U.S. patent application number 16/978224 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for closure device for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to RPC Bramlage GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is RPC Bramlage GmbH. Invention is credited to Martin PRESCHE.
Application Number | 20210002048 16/978224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210002048/US20210002048A1-20210107-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210002048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRESCHE; Martin |
January 7, 2021 |
CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER
Abstract
A closure device for a container having a container opening has
a lid element for closing the container opening, a chamber
associated with the lid element, and an inner housing. The chamber
and the inner housing also have closure and opening devices
corresponding to one another and which interact with one another so
that a fluid housed in the chamber can exit into the container due
to a movement of the lid element relative to the inner housing. The
chamber has a free-projecting closure edge annularly surrounding a
central axis of the chamber which, when in use, is positioned in
the inner part of the container, and which interacts with the inner
housing in the closed state. The inner housing forms a chamber base
delimited by the closure edge. The chamber base is formed such that
it slopes towards a free end of the closure edge.
Inventors: |
PRESCHE; Martin; (Dinklage,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RPC Bramlage GmbH |
Lohne |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
RPC Bramlage GmbH
Lohne
DE
|
Appl. No.: |
16/978224 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/055798 |
371 Date: |
September 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/28 20060101
B65D051/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 105 323.1 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A closure device (1) for a container (5) having a container
opening (6); wherein the closure device (1) has a lid element (7)
for closing the container opening (6), a chamber (2) associated
with the lid element (7) and an inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) and the inner housing (8) furthermore have closure
means and opening means that correspond to one another and interact
with one another in such a way that a medium (M) housed in the
chamber (2) can exit into the container (5) due to a movement of
the lid element (7) relative to the inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) furthermore has a free edge region that in the usage
state points into a container interior and annularly extends around
a central axis (x) of the chamber (2); wherein said free edge
region has a closure edge (12) that in the closed state interacts
with the inner housing (8) in a closing manner; wherein the inner
housing (8) forms a chamber base (18) that is delimited by the
closure edge (12) and the chamber base (18) is formed such that it
slopes toward a free end of the closure edge (12); and wherein the
chamber base (18) is realized in the form of an oblique plane that
in a cross section extends beyond the central axis (x).
12. A closure device (1) for a container (5) having a container
opening (6); wherein the closure device (1) has a lid element (7)
for closing the container opening (6), a chamber (2) associated
with the lid element (7) and an inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) and the inner housing (8) furthermore have closure
means and opening means that correspond to one another and interact
with one another in such a way that a medium (M) housed in the
chamber (2) can exit into the container (5) due to a movement of
the lid element (7) relative to the inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) furthermore has a free edge region that in the usage
state points into a container interior and annularly extends around
a central axis (x) of the chamber (2); wherein said free edge
region has a closure edge (12) that in the closed state interacts
with the inner housing (8) in a closing manner; wherein the inner
housing (8) forms a chamber base (18) that is delimited by the
closure edge (12) and the chamber base (18) is formed such that it
slopes toward a free end of the closure edge (12); wherein the
opening means comprises an opening part that is formed by a sealing
element (3) in the form of a soft plastic layer (24); wherein the
sealing element (3) comprises two circumferential sealing zones,
namely a sealing zone that is formed on a circumferential surface
of the opening means that interacts with a facing surface of the
chamber (2), as well as a sealing zone that is radially offset
relative thereto and can interact with a closure means (V); wherein
the sealing zones are arranged concentric to one another in a
direction extending perpendicular to a moving direction of the
opening means relative to the chamber (2) when the closure device
is opened; wherein the closure edge (12) has a circumferential
catch bead (22) that protrudes radially outward and in the closed
position engages into a correspondingly positioned circumferential
depression (23) in the region of the pot wall (13) or wherein the
soft plastic layer (24) has an altogether pot-shaped design,
wherein the soft plastic layer overlaps in the usage position of
the closure device (1) a dome-like elevation of the inner housing
(8) in the region of the pot base (14) and optionally an oblique
chamber base (18), and wherein the soft plastic layer also
circumferentially overlaps the inner pot wall (17) connected to the
chamber base and at least the pot base (14).
13. A closure device (1) for a container (5) having a container
opening (6); wherein the closure device (1) has a lid element (7)
for closing the container opening (6), a chamber (2) associated
with the lid element (7) and an inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) and the inner housing (8) furthermore have closure
means and opening means that correspond to one another and interact
with one another in such a way that a medium (M) housed in the
chamber (2) can exit into the container (5) due to a movement of
the lid element (7) relative to the inner housing (8); wherein the
chamber (2) furthermore has a free edge region that in the usage
state points into a container interior and annularly extends around
a central axis (x) of the chamber (2); wherein said free edge
region has a closure edge (12) that in the closed state interacts
with the inner housing (8) in a closing manner; wherein the inner
housing (8) has an essentially pot-like design with a
circumferential pot wall (13), a chamber base (18) that is
delimited by the closure edge (12) and a collar (15) for being
supported on a container edge surrounding the container opening
(6); wherein the chamber base (18) is formed such that it slopes
toward a free end of the closure edge (12), wherein the closure
edge (12) is made of a soft plastic material and simultaneously
forms a sealing element (3); and wherein the closure edge (12)
interacts in a sealing manner with the pot wall (13) and the inner
pot wall (17) in the closed position.
14. The closure device according to claim 12, wherein the chamber
base (18) is realized in the form of an oblique plane that in a
cross section extends beyond the central axis (x).
15. The closure device according to claim 12, wherein the chamber
base (18) is realized with a conical cross section and has an apex
(20).
16. The closure device according to claim 15, wherein the center
axis (x) of the chamber (2) extends through the chamber base (18)
in the apex (20).
17. The closure device according to claim 11, wherein the chamber
base (18) associated with the free end of the closure edge (12)
transforms into a channel (19) that has a discharge opening
(21).
18. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein the channel
(19) is realized in an annularly closed manner.
19. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein the discharge
opening (21) is formed in a channel base.
20. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein the discharge
opening (21) is formed in a channel sidewall.
21. The closure device according to claim 11, wherein the chamber
base (18) has a soft plastic layer (24).
22. The closure device according to claim 17, wherein the discharge
opening (21) is formed in the soft plastic layer (24) only.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention pertains to a closure device for a container
having a container opening, wherein the closure device has a lid
element for closing the container opening, a chamber associated
with the lid element and an inner housing, wherein the chamber and
the inner housing furthermore have closure means and opening means
that correspond to one another and interact with one another in
such a way that a medium housed in the chamber can exit into the
container due to a movement of the lid element relative to the
inner housing, wherein the chamber furthermore has a freely
projecting closure edge that in the usage state points into a
container interior, wherein said closure edge annularly extends
around a central axis of the chamber and in the closed state
interacts with the inner housing in a closing manner, and wherein
the inner housing forms a chamber base that is delimited by the
closure edge.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Closure devices of the aforementioned type are known from
the prior art. They serve for closing a container and for
simultaneously providing a chamber for the separate storage of
liquid or powdery mediums, for example tea essences or the like,
such that these mediums do not immediately come in contact with
and/or are mixed with the contents of the container, for example
water, when the container is filled, but only at the moment, at
which the closure device is removed from the container. This is
typically the moment, at which the contents of the container should
be consumed.
[0003] For example, publication WO 2007/129116 A1 pertains to a
closure device of the aforementioned type, which upon opening a
container closed with this closure device releases a supplemental
liquid located in the chamber into the container. The closure
device has a lid element, a chamber and an inner housing. The inner
housing has a discharge opening, into which a closure means
connected to the inner housing engages in a sealing manner. The
closure means is realized in a plug-shaped manner. The lid element
and the inner housing are connected to one another by means of
screw threads, wherein the lid element can be raised relative to
the inner housing from a closed position, in which the closure
means closes the discharge opening of the chamber, into a discharge
position, in which the closure element is at least partially
retracted from the discharge opening, in order to thereby produce a
passage from the chamber into the main liquid space of the
container. In this way, the medium stored in the chamber can exit
into the container, where it is mixed with the medium located in
the container.
[0004] It is furthermore known from the prior art to form the
closure means as such by the wall of the chamber, particularly by
the region of the freely projecting closure edge that in the usage
state points into the container interior and annularly extends
around the central axis of the chamber. This closure edge interacts
with the inner housing at least in the closed position. A discharge
opening can be released by displacing the closure edge into a
discharge position, particularly as a result of an axial
displacement of the closure edge relative to the inner housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to disclose a
closure device that can be inexpensively produced and makes it
possible to effectively empty the chamber in the course of a
removal of the lid element.
[0006] According to a first solution, the invention proposes that
the chamber base is formed such that it slopes toward a free end of
the closure edge.
[0007] Since the chamber base is formed such that it slopes toward
the closure edge, a directed outflow of the medium, which is
initially stored in the chamber, is realized in the discharge
position. Furthermore, complete emptying of the chamber, i.e.
preferably total emptying of the chamber, can thereby be
achieved.
[0008] In this case, the chamber base may also continue to be
delimited by the closure edge essentially over its entire
circumference in the discharge position of the closure means,
optionally and preferably by leaving a discharge region in the
interacting region between the closure edge and the chamber
base.
[0009] Accordingly, the chamber base may (particularly in the
discharge position) extend in a plane that with respect to a
longitudinal section through the closure device includes an acute
angle with the central axis of the chamber, e.g. an angle of five
degrees or more such as an angle between 15 degrees and 60 degrees
or an angle of 45 degrees or more.
[0010] If the closure edge annularly extends around the central
axis of the chamber, the chamber base preferably has a base area in
the shape of a circular disk with respect to a projection of the
chamber base along the central axis into a plane extending
transverse to the central axis. In this case, the chamber base is
with respect to a longitudinal cross section through the chamber
formed such that it slopes radially outward referred to the central
axis.
[0011] Other characteristics of the invention are frequently
described below, as well as in the description of the figures, in
their preferred association with the object of claim 1 or with
characteristics of other claims. However, they may also be
important in association with only individual characteristics of
claim 1 or the respective other claim or independently.
[0012] In a potential embodiment, the chamber base may be realized
in the form of an oblique plane that in a cross section extends
beyond the central axis. In a longitudinal section through the
chamber, in which the central axis is illustrated in the form of a
line, the base area of the chamber base accordingly extends to both
sides of the central axis and crosses this central axis. The
oblique plane may extend uniformly in this case such that the base
area is in such a longitudinal section illustrated in the form of a
continuous straight line, which includes an acute angle with the
central axis.
[0013] The chamber base may also be realized with a conical cross
section and have an apex. For example, the chamber base may with
respect to a cross section extend such that it slopes in the
direction of the chamber base edge, which is delimited by the
closure edge, on both sides starting from the apex.
[0014] Starting from the apex, the chamber base may on both sides
include an identical acute angle, but optionally also different
acute angles, with the central axis or with an axially parallel
line.
[0015] Furthermore, the central axis of the chamber preferably
extends through the chamber base in the apex. This makes it
possible to realize a chamber base design in the form of a circular
cone, in which the resulting chamber base sections may in a cross
section include identical angles with the central axis to both
sides of the central axis.
[0016] The chamber base associated with the free end of the closure
edge may transform into a channel that has a discharge opening. The
channel preferably is formed by the inner housing. The medium
located in the chamber is guided toward the channel in a targeted
manner because the chamber base is designed such that it slopes
toward the free end of the closure edge. The medium located in the
chamber therefore is guided toward the channel of the inner housing
in a directed manner in the discharge position.
[0017] The channel may be realized in an annularly closed manner,
particularly circumferentially with respect to the central axis. In
this way, the channel optionally surrounds the chamber base
completely and at the same time preferably delimits this chamber
base radially outward.
[0018] The discharge opening may be formed in a channel base and/or
in a channel sidewall. In a preferred embodiment, the lowest
arrangement possible of the discharge opening is achieved if the
discharge opening is respectively arranged or formed in the channel
base. In this case, an axis that centrally extends through the
discharge opening may essentially be oriented parallel to the
central axis or perpendicular to a plane that is oriented
transverse to the rotational axis.
[0019] If the discharge opening is respectively arranged or formed
in the region of the channel sidewall, a discharge flow of the
medium from the chamber is directed radially outward starting from
the channel. Such a discharge opening preferably is also formed
within the axial height of the channel and optionally at least
tangent to the channel base.
[0020] Furthermore, the discharge opening may also be formed in the
channel base, as well as in the channel sidewall, by optionally
providing a discharge opening in the channel base and a discharge
opening in the channel sidewall. In addition, only one discharge
opening may be provided--with respect to a cross section--in a
transition region from the channel base into the channel
sidewall.
[0021] Multiple discharge openings may also be formed over the
circumference of the channel either only in the region of the
channel base or only in the region of the channel sidewall, wherein
the multiple discharge openings may, for example, also be formed
alternately in the region of the channel base and the channel
sidewall.
[0022] The channel base and the discharge opening preferably are
axially spaced apart from the lowest region of the chamber base
that slopes in the direction toward the closure edge.
[0023] The discharge opening may be realized such that it can be
valved off by the closure edge. To this end, the chamber wall with
the closure edge can be respectively displaced relative to the
inner housing containing the discharge opening or the channel on
the side of the inner housing along the central axis in the course
of opening the closure device. A rotational displacement of the
chamber wall with its closure edge relative to the inner housing
containing the channel would also be possible in this respect. In
another embodiment, a superposition of an axial and a rotational
displacement of the chamber wall with its closure edge relative to
the inner housing makes it possible to release the discharge
opening in order to discharge the medium from the chamber.
[0024] In a potential embodiment, the chamber base may have a soft
plastic layer, particularly for interacting with the closure means
in a sealing manner. The closure means, in this case particularly
the closure edge, preferably interacts with the soft plastic layer,
especially in the closed position. In another potential and
preferred embodiment, the soft plastic layer extends into the
region of the channel, which in this case particularly includes the
region of the discharge opening.
[0025] The soft plastic layer may furthermore extend over the
channel base and/or the channel sidewall.
[0026] In this case, the discharge opening may optionally be formed
in the soft plastic layer only. Accordingly, the soft plastic layer
extends into the region of the discharge opening in this case and
preferably forms the wall of the discharge opening completely,
optionally over its axial length and only partially.
[0027] The soft plastic layer may be made of an elastic-flexible
material, e.g. of a thermoplastic elastomer. It is furthermore
advantageous if the closure edge is realized integrally with the
chamber wall and made of the same material, wherein the chamber,
particularly the chamber wall, typically is made of a plastic such
as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or also polypropylene (PP) or
polyethylene (PE). An injection moulding process may be
advantageously used for this purpose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention is described in greater detail below with
reference to exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an exploded vertical representation of a
closure device according to a first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the closure device according to FIG. 1 in its
arrangement on a container concerning the closed position;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail of the region III in
[0032] FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a representation that corresponds to FIG. 2 and
concerns the discharge position;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail of the region V in FIG.
4;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a representation that corresponds to FIG. 2 and
concerns a second embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detail of the region VII in FIG.
6;
[0037] FIG. 8 shows the closure device according to the second
embodiment in the discharge position;
[0038] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged detail of the region IX in FIG.
8;
[0039] FIG. 10 shows another representation that corresponds to
FIG. 2 and concerns a third embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged detail of the region XI in FIG.
10;
[0041] FIG. 12 shows a representation that corresponds to FIG. 11,
but concerns the discharge position;
[0042] FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of a closure device in the
form of a representation according to FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged detail of the region XIV in FIG.
13;
[0044] FIG. 15 shows a representation that corresponds to FIG. 14,
but concerns the discharge position;
[0045] FIG. 16 shows a sectional representation that corresponds to
FIG. 2 and concerns another embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged detail of the region XVII in FIG.
16;
[0047] FIG. 18 shows a representation that corresponds to FIG. 17
and concerns the discharge position;
[0048] FIG. 19 shows an enlarged representation according to FIG.
16 concerning another embodiment in the closed position; and
[0049] FIG. 20 shows a representation that corresponds to Figure
XIX and concerns the discharge position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Different embodiments of a closure device 1 with a chamber 2
having a lower opening are illustrated and described, wherein
opening means that make it possible to empty the chamber 2 are
provided relative to said lower opening. The opening means
specifically consist of an opening part that may be formed, in
particular, by a sealing element 3 in the form of a soft plastic
layer 24 in the exemplary embodiments shown. This opening part may
comprise two circumferential sealing zones, namely a sealing zone
that preferably is formed on a circumferential surface of the
opening means that interacts with a facing surface of the chamber
2, as well as a sealing zone that is offset relative thereto, e.g.
radially, and can interact with a closure means V in the exemplary
embodiments. The aforementioned sealing zones may be arranged
concentric to one another in a direction extending perpendicular
referred to a moving direction of the opening means relative to the
chamber 2 when the closure device is opened.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows an upper section of a container 5 in the form
of a beverage bottle, on the container opening 6 of which a closure
device 1 according to a first embodiment is arranged. The closure
device 1 is positioned relative to the container 5 such that it
closes the container opening 6 in a fluid-tight manner. The closure
device 1 typically is screwed onto the container 5 such that the
container opening 6 is closed. In this state, the container 5 can
be stored for a prolonged period of time without allowing the
contents to escape from the container 5. The container 5 is opened
by conventionally unscrewing the closure device 1 from the
container 5 such that the container opening 6 ultimately is
completely exposed.
[0052] The closure device 1 has a lid element 7, the chamber 2
arranged on the lid element 7 and an inner housing 8. In
the--non-restrictive--embodiments shown, the lid element 7 is a
plastic lid or a lid-like collar, e.g. of polypropylene (PP) or
polyethylene (PE).
[0053] FIGS. 1 to 9 and 13 to 15 show embodiments of the closure
device 1, in which the chamber 2 is produced in the form of a
separate part, e.g. in a plastic injection moulding process or a
plastic blow moulding process.
[0054] The chamber may also be produced by utilizing a plastic
injection stretch blow moulding process, in which the heated
preform is additionally stretched in the longitudinal direction,
e.g. by utilizing a stretching rod guided through the preform
opening, prior to or simultaneously with the conventional injection
blow moulding process (extrusion blow moulding) in order to produce
a hollow bodies of a thermoplastic. For example, an attainable
blow-up rate (smallest opening diameter: largest outside diameter)
may be as high as 1:10 in this case.
[0055] The thusly produced chamber 2 is connected to the lid
element 4 in a closing manner, e.g. percussively or by means of a
catch mechanism, or adhesively connected to the lid element 4, e.g.
as a result of a welding process (in this respect, see the
exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5). The chamber 2 may be
partially exposed toward the outside such that it essentially forms
the corresponding outside contour of the closure device together
with the lid element 7.
[0056] In order to realize a potential catch mechanism, examples of
which are illustrated in the embodiment according to FIGS. 6 to 9,
a circumferential collar 9 may be provided on the outer wall of the
chamber 2 in order to interact with a corresponding catch
projection 10 of the lid element 7 in an interlocking manner.
[0057] For example, flattenings may be provided over the
circumference of the chamber wall and in the corresponding regions
of the lid element wall in order to transmit the screw torque
during a screw-type actuation of the lid element 7. In this case,
the chamber 2 is held on the lid element 7 in a rotationally rigid
manner.
[0058] FIGS. 10 to 12 show an integral design of the chamber 2 and
the lid element 7.
[0059] The chamber 2 may also be realized integrally with respect
to the circumferential chamber wall 11 and the chamber ceiling.
[0060] The closure means V preferably is formed on the chamber 2,
particularly on the chamber wall 11. The circumferential chamber
wall 11, which annularly extends around the central axis x of the
chamber 2, points in the direction of the container interior with
its free end when the closure device 1 is in use. The free edge
region forms a circumferential closure edge 12. This closure edge
12 forms the closure means V.
[0061] The closure edge 12 may be realized integrally with the
chamber wall 11 and made of the same material, in this case
preferably of a hard plastic. According to the embodiment in FIGS.
10 to 12, the closure edge 12 may alternatively also be made of a
soft plastic material, e.g. a thermoplastic elastomer. For example,
such a soft plastic closure edge may be produced in a 2-component
injection moulding process together with the chamber wall 11 and
optionally with the entire chamber or even with the lid element
7.
[0062] The inner housing 8 essentially has a pot-like design with a
circumferential pot wall 13, a pot base 14 and a collar 15 for
being supported on the container edge surrounding the container
opening 6.
[0063] A circumferential sealing lip 16 may be integrally formed
onto the underside of the inner housing collar 15 (see FIG. 13).
This sealing lip interacts with the container wall surrounding the
container opening 6 in the associated position.
[0064] On the side of the pot base, the inner housing 8 forms a
central region that preferably extends concentric to the central
axis x and is elevated relative to the plane of the pot base 14,
wherein said central region has a circumferential inner pot wall 17
and a pot base section, which is carried by the inner pot wall 17
and forms a chamber base 18.
[0065] According to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
1 to 15, 19 and 20, a channel 19 extending circumferentially with
respect to the central axis x may be formed between the inner pot
wall 17 and the radially outer pot wall 13.
[0066] According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
16 to 18, the chamber base 18 may alternatively transform directly
into the pot base 14 and the pot wall 13 connected thereto.
Accordingly, no inner pot wall in that sense is formed in this
case. The channel 19 is formed as a result of a radially outer
delimitation by the pot wall 13 and a radially inner delimitation
by the chamber base 18 in this case.
[0067] With respect to a cross-sectional representation, e.g.
according to FIG. 2 or also according to FIG. 16, the chamber base
18 is formed such that it slopes toward a free end of the closure
edge 12. According to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1 to 15, for example, the chamber base 18 is realized in the
form of an oblique plane, which in a cross section extends beyond
the central axis x. In this case, the central axis x preferably
extends centrally through the chamber base 18.
[0068] Furthermore, the chamber base 18 may include an acute angle
.alpha. of approximately 30 to 60 degrees or approximately 45
degrees with the central axis x. According to the sectional
representations, the chamber base 18 extends along a continuous
straight line under inclusion of this angle .alpha.. This results
in a surface that obliquely extends in the direction of the channel
19, which essentially delimits the chamber base 18.
[0069] According to the illustrations in FIGS. 16 to 20, the
chamber base 18 may in a cross section also have a roof-shaped
design, particularly the shape of a pointed cone. In this case, the
resulting apex 20 points in the direction of the chamber interior
and the central axis x extends through said apex. Starting from the
apex 20, the chamber base 18 extends radially outward in the
direction of the channel 19 in a uniformly sloped manner over its
circumference. An acute angle .alpha. of approximately 30 to 45
degrees may also be included in this case.
[0070] A discharge opening 21 for the medium M stored in the
chamber 2 is provided in the region of the channel 19. This
discharge opening may be arranged such that it extends through the
pot base 14 and accordingly have an opening axis y that essentially
extends in the same direction as the central axis x, e.g. as
illustrated in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0071] Multiple bore-shaped discharge openings 21 of this type may
be provided in the pot base 14 in the circumferential
direction.
[0072] Alternatively, a discharge opening 21 (optionally also
multiple discharge openings 21 over the circumference) associated
with the channel 19 may be formed in the pot wall 13 and
accordingly have an opening axis y that extends transverse to the
central axis x.
[0073] The discharge opening 21 opens in the direction of the
container interior.
[0074] The pot base 14 forms a channel base in the region of the
channel 19 whereas the circumferential pot wall 13 of the inner
housing 8 forms an outer channel sidewall in the region of the
channel 19.
[0075] The discharge opening 21 can be valved off by the closure
edge 12 of the chamber wall 11. Accordingly, the closure edge 12
represents the closure means V for closing or releasing the flow
path of the medium M from the chamber 2 into the container
interior.
[0076] The closure edge 12 is at least in the closed position
seated in the channel 19 of the inner housing 8 such that it closes
the discharge opening 21. In this context, it is preferred that the
closure edge is completely seated in the channel 19 over its
circumference.
[0077] The closed position particularly is sealed. This is achieved
with the sealing element 3, which particularly acts between the
closure edge 12 or the chamber wall 11 and the pot wall 13 or the
channel sidewall and/or the inner pot wall 17 and/or the pot base
14 or the channel base.
[0078] According to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12
and 16 to 20, the closure edge 12 made of a soft plastic material
may simultaneously form the sealing element 3. In the closed
position, the closure edge 12 interacts in a sealing manner with
the pot wall 13 and the inner pot wall 17, as well as optionally
with the pot base 14 (e.g. see FIG. 11).
[0079] In order to secure the closed position, a thusly formed
(soft) closure edge 12 may have a circumferential catch bead 22
that protrudes radially outward, e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 10
and 11, wherein said catch bead engages into a correspondingly
positioned circumferential depression 23 in the region of the pot
wall 13 in the closed position. The catch position can be overcome
as a result of the elastic properties in the region of the catch
bead 22 (e.g. compare to FIG. 12).
[0080] The other embodiments show a sealing element 3 in the form
of a soft plastic layer 24, which according to the illustration in
FIG. 1 has an altogether pot-shaped design. In the usage position
of the closure device 1, this soft plastic layer 24 covers the
dome-like elevation of the inner housing 8 in the region of the pot
base 14 and correspondingly overlaps the preferably oblique chamber
base 18, wherein the soft plastic layer also circumferentially
overlaps the inner pot wall 17 connected to the chamber base and at
least the pot base 14. The outer channel sidewall may also be
covered by such a soft plastic layer 24.
[0081] The soft plastic layer 24 may be injection-moulded onto the
inner housing 8, wherein an elastic, flexible material such as a
thermoplastic elastomer is also chosen with respect to the soft
plastic layer 24 in this case.
[0082] The soft plastic layer 24 may also be a part that is
produced separately and can be fixed on the inner housing 8, for
example, by means of a catch mechanism.
[0083] The soft plastic layer 24 may have tabs 25, which extend
beyond the chamber base 18 and in the usage position abut on the
facing inner surface of the chamber wall 11, in the region in which
it covers the chamber base 18.
[0084] Furthermore, an arbor 26 in the form of a truncated circular
cylinder that points into the chamber interior may be integrally
formed onto the section of the soft plastic layer 24 covering the
chamber base 18 concentric to the central axis x. Such an arbor may
be advantageous with respect to the outflow of the medium M from
the chamber 2. In addition, the use of the arbor 26 allows a simple
installation of the soft plastic layer 24 in the inner housing
8.
[0085] If an essentially pot-like soft plastic layer 24 in the form
of an insert is arranged in the inner housing 8, the chamber wall
11 directly interacts with the soft plastic layer 24 with its
closure edge 12, which is made of the same material as the chamber
wall and accordingly harder than the soft plastic layer 24. In the
closed position, in which the discharge opening 21 particularly is
closed by the closure edge 12, the soft plastic layer 24 abuts on
the end face of the closure edge 12 at least with its section on
the side of the pot base and the section of the soft plastic layer
24 overlapping the inner pot wall 17 abuts on the facing inner wall
surface of the closure edge 12. The pot wall 13 may potentially
also be covered, in which case the corresponding soft plastic layer
may furthermore interact with the respective outer wall surface of
the chamber wall 11 and of the closure edge 12 in a sealing
manner.
[0086] An interlock may also be produced in the closed position in
such an embodiment. According to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 6 to 9, for example, the closure edge 12 has a
circumferential--and in this case hard--catch bead 22 that
interacts with a correspondingly positioned circumferential
depression 23 in the soft plastic layer 24.
[0087] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12 and 16 to
20, an axial displacement of the chamber wall 11 and therefore of
the closure edge 12 forming the closure means V relative to the
inner housing 8 is achieved as a result of the lid element 7 and
thereby the chamber 2, wherein the closure edge 12 releases the
discharge opening in order to discharge the stored medium M from
the chamber 2 into the container interior (compare to FIGS. 5, 9,
12, 17 and 20).
[0088] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 to 15, the chamber 6
and therefore its chamber wall 11 with the closure edge 12 are
rotated about the central axis x by the lid element 7, preferably
without a linear displacement in the orientation of the central
axis x. The closure edge 12 is permanently seated in the sealing
element 3 and therefore permanently seated in the channel 19, which
is essentially lined by the soft plastic layer 24, during this
rotational displacement of the closure edge 12 relative to the
inner housing 8.
[0089] The rotational displacement of the closure edge 12--or the
entire chamber 2--in the circumferential direction preferably is
limited by means of stops. As an example, the rotation preferably
is limited to 180.degree. by means of stops.
[0090] On the inner side of its wall, the closure edge 12 has a
groove 27 that is open toward the end face and toward the inner
side of the wall. In the closed position according to the
illustrations in FIGS. 13 and 14, this groove is with respect to
the center axis x offset by approximately 180.degree. relative to
the discharge opening 21 on the side of the inner housing, which in
this case also is essentially formed by the soft plastic layer 24
only.
[0091] The groove 27 of the closure edge 12 is in the closed
position also circumferentially offset by approximately 180.degree.
relative to a groove 28 that essentially extends in the axial
direction and is formed in the soft plastic layer 24 in the region
of the transition from the section covering the inner pot wall 17
into the section covering the chamber base 18. The groove 28 is
opened in the direction toward the chamber interior, as well as
radially outward in the direction toward the chamber wall 11.
[0092] The closure edge 12 seated in the channel 19 is rotated into
the discharge position as a result of a rotational displacement,
wherein the groove 27 of the closure edge 12 and the groove 28 of
the soft plastic layer 24 are in said discharge position
correspondingly aligned as illustrated in FIG. 15. The groove-like
recesses are therefore superimposed in the axial direction such
that they form the flow path for discharging the medium M located
in the chamber 2.
[0093] The preceding explanations serve for elucidating all
inventions that are included in this application and respectively
enhance the prior art independently with at least the following
combinations of characteristics, wherein two, more or all of these
combinations of characteristics may also be combined with one
another, namely:
[0094] A closure device 1, which is characterized in that the
chamber base 18 is formed such that it slopes toward a free end of
the closure edge 12.
[0095] A closure device, which is characterized in that the chamber
base 18 is realized in the form of an oblique plane that in a cross
section extends beyond the central axis x.
[0096] A closure device, which is characterized in that the chamber
base 18 is realized with a conical cross section and has an apex
20.
[0097] A closure device, which is characterized in that the center
axis x of the chamber 2 extends through the chamber base 18 in the
apex 20.
[0098] A closure device, which is characterized in that the chamber
base 18 associated with the free end of the closure edge 12
transforms into a channel 19 that has a discharge opening 21.
[0099] A closure device, which is characterized in that the channel
19 is realized in an annularly closed manner.
[0100] A closure device, which is characterized in that the
discharge opening 21 is formed in a channel base.
[0101] A closure device, which is characterized in that the
discharge opening is formed in a channel sidewall.
[0102] A closure device, which is characterized in that multiple
discharge openings 21 are formed over the circumference of the
channel 19.
[0103] A closure device, which is characterized in that the
discharge opening 21 can be valved off by the closure edge 12.
[0104] A closure device, which is characterized in that the chamber
base 18 has a soft plastic layer 24.
[0105] A closure device, which is characterized in that the
discharge opening 21 is formed in the soft plastic layer 24
only.
[0106] All disclosed characteristics are essential to the invention
(individually, but also in combination with one another). The
disclosure of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of
the priority application) is hereby fully incorporated into the
disclosure content of this application, namely also for the purpose
of integrating characteristics of these documents into claims of
the present application. The characteristics of the dependent
claims also characterize independent inventive enhancements of the
prior art without the characteristics of a claim to which they
refer, particularly for submitting divisional applications on the
basis of these claims. The invention specified in each claim may
additionally comprise one or more of the characteristics that were
disclosed in the preceding description and, in particular, are
identified by reference symbols and/or included in the list of
reference symbols. The invention also concerns design variations,
in which individual characteristics cited in the preceding
description are not realized, particularly as far as they are
obviously dispensable for the respective intended use or can be
replaced with other, identically acting technical means.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0107] 1 Closure device [0108] 2 Chamber [0109] 3 Sealing element
[0110] 4 [0111] 5 Container [0112] 6 Container opening [0113] 7 Lid
element [0114] 8 Inner housing [0115] 9 Collar [0116] 10 Catch
projection [0117] 11 Chamber wall [0118] 12 Closure edge [0119] 13
Pot wall [0120] 14 Pot base [0121] 15 Collar [0122] 16 Sealing lip
[0123] 17 Inner pot wall [0124] 18 Chamber base [0125] 19 Channel
[0126] 20 Apex [0127] 21 Discharge opening [0128] 22 Catch bead
[0129] 23 Depression [0130] 24 Soft plastic layer [0131] 25 Tab
[0132] 26 Arbor [0133] 27 Groove [0134] 28 Groove [0135] x Central
axis [0136] Y Opening axis [0137] M Medium [0138] V Closure means
[0139] .alpha. Angle
* * * * *