Closure for a reusable drinking bottle and bottle system

Abstract

Closure (100) for a reusable drinking bottle (440), wherein the closure (100) has the following features: a base body (102) with an internal thread (320) for screwing the closure (100) onto an opening geometry of a bottle neck (440) of the drinking bottle (440), with an outlet channel (328) to allow liquid to escape from the drinking bottle (440) and with a locking geometry (108), wherein the base body (102) forms a first component of a two-component injection-molded part consisting of a first material, and wherein the internal thread (320) has a diameter of 44.1 ± 0.4 mm; an annular sealing element (322) for sealing the base body (102) against the bottle neck (440) of the drinking bottle (440), wherein the sealing element (322) forms a second component of the two-component injection-molded part made of a second material, the second material having greater elasticity than the first material; and a cover (104) which is movably connected to the base body (102) by means of a hinge (106) between a closed position and an open position and has a counter-locking geometry (110), wherein the cover (104) is shaped to close the outlet channel (328) of the base body (102) in the closed position and to release it in an open position, and wherein the counter-locking geometry (110) is shaped to lock with the locking geometry (108) of the base body (102) when the cover (104) is moved into the closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a closure for a reusable drinking bottle and a bottle system.

[0002] Reusable water bottles are used, for example, during leisure activities or sports. After filling, these bottles are typically sealed with a screw-on cap. Such caps, also known as sports caps, often exhibit insufficient sealing against CO2 pressure, require additional O-rings with separate installation, and can be difficult to use.

[0003] Based on this, the task is to create an improved closure for a reusable water bottle and an improved hydration system.

[0004] This problem is solved by a closure for a reusable drinking bottle and a drinking system according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] Advantageously, a two-component closure with integrated sealing element ensures complete tightness without O-rings and high pressure resistance, as well as enabling ergonomic use and assembly-free series production in 2K injection molding.

[0006] A suitable closure for a reusable drinking bottle has the following features: a base body with an internal thread for screwing the closure onto an opening geometry of a bottle neck of the drinking bottle, with an outlet channel to allow liquid to escape from the drinking bottle and with a locking geometry, wherein the base body forms a first component of a two-component injection molded part consisting of a first material, and wherein the internal thread has a diameter of 44.1 ± 0.4 mm; an annular sealing element for sealing the base body against the neck of the drinking bottle, wherein the sealing element forms a second component of the two-component injection-molded part made of a second material, the second material having greater elasticity than the first material; and a lid which is movably connected to the base body by means of a hinge between a closed position and an open position and has a counter-locking geometry, wherein the lid is shaped to close the outlet channel of the base body in the closed position and to release it in an open position, and wherein the counter-locking geometry is shaped to lock with the locking geometry of the base body when the lid is moved into the closed position.

[0007] The base body and the sealing element can be manufactured as a single part in a joint process step of a two-component injection molding process. In such a two-component injection molding process, at least two different materials can be injected into an injection mold to form an object that is formed from different sections of the different materials. The base body can, for example, be molded as a hard polypropylene (PP) base body. The hardness or elasticity of the base body can correspond to the hardness of known closures. The sealing element can be implemented as a TPE sealing element that is injection-molded onto the base body during the process. The hardness or elasticity of the sealing element can correspond to the hardness of known sealing elements. The lid can, for example, be molded with a film hinge and a click-lock mechanism.The closure can also be described as a two-component sports closure with an integrated sealing system.

[0008] The internal thread can be shaped to correspond to the neck geometry of the bottle, for example, to the external thread of the bottle neck. The internal thread can be specifically designed for a Greiner Kavodrink bottle neck. ® It should be adapted to the drinking bottle range.

[0009] The base body can be molded from a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP). For example, the base material can have a hardness between Shore D = 63 and Shore D = 67. This allows for the creation of a lightweight, easy-to-handle, and durable base body.

[0010] The sealing element can be made from a soft, elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the second material of the sealing element can have a hardness between Shore A = 68 and Shore A = 72. This allows for good sealing properties.

[0011] The sealing element can form a radial sealing lip to seal the base body against the upper edge of the bottle neck. Such a radial sealing lip can have a length between 1.3 mm and 1.8 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing element can form an axial sealing lip to seal the base body against the inner wall of the bottle neck. Such an axial sealing lip can have a length between 1.1 mm and 1.8 mm. High pressure resistance can be achieved by using both the radial and axial sealing lips. For example, the sealing element can be designed to ensure high pressure resistance when the closure is formed onto the bottle neck. The closure is specifically intended for Kavodrink bottles, i.e., bottles that are used repeatedly on a daily basis.Accordingly, the CO2 does not need to be retained for months, as in a classic reusable mineral water bottle or a conventional single-use PET bottle. Nor is the goal to maintain defined maximum internal pressures within the bottle. Therefore, this refers to CO2 retention under normal use. Normal use assumes that the bottle's contents are typically consumed completely once or twice a day. Furthermore, this also implies that the bottle is not exposed to significant heat, such as that which can occur during logistics in retail.

[0012] The overall height of the closure can be between 30 mm and 40 mm. This allows the closure to be shaped for easy handling.

[0013] The hinge can be designed as a film hinge. For example, the hinge thickness of a film hinge can range between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. Such a hinge can be durable and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] The detent geometry and the counter-detent geometry can form a one-handed click mechanism. For example, the detent geometry and the counter-detent geometry can be designed to create a click-lock between the lid and the base body when the lid is moved into the closed position. The detent geometry and the counter-detent geometry can also be designed to be decoupled in the closed position by means of one-handed operation, allowing the lid to be moved into the open position. This makes the closure easy to operate, especially allowing it to be opened and closed with just one hand, while simultaneously ensuring a high level of sealing.

[0015] An outer surface of the base body can have a texture to form a handle structure. The texture can be shaped as a partially circumferential diamond pattern. The handle structure can ensure a secure grip.

[0016] A corresponding bottle system includes a closure and a reusable drinking bottle. When screwed on, the closure can be attached to the neck of the drinking bottle using a familiar type of closure. With the lid closed, the drinking bottle is sealed leak-proof, preventing any liquid from escaping. When the lid is open, the liquid can be dispensed through the outlet channel in the bottle body.

[0017] The following figures describe exemplary embodiments of the closure in more detail. It shows Fig. 1. A representation of an exemplary embodiment of a closure; Fig. 2 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure; Fig. 3 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle system; Fig. 5 a sectional view of an embodiment of a basic body of a closure; and Fig. 6 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle neck of a bottle.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a closure 100, which can be used, for example, in connection with a bottle system, as exemplified in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0019] The closure 100 comprises a base body 102 and a lid 104. The base body 102 and the lid 104 are connected to each other by means of a hinge 106. For illustrative purposes only, the hinge 106 is designed as a film hinge. The hinge 106 allows the lid 104 to move between a closed position, as described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the lid in an open position, in which the lid 104 is folded away from the base body 104 by at least 90°. In the closed position, the lid 104 is locked.

[0020] Optionally, a lid stop is formed adjacent to a lid hinge transition, i.e., adjacent to a hinge area.

[0021] The base body 104 has a detent geometry 108 and the lid 104 has a counter-detent geometry 110. When the lid 104 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the detent geometry 108 and the counter-detent geometry 110 engage, thus preventing the lid 104 from opening unintentionally. By appropriate actuation with one hand by a user, the detent geometry 108 and the counter-detent geometry 110 can be decoupled from each other, and the lid 104 can then be moved into the open position.

[0022] The locking geometry 108 and the counter-locking geometry 110 are, for example, components of a one-handed click mechanism. Thus, the lid 104 can be secured by means of a locking mechanism, for example with a snap geometry.

[0023] For example, the detent geometry 108 includes a detent lug and the counter-detent geometry 110 includes a recess corresponding to the detent lug.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the counter-latching geometry 110 is coupled to a pressure element 112 of the lid 104. Pressure, for example exerted by the thumb of a hand, on the pressure element 112 causes the counter-latching geometry 110 to lift away from the latching geometry, so that the lid 104 can be moved from the closed position to the open position, for example by a corresponding movement of the thumb resting on the pressure element 112.

[0025] According to one embodiment, an outer wall of the base body 102 is partially provided with a texture 114. The texture 114 is formed, for example, at least on one side of the base body 102 opposite the locking geometry 110, in order to provide sufficient grip for another finger of the hand when the lid 104 is moved. For example, the texture 114 is formed as a diamond texture.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the closed closure 100 with a visible diamond structure as texture 114. The pressure element 112 can also be described as an operating surface for a pressure lock.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a closure 100, for example, the one based on Fig. 1 of the closure shown. The lid 104 is shown cut open to reveal a section of the base body 102 covered by the lid 104.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a closure 100, for example, the one based on Fig. 1 of the closure shown. The section runs through both the base body 102 and the lid 104. The lid 104 is shown in the closed position.

[0029] The base body 102 has an internal thread 320, which allows the closure 100 to be screwed onto a corresponding external thread of a bottle neck of a drinking bottle, as exemplified in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0030] The base body 102 also includes a sealing element 322, which is also referred to as an internal seal. When the closure 100 is screwed onto the bottle neck and tightened, for example, by hand, the sealing element 322 is pressed against the bottle neck, thereby creating a seal between the bottle neck and the base body 102.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sealing element 322 comprises an axial sealing lip 324 and additionally or alternatively a radial sealing lip 326. According to one embodiment, the sealing element 322 is annular. According to one embodiment, the axial sealing lip 324 and the radial sealing lip 326 are formed as a single, continuous element and each form a circumferential closed ring.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the base body 102 comprises a cylindrical section, also referred to as a threaded receptacle, and a cover section adjoining the cylindrical section. The internal thread 320 is formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical section. The optional texture is formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical section. According to one embodiment, the sealing element 322 is formed at a transition between the cylindrical section and the cover section.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the axial sealing lip 324 is shaped to seal the base body 102 against an inner wall of the bottle neck and the radial sealing lip 326 is shaped to seal the base body against an upper edge of the bottle neck.

[0034] The base body 102 further comprises an outlet channel 328. For example, the outlet channel 328 is tubular and allows liquid to flow out of the drinking bottle when the lid 104 is in the open position. According to one embodiment, the outlet channel 328 and the cylindrical section of the base body 102 extend on opposite sides of the lid section of the base body 102, with the outlet channel 328 opening through the lid section into the cylindrical section.

[0035] In the closed position of the cover 104 shown, the outlet channel 328 is fluid-tightly sealed by a sealing section 230 of the cover 104.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the body of the cover 104 is formed from the first material and the sealing section 230 from the second material.

[0037] The base body 102 and the sealing element 104 are formed as a multi-component injection-molded part comprising at least two components, specifically as a two-component injection-molded part. The base body 102 is formed from a first material, and the sealing element 326 from a second material. The first material is harder than the second material, or in other words, the second material is more elastic than the first.

[0038] For example, the base body is molded from a thermoplastic material, here polypropylene. The sealing element 104, on the other hand, is molded from a soft, elastic material, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0039] Out of Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a complete internal structure, including the sealing lips 324, 326, the base body 102 (also referred to as the body), a material transition, and a hinge receptacle. The thread geometry and threads of the internal thread 320 are also shown.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the internal thread 320, also referred to as the thread, has a diameter of approximately 44 mm, in particular a diameter of 44.1 ± 0.4 mm, and / or the axial sealing lip 324 has a longitudinal extent of approximately 1.5 mm, and / or the radial sealing lip 326 has a longitudinal extent of approximately 1.3–1.5 mm. The hinge thickness is, for example, approximately 0.8 mm. The overall height of the closure 100 is, for example, approximately 35 mm. Tolerances apply in accordance with ISO 2768-mK.

[0041] The closure 100, also referred to as an assembly, comprises, according to one embodiment, the following components, each designed to be food-safe: the sealing element 322, for example made of TPE and weighing for example 1.2 g; the base body, for example made of PP and weighing for example 9.4 g; a lid seal of the lid 104, for example made of TPE and weighing for example 1.0 g; and a lid body of the lid 104, for example made of PP and weighing for example 3.5 g. PP: PP copolymer (hard) - Shore D ~ 65, food-safe according to EU 10 / 2011 TPE: TPE-SEBS (soft) - Shore A ~ 70, also food-safe

[0042] According to one embodiment, a manufacturing process for producing the closure 100 comprises a two-component injection molding process. This process utilizes integral adhesion between PP and TPE. Optionally, a surface structure for texture is introduced by tool milling. Advantageously, no post-assembly is required.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the function and performance of the shutter 100 can be highlighted as one-handed operation via a click mechanism, high CO2 tightness, a durable film hinge and a grippy surface structure.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the advantages of the closure 100 include O-ring freedom, CO2 resistance, 2K assembly freedom, ergonomic handling, compatibility with the openings of special bottles and mass production capability.

[0045] In terms of industrial applications, it is ideally suited for sports, outdoor, and reusable bottles. The 100 closure is suitable for large-scale production using injection molding.

[0046] The closure 100 is manufactured according to an exemplary embodiment using a two-component injection molding process (2K), in which the integrated sealing lips 324, 326 and a one-hand click mechanism are combined to ensure convenient operation, excellent sealing and suitability for CO2-containing beverages.

[0047] This technical product development, according to one embodiment, concerns closure systems for beverage containers, in particular sports closures for reusable bottles, which are compatible with the Greiner Kavodrink. ® The closure is compatible with various mouth geometries. The 100 closure is compact, airtight, and ergonomic. It allows for one-handed operation and is suitable for both still and carbonated beverages.

[0048] Advantageously, the 100 closure offers sufficient tightness for carbonated beverages without the need for additional, manually installed sealing rings. The closure combines Kavodrink compatibility, integrated seals, and CO2 resistance in a single two-component injection molding process.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the closure 100 is a two-component (2K) sports closure, consisting of the rigid thermoplastic base body 102, which integrates the thread and the handle structure, a soft-elastic sealing component in the form of the sealing element 322, which is injection-molded with the base body 102 in the same cycle and forms the axial and radial sealing lips 324, 326, and the movable lid 104 with click locking mechanism, which enables one-handed operation.

[0050] The Closure 100 represents a compact, durable and leak-proof closure that is manufactured without separate seals and is fully CO2 compatible.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the base body 102 is a rigid, cylindrical component made of food-grade polypropylene (PP) with an internal thread 320, a hinge receptacle, and a locking area. The outer surface has a diamond texture to ensure secure handling.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sealing element 322 is a TPE element injection-molded in the same tool cycle, forming the two sealing lips 324, 326 for sealing at the upper edge of the bottle and for sealing at the inner wall of the bottle neck. The TPE material is chemically and mechanically bonded to the base body 102.

[0053] According to one embodiment, an integrated film hinge allows for repeated opening and closing movements. The lid 104 locks precisely into the closed position.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a front-facing detent geometry with a noticeable click when closing. This ensures convenient one-handed operation and reliable locking.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the outlet channel 328 is arranged centrally below the cover 104 to enable a uniform and controlled discharge of liquid.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a threaded receptacle of the closure 100 is precisely adapted to the Greiner Kavodrink ® -Mouth adapted and designed for a secure fit.

[0057] According to one embodiment, there is a material transition between the base body 102 and the sealing element 322 between a hard and a soft component (2K interface).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the closure 100 is manufactured using a two-component injection molding process with a rotary or push-back unit. No subsequent assembly is required. The two-component bond ensures permanent adhesion. Optionally, a textured surface structure can be created directly by milling within the mold.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the lid opens when the locking mechanism is pressed. It audibly clicks into place when pressed down.

[0060] The sealing element 322 with double lips ensures tightness even under CO2 pressure.

[0061] One-handed operation is possible. A textured surface ensures a secure grip, even during athletic use. A one-handed click mechanism allows for ergonomic and reliable operation. Durability is guaranteed by a wear-resistant two-component bond for repeated use. Cost-efficiency is achieved through a single injection molding cycle without additional assembly. High design quality is realized through clean lines, an audible click, and a pleasant feel.

[0062] The 100 closure is designed for industrial series production in 2K injection molding.

[0063] The design can be modularly adapted to different bottle openings.

[0064] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a bottle system 400. The bottle system 400 comprises a drinking bottle 440 with a base 442 for storing a liquid and a bottle neck 444 with an opening geometry. The bottle system 400 further comprises an embodiment of a closure 100 as described with reference to the preceding figures. The closure 100 is shown screwed onto the bottle neck 444 with the lid closed.

[0065] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a basic body 102 of a closure, as described with reference to the preceding figures.

[0066] The internal thread 320 has a diameter of 44.1 ± 0.4 mm. According to one embodiment, a circumferential wall of the base body 102 has an outer diameter of 52.65 ± 0.80 mm and an inner diameter of 47.146 ± 0.60 mm.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bottle neck 444 of a bottle, as found, for example, in Fig. Figure 4 shows this. For example, the bottle neck 444 has an outer diameter of 43.2 ± 0.15 mm and an inner diameter of 39.2 ± 0.15 mm. An external thread 620 of the bottle neck 444 has a diameter of 45.5 ± 0.15 mm.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the internal thread of the internal thread described with reference to the preceding figures is formed corresponding to the external thread 620, so that the closure can be screwed onto the bottle neck 444. 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 non-patent literature

[0000] EU 10 / 2011

[0041]

Claims

[1] Closure (100) for a reusable drinking bottle (440), wherein the closure (100) has the following features: a base body (102) with an internal thread (320) for screwing the closure (100) onto an opening geometry of a bottle neck (440) of the drinking bottle (440), with an outlet channel (328) to allow liquid to escape from the drinking bottle (440) and with a locking geometry (108), wherein the base body (102) forms a first component of a two-component injection-molded part consisting of a first material, and wherein the internal thread (320) has a diameter of 44.1 ± 0.4 mm; an annular sealing element (322) for sealing the base body (102) against the bottle neck (440) of the drinking bottle (440), wherein the sealing element (322) forms a second component of the two-component injection-molded part made of a second material, the second material having greater elasticity than the first material; and a cover (104) which is movably connected to the base body (102) by means of a hinge (106) between a closed position and an open position and has a counter-locking geometry (110), wherein the cover (104) is shaped to close the outlet channel (328) of the base body (102) in the closed position and to release it in an open position, and wherein the counter-locking geometry (110) is shaped to lock with the locking geometry (108) of the base body (102) when the cover (104) is moved into the closed position. [2] Closure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base body (102) is formed from a thermoplastic material. [3] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (102) is formed from polypropylene. [4] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first material has a hardness between Shore D = 63 and Shore D = 67. [5] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (322) is formed from a soft elastic material. [6] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (322) is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. [7] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second material has a hardness between Shore A = 68 and Shore A = 72. [8] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (322) forms a radial sealing lip (326) for sealing the base body (102) against an upper bottle edge of the bottle neck (440). [9] Closure (100) according to claim 8, wherein the radial sealing lip (326) has a length between 1.3 mm and 1.8 mm. [10] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (322) forms an axial sealing lip (324) for sealing the base body (102) against an inner wall of the bottle neck (440). [11] Closure (100) according to claim 10, wherein the axial sealing lip (324) has a length between 1.1 mm and 1.8 mm. [12] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (322) is shaped to ensure CO2 pressure resistance in a state of the closure (100) being screwed onto the bottle neck (440). [13] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overall height of the closure (100) is between 30 mm and 40 mm. [14] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (106) is designed as a film hinge. [15] Closure (100) according to claim 14, wherein the hinge thickness of the film hinge is between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. [16] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detent geometry (108) and the counter-detent geometry (110) form a one-handed click mechanism. [17] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detent geometry (108) and the counter-detent geometry (110) are designed to effect a click locking between the cover (104) and the base body (102) when the cover (104) is moved into the closed position. [18] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detent geometry (108) and the counter-detent geometry (110) are designed to be decoupled in the closed position by means of a one-hand operation in order to allow movement of the cover (104) into the open position. [19] Closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the base body (102) has a texture (114) for forming a handle structure. [20] Closure (100) according to claim 19, wherein the texture (114) is formed as a partially circumferential diamond texture. [21] Bottle system comprising a closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims and the reusable drinking bottle (440).

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