Patent Grant
10407224
The invention relates to a container closure device for a container, in particular for a beverage can. Such a container has a container wall with an inner face, an outer face and a container opening. The container closure device comprises a closure unit with a closure part for opening and re-closing the container opening multiple times, wherein the closure part is disposed so as to be pivotable from a closed position into an open position about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the inner face. Further, the container closure device comprises an operating device with an operating part for actuating the closure part, wherein the operating part is disposed on the closure part in a manner rotatable about a second axis.
Such a container closure device is known from WO 2011/124552 A1. This known container closure device has a mechanism for opening and re-closing the container opening multiple times which is easy to operate and which functions well. In the field of re-closable container closure devices, however, there is the desire for providing a re-closable closure that has a simple structure, comprises few components and is simple and cost-effective to produce. In addition, the component height is to be kept small in order to enable both a simple operation and a simple manufacturing process during the assembly of the individual components.
The object of the invention lies in proposing a container closure device that provides a re-closable closure mechanism that has a simple structure, is simple to produce, comprises a small number of components and a small structural height while ensuring easy operability at the same time.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container closure device for a container, in particular for a beverage can, according to claim 1 is proposed in order to achieve the object. The container closure device comprises a container wall with an inner face, an outer face and a container opening, a closure unit with a closure part for opening and re-closing the container opening multiple times, wherein the closure part is disposed on the inner face so as to be pivotable from a closed position into an open position about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the inner face, and an operating device with an operating part for actuating the closure part, wherein the operating part is disposed on the closure part in a manner rotatable about a second axis such that the operating part is connected to the closure part through the container opening and such that the operating part can be rotated from a locked position into an unlocked position. The closure part closes the container opening in the locked position, and the container opening can be unblocked in the unlocked position by pivoting the closure part about the first axis. Further, the operating part comprises a first locking portion and a second locking portion, wherein the first locking portion and the second locking portion are configured in such a way that, in the locked position, the two locking portions extend beyond the container opening up to an opening limiting region delimiting the container opening, and that, in the unlocked position, at least one of the two locking portions does not extend beyond the container opening up to the opening limiting region delimiting the container opening.
For generally understanding of the mode of action and the advantages of the inventive container closure device according to all aspects of the present invention, the general explanations below follow within the context of the present invention:
The container closure device may also be referred to as a re-closable container closure device or as a re-closable closure device. The operating device may also be referred to as an actuating device. Preferably, the container closure device according to the invention is used for a re-closable can, in particular for a re-closable beverage can.
The container wall preferably is a lid so that, consequently, the inner face may also be referred to as the bottom side and the outer face may be referred to as the top side. Alternatively, the container wall may also be a side wall or a bottom of a container.
Advantageously, the container closure device may consist (only) of the closure part, the operating part and a sealing means, i.e. of three components that cooperate with the container wall and the container opening provided therein. A low number of components is thus achieved, which, in addition, have a small structural height, and wherein the closure is easy to operate.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure part and the operating part extend substantially parallel to one another in the locked position, in the unlocked position and during the pivoting movement into the interior of the container for unblocking the opening, and also during the return pivoting movement for closing the opening. In other words, the closure part and the operating part, starting from the unlocked position, are able to pivot together when pivoting into the interior of the container and accordingly pivot together also when pivoting back for closing the container opening, i.e. they remain in a substantially parallel position relative to one another. This makes a small structural height possible.
Further, the present invention preferably provides that, in the locked position, in the unlocked position and during the rotary movement parallel to the container wall, the operating part is preferably orientated substantially parallel to the outer face of the container wall and above the outer face and so as to rest, at least in some portions, on the outer face.
Within the context of the present invention, the container opening can be unblocked, starting from the unlocked position of the operating part, by pivoting the closure part about the first axis, wherein the pivoting of the closure part may occur as a consequence of the positioning and extending direction of the first axis and as a consequence of the own weight of the closure part and/or the operating part. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting of the closure part may occur by means of lifting an end region of the operating part in a direction substantially perpendicular or oblique to the container wall. Depending on the size and material of the closure part, and depending on the design of the first axis of rotation or the joint, the opening angle to be reached as a consequence of gravity may be affected. Depending on the desired opening angle for the container opening, the closure part may then remain in this intermediate position as the final open position, or the closure part may be additionally pivoted about the first axis by lifting the end of the operating part, so that a larger opening angle can be achieved as the final open position.
Further, the present invention preferably provides that the operating part rests on the closure part in the area of the container opening and is, in particular, directly connected to the closure part, preferably exclusively through the container opening. This connection of the closure part and the operating part is designed in such a way that the operating part is rotatable relative to the closure part. In this case, the axis of rotation of the operating part extends substantially perpendicularly to the closure part. The closure part is attached to the inner face of the container wall with its attachment region, preferably directly, i.e. without an intermediate component. The attachment is carried out in such a way that the closure region of the closure part is pivotable for opening and closing the container opening multiple times.
In the closed position, the bottom side of the operating part preferably rests on the top side of the container wall at least in some portions, and the top side of the closure part rests on the bottom side of the container part at least in some portions.
The container closure device according to the invention makes a simple and flat structure and a low number of components possible, with easy operability at the same time.
Because the first and second locking portions of the operating part, in the locked position, extend beyond the container opening up to the opening limiting region delimiting the container opening, these two locking portions protrude over the container opening, which is supposed to prevent a partial opening or the opening of a gap of the closure from occurring due to deliberately or inadvertently pressing the operating part and/or the closure part down. Furthermore, an improved sealing effect in the locked position can be obtained. The fact that, in the unlocked position, at least one of the two locking portions of the operating part does not extend beyond the container opening up to the opening limiting region delimiting the container opening, makes it possible to easily pivot the closure part about the first axis downwards into the interior of the container, starting from the unlocked position. In the case that one of the two locking portions does not extend beyond the container opening but the other locking portion extends beyond the container opening, the latter locking portion may serve have the purpose that, when the locking portion thereof or a grip portion adjacent thereto is lifted, a pivoting movement of the closure part about the first axis occurs in order to obtain the desired open position. In this case, the protruding locking portion or grip portion may serve as an abutment (surface) on a partial portion or an edge of the opening limiting region in order to be able to apply a torque on the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, an outer operating part edge (may also be referred to as an outer boundary line) of the operating part, an outer closure part edge of the closure part and a boundary line of the container opening have a substantially identical geometrical course. In other words, there is preferably a congruent shaping of the operating part, the closure part and/or the container opening. In a preferred embodiment, the outer operating part edge, the outer closure part edge and/or the boundary line of the container opening are formed to be oval or as an elongated hole. In this case, the long sides may be formed as straight lines in some portions.
Preferably, the container opening has a substantially oval basic shape or the shape of an elongated hole. In this case, the long sides of the elongated hole may be formed as straight lines in some portions. The curved end regions of the elongated hole may preferably be formed in a semicircular or elliptical shape. On the one hand, the opening limiting region may be delimited by the boundary line and on the other hand, may be delimited by a (virtual) border line extending congruently or substantially parallel thereto. Thus, the opening limiting region advantageously extends around the container opening and preferably has an annular shape and/or an oval shape.
Preferred embodiments of the container closure device according to the first aspect according to claim 1 are now described in accordance with the dependent claims 2 to 6.
In a preferred embodiment, when the operating part is rotated from the locked position into the unlocked position, the two locking portions move along the opening limiting region delimiting the container opening and/or along the boundary line of the container opening.
Preferably, an overlapping region of the locking portion and the opening limiting region may become continuously smaller when the operating part is rotated from the locked position into the unlocked position, and/or the overlapping region may become continuously larger when the operating part is rotated from the unlocked position into the locked position.
In a preferred embodiment, an outer operating part edge of the operating part is formed to be substantially congruent to a boundary line of the container opening, preferably in such a way that the operating part can be pivoted from the locked position into the interior of the container by pivoting the closure part about the first axis, with only a minimal gap being provided between the outer operating part edge and the boundary line of the container opening.
In a preferred embodiment, the first locking portion and/or the second locking portion, respectively, is an end region of the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, the operating part has a central portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion, in which the rotatable connection between the operating part and the closure part is provided.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the end regions and/or at least one of the locking regions comprises a grip portion configured for being gripped with one or more fingers.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a container closure device for a container, in particular for a beverage can, according to claim 7 is proposed in order to achieve the object. The container closure device comprises a container wall with an inner face, an outer face and a container opening, a closure unit with a closure part for opening and re-closing the container opening multiple times, wherein the closure part is disposed on the inner face so as to be pivotable from a closed position into an open position about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the inner face, and an operating device with an operating part for actuating the closure part, wherein the operating part is disposed on the closure part in a manner rotatable about a second axis such that the operating part is connected to the closure part through the container opening and such that the operating part can be rotated from a locked position into an unlocked position.
The closure part closes the container opening in the locked position, and the container opening can be unblocked in the unlocked position by pivoting the closure part about the first axis. Furthermore, a displacement mechanism is provided with which, by rotating the operating part relative to the closure part, one of the closure part or the operating part can be moved towards or away from the container wall in a direction substantially extending perpendicularly to the container wall, whereby the operating part and/or the closure part can be pressed against the container wall or detached from it.
This container closure device according to the invention makes it possible that, using the rotation of the operating part relative to the closure part, which has already been initiated anyway, for displacing the operating part from a locked position into an unlocked position (and back) by means of the displacement mechanism, the operating part and/or the closure part can be urged or pressed against the container wall, particularly against the region delimiting the container opening, and also detached from it again.
When rotating the operating part in a first direction of rotation about the second axis, the closure part or the operating part, in a rotating area shortly before reaching the unlocked position, is preferably moved towards the container wall in a direction extending substantially perpendicularly to the container wall. In this manner, the closure device can be brought into a secured closed position (may also be referred to as the secured position), in which the operating part and/or the closure part is urged or pressed against the container wall. This may also be referred to as squeezing the container wall against the closure part and/or the operating part. Preferably, the closure part is pressed against the inner face of the container wall.
In the process, a sealing means provided between the inner face of the container wall and the top side of the closure part can be pressed on or compressed. This enables an improved sealing function, and the closure cannot be readily partially opened by deliberately or inadvertently pressing the closure part or operating part down, forming a gap.
In the case of the reverse rotational movement, i.e., starting from the locked position, the operating part and/or the closure part is detached from the pressed-on position by rotating the operating part relative to the closure part in a second direction of rotation, starting from the locked position along a certain area of rotation, due to the fact that the closure part or the operating part moves away from the container wall again in a direction extending substantially perpendicularly to the container wall.
Thus, the first and second directions of rotation each extend around the second axis, corresponding to the axis of rotation of the operating part. Advantageously, by means of this design of the operating part being rotatable relative to the closure part, a locking and unlocking action may be provided on the one hand, and on the other hand, the displacement mechanism may simultaneously be brought from a secured position, in which the operating part and/or the closure part is pressed against the container wall, into a released position (may also be referred to as a detached position), in which the operating part and/or the closure part is no longer pressed against the container wall.
Preferred embodiments of the container closure device according to the second aspect according to claim 7 are now described in accordance with the dependent claims 8 to 12.
In a preferred embodiment, the displacement mechanism comprises at least one displacement means provided on the container wall, on the operating part and/or on the closure part. Preferably, the displacement means is a projection.
In a preferred embodiment, the displacement means is a control portion shaped so as to cause a control of the movement of the closure part or the operating part towards or away from the container wall.
Preferably, the control portion is formed by an edge or a strip provided on the outer circumference or the inner circumference of the operating part and/or the closure part. Also preferably, the control portion extends in a curved and/or slanted manner.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a container closure device for a container, in particular for a beverage can, is provided, with an inner face, and outer face and a container wall comprising a container opening. According to claim 13, this container closure device comprises a closure unit with a closure part for opening and re-closing the container opening multiple times, wherein the closure part is disposed so as to be pivotable from a closed position into an open position about a first axis extending substantially parallel to the inner face. The container closure device further comprises an operating device with an operating part for actuating the closure part, wherein the operating part is disposed on the closure part in a manner rotatable about a second axis and can be rotated from a locked position into an unlocked position. In addition, the closure unit comprises a fixing device by means of which, in a fixed position, the closure part can be detachably fixed in the open position and by means of which, in a released position, the closure part can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position.
This container closure device according to the invention makes it possible that, within the course of the pivoting movement of the operating part, which is required anyway for opening the container opening, the closure part can be fixed in the desired open position in a fixed position of the fixing device. The closure part may be pivoted as a consequence of the own weight of the closure part with the operating part disposed thereon, and/or by lifting or pulling up one end of the operating part. Thus, a partially opened position of the closure part and/or a predetermined open position of the closure part may be obtained by means of an opening movement, i.e. the pivoting of the operating part about the first axis. In particular, no displacing movement in different directions or about different axes is required. This equally applies to the reverse displacing movement for releasing the closure part from the fixed position or open position because on the one hand, due to pivoting the closure part back about the first axis by means of the operating part disposed thereon, the fixing device is transferred from the fixed position into the released position, and in addition, the closure part can be returned to the inner face of the container wall in order to close the container opening again.
In preferred embodiments, the container wall with an inner face, an outer face and a container opening can also be considered a component of this container closure device. Furthermore, the operating part may be disposed on the closure part in a manner rotatable about a second axis such that the operating part is connected to the closure part through the container opening. Also, the closure part can close the container opening in the locked position, and the container opening can be unblocked in the unlocked position by pivoting the closure part about the first axis.
Further preferred embodiments of the container closure device according to the third aspect according to claim 13 are now described in accordance with the dependent claims 14 to 18.
In a preferred embodiment, the fixing device is formed by at least one latching device, preferably by two latching devices.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching device has a first latching member and a second latching member, wherein at least one of them is configured to be at least partially elastic, and wherein one of the latching members is provided on a closure region of the closure part serving for closing the container opening, and the other latching member is provided on an attachment region of the closure part serving for attaching the closure unit to the inner face of the container wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the one of the latching members is configured as a latching cam and the other of the latching members as a latching receptacle or latching flange.
In a preferred embodiment, one of the latching members is connected to the attachment region via an articulated connection and/or is integrally formed with the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, in the fixed position, the latching members are connected to each other positively, frictionally or non-positively, and/or the latching members are spaced apart in the released position.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one latching member is attached to the closure region of the closure part, particularly to the bottom side of the closure part, or formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the latching member is configured as a hook-shaped or L-shaped flange (seen in cross section). In this case, the one end of the flange is attached to the closure part, and the other end of the flange is formed as a free end which can cooperate with the other latching member in the fixed position of the fixing device. The two ends of the flange may extend substantially perpendicularly relative to each other or at a predetermined angel relative to each other.
Preferably, the other latching member is attached to the attachment region of the closure part, and there, in particular, to the bottom side. In particular, this latching member may be formed integrally with the closure part and be configured, in particular, as a latching cam.
In particular, the free end of the flange may be configured to be elastically bendable in order to come into contact with the other latching member by bending and/or pressing the free end, so that the fixed position of the closure part can be maintained.
Also preferably, the latching cam can be provided with latching webs or latching nubs, which make it possible to retain or reach behind the other latching member in a frictional and/or non-positive manner, particularly in the form of the free end of the L-shaped flange.
Each of the inventive container closure devices explained above according to any one of the above-mentioned three aspects of the present invention and their preferred designs can be configured as follows as preferred embodiments:
In a preferred embodiment, for rotatably connecting the operating part and the closure part, a connection projection and a connection receptacle are provided, wherein the one part of the operating part and the closure part comprises the connection projection and the other one of the operating part and the closure part comprises the connection receptacle.
In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable connection of the operating part and the closure part is configured as a latching connection (clip connection).
In a preferred embodiment, the latching connection has two latching connection means, wherein at least one of them is configured in a partially elastic manner, and wherein one of the latching connection means is provided on the operating part and the other latching connection means on the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching connection means are formed as latching cams on the connection projection and on the connection receptacle, respectively. In this manner, in the latched state of the connection projection and the connection receptacle, they are engaged in such a way that the operating part and the closure part are rotatable relative to each other.
In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable connection of the operating part and the closure part is configured as a bayonet connection.
In a preferred embodiment, the bayonet connection has two bayonet connection units, wherein the one bayonet connection unit is provided on the operating part and the other bayonet connection unit on the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, the bayonet connection unit has at least one bayonet flange or one bayonet recess, wherein the bayonet flange or bayonet recess extends substantially parallel to the plane of the operating part or of the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, the bayonet flange or the bayonet recess of the bayonet connection unit provided on the closure part is disposed on the connection projection, and the bayonet flange or the bayonet recess of the bayonet connection unit provided on the operating part is disposed on the connection receptacle.
Preferably, several bayonet flanges and several bayonet recesses are provided, wherein the several bayonet flanges are preferably provided on the closure part, and there particularly on the connection projection, and the several bayonet recesses are preferably provided on the operating part, and there particularly on the connection receptacle. Both the bayonet flanges and the bayonet recesses are preferably spaced apart and disposed alternatingly along a virtual circle line.
These two bayonet connection units may cooperate in such a way that, when the operating part is placed on the closure part, the bayonet flanges are introduced into the associated bayonet recesses of the other part of the operating part or closure part, and then the operating part and the closure part are rotated relative to each other in order to bring the bayonet connection into its fixed position. Preferably, a latching device, in particular the latching connection mentioned further above, can be provided additionally in order to secure the bayonet connection in its fixed position.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure unit has a closure region formed on the closure part, for closing the container opening, and an attachment region for attaching the closure unit to the inner face of the container wall, wherein the closure part is connected to the attachment region via a joint and the joint provides the first axis.
In a preferred embodiment, the attachment region has at least one projection which, for producing a rivet connection, can be inserted into an attachment opening of the container wall and secured with the container wall.
In a preferred embodiment, a valve device with a valve opening and/or a valve passage is provided for pressure compensation between the container interior and the ambient pressure, wherein the valve device is opened by rotating the operating part from the locked position into the unlocked position and closed by rotating the operating part from the unlocked position into the locked position.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve opening and/or the valve passage is disposed in the closure part, the operating part and/or the sealing means.
In a preferred embodiment, a sealing means is provided which is disposed on the closure unit and/or the operating device.
In a preferred embodiment, the sealing means comprises a first sealing region, which seals the container opening relative to the closure part in the closed position, and/or a second sealing means, which seals the attachment region of the closure unit with respect to the container wall.
In a preferred embodiment, a seal device is provided which is damaged when the container closure device is opened for the first time, wherein the seal device comprises a seal projection and a seal recess, wherein the seal projection is connected to the operating part or the closure part via at least one predetermined breaking point, and the seal recess is provided in the other part of the closure or operating part, wherein, when the operating part is rotated, the seal projection cooperates with the seal recess in such a way that the predetermined breaking point is damaged, in particular bent and/or broken.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal projection is connected to the operating part and the seal recess is formed in the closure part. Preferably, the seal projection is integrally formed with the operating part. Preferably, the seal projection is connected to the operating part via one or more webs (or arms) as the at least one predetermined breaking point. The seal recess may be configured as a cylindrical blind hole or also as an elongated hole.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal projection (prior to the container closure device being opened for the first time) projects into the seal recess and the seal projection strikes against a wall of the seal recess and the predetermined breaking point, which is preferably configured as one or more webs, is damaged when the operating part is rotated (for the first opening). The seal projection may protrude into the seal recess in such a manner that it touches the closure part, in particular the bottom of the recess, in the area of the free end protruding thereinto. Alternatively, a spacing between the end face of the seal projection and the closure part may also be provided.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal recess is formed in the closure part and the seal projection is connected to the operating part. Preferably, the seal projection is permanently connected to the closure part, preferably by means of a substance-to-substance connection or a positive connection, or by being integrally formed.
Preferably, the seal recess is configured as an elongated hole. Also preferably, the elongated hole is in this case configured as a through-hole, i.e., it extends over the entire thickness of the component.
In a preferred embodiment, subsequent to damaging the at least one predetermined breaking point, when rotating the operating part, the operating part can be moved along the seal recess, preferably in the form of the elongated hole, relative to the seal projection. Preferably, the seal projection is connected to the operating part, preferably in an integral configuration, via one or more predetermined breaking points, preferably by means of one or more webs, in the area of the side walls forming the seal recesses. Preferably, the closure part remains in its position when the operating part is rotated, i.e. it does not rotate, whereby the operating part is guided along the stationary seal projection by means of its seal recess.
Preferably, the seal recess is configured with an arcuate shape, also preferably with the shape of a quarter circle, semicircle or full circle. In the case of a quarter-circle, semicircle or full-circle configuration, the center of the circle is preferably located in the region or on the second axis. Thus, the cooperation of the seal projection and the seal recess is able to support the repeated rotary movements for re-opening and re-closing, even after the first opening.
In a preferred embodiment, a first connection is provided between the seal projection and the operating part, which is damaged as the predetermined breaking point when the container closure device is opened for the first time, and a second connection is provided between the seal projection and the operating part, which is not damaged, preferably remains permanent, when the container closure device is opened for the first time.
Preferably, the first connection and/or the second connection is configured as a positive, non-positive and/or substance-to-substance connection. A substance-to-substance connection is particularly preferred, for example by means of welding (e.g. ultrasonic welding) or gluing.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal projection has a first end on which the first connection is formed. Furthermore, the seal projection has a second end on which the second connection is formed. Preferably, the first end is located in the area of the operating part and the second end in the area of the closure part. In other words, preferably, the first end faces towards the operating part and the second end faces towards the closure part.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal projection is connected to the operating part and/or the closure part via at least one web.
Also preferably, the seal projection, in an end region of the seal recess configured as an elongated hole, is integrally connected to the operating part via several webs, wherein the seal projection preferably extends perpendicularly, in a T-shape, L-shape or I-shape relative to the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, the seal projection extends substantially perpendicularly to the operating part and/or the closure part. In other words, the seal projection may preferably extend (substantially) parallel to the second axis or (substantially) perpendicularly to the first axis.
Preferably, the seal projection comprises at least one seal pin, which is preferably configured with a T-shape, L-shape or I-shape. Alternatively or additionally, the seal projection may have at least one portion extending or lying (substantially) parallel to the operating part or the closure part, wherein the seal projection can preferably be shaped with a T-Shape or L-shape.
Also preferably, several seal projections and/or several seal recesses may also be provided.
In a preferred embodiment, the container wall has only two openings, i.e. the container opening and the attachment opening, by means of which the closure unit can be attached to the container wall, for example by means of a rivet connection.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure unit and/or the operating device is formed integrally, preferably from only one plastic material.
Preferably, the second axis extends substantially perpendicularly to the first axis and/or to the closure part.
Preferably, the operating part rests on the outer face of the container wall. Preferably, the operating part is rotated over an angle of 90° in order to reach the unlocked position from the locked position and vice versa. Preferably, the above-mentioned joints are formed by a thin-walled connecting region, in particular consisting of a flexible material.
In a preferred embodiment, a lever support device is provided, which, during the pivoting movement of the closure part from the open position into the closed position, enables a leverage effect in such a way that the pivoting movement of the closure part towards the inner face of the container wall is supported up to the closed position of the closure part. Thus, the lower edge of the operating part can be brought up above the container wall by pressing downwards onto the end of the operation part (particularly in the area of the grip portion), in order to then enable the rotary movement of the operating part relative to the closure part. At the same time, the top side of the closure part and a sealing means, which may be disposed there if necessary, can be brought to rest or pressed against the bottom side of the container wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the lever support device comprises a support member which is disposed or formed on the operating part or on the container wall. The support member may be integrally formed with the operating part. Preferably, the support member located on the operating part extends substantially perpendicularly to the extension plane of the operating part or at a predetermined angle thereto, e.g. in a range of 10° to 80°, in particular in a range of 30° to 60°. The orientation of the support member depends on its length and the distance with respect to the container wall and the positioning in relation to the first axis.
In a preferred embodiment, the lever support device comprises several support members, wherein at least one of the support members is disposed on the operating part and at least one other one of the support members is disposed on the container wall. Preferably, these support member on the operating part and the container wall are dimensioned and, relative to one another, oriented and arranged in such a way that they cooperate in such a way, over the course of the pivoting movement of the closure part from the open position into the closed position, that the leverage effect on the closure part can be obtained.
In a preferred embodiment, the operating part, on the one hand, comprises a support member, preferably in the form of a flange protruding downwards from the operating part, and on the other hand, the container wall comprises another support member, preferably in the form of a projection protruding upwards from the container wall. This makes it possible for the two support members to come into contact with each other in the area of the final path of movement during the pivoting movement of the closure part from the open position into the closed position, so that the leverage effect can be obtained.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member is a projection or a flange protruding substantially perpendicularly or at an angle from the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member is disposed in the area of the locking portion or of the end region of the operating part in such a way that the support member is situated adjacent to the first axis. Preferably, the support member is disposed on a grip portion of the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, the grip portion of the end region of the operating part extends in an angled or curved manner relative to the operating part or the extension plane thereof. In other words, the grip portion of the end region of the operating part may extend at an angle relative to the extension plane of the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member is disposed on the container wall. Preferably, the support member is an integral component of the container wall. This support member may be configured as an embossing in the container wall and be formed, for example, in a V-shape.
In a preferred embodiment, the operating part has a top side, a bottom side and a side edge, wherein the side edge and/or the bottom side has at least one run-up surface portion which extends in a slanted or curved manner and is positioned and configured in such a way that the run-up surface portion, in a position of the operating part shortly before reaching the unlocked position, cooperates as a run-up surface with the container wall. In this way, the operating part can be brought into the unlocked position and, beyond that, into the locked position.
In a preferred embodiment, several run-up surface portions are provided which are positioned on opposite sides of the operating part.
In a preferred embodiment, viewed in a section extending perpendicularly to the container wall, the closure part has a component thickness that varies in a continuous or step-shaped manner. Preferably, the bottom side of the closure part is formed convexly. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom side can be configured in a step-shaped manner.
According to other aspects of the present invention, the following combinations of claims 1 to 55 are possible. A container closure device comprising the features according to any one of the claims 1 to 6 in combination with the features according to any one of the claims 7 to 12 and/or in combination with the features according to any one of the claims 13 to 17 and/or in combination with the features according to any one of the claims 19 to 55.
A container according to the invention, preferably a can, and more preferably a beverage can, comprises a container closure device according to any one of the claims 1 to 57. Here, the container can be provided with a container wall with an inner face, an outer face and a container opening for emptying the contents of the container. Preferably, the container wall is a lid of the container so that, consequently, the inner face may also be referred to as the bottom side of the lid and the outer face may be referred to as the top side of the lid. Alternatively, the container wall may also be a side wall or a bottom of the container. The container wall is preferably made from metal, particularly from aluminum.
Other details and advantages of the closure devices according to the invention are apparent from the preferred exemplary embodiments described below. In the drawings, which depict the exemplary embodiments merely schematically, the detailed illustrations are described briefly below.
Several preferred embodiments are described below, particularly with respect to the three aspects explained above. In these embodiments, identical features or components have the same reference numerals.
First Embodiment
First, a first embodiment of a container closure device according to the invention is described, which comprises all three of the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and additional preferred embodiments.
First, reference is made, in particular, to
The container closure device 10 comprises a closure unit 30 with a closure part 40 for opening and re-closing the container opening 23 multiple times, and an operating device 50 with an operating part 60 for actuating the closure part 40 (see, in particular,
In this context, the
Both in the locked position and the unlocked position, the operating part 60 is connected to the closure part 40 (in particularly exclusively) through the container opening 23, wherein the operating part 60 is disposed on the closure part 40 in a manner rotatable about the second axis B. For rotatably connecting the operating part 60 and the closure part 40, a connection projection 69 and a connection receptacle 43 are provided, wherein the one part of the operating part 60 and the closure part 40 comprises the connection projection 69 and the other one of the operating part 60 and the closure part 40 comprises the connection receptacle 43. In this case, the rotatable connection is preferably configured as a latching connection 90 (clip connection) by means of the connection projection 69 and the connection receptacle 43 (see
Alternatively, and as shown in
Referring to
The bayonet connection has two bayonet connection units 94 and 95, wherein the one bayonet connection unit 94 is provided on the closure part 40 (see
The bayonet connection unit 94 has at least one bayonet flange 96, wherein the bayonet flange 96 extends substantially parallel to the plane of the closure part 40. As shown in the
The bayonet connection unit 95 has at least one bayonet recess 97, wherein the bayonet recess 97 extends substantially parallel to the plane of the operating part 60. As shown in the
Both the bayonet flanges 96 and the bayonet recesses 97 are preferably spaced apart and disposed alternatingly along a virtual circle line in order to make the bayonet connection possible.
These two bayonet connection units 94, 95 may cooperate in such a way that, when the operating part 60 is applied to or placed on the closure part 40, the bayonet flanges 96 are introduced into the associated bayonet recesses 97 until they are situated offset from one another in adjacent planes of different heights, viewed in a side view. Then, the operating part 60 and the closure part 40 are rotated relative to each other in a plane parallel to the operating part 60 or the closure part 40 in order to bring the bayonet connection into its fixed position. Preferably, a latching device, in particular the latching connection 90 mentioned further above, can be provided additionally in order to secure the bayonet connection in its fixed position.
Further, it is provided, as is apparent from
The first locking portion 61 and the second locking portion 62 are configured in such a way that, in the locked position, the two locking portions 61, 62 extend beyond the container opening 23 up to an opening limiting region 24 delimiting the container opening 23 (see, in particular,
The pivoting may occur as a consequence of the positioning and extending direction of the first axis A and as a consequence of the own weight of the closure part 40 and/or the operating part 60. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting of the closure part 40 may occur by means of lifting the second end region 64 of the operating part 60 in a direction substantially perpendicular or oblique to the container wall 20. Depending on the size and material of the closure part 40 and the operating part 60 disposed thereon, and depending on the design of the joint 37, the opening angle a to be reached as a consequence of gravity may be affected. Depending on the desired opening angle, the closure part 40 may then remain in this intermediate position as the final open position, or the closure part 40 may be additionally pivoted about the first axis A by lifting the second end region 64, so that a larger opening angle can be achieved as the final open position.
The container opening 23 is delimited by a boundary line 25. Preferably, the container opening 23 has a substantially oval basic shape or the shape of an elongated hole. In this case, the long sides of the elongated hole may be formed as straight lines in some portions. The curved end regions of the elongated hole may preferably be formed in a semicircular or elliptical shape. On the one hand, the opening limiting region 24 is delimited by the boundary line 25 and on the other hand, is delimited by a (virtual) border line 27 extending congruently or substantially parallel thereto. Thus, the opening limiting region 24 extends around the container opening 23 and has an annular shape and/or an oval shape.
Alternatively, the operating part 60 shown, in particular, in
As is apparent from a synopsis of
When the operating part 60 is rotated from the locked position into the unlocked position, the two locking portions 61, 62, at least in some portions, move along the opening limiting region 24 and/or along the boundary line 25 of the container opening 23. During the rotary movement from the locked position into the unlocked position, an overlapping area of the first locking portion 61 with the opening limiting region 24 and an overlapping area of the second locking portion 62 with the opening limiting region 24 become continuously smaller. Accordingly, the aforementioned respective overlapping area in each case becomes continuously larger during a reverse rotary movement from the unlocked position into the locked position.
For pivotably attaching the closure part 40 to the inner face 21 of the container wall 20 (see, in particular,
The attachment region 32 is indicated, for example, in the
A main body 33 of the attachment region 32 comprises a first main body portion 38 and a second main body portion 39. Furthermore, the attachment region 32 comprises another joint 84, which is also configured in the form of a thin-walled material cross section and connects the first main body portion 38 to the second main body portion 39 in an articulated manner.
This configuration of the joints 37 and 84 make is possible for the closure unit 30 to be produced in the flat shape shown in
For abutment against the inner face 21, the main body 33 further has one or more supporting regions 35, which protrude upwards from the main body 33. Furthermore, a projection 34 protrudes upwards from the main body 33, which is routed through an attachment opening 26 of the container wall 20 for attachment, until the supporting region 35 comes to abut against the inner face 21. Then, the protruding part of the projection 34 can be deformed for forming a rivet connection 36 (see
The sealing means 110 of the container closure device 10 is explained in more detail with reference to the
The sealing means 110 (see
The valve device 100, which is provided for pressure compensation between the container interior and the ambient pressure, is explained in more detail below. This valve device 100 is indicated in the
The
The seal device 120 is now explained in more detail. In this respect, three embodiments of the seal device 120 will be described. When the container closure device 10 is opened for the first time, the seal device 120 is damaged in a manner that can be perceived visually and/or acoustically by the user. The first embodiment of the seal device 120 is shown in
The seal device 120 according to the first embodiment (
In the second embodiment (
As is apparent from the
As is apparent in particular from the
Because of this configuration, when rotating the operating part 60, the operating part 60 can be moved along the seal recess 122 (preferably in the form of the elongated hole) relative to the seal projection 121 subsequent to a first opening by rotating the operating part 60, after the webs 123 have been broken (see
With the exception of the shape of the seal recess 122, the seal device 120 according to the third embodiment (
Further, the closure unit 30 comprises a fixing device 80 by means of which, in a fixed position, the closure part 40 can be detachably fixed in the open position and by means of which, in a released position, the closure part 40 can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position. For a further explanation of the fixing device 80, reference is made, in particular, to the
In a preferred embodiment, the fixing device 80 is configured as a latching device 81. For stability reasons, two latching devices 81 are preferably provided which are positioned symmetrically to a longitudinal axis of the closure part 40 (see, in particular,
Referring to
In turn, the latching device has a first latching member and a second latching member, wherein at least one of them is configured to be at least partially elastic, and wherein one of the latching members is provided on a closure region 31 of the closure part 40 serving for closing the container opening, and the other latching member is provided on an attachment region 32 of the closure part 40 serving for attaching the closure unit to the inner face of the container wall.
The latching member disposed on the attachment region 32 is preferably configured as a latching cam 88 (or latching projection). Preferably, the latching cam 88 is integrally formed with the closure part 40 and is attached thereto on the bottom side and to the attachment region 32 of the closure part. Also preferably, the latching cam 88 can be provided with latching webs or latching nubs, which make it possible to retain or reach behind the other latching member in a frictional and/or non-positive manner.
The other latching member disposed on the closure region 31 is preferably configured as a latching flange 85 (or latching recess). Preferably, the latching flange 85 is integrally formed with the closure part 40. The latching flange 85 may have a first flange portion 86 and a second flange portion 87. Preferably, the latching member is configured as a hook-shaped or L-shaped flange (seen in cross section). In this case, the one end of the flange is attached to closure region 31 of the closure part 40, and the other end of the flange 85 is formed as a free end which can cooperate with the other latching member 88 in the fixed position of the fixing device.
The two flange portions 86, 87 of the flange 85 may extend substantially perpendicularly relative to each other or at a predetermined angel relative to each other. In particular, the free end of the flange portion 87 may be configured to be elastically bendable in order to come into contact with the other latching member 88 by bending and/or pressing the free end, so that the fixed position of the closure region 31 of the closure part 40 can be maintained.
As is apparent from
Accordingly, the latching flange 85 is substantially shaped in such a way that, when the closure region 31 of the closure part 40 is pivoted about the first axis A into the interior of the container, the two latching members 85 (or 87) and 88 can come into engagement with each other in order to maintain the fixed position.
Thus, the two latching members 85 (or 87), 88 can come out of engagement when the closure region 31 of the closure part 40 is pivoted back about the first axis A, in order to maintain the released position and make it possible to close the container opening 23. Preferably, the first latching member 85 and/or the second latching member 88 is configured to be at least partially (bendably) elastic. The return pivoting action can be supported by pressing the second end region 64 or the grip portion 66.
As was already explained above with reference to the
Alternatively, two of the previously described latching devices may also be provided, which are disposed on the closure part 40 and spaced apart. Preferably, these two latching devices are positioned symmetrically to a longitudinal axis of the closure part 40.
Furthermore, the container closure device 10 according to the invention comprises a displacement mechanism 70 (see
The displacement mechanism 70 comprises at least one displacement means 71 which may be provided on the container wall 20, on the operating part 60 and/or on the closure part 40.
In a first variant, the displacement means 71 is formed on the container wall 20, as is apparent from
In an alternative embodiment according to the
In analogy to the
Second Embodiment
In a second embodiment, the container closure device according to the invention comprises the configuration according to the first aspect of the present invention described above. Thus, the configuration of the second and third aspects is not included. In other words, this container closure device according to the invention comprises the locking portions 61, 62, but not the displacement mechanism 70, and not the fixing device 80. One or more of the preferred configurations defined in the claims may also be included.
Third Embodiment
In a third embodiment, the container closure device according to the invention comprises the configuration according to the second aspect of the present invention described above. Thus, the configuration of the first and third aspects is not included. In other words, this container closure device according to the invention comprises the displacement mechanism 70, but not the locking portions 61, 62, and not the fixing device 80. One or more of the preferred configurations defined in the claims may also be included.
Fourth Embodiment
In a fourth embodiment, the container closure device according to the invention comprises the configuration according to the third aspect of the present invention described above. Thus, the configuration of the first and second aspects is not included. In other words, this container closure device according to the invention comprises the fixing device 80, but not the locking portions 61, 62, and not the displacement mechanism 70. One or more of the preferred configurations defined in the claims may also be included.
Other Embodiments
In other embodiments, the container closure device according to the invention comprises the configuration according to two of the three aspects of the present invention described above. This may include a combination of the first with the second, or a combination of the first with the third aspect, or a combination of the second with the third aspect.
Other Modifications:
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment according to
As shown in
In the configuration shown in the
The support members 142 and 143 are disposed opposite from each other and, further, are dimensioned and oriented relative to one another in such a way that they cooperate in such a way, over the course of the pivoting movement of the closure part 40 from the open position into the closed position, that the leverage effect on the closure region 31 of the closure part 40 can be obtained.
The fact that the projection 142 protrudes downwards in the direction of the container wall 20 and the projection 143 protrudes upwards in the direction of the operating part makes it possible for the two support members 142, 143 to come into contact with each other in the area of the final path of movement during the pivoting movement of the closure region 31 of the closure part 40 from the open position into the closed position, so that the leverage effect can be obtained.
The support members 141 and 142, which are shown in the
In the configuration shown in
In the configuration shown in
In an embodiment shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2015 108 926 | Jun 2015 | DE | national |
| 10 2015 110 773 | Jul 2015 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2016/062706 | 6/3/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016/193466 | 12/8/2016 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180127167 A1 | May 2018 | US |
