CLOSURE, IN PARTICULAR PLASTIC CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

A closure, in particular a closure for plastic containers having a receiving region to receive a mouth section of the container, and having a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction. The closure is of multi-part construction and has a main body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at least with regard to their flexibility in a piercing direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a closure (in particular a plastic closure) and in particular a closure for a plastic container. Numerous closures for containers are known from the prior art. These closures must meet the most varied requirements. Containers, in particular large containers which are emptied by being compressed so that the liquid is forced out of these containers, are also known from the prior art.

Closures are also known in particular for such containers, in particular also pierceable closures which can be pierced by an extraction system such as for example an extraction needle. In this case in the prior art from the applicant a one-piece closure is pierced by a hollow needle in a region specifically provided therefor in order then to allow the container contents to flow out through this needle. For this purpose the container is mechanically compressed, i.e. the container base and the mouth are pushed towards one another. In this case the container wall rolls up. The base can in this case preferably be moved towards the stationary mouth of the container.

However, depending upon the expansion of the container due to temperature (and/or also dependent from the degree of carbonisation), a different head space volume is produced in the container and in particular in the top region thereof. On the lower region or on the base region of the container respectively a container base can be produced which is deformed downwards to different extents. In addition the closure can also bulge outwards more or less markedly depending upon the internal pressure.

The state of the container is usually not monitored, the piercing needle is not movable and the compression path is not adjustable. Thus depending upon the initial state a different and above all very large residual volume remains in the container.

A container emptying system according to the prior art from the applicant usually regulates the emptying by means of the pressure in the container. Lifting of a container cuts in when the internal pressure of the container drops and cuts out again as soon as a certain minimum pressure is reached again. If a large amount of gas under high pressure is present in the head space, the lifting is stopped shortly after the piercing. In this case the piercing needle is still relatively far away from the liquid surface. When the tap is opened first of all only gas escapes which is no longer available for residual emptying.

Therefore an object of the invention is to create a remedy for this, i.e. to prevent or at least to reduce an initial escape of gas. Furthermore—as mentioned above—as a consequence of the internal pressure which varies depending upon the temperature and degree of carbonisation, the container or the container base respectively moves out differently downwards and can be emptied by a piercing needle of defined length only at different heights (since the filling level also drops). Thus a further object of the invention is also to improve the residual emptying and in particular, for improved residual emptying, to adapt the distance from the container base and from the filling level (in the basic state).

Thus the problem can occur that at the high internal pressure the plastic closures according to the prior art bulge outwards very considerably and as a result become leaky in the thread/on the sealing lips. However, the closures also cannot be designed to be extremely stable/hard since then the puncture point can no longer be punctured. Thus a further object of the invention is to improve the compressive strength of such closures, wherein on the other hand a soft puncture point should preferably be retained.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments form the subject matter of the subordinate claims.

A closure according to the invention and in particular a closure for plastic containers has a receiving region to receive a mouth section of the plastic container. Furthermore the closure has a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined direction.

According to the invention the closure is of multi-part construction and has a main body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at least with regard to their flexibility with regard to a piercing direction.

Thus the closure is preferably a multi-part closure. This has, in the form of the main body, an overcap which is in particular stable and which can be disposed—in particular by means of a thread—on the (plastic) container and which is responsible for absorbing the internal pressure with the lowest possible self-deformation. In this case the closure body is preferably an internal element which particularly preferably is made of a softer material than the main body and which on the other hand, however, is preferably supported by the main body and preferably only fulfils the sealing function on the mouth of the container (internally and/or externally and/or on the upper rim of the mouth). In addition this closure body preferably also provides the likewise soft, resilient and also clinging puncture area for the piercing needle.

Due to this embodiment in two parts, on the one hand a high stability can be achieved, but on the other hand the required softness of the material can also be achieved in the necessary regions. Therefore the main body and the closure body preferably differ at least with regard to the material from which they are manufactured. The main body and the closure body preferably differ at least in a physical characteristic which influences the flexibility of these elements. Such a characteristic may be not only the material but also the thickness of this material. In addition it would also be conceivable that the main body and the closure body are manufactured from the same basic material and the material of the main body has additional components for reinforcement.

In a preferred embodiment the (plastic) closure has a ducting device which adjoins the piercing area. In this case the ducting device can be injection moulded onto the sealing region or can be constructed as a further part. Thus for example this ducting device can be disposed as a third component or element and in particular as a tubular extension disposed on the closure. This ducting may for example be a riser or suction tube which is disposed on the inner face of the closure, i.e. in the state in which it is disposed on the container it extends into the interior of the container and preferably can also change in length.

The ducting device can preferably be shortened and/or at least a distance (defined in the longitudinal direction of the container) between a start section disposed on the closure body and an end section via which the liquid to be extracted enters the ducting device can be changed, and can in particular be changed under the action of a force on this end section.

In other words in a further advantageous embodiment the ducting device has a start section which adjoins a piercing area, as well as an end section via which the liquid can enter the ducting device, wherein a distance between the start section and the end section can be changed. Due to this changeability the length of the ducting device can also be shortened for instance when the base is in contact with the container.

This flexibility can be achieved in a different way. The ducting device is preferably bendable and/or telescopic and/or pleatable. Due to this bendability for example the end or an end section respectively can be bent relative to the start section and thus its position can be changed. In a telescopic variant it is possible for the ducting device to have several segments which are movable with respect to one another and thus are telescopic. In a pleatable embodiment it would be possible for the ducting device to have a pleated region which for example can be shortened or lengthened by a plurality of zigzag pleats. This pleatable region can be configured in such a way that the ducting device always extends precisely in the longitudinal direction and thus does not change the direction. In addition the ducting device can also have a slot, wherein a longitudinal weak point/tear line extends as far as an end of the ducting device and thus two components of the ducting device can be flipped opened to a certain extent.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body and the closure body are manufactured from different materials. The material of the main body is preferably selected from a group of materials which have a high modulus of elasticity. In a preferred embodiment PP is used for the main body. The closure body is preferably made of a material which on the one hand has a lower modulus of elasticity and/or due to the direct contact with the content of the containers is food safe. PE is preferably used as the material for the closure body. However, the different stabilities of the respective materials can also result from different material thicknesses.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a thread and in particular an internal thread. Thus by means of this internal thread the main body can be screwed onto an external thread of a container and thus can be locked.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has an annular contact segment which bears against the main body. This annular contact segment preferably completely surrounds the piercing area.

Advantageously the closure body is constructed within the main body. Thus it is possible for the main body to form a hollow space, which is for example cylindrical, inside which the closure body is also disposed and inside which preferably a mouth region of the container can also be accommodated.

In a closed state of the container the closure body preferably bears against both the main body and also an (upper) rim of the mouth of the container and is preferably gripped between this upper rim of the mouth of the container and the main body. A radial width of the closure body is preferably greater than a radial width of a rim of the mouth of the container which is to be closed, wherein particularly preferably this rim of the mouth of the container is completely covered by the closure body. In this way the closure body is suitable for completely sealing the mouth of the container. Therefore the closure body could also be designated as a sealing element.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is possible for the closure body to be fitted onto the main body or for the main body and the closure body to be fitted on one another respectively. Alternatively both parts could also be attached one after the other to the container and only form the functional closure thereon (with or without reciprocal snapping in).

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has a first annular projection also extending at least in the piercing direction, and the closure body has a second annular projection also extending at least in the piercing direction, wherein in a state in which the closure body is disposed on the main body the first projection and the second projection bear against one another.

Due to this preferably flat contact a cohesion can be achieved between the main body and the closure body. These two projections advantageously bear against one another along a cylindrical area or wall or a frustoconical area or wall. These two projections are preferably disposed adjacent to one another in a radial direction of the closure, i.e. an annular body surrounds the second annular body in a ring. In addition it would also be possible for the projections to extend obliquely with respect to the piercing direction. The said piercing direction is preferably also a longitudinal direction of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body has a third projection also extending at least in the piercing direction. In this case the annular body of the main body is preferably disposed and in particular gripped between the two projections of the closure body. In other words the first projection is disposed between the second projection and the third projection. However it would also be possible for two projections, between which a projection of the closure body can engage, to be disposed on the main body.

The main body and the closure body are advantageously connected to one another friction locked and/or by positive locking by these described projections. In a further advantageous embodiment the closure body also has a circumferential sealing lip which extends at least partially also in the longitudinal direction of the container and which in a closed state of the container preferably rests on an inner wall of a mouth of the container. In this case the sealing lip is preferably constructed in one piece with the closure body. Alternatively the closure can also have two sealing lips, one for inside, one for outside on the mouth.

In a further advantageous embodiment the plastic closure has a locking means which in at least one position of the piercing device with respect to the plastic closure prevents a relative movement of the piercing device relative to the plastic closure in a predetermined direction of movement and in particular in a direction counter to the piercing direction (i.e. a backward movement).

As a result of this configuration, due for example to a counter-pressure inside the container the piercing device cannot be pressed out of the container again. Depending upon the pressure and temperature a more or less marked buckling can occur in the piercing area. This in turn is due to the fact that when the closure is broached and punctured different conditions can prevail and also these different conditions or parameters can lead to leaks. During the piercing the internal pressure and this buckling of the closure changes where appropriate, in particular this internal pressure initially decreases. In this way it can occur that the piercing device, for example the piercing needle, is drawn out again to some extent from the container.

Also in this preferred embodiment the above-mentioned closure body preferably has sealing lips for sealing the mouth of the container as well as the puncture area or the piercing area respectively also mentioned above which here too can preferably also cling resiliently to the piercing device.

In a further advantageous embodiment the aforementioned locking means is constructed on the main body. Thus for example the locking means can be constructed as an annular section which surrounds the piercing device and particularly preferably can be engaged by at least one projection of the piercing device. Thus for example the piercing device can have a circumferential sawtooth-like projection which can engage behind the said locking means on the main body. Since the main body is of relatively stable design, in this way a withdrawal or pushing back of the piercing device can be prevented and thus the described locking can be achieved.

Thus advantageously the locking means is constructed as a latching ring and in particular as a sharp inner edge of a (preferably in the middle or centrally respectively disposed) opening of the main body. The piercing device can interlock with barbs on this latching ring. Thus, as mentioned above, it is no longer possible for the piercing device to be pulled out or to escape respectively during the emptying process.

The present invention is therefore also directed to a closure of the type designated above in conjunction with a piercing device. In this case the closure preferably has a locking means which prevents a relative movement of the piercing device with respect to the closure in a predetermined direction of movement. It is pointed out that the locking means described here can also be claimed independently of the invention described above and in particular also independently of whether the closure is designed in two parts.

The applicant therefore reserves the right to claim protection for a closure for containers which has a piercing area for a piercing device to pass through as well as a locking means which after the insertion of the piercing device prevents a backward movement of the piercing device relative to the closure. For this purpose the main body can for example have a piercing area with a smaller material thickness which is correspondingly softer or more flexible respectively than the rest of the main body. In particular in this embodiment a further locking means or a hooking means respectively is provided on the piercing device itself.

This hooking means can be constructed, as mentioned above, as a circumferential projection and in particular as an encircling projection which can engage behind the locking means of the closure. Such a circumferential projection on the piercing device advantageously widens in the longitudinal direction of this piercing device and in particular counter to the longitudinal direction of the piercing direction.

The device or the container closure respectively, preferably has a guiding device for guiding the piercing device. This guiding device can be disposed in the interior of the closed container and can extend there in particular in the longitudinal direction of the piercing direction. The guiding device is preferably designed as a channel-like body through which the piercing device can be inserted. In this case an internal cross-section of the guiding device is preferably adapted to an external cross-section of the piercing device.

This guiding device is preferably formed on the closure body. The guiding device is preferably at least slightly distanced from the piercing area. This guiding device can increase the stability of the piercing device relative the closure. In the piercing direction this guiding device preferably has a length of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, preferably at least 1 cm and particularly preferably at least 1.5 cm. With the piercing device inserted, this guiding device can also bear circumferentially against the piercing device.

In a further advantageous embodiment the piercing device itself is constructed in multiple parts and in particular in two parts. The piercing device is preferably constructed at least in two parts and particularly preferably in such a way that, when the piercing device is pulled off, a part or section respectively, in particular the lower part of the piercing device, remains on or in the closure respectively and so further use or reuse of the piercing device or of the closure respectively is not possible.

Improved tightness on the sealing lips and also more uniform geometric conditions in the piercing area can be achieved by the latching means or the locking means respectively described here. In particular the hooking prevents any possibility of movement of the piercing device or needle respectively out of the container, and thus leaks during the emptying process can be prevented. Quality assurance can be achieved by prevention of further use and reuse of hygiene-related parts due to the tearing off or the two-part construction respectively of the piercing device. It would also be possible for the piercing device to have a predetermined tearing or breaking point respectively, so that after the emptying process, as mentioned above, a part of the piercing device remains on the closure.

In order to achieve this two-part format of the piercing device it would for example be possible that a part or section respectively of the piercing device has a receiving section or a recess respectively into which a projection of the other part or section respectively of the piercing device can in turn be inserted. In this case by corresponding sealing means it can be ensured that the medium to be extracted, for example beer, can be passed through both parts of the piercing device.

Thus for example the part of the piercing device which is inserted into the other part could have circumferential sealing means such as for example O-rings which effect a corresponding sealing. Furthermore it would also be possible that one of the two parts or sections respectively of the piercing device has—in particular at least partially circumferential—projections which can preferably engage in corresponding recesses in the other part so that a certain stability can be achieved.

By a corresponding choice of the materials involved it is possible to determine which forces result in a separation of the two parts of the piercing device. In a further advantageous embodiment it would be possible that the piercing device is distinct in such a way that the only part which comes in contact with the container or with the container closure respectively is the part which is intended to remain on the closure after the respective other part has been pulled off. In addition it would also be possible for a part of the piercing device to be led completely into the closure and also for the other part to be additionally secured with a securing means disposed for example on the closure.

Furthermore the present invention is therefore directed to a tap arrangement for extraction of liquids from containers which has a container with a container closure disposed thereon, as well as a piercing device which can be introduced into the closure, wherein the closure has the above-mentioned locking means which prevents withdrawal at least of the complete piercing device, in particular during an extraction operation for extraction of liquid from the container.

In further advantageous embodiments the above-mentioned piercing area is disposed at least in sections above an external surface of the main body. In this connection reference is made in particular to an upright container on which the closure is disposed. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the piercing area here can be located higher than the surface of the main body. In other words the piercing area can project at least slightly relative to an area of the main body surrounding the piercing area. Thus it is possible that the piercing area extends above a plane formed by the main body. However it would also be possible that the main body itself is of funnel-shaped construction and the piercing area projects at least slightly out of this funnel-shaped section.

In addition it is pointed out that this embodiment would also be conceivable for a closure in one piece. Thus here too the piercing area could again be made of a thinner material and could be constructed so that it projects or protrudes respectively relative to other areas of the closure.

The applicant therefore also reserves the right to claim protection for a closure which in particular has at least partially different material thicknesses and/or strengths, wherein here too a piercing area is offset outwards relative to other areas of the closure.

The containers described here are usually filled with beers or beer-like beverages. After filling, the container is compressed in a defined manner before being closed, in order to generate a head of foam at the mouth outlet. This should ensure that the least possible head space is filled with oxygen. In this case, however, liquid can slop over and run onto the container. Also in the actual filling operation there is a possibility or a danger respectively that filling material will get onto the container.

For this reason following closure and before packaging the containers are washed down, that is to say the container undergoes a type of shower, usually with water, in order to free it of residues of filling material. However, the currently used closures are constructed in such a way that the piercing area or a piercing membrane respectively are located in a depression in the closure. This region is also not covered by an overcap. It may sometimes occur that in this region or this depression respectively liquid accumulates which can no longer run off by itself. However, liquid also collects on the overcap because this overcap may slope obliquely inwards. This accumulation of liquid can, however, form a nutrient medium for bacteria and moulds and the like.

Other contaminants can also settle in this piercing area and cannot be removed without further action. Furthermore this effect is enhanced due to the fact that packaging can be provided for the containers. A film which makes it difficult for the excess liquid to dry out is gripped over the closure. In this way through the piercing operation contaminants can then enter the beverage and can even give rise to health complaints.

Therefore in the embodiment described here it is proposed that the piercing area projects with respect to the main body of the container. In other words the piercing area is constructed so that this or the piercing membrane respectively is not located in the “interior” of the closure but completely outside.

In particular, as mentioned above, this is a two-part closure which has a main body and a closure body, wherein this closure body prevents an accumulation of liquids and contaminants etc.

As mentioned here, the closure body or the inlay respectively has a shoulder to which the main body preferably clings and thus additionally seals the region into the interior. Thus the piercing area is preferably located in each case somewhat higher than the highest edge of the main body. In this way it is ensured that in any case the piercing area is not covered by liquids. The piercing area is preferably also curved outwards, so that liquids can run off.

In a preferred embodiment the external surface of the main body can also be curved outwards and/or inwards in a funnel shape. The piercing area can project out of this funnel-shaped area.

In a further advantageous embodiment the main body has an opening which is suitable and intended for the piercing device to pass through, and at least a portion of the closure body extends through this opening.

Thus in this preferred embodiment the main body or the overcap respectively in particular has a recess in the centre thereof through which the closure body is passed. In this case the innermost region of this closure body can preferably be designed as a very thin sealing lip which clings to the closure body and thus additionally seals. In order to achieve an even better sealing result, the diameter of this sealing lip can also be correspondingly smaller than the external diameter of the shoulder of the closure body. In this way an accumulation of liquids, bacteria, moulds and contaminants in the piercing area can be prevented. In this way the hygiene of the containers can be increased and also a health risk can be reduced.

In particular the section of the closure body is a connecting section which connects the piercing area to other sections located in particular inside the main body. This section can be designed as a substantially cylindrical region which extends through said opening in the main body. In this case this region can preferably also taper slightly against the piercing direction.

Furthermore this transition section can have a collar or circumferential projection respectively. This projection can bear against a section of the main body, in particular in a sealing and/or circumferential manner. Thus a sealing region can also be provided between the main body and the closure body.

The closure is preferably of rotationally symmetrical construction and is particularly preferably of circular construction. The main body and/or the closure body in each case are preferably of rotationally symmetrical and/or circular construction.

Furthermore the present invention is directed to a plastic container with a (plastic) closure of the type described above which is disposed thereon, wherein the plastic container being compressible in its longitudinal direction in order by such compression to force liquid located in the plastic container out of the container.

The container is preferably pleatable and particularly preferably a mouth section of the container can be introduced into the main body. In this case the container can be pleatable in particular along a circumferential pleat edge.

In a further advantageous embodiment the closure has a reinforcing device which is disposed offset with respect to the piercing area in the piercing direction and is suitable for increasing the force acting through the piercing area against the piercing device during the piercing operation. This device can be disposed for example in the sealing body or closure body respectively.

Further advantages and embodiments are apparent from the appended drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1a-1c show three representations of a container according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a representation of a container with a closure according to the invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows the container according to FIG. 2 in a different condition, i.e. in a different position;

FIG. 4 shows a first representation of a closure according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a representation of a main body of a closure according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a representation of a closure body for a closure according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a further representation of a closure according to the invention in a further embodiment;

FIGS. 8a, 8b show two schematic representations of the closure shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a representation of a further embodiment of a closure according to the invention;

FIGS. 10a-10c show three representations of the closure according to FIG. 9 in different embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of a closure according to the invention;

FIGS. 12a, 12b show two representations of the closure in different positions;

FIG. 13 shows a further configuration of a closure according to the invention;

FIGS. 14a-14b show two representations of the closure according to FIG. 13 in different operating positions;

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention with locking means on the closure;

FIG. 16 shows a representation according to FIG. 15 with a piercing device inserted in the closure;

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the invention with a two-part piercing device;

FIG. 18 shows the representation according to FIG. 17 in which a part of the piercing device has been removed;

FIGS. 19a, 19b show a further embodiment of a closure according to the invention;

FIGS. 20a-20c show representations of a closure body for the closure shown in FIGS. 19a, 19b;

FIGS. 21a, 21b show two representations of a main body of the closure shown in FIG. 19; and

FIGS. 22a-22c show three sectional representations of a corresponding closure.

FIG. 1a shows a container 10 with a closure 101 according to the prior art. This closure is—as is known in principle—screwed onto the mouth of the container. At the same time this closure has a piercing area into which a piercing needle 120 can be introduced. The container 10 can be compressed along its longitudinal direction L. In this way the liquid can be pressed out of the container through the needle.

FIG. 1b shows a state in which the container is almost completely compressed. It will be recognised that here a large part of residual liquid is not accessible by the needle or the suction tube respectively. More precisely, some of the container contents remain as a consequence of the relatively short needle height below the needle opening. If—as shown here (FIG. 1b)—the container base buckles downwards due to the rising internal pressure, even more liquid actually remains in the container (cf. FIG. 1c) and cannot be extracted.

FIG. 2 shows a first schematic representation of a container with a closure according to the invention. It will be recognised that this closure has a main body 4 which is screwed on a mouth 10a of the container 10 by means of an internal thread. However, it would also be possible for the closure to be fastened on the container in some other way. Thus it could for example be clipped on the mouth or can be snapped on there.

A closure body 6, which also forms the piercing area 2 through which the piercing needle 120 of a tapping tool can be introduced, is also in turn formed on this main body. The ducting device designated by 8 adjoins this closure body 6 and then protrudes into the interior of the container. This ducting device 8 has a pleatable region 82 (cf. FIG. 13), wherein FIG. 3 shows an initial state in which the region 82 is not pleated and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the region 82 is pleated. Thus the ducting device always has an excess length and thus reaches as far as the base regardless of the distance to the base. In particular the length of the ducting device 82 is chosen such that it always dips into the surface of the liquid or is just above it (in the non-compressed or filled+closed state of the container respectively→filling level).

The reference numerals 8a and 8b relate to start or end sections respectively of the ducting device. In this case the liquid passes via the end section 8b into the ducting device. Thus the end section is understood below to be the section of the ducting device from which the liquid is completely surrounded by the material of the ducting device in a circumferential direction which is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid.

FIG. 3 shows—as mentioned—a state shortly before the ducting device is pleated in the region 82. The reference numeral L relates to a longitudinal direction of the ducting device which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the container and also with the direction along which the container is compressed.

FIG. 4 shows a representation of a plastic closure in detail. In this case in turn the main body 4 is shown which is screwed on the external thread of the container by means of the internal thread 48. Furthermore this main body 4 has a circumferential projection or web 44 respectively which projects downwards here in the longitudinal direction L. This projection or web respectively in turn engages between two correspondingly upwardly protruding projections or webs 64 and 66 respectively of the closure body 6. In this way the closure body 6 can be held on the main body 4. The reference numeral 68 designates a curved region which, in a state in which it is screwed onto the container, likewise protrudes at least slightly into the container through the mouth. In the case of a high pressure load this region 68 counteracts against the internal pressure and prevents buckling outwards.

As an alternative for latching of the two parts to the circumferential projection 44 with the webs 64 and or 66, the closure body can also latch with its external diameter in a small annular groove provided therefor in the main body.

The reference numeral 72 relates to a circumferential projection or a sealing lip respectively which is likewise disposed on the closure body 6. The reference numeral 74 (FIG. 6) relates to a further annular projection which is disposed radially outside the sealing lip. In a closed state of the container this further annular projection is likewise located on an external circumference of one end of the mouth of the container. In this way preferably the upper end (i.e. in particular a region located above the thread) of the rim of the mouth of the container is contacted and sealed exclusively by the closure body.

However, the main body advantageously causes the circumferential projection to be pressed radially from the exterior onto the rim of the mouth of the container.

FIG. 5 shows a representation of the main body 4. Again the internal thread 48 as well as the circumferential projection 44 can also be seen here. As mentioned above, the material of this main body is chosen to be relatively rigid, so that in particular it does not deform even under a higher internal pressure of the container. Thus the main body 4 is a stable overcap having a thread which is also responsible for absorbing the internal pressure with the lowest possible self-deformation. Furthermore the base area (above) of the main body extends obliquely inwards. This likewise counteracts the internal pressure.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed representation of the closure body 6. Here too the two circumferential projections 64 and 66 are again shown, and it can be seen that the radially inner projection 66 is shorter than the radially outer projection 64. Furthermore webs 63 can be seen which connect the projection 64 to a circumferential annular body 67. In this case these webs serve for stabilisation. The reference numeral 62 designates an annular positioning segment with which the closure body is positioned on the main body and in a closed state is clamped between the main body and a mouth of the containers. The reference numeral 2 designates in turn the piercing area through which the lance or piercing needle respectively can be introduced into the container.

The following FIGS. 7 to 14 show different embodiments of the ducting device. The closure cap, i.e. the main body 4 and the closure body 6 can in each case be designed in the same way as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, so that they are not addressed specifically.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the ducting device 8 is constructed telescopically, i.e. it has a first section 86 as well as a second section 88, wherein the second section 88 is movable in the direction L relative to the first section 86. In this way the ducting device 8 can likewise be shortened upon impact with the base of the container. Accordingly FIGS. 8a and 8b show quite schematically two different states of the ducting device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 the second section 88 is disposed outside the first section 86. However, it would also be conceivable for the second section to be disposed and/or to slide inside the first section 86.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the ducting device 8. In this embodiment the ducting device 8 can be movably constructed in its entirety and thus can move away in each case—as shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b and 10c. In this case FIG. 10a shows a normal state of the ducting device, i.e. before the ducting device impacts on the base of the container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10b the lower part of the ducting device bends away, so that although in this way the ducting device still bears against the base of the container, but it also does not hinder the compression of the container. FIG. 10c shows the view of the deformed ducting device of FIG. 10b from the left.

Alternatively the ducting device 8 (in particular oval) in the original state as shown in FIG. 10b could already be slightly pre-bent in the lower region in order to be bent reliably to the side during the emptying process and not to be undefined compressed or buckled by jamming on the container base.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 the ducting device 8 has a longitudinal weak point/tear line 94. This slot 94 extends into the end section of the ducting device 8 or into a recess 96 respectively. However, this weak point or tear line respectively should not extend completely as far as the start region of the ducting device, since otherwise it could completely tear prematurely and this could in turn lead to an escape of head space gas.

FIG. 12a shows a situation in which the ducting device 8 still has its full length, for example just before it strikes the base of the container.

In the situation illustrated in FIG. 12b the ducting device splits in contact with the base and thus also a further compression of the container is possible as well as nevertheless contacting of the respective lower end or inlet respectively of the ducting device on the base or a region of the base respectively.

FIG. 13 as well as 14a and 14b again show the application of a ducting device in the form of a folding bellows. In this case FIG. 13a again shows the entire closure 1, as explained above, with the ducting device 8 and the reference numeral 82 designates the folding bellows region.

FIGS. 14a and 14b show two different positions of the ducting device or of the folding bellows respectively, wherein in the representation shown in FIG. 14b the length is reduced for example by the impact on the container base.

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment the closure has a locking means 52 which serves, when a piercing device 120 is inserted into the closure or into the container respectively, to prevent withdrawal of the piercing device. This locking means 52 is constructed here as a circumferential, in particular, angular edge which is disposed on the main body 4. This edge 52 is surrounded by a likewise circumferential projection 122 disposed on the piercing device 120. It will be recognised that this projection 122 has a lead-in chamfer in order to be able to be pushed briefly over the edge 52 (into the container).

FIG. 16 shows a representation in which the piercing device 120 is inserted into the container. Here again the circumferential projection 122 can also be seen which is disposed on the piercing device. It will be recognised that this projection bears on the locking means 52 thus now the piercing device can no longer be withdrawn from the container.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment the piercing device is formed in two parts, and has an upper section 120a as well as a lower section 120b. The circumferential projection 122 is here disposed on the section 120b. The part-section 120a has a projection or an end piece 128 respectively which can be inserted into a recess 126 formed in the section 120.

FIG. 18 shows a representation in which the piercing device 120 has again been removed from the container. It will be seen that here the first section 120a has been withdrawn and the second section 120b remains in the container since it is still held by the locking means 52.

The reference numeral 138 designates sealing means which are disposed on the first section 120 and can for example be constructed as O-rings. Furthermore, however, it would also be possible for a further fastening means to be provided which fastens the two sections 120a and 120b to one another. Thus for example on the region or end piece 128 respectively a circumferential projection (not shown) is provided which engages in a corresponding recess (not shown) in the second part-section 120b. In this case this projection and this recess could be adapted to one another in such a way that although a certain hold is made possible however, it is not such a strong hold as implemented by the locking means 52. In this way although the piercing device 120 can hold together during the tapping process, on the other hand nevertheless it is ensured that when the upper section 120a is pulled off the lower section 120b remains in the container.

FIGS. 19a and 19b show two further representations of a closure 1 in a further embodiment. In this case FIG. 19a shows a view from above. This again shows the main body 4 and the piercing area 2 which projects out of the main body 4. For this purpose the closure body has a connecting section 132 which connects the piercing area 2 (which is likewise a component of the closure body) to the structural section 68 (not shown in FIG. 19a, cf. FIG. 20b) of the closure body. This connecting section 132 protrudes through an opening formed in the main body 4. In this way in the case of upright containers the piercing area is located somewhat higher than the surface of the main body.

This connecting section 132, which extends through said opening in the main body 4, can likewise be seen in FIG. 19b.

FIGS. 20a to 20c show three representations of the closure body 6. This closure body 6 is similar to the closure body also shown for instance in FIG. 6, for example with regard to the webs 63 as well as the circumferential annular body 62. However, the crucial modification is the arrangement of the piercing area 2. This is disposed by means of the connecting section 132 and a further connecting section 134 on the base section of the closure body 6. Likewise the connecting section 132 as well as the further connecting section 134 can be seen in FIG. 20b. In FIG. 20c it can be seen that the connecting section 132 which extends through the opening of the main body has a somewhat smaller cross-section or circumference respectively than the further connecting section 134. Between these two connecting sections 132 and 134 a step 133 is formed which ultimately serves for support or sealing respectively on the main body. In addition the projections or sealing lips 72, 74 already explained above are also illustrated again in FIG. 20c.

It will be recognised that a plane which is formed by the edges of the webs 63 extends here in a funnel shape around the centre. However, the piercing area projects out of this plane. Specifically, the piercing area also projects beyond all other regions of the closure body and in particular also beyond the edge 62.

The piercing area 2 is preferably (with the container upright) vertically spaced from the main body by between 0.5 mm and 5 cm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 cm and particularly preferably between 2 mm and 3 cm.

FIGS. 21a and 21b show two representations of the main body from above and below. A circumferential wall 142 can be seen here on which, in an assembled state, the connecting section 134 can rest. The reference numeral 146 designates the opening of the main body through which the connecting section 132 (and the piercing area 2) is pushed. The wall 142, which again is likewise annular, is illustrated in the representation shown in FIG. 21b. This wall section 142 also serves as a guide and/or support for the piercing device 120.

FIG. 22a shows a sectional representation of the main body 6. Here too it is again possible to see the opening 146 and also the annular section 142 and the internal thread 48. The annular body or wall section 142 respectively widens slightly downwards here. In the representation shown in FIG. 22b the main body 4 and the closure body 6 are disposed to one another. In order to simplify understanding, the reference numerals shown to the right of the broken line relate to the closure body 6 and the reference numerals disposed on the left side relate to the main body 4. It will be seen that the main body 4 not only has the annular section 142 explained above, but also a projection or sealing projection 144 respectively which likewise extends circumferential. This projection rests on the step 133 which is formed between the connecting section 132 and the connecting section 134, so that in this way sealing can be achieved. The reference numeral 136 designates a recess which is likewise annular and in which in the assembled state the annular projection 142 of the main body 4 engages.

Finally, FIG. 22c shows a representation in which a piercing device 120 is also inserted into the closure. In this case it can be seen that the piercing device has pierced the piercing area 2. In the representations shown in FIGS. 22a to 22c it can also be seen that the main body has a section 148 on which the circumferential projection 142 is disposed, and this section 148 extends conically inwards here. Nevertheless, with the container upright, the piercing area 2 is disposed above a surface or an external surface 148a respectively of the main body 4.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all the features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention in so far as they are individually or in combination novel over the prior art. Furthermore it is pointed out that in the individual drawings features were also described which may be advantageous per se. The person skilled in the art recognises immediately that a specific feature described in a drawing may also be advantageous without the incorporation of further features from this drawing. Furthermore the person skilled in the art recognises that advantages may also result from a combination of several features shown in individual drawings or in different drawings.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• 1 closure
• 2 piercing area
• 4 main body
• 6 closure body
• 8 ducting device
• 8a start section of the ducting device 8
• 8b end section of the ducting device 8
• 10 container
• 10a mouth of the container
• 44 projection
• 48 internal thread
• 52 locking means
• 62 annular positioning segment
• 63 webs
• 64, 66 circumferential projections
• 67 circumferential annular body
• 68 curved region
• 72 projection, sealing lip
• 74 further annular projection
• 82 pleatable region of the ducting device
• 86 first section of the ducting device 8
• 88 second section of the ducting device 8
• 92 lower section of the ducting device 8
• 94 slot
• 96 recess
• 101 closure (prior art)
• 120 piercing device
• 120a,b (separable) sections of the piercing device
• 122 projection
• 126 recess
• 128 end piece
• 132 connecting section
• 133 step between connecting sections
• 134 connecting section
• 136 (annular) recess
• 138 sealing means
• 142 wall (guiding device for piercing device)
• 144 sealing projection
• 146 opening in main body
• 148 section of the main body
• 148a external surface of the section 148
• L longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A closure for a plastic container having a receiving region to receive a mouth section of the container, and having a piercing area which is suitable and intended to be pierced and penetrated by a piercing device in a predetermined piercing direction (L), wherein the closure is of multi-part construction and has a main body which can be fastened to a mouth of the container as well as a closure body which is disposed on this main body and forms the piercing area, wherein the main body and the closure body differ at least with regard to their flexibility in a piercing direction.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure has a ducting device which adjoins the piercing area.

3. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting device has a start section which adjoins the piercing area, as well as an end section via which the liquid can enter the ducting device, wherein a distance between the start section and the end section can be changed.

4. The closure according to claim 2, wherein the ducting device is bendable and/or telescopic and/or pleatable.

5. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body and the closure body are manufactured from different materials.

6. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a thread.

7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body has an annular positioning segment which bears against the main body.

8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a first annular projection also extending at least in the piercing direction (L), and the closure body has a second annular projection also extending at least in the piercing direction (L), wherein in a state in which the closure body is disposed on the main body the first projection and the second projection bear against one another.

9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein the closure body has a third projection also extending at least in the piercing direction.

10. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the first projection is disposed between the second projection and the third projection.

11. The closure according to claim 9, wherein the closure has a lock which in at least one position of the piercing device with respect to the closure prevents a relative movement of the piercing device relative to the closure in a predetermined direction of movement.

12. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the lock is constructed on the main body.

13. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the piercing area is disposed at least in sections above an external surface of the main body.

14. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the main body has an opening which is suitable and intended for the piercing device to pass through, and at least a portion of the closure body extends through this opening.

15. A plastic container having a plastic closure as claimed in claim 11 disposed thereon, wherein the plastic container is compressible in its longitudinal direction (L) in order by such compression to force liquid located in the plastic container out of the container.

16. The closure according to claim 6, wherein the thread is an internal thread.

17. The closure according to claim 11, wherein the lock is arranged to prevent movement of the piercing device in a direction counter to the piercing direction.

18. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure is formed of plastic.