Abstract:
Packaging for pourable or flowable products including a packaging cover positioned in a plane having an opening, wherein the opening is closed in the packing cover by a sealing element, and the sealing element has a sealing frame and a sealing cover which can be at least partially separated from each other for emptying, and which are positioned approximately in the plane of the packaging cover.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/DE2008/000235, filed 12 Feb. 2008, which has based on German Application No. 10 2007 007 372.2, filed 12 Feb. 2007. All priorities are requested. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a packaging for pourable or flowable products, having a packaging cover which is positioned in a plane and has an opening, the opening being closed in the packaging cover by a sealing element. 
         [0003]    The invention also relates to a packaging made of metal that is filled with a carbonated medium and to a use of a sealing element. 
         [0004]    Packagings of this type are known, for example, as conventional beverage cans. In cans of this type, a region is punched out of the cover surface and provided with a handle in such a way that the punched-out cover region can be removed by pulling on the handle. This allows the can to be opened—however, the can may no longer be closed using this opening arrangement. 
         [0005]    There are also reclosable cans with a sealing element and a cover. In these cans, there is incorporated in the packaging cover a plastic part which closes the can and from which a seal can be separated out in order to open the can. Cans of this type have above this plastic part a reclosable cover with which the can may be reclosed once the sealing part has been removed. 
         [0006]    EP 1607341 discloses a packaging cover with a withdrawable sealing element and a closure means which is arranged thereabove and allows the opened packaging cover to be reclosed once the sealing element has been removed. 
         [0007]    In view of the large number of cans manufactured, new can closure covers are continuously being developed, as even minor savings or advantages in the region of the cover of a can allow, in a mass-produced article such as a simple can, major savings. 
         [0008]    The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a packaging for pourable or flowable products in such a way that it can be manufactured in a simple manner and offers major customer benefit. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In a packaging of the type in question, this object is achieved in that the sealing element has a sealing frame and a sealing cover which can be at least partially separated from each other for emptying, the sealing frame remaining connected to the packaging cover during emptying, and which are positioned approximately in the plane of the packaging cover. 
         [0010]    The invention allows a packaging cover provided with a sealing element to be manufactured in a form allowing complex add-ons above the packaging cover to be dispensed with while still combining the seal and closure functions in the cover plane. 
         [0011]    Depending on the embodiment, the new packaging allows individual packagings to be stacked one above another without closure elements on the packaging cover preventing this. 
         [0012]    In particular for fastening the sealing element to the packaging cover, it has proven advantageous if the sealing element extends at least partially into the opening. 
         [0013]    An advantageous embodiment provides for the sealing frame and sealing cover to be embodied in one piece with a predetermined breaking point. This allows the sealing element to be manufactured as a single part, such as for example an injection-molded part made of plastic, in which the sealing frame and sealing cover are separated in a simple manner by a predetermined breaking point prior to the emptying of the packaging. The one-piece embodiment facilitates the manufacture and the connection of the sealing element and packaging cover. 
         [0014]    In order to be able to separate the sealing frame and sealing cover from each other in a simple manner, it is proposed that a notch be arranged between the sealing frame and sealing cover. Another embodiment provides for a weld line to be arranged between the sealing frame and sealing cover. 
         [0015]    Depending on the intended use, it may be beneficial for the sealing cover to remain connected to the packaging even once the packaging has been opened. In order to allow this, it is proposed that, in addition to a predetermined breaking point, there be a further connection between the sealing frame and sealing cover. This further connecting point can be embodied in a particularly secure manner in order still to obtain a connection between the sealing frame and sealing cover even once the sealing frame and sealing cover have been detached in the region of the predetermined breaking point. However, the further connection can also be embodied in a particularly brittle manner in order to facilitate commencing, at a specific point, of the breakage between the sealing frame and sealing cover along the predetermined breaking point. 
         [0016]    For production-related reasons, and in particular in the case of a one-piece manufacture of the sealing frame and sealing cover, provision is made to make the sealing frame and sealing cover from the same material, in particular an injection-moldable plastics material. It is therefore proposed, in particular, that the sealing frame be manufactured by injection molding or injection-compression molding. 
         [0017]    However, as the sealing frame, sealing cover and if appropriate also a handle must meet different requirements, and also the connecting regions between these parts are intended to satisfy specific requirements, it is proposed that the sealing element be made from different materials. 
         [0018]    Modern injection-molding equipment allows the coextrusion of various materials for the manufacture of plastic elements allowing, in addition to shaping, the properties in specific regions of the injection-molded part also to be influenced by way of the selection of material. Thus, for example, the sealing frame can be made from a different material to the sealing cover. However, transition regions, fastening regions, such as flanges, or else breaking point regions can also be made from a different material to the materials surrounding this region. This allows, in particular, plastically deformable and resilient materials to be combined with one another in order to combine, for example, a solid sealing frame with a more readily deformable sealing cover. 
         [0019]    It is therefore proposed that the sealing frame and sealing cover be manufactured in a sandwich injection mold. This allows, for example, the sealing frame to be made from a different material to the sealing cover. It is however also possible to make the region of transition between the sealing frame and sealing cover from a different material or to provide further components, such as for example a handle or the connection to a handle, in a different material. The sandwich injection mold also allows a selection of various colors for different regions of the sealing element. 
         [0020]    It is advantageous if the sealing element has a spout for emptying. This spout is preferably embodied on the sealing frame, so that it remains on the packaging cover during emptying of the sealing cover. However, if the sealing cover remains on the sealing frame after opening, the sealing cover may also be embodied as a spout. 
         [0021]    There are a large number of possibilities for connecting the sealing element to the packaging cover. It is advantageous if the sealing element has at least one radially outwardly protruding flange. A flange of this type allows the sealing element to be fixed with this flange to the inside of the packaging cover or the sealing element to be fixed with the flange to the outside of the packaging cover. 
         [0022]    A particular embodiment provides for the boundary region of the opening in the packaging cover to be received between two flanges of the sealing element. This allows a secure, correctly positioned arrangement of the sealing element relative to the packaging cover. 
         [0023]    A particular embodiment provides for the sealing element to be connected to the boundary region of the opening via a thread or bayonet. This allows the sealing element, and in particular the sealing frame of the sealing element, to be screwed into an opening in the packaging cover. 
         [0024]    A particularly advantageous embodiment leads to a reclosable closure. For this purpose, provision is made for the sealing cover to be embodied in such a way that it, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, can be reconnected to the sealing frame as a closure cap. The sealing cover thus has a first function as a seal and is connected to the sealing frame preferably via a predetermined breaking point in order to ensure for the user, in the state in which the packaging is dispatched, that the packaging has not previously been opened by third parties. Once this seal has been removed, the seal is not—as is conventional—thrown away; instead, the seal is embodied in such a way that it can be reconnected to the sealing frame as a closure cap. 
         [0025]    Depending on the embodiment of the sealing cover and the sealing frame, the sealing cover can, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, be reconnected to the sealing frame in substantially the same position. Conversely, an advantageous variant embodiment provides for the sealing cover to be embodied in such a way that it, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, can be reconnected with the outwardly pointing inside to the sealing frame. Thus, in order to open the packaging, the sealing cover is, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, rotated through 180° in relation to its original position and re-placed on the packaging in order to close the packaging. 
         [0026]    In particular for this reclosing, provision is advantageously made for the sealing cover to be embodied in such a way that it, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, can be reconnected in a locking manner to the sealing frame as a closure cap. Specifically this locking connection allows the sealing cover to be reconnected to the sealing frame in a simple manner and, even thereafter, the packaging to be repeatedly reopened and closed in a simple manner. 
         [0027]    An alternative provides for the sealing cover to be embodied in such a way that it, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, can be reconnected to the sealing frame as a closure cap by means of adhesive strips. An adhesive strip is particularly suitable specifically with regard to a simple and particularly flat connection between the sealing cover and sealing frame for temporarily sealing the packaging. 
         [0028]    The sealing cover can be connected to the sealing frame via a thread or a bayonet closure as a closure cap in order to be easily removable and re-placeable. An advantageous embodiment provides for the sealing cover to be embodied in such a way that it, once it has been removed from the sealing frame, can be inserted into a clamping cone of the sealing frame as a closure cap. In this case, the clamping cone alone can lead to an adequate connection. However, the clamping cone can also additionally have a locking arrangement in order to attain optimum positioning of the sealing cover in the sealing frame as a closure cap. 
         [0029]    The user can, for example, press the sealing element into the packaging using his finger. It is however advantageous if a handle is provided for opening the sealing element. A handle of this type can be embodied in manifold ways and manners. 
         [0030]    Thus, it is for example advantageous if a handle is rigidly connected to the sealing element. In particular, the handle is designed in one piece with the sealing element. It is advantageous if the handle is molded onto the sealing cover. 
         [0031]    Additionally or alternatively, provision is made for the handle to have an arrangement for acting on the predetermined breaking point. For this purpose, a first variant embodiment provides for the handle to form a lever or eccentric to facilitate breakage at a predetermined breaking point. According to another embodiment, the handle has a spike-like design to act on the predetermined breaking point. 
         [0032]    A particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment provides for the handle to be integrated into a closure cap. 
         [0033]    One exemplary embodiment provides in this case for the handle to be embodied as a formed part of a closure cap that can be connected to the sealing frame in a locking manner. An alternative provides for the handle to be embodied in such a way that it can be connected to the packaging cover in a locking manner. 
         [0034]    In order to separate the sealing cover from the sealing frame in a simple manner and subsequently also to refasten it to the sealing frame, it is proposed that a second handle be arranged on the side of the sealing cover that opposes a first handle. 
         [0035]    In particular for packagings filled with liquids, it is proposed that a second opening, which is closed by a second sealing element, be provided in the cover. This allows the packaging to be emptied through the first opening, while air can subsequently flow into the packaging through the second opening. 
         [0036]    It is in this case advantageous if, in the packaging cover, the second opening is formed in a sector substantially opposing the first opening. 
         [0037]    The described closure mechanism is suitable for a broad range of types of packaging. However, the type of closure offers particular advantages to a can, as it can be embodied in a particularly simple manner on a can cover without the height of the can significantly increasing as a result. 
         [0038]    Whereas a broad range of closures have been described for plastic and paper composite packagings, there is, in particular in packagings made of metal, a particular requirement for flat, reclosable closures. Therefore, one exemplary embodiment of the invention provides for the packaging to be made from a metal. Particular advantages open up if the packaging has a seamed cover, as this seaming provides a restricted height remaining for the closure in which only specific types of closure can be arranged. 
         [0039]    The embodiment of the closure opens up a broad field of applications for packagings of this type. The type of the closure allows the packaging to be filled with carbonated liquids which build up a certain internal pressure which the closure must withstand. Therefore, the closure is ideally suited, in addition to a large number of further possible applications, to packagings filled with a lemonade or beer. 
         [0040]    The invention therefore also leads to a packaging made of metal that is filled with a carbonated medium and has a plastic part embodied as an opening and to a use of a sealing element made of plastic for a packaging made of metal that contains a carbonated medium. 
         [0041]    A plurality of exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. These are merely different embodiments showing how the invention may be implemented; these are merely exemplary embodiments which do not restrict the scope of application of the invention but rather provide the person skilled in the art with encouragement for specific further embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]    In the drawings: 
           [0043]      FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view onto a can; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a schematic section through the can shown in  FIG. 1  along the line I-I; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a schematic section through a closure with an internal flange; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a schematic section through a closure with an external flange; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  is a schematic section through a closure with an internal and external flange; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  is a schematic section through a closure with the handle raised; 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  is a schematic section through a closure with the handle raised and sealing cover lowered; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8  is a schematic section through a closure with the sealing cover removed; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9  is a schematic section through a closure with a rotatably articulated handle; 
           [0052]      FIG. 10  is a schematic section through a closure with an articulated handle and lever lug; 
           [0053]      FIG. 11  is a schematic section through a closure with the articulated handle and spike in a first position; 
           [0054]      FIG. 11   a  is a schematic section through the closure along the line  11   a - 11   a  in  FIG. 11 , 
           [0055]      FIG. 12  is a schematic section through the closure shown in  FIG. 11  with the handle in a second position; 
           [0056]      FIG. 13  is a schematic section through a closure with a suspendable handle in the closed position; 
           [0057]      FIG. 14  shows schematically the closure shown in  FIG. 13  in the opened position; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15  shows schematically the closure shown in  FIG. 14  in the position hooked onto the seamed edge of a packaging; 
           [0059]      FIG. 16  is a schematic section through a closure with an engageable cover; 
           [0060]      FIG. 17  shows schematically the closure shown in  FIG. 16  with the handle raised; 
           [0061]      FIG. 18  shows schematically the closure shown in  FIG. 16  in the slightly opened position; 
           [0062]      FIG. 19  shows schematically the closure shown in  FIG. 16  with the cover clipped on; and 
           [0063]      FIG. 20  is a schematic section through a closure with a spout. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0064]      FIG. 1  shows a packaging  1  in a plan view onto the packaging cover  2  with a decentrally arranged opening  3  which is closed by a sealing element  4 . This sealing element  4  consists substantially of a sealing frame  5  and a sealing cover  6  which is positioned approximately in the plane of the packaging cover  2 . 
         [0065]    The section shown in  FIG. 2  shows how the sealing element  4  is fastened to the can cover  2  with an upper flange  7  and a lower flange  8 . The flanges  7  and  8  form substantially the sealing frame  5  which holds the sealing cover  6 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 3 and 4  each show a sealing element in which only a lower flange  8  or only an upper flange  7  is provided. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5 to 8  show the opening of a packaging in the region of its cover  2  by detaching a sealing cover  6  from a sealing frame  5 . For this purpose, the sealing cover  6  is connected to the sealing frame  5  via a predetermined breaking point  9 . A shear force, which at a first point breaks the connection between the sealing frame and sealing cover in the region of the predetermined breaking point, is produced during raising of a handle  10 . Further pulling on the handle  10  leads, as shown in  FIG. 7 , to detachment of the sealing cover from the sealing frame and thus to the opening of the packaging. The sealing cover  6  can remain on the sealing frame while the packaging is emptied. Alternatively thereto, the sealing cover can, as shown in  FIG. 8 , be completely removed from the sealing frame  5  in order to completely clear the opening  3 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 9  shows a packaging cover  2  with a sealing element  11  having a sealing frame  12  and a sealing cover  13 . Articulated to the sealing cover  13  is a handle  14  which is made from a different material and serves to detach the sealing cover  13  from the sealing frame  12 . 
         [0069]    In order to facilitate this detachment of the sealing cover  13  from the sealing frame  12 , the handle  15  shown in  FIG. 10  has a lug  16 . During raising of the handle  15 , the lug  16  is pressed in the direction toward the predetermined breaking point  9  in order to break open the connection between the sealing cover  13  and sealing frame  12  more easily at this point. 
         [0070]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 and 12  provides a spike  18  on a handle  17 . Preferably, the spike  18  does not tower above the surface of the handle  17  (as shown in  FIG. 11   a ) in order to prevent a possible injury by opening the packaging  1 . When the handle  17  is rotated about the pivot point, the spike  18  enters into engagement with the predetermined breaking point  9  in order to break open the predetermined breaking point or line as a result of pressure on the handle  17  and thus pressing of the spike  18  into the predetermined breaking point  9 . 
         [0071]    In particular if the sealing cover is not to be thrown away, the sealing cover hangs from the sealing frame in a manner which may cause inconvenience. Therefore,  FIG. 13 to 15  show an embodiment of a closure in which the handle  20  can be suspended from the seamed edge  21  of a packaging cover  22  in a locking manner. For this purpose, a sealing frame  23  is fastened to the can cover  22 , while a sealing cover  24  is received within the sealing frame  23 . The handle  20 , which can be stretched together with the sealing cover in such a way as to allow the handle to be suspended with a hook-shaped end  25  from the seamed edge  21  of the can cover  22 , is arranged at one side of the sealing cover  24 . 
         [0072]    The closure  30 , which is shown in  FIG. 16 to 19  and in which, in turn, a sealing cover  31  is arranged in a sealing frame  32 , allows a particularly easily closable packaging. The sealing frame has a slightly conically opened opening  33  in which the sealing cover  31  is first secured. A connection between the sealing frame  32  and sealing cover  31  ensures a tight closure of a packaging. 
         [0073]    The sealing cover  31  has a handle  34 , raising of which first tears the connection between the sealing cover  31  and sealing frame  32 , so that the sealing cover  31  can be detached from the sealing frame  32  by pulling by means of the handle  34  on the sealing cover  31 . The raising of the handle  34  and the detaching of the sealing cover  31  from the sealing frame  32  are shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
         [0074]    As soon as the sealing cover  31  as a whole has been detached from the sealing frame  32 , this sealing cover  31  can be fastened, in the inverse orientation, to the sealing frame  32 . For this purpose, there is provided on the sealing frame  32  a circumferential lug  35  which forms an undercut with which a circumferential lug  36  provided on the sealing cover can engage. The seal  31  can as a result, in the reversed position, be pressed back onto the sealing frame  32 , the lug  36  encircling the edge connecting the sealing cover  31  to the sealing frame  32  in a locking manner at the lug  35 . 
         [0075]    The handle  34  arrives in this case at the inside of the packaging and, for better gripping of the sealing cover  31 , an additional handle  37  is arranged at the side of the sealing cover  31  that opposes the first handle  34 . 
         [0076]    The exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 20  is constructed in a similar manner to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . However, in this closure  40 , a spout  42 , which in the figure is indicated only schematically, is provided on the sealing frame  41 .