US20120037631A1

US20120037631A1 - Reclosable closure and beverage can and beverage carton

Info

Publication number: US20120037631A1
Application number: US13/266,198
Authority: US
Inventors: Mario Weist
Original assignee: KUNSTSTOFFECHNIK WAIDHOFFEN AN DER THAYA GmbH
Current assignee: Husky KTW GesmbH
Priority date: 2009-04-29
Filing date: 2010-04-29
Publication date: 2012-02-16
Also published as: EP2424786B8; EP2424786B1; WO2010125131A3; CA2759988A1; WO2010125131A2; CN102414087A; EP2424786A2; DE102009002726B3

Abstract

There is provided a reclosable closure for a container storing a liquid. The reclosable closure comprises of a fastening insert for inserting the closure into an opening of the container having a hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing formed in the fastening insert, the inner wall of which has at least one passage opening which extends over a section of the inner circumference of the bearing, which opens into a surface of the fastening insert to be turned towards the interior of the container, and which forms a component of a channel extending between the interior of the container to be closed and the interior of a hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing; and a rotary closure comprising a closure cone mounted at least partially rotatably in the bearing, which closure cone has the outer shape of a truncated cone and at least one outlet opening, which extends over a section of the outer circumference of the closure cone and opens into a surface of the rotary closure to be directed towards the outside of the container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reclosable closure for a container storing a liquid, for example, a beverage container. The invention further relates to a beverage can and a beverage carton having such a closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

DE 198 02 953 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a beverage can made of sheet metal. In this method a reclosable closure system with screw cap is inserted in a central opening.
DE 200 04 152 U1 discloses a can having a lid turn-lock fastener which is disposed on the can so that it can rotate about its central axis. This comprises a bead-like projection which serves as an opening means for tearing a predetermined breaking line and for forming a lid wall opening when the bead-like projection is guided away over the lid wall by turning the lid turn-lock fastener.
DE 93 03 734 U1 discloses a drinking closure for a drinking bottle having a mouthpiece which is movable in the direction of the axis of the drinking closure. The mouthpiece has a drinking hole running axisymmetrically in the direction of the axis of the drinking closure, which can be closed by a closure pin. The mouthpiece has an axial thread so that a turning of the mouthpiece effects movement thereof in the direction of the axis of the drinking closure.
Known from DE 38 25 495 A1 is a tamper-proof end closure for a container. A flat rotor is mounted on a flat base of the container. The base and the rotor are provided with dispensing openings to be aligned with respect to one another. In its flat region the rotor has a frangible region and a protrusion which can be inserted into a pocket of the flat region of the base and can be held rotatably with a snap connection. This solution is provided for dispensing vessels or containers in which spices, powdery foodstuffs, household cleaners or similar powdery goods are stored. However, this solution is not suitable for containers in which liquids, for example, carbonated drinks are stored.
DE 102 29 257 C1 discloses a closure for containers, in particular for bottles. The closure comprises a base body which can be placed on the container, having an opening initially tightly closed by a cover and a closure part which is movable relative to the base body. The closure part contains a passage opening which can be rotated with the opening to produce a cover. In the embodiments disclosed in DE 102 29 257 C1, the closure part is disposed so that it can be rotated transversely to the direction of dispensing. The closure part can be turned with the aid of a grip part so that the closure can be opened and closed. It is particularly disadvantageous with this solution that the closure requires a complex structure as a result of which the container has an increased space requirement.
WO 2009/051557 A1 discloses a reclosable container which is suitable for storing liquids, in particular beverages. The container has a closure piece which can be screwed into an opening in the lid surface. The opening has a thread on the inner side of a lateral surface in the interior of the container into which the closure piece can be screwed. The closure piece has a partial region for releasing a seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,541 discloses a closure for containers in which in particular toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetic products or pharmaceutical products are stored. An outlet opening of the container comprises a conical section on which a hollow conical cap is mounted. The cap and the conical section each have an opening on their conical lateral surface. By turning the cap, the two openings can be arranged so that they overlap one another so that the product stored in the container can be dispensed. By a further turning of the cap, the two openings can be removed from one another so that the closure is closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a reclosable closure which can be manufactured at low cost and which has a low space requirement. The reclosable closure should be suitable in particular for containers in which a liquid, in particular a carbonated beverage, is stored. Furthermore, corresponding containers are to be provided.
The said object is solved by a reclosable closure according to the appended claim 1 and by beverage cans according to the equivalent claims 21 and 22 and by a beverage carton according to the equivalent claim 23.
The reclosable closure according to the invention is provided for containers which store a liquid, for example, a beverage which can also be mixed with carbonic acid. The closure according to the invention initially comprises a fastening insert with which the closure can be inserted into an opening of the container. The fastening insert is used on the one hand for fastening the reclosable closure on the container. A hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing is formed in the fastening insert. This therefore comprises a bearing whose interior has the shape of a truncated cone. The lateral surface is of particular importance for the function according to the invention. The blunting of the conical shape enables the technical implementation and can optionally be kept very small whereby the shape of the interior of the bearing is largely approximated to the shape of a cone. The inner wall of the bearing has at least one passage opening which extends over a section of the inner circumference of the bearing. For example, the passage opening can extend over a quarter of the entire circumference of the conical shell-shaped inner wall. The passage opening itself can, for example, have a round or a spherically rectangular cross-section in the shape of a window.
A plurality of passage openings can also be formed, for example, two identical passage openings which each occupy a quarter of the circumference of the conical shell-shaped inner wall of the bearing and are disposed diametrically opposite. The one or the plurality of passage openings open into a surface of the fastening insert to be turned towards the interior of the container. Consequently, in the built-in state of the closure according to the invention, the one or the plurality of passage openings form components of channels extending between the interior of the container and the interior of the bearing. Provided that the passage openings are free, the liquid can flow out of the container through the passage opening into the interior of the bearing.
The reclosable closure according the invention further comprises a rotary closure comprising a closure cone mounted at least partially rotatably in the bearing. The closure cone has the outer shape of a truncated cone, the size of which is adapted to the hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing so that the outer lateral surface of the closure cone runs parallel to the inner wall of the bearing. The closure cone is received positively by the bearing. Inter alia, a seal between the closure cone and the bearing is thereby affected. The closure cone has at least one outlet opening which extends over a section of the outer circumference of the closure cone. For example, the one or the plurality of outlet openings is arranged in the same manner as the one or the plurality of passage openings in the bearing. The one or the plurality of outlet openings opens into a surface of the rotary closure to be directed towards the outside of the container. Consequently, liquid which flows into one of the outlet openings in the inserted state of the closure according to the invention flows out from the rotary closure and therefore from the closure. According to the invention, the passage opening opens into the outlet opening when the closure cone is located in a first position. In this first position the reclosable closure is open. Liquid which flows into the passage opening can flow into the outlet opening since the passage opening and the outlet opening are arranged so that they open into one another. The liquid which has flowed into the outlet opening can flow out from the closure since the outlet opening opens into a surface of the rotary closure to be directed outside the container. The rotary closure can be rotated with the closure cone into a second position in which the passage opening and the outlet opening are remote from one another. Consequently, no liquid can flow from the passage opening into the outlet opening. In this second position of the closure cone the reclosable closure according to the invention is closed. When the closure is inserted in a container, no liquid can flow through the closure from the container since the passage opening and the outlet opening do not form a channel.
A particular advantage of the reclosable closure according to the invention is that it can be achieved at low cost since substantially only the fastening insert with the hollow truncated cone-shaped bearing and the rotary closure with the closure cone are required. As a result of the arrangement according to the invention, in particular the cooperating conical shapes, a high degree of sealing during closure of the container to be closed can be achieved with the closure according to the invention. The conical shapes can considerably easier to manufacture compared to the closure parts known from the prior art. Another advantage of the reclosable closure according to the invention is that the fastening insert can project partially or completely into the container with the result that the space requirement of the container to be closed is not enlarged or is only slightly enlarged.
In a preferred embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention, the closure cone has the shape of a truncated cone shell. This is achieved if the closure cone has the outer shape of a truncated cone and at the same time is hollow inside, where the cavity again has the shape of a truncated cone whilst the remaining thickness of the material of the closure cone is comparatively small with respect to the external dimensions. For example, the closure cone of this embodiment can consist of a thin metal sheet, but preferably of a thin-walled plastic material.
The closure cone is preferably formed in one piece with a cylindrical shell-shaped dispensing piece which adjoins the base circle of the truncated cone shell having the same diameter and forms a further component of the rotary closure. The closure cone and the dispensing piece have a common outer shape consisting of a cylinder having a truncated cone placed thereon, where the largest diameter of the truncated cone is the same as the diameter of the cylinder. For example, the closure cone and the dispensing piece can consist of a single thin metal sheet or of a single piece of thin-walled plastic material. The cavity which the closure cone and the dispensing piece conceal in themselves has the shape of a cylinder with a truncated cone placed thereon. The dispensing piece facilitates the dispensing of the liquid from the reclosable closure. For example, the dispensing piece can be used as a spout or as a neck.
The cylindrical shell-shaped dispensing piece is preferably expanded circumferentially by an annular rotary disk formed in one piece with the dispensing piece. The rotary disk as part of the rotary closure turns together with the closure cone and the dispensing piece. For example, a mounting of the rotary closure with respect to the wall of the container can be made possible by the rotary disk. An additional sealing of the rotary closure with respect to the wall of the container to be closed can also be achieved by the rotary disk.
In a particular embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention, the annular rotary disk has an extensive recess which during a rotation of the rotary closure is moved over a marking applied to the fastening insert. The recess can, for example, be made in such a manner that it extends over a semicircle or quadrant of the annular shape of the rotary disk. The user can look through the recess onto the surface of the fastening insert where he can identify the marked applied there. The one or the plurality of markings can, for example, comprise symbols or words which identify the closed and the opened state of the reclosable closure. If the closure is closed, the recess is located above the symbol or the word which identifies the closed position. If the rotary closure is turned to open the closure, the recess is moved over the surface of the fastening insert towards the marking which identifies the opened state of the closure.
In a preferred embodiment of the closure according to the invention, the dispensing piece is extended circumferentially by at least one grip block configured in one piece with the dispensing piece which forms another component of the rotary closure. The grip block can have the shape of a simple cuboid or however a shape for ergonomic receipt of fingers of the user. The one or the plurality of grip blocks allows easy operation of the closure. For example, the rotary closure can be designed with two grip blocks which are diametrically opposite. The rotary closure can then be operated ergonomically by placing an index finger and a thumb on respectively one grip block. The grip blocks can also be arranged so that they rest on the rotary disk.
The rotary disk on the rotary closure is preferably expanded circumferentially by an annular sealing lip for sealing with respect to a wall of the container. During mounting of the closure the sealing lip sits on the wall of the container and provides an additional seal.
The one or the plurality of outlet openings preferably open into the inner surface of the truncated cone-shell shaped closure cone. The cavity of the truncated cone-shell shaped closure cone forms a suitable region for the escape of liquid. The liquid emerging from the container undergoes a change of direction in which the liquid initially flows laterally through the passage openings into the outlet openings of the closure cone and then flows out from the cavity of the truncated cone-shell shaped closure cone in the direction of the axis of the closure cone from the closure according to the invention. The common axis of the bearing and the closure cone is preferably arranged perpendicular to the wall of the container to be closed.
The fastening insert preferably has the shape of a truncated cone shell. This truncated cone shell has a base circle which is expanded by an annular retaining ring, which forms a part of the fastening insert. The truncated cone shell and the retaining ring are arranged concentrically with respect to one another. The outer shape of the fastening insert expanded with the retaining ring is comparable to a truncated cone which sits centrally on a flat cylinder.
The retaining ring expanding the fastening insert and the sealing lip expanding the rotary disk are preferably arranged concentrically and parallel to one another and have a spacing with respect to one another for receiving the wall of the container. In this embodiment, a fastening of the closure according to the invention is achieved by the fastening insert with its retaining ring and the rotary closure with its sealing lip each being pressed from one side against the wall of the container.
In an alternative embodiment the fastening of the closure according to the invention on the container is made possible by means of a peripheral latching edge. The latching edge is formed at the transition from the outer truncated cone shape of the fastening insert to the retaining ring expanding the fastening insert. The latching insert can engage with its latching edge in to the opening of the container with the result that the closure according to the invention is fastened on the container. This embodiment of the closure according to the invention allows a fastening of the closure from outside the container and also after manufacture of the container. For example, the container can be designed with a circular hole. The reclosable closure according to the invention should be inserted into the circular opening of the container with the truncated cone-shaped fastening insert. The elastically designed fastening insert or the elastically designed latching edge of the fastening insert allows the fastening insert to engage in the wall of the container. The rotary closure with its closure cone is then to be inserted into the bearing of the fastening insert. The fastening insert can be designed in such a manner than due to the insertion of the closure cone into the bearing, the latching edge is pushed peripherally outwards in the direction of the edge of the opening of the container, thus preventing disengagement of the latching edge, i.e. removal of the closure according to the invention from the container. Alternative fastening methods such as adhesion or clamping can also be applied.
In a preferred embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention, this further comprises a truncated-cone shell-shaped inner cap which is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the truncated cone shell of the fastening insert to be directed towards the interior of the container. For example, the closure cone, the fastening insert and the inner cap can each have the shape of a truncated cone shell, where the truncated cone shell of the fastening insert has a slightly larger diameter than the truncated cone shell of the closure cone and the truncated cone shell of the inner cap in turn has a slightly larger diameter than the truncated cone shell of the fastening insert. The three truncated cone shell-shaped components of the closure according to the invention are arranged so that they are inserted in one another. The inner cap is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the closure cone so that the truncated cone shell of the fastening insert is mounted rotatably between the inner cap and the closure cone. The inner cap has at least one inlet opening which in the first position of the closure cone opens into the outlet opening of the closure cone via the passage opening of the fastening insert, for example, by the inlet opening and the outlet opening being arranged to overlap one another on the surfaces of the truncated cone shell shapes of the inner cap and the closure cone. The inner cap increases the tightness of the closed closure according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly suitable for closing containers in which a carbonated beverage is stored. The pressure built up by the carbonated beverage in the interior of the container in the closed state of the closure according to the invention presses the truncated cone shell-shaped inner cap towards the truncated cone shell-shaped fastening insert, sealing these with respect to one another.
The base circle of the truncated cone-shell shaped inner cap is mounted sealingly and rotatably in an annular groove on the retaining ring. By this means the seal between inner cap and the fastening insert is further increased.
The circular inner cover surface of the hollow truncated-cone shaped cavity of the bearing preferably has a first fastening hole in which a latching pin sitting on the circular cover surface of the truncated cone shape of the closure cone engages. The engaged latching pin holds the closure cone of the rotary closure in the fastening insert and at the same time allows a rotation of the rotary closure with the closure cone in the bearing of the fastening insert. The latching pin furthermore allows easy assembly of the reclosable closure according to the invention on the container since merely the latching pin needs to be inserted in the fastening hole for the fastening of the closure.
In embodiments of the closure according to the invention which are provided with an inner cap, the circular cover surface of the truncated cone shell-shaped inner cap preferably has a second fastening hole in which the latching pin is likewise engaged. In this case, the latching pin comprises lateral entrainers which sit in lateral recesses of the second fastening hole. This ensures a rotationally fixed connection between the closure cone and the inner cap. The first fastening hole has a diameter greater than the diameter spanned by the entrainers so that the latching pin can rotate with its lateral entrainers in the first fastening hole.
The reclosable closure according to the invention can be attached in various ways to the container to be closed. On the one hand, it can be designed so that it is fastened subsequently on the container to be closed, for example, in such a manner that it is inserted and fastened in a circular opening of the container, without particular means being required for this in the interior of the container. The reclosable closure can, however, also be formed as an integral component of a container. For example, the reclosable closure can form an integral component of a beverage can made of aluminium, i.e. by forming the fastening insert of the closure according to the invention as a lid of the beverage can. The fastening insert can, however, also be formed as a screw cap for screwing onto a threaded flange of the container. As a result, the closure according to the invention can be screwed subsequently, for example, onto bottles or carton packages. The fastening insert can also be designed for insertion into a screw cap.
In a further embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention, this further comprises a protective cap which can be placed on the dispensing piece. As a result, the dispensing piece which can be used as a neck can be hygienically closed. The protective cap can, however, also be used to temporarily close and optionally also permanently close the closure according to the invention. After manufacture, the protective cap is preferably placed on the dispensing piece and is connected to the fastening insert via a tear-off connecting element as a first opening guarantee. The user can identify from the tear-off connecting element whether the closure has already been opened for a first time.
In a modified embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention, the one or the plurality of passage openings of the fastening insert are each closed by a cover. The closure cone has at least one cutting element on its outer lateral surface, which is pressed into the cover closing the passage opening. When the closure cone is turned for the first time, the cover is cut by the cutting element so that the passage opening is permanently open. In this embodiment of the closure according to the invention, a secure seal is ensured from delivery until the first opening of the container closed with the closure. The cover closing the passage opening can be implemented in various ways. In the simplest case, the cover is implemented in the same way as the remaining truncated cone shell-shaped fastening insert, i.e. the cover consists of the same material as the remaining fastening insert. Cutting by the cutting element during the first opening of the closure can be facilitated by a linear material weakening of the fastening insert. The reclosable closure of this embodiment can be closed by a renewed rotation of the closure cone or with the aid of the protective cap. In further modified embodiments the outlet openings or the inlet openings are closed by covers where the one or the plurality of cutting elements is formed on the fastening insert or the inner cap.
The bearing in the fastening insert and the closure cone of the rotary closure of the reclosable closure according to the invention each have a truncated cone shape. The opening angle of these truncated cone shapes can be adapted to the respective requirements. An opening angle between 30° and 60° is suitable for many applications. For particular applications however, very obtuse opening angles can be selected so that the bearing and the closure cone are almost planar. It is likewise within the scope of the invention to select the opening angle very small with the result that the bearing and the closure cone largely have the shape of a cylinder.
A first beverage can according to the invention has a lid formed by a reclosable closure according to the invention.
A second beverage can according to the invention has a lid into which a reclosable closure according to the invention is inserted.
A beverage carton according to the invention has a screw cap into which a reclosable closure according to the invention is inserted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details, advantages and further developments of the present invention are obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures:

FIG. 1: shows a first preferred embodiment of a reclosable closure according to the invention in a cross-section;

FIG. 2: shows the closure shown in FIG. 1 in a perspective view;

FIG. 3: shows a further preferred embodiment of the closure according to the invention in an exploded view in cross-section;

FIG. 4: shows the closure shown in FIG. 3 in a mounted state;

FIG. 5: shows a modified embodiment of the closure according to the invention inserted in a screw cap;

FIG. 6: shows a further embodiment of the closure according to the invention in the form of a lid of a beverage can;

FIG. 7: shows a modified embodiment of the closure according to the invention in the form of a lid;

FIG. 8: shows the closure shown in FIG. 7 in a side view;

FIG. 9: shows a rotary closure as a particular embodiment of the closure according to the invention; and

FIG. 10: shows a fastening insert shown in FIG. 2 in a perspective view from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention in an exploded view. The closure shown comprises a fastening insert 01 and a rotary closure 02 which are shown at a moment prior to mounting of a container otherwise not shown on a lid 03. The lid 03 has a circular opening 04 in which the closure is to be inserted. In the example shown the opening 04 is disposed centrally on the lid 03. However, the opening 04 can also be disposed outside the centre of the lid 03. The fastening insert 01 has a circular fastening collar 06, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 04. Upon inserting the fastening insert 01 into the opening 04, the fastening collar 06 enters into the opening 04 whereupon the fastening insert 01 impacts against the lid 03 of the container with a retaining ring 07. The retaining ring 07 is slightly deformable in order to be pressed elastically against the lid 03.
The fastening insert 01 has a hollow truncated cone-shaped bearing 08 in which a closure cone 09 of the rotary closure 02 is received and rotatably mounted. The closure cone 09 has the outer shape of a truncated cone which is adapted in its dimensions to the truncated cone-shaped cavity of the bearing 08. Upon insertion of the closure cone 09 of the rotary closure 02 into the bearing 08 of the fastening insert 01, the latching pin 11 engages in a first fastening hole 12 (shown in FIG. 2) of the fastening insert 01, whereby the rotary closure 02 and the fastening insert 01 are interconnected. The latching pin 11 is rotatably mounted in the first fastening hole 12, whereby the rotary closure 02 can be turned with respect to the fastening insert 01. This rotation is executed freely, i.e. the rotary closure 02 can be turned arbitrarily frequently with respect to the fastening inert 01. Alternatively the rotation can be restricted by a stop to an angle of rotation of, for example, 180°.
The closure cone 09 is hollow on the inside so that it has the shape of a truncated cone shell. The truncated cone shell shape of the closure cone 09 is closed by a cover surface 13 on which the latching pin 11 sits concentrically. A cylindrical shell-shaped dispensing piece 14 adjoins the base circle of the truncated cone shell shape of the closure cone 09, which dispensing piece for example can serve as a neck. The dispensing piece 14 is expanded circumferentially by an annular rotary disk 16. In the mounted state of the closure, the rotary disk 16 is supported with respect to the lid 03 of the container by means of an annular sealing lip 17 formed on the rotary disk 16. The sealing lip 17 ensures both a mounting of the rotary closure 02 with respect to the lid 03 and also an additional sealing of the closure according to the invention with respect to the container. Furthermore, two grip blocks 18 are formed circumferentially on the dispensing piece 14 which facilitate the manual turning of the rotary closure 02. The two grip blocks 18 each have the shape of a cuboid and are diametrically opposite in relation to the dispensing piece 14.
The closure cone 09 of the rotary closure 02 has two outlet openings 19, each having the form of a window and being diametrically opposite in relation to the truncated cone shape of the closure cone 09. In the same way, the fastening insert 01 has two passage openings 21 so that by turning the rotary closure 02 the outlet openings 19 of the closure cone 09 can be brought into coincidence with the passage openings 21 of the fastening insert 01 so that a liquid stored in the container can flow through the passage openings 21 and the outlet openings 19 into the cavity of the closure cone 09, further into the cavity of the dispensing piece 14 and finally out from the closure. The rotary closure 02 can be turned in such a manner with respect to the fastening insert 01 that the outlet openings 19 of the closure cone 09 are remote from the passage openings 21 of the fastening insert 01 so that they do not open into one another even partially. As a result, the closure cone 09 is sealed with respect to the fastening insert 01 so that no liquid can flow from the container through the passage openings 21 into the outlet openings 19 of the closure cone 09. As a result, the closure according to the invention is located in a closed position with the result that the container is tightly closed.
The entire rotary closure 02 comprising the closure cone 09, the latching pin 11, the dispensing piece 14, the rotary disk 16, the sealing lip 17 and the grip blocks 18 consists of a single injection-moulded workpiece. Polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, for example, are suitable as material. In the same way, the fastening insert 01 comprising the bearing 08, the fastening collar 06 and the retaining ring 07 consist of a single injection moulded workpiece.
FIG. 2 shows the closure shown in FIG. 1 in a mounted state in a perspective sectional view. The lid 03 of the container is not shown here. In the mounted state of the closure shown, the latching pin 11 is engaged in the first fastening hole 12 with the result that the rotary closure 02 and the fastening insert 01 are interconnected. This connection is the only connection which is to be made for mounting the closure according to the invention with the result that this can be made at low cost. In the mounted state the sealing lip 17 and the retaining ring 07 have a spacing with respect to one another in the axial direction of the closure which corresponding to the thickness of the lid 03 to be received (shown in FIG. 1) of the container.
The closure according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2 in a state in which the closure has not yet been opened. Compared with the state shown in FIG. 1 this has the feature that the passage openings 21 are closed by covers 22. The covers 22 are formed by a material weakening of the hollow truncated cone-shaped fastening insert 01. Upon first opening of the closure according to the invention, the covers 22 are removed, with the result that the passage openings 21 become free and liquid can flow through the passage opening 21 into the outlet openings 19 and then into the dispensing piece 14. The removal of the covers 22 can be accomplished, for example, with cutting elements 23 (shown in FIG. 9).
FIG. 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of the closure according to the invention in an exploded view in cross-section. The fastening insert 01 and the rotary closure 02 are designed in the same way as shown in FIG. 1 apart from the latching pin 11 and the first fastening hole 12. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 furthermore has an inner cap 31 which likewise has the shape of a truncated cone shell. The inner cap 31 is dimensioned in such a manner that it positively embraces the outer shape of the fastening insert 01 and is mounted rotatably on this. The truncated cone shell shape of the inner cap 31 is closed by a cover surface 32 which has a second fastening hole 33 in the centre. For mounting this embodiment of the closure the latching pin 11 is to be guided through the first fastening hole 12 of the fastening insert 01 and through the second fastening hole 33 of the inner cap 31 so that the rotary closure 02, the fastening insert 01 and the inner cap 31 are only interconnected via the latching pin 11. The latching pin 11 has lateral entrainers 34 which engage during mounting in lateral recesses (not shown) of the second fastening hole 33. However, the diameter of the first fastening hole 12 is larger than the diameter formed by the lateral entrainers 34 of the latching pin 11. The lateral entrainers 34 and the lateral recesses in the second fastening hole 33 has the result that the rotary closure 02 and the inner cap 31 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner in the mounted state. However, the fastening insert 01 is rotatable with respect to the rotary closure 02 and the inner cap 31. The inner cap 31 has two inlet openings 36 which are arranged in the same way as the outlet openings 19 and the passage openings 21. Consequently, the inlet openings 36 are formed as windows in the inner cap 31 which are diametrically opposite in relation to the hollow truncated cone shape of the inner cap 31. The inlet openings 36 and the outlet openings 19 are arranged so that they overlap one another as soon as the closure is mounted. Since the rotary closure 02 and the inner cap 31 are arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to one another in the mounted state, the inlet openings 36 and the outlet openings 19 remain arranged in an overlapping manner with respect to one another. When turning the rotary closure 02 for opening the closure, the passage openings 21 of the fastening insert 01 are slid between the inlet openings 36 and the outlet openings 19 so that liquid can flow from the container through the inlet openings 36, the passage openings 21 and the outlet openings 19 into the interior of the closure cone 09 and finally to the outside through the dispensing piece 14.
FIG. 4 shows the closure shown in FIG. 3 in a mounted state in a sectional view. The closure is fastened on the lid 03 of the container. The inner cap 31 sits on the outer surface of the fastening insert 01 directed into the interior of the container and is rotatably mounted on this.
FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment of the closure according to the invention in a sectional view. In the view shown the fastening insert 01 is inserted in a screw cap 41 so that the closure jointly with the screw cap 41 can be screwed onto a threaded flange 42 of a container. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as well as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 comprises the fastening insert 01, the rotary closure 02 and the inner cap 31. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fastening of the closure on the container is not accomplished by a wall of the container in the form of the lid 03 or the screw cap 41 being received between the fastening insert 01 and the sealing lip 17 of the rotary closure 02 but by the screw cap 41 being received between a latching edge 44 and the retaining ring 07. The latching edge 44 is formed circumferentially on the fastening insert 01 at the transition between the truncated cone shell shape and the retaining ring 07. This embodiment has the advantage that the closure according to the invention can only be inserted through the opening in the screw cap 41 from outside into the container or the screw cap 41 in order to fasten the closure on the container or on the screw cap 41 to be attached to the container. The closure according to the invention can also be mounted by firstly inserting the fastening insert 01 into the opening in the screw cap 41, where the fastening insert 01 can easily deform as a result of the rotary closure 02 not yet inserted therein so that engagement of the latching edge 44 is facilitated. The rotary closure 02 with its closure cone 09 is then to be inserted into the fastening insert 01 so that the latching pin 11 engages and at the same time, as a result of the closure cone 09 now located therein, the truncated cone shell shape of the fastening insert 01 can no longer be deformed inwards with the result that disengagement of the latching edge 44 from the opening in the screw cap 41 is prevented.
Alternatively to fastening the fastening insert 01 with the aid of the latching edge 44 in the screw cap 41, this connection can also be achieved by forming the fastening insert 01 in one piece with the screw cap 41.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the reclosable closure according to the invention in an exploded view. The closure comprises, like the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the rotary closure 02 and the inner cap 31. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the fastening insert 01 is designed as a lid for an aluminium beverage can. For this purpose the fastening insert 01 has a rebate edge 47 which can be rebated when placing on the beverage can. The fastening insert 01 forming the lid can be manufactured by deep drawing. The material of the fastening insert 01 can for example be aluminium sheet or tin plate which is deep drawn to form the fastening insert 01.
With the aid of the embodiment of the closure shown in FIG. 6, conventional beverage cans can be manufactured with improved properties. The dispensing piece 14 can be used as a neck, thus ensuring improved drinking and hygiene properties. The dispensing piece 14 can be closed with a protective cap (not shown). As a result the dispensing piece 14 is protected from insects, for example, which are in particular attracted by a sugar-containing liquid in the beverage can. The beverage can be closed by turning the rotary closure 02 and also by placing the protective cap on the dispensing piece 14. The design of beverage cans with the closure according to the invention also allows the stacking of the beverage cans.
In the embodiment shown the two outlet openings 19 are of different size. As a result, different positions can be selected in which the closure according to the invention is opened where the channel formed by the inlet openings 36, the passage openings 21 and the outlet openings 19 has a different-sized cross-section in each case. As a result, the outflow speed of the liquid can be selected to be of different rate. The outflow behaviour of the liquid can also be influenced by the different-sized outlet openings 19, for example, as a result of the fact that air can flow back into the container through at least one of the outlet openings so that the liquid can flow uniformly from the container. The closure according to the invention can also be designed with three or more outlet openings instead of with one or two outlet openings. The same applies to the inlet openings 36 and the passage openings 21.
FIG. 7 shows a modified embodiment of the closure according to the invention in a perspective cross-sectional view. In the same way as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment comprises the rotary closure 02 and the fastening insert 01. Similarly as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fastening insert 01 is formed as a lid of the container to be closed. For fastening the fastening insert 01 on the container, said fastening insert 01 has a peripheral connecting join 49.
The rotary disk 16 has an annular sector-shaped recess 51 which extends over a half annulus on the annular rotary disk 16. The recess 51 enables the user to look onto a region of the retaining ring 07 of the fastening insert 01 in which markings 52 are applied. The markings 52 comprise, for example, writing with the words “open” and “closed” which identify the open and closed state of the closure according to the invention. Depending on whether the rotary closure 02 is turned into the open or into the closed position, either the marking 52 for the open position or the marking 52 for the closed position is visible in the recess 51.
FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of the closure shown in FIG. 7 in a side view, where the fastening insert 01 and the rotary closure 02 are located in a state prior to assembly.
FIG. 9 shows the rotary closure 02 of a particular embodiment of the closure according to the invention such as is suitable for example for the fastening insert 01 shown in FIG. 2. As already explained, the fastening insert 01 shown in FIG. 2 has passage openings 21 which are initially closed by covers 22 following manufacture. These covers 22 are cut off or cut out when first opening the closure whereupon the passage openings 21 are released. For this purpose, the rotary closure 02 shown in FIG. 9 has the aforementioned cutting elements 23 on the surface of the closure cone 09, these being arranged at the edge of the outlet openings 19. The cutting elements 23 have a knife shape and cut the covers 22 from the passage openings 21 when first turning the rotary closure 02.
FIG. 10 shows the fastening insert shown in FIG. 2 in a perspective view from below. It is shown in the state of the fastening insert 01 after its manufacture in which the passage openings 21 are closed by the covers 22.

REFERENCE LIST

01—Fastening insert
02—Rotary closure
03—Lid
04—Opening
05—-
06—Fastening collar
07—Retaining ring
08—Bearing
09—Closure cone
10—-
11—Latching pin
12—First fastening hole
13—Cover surface
14—Dispensing piece
16—Rotary disk
17—Sealing lip
18—Grip block
19—Outlet opening
21—Passage opening
22—Cover
23—Cutting element
31—Inner cap
32—Cover surface
33—Second fastening hole
34—Entrainer
36—Inlet opening
41—Screw cap
42—Threaded flange
44—Latching edge
47—Rebate edge
51—Recess
52—Marking

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Reclosable closure for a container storing a liquid, comprising:

a fastening insert (01) for inserting the closure into an opening (04) of the container having a hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing (08) formed in the fastening insert (01), the inner wall of which has at least one passage opening (21) which extends over a section of the inner circumference of the bearing (08), which opens into a surface of the fastening insert (01) to be turned towards the interior of the container, and which forms a component of a channel extending between the interior of the container to be closed and the interior of a hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing (08); and

a rotary closure (02) comprising a closure cone (09) mounted at least partially rotatably in the bearing (08), which closure cone has the outer shape of a truncated cone and at least one outlet opening (19), which extends over a section of the outer circumference of the closure cone (09) and opens into a surface of the rotary closure (02) to be directed towards the outside of the container;

wherein the passage opening (21) and the outlet opening (19) are arranged so that they open into one another in a first position of the closure cone (09); and wherein the closure cone (09) can be rotated into a second position in which the passage opening (21) and the outlet opening (19) are remote from one another.

2. The reclosable closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the closure cone (09) has the shape of a truncated cone shell.

3. The reclosable closure according to claim 2, characterised in that the closure cone (09) is formed in one piece with a cylindrical shell-shaped dispensing piece (14) which concentrically adjoins the base circle of the closure cone (09).

4. The reclosable closure according to claim 3, characterised in that the dispensing piece (14) is expanded circumferentially by an annular rotary disk (16) formed in one piece with the dispensing piece (14).

5. The reclosable closure according to claim 4, characterised in that the rotary disk (16) has a recess (51) which during a rotation of the rotary closure (02) is moved over a marking (52) applied to the fastening insert (01).

6. The reclosable closure according to claim 3, characterised in that the dispensing piece (14) is extended circumferentially by at least one grip block (18) configured in one piece with the dispensing piece (14).

7. The reclosable closure according to claim 4, characterised in that the rotary disk (16) is expanded circumferentially by an annular sealing lip (17) for sealing with respect to a wall (03) of the container.

8. The reclosable closure according to claim 2, characterised in that one or more outlet openings (19) open into the inner surface of the truncated cone-shell shaped closure cone (09).

9. The reclosable closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening insert (01) has the shape of a truncated cone shell, whose base circle is expanded by a retaining ring (07).

10. The reclosable closure according to claim 9 related back to claim 7, characterised in that the sealing lip (17) and the retaining ring (07) are arranged concentrically and parallel to one another and have a spacing for receiving the wall (03) of the container.

11. The reclosable closure according to claim 9, characterised in that a peripheral latching edge (44) for engaging in the opening (04) of the container is formed at the transition from the outer truncated cone shape of the fastening insert (01) to the retaining ring (07).

12. The reclosable closure according to claim 9, characterised in that it further has a truncated-cone shell-shaped inner cap (31) which is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the truncated cone shell of the fastening insert (01) to be directed towards the interior of the container and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the closure cone (09), wherein the inner cap (31) has at least one inlet opening (36) which in the first position of the closure cone (09) opens into the outlet opening (19) via the passage opening (21).

13. The reclosable closure according to claim 12, characterised in that the truncated cone-shell shaped inner cap (31) is mounted sealingly and rotatably with its base circle in an annular groove formed on the retaining ring (07).

14. The reclosable closure according to claim 12, characterised in that the inner cover surface of the hollow truncated-cone shaped bearing (08) has a first fastening hole (12) in which a latching pin (11) sitting on the cover surface (13) of the truncated cone shape of the closure cone (09) engages.

15. The reclosable closure according to claim 14, characterised in that the latching pin (11) is furthermore engaged in a second fastening hole (13) in the cover surface (32) of the truncated cone-shaped inner cap (31), wherein the latching pin (11) is fastened in a rotationally fixed manner in the second fastening hole (33).

16. The reclosable closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening insert (01) is configured as a lid for a beverage can.

17. The reclosable closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening insert (01) is configured as a screw cap for screwing onto a threaded flange (42) of the container.

18. The reclosable closure according to claim 3, characterised in that it further comprises a protective cap which can be placed on the dispensing piece (14).

19. The reclosable closure according to claim 18, characterised in that the protective cap is connected to the fastening insert (01) via a tear-off connecting element as a first opening guarantee.

20. The reclosable closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the closure cone (09) has at least one cutting element (23) on its outer lateral surface, which upon a first turning of the closure cone (09) engages in a cover (22) closing the passage opening (21) in order to cut this.

21. A beverage can having a lid (03) which is formed by a reclosable closure according to claim 1.

22. A beverage can having a lid (03) in which a reclosable closure according to claim 1.

23. A beverage carton having a screw cap (41) in which a reclosable closure according to claim 1.