WO2024256446A1 - Container, injection mold for producing such a container, and method for changing the outlet opening during the production of such a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (100, 100', 200, 200') comprising a container body (2) which is produced in an injection molding method and is made of plastic, said container body forming a receiving chamber (3). The container (100, 100', 200, 200') has a container opening (4) and a closure (45) for closing the container opening (4). The closure (45) has a closure body (5) which is paired with the container opening (4) and which initially closes the container opening (4). The closure body (5) has an edge section (6) and a tear-off section (7), wherein the tear-off section (7) is connected to the edge section (6) via a web section (8) which forms a predetermined breaking point (9), a tab (10) being arranged on the tear-off section (7). The invention additionally relates to an injection mold for producing such a container (100, 100', 200, 200') and to a method for changing the opening cross-section of the outlet opening (11) during the production of such a container (100, 100', 200, 200') produced in an injection molding method.

Description

patent application

Container, injection mold for producing such a container, and method for changing the dispensing opening during the production of such a container

The present invention relates to a container with a container body made of plastic, which is produced by injection molding and forms a receiving space, wherein the container has a container opening and a closure for closing the container opening. The invention further relates to an injection mold for producing such a container and a method for changing the opening cross section of the dispensing opening when producing such a container.

There is a need for a closure to reliably seal containers of this type. On the one hand, this is intended to prevent a product contained in the container from leaking out. At the same time, the closure can protect a product contained in the container from environmental influences, thus increasing the shelf life of the product. In addition, there is also an interest in designing the closure in such a way that it is easy to see whether the closure has already been opened. Such closures are also known as guarantee closures or tamper-evident closures. These are used in particular in the packaging of food and pharmaceuticals. However, they can also be used effectively in the packaging of other goods.

DE 37 27 965 A1 discloses a packaging that comprises a container with a container opening and a screw cap that can close the container opening. Furthermore, a closure body is provided in the screw cap that extends over the container opening and can be removed using a finger tab, so that attempts to open it can be detected. US 8,746,476 B1 describes a closure for a bottle having a closure body that extends over the container opening and can be removed by a finger tab so that it can be detected when attempts are made to open it.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a container with a container body made of plastic produced by injection molding, which has a reliable guarantee function and is easy to handle. The invention is also based on the object of specifying an injection mold for producing such a container and a method for changing the opening cross-section when producing such a container, whereby the handling of the container is improved.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1. The container according to the invention comprises a container body made of plastic and produced by injection molding, which forms a receiving space, wherein the container has a container base, a side wall, a container section, a container opening and a closure for closing the container opening, wherein the container section (17) is arranged on the side of the container (100, 100', 200, 200') opposite the container base (15), wherein the container section has the container opening, wherein the closure has a closure body which is assigned to the container opening and closes the container opening, wherein the closure body has an edge section and a tear-off section, wherein the tear-off section is connected to the edge section via a web section which forms a predetermined breaking point, wherein a tab is arranged on the tear-off section, wherein the tear-off section has an outer contour such that after removal of the tear-off section a dispensing opening is formed which is smaller than the container opening.

Such a container makes it possible to detect whether the container has already been opened. To open the container opening for the first time, the tear-off section is separated from the edge section by pulling on the tab, so that the web section forming a predetermined breaking point is inevitably severed. The The edge section can remain attached to the container opening after it has been opened for the first time, while the tear-off section is separated from the container. This makes it easy to determine whether the container is still originally sealed or has already been opened. Such closures are also known as guarantee closures or tamper-evident closures. The tab can be designed in such a way that a tensile force is applied to the tear-off section. The container can also be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities while maintaining high process reliability. This is particularly due to the fact that the container body can be manufactured as a plastic part using an injection molding process. The receiving space is suitable for storing various goods and in particular for storing piece or bulk goods such as chewing gum or sweets. In addition, the container can be well sealed. The container is therefore suitable for a wide range of applications and in particular for storing moisture-sensitive goods such as food, nutritional supplements, medicinal products, chemicals, chewing gum and/or test strips. The container is particularly suitable for holding solid piece goods which can then be dispensed in doses through the dispensing opening. Good handling can be achieved in particular if the dispensing opening is of a size such that the goods from the receiving space can only pass through the dispensing opening one at a time. The solid, piece-like goods can preferably be accommodated in the receiving space as tablets, capsules, dragees, pressed bodies and the like. In addition, the container is also suitable for receiving and dispensing liquids. In particular, the opening area of the dispensing opening can be smaller than the opening area of the container opening. After the tear-off section has been removed, the dispensing opening is limited by the edge section, so that the dispensing opening limited by the edge section can be smaller than the container opening. The edge section preferably encloses the dispensing opening. This means that a smaller size of the dispensing opening can be achieved regardless of the size of the container opening, wherein the size of the dispensing opening can be adapted to the goods accommodated in the receiving space in order to improve the removal process of the goods. For example, in a container for products with small dimensions, the dispensing opening can be made small. even if the container opening is larger. However, if larger products are to be packaged and dispensed through the dispensing opening, the dispensing opening can be made larger, up to the size of the container opening.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the tear-off section is designed such that the dispensing opening has a different basic shape than the container opening. The basic shape of the dispensing opening can thus be designed independently of the basic shape of the container opening. As a result, the basic shape of the dispensing opening can be adapted to different dimensions and/or shapes of the goods (for example small or large objects) or a desired dispensing speed of bulk goods in order to improve the removal process. In addition, handling can be improved because the size of the dispensing opening can be determined independently of the size of the tab. This is particularly advantageous if the dispensing opening is to be designed to be considerably smaller than the width of a finger.

Preferably, the basic shape of the dispensing opening is angular (for example rectangular) or circular or elliptical. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dispensing opening is oval. A circular, elliptical or oval design of the dispensing opening is advantageous because the risk of jamming when removing items is reduced.

It is advantageously provided that the web section is designed as a closed line. The web section surrounds the tear-off section so that the tear-off section can be completely removed when the web section is removed by pulling on the tab. The web section preferably forms the outer contour of the tear-off section.

It is particularly advantageous that the outer contour of the tear-off section is designed as a line without kinks. This reduces the risk that the tear-off section will not be completely separated from the edge section at a kink due to a sudden change in direction of the outer contour and that parts of the tear-off section will remain on the closure body as residues even after the tear-off process, which Partially close the dispensing opening. This further improves the opening of the container. Kink-free indicates that the outer contour does not have a sudden change in direction.

Preferably, the outer contour does not have any straight section.

Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the container opening has a container opening edge that is formed by a circumferential, projecting collar. The collar can preferably be oval or circular. The collar is preferably designed as a pouring edge in order to improve the removal process of bulk material. The collar can protrude from the edge section. The collar preferably protrudes to a side facing away from the receiving space. The dispensing opening and/or the edge section is preferably arranged within the space enclosed by the collar.

It is advantageously provided that the closure body is arranged in the container opening. In this case, it can be provided that the outer contour of the closure body corresponds to the inner contour of the container opening edge, so that a tight connection is thereby created between the closure body and the container opening edge.

In addition, it can be provided that the tear-off section and the edge section are designed such that the dispensing opening takes up less than 95% of the surface area of the closure body. Preferably, the opening area of the dispensing opening takes up less than 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 60%, 50%, 40% or 25% of the surface area of the closure body. Preferably, the edge section completely surrounds the dispensing opening so that the closure body is arranged on the entire inner circumference of the edge section. The opening area of the dispensing opening is smaller than the surface area of the closure body and can be adapted to the size of the goods stored in the receiving space in order to improve the removal process. In this way, the same container can be used for dispensing items of different sizes by simply adapting the closure body. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the tear-off section has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first width and the second region having a second width that is smaller than the first width. In this way, the first region can form the dispensing opening with a first clear width of the edge section that is larger than a second clear width of the edge section formed by the second region. The second clear width is preferably less than 80% of the first clear width, particularly preferably less than 50% of the first clear width. The second clear width is preferably more than 5% of the first clear width. The first width of the first region and the second width of the second region can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the removal of a piece of goods is only possible via the dispensing opening formed by the first region. The opening formed by the second region can serve, for example, as a pressure equalizer in order to adjust the removal speed.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the dispensing opening is arranged off-center to the container opening and/or the collar. Preferably, it can be provided that the container has a side wall, wherein a center of the dispensing opening is arranged closer to the side wall than a center of the container opening. This makes it easier to dispense bulk material when the container is tilted, since the container can be tilted in such a way that the pouring height can be reduced, thus improving the removal process. Preferably, the center of the dispensing opening is formed by the center of the first region.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the tear-off section has a third region which has a third width. Preferably, the third region forms a third clear width of the edge section. Preferably, the second region is arranged between the first and the third region and connects the first with the third region. Preferably, the third width is smaller than the first width and larger than the second width. It can be provided that the third clear width is smaller than the first clear width and larger than the second clear width. The tab is preferably arranged on the third region. As a result, the first width of the first region, which forms the dispensing opening, can be adapted to improve the removal of the goods from the receiving space, while the third width of the third region is adapted to improve the transmission of force when the tab is pulled on the tear-off section. The second width of the second region can be selected such that stability of the tear-off section is ensured, in particular during the tear-off process. The second width and the third width can be selected such that the removal of the goods from the receiving space is only possible through the dispensing opening. In addition, during production using the injection molding process, the tab can be determined independently of the size of the dispensing opening.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the first width, the second width and the third width are determined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tear-off section.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the dispensing opening is designed symmetrically to the longitudinal direction of the tear-off section, in particular axially symmetrical.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second region is elongated and narrower than the first region. The second region is preferably narrower than the first and/or the third region. The second region can be provided as a connecting region between the first region and the third region. The second width of the second region can be selected such that stability of the tear-off section is ensured, in particular during the tear-off process. The second width can be designed such that removal of the goods from the receiving space through an opening formed by the second region is prevented.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the first region has a first outer contour and the second region has a second outer contour. In this case, it can be provided that in a first connecting section between the first and second outer contours. It can also be provided that the third region has a third outer contour. It can be provided that a radius is formed in a second connecting section between the second and third outer contours. The first and second connecting sections are preferably designed to be kink-free. This makes it easier to open the closure body. The radius between the first and second or the second and third outer contours allows the tear-off section to be removed without tearing the tear-off section at the transition from two adjacent outer contours, so that the opening of the container is further improved.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the closure body is designed to be flat. Preferably, the tear-off section is also designed to be flat. Preferably, the closure body and/or tear-off section are designed to be flat and/or plate-shaped. Furthermore, it is preferred if the tear-off section and the edge section are arranged in one plane.

In addition, it can be provided that the closure body has an area with reduced material thickness, which forms the predetermined breaking point. Preferably, the area with reduced material thickness forms a closed line. The closed line can form an outer contour of the tear-off section.

It is advantageously provided that the thickness of the closure body is between 0.1 mm and 4 mm. The thickness of the closure body is preferably more than 0.2 mm, particularly preferably more than 0.3 mm. The thickness of the closure body is preferably less than 3.5 mm, particularly preferably less than 3 mm. This allows the container opening to be securely closed by the closure body. It can be provided that the web section has a smaller thickness than the edge section and/or the tear-off section. This allows the tear-off section to be separated from the edge section using manual force without tools. The material thickness in the region of the web section is preferably 50% or less than the material thickness of the tear-off section and/or the edge section. According to the invention, it can be provided that the tab is arranged within the space enclosed by the collar. The tab preferably has a rest position in which it does not protrude beyond the collar. It can be provided that the tab does not protrude beyond a side of the space enclosed by the collar facing away from the receiving space. This can in particular prevent an unintentional pull on the tab and thus an unintentional tearing off of the tear-off tab.

Preferably, the tab is designed as a finger tab. Such a finger tab can be grasped with one or more fingers to remove the tear-off section.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the tab forms a ring. Preferably, the tab is designed as a closed ring. Then the closure can be opened particularly easily by inserting a finger into the tab. Particularly preferably, the tab has an inner diameter that is larger than the diameter of the dispensing opening or the first area. Furthermore, it can be provided that the outer contour of the tab is arranged parallel to the inner contour of the collar. A distance can be formed between the tab and the edge of the container opening. This simplifies the operation of the tab in order to remove the tear-off tab from the container more easily. In addition, this simplifies production using the injection molding process.

According to another embodiment, it can be provided that the tab forms a tongue which is arranged on the tear-off portion.

Advantageously, the tab can form an opening that has a larger clear width than the dispensing opening. A finger can be inserted into the opening of the tab to pull on the tab and thereby tear off the tear-off tab. By designing a sufficiently large opening in the tab, the tab can be particularly easy to operate while the size of the dispensing opening is adjusted to the product.

In addition, it can be provided that the container forms a container base on the container bottom. The base forms part of the outside of the container on which the container can stand.

Good handling is achieved if the container has an oval, round or square basic shape. The base can preferably have an oval, round or square shape.

In addition, it can be provided that the container opening is arranged off-center on the container. The container opening is preferably arranged in such a way that the collar and the side wall lie partially in one plane and form a sliding surface. As a result, when the container is tilted, items can slide along the sliding surface from the receiving space through the container opening, so that handling during removal is improved.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the container has a first container component that forms the container section that has the container opening and comprises the closure body with the edge section, the tear-off section and the web section. Furthermore, the container can have a second container component. This can comprise the container base. The side wall of the container can be provided between the container base and the container section that has the container opening. The side wall can be formed by the first and/or the second container component. In this way, the container can be assembled from a few parts, which simplifies production and makes it more cost-effective.

According to the invention, it is advantageous if the first and second container components are connected with a plug connection. The plug connection can be designed to be sealing. Another sealing connection between the first and second container components is also possible. The plug connection can be, for example, be designed in that one of the first or second container components has an insertion section that is inserted into the other of the first or second container components. The plug connection makes it possible to determine the shape of the container largely freely. This contributes to good handling, since a narrow design of the container fits better in the hand. In particular, it is not necessary to design the container components in a circular shape, as would be necessary with a screw connection.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second container components can comprise a locking device that connects the first and second container components to one another in a form-fitting manner. The locking device prevents the connection between the first and second container components from being accidentally released. This can prevent the first and second container components from separating from one another if the tab is pulled hard. The locking device thus helps to achieve a high level of security against the first and second container components being accidentally separated.

The locking device can have a locking recess and a locking projection, the locking projection engaging in the locking recess and connecting the first and second container components to one another in a form-fitting manner. The locking projection can be designed as a locking lug, for example. The container can absorb the force exerted by a user on the closure body using the tab until the tear-off forces necessary to tear off the closure body are reached, without separating the first container component from the second container component. This ensures the guarantee function of the closure body and also provides protection against unintentional opening, for example by children. In addition, the first and second container components are connected to one another in a captive manner.

The locking projection may be formed on one of the first and second container components, while the locking recess is provided on the other of the first and second container components. In addition, it can be provided that the locking device has more than one locking projection and more than one locking recess. It is conceivable that the first and the second container component have both locking projections and locking recesses. The locking projections of one container component can engage in the locking recesses of the other container component.

The locking device preferably comprises more than one locking recess. The locking device particularly preferably comprises more than two locking recesses. The locking device preferably comprises fewer than eight locking recesses. The locking device particularly preferably comprises fewer than six locking recesses. In particular, the locking device comprises four locking recesses.

Preferably, the locking device comprises the same number of locking projections as locking recesses. It is also conceivable that the locking device comprises more locking projections than locking recesses, with several locking projections engaging in one locking recess.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the first container component is manufactured in an integral design as a coherent injection-molded part made of plastic. The aforementioned injection-molded part can be manufactured in one piece in an injection mold.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the second container component is manufactured in an integral design as a coherent injection-molded part made of plastic. The aforementioned injection-molded part can be manufactured in one piece in an injection mold.

In this way, the first and/or second container components can be produced particularly cost-effectively and in large quantities with high process reliability. The container body produced by injection molding may comprise the first and/or the second container component.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the web section is formed by a groove which is arranged on the side of the closure body facing away from the receiving space. This contributes to easier production, since the web section can thus be formed in the injection mold by a tool with a projection which is arranged on the outside of the container.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the first or second container component comprises a lid for closing the container opening. After the container opening has been opened for the first time, the container opening can be closed again by removing the tear-off element. This enables the container opening to be opened and closed repeatedly.

This makes it possible to gradually remove the goods from the container's receiving space. The first container component preferably comprises the lid. The lid is preferably a section of the first container component.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the lid is movably arranged on the first or second container component. Preferably, the lid is movably arranged on the container section. For this purpose, a hinge can be provided between the lid and the container section. Preferably, the hinge is designed as a film hinge, in particular as a butterfly hinge. The hinge can form an (imaginary) axis of rotation for the lid. The lid can assume an open position and a closed position.

It is advantageously provided that the lid is designed as a flip-top lid. For this purpose, the lid is connected to the first or the second container component in such a way that the first or the second container component is connected to the lid as a continuous injection-molded part made of plastic. The injection-molded part can be manufactured in one piece in an injection mold.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the lid has a base and an apron arranged thereon, which extends in a direction from the base to the container body in the closed position of the lid. The apron can be arranged on the edge of the base.

In addition, it can be provided that a sealing section is arranged on the base, which seals the container opening in the closed position. A particularly good seal is achieved when the sealing section has a sealing collar, which rests against the collar of the container opening when the lid is in the closed position. Particularly preferably, the sealing collar rests against the collar of the container opening with pre-tension when the lid is in the closed position.

Preferably, the base has a projection which forms the sealing collar. This can improve the sealing effect of the container when the lid is in the closed position.

Advantageously, it can be provided that a first distance between the first area and the hinge is greater than a second distance between the third area and the hinge. This can ensure that the tab arranged on the third area is arranged closer to the hinge than the first area forming the dispensing opening. In order to tear off the tear-off element, tension is exerted on the tear-off element via the tab. Due to the described arrangement of dispensing opening, tab and hinge, the direction of the tension to be applied can point to a side facing away from the hinge. This can improve handling.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container has a child safety lock with a first safety element and a second safety element, which have a locking position in which the lid cannot be opened and a release position in which the lid can be opened. This provides a high level of security against unauthorized opening of the container by small children.

Advantageously, it is provided that the first securing element is formed by a portion of the apron and comprises a recess which is arranged in the apron, and the second securing element is arranged on the container body and has a locking portion which engages in the recess in the locking position.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the locking section has an actuating surface on its outside and that the locking section can be moved from the locking position to the release position by pressing on the actuating surface. This results in a container that is easy and intuitive to use: the child safety lock is opened by pressing on the actuating surface. Once the safety elements have been moved to the release position in this way, the lid can be opened. At the same time, a high level of security against unauthorized opening, for example by small children, is achieved, since opening the lid requires various coordinated movements. In particular, the locking section, which is protected in the recess, must be pressed down in a targeted manner, after which the lid can be moved into the open position.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container has two of the recesses and two of the locking sections are provided, with one of the recesses with the associated locking section being arranged on one side of the container and the other of the recesses with the associated locking section being arranged on the other, opposite side of the container. In this way, intuitive operation is achieved. The container is particularly well protected against unauthorized opening by small children, since the lid can only be opened if both locking elements are operated at the same time. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second securing element is arranged movably and can be moved between the locking position and the release position. This contributes to good usability. Preferably, the second securing element automatically assumes the locking position, while it must be moved into the release position by pressure. It is particularly preferred if the second securing element can be moved from the locking position to the release position by pressure from the outside to the inside on the actuating surface and that the second securing element automatically returns to the locking position without the pressure.

A further improvement in usability is achieved when the actuating surface is larger than 25 mm ² and preferably larger than 60 mm ² . It is also preferred if the actuating surface is smaller than 900 mm ² and in particular smaller than 200 mm ² . In this way, the actuating surface can still be easily felt and pressed down with the finger. At the same time, accidental opening by small children is prevented, since the child safety lock can only be moved into the release position if pressure is applied precisely on the actuating surface.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the second securing element has a web on which the locking section is arranged, wherein the web has a smaller width than the locking section.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the recess is open on the side facing the container body in the closed position of the lid. This contributes to ease of use and also enables a compact and cost-effective design.

Preferably, the recess has a recess area, wherein the skirt forms a blocking section between the recess area and an edge of the skirt. The blocking section of the skirt enables a Form fit with the locking section. This prevents the lid from being opened when the child safety lock is in the locking position. The blocking section is preferably formed by a wall section of the apron.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the recess has a first recess width at one edge of the apron and a second recess width in a section spaced from the edge, which is larger than the first recess width.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the locking portion has a curved contour at least in sections on its edge facing the apron.

It is particularly preferred that the locking section and the recess have a congruent shape at least in sections. This contributes to good and safe operation. A small gap between the locking section and the recess is not harmful. The locking section and the recess preferably have a congruent shape (not just in sections). In this way, the skirt and the locking section result in a substantially closed envelope surface. This protects the lid from penetrating dirt.

The ease of use is further improved by the fact that the apron has a pressure surface which moves the second safety element into the release position when the lid is closed. This makes it particularly easy to close the lid and the child safety lock clicks into place.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container has a desiccant chamber. According to the invention, the desiccant chamber can be arranged on the container section. The desiccant chamber preferably has a cylindrical wall. The desiccant chamber is preferably filled with a desiccant such as silica gel. A side facing the receiving space The desiccant chamber can be made of a moisture-permeable material. The desiccant can effectively reduce the humidity in the storage area. This means that moisture-sensitive substances can also be stored in the container for longer.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by an injection mold for producing a container according to the invention. The injection mold preferably comprises a tool that delimits a surface of the closure body, wherein the tool comprises a core and a jacket that is movable relative to it, wherein a cavity is formed between the core and the jacket in order to form the tab, wherein the core and/or the jacket have a projection in order to form the web section, wherein the tool is arranged in an exchangeable manner in the injection mold. The core is preferably enclosed by the jacket.

The invention further relates to a method for changing the opening cross-section of the dispensing opening during the manufacture of a container of the type described which is manufactured by injection molding. The method preferably comprises the following steps:

- providing a first tool defining a surface of the closure body, the first tool comprising a core and a shell, the core and/or shell having a projection to form the web portion;

- providing a second tool which delimits a surface of the closure body, wherein the second tool comprises a core and a jacket, wherein the core and/or jacket have a projection in order to form the web section; wherein in the first tool and the second tool the projection forming the web section is designed differently, such that in a container produced with the first tool and a container produced with the second tool the size and/or the shape of the Discharge opening is different, wherein the first and the second tool are interchangeable, wherein to change the opening cross-section of the discharge opening the first or the second tool is inserted into an injection mold.

By providing the injection mold with either the first or the second tool according to the aforementioned method, the injection mold can be easily adapted so that containers with differently designed dispensing openings can be produced. This contributes to considerable cost savings, since different containers can be produced with one injection mold.

Further aims, features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention emerge from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings. All described and/or illustrated features form the subject matter of the invention on their own or in any meaningful combination, also independently of the summary in individual claims or their relationships.

An embodiment of the container according to the invention and of the injection mold according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show, each schematically:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first container according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second container according to the invention;

Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a third container according to the invention;

Fig. 3b is a perspective view of the container of Figure 3a with the lid in the open position;

Fig. 3c is a plan view of the container of Figure 3b;

Fig. 3d is a sectional view of the container of Figure 3b; Fig. 3e is a sectional view of the container of Figure 3b after removal of the tear-off section;

Fig. 3f is a sectional view of the container of Figure 3b;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the tear-off portion with tab of the container of Figure 3a;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a fourth container according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the tear-off portion with tab of the container of Figure 5;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a first tool of an injection mold according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the tool of Figure 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a second tool of an inventive

injection mold;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the tool from Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a container 100, comprising a container body 2 made of plastic, produced by injection molding, which forms a receiving space. The container 100 has a container opening 4 and a closure 45 for closing the container opening 4. The closure 45 comprises a closure body 5, which is assigned to the container opening 4 and initially closes the container opening 4.

The closure body 5 has an edge section 6 and a tear-off section 7. The tear-off section 7 is connected to the edge section 6 via a web section 8, which forms a predetermined breaking point 9. The web section 8 is designed as a closed line and surrounds the tear-off section 7. A tab 10 is arranged on the tear-off section 7 in order to be able to remove the tear-off section 7 more easily. The edge section 6 is formed by an area of the closure body 5 that encloses the tear-off section 7.

The tear-off section 7 has an outer contour so that after removal of the

A dispensing opening is formed in the tear-off section 7 which is smaller than the container opening 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the Opening area of the dispensing opening is slightly smaller than the opening area of the container opening 4. The dispensing opening is limited by the edge section 6 after the tear-off section 7 has been removed. The edge section 6 completely surrounds the dispensing opening. The web section 8 forms the outer contour of the tear-off section 7, which is designed as a kink-free line. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the container opening 4 and the dispensing opening each have a circular shape.

The container opening 4 has a container opening edge 12 which is formed by a circumferential, projecting collar 13. In the embodiment shown, the collar 13 is circular and designed as a pouring edge in order to improve the removal process of bulk material. The collar 13 projects to a side facing away from the receiving space 3. The dispensing opening is arranged within the space enclosed by the collar 13.

The closure body 5 is arranged in the container opening 4. The outer contour of the closure body 5 corresponds to the inner contour of the container opening edge 12, so that a tight connection is thereby formed between the closure body 5 and the container opening edge 12.

Closure body 5 and tear-off section 7 are flat, level and plate-shaped. Tear-off section 7 and edge section 6 are arranged in one plane.

The closure body 5 has an area with reduced material thickness, which forms the predetermined breaking point 9. The area with reduced material thickness forms a closed line, which forms the outer contour of the tear-off section 7. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the closed line is circular.

The thickness of the closure body 5 is between 0.1 mm and 4 mm. The web section 8 has a smaller thickness than the edge section 6 and the tear-off section 7. The material thickness in the area of the web section 8 can be 50% or less than the thickness of the closure body 5. The web section 8 is formed by a groove 14 which is arranged on the side of the closure body 5 facing away from the receiving space 3. Therefore, the groove 14 can be formed by a tool section of the injection mold which is arranged on the side of the closure body 5 facing away from the receiving space 3.

In the embodiment shown, the tab 10 is designed as a finger tab and forms a ring. A gap is formed between the tab 10 and the container opening edge 12.

The tab 10 is arranged within the space enclosed by the collar 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour of the tab 10 is arranged parallel to the inner contour of the collar.

The container 100 comprises on its underside a container base 15 (not visible in Figure 1), a side wall 16 and on the side of the container opposite the container base 15 a container section 17 which has the container opening 4. The container 100 forms a container base on the container base 15.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a container 100'. The second embodiment of the container 100' has predominantly the features of the above-described first embodiment of the container 100 from Figure 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts with the same function. Reference is made to the above description. Additional or different features are described below.

The tear-off section 7 is designed in the embodiment of Figure 2 such that the dispensing opening has a different basic shape than the container opening 4. The tear-off section 7 and the edge section 6 are designed such that the dispensing opening takes up less than 60% of the area of the closure body 5. Possible are, for example: further designs in which the opening area of the dispensing opening takes up less than 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 60%, 50%, 40% or 25% of the area of the closure body 5. The opening area of the The dispensing opening is smaller than the area of the closure body 5 and is adapted to the size of the goods accommodated in the receiving space 3.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the shape of the dispensing opening differs from the shape of the container opening. The tear-off section 7 has a first region 21 and a second region 22, the first region 21 having a first width and the second region 22 having a second width that is smaller than the first width. In this way, the first region 21 can form the dispensing opening with a first clear width of the edge section 6 that is greater than a second clear width of the edge section 6 formed by the second region 22. The dispensing opening is designed to be axially symmetrical to the longitudinal direction of the tear-off section. For better clarity, the first, second and third widths B1, B2, B3 are shown in the embodiment of a tool 40' for producing a container shown in Figure 10. Even if the tool 40' is intended for a different embodiment of a container, the design of the tear-off section 7 corresponds to the design in Figure 2.

The second clear width is less than 80% of the first clear width. Designs are also possible, for example, in which the second clear width is less than 50% of the first clear width. The second clear width is more than 10% of the first clear width. The first width B1 of the first area 21 and the second width B2 of the second area 22 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the removal of piece goods with dimensions that are larger than the second width is only possible via the dispensing opening formed by the first area 21.

The tear-off section 7 has a third region 23 with a third width B3. The third region 23 forms a third clear width of the edge section 6. The second region 22 is arranged between the first and the third region 23 and connects the first with the third region 23. The third width B3 is smaller than the first width B1 and larger than the second width B2. The third clear width is smaller than the first clear width and larger than the second clear width. At the third The tab 10 is arranged in the area 23. The second width B2 and the third width B3 are selected such that the removal of the goods from the receiving space 3 is only possible through the dispensing opening 11 with the width B1.

The second region 22 is elongated and narrower than the first region 21 and the third region 23. The second region 22 is provided as a connecting region between the first region 21 and the third region 23.

The first region 21 has a first outer contour, the second region 22 has a second outer contour and the third region 23 has a third outer contour. A radius 47 is formed in a first connecting section 24 between the first and second outer contours and in a second connecting section 25 between the second and third outer contours.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the dispensing opening is arranged off-center to the container opening 4 and the collar 13. The container 100' has a side wall 16, wherein a center of the dispensing opening is arranged closer to the side wall 16 than a center of the container opening 4. The center of the dispensing opening is formed by the center of the first region 21.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the tab 10 has an inner diameter that is larger than the diameter of the dispensing opening or the first region 21. The tab 10 forms an opening that has a larger clear width than the dispensing opening.

Figures 3a to 3f show a third embodiment of a container 200. The third embodiment of the container 200 has predominantly the features of the above-described first embodiment of the container 100 from Figure 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts with the same function. Reference is made to the above description. Additional or different features are described below. The container 200 in turn has a container base 15, a side wall 16 and, on the side of the container 200 opposite the container base 15, a container section 17 which has the container opening 4. The container 200 has an oval shape. The container base is also oval.

Figures 3a to 3d show the container 200 with the tear-off section 7, i.e. before the first opening. Figure 3e, on the other hand, shows the container 200 after the tear-off section 7 has been removed to expose the dispensing opening.

As shown in particular in Figures 3d and 3e, in the embodiment shown the container opening 4 is arranged off-center on the container 200. The container opening 4 is arranged such that the collar 13 and the side wall 16 lie partially in one plane and form a sliding surface 46 in the interior of the container 200. This allows piece goods to slide along the sliding surface 46 from the receiving space 3 through the container opening 4 when the container 200 is tilted. Figure 3e shows that the dispensing opening 11 is arranged within the space enclosed by the collar 13.

The container 200 has a first container component 18, which forms the container section 17, which has the container opening 4. The first container component 18 comprises the closure body 5 with the edge section 6, the tear-off section 7 and the web section 8. The first container component 18 forms an upper end of the container body 2.

The container 200 has a second container component 19. The second container component 19 comprises the container base 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the second container component 19 is cup-shaped and has a side wall 16 which is connected to the container base 15. It is possible for the side wall 16 to be formed by sections of the first and second container components 18, 19 or only the first container component 18. The first and second container components 18, 19 are connected by a sealing plug connection. The plug connection is designed in that the first container component 18 has an insertion section 20 which is inserted into the second container component 19.

The first and second container components 18, 19 are each manufactured in an integral design as a coherent and one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic.

The container 200 can have a desiccant chamber (not shown). The desiccant chamber can be arranged on the container section 17 and have a cylindrical wall. The desiccant chamber can be filled with a desiccant such as silica gel. A side of the desiccant chamber facing the receiving space 3 can have a moisture-permeable material.

The container 200 shown in Figures 3a to 3f has a lid 26 for closing the container opening 4. Figure 3a shows the lid 26 in the closed position, while the lid 26 in Figures 3b to 3e is shown in the open position.

The lid 26 is movably arranged on the first container component 18.

The lid 26 is movably arranged on the container section 17. For this purpose, a hinge 27 is provided between the lid 26 and the container section 17, which is designed as a film hinge. The hinge 27 forms an (imaginary) axis of rotation for the lid 26. The lid 26 can assume an open position and a closed position.

The lid 26 is designed as a flip-top lid. For this purpose, the lid 26 is connected to the first container component 18 in such a way that the first container component 18 is manufactured with the lid 26 in an integral construction as a coherent, one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic. The lid 26 has a base 28 and a skirt 29 arranged thereon, which in the closed position of the lid 26 extends in a direction from the base 28 towards the container body 2. The skirt 29 is arranged on the edge of the base 28.

As shown in particular in Figure 3b, a sealing section 30 is arranged on the base 28, which seals the container opening 4 in the closed position. The sealing section 30 has a sealing collar, which rests against the collar 13 of the container opening 4 in the closed position of the lid 26. The base 28 has a projection, which forms the sealing collar.

The container 200 has a child safety lock with a first safety element 31 and a second safety element 32, which can assume a locking position in which the lid 26 cannot be opened and a release position in which the lid 26 can be opened.

The first securing element 31 is formed by a portion of the apron 29 and comprises a recess 33 which is arranged in the apron 29. The second securing element 32 is arranged on the container body 2 and has a locking portion 34 which engages in the recess 33 in the locking position.

The second securing element 32 is movably arranged and can be moved between the locking position and the release position. The second securing element 32 automatically assumes the locking position, while it must be moved into the release position by pressure. The second securing element 32 can be moved from the locking position into the release position by pressure from the outside to the inside on the actuating surface 35 and the second securing element 32 automatically returns to the locking position without the pressure. The second securing element 32 has a web 36 on which the locking section 34 is arranged, wherein the web 36 has a smaller width than the locking section 34.

The locking section 34 has an actuating surface 35 on its outside and the locking section 34 can be moved from the locking position into the release position by pressing on the actuating surface 35. After the securing elements have been moved into the release position, the cover 26 can be opened.

As shown in particular in Figure 3c, the container 200 has two of the recesses 33 and two of the locking portions 34, wherein one of the recesses 33 with the associated locking portion 34 is arranged on one side of the container 200 and the other of the recesses 33 with the associated locking portion 34 is arranged on the other, opposite side of the container 200.

The recess 33 is open on the side facing the container body 2 in the closed position of the lid 26. The recess 33 has a recess area 37, wherein the apron 29 forms a blocking section 38 between the recess area 37 and an edge of the apron 29, which enables a positive connection with the locking section 34. The blocking section 38 is formed by a wall section of the apron 29.

The recess 33 has a first recess width at one edge of the apron 29 and a second recess width in a section spaced from the edge, which is larger than the first recess width.

The locking portion 34 has, at least in sections, a curved contour on its edge pointing towards the apron 29.

As shown in particular in Figure 3a, the locking section 34 and the recess 33 have a congruent shape. In this way, the apron 29 and the locking portion 34 form a substantially closed envelope surface.

The apron 29 has a pressure surface 39, by means of which the second safety element 32 is moved into the release position when the lid 26 is closed. In this way, the lid 26 can be closed particularly easily, whereby the child safety lock engages.

Figure 3f shows a sectional view of the container 200 along the sectional axis S-S shown in Figure 3e. As shown in Figure 3f, the first and second container components 18, 19 comprise two locking devices 48 which prevent the connection between the first and second container components 18, 19 from coming loose. Each of the two locking devices 48 has a locking recess 49 and a locking projection 50, wherein the locking projection 50 engages in the locking recess 49 and connects the first and second container components 18, 19 with one another in a form-fitting manner. The first container component 18 has the locking projections 50. The locking projections 50 are each designed as a locking lug 51. The second container component 19 has the locking recesses 49. The locking recesses 49 each extend over the entire material thickness of the second container component 19.

Figure 4 shows a perspective detailed view of the tear-off section 7 with the ring-shaped tab 10 of the container 200 from Figures 3a - 3f, after the tear-off section 7 has been detached from the container 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the tear-off section 7 has an elliptical basic shape. The tear-off section 7 can thus form an elliptical dispensing opening. As shown, the tab 10 is connected to the tear-off body 7 in an edge region thereof.

Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a container 200'. The fourth embodiment of the container 200' has predominantly the features of the above-described third embodiment of the container 200 from Figure 3. Therefore The same reference numerals are used for parts with the same function. Reference is made to the above description.

The differences between the container 200' and the container 200 relate to the design of the closure body 5. Therefore, only a plan view from above is shown in Figure 5.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the closure body 5 has a tear-off section 7 and an edge section 6 of the closure body 5, which are designed analogously to the second embodiment of the container 100' from Figure 2. The tear-off section 7 is again smaller than the container opening 4 and also differs in shape from it. The tear-off section 7 again has a first region 21 and a second region 22, wherein the first width in the first region 21 is smaller than the second width in the second region 22.

The tear-off section 7 also has a third region 23 with a third width, wherein the tab 10 is arranged on the third region 23.

Additional or different features are described below.

A first distance A1 between the first region 21 and the hinge 27 is greater than a second distance A2 between the third region 23 and the hinge 27. As a result, the tab 10 arranged on the third region 23 is arranged closer to the hinge 27 than the first region 21 forming the dispensing opening 11.

Figure 6 shows a perspective detailed view of the tear-off section 7 of the container 200' from Figure 5 after it has been released from the container 200' by pulling on the tab 10. In Figure 6 it can be seen in particular that the tear-off section 7 has a first region 21, a second region 22 and a third region 23. The second region 22 is elongated and narrower than the first region 21. The first region 21 of the tear-off section 7 can thus form a dispensing opening. The tab 10 is in the third region 23 with the tear-off body 7. The second area 22 connects the first area

21 with the third area 23.

Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of a tool 40 of an injection mold for producing a container. The tool 40 is shown using the example of the first container component 18 of the container 200 from Figures 3a to 3d. An injection mold element 45 of the injection mold is also shown. For better understanding, the first container component 18 that can be produced in the injection mold is also shown.

The injection mold has a cavity that is filled with liquid plastic during the injection molding process to produce the container. The injection mold comprises a tool 40 that is arranged interchangeably in the injection mold and the injection mold element 45. For reasons of clarity, the tool 40 and the injection mold element 45 are shown in Figure 7 without the other components of the injection mold that form the remaining sections of the first container component 18. The tool 40 is designed to delimit a surface of the closure body 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is the outward-facing side of the closure body 5. The injection mold element 45 is designed to delimit a surface of the closure body 5 that is arranged on the side of the closure body 5 facing away from the tool 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is the inward-facing side of the closure body 5. Furthermore, the injection mold element 45 is designed to delimit at least one further surface of the first container component 18. In the illustrated embodiment, these are the inward-facing sides of the first container component 18. The tool 40 comprises a core 41 and a casing 42 that is movable relative to it. The core 41 is enclosed by the casing 42.

A cavity 43 shown in dashed lines is formed between the core 41 and the jacket 42 in order to form the tab 10 shaped as a finger tab. The jacket 42 has a projection 44 on its front surface in order to form the web section 8. Due to the relative mobility between the core 41 and the jacket 42, Injection molding process, after the plastic has been introduced and hardened, the core 41 must first be removed from the injection molded component so that the tab 10 can then be demolded from the jacket 42. The jacket 42 can then be removed.

Figure 8 shows the tool from Figure 7 schematically in perspective. Shown in particular is the projection 44 enclosed by the casing 42, which forms a groove in the injection-molded component during the injection molding process, which forms the web section. In the embodiment shown, the projection 44 has an elliptical design, so that an elliptical design of the tear-off section 7 results on the closure body 5 of the container 200.

Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of a tool 40' of an injection mold for producing the container 200'. An injection mold element 45 is also shown. For better understanding, a first container component 18 that does not belong to the injection mold is shown. The second embodiment of the tool 40' has predominantly the features of the first embodiment of the tool 40 from Figure 7 described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts with the same function. Reference is made to the above description.

The tool 40' is designed to form the tear-off section 7, as it is designed in the embodiments according to Figures 2 and 5. The tool 40' is shown using the example of the first container component 18 of the container 200' from Figure 5. For better understanding, the first container component 18, which does not belong to the injection mold, is shown. The injection mold element 45 is designed to delimit a surface of the closure body 5 assigned to the side facing away from the tool 40' and at least one surface of the first container component 18.

Deviating from the embodiment according to Figures 7 and 8, both the casing 42' and the core 4T have the projection 44' on their front surface in order to form the web section 8. In this way, the dispensing opening can be considerably smaller than the container opening and have a shape that differs from this. At the same time, a tab can be obtained that is larger than the dispensing opening. The projection 44' extends over the casing 42' and the core 41'. The projection 44' has a shape that corresponds to the outer contour of the tear-off element 7 according to Figures 2 and 5.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the tool 40' from Figure 9. In Figure 10, the projection 44' surrounded by the casing 42' and core 41' can be seen in particular, which forms a groove in the injection-molded component during the injection molding process, which forms the web section. The projection 44' is designed in such a way that a design of the tear-off section 7 results on the closure body 5 of the container 100', 200', which has a first region 21, a second region 22 and a third region 23.

With the tools 40, 40' shown in Figures 7 to 10, the opening cross-section of the dispensing opening can be changed during the manufacture of a container produced by injection molding. This can be achieved by a different design of the tear-off sections of the containers 200, 200'.

The method comprises providing the first tool 40 shown in Figures 7 and 8 and the second tool 40' shown in Figures 9 and 10, wherein, as described, the projection 44, 44' forming the web section 8 is designed differently in the first tool 40 and the second tool 40', such that the size and shape of the dispensing opening 11 is different in a container 200 produced with the first tool 40 and a container 200' produced with the second tool 40'. Since the first and second tools 40, 40' are interchangeable, the first or second tool 40, 40' can be easily inserted into an injection mold to change the opening cross-section of the dispensing opening 11. Containers 100, 100' as described in Figures 1 and 2 can be produced in the same way with appropriately adapted tools.

Claims

patent claims 1. Container (100, 100’, 200, 200’) with a container body (2) made of plastic and produced by injection molding, which forms a receiving space (3), wherein the container (100, 100’, 200, 200’) has a container base (15), a side wall (16), a container section (17), a container opening (4) and a closure (45) for closing the container opening (4), wherein the container section (17) is arranged on the side of the container (100, 100’, 200, 200’) opposite the container base (15), wherein the container section (17) has the container opening (4), wherein the closure (45) has a closure body (5) which is assigned to the container opening (4) and initially closes the container opening (4), wherein the closure body (5) has an edge section (6) and a tear-off section (7) wherein the tear-off section (7) is connected to the edge section (6) via a web section (8) which forms a predetermined breaking point (9), wherein a tab (10) is arranged on the tear-off section (7), wherein the tear-off section (7) has an outer contour such that after removal of the tear-off section (7) a dispensing opening (11) is formed which is smaller than the container opening (4). 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the tear-off section (7) and the edge section (6) are arranged in one plane. 3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tear-off section and the edge section are designed such that the dispensing opening occupies less than 95% of the area of the closure body. 4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tear-off section (7) is designed such that the dispensing opening (11) has a different basic shape than the container opening (4). 5. Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the container opening (4) has a container opening edge (12) which is formed by a circumferential, projecting collar (13). 6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tear-off section (7) has a first region (21) and a second region (22), wherein the first region (21) has a first width (B1) and the second region (22) has a second width (B2) which is less than the first width (B1). 7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the tear-off section (7) has a third region (23) having a third width (B3). 8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the container (100, 100', 200, 200') has a first container component (18) which forms the container section (17) which has the container opening (4) and comprises the closure body (5) with the edge section (6), the tear-off section (7) and the web section (8), wherein the container (100, 100', 200, 200') also has a second container component (19) which comprises the container base (15). 9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and the second container component (18, 19) comprise a locking device (48) in order to connect the first and the second container component (18, 19) to one another in a form-fitting manner. 10. Container according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first or the second container component (18, 19) comprises a lid (26) for closing the container opening (4), wherein the lid (26) is movably arranged on the first or second container component (18, 19), wherein a hinge (27) is provided between the lid (26) and the container section (17). 11. Container according to claim 10, characterized in that the lid (26) has a base (28) and an apron (29) arranged thereon, which extends in a direction from the base (28) towards the container body (2) in the closed position of the lid (26). 12. Container according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the container (100, 100', 200, 200') has a child safety lock with a first safety element (31) and a second safety element (32), which can assume a locking position in which the lid (26) cannot be opened, and a release position in which the lid (26) can be opened. 13. Container according to claim 12, characterized in that the first securing element (31) is formed by a portion of the apron (29) and comprises a recess (33) arranged in the apron (29), and the second securing element (32) is arranged on the container body (2) and has a locking portion (34) which engages in the recess (33) in the locking position. 14. Injection mold for producing a container (100, 100', 200, 200') according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a tool (40, 40') which delimits a surface of the closure body (5), wherein the tool (40, 40') comprises a core (41, 41') and a jacket (42, 42') movable relative to it, wherein a cavity (43) is formed between the core (41, 41') and the jacket (42, 42') in order to form the tab (10), wherein the core (41, 41') and/or the jacket (42, 42') have a projection (44, 44') in order to form the web section (8), wherein the tool (40, 40') is arranged in the injection mold in an exchangeable manner. 15. Method for changing the opening cross-section of the dispensing opening (11) during the manufacture of an injection-moulded container (100, 100', 200, 200') according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - providing a first tool (40) which delimits a surface of the closure body (5), the first tool (40) comprising a core (41) and a jacket (42), the core (41) and/or jacket (42) having a projection (44) to form the web portion (8), - Providing a second tool (40') which delimits a surface of the closure body (5), wherein the second tool (40') comprises a core (41') and a jacket (42'), wherein the core (41') and/or jacket (42') have a projection (44') in order to form the web section (8), wherein in the first tool (40) and the second tool (40') the projection (44, 44') forming the web section (8) is designed differently, such that in a container (100, 200) produced with the first tool (40) and a container (100', 200') produced with the second tool (40'), the size and/or the shape of the dispensing opening (11) is different, wherein the first and the second tools (40, 40') are interchangeable, wherein in order to change the opening cross-section of the dispensing opening (11), the first or the second tool (40, 40') is inserted into an injection mold.