WO2014184123A1

WO2014184123A1 - Closure for a small container

Info

Publication number: WO2014184123A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/059607
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephan SOELLNER; Bernhard Fink
Original assignee: Ofi Technologie & Innovation Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2014-05-12
Publication date: 2014-11-20
Also published as: EP2996956A1; AT514270A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure (1) for a small container (10), having a substantially tubular fastening section (6) with a longitudinal axis (9), wherein the fastening section (6) can be attached to an opening of the small container (10), and having a dispensing opening (5) which can be closed by way of a closure cap (3) which is attached to the closure (1) such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis (4). Facilitated operation is achieved by virtue of the fact that the pivot axis (4) is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (9), and that the dispensing opening (5) is oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis (9).

Description

Lock for a small container

The invention relates to a closure for a small container, having a substantially tubular attachment portion with a longitudinal axis, wherein the attachment portion is attachable to an opening of the small container and having a removal opening which is closable by a closure cap which is pivotally mounted on the closure about a pivot axis , which is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

As a small container in the context of the present invention, tubes or bottles for storing liquid or pasty media are referred to, which can be held in one hand or operated with one hand, such as toothpaste tubes or bottles containing personal care or cleaning products. This operation includes opening as well as closing.

Such small containers are often designed so that they are closed by a closure that is not removed in normal use or not at all non-destructively removable. The removal of the contents takes place in such a way that a closure cap attached to the closure is opened to release a removal opening of the closure. Typically, in the assembled state, the axis of the removal opening coincides with the axis of the opening of the small container, which simultaneously forms the longitudinal axis of the attachment portion. In some cases, the removal opening is offset laterally relative to the opening, so that the axes are parallel to each other.

Such solutions are described for example in EP 2 204 333 B, US 2012/0118890 A or DE 10 229 257 C.

A disadvantage of the known solutions is that although it is possible to remove the contents by squeezing the tube or bottle after opening the cap, it is not possible for most users to open the cap using only one hand , In any case, the one-handed operation is not intuitive and cumbersome.

From CH 264 787 A or FR 2 981 916 A further closures are known in which a laterally opening cap is provided which is pivotally mounted on the closure about a pivot axis which is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, such closures have a substantially tangential opening movement of the closure cap in zug on the removal opening, ie, that the pivot axis is also approximately parallel to the axis of the removal opening. As a result, it is not possible, for example, to provide a closure pin which, in the closed state, penetrates into the removal opening and seals it. In addition, it has been found that with one-handed operation, the dispensing direction of the content is not intuitive for many consumers, which can lead to incorrect operation.

The object of the present invention is to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a closure which allows a simple and intuitive operation of a small container using only one hand. In particular, a suitable for a variety of different media opening cinematic is to be specified. Another object of the invention is the execution of such a small container including closure.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in that the removal opening is oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As a result, the content is delivered in a direction which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This not only allows improved sealing, but also a more intuitive operation. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in this context means that the axis of the removal opening, if this - as will usually be the case - cuts the longitudinal axis, is approximately at a right angle to this. Should the removal opening be laterally offset so that the axis of the removal opening crosses the longitudinal axis, then a parallel to the axis of the removal opening should intersect it at an angle which is approximately one right.

In this context, it is also important that the pivot axis is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. This means that the cap in a position of the small container with upward opening does not pivot upward when opening, but swings laterally about a substantially vertical axis. This makes it possible to operate the cap with one hand, namely with the thumb of the hand, whose fingers enclose the small container to hold him. Accordingly, the removal opening is typically oriented at an angle, preferably at a right angle to the opening of the small container.

The operation of the closure is particularly facilitated by the fact that the closure cap is preferably pivotable between a closed position and an open position and is held in the open position by a holding element. For example, it is possible that the closure cap engages in the open position felt. It is also possible that the closure cap is biased by a spring element in an open position. This takes into account the fact that the opening movement by the thumb of a hand is usually somewhat more difficult to control than the closing movement of the cap. But it can also be alternatively or simultaneously provided a bias in the closed position, that is, that a predetermined pivot angle exists, below which the closure cap tends to the closed position, and above which an open position is sought.

A particularly secure closure of the small container can be achieved in that the closure cap has a closure pin which engages in the removal opening. Alternatively, the closure cap may have a tubular extension, which closes the removal opening on the outside in a closed position.

Advantageously, the closure in the interior of a small volume, so that there is a short way for the fluid.

The closure may also have a tube-like opening environment, which in particular enables a functional stripping of the fluid, such as on toothbrushes. This tube-like opening environment can be achieved for example by a tubular extension. This extension can also be cut off at an angle, so that in the usual removal, such as a toothbrush, a plan stripping the opening is possible. For example, the extension may be cut off at an angle of 15 degrees so that when the tube is held at a 15 degree angle, the opening may lie flat on the surface.

In particular, the closure can also be made transparent, so that a user can make a visual check. Also, a seal may be provided to check the originality at first use.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the removal opening lies in one plane, that the main part of the closure lies on one side of the plane, while the closure cap lies in its closed position mainly on the opposite side of the plane, and that the pivot axis in a predetermined distance on the side of the plane on which the shutter is located. This embodiment variant takes into account that the actuation of the closure cap typically takes place in that the thumb exerts a tangential pressure on the edge of the closure cap during opening. The force required for the opening of the cap is included the smaller, the larger the lever arm between the pivot axis of the closure cap and the direction of movement of the thumb. By resetting the pivot axis thus the operation can be substantially facilitated. However, rearward displacement of the pivot axis should not be exaggerated to provide physiological movement of the user's thumb.

The force required for the opening of the closure cap is further smaller, the greater the ratio of the distance of the target pressure surface for the thumb and the closure against the distance between the pivot axis and the closure. By setting the opening closer to the pivot axis thus the operation can also be facilitated.

For the purposes of the invention, it is also advantageous if the attachment portion has a female screw thread. This means that the closure is externally screwed onto the small container.

A further embodiment of the invention provides in a favored manner, that the closure in the closed state is substantially cylindrical, wherein the closure cap forms a part of the lateral surface of the cylinder. As a result, a container with the closure according to the invention in the production or filling of the small container can be treated in the same way and with the same machines as solutions according to the prior art.

It is preferably provided that the closure has a substantially disc-shaped or conical base surface, in which the fastening portion is formed and on which the closure cap rests. In particular, in the case of tubes thereby a special stability of the closure can be achieved.

It is also advantageous if the closure cap is arcuate in the region of the base surface. This can reduce the risk of conflict with a user's finger.

The opening of the closure cap can also be facilitated by the closure cap having a projection projecting from the outer contour of the closure.

As a result, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment variants shown in the figures. They show schematically: Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the closure according to the invention in views obliquely from above, from above, from the front, from below or from the side;

6a shows a further embodiment of a closure in a view obliquely from above;

Fig. 6b the mouth portion of a small container in a view obliquely from above;

Fig. 6c is a view of the closure of Fig. 6a from the front in the open

Status;

6d and FIG. 6e views of the closure of FIG. 6a from above in closed or in the opened state;

FIGS. 7a to 7e show a further embodiment variant in illustrations corresponding to FIGS. 6a to 6e;

Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b and FIG. 8c shows a further embodiment variant of the closure from above in the closed, half-opened and opened state;

Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b and FIG. 9c shows a further embodiment variant of the closure in illustrations corresponding to FIG. 8a, Fig. 8b and 8c;

Fig. 10a and FIG. 10b a further embodiment of a closure in a view obliquely from above;

Fig. 11 is a schematic cross section of a slightly modified one

Embodiment of FIG. 10a and 10b;

Fig. 12a and FIG. 12b shows a further embodiment variant of a closure in a view obliquely from above;

Fig. 13 shows a detail of a further embodiment variant of a closure in a longitudinal section;

Fig. 14 shows a further detail of a closure in a longitudinal section.

Fig. 1 shows a closure 1, which is articulated on the main body 2 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 4, comprising a main body 2 and a closure cap 3. The main body 2 has a discharge opening 5, through which a fluid can be dispensed, which is contained in a small container 10 through the closure 1 is closed and is indicated in Fig. 3. The small container 10 has a gripping portion 25, which essentially serves to be encompassed by a hand of the user.

The upper surface of the closure cap 2 is designed as a base 28 on which the small container can be placed as a standing tube with the closure 2 directed downwards.

In its closed state, the cap 3 sits on a disk-shaped base surface 7 of the main body 2, which is conical or conical on its upper side and which gives the closure 1 overall the required stability. Overall, the closure 1 is substantially cylindrical, wherein in particular it is essential that the removal opening 5 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder (longitudinal axis 9), i. is arranged apart from an offset inwardly in the lateral surface 14 of the cylinder.

The removal opening 5 is closed in the closed state of the closure cap 3 by a closure pin 8 in the form of a stopper, which is formed on the closure cap 3. The locking pin 8 may be formed so that the closure cap 3 engages in the closed position to ensure a secure closing.

The removal opening 5 communicates with a mounting portion 6 in connection, through which the fluid can be transported and which is placed on the small container 10. The attachment section 6 has a longitudinal axis 9, which generally also corresponds approximately to an axis of the small container 10, be it as a tube for removing creams, toothpaste or the like, or be it as a vial for withdrawing a liquid, such as hair shampoo, trained. The pivot axis 4 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 9. In Fig. 4, it can be seen that at the attachment portion 6, an internal thread 11, i. a female screw thread, is provided, which is intended to be screwed onto a corresponding male thread of the small container 10.

From FIGS. 1 to FIG. 5 can further be seen that the removal opening 5 is located in a plane 12 which is aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 9, but is arranged by the latter at a distance d, for example, about 20% of the radius r makes up by the distance of the Swivel axis 4 is defined by the longitudinal axis 9. This ensures that the plane 12 is so eccentric that the main part of the closure 1 is on one side (left in Fig. 2) of the plane 12, while the cap 3 mainly on the opposite overlying side (right in Fig. 2) is arranged and opens especially on this side.

The closure cap 3 forms essentially a part of the lateral surface of the cylinder, but has a projection 13 which is intended to form a point of application for opening the closure cap 3, for example for the thumb of the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the projection 13 is set back relative to the lateral surface 14, which is achieved by corresponding recesses 15 adjacent to the projection 13.

On its underside, the cap 3 is provided with an arcuate portion 16, which is adapted on the one hand to the base surface 7 and on the other hand creates space, so that the cap can easily pivot over the fingers of the user.

The embodiment of FIG. 6a to FIG. 6e shows the situation of a bottle with bounce closure. In Fig. 6a, the closure 1 is shown with its closure cap 3 in the closed state. Fig. 6b shows the upper part of a small container 10, here a bottle with a cylindrical mouth portion 20, on which a circumferential projection 21 is integrally formed in order to hold the closure 1 in a latching manner. The projection 21 has a recess 21a to set the exact angular position of the closure 1 and to prevent twisting. Below the projection 21, a bottle-removal opening 22 is provided. This container-removal opening 22 is aligned in the assembled state with the removal opening 5 of the closure 1, which in FIG. 6c can be seen.

At its end, the mouth portion 20 is provided with an opening 26 which has a longitudinal axis 27 and which serves primarily for the filling of the small container 10, but is permanently closed during normal use.

The Fig. FIG. 6d shows the closure 1 in the closed state, while FIG. 6e shows the closure 1 in the opened state.

The embodiment variant of FIGS. 7 a to FIG. 7 e largely corresponds to that of FIGS. 6 a to FIG. 6e, with the difference that instead of the container-removal opening 22, a recess 23 in the edge of the mouth portion 20 is formed. Accordingly, the removal opening 5 and the closure pin 8 are arranged at the top of the closure 1.

The Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c show a variant in which on the cap 3, a spring 24 is formed to hold the cap 3 in the open state, or this from a certain center position, such as For example, it is shown in Fig. 6b to bias in the open position, or by pressing on the spring 24 to release the locking of the cap 3 in the closed position.

The Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b and FIG. Figures 9c show an alternative embodiment without such a spring.

The embodiment of FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b has a closure cap 3 provided with a lateral extension 29 to facilitate opening. The longitudinal axis 9 of the closure 1 corresponds to that of the tube 30, on which the closure 1 is placed. This variant has the advantage of a very short opening or closing path for the thumb of the user, since the pivot axis is very far inside. In addition, a very good accessibility of the removal opening 5 is given, since the cap 3 can be pivoted about a very large angle. This facilitates the removal of the content. The extension 29 is disposed from the tube 30 at a distance, which also facilitates the operation. Furthermore, the operation is supported by the fact that the extension 29 has a natural thumb attitude adapted inclination.

It is also possible in principle for the extension 29, as shown in FIG. 12a, to be placed not laterally but in the middle of the division of the small container, thus in the immediate region of the opening, similar to that shown in FIG.

In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the cap 3 together with extension 29 is designed as a two-armed lever which is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis 4, which allows an increased force when opening. This is advantageous if an adhesion of the cap 3 is to be feared during prolonged disuse.

The embodiment variant of FIGS. 12 a and 12 b corresponds largely to that of FIGS. 10 a to FIG. 10c, with the difference that at the top of the closure 1, a mandrel 31 is mounted, which is provided in a conventional manner to pierce a non-illustrated closure membrane of the tube 30 at the first opening. For this, the closure 1 is unscrewed once, turned over to pierce and then screwed again. Until the Tube 30 is completely emptied, there is no need to unscrew the cap 1 again.

In the upper region of the closure 1 is chamfered to facilitate the accessibility of the removal opening 5. It can also be seen that in this embodiment, the cap 3 can be pivoted by more than 180 °, that is, that in the open state behind the plane recedes, in which the removal opening 5 is located. This also minimizes the risk of disability during use.

Such a solution is particularly suitable for foods such as mustard. Also in the medical field, this solution can be used advantageously, such as for healing ointments.

FIG. 13 shows that an axis 39 of the removal opening 5 is also arranged at an angle 32 which deviates slightly from a right angle to the axis 9. This deviation should preferably be less than 15 °, that is, the angle 32 is between 75 ° and 90 °. Particularly preferably, the angle 32 is between 80 ° and 85 °. In this case, the removal opening 5 is particularly preferably arranged in the uppermost region of the closure 1, which offers a particularly favorable possibility of removal.

Fig. 14 shows a variant embodiment, in which the removal opening 5 has an annular extension 33 which surrounds them. The front end face 34 is formed obliquely, d .h. not perpendicular to the axis 5a of the removal opening 5, so that the user can easily remove excess contents adhering to the annular extension 33.

The present invention makes it possible to offer various media, such as mustard, shower gel or adhesive in rigid containers, such as bottles, or in flexible containers, such as tubes, easily removable and easy to close.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1. closure (1) for a small container (10), with a substantially tubular attachment portion (6) having a longitudinal axis (9), wherein the attachment portion (6) at an opening of the small container (10) is attachable and with a removal opening ( 5), through a cap

(3) is pivotally mounted on the closure (1) about a pivot axis (4) which is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (9), characterized in that the removal opening (5) approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (9) is oriented.

2. closure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure cap (3) between a closed position and an open position is pivotable and is held in the open position by a holding element.

3. closure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure cap (3) is biased by a spring element in an open position.

4. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a closure pin (8) which opens in a closed position in the removal opening (5), preferably engages.

5. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a tubular extension which closes the removal opening (5) on the outside in a closed position.

6. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the removal opening (5) lies in a plane (12) that the main part of the closure (1) on one side of the plane (12), while the closure cap (3) lies in a closed position mainly on the opposite side of the plane (12), and that the pivot axis

(4) lies at a predetermined distance (d) on the side of the plane (12) on which the shutter lies.

7. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening portion (6) has a female screw thread (11).

8. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closure (1) in the closed state substantially is cylindrical, wherein the closure cap (3) forms part of the lateral surface of the cylinder.

9. closure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the closure has a substantially disc-shaped or conical base surface (7), in which the fastening portion (6) is formed.

10. closure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure cap (3) rests on the base surface (7).

11. closure (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the closure cap (3) in the region of the base surface (7) is arcuate.

12. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a projection (13) which projects from the outer contour of the closure.

13. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure cap (3) has a recess (15) which is bounded by a contact surface for opening the closure (1).

14. Closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the removal opening (5) has a tube-like opening environment.

15. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a mandrel (31) is provided for piercing a membrane.

16. closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that an axis (5a) of the removal opening (5) at an angle (32) to the longitudinal axis (9) is oriented slightly, preferably by less than 15 °, different from a right angle.

17. Closure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the removal opening (5) is surrounded by an annular extension 33.

18. Closure (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that a front end face (34) of the annular extension (33) with respect to the longitudinal axis (9) is inclined.

19. small container (10) with a gripping portion (25), an opening (26) having a longitudinal axis (27) and an opening (26) occluding conclusion (1) with a removal opening (5) which is closable by a closure cap (1) which is pivotally mounted on the closure (1) about a pivot axis (4) which is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (27), characterized in that the removal opening (5) is oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (27).

20. small container (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the gripping portion (25) is formed substantially cylindrical and parallel to the longitudinal axis (27).

21. Small container (10) according to any one of claims 19 or 20, formed as a tube for receiving a pasty medium.

22. Small container (10) according to any one of claims 19 or 20, designed as a bottle made of a flexible material.

23. Small container (10) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the closure (1) is fixed to the small container by a screw, which is designed as a bounce closure.

Small container (10) according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the closure (1) has a base (28).

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