigid dome structure of the cover D may even press the inner part of the receptacle wall 7a in parallel to the outer branch wall 4 resulting in a high holding force and with good effect and a clearly stiffened opening portion of the closed CD receptacle.

Additionally, the interaction between the arms 4a, 7b can engage a latch to limit the stop and prevent excessive deformation of the bead. The adjacent arms 4a, 7b can even keep the bead 10 and the latch groove 1 in an overfilled closing condition characterized by high leak resistance and high retaining force for the lid D.

PL 196 014B1

Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid D latched to one wall of the container C, similar to Figure 5. The bead 10 is completely folded inward circumferentially. The latching groove 1 of the cover D has a circular cross-section. The crossing hatches represent zones of strong contact, for example even slightly compressed surface portions. Between the latch groove 1 and the bead 10 there is a tight contact of more than 180 ° of the circumference of the bead 10. The outer leg wall 4 clearly stiffens the upper region of the opening against radial deformation.

Claims (28)

1. A cup-shaped container (C), in particular of paper or cardboard, provided with a snap-on cover (D) made of plastic, an area of the opening (9) of the container defined by the conical conical wall (7) converging upwards and outwards and projecting outwardly the bead (10), in particular the circumferentially curled rim (11), the cover (D) being formed with a circumferential snap groove (1) which is open in the lower surface of the cover to receive the bead (10), groove a snap-fit (1) having an outer lower end region and an elastically extending constriction (14) and on the inner side a cylindrical or conical outer surface (6) of the outer branch wall (4) of a circumferentially extending cover recess (V) with a U-shaped cross-section , U-shaped web (22) of the cover recess (V) placed below the height of the throat (14), inner side wall (23) of the cover recess (V) b being part of the dome wall, the dome (2) having the top face of the dome (5) located above the throat and a snap groove, respectively, characterized in that the recess in the cover (V) is formed with a depth to extend significantly downwardly beyond the throat height (14) and has an outer diameter (D1) on the outer surface (6) in the rise of the throat (14) adapted to the inner diameter (D7) of the receptacle wall (7) in the bead (10) such that during the easy snapping action of the lid (D ) the outer surface (6) of the cover recess (V) acts as a centering and guiding projection (K) of the cover cooperating by sliding contact with the container wall (7) at least when the bead (10) moves through the constriction (14) into the snap groove ( 1) when the downward latching thrust (R) is mainly exerted on the dome (2). 2. A container according to claim The closure of claim 1, characterized in that the dome (2) and lid recess (V) together constitute an integral circumferentially continuous hinge mechanism (M) for temporarily opening the latch groove (1) by displacing the outer wall of the branch (4) in an inward direction when the constriction (14) remains under the pressure (R) of the bead (10). 3. A container according to claim The method of claim 1, characterized in that the U-shaped web (22) is clearly flat and clearly perpendicular to the axis of the cover and in that the inner leg wall (23) extends clearly parallel to the axis of the cover. 4. A container according to claim 1 A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the centering and guiding projection (K) is formed so as to cooperate via sliding contact with the wall of the container (7) before the bead (10) reaches the constriction (14) from the lower side. 5. A container according to claim 1 The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer diameter (D1) of the outer surface (6) corresponds clearly at the height of the throat (14) to at least the inner diameter (D7) of the container wall (7) in the region of the opening (9) and in that the angles the cone (a / 2) of the container wall (7) and the outer conical surface (6) are at least approximately equal. 6. A container according to claim 1 5. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that in the latching groove (1) the outer diameter (D2) of the outer surface (6) is significantly larger than the inner diameter (D7) of the container wall (7) in the area of the opening (9), preferably from approximately 1.5% up to 5.0%, preferably about 3.5% _O. 7. A container according to claim 1 The method of claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface (6) extends downwardly beyond the height of the throat (14) by a length (L1) that is at least 2.5 times the height (L) of the latch groove (1). 8. A container according to claim 1 The method of claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface (6) extends downwardly beyond the height of the throat (14) by at least a length (L1) which is 3 times the inner height (L), preferably even 4 times or more of the height ( L) of the locking groove (1). PL 196 014 B1 9. A container according to claim 1 The method of claim 1, characterized in that the cone angle (a / 2) is between approximately 6 ° and 12 °, preferably between approximately 8 ° and 10 °. 10. A container according to claim 1 4. The dome (2), characterized in that the dome (2) has circumferential distributed depressions (3), preferably four or eight regularly distributed depressions (3) of identical size and depth in the transition between the top wall of the dome (5) and the upwardly extending inner wall branches (23). 11. A container according to claim 1 The method of claim 10, characterized in that each depression (3) defines a finger pressure indentation into the inner wall of the branch. 12. A container according to claim 1 10. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that each depression (3) is formed with a lower shoulder (3a) defining a stopping the stacking of the covers. 13. A container according to claim 1, 4. The process of claim 1, characterized in that at least one strip-like peripheral area (30) is provided on the outer surface (6) of said outer branch wall (4) and / or the container wall (7), said area (30) having an increased friction coefficient compared to the environment of said area (30). 14. A container according to claim 1, The bead according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial thickness (Y) of the bead (10) is greater than the radial inner width (Y1) of the locking groove (1). 15. A container according to claim 1, 14. The process of claim 14, wherein the radial thickness (Y) of the bead (10) is greater than the mean radial inner width (Y1) of the latch groove (10) by about 10% to 20%, preferably by about 15%. 16. A container according to claim 1 14. The process of claim 14, characterized in that the radial inner width (Y1) of the latching groove (1) decreases in the opposite direction to the latching direction from the constriction (14) to the front. 17. A cover (D) made of plastic, in particular a container (C) of conical or cardboard paper having an outer bead (10) in the area of the opening (9), the cover (D) being provided with a circumferential latching groove (1) which is open at the bottom of the cover surface to receive the bead (10) therein, the latch groove (1) extending at its outer lower end through the elastically expandable constriction (14) and at its inner lower end through a cylindrical or the conical outer surface (6) of the branch outer wall (4) of the circumferentially extending cover recess (V) with a clearly U-shaped cross-section with a U-shaped web (22) below the height of the constriction (14), the inner wall the branches (23) of the cover recess (V) forms part of the dome wall, the dome (2) embracing the upper surface of the dome (5) clearly above you the height of the throat (14) and the snap groove (1), characterized in that the recess of the cover (V) is formed with a depth that clearly extends downward beyond the height of the throat (14) and with the outer diameter (D1) on the outer surface (6) and substantially at the height of the throat (14) such that a recess in the cover (V) defines a centering and guide projection (K) for easy snapping action of the cover (D) on the bead (10) of the container (C). 18. A cover as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the dome (2) of the cover recess (V) together form a circumferentially continuous hinge mechanism (M) for temporarily opening the latch groove (1) by pulling the outer wall of the branch (4) inwards, the joint mechanism (M) is actuated during the snap action of the cover, in particular by the pressure (R) exerted on the top surface of the dome (5) to displace the dome with respect to the latching groove (1). 19. The cover according to claim 1 17, characterized in that the constriction (14) consists of successive and alternately deeper and shallower depressions (16a, 16b) formed on the outer side with preferably, deeper depressions (16a) which are circumferentially longer than the shallower depressions (16b) . 20. A cover according to claim 17. The apparatus of claim 17, characterized in that it has a plurality of regularly spaced upwardly projecting drink separating projections (5a) on the top wall of the dome (5). 21. A cover as claimed in claim 1; 17, characterized in that a penetration region (25) of a predetermined size is formed on the top wall of the dome (5), the penetration region (25) having a wall thickness (x1) thinner than at least the thickness of the dome top wall (x) and in that the penetration region (25) is formed with crossing score lines (26) for the introduction of the straw and that the penetration region (25) is positioned at the bottom of the thin wall of the recess (24) formed in the top of the dome wall (5), the lower part is positioned below the upper wall (5) PL 196 014B1 of the dome and the thickness (x1) of the thin lower part of the wall is formed by local material compression. 22. A cover as claimed in claim 1; 21, characterized in that the recess (24) is positioned substantially at the center in the top wall of the dome (5), that the recess (24) has a recess wall contour clearly corresponding to two overlapping equal ellipses whose principal axes shift relative to each other by 90 And in that said score lines (25) extend along the intersecting major axes of the ellipses. 23. A plastic cover (D), especially for a double-conical-walled paper or cardboard container (CD) having an outer bead (10) in the conical and stepped area of the opening (9a), the cover (D) being provided with a circumferential latching groove (1) which is open in the lower part of the cover surface to receive the bead (10) therein, the latching groove (1) extending at its outer lower end through the elastically expandable constriction (14) and on its inner lower end through the cylindrical or conical outer surface (6) of the outer branch wall (4) circumferentially extending recess (V) of the cover with a clearly U-shaped cross-section with a U-shaped web (22) placed below the height of the constriction (14) ), wherein the inner leg wall (23) of the cover recess (V) is part of the dome wall (2) enclosing the dome top wall (5) located at brilliantly over the height positions of the throat (14) and the snap groove (1), characterized in that the recess in the cover (V) is formed with a depth that extends downward beyond the height of the throat (14) and with an outer diameter (D1) on the outer face (6) clearly at the height of the constriction (14) such that a recess in the cover (V) defines a centering and guide projection (K) to interact with the conical and stepped area of the opening (9a) of the double wall container (CD) allowing easy operation. tighten the cover (D) on the bead (10). 24. A cover as claimed in claim 24. 23, characterized in that the outer surface (6) of the outer leg wall (4) is formed at a conical angle between 0 ° and a value smaller than the conical angle value of the opening area (9a) of the stepped container. 25. A cover according to claim 1 23, characterized in that the centering and guiding protrusion (K) extends downward through a stepped portion (4a, 4b, 6a) facing inwardly dimensioned to act press fit with the wall area of the container (7) positioned below the conical and stepped the area of the opening (9a). 26. A cup-shaped container (C, CD), in particular of paper or cardboard, provided with a plastic clamp cover (D), an area of the opening (9) of the container (C) delimited by a conical conical wall converging upwards and outwards (7) and an outwardly projecting bead (10), in particular a circumferentially folded rim (11), the cover (D) being formed with a circumferential clamping groove (1) which is open on the lower surface of the cover to receive a bead therein. ring (10), the latching groove (1) having an elastically expandable constriction (14) in the area of the outer lower end and a cylindrical or conical outer surface (6) of the outer branch wall (4) of the circumferentially extending cover recess (V) on the inner side with a U-shaped cross-section, a U-shaped web (22) of the cover recess (V) located below the height of the throat (14), with the inner wall dividing the trench (23) of the cover recess (V) is part of the dome wall (2) having the dome top face (5) positioned over the throat and clamping groove, respectively, characterized in that the cover recess (V) is formed with a depth such as to clearly extend into downwardly beyond the height of the throat (14) and has an outer diameter (D1) on the outer surface (6) on the elevation of the throat (14) matching the inner diameter (D7) of the container wall (7) in the bead (10) such that during the operation of the easy clamping of the cover (D) the outer surface (6) of the recess in the cover (V) acts as a centering and guide projection (K) cooperating through sliding contact with the wall of the container (7) at least when the bead (10) slides through a constriction (14) into the latching groove (1) where the downward clamping thrust (R) is mainly exerted on the dome (2); and in that the centering and guiding projection (K) of the cover and the snapping groove (1) thereon define a stiffening structure of the container annular opening area to prevent radial deformation of the container opening area. PL 196 014 B1 27. The lid of claim 1 25, characterized in that the centering and guiding protrusion (K) extends downward through an inwardly directed step portion (4a, 4b, 6a) dimensioned to act press fit with the wall area of the container (7) located below the conical and the stepped area of the opening (9a). 28. A cup-shaped container (C, CD), in particular of paper or cardboard, provided with a plastic snap-on lid (D), an area of the opening (9) of the container (C) delimited by a conical conical wall that tapers upwards and outwards (1) and an outwardly projecting bead (10), in particular a beaded circumferential rim (11), the cover (D) being formed with a circumferential snap groove (1) which is open on the lower surface of the cover to receive a bead therein. ring (10), the latching groove (1) having an elastically expandable constriction (14) in the area of the outer lower end and a cylindrical or conical outer surface (6) of the outer branch wall (4) of the circumferentially extending cover recess (V) on the inner side with a U-shaped cross-section, the U-shaped web (22) of the cover recess (V) below the height of the throat (14), the inner wall the branches (23) of the cover recess (V) is part of the dome wall, the dome (2) having a dome top face (5) positioned over the throat and snap groove respectively, characterized in that the cover recess (V) is formed with a depth such as to clearly extend downwardly beyond the height of the throat (14) and has an outer diameter (D1) on the outer surface (6) on the elevation of the throat (14), matching the inner diameter (D7) of the container wall (7) in the bead (10) yes that during the easy snapping action of the cover (D) the outer surface (6) of the recess of the cover (V) acts as a centering and guiding projection (K) cooperating via sliding contact with the wall of the container (7) at least when the bead (10) moves in passing by a constriction (14) into the latching groove (1), when the downward latching thrust (R) is mainly exerted on the dome (2); and in that the centering and guiding projection (K) of the cover and the snapping groove (1) thereon define a stiffening structure of the container annular opening area to prevent radial deformation of the container opening area.