Container closing device

A container closing device suitable for cans of drink, having an opening tab provided in a container wall, and an opening element suitable for pressing in the opening tab and a fixing device, whereby the opening tab can be detachably fixed to the container wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a container closing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container closing device having an opening tab provided in a container wall, an opening element suitable for pressing in the opening tab and a fixing device allowing the opening tab to be detachably fixed to the container wall.

2. Description of the Related Art

The related art involves containers ubiquitous in everyday life. In many cases, there is a need to provide the respective container with a cap that enables simple opening as well as re-closing of the container. Accordingly, there are a large number of container closing devices such as screw caps. What container closing device is used in individual cases depends on the condition and intended use of the respective container. Stationary containers are often provided with different closing devices from transportable containers.

Liquids are often poured into cans for the purpose of easy and convenient transportability with no risk of breakage. This particularly relates to drinks and the cans that contain them. Under normal transportation conditions, such cans of drink provide the opportunity to transport the drink inside them in a leak-proof manner.

A container closing device according to the state of the art suitable for cans of drink is shown diagrammatically inFIGS. 1a,1band5b. As can be seen from these figures, such a container closing device according to the state of the art has an opening element3, which is fastened to the container wall1, frequently to the can lid, in particular by means of a riveted joint6. The opening element3partially extends across an opening tab5, which is incorporated in the container wall1.

FIGS. 1aand5bshow such a container closing device according to the state of the art in the closed state. If the container is now to be opened, i.e. if an opening is to be applied to the container wall1, the opening element3is tilted in relation to the riveted joint in such a way that the opening tab5is pushed in by means of the opening element3and an opening is thus uncovered in the container wall1.FIG. 1bshows an opening tab5pushed in this way. As the opening element3, upright as a result of the pushing-in of the opening tab5, usually impedes the outpouring of liquid from the container or drinking from the same, the opening element is usually folded back into its original position again after the opening process, as shown inFIG. 1b. After the container has been opened by means of the known container closing device in the manner just described, the opening tab5continuously uncovers an opening in the container wall1. Subsequent re-closing of the container and the container wall1is not possible with such a known container closing device. If the container is not emptied in one go, with the result that residual liquid remains in the container for subsequent use, this means that impurities can enter the container.

The same applies to insects, which particularly constitute a health risk in the case of drinks cans. In addition, there is the risk that liquid is spilled during subsequent transportation of the container. Furthermore, in the case of carbonated drinks, the carbonic acid is lost more quickly than with a closed container. Moreover, after the container has apparently been emptied, residual drink generally remains in the container, and can attract the unwelcome attention of insects.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a re-closable container closing device that is particularly suitable for cans of drink.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a re-closable container closing device wherein the basic principle of operation is to guide the pushed-in opening tab back into its original position and fix it there.

The present invention relates to a container closing device suitable for cans of drink, having an opening tab provided in a container wall, and an opening element suitable for pressing in the opening tab and a fixing device, whereby the opening tab can be detachably fixed to the container wall.

The above, and aspects objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices.

FIG. 2shows a diagrammatic representation of a first execution example of a container closing device according to the invention. As shown, an opening tab5, which is provided with a sealing ring to seal the opening tab against the container wall in the advantageous embodiment variant ofFIG. 2, is inserted into the container wall1. The opening tab5is connected to the opening element3by means of a riveted joint17. Alternatively or in addition to a riveted joint, other connections can obviously also be provided, for example weld spots. The opening element3is connected to the container wall by means of a further riveted joint or another intrinsically known connection, for example a spot weld. Furthermore, a latch9is provided. A latch in the context of the present invention refers to any mechanism that is able to fix the opening element by means of engaging, clamping, clicking in or the like.

FIG. 3shows a further execution example of a container closing device according to the invention that corresponds to that inFIG. 2, except for the fact that the sealing ring11of the execution example ofFIG. 2is replaced by a surface seal13.

The execution example ofFIG. 4aalso largely corresponds to the embodiment variants ofFIGS. 2 and 3. However, instead of a sealing ring11or a surface seal13, a flexible membrane15is provided here. Due to the functional similarity of the execution examples ofFIGS. 2 to 4, their function is jointly described in further detail below on the basis of the execution example shown inFIGS. 4aand4b:

FIG. 4ashows the container closing device according to the invention in the closed state. The opening tab5abuts the container wall1and is additionally sealed against this by the flexible membrane15, and in the case ofFIGS. 2 and 3by the sealing ring11and the surface seal13respectively. The opening element3is fixed in this closed state by means of the latch. This is achieved in that the opening element is pushed in the direction of the container wall through the surmountable resistance provided by a latch. As a result of this, the latch is temporarily bent slightly, before it engages and fixes the opening element. This fixing effect of the latch9is illustrated by the top view of the container closing device fromFIG. 4athat is reproduced inFIG. 5a. Before the container closing device is opened for the first time, the opening element3can be fixed by means of the latch9, but this is not strictly necessary, as the opening tab5has not yet been pushed in at that point, and is still connected to the container wall1.

FIG. 4bshows the container closing device fromFIG. 4ain the opened state. As can be seen from this, the opening element3has been raised as a result of raising and surmounting of the resistance applied by the latch9, with the result that the opening tab together with the flexible membrane15attached thereto by means of the riveted joint17has been pressed in. As a result of this, an opening has been uncovered in the container wall1. In order to re-close the container, the opening element3only needs to be pushed again against the container wall1as described above, with the resistance applied by the latch9having to be surmounted again. After this, the opening element3is again fixed and the container is closed.

The above-mentioned explanations can similarly be transferred to the execution examples inFIGS. 2 and 3. The additional sealing function of the membrane15is only exercised there by the sealing ring11and the surface seal13respectively.

The sealing ring11, the surface seal13and the membrane15are each fastened to the opening tab5. In the case of the surface seal13and the membrane15, fastening is preferably carried out by means of the same riveted joint17, which already ensures connection between the opening element3and the opening tab5. Instead of a riveted joint, a screwed joint or welded joint is obviously also possible. A latch as in the present invention can particularly consist of metal, plastic or other materials with minimum flexibility. It can, for example, be fastened to the container wall1by means of riveting, compression, adhesive bonding or welding. In addition, there is the possibility of pressing a latch into the container wall during manufacture of the latter.

In the execution variants of the container closing device according to the invention according toFIGS. 2,3,4aand4bas well as5a, the provision of a sealing ring11, a surface seal13or a membrane for sealing the opening tab5can be dispensed with. However, this may result in at least partially reduced leak-tightness of the container closing device.

FIGS. 6aand6billustrate a further execution example of a container closing device according to the invention, in the case ofFIG. 6afor a small opening tab5, in the case ofFIG. 6bfor a larger opening tab5. Both figures show a top view of a can lid1, which represents a container wall1. An opening element23a,23bis fastened to this container wall1by means of a riveted joint27. The opening element23a,23bintermeshes a first web24, which is fastened to the opening tab5. Each ofFIGS. 6aand6bshows two positions of the opening element, namely23aand23b. The opening element is transferred from one position to the other via rotation, as indicated by the arrow29. In both positions, the opening element23,23bintermeshes the first web24. In position23aof the opening element, the opening tab5can be pushed in for the first time or repeatedly, and the container or can be opened as a result of this. The first web24is structured in such a way that it is at least partially intermeshed by the opening element23a,23beven when the opening tab5is pushed in. For this reason, the first web24is preferably shaped in such a way that it extends as far as the riveted joint27when the opening tab5is closed.

As the opening element23a,23btherefore continuously intermeshes the first web24, the pushed-in opening tab5can, through holding down of the opening element23a, be pulled up to the container wall1in the case ofFIG. 6aand in the case of6band the container or can of drink can be closed in this way. To fix the opening tab, the opening element23ais transferred in accordance with the rotation29into position23b, in which it prevents pushing-in of the opening tab5by resting against the container wall1. For further opening of the can or container, the opening element23bis in turn transferred into position23a. In this way, the container can be re-closed several times.

In a further embodiment of the invention, analogously toFIGS. 2 to 5, a seal, for example a sealing ring, a surface seal or a sealing membrane, can in turn be provided on the opening tab. A further preferred execution variant provides for the first web24to be tapered towards the opening element on the side of the web that can be brought into contact with the opening element23a,23b, i.e. the side that the opening element at least temporarily abuts. As a result of this, the opening tab5and a seal that may be connected to it is pushed more firmly against the container wall1the further the opening element23ais brought in the direction of the opening element position23bin accordance with the rotational movement29. The further the opening element is removed from its position23athe more firmly the opening tab is pushed against the container wall1and the better the can of drink or container is sealed.

FIGS. 7aand7billustrate a further execution example of a device according to the invention, in one case for a smaller opening tab and in the other case for a larger opening tab5. In both cases, in addition to the first web24already known fromFIGS. 6a,6b, a second web30is provided, which can also be intermeshed by the opening element23a,23b. In turn, two positions of the opening element23aand23bare shown in each ofFIGS. 7aand7b. In the case of position23a, the container closing device can be opened by pushing in the opening tab5through raising of the opening element23a. The opening element23a,23bin turn continually intermeshes the first web24. By means of the latter, the opening tab5can therefore be retracted from a pushed-in state and pulled against the container wall1. If the opening tab5as been retracted to the container wall1, the opening element23a,23bcan be transferred by means of rotation to position23b, in which the opening tab is fixed inFIG. 7aand also inFIG. 7b. This fixing is achieved by intermeshing of the second web30by the opening element23b.

The second web30is preferably tapered towards the opening element23a,23bon the side of the web that can be brought into contact with the opening element in order to enable the variation of contact pressure described above, by means of which the opening tab5is pulled against the container wall1. In the same way as in the execution examples described above, a seal can also be provided here. In particular, a flexible membrane can be connected to the opening tab5as a seal.

The functioning of the devices according to the invention fromFIGS. 7aand7bis explained in more detail below on the basis ofFIGS. 8 to 11a. For instance,FIG. 8shows a lateral view of the container closing device fromFIG. 7ain the unlocked state. As can be seen here, the first web is intermeshed by the opening element23a, although, as can be seen fromFIG. 8a, which reproduces a front view of the container closing device fromFIG. 7ain the same state, the opening element23adoes not intermesh the second web30. The container closing device can be opened in this position.

This is illustrated byFIGS. 10 and 10ain a lateral and front cut-away view respectively. As can be seen here, the opening element23ahas been raised, and consequently the opening tab5has been pushed in. The opening element23acontinues to intermesh the first web24. This also applies to the container closing device fromFIG. 7bwith the wider opening tab, which is shown in the opened state in a lateral and rear cut-away view inFIGS. 9 and 9arespectively. InFIGS. 10,10aand9,9a, the opening element23acontinues to intermesh the first web24. Through holding down of the opening element23aagainst the container1, the respective opening tab can therefore in turn be brought closer to the container wall1and the container can be closed in this way. In turn, in the case of the execution variant according toFIG. 7a, the state shown inFIGS. 8 and 8ais reached. From there, the opening tab can now be detachably fixed by transferring the container closing device to the locked state, which is reproduced diagrammatically inFIGS. 11 and 11ain a lateral and front cut-away view. In this locking position, the opening element23b(cf. position of the opening element inFIG. 7a) intermeshes the first web24as well as the second web30, the latter being shown inFIG. 11a. As a result of this, the opening element and consequently also the opening tab5connected thereto is fixed. This fixing is detachable, as the opening element23bcan in turn be transferred from this position into the opening element position23a, which is reproduced inFIGS. 8 and 8a.

FIGS. 12 and 12aillustrate an advantageous further embodiment of the execution example of the container closing device according to the invention fromFIGS. 6aand6b.FIG. 12illustrates the case of a smaller opening tab, andFIG. 12aillustrates the case of a larger opening tab. As can be seen in the respective views of a drink can lid, which forms the container wall1, an opening element33a,33bis provided with an opening element33a,33b, which is provided with a recess35. This recess35is executed in such a way that the opening element intermeshes the first web24in a first position33a, but not in the second position33b, which is shown in a broken line inFIGS. 12 and 12a. By means of rotation of the opening element33a,33b, the latter can be transferred from one position to the other. This makes it possible to detach the intermeshing of the opening element33a,33bbehind the first web when the opening tab5is pushed in, by transferring the opening element into position33band then holding it down onto the container wall.

In this way, the outflow of the liquid from the container and drinking from the latter is not impeded by an upright opening element, as can be seenFIG. 9or10, for example. Instead, the opening element33a,33bcan rest against the container wall when the opening tab5is pushed in, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. When the intermeshing is detached in such a way, the opening element can easily be transferred from position33ainto position33band vice versa.

The execution example ofFIGS. 12 and 12acan, like all other embodiment variants of the container closing device according to the invention, advantageously be equipped with a seal on the opening tab5, in particular with a sealing ring, a surface seal or a particularly preferable flexible membrane. This has already been described above in connection withFIGS. 2 to 5.

In a preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the first web24is connected to the opening tab5by means of riveting. A membrane15is fastened to the opening tab5by means of the same riveted joint.FIG. 15shows an enlarged partial view of such a riveted joint before the riveting process is carried out. Accordingly, the first web24is provided with a hollow riveted body40on the end of the web that penetrates the opening tab5, said body being at least partially surrounded by the membrane15. For precise riveting, a fixing clamp42is also provided that encloses the membrane15in sections together with the hollow riveted body40. In order to obtain a tight riveted joint, the first web is also extensively surrounded with a sealing compound37in the area of the web that penetrates the opening tab5. In the riveting process, the hollow riveted body40is now compressed with the fixing clamp42, which leads to the result shown inFIG. 16. The membrane15is now firmly connected with the opening tab5, just like the first web24. At the same time, the sealing compound37is pressed into the rivet hole, thus ensuring the tightness of the joint.

FIG. 17illustrates another option for executing the first web44. The starting point here is a riveted pin43that penetrates the opening tab5and is provided with a membrane15and sealing compound37in a similar way to the first web24inFIG. 15. This riveted pin is connected to the membrane15and the opening tab5in a similar way to the first web24inFIGS. 15 and 16. Furthermore, the riveted pin is deformed to the effect that it is deformed for execution of the first web44, i.e. it is bent on the opening tab5as indicated by the arrow46. The riveted pin43can have a continuous cylinder shape. However, in the preferred embodiment variant shown inFIG. 17, the riveted pin43has a reinforced riveted neck that simplifies the riveting and subsequent deformation of the riveted pin43.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional object and advantages thereof will best be understood from the description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiment(s) is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting or with minimal recitation of such phrases involving structure, material, or act in support of the function. For example a ‘means for labeling’ may also be referred to as a “labeling means for applying a label . . . ”. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.