Pouring device

Abstract

A pouring device comprises a pourer (1), which can be connected to a container (5a) and has a pourer spout (2), a cap assembly (20), which has an inner closure cap (21) surrounded by an outer handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), wherein a free space (28) is arranged between the closure cap (21) and the handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), said free space being continuously open in the axial direction of the cap axis (22), and at least one holding band (29, 29c, 29d), which is integrally connected to the cap assembly (20) by means of a fixed end (29a) and by means of which the cap assembly (20) can be secured to the pourer (1). The holding band (29, 29d, 29c) has a free end section (31), the radial spacing of which from the cap axis (22) is greater than the radial spacing of the outer wall surface of the closure cap (21) at the lower open end thereof, and the pourer (1) has at least one securing element (9) which can be connected to the free end section (31) of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d). The invention also relates to a container comprising such a pouring device (1).

Description

[0001] Pouring device

[0002] The invention relates to a pouring device comprising a spout that is connected to a container or at least connectable to a container and that has a pouring spout arranged around a spout axis, and that comprises a cap assembly that is arranged around a cap axis and that has an inner closure cap that is surrounded by an outer handle, wherein at least one free space is arranged between the closure cap and the handle, which is continuously open in the axial direction of the cap axis, in particular wherein the pouring spout can be opened with the cap assembly, preferably also reclosed, and that comprises at least one retaining strap that is integrally connected to the cap assembly at a fixed end and with which the cap assembly is fastened or at least fastenable to the spout. The invention also relates to a container with such a pouring device.

[0003] The spout axis is the axis along which the open channel of the pouring spout extends. The cap axis, for example, is the axis around which the cap assembly is rotated to open the spout, starting from an originally closed position.

[0004] In a preferred embodiment in which the closure cap of the cap assembly partially accommodates the pouring spout in the closed state, the cap axis is also the axis around which the cap wall is arranged, which is closed at the upper end with a cap lid and open at the lower end. The open end and the cap lid are thus spaced apart in the direction of the cap axis.

[0005] Preferably, it can be provided that cooperating closure elements are arranged on the outer surface of the pouring spout and on the inner surface of the closure cap, by means of which the closure cap or the entire cap arrangement and the pouring spout can be detached from one another and preferably also reconnected to one another, e.g. by axially moving the elements towards one another or by rotating the cap arrangement about the axis of rotation / spout axis / cap axis running through the pouring spout.

[0006] The cooperating closure elements can be designed, for example, as a pair of internal and external threads (threaded closure) or as a pair of cams and guide slot or retaining projection (bayonet closure) or as a pair of closure elements with an interlocking effect upon rotation.

[0007] However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments of fastening a cap to the pouring spout and also includes embodiments in which the closure cap is removed from the pouring spout by breaking a connection to the latter.

[0008] Another possible type of cooperating closure elements according to the invention will be described below.

[0009] The term “spout” is preferably understood to mean a component which comprises at least the pouring spout and a transition region with which the connection to a container is established or at least can be established. A spout according to the invention can thus be arranged, for example, on a bottle as a container, wherein the transition region is formed by the bottle neck or the upper region of the bottle neck. A spout according to the invention can also be arranged on a bag, in particular a film bag, as a container. In this case, the transition region to which the pouring spout is attached can be formed by a so-called weld-in part, in particular a boat-shaped weld-in part, which can be welded between the opposing bag walls.

[0010] Such a weld-in part preferably has two arms that are 180 degrees opposite each other and taper outward, i.e., with increasing distance from the nozzle axis. When the weld-in part is welded between two films to form a container, the film's inner surfaces are attached to the side surfaces of said arms. A surface of the weld-in part facing upwards, toward the spout, is exposed to the outside and is visible.

[0011] Directional information used in the following description refers to the aforementioned axes and an upright position of a container with such a pouring device. In the pouring device, the area of ​​the spout or its pouring spout that is open for removing product from a container is arranged at the top and the transition area with which the spout is connected to a container is arranged at the bottom of the spout. The axial direction is along the cap or spout axis and the radial direction is perpendicular to this. The circumferential direction runs at any radial distance around the respective axis. The circumferential direction means - unless stated otherwise - a clockwise and also counterclockwise direction. When the spout is closed, the cap axis and the spout axis are arranged parallel, in particular collinear, to one another.In this state, the cap axis and the nozzle axis can preferably also correspond to the axis of rotation about which the closure cap can be rotated in order to open the spout and preferably also to close it again.

[0012] The fastening of the cap assembly by means of at least one retaining strap ensures that the cap assembly remains attached to the spout or container after opening and thus does not get lost and pollute the environment.

[0013] It is known in the prior art that the retaining strap is attached with a first fixed end directly to the closure cap or a cap assembly with closure cap, and with another fixed end to a retaining ring of the cap assembly, which surrounds the pouring spout after assembly of the cap assembly and spout and remains on the pouring spout when the pouring device is opened. The at least one retaining strap is positioned with both ends within the radius of the outer wall of the closure cap in an area between the lower edge of the closure cap and the retaining ring, in particular wound circumferentially around the cap axis, and can be released or unwound from this position upon opening.

[0014] This type of mounting of the retaining strap on the cap assembly or on the closure cap of the cap assembly requires that the closure cap be extended axially downward to create space for the retaining strap and the locking ring. This is also difficult to achieve using injection molding technology.

[0015] Also known are the cap assemblies mentioned above, with a closure cap and a handle arranged around it. Such cap assemblies not only improve grip by increasing the grippable outer diameter, but also reduce the risk of swallowing the cap assembly. The axially continuous open spaces between the inner closure cap and the handle ensure that the airways are not blocked should swallowing occur.

[0016] A pouring device with a handle around the cap and a retaining band attached to a retaining ring is shown, for example, in DE 10 2019 009 029 A1.

[0017] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to further develop a pouring device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the cap arrangement, in particular its closure cap, can be secured to the spout in a simpler manner with at least one retaining strap and preferably with a smaller extension of the axial length of the cap arrangement compared to the mentioned prior art.

[0018] This object is achieved in that the retaining band has a free end portion whose radial distance from the cap axis is greater than the radial distance of the outer wall surface of the closure cap at its lower open end, and the spout has at least one fastening element to which the free end portion of the retaining band is connected or at least connectable.

[0019] Unlike in the prior art, a retaining band does not have two fixed ends on the cap assembly, but rather a fixed end with which it is integrally attached to the cap assembly and a free end portion which is connectable or connected to the spout.

[0020] Compared to the ends of the retaining strap in the prior art, the free end section is placed radially further outwards and serves for connection to a fastening element that is provided for this purpose on the spout. This makes it possible to save axial length of the cap element. The free end section is preferably understood to be the part of the retaining strap that extends from a detachable / breakable attachment point of the retaining strap on the cap arrangement in the direction of the free end of the retaining strap. According to the invention, a retaining strap can therefore have at least one, preferably several detachable / breakable attachment points between its fixed end and its free end section, with which it is temporarily fixed in position on the cap arrangement, in particular until it is opened for the first time.Viewed from the fixed end towards the free end, the free end section, which ends in the free end, lies beyond the last detachable / breakable tie-off point.

[0021] For each retaining strap or its free end section, an associated fastening element can preferably be provided. The number of free end sections and fastening elements is preferably the same.

[0022] Preferably, the invention can provide that the free end portion of the retaining band can be connected to the fastening element of the spout when the spout is closed for the first time by the cap arrangement or when the spout is opened for the first time by removing the cap arrangement.

[0023] For example, when closing for the first time, e.g. after the components of the pouring device have been manufactured, it can be provided that the cap arrangement is connected to the pouring spout by a rotary movement, in particular in a clockwise direction, wherein the rotary movement causes the free end section to enter into a functional interaction with the fastening element, by which both elements are connected to one another, in particular not detachably without destruction.

[0024] It is also possible that if the cap assembly is placed purely axially on the pouring spout without any rotation, the free end section will interact with the fastening element in the same functional manner.

[0025] In these cases, the cap assembly and the spout are connected after the first closing via the at least one retaining band by the achieved interaction of the fastening element and the free end portion.

[0026] The invention can also provide that the cap assembly only establishes a connection with the spout when the cap assembly is opened for the first time after being closed for the first time. Through the opening movement, e.g., a rotation of the cap assembly, e.g., counterclockwise, the free end portion and the fastening element can enter into the same functional interaction.

[0027] In such a case, after the spout is closed for the first time with the cap assembly, the cap assembly and the spout are not yet connected by the at least one retaining band, but are connectable.

[0028] Preferably, the free end portion has an extension direction that corresponds to the direction of movement of the cap assembly upon initial closing or opening. In particular, the free end portion extends in the circumferential direction around the cap axis or in the direction of the cap axis.

[0029] Preferably, the free end section has a curvature in a direction of movement around the cap axis that corresponds to the radial distance from the cap axis, in particular such that the radial distance of the free end section from the cap axis remains constant at least in some regions in its direction of extension. According to the invention, it is preferred that the free end section has a latching hook, in particular a barb, preferably extending radially outward from the free end section, which can be inserted through a passage opening on the fastening element of the spout, and in particular cannot be removed from the fastening element without causing damage after being inserted for the first time.

[0030] It is further preferred that the fastening element has an opening, in particular one that can be penetrated by at least a portion of the free end portion of a retaining strap in the direction of extension. This portion is preferably the portion containing the locking hook. The opening is preferably surrounded by the spout material in a frame-like or annular manner.

[0031] It is preferred that the fastening element comprises a web that can be latched behind by a latching hook of the free end section, preferably wherein in a region axially above the latching hook there is a lid that covers the latching hook and by means of which the fastening element is extended in the insertion direction of the free end section beyond the web that can be latched behind, preferably wherein the lid is connected to the pouring spout.

[0032] The web that can be engaged behind can have an end face that can be engaged behind / engaged from by locking hooks and that extends in the axial direction of the socket axis, in particular which is parallel to this socket axis, wherein a projection projects from the end face in the insertion direction, preferably extending in this axial direction, and is preferably narrower than the width, preferably the width viewed in the radial direction, of this end face. The projection can preferably be arranged on the edge of the end face closest to the socket axis. Such a projection can, for example, have a rounded surface or a surface that is adapted to the contour that the locking hook, in particular a barb, encloses between the hook element and the free end section. In this way, the projection can fit well into the locking area of ​​the locking hook when engaged behind.

[0033] This embodiment is preferably provided for a free end portion which is passed through the fastening element by rotating the cap assembly about the cap axis.

[0034] It can also be provided that the fastening element has an opening which is open in the axial direction and through which at least a part of the free end section can be passed and has an opening which is open radially outwards and whose opening edge, preferably the upper opening edge, can be engaged behind by the locking hook.

[0035] This design is preferably provided for a free end section which is guided through the fastening element by axial placement without rotation of the cap arrangement.

[0036] It is structurally preferred that a respective fastening element is arranged on the surface of a flange facing the cap arrangement, which flange surrounds the pouring spout at least partially, preferably completely, in particular in a plane below the open end of the pouring spout closure cap preferably via a connecting element of the spout that serves for connection to a container, e.g. a welding part for welding between two film layers of a film bag.

[0037] The free end section can preferably be arranged in the region of the lower open end of the closure cap, in particular, viewed in the axial direction of the cap axis, below the open end of the closure cap, preferably above the surface of the aforementioned flange facing the cap assembly. The invention can preferably provide that the retaining band extends from the free end section in the direction of the upper closure cap lid and from there back, preferably after a 180-degree deflection, in the direction of the lower opening of the closure cap, in particular, wherein the fixed end is attached to the axially lower end of the cap assembly.

[0038] It can be provided that the retaining band is extended in the direction of the upper closure cap cover and from there back, preferably after a deflection of 180 degrees, in the direction of the lower opening of the closure cap, only once, or that this is done at least twice.

[0039] In this case, the fixed end of the retaining strap can be connected in one piece to a strut, in particular to a radial strut with which the handle or a segment of the handle is fastened to the closure cap, preferably with the fixed end being closer to the closure cap than to the handle, or the fixed end of the retaining strap can be connected to the lower edge region of the handle or a segment of the handle, in particular to the respective outer wall, preferably in a central region between two struts of a segment, in particular with a region of the retaining strap extending from the fixed end in the direction of the upper closure cap cover or upper edge of the handle running at least partially, preferably completely, within the wall thickness of the outer wall of the handle / segment.

[0040] One embodiment may provide for a retaining strap to be divided, at least in some regions, into two spaced-apart sub-bands, in particular sub-bands spaced circumferentially around the cap axis, in particular having identical or similar directional extensions, preferably with the distance from the fixed end decreasing toward the free end section, preferably where the sub-bands converge. This embodiment has the advantage of achieving improved flexibility of the retaining strap while maintaining high stability.

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the retaining band extends over its entire extent between its ends at positions radially outward from the outer wall surface of the closure cap, in particular also extends over its entire extent between its ends at positions radially inward from the inner wall surface of the handle.

[0042] This allows the retaining strap to be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, within the at least one free space between the closure cap and the handle. Thus, with this guidance, the retaining strap does not contribute to an axial extension of the cap assembly, but is positioned in an already provided space within the cap assembly.

[0043] The handle of a cap assembly of the invention can, for example, be a continuous shell or sleeve extending 360 degrees around the nozzle axis or cap axis, which is arranged at a radial distance from the closure cap and is integrally connected thereto via at least one, preferably several, in particular at least substantially radially extending webs. A free space can be formed between such a handle and the closure cap, which extends axially through the cap assembly, in particular which can be divided into partial free spaces by several webs in the circumferential direction.

[0044] The invention can preferably also provide that the handle is divided into several segments which surround the closure cap in the circumferential direction, wherein each segment is connected in one piece to the closure cap and, together with a partial area of ​​the outer wall of the closure cap, surrounds a free space, wherein a respective retaining band is arranged completely or at least partially in the free space of one of the segments.

[0045] Such segments can each be arranged separately on the closure cap, either without being connected to one another in the circumferential direction or with a connection to one another in the circumferential direction around the cap axis. Segments can be arranged at a uniform angular pitch around the closure cap, in particular with a circumferentially extending spacing area between adjacent segments. If the segments are connected, they can be connected across the spacing area with at least one web.

[0046] Each segment can define its own free space that is continuously open in the axial direction. Such a free space preferably extends circumferentially between two webs with which the segment is attached to the closure cap, and axially between the upper and lower openings of a segment.

[0047] The invention can provide that a retaining strap runs in the free spaces of two segments opposite each other around the cap axis or also in the opposite partial free spaces of a non-segmented handle, in particular wherein no retaining straps are arranged in the free spaces of the other segments.

[0048] The closure elements acting between the closure cap and the pouring spout can be designed as mentioned above. However, a preferred embodiment can also provide that the pouring spout has a locking projection on its outer surface that surrounds, in particular completely surrounds, the spout axis and projects radially outward, and that the closure cap has a locking groove in its inner surface that surrounds, in particular completely surrounds, the cap axis. Thus, the cap assembly can be attached to the pouring spout in a locking manner, in particular by simply applying axial force.

[0049] In this case, provision can be made for a stop projection to be provided axially above the locking projection on the outer surface of the pouring spout and projecting radially therefrom, the axial edge surface of which forms a stop surface running obliquely to the spout axis, which can be inserted into a guide pocket with guide surfaces in the inner surface of the closure cap that are oblique to the cap axis. The opposing guide surfaces are preferably inclined in opposite directions, in particular in the same way as the stop surfaces on the stop projection. The guide pocket is preferably formed by a recess in the inner surface of the closure cap that is deepened in the radial direction.

[0050] This allows the cap assembly to be centered when placed axially and restricted in rotation between the guide surfaces of the guide pocket and / or to be displaced in the axial direction when the cap assembly rotates.

[0051] Preferably, the guide projection is at least partially or completely symmetrical about an axis parallel to the nozzle axis, in particular mirror-symmetrical. The same can apply to the guide pocket.

[0052] It can be provided that, in a stationary state of the cap assembly and spout, in particular when the locking ring is received in the locking groove, the width of the guide pocket viewed in the circumferential direction is greater than the width of the stop projection viewed in the circumferential direction, in particular at least in an axially extended region in which the stop projection is inserted into the guide pocket. This results in a limited rotatability of the cap assembly between the positions in which a stop surface of the stop projection and a flank of the guide pocket contact each other.

[0053] A preferred embodiment further provides for a fastening device, e.g. in the form of a recess / notch, to be provided on the edge of the handle, in particular on the lower edge of the handle, preferably in at least one segment of a segmented handle, with which the cap arrangement can be attached to a holding element of the spout.

[0054] The term "notching" does not imply that the notching process has actually taken place. Rather, the notching can also be preformed, for example, during injection molding.

[0055] The contour of the notch / recess allows the fastening device to be exposed in the outer wall of the handle. The fastening device can be clamped to a holding element, for example, or to or between sub-elements of the spout's holding element.

[0056] In this case, the retaining element, viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the nozzle axis, can preferably have a contour that at least substantially corresponds, at least in some areas, to the negative of the contour of the edge of the recess / notch of the handle. This allows a positive connection to be achieved or at least allows the handle to be brought close to the retaining element.

[0057] According to the invention, it can preferably be provided, for example, that the contour of the recess / notch comprises a curved region, in particular with a constant radius, bordered on both sides by incisions, in particular incisions running in the axial direction. The holding element can, for example, be formed by an axial region of the pouring spout, in particular axially beneath the aforementioned flange which carries the fastening element, around which two parallel wall elements are arranged, in particular opposite one another by 180° around the spout axis. The fastening device of the handle can, for example, be clampably fastened between these wall elements or to the wall elements as sub-elements of the holding element of the spout.

[0058] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0059] Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment. Figure 1 shows the entire pouring device according to the invention without the connectable container in a configuration in which the spout 1 is connected to the cap assembly 10. Figures 2 to 6 show the elements of the pouring device individually and in various views. The first embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0060] According to Figure 2, the spout 1 has a pouring spout 2, which is designed as a hollow channel and opens into a pouring opening 3 at the upper end. The pouring spout 2 is formed around a spout axis 4, which passes through the pouring spout 2, particularly centrally.

[0061] At the lower end of the pouring spout 2, the spout 1 has a connecting element 5, which serves to connect the spout to a film bag, e.g., by welding. Such a connecting element 5 is also referred to as a welding boat due to its boat-like shape. Figure 2A schematically shows, in dotted lines, a film bag as a container 5a, wherein the connecting element 5 is tightly fastened, in particular welded, to the upper edge of the film layers between two film layers of the container 5a.

[0062] The pouring spout 2 has an annular locking projection 6 that completely surrounds the pouring spout 2, i.e., over 360 degrees. The locking projection 6 forms a first closure element for closing the spout with the cap assembly 20 of Figures 3 to 5, in particular by applying force to the cap assembly 20 in the axial direction toward the connecting element 5 / the foil bag after it has been placed on the pouring spout 2. Preferably, the cap assembly 20 does not need to be actively rotated during closing.

[0063] Axially above the locking projection 6, the pouring spout 2 has a stop projection 7, or as here, two stop projections located 180 degrees opposite each other, which here are preferably mirror-symmetrical to an axis of symmetry 7b that runs parallel to the spout axis 4. The stop projection 7 has an axial stop surface 7a, in particular with a width that corresponds to the height by which the stop projection 7 projects radially beyond the outer surface of the pouring spout 2, which is inclined to the spout axis 2. When the cap arrangement 20 is placed on and axially loaded, the stop projection 7 can engage in a guide pocket 23' on the inner wall of the closure cap and can thereby be centered. In this case, for example, one of the stop surfaces lying around the axis of symmetry 7b can come into guiding and / or centering contact with one of the flanks of the guide pocket.Furthermore, the rotatability of the cap arrangement about the cap axis is limited by the contact surfaces of the contact projection located between the flanks of the guide pocket 23'.

[0064] When rotating the cap assembly from the closed position, the rotation can be converted into an axial movement, since one of the contact surfaces located around the axis of symmetry 7b comes into guiding and / or centering contact with one of the inclined flanks of the guide pocket, thereby releasing the locking of the cap assembly on the locking projection 6. The guide pocket 23' is clearly visible as part of the closure elements together with the annular locking groove 23 in Figure 4C.

[0065] The pouring spout 2 has a flange 8 beneath its closure element, here the locking projection 6, which preferably completely surrounds the spout axis and the pouring spout 2, i.e., over a full 360 degrees. The flange, as illustrated here in the top view according to Figure 2B, does not have to have a circular outer cross-section, but this can alternatively be the case. In this case, the outer cross-section deviates from the circular shape.

[0066] A fastening element 9 is arranged on the surface of the flange 8 facing the pouring opening 3 or the closure element 6; in particular, two fastening elements 9 are provided here, which are opposite one another by 180 degrees around the nozzle axis 4.

[0067] The respective fastening element 9 serves to fasten a free end section of a retaining strap, described below, to the cap assembly. For this purpose, the fastening element is equipped with a through-opening 9a that extends circumferentially around the nozzle axis 4, allowing the free end section to be inserted through.

[0068] The fastening element, together with the through-opening, effectively forms an eyelet, the through-opening of which is surrounded by the material of the spout or fastening element 9. The fastening element 9 specifically comprises a web 9b that can be locked behind and projects axially upwards from the flange 8, and an at least substantially radially extending upper web 9c, with which the upper end of the web 9b that can be locked behind is connected to the pouring spout. The upper web 9c is extended in the circumferential direction relative to the web 9b that can be locked behind, in particular specifically in the insertion direction of the free end section of a retaining strap described below, and thereby simultaneously forms a cover 9c that covers the free end of the free end section, in particular the locking hook. The web or cover 9c can be raised axially in the radially outward direction relative to its radially inner connection to the pouring spout 2.

[0069] Figure 2D shows this construction in detail, wherein it can also be seen that the web 9b has an end face extending in the axial direction of the nozzle axis, on which end face a projection 9d is arranged which has a smaller width in the radial direction than the end face of the web 9b. The projection 9d is provided, for example, with a rounded surface or has a contour which is adapted to the contour of the locking hook in the area enclosed between the hook element and the free end section. Preferably, an acute angle is included between the hook element and the free end section. A locking hook at the free end of the free end section is thus preferably formed in all embodiments by a hook element which runs at an angle, preferably an acute angle, to the free end area.

[0070] The function of the fastening element 9 becomes clear in connection with the following description of the cap arrangement 20, which is shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

[0071] The cap assembly 20 has an inner closure cap 21 formed around a cap axis 22 which is collinear with the spout axis 4, at least in the assembled state. This closure cap 21 serves to cover and close the pouring spout. It has an upper cap lid and a lower open end. Figure 4A shows, in the inner circumferential surface of the closure cap 21, the closure element 23 of the closure cap 21 corresponding to and interacting with the closure element 6 of the pouring spout 2, namely an annular locking groove 23 which completely surrounds the cap axis 22 by 360 degrees and can at least partially accommodate the annular projection 6.

[0072] The inner closure cap 21 is surrounded radially on the outside by a handle 24, which is integrally connected to the closure cap 21 via at least substantially radially extending webs 25. The handle comprises a manageable / graspable outer wall and the webs 25.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 24 is divided into a total of four segments 24a, b, c, d. Each segment 24a, b, c, d extends over the same circumferential angular range and is attached to the closure cap 21 by webs 25 at both ends of the circumferential extension.

[0074] Adjacent segments 24a, b, c, d are separated from one another in the circumferential direction by an axially extending gap 26, but in the embodiment shown, they are connected via stabilizing webs 27 extending in the circumferential direction. The stabilizing webs 27 can also be omitted, as the alternative embodiment in Figure 11 shows, for example, using an example.

[0075] There is at least one free space between the outer surface of the closure cap 21 and the inner surface of the handle 24. In segments 24a, b, c, and d, each segment contains a free space 28 that extends completely through the cap assembly 20 in the axial direction.

[0076] A retaining strap 29 is arranged at least partially in such a free space 28, in this example in two opposing free spaces 28. The embodiment shown shows that the retaining strap 29 has a fixed end 29a, which here is fastened to the lower edge of a web 25 of the handle 24 or a segment 24a, 24c, preferably such that the connection point of the fixed end 29a is closer to the closure cap 21 than to the outer wall of the handle / segment. The retaining strap 29 is preferably guided completely in the free space 28 and thus occupies a space that is already present in this embodiment of the cap arrangement 20, so that the provision of the retaining strap 29 at this point does not take up any axial length of the closure cap 21.

[0077] Along its extension in the free space, the retaining band 29 is fastened to the handle 24 or the segment 24a, 24c and / or the closure cap 21 by means of several breakable or detachable bridges 30 in order to stabilize the position.

[0078] At the end of its extension, the retaining band 29, in particular after a final bridge 30, has a free end section 31 which terminates in a free end. The free end section 31 is the one which, according to the invention, can be fastened to the spout 1 with the fastening element 9, namely by the free end section 31 being able to be pushed through the through-opening 9a and fastened, in particular reinforced, therein. The free end section 31 has a radial distance from the cap axis 22 which is greater than the radial distance of the outer wall of the closure cap 21 from the cap axis 22, and thus lies radially outside the closure cap 21.

[0079] In the preferred embodiment shown, the free end portion 31 has a locking hook 31a, particularly at the free end, which points radially away from the closure cap 21 and, after passing through the fastening element 9, can rust behind its web 9b and is thereby covered by the upper web 9c. This interaction is clearly visible in Figures 1 and 4B.

[0080] From Figures 3A and 3B it can be clearly seen that the free end section can have a curved extension which corresponds to the circumferential direction at the radial position of the end section, ie the curvature corresponds to the radius, so that the distance of the free end section from the closure cap or the cap axis 22 remains constant.

[0081] The course of the retaining band 29 between the fixed end 29a and the free end section 31 can be described as follows:

[0082] Starting from the fixed end at the web 25, the retaining strap 29 initially extends in the circumferential direction into the free space and then bends upwards in the axial direction. It is guided at least substantially axially upwards until it makes a 180-degree turn, after which the retaining strap is again guided at least substantially axially downwards. The upper turning point in the turn is preferably fastened to the handle or segment by a breakable bridge 30, in particular to the upper edge of the handle / segment which surrounds the axially upper opening of the free space 28. After the axially downward extension, the retaining strap is initially bent in the direction of the web 25 opposite the fixed end and preferably runs in the circumferential direction towards this web 25, being guided back in a turn before the web 25. This turn can, for example, be at least substantially 180 degrees.At the turning point of this deflection, the retaining band can be attached to the web 25 with a breakable bridge and, after the deflection, to the outer wall of the closure cap 21.

[0083] After this last bridge 30 on the closure cap 21, the retaining band 29 runs into the free end section 31.

[0084] The extension of the free end section 31 in the circumferential direction, which here corresponds to a clockwise circumferential direction according to the top view in Figure 3A, but can also be implemented in the opposite direction, ensures that by rotating the cap assembly 20 in the circumferential direction after or during axial placement on the pouring spout 2, the free end section 31 with the locking hook 31a is guided through the passage opening 9a of the fastening element 9 on the spout 1 and is firmly locked therein. As a result, the retaining band 29 is permanently attached to the spout 1, or at least not detachably without destruction, so that the cap assembly 20 cannot be lost after opening.

[0085] Figure 5 shows a further detail of the preferred embodiment, which may or may not be provided. A recess / notch 32 is provided at the lower edge of the handle 24 or a segment 24a. This serves to secure the cap assembly 20 with the handle 24 to a holding element of the spout after it has been removed from the pouring spout.

[0086] The contour of the recess / notch 32 has a curved region 32a, in particular with a constant radius, bordered on both sides by incisions 32b, in particular incisions extending in the axial direction. For example, the curved region between the incisions forms an exposed fastening device for attaching the cap assembly to the spout.

[0087] The matching corresponding holding element 10 is formed by an axial region of the pouring spout 2, which lies axially beneath the flange 8 and around which two parallel wall elements 10a are arranged, in particular opposite one another by 180 degrees around the spout axis 4. Figure 6B shows the contour of the holding element 10 in the sectional plane 11 of Figure 6A opposite the contour of the notch on the edge of the handle 24. The notches 32b can be narrower than the wall thickness of the parallel wall elements 10a, which can promote a clamping fit.

[0088] Figures 7 to 9 show a second embodiment in which, with the exception of the design of the fastening element 9 on the spout 2 and the design of the free end section 31 of the retaining strap 29, all other designs can be as described for Figures 1 to 6. In contrast to Figures 1 to 6, the free end section 31 of the retaining strap 29 is designed here such that it extends at least partially in the axial direction. The course of the retaining strap 29 in the free space 28 of a segment 24a, 24c is as previously described, with the difference that the free end section 31 bends axially downwards at the end. The latching hook 31a again points radially outwards.

[0089] This end section 31, which extends axially downwards at least in the end section, can be inserted in the axial direction into a fastening element 9 on the spout, which has an opening which is open upwards in the axial direction and through which at least part of the free end section can be passed and which has an opening which is open radially outwards, the opening edge of which, preferably the upper opening edge, can be gripped behind by the locking hook 31a. Here too, the surface of the fastening element can rise in height from the radially inner connection point on the pouring spout 2 radially outwards, e.g. in a step-like manner. In particular, the opening which is open axially upwards can be located in an axially raised step.

[0090] Figures 10 show a third embodiment with a thread-like realization of the closure elements 6', 23', which act between the closure cap 21 and the pouring spout 2, with otherwise possible realization of all other embodiments essential to the invention that are described for Figures 1 to 9, wherein here the free end section 31 and the fastening element 9 are designed as in Figures 1 to 6, but can also be designed as in Figures 7 to 9.

[0091] Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of the invention, to which all features of the previously described figures can apply, with the exception that the design and extension of the retaining strap 29 differs from the previous embodiments. Here, the retaining strap 29 has a course according to which the fixed end 29a is attached to the lower edge of the handle 24 or a segment 24a, 24c of the handle 24. Starting from there, the retaining strap runs upwards in a slot in the outer wall of the handle / segment, extending from the lower edge to the upper edge, to the upper edge of the handle, where it is deflected downwards again.

[0092] From the fixed end to the upper deflection, the retaining band runs at least substantially within the wall thickness of the outer wall of the handle / segment, in particular such that it does not project radially outward beyond the outer wall. From the upper deflection, the retaining band 29 runs through the free space 28 until it merges into the free end section 31, which is either axially extended or, as shown here, circumferentially extended.

[0093] Starting from the fixed end 29a, the retaining band 29 extends in two at least substantially parallel extending partial bands 29c, d, wherein the circumferential distance between the partial bands 29c, 29d decreases from the fixed to the free end section, in particular until both partial bands 29c, 29d unite and merge into the free end section.

[0094] At the location of the upper deflection, the partial bands 29c, 29d can each be attached to the outer wall of the handle / segment with a breakable bridge 30, particularly inside the aforementioned slot. Additional bridges 30 can be arranged in front of the free end section, with which the retaining band in the combined part of both partial bands 29c, 29d is connected to the closure cap 21.

[0095] The functionality of the free end section 31 in conjunction with the fastening element 9 on the spout 1 is as described in the previous figures.

Claims

Claims: Pouring device comprising a. a spout (1) which is connected to a container (5a) or at least connectable to a container (5a) and which has a pouring spout (2) arranged around a spout axis (4), and b. a cap arrangement (20) which is arranged around a cap axis (22) and which has an inner closure cap (21) which is surrounded by an outer handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), wherein at least one clearance (28) is arranged between the closure cap (21) and the handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) which is continuously open in the axial direction of the cap axis (22), and c. at least one retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) which is integrally connected to the cap assembly (20) with a fixed end (29a) and with which the cap assembly (20) is attached to the spout (1) or at least attachable, characterized in that d.The retaining band (29, 29d, 29c) has a free end section (31) whose radial distance from the cap axis (22) is greater than the radial distance of the outer wall surface of the closure cap (21) at its lower open end, e. and the spout (1) has at least one fastening element (9) with which the free end section (31) of the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) is connected or at least connectable. A spouting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the free end section (31) of the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) is connected when the spout (1) is closed for the first time by the cap arrangement (20) or when... a pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end section (31) has a direction of extension that corresponds to the direction of movement of the cap assembly (20) during initial closing or opening, in particular wherein the free end section (31) extends circumferentially around the cap axis (22) or in the direction of the cap axis (22).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end section (31) has a locking hook (31a), in particular a barb, preferably extending radially outwards from the free end section (31), which can be inserted through a through-opening (9a) on the fastening element (9) of the pouring spout (1), and in particular cannot be removed from the fastening element (1) without damage after initial insertion. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (9) has an opening (9a, 9a'), in particular which is penetrable by at least a part of the free end section (31) in the direction of the extension of the free end section (31) of a retaining band (29, 29b, 29c).Pouring device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the fastening element (9) comprises a web (9b) that can be locked behind a locking hook (31a) of the free end section (31), in particular wherein the web (9b) has an end face extending in the axial direction of the spout axis, wherein a projection (9d) extends from the end face in the insertion direction, preferably extending in this axial direction, preferably being narrower than the width of the end face, preferably wherein in a region axially above the locking hook (31a) a cover (9c) covering the locking hook (31a) has a cover through which the fastening element (9) is extended in the insertion direction of the free end section (31) beyond the lockable web (9b). Preferably, wherein the lid (9c) is connected to the pouring spout (2). Pouring device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the fastening element (9) has an axially open opening (9a') through which at least a part of the free end section (31) can pass and has a radially outwardly open opening (9a"), the edge of which, preferably the upper edge, can be engaged by the locking hook (31a). Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective fastening element (9) is arranged on the surface of a flange (8) facing the cap assembly (20), which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the pouring spout (2), in particular in a plane below the open end of the pouring spout (2).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end section (31 ) is arranged in the region of the lower open end of the closure cap (21 ), in particular viewed in the axial direction of the cap axis (22) below the open end of the closure cap (21 ), preferably above the surface of the flange (8) according to claim 8 facing the cap arrangement (20).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) extends from the free end section (31) towards the upper closure cap lid and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, towards the lower opening of the closure cap (21), in particular, wherein the fixed end (29a) is attached to the axially lower end of the cap arrangement (20), in particular wherein the extending of the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) towards the upper closure cap lid and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, towards the lower opening of the closure cap (21) occurs at least twice. Pouring device according to claim 10, characterized in that the fixed end (29a) of the retaining strap (29, 29c, 29d) is a. integrally connected to a strut (25), in particular to a radial strut (25) with which the handle (24) or a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the handle (24) is attached to the closure cap (21), preferably wherein the fixed end (31) is closer to the closure cap (21) than to the handle (24) or its outer wall, or b.is attached to the lower edge region of the handle (24) or of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the handle (24), in particular to the respective outer wall, preferably in a central region between two struts (25) of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), in particular wherein a region of the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) extending from the fixed end (29a) towards the upper end cap or upper edge of the handle (24) / the segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) runs at least partially, preferably completely, within a slot in the outer wall of the handle (24) / the segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), in particular within the outer wall thickness.Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) is divided, at least partially, into two spaced-apart sub-bands (29c, 29d), in particular sub-bands (29c, 29d) spaced apart circumferentially around the cap axis, in particular having identical or parallel orientations, preferably wherein the distance from the fixed end (29a) decreases in the direction of the free end region (31), preferably where the sub-bands (29c, 29d) converge. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) extends along its entire length between its ends at positions radially outside the outer wall surface of the closure cap (21), in particular also along its entire length between its ends at positions radially inside. from the inner wall surface of the handle (24) or of the segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the segmented handle (24). Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the at least one free space (28) between the closure cap (21) and the handle (24) or of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the segmented handle (24).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (24) is divided into several segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) which surround the closure cap (21) in the circumferential direction, wherein each segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is integrally connected with the closure cap (21) and together with a partial area of ​​the outer wall of the closure cap (21) surrounds a free space (28), wherein a respective retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) is arranged completely or at least partially in the free space (28) of one of the segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a retaining band (29, 29c, 29d) runs in each of the free spaces (28) of two segments (24a, 24c) opposite each other about the cap axis or in partial free spaces of a free space divided by webs of a handle (24) opposite each other about the cap axis, in particular wherein no retaining bands (29, 29c, 29d) are arranged in the free spaces (28) of the remaining segments (24b, 24d).Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring spout (2) has on its outer surface a radially outwardly projecting, in particular annular, detent projection (6) surrounding, in particular completely surrounding, the spout axis (4) and the closure cap (21) has in its inner surface a detent groove (23) surrounding, in particular completely surrounding, the cap axis (22), in particular so that the cap arrangement (20) can be detented to the pouring spout (2). Pouring device according to claim 17, characterized in that a starting projection (7) is provided axially above the locking projection (6) on the outer cylindrical surface of the pouring spout (2) and radially projecting from it, the axial edge surface of which forms a starting surface (7a) extending obliquely to the spout axis (4), which can be inserted into a guide pocket (23') with guide surfaces in the inner cylindrical surface of the closure cap (21) that are oblique to the cap axis, in particular to center the cap assembly (20) when it is axially placed on it and to limit its rotation between the guide surfaces and / or to displace the cap assembly (20) in the axial direction when it is rotated.Pouring device according to claim 18, characterized in that the starting projection (7) is formed symmetrically about an axis (7b) parallel to the spout axis (4) and / or the guide pocket (23') is formed symmetrically about an axis parallel to the cap axis, at least in some areas, and in particular mirror-symmetrically. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fastening device, preferably a recess / notch (32), is provided at the edge of the handle (24), in particular at the lower edge of the handle (24), preferably at at least one segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of a segmented handle (24), with which the cap assembly (20) can be fastened, preferably attached, to a retaining element (10) of the pouring spout (1), preferably wherein the fastening device is exposed by the contour of the notch / recess (32) in the outer wall of the handle (24).Pouring device according to claim 20, characterized in that the retaining element (10) has a contour profile in cross-section perpendicular to the spout axis (4) which corresponds at least substantially to the negative of the contour profile of the edge of the recess / notch (32) of the handle (24), at least in some areas. Pouring device according to claim 21, characterized in that the contour profile of the recess / notch (32) has a curved area. (32a), in particular with a constant radius, comprising incisions (32b) on both sides, in particular incisions (32b) extending in the axial direction. Pouring device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the retaining element (10) is formed by an axial region of the pouring spout (2), in particular axially below the flange (8) according to claim 8, around which, in particular at 180 degrees around the spout axis (4), two wall elements (10a) parallel to each other are arranged. Container, in particular foil bag, with a pouring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images