U.S. patent application number 14/930600 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for closure, in particular plastic closure for a container.
The applicant listed for this patent is KRONES AG. Invention is credited to Guenter Frankenberger, Christian Hajek, Ute John-Unterburger, Jochen Krueger.
Application Number | 20160122092 14/930600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54427593 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160122092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
John-Unterburger; Ute ; et
al. |
May 5, 2016 |
CLOSURE, IN PARTICULAR PLASTIC CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER
Abstract
A closure, in particular a closure for plastic containers having
a receiving region to receive a mouth section of the container, and
having a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced
and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing
direction. The closure is of multi-part construction and has a main
body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a
closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the
piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at
least with regard to their flexibility in a piercing direction.
Inventors: |
John-Unterburger; Ute;
(Suenching, DE) ; Hajek; Christian; (Ergolding,
DE) ; Krueger; Jochen; (Hagelstadt, DE) ;
Frankenberger; Guenter; (Koefering, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRONES AG |
Neutraubling |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
54427593 |
Appl. No.: |
14/930600 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/002 20130101;
B65D 41/04 20130101; B65D 41/205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/20 20060101
B65D041/20; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 31, 2014 |
DE |
10 2014 115 891.1 |
Claims
1. A closure for a plastic container having a receiving region to
receive a mouth section of the container, and having a piercing
area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by
a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction (L),
wherein the closure is of multi-part construction and has a main
body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a
closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the
piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at
least with regard to their flexibility in a piercing direction.
2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure has a
ducting device which adjoins the piercing area.
3. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting device has
a start section which adjoins the piercing area, as well as an end
section via which the liquid can enter the ducting device, wherein
a distance between the start section and the end section can be
changed.
4. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting device is
bendable and/or telescopic and/or pleatable.
5. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body and the
closure body are manufactured from different materials.
6. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a
thread.
7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body has
an annular positioning segment which bears against the main
body.
8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a
first annular projection also extending at least in the piercing
direction (L), and the closure body has a second annular projection
also extending at least in the piercing direction (L), wherein in a
state in which the closure body is disposed on the main body the
first projection and the second projection bear against one
another.
9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein the closure body has a
third projection also extending at least in the piercing
direction.
10. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the first projection
is disposed between the second projection and the third
projection.
11. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the closure has a
lock which in at least one position of the piercing device with
respect to the closure prevents a relative movement of the piercing
device relative to the closure in a predetermined direction of
movement.
12. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the lock is
constructed on the main body.
13. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the piercing area is
disposed at least in sections above an external surface of the main
body.
14. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the main body has an
opening which is suitable and intended for the piercing device to
pass through, and at least a portion of the closure body extends
through this opening.
15. A plastic container having a plastic closure as claimed in
claim 11 disposed thereon, wherein the plastic container is
compressible in its longitudinal direction (L) in order by such
compression to force liquid located in the plastic container out of
the container.
16. The closure according to claim 6, wherein the thread is an
internal thread.
17. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the lock is arranged
to prevent movement of the piercing device in a direction counter
to the piercing direction.
18. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure is formed
of plastic.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a closure (in particular a
plastic closure) and in particular a closure for a plastic
container. Numerous closures for containers are known from the
prior art. These closures must meet the most varied requirements.
Containers, in particular large containers which are emptied by
being compressed so that the liquid is forced out of these
containers, are also known from the prior art.
[0002] Closures are also known in particular for such containers,
in particular also pierceable closures which can be pierced by an
extraction system such as for example an extraction needle. In this
case in the prior art from the applicant a one-piece closure is
pierced by a hollow needle in a region specifically provided
therefor in order then to allow the container contents to flow out
through this needle. For this purpose the container is mechanically
compressed, i.e. the container base and the mouth are pushed
towards one another. In this case the container wall rolls up. The
base can in this case preferably be moved towards the stationary
mouth of the container.
[0003] However, depending upon the expansion of the container due
to temperature (and/or also dependent from the degree of
carbonisation), a different head space volume is produced in the
container and in particular in the top region thereof. On the lower
region or on the base region of the container respectively a
container base can be produced which is deformed downwards to
different extents. In addition the closure can also bulge outwards
more or less markedly depending upon the internal pressure.
[0004] The state of the container is usually not monitored, the
piercing needle is not movable and the compression path is not
adjustable. Thus depending upon the initial state a different and
above all very large residual volume remains in the container.
[0005] A container emptying system according to the prior art from
the applicant usually regulates the emptying by means of the
pressure in the container. Lifting of a container cuts in when the
internal pressure of the container drops and cuts out again as soon
as a certain minimum pressure is reached again. If a large amount
of gas under high pressure is present in the head space, the
lifting is stopped shortly after the piercing. In this case the
piercing needle is still relatively far away from the liquid
surface. When the tap is opened first of all only gas escapes which
is no longer available for residual emptying.
[0006] Therefore an object of the invention is to create a remedy
for this, i.e. to prevent or at least to reduce an initial escape
of gas. Furthermore--as mentioned above--as a consequence of the
internal pressure which varies depending upon the temperature and
degree of carbonisation, the container or the container base
respectively moves out differently downwards and can be emptied by
a piercing needle of defined length only at different heights
(since the filling level also drops). Thus a further object of the
invention is also to improve the residual emptying and in
particular, for improved residual emptying, to adapt the distance
from the container base and from the filling level (in the basic
state).
[0007] Thus the problem can occur that at the high internal
pressure the plastic closures according to the prior art bulge
outwards very considerably and as a result become leaky in the
thread/on the sealing lips. However, the closures also cannot be
designed to be extremely stable/hard since then the puncture point
can no longer be punctured. Thus a further object of the invention
is to improve the compressive strength of such closures, wherein on
the other hand a soft puncture point should preferably be
retained.
[0008] These objects are achieved according to the invention by the
subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and
further developments form the subject matter of the subordinate
claims.
[0009] A closure according to the invention and in particular a
closure for plastic containers has a receiving region to receive a
mouth section of the plastic container. Furthermore the closure has
a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and
penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined direction.
[0010] According to the invention the closure is of multi-part
construction and has a main body which can be fastened to a mouth
of the container as well as a closure body which is disposed on
this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the main body
and the closure body differ at least with regard to their
flexibility with regard to a piercing direction.
[0011] Thus the closure is preferably a multi-part closure. This
has, in the form of the main body, an overcap which is in
particular stable and which can be disposed--in particular by means
of a thread--on the (plastic) container and which is responsible
for absorbing the internal pressure with the lowest possible
self-deformation. In this case the closure body is preferably an
internal element which particularly preferably is made of a softer
material than the main body and which on the other hand, however,
is preferably supported by the main body and preferably only
fulfils the sealing function on the mouth of the container
(internally and/or externally and/or on the upper rim of the
mouth). In addition this closure body preferably also provides the
likewise soft, resilient and also clinging puncture area for the
piercing needle.
[0012] Due to this embodiment in two parts, on the one hand a high
stability can be achieved, but on the other hand the required
softness of the material can also be achieved in the necessary
regions. Therefore the main body and the closure body preferably
differ at least with regard to the material from which they are
manufactured. The main body and the closure body preferably differ
at least in a physical characteristic which influences the
flexibility of these elements. Such a characteristic may be not
only the material but also the thickness of this material. In
addition it would also be conceivable that the main body and the
closure body are manufactured from the same basic material and the
material of the main body has additional components for
reinforcement.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment the (plastic) closure has a
ducting device which adjoins the piercing area. In this case the
ducting device can be injection moulded onto the sealing region or
can be constructed as a further part. Thus for example this ducting
device can be disposed as a third component or element and in
particular as a tubular extension disposed on the closure. This
ducting may for example be a riser or suction tube which is
disposed on the inner face of the closure, i.e. in the state in
which it is disposed on the container it extends into the interior
of the container and preferably can also change in length.
[0014] The ducting device can preferably be shortened and/or at
least a distance (defined in the longitudinal direction of the
container) between a start section disposed on the closure body and
an end section via which the liquid to be extracted enters the
ducting device can be changed, and can in particular be changed
under the action of a force on this end section.
[0015] In other words in a further advantageous embodiment the
ducting device has a start section which adjoins a piercing area,
as well as an end section via which the liquid can enter the
ducting device, wherein a distance between the start section and
the end section can be changed. Due to this changeability the
length of the ducting device can also be shortened for instance
when the base is in contact with the container.
[0016] This flexibility can be achieved in a different way. The
ducting device is preferably bendable and/or telescopic and/or
pleatable. Due to this bendability for example the end or an end
section respectively can be bent relative to the start section and
thus its position can be changed. In a telescopic variant it is
possible for the ducting device to have several segments which are
movable with respect to one another and thus are telescopic. In a
pleatable embodiment it would be possible for the ducting device to
have a pleated region which for example can be shortened or
lengthened by a plurality of zigzag pleats. This pleatable region
can be configured in such a way that the ducting device always
extends precisely in the longitudinal direction and thus does not
change the direction. In addition the ducting device can also have
a slot, wherein a longitudinal weak point/tear line extends as far
as an end of the ducting device and thus two components of the
ducting device can be flipped opened to a certain extent.
[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment the main body and the
closure body are manufactured from different materials. The
material of the main body is preferably selected from a group of
materials which have a high modulus of elasticity. In a preferred
embodiment PP is used for the main body. The closure body is
preferably made of a material which on the one hand has a lower
modulus of elasticity and/or due to the direct contact with the
content of the containers is food safe. PE is preferably used as
the material for the closure body. However, the different
stabilities of the respective materials can also result from
different material thicknesses.
[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a
thread and in particular an internal thread. Thus by means of this
internal thread the main body can be screwed onto an external
thread of a container and thus can be locked.
[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has an
annular contact segment which bears against the main body. This
annular contact segment preferably completely surrounds the
piercing area.
[0020] Advantageously the closure body is constructed within the
main body. Thus it is possible for the main body to form a hollow
space, which is for example cylindrical, inside which the closure
body is also disposed and inside which preferably a mouth region of
the container can also be accommodated.
[0021] In a closed state of the container the closure body
preferably bears against both the main body and also an (upper) rim
of the mouth of the container and is preferably gripped between
this upper rim of the mouth of the container and the main body. A
radial width of the closure body is preferably greater than a
radial width of a rim of the mouth of the container which is to be
closed, wherein particularly preferably this rim of the mouth of
the container is completely covered by the closure body. In this
way the closure body is suitable for completely sealing the mouth
of the container. Therefore the closure body could also be
designated as a sealing element.
[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment it is possible for the
closure body to be fitted onto the main body or for the main body
and the closure body to be fitted on one another respectively.
Alternatively both parts could also be attached one after the other
to the container and only form the functional closure thereon (with
or without reciprocal snapping in).
[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a
first annular projection also extending at least in the piercing
direction, and the closure body has a second annular projection
also extending at least in the piercing direction, wherein in a
state in which the closure body is disposed on the main body the
first projection and the second projection bear against one
another.
[0024] Due to this preferably flat contact a cohesion can be
achieved between the main body and the closure body. These two
projections advantageously bear against one another along a
cylindrical area or wall or a frustoconical area or wall. These two
projections are preferably disposed adjacent to one another in a
radial direction of the closure, i.e. an annular body surrounds the
second annular body in a ring. In addition it would also be
possible for the projections to extend obliquely with respect to
the piercing direction. The said piercing direction is preferably
also a longitudinal direction of the container.
[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has a
third projection also extending at least in the piercing direction.
In this case the annular body of the main body is preferably
disposed and in particular gripped between the two projections of
the closure body. In other words the first projection is disposed
between the second projection and the third projection. However it
would also be possible for two projections, between which a
projection of the closure body can engage, to be disposed on the
main body.
[0026] The main body and the closure body are advantageously
connected to one another friction locked and/or by positive locking
by these described projections. In a further advantageous
embodiment the closure body also has a circumferential sealing lip
which extends at least partially also in the longitudinal direction
of the container and which in a closed state of the container
preferably rests on an inner wall of a mouth of the container. In
this case the sealing lip is preferably constructed in one piece
with the closure body. Alternatively the closure can also have two
sealing lips, one for inside, one for outside on the mouth.
[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment the plastic closure has
a locking means which in at least one position of the piercing
device with respect to the plastic closure prevents a relative
movement of the piercing device relative to the plastic closure in
a predetermined direction of movement and in particular in a
direction counter to the piercing direction (i.e. a backward
movement).
[0028] As a result of this configuration, due for example to a
counter-pressure inside the container the piercing device cannot be
pressed out of the container again. Depending upon the pressure and
temperature a more or less marked buckling can occur in the
piercing area. This in turn is due to the fact that when the
closure is broached and punctured different conditions can prevail
and also these different conditions or parameters can lead to
leaks. During the piercing the internal pressure and this buckling
of the closure changes where appropriate, in particular this
internal pressure initially decreases. In this way it can occur
that the piercing device, for example the piercing needle, is drawn
out again to some extent from the container.
[0029] Also in this preferred embodiment the above-mentioned
closure body preferably has sealing lips for sealing the mouth of
the container as well as the puncture area or the piercing area
respectively also mentioned above which here too can preferably
also cling resiliently to the piercing device.
[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment the aforementioned
locking means is constructed on the main body. Thus for example the
locking means can be constructed as an annular section which
surrounds the piercing device and particularly preferably can be
engaged by at least one projection of the piercing device. Thus for
example the piercing device can have a circumferential
sawtooth-like projection which can engage behind the said locking
means on the main body. Since the main body is of relatively stable
design, in this way a withdrawal or pushing back of the piercing
device can be prevented and thus the described locking can be
achieved.
[0031] Thus advantageously the locking means is constructed as a
latching ring and in particular as a sharp inner edge of a
(preferably in the middle or centrally respectively disposed)
opening of the main body. The piercing device can interlock with
barbs on this latching ring. Thus, as mentioned above, it is no
longer possible for the piercing device to be pulled out or to
escape respectively during the emptying process.
[0032] The present invention is therefore also directed to a
closure of the type designated above in conjunction with a piercing
device. In this case the closure preferably has a locking means
which prevents a relative movement of the piercing device with
respect to the closure in a predetermined direction of movement. It
is pointed out that the locking means described here can also be
claimed independently of the invention described above and in
particular also independently of whether the closure is designed in
two parts.
[0033] The applicant therefore reserves the right to claim
protection for a closure for containers which has a piercing area
for a piercing device to pass through as well as a locking means
which after the insertion of the piercing device prevents a
backward movement of the piercing device relative to the closure.
For this purpose the main body can for example have a piercing area
with a smaller material thickness which is correspondingly softer
or more flexible respectively than the rest of the main body. In
particular in this embodiment a further locking means or a hooking
means respectively is provided on the piercing device itself.
[0034] This hooking means can be constructed, as mentioned above,
as a circumferential projection and in particular as an encircling
projection which can engage behind the locking means of the
closure. Such a circumferential projection on the piercing device
advantageously widens in the longitudinal direction of this
piercing device and in particular counter to the longitudinal
direction of the piercing direction.
[0035] The device or the container closure respectively, preferably
has a guiding device for guiding the piercing device. This guiding
device can be disposed in the interior of the closed container and
can extend there in particular in the longitudinal direction of the
piercing direction. The guiding device is preferably designed as a
channel-like body through which the piercing device can be
inserted. In this case an internal cross-section of the guiding
device is preferably adapted to an external cross-section of the
piercing device.
[0036] This guiding device is preferably formed on the closure
body. The guiding device is preferably at least slightly distanced
from the piercing area. This guiding device can increase the
stability of the piercing device relative the closure. In the
piercing direction this guiding device preferably has a length of
at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, preferably at least 1 cm
and particularly preferably at least 1.5 cm. With the piercing
device inserted, this guiding device can also bear
circumferentially against the piercing device.
[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment the piercing device
itself is constructed in multiple parts and in particular in two
parts. The piercing device is preferably constructed at least in
two parts and particularly preferably in such a way that, when the
piercing device is pulled off, a part or section respectively, in
particular the lower part of the piercing device, remains on or in
the closure respectively and so further use or reuse of the
piercing device or of the closure respectively is not possible.
[0038] Improved tightness on the sealing lips and also more uniform
geometric conditions in the piercing area can be achieved by the
latching means or the locking means respectively described here. In
particular the hooking prevents any possibility of movement of the
piercing device or needle respectively out of the container, and
thus leaks during the emptying process can be prevented. Quality
assurance can be achieved by prevention of further use and reuse of
hygiene-related parts due to the tearing off or the two-part
construction respectively of the piercing device. It would also be
possible for the piercing device to have a predetermined tearing or
breaking point respectively, so that after the emptying process, as
mentioned above, a part of the piercing device remains on the
closure.
[0039] In order to achieve this two-part format of the piercing
device it would for example be possible that a part or section
respectively of the piercing device has a receiving section or a
recess respectively into which a projection of the other part or
section respectively of the piercing device can in turn be
inserted. In this case by corresponding sealing means it can be
ensured that the medium to be extracted, for example beer, can be
passed through both parts of the piercing device.
[0040] Thus for example the part of the piercing device which is
inserted into the other part could have circumferential sealing
means such as for example O-rings which effect a corresponding
sealing. Furthermore it would also be possible that one of the two
parts or sections respectively of the piercing device has--in
particular at least partially circumferential--projections which
can preferably engage in corresponding recesses in the other part
so that a certain stability can be achieved.
[0041] By a corresponding choice of the materials involved it is
possible to determine which forces result in a separation of the
two parts of the piercing device. In a further advantageous
embodiment it would be possible that the piercing device is
distinct in such a way that the only part which comes in contact
with the container or with the container closure respectively is
the part which is intended to remain on the closure after the
respective other part has been pulled off. In addition it would
also be possible for a part of the piercing device to be led
completely into the closure and also for the other part to be
additionally secured with a securing means disposed for example on
the closure.
[0042] Furthermore the present invention is therefore directed to a
tap arrangement for extraction of liquids from containers which has
a container with a container closure disposed thereon, as well as a
piercing device which can be introduced into the closure, wherein
the closure has the above-mentioned locking means which prevents
withdrawal at least of the complete piercing device, in particular
during an extraction operation for extraction of liquid from the
container.
[0043] In further advantageous embodiments the above-mentioned
piercing area is disposed at least in sections above an external
surface of the main body. In this connection reference is made in
particular to an upright container on which the closure is
disposed. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the
piercing area here can be located higher than the surface of the
main body. In other words the piercing area can project at least
slightly relative to an area of the main body surrounding the
piercing area. Thus it is possible that the piercing area extends
above a plane formed by the main body. However it would also be
possible that the main body itself is of funnel-shaped construction
and the piercing area projects at least slightly out of this
funnel-shaped section.
[0044] In addition it is pointed out that this embodiment would
also be conceivable for a closure in one piece. Thus here too the
piercing area could again be made of a thinner material and could
be constructed so that it projects or protrudes respectively
relative to other areas of the closure.
[0045] The applicant therefore also reserves the right to claim
protection for a closure which in particular has at least partially
different material thicknesses and/or strengths, wherein here too a
piercing area is offset outwards relative to other areas of the
closure.
[0046] The containers described here are usually filled with beers
or beer-like beverages. After filling, the container is compressed
in a defined manner before being closed, in order to generate a
head of foam at the mouth outlet. This should ensure that the least
possible head space is filled with oxygen. In this case, however,
liquid can slop over and run onto the container. Also in the actual
filling operation there is a possibility or a danger respectively
that filling material will get onto the container.
[0047] For this reason following closure and before packaging the
containers are washed down, that is to say the container undergoes
a type of shower, usually with water, in order to free it of
residues of filling material. However, the currently used closures
are constructed in such a way that the piercing area or a piercing
membrane respectively are located in a depression in the closure.
This region is also not covered by an overcap. It may sometimes
occur that in this region or this depression respectively liquid
accumulates which can no longer run off by itself. However, liquid
also collects on the overcap because this overcap may slope
obliquely inwards. This accumulation of liquid can, however, form a
nutrient medium for bacteria and moulds and the like.
[0048] Other contaminants can also settle in this piercing area and
cannot be removed without further action. Furthermore this effect
is enhanced due to the fact that packaging can be provided for the
containers. A film which makes it difficult for the excess liquid
to dry out is gripped over the closure. In this way through the
piercing operation contaminants can then enter the beverage and can
even give rise to health complaints.
[0049] Therefore in the embodiment described here it is proposed
that the piercing area projects with respect to the main body of
the container. In other words the piercing area is constructed so
that this or the piercing membrane respectively is not located in
the "interior" of the closure but completely outside.
[0050] In particular, as mentioned above, this is a two-part
closure which has a main body and a closure body, wherein this
closure body prevents an accumulation of liquids and contaminants
etc.
[0051] As mentioned here, the closure body or the inlay
respectively has a shoulder to which the main body preferably
clings and thus additionally seals the region into the interior.
Thus the piercing area is preferably located in each case somewhat
higher than the highest edge of the main body. In this way it is
ensured that in any case the piercing area is not covered by
liquids. The piercing area is preferably also curved outwards, so
that liquids can run off.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment the external surface of the main
body can also be curved outwards and/or inwards in a funnel shape.
The piercing area can project out of this funnel-shaped area.
[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has an
opening which is suitable and intended for the piercing device to
pass through, and at least a portion of the closure body extends
through this opening.
[0054] Thus in this preferred embodiment the main body or the
overcap respectively in particular has a recess in the centre
thereof through which the closure body is passed. In this case the
innermost region of this closure body can preferably be designed as
a very thin sealing lip which clings to the closure body and thus
additionally seals. In order to achieve an even better sealing
result, the diameter of this sealing lip can also be
correspondingly smaller than the external diameter of the shoulder
of the closure body. In this way an accumulation of liquids,
bacteria, moulds and contaminants in the piercing area can be
prevented. In this way the hygiene of the containers can be
increased and also a health risk can be reduced.
[0055] In particular the section of the closure body is a
connecting section which connects the piercing area to other
sections located in particular inside the main body. This section
can be designed as a substantially cylindrical region which extends
through said opening in the main body. In this case this region can
preferably also taper slightly against the piercing direction.
[0056] Furthermore this transition section can have a collar or
circumferential projection respectively. This projection can bear
against a section of the main body, in particular in a sealing
and/or circumferential manner. Thus a sealing region can also be
provided between the main body and the closure body.
[0057] The closure is preferably of rotationally symmetrical
construction and is particularly preferably of circular
construction. The main body and/or the closure body in each case
are preferably of rotationally symmetrical and/or circular
construction.
[0058] Furthermore the present invention is directed to a plastic
container with a (plastic) closure of the type described above
which is disposed thereon, wherein the plastic container being
compressible in its longitudinal direction in order by such
compression to force liquid located in the plastic container out of
the container.
[0059] The container is preferably pleatable and particularly
preferably a mouth section of the container can be introduced into
the main body. In this case the container can be pleatable in
particular along a circumferential pleat edge.
[0060] In a further advantageous embodiment the closure has a
reinforcing device which is disposed offset with respect to the
piercing area in the piercing direction and is suitable for
increasing the force acting through the piercing area against the
piercing device during the piercing operation. This device can be
disposed for example in the sealing body or closure body
respectively.
[0061] Further advantages and embodiments are apparent from the
appended drawings.
[0062] In the drawings:
[0063] FIGS. 1a-1c show three representations of a container
according to the prior art;
[0064] FIG. 2 shows a representation of a container with a closure
according to the invention in a first embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 3 shows the container according to FIG. 2 in a
different condition, i.e. in a different position;
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a first representation of a closure according
to the invention;
[0067] FIG. 5 shows a representation of a main body of a closure
according to the invention;
[0068] FIG. 6 shows a representation of a closure body for a
closure according to the invention;
[0069] FIG. 7 shows a further representation of a closure according
to the invention in a further embodiment;
[0070] FIGS. 8a, 8b show two schematic representations of the
closure shown in FIG. 7;
[0071] FIG. 9 shows a representation of a further embodiment of a
closure according to the invention;
[0072] FIGS. 10a-10c show three representations of the closure
according to FIG. 9 in different embodiments;
[0073] FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of a closure according to
the invention;
[0074] FIGS. 12a, 12b show two representations of the closure in
different positions;
[0075] FIG. 13 shows a further configuration of a closure according
to the invention;
[0076] FIGS. 14a-14b show two representations of the closure
according to FIG. 13 in different operating positions;
[0077] FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention
with locking means on the closure;
[0078] FIG. 16 shows a representation according to FIG. 15 with a
piercing device inserted in the closure;
[0079] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the invention with a
two-part piercing device;
[0080] FIG. 18 shows the representation according to FIG. 17 in
which a part of the piercing device has been removed;
[0081] FIGS. 19a, 19b show a further embodiment of a closure
according to the invention;
[0082] FIGS. 20a-20c show representations of a closure body for the
closure shown in FIGS. 19a, 19b;
[0083] FIGS. 21a, 21b show two representations of a main body of
the closure shown in FIG. 19; and
[0084] FIGS. 22a-22c show three sectional representations of a
corresponding closure.
[0085] FIG. 1a shows a container 10 with a closure 101 according to
the prior art. This closure is--as is known in principle--screwed
onto the mouth of the container. At the same time this closure has
a piercing area into which a piercing needle 120 can be introduced.
The container 10 can be compressed along its longitudinal direction
L. In this way the liquid can be pressed out of the container
through the needle.
[0086] FIG. 1b shows a state in which the container is almost
completely compressed. It will be recognised that here a large part
of residual liquid is not accessible by the needle or the suction
tube respectively. More precisely, some of the container contents
remain as a consequence of the relatively short needle height below
the needle opening. If--as shown here (FIG. 1b)--the container base
buckles downwards due to the rising internal pressure, even more
liquid actually remains in the container (cf. FIG. 1c) and cannot
be extracted.
[0087] FIG. 2 shows a first schematic representation of a container
with a closure according to the invention. It will be recognised
that this closure has a main body 4 which is screwed on a mouth 10a
of the container 10 by means of an internal thread. However, it
would also be possible for the closure to be fastened on the
container in some other way. Thus it could for example be clipped
on the mouth or can be snapped on there.
[0088] A closure body 6, which also forms the piercing area 2
through which the piercing needle 120 of a tapping tool can be
introduced, is also in turn formed on this main body. The ducting
device designated by 8 adjoins this closure body 6 and then
protrudes into the interior of the container. This ducting device 8
has a pleatable region 82 (cf. FIG. 13), wherein FIG. 3 shows an
initial state in which the region 82 is not pleated and FIG. 2
shows a state in which the region 82 is pleated. Thus the ducting
device always has an excess length and thus reaches as far as the
base regardless of the distance to the base. In particular the
length of the ducting device 82 is chosen such that it always dips
into the surface of the liquid or is just above it (in the
non-compressed or filled+closed state of the container
respectively.fwdarw.filling level).
[0089] The reference numerals 8a and 8b relate to start or end
sections respectively of the ducting device. In this case the
liquid passes via the end section 8b into the ducting device. Thus
the end section is understood below to be the section of the
ducting device from which the liquid is completely surrounded by
the material of the ducting device in a circumferential direction
which is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid.
[0090] FIG. 3 shows--as mentioned--a state shortly before the
ducting device is pleated in the region 82. The reference numeral L
relates to a longitudinal direction of the ducting device which
coincides with the longitudinal direction of the container and also
with the direction along which the container is compressed.
[0091] FIG. 4 shows a representation of a plastic closure in
detail. In this case in turn the main body 4 is shown which is
screwed on the external thread of the container by means of the
internal thread 48. Furthermore this main body 4 has a
circumferential projection or web 44 respectively which projects
downwards here in the longitudinal direction L. This projection or
web respectively in turn engages between two correspondingly
upwardly protruding projections or webs 64 and 66 respectively of
the closure body 6. In this way the closure body 6 can be held on
the main body 4. The reference numeral 68 designates a curved
region which, in a state in which it is screwed onto the container,
likewise protrudes at least slightly into the container through the
mouth. In the case of a high pressure load this region 68
counteracts against the internal pressure and prevents buckling
outwards.
[0092] As an alternative for latching of the two parts to the
circumferential projection 44 with the webs 64 and or 66, the
closure body can also latch with its external diameter in a small
annular groove provided therefor in the main body.
[0093] The reference numeral 72 relates to a circumferential
projection or a sealing lip respectively which is likewise disposed
on the closure body 6. The reference numeral 74 (FIG. 6) relates to
a further annular projection which is disposed radially outside the
sealing lip. In a closed state of the container this further
annular projection is likewise located on an external circumference
of one end of the mouth of the container. In this way preferably
the upper end (i.e. in particular a region located above the
thread) of the rim of the mouth of the container is contacted and
sealed exclusively by the closure body.
[0094] However, the main body advantageously causes the
circumferential projection to be pressed radially from the exterior
onto the rim of the mouth of the container.
[0095] FIG. 5 shows a representation of the main body 4. Again the
internal thread 48 as well as the circumferential projection 44 can
also be seen here. As mentioned above, the material of this main
body is chosen to be relatively rigid, so that in particular it
does not deform even under a higher internal pressure of the
container. Thus the main body 4 is a stable overcap having a thread
which is also responsible for absorbing the internal pressure with
the lowest possible self-deformation. Furthermore the base area
(above) of the main body extends obliquely inwards. This likewise
counteracts the internal pressure.
[0096] FIG. 6 shows a detailed representation of the closure body
6. Here too the two circumferential projections 64 and 66 are again
shown, and it can be seen that the radially inner projection 66 is
shorter than the radially outer projection 64. Furthermore webs 63
can be seen which connect the projection 64 to a circumferential
annular body 67. In this case these webs serve for stabilisation.
The reference numeral 62 designates an annular positioning segment
with which the closure body is positioned on the main body and in a
closed state is clamped between the main body and a mouth of the
containers. The reference numeral 2 designates in turn the piercing
area through which the lance or piercing needle respectively can be
introduced into the container.
[0097] The following FIGS. 7 to 14 show different embodiments of
the ducting device. The closure cap, i.e. the main body 4 and the
closure body 6 can in each case be designed in the same way as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, so that they are not addressed
specifically.
[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the ducting device 8 is
constructed telescopically, i.e. it has a first section 86 as well
as a second section 88, wherein the second section 88 is movable in
the direction L relative to the first section 86. In this way the
ducting device 8 can likewise be shortened upon impact with the
base of the container. Accordingly FIGS. 8a and 8b show quite
schematically two different states of the ducting device. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 the second section 88 is disposed
outside the first section 86. However, it would also be conceivable
for the second section to be disposed and/or to slide inside the
first section 86.
[0099] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the ducting device 8.
In this embodiment the ducting device 8 can be movably constructed
in its entirety and thus can move away in each case--as shown in
FIGS. 10a, 10b and 10c. In this case FIG. 10a shows a normal state
of the ducting device, i.e. before the ducting device impacts on
the base of the container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10b the
lower part of the ducting device bends away, so that although in
this way the ducting device still bears against the base of the
container, but it also does not hinder the compression of the
container. FIG. 10c shows the view of the deformed ducting device
of FIG. 10b from the left.
[0100] Alternatively the ducting device 8 (in particular oval) in
the original state as shown in FIG. 10b could already be slightly
pre-bent in the lower region in order to be bent reliably to the
side during the emptying process and not to be undefined compressed
or buckled by jamming on the container base.
[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 the ducting device
8 has a longitudinal weak point/tear line 94. This slot 94 extends
into the end section of the ducting device 8 or into a recess 96
respectively. However, this weak point or tear line respectively
should not extend completely as far as the start region of the
ducting device, since otherwise it could completely tear
prematurely and this could in turn lead to an escape of head space
gas.
[0102] FIG. 12a shows a situation in which the ducting device 8
still has its full length, for example just before it strikes the
base of the container.
[0103] In the situation illustrated in FIG. 12b the ducting device
splits in contact with the base and thus also a further compression
of the container is possible as well as nevertheless contacting of
the respective lower end or inlet respectively of the ducting
device on the base or a region of the base respectively.
[0104] FIG. 13 as well as 14a and 14b again show the application of
a ducting device in the form of a folding bellows. In this case
FIG. 13a again shows the entire closure 1, as explained above, with
the ducting device 8 and the reference numeral 82 designates the
folding bellows region.
[0105] FIGS. 14a and 14b show two different positions of the
ducting device or of the folding bellows respectively, wherein in
the representation shown in FIG. 14b the length is reduced for
example by the impact on the container base.
[0106] FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the device according
to the invention. In this embodiment the closure has a locking
means 52 which serves, when a piercing device 120 is inserted into
the closure or into the container respectively, to prevent
withdrawal of the piercing device. This locking means 52 is
constructed here as a circumferential, in particular, angular edge
which is disposed on the main body 4. This edge 52 is surrounded by
a likewise circumferential projection 122 disposed on the piercing
device 120. It will be recognised that this projection 122 has a
lead-in chamfer in order to be able to be pushed briefly over the
edge 52 (into the container).
[0107] FIG. 16 shows a representation in which the piercing device
120 is inserted into the container. Here again the circumferential
projection 122 can also be seen which is disposed on the piercing
device. It will be recognised that this projection bears on the
locking means 52 thus now the piercing device can no longer be
withdrawn from the container.
[0108] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the device according
to the invention. In this embodiment the piercing device is formed
in two parts, and has an upper section 120a as well as a lower
section 120b. The circumferential projection 122 is here disposed
on the section 120b. The part-section 120a has a projection or an
end piece 128 respectively which can be inserted into a recess 126
formed in the section 120.
[0109] FIG. 18 shows a representation in which the piercing device
120 has again been removed from the container. It will be seen that
here the first section 120a has been withdrawn and the second
section 120b remains in the container since it is still held by the
locking means 52.
[0110] The reference numeral 138 designates sealing means which are
disposed on the first section 120 and can for example be
constructed as O-rings. Furthermore, however, it would also be
possible for a further fastening means to be provided which fastens
the two sections 120a and 120b to one another. Thus for example on
the region or end piece 128 respectively a circumferential
projection (not shown) is provided which engages in a corresponding
recess (not shown) in the second part-section 120b. In this case
this projection and this recess could be adapted to one another in
such a way that although a certain hold is made possible however,
it is not such a strong hold as implemented by the locking means
52. In this way although the piercing device 120 can hold together
during the tapping process, on the other hand nevertheless it is
ensured that when the upper section 120a is pulled off the lower
section 120b remains in the container.
[0111] FIGS. 19a and 19b show two further representations of a
closure 1 in a further embodiment. In this case FIG. 19a shows a
view from above. This again shows the main body 4 and the piercing
area 2 which projects out of the main body 4. For this purpose the
closure body has a connecting section 132 which connects the
piercing area 2 (which is likewise a component of the closure body)
to the structural section 68 (not shown in FIG. 19a, cf. FIG. 20b)
of the closure body. This connecting section 132 protrudes through
an opening formed in the main body 4. In this way in the case of
upright containers the piercing area is located somewhat higher
than the surface of the main body.
[0112] This connecting section 132, which extends through said
opening in the main body 4, can likewise be seen in FIG. 19b.
[0113] FIGS. 20a to 20c show three representations of the closure
body 6. This closure body 6 is similar to the closure body also
shown for instance in FIG. 6, for example with regard to the webs
63 as well as the circumferential annular body 62. However, the
crucial modification is the arrangement of the piercing area 2.
This is disposed by means of the connecting section 132 and a
further connecting section 134 on the base section of the closure
body 6. Likewise the connecting section 132 as well as the further
connecting section 134 can be seen in FIG. 20b. In FIG. 20c it can
be seen that the connecting section 132 which extends through the
opening of the main body has a somewhat smaller cross-section or
circumference respectively than the further connecting section 134.
Between these two connecting sections 132 and 134 a step 133 is
formed which ultimately serves for support or sealing respectively
on the main body. In addition the projections or sealing lips 72,
74 already explained above are also illustrated again in FIG.
20c.
[0114] It will be recognised that a plane which is formed by the
edges of the webs 63 extends here in a funnel shape around the
centre. However, the piercing area projects out of this plane.
Specifically, the piercing area also projects beyond all other
regions of the closure body and in particular also beyond the edge
62.
[0115] The piercing area 2 is preferably (with the container
upright) vertically spaced from the main body by between 0.5 mm and
5 cm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 cm and particularly preferably
between 2 mm and 3 cm.
[0116] FIGS. 21a and 21b show two representations of the main body
from above and below. A circumferential wall 142 can be seen here
on which, in an assembled state, the connecting section 134 can
rest. The reference numeral 146 designates the opening of the main
body through which the connecting section 132 (and the piercing
area 2) is pushed. The wall 142, which again is likewise annular,
is illustrated in the representation shown in FIG. 21b. This wall
section 142 also serves as a guide and/or support for the piercing
device 120.
[0117] FIG. 22a shows a sectional representation of the main body
6. Here too it is again possible to see the opening 146 and also
the annular section 142 and the internal thread 48. The annular
body or wall section 142 respectively widens slightly downwards
here. In the representation shown in FIG. 22b the main body 4 and
the closure body 6 are disposed to one another. In order to
simplify understanding, the reference numerals shown to the right
of the broken line relate to the closure body 6 and the reference
numerals disposed on the left side relate to the main body 4. It
will be seen that the main body 4 not only has the annular section
142 explained above, but also a projection or sealing projection
144 respectively which likewise extends circumferential. This
projection rests on the step 133 which is formed between the
connecting section 132 and the connecting section 134, so that in
this way sealing can be achieved. The reference numeral 136
designates a recess which is likewise annular and in which in the
assembled state the annular projection 142 of the main body 4
engages.
[0118] Finally, FIG. 22c shows a representation in which a piercing
device 120 is also inserted into the closure. In this case it can
be seen that the piercing device has pierced the piercing area 2.
In the representations shown in FIGS. 22a to 22c it can also be
seen that the main body has a section 148 on which the
circumferential projection 142 is disposed, and this section 148
extends conically inwards here. Nevertheless, with the container
upright, the piercing area 2 is disposed above a surface or an
external surface 148a respectively of the main body 4.
[0119] The applicant reserves the right to claim all the features
disclosed in the application documents as essential to the
invention in so far as they are individually or in combination
novel over the prior art. Furthermore it is pointed out that in the
individual drawings features were also described which may be
advantageous per se. The person skilled in the art recognises
immediately that a specific feature described in a drawing may also
be advantageous without the incorporation of further features from
this drawing. Furthermore the person skilled in the art recognises
that advantages may also result from a combination of several
features shown in individual drawings or in different drawings.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0120] 1 closure [0121] 2 piercing area [0122] 4 main body [0123] 6
closure body [0124] 8 ducting device [0125] 8a start section of the
ducting device 8 [0126] 8b end section of the ducting device 8
[0127] 10 container [0128] 10a mouth of the container [0129] 44
projection [0130] 48 internal thread [0131] 52 locking means [0132]
62 annular positioning segment [0133] 63 webs [0134] 64, 66
circumferential projections [0135] 67 circumferential annular body
[0136] 68 curved region [0137] 72 projection, sealing lip [0138] 74
further annular projection [0139] 82 pleatable region of the
ducting device [0140] 86 first section of the ducting device 8
[0141] 88 second section of the ducting device 8 [0142] 92 lower
section of the ducting device 8 [0143] 94 slot [0144] 96 recess
[0145] 101 closure (prior art) [0146] 120 piercing device [0147]
120a,b (separable) sections of the piercing device [0148] 122
projection [0149] 126 recess [0150] 128 end piece [0151] 132
connecting section [0152] 133 step between connecting sections
[0153] 134 connecting section [0154] 136 (annular) recess [0155]
138 sealing means [0156] 142 wall (guiding device for piercing
device) [0157] 144 sealing projection [0158] 146 opening in main
body [0159] 148 section of the main body [0160] 148a external
surface of the section 148 [0161] L longitudinal direction
* * * * *