Opening element for opening screw caps

Abstract

Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) for screw caps (100), forming a receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) for receiving the screw cap (100), comprising at least one tooth (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53) projecting into the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) with a tip and a counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) limiting the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) with an end edge.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an opening element for opening screw caps, such as those typically used for drinking bottles. With such an opening element, a screw cap can be removed more easily and with less finger force.

[0002] Various opening elements for screw caps are known from the state of the art.

[0003] The object of the invention is to improve the usability of such opening elements, in particular to prevent the teeth from slipping or sliding through even when only slight forces are applied to the opening element. The aim of the invention is to ensure that the opening element adheres to the screw cap with only minimal force and that this mutual adhesion between the opening element and the screw cap is maintained even when the bottle is opened, i.e., when the screw cap is first turned relative to the bottle body, which requires a greater force in the form of a breakaway force.

[0004] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the opening element for screw caps forms a receiving area for receiving the screw cap, comprising at least one tooth with a tip projecting into the receiving area and a counter-pressure element limiting the receiving area with an end edge.

[0005] A particular advantage is that, after a single application of force, the tooth(s) penetrate the screw cap and become entangled or gripped by the cap material or by grooves running along the outside of the cap. This creates a firm connection between the opening element and the screw cap, allowing the cap to be manipulated with the opening element using only minimal force.

[0006] A preferred embodiment of the invention, which improves manipulability and prevents slippage, provides that at least one tooth projects into the receiving area from a first predetermined baseline, or that a plurality of teeth are present which are arranged along a first baseline, and that the end edge of the counter-pressure element is defined by a second baseline. - wherein the first baseline and the second baseline are at an angle of 35° to 60° to each other.

[0007] To further improve manipulation and to further prevent the opening element from slipping off a screw cap, the angle between the two baselines may be between 42° and 52°.

[0008] A preferred improvement of the invention, which improves manipulability and prevents slippage, provides that the tooth or teeth and the counter-pressure element are arranged such that a cylindrical object located in the receiving area, in particular a screw cap, with a predetermined radius of between 10 mm and 20 mm, in particular 15 mm, can be brought into contact with the opening element in such a way that - that the tooth or teeth lie against the object on a first circumferential area of ​​the object and - that the counter-pressure element rests on a second circumferential area of ​​the object, and - that the two circumferential areas have an angular distance of 120° to 150° to each other.

[0009] To prevent the opening element from losing its grip on the screw cap during manipulation due to a shock or unintentional hand movement, and to allow for re-attachment, it may be provided that the opening element is enclosed by a closed, circumferential receiving frame, wherein the receiving frame limits the receiving area from the outside and the tooth or teeth and the counter-pressure element are arranged inside it.

[0010] A receptacle with which a screw cap can be pressed particularly easily onto the teeth and the counter-pressure element, and with which slippage is thus avoided, provides that the recess defining the receptacle area in the receptacle frame is defined outside the area of ​​the tooth or teeth and the counter-pressure element by two circular surfaces that contact the tooth group and the counter-pressure element at one point.

[0011] An advantageous adaptation to certain types of screw caps provides that - the first circular area has a radius of between 15 mm and 20 mm, in particular 16.5 mm, and the radius of the second smaller circular area is between 10 mm and 15 mm, in particular 13 mm, and / or - the distance between the centers of the two circular areas (K1, K2) is between 4 mm and 7 mm, and / or - the angle between the circumferential area of ​​the first circular surface where it rests against the tooth or teeth or lies within the area of ​​the tooth or teeth, and the circumferential area of ​​the first circular surface where it rests against the counter-pressure element or lies within the area of ​​the counter-pressure element, is between 110° and 140°, and / or - the angle between the circumferential area of ​​the second circular surface, where it rests against the tooth or teeth or lies in the area of ​​the tooth or teeth, and the circumferential area of ​​the first second surface, where it rests against the counter-pressure element or lies in the area of ​​the counter-pressure element, is between 110° and 140°.

[0012] A particularly simple design and manufacturing process for such an opening device is achieved by forming the opening element from a sheet metal base body with a predetermined outer shape, from which the receiving area is recessed. In particular, the tooth(s) and the counter-pressure element, as well as the receiving frame, are formed within the sheet metal base body. This approach allows the opening element to be extremely flat and thin, approximately the size of a credit card, while functioning perfectly. It requires no moving mechanism and can open all common PET screw caps in an instant.

[0013] For the same purpose, it can additionally be provided that the shape of the opening element remains unchanged in the direction of the thickness of the sheet metal base body, the sheet metal base body being formed in particular by stamping.

[0014] A particularly simple handling and an advantageous way of applying a torque is provided that, with the exception of the design of the tooth or teeth and the counter-pressure element, it is symmetrically constructed with respect to a plane of symmetry, wherein in particular the first baseline and the second baseline enclose the same angle to the plane of symmetry, and in particular are also symmetrical to the plane of symmetry.

[0015] Good adhesion of the opening element to the screw cap is achieved by ensuring that the radius of the tooth tips is less than 0.1 mm.

[0016] Furthermore, good adhesion of the opening element to the screw cap is achieved by providing a number of between two and seven teeth, preferably between three and four teeth, which protrude from the same baseline or whose tips are arranged on the same baseline.

[0017] To further improve adhesion, it may also be provided that the angle of the tooth flanks of the tooth or teeth to the first baseline is greater than 90°.

[0018] To prevent the opening element from slipping off the screw cap, it may be provided that - the tooth flanks of the tooth or teeth, rising in the preferred direction, form an angle between 130° and 150° with the first baseline, and / or - the tooth flanks of the tooth or teeth falling in the preferred direction form an angle between 95° and 120° with the first baseline, and / or - the teeth are inclined or aligned in a preferred direction of the baseline.

[0019] It can advantageously be provided that the inner product or scalar product of a vector normal to the surface of the counter-pressure element pointing into the receiving area and the preferred direction is less than zero.

[0020] Similarly, to prevent the opening element from slipping off the screw cap, the end edge of the counter-pressure element may be provided with a straight section that runs along the second straight line.

[0021] Manipulation is facilitated by the opening element further comprising a handle element, which is preferably formed from the sheet metal base body.

[0022] To prevent the screw cap from tilting in the opening element, thereby losing its hold and subsequently slipping, the opening element may further comprise a retaining element that forms a stop surface facing the receiving area and lying in a stop plane, wherein in particular a) the stop plane which is essentially parallel to the base plane in which the first and second base lines lie and / or in which the sheet metal base body runs and / or b) the stop plane has a distance of between 1 mm and 5 mm from the tooth or teeth and / or the counter-pressure element and / or from the sheet metal base.

[0023] In order to manufacture such an opening element simply and to avoid a complex process of forming the retaining element as an integral part of the sheet metal base body, it can be provided that the retaining element is designed as a separate component that is snap-fitted to the sheet metal base body, wherein the sheet metal base body has snap recesses for receiving the retaining element, in particular releasably.

[0024] Various embodiments of the invention are illustrated below by way of example and without limiting the general inventive idea with reference to the drawing figures: Fig. Figure 1 shows an opening element according to a first embodiment of the invention in a top view. Fig. 1a shows this in Fig. 1. Opening element shown with a screw cap. Fig. 1b shows the teeth of the in Fig. 1 of the opening element shown. Fig. 1c shows the dimensions of the recording area of ​​the in Fig. 1 of the opening element shown. Fig. 1d to 1f and Fig. 1h are used to describe geometric optimizations of the opening element. Fig. Figure 1g shows a design of an opening element with a sheet metal base body. Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows an opening element according to a second embodiment of the invention with only one tooth. Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows an opening element according to a third embodiment of the invention with only one tooth. Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows an opening element according to a fourth embodiment with an open receiving element. Fig. 4c shows the formation of the in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shown opening element with a sheet metal base body. Fig. 4D shows the opening of a bottle using the [unclear text]. Fig. Opening element shown in 4c. Fig. 5a to Fig. Figure 5d shows an opening element according to a fifth embodiment of the invention with a retaining element to prevent the screw cap from tilting in the opening element. Fig. 6a to Fig. Figure 6c shows an opening element according to a variant of the fifth embodiment of the invention with a retaining element held at two positions of the sheet metal base body. Fig. 7a to Fig. 7c show the manipulation of a screw cap with the in Fig. 6a - Fig. Opening element shown in 6c.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an opening element 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1a shows the in Fig. Figure 1 shows the embodiment in its intended function together with a schematic screw cap 100 from above. The opening element 1 has a handle element 2 and a closed, circumferential receiving frame 6, which internally defines a receiving area 5 for receiving a screw cap 100 from the outside. To enable easy manipulation of the screw cap 100, the opening element 1 has a number of teeth 3 that project inwards from the receiving frame 6, i.e., towards the receiving area 5. The teeth 3 are designed to hold the screw cap 100 and, when the opening element 1 is rotated accordingly, to apply torque to the screw cap 100. The opening element 1 also has a counter-pressure element 4, which is also arranged inside the receiving area 5 and projects into or faces the receiving area 5.The purpose of this counter-pressure element 4 is to hold the screw cap 100 in place when opened by means of the opening element 1 and to prevent the screw cap 100 from rotating in the opening element 1. Due to the approximately symmetrical design of the opening element 1, a plane of symmetry S is shown.

[0026] The present first embodiment of the invention has a total of four teeth 3, which are all of the same or identical design and project in the same direction from a first baseline G1. One possible design of the teeth is as follows: Fig. Figure 1b illustrates this in more detail. The teeth 3 are evenly distributed along the baseline G1, i.e., with equal intervals to the following teeth 3, in this case without gaps. For a plurality of teeth 3, the baseline G1, which subsequently defines the functionality of the opening element 1, can also be defined as the straight line G1' on which similar parts of the teeth 3, such as the tips of the teeth 3, lie. An alternative baseline defined by such a straight line G1' lies parallel to the baseline G1 and can be used as the baseline for the following explanations without any significant impact on the general functionality.

[0027] It is also not necessary that teeth 3 or the tips of teeth 3 actually lie in a straight line - the first baseline G1 can also be assumed to be the tangent line of a cylindrical screw cap 100 resting against the counter-pressure element 4.

[0028] If an opening element 1 has multiple teeth 3, their relative positions may deviate slightly from the selected baseline G1 due to manufacturing processes. In this case, a regression line, e.g., running through the tips of the teeth, can be chosen as the baseline G1 for geometric definition.

[0029] To ensure a good grip and adhesion of the opening element 1 to the screw cap, the radius of the tips of the teeth 3 is less than 0.1 mm, although it is also easily possible to arrange more or fewer teeth 3 along the baseline accordingly.

[0030] To ensure better adhesion of the screw cap and to simplify handling, the teeth are inclined in the preferred direction of rotation R, so that the counter-pressure element 4 is located on the same side in the direction of rotation as the teeth 3. It has proven advantageous to avoid undercuts; that is, the angles ϕ 1 of all tooth flanks 3a, 3b of the teeth 3 to the baseline G1 are chosen to be greater than or equal to 90° in this case.

[0031] Typically, the opening element 1 is designed for opening right-hand threads. In this case, tooth 3 or teeth 3 are located to the left when viewed from the counter-pressure element 4, with the opening element 1 being turned counterclockwise to open a screw cap 100.

[0032] To ensure exceptional stability during rotation in a preferred direction during manipulation, the tooth flanks 3a of the individual teeth 3 exhibit an angle ϕ1 between 130° and 150° relative to the first baseline G1 from a first direction, namely the preferred direction of rotation R. The opposing tooth flanks 3b of the teeth 3 exhibit an angle ϕ2 between 95° and 120° relative to the first baseline G1 from the opposite direction. This results in a preferred direction for the teeth 3, i.e., a direction of rotation in which the teeth 3 exert a greater holding force and offer improved manipulation.

[0033] The counter-pressure element 4 lies – viewed in the preferred direction of rotation R – behind the teeth 3, i.e., the force applied by the teeth 3 is supported by the counter-pressure element 4; in other words, the inner product of a vector n1 normal to the surface of the counter-pressure element 4 pointing into the receiving area 5 and a vector v pointing in the area of ​​the teeth 3 in the preferred direction R is less than zero.

[0034] The counter-pressure element 4 serves to hold the screw cap 100 in position during manipulation. This is typically achieved by providing a straight section or a substantially straight end edge, which secures the screw cap 100 against slippage when it is manipulated with the teeth 3 or subjected to torque. To further define the position, a second baseline G2 is assigned to the counter-pressure element 4, the course of which follows the straight end edge of the counter-pressure element 4. It is not necessary for the end edge to actually be straight; the baseline G2 can also be assumed to be the tangent line to a cylindrical screw cap resting against the counter-pressure element 4.

[0035] The relative position of the teeth 3 to the counter-pressure element 4 is defined in this case by the angle α between the first baseline G1 and the second baseline G2, which is 58° in this case. In principle, good manipulation of the screw cap 100 can be achieved not only with this value, but generally with angles α between the baselines between 42° and 52°, and even with angles α between 35° and 60°.

[0036] The relative position of the teeth 3 to the counter-pressure element 4 can alternatively also be determined by ensuring that teeth 3 and counter-pressure element 4 engage at the correct positions of the screw cap 100 in order to prevent slippage or unintentional relative rotation of the screw cap 100 and opening element 1.

[0037] If a screw cap 100 – or more generally, a specific cylindrical object with a predetermined radius between 10 mm and 20 mm – is located in the receiving area 5 of the opening element 1 and is placed against the teeth and the counter-pressure element 4, the teeth 3 of the object 100 come into contact with a first circumferential region U1 of the object 100. The counter-pressure element 4 comes into contact with a second circumferential region U2 of the object 100. To ensure efficient torque transmission and prevent slippage, the two circumferential regions U1 and U2 should have an angular distance β between 110° and 150°, ideally between 130° and 140°.

[0038] Even though the specific manipulability is determined solely by the relative position of teeth 3 and counter-pressure element 4, the present embodiment of the invention further optimizes operation by enabling the opening element 1 to be used with just one hand. As already mentioned, the opening element 1 has a closed, circumferential receiving frame 6 for this purpose. This frame limits the receiving area 5 from the outside and is adapted to the size of the screw cap 100 in such a way that it can receive it with minimal play, while making it difficult for the screw cap 100 to unintentionally escape from the receiving frame 6 or the receiving area 5 due to unintentional tilting or displacement. The receiving frame 6 is also designed, due to its shape, such that the screw cap 100 can only be held essentially parallel to the plane of symmetry S ( Fig. 1) can be pressed down and then enters a position where the screw cap 100 is pressed against the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4.

[0039] In the present embodiment ( Fig. 1c) The receiving area 5 is formed by a recess in the receiving frame 6. With the exception of the tooth group 3 of the counter-pressure element 4, this recess or the receiving area 5 has the form of two overlapping circular surfaces K1, K2, wherein the tooth group 3 and the counter-pressure element 4 each touch the two circular surfaces K1, K2 at one point or in one area.

[0040] To accommodate a standard screw cap 100 with a radius of 15 mm, the first of the two circular surfaces K1 has a radius r1 of 16.5 mm. The second, smaller circular surface K2 has a radius r2 of 13 mm. Typically, the radius r1 of the first circular surface K1 lies between 105 and 110% of the radius of the screw cap 100, and the radius r2 of the second circular surface K2 lies between 78 and 82% of the radius r1 of the first circular surface K1. In this case, the centers M1 and M2 of the first circular surface K1 and the second circular surface K2 are offset from each other by an offset d of 4–7 mm, typically an offset d in the range of 10 to 20% of the diameter of the first circle.

[0041] Since the circumference of the first circle K1 touches both the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4, the individual angular positions or angular ranges U1, U2 on the circumference of the first circle K1 can also be determined, at which the teeth 3 on the one hand and the counter-pressure element 4 on the other hand are located. A circular arc or angle β of 115° typically lies between these two angular ranges U1, U2.

[0042] Since the circumference of the second circle K2 touches both the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4, the individual angular positions or angular ranges U1, U2 on the circumference of the second circle K2 can also be determined, at which the teeth 3 on the one hand and the counter-pressure element 4 on the other hand are located. There is typically a mean arc distance or angle β of 125° between these two angular ranges U1, U2.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the circles K1 and K2 defining the receiving area 5 are positioned such that they touch the tips of the teeth 3 and the end edge of the counter-pressure element 4, respectively. Since the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4 project into the receiving area 5, the receiving area 5 is offset outwards from circles K1 and K2 by a distance corresponding, for example, to the height of the counter-pressure element relative to 4.

[0044] A special production of a in Fig. The preferred embodiment shown in 1-1c is illustrated by a specific example, in Fig. The improvement shown in 1g is illustrated. This opening element 1 consists of a single sheet metal base body, i.e., a piece of metal with essentially constant thickness. This sheet metal base body has the same cross-sectional area across its thickness, in Fig. Figure 1g shows a two-dimensional shape. This shape is particularly easy to manufacture, for example by stamping. All previously mentioned elements, such as the teeth 3, the counter-pressure element 4, the mounting frame 6, and the handle element 2, are defined by this two-dimensional shape. The outer shape of the sheet metal base is not predetermined by the function according to the invention and can be designed according to optical criteria, as can the shape of the handle element 2.

[0045] Regardless of the specific design of the opening element 1 with a sheet metal base, it is possible to construct the opening element 1 in a largely symmetrical manner. In the present embodiment, the opening element 1 deviates from a symmetrical basic shape only with respect to the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the opening element 1 is divided into two approximately equal parts by a plane of symmetry, wherein the first baseline G1 and the second baseline G2 are arranged symmetrically around the plane of symmetry S or enclose the same angle to the plane of symmetry.

[0046] Based on Fig. 1d and Fig. 1e describes measures for the preferred dimensioning of the recording area 5. Fig. Figure 1d shows the schematic initial dimensioning of the recording area 5, Fig. 1e the resulting inner contour line of the receiving area 5 by defining the centers M1, M2 of two circles K1, K2 with radii r1 and r2, representing the largest and smallest radii to be used in the construction of screw caps 100. As already mentioned with reference to Fig. As mentioned in Figure 1c, the two centers M1 and M2 of circles K1 and K2 are offset by a distance d along the axis of symmetry S, resulting in the following length L of the receiving area 5: L = (r1 + r2 + d). The width B of the receiving area 5 is 2 × r1. Therefore, the following ratio VZ is derived from the ratio between length L and width B: VZ = (r1 + r2 + V) / (2 × r1). For dimensioning purposes, it may be advantageous to choose a ratio VZ between 1.20 and 1.10, which is determined based on the distance V. Within this range, optimal embodiments can be found, i.e., embodiments in which a frictional connection for opening without slippage is achieved between the opening element 1 and the screw cap 100 simply by placing the opener against the screw cap 100, without applying any axial pressure to the opening element 1.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 1f shows the individual segments of the receiving area 5, which have proven particularly advantageous in a series of tests. The outer contour of the receiving area 5 is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry S and runs between the two points C and D. The baseline G1, from which the teeth 3 project into the receiving area 5, is mirror-symmetrical with the baseline G2, from which the counter-pressure element 4 projects into the receiving area 5. The angle formed by the two lines G1 and G2 is between 42° and 52° and is bisected by the axis of symmetry S.

[0048] Starting from a point in the area of ​​teeth 3 and a point in the area of ​​the counter-pressure element 4, normals N1 and N2 are formed, respectively, which intersect on the axis of symmetry S at a point of intersection.

[0049] Referring to the schematic representation of recording area 5 in Fig. Figure 1h illustrates the effects of different advantageous angles α. In the left-hand illustration, with an angle α between the baselines G1 and G2, it is shown that a screw cap 100, which rests centrally on the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4, is advantageously held at circumferential areas that are spaced apart from each other by an angle β of 140°.

[0050] However, if one uses, as in the right part of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1h, a slightly wider angle α of 50° between the baselines G1, G2 results in a screw cap 100, which also rests centrally on the teeth 3 and on the counter-pressure element 4, being advantageously held at circumferential areas that are spaced apart from each other by an angle β of 130°.

[0051] In the Fig. 2a-2b is an opening element 11 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, which corresponds to the first embodiment except for the following differences. Fig. Figure 2a shows the two-dimensional shape with which the sheet metal body was provided. Although the shape of the handle element 2, the counter-pressure element 4, and the receiving frame 6 are essentially identical in the opening element 11, the opening element 11 has only a single tooth 13. The position of this tooth 13 on the receiving frame 16 corresponds approximately to the position of one of the teeth 3 on the receiving frame 6 in the opening element 1 according to the first embodiment. While the second baseline G2 is determined from the counter-pressure element 4 as in the first embodiment of the invention, here the two points where the flanks of the tooth 13 intersect the receiving frame 16 are used to determine the first baseline G1. The line connecting these two points is used as the baseline G1. If the baselines G1 and G2 are now intersected, they form an angle α of approximately 130°.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 2b schematically shows a screw cap 100, which is brought into contact with the tooth 13 and the counter-pressure element 14. The screw cap 100 has a radius of 15 mm.

[0053] As in the previous embodiment, the tooth 13 rests against the screw cap 100 at a first circumferential region U1. The counter-pressure element 14 rests against a second circumferential region U2 of the screw cap 100. The circumferential regions U1 and U2 of the screw cap 100 have a mean angular distance β of 130° from each other.

[0054] In the Fig. Figures 3a-3b show an opening element 21 according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, which corresponds to the second embodiment except for the following differences. Specifically, the positions of the tooth 23 and the counter-pressure element 24 are rotated approximately 65° counterclockwise compared to the positioning in the second embodiment of the invention, so that the tooth 23 is located in the region of the axis of symmetry or as close as possible to the handle element 26.

[0055] In this embodiment, the tooth 23 is not inclined according to a preferred direction of rotation R, but is positioned directly into the receiving area 25, i.e., the angles ϕ 1, ϕ 2 of the tooth flanks 3a, 3b are identical and are approximately 120°.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3a shows the two-dimensional shape with which the sheet metal body was provided. Due to the rotation of tooth 23 and counter-pressure element 24 compared to their position in the second embodiment of the invention, the first baseline G1 and the second baseline G2 are also rotated and no longer arranged symmetrically with respect to the outer shape of the opening element 21. However, this has no effect on the resulting angle α that the two baselines G1 and G2 enclose at their intersection.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 3b schematically shows a screw cap 100, which is brought into contact with the tooth 23 and the counter-pressure element 24. The screw cap 100 has a radius of approximately 15 mm.

[0058] As in the second embodiment, the tooth 23 rests against the screw cap 100 at a first circumferential region U1. The counter-pressure element 24 rests against a second circumferential region U2 of the screw cap 100. Looking at the circumferential regions U1 and U2 of the screw cap 100, they have a mean angular distance β of 130° to each other. Compared to the second embodiment of the invention, only the circumferential regions U1 and U2 are rotated; the angular distance β, however, remains unchanged.

[0059] In the Fig. Figures 4a-4b show an opening element 31 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, which corresponds to the first embodiment except for the following differences. Specifically, the positions of the teeth 33 and the counter-pressure element 34 are rotated 90° counterclockwise compared to the positioning in the first embodiment of the invention, so that they lie on one side of the handle element 32. Since no special structures are required on the other side of the handle element 32, an open receiving element 36 can be provided instead of a receiving frame. This open receiving element 36 allows the opening element 31 to be attached to the screw cap 100 from the side and not from above.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4a shows the two-dimensional shape with which the sheet metal body was provided. Due to the rotation of teeth 33 and counter-pressure element 34 compared to their position in the first embodiment of the invention, the first baseline G1 and the second baseline G2 are also rotated. However, this has no effect on the resulting angle α that the two baselines G1 and G2 enclose at their intersection.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 4b schematically shows a screw cap 100, which is brought into contact with the teeth 33 and the counter-pressure element 34. The screw cap 100 has a radius of approximately 15.5 mm.

[0062] As in the first embodiment, the teeth 33 bear against the screw cap 100 at a first circumferential region U1. The counter-pressure element 34 bears against a second circumferential region U2 of the screw cap 100. Looking at the circumferential regions U1 and U2 of the screw cap 100, they have a mean angular distance β of 110° to each other. Compared to the first embodiment of the invention, only the circumferential regions U1 and U2 are rotated; the angular distance β, however, remains unchanged.

[0063] In Fig. 4c and Fig. 4D is another variation of the one described in the Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows in more detail the embodiment of an opening element 31'. This embodiment uses an arrangement in which the teeth 33' are located at the end of the receiving element 36' furthest from the handle 32', while the counter-pressure element 34' is closer to the handle 32'. Again, the teeth 33' are shaped such that they are aligned in the direction of the counter-pressure element 34'. The described orientation results from the specific design and the need to open the bottle 1000 by turning the screw cap 100 counterclockwise. As with the other embodiments of the invention, it is possible to manufacture the opening element 31' from a sheet metal base.

[0064] In Fig. Figures 5a-5d illustrate a further development of the invention with reference to a fifth preferred embodiment, in which the opening element 41 essentially corresponds to that of the first embodiment. All elements shown in this embodiment, such as the teeth 43 and the counter-pressure element 44, fulfill the same function as their counterparts in the embodiments described above.

[0065] Additionally, a retaining element 47 is provided, which forms a stop surface 48 facing the receiving area 45 and lying in a stop plane E. The stop plane E runs essentially parallel to a base plane G in which the first and second baselines lie. Alternatively, the base plane G can also be defined as the plane G' in which the sheet metal base body runs.

[0066] The background to this further development of the invention is that a screw cap 100 should ideally not slip or tilt within the receiving area 45 during manipulation or opening. If a retaining element 47 is provided that forms a stop and prevents further slippage of a screw cap 100 in the stop position perpendicular to the base plane G, this also reduces the probability of unintentional slippage or rotation of the screw cap 100 during manipulation. The distance of the stop plane from the base plane is selected such that the teeth 3 and the counter-pressure element 4 engage centrally on the outer wall of the screw cap 100. Typically, the stop plane E is spaced approximately 5 mm away from the side closer to the stop plane E in the receiving area 5 of the sheet metal base body.

[0067] The specific design of the retaining element 47 can vary, in particular by providing a part or several such parts formed from the sheet metal base and projecting from its plane. In the present embodiment, however, the retaining element 47 is formed by a separate plastic part that is snapped into a detent recess provided in the sheet metal base. As a result of this measure, the plastic part forming the retaining element 47 is detachably connected to the sheet metal base.

[0068] In Fig. Figures 6a-6c show an opening element 51 according to a further development of the fifth embodiment of the invention. Like the opening element 41, the opening element 51 shown here has a retaining element 57; however, this retaining element is U-shaped and connected at two points to the sheet metal base body, which has two locking recesses 59a, 59b for the locking connection used here. The retaining element 57 in turn has two locking projections 58a, 58b, which, in the connected state ( Fig. 6c) interfere with the rest recesses 59a, 59b. As with the one in Fig. 5a - Fig. The opening element 41 shown in 5c is also a feature of the opening element 51. Fig. 6a to 6c, a stop surface (not shown) is provided which prevents the screw cap 100 from advancing further into the receiving area 55. The advantage of this embodiment is that it holds the screw cap 100 evenly, so that no additional tilting moments are exerted on the screw cap 100 when it is opened.

[0069] The process of turning a screw cap 100 is the same for all embodiments, but is finally checked again with the in Fig. 7a - Fig. The opening element 51 shown in 7c is described.

[0070] In the first step ( Fig. 7a) The screw cap 100 is brought into the receiving area 55, whereby the upper end face of the screw cap 100 comes to rest against the stop surface of the retaining element 57.

[0071] In a second step ( Fig. 7b) a pressure force is exerted via the handle 52 so that the screw cap 100 rests against the teeth 53 and the counter-pressure element 54.

[0072] Due to the specific design of the teeth 53 and the relative position of the counter-pressure element 54, the teeth interlock with the opening element 51 when pressure is applied. Depending on the material hardness of the screw cap 100, the teeth either penetrate the material of the screw cap 100 or interlock with the outside of the screw cap 100. If grooves extending axially to the cylindrical shape are provided on the outer wall of the screw cap 100, the teeth can also interlock with these grooves, which enables a particularly advantageous torque transmission from the opening element 51 to the screw cap 100.

[0073] Subsequently, a torque is applied to the opening element 51 while maintaining the contact force, as described in Fig.7c is shown. This causes the screw cap 100, which adheres to the teeth 53 and the counter-pressure element 54, to rotate with the opening element 51 relative to a bottle (not shown), thereby opening this bottle.

[0074] Due to the specific shape of the teeth 53, the holding force of the opening element 1 against the screw cap 100 is further increased when a torque is applied. The teeth can then engage more firmly with the screw cap 100, thus further increasing the adhesion and preventing slippage or uncontrolled pivoting of the opening element 1 relative to the screw cap 100.

[0075] A force-fit clamping connection between the opening element 1 and the screw cap 100 advantageously exists only for the period during which a torque acts on the screw cap 100 via the opening element. However, the clamping connection weakens as soon as the torque is no longer maintained. This effect is desirable and occurs depending on the opening angle α between the first and second baselines G1, G2, and facilitates the removal of the opening element 1 from the screw cap 100 after the rotational movement has ended. If the opening angle α is too shallow, the clamping pressure remains even after the opening process has ended. The connection can be released by manually turning the opening element clockwise.

[0076] Although all the aforementioned embodiments have a handle element, this is by no means mandatory within the scope of the invention; if a handle element is present, it can be located in different positions and arranged arbitrarily in relation to the tooth(s) and the counter-pressure element.

Claims

[1] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) for screw caps (100), forming a receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) for receiving the screw cap (100), comprising at least one tooth (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53) projecting into the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) with a tip and a counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) delimiting the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) with an end edge. [2] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to claim 1, wherein - where at least one tooth (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53) projects from a first predefined baseline (G1) into the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) or where a plurality of teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) are arranged along a first baseline (G1), and the end edge of the counter-pressure element (4) is defined by a second baseline (G2), - wherein the first baseline (G1) and the second baseline (G2) are at an angle (α) of 35° to 60° to each other. [3] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to claim 2, wherein the angle (α) between the two baselines (G1, G2) is between 42° and 52°. [4] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tooth (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53) or teeth (3) and the counter-pressure element (4) are arranged such that a cylindrical object, in particular a screw cap, located in the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55), with a predetermined radius of between 10 mm and 20 mm, in particular 15 mm, can be brought into contact with the opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51), - that the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) are in contact with the object at a first circumferential area (U1) of the object and - that the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) rests on the object at a second circumferential area (U2) of the object, and - that the two circumferential areas (U1, U2) have an angular distance (β) of 120° to 150° to each other. [5] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 41, 51) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a closed circumferential receiving frame (6, 16, 26, 46, 56), wherein the receiving frame (6, 16, 26, 46, 56) limits the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 45, 55) from the outside and the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 43, 53) and the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 44, 54) are arranged in the interior of the receiving frame. [6] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 41, 51) according to claim 5, wherein the recess defining the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 45, 55) in the receiving frame (6, 16, 26, 46, 56) outside the area of ​​the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 43, 53) and the counter-pressure element (4) is defined by two circular surfaces (K1, K2) which contact the tooth group (3) and the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 44, 54) at one point. [7] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 41, 51) according to claim 6, wherein - the first circular area (K1) has a radius (r1) of between 15 mm and 20 mm, in particular 16.5 mm, and the radius (r2) of the second smaller circular area (K2) is between 10 mm and 15 mm, in particular 13 mm, and / or - the distance between the centers (M1, M2) of the two circular areas (K1, K2) is between 4 mm and 7 mm, and / or - the angle between the circumferential area of ​​the first circular surface (K1) where it rests against the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) or lies within the area of ​​the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53), and the circumferential area of ​​the first circular surface (K1) where it rests against the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) or lies within the area of ​​the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54), is between 110° and 140°, and / or - the angle (β) between the circumferential area (U1) of the second circular area (K2), where it abuts the tooth (13, 23) or the teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) or lies in the area of ​​the tooth (13, 23) or the teeth (3, 33, 43, 53), and the circumferential area (U2) of the first second (K2), where it abuts the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) or lies in the area of ​​the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54), lies between ···110° and 140°. [8] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, formed from or formed with a sheet metal base body having a predetermined outer shape, from which the receiving area (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) is excluded, wherein in particular the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) and the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54) are formed in the sheet metal base body, in particular also the receiving frame (6, 16, 26, 46, 56). [9] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to claim 8, wherein the shape of the opening element (1) is unchanged in the direction of the thickness of the sheet metal base body, wherein the sheet metal base body is formed in particular by stamping. [10] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 41, 51) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that, with the exception of the formation of the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 43, 53) and the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 44, 54), it is symmetrically constructed with respect to a plane of symmetry (S), wherein in particular the first baseline (G1) and the second baseline (G2) enclose the same angle to the plane of symmetry (G), and in particular are also symmetrical to the plane of symmetry (G). [11] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radius of the tips of the teeth (3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53) is less than 0.1 mm. [12] Opening element (1, 31, 41, 51) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a number of between two and seven teeth (3, 33, 43, 53), preferably between three and four teeth (3, 33, 43, 53), is provided which project from the same baseline (G1) or whose tips are arranged on the same baseline (G1). [13] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the angle (ϕ1, ϕ2) of the tooth flanks (3a, 3b) of the tooth (13, 23) or of the teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) to the first baseline (G1) is greater than 90°. [14] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the tooth flanks (3a) of the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) rising in the preferred direction (R) enclose an angle between 130° and 150° with the first baseline (G1), and / or - the tooth flanks (3a) of the tooth (13, 23) or teeth (3, 33, 43, 53) falling in the preferred direction (R) form an angle between 95° and 120° with the first baseline (G1), and / or - the teeth are inclined or aligned in a preferred direction (R) of the baseline (G1). [15] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to claim 14, wherein the inner product or scalar product of a vector normal to the surface of the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 44, 54) pointing into the receiving area (5) and the preferred direction (R) is less than zero. [16] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end edge of the counter-pressure element (4, 14, 24, 44, 54) has a straight section which runs along the second straight line (G2). [17] Opening element (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle element (2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52) which is preferably formed from the sheet metal base body. [18] Opening element (41, 51) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holding element (47, 57) which forms a stop surface (48) facing the receiving area (5) and lying in a stop plane (E), wherein in particular a) the stop plane (E) which is substantially parallel to the base plane (G) in which the first and second base lines (G1, G2) lie and / or in which the sheet metal base body runs and / or b) the stop plane (E) from the tooth or teeth (43, 53) and / or the counter pressure element (44, 54) and / or from the sheet metal base body, has a distance of between 1 mm and 5 mm. [19] Opening element (41, 51) according to claim 18, wherein the retaining element (47, 57) is designed as a separate component which is snap-fitted to the sheet metal base body, wherein the sheet metal base body has snap recesses (58a, 58b) for receiving, in particular releasably, the retaining element (47, 57).

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