U.S. patent application number 10/399702 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for sealing device for drink packages.
Invention is credited to Lagler, Louis.
Application Number | 20040035817 10/399702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4567313 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040035817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagler, Louis |
February 26, 2004 |
Sealing device for drink packages
Abstract
The invention relates to a sealing device (3, 30) for sealing
off an opening (5) of a plastic drink package. Said sealing device
(3, 30) has a flexible collar (10) that is provided with an
inward-facing surface (45) that is subject to the internal
pressure. The collar (10), in the closed position of the sealing
device (30), is functionally linked with a collar rim (11) of the
opening (5) to be sealed off and is adapted to exert a pressure (K)
thereon that increases in proportion to the internal pressure
(P).
Inventors: |
Lagler, Louis; (Zurich,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert E Bushnell
Suite 300
1522 K Street NW
Washington
DC
20005-1202
US
|
Family ID: |
4567313 |
Appl. No.: |
10/399702 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 22, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH01/00628 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/270 ;
215/341 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/128 20130101;
B65D 51/1688 20130101; B65D 2401/20 20200501; B65D 41/185 20130101;
B65D 2251/04 20130101; B65D 53/02 20130101; B65D 2251/205 20130101;
B65D 2401/05 20200501; B65D 47/0838 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/270 ;
215/341 |
International
Class: |
B65D 053/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2000 |
CH |
2054/00 |
Claims
1. A sealing device (3, 30) for sealing an opening (5) of a drinks
package of plastic, characterised by a flexible collar (10) which
comprises an inwardly directed surface (45) exposed to the inner
pressure, said collar (10) in a closure position of the sealing
device (30) being in active connection with a neck rim (11) of the
opening (5) to be sealed, in a manner such that the collar (10) is
pressed onto the neck rim (11), wherein the pressing force (K)
increases proportionally to the inner pressure (P).
2. A sealing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterised in
that the collar (10) is directed radially inwards.
3. A sealing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterised in
that the collar (10) is designed running obliquely inwards at an
angle (.alpha.).
4. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding
patent claims, characterised in that the collar (10) and/or the
neck rim (11) comprises means which effect a concentration of the
sealing force.
5. A sealing device (3, 30) according to patent claim 4,
characterised in that the means are a circumferential,
concentrically arranged bead.
6. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding
claims, characterised in that the collar (10) has a variable wall
thickness.
7. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding
patent claims, characterised in that the collar (10) comprises a
(sharp) bend.
8. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding
patent claims, characterised in that the collar (10) is supported
by ribs (41).
9. A sealing device (3, 30) according to one of the preceding
patent claims, characterised in that the collar (10) has a hardness
which lies in the region of 20 to 80 Shore A.
10. A hinge closure (20) with a sealing means (3, 30) according to
one of the preceding patent claims.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device for sealing drinks
packages, in particular drinks packages of plastic which are under
inner pressure, according to the preamble of the independent patent
claim
[0002] From the state of the art there are known closures for
drinks packages which are under an inner pressure, e.g. PET
bottles. The closures of these packages require very large closure
forces so that a sufficient sealedness is guaranteed between the
sealing surfaces. The high operating forces resulting from this
represent a disadvantage. Furthermore the closures have a very low
failure tolerance and thus demand a very high precision on
manufacture. The manufacture thus entails very great expense.
[0003] In order to achieve a sufficient pressing force and thus an
adequate sealedness even with a high inner pressure, the closures
known today comprise a thread Only by way of this is it possible to
produce the required closure forces. On opening the closures the
thread is cumbersome because it inhibits the escaping gas.
[0004] The most common closures are manufactured of plastic by way
of injection moulding. Today's closures require them to be
manufactured with very tight tolerances.
[0005] The object of the invention disclosed here lies in
specifying a device for sealing drinks packages, in particular
drinks packages of plastic which are under an inner pressure, which
require no large closure forces, but however are leakproof even
with large inner pressures in the container. In particular the
device for sealing should be suitable for closures with a hinge
and/or quality seal.
[0006] The object is achieved by the invention defined in the
patent claims.
[0007] The invention lies in a sealing device for sealing an
opening of a drinks package. The sealing device comprises a sealing
means which is designed and arranged in a manner such that it
produces a sealing force which is proportional to the inner
pressure and which acts on a rim region of the opening to be
sealed.
[0008] The sealing device is designed such that the sealing effect
is largely independent of a large initial force. One sets the
sealing effect or force by way of the design, dimensioning and
arrangement of the sealing means and the surface exposed to the
inner pressure.
[0009] The sealing means is formed completely or partly flexible
compared to the surrounding elements in a manner such that it
deforms as a result of a pressure difference (inner pressure). The
sealing effect is achieved in that the deformation of the sealing
means is hindered in a targeted manner so that a sealing force
arises on account of the hindrance. Materials which may be
processed by injection moulding and which have a Shore hardness
which preferably lies in the region of 20 to 80 are preferred. The
flexibility of the sealing means which is required for a smooth
functioning is dependent on the geometry and the mechanical
properties of the adjacent regions. Materials which have mechanical
properties which are similar to those of silicone made good
experience.
[0010] The invention disclosed here is especially suitable for
single-part or multi-part closures of plastic. The sealing means
may integrally form a part of the closure, but also be formed as a
separate part. When required, the closures are preferably
manufactured by way of multi-component injection moulding. Thus for
example by way of a different material selection it is possible to
integrate a device with a flexible sealing means into a closure
which in comparison is less deformable.
[0011] The invention is described in more detail by way of the
subsequent figures. Shown schematically and greatly simplified
are:
[0012] FIG. 1 a first embodiment form of a sealing device;
[0013] FIG. 2 a detailed view of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 the device of FIG. 1 in an opened position;
[0015] FIG. 4 a hinge closure in the closure position;
[0016] FIG. 5 the hinge closure according to FIG. 4 in an open
position;
[0017] FIG. 6 a closure with a further embodiment form of a sealing
device;
[0018] FIG. 7 the closure according to FIG. 6 in a frontal
view;
[0019] FIG. 8 five embodiment forms of sealing means.
[0020] FIG. 1 very schematically shows a closure 1 with a sealing
device according to the invention which serves to seal an opening
5. The representation shows the closure 1 with a closure body 2 and
with a sealing means 3 in a sectional representation. The closure 1
here is located on a neck 4 of a container, whose opening 5 it
sealingly closes. The sealing means 3 here consists of a separate
element which at least in regions corresponds with inner surfaces
of the closure body 2 and is supported on these.
[0021] The sealing means 3 comprises a collar 10 which in this
representation is in releasable active connection with a rim of a
neck (in the following neck rim) 11 of the opening 54 to be closed.
The collar 10 in comparison to the closure body 2 is formed
flexibly in a manner such that with an inner pressure it is
increasingly is supported on the neck rim 11 and sealingly closes
this by way of this.
[0022] The collar 10 is designed such that on placing the closure 1
onto the neck 4 it experiences a certain deformation by the neck
rim 11 which produces an initial sealing effect.
[0023] The closure body 2 comprises two laterally arranged arms 6
which open into a ring 7. The ring 7 surrounds the neck 4 and
comprises projecting blocking elements 8 which are fastened on the
ring 7 and in the closure position are in engagement with a
blocking edge 9 radially projecting on the neck 4. The closure 1 is
securely closed by way of this. The closure 1 may be released in
that the ring 7 is deformed by lateral pressing in a manner such
that it becomes oval and releases the blocking elements 8.
[0024] The closure 1 comprises means for centering the closure 1 on
the neck 4. These means which here are not shown in more detail may
be designed as radially inwardly projecting ribs. They serve the
positioning of the collar 10 with respect to the rim 11 of the
opening 5 in the unloaded condition.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows the detail D of FIG. 1. One may recognise a
part of the closure body 2 and of the sealing means 3. The collar
10 is in active connection with the neck rim 11 of the opening 5.
The forces acting on account of an inner pressure are represented
schematically by way of arrows. The inner pressure acting on the
collar 10 has the effect that the collar is pressed with a force K
against the neck rim 11 in a manner such that the opening 5 is
sealingly closed The size of the occuring sealing force K may be
set by the design of the collar 10.
[0026] The sealing effect may be additionally increased in that the
neck rim 11 or the collar 10 comprises means which lead to a
concentration of the forces responsible for the sealing effect. One
or more annularly projecting elements or edges (not shown in more
detail) arranged in the contact region between the collar 10 and
the neck rim 11 are suitable.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the closure according to FIG. 1 in an opened
position. As may be recognised, the blocking elements 7 are no
longer in engagement with the blocking edge 9 so that the closure
may be freely withdrawn.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows simplified a hinge closure 20 of plastic in a
perspective sectional representation. The hinge closure 20 which
here is shown closed comprises a lower part 21 and an upper part 22
which are connected to one another via a hinge 23 (film hinge). The
closure 20 is preferably manufactured by injection moulding of
plastic.
[0029] The lower part 21 comprises an opening 5 which is sealingly
closed by a sealing means 3. The sealing means 3 comprises a collar
10 which is in active connection with a neck rim 11 of the opening
5. The sealing means 3 is designed such that it exerts a sealing
force onto the rim 11 which is proportional to the inner pressure,
in a manner such that the opening is securely closed. The sealing
means 3 is also here formed as a separate means. Of course it may
however also be integrated into the hinge closure 20 or form part
of this.
[0030] The upper part 22 comprises a hammer-like blocking element
25 which projects on an edge and which in the closure position is
in engagement with a corresponding groove element 26 of the lower
part 21 and closes the hinge closure. The blocking element 25 and
the groove element 26 are designed in a manner such that they may
be removed from the mould in an injection moulding mould without
additional means such as slider, etc. The closure 20 may be opened
in that the blocking element 25 is bent to the front relative to
the groove element 26, away from the lower part.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the closure 20 according to FIG. 4 in an opened
position. One may recognise the film hinge 23 which linkedly
connects the lower part 21 to the upper part 22. The sealing means
3 may be recognised in the inside of the upper part 22. The sealing
means 3 is arranged in a bordering 29 which holds the sealing means
and limits its lateral extension. The collar 10 of the sealing
means 3 in comparison to the material of the closure consists of a
relatively elastic material in a manner such that the collar 10 may
be deformed without a great force effort.
[0032] The hammer-like blocking element 25 projects freely upwards
from the edge of the closure upper part 22. The wall thickness
corresponds roughly to that of the upper part 22. The blocking
element 25 has a wider region 27 and a narrower region 28. The
narrower region 28 is arranged between the wider region 27 and the
upper part 22. The groove element 26 which is located at the front
on the lower part 21 is designed in a manner such that it may be
brought into engagement with the blocking element 25. The blocking
element 25 advantageously engages into the groove element 26 from
the outside. By way of this for example it is possible to provide a
guarantee seal by way of attachment of a film which after closure
of the closure 20 is applied around this and which must be removed
before opening for the first time. At the same time the film is
applied around the closure 20, the blocking element 25 and the
groove element 26 such that the engagement between the blocking
element 25 and the groove element 26 may no longer be released
without removing the film.
[0033] The closure 20 is preferably screwed or knocked onto a
container to be closed.
[0034] In a sectional representation FIG. 6 shows a closure 40 with
a sealing device 30 according to the invention. The sealing device
30 is part of a closure cap 31 and corresponds with a neck rim 11
of an opening 5. The collar 10 of the sealing device 30 is here
arranged at an inner angle of a with respect to the closure cap 31
or the rim 11. The collar 10 consists of a material which is
flexible with respect to the surroundings and which is well
deformable. The sealing device with the collar 10 is part of the
closure cap 31 or is manufactured as a separate element and
subsequently applied into the closure cap 31. The angle .alpha. is
directed to the demands on the sealing effect to be achieved given
an inner pressure, the desired initial sealing force and the
manufacturability. The inner contour of the collar 10 is preferably
selected such that the collar may be simply removed from the mould
on manufacture by way of injection moulding. According to the field
of application one may form the inner surface cylindrically as long
as the required elasticity of the collar 10 is ensured. The outer
angle .alpha.' (of FIG. 8) is selected such that the collar 10 may
easily be introduced into the opening, and on placing onto the neck
rim 11 experiences a radial deformation which builds up an annular
tension. By way of exploiting these annular tensions it is possible
to produce an initial force acting sufficiently on the rim even
with very elastic material, so that there results a sufficient
initial sealing. By way of the flexibility of the collar 10
inaccuracies are compensated for the sealing. In contrast to the
closure known from the state of the art the invention seals even
with large inaccuracies.
[0035] The neck rim 11 is here part of the closure lower part 32,
with an inner thread 33. The closure lower part may be screwed onto
a conventional PET bottle. Of course the closure lower part 32 may
also be designed as part of a drinks package. The closure lower
part 32 comprises two lateral, diametrically opposite closure means
which in regions project radially and which in each case have a
recess 35 widening to the bottom. When the closure cap 31 has been
placed on, correspondingly formed upper closure means 36 which are
formed on the closure cap 31 via a web 38 engage into these
recesses 35. The upper closure means 36 at the end of the web 38
comprises a broadening 39 which engages into the recess 35 with a
positive fit. The closure means 34, 36 are designed such they may
be manufactured in an injection moulding tool without a slider. The
inner edge of the recesses 35 which is directed away from the
closure cap 31 comprises an undercut. The broadening 39 of the
upper closure means 36 engages into this undercut and by way of
this secures the closure cap 31 from undesired release.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows the closure 40 of FIG. 6 in a front view. The
geometry of the closure 40 is selected such that on placing the
closure cap 31 onto the closure lower part 32 the collar 10 is
deformed slightly inwards in the direction of the arrow by the
active connection with the neck rim 11. The elastic material of the
collar 10 resists this deformation which results in a pressing on
the neck rim 11. This pressing effects an initial sealing effect.
Arising inner pressure acts on the inner region of the collar 10 by
which means the collar attempts to extend against the direction of
the arrow A. This movement is prevented by the neck rim 11 and
effects a concentration of the forces in this region. The collar 10
is designed such that it conducts forces into the interaction
region between the collar 10 and the neck rim 11 in a targeted
manner and thus a sealing force is produced which increases
proportionally with an increasing inner pressure. The collar 10 may
be formed such that on reaching a defined maximal pressure with a
closure cap 31 is slips off the neck rim 11 in a targeted manner
and is turned up to the outside so that the overcritical inner
pressure is reduced. A dangerous jumping-off of the closure is
prevented by way of this. The initial sealing effect may be
influenced by measures which influence the position of the collar
10 with respect to the neck rim 11. These measures include: varying
the thickness of the base of the closure cap 31; length of the webs
38; material accumulation in the regions of the lower and upper
closure means 35, 36 which correspond with one another. By way of
this it is possible to set the initial sealing effect in a targeted
manner by way of simple measures. Shrinkage problems occurring on
curing the plastics on manufacture may be compensated in a targeted
manner.
[0037] The closure cap 31 comprises gas exit regions 40 which on
opening effect a directed escape of gas.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows five various embodiment forms (a to e) of
sealing means 30 in a perspective sectional representation. With a
first sealing means 30 the collar 10 is arranged radially inwards.
This first sealing means corresponds essentially to the sealing
means 3 of the FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0039] The second sealing means 30 (b) comprises an obliquely
inwardly running collar 10. The collar 10 has a constant wall
thickness and is supported by ribs 41 arranged on the outside. This
embodiment form is suitable for very large inner pressures. The
region on which a neck rim lies is indicated by a dashed line
42.
[0040] The third sealing means 30 (c) corresponds essentially to
the sealing means of FIGS. 7 and 8. This third sealing means 30
likewise comprises an inwardly inclined collar 10. The collar 10
has a wall thickness which reduces towards the edge. The pressure
surface 45 of the collar 10 exposed to the inner pressure is shown
hatched.
[0041] The fourth sealing means 30 (d) corresponds essentially to
the third sealing means (c). This fourth sealing means however in
the sealing region 42 on which it lies on a neck rim comprises
projecting annular means which effect a concentration of sealing
forces.
[0042] The fifth sealing means 30 comprises a collar 10 which has
an inwardly directed (sharp) bend. The shape of the collar effects
an additional concentration of the sealing forces in the sealing
region 42. The shown sealing means a to e are in particularly
suitable for hinge closures.
[0043] Further embodiment forms result to the man skilled in the
art by the combination of the features of the described
devices.
* * * * *