Double-sealed beverage bottle closure for beverage bottles

Abstract

a control base member connected to the main body base member and having a central recess for receiving a star-shaped member, at least one pin protruding radially from the control base member into the recess and resiliently formed or fixed to the control base member, and the star-shaped member is provided on its outer periphery, outside the raised tooth profile, with at least one backstop profile section having at least one run-up slope and an adjacent stop end capable of fixing the resiliently attached pin.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a double-sealing beverage bottle closure for a beverage bottle, in particular for an insulated beverage bottle, having the features of the general terms set forth in claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a beverage bottle closure is known from US Pat. No. 5,699,499. It comprises a body base member in which a closure unit is arranged. Upper and lower seal levels are formed through the closure unit, the lower seal level representing the primary seal against the interior of the beverage bottle, and the upper seal level preventing liquid residues from dripping out of the cavity of the closure unit even when the beverage bottle to which the beverage bottle closure is attached is transported on its side or upside down.

[0003] This closure has proven its functionality and can be manufactured in small diameters. However, the ballpoint pen drive unit, which independently holds the closed and open positions after the user presses the push button once, has a fairly long spring tongue, resulting in a large overall height. The closure unit is positioned using a component inside the bottle neck and can be lowered to the inside of the beverage bottle, but this results in a loss of usable capacity for storing beverages. However, the long spring tongue has the advantage of reliably holding the position once it has been selected.

[0004] Other known closures for beverage bottles include closure units with a rotating star, similar to the well-known "ballpoint pen drive". However, it has been shown that in the event of a shock or other external influence, the star can unintentionally reverse rotation, i.e., return from the open position to the closed position while the user is drinking from the bottle.

[0005] Furthermore, insulated stainless steel beverage bottles with internal threads have a problem in that the neck of the bottle heats up when hot beverages are poured into it, and when it cools down, the beverage bottle closure inserted thereafter shrinks, making it difficult to detach the beverage bottle from the beverage bottle closure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Invention No. 102019128302 Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve beverage bottle closures of the type described above in such a way that they have a reduced overall height, remain securely in the open and closed positions, and are easily released from the connection with the beverage bottle.

[0008] These objects are solved by a double sealing beverage bottle closure for a beverage bottle having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The beverage bottle closure of the present invention includes a body base member on which the closure unit is disposed, preferably providing a releasable connection via a thread or bayonet fitting to facilitate cleaning of the beverage bottle closure.

[0010] As is well known, the closure unit forms an upper and lower seal level, preventing liquid residues from dripping out of the cavity of the closure unit even when the beverage bottle to which the beverage closure is attached is transported on its side or upside down. The ballpoint pen drive unit ensures and maintains a well-defined open and closed position.

[0011] An essential advantage of the present invention is that safety in the closed position is further enhanced by the fact that the push button unit only allows the intended direction of rotation of the central star member that controls the stroke movement of the seal plate, and that rotation is only achieved by the user pressing hard on the push button, and not accidentally by external influences.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention provides for a special cross-sectional profile in the circumferential region of the star outside the toothing required for the lifting and lowering movement, the cross-section comprising at least one non-return profile with a stop edge that jumps abruptly inwards and against which a spring-loaded pin abuts, which, as the star rotates, is gradually deflected outwards by sliding along a radially outward region of the circumference in a manner similar to a run-up slope, before bouncing back again behind the contact edge.

[0013] The spring-loaded pins for scanning the locking profile, further provided on the star, can be the same as those required for scanning the tooth profile.

[0014] In addition to the fixed pins that scan only the tooth profile, it is also possible to provide at least one spring-loaded pin dedicated to interacting with the circumferential locking profile.

[0015] Preferably, the spring-loaded pin is equally suitable for scanning circumferential lock profiles as well as tooth profiles.

[0016] Preferably, two groups of pins are provided that project radially inward into the receiving recess and scan the teeth of the star-shaped member, the first group including fixed pins and the second group including radially resiliently mounted pins, and in particular, the fixed pins that scan only the raised teeth of the star-shaped member project radially into the receiving recess a shorter distance than the spring-loaded pins that scan both the raised axially extending teeth and the circumferential locking profile.

[0017] If there are several groups, all pins must be arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the receiving recess, with fixed and movable pins arranged alternately. In the case of two groups of two pins each, similar pins will be arranged diametrically opposite each other. Even if the number of pins is different, it is advantageous if at least two movable pins are arranged diametrically opposite each other.

[0018] In conjunction with the uniform pitch arrangement with the preferred diametrically opposed arrangements, it is preferred to form a corresponding number of backstop profile sections in the star-shaped member with a uniform pitch, so that at least two movable pins are always secured to the backstop profile simultaneously.

[0019] Preferably, the star has one raised tooth profile at the top and one at the bottom, with a backstop profile formed between the teeth on the periphery of the star. The axial guide of the pin between the two teeth means that the open and closed positions can be more accurately defined than in ballpoint pen drive units with only one tooth profile. The desired open and closed positions are specified by one tooth profile, and the pin is guided by the other tooth profile during rotation of the star, leading to the vicinity of the desired position on the respective other tooth profile.

[0020] Preferably, the star-shaped element is divided into a lower and an upper part, which allows the two parts to be fastened together with a latch. This facilitates assembly, especially if the star-shaped element has two teeth: when assembling the star-shaped element, the lower and upper parts are guided into the recesses of the control base element from different sides so that the pin is positioned between the lower and upper parts in the backstop profile area. The two parts are then joined together.

[0021] At least when a detachable connection is provided between the main body base member and the closure unit via a screw, the diameter of the push button must be smaller than the diameter of the spout. In this case, the push button must be small enough to pass through the screw provided for connection. Meanwhile, the push button, together with the connected intermediate housing member, is held in the control base member only by a compression spring. As a result, there is no lateral guidance, and the push button can tilt. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to form at least three guide webs on the inner wall of the spout to guide the push button. The provision of at least three axially extending webs easily achieves good lateral guidance and significantly reduces tilt. The thickness of the additional guide webs on the inner wall of the spout, i.e., their radial extension, must at least correspond to the thickness of the threaded web for connection to the detachable closure unit. Because the closure unit is inserted into the main body base member from below, the thickness of the guide webs can also be thicker than the thread. However, rubbing contact between the guide webs and the outer edge of the push button during use should be avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings which show further advantageous features. The figures show in detail: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage bottle with a beverage bottle closure attached. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exploded beverage bottle closure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the control base member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the control base member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a star-shaped member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a star-shaped member. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a unit consisting of a control base member and a star-shaped member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a unit consisting of a control base member and a star-shaped member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed partial top view of the connection between the control base member and the star member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detailed partial top view of the connection between the control base member and the star member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a star-guided pivot. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a beverage bottle with a beverage bottle closure in a closed position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a beverage bottle with a beverage bottle closure in the initial stage of opening. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a beverage bottle with a beverage bottle closure in an open position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the body base member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the main base member of FIG. 15 equipped with a push button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage bottle 101 fitted with a beverage bottle closure 100. The beverage bottle closure 100 includes a main body base member 50 having a raised spout rim 51 surrounding a spout 52 that can be placed against the mouth to drink directly from the beverage bottle 101. When the closure unit 1 is inserted into the spout 52, only the push button 10 is visible from the spout 52, which also represents the upper sealing element and, in the closed position, abuts against an elastomeric sealing lip 53 surrounding the spout 52, forming an upper sealing surface together with the push button 10 as the upper sealing element.

[0024] The beverage bottle closure 100 is shown in a cross-sectional perspective view in Figure 2, with the closure unit 1 removed from the main body base member 50. At the upper end, a sealing lip 53 projects into the spout 52.

[0025] The body base member 50 is designed as a multi-part plastic injection molded component. A cylindrical spout 52 is bounded by the walls of an insert 54.

[0026] A receiving area is formed with bottle neck threads 56 formed as internal threads to receive an externally threaded bottle neck and securely connect to the beverage bottle closure 100. To seal the connection, an elastomeric gasket 59 is overmolded onto the top of the receiving area.

[0027] The wall has an inner periphery formed with a screw thread 55, through which the closure unit 1 is received by the outer thread 39. To connect or remove the closure unit 1 to or from the main body base member 50, the lower sealing element 60 of the closure unit 1 has two wings 62, on which the closure unit 1 can be rotated. Once removed, the closure unit 1 can be easily cleaned, as all parts are exposed.

[0028] In the closed state, the push button 10 also functions as an upper sealing element that abuts the upper sealing lip 53 from below, and the lower end of the cylindrical wall of the insert 54 forms an abutment end 57 that interacts with the lower sealing element 60 of the closure unit 1, forming a lower sealing surface.

[0029] The closure unit 1 further comprises a circular control base member 30 with an external thread 39 by which a releasable connection is established with the main body base member 50. The control base member 30 is therefore fixed to the main body base member 50 when the beverage bottle closure 100 is in use, forming a fixed part of the closure unit 1.

[0030] The movable and removable parts of the closure unit 1 include: -Push button 10, an intermediate housing member 11 connected to the push button 10; a compression spring 13 supported on the inner ring 33 of the control base member 30 and on the intermediate housing member 11; a star-shaped member 20, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a lower portion 21 and an upper portion 22; a sealing element 60 comprising a peripheral gasket 63 with a U-shaped profile cross section; a preventive valve 40 connected by a shaft 42 to a projection 14 formed on the top of the intermediate housing member 11 and inserted by a sealing piston 41 into a central vent 61 of a sealing element 60;

[0031] The star-shaped member 20 is guided with its upper part 22 in the projection 14 and with its lower part 21 supported on the sealing element 60 .

[0032] In the beverage bottle closure 100 according to the invention, the precautionary valve 40 has two functions: on the one hand, it serves as a valve for directly releasing any potential overpressure inside the container at the start of the opening process, as will be explained below, and on the other hand, it serves as a central shaft for mechanically connecting the intermediate housing member 11 and the push button 10 to the lower sealing element 60. In its function as a connecting element, the precautionary valve 40 is tensioned via a compression spring 13.

[0033] 3 shows a top view of the control base member 30. The outer rim is provided with alternating flow openings 34 for the passage of liquid from the interior of the beverage bottle to the spout rim, and further with recesses 38 for guiding the finger-like support of the intermediate housing member. A central recess 31 serves to receive the star-shaped member. Protruding from the central recess 31 are four pins 35, 37, divided into two groups: the fixing pins 37 of the first group of pins protrude into the central recess 31 from the web 32 surrounding the central recess 31, A second group of movable pins 37 extend from the radially movable arcuate support arms 36 into the central recess 31. The movable pins 37 extend radially further towards the centre of the central recess 31 than the fixed pins 37.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the control base member 30, showing the different shapes of the two pin groups 35, 37. The fixed pins 37 formed in the fixed part of the web have a shape optimized for interaction with the teeth of the star-shaped member. The rounded side faces in front of the direction of rotation make it easier to scan the teeth.

[0035] The pins formed on the radially movable support arms 36 have the same shape in the area close to the support arms, to which are attached crown sections provided for interaction with backstop profiles between the tooth profiles.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the two-part star element 20. The star element 20 has a central recess 29 through which the valve rests. The upper part 22 of the star element 20 is formed with teeth 24, while the lower part 22 is formed with teeth 23. The teeth 23, 24 of the rotatable star element 20 interact with fixed pins on the control base element, according to the known principle of the so-called "ballpoint pen drive." Each axial movement of the star element rotates it by a fixed angular step. The two-part design facilitates assembly. Simply place one of the two elements on the control base element from above and the other from below, so that the pins are positioned between the teeth. The two parts are then locked together to form the star element 20.

[0037] Of importance to the present invention is the circumferential region between the tooth profiles 23, 24, which is significantly set back from the region of the tooth profiles 23, 24 and is wide enough to ensure that the ends of the tooth profiles 23, 24 are scanned by the pins of the control element. However, this circumferential region is not cylindrical, but is designed so that in the intended direction of rotation, the circumference gradually widens outwards at at least one point in the form of a run-up slope, before again rapidly receding radially inwards.

[0038] The peripheral area forms a locking profile 25 for a pin on the control base member 30. The cross-sectional view of the star member 20 in Figure 6 clearly shows the profile of the locking profile 25: a total of four triangular profile sections are formed, each forming a backstop profile section 26. One of the movable pins 35 first slides on the run-up slope 26.1 and is pushed outwards. After passing the tip of the triangular profile, the pin bounces back and is then fixed against a stop edge 26.2, so that the star member 20 cannot rotate in the opposite direction.

[0039] 7 shows the assembly of the control base member 30 and star member 20 in a perspective view, with the segments separated from the control base member 30 and the pins 35 engaging the locking profiles 25 visible. The pins 35 are formed on support arms 36 that are extensions of the webs 32, but the support arms 36 have had the adjacent portions of the inner ring 33 removed so that the support arms 36 can move radially and spring outward.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows the same view of control base member 30 and star member 20 as FIG. 7, with support arms 36 flipped outward with pins 35.

[0041] 9 and 10 respectively show detailed top views of the connection between the control base member 30 and the star member 20: in FIG. 9, the support arm 36 is spring-loaded. The pin 35 is behind the locking edge 26.2. As indicated by the arrow, the star member 20 cannot be rotated in the opposite direction relative to the control base member 30, counterclockwise in FIG. 9. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, rotating the star member 20 in the opposite direction allows the pin 35 to slide along the run-up slope 26.2 and move outward with the support arm 36.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a side view of the pin 37 guided between the teeth 23, 24 of the star-shaped element 20. One of the fixed pins is chosen as an example in this illustration; the spring-loaded pins are considered to be of the same type in terms of their interaction with the teeth 23, 24. For illustrative purposes, the pin 37 shown in FIG. 11 is shown twice at different axial positions relative to the central axis of the star-shaped element 20, which extends from bottom to top, and also appears to move laterally. In fact, the position of the pivot 37 on the control base element 30 is fixed, but the axial position of the star-shaped element 20 changes as the star-shaped element 20 moves. Similarly, the circumferential area scanned by the fixed pin 37 changes as the star-shaped element 20 rotates.

[0043] The pin 37 is positioned in a low recess in the lower tooth profile 23 in the position shown at the bottom left. This position corresponds to the closed position of the beverage bottle closure. In this position, the pin 37 is not firmly in contact with the tooth profile 23, thereby preventing unintentional partial opening of the closure unit via the pin 37 and the star element 20. Rather, the pin 37 can be moved to a certain extent to compensate for geometric tolerances or settling of the elastomeric element, while the force of the compression spring keeps the sealing surface firmly in place.

[0044] In the position shown at top right, the pin 37 is in the open position, where it is in direct contact with the tooth profile 23, as positive contact is required to hold the two sealing faces of the closure unit open against the force of the compression spring.

[0045] The direction of rotation of the star 20 is indicated by the block arrow. In the direction of rotation, the pin 37 is rounded to slide better along the tooth profile 23. The upper tooth profile 24 serves to first catch the pin 37 to prevent it from rising too far up during rotation of the star 20, and then prepare the pin 37 for further movement into the recess of the lower tooth profile 23.

[0046] The operation of the beverage bottle closure 100 is shown at various stages in the cross-sectional views of Figures 12-14.

[0047] Figure 12 shows the closed state. The closure unit 1 is inserted into the main body base member 50. A double-walled beverage bottle 101 is connected to the main body base member 50 via its bottle neck 102. The seal between them is provided by a gasket 59. The push button 10 abuts against the sealing lip 53, closing the upper sealing surface. The sealing element 60 abuts against the lower contact edge 57 by means of a gasket 63. This lower sealing surface seals directly against the interior of the beverage bottle 101, while the upper sealing surface retains any liquid residue inside the closure unit 1, so that the beverage bottle 101 equipped with the beverage bottle closure 100 can also be transported upside down.

[0048] In addition to the known double sealing function with two sealing levels, the beverage bottle closure 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a further additional function: in the closed position shown in Figure 12, the precautionary valve 40 and its sealing piston 41 are retracted into the vent opening 61 of the lower sealing element 60 and seal it.

[0049] As shown in Figure 13, when a user presses the push button 10 to open the beverage bottle closure 100, the intermediate housing member 11 first moves slightly downward without axially displacing the star-shaped member 20. Only the sealing plunger 41 of the safety valve 40 is pushed out of its sealing seat. If there is excessive pressure inside the beverage bottle 101, this can be at least partially compensated for within the volume of the closure unit 1 between the upper and lower sealing elements. At this stage, the upper and lower sealing surfaces, respectively, remain closed.

[0050] Further pressing of the push button 10 causes the movable part of the closure unit 1 to move down significantly, disengaging the push button 10 from the sealing lip 53 and the sealing element 60 from the abutment end 57. The spout 52 is now open. Liquid from the beverage bottle 101 flows through the flow opening in the control base member 30.

[0051] As the star 20 is moved axially by further pressure to open, it also rotates as a result of the engagement of the pin scanning the tooth profile. This initially results in an open position which holds the sealing elements of the closure unit in the open position shown in Figure 14. Subsequent further pressure positions the pin between the tooth profiles which again expands the compression spring 13 and forces the sealing elements 10, 60 back into the sealing position.

[0052] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of main body base member 50'. The shapes of spout rim 51, spout 52, sealing lip 53, etc. basically correspond to the shape of main body base member 50 shown in Figure 2. The difference is that the inner wall of spout 52 is formed with a total of four guide webs 58' that are offset from each other by 90 degrees and extend over part of the height of spout 52, i.e., the upper height region. Guide webs 58' extend radially inward from the wall at least up to or beyond the groove that forms thread 55.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 16, when a closure unit including a push button 10 is inserted into the main body base member 50', guide webs 58' are formed in the height region of the spout 52 along which the push button 10 moves. If a user presses the push button 10 in the peripheral region rather than the center, the push button 10 may tilt. In this case, the outer edge of the push button 10 contacts at least one of the guide webs 58', limiting the degree of tilt. Furthermore, the push button is centered within the spout 52 via the guide webs 58' at all stages of its movement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] Reference sign 100 Beverage Bottle Closures 101 Drinking Bottle 1 Closure Unit 10 push buttons 11 Intermediate housing member 13 Compression spring 14 protrusions 20 Star-shaped member 21 Lower 22 Upper 23 Lower tooth profile 24 Upper tooth profile 25 Lock Profiles 26 Backstop Profile Section 26.1 Run-up slope 26.2 Stop End 30 Control base member 31 Central recess 32 Web 33 Inner ring 34 Flow path opening 35-pin 36 Support arm 37 pin 38 Recess 39 External thread 40 Preventive valve 41 Seal plunger 42 Shaft 50, 50' Main body base member 51 Spout Rim 52 spout 53 Seal Grip 54 Insert 55 threads 56 Bottleneck screw 57 Contact end 58, 58' Guide Web 59 Gasket 60 sealing elements 61 Ventilation hole 62 Wing 63 Gasket

Claims

1. A beverage bottle closure (100) with a double seal function for a beverage bottle (101), comprising: a body base member (50, 50') having a spout rim (51) surrounding a spout (52); a displaceable first sealing element (60) abutting against a lower abutment end (57) of the body base member (50, 50') surrounding the spout (52); A ballpoint pen drive unit comprising at least one pin (35, 37) fixedly arranged relative to the main body base member (50, 50'), and a star-shaped member (20) rotatable and displaceable relative to the main body base member (50, 50') and to which the sealing element (10, 60) is connected, The star-shaped member (20) has at least one raised tooth profile (23, 24) formed on its outer periphery, and the pin (35, 37) is guided to scan along the raised tooth profile. A ballpoint pen drive unit; a displaceable second sealing element abutting an upper abutment end of the body base member (50, 50') surrounding the spout (52); At least a control base member (30) connected to said main body base member (50, 50') and having a central recess (31) for receiving said star-shaped member (20), at least one pin (35) projecting radially therefrom into said recess (31) and resiliently formed on or fixed to said control base member (30); The star-shaped element (20) is provided on its outer periphery, outside the raised tooth profiles (23), with at least one backstop profile section (26) having at least one run-up slope (26.1) and an adjacent stop end (26.2) against which the resiliently mounted pin (35) can be secured. A beverage bottle closure comprising:

2. a resiliently supported pin member (35) supported at the end of an arcuate support arm (36) extending along a portion of the periphery of said receiving recess (31); 2. A beverage bottle closure according to claim 1.

3. two groups of pins (35, 37) are provided in the receiving recess (31) protruding radially inward and scanning the tooth profile of the star-shaped element (20), the first group comprising fixed pins (37) and the second group comprising pins (35) mounted resiliently in the radial direction; the fixed pin (37) projects radially into the receiving recess (31) a shorter distance than the spring-loaded pin (35) and scans only the raised slot tracks (23, 24) of the star-shaped member (20); A longer, axially resiliently mounted pin (35) scans the raised tooth profiles (23, 24) and the backstop profile section (26). A beverage bottle closure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. All of the pins (35, 37) are arranged at a uniform pitch around the circumference of the receiving recess (31); The fixed pins and the movable pins (35, 37) are arranged alternately, At least one backstop profile section (26) is formed on the circumference of said star-shaped member (20) for each movable pin (35); 4. A beverage bottle closure according to claim 3.

5. said first and second groups of pins (35, 16) each comprising two pins; The pair of fixed pin members (37) and the pair of movable pin members (35) are respectively disposed in the receiving recesses (31) at diametrically opposite positions. A beverage bottle closure according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The star-shaped member (20) has raised teeth (23, 24) at the top and bottom, respectively, between which the backstop profile section (26) is peripherally formed. A beverage bottle closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the star-shaped element (20) comprises a lower part (21) having lower teeth (23) and an upper part (22) fixedly connected thereto and having upper teeth (24), the backstop profile section (26) being formed in the lower part (21) or the upper part (22) of the star-shaped element (20); A beverage bottle closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least three guide webs (58') for guiding the push button laterally are integrally formed on the body base member (50') on the inner wall of the spout (52). A beverage bottle closure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images