Closure unit designed to be connected to a water bottle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure unit (100) intended to be connected to a bottle with at least one spout element (10) having a spout edge that surrounds at least one pouring opening (15), in which the pouring opening (15) can be closed via a sealing element, in which an inlet tube (11) is provided which surrounds the pouring opening (15) of the spout element (10) and which connects to the lower side of the spout element (10), characterized in that the inlet tube (11) has against its inner wall in at least two diametrically opposed positions respectively a pair of ribs (11.1) between which is designed an inwardly open and fluid-conducting chamber (11.4), in which the ribs (11.1) extend radially inwards to the outer circumference of the sealing element. Figure 9

Description

Title of the invention: Closure unit intended to be connected to a water bottle. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a closure unit intended to be connected to a gourd. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] DE 10 2019 128 302 B3 describes a bottle cap for a bottle with a narrow neck. This cap offers a high level of sealing because it incorporates two independent sealing surfaces. This ensures not only high leakage protection when the container is tipped over, but also a high level of sealing in the case of carbonated beverages, which result in high internal pressure. Leaking of residual liquid after the cap is closed is also prevented. The disadvantage is that the sealing element of the open bottle cap is always in the area of ​​the beverage's flow when drinking. The liquid must flow past the sealing element through a relatively thin annular slot; simultaneously, air must then flow into the bottle. In doing so, the opposing fluid flows impede each other.The mixing of the beverage flowing out and the air flowing in causes the typical gurgling sound and an irregular, jerky flow of the beverage. Description of the invention

[0003] The objective of the invention is therefore to provide a closure unit intended to be connected to a flask, with which the drink can flow uniformly.

[0004] As is usually the case for closure units known for insulated bottles, insulated cups, and water bottles for the mobile transport of beverages, a spout element is provided with a spout rim that surrounds at least one pouring opening, the pouring opening being able to be closed via a sealing element. In addition, an inlet tube is provided that surrounds the pouring opening of the spout element and connects to the lower side of the spout element.

[0005] According to the invention, an inlet tube is provided against the closure unit. This tube extends in the direction of the internal space of the bottle when the closure unit is connected to this type of bottle. Against its inner wall, and in several positions, at least two diametrically opposed positions, each tube has a pair of ribs between which a fluid-conducting chamber is designed. The ribs extend radially towards The interior is designed so that an open chamber is created towards the center. The sealing element is located on the rim side against the ribs. This design locks the flow path in the center. Both liquid and air must flow through the chambers. Since the bottle with the closure unit is always used horizontally or tilted when drinking, the fluid flows automatically separate due to their density; that is, when drinking, the liquid flows through at least one chamber located deeper, while the air then flows continuously through at least one other chamber located above. Because of the separation of the flow paths, the liquid flows evenly, and a jerky flow is avoided.

[0006] In the case of the closure element according to the invention, the spout element is preferably not directly connected to the bottle or cup; instead, a complementary base element is provided, which is arranged between the bottle or cup and must be fixedly connected to it. The spout element is mounted and movably guided within the base element so that it can slide along the central axis of the closure unit or parallel to it and can thus be lifted from the base element. At least one spring element is provided to lift the spout element from the base element. This also results, among other advantages, in the possibility of providing a relatively long inlet tube, through which the fluid flows can be separated over a longer path. Due to its length, the inlet tube first penetrates deeply into the hollow space of the bottle.Because it is connected to or formed against the movable spout element, it is lifted upwards when the closing unit is opened. Another advantage is that the movable spout element, relative to the base element, is guided through the inlet tube into the base element.

[0007] In particular, it is provided that the inlet tube is formed of several segments, each of which extends through a partial area of ​​the discharge opening of the base element.

[0008] It is also advantageous to provide, at least between one of the segments and the base element, a form-cooperative fastening that can be removed, thereby limiting the sliding stroke of the spout element. This can be achieved by having at least one segment elastically connected to the spout element and by having at least one projection formed against the segment, which engages by form cooperation in a recess or under a recess in the base element.

[0009] One-handed operation of the closing unit is facilitated by the presence of a pivoting cover which acts against the force of A high spring, also necessary in the case of a closure unit according to the invention to ensure a seal. In doing so, it is however possible to conveniently use one or more fingers on the upper side of the cover to perform the pivoting action, which is easier than pressing axially downwards on a central actuation button, particularly when simultaneously holding the closure unit with the same hand.

[0010] During the opening movement, the cover slides along the edge of the elastically mounted spout element. In doing so, only the sliding friction force needs to be overcome. During the closing movement, the cover again slides along the edge of the elastically mounted spout element. In doing so, in addition to overcoming the sliding friction force, the spring element must also be preloaded. Since the pivotally mounted cover is pivoted through a large radius and the increasing spring tension during closing is maintained at each intermediate position by the fixedly mounted cover against the base element, the one-handed closing movement can also be achieved with less force compared to a known closing unit with a central actuating button.

[0011] The sealing of the pouring opening is achieved by pushing the movable spout element onto the base element, thereby pushing at least one sealing element present on the spout element or the base element onto at least one pouring opening against the other respective element. If the spout element is then raised again by the spring force, the seal is broken.

[0012] In so doing, the sealing element can be arranged in a fixed manner in the base element, so that in the event that a spout element is lowered down onto the base element, the spout opening of the spout element is closed.

[0013] According to another possibility, the sealing element can be arranged in a fixed manner in the spout element, so that in the case where a spout element is lowered down onto the base element, the pouring opening is closed against the base element.

[0014] The user must apply the spout element against the base element by closing the cover against the force of the spring element inserted between the two. By doing so, the spring element is pre-stressed, so that the spout element is automatically lifted from the base element when the cover is subsequently opened by pivoting and no further force is exerted.

[0015] That is why a stopping device is also provided to hold the spout element in the lowered position relative to the base element and against of the force of the prestressed spring element. Preferably, the stop equipment is formed with the cover, with which the area, open at the top, of the spout element can at the same time be covered and protected against dirt.

[0016] The cover preferably comprises a bracket pivotally mounted against the base element, and a lid element movably mounted against the bracket. To hold the lid element on the upper side of the closure unit and prevent unintentional pivoting of the bracket, the lid element may have an actuation button on its lower side with at least one cam, which is fixed by form cooperation against the inner edge of the spout edge in the closed position of the closure unit.

[0017] A particularly advantageous design of the invention provides for a spring element that is designed in the form of a pipe section and is made of an elastomeric plastic material, in particular silicone. In so doing, several advantages can be obtained simultaneously: - The silicone spring element stores enough spring energy in the compressed state to be able to subsequently lift the spout element from the base element again, even if drink residue were to cause occasional sticking. - It is food-safe and can come into direct contact with the beverage liquid.

[0018] In particular, this type of pipe-section spring element, which is placed between the base element and the spout element, also makes it possible to design a sealing tunnel that surrounds the sealing element, the spout opening of the base element, and the spout opening of the spout element. The spring element connects with its ends to the lower side of the spout element and the upper side of the base element, so that a completely sealed space is formed inside the sealing element as soon as the sealing element is pressed against the spout opening.

[0019] Thus, the application proposes a closure unit intended to be connected to a bottle with at least one spout element having a spout edge that surrounds at least one pouring opening, wherein the pouring opening can be closed via a sealing element, wherein an inlet tube is provided that surrounds the pouring opening of the spout element and connects to the lower side of the spout element, characterized in that the inlet tube has against its inner wall, in at least two diametrically opposed positions respectively, a pair of ribs between which is designed an inwardly open, fluid-conducting chamber, in which the Ribs extend radially inwards to the outer circumference of the sealing element.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the inlet tube has ribs in a star arrangement distributed over the inner wall in several positions, in which is respectively designed an inwardly open chamber and a fluid-conducting chamber between neighboring ribs.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the inlet tube is formed of several segments, each of which extends through an area of ​​the discharge opening of the basic element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least one segment is elastically connected to the spout element and at least one projection is formed against the segment, which engages in a recess in the base element or under a recess in the base element.

[0023] According to one embodiment:

[0024] a separate base element from the spout element is provided with at least one pouring opening to be fixedly connected to the bottle;

[0025] the spout element is guided in a vertically movable manner in or against the base element, wherein the spout element can be lifted from the base element via a spring element;

[0026] the sealing element closes at least one of the pouring openings in the case where the spout element is lowered down onto the base element;

[0027] a stopping device is provided, with which the spout element can be stopped in the lowered position relative to the base element and against the force of the spring element;

[0028] between the base element and the spout element is designed a sealing tunnel which surrounds the sealing element, the spout opening of the base element and the spout opening of the spout element and

[0029] the inlet tube extends through the sealing tunnel and at least one discharge opening of the base element.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sealing element is fixedly arranged in the base element and in the case where the spout element is lowered down onto the base element, the pouring opening is closed against the spout element.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sealing element is arranged in a fixed manner in the spout element and in that in the case where the spout element is lowered down onto the base element, the pouring opening is closed against the base element.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the spring element is formed by a tubular section made of elastomer and the sealing tunnel is designed inside the spring element.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the sealing element has a mushroom-shaped head on the upper side and a collar enlarged in circumference on the lower side of its shaft.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the closure unit includes a cover placed on and covering an area of ​​the spout element surrounded by the spout edge, and the cover includes a bracket that is pivotally mounted against the base element, as well as a lid element that is movablely mounted against the bracket.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the lid element has on the lower side an actuation button with a cam, which is fixed by form cooperation against the inner edge of the spout edge in a closing position of the closing unit. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The figures show, unless otherwise indicated, a perspective cross-sectional representation of:

[0037] [Fig.1] a closing unit with a gourd in the closed position, in a perspective view;

[0038] [Fig.2] the combination of the gourd and the closure unit in the open position, in a perspective view;

[0039] [Fig.3] parts of the closing unit according to figures 1 and 2;

[0040] [Fig.4] a closing unit fully mounted in the closed position;

[0041] [Fig.5] the closing unit at the beginning of the opening;

[0042] [Fig.6] the closing unit completely open;

[0043] [Fig.7] the preparation for removing the spout element from the base element;

[0044] [Fig.8] the closing unit removed from the base element;

[0045] [Fig.9] the spout element seen from below; and

[0046] [Fig. 10] the basic element seen from below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, a closed closure unit 100 designed for a slim bottle 200. The closure unit 100 comprises a base element 20, which is to be directly connected to the bottle 200, and a cover 30. The cover 30 has a bracket 33, which is pivotally connected to the base element 20 via pivot axes 31, and a lid element 32 which on its side is connected in an articulated manner to the bracket 33. A release button 34 is integrated into the cover element 32.

[0048] Figure 2 shows, in another perspective view, the combination of the bottle 200 and the closure unit 100 in an open position. The bracket 33 has been pivoted downwards about the pivot axes 31, thereby moving the lid element 32 away from the upper side of the base element 20. In doing so, a spout element 10 elastically mounted inside the base element 20 is no longer held in place by its shape, and is thus propelled vertically upwards by the force of a spring acting between the base element 20 and the spout element 10. The area enclosed by the edge of the spout 12 is now free. A pouring opening 15 is thus exposed. A sealing element 51 can be seen there.

[0049] Figure 3 shows parts of the alternative closure unit 100 for the slim gourd 200. The closure unit 100 comprises a base element 20 and a cover 30 pivotally fixed to it against a bearing axis 31. The closure unit 100 also has a spout element, which is not shown here.

[0050] In the lower area of ​​the base element 20, a threaded section 29 is provided for connection with the narrow neck of the flask 201. The base element 20 narrows upwards from this threaded section 29 to a discharge opening 25. A support bridge 27 holds a sealing element support 24 for attaching the sealing element 51 to the center of a discharge opening 25. The sealing element 51 has a mushroom-shaped head 51.1 on its upper side and a collar 51.2 on its lower side that is enlarged around its circumference.

[0051] In the example shown of the closure unit 100, a lid area 23 between a spout edge 22 and the pouring opening 25 is designed to be very thin and tapers into a channel, which serves as a housing for a cylindrical spring element 52.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the closure unit 100 fully assembled in the closed position. In the lower area, an upper section of the bottle 200 with the bottle neck 201 can be seen. The base element 20 is screwed with its threaded section 29 onto the bottle neck 201. A bottle neck seal 55 inserted between them ensures a seal between the two elements.

[0053] In the upper area of ​​the closure unit 100, a cover 30 is placed and covers the area of ​​the spout element 10 surrounded by the spout edge 12. The lid element 32 of the cover 30 is mounted against the bracket 33, which- ci being in turn mounted pivotally against the base element 20, as already described previously with reference to [Fig.1].

[0054] The cover 30 has an actuation button 34 which has a cam 35 on its lower side. This cam bears against the inner edge of the spout edge 12 and is thus fixed by a form-based fit. In the position shown, pivoting of the bracket 33 is not possible because the cover element 32 bears against the upper edge of the rib 22 in a leftward pivoting direction, and in the opposite direction the cam 35 bears against the spout edge 12.

[0055] The sealing element 51 is inserted into the sealing element support 24. A spout element 10 is inserted into the space inside the rib 22 of the base element 20. This surrounds with the spout edge 12 an upwardly open space, at the lower side of which is a drainage opening which in the position shown in [Fig.2] is closed by the mushroom-shaped head 51.1 of the sealing element 51.

[0056] Between the base element 20 and the spout element 10, a silicone elastomer spring element 52 is inserted, which is shaped like a section of pipe. Inside, it forms a sealing tunnel 53 that surrounds the area of ​​the spout opening in the base element 20 and the inlet tube 11 of the spout element 10, thereby sealing the entire intermediate space between the base element 20 and the spout element 10 against liquids. To this end, both the upper and lower edge areas of the spring element 52 are pressed tightly into annular grooves in the base element 20 or in the spout element 10.

[0057] The inlet pipe 11 extends through areas of a discharge opening in the base element 20 which are not locked by the support bridge 27 for the sealing element 51. To bypass the support bridge 27, the inlet pipe 11 is divided into several segments, one or more of which extend respectively through a section of the discharge opening.

[0058] Figure 9 shows the spout element 10 viewed from below. In the center of the element The discharge opening 15 is located at the base 10. In this case, the inlet pipe 11 consists of two segments 11.2 and 11.3, between which there is a gap on either side in which the support bridge of the base element can be housed. While segment 11.2 is rigidly connected to the base element 10, the other segment 11.3 is elastically brought against the base element so that it can be pushed inwards, towards the center. Ribs 11.1 on the inner side of segments 11.2 and 11.3 extend radially inwards until they reach the mushroom-shaped head of the element. The sealing element can be positioned in the center. A chamber 11.4 is designed between a pair of ribs 11.1 and the central sealing element. This chamber allows liquid or air to pass separately in front of the mushroom-shaped head. The fact that several chambers 11.4 are designed around the circumference, particularly in at least two diametrically opposed positions, allows the outgoing liquid and the incoming air to be guided into separate flow paths. In the case of the closure unit 100 according to the invention, the typical gurgling that occurs when drinking from water bottles with a narrow neck is avoided, as the outward flow of liquid is interrupted by incoming air.

[0059] Figure 10 shows the base element 20 from the lower side. The discharge opening 25 is divided into two parts by the support bridge 27 and the sealing element support 24.

[0060] Figure 5 shows the beginning of the opening of the closing unit 100. This is triggered by pushing the button 34 downwards. By doing so, the cam 35 is disengaged from the edge of the spout 12 and the stop mechanism formed by the cover is thus unlocked. The bracket 33 can now be pivoted in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0061] In [Fig. 6], the closing unit 100 can be seen fully open. The bracket 33 has been pivoted downwards to its maximum, thereby simultaneously bringing the cover element 32 into a lateral position against the base element 20. The spring element 52 can be released by means of the pivoting of the cover, thereby propelling the spout element 10 vertically upwards, thus creating a larger gap between the spout element 10 and the base element 20. The central sealing element 51 with its mushroom-shaped head is moved away from the pouring opening 15 by the movement of the spout element 10 and releases it.

[0062] Inside the spring element 52 is formed a sealing tunnel 53 which completely seals the area which is delimited upwards and downwards by the base element 20 and the spout element 10. The inlet tube 11 is passed through the sealing tunnel 53.

[0063] Figure 7 shows how the spout element 10 can be removed vertically upwards. Segments 11.2 and 11.3 of the inlet tube are pushed against each other. A projection 11.5 is formed against segment 11.3, which engages under the cover section 23. Once the projection 11.5 is deployed, the form cooperation joint is released and the spout element 10 can be removed from the base element 20.

[0064] In the representation in [Fig.8], the spout element 10 is removed from the base element 20, including the silicone pipe section which serves as a spring element 52 and forms the sealing tunnel. Reference signs#:

[0065] 100 closing unit 10 spout elements 11 inlet pipe 11.1 rib 11.2 segment 11.3 segment 11.4 bedroom 11.5 nose 12 spout edge 13 lid area 14 spillway chamber 15 spillway opening 16 ventilation closure element 20 basic elements 21st floor 22 ribs 23 lid area 24 sealing element support 25 spillway opening 26 ventilation pipe 27 bridge support 29 threaded section 30 recovery 31 pivot points 32 lid element 33 caliper 34 button 35 came 51 sealing element 52 spring element 53 sealing tunnel 55. Water bottle neck seal 200 gourdes 201 water bottle neck

Claims

Demands

1. Closure unit (100) intended to be connected to a bottle (200) with at least one spout element (10) having a spout edge (12) that surrounds at least one pouring opening (15), in which the pouring opening (15) can be closed via a sealing element (51), in which an inlet tube (11) is provided that surrounds the pouring opening (15) of the spout element (10) and that connects to the lower side of the spout element (10), characterized in that the inlet tube (11) has against its inner wall in at least two diametrically opposed positions respectively a pair of ribs (11.1) between which is designed an inwardly open and fluid-conducting chamber (11.4), in which the ribs (11.1) extend radially inwards to the outer circumference of the sealing element (51), in which: - a base element (20) separate from the spout element (10) is provided with at least one spout opening (25) to be fixedly connected to the bottle (200), - the spout element (10) is guided vertically movable in or against the base element (20), the spout element being able to be lifted from the base element (20) via a spring element (52), and - the sealing element (51) closes at least one of the spout openings (15, 25) in the case where the spout element (10) is lowered down onto the base element (20).

2. Closure unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet tube (11) has ribs (11.1) in a star arrangement distributed over the inner wall in several positions, in which is respectively designed an inwardly open and fluid-conducting chamber (11.4) between adjacent ribs (11.1).

3. A closure unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet tube (11) is formed of several segments (11.2, 11.3) each of which extends through an area of ​​the discharge opening (25) of the base element (20).

4. Closure unit (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one segment (11.2, 11.3) is elastically connected to the spout element (10) and in that at least one projection (11.5) is formed against the segment (11.2, 11.3), which engages in a recess in the base element (20) or under a recess at the level of the base element (20).

5. A closing unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - a stopping device is provided, with which the spout element (10) can be stopped in the lowered position relative to the base element (20) and against the force of the spring element (52); - between the base element (20) and the spout element (10) is designed a sealing tunnel (53) which surrounds the sealing element (51), the discharge opening (25) of the base element (20) and the discharge opening (15) of the spout element (10) and - the inlet tube (11) extends through the sealing tunnel (26) and at least one discharge opening (25) of the base element (20).

6. Closure unit (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing element (51) is fixedly arranged in the base element (20) and in that in the case where the spout element (10) is lowered down onto the base element (20), the discharge opening (15) is closed against the spout element (10).

7. Closure unit (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing element (51) is fixedly arranged in the spout element (10) and in that in the case where the spout element (10) is lowered down onto the base element (20), the discharge opening (25) is closed against the base element (20).

8. Closure unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (52) is formed by a tubular section of elastomer and in that the sealing tunnel (53) is designed inside the spring element (52).

9. Closure unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (51) has on the upper side a mushroom-shaped head (51.1) and on the lower side of its shaft a collar (51.2) enlarged in circumference.

10. Closure unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover (30) placed on and covering an area of ​​the spout element (10) surrounded by the spout edge (12), and in which the cover (30) comprises a bracket (33) which is pivotally mounted against the base element (20), and a lid element (32) which is movably mounted against the bracket (33).

11. Closing unit (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the lid element (32) has at the lower side an actuating button (34) with a cam (35), which is fixed by form cooperation against the inner edge of the spout edge (12) in a closed position of the closing unit (100).

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