Can lid with reclosable closure device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024783345
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-30
Smart Images
Figure IB2024058400_06032025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Can lid with resealable closure device
[0002] Field of the invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a can lid with a resealable closure device, in particular for an aluminum or tin can, according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0004] State of the art
[0005] Disposable containers for liquids have been in use for a long time in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Light metal beverage cans are particularly popular today. These are usually made of tinplate or aluminum and consist of a cylindrical can body with molded-on end pieces, a can base, and a can lid. The can lid has a pouring opening fitted with a swing top closure. When this swing top closure is activated, the lid section forming the dispensing opening is pushed towards the interior of the can, but remains permanently attached to the can lid. According to another variant, when the swing top closure is activated, this closure is removed together with the area or lid section forming the dispensing opening.The disadvantage of these closure systems is that, once opened, they cannot be effectively resealed with the lid pushed down or out. This is particularly disadvantageous for larger beverage containers, as these are generally not consumed completely immediately after the first opening. Once a can has been opened, carbonated beverages are released relatively quickly, resulting in the beverage losing its characteristic flavor.
[0006] To solve this problem, various resealable beverage cans have been proposed. Utility model DE 03 00327 UI describes a beverage can with a pouring or drinking opening and a breakable or tearable closure. After the closure has been broken or torn open, the pouring or drinking opening can be resealed with a flat closure element that is mounted on the packaging and pivots around a pivot point.
[0007] WO 2005 / 056400 discloses a beverage can comprising a hollow body with an open end and a cap. The cap comprises a lid surface with a main part and a partially or fully detachable part to form a dispensing opening upon separation. The cap has a closure element located within the container and movable relative to the lid surface. A handle is provided on the closure element, which can extend through the dispensing opening and can be selectively moved by a user to close a beverage flow channel through the dispensing opening or to open the channel for dispensing. A sealing element for sealing the dispensing opening is also attached to the closure element.
[0008] WO 2012010258 discloses another resealable beverage can closed by a lid. The lid has a lid surface with a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral edge, and a region defined by a peripheral weakened profile for a dispensing opening. A lever tab is attached to the lid surface via a fastening element. The lever tab comprises a closure module at an end portion, wherein the module comprises a closure collar that rests against a top surface of the surface and extends along the opening in a sealing manner when the tab is placed on the top surface of the surface.
[0009] DE 102014211 265 A1 describes a tear-off lid made of sheet metal, which has a central lid surface with a predetermined breaking zone and a sheet metal grip tab that can be pivoted about a pivoting axis. The pivot axis runs at least approximately perpendicular to the lid surface and has an opener section on one side of the pivot axis and a handle section on the opposite side of the pivot axis. After the predetermined breaking zone has been opened, the handle section can be pivoted about the pivot axis over an opening created by the opening process and enclosed by an outer contour in order to tightly close this opening. The handle tab sheet forming the handle section has openings, and an elastomer seal is provided on an underside of the handle section facing the lid surface, which elastomer seal is positively connected to the handle section and extends through the openings.
[0010] A metallic can end with a resealable opening is known from EP 3 753 863 A1. The can end consists of a metallic lid surface in which a circumferential micro-gap or a line of weakness defines an opening area. The opening area is provided with a sealing frame made of plastic material that is connected to the fixed lid surface. Within the micro-gap or the line of weakness is a pivotable metallic lid area that is part of a closing unit made of plastic material. The closing unit is pivotally attached to the fixed lid surface via a pivot bearing and is provided with a tear-off element that is pivotally connected to the closing unit diametrically opposite the pivot bearing. The sealing frame and the closing unit interact to form a seal via sealing and locking ribs and associated receiving grooves.The sealing and locking ribs form sealing edges with the receiving grooves and are designed in such a way that they increasingly interlock with each other as the can lid bulges.
[0011] EP 2408 683 A1 discloses a resealable container closure device for a beverage can. The container closure device comprises a lid with a top, a bottom, and an opening, a closure with a one-piece closure part for opening and closing the opening, and an operating device for actuating the closure part. The closure part is completely attached to the underside of the lid surface in a twist-lock manner and is connected to an actuating means penetrating the lid, which is arranged on the top side of the lid surface and is accessible from the outside. The closure means can be adjusted from a closed position to an open position and vice versa by actuating the actuating means. In the open position, a holding element can interact with the lid so that the closure means is held in the open position.In the closed position, the actuating means, which is rotatable essentially in a plane parallel to the lid surface, closes the pouring opening in a fluid-tight manner. The closure means has a fastening part that is permanently connected to the lid surface. A joint is formed between the fastening part and the closure area, about which the closure area of the closure means can be pivoted against a restoring force. A disadvantage of this solution is that, in addition to the pouring opening, another opening for the actuating means must be provided in the lid surface, which in turn can cause sealing problems.
[0012] EP 2555988 A1 also discloses a resealable can lid with a closure part for opening and reclosing a dispensing opening and an operating device for actuating the closure part. Here, too, the closure part is arranged on the underside of the lid and can be pivoted about a first axis that runs essentially parallel to the underside. The operating device is arranged on the closure part and can be rotated about a second axis that runs essentially at right angles to the first axis and / or to the closure part. The dispensing opening can be opened by turning the operating device into the second position and closed again by turning it into the first position.
[0013] On task
[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a can end with a resealable closure device that is cost-effective to manufacture and consists of only a few parts. A further object is that the resealable can end allows the can chamber to be properly sealed from the environment after initial opening. Another object is that any internal pressure can be released first when the closure device is opened. A further object is that the closure device can be locked in the open position. Another object is that the opening angle of the closure device can be limited.
[0015] Description
[0016] According to the invention, the object is achieved in a resealable can according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the operating element can be pivoted about a second pivot axis that runs parallel to the first pivot axis and is spaced therefrom, and the hinge is designed to be expandable and compressible at right angles to the hinge rotation axis. The can lid according to the invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured from only a few parts and is therefore cost-effective. A further advantage is that the closure device can still reliably seal the pouring opening even after repeated opening and closing. Because the hinge is designed to be expandable and compressible at right angles to the hinge rotation axis, the pivot axes of the operating element and the closure part do not have to be in the same position, but can be spaced from one another.
[0017] Advantageously, the hinge comprises one or more hinge parts configured as one or more spring elements. The spring elements are designed so that the hinge can be expanded and compressed when the locking device is opened and closed. It is also conceivable to use a continuous hinge made of an elastomer instead of individual hinge parts.
[0018] It is preferred if the hinge can be stretched or compressed by at least 0.1, preferably by at least 0.2, and particularly preferably by at least 0.3 mm during the opening or closing process. This is generally sufficient for the closure device to be opened without significant stress. On the other hand, it is sufficient if the hinge can be stretched or compressed by a maximum of 1.5, preferably a maximum of 1.2 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 1.0 mm.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating element is designed so that it can assume a locking position in the open position. This can be achieved, for example, if the edge of the pouring opening can engage a notch on the underside of the operating element in the open position.
[0020] An advantageous embodiment provides that the operating element has a notch on the underside which can interact with the edge of the pouring opening in such a way that the operating part and the flap arranged on the operating part are locked in the open position.
[0021] Advantageously, the operating element comprises a gripping portion and, diametrically opposite, a radially projecting projection. In the closed position, this projection preferably extends beyond the pouring opening and rests against the upper side of the can body. This prevents pressure from being exerted on the closure part located below the can body, which could cause the closure device to leak.
[0022] In principle, the operating element can be arranged eccentrically or centrally relative to the pouring opening, with an eccentric arrangement being preferred. An advantageous embodiment therefore provides for the operating element to be arranged relative to the pouring opening such that the projection protrudes beyond the pouring opening in the closed position and is located within the pouring opening in the open position.
[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, a ventilation opening is provided in the flap, which is closed by the operating element in the closed position. This has the advantage that the ventilation opening is at least temporarily opened when the operating element is rotated from the closed position to the open position.
[0024] The closure part can essentially have the shape of a circular disc, whereby the fastening part and the flap can be essentially the same size and have the shape of a semicircle in plan view.
[0025] According to another embodiment, the fastening part has the shape of a circular segment in plan view, and the flap is essentially semicircular. The larger the flap, the larger the pouring opening can be.
[0026] To ensure a proper seal, a seal is provided between the closure part and the underside of the can lid. This seal can be located in a groove provided on the edge of the lid; this can also be an overmolded seal.
[0027] To ensure the closure part is securely fixed to the can end, the fastening part preferably includes one or more centering nubs or centering recesses that can interact with complementary structures in the can end. This has the advantage that the fastening part cannot twist. Additionally, the fastening part can be connected to the can end by means of a rivet.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, which is advantageously realized in plastic, the operating element and the flap are connected to each other by means of a first snap-in connection, whereby the operating element and flap remain rotatable relative to each other. This embodiment has the advantage of eliminating the need for a riveted connection.
[0029] A snap-in connection can be achieved by providing one or more upwardly projecting snap-in elements, each with a radially outwardly projecting annular ridge, on the top side of the flap, and an annular groove on the underside of the operating element, the outer wall of which has an undercut to accommodate the annular ridge. The locking of the operating element and flap is facilitated if the radially inner groove wall forms a cone.
[0030] Advantageously, a second locking connection is provided between the operating element and the flap, which is designed in such a way that a resistance is offered to a rotation of the operating element out of the 0° position and preferably also out of the 180° position.
[0031] Such a snap-in connection can be created if one or more knobs are provided within the annular groove of the operating part, which can interact with one or more recesses in the top side of the flap in the closed and open positions and thus form a second snap-in connection which offers a certain resistance to twisting of the operating part relative to the flap.
[0032] Advantageously, a ventilation opening is provided in the flap, which is closed by a knob in the closed and preferably also in the open position. The knobs and recesses interact in such a way that they resist rotation of the operating element. Advantageously, a quality seal is provided on the operating element, which indicates the first opening of the locking device. This quality seal can be provided at the rear or front end of the operating element.
[0033] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:
[0034] Figures 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a closure device 13 arranged or to be attached to a can lid 11. The can lid 11 has a substantially flat can surface 15 with a pouring opening 17 and a folded edge region 19. The closure device 13 comprises an operating element 21 and a closure part 23 which interacts with the latter and which, in the closed position, closes the pouring or drinking opening 17 provided in the can surface 15 and, in the open position, releases it so that a medium contained in a can, usually a liquid, can be removed. While the operating element 21 is arranged on the upper side 25 of the can surface 15 and is thus accessible to a user, the closure part 23 is arranged on the underside 27 of the can surface 15 and is not accessible from the outside.A round hole 26 of, for example, 2 to 4 mm in diameter is provided in the can end 15, which serves to receive a rivet 81 by means of which the closure part 23 can be fastened to the can end 15. The closure part 23 comprises a fastening part 29 and a movable flap 31 arranged thereon, which can reversibly close the pouring opening 17. The flap 31 and the fastening section 29 together form a substantially circular disc whose diameter is just large enough to rest against the underside 27 of the can end 15. The outer contour 33 of the closure part 23 fits into the recess formed by a fold 35 of the can lid 11 projecting downwards, i.e. into the interior of the can. Because the fastening part 29 and the flap 31 can rest with their outer contour 33 on the fold 35, slipping or twisting of the closure part 23 relative to the can surface 25 is effectively prevented.
[0035] Flap 31 and fastening section 29 can each be the same size or, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, can also be of different sizes. If the flap 31 is designed to be larger in area than the fastening section 29, this has the advantage that the cross-sectional area of the pouring opening 17 can also be larger and / or the pouring opening 17 can have different shapes (e.g., oval, rectangular, star-shaped, or cross-shaped, etc.). Pouring openings with different designs beyond the known shapes can provide recognition value and can be used for marketing purposes. According to the first embodiment shown, the flap 31 occupies slightly more than half the circular area, and the fastening part 29 has the shape of a circular segment 37 in plan view.
[0036] Fastening section 29 and flap 31 are connected to one another in an articulated manner via a hinge 39 and can be pivoted relative to one another about a first pivot axis 41.
[0037] In the present case, the hinge 39 comprises several individual hinge parts 43 spaced apart from one another. The special feature of these hinge parts 43 is that they are expandable and compressible, so that when the closure device is opened, the position of the pivot axis 41 in the plane of the closure part can be shifted within a range between 0.2 and approximately 1.5 mm (arrow 44). This allows the differences resulting from the different positions of the pivot axes of the flap 31 on the one hand and the operating element 21 (second pivot axis 48) on the other hand to be compensated when the flap 31 is opened.
[0038] To achieve the desired expandability and compressibility of the hinge 39, the hinge 39 is designed accordion-like according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Specifically, the individual hinge connections 43 have a plurality of turns 45 projecting perpendicularly from the plane of the closure part and in opposite directions (Fig. 4). These not only enable the flap 31 and fastening element 29 to pivot about the first pivot axis 41, but also allow the distance between the flap 31 and the fastening element 29 to change by a certain amount during the opening or closing process, in particular by at least 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mm (arrow 44 in Fig. 4). This is necessary because the operating part 21 rotates about a second pivot axis 48 during opening.
[0039] The fastening part 29 has a round hole 47 (Fig. 2) approximately in the center, which serves to receive a rivet with which the fastening part 29 can be permanently fastened to the can end 15. At a distance from the round hole 47 and opposite each other, two recesses 49 are provided, which serve to receive complementarily shaped knobs 51 provided on the underside 27 of the can end 25. With the help of these corresponding recesses 49 and knobs 51, the fastening part 29 can interact with the can lid in a form-fitting manner such that twisting or slipping of the fastening part 23 is prevented.
[0040] Two elongated, radially extending recesses 50 are provided at a short distance from the round hole 47 and opposite each other, which serve to stiffen the fastening part 29. Furthermore, a circumferential groove 52 is provided at a short distance from the outer contour of the fastening part 29, which serves to accommodate a seal 53.
[0041] The flap 31 also has a circumferential groove 55 around its edge, which serves to accommodate a seal 57. Approximately in the center of the flap 31, but eccentrically to the circular contour 33 of the closure part 23, there is an annular recess 59 for receiving a cylindrical shoulder 61 of the operating element 21 (Fig. 5). In the annular recess 59, closest to the edge of the flap 31, there is a ventilation opening 63 through which any internal pressure in the can can be released when the closure device is opened. A sealing element 65 is inserted in the ventilation opening 63 to seal the closure device from the interior of the can when the operating element 21 is in the closed position.
[0042] The operating element 21 is designed as a circular, essentially flat disc 67, from the underside of which the cylindrical shoulder 61 protrudes. On the edge of the cylindrical shoulder 61, in turn, there are two opposing, elongated elevations 69a, 69b which, when the operating element 21 is mounted, close the ventilation opening 63 in both the closed and open positions. In an intermediate position of the operating element 21, however, the ventilation opening 63 is open, allowing air to escape from the interior of the can. In the center of the cylindrical shoulder 61, a hole 68 with a diameter of approximately 3 mm is provided for receiving a rivet 81 (Fig. 1), with which the operating element 21 is connected to the closure element 23 in the finished state so that they can rotate relative to one another.
[0043] A handle 71 is formed on the operating element 21, with which the operating element 21 can be gripped and rotated. Several radially extending ribs 73 are provided on the handle 71, which serve as a tactile feature and can be used to further stiffen the handle 71. At the distal end of the handle 71, a downwardly projecting knob 75 is provided, which serves as a support when the operating element is in the closed position. In this position, the knob 75 rests on the can surface 15.
[0044] The operating element 21 also has a circumferential, bead-shaped edge 76 on the underside, which is interrupted at the handle end 77 by a quality seal 79 consisting of a downwardly projecting nose 81. In the original closed position of the operating element, the nose 81 projects into the bead 83 adjacent to the can end 15 (Fig. 5). When the operating element 21 is rotated to open the closure device, the nose 81 is deformed in such a way that the user can easily determine whether the can has been opened before or not.
[0045] At the transition between the round part of the operating element 21 and the handle 71, a downwardly projecting knob 82 is provided. This knob serves to secure the operating element 21 when the flap 31 is pivoted. When the flap 31 is pivoted together with the operating element 29, the knob 82, which initially rests on the can surface 15, slides under the edge 117 of the pouring opening 17 and thus fixes the flap 31 in the open position. If pressure is applied from above to the handle 71 of the operating element 21, the knob 82 springs back to its original position.
[0046] The operating element 21 can be arranged concentrically or eccentrically in the pouring opening 17. A rivet 81 can be used to connect the operating element 21 to the closure part 23 (Fig. 1). By arranging the operating element 21 eccentrically, it can be achieved that the operating element 21 protrudes beyond the pouring opening 17 opposite the handle 71 in the closed position and extends within the periphery of the pouring opening 17 in the open position. This has the advantage that no pressure can be exerted on the closure part 23 in the closed position because the part of the operating element 21 protruding beyond the pouring opening 17 rests on the upper side 25 of the can body 15. To limit the opening angle of the flap 31, a web 84 and a web 86 are formed in the middle of the closure part 23, namely in the section line Al -Al in Fig. 6, both on the flap 31 and on the fastening part 29.The two webs 84, 86 are oriented towards each other and designed such that the maximum opening angle of the flap 31 is limited to approximately 30 to 35 degrees.
[0047] Figures 2 and 3 show the seals 53, 57 and 65, which are arranged on the closure part 23 and serve to seal the interior of the can from the environment in the closed position.
[0048] Figures 9 to 16 show a second embodiment of a resealable can lid according to the invention, in which both the operating element and the closure part are slightly modified compared to the first embodiment. In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or at least functionally equivalent features as in the description of the first embodiment.
[0049] A key difference between the first and second embodiments is the type of connection between the operating element 21a and the closure part 23a. While the operating element 21 and closure part 23 can be connected by means of a rivet 81 in the first embodiment, a snap / locking connection is provided in the second embodiment. For this purpose, the operating element 21a has an annular groove 83 on its underside, the outer groove wall 85 of which has an undercut 87 at its base. The counterpart to this is provided on the upper side of the flap 31, namely an upwardly projecting cylindrical socket 89 with a thickening in the form of an annular bead 91 at the upper edge 93. The socket 89 and the annular bead 91 together form a complementary structure to the annular groove 83 and the undercut 87.To ensure that the two parts can be easily locked into one another, the socket 89 has a plurality of notches 95 through which the socket 89 is divided into a plurality of individual flexible locking elements 97. This design allows the locking elements 97 to be easily inserted into the undercut 87 because they can initially deflect radially inwards before locking into the undercut 87. It goes without saying that the material properties (elasticity) must be selected accordingly so that the two parts can be easily locked into one another. Once the two parts, the operating element 21a and the closure part 23a, have been locked together, they can preferably no longer be separated or can only be separated with considerable force. In addition, the inner groove wall 92 is designed as a cone (Fig. 15). This has the effect that when the operating element 21 and closure part 23 are joined together, the annular bead 91 is pressed into the undercut 87.
[0050] Within the cylindrical socket 89 in the base 90, two spaced-apart recesses 99a, 99b are provided, each a few tenths of a millimeter deep. These recesses can correspond to corresponding elevations 101a, 101b on the cylindrical shoulder 61 within the annular groove 61, also a few tenths of a millimeter high. The corresponding recesses 99a, 99b and elevations 101a, 101b together form a second type of locking mechanism, which, however, only creates an surmountable resistance when rotating the operating element 21a relative to the closure part 23a. In this way, the operating element 21a can be locked to the flap 31a both in the closed position (zero degrees of rotation by definition) and in the open position (180 degrees of rotation).
[0051] A ventilation opening 63 is provided in one of the two recesses, namely in the recess 99b. In the closed position, this is closed by the elevation 101b and in the open position by the elevation 101a. In an intermediate position, the ventilation opening 63 is free and any excess pressure present in the can can escape through the gap between the base 90 of the cylindrical nozzle 89 and the shoulder 61 as well as the incisions 95. In the second exemplary embodiment shown, the opposing recesses 99a, 99b and elevations 101a, 101b are each mirror-image symmetrical to one another, so that they can interact with one another in a form-fitting manner both in the zero-degree position and in the 180-degree position.
[0052] Figures 10 to 13 and 18 to 20 show the closure part 23a in a preferred plastic embodiment. In this embodiment, a material thinning or material recess 103 is provided between the fastening part 29a and the flap 31a to enable the flap 31a to move about the pivot axis 41. Furthermore, a region of greater elasticity 105 is provided between the fastening part 29a and the flap 31a, which allows the fastening part 29a and the flap 31a to be compressed or pulled apart when the closure device 23a is opened and closed. The region of greater elasticity 105 can be realized by using a suitable plastic material or by individual spring elements, as in the first embodiment. These individual spring elements can be subsequently overmolded so that they are not visible from the outside, as in the second embodiment shown.On the fastening part 23a, two spaced-apart studs 107 are visible, which serve to center the fastening part 29a on the underside 27 of the can end 15. The can end 15 is not shown in the figures in the second embodiment. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that it must have recesses corresponding to the studs 107, into which the studs 107 can engage.
[0053] At a distance from the cylindrical nozzle 89, a recess 109 is provided in the flap 31a, which, in the initial state, serves to accommodate a quality seal 111 provided at the distal end of the operating element 21a. The quality seal 111 can be a downwardly projecting prong, which, in the closed position, preferably interacts with the recess 109 in a form-fitting manner.
[0054] In addition, opposite the handle 71 on the operating element 21a, a radially projecting extension 113 is formed, which in the closed position of the closure device projects beyond the pouring opening and thus prevents the closure device from leaking in the event of pressure exerted on the operating element 21a from the outside.
[0055] Figures 11 and 20 show the underside of the closure part 23a. The ventilation opening 63 and a plurality of stiffening webs 113 are visible. A projection (not shown in the figures) can be formed on the side of the hinge on the side of the flap 31a, which together limit the opening angle of the flap 31a, e.g., to approximately 30 to 35 degrees.
[0056] A notch 115 is provided on the underside of handle 71. This notch 115 allows the flap 31a and the associated operating element 29a to be secured in the open position. When the operating element 29a is pivoted into the open position, it slides over the edge 117 of the pouring opening, and the edge 117 engages the notch 115. When the operating element 29a is returned to its original position, the edge 117 pops out of the notch 115. When a light blow is applied to the flap 31a or the operating element 29a, the flap 31 closes automatically. This has the significant advantage that virtually no liquid spills if a half- or two-thirds-full beverage can tips over. In this case, the pouring opening closes automatically when the liquid hits the flap 31a when the can is tipped over.
[0057] The inventive can end according to the first embodiment is manufactured and used as follows: Can end 11 and closure part 23 can be manufactured from a thin sheet of aluminum or tinplate or stainless steel according to established processes. The use of stainless steel has the advantage that the cut surfaces do not require further processing after punching. During production, an oval disc is first punched out. In the center of the disc, where the hinge will be located, individual, spaced-apart webs are punched out, from which the hinge parts 43 are then formed. The punched-out webs are initially flat and are then folded so that the hinge is expandable and compressible. By folding the webs, the initially oval disc becomes a round disc.
[0058] The seals 53, 57 and 65 can then either be inserted into the grooves 53, 55 or directly injection-molded. Alternatively, the seals 53, 57 can also be injection-molded onto the underside 27 of the can end 15. The fastening part 29 is then connected directly to the can end by means of a first rivet, and the operating element 21 is connected to the flap 31 by means of a second rivet 81. However, it is also conceivable to connect the fastening part 29 to the can end by means of a clip system or an adhesive. The handle 71 is in the closed position of the operating element, ie the handle 71 extends in the radial direction and the quality seal 79 projects into the bead 83. After a can has been filled, the can end 11 is connected to the can body by means of at least one fold.
[0059] To open the closure device, grasp the handle 71 of the operating element 21 and rotate it about an axis perpendicular to the can surface. The operating element 21 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. After a rotation of between 40 and 50 degrees, the vent 63 opens, allowing the internal pressure in the can to dissipate. After a further rotation of between 80 and 100 degrees, the vent is closed again by the second protrusion 69. In the 180-degree position, the operating element 21, together with the flap 31, can now be tilted into the interior of the can, allowing the operating element 21 to engage with the notch 115 on the edge of the pouring opening. To reclose, apply slight pressure to the operating element 21, whereupon the flap 31 springs back to its original position and closes the pouring opening. Key:
[0060] 11 can lids
[0061] 13 Locking device
[0062] 15 can mirrors
[0063] 17 Pouring opening
[0064] 19 Marginal area
[0065] 21 Control element
[0066] 23, 23a locking part
[0067] 25 Top
[0068] 26 Round hole in the can surface for rivet
[0069] 27 subpage
[0070] 29, 29a fastening part
[0071] 31,31a flap
[0072] 33 Outer contour of the closure part
[0073] 35 Internal fold in the can lid
[0074] 37 circle segment
[0075] 39 Hinge
[0076] 41 Swivel axis
[0077] 43 hinge parts
[0078] 44 Arrow (direction of movement of the swivel axis)
[0079] 45 turns of the hinge parts
[0080] 47 round hole
[0081] 48 rivets for attaching the fastening part to the can mirror
[0082] 49 recesses
[0083] 50 elongated depressions
[0084] 51 studs
[0085] 52 Groove in the fastening part
[0086] 52 studs on the underside 27
[0087] 53 Seal
[0088] 55 Groove in the flap
[0089] 57 Seal
[0090] 59 Deepening
[0091] 61 cylindrical heel
[0092] 63 Ventilation opening
[0093] 65 Sealing element
[0094] 67 disc
[0095] 68 Hole in the center of the control panel
[0096] 69 circular elevations
[0097] 71 Handle of the control element
[0098] 73 ribs
[0099] 75 nubs
[0100] 76 Beaded edge
[0101] 77 Handle end
[0102] 79 Quality Seal Rivet
[0103] Knob on the handle 71
[0104] Ring groove
[0105] Web on the flap outer groove wall
[0106] Web on the fastening part Undercut cylindrical nozzle Bottom of the nozzle Annular bead
[0107] Inner groove wall upper edge
[0108] Cuts in the nozzle locking elements
[0109] Deepenings
[0110] Surveys
[0111] Material recess Area of greater elasticity Knobs
[0112] recess
[0113] Seal of quality
[0114] appendage
[0115] Stiffening bars notch
[0116] Edge of the pouring opening
Claims
Patent claims 1. Can lid with a resealable closure device, in particular for an aluminum or tin can for storing liquid or solid foodstuffs or auxiliary materials, with a circular, substantially flat can surface (15) with a top side (25), a bottom side (27) and a pouring opening (17) provided in the can surface (15), a closure part (23) for opening and closing the pouring opening (17), which is arranged on the bottom side (27) of the can surface (15), - wherein the closure part (23; 23a) has two parts, a fastening part (29; 29a) which is fastened to the underside (27) of the can surface (15), and a flap (31; 31a) which is articulated to the fastening part via a hinge (39) and is pivotable about a first pivot axis (41) which runs substantially parallel to the underside (27); and an operating element (21) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation which runs substantially perpendicular to the can surface (15) and which, in a specific position, can be tilted into the pouring opening (17) to open the flap (31; 31a), characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) is pivotable about a second pivot axis (48) which runs parallel to the first pivot axis (41) and is spaced therefrom, and the hinge (39) is designed to be expandable and compressible at right angles to the hinge rotation axis (41).
2. Can lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge has one or more hinge parts which are designed as one or more spring elements.
3. Can lid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hinge is made of an elastomer.
4. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hinge can be expanded or compressed by at least 0.1, preferably at least 0.2, and particularly preferably at least 0.3 mm during the opening or closing process.
5. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hinge (39) can be expanded or compressed by a maximum of 1.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 1.2 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 1.0 mm during the opening or closing process.
6. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) is designed such that it assumes a locking position relative to the closure part (23; 23a) in the open position.
7. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) has means on the underside, e.g. a notch (117) or a knob (82), which can interact with the edge (117) of the pouring opening (17) in such a way that the operating element (21; 21a) and the flap (31; 31a) arranged on the operating element (21; 21a) are locked when the pouring opening (17) is open.
8. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) has a handle part (71) and diametrically opposite a radially projecting extension (112).
9. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) is arranged eccentrically relative to the pouring opening (17).
10. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating element (21; 21a) is arranged relative to the pouring opening (17) such that the extension (112) projects beyond the pouring opening (17) in the closed position and is located within the pouring opening (17) in the open position.
11. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a ventilation opening (63) is provided in the flap (31; 31a), which is closed by the operating part (21; 21a) in the closed position.
12. Can lid according to claim 11, characterized in that the ventilation opening (63) is opened at least temporarily when the operating element (21) is rotated from the closed position to the open position.
13. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the closure part (23; 23a) has substantially the shape of a circular disc.
14. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fastening part (29; 29a) and the flap (31; 31a) have substantially the shape of a semicircle in plan view.
15. Can lid according to claim 14, characterized in that the fastening part (29; 29a) has the shape of a circular segment in plan view, and the flap (31; 31a) has substantially the shape of a semicircle.
16. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a groove (55, 51) is provided at a distance from the periphery of the flap (31; 31a) and of the fastening part (29; 29a) and a seal (57, 53) is provided in the groove (55, 51).
17. Can end according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that one or more centering knobs or centering recesses are provided in the fastening part (29; 29a), which can interact with complementary structures in the can surface (15).
18. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that an opening (47, 26) for receiving a rivet is provided in the fastening part (29; 29a) and at the corresponding point in the can surface (15).
19. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the operating element (21) and the flap (31) are connected to one another by means of a rivet.
20. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the operating element (21a) and the flap (31a) are connected to one another by means of a first latching connection, wherein the operating element (21a) and flap (31a) are rotatable relative to one another.
21. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that one or more upwardly projecting locking elements (97) each with a radially outwardly projecting annular bead (91) are provided on the upper side of the flap (31a).
22. Can lid according to claim 21, characterized in that an annular groove (83) is provided on the underside of the operating element (21a), the outer groove wall (85) of which has an undercut (87) for receiving the annular bead (91).
23. Can lid according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the radially inner groove wall (92) forms a cone.
24. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that a second locking connection is provided between the operating element (21) and the flap (31), which offers resistance to rotation of the operating element (21) from the 0° position and preferably the 180° position.
25. Can lid according to claim 24, characterized in that one or more knobs (101a, 101b) are provided within the annular groove (83) of the operating element (21a), which knobs can interact with one or more recesses (99a, 99b) in the upper side of the flap (31) in the closed and open positions and thus form a second locking connection which offers a certain resistance to rotation of the operating element (21a) relative to the flap (31a).
26. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that a ventilation opening (63) is provided in the flap (31; 31a), which is closed in the closed and in the open position by a knob (101a, 101b). 27 Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the knobs (101a, 101b) and depressions (99a, 99b) interact with one another in such a way that they offer resistance to rotation of the operating element (21a).
28. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that a quality seal (111; 79) is provided on the operating element (21; 21a), which makes the first opening of the closure device visible.
29. Can lid according to claim 28, characterized in that a nose, preferably a triangular prong, is formed on the radial extension (112) of the operating element (21), which in the closed position is received in a complementary recess (109) in the upper side of the flap (31a).
30. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the can lid is made of aluminum or tinplate or stainless steel.
31. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the flap (31), the fastening part (29) and the hinge (39) are made of aluminum or tinplate or stainless steel.
32. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the flap (31a) and the fastening part (29a) and preferably also the operating element (21a) are made of plastic.
33. Can lid according to one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that means are provided on the closure part which are designed to limit the maximum opening angle of the flap (31; 31a).
34. Can lid according to claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the means are webs (84, 86) which project from the flap (31) and the fastening part (29) and are oriented towards one another and can limit the opening angle.