WO2018091760A1

WO2018091760A1 - Closure device for containers

Info

Publication number: WO2018091760A1
Application number: PCT/ES2017/070765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rafael Barrera Navarro
Original assignee: Infinity Vacuum Safe Technology, S.L.
Priority date: 2016-11-18
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: ES1174109Y; EP3543166A1; ES1174109U

Abstract

A device for closing containers comprises a base (1) and lips (2) made from the same material with elastic properties, and an outlet opening (4), wherein, in the resting position, the lips are in mutual contact, closing said outlet opening (4), with the lips being located on the base and protruding from same, such that, when pressure is applied to the container, the base (1) is bent, bulging towards the exterior of said container to fully open said outlet opening (4) and when pressure is no longer applied to the container, the base is bent and bulges in the opposite direction, namely towards the interior of the container, thereby sealing at least the upper part of said outlet opening.The fluid contained in the container is thus protected from the air to prevent the contamination/oxidation thereof, thereby increasing the shelf-life of the fluid and making it easier to dose.

Description

CLOSURE DEVICE FOR PACKAGING DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a closure device for containers that allows reducing and / or preventing the entry of air into the container even if the container has been opened for the first time.

Background of the invention

It is usual to use hermetically sealed containers as a beverage or food container so that they maintain their quality and are kept in perfect condition until they are consumed.

A problem with these packages is that once opened for the first time, they are not hermetically sealed, so that the beverage or food inside the package must be consumed within a relatively short period of time, since otherwise It will spoil and cannot be consumed.

A common example of this type of packaging is the so-called Tetra Brik®. This container for common use when it was first opened, a corner of it was cut, so that it was completely exposed to the entry of air into the container through this cut corner, so that the contents of the container should be consumed Within a short period of time.

To solve these inconveniences, packages of this type were designed with an articulated closure element, so that a tongue was removed that covered a hole to open the container for the first time, where said articulated closure element allowed the closure of the hole.

Although this solution has allowed to extend the period of time to consume the contents of the package, in practice it has been proven that said period of time may be insufficient, since this type of closure allows the entry of air into the container. The inventor of the present application is the holder of the application WO 2015/169988 A1, which describes a closure device for packages according to the preamble of claim 1 comprising a sealing element provided with an outlet, in which the walls of said mouth are in contact with each other, closing it.

However, the present invention seeks to improve, among others, the fundamental and essential characteristic related to the closure of the outlet, providing the device with a base and lips of features that allow optimizing the advantage described above and extending to throughout this report, maintaining the philosophy or concept of not making use of additional external elements for the closing of the outlet, with the consequent advantages of reducing production costs, assembly, etc. and trying to avoid failures in its operation after opening it, ultimately trying to ensure greater guarantees in the closure of the container compared to those currently known and which in turn allows a use when dosing the contents of the container in a way Easier and safer for the user or final consumer.

Therefore, it is evident the need with regard to the containers currently used, to ensure a closure for containers that reduces to a greater extent or even prevents the entry of air into the interior of the container once opened for the first time, so that the contents of the container keep its original characteristics and / or properties for as long as possible and allow, for example, for containers intended for the food sector, at least extend the period of time for the consumption of the product housed inside.

Thus, the proposed invention is applicable to containers that comprise fluids inside the food sector, but even others such as chemical-industrial (among these paints, lubricating oils), cosmetics (such as creams), pharmaceutical ( such as eye drops or similar) or even agrochemical and therefore destined to different industrial sectors, which need to be protected from contact with air to avoid contamination / oxidation and thus be able to extend their useful life, in addition to easy dosing.

In said containers, the main body will be of a material such that it can be deformed when exerting a pressure or force from the outside on the same, between these cardboard, plastic or its derivatives.

In addition, the objective of the present invention is also to include additional components for securing and sealing the base of the device, protecting it against external agents and perforating the seal, of aluminum or cardboard that some containers can carry.

Description of the invention

With the closing device of the invention, the aforementioned drawbacks are resolved, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

The closure device for containers according to the present invention comprises lips that define an outlet opening, which in their resting position, are in contact with each other, closing said outlet opening, and is characterized in that the device also comprises a base of a material with elastic behavior on which said lips are placed protruding from it and said lips being of the same material as the base.

Thanks to the elastic characteristics of the base material and the lips, once the container is pressed to release its contents, at least the central part of the base flexes outwards causing the lips to separate leading to said opening output

It is contemplated that the material with elastic behavior of the base and lips is an elastomer selected from thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, silicone, latex, rubber, rubber or combinations thereof.

The product will not leave the container unless sufficient pressure is exerted for the base to expand and thus open an exit path between the lips. Preferably, the base undergoes reversible deformations, that is;

- When exerting pressure on the container, the base is flexed taking the form of a bulge towards the outside of the container enabling the separation of the lips and giving rise to the opening of the outlet opening so that the contents of the container flow outwards Y,

- By remitting said pressure exerted on the container, the base flexes adopting a bulging shape but in the opposite direction to the previous one, that is to say inside the container, resulting in the inner walls of the lips contacting each other at least in part upper closing the outlet opening, sealing and / or reducing the air intake to try to keep the vacuum inside.

The more vacuum is produced, the more pressure the lips will have for structural modification to seal the container more firmly.

If desired, a removable handle can be placed on said lips, which closes said exit opening before its first use.

The possibility is contemplated that the detachable shooter, lips and base are single-piece or even that the shooter is a strip or foil independent of the lips.

Preferably, the closure device for packages according to the present invention also comprises a frame that can be provided with tilting retention flaps arranged above the base.

If desired, to activate said tilting retention flaps, it can comprise a tongue that allows it to be lifted facilitating the bulging out of the base.

In addition, the closure device may comprise a support provided or not with at least one perforation flap below the base, and may be provided said support of a plurality of perforation projections, capable of perforating the sealing foil that is usually found in the packages, for example pre-cut cardboard, aluminum, etc., which seals in the container before its first use, being said sealing sheet placed below the closing device.

It is contemplated that the closure device also comprises a sheet or film of an oxygen barrier material, suitable for being placed under the base, provided with at least one opening and at least one flexible flap, in order to reduce and / or avoid if necessary, the entry of oxygen from the outside through the base itself or lips.

In addition, the closure device may comprise a closure lid that can be independent of the frame or be linked to it. In the latter case, it can be articulated or movable on the frame, so that the entire assembly of the closure device of the present invention can be covered and protected against external agents.

Brief description of the drawings

To better understand how much has been exposed, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only by way of non-limiting example, several embodiments are represented.

Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the container closure device according to the present invention in its resting position.

Figure 1a is an enlarged perspective side view of Figure 1.

Figures 2a to 2d are perspective views of the bulging process suffered by the base towards the outside of the container, causing the opening of the outlet opening.

Figure 2e is an enlarged sectional view of the closure device according to the present invention with its base flexed towards the outside of the container, causing the opening of the outlet opening. Figures 3a to 3b are bottom perspective views of the bulging process suffered by the base towards the inside of the container, in which it is observed how the outlet opening opens in its lower part and closes in its upper part.

Figures 3c and 3d are top perspective views of Figures 3a and 3b showing in greater detail the closure of the upper part of the outlet opening.

Figure 3e is an enlarged sectional view of the container closure device according to the present invention with its base flexed towards the inside of the container, causing the closure of the outlet opening in its upper part.

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the closure device for containers according to the present invention, comprising a first embodiment of the detachable handle.

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the closure device for containers according to the present invention relative to a second embodiment of the detachable handle.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a frame according to a first embodiment, which can be used in the closing device according to the present invention.

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the frame shown in Figure 6, with retaining flaps, which can be used in the closure device according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a support with a plurality of perforation flaps together with the projections that can be used in the closure device according to the present invention.

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the support in this case with a single perforation flap together with the projections that can be used in the closing device according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a representation of the direction in which you have to press on the lips to pierce the sealing foil that the containers usually incorporate.

Figure 9 shows a section of the closing device according to the present invention, in which the handle is removed, with the complete device including the first frame with a cover, in this case foldable, the frame with the retention flaps and the support with the drilling flaps.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the support with the perforation flaps, the frame and the cover. Figure 11 is a view referring to Figure 10 but comprising the closing device disposed on the support, with the frame already on the base and with the cover before folding to effect the total closing of the assembly.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of the closing device according to the present invention without the handle, with the closing device and including the frame with a sliding cover protecting the lips.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sheet suitable for disposal under the base of the closing device, in order to reduce or avoid, if necessary, the possible entry of oxygen from the outside through the base itself.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The closure device for packages according to the present invention comprises a base 1, which must completely cover the outlet opening of the container, either from inside or outside it, lips 2, which preferably protrude from the center of the base 1 shown in figures 1 and 1a. A handle 3 can be placed on the lips 2, suitable for partial removal or totally for its first use, in view of the embodiment examples detailed below (figures 4 and 5).

Said lips 2 define an outlet opening 4 that is practically imperceptible and extends from the lower face of the base 1 through the inner face of the lips 2 to its upper face. Preferably, the outlet opening 4 exceeds the upper half of the handle 3 but without reaching it, when said handle is present. The outlet opening 4 extends vertically through the inside of the lips 2, preferably without reaching the inner side walls thereof.

The base 1 completely covers the outlet of the deformable container and is sealed thereto, either directly or by a support 12, which is preferably made of a material other than that of the base. The base 1 is made of an elastic material, such as an elastomer, as are the lips 2.

The dimensions of the base 1 may vary in diameter, thickness or hardness. The diameter or width of the base 1 will be between 5-60 mm, depending on the dimensions of the outlet of the container. Preferably of 25 ± 10 mm, for example for the application of the closure device in feed containers.

If the base 1 is very thin, the pressure resistance will be lower and will allow greater flexion than if it is thick, since the thickness of the material, as well as its hardness, also limits its elasticity point. Therefore, the thickness of the base will be between 0.5-4 mm. Preferably of approx. 1 ± 0.5 mm for the application of the closure device in feeding containers.

Once the base 1 is fixed to the container and there is fluid or air inside it, an increase in internal pressure will cause it to flex towards the outside of the container.

If the pressure is negative inside the package, the base 1 flexes in the opposite direction, that is, towards the inside of the container.

The lips 2 preferably are of the same material as the base 1 and protrude from this preferably from its center.

The function of the lips 2 is to prevent flow in the direction of the exit hole. When the base 1 flexes towards the inside of the container, this flexion exerts a modification in the general structure of the lips 2:

If a pressure is exerted on the container, this causes a flexion of the base, which adopts an outward bulge (figures 2a to 2e), so that the deformation of the latter allows the lips 2 to separate completely and the opening of outlet 4 opens, allowing the contents of the container to flow outwards.

On the contrary, if pressure is reduced or ceased to exert on the container, the base 1 flexes by bending in the opposite direction to the aforementioned (figures 3a to 3e), that is to say towards the inside of the container, the outlet opening 4 can be opened in its lower part due to its expansion (figure 3e), but increasing the pressure in its upper part by structural deformation, sealing the outlet opening 4 in this way and preventing the exit of the fluid, the entry of air and maintaining the pressure negative inside. The height of the lips 2 together with the elasticity of the base 1 and the length of the outlet opening 4 determine the distance of separation of the lips 2 when exerting pressure or vacuum. If the height is short, the sealing margin of the lips 2 is reduced by the separation thereof when the base 1 expands and, consequently, from the outlet opening 4 and by the contractor, if the height is excessive, it obliges to the base 1 to use a material of greater elasticity to obtain the opening of the outlet opening 4 when exerting pressure.

Therefore, the height of the lips 2 in the embodiment will be between 1-20 mm and the length of the outlet opening 4 will be between 0.9-19.9 mm.

In an example for the application of the closure device in feed containers, the height of the lips 2 is preferably 6 ± 2 mm and the length of the outlet opening 4 preferably of the order of 5/6 parts of the length of the lips 2.

The length of the lips 2 determines the size of the exit opening 4. The greater the length of the lips 2, the exit opening 4 can be longer, thus determining the size of the exit opening when it is opened and the larger the flow, always taking into account the height so that they do not collapse inwards.

However, the length of the lips 2 will be comprised in the embodiment example between 1/8 and 6/8 of the diameter of the base. In an example for the application of the closure device in feed containers, preferably the length of the lips 2 is 2/3 of the diameter of the base, that is, of the order of 20 ± 10 mm.

The thickness of the lips 2 is directly linked to the elastic characteristics of the material. If they are thick they generate greater rigidity, which increases the effect of structural modification when the base 1 flexes.

Thus, the thickness of the lips 2 in the exemplary embodiment will be between 1-7 mm. In an example of application of the closure device in feed containers it is preferably 4 ± 1.5 mm. The inner walls of the lips 2 delimit the outlet mouth 4 and must be kept in continuous contact so that no fluid exits, it being preferable that it be the entire surface, but being able to simply limit itself to being in contact at the top.

The exit opening 4 can define a section in a straight line or it can have the shape of a cross, asterisk, star and the like, but keeping the inner walls in contact.

As indicated, the handle 3 is optional and is totally or partially attached to the upper face of the lips 2, always keeping the outlet opening 4 sealed. A function of said handle 3 is to keep the outlet opening 4 sealed until it is removed, being also an indicator and guarantee seal, and also provides the user with a space to press if necessary to pierce the sealing sheet of the container, if this I had it, as shown in Figure 8. Said handle 3 is removed and / or at least partially separated from lips 2 before its first use.

In a first embodiment of the handle, according to Figure 4, the lips 2, the handle 3 and the base 1 are single-piece and comprise an elastomeric material, preferably thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, silicone, latex, rubber, rubber or combinations thereof, that is to say that its qualities allow contact or preservation with the contents of the package and also whose elasticity is chosen based on the density of the contents of the package. In this example, the shooter 3 is completely removed and not replaced on the lips 2.

In a second embodiment of the handle 3 according to Figure 5, the handle 3 can be for example a strip or sheet preferably metallized. The handle 3 is adapted to cover, on the one hand, the upper face of the lips 2 and on the other one of its lateral faces at least partially, allowing the user to remove it completely or separate it from the lips 2 by pulling the end of the handle 3. In either of the two embodiments mentioned, when the shooter is removed

3, which can be removed, torn, released or detached from the lips 2, the outlet opening 4 is left visible, the closure device being ready for use, waiting for some pressure or vacuum to perform its function. Even with the presence or not of the aforementioned handle 3, the closure device for containers can comprise a lid 9 removable by the user at the time prior to opening that covers at least the lips 2 superiorly as indicated below. In a first embodiment, the frame 5 shown in Figure 6 is adapted to hold the base 1 superiorly.

In a second embodiment shown in Figure 6a, said frame 5 may comprise tilting flaps 7, whose function is to limit or reduce the space of action of the base 1. The flaps 7 are also arranged on the base 1 and have the function of preventing the contents from leaving unintentionally without exerting pressure on the container. Thus, also with a tongue 8, it is possible to actuate the flaps 7 and voluntarily release the outward expansion of the base 1 by pressing said tongue 8 as a spring. Said flaps 7 comprise between them an opening 1 1 suitable to allow lips 2 to protrude therethrough.

The cover 9 mentioned above can be independent of the frame 5 to be completely removed by means of pressure or thread.

Now, in a first embodiment, the cover 9 is connected to the first frame 5 by means of an articulation such as the hinge shown in figures 8 and 9 or by a flexible element, as seen in the example shown in figures 10 and 11.

In figure 11 it can also be seen how the support 12 is arranged below the base 1, with the frame 5 on it and with the cover 9 folded on the frame 5.

In another embodiment according to figures 12 and 13, the cover 9 is also linked to the frame 5, but in this case, it comprises means that enable it to be moved longitudinally on the lips 2 to allow access or not to the upper face of the lips 2. For this, the cover 9 comprises, on its outer faces, respective projections 13 and grooves 14 suitable for moving longitudinally in relation to respective projections 13a and grooves 14a made in the inner walls of individual partitions 15 emerging from the frame 5 .

Therefore, in any of the indicated embodiments, the frame 5 facilitates the attachment of the closure device to the container and the lid 9 protects the closure device from coming into involuntary contact with external agents. Said lid 9 can also be used to exert the first pressure to open the sealing sheet of the container. The invention may comprise the support 12 provided with at least one perforation flap 10 (Figure 7 with several flaps and Figure 7a with a flap). Said support 12 is arranged below the base 1, so that the at least one perforation flap 10 also prevents when there is a vacuum in the container, the base 1 flexes too much inwards.

In addition, these perforation flaps 10 (Figure 7 and 7a) allow the perforation of the sealing sheet of the container, whether said aluminum, cardboard or plastic seal, pre-marked, micro-perforated or punched, when exerting pressure , by means of drilling projections 6 located on the underside of said perforation flaps 10.

These perforation flaps 10, once the seal perforation function is exercised, also prevent the material resulting from this guarantee seal from clogging the exit of the container, by having at least one stop 16 on the inner face of the support 12 , preferably two, of inclined walls that allow the lower passage of the at least one perforation flap 10 but that prevent it from returning to its starting or resting position, as can be seen in more detail in Figure 7a, where the aforementioned have already been exceeded. stops 16.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the support 12 on which a sheet 17 of an oxygen barrier material is arranged, suitable for being placed under the base 1 is observed. In this example, the sheet 17 is provided with two openings 18 (holes or grooves) and respective flexible flaps 19 protruding laterally from said sheet 17. Thus, in order to reduce and / or prevent the possible entry of oxygen from the outside through the lip material 2 or base 1, the folded flaps 19 are arranged between the base 1 and the sheet 17 sealing the openings 18. When the container is pressed and the base 1 undergoes the bulge outwards, the content flows through the openings 18 pushing the flaps 19 causing its lifting without impeding the exit opening 4.

In the reverse process, that is, when the base 1 undergoes the bulge towards the inside of the container, the flaps 19 pushed by it return to their initial position sealing the openings 18. The preferred dimensions of the sheet 17 are coincident with those of the base, which may vary by ± 2 mm and in turn the oxygen barrier material of said sheet 17 be selected from a metallized and plasticized plastic, thermoplastic polymer, synthetic polymer soluble in water or plastic film of reduced thickness with high degree of impermeability and high degree of tightness.

Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the described closure device is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the mentioned details can be replaced by others technically equivalent, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Closing device for containers, comprising lips (2) and an outlet opening (4), whose lips (2), in their resting position, are in contact with each other, closing said outlet opening (4) , characterized in that the device also comprises a base (1) of a material with elastic behavior on which said lips (2) are placed protruding from it and said lips (2) being of the same material as the base (1), such that when exerting a pressure on the container, the base (1) flexes by bulging outwardly from said container to fully open said outlet opening (4) and by ceasing to exert pressure on the container, the base (1) flexes by bulging at in the opposite direction to the previous one, this is towards the inside of the container, sealing at least the upper part of said outlet opening (4).

2. Closing device for containers according to claim 1, wherein on said lips (2) a removable and / or separable handle (3) is placed, which closes said exit opening (4) before its first use.

3. - Closing device for containers according to claim 2, wherein the handle (3) is a metallic strip or sheet, which covers, on the one hand, the upper face of the lips (2) and on the other, one of the side faces of these, at least partially.

4. Closing device for containers according to claim 2, wherein said lips (2), the base (1) and the removable handle (3) are made in one piece.

5. Closing device for containers according to any of the preceding claims, which also comprises a frame (5) arranged on the base (1) that fixes it.

6. Closing device for containers according to claim 5, wherein the frame (5) is provided with a swinging flaps (7) with an opening (11) between said swinging flaps (7) to allow the lips (2) stand out through it.

7. Closing device for containers according to claim 6, wherein said frame (5) also comprises a tongue (8) for lifting said tilting flaps (7).

8. Closing device for containers according to any of claims 5 a

7, wherein said frame (5) also comprises a closure cover (9).

9. - Closing device for containers according to claim 8, wherein the lid (9) comprises means capable of allowing a longitudinal displacement of the latter on the lips (2).

10. - Closing device for containers according to claim 9, wherein said displacement means consist of projections (13) and grooves (14) made in the outer faces of the lid (9) and respective projections (13a) and grooves (14a) practiced on the interior walls of two partitions (15) emerging from the frame (5).

1 1. Closing device for containers according to any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises a support (12) with at least one perforation flap (10) placed below the base (1) that at least partially limits the bulging of the base (1) into the container and comprising a plurality of drilling projections (6).

12. - Closing device for containers according to claim 1, wherein the support (12) comprises at its inner face at least one stop (16) of inclined walls such that they allow the lower passage of the at least one flap of perforation (10) and prevent return to its initial position.

13. Closure device for containers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lips (2) have a height between 1-20 mm.

14.- Closing device for containers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet opening (4) has a length between 0.9-19.9 mm.

15. - Closure device for containers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material with elastic behavior of the base (1) and lips (2) is an elastomer selected from thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, silicone, latex , rubber, rubber or combinations thereof.

16. - Closing device for containers according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a sheet (17) under the base (1), said sheet (17) provided with at least one opening (18) and at least one flap ( 19) flexible.