EP1117596B1 - Container comprising a plastic closing cap with a separable safety seal and inner seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The cap (2) has an elongated guarantee strip (5,6) with a funnel- or bell-shaped extension on the free end. The elongated inner seal (7) has a funnel-shaped outer surface (8). The one-part cap consists of polyethylene, and the functional strength of this material is chosen, so that the guarantee strip extension sits on the holding collar of the container without engaging under it. The funnel-shaped seal surface is pressed elastically against the bottle neck. The bottle is a PET or PEN bottle.

Description

In the prior art are plastic caps for closing containers, especially of bottles, widely used. Many embodiments of caps have a so-called guarantee strip, which is separable and when opening the bottle of the cap is torn off. As long as the guarantee strip in intact condition about small webs is connected to the actual cap, this shows the original condition of the bottle contents. It is thus guaranteed that the Cap in the original state attached to the bottleneck, preferably screwed on, is.

For this purpose, the warranty strip engages under the filling and closing of the Container a bead or projection on the bottleneck. When the cap is open is, tear the connecting webs between the side wall by the tensile and shear forces the cap and the guarantee strip off. The guarantee strip remains at the bottleneck, and the cap can be completely unscrewed.

As the plastic material for the body of the cap is currently the most common Polypropylene (PP) used. The plastic PP is relatively hard, so that the function Guarantee tape is guaranteed. It is almost impossible, the PP cap using a tool to leverage without visibly damaging them.

Since the sorting plants of the filling plants without a conversion only a single Range of cap heights, the height is uniformly 20 mm. The PP guarantee strap sits firmly on the neck of the bottle and rips open Opening attempts immediately.

Below the bead or protrusion, which undercut the detachable guarantee strip is still located at the bottleneck a retaining collar. At this retaining collar is the Bottle usually hung while being filled and then closed. These are in particular bottles made of the plastic material PET or else PEN. The guarantee band of the cap ends at the addressed here, in the state of Technology usual PP embodiment about 2 mm above the retaining collar on Bottleneck.

The known cap has the disadvantage that it must be made in two parts. The material polypropylene would be too hard for the sealing lips that make up the space between the Seal bottleneck and cap. This is especially critical for PET bottles, which may have larger unevenness or deformation than glass bottles. The softer seal is made, for example, from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), i. There are two different injection molding operations necessary and a subsequent Assembling the two-piece cap.

To avoid this disadvantage, one-piece caps are already made of polyethylene been proposed. This material is softer than the commonly used polypropylene, and Therefore, by design of the sealing system, the sealing function safely ensure that the cap in one piece by a single injection molding process will be produced.

On the other hand, there is a risk that the guarantee strip in. By the soft PE material can be manipulatively solved and an integrity can be feigned. The one-piece Plastic cap made of PE has therefore for reasons of warranty can not enforce now.

For these reasons, there is a need for a one-piece plastic cap, whose warranty function provides more security than before.

From US-PS 4 592 476 is a plastic closure cap known in which the detachable guarantee strip in the direction of the central axis the cap is extended. According to the US-PS, the guarantee range extends to the Retaining collar of the container zoom in, when the cap on the opening of the container sits and the guarantee strip engages under the bead or projection on the bottleneck.

From the European patent application EP 536 082 a cap is known in the Injection molding is made in one piece with a guarantee strip Between the Cap and the guarantee strip connecting elements are provided. At the Cap bottom is provided an inner seal.

From the European patent application EP 316 167 is the combination of a bottle and a cap known. The bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The The closure cap is made of a thermoplastic resin, e.g. Polyolephin made. The cap has an annular shoulder 10 at the top and the outside Surface of the bottle neck is applied. The cap also has an annular Ridge 13 which is inwardly of the shoulder 10 elastically on the inner surface of the Neck of the bottle is present.

From international application WO 93/24386 is a cap for reusable PET bottles with an internal thread having cap wall, one the Cap wall final end wall and a to the cap wall subsequent guarantee band known. The end wall has an open end projecting, spaced from the cap wall annular inner seal, the Outer diameter tapers in the region of the free end to this. For gas-tight Use, the closure cap is designed such that the inner seal to the Cap wall directed towards, formed in the region of the free end bead, and that the bead comprises the outer diameter tapering portion.

Finally, from the international application WO 96/02430 a cap for releasably closing a container as in the combination of claim 1 contain known, the one corresponding to the container Has cap body. The cap body and a seal act with the top edge of the container to close the container. The cap has at least one, on the cap body integrally formed shoulder, the upper edge of the Container opposite and cooperates with the seal when closing. Especially The document also discloses a wedge-shaped sealing lip and a corrugated ribbed structure of the closure cap in the area of the upper edge of a bottle.

In addition to the reliable guarantee of the warranty function and the sealing function is it is desirable that such a closure cap no special Tolerance requirements are made. Furthermore, it is desirable that a Cap can be produced in a few steps, i. malleable and of a mold demouldable, as well as recyclable after use.

The problem of the invention is a one-piece plastic closure, in particular made of PE material, so to a container with Haltkkragen adapt that the warranty function and the sealing function for the sealed container equally reliable be guaranteed.

The solution according to the present combination invention is in a container with a closure cap according to claim 1.

Through the funnel-shaped extension on the guarantee strip and the funnel-shaped outer surface the inner seal view of the plastic closure without special tolerance requirements a filled container. The Guarantee function for the sealed container is thereby reliably ensured that the funnel or bell - shaped extension of the guarantee band on the retaining collar of the filled container not untergreifbar seated. The sealing function for the sealed Container is thereby reliably ensured that the funnel-shaped outer surface of Inner seal elastically pressed against the container neck. The plastic material of one-piece cap has in use a strength that for the funnel-shaped extended warranty strip hard enough and at the same time extended for the funnel-shaped Inner gasket is soft enough. The undercuts on the guarantee band and on the Inner gasket can be demolded from the injection mold, as long as the warm Plastic material has not reached its durability.

Further features of the invention are characterized in the subclaims. The guarantee strip may be in the direction of the central axis of the closure cap be longer than the usual 20 mm. In particular, a total height of 23.5 mm for the Closing the PET bottles, which are currently common. The guarantee band is enough this length up to the retaining collar zoom and is firmly pressed on this. It is then not possible to lift the guarantee strip with a lever. The lower end of the Warranty bands can sit bell-shaped and then not be underrun, which provides sufficient security even with the relatively soft PE material.

It is a one-piece construction of the entire cap possible. The Polyethylene (PE) material preferred in these circumstances is in claim 15 characterized.

It is important to use all the functions of the cap on the shape and material of the to close the closing container. In the preferred embodiment, the Container a bottle having a screw cap. The bottle is preferably made of plastic material. Currently common and are spread PET or PEN bottles (claim 19), for which the claimed plastic closure caps are particularly suitable. The preferred ones Embodiments for construction and use of the caps are intended in the However, claim 1 not limited invention.

Fig 1:

Das Grundprinzip einer Verschlußkappe wie bei der Erfindung verwendet, mit einem verlängerten Garantieband und einer verlängerten Innendichtung;

Fig 1a, 2a, 3a:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "a" der Verschlußkappe wie bei der Erfindung verwendet, in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig 1a), in axialem Teilschnitt (Fig. 2a) auf eine Flasche aufgeschraubt und in horizontalem Schnitt (Fig. 3a) entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 1a;

Fig 1b, 2b, 3b:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "b" der Verschlußkappe wie bei der Erfindung verwendet, in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig. 1b) in verschlossenem Zustand, und für einen zu verschließendem Behälter (Fig. 2b) in axialer Schnittansicht (Fig. 3b); und

Fig. 4:

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel "c" der Verschlußkappe wie bei der erfindung verwendet, in axialer Schnittansicht.

The combination invention will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Show it

Fig. 1:

The basic principle of a closure cap as used in the invention, with an extended guarantee strip and an extended inner seal;

1a, 2a, 3a:

An embodiment "a" of the closure cap as used in the invention, in axial sectional view (Fig 1a), in partial axial section (Fig. 2a) screwed onto a bottle and in horizontal section (Fig. 3a) along the line AA in Fig. 1a ;

1b, 2b, 3b:

An embodiment "b" of the closure cap as used in the invention, in axial sectional view (Figure 1b) in the closed state, and for a container to be closed (Figure 2b) in axial sectional view (Figure 3b). and

4:

An embodiment "c" of the closure cap as used in the invention, in axial sectional view.

In the patent drawing is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a, a preferred embodiment of Invention shown in an axial step. The shape of the cap used in the invention is characterized by the Right hatching recognizable, the shape of the inner neck of the bottle through the Linksschraffur. The closure cap is in one piece, i. the three annular sealing lips 8a, 10a, 15a facing the edge of the bottle neck 1 are the same as the one below molded guarantee strip 6 produced in a single operation by injection molding Die Cap is shown in Fig. 1 in the state in which it is on the bottleneck 1 is firmly screwed. The guarantee strip 6, the small webs 5 with the body 2, 3, 4 the closure cap is connected, engages under a bead or protrusion on the outside of the bottle neck 1. The detachable guarantee strip 5, 6 according to the invention far after below and sits on a retaining collar of the bottle 1. The retaining collar serves to the Container, here a PET bottle 1, hang in a transport device, while the Container 1 is filled and closed.

Although the molded guarantee strip 6 can be relatively soft, it sits According to the invention firmly on the bottleneck and tears off immediately when the screw cap is opened. The shape of the plastic cap 2 to 7 makes it the first time possible, the technical requirements of ease of manufacture (one-piece Sealing cap), secure sealing function (soft material for sealing lips), easy opening (easy intended demolition of the guarantee strip) and Reliable warranty function (close fitting to the container guarantee strip) at the same time fulfill.

A cap, especially for Reusable PET bottles, can with a female thread cap wall, a the cap wall final end wall and a to the cap wall subsequent, at a predetermined breaking point rupturable annular warranty strip, wherein the end wall a projecting to the open end, spaced from the cap wall annular inner seal whose outer diameter is in the range of the free Ended to be rejuvenated at this point.

These are basically screwable caps for closing Bottles, in particular for closing so-called returnable bottles. Such bottles are used for bottling drinks of any kind, in particular also carbonated drinks are bottled. Consequently, that must there used cap also the gas pressure arising within the bottle must withstand, therefore, gas-tight with the bottle or against the bottle.

For some time, so-called PET bottles are now on the market, where it is Here is reusable plastic bottles, in particular with a filling volume of 1.5 liters are offered. Due to significant tolerances of the subject Bottles in the area of the mouth of the bottle exist here opposite to those to be used Closure caps special sealing problems. Consequently, here are caps with special sealing measures required. In addition, the ones in question PET bottles, especially with multiple use no perfect mouths and have more thread, especially as this by the handling of consumers and bottlers usually deformed or damaged.

Now, one has in view of the above problems in the art already helped by the fact that the caps, at least in the region of the end wall, where the face of the bottle mouth comes to rest, with a special one Sealant be provided. This is a preferably soft plastic used, which differs from the remaining material of the cap - aluminum or also plastic - different. Consequently, through this additional Sealing measure a multi-part cap made of different materials for Provided in view of an increasingly demanded recycling of such parts is no longer justifiable. In fact, it is practically impossible, one in the cap introduced additional seal from a secondary material after use of Remove cap again to initiate a material-specific recycling. Consequently, remains at caps of the type in question - with different Components - nothing else but to dispose of them as household waste. Just this should However, be avoided in the future, so that the known from practice solution for Achieving a gas-tight closure, especially of reusable PET bottles, not or only in extreme need is feasible

According to the invention has been recognized here that the gas-tight closure of a bottle by means of the screwable closure cap in question a special embodiment the inner gasket is required. This particular embodiment is characterized characterized in that the inner seal in the region of the free end of a Kappenwandung towards directed bead, which screwed with cap against the Inner wall of the bottle in the area of the bottle mouth presses. Due to the Formation of the bulge in the area of the free end and due to the integration of himself in the Outer diameter tapered area in the bead presses the inner seal - at Screwed cap - very strong to the inner wall of the bottle and seals thereby effective between inner seal and Flascheninnenwandung. An inside the bottle gas pressure builds up in a particularly advantageous manner for pressing the inner seal is used to the bottle inner wall, wherein the at the free end of the Inner seal trained bead due to the considerable distance to the front wall is pressed with enormous pressure on the Flascheninnenwandung. Because of the relative wide engagement of the inner seal or provided at the free end bead in the Bottle is a slipping off the bead at the mouth of the bottle is not possible, rather is a certain gliding of the bead along the inside of the bottle possible, without the lose sealing effect.

As an alternative to the teachings of the invention discussed above, the Closure cap used in the invention also by the features of claim 10th to be marked. Thereafter, the cap is equipped in such a way that the end wall in the area between cap wall and inner seal one of the Front wall protruding, at least slightly inclined to the inner seal towards first having annular wedge seal. In the context of this inventive alternative has been recognized that a sufficient seal between the cap and the to be closed bottle can be realized that between the inner seal and the cap wall a due to their wedge-shaped configuration as a wedge seal designated seal is formed. This seal is also circular and is due to its tendency to the inner seal when screwing on a bottle further bent towards the inner seal, so that the wedge seal due to their inherent elasticity and the voltage caused by the screwing fixed in the Bottle mouth rests against the bottle.

With regard to a particularly effective seal between cap and Bottle, it is advantageous if the inner seal over the precaution of the previously discussed Keildichtung out a directed towards the cap wall, in the region of the free end has formed bead and when this bead is in the outer diameter includes tapered area. In other words, here are the ones previously considered alternative Solutions shown combined in a particularly advantageous manner to the Sealing effect, in particular with regard to a very high gas pressure inside the Significantly and effectively improve the bottle.

With regard to the design of the inner seal, it is of further advantage if this on the side facing away from the cap wall runs approximately rectilinearly up to the bead. This means that the inner wall of the inner seal a total of about forms an annular inner surface. On the cap wall facing side goes the inner seal is approximately arcuate into the bead, i. the cap wall facing side of the inner seal extends in the direction of the cap wall. From From there, the inner seal tapers again approximately in a straight line in the outer diameter, causing one from the lower end of the inner gasket to the outermost region of the bead extending wedge surface is formed by means of which the inner seal or the bead of the Inner seal is inserted into the bottle mouth. Because of this wedge-shaped Embodiment, the inner seal in about the amount of the Abragens the bead after pressed inside and acts due to the material-specific elasticity thus due to the In doing so, tension reached a considerable pressure on the inside of the bottle Mouth area off. The bead is preferably dimensioned and extends in such a way in the cap wall, that the inner seal or bead in the screwed Condition - according to the tolerances on the one hand, the cap and the other Bottle mouth - with predetermined contact pressure against the inside of the bottle Area of the bottle mouth presses.

The previously mentioned first wedge seal is in a particularly advantageous manner positioned and dimensioned that they in the screwed state of the cap for prestressed installation at the radius of the neck of the bottle, i. at the transition to the Bottle mouth, serves. In other words, the first wedge seal becomes Screwing the cap bent towards the front wall and presses because of her Inherent elasticity and the resulting tension in the screwed state to the Radius of the bottle neck or exactly at the transition into the bottle mouth, i. to the Edge between the face of the bottle mouth and the bottle inner wall. at pressure building up from inside, the wedge seal becomes even stronger to the bottle radius pressed, so that due to the internal pressure, the sealing effect is increased again. The same applies to the previously mentioned in detail inner seal, which also due to the Bottle internal pressure build-up over the through the material-specific tension reached contact pressure, i. reinforced, is pressed against the Flascheninnenwandung.

The first wedge seal may have concretely different shape, for example for towards the free end with essentially flat surfaces. Likewise, the be on both sides of the first wedge seal concave or convex. A Rounding the free end of the first wedge seal is also possible.

To further increase the sealing effect of the cap according to the invention, it is of very particular advantage, if in the area between cap wall and inner gasket, preferably in the transition between the cap wall and the end wall, i. in about that formed between the cap wall and end wall angle, one of the end wall or projecting from the cap wall, at least slightly inclined to the inner seal second annular wedge seal is provided. This second wedge seal can do this be positioned and dimensioned so that they are in the screwed state to preloaded plant on the face of the bottle mouth is used. The second Keildichtung is therefore just like the first wedge seal when screwing the Cap bent towards the front wall, which due to the inherent elasticity of the second wedge seal a considerable contact pressure to the bottle, more precisely to the Face of the bottle mouth, arises. The second wedge seal can also be used for free Towards the end with substantially flat surfaces tapered, these two-sided Surfaces of the second wedge seal can also be made concave or convex. The For the first wedge seal made statements also apply to the second wedge seal, so that this is unnecessary for further comments.

With a view to improving the sealing effect used in the invention Cap, it is finally possible that the cap wall preferably in the upper Range, i. in the area just before the transition to the front wall, an approximately radially or after inside projecting annular seal for contact with the bottle outer wall having. This may be one in the sense of a cord seal or a sealing ring executed seal, which is preferably an integral part of Cap is This seal could in the sense of a sealing bead inside rounded and dimensioned so that they are screwed in under tension abuts the Flaschenaußenwandung.

The above statements regarding different sealing measures between cap and bottle make it clear that a combination of above sealing measures or seals to a kind Mehrbarrierensystem with regard to the sealing of the bottle. It is except for the cap wall associated seal all seals designed so that they increase with internal pressure have an increased sealing effect, since they are due to the increasing internal pressure stronger, i. with higher contact pressure, to the bottle wall or face of the Create a bottle.

Now it is with regard to a safe and detectable closing of the bottle of whole particular advantage if the guarantee strip is provided in combination. This Guarantee tape closes on the side facing away from the front wall to the cap wall and has a first predetermined breaking point. Such an embodiment of the guarantee band is however, problematic insofar as when opening the bottle, i. when unscrewing the Cap, the warranty band first broken and numerous users Total is torn off the cap. After use, i. after emptying the Bottle, this torn off warranty strip often wanders into the Bottle inside, from which it due to its curved configuration only with difficulty is removable. During the cleaning process of the bottle that can get into the bottle interior Warranty tapes should not be rinsed out. So-called bottle inspection machines do not recognize these bands, which often causes such old - used - Put the guarantee straps in a drink filled in the returnable bottle. Complaints are thus pre-programmed.

Consequently, it is of particular advantage that the guarantee band in question for Avoiding the aforementioned problem with a second predetermined breaking point equip. This second predetermined breaking point could be arranged such that it is the first predetermined breaking point is approximately opposite, so that the guarantee strip when tearing - after tearing the first Predetermined breaking point - due to a rupture of the second predetermined breaking point in two approximately equally long halves is divisible. As a result, the guarantee strip can not be one-piece, but only tear off in two parts, namely in two short pieces. These are from the entire warranty band resulting in two short parts can be easily from the Rinse bottle through the relatively narrow mouth of the bottle, so that before said problem is solved.

In terms of ease of manufacture, the cap is made in one piece. To polyethylene is particularly suitable, especially since this plastic readily one Recycling process can be supplied. In the closure cap according to the invention Finally, essential that these are made entirely of one and the same material can be that intended seals are required, so no Material combinations with regard to front wall, cap wall and inside the Cap.

Figs. 1a, 2a and 3a together show an embodiment of the invention Closure cap for reusable PET bottles 1, with an internal thread 2 having Cap wall 3, a cap wall 3 final end wall 4 and a adjoining the cap wall 3, rupturable at a predetermined breaking point 5 annular garantee 6, 6a, wherein the end wall 4 a to the open end projecting, spaced from the cap wall 3 annular inner seal 7, 7a, has, whose outer diameter tapers in the region of the free end to this.

According to the invention, the inner seal 7a directed towards the cap wall 3a, in Formed portion of the free end bead 8a on. The bead 8a comprises in the Outer diameter tapered area 9a.

Figures 1a and 2a further show that the end wall 4 in the area between Cap wall 3 and inner seal 7 a projecting from the end wall 4, to Innendichtung 7 has inclined first annular wedge seal 10a

The inner seal 7 extends approximately on the side facing away from the cap wall 3 side straight up to the bead 8. On the Kappenwandung 3 facing side runs the inner gasket 7 approximately arcuate up to the bead 8, thus goes into the bead 8, and tapers from there again in about straight in the outer diameter. The Bead 8 is dimensioned in this way or extends in such a way towards the cap wall 3, that the inner seal 7 and the bead 8 in the screwed state with predetermined Pressure force against the Flascheninnenwandung 11 in the area of the bottle mouth 12a suppressed.

Fig. 2a shows particularly clearly that the first wedge seal 10a positioned and such dimensioned is that they are screwed on the preloaded system at the radius or at the inner edge 13a of the bottle neck 14a or at the transition into the Bottle mouth 12a is used. This first wedge seal 10a runs towards the free end with in essential flat surfaces pointed.

FIGS. 1 a and 2 a further clearly show that in the region between the cap wall 3 and inner seal 7 in the transition between cap wall 3 and end wall 4 one of the End wall 4 or canceling from the cap wall 3, the inner seal 7 inclined towards second annular wedge seal 15, 15 a, is provided. The second wedge seal 15, 15a is positioned and dimensioned as shown in FIG screwed state to the prestressed system on the end face 16a of the Bottle mouth 12a is used. Furthermore, the second wedge seal 15a is the free end out pointed with flat surfaces pointed.

Figs. 1a and 2a further show that the cap wall 3 in the upper area, i. in the Area just before the transition to the end wall 4, one approximately radially or inwardly projecting annular seal 17a for engagement with the bottle outer wall 18a having. This seal 17a is inwardly in the sense of a sealing bead, i. to Bottle outer wall 18a, rounded. The seal 17a is as shown in FIG Fig. 2a dimensioned such that they are in the screwed state under bias on the Bottle outer wall 18a is applied.

Finally, Figs. 1a and 3a show in common that the guarantee strip 6, 6a a second Has predetermined breaking point 19a. The second predetermined breaking point 19a is the first predetermined breaking point 5 opposite, so that the guarantee strip 6 when tearing - after tearing the first Predetermined breaking point 5 - due to a tearing of the second predetermined breaking point 19a in two approximately equally long halves 20, 21 is divisible.

Finally, it should be emphasized that the cap is made in one piece and total made of plastic, namely polyethylene.

The following discussion of the subject of the application is limited to caps to close GDB beverage bottles to keep the discussion clear. It However, it is expressly understood that the present invention is not limited to Closure caps for GDB beverage bottles is limited, but for any old of containers, such as for food containers (so-called Tupper Would). Furthermore, the cap used in the invention is preferably for both Returnable bottles (MW) as well as for disposable bottles (EW) made of the material PET usable.

Caps for closing drinks bottles or similar containers can, have to meet different requirements. First, the seal must the beverage bottles or containers are achieved such that the contained in them Drink in the locked or locked state can not escape from the container. If the containers to be sealed are bottles containing liquids, then this requirement is determined by the viscosity of the liquid. Are those in the In addition, bottles containing beverages with a pressurized gas such. B. Be carbonated, then the seal must also be gas-tight to the To prevent gas from escaping from the bottle.

In detail, the seal according to the embodiment "b" is achieved in that a wavy corrugated structure is provided, which selectively seals the sealant against the Upper edge of the container suppressed, creating a sealing zone in which the Sealant is pressed at high pressure against the top of the container. The Structure according to claim 24 allows a targeted positioning of Sealing lip on the container edge under a high bearing pressure. This one to a very good sealing leading closure operation is made possible without the cap unnecessarily complicated.

The embodiment "b" of the present invention will become below Referring to Fig. 1b, 2b and 3b further explained.

FIG. 1b shows a closure cap for releasably closing a bottle in accordance with FIG Presently preferred embodiment of the present invention shown. The im The following described in detail embodiment relates to a screw cap for Closing a bottle that may contain carbonated liquids. As already previously mentioned, however, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to Screw caps for bottles is limited. Relate to alternative embodiments For example, cans that are suitable for the storage / freezing of food. Mason jars, but also caps of containers that are not in the food sector are used, such as paint buckets.

FIG. 1b shows a closure cap in its initial form in a sectional view. The cap consists of a cap body 10 b, the upper ceiling portion 18 b and a substantially cylindrical side part 19b comprises. The side part 19b extends in substantially perpendicular from the plane of the ceiling portion 18b. According to the in Figure 1b illustrated embodiment, the transition from the ceiling portion 18 b to the cylindrical side part 19b not abrupt (sharp-edged), but by means of a rounded Transition part 20b. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown the Ceiling part 18b, the side part 19b and the transition part 20b are not separate elements, but rather that together they form the cap body 10b.

On the side part 19b, a screw thread 12b is formed, which as Closing mechanism is used by means of the cap 10 b on the zu closing container 100 is attached. The screw thread 12b acts with a corresponding, paired screw thread 112 (see Fig. 2b) on the bottle 100 together. It is expressly understood that the screw thread 12b is not the only possible closure mechanism for the container to be closed represents. All sorts of other types of known closure mechanisms are also suitable, such as clip locks, engaging in recesses Noses - or shoulders, etc.

As can be seen from FIG. 1b, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG present invention on the side part 20b inside a sealant in the form of a provided radially encircling sealing lip 13,13b. The sealing lip 13 has a long wedge-shaped shape. At rest (i.e., in the state where the cap is not Container closes), the sealing lip 13 extends from the transition part 20b ago almost horizontal, but preferably with a slight inclination towards the center of the Cap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inclination is 41 ° up to 48 ° to the horizontal to facilitate demolding (see Fig. 4). The width B of the sealing lip 13 is preferably chosen so that the inner end of the Sealing lip 13 in the closed state is substantially flush with the upper Bottle edge 104 closes (see Figure 3b). In a particularly preferred Embodiment (see Fig. 4), the width B is preferably in the range between 3.8 and 4.5 cm. This ensures that the entire upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 through the circular in the cap body 10b circumferential sealing lip 13 substantially completely is applied when the cap body 10b is screwed onto the bottle. The wedge-shaped, long, thin sealing lip 13 adapts in their profiling different bottlenecks when normal during the closing process Torques are exerted on the cap. In particular, a Profile adjustment on the upper edge 104 of the neck of the bottle, both at the top and at the top Inside. The profile of the sealing lip 13 can adapt to any radius of curvature. Of the Bottleneck of a returnable bottle is 20.7 mm lower than the one-way bottle whose Inner diameter 21.6 = is. In both cases, the sealing lip 13 sets after inside into the bottleneck. The final result is the invention Cap under all conceivable environmental conditions close to the bottle.

The above-described inclination, the sealing lip 13 in its rest position is adapted to the inclination of the surface 104 of the bottle 100 from the horizontal plane, as can be seen in detail in Figure 2b. As can be seen from this figure, the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 has an inclination (here enlarged for illustrative purposes) out of the horizontal plane H, which is indicated by S. It should be noted that depending on the container to be closed different configurations of the respective surface 104 can be selected. According to the teaching of the invention, the inclination or shaping, the sealing lip 13 is preferably adapted in each case to the selected surface shape of the container to be closed. Of particular importance for achieving the inventive success, the sealing lip 13 is further provided with a certain thickness profile, which is indicated by the reference numeral D in Figure 1b. Extensive comparative tests in which the sealing performance of the closure cap has been tested with sealing lips of different thicknesses have shown that the sealing lip 13 is preferably 3/10 mm to 7/10 mm thick at its root and not more than 5 thick at its tip / 10 mm and not less than 2/10 mm, and according to a particularly preferred embodiment, between 2/10 mm and 4/10 mm. These values have been found to be particularly advantageous for GDB glass bottles to be sealed using the usual plastic materials for the cap body 10b. For other caps that have larger or smaller containers to close, resulting in correspondingly scaled values.

In addition, the sealing lip 13 has a special scale-like structure (Fig. 4) which cooperates with the bumps on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100, so to effect a better sealing of the bottle.

The sealant is arranged in a preferred embodiment so that a Chamber 33 between the ceiling portion 18 b and the side portion 19 b of the closure body and the thin, wedge-shaped sealing lip 13, so seen from the sealing lip above outside, arises. This chamber 33 provides an adjustment latitude for various Bottle neck diameter ready and thus supports a secure seal of the respective Container.

In Fig. 4, another particularly preferred embodiment of the cap used in the invention is shown in which the sealant according to the teachings of the invention on the inner surface 18 'has a wavy structure, with individual concentrically arranged, annular shoulders 34a-f to the ceiling portion 18b walk around. Further, the inner surface 18 'of the cap on a slope of 0.5 ° to 3 ° relative to the horizontal and is rippled wavy, as is apparent from Fig. 4. These shoulders 34 are arranged such that the sealing lip 13 rests on them in the closed state and is pressed by them against the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100. The distance between the shoulders 34a-f is preferably selected so that they all rest on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100; in other words, the radius Rs of the concentrically encircling shoulders is preferably selected so that the outermost shoulder 34a (Fig. 4) and 14b (Fig. 1b) are adjacent to the outer edge of the bottle 100, whereas the innermost shoulder 34f (Fig. 4) and 15 (Fig. 1) adjacent to the inner edge of the bottle 100 is located. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius R _{S of} the concentric circumferential shoulders 34a-f is in the range of 16.5 mm to 18.5 mm, the radius Rs of the concentric circumferential shoulder 15b is 17.5 mm.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1b, the shoulders 14b and 15b have different heights H ₁ , H ₂ . The difference in height H ₂ -H ₁ is chosen according to the invention such that, taking into account the gradient S of the bottle surface 104 (compare FIG. ₂ b), a uniform pressure is established on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 in the closed state. As can be seen in particular of Figure 4, the heights of the shoulders 34 are selected according to the invention in this embodiment so that the sealant as it were clings to the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 in the closed state and this seals securely. The shoulders 34a-f in this embodiment, as well as the two shoulders 14b and 15b of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1b, exert a uniform pressure on the sealing lip, which is relatively high due to the low-acting surface of the shoulders is. In conjunction with the provided on the lower side of the sealing lip scale structure and the bumps on the upper edge 104 of the bottle 100 thus a secure and reliable sealing is achieved.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the sealing lip and an extending vertically from the ceiling portion 18b, elastic blade 16, 16b is provided which extends in the state of rest vertically downwards (see Fig. 1b). The sealing lamella 16 likewise runs concentrically with the center line M of the cap body, wherein the inner edge has a radius R ₁ , and the outer edge has a radius R ₂ . The radii R ₁ and R ₂ are chosen such that the sealing lamella 16 extends in the state of rest immediately adjacent to the sealing lip, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the radius R _{1 is} 15.4 mm and radius R ₂ 16.8 mm.

According to the teaching of the invention, the sealing lamella 16 is provided with a shoulder 17, 17b equipped, whose highest point is in the resting state of the cap body 10b in Essentially on a cylindrical surface together with the free end of the Seal lip 13 is located. The radius of the shoulder 17 is preferably 0.25 mm and is chosen so that the sealing lamella 16 from the highest point of the shoulder 17 to the top the lamella 16 runs at an angle α. Extensive comparative tests have shown that the angle α should preferably be not more than 35 ° and not less than 25 °, and according to a particularly preferred embodiment should have 28 °. These values have for glass bottles to be sealed using the usual plastic materials for the cap body 10b proved to be particularly advantageous. For other caps, the larger or smaller containers to close, resulting in scaled accordingly Values.

As can be seen in detail in FIG. 3b, the shoulder 17b acts Seal lamella 16b with the inside of the bottle 100 in the closed state together, wherein by actuation of the closure mechanism 12b the sealing lamella 16b deflected from its rest position and bent towards the inside of the bottle. Just like at the shoulders 14b and 34a-f is through the small effective surface of the Sealing lamella 16b (which substantially through the crest region of the shoulder 17b is given) a comparatively high sealing pressure achieved by the Return torque of the deflected sealing blade 16b is defined.

The closure flap used in the invention can be made of various materials graze. If the sealant 11 (together with the shoulders 14b and 34a-f and the elastic blade 16b) provided as an integral part of the cap is suitable in particular polyethylene as cap material.

Claims (19)

1. A container (1; 100) with a closure cap (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 12, 18, 19, 5, 6, 16), wherein the container has a container neck, an opening, a holding collar for suspending it during the filling operation, and a ridge or projection at its outside and the closure cap includes:

   a) a closure mechanism (2; 12) for releasably fixing the closure cap to the opening of the container (1; 100),

   b) a cover portion (18b) with a structure (14b, 15b; 34a-f) ribbed in a corrugation configuration,

   c) a sealing means which co-operates with the upper edge (104b) of the container (100b) to seal it off upon closure of the closure mechanism (12b), wherein the sealing means includes an inclined, wedge-shaped sealing lip (13b) which is of a width (B) which is substantially larger than the thickness of the upper edge (104b) of the container (100b) and which co-operates with the corrugation-configuration ribbed structure (14b, 15b; 34a-f) of the cover portion, and an inner seal (7; 16) with an at least partially funnel-shaped outside surface (8a; 17b) which extends beyond the edge of the container neck into the opening,

   d) an anti-tamper strip (5, 6) which can be separated off and which engages under the ridge or projection on the container and which has a funnel-shaped or bell-shaped extension towards its free end, wherein

   e) the closure cap integrally comprises a plastic material, in particular PE material, which is of a mean operational strength such that when the container is closed the funnel-shaped or bell-shaped anti-tamper strip extension rests on the holding collar of the container (1; 100) in such a way that it is not possible to engage thereunder and the funnel-shaped inner seal outside surface (9a; 17b) bears elastically pressable against the container neck.
2. A container with closure cap according to claim 1 characterised in that the inner seal (7; 16) which extends beyond the edge of the container neck into the opening extends substantially perpendicularly into the opening of the container (100b) and has a shoulder (17b) which bears against the inside of the container (100b) when the closure mechanism (12b) is actuated.
3. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the body (10b) of the closure cap comprises a cover portion (18b) and a side portion (19b) extending perpendicularly to the cover portion (18b) and the sealing lip (13b) is fixed at the inside to a transitional portion (20b) which connects the cover portion (18b) to the side portion (19b).
4. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the cover portion (18b) involves an inclination of 0.5° to 3°.
5. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the sealing lip (13b) is provided integrally with the cap body (10b).
6. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the closure mechanism is a screw mechanism (12b).
7. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the closure mechanism is a clipping loop closure mechanism.
8. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the thickness (D) of the sealing lip (13b) at the tip is in the range of between 2/10 mm and 4/10 mm and at its base is in the range of between 3/10 mm and 7/10 mm.
9. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the sealing lip (13b) is inclined relative to the horizontal through 41° to 48°.
10. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that a chamber (33) is arranged between the cover portion (18b) and the side portion (19b) of the closure cap and the thin, wedge-shaped sealing lip (13b) in order to provide adaptation clearance.
11. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the inner edge of the sealing strip (16b) forms an angle α which is in the range of between 25° and 35° with the outer edge which forms a connection between the tip of the sealing strip (16b) and the shoulder (17b).
12. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the inner edge of the sealing strip (16b) forms an angle α which is 28° with the outer edge which forms a connection between the tip of the sealing strip (16b) and the shoulder (17b).
13. A container with closure cap according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the sealing lip (13) is provided with a scale-like structure on its surface (40) which co-operates with the upper edge (104) of the container (100).
14. A container with closure cap according to one of the preceding claims characterised by a structure which is in one piece including the anti-tamper strip (6) and the sealing lips (7; 16).
15. A container with closure cap according to one of the preceding claims characterised by polyethylene (PE) as the plastic material.
16. A container with closure cap according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the closure cap including the separable anti-tamper strip (5, 6) is higher than 20 mm in the direction of the centre line of the closure cap and in particular is about 23.5 mm high.
17. A container with closure cap according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the container used is a bottle (1; 100).
18. A container with closure cap according to claim 17 characterised in that the container used is a plastic bottle (1; 100).
19. A container with closure cap according to claim 18 characterised in that the container used is a PET or PEN bottle (1; 100).

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