CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FILLING A CLOSURE DEVICE
20240351759 ยท 2024-10-24
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D51/002
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D51/2864
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D81/3211
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65B3/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
A closure device for a container has a lid member for closing the container opening, a chamber associated with the lid member and an inner housing, the chamber and the inner housing having closure means and opening means, which interact with one another in so that a medium contained in the chamber can escape into the container by moving the lid member relative to the inner housing. The chamber is divided by a separating part into a first partial chamber and a second partial chamber, that are arranged one behind the other. A first medium can be received in the first partial chamber and a second medium can be received in the second partial chamber, and by moving the separating part into open position, the first and the second medium can be mixed in the chamber, and the mixed medium can emerge into the container by moving the lid member.
Claims
1. A closure device (1) for a container (2) having a container opening, the closure device (1) comprising: a lid member (4) configured for closing the container opening, a chamber (9) associated with the lid member (4) and an inner housing (5), the chamber (9) and the inner housing (5) having closure means and opening means corresponding to one another, which interact with one another in such a way that a medium contained in the chamber (9) can escape into the container (2) as a result of a movement of the lid member (4) relative to the inner housing (5), wherein the chamber (9) is divided by a separating part (6) into a first partial chamber (10) and a second partial chamber (11), wherein the first partial chamber (10) and the second partial chamber (11) are arranged one behind the other along a central axis (A) of the closure device, wherein the separating part (6) is configured to be moved from a closure position into an opening position, wherein the first partial chamber and second partial chamber are configured such that a first medium can be received in the first partial chamber (10) and a second medium can be received in the second partial chamber (11), wherein, moving the separating part (6) into the open position, enables mixing of the first and the second medium in the chamber (9) to form a mixed medium, and wherein the mixed medium can emerge into the container (2) as a result of the movement of the lid member (4).
2. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the separating part (6) is movable into the opening position in a direction of the central axis (A).
3. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the separating part (6) is biased into the closure position.
4. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the separation part (6) comprises a separating wall (34) extending radially and circumferentially with respect to the central axis (A).
5. The closure device according to claim 4, wherein, in the closure position, the separating wall (34) rests in a sealing manner on an edge side on a stop shoulder (17) of the chamber (9).
6. The closure device according to claim 4, wherein the separating wall (34) comprises a support extension (32) projecting into the second partial chamber (11).
7. The closure device according to claim 6, wherein the support extension (32) cooperates with a ramp part (31) formed in the second partial chamber (11) on a bottom side.
8. The closure device according to claim 6, wherein the separating wall (34) comprises a spacer extension (37) extending in opposition to the support extension (32).
9. The closure device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer extension (37) bears on an inside against a ceiling (38) of the lid member (4).
10. The closure device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer extension (37) comprises a springable portion.
11. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the separating part (6) into the open position is effected by the movement of the lid member (4).
12. The closure device according to claim 9, wherein the ceiling (38) of the lid member (4) comprises an engagement projection and wherein the spacer extension (37) comprises an engagement recess configured for receiving the engagement projection.
13. The closure device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer extension (37) has a centering projection (42) and wherein the inner housing has a centering recess (43) configured for receiving the centering projection (42).
14. A method for filling a closure device (1) for a container (2), wherein the filled closure device (1) can be placed on a container opening, wherein the closure device (1) has a lid member (4) for closing the container opening, a chamber (9) associated with the lid member (4) and an inner housing (5), wherein the chamber (9) and the inner housing (5) have closure means and opening means corresponding to one another, which interact with one another in such a way that a medium contained in the chamber (9) can escape into the container (2) as a result of a movement of the cover element (4) relative to the inner housing (5), comprising the steps of: providing a separating part (6) for dividing the chamber (9) into a first partial chamber (10) and a second partial chamber (11) according to which the first partial chamber (10) and the second partial chamber (11) are arranged one behind the other along a central axis (A) of the closure part, moving the separation part from a closure position into an opening position, wherein the separating part (6) is moved into the open position before being placed on the container (2) and before the inner housing (5) is connected to the lid member (4), filling the first partial chamber (10) which is opened as a result with a first medium which is or becomes at an overpressure with respect to an ambient pressure, securing the separating part (6) in the closure position by the overpressure, and filling the second partial chamber (11) created by the closure position with a second medium.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first partial chamber (10) is filled with a third liquid or solid medium in addition to the first medium.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0023] Hereinafter, the invention is further explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, reproduces only examples of embodiments. Hereby shows:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0054] The closure device 1, see
[0055] The container 2 may be a common bottle, for example a plastic bottle, such as a PET bottle.
[0056] The container 2 may have associated to the closure device 1 a preferably integrally circumferential annular projection 3. The annular projection 3 may also be referred to as a support ring.
[0057] Preferably, in the closed state, the closure device 1 extends only above the annular projection 3.
[0058] As can also be seen in further detail from
[0059] In further detail, the lid member 4 can be composed of a cap part 7 and a base part 8 (shield). Accordingly, the lid member 4 is preferably constructed as such in two parts, which is recommended for manufacturing reasons alone. In principle, however, it can also be constructed in one piece, for example as a blow-moulded part.
[0060] In a two-piece configuration, the base part 8 and the cap part 7 are preferably operatively non-detachably connected to each other. For example, the base part 8 and the cap part 7 may be glued or welded together.
[0061] The lid member 4 forms a chamber 9 in its interior, which is provided for receiving a medium. As will be explained in more detail below, the chamber 9 can automatically come to empty in the course of a removal of the closure device 1 from the container 2.
[0062] In a further detail, two partial chambers created by the separating part 6, a first partial chamber 10 and a second partial chamber 11 are formed when the separating part 6 is in the closed position shown in
[0063] The separating part 6 can be moved between the closed position and an open position, such as that shown in
[0064] A first medium may be received in the first partial chamber 10 and a second medium may be received in the second partial chamber 11. By moving the separating part 6 to the open position, a mixture of the first and second media may be achieved in the second partial chamber or the chamber 9 as a whole. The mixed medium may then be discharged into the container 2. The container 2 may be filled with a further medium, preferably a liquid medium, which may then in turn mix with the mixed medium exiting the closure device 1 before a user can use the mixed substance ultimately present in the container 2 after removal of the closure device 1. The first and second media maybe media which when mixed will maintain the desired property for a longer time. Thus, it can be achieved, that the mixing takes place only once the user intends to use the mixed substance ultimately present in the container 2.
[0065] As can be further seen from the figures, first
[0066] The lid member 4 is further preferably provided rotatable relative to the inner housing 5.
[0067] The inner housing 5 may be connected to the lid member 4 by latching. The lid member 4 is preferably rotatable further preferably only rotatable, without movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, relative to the inner housing 5 in the connected state, further preferably rotatable to a limited angle.
[0068] In the embodiment example and preferably, a detent projection 14 is formed on the lid member 4, further preferably on the base part 8, preferably circumferentially on the outside. A detent receptacle 15 is formed on the inner housing 5 with respect to a formation of the detent projection 14.
[0069] Furthermore, a stop 16 is preferably formed on the upper side of the inner housing 5, preferably in relation to a state of use approximately according to
[0070] The lid member 4 can initially be rotated relative to the inner housing 5 without, in the embodiment example in any case, causing a unscrewing movement of the closure device 1 as a whole relative to the container 2. After the stop 16 has been reached by the stop shoulder 17, a further rotation of the lid member 4 then also rotates the inner housing 5, after which a unscrewing movement can occur which at the same time also comprises a movement of the closure device 1 relative to the container 2 in the direction of the central axis A.
[0071] The closure device 1, preferably the inner housing 5, is further preferably formed with a tamper evident ring 18. The tamper-evident ring 18, when applied to the container 2 as shown in
[0072] In the course of a removal of the closure device 1 from the container 2, in particular said unscrewing, the tamper-evident ring 18 is otherwise separated from the inner housing 5 and preferably remains on the container 2.
[0073] As can further be seen from said
[0074] The inner housing 5 further forms a closure projection 23 which, in the initial state applied to the container 2, approximately as shown in
[0075] In a circumferential groove thus created by the closure projection 23, the bottom region 26 and the closure wall 25, a free end portion 27 of the mouth region 24 of the lid member 4 is sealingly seated, preferably and in the embodiment example of the base part 8 of the lid member 4.
[0076] The closure projection 23 has an outlet formation 28 on a portion of its periphery, and the free end portion 27 has a counter formation 29 on a portion of its periphery. By rotating the lid member 4 relative to the inner housing 5, the outlet formation 28 and the counter formation 29 can come into overlapping contact with each other, as shown in
[0077] For this purpose, the inner housing 5 has an outlet opening 30, preferably in the bottom region 26, in a selected peripheral portion region. Since the outlet formation 28 is arranged in the same circumferential region with respect to the closure projection 23 as the outlet opening 30, the outlet in the container 2 is then also given in the said open position.
[0078] In this sense, the end portion 27 and the circumferential groove form corresponding closure means and the outlet opening 30 and the outlet formation 28 form corresponding opening means.
[0079] As can be seen in further detail, in particular also from
[0080] The separating part 6 further preferably, moreover preferably at a support extension 32, comprises a cooperating surface 33. The cooperating surface 33 serves to cooperate with the ramp part 31, preferably a top surface, in particular a ramp surface 36, of the ramp part 31.
[0081] The cooperating surface 33 and/or an associated surface of the ramp part 31 may be increasing in a circumferential direction, preferably circumferential with respect to the central axis A.
[0082] The separating part 6 further preferably comprises a separating wall 34. The separating wall 34 extends substantially in a radial direction to a central axis A of the closure device 1 or, in any case, a central axis A of the chamber 9.
[0083] In the embodiment and preferably, the separating wall 34 extends in a downwardly swept V-shape with respect to the central axis A, with respect to approximately the cross-section of
[0084] In the closed position, as shown in
[0085] The separating wall 34 divides the chamber 9 into the aforementioned first partial chamber 10 and the second partial chamber 11 in the closed position.
[0086] The support extension 32 is preferably radially spaced and preferably also circumferentially extended from the central axis A, over a portion of the circumference. The radial distance a may be, for example, one tenth or more of a largest inner diameter d of the chamber 9. The distance a may be, for example, up to one third or one half or more of said largest inner diameter d.
[0087] Accordingly, the ramp part 31 is preferably formed with its ramp surface 36 at the same distance and circumferentially, over a partial circumference with respect to the central axis A. The ramp surface 36 preferably serves to interact with the cooperating surface 33.
[0088] Referring to the illustrated conditions in a usual closure state, the separating part 6 further comprises a spacer extension 37 at the top of the separating wall 34. The spacer extension 37 provides a distance to a ceiling 38 of the lid member 4.
[0089] Further preferably, the spacer extension 37 includes one or more engagement parts 39. A engagement part 39 is an engagement formation. The engagement parts 39 may cooperate with an engagement projection 40 formed internally on the ceiling 38. When the lid member 4 is rotated about the central axis A, the separating part 6 is rotated along with it so that it is lifted according to the lifting part, preferably the ramp part 31, and is moved from the closed position approximately according to
[0090] As shown in
[0091] When using the closure device 1, which is applied to the container 2 according to
[0092] The movement of the separating part 6 is due to a form fit between the lid member 4 and the separating part 6 on the one hand and the lifting cooperation due to a ramp action between the separating part 6 and the inner housing 5 on the other hand. In more detail, the form fit can be given by the engagement part 39 and the engagement projection 40 of the spacer extention 37 or the ceiling 38 respectively.
[0093] As can be seen in
[0094] Since the separation part 6 has been rotated along with the rotation of the lid member 4 in the described manner, the lifting movement of the separation part 6 has occurred due to the ramp cooperation between a corresponding ramp surface of the separation part 6 and the ramp part 31.
[0095] This rotation is preferably made possible by the fact that initially, in an initial position according to
[0096] Preferably, the lifting, i.e. the movement of the separating part 6 into the open position, is already completed before the stop shoulder 17 comes into contact with the stop projection 16. For example, on one third to one half or up to two thirds of the circumferential angle of, for example, 180, 270 or 310 degrees given in this respect. At the same time, the counter formation 29 is hereby also rotated with respect to an ultimate alignment with the outlet formation 28. The angle of rotation required for this is decisive for an overall angle of rotation, which is predetermined in the manner mentioned, from an initial position according to approximately
[0097] When the above-mentioned stop position is reached, the outlet position as shown in
[0098] Preferably, the outlet opening 30 is formed with a comparatively small, further preferably circular cross-section. In any case, the design is such that a centered spray jet 52 results, as shown in
[0099] With reference to
[0100] For this purpose, the lid member 4, as far as designed in several parts with inserted and connected base part 8, but without the inner housing 5, is preferably held ready in an inverted position according to
[0101] Here, pressurized means at a higher pressure than the ambient pressure in use. Preferably, the overpressure is about 4 to 8 bar, more preferably about 6 bar (90 psi).
[0102] The pressure on the separating part 6 is then removed so that, according to
[0103] Thereafter, the second partial chamber 11, which is hereby exposed, can be filled with a further medium, for example a powdery medium.
[0104] The inner housing 5 is then placed on the lid member 4,
[0105] In this state, which also corresponds approximately to the state according to
[0106] With reference to
[0107] In further detail, the ceiling 38 may include a centering projection 42 that may engage a centering recess 43 of the separating portion 6.
[0108] The base part 8 may comprise a circumferential sealing shoulder 44, which is made of a material that is different from the rest of the base part 8. It may be an elastic material, such as rubber or TPE.
[0109] The sealing shoulder can extend upwards beyond the separating wall 34 in the closed state according to
[0110] By means of two such insertion shoulders 45, which are preferably formed approximately opposite each other, an advantageous centering of the separating part 6 can be further favorably achieved during assembly.
[0111] Instead of or in addition to the sealing shoulder 44 on the base part 8, a sealing area 51 may also be provided on the separating wall 34, as also shown in the embodiments of
[0112] Preferably, the separating part 6 further comprises a lower second centering projection 46.
[0113] The first centering projection 42 and/or the second centering projection 46 preferably extend in the region of the central axis A.
[0114] When the inner housing 5 is placed in place, a suitable alignment can be achieved by the centering projection 46.
[0115] Preferably circumferentially spaced from the second centering projection 46, a ramp formation 47 is provided on the separating part 6, foot side. The ramp formation 47 cooperates with a counter-ramp formation 48 on the inner housing 5, preferably formed on the closure projection 23 of the inner housing 5. The counter-ramp formation 48 preferably also corresponds in its action to the ramp part 31 of the previously described embodiments.
[0116] A circumferential overgrip flange 49 may further preferably be formed on the separating part 6 above the ramp formation 47. The overgrip flange 49 may come into contact with an upper surface 50 of the closure projection 23.
[0117] With reference to
[0118] Here, it can be seen that two stop projections 16 are preferably formed, which are further preferably spaced apart by a circumferential angle of about 45 degrees, leaving a free space for turning in this case of about 315 degrees. They may be connected to each other by a connecting rib.
[0119] Furthermore, the outlet opening 30 is also identifiable with respect to its small diameter as well. A diameter of the outlet opening 30 preferably corresponds to a fifth or less of a diameter D of the closure projection 23. Further preferably a tenth or less, up to for example a twentieth.
[0120] The outlet formation 28 may be formed as a continuous, radially extending channel, in the closure projection 23. It is further preferably, as can be seen in particular also from
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[0122] As with the separating portion 6 of the first embodiment, the spacer extension 37 and/or the support extension 32 is formed cruciform in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis A.
[0123] In particular, with reference to
[0124] In particular, a second centering protrusion 46 is formed on the separating part 6 and projects downwardly substantially beyond the ramp formation 47. Furthermore, two ramp formations 47 are provided which are circumferentially separate from each other.
[0125] Two corresponding counter ramp formations 48 are also formed on the closure projection 23.
[0126] With reference to
[0127] In
[0128] Then, with the separating part 6 still depressed,
[0129] Further on,
[0130] Then,
[0131] With reference to
[0132] In the initial state,
[0133] The closure device 1 preferably consists entirely of plastic parts. Suitable plastic materials include, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), and with respect to a soft plastic material, for example TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Preferably, the cap part 7 is made of PBT.
[0134] Preferably, the separating part 6 is also made of PBT. In particular, in the case where a seal is moulded on, as in the first embodiment examples, this may comprise TPE. In this respect, a two-component moulded part may be present.
[0135] The base part 8 is preferably also made of PBT and, insofar as a seal is moulded thereon as described, this may also be a two-component moulded part. In this case, the seal may also comprise a TPE, for example.
[0136] For example, the inner housing may be injection molded from polypropylene.
[0137] The first partial chamber 10 may have a volume of, for example, 8 to 15 ml, further preferably 10 to 14 ml, more preferably about 12.5 ml. When filled, this volume may be half filled with a gas under negative pressure and half filled with a liquid, for example. Further preferably, however, the gas is provided with a larger volume than the liquid. For example, with 1.3 to 2.5 times the volume of the liquid. For example, with respect to the gas a volume of 6 to 9 ml, more preferably 8.5 ml, and with respect to the liquid a volume of 3 to 5 ml, more preferably 4 ml, may be provided.
[0138] Preferably, the second sub-chamber 11 has a smaller volume than the first sub-chamber 10. Further preferably, the second sub-chamber 11 has a volume equal to half or less of the volume of the first sub-chamber 10. For example, the second partial chamber 11 may have a volume of 3 to 5 ml, further preferably about 3.5 to 4 ml.
TABLE-US-00001 Listof reference signs 1 closure device 2 container 3 annular projection 4 lid member 5 inner housing 6 separating part 7 cap part 8 base part 9 chamber 10 first partial chamber 11 second partial chamber 12 internal thread 13 external thread 14 detent projection 15 detent receptacle 16 stop 17 stop shoulder 18 temper evident ring 19 separating shoulder 20 breakaway wraps 21 sealing lip 22 container mouth 23 closure projection 24 mouth region 25 closure wall 26 bottom region 27 free end portion 28 outlet formation 29 counter formation 30 outlet opening 31 ramp part 32 support extention 33 cooperating surface 34 separating wall 35 contact shoulder 36 ramp surface 37 spacer extension 38 ceiling 39 engagement part 40 engagement projection 41 wing portion 42 centering projection 43 centering recess 44 sealing shoulder 45 insertion shoulder 46 second centering projection 47 ramp formation 48 counter ramp formation 49 overgrip flange 50 upper surface 51 sealing area 52 spray jet A central axis D Diameter P1 Arrow P2 Arrow P3 Arrow P4 Arrow P5 Arrow a radial distance d large inner diameter