Package closure and method for producing a package closure

Abstract

A packaging closure (10) comprises a neck (12), a cover (11) for closing an opening of the neck (12), and a folded portion (21) connecting the neck (12) and the cover (11), wherein the neck (12) has an axis (A) and is formed with a tubular portion (16) and an inwardly protruding sealing flange (18), the cover (12) is formed with a top (13) and an axially extending sealing ring (19), the top (13) is used to cover the opening of the neck, the sealing ring (19) interacts with the sealing flange (18) to form a seal between the sealing ring (19) and the sealing flange (18). The neck (12), the cover (11) and the folded portion (21) are formed as a single integral piece. The cap (11) is also formed with an axially extending wall (14) arranged radially outside the tubular portion (16) of the neck (12), wherein the folding portion (21) connects the wall (14) of the cap (11) to the neck (12). The top (13) of the cap (11) is connected to the wall (14) by a breakable notch (23) and a hinge (24), and the top (13) can be opened by tearing along the notch (23) and folding along the hinge (24). The present invention also discloses a method for manufacturing a packaging closure (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging closure and a method for manufacturing a packaging closure. A type of this packaging closure comprises a neck (also referred to as a discharge port), a lid for closing the opening of the neck and a folding portion connecting the neck and the lid, wherein the neck has a central axis and is formed with an axially extending tubular portion and an inwardly protruding sealing flange, the lid is formed with a radially extending top and an axially extending sealing ring, the top is used to cover the opening of the neck, the sealing ring interacts with the sealing flange to form a seal between the sealing ring and the sealing flange, and the neck, the lid and the folding portion are formed as a single integral piece. This type of packaging closure is configured in a plastic material and has inherent flexible properties, and the plastic material is such as a thermoplastic material or other plastic materials with similar properties. This type of packaging closure is generally used for the packaging of liquid foods, and liquid foods are such as milk, juice, water, yogurt and the like, but can also be used for other types of packaging. This type of packaging is generally used for the packaging of a combination of paperboard or paperboard and plastic material or other materials, such as a flat-top paperboard package or a gable-top paperboard package that can be folded from a blank, wherein the packaging closure is fastened to the package.

[0002] Another type of this packaging closure is configured to close the opening of the neck such as the bottleneck, wherein the packaging closure is a lid comprising a central axis, a radially extending top, an axially extending wall and a folded portion, and wherein the packaging closure is formed as a single integral piece. This type of packaging closure is also configured in a plastic material and has inherent flexibility, and the plastic material is such as a thermoplastic material or other plastic materials with similar properties. This type of packaging closure is generally used in the packaging of liquid foods, and liquid foods are such as milk, juice, water, yogurt and the like, but can also be used for the packaging of other types. This type of packaging is normally the form of a bottle, such as a plastic bottle. Background Art

[0003] A number of different types of package closures and lids are disclosed in the prior art. One type of such prior art package closure is disclosed in WO2012 / 033451. The document discloses a package closure having a neck, a lid for closing the neck, and a fold between the neck and the lid, wherein the lid is connected to the neck by a breakable notch, and the package closure may be formed from one integral piece of plastic material.

[0004] However, there is a need to improve such package closures and to provide a reliable and user-friendly package closure of plastic material which is easy to manufacture and which can replace many other package closures in use today with reduced material consumption. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve or at least alleviate the above problems and provide a better solution.

[0006] The present invention relates to a packaging closure for closing an opening of a neck, the packaging closure comprising a central axis, a radially extending top and an axially extending wall, wherein the packaging closure is formed as a single integral piece, the packaging closure is formed with an axially extending sealing ring radially arranged on the inner side of the wall, and the top of the lid is connected to the wall by a breakable notch and a hinge, and the top can be opened by tearing along the notch and folding along the hinge.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a packaging closure may be formed with a lid and a neck, wherein the neck is connected to the lid by a fold. Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a packaging closure comprising a neck, a lid for closing an opening of the neck, and a fold connecting the neck and the lid, wherein the neck has a central axis and is formed with an axially extending tubular portion and an inwardly protruding sealing flange, the lid is formed with a radially extending top and an axially extending sealing ring, the top is used to cover the opening of the neck, the sealing ring interacts with the sealing flange to form a seal between the sealing ring and the sealing flange, and the neck, the lid and the fold are formed as a single integral piece, characterized in that the lid is also formed with an axially extending wall arranged radially outside the tubular portion of the neck, wherein the fold connects the wall of the lid to the neck, and the top of the lid is connected to the wall by a breakable notch and a hinge, the top being able to be opened by tearing along the notch and folding along the hinge. The configuration of the package closure enables a reliable and user-friendly package closure of plastic material to be provided, which can be manufactured in an efficient manner. For example, the lid of the package closure has a latching cover formed by the top. The latching function for releasably securing the top in a closed position after opening can be configured in a conventional manner, such as by projections and projections and grooves that interact with each other due to the inherent flexibility of the material of the package closure. The lid can be provided with a pull ring to facilitate opening the lid.

[0008] The fold may connect the top end of the neck and the bottom end of the wall of the lid, wherein an effective seal and tamper-tight seal is provided with the entire package closure being formed as a unitary piece in an effective manner.

[0009] The breakable notch may be formed with an initiation area to facilitate opening of the package closure. A reinforcement may be provided on one or both sides of the initiation area to provide a short stop during opening so that only the initiation area is opened first before the remainder of the breakable notch is broken to equalize any pressure differences between the inside and outside of the package. It has been found that this provides efficient opening of packages containing carbonated liquids because any elevated pressure due to the carbonated liquid is released in a smooth manner before the entire notch is broken.

[0010] The neck may be formed with an attachment portion and the lid may be formed with a fixing portion so that when the package closure is fixed to the package, the fixing portion is melted together with the package and the attachment portion. Thus, the lid is fixed to the neck with the folding portion in the folded position to provide a reliable and easy to operate package closure and to provide improved fastening of the package closure to the package by welding, melting or similar conventional fastening methods.

[0011] The package closure may be formed with a lever ring connected to the sealing ring, wherein the lever ring and the sealing ring are connected to the wall by radial extensions to form a lever line between the sealing ring and the lever ring. Thus, when pressure within the package increases, the top portion flexes outwardly, wherein the lever is forced inwardly about the lever line, thereby causing the seal to rotate outwardly about the lever line, further improving the sealing effect.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a package closure having an axis, a neck, a lid and a fold connecting the neck and the lid, the method comprising the following steps:

[0013] a) forming the neck, the cover and the foldable part connecting the neck and the cover into a single integral piece by means of a movable jaw and a tool core, wherein the interior of the neck, the inwardly protruding sealing flange of the neck, the interior of the foldable part and the interior of the wall of the cover are formed by an outer first tool core, the interior of the top of the cover and the interior of the sealing ring of the cover are formed by an inner second tool core, and a breakable notch and a hinge are formed between the top of the cover and the wall by the movable jaw and the outer tool core,

[0014] b) removing the jaws from the formed packaging closure,

[0015] c) displacing the first tool core in the axial direction relative to the second tool core so as to disengage the cover from the second tool core while maintaining the second tool core in engagement with the cover,

[0016] d) displacing the neck axially relative to the cap, with the foldable portion folded into the folded portion by the inherent flexibility of the package closure, wherein the wall surrounds the tubular portion of the neck and the sealing ring engages the sealing flange,

[0017] e) displacing the package closure relative to the second tool core to disengage the package closure from the tool core.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, the package closure may be formed to be mounted on the neck of a package such as a bottle. Thus, the package closure is formed as a cap only, i.e. without a neck. Thus, the package closure may be formed with a folding portion, which is folded inwardly from the wall to form a lock when the folding portion is pushed over the outer flange of the package neck. Thus, the sealing ring may be formed with a sealing flange that extends radially outwardly to engage the inside of the package neck. The package closure according to the second aspect may be formed with a pull ring, a breakable notch, a starting area, a reinforcement and / or a lever ring as described above.

[0019] The package closure may be configured to be attached to the package in a manner that it will not accidentally fall off. Furthermore, the package closure may be configured to remain as a single piece after use. For example, a hinged portion of the top may be formed, and a hinged portion to the pull ring may also be formed, so that the top and the pull ring are not easily broken, thereby avoiding unintentional removal of the pull ring and / or the top. Thus, the package closure is configured to be fixed to the package and remain as a single piece throughout its service life.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of embodiments examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from above of a packaging closure according to one embodiment,

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of a packaging closure of

[0024] Figure 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure according to one embodiment,

[0025] Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A view of a portion of a package closure,

[0026] Figure 3c is a view of a portion of a packaging closure according to another embodiment,

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging closure of FIG. 3 ,

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view from above of a packaging closure according to one embodiment, wherein the packaging closure is open,

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure of

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of an opened package closure according to one embodiment,

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure of

[0032] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an opened packaging closure according to one embodiment,

[0033] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure of

[0034] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a semi-finished packaging closure according to one embodiment,

[0035] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for manufacturing a package closure according to one embodiment, showing the apparatus in a first position for forming a package closure and a semi-finished package closure inside the apparatus,

[0036] Fig.13 It is in the second position Fig.12 A schematic cross-sectional view of a device,

[0037] Fig.14 It is in the third position Fig.12 A schematic cross-sectional view of a device in which a package closure is completed,

[0038] Fig.15 It is in the fourth position Fig.12 a schematic cross-sectional view of a device wherein a finished packaging closure is ejected from the device,

[0039] Fig.16 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging closure according to another embodiment,

[0040] Fig.17 yes Fig.16A schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure of

[0041] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 Another schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure of

[0042] Fig.19 is a schematic perspective cutaway view of a packaging closure mounted on a bottle neck,

[0043] Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packaging closure mounted on a bottle neck,

[0044] Fig.21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a package closure mounted on a bottle neck, showing the package closure under pressure from the contents of the bottle,

[0045] Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view from below showing a breakable notch with a starting area and a reinforcement according to one embodiment,

[0046] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 A detailed schematic diagram of a portion of

[0047] Fig.24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a semi-finished packaging closure according to another embodiment,

[0048] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A schematic cross-sectional view of a finished packaging closure,

[0049] Fig.26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a semi-finished packaging closure according to yet another embodiment, and

[0050] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 Schematic cross-sectional view of a finished packaging closure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference Figure 1-4, a package closure 10 according to an embodiment is shown.The package closure 10 is configured to be assembled to packaging, such as packaging for liquid food, such as milk, juice, water, yogurt, etc. or other substances.For example, the package closure 10 is configured to be attached to a package made of a combination of plastic material, cardboard and plastic material, cardboard or the like, such as a flat-top cardboard package or a gable-top cardboard package (which usually contains a combination of cardboard and plastic material to prevent liquid).The package is configured in the plastic material and has inherent flexibility.For example, the package closure is made of thermoplastic material or other plastic materials with similar properties.The package closure is made into a single integral piece of plastic material, and plastic material is such as thermoplastic material.For example, the package closure 10 is made into a single integral piece by molding, and molding is such as injection molding.According to an example, the weight of the package closure 10 is 1.2-2g, such as 1.4-1.8, 1.4-1.6 or 1.4-1.5g. The height of the package closure 10 is, for example, 6-10 mm, such as 7-9 mm or 8 mm.

[0052] The package closure 10 comprises a longitudinal central axis A, a cap 11 and a neck 12 (also referred to as a discharge opening) forming an opening for pouring out the contents of the package, wherein the cap 11 is configured to be opened when the package closure 10 is in a position such as Figure 1-4 The closed position shown is used to close the opening of the neck 12. The cap 11 is formed with a radially extending top 13, which is used to cover the opening of the neck 12 when the package closure 10 is in the closed position. The cap 11 also includes an axially extending wall 14 connected to the top 13. The cap 11 is formed with a pull ring 15 for opening the package closure 10, which will be described in more detail below. For example, the package closure 10 is formed so that the diameter of the wall 14 is 25-40mm, such as 30-35mm or 32mm.

[0053] With particular reference Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 , the neck 12 is formed with a tubular portion 16 extending axially. The central axis of the neck 12 is identical with the central axis A of the package closure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the package closure 10 is roughly formed as a cylinder, wherein the tubular portion 16 of the neck 12 and the wall 14 of the lid 11 are formed with a circular cross section. Or, the package closure 10 is formed with a cross section of an ellipse, a roughly rectangular, a triangle or other suitable shapes (e.g., with rounded corners). The neck 12 is formed with an attachment portion 17 for attaching to the package, such as by melting or fusing a part of the attachment portion 17 to the package. The attachment portion 17 extends radially outwards from the tubular portion 16, such as extending vertically from the tubular portion 16 or extending outwards and downwards from the tubular portion 16 at an inclined angle. For example, the attachment portion 17 is connected to one end of the tubular portion 16, i.e., the lower end.

[0054] The neck 12 is formed with a sealing flange 18 protruding inwardly. For example, the sealing flange 18 is configured at one end of the tubular portion 16, such as the upper end, and is, for example, configured at the opposite end of the attachment portion 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing flange 18 extends radially inwardly and downwardly from the tubular portion 16. The sealing flange 18 is continuously configured around the entire inner circumference of the tubular portion 16, and is formed with a free end. Due to the inherent flexibility of the material, the sealing flange 18 is elastically bendable. The lid 11 is formed with an axially extending sealing ring 19 to interact with the sealing flange 18, thereby forming a seal between the sealing ring 19 and the sealing flange 18. The sealing ring 19 protrudes from the inner side of the top 13 and forms a continuous and closed ring. For example, due to the inherent flexibility of the material of the packaging closure 10, the sealing ring 19 is elastically bendable. For example, the sealing ring 19 is cylindrical. The sealing ring 19 is formed with a free end. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the sealing ring 19 is formed with an optional radially outwardly extending protrusion 20 for interacting with the sealing flange 18. For example, when the cover 11 is closed, the protrusion 20 is configured to exceed the sealing flange, wherein the protrusion 20 is configured below the free end of the sealing flange 18.

[0055] The neck 12 is connected to the cap 11 by a folded portion 21. The folded portion 21 connects the tubular portion 16 of the neck 12 to the wall 14 of the cap 11. For example, the folded portion 21 has a first end connected to the tubular portion 16 (such as the top end of the tubular portion 16), wherein the opposite second end of the folded portion 21 is connected to the wall 14, such as the bottom end of the wall 14. The folded portion 21 is formed thinner than the wall 14 and the tubular portion 16. The folded portion 21 is folded outward and arranged between the tubular portion 16 and the wall 14. Therefore, the wall 14 is arranged radially outside the tubular portion 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 14 is arranged radially outside the folded portion 21, wherein the wall 14 surrounds the folded portion 21 so that the folded portion 21 is arranged between the wall 14 and the tubular portion 16. For example, the folded portion 21 is arranged in the gap between the wall 14 and the tubular portion 16. For example, the wall 14 and the tubular portion 16 are coaxially arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 14 surrounds the tubular portion 16. For example, the wall 14 is configured to have a larger diameter than the tubular portion 16. The cap 11, the neck 12 and the folded portion 21 are integrated and formed as a single piece. For example, the folded portion 21 is continuous and forms a seal between the neck 12 and the wall 14 of the cap 11.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 11 is formed with an optional fixing portion 22, which is used to be attached to the package by melting or welding. For example, the fixing portion 22 extends outwardly from the wall 14, such as extending outwardly from the bottom end of the wall 14, and for example extends radially outwardly, such as extending outwardly vertically or extending outwardly obliquely. The fixing portion 22 is configured to fix the wall 14 of the cap 11 to the neck 12 and the package. For example, the fixing portion 22 engages with the attachment portion 17 to melt with the attachment portion 17 and the package when the package closure 10 is attached to the package. Therefore, the wall 14 of the cap 11 is fixed to the neck 12 and the package by means of the fixing portion 22.

[0057] The top 13 of the cover 11 is connected to the wall 14 by a breakable notch 23 and a hinge 24, wherein the top 13 can be opened by tearing along the notch 23 and folding along the hinge 24. For example, the breakable notch 23 extends around a large part of the circumference between the top 13 and the wall 14 and is formed with a thinner material thickness than the wall 14 and the top 13, wherein the breakable notch 23 is interrupted by the hinge 24, which extends around a small part of the circumference and is formed with a larger material thickness than the breakable notch 23. For example, the breakable notch 23 is formed with an optional starting area 25, which is formed of even thinner material or by another type of weakening, so that tearing along the notch 23 starts at the starting area 25. In Figure 3b and Figure 3c 25. For example, the initiation area 25 is configured opposite the hinge 24. According to one embodiment, the notch 23 is configured such that it requires at least 20 N (Newtons) to break, such as at least 30 N or 30-60 N or 40-60 N. The hinge 24 connecting the top 13 to the wall 14 is configured such that a force greater than the force required to break the notch 23 is required to bend or break the hinge 24. For example, the hinge 24 is configured such that at least 50 N is required to bend or break it, such as 50-100 N or 50-80 N.

[0058] With particular reference Figure 3c , the breakable notch 23 is formed with breakable reinforcements R on both sides of the starting area 25 to form a natural short stop or pause before the breakable notch 23 is continuously broken. Therefore, when a person starts to tear the notch 23 by pulling the pull ring 15, the starting area 25 breaks until the reinforcement R, wherein the reinforcement R temporarily stops the tearing and requires a greater force to continue tearing the breakable notch 23. In this way, for example, a higher pressure inside the package can be released before the remaining portion of the breakable notch 23 is torn.

[0059] The pull ring 15 is connected to the top 13 of the lid 11 by a hinge 26. Figure 5-8This is more clearly shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the package closure 10 is at least partially opened by pulling the pull ring 15 and thus breaking the breakable notch 23 between the top 13 and the wall 14. Therefore, the top 13 forms an openable cover, which can be closed again to close and seal the package closure 10 after opening the package closure 10 by breaking the notch 23. For example, the top 13 forms a cover without threads, which is sometimes referred to as a flip cover. After the notch 23 is broken, the package closure 10 is sealed by means of a sealing flange 18 and a sealing ring 19. For example, the breakable notch 23 forms an anti-tampering function, wherein the initial opening or unauthorized opening of the package closure 10 can be detected. According to an embodiment, the breakable notch 23 forms a liquid-proof seal or also forms an airtight seal between the wall 14 and the top 13 before it breaks. The hinge 26 of the pull ring 15 is for example configured to be opposite to the hinge 24 connecting the top 13 to the wall 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull ring 15 is a closed loop. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 An example of a fully opened package closure 10 is shown, wherein the top 13 is pulled open by bending about a hinge 24 connecting the top 13 and the wall 14, according to one embodiment.

[0060] Reference Fig.11 For the sake of clarity, the packaging closure 10 is shown alone in a semi-finished state and in Figure 12-15 Schematically shows the production of a packaging closure 10 according to one embodiment by means of a device for producing packaging closures. Fig.12 Schematically shown, the device for making package closure 10 comprises movable first jaw 27, movable second jaw 28, mating piece 29 and tool core with outer first tool core 30 and inner second tool core 31, outer first tool core 30 and inner second tool core 31 interact with jaws and mating piece to form a mould, and this mould is used to receive a certain amount of plastic material that is used to form package closure 10.This device also comprises movable ejector 32, is used for ejecting manufactured package closure 10 and is also used to form package closure optionally.This device is configured as a moulding tool for moulding plastic material.For example, this device or its part can be heated and cooled in a conventional manner.

[0061] The outer first tool core 30 is configured to form the inner side of the tubular portion 16 of the neck 12. The outer first tool core 30 is also configured to form the sealing flange 18, one side of the foldable portion (to be the foldable portion) 21, and the inner side of the wall 14 of the cover 11. Therefore, the outer first tool core 30 is configured to form the wall 14 having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tubular portion 16 of the neck 12. The outer first tool core 30 is configured to form the foldable portion 21 located between the wall 14 and the tubular portion 16 and having, for example, an outward and upward inclination angle. For example, the outer first tool core 30 is configured to form the breakable notch 23 and the hinge 24 connecting the top 13 and the wall 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer first tool core 30 is also configured to form the outer side of the sealing ring 19. The second inner tool core 31 is configured to form the inner side of the top 13 and the inner side of the sealing ring 19.

[0062] Reference Fig.13 , jaws 27, 28 and mating piece 29 have been removed from the semi-finished package closure 10 of molding, and the outer first tool core 30 has been axially displaced relative to the inner second tool core 31 to disengage from the package closure 10. Therefore, the outer first tool core 30 can move relative to the inner second tool core 30. The end of the inner outer first tool core 30 for forming the wall 14 has been forced to pass through the narrower tubular portion 16 and the sealing flange 18, wherein the tubular portion 16 and the sealing flange 18 are temporarily expanded. When the outer first tool core 30 has passed through the narrower tubular portion 16 and the sealing flange 18, due to the inherent elastic bending characteristics of the material and the still soft and warm material such as from the molding process, the tubular portion 16 and the sealing flange 18 have recovered their original shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer first tool core 30 is also configured to form a part of the attachment portion 17. Or, the tubular portion 16 is tilted outwards towards the attachment portion 17. Alternatively, the attachment portion 17 is formed by another tool portion, such as jaws 27, 28. When the outer first tool core 30 is displaced relative to the inner second tool core 31, the inner second tool core 31 engages the packaging closure 10. Then, as Fig.14As shown, the inner second tool core 31 is axially displaced relative to the ejector 32, wherein the cap 11 is axially displaced relative to the neck 12 when the foldable portion 21 is folded to its folded position. For example, the foldable portion 21 is folded without breaking, so that the folded portion 21 is intact and provides the sealing function of the finished packaging closure 10. The cap 11 is formed with a protrusion 33, such as a flange or the like, for engaging the inner second tool core 31 during the displacement of the cap 11 relative to the neck 12. For example, the protrusion 33 is formed to provide a holding force greater than the force required to fold the folded portion 21 during the displacement of the cap 11 relative to the neck 12, so that during the displacement, the inner second tool core 31 is held in engagement with the top 13 and the inner side of the sealing ring 19. For example, the protrusion 33 is configured on the sealing ring 19, such as configured on the inner side of the sealing ring 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 33 protrudes radially inward. The cap 11 is displaced relative to the neck 12 to provide a completed and closed package closure 10, such as described above with reference to Figure 1-4 For example, the cover 11 is displaced relative to the neck 12 until the cover 11 engages the neck 12, such as until the top 13 engages the neck 12 and / or the optional fixing portion 22 engages the attachment portion 17. Then, as Fig.15 As shown, the finished packaging closure 10 is disengaged from the internal second tool core 31 by means of the ejector 32, wherein the packaging closure 10 and the ejector 32 are axially displaced relative to the internal second tool core 31, so that the protrusion 33 is disengaged from the internal second tool core 31 by the inherent elastic bending properties of the material.

[0063] Reference Figure 16-21 , a package closure 40 according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 16-18 A package closure 40 is shown and Figure 19-21 A package closure 40 is shown mounted on a package 41 having a neck 42. For example, the package closure 40 is configured to be assembled on a package 41 in the form of a bottle, such as a plastic bottle, for closing the opening of the neck 42 of the package 41. For example, the package closure 40 is formed, for example by molding, as a cap in a single integral piece of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material.

[0064] Package closure 40 comprises central axis X, radially extending top 43, axially extending wall 44 and folding portion 45.For example, package closure 40 is formed to have roughly circular cross section.Or, package closure 40 is formed with oval, rectangular or triangular cross section, for example, has rounded corners (if applicable).Package closure 40 is formed with sealing ring 46, and sealing ring 46 extends axially from the inboard of top 43 and is provided with radially outwardly protruding sealing flange 47, for engaging and sealing the inboard of neck 42 when package closure is in its closed position.In the illustrated embodiment, sealing flange 47 is configured at the end (such as the lower end) of sealing ring 46.Sealing ring 46 and sealing flange 47 are continuous and are formed as closed loop.Sealing ring 46 is configured in wall 44, and wherein wall 44 surrounds sealing ring 46.For example, sealing ring 46 extends roughly parallel to wall 44 ground.

[0065] As mentioned above Figure 1-15 As described in the embodiment of the present invention, the top 43 is connected to the wall 44 by a breakable notch 23 (optionally with a starting area 25) and a hinge 24. As described above with reference to Figure 1-15 As described in the embodiment of the present invention, the packaging closure 40 is also formed with a pull ring 15. Figure 16-21 The packaging closure 40 of the embodiment according to Figure 1-15 The packaging closure 10 of the embodiment differs mainly in that there is no neck as part of the packaging closure and the sealing ring 46 is formed with a sealing flange 47. Therefore, the device for manufacturing the packaging closure 40 is also similar, but is simplified because it does not have to form a neck. For example, the packaging closure 40 is also formed by a device having an internal tool core and an external tool core similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, wherein when the foldable portion is folded into the folded portion 45, the packaging closure 40 is held in place by the protrusion 33 that engages with the internal tool core. Alternatively, the foldable portion is folded into the foldable portion 45 in a separate step by a separate device. In this case, a one-piece tool core can be used, provided that the folded portion 21 is not as follows with reference Fig.26 and Fig. 27 Formed as described.

[0066] according to Figure 16-21In one embodiment, folding portion 45 is connected to an end opposite to top 43 of wall 44, and folds inwardly and upwardly, to form a locking function together with a projection 48 such as flange or the like on the outside of neck 42. Folding portion 45 is elastically bendable due to the inherent characteristics of the material, and can be pushed through and exceed projection 48, then rebound to form a locking function. Therefore, packaging closure 40 can not be removed from packaging 41 unintentionally after being installed on packaging 41. And packaging closure 40 is formed as an integral piece of plastic material without any loose or detachable parts. According to an embodiment, the hinge 24 of top 43 and the hinge 26 of pull ring 15 optionally are configured so that pull ring 15 and / or top 43 can not be removed unintentionally or easily break, to avoid parts from packaging closure loosening, and realize that packaging closure 40 also remains as an integral piece after use.

[0067] Special reference Fig. 20 and 21 , shows a package 41 with a package closure 40 according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 In FIG. 4 , a package closure 40 is shown with a neutral pressure inside the package 41, while in FIG. Fig.21 , a package closure 40 is shown with an elevated pressure within the package 41, wherein the pressure within the package 41 is greater than the ambient pressure. For example, the pressure within the package 41 is increased by the contents of the package 41, such as by carbonated liquid or temperature changes, wherein the interior of the top 43 is subjected to a generally axially directed force, such as an upward force, which in turn Fig.2141 is schematically shown by means of arrow F. When the pressure in the package 41 increases, the sealing ring 46 is pressed radially outward toward the inside of the neck 42, which can further improve the sealing effect. Moreover, in order to further improve the sealing effect, in the illustrated embodiment, the packaging closure 40 is formed with a lever ring 49, which is connected to the sealing ring 46 by a lever action line 50 to increase the radially outward force when the top 43 is subjected to an axial force F due to the increase in pressure in the package 41. The lever ring 49 connects the top 43 and the sealing ring 46, wherein the wall 44 is connected to the lever action line 50 by a radial extension 51. For example, the lever ring 49 extends approximately axially and is, for example, aligned with the sealing ring 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial extension 51 is configured to be approximately perpendicular to the sealing ring 46 and the lever ring 49. For example, the protrusion 33 as described above is configured at the lever action line 50. Thus, the lever ring 49, the sealing ring 46 and the connection to the wall 44 through the radial extension 51 form a lever action line 50, so that when the top 43 is subjected to the force F, the lever ring 49 tilts inwardly while forcing the sealing ring 46 radially outwardly. The lever ring 49 and the sealing ring 46 are thus forced around the lever action line 50 formed by the radial extension 51 leading to the wall 44 to provide an improved seal when the pressure within the package 41 is high, such as due to carbonated liquid contents. For example, the radial extension 51 and the optional protrusion 33 and the wall 44 form a more rigid structure than the lever ring 49 and the sealing ring 46, particularly when the package closure 40 is mounted on the package 41, so that when the pressure within the package 41 increases and the top 43 is subjected to the force F, the lever ring 49 and the sealing ring 46 can pivot around the lever action line 50 connected to the radial extension 51. It is believed that the top 43 will arch outward due to the force F, wherein the lever ring 49 on one side of the lever action line 50 will be forced inward, and the sealing ring 46 on the other side of the lever action line 50 will be forced outward. Figure 1-15 The package closure 10 of the described embodiment is formed with the lever ring 49 and radial extension 51, for example, to provide a line of leverage 50 and leverage about the line of leverage 50 due to pressure buildup within the package in a similar manner.

[0068] Reference Fig. 22 and 23 , showing a method according to one embodiment as shown in FIG. Figure 3c The notch 23 is shown with a starting area 25 and a reinforcement R. The view is a cross-sectional view at the notch 23 and looking towards the top 43 . Fig. 22 and 23 The implementation method can be applied to Figure 1-15 The embodiment shown and Figure 16-21The embodiment shown. The notch 23 extends between the top 43 and the wall 44, wherein after tearing along the notch 23, the top 43 is connected to the wall 44 by means of the hinge 24. Therefore, the top 43 is attached to the wall and can be rotated about the hinge 43 after breaking the notch 23. In the embodiment shown, the starting area 25 is formed as a cut (such as a sharp cut), so that pulling the pull ring 15 causes the notch 23 to break first in the starting area 25. The breakable reinforcement R is arranged on both sides of the starting area 25, such as at a shorter distance from the starting area 25. For example, the reinforcement R is arranged 2-5 mm from the starting area 25. The reinforcement R is formed as a thicker part of the material in the notch 23 so as to temporarily stop as mentioned above with reference to Figure 3c The breakage is caused by a person tearing the notch by pulling the pull ring 15 .

[0069] Reference Fig.24 and Fig.25 , another embodiment of a packaging closure 10 is shown. Fig.24 and Fig.25 The packaging closure 10 is similar to the above reference Figure 11-15 The same reference numerals are used to designate similar features to those described above. Fig.24 and Fig.25 The package closure of the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises an attachment portion 17 configured to be attached to a package, such as cardboard or the like, by melting or fusing a portion of the attachment portion 17 to the package as described above. Fig.24 and Fig.25 The package closure is formed with a first locking protrusion 34a and a second locking protrusion 34b, wherein, as described above with reference to Figure 13-15 During the manufacture of the packaging closure 10, when the cap 11 is displaced relative to the neck 12, the first locking projection 34a engages with the second locking projection 34b. Thus, the folded portion 21 is provided with the first locking projection 34a, wherein the cylindrical portion 16 of the neck 12 is provided with the second locking projection 34b. During the forming in the mold, the first locking projection 34a and the second locking projection 34b protrude radially outward, as shown in FIG. Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first locking protrusion 34a is disposed between the top 13 and the second locking protrusion 34b. For example, the first locking protrusion 34a and the second locking protrusion 34b are formed by the jaws 27 and 28 of the tool forming the mold. After the neck 12 is displaced relative to the cap 11, the folding portion 21 is folded so that the first locking protrusion 34a protrudes radially inward to engage the second locking protrusion 34b and locks the cap 11 into the position as shown in FIG. Fig.25 The neck 12 is shown in a displaced position, wherein the second locking projection 34b is located between the top 13 and the first locking projection 34a. Fig.24 and Fig.25 In the embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion 22 is optional.

[0070] Moreover, in order to further improve the sealing effect, the packaging closure 10 according to all embodiments may be formed with a lever ring 49 connected to the sealing ring 19 via a lever action line 50 to increase the radially outward force when the top 13 is subjected to an axial force F due to an increase in the pressure inside the packaging 10, as described above with reference to Fig.21 described.

[0071] A package comprising a package closure 10 having an attachment portion 17 according to any embodiment described herein is attached to the package closure, for example by welding or melting at least a portion of the attachment portion 17 to the package, wherein the fixing portion 22 is welded to the attachment portion 17 or melted together with the attachment portion 17 so that the wall 14 of the lid 11 is fixed to the attachment portion 17.

[0072] Reference Fig.26 and Fig. 27 , another embodiment of a packaging closure 10 is shown. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The packaging closure 10 is similar to the above reference Figure 11-15 The same reference numerals are used to indicate similar features to those described above. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The package closure of the embodiment comprises a fold 21 and a resiliently bendable fold 45 for locking the package closure 10 to a package 41 (such as a bottle or other type of package) and having a protrusion 48 as described above. Furthermore, Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The package closure 10 is formed with a first locking protrusion 34a and a second locking protrusion 34b.

Claims

1. A packaging closure (10), comprising a neck (12), a cover (11) for closing an opening of the neck (12), and a folding portion (21) connecting the neck (12) and the cover (11), wherein: The neck (12) has a central axis (A) and is formed with an axially extending tubular portion (16) and an inwardly protruding sealing flange (18), the cover (11) is formed with a radially extending top (13) and an axially extending sealing ring (19), the top (13) is used to cover the opening of the neck (12), the sealing ring (19) interacts with the sealing flange (18) to form a seal between the sealing ring (19) and the sealing flange (18), and the neck (12), the cover (11) and the folded portion (21) are formed as a single integral piece, It is characterized in that The cover (11) is also formed with an axially extending wall (14) arranged radially outside the tubular portion (16) of the neck (12), wherein the folding portion (21) connects the wall (14) of the cover (11) to the neck (12), and the top (13) of the cover (11) is connected to the wall (14) via a breakable notch (23) and a hinge, and the top (13) can be opened by tearing along the notch (23) and folding along the hinge.

2. The packaging closure according to claim 1, wherein: The folded portion (21) connects the top end of the neck (12) and the bottom end of the wall (14) of the cover (11).

3. A packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fold (21) forms a seal between the neck (12) and the wall (14) of the cap (11).

4. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The folded portion (21) is thinner than the tubular portion (16) of the neck and thinner than the wall (14) of the cap.

5. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing flange (18) protrudes downward and inward.

6. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outer surface of the sealing ring (19) comprises a protrusion (20) extending radially outwards, and when the cover is closed, the protrusion (20) is arranged to extend beyond the sealing flange (18).

7. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lid comprises a pull ring (15) connected to the top (13) of the lid by a hinge.

8. The package closure according to claim 7, wherein: The hinged portion of the pull ring (15) is arranged opposite to the hinged portion of the top portion (13) of the cover.

9. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cap (11) is formed with a radially outwardly extending fixing portion (22) which engages with a radially outwardly extending attachment portion (17) of the neck (12) such that the fixing portion (22) and the attachment portion (17) melt together when attached to the package.

10. The packaging closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing ring (19) is connected to the lever ring (49) by a lever action line (50) formed by connecting the sealing ring (19) and the lever ring (49) to a radial extension (51) of the wall (14).

11. The package closure according to claim 10, wherein: The sealing ring (19) is connected to the top (13) via the lever ring (49).

12. A method for manufacturing a packaging closure (10) having an axis (A), a neck (12), a lid (11) and a fold (21) connecting the neck (12) and the lid (11), the method comprising the following steps: a) forming the neck (12), the cover (11) and the foldable part (21) connecting the neck (12) and the cover (11) as a single integral piece by means of movable jaws (27, 28), a counterpiece (29), an outer first tool core (30) and an inner second tool core (31), wherein the interior of the neck (12), the inwardly protruding sealing flange (18) of the neck (12), the interior of the foldable part (21) and the interior of the wall (14) of the cover (11) are formed by the outer first tool core (30), the interior of the top (13) of the cover (11) and the interior of the sealing ring (19) of the cover (11) are formed by the inner second tool core (31), and a breakable notch (23) and a hinge are formed between the top (13) and the wall (14) of the cover (11) by the movable jaws (27, 28) and the outer first tool core (30), b) removing the jaws (27, 28) from the formed packaging closure (10), c) displacing the first tool core (30) relative to the second tool core (31) in the axial direction, thereby disengaging the cover (11) from the first tool core (30) while maintaining the engagement between the second tool core (31) and the cover (11), d) displacing the neck (12) axially relative to the lid (11) in a state where the foldable portion (21) is folded into the folded portion (21) by the inherent flexibility of the packaging closure (10), wherein the wall (14) surrounds the tubular portion (16) of the neck (12) and the sealing ring (19) engages the sealing flange (18), e) displacing the packaging closure (10) relative to the second tool core (31) to disengage the packaging closure (10) from the second tool core (31).

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising the step of forming the lid (11) with a pull ring (15), wherein the pull ring (15) is connected to the top (13) of the lid by a hinge.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the step of forming an outer surface of the sealing ring (19), wherein the outer surface of the sealing ring (19) has a protrusion (20) configured to extend radially outward beyond the sealing flange (18) when the cover (11) is closed.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13 comprises the step of forming a flexible protrusion (33) extending radially inwardly, wherein the flexible protrusion (33) is used to maintain the engagement of the cover (11) with the second tool core (31) during axial displacement of the neck (12) relative to the cover (11).

Images