Sterile container closure with hinge and mouth

Abstract

The invention relates to a container closure (10) comprising a base portion (16), a pouring zone (28) having a peripheral wall (29) extending around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10), and a lid portion (18) connected to the base portion (16) by a hinge (20). The lid portion has a base (36), a peripheral outer wall (34) extending axially from the base (32) to a peripheral lower edge (41) of the lid portion (18), and an anchor wall (80) extending outside the outer wall (34) at a radial distance from said outer wall (34) and connected to the lower edge (41) of the lid portion (18) by a bridge (82) of the lid portion (18) extending radially outwardly from the lower edge (41) of the lid portion (18); in the closed position, the anchor wall (80) projects from the bridge (82) in a direction opposite to the base portion (16), and the hinge (20) is connected to the anchor wall (80) and projects from the anchor wall (80) in the direction of the base portion (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container closure having a base portion, a pouring area, and a lid portion, the lid portion being hinged to the base portion and capable of rotating back and forth between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to a reference axis. Background Technology

[0002] A container closure of the type mentioned at the beginning is known from document DE69605288T2, wherein the drinking portion has a circumferential wall extending around a reference axis of the container closure and axially extending from a base portion to the upper circumferential edge of the pouring area surrounding the drinking opening. A cap portion has a base and an outer wall extending axially from the base to the circumferential bottom edge of the cap portion. In the closed position, the drinking portion is surrounded and covered by the cap portion. In the open position, the cap portion is located on the side of a first reference plane of the container closure opposite the drinking portion, the first reference plane containing the axis of the hinge and extending parallel to the reference axis. The hinge is designed as a bistable snap-fit ​​hinge and is arranged in a recess in the outer wall of the cap portion, which is the leakage location of the closure. To provide aseptic protection of the pouring area, the cap portion has an inner skirt extending from the base to an annular sealing ring, wherein in the closed position, the inner skirt surrounds the drinking portion, the sealing ring abuts the annular sealing surface of the base, and the lower circumferential edge of the cap portion faces the shoulder of the base. However, this construction creates a non-sterile annular cavity between the outer wall and the inner skirt, which can be contaminated by leaking snap hinges and is difficult to rinse away. Furthermore, the high inner skirt of the cap portion occupies volume, limiting the design space for the drinking section. In particular, the distance from the base portion to the upper edge of the pouring area and the diameter of that upper edge must be kept small so that the drinking section does not obstruct the transition of the cap portion between the closed and open positions. Additionally, this closure requires a significant amount of plastic material.

[0003] For shorter inner skirts, such as those disclosed in GB2430667, the upper edge of the pouring area can be made higher and wider, but the seal of the pouring area is no longer guaranteed to be free from contamination by the gap between the hinge and the outer wall of the cover portion.

[0004] A container closure compatible with aseptic sealing of drinking portions is known from EP2250102B1. This closure has a base portion, a cap portion, and an external hinge assembly configured to project radially outward from the cap and base portions when the closure is in the closed position, and connected to each of these portions by radially extending bridges. This ensures no leakage at the interface between the hinge and the cap portion. However, this hinge structure requires significant radial space. Furthermore, it is sensitive to vibration and difficult to install in filling lines.

[0005] EP0590325 discloses a container closure having a base portion and a cap portion, wherein the cap portion is connected to the base by a snap-fit ​​hinge having two side hinge tabs and a central hinge. The hinge tabs abut their ends against unsupported ridges in stepped recesses in the outer wall of the cap portion or base, wherein these ridges can bend outwards to prevent excessive stretching of the hinge tabs. However, the central hinge is directly connected to the outer wall of the cap portion, creating a leakage location and making the closure unsuitable for aseptic use. Furthermore, the pivot axis of the hinge is close to the outer wall, and the leg movement of the cap portion achievable using the hinge is unsuitable for container closures with axially extending drinking portions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a prior art container closure that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] In a container closure, the container closure has: a base portion; a pouring area having a peripheral wall extending about a reference axis of the container closure and axially extending from the base to the upper edge of the outer periphery of the pouring area surrounding the drinking opening; and a lid portion hinged to the base portion and rotatable about a pivot extending perpendicular to the reference axis between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid portion has a base and an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner surface of the base and extending axially from the base to the lower edge of the outer periphery of the lid portion, wherein in the closed position, the outer wall of the lid portion and the base together surround and cover the pouring area, this is achieved by the lid portion having an anchor wall extending radially from the outer wall outside the outer wall and rigidly connected to the lower edge of the lid portion by a radially extending bridge, wherein in the closed position, the anchor wall protrudes from the bridge in the opposite direction to the base portion, and is hinged to the anchor wall and extends from the anchor wall toward the base.

[0008] The bridge, which connects the anchor wall to the outer wall of the cap section, provides separation between the hinge and the outer wall, allowing the outer wall to continuously seal the pouring area and providing aseptic protection for it. The fact that the anchor wall extends radially outside the outer wall means that the distance from the pivot axis to the reference axis is greater than the distance from the outer wall to the reference axis, thus ensuring sufficient design freedom for the pouring area. The bridge's position on the lower edge of the outer wall reduces the risk of impact damage and simplifies the installation of the container closure onto the container in the filling line. The channel formed by the opposing surfaces of the anchor wall, bridge, and outer wall facilitates rinsing.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the bridge has a flat contact surface that faces the flat surface of the base in the closed position and preferably contacts the flat surface of the base. The bridge is protected by the base portion.

[0010] To provide a pleasant user experience, the hinge is preferably designed such that, in the open position, the lid portion is located on the opposite side of the pouring area of ​​an orthogonal radial reference plane of the container closure, which includes the axis of the hinge and extends parallel to the reference axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is a bistable snap-fit ​​hinge, which can preferably pivot more than 180°. In particular, the hinge can be designed as a membrane hinge or a butterfly hinge.

[0011] In the closed position, the hinge may be partially located in a recess in the anchor wall and, if necessary, protected by the laterally surrounding anchor wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is connected to a preferably flexible ridge that is unsupported within a cavity of the anchor wall, thus preventing excessive extension of the hinge.

[0012] Similarly, in the closed position, the hinge may be partially located in a recess of the base portion and may be laterally surrounded and protected by the base portion. According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is connected to a preferably flexible ridge that is unsupported within the recess of the base portion and prevents excessive stretching of the hinge.

[0013] To ensure safe and sterile protection of the pouring area, the outer wall of the cap portion may have a circumferential sealing surface that, in the closed position, abuts the circumferential sealing surface of the circumferential wall of the pouring area. One of the two seals may be a sealing ring, and the other may be a sealing seat. The geometry preferably such that, in the closed position, the distance between the circumferential contact line between the sealing surfaces and the cross-sectional plane containing the pivot axis and extending perpendicularly to the reference axis is less than one-third of the distance between the upper edge of the pouring area and the second reference plane. Preferably, the diameter of the circumferential contact line is greater than the distance from the upper edge of the pouring area to the cross-section. Preferably, the distance from the circumferential contact line to the orthogonal radial reference plane containing the hinge axis and extending parallel to the reference axis is greater than the distance from the circumferential contact line to the cross-section.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the cap portion has an inner circumferential centering flange that, in the closed position, surrounds and contacts the top edge of the pouring area. This prevents damage or leakage of the closure from lateral impacts during transport or carrying of the sealed container. In the closed position, the centering flange may have a circumferential contact surface with the upper edge of the nozzle area, which can help seal the drinking opening.

[0015] To seal the drinking opening, the cap portion may have an inner sealing skirt that extends axially from the inner surface of the base of the cap portion, and in the closed position, the inner sealing skirt contacts the inner annular fold of the peripheral wall of the nozzle area.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cover portion is integrally designed with the hinge and base portion. The tipping area may be designed as an integral part of the base or separate from the base portion. According to a variation, the base portion has a base member and an anchor ring engaged in an annular recess in the base member, wherein the anchor ring is integrally designed with the hinge and cover portion.

[0017] The pouring area can be designed as an integral part of the base. Alternatively, the container closure can have a nozzle separate from the base portion forming the nozzle area and the drinking opening, wherein the nozzle is partially covered by the cap portion in the closed position.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the base portion has connection points, particularly threads, for connection to the container neck. However, other fastening devices are also conceivable, such as circumferential retaining rings or a series of resilient locking hooks distributed around the circumference of the base and engaging behind the circumferential retaining ring of the container neck when mounted on the container neck.

[0019] The base portion may have a sealing ring, preferably a radially outward sealing ring, to ensure a tight connection with the container neck.

[0020] The cover portion has a base that closes the opening of the base portion. Preferably, the outer wall of the cover portion gradually tapers from the notch to the base. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A first perspective view of a container closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, the container closure being in the open position of an injection mold;

[0023] Figure 2 A second perspective view of the container closure component according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the open position of the injection mold is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A top view of the container closure in the closed position in front of the first opening, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 It shows crossing Figure 3 A sectional view of section A'-A';

[0026] Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 3 A sectional view of section AA;

[0027] Figure 6 A detailed view of an indicator portion of a container closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, the container closure being in the open position of the injection mold;

[0028] Figure 7 A detailed view of the indicator portion of the container closure in the closed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 8 A detailed view of the indicator portion of the container closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown when it is first opened;

[0030] Figure 9 A perspective view of the container closure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown when it is first opened;

[0031] Figure 10 A top view of the container closure in the open position after the first opening, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0032] Figure 11 It shows crossing Figure 10 A sectional view of section B'-B';

[0033] Figure 12 It shows crossing Figure 10 A sectional view of section BB;

[0034] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of a container closure in a closed position in front of a first opening, according to another embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0035] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a container closure in a closed position in front of a first opening, according to another embodiment, is shown, the cross-section passing through a transverse direction. Figure 13 The second longitudinal section extending from the cross section;

[0036] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an injection-molded portion of a container closure according to a second embodiment is shown, which is in the open position immediately after being ejected from the injection mold.

[0037] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Top view of the injection-molded part;

[0038] Figure 17 A perspective view of the retaining ring of the container closure according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the injection-molded part after it has been placed in the closed position, and Figure 17 The retaining ring is shown in a cross-sectional view before it is placed on the closed injection-molded part;

[0040] Figure 19A cross-sectional view of the container closure according to the second embodiment in the open position after the first opening is shown;

[0041] Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the container closure according to the second embodiment in the closed position after the first opening is shown;

[0042] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the container closure in the closed position in front of the first opening, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0043] Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the container closure in the closed position after the first opening, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0044] Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of a container closure in a closed position in front of a first opening, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0045] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view is shown of the various injection-molded components that are formed together according to the third embodiment before assembly;

[0046] Figure 25 A perspective view of three parts of a container closure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of three parts of a container closure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of a container closure in a closed position in front of a first opening, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0049] Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment in the closed position in front of the first opening is shown, the cross-section passing through the transverse direction. Figure 27 The second longitudinal section extending from the cross section;

[0050] Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment in the closed position after the first opening is shown;

[0051] Figure 30 A perspective view of the container closure according to the fifth embodiment in the closed position after the first opening is shown;

[0052] In all the accompanying drawings, the various reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 12According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the container closure is indicated by reference numeral 10. The closure 10 is defined as being installed on the neck of the container.

[0054] In this embodiment, according to Figure 1 and 2 The container closure 10 is made from a single injection-molded part 12 in an injection mold in the open position. The container closure 10 can be made of a plastic or other material compatible with the container contents. Polymers, particularly thermoplastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are preferred. In particular, opaque materials, such as opaque polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), can be used. Transparent materials are also suitable.

[0055] The injection-molded part 12 includes a base portion 16, a cap portion 18, and a hinge 20 connecting the cap portion 18 to the base portion 16. Throughout the description, the upward direction corresponding to the closed position of the container closure 10 is implicitly referred to, wherein the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 is vertical, and the cap portion 18 is located above the base portion 16 (see, for example, see...). Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0056] The base 16 is characterized by an attachment region 22 surrounding a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and having a fastening protrusion 24, such as a thread, for fastening to the container neck. The attachment region 22 may also include a sealing skirt 26, which is positioned to engage the interior of the container neck when the container closure 10 is placed on the container neck. The sealing skirt 26 may have a circumferential flange or a curved portion. Furthermore, the base 16 has a nozzle region 28 that projects axially in the direction opposite to the attachment region 22. The pouring area 28 has a peripheral wall 29 extending around the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 and extending axially from the attachment region 22, tapering to a circumferential upper edge 30 of the pouring area 28, forming a radially inwardly pointing fold at the upper edge of the pouring area 28 surrounding the drinking opening 31.

[0057] The cover portion 18 includes a base 32, an outer wall 34 surrounding an inner wall surface 36 of the base 32, and gripping protrusions 38 extending radially outward from the outer wall 34.

[0058] The base 32 can be flat or curved. An annular sealing skirt 40 extends from the inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 and is surrounded by an outer wall 34 in a radial distance. When the cap portion 18 is in the closed position, the sealing skirt 40 is positioned to engage the interior of the drinking opening 31 of the pouring area 28. The sealing skirt 40 can have a circumferential flange or a curved portion. At the edge of the base 32, the cap portion 18 has an inner circumferential centering flange 41 that surrounds and contacts the upper edge 30 of the nozzle region 28 from the outside in the closed position. Where appropriate, the centering flange 41 can have a circumferential contact surface with the upper edge 30 of the nozzle region 28.

[0059] The outer wall 34 has a free circumferential lower edge 41 that extends in a plane surrounding the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 at an angle preferably greater than 180°, in this example greater than 260°, and defines an approximately rectangular recess 141 at a remaining angle preferably greater than 30°, in this example greater than 90°. This recess 141 accommodates an indicator portion 114 having a pull tab 156 and a hook area 162, as... Figure 6 As shown in detail. A radially outwardly projecting hook region 162 is located below the pull tab 156 and is connected to the pull tab 156 by a break line 160 or a breakable ridge. The pull tab 156 and the hook region 162 extend circumferentially across the entire width of the recess to occupy the entire recess. At one end, the pull tab 156 is fixedly connected to the side of the recess 141, while the free opposite end 157 of the pull tab 156 extends out of the recess 141 so that it can be grasped and pulled by a user. Where appropriate, the pull tab 156 is connected to the upper edge of the recess 141 by a break line 260 or a breakable ridge. The lower edge 41 of the outer wall may also have a protrusion 262 that is adjacent to the recess 141 and projects outward.

[0060] On the inner side, the outer wall 34 has an annular lower sealing flange 42, which is axially located at a distance from the recess 141. In the closed position of the closure 12, the lower sealing flange 42 radially abuts against a radially outwardly pointing support surface 44, for example cylindrical or slightly conical, in the connection area between the pouring area 28 and the attachment area 22 of the base portion 14. Therefore, in the closed position, the cap portion 18 closes the pouring area 28. The sealing flange 42 and the sealing skirt 40 allow for liquid-tight and gas-tight sealing of the space enclosed by the cap portion 18 and the base portion 14. This is advantageous for using the closure for aseptic filling. If necessary, the sealing flange can appear on the support surface of the nozzle portion and the cap portion.

[0061] The support surface 44 is partially surrounded by a curved hook wall 46 that projects axially from the attachment region 22 and extends about the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 at an angle preferably greater than 30°, and in this example greater than 90°. The support surface 44 and the hook wall 46 are radially spaced apart and define an arcuate cavity 48 into which, in the closed position, the hook region of the indicator portion 58 and the protrusion 262 project into the arcuate cavity 48. The hook wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52 beneath which the hook region 162 of the indicator portion 58 and the protrusion 262 engage.

[0062] The cover portion 18 also has an anchor wall 80 extending radially outward from the outer wall 34, and is rigidly connected to the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18 by a bridge 82 extending radially outward from the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18. In the closed position, the anchor wall protrudes from the bridge 82 in an axial direction opposite to the attachment region 22, and the bridge 82 itself faces and preferably contacts the flat surface 84 of the base portion 16. The anchor wall 80 is used to fasten the hinge 20 to the cover portion 18, and for this purpose has a recess 86 for receiving a portion of the hinge 20. In the closed position, this recess 86 is axially opposite to a recess 88 in the base, and this recess also receives a portion of the hinge 20. As previously described, the bridge 82, which connects the anchor wall 80 to the outer wall 34 of the cap portion 18, provides separation between the hinge 20 and the outer wall 34, allowing the outer wall 34 to continuously close the pouring area 28 and providing sterile protection for the pouring area. By extending the anchor wall 80 radially outward from the outer wall 34, the distance of the pivot axis 200 from the reference axis 100 is further increased to be greater than the distance of the outer wall 34 from the reference axis 100, thus providing sufficient design clearance for the pouring area 28. The position of the bridge 80 at the lower edge 41 of the outer wall 34 reduces the risk of impact damage and simplifies the installation of the container closure 10 on containers in the filling line. The channel formed by the opposing surfaces of the anchor wall 80, bridge 82, and outer wall 34 can be easily flushed away.

[0063] Hinge 20 is preferably a snap-fit ​​hinge, allowing the cover portion 18 to pivot about a pivot 200 extending perpendicular to a reference axis of the container closure between a stable closed position and a stable open position. See also... Figure 9As shown, the snap-fit ​​hinge 20 may have a central hinge tab 90 located between two parallel lateral hinge tabs 92, wherein three hinge tabs 90, 92, 92 extend between the base portion 16 and the cover portion 18. The central hinge tab 90 has a single fold line extending along the pivot 200. Each of the two lateral hinge tabs 92 has a trapezoidal central portion 94 positioned by an inclined fold line, wherein a ridge 98 is independently located in a recess of the base 88, and a ridge 86 is unsupported in a recess 86 of the anchor wall 80. The fold line is thin, much less thick than in other locations of the hinge tabs 90, 92. The unsupported ridges 96, 98 are preferably elastically deformable.

[0064] The snap hinge 20 preferably pivots more than 180° forward and backward, such that in the open position, the cover portion 18 is located on the opposite side of the pouring area of ​​the orthogonal radial reference plane 300 of the container closure, which includes the pivot axis 200 of the hinge 20 and extends parallel to the reference axis 100.

[0065] In the closed position, the characteristic dimensions of the container closure 10 can be observed. The distance between the circumferential contact line between the sealing flange 42 and the support surface 44 and the cross-section 400 extending perpendicularly to the reference axis 100 and including the pivot axis 200 is less than one-third of the distance from the upper edge 30 of the pouring area to the cross-section 400. The diameter of the circumferential contact line is greater than the distance from the upper edge 400 of the pouring area 28 to the cross-section 400. The distance from the circumferential contact line to the orthogonal radial reference plane 300 is greater than the distance from the circumferential contact line to the cross-sectional plane 400.

[0066] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The container closure 10 is manufactured by injection molding and then moved to the opening position during the assembly step. Figures 3 to 5 In the closed position, the hook area 162 and protrusion 262 of the indicator portion 114 penetrate below the shoulder 52 through elastic deformation to form a reliable connection. The bridge 82 connecting the anchor wall 80 to the outer wall 34 of the cover portion 18 provides separation between the hinge 20 and the outer wall 34, allowing the outer wall 34 to continuously close the pouring area 28 and providing sterile protection for the pouring area 28.

[0067] To open the container closure 10, the user pulls the tab 156. (See below) Figure 8 and Figure 9 This causes the tear lines 260, 160, or the easily broken ridge to separate on one hand between the pull tab 156 and the hook area 162, and on the other hand between the pull tab 156 and the upper edge of the recess 141, see [reference]. Figure 8The pull tab 156 remains fixedly attached to the outer wall of the cover portion at its end, while the separate hook area 162 remains engaged in the arcuate space 48 between the hook wall 46 and the outer wall 34. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a slight pull on the gripping protrusion 38 overcomes the resistance between the locking protrusion 262 and the shoulder 52, moving the cover portion 18 to the open position. When the cover portion 18 returns to the closed position after its first opening, the pull tab remains in its deformed position, as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0068] Similar to the first embodiment, all other embodiments have a hinge 20 connected to an anchor wall 80 separate from the outer wall 34, the anchor wall 80 being fixedly connected to the lower edge of the outer wall via a bridge 82. The main differences between these embodiments lie in the indicator device, the number of injection-molded components constituting the container closure, and the distribution of various functions among these components. To avoid repetition, the following description focuses on the differences, where common features described in the first embodiment need not be repeated.

[0069] Reference Figures 13 to 20 According to the second preferred embodiment, the container closure of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0070] In this embodiment, the container closure 10 consists of two separate injection-molded components: a closure 12 and a retaining ring 14. The closure 12 can be made of plastic or other materials compatible with the container contents. Polymers, particularly thermoplastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are preferred. Specifically, opaque materials, such as opaque polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), can be used. The retaining ring 14 can be made of plastic, particularly opaque plastic, preferably with a color that contrasts with the desired color of the closure.

[0071] exist Figure 15 and 16 The closure 12, shown separately, includes a base portion 16, a cover portion 18, and a hinge 20 connecting the base portion 16 to the cover portion 18. The hinge 20 is shown here as a snap-fit ​​hinge and allows the cover portion 18 to rotate around a point perpendicular to the ground. Figure 13 The cross-section extends the pivot rotation. Other types of hinges are also applicable. For example... Figure 15 and 16 As shown, in the open position, the base portion 16, the cover portion 18, and the hinge 20 are molded together as a single component.

[0072] The base portion 16 has an attachment region 22 surrounding a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10, and means for fastening to the container neck, in this embodiment, a thread 24. A sealing skirt 26 is also provided in the attachment region, and when the container closure 10 is in place on the container neck, the sealing skirt 26 is defined to engage the interior of the container neck. The sealing skirt 26 may have a circumferential flange or a curved portion. In this embodiment, the base portion 16 also has a nozzle region 28 that projects axially in the direction opposite to the attachment region and surrounds the drinking opening 31.

[0073] The cover portion 18 includes a base 32, an outer wall 34 surrounding an inner wall surface 36 of the base 32, and gripping protrusions 38 extending radially outward from the outer wall 34.

[0074] The base 32 can be flat or curved. An annular sealing skirt 40 extends from the inner wall surface 36 of the base 32 and is surrounded by an outer wall 34 at a radial distance. When the cap portion 18 is in the closed position, the sealing skirt 40 is positioned to engage the interior of the drinking opening 31 of the pouring area 28. The sealing skirt 40 can have a circumferential flange or a curved portion.

[0075] The outer wall 34 has a lower cylindrical or slightly tapered edge region 42 that, in the closed position of the closure 12, radially abuts the cylindrical or slightly tapered radially outward-pointing support surface 44 in the connection region between the nozzle region 28 and the connection region 22 of the base portion 14. Therefore, in the closed position, the cap portion 18 closes the pouring area 28. The edge region 42 and the sealing skirt 40 allow for liquid-tight and gas-tight seals of the space enclosed by the cap portion 18 and the base portion 14. This facilitates the use of the closure for aseptic filling.

[0076] The support surface 44 is partially surrounded by a curved peripheral wall 46 that projects axially from the attachment region 22 in a direction opposite to the thread 24 and extends around the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 at an angle preferably greater than 90°, and in this example greater than 180°. The support surface 44 and the peripheral wall 46 are radially spaced apart and define an arcuate cavity 48 into which, in the closed position, the lower edge region 42 of the outer wall 34 of the cap portion 18 enters in the arcuate cavity 48. Figure 16 As shown, the arc-shaped cavity 48 is defined circumferentially by two stops 50. The peripheral wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52, which has a central blocking portion 53, such that it... Figure 14 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, but... Figure 13 It is not visible in the cross-sectional view.

[0077] The outer wall 34 of the cover portion 18 has a radially outwardly pointing annular notch 54, which is preferably located in the central region of the cover portion 18, axially located between the base 32 and the lower edge region 42, and in the closed position, the notch 54 is not covered by the curved peripheral wall 46 of the base portion 16.

[0078] Figure 17 and 18 The protective ring 14 shown has a radially inwardly projecting annular closed flange 56, an arcuate indicator portion 58, and a slit 60 located between the flange 56 and the indicator portion 58. The slit 60 may preferably have a fragile ridge or a break line, or optionally a break band. The indicator portion 58 has a radially outwardly projecting hook region 62 with a central blocking portion 63.

[0079] As in the first embodiment, the cover portion 18 has an anchor wall 80 extending outside the outer wall 34 at a radial distance from the outer wall 34 and rigidly connected to the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18 by a bridge 82 of the cover portion 18 extending radially outward from the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18.

[0080] The container closure 10 is manufactured as follows. Figure 15 and 16 The opening position, the closure 12 is produced by injection molding and enters the first assembly step. Figure 18 The closed position. In the second assembly step, the retaining ring 14 is placed on the cover portion 18 by elastic deformation until the annular flange 56 enters the annular recess 54 and forms a closed connection with the cover portion 18, while the indicator portion 58 partially enters the cavity 48, and the hook area 62 engages behind the shoulder 52 of the peripheral wall 46 of the base 16, as shown. Figure 13 and 14 As shown. The center blocking portion 63 of the indicator portion 58 coincides with the center blocking portion 53 of the shoulder portion 52 to accurately indicate the position of the indicator portion in the circumferential direction. According to one embodiment, the blocking portions 53 and 63 may be omitted if necessary.

[0081] The indicator portion 58 is partially located in the upper region of the cavity 48, radially between the peripheral wall 46 and the lower edge region 42 of the cover portion 18, and circumferentially between the stops 50, and axially protrudes beyond the cavity 48, thus remaining partially radially visible in front of the first opening. The hinge 20 and the indicator portion 58 are located on the same side of the transverse plane 500 extending through the annular flange 56.

[0082] When the container closure 10 first from Figure 13 and 14 Move the closing position to Figure 19When in the open position, the indicator portion 58 is held by the shoulder 52 and the flange 56 is held by the recess 54. The crack point 60 breaks, while the flange 56 remains in the recess 54, and the indicator portion 58 falls into the lower region of the cavity 48 due to gravity.

[0083] When the container closure 10 returns after the first opening Figure 20 When in the closed position, the indicator portion 58 remains in the lower region of the cavity 48, where it is completely covered by the hook-shaped wall 46 of the base 16. This ensures that irreversible and visible changes to the container closure 10 are prevented. The indicator portion 58 remains recessed within the cavity 48.

[0084] According to the third embodiment, the container closure 10 is in Figure 21 and 22 As shown, and differing from the second embodiment, the only difference is that the hook wall 46 of the base portion 16 of the radially outwardly fixed cavity 48 has a window 64 in its lower region, through which the indicator portion 58 can be seen after it falls into the lower region of the cavity 48 after the first opening. In this embodiment, the hook region 62 of the indicator portion 58 has no blocking portion and engages behind the shoulder portion 52 of the hook-shaped wall 46, which also lacks a central blocking portion.

[0085] According to the fourth embodiment, the container closure 10 is in Figure 23 and 24 As shown in the diagram, and differing from the second embodiment, the container closure 10 has a nozzle 128 separate from the closure 12. The nozzle 128 is mounted within the connection region 22 of the base portion 16 and abuts against the shoulder 68 of the connection region having a sealing ring 70. This nozzle 128 forms the nozzle region 28 of the container closure. The installation of the nozzle 128 can be performed before, after, or simultaneously with the installation of the retaining ring 14.

[0086] According to the fifth embodiment, the container closure 10 is in Figures 25 to 30 As shown, it includes three separate parts: a base portion 12.1, a head portion 12.2, and a retaining ring 14, wherein... Figures 27 to 30 In the assembled state, the base portion 12.1 and the head portion 12.2 form component 12.3, which is substantially the same in form and function as the closure 12 of the first embodiment.

[0087] The base component 12.1 includes a connection region 22 having threads 24 for connection to a container neck, a pouring area 28 forming a drinking opening 31 for the container closure 10, and a curved hook wall 146 that projects axially from a flat upper support surface 122 of the attachment region 22 in a direction opposite to the threads 24 and extends about a reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 at an angle preferably greater than 180°, in this example greater than 270°. Two circumferentially opposite ends of the hook wall 146 form two lateral stops 150 that circumferentially define a recess 120 in the base component. The hook wall 146 has radially inwardly projecting shoulders 152 that, together with the upper support surface 122 of the connection region 22, define a recess 148.

[0088] The head portion 12.2 has a cover portion 18, a hinge 20, and an anchor ring 210 connected to the lower extension 212 of the hinge.

[0089] The anchor ring 210 includes an annular flat lower support surface 222, an annular flat upper support surface 224, and an arc-shaped anchor protrusion 248. Its dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the support surface 122 or the circumferential wall 146 and its shoulder 152. After the anchor protrusion 248 is installed behind the shoulder 152, the anchor protrusion 248 actively or passively engages when the support surface 222 rests on the support surface 122 over a large area. In this way, the anchor ring 210 and the base part 12.1 will no longer move when they are positively / forcedly installed behind the shoulder 152, while the support surface 222 rests on the support surface 122 over a large range. Thus, there is no possibility of any movement between the anchor ring 210 and the base part 12.1. The anchor ring 210 and the base part 12.1 together form a base part 16, the external shape of which is the same as that of the base part 16 in the first embodiment.

[0090] Hinge 20 is shown here as a snap-on hinge and allows the cover portion 18 to rotate perpendicular to... Figure 28 The pivot 200, extending from the cross section, pivots. The offset portion 212 of the hinge 20 is located in the recess 120 on the support surface 122 and is radially located on the support surface 124 of the recess 120, and circumferentially holds against the lateral stop 150. The pivot axis 200 is the intersection between the transverse plane 400 and the orthogonal radial plane 300, which extends between the support surface 122 of the cover portion 18 in the closed position and the annular recess 54, and the orthogonal radial plane 300 extends parallel to the reference axis 100 of the base 16 and is farther from the reference axis 100 than the outer surface of the hook wall 146.

[0091] In other embodiments, the cover portion 18 has an anchor wall 80 that extends radially outward from the outer wall 34 and is rigidly connected to the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18 by a bridge 82 extending radially outward from the lower edge 41 of the cover portion 18, and a hinge 20 is connected to the anchor wall 80.

[0092] After installation, the head portion 12.2 and the base portion 12.1 together form assembly 12.3, which has the same shape and function as the closure 12 of the first embodiment, except that the two portions 12.1 and 12.2 can be made of two different materials or have different colors. For example, the head portion 12.2 can be made of transparent or opaque polypropylene (PP), and the base portion 12.1 can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0093] The anchor ring 210 has a curved hook wall 46 that extends around the reference axis 100 of the container closure 10 at an angle preferably greater than 180°, and in this example greater than 270°. The hook wall 46 has a radially inwardly projecting shoulder 52 that has the same shape and function as the shoulder 52 in the first embodiment, and, after installation, is radially opposite to the lower edge region 42 of the outer wall 34 of the cover portion 18, and together with the latter and the upper support surface 224 defines the cavity 48.

[0094] The guarantee ring 14 is the same as the guarantee ring in the first embodiment, and a detailed description can be found in the first embodiment.

[0095] The container closure 10 is manufactured as follows. The three parts 12.1, 12.2, and 14 are manufactured separately by injection molding, with the head part 12.2 located in... Figure 13 The open position. In the first assembly step, the cover portion 18 is brought to the closed position. Then, the closed head portion 12.2 is placed on the base portion 12.1 until the anchor protrusion 248 of the anchor ring 210 is secured behind the shoulder 52. In the third assembly step, the retaining ring 14 is placed on the cover portion 18 by elastic deformation until the annular flange 56 enters the annular recess 54 and forms a closed shape with the cover portion 18, while the indicator portion 58 partially enters the cavity 48, and the hook area 62 engages behind the shoulder 52 of the hook wall 46 of the anchor ring 16, as... Figure 15 and 16 As shown.

[0096] If necessary, the order of the three assembly steps can be changed. For example, after the open head portion 12.2 has been placed on the base portion 12.1, the cover portion 18 can be moved into the closed position. If necessary, the retaining ring 14 can be placed on the open head portion 12.2.

[0097] After installation, the indicator portion 58 is partially located in the upper region of the cavity 48, radially positioned between the hook wall 46 and the lower edge region 42 of the cover portion 18, and partially outside the cavity 48, thus maintaining partial radial visibility in front of the first opening. When the container closure 10 first... Figure 27 and 28 When the container closure 10 moves from the closed position to the open position, the indicator portion 58 is held by the shoulder 52, and the flange 56 is held by the recess 54. The crack point 60 breaks, while the flange 56 remains in the recess 54, and the indicator portion 58 falls into the lower region of the cavity 48 due to gravity. When the container closure 10 returns to its open position after the first opening... Figure 29 and 30 When in the closed position, the indicator portion 58 remains in the lower region of the cavity 48 on the upper support surface 224 of the anchor ring 210, where it is completely covered by the hook-shaped wall 46 of the base 16. This ensures that irreversible and visible changes to the container closure 10 are prevented. The indicator portion 58 remains recessed within the cavity 48.

[0098] Where appropriate, the hook-shaped wall of the anchoring ring may have a recess or window that corresponds to the recess in the hook-shaped wall of the base, and the cavity may be seen before the crack separates and the indicator portion may be seen after the crack separates.

[0099] Other variations are foreseeable. The external retaining ring 12 according to the invention can be applied to a container closure having a closure 12 and a nozzle 128, wherein the closure 12 has a base portion 16 and a cap portion 18 injection-molded in the closed position, and the nozzle 128 is inserted into the closed closure 12.

Claims

1. A container closure (10), comprising - Base section (16). - A pouring area (28) having a peripheral wall (29) extending around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10), and said peripheral wall (29) extending axially from the base portion (16) to the circumferential top edge (30) of the pouring area (28) surrounding the drinking opening (31), and - A cover portion (18) connected to a base portion (16) by a hinge (20), the cover portion (18) being rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis (200) extending perpendicular to a reference axis (100), wherein the cover portion has a base (32) and a circumferential outer wall (34) surrounding the inner surface (36) of the base (32) and extending axially from the base (32) to the lower edge (41) of the circumference of the cover portion (18), wherein in the closed position, the circumferential outer wall (34) of the cover portion (18) and the base (32) together surround and cover the pouring area (10). in, The cover portion (18) has an anchor wall (80) extending outward from the circumferential outer wall (34) at a radial distance and rigidly connected to the lower edge (41) of the cover portion (18) by a bridge (82) extending radially outward from the lower edge (41) of the cover portion (18). In the closed position, the anchor wall (80) protrudes from the bridge (82) in the opposite direction to the base portion (16), and a hinge (20) is connected to the anchor wall (80) and extends from the anchor wall (80) toward the base portion (16). The feature is that a channel is formed by the surfaces of the anchor wall (80), the bridge (82) and the circumferential outer wall (34) opposite to the bridge, the channel extending in a circumferential direction between the two channel ends and being open between the two channel ends in a direction opposite to the base portion (16), and being open in a circumferential direction at the two channel ends respectively.

2. The container closure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bridge (82) has a flat contact surface that faces the flat surface (84) of the base portion (16) in the closed position.

3. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the open position, the cover portion (18) is located on the side opposite to the pouring area (28) of the orthogonal radial reference plane (300) of the container closure (10), the reference plane including the pivot axis (20) and extending parallel to the reference axis (100).

4. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hinge (20) is a bistable snap-fit ​​hinge.

5. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hinge (20) is connected to the ridge (96), which is unsupported and located in the recess (86) of the anchor wall (80).

6. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hinge (20) is connected to the ridge (98), which is disposed unsupported in the recess (88) of the base portion (16).

7. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer wall (34) of the cover portion (18) has a circumferential sealing surface (42) which, in the closed position, is adjacent to the circumferential sealing surface (44) of the connection area between the pouring area (34) and the base (18).

8. The container closure (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the closed position, there is a distance between the circumferential contact line between the sealing surface (42) of the cover portion (18) and the sealing surface (44) of the connecting area and the cross-sectional plane (400) that includes the pivot axis (200) and extends perpendicular to the reference axis (100), the distance being less than one-third of the distance between the cross-sectional plane and the top edge (30) of the pouring area.

9. The container closure (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The diameter of the circumferential contact line is greater than the distance from the top edge (30) of the tilting area (28) to the cross-sectional plane (400).

10. The container closure (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, There is a distance between the circumferential contact line and an orthogonal radial reference plane (300) that includes the pivot axis (200) and extends parallel to the reference axis, the distance being greater than the distance between the circumferential contact line and the cross-sectional plane (400).

11. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover portion (18) has a centering flange (41) on the inner circumference that surrounds and contacts the top edge (30) of the pouring area (28) in the closed position.

12. The container closure (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the closed position, the centering flange (41) has a circumferential contact surface with the top edge (30) of the pouring area (28).

13. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover portion (18) has an inner sealing skirt (40) that extends axially from the inner surface (36) of the base (32) of the cover portion (18) and, in the closed position, contacts the inner annular folds of the peripheral wall (29) of the pouring area (28) and seals the drinking opening (31).

14. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover portion (18) is integrally designed with the hinge (20) and the base portion (16).

15. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tilting area (28) is integrated with the base portion (16).

16. The container closure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The dumping area (128) is separated from the base portion (16).

17. The container closure (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The base portion (16) has a base component (12.1) and an anchor ring (210) that engages the base component (16) with an annular notch (148), wherein the anchor ring (210) is integrally designed with the hinge (20) and the cover portion (18).

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