U.S. patent application number 10/450287 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for closure for an elastically recovering container.
Invention is credited to Suffa, Udo.
Application Number | 20040069809 10/450287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7667951 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040069809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suffa, Udo |
April 15, 2004 |
Closure for an elastically recovering container
Abstract
The invention relates to a closure (V) for an elastically
recovering container (5), with a self-sealing closure unit (V),
comprising a membrane (M). According to the invention, a
constructionally simple and functionally secure solution may be
achieved, whereby the membrane (M) is planar in form before
assembly and is clamped in place in the closure (V) along the
periphery thereof and thus comprises a displacement (arrow x) in
cross-section.
Inventors: |
Suffa, Udo; (Gefell,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin A Farber
Suite 473
866 United Nations Plaza
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
7667951 |
Appl. No.: |
10/450287 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP01/15085 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/212 |
International
Class: |
B65D 037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2000 |
DE |
10063522.9 |
Claims
1. Closure (V) for an elastically recovering container (5), having
a self-closing closure unit (V) with a membrane (M), characterized
in that the membrane (M) is formed with a planar surface prior to
installation and is secured with clamping action around the
periphery in the closure (V), being deflected (arrow x) in
cross-section in the process.
2. Closure according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto,
characterized in that the deflection (arrow x) is directed toward
the inside of the container.
3. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane
(M) has a central dispensing slit (9).
4. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane
(M) is secured with clamping action between an upper closure part
(O) and a lower closure part (U).
5. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower
closure part (U) forms a clamping edge (11) on its clamping
periphery (10).
6. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O), starting from a clamping zone formed by the
clamping periphery (10) of the lower closure part (U), extends
centrally inward and, directed toward the container (5), runs to a
location beneath the clamping periphery (10).
7. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the clamping
periphery (10) is formed by the free end of a tube (16) which is
rooted in the lower closure part (U).
8. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the clamped-in
membrane (M) is tensioned in the manner of an eardrum in its
central, free region (13).
9. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the dispensing
slit (9) of the clamped-in membrane (M) has slit flanks (15) which,
in cross-section, run in a V-shaped manner in relation to one
another and butt against one another in the region of the
V-root.
10. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) and the lower closure part (U) combined are
disposed in a rotatable manner in a closure mount (18).
11. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) and the lower closure part (U) combined can be
moved about a fixed axis of rotation (y).
12. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the combined
upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) can be rotated
between a dispensing position and a secured transporting
position.
13. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower
closure part (U), together with the membrane (M), the tube (16) and
a base (24), forms a discharge space (25) which has a
through-passage opening (20) in the base.
14. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the pivoting
capability of the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U)
combined, on the one hand, makes it possible for the
through-passage opening (20) in the base to be aligned with an
opening (21) of the storage space (22) of the container (5) and, on
the other hand, allows this opening (21) to be closed by a wall
portion (23), and if appropriate one such of the base (24), of the
joined-together upper closure part (O) and lower closure part
(U).
15. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that an actuating
protrusion (27) is formed on the upper closure part (O) for the
purpose of pivoting the upper closure part (O) with the lower
closure part (U) about the axis of rotation (y).
16. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure
mount (18), in the region of its opening (29), has a flexibly
attached collar (28) which secures the unit comprising the upper
closure part (O) and lower closure part (U).
17. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, in that the collar (28), when
demolded, is aligned with a cylindrical connecting region (30) of
the closure mount (18).
18. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, in that the collar (28) is molded on
integrally, allowing for a weak point (31) in the direction of the
closure-mount opening (29), and can be folded in with snap action
so as to be inclined in the direction of the interior of the
container (5).
19. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the collar (28)
is formed in an encircling manner without any interruptions.
20. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that, with the
exception of the collar (28), the closure mount (18) is formed in
the manner of a goblet.
21. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, in that the closure mount (18) has an
attachment nozzle (32) which is oriented centrally in the direction
of the container (5) and has container-side nozzle tapering
(33).
22. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) combined, at least in
part, has a cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to the
closure mount (18).
23. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) combined, at least in
part, has a spherical surface.
24. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) combined with the lower closure part (U), in part,
has a surface configuration which differs from the circular or
spherical shape by way of a flattened portion (34).
25. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the flattened
portion (34) is located on that region of the combined upper
closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) which is oriented
outward when the closure is in a position in which it is secured
for transportation.
26. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that, possibly also
with the upper closure part (O) and lower closure part (U) located
in the secured transporting position, the closure (V) has a
flattened portion (34) on the upper side for use in the case of an
upside-down bottle.
27. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the lower
closure part (U) is rigidly connected to the closure mount
(18).
28. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the upper
closure part (O) has a pivotable closure cap (39) gripping over
it.
29. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap
(39) has a discharge opening (40) which is to be aligned with a
dispensing opening (37) of the upper closure part (O).
30. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap
(39) can be moved in to a transporting position, in which the
dispensing opening (37) has a subregion of the closure cap (39)
gripping over it with sealing action.
31. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, in that the discharge opening (40) is
formed directly on a bushing-like formation of the closure cap
(39).
32. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that, on account of
the bushing-like formation, the collar (28) forms a
movement-limiting means for the closure cap (39).
33. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that, without an
upper closure part (O) and a lower closure part (U) being provided,
the closure cap (39) interacts directly in a sealing manner with
the opening (21) of the closure mount (18).
34. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap
(39) has a circular cross-section which is adapted to the lower
hollow spherical region of the closure mount (18).
35. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap
(39) has a sphere truncated in the manner of a secant or is in the
form of a spherical segment.
36. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure cap
(39) is in the form of a cylinder truncated in the manner of a
secant.
37. Closure according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the secant
(41), in relation to the discharge opening (40), is located on the
far side of the axis of rotation (y).
38. Membrane M for forming a self-closing valve in a container
closure V according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to
claim 1, characterized by the membrane (M) being punched out of a
membrane blank (6) produced with a planar surface.
39. Membrane according to claim 38 or in particular according
thereto, characterized in that the membrane (M) has a polygonal
periphery line (8).
40. Membrane according to one or more of the preceding claims or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the membrane
(M) has a uniform hexagonal periphery line (8).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a closure for an elastically
recovering container, having a self-closing closure unit with a
membrane.
[0002] A self-closing membrane for discharging a free-flowing
substance in a controlled manner is known, for example, from U.S.
Pat. No. 5,390,805. The membrane is realized as a hat-like blank.
The hat periphery is clamped in between jaw-like elements of a
screw cap. The central region of the membrane is indented counter
to the discharge direction.
[0003] Elastically recovering containers are known from U.S. Pat.
No. 3,395,836 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,257.
[0004] EP 0 386 495 proposes mounting a closure rotatably, such
that it is limited by stops, in a discharge space. This leads
alternately to throughflow release and a blocking position in
respect of the liquid medium which is to be dispensed.
[0005] It is an object of the invention to form a closure of the
generic type in a structurally straightforward and functionally
reliable manner.
[0006] This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a
closure having the features of claim 1, this being based on the
fact that the membrane is formed with a planar surface prior to
installation and is secured with clamping action around the
periphery in the closure, being deflected in cross-section in the
process.
[0007] Such a configuration results in a closure of the generic
type with increased use value. This is based in the high level of
functional reliability achieved. The transfer from the planar state
to deflection of the membrane secured with clamping action around
the periphery gives rise to surprisingly advantageous discharging
characteristics. The closing force and opening action are balanced.
The layer cross-section comprises zones subjected to different
stressing, this producing a gap-forming inlet. The deflection
curvature extending, as it were, over an annular back makes its
contribution as fiber in tension. The intensity of the securing
with clamping action can be varied and thus also becomes a
parameter. It is advantageous if the deflection is directed toward
the container, that is to say is directed toward the oncoming flow
of the medium which is to be discharged. The membrane expediently
has a central dispensing slit. It is possible for this to be
located along the diameter, that is to say to be a longitudinal
slit, or for it to be in the form of a cross-slit. In a
straightforward arrangement, the membrane is secured with clamping
action between an upper closure part and a lower closure part. An
arrangement of the membrane which renders the latter particularly
stable for use purposes is achieved if the lower closure part forms
a clamping edge on a clamping periphery. This clamping edge digs
well, with good anchoring action, into the elastic material layer
of the membrane. The clamping pressure can be used, at the same
time, in order to produce a sealing action. An advantageous feature
of the invention then consists in that the upper closure part,
starting from a clamping zone formed by the clamping periphery of
the lower closure part, extends centrally inward and, directed
toward the container, runs to a location beneath the clamping
periphery. This results in a highly stable structure, even in the
case of a thin-walled configuration. As a development here, it is
advantageous for the clamping periphery to be formed by the free
end of a tube which is rooted in the lower closure part. A
single-piece construction is present here. Furthermore, it is
provided that the clamped-in membrane is tensioned in the manner of
an eardrum in its central, free region. The region involved in the
opening action is thus clearly defined, it also being possible for
the eardrum-like tensioning to be utilized in respect of making the
dispensing slit of this control element protrude in lip form. It is
further the case that the dispensing slit of the clamped-in
membrane has slit flanks which, in cross-section, run in a V-shaped
manner in relation to one another and butt against one another in
the region of the V-root. This ensures that the flanks are held
together, with the effect of the dispensing slit being kept closed
over a small surface area. A further feature of the invention
consists in that the upper closure part and the lower closure part
combined are disposed in a rotatable manner in a closure mount. For
this purpose, use is made of surfaces with related contours in
respect of the guiding and guided parts. In terms of angle of
rotation, it is ensured that the combined upper closure part and
lower closure part can be rotated between a dispensing position and
a secured transporting position. A configuration of even
independent importance is then achieved in that the lower closure
part, together with the membrane, the tube and a base, forms a
discharge space which has a through-passage opening in the base. As
a result, a quantity which is directly ready for discharge in each
case is present in front of the dispensing slit, advantageously for
example in the case of the use form as an upside-down bottle. In
respect of the secured transporting position which has been
indicated, it proves to be beneficial that the pivoting capability
of the upper closure part and lower closure part combined, on the
one hand, makes it possible for the through-passage opening in the
base to be aligned with an opening of the storage space of the
container and, on the other hand, allows this opening to be closed
by a wall portion, and if appropriate one such of the base, of the
joined-together upper closure part and lower closure part. In order
to achieve advantageous operating capability of the closure,
provision is made for an actuating protrusion to be formed on the
upper closure part for the purpose of pivoting the upper closure
part with the lower closure part about the axis of rotation. An
advantageous solution in terms of installation is provided in that
the closure mount, in the region of its opening, has a flexibly
attached collar which secures the unit comprising the upper closure
part and lower closure part. It is ensured here that the collar,
when demolded, is aligned with a cylindrical wall region of the
closure mount. A straightforward solution in terms of structure and
installation is achieved in that the collar is molded on
integrally, allowing for a weak point in the direction of the
closure-mount opening, and can be folded in with snap action so as
to be inclined in the direction of the interior of the container.
The collar passes beyond a dead-center line and is thus fixed in
position. Correspondingly, the collar is formed in an encircling
manner without any interruptions. As far as the geometrical
configuration of the closure mount is concerned, with the exception
of the collar, it is formed in the manner of a goblet. Goblet is
intended to mean a substantially hemispherical zone which is
adjoined in the upward direction by the usually cylindrical
periphery typical of goblets. In respect of connecting the medium
which is to be dispensed, it is provided that the closure mount has
an attachment nozzle which is oriented centrally in the direction
of the container and has container-side nozzle tapering. Such
tapering forms the subject matter of German Patent Application DE
19 824 714, this also in respect of a particular latching system
using an annular loop latched over mating latching means of the
container. The annular loop widens in the circumferential direction
and, by virtue of the restoring force, contracts tightly with
latch-securing action. It then proves to be advantageous for the
upper closure part and lower closure part combined, at least in
part, to have a cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to
the hollow mating contour of the closure mount. Allowance is also
made here for the upper closure part and lower closure part
combined, at least in part, to have a spherical surface. Otherwise,
it may also be the case that the upper closure part combined with
the lower closure part, in part, has a surface configuration which
differs from the circular or spherical shape by way of a flattened
portion. This may be done such that the flattened portion is
located on that region of the combined upper closure part and lower
closure part which is oriented outward when the closure is in a
position in which it is secured for transportation. This achieves
the situation where, possibly also with the upper closure part and
lower closure part located in the secured transporting position,
the closure provides a flattened portion on the upper side for use
in the case of an upside-down bottle, obviously with given features
dimensioned correspondingly.
[0008] It is further conceivable to have a solution in which the
lower closure part is rigidly connected to the closure mount.
Provision is made here for the dispensing operation such that the
upper closure part has a pivotable closure cap gripping over it.
The arrangement here is one in which the closure cap has a
discharge opening which is to be aligned with a dispensing opening
of the upper closure part. It is also the case with this version
that the closure cap can be moved into a secured transporting
position, in which the dispensing opening has a subregion of the
closure cap gripping over it with sealing action. Here too, on
account of the bushing-like formation, the collar forms a
movement-limiting means for the closure cap. Accordingly, it is
possible to achieve a configuration in which, without an upper
closure part and a lower closure part being provided, the closure
cap interacts directly in a sealing manner with the opening of the
closure mount. It is then provided that the closure cap has a
circular cross-section which is adapted to the lower hollow
spherical region of the closure mount. In this case, the closure
cap has a sphere truncated in the manner of a secant or is in the
form of a spherical segment. Also conceivable is a variant in which
the closure cap is in the form of a cylinder truncated in the
manner of a secant. In order for the closure cap to be secured in a
structurally straightforward manner, it proves to be advantageous
for the secant, in relation to the discharge opening, to be located
on the far side of the axis of rotation. This is because this can
be utilized for self-securing purposes.
[0009] The invention then relates to a membrane for forming a
self-closing valve in a container closure according to the preamble
of claim 1 or according to claim 1, which solution is characterized
by the membrane being punched out of a membrane blank produced with
a planar surface. Use is made of elastomeric material, for example
SI, PE, TPE or TEE. It is advantageous if the membrane has a
polygonal periphery line. This makes it possible to avoid, for
example, radial folds. Loss-free production can even be achieved if
the membrane has a uniform hexagonal periphery line, that is to be
comparable to the hexagonal honeycomb structure.
[0010] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more
detail hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment
illustrated in the drawing, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows, in its basic version, the closure according to
the invention in vertical section, with the container illustrated
by chain-dotted lines, the closure being located in an intermediate
position,
[0012] FIG. 2 shows the closure in the closed position, allowing an
upside-down position,
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the closure in the open position, i.e. allowing
the substance to be dispensed,
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the closure in perspective illustration,
[0015] FIG. 5 shows the closure in a closed position which does not
allow the upside-down position,
[0016] FIG. 6 shows the closure in a modified embodiment, located
in the closed position,
[0017] FIG. 7 shows the same embodiment in the open position, i.e.
ready for dispensing,
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a further modification of the closure, in the
closed position,
[0019] FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment in the open position,
[0020] FIG. 10 shows the closure with container in side vie,
showing the mounting specification,
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a membrane in side view, surrounded by the
membrane blank produced with a planar surface, the surrounding
blank being indicated by chain-dotted lines, and
[0022] FIG. 12 shows the plan view of FIG. 11.
[0023] The closure, which is designated as a whole by V, is
accommodated in a cup-like cap part 1. The substantially
cylindrical wall 2 of the latter terminates on the container side
with a planar end periphery 3. The end which is remote from the
latter merges into a head plate 4 of the cap part 1. This slopes
downward in the direction of the center of the cap part at an acute
angle to a horizontal.
[0024] The closure V or its cap part 1 may be associated with a
bottle-like container 5. The fastening means in this respect,
reversible or irreversible, are not illustrated.
[0025] The container 5, realized as a so-called squeeze bottle,
consists of elastically recovering material. Wall-surface portions
at least can be squeezed. The liquid medium which is to be
discharged is thus dispensed in a closure-controlled manner by
displacement.
[0026] The core of the closure V is formed by a membrane M. This
consists of elastomeric material, preferably of plastics
material.
[0027] The membrane M, which serves for forming a self-closing
valve, is produced by being punched out of a planar, plate-like
material. The corresponding membrane blank 6 can be gathered from
FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0028] The planar surface, which is still present in FIG. 11,
continues into the adjacent regions, that is to say throughout the
entire surroundings of the membrane blank 6.
[0029] The outline-forming punch lines are designated 7 in FIG. 12.
They result in a polygonal periphery line or narrow surface 8 of
the plate formation.
[0030] The polygonal periphery line or narrow surface 8 is of
uniform configuration, with the effect that the membrane M has a
hexagonal periphery line 8.
[0031] Membranes M with their outline configured in such a manner
are free of punching waste.
[0032] During punching, it is also possible, at the same time, to
provide for slitting, which can likewise be seen from FIG. 12, in
order to achieve a dispensing slit 9. This is a single slit
arranged along a diameter, with imaginary circle-arc connection of
the corners of the hexagon.
[0033] The length of the dispensing slit and thickness of the
membrane M can be used in order to achieve differently acting
closures.
[0034] The membrane M, which is produced with a planar surface, is
associated with the closure V with inverting deflection along arrow
x. In relative terms, the periphery line or narrow surface 8 has
maintained its original plane. This position is fixed by securing
with clamping action in the vicinity of the periphery.
[0035] It is sufficient, if appropriate, for all practical
purposes, if only the corner tabs of such a valve plate are gripped
by being secured with clamping action.
[0036] The illustrated deflection along arrow x is directed toward
the inside of the container, that is to say is oriented in the
direction of the container 5.
[0037] The position is such that the dispensing slit 9 of the
membrane M is located in the center, see FIG. 4.
[0038] The membrane M is located in a closure unit which is
accommodated in a rotatable manner in the cap part 1 and comprises
an upper closure part O and a lower closure part U. These parts
form the clamping elements for fixing the membrane. By virtue of
the two abovementioned elements being secured with clamping action,
the membrane M is secured in a functionally reliable manner, the
deflection along arrow x which can be gathered from the drawing
being achieved, and finally maintained, in the process. The upper
closure part O and lower closure part U are appropriately equipped
in order to achieve the securing with clamping action, for which
purpose the lower closure part U forms a clamping edge 11 on its
clamping periphery 10 oriented in the direction of the head plate
4. The clamping edge, as can be seen, penetrates into that region
of the membrane M which is to be fixed. A moderately tapered
clamping edge 11 is present, if appropriate with a rounded end.
[0039] The abutment of the clamping edge 11 of the lower closure
part U is formed by a freely projecting, rotationally symmetrical
arm 12 of the upper closure part O. This projects in the direction
of the center of the closure V and, by corresponding projecting
toward the container, is responsible for the illustrated deflection
x. Overall, the upper closure part O there forms an as it were
scythe-like silhouette, circumscribing an exposed inverted rim.
[0040] This is because the inside of the arm 12 tapers in shallow
conical form in the direction of the approaching clamping periphery
10, so that the result, in a sloping region achieved in this way,
is a clamping action which is beneficial for combining the two
parts O and U. The procedure for this purpose is such that the
upper closure part O, starting from a clamping zone formed by the
clamping periphery 10 of the lower closure part U, which extends
centrally inward and, directed toward the container 5, runs to a
location beneath the clamping periphery 10. The clamped-in membrane
M is tensioned in the manner of an eardrum in its central, free
region 13. Moreover, in the region of the free ends 12' of the
rotationally symmetric arm 12, these free ends giving rise to a
pushing-out action, an upwardly directed bend 14 is produced, this
bend being convex as seen from the side of the container 5. The
edge 11 and the smaller-diameter end 12' run concentrically, in a
radially offset manner in order to achieve mutual overlapping.
[0041] The bend 14 in conjunction with the tensioning results in
advantageous discharging characteristics for the medium which is to
be dispensed. A gap-forming opening contour of the dispensing slit
9 is achieved without good self-closure being obstructed. It can be
gathered that the dispensing slit 9 in the clamped-in membrane M
has slit flanks 15 which, as seen in cross-section, run in a
V-shaped manner in relation to one another and butt against one
another in the region of the V-root. The slit opening diverges
toward the container.
[0042] The clamping periphery 10 forms the upwardly oriented end,
that is to say the end which is oriented in the direction of the
head plate 4, of the tube 16 which is rooted in the lower closure
part U. The tube is substantially cylindrical, while conforming
with the demolding-specific requirements. The tube 16 may be
stepped on the inside, with the effect of reducing the
cross-section in the direction of the free end.
[0043] The upper closure part O and the lower closure part U are
connected to one another in the region of a central zone 17 to form
the said closure unit. A weld connection may be provided. It would
also be possible to realize 17 as an adhesive joint. The lengths of
the two unit-forming parts are such that the abovedescribed
securing with clamping action is indeed achieved by the clamping
edge 11 of the tube 16, but the encircling clamping edge does not
result in any severing. Rather, 16 functions as a clamping ram.
[0044] The upper closure O and lower closure part U combined in
this way extend in a rotatable manner in a closure mount 18. The
axis of rotation about which the closure unit carrying the membrane
M rotates is designated y. This geometrical axis of rotation y is
embodied by a dome-like formation of the closure unit and of the
closure mount 18. A spherical configuration which goes beyond the
equator is provided.
[0045] Bearing beads 19 are formed in order to minimize the surface
friction during rotation or pivoting of the unit. These bearing
beads are located on the inside of the closure mount 18. They are
located above the equator and thus develop a certain arresting
action in respect of the closure unit. Such beads are also formed
as sealing lips in the drawing. No more specific details will be
given here.
[0046] The combined upper closure part O and lower closure part U
can be rotated between a dispensing position and a secured
transporting position. The dispensing position, in respect of the
basic version, can be gathered from FIG. 3, whereas the secured
transporting position can be gathered from FIG. 2.
[0047] The respective end positions are defined by stops. The
corresponding stops are located such that the pivoting capability
of the upper closure part O and lower closure part U combined, on
the one hand, makes it possible for a through-passage opening 20 in
the base to be aligned with an opening 21 of the storage space 22
of the container 5 and, on the other hand, allows this opening 21
to be closed by a wall portion 23 of the joined-together upper
closure part O and lower closure part U.
[0048] The wall portion may be supplemented, as is illustrated, by
a corresponding wall portion of a base 24 of the joined-together
upper closure part O and lower closure part U. This can be gathered
from the central position--for all practical purposes forming the
turning point of the rotary movement--of the closure unit carrying
the membrane M, this central position being shown in FIG. 1.
[0049] The through-passage opening 20 is located in the center of
the base 24. The latter, the tube 16 and the membrane M form a
discharge space 25 in the lower closure part U.
[0050] The opening 26 located on the upper side of the membrane M
allows the substance approaching the dispensing slit 9 to advance
out of the discharge space 25, which forms an antechamber, and to
advance outward via the opening. This dispensing position can be
gathered, as has already been indicated, from FIG. 3.
[0051] An actuating protrusion 27 is seated, such that it is easily
accessible for gripping purposes, on the upper closure part O. This
protrusion is an upwardly projecting strip portion. A collar 28
forms a counterstop here. The collar is located in the region of a
closure-mount opening 29 and serves, at the same time, as an
arresting part for securing the unit comprising the upper closure
part O and lower closure part U once the latter has been placed in
position.
[0052] The collar 28 is flexibly attached. When demolded (see
chain-dotted depiction in FIG. 1), the collar 28 is aligned with a
cylindrical connecting region 30 between the inner periphery of the
head plate and the lower portion of the closure mount 18. From this
aligned position with the connecting region 30, the collar 28 can
be folded in. This then results in the situation which is
illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 1. In this case, the collar 28
is aligned with the head plate 4, having the same inclination as
the latter. The folding-in movement of the collar 28, which
obviously passes beyond a dead-center line, is defined via a weak
point 31. This forms the material bridge between the collar 28 and
the closure-mount opening 29, which, as can be gathered, decreases
in inside diameter such that the unit O/U is steadied or the
reduced annular opening can serve as limiting stops for the
actuating protrusion 27.
[0053] The collar 28 is formed in an encircling manner without any
interruptions. With the exception of the collar 28, the closure
mount 18 is formed in the manner of a goblet; the concavely round,
hollow lower portion is adjoined by a cylindrical one, formed by
the cylindrical connecting region 30.
[0054] An attachment nozzle 32 is used in order to transfer the
liquid medium from the storage space 22 into the region of the
closure unit. The nozzle is seated at the lowermost point of the
closure mount 18. The free end of the attachment nozzle 32 merges
into nozzle tapering 33. This allows easy centering on the neck
mouth of the container 5 or opening 21 of the storage space 22.
[0055] As can be gathered from the drawing, the upper closure part
O and lower closure part U combined, at least in part, have a
cross-sectionally circular surface line, adapted to the closure
mount 18. Accordingly, they may form a shallow-cylindrical
closure-unit body. Even deviations from this are conceivable, for
example in the form of a rotationally symmetrical cutting disk
(based on mutually opposite truncated cones).
[0056] It is even conceivable to have a configuration in which the
upper closure part O and lower closure part U combined, at least in
part, have a spherical surface.
[0057] Moreover, there is also a special form of the basic version
insofar as the upper closure part O combined with the lower closure
part U, in part, have a surface configuration which differs from
the circular or spherical shape by way of a flattened portion 34.
This can be seen in use from FIG. 2. It is oriented outward, but is
set back in relation to the top or the upper side of the head plate
4. It is consequently possible for the dispenser to be used as an
upside-down bottle.
[0058] If a correspondingly situation is not desired, it is
possible for the closure unit to be of spherical configuration
throughout, as can be gathered from FIG. 5. In this case, the outer
surface of the "sphere" there projects to a marked extent beyond
the upper side of the head plate 4. Accordingly, the container
cannot be set down in the manner explained. The variant according
to FIG. 5 is of otherwise comparable construction. The designations
are adopted from the basic version, for the most part without being
repeated in the text.
[0059] In contrast, in this case the head plate 4 runs
substantially horizontally. The collar 28 can be folded in here
with thermal fixing if snap action is not envisaged.
[0060] The development of the closure V which can be gathered from
FIGS. 6 and 7 provides a modification to the extent that, in this
case, the lower closure part U is rigidly connected to the closure
mount 18. Elements with the same function are also designated here
in a manner corresponding to the basic version. The tube 16 has
outer latching protrusions 35. These interact with latching noses
36 of the upper closure part O. In this case too, the latter forms
a rotationally symmetrical arm 12, albeit one which continues into
an upwardly directed extension, creating a dispensing opening 37.
This extends from the opening 26. The dispensing opening 37 is
circumscribed by a frustoconical nozzle 38. The ends 12' of the
encircling arm 12 run integrally into the foot of the nozzle 38 at
a corner. The bends 14, accordingly, have strong abutments.
[0061] The upper closure part O has a closure cap 39 gripping over
it. The latter, of dome-like configuration, is guided on the
correspondingly formed upper closure part O, to be precise in a
stop-limited manner.
[0062] The said closure cap 36 itself contains a opening, which
creates a dispensing path. The opening comprises an upwardly
projecting discharge opening 40. The latter can be aligned with the
dispensing opening 37 of the upper closure part O. This gives rise
to the open position.
[0063] As can further be gathered from the illustration of the
drawing, the closure cap 39 can be moved into a secured
transporting position, in which the dispensing opening 37 has a
subregion of the wall of the closure cap 39 gripping over it with
sealing action (see FIG. 6).
[0064] The discharge opening 40 has yet a further task to perform,
namely that of an actuating protrusion 27. The actuating protrusion
27 here is formed directly in the manner of a bushing-like
formation on the closure cap 39.
[0065] However, the bushing-like formation of the closure cap 39 is
utilized, at the same time, in relation to stops. It can be
gathered that, on account of the bushing-like formation, the
abovedescribed collar 28 forms a movement-limiting means for the
closure cap 39.
[0066] The ready-for-dispensing open position of this version can
be gathered from FIG. 7.
[0067] The variant according to FIG. 8 has a reduced number of
components to the extent that the closure cap 39 there, pivoting
about y, interacts directly in a sealing manner with the opening 21
of the closure mount 18. The upper closure part O and lower closure
part U are dispensed with. The closure cap 39 is realized as a
sphere or rotary cylinder. Keeping with the example of a sphere,
the closure cap 39 has an outline or cross-section which goes
beyond the equator and is adapted to the lower hollow spherical
region of the closure mount 18. The discharge opening 40 is
configured in the manner of a bushing, forming the actuating handle
27 explained above. In terms of stops, the same conditions are
provided as have been described for the variant of FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0068] The closure cap 39, furthermore, has a sphere truncated in
the manner of a secant or is in the form of a spherical segment.
The secant 41, which serves as a flow-connecting hollow or
incoming-flow inlet, is directed toward the opening 21. A
cylindrical closure cap 39 would have such a secant 41 in the same
way. It is located, in relation to the discharge opening 40, on the
far side of the axis of rotation y. The overhang in this respect,
directed toward the opening 21, is of such a magnitude that there
is still space for stop beads 42 on the lateral surface, these
beads interacting with a horizontal latching protrusion 43 of the
closure mount 18, to be precise with the effect of perceptible
restored blocking of the end positions of the closure cap 39 in
each case.
[0069] The attachment nozzle 32, which adjoins the underside of the
closure mount 18, has a considerably larger diameter than that of
the basic version. Nevertheless, in this case too, the attachment
nozzle 32 of larger cross-section has the abovedescribed nozzle
tapering 33.
[0070] FIG. 10 shows a mounting specification for the closure unit
O/U by way of flattened portions 44, which are provided at the two
poles of a horizontal axis of the sphere and are supported, with
guidance, on balanced vertically running mating walls 45 of the
closure mount 18. The basic geometrical shape of the sphere is also
depicted for comparison.
[0071] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the
invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached
priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also
included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the
purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of
the present application.
* * * * *