Container closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a container closure (11) made of plastic, comprising a holding element (19), which can be preferably non-detachably connected to a neck (15) of a container (13) and which borders a removal opening, comprising a lid (17), which can be transferred from a closed position, in which the lid (17) closes the removal opening, into an open position for exposing the removal opening, and comprising a tamper-evident closure, which indicates whether the container closure is intact. The tamper-evident closure is realized in that at least one indicator element (25) comprising a first leg is provided on the lid (17), the indicator element being held on the lid (17) by means of a predetermined-breaking element and being non-detachably held on the holding element (19). As a result, when the lid (17) is lifted off for the first time, the at least one indicator element (25) breaks out of the lid (17) and exposes an indicator opening on the lid.

Description

[0001] 1040-26928 1 15.10.2025

[0002] Container closure

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The invention relates to a container closure according to the preamble of claim 1 and a container according to the preamble of claim 23.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Container closures with a hinged mechanism, allowing the closure to be opened and closed, are known from the prior art of plastic container closures. Such closures typically have a lid that is hinged to a retaining element, particularly a retaining ring, via the hinged mechanism. The lid can therefore pivot from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The retaining element is preferably permanently connected to the neck of a container. A sealing element can be provided on the side of the lid facing the cap. This sealing element interacts with the retaining element to create a seal, either by resting against it or by penetrating a dispensing opening defined by the retaining element when the lid is in the closed position.

[0007] To indicate that the lid is sealed after the container has been filled, an adhesive label may be affixed to the lid and the adjacent areas of the retaining element. This label tears the first time the lid is opened. However, it is possible to remove the label from the lid using mechanical and / or chemical means and then reattach it to its original position after handling the contents. Not only is using such an adhesive label complex from a production standpoint, but it is also not even certain that an intact label actually indicates a sealed container.

[0008] To overcome these disadvantages, EP 3 983 304 A1 discloses a container closure which features a flap hinged to a cap. The flap closes and releases a dispensing outlet. Two retaining projections with predetermined breaking points are attached to the flap. After the flap is initially pivoted into the closed position, the retaining projections are permanently connected to the cap and are held in a recess in the cap. When the consumer opens the flap, the predetermined breaking points tear, and the retaining projections remain in the recess. However, this tamper-evident closure can only be used if there is sufficient space on the top of the cap, adjacent to the flap, to accommodate the recesses.

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] The disadvantages of the described state of the art result in the task of creating a more flexible warranty closure that reliably fulfills its purpose even with container closures featuring a flap or a lid with a different design.

[0011] Description

[0012] The problem is solved in a plastic container closure with a tamper-evident seal by the features specified in the characterizing section of claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] The invention is characterized in that the tamper-evident seal is implemented by providing at least one indicator element on the lid, comprising a first leg, which is held to the lid by a predetermined breaking point and is permanently attached to the retaining element. This causes the at least one indicator element to break out of the lid when it is first lifted, revealing an indicator opening. The visibility of this opening after the lid is first opened makes it immediately apparent to the user or quality control personnel that the lid has been opened and the container is no longer sealed. Furthermore, the container seal is tamper-evident, as even squeezing or horizontally moving the lid causes the indicator element to break out of the indicator opening.

[0014] It has proven advantageous for the lid to be hinged to the retaining element and to be pivotable between the closed and open positions, thus creating a hinged lid. The hinged lid has the advantage that the indicator element is injection-molded along with the lid in the open position during the injection molding process (1040-26928 3 15.10.2025) and is permanently locked to the retaining element when first moved into the closed position. Therefore, manufacturing the indicator element requires no additional production effort.

[0015] The container closure preferably has a removable lid, particularly in the case of a push-pull container closure. Therefore, the indicator element can also be integrated into a push-pull container closure or used for other container closures.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection between the indicator element and the retaining element is achieved by a permanent positive locking mechanism. As described above, the indicator element is designed to generate pressure when opened, which pushes inwards and / or upwards. This forces the indicator element to anchor itself and eventually break free if someone attempts to open the closure (e.g., by prying it open). The indicator element is therefore extremely tamper-proof.

[0017] It is advantageous if the indicator element incorporates a locking element that, after the lid is initially placed in the closed position, engages in a detent provided on the retaining element. A retaining lug is preferred, as its insertion into the detent is very simple. A solid or hollow retaining sphere or an ellipse is also conceivable as a locking element. The detent can either accommodate the locking element over its entire circumference or only at a single point.

[0018] The locking element is conveniently a barb, which permanently locks the indicator element into the latching opening. The warranty seal is automatically activated upon initial closing of the lid, without the need for any further production steps, as the indicator element forms a permanent connection with the retaining element.

[0019] It is advantageous if the indicator element has a first and a second leg, in particular L-shaped, T-shaped, or Y-shaped, and if the barb is formed at the open end of the second leg. The first leg is visible directly at the latch opening when the lid is closed. This visual recognition can be further enhanced by coloring the first leg a signal color. The length of the second leg is dimensioned such that the indicator element is sensitive not only to a vertical movement of the lid, but also to compression or a horizontal movement of the lid, and releases accordingly.

[0020] It is advantageous if the indicator element forms a flat surface with the lid before it is opened for the first time. This makes the indicator element immediately recognizable when it indicates that the lid is unopened.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator element has a bulge, and at least one apex of the bulge projects from the lid. This upward projection of the first leg makes the indicator element sensitive to manipulation from above, causing it to break away when pressure is applied from above. For example, the first leg can have the shape of a mushroom cap. The following configurations of the first leg are also possible: a cone, a dome, pyramidal, teardrop-shaped, cylindrical, or even wavy. The bulge of the first leg offers the following advantages: The aforementioned shapes make the indicator element more sensitive to pressure. Slight movements, such as pushing, pulling, sliding, or rotating the lid, cause the indicator element to break away, thus providing clearer and faster feedback upon initial opening.The curve of the first leg could also point inwards – this makes the indicator element less sensitive to external influences. For example, it won't break if something is placed on it.

[0022] The invention is also preferably characterized in that the indicator element is designed to break out when the lid is compressed, particularly during the initial lifting of the lid. As already explained above, the length of the second leg is dimensioned such that even small movements, such as compressing the lid, cause the indicator element to break out of the lid.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is designed as a retaining ring comprising a ring element on which at least one locking opening is provided, and a sleeve adjoining the retaining ring, on the inside of which at least one locking element is provided for attachment to the container neck. This allows the retaining element to be attached to the container neck by fully automatic snapping. The locking opening can be produced particularly easily during the injection molding process or by subsequent cutting.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a gap is provided between the upper surface of the retaining element and the lower surface of the lid, 1040-26928 5 15.10.2025, whereby a cavity is formed between the lid and the retaining element. The indicator element can fall into the cavity after breaking out. This leaves the latching opening open, and the initial opening of the lid is clearly and easily indicated by the open latching opening. The deeper the cavity, the further the indicator element falls downwards, and the more visible the initial opening becomes.

[0025] A further advantage of the invention is that, after the lid is opened for the first time and the indicator element breaks out of the lid, it is positioned in the cavity and rests on the top of the retaining element. The indicator element is therefore child-safe and environmentally friendly, as it cannot be removed from the cavity when the lid is closed, nor from the retaining element when the lid is open, after the initial opening.

[0026] Advantageously, the sum of the cavity height and the lid thickness is greater than the height of the first leg. This dimensioning ensures that the indicator element disappears completely into the cavity after the lid is opened for the first time, and that the open latching opening is clearly visible.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a first grip recess is arranged on the retaining element, in which the locking opening is preferably provided. The first grip recess facilitates opening the lid, as it simplifies gripping the lid when opening. Preferably, the grip recess is arranged opposite the hinge to indicate the optimal position for opening the lid. If the locking opening is provided in the grip recess, it is also possible to see from the front, and not only from above, whether the lid has already been opened or not.

[0028] It is advantageous to have a second recessed grip on the lid, with the indicator element positioned above this second grip. Two recessed grips further improve the ease of use compared to a single grip. This is particularly true when the two grips are preferably arranged one above the other.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, two indicator elements, preferably opposite each other, are arranged on the lid. Two indicator elements improve the visibility of whether the container closure is properly sealed or not. 1040-26928 6 15.10.2025

[0030] Because the predetermined breaking element is preferably implemented by a plurality of predetermined breaking ribs, an unintentional breakout of the indicator element from the indicator opening before the lid is first opened is prevented.

[0031] Another preferred option for a predetermined breaking point is a plastic film that surrounds the first leg.

[0032] It is advantageous if a sealing element, particularly a sealing cone, is formed on the inside of the lid, which is designed to act in conjunction with the retaining element to create a seal in the closed position. The sealing cone can be formed in a mold during injection molding. Therefore, no further sealing element needs to be inserted into the lid in a subsequent process step.

[0033] Preferably, the indicator element is designed as part of the sealing element. This embodiment is advantageous if no sealing of the contents is necessary after initial opening. When the indicator element is integrated into the sealing element, the container closure is particularly compact; however, the sealing element loses its sealing properties if the indicator element breaks out.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a container and a container closure connected to the container, as described above. The container can be a bottle, a storage container for example for coated tablets or detergent tablets, or a container for pre-moistened cleaning wipes.

[0035] Advantageously, the container closure is permanently attached to the container neck. This prevents the container closure from being separated from the container to tamper with the contents.

[0036] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the schematic diagrams. These are shown in a representation not to scale:

[0037] Figure 1: A first embodiment of the container closure in the form of a hinged closure, placed on a container in an open position of the lid, in perspective view; 1040-26928 7 15.10.2025

[0038] Figure 2: the container closure placed on the container in a closed position of the lid, in perspective view;

[0039] Figure 3: a cross-section through the container closure and an upper

[0040] section of the container;

[0041] Figure 4: a detailed view of an indicator element before the lid is opened for the first time;

[0042] Figure 5: a detailed view of an indicator element after the initial

[0043] Opening the lid;

[0044] Figure 6: a section through a holding element on which the indicator element rests, in perspective view;

[0045] Figure 7: a front view of the container closure and the container before the hinged lid is opened for the first time;

[0046] Figure 8: a perspective view after the first opening of the

[0047] Hinged lid;

[0048] Figure 9: a perspective view with two indicator elements before and after locking onto the holding element;

[0049] Figure 10: a perspective top view of the lid with a comparison of the indicator element before and after initial opening;

[0050] Figure 11: another side view of the container closure and

[0051] Figure 12: a second embodiment of the container closure in the form of a push-pull closure.

[0052] Figures 1 to 11 show a first embodiment of a container closure made of plastic, collectively designated by reference numeral 11. The container closure 11 is mounted on a container 13 and is preferably permanently connected to a container neck 15. A container body 14 extends into the container neck 15. The container closure 11 is preferably multi-part and comprises at least one lid 17 and a retaining element 19. The retaining element 19 surrounds a dispensing opening 21 of the container closure 11. The lid 17 can be moved from a closed position, in which it closes the dispensing opening 21, to an open position, in which the dispensing opening 21 is released for the removal of contents. In the first embodiment, the change between the two positions is achieved by a hinge 23, which connects the cover 17 to the retaining element 19 in a pivotal manner.

[0053] In the second embodiment according to Figure 12, the container closure 11 is implemented as a push-pull container closure 11, and the lid 17 is removable from the retaining element 19. Such a push-pull container closure 11 is preferably used for sports bottles or dishwashing liquid bottles.

[0054] The container closure 11 according to both embodiments also features a tamper-evident seal in the form of an indicator element 25, which is held to the lid 17 by several predetermined breaking elements 27. The indicator element 25 is permanently held to the retaining element 19, so that when the lid 17 is first lifted, the indicator element 25 breaks out of the lid 17 and exposes an indicator opening 29 in the lid.

[0055] A possible configuration of the indicator element 25 is shown in Figures 3 to 6. The indicator element 25 is shown in an L-shape, although it can also be T-shaped or Y-shaped. Accordingly, the indicator element 25 has a first leg 31 and a second leg 33, which connects to the first leg 31 at an angle, in particular an angle between 70 and 110 degrees. A barb 35 is formed at an open end of the second leg 33 as a locking element. When the cover 17 is first placed on the retaining element 19 to achieve the closed position, the barb 35 engages in a locking opening 37 provided on the retaining element 19 (see Figure 9). Figures 1 to 11 show that the cover 17 can have a cover plate 39 on which the indicator opening 29 is provided. The indicator element 25 forms a flat surface with the lid 17 or the cover disc 39 before the first opening.This makes changes to the lid 17 or the indicator element 25 particularly easy to spot.

[0056] The retaining element can be designed as a retaining ring 19 (Figure 6), which has a ring element 41 on which the locking opening 37 is provided, and a sleeve 43 adjoining the ring element 41. At least one locking element 45 for attachment to the container neck 15 is provided on an inner side of the sleeve 43. A lower surface 47 of the lid 17 and a top surface 49 of the retaining element 19 are spaced apart from each other, forming a cavity 51 between these surfaces. The sum of the height of the cavity 51 and the thickness of the lid 17 or the cover plate 39 is greater than the height of the first leg 31, here 1040-26928 9 15.10.2025 perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the container 15. The dimensions of the aforementioned elements have the advantage that the indicator element 25 can be inserted deeper, up to the top edge 49 of the retaining ring 19, thus providing a more easily recognizable tamper-evident seal.

[0057] When the lid 17 is opened after initial closure, the indicator element 25 breaks out of the indicator opening 29, as it is permanently attached to the retaining element 19. The predetermined breaking points 27, which held the first leg 31 in the indicator opening 29, also break. The indicator element 25 also breaks out of the lid 17 if it is compressed. This makes the indicator element 25 suitable for child-resistant closures. After the lid 17 is opened for the first time and the indicator element 25 breaks out, the first leg 31 is positioned in the cavity 51 and rests on the upper surface of the retaining element 19 (Figure 5). The indicator opening 29 is now clear, thus clearly indicating that the container closure 11 has been opened.

[0058] Figures 1 to 6 show a first grip recess 53, which is provided on the retaining element 19. This makes it easier to grip and press open the lid 17.

[0059] Figures 7 to 11 show the first and a second grip recess 53, 55, with the second grip recess 55 positioned above the first grip recess 53. This means that the normal distance between the first grip recess 53 and the second grip recess 55 is smaller. This further facilitates gripping the lid 17. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the indicator element 25, the indicator opening 29, and the locking opening 37 can be located within the first and second grip recesses 53, 55. This makes the position of the indicator element 25, and thus whether the lid 17 has already been opened, even more clearly recognizable.

[0060] It is also conceivable that more than one indicator element 25 is provided on the container closure 11. Figures 9 and 10 show two indicator elements 25, whereby, for clarity, the rear indicator element 25 is shown already broken out of the indicator opening 29, and the front indicator element 25 is still held in the indicator opening 29 by the predetermined breaking elements 27. However, both indicator elements 25 are fundamentally in the same state: either both indicator elements 25 remain in the indicator opening 29, or both indicator elements have broken out of the indicator opening 29.

[0061] A sealing cone 57 is arranged on the inside of the lid 17, which, in the closed position, acts in a sealing manner with the retaining element 19. 1040-26928 10 15.10.2025

[0062] The container closure 11 according to the first embodiment is preferably injection-molded in one piece from polypropylene. The container closure 11 according to the second embodiment consists of at least three parts, namely the retaining element 19, the lid 17, and a push-pull closure element 59. The parts of this push-pull container closure 11 can also be injection-molded from polypropylene. The push-pull container closure 11 can be pressed or screwed onto the container.

[0063] 1040-26928 11 15.10.2025

[0064] Legend:

[0065] 11 Container closure

[0066] 13 containers

[0067] 14 container bodies

[0068] 15 Container neck

[0069] 17 lids

[0070] 19 Retaining element, retaining ring

[0071] 21. Withdrawal opening

[0072] 23 hinge

[0073] 25 Indicator element

[0074] 27 predetermined breaking element, predetermined breaking bridges

[0075] 29 Indicator Opening

[0076] 31 First thigh

[0077] 33 Second thigh

[0078] 35 barbs, fixing element

[0079] 37 Rest opening

[0080] 39 Cover plate

[0081] 41 Ring element

[0082] 43 coat

[0083] 45 locking element

[0084] 47 Underside of the lid

[0085] 49 Top side of the retaining element

[0086] 51 cavity

[0087] 53 First handle recess

[0088] 55 Second handle recess

[0089] 57 Sealing cone

[0090] 59 Push-pull closure element

Claims

1040-26928 12 15.10.2025 1. Container closure (11) made of plastic - a retaining element (19) which is preferably permanently connectable to a container neck (15) of a container (13) and which borders a dispensing opening (21), - a lid (17) which can be moved from a closed position, in which the lid (17) closes the dispensing opening (21), to an open position to release the dispensing opening (21) and - a tamper-evident seal which indicates whether the container closure (11) is originally sealed, characterized in that the tamper-evident seal is realized by providing at least one indicator element (25) comprising a first leg (31) on the lid (17), which is held on the lid (17) by a predetermined breaking element (27) and is inseparably held on the retaining element (19), whereby the at least one indicator element (25) breaks out of the lid (17) when the lid (17) is first lifted and exposes an indicator opening (29) on it.

2. Container closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid (17) is pivotally held on the retaining element (19) by a hinge (23) and the lid (17) is pivotable between the closed position and the open position, whereby the container closure (11) is a hinged closure.

3. Container closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the container closure (11) has a removable lid (17), in particular realized in a push-pull container closure.

4. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the indicator element (25) with the retaining element (19) is realized by a non-removable positive locking mechanism.

5. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing element (35) is formed on the indicator element (25). 1040-26928 13 15.10.2025 is, which, after the lid (17) has been placed in the closed position for the first time, is locked in a detent opening (37) provided on the retaining element (19).

6. Container closure according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixing element is a barb (35) whereby the indicator element (25) is irrevocably locked in the locking opening (37).

7. Container closure according to claim 6, characterized in that the indicator element (25) is formed with the first and a second leg (31, 33), in particular L-shaped, T-shaped or Y-shaped, and the barb (35) is formed at the open end of the second leg (33).

8. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator element (25) forms a flat surface with the lid (17) before the first opening.

9. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator element (25) has a bulge and at least one apex of the bulge projects from the lid (17).

10. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator element (25) is designed to break out when the lid (17) is compressed, in particular during the initial lifting of the lid (17).

11. Container closure according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the retaining element is designed as a retaining ring (19) which has a ring element (41) on which at least one locking opening (37) is provided, and a jacket (43) adjoining the retaining ring (19), on the inside of which at least one locking element (45) is provided for attachment to the container neck (15).

12. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a gap is provided between a top (49) of the retaining element (19) and a bottom (47) of the lid (17), whereby a cavity (51) is formed between the lid (17) and the retaining element. 1040-26928 14 15.10.2025 13. Container closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the first leg (31) is positioned in the cavity (51) after the lid (17) has been opened for the first time and broken out of the lid (17) and rests on the top of the retaining element (19).

14. Container closure according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sum of a height of the cavity (51) and a thickness of the lid (17) is greater than a height of the first leg (31).

15. Container closure according to claim 5 and one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that a first grip recess (53) is arranged on the retaining element (19), in which the locking opening (37) is preferably provided.

16. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second grip recess (55) is formed on the lid (17), and the indicator element (25) is positioned on the lid (17) above the second grip recess (55).

17. Container closure according to claim 16, characterized in that the second grip recess (55) is arranged above the first grip recess (53).

18. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two indicator elements (25) are arranged on the lid (17), preferably opposite each other.

19. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined breaking element is realized by a plurality of predetermined breaking ribs (27).

20. Container closure according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the predetermined breaking element (27) is realized by a plastic film surrounding the first leg (31).

21. Container closure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing element, in particular a sealing cone (57), is formed on the inside of the lid (17), which is designed to act sealingly with the retaining element (19) in the closed position. 1040-26928 15 15.10.2025 22. Container closure according to claim 21, characterized in that the indicator element (25) is designed as part of the sealing element.

23. Container (13) comprising a container body (14), a container neck (15) into which the container body (14) transitions and a container closure (11) connected to the container neck (15) according to one of the preceding claims.

24. Container according to claim 23, characterized in that the container closure (11) is inseparably connected to the container neck (15).

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