Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97102788
Closure membrane
The invention relates to a closure membrane with a closure
head and a retaining border, the closure head being connected
to the retaining border via a connecting wall adjoining the
outer border, with the entire arrangement being of
essentially cup-shaped design, and, furthermore, the closure
head preferably being of a thickness which increases outwards
from the centre.
Such closure membranes have already been disclosed in a large
number of configurations. You are referred, for example, to
EP-A-545 678, also to EP-B-146 464, EP-A-442 379 and US
Patent Specification 2 175 052 and, additionally, to German
Patent Application 19613130.8, which is not a prior
publication. The disclosure of the last-mentioned patent
application is included in full in the disclosure of the
present application, also for the purpose of incorporating
features of said patent application in claims of the present
application.
Such a closure membrane is not yet regarded as optimum in all
respects as far as its closure behaviour is concerned. This
is also put down to the fact that, in particular depending on
the specific installation conditions, forces acting on the
connecting wall have an undesirable effect on the closure
head.
Taking said prior art as a basis, the invention is concerned
. with the technical problem of specifying an improved closure
membrane.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 2005-10-17
2
Such closure membranes have already been disclosed in a large number of
configurations. You are referred, for example, to EP-A-545 678, also to EP-B-
146 464,
EP-A-442 379 and US Patent Specification 2 175 052 and, additionally, to
German
Patent Application publication 19613130, which is not a prior publication.
Such a closure membrane is not yet regarded as optimum in all respects as far
as its
closure behaviour is concerned. This is also put down to the fact that, in
particular
depending on the specific installation conditions, forces acting on the
connecting wall
have an undesirable effect on the closure head.
Taking said prior art as a basis, an aspect of the invention is concerned with
the technical
problem of specifying an improved closure membrane.
The invention therefore provides a closure membrane with a closure head and a
retaining
border, the closure head being connected to the retaining border via a
connecting wall,
the closure membrane being of essentially cup-shaped design and the closure
head being
of a thickness which increases outwards from the center thereof. The
connecting wall is
attached to the closure head at a border region thereof via a connecting web
which is of a
lesser thickness than the connecting wall and the border region of the closure
head, the
connecting web having a thickness within
CA 02256711 2005-06-30
2a
range 0.2 mm to 0.35 mm and in the rest position of the membrane projecting
radially
inwards from the connecting wall.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self closing
closure
comprising a closure cap with a closure opening and further comprising a
closure
membrane described in the above paragraph, wherein the closure membrane is
arranged
relatively to the closure opening in such a way that the closure head is
located within the
closure opening and the closure head projects beyond the closure cap.
The technical problem can be solved based on the fact that the connecting wall
is
attached to the closure head via a connecting web, which projects radially
inwards from
the connecting wall and is of a lesser thickness than the border region of the
closure head.
According to an embodiment the invention, the region where the closure head is
connected to the connecting wall tapers, in cross-section, with respect to the
(border-side)
thickness of the closure head. Nevertheless, the resulting radially inwardly
projecting
connecting web is closed all the way round, this further maintaining the
closed state of
the closure membrane. It has advantageously been shown that, as a result, the
movement
of the closure head is largely isolated from the movements and the forces to
which the
connecting wall is subjected or which act on the connecting wall.
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 n PCT/EP97/02788
-3-
border edge on a top closure part or a hinge mechanism of the
closure head. It is also advantageous if the connecting wall
and the connecting web are connected to the closure head so
as to produce, ir. cross-section, two mutually opposite,
peripheral grooves, between the connecting wall and the
closure head, which are separated by the connecting web. In a
further detail, it may also be provided, in relation to a
closure into which such a closure membrane is inserted, that,
in the non-actuated installed state, the closure membrane has
a bottom retaining border and a top, essentially concave
closure head, the closure head and the retaining border,
furthermore, being connected to one another by said
connecting wall. T_t is also preferred for the installed state
of the closure me:~,brane to be achieved by turning the closure
membrane inside out after it has been produced by injection
moulding. This produces favourable force effects. In
particular, on the one hand, the concave closure head is
advantageously prestressed into its closed state by radially
acting forces of the inside-out connecting wall. On the other
hand, however, rabid opening, in particular for ventilating
purposes, durir_c sucking back, should also be noted.
Furthermore, starting from a border-side attachment to the
closure head, the connecting wall may preferably continue
into a constriction beneath a projection area of the closure
head, this observation once again being based on the
installed state. As is explained in more detail below, this
is achieved, in ~a~ticular, in that, in the production state
(injection-moulde~ state), the connecting wall extends
essentially cyli~rically, starting from the closure head.
Depending on the ~2sired properties of the closure membrane,
however, there ~ra;r also be a variation here in terms of a
conical config~=~tio:~. Continuation into a constriction
beneath the pro=~ction area of the closure head produces
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-4-
something of a goblet-like configuration of the closure
membrane as a whole in this region. Furthermore, there are
also applications i~ which, even in the installed state, the
connecting wall adjoins the bottom of the closure head in an
essentially cylindrically extending manner, in particular
when the abovementioned operation of turning the closure
membrane inside out after production is not carried out.
Specifically, it is advantageous, in particular with respect
to the above-described inside-out, installed state, if, as
has already been mentioned, the border side of the closure
head is of a greater thickness than the boundary wall. The
abovedescribed connecting web, in particular, also has an
advantageous effect here. The closure head may taper inwards
continuously, starting from its border region. The boundary
wall is attached to a top region of the border edge, as seen
in cross-section, of the closure head of the closure membrane
- this observation once again being based on the installed
state - and the boundary wall grips over a bottom, free
border region of the boundary edge of the closure head. As a
result of the abovedescribed, advantageously set compressive
forces directed towards a centre point of the closure head,
this being achieved by a certain enforced widening of the
elastic material of the closure membrane, in particular of
the connecting wall, a radially inwardly directed force is
thus exerted or. the border edge of the closure head,
essentially over the entire circumference. These forces are
also absorbed extremely favourably as a result of the closure
head extending i n a dome-shaped manner . At the same time, as
a result of t'.~.e abovedescribed attachment via a connecting
web, a little-desire4 moment is transmitted to the closure
head only to a s'_ighr extent, if at all. As a result of the
prevailing radia'_ forces and the resulting prestressing in
the closure membrane and, in particular, in the closure head
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RUSE 26)
._._._.___.. _._ ____w T _
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
of the closure membrane, further advantageous properties are
achieved during actuation of the closure membrane. The
resulting prestressing in the dome-shaped structure of the
closure membrane, on the one hand, ensures a high sealing
force and, on the other hand, when the dome-shaped structure
is disrupted (dispensing operation or sucking back), breaking
out also takes place straight away in response to relatively
low force exertion. In a conventional dispensing operation,
the radial opening slits preferably provided in the closure
head open, above a certain pressure, reliably and almost
abruptly. As a dispensing operation is completed, and the
squeezable bottle on which the closure, for example, is
fitted returns into its original position, first of all the
closure head is drawn into the initial, concave state,~in a
conventional manner, and then it opens out downwards with
sucking back of air, which, despite the abovedescribed
stressing prevailing in the closure head, does not require a
great amount of force or negative pressure, but rather only a
relatively small amount thereof. In a further advantageous
configuration, it is also provided tha~, in the injection-
moulded state, the connecting wal'_ runs essentially
cylindrically. However, as has already been mentioned, the
abovedescribed prestressing to which the closure head is
subjected in the inside-out state of the closure membrane, or
a funnel formation, may also be influenced and varied by a
change in the angle in the connecting wall (as seen in cross-
section). The connecting wall merges into a peripheral
reinforcement region, and a fastening ring is attached to the
reinforcement ring. The reinforcement ring has proven to be
advantageous, in particular, with respect to the closure
membrane moving out telescopically in the event cf pressure
build-up, as is described in more detGil below. Th2 fastening
ring serves for retaining the cicsure membrane in the
SU8ST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-6-
closure. In a further preferred detail, it is provided that
the fastening =ing is connected to the reinforcement ring via
an attachment wall which, in cross-section, extends at an
angle to the connecting wall.
In relation to the closure, it is also particularly preferred
for a widened region to adjoin the through-passage opening,
formed in the closure cap, towards the outside, and for the
closure head of the closure membrane to be assigned to this
widened region. For passing through the through-passage
opening (as seen from the bottom upwards), the connecting
wall can extend into the widened region. It is not absolutely
necessary here for the connecting wall to rest against the
widened region in the rest state of the closure. However; the
connecting wall usually comes to butt against the widened
region during a dispensing operation, this being accompanied
by advantageous force conditions, which are described in more
detail below, and by the opening operation in the closure
head being influenced, usually assisted. Arranging the
closure head, according to the invention, in the widened
region results, first of all, in the closure head having a
certain amount of support in the downwards direction, but, if
appropriate, also in the radially lateral direction. In
addition, the taper provided beneath the closure head by the
widened region and the through-passage opening is
advantageous in that it provides something of a positively
locking seat for the closure membrane. Simple installation of
the closure membrane is possible. Adhesive bonding or the
like is not necessary. Nevertheless, the closure head has
sufficient freedc:.~, oz move:~ent in ..=der to carry out a
discharge operation in an advantagec~~s manner. The closure
head itself may be comparatively t'.:in. Nevertheless, the
concave configura~ion and the radially inwardly acting
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
_... _. T _. _
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
_7_
support in the widened region produce a comparatively high
closure force, which reliably makes it possible to achieve
full closure of the discharge opening. This influencing or
assisting of the closure force, and thus also of the opening
characteristics of the closure membrane, may be provided on
its own or in combination with the abovedescribed influencing
which can be achieved by turning the closure membrane inside
out. Specifically, the closure head may be designed with
slits which, starting from a centre point, extend in the
radial direction. In the rest state of the closure membrane,
the slits are fully closed as a result of the slit-bounding
sides pressing against one another. Upon actuation of the
container on which such a closure is fitted, the closure head
is forced outwards and opening is achieved by the slits
gaping open. In combination with this, or as an alternative,
it may be provided that the closure head has a permanent,
central opening, a supporting plate, on which the closure
head is seated in a sealing manner in the rest state, being
formed beneath the opening, with the result that, in this
embodiment too, r~.:ll closure is achieved in the rest state.
In, a further detail, as regards said supporting plate, you
are also referred to German Patent Application 19 51 007,
which is not a prior publication, and the international
Patent Application PCT/EP95/01109. The disclosure of these
earlier applications is included in the disclosure of the
present application, also for the purpose of incorporating
them in claims o~ the present application. In a further
configuration, it is provided that a border bead, which
projects beyond the closure head, is formed in an outer
region of the ~'_osure head. Such a border bead, which
nevertheless does rot project beyond the through-passage
opening in the rest state, is known it its own right, in a
comparable closu~~ membrane from EP-A2 545 670, which was
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
_$_
mentioned in the introduction. In the context of the present
invention, however, it is provided that the border bead is
arranged in the area of the widened region, and thus outside
the through-passage opening. Since the border bead is
arranged in the area of the widened region, this means, at
the same time, t::at this bead is turned outwards, and thus is
exposed at the ton. In addition, the bead is given support in
the downward direction and radial support. This may be
utilized, for the purposes of transportation safeguard, to
provide a closure head or the like which acts on the border
bead. Securing of the border bead not only obstructs an
opening movement ef the closure head to a certain extent, but
also achieves, ir_ particular, as a result of the flexibility
of the material cr the closure membrane, advantageous sealing
in the transporting state . In addition, the sealing action is
further enhanced by an increased internal pressure which may
possibly arise wring transportation if the container is
subjected to corresponding pressure. It is also proposed that
a - further - w_dened region, which opens in the opposite
direction, direr=ly adjoins the through-passage opening,
beneath the latter. ~~ne or both of the abovementioned widened
regions may be c- essentially conical design. Overall, this
produces sometri~g of a double rivet-like design of the
inserted closure membrane and correspondingly advantageous
retention of the closure membrane in the closure cap. In a
further-preferreconfiguration, it is provided that a
groove-like depr~=lion which reaches as far as the through-
passage opening __ formed in the widened region which adjoins
the through-p~~~age opening towards the outside.
Specifically, t~= ~epressicn is preferably formed vertically
and/or radially. _:~.is permits advantageous ventilation, for
the sucking bac:~ _. air into the container after a discharge
operation. In t_s case, the air flows through a channel
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
. __ . ._. . _~ ~ _. . __ ~~_
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 9?/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
_g_
which is formed b_; the widened region and the through-passage
opening and is covered by the connecting wall. It is also
possible for corresponding air openings to be formed, as
bores or channels, just in the wall of the widened region and
of the through-passage opening. The air which has been newly
sucked back results in a lifting action in the region of the
border bead.
The invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow with
reference to the attached drawing, which nevertheless merely
illustrates some exemplary embodiments, in which:
Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a closure cap
with a closure membrane in a first embodiment,
the section being taken along line I-I in
Figure 3;
Figure 2 s:~ows an enlarged illustration of the closure
according to Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows an illustration of a plan view of the
closure according to Figure 1;
Figure 9 shows the closure according to Figure 1 in the
d~s~harge state;
Figure 5 shows an illustration of the closure according
tc Figure 1 with a transportation safeguard;
_ Figure 6 s:,ws a cross-sectio~!al illustration through a
c_~sure cap with a closure membrane in a
- ___=~er embodiment;
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-10-
Figure 7 shows an illustration according to Figure 1,
in which a supporting plate is provided;
Figure 8 shows an illustration according to Figure 5,
likewise with a supporting plate;
Figure 9 shows a bottom view of a closure membrane;
Figure 10 shows a section through the closure membrane
according to Figure 9, the section being taken
along line X-X in Figure 9, with an associated
installation ring which is illustrated in
cross-section;
Figure 11 shows a plan view of the embodiment according
to Figures 9 and 10;
Figure 12 shows an enlarged detail from the illustration
according to Figure 10, after assembly with
the installation ring;
Figure 13 shows an illustration of the subject matter of
Figures 9 to 12 installed in a closure, in the
non-actuated state;
Figure 14 shows an illustration according to Figure 13,
after an increase in the internal pressure in
the container provided with the closure, but
before commencement of a dispensing operation;
Figure 15 shows the closure according to Figure I3 in
the dispensing state;
..~UBSTfTUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
___ v _ . ___..__ . _.__ . _ .. T ._ _. _ .
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 ' PCT/EP97/02788
-11 -
Figure 16 shows the closure according to Figure 13 after
completion of a dispensing operation and
during the sucking back of air;
Figures 17 to 20 show illustrations corresponding to Figures
13 to 16, but for a further installation
example;
Figures 21 to 23 show illustrations corresponding to Figures
13 to 16, but for a third installation
example;
Figure 24 shows a further installation example, in
relation to a tube closure; '
Figure 25 shows an illustration according to Figures 2I
to 23, but with a tamperproof seal;
Figure 26 shows a plan view of the closure in the region
of the closure opening after the tamperproof
seal and the closure membrane have been
removed;
Figure 27 shows a further embodiment.
The illustrations and description relate, first of all with
reference to Figure 1, to a self-closing closure with a
closure cap 1 a..~.d a closure membrane 2, only part of the
closure cap 1 being illustrated. Furthermore, the closure cap
1 is part of a ccntainer which can be compressed in order to
discharge fluid contents - this not being illustrated
specifically.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97l02788
-12-
The closure membrane 2 has a bottom, peripheral retaining
border 3, a connecting wall 4, which essentially extends
upwards from the retaining border 3, and a top closure head
5. Slits 6, 7 which extend radially from a centre point are
formed in the closure head 5 (see also Figure 3).
The essential factor is, and you are referred, in particular,
to Figure 10 for this, that the connecting wall 4 is attached
to the closure head 5 via a connecting web 51, which projects
radially inwards from the connecting wall 4. The connecting
web 51 is of a lesser thickness than the closure head 5 (in
the border region of the latter). The connecting web 51 is
attached to the closure head beneath a top border surface 52
of the closure head 5, i.e. forming a step, and above a
bottom surface 53 of the closure head 5, likewise forming a
step here. As car, also be seen, in particular, from the other
illustrations, the connecting web 51 is thus attached to the
closure head 5 eccentrically, as seen in the vertical
direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the
connecting wall 9 corresponds approximately to the thickness
of the connecting web 51. Overall, the connecting web 51
provides the end structure, formed in this region, of the
connecting wall 9 and the border side of the closure head 5
with an essentially H-structure (as seen in cross-section).
The amount by which the connecting web 51 juts back from the
upper side 52 of the closure head 5 corresponds approximately
to the thickness of the connecting web 51. As can be seen,
the connecting wall 4 extends beyond the connecting web 51 in
this region, a peripheral groove 54 being formed in the
process between. _ border edge of the closure head 5 (which
forms the surface 53) and a flange or sub-region 55, which
projects downward beyond the connecting web 51, of the
connecting wall ~. The sub-region 55 of the connecting wall 4
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 261
T __..
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-13-
projects beyond the connecting web 51 approximately by such
an extent that an imaginary continuation of the surface 53 of
the closure head 5 would produce an essentially stepless
transition into the sub-region 55. It can also be seen that,
specifically, two grooves 54, 56 are produced. The groove 56
is formed in the same manner in the upper region of the
closure head 5. However, the groove 56 is bounded as a result
by the downwardly continuing connecting wall 4 (see, for
example, Figures 13, 14). In any case, however, in the
inside-out state, an only slightly projecting border region
of this groove 56 results from the bead of the connecting
wall 4 which is formed there. It is clear, in particular,
that, as a result of the connecting web 51, forces are only
transmitted to a slight extent from the bead formation of the
connecting wall 4 to the closure head 5.
It can further be seen, with reference to Figures 1-8, that
the closure cap 1 forms a through-passage opening 8, which
widens, outwards in the form of a widened region 9. The
through-passage opening 8 can be seen in the narrowest region
of the discharge opening as a whole. The connecting wall 4
passes through the through-passage opening 8 and, during
actuation at any rate, is supported radially in the widened
region 9.
Furthermore, thz connecting wall 4 merges, via an attachment
curve, which forms a top, peripheral border bead 10, into the
connecting web 51 and, further on, the closure head 5.
The connecting web 51 is not illustrated specifically in
Figures 4 to 8. '.'he size of the closure membrane 2 prevents
it from being depicted here in a suitable manner. However,
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-14-
the conditions are the same as for the closure membrane in
Figures 1 and 2.
The closure head 5 is of a greater thickness than the
connecting wall 4, for example two to four times the
thickness of the latter in the exemplary embodiment. The
thickness varies since the closure head 5 tapers towards its
centre. Furthermore, bevels 11 are formed radially on the
outside of the inner surface of said closure head.
The widened region 9 is of conical configuration. A cone
angle alpha is approximately 15 to 40°. A cone value of
approximately 25° is preferred.
Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 illustrate the non-actuated state
in each case. In the actuated state according to Figure 4,
for example the action of squeezing the container on which
the closure cap 1 is fitted (which is not illustrated any
more specifically) causes the product to be placed under
pressure and thus to press against the inner surface of the
closure head 5. The closure head 5 breaks open, with a
simultaneous reduction in the cone pressure and in the
pressure which the closure membrane 2 exerts radially on the
cone surface 9 and with a neutralization of the prestressing,
as it were, in the centre, and segment-like tabs of the
closure membrane are caused to gape open, this resulting in a
dispensing opening 12. This behaviour is basically the same
for all the exemplary embodiments illustrated. As the
pressure or. the container decreases, the closure head of the
closure membrane doses and is drawn downwards, or is drawn
back. The sub-re~.~ion 55 comes in contact with the inner
surface of the connecting wall 4. This prevents the closure
head being sucked inside during venting. This is particularly
SU$STITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
_._. ~ _ . _. . T _.~._ __
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 ' PCT/EP97/02788
_1.5_
useful for connecting walls 9 which are conical rather than
cylindrical as can be seen for example in Figure 16 or 20.
Furthermore, the closure head 5 is narrowed as a result of
the support or. the cone surface. It is, as it were, forced
into the - top - cone surface. The membrane tabs are thus
deflected vertically downwards, with the result that they
gape open in the downward direction, in response to the
slight internal pressure, and ensure good - possibl
Y
additional - ventilation of the container.
As regards the arrangement of the closure membrane 2 in the
closure cap 1, it is also important that the interstices 17
between the connecting wall 4 and the closure head 5 are
arranged above the through-passage opening 8. The closure
head 5 is preferably also arranged, in its entirety, above
the through-passage opening 8. A discharge opening taper
dimension a, running from the through-passage opening 8 to
the largest point of the widened region 9 still used by the
connecting wall 9, is a multiple of the thickness of the
connecting wall 4, preferably, for example, four times to ten
times the thickness of the connecting wall 4.
It can be seen from the plan view according to Figure 3 that
ventilation grooves 13, 19, etc. are formed in the widened
region 9, but also so as to pass through the through-passage
opening 8. These grooves make it possible for air to be
sucked into the container - possibly additionally - during
sucking back, the retaining border 3 being lifted, at least
locally, from its support on the closure cap 1, in the region
which is indicates' by the reference numeral i3. The action of
air being sucker ' n pan take place in addition to the above-
mentioned ventiia'.ion as a resu'_:. of top cone support and
grooves which ma~~ be formed there.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-16
The border bead 10 is important, in particular, for the
purposes of a transportation safeguard, as is illustrated in
Figure 5. The transportation safeguard comprises a cover 15
which has a circular closure bead 16 formed on the underside.
In the closed state, the closure bead 16 interacts with the
border bead 10. This not only obstructs, to a considerable
extent, the closure head 5 from moving into an open position
according to Figure 4, but rather the internal pressure,
which could result in contents being discharged, has the
effect of enhancing the pressure by which the border bead 10
is pressed against the closure head 15, and thus increasing
the sealing action, since the pressure prevails directly on
the inside, in the interstice 17, see Figure 2. As a result
of the concave design of the closure head 5 in the closed
state, preferably achieved by the abovedescribed operation of
turning the closure membrane 2 inside out after production,
the curvature forces are enhanced by the internal pressure
and the expansion obstructed by abutment against the border
bead 10, with the result that the sealing action is even
enhanced in the region of the abutting flanks of the slits in
the closure head. The action of the closure membrane being
forced into the cone allows the membrane base to be shaped
convexly (to a pronounced extent). The closure head also
forces the membrane into the cone surface to a pronounced
extent. Consequently, a vertical opening force, which acts on
the closure head from the interior of the container, for
example, as a result of excessive internal pressure, achieves
a deflection radially outwards and inrerception by the
closure head or the cone wall. This results in opening of the
membrane tabs being expressly bloc~:ed and the ischarge of
product being prevented. The cavity between the closure head
and the closure membrane remains hygienically clean. The
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
_._ __ _..
T
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
7_
state of self-locking as a result of the cone support also
continues, to a somewhat reduced extent, after opening of the
closure head and thus prevents product from being discharged
in the normal state of the container, in particular also when
the relevant container provided with the closure is arranged
upside down.
In the embodiment according to Figure 6, the closure cap is
merely designed, on the inside, essentially with an outer
widened region 9. The through-passage opening 8 constitutes
the narrowest point of the widened region 9. In contrast to
the embodiment of Figure 1, where a further, inner widened
region 9' adjoins the through-passage opening 8 in the
opposite direction, the connecting wall 4 according tc~ the
exemplary embodiment of Figure 5 is unsupported but, likewise
widening conically, is drawn radially downwards beneath the
through-passage opening 8, following a narrow region, which
widens conically to a pronounced extent, in which it butts
against the closure wall, and the retaining border 3 grips
behind a separate retaining protrusion 18, which projects
downwards from the top closure wall 19 of the closure cap 1.
This retaining web 18 is closed all the way round in the
manner of a cylinder.
In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the closure
membrane 2 is designed with a ce.~.tral opening 20, which is
permanently open. The opening 20 has a supporting plate 21
beneath its underside, this supporting plate being adapted at
any rate to the diameter or the cross-section of the opening
20, but being la=ger than the opening. This type of closure
membrane 2 once again permits considerably easier discharge
of produce from a con=ainer provided with such a closure.
This may be advantageous, in particular, for adaptation to
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2fi)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97102788
_18_
different viscosities. The opening 20 is sealed only in the
closed position. In addition to the opening 20, radial slits
may also be provided, as is explained in relation to Fig-
ure 1. A central hole 20 in the closure head 5 is
particularly useful for closure membranes or valves made of
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE).
As a result of the special closure-membrane geometry which
has been described, it is the case, in all of the exemplary
embodiments illustrated, that in normal usage, during a
dispensing operation, the position of the top border bead 10
remains virtually unchanged. Internal pressure causes the
closure head 5 to extend, as it were, and then the membrane
tabs are caused to gape open, as has been described above,
and they release the path for the product. The elastic
changes in the closure membrane, which are plain to see,
prior to the actual discharge of product signal to a user
that this discharge of product is imminent. This
significantly enhances the handling and the use of such a
closure and of such a closure membrane. It is also the case
that the closure and the closure-membrane area remain clean
after a relatively long period of use, because this expansion
effect causes the point at which the product is discharged to
go beyond the closure surface.
In a modification of the support illustrated in Figures 7 and
8, it may also be provided that the support is provided in
the form of a supporting ring which merely obstructs the
closure membrane from moving back, this action being
triggered, foi example, by sucking back, into the storage
chamber. The supporting ring may be designed here with such a
diameter that it supports the membrane outside the area of
the slits 6, 7. ~Iowever, this ring may also be configured
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
. _ . T ,__...____.~~_...
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
_?9_
such that it additionally fulfils a closure function with
respect to a slit or a central opening, as has been explained
above.
In all of the exemplary embodiments, the closure membrane
consists of a flexible, easily deformable plastic material.
The closure membrane can be moulded so as to be in the
position in which it is used.
Figures 9 to 12 show a closure membrane 2 with a closure head
and a connecting wall 4. This example requires to be turned
inside out as described in the following. Starting from a
border edge 23, the closure head 5 tapers towards the centre,
as seen in cross-section. An inner radius R1 is smaller~than
an outer radius Rl', these two radii - alone - providing the
geometry of the closure head 5. A formation or reinforcement
ring 24 adjoins the connecting wall 9 - at the top in Fig-
ure 10. In the injection-moulded state of the closure
membrane 2, which is illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, this
reinforcement ring extends essentially inwards. Its upper
side forms a supporting surface 25. This supporting surface
runs approximately horizontally, i.e. essentially at right
angles to the direction in which the connection wall 4
extends.
Furthermore, a fastening ring 26 is attached to the
connection wall ~, in the region of the reinforcement ring 5
in the exemplary embodiment. The fastening ring 26 is
basically comparable with the abovedescribed retaining ring
3. The fasteninC ring is attached to the connection wall at
an attachment wall 27 which forms a lower part of the
connection wall. The attachment wall 27 extends outwards with
respect to the upper part of the connection wall 4. In the
SU$ST11UTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-20-
exemplary embodiment, the direction in which the attachment
wall 27 extends is selected such that it encloses an acute
angle beta with a vertical line V. In a further detail, the
attachment wall 27 is also essentially Z-shaped in cross-
section, the middle bar of the Z (this middle bar, here,
nevertheless running in a rectilinear or vertical manner
rather than obliquely) forming an intermediate wall 28 which
extends essentially vertically. This is adjoined by a
horizontal wall 29, which merges into the fastening ring 26.
Connection studs 30 are formed so as to be oriented downwards
from the horizontal wall 29 or the fastening ring 26.
These connection studs 30 serve for positively locking
assembly with an installation ring 31. The importance of the
installation ring 31 is explained below.
Whereas the closure membrane consists of a flexible sili-
cone material or of an elastomeric plastic material, which is
also . comparatively flexible, the installation ring 31
consists of a normally hard plastic material. Since, as is
illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, the horizontal wall
29 or fastening ring 26 has a top, essentially horizontally
extending surface 32, advantageous sealing is provided in the
installed state. The enlarged detail depicted in Figure 12
shows the closure membrane 2 assembled with the installation
ring 31.
In the exemplar_i embodiment, the attachment wall 27 is
connected to the connecting wall 4 in the region where the
reinforcement ri~c 24 adjoins. In order to reinforce the
closure membrane 2 in this region, an outwardly projecting
reinforcement ~rc~rusion 33 is also formed all the way round.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2fi)
T _ _. ...._..
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-21
In the cross-sectional illus'ration, this is shown as a bay-
window-like protrusion.
As can further be seen from Figures 9 and 11, the closure
head 5 of the closure membrane 2 is designed with radial cuts
34, starting from a centre point M, which provide for use as
a dispensing opening. In a further detail, it can also be
seen that, assigned to the centre point M, there is a thinned
section 5' in the region of the meT.brane tabs, which are
produced as a result of the radial cuts. This is advantageous
as regards the ventilation after a dispensing operation. The
tips of the membrane tabs thus bend out even more easily. By
contrast, the sealing function is not influenced to any
considerable extent under slight internal pressure. '
Figures 13 to 16 illustrate a first installation example of
such a closure membrane 2. The thinned section 5' is not
provided here or in any of the further exemplary embodiments.
It can be seen that, during the dispensing operation (see
Figures 14 and i5), the horizontal surface 25 of the
reinforcement ring 29 comes into abutment against a mating
surface 35 in the closure cap 1. As a result of the geometry
of the closure membrane 2 which is illustrated or, as is
preferably provided, with production o~ the closure membrane
2 with an injection-moulded state according to Figures 9 to
12 and inside-out installation accordi__~.g to Figures 13 to 16,
the closure head 5, along with the connecting wall 4 which is
situated beneath the closure head 5 ir. a goblet-like manner,
lift vertically upwards, freeing the gone surface, i.e. the
widened region 9, in the prscess. T!~_~ lifting operation is
essentially achieved by a change =:: angle between the
attachment wall 2% and the =ntermediate wail 28. After the
surface 25 comes into abutTent again=t the surface 35, a
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 261
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
- 22
further increase in the internal pressure causes the closure
tabs to open out, this resulting in the closure membrane
being in the open state according to Figure 15.
After completion of the dispensing operation, the closure
membrane 2 is caused, by the negative pressure in the
connected container, to move back, into the position
according to Figure 16. In this position the sub-region 55
contacts the inner surface of the connecting wall 4. In
addition, the reinforcement ring 24 contacts the outer
surface of the connecting wall 9. The negative pressure which
continues to prevail causes the closure tabs to break out
downwards, those forces which are produced as a result of
said contacts and abutment of the closure head 5 against the
connecting wall 4 and, furthermore, by the connecting wall 4
in the supporting wall 9 contributing to this action. Said
sub-region 55 and/or the reinforcement ring 24 and/or the
supporting wall 9 provide additional or alternative
resistance against turning inside out of the closure head 5
during venting.
It can be seen that, in the region where the connecting wall
4 is connected to the closure head 5 the connecting wall 4
forms a border bead 10 as a result of the attachment, which
is at the top in the closed state. This border bead 10 is
also advantageous, in particular, as regards sealing for
purposes of protection during transportation, as is also
explained in more detail below.
As has already been mentioned, t'.~.e closure cap 1 has a
conical or funnel-like widened reg«r: 9. A~ the same time,
this widened region 9 has on its ~:-:derside, the free end
surface, the abutment surrace 35. _~rthermore, starting from
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
T
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-23
a top, essentially planar closure wall 36, the closure cap 1
has a cylindrically downwardly projecting retaining wall 37.
The retaining wall 37 is integrally formed at a lateral
distance, offset radially outwards, from the widened region
9.
A retaining recess 38 is formed in the cylindrical retaining
wall 37, beneath the level of the end surface 35 in the
exemplary embodiment. This retaining recess 38 has a top stop
surface 39, an essentially vertically extending retaining
wall 90 and a bottom retaining bead 41, which projects
inwards with respect to the retaining wall 40 and has a run-
on slope in the downward direction. as the result of a
widening in the radial direction.
The fastening ring 26 of the closure membrane 2 is clamped in
this retaining recess 38, to be precise such that the top
horizontal surface butts against the surface 39 of the
retaining recess 38. The installation ring 31, consisting of
conventional hard plastic material, is arranged on the
underside of the foot area of the fastening ring of the
closure membrane 2. As has already been explained above, the
installation ring 31 may be pre-installed by connecting it to
the closure membrane 2. The installation ring 31 is seated in
the retaining recess 38, together with the fastening ring 26
of the closure membrane 2, such that the horizontal surface
of the fastening membrane 2 is pushed upwards against the
surface 39 of the retaining recess. This gives a clamping
fit. This pressing action of the relatively flexible material
of the closure r:e:nbrane 2 advantageously provides sealing in
this region at the same time. Furthermore, very cost-
effective installation is possible. All that is required is
for the closure membrane 2 with the pre-installed
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-24-
installation ring 31 to be positioned in the retaining wall
37 from beneath and then pressed into place. As a result of
the run-on ramp 42, the closure membrane 2, with the ring,
clips into the retaining recess and is fastened securely.
The abovedescribed reinforcement ring 24, which is also
offset radially inwards with respect to the fastening ring 26
in the fastened state, as can be seen, reliably ensures that
the closure membrane 2 cannot be sucked downwards during
normal operation. Apart from the abutment of the closure
membrane 2 in the widened region 9, the reinforcement ring 24
provides an annularly fixed constriction, through which the
closure head cannot readily pass.
A further installation example is illustrated in Figures 17
to 20, and only the differences from the previous
installation example will be described in this respect.
It can be seen that there is no widened region 9 in this
installation example. Rather, the closure opening 43 is
merely of the same size as the closure head. The closure
membrane 2, or the bead 10 at any rate, is seated in the
region of the closure opening 43, at a lateral distance from
the latter, forming a peripheral gap in the process. At the
same time, the closure wall of the closure opening 43 serves
as an abutment surface for the surface 25 when the closure
membrane 2 moves out during a dispensing operation, as can be
seen from Figures 18 and 19. The fastening recess in the
fastening flange is provided at a correspondingly higher
level.
Otherwise, the same conditions as described above apply,
although force assistance by the widened region is no longer
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 261
_.._..._____ _.._____... _ _ _ 1 _
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-25-
provided. It is also important that, in the embodiment of
Figures 13 to 16 and the embodiment of Figures 17 to 20, as
well as the embodiment of Figures 21 to 26 described below, a
surface 25' of the reinforcement ring 24 comes into abutment
against the connecting wall 4 in the sucking-back state or
ventilation state. Together with, as also occurs in practice,
an abutment of the closure head 5 against the connecting wall
4 in this state, thus also against the surface 24' of the
reinforcement ring 24 in this region, a lever action which
assists the gaping-open action of the closure tabs is
produced.
The embodiment according to Figures 21 to 25 provides a
configuration which is comparable to Figures 13 to 16 as
regards the support 9. Specifically, however, there is a
change to the effect that the widened region 9 has individual
tab-like elements 43. The interspaces 44 produced between the
elements 43 (see also Figure 26) are of importance. In the
sucking-back state, the closure membrane 2 is positioned in
these openings 44 and is deformed there slightly in a groove-
like manner. This continues as far as the region of the
centre point or c~ the separating slits, as a result of which
the ventilation is assisted to a considerable extent once
again.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 24, a tube closure is
illustrated in cross-section. Comparable conditions apply
here too, but wish the difference that the region 9, which
runs in an essentially conically opening manner, as
described, is adjoined by a cylindrical wall 45 of
approximately t~~ same height, ~._ relation to the vertical
extent of the t.~=ened region 9. ~~_~h a vertical displacement
of the closure ::ead 5 essentiallyr parallel to itself (see,
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
-26-
for example, movement of the closure head in Figures 17 and
18), the outer border of the closure head, here by way of the
bead 10, butts against the inner surface of the cylindrical
wall 45 and moves relative to this. This means, on the one
hand, that, when the closure membrane moves out, something of
a wiping-off or scraping-off action takes place along the
inner surface of the cylindrical wall 45. When the closure
membrane moves back, a wiping effect also takes place once
again in this respect, as does a suction effect. In addition,
a bowl-like configuration is provided, and any residual
liquid may be collected (first of all) in this bowl. Since,
with corresponding negative pressure, there is then sucking
back into the container, residual emptying may thus also. then
be achieved.
Furthermore, a tamperproof seal 9o attached via tear-off webs
is illustrated, in the closure opening, in Figure 25.
Figure 26 shows a plan view of the closure according to
Figure 25, with the tamperproof seal 96 and closure membrane
2 removed.
It is possible to see the individual elements 43, which
provide the closure membrane 2 with conical support
comparable to the widened regi~r. 9. The abovementioned
interspaces 44 are also shown.
A supporting ring 97 is illustra=ed in the embodiment of
Figure 27, this suppo=ring ring sy:,orting the closure head 5
of the closure membrane 2 at ._ bottom _n the installed
state. The supporting ring 47 ma,r be connected, via one or
more webs 48, to an insertion-ri~~ body 49, which is clipped
to the closure head or a downwar~'y projecting closure-head
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 261
_....... 1
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
- 27 -
flange 50, which forms the widened region 9. The diameter of
the supporting ring 47 is preferably made to suit the extent
of the slits in the closure membrane. It is recommended for
the diameter to be somewhat larger than the extent of the
slits. This supporting ring 47 gives a similar effect, in
particular during the sucking-back operation, as has already
been described in conjunction with the other exemplary
embodiments, in relation to the reinforcement ring: the
result is a lever-like transmission of force by the internal
pressure in the region of the closure tabs, with the result
that the latter are caused to gape open more easily. In
addition, this ring also secures the closure membrane 2 in
the installed position separately and independently. Such a
ring may also be used in all of the exemplary embodiments.
Furthermore, a separate proposal is that of moulding such a
supporting ring integrally on the closure membrane by two-
component injection moulding.
All the features disclosed are fundamental to the invention.
The disclosure of the application thus also includes the
disclosure of the associated/attached priority documents
(copy of the prior application) in full, also for the purpose
of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the
present application.
As shown and described with reference to Figures 13 to 25,
the closure head 5 is movable between a lower and an upper
position.
As described above wit?-i particular reference to Figures 13 to
16, the lifting operation is essentially achieved by a change
in angle between the attachment wall 2'7 and the intermediate
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~)
CA 02256711 1998-11-26
WO 97/45329 PCT/EP97/02788
_ 28 _
wall 28. T_n further detail, the connecting wall comprises a
lower part and a unitary upper part being arranged in such a
way that an angle is formed between the outer surfaces of
said lower part and said upper part. In the rest position
said angle is smaller than in the dispensing state. When
pressure is applied to the inner side of the closure
membrane, the closure head 5 is lifted vertically upwards due
to a tilti~.g action between said lower part and said upper
part of the connecting wall 4. At the same time said angle
increases and the total height of said lower part and said
upper part increases, too. Upon release of the pressure the
closure head 5 and the connecting wall 4 automatically move
back into the rest position due to the resiliency of the
material o. the closure membrane and due to this particular
construction.
According to the present invention this lifting operation of
the closure membrane can be achieved by providing only one
lower part and one upper part unitarily forming the
connecting wall 4. As preferred embodiments, additional
features may be provided like the attachment wall 27, the
intermediate wall 28, the reinforcement ring 24 and/or the
flange 55. In a closure cap this closure membrane can also be
used without any conical support.
$uBSTiTUTE SHEET (RULE 261
.T _..__.__..___..
