Closing cap for a container

The invention relates to a closure cap, produced by the plastics injection molding process, for a container such as a bottle, having a closure lower part and a closure cover joined integrally to it by way of a hinged joint, the closure cover being pivotable by means of a hinge and being latched in place in the open state to a closure lower part back wall, a latching projection also being formed on this wall, and a latching edge on the closure cover, which latching edge, in the latching state, overrun by the latching edge, is positioned such that it engages beneath the latching projection.

A closure cap of this type is known on commercially available containers for dispensing viscous food substances, such as honey. The latched retaining of the closure cover in the open state not only allows visually perfect monitoring of the emerging stream of substance with respect to a target destination at a lower level but also at the same time prevents this stream from passing onto the closure cover. This keeps dispensers of this type “clean”. A lateral latching edge of the closure cover is used as latching retaining means, which latching edge interacts with a latching projection on the back wall of the closure lower part. The latching projection is a nipple or strip which extends axially parallel to the hinge and can be overrun by the latching edge of the closure cover, which can ultimately engage beneath it. The obstacle presented is overcome in this way by moderate displacement of the latch-forming elements and also under a certain shearing action. The closure cap, at least on the hinge side, moves into a niche in the closure lower part back wall, with the latching projection also located in the niche space, on side flanks. The hinge axis of the hinge, which is realized as a film hinge, is located on the top side of an indentation in the closure cap which is located on the end side and accommodates the closure cover in a form-fitting manner in the closed state. The hinge is offset with respect thereto, set back from the general peripheral boundary line of the closure. This interferes with the exterior of a dispenser of this type, which is formed as a tabletop device.

Stamped formations which secure the open position of the closure cover in a latching manner are also disclosed in the literature references cited below.

For example, DE-U 76 31 199 discloses a closure cap in which a latching projection and a free latching edge of closure cover and closure lower part interact so as to move beyond a dead center position. The closure cover is in this case retained in the open state. The open position is located at 180°.

From GB 2 076 378 A, a closure cap is disclosed in which a latching projection, close to the hinge, of the closure cover rollingly passes over a cam of the closure lower part. It is in this case held open more by means of a frictional lock. The open position of the closure cover is only slight, at less than 90°. The opening of a dispensing nipple is directed outward, located approximately in the angle bisector.

Finally, DE 100 26 099 A1 shows a closure cap in which a latching projection of the closure lower part and a latching edge, which is likewise realized as a free latching projection, of the closure cover retain the latter in the open state. In this case, both latching elements protrude perpendicularly with respect to the horizontally oriented component which in each case includes them.

It is an object of the invention to further develop a closure cap of the generic type in a structurally simple and operationally reliable way.

This object is achieved first and foremost with a closure cap having the features of claim 1 in which it is provided that a—possibly imaginary—extension of the latching projection, in the direction in which it protrudes, as seen in cross section, intersects a vertical through the hinge axis below the hinge axis, and that the latching projection is formed so as to yield during the overrunning in the pivoting direction of the closure cover.

As a result of a configuration of this type, a closure cap of the generic type having an increased usefulness is achieved. The overrunning on the part of the latching retaining elements takes place in a way which is gentle on these elements. No shearing action occurs. All this is of benefit to the service life of a corresponding dispenser. The geometry employed allows the closure cover to move back a long way and to partially dip away as it enters the end stage. Moreover, if desired, the latching even permits positioning very close to the axis. The latching projection, which projects into the orbiting path portion of the latching edge, is subjected to load in the free end region, i.e. in a zone in which the highest resilience is present. During the overrunning in the pivoting direction of the closure cover, first of all the latching projection yields. When the overrunning has ended, the latching edge is in a position engaging beneath the latching projection. If the latching is to be eliminated, this once again takes place counter to the resistance of the latching projection, with yielding pivoting in the opposite direction. The corresponding reversal is spatially compensated for by a free space between the back of the closure cover, which is close to the axis and moves into a retained position, and the niche which receives it there.

The subjects of the further claims are explained below with reference to the subject matter of claim 1, but may also be of importance in their independent formulation. For example, it is further provided that the latching edge is formed close to the pivot axis. This means the hinge axis. The orbiting path portion is correspondingly short. Furthermore, the invention proposes that the boundary edge, associated with the latching projection, of the closure cover is cut open in the axial direction of the hinge to form the latching edge. In this case, in practice the starting point can be a shell-like closure cover, whereof the region close to the axis simply acquires a local notch. The polydirectionality which is in any case present at the wall of the closure cover imparts a high internal stability to the latching edge despite a possibly small wall thickness. By contrast, the latching projection, which is in the form of a integrally molded part, of the closure lower part is formed as a resilient tongue as has already been indicated above. The latching projection is advantageously rooted in the axial region of the hinge. This results in welcome localisation of the latching on a functional region which is in any case standard, namely the hinge. Furthermore, it is provided that the hinge axis is disposed in the plane region of a closure top of the closure lower part. It is therefore flush with the base, which catches beneath the closure cover, of the indentation which receives the closure cover in, as it were, a positively locking manner and laterally continues into plateaus which run level with the top side of the closure cover. Accordingly, the latching projection may be formed in such a way that its surface complements the hinge region. Although just one latching projection in the axial region of the hinge is sufficient, by way of example in the case of relatively large containers, it is also possible for the latching projection, located axially in front of the hinge, to be formed in a pair. In part for technical reasons but mainly for visual appearance, the latching edge is visible in a side view of the closed closure cap. It will quickly become clear to the user that in combination with the latching projection which protrudes slightly downward, there is a functional region which will induce him to try it out, namely that of the retaining securing. The situation is different when the device is seen in plan view. The latching edge, when the closed closure cap is seen in plan view, is integrated in a peripheral boundary line of the closure. This means that on inspection in the usual way, a more continuous nature will be to the fore. Furthermore, the invention proposes that the latching projection is formed centrally between two hinges. This strengthens the entire jointed zone. The coaxially disposed hinges enclose the region which carries the latching projection like a window. This proves to have a stabilizing effect with respect to the latching mechanics. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the latching projection to have a rounded edge contour. This may be a line in the form of an arc of a circle, comprising approximately a semicircle or at least a segment. In this case, it is provided that the latching projection narrows in terms of cross section toward the free boundary edge region. This results in the formation of a clearly perceptible clicking noise which makes it possible to acoustically recognize or indicates that the open position has been reached. The wedge-shaped formation in combination with the rounding permits the formation of a latching element which has a whip-like action. This leads to a sudden blocking release at the zenith of the rounded edge contour. In this case, the closure lower part in practice acts as a reverberation body.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows, in front view, the closure cap, produced by the plastics injection molding process, which the closure cover closed, together with associated container, in approximately its natural size,

FIG. 2 shows a corresponding side view,

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows the closure cap in isolated perspective illustration, in the demolding position or unlatched open position of the closure cover, which is realized as a snap lid,

FIG. 5 shows the section on line V-V in FIG. 1, but without illustrating the container,

FIG. 6 shows a vertical section through the hinge region of the closure cap in the state according to FIG. 4, further enlarged,

FIG. 7 shows a vertical section corresponding to FIG. 6, embodying the latching which has occurred between closure lower part and the closure cover which is molded integrally on it in a pivoting manner,

FIG. 8 shows in, isolated perspective illustration, the closure cap, in the demolding position or unlatched open position of the closure cover, realized as a pivoting cover, representing a variant,

FIG. 9 shows a corresponding side view,

FIG. 10 shows the plan view onto FIG. 9, but turned through 180°,

FIG. 11 shows a vertical section on line XI-XI in FIG. 10 passing through the hinge region of the closure cap, in the state according to FIG. 8, further enlarged,

FIG. 12 shows a sectional illustration corresponding to FIG. 11, but showing the latched pivoted-back position of the closure cover (cf. FIG. 13), and

FIG. 13 shows the rear view of the closure cap, representing the state according to FIG. 12.

The closure cap 1 illustrated in the drawing is produced as a single piece using the plastics injection molding process. It consists, for example, of PP. The demolding position is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Components of the closure cap 1 include a closure lower part 2 and a closure cover 3 which is pivotably molded onto it, as well as means of a latching mechanism 4, which has a snap-action.

The closure lower part 2 also includes means for securing it to a container 5. The container 5 is a bottle. The contents of this bottle can be dispensed via a stopper-controlled passage-opening 6 in the closure cap 1. This dispensing takes place with the container turned upside down, if appropriate together with the container 5 being squeezed so as to displace its contents. The container at least in part has wall parts of collapsible strength.

A stopper 7 is located on the inner side of the closure cover 3, specifically in an identical pivoting position. The stopper 7 is a hollow stopper. The operational pivoting is defined by a hinge 8, constituting a pivot axis for the closure cover 3. The geometric hinge axis is denoted by x-x and is horizontal.

The hinge 8, configured as a film hinge, represents the connecting bridge between the parts 2 and 3 which are injection-molded to one another. The desired jointed nature is based on a linear reduction in the material thickness in the hinge region. During closing, the closure cover 3 moves into a horizontal indentation 9 of matching contour. This indentation is located on the head part of the closure lower part 2. On either side of the horizontal, the head part merges into a plateau 10.

Indentation 8 and plateaus 9 in cross-sectional terms impart to the closure lower part 2, a substantially elongate configuration, with slightly curved wide sides, namely a front wall 11 remote from the hinge and a back wall 12 close to the hinge. The two end walls 13 may likewise be slightly convexly curved or, as illustrated, may be flat when seen in cross section.

The common peripheral boundary line of the closure cap 1, formed by the periphery of the plateaus 10 and the open ends of the indentation 9, is denoted by 14. Reference is made in this context to FIG. 3.

The horizontal cross-sectional form of the container 5, as shown in the drawings, is substantially matched to the cross-sectional configuration of the closure cap 1 which has been described.

In the closed position, the top side of the closure cover 3 ends flush with the top side of the two plateaus 10, partly with a view to achieving a bottle which can be stood on its head.

The closure cover 3 is of shell-like configuration. It has a periphery which drops more or less steeply or in rounded form. The corresponding boundary edge carries as a whole the reference numeral 15.

The closable passage-opening 6 is realized at a raised, short connection stub 16 in the base of the indentation 9. This connection piece projects freely into the region of the indentation 9. For sealing purposes, the stopper 7 has an annular collar 17 on the lateral wall side, which interacts with a corresponding annular groove 18 in the pot-shaped connection piece 16. This formation simultaneously functions as a cover closure latch.

The closure lower part 2 is also formed for anchoring with a view to being connected to the container 5. Reference is made to FIG. 5, from which it can be seen that a holding means 20 starts from the inner side of the underside of a top 19 of the closure cap 1. The holding means 20 is configured in the form of a ring 21 in a, as it were, “floating” position in the interior of the cap. The band of this ring is able to yield radially. As a result of elastic restoring, making use of a corresponding length reserve of the ring band, the ring 21 snaps under a horizontal flank of a projection, which is nose-shaped in cross section, on the neck of the container 5 (these details are not shown). The ring 21 is also secured by way of vertical arms 22, which likewise start from the underside of the horizontal top 19 of the closure lower part 2. Further details of this docking means can be found in DE 198 24 714 A1. The disclosure content of this application is hereby incorporated in its entirety, partly with a view to incorporating features of these documents in the claims of the present application.

The end edge of the lateral wall of the closure lower part 2, which is fundamentally not round, can be utilized with a view to rotational securing of the closure cap 1 with respect to the container 5. The latter constitutes the correspondingly inserted, rotationally securing counterpart. Furthermore, a centering projection 23 leads from the inner side of the top 19. The edge of this centering projection 23 is rounded. This leads to progressive, position-correcting entry of this centering projection 23 into the corresponding neck opening of the container 5.

All that is required to open up the passage-opening is for the closure cover 3 to be deliberately pivoted up. This leads to the closure force between annual collar 17 and annular groove 18 being overcome. To facilitate handling, the boundary edge 15, located at a distance from the hinge 8, of the shell-like closure cover 3 stands free such that it is possible to engage beneath it. This is achieved by a recessed grip 24, realized in this region, in the wall of the closure lower part 2. The recessed grip 24 is located in the front wall 11 and extends as a hollow into the base of the indentation 9. The lower, slightly exposed zone of the boundary edge 15 is denoted by 25.

The closure cover 3 can be moved into the out-of-the way position apparent from FIG. 7. This goes well beyond 180° and in the exemplary embodiment includes an angle of approx. 120°. It may even extend into a position completely concealed at the closure lower part 2.

In the fully opened state, the closure cover 3 is retained in position, in a manner which can be overcome, by the latching mechanism 4. The corresponding retaining results to the region of the closure lower part back wall 12.

The core piece of the corresponding latching mechanism 4 is a latching projection 26 formed on the wall, more specifically the closure lower part back wall 12. This latching projection 26 is realized as a resilient tongue and in terms of thickness is correspondingly matched to the surrounding wall material.

As can be gathered from the drawing, the latching projection 26 is rooted in the axial region of the hinge 8, which constitutes the pivot axis, between closure lower part 2 and closure cover 3.

The hinge axis x-x extends in the plane region of the top 19 of the closure lower part 2. Specifically, the horizontal base of the indentation 9 is flush with the hinge axis x-x. The hinge-forming material narrows in the direction of the said hinge axis x-x. It decreases in a wedge formation to a fraction of the thickness of the respective wall.

Taking account of the substantially vertically descending lateral wall of the closure lower part 2, the closure projection 26, which projects outward and downward in a sloping manner, includes an angle α of approximately 45° with respect to this lateral wall.

The mating latching means which interacts with the latching projection 26 is a latching edge 27 on the closure cover 3. The latching edge 27 extends in the vicinity of the pivot axis, i.e. the hinge axis x-x. Its direct spacing (cf. FIG. 6) is significantly shorter than the direct spacing between the free end of the latching projection 26 and the reference point mentioned above.

In this respect, the latching edge 27, in the given pivoting range, moves along an orbiting path portion 28 which lies spatially within the cross section of the latching projection 26. The overcomable latchability is obtained from this. The orbiting path portion 28 has its center point in the hinge axis x-x.

Since the latching edge 27 is formed close to the pivot axis, the latching mechanism 4 is extremely compact.

To form the said latching edge 27, the closure cover 3 is cut open in the axial direction of the hinge 8 at its hinge-side latching edge 15, specifically in such a manner that gaps which are deepened with respect to the end of the boundary edge 15 are formed, and when actuated these gaps move over the latching projection 26. The gaps can be seen particularly clearly from FIG. 4.

Corresponding to the number of these latching gaps or latching edges 27, two latching projections 26 are also formed. The said latching projections 26 are shaped in such a way that their surface complements the hinge region so that they can move autonomously. Accordingly, the latching projection 26, located axially in front of the hinge 8, is provided in a pair.

In a modification, the hinge 8 could in practice, divided in two, also be located on the outer side between a central latching projection 26, specifically, of course with a corresponding modification to the mating latching means, on the closure cover 3.

In one way or another, as the closure cover 3 moves back into the intended latched concealed position, the latching projection 26 is overrun by the latching edge 27 until, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the latching edge 27 engages beneath the latching projection 26. During this operation, the latching projection 26 yields in the pivoting direction of the closure cover 3 until the obstacle which it presents is completely overcome. The geometry described is also characterized in that a—possibly imaginary—extension of the latching projection 26, in the direction of protrusion z, as seen in the cross-sectional illustration of FIG. 7, intersects a vertical V-V passing through the hinge axis x-x, below the hinge axis x-x, the latching projection 26, as has been mentioned, being overrun in a yielding manner during the overrunning in the pivoting direction y of the closure cover 3.

The latching projection 26 operates in a relatively gentle, resilient manner avoiding shear forces. On the other hand, mechanical loads, such as for example ramming forces, on account of the restoring force of the resilient tongue on the closure cover 3, are compensated for by the film-like integral hinge, a further source of the resilience. The direction-changing snap-action forces are moderate, so as to be gentle on the material; the material bridge between the closure lower part 2 and the closure cover 3 in practice does not tear.

The, as it were, prismatic resilient tongue, in conjunction with the end-side resilient movability, at the same time also has a switching function in that the latching edge 27 first of all comes into contact with the outer wide surface, overcomes the right-angled end region of the latching projection 26 and ultimately comes to bear flat against the undercut wide surface of the latching projection 26 (cf. FIG. 7). During this pivoting back into the latching position described, there is otherwise sufficient clearance between the back 29 of the closure cover 23 and a niche 30 provided on the closure lower part 2, since, as can be seen, a free space 31 which allows corresponding room for maneuver is left clear between these two parts. The free space 31 lies in the plane of pivoting of the closure cover 3.

The latching is eliminated by overrunning the resilient tongue, i.e. the latching projection 26, in the opposite direction to arrow y.

During both operations, the resilient tongue is not excessively loaded at its root, but rather is utilized in the free end region in accordance with its highest resilience.

With regard to the latching edge 27, it also remains to state that, when the closed closure cap 1 is seen in side view, this latching edge 27 can be recognized as a small gap, whereas when the closed closure cap 1 is seen from above, it is integrated in the peripheral boundary line 14 of the closure.

The subject matter shown in FIG. 8 ff. is of fundamentally the same structure. The reference symbols are applied accordingly to this closure cap 1, in some cases without the associated text being repeated.

The focal point of this development relates to the latching mechanism 4. If, according to the basic version, cf. for example FIG. 3, two latching projections 26 with associated latching edges 27 are formed on the closure cover 3, with the hinge 8 on the hinge axis x-x between them; then, according to this variant, the latching projection 26 is formed centrally between two hinges 8′. The above mentioned means of the latching mechanism 4 are located in the region of a window 32 at the hinge location. This window is formed partly on the closure lower part 2, more specifically the top 19 thereof, and partly on the adjoining region of the closure cover 3. Here, the window 32 is drawn into the boundary edge 14, so that the latter presents the latching edge 27 explained above.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, the latching projection 26 which starts from the top 19 and in this case too runs in the direction of protrusion z, has a rounded edge contour 33. There is a tongue-shaped, highly resilient, stiff tab. The rounded edge contour 33 may be a circular rounding. A segment-shaped contour is illustrated.

Moreover, the resilience of the latching projection 26 is also boosted by the fact that the latching projection 26 narrows in terms of cross section toward its free boundary region, i.e. the rounded edge contour. A wedge-shaped cross-sectional contour with a truncated tip can be recognized, forming the latching projection 26 which can be overrun by the latching edge 27 of the closure cover 3. This produces the action/constellation described in detail above.

On the outer side, closer to the zenith of the rounded edge contour 33, is a bevel-like flattened section 34. At a spacing from this, that side of the latching projection 26 which carries the flattened section 34, closer to the hinges 8′,8′, has a protuberance 35. This is positioned at the top side of a slight recess 36 which boosts the movability of the wedge-shaped portion of the latching projection 26 but offers a stable anchoring base in the region of the protuberance 35 by virtue of the increased accumulation of material. The window 32 which has been described is located above this.

According to the variant, the closure cover 3 also has a stopper 7, likewise produced in a pot shape. A diaphragm valve is associated with the passage-opening 6 in the top 19 of the closure lower part 2. The diaphragm carries the reference numeral 37. It is held around the edge by an annular holding part 38. The holding part 38 is latch-connected to a receiving part 39 positioned upstream of the passage-opening 6 in the dispensing direction.

The diaphragm 37 is realized as a turning-inside-out diaphragm and has a slit 40 for the substance that is to be discharged to pass through. Further details of the said diaphragm can be found in German Patent Application 103 33 638.9. The disclosure content of this prior application is incorporated in full in the present application, partly with a view to incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

On the container side, a plate part 41 molded integrally onto the holding part 38 engages below the diaphragm 37 in a supporting manner. This plate part 41 is attached by way of spring arms 42. The area surrounding the spring arms 42 represents a flow connection to the passage-opening 6, denoted as aperture 43. The clear dimension of the latter is expediently matched to the external diameter of the pot-shaped stopper 7. In a refinement, the latching connection 17/18 can be realized or simply a clamping connection can be produced between the lateral wall of the stopper 7 and the corresponding inner wall of the aperture 43 of the holding part 38. The friction action between the two parts can be established in such a way that it is possible to bring about an operationally reliable closed position, producing a frictionally locking securing seat, which can be deliberately overcome, between closure cover 3 and the holding part 38 retained in the receiving part 39.

The lateral wall of the stopper 7 has longitudinal ribs 44 which in the closed position of the closure cover 3 come into contact with the top side of the holding part 38. They act as retention means.

In the region of the retaining mechanism 4, a strip 45 which extends as far as the top side of the cover 19 then leads from the top of the closure cover 3. This strip 45 is at a spacing from the latching edge 27 and also at a distance from the longitudinal sides of the shell-shaped closure cover 3. The strip 45 functions as a screen and also allows any residual liquid which collects in the head region of the dispenser to escape via the window 32. Drying can also take place by this means.

All features disclosed are (inherently) pertinent to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/appended priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby incorporated in its entirety in the disclosure of the application, partly with a view to incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10310915.3	Mar 2003	DE	national
10342407.5	Sep 2003	DE	national

Closing cap for a container

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