Sealing device for pressure-resistant sealing of opened, commercially available beverage cans

Abstract

Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10), which have a longitudinal axis (L), an axially upwardly directed beverage can lid (11) with an opening (20) and a beverage can collar (12), comprising: • a main lid (30) for pressure-resistant sealing of the beverage can (19) by axial pressure of said main lid (30) against at least a closed partial area of ​​the beverage can lid (11), a main lid (30) which has a closed lid surface (31); • a fastening ring (50) for axial attachment to the beverage can (10), which is at least one-piece and radially at least partially encloses the main lid (30) and the beverage can lid (11), the fastening ring (50) having a radial outer surface (51), an axial opening (52) with a radial inner surface (53) and at least one threaded guide (54) whose thread axis coincides with the longitudinal axis (L);• a pressure device (80) comprising a rotary handle body (81), at least one axial extension formed by the rotary handle body (81) and at least one threaded guide (88) designed to interact with the threaded guide (54) on the retaining ring (50) such that, by tightening the pressure device (80) relative to the retaining ring (50), the pressure device (80) is conveyed axially relative to the retaining ring (50) and towards the top (32) of the main cover, wherein a central pressure area (89) is provided on the pressure device (80) to interact with the top (32) of the main cover (30) by exerting pressure through the axial opening (52) in the retaining ring (50);wherein the main cover (30) interacts with at least one of the further parts (50, 80) of the closure device (1) by means of at least one guide element (34) and a corresponding recess (56) in the counterpart such that the said main cover (30) is axially limited in its movement relative to the fastening ring (50) and is limited in its rotational movement about the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure device for pressure-resistant sealing of opened commercially available beverage cans.

[0002] Beverages in cans are typically enriched with carbon dioxide, which keeps them fresh. The resulting internal pressure of 2 to 3 bar keeps the can, which is made of very thin metal, stable. However, the pressure inside the can can be higher depending on the contents and the ambient temperature. Standard beverage cans are therefore designed to withstand an internal pressure of up to 6 bar. Standard beverage cans cannot be resealed once opened. If the contents are not consumed immediately after opening the can, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the beverage will escape and render it undrinkable after a short time. However, if the can is resealed shortly after opening, the carbon dioxide remains dissolved in the beverage and creates internal pressure again, which can rise to 2 bar or more, even with only half the can's volume.This internal pressure keeps the carbon dioxide dissolved in the drink, thus keeping the drink fresh.

[0003] Furthermore, dust, insects, and unwanted substances can enter an opened beverage can. Due to the risk of leakage, an opened or improperly sealed beverage can should not be knocked over, stored on its side, or upside down, or transported that is not properly sealed. State of the art

[0004] In the prior art, mostly one-piece closures are known, which consist of soft or hard elastic plastic and are held on the beverage can collar by the material's own tension force.

[0005] A disadvantage of such closure devices is that they cannot withstand the internal pressure in the can, which is usually comparable to the pressure in a car tire at 2 to 3 bar, and are often not even airtight when the beverage can is not under pressure.

[0006] US patent 5209362 discloses a closure device comprising an inner lid with elastic elements that, after the inner lid is placed on the beverage can, extend below the can collar, where they have inwardly directed teeth. The second, axially adjustable outer lid, which is subsequently pressed downwards, encloses the elastic elements at the level of the teeth, thereby locking the teeth in this position and preventing the closure device from being removed from the beverage can.

[0007] A disadvantage of this type of closure device is that the beverage can must be closed on a firm surface, with downward pressure and using both hands on the specially prepared outer lid. This can lead to the can being crushed, as it is made of sheet metal only 0.1 mm thick and loses its rigidity due to internal pressure when opened. Since the seal is primarily achieved through relatively low pressure and is highly dependent on the material properties, this type of closure device cannot withstand high internal pressure.

[0008] US Patent 20040035869 discloses a closure device in which the lid is held on the beverage can by means of elastic locking hooks attached to it. These hooks are designed to engage under the can's collar when the lid is pressed onto the can. The lid has an opening that is closed with a screw cap. Due to a correspondingly extended collar, the screw cap also serves the additional function of enclosing and securing the elastic locking hooks already engaged under the can's collar. To remove the closure device, the screw cap must first be removed, and then two upward-pointing tabs must be pressed together to release the locking hooks with a rocking motion. The screw cap then closes the additional opening in the lid and secures the elastic locking hooks.

[0009] With this type of closure device, the beverage can must be closed on a firm surface with relatively high downward pressure, which can lead to the can being crushed. The seal is supposed to be tight due to the wedge action of the gasket and is highly dependent on dimensional tolerances and material properties. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] Against this background, the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a closure device that offers the advantages of a typical screw cap. These include: very strong and flexible axial pressure of the lid against the edge of the container, high force transmission, easy and familiar handling, and no need for a solid surface when closing and opening the beverage can.

[0011] Because the axial position of the lid relative to the container is determined by adjustable axial pressure force during each closing process, even coarse dimensional tolerances as well as changes due to material wear and fatigue can be compensated for at any time.

[0012] This problem is solved with a locking device according to claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0013] A sealing device for pressure-resistant closure of opened beverage cans is described. The device comprises a longitudinal axis, an axially upward-facing can lid with an opening, and a can collar. The sealing device includes a main lid with a closed surface. The main lid is designed to pressure-resistantly seal the beverage can by axially pressing it against at least a closed portion of the can lid that surrounds the opening. The sealing device also includes a retaining ring for axial attachment to the beverage can. This retaining ring is at least one piece long and radially surrounds the main lid and the can lid, at least partially.The retaining ring has a radial outer surface, an axial opening with a radial inner surface, and at least one threaded guide whose thread axis coincides with the longitudinal axis. The locking device further comprises a pressure device with a rotary handle body having at least one axial extension extending from said rotary handle body and at least one threaded guide. The threaded guide is designed to interact with the threaded guide on the retaining ring such that, when the pressure device is tightened relative to the retaining ring, it is moved axially relative to the retaining ring and towards the top of the main cover, thereby transmitting force. The pressure device also has a central pressure area designed to interact with the top of the main cover through the axial opening in the retaining ring, exerting axial pressure.The main cover interacts with at least one of the other parts of the locking device by means of at least one guide element and a corresponding recess in the counterpart, such that the said main cover is axially limited in its movement relative to the fastening ring and is limited in its rotational movement about the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The term "axial" includes the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, but is not limited to directions exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The directional terms used in this document, such as "top," "bottom," "upward," "downward," "upper," "lower," "radial," "circumferential," "lateral," "longitudinal," "transverse," "vertical," "horizontal," and similar terms, serve descriptive purposes and do not constitute limitations. The term "upward" as used in the context of the present invention refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis from the bottom of the beverage can toward the can lid and beyond. Accordingly, the term "downward" means the opposite direction. The term "top" with respect to elements in this invention refers to the regions located at the end that is axially oriented upward. Accordingly, the term "bottom" means the regions located at the end that is axially oriented downward.The terms radial and radial outside / inside always refer to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, the spatial relationships of the components, the components in relation to each other, and to the beverage can are generally to be understood as in the state in which the closure device is assembled and placed on the beverage can. If the states are different, for example, with the closure device above the beverage can lid before placement or in an exploded view, this will be indicated.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, a "main lid" is understood to be any device that has a substantially closed surface designed to completely cover the opening in the beverage can lid and, when axial pressure is applied from above, to seal the beverage can tightly. The closed surface of the main lid can have various geometries, for example, flat, convex, raised, or with a circumferential stiffening structure. It can have a closable opening that allows the beverage to be dispensed without removing the closure device from the beverage can. In further embodiments, the main lid can be provided with an optional sealing element that is positioned between the main lid and the designated surface of the beverage can lid.This sealing element can be implemented, for example, as a circumferential sealing ring, an O-ring, an elastic sealing lip, or an insert made of a softer material. In another embodiment, a separate sealing element is omitted, with the sealing effect being ensured solely by the geometry and material of the lid itself.

[0017] The main lid can be made of plastic or another material such as tin or tempered glass suitable for use in food or beverage packaging, and can be injection molded, compression molded or manufactured in any other suitable way.

[0018] Any surface of the beverage can lid that surrounds the opening in the lid can be used as the contact surface between the main lid and the beverage can lid. Due to their regular shape and particularly high rigidity, areas in the immediate vicinity of the beverage can collar and the beverage can collar itself are particularly suitable.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, a "fastening ring" is understood to be any device designed to establish a mechanical connection with the beverage can, serving as the basis for generating axial pressure from above onto the main lid and against the beverage can lid. The fastening ring radially encompasses the main lid and the beverage can lid and may be made of at least one piece. The fastening ring has an axial opening designed to allow contact from above to act on the surface of the main lid.

[0020] The retaining ring can be attached to the beverage can by means of teeth or projections that engage from the outside under the can collar and prevent the retaining ring from being pulled axially off the can. The retaining ring also has a threaded guide whose thread axis coincides with the longitudinal axis.

[0021] Within the scope of the present invention, a "thread-like guide" is understood to mean any structure that enables screw- or helical relative movement between two components. This includes, for example, conventional thread forms such as metric threads, trapezoidal or round threads, but also modified guide structures such as helical ribs or webs, circumferentially extending grooves, or profiled guide tracks, which may be formed only partially or intermittently. The thread-like guide can be single- or multi-start and can be located on either the inside or outside of a component. The foregoing definition serves to clarify that the term "thread-like" is broadly defined and should not be reduced to a classic internal or external thread in the narrow sense.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, a "pressure device" is understood to be any device designed to exert axial pressure against the top of the main cap, starting from the retaining ring attached to the beverage can. The pressure device has at least one threaded guide designed to interact with the threaded guide on the retaining ring such that, by tightening the pressure device relative to the retaining ring, the pressure device is moved axially relative to the retaining ring and towards the top of the main cap, thereby transmitting force.

[0023] Within the scope of the present invention, a "rotary handle body" in the printing device is understood to be any element of the printing device that is suitable for rotation, preferably designed as a rotationally shaped element arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis. The rotary handle body can be disc-shaped and have an axial opening. However, the rotary handle body can also be closed or designed in asymmetrical shapes.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, an “axial extension” is to be understood as any element, at least one element, which extends axially from the rotary handle body and is preferably designed as a circumferential wall or pin.

[0025] The axial extension that interacts with the main cover through the axial opening in the retaining ring can preferably be referred to as the inner axial extension. The axial extension that radially surrounds the retaining ring from the outside can preferably be referred to as the outer axial extension and preferably as the outer collar. The pressure device can have only one of the axial extensions, both axial extensions, or several axial extensions.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, a "central pressure area" is understood to be any element of the pressure device that is configured to exert axial pressure against the top surface of the main cover. The central pressure area can be configured as an axially oriented surface of the axial extension. The central pressure area can also be formed by a portion of the rotary handle body, such as a part of the axially oriented surface of the rotary handle body.

[0027] The fastening ring and the pressure device can preferably be made of plastic, preferably of elastic plastic such as PP, PA, ABS.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, a "guide element" is understood to be any element that preferably extends from the main cover and is designed to permit and limit certain movements relative to the fastening ring in specific areas. The movement is limited by the resistance encountered by correspondingly designed elements in the counterpart.

[0029] The guide elements can preferably be designed as elastic snaps, tongues or pins, in particular with barbs for releasable connections.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, a "recess" is to be understood as any element which is preferably formed in the retaining ring and is designed to receive the guide element in the main cover in such a way that the rotational movement of the main cover relative to the retaining ring is limited and that the main cover is axially limited in its movement relative to the retaining ring.

[0031] Within the scope of the present invention, the term “axially limited movement” in relation to the main lid relative to the fastening ring axially attached to the beverage can is to be understood as meaning that the main lid can be moved axially at least in a range in which it is moved from a position in which no pressure resistance is given to a position in which the main lid seals the beverage can in a pressure-tight manner.

[0032] Depending on the dimensions and hardness of the sealing element, the selected tolerances and preferred connections between the elements, the range can be between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few millimeters.

[0033] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "limited in rotational movement about the longitudinal axis" in relation to the main cover relative to the retaining ring is to be understood as meaning that no free relative rotation about the common longitudinal axis is provided. However, relative rotation within a limited range, which is particularly due to manufacturing tolerances, play, or stops, is permissible and does not impair the function.

[0034] The guide elements and recesses can be designed to preferably snap into one another and form a detachable connection by bending the elastic elements in the guide elements or in the recesses. A reverse design of the guide elements on the mounting ring and the recesses on the main cover is possible.

[0035] Combinations of guide elements and recesses are also possible, each separately limiting the axial and radial movement of the main cover relative to the retaining ring. For example, the rotational movement of the main cover relative to the retaining ring can be limited by the interaction of the guide elements and the recesses in the main cover and the retaining ring, while the axial movement of the main cover relative to the retaining ring can be limited by the interaction of the guide elements and the recesses in the main cover and the retaining ring or in the pressure device. This can be achieved, for instance, using snap-fit ​​mechanisms that allow free rotation of the main cover relative to the pressure device but limit its relative axial movement.

[0036] Because the main lid is axially movable relative to the retaining ring, the advantage arises that by tightening the pressure device relative to the retaining ring, which is axially connected to the beverage can, the main lid is moved axially towards the beverage can lid and pressed against it, thus transmitting force. This allows a very high and flexible axial pressure force to be exerted on the top of the main lid, which is largely independent of the axial position of the retaining ring relative to the beverage can lid.

[0037] Thus, the pressure force of the main lid against the beverage can lid is largely independent of manufacturing tolerances and material fatigue and wear, which can affect and change the axial position of the retaining ring relative to the beverage can over time.

[0038] Because the interlocking guide elements and recesses of the main lid limit its rotation around the longitudinal axis relative to the retaining ring, the main lid is also prevented from rotating relative to the can when the pressure device is tightened relative to the retaining ring. This results in only axial pressure between the main lid and the can lid, without harmful or restrictive rotational friction. A further advantage is that blocking the rotation of the main lid relative to the can lid simultaneously blocks the rotation of the retaining ring relative to the can lid. This allows the pressure device to be tightened while the can is held with the other hand like a regular bottle.

[0039] The use of a screw cap is universally familiar, easy to understand, and ergonomically optimal. Very high axial pressure, capable of maintaining internal pressures exceeding 3 bar, is achieved with relatively low and easily controllable rotational force. Because no pressure is exerted from above when closing the beverage can, there is no risk of the can being crushed. Furthermore, no rigid base is required.

[0040] Another important aspect is the complete internal pressure relief before the locking ring is released. This prevents explosive decompression. The closure, where pressure resistance is generated by axial pressure on the seal, offers the best conditions for this because, unlike, for example, a sealing plug, the internal pressure relief occurs in a controlled manner even with the slightest release of axial pressure on the main cover.

[0041] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that the main lid has at least one anti-rotation projection on the underside, which, by projecting into the opening in the beverage can lid, limits the rotational movement of the main lid relative to the beverage can around the longitudinal axis.

[0042] In the context of the present invention, an “anti-rotation projection” is understood to be at least any projection which extends axially from the underside of the main lid in such a way that, after the main lid is placed on the beverage can lid, the projection protrudes into the beverage can opening, thereby limiting the rotation of the main lid about the longitudinal axis by the anti-rotation projection coming into contact with the edge of the opening in the beverage can lid via the contact surface provided for this purpose.

[0043] Preferably, the anti-rotation protrusion is designed such that, when the main lid is placed on the beverage can, even with a very rough alignment of the anti-rotation protrusion relative to the opening in the beverage can, the protrusion fully engages the opening in the beverage can. This can be achieved by sufficiently large tolerances of the anti-rotation protrusion relative to the opening in the beverage can and appropriately inclined contact surfaces of the anti-rotation protrusion relative to the edge of the opening in the beverage can lid, which facilitate the insertion of the anti-rotation protrusion into the opening in the beverage can lid.

[0044] Due to the preferably shorter tangential length of the anti-rotation projection than the maximum tangential length of the opening, the main lid exhibits a certain degree of tangential mobility around its longitudinal axis relative to the beverage can lid. Because of the required minimum tangential length of the anti-rotation projection and the maximum tangential length of the opening, this tangential mobility is less than 135°. Greater mobility of the anti-rotation projection within the opening allows for greater tolerances when placing the closure device onto the beverage can, but on the other hand, it results in a relatively large amount of play, which may be considered unnecessary when tightening the pressure device. Preferably, the mobility of the main lid on the beverage can lid can be in the range between 30° and 100°.

[0045] Preferably, the contact surface of the anti-rotation protrusion, which abuts the sharp edge of the opening in the beverage can lid, is shaped to have the longest possible, most uniform contact line with the edge of the opening. This is intended to ensure that the pressure of the anti-rotation protrusion against the edge of the opening is distributed as widely as possible, in order to prevent damage to the anti-rotation protrusion at the contact surface and the edge of the opening.

[0046] Preferably, the contact surface of the anti-rotation projection, which abuts the sharp edge of the opening in the beverage can lid, is shaped such that it is inclined relative to the surface of the beverage can lid. This is intended to ensure that, during the rotation of the main lid, the pressure of the contact surface against the edge of the opening forces the surface of the beverage can lid downwards, thus pressing the contact surface against the curved surface of the beverage can lid and not against the sharp edge of the opening.

[0047] The anti-rotation feature ensures that, once the closure device is placed on the beverage can, the main lid and the retaining ring, which interacts with it via interlocking guide elements and recesses, cannot rotate around their common longitudinal axis relative to the beverage can. This allows the pressure device to be rotated around its longitudinal axis relative to the retaining ring and the beverage can, just like a conventional screw cap.

[0048] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the inner axial extension in the pressure device has an axially extending outer surface with the threaded guide, wherein the retaining ring has a threaded guide on the inside of the axial opening, the threaded guide which interacts with the threaded guide on the outside of the axial extension of the pressure device.

[0049] This ensures that the pressure device is moved axially by rotating around its longitudinal axis relative to the retaining ring, thereby transmitting force. This axial movement and force can preferably be used to move and press the main lid, which is movable relative to the retaining ring, against the beverage can ring.

[0050] The inner axial extension can fulfill two functions: as a support for the threaded guide in the pressure device, which interacts with the threaded guide in the retaining ring, and as the central pressure area for generating pressure against the top of the main cover.

[0051] This approach allows for the direct axial action of the highly multiplied pressure force on the main lid, which can be flexibly controlled by the user's torque. This prevents problems found with other lids, where the pressure of the lid against the can collar is determined solely by rigid geometry, material properties, and often extremely tight dimensional tolerances. This often results in a very weak seal when closing the can, despite the high force applied, which further diminishes over time due to material fatigue and wear.

[0052] In a further refinement, it is provided that the endpoint when tightening the pressure device relative to the fastening ring is determined by a counterforce resulting from the variable axial pressure force of the main lid against the beverage can lid, which is determined by the user.

[0053] Because the stop when tightening the pressure device and the axial position of the main lid relative to the retaining ring are determined not by the mutual pressure of the elements within the closure device but only by the axial pressure force of the main lid against the beverage can lid, it is achieved that the axial pressure force, which is crucial for pressure resistance, remains largely independent of both the axial dimensional tolerances and the material properties and wear, which also change over time, because both the axial position of the main lid relative to the retaining ring and the axial pressure force are newly determined by the user with each closure operation.

[0054] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the fastening ring has a plurality of elongated spring elements distributed around the beverage can collar, elongated spring elements which, after the closure device is placed on the beverage can, extend from above the beverage can collar to below the beverage can collar, where they have freestanding radially springy ends with inwardly directed teeth, wherein, when radial pressure is applied from the outside against the freestanding ends in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the said teeth are pressed under the beverage can collar of the beverage can lid, thereby axially locking the fastening ring to the beverage can lid.

[0055] The elongated spring elements can be designed so that, when the retaining ring is unlocked, the inwardly directed teeth enclose a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the beverage can collar. In this case, the retaining ring can be placed on and removed from the beverage can without resistance.

[0056] The elongated spring elements can be designed such that, when the retaining ring is unlocked, the inwardly directed teeth enclose a diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the beverage can collar. In this case, the teeth can be designed with surfaces inclined to the longitudinal axis, which, when the retaining ring is placed on and removed from the beverage can, interact with the beverage can collar in such a way that the free ends are pushed radially outwards. Because the elongated spring elements are radially elastic, this pressure propels them radially outwards, allowing the retaining ring to pass the beverage can collar axially with minimal resistance.

[0057] By blocking the radial movement of the free-standing, radially springy ends in a position where the teeth under the beverage can collar enclose a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the beverage can collar, the retaining ring is axially locked to the beverage can collar. After the retaining ring is axially locked to the beverage can, the main lid, which is axially movable relative to the retaining ring, can be pressed against the beverage can lid by means of the pressure device, thereby transmitting force. The required axial pressure force is generated by tightening the pressure device, which interacts with the threaded guide on the retaining ring via its threaded guide.

[0058] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the outer collar at least partially radially encloses the fastening ring and has an axial length such that the axial pressure can only be built up against the top of the main lid by means of the central pressure area when the pressure device has a lower axial position relative to the fastening ring, in which the inside of the outer collar encloses the fastening ring at the level of the free ends of the elongated spring elements, thereby locking the fastening ring to the beverage can.

[0059] Because the inward-facing teeth of the pressure device, in its lower position, enclose an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the beverage can cap, the retaining ring cannot be axially removed from the can. Rotating the pressure device back moves it axially to an upper position, where collar-shaped outer collars enclose the retaining ring above the exposed ends of the elongated spring elements. This allows the exposed ends to bend or bent back outwards, unlocking the retaining ring and allowing it to be removed from the beverage can.

[0060] In this way, turning the pressure device ensures that two different processes are carried out one after the other in a predetermined and only possible sequence: First, the closure device is axially connected to the beverage can, and only then is the main lid pressed against the beverage can lid with high axial force.

[0061] Furthermore, in this way the adjustment between the two positions is carried out exactly along the elongated axis L, thus preventing the pressure device from tilting on the mounting ring.

[0062] The execution of both processes – locking the retaining ring and generating pressure on the top of the main lid – via a continuous rotary motion always ensures the correct sequence of both processes. When closing, the retaining ring is locked to the beverage can first, and only then is pressure built up on the main lid, starting from the already locked retaining ring. When opening the closure, the pressure on the main lid is released first, venting the internal pressure in the beverage can. Only then is the retaining ring unlocked, thus preventing explosive venting.

[0063] The outer collar, extending axially downwards from the rotating body of the pressure device, increases the gripping surface of the rotary handle body and can prevent body contact with the mounting ring.

[0064] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the inner axial extension, which is preferably designed as a circumferential wall, has a radially outwardly directed braking projection on its radial outer side, which, when the pressure device is unscrewed from the mounting ring, abuts in a tangential direction to the thread helix of the threaded guides against a braking projection in the mounting ring, which extends radially inwards from the inside of the axial opening in the mounting ring, thereby preventing the pressure device from being unscrewed from the mounting ring.

[0065] Such a combination of braking projections within the threaded guides, which collide tangentially to the thread helix when the pressure device is unscrewed from the mounting ring, enables direct and effective blocking of the rotational movement without jamming and effectively prevents the pressure device from being unscrewed from the mounting ring.

[0066] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the outer collar has a threaded guide on the radial inside, which interacts with the threaded guide formed on the radial outside of the fastening ring.

[0067] This allows the injection mold for the pressure device to be constructed almost as simply as the injection mold for a classic screw cap with the thread on the inside. Furthermore, by integrating the threaded guide into the inside of the outer collar, the additional inner axial extension can be omitted if the top of the main cap is axially designed to interact directly with the axial surface of the rotary handle body.

[0068] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the inner axial extension in the pressure device, preferably designed as a circumferential wall, has a radially inwardly directed braking projection on the inside of the circumferential wall, which, when the pressure device is unscrewed from the mounting ring, abuts a radially outwardly extending braking projection in the main cover at a predetermined axial height of the pressure device relative to the main cover.

[0069] This prevents the pressure device from separating from the can when the beverage can is opened by turning the pressure device back. The design of the braking protrusion, consisting of an axial extension formed as a cylindrical wall, also offers advantages in terms of demolding.

[0070] In a further refined embodiment, it is provided that the main lid has a sealing element on the underside, which is pressed together between the underside and the beverage can lid.

[0071] This achieves a significant increase in the sealing effect of the main lid through the use of an elastic material different from that of the main lid. The sealing element is preferably flat and preferably interacts axially with the upper edge of the beverage can collar. The advantages of such sealing elements are their simplicity and wide applicability, independent of the shape of the inner surface of the beverage can collar and lid.

[0072] The sealing element can also have other shapes and cross-sections. Preferably, the sealing element can be designed as a circumferential bead or an O-ring, which is compressed substantially axially between the underside of the main lid and the obliquely upward-facing surface of the step in the inner surface of the beverage can collar.

[0073] This ensures that, with the most commonly used standard beverage cans, which have a step in the inner surface of the can collar, an area of ​​the can lid is used for pressure-resistant sealing. This area, due to its optimal angle and significantly larger surface area than the upper edge of the can collar, is utilized. In this way, the point pressure on the sealing element is reduced.

[0074] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the elongated spring elements have an arc-shaped bend outwards from the longitudinal axis in the axial course between the upper area of ​​the fastening ring from which they originate and the lower free ends, whereby the teeth, in the unlocked position of the fastening ring, enclose an inner diameter that is larger or insignificantly smaller than the outer diameter of the beverage can collar.

[0075] This ensures that when the locking device is placed on the beverage can in the unlocked state, the elongated spring elements with the inwardly directed teeth on the retaining ring are not bent outwards or only slightly bent outwards.

[0076] This shape ensures that the elongated spring elements are pressed against the beverage can with minimal tension and in a particularly even manner when the outer collar is axially moved from the upper position towards the free ends.

[0077] In a further refined embodiment, the main lid has an opening for removing the contents of the beverage can, which is accessible through an axial opening in the rotary handle body.

[0078] This means that to remove the contents of the beverage can, only a small closure, such as in a bottle, needs to be unscrewed or removed, which is more pleasant when drinking and especially practical when on the go.

[0079] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals. The drawings show: Fig. 1a. 3D exploded view of the locking device Fig. 1b. 3D exploded view of the locking device Fig. 2a. 2D sectional view of the Classic beverage can Fig. 2b. 2D sectional view of the Sleek and Slim standard beverage cans Fig. 3a. 3D sectional view of the locked closure device on the beverage can Fig. 3b. 2D sectional view of the locked closure device on the beverage can Fig. 3c. 2D partial sectional view of the locked closure device in the area of ​​the beverage can collar Fig. 4a. 3D sectional view of the unlocked locking mechanism on the beverage can Fig. 4b. 2D sectional view of the unlocked locking mechanism on the beverage can Fig. 5. 2D sectional view of the locked closure device with the sealing element with the circumferential bead. Fig. 6a. 3D representation of the retaining ring and the pressure device in the assembled state, mutually blocked during unscrewing by braking projections on the retaining ring and the pressure device. Fig. 6b. 3D representation of the retaining ring and the pressure device during assembly or disassembly, with the brake projection on the pressure device not blocked by the brake projection on the retaining ring. Fig. 7a. 3D sectional view of the locking device with an opening in the main lid, locked onto the beverage can lid. Fig. 7b. 3D detailed sectional view of the brake projections on the main cover and the pressure device Fig. 7c. 3D sectional view of the locking device with an opening in the main lid, unlocked on the beverage can lid. Fig. 7d. 3D detailed sectional view of the brake projections on the main cover and the pressure device in the position where the turning of the pressure device is blocked. Fig. 8a. 2D sectional view of the beverage can lid from below, with the main lid visible through the opening in the beverage can lid, blocked in its rotational movement by the anti-rotation protrusion. Fig. 8b. 2D sectional view of the beverage can through the anti-rotation feature in the main lid Fig. 9. 3D sectional view of the locking device with the threaded guide in the pressure device on the inside of the outer collar and the threaded guide on the fastening ring on the radial outside.

[0080] Fig. Figure 1a shows a 3D exploded view of the elements of an embodiment of the closure device 1 above the beverage can 10, arranged along a common longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L defines the vertical direction. The term axial includes the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, but is not limited to directions exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The directional terms used in this document, such as above, below, upward, downward, upper, lower, radial, circumferential, lateral, longitudinal, transverse, vertical, horizontal, and similar terms, serve for descriptive purposes and do not constitute a limitation.

[0081] The closure device 1 comprises a main cover 30 with a sealing element 36 on the underside 33, a retaining ring 50, and a pressure device 80. In the assembled state, the retaining ring 50 is movably coupled to both the pressure device 80 and the main cover 30. A movable connection between the pressure device 80 and the main cover 30 is also possible.

[0082] The main lid 30 covers the beverage can lid in such a way that, when the corresponding axial pressure is applied to the top 32, the beverage can 10 is sealed pressure-tight. The retaining ring 50 is designed to connect the closure device 1 to the beverage can 10 and to form a base for the pressure device 80, by means of which the axial pressure is generated on the top 32 of the main lid 30.

[0083] In the assembled state of the locking device 1, the retaining ring 50 radially surrounds the beverage can lid 11 and the main lid 30. The pressure device 80 radially surrounds the retaining ring 50 and is designed to lock the retaining ring 50 to the beverage can and then to generate pressure against the top 32 of the main lid 30.

[0084] Fig. Figure 1b shows a 3D exploded view of the elements arranged as in the Fig. 1a.

[0085] The beverage can 10 has an axially upward-directed beverage can lid 11, a beverage can collar 12 extending around the outer edge, an axially directed opening 20 for removing the contents, and a tear tab 24 for tearing open the opening 20 in the lid surface 22.

[0086] In this embodiment, the ring-shaped cover surface 31 of the main lid 30 extends radially from the longitudinal axis L to a circumference that allows the beverage can lid 11 to be sealed pressure-tight when axial pressure is applied from above. The cover surface 31 must be closed up to a circumference that enables pressure-tight sealing of the beverage can lid 11. The cover surface 31 itself need not be flat but can have any shape, e.g., convex or cylindrically raised. The main lid 30 has a top surface 32 facing axially upwards away from the beverage can 10 and a bottom surface 33 facing axially downwards towards the beverage can 10. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 33 has a sealing element 36 which is compressed between the bottom surface 33 and the beverage can lid 11 when axial pressure is applied to the top surface 32 of the main lid 30.The underside 33 also has an anti-rotation projection 38 which, after the main lid 30 with the sealing element 36 is placed on the beverage can lid 11, projects into the opening 20 in the beverage can lid 11. This prevents the main lid 30 from rotating freely about the common longitudinal axis L relative to the beverage can 10.

[0087] The main lid 30 has guide elements 34 which, when the closure device 1 is assembled, project into corresponding recesses 56 in the retaining ring 50, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the retaining ring 50 about the common longitudinal axis L relative to the main lid 30. This ensures that, after the assembled closure device 1 is placed on the beverage can 10, the pressure device 80 can rotate about the common longitudinal axis L relative to the beverage can 10, the main lid 30, and the retaining ring 50.

[0088] The assignment of the guide elements 34 and the recesses 56 is also possible in reverse, in which the guide elements 34 are formed on the fastening ring 50 and the recesses 56 on the main cover 30.

[0089] The guide elements 34 and the recesses 56 are designed to allow limited axial movement of the main cover 30 relative to the retaining ring 50.

[0090] The retaining ring 50, which radially surrounds the main lid 30 and the beverage can lid 11 when the closure device 1 is assembled, has a radial outer surface 51 and an axial opening 52 with an inner surface 53. Furthermore, the retaining ring 50 has a plurality of elongated spring elements 57 distributed circumferentially on its radial outer surface 51, extending downwards from the upper region of the radial outer surface 51. After the assembled closure device 1 is placed on the beverage can 1, the elongated spring elements 57 extend to below the beverage can collar 12, where they have freestanding, radially spring-loaded ends 58 with inwardly directed teeth 60.

[0091] The inner side 53 of the axial opening 52 has a threaded guide 54, the thread axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis L.

[0092] The pressure device 80 has a rotary handle body 81, which in the first preferred embodiment is designed in an annular disc shape, has a circumferential outer collar 82 extending axially downwards from the outer edge of the rotary handle body 81, and an inner axial extension 85 extending axially downwards from the area of ​​the rotary handle body 81. In this embodiment, the inner axial extension 85 is designed as an axially extending annular wall with a smaller circumference than the outer collar 82 and has a threaded guide 88 on its outer surface 86, which is designed to interact with the threaded guide 54 in the mounting ring.The inner axial extension 85 has a central pressure area 89 on its axially directed lower side, which faces the main lid 30. When the pressure device 80 is turned, this pressure area is conveyed relative to the retaining ring 50 towards the top 32 of the main lid 30 by means of force transmission and is intended to exert pressure against the top 32 of the main lid 30, thereby sealing the beverage can 10 in a pressure-tight manner.

[0093] In this embodiment, the rotary handle body 81 further comprises an axial opening 92. In other embodiments, the axial opening 92 may be closed. The axially oriented surface of the rotary handle body 81 in this embodiment may also be inclined to the longitudinal axis L and / or curved.

[0094] All elements except the sealing element 36 should preferably be made of a hard and elastic plastic such as polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, ABS, or other materials with similar properties. The main lid 30 and the elastic sealing element should be made of materials suitable for contact with food. Alternatively, if the material properties are suitable, the main lid 30 and the sealing element 36 could be made of the same material.

[0095] Fig. Figure 2a shows a 2D sectional view of the beverage can lid 11 of a standard Classic beverage can, with a step 16 in the inner surface 15 of the beverage can collar 12. The beverage can lid 11 is axially oriented upwards and has an axially oriented convex lid surface 22. The tear tab 24, which opens the opening 20 in the beverage can 10, is attached to the central point of the axially oriented convex lid surface 22. At its outermost edge, the beverage can lid 11 has a circumferential beverage can collar 12 with an axially oriented upper edge 13, a lower edge 14 of the outer surface 19, and the substantially axially oriented inner surface 15 of the beverage can collar. The maximum circumference of the beverage can collar is defined by the outer diameter a.In the Classic version of the beverage can 10, the inner surface 15 of the beverage can collar 12 has a step 16 with a circumferentially inclined surface 17 with a normal vector 18 that is directed obliquely upwards and towards the longitudinal axis L. This obliquely inclined surface 17, due to its position directly on the beverage can collar 12, which forms a stable structure, and because of its orientation, is particularly well suited for receiving a sealing element that can exert high axial pressure against the beverage can lid 11. The radial outer surface 25 of the beverage can lid extends radially from the outer edge of the axially directed convex lid surface 23 to the outer surface 19 of the beverage can collar 12.This area exhibits significantly higher stiffness and axial load-bearing capacity than the relatively flexible axially directed curved cover surface 23 and is therefore particularly preferred as a contact surface for sealing elements that are intended to generate high axial pressure against the beverage can lid 11.

[0096] Fig. Figure 2b shows the 2D sectional view of the Sleek and Slim beverage cans without a step in the inner surface 15 of the beverage can collar 12. The beverage can lid 11 of the Sleek and Slim beverage cans largely corresponds in dimensions and properties to the beverage can lid 11 of the Classic beverage can, shown in Figure 2b. Fig. 2a, except for level 16, which does not exist for this type of beverage can 10.

[0097] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows sectional views of the closure device 1 in the assembled state, in which the pressure device 80 and the retaining ring 50 interact by means of the threaded guides 54 and 88, and in which the pressure device 80 is axially in the lower locked position relative to the retaining ring 50 by turning it in the direction 97. The lower position of the pressure device 80 is characterized by the fact that the functional lower edge 84 of the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 lies axially at the level of or below the teeth 60, the teeth 60 engage under the beverage can collar 12, and the central pressure area 89 of the pressure device 80 is in contact with the upper surface 32 of the main lid 30.This results in the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 enclosing the elongated spring elements 57 at the level of the teeth 60, thereby locking the teeth radially in a position in which the diameter d1, shown in . Fig. 3b, which they enclose, smaller than the outer diameter a, shown in Fig. 3b, of the beverage can collar 12, which prevents the fastening ring 50 and with it the locking device 1 from being removed from the beverage can.

[0098] Due to the anti-rotation projection 38 being inserted into the opening 20 and the guide element 34 into the recess 56, both the main cover 30 and the retaining ring 50 are not rotatable about the longitudinal axis L. The further tightening of the pressure device 80 by the interaction of the right-hand threaded guides 54, 88, in direction 97, as shown in Fig. 3a, leads to the force-translating axial conveyance of the pressure device 80 downwards in the direction of the beverage can 10 and the axial pressure effect 96 of the central pressure area 89 against the top 32 and the opposite pressure effect 65 of the locked fastening ring 50 with the teeth 60 against the lower edge 14 of the beverage can collar 12.

[0099] Due to the axial mobility of the main cover 30 relative to the retaining ring 50, the main cover 30 with the sealing element 36 is moved downwards relative to the already locked retaining ring 50, whereby the sealing element 36 comes into contact with defined surfaces of the radial outer surface 25, as shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, force-transmitting pressure is applied. Preferably, the surface of the upper edge 13 of the beverage can collar 12 is used because the beverage can collar 12 forms the stiffest structure within the beverage can lid 11, the distance to the lower edge 14, where the teeth 60 generate the counter-pressure, is shortest, and because the axially oriented surface of the upper edge 13 can interact optimally with a sealing element 36, which in this embodiment is designed as a flat gasket. Advantages of such a sealing element are its simplicity and wide application, independent of the shape of the inner surface 15, as shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. The snaps 35 limit the maximum axial movement of the main cover 30 relative to the retaining ring 50 and also allow the separation of the main cover 30 from the retaining ring 50 e.g. for cleaning.

[0100] Rotating the printing device 80 in the opposite direction relative to direction 97, as shown in Fig. 3a, leads to the axial movement of the pressure device 80 upwards relative to the mounting direction 50, which results in the release of the pressure of the central pressure area 89 against the top 32 of the main lid 30 and venting of the beverage can 10. The further rotation of the pressure device 80 from this position in the opposite direction relative to direction 97, Fig. 3a causes the functional lower edge 84 of the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 to move axially to above the teeth 60, thereby releasing the elongated spring elements 57 from being radially locked from the outside by the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82. This allows the spring elements to bend radially back or be bent away radially to allow the pressure device 1 to be removed from the beverage can collar 12. Because the retaining ring 50 is only unlocked from the beverage can 10 when the pressure of the central pressure area 89 against the main lid 30 is released and the beverage can 10 is vented, an explosive venting when the beverage can 10 is opened is prevented.

[0101] Because the axial pressure of the pressure device 80 against the main lid 30, which is built up for pressure resistance, is variable and limited only by the axial pressure force of the pressure device 80 directly against the main lid 30 and the beverage can lid 11, this design and function of the closure device 1 enables optimal sealing even with relatively large tolerances, progressive wear, and material fatigue by means of a constantly adjusted axial distance between the main lid 30 and the beverage can lid 11 and a correspondingly adjusted pressure force 96. Since the inner diameter of the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 can be easily and precisely matched to the elementary geometry and the radial thickness of the inwardly directed teeth 60, it can be reliably ensured that the inner diameter d1, shown in Fig. 3b, which the teeth 60 enclose in the locked state of the locking device 1, is always smaller than the outer diameter a, as shown in Fig. 3b, of the beverage can collar 12, ensuring that the locking of the retaining ring 50 on the beverage can 10 always functions reliably. Furthermore, closing the beverage can 10 by tightening the pressure device 80 relative to the beverage can 10 has an important advantage over other solutions known in the prior art: no axial pressure is exerted on the beverage can 10 from above. This is crucial because, with very delicate beverage cans 10 that have wall thicknesses of only 0.1 mm, such pressure can easily lead to crushing. Therefore, unlike lids that are closed by pressure from above, no solid base is required when tightening the pressure device 80.

[0102] The elongated spring elements 57 have a preferred, substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape along the direction in which they extend from the upper region of the radial outer surface 51 to the free end 58, having an arc length and a radial width. The arcuate cross-sectional shape promotes the longest possible contact area of ​​the teeth 60 with the lower edge 14 of the beverage can 10 and the most optimally distributed pressure area between the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 and the radial outer surface 51 of the retaining ring 50.

[0103] The number of elongated spring elements 57 depends on their arc length and the tangential distances between them. The strength of the locking of the retaining ring 50 at the lower edge 14 of the beverage can collar 12 is greater the longer the total arc length of the teeth. An excessively long arc length of the cross-section results in reduced flexibility of the elongated spring elements 57. Conversely, shorter arc lengths of the cross-section necessitate a greater number of elongated spring elements 57 and, consequently, a greater number of distances between them, which in turn reduces the total arc length of the teeth 60. Arc lengths between 3 and 20 mm prove to be optimal. The radial width of the elongated spring elements 57 should also be determined such that they are flexible yet strong enough to withstand the internal pressure of over 6 bar in the beverage can 10 without tearing.

[0104] Fig. Figure 3c shows the inwardly directed teeth 60 in the retaining ring 50 in the locked state of the locking device 1. The inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 blocks radial outward movement of the elongated spring elements 57, which remain locked under the beverage can collar 12. The teeth 60 enclose the diameter d1, which is smaller than the outer diameter a of the beverage can collar 12. This locks the retaining ring 50, and with it the locking device 1, onto the beverage can 10, preventing it from being removed.

[0105] The inwardly directed teeth 60 in the elongated spring elements 57 have two sides that are directed obliquely upwards and downwards, respectively, towards the longitudinal axis L. The second lower side 63, extending from the free-standing lower end 58 of the elongated spring element 57, is directed obliquely downwards. The first upper side 61, which is higher in the axial direction, is directed obliquely upwards. The directions of the sides are indicated by corresponding vectors. The first upper side 61 has the upwardly directed vector 62, and the downwardly directed second lower side 63 has the downwardly directed vector 64.

[0106] The upward-facing first upper side 61 abuts the lower edge 14 of the beverage can collar 12 and, in the locked state of the locking device 1, prevents the locking device 1 from being pulled off the beverage can collar 12. In the unlocked state of the locking device 1, without the blocking effect of the outer collar 82, the upward-facing orientation of the first upper side 61 causes the elongated spring element 57 to be pushed radially outwards, allowing the locking device 1 to be pulled off the beverage can collar 12. When the unlocked locking device 1 is placed onto the beverage can collar 12, the second lower side 63, which is directed obliquely downwards, causes the elongated spring element 57 to be pushed radially outwards through the beverage can collar 12, allowing the locking device 1 to be slipped over the beverage can collar 12.

[0107] Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows sectional views of the locking device 1 in the assembled state, in which the pressure device 80 and the retaining ring 50 interact by means of threaded guides 54 and 88, and in which the pressure device 80 is in the upper position relative to the retaining ring 50. This position is characterized by the fact that the functional lower edge 84 of the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 is located axially above the teeth 60, so that the inner surface 83 does not enclose the elongated spring elements 57 at the level of the teeth 60 and the elongated spring elements 57 are not blocked radially outwards.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated spring elements 57 exhibit arcuate bends 59 outwards in the section plane along the longitudinal axis L, from the upper region of the radial outer surface 51, where they extend essentially in the axial direction, to free-standing ends 58. The teeth 60 thus encompass an inner diameter d2 in the unlocked position, as shown in Fig. 4b, which is greater than or approximately equal to the outer diameter a, shown in Fig. 4b, of the beverage can collar 12, whereby the teeth generate no or very little resistance when placing and removing the locking device 1 on and from the beverage can 10.

[0109] In embodiments where the elongated spring elements 57 do not have an arcuate bend 59 outwards and, as a result, the teeth 60 have a smaller inner diameter d2 when the closure device 1 is placed on the beverage can collar 12, as shown in Fig. 4b as the outer diameter a, shown in Fig. 4b of the beverage can collar 12, the teeth 60, when passing the beverage can collar 12, are pressed radially outwards by their own flexibility and the surfaces of the teeth 60, which are inclined to the beverage can collar 12, are pressed outwards.

[0110] With the locking device 1 placed on the beverage can lid 11 in the upper position of the pressure device 80, the teeth 60 are located axially spaced below the beverage can collar 12. They are pulled upwards axially towards the beverage can collar 12 as part of the retaining ring 50 from the moment when the pressure device 80 is turned in the direction 97, as shown in Fig. 4a the central pressure area 89 reaches the top 32 of the main lid 30. With a differently dimensioned fastening ring 50, it is possible that the teeth 60 are already located axially directly below the beverage can collar 12 in the upper position of the pressure device 80. By turning the pressure device 80 in direction 97, as shown in Fig. 4a, they are then only pressed radially under the beverage can collar 12 until they are axially blocked by the inside 83 of the outer collar 82 under the beverage can collar 12.

[0111] The tightening of the pressure device 80 relative to the retaining ring 50 in the direction of 97, as shown in Fig. 4a results in the pressure device 80 being moved axially downwards towards the beverage can 10, relative to the retaining ring 50, thereby transmitting force. This moves the functional lower edge 84 of the inner surface 83 of the outer collar 82 axially towards the free ends 58 of the elongated spring elements 57 and the central pressure area 89 towards the upper surface 32 of the main lid 30. In the embodiment where the elongated spring elements 57 have the arcuate bend 59, axial movement of the functional lower edge 84 downwards towards the free ends 58 of the elongated spring elements 57 causes the teeth 60 to be pressed radially inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The bend 59, distributed along the length of the elongated spring elements 57, enables gentle and material-friendly deformation of the elongated spring elements 57.The slight rounding of the functional lower edge 84, which interacts with the elongated spring elements 57 through friction, also has a gentle effect on the surface of the elongated spring elements 57.

[0112] The in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a, Fig. The features of the embodiment shown in Figure 4b can also be designed differently while maintaining their function. For example, the rotary handle body 81 can also be closed or not flat. With appropriate design of the upper surface 32 of the main cover 30, the central pressure area 89 can be formed directly on the underside of the rotary handle body 81 and not on the underside of the axial extension 85. The guide elements 34 on the main cover 30 can, instead of extending axially upwards from the outer edge of the main cover 30, also extend radially outwards from the outer edge of the main cover 30 and, for example, project essentially horizontally into the mounting ring 50, where they are not rotatable about the longitudinal axis L and are axially limited in their movement.

[0113] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the closure device 1 with the sealing element 36 formed with a circumferential bead that bears axially on the step 16 in the inner surface 15 of the beverage can collar 12 in a Classic beverage can. This bead can be formed in addition to the flat gasket or used as the sole sealing element if intended only for Classic beverage cans. An ordinary O-ring can also fulfill this function if the receptacle in the main lid 30 is appropriately designed.

[0114] Fig. 6a Fig. Figure 6a shows the retaining ring 50 and the pressure device 80 as seen from below, from the direction of the beverage can, when the retaining ring 50 and the pressure device 80 are coupled together, interacting by means of threaded guides 54 and 88, and when the pressure device 80 is in the upper position, in which the retaining ring 50 is as shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b is shown, it is unlocked.

[0115] The view shows the braking mechanism which prevents the pressure device 80 from being unscrewed from the retaining ring 50 and thus from the locking device 1 after the retaining ring 50 has been unlocked.

[0116] The threaded guide 54 has a braking projection 55 on the inside of the axial opening 53 in the retaining ring 50. This braking projection is designed as a finishing surface that is substantially perpendicular to the thread helix of the threaded guide 54. The pressure device 80, on the other hand, has a radially outwardly directed braking projection 95 located in the threaded valley 94 of the threaded guide 88. This braking projection extends radially as far as the spiral elongation 93 and, when the pressure device 80 is unscrewed from the retaining ring 50, abuts the braking projection 55 in the retaining ring 50, thus preventing the pressure device 80 from being unscrewed from the retaining ring 50. The inner axial extension 85, designed as a circumferential wall, can have axially extending cutouts 89 that are open on the side facing away from the rotary handle body 81 and form a free-standing area 90 between them.Due to the correspondingly short arc length of section 90 and its material properties, a radial elasticity can be achieved, allowing section 90 to be bent at its lower end by applying pressure from the outside inwards, in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, and thus bending the braking projection 95 away sufficiently so that it does not collide with the braking projection 55 on the mounting ring 50. This facilitates both the assembly and disassembly of the pressure device 80 and the mounting ring 50.

[0117] Fig. Figure 6b shows the retaining ring 50 and the pressure device 80 viewed from below, from the direction of the beverage can, with the section 90 bent radially inwards towards the longitudinal axis L so that the braking projection 95 on the pressure device 80 does not collide with the braking projection 55. In this state, the pressure device 80 can be coupled to the retaining ring 50 by turning it tightly or decoupled from the retaining ring 50 by turning it in the opposite direction.

[0118] Fig. 7a and Fig. Figure 7b shows an embodiment with an opening 43 in the main lid 30, which is accessible through the axial opening 92 in the rotary handle body 81 of the pressure device 80. The main lid 30 has an axial protrusion 45 with an axially directed opening 43 for dispensing the contents of the beverage can 10. In this embodiment, the pressure device 80 has the braking projection 95, directed towards the longitudinal axis L, on the inside of the inner axial extension 85, which is designed as a circumferential wall. The braking projection 95 is designed to interact with the braking projection 44 on the axial outer wall 46 of the axial protrusion 45 in the main lid when the pressure device 80 reaches the upper position during its return rotation, at which point both braking projections collide. Fig. 7a and Fig. Figure 7b shows the locking device 1 in the lower position of the pressure device 80 with the retaining ring 50 locked. When the pressure device 80 is turned out of this position, the brake projection 95 in the pressure device 80 first passes below the brake projection 44 in the main cover 30, without stopping the rotational movement.

[0119] Fig. 7c and Fig. Figure 7d shows the embodiment as in Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b with the difference that the pressure device 80 is in the upper position in which the retaining ring 50 is unlocked and in which the closure device 1 can be removed from or placed on the beverage can 10. Due to the upper axial position of the pressure device 80 relative to the retaining ring 50 and the main lid 30, the brake projection 95 in the pressure device 80 collides with the brake projection 44 in the main lid 30, thus blocking the unscrewing of the pressure device 80 from the retaining ring 50.

[0120] Fig. Figure 8a shows the axial view from inside the beverage can 10 towards the beverage can lid 11, with the underside 33 of the main lid 30 visible through the opening 20 in the beverage can lid 11. Fig. 8b shows the section view AA in Fig. 8a. Fig. 8a and Fig. Figure 8b shows the main lid 30 in a position in which the rotational movement about the longitudinal axis L is blocked by the anti-rotation projection 38 in the opening 20. After rotation about the longitudinal axis L, the anti-rotation projection 38, which projects into the opening 20, abuts the edge 21 in the beverage can lid 11 with its lateral contact surface 39.

[0121] The lateral contact surface 39 is designed to offer the longest possible contact line 41 and a favorable angle, thus preventing the anti-rotation projection 38 from being damaged by pressure against the sharp edge 21 and, conversely, preventing the anti-rotation projection 38 from deforming or damaging the beverage can lid 11 through localized pressure. Furthermore, the lateral contact surface 39 is inclined such that an angle α exists between the downwardly directed normal 40 of the surface 39 and the horizontal surface, preferably between 25° and 60°. This causes the pressure from the lateral contact surface 39 to bend the sheet metal of the axially directed lid surface 22 downwards, so that the lateral contact surface 39 presses against the lid surface 22 and not against the sharp edge 21, thus protecting both the anti-rotation projection 38 and the beverage can 10.

[0122] Fig.Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the locking device 1 in which the threaded guide 54 is formed in the fastening ring 50 on the radial outer side 51 and the threaded guide 88 cooperating with it is formed in the pressure device 80 on the inner side 83 of the outer collar 82.

[0123] In this embodiment, the pressure device 80 has the braking projection 95, directed towards the longitudinal axis L, on the inside of the inner extension 85, which is designed as a circumferential wall. This braking projection 95 is designed to interact with the braking projection 44 on the axial outer wall 46 of the axial elevation 45 in the main cover 30 when the pressure device 80 reaches the upper position during its return rotation, at which point both braking projections collide.

[0124] With such a solution, it would also be possible to dispense with the inner axial extension 85. The central pressure area 89 could then be formed by a partial area of ​​the underside of the surface of the rotary handle body 81, which could interact axially with the axially oriented surface of the axial elevation 45. Reference symbol list 1 locking device 10 beverage cans 11 beverage can lids 12 beverage can collars 13 Upper edge of the beverage can collar 14 Lower edge of the beverage can collar 15 Inner surface of the beverage can collar 16 steps in the inner surface of the beverage can collar 17. Sloping upward-facing surface in the step 18 Normal vector on the obliquely upward-pointing surface 19 Outer surface of the beverage can collar 20 Opening in the beverage can lid 21 Edge of the opening 22 Axially oriented curved cover surface 23 Outer edge of the axially oriented cover surface 24 tear-off tabs 25 Radial outer surface of the beverage can lid 30 Main lids 31 Cover area 32 Top 33 Underside 34 Guide element 35 bargains 36 Sealing element 37 Circumferential bead 38 anti-rotation advantage 39 Lateral contact surface of the anti-rotation protrusion 40 normals from the contact point 41 Length of the contact line between the edge of the opening and the lateral surface of the anti-rotation protrusion 42 Direction of rotation of the main lid when turning it shut 43 Opening in the main lid 44 Brake protrusion on the main cover 45 Axial increase 46 Axial outer wall of the axial elevation 50 fastening rings 51 Radial outer side 52 Axial opening 53 Inside of the axial opening 54 Threaded guide on the mounting ring 55 Brake protrusion in the mounting ring 56 Recess for the guide element 57 Elongated spring element 58 Freestanding end of the elongated spring element 59 Outward-curving arc 60 teeth 61 First upper side of the tooth 62 Normal vector first upper side 63 Second bottom page 64 Normal vector second lower side 65 Pressure effect of the fastening ring when tightening 80 Printing device 81 Rotary handle bodies 82 Outer collar 83 Inside of the outer collar 84 Functional lower edge of the inside of the outer collar 85 Inner axial process 86 Outer surface of the inner axial process 87 Inner side of the inner axial process 88 Threaded guide on the printing device 89 Central printing area 90 Axially extending cutout in the inner axial process 91 Area between the cutouts 92 Axial opening in the rotary handle body 93 Spiral-shaped elevation of the threaded guide in the printing device 94 Thread valley of the threaded guide 95 Brake projection in the pressure device 96 Pressure effect of the pressure device when tightening 97 Direction of rotation when tightening a right-hand thread 98 Functional lower edge of the inside of the outer collar 98 Lower shaping of the outer collar L Longitudinal axis A Outer diameter of the beverage can collar α Angle between the horizontal surface and the normal at the contact point between the anti-rotation protrusion in the main lid and the edge of the opening in the beverage can lid. d1 Inner diameter enclosed by the teeth in the retaining ring in the locked state d2 inner diameter enclosed by the teeth in the retaining ring in the unlocked state, bent outwards in the case of elongated spring elements 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] US 5209362

[0006] US 20040035869

[0008]

Claims

[1] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10), which have a longitudinal axis (L), an axially upwardly directed beverage can lid (11) with an opening (20) and a beverage can collar (12), comprising: • a main lid (30) for pressure-resistant sealing of the beverage can (19) by axial pressure of said main lid (30) against at least a closed partial area of ​​the beverage can lid (11), a main lid (30) which has a closed lid surface (31); • a fastening ring (50) for axial attachment to the beverage can (10), which is at least one-piece and radially at least partially surrounds the main lid (30) and the beverage can lid (11), the fastening ring (50) having a radial outer surface (51), an axial opening (52) with a radial inner surface (53) and at least one threaded guide (54) whose thread axis coincides with the longitudinal axis (L);• a pressure device (80) comprising a rotary handle body (81), at least one axial extension formed by the rotary handle body (81) and at least one threaded guide (88) designed to interact with the threaded guide (54) on the retaining ring (50) such that, by tightening the pressure device (80) relative to the retaining ring (50), the pressure device (80) is conveyed axially relative to the retaining ring (50) and towards the top (32) of the main cover, wherein a central pressure area (89) is provided on the pressure device (80) to interact with the top (32) of the main cover (30) by exerting pressure through the axial opening (52) in the retaining ring (50);wherein the main cover (30) interacts with at least one of the further parts (50, 80) of the closure device (1) by means of at least one guide element (34) and a corresponding recess (56) in the counterpart such that the said main cover (30) is axially limited in its movement relative to the fastening ring (50) and is limited in its rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. [2] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to claim 1 wherein the main lid (30) has at least one anti-rotation projection (38) on the underside (33) which, by projecting into the opening (20) in the beverage can lid (11), limits the rotational movement of the main lid (30) relative to the beverage can (10) about the longitudinal axis (L). [3] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial extension, which is designed as an inner axial extension (85) in the pressure device (80), has an axially extending outer surface (86) with the threaded guide (88), wherein the retaining ring (50) has a threaded guide (54) on the inside (53) of the axial opening (52), a threaded guide (54) which interacts with the threaded guide (88) on the outside (86) of the inner axial extension (85) of the pressure device (80). [4] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end point when turning the pressure device relative to the fastening ring is determined by a counterforce resulting from the variable axial pressure force of the main lid against the beverage can lid. [5] A closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining ring (50) has a plurality of elongated spring elements (57) distributed circumferentially around the beverage can collar, elongated spring elements (57) which, after the closure device (1) has been placed on the beverage can (10), extend from above the beverage can collar (12) to below the beverage can collar (12), where they have free-standing radially resilient ends (58) with inwardly directed teeth (60), wherein, when radial pressure is applied from the outside against the free-standing ends (58) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), said teeth (60) are pressed under the beverage can collar (12), thereby axially locking the retaining ring (50) to the beverage can lid (11). [6] A closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial extension, which is preferably designed as an outer axial extension (82) and is further referred to as the outer collar (82), at least partially radially surrounds the retaining ring and has an axial length in which the axial pressure can only be built up by means of the central pressure area (89) against the top (32) of the main lid (30) when the pressure device (80) has a lower axial position relative to the retaining ring (50), in which the inside (83) of the outer collar (82) surrounds the retaining ring (50) at the level of the free ends (58) of the elongated spring elements (57), whereby the retaining ring (50) is locked to the beverage can (10). [7] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner axial extension (85), which is preferably designed as a circumferential wall, has a radially outwardly directed braking projection (95) on the radial outer side (86), which, when the pressure device (80) is unscrewed from the retaining ring (50), abuts in tangential direction to the thread helix of the threaded guides (54, 88) a braking projection (55) in the retaining ring (50), which extends radially inwards from the inner side (53) of the axial opening (52) in the retaining ring (50), thereby preventing the pressure device (80) from being unscrewed from the retaining ring (50). [8] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to any of the preceding claims except claims 3 and 7, wherein the outer collar (82) has a threaded guide (88) on the radial inner side (83) which interacts with the threaded guide (54) which is formed on the radial outer side (51) of the fastening ring (50). [9] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to any of the preceding claims except claim 7, wherein the inner axial extension (85) preferably designed as a circumferential wall in the pressure device (80) has a radially inwardly directed braking projection (95) on the inside (87) of the circumferential wall, which, when the pressure device (80) is unscrewed from the retaining ring (50), abuts a radially outwardly extending braking projection (44) in the main lid (30) at a predetermined axial height of the pressure device (80) relative to the main lid (30). [10] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main lid (30) has a sealing element (36) on the underside (33) which is pressed together between the underside (33) and the beverage can lid (11). [11] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated spring elements (57) have an arcuate bend (59) outwards from the longitudinal axis (L) in the axial course between the upper region of the retaining ring (50), from which they originate and the lower free ends (58), whereby the teeth (60) in the unlocked position of the retaining ring (50) enclose an inner diameter (d2) which is larger or insignificantly smaller than the outer diameter (a) of the beverage can collar (12). [12] Closure device (1) for pressure-resistant closure of the opened beverage cans (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main lid (30) has an opening (43) for removing the contents of the beverage can (10), which is accessible through an axial opening (92) in the rotary handle body (81).

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