Closure unit for connecting to a drinking bottle or to a cup, in particular a thermos cup

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure unit (100) for connecting to a drinking bottle (200), comprising: at least one spout element (10), the pouring opening (15) being closeable via a seal element (51); - a base element (20); - the spout element (10) can be vertically movably lifted from the base element (20) via a spring element (52); - the seal element (51) closes at least one of the pouring openings (15) when the spout element (10) is lowered onto the base element (20). The closure unit is characterized in that - the spring element (52) is formed by a tubular portion which is made of an elastomer, and - a sealing tunnel (53) is formed within the elastomer spring element (52), said sealing tunnel running between the base element (20) and the spout element (10) and enclosing the seal element (51), the pouring opening (25) of the base element (20), and the pouring opening (15) of the spout element (10).

Description

[0001] Closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle or a cup, especially a thermos cup

[0002] The invention relates to a closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle or to a cup, in particular a thermal cup, having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] DE 20 2017 100 771 U1 discloses a drinking bottle closure for an insulated container for hot beverages. DE 10 2019 128 302 B3 describes a drinking bottle closure for a drinking bottle with a narrow bottle neck. Both solutions offer a high degree of leak-tightness, as they provide two independent sealing levels. This not only ensures a high degree of leak-tightness when the container is tilted, but also ensures a high degree of leak-tightness for carbonated beverages, which generate high internal container pressure. It also prevents residual liquid from leaking out after the closure has been closed. The only disadvantage of these sophisticated drinking bottle closures is that they require two-handed operation and / or considerable force is required to press the actuating button.The actuating button for opening or closing the drinking bottle cap must always be actuated directly against the spring force of a spring. The spring force must be high enough to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the sealing elements and their contact surfaces, maintaining the sealing effect in all positions of use. Therefore, one-handed operation is only possible for people who can hold the drinking bottle by the cap and simultaneously press the actuating button.

[0004] A closure unit of this type is known from CN 205114003 U. This closure unit is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view because the pouring element extends upwards and is therefore easily accessible when drinking. However, the pouring element is more of a drinking spout that must be closed between the lips, rather than a pouring element with a pouring rim that one only needs to place one's lips on to drink. Furthermore, the base element and pouring element are only sealed against each other when the pouring element is in the upper, extended position. This means that liquid residues can accumulate and penetrate past the sealing element that closes the pouring opening into the space under the lid. This space is not sealed liquid-tight. This can therefore lead to contamination if a drinking bottle equipped with the closure unit is transported lying down in a bag after use.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a closure unit for connection to a drinking bottle or a cup, which allows easy one-handed operation.

[0006] This object is achieved by a closure unit having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The use of the closure unit is described below in particular in connection with a drinking bottle. This includes insulated and non-insulated drinking bottles, drinking cups, or other beverage containers. As is common with known closure units for insulated bottles, insulated cups, and drinking bottles for mobile beverage transport, a pouring element with a pouring rim is provided that surrounds at least one pouring opening, wherein the pouring opening can be closed via a sealing element.

[0008] However, in the closure element according to the invention, the spout element is not directly connected to the drinking bottle or cup; instead, an additional base element is provided, which is arranged between the drinking bottle or cup and is firmly connected to them. The spout element is movably mounted and guided in the base element, so that it can be displaced along the central axis of the closure unit or parallel thereto and can thus be lifted off the base element. At least one spring element is provided to lift the spout element off the base element.

[0009] According to the invention, one-handed operation of the closure unit is facilitated by the provision of a pivoting cover that counteracts the high spring force required to ensure tightness in the closure unit according to the invention. However, one or more fingers can be conveniently placed on the top of the cover for pivoting, which is easier than axially pressing a central actuating button, especially when simultaneously holding the closure unit with the same hand.

[0010] During the opening movement, the cover slides along the edge of the spring-loaded spout element. Only the sliding friction force must be overcome. During the closing movement, the cover slides back onto the edge of the spring-loaded spout element. In addition to overcoming the sliding friction force, the spring element must also be pre-tensioned. Because the pivoting cover pivots over a large radius and the spring tension, which increases during closing, is held in every intermediate position by the cover, which is firmly mounted on the base element, the one-handed closing movement can also be performed with less force than with a conventional closure unit with a central actuation button.The sealing of the pouring opening is achieved by pressing the movable pouring element onto the base element, causing at least one sealing element on the pouring element or the base element to press against at least one pouring opening on the other element. If the pouring element is raised again by the spring force, the seal is also released.

[0011] The sealing element can be arranged firmly in the base element so that when the pouring element is lowered onto the base element, the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed.

[0012] Alternatively, the sealing element can be arranged fixedly in the pouring element, so that when the pouring element is lowered onto the base element, the pouring opening on the base element is closed.

[0013] The user must attach the spout element to the base element by closing the cover against the force of the spring element inserted between them. The spring element is pre-tensioned so that the spout element is automatically lifted from the base element when the cover is later swung away and no further force is applied.

[0014] Therefore, a locking device is also provided to hold the pouring element in the lowered position relative to the base element against the force of the preloaded spring element. Preferably, the locking device is also formed by the cover, which simultaneously covers the upwardly open area of ​​the pouring element and thus protects it from contamination.

[0015] A particular advantage of the invention lies in a spring element that is designed in the form of a tube section and is made of an elastomeric plastic, particularly silicone. This allows several advantages to be achieved simultaneously: - When compressed, the silicone spring element stores sufficient spring energy to later lift the pouring element from the base element, even if beverage residues cause localized sticking.

[0016] It is food-safe and can come into direct contact with the beverage liquid. In particular, such a tube-like spring element, placed between the base element and the spout element, also forms a sealing tunnel that surrounds the sealing element, the pouring opening of the base element, and the pouring opening of the spout element. The silicone spring element forms a deformable, length-adjustable part of the flow path between the parts of the closure unit that are firmly connected to the beverage container—namely, the base element—and the upwardly extendable spout element.

[0017] The spring element connects with its ends to the underside of the pouring element and to the top of the base element, so that a space that is completely closed to the outside is formed within the closure element as soon as the sealing element rests against the pouring opening.

[0018] It is also possible to produce the sealing element intended to close the pouring opening and an elastomeric spring element in one piece, for example by providing an outer wall that stores the spring force when the spout and base elements approach each other, and a central sealing element for closing the pouring opening, which is connected to the outer wall via radial spokes.

[0019] It is also conceivable to provide only one central sealing element for closing the pouring opening, which is compressible and can therefore also act as a spring element.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible to reinforce the elastomer spring element with a coil compression spring. The additional coil compression spring is particularly advantageous when sugary beverage residues cause adhesions between the folds of the compressed elastomer spring element, so that the restoring force provided by the elastomer sealing tunnel alone may not be sufficient.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the cover comprises only one lid element, which is connected to the base element via pivot axes. It can be pivoted sideways, causing the spring element to expand and the spout element to be raised, which in turn exposes the pouring opening.

[0022] To enable pivoting, the contours of the upper edges on the base element and the spout element are adapted to the pivoting path sloping from top to bottom and slope towards the side towards which the lid element pivots.

[0023] Alternatively, the cover can comprise a bracket pivotally mounted on the base element, as well as a lid element, which in turn is movably mounted on the bracket. To hold the lid element on top of the closure unit and prevent accidental pivoting of the bracket, the lid element can have an actuating button with at least one cam on its underside, which is positively secured to the inner edge of the spout rim when the closure unit is in the closed position.

[0024] It is also advantageous to guide the movement of the pouring element within the base element. For this purpose, at least one inlet nozzle is provided, which surrounds the pouring opening of the pouring element and connects to the underside of the pouring element. Furthermore, it extends through the sealing tunnel, if present, and through the at least one pouring opening of the base element into the region of the neck of the drinking bottle or cup. In particular, it is provided that the inlet nozzle is formed from several segments, each of which extends through a partial region of the pouring opening of the base element.

[0025] It is also advantageous to provide a releasable, positive-locking connection between at least one of the segments and the base element, which limits the displacement of the spout element. This can be achieved by resiliently connecting at least one segment to the spout element and by molding at least one projection onto the segment, which engages positively in a recess or under a recess on the base element.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that the inlet nozzle has a pair of webs on its inner wall at several, at least two diametrically opposed positions, between which a fluid-conducting chamber is formed. The webs extend radially inward to the outer circumference of the sealing element, so that a chamber open to the center is formed in each case. This allows liquid to be directed through one chamber and air through another chamber while drinking, ensuring a uniform flow of liquid and preventing a gushing liquid discharge.

[0027] In the case of a cup with a larger cross-sectional area covered by the base element, it is advantageous to form a vent with a vent opening away from the pouring opening and to attach a vent closure element to the underside of the pouring element. The vent opening in the base element is automatically closed when the pouring element is lowered onto the base element.

[0028] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the lid to be designed such that an accessory can be positively connected to the lid and detached again without disadvantageously increasing the overall height of the lid and without creating openings in the lid through which residual liquid could leak out or dirt could penetrate. The closure unit is provided with at least one docking area in which a coupling element of the accessory can be positively connected to the lid and detached again without disadvantageously increasing the overall height of the lid and without creating openings in the lid through which residual liquid could leak out or dirt could penetrate, even if no coupling element is inserted in the docking area.

[0029] For this purpose, it is provided in particular that: the lid has the docking area for fastening an accessory, in which a lid wall is perforated with at least one recess into which a coupling element for fastening an accessory can be inserted, which can be positively connected to the lid by a rotational movement; and that an elastic membrane is arranged below the recess, which covers the recess, wherein the membrane is designed such that it yields by elastic deformation when the coupling element is inserted into the recess and rests against the coupled coupling element after the rotational movement has been carried out.

[0030] A diaphragm is considered to be a component made of an elastomeric material, preferably with a small thickness relative to its planar extent to allow for easy deformation, and preferably attached to the cover at the edge. The deformability should be selected such that the coupling element can be inserted into the recess without excessive force. The planar extent of the diaphragm is at least large enough to completely cover the recess and the surrounding edge area. Preferably, the diaphragm is designed like a rubber skin with a layer thickness of 1 mm to 2 mm in an annular area between the recess in the center and its edge attachment.

[0031] The membrane ensures that the recess required for the passage of the coupling element always remains closed to the interior of the cover, regardless of whether a coupling element is inserted or not.

[0032] A key advantage of a design with a docking area for an accessory is that by covering the recess with the membrane, a docking area is created that is visually unobtrusive and does not require any additional height in the lid. The docking area can therefore also be incorporated into very flat lid designs.

[0033] Attaching and removing an accessory is achieved by a combined insertion and rotation of the coupling element. The pre-tensioned membrane, which rests on the bottom of the coupling element after the accessory has been attached, additionally secures the connection through frictional forces, eliminating the need for additional, difficult-to-overcome locking connections in the positive connection between the coupling element and the lid to secure the attached accessory to the closure unit.

[0034] It may also be planned:

[0035] - that the cover has a receiving socket below the recess in which the membrane is held and in which the coupling element or parts thereof can be positively secured by a rotational movement;

[0036] - that a closure element is provided which is connected to the elastic membrane and which is placed within the circumference of the recess as long as no coupling element is inserted;

[0037] - that the closure element is formed integrally with the membrane;

[0038] - that the membrane has at least one pin on its underside, which is also made of an elastomer and with which the membrane is supported on another, fixed component in the lid; - that the membrane has at least one deformable pin on its underside, which is also made of an elastomer and / or which is formed integrally with the membrane and with which the membrane is supported on another, fixed component in the closure unit;

[0039] - that the closure unit comprises at least one accessory part which can be coupled in the docking area and has a coupling element which has a locking element which can be guided through the recess and which, after a rotational movement, engages under the lid shell;

[0040] - that the recess and the locking element are each in the form of an elongated hole and that the receiving socket has a guide slot for the locking element, in which the locking element is guided so as to be rotatable at an angle of less than 360°;

[0041] - that a closure element, which is also in the form of an elongated hole, is connected to the membrane or formed thereon, that the guide slot is designed in such a way that the locking element inserted through the recess can be rotated through 90° to an end position, that in the end position the closure element is arranged transversely to the locking element and that the locking element has a recess on its underside into which the closure element engages;

[0042] - that the accessory comprises a retaining loop or a ring which is connected to the coupling element.

[0043] The advantageous embodiments relating to the possibility of attaching an accessory are described in more detail below.

[0044] Since the docking area is advantageously located in the center of a cylindrical lid, a receptacle that holds the membrane can be located entirely beneath the lid's underside. The few sections that protrude downward from the lid wall are located within the recessed area around the spout opening when the lid is closed, which is surrounded by a spout rim on the closure unit.

[0045] The coupling element can be used, for example, to attach a strap or a retaining ring. This facilitates the mobile use of a drinking bottle equipped with the closure unit according to the invention. It is also possible to firmly connect the coupling element to a backpack in order to secure the drinking bottle, drinking cup, or other beverage container. Furthermore, decorative elements such as toy figures can be connected to the lid via the coupling element.

[0046] The membrane preferably contains a closure element on its upper side, which is shaped such that it engages from below into the recess in the lid shell when the membrane is in its relaxed initial state. The recess can then be closed such that the closure element is flush with the outer surface of the lid and visually represents merely a decorative element. When the coupling element is inserted into the recess, the closure element springs away, whereby the membrane is elastically stretched. The closure element is preferably formed integrally with the membrane. However, it can also be a hard plastic part that is connected to the membrane, e.g., glued.

[0047] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the closure element on the membrane engages from below into a recess in the locking element, creating an additional positive connection. This secures the coupling element against unintentional rotation. The additional positive connection is released through elastic deformation when the user turns the coupling element back to the unlocked position.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the recess in the lid shell and the locking element are each elongated, with geometrically similar contours. A gap remains between the outer contour of the locking element and the inner contour of the recess. The locking element is inserted through the recess and engages in a receiving socket below the recess. The positive connection is achieved by a 90° rotation of the coupling element. The locking element is guided in a guide slot in the receiving socket until it rests against fixed stops that limit the angle.

[0049] The connection can also be made by a rotational movement of the locking element at a larger angle, but this should be less than 360° so that fixed stops can be provided so that the locking element assumes a defined angular position in relation to the cover element, in which a permanent, positive connection is guaranteed.

[0050] A further preferred embodiment of the accessory provides a coupling element comprising a plate-shaped support plate and, beneath it, a connecting pin with a reduced diameter compared to the support plate. Adjoining the connecting pin is a locking element with an elongated hole-shaped outer contour. On the upper side of the locking element is a guide cam, which provides guidance during rotation for positive locking in the cover.

[0051] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the membrane has at least one, particularly central, pin on its underside in the area of ​​the overlying closure element. This pin is also made of an elastomer and supports the membrane against another, fixed component in the lid. This allows the membrane and closure element to be held in place in the recess not only by their inherent tension, but also by the pin. As soon as the coupling element is inserted from above, the pin is compressed or buckled, thus maintaining the membrane's free mobility during the coupling process.Alternatively or additionally, such support can be achieved by the membrane having at least one downwardly extending edge bead on its underside in the region of the outer edge, which edge bead is also formed from an elastomer and with which the membrane is supported on another, fixed component in the cover.

[0052] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The figures each show a perspective sectional view, unless otherwise stated:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a thermos cup with a closed closure unit according to a first embodiment, in perspective view;

[0054] Fig. 2 the thermos cup with a closed closure unit in perspective view;

[0055] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the thermos cup with the closure unit;

[0056] Fig. 4 Parts of the locking unit before assembly;

[0057] Fig. 5 the fully assembled, closed thermos cup with the closure unit;

[0058] Fig. 6 the opening process of the closure unit;

[0059] Fig. 7 the opened closure unit with the beverage container;

[0060] Fig. 8 the locking unit being disassembled for cleaning purposes;

[0061] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a closure unit with a drinking bottle in the closed position, in a perspective view;

[0062] Fig. 10 the combination of drinking bottle and closure unit in open position, in perspective view;

[0063] Fig. 11 Parts of the locking unit according to Figures 9 and 10; Fig. 12 a fully assembled locking unit in the closed position;

[0064] Fig. 13 the closure unit at the beginning of the opening;

[0065] Fig. 14 the fully opened closure unit;

[0066] Fig. 15 the removal of the pouring element from the base element;

[0067] Fig. 16 the spout element from below;

[0068] Fig. 17 the base element from below;

[0069] Fig. 18 the closure unit removed from the base element;

[0070] Fig. 19 an accessory with a holding loop in perspective view;

[0071] Fig. 20 shows a cover for a closure unit according to a third embodiment, with the attachable accessory part;

[0072] Fig. 21 the cover according to Figure 20 with the attached accessory part;

[0073] Fig. 22 is an enlarged detail view from Fig. 21;

[0074] Fig. 23 the lid according to Figure 20 in perspective view from below;

[0075] Fig. 24 a closure unit according to the third embodiment and

[0076] Fig. 25 a sequence of movements for removing a coupled accessory from a locking unit, in perspective view.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sealable thermal cup consisting of an insulated, cup-shaped beverage container 200 and a closure unit 100 screwed onto it. The closure unit 100 comprises a base element 20, which is directly connected to the beverage container 200, and a pivotable cover 30, which is pivotally connected to the base element 20 via pivot axes 31.

[0078] Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the beverage container consisting of the beverage container 200 and the closure unit 100. The cover 30 is pivoted downward about the pivot axes 31.

[0079] As a result of the pivoting of the cover 30, a spout element 10 which is spring-mounted within the base element 20 is no longer held in a form-fitting manner, so that it has been pushed vertically upwards due to the force of a spring acting between the base element 20 and the spout element 10.

[0080] As can also be seen in Figure 2, a special contour of a pouring rim 12 is provided on the pouring element 10. On the side facing away from the cover 30, the pouring rim 12 extends with its upper edge in a horizontal plane, to which the central axis runs as a normal. In contrast, the upper edge of the pouring rim 12 slopes downwards on the side facing the cover 30, following the pivoting path of the cover 30. This allows the cover 30 to slide along the pouring rim 12 during subsequent closing, thereby pressing the pouring element 10 deeper into the base element 20 against the force of the internal spring element.

[0081] When the cover 30 is in the closed position shown in the figure, the spring-loaded spout element 10 is also held in its lowered position. The cover 30 therefore forms a locking device.

[0082] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the beverage container 200 with closure unit 100. The upper portion shows the pouring element 10 with its pouring rim 12. It has a downwardly projecting inlet nozzle 11. The base element 20 has a web 22 with an upper edge whose contour is analogous to the contour of the upper edge of the pouring rim 12 on the pouring element 10, so that both together form a uniform rim when the pouring element 10 is lowered into the base element 20.

[0083] The base element 20 has bearings 21 for the pivot axes of the cover 30. A bottle neck seal 55 is inserted between the neck 210 of the beverage container 200 and the base element 20 to seal the connection between them.

[0084] A mushroom-shaped sealing element 51 is firmly positioned in the base element 20 and serves to seal a pouring opening in the pouring element 10. The sealing element 51 consists of an elastomeric material.

[0085] Furthermore, a spring element 52 is provided, which is also made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone, and has the shape of a short tube section. A sealing tunnel is formed within the spring element 52, through which the inlet nozzle 11 of the base element is guided. Furthermore, the spring element 52 is axially compressible in the direction of its central axis, causing an elastic deformation that allows the pouring element 10 to be raised vertically relative to the base element 20 as soon as the cover 30 has been pivoted laterally.

[0086] Another elastomeric component is a vent closure element 16, which is attached to the underside of the spout element 10 and which closes a vent opening (not visible here) in the base element 20 when the spout element 10 is lowered onto the base element 20.

[0087] Figure 4 shows the parts prior to assembly in a perspective sectional view. The base element 20 has a largely cylindrical outer contour with an upwardly projecting cylindrical web 22 and a lid portion 23 inserted approximately halfway up, which closes the cross-section within the web 22. The web 22, which projects upwards above the lid portion 23, has an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the pouring element 10.

[0088] A sealing element holder 24, in which the sealing element 51 is held, is formed in the lid region 23. The sealing element holder 24 has spokes or a transversely extending support bridge to hold the sealing element 51 in the center, wherein the spokes or the support bridge extend over a pouring opening without completely closing it.

[0089] In the lower area, the base element 20 has a threaded portion 29 with an internal thread, via which it is screwed onto the neck portion 201 of the beverage container 200. The neck seal 55 is compressed between the base element 20 and the upper edge of the neck portion 201, sealing the connection.

[0090] The spring element 52 can be seen on the base element 20, which forms a sealing tunnel 53 in its interior, through which the inlet nozzle 11 extends. At the upper end of the inlet nozzle 11 is an outlet chamber 14 whose cross-section is larger than the cross-section of a pouring opening 15. In addition to the circumferential pouring rim 12, the pouring element 10 also has a lid area 13 that covers the cross-section within the pouring rim 12. A receptacle for the ventilation closure element 16 is provided on the underside of the lid area 13. This element presses from above onto a ventilation nozzle 26 on the base element with an internal ventilation opening.

[0091] Figure 5 also shows, in a perspective sectional view, the fully assembled, closed beverage container with closure unit. The closure unit 100 is screwed onto the beverage container 200. The pouring element 10 is in a lowered position relative to the base element 20. As a result, the spring element 52 is compressed, and the vent closure element 16 rests on the vent nozzle 26. The sealing element 51 presses, with its mushroom head 51.1 on the top, into the pouring chamber 14 on the pouring element 10.

[0092] The cover 30 complements the outer contour of the closure unit 100 defined by the web 22 and covers the open area of ​​the pouring element 10 on the upper side.

[0093] The inlet nozzle 11 consists of several segments that extend through the pouring openings in the lid area of ​​the base element 20 into the beverage container 200.

[0094] Figure 6 shows the opening process of the closure unit 100. A user exerts a force perpendicular to the central axis on the cover 30 with their thumb 1, causing it to lift from the upper edge of the web 22 and the spout rim 12. Due to its connection to the base element 20 at the pivot bearing, the cover 30 pivots sideways. As the cover pivots away, the spout element 10 is no longer secured to the base element 20 and is displaced upwards by the spring energy stored in the spring element 52 during the previous compression, as soon as the spring element 52 can expand again. When the spout element 10 is displaced upwards, the contact between the mushroom head of the sealing element 51 and the pouring chamber 14 is also removed, thus exposing the pouring opening 15. At the same time, the vent closure element 16 lifts from the vent nozzle 26.

[0095] Figure 7 shows a perspective sectional view through the opened closure unit 100 with the beverage container 200. The spring element 52 is fully expanded, and the pouring element 10 is raised to its maximum height relative to the base element 20. The arrowed lines in the left-hand area indicate the flow from the beverage container 200 into the inlet nozzle 11. The flow occurs through pouring openings located around the sealing element 51 in the lid area 23 of the base element 20 and finally through the pouring chamber 14 and the pouring opening 15 into the upper area on the pouring element 10, delimited by the pouring rim 12.

[0096] Figure 8 shows how the base element 20 and the spout element 10 can be separated for cleaning purposes. For this purpose, the inlet nozzle 11, which consists of several segments, is radially compressed, thereby removing the positive locking of the inlet nozzle 11 in the base element 20, allowing the spout element 10 to be pulled upwards.

[0097] The cover 30 is designed such that in its lowered position it does not hinder the removal of the pouring element 10 from the base element 20.

[0098] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure unit 100' designed for a slim drinking bottle 200'. The closure unit 100' comprises a base element 20', which is directly connected to the drinking bottle 200', and a cover 30'. The cover 30' has a bracket 33', which is pivotally connected to the base element 20' via pivot axes 3T, and a lid element 32', which in turn is pivotally connected to the bracket 33'. A release button 34' is integrated into the lid element 32'.

[0099] Figure 10 shows, in a further perspective view, the combination of the drinking bottle 200' and the closure unit 100' in the open position. The bracket 33' has been pivoted downward about the pivot axes 3T, whereby the lid element 32' has been moved away from the top of the base element 20'. As a result, a spout element 10' spring-mounted within the base element 20' is no longer held in a form-fitting manner, so that it has been pushed vertically upward due to the force of a spring acting between the base element 20' and the spout element 10'. The area surrounded by a spout rim 12' is now exposed. A pouring opening 15' is open therein. A sealing element 51' can be seen therein.

[0100] Figure 11 shows parts of the alternative closure unit 100' for the slim drinking bottle 200'. The closure unit 100' comprises a base element 20' and a cover 30' pivotally mounted on a bearing axis 3T. The closure unit 100' also includes a spout element, which is not shown here.

[0101] The base element 20' has a threaded section 29' in its lower area for connection to the slim neck of the drinking bottle. For this purpose, the base element 20' tapers upwards from a threaded section 29' to a spout opening 25'. A support bridge 27' holds a sealing element holder 24' for securing the sealing element 5T in the center of a spout opening 25'. The sealing element 5T has a mushroom head 51' on its upper side and a circumferentially enlarged collar 51' on the underside of its shaft.

[0102] In the illustrated example of the closure unit 100', a lid region 23' between a pouring edge 22' and the pouring opening 25' is very narrow and is limited to a groove which serves to receive a cylindrical spring element.

[0103] Figure 12 shows the fully assembled closure unit 100' in the closed position. The lower section shows an upper section of the drinking bottle 200' with the bottle neck 20T. The base element 20' is screwed onto the bottle neck 20T with its threaded section 29'. A bottle neck seal 55' inserted between them seals the two elements.

[0104] The lid 30' is placed in the upper area of ​​the closure unit 100' and covers the area of ​​the pouring element 10' enclosed by the pouring rim 12'. The lid element 32' is mounted on the bracket 33', which in turn is pivotally mounted on the base element 20', as previously described with reference to Figure 11.

[0105] The lid 30' has an actuation button 34', which has a cam 35' on its underside. This button rests on the inner edge of the spout rim 12' and is thus positively secured. Pivoting the bracket 33' is not possible in the position shown, since the lid element 32' presses against the upper edge of the web 22' in a pivoting direction to the left, and in the opposite direction, the cam 35' rests against the spout rim 12'.

[0106] The sealing element 51' is inserted into the sealing element holder 24'. A spout element 10' is inserted into the space within the web 22' of the base element 20'. This spout element 10', with the spout rim 12', encloses an upwardly open space, on the underside of which there is an outlet opening, which, in the position shown in Figure 10, is closed by the mushroom head 51.1' of the sealing element 51'.

[0107] An elastomeric spring element 52' made of silicone, shaped like a hose section, is inserted between the base element 20' and the spout element 10'. It forms a '53' inside, which encloses the area of ​​the pouring opening in the base element 20' and the inlet nozzle 11' of the spout element 10', thereby sealing the entire space between the base element 20' and the spout element 10' in a fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, both the upper and lower edge areas of the spring element 52' are tightly pressed into annular grooves in the base element 20' and the spout element 10', respectively.

[0108] The inlet nozzle 11' extends through those areas of a pouring opening in the base element 20' that are not blocked by the support bridge 27' for the sealing element 5T. To bypass the support bridge 27', the inlet nozzle 11' is divided into several segments, one or more of which extend through a section of the pouring opening.

[0109] Figure 17 shows the base element 20' from the bottom. The outlet opening 25' is divided into two parts by the support bridge 27' and the sealing element holder 24'.

[0110] Figure 16 shows the pouring element 10' from below. The outlet opening 15' is located in the center of the base element 10'. In this case, the inlet nozzle 1T consists of two segments 11.2', 11.3', between which there is a gap on either side in which the support bridge of the base element can be accommodated. While segment 11.2' is rigidly connected to the base element 10', the other segment 11.3' is resiliently attached to the base element so that it can be pressed inward, towards the center. Webs 11.T on the inside of segments 11.2', 11.3' extend radially slightly inward, far enough that the mushroom head of the sealing element can be positioned in the center. A chamber 11.4' is formed between each pair of webs 11.T. This chamber allows liquid or air to pass the mushroom head. Because there are several chambers 11 around the circumference.4', in particular at at least two diametrically opposed positions, outflowing liquid and inflowing air can be guided in separate flow paths. The typical gurgling sound that occurs when drinking from bottles with a narrow neck is avoided with the closure unit 100'.

[0111] Figure 13 shows the beginning of the opening of the locking unit 100'. This is initiated by pressing the button 34' downwards.

[0112] This disengages the cam 35' from the spout rim 12', thereby unlocking the locking device formed by the lid 30'. The bracket 33' can now be pivoted in the direction indicated by the arrow. Figure 14 shows the fully opened closure unit 100'. The bracket 33' is pivoted downwards as far as it will go, which simultaneously moves the lid element 32' into a position laterally on the base element 20'. By pivoting the lid 30', the spring element 52' can expand, causing the spout element 10' to be displaced vertically upwards, resulting in an increased distance between the spout element 10' and the base element 20'. The movement of the spout element 10' moves the central sealing element 51' with its mushroom head 51.1' away from the pouring opening 15', thus releasing it.

[0113] A sealing tunnel 53' is permanently formed within the spring element 52', which completely seals the area bounded at the top and bottom by the base element 20' and the spout element 10'. The inlet nozzle 11' extends through the sealing tunnel 53'.

[0114] Figure 15 shows how the pouring element 10' can be removed vertically upwards. The segments 11.2', 11.3' of the inlet nozzle are pressed against each other. A projection 11.5' is formed on the segment 11.3', which engages under the lid section 23'. As soon as the projection 11.5' is retracted, the positive locking is released, and the pouring element 10' can be pulled out of the base element 20'.

[0115] In the illustration in Figure 18, the pouring element 10' together with the silicone tube, which serves as a spring element 52' and forms the sealing tunnel 53', is removed from the base element 20'.

[0116] Figure 19 shows an accessory 60 for a closure unit, which, in addition to a retaining loop 64, has a coupling element 61 comprising a plate-shaped support plate 63 and, beneath it, a connecting pin 62 whose diameter is reduced compared to the support plate 63. Adjoining the connecting pin 62 is a locking element 65 having an elongated hole-shaped outer contour. On its underside is a recess 66, and on its upper side is a guide cam 67, which provides guidance during rotation for positive locking in the lid.

[0117] Figure 20 shows a cover 30" together with the connectable accessory part 60. The cover 30" essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, but in comparison it has a docking area 80 on the top and an annular area running around it, which forms a release button 34" to be able to pivot the cover out of its locked position. The docking area 80 is formed here in a cover shell, which is a separately manufactured component. Various cover shells make it possible to design the cover 30" with or without the docking area 80 as an option for connection to an accessory part 60.

[0118] The docking area 80 has a slot-shaped recess in the center

[0119] 81 , which is surrounded by a recording frame 82. In the recording frame

[0120] 82, below the recess 81, an elastic membrane 70 is attached, which rests with an edge region from below on the docking region 80 and covers the recess 81 with a central region.

[0121] The block arrows indicate the movements necessary for coupling the accessory 60, namely, first, a downward movement to insert the connecting pin 62 through the recess 81 into the receiving socket 82, and then a rotational movement to positively secure the locking element 65, molded onto the bottom of the connecting pin 62, to the cover. Removal occurs in the reverse order.

[0122] Figure 21 shows the accessory 60 already connected to the cover 30. The marked area is shown enlarged in Figure 22.

[0123] The coupling element 61 rests in the docking area 80 with the edge of its support plate 63 on a shoulder that surrounds the recess 81. The locking element 65 is located below it in the receiving socket 82. The elastic membrane 70 is deformed by the immersed locking element 65.

[0124] Fig. 23 shows parts of the cover 30" from below. On the underside of the docking area 80, two guide tracks of a guide slot 83 are formed, each extending from the recess 81. The guide cams 67 of the coupling element 61 (cf. Fig. 19) engage there and specify the possible angle of rotation by which the coupling element 61 can be rotated relative to the docking area 80. Stop elements 84 are formed near the ends of the guide tracks of a guide slot 83, against which the locking element 62 abuts in its end position, thus also limiting the angle of rotation.

[0125] Figure 24 shows a closure unit 100" in section, which is similar to the closure unit 100 shown in Figures 1 to 8 and which has the cover 30" described with reference to Figures 20 to 23.

[0126] A 20" base element has a largely cylindrical outer contour with an upwardly projecting cylindrical web 22" and a lid area 23" inserted approximately halfway up, which closes the cross-section within the web 22". The web 22" projecting upwards above the lid area 23" has an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of a 10" pouring element. A sealing element holder 24" is formed in the lid area 23", in which a sealing element 51" is held. In the lower area, the 20" base element has a threaded section 29" with an internal thread, via which it can be screwed onto the neck section of a beverage container. A neck seal 55" serves to seal the beverage container. An elastomeric, hose-like spring element 52" is also visible on the base element 20", which forms a sealing tunnel 53" in its interior, through which an inlet nozzle 11" extends.An additional 56" spiral compression spring made of stainless steel wire reinforces the 52" elastomeric spring element. A 10" spout element is positioned lower than the 20" base element. This compresses the 52" and 56" spring elements.

[0127] At the upper end of the inlet nozzle 11" is an outlet chamber 14", whose cross-section is larger than the cross-section of a pouring opening 15". A pouring element 10" has, in addition to the surrounding pouring rim 12", a lid area 13", which covers the cross-section within the pouring rim 12". The sealing element 51" presses with its mushroom head on the upper side into the pouring chamber 14" on the pouring element 10".

[0128] A 26" ventilation closure element with a through-hole serving as a ventilation opening is attached to the 20" base element. A 16" ventilation nozzle is provided on the underside of the 13" lid area, which engages with the 26" ventilation closure element when the 30" lid is closed.

[0129] Figure 25 shows a sequence of movements when removing the accessory unit

[0130] 60 from the cover 30". In the left illustration, the accessory unit 60 is attached to the docking area 80 on the cover 30". A part of the coupling element

[0131] 61 is located above the top of the cover 30”.

[0132] In the middle image, the accessory unit 60 has been rotated 90° relative to the 30" cover. This means that the slot-shaped locking element is now located directly below the similarly shaped recess.

[0133] As shown on the far right, the positive connection is thus removed, and the locking element 65 of the coupling element 61 can be pulled out. The recess 81 is immediately closed by the membrane 70. Reference symbol:

[0134] 100; 100'; 100“ shutter unit

[0135] 10; 10'; 10“ Pouring element 11; 11 '; 11“ Inlet nozzle 11.1; 11.1' Web 11.2; 11.2' Segment 11.3; 11 ,3' Segment 11.4; 11.4' Chamber 11.5' Nose 12; 12'; 12“ Pouring rim

[0136] 13; 13" lid area

[0137] 14; 14“ Pouring chamber 15; 15'; 15“ Pouring opening 16; 26“ Ventilation closure element

[0138] 20; 20'; 20" base element 21 bearings

[0139] 22; 22'; 22“ web 23; 23'; 23“ lid area 24; 24'; 24“ sealing element holder 25; 25'; 25“ pouring opening 26; 16“ venting nozzle 27; 27' support bridge 29; 29'; 29“ threaded section

[0140] 30; 30'; 30 lid

[0141] 31; 31' swivel axes

[0142] 32' cover element

[0143] 33' bracket 34'; 34" button

[0144] 35' cams

[0145] 51; 51'; 51“ sealing element

[0146] 51.1 ; 51.1 ' Mushroom head

[0147] 51.2' waistband

[0148] 52; 52'; 52' spring element

[0149] 53; 53'; 53“ sealing tunnel

[0150] 55; 55'; 55“ bottle neck seal 56“ spiral compression spring

[0151] 60 accessory unit

[0152] 61 Coupling element

[0153] 62 connecting pins

[0154] 63 Support plate

[0155] 64 Holding strap

[0156] 65 locking element

[0157] 66 recess

[0158] 67 guide cams

[0159] 70 membrane

[0160] 71 Locking element docking area

[0161] recess

[0162] Recording version

[0163] Leadership backdrop

[0164] Stop elements' drinking bottle ' bottle neck

[0165] Mug

[0166] neck section

Claims

Patent claims 1. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") for connection to a drinking bottle (200') or to a cup (200), in particular a thermal cup, with at least one pouring element (10; 10'; 10") with a pouring rim (12; 12'; 12") which surrounds at least one pouring opening (15; 15'; 15"), wherein the pouring opening (15; 15'; 15") can be closed via a sealing element (51; 51"), wherein a base element (20; 20'; 20") separate from the pouring element (10; 10') is provided with at least one pouring opening (25; 25'; 25"), which is to be firmly connected to the drinking bottle (200) or the cup (200'); the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") is guided vertically movably in or on the base element (20; 20'; 20"), wherein the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") can be lifted from the base element (20; 20'; 20") via at least one spring element (52; 52'; 52", 56"); - the sealing element (51; 5T; 51") closes at least one of the pouring openings (15; 15'; 15"; 25; 25'; 25") when the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") is lowered onto the base element 20; 20'; 20"); and a locking device is provided with which the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") can be locked against the force of the spring element (52; 52'; 52", 56") in the lowered position relative to the base element (20; 20'; 20"), characterized in that the spring element (52; 52'; 52") is formed by a tubular section which consists of an elastomer, that a sealing tunnel (53; 53'; 53") is formed within the elastomer spring element (52; 52'; 52"), which runs between the base element (20; 20'; 20") and the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") and which seals the sealing element (51; 5T; 15"), the pouring opening (25; 25'; 25”) of the base element (20; 20'; 20”) and the pouring opening (15; 15'; 15") of the spout element (10; 10'; 10").

2. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element (51; 51 '; 51") is fixedly arranged in the base element (20; 20'; 20") and that when the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") is lowered onto the base element (20; 20'; 20"), the pouring opening (15; 15'; 15") on the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") is closed.

3. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element (51; 51 '; 51") is arranged fixedly in the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") and that when the pouring element (10; 10') is lowered onto the base element (20; 20'; 20"), the pouring opening (25; 25'; 25") on the base element (20; 20'; 20") is closed.

4. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (20; 20'; 20") has at least one upwardly projecting web (22; 22'; 22") on the outer circumference, in which the outer circumference of the vertically displaceable pouring element (10; 10'; 10") is guided in a form-fitting manner.

5. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inlet nozzle (11; 11'; 11") is provided, which: - surrounds the pouring opening (15; 15'; 15") of the pouring element (10; 10'; 10"), - adjoins the underside of the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") and extends through the sealing tunnel (52; 53'; 53") and the at least one pouring opening (25; 25'; 25") of the base element (20; 20'; 20").

6. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 5, characterized in that the inlet nozzle (11; 11'; 11") is formed from several segments (11, 2', 11, 3'), each of which extends through a region of the pouring opening (25; 25'; 25") of the base element (20; 20'; 20").

7. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one segment (11, 2', 11, 3') is resiliently connected to the pouring element (10; 10'; 10") and that at least one projection (11, 5') is formed on the segment (11, 2', 11, 3'), which projection engages in a recess in or under a recess on the base element (20; 20'; 20").

8. Closure unit (100') according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the inlet nozzle (11') has on its inner wall at least two diametrically opposite positions a pair of webs (11.1') between which a fluid-conducting, inwardly open chamber (11.4') is formed, wherein the webs (11.1') extend radially inwards to the outer circumference of the sealing element (51').

9. Closure unit (100; 100'; 100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (51; 51'; 51") has a mushroom head (51.1; 51.1') on the upper side and a collar (51.2) with an enlarged circumference on the underside of its shaft.

10. Closure unit (100; 100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (30; 30") is pivotally connected to the base element (20) on pivot axes (31) and that the upper edge of the pouring edge (12; 12") on the pouring element (10; 10") and the upper edge of a web (22; 22") on the base element (20; 20") are adapted to the pivoting path of the lid (30; 30") and slope down to the side.

11. Closure unit (100; 100") according to claim 10, characterized in that a ventilation closure element (16; 16') is attached to the underside of the pouring element (10; 10"), which closes a ventilation opening in the base element (20; 20") when the pouring element (10; 10") is lowered onto the base element (20; 20").

12. Closure unit (100') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (30') comprises a bracket (33') which is pivotally mounted on the base element (20'), and a cover element (32') which is movably mounted on the bracket (33').

13. Closure unit (100') according to claim 12, characterized in that the lid element (32') has an actuating button (34') with a cam (35') on the underside, which is positively fixed to the inner edge of the spout edge (12') in a closed position of the closure unit (100').

14. Closure unit (100") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (30") has a docking area (80") for fastening an accessory part (60), in which a cover wall is perforated with at least one recess (81) into which a coupling element (61) for fastening an accessory part (60) can be inserted, which can be positively connected to the cover (30") by a rotational movement; - that an elastic membrane (70) is arranged below the recess (81), wherein the membrane (70) yields due to elastic deformation when the coupling element (61) is inserted into the recess (81) and rests against the coupled coupling element (61) after the rotational movement has been carried out.

15. Closure unit (100") according to claim 14, characterized in that a closure element (71) is provided which is connected to the elastic Membrane (70) and which is placed within the circumference of the recess (81) as long as no coupling element (61) is inserted therein.

16. Closure unit (100") according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by at least one accessory part (60) which can be coupled in the docking area (80) and has a coupling element (61) which comprises a locking element (65) which can be guided through the recess (81) and, after a rotational movement, engages under the cover shell of the cover (30").

17. Locking unit (100") according to claim 16, characterized in that the recess (81) and the locking element (65) are each in the form of an elongated hole and in that the receiving socket (82) has a guide slot (83) for the locking element (65), in which the locking element (65) is guided so as to be rotatable at an angle of less than 360°.

18. Closure unit (100") according to claim 17, characterized in that a closure element (71) which is also in the form of an elongated hole is connected to the membrane (70) or is formed thereon, - that the guide slot (83) is designed such that the locking element (65) inserted through the recess (81) can be rotated through 90° into an end position; that in the end position the closure element (71) is arranged transversely to the locking element (65) and that the locking element (65) has a recess (66) on its underside into which the closure element (71) engages.

Images