Container closure with hinges and clamping protrusions

Abstract

A container closure (10) includes a retaining ring (14) extending about a reference axis (200) of the container closure (10), a cap (16), and a hinge (18) connecting the retaining ring (14) to the cap (16). The cap (16) has an end plate (24), an enclosing circumferential wall (26), and a clamping protrusion (30) axially spaced from the end plate (24) and extending radially outward from the circumferential wall (26). A deformable region (40) of the circumferential wall extends between the end plate (24) and the clamping protrusion (30) and is diametrically opposed to the hinge (18), and has a radially inwardly pointing engagement protrusion (42), a lower wall portion (44) located between the engagement protrusion (42) and the clamping protrusion (30), and an upper wall portion (46) located between the engagement protrusion (42) and the end plate (24). The wall thickness of the upper wall portion (46) and the wall thickness of the lower wall portion (44) are limited such that, through the elastic deformation of the deformable region (40), the radial outward movement of the engaging protrusion (42) exceeds one-third of the radial range (600) of the locking protrusion (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container closure comprising a retaining ring extending about a reference axis of the container closure, a cap, and a hinge connecting the retaining ring to the cap. The cap includes an end plate, a circumferential wall surrounding the end plate, and a clamping protrusion extending radially outward from the circumferential wall and axially spaced from the end plate. The invention also relates to a container closed using this closure. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2007 / 080000 A1 discloses a container closure of the type described at the beginning, wherein an engaging hinge is integrated into a circumferential wall and wherein a retaining ring and a cap are connected to each other along a second circumferential portion adjacent to the engaging hinge by a tear strip. To provide a closure that can be resealed more effectively and, most importantly, more easily, during use, even after the initial opening, the circumferential wall includes inwardly projecting retaining protrusions and typically has a greater radial thickness in the sector opposite the central diameter of the engaging hinge than in the sector offset approximately 90° relative to the center of the engaging hinge. During engagement, the retaining protrusions generate a tactile signal notifying the user that the closed position has been reached.

[0003] The clamping protrusions are arranged in the same sector. To provide sufficient space for the tear strip, retaining protrusions, and clamping protrusions, the closure includes a minimum height that prevents the end plate from being directly attached to the upper edge of the container neck. Therefore, precautions must be taken to ensure that the container closure is not damaged when one container is placed on top of another. Furthermore, in the axial direction, the distance between the clamping protrusions and the end plate must be less than the axial distance between the pivot axis of the snap hinge and the end plate. To reduce the height of the container closure, it would be advantageous to replace the tear strip with a simple dividing line. However, then there would not be enough space to provide retaining protrusions between the retaining ring and the clamping protrusions.

[0004] EP3305680 discloses a container closure of the type described at the beginning, wherein the cap includes a protrusion transverse to a clamping protrusion having radially inward projections that adhere directly to the container neck via a cutout at the upper edge of a retaining ring. This securely holds the container closure in the closed position. A "click" sound is emitted when the closure is closed to notify the user that the closed position has been reached. When opening, the user presses upward on the clamping protrusion, and the adhesive force between the internal protrusion and the neck is reduced through leverage, thus limiting the force required to open the closure. This compact structure allows the lower surface of an end plate to be directly attached to the upper edge of the container neck.

[0005] However, the cutout on the upper edge of the retaining ring has proven to be a weak point, potentially making it more difficult to install the closure onto the container neck. Therefore, it is recommended to compensate for this weakness with an additional reinforcement in the form of an inner circumferential protrusion on the lower edge of the retaining ring. The lower edge of the retaining ring, however, lacks a rotationally symmetrical shape, which introduces further difficulties when installing the closure onto the container neck. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is a device for providing a tactile or audible signal for a container closure of the type described at the beginning when it is closed, without adversely affecting the manner in which it is mounted on the container and without adversely affecting the closure height.

[0007] In a container closure, there are retaining rings extending about a reference axis of the container closure, a cap, and a hinge connecting the retaining ring to the cap. The cap includes an end plate, a circumferential wall surrounding an inner surface of the end plate, and a clamping protrusion extending radially outward from the circumferential wall and axially spaced from the end plate. This is achieved by the circumferential wall. In a deformable region opposite the hinge diameter and extending between the end plate and the clamping protrusion, the circumferential wall includes a radially inwardly pointing engagement protrusion, a lower wall portion disposed between the engagement protrusion and the clamping protrusion, and an upper wall portion disposed between the engagement protrusion and the end plate. The wall thickness of the upper wall portion and the wall thickness of the lower wall portion are determined such that elastic deformation of the deformable region allows the engagement protrusion to move radially outward by more than 50 percent, preferably more than 90 percent, and preferably at least 100 percent of the radial extension of the engagement protrusion.

[0008] Because the internal engaging protrusion is axially located between the clamping protrusion and the end plate, the end plate can be positioned very close to the engaging protrusion and therefore very close to the container neck without reducing the height of the retaining ring in this region. Sufficient elasticity is achieved by means of a deliberately thinned circumferential wall in the region of the engaging protrusion, allowing the engaging protrusion to disengage from or engage with the edge of the upper protrusion on the container neck. However, if the engaging protrusion is attached to a circumferential wall with normal wall thickness, it is nearly impossible to open the container closure, as the pressure applied by the thumb during opening increases the adhesive force between the engaging protrusion and the container neck.

[0009] According to a preferred design, the deformable region is surrounded circumferentially by two reinforcing regions of a circumferential wall that connect the clamping protrusion to the outer edge of the end plate. During opening, the force of the thumb pressing on the clamping protrusion is transmitted to the end plate through the reinforcing regions, without any inhibition between the engaging protrusion and the container neck. To achieve this reinforcement, the wall thickness of each reinforcing region of the circumferential wall can be greater than the wall thickness of the upper wall portion and greater than the wall thickness of the lower wall portion. According to a preferred embodiment, each reinforcing region of the circumferential wall includes at least one reinforcing rib extending parallel to a reference axis, extending outward from the circumferential wall, and connecting the clamping protrusion to the outer edge of the end plate. The deformable region preferably includes a sidewall portion on either side of the engaging protrusion in the circumferential direction, which connects the engaging protrusion to the reinforcing region. The wall thickness of the lower wall portion, the upper wall portion, and the optional sidewall portion is preferably less than 20% of the wall thickness of the reinforcing regions of the circumferential wall.

[0010] The engagement protrusion is preferably curved to facilitate engagement and disengagement upon contact with the edge of the container's neck.

[0011] The invention also relates to a sealed container including a neck comprising a circumferential flange edge, a neck edge, and a retaining protrusion, wherein the neck is closed by the aforementioned container closure, wherein a retaining ring is located between the retaining protrusion and the flange edge, an engaging protrusion engages behind the neck edge, and the inner surface of an end plate is in close contact with the neck edge. The wall thicknesses of the lower wall portion, the upper wall portion, and optionally the side wall portions are determined so that, regardless of other shapes of the closure (particularly the thickness of the end plate and the circumferential wall), the force required for radially elastic movement of the engaging protrusion can be determined, allowing these elements of the container closure to impart strength to the container closure to withstand strain during material flow. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container closure in the closed position;

[0014] Figure 2 is a front view of the container closure in the closed position in Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a side view of the container closure in the closed position in Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the container closure on the neck of the container in Figure 1 when it is in the closed position;

[0017] Figure 5 is a detailed view of the area circled in Figure 3;

[0018] Figure 6 is another perspective view from below of the container closure in Figure 1 in the closed position;

[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container closure through section VII-VII, extending transversely to the reference axis of the container closure; and

[0020] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the area circled in Figure 7.

[0021] In all the accompanying drawings, individual reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the container closure according to the invention is characterized by reference numeral 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the closure 10 is intended to be mounted on the neck 12 of the container. The neck 12 typically has a rotationally symmetrical design. The closure 10 may be made of a plastic material or a different material compatible with the contents of the container. In this case, polymers, particularly thermoplastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are preferred.

[0023] The container closure 10 includes a retaining ring 14, a cap 16, and a hinge 18 connecting the retaining ring 14 to the cap 16. The hinge 18 is shown herein as an engaging hinge and allows the cap 16 to pivot about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane in FIG. 4. In the closed position, the retaining ring 14, cap 16, and hinge 18 are projected as a single unit, and the cap 16 is connected to the retaining ring 14 via a tearable bridging member 20.

[0024] The retaining ring 14 surrounds a reference axis 200 of the container closure 10 and includes means for fastening to the container neck 12. In this embodiment, these are a plurality of resiliently engaged hooks 22 distributed around the periphery of the retaining ring. When mounted on the container neck, the hooks engage behind a circumferential retaining protrusion 121 on the container neck and are located between the retaining protrusion 121 and the flange edge 122 of the container neck, also referred to in technical terms as a "support ring" (see Figure 4). However, other means, such as circumferential retaining protrusions or threads, are conceivable.

[0025] The cover 16 includes an end plate 24, a circumferential wall 26 surrounding an inner wall surface 28 of the end plate 24, and a clamping protrusion 30 extending radially outward from the circumferential wall 26 in a manner axially spaced from the end plate 24. In this embodiment, the clamping protrusion 30 extends radially outward from the lower edge of the circumferential wall 26 opposite to the end plate 24 and extends about a reference axis 200 at an angle 300 greater than 60° (preferably greater than 90°) (see FIG. 1). The clamping protrusion 30 includes a smooth, preferably flat, lower surface 32 that forms a comfortable surface for a user to press their thumb on during opening. This lower surface 32 is arranged on the side of a transverse plane 400 (see FIG. 2) opposite to the end plate 24, the transverse plane 400 extending transversely to the reference axis 200 and including a pivot axis 100. This ensures that when the closure 10 is opened, the initial movement of the clamping protrusion 30 is almost perpendicular to the transverse plane 400 and parallel to the reference axis 200.

[0026] The end plate 24 may be flat or curved. An annular sealing skirt 34 extends from the inner side 32 of the end plate 24 (see Figure 4) and is surrounded by a circumferential wall 26 spaced radially therefrom. When the container closure 10 is placed on the container neck 12 and the cap 16 is in the closed position, the sealing skirt 34 is intended to engage within the interior of the container neck 12. The sealing skirt 34 may include circumferential protrusions 36.

[0027] According to the invention, the circumferential wall 26 includes a deformable region 40 that is diametrically opposed to the hinge 18 and extends between the end plate 24 and the clamping protrusion 30. The deformable region 40 specifically includes a radially inwardly curved engaging protrusion 42, a lower wall portion 44 between the engaging protrusion 42 and the clamping protrusion 30, and an upper wall portion 46 between the engaging protrusion 42 and the end plate 24. It is assumed that the engaging protrusion 42 finds an engaging position below the upper edge 123 of the container neck. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper edge 123 of the container neck 12 can rest directly against the lower surface 28 of the end plate 24.

[0028] The deformable region 40 extends circumferentially at an angle 500 of less than 60° (preferably less than 45°) (see FIG. 1), such that the clamping protrusion 30 extends circumferentially on either side of the deformable region 40. The deformable region 40 is surrounded circumferentially by two reinforcing regions 47 of the circumferential wall 26, which connect the clamping protrusion 30 to the outer edge 48 of the end plate 24. Each reinforcing region 47 includes a reinforcing rib 50 and a reinforcing wall portion 52. The reinforcing rib 50 extends outward from the circumferential wall 26 and parallel to the reference axis 200 to connect the clamping protrusion 30 to the outer edge 48 of the end plate 24. The wall thickness of the reinforcing wall portion 52 is greater than the wall thickness of the upper wall portion 46 and greater than the wall thickness of the lower wall portion 44.

[0029] The engaging protrusion 42 of the deformable region 40 is circumferentially spaced from the reinforcing region 46 and connected to the reinforcing region 47 via a thin sidewall portion 54, which is flush with or slightly protrudes inward from the inner surface 55 of the reinforcing wall portion 52.

[0030] The wall thicknesses of the upper wall portion 46, lower wall portion 44, and side wall portion 54 of the deformable region 40 are determined such that, due to the elastic deformation of the deformable region 40, the engaging protrusion can move radially outward, specifically such that the engaging protrusion 42 can slide over the upper edge 123 during opening and reclosing. In practice, the upper edge 123 extends almost to the upper wall portion 46 in the radial direction, and the radial extension 600 of the engaging protrusion 44 (see Figure 5) is a measure of the desired radial movement of the engaging protrusion. Depending on the shape of the upper edge 123, the engaging protrusion 44 is designed to be able to move more than 50%, preferably more than 90%, of its radial extension 600.

[0031] Therefore, when the lid 24 is opened and closed, the curved engagement protrusion 42 can easily engage and disengage due to contact with the edge 12 of the container's neck. Specifically, the engagement protrusion 42 provides a desired tactile signal and, if necessary, an audible signal as it passes its stop point, and the deformable area suddenly expands upon reaching the closed position. During opening, the force applied by the thumb to the underside 32 of the gripping protrusion 30 is transmitted to the end plate 24 through the lateral reinforcement region 47, while the deformable area 40 deforms outward and yields, essentially without affecting the opening movement, although in fact, the engagement protrusion 42 moves in the direction opposite to the finger pressure.

[0032] Of course, the wall thickness of the wall portions 44, 46, 54 of the deformable region 40 and the radial extension 600 of the internal joining protrusion 44 can be adjusted according to the geometry of the container neck to produce the desired signal.

[0033] Even though the opening resistance is actually generated by the elastic deformation of the sealing skirt 34 in the neck 12, the engagement protrusion 42 also helps to keep the closed position.

Claims

1. A container closure (10) comprising a retaining ring (14) extending about a reference axis (200) of the container closure (10), a cap (16), and a hinge (18) connecting the retaining ring (14) to the cap (16), the cap (16) comprising an end plate (24), a circumferential wall (26) surrounding an inner surface (28) of the end plate (24), and a clamping protrusion (30) extending radially outward from the circumferential wall (26) and axially extending at a distance from the end plate (24), characterized in that, In a deformable region (40) opposite to the diameter of the hinge (18) and extending between the end plate (24) and the clamping protrusion (30), a circumferential wall (26) includes a radially inwardly pointing engagement protrusion (42), a lower wall portion (44) disposed between the engagement protrusion (42) and the clamping protrusion (30), and an upper wall portion (46) disposed between the engagement protrusion (42) and the end plate (24), wherein the wall thickness of the upper wall portion (46) and the wall thickness of the lower wall portion (44) are determined such that elastic deformation of the deformable region (40) allows the engagement protrusion (42) to move radially outward more than fifty percent of the radial extension (600) of the engagement protrusion (42), wherein the deformable region (40) is surrounded in the circumferential direction by two reinforcing regions (47) of the circumferential wall (26), the two reinforcing regions (47) connecting the clamping protrusion (30) to the end plate (24).

2. The container closure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of each reinforced region (47) of the circumferential wall (26) is greater than the wall thickness of the upper wall portion (46) and the wall thickness of the lower wall portion (44).

3. The container closure (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each reinforced region (47) of the circumferential wall (26) includes at least one reinforcing rib (50) extending parallel to the reference axis (200), extending outward from the circumferential wall (26), and connecting the clamping protrusion (30) to the end plate (24).

4. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The deformable region (40) includes a sidewall portion (54) on either side of the engagement protrusion (42) along the circumferential direction, the sidewall portion (54) connecting the engagement protrusion (42) to a reinforcing region (47) of the circumferential wall (26).

5. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the lower wall portion (44) and the wall thickness of the upper wall portion (46) are 20% less than the wall thickness of the reinforced area (47) of the circumferential wall (26).

6. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The lower wall portion (44) and the upper wall portion (46) rest flush against the inner surface of the circumferential wall (26) or protrude radially inward.

7. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The engagement protrusion (42) is curved.

8. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the upper wall portion (46) is less than that of the lower wall portion (44).

9. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The deformable region (40) extends around the reference axis (200) at an angle (500) of less than 60°.

10. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The clamping protrusion (30) extends around the reference axis (200) at an angle (300) greater than 60°.

11. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cover (16), hinge (18) and retaining ring (14) are integrally connected to each other.

12. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The hinge (18) is a snap-fit ​​hinge.

13. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The clamping protrusion (30) extends outward from the lower edge of the circumferential wall (26).

14. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The internal sealing skirt (34) extends radially inside the circumferential wall (26) from the inner surface (28) of the end plate (24).

15. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cover (16) is directly connected to the retaining ring (14) via a breakable bridging member (20) or a breakable continuous weakening cord.

16. The container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The container closure is manufactured as a single piece of plastic.

17. A sealing container including a neck (12), said neck comprising a circumferential flange edge (122), a neck edge (123), and a fixing protrusion (121), characterized in that, The neck (12) is closed by a container closure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, a retaining ring (14) is located between a fixing protrusion (121) and a flange edge (122), an engagement protrusion (42) engages behind the neck edge (123), and the inner surface (28) of the end plate (24) abuts against the neck edge (123).

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