Cap

Abstract

A refillable closure cap for a vessel intended for holding a liquid, the closure cap comprising a capsule (1) with a closed top (2), a circumferential wall (3) and a downwardly open bottom (4) that can be closed or sealed with a film (5), wherein the top (2) of the capsule (1) has on an outer side a pressure surface (6) provided for actuation with a finger, to which a substantially planar membrane (7) deformable in the axial direction by pressure on this pressure surface is connected circumferentially, which in turn connects circumferentially to an upper edge of the wall (3), wherein the top (2) has on an inner side a plunger (8) extending towards the bottom (4) to the film (5) with several flanks (9), and further comprising at least two burrs (10) arranged between and spaced apart from the flanks (9).

Description

Introduction

[0001] The invention relates to a cap for beverage bottles. In particular, the invention relates to a cap with a chamber that can be opened immediately before consumption. State of the art and disadvantages

[0002] Caps for bottles and other containers are well known. They serve to seal the container after it has been filled and can be opened without tools by simply pressing them on before the contents are removed. Most often, such caps are screw-on, but snap-on or push-in caps are also known.

[0003] Also known are closure caps that have a fillable cavity, hereinafter referred to as a chamber. Substances that need to be stored separately from the liquid in the container can be placed in this chamber and added to the liquid only shortly before consumption. The prior art includes various designs that allow the chamber to be opened without tools. For example, by turning the closure cap, which is then designed as a screw cap, a mechanism can be actuated that cuts or shears open a separating membrane that separates the chamber from the bottle contents; such a design is disclosed, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2008 019 222 A1.In other designs, opening is achieved by manually pressing a push button located on the outside of the cap, which has a plunger that pierces the membrane located on the opposite inside of the chamber.

[0004] Such a construction is known from patent application WO 2020 / 064893 A1. The closure cap shown therein comprises a capsule closed with a rigid closure disc, having a circumferential capsule wall, and a depressible push button that deforms the capsule lid. It further comprises a plunger arranged on the inside of the capsule lid with spreading legs that terminate in elastically bendable feet.The profile of the capsule lid is designed with multiple corrugations in the radial direction, allowing the depressing to take place in two phases. In the first phase, after exceeding a first pressure force threshold, the plunger and feet come into contact with the sealing disc and pre-tension it. In the second phase, after exceeding a second, higher pressure force threshold, the plunger breaks open the sealing disc, while the spreading legs ensure that the segments of the sealing disc formed by the breaking process are securely pivoted open.

[0005] A disadvantage of this solution is its relatively high complexity; this applies in particular to the precise manufacturing of the corrugated capsule lid, which provides the two pressure phases, and the connecting spreading legs with elastic feet that enable precise movement. The design of the multi-layered closure disc, which contains precisely shaped indentations, also places high demands on manufacturing technology. Problem of the invention and solution

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a refillable closure lid of the type mentioned at the outset, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] The problem is solved by a closure lid according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent subclaims, the following description, and the figures. Description

[0008] The closure cap according to the invention will first be described below. This will be followed by a supplementary description of its use.

[0009] It should be noted that directional terms such as "top" or "bottom" and the corresponding sides of the cap are arbitrary and are based solely on the typical position of the cap when it is placed on or in the opening of a container. "Inside" or "towards the inside" refers to surfaces or directions within or into the interior of the cap; "outside" and "towards the outside" denote the sides accessible from or directions pointing towards the surroundings of the cap. The longitudinal axis or direction runs through the center of the cap between its top and bottom surfaces.

[0010] The refillable cap is designed to seal a container intended for holding a liquid, particularly one suitable for consumption. The container can be, in particular, a bottle made of plastic or glass. The contents of the cap can, for example, be an additional ingredient of a beverage, which is intended to come into contact with the other ingredients in the container only immediately before consumption.

[0011] The cap comprises a liquid-tight capsule designed for filling with the aforementioned additive, which is typically liquid or granular. The capsule has a closed top, a circumferential wall, and a bottom open at the bottom, which can be sealed with a film or is sealed. Thus, when the film is completely bonded to the bottom, a liquid-tight container is provided. The container has a filling capacity of 0.2 ml to 10 ml, preferably 0.5 ml to 5 ml, and particularly preferably 1 ± 0.2 ml.

[0012] The top of the capsule has a pressure surface on its outer side, designed and dimensioned for actuation with a finger. Adjoining this pressure surface is a membrane that is axially deformable by pressure applied to it. This membrane is essentially flat (more precisely: comprising or composed of flat surfaces).

[0013] The term "membrane" indicates that this component is actually deformable by the forces typically exerted by a finger (e.g., 1 N to 150 N, preferably 10 N to 80 N, and particularly preferably 47.5 N ± 7.5 N); determining the thickness of this membrane presents no difficulties for those skilled in the art. Preferably, the membrane has the smallest possible thickness to minimize the actuation forces. At the same time, the thickness must be sufficient to prevent cracking during actuation. A thickness of, for example, 0.15 to 0.5 mm has proven advantageous.

[0014] The term "flat" here means that the profile of the membrane, from its outer edge to a point closer to the center (namely, the edge of the pressure surface), or even to the center (if the pressure surface is part of the membrane), exhibits essentially no undulating or other geometry deviating from a straight line. It is important to note that this characteristic refers only to a section from the edge to a point closer to the center. Depending on the design, this second point may also be located at the center, i.e., at the intersection of the membrane and the longitudinal axis of the capsule. Since the membrane is essentially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, it is clear that the described section of its profile is mirror-symmetrical on the side of the membrane opposite this longitudinal axis. For example, if the profile rises in a straight line from the edge to the center, it will fall off in an equally straight line on the opposite side."Plane" therefore does not mean that the membrane lies essentially in a "plane" in its entirety. Rather, it can have a conical or truncated cone shape; these bodies thus have lateral surfaces that are "planar" in the sense of the present definition.

[0015] The membrane, in turn, abuts a surrounding upper edge of the wall. Thus, the membrane connects the upper edge of the wall to the pressure surface in an elastically or plastically deformable manner.

[0016] The top of the capsule also features a multi-flanked plunger on its inner (inward-facing) surface, extending towards the underside down to the film (or to the plane where the inward-facing side of the film is located). The vertical length of the plunger is dimensioned so that, in a resting position (with the membrane unextended), it reaches approximately to the film, allowing the film to rest against it when there is overpressure inside the container, which would otherwise also exert pressure on the film and potentially damage it. The plunger also protects the film from damage during transport and further processing of the cap.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper surface of the capsule comprises at least two styluses, each arranged between and spaced apart from the flanks. As will be explained below, the styluses serve to facilitate the safe opening of the pierced foil and, in particular, to ensure that it remains open. Preferably, the capsule has four styluses.

[0018] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0019] The closure cap of the type according to the invention is relatively simple in design and therefore easy to manufacture; complex shapes such as a multi-corrugated capsule lid, precisely manufactured elastic feet on the splay legs or a multi-layered closure disc with precisely shaped indentations are not required.

[0020] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ends of the flanks that face the film are tapered to a point. This means that they do not have a flat edge that is essentially parallel to the plane of the film, but rather are shaped like a cutting edge. This edge can consist of a first wall running perpendicular to the plane of the film and thus parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second wall at a very acute angle to the longitudinal axis, or both walls can have a very acute angle (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10°) to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Tapered edges offer the advantage that increased pressure between the edge and the film makes the latter easier to puncture. This reduces the pressure required for penetration and makes the capsule easier to open.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the punch has a projection in the central region of its lower end that extends beyond the ends of the flanks. This projection serves as a support surface running essentially parallel to the plane of the film. If the film is pressed towards the capsule—for example, due to overpressure in the container—and deforms slightly in the process, it initially rests solely on the projection, so that the film is not damaged. Only when additional (deliberate) pressure is applied by the user does the punch press against the film from the inside, so that it is first pre-tensioned and then finally torn open by the flanks of the punch. The projection has a width of 1 mm to 6 mm (depending on the geometry of the punch), preferably 2 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm. It can be rectangular / square, but preferably round.

[0024] The raised area thus serves to protect the film from being opened unintentionally.

[0025] In another embodiment, the cutting tools are tapered to a point. The primary function of the cutting tools is to keep the film, already pierced by the flanks, open. Therefore, it must be ensured that the cutting tools do not slip on the inside of the film. This is facilitated by the aforementioned shape. "Pointed" means that the cutting angle is between 0.5° and 30°, preferably between 1° and 20°, and particularly preferably between 5° and 10°.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the closure cap, at least one inner radius is arranged at a transition between the membrane and the wall. Optionally, an outer radius is also present, which is then preferably larger by the thickness of the membrane. The radius has the advantage that the deflection of the rather delicate membrane is easier and better controlled, and also prevents the membrane from cracking. The inner radius has a value of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm ± 0.05 mm.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius reduces the wall thickness on its inner side and transitions tangentially into the inner surface of the membrane. In other words, the radius causes the inner surface of the wall to have a recess, thereby reducing its thickness when measured from the inner surface. The radius is dimensioned such that it transitions into the membrane precisely when it reaches the membrane thickness, thus running tangentially to its inner surface. This results in a particularly gentle force transmission between the thinner membrane and the thicker wall, preventing overloading.

[0028] According to one embodiment, in the unactuated state of the closure cap, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the capsule on the one hand and the section of the inside of the membrane running from the upper edge of the wall to the center on the other hand is an acute angle, i.e. less than 90°.

[0029] This angle is therefore determined between the longitudinal axis (first leg) and the diaphragm, with the second leg extending from the point where the longitudinal axis intersects the diaphragm (actually or theoretically) to the outer edge of the diaphragm. If the angle is 90°, the entire diaphragm lies in one plane. If the angle is smaller, which is preferred, the diaphragm forms a cone (the lateral surface terminates in a point, the pressure surface is part of the diaphragm) or a truncated cone (the lateral surface terminates in a surface that can, in particular, provide the pressure surface). The angle when the diaphragm is not actuated lies between 0° and 90°, preferably between 20° and 70°, and most preferably between 45° ± 10°. In the actuated position, the angle is significantly larger and increases by a value between 5° and 120°, preferably between 20° and 100°, and particularly preferably between 75° ± 10°, corresponding to a total value of 120° ± 10°.

[0030] The advantage of a cone- or conical-shaped membrane lies in providing a spring with a stable and a metastable state, or even with two stable states. In its resting state, the membrane is in the first stable state. When pressure is applied, the metastable state is reached or passed through; the film is opened by means of the flanks. Depending on the design, the now flat or even inverted curved membrane (angle greater than 90°) can remain in this activated position on its own (second stable state, the film is held permanently open), or it can spring back to its original position (resting state) when the pressure is released. The latter can be desirable if the potentially sharp edges of the flanks and serrations are to be retracted into the capsule after the contents have been emptied, for example, to prevent injuries. An embodiment with two stable states is preferred.

[0031] In one embodiment, the central area of ​​the top surface, which carries the pressure surface on the outside and the piston on the inside, is arranged axially offset outwards relative to the membrane. This means that there is an outwardly projecting projection in the center of the top surface, which extends beyond the rest of the membrane.

[0032] The advantage lies in providing a clearly identifiable actuation surface, which is preferably also thicker than the membrane. Furthermore, the membrane is slightly offset towards the inside of the capsule, thus protecting it from accidental contact and damage.

[0033] In one embodiment, unlike a membrane, the pressure surface retains its shape when pressure is applied with a finger. This is achieved by making the pressure surface essentially rigid, meaning it does not deform when actuated. This can be achieved by selecting a stiffer material and / or incorporating design features (ribs, etc.), and / or using a greater material thickness.

[0034] This measure also serves to protect the membrane; it does not contradict the design of the membrane as a stable / metastable spring as described above.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the styluses are arranged on the inside of the membrane such that, by pressing the pressure surface, they can pivot radially outwards away from the plunger due to the increasing angle between the membrane and the longitudinal axis. As described, the angle increases progressively when the pressure surface is pressed. The inside of the membrane, which is initially tilted towards the longitudinal axis or runs perpendicular to it, thus tilts increasingly away from the longitudinal axis. Consequently, the normal to the inside of the membrane also points further and further in front of the longitudinal axis. An elongated component attached to the underside of the membrane therefore not only moves slightly downwards with the membrane, but also tilts away from the longitudinal axis along with the inside of the membrane. The longer the component, the greater the radial movement of its downward-pointing tip.

[0036] In this case, this movement leads to the spreading and stopping of the ruptured or punctured foil, so that the contents of the capsule can empty more easily into the container.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the flanks of the punch extend beyond the burrs towards the underside of the capsule. This means that the distance between the foil and the punch is smaller than the distance between the foil and the burrs.

[0038] This ensures that if the film is subjected to pressure due to overpressure in the container, or due to unintentional depressing of the pressure surface (for example, when carelessly handling the container for transport), the film is not accidentally damaged by the punch. The central protrusion on the punch described above is particularly advantageous in order to further minimize the risk of unintentional bursting (especially due to unintentional contact with the pointed edges).

[0039] In one embodiment, the cap comprises a screw cap of conventional design surrounding the capsule, for example according to standard DIN 55406:2015-12, wherein this provides a gap towards the capsule wall in which a screw thread of the container can be received. This means that the gap is dimensioned such that the capsule does not impede screwing the cap into the opening of the container, which accordingly limits the maximum diameter. A larger internal volume of the capsule can therefore only be achieved by extending it, possibly beyond the lower edge of the screw cap. A typical maximum outer diameter of the capsule is 40 mm, and the maximum height of the entire screw cap is preferably 25 mm.

[0040] Preferably, in the unactuated state of the cap, the diaphragm with pressure surface is arranged within the outer casing of the screw cap. In other words, the diaphragm, and in particular the pressure surface, is "recessed" in the screw cap.

[0041] This prevents unintentional activation, for example when the container is turned upside down or when objects are placed on the screw cap.

[0042] The use of a sealing cap as described above is explained below. Accordingly, the following steps are taken to empty the sealing cap into the interior of a container located below it and detachably connected to it: - Applying pressure to the pressure surface; this is usually done by the finger of a person using the cap. - The pressure surface lowers axially in a largely stepless manner towards the underside with the film, accompanied by a corresponding increase in membrane deformation; this lowering results from the application of pressure. Due to the flat shape of the membrane, the lowering also occurs in a largely stepless manner. - The stamp makes contact with the foil; by lowering it further, the stamp finally reaches the foil. - simultaneous or delayed contact of the flanks with the foil; depending on whether the stamp extends beyond the flanks or not, these components touch the foil one after the other or simultaneously. - simultaneous or delayed contact of the stylus with the foil; depending on whether the flanks extend beyond the stylus or not, these components also touch the foil one after the other or simultaneously.

[0043] As a result, the foil is pre-tensioned by the stamp and simultaneously or with a delay cut by the flanks and / or the styluses, whereupon the contents of the capsule can empty into the container. To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations above.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, where the pressure surface is preferably designed to be substantially rigid, the angle between the inside of the membrane and the longitudinal axis increases as the top surface is lowered. This causes the stylus to pivot radially outwards away from the punch as the pressure surface is pressed, due to the increasing angle of the membrane to the longitudinal axis and while in contact with the film. This assists in tearing the film and, in particular, helps to keep it open, thus improving the emptying of the capsule's contents.

[0045] In another embodiment, the diaphragm returns to a rest position after the pressure force is removed. This is achieved by a design with a stable and a metastable state of the spring provided by the diaphragm (so).

[0046] This ensures that any potentially sharp edges of the flanks and pins are retracted into the interior of the cap to prevent injury once the cap has been unscrewed from the container. This can be particularly advantageous in the increasingly common cases of so-called "tethered caps" as defined by Directive (EU) 2019 / 904, where the design must ensure that the screw cap remains attached to the container by means of a hinge and ring to prevent it from being lost. This is especially true when the container is a bottle from which drinks are consumed directly. Character description

[0047] The invention is explained below using figures as examples. Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view through the cap in its resting state; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the closure cap without foil in the resting state according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a sectional view through the closure cap Fig. 1 in the triggered state; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the closure cap after Fig. 3.

[0048] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the cap in its resting state. Fig. Slide 2 has been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0049] The cap shown comprises a liquid-tight capsule 1, which is designed for filling with a liquid or granular component (not shown). The capsule 1 has a closed top 2, to which a circumferential wall 3 adjoins, and a downwardly open end sealed with a film 5 ( Fig. 1) or lockable ( Fig. 2) Underside 4. If the foil 5 is connected all around to the underside 4 as shown, the capsule 1 forms a liquid-tight container.

[0050] On the outer surface 2 of the capsule 1, a pressure surface 6 is arranged for actuation with a finger. A membrane 7 is attached to this pressure surface 6 around its circumference. By applying pressure to the pressure surface 6, the membrane 7 can be deformed in the axial direction (longitudinal axis L), cf. Fig. 3. Membrane 7 has a flat surface; in this case, it is the lateral surface of a truncated cone. As can be seen, membrane 7 is essentially rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis L. The angle W between the longitudinal axis L of capsule 1 on the one hand and the section of the inner surface of membrane 7 extending from the upper edge of wall 3 to the center on the other hand is an acute angle; in this case, it is approximately 45°. When pressed down (see Figure 1), the membrane 7 is pressed down. Fig. 3) The angle W increases accordingly.

[0051] Membrane 7 abuts the upper edge of wall 3 with its outer edge. Here, an inner radius R is located (also with a corresponding outer radius). The radius R reduces the thickness of wall 3 on its inner side and transitions tangentially into the inner side of membrane 7.

[0052] On the inside of the top 2 of the capsule 1 there is a line extending towards the bottom 4 to the foil 5 ( Fig. 1) Extending piston 8 with several flanks 9 arranged. In the rest position shown (with the membrane 7 not deflected), the piston 8 extends approximately to the film 5. The ends of the flanks 9 that point towards the film 5 are tapered. In the central region of its lower end, the piston 8 has a projection 11 that extends beyond the ends of the flanks 9 and serves as a support surface for the film 5, thus preventing unintentional damage to the film 5 in the event of overpressure in the vessel (not shown).

[0053] On the upper side of the capsule 1, four gravers 10 are positioned, each arranged between and spaced apart from the flanks 9. The gravers 10 are also tapered. To protect the foil 7, the flanks 9 of the stamp 8 project beyond the gravers 10 towards the underside of the capsule 1.

[0054] The central area of ​​the top surface 2, which carries the pressure surface 6 on the outside and the plunger 8 on the inside, is arranged axially offset to the outside in relation to the membrane 7, so that there is an outwardly projecting projection for the pressure surface 6 in the center of the top surface 2 (see figure). Fig. 1) Furthermore, this area is also thicker than the surrounding membrane 7. At the same time, the recessed membrane 7 is better protected against accidental contact and damage. Under pressure, the pressure surface 6, unlike the membrane 7, retains its shape (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0055] As can be seen, the closure cap comprises a screw cap 12 of conventional design surrounding the capsule 1. This provides a gap 13 towards the wall 3 of the capsule 1, into which a screw thread of the vessel (not shown) can be received. The membrane 7 with pressure surface 6 is arranged inside the enclosing surface of the screw cap 12 to protect the capsule 1.

[0056] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the end cap. Fig. Figure 1 is shown in the triggered state. Some reference symbols not needed for understanding have been omitted for clarity.

[0057] The pressure surface 6 is subjected to a compressive force F, causing the membrane 7 to deform. Since the membrane 7 is flat and not corrugated, the lowering process is essentially stepless. The angle W has increased from its previous value (approx. 45°) to over 90°, currently approx. 120°. The punch 8 first pre-tensioned the film 5 and then cut it using its sharp-edged flanks 9.

[0058] Since the styluses 10 are arranged on the inside of the membrane 7 in such a way that they can be pivoted radially outwards by pressing the pressure surface 6 due to the increase of the angle W away from the punch 8, they further tear open the separated film 5 (due to their axial offset, with a slight time delay after the separation by the flanks 9) and also hold it in the open position, so that the capsule 1 does not close again undesirably as long as the membrane 7 is in the triggered position. Reference symbol list 1 capsule 2 Top 3 walls 4 Underside Slide 5 6 printing area 7 Membran 8 stamps 9th flank 10 gravers 11 Survey 12 screw caps 13 gaps L Longitudinal axis W angle F Pressure force R radius QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 019 222 A1

[0003] WO 2020 / 064893 A1

[0004] EP 2019 / 904

[0046] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN 55406:2015-12

[0039]

Claims

[1] A refillable closure cap for a vessel intended to hold a liquid, the closure cap comprising a capsule (1) with a closed top (2), a circumferential wall (3) and a downwardly open bottom (4) that can be closed or sealed with a film (5), wherein the top (2) of the capsule (1) has on an outer side a pressure surface (6) provided for actuation with a finger, to which a substantially planar membrane (7) deformable in the axial direction by pressure on this pressure surface is connected circumferentially, which in turn connects circumferentially to an upper edge of the wall (3), wherein the top (2) has on an inner side a plunger (8) extending towards the bottom (4) to the film (5) with several flanks (9), and further comprising at least two burrs (10) arranged between and spaced apart from the flanks (9). [2] Closure cap according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the flanks (9) that assign to the foil (5) are designed to be tapered. [3] Cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plunger (8) has a projection (11) in the central region of its lower end extending beyond the ends of the flanks (9). [4] Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gravers (10) are designed to be pointed. [5] Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one inner radius (R) is arranged at a transition of the membrane (7) to the wall (3). [6] Closure cap according to claim 5, wherein the radius (R) reduces the thickness of the wall on its inside and transitions tangentially into the inside of the membrane (7). [7] Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the unactuated state of the closure cap the angle (W) between a longitudinal axis (L) and the section of the inside of the membrane (7) extending from the top edge of the wall (3) to the center is an acute angle. [8] Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer area of ​​the top (2) bearing the pressure surface (6) and the inner area bearing the plunger (8) is arranged axially offset to the outside in relation to the membrane (7). [9] Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure surface (6) retains its shape when pressure is applied by means of a finger, in contrast to the membrane (7). [10] Closure cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the styluses (10) are arranged on the inside of the membrane (7) such that they can be pivoted radially outwards away from the plunger (8) by pressing the pressure surface (6) due to the increase of the angle (W) between the membrane (7) and the longitudinal axis (L). [11] Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flanks (9) of the punch (8) extend beyond the burins (10) towards the underside (4) of the cap (1). [12] Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap comprises a screw cap (12) surrounding the capsule (1), the screw cap providing a gap (13) towards its wall (3) in which a screw thread of the vessel can be received. [13] Closure cap according to claim 12, wherein in the unactuated state of the closure cap the membrane (7) with pressure surface (6) is arranged within the envelope of the screw closure (12).

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