Sealing device for sealing the receptacle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sealing device (1) for sealing a receptacle, the sealing device comprising a base (3) including a discharge conduit (8), a valve (4) mounted to the base, the valve having a discharge pipe protruding at least partially into the discharge conduit of the base and an end mounted to an upstream end of the discharge pipe, the end of the discharge pipe configured to cooperate with the discharge conduit in at least one mode of the sealing device, thereby sealing the discharge conduit of the sealing device, the base configured to be mounted to the receptacle, the base and the valve being integrally connected in a portion of the sealing device remote from the discharge conduit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device for sealing a receptacle, an assembly comprising the sealing device and a receptacle, and a method for manufacturing the sealing device. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a sealing device for opening and closing a discharge opening of a receptacle, such as the spout of a spouted pouch container, a container such as a bottle, carton, cup or can, or similar holder for holding a potable (carbonated or non-carbonated) liquid. A problem that arises with many types of sealing devices is that they permit unintentional opening of the sealing device, undesirably compromising the sterile liquid used in the sterilization process of the valve and associated components.

[0003] A further drawback of existing sealing devices may be that the valve construction used is such that overpressure in the drinking receptacle can force the sealing plug downstream and disengage it from its sealing seat in the discharge opening, thereby causing the valve to open unintentionally.

[0004] The following patent document 1 describes an improved sealing device that is structured so that it can be placed in various modes or positions: an open utility position in which the valve of the sealing device is open, a closed utility position in which the valve of the sealing device is closed in a normal manner (when the sealing device is in use), and a closed storage position in which the valve is closed more tightly than in a normal manner to ensure that the probability of the valve remaining closed is increased. The known sealing device provides airtight sealing in the (closed) storage position (whereas in the closed utility position, sealing only needs to be liquid-tight). The closed storage position is also simply referred to as the storage position in this disclosure. For example, the valve may be placed in the closed storage position when the sealing device is stored or transported between a manufacturing site and a filling site. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing device may be kept in the storage position immediately after the sealing device is connected to a receptacle and the receptacle is filled with contents, for example during its transport from an assembly site to a store, and before the sealing device is opened for the first time by an end user.

[0005] In other words, the patent application JP 2003-233633 A discloses that in a storage mode / position, the sealing device is structured such that it functions as a good seal in connection with the filling, packing, transport and storage of a beverage in a (drinking) receptacle. In a closed utility mode / position, the sealing device is also structured to function as a good seal in connection with the consumption of a beverage in a drinking receptacle, hereafter referred to as a utility seal. During consumption, the valve is typically repeatedly opened and closed, and therefore the sealing device is structured such that it can function well in the context of this type of application as well. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2040991 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2006 / 028378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, during the manufacture of the known sealing device, three separate components are created: a base that is connected to the drinking receptacle, a valve that is housed in the base, and a protective cover that surrounds the base and the valve and is used to attach both the base and the valve to the drinking receptacle. After the three separate components are created, the base is first placed on the drinking receptacle, then the valve is placed in the base, and finally the protective cover is used to attach the base and the valve to the drinking receptacle. This means that both the manufacture of the components of the sealing device and their attachment to the drinking receptacle are performed at the same location (i.e., the manufacturing site). Only after assembling the drinking receptacle with the sealing device in this manner can the combination of the receptacle and the connected sealing device be transported to a cleaning and / or filling site that is remote from the manufacturing site.

[0008] This operation has several drawbacks. For example, it is difficult to meet all the requirements regarding hygiene when the sealing device has to be manufactured and attached to the drinking receptacle at the same location (on-site). Furthermore, a protective cover is required to be able to connect the base and the valve housed in the base to the drinking receptacle and to keep the base and the valve together. Without the protective cover, the base and the valve cannot be attached to the receptacle.

[0009] The above-mentioned patent document 2 discloses, in a first example shown in figures 1 and 2, a low-pressure operated sealing device comprising a cap 4 consisting of a lying (horizontal) end wall 6 and an upright (vertical) circular mantle 8, and an operating member including a spout 38 attached to the cap 4. The operating member is mounted in an external collar-shaped housing 48 arranged in a circle on the upper surface of the horizontal end wall 6 and attached thereto using a snap coupling 46. On top of the horizontal end wall a protective cap 60 may be releasably arranged. Mounting the known operating member on the upper surface of the horizontal end wall 6 in this way has several disadvantages. Firstly, there is a risk of dirt collecting on the outer surface of the sealing device, in particular at the location of the collar-shaped housing and in the snap coupling between the collar-shaped housing and the operating member. Furthermore, the manufacturing and / or assembly operations of the sealing device are relatively complex, while sometimes making it difficult to provide and maintain an adequate sealing quality between the operating member and the collar-shaped housing on the horizontal end wall 6 of the cap 4.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to at least partially ameliorate or avoid the disadvantages of known valve technology in the art.

[0011] Another object is to provide a sealing device which can be used more versatilely and / or which can more easily comply with high standards in terms of hygiene, while still allowing less complicated manufacturing and assembly operations of the sealing device.

[0012] Another object is to provide a sealing device in which the risk of the valve opening unintentionally as a result of overpressure in the receptacle or in a container associated with the receptacle is not increased or even reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing device for sealing a receptacle, for example a spout or drinking receptacle, the sealing device comprising: a base structured to be attached to the receptacle, the base including a sleeve defining an exhaust conduit; a valve disposed on a base, the receptacle being disposed upstream of the valve when the base is attached to the receptacle, and a discharge direction of the receptacle defining a downstream direction opposite to the upstream direction; Equipped with the valve includes a discharge pipe protruding at least partially into the sleeve of the base and axially movable therein in the upstream and downstream directions to open and close the valve; The valve is mounted to the base at a portion of the sealing device remote from the discharge conduit; A sealing device is provided.

[0014] Because the base and valve are mounted at a location remote from the discharge conduit, the sealing device can provide a reliable seal in at least one mode of the sealing device. Furthermore, mounting the valve to the base allows them to be more easily transported, such as from a manufacturing site to a cleaning and / or filling site, while still ensuring that the valve remains properly housed in the base. This allows the manufacturing area, where the components of the sealing device (i.e., the base and valve) are manufactured, to be geographically separated from the assembly area, where the sealing device is connected to a receptacle or container, which makes it easier to meet the different requirements that apply to these different areas. The manufacturing area and the assembly area may be remote locations, hundreds of kilometers away from each other.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the base comprises a tubular base wall and the valve comprises a tubular mounting wall, the tubular mounting wall may be configured to be placed over the tubular base wall of the base, e.g., because the diameter of the mounting wall of the valve is only slightly larger than the diameter of the tubular base wall. Preferably, the tubular base wall is configured to fit snugly inside the tubular mounting wall of the valve to improve the seal between the base and the valve and / or to facilitate the manufacturing process (which may involve welding the tubular base wall to the tubular mounting wall). When the tubular mounting wall is placed over the tubular base wall, the tubular mounting wall is attached to the tubular base wall at a portion away from the discharge location, e.g., because the tubular base wall slides over the tubular mounting wall or vice versa.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the valve is attached to the tubular base wall of the base at the lowermost part of its tubular mounting wall. The valve can even be attached to the lowermost part of the tubular base wall of the base at the lowermost part of its tubular mounting wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the base comprises a radially projecting base collar and the valve comprises a radially projecting valve collar, the base collar being fixedly attached to the valve collar, the base collar and the valve collar defining a portion of the sealing device remote from the discharge conduit. The base collar and the valve collar may be parts of the base and the valve, respectively, which may be configured to provide a suitable fixing position for fixing the valve to the base. Preferably, the base collar and the valve collar are located in the upstream direction of the sealing device, which prevents damage to the location where the valve is attached to the base, since the downstream direction of the sealing device is most likely to come into contact with other objects.

[0018] Furthermore, the base collar and the valve collar may be joined either via adhesive, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding, and / or impact welding, preferably ultrasonic welding, mechanical fittings such as snap fittings, etc., to provide a reliable connection between the base and the valve.

[0019] In one embodiment, the base collar extends along the entire circumference of the base, preferably along the circumferential bottom end of the tubular base wall of the base, and / or the valve collar extends along the entire circumference of the valve, preferably along the circumferential bottom end of the tubular mounting wall of the valve, which may create a reliable liquid-tight or even gas-tight seal and / or a structurally strong mounting between the valve and the base of the sealing device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base collar is directly attached to the valve collar, for example by gluing or welding a surface of the base collar to a corresponding surface of the valve collar. Alternatively or additionally, the base collar is indirectly attached to the valve collar via a ring-shaped mounting element, for example a clamping ring. The ring-shaped mounting element may comprise at least one mounting portion extending radially inwardly to contact the protruding base collar and / or the radially protruding valve collar, both collars being arranged to extend radially outwardly.

[0021] In further embodiments where the sealing device includes a clamping ring, the clamping ring may be fixedly attached to the base collar or the valve collar or may be integrally formed therewith. The clamping ring may be attached to at least the base collar and may project radially inwardly of the sealing device beyond the radially protruding portion of the valve collar, thereby attaching the valve to the base. The clamping ring may be attached to the base collar using any of adhesive, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding, and / or impact welding, preferably ultrasonic welding. Preferably, the clamping ring may also be attached to the valve collar using any one of adhesive, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding and / or impact welding, preferably ultrasonic welding, more preferably, the clamping ring may be attached to the valve collar in the same manner and / or in the same step as the base collar which may be attached to the clamping ring, more preferably, the valve collar, base collar and clamping ring may be joined together in one step using any one of adhesive, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding and / or impact welding, preferably ultrasonic welding.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the mounting element (e.g. clamping ring) is pivotally attached or pivotally formed on the base collar or the valve collar, in which case the mounting element only needs to be attached (glued and / or welded) to the other collar.

[0023] Additionally, the base collar may include one or more welding elements configured to connect to the ring-like attachment element using ultrasonic welding. An advantage of a base collar with one or more welding elements is that the ring-like attachment element can be welded at a precise distance from the base, thereby creating a controlled pressure on the valve. The valve is locked and less likely to get lost.

[0024] The welding element can be implemented as a line formed along the surface of the base collar in a downstream direction of the sealing device. Alternatively, the welding element can be implemented as a welding line that can be formed on a clamping ring configured to be arranged in an upstream direction thereof to accommodate welding of the clamping ring to the base collar.

[0025] In some embodiments, the base collar may be provided with one or more welding elements of the type that point in a downstream direction of the sealing device. The welding elements may be configured to be welded to the side of the valve.

[0026] Furthermore, the welding elements may each be provided with a welding tip facing the valve, which may be configured to provide additional material for welding purposes and thereby establish a reliable connection.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one of the groups comprising the base, the base collar, the valve collar and the upstream side of the valve is provided with one or more connection elements, and the base, the base collar, the valve collar and / or a part of the upstream side of the valve is provided with one or more connection holes, the connection holes being provided in the part of the base, the base collar, the valve collar and / or the upstream side of the valve opposite to the position where the one or more connection elements are arranged, the connection holes being configured to allow the connection elements to protrude through the connection holes, and the connection holes and the connection elements being configured to cooperatively fix the valve to the base. Preferably, the outer end of the connection element may be arrow-shaped, mushroom-shaped, diamond-shaped, etc. More preferably, the outer diameter of the outer end of the connection element may have, for example, an increased diameter with respect to the central part of the connection element, and preferably the outer diameter of the outer end of the connection element may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connection hole (for example >101%, >110% or >150% of its diameter). For example, the connection holes may be arranged on the valve, while the connection elements may be arranged on the base, preferably near the base collar. Thereby, one or more connection elements may be forced through the connection hole, after which substantial force may be required to push the connection element out of the connection hole, or in some embodiments, it may not be possible to push the connection element out of the connection hole, thereby resulting in a reliable connection between the base and the valve.

[0028] In one embodiment, the base collar includes one or more clamping elements. The clamping elements may be configured to clamp at least a portion of the valve collar, thereby securing the valve collar to the base collar. Such clamping elements may allow for a relatively easy connection of the valve to the base. Additionally, in some embodiments, the base and valve may be manually disengaged, if desired, by forcing the one or more clamping elements outward, thereby removing the valve from the base.

[0029] Additionally, the base collar may include a clamping ring formed integrally therewith that secures the valve collar to the base collar in a click-like manner. Such a clamping ring may allow for a relatively easy connection of the valve to the base as the valve is pushed in an upstream direction until the valve collar snaps into the clamping ring.

[0030] A further problem associated with some types of prior art sealing devices is that undesirable substances such as dirt, impurities, etc. may get into the sealing device during the period after manufacture and before the associated container is filled with liquid, i.e. during storage of the sealing device for later use. During storage, the sealing device may be transported from the manufacturing site to the assembly site (where the sealing device is attached to the receptacle) and from the assembly site to the filling site (where the container associated with the receptacle is filled). During storage and transportation, the valves of the known sealing devices may be displaced to such an extent that a complete seal is not provided by the sealing device. This may cause a number of problems when the sealing device arrives at the assembly site and / or the filling site, where it should be thoroughly cleaned. For example, for hygiene reasons, the sealing device may be immersed in a heated sterile solution that includes a germicidal aseptic treatment. Subsequently, when the aseptic treatment is finished, liquid residues may end up in the sealing device, which residues are visually unattractive and may impart an unpleasant taste to the beverage during its consumption.

[0031] The sealing device can be configured to be placed in different modes or positions: an open utility position in which the valve of the sealing device is open, a closed utility position in which the valve of the sealing device is closed in a normal manner (with the sealing device in use), and a closed storage position in which the valve is closed more tightly than in a normal manner so that the valve always remains closed during storage (including transportation). Known sealing devices can even provide an airtight seal in the (closed) storage position (whereas in the closed utility position the seal only needs to be liquid-tight). The closed storage position is also referred to simply as the storage position in this disclosure, because during the storage phase, for example between the production site and the filling site, the valve should always be closed.

[0032] In other words, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing device comprises: Closed utility positions, and Open Utility Position

[0023] The present invention is configured to allow movement of the discharge pipe between different positions, including In the closed utility position, the sealing device is configured to provide a seal; In the open utility position, the sealing device is configured to provide a substantially free liquid passage through the exhaust conduit.

[0033] The different positions may further comprise a stored utility mode in which the valve of the sealing device valve is held more firmly in the closed position than in the closed utility position.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present application, the discharge pipe is provided with a radially flexible arrangement of a seal body, the seal body being configured to cooperate with the sleeve for opening and closing the discharge conduit, and the discharge pipe is configured to be axially movable between a storage position in which the discharge pipe moves in a downstream direction to contact a storage seal seat of the sleeve to close the discharge conduit, an open utility position in which the discharge pipe moves in an upstream direction to open the discharge conduit, and a closed utility position disposed between the storage position and the open utility position in which the discharge pipe moves to contact a utility seal portion of the sleeve to close the discharge conduit.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the utility seal portion comprises at least one of an inner ring seal portion of the sleeve and an end seal seat, which is contacted by a seal body of the axially movable discharge pipe to seal the discharge conduit.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of base anti-rotation grooves extending in an inner portion of the base in a direction parallel to the downstream direction, the base anti-rotation grooves being configured to cooperate with spout anti-rotation grooves of a spout to which the sealing device can be attached.

[0037] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly of a sealing device and a receptacle as described herein, on which the sealing device is mounted. The receptacle may include a spout, the base of the sealing device includes a plurality of base anti-rotation grooves extending in a direction parallel to the downstream direction of the sealing device and disposed on an inner portion of the base, and the spout may include a spout anti-rotation groove configured to cooperate with a spout anti-rotation groove of the spout to which the sealing device is mounted. The spout anti-rotation groove and the base anti-rotation groove may cooperatively prevent rotation of the sealing device relative to the receptacle. In some embodiments, this may be preferred, for example, when at least one of the receptacle and the sealing device does not have a rotationally symmetric shape.

[0038] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a sealing device, the method comprising: providing a base and a valve which together form a sealing device; disposing a valve on a base; wherein the base comprises a discharge conduit, the valve comprises a discharge pipe at least partially projecting into the discharge conduit of the base and an end attached to an upstream end of the discharge pipe, the end of the discharge pipe being configured to cooperate with the discharge conduit in at least one mode of the sealing device, thereby sealing the discharge conduit of the sealing device, and the base is configured to be attached to the receptacle; The part of the sealing device remote from the discharge conduit, the valve being fixedly attached to the base. Equipped with.

[0039] Further advantages, features and details of the present disclosure will be elucidated with reference to the description of some examples thereof. In the description, reference is made to the attached figures, which are schematic and may be somewhat distorted with respect to the relative dimensions and positions of the components. Generally, similar or corresponding details of the figures are given the same or similar reference numbers in the following. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away, exploded side view of a first embodiment of a sealing device and (part of) a receptacle. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a sealing device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a respective cutaway side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a respective cutaway side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 3A-C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a sealing device in a storage mode, an open utility mode, and a closed utility mode, respectively. [Figure 3B]3A-C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a sealing device in a storage mode, an open utility mode, and a closed utility mode, respectively. [Figure 3C] 3A-C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a sealing device in a storage mode, an open utility mode, and a closed utility mode, respectively. [Figure 4A] 4A-4B show cross-sectional and exploded views, respectively, of a further embodiment of a sealing device. [Figure 4B] 4A-4B show cross-sectional and exploded views, respectively, of a further embodiment of a sealing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway side view of yet another embodiment of a sealing device. [Figure 6A] Figures 6A-6C show exploded views of a further embodiment of a sealing device, and Figures 6A-6C show an alternative embodiment of the fastening of the valve to the base. [Figure 6B] Figures 6A-6C show exploded views of a further embodiment of a sealing device, and Figures 6A-6C show an alternative embodiment of the fastening of the valve to the base. [Figure 6C] Figures 6A-6C show exploded views of a further embodiment of a sealing device, and Figures 6A-6C show an alternative embodiment of the fastening of the valve to the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Detailed Description of the Drawings In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices have not been described in exhaustive detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0042] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has distinct components and features which may be readily separated or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0043] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any element. Accordingly, this statement is intended to serve as a predicate basis for using exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," or "negative" limitations in connection with the recitation of claim elements.

[0044] An example of a sealing device having a storage position for use when the sealing device is stored, an open utility position for opening an exhaust passage of the sealing device, and a closed utility position for closing an exhaust passage of the sealing device is described in WO 2008 / 016307, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a schematic exploded view of an assembly of a receptacle 50 for a container (the container is not shown but can be any container or holder capable of carrying a liquid or liquid-like medium, such as a flexible spouted pouch container, a bottle, a can, a beverage carton, etc.) and a first embodiment of a sealing device 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0046] The sealing device 1 comprises a base 3 connected to a receptacle 50 and a valve 4 attached to the base 3. The base 3 comprises a stationary base housing 21 comprising at least a wall partition 31 and a tubular base wall 7. In further embodiments, such as the embodiment of Figs. 2A-2C, the base housing 5 also comprises a tubular connecting portion 11, while the base housing 5 may also comprise a cylindrical flange 39, as will be described below. The base 3 also comprises a discharge conduit 8 in which a base passage (i.e. a passage through the base 3) is provided. To this end, the base housing 21 may comprise a tubular body 6 (here also referred to as sleeve 6) as part of the discharge conduit 8.

[0047] Similarly, the valve 4 comprises a stationary valve housing 25 which is attached to the base housing 21. The stationary valve housing 25 may comprise a tubular mounting wall 37, e.g. a tube having a diameter slightly larger than that of the tubular base wall 7, so as to allow the tubular base wall 7 to fit snugly within the tubular mounting wall. The stationary valve housing 25 may further comprise a valve collar 13. The valve 4 also comprises several parts which are arranged to be movable relative to the stationary valve housing 25. For example, the valve 4 comprises an exhaust pipe 10 in which a valve passage is provided. When the valve 4 is placed on the base 3, the base passage in the exhaust conduit of the base 3 and the valve passage in the exhaust pipe of the valve 4 together form a passage which can be closed or sealed from the inside of the sealing device 1 and the receptacle 50 connected to the outside, which allows the contents of the container to be dispensed, as described below.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall partition 31 extends at least partially radially relative to the discharge conduit 8. Connected to or integrally formed with the wall partition 31 are three concentric axial tubular walls: a tubular base wall 7 having a relatively large diameter, a cylindrical flange 39 having a small diameter, and a ring-shaped connecting portion 56 having an intermediate diameter (i.e. a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical flange 39 and smaller than the diameter of the tubular base wall 7). The base 3 further comprises a base collar 15 formed by a substantially ring-shaped radially projecting portion of the tubular base wall 7 of the base 3. The base collar 15 is preferably arranged at the upstream free end of the tubular base wall 7.

[0049] The valve 4 further comprises an outer tubular wall 32 connected to the inner tubular wall 34 of the discharge pipe 10 via a top wall 33. The outer tubular wall 32 defines a tube with a larger diameter than the inner tubular wall 34 of the discharge pipe 10 and defines a gap 35 between the inner and outer tubular walls 34, 32. The outer wall 32 is further formed of a ring-shaped flexible (elastic) wall 36 which in turn is formed of or connected to a tubular mounting wall 37. The flexible wall 36 allows the downstream part of the valve 4 to move axially upstream or axially downstream relative to the stationary base 3. At the free end of the tubular mounting wall 37 a valve collar 13 is formed. The valve collar 13 is configured as a substantially ring-shaped radially protruding part of the tubular mounting wall 37 of the valve 4.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 50 is a spout 51 comprising a tubular spout member 54 provided at its lower end with a container mounting flange portion 52 that can be attached (e.g., welded) in any known manner to the wall of a flexible container, such as a container formed by welding together portions of flexible film material. The tubular spout member 54 is also provided with a lateral flange 53 extending transversely to the axial direction of the spout, the flange being provided for easier handling of the spouted container, for example, in a labeling and / or filling machine. The tubular spout member 54 further comprises a circumferential connecting element 49. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential connecting element 49 comprises a flange-like projection projecting radially from the tubular spout member 54. Similarly, the base 3 may comprise a ring-shaped connecting portion 56. The ring-shaped connecting portion 56 may have a flexible lower edge configured to engage with the circumferential connecting portion 49 of the tubular spout member 54. The ring-shaped connecting portion 56 of the base 3 may have an inner diameter that matches or is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the circumferential connecting portion 49 of the tubular spout member 54 to securely fasten the base 3 to the drinking receptacle 50. More specifically, the base 3 may be slid over the discharge end of the receptacle 50 and the flexible connecting portion 56 of the base 3 may be forcefully slid over the connecting portion 49 of the receptacle 50 such that the connecting portion 56 clicks into the protruding flange of the connecting portion 49 of the tubular spout member 54, thereby fastening the sealing device 1 to the receptacle 50.

[0051] The outer surface of the tubular spout member 54 may include a plurality of external axial ribs / grooves 48 (at axial locations between the connection portion 49 and the discharge end 55). The external axial ribs / grooves are preferably uniformly distributed around the circumference of the tubular spout member outer surface. The external axial ribs 48 are configured to engage corresponding ribs / grooves 47 provided on the inside of the base 3 on the inner surface of the cylindrical flange 39 connected to or integrally formed with the wall partition 31 (see FIG. 1 ) to prevent rotational movement of the base 3 relative to the receptacle 50. This may reduce unintended wear due to rotation of the base 3 relative to the receptacle 50 that may otherwise reduce the reliability of the connection of the sealing device 1 to the receptacle 50.

[0052] Figures 2A-2C and 3A-3B show a second embodiment of the sealing device 1 according to the present disclosure. Figures 2A-2C show various side views of (details of) the second embodiment of the sealing device 1 (Figures 2B and 2C are partially cut away). The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, except for the absence of the ring-shaped connecting part 56 and the cylindrical flange 39. Figures 3A-3C are schematic cross-sectional views of a further embodiment, showing parts of the sealing device that are common to the sealing device of Figures 1 and 2A-2C.

[0053] Although in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the receptacle 50 is shown to be a spout 51 forming part of a spouted container and the base 3 is attached to the spout 51 using a ring-shaped connecting part 56 arranged inside the base (more specifically inside the volume defined by the tubular base wall 7), the receptacle may also be part of or form another type of container, such as a bottle, for example a glass or plastic bottle. Also in this case the base 3 of the sealing device may be attached to the receptacle by a ring-shaped connecting part. However, the base 3 may also be attached to the receptacle in a different way. For example, with reference to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the sealing device 1 may be attached in a different way to a drinking receptacle, for example the discharge end of a bottle. To this end, the sealing device 1 may comprise a tubular connecting portion 11 (e.g. formed by the aforementioned free cylindrical end of the tubular base wall 7 of the base 3) having an outer diameter that corresponds to an inner diameter of the discharge end of the drinking receptacle, such that the sealing device 1 may be fitted within the discharge end of the receptacle. Alternatively, as will be described below, the tubular connecting portion 11 may have an inner diameter that corresponds to an outer diameter of the discharge end of the drinking receptacle, such that the sealing device 1 may be fitted outside the discharge end of the drinking receptacle.

[0054] An overcap 60 (herein also referred to as a cover lid, dust cap or end cap, see FIG. 5 ) may be placed on top of the sealing device 1 to ensure the sterile properties of the sealing device 1, for example during transport and / or storage. Furthermore, the overcap 60 may prevent undesired opening of the valve, for example during the transport stage of the sealing device from the manufacturer of the sealing device to the filling site where the containers are filled.

[0055] Typically, the sealing device is manufactured in a first geographical location, ready for storage, and then transported to a remote second geographical location. Only when the sealing device arrives at the second location is the sealing device attached to a receptacle of the container. At the same or a further geographical location, the container is filled with contents and ready for use. The above storage modes or positions of the sealing device correspond to the position of the valve 4 immediately after its manufacture. The sealing device 1 is then ready for storage to be transported from the manufacturing site to an assembly and / or filling site, where the sealing device is connected to a receptacle and the associated container is (optionally) filled. Once the container is filled, the valve may be kept in the storage position and ready for first opening by the end user.

[0056] 2A-2C, the valve 4 of the sealing device 1 according to the second embodiment comprises an axially movable discharge pipe 10 with an inner tubular wall 34. The inner tubular wall 34 of the discharge pipe 10 is seated inside a short non-movable tubular body or sleeve 6 of the base 3, the sleeve 6 being part of the discharge conduit 8. The non-movable tubular body / sleeve 6 is also referred to herein as a stationary sleeve 6. FIG. 2B shows the stationary sleeve 6 connected to or integrally formed with the surrounding support structure in the form of a wall partition 31. As mentioned above, the wall partition 31 may be connected to or integrally formed with a tubular connecting portion 11 configured to enable the base 3 to be rigidly connected to the receptacle 50.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3A-3C, the discharge pipe 10 is arranged coaxially within the sleeve 6 and is axially movable (upwards and downwards in the figures) relative to the stationary sleeve 6 between (at least) three different axial positions. The discharge pipe 10 is axially movable and configured for valve actuation. More specifically, the discharge pipe 10 constitutes a control body in the form of a valve stem that can open and close the passage of liquid through the sealing device 1. The discharge pipe 10 is provided at its upstream end with an upstream sealing member 12. The upstream sealing member may be formed by an end wall 12. This end wall of the discharge pipe 10 is closed, but at the side of the discharge pipe 10 there are one or more radial openings 16 that allow liquid to flow from the container through the base passage and the valve passage to the outside when the valve is in the open utility position of Figure 3B.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2B, the inner tubular wall 34 of the discharge pipe 10 is connected to the outer tubular wall 32 via a top wall 33. The outer tubular wall 32 defines a tube having a larger diameter than the inner tubular wall 34 of the discharge pipe 10 to define a gap 35 between the inner and outer tubular walls 34, 32. Furthermore, the outer wall 32 is formed of a flexible (elastic) wall 36 (see Figs. 1, 2A, 2B) extending obliquely or transversely to the axial direction, while the flexible wall 36 is in turn formed of or connected to a tubular mounting wall 37. Meanwhile, the tubular mounting wall 37 of the valve 4 can be rigidly attached to the stationary base 3, as will be explained later. The flexible wall 36 enables the outer tubular wall 32 (and therefore also the discharge pipe 10) to be movable upwards or downwards relative to a non-movable (stationary) tubular mounting wall 37 of the valve 4 (and of course relative to a non-movable (stationary) base 3 to which the valve 4 is connected) between a storage position, an open utility position and a closed utility position.

[0059] To open and close the discharge passage, the valve 4 comprises a sealing body 9, preferably formed by an elastic ring-shaped sealing collar 14 extending outwardly towards the sleeve 6. The sealing body 9 is located on the upstream sealing member (upstream end wall 12) of the discharge pipe 10. The sealing collar 14 may be formed from a suitable plastic material that is elastic in nature. As mentioned above, the discharge pipe 10 is also provided with several pipe wall radial openings 16. These radial openings 16 are located immediately downstream of the sealing collar 14. Thereby, when the valve is in the open utility mode, the discharge of liquid takes place through the pipe wall openings 16 and through the discharge pipe 10. Along its inner circumference, the sleeve 6 is provided with a ring-shaped sealing valve 18 (see FIG. 2B and more specifically FIGS. 3A-3C) that extends into the sleeve 6. The sealing valve 18 comprises an upstream-oriented storage sealing seat 20 that is structured to seal the reception of said sealing collar 14 when the valve 4 is in the storage mode, as shown in FIG. 3A. This is possible because the sealing collar 14 is located in the upstream region of the sealing valve 18 .

[0060] Additionally, the sleeve 6 is provided with an upstream-directed ring-shaped end seat 22, which is also disposed upstream of the sealing valve 18 and is one of several utility seal seats within the sleeve 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the end seat 22 comprises an upstream-directed beveled edge formed at the upstream end 24 of the sleeve 6. The end seat 22 is structured to seal the reception of the sealing collar 14 when the valve 4 is in a closed utility mode, as shown in FIG. 3C. The valve 4 is thus structured to open the discharge conduit 8 by virtue of the upstream-directed movement of the sealing collar 14 relative to the discharge direction of the valve and away from the end seat 22 when the valve 4 is in an open utility mode, as shown in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, the discharge direction is indicated by a downstream-directed arrow, and the direction of movement of the sealing collar 14 during valve opening is indicated by an upstream-directed arrow.

[0061] The sealing valve 18 also includes a downstream-oriented ring-shaped stop seat 26 that is structured for motion-limiting contact with an external stop collar 28 formed around the discharge pipe 10 in an area downstream of the pipe wall opening 16 and downstream of the sealing valve 18. Figure 3B shows the stop collar 28 in contact with the stop seat 26 following axial movement of the discharge pipe 10 that is directed upstream and opens the valve.

[0062] The sleeve 6 also includes an internal and cylindrical seal portion 30 located in a longitudinal portion between the end seat 22 and the sealing valve 18. In this example embodiment, the entire seal portion 30 is structured to slide seal against the seal collar 14. When in its radially expanded position, the seal collar 14 is arranged to have a diameter slightly larger than that of the internal cylindrical seal portion 30, as shown in FIG. 3C. Thus, the cylindrical seal portion 30 can function as both a continuous storage seal seat and a utility seal seat, and the seal collar 14 is somewhat radially compressed when disposed in the seal portion 30. Thus, the storage seal seats 20, 30 and the utility seal seats 22, 30 are all structured to seal against the seal collar 14 during movement of the seal collar 14 in the downstream direction.

[0063] The upper part of FIG. 2B shows a partially cut-away side view of the sealing device 1 of FIG. 2A, and the lower part of FIG. 2B shows a detailed cross-section of the lower end of the base 3 of the sealing device 1. The base 3 is configured to support the valve 4 and to enable the valve 4 to be placed in an open utility mode, a closed utility mode and / or a storage mode. For this purpose, the base 1 comprises a tubular connection part 11 configured to be attached to a receptacle 50. The tubular connection part 11 is connected to or integrally formed with the tubular base wall 7. The tubular base wall 7 is connected to or integrally formed with the wall partition 31. The upper part of the wall partition 31 also takes a tubular shape and constitutes a sleeve 6. The discharge pipe 10 can be displaced relative to its sleeve 6. The partition wall 31 is also provided with an annular axial rim 2 that forms a gap between the outside of the partition wall 31 of the base 3 and the inside of the outer tubular wall 32 and the flexible (elastic) wall 36 to provide sufficient space for the discharge pipe 10 to move axially. When an axial force is applied to the valve 4 in the direction of the upstream end wall 12, for example by a user pressing the user's lips against the valve, the discharge pipe 10 of the valve 4 is moved from a storage mode or a closed utility mode to a closed utility mode and / or an open utility mode. Due to the elastic properties of the wall portion 36 of the valve 4 facing the partition 31, after the action of said force is released, the sleeve 6 of the valve 4 can be moved relative to the base 3 from the open utility mode to the closed utility mode.

[0064] For example, in Figures 2B and 3B the sealing device 1 is shown in a storage mode, and application of the force can move the upstream end wall 12 in the upstream direction to a closed utility mode (see Figure 3C), and further application of force in said direction can move the upstream end wall 12 further in said direction, thereby placing the sealing device 1 in an open utility mode (see Figure 3C), thereby allowing fluid to flow from a drinking receptacle located upstream of the sealing device 1.

[0065] In principle, the valve 4 of the first or second embodiment can be arranged on the base 3 in a non-fixed manner. For example, the valve 4 and the base 3 can be attached together to a cap, a cap-like cover or the like, the cap being provided with a radially narrowed portion serving as a seat for the valve collar 13 and / or the base collar 15 in order to attach the base 3 and the valve 4 to the cap, cap-like cover or the like in a click-like manner. However, such a mounting method may be unreliable and there is a risk that the base 3 and the valve 4 may come loose or that their sealing properties may be impaired. It is therefore necessary to rigidly connect the valve 4 and the base 3 at least at and / or near a part of the valve collar 13 and the base collar 15.

[0066] To achieve a more reliable seal of the entire sealing device 1, the present disclosure contemplates fixing the valve 4 and the base 3 to one another. A fixed connection can be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by placing a ring-shaped mounting element on both collars 13, 15 and attaching it to both the base collar 15 of the base 3 and the valve collar 13 of the valve 4. In other embodiments, the ring-shaped mounting element can be an integral part of either the base collar 15 or the valve collar 13. In these embodiments, the ring-shaped mounting element only needs to be attached to the other collar 13, 15.

[0067] 1 and 2A-2c, the valve 4 and the base 3 may be connected to each other using a clamping ring 40. The base wall 7 includes a circumferential base collar 15 that projects radially from the base 3, while the tubular mounting wall 37 of the valve 4 includes a circumferential valve collar 13 that also extends radially. After the valve collar 13 is placed on the base collar 15, the clamping ring 40 may be placed around the base so as to contact both the valve collar 13 and the base collar 15. The clamping ring 40 may be connected to both the valve collar 13 and the base collar 15 by any attachment technique, such as gluing and / or welding (e.g., heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding and / or impact welding or snapping). Preferably, the clamping ring 40 is fixedly connected to the valve collar and / or the base collar 15 by ultrasonic welding. The clamping ring 40 preferably includes at least a portion that covers the radially extending portion of the valve collar 13 of the valve 4 and at least a portion that is fixedly connected to the valve collar 15. This prevents movement (both axial and rotational) of the valve collar 13 relative to the base collar 15.

[0068] The clamping ring may be a separate ring that is placed around the collars 13, 15 when they are placed on top of each other. In other embodiments, the clamping ring 40 is an integrally formed part of either the base collar 15 or the valve collar 13. In the embodiment of Figures 2B and 2C, the clamping ring 40 is integrally formed with the base collar 15. The clamping ring 40 need only be attached (glued and / or welded) to the other collar, again by gluing and / or welding.

[0069] 2B and 2C, the valve 4 and the base 3 are separate elements before joining them. The clamping ring 40 is integrally formed with the base collar 15, whereby a base collar gap 17 (see FIG. 2C) is formed between a portion of the clamping ring 40 and a portion of the base collar 15, the shape of the gap 17 being substantially corresponding to the shape of the portion of the valve collar 13 that is fitted into the gap 17 and such that when the valve collar 13 is fitted into said gap 17, axial movement of the valve collar 13 relative to the base collar 15 is prevented. Thus, when the valve collar 13 is applied to the gap 17, the clamping ring 40 may be configured such that a portion of the clamping ring 40 snaps onto the valve collar 13, thereby preventing axial movement of the collar 13 relative to the base collar 15. Furthermore, the clamping ring 40 may be further fixed to the base collar 15 and / or the valve collar 13. As previously mentioned, the clamping ring 40 can be fixedly attached to the valve collar 13 by adhesive, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, RF sealing, pressure sealing and / or impact sealing. Preferably, the clamping ring 40 is fixedly connected to the valve collar 13 by ultrasonic sealing.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 2B, alternatively or additionally, the base 3 may be attached to a spout seat 5 (corresponding to the spout seat 51 in FIG. 1) at the inner circumference of the base wall 7, more specifically at the inner circumference of the tubular connection part 11 of the base 3. The spout seat 5 locally reduces the inner diameter of the tubular connection part 11. The tubular connection part 11 may be configured to be placed on a receptacle formed by a spout, the spout having an outer shape corresponding to the inner shape of the tubular connection part 11. For example, the inner diameter of the tubular connection part 11 may correspond to the outer diameter of the spout to which the connection part is attached. The spout may for example have a substantially cylindrical connection part (not shown in the figures). Such a connection part preferably comprises a radially projecting part forming a flange-like projection, said spout seat 5 being configured to cooperate with said flange to attach the sealing device 1 to the spout. For example, when the sealing device 1 is attached to the spout, the spout sheet 5 may be snapped onto a flange to prevent the sealing device 1 from moving relative to the spout.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the tubular connecting portion 11 may include an internal thread configured to be screwed into the external thread of a drinking receptacle. Still alternatively or additionally, as described above, the outer surface of the tubular connecting portion 11 may be configured to fit into the inner circumference of the connecting portion of the receptacle.

[0072] 4A-4B show a partially cut-away perspective view of another embodiment of the sealing device. Similar elements are given similar reference numbers and their individual detailed description is omitted. The difference between the embodiment of Figs. 4A and 4B and the embodiment of Figs. 1, 2A-2C lies mainly in the features related to the tubular base wall 7 and / or the connecting portion 11 (see Figs. 2A-2C) and the connecting portion 56 (see Figs. 4A-4B, similar to the connecting portion shown in Fig. 1), 11' and the corresponding spout seat 5'. Like the embodiment of Fig. 1, the embodiment of Figs. 4A-4B has a connecting portion 56 for snap-fitting into the connecting portion 49 on the tubular spout member 54 of the spout-type receptacle 50.

[0073] Additionally, the embodiment of Figures 4A-4B includes one or more base anti-rotation ribs and / or grooves 47, also described in relation to Figure 1. The ribs / grooves 47 may also be applied to each of the other embodiments described herein.

[0074] The connecting portion 56 in Figs. 4A-4B is configured to receive the connecting portion of the spout therein. The connecting portion 56 has a reduced inner diameter relative to the tubular base wall 7. Thus, the connecting portion 56 is connected to the base 3 by an axial tubular flange that starts at the bottom surface of the partition wall 31 and extends downwards. The outer end of this axial tubular flange is formed by the connecting portion 56. The connecting portion 56 is configured to have an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the connecting portion of the receptacle (such as, but not limited to, the receptacle of Fig. 1) to which the sealing device 1 is attached. The upstream portion of the connecting portion 56 may comprise a spout seat 5' having a similar purpose as the spout seat 5 shown in Fig. 1. The spout seat 5' may be discontinuous along the upstream portion of the connecting portion 56 in order for the connecting portion 56 to temporarily deform in order to receive the snap-locking action of the spout seat 5' on the flange-like projection 49 of the receptacle 50.

[0075] In FIG. 4B, an alternative structure for mounting the valve 4 to the base 3 is shown. The base 3 may comprise a radially protruding base collar 15 having an increased outer diameter relative to the outer diameter of the valve collar 13. The base collar 15 may comprise one or more welding ridges 46, i.e. locally increased thicknesses of the base collar 15, which are configured to assist the welding operation. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, one continuous welding ridge 46 is shown. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that multiple welding lines are also applicable. The welding line 46 may be a continuous or discontinuous welding line and may be located in a portion of the base collar 15 that extends radially further than the radially outermost portion of the valve collar 13. A clamping ring 40, shown as a separate element, may be provided on the valve 4 and on the base 3. The clamping ring 40 will contact the base 3 through the base collar 15 at the location of the welding line 46. The clamping ring 40 is connected to the base collar 15 by gluing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding and / or impact welding, preferably by ultrasonic welding. The clamping ring 40 has a portion which covers at least a part of the valve collar 13 in the axial direction of the sealing device 1. This prevents axial and rotational movement of the valve collar 13 relative to the base collar 15.

[0076] In FIG. 4B, a plurality of optional cap connectors 23 are shown on the clamping ring 40. The cap connectors 23 may be integrally formed with the clamping ring 40 or may be separate elements configured to allow the cap to be connected to the valve 4 and / or the base. Alternatively or additionally, the cap connectors 23 may be integrally formed with both the cap and the clamping ring 40 such that the cap and the clamping ring 40 form one interconnected unit. For example, the cap connectors 23 may be configured to connect with a dust cap 60 as shown in FIG. 5, which is a perspective view of the sealing device 1 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In FIG. 5, the sealing device 1 is provided with a cap 60 that may prevent dust, solids, fluids, bacteria or other undesirable substances from contacting the valve 4 of the sealing device 1. Furthermore, the cap 60 may prevent the valve 4 of the sealing device 1 from being unintentionally forced into an open utility mode or prevent the sealing device 1 from being unintentionally forced into a closed utility mode when the sealing device 1 is in a storage mode. The cap 60 may be attached to the clamping ring 40 in a releasable manner, for example via the cap connector 23. For this purpose, the cap connector 23 may be connected to the cap 60 in such a way that a pulling action on the cap 60 can break the connection of the cap connector 23 to the cap 60. Alternatively or additionally, the dust cap may be attached to the clamping ring 40 in a reversible manner and may comprise two dust cap parts, a first part permanently or releasably connected to the clamping ring and a second part hinged to the first cap part, allowing the second part to move between a closed position and an open position.

[0077] 6A-6CC show further embodiments of the sealing device, where different methods for attaching the valve to the base are described.

[0078] In Fig. 6A, a number of welding elements 41 are shown, which are integrally formed with the base 3 prior to connection of the base 3 to the valve 4. During connection of the base 3 and the valve 4, the welding elements 41 may be connected to the upstream side of the valve 19, which may be connected by gluing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, pressure welding and / or impact welding, preferably by ultrasonic welding. Due to such connection, movement of the valve collar 13 relative to the base collar 15 is prevented.

[0079] Further, in some embodiments, the upstream side of the valve 19 may be provided with a number of holes (not shown) at positions corresponding to the positions of the welding element 41, through which at least the welding tip 45 of the welding element 41 may protrude so that the welding element 41 may also be connected to the base 3 in the portion of the base 3 facing the welding tip 45.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the welding element 41 may alternatively be located on the valve 4, for example the welding element may be located upstream of the valve 19 instead of on the valve collar.

[0081] In FIG. 6B, a number of connecting elements 42 are shown. The connecting elements 42 are integrally formed with the base 3 before the connection of the base 3 to the valve 4. During the connection of the base 3 and the valve 4, the connecting elements 42 may be connected to the upstream side of the valve 19 by threading the arrow-shaped end of the connecting elements 42 into a corresponding connecting hole 43 in the upstream side of the valve 19. Preferably, the arrow-shaped head of the connecting elements 42 has a maximum diameter that is similar, but preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the hole, so that it is difficult to achieve reversal of the connecting elements 42 after they are threaded through the connecting hole 43. Due to such a connection, movement of the valve collar 13 relative to the base collar 15 is prevented. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting elements 42 may be welded to the valve 4.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the connecting element 42 may alternatively be located on the valve collar 13 and / or on the base collar 15 facing the valve 4, e.g. on the valve collar 13 facing the base collar 15. In such an embodiment, the connecting hole would be located at a corresponding position on the valve collar 13 and / or on the base collar 15.

[0083] In FIG. 6C, a number of clamping elements 44 are shown. The clamping elements 44 are integrally formed with the base 3 prior to the connection of the base 3 to the valve 4. During the connection of the base 3 and the valve 4, the clamping elements 44 may be connected to the upstream side of the valve 19 by making the valve collar 13 pass through the inwardly pointed protrusions of the clamping elements 44. As a result, the valve collar 13 is clamped to the base 3 via the clamping elements 44. This prevents the valve collar 13 from moving relative to the base collar 15. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the clamping elements 44 may be welded to the valve 4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the clamping elements 44 may alternatively be disposed on the valve collar 13 facing the base collar 15.

[0084] Preferably, the sealing device and valve are structured for releasable connection to a drinking receptacle, for example via a suitable enclosure. Opening and closing of the valve can be performed manually, although valve actuation assistance mechanisms known per se may be used for this purpose.

[0085] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sealing device (1) for sealing a receptacle, the sealing device (1) comprising: a base (3) structured to be attached to said receptacle, said base (3) comprising a radially projecting base collar (15) and a sleeve (6) forming an exhaust conduit (8); A valve (4) having a radially protruding valve collar (13), wherein when the base (3) is attached to the receptacle, the receptacle is disposed upstream of the valve (4) and the discharge direction of the receptacle defines a downstream direction opposite to the upstream direction. a clamping ring (40) fixedly attached to the base collar (15) or the valve collar (13) or integrally formed therewith, for attaching the valve (4) to the base (3); Equipped with the valve (4) further comprises a discharge pipe (10) protruding at least partially into the sleeve (6) and axially movable therein in the upstream and downstream directions for opening and closing the valve (4); the valve (4) is attached to the base (3) at a portion of the sealing device (1) remote from the discharge conduit (8); Sealing device (1).

2. The base collar (15) and the valve collar (13) define a portion of the sealing device (1) remote from the discharge conduit (8). A sealing device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The clamping ring (40) is fixed to the base collar (15) by welding or adhesive. A sealing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The clamping ring (40) is configured to clamp at least a portion of the valve collar (13) and thereby secure the valve collar (13) to the base collar (15). A sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the base (3) comprises a tubular base wall (7), the valve (4) comprises a tubular mounting wall (37), the tubular mounting wall (37) of the valve (4) is configured to be placed on the tubular base wall (7) of the base (3), and the tubular mounting wall (37) is configured to be attached to the tubular base wall (7) at a portion remote from a discharge position; A sealing device (1) according to claim 1.

6. The base (3) comprises a stationary base housing (21) comprising at least a partition wall (31) and a tubular base wall (7), the valve (4) comprises a stationary valve housing (25) attached to the base housing (21), the stationary valve housing (25) comprising a tubular mounting wall (37), the valve (4) being attached to the tubular base wall (7) of the base (3) at the lowermost part of the tubular mounting wall (37), and the valve (4) being attached to the lowermost part of the tubular base wall (7) of the base (3) at the lowermost part of the tubular mounting wall (37). A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The base (3) comprises a partition wall (31) and a tubular base wall (7), the partition wall (31) comprising an annular axial rim (2) forming a gap between the outside of the partition wall (31) and the inside of the outer tubular wall (32) and flexible wall (36) of the base (3) to provide sufficient space for the discharge pipe (10) to move axially. A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. a base collar (15) extends along the entire circumference of the base (3) along the circumferential bottom edge of the tubular base wall (7) of the base (3) and / or a valve collar (13) extends along the entire circumference of the valve (4) along the circumferential bottom edge of the tubular mounting wall (37) of the valve (4); A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The base collar (15) is indirectly attached to the valve collar (13) via a ring-shaped mounting element, e.g. the clamping ring (40). A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The clamping ring (40) is pivotally attached to or pivotally formed on the base collar (15) or the valve collar (13). A sealing device (1) according to claim 1.

11. the base collar (15) comprises one or more welding elements configured to connect to the clamping ring (40) using ultrasonic welding; A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. the base collar (15) is provided with one or more welding elements, the welding elements pointing in a downstream direction of the sealing device (1), the welding elements being configured to be welded to a side of the valve (4); A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. At least one of the base (3), the base collar (15), the valve collar (13) and the upstream side of the valve (4) is provided with one or more connection elements, one or more connection holes are provided in the base (3), the base collar (15), the valve collar (13) and / or the upstream portion of the valve (4); the connecting hole is provided in the upstream part of the base (3), the base collar (15), the valve collar (13) and / or the valve (4) opposite to the position where the one or more connecting elements are arranged, the connection hole is configured to allow the connection element to protrude through the connection hole; the connecting hole and the connecting element are configured to cooperatively fix the valve (4) to the base (3); A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The base collar (15) includes a clamping ring (40) formed integrally with the base collar (15), the clamping ring (40) fastening the valve collar (13) to the base collar (15) by a snap fit. A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The sealing device (1) comprises: Closed utility positions, and Open Utility Position and configured to allow movement of the exhaust pipe (10) between different positions, including In the closed utility position, the sealing device (1) is configured to provide a seal; In the open utility position, the sealing device (1) is configured to provide a liquid passage through the exhaust conduit (8). A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. the different positions further comprising a storage utility mode in which the valve (4) of the sealing device (1) is held more firmly in a closed position than in the closed utility position.

16. The sealing device (1) according to claim 15.

17. the discharge pipe (10) is provided with a sealing body (9) in a radially flexible arrangement, the sealing body (9) being adapted to cooperate with the sleeve (6) for opening and closing the discharge conduit (8); The discharge pipe (10) is configured to be axially movable between a storage position in which the discharge pipe (10) moves downstream to contact a storage seal seat (18, 20) of the sleeve (6) to close the discharge conduit (8), an open utility position in which the discharge pipe (10) moves upstream to open the discharge conduit (8), and a closed utility position disposed between the storage position and the open utility position in which the discharge pipe (10) moves to contact a utility seal portion of the sleeve (6) to close the discharge conduit (8). A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. the utility seal portion comprises at least one of an inner ring seal portion (30) of the sleeve (6) and an end seal seat (22) and contacts the seal body (9) of the axially movable discharge pipe (10) to seal the discharge conduit (8); 18. The sealing device (1) according to claim 17.

19. The base (3) includes a plurality of base anti-rotation grooves extending in a direction parallel to the downstream direction in an inner portion of the base (3); the base anti-rotation groove is configured to cooperate with a spout anti-rotation groove of a spout to which the sealing device (1) can be attached; A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. 20. An assembly of a sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and a receptacle, the sealing device (1) being mounted on the receptacle.

21. the receptacle comprises a spout, and the base (3) of the sealing device (1) comprises a plurality of base anti-rotation grooves extending in a direction parallel to a downstream direction of the sealing device (1) and disposed on an inner portion of the base (3); The spout is provided with a spout anti-rotation groove; the base anti-rotation groove is configured to cooperate with the spout anti-rotation groove of the spout to which the sealing device (1) is attached; 21. The assembly of claim 20.

22. A method for manufacturing a sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the steps of: Providing a base (3), a valve (4) and a clamping ring (40) which together form a sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21; placing the valve (4) on the base (3); wherein said base (3) comprises a radially projecting base collar (15) and a sleeve (6) forming a discharge conduit (8), The valve (4) comprises a radially projecting valve collar (13), a discharge pipe projecting at least partially into the discharge conduit (8) of the base (3), and an end wall attached to the upstream end of the discharge pipe, said base collar (15) and said valve collar (13) define a portion of said sealing device (1) remote from said discharge conduit (8); the end wall of the discharge pipe is configured to cooperate with the discharge conduit (8) in at least one mode of the sealing device (1) thereby sealing the discharge conduit (8) of the sealing device (1); the clamping ring (40) is fixedly attached to the base collar (15) or the valve collar (13) or is integrally formed with the base collar (15) or the valve collar (13); The base (3) is configured to be attached to a receptacle; When the base (3) is attached to the receptacle, the receptacle is disposed upstream of the valve (4) and the discharge direction of the receptacle defines a downstream direction opposite to an upstream direction; a fixed attachment of the valve (4) to the base (3) in a portion of the sealing device (1) remote from the discharge conduit (8); Equipped with method.

23. The manufacturing of the sealing device (1) is performed at a manufacturing site, and the installation of the sealing device (1) to a receptacle is performed at an assembly site separate from the manufacturing site.

23. The method of claim 22.

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