Container lid and container

Abstract

A container, particularly a drinks can, is closed by a lid having a tear-off opening. Additionally, a rotatable element is provided and used to close the tear-off opening for a consumption seal and/or which covers a symbol and/or a sign which is only visible after opening the seal.

Description

This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/476,181, filed Nov. 5, 2003, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a container lid as well to a container.

From DE 296 16 133 a container lid is known, which is used for cans and especially for drinks cans, and is provided with a container opening, which with an originally sealed container is locked by a sealing latch. For opening the container, said sealing latch can be at least partly removed or can be pressed into the container by using an opening ring or a tear-off ring provided on said seal. The container lid is formed of two parts and consists of a first lid element to be fastened on a container or can body, which is also provided with the sealing latch or the container opening, and of a second lid element rotatably fastened on the outer surface or the upper side of the lid. In view of the two-part arrangement the container opening in its open position can be closed again by correspondingly rotating the second lid element. It is essential to design the second lid element shaped as a circular disk and on its periphery or rim is guided on the first lid element in a form-locking manner.

It is an object of the invention to improve the container lid and to propose an improved and novel container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Also with the container lid of the subject invention, the second lid element is designed similar to the shape of a circular disk, and its rim is guided along the first lid element in a form-locking manner so that it is fastened there against lifting from the first lid element. In this way a sealed closure is guaranteed also with an inner pressure of the container, which is closed again by the second lid element, especially if drinks including carbon dioxide are involved, such as soft drinks or beer.

A special feature of the novel container lid is that the form-locking connection between the first lid element and the periphery or rim of the second lid element is provided on a rim area of the bottom of the lid surround the center axis of the lid concentrically, with a radial distance from the lid edge of the pot-like lid, which edge is formed preferably ring-type or as a conical ring so that the container lids can be stacked or nested one above the other when processed within a container closure machine in an optimum manner, and also allows processing of the container lid with the usual closure tools.

With the container lid according to the subject invention, the first lid element is preferably made from sheet metal or from suitable plastic material, such as PET. For manufacturing the second lid element sheet metal can be used; however, the second lid element is preferably made from plastic, which allows optimum design and structure, especially also the formation of rounded edged, rims and openings. By using plastic material for at least one lid element scratching of the lid elements can be avoided, when the lid elements are rotated relative to each other so that an optically pleasant and also hygienic solution will be obtained.

Guiding the second lid element in a form-locking manner at its periphery along the first lid element allows the second lid element with its edge to engage a ring-like catch on the first lid element, which catch concentrically surrounds the center axis, for example to engage a ring-type groove of the first lid element, which groove surrounds the center axis concentrically and is open radially outwardly in view of said center axis, or alternatively to engage a ring-like projection peripherally on the first lid element which surrounds the center axis of the lid concentrically and in an axial direction radially to said center axis extends beyond adjacent surfaces of the first lid element. The peripheral area of the second lid element engaging the ring-type catch on the first lid element can be formed to be continuous or alternatively can be formed with several segments joining each other in the peripheral direction. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the ring-type catch is formed by a plurality of projections provided on the first lid element, which projections are arranged in a consecutive manner along a circular line surrounding the center axis concentrically.

A sealing element is provided at least on the first and/or the second lid element either by attaching or applying a corresponding sealing material, or by molding; said sealing material closes the gap between the lid elements at least around the container opening and effectively prevents filling material (drinks) from entering the gap between the lid elements.

The second lid element of the container lid according to the invention is supported or guided also around the center axis on the first lid element by using a fastening element which can be of the same material as the first lid element, such as a rivet or a catching rivet or a catching pivot.

According to a further embodiment of the invention the container lid and with a two-part structure of said container lid the lid elements are manufactured at least partly from plastic, preferably a transparent plastic, such as PET. With a container lid made of plastic, such as PET or of a first container element a sealing latch is formed for example by an insertion element, which can be made from sheet metal or from suitable plastic.

With the subject invention the first and/or the second lid element of the repeatedly closeable lid is manufactured from metal or plastic. The second lid element which is rotatably arranged on the first lid element also can be made from metal (such as aluminum) or plastic, whereby the plastic material is chosen from food compatible plastic material.

This invention is suitable as a container for liquid filling material, such as drinks. But it is also suitable for a container for powdered, granulated or particle-type filling material, such as cereal, nuts etc.

In order to guarantee a safe sealing effect, the rotatable second lid element and/or the first lid element is provided with a suitable sealing element. This sealing element can be applied to said structural element subsequent to completing the first or second lid element by any suitable technique. If the structural element is made from plastic there is also the possibility to manufacture the seal by an injection molding or by an in-mold process.

The tear-off latch can be made from metal or plastic or from a combination of both. Especially, when manufacturing the rotatable lid element and/or the tear-off latch there is also the possibility not only to manufacture the parts by a so-called assembly injection molding process, but at the same time to fasten the parts with each other. Such assembly injection molding process also can be combined with a two component injection molding process or an in-mold-process, which means that manufacturing the rotatable lid element from plastic with the tear-off latch made of a harder plastic material (such as PET), and the molding of the sealing element of a softer plastic material, which again is food-compatible, could be done in one operation step.

If the tear-off latch is a separately manufactured structural element, said latch for example is connected with the lid bottom of the first lid element and the rotatable lid portion by means of the rivet or pivot pin formed from the material of the lid bottom of the first lid element. Basically, there is also the possibility to attach the tear-off latch pivotably to the rotatable lid element, for example by catching.

Furthermore, there is the possibility to design the tear-off latch and/or the rotatable lid element in such a manner that the tear-off latch is fixed by being locked in a position extending parallel to the upper side of the rotatable lid element.

Especially, if the central point of rotation of the rotatable lid element is formed by a trunnion, a pivot pin or a bearing element (also rivet) provided within the bottom of the first lid element it is useful to design the sealing element acting between the lid bottom and the rotatable lid element in such a manner that it surrounds said pivot pin etc. in a ring-like manner so that a sealing effect is obtained around the pivot pin.

If the first lid element is manufactured from plastic there is the possibility that an insertion element from metal is provided or is injection molded within said lid bottom, whereby said insertion element made from metal then includes the area which is to be opened by impressing it in so that the drinking or discharge opening in the usual manner can be opened in the usual manner by tearing-off.

With containers having a larger volume it is also possible to arrange the lid bottom of the first lid element with an enlarged diameter. This lid bottom of the first lid element then is provided with a section extending beyond the upper side of the lid bottom of the lid element to a certain extent, which upper side is facing away from the interior of the container, is formed in a circular manner and the central axis of which is staggered in view of the center axis of the container. This section is provided with the area to be opened by a tearing-off step. On this section the rotatable lid element is arranged, which allows for closing the discharge opening again in such a manner that the rotatable lid element at its rim engages the lid bottom of the first lid element in a form-locking manner, and in addition thereto is rotatably connected with the first lid element within the center of said section by means of a bearing element.

The design described above has the advantage that in spite of a large diameter of the container and thus in spite of a large container volume for closing the container again a lid element with relatively small diameter can be used, which means a lid element the firmness and stiffness of which already in view of the smaller diameter is sufficiently high to obtain the required sealing effect of the container, if closed again, especially at a high inner pressure of the container, as it is for example with a carbon dioxide filling material (such beer, soft drinks, etc.).

The container according to the invention is especially suitable for liquid and solid food, such as drinks, coffee, coffee beans, peanuts, pistachios, pastry, sweets like bonbons etc., salad oil, however, also for cosmetics such as shampoos, washing powder, cleaning material, gels and pastes, but also for technical filling material, such as motor and transmission lubricants etc.

In general the lid according to the invention is designed in such a manner that it can be processed with the usual closing machines, especially by rolling the first lid element onto the upper rim of the container. For this purpose the lid is formed so that the edge of the first lid element is accessible for the tools used therewith.

Furthermore, the lid according to the invention is formed in such a manner that it can be stacked or nested together with a plurality of equivalent lids within a magazine of the seaming apparatus by interlocking or interengaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail by describing embodiments in connection with the figures, which show:

FIG. 1 in a simplified representation and in top view a reclosable lid for a drinks can, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a cross section along line I-I of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a partial section through the lid of FIG. 1 corresponding with line II-II;

FIG. 4 in a simplified representation a cross section through the upper part of a drinks can with the lid according to FIG. 1 closed;

FIG. 5 a representation similar to FIG. 2 of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 a top view on the rotatable lid element of the lid according to the invention;

FIG. 7 a cross section according to line III-III of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 a cross section according to line IV-IV of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9-20 in top view and in cross-section additional embodiments of the lid according to the invention;

FIGS. 21-24 a first lid element in bottom view, lateral view, in cross section as well a perspective top view;

FIGS. 25-29 a rotatable second lid element matching the first lid element of FIGS. 21-24 in top view, lateral view, in cross-section, bottom view and in perspective top view;

FIGS. 30-34 a tear-off latch to be used with a container lid of FIGS. 21-29 in top view, front view, cross section and bottom view;

FIGS. 35-38 a rotatable lid element matching the first lid element of FIGS. 21-24 in top view, lateral view, cross section, bottom view and a perspective top view of a further embodiment;

FIGS. 39-42 a tear-off tongue to be used in connection with the rotatable lid element of FIGS. 35-38 in top view, front view, lateral view and bottom view;

FIGS. 43+44 in partial cross section and in top view a further embodiment of a container according to the invention;

FIGS. 45+46 in cross section as well in top view the first lid element of the lid of the container according to FIGS. 43+44;

FIGS. 47-49 a lid element in bottom view, in cross section and in top view of the container of FIGS. 43+44;

FIG. 50 in a simplified representation a partial cross section through a rotatable lid element and an embossed area at the non-rotatable lid element of a first embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 51 a view of the rotatable lid element of FIG. 50 from the bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1-4, reference number 1 refers to a lid to be used for a drinks can, for example a can for soft drinks or beer which has a lid 1 and a cup-like can body 2 on its top side (see FIG. 4). Lid 1 is sealingly attached to the can body 2 with the lid 1 in the usual manner and with the usual means, such as by a fold 3 along an upper rim of the can so that can 1 hermetically seals the interior space 4 of the can against the surroundings.

Can body 2 for example is fabricated from metal (aluminum or aluminum alloy) by deep drawing processes or alternatively is fabricated from a suitable plastic, such as PET.

Lid 1 comprises the lid element 5, which for example is also fabricated in a cup-type shape from sheet metal of aluminum or aluminum alloy by deep drawing, namely with an even or substantially even lid bottom 6 formed as a circular disk, with a lid rim 7, which tapers with increasing diameter towards the upper side of lid 1 and joins a rounded edge section 8 forming the fold 3 when closing the can body 2. Between bottom 6 and rim 7 the lid is formed with a ring-like groove 9 which concentrically surrounds the center axis M of the lid and is open towards the upper side of the lid.

Adjacent bottom 6 of the lid and radially staggered in view of the center axis M a sealing latch 10 is formed within the material of said bottom, which latch for opening the can or lid 1 can be pressed impressed so that when lid 1 is open latch 10 over a partial area still is connected with bottom 6 of the can and extends into the interior space 3 of the can for releasing an opening 11 for drinking, as shown in FIG. 2 by an interrupted line 10′. Latch 10 is manufactured in one piece with bottom 6 so that the edge line of latch 10 at least over a partial area is formed by a breaking line, along which the material of the bottom of the lid has a reduced cross section. Latch 10 is reinforced by strengthening beads or ribs 12.

For opening lid 1 or the opening 11 for drinking the upper side of the lid is provided with an opening or tear-off ring 13, which in top view of the lid (FIG. 1) is a substantially oval ring 14 with a center web 15 with openings 16 and 17 at both sides of the central web 15. A sealing latch 18 extends into that opening 17, which is arranged nearer to the sealing latch 10. The tear-off ring 13 is fastened to said latch 18 at the upper side of the lid element 5 adjacent the central axis M by a short clamping rivet 19 formed from the material of the bottom 6 of the lid. The ring body 14 and the central web 15 are rigidly formed. Latch 18 can be bent. At the side opposite to the opening 16 the tear-off ring 13 contacts the sealing latch 10 when opening the can.

With an originally closed can the tear-off ring 13 with its ring plane is parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom 6 of the lid within the space surrounded by the lid ring 7, which means below the lid edge 8 or the rim of the can formed by the fold 3.

A further lid element 20 is arranged rotatable around the center axis M on the upper side of the bottom 6 of the lid opposite to the interior space 4 of the container. Said lid element is shaped as a circular disk and has a peripheral rim 21, which is drawn downwardly and rolled-in slightly; said rim 21 at its interior side facing the center axis M forms a section 22 which surrounds the center axis M concentrically and forms a groove opened towards the center axis M; across section 22 the lid element 20 overlaps an annular extension 23 surrounding the center axis M concentrically in a form locking manner; said extension is formed at the transition of the bottom 6 of the lid towards the joining ring groove 9 on the lid element 5. By means of rim 21 and projection 23 the lid element 20 along its entire periphery is connected with the lid element 5 in a form locking manner, especially is also fastened against lifting from the lid element 5. Inspite thereof the lid element 20 can be rotated around the central axis M relative to the lid element 5.

In the center of the lid the lid element 20 is rotatably supported on the lid element 5 by means of a rivet 19. In order to obtain a low structural height and especially a small axial dimension for the rivet 19 the tear-off ring 13 is provided with an area having a crank 24 surrounding the rivet in such a manner that the lid element 20 with an aperture 25 is rotatably supported on said crank of the tear-off ring 13 or the latch 18, and the tear-off ring 13 is rotatably connected with the lid element 5 by means of said crank 24 and said rivet 19 around the center axis M.

The lid element 20 with the shown embodiment is fabricated from plastic, preferably a transparent plastic (such as PET) and has an opening 26 of the same size and in view of the center axis M also the same arrangement as the drinking opening 11. With originally closed cans the opening 26 is coincident with the latch 10 so that by using the tear-off ring 13 the lid 1 can be opened in such a manner that the opening 11 for drinking formed subsequent to impressing the latch 10 is accessible through opening 26. By rotating the lid element 20 relative to the lid element 5 the opening 11 can be closed again by means of the lid element 20.

In order to facilitate rotating the lid element 20 said element 20 is provided with two handles or followers 28 which extend slightly beyond the upper side of the lid element 20. The followers 28 are arranged on both sides of a tear-off ring 13 on a common axis intersecting the central axis M.

With the shown embodiment the tear-off ring 13 is rotated around the center axis M together with rotating the lid element 20. Accordingly, the lid element 20 at its upper side has two catches or projections 29 which extend into the opening 16 and when rotating the lid element 20 take along the tear-off ring 13.

Assembling the lid 1 is performed by initially setting-up the lid element onto the upper side of bottom 6 of the lid and pressing it against the bottom 6 in such a manner that the section 22 on the ring-type projection 23 is resiliently locked. Subsequent thereto the tear-off ring 23 is set upon the preformed rivet 19 so that crank 24 is arranged within the bore 25 of the lid element 20, and the projections 29 engage the opening 16. In a further operation step rivet 19 is deformed so that the tear-off ring 13 and therewith also the lid element 20 is finally supported at the lid element 5.

As FIG. 2 shows the lid element 20 with the shown embodiment is depressed at the top side, where the tear-off ring 13 is provided in order to reduce the structural height by this measure.

A substantial detail of lid 1 is seen in that the annular groove 9 as well the entire height of the lid edge 7 is kept distant from the lid element, which means is not covered by said element so that lid 1 can be processed with the usual closure tools, which require the free accessible edge 7 of the lid along the entire height for rolling along the edge section 8 and for forming the fold 3.

For sealing the opened drinking opening 11 again by means of the lid element 20 the lid element 5 has an area with a peripheral seal 30 surrounding the drinking opening 11, which seal is provided with an open groove on the upper side of the bottom 6 of the lid and formed into said bottom by applying a suitable sealing material.

As a further embodiment FIG. 5 shows a lid 1a which differs from lid 1 substantially in that instead of the seal 30 two seals 31 and 32 are applied onto the underside of the lid element 20 adjacent the bottom 6 of the lid portion 5a, namely a peripheral seal 31 at the edge area surrounding the opening 26 and a peripheral seal 32 of the same shape, size and position in view of the center axis M at an area staggered in view of the opening 26 by a predetermined angle around the center axis M. In view of seal 31 and the released drinking opening 11 the intermediate space between the bottom of lid 6 and lid element 20 around said drinking opening is sealed. Seal 32 seals the transition between bottom 6 of the lid and lid element 20 when the latter has been rotated into a position in which the drinking opening 11 is closed. With this embodiment lid element 1a is provided with stops, which provide the defined end positions of the lid element 20 for the condition “drinking opening 11 released” and “drinking opening 11 closed”.

FIGS. 6-8 show in individual representations as a further embodiment of the invention a lid element 20a which can be used instead of the lid element 20 of FIGS. 1-5. Lid element 20a differs from lid element 20 substantially in that the followers 28a corresponding to the followers 28 are arranged in depressions 33 at the upper side of lid element 20a, which results in an extremely low structural height. Furthermore, the followers 28 are formed in such a manner that they widen towards their free end, and form tapered edges there so that the grip is improved. Instead of the applied seals 31 and 32 lid element 20a is provided with seals formed thereon; only one of said seals, namely seal 31a corresponding to seal 31 is shown.

Applying the seals 30, 31 or 32 is performed by suitable techniques, for example by applying a suitable sealing material (elastomer) which cures subsequent to being applied.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show in top view as well in cross section further embodiments of a lid 1b, which differs from lid 1 substantially in that it is to be used for a can body 2b fabricated from plastic, preferably PET. Instead of a metal lid element 5 a lid element 5b is used which is also fabricated from plastic, preferably of PET, and the shape of which corresponds substantially to the shape of the lid element, however, with the main difference that the drinking opening 11 in the originally closed condition of the drinks can or alternatively of the lid 1b is closed by an insert 10b, which with the shown embodiment is manufactured from sheet metal and can be pushed inwards by means of the tear-off ring 13 when the can or the lid 1b is to be opened. Instead of the rivet 19 produced by deforming the material a rivet 19b is formed onto the lid element 5b. Rivet 19b is formed as a latching rivet to which the tear-off ring 13 is fastened with the opening provided on the ring latch 18 by a snapping effect. A projection 34 is formed on the upper side of lid element 5b and engages a part- ring-type recess 35 at the underside of the lid element 20. Recess 35 extends onto a partial circle extending concentrically to the center axis M across an angular sector, which corresponds with the admissible area of rotation of lid element 20 and is chosen so that opening 11 can be closed again by rotating the lid element 20.

Fastening lid 1b to the can body 2b is effected by suitable measures, such as ultrasonic welding and/or glueing adjacent a fold 3b. Lid element 20 is made from plastic, preferably PET. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the can body 2b with the lid element 5b again, however, with tear-off ring 13 and lid element 20 removed.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show representations similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 as further embodiments of a lid 1c which also is intended to be used for a PET can, which means that it is made and is suitable for being used with the can body 2b made of plastic (PET). Lid 1c differs from lid 1b mainly insofar that instead of the insert portion 10b an insert portion 10c made from sheet metal is provided, which also forms the rivet 19. FIGS. 15 and 16 show lid element 5c of lid 1c when the tear-off ring 13 and the lid element 20 are not yet assembled.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show in plan view as well in cross section a lid 1d for a PET drinks can, which means for being used with can body 2b. Lid 1d substantially comprises lid element 5d only, which is fabricated from sheet metal, such as a sheet of aluminum or aluminum alloy, with a shape corresponding basically to the shape of lid element 5. Lid element 5d is sealingly connected with the rim of can body 1b in a suitable manner, f.e. by glueing, welding or any other suitable process. Instead of latch 10 which can be teared-off, lid element 5d has an opening 36 forming the drinking opening, which forms a rim 37 extending into the interior space of can body 2b. In order to enable emptying the content of the drinks can to a full extent, rim 37 is provided with slots or openings 38 adjacent the underside of the lid element 5d. By a set-up or screwed-on closure element 39 the opening 37 can be closed. The associated threaded end can be provided with a single thread or a multiple thread, preferably with a high pitch so that the closure element 39 can be removed or alternatively fitted by a limited rotational movement.

Because the thread for the closure element 39 is provided on the rim 37 extending into the interior of the can the closure element 39 only extends a small distance beyond the upper side of the bottom of lid element 5d, when the can is closed so that the closure element 39 when closed extends only a small distance upwardly beyond the bottom of the lid, and in this manner several closed cans can be easily stacked.

The sealing effect between lid element 5d and closure element 39 for example is guaranteed by the self-sealing thread or by an additional seal (not shown). Furthermore, there is the possibility to provide said closure element 39 so that safety for originality is obtained in such a manner that when opening the closure element 39 for the first time a plumbing element, such as a perforation is to be destroyed mechanically so that an already open can clearly can be realized as being open.

Above, it has been explained that lid element 5b is manufactured from metal sheet. Of course, there is the possibility to manufacture this lid element also from plastic, such as PET; according to FIGS. 19 and 20 the lid marked with le also can be manufactured in one piece with the can body 2b already when being manufactured. Filling the can with liquid (drink) is performed through opening 36, which is closed by closure element 39 subsequent to being filled.

Instead of insert portions 10b or 10c made of metal or sheet metal said parts also can be made of suitable plastic.

Above, the invention has been described in connection with embodiments. It is understood that a plurality of alterations and changes will be possible without leaving the basic idea of the invention.

The above description has started from the fact that lid element 20 or 20a has been fabricated from plastic. Of course, there is the possibility to fabricate such lid elements from metal or sheet metal. Furthermore, independent from the chosen material the rim 21 of the lid element 20 or 20a can be segmented or can be provided with cuttings so that latching this rim at the annular projection 23 will be easier, also by an especially effective form-locking engagement of the projection 23 by rim 21.

Furthermore, with a sufficiently long rivet 19 it is also possible to support the corresponding lid element 20 or 20a directly on said rivet in a rotatable manner, whereby the described embodiment with the rotatable support of lid element 20 or 20a on said crank has the advantage of a short rivet 19 and thus a small structural height, and also avoids an excessive stress of the material when forming the rivet 19.

Above, it has been described, too, that the seal 30 provided at the bottom 6 of the lid has been designed as an annular seal surrounding the drinking opening 11. Preferably, this seal in the rotational direction of the lid element 20 is of a width that in any rotational positions of the lid element, especially also in a position in which drinking opening 11 and opening 26 overlap each other only partly, the gap or transition between bottom 6 and lid element 20 or 20a are entirely sealed so that even if the drinking opening 11 and the opening 26 overlap each other only partly, which means when the drinking opening 11 is only partly open, filling material such as a drink cannot pass between the bottom 6 of the lid and lid element 20. The shape and the path of seal 30 is shown by an interrupted line 30′ of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 21-24 show in different representations the various elements of a repeatedly closable lid 1f of a further embodiment of the invention. The lid which can be used for the can body 2 again consists of the lid element 5f with bottom 6f of the lid, which element 5f is fastened to the can body by rolling-on, and corresponds to lid element 5 and bottom 6 of the lid; lid element 5f with bottom 6f of the lid for example is fabricated from metal (aluminum) with a shape corresponding to lid element 5. Furthermore, lid 1f comprises the rotatable lid element 20f which in view of its function corresponds to lid element 20 and can be fabricated from plastic or metal. By means of rivet 19 formed centrally on bottom 6f of the lid, the lid element 20f is rotatably supported at the bottom 6f of the lid. Lid element 20f with its rim 50 corresponding to rim 22 is supported in a form-locking manner along its periphery by press-on and latching steps, however, is rotatably supported on lid element 5f or alternatively on bottom 6f of the lid. Rim 50 engages the annular projection 51 which corresponds to the projection 23. Together with the rivet 19 the tear-off latch 52 is supported on the bottom 6f of the lid or alternatively on the lid element 20f.

On the underside facing bottom 6f of the lid, lid element 20f has two stops 53 starting from the edge 50, which stops cooperate with a projection 54, worked out from the material of bottom 6f of the lid and extending beyond the upper side of said bottom. The two stops 53, which are 180° staggered against each other in view of the center axis of the lid element 5f, restrict the rotational movement of the lid element 20f to an angle of about 180° or slightly less.

The bottom 6f of the lid has an area 55, which is impressed, and which when being impressed releases the drinking opening by means of the tear-off latch 52. Within lid element 20f an opening 56 is provided, which corresponds to said area 55 or the drinking opening when opened. If lid 1f is closed (originally sealed) as well if the drinking opening is opened and released, the open area 55 and the opening 56 are coincident. If lid 1f is closed again, lid element 20f is rotated so that the open area 55 (drinking opening) is covered by lid element 5f.

At the underside facing bottom 6f the lid element 20f is provided with a seal 57 formed similar to a figure eight, which seal on the one hand extends along the edge of the opening 56, namely along a section 57′ of the seal. Opposite to section 57 a sealing section 57″ is formed as a mirror image relative to the symmetrical axis SA. Also the two stops 53 are symmetrically arranged in view of the symmetry axis intersecting the center axis of lid element 20f. With opening 56 arranged coincident with area 55 the seal with its section 57′ contacts the edge area at the bottom 6f of the lid surrounding area 55. With the lid 1f closed again or with the drinking opening (open area 55) closed again section 57″ rests against bottom 6 of the lid with the rim surrounding said area 55. As shown, seal 57 is also formed in such a manner that it surrounds the center opening 58 within the lid element 5f for the rivet 19 along section 57′″ so that especially with an originally sealed can the lid element 20f is sealingly closed adjacent rivet 19 so that for example no liquid can flow from the outer side of lid element 20f between the bottom of the lid and the lid element. The tear-off latch 52 is formed of sheet metal with the usual shape. In addition to projections 59 extending beyond the upper side, and having on its upper side the lid element 20f moulded and formed followers or handles, is provided with further projections 60, which operate as locks for the tear-off latch 52 in such a manner that said tear-off latch subsequent to breaking up the area 55 is returned into a position, in which it is in flat contact with the upper side of the lid element 20f and is interlocked with the latch elements 60 by being locked.

Lid 1f is designed so that it can be stacked within a seaming machine or within a magazine etc. together with a plurality of identical lids nested between each other, and accordingly can be processed by usual closure methods. Especially, lid element 20f is formed as a flat element.

Seal 57 for example is applied in a suitable manner subsequent to manufacturing the lid element 20f. Especially, when manufacturing the lid element 20f of plastic there is the possibility to mould the seal 57 or to manufacture it by an in-mould-process together with the lid element 20f. The plastic material for lid element 20f preferably is a material such as PET, suitable for food.

Above, there has been stated that the tear-off latch 52 is made of metal. Of course, there is the possibility to manufacture the tear-off latch partly or entirely of plastic. Furthermore, there is the possibility when manufacturing the lid element 20f to mould the tear-off latch onto said lid element by means of a section of material acting as a hinge.

FIGS. 35-42 show various views of the lid element 20g as a further embodiment. This lid element preferably is made from plastic and differs from lid element 20f substantially in that at the upper side of the lid element at both sides of opening 58 two bearing elements 61 are provided, on which a tear-off latch 62 manufactured as a forming element or an injection moulded part of plastic with pivot pins 63 can be fastened by clicking-on. Bearing elements 61 are provided with bearing openings 64, which are open on one side facing the opening 58, which with pivot pins 63 clicked-on surround said pivot pin along a peripheral area of more than 180°. Because the bearing openings 64 are open towards the opening 56, the pivot pins 63 when tearing-off the area 55 in order to release the discharge or drinking opening will not be pushed out from their bearing elements 61.

By forming the pivot pins 63 and the associated bearing openings 64 in a suitable manner it is possible that tear-off latch 62 subsequent to breaking-up the drinking opening can be moved back by locking into the position, in which it is in flat contact with the upper side of the lid element 20g. Assembling the lid element 20g with the bottom (not shown) of the lid, such as bottom 20f of FIGS. 21-24, can be performed by pressing-on the lid element 20g and subsequently rivetting with the rivet 19 formed from the bottom of the lid. Basically, there is also the possibility of the so called assembly injection moulding process with which the lid element 20g is injection moulded onto the bottom of the lid, whereby the tear-off latch 62 is assembled. There is also the possibility to manufacture lid element 20g with the tear-off latch 62 by the so called assembly jet moulding process, according to which initially one of two parts is formed by jet moulding, and subsequent thereto the other part will be moulded so that the articulated connection between the tear-off latch 62 and the lid element 20g is obtained.

As especially shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 the pivot pins 63 are arranged closer to the one end than to the other. On the one end tear-off latch 62 has a ledge-type projection 65 which when breaking-up the area 55 of the bottom of the lid releasing the discharge or drinking opening will be in contact with this area. The other end distant from the pivot pin 63 is used as a handle surface for the breaking-up operation.

FIGS. 43-49 show various views, especially different views of the individual parts of a relockable container with larger volume and with a lid, which can be locked again. The container 66 comprises a container body or can body 2h, which at its top side is sealed by means of lid 1h. Lid 1h includes the lid element 5h with the bottom 6h of the lid, which is formed within an area 6h′ of bottom 6 displaced from the center axis BMA of the container by means of section 67 pressed-out from the material of bottom 6h, which section 67 is annular in shape relative to the center axis M, and the shape of which corresponds to the center area, such as bottom 6 of the lid, and especially has a rim 51 corresponding to rim 23 which peripherally overlaps the rotatable lid element 20h. Section 67 comprises area 68 corresponding to the area 55, and can be compressed so that the drinking opening will be released. Lid element 20h is designed similar to lid element 20b, is rotatably supported around axis M on section 67, and is fastened against being lifted by a rivet formed from the material of bottom 6h adjacent the center axis M. So far as it concerns function and structure lid element 5h is equivalent to lid element 20g. Of course, lid element 20h also can be formed similar to lid element 5f or any other lid element described above, especially also in view of the tear-off latch 69 which corresponds to tear-off latch 62. The embodiment of FIGS. 43-49 can be described so that for the large volume container 66 bottom 6h of the lid has an increased diameter and that the relockable section 67 of the bottom of the lid providing the drinking and discharge opening is designed according to the lid of a can with a smaller diameter, namely with the rotatable lid element used in connection with cans and containers of smaller diameter.

Above, there has been described that the rotatable lid element 20, 20f, 20g, 20h can be rotatably connected with the lid portion by riveting, whereby rivet 19 is formed from the material of the non-rotatable lid portion. However, there is also the possibility of fastening the rotatable lid element as well on its periphery as also centrally by latching and clipping onto element 19b formed as a stopping pin so that subsequent to the latching step element 19b again operates as a pivot pin for the rotatable lid element 20-20h.

As shown in FIG. 50 the seals provided on the rotatable lid element, namely seal 57 formed as a narrow web or alternatively sections 57′ and 57″ thereof cooperate with an edge area 55′ which is embossed and above its upper surface of the bottom 6f of the lid points away and surrounds the discharge or drinking opening subsequent to impressing the area 55 or 58, as well in the start position of the rotatable lid element if the area 55 is not yet opened, in which (condition) section 57′ of the seal 57 contacts the edge area 55′, as also if the container is closed again, when section 57″ of seal 57 contacts edge area 55′. In this case seal 57 according to FIG. 50 is concave in cross section at its lower, free side, namely with a groove 70, which extends along the seal and is open at its underside so that rotating the rotatable lid element 20-20h can be obtained with little effort, and at the same time it is possible to obtain a sealingly closed lid element.

Within FIGS. 50 and 51 reference numeral 71 shows a precessing seal, which also surrounds seal 57 and is provided at the underside of the rotatable seal portion 20f, for example is moulded thereto. Seal 71 has a tapering cross section towards its free end (FIG. 50) so that the inclination of the outside surface 71′ opposite to seal 57 relative to a vertical line in view of the plane of the rotatable lid portion is about 5°, and the inclination at the inner surface 71″, namely that side facing seal 57 with the shown embodiment is about 15°. As shown in FIG. 51, seal 71 is radially inwardly displaced between the two stops 53 so that stop 54 in each rotational position of the lid element referenced to the rotational axis in view of the seal 71 is displaced radially outwardly, and the seal will not be damaged by stop 54. Seal 71 guarantees that for example also in view of the usual washing and drying operation subsequent to the filling and closing of a container, no cleaning fluid can pass between the non-rotatable and the rotatable lid elements. Because the seal per se cooperates with a defined area of the non-rotatable lid element, an optimum sealing effect is obtained. The height of the seal 71 is chosen so that peripherally it is only slightly in contact with the non-rotatable lid element 5f, however, the sealing effect is obtained so that an increased force is not required for rotating the rotatable lid element by means of the seal 71. In order to simplify rotating the rotatable lid element 20f, a lubricant is added to the material for the used seal 57 and 71.

As mentioned above, the area 57 forming the discharge opening subsequent to the tearing-off step is provided with an embossed rim 57′. There is the possibility that said embossed rim with an originally closed container extends into opening 56 of the rotatable lid element, supported by the fact that the non-rotatable lid element in view of an interior pressure of the originally closed container, such as by the CO₂ pressure of the originally closed container, is curved outwardly. Only when breaking-up section 57 the interior pressure escapes so that the curvature of the non-rotatable lid element is reduced to such an extent that rotating the rotatable lid element 20f will be possible.

In addition, there is the possibility to provide different symbols or information at the upper surface of the non-rotatable lid element 5f, such as profit or lottery numbers for profit games, symbols, can characterising numbers and the like. Said symbols and statements are applied so that they will only be visible subsequent to rotating the rotatable lid element from the original position into the lockable position.

Above, there has been described that the corresponding container lid is fastened in a ready assembled condition to the container body, for example with a lid element rotatably assembled at the bottom of the lid of the non-rotatable lid element, such as by rolling on. Basically, there is also the possibility to design the bottom of the lid and the rotatable lid element in such a manner that the rotatable lid element only can be applied subsequent to closing the container by means of the non-rotatable lid element, for example by pushing on and latching or in any other suitable manner. Also in this case it is guaranteed that the rotatable lid element is guided at its periphery in a form-locking manner, however, is rotatable at the bottom of the lid of the non-rotatable lid element, and is rotatably connected with this bottom of the lid by means of a pivot pin or the like in the center position.

Again referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, the seals 57 and 71 form sealing means which are arranged in between the first lid element 5f and the second lid element 20f and especially in between the lid base of the first lid element 5f and the second lid element 20f. At the depicted embodiment, the seal 57 is fixed to that surface side of the second lid element 20f, which faced the first lid element 5f or the lid base of the first lid element. The seal 71 is also provided on this surface of the second lid element 20f, although there may be embodiments, in which at least one of these seals is fixed to the first lid element 5f or the lid base of this led element.

The seals 57 and 71 are made from a flexible or elastic material, for example from an elastic or flexible plastic material (elastomer) which is suitable for seals. Preferably the seals 57 and 71 are made from a foamed material or plastic material with a closed skin at the outer seal surfaces.

As shown in the figures, the seals 57 and 71 are also made in a strip-like form, that means the seals or sealing material does not cover the complete surface of the lid base of the first lid element 5f or the surface of the second lid element neighboured to said lid base. This is very important feature which enables the second lid element 20f to be rotated around the centre axis M relative to the first lid element.

The seal 57 with the sections 57′ and 57″, which provide for a shape of the seal 57 similar to the figure or number “8” is necessary, in order to get a tight closing of the container lid or of the opening 55 in the first lid element 5f by the seal section 57″ when the sealing tab is removed or pressed in for opening the container and the second lid element 20f is in its position in which the sealing tab or the container opening 55 is covered or sealed closed by means of the second lid element 20f.

The section 57′ is provided to avoid a liquid contained in the container (for example a soft drink) to flow into the gap in between the lid elements 5f and 20f, when the second lid element 20f is in its position in which the opening 56 is concurrent with the opening 55 in the first lid element 5f. The sealing 71 is necessary to prevent water or other cleaning liquids to flow in the gap in between the first and second lid elements 5f and 20f. It is usual that containers are washed with water or other cleaning liquids after filling and closing with the container lid. For this reason, it is necessary to provide the seal 71 and to prevent any liquid from entering the gap in between the first and the second lid elements 5f and 20f. It is also necessary, that the seal 71 surrounds the seal 57 as well as the sealing tab and the opening 56.

Claims

1. A container lid for locking containers, comprising

a first lid element which can be firmly and tightly connected to a container body, the first lid element having a lid base having at least one sealing tab which can be least partly removed or pressed in for opening the container and for releasing a container opening, a lid edge surrounding a central lid axis (M), and an annular groove open toward the upper face of the lid and concentric with the central lid axis (M) and lid base,

a second lid element having at least one additional opening at the same distance from the central lid axis (M) as the sealing tab and the container opening,

wherein the second container lid element can be rotated around the central lid axis (M) relative to the first lid element at least between one position in which the at least one additional opening is congruent with the sealing tab or the container opening, and a position in which the sealing tab or the container opening is covered or sealed closed by means of the second lid element,

wherein the second lid element is held on the periphery to the first lid element in a form fitting manner, the periphery of the second lid element being spaced from the lid edge of the first lid element and engaging under a ring shaped notch or projection formed on the first lid element and surrounding the lid base of the first lid element,

the ring shaped notch or projection is concentric with the central lid axis (M), and

wherein seal means is provided in between the first and the second lid elements in an area surrounded by the annular groove.

2. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the notch or projection is formed at the transition between the lid base and the annular groove.

3. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means is formed by at least one seal arranged in between the first lid element or the lid base of the first lid element and the second lid element.

4. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is provided on the first lid element or on the lid base of this lid element.

5. The container lid according to claim 4, wherein the at least one seal is provided on a surface of the lid base of the first lid element, which surface faces the second lid element.

6. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is provided on a surface of the second lid element, which surface faces the lid base of the first lid element.

7. A container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal surrounds the sealing tab or the container opening.

8. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal has at least two sections.

with one section being arranged such that it surrounds the additional opening of the second lid element when the second lid element is rotated in the position in which the at least one additional opening is congruent with the sealing tab or the container opening and

with the other section being arranged such that it surrounds the sealing tab, when the second lid element is rotated in the position in which the sealing tab or container opening is covered or sealed closed by means of the second lid element.

9. A container lid according to claim 8, wherein the seal with the seal sections has a figure “8” shape.

10. A container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is a stripe-shaped seal.

11. The container lid as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is made from an elastic sealing material, for example of an elastic plastic material.

12. The container lid according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seal is made from a foamed material, especially foamed plastic material with a closed skin on the outer surface of the seal.

13. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the second lid element is fabricated of metal or sheet metal.

14. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the first lid element or the second lid element is made of metal.

15. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising a pin or a rivet formed of the material of the first lid element and arranged coaxially to the centre axis (M), said pin or rivet fastening the second lid element adjacent the centre axis (M) to the first lid element.

16. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising an opening ring, which by means of a pin or rivet-type fastening element is fastened to the first lid element.

17. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein said opening ring is provided with a section forming a bearing for the second lid element adjacent the centre lid axis (M).

18. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the second lid element at its upper surface opposite to the first lid element is provided with depressions for at least partly receiving the opening ring or for followers.

19. The container lid according to claim 18, wherein said followers are designed for rotating the second lid element at least at gripping positions having a cross-section widening towards the free end of said followers.

20. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising means formed as followers or extensions for rotating the opening ring together with the second lid element.

21. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein at least one seal is provided on the first lid element or on the second lid element for sealing the transition between the first and the second lid element at least around the container opening.

22. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the at least one seal is attached by forming or by applying a sealing material.

23. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein at least one seal extends at least in the rotational direction of the second lid element laterally in view of the container opening at least across an area which is equal or substantially equal to the dimension of the additional opening in rotational direction of the second lid element.

24. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the first lid element or the lid bottom thereof, or the second rotatable lid element, or at least one seal or an opening ring is manufactured by forming, or by an assembly injection moulding process, or a two component injection molding process in one run.

25. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein when manufacturing the first lid element the lid bottom is provided at least with an insert of metal in which the tear-off container opening is formed.

26. The container lid according to claim 16 wherein the opening ring is pivotally attached to a rotatable second lid element.

27. The container lid according to claim 16, wherein the opening ring is assembled by latchingly engaging a rotatable lid element.

28. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable lid element is designed so that it can be fastened also subsequent to fastening the first lid element onto a container by clipping it onto a lid bottom or latchingly engaging the lid bottom.

29. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid base of the first lid element is provided with a section staggered in view of the lid centre axis and provided with a tear-off container opening, and to which a rotatable lid element is rotatable attached, whereby the diameter of the rotatable lid element is smaller than the diameter of the lid bottom.

30. The container lid according to claim 3, further comprising an additional peripherally extending seal.

31. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising means blocking the rotatable lid element before the container opening is torn-off.

32. The container lid according to claim 1, further comprising symbols or indications at the upper surface of the non-rotatable lid element facing the rotatable lid element, whereby said indications will become visible only when rotating the rotatable lid element from a starting position through the additional opening of the rotatable lid element.