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(11) | EP 4 529 804 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | CLOSING UNIT FOR A CONTAINER |
| (57) A closing unit for a container comprising a spring mechanism biasing a pushable button
that is movable between a first and a second position at least, and comprising a rotatable
closing element crossed by a through hole or a through slot and comprising a gear
mechanism interconnecting the closing element and the pushable button that way, that
the pushable button - when being in its first position - rotates the closing element
in its position closing the container and when being in its second position, rotates
the closing element in a position in which the through hole or the through slot gives
access to the interior of the container from outside.
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FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a closing unit according to the generic term of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cosmetic, pharmaceutic or glue application system according to the generic term of claim 9.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Such a closure system is not least intended for closing containers from which care products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products or even technical substances are applied, such as adhesives.
[0003] In order to provide an illustrative example, the following section focuses mainly on a cosmetics unit, but at moment without restricting effect.
[0004] A standard cosmetic system usually at least comprises a container, a wiper, a closure cap and an applicator. Furthermore, it is usual that the container contains the wiper and the closure cap contains and/or holds the applicator. Therefore, generalizing one can say that the cosmetic unit can be divided into an upper part (closure cap with applicator) and a lower part (container with wiper).
[0005] In order to apply the mass that is stored in the container, the cosmetic system has to be opened. Usually, that is done by separating the upper part from the lower part. In most cases, the user therefore has to unscrew the closure cap from the container and afterwards can extract the applicator from the container. During this extraction process, the applicator with the mass on it has to pass the wiper and excess mass is wiped off in order to provide the right amount of mass on the applicator for the application.
[0006] During the phase of application of the mass, the container does not have his closure cap that is connected to the applicator and therefore stays open. This way the mass inside the container is no longer protected by the closure cap and therefore can dry out, gas out and/or leak. Especially when the usually very slim, open cosmetics container falls over and crashes to the floor or into the sink.
[0007] The same problem arises at all kinds of application systems like pharmaceutic or glue application system.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to provide a means by which the mass inside the container of an application system can be protected in a simple way when the container is opened.
SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION
[0010] The closing unit propose is in many cases based on a closing unit carrier (in short: cu-carrier). The cu-carrier holds all parts forming the closing unit in place and in their spatial and/or functional relationship to each other - without a bottle being necessary for that. That way the closing unit becomes independent from the individual bottle or container. Instead, it can be screwed, snapped or frictionally pressed (with a clean fit) onto a bottle neck, together with the closing unit. In other cases, the cu-carrier is omitted, its function is directionally integrated into the bottle or container.
[0011] For this purpose, a closing unit for a container is proposed, wherein the closing unit comprises a spring mechanism biasing a pushable button. This pushable button is movable between a first position and at least a second position; preferably also a third position.
[0012] Furthermore, the closing unit comprises a rotatable closing element which is crossed by a through hole or a through slot. Said through hole is a hole through the closing element wherein there is still material left around the whole mantle surface of the hole. Said alternative in the shape of a through slot on the other hand is a hole that leaves the closing element with one flank open.
[0013] Additionally, the closing unit comprises a gear mechanism interconnecting the closing element and the pushable button that way, that the pushable button - when being in its first position - rotates the closing element into its position closing the container. This is referred to as "closed position". When being in its second position, the pushable button rotates the closing element in a position in which the through hole or the through slot gives access to the interior of the container from outside. This is referred to as "opened position".
[0014] "Closing the container" in a broader sense means that the direct access to the container is blocked. Preferably the said blocking is accomplished by the closing element being in the way of the usual accessing opening. In a preferred narrower sense, it means that the usual accessing opening is fully shut tight from outside influences, also not allowing a leaking of the mass in any intended positions of container.
[0015] If the pushable button is in its second position, the access to the interior of the container is available, for example for extracting an applicator from the container. The rotatable closing element is in a position that allows the extraction through the through hole. If the pushable button is in its first position, the access to the interior of the container is not available.
[0016] The necessary rotational positions of the closing element are provided by said gear mechanism interconnecting the closing element and the pushable button.
[0017] That means that the container is closed when the pushable button is in its first position. Therefore, the interior of the container and with that also the mass inside the container is protected.
PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A preferred design option is that the gear mechanism comprises at least one toothed rack that is preferably an integral part of the pushable button, wherein the gear mechanism preferably comprises two such toothed racks which form a fork bypassing the main body of the rotatable closing element. So, it can be ensured in a simple way that the rotation of the closing element is safely performed analogously to the movement of the pushable button.
[0019] It is furthermore preferred that the gear mechanism comprises at least one sprocket, being in most cases made from a plastic material. The sprocket is preferably an integral part of the closing element, wherein the closing element preferably comprises two such sprockets at opposite sides. In this way, the translational movement of the pushable button can be translated to the rotational movement of the closing element in a simple and cost-efficient manner.
[0020] It is preferred that the closing unit additionally comprises a sealing element. The said sealing element preferably has the shape of a washer - made of a flexible material - preferably silicone or similar - with a central opening. The surrounding edge of this central opening can resiliently partly stretch over the closing element when being in its closed position. The sealing element has for the said purpose a conical recess on the side facing away from the closing element. The said conical recess further improves the elasticity shown by the sealing element towards the closing element. In this way, it can be ensured that - in the closed position - no mass can leak out of the container.
[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred that said sealing element is a wiper for an applicator. Its diameter is chosen so that it compresses the wiper when being pulled out through the sealing element. In this way, a possible additional part is integrated in an already existing part.
[0022] Also, it is preferred that the gear mechanism and preferably the toothed rack is designed that way that it lifts the closing element while rotating it into its closed position. This is done so that the sealing surface of the closing element comes into closer contact with the counter sealing surface. During the closing movement, the closing element is pressed into the sealing element; securing a tighter sealing of the container. For this purpose, the toothed rack may form an inclined plane up which the closing element rolls in order to move into its closing position. As an alternative, the closing element can also be rotated around an eccentric axis using conventional toothed racks.
[0023] It is also preferred that the pushable button can be moved into a third position in which it rotates the closing element into a position in which it can enter into a form fit coupling with the stem of an applicator. With this, the closing element holds the closure cap from which the applicator extends or at least the applicator as such in its inserted position in the container in a simple manner.
[0024] For other application purposes, like (for example) the application of powdery substances, it is preferred that the closing element has multiple through holes defining dosing openings with different dosing properties, wherein the dosing openings preferably can be selected one after the other by linear movement of the pushable button. So, it is possible to preset different dosing possibilities with this one closing element. Depending on the wishes of the user, different dosing levels can be set, whereby - preferably by the diameter of the through hole or through slot - more or less mass is wiped from the applicator.
[0025] Further possible configurations, functions and advantages result from the dependent claims and/or the following description of the preferred embodiment and/or with reference to the figures.
FIGURE LIST
[0026]
Figure 1 shows an excerpt of a cosmetic application system with a closing unit according to the invention in its third position (latched position) in cut side view (first embodiment).
Figure 2 shows an excerpt of the cosmetic application system with a closing unit according to the invention from Figure 1 in its second position (opened position) in cut side view (first embodiment).
Figure 3 shows an excerpt of the cosmetic application system with a closing unit according to the invention from Figure 1 and 2 in its first position (closed position) in cut side view (first embodiment).
Figure 4 shows the gear mechanism of the closing unit in the closed position in top view (first embodiment).
Figure 5 shows the closing unit according to the invention in three-dimensional view (first embodiment).
Figure 6 shows the application system according to the invention in cut side view (first embodiment).
Figure 7 shows the application system according to the invention in three-dimensional view (first embodiment).
Figure 8 shows the application system according to the invention without the container in in its third position (latched position) in cut side view (second embodiment).
Figure 9 shows the closing unit of the application system in its third position (latched position) in cut side view (second embodiment).
Figure 10 shows the closing unit of the application system in its third position (latched position) in partly cut three-dimensional view (second embodiment).
Figure 11 shows the application system according to the invention without the container in in its second position (opened position) in cut side view (second embodiment).
Figure 12 shows the closing unit of the application system in its second position (opened position) in cut side view (second embodiment).
Figure 13 shows the closing unit of the application system in its second position (opened position) in partly cut three-dimensional view (second embodiment).
Figure 14 shows the closing unit of the application system in its first position (closed position) in cut side view (second embodiment).
Figure 15 shows the closing unit of the application system in its first position (closed position) in partly cut three-dimensional view (second embodiment).
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First embodiment
[0027] Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 show a first preferred embodiment of an application system 14 and/or its closing unit 1 that the application system 14 is equipped with. As mentioned, this application system 14 that is shown can be used for cosmetics, pharmaceutics or technical substance like glue. It is preferred that this specific applicator 15 that is shown, is used for dental purposes - especially for applying teeth whitening products.
[0028] Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 show chronologically the preferred positions of the pushable button 4 and therefore the closing element 5 that are interconnected with each other via a gear mechanism 7.
[0029] Fig. 1 shows the third position of the pushable button. Chronologically this position can be seen as the starting position. The optional closure cap 13 with the applicator 15 is still fixed to the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1. The applicator 15 is either an integral part of the closure cap 13 or at least in another way - preferably by means of a stem 12 - fixed to the closure cap 13. Alternatively, the applicator 15 is fixed at least to a stem 12 alone.
[0030] The stem 12 of the applicator 15 has a preferably circumferential recess 16 that can enter into a form fit latching with the rotatable closing element 5. In this position (see Fig. 1) this form fit latching is active which does not allow the applicator 15 to be extracted out of the closing element 5 via its through hole 6. Therefore, the applicator 15 is blocked from an unintentional extraction out of the container 2. To make this concept work the through hole 6 of the closing element 5 most be tuned to the diameter of the stem 12: The diameter of the through hole 6 must be bigger - preferably more then 7,5% up to more than 20% - than the largest diameter of the stem 12. On the other hand, the trough hole 6 of the closing element 5 should not be too much bigger than the largest diameter of the stem 12, in most cases less than 35%.
[0031] In the second position (see Fig. 2) the pushable button 4 was pushed against the force of a spring mechanism 3 - whereas the spring mechanism ideally is an integral part of the pushable button. This spring mechanism 3 is only shown as a black box in this first embodiment, yet can be designed in such a way as it is seen in the second embodiment which is explained later or as a simple compression spring or the like.
[0032] Because of the gear mechanism 7, the preferably two toothed racks 8 - that are preferably integral with the pushable button 4 - rotate the preferably two sprockets 9 and therefore also the closing element 5 into its opened position. This is the position in which the through hole 6 gives access to the interior of the container 2 from outside. In this position, the applicator 15 can be stuck through and pulled out of the closing element 5 via its through hole 6.
[0033] The preferably two toothed racks 8 preferably form a fork bypassing the main body of the rotatable closing element 5, see Fig. 4 for example. The at least one sprocket 9 is preferably an integral part of the closing element 5 and is preferably linked to it by a non-geared shaft portion which may approximately be as broad as the toothed rack 8. The closing element 5 preferably comprises two such sprockets 9 at opposite sides. A preferable design of the gear mechanism 7 can be seen in Fig. 4.
[0034] Preferably, if the pushable button 4 is released, the spring mechanism 3 moves the pushable button 4 into the closed position (see Fig. 3). The tooted racks 8 and the sprockets 9 analogously rotate the closing element 5 into its closed position. Here the closing element 5 blocks the entrance of the container 2 after the applicator 15 was extracted from it.
[0035] Overall, the closing unit 1 preferably can be designed that way that the pushable button 4 protrudes out of the container 2 when the closing element 5 is in its closed position (see Fig. 3). This way, it is easy for the user to push the pushable button 4 again in order to rotate the closing element 5, so that the applicator 15 can be inserted again (see Fig. 2). It is preferred that the user therefore pushes the pushable button 4 until itself or a protrusion of the pushable button 4 is in contact with a recess or a blocking element of another form - preferably on the container 2 - that does not allow any further translational movement of the pushable button 4. Therefore, the user can easily find the position of the pushable button 4 in which the applicator 15 can be inserted. In this opened position the pushable button 4 is preferably inside the container 2 fully behind the outer surface of the container 2 (see Fig. 2).
[0036] In the latched position (see Fig. 1), the pushable button 4 is preferably flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the container 2 when the closing element 5 is in its position of latching the applicator 15. In this position the latching also blocks the further rotation and therefore also the spring mechanism 3.
[0037] It is preferred that the container 2 embodies a linear guide 17 for the pushable button 4 and is preferably equipped with a window 18 through which the pushable button 4 can be pushed. This linear guide 17 and the whole application system 14 can be seen in Fig. 6. Furthermore, Fig. 7 shows the whole application system in non-cut view.
[0038] The closing unit 1 preferably also comprises a sealing element 10 made of a flexible material with a central opening whose surrounding edge preferably can resiliently stretch over the closing element 5 when being in its closed position. This sealing element 10 can best be seen in Figure 5. For that purpose, the sealing element 10 has a conical recess 11 on the side facing away from the closing element 5. Said sealing element 10 preferably also acts as a wiper for the applicator 15 to be extracted.
Second embodiment
[0039] Fig. 8 to Fig. 15 show a second preferred embodiment of an application system 14 and/or its closing unit 1 that the application system 14 is equipped with. As mentioned, this application system 14 that is shown can be used for cosmetics, pharmaceutics or technical substance like glue. It is preferred that this specific applicator 15 that is shown, is used for dental purposes - especially for applying teeth whitening products.
[0040] Fig. 8 to Fig. 15 again show chronologically the preferred positions of the pushable button 4 and therefore the closing element 5 that are interconnected with each other via a gear mechanism 7.
[0041] Fig. 8 to Fig. 10 show the third position of the pushable button 4. Chronologically, this position can be seen as the starting position. The optional closure cap 13 with the applicator 15 is still fixed to the closing unit 1, preferably latched to it by a form fit. The applicator 15 is either an integral part of the closure cap 13 or at least in another way - preferably by means of a stem 12 - fixed to the closure cap 13. Alternatively, the applicator 15 is fixed at least to a stem 12 alone.
[0042] The stem 12 of the applicator 15 has a preferably circumferential recess 16 that can enter into a form fit latching with the rotatable closing element 5. In this position (see Fig. 8 to Fig. 10) this form fit latching is active which does not allow the applicator to be extracted out of the closing element 5 via its through hole 6. Therefore, the applicator 15 is blocked from an unintentional extraction out of the container 2 - which is not shown in the figures for the second embodiment. To make this concept work, the through hole 6 of the closing element 5 most be tuned to the diameter of the stem 12: The diameter of the through hole 6 must be bigger - preferably more then 7,5% up to more than 20% - than the largest diameter of the stem 12. On the other hand, the through hole 6 of the closing element 5 should not be too much bigger than the largest diameter of the stem 12, in most cases less than 35%.
[0043] In the second position (see Fig. 11 to Fig. 13) the pushable button 4 was pushed against the force of a spring mechanism 3 - whereas the spring mechanism ideally is an integral part of the pushable button 4. It is preferred that the spring mechanism 3 comprises a compression spring that rests on one end in a respective reception in the pushable button 4, preferably a circular groove supporting at least one winding of said compression spring.
[0044] Because of the gear mechanism 7, the preferably two toothed racks 8 - that are preferably integral with the pushable button 4 - rotate the preferably two sprockets 9 and therefore also the closing element 5 into its opened position. This is the position in which the through hole 6 gives access to the interior of the container 2 from outside. In this position, the applicator 15 can be stuck through and pulled out of the closing element 5 via its through hole 6.
[0045] The preferably two toothed racks 8 preferably form a fork bypassing the main body of the rotatable closing element 5, see Fig. 10 for example. The at least one sprocket 9 is preferably an integral part of the closing element 5 and is preferably linked to it by a non-geared shaft portion which may approximately be as broad as the toothed rack 8. The closing element 5 preferably comprises two such sprockets 9 at opposite sides. A preferable design of the gear mechanism 7 can best be seen in Fig. 10, wherein the actual gear mechanism 7 exists on two opposite sides of the closing element 5.
[0046] Preferably, if the pushable button 4 is released, the spring mechanism 3 moves the pushable button 4 into the closed position (see Fig. 14 and Fig. 15). The tooted racks 8 and the sprockets 9 analogously rotate the closing element 5 into its closed position. Here the closing element 5 blocks the entrance of the container 2 after the applicator 15 was extracted from it.
[0047] Overall, the closing unit 1 preferably can be designed that way that the pushable button 4 protrudes out of the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1 when the closing element 5 is in its closed position (see Fig. 14 and Fig. 15). This way, it is easy for the user the push the pushable button 4 again in order to rotate the closing element 5, so that the applicator 15 can be inserted again. It is preferred that the user therefore pushes the pushable button 4 until itself or the at least one toothed racket 8 - that is integral part of the pushable button 4 - is stopped - preferably by the base element 19 or at least a part of the base element 19 that does not allow any further translational movement of the pushable button 4. For this purpose, the toothed racks 8 preferably also have rounded edges 20, which are adapted to the inner contour of the base element 19 or about the inner contour of the base element 19. In the same way, also the pushable button 4 itself can be stopped by an according contour of the base element 19.
[0048] Therefore, the user can easily find the position of the pushable button 4 in which the applicator 15 can be inserted. In this opened position, the pushable button 4 is preferably inside the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1, fully behind the outer surface of the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1 (see Fig. 11 to Fig. 13).
[0049] In the latched position (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 10), the pushable button 4 is preferably flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1 or even protruding the outer surface of the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1. If the pushable button 4 protrudes the outer surface of the container 2 and/or the closing unit 1 (as it is shown in Fig. 8 to 10), it is preferred that it protrudes said outer surface by at most 10 mm, preferred even less than 5 mm and in all cases less than it protrudes the outer surface in the closed position.
[0050] In this position the latching also blocks the further rotation of the closing element 5 and therefore also the spring mechanism 3.
[0051] It is preferred that the closing unit 1 embodies a linear guide 17 for the pushable button 4 and is preferably equipped with a window 18 through which the pushable button 4 can be pushed. Furthermore, preferably also the toothed racks 8 have a linear guide, preferably by cut-outs 21 in the base element 19. These cut-outs 21 preferably have a rectangular crosssection and act as hollows in which the toothed racks 8 can run as on rails.
[0052] The closing unit 1 preferably also comprises a sealing element 10 made of a flexible material with a central opening whose surrounding edge preferably can resiliently stretch over the closing element 5 when being in its closed position. For that purpose, the sealing element 10 has a conical recess 11 on the side facing away from the closing element 5. Said sealing element 10 preferably also acts as a wiper for the applicator 15 to be extracted.
REFERENCE LIST
[0053]
- 1
- Closing unit
- 2
- Container
- 3
- Spring mechanism
- 4
- Pushable button
- 5
- Closing element
- 6
- Through hole
- 7
- Gear mechanism
- 8
- Toothed rack
- 9
- Sprocket
- 10
- Sealing element
- 11
- Conical recess
- 12
- Stem
- 13
- Closure cap
- 14
- Application system
- 15
- Applicator
- 16
- Recess
- 17
- Linear guide
- 18
- Window
- 19
- Base element
- 20
- Rounded edge
- 21
- Cut-out
1. A closing unit (1) for a container (2) comprising - preferably with all said parts
mounted to a closing unit carrier - a spring mechanism (3) biasing a pushable button
(4) that is movable between a first and a second position at least, and comprising
a rotatable closing element (5) crossed by a through hole (6) or a through slot and
comprising a gear mechanism (7) interconnecting the closing element (5) and the pushable
button (4) that way, that the pushable button (4) - when being in its first position
- rotates the closing element (5) in its position closing the container (2) and when
being in its second position, rotates the closing element (5) in a position in which
the through hole (6) or the through slot gives access to the interior of the container
(2) from outside.
2. The closing unit (1) for a container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gear mechanism (7) comprises at least one toothed rack (8) that is preferably
an integral part of the pushable button (4), wherein the gear mechanism (7) preferably
comprises two such toothed racks (8) which form a fork bypassing the main body of
the rotatable closing element (5).
3. The closing unit (1) for a container (2) according to one of the previous claims,
characterized in that the gear mechanism (7) comprises at least one sprocket (9) that is preferably an
integral part of the closing element (5), wherein the closing element (5) preferably
comprises two such sprockets (9) at opposite sides.
4. The closing unit (1) for a container (2) according to one of the previous claims,
characterized in that the gear mechanism (7) and preferably the toothed rack (8) is designed that way that
it lifts the closing element (5) while rotating it into its closed position.
5. The closing unit (1) for a container (2) according to one of the previous claims,
characterized in that the closing unit (1) additionally comprises a sealing element (10) made of a flexible
material with a central opening whose surrounding edge can resiliently stretch over
the closing element (5) when being in its closed position wherein the sealing element
(10) has for the said purpose a conical recess (11) on the side facing away from the
closing element (5).
6. The closing unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the said sealing element (10) is a wiper for an applicator (15).
7. The closing unit (1) for a container (2) according to one of the previous claims,
characterized in that the pushable button (4) can be moved into a third position in which it rotates the
closing element (5) into a position in which it can enter into a form fit coupling
with the stem (12) of an applicator (15).
8. The closing unit (1) of one of the previous claims, characterized in that the closing element (5) has multiple through holes (6) defining dosing openings with
different dosing properties, wherein the dosing openings preferably can be selected
one after the other by linear movement of the pushable button (4).
9. A cosmetic, pharmaceutic or glue application system (14) comprising a container (2)
for storing the cosmetic or pharmaceutic mass or the glue, a closure cap (13) for
closing the said container (2) and an applicator (15) extending from the closure cap
(13) and being stored on the inside of the container (2) when the closure cap (13)
is closed, characterized that the container (2) is equipped with a closing unit (1)
according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the said closing element (5) of
the closing unit (1) is designed that way that the applicator (15) can be stuck through
and pulled out of the closing element (5) via its through hole (6) or through slot
when the closing element (5) is in its opened position.
10. The cosmetic, pharmaceutic or glue application system (14) according to claim 9, characterized in that the stem (12) of the applicator (15) has a recess (16) or a protrusion that can enter
into a form fit latching with the rotatable closing element (5).
11. The cosmetic, pharmaceutic or glue application system (14) according to claim 9 or
10, characterized in that container (2) or the closing unit (1) embodies a linear guide (17) for the pushable
button (4) and is preferably equipped with a window (18) through which the pushable
button (4) can be pushed from a position partially outside the container (2) into
a position flush with the outer surface of the container (2) and/or into a position
inside the container (2) - fully behind the outer surface of the container (2).
12. The cosmetic, pharmaceutic or glue application system (14) according to claim 9 to
11, characterized in that the closing unit (1) is designed that way that the pushable button (4) protrudes
out of said container (2) when the closing element (5) is in its closed position and/or
is preferably flush with the outer surface of the container (2) when the closing element
(5) is in its position of latching the applicator (15) and/or is preferably inside
the container (2) fully behind the outer surface of the container (2) when the closing
element (5) is in its position of releasing the applicator (15) for pullout.