Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Packaging for pourable or flowable products
[01] 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.
[02] 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.
[03] 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.
[04] 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.
[05] 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.
[06] 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.
[07] 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.
[08] 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.
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[09] 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.
[10] 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.
[ 11 ] 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.
[ 12] 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.
[13] 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.
[14] 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.
[ 15] 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
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is therefore proposed, in particular, that the sealing frame be manufactured
by injection
molding or injection-compression molding.
[ 16] However, as the sealing frame, scaling 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.
[17] Modem 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.
[18] 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.
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
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[211 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.
[22] 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.
[23] 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 iri
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.
[24] 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.
[25] 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.
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[26] 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.
[27] 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.
[28] 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.
[29] 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.
[30] 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.
[31] A particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment provides for the handle
to be
integrated into a closure cap.
[32] 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.
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[33] 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.
[34] 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.
[35] It is in this case advantageous if, in the packaging cover, the second
opening is formed in
a sector substantially opposing the first opening.
[36] 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.
[37] 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.
[38] 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.
[39] 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.
[40] 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
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rather provide the person skilled in the art with encouragement for specific
further
embodiments.
[41 ] In the drawings:
Fig. I is a schematic plan view onto a can;
Fig. 2 is a schematic section through the can shown in Figure 1 along the line
I-I;
Fig. 3 is a schematic section through a closure with an internal flange;
Fig. 4 is a schematic section through a closure with an external flange;
Fig. 5 is a schematic section through a closure with an internal and external
flange;
Fig. 6 is a schematic section through a closure with the handle raised;
Fig. 7 is a schematic section through a closure with the handle raised and
sealing cover
lowered;
Fig. 8 is a schematic section through a closure with the sealing cover
removed;
Fig. 9 is a schematic section through a closure with a rotatably articulated
handle;
Fig. 10 is a schematic section through a closure with an articulated handle
and lever lug;
Fig. 11 is a schematic section through a closure with the articulated handle
and spike in a first
position;
Fig. 12 is a schematic section through the closure shown in Fig. 11 with the
handle in a
second position;
Fig. 13 is a schematic section through a closure with a suspendable handle in
the closed
position;
Fig. 14 shows schematically the closure shown in Fig. 13 in the opened
position;
Fig. 15 shows schematically the closure shown in Fig. 14 in the position
hooked onto the
seamed edge of a packaging;
Fig. 16 is a schematic section through a closure with an engageable cover;
Fig. 17 shows schematically the closure shown in Fig. 16 with the handle
raised;
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Fig. 18 shows schematically the closure shown in Fig. 16 in the slightly
opened position;
Fig. 19 shows schematically the closure shown in Fig. 16 with the cover
clipped on; and
Fig. 20 is a schematic section through a closure with a spout.
[42] Fig. I shows a packaging I 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.
[43] 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.
[44] Fig. 3 and 4 each show a sealing element in which only a lower flange 8
or only an
upper flange 7 is provided.
[45] 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.
[46] 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.
[47] 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.
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[48] The embodiment shown in Fig. 11 and 12 provides a spike 18 on a handle
17. 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 as a
result of pressure on the handle 17 and thus pressing of the spike 18 into the
predetermined
breaking point 9.
[49] 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.
[50] 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.
[51] 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 Fig. 17 and 18.
[52] 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.
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[53] 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.
[54] 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.
