EP1427647B1 - Dispensing closure for a container that holds pourable material - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dispensing closure for flowable material containing Container, in particular for beverage containers.

Such dispensing closures are in the prior art in various designs present and used for beverage containers of different materials, in particular made of glass and plastic.

Especially in recent years, increased demands are placed on such Beverage containers and associated dispensing closures for different use and Uses have been made. To a trouble-free taking the Beverage containers and a simple and convenient operation of the dispensing closures, especially in the outdoor sector or in sports applications, e.g. during the Running, cycling, but also for example while driving a Motor vehicle, permit, are different solutions and materials to Use came. A generic dispensing closure is known from EP-A-1 095 599 known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing closure for containing flowable container, in particular for the above Beverage container, for a simple and easy Operation and handling as well as a convenient removal of the flowable material allows, on the other hand, a construction that also with frequent use and possibly careless operation offers a high degree of reliability, Especially in a closed state permanently reliable sealing of the Container allows and further the removal process, especially the drinking pleasure, not negatively affected.

This object is achieved by a dispensing closure according to claim 1.

Due to the inventive, advantageous construction of the dispensing closure and in particular by the provision of a delivery hose for the flowable Good, the is guided through a passage opening of the closure body, a comfortable and pleasant removal of the material, in particular a liquid, from the container allows, while ensuring that, for example, even in sportive exercise and possibly caused by this movement vibrations safe release of Guts allows and spillage of the estate is avoided.

In particular, by the inventive, coordinated, constructive Design of the discharge hose on the one hand and the hose holder on the other a secure and reliable attachment of the delivery hose to the hose holder and thus allows the closure body of the container, while still simultaneously it is ensured that the discharge hose, in particular in its upper part a has certain freedom of movement or flexibility, in particular the Handling facilitated without the sealing properties of the dispensing closure negative to be influenced. The construction is also designed so that, on the one hand simple and therefore cost-effective production of the dispensing closure is made possible on the other hand, a disassembly of the individual elements of the dispensing closure is possible, for example for cleaning the same, wherein a reassembly even by a non-expert and without tools easily and repeatedly is possible without the functionality of the dispensing closure, in particular his To impair tightness.

As a hinge, a film hinge is preferably used, in particular a so-called "Dead center hinge", which when moving the closure element over a certain Opening angle or dead point also automatically due to the dead center hinge exerted forces in the closure body opening position snaps and vice versa. This is a particularly simple and comfortable operation of the Dispensing closure allows.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dispensing closure is so formed, that the squeezing member substantially in the form of a closed arc is formed with different radii, wherein the radii are chosen so that the Quetschorgan in the closed position of the closure element with its the hinge facing side abuts the hinge-facing side of the hose holder, while the side facing away from the hinge of Quetschorgans in the closed position of Closing element relative to the side facing away from the hinge side of the hose holder with the hose holder a space for receiving the bent, free end of the Dispensing hose forms.

By such an advantageous embodiment of the pinch is on the one hand ensured that during the closing of the closure element of the via opening the closure body outstanding discharge hose always controlled and the same Way is bent, on the other hand in the closure body occlusive Position of the closure element a secure seal of the dispensing closure opposite the container containing the flowable material is ensured.

Further advantageous embodiments of the dispensing closure according to the invention are characterized in that a substantially cylindrical passageway of the Delivery hose to its inner end according to the stepped contour of the Hose holder is stepped stepped, wherein the discharge hose preferably made a soft material, in particular silicone.

Preferably, it is further provided that the dispensing closure according to the invention additionally a sheath member covering at least a part of the hose holder. This is particularly advantageous in dispensing closures used for drinking bottles, because it allows a more comfortable drink for the user. Such Casing element is preferably made of a similar material as the discharge hose, possibly also made of a slightly harder material. Preferred materials for the Sheath element are for example silicone or rubber, without a special Limitation on a given material is given.

Figur 1

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Abgabeverschlusses (ohne Abgabeschlauch) mit einem Verschlußelement in Offenstellung;

Figur 2

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Abgabeverschlusses mit einem Verschlußelement in Offenstellung;

Figur 3

eine Querschnittsdarstellung der in Figur 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Abgabeverschlusses mit dem Verschlußelement in Schließ-Stellung;

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf den geöffneten Abgabeverschluß in Fig. 2.

These and other features and advantages of the dispensing closure according to the invention will become more apparent from the attached drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention (without dispensing hose) with a closure element in the open position;

FIG. 2

a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention with a closure element in the open position;

FIG. 3

a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 of the dispensing closure according to the invention with the closure element in the closed position;

FIG. 4

a plan view of the opened dispensing closure in Fig. 2nd

Figure 1 shows a cross section through a first embodiment of a Dispensing closure 10 according to the invention for containers containing flowable material a closure body 100 and a closure element 200 formed as a lid. Closure body 100 and closure element 200 are connected via a hinge 290, at this embodiment is designed as a film hinge, in one piece with each other connected, so that the closure element 200 of the one shown in Figure 1, the closure body opening position about an axis formed by the film hinge 290 by 180 ° in which the closure body closing position can be pivoted.

To illustrate the individual elements, in particular of the closure body 100, is in Figure 1 provided for this embodiment discharge hose (300, see Figure 2) not shown. The embodiment of the dispensing closure shown in FIG However, to be used dispensing hose corresponds to the delivery hose, as he is shown in FIG.

The closure body 100 has on its top a cover 120, of which radial outer edge, a jacket 110 extends downward. The jacket 110 is in formed substantially cylindrical and has an internal thread 112, so that it on a container (not shown) with a corresponding mating thread through Screw on is fastened.

Instead of the screw, other fasteners of the Closure body to be provided on a container, such as snap connections. It is also possible that the dispensing closure directly in one piece with a corresponding container is formed.

In the upper region of the shell 110 of the closure body 100, in the vicinity of Outer edge of the cover 120 of the closure body 100, is in the in Figure 1 shown embodiment, a sealing lip 114 is provided, which in the form of an opposite the horizontal is formed slightly downwardly inclined ring, so that this Sealing lip 114 when screwing the closure element 100 on the container on a Presses the top of the container opening and seals at this.

The sealing lip 114 is integral with the in the embodiment shown here Shutter body formed, but consists of a soft material, in this case Silicone, in contrast to the hard plastic from which the closure body 100 and also the closure element 200 of the dispensing closure 10 are made. It should be at this However, it should be noted that in another embodiment, the sealing lip can be made of the same material as the closure body, which is the Manufacturing process simplified.

The closure body 100 is provided on its upper side with the cover 120, the a substantially horizontal annular shoulder 122, from which a radially inside central spigot 124 like a dome and stepped beyond the ring shoulder extends to the outside. The dome-like nozzle 124 is about its height in diameter stepped and has an outlet opening 126 at its outer end.

The dome-shaped stub 124 essentially comprises a first (or upper) step 128, with respect to the cover 120, over a second (or lower) step 134 lies. Each of the steps 128, 134 is substantially cylindrical, wherein both gradations 128, 134 have comparable heights, the first gradation 128 however, has a smaller diameter.

The outside transitions between the first step 128 and the second Gradation 134 and the second gradation 134 and the annular shoulder 122 are rounded, so that no sharp edges arise.

Above the first step 128 is a radially inwardly angled termination edge 136 is provided, which runs almost horizontally in its uppermost region. This End edge 136 encloses the passage opening 126 such that the passage opening 126 has an inner diameter which is the outer diameter of an upper Area of a discharge hose corresponds (Figure 2).

The inner portion of the dome-like nozzle 124 of the cover 120 is with respect to its Inner diameter graded: Below the inner diameter of the passage opening 126, which is the smallest inner diameter within the dome-like nozzle 124, expand the inner diameter of the dome-like nozzle 124 in the downward direction or inside, ie in the direction of the container. After the first extension of the Inside diameter directly below the end edge 136, the inner region extends substantially cylindrical over the entire axial extent of the first Grading and expanding at about the level of the transitional area between the first Grading 128 and second grading 134 continue off.

The lower end of the first step 128 of the tube holder 180 forms inside an annular stop surface 130, which at the same time an annular groove 132 in the upper region within the second tier 134. The inner area of the second gradation 134 below the annular groove 132 is frustoconical and widens in the direction down and goes to the lower side of the horizontally lying at its lower end Ring shoulder 122 of the cover 120 via.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figure 1 has a silicone existing Sheath element 150, which extends substantially over the entire outer region of the dome-like nozzle 124 of the cover 120 extends and the contour of the dome-like Stutzens 124 follows.

The closure element 200 is formed substantially lid-shaped and comprises a Top plate 210 and extending therefrom side region 220, wherein the Side region 220 is substantially formed so that it is in a closed position of the Closure element 200 substantially with the jacket 110 of the closure body 100th flees.

Furthermore, the closure element 200 has at its opposite the hinge 290 Side a groove 260 for receiving a quality assurance element 160, wherein the Groove 260 (at the position shown in Figure 1 of the closure element 200 in lower area, ie with the stable closed in the upper area) inwards is withdrawn, so that the quality assurance element 160 for unsealing in This withdrawn area can be pressed. The groove 260 for the Quality assurance element 160 is provided by a nose 262 and a projection 264 in FIG their upper and lower limits.

On the inside of the top plate 210 of the closure element 200 is a pinch member 280 provided, which is formed substantially arcuate, wherein the radius however, it varies. The mode of action and the exact design of the squeezing organ 280 will be particularly in connection with Figure 3 and Figure 4, which below be explained.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention, which is very similar to the first embodiment. Same and similar elements are Therefore, provided with identical reference numerals, for a detailed description In particular, reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

As can be seen in comparison with the embodiment shown in FIG Sheath 110 of the closure body 100 formed shorter, so that he is not so far over extends the opening area of an associated container.

The dome-shaped neck 124 of the cover 120 is shown in FIG Embodiment identical, but it does not have a sheath element (150, Figure 1) for Cover the dome-like increase 124 on.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a discharge hose 300 in the from Cover 120 and from the annular shoulder 122 and the dome-shaped nozzle 124 formed Hose holder inserted. It should be noted at this point again that a identical discharge hose 300 also in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 can be used.

The existing silicone discharge hose 300 is to the inner contour of the cover 120 adapted and also graded over its height with respect to its diameter educated. The discharge hose 300 consists essentially of three segments, one first and outer longitudinal section 310, a second longitudinal section 320 and a third length portion 340, wherein the diameter of the first or outer Length portion 310 smaller than the diameter of the second length portion 320 and this in turn is smaller than the diameter of the third length section 340.

Between the first and outer longitudinal section 310 and the second Length section 320 is an oblique, frusto-conical transition 312 provided at its lower end a protruding bead 314 directly above of the second length section 320. The outer diameter of the bead 314 corresponds to the inner diameter of the first step 128 (Figure 1) of the cover 120th The outer diameter of the bead 314 may also be slightly larger than that Inner diameter of the first gradation 128 (Figure 1), so that by compressing the bead 314 an increased seal is achieved.

The outer diameter of the second longitudinal portion 320 is slightly smaller than that Inner diameter of the first step 128 (Figure 1) of the cover 120, so that a increased flexibility of the dispensing tube 300 is made possible by the bead 314 both an additional seal and a guide of the discharge hose 300th in the hose holder 122, 124 is ensured.

Between the second longitudinal section 320 and the third longitudinal section 340 is a Ring shoulder 330 formed with an annular bead 332, which in the annular groove 132 of the engages dome-like nozzle 124, whereby a reliable anchoring and securing the dispensing tube 300 in the tube holder 122, 124 is ensured.

The third longitudinal portion 340 extends below the annular bead 332 with a Outer diameter which is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the annular bead 132, substantially cylindrically downward and goes at its lower end in one plate-like extension 350 over which the underside of the annular shoulder 122 of Cover 120 encompasses, ensuring accurate positioning and securing as well Seal the discharge hose 300 is ensured in the closure body 100.

The closure member 200 is substantially identical to that shown in FIG Closure element 200, however, additionally has an elongate positioning element 490, which is mounted on the inside of the side portion 220 of the closure element 200. This positioning element 490 is at the end of the closing process and in the closing position of the closure element 200 with a positioning counter element (190, Figure 4), which is arranged in the form of a projection on the closure body 100 is, in interaction, so that a reliable and accurate positioning of the Closure element 200 is supported on the closure body 100 when closing.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the dispensing closure according to the invention, wherein the closure body 100 and the closure element 200 are identical to those of in 2, only the delivery hose 300 is opposite the discharge hose 300 shown in Figure 2 slightly varies. For detailed Description and explanation of Figure 3 is therefore to the description of the Figures 1 and 2 referenced. Same or similar elements are identical here as well Provided with reference numerals.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the closure element 200 is located in the closed position. It can be seen that the outer length 310 of the Dispensing tube 300 substantially in the closing direction, ie of the film hinge 290 away, in Figure 3 to the left and down to the dome-like elevation 124, in particular is bent around the end edge 136. As a result, the discharge hose 300 of the squeezing member 280 on the one hand and in particular the first gradation 128 of dome-shaped nozzle 124 held and compressed, so that the outer Length portion 310 of the discharge hose 300 is sealed at this point. The first graduation 128 and in particular the transitional area between the first Gradation 128 and the second gradation 134 are therefore used as a counter element 180 for the squeezing member 280. As shown in FIG. 3, the transition region is between the first Gradation 128 and the second step 134 of the dome-like nozzle 124 so formed such that the outer length portion 310 of the discharge hose 300 is bent can be without strong creases that damage the discharge hose 300 could.

The pinch member 280 and the dome-like nozzle 124 are formed so that in the closed position of the closure element 200 according to FIG. 3, at the point at which the outer length portion 310 of the discharge hose 300 comes to rest, in radial Direction between the first step 128 of the dome-like elevation 124 and the corresponding, opposite region of the squeezing member 280 a distance remains, the maximum of the thickness of the sealed by squeezing discharge hose corresponds, in this case, slightly less than twice the wall thickness of the outer Length section 310 of the discharge hose 300, so that by compressing the Walls safe sealing is guaranteed.

In addition, the region of the hinge facing the hinge 290 in FIG Quetschorgans 280 directly from the dome-like nozzle 124 and is located on the Exterior of the first gradation 128 close. This will in particular be an accurate Positioning, but at the same time also achieved a sealing effect and a stability effect.

The discharge hose 300 shown in FIG. 3 has, in contrast to that in FIG. 2 shown discharge hose 300 no annular bead 314, but extends in the interior the first step 128 of the dome-like nozzle 124 is substantially free. Also points the discharge hose 300 no transition region between the outer Length section 310 and the second longitudinal section 320 on. The second Length section 320 connects directly to the first length section 310 and runs in essentially frusto-conical up to the annular shoulder 330. This is an increased Flexibility of the discharge hose 300 reached.

In addition, at the discharge hose 300, more precisely at the bottom of the plate-like Extension 350, a sealing element 370 - here in the form of a sealing ring - appropriate. Furthermore, a membrane 380 is provided, which only schematically is indicated. The sealing element 370 is not part of the invention and can optionally, e.g. depending on the product used, or used be omitted.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of an embodiment of an inventive Dispensing closure 10 with the shaping of the squeezing element 280. The squeezing element 280 is substantially arcuate in shape over an angular range of about 90 ° in the hinge 290 facing portion 282 a smaller Diameter, so that it, as described for Figure 3, in the closed position the closure element 200 directly to the dome-like nozzle 124 of the closure body 100 abuts while it in its hinge-facing portion 284 on the remaining angular range of about 270 ° has a larger diameter, so that between this region 284 and the dome-shaped nozzle 124 of the outer Length section 310 of the discharge hose 300 (Figure 3) in the closed position of Closing element 200 can be squeezed sealingly.

Of course, it is possible from the proposed angular distribution of the areas 282 and 284, e.g. the hinge region 290 facing away from the hinge 290th to downsize.

FIG. 4 also shows the positioning element arranged on the closure element 200 490 and arranged on the closure body 100 positioning counter-element 190, the when closing the closure element 200 are engaged with each other, so that a Positioning of the closure element 200 supported on the closure body 100 becomes. In Figure 4, in addition, a further positioning element 490 'and another Positioning counter-element 190 'is provided, which on the circumference of the closure body 100th or the closure element 200 substantially in opposite position are arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

dispensing closure

100

closure body

110

coat

112

thread

114

sealing lip

120

cover

122

annular shoulder

124

domed neck

126

Through opening

128

first gradation

130

annular stop surface

132

ring groove

134

second gradation

136

terminal edge

150

shell member

160

Tamper-evident element

180

backstop

190, 190 '

Positioniergegenelement

200

closure element

210

headstock

220

page range

260

groove

262

nose

264

head Start

280

Quetschorgan

282

the hinge facing the area of the squeezing organ

284

the hinge facing away from the area of the Quetschorgans

290

hinge

300

delivery hose

310

outer length section

312

crossing

314

torus

320

second length section

330

annular shoulder

332

torus

340

third length section

350

plate-like extension

360

Through channel

370

sealing element

380

membrane

490, 490 '

positioning

Claims (8)

1. Dispensing cap (10) for containers which contain free-flowing substances, in particular for drinks containers, comprising

   a) a cap body (100) with a cover (120), from the outer edge of which a casing (110) projects which can be fixed on the container above an outlet opening thereof,

   b) a through opening (126) which is provided in an upper face of the cap body (100) and is connected to the outlet opening of the container,

   c) a cap element (200) which is connected to the cap body (100) and can be moved between a position in which it closes the through opening of the cap body (100) and a position in which it opens the through opening of the cap body (100), wherein the cap element forms a hinged cover which is articulated on the cap body by a hinge (290),

   d) a dispensing tube (300), wherein the through opening (126) of the cap body (100) is constructed in such a way that it can receive the resilient dispensing tube (300) for the free-flowing substance, and the dispensing tube can be sealed by being squeezed when the cap element (200) moves out of the open position into the closed position,

   e) the cap element (200) is provided with a squeezing member (280),

   f) the cap body (100) is provided with a matching holder (180) in such a way that during closure of the cap element (200) the dispensing tube (300) can be moved against the matching holder (180) by the squeezing member (280) in order to squeeze and seal the dispensing tube (300),

   g) the squeezing member (280) is disposed on the underside of a top plate (210) of the cap element (200) and the matching holder (180) is disposed on the upper face of the cap body (100), wherein during closure of the cap element (200) the dispensing tube (300) can be bent over the edge of the through opening (126) of the tube holder (122, 124) and can be sealed by means of the squeezing member (280),
   characterised in that

   h) during closure of the closure element the squeezing member (280) can be turned over the tube holder (122, 124) which forms the matching holder (180), and in the closing position of the cap element (200) the squeezing member (280) and the matching holder (180) are disposed in such a way that the distance between them in the region into which the dispensing tube (300) is forced by the closure of the cap element (200) corresponds at most to the thickness of the dispensing tube which has been compressed by squeezing,

   i) the cap element (200) which forms a hinged cover is articulated integrally on the cap body (100) by the hinge (290),

   j) the cover (120) of the cap body (100) is constructed as a tube holder with a radially outer annular shoulder (122) and a radially inner dome-like stub (124), wherein the dome-like stub (124) is stepped in diameter over its height and has on its outer end the outlet opening (126) for an outer longitudinal portion (310) of the dispensing tube (300),

   k) the internal and external diameters of a longitudinal portion of the flexible dispensing tube (300) which is disposed inside the stepped tube holder (122, 124) are adapted to the steps of the internal diameter of the tube holder (120),

   l) a first step (128) is provided by a cylindrical widening of the tube holder (122, 124) below the outlet opening (126) thereof,

   m) the lower end of this first step (128) of the tube holder (122, 124) forms an inner annular stop surface (130) which at the same time delimits an annular groove (132) inside a second step (134), the diameter of which is widened relative to the first step (128),

   n) the widening of the second step (134) below the annular groove (132) is of frustoconical configuration and at the lower end merges into the horizontally positioned annular shoulder (122) which faces the edge of the container opening and from the outer edge of which the fixing casing (110) of the cap body (100) extends in the direction of the container,

   o) the dispensing tube (300) is widened in diameter at a distance below the outlet opening (126) of the axially stepped tube holder (122, 124) and at the lower end of this widening has an annular shoulder (330) with which the dispensing tube (300) bears against the annular stop surface (130) of the tube holder (122, 124),

   p) the annular shoulder (330) of the dispensing tube (300) is widened by an annular bead (332) which engages in the annular groove (132) of the second step (134) of the tube holder (122, 124),

   q) the dispensing tube (300) has a cylindrical longitudinal section (340) which extends from its annular shoulder (330) to an inner edge of the annular shoulder (122) of the cover (120) and has a plate-like widening (350) which substantially covers the underside of the annular shoulder (122) of the cover (120),
2. Dispensing cap as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the cap element (200) is articulated on the cap body (100) by means of a film hinge (290).
3. Dispensing cap as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cap element (200) can be latched in the closed position with respect to the cap body (100).
4. Dispensing cap as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the squeezing member (280) is constructed substantially in the form of a closed arc with different radii, the radii being selected in such a way that in the closed position of the cap element (200) the squeezing member (280) bears with its side which faces the hinge (290) on the side of the tube holder (122, 124) which faces the hinge (290), whereas in the closed position of the cap element (200) the side of the squeezing member (280) which is remote from the hinge (290) and opposite the side of the tube holder (122, 124) which is remote from the hinge (290) forms with the tube holder (122, 124) a free space to accommodate the bent free end (310) of the dispensing tube (300).
5. Dispensing cap as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a substantially cylindrical through channel (360) in the dispensing tube (300) is widened in the form of steps towards the inner end thereof corresponding to the stepped contour of the tube holder (122, 124).
6. Dispensing cap as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispensing tube is made from silicone.
7. Dispensing cap as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cap body (100) is provided with a sleeve element (150) which at least partially covers the tube holder (122, 124).
8. Dispensing cap as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the sleeve element (150) is made from a soft material, in particular silicone or rubber.

Images