Container closure with a display element

Abstract

In a container closure (10) the container closure (10) has a lower part (14) extending around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10), defining an opening (300) of the container closure (10), and having an outer wall (22) and an inner wall (26) located between the outer wall (22) and the opening (300), a cover (16) which, in a closed position, covers the opening (300) of the container closure (10) and, in an open position, provides access to the opening (300) of the container closure (10), and at least one indicator element (52) connected to the cover (16) by a predetermined breaking point (54), which has a detent projection (58) forming a stop surface (60) that projects radially outwards, is axially oriented in the opening direction (110) and is opposite a corresponding counter-stop surface (70) of the outer wall (22) that is directed away from the opening direction. The inner wall (22) has a locking projection (30),which projects radially outwards, is oriented opposite to the opening direction (110) and, in the closed position, penetrates a window (62) of the display element (62).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a container closure with a lower part which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a lid which covers an opening of the lower part in a closed position and leaves the opening open in an open position, and a display element whose state changes irreversibly when the lid is first opened. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] From the document ES 1277165 U a container closure of the type mentioned at the outset is known, in which the display element is connected to the lid by a predetermined breaking point and has a first locking projection which, in the closed position, lies at least partially in a cavity between an outer wall and the inner wall of the lower part and has a stop surface which projects radially outwards, points axially in the opening direction, lies opposite a corresponding counter-stop surface of the outer wall pointing opposite to the opening direction and is held by the corresponding counter-stop surface of the outer wall when the lid is opened for the first time, so that the first opening of the lid causes the predetermined breaking point to break.With this container closure, there is a risk that someone could use a tool to press the indicator element against the inner wall of the base, thereby displacing the locking projection radially inward, allowing the lid to be opened for the first time without breaking the predetermined breaking point. A similar container closure is known from EP 2 691 313 B1.

[0003] From document DE 10 2012 003 058 A1, a container closure is known which differs from ES 1277165 U in that the inner wall has a locking projection which projects radially outwards and axially opposite to the opening direction, and which lies opposite a corresponding locking surface of the indicator element which is aligned in the opening direction. This ensures that the predetermined breaking point of the indicator element breaks when the lid is first opened. However, the corresponding locking surface of the indicator element is formed by a second locking projection of the indicator element which projects radially inwards, so that the indicator element has a large radial dimension. Furthermore, the first opening is made more difficult by the fact that in the closed position the locking projection of the inner wall lies radially against a wall of the indicator element and rubs against this wall during the first opening before the predetermined breaking point breaks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is based on the object of equipping a container closure of the type mentioned above with means which ensure the breakage of the predetermined breaking point of the display element when the lid is first opened, but without significantly increasing the radial space requirement.

[0005] In a container closure having a lower part which extends around a reference axis of the container closure, delimits a mouth of the container closure, and has an outer wall and an inner wall which lies between the outer wall and the mouth, a lid which, in a closed position, covers the mouth of the container closure in an opening direction of the reference axis and, in an open position, provides access to the mouth of the container closure, and at least one indicator element which is connected to the lid by a predetermined breaking point and which has a locking projection which forms a stop surface which projects radially outwards, is axially aligned in the opening direction and is opposite a corresponding counter-stop surface of the outer wall which is directed away from the opening direction, wherein the inner wall has a locking projection which projects radially outwards and axially opposite to the opening direction,and a corresponding locking surface of the display element which is oriented in the opening direction, the object is achieved in that the display element has a window, one edge of which forms the locking surface of the display element, wherein in the closed position the locking projection of the inner wall penetrates into the window. A radially inwardly directed surface of the display element can be designed to be correspondingly flat.

[0006] If, in the closed position before first opening, the indicator element is pushed inwards in order to fraudulently free the locking projection of the indicator element from the counter stop surface of the outer wall, the locking surface of the indicator element is caught by the locking projection of the inner wall, so that the opening of the cover causes the breakage of the predetermined breaking point.

[0007] The predetermined breaking point can be formed by one or more detachable bridges or a continuous detachable line of weakness.

[0008] Preferably, the first locking projection can elastically deflect during the transition from the open to the closed position before the lid is first opened. On the way from the open position to the closed position before the lid is first opened, the first locking projection strikes the outer wall of the base and retracts radially inward as it passes the outer wall, only to expand again upon reaching the closed position.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the outer wall and the inner wall define a slot that provides access to a shaft in which the locking projection of the indicator element is received in the closed position before initial opening. Preferably, the shaft accommodates the indicator element after the predetermined breaking point has been broken.

[0010] Preferably, the window has a further edge opposite the locking surface and at a distance from the locking surface such that, after the breaking point is broken, the indicator element can move into the gap due to gravity in a direction opposite to the opening direction. In the closed position, before the predetermined breaking point is broken, the counter-stop surface of the outer wall is preferably located axially between one edge and the other edge.

[0011] The lower part is preferably suitable for tight attachment to a container neck and is equipped with fastening means, which preferably have at least one radially inwardly directed projection in the form of a locking projection or thread. Alternatively, it is also provided that the lower part is mounted with a fastening ring, which has a peripheral wall with fastening means for tight attachment to a container neck.

[0012] In the closed position, the indicator element is preferably located radially outside the opening of the base ring. Preferably, the indicator element is partially exposed radially outward in the closed position before the first opening.

[0013] The lid may have a locking projection which, in the closed position, engages behind a locking projection of the lower part to secure the closed position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the lower part has a spout surrounding the mouth, and the lid has an inner sealing skirt which, in the closed position, is in sealing contact with a preferably cylindrical or frustoconical sealing seat formed by the spout, the sealing seat preferably facing radially inwards.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the container closure has a hinge that connects the outer wall of the base to the lid. The hinge is preferably a snap hinge. The indicator element is preferably located diametrically opposite the hinge.

[0016] Preferably, the lid, the hinge, and the outer wall of the base are integrally connected to one another. The lid, the hinge, and the outer wall of the base can be manufactured in one piece by an injection molding process, preferably in the open position, and are then brought into the closed position.

[0017] The lower part itself can be made of one piece or can be formed from two pieces that are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner, namely an outer piece that forms the outer wall and an inner piece that forms the inner wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 : a sectional view of a container closure in the open position before a first closing along a section plane AA, which is shown in the Figure 2 is shown; Figure 2 : a top view of the container closure of the Figure 1 in open position before first closing; Figure 3 : a sectional view of the container closure in the closed position before a first opening; Figure 4 : a detailed view of an area F of the Figure 3 ; Figure 5 : a perspective view of the container closure of the Figure 1 after the first closing; Figure 6 : a detailed view of an area D of the Figure 5 ; Figure 7 : a sectional view of the container closure in the open position after a first opening; Figure 8 : a detailed view of an area H of the Figure 7 .

[0019] In all drawings, individual reference symbols designate identical or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0020] With reference to the Figures 1 to 8 is a preferred embodiment of a container closure of the present invention by the reference numeral 10 marked. The closure 10 is intended to be placed on the neck 12 of a container. The closure 10 can be made of a plastic or other material compatible with the container contents. A polymer, especially a thermoplastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, is preferred. The closure 10 is preferably in one piece in the open position of the Figures 1 and 2 injected, and then in the closed position of the Figures 3 to 6 brought.

[0021] The container closure 10 includes a lower part 14,a lid 16 and a hinge 18, the lower part 14 with the lid 16 connects. The hinge 18 is shown here as a snap hinge and allows a pivoting movement of the lid 16 around a swivel axis 180, which is perpendicular to the cutting plane of the Figure 1 runs.

[0022] The lower part 14 has an outer wall 22 which rotates around a reference axis 100 the container closure 10 The lower part 14 is equipped with means for fastening to the container neck 12 are intended, in this embodiment a series of locking projections 23, on the outer wall 22 of the lower part and when mounted on the container neck 12 behind a circumferential retaining bead 121 of the container neck and between this retaining bead 121 and a flange edge122 of the container neck, also known as the "support ring" in technical terms (see Figure 3 ). However, other means are conceivable, e.g. a circumferential fixing bead or a thread.

[0023] The lower part 14 includes an inner apron 24, opposite the outer wall 22 between the outer wall 22 and the reference axis and with the outer wall 22 a ring-shaped volume 200 which is intended to form an upper edge 123 the container neck 12 The apron 24 can have a circumferential sealing bead 25 and is designed to be mounted on the container neck in sealing contact with a sealing seat 124 which is directed from an inner surface of the container neck 12 is formed.

[0024] The lower part 14 In this embodiment, it has a spout20 which has an estuary 300 of the lower part 14 and the container closure 10 encloses. The spout 20 may have one or more slit-like openings 21 have access to a cavity 400 which is from the inner apron 24 If necessary, the lower part 14 have a flow restrictor or a valve that closes the outlet 300 closes.

[0025] The lower part 14 has an interior wall 26 which is opposite the outer wall 22 between the outer wall 22 and the estuary 300 and, if necessary, an extension of the apron 24 can be formed. The inner wall 26 limited by the outer wall 22 a slot 27 of the lower part 14, access to a shaft 28 which may be connected to the annular volume200 between the outer wall 22 and the inner wall 24 The inner wall 24 has a locking projection 30 which protrudes radially outwards and opposite to the opening direction 110 is aligned.

[0026] The lid 16 serves to close the Figures 3 to 6 the mouth 300 the container closure 10 in one opening direction 110 the reference axis 100 to cover and in the open position of the Figures 7 and 8 Access to the estuary 300 the container closure 10 to give. The lid 16 includes a head plate 34, a peripheral wall 36, one inner wall surface of the head plate 34 surrounds, as well as a gripping projection 40, which may be as shown from an upper edge of the peripheral wall 36 protrudes. The head plate 34can be flat or curved. From the inside of the headstock 34 Preferably, an annular sealing apron extends 42, from the peripheral wall 36 with radial clearance. This sealing apron 42 can have a circumferential sealing bead 47 and is designed to be in sealing contact with a sealing seat in the closed position 44 to come from the spout 20 In this embodiment, the sealing skirt is 42 in the closed position of the spout 20 enclosed.

[0027] The container closure 10 includes a display element 52, the one with the lid 16 through a predetermined breaking point 54 which is connected here by several detachable bridges 56 is formed (see Figure 6 ). It is planned that in one variant the predetermined breaking point 54formed by a continuous, removable line of weakness. The display element 52 may be flat or slightly curved and is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which is the reference axis 100 In this embodiment, the display element 52 the hinge 18 diametrically opposite. The display element 52 has a locking projection 58 which forms a stop surface 60, which in relation to the reference axis 100 protrudes radially outwards and is directed in the opening direction. The display element 52 has an inner surface 61 which, in the closed position, faces the inner wall. This inner surface 61 is preferably flat. The display element 52 forms a window 62 with an upper edge 64 and an opposite lower edge 66 on.

[0028] The shaft 28 is intended to display at least part of the display element 52 in the closed position of the Figures 3 to 6 When moving from the open position of the Figures 1 and 2 into the closed position of the Figures 3 to 6 the locking projection hits 58 of the display element onto a slanted edge 68 the outer wall 22 of the lower part 14 and retracts elastically when passing the outer wall, until it can expand again at the latest when it reaches the closed position. At the same time, the locking projection deforms elastically. 30 the inner wall 24 when passing the display element 52, until he looks into the window 62 can expand again.

[0029] In the closed position of the Figures 3 to 6 Before the first opening, the locking projection is 58 of the display element 52 at least partially in the shaft 28. A surface of the display element52 is exposed radially outwards, see Figure 6 . The stop surface 60 the locking projection 58 is located opposite a corresponding counter stop surface 70 the outer wall 22, which is oriented opposite to the opening direction. The locking projection 30 the inner wall 24 is in the window 62 opposite the lower edge 66 of the window 62, which has a corresponding locking surface of the display element 52 which in the opening direction 110 The display element 52 is thus both externally by the counter stop surface 70 the outer wall 22 than inside by the locking projection 30 the inner wall 24 caught, so that the first opening of the lid causes a break of the predetermined breaking point 54 caused, regardless of whether the display element 58is simultaneously pushed radially inwards or not.

[0030] After breaking the predetermined breaking point 54 takes the shaft 28 the display element 52 on, see the Figures 7 and 8 . The upper edge 64 of the window 62 is located at such a distance from the lower edge 66, that after breaking the fracture point 54 the display element 52 in the direction opposite to the opening direction 120 can move into the gap due to gravity and, if necessary, onto the upper edge 123 of the container neck 12.

[0031] Variants are provided. The container closure can have more than one display element 52 e.g. two display elements opposite each other on both sides of a plane of symmetry of the container closure, which is perpendicular to the pivot axis 200 runs.

[0032] The lower part 14 can be a fastening ring that is placed on a container neck 12 and in which a separate spout is mounted, or a spout that is separated from a mounting ring. The lid 16 is not necessarily connected to the lower part 14 connected by a hinge. For example, the lid is hinged to a fastening ring or a spout that is separate from the base ring. The hinge 18 can be replaced by one or more strips or omitted completely.

Claims

1. Container closure (10) comprising - a lower part (14) which extends around a reference axis (100) of the container closure (10), delimits an opening (300) of the container closure (10), has an outer wall (22), and has an inner wall (26) which is located between the outer wall (22) and the opening (300), - a lid (16) which, in a closed position, covers the opening (300) of the container closure (10) in an opening direction (110) of the reference axis (100) and, in an open position, provides access to the opening (300) of the container closure (10), and - at least one indicator element (52) which is connected to the lid (16) by a predetermined breaking point (54) and has a latching projection (58) forming a stop surface (60) which projects radially outwardly, is axially oriented in the opening direction (110), and is opposite a corresponding counter-stop surface (70) of the outer wall (22), which counter-stop surface faces away from the opening direction, characterized in that the inner wall (22) has a latching projection (30) which projects radially outwardly and axially counter to the opening direction (110), and is opposite a corresponding latching surface (66) of the indicator element (52), which latching surface is oriented in the opening direction (110), and in that the indicator element (52) has a window (62), an edge (66) of the window (62) forming the latching surface of the indicator element (52), and the latching projection (30) of the inner wall (22) extending into the window (62) in the closed position.

2. Container closure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator element (52) has a planar inner surface (61) which faces the inner wall in the closed position.

3. Container closure (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching projection (58) of the indicator element (52) strikes the outer wall (22) of the lower part (14) on a path from the open position to the closed position prior to the first opening, and retracts radially inwardly when passing the outer wall (22), and expands again when the closed position is reached.

4. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (22) and the inner wall (26) delimit a slot (27) which provides access to a shaft (28) in which the latching projection (58) of the indicator element (52) is received in the closed position prior to the first opening.

5. Container closure (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the shaft (28) receives the indicator element (46) after the predetermined breaking point (54) has been broken.

6. Container closure (10) according to either of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the window (62) has an additional edge (64) which is opposite the latching surface (66) of the indicator element (52) and is located at such a distance from the latching surface (66) of the indicator element (52) that, after the breaking point (54) has been broken, the indicator element (52) can move into the shaft (28) in a direction counter to the opening direction (110) as a result of gravity.

7. Container closure (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the closed position before the predetermined breaking point (54) is broken, the counter stop surface (70) of the outer wall (22) is located axially between the one edge (66) and the additional edge (64).

8. Container closure (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower part (14) has fastening means (23) which are provided for fastening to a container neck (12).

9. Container closure (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower part is mounted with a fastening ring which has a circumferential wall having fastening means (23) which are provided for fastening to a container neck (12).

10. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator element (52) is partially exposed radially outwardly in the closed position prior to the first opening.

11. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container closure further comprises a hinge (18) which connects the outer wall of the lower part (14) to the lid (16).

12. Container closure (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the indicator element (42) is diametrically opposite the hinge (18).

13. Container closure (10) according to either of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the lid (16), the hinge (18), and the outer wall of the lower part (14) are integrally connected to one another.

14. Container closure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part is one piece.

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