Closure system, beverage container, and method for manufacturing a closure system for a beverage container

The closure system for beverage cans uses forming joints like clinching to connect the closure and operating elements, addressing inefficiencies and costs in existing systems, offering resealability and improved user safety.

WO2025153732A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-24RE LID ENG AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/051239
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-19
Filing Date
2025-01-20
Publication Date
2025-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing beverage can closure systems are complex, costly, and prone to distortion due to high heat input during welding, making them inefficient and costly to produce, and they lack resealability.

Method used

A closure system for beverage cans featuring a lid with a movable closure element and an operating element connected via forming joints, such as clinching, allowing for a cost-effective, distortion-free connection that is resealable and includes safety features to prevent accidental opening.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and user-friendly closure system that reduces manufacturing complexity, prevents distortion, and ensures resealability while maintaining a secure and leak-proof seal, enhancing user safety and production speed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a closure system for a beverage container, the closure system comprising: a lid (102) having a pouring opening (108) through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured; at least one closure element (114) which can be moved substantially translationally between an open position and a closed position; and at least one operating element (122) which is connected to the closure element (114) by means of at least one connecting element (128). The operating element (122) has: a fastening portion (124) which comprises at least a part of the connecting element (128); and an actuating portion (126) which is movably connected to the fastening portion (124). The connecting element (128) is a joint connection (128) produced by forming which has: at least one locking element (130) formed on the operating element (122); and a counter element (132) which is formed on the closure element (114) and which is brought into engagement with the locking element (130) by means of forming. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a closure system.
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Description

[0001] Closure system, beverage container and method for producing a closure system for a beverage container

[0002] The present invention relates to a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, a method for producing such a closure system and a beverage container with such a closure system.

[0003] Beverage cans have been among the most important retail packaging for beverages for many years. Firstly, beverage cans are lightweight. Furthermore, beverage cans are virtually unbreakable. For these reasons, beverage cans offer advantages for consumers over other beverage containers, such as glass bottles.

[0004] Due to their low weight, transporting beverage cans is less expensive than transporting beverage containers that have a higher weight for the same or comparable volume.

[0005] Furthermore, beverage cans offer a high barrier effect against light. This light-protective effect allows for a relatively long shelf life for the contents of the beverage cans. This is particularly advantageous for sensitive products, which would otherwise have a relatively short shelf life.

[0006] Due to their low weight and the relatively long shelf life of the contents of the beverage cans, beverage cans offer relatively high economic efficiency for beverage manufacturers and suppliers.

[0007] Carbonated beverages, especially beer, soft drinks, and energy drinks, are frequently filled into beverage cans. To extend the shelf life of the contents, the internal pressure of the beverage cans is often set to at least 5 bar or more. Therefore, beverage cans generally have an internal pressure resistance of at least 6.2 bar. Beverage cans typically consist of a one-piece, essentially cylindrical container made of aluminum or tinplate and a generally seamed aluminum lid.

[0008] To facilitate opening, the lid usually features an oval score line and a riveted metal tab that, when lifted, leverages the scored oval into the can's interior, creating a drinking opening. This built-in can opener is also called a "stay-on tab."

[0009] The main disadvantage of beverage cans with "stay-on tab" is that they are not yet resealable.

[0010] WO 2020 / 127071 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a resealable closure system. The closure system comprises a lid with a drinking opening and a closure element positioned on the underside of the lid. An operating element for manually opening the drinking opening by a user is arranged on an upper side of the lid. The closure element is connected to the operating element by means of a fastening bolt inserted into a recess. The fastening bolt is fixed in the recess by means of an adhesive or welded connection or by means of barbs. Further designs are known from WO 2020 / 126969 A1 and WO 2020 / 127037 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0011] A disadvantage of the resealable closure system described above is, firstly, the relatively high process complexity required to produce such an adhesive or welded connection. Secondly, due to the considerable heat input during welding, there is a risk of distortion of one or more components on the closure, which can impair the closure's functionality. Furthermore, it is difficult to achieve high process speeds in production, especially when bonding. Furthermore, the above-described design of the connection with barbs known from the prior art is complex and cost-intensive, especially compared to conventional "stay-on-tab" closures.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved closure system for beverage containers, in particular beverage cans, in particular with a lower design and / or process engineering effort.

[0013] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, having the features according to claim 1.

[0014] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0015] The closure system comprises a lid with a bottom facing the interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container. The lid can be made of metal (e.g., aluminum). The metal (e.g., aluminum) can be coated (e.g., with a polymer layer).

[0016] The lid is designed to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0017] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0018] In the closed position, the closure element essentially closes the pouring opening, thereby substantially preventing the substance contained in the beverage container from pouring out. In the open position, the closure element exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening, thereby permitting the substance contained in the beverage container to pour out. In the closed position, the closure element can essentially close the pouring opening in a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be fixed to the lid and / or to the closure element.

[0019] The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0021] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which closes the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner, at least prior to the first opening thereof, and which is irretrievably broken when the pouring opening is opened for the first time. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably broken when the pouring opening is opened for the first time. Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably covers an underside of the closure element at least partially, in particular a circumferential edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of ​​the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region.

[0023] The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, it only closes the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental spillage, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight. Alternatively, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas- and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening is opened for the first time.

[0024] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user.

[0025] Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user by means of the operating element essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0026] This allows the user to close the spout even after opening it for the first time, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents by the environment, for example, particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0027] The operating element has a fastening section, which includes at least a portion of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section. The actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, so that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section.

[0028] The actuating portion can be moved from a stowed position to a gripping position due to the relative mobility provided by the movable connection to the fastening portion. In the gripping position, the actuating portion preferably offers a high degree of ergonomic grip by the user, allowing the user to safely and quickly grasp the actuating portion and move the closure element between the open and closed positions to release or close the pouring opening.

[0029] The movable connection between the actuating section and the fastening section can be realized, for example, by a weakened structure in at least one region of the operating element between the actuating section and the fastening section. Such a weakened structure can, for example, have a smaller cross-section than the adjacent region of the actuating section and / or the fastening section. The movable connection can, for example, be designed as a notch, scored line, or perforation.

[0030] In the stowed position, the actuating section preferably has increased security against inadvertent release of the spout. For example, the actuating section rests more closely against the lid in the stowed position than in the gripping position.

[0031] The closure system can be configured such that the actuating portion can only be positioned in the stowed position prior to the initial movement of the actuating portion into the gripping position. In this case, the closure system can prevent the actuating portion from being returned to the stowed position after the initial movement of the actuating portion into the gripping position, or at least from remaining in the stowed position and / or being locked. This can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0032] Alternatively, the actuating section can be moved into both the gripping position and the stowage position after the spout opening has been opened for the first time, preferably several times.

[0033] The connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element is a forming joint connection which has at least one locking element formed on the operating element and a counter element which is formed on the closure element and which is brought into engagement with the locking element by means of forming.

[0034] A forming joint connection is understood to mean any joint connection that is created by forming at least one area of ​​the operating element and / or at least one area of ​​the closure element. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joints, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching joints.

[0035] By reshaping at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the counter-element. Preferably, the connecting element is produced at least partially by reshaping a region of the operating element.

[0036] The locking element can be formed integrally on the operating element and / or the counter element can be formed integrally on the closure element.

[0037] Preferably, both the locking element and the counter element are first formed by the reshaping of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element on the operating element or on the closure element.

[0038] Alternatively, the locking element can already be formed on the operating element prior to the forming of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element. In this case, the counter element can be formed during the forming of at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element and can be brought into engagement with the locking element already formed prior to the forming.

[0039] Alternatively, the counter element can already be formed on the closure element before at least one region of the operating element and / or at least one region of the closure element is formed. In this case, the locking element can be formed during the forming process and can be brought into engagement with the counter element already formed before the forming process.

[0040] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components of the closure system can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint. Furthermore, forming eliminates the need for additional materials such as adhesives and welding consumables.

[0041] Connecting the operating element to the locking element using a forming joint enables a quick, cost-effective, and component-friendly connection of the operating element to the locking element. This increases the manufacturing speed of the locking system and reduces the manufacturing costs.

[0042] Furthermore, the forming joint exhibits no or at least only a minimal notch effect at the joint, since cutting or drilling through the joining parts, i.e., the operating element and the locking element, is unnecessary. This allows for a relatively high strength of the joint.

[0043] Furthermore, different materials can be joined by a forming joint. For example, the operating element can be made of a plastic and the closure element of a metal. Alternatively, the operating element can be made of a metal and the closure element of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable, such as the pairing of a coated metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) with another coated metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). Such different materials of the operating element and the closure element can be joined to one another by means of the forming joint. The forming joint is preferably a clinching joint.

[0044] In clinching, the parts to be joined—in this case, the operating element and the locking element—are pressed into a die by a punch, similar to deep drawing, undergoing plastic deformation. This creates a snap-fastener-like shape that connects the parts to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0045] This enables a secure, cost- and process-efficient connection of the operating element and the locking element.

[0046] Clinching is often also called compression joining, clinching, or press joining. Alternatively, it is also called Toxen, after the Tox® brand.

[0047] Preferably, the closure system can comprise a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the operating element to the closure element. At least two of the connecting elements can be arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, each of the connecting elements can comprise a locking element and a counter element, which are each in engagement with one another.

[0048] By arranging at least two of the connecting elements in series, twisting of the operating element relative to the locking element can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0049] The clinching connection is preferably designed such that a depression is formed in the operating element in the direction of the closure element (i.e., downwards). In other words, the clinching connection has a concave depression on the upper side of the operating element. The concave depression or depression is preferably provided in the recess described below, in particular along a bottom of the recess.

[0050] If at least two connecting elements arranged in a row are provided, these are preferably each designed as a clinching joint connection, in which a recess is formed in the operating element that extends in the direction of the closure element (i.e., downwards). The at least two recesses of the clinching joint connections are preferably both formed in the recess, in particular along the bottom of the recess.

[0051] Preferably, the two connecting elements can extend through a slot formed in the lid. When the closure element moves between the open position and the closed position, the connecting elements can move within and along the slot, so that the operating element and the closure element can be secured against rotation relative to the lid by the connecting elements. The slot can guide the connecting elements at least partially and / or at least in certain areas when the closure element moves between the open position and the closed position. The slot and the drinking opening can merge into one another and / or be formed as a continuous, common opening.

[0052] The operating element can preferably have a recess. The locking element(s) can be formed on a surface of the recess. The recess can preferably be concave in a direction extending from the bottom to the top. The surface preferably runs substantially parallel to the top and / or underside of the lid. The recess can be arranged at least partially in the slot formed in the lid. The surface can represent the bottom of the recess.

[0053] By forming the locking element(s) on a surface of the recess, better access to the forming joint connection point for the forming tools, such as a punch and die, can be enabled. Furthermore, the recess can at least partially protect the forming joint connection, for example, from damage and / or dirt. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the closure system can be enhanced for users, for example, by at least partially concealing the locking element(s).

[0054] The recess can extend substantially in the direction of movement of the closure element. The recess can be longer in the direction of movement of the closure element than it can be wide transversely to the direction of movement. The side walls of the recess can guide the operating element in the slot and provide anti-twist protection relative to the lid. Preferably, the closure system has a coupling that releasably couples the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid in such a way that the coupling must be released for the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion.

[0055] Such a detachable coupling of the actuating section with at least one region of the lid can ensure better stowability of the actuating section in the stowed position.

[0056] Furthermore, this can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from unknowingly purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents. To provide such a safety feature, the coupling can irretrievably couple the actuating portion to at least one portion of the lid. Thus, in this case, the coupling cannot be restored after the initial release of the coupling to signal the initial release of the coupling.

[0057] Alternatively, the coupling can releasably couple the actuating section to at least one area of ​​the lid. This allows the coupling to be restored after it has been released for the first time, for example, to allow the actuating section to be stowed away again after the lid has been opened for the first time.

[0058] Preferably, the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the cover. The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to each other in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to provide the coupling of the actuating portion to the cover.

[0059] The positive and / or non-positive connection of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can provide a reliable and robust coupling of the actuating section to the cover. The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to one another, for example, by means of a positive and / or non-positive plug connection, for example a press fit or transition fit. For this purpose, the first coupling element can be a projection and the second coupling element a recess in which the projection can be received. Alternatively, the second coupling element can be a projection and the first coupling element a recess in which the projection can be received.

[0060] Preferably, the coupling has at least one forming joint connection, preferably a clinching joint connection, which can be provided by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching joints, the actuating section and / or the cover.

[0061] Analogous to the forming joint or clinching joint for connecting the operating element to the closure element, a forming joint is understood to mean any joining connection that can be created by forming at least one area of ​​the actuating portion and / or at least one area of ​​the cover. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joining, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching joints.

[0062] The clinching joint of the coupling preferably has a countersink provided in the cover, which extends toward the operating element (i.e., upwards) into the cover. In other words, the clinching joint has a concave countersink on the underside of the cover.

[0063] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint.

[0064] In addition, additional materials such as adhesive components and welding consumables can be dispensed with during forming.

[0065] Connecting the actuating section to the lid using a forming joint enables a quick, cost-effective, and component-friendly connection of the operating element to the lid. This increases the manufacturing speed of the locking system and reduces the manufacturing costs.

[0066] In addition, the forming joint exhibits no or at least only minimal notch effect at the joint, as cutting or drilling through the joining parts is unnecessary. This allows for a relatively high joint strength.

[0067] Furthermore, different materials can be joined using the forming joint connection. For example, the actuating section can be made of a plastic and the cover of a metal, preferably aluminum. Alternatively, the actuating section can be made of a metal and the cover of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable. Such different materials of the actuating section and the cover can be joined together using the forming joint connection. In particular, even metallic components (e.g., made of steel or aluminum) can be joined together quickly, repeatably, cost-effectively, and reliably, despite any plastic coating (which can be provided, for example, as corrosion protection).This applies both to the connection of two metallic components (one or both of which have a plastic coating) and to the connection of a metallic component with other materials.

[0068] Clinching is often also called pressure joining, clinching, or press joining. Alternatively, clinching is also called toxing, in reference to the Tox® brand.

[0069] Preferably, the coupling has at least one control element which can be designed such that, in a state after the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, it differs at least optically from a state before the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0070] Such a control element can increase the effectiveness of the coupling as a safety feature. As already described, the safety feature can signal that the actuating section has already been actuated and the spout may therefore already have been opened. Because the control element changes at least visually upon the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, the user can reliably and intuitively detect the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section. This allows the user to identify early on a potentially already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents and avoid purchasing such a beverage can.

[0071] The control element can be, for example, a web, a film, a sticker, a textile element or another, preferably separable, element which can be changed at least optically by the initial movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section, for example by a partial or complete severing of the control element.

[0072] Preferably, the coupling has a predetermined breaking element, preferably a web, which is designed to be severed upon actuation of the actuating section, so that the coupling can be released upon the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0073] This makes it possible to determine in advance that the control element is to be severed at the predetermined breaking point in order to visually indicate the first movement of the actuating section relative to the fastening section.

[0074] The predetermined breaking element may have a weakened structure, for example a scribe line, a perforation or a reduced cross-section relative to an adjacent cross-section.

[0075] The coupling can preferably be designed such that, upon release of the coupling, at least a first region of the actuating section detaches from a second region of the actuating section and remains on the lid. Preferably, the first region is formed integrally (i.e., in one piece) with the second region. For example, upon forming the coupling, for example upon forming the forming joint connection, preferably a clinching connection, a section of the actuating section, preferably in the region of the coupling, can be or have been weakened and / or modified in such a way that, upon release of the coupling, at least the first region of the actuating section detaches from the second region of the actuating section at the weakened and / or modified section of the actuating section, preferably in the region of the coupling, and remains on the lid. This can facilitate and / or simplify the manufacture of the closure system.This can optionally be achieved by forming the clinching joint by pressing and / or deforming material from the actuating section into a recess provided in the lid. This allows the actuating section to tear in the area of ​​the clinching joint when the can is first opened, optionally without the use of additional webs or predetermined breaking elements on the actuating section, while the lid remains intact.

[0076] This can increase the visual detectability of a released coupling by the user and thus also the effectiveness of the coupling as a security feature, as already described above. Preferably, a region of the actuating section is severed in order to separate the first region of the actuating section from the second region of the actuating section. The severable region can have a weakened structure, for example, a scored line, a perforation, or a reduced cross-section relative to an adjacent cross-section.

[0077] The coupling is preferably arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement of the operating element lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element is located. Alternatively, or additionally, a guide slot can be formed in the lid, in which the connecting element is at least partially guided and / or movable when the operating element is moved between the open position and the closed position. The coupling can be arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the guide slot lies and / or extends.Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling may be arranged offset and / or spaced from the connecting element and / or the guide slot substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid.

[0078] This can increase the stability and / or strength of the cover, particularly in the vicinity of the coupling. In particular, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that if the coupling is not arranged offset, the risk of the cover tearing at the coupling can be increased, which can be reduced by the offset arrangement of the coupling described above. Furthermore, this allows the coupling to be arranged further from a gripping portion of the operating element that a user grasps to operate the operating element, whereby a longer lever arm can be realized between the gripping portion of the operating element and the coupling, which can facilitate operation of the operating element, in particular releasing the coupling, by the user.

[0079] Preferably, the coupling is arranged near an edge of the actuating section, in particular at a distance of 1 mm to 14 mm, preferably 1 mm to 12 mm, preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, from the edge of the actuating section. Preferably, the coupling is spaced no further than 10 mm, preferably 8 mm, preferably 6 mm, preferably 4 mm, preferably 2 mm, from the edge of the actuating section.

[0080] Preferably, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element extend substantially in a direction from the bottom to the top, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. This prevents a collision of the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element with the closure element.

[0081] Preferably, the locking element and / or the counter-element extend substantially in a direction from the top side to the bottom side, preferably substantially perpendicular to the cover. Such an arrangement of the locking element and / or the counter-element enables better access of the forming tools, for example a punch and a die, to the forming joint connection point. This allows, for example, forming tools of different sizes to be used, i.e., even larger forming tools, in order to produce more stable forming joints.

[0082] Preferably, the actuating section is connected to the fastening section in such a way that the actuating section is tiltable and / or pivotable relative to the fastening section. The actuating section can be connected to the fastening section via a hinge, in particular a film hinge. A pivot axis of the hinge can extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the closure element along the slot and / or substantially parallel to the lid.

[0083] The object described above is also achieved by a method for producing a closure system for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk material, preferably a closure system according to one of the embodiments described herein, with the features of the corresponding independent method claim.

[0084] The effects and advantages described herein with respect to the device claims apply analogously to the method.

[0085] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0086] The procedure includes the following steps:

[0087] - Providing a lid having a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out;

[0088] - Providing an operating element having a fastening portion and an actuating portion connected to the fastening portion, and a closure element;

[0089] - Arranging the locking element on the underside of the lid; - Arranging the operating element on the top of the lid; and

[0090] - Providing at least one connecting element by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element and the closure element to connect the operating element to the closure element, such that the closure element can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a manual movement of the operating element by a user in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0091] Preferably, the connecting element of the closure element and the operating element is provided by clinching joints.

[0092] Preferably, a plurality of connecting elements are provided. At least two of the connecting elements can be arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position.

[0093] Preferably, a coupling which detachably couples the actuating section to at least one region of the cover can additionally be provided by bringing at least one region of the actuating section into positive and / or non-positive connection with at least one region of the cover, preferably by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section and / or the cover.

[0094] It is also an object of the invention to provide a closure system for beverage containers which has increased user-friendliness.

[0095] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, which has a lid with a bottom facing the interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container. The lid can be made of metal (e.g., aluminum). The metal (e.g., aluminum) can be coated (e.g., with a polymer layer).

[0096] The lid is designed to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out. The lid further has a circumferential recess along an outer edge of the lid.

[0097] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0098] In the closed position, the closure element substantially closes the pouring opening, thereby substantially preventing the substance contained in the beverage container from being poured out. In the open position, it exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening, thereby permitting the substance contained in the beverage container to be poured out.

[0099] In the closed position, the closure element can close the pouring opening in a substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be attached to the lid and / or to the closure element.

[0100] The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0102] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which essentially seals the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner, at least prior to the initial opening of the pouring opening, and which is irretrievably broken upon initial opening of the pouring opening. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably broken upon initial opening of the pouring opening.

[0104] Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably at least partially covers an underside of the closure element, in particular a peripheral edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of ​​the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region.

[0105] The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, it only seals the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental spillage, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight (particularly when a coating is used). Alternatively, the closure element can seal the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas- and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening is opened for the first time.

[0106] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user. Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user, using the operating element, essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively open and close the pouring opening.

[0107] This allows the user to close the spout even after opening it for the first time, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents from the environment, for example, by particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0108] The lid has a bulge formed therein which is designed to lock the closure element in the open position.

[0109] By providing a bulge formed in the lid for locking the closure element in the open position, the closure element and the associated operating element can be held in the open position so that the user can, for example, drink from the spout opening without the closure element and the operating element inadvertently moving from the open position to the closed position.

[0110] To lock the closure element in the open position, the bulge can cooperate with at least one region of the operating element and / or with at least one region of the closure element in order to fix the operating element and the closure element connected thereto in the open position.

[0111] For example, the operating element and / or the closure element can have a counter-element, such as a projection, which can engage with the bulge in the open position. The operating element or the closure element can be deflected and / or deformed when the counter-element moves along the region of the bulge. The engagement connection can then result from a reversal of this deflection. The counter-element can be latched behind the bulge with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position in order to lock the closure element in the open position. Alternatively, however, such a counter-element can be omitted.Instead, for example, the operating element and / or the closure element can be deflected and / or deformed by the bulge when the operating element and the closure element are moved from the closed position to the open position in such a way that the operating element and the closure element can be fixed in the open position by this deflection.

[0112] Preferably, the closure element has a bead or edge extending along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element. The bead or edge can be latched behind the bulge with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position in order to lock the closure element in the open position.

[0113] The bead or edge can thus interact with the bulge in such a way that the closure element, and preferably also the operating element connected thereto, can be locked in the open position.

[0114] The closure element can have a bead or edge running along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, a raised portion, and an intermediate region arranged between the bead or edge and the raised portion. The intermediate region can be configured such that at least a portion of the intermediate region can engage with the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. For example, the bulge can be at least partially, preferably entirely, received in the intermediate region in order to lock the closure element, and preferably also the operating element connected thereto, in the open position.

[0115] Preferably, the intermediate region is configured to at least partially accommodate the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. This allows the closure element, and preferably also the associated operating element, to be reliably and securely locked in the open position.

[0116] The intermediate region is preferably recessed relative to the elevation and / or the bead or edge. The intermediate region is preferably recessed relative to the elevation and / or the bead or edge by a first distance, which is less than a second distance by which the bulge protrudes from the underside of the lid toward the closure element. This ensures that, even in the open position, when the bulge is accommodated in the intermediate region, the air gap described below remains between the underside of the lid and the aforementioned edge or bead.

[0117] Preferably, the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container, so that the bead or edge is deflected by the bulge when the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position, preferably away from the underside of the lid.

[0118] Preferably, the deflection of the bead or edge creates an air gap, at least in some areas, between the edge and the underside of the lid. The air gap can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container.

[0119] By forming an air gap in this way, at least in some areas, between the bead or edge and the underside of the lid due to the deflection, the interior of the corresponding beverage container can be vented and / or ventilated.

[0120] Thus, during or preferably before the pouring opening is first opened, the interior of the beverage container can be vented to at least partially reduce the relatively high pressure within the beverage container. This can prevent or at least reduce the risk of the contents of the beverage container accidentally spilling or splashing out of the pouring opening due to a sudden pressure equalization between the relatively high pressure within the beverage container and the ambient pressure via the pouring opening when the pouring opening is first opened.

[0121] In addition, air from the surrounding environment can flow into the interior of the beverage container through the air gap created by the deflection of the edge, preventing or at least reducing negative pressure in the interior of the beverage container by equalizing it with the ambient pressure. This can facilitate even pouring of the contents of the beverage can from the spout.

[0122] In the open position, in which the bulge formed in the lid is accommodated in the intermediate region, an air gap can be formed at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid. The air gap can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container. In the closed position, the air gap is preferably closed by the closure element or at least reduced in its cross-section.

[0123] The elevation can be formed centrally in the closure element. The intermediate region can extend in a ring around the elevation.

[0124] An outer edge of the closure element can be crimped and / or flanged at least in sections. This can prevent an uncoated area of ​​the edge from being exposed to the contents of the beverage container during storage. The outer edge can provide the aforementioned edge and / or the aforementioned bead.

[0125] The bulge formed in the lid can be directed toward the interior of the beverage container. The operating element can extend over a first portion of the bulge in the closed position. The operating element can leave a second portion of the bulge free.

[0126] This allows a user to reach into the recess, for example with a finger, and grasp and move the control element to release the pouring opening. This can improve the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the closure system.

[0127] At least one section of the edge, which in the open position and / or in the closed position at least partially rests against the underside of the lid, can have a coating, preferably a polymer coating.

[0128] Such a coating can achieve a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight connection between the edge and the lid, at least in some areas. Compared to a conventional separate sealing element, such as a sealing ring, a coating can be applied cost-effectively and efficiently. The coating can be provided alternatively to or in addition to such a separate sealing element.

[0129] It is also an object of the invention to provide a closure system for beverage containers which has increased user-friendliness.

[0130] This object is achieved by a closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, which has a lid with a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container.

[0131] The lid is designed to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container. The lid has a pouring opening through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0132] The closure system also comprises at least one closure element which is arranged on the underside of the lid and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position.

[0133] In the closed position, the closure element essentially closes the pouring opening, thereby substantially preventing the substance contained in the beverage container from being poured out. In the open position, the closure element exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening, thereby allowing the substance contained in the beverage container to be poured out.

[0134] In the closed position, the closure element can close the pouring opening in a substantially liquid-tight and / or gas-tight manner. For this purpose, at least one sealing element can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Such a sealing element can be attached to the lid and / or the closure element. The sealing element can be made of silicone or rubber. The sealing element can be attached to the closure element and / or the lid using known fastening methods, for example, by vulcanization. Alternatively, the sealing element can be glued to the closure element and / or the lid.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element may be a coating, preferably a polymer coating, which can be applied to the closure element and / or to the lid by means of a coating process.

[0136] In particular, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position. For this purpose, the sealing element described above can be provided between the lid and the closure element. Before the pouring opening is opened for the first time, during which the closure element is moved into the open position, the relatively high internal pressure in the beverage container, in particular, can exert a sufficiently high force against the sealing element to effect a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight closure of the pouring opening.

[0137] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element can have another connection to the lid, which essentially seals the pouring opening in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner in the closed position, at least prior to the initial opening of the pouring opening, and which is irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening. For example, the closure element can have a material-to-material connection to the lid. The material-to-material connection can be irretrievably released upon initial opening of the pouring opening.

[0138] Such a connection can be provided by the aforementioned coating. The coating preferably at least partially covers an underside of the closure element, in particular a circumferential edge region of the underside of the closure element. Furthermore, the coating preferably covers an area of ​​the underside of the lid surrounding this edge region. The closure element can be designed such that, after the pouring opening has been opened for the first time, it only closes the pouring opening in the closed position to prevent accidental pouring, but no longer completely gas- and / or liquid-tight. Alternatively, the closure element can close the pouring opening in the closed position in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner both before and after the pouring opening has been opened for the first time.

[0139] The closure system further comprises at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element. The operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user.

[0140] Thus, the closure element can be moved by the user by means of the operating element essentially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between the open position and the closed position in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening.

[0141] This allows the user to close the spout even after opening it for the first time, for example, to prevent or at least reduce accidental leakage of the beverage container's contents. Furthermore, contamination of the beverage container's contents from the environment, for example, by particles, can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0142] The operating element has a fastening section that includes at least a portion of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section. The actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, so that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section.

[0143] The actuating portion can be moved from a stowed position to a gripping position due to the relative mobility provided by the movable connection and the fastening portion. In the gripping position, the actuating portion preferably has a high degree of ergonomic grip by the user, allowing the user to safely and quickly grasp the actuating portion and move the closure element between the open and closed positions to release or close the pouring opening.

[0144] The movable connection between the actuating section and the fastening section can be realized, for example, by a weakened structure in at least one region of the operating element between the actuating section and the fastening section. Such a weakened structure can, for example, have a smaller cross-section than the adjacent region of the actuating section and / or the fastening section. The movable connection can, for example, be designed as a notch, scored line, or perforation. The connection can, in particular, be designed as a hinge, as described above.

[0145] In the stowed position, the actuating section preferably has increased security against unintentional opening of the spout. For example, the actuating section rests more closely against the lid in the stowed position than in the gripping position.

[0146] The closure system can be configured such that the actuating portion can only be positioned and / or secured in the stowed position before the actuating portion is first moved into the gripping position. In this case, after the actuating portion has been first moved into the gripping position, the actuating portion can no longer be moved into the stowed position and / or at least cannot be secured there. This can provide a safety feature to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0147] Alternatively, the actuating portion can be moved into both the gripping position and the stowed position after the pouring opening is opened for the first time, preferably several times. The actuating portion is releasably coupled to at least one region of the lid by means of a coupling such that the coupling is released upon the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion.

[0148] By providing such a coupling of the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid, a safety feature can be provided to signal to the user that the actuating portion has already been actuated and the spout opening may have already been opened. This can prevent a user from unknowingly purchasing an already opened beverage can with potentially contaminated contents.

[0149] In addition, the operating section can be locked in the stowed position by the coupling.

[0150] To provide a safety feature, the coupling can irreversibly detachably couple the actuating portion to at least one portion of the cover. Thus, in this case, the coupling cannot be restored after the initial release of the coupling to signal the initial release of the coupling.

[0151] Alternatively, the coupling can releasably couple the actuating section to at least one area of ​​the lid. This allows the coupling to be restored after it has been released for the first time, for example, to allow the actuating section to be stowed away again after the lid has been opened for the first time.

[0152] The coupling has at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating section and at least one second coupling element formed on the cover, which engages with the first coupling element.

[0153] The engagement of the first coupling element with the second coupling element is provided by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching joints, the actuating section and / or the cover.

[0154] Forming refers to any forming process that can be used to join two elements together. Such forming processes include, in particular, collar joints, widening, flanging, folding, lapping, and clinching joints.

[0155] By reshaping at least one region of the actuating portion and / or at least one region of the cover, the first coupling element can be brought into engagement with the second coupling element.

[0156] The first coupling element can be formed integrally on the actuating portion and / or the second coupling element can be formed integrally on the cover.

[0157] Both the first coupling element and the second coupling element can only be formed by the partial forming, preferably by clinching joints, of the actuating section and / or the cover on the actuating section or on the cover.

[0158] Alternatively, the first coupling element can already be formed on the actuating section before the partial forming of the actuating section and / or the cover. In this case, the second coupling element can be formed during the forming of the actuating section and / or the cover and can be brought into engagement with the first coupling element already formed before the forming.

[0159] Alternatively, the second coupling element can already be formed on the cover prior to forming. In this case, the first coupling element can be formed during forming and engaged with the second coupling element already formed prior to forming.

[0160] Since forming causes little or no heat input into the components of the closure system, distortion of the components of the closure system can be prevented or at least reduced compared to a welded joint. Furthermore, forming eliminates the need for additional materials such as adhesive components and welding consumables. Coupling the actuating section to the lid by forming, preferably clinching, thus enables a quick, cost-effective, and component-friendly coupling of the actuating section to the lid. This increases the production speed of the closure system and reduces the costs of manufacturing the closure system.

[0161] Furthermore, different materials can be joined by forming. For example, the actuating section can be made of a plastic and the cover of a metal. Alternatively, the actuating section can be made of a metal and the cover of a plastic. Other material pairings are also conceivable. By means of forming, preferably clinching joints, such different materials of the actuating section and the cover can be joined together. Other material pairings are also conceivable, such as the pairing of a coated metal (e.g. steel or aluminum) with another coated metal (e.g. steel or aluminum). By means of the forming joint connection, in particular clinching joints, such different materials of the operating element and the closure element can be advantageously joined together.

[0162] The present invention also relates to a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, which has at least one closure system according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0163] The present invention also relates in particular to the following aspects:

[0164] 1. A closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; at least one closure element arranged on the underside of the lid and movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element, in the closed position, substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent the substance located in the beverage container from pouring out.and in the open position, releases at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby allow pouring of the substance in the beverage container; at least one operating element, which is arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively release and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element is a forming joint connection comprising at least one locking element and a counter-element engaged with the locking element by forming, wherein the locking element is preferably formed on the operating element, preferably in one piece, and the counter-element is preferably formed on the closure element, preferably in one piece. Closure system according to aspect 1,wherein the operating element has a fastening section, which comprises at least a part of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element, and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, wherein the actuating section is movably connected to the fastening section, such that the actuating section is movable relative to the fastening section. Closure system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the forming connection is a clinching connection, wherein the depression of the clinching connection is preferably formed on the operating element. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the operating element to the closure element, wherein at least two of the connecting elements are arranged in series, preferably substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position.Preferably, each of the connecting elements comprises a locking element and a counter-element, which are each in engagement with one another. More preferably, the at least two connecting elements arranged in series are each a clinching connection, wherein the depressions of the clinching connections are preferably formed on the operating element. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the operating element has a recess, wherein the locking element(s) is / are formed on a surface of the recess, wherein the recess is preferably concave with respect to a direction pointing from the bottom to the top, and wherein the surface preferably runs substantially parallel to the top and / or the underside of the lid. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a coupling that releasably couples the actuating portion to at least one region of the lid in such a way thatthat the coupling is released upon the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. Closure system according to aspect 6, wherein the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the lid, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner to provide the coupling of the actuating portion to the lid. Closure system according to aspect 6 or 7, wherein the coupling comprises at least one forming connection, preferably a clinching connection, which is provided by at least regionally forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating portion and / or the lid. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the coupling comprises at least one control element which is designed such thatthat, in a state after the initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion, it differs at least visually from a state before the initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 9, wherein the coupling has a predetermined breaking element, preferably a web, which is preferably configured to be at least partially severed upon actuation of the actuating portion, so that the coupling releases upon initial movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 10, wherein the coupling is configured such that, upon release of the coupling, at least a first region of the actuating portion detaches from a second region of the actuating portion, and the first region preferably remains on the lid. Closure system according to one of aspects 7 to 11,wherein the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element extends substantially in a direction pointing from the bottom to the top, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. Closure system according to one of aspects 6 to 12, wherein: the coupling is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along a plane substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement of the operating element lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element lies; and / or a guide slot is formed in the lid, in which the connecting element is at least partially guided when the operating element is moved between the open position and the closed position, wherein the coupling is arranged from a plane,preferably a plane extending along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane in which the guide slot lies and / or extends; and / or the coupling is arranged offset and / or spaced apart from the connecting element and / or the guide slot substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the locking element and / or the counter element extends substantially in a direction pointing from the top side to the bottom side, preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid. Closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the actuating portion is connected to the fastening portion in such a way thatthat the actuating portion is tiltable and / or pivotable relative to the fastening portion. A method for producing a closure system for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, preferably a closure system according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising the following steps:

[0165] - Providing a lid having a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out;

[0166] - Providing a control element;

[0167] - Arranging the locking element on the underside of the lid;

[0168] - Arranging the control element on the top of the lid; and

[0169] - Providing at least one connecting element by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element and the closure element to connect the operating element to the closure element, such that the closure element can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a manual movement of the operating element by a user in order to selectively open and close the pouring opening. 17. The method according to aspect 16, wherein the connecting element of the closure element and the operating element is provided by clinching joints, wherein the depression of the clinching connection is preferably formed on the operating element.

[0170] 18. Method according to aspects 16 or 17, wherein a plurality of connecting elements are provided, wherein preferably at least two of the connecting elements are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position, more preferably wherein the at least two connecting elements arranged in series are each a clinch joint connection, wherein the countersinks of the clinch joint connection are optionally formed on the operating element.

[0171] 19. Method according to one of aspects 16 to 18, wherein the operating element has a fastening section and an actuating section connected to the fastening section, and wherein preferably additionally a coupling is provided which detachably couples the actuating section to at least one region of the lid, preferably by at least one region of the actuating section being connected to at least one region of the lid in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, preferably by at least regionally forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section and / or the lid, wherein the depression of such a clinching connection is preferably formed on the lid. 0. Closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can,comprising: a lid with a bottom side facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially define an upper end of the beverage container, wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out, wherein the lid further has a circumferential recess along an outer lid edge; at least one closure element arranged on the underside of the lid and movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element, in the closed position, substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent the substance located in the beverage container from pouring out,and in the open position, exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby allow pouring of the substance located in the beverage container; at least one operating element arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the lid has a bulge formed therein that is configured to lock the closure element in the open position. Closure system according to aspect 20, wherein the closure element has a bead and / or edge running along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, wherein preferably the bead and / or edge, with respect to a direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closure position,can be latched behind the bulge to lock the closure element in the open position. Closure system according to aspect 20, wherein the closure element has an edge running along at least a portion of a circumference of the closure element, a protrusion, and an intermediate region arranged between the edge and the protrusion, wherein the intermediate region is preferably designed such that at least a portion of the intermediate region engages with the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. Closure system according to aspect 22, wherein the intermediate region is configured to at least partially accommodate the bulge formed in the lid in the open position. Closure system according to one of aspects 21 to 23, wherein the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container,so that when the closure element is moved between the open position and the closed position, the edge is deflected by the bulge, preferably away from the underside of the lid.

[0172] 25. Closure system according to aspect 24, wherein the deflection of the edge forms an air gap at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid, the air gap providing a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container.

[0173] 26. Closure system according to one of aspects 22 to 24, wherein in the open position, in which the bulge formed in the lid is received in the intermediate region, an air gap is formed at least partially between the edge and the underside of the lid, wherein the air gap provides a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container.

[0174] 27. Closure system according to one of aspects 22 to 26, wherein the elevation is formed centrally in the closure element and the intermediate region extends annularly around the elevation.

[0175] 28. Closure system according to one of aspects 21 to 27, wherein the edge is at least partially crimped and / or flanged.

[0176] 29. Closure system according to one of aspects 20 to 28, wherein the bulge formed in the lid is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container and the operating element extends over a first portion of the bulge in the closed position, preferably wherein the operating element leaves a second portion of the bulge free.

[0177] 30. Closure system according to one of aspects 20 to 29, wherein at least a portion of a circumferential edge of the closure element, which in the open position and / or in the closed position at least partially rests against the underside of the lid, has a coating, preferably a polymer coating. Closure system for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid with a bottom facing an interior of the beverage container and a top facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid has a pouring opening through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; at least one closure element arranged on the underside of the lid and extending substantially translationally, preferably along the underside of the lid,is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element in the closed position substantially closes the pouring opening to thereby substantially prevent pouring of the substance located in the beverage container, and in the open position releases at least a portion of the pouring opening to thereby allow pouring of the substance located in the beverage container; at least one operating element arranged on the top side of the lid and connected to the closure element by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the operating element is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening by a manual movement of the operating element by a user; wherein the operating element has a fastening portion having at least a portion of the connecting element for connecting the operating element to the closure element,and an actuating portion connected to the fastening portion, wherein the actuating portion is movably connected to the fastening portion such that the actuating portion is movable relative to the fastening portion, and wherein the actuating portion is releasably coupled to at least one region of the cover by means of a coupling such that the coupling is released upon the first movement of the actuating portion relative to the fastening portion, wherein the coupling comprises at least one first coupling element formed on the actuating portion and at least one second coupling element formed on the cover, which engages with the first coupling element, wherein the engagement of the first coupling element with the second coupling element is provided by at least regionally deforming, preferably by clinching joints, the actuating portion and / or the cover.

[0178] 32. Closure system according to aspect 31, wherein: the coupling is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement of the operating element lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element lies; and / or a guide slot is formed in the lid, in which the connecting element is at least partially guided when the operating element is moved between the open position and the closed position, wherein the coupling is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the guide slot lies and / or extends;and / or the coupling is arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the operating element between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid, offset and / or spaced from the connecting element and / or the guide slot;

[0179] 33. Closure system for a beverage container according to aspect 1, comprising the further features of the closure system according to aspects 20 to 30 and / or 31 and / or 32.

[0180] 34. Closure system for a beverage container according to aspects 20 to 30, comprising the further features of the closure system according to aspects 1 to 15 and / or 31 and / or 32.

[0181] 35. Beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, comprising at least one closure system according to one of aspects 1 to 15 and 20 to 34.

[0182] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. The described embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0183] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a closure system according to the invention;

[0184] Fig. 2 shows the closure system from Fig. 1 in a plan view;

[0185] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the closure system from Fig. 2 along the section line

[0186] AA;

[0187] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 3;

[0188] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of area C of Fig. 3;

[0189] Fig.6 shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of a closure system according to the invention;

[0190] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure system according to the invention;

[0191] Fig. 8 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a closure system according to the invention.

[0192] Figures 1 to 5 show a closure system 100 for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0193] The closure system 100 has a lid 102 with a bottom 104 and a top 106.

[0194] In the assembled state of the closure system 100 with the corresponding beverage container, the underside 104 faces an interior of the beverage container and the top side 106 faces away from the interior of the beverage container.

[0195] The lid 102 has a pouring opening 108 through which a substance contained in the beverage container can be poured out.

[0196] In addition, the lid 102 has a bulge 110 which, when assembled with the beverage container, is formed in the direction of the interior of the beverage container.

[0197] A guide slot 112 is additionally formed in the lid 102. The guide slot 112 and the pouring opening 108 are formed as a single opening in the lid 102, as shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0198] The lid 102 additionally has a circumferential recess 113 along an outer lid edge.

[0199] The closure system 100 additionally has a closure element 114 on the underside 104 of the lid 102. The closure element 114 is substantially translationally movable along the underside 104 of the lid 102 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position (Fig. 2), the closure element 114 substantially closes the pouring opening 108, thereby substantially preventing the substance located in the beverage container from pouring out at least from the pouring opening 108. In the open position (i.e., displaced along the slot 112), the closure element 114 exposes at least a portion of the pouring opening 108, thereby permitting the substance located in the beverage container to pour out of the pouring opening 108.

[0200] The closure element 114 has a bead or edge 116 that runs along the entire circumference of the closure element 114. The edge 116 may alternatively run only along one or more portions of the circumference of the closure element 114. The edge 116 may serve to engage behind the bulge 110 in the closed position to lock the closure element 114 in the open position.

[0201] The edge 116 has a curved portion 117 that extends in a projection-like manner toward the underside 104 of the lid 102. The edge 116 also has an open end 119 (see Fig. 4).

[0202] The closure element 114 also has a substantially central elevation 118 and an intermediate region 120 arranged between the edge 116 and the elevation 118. The intermediate region 120 can serve to at least partially engage the bulge 110 formed in the lid 102 in the closed position. In particular, the intermediate region 120 can at least partially receive the bulge 110 formed in the lid in order to lock the closure element 114 relative to the lid 102.

[0203] In the open position, the bulge 110 is preferably completely overlapped by the closure element 114 on the underside of the lid. In the closed position, the bulge HO is preferably not overlapped by the closure element. In contrast, in the closed position, the bulge 110 is preferably partially (in particular only partially, but not completely) overlapped by an operating element 122, which is described in more detail below.

[0204] The closure system 100 further includes the operating element 122, which is arranged on the top side 106 of the lid 102. The operating element 122 has a fastening section 124 and an actuating section 126 connected to the fastening section 124. The actuating section 126 is movably connected to the fastening section 124, so that the actuating section 126 is movable relative to the fastening section 124.

[0205] The movable connection provides a hinge about which the actuating portion 126 can be pivoted relative to the fastening portion 124. The actuating portion 126 is pivotable, in particular, about an axis that runs substantially parallel to the top side 106 of the cover 102 and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot 112. The hinge is preferably a film hinge. This movable connection of the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124 can be realized via a notch 127 arranged between the fastening portion 124 and the actuating portion 126.

[0206] However, it is also conceivable to provide a scored line, a perforation or a structure weakened in some other way, for example by providing a cross-section that is at least partially reduced, between the fastening section 124 and the actuating section 126 instead of the notch 127.

[0207] The fastening section 124 of the operating element 122 is connected to the closure element 114 via two forming joints 128. The forming joints 128 each have a locking element 130 formed on the fastening section 124 of the operating element 122 and a counter element 132 formed on the closure element 114. Each locking element 130 is brought into engagement with the respective counter element 132 by forming.

[0208] The operating element 122 further includes a recess 134 that is concave with respect to a direction extending from the bottom 104 to the top 106. The recess 134 has a lower surface 136 that is substantially parallel to the top 106 and / or the underside 104 of the lid 102 (see Figures 3 and 5). The locking elements 130 are formed on the lower surface 136 of the recess 134.

[0209] At least partially, when the closure element 114 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the forming joints 128 extend at least partially through the guide slot 112. As a result, the forming joints 128 can be guided through the guide slot 112 at least partially.

[0210] The forming connections 128 preferably extend, as shown in Figure 5, from the operating element 122 (in particular from its recess 134) toward the closure element 114 (i.e., downward). The closure system 100 additionally has a coupling 138 that releasably couples the actuating portion 126 to a region of the cover 102 such that the coupling 138 is released upon the initial movement of the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124.

[0211] The coupling 138 can, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1, lie in a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement of the operating element lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element 128 lies. Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling 138 can, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1, lie in a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the guide slot 112 lies and / or extends. An alternative embodiment with regard to the arrangement of the coupling 138 is shown by way of example in Fig. 8 (see the corresponding description below).

[0212] The coupling 138 has a first coupling element 140 formed on the actuating portion 126 and a second coupling element 142 formed on the cover 102.

[0213] The first coupling element 140 and the second coupling element 142 are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner by means of forming, preferably by means of clinching joints, at least one region of the actuating section 126 and / or the cover 102 in order to provide the coupling 138 of the actuating section 126 to the cover 102.

[0214] The coupling 138 has a control element 144 which is designed such that, in a state after the first movement of the actuating section 126 relative to the fastening section 124, it differs at least visually from a state before the first movement of the actuating section 126 relative to the fastening section 124.

[0215] For this purpose, the control element 144 has a plurality of predetermined breaking elements 146, which are shown as webs in Figures 1 to 5. However, the predetermined breaking elements 146 can also be designed in other ways, for example as foil, creases, perforations, scored lines, or other severable elements.

[0216] The predetermined breaking elements 146 are arranged distributed around the coupling element 140 and connect the coupling element 140 to the remaining area of ​​the actuating section 126. When the actuating section 126 is actuated, the predetermined breaking elements 146 can be severed so that the coupling 138 can be released when the actuating section 126 is moved for the first time relative to the fastening section 124.

[0217] In the unused, assembled state, the closure element 114 is in the closed position in which the pouring opening 108 is closed in a substantially gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner by means of the closure element 114, and the coupling 138 is unreleased.

[0218] To move the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position, the user first releases the coupling 138. To do so, the user can, for example, reach with a finger, at least partially into the recess 110 and at least partially under the actuating portion 126. To do so, the actuating portion 126 of the operating element 122 can extend over a first portion of the recess 110 in the closed position. The actuating portion 126 of the operating element 122 can leave a second portion of the recess 110 exposed.

[0219] The user can then pivot the actuating portion 126 relative to the fastening portion 124 about the notch 127. The coupling 138 can be released by severing the predetermined breaking elements 146, and the first coupling element 140 detaches from the remaining part of the actuating portion 126. The first coupling element 140 remains on the cover 102, engaging with the second coupling element 142.

[0220] By means of the actuating portion 126, the user can move the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position. When the closure element 114 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the edge 116 of the closure element 114 interacts with the bulge 110 such that the closure element 114 is deflected substantially away from the underside 104 of the lid 102.

[0221] This deflection can create an air gap, at least in some areas, between the edge 116 and the underside 104 of the lid 102. This can provide a connection between the interior of the beverage container and the environment around the beverage container in order to vent and / or ventilate the interior of the beverage container.

[0222] If the user moves the closure element 114 by means of the actuating section 126, the closure element 114 can be brought into the open position.

[0223] The recess 113 can limit the movement of the closure element 114 from the closed position to the open position by the edge 116 abutting the recess 113 in the closed position.

[0224] Figures 4 and 5 show enlarged views of the areas B and C marked in Fig. 3 to show the connecting elements 128 and the coupling 138 in more detail.

[0225] As also evident in Figure 4, the bulge 110 can protrude further toward the underside 104 of the lid 102 than the depth of the intermediate region 120. Thus, even after the bead or edge 116 has snapped into place behind the bulge 110 in the open position, the closure element 114 is pushed away from the underside 104 of the lid 102, so that an air gap exists between the underside 104 and the closure element 114 in the open position.

[0226] Figures 6 and 7 show two alternative designs of the edge 116 of the closure element 114.

[0227] In contrast to the edge 116 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the edge 216 shown in Figure 6 does not have an open end. Instead, the edge 216 is flanged, at least in some areas. This allows for a better sealing effect between the edge 216 and the underside 104 of the cover 102. Furthermore, the edge 216 can be better protected against corrosion.

[0228] The edge 316 shown in Figure 7 also does not have an open end, unlike the edge 116 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. Instead, the edge 316 is crimped and crimped to also provide a better seal between the edge 316 and the underside 104 of the lid 102.

[0229] In all three embodiments, a seal (not shown) can be arranged between the edge 116, 216, 316 and the lid 102. The corresponding seal can be made of silicone or rubber and can be firmly connected to the edge 116, 216, 316 of the closure element 110 and / or to the lid 102. For example, the seal can be vulcanized onto the edge 116, 216, 316 or onto the lid 102.

[0230] Alternatively or additionally, the edge 116, 216, 316 and / or the lid 102 can be coated, at least in regions, with a coating (not shown), preferably a polymer coating. This coating can also contribute to a complete or partial liquid-tight or gas-tight seal between the lid 102 and the closure element 114, particularly before initial opening.

[0231] Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the closure system 100. In contrast to the arrangement of the coupling 138 shown in Fig. 1, the coupling 138 in the embodiment of Fig. 8 is offset and / or spaced from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a center plane, in which the direction of movement 139 of the operating element 122 lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element 128 lies.Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling 138 can be arranged offset and / or spaced from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the guide slot 112 lies and / or extends, as shown by way of example in Fig. 8. Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling 138 can be arranged offset and / or spaced from the connecting element 128 and / or the guide slot 112 substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 139 of the operating element 122 between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid 102.

[0232] The coupling 138 can be a clinching connection in which material of the actuating portion 126 is pressed and / or deformed into a recess provided in the lid 102. This makes it possible, upon opening—optionally even without the use of additional webs or predetermined breaking elements on the actuating portion, such as the predetermined breaking elements 146 described above—to ensure that the actuating portion 126 tears in the region of the clinching connection when the can is opened for the first time, while the lid 102 remains intact. The torn actuating portion 126 can indicate to the user that the can has been opened for the first time. In other words, the clinching connection forming the coupling 138 can be formed "from above." Those skilled in the art will recognize that this concept can also be applied within the scope of the embodiment of Figures 1 et seq.There, too, the coupling 138 could be implemented as a clinch joint connection "from above." Additional predetermined breaking elements 146 could then optionally be omitted.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A closure system (100) for a beverage container, in particular a beverage can, comprising: a lid (102) with a bottom side (104) facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side (106) facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid (102) is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid (102) has a pouring opening (108) through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out;at least one closure element (114) which is arranged on the underside (104) of the lid (102) and is movable substantially translationally, preferably along the underside (104) of the lid (102), between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure element (114) in the closed position substantially closes the pouring opening (108) in order to thereby substantially prevent pouring of the substance located in the beverage container, and in the open position releases at least a region of the pouring opening (108) in order to thereby allow pouring of the substance located in the beverage container;at least one operating element (122) which is arranged on the upper side (106) of the lid (102) and is connected to the closure element (114) by means of at least one connecting element (128), wherein the operating element (122) is configured to selectively open and close the pouring opening (108) by a manual movement of the operating element (122) by a user; wherein the operating element (122) has a fastening section (124) which has at least a part of the connecting element (128) for connecting the operating element (122) to the closure element (114), and an actuating section (126) connected to the fastening section (124), wherein the actuating section (126) is movably connected to the fastening section (124) such that the actuating section (126) is movable relative to the fastening section (124), wherein the connecting element (128) for connecting the operating element (122); with the closure element (114) is a forming joint connection (128) which has at least one locking element (130) formed on the operating element (122) and a counter element (132) which is formed on the closure element (114) and which is brought into engagement with the locking element (130) by means of forming, and wherein the forming joint connection (128) is a clinching joint connection.

2. Closure system (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of connecting elements (128) for connecting the operating element (122) to the closure element (114), wherein at least two of the connecting elements (128) are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position, wherein preferably each of the connecting elements (128) has a locking element (130) and a counter element (132), which are each in engagement with one another.

3. Closure system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the at least two connecting elements are each a clinch joint connection.

4. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (122) has a recess (134), wherein the locking element (130) or the locking elements (130) is or are formed on a surface (136) of the recess (134), wherein the recess (134) is concave with respect to a direction pointing from the bottom (104) to the top (106), and wherein the surface (136) preferably runs substantially parallel to the lid (102).

5. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling (138) which releasably couples the actuating section (126) to at least one region of the lid (102) in such a way that the coupling (138) is released upon the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124), wherein the coupling (138) has at least one first coupling element (140) formed on the actuating section (126) and at least one second coupling element (142) formed on the lid (102), wherein the first coupling element (140) and the second coupling element (142) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in order to secure the coupling (138) of the actuating section (126) with the lid (102).

6. The closure system (100) of claim 5, wherein the coupling (138) comprises at least one clinching connection provided by clinching the actuating portion (126) and / or the lid (102).

7. Closure system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the coupling (138) has at least one control element (144) which is designed such that it differs at least visually in a state after the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124) from a state before the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124), wherein the coupling (138) has a predetermined breaking element (146), preferably a web, which is designed to be severed upon actuation of the actuating section (126), so that the coupling (138) is released upon the first movement of the actuating section (126) relative to the fastening section (124).

8. Closure system (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the coupling (138) is designed such that when the coupling (138) is released, at least a first region of the actuating portion (126) detaches from a second region of the actuating portion (126) and remains on the lid (102).

9. Closure system (100) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: the coupling (138) is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement (139) of the operating element (122) lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element (128) is located; and / or a guide slot (112) is formed in the lid (102), in which the connecting element (128) is at least partially guided when the operating element (122) is moved between the open position and the closed position, wherein the Coupling (138) is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane in which the guide slot (112) lies and / or extends; and / or the coupling (138) is arranged offset from the connecting element (128) and / or the guide slot (112) substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement (139) of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid (102).

10. Closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (130) and / or the counter element (132) extends substantially in a direction pointing from the top side (106) to the bottom side (104), preferably substantially perpendicular to the lid (102).

11. A method for producing a closure system (100) for a beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, preferably a closure system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Providing a lid (102) having a bottom side (104) facing an interior of the beverage container and a top side (106) facing away from the interior of the beverage container, wherein the lid (102) is configured to at least partially delimit an upper end of the beverage container, and wherein the lid (102) has a pouring opening (108) through which a substance located in the beverage container can be poured out; - Providing an operating element (122) having a fastening portion (124) and an actuating portion (126) connected to the fastening portion (124), and a closure element (114); - arranging the closure element (114) on the underside (104) of the lid (102); - arranging the operating element (122) on the upper side (106) of the lid (102); and - Providing at least one connecting element (128) by reshaping at least a portion of the operating element (122) and the closure element (114) to connect the operating element (122) to the closure element (114) such that the closure element (114) can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a manual movement of the operating element (122) by a user in order to selectively release and close the pouring opening (108), wherein the connecting element (128) of the closure element (114) and the operating element (122) is provided by clinching joints.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of connecting elements (128) are provided, wherein at least two of the connecting elements (128) are arranged in series substantially along the direction of movement of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position.

13. The method according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein additionally a coupling (138) which detachably couples the actuating section (126) to at least one region of the cover (102) is provided by at least one region of the actuating section (126) being brought into positive and / or non-positive connection with at least one region of the cover (102), preferably by at least partially forming, preferably by clinching, the actuating section (126) and / or the cover (102).

14. Closure system (100) according to claim 13, wherein: the coupling (138) is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane, in which the direction of movement (139) of the operating element (122) lies or extends between the open position and the closed position and / or in which the connecting element (128) lies; and / or a guide slot (112) is formed in the lid (102), in which the connecting element (128) is at least partially guided when the operating element (122) is moved between the open position and the closed position, wherein the Coupling (138) is arranged offset from a plane, preferably a plane running along a longitudinal axis of the beverage container and / or along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lid, preferably a central plane in which the guide slot (112) lies and / or extends, and / or the coupling (138) is arranged offset from the connecting element (128) and / or the guide slot (112) substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement (139) of the operating element (122) between the open position and the closed position, and substantially along the lid (102).

15. Beverage container, preferably designed as a beverage can and / or as a storage container for bulk goods, comprising at least one closure system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

Citation Information

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