LID FOR CLOSING A LIQUID CONTAINER

Description

The invention relates to a lid for closing a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle. The invention also relates to a liquid container and a method for manufacturing a lid.

Lids for closing liquid containers, in particular lids for closing beverage bottles, are known in various forms from the prior art.

In known lids, there is often the problem that the seals, which are intended to prevent liquid from leaking out of the liquid container, cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough, so that deposits and/or mold regularly form in the area of the seals, which cannot be removed or can only be removed with difficulty. However, such formation of deposits and/or mold should be avoided for hygienic and health-related reasons.

Another problem is that many known lids do not provide a reliable seal over a long period of time, which can lead to unwanted leakage of liquid from the liquid container.

The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution that enables improved cleanability of the lid and the seal while also ensuring a reliable sealing effect.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a lid with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a lid is provided for closing a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle. The lid comprises a lid element which has, on an inner side of the lid element, a lid thread for a threaded connection with a container thread of a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle, a seal-retaining element that is connected to the lid element, wherein the seal-retaining element has a projection which extends in radial direction outward from an outer circumference of the seal-retaining element, wherein the projection is arranged and configured such that an undercut formed by the projection is formed between the projection and the lid element for retaining a sealing element, and a sealing element which is at least partially elastically deformable and has a retaining section that extends in radial direction inward, wherein the sealing element is positionable in a sealing position in which the sealing element is arranged within the lid element and the sealing element is retained within the lid element by the projection of the seal-retaining element, wherein the sealing element is removable from the lid element by elastic deformation of the sealing element.

A lid is therefore proposed which has a lid element and a seal-retaining element connected to the lid element, and a sealing element, wherein the seal-retaining element has a projection by which an undercut is formed, by means of which the sealing element is retained within the lid element, whereby the sealing element can be removed from the lid element by being elastically deformed.

An advantage of such a lid is that the sealing element is held securely in the lid element in the position intended for the sealing effect by the projection of the seal-retaining element, so that the sealing element cannot fall out of the lid element unintentionally. This ensures, on the one hand, that the sealing element can reliably fulfill its function of providing a sealing effect. On the other hand, it is ensured that the sealing element is not lost when the lid is removed from a liquid container and/or when the lid is moved, but remains in position within the lid element unless it is deliberately removed.

Another advantage of such a lid is that it can be cleaned more thoroughly and easily, so that mold and/or deposits can be prevented with regular cleaning. The improved cleanability is achieved in particular by the fact that the sealing element can be removed from the lid element. When removed, the sealing element can be cleaned separately from the other components of the lid from all sides. The lid element and the sealing element can then also be cleaned more easily—in particular the surfaces that form contact points between the sealing element and the lid element when the sealing element is inserted.

The lid is preferably configured to close a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle, by means of a detachable threaded connection, wherein the liquid container is preferably formed as a glass bottle or steel bottle.

Preferably, the lid has a central axis that extends centrally through the lid. The central axis of the lid preferably extends in a vertical direction when the lid is connected to a liquid container formed as a beverage bottle, which stands with its bottom on a horizontal plane.

Preferably, the lid has a radial direction that is aligned orthogonally to the central axis and extends radially outward from the central axis. Preferably, the radial direction of the lid extends horizontally when the lid is connected to a liquid container formed as a beverage bottle, which stands with its bottom on a horizontal plane.

The lid element has a lid thread on the inner side of the lid element. The lid thread is preferably formed as an internal thread so that it can engage with a container thread designed as an external thread. The inner side of the lid element is preferably formed as a substantially cylindrical inner wall of the lid element, wherein the central axis of the substantially cylindrical inner wall of the lid element preferably corresponds to the central axis of the lid. With the exception of the lid thread, the lid element may be rotationally symmetrical.

The seal-retaining element is connected to the lid element. Preferably, the seal-retaining element is connected to an upper inner surface of the lid element facing the lid opening. Preferably, the seal-retaining element is connected to the lid element in a material-bonded manner, in particular welded, particularly preferably welded by microwave welding. The seal-retaining element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid. The seal-retaining element has an outer circumference, in particular a circular one.

The projection of the seal-retaining element extends in radial direction outward from the outer circumference of the seal-retaining element. The projection of the seal-retaining element is preferably formed as a radially circumferential projection. The projection of the seal-retaining element preferably extends along a circle which preferably has a center point on the central axis of the lid and a radius which is aligned orthogonally to the central axis of the lid. The undercut formed between the projection of the seal-retaining element and the lid element serves in particular to hold the sealing element in a form-fitting manner. The undercut preferably extends radially circumferentially and adjacent to the projection of the seal-retaining element.

The sealing element has a retaining section which extends, preferably starting from an inner circumference of the sealing element, in radial direction inward, i.e., in the opposite direction to the radial extension direction of the projection of the seal-retaining element. The retaining section of the sealing element is preferably formed as a radially circumferential section. The retaining section of the sealing element preferably extends along a circle which preferably has a center point on the central axis of the lid and a radius which is aligned orthogonally to the central axis of the lid. The sealing element can be arranged in a sealing position in which the sealing element is arranged within the lid element and is retained within the lid element by the projection of the seal-retaining element.

The sealing element is at least partially, preferably completely, elastically deformable. The sealing element can be removed from the lid element by at least partial elastic deformation of the sealing element. Preferably, the sealing element can be pulled out of the lid element by elastic deformation of the sealing element, wherein the sealing element is elastically deformed when pulled out of the lid element, wherein in particular the retaining section of the sealing element is deformed in such a way that it can be moved past the projection of the seal-retaining element. Removal can be effected in particular by pulling the sealing element out in a direction parallel to the central axis of the lid. When removed, the sealing element is then no longer in the sealing position but in a removal position.

It is particularly preferred that the lid comprises an outer lid element, wherein the lid element is arranged within the outer lid element and is connected to the outer lid element. The outer lid element can in particular form the outer side of the lid and preferably enclose the lid element. The outer lid element preferably has a cylindrical section and a lid top section. The outer lid element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid. The outer lid element is preferably connected to the lid element in a material-bonded manner, in particular by an adhesive bond.

The outer lid element may have, in particular two, recesses for connection to a connecting section of a carrying handle. The lid may then have a carrying handle on which the lid and, if the lid is connected to a container body of a liquid container, the corresponding liquid container can be carried.

Preferably, the outer lid element has an outer side of the outer lid element and an inner side of the outer lid element. Preferably, the lid element has an outer side of the lid element and an inner side of the lid element. Preferably, the outer side of the lid element is connected to the inner side of the outer lid element, preferably by a material-bonded connection, in particular by an adhesive connection.

It is particularly preferred that the projection of the seal-retaining element is curved in a radial direction outward along the outer circumference of the seal-retaining element.

An advantage of such an outwardly curved design of the projection of the seal-retaining element is that the sealing element, while being elastically deformed during removal or insertion, can be moved particularly gently along the projection of the seal-retaining element, because the sealing element is not exposed to edges and the like due to the curved design of the projection. This means that the sealing element is not damaged even during frequent insertion and removal, resulting in a particularly long service life for the sealing element.

It is particularly preferred that the retaining section of the sealing element is curved in radial direction inward.

One advantage of this inwardly curved design of the retaining section of the sealing element is that the retaining section can be deformed elastically particularly well when being removed or inserted, so that the sealing element can be moved gently along the projection of the seal-retaining element. This also helps to achieve a relatively long service life for the sealing element.

It is particularly preferred that the extension of the projection of the seal-retaining element in radial direction outward is such that the projection of the seal-retaining element in the radial direction outward at least partly overlaps the retaining section of the sealing element.

Preferably, the projection of the seal-retaining element at least partially overlaps the retaining section of the sealing element when the sealing element is arranged in the sealing position, such that the retaining section of the sealing element cannot be moved past the projection of the seal-retaining element without deforming. This has the advantage that the sealing element is held securely in the sealing position in the lid element by the projection of the seal-retaining element.

It is particularly preferred that a distance is formed between the retaining portion of the sealing element and the projection of the seal-retaining element in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction.

Preferably, the retaining section of the sealing element and the projection of the seal-retaining element are spaced apart from each other, in particular in a direction parallel to the central axis of the lid, when the sealing element is arranged in the sealing position.

Preferably, the distance is at least 0.25 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm. Preferably, the distance between the retaining section of the sealing element and the projection of the seal-retaining element in the direction parallel to the central axis of the lid is at least 0.25 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.5 mm, in particular at least 1 mm.

Preferably, the distance is at most 5 mm, particularly preferably at most 2.5 mm, and in particular at most 1.6 mm. Preferably, the distance between the retaining section of the sealing element and the projection of the seal-retaining element in the direction parallel to the central axis of the lid is at most 5 mm, particularly preferably at most 2.5 mm, and in particular at most 1.6 mm.

Most preferably, the distance between the retaining section of the sealing element and the projection of the seal-retaining element in the direction parallel to the central axis of the lid is 1.3 mm.

An advantage of such a distance between the projection of the seal-retaining element and the retaining section of the sealing element is that there is sufficient space for elastic deformation of the sealing element when it is removed from the sealing position and when it is inserted into the sealing position. This makes it particularly easy to insert the sealing element into the lid element and to remove it from the lid element.

It is particularly preferred that the seal-retaining element is connected to the lid element in a material-bonded manner, preferably welded, in particular by microwave welding. Preferably, the connection between the seal-retaining element and the lid element is obtained by microwave welding.

An advantage of such a material-bonded connection is that the seal-retaining element can be connected particularly firmly and immovably to the lid element. This allows the sealing element to be reliably repositioned in the intended position, i.e., the sealing position, time and time again.

An advantage of using microwave welding is that the lid element and the seal-retaining element, when these elements are made of a plastic such as polypropylene, can be heated particularly quickly, so that the joining process can be carried out particularly quickly, thereby reducing the overall production time for manufacturing the lid.

As an alternative to such a material-bonded connection between the seal-retaining element and the lid element, a form-fitting connection is also possible. If a form-fitting connection between the lid element and the seal-retaining element is provided, at least two connecting elements may be arranged on the seal-retaining element, for example, which are connected to the lid element by a snap connection, so that the seal-retaining element is connected to the lid element by this snap connection.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has an insertion contour on a top side of the sealing element and the lid element has a receiving contour on a side facing the sealing element, and wherein the insertion contour of the sealing element and the receiving contour of the lid element are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that the insertion contour of the sealing element is precisely insertable into the receiving contour of the lid element.

When the sealing element is in the sealing position, the top side of the sealing element preferably faces the upper side of the lid. When the sealing element is in the sealing position, the lower side of the sealing element preferably faces the lid opening.

The insertion contour of the sealing element is preferably, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid, rotationally symmetrical. The receiving contour of the lid element is preferably, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid, rotationally symmetrical.

The insertion contour of the sealing element is preferably, when the sealing element is arranged in the sealing position, inserted precisely into the receiving contour of the lid element. This means that the insertion contour of the sealing element and the receiving contour of the lid element are designed as positive and negative contours that fit precisely into each other.

An advantage of such an insertion contour and such a receiving contour is that the sealing element is arranged in a precisely defined position in which the sealing element rests against the lid element in the sealing position, so that when the lid is placed on a liquid container, the sealing element is arranged precisely in the intended position, so that the desired sealing function can be reliably achieved by the sealing element and leakage of liquids from the liquid container can be prevented.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a sealing surface on a bottom side of the sealing element for forming a seal with a container opening of a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle.

The sealing surface of the sealing element is preferably configured and arranged such that, when the lid is connected to a container body, the sealing surface is in contact with a surface of the container body and a sealing force is generated between the sealing surface of the sealing element and the surface of the container body. Such a sealing force ensures the desired sealing effect in a particularly advantageous manner.

The sealing surface preferably has a plurality of elevations and depressions, which are preferably circular and/or concentric. The sealing surface is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid. The elevations and depressions of the sealing surface are preferably circular and/or concentric with respect to the central axis of the lid. Such elevations and depressions enable the elevations to be elastically deformed in a particularly reliable manner, thereby ensuring a continuous seal and thus a reliable sealing effect.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a handle extending in the direction of a lid opening of the lid for pulling the sealing element out of the lid element. Such a handle facilitates handling of the sealing element when removing it from the lid element and inserting it into the lid element.

The handle of the sealing element preferably has a recess, preferably circular in shape, which is preferably arranged on a side of the handle facing a central axis of the lid.

Such a recess in the handle makes it particularly easy to grip the handle, whereby the thumb in particular can be placed in the recess.

Preferably, the handle extends parallel to the central axis of the lid in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, the handle extends transversely to the longitudinal direction along its transverse direction along a circular segment having a circular center point located on the central axis of the lid.

It is particularly preferred that the lid element has a connecting section which has a recess, preferably arranged in a circular manner about a central axis of the lid, in particular in the form of a groove, wherein the seal-retaining element has a connecting section corresponding to the connecting section of the lid element, and wherein the connecting section of the lid element is connected in a material-bonded manner to the connecting section of the seal-retaining element.

By such a recess in the connecting section of the lid element, it is possible to form narrow sections on both sides of the recess which can be heated and melted particularly quickly to form a material-bonded connection with the seal-retaining element. The connecting section of the lid element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid. The recess of the connecting section of the lid element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid.

The connecting section of the sealing element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid.

Preferably, the connecting section of the sealing element is connected in a material-bonded manner to the connecting section of the lid element on both sides of the recess of the connecting section of the lid element.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a cover section which completely covers the seal-retaining element in the direction of the lid opening. Preferably, the seal-retaining element is completely covered by the cover section of the sealing element so that, when the sealing element is arranged in the sealing position, the seal-retaining element is not fluidically connected to the lid opening.

An advantage of a cover section of the sealing element is that, when the lid is connected to a container body, only one connecting surface, namely the surface between the container body and the sealing surface of the sealing element, needs to be sealed. Due to the cover section of the sealing element, no liquid can flow along the sealing surface of the sealing element between the sealing element and the seal-retaining element. Since only a single surface needs to be sealed and there are no potential additional leakage points, a particularly reliable seal can be achieved and liquid leakage from the liquid container can be reliably prevented.

It is particularly preferred that the seal-retaining element has a cylindrical insertion section and the lid element has a cylindrical receiving section, wherein the insertion section of the seal-retaining element is inserted precisely into the receiving section of the lid element.

Preferably, the insertion section of the seal-retaining element is formed to be rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid. The receiving section of the lid element is preferably formed to be rotationally symmetrical, in particular with respect to the central axis of the lid.

Preferably, the insertion section of the seal-retaining element and the receiving section of the lid element are configured to correspond to each other. This ensures that the seal-retaining element can be placed precisely in the correct position in a particularly advantageous manner.

Such an insertion section of the seal-retaining element and such a receiving section of the lid element ensure that the seal-retaining element is held more securely in its intended position by the receiving section and also that the seal-retaining element can be placed reliably and exactly in the center of the lid element during manufacture.

It is particularly preferred that the lid element comprises or consists of plastic, preferably in the form of a thermoplastic, in particular polypropylene.

It is particularly preferred that the seal-retaining element comprises or consists of plastic, preferably in the form of a thermoplastic, in particular polypropylene.

It is particularly preferred that the lid element and the seal-retaining element comprise or consist of the same material. This allows a particularly good welded connection to be produced between the two components.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element comprises or consists of elastomer, preferably in the form of silicone, in particular in the form of food-safe silicone. Silicone is particularly preferred because, on the one hand, it provides a food-safe material so that no toxins are released from the material and the taste and smell of the liquid are not negatively affected by the material, and, on the other hand, it provides an elastic material so that the sealing element can be removed from the lid element by elastic deformation and inserted into the lid element.

It is particularly preferred that the outer lid element comprises or consists of metal, preferably in the form of steel, in particular stainless steel.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a Shore A hardness of at least 25 Shore A 3s, preferably at least 35 Shore A 3s, particularly preferably at least 45 Shore A 3s.

Such a minimum hardness has proven to be particularly advantageous both for reliably achieving tightness and for the elasticity required for removal and insertion.

All values for Shore A hardness are to be understood in particular as values according to DIN ISO 7619-1, whereby the values refer to a measurement time of 3 seconds and a measurement temperature of 23° C.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a Shore A hardness of not more than 75 Shore A 3s, preferably not more than 65 Shore A 3s, and particularly preferably not more than 55 Shore A 3s.

Such maximum hardness has proven to be particularly advantageous both for reliably achieving tightness and for the elasticity required for removal and insertion.

It is particularly preferred that the sealing element has a Shore A hardness of 50 Shore A 3s. Such hardness has proven to be particularly advantageous both for reliably achieving tightness and for the elasticity required for removal and insertion.

It is particularly preferred that the lid has two handle retaining elements and that the outer lid element has two holes for receiving the handle retaining elements. Preferably, the handle retaining elements each have an outer connecting section and an inner connecting section. Preferably, the outer connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged in the region of the outer side of the outer lid element and the inner connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged in the region of the inner side of the outer lid element.

A handle retaining element is in particular understood to be a component that is configured to form a connection, preferably a form-fitting and/or detachable connection, in particular a snap connection, with a handle that is configured to hold the lid and/or a bottle on which the lid is placed. Preferably, the outer connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged on the outer side of the outer lid element and the inner connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged on the inner side, i.e. within, the outer lid element. This allows, in a particularly advantageous manner, the inner connecting section of the handle-holding element to be connected to a lid element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, or to engage in a lid element, and the outer connecting section to be connected to a handle, in particular in a form-fitting manner, or to engage in a handle.

It is particularly preferred that the lid has a handle with a first end and a second end, wherein at the first end of the handle a hole is provided for establishing a form-fitting, preferably detachable, connection, in particular a snap connection, with one of the handle retaining elements. It is particularly preferred that at the second end of the handle a hole is provided for establishing a form-fitting, preferably detachable, connection, in particular a snap connection, with one of the handle retaining elements. Preferably, an undercut is formed on each of the handle retaining elements between the inner connecting section and the outer connecting section. Preferably, each outer connecting section of the handle retaining element has an outer diameter which is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, greater than the inner diameter of the hole at the first end of the handle and/or the hole at the second end of the handle. Preferably, each outer connecting section of the handle retaining element has an outer diameter that is at most 6 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, smaller than the inner diameter of the hole at the first end of the handle and/or the hole at the second end of the handle.

The handle is used in particular to carry the lid and/or a bottle on which the lid is placed. The hole at the first end of the handle is arranged and configured in such a way that it can be slipped over the outer connecting section of the handle retaining element. The first end of the handle is preferably formed to be elastic so that it can deform when slipped over, thereby creating a form-fitting and, in particular, detachable connection between the handle and the handle retaining element. An advantage of such a connection is that the handle can be removed and replaced. This improves cleanability and makes it easier to replace individual parts.

It is particularly preferred that the lid element has a recess for each of the handle retaining elements for connection to the inner connecting section of the respective handle retaining element. Preferably, each of the recesses for connection to the inner connecting section of the respective handle retaining element has a surface curved in the circumferential direction of the lid element. Preferably, the inner connecting section of the respective handle retaining element has a curved contact surface corresponding to this curved surface.

According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the beginning is achieved by a liquid container, preferably in the form of a beverage bottle, in particular in the form of a water bottle, comprising: a container body, in particular in the form of a bottle body, for receiving liquids, in particular water, wherein the container body has a container opening and a container thread, and a lid as described herein, wherein the lid thread of the lid is configured to engage in the container thread of the container body and to form a detachable threaded connection between the lid and the container body.

The container body is preferably made of glass or metal, in particular steel. The container thread of the container body is preferably formed as an external thread. The lid thread of the lid is preferably formed as an internal thread.

According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the beginning is achieved by a method for manufacturing a lid, preferably a lid as described herein, the method comprising: manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a lid element, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, and which has, on an inner side of the lid element, a lid thread for a threaded connection with a container thread of a liquid container, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle; manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a seal-retaining element, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, wherein the seal-retaining element has a projection which extends in radial direction outward from an outer circumference of the seal-retaining element; material-bonded joining of the seal-retaining element to the lid element; inserting a sealing element, which is at least partially elastically deformable, into a sealing position such that the sealing element is arranged within the lid element and is retained within the lid element by the projection of the seal-retaining element.

It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: manufacturing an outer lid element, preferably from steel, in particular stainless steel; and/or material-bonded joining of the lid element to an outer lid element by arranging the lid element within the outer lid element and arranging an adhesive bond between the lid element and the outer lid element.

It is particularly preferred that the material-bonded joining of the seal-retaining element to the lid element is effected by microwave welding, in particular by applying microwaves with an energy of at least 100 watts, preferably at least 200 watts, and/or of at most 500 watts, preferably at most 400 watts, and/or a frequency of at least 5 kHz, preferably at least 10 kHz, and/or at most 30 kHz, preferably at most 20 kHz, and/or a time of at least 0.05 seconds, preferably at least 0.10 seconds, and/or at most 0.30 seconds, preferably at most 0.20 seconds.

Applying microwaves with such energy and/or such frequency and/or for such a time has proven to be particularly advantageous for a particularly rapid manufacturing of the connection, while still achieving the desired strength of the connection.

The application of microwaves with an energy of 259 watts and/or a frequency of 14.93 KHz and/or a time of 0.15 seconds is particularly advantageous.

It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: positioning two handle retaining elements in holes of the outer lid element, wherein the handle retaining elements each have an outer connecting section and an inner connecting section, wherein preferably the outer connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged in the region of the outer side of the outer lid element and the inner connecting section of the handle retaining element is arranged in the region of the inner side of the outer lid element.

It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: inserting the lid element into the outer lid element, wherein the lid element has, for each of the handle retaining elements, a recess for connection to the inner connecting section of the respective handle retaining element, and the recesses receive the inner connecting section of the respective handle retaining element.

It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: manufacturing a form-fitting, preferably detachable, connection, in particular a snap connection, between a hole at a first end of a handle and one of the handle retaining elements, and a form-fitting, preferably detachable, connection, in particular a snap connection, between a hole at a second end of the handle and one of the handle retaining elements.

For the advantages, design variants, and design details of the various aspects of the solutions described herein and their respective possible further developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details, and advantages of the other aspects and their further developments.

Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. The figures show:

FIG. 1a: a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 1b: a perspective view from below of the first embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 1c: a view from below of the first embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 2 an exploded view of the first embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 3: a sectional view and two detailed views of the first embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 4a: a liquid container in the form of a beverage bottle, onto which a lid can be placed;

FIG. 4b: a liquid container in the form of a beverage bottle with a lid;

FIG. 5a: a perspective view from below of a second embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 5b: a sectional view of the second embodiment of a lid placed on a liquid container in the form of a beverage bottle;

FIG. 6a-d: sectional views of components of the second embodiment of a lid to illustrate the manufacturing of the lid;

FIG. 7a-b: a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing a lid;

FIG. 8: an exploded view of a third embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 9: a sectional view of the third embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 10 an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 11 a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 12a: a perspective view from above of a fifth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 12b: a perspective view from below of the fifth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 12c: a view from below of the fifth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 13a-e: a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing a lid of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14: a sectional view of the fifth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 15a: a sectional view of the fifth embodiment of a lid from below;

FIG. 15b: a detailed view of a connection between a handle and a handle retaining element of the fifth embodiment of a lid;

FIG. 16: a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing the fifth embodiment of a lid.

FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 1c show different views of a first embodiment of a lid 1. In FIG. 1a, the lid 1 is shown in a perspective view from above so that the outer lid element 10, which is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A of the lid 1, is visible. The outer lid element 10 has an outer side 11, which in turn comprises a cylindrical section 13 and an adjoining upper lid section 15. The outer lid element 10 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis A of the lid 1. In FIG. 1b, the lid 1 is shown in a perspective view from below so that the lid opening 1a and the lid element 20 are visible. The lid element 20 has a lid thread 24 which is formed as an internal thread. The sealing element 40 is arranged within the lid element 20 in the sealing position. The sealing surface 42 of the sealing element 40 faces in the direction of the lid opening 1a. The sealing element 40 also has a handle 44 with a circular recess 45. The circular recess 45 is arranged on a side of the handle 44 facing the central axis A of the lid 1. Such a recess 45 in the handle 44 makes it particularly easy to grip the handle 44, as the thumb can be placed in the recess 45. The sealing element 40 also has a cover section 43 which completely covers a seal-retaining element (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, marked there with reference numeral 30) in the direction of the lid opening 1a. FIG. 1c shows the lid 1 from below. It can be seen that the sealing surface 42 is arranged rotationally symmetrically about the central axis A of the lid 1 and that the handle 44 extends parallel to the central axis A of the lid 1.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the lid 1 shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c. The outer lid element 10 has an inner side 12, which in turn comprises a cylindrical section 14 and an adjoining section 16. The lid element 20 has an outer side 21 and an inner side 22. On the outer side 21 of the lid element 20, the lid element 20 has a cylindrical section 23 with recesses 27 and a lid element top section 25 adjoining it. At the lower edge, the lid element 20 has an edge section 28. On the inner side 22 of the lid element 20, the lid element 20 has the lid thread 24 and a receiving contour 26 as well as a receiving section 29. The seal-retaining element 30 has a bottom side 32 and a projection 31. The sealing element 40 has a top side 400 and a bottom side 40u. Furthermore, the sealing surface 42 of the sealing element 40 and the cover section 43 of the sealing element 40 as well as the handle 44 of the sealing element 40 are shown with the recess 45.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view and two detailed views B and C of the first embodiment of the lid 1 already explained in connection with FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2. The outer lid element 10 encloses the lid element 20. The outer lid element 10 is materially bonded to the lid element 20 by means of an adhesive connection. The edge section 28 of the lid element 20 prevents adhesive from escaping during bonding. The sealing element 40 has an insertion contour 46 on its upper side. The lid element 20 has a receiving contour 26 on a side facing the sealing element 40. The insertion contour 46 of the sealing element 40 and the receiving contour 26 of the lid element 20 are formed to correspond to each other in such a way that the insertion contour 46 of the sealing element 40 precisely insertable into the receiving contour 26 of the lid element 20 and is inserted precisely in the sealing position of the sealing element shown here. The seal-retaining element 30 has a cylindrical insertion section 39 and the lid element 20 has a cylindrical receiving section 29. The insertion section 39 of the seal-retaining element 30 is inserted precisely into the receiving section 29 of the lid element 20. The lid element 20 further has a connecting section 20a adjoining the receiving section 29, which has a recess 20b in the form of a groove arranged circularly around a central axis A of the lid 1. The seal-retaining element 30 has a connecting section 30a corresponding to the connecting section 20a of the lid element 20. The connecting section 20a of the lid element 20 is connected to the connecting section 30a of the seal-retaining element 30 in a material-bonded manner, the connection being produced by microwave welding. A cavity 50 is arranged inside the cylindrical insertion section 39 of the seal-retaining element 30.

The seal-retaining element 30 has a projection 31 which extends outwardly from an outer circumference 30b of the seal-retaining element 30 in a radial direction R which is oriented orthogonally to the central axis A of the lid 1. The projection 31 is arranged and configured such that an undercut 60 formed by the projection 31 is formed between the projection 31 and the lid element 20 for retaining the sealing element 40. The sealing element 40 is elastically deformable and has a retaining section 48 which extends in radial direction R inward. The sealing element 40 is arranged here in the sealing position, in which the sealing element 40 is arranged within the lid element 20 and the sealing element 40 is retained within the lid element 20 by the projection 31 of the seal-retaining element 30. The sealing element 40 is removable from the lid element 20 by elastic deformation of the sealing element 40. Between the retaining section 48 of the sealing element 40 and the projection 31 of the seal-retaining element 30, a distance D is formed in a direction parallel to the central axis A of the lid 1, which distance is 1.6 mm in the embodiment shown here. This distance D is provided in order to create space for the desired elastic deformation when removing and inserting the sealing element 40. In this way, the sealing element 40 can be inserted particularly well into the lid element in the sealing position and removed from the lid element into a removal position.

FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show a liquid container 2 in the form of a beverage bottle. In FIG. 4a, no lid is attached, and in FIG. 4b, a lid 1, for example a lid as described in connection with FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, and 3, is attached. The liquid container 2 has a container body 2a in the form of a bottle body for holding liquids, in particular water. The container body 2a has a container opening 2b and a container thread 2c. The lid 1 has a lid thread (not shown here) which is configured to engage in the container thread 2c of the container body 2a and to form a detachable threaded connection between the lid 1 and the container body 2a.

FIG. 5a shows a perspective view from below of a second embodiment of a lid 1. This second embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, and 3, which is why reference is made essentially to the description there for the description of the lid. The only difference from the first embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, the sealing element 40 does not have a cover section 43, so that the seal-retaining element 30 is not covered in the direction of the lid opening 1a in the second embodiment. FIG. 5b shows a sectional view of the lid shown in FIG. 5a, placed on a liquid container 2 in the form of a beverage bottle.

FIG. 6a-d show sectional views of components of the second embodiment of a lid to explain the manufacturing of a lid 1. FIG. 6a shows that the lid element 20 is inserted into the outer lid element 10. FIG. 6b shows that the seal-retaining element 30 is inserted into the lid element 20. FIG. 6c shows that the sealing element 40 is inserted into the lid element 20. In FIG. 6d, the lid 1 then has all its components in the assembled state, with the sealing element 40 arranged in the sealing position.

FIGS. 7a-b show schematic representations of a method 100 for manufacturing a lid.

The exemplary method 100 shown in FIG. 7a comprises the following steps: In a step 110, manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a lid element 20, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, which has a lid thread 24 on an inner side 22 of the lid element 20 for a threaded connection with a container thread 2c of a liquid container 2, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle. In a step 120, manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a seal-retaining element 30, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, wherein the seal-retaining element 30 has a projection 31 which extends in radial direction R outward from an outer circumference 30b of the seal-retaining element 30. In a step 130, Joining the seal-retaining element 30 to the lid element 20 by microwave welding, in particular by applying microwaves with an energy of at least 100 watts, preferably at least 200 watts, and/or of at most 500 watts, preferably at most 400 watts, and/or a frequency of at least 5 kHz, preferably at least 10 KHz, and/or at most 30 kHz, preferably at most 20 kHz, and/or a time of at least 0.05 seconds, preferably at least 0.10 seconds, and/or at most 0.30 seconds, preferably at most 0.20 seconds. It is particularly preferred that the microwaves are applied with an energy of 259 watts and a frequency of 14.93 kHz and a time of 0.15 seconds. In a step 140, inserting a sealing element 40, which is at least partially elastically deformable, into a sealing position so that the sealing element 40 is arranged within the lid element 20 and is retained within the lid element by the projection 31 of the seal-retaining element 30.

The method shown in FIG. 7b comprises the method steps described in connection with FIG. 7a and, in addition, between steps 120 and 130, the following steps 125a and 125c: In a step 125a, manufacturing an outer lid element, preferably made of steel, in particular stainless steel. In a step 125c, material-bonded joining of the lid element 20 to an outer lid element 10 by arranging the lid element 20 on the inner side of the outer lid element 10 and arranging an adhesive connection between the lid element 20 and the outer lid element 10.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of a lid 1. The outer lid element 10 is formed as explained in connection with the first embodiment. The sealing element 40 is formed as explained in connection with the second embodiment. Although the seal-retaining element 30 and the lid element 20 are also formed similarly to the first and second embodiments, the connection between the seal-retaining element 30 and the lid element 20 is implemented differently. The seal-retaining element 30 and the lid element 20 are not connected in a material-bonded manner, but are connected by a snap connection. For this purpose, the seal-retaining element 30 has two connecting elements 38a, 38b, which are connected by a snap connection to the lid element 20 at two connecting element receptacles 20d, 20c (see also FIG. 9) by a snap connection, so that the seal-retaining element 30 is connected to the lid element 20 in a form-fitting manner by this snap connection. FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment of the lid 1 shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the connecting elements 38a, 38b each have a hook 38s which engages in the element 20s and thus establishes a form-fitting connection.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a lid. The fourth embodiment essentially corresponds to the third embodiment of the lid 1, so reference is made to the explanations relating to the third embodiment. However, in contrast to the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment additionally provides a carrying handle 3 with two connecting sections 3x arranged thereon. In addition, the outer lid element 10 has two recesses 10x for connection to the connecting sections 3x of the carrying handle 3. The seal-retaining element 30 also has two recesses 38x for connection to the connecting sections 3x of the carrying handle 3. FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the lid 1 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12a shows a perspective view from above of a fifth embodiment of a lid 1. This fifth embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment described in connection with

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, and 3, which is why reference is made essentially to the description there for the description of the lid 1. However, one difference compared to the first embodiment is that the fifth embodiment has a handle 3. Furthermore, the lid 1 has two handle retaining elements 4, to which the handle 3 is connected in a form-fitting and detachable manner by a snap connection. FIG. 12b shows the lid 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a perspective view from below, and FIG. 12c shows this lid 1 from below, where it can be seen that on the left side, the handle 3 is connected to the handle retaining element 4 there by a first end 3b of the handle 3, and on the right side, the handle 3 is connected to the handle retaining element 4 there by a second end 3c of the handle 3.

FIG. 13a-e shows a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing a lid of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13a shows the outer lid element 10. The outer lid element 10 has two holes 17 arranged on opposite sides for receiving the handle retaining elements 4. The two handle retaining elements 4, each of which has an outer connecting section 4a and an inner connecting section 4b, are guided from the inside into the outer lid element 10 and inserted into the holes 17 so that the outer connecting section 4a is arranged on the outer side of the outer lid element 10 and the inner connecting section 4b is arranged on the inner side of the outer lid element 10, as shown in FIG. 13b. As further shown in FIG. 13b, a lid element 20 is then inserted from below into the outer lid element 10 in such a way that the inner connecting sections 4b of the handle retaining elements 4 are arranged in the recesses 27a of the lid element 20. FIG. 13c shows the lid element 20 in the inserted state. The handle 3 is then connected to the handle retaining elements 4, as shown in a detailed view in FIG. 13d, by connecting the handle on both sides to the handle retaining elements 4 in a form-fitting and detachable manner using the holes 3a provided for this purpose at both ends of the handle 3. To do this, the ends of the handle 3 are pushed over the respective outer connecting section 4a, whereby the edge surrounding the hole 3a deforms elastically. After connection, the edge around the hole 3a deforms elastically back so that a form-fitting connection is established between the handle 3 and the corresponding handle retaining element 4. FIG. 13e shows the lid 1 with the handle 3 connected.

FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of the fifth embodiment of a lid 1. The handle 3 is connected in a form-fitting manner to the handle retaining elements 4 with its first end 3b and its second end 3c.

As shown in the sectional view of the fifth embodiment of a lid 1 in FIG. 15a, the inner section of the inner connecting section 4b is formed as a curved surface such that this contact surface 4d (see FIG. 15b) corresponds to the circumferentially curved surface of the recess 27a of the lid element 20.

FIG. 15b shows a detailed view in which it can be seen that the first end 3b of the handle 3 is arranged at least in sections in an undercut 4d of the handle retaining element, thereby producing a form-fitting connection. The first end 3b also has a bevel 3s in the area of the hole 3a of the handle 3, so that it is easier to connect the handle 3 to the handle retaining element 4 by simply sliding it on. The overlap B between the outer connecting section 4a of the handle retaining element 4 and the first end 3b of the handle 3 is preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably approx. 1.5 mm. The outer diameter of the outer connecting section 4a of the handle element 4 is thus in particular between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably approx. 3 mm, larger than the inner diameter of the hole of the first end 3b of the handle 3. This also applies accordingly to the connection of the second end 3c of the handle 3 to the other handle element 4.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic representation of an example method for manufacturing the fifth embodiment of a lid 1. The example method 100 shown comprises the following steps: In step 110, manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a lid element 20, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, and which has, on an inner side 22 of the lid element 20, a lid thread 24 for a threaded connection with a container thread 2c of a liquid container 2, in particular a beverage bottle, preferably a water bottle. In a step 120, manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a seal-retaining element 30, which preferably comprises or consists of polypropylene, wherein the seal-retaining element 30 has a projection 31 which extends in radial direction R outward from an outer circumference 30b of the seal-retaining element 30. In a step 130, material-bonded joining of the seal-retaining element 30 to the lid element 20by microwave welding, in particular by applying microwaves with an energy of at least 100 watts, preferably at least 200 watts, and/or of at most 500 watts, preferably at most 400 watts, and/or a frequency of at least 5 kHz, preferably at least 10 kHz, and/or at most 30 kHz, preferably at most 20 kHz, and/or a time of at least 0.05 seconds, preferably at least 0.10 seconds, and/or at most 0.30 seconds, preferably at most 0.20 seconds. It is particularly preferred that the microwaves are applied with an energy of 259 watts and a frequency of 14.93 kHz and a time of 0.15 seconds. In a step 140, a sealing element 40, which is at least partially elastically deformable, is inserted into a sealing position so that the sealing element 40 is arranged within the lid element 20 and is retained within the lid element by the projection 31 of the seal-retaining element 30. In a step 150, positioning two handle retaining elements 4 in holes 17 of an outer lid element 10, wherein the handle retaining elements 4 each have an outer connecting section 4a and an inner connecting section 4b, wherein the outer connecting section 4a of the handle retaining element 4 is arranged in the region of the outer side 11 of the outer lid element 10 and the inner connecting section 4b of the handle retaining element 4 is arranged in the region of the inner side 12 of the outer lid element 10. In a step 125b, inserting the lid element 20 into the outer lid element 10, wherein the lid element 20 has, for each of the handle retaining elements 4, a recess 27a for connection to the inner connecting section 4b of the respective handle retaining element 4, and the recesses 27a receive the inner connecting section 4b of the respective handle retaining element. In a step 125c, joining the lid element 20 to the outer lid element 10 by arranging the lid element 20 on the inner side of the outer lid element 10 and arranging an adhesive connection between the lid element 20 and the outer lid element 10. In a step 160, forming a form-fitting releasable connection, in particular a snap connection, between a hole 3a at a first end 3b of a handle 3 and one of the handle retaining elements 4, and a form-fitting releasable connection, in particular a snap connection, between a hole 3a at a second end 3c of the handle 3 and one of the handle retaining elements 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 1 Lid
  • 1a Lid opening
  • 2 Liquid container
  • 2a Container body
  • 2b Container opening
  • 2c Container thread
  • 3 Handle
  • 3a Hole in the handle
  • 3b First end of the handle
  • 3c Second end of the handle
  • 3s Bevel on the hole of the handle
  • 3x Connecting sections of the handle
  • 4 Handle retaining element
  • 4a Outer connecting section of the handle retaining element
  • 4b Inner connecting section of the handle retaining element
  • 4c Undercut of the handle retaining element
  • 10 Outer lid element
  • 10x Recesses in the outer lid element
  • 11 Outer side of the outer lid element
  • 12 Inner side of the outer lid element
  • 13 Cylindrical section of the outer side of the outer lid element
  • 14 Cylindrical section of the inner side of the outer lid element
  • 15 Upper lid section of the outer side of the outer lid element
  • 16 Section of the inner side of the outer lid element
  • 17 Hole in the outer lid element
  • 20 Lid element
  • 20a Connecting section of the lid element
  • 20b Recess of the lid element
  • 20c Connecting element receptacles of the lid element
  • 20d Connecting element receptacles of the lid element
  • 20s Element of the lid element
  • 21 Outer side of the lid element
  • 22 Inner side of the lid element
  • 23 Cylindrical section of the outer side of the lid element
  • 24 Lid thread of the lid element
  • 25 Top section of the lid element
  • 26 Receiving contour of the lid element
  • 27 Recesses of the lid element
  • 27a Recess of the lid element for connection to the inner connecting section of the handle retaining element
  • 28 Edge section of the lid element
  • 29 Receiving section of the lid element
  • 30 Seal-retaining element
  • 30a Connecting section of the seal-retaining element
  • 30b Outer circumference of the seal-retaining element
  • 31 Projection of the seal-retaining element
  • 32 Bottom side of the seal-retaining element
  • 38a Connecting element of the seal-retaining element
  • 38b Connecting element of the seal-retaining element
  • 38s Hook of the connecting element of the seal-retaining element
  • 38x Recesses of the seal-retaining element
  • 39 Insertion section of the seal-retaining element
  • 40 Sealing element
  • 400 Top side of the sealing element
  • 40u Bottom side of the sealing element
  • 42 Sealing surface of the sealing element
  • 43 Cover section of the sealing element
  • 44 Handle of the sealing element
  • 45 Recess in the handle of the sealing element
  • 46 Insertion contour of the sealing element
  • 48 Retaining section of the sealing element
  • 50 Cavity of the seal-retaining element
  • 60 Undercut
  • 100 Method
  • 110-160 Method steps
  • A Central axis of the lid
  • B Overlap between the outer connecting section of the handle retaining element and the first or second end of the handle
  • D Distance between the projection of the seal-retaining element and the retaining section of the sealing element
  • R Radial direction