Container closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a container closure (11), comprising: a pouring element (13), which is made of a plastic material and which transitions into a container body (19a) or can be fastened to a container body (19b), and which has a neck (21), which has an upper and a lower end (23a, 23b) and has an external thread (25); and a fiber-based closure cap (15) for closing a pouring opening (17) provided in the pouring element (13). The closure cap (15) has a circular top plate (27) and a cylindrical threaded portion (29) surrounding the top plate (27) and having an open edge (31) and an internal thread (33). The internal thread (33) interacts with an external thread (25) of the pouring element (13). A first retaining element (41) is formed on the opening edge (31) of the fiber-based closure cap (15), which first retaining element interacts in an interlocking manner with a second retaining element (41) formed on the pouring element (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a container closure according to the preamble of claim 1 . Existing technology

[0002] In recent years, fiber materials have gained new attention as packaging materials because they are particularly sustainable. Advances in wet forming technology for components with undercuts, such as containers and bottles, are opening up new areas of application. Other new technologies, such as dry forming of fiber mats, enable the realization of new fiber-based bodies, such as closures. These products compete with previously known products that are primarily made of plastic materials. A disadvantage of fiber-based closures is that functions that are common in plastic closures and that are taken for granted by consumers, such as tamper-evident seals or tamper-evident guarantees, have not yet been implemented.

[0003] Purpose of the present invention

[0004] The disadvantages of the prior art described give rise to the object of providing a closure with a fiber-based closure cap which has a tamper-evident guarantee.

[0005] describe

[0006] This object is achieved with respect to the container closure by means of the features described in the characterizing clause of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to developments and / or advantageous alternative embodiments.

[0007] The present invention is preferably characterized in that a first retaining element is formed on the opening edge of the fiber-based closure cap, which first retaining element interlocks with a second retaining element formed on the pouring element. This allows the lower portion of the closure cap to be permanently retained on the pouring element when the cap is first unscrewed. Thus, a tamper-evident closure can be achieved in a manner similar to a plastic closure cap with a protective ring.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a protective ring is formed on the closure cap, the protective ring being connected to the threaded portion via a plurality of predetermined breaking webs, the first opening of the container closure being indicated by the breaking of the predetermined breaking webs, and the opening edge and the first retaining element being arranged on the protective ring. This means that the predetermined breaking point makes it immediately clear whether the closure is initially sealed or has already been opened.

[0009] It has proven useful if the predetermined breaking webs are provided by perforations extending in the circumferential direction on the threaded portion, whereby the predetermined breaking webs are separating sections between the perforations. The perforations can be easily produced by horizontal cutting with a circular knife or a laser.

[0010] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the first retaining element is realized by a circumferential, outwardly curved edge on the edge of the opening. During the pressing process, the edge can bend outward, with the fiber mat forming a closure cap. When the closure cap is first screwed onto the pouring element, the edge is pushed past the second retaining element. When the closure cap is first screwed on, the edge hooks onto the underside of the second retaining element.

[0011] The present invention is also preferably characterized in that the second retaining element is implemented as the top of a circumferential groove formed at the lower end of the neck, the groove being formed by the neck, base, and outer barrel. When the rim is first screwed on, it can be pushed over the top and then securely locked in place on the underside of the top. This ensures that the protective ring is securely retained in the groove, and the predetermined breaking web breaks before the protective ring can be pulled out of the groove by axial force.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the edge is formed as a first circumferential barb. Since the first barb can be bent radially inwards, it can be easily slid over the top when the closure cap is first screwed on. Once engaged in the groove, the barb is permanently hooked on the underside of the top.

[0013] The top portion is advantageously formed by a plurality of second barbs. Since the second barbs can be folded radially outwards, when the rim is first screwed on, the rim slides over the second barbs with little resistance. When a radial force is applied from below, such as occurs when the closure cap is first unscrewed, the second barbs are pulled inwards, which permanently holds the rim in place.

[0014] Suitably, the edge is a first circumferential step. This preferably protrudes radially from the protective ring and preferably interacts with the second barb. It is also conceivable that the first barb and the second barb are provided as retaining elements for a particularly stable connection.

[0015] Advantageously, the top portion is a second circumferential step. This second step (also referred to as a cam) allows forced demoulding from the injection mold for casting the pouring element without the need for a slot for demoulding purposes on the outer wall of the groove.

[0016] Advantageously, the top is formed by a second step with a slot arranged therebetween.The slot allows the pouring element to be demoulded even if the second step has a greater height, since the step can be moved outwards during demoulding.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second barbs are tabs that flare inwardly and obliquely. These tabs can be removed from the injection mold and provide a particularly stable interlocking hold for the rim. When first screwed on, the tabs fold outward from the rim and fold back into their basic position when the rim is below the tabs.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the closure cap from the inner side of the top plate to the edge of the opening is less than the height of the pouring element from the upper end of the neck to the top end of the base. These height dimensions allow the protective ring to fall into the groove after the predetermined breaking web breaks. This means that after the closure is first opened, the protective ring is spaced apart from the lower end of the closure cap by a distance corresponding to the difference between the two heights defined above. This makes it immediately and clearly visible when the closure has been opened.

[0019] The pouring element advantageously has a flange adjoining the neck. This flange serves as an adhesive surface, allowing the pouring element to be glued to the composite beverage carton. If the spout is to be attached to the beverage carton from the outside, the base of the groove can also serve as a flange.

[0020] Advantageously, the base is part of the flange and the flange protrudes in radial direction beyond the groove.With the protruding part of the flange, the pouring element can also be glued to the beverage carton from the inside.

[0021] Because the fiber-based closure cap is coated with a polymer, at least on the inner side of the top plate, it is protected from the filling liquid. If the inner wall of the threaded portion is also coated with a polymer, the advantage is that the polymer coating increases the rigidity in this area. The coating of the internal thread allows the maximum tightening torque of the closure to be increased. In addition, the friction surface (e.g., the thread) prevents the fibers from detaching from the surface when the surfaces are moved relative to each other, which would impair the function of the closure if the closure is used repeatedly.

[0022] In order to form a "conical seal", the top plate expediently has a shoulder which interacts in a sealing manner with the upper end of the neck. This means that the closure cap reliably seals against the pouring element, even if it is fiber-based.

[0023] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of three exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings. In the accompanying drawings, in which the schematic drawings are not drawn to scale:

[0024] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a container closure and a cross-sectional view to the right of the axis of rotation;

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a container closure and a cross-sectional view to the right of the axis of rotation, and

[0026] Figure 3 is a side view of a third embodiment of a container closure and a cross-sectional view to the right of the axis of rotation.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3Three different embodiments of a container closure are shown, which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 11. The container closure 11 has a pouring element 13 made of plastic material and a fiber-based closure cap 15 for closing a pouring opening 17 provided in the pouring element 13.

[0028] The pouring element 11 transitions into the container body 19a or can be fastened to the container body 19b. The pouring element 13 comprises a neck 21 with an upper end 23a and a lower end 23b and an external thread 25. The neck 21 preferably has the shape of a cylindrical shell defining the pouring opening 17. The pouring element is preferably injection-molded in a mold.

[0029] The closure cap 15 has a circular top plate 27 and, surrounding the top plate 27, a cylindrical threaded portion 29 with an opening edge 31 and an internal thread 33. The internal thread 33 interacts with the external thread 25 of the pouring element 13.

[0030] Within the scope of the present application, fiber-based closure cap 11 is understood to mean a closure cap produced by dry-forming a fiber mat by heating the fiber mat and pressing it into a mold so that it adopts the shape of the closure cap. To make the closure cap 15 watertight, at least the inner side of the top plate 27 is preferably coated with a polymer. Preferably, the inner side of the threaded portion 29 is also coated with a polymer.

[0031] A protective ring 35 is formed on the closure cap 15 and is connected to the threaded portion 29 via a plurality of predetermined breaking webs 37. The initial opening of the container closure 11 is indicated by the breaking of the predetermined breaking webs 37. The protective ring 35 or the predetermined breaking webs 37 can be produced in a simple manner by providing perforations 39 in the circumferential direction of the threaded portion 29. These perforations 39 can be formed by cutting with a laser or a circular knife. The predetermined breaking webs 37 are the separating portions between the perforations 39. Thus, the protective ring 35 is formed by cutting the perforations 39.

[0032] A first retaining element 41 is formed on the opening edge 31 of the fiber-based closure cap 15, which first retaining element interacts interlockingly with a second retaining element 43 formed on the pouring element 13. The opening edge 31 and the first retaining element 41 are arranged on the protective ring 35. The first retaining element 41 can preferably be formed as a first step 41a or a first barb 41b.

[0033] When the closure cap 15 is opened for the first time, the first retaining element 41 and the second retaining element 43 hook together, whereby the protective ring 35 is retained on the pouring element 13. Thus, when the closure cap 15 is unscrewed for the first time, the predetermined breaking web 37 breaks, and the protective ring 35 remains on the pouring element 13. If the closure cap 15 is screwed back on, the predetermined breaking web 37 breaks, and the vertical distance between the threaded portion 29 and the protective ring 35 increases. This makes it immediately apparent that the container closure 11 has been opened for the first time.

[0034] The first retaining element can be realized as a circumferentially outwardly curved edge 41 or as a "hat-shaped edge" on the opening edge 31. The edge 41 can be produced during the pressing process of the closure cap. During the pressing process, the edge cannot bend inwards, or an inwardly curved edge cannot be demoulded. The edge can be formed as a first circumferential step 41a ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The edge may be further bent to the first barb 41b at an angle between 120 and 170 degrees to the threaded portion ( Figure 3 ).

[0035] The second retaining element may be realized as a top portion 43 of a circumferential groove 45 formed at the lower end 23b of the neck 21. The groove 45 is formed by the neck 21, the base 47 and the outer cylinder 49. The top portion 43 may be formed as a second circumferential step 43a or a cam ( Figure 1 ) and can be forcibly demoulded from the injection mold. If the step height is increased in order to ensure a particularly secure hold of the protective ring 35, a slot 51 must be provided on the outer cylinder 49 so that the pouring element 13 can be demoulded from the injection mold ( Figure 3 ). The top portion can also be implemented as a second barb 43b. In order to enable the second barb to be demoulded from the injection mold, they are implemented as a plurality of fins 43b ( Figure 2 ). Figure 2 The manner in which the step 41a interacts with the second barb 43b is shown. Figure 3 The combination of the first barb 41b and the step 43a is illustrated. Other combinations of the first retaining element 41 and the second retaining element 43 are also possible. It is important that during the initial opening, the protective ring 35 is reliably retained in the groove 45 and the predetermined breaking web 37 is reliably broken.

[0036] The height 53 of the closure cap 15 from the inside of the top plate 27 to the opening edge 31 is less than the height 55 of the pouring element 13 from the upper end 23a of the neck 21 to the top end of the base 47. This allows the protective ring 35 to fall into the groove 45 after the initial opening until it rests on the base 47. Therefore, when the closure cap 15 is screwed on again, a gap is created between the upper edge of the protective ring and the lower edge of the threaded part, which gap corresponds to the difference between the two heights defined above. This makes it immediately apparent that the container closure 11 has been opened.

[0037] The base 47 corresponds to the flange 57 or is a part of the flange 57, which protrudes beyond the base. This protruding part can serve as a connecting surface 59. The upper side of the connecting surface 59 can then be connected (in particular, glued) to the interior of the composite beverage carton 19b. Thus, the container closure 11 can serve as a closure for the composite beverage carton 19b.

[0038] The fiber-based closure cap 15 can also be formed as a so-called "conical seal." To this end, during the pressing process, the fiber mat can be pressed onto the top plate shoulder 61. The shoulder 61 is intended to interact sealingly with the upper end 23a of the neck 21.

[0039] The present container closure 11 makes it possible to provide a fiber-based closure cap 15 with tamper-evident assurance.

[0040] Reference Signs List :

[0041] 11 Container closures

[0042] 13 Tipping element

[0043] 15 Fiber-based closure cap

[0044] 17 Dumping opening

[0045] 19A, 19b Container body, composite beverage carton

[0046] 21 Neck

[0047] 23a, 23b upper and lower ends

[0048] 25 external thread

[0049] 27 Top Plate

[0050] 29 threaded portion

[0051] 31 Opening edge of threaded portion

[0052] 33 internal thread

[0053] 35 protection ring

[0054] 37 Predetermined fracture web

[0055] 39 piercing

[0056] 41 first retaining element, circumferential edge

[0057] 41a, 41b First step, first hook

[0058] 43 Second retaining element, top

[0059] 43a, 43b Second step, second hook, open wing

[0060] 45 Circumferential groove

[0061] 47 Base of the groove

[0062] 49 outer cylinder

[0063] 51 slots

[0064] 53 Height of closure cover

[0065] 55 Height of the tipping element

[0066] 57 flange

[0067] 59 Connecting Surfaces

[0068] 61 Shoulders

Claims

1. A container closure (11), comprising: a pouring element (13) made of plastic material and transitioning into the container body (19a) or being fastenable to the container body (19b) and having a neck (21), the neck having upper and lower ends (23a, 23b) and having an external thread (25), and - a fiber-based closure cap (15) for closing a pouring opening (17) provided in the pouring element (13), The closure cover (15) comprises: - a circular top plate (27), and a cylindrical threaded portion (29) surrounding the top plate (27) and having an opening edge (31) and an internal thread (33) interacting with the external thread (25) of the pouring element (13), It is characterized in that A first retaining element (41) is formed on the opening edge (31) of the fiber-based closure cap (15), and the first retaining element interacts interlockingly with a second retaining element (41) formed on the pouring element (13).

2. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein: A protective ring (35) is formed on the closure cap, the protective ring being connected to the threaded portion (29) via a plurality of predetermined breaking webs (37), the first opening of the container closure (11) being indicated by the breaking of the predetermined breaking webs (37), and the opening edge (31) and the first retaining element (41) being arranged on the protective ring (35).

3. The container closure according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined breaking webs (37) are provided by perforations (39) extending in the circumferential direction on the threaded portion (29), whereby the predetermined breaking webs (37) are separation portions between the perforations (39).

4. A container closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first retaining element is realized by a circumferentially outwardly curved rim (41) on the opening edge (31).

5. Container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second retaining element is realized as a top portion (43) of a circumferential groove (45) formed at the lower end (23b) of the neck (21), the groove (45) being formed by the neck (21), the base (47) and the outer cylinder (49).

6. A container closure according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that The edge (41) is formed as a first circumferential barb (41b).

7. The container closure according to claim 5, wherein: The top portion (43) is formed by a plurality of second barbs (43b).

8. A container closure according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 7, wherein: The edge (41) is a first circumferential step (41a).

9. A container closure according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 8, wherein: The top portion (43) is a second circumferential step (43a).

10. A container closure according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 8, wherein: The top is formed by a second step (43a) with a slot (51) provided therebetween.

11. The container closure according to claim 7, wherein: The second barb is a wing (43b) that opens obliquely inward.

12. A container closure according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterised in that The height of the closure cap (15) from the inner side of the top plate (27) to the opening edge (31) is smaller than the height of the pouring element (13) from the upper end (23a) of the neck (21) to the top end of the base (47).

13. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The pouring element (13) has a flange (57) adjoining the neck (21).

14. A container closure according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterised in that The base (47) is a part of the flange (57), and the flange (57) protrudes beyond the groove (45) in the radial direction.

15. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The fiber-based closure cap (15) is coated with a polymer at least on the inner side of the top plate (27).

16. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that In order to achieve a "conical closure", the top plate (27) has a shoulder (61) which interacts sealingly with the upper end (23a) of the neck (21).

17. Use of the container closure (11) as a closure for a composite beverage carton (19b).

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