CN103003164A - Resealable container closures, containers, especially beverage cans, containing said resealable container closures, methods of manufacturing such containers, and uses of the inventive container closures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a resealable container closure (2) comprising a closure surface having an upper side and a lower side and having a circumferential edge (6) and an area for a dispensing aperture, which is defined by at least one full or partially circumferential weakening profile, a lever flap (14) which is pivotably fastened to the closure surface (10) via fastening means, wherein the lever flap at least partially opens the area in such a way as to form the dispensing aperture (12), the lever flap having a first end portion (16) which, in an opener position, is accessible or in a position at least partially overlapping a portion of the area for the dispensing aperture and an opposite second end portion (18) which, with respect to the first end portion, is located on the other side of the fastening means (24), wherein the lever flap (14) has a closure module (36) at or adjacent the second end portion, the closure module comprises a closure collar (32) which abuts or can abut against the upper side of the lid surface and, when placed on the upper side of the lid surface in the closed position, in particular surrounds the dispensing orifice in a sealing manner, and in particular a reclosable orifice seal surrounded by the closure collar (32). Furthermore, the invention relates to a container comprising the container lid (2), a method of manufacturing such a container, and the use of the container lid (2) of the invention.

Description

Resealable container closures, containers, especially beverage cans, containing said resealable container closures, methods of manufacturing such containers, and uses of the inventive container closures

technical field

The present invention relates to resealable container closures, containers, in particular beverage cans, comprising said resealable container closures, methods of making such containers, and uses of the inventive container closures.

Background technique

Currently, non-returnable containers for liquids have been in widespread use for quite some time in many different shapes and sizes. In particular light metal beverage cans are frequently used, wherein the can ends are equipped with so-called lever seals. According to a variant of the first embodiment, the lid forming the dispensing orifice is pushed in the direction of the inside of the can by operating this lever seal and remains inseparably connected to the can lid. According to another embodiment variant, the lever seal, together with the area forming the dispensing opening or the cover, is removed when operating the lever seal. Such closure systems are for example described in WO97/030902, DE 100 18 685C2, US 4,148,410, EP 564 725A1, WO2005/056400A1 and GB 2 379 917A. Once these closure systems have been operated, it is essentially no longer possible to effectively reclose the container with the lid pushed down or pushed out. This is considered to be very disadvantageous, especially for larger beverage containers, since they are usually not fully consumed immediately after initial opening. For example if the beverage in question is a sugary soft drink, there is a risk of worms entering the container, especially during the summer months. Furthermore, the freshness, taste and quality of the beverage will be adversely affected if the beverage is kept in an unsealed condition. In particular, beverages containing milk or yoghurt will permanently lose their taste and quality, or even become completely inedible, if exposed to outside air for a prolonged period of time. Non-reclosable closure systems for beverage containers containing carbonated beverages have been shown to be particularly disadvantageous. Without a suitable closure, the carbon dioxide escapes very quickly, causing the drink to lose its characteristic mouthfeel.

There is therefore no shortage of attempts to obtain reclosable beverage cans. The first method starts with the can lid, which contains the dispensing hole from the start. Proposals made in this direction are disclosed, for example, in WO 2007/039367A1, WO 2008/054636A2, DE 20 2005 019 224U1, US 3,952,911 and DE 601 01 995T2. However, usually such containers are far from airtight, especially over longer periods of time, for example because beverage cans made of can body and lid do not have predetermined dispensing orifices. In addition, the manufacture of such beverage containers with predetermined dispensing openings in many cases requires very high material and labor inputs and is very difficult to obtain if a high degree of tightness is to be obtained, especially after recapping. cost intensive.

For beverage containers that do not have a predetermined dispensing orifice, a reclosable system is obtained according to other implementations which, after the first opening process, provide the lid or a part of the lid with another covering. Such systems are disclosed, for example, in DE 100 18 685C2 and DE 92 11 883U1. Instead of providing a complete covering of the can lid, it is known to also have partial covers pivotably attached to the can lid. According to DE 203 00 327 U1, after the dispensing hole is initially broken or torn, the flat element can be pivoted into position on the dispensing hole about a pivot point on the cover surface. A comparable closure mechanism is used in WO2005/056400A1. From WO 99/67150 A1 a reclosable can lid is known, wherein the dispensing hole is initially closed by a removable membrane which is an integral part of the can lid. After removal of the membrane, the closure cap connected via the membrane hinge to the can lid can be inserted flush into the dispensing hole. A closure variant described in WO 99/67150A1 is suitable for can ends made of plastic material.

US 4,887,712 relates to beverage cans, the dispensing hole of which can be created via a lever seal. Here, the surface of the can lid forming the dispensing opening is pushed in the direction of the can interior and is inseparably connected to the can lid. The closure, supported pivotably about the fastening point, has a concave area opposite the alar nose, which corresponds to the contour of the dispensing aperture and which can be inserted into it for closure after pivoting the closure. This embodiment cannot achieve a sufficient airtightness, especially airtightness. The closure system explained in GB 2 379 917 basically corresponds to the closure system in US 4,887,712.

Also in DE 89 11 286 U1, the can lid apparently has a tear-off tab which is pivotally supported on the lid wall. The pivotally supported tear flap has a closure element which, in the closed position, is located over the open dispensing aperture and can be closedly engaged therewith. The tear flap and closure element are formed from sheet metal as a single piece.

WO 2004/056667 A1 discloses a beverage can closure in which the gripping portion of the flap is designed for recapping the dispensing hole formed by breaking a predetermined breaking line. Also in this embodiment, the grip of the flap is supported pivotably about an axis located in the cap, so as to be vertically pivotable, and the closure is shaped and sized to fit the dispensing orifice, ensuring a proper tightness closed.

A reclosable can end is obtained in DE 299 14 231 U1 by removing the entire can end from the edge of the can via a fold which is less stable in the region of the pull-off tab. The integrity of the can end is not compromised in this manner so that the can end can be put back on the can rim after the can has been used.

To obtain resealable can closures with a higher degree of tightness, according to DE 10 2005 057 755A and DE 10 2005 004 759A1, threaded closures are integrated into the can lids. It may be, for example, that the safety membrane is broken during the initial handling of the threaded closure.

DE 693 02 424 T2 discloses a resealable can end closure in which a plastic sleeve can slide over metal pull or tear tabs which can be pivoted about a fastening point and secured by clamping onto it. The peripheral edge of the sliding sleeve is realized in such a way that the dispensing opening can be completely covered. In order to keep the pivotably supported pull-open tab with the plastic sleeve sliding thereon on the dispensing aperture, a groove is provided at the peripheral edge of the tab which lockingly engages the periphery of the can lid Curl the edges. In this way, the position of the pull-out tab on the dispensing opening is fixed, but a particularly high degree of tightness cannot thereby be achieved.

The variants of reclosable caps known in the prior art still have their disadvantages and leave room for improvement, eg with regard to the tightness in the case of carbonated drinks. Furthermore, the reclosable systems known to date from the prior art are generally not suitable to withstand with sufficient reliability the pasteurized conditions of mass production processes, as many beverages must be pasteurized according to regulations. If the dispensing or cap system does not allow pasteurization, during which temperatures above 70° C. and internal pressures as high as 7 bar usually occur, it is unavoidable to resort to the use of preservatives.

The systems known to date from the prior art also allow pasteurization without affecting the resealable closure system provided, but this is usually only possible by having to use plastic elements on the inner side of the can lid. However, this entails the risk that components of the plastic material used will enter the pasteurized beverage in dissolved form.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reclosable container lid which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and which, in particular, also allows an easy and reliable manufacture in a mass production environment and makes it possible to obtain such a beverage container, Therein the beverage continues to retain its original quality and, in the case of carbonated beverages, the original dissolved carbon dioxide concentration for a longer period of time after initial opening and reseal.

Accordingly, a resealable container lid has been invented comprising a lid surface having an upper side and an underside with a peripheral edge and an area for a dispensing aperture extending through at least one full or partial circumference The shaped weakened contour defines a lever flap, which is pivotally fastened to the cover surface via fastening means, for at least partially opening said region in a manner forming a dispensing hole, said lever flap having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first end is accessible or in a position to at least partially overlap part of the area for the dispensing hole in the position of the opener, wherein the second end On the other side of the fastening device relative to the first end, wherein the lever tab has a closure module at or adjacent to the second end, the closure module comprising a closure collar or frame and A reclosable hole seal, in particular surrounded by a closure collar, the closure collar or frame abuts or is capable of abutting against the upper side of the cover surface and when placed on the upper side of the cover surface, in the closed position , especially along the dispensing opening in a sealed manner.

Opener position is understood in the present invention to be the orientation of the lever tab on the lid surface, wherein the lever tab can be operated so as to open the area for the dispensing hole. The closed position is understood in the present invention as the orientation of the lever flap, wherein the closure module of the lever flap is located in a position above the dispensing hole and can, or in particular, be connected to all above the hole.

Depending on the container type, the lid surface can be made of plastic, metal or cardboard or cardboard, respectively, or comprise one or several of these materials. The same applies to the container body/container receptacle. The cover surface comprises in the present invention a planar structure, for example a metal and/or plastic layer. Naturally, the lid surface of the container lid according to the invention can also be of multilayer construction, for example comprising a metal lid surface with at least one plastic film on the underside as a protective layer.

The container closure of the present invention may be an integral part or a separate part of the container. In the latter case, the container lid and the container body or the container receptacle can be connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner well known to those skilled in the art, for example by gluing or pressing, for example by seams. For example, the peripheral edge of the lid surface may also include a flange for attachment to the container body. With the container closure of the invention, in a preferred realization, the peripheral edge may have a flare extending axially away from the upper side of the closure surface. In a convenient realization, it may be that, in the position of the opener, in the axial extension relative to the surface of the cover, the axial extension of the edge is formed such that the extension The length is greater than the length of the extension of the lever tab. In particular, the latter embodiment of the container lid of the invention allows containers equipped with such a container lid to be stacked on top of each other without any problems.

The container body or receptacle according to the invention includes structures with and without a bottom element. This is due to the fact that, for example, metal beverage cans are usually manufactured in two or three pieces. That is, in the case of a two-part container, the container is formed by joining a container body and a container lid which already have a bottom element, in particular an integrated bottom element. In the case of a three-part container, the container is made from a base element, a container wall and a container lid.

The reclosable container lids of the present invention can be used with many container types. Some examples include beverage cans, eg for carbonated drinks, milk cartons, (liquid) yoghurt containers or packaging for fruit juices. In addition to containers for beverages, the container closure according to the invention can of course also be used for containers in which liquid or powdered food products such as oil, vinegar or flour are provided. The container closure of the present invention is also suitable for containers in which personal hygiene products such as shampoo or body wash are commercially available.

The shape and size of the area for the dispensing aperture in the cap surface can vary widely and generally depends on the respective type of use of the container with the cap of the invention. In one implementation, it may be that the area for the dispensing hole is spaced from the fastening means at a distance, in particular adjacent the edge of the cover surface. In an expedient realization, the area for the dispensing orifice is delimited by a fully or partly circumferential weakening profile. The container cap of the invention is advantageous in that, as long as the area for the dispensing aperture has remained intact, penetration of liquid through the container cap is impossible, with maximum safety. Especially in the case of beverage cans, such a fluid-tight area for the dispensing opening is often also referred to as a score panel and a weakened profile, the weakened profile adjoining or delimiting this area being referred to as a score profile.

Fastening means for such lever tabs on the lid surface are generally known, which can, for example, also be used for the container lid of the invention. With regard to its opening mechanism, the lever flap of the container lid is also known in the art as a lever seal. Especially in the opener position, the first end of the lever tab, which is often also referred to as the wing nose, partially overlaps the area for the dispensing opening. By lifting the second end of the lever flap, by leverage, a force is applied via the first end or via the alar nose to the portion of the area of the dispensing hole causing the weakened profile at or near the point of force application to rupture and previously covered dispensing The area of the cover surface of the hole can be pivoted in the direction of the interior of the container, simultaneously opening the dispensing hole. The fastening means are preferably rivets and are preferably in the center of the cover surface. The fastening means can also be fastened at different positions on the cover surface, in particular depending on the size of the cover surface, in particular also in relation to the size of the dispensing opening.

The second end of the lever flap comprises a closure module equipped with a resealable hole seal, for example in the form of a flap or a cover flap. The flap can be connected to the closure module, in particular to the closure collar, for example via hinges or film hinges. The reclosable hole seal in one embodiment has, on its side facing the upper side of the lid surface, a reversible first stop element which interacts with a corresponding second stop element in the closure collar Provides a hermetic and reversibly operable hole seal. This can be, for example, a groove/tongue connection system. The closure collar according to the invention comprises a receiving element for a reclosable pore seal and an extension of the closure module up to a first end, for example up to the attachment of the first end of the retaining element.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure module, in particular the closure collar, has at least a third stop device on the side facing the upper side of the cover surface, said stop device preferably substantially corresponding to the stop for the dispensing orifice. The contour of the area, so that by operating the stop device, the closure module is connected or can be connected to the dispensing orifice, in particular irreversibly connected, wherein preferably the closure collar rests partly or completely under prestress on the surface of the cover on the upper side. The third stop means for the preferably irreversible attachment of the closure module to the dispensing orifice is advantageously in particular a circumferential, annular snap connection or a locking hook and snap connection. Such restraint device systems are known in the art. Typically, these systems cannot be removed in a non-destructive manner after restraint has occurred.

In a particularly convenient realization, the weakened profile surrounds the area for the dispensing orifice, except for a section, in particular at the first end in a position adjacent to the opener and laterally offset from the wire which passes through the fastening means and at the The first end of the lever tab in the opener position is formed. It has generally been shown to be advantageous if, after the initial breaking of the weakening profile, the region for the dispensing opening is not completely open, but remains connected to the cover surface via the section region. In particular, the container lid of the invention for closing a container containing a beverage will ensure that, after operating the lever tab, the area for the dispensing hole does not fall into the beverage as a separate component. It is shown to be advantageous that this section area prevents the separate area for the dispensing hole from falling and is adjacent to the point where the first end or wing nose of the lever tab is applied for weakening the profile initial purpose of destruction.

Especially when using cover surfaces made of metal, such as light metal, recesses and elevations are usually machined into the cover surface for the purpose of strengthening the cover structure. Such structures are known in the art as so-called ribs and can, for example, be designed as straight lines or curved.

In particular, such a container lid according to the invention is shown as expedient in which a partially or completely circumferential rib is located on the upper side of the lid surface, especially adjacent to the area for the dispensing aperture. Preferably, the rib is an arc extending axially upwards from the upper side of the cover surface.

According to a further embodiment of the container cap according to the invention, the closure collar has at least one, in particular circumferential seal, which abuts or can abut against the upper side of the cap surface, in particular adjacent to the dispensing opening. It is particularly advantageous if the seal interacts sealingly with the in particular circumferential rib, or can engage in sealing interaction.

In a convenient implementation, the container lid of the invention also comprises at least one notch on the upper side of the lid surface, said notch at least partially overlapping its second end in the opener position of the lever tab, in particular ground, arranged to be laterally offset from the line formed by the second end in the opener position and the fastening means. At least one notch in the surface of the cover serves to facilitate reaching under and grasping the second end of the lever tab, thereby effectively lifting the lever tab upwards in the region of the second end , so that the first end, ie the alar nose, is pressed against the overlapping area of the dispensing opening. If the second end of the lever tab is particularly close to the cover edge, said cover edge generally extends axially upwards relative to the cover surface, away from the upper side of the cover surface, leaving generally little space for lifting the lever tab the second end of . The disadvantage in this process is remedied by providing the above-mentioned notch in the cover surface, which is arranged to overlap the second end of the lever tab. It is especially advantageous that the notches are provided, preferably in a mirror-inverted arrangement, on different sides of the wire extending from the second end to the first end in the opener position. With this embodiment variant, the opening process can be carried out particularly conveniently. It has also been shown to be particularly advantageous if, optionally or in particular, an additional recessed finger grip is provided, such as in particular a circular recess in the second end of the lever tab, especially in the opener position at In the area where the lever tab overlaps with the notch on the cover surface above. This further facilitates the engagement, ie handling, of the lever tabs.

Particularly preferred are those embodiments of the container lid of the present invention, wherein the lever tab has a retaining element, in particular a metal retaining tongue, via which the lever tab, in particular its first end, is fastened by a fastening device onto the cover surface. Usually, the retaining element is located in the plane of the lever tab or the closing collar of the lever tab, respectively. Preferably, it may lie at least partially in a plane during opening which is different from the plane of the closure collar during this process. Although the first end of the retaining element usually faces or is connected to the first end of the lever wing, at the opposite second end of the retaining element there is usually an attachment location for a fastening means, by which the lever wing The sheet is fastened to the cover surface.

If the closing collar is made of plastic, it is shown that it is particularly practical to injection mold the end of the lever tab, especially the closing collar in the first end region, onto the retaining element, in particular the retaining tongue superior. For this purpose, the end of the holding element, in particular the holding tongue, also referred to as the first end of the holding element, is the end opposite to the end at which the fastening means will hold the holding element, in particular The retaining tongue is connected to the cover surface, also referred to as the second end of the retaining element, overmoulded with plastic material. The overmolding of metal components or parts thereof using injection molding techniques is known to those skilled in the art.

An attachment system for attaching the lever tab to the cover surface by means of fastening means, such as rivets, which may also employ retaining elements, such as retaining tongues or retaining posts, for example may be used in the container caps of the present invention, from this It is known in the art and described, for example, in DE 693 02 424T2, US 4,148,410, EP564 725A1, WO 2007/048897A2, DE 100 18 685C2, US 4,887,712, DE 89 11286U1 and DE 102 61 232A1.

The objects of the invention are also achieved by a container comprising the container body of the invention, the container receiver and the container lid. Any fluid can be contained in these containers. Suitable fluids include liquids, viscous pourable materials, and particulate bulk materials.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by the method of manufacturing the container of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a container body comprising a bottom for containing the fluid,

b) providing a container lid comprising a lid surface with an upper side and an underside, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one fully or partially circumferentially weakened profile, and for attaching a lever fastening means for the fins,

c) providing a lever flap for at least partially opening said region in a manner forming a dispensing aperture, the lever flap comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure sleeve ring, and when applicable, a reclosable hole seal, and a retaining element, especially a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has a the attachment location of the fixing device,

d) filling the container body with fluid,

e) attaching the container lid, especially fluid-tightly, to the container body, and

f) fastening the lever tab to the container lid via the attachment location by fastening means, and

g) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab,

or

i) providing a container body comprising a bottom for containing the fluid,

ii) providing a container lid comprising a lid surface with an upper side and an underside, a peripheral edge and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one fully or partially circumferential weakening profile, and for attaching a lever wing A fastening device for a sheet, and the lever tab, the lever tab includes a first end and an opposite second end with a closure module, the closure module includes a closure collar, and when applicable, includes a resealable hole a seal, and a retaining element, in particular a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has an attachment location for the fastening device in the direction of the second end,

iii) filling the container body with fluid,

iv) attaching the container lid, in particular fluid-tightly, to the container body, and fastening the lever flap to the container lid via the attachment location via the fastening means, and

v) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab,

or

1) provide a container body without a bottom,

2) providing a bottom for the container body,

3) providing a container cap comprising a cap surface with an upper side and a lower side, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one complete or partial circumferential weakening profile, and for attaching a lever fastening means for the fins,

4) providing a lever flap for at least partially opening said region in a manner to form a dispensing aperture, the lever flap comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure sleeve ring, and when applicable, a reclosable hole seal, and a retaining element, especially a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has a the attachment location of the fixing device,

5) attaching the container lid, especially fluid-tightly, to the container body,

6) fastening the lever tab to the container lid via the attachment location by fastening means, and

7) When applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab,

8) filling the container body with fluid,

9) attaching said bottom, in particular fluid-tightly, to the container body,

or

A) providing a container body without a bottom,

B) providing a bottom for the container body,

C) providing a container lid comprising a lid surface with an upper side and an underside, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one fully or partially circumferentially weakened profile, and for attaching a lever Fastening means for a flap, and the lever flap comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure collar and, where applicable, a resealable a hole seal, and a retaining element, in particular a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has an attachment location for the fastening device in the direction of the second end,

D) attaching the container lid, in particular fluid-tightly, to the container body, and fastening the lever flap to the container lid via the attachment location via the fastening means, and

E) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab,

F) filling the container body with fluid,

G) Attaching said bottom, in particular fluid-tight, to the container body.

In the method variants described above, the sequence can be chosen freely within certain limits. For example, steps 6) and 7) may follow steps 8) or 9), or step E) may follow steps F) or G).

According to the invention there is also provided a sealing structure comprising an elastic sealing body and in particular a sealing support resting against this elastic sealing body with a rib with a crown facing in the direction of the elastic sealing body, and a shoulder extending therefrom in the opposite direction, wherein the elastic sealing body facing the rib has a first wedge-shaped elastic rib and a second wedge-shaped elastic rib spaced therefrom, which taper in the direction of the rib, and respectively abutting or being able to abut against opposing rib shoulders extending away from the crown of the rib, and a first sealing wall spaced from the first resilient rib in a direction opposite to the direction of the second rib, and a second sealing walls spaced from the second elastic rib in a direction opposite to the first rib, each sealing wall being spaced a greater distance from the crown of the tendon than the first elastic rib and the second elastic rib respectively, and when the elastic When the rib rests on the rib shoulder, it rests on the seal support.

The present invention is based on the unexpected finding that a container closure according to the invention is provided which for the first time allows a reliable and airtight closure of container systems with so-called lever closures, such as are known from beverage cans. It is also particularly advantageous that, in the case of the container cap of the invention, even non-metallic components can be used for their manufacture, such as plastics, the fluids that are filled into containers with this cap during the filling process, or when possible No such plastic material is affected during pasteurization, disinfection or any other preservation or handling steps which must be carried out, nor during subsequent storage and transport. Especially under usual pasteurization conditions, in which temperatures of 50-70°C and pressures of up to 7 bar are applied, it is advisable for reasons of food hygiene to avoid any contact with plastic parts, said Plastics are not designed for such harsh conditions. Another advantage brought about by the container closure of the invention is the large process variability in the finishing of the fluid-filled container of the invention. It is even conceivable to secure the lever tab to the top surface of the cap only after the container cap of the present invention has been attached to the fluid-filled container body. It has also been shown to be particularly practical that the containers with the container lid according to the invention can be constructed so easily that they can be stacked on top of each other, that is to say come into direct contact with each other. Furthermore, it is a very significant advantage from a marketing point of view that a logo or a brand name can be provided in a particularly easy manner on the lid of the reclosable container. The hole seal can be produced in a separate production step and then integrated into the lever vane to form a closed module.

Description of drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will be elucidated from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the examples of schematic diagrams, in which:

Figures 1a)-1g) respectively represent the container closure of the present invention and the container of the present invention, which are in different stages of use;

Fig. 2 shows the container cap of the present invention with closed hole closure;

Figures 3a) and 3b) represent a container cap of the present invention with an open hole seal;

Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a container lid of the present invention without a lever tab;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective top view of the underside of the closing collar of the lever tab;

Figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view of a container cap of the present invention;

Figure 7 represents an enlarged view of section A of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of section B of Figure 6; and

Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a third restraint device of a container closure according to the invention.

Detailed ways

Figure 1a) shows a container 1 according to the invention with a container lid 2 and a container receptacle or body 4 according to the invention. The container lid 2 has a peripheral edge 6 which is connected to the container receptacle 4 in a fluid-tight manner via a seam connection 8 . Furthermore, the container lid 2 is equipped with a lid surface 10 in which there is a region 12 for the dispensing aperture. The container lid 2 also has a lever tab 14 having a first end 16 in the form of a wing nose and an opposite second end 18 . The area 12 for the dispensing aperture is delimited by a weakened profile 20 . In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 a ), the can lid 10 or the area 12 for the dispensing hole is made of a light metal, for example aluminium. The cover surface occupied by the mechanically reinforced region 12 in which the circumferential rib 22 is provided. To reinforce the distribution opening, a circumferential rib 25 adjacent to the area 12 is provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a ), the lever flap 14 is in the so-called opener position. That is, the first end or wing nose 16 is in a position partially overlapping the area 12 for the dispensing aperture. The lever tab 14 is connected to the cover surface 10 via fastening means 24 in the form of rivets. The connection takes place via a retaining tongue or post 26 which extends from the fastening device 24 in the direction of the region 12 for the dispensing opening and transitions into the first end 16 .

By lifting the second end 18 of the lever tab 14 in the opener position, the first end or wing nose 16 presses on the overlapping area of the area 12 for the dispensing hole. Due to the recesses 28 and 30 provided in the lid surface 10 , also due to the very small diameter of the container lid (see FIGS. 1 b ) and 1 c )), the second end 18 can be gripped and lifted particularly comfortably. In the embodiment of the container lid 2 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, wherein the second end 18 of the lever tab 14 is very close to the edge 6, due to the indentations 28 and 30 in the lid surface 10 on both sides of the axis Positioning, in the opener position, the axis extending between the first and second ends 16, 18 (see dotted line in Fig. 1 a) ), in a practical manner makes correct use mandatory for the user. If the lever flap 14 is in a position rotated from the opener position, it is generally no longer possible to properly reach under the lever flap in the region of the second end 18 and grip it. In the embodiment shown, the operation of the lever tab 14 at the second end 18 is further facilitated by the provision of gripping recesses 19 and 21 which correspond to the notches 28 if the lever tab is in the opener position. and 30, that is, the holding recess 19 is located above the notch 28, and the holding recess 21 is located above the notch 30. In this way, especially for container closures with a small diameter or those with the second end very close to the rim 6 , it is possible to lift the second end 18 of the lever flap without error. By lifting the lever tab, as shown in FIG. 1 b ), the weakening profile 20 is first broken only in one place. If the lever tab 14 is pressed further down into the position shown in FIG. 1 c ), the weakening profile 20 is almost completely torn or destroyed. By interaction with the first end 16, the separate area for the dispensing aperture is advanced into the interior of the container. By not designing the weakened profile on the entire circumference, but by providing an alternative section of area (see also reference numeral 52 of FIG. 4 ) that does not have the weakened profile, it is possible to prevent the cover segment from falling into the container interior (see also for other details Figure 5 gives).

After the area 12 for the dispensing hole has been opened, the lever tab 14 can be pushed back to its original horizontal orientation, as shown in Figure 1d). Subsequently, the lever flap 14 can be brought into the closed position by rotating 180° in the plane of the cover surface 10 (see FIG. 1 e )). The second end region 18 then lies in a position above the distribution opening 12 (see FIG. 1 f )).

In the region of the second end 18 , the lever flap 14 has a closure module 36 comprising a substantially circumferential closure collar 32 and a hole seal 34 . In the variant shown, the reversibly operable orifice seal 34 is inside the closure collar. On the side facing the upper side of the cover surface 10, the closure collar 32 is implemented in such a way that a closure module 36 comprising the closure collar 32 and the hole seal 34 can be pressed into the dispensing hole in a sealed manner, as shown in FIG. 1 g). Show.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a container cap 2 according to the invention. A closure module 36 , comprising a closure collar 32 and a hole seal 34 , is accommodated in the dispensing hole 12 . A reversibly operable hole seal 34 in the form of a flap lid is connected via a hinge 38 to the lever flap 14 or the closure collar 32, respectively. The stop points 42 , 44 , 46 and 48 protruding from the cover surface 10 can also be further seen in FIG. 2 . Stops 42 and 44 prevent lever tab 14 from rotating through an angle of more than 180 degrees, facilitating correct adjustment of closure module 36 in the closed position over dispensing aperture 12 . The stop points 46 and 48 take care of the lever flap 14 so that it can go from the opener position to the closed position only in the direction of rotation (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 ).

Figures 3a) and 3b) show the container closure 2 according to the invention with the hole closure 34 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 3 b ), the hole seal 34 can be turned backwards, ie in the direction of the recesses 28 and 30 , even further beyond the position shown in FIG. 3 a ). Preferably, the orifice seal 34 is reversibly held in this flip-open position by suitable locking or detent means. This enables particularly disturb-free drinking of liquids from the container shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 a ), the hole seal 34 can again be used to close the container lid 2 . To achieve a particularly airtight installation, the peripheral edge 35 of the hole seal 34 can sealingly engage with the inner edge 37 of the closure collar 32 . A person skilled in the art will be familiar with suitable locking connections or snap or clip connections, respectively.

A schematic top view of a container lid 2 according to the invention can be seen in FIG. 4 , however without the lever tab. In the center of the cover surface 10 there is a fastening device 24 for a lever tab (not shown). Circumferentially and adjacent to the weakening contour 20 , the region 12 for the distribution opening has an upwardly bent circumferential rib 22 which serves as reinforcement for the region formed by the region 12 . Also adjacent to the weakened profile 20 , there is a circumferential upwardly curved rib 50 adjacent to the region 12 in the cover surface 10 . As can be seen from FIG. 4 , the weakening profile 20 is not designed over the entire circumference. There is associated a region 52 which is laterally offset from the axis A-A. In operation of the lever tab 14 , the first end or wing nose 16 , which in the opener position partly overlaps the area 12 for the dispensing orifice, acts on the area 12 adjacent to this section 52 . By operating the lever tab 14 , pressing the first end 16 against the area 12 , the weakened profile 20 is ruptured such that with further manipulation of the lever tab the entire area 12 is pushed into the interior of the container. This length of area 52 ensures that the area is not completely separated and cannot fall into the interior of the container. Instead, this area is located inside the container as an inwardly turned cover surface segment.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of the assembly of the lever flap 14 with the closure collar 32 as part of the closure module 36 . For the sake of clarity, the hole seal 34 and the retaining tongue are not shown. The side of the lever tab 14 can be seen in FIG. 5 , which faces the upper side of the cover surface 10 when used in the normal way. The closure collar 32 on this side has a circumferential seal 54 . In the illustrated variant, a closure collar 32 extends into the first end portion 16, also serving to reinforce the lever tab. At this end 16, retaining tongues or retaining elements (not shown) act together with fastening means (not shown) for providing an addition to the cover surface.

A cross-sectional view of a container closure according to the invention can be seen in FIG. 6 . The closure collar 32 of the closure module 36 is inserted into the dispensing hole 12 via locking teeth 56 as part of a third stop device 55 . A circumferential seal 54 on the underside of the closing collar 32 bears sealingly against the circumferential rib 50 . The hole seal 34 is inserted into the closure collar 32 . Furthermore, the flange 8 forming the edge of the cover surface 2 can be seen in FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the attachment of the lever tab 14 to the cover surface 10 via fastening means 24 can be seen from FIG. 6 . Fastening means 24, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 plastic material overmolding. As shown in FIG. 6 , in the exemplary embodiment the closure collar 32 is only connected to the retaining element in the region of the first end 16 .

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of detail A of FIG. 6 . The seal 54 , which interacts with the rib 50 , is equipped with two wedge-shaped elastic ribs 58 , 60 which act on opposite sides of the rib back. Furthermore, the seal 54 has sealing walls 62 , 64 adjacent to these sealing ribs and at a distance therefrom, in contact with the upper side of the cover surface 10 . A particularly efficient liquid-tight insertion of the closure module 36 into the distribution opening 12 is achieved by means of the sealing structure 54 shown in FIG. 7 . The locking of the locking hook 56 under the peripheral edge of the dispensing opening 12 is configured such that in the locked or locked state, the sealing ribs 58 and 60 and the sealing wall elements 62 and 64 are pressed circumferentially against the upper side of the cover surface 10 . This seal contributes in a non-negligible manner to the closure of the reclosable container according to the invention, which effectively prevents the escape of gases, such as carbon dioxide, from a container which has been opened once before.

An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of section B of FIG. 6 can be seen in FIG. 8 . Adjacent to the edge 11 of the cover surface 10 , which defines the dispensing area or dispensing hole 12 , a circumferential rib 50 is located in the cover surface, extending axially away from the upper side of the cover surface 10 . The closure module 36 is irreversibly connected to the cover surface 10 via locking teeth 56 . In the closed position, the locking tooth 56 of the third stop device 55 has been pressed into the dispensing hole 12 . This is achieved especially well since the inclined surface 59 is provided on the surface of the locking tooth 56 facing the lid edge. These inclined surfaces press against the edge 11 when the closure module 36 is pressed into the dispensing hole 12 . Advantageously, the locking tooth 56 or the third stop device 55 is made of a relatively rigid, but still spring-elastic material. Suitable plastic materials having these properties are known to those skilled in the art. The third detent device 55 can have, for example, two, three, four, five or even more locking teeth 56 distributed circumferentially along the edge 11 of the dispensing opening 12 . In particular, when only a small number of locking teeth are used, for example two, three or four, it is advantageous to have them spaced almost equally from each other, preferably not only engaging the underside of the cover surface 10 with a point, but with Larger size design. Alternatively, it is also possible, as shown in FIG. 9 , to realize the third stop device 55 circumferentially, so that the locking tooth 56 engages or clamps the lid surface 10 along the edge 11 along the entire circumference of the dispensing hole 12 . underside. Once the edge (locking tooth) 56 with the protrusion 61 has locked into the hole edge 11 below the cover surface 10, the closure module 36 is seated in the dispensing hole 12 in a sealed locked state. The sealing seal of the closure module 36 via the circumferential seal 54 , which interacts with the upper side of the cover surface 10 , has already been described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 . It can also be seen in FIG. 8 that the reclosable hole seal 34 is inserted into the closure collar 32 , said hole seal being sealingly located at the inner wall of the closure collar 32 , for example via the circumferential ridges 63 and 65 .

Fig. 9 shows a perspective top view of an embodiment of a third restraint device 55, realized circumferentially and representing a portion of the closure collar 32 (not shown). This third detent device 55 has a total of eight locking teeth 56 on its circumference. The locking tooth has a rounded contact surface 59 and a locking protrusion 61 which reaches below the cover surface 10 and engages the cover surface 10 at its edge 11 (not shown). In the variant shown, the individual locking teeth are realized with relatively wide dimensions and are only separated by narrow cutouts 67 .

The features of the invention disclosed in the preceding description, the claims and the drawings can be used both individually and in any combination essentially to realize the invention in different embodiments.

Claims (25)

1. A resealable container cap comprising a cap surface having an upper side and an underside, and having a peripheral edge and an area for a dispensing orifice defined by at least one fully or partially circumferentially weakened profile , a lever flap pivotably fastened to the cover surface via fastening means for at least partially opening said region in a manner forming a dispensing hole, said lever flap having a first end and an opposite A second end, wherein the first end is accessible or in a position to at least partially overlap part of the area for the dispensing hole in the position of the opener, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end is located on the other side of the fastening device, wherein the lever tab has a closure module at or adjacent to the second end, the closure module comprising a closure collar or frame and a resealable hole seal part, in particular a reclosable hole seal surrounded by a closure collar or frame which abuts or is able to abut on the upper side of the cover surface and which is placed on the cover surface In the closed position, the upper side extends along the dispensing opening, in particular in a sealed manner along the dispensing opening. 2. Container lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure module, in particular the closure collar, has a third stop device on the side facing the upper side of the lid surface, whereby by operating the The stop device, the closure module is connected or connectable to the dispensing orifice, in particular irreversibly connected or connectable to the dispensing orifice, wherein preferably the closure collar bears partly or completely under prestress against the cap on the upper side of the surface. 3. A container closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container closure is a beverage can closure. 4. A container closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral edge of the closure surface comprises a flange. 5. A container closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the area for the dispensing aperture is a score panel and the weakened profile is a score profile. 6. Container cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said weakened profile surrounds said area for the dispensing orifice, except for a section, in particular adjacent to the first end at the position of the opener portion and is laterally offset from the line formed by the fastening means and the first end at the position of the opener. 7. A container lid according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means is located in the region of the center of the lid surface. 8. A container closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means are rivets. 9. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means is a loop and snap connection or a locking hook and snap connection. 10. The container lid according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one rib on the upper side of the lid surface, which extends over part or a complete circumference along the area for the dispensing hole, in particular Adjacently along said area for dispensing openings extends over a partial or complete circumference. 11. Container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure collar has at least one seal, in particular a circumferential seal, which abuts or can abut against the upper surface of the lid. on the side, especially adjacent to the dispensing hole. 12. A container closure according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the seal interacts or is capable of sealingly interacting with the rib. 13. Container cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area for the dispensing hole is spaced from the fastening means and in particular the area for the dispensing hole is adjacent to the surface of the cap. edge. 14. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resealable hole seal is or comprises a closure panel connected to the closure collar via a hinge or membrane hinge or capable of Attached to the closure collar via hinges or membrane hinges. 15. A container lid according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one notch on the upper side of the lid surface, said notch at least partially overlapping the second end of the lever tab at the opener position thereof , in particular arranged laterally offset from the line formed by the fastening means at the position of the opener and the second end. 16. A container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of metal and/or plastic. 17. Container closure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever flap has a retaining element, in particular a retaining tongue, preferably made of metal, via which retaining element the lever flap, in particular the lever The first end of the tab is fastened to the cover surface by the fastening means. 18. Container closure according to claim 17, characterized in that the first end region of the lever tab, in particular the closure collar, is injection molded onto the retaining tongue. 19. A container closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral edge has a flare extending axially away from the upper side of the closure surface. 20. A container cap according to claim 19, characterized in that, in the opener position, in the axial extension relative to the cap surface, the axis of the rim is The extension is formed such that the length of the extension is greater than the length of the extension of the lever tab. 21. A reclosable container comprising a container body and a container lid according to any preceding claim connected to the container in a liquid-tight manner. 22. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a beverage can. 23. Use of a container closure according to any one of claims 1-20 for the manufacture of a resealable container, in particular a resealable beverage can. 24. A method of making a resealable container according to claim 21 or 22, comprising the steps of: a) providing a container body comprising a bottom for containing the fluid, b) providing a container cap comprising a cap surface with an upper side and a lower side, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing aperture defined by at least one complete part-circumferential or part-circumferential weakening profile, and for fastening means for attaching lever tabs, c) providing a lever flap for at least partially opening said region in a manner forming a dispensing aperture, the lever flap comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure sleeve ring, and when applicable, a reclosable hole seal, and a retaining element, especially a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has a the attachment location of the fixing device, d) filling the container body with fluid, e) attaching the container lid to the container body, in particular fluid-tightly attaching it to the container body, and f) fastening the lever tab to the container lid via the attachment location by fastening means, and g) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab, or i) providing a container body comprising a bottom for containing the fluid, ii) providing a container lid comprising a lid surface with an upper side and an underside, a peripheral edge and an area for a dispensing orifice defined by at least one full-circumferential or partially-circumferential weakening profile, and for attachment Fastening means for a lever flap, and the lever flap including a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module including a closure collar and, when applicable, a reusable a plugging seal, and a retaining element, in particular a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has an attachment location for the fastening device in the direction of the second end, iii) filling the container body with fluid, iv) attaching the container lid, in particular fluid-tightly, to the container body, and fastening the lever flap to the container lid via the attachment location via the fastening means, and v) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab, or 1) provide a container body without a bottom, 2) providing a bottom for the container body, 3) providing a container cap comprising a cap surface with an upper side and a lower side, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one complete or partial circumferential weakening profile, and for attaching a lever fastening means for the fins, 4) providing a lever flap for at least partially opening said region in a manner to form a dispensing aperture, the lever flap comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure sleeve ring, and when applicable, a reclosable hole seal, and a retaining element, especially a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has a the attachment location of the fixing device, 5) attaching the container lid, especially fluid-tightly, to the container body, 6) fastening the lever tab to the container lid via the attachment location by fastening means, and 7) When applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab, 8) filling the container body with fluid, 9) attaching said bottom, in particular fluid-tightly, to the container body, or A) providing a container body without a bottom, B) providing a bottom for the container body, C) providing a container cap comprising a cap surface with an upper side and a lower side, a peripheral edge, and an area for a dispensing hole defined by at least one full or partly circumferential weakened profile, and for additional A fastening device connected to a lever tab, and the lever tab, the lever tab comprising a first end and an opposite second end having a closure module comprising a closure collar and, when applicable, a a reclosing seal, and a retaining element, in particular a retaining tongue, which is connected or connectable to the second end and has an attachment location for the fastening means in the direction of the second end, D) attaching the container lid, especially fluid-tightly, to the container body, and fastening the lever flap to the container lid via the attachment location via the fastening means, and E) when applicable, attach the resealable hole seal to the closure module of the lever tab, F) filling the container body with fluid, G) Attaching said bottom, in particular fluid-tight, to the container body. 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the lever tab is obtained by applying plastic material to the retaining element in the region of the first end of the lever tab in such a way that a closed collar is formed. , especially the metal retaining tongue overmolding.

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