WO2012150301A1

WO2012150301A1 - Lid arrangement for a container, and container provided therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2012150301A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/058126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Schandl
Original assignee: C2C Beteiligungs-Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-05-04
Filing date: 2012-05-03
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: DE102011075211A1

Abstract

The lid arrangement (12) according to the invention for a container (10), in particular for a drinks can (10), comprises a lid (20) and an operating device (30). The operating device (30) is arranged on the lid (20) such that it can be rotated about a first axis (A) and can be pivoted about a second axis (B). By virtue of the operating device (30) being pivoted about the second axis (B), it is possible to form at least one pressure-equalizing opening (21) in the lid (20), in order for a pressure in an interior of the container (10) to be equalized in relation to an ambient pressure. By virtue of the operating device (30) being rotated about the first axis (A), it is possible to form an opening (22) in the lid (20). The invention further comprises a container (10) having a lid arrangement (12) according to the invention.

Description

LID ARRANGEMENT FOR A CONTAINER AND

THEREFORE PROVIDED CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a lid assembly for a container, in particular for a beverage can. The lid assembly includes a lid and an operating device. With the help of the operating device, an opening in the lid can be formed.

Containers with such lid arrangements are known from EP 0 649 793 A1 and US Pat. No. 6,341,709 B1. In the case of the known cover arrangements, a small circular-arc-shaped section is first of all torn or pressed in by means of an operating device in order to allow a pressure equalization. By subsequently exerting a tensile force on the operating device, the entire opening can be fully formed by tearing open.

A disadvantage of the known cover arrangements is that to form the opening a relatively high tensile force is exerted on the operating device. Since this tensile force decreases rapidly towards the end of the process for forming the opening, the removable part of the lid is released jerkily from the lid assembly. As a result, there is a significant risk of injury to the user. In addition, the jerky release of the removable part of the lid can be a crashing of the contents of one with a cause such a lid assembly provided container. Furthermore, the lifted and bent lid poses a risk of injury.

The object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly whose lid is easy to open for easy handling, the risk of injury to the user is reduced.

To achieve the object, a lid assembly for a container, in particular for a beverage can is proposed according to the invention. The lid assembly includes a lid and an operating device. The operating device is rotatable about a first axis and arranged pivotably about a second axis on the lid. By panning the

Operating device about the second axis, at least one pressure equalization opening in the lid can be formed to equalize a pressure in an interior of the container to an ambient pressure. By turning the operating device about the first axis, an opening in the lid can be formed.

The lid assembly according to the invention allows a flat structure, whereby the lid assembly is readily suitable for use in filling machines. By virtue of the lever effect generated by means of pivoting movement, it is possible for the user to form a pressure equalization opening without high expenditure of force. Characterized in that the formation of the opening takes place by means of a rotary movement, the formation of the opening by a small and uniform force exerted by the user is possible. Also, a Verschwappen the contents of a provided with a lid assembly according to the invention container can be prevented, since the opening of the container is done by means of a uniform movement.

The lid assembly according to the invention can be used generally for containers for liquids, gases and / or solids. Preferably the lid assembly is used for cans and in particular for beverage cans and cans.

Preferably, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. The first axis is preferably a substantially vertical axis and the second axis is preferably a substantially horizontal axis. Further preferably, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the lid and the second axis is substantially parallel to the lid. These axial directions are based on a proper use of the container and / or the lid assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid has an upper side, wherein the second axis is arranged above the upper side. When this lid assembly is used for a container, the top forms an outer surface of the container. This embodiment has the advantage that the operating device of a still sealed can for the user from the outside easy to use and / or accessible.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid has a tear line along which the opening can be formed. This embodiment has the advantage that the force required to form the opening can be significantly reduced. The scribe line is preferably groove-shaped, in particular wedge-shaped, when viewed in cross-section. In the context of the present invention, the score line can also be referred to as a tear, tear line, score line or predetermined breaking point.

In a preferred embodiment, the tear line is arcuate, preferably circular. In a circular configuration of the scribe line, this delimits a cover part which can be detached from the remaining part of the cover arrangement after the opening has been completely formed is. Preferably, the tear line is arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the first axis.

Preferably, the side surfaces of the crack in cross section form an angle with an angular extent of about 40 ° to about 140 °, preferably from about 60 ° to 120 °, more preferably about 85 °. This embodiment offers the advantage that the opening is made easier by applying a reduced force for the user to the operating device.

At the same time it is ensured that the lid assembly is also suitable for containers in which a pressurized fluid is added, as caused by the scribe line material weakening of the lid is low enough to withstand the pressure.

Preferably, the operating device has at least one rupture element in order to form the pressure compensation opening and / or the opening. The tear-open element in the sense of the invention can also be referred to as perforation element, scribe element or cutting element.

Further preferably, the operating device has two tearing elements, wherein the opening is obtainable by a rotation of about 180 ° about the first axis. Preferably, the two tear-open elements lie in a swung-up position of the operating device, symmetrical to each other with respect to the first axis. This embodiment has the advantage that by means of a rotation of about 180 °, the opening in the full extent, that is formed by 360 °. Subsequently, the limited by the scribe line lid part together with the operating device can be solved by the remaining lid assembly. Thus, the formation of a circular opening is made possible, which in particular has a large diameter compared to the size of the lid. If the cover arrangement with this configuration is tion used in conjunction with a beverage can, so also creates a large circular drinking opening. Thus, the opened can substantially has the shape of a drinking cup. This offers the advantage that such an opened soda can can not be used as a projectile because the can loses its contents during the process of throwing or in flight, thus reducing its mass, thereby losing the beverage can abused as a missile. This is particularly advantageous if such a beverage can is intended for sale during mass events.

Preferably, the at least one tear-open element is formed by a point, a cutting edge or an edge. This embodiment of the at least one tear-open element makes it possible for the tear-open element to be suitable both for forming the pressure equalization opening and for forming or tearing open the opening. An advantage of this embodiment is also that a deburring of the cover part and the surrounding part of the opening edge of the lid edge is achieved simultaneously with the formation of the opening. Preferably, the pressure equalization opening is formed by a scored during pivoting of the operating device by means of the tearing element puncture.

Preferably, the operating device has at least one resting surface for resting on an upper side of the lid. Preferably, the support surface rests on a bearing area, which is arranged on the upper side of the cover outside the tear line. As a result of the interaction of the support surface and the support region, the tear-open element is guided along the scribing line or on the scribe line during rotation of the operating device and is held centrally. This allows pressure to be exerted on the lid member without causing the lid member to tilt inwardly, thereby assuring easy handling during opening operation by the user. Preferably, the lid assembly is characterized by a reinforcing member disposed on an underside of the lid. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the lid assembly is intended for use in a beverage can, wherein the beverage can is subjected to a pressure. If the pressure inside the beverage can is too high, there is a risk that a section of the tear line will tear or burst open. This danger exists in particular if the contents of the can are subjected to pasteurization. The reinforcing member distributes the internal pressure away from the scribe line to a larger area of the lid or to the entire lid. In the context of the present invention, the reinforcing element can also be understood or referred to as a pressure distribution element.

Preferably, the reinforcing element is at least partially formed of plastic and / or metal.

Further preferably, the reinforcing element is a ring element or a disc element. Alternatively, the reinforcing element may also be formed by a coating that is preferably sprayed onto the underside. The disc member is preferably connected to a portion of the lid that lies within the tear line, that is, is secured to the detachable lid portion. By the disc element, which is connected to the detachable cover part, the diameter of the detachable portion of the lid can be increased overall and thereby be greater than the diameter of the opening. The ring member is preferably fixed to a portion of the lid which is disposed outside the score line, that is, at the lid edge remaining after the lid portion has been released. By the ring member which is connected to the edge of the lid, the diameter of the opening can be reduced and thus smaller than the diameter of the lid part. Both configurations offer the Advantage that the detached lid part can be used to close the opening and prevent, for example, insects can get into the can. An embodiment of the reinforcing element as a coating offers the advantage that the reinforcing element can be inexpensively and simply attached by spraying or on the lid.

Preferably, the reinforcing element has at least one recess and / or at least one incision and / or at least one material weakening and / or at least one elastic region. As a result, the flexibility of the reinforcing element, in particular in the region arranged adjacent to the tear line, is increased, whereby the formation of a pressure equalization opening is facilitated, for example, by piercing the tear-open element. Another advantage of this embodiment is particularly useful in a disc member, since the extraction of the reinforcing member through the opening, in spite of a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the opening, is facilitated. Furthermore, it is preferably possible for lamellae to be formed between the recesses and / or the incisions and / or the material weakenings and / or the elastic regions.

Preferably, a fastening part is provided, which connects the operating device with the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the

Lid assembly characterized in that the fastening part forms or has a hinge, in particular a hinge, wherein the hinge provides the second axis. Preferably, the joint can be formed by a thin-walled connection region, in particular from a flexurally elastic region. In further preferred embodiments, the fastening part can be positively and / or materially connected to the operating device. Furthermore, the joint can be formed thereby be that the fastening part is designed band-shaped, and is turned over by an introduced in the operating device opening.

Preferably, the fastening part is connected by means of a rivet to the lid, wherein preferably the rivet is formed by the lid. This configuration allows a simple and secure connection of the fastening part with the lid. An advantage of this embodiment is further that the fastening part can be rotatably arranged on the lid. If the rivet is formed by the lid itself, the wall formed by the lid remains intact. A penetration of the lid for attaching the rivets is not required.

A container according to the invention comprises a lid arrangement according to the invention. Preferably, the container is formed by a bottom, a wall and a lid assembly according to the invention, wherein the lid assembly is attached to the wall. This attachment is preferably carried out by crimping, for example by means of a double flanging. The wall preferably has the shape of a lateral surface of a cylinder.

Details and further advantages of the lid assembly according to the invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below. In the drawings, which only schematically illustrate the exemplary embodiments, illustrate in detail:

1 a shows a schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention, comprising a lid arrangement according to the invention according to a first embodiment; a schematic perspective view of the inventive container according to the first embodiment, wherein the operating device is pivoted upwards; a schematic perspective view of the container according to the invention according to the first embodiment, wherein the operating device is rotated; a schematic perspective view of the container according to the invention according to the first embodiment, wherein an opening is formed and a lid part is lifted; a plan view of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a schematic perspective view of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a plan view of an operating device of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a perspective view of the operating device of the lid assembly according to the first embodiment; a side view of the operating device of a lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a cross section of the lid assembly according to the invention; a detailed view of the marked in Fig. 5 with (I.) area; an exploded view of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a perspective view of the disk element of a inventions to the invention lid assembly according to the first embodiment; a plan view of the disc member according to a first embodiment; a side view of the disc member according to the first embodiment; a cross section of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the first embodiment; a detail view of the cross section of a container according to the invention according to the first embodiment, wherein the operating device is arranged in an upright position; an exploded view of the lid assembly according to the invention according to a second embodiment; a perspective view of a ring member of the lid assembly according to the invention according to the second embodiment; Fig. 1 1 b: a plan view of the ring member of a lid assembly according to the invention according to the second embodiment;

Fig. 1 1 c: a side view of the ring member of an inventive

Cover arrangement according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the cover arrangement according to the invention according to the second embodiment; FIG.

Fig. 13: a detail view of the cross section of the invention

Lid assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the operating device is arranged in an upright position.

The inventive container 10 in the form of a beverage can reproduced in FIGS. 1 a to 1 d comprises a cover arrangement 12 according to the invention, a wall 14 and a floor (not shown). The lid assembly 12 includes a lid 20 and an operating device 30. The operating device 30 is rotatable about a first axis A and arranged pivotably about a second axis B on the lid 20. The reproduced in Fig. 1 a container 10 is completely closed, the

Operating device 30 rests approximately flat on the top 23 of the lid 20.

In the reproduced in Fig. 1 b view of the container 10 according to the invention the operating device 30 is arranged in a substantially upright position. As a result, two tear-open elements 31 arranged on the operating device 30 are pressed into the cover 20 at a location arranged along or on a tear-off line 25, wherein two pressure-equalizing openings 21 are formed in the cover 20. As can be seen in particular FIG. 1 c, the operating device 30 can form an opening 22 in the cover 20 by means of the tearing elements 31 along or on the entirety of the circularly arranged tear-off line 25 by a rotation through approximately 180 °. Here, FIG. 1 c shows a position in which the operating device 30 is rotated by approximately 90 ° about the first axis A in comparison to FIG. 1 b. In order to form the opening 22 completely, the rotation is therefore continued by a further 90 °. Subsequently, a cover part 27, which is connected to the operating device 30, are lifted from the cover assembly 12 of the container 10 and make the opening 22 accessible. It then remains only a lid edge 28 connected to the container 10. As shown in Fig. 1 d reproduced, the lid member 27 is connected to the operating device 30, whereby a simple removal of the lid member 27 is made possible by the user. The opening 22 in the present case forms a drinking opening, so that the beverage can 10 can be handled similarly to a cup.

As can be seen in particular Figs. 2 and 3, the

Operating device 30 is connected to a fastening part 50, wherein the fastening part 50 is connected by means of a rivet 26 with the cover 20. The rivet 26 allows rotation of the attachment part 50 about the first axis A. The attachment part 50 also forms a hinge 51, which provides the second axis B. Due to the rotation of the

Operating device 30 about the first axis A, the tear-open elements 31 are movable along a circle on or adjacent to the tear line, wherein the tear line 25 is arranged along this circle. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2, 6 and 10, the scribe line 25 extends substantially circular and is arranged with respect to the first axis A axisymmetric.

Furthermore, the lid edge 28 has an annular groove 29 which extends completely along the lid edge 28 of the lid 20. The annular groove 29 is for Top 23 of the lid 20 is open and forms along a bottom 24 of the lid 20 is a projection,

Preferably, the scribe line 25 is adjacent to the annular groove 29, as thus a force exerted by a pressure of a fluid contained in the container 10 is directed away from the region of the lid 20 in which the scribe line 25 is arranged.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5a, which shows the region of FIG. 5 marked with (I.), the two side surfaces of the score line 25 form an angle a. Preferably, the angle a has an angular extent of about 85 °. This embodiment of the scribe line 25 makes it possible to absorb a pressurized fluid under pressure in the container 10, since the lid 20, despite a weakened by the scribe line 25 material weakening, withstands this pressure.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5, 8 and 12, the rivet 26 is formed by the cover 20. The first axis A passes through the center of the rivet 26.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 6, the cover arrangement 12 according to a first exemplary embodiment has a reinforcing element 40, which is designed as a disk element 40b. The disk member 40b is also shown in detail in Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c. The disk element 40b has a fastening element 42 which is arranged substantially in the middle of the disk element 40b. The fastening element 42 is formed mushroom-shaped. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 8, the disk element 40b can be held on the fastening element 42 by the rivet 26 of the cover 20 by means of positive locking. In the closed state of the container, the disk element 40b lies completely on the underside 24 of the lid 20. By means of a circular ordered dashed line is indicated in Fig. 7b, the area which is arranged on the underside 24 of the lid 20 opposite to the scribe line 25. Within this dashed line is thus the area in which the cover part 27 is arranged. Thus, FIG. 7b indicates that the disc member 40b completely covers the portions of the lower surface 24 facing the corresponding portions of the upper surface 23 along which the tear line 25 is disposed, thereby allowing the disc member 40b to slide along the lid 20 the scribe line 25 provides.

Furthermore, the ring element 40b comprises four recesses 41, which are arranged in the circumferential direction at an angle of 90 ° to each other. As shown again in Fig. 7b, the recesses 41 do not extend to the dashed line, that is, the recesses 41 do not protrude into the region in which the scribe line 25 is arranged.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 9, by means of a pivoting movement of the operating device 30 about the second axis B, the two tear-open elements 31 can be pressed into the cover 20. The respective tear-open element 31 is pressed into a location of the cover 20 arranged on or on the scribe line 25. As a result, the pressure compensation opening 21 is formed. In the upright position of the operating device 30 is a support surface 32 at the top 23 of the lid 20 on a support area 28 ', which lies outside the scribe line 25, on. Preferably, the bearing area 28 'is arranged on the lid edge 28. Due to the interaction of the support surface 32 and the bearing area 28 ', the tear-open element 31 can press the cover part 27 down relative to the cover edge 28.

FIGS. 10 to 13 show a cover arrangement 12 according to a second exemplary embodiment. The second exemplary embodiment is characterized in particular by the configuration of the reinforcing element 40. records. The reinforcing member 40 is formed as a ring member 40a. The ring element 40a has a substantially annular shape. The ring member 40a has an annular groove 43 which is disposed along the full circumference of the ring member 40a. The annular groove 43 is adapted to receive the projection formed by the annular groove 29 of the lid 20. The ring element 40a is preferably attached to the underside 24 of the lid 20 in a positive and / or material fit. The ring member 40a also covers on the underside 24 of the lid 20 the region opposite to the region in which the tear line 25 is formed on the upper side 23 of the lid 20. While the tear-open element 31 forms the pressure compensation opening 21 (see in particular FIGS. 9 and 13), the reinforcing element 40 is pushed away downwards and the pressure in the interior of the container 10 can be adjusted to an ambient pressure.

The lid assembly 12 according to the invention and the container 10 according to the invention are characterized in particular by a simple operability and a reduced risk of injury. Due to the inventive design, the opening 22 can be formed without excessive force and the lid member 27 can be easily solved without crashing the fluid contained in the container 10 of the lid edge 28.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

beverage can

Cover arrangement A first axis

B second axle cover

Pressure compensation opening α Cracking angle opening

top

bottom

layout line

rivet

cover part

cover edge

'Berth area

Ring groove operating device

tear

Lying surface reinforcing element

a ring element

b disc element

recess

fastener

Ring groove fastening part

joint

Claims

claims

1. lid arrangement for a container (10), in particular for a beverage can (10), comprising:

a lid (20) and

an operating device (30);

wherein the operating device (30) is rotatable about a first axis (A) and about a second axis (B) pivotally mounted on the lid (20);

wherein by pivoting the operating device (30) about the second axis (B) at least one pressure equalization opening (21) in the lid (20) can be formed to equalize a pressure in an interior of the container (10) to an ambient pressure and

wherein by turning the operating device (30) about the first axis (A) an opening (22) in the lid (20) can be formed.

2. Lid arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first axis (A) extends substantially perpendicular to the second axis (B).

3. Lid arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (20) has an upper side (23), wherein the second axis (B) above the upper side (23) is arranged.

4. cover assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (20) has a tear line (25) along which the opening (22) can be formed.

5. Lid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operating device (30) at least one up Tear element (31) to form the pressure equalization opening (21) and / or the opening (22).

6. Lid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating device (30) has two tearing elements (31), wherein the opening (22) by a rotation of about 180 ° about the first axis (A) is available.

7. Cover arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one tear-open element (31) is formed by a tip, a cutting edge or an edge.

8. Lid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the operating device (30) has at least one support surface (32) for resting on an upper side (23) of the lid (20).

9. Lid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a reinforcing element (40, 40 a, 40 b) which is arranged on a lower side (24) of the lid (20).

10. Lid assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing element (40, 40a, 40b) is a ring member (40a) or a disc member (40b) or a coating.

1 1. Lid arrangement according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reinforcing element (40, 40a, 40b) has at least one recess (41) and / or at least one incision and / or at least one material weakening and / or at least one elastic region.

12. cover assembly according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that a fastening part (50) is provided, which connects the operating device (30) with the lid (20).

13. A lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening part (50) forms or has a joint (51), in particular a hinge, wherein the joint (51) provides the second axis (B).

14. Lid assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the fastening part (50) by means of a rivet (26) with the lid (20) is connected, wherein preferably the rivet (26) through the lid (20) is formed.

15. A container comprising a lid assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.