Rotary closure system for a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary closure system for a container with a closure which is intended for closing an opening of the container, can be fixed in a sealing manner at its edge region and is arranged via a threaded mechanism between a fixedly mounted and a rotatably mounted ring device in such a way that a rotary movement of the rotatably mounted ring device is converted into a vertical movement of the closure, so that one or more openings of the closure can thereby be opened and closed again.

Description

[0001] Screw cap system for a container

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a rotary closure system for a container, preferably a drinking container, with a closure intended for closing an opening of the container, which can be fixed in a sealing manner to the edge region thereof, which closure is arranged via a threaded mechanism between a fixed and a rotatably mounted ring device in such a way that a rotary movement of the rotatably mounted ring device is converted into a vertical movement of the closure, so that one or more openings of the closure can open and close again.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Closure devices for covering the opening of a drinking vessel, especially a glass or cup, consisting of a lid / cap that can be placed over the opening of the drinking vessel are well known and are used, for example, in outdoor beverage supply. Various closures for disposable and reusable bottles are also known. For example, plastic caps with an internal thread. Due to various environmental regulations, the latter must be secured to the bottle with a type of rope (tethered caps) to avoid polluting the environment as a separate closure, but instead be disposed of with the bottle.

[0006] Plastic lids and closures still regularly end up in the environment after use, contributing to further plastic pollution. For this reason, the European Union (EU) has issued a new directive called "Tethered Caps." This directive stipulates that, starting July 3, 2024, all single-use beverage containers made entirely or partially of plastic and with a capacity of up to three liters must be equipped with so-called "tethered caps."

[0007] In the summer months, when these beverages are consumed outdoors, for example in beer gardens or at sporting events, it often happens that contaminants get into unemptied drinking vessels, which then have to be laboriously removed. Insects, especially bees and wasps, which prefer to settle in drinking vessels filled with sweet drinks, can pose a health hazard. Closures with push-button / sliding mechanisms are also well known for thermos flasks and thermos cups, for example. The existing closure systems are usually so mechanically complex that they are impossible or only inadequately cleanable. Furthermore, the existing systems often suffer from wear and tear and / or are expensive to manufacture.

[0008] To address this problem, DE 20 2013 010 450 U1, for example, describes a closure device for closing a drinking vessel with a lid part that is connected by a hinge to a clamping device for releasably securing the lid to the upper edge of the drinking vessel. The lid also has an opening for passing a drinking straw through.

[0009] Such a closure device for closing a drinking vessel is also already known from US Pat. No. 9,038,850 B1, wherein the hinge joint is fixed to the drinking vessel by means of a clamping device that only rests against the circumference of the drinking vessel and leaves space for the upper edge of the drinking vessel. Since the lid typically only rests on the edge of the drinking vessel, a seal cannot be achieved, so that the liquid can overflow if the drinking vessel is moved, for example, while walking.

[0010] In addition, closure devices are also used for disposable hot drink cups, which are often offered to customers by beverage and restaurant stands for takeaway. These hot drink cups are used to hold warm and hot beverages, such as coffee or tea. During transport, it is important to prevent the beverages from spilling, so they are often provided with a lid.

[0011] Since such disposable drinking cups are often carried while walking or in a moving vehicle and drinking from the disposable drinking cup with the disposable cup lid on is done through a corresponding opening, the cup lid serves as a splash guard to prevent the drink from overflowing, especially when transporting the disposable drinking cup.

[0012] To close the lid, according to DE 20 2014 003 467 U1, it is placed over the rim of the cup, so that a circumferential groove fits flush with the upper rim. For hot or chilled beverages, thermos cups are used. Disposable thermos cups, for example, have a wall and a separate lid made of expanded polystyrene.

[0013] Furthermore, GB 2 420 265 A discloses a one-piece combination of drinking vessel and closure element, wherein the connection in the manner of a film hinge enables the desired pivoting mobility.

[0014] DE 201 18 188 U1 describes a drinking cup with a lid that is removable or pivotally connected to the drinking cup and a disc located under the lid, wherein the lid and the disc close off the interior of the drinking cup at the top in the closed position, the lid and the disc are designed in two parts, the disc is removable from the drinking cup or pivotally connected to the drinking cup, the disc has at least one opening, and the lid has at least one closable drinking opening, and the lid and the disc can be rotated relative to one another to open or close the drinking opening such that, for opening, the at least one opening in the disc can be brought into line with the at least one drinking opening in order to release the interior of the drinking cup to the outside.

[0015] WO 2010 / 003259 A1 describes a closure for a beverage container, wherein the closure comprises an insert element and a closure body insertable into a closure opening of the insert element. A first engagement structure attached to the inside of the insert element is connectable to a second engagement structure arranged on the outside of the closure body. The insert element further comprises a funnel region above this first engagement structure. The closure body further comprises a closed cover surface, a handle element, and a skirt with outlet openings. The engagement structures are designed such that the closure body is movable in the vertical direction relative to the insert element between a first position in which it sealingly closes the closure opening and a second position in which the outlet openings open passages for a liquid.

[0016] DE 202020 106281 LJ1, in turn, describes a drinking container for storing, transporting, and metered dispensing, in particular for drinking, a liquid, comprising a drinking vessel into which the liquid can be poured via the opening, and wherein the drinking vessel comprises an opening and a vessel thread, and comprising a closure device for fully opening and closing, as well as for partially opening, the drinking vessel, comprising: a lid element forming a closed surface to prevent liquid from passing through, wherein the lid element has a sealing region for resting on the edge of the drinking vessel to enable a liquid-tight contact of the sealing region with the edge of the drinking vessel, at least one fastening element for releasably fastening the closure device, wherein the at least one fastening element is connected to the lid element, and wherein the at least one fastening element has a closure thread,which is designed to establish a mechanical connection to the drinking vessel for releasable fastening in engagement with the vessel thread, wherein the closure device is designed to be displaced relative to the drinking vessel by loosening the at least one fastening element on the closure or vessel thread such that a passage opening for the passage of the liquid is formed, which forms the transition via the sealing area between the interior of the drinking vessel and the exterior, wherein the interior of the drinking vessel forms a coherent volume in the closed state, characterized in that the passage opening is delimited exclusively by the lid element and the drinking vessel.

[0017] A disadvantage of the closure systems known from the state of the art is often their cumbersome handling, especially with hot beverages. Furthermore, movable connections between the drinking vessel and the lid are hardly feasible in practice. Even if these movable connections are feasible, they are often stiff and awkward for the user. Furthermore, there are no adequate screw closure systems known in the state of the art that are equally suitable for various media in different physical states, such as liquid, crystalline, powdery, oily, and viscous.

[0018] Furthermore, current thermos cups in the prior art typically include a cup body and a cup lid disposed at the mouth portion of the cup body. When the cup lid is disposed at the mouth portion of the cup body, a closed space is formed inside the thermos cup. The cup lid is usually screwed or similarly fixed onto the cup body. It can be closed by pressing the cup lid downward, and opened by pressing a push button. However, when the cup lid is opened by pressing the push button, the cup lid is fully opened. When the cup lid of the thermos cup is opened with boiling water, water vapor from the thermos cup sprays upward. Therefore, consumers may be scalded during use, which compromises consumer safety.

[0019] Description of the invention

[0020] One object of the invention is to provide an improved closure system for a container, in particular a drinking container, which on the one hand is suitable for containers filled with hot or cold liquids and on the other hand overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0021] This object is achieved according to the invention with a rotary closure system according to the features of claim 1. The further embodiment and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0022] Figures

[0023] The invention permits various embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, some of these embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described in more detail below. These show:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a rotary closure system according to the invention in a schematic side section of a first embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a rotary closure system according to the invention in a schematic side section in a second embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a basic mechanism of the twist lock system for a container according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a rotary closure system according to the invention in a schematic side section in an embodiment with a removable stopper element to prevent the threaded spindle from unscrewing;

[0028] Figure 1 shows a container (4) which is suitable, for example, for storing and / or transporting a liquid or powder. The container (4) is closed with a rotary closure system according to the invention. For this purpose, the rotationally fixed and thus firmly mounted holding device (1) is first releasably placed onto the container (4). In one embodiment, this can also be fixed to the container (4) in a suitable manner. The rotationally fixed holding device (1) is in turn connected to an externally rotatable ring device (2), for example via a thread (10). A threaded spindle (3), as the actual axially movable closure, is enclosed between the rotationally fixed holding device (1) and the externally rotatable ring device (2) in such a way that a first external rotational movement of the rotatable ring device (2) is mechanically transmitted to the threaded spindle in such a way that the threaded spindle moves upwards, for example.continuously, along the longitudinal axis (15), thereby exposing one or more passage openings (11). This enables, for example, a flow of liquid from the container through the interior of the threaded spindle (3) through the passage openings (11) to the mouth of a user. The flow of drinking, for example, can be advantageously supported by a funnel-shaped geometry (6) of the rotationally fixed holding device (1) towards the interior of the threaded spindle. A rotational movement of the threaded spindle (3) in the opposite direction, in turn, allows the threaded spindle (3) to move down again as a closure, which leads to the, for example, continuously, closing of one or more passage openings.

[0029] (11). For this purpose, a suitable thread structure (7) is provided between the externally rotatable ring device (2) and the threaded spindle (3). For example, by means of a suitable system comprising a spring (8) and a groove (9), it is ensured in the rotary closure system according to the invention that the threaded spindle (3) can only move up and down, or forwards and backwards, to a limited extent in the axial direction. This latter mechanism can be implemented by means of a suitable construction for locking the threaded spindle (3) in the fully open and fully closed state.

[0030] (12). Furthermore, one or more seals (14) can be provided at suitable locations to further seal the rotary closure system according to the invention. The drinking area itself can be designed in a basin-like manner (13), as shown here, or else planar. In either case, an upper side of the threaded spindle (3) forms a positive fit with the drinking area. In the embodiment of Figure 1, all components are arranged such that they form one and the same rotational and / or longitudinal axis (15), around which the aforementioned mechanisms move. In an alternative embodiment, the upper side of the threaded spindle (3) forms a positive fit and completely with an edge of the rotary closure system, so that no basin-like or planar drinking area is formed.Rather, with this embodiment, a user drinks directly from the edge area of ​​the threaded spindle closure; this depends on how far the corresponding openings of the threaded spindle are opened outwards and thus exposed. Figure 2 shows a container (4) which is suitable, for example, for storing and / or transporting a liquid or a powder. The container (4) is closed with a screw closure system according to the invention; here, however, in a different embodiment of the invention. Here, the rotationally fixed and thus firmly mounted holding device (1) is first removably placed on the container (4). In one embodiment, this can also be fixed to the container (4) in a suitable manner. The rotationally fixed holding device (1), in turn, is connected / attached to an externally rotatable ring device (2), for example via a thread (10).A threaded spindle (3), as the actual axially movable closure, is enclosed between the rotationally fixed holding device (1) and the externally rotatable ring device (2) in such a way that a first external rotational movement of the rotatable ring device (2) is mechanically transmitted to the threaded spindle in such a way that the threaded spindle moves upwards, for example continuously, along the longitudinal axis (15), thereby exposing one or more passage openings (11). This enables, for example, a flow of liquid from the container (4) through the interior of the threaded spindle (3) via the passage openings (11) to the mouth of a user. The drinking flow, for example, can be advantageously supported by a funnel-shaped geometry (6) of the rotationally fixed holding device (1) towards the interior of the threaded spindle (3). A rotational movement of the threaded spindle (3) in the opposite direction in turn allows the threaded spindle to move down again as a closure, which leads to, for example,stepless, closing of the one or more passage openings (11). For this purpose, a suitable threaded structure (7) is provided between the externally rotatable ring device (2) and the threaded spindle (3). For example, by means of a suitable system consisting of a spring (8) and a groove (9), it is ensured in the rotary closure system according to the invention that the threaded spindle (3) can only move up and down, or forwards and backwards, to a limited extent in the axial direction. Furthermore, one or more seals (14) can further seal the rotary closure system according to the invention at suitable locations. The drinking area itself can be designed in a basin-like manner (13), as shown here, or else planar. In any case, an upper side of the threaded spindle (3) forms a positive fit with the drinking area. In the embodiment of Figure 2, all components are arranged such that they form one and the same rotational and / or longitudinal axis (15), around which the aforementioned mechanisms move.

[0031] Figures 3A - 3D show a perspective top view of the basic mechanism of the twist-lock closure system according to the invention. Fig. 3A shows, by way of example, that a left-hand rotation of the externally rotatable ring device (2) leads to the opening of the central threaded spindle (3), the actual closure. See Fig. 3B for the closure of the threaded spindle (3) slowly opening upwards, whereby the one or more passage openings (11) open to the outside world and, for example, allow a user to drink. Upon rotation of the externally rotatable ring device (2) in the opposite direction, here to the right, the closure retracts as the threaded spindle (3), and the passage openings (11) close again; for example, continuously; see Fig. 3D. The then completely closed state of the closure / threaded spindle (3) can be seen in Fig. 3D.The top of the closure / threaded spindle (3) is form-fitting with the drinking surface and tight.

[0032] The same reference numerals and descriptions apply to Fig. 4 as to the aforementioned Fig. 2; repetition is omitted here for the sake of brevity. However, Fig. 4 also shows the removable stopper element (16) according to the invention for the threaded spindle (3) to prevent the threaded spindle (3) from being accidentally unscrewed.

[0033] The same reference numerals and descriptions apply to Fig. 5 as to the aforementioned Fig. 1, in this case for an exemplary drinking bottle or reusable bottle; repetition will be omitted here for the sake of brevity. Fig. 5 also shows a further embodiment of the invention without a basin-like drinking area (13) for a simple drinking bottle. In this case, the closure surface of the threaded spindle (3) is flush with the edge of the bottle neck. The left-hand illustration in Fig. 5 shows the closed state of the threaded spindle (3) as a closure. The right-hand illustration in Fig. 5 shows the open state of the threaded spindle (3) of the closure; the vertical direction of movement is indicated by the upward arrow.

[0034] The same reference numerals and descriptions apply to Fig. 6 as to the aforementioned Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, in this case for an exemplary drinking bottle or reusable bottle; repetition will be omitted here for the sake of brevity. Fig. 6 also shows a further embodiment of the invention: In this case, the function of the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is taken over by the design of the container (4) in the bottle neck area itself. This means that the bottle neck is designed to replace the function of the rotationally fixed holding device (1). This allows the externally rotatable ring device (2) to be rotated directly around the bottle neck. This results in at least the following technical advantages: This allows for more cost-effective production of the screw cap system according to the invention and can be implemented in an environmentally friendly manner, for example, directly in reusable bottles.The screw cap is therefore not removable and remains on the bottle. This ensures that the cap is not lost and does not end up in nature as plastic waste. This addresses, among other things, the EU requirements for closure systems that are firmly attached to the bottle. Furthermore, the materials of the closure system according to the invention can, in some embodiments, be designed in such a way that the closure system can be cleaned and reused frequently in the sense of reuse. The left-hand image in Fig. 6 shows the closed state of the threaded spindle (3) as a closure. The right-hand image in Fig. 6 shows the open state of the threaded spindle (3) of the closure; the vertical direction of movement is indicated by the upward arrow.

[0035] The same reference numerals and descriptions apply to Fig. 7 as to the aforementioned Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, in this case for an exemplary drinking bottle or reusable bottle; repetition will be omitted here for the sake of brevity. Fig. 7 also shows a further embodiment of the invention as a screw cap for a drinking bottle or reusable bottle: Here, the threaded spindle (3) is designed as an elongated closure element and rests with its closure surface, more or less like a lid, on the externally rotatable ring device (2). The closure surface is flush with the end of the bottle neck of the drinking bottle shown. This brings with it at least the following technical advantages: The entire area that comes into contact with the liquid is completely covered by the threaded spindle (3) when closed (left illustration), and thus dust and dirt cannot settle in this area.This generally promotes hygiene when drinking. Any residual liquid on the rim of the closure is completely covered by the threaded spindle after closure and cannot dry out or smear. This also promotes hygiene when drinking. The left-hand image in Fig. 7 shows the closed state of the threaded spindle (3) as a closure. The right-hand image in Fig. 7 shows the open state of the threaded spindle (3) of the closure; the vertical direction of movement is indicated by the upward arrow. In a further embodiment, the screw cap system according to the invention has a device which serves as a tamper-evident closure. This means that, for example, a tamper-evident closure is suitably provided in the screw cap system.A material layer is installed in such a way that it tears or is otherwise destroyed upon first use of the screw cap, in order to provide the user with proof that the sealed container was actually previously sealed. For example, a material layer is conceivable in a thread and / or around the threaded spindle of the screw cap system according to the invention. Also conceivable is a material layer installed in and / or around the rotatable ring device, the first actuation of which alters or destroys the integrity of the material layer, preferably accompanied by a sound, which indicates to the user that the closure is genuine.

[0036] With the above overall disclosure, the present invention further includes the following numbered embodiments:

[0037] 1 . A twist-lock closure system for a container (4) with a closure element intended for closing an opening of the container (4) and which can be fixed sealingly to the edge region thereof, the closure element comprising:

[0038] • a rotationally fixed holding device (1);

[0039] • an externally rotatable ring device (2); and

[0040] • an axially movable threaded spindle (3) with one or more closable passage openings (11) or, wherein a side of the threaded spindle (3) facing the rotatable ring device (2) and an inner side of the rotatable ring device (2) have a profile which, when the threaded spindle (3) is aligned in a certain way with respect to the rotatable ring device (2), forms one or more fluid-conducting channels, characterized in that the rotatable ring device (2) is connected to the rotationally fixed holding device (1) in a rotationally movable but axially fixed manner, the rotatable ring device

[0041] (2) in turn surrounds the threaded spindle (3) in such a way that the threaded spindle

[0042] (3) can move forwards or backwards along a longitudinal axis (15) by external rotation of the rotatable ring device (2), preferably can move forwards or backwards continuously. Rotary closure system according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1), the externally rotatable ring device (2), and the axially movable threaded spindle (3) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a central axis (15) is formed between them, which axis functions as a rotational and / or longitudinal axis (15). Rotary closure system according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) is cylindrical and functions as a closure. Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) can move forwards to a first engagement point (12) and in turn can move back to a second engagement point (12), or vice versa.A twist-lock system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) and the externally rotatable ring device (2) are movably connected to one another by means of a mechanical connection (5, 10) selected from a thread (10), a plug-in sleeve, and / or a bayonet lock. A twist-lock system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) comprises at least one further closable opening on an upper side, which is suitable for the passage of a straw. A twist-lock system according to embodiment 6, wherein said further closable opening on the upper side of the threaded spindle (3) can be folded open and closed, pushed open and closed, or turned open and closed.Twist closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 7, characterized in that the container (4) is suitable for the storage and / or transport of a medium selected from a liquid, a powder, a mass, crystals, an oil, a cream and / or mixtures thereof. Twist closure system according to embodiment 8, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) itself is permeable to the said medium by means of the one or more passage openings (11). Twist closure system according to one of the embodiments 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is itself a component of a container (4). Twist closure system according to one of the embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the threaded spindle (3) further comprises a stopper element (16) that is designed to prevent unscrewing orIn order to prevent the threaded spindle from being pushed out of the twist lock system, the stopper element (16) is preferably designed to be removable. Twist lock system according to one of embodiments 1 to 11, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) is designed to be elongated and rests on the rotatable ring device (1) or the rotationally fixed holding device (1) as a closure. Twist lock system according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that a material layer is installed in the twist lock system in a suitable manner in such a way as to realize the function of a tamper-evident closure, preferably the material layer is installed in and / or around the threaded spindle (3) and / or in and / or around the rotatable ring device (2). Twist lock system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 13, characterized in that:

[0043] • the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is a fixedly mounted ring device (1);

[0044] • the externally rotatable ring device (2) is a rotatably mounted ring device (2); • the axially movable threaded spindle (3) is an axially movable closure (3) with one or more closable passage openings (11) or, wherein a side of the threaded spindle (3) facing the rotatable ring device (2) and an inner side of the rotatable ring device (2) have a profile which forms one or more fluid-carrying channels when the threaded spindle (3) is aligned in a certain way with respect to the rotatable ring device (2);and further characterized in that the closure (3) has a holding groove (9) which is enclosed in a rail system between the fixed and rotatably mounted ring device (1, 2) in such a way that a thread (10) is formed between the fixed and rotatably mounted ring device (1, 2), so that a rotary movement of the rotatably mounted ring device (2) is converted into a vertical movement of the closure (3), whereby the one or more openings (11) can open or close. Twist closure system according to embodiment 14, characterized in that the holding groove (9) is movably enclosed between a first and a second holding position (12). Twist closure system according to embodiment 14 or 15, characterized in that the first and / or second holding position (12) is each formed by a protuberance of the fixed ring device (1). Twist closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to;

[0045] 16, characterized in that the first holding position (12) is arranged near the closure relative to the second holding position (12) and allows opening of the closure (3). Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0046] 17, characterized in that the second holding position (12) is arranged further away from the closure (3) relative to the first holding position (12) and allows closing of the closure (3). A rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to 18, characterized in that the closure (3) is designed as a vertically movable plug or stopper. A rotary closure system according to embodiment 19, characterized in that the vertically movable plug or stopper is designed as a cylindrical hollow body. A rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0047] 20, characterized in that the one or more passage openings (11) can be in fluid communication with a liquid in the container (4). A rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0048] 21 , characterized in that the fixedly mounted ring device (1) is mounted below the rotatably mounted ring device (2) Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0049] 22, characterized in that the fixedly mounted ring device (1) is mounted above the rotatably mounted ring device (2) Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to

[0050] 23, characterized in that the closure element has at least one seal (14). Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0051] 24, characterized in that the fixed and / or rotatably mounted ring device (1, 2) has at least one seal (14). Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0052] 25, characterized in that the rail system has at least one seal (14). 27. Rotary closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0053] 26, characterized in that the closure (3) is positively embedded in a concave surface (13), preferably a drinking surface.

[0054] 28. Twist lock system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to

[0055] 27, characterized in that the closure (3) of the threaded spindle (3) is designed to fit positively with an edge region of the container (4) and accordingly has no concave surface (13), preferably a drinking surface.

[0056] 29. Twist closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 14 to 26, characterized in that the closure (3) is positively embedded in a planar surface, preferably a drinking surface.

[0057] 30. Screw closure system according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 29, characterized in that the container (4) is a bottle, in particular a drinking or thermos bottle, a cup, in particular a drinking or thermos cup, a barrel, a basin, in particular a wash basin or bathtub basin.

[0058] 31. Twist closure system according to one of embodiments 14 to 30, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is itself a component of a container (4).

[0059] 32. Rotary closure system according to one of the embodiments 14 to 31, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) is designed to extend longitudinally and rests on the rotatable ring device (2) or the rotationally fixed holding device (1) as a closure.

[0060] In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded spindle is removable from the ring device and the holding device. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the ring device is detachable from the holding device. Thus, all three parts: threaded spindle, ring device, and holding device, can be disassembled as individual parts and thus cleaned particularly advantageously. In some embodiments, the threaded spindle is enclosed in the ring and holding device in such a way that it does not rotate around itself (no horizontal rotation), but is blocked and can only move vertically along a longitudinal axis by moving the rotatable ring device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the ring and holding device are releasably connected to each other via a suitable bayonet lock.

[0062] In one embodiment, the threaded spindle is enclosed in the holding and ring device in the form of a suitable bayonet lock.

[0063] A preferred material for the manufacture of the threaded spindle and / or the ring device and / or the retaining device is polypropylene (PP). This is a cost-effective material and allows the manufacture of all three aforementioned parts from PP.

[0064] Advantageously, the invention provides a screw cap closure system that is easy to use, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly to manufacture. All suitable synthetic and / or natural materials are conceivable for the production of the screw cap system.

[0065] Furthermore, the screw cap system according to the invention is universally applicable. A non-exhaustive list of applications includes the closure of bottles for liquids, such as beverages, and / or food, such as olive oil; for barrels of all kinds; for troughs, etc. The screw cap system is also suitable for use as a drain in sinks and / or bathtubs. The screw cap system according to the invention is also suitable for controlled ventilation, for example, in an aircraft cabin.

[0066] Thanks to its design, the system is easy to clean and less susceptible to dirt. Furthermore, its unique mechanics make it less prone to wear and tear.

[0067] According to the invention, the thread formed between the fixed and pivoting ring device can be designed as either a continuously rotating or a limited-rotation thread. Only the retaining groove of the closure, its arrangement in the rail system, and the positioning of the protrusions for the holding positions are crucial for limiting the vertical displacement of the closure.

[0068] Advantageously, the closure itself is designed as a cylindrical hollow body, a plug, or a stopper, which is arranged vertically movable within the screw-top closure system. Other shapes are conceivable by those skilled in the art.

[0069] Another advantage is that the screw cap system according to the invention enables increased safety when transporting a medium such as water, tea, oil, powder, sugar, pepper, cream, etc. According to the invention, the screw cap construction is completely mechanically sealed. The screw cap cannot open accidentally during transport.

[0070] A further advantage of the screw cap according to the invention is the increased hygiene and the very quick and easy operation.

[0071] With the above context, it should be emphasized that the precise arrangement of the fixed and rotating ring device is not crucial for the closure system, as long as the formation of a thread for the rotating mechanism and thus its conversion into the vertical displacement of the closure is ensured.

[0072] All suitable sealing materials and designs can be used as seal(s) for the twist-lock system according to the invention. For example, a sealing rubber coating or ring. Silicone-based seals and similar materials are also conceivable.

[0073] It should be emphasized again that the screw cap system according to the invention has universal applications. This applies to containers such as bottles and cups, as well as to sinks, bathtubs, and the like. However, the invention is not limited in this respect.

[0074] The above description contains many specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in other ways that differ from this description, and therefore, the description should not be considered limiting.

[0075] Although the invention has been illustrated by the above-mentioned advantageous embodiments, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art and that such changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of the invention and are thus encompassed by the scope of this invention.

[0076] List of reference symbols

[0077] 1. rotationally fixed holding device; e.g. fixed ring device;

[0078] 2. Externally rotatable ring device; e.g., a pivot-mounted ring device;

[0079] 3. Threaded spindle; e.g., cylindrical screw cap with one or more openings;

[0080] 4. Container;

[0081] 5. Detachable connection between the rotationally fixed holding device and the externally rotatable ring device; e.g., a thread, a plug-in sleeve, a bayonet lock;

[0082] 6. Funnel-shaped geometry for guiding / directing a medium toward the threaded spindle or closure with one or more openings; the funnel-shaped geometry can be part of the container or the rotationally fixed holding device;

[0083] 7. Thread between externally rotatable ring device and the threaded spindle;

[0084] 7a. Thread of the externally rotatable ring device;

[0085] 7b. Thread of the lead screw;

[0086] 8. Spring (as part of the rotationally fixed holding device is mounted in a groove (9), thus blocking the rotation of the threaded spindle (3) and thus enabling axial movement of the threaded spindle along the rotation axis (15);

[0087] 9. Groove as part of the rotationally fixed holding device;

[0088] 10. Connection between a rotationally fixed holding device and an externally rotatable ring device; e.g., thread, socket, bayonet;

[0089] 11. Passage opening; e.g. for a medium such as liquid, powder, or oil;

[0090] 12. Device for locking the spindle in the open or closed position; basin-like drinking area for easy and ergonomic drinking and drainage of any liquid residue in the container after drinking; seal; rotational and / or longitudinal axis; stopper element to prevent the threaded spindle from unscrewing;

Claims

Patent claims Twist closure system for a container (4) with a closure element intended for closing an opening of the container and which can be fixed sealingly to the edge region thereof, the closure element comprising: • a rotationally fixed holding device (1); • an externally rotatable ring device (2); and • an axially movable threaded spindle (3) with one or more closable passage openings (11) or, wherein a side of the threaded spindle (3) facing the rotatable ring device (2) and an inner side of the rotatable ring device (2) have a profile which, when the threaded spindle (3) is aligned in a certain way with respect to the rotatable ring device (2), forms one or more fluid-conducting channels, characterized in that the rotatable ring device (2) is connected to the rotationally fixed holding device (1) in a rotationally movable but axially fixed manner, the rotatable ring device (2) in turn surrounds the threaded spindle (3) in such a way that the threaded spindle (3) can move forwards or backwards along a longitudinal axis (15) by an external rotation of the rotatable ring device (2), preferably can move forwards or backwards continuously. A rotary closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1), the externally rotatable ring device (2), and the axially movable threaded spindle (3) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a central axis (15) is formed between them, which functions as a rotational and / or longitudinal axis (15). A rotary closure system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) is cylindrical and functions as a closure. A rotary closure system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) can be rotated up to a first Can move forward to a locking point (12) and can then move back to a second locking point (12), or vice versa. Twist closure system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) and the externally rotatable ring device (2) are movably connected to one another by means of a mechanical connection (5, 10) selected from a thread (10), a plug-in sleeve, and / or a bayonet lock. Twist closure system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) comprises at least one further closable opening on an upper side, which is suitable for the passage of a straw. Twist closure system according to claim 6, wherein said further closable opening on the upper side of the threaded spindle (3) can be folded open and closed, pushed open and closed, or turned open and closed.A twist-lock system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (4) is suitable for storing and / or transporting a medium selected from a liquid, a powder, a mass, crystals, an oil, a cream, and / or mixtures thereof. A twist-lock system according to claim 8, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) itself is permeable to said medium by means of the one or more passage openings (11). A twist-lock system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is itself a component of a container (4). A twist-lock system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the threaded spindle (3) further comprises a stopper element (16) designed to prevent the threaded spindle from being unscrewed or pushed out of the twist-lock system; the stopper element (16) is preferably designed to be removable. Twist lock system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: • the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is a fixedly mounted ring device (1); • the externally rotatable ring device (2) is a pivotally mounted ring device (2); • the axially movable threaded spindle (3) is an axially movable closure (3) with one or more closable passage openings (11), or, wherein a side of the threaded spindle (3) facing the rotatable ring device (2) and an inner side of the rotatable ring device (2) have a profile which, when the threaded spindle (3) is aligned in a certain way with respect to the rotatable ring device (2), forms one or more fluid-carrying channels; and further characterized in that the closure (3) has a retaining groove (9) which is enclosed in a rail system between the fixed and rotatably mounted ring device (1, 2) in such a way that a thread (10) is formed between the fixed and rotatably mounted ring device (1, 2), so that a rotary movement of the rotatably mounted ring device (2) is converted into a vertical movement of the closure (3), whereby the one or more openings (11) can open or close.A rotary closure system according to claim 12, characterized in that the rotationally fixed holding device (1) is itself a component of a container (4). A rotary closure system according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the threaded spindle (3) is designed to extend longitudinally and rests on the rotatable ring device (2) or the rotationally fixed holding device (1) as a closure.

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