CONTAINER CAP

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container and a container closure according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] A variety of container closures are known from the prior art. US 2018 / 0282033 A1 and US 8,752,720 B1, for example, each show a container closure with a locking element that prevents the container closure from being completely removed from the bottle. The locking element is rotatably mounted on the container closure, allowing the container to be opened and closed. Whether the container has already been opened is not apparent.

[0003] The object of the invention is to remedy one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a container closure is to be created that is easy to manufacture and preferably makes it possible to determine whether the container has already been opened. In particular, a container closure is to be created for different containers, such as plastic bottles or cardboard containers.

[0004] This object is achieved by the device defined in claim 1. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0005] A container closure according to the invention comprises a closure cap with an internal thread for attachment to a pouring opening with an external thread. The container closure further comprises a connecting element with a first end and a second end. The closure cap is rotatably held at the first end of the connecting element. The second end of the connecting element is fixed or fixable in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pouring opening. The connecting element has at least one first opening for engagement with a pin.

[0006] Preferably, when the container closure is in the closed state, a pin engages with the opening. The pin and the opening are preferably designed such that after the pin is removed from the opening, it can no longer be brought into engagement with the opening. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the opening narrows conically in the direction of the pin, so that at its end facing the pin, it has a diameter that is smaller than the largest diameter of the pin. Additionally or alternatively, the pin can widen towards the opening, in particular have a mushroom-shaped extension.

[0007] A sawtooth-like design is also conceivable, which allows relative movement between the pin and the opening only in one direction.

[0008] The connecting element allows the cap to remain securely attached to the container where the pouring opening is located after opening. In other words, the cap is permanently connected to the container. This prevents the cap from being lost and ensures that all components are disposed of together at the end of their service life, particularly for recycling. This prevents environmental pollution and allows resources to be reused.

[0009] The rotationally fixed arrangement of the second end of the connecting element relative to the pouring opening ensures that the second end of the connecting element assumes a defined position relative to the pouring opening. Since the closure cap is rotatably mounted on the first end of the connecting element, the closure cap can be opened and closed again.

[0010] Providing an opening for a pin to engage simultaneously enables the provision of a guarantee seal or a quality seal. This allows for inspection of the container; in particular, the quality seal enables a so-called tamper-evident guarantee. The buyer can thus determine whether the container closure has already been opened. If the pin engages with the opening in the closed position, it can be immediately determined whether the container closure has already been opened.

[0011] The pouring opening is preferably designed as a circular cylindrical hollow body which has a first opening into the interior of a container and a second opening for dispensing a medium, for example a beverage.

[0012] The pouring opening thus has a wall on or at which the external thread can be formed. The second opening for dispensing the medium has a contact element with one or more contact surfaces. The contact element, in particular the contact surfaces, are designed to operatively engage with corresponding contact surfaces of the closure cap and seal the interior of a container from the environment.

[0013] The connecting element may have at least one first joint, wherein the first opening is arranged between the first joint and the first end of the connecting element.

[0014] This allows the opening and the pin to be arranged in a tamper-proof manner. In other words, a hinge allows the closure cap to be easily opened or folded away. At the same time, a portion of the connecting element, in which the first opening is located, is held at two ends: at the first hinge, and at the first end of the connecting element.

[0015] The connecting element can have a second joint and a second opening arranged between the first joint and the second joint. The first opening and the second opening can preferably be made to overlap by folding the connecting element.

[0016] This allows for the creation of a connecting element that, unlike a connecting element with only one joint, has a greater length when unfolded. Accordingly, the opening area of ​​the closure cap or the pivoting range of the closure cap can be increased.

[0017] The overlap allows a tenon to extend through both the first opening and the second opening at the same time, thus securing the first and second openings.

[0018] The joints can be designed, for example, as a film hinge or as a conventional, two-part hinge. It is also possible for the joints to be designed simply as a flexible, elastic element. Each of the joints can be designed differently, making a combination of different joint designs possible.

[0019] The container closure may comprise a molded piece for attaching the container closure to a container, wherein the container is in particular a cardboard container. The pouring opening may be formed on the molded piece. The spigot is preferably formed on the molded piece.

[0020] This makes it possible to provide a complete container closure that can be easily applied to a container.

[0021] By forming the spigot on the fitting, a container closure can be created that has a quality seal.

[0022] The container closure is preferably designed such that the second end of the connecting element is arranged on the shaped piece or is formed thereon.

[0023] The arrangement or design of the second end of the connecting element on the molded part, and in particular the design of the pouring opening on the molded part, enables the second end of the connecting element to be rotationally fixed relative to the pouring opening. The container closure can be provided as a complete unit with an intact quality seal.

[0024] The fitting and the connecting element can be formed in one piece.

[0025] This enables simple production, for example in an injection molding process.

[0026] The pin can be formed on the connecting element. This allows the quality seal to be formed on the connecting element itself. Additional components or elements that are not part of the connecting element are not necessary. For example, it is conceivable to attach the second end of the connecting element to the corresponding container independently of the container design. In other words, conventional containers that typically do not have pins can be equipped with a container closure as described here.

[0027] This connecting element may have a second joint, wherein the pin is arranged between the first joint and the second joint.

[0028] Such a configuration makes it possible to create a connecting element that, in contrast to a connecting element with only one joint, has a greater length when unfolded. Accordingly, the opening area of ​​the closure cap or the pivoting range of the closure cap can be increased.

[0029] The plug may have a predetermined breaking point. This predetermined breaking point is particularly likely to be destroyed or broken when the container closure is opened. For example, the plug may have a predetermined breaking point below the mushroom-shaped extension. This predetermined breaking point is particularly likely to be destroyed or broken when the container closure is opened, and the mushroom-shaped extension is severed, breaking the quality seal.

[0030] This allows for visual or manual assessment of whether the container closure has already been opened. A tamper evident guarantee can thus be provided.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to provide tear-off webs between the pin and the connecting element, in particular between the pin and an opening in the connecting element or between the pin and an area around an opening in the connecting element, in particular an inner edge of the connecting element. These tear-off webs are destroyed when the container closure is opened. Tear-off webs are connections between two elements that form a weak point relative to the elements to which they are attached. They are therefore smaller in size and form a predetermined breaking point.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to weld or glue the pin and the connecting element, in particular the pin in an opening of the connecting element, and to provide a corresponding predetermined breaking point with this welding or gluing.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to provide tear-off bars between individual sections of the connecting element.

[0034] All of these tear-off tabs, welds, and adhesives—in other words, predetermined breaking points—are designed to be broken or torn off, or in particular, destroyed, when the screw cap is opened. This allows for visual or manual assessment of whether the container closure has already been opened. A tamper-evident guarantee can thus be provided.

[0035] The container closure is designed such that a ring is formed at the first end of the connecting element, with which the closure cap is rotatably held.

[0036] This allows the connecting element to be manufactured independently of the closure cap. The first end of the connecting element is designed as a ring, allowing the closure cap to be held in place in a rotating manner. The closure cap can be easily screwed onto or removed from a pouring opening.

[0037] The container closure can be made of a polyolefin, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene, or a blend thereof. Alternatively, it can be made of PET, PET-G, PCT-G, a bioplastic, or a polystyrene blend.

[0038] The material of the container closure can be selected according to the desired properties. For container closures for carbonated beverages, a certain degree of strength is particularly desirable.

[0039] A further aspect of the invention relates to a container, in particular a beverage container, comprising a container closure as described herein. By providing a container with a container closure as described herein, a complete package can be provided.

[0040] It can be provided that, for example, the second end of the connecting element is connected to the container, i.e. is directly fixed to the container. The second end can be fixed directly to the container, for example by means of an adhesive. Alternatively, it is possible or conceivable that a corresponding surface or a corresponding element is also formed on the container, to which, for example, the second end of the connecting element can be fixed. For example, it would be conceivable to form an extension or a recess on the container, onto or into which the second end of the connecting element can be pressed or pressed. Additionally or alternatively, it would be conceivable to provide an adhesive. Preferably, the second end of the connecting element is fixed to the container by means of ultrasonic welding.

[0041] If the container closure is formed with a shaped piece, the connection options described here are formed accordingly between the shaped piece and the second end of the connecting element.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to figures, which merely represent exemplary embodiments. They show schematically: Figure 1: A perspective view of a container closure; Figure 2: A plan view of the container closure of Figure 1; Figure 3: A perspective and partially cutaway view of the container closure according to Figure 1 in an open position; Figure 4: A perspective view of another container closure; Figure 5: A plan view of the container closure of Figure 4; Figure 6: A perspective and partially cutaway view of the container closure according to Figure 4 in an open position;

[0043] The Figure 1shows a perspective view of a container closure 100. The container closure 100 has a closure cap 1. The closure cap 1 is mounted on a pouring opening 2 (see Figure 3 ). The pouring opening 2 is in turn arranged on a shaped piece 4. A connecting element 3 extends between the closure cap 1 and the shaped piece 4. The connecting element 3 is connected with a first end 31 to the closure cap 1 and with a second end 32 to the shaped piece 4. Accordingly, the second end 32 is arranged rotationally fixed to the pouring opening 2. The second end 32 is designed as a flat element and in the present case is connected to the shaped piece 4 by ultrasonic welding. On or at the second end 32, a pin 5 is arranged, which extends through a second opening 35 (see Figure 3) and through a first opening 33, thus forming a quality seal. The connecting element 3 is accordingly arranged such that the first opening 33 and the second opening 35 (see Figure 3 ) are overlapped by folding the connecting element 3. The connecting element 3 is folded at the first joint 34 and the second joint 36.

[0044] The first end 31 of the connecting element 3 is designed as a ring. The closure cap 1 is rotatably mounted in this ring.

[0045] The Figure 2 shows a top view of the container closure 100 of Figure 1 The ring-shaped design of the first end 31 is clearly visible. Also shown in the Figure 2 is the direction of rotation R in which the closure cap 1 must be turned to open the container closure 100.

[0046] The Figure 3shows a perspective and partially cutaway view of the container closure 100 according to Figure 1 in an open position. Only the closure cap 1 and part of the connecting element 3 are shown cut open.

[0047] The molded piece 4 is essentially flat and has a bottom side (not further described here) for attachment to a cardboard container. The pouring opening 2 is formed integrally with the molded piece 4 and has a wall. On the outer circumference of the pouring opening 2, i.e., on its wall, an external thread is formed, which can be brought into engagement with an internal thread formed in the closure cap 1. In the illustration according to Figure 3the closure cap 1 has already been unscrewed far enough that the internal thread and the external thread are separated from each other and the closure cap 1 can be lifted off the pouring opening 2. By unscrewing the closure cap 1 in the direction of rotation R, a distance is created between the closure cap 1 and the fitting 4.

[0048] The connecting element 3 has a first joint 34, a second joint 36, and a third joint 39. These joints 34, 36, and 39 each connect two sections of the connecting element 3 to one another. In the present case, the joint 36 connects the second end 32 to a second section of the connecting element 3. This second section is connected to the first joint 34 to a first section of the connecting element 3. This first section is connected to the first end 31 of the connecting element 3 by a third joint 39. Each of these joints 39, 34, 36 can be individually designed. In the present case, all three of these joints 39, 34, 36 are designed as film hinges. The first opening 33 is arranged in the first section. The second opening 35 is arranged in the second section.The first opening 33 and the second opening 35 can be made to overlap by folding the joints 34 and 36 such that the pin 5 extends through these two openings (see . Figure 1 ).

[0049] By creating the gap between the closure cap 1 and the molded piece 4, the individual sections of the connecting element 3 were unfolded. The pin 5, which extends through the first opening 33 and the second opening 35 in the closed state, was removed from these openings. In other words, the sections of the connecting element 3 with the respective openings were pulled off the pin 5, and the quality seal was accordingly separated.

[0050] As from the Figure 3However, as can be seen, the closure cap 1 is still connected to the shaped piece 4 via the connecting element 3 and is thus held captively on the shaped piece 4. In generic use, the shaped piece 4 is arranged on and connected to a cardboard container which holds a beverage.

[0051] The first end 31 of the connecting element 3 is, as already described, designed as a ring. This ring is rotatably held in a corresponding groove on the closure cap 1. Accordingly, the closure cap 1 can be rotated within the ring.

[0052] In this case, the pin 5 is designed with a mushroom head. This design prevents the openings 33, 35 from being reapplied to the pin 5, so that the quality seal cannot be restored. However, the pin 5 can also be designed like the pin 205 (see Figure 6 ) must be trained.

[0053] The Figure 4shows a perspective view of another container closure 200. In contrast to the container closure 100 according to the Figure 1 the connecting element 3 of the container closure 200 is according to the Figure 4 manufactured in one piece with fitting 4.

[0054] The container closure 200 has a closure cap 201. The closure cap 201 is mounted on a pouring opening 202 (see Figure 6 ). The pouring opening 202 is in turn arranged on a shaped piece 204. A connecting element 203 extends between the closure cap 201 and the shaped piece 204. The connecting element 203 is connected with a first end 231 to the closure cap 201 and with a second end 232 to the shaped piece 204. In the embodiment according to the Figure 4the second end 232 and the shaped piece 204 coincide. Accordingly, the second end 232 is arranged rotationally fixed to the pouring opening 202. The second end 232 is thus formed integrally with the shaped piece 204. On or at the shaped piece 204, a pin 205 is arranged, which extends through a third opening 237, a second opening 235 (see Figure 5 ) and through a first opening 233, thus forming a quality seal. The connecting element 203 is accordingly arranged and designed such that the first opening 233 and the second opening 235 (see Figure 3 ) and the third opening 237 (see Figure 5 ) are overlapped by folding the connecting element 203. The connecting element 203 is folded at the joints 234, 236, and 238.

[0055] The Figure 5 shows a top view of the container closure 200 of Figure 4The ring-shaped design of the first end 231 is clearly visible. Also shown in the Figure 2 is the direction of rotation R in which the closure cap 201 must be turned to open the container closure 200. The Figure 6 shows a perspective and partially cutaway view of the container closure 200 according to Figure 4 in an open position.

[0056] The shaped piece 204 is essentially flat and has an underside (not further described here) for attachment to a cardboard container. The pouring opening 202 is formed integrally with the shaped piece 204 and has a wall. On the outer circumference of the pouring opening 202, i.e. on its wall, an external thread is formed, which can be brought into engagement with an internal thread formed in the closure cap 201. In the illustration according to Figure 3, the closure cap 201 has already been unscrewed far enough that the internal thread and the external thread are separated from one another and the closure cap 201 can be lifted off the pouring opening 202. By unscrewing the closure cap 201 in the direction of rotation R, a distance is created between the closure cap 201 and the shaped piece 204.

[0057] The connecting element 3 has a first joint 234, a second joint 236, a third joint 239, and a fourth joint 238. These joints 234, 236, 239, and 238 each connect two sections of the connecting element 203 to one another. In the present case, the fourth joint 238 connects the second end 232, which in this case corresponds to the shaped piece 204, to a third section of the connecting element 203. This third section is connected to a second section by the second joint 236. This second section is connected to a first section of the connecting element 203 by the first joint 234. This first section is connected to the first end 231 of the connecting element 203 by a third joint 239. Each of these joints 238, 239, 234, 236 can be individually designed. In this case, all four of these joints are designed as film hinges.The first opening 33 is arranged in the first section of the connecting element 3. The second opening 35 is arranged in the second section. A third opening 237 is arranged in the third section of the connecting element. The first opening 233, the second opening 235, and the third opening 237 can be overlapped by folding the joints 234, 236, 238 such that the pin 235 extends through these three openings (see ). Figure 4 ).

[0058] By creating the gap between the closure cap 201 and the shaped piece 204, the individual sections of the connecting element 203 were unfolded. The pin 205, which in the closed state extends through the first opening 233, the second opening 235, and the third opening 237, was removed from these openings. In other words, the sections of the connecting element 203 with the respective openings were pulled off the pin 205, and the quality seal was accordingly severed. The pin 205 is a pin 205 with a predetermined breaking point. An element or part of the pin 205 is torn off the pin 205 by pulling at least one of the openings 233, 235, 237 off.

[0059] As from the Figure 6However, as can be seen, the closure cap 201 is still connected to the shaped piece 204 via the connecting element 203 and is thus held captively on the shaped piece 204. In generic use, the shaped piece 204 is arranged on and connected to a cardboard container that holds a beverage.

[0060] The first end 231 of the connecting element 203 is, as already described, designed as a ring. This ring is rotatably held in a corresponding groove on the closure cap 201. Accordingly, the closure cap 201 can be rotated within the ring.

[0061] The pin 205 is designed with a predetermined breaking point, wherein the element to be torn off / broken off is shown in the illustration according to Figure 6has already been removed and is therefore not shown. Although this design does not prevent the openings 233, 235 from being applied again to the pin 205, it is immediately apparent that the quality seal has been broken and the container closure 200 has been opened accordingly. The pin 205 can, however, also be used like the pin 5 (see Figure 3 ) must be trained.

Claims

1. Container closure (100, 200) comprising a closure cap (1, 201) with an internal thread for application to a pouring opening (2, 202) with an external thread, a connecting element (3, 203) with a first end (31, 231) and a second end (32, 232), wherein the closure cap (1, 201) is rotatably held at the first end (31, 231) of the connecting element (3, 203), wherein the second end (32, 232) of the connecting element (3, 203) is fixed or fixable in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the pouring opening (2, 202) and the connecting element (3) has at least one first opening (33, 233) for engagement of a pin (5, 205) characterized in that a ring is formed at the first end (31, 231) of the connecting element (3, 203), with which the closure cap (1, 201) is rotatably held.

2. Container closure (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (3, 203) has at least a first joint (34, 234) and the first opening (33, 233) is arranged between the first joint (34, 234) and the first end (31, 231) of the connecting element (3, 203).

3. Container closure (100, 200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting element (3, 203) has a second joint (36) and a second opening (35, 235) is arranged between the first joint (34, 234) and the second joint (36, 236), which first opening (33, 233) and second opening (35, 235) can be made to overlap by folding the connecting element (3, 203).

4. Container closure (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a molded piece (4, 204) for attaching the container closure (100, 200) to a container, in particular to a cardboard container, wherein in particular the pouring opening (2, 202) and preferably the pin (5, 205) are formed on the molded piece (4, 204).

5. Container closure (100, 200) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second end (32, 232) of the connecting element (3, 203) is arranged on the molded piece (4, 204) or is formed thereon.

6. Container closure (100, 200) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the molded piece (4, 204) and the connecting element (3, 203) are formed in one piece.

7. Container closure (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the pin (5, 205) is formed on the connecting element (3, 203).

8. Container closure (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting element (3, 203) has a second joint (36, 236) and the pin (5, 205) is arranged between the first joint (34, 234) and the second joint (36, 236).

9. Container closure (100) according to one of claims 4 or 7 or 8, characterized in that the pin (5) has a predetermined breaking point.

10. Container closure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container closure (100, 200) is made of a polyolefin, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene or mixtures thereof, or of PET or of PET-G or of PCT-G or of a bioplastic or of a polystyrene mixture.

11. Container, in particular beverage container, with a container closure (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 10.