Container closure made of a single piece with a locking projection

Abstract

A container closure (10) comprises a retaining ring (12) which extends about a reference axis (200), a lid (14) and a hinge (16) which connects the retaining ring (12) to the lid (14) and guides a pivoting movement of the lid (14) relative to the retaining ring (12) about a pivot axis (100) between a closed position and an open position. The retaining ring (12) has a circumferential wall (20) and a latching projection (22) extending radially outwards from the circumferential wall (20). The lid (14) has a continuation (34) which comprises a radially inwardly projecting locking projection (36), which in the locking position is arranged under the latching projection (22) of the retaining ring (12). The continuation (34) can be elastically moved from the closed position into an unlocking position in which the locking projection (36) is no longer arranged under the latching projection (22) and releases an opening movement of the lid (14). Projected onto a reference plane which extends parallel to the reference axis (200), the locking projection (22) and the lid (12) do not overlap in the closed position.

Description

One-piece container closure with a locking projection Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a container closure comprising a retaining ring extending around a reference axis of the container closure, a lid, and a hinge connecting the retaining ring to the lid. The lid has a bottom wall, a peripheral wall surrounding the bottom wall, and an extension extending radially outward from the peripheral wall and axially spaced from the bottom wall. It also relates to a container closed by such a closure.

[0002] From WO 2022 / 023219A1, a container closure comprising a retaining ring, a lid, and a hinge is known. The hinge connects the retaining ring to the lid and guides a pivoting movement of the lid relative to the retaining ring about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The lid is provided with a radially inwardly projecting locking projection, which, in the closed position, engages under a latching projection of a container neck. The locking projection can be elastically moved into an unlocking position in which the locking projection no longer engages under the latching projection, allowing the lid to open relative to the retaining ring. This closure can be injection-molded in the closed position and is optionally provided with detachable bridges that connect the lid to the retaining ring.

[0003] Although it allows for efficient container closure and proves very practical for sequential opening and closing, this container closure cannot satisfactorily ensure that the container remains properly closed in the event of an impact, such as a drop. To withstand an impact, the dimensions would have to be modified so that the consumer can no longer easily open the closure.

[0004] From the document DE2805046, a container closure with a retaining ring, a lid, and a hinge is known, which connects the retaining ring to the lid and guides a pivoting movement of the lid relative to the retaining ring about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The retaining ring has a peripheral wall and a locking projection protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall. The lid comprises an extension with a locking projection protruding radially inward, which, in the closed position and in a locking position of the extension, surrounds the locking projection of the retaining ring and engages beneath the locking projection. The extension can be elastically moved from the locking position to an unlocking position, in which the locking projection no longer engages beneath the locking projection and allows an opening movement of the lid relative to the retaining ring.The container closure can be injection-molded from a single piece in the open position. The container closure may be provided with a sealing band connected to the retaining ring via predetermined breaking points. The gap between the sealing band and the peripheral wall of the retaining ring is selected so that the extension can be inserted between the sealing band and the retaining ring during initial closing, but the sealing band tears off during initial opening.

[0005] It is easier to ensure secure locking in the closed position with such a closure, especially since the locking occurs independently of the container neck. However, it is not possible to manufacture the closure in the closed position. Therefore, the closure must be moved from the open, as manufactured, position to the closed position, which involves additional manufacturing costs.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of equipping a container closure of the type mentioned at the outset with means which ensure secure locking when reclosing, but are compatible with the closure being produced in the closed position.

[0007] In a container closure with a retaining ring that extends around a reference axis of the container closure, a lid and a hinge that connects the retaining ring to the lid and guides a pivoting movement of the lid relative to the retaining ring about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position, wherein the retaining ring has a peripheral wall and a locking projection directed radially outward from the peripheral wall, wherein the lid has an extension that includes a locking projection that projects radially inward, which in the closed position is arranged below the locking projection of the retaining ring, wherein the extension is elastically movable from the closed position into an unlocking position in which the locking projection is no longer arranged below the locking projection and enables an opening movement of the lid relative to the retaining ring, the object is achieved in thatthat the container closure consists of a single piece and that, when projected onto a reference plane extending parallel to the reference axis, the locking projection and the lid do not overlap in the closed position. The piece can be molded in an injection mold with slides that are translationally movable perpendicular to the reference plane.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking projection has no undercut when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. If undercuts are desired for aesthetic reasons, they should be small enough to be compatible with the extension of a slide of the injection mold.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the extension has no undercut when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the reference plane. If undercuts are desired for aesthetic reasons, they should be small enough to be compatible with the extension of a slide of the injection mold.

[0010] The reference plane preferably extends perpendicular to the pivot axis. In this case, the extension can be located in an area of ​​the lid opposite the hinge.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the extension comprises a flexible connecting arm connecting the locking projection to a bottom or a peripheral wall of the lid, wherein the locking projection protrudes radially inward from the connecting arm. The connecting arm may have an inner surface opposite the peripheral wall of the lid and preferably forms a regulated surface of generatrix lines extending parallel to the viewing direction.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locking projection has no contact with the extension in the closed position of the container closure.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the extension extends through an angle of less than 90°, preferably less than 60° around the reference axis.

[0014] The hinge is preferably a snap-action hinge. Such hinges can be molded in the closed position in the injection mold.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the container closure has a predetermined breaking point that connects the peripheral wall of the retaining ring to the lid prior to a first opening of the container closure and breaks during the first opening movement. This predetermined breaking point can comprise tearable bridges or a tearable continuous line of weakness. According to one embodiment, the lid has a base and a peripheral wall that encloses an inner surface of the base and is connected to the peripheral wall of the retaining ring by the predetermined breaking point prior to the first opening.

[0016] The lid may have an inner sealing skirt extending from the base of the lid, enclosed by the peripheral wall of the lid, and defining, with the peripheral wall of the lid and optionally the peripheral wall of the retaining ring, an annular space designed to receive a container neck. The inner sealing skirt may have a bead projecting radially outward.

[0017] The invention also relates to a closed container with a neck having a peripheral flange rim, a neck edge and a retaining bead, wherein the neck is closed by the container closure described above, wherein the retaining ring is located between the retaining bead and the flange rim.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show: a perspective view of an embodiment of the container closure in a closed position prior to the first opening; a side view of the container closure of Figure 1 in the closed position; a bottom view of the container closure of Figure 1 in the closed position; a sectional view of the container closure of Figure 1 in the closed position; a sectional view of the container closure of Figure 1 in the open position; a top view of the container closure of Figure 1 in the open position.

[0019] In all drawings, individual reference symbols designate identical or similar elements.

[0020] Referring to the figures, a preferred embodiment of a container closure of the present invention is designated by reference numeral 10. The closure 10 is intended to be mounted on the neck of a container. The closure 10 can be made of a plastic or other material that is compatible with the container contents and suitable for injection molding. Preferred here is a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic such as polyethylene, especially PEHD, or polypropylene.

[0021] The container closure 10 comprises a retaining ring 12, a lid 14, and a hinge 16 connecting the retaining ring 12 to the lid 14. The hinge 16 is shown here as a snap hinge and allows pivoting movement of the lid 14 about a pivot axis 100. The retaining ring 12, the lid 14, and the hinge 16 are molded together in one piece in the closed position, and the lid 14 is connected to the retaining ring 12 by breakable bridges 18.

[0022] The retaining ring 12 has a peripheral wall 20 that encloses a reference axis 200 of the container closure 10 and comprises fastening means intended for attachment to the container neck. In this exemplary embodiment, this is a series of elastic locking hooks 21 distributed around the circumference of the retaining ring 12. When mounted on the container neck, these hooks engage behind a circumferential retaining bead of the container neck. However, alternative fastening means are conceivable, e.g., a circumferential fixing bead or a thread. The retaining ring 12 is provided with a locking projection 22 that is diametrically opposite the hinge 16 and projects radially outward from the peripheral wall 20.

[0023] The lid 14 comprises a bottom wall 24, which may be flat or curved, a peripheral wall 26 surrounding an inner wall surface 28 of the bottom wall 24, and an annular sealing skirt 30 (see Figure 4) extending from the inner wall surface 28 of the bottom wall 24, being enclosed by the peripheral wall 26 at a radial distance, and optionally having a bead 32 projecting radially outward. This sealing skirt 30 is designed to engage the interior of the container neck when the container closure 10 is placed on the container neck in the closed position and the upper edge of the container neck sits in an annular space 300 between the peripheral wall 26 and the sealing skirt 30. Optionally, this annular space 300 is dimensioned such that the upper edge of the container neck rests directly against the lower surface 28 of the bottom wall 24. If necessary, the bottom wall 24 may have a sealing lip (not shown) in this area.

[0024] The cover 14 is provided with an extension 34 which is diametrically opposite the hinge 16 and which extends radially outwards from the peripheral wall 26, optionally at an axial distance from the bottom wall 24, and at an angle 400 (see Figure 3) of less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, around the reference axis 200.

[0025] The extension 34 has a radially inwardly directed locking projection 36 and a flexible connecting arm 38 that connects the locking projection 36 to the bottom wall 24, or in this embodiment, to the peripheral wall 26 of the lid 14. The locking projection 36 is provided with a smooth or corrugated lower surface 40 that forms a pressure surface for the user's thumb upon opening.

[0026] In the closed position, the locking projection 36 of the extension 34 finds a locking position under the locking projection 22 of the retaining ring 12 without touching the retaining ring.

[0027] In order to enable the locking projection 22 to be formed in the closed position in an injection molding process, it is provided that, projected onto a reference plane parallel to the sectional plane of Figure 4, there is no overlap between the locking projection 22 and the cover 14.

[0028] The locking projection 36 helps to maintain the closed position, particularly in the event of an impact on the container closure 10.

[0029] To unlock the container closure 10, the user presses on the lower surface 40 of the extension 34. The forces exerted by the thumb are transferred to the connecting arm 38, which bends elastically in such a way that the locking projection 34 moves away from the locking projection 22 and releases the opening movement of the lid 14 relative to the retaining ring 12.

[0030] The wall thickness of the connecting arm 38 is determined such that, through elastic bending of the connecting arm 28, the locking projection 36 can move radially outward, specifically such that the locking projection 36 can slide past an inclined guide surface 42 of the locking projection 22 upon re-closing. This allows the locking projection 36 to engage slightly upon contact with the locking projection 22 upon re-closing of the cover 24. In particular, a desired haptic and possibly audible signal is generated when the locking projection 36 passes the dead center and the connecting arm 38 suddenly extends upon reaching the closed position.

Claims

A container closure (10) comprising a retaining ring (12) extending around a reference axis (200) of the container closure (10), a lid (14), and a hinge (16) connecting the retaining ring (12) to the lid (14) and guiding a pivoting movement of the lid (14) relative to the retaining ring (12) around a pivot axis (100) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the retaining ring (12) has a peripheral wall (20) and a locking projection (22) directed radially outward from the peripheral wall (20), wherein the lid (14) has an extension (34) comprising a radially inwardly projecting locking projection (36) which, in the closed position, is arranged below the locking projection (22) of the retaining ring (12), wherein the extension (34) is elastically movable from the closed position into an unlocked position,in which the locking projection (36) is no longer arranged under the locking projection (22) and releases an opening movement of the lid (14) relative to the retaining ring (12), characterized in that the container closure (10) consists of one piece, and that projected onto a reference plane extending parallel to the reference axis (200), the locking projection (22) and the lid (12) do not overlap in the closed position. Container closure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking projection (22) has no undercut when viewed from a viewing direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Container closure (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the extension (34) has no undercut when viewed from a viewing direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference plane extends perpendicular to the pivot axis (100). Container closure (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the extension (34) is located in a region of the lid (14) opposite the hinge (16). Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension (34) has a flexible connecting arm (38) which connects the locking projection to a bottom (24) or a peripheral wall (26) of the lid (14), the locking projection projecting radially inwardly from the connecting arm. Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the closed position the locking projection (22) has no contact with the extension (34). Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension (34) extends through an angle (300) of less than 90°, preferably less than 60° around the reference axis (200). Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (16) is a snap hinge. Container closure (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container closure (10) has a predetermined breaking point (28) which connects the peripheral wall (20) of the retaining ring (12) to the lid (14) before a first opening of the container closure (10). Container closure (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the predetermined breaking point (28) comprises tearable bridges or a tearable continuous weakening line. Container closure (10) according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the lid (14) has a base (24) and a peripheral wall (26) which encloses an inner surface (28) of the base (24) and is connected to the peripheral wall (20) of the retaining ring (12) by the predetermined breaking point (28) in front of the first opening. Container closure (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the lid has an inner sealing skirt (30) which extends from the base (24) of the lid (14), is enclosed by the peripheral wall (26) of the lid (14) and, together with the peripheral wall (26) of the lid (14) and optionally the peripheral wall (20) of the retaining ring (12), delimits an annular space (300) intended to receive a container neck. Container closure (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner sealing skirt (30) has a bead (32) which projects radially outwards.

Images