阅读说明：本技术 用于容器的封闭件 (Closure for a container ) 是由 A·J·M·舍恩马克思 D·A·W·M·范莫斯 于 2020-01-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：封闭件(2)包括被固定到容器(1)的上边缘的环形基座(3)。基座(3)包括周向裙部(8),周向裙部具有被布置在容器(1)的上边缘的端部部分(9)。周向锁定边缘(10)整体地形成在周向裙部(8)的端部部分(9)上。锁定边缘(8)具有被铰接连接到周向裙部(8)的近端端部(13),并且使得周向锁定边缘(10)能够朝向端部部分(9)的内表面(11)向内折叠,使得当锁定边缘处于折叠状态时,锁定边缘的远端端部(14)能够移动超越容器(1)的周向凸缘(7),并接合在容器的周向凸缘下方,以将基座(3)锁定到容器(1)。裙部(8)的端部部分(9)在内表面上具有接合表面部分(12)和渐宽表面部分(11),接合表面部分的内直径基本上对应于容器的周向凸缘(7)的外直径,渐宽表面部分的内直径从接合表面部分(12)朝向周向裙部(8)的端部(9B)逐渐增大。(The closure (2) comprises an annular base (3) fixed to the upper edge of the container (1). The base (3) comprises a circumferential skirt (8) having an end portion (9) arranged at the upper edge of the container (1). A circumferential locking edge (10) is integrally formed on the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8). The locking edge (8) has a proximal end (13) hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt (8) and enables the circumferential locking edge (10) to be folded inwardly towards the inner surface (11) of the end portion (9) such that when the locking edge is in the folded state, a distal end (14) of the locking edge is able to move beyond the circumferential flange (7) of the container (1) and engage under the circumferential flange of the container to lock the base (3) to the container (1). The end portion (9) of the skirt (8) has, on the inner surface, an engagement surface portion (12) having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the peripheral flange (7) of the container, and a gradually widening surface portion (11) having an inner diameter gradually increasing from the engagement surface portion (12) towards the end portion (9B) of the peripheral skirt (8).)

1. Closure (2) for a container (1), wherein the container (1) has an open top side defined by an upper edge (6) comprising an outwardly extending circumferential flange (7) surrounding the open top side,

the closure (2) comprising an annular base (3) for fixing to an upper edge (6) of the container (1) and defining an access opening (5) of the container (1), and the closure (2) further comprising a cover (4) movable with respect to the annular base (3) between a closed position, in which the cover (4) covers the access opening (5), and an open position, in which the access opening (5) is not closed by the cover (4),

said annular base (3) comprising a circumferential skirt (8) having a one-piece non-removable end portion (9) adapted to be arranged on an upper edge (6) of said container (1), and a circumferential locking edge (10) integrally formed on said end portion (9) of said circumferential skirt (8), said circumferential locking edge (10) having a proximal end (13) and a distal end (14),

the proximal end (13) of the circumferential locking edge (10) being hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt (8) such that the circumferential locking edge (10) is movable to a folded state in which the circumferential locking edge (10) is folded inwardly towards the inner surface of the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8) such that the distal end (14) of the locking edge is movable beyond and engages under the circumferential flange (7) of the container (1) when the locking edge (10) is in the folded state to lock the annular base (3) to the upper edge (6) of the container (1),

characterized in that the end portion (9) of the skirt (8) has, on the inner surface, an engagement surface portion (12) having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the circumferential flange (7) of the container and a gradually widening surface portion (11) having an inner diameter gradually increasing from the engagement surface portion (12) towards the end (9B) of the circumferential skirt (8).

2. A capsule according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the gradually widening surface portion (11) increases gradually according to a curvilinear function.

3. A closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the gradually widening surface portion (11) increases gradually according to a linear function.

4. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapering surface portion (11) abuts in a flush manner with the engagement surface portion (12).

5. A closure as claimed in one of the foregoing claims, wherein the end portion (9) of the skirt (8) has a wall portion (9A) whose diameter increases towards the end (9B) of the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8).

6. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal end (13) of the locking edge (10) is connected to the end (9B) of the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8).

7. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a proximal end (13) of the locking edge (10) is arranged radially outwardly with respect to the engagement surface portion (12).

8. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential locking edge (10) comprises a proximal portion (10A) and a distal portion (10B), the proximal portion (10A) extending from the proximal end (13) to a dog-ear portion (10C), the distal portion (10B) extending from the dog-ear portion (10C) to the distal end (14), and wherein, in an initial state, the distal portion (10B) is inwardly inclined with respect to the proximal portion (10A) of the locking edge (10).

9. The capsule according to claim 8, wherein, in the initial condition, a proximal portion (10A) of the locking edge (10) extends in a substantially aligned manner with the circumferential skirt (8) of the annular base (3), or in a concentric manner with the latter.

10. The capsule according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the thickness of the proximal portion (10A) increases progressively from the proximal end (13) towards the dog-ear portion (10C).

11. The capsule according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the thickness of the distal portion (10B) is substantially constant.

12. The closure according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the locking edge (10) has an inwardly curved shape.

13. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (3) further comprises an inner skirt (21) coaxial to the circumferential skirt (8) and integrally connected at an upper side to the circumferential skirt (8).

14. A closure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inner skirt (21) has a lower end (23) spaced above the upper edge (6) of the container (1) when in a secured condition on the container (1).

15. A closure as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the inner skirt (21) is arranged radially inwardly of the upper edge (6) of the container (1) when in a secured condition on the container (1).

16. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential skirt (8) has an axially extending rib (18) on the inside, wherein the rib (18) has an end (19) close to an end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8), wherein the end (19) of the rib (18) forms a stop for an upper edge (6) of the container (1).

17. A closure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the axial distance between the end (19) of the rib (18) and the distal end (10B) of the circumferential locking edge (10) in the inwardly folded condition is greater than the height of the circumferential flange (7) of the container (1).

18. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (3) and the cover (4) are connected by a hinge.

19. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (3) and the cover (4) are integral.

20. The closure according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the annular base (3) and the cap (4) are separately formed components which are assembled to form the closure.

21. The capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (3) has a retaining member (26) to retain an appliance (24) suitable for extracting a product from the container (1).

22. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cap has a retaining member to retain an appliance adapted to remove product from the container.

23. Method for manufacturing a closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure (1) is formed by injection moulding.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the locking edge (10) of the closure is brought into the folded state immediately after the closure is removed from the injection mould.

25. Assembly comprising a closure (2) according to any of claims 1-22 and a container (1).

26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the container contains a powdered or granular product.

27. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the container contains a product in sheet form.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a closure for a container, wherein the container has an open top side defined by an upper edge, the upper edge comprising an outwardly extending circumferential flange surrounding the open top side. The closure comprises an annular base for securing to an upper edge of the container and defining an access opening of the container, and a cover movable relative to the annular base between a closed position in which the cover covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is not closed by the cover. The annular base comprises a circumferential skirt having a unitary non-removable end portion adapted to be disposed on the upper rim of the container, and further comprises a circumferential locking edge integrally formed on said end portion of the circumferential skirt, said circumferential locking edge having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the circumferential locking edge is hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt such that the circumferential locking edge is moveable to a folded condition in which the circumferential locking edge is folded inwardly towards the inner surface of the end portion of the circumferential skirt such that when the locking edge is in the folded condition, the distal end of the locking edge can be moved beyond the circumferential flange of the container and engage beneath the circumferential flange of the container to lock the closure base to the upper edge of the container.

Background

WO 96/19388 discloses a closure made of plastics material and comprising a circumferential skirt having a lower portion at which a locking member in the form of a taper is formed. The neck of the container includes an outwardly directed flange. When the closure is assembled onto the neck of the container, the locking member strikes the flange of the container and the locking edge rotates about the hinge to an upwardly directed position. Upon further axial movement of the closure, the locking member rides over the flange until the locking member enters the undercut such that the free end of the locking member is located below the flange. When the locking member is located below the flange, the closure is effectively locked in place so that the skirt cannot be separated from the neck of the container without destroying or damaging the locking means or the container.

A similar closure comprising the same locking mechanism is disclosed in WO 2016/022744.

Problems that arise when assembling the closure and the container are: the size of the upper edge of the container may be affected by manufacturing errors in shape and size. This can make positioning the closure on the container difficult, especially in an automated manner.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to improve the positioning of a closure on a container.

This object is achieved by a closure for a container, wherein the container has an open top side defined by an upper edge, which upper edge comprises an outwardly extending circumferential flange, which circumferential flange surrounds the open top side. The closure comprises an annular base for securing to an upper edge of the container and defining an access opening of the container, and a cover movable relative to the annular base between a closed position in which the cover covers the access opening and an open position in which the access opening is not closed by the cover. The annular base comprises a circumferential skirt having a one-piece non-removable end portion adapted to be disposed on the upper rim of the container, and further comprises a circumferential locking rim integrally formed on said end portion of the circumferential skirt, said circumferential locking rim having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the circumferential locking edge is hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt such that the circumferential locking edge is moveable to a folded condition in which the circumferential locking edge is folded inwardly towards the inner surface of the end portion of the circumferential skirt such that when the locking edge is in the folded condition, the distal end of the locking edge is moveable beyond the circumferential flange of the container and engages beneath the circumferential flange of the container to lock the closure base to the upper edge of the container. The end portion of the skirt has, on an inner surface, an engagement surface portion having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the circumferential flange of the container, and a gradually widening surface portion having an inner diameter gradually increasing from the engagement surface portion towards the end of the circumferential skirt.

The closure according to the invention provides a guiding structure which guides the annular base on the upper edge of the container during assembly. The locking edge of the closure will engage the upper edge of the container and will be hinged to rest at least partially against the tapered surface portion of the end portion of the skirt. The locking edge thus provides a narrowing guide surface for the flange of the container, thereby centering the container. The outer diameter of the locking rim, i.e. at the hinged connection with the circumferential skirt, is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the circumferential flange of the container, so that the closure base can be easily and reliably placed on the upper edge of the container and excessive friction is avoided when initially placing the annular base on the upper edge of the container.

According to the present invention, the inner diameter of the gradually-widening surface portion directly adjoining the joining surface portion gradually increases from the joining surface portion toward the end of the circumferential skirt. The gradually increasing inner diameter may increase linearly so as to form a tapered wall surface, but the diameter may also increase non-linearly according to a curved function to form a curved wall surface.

Preferably, the gradually widening surface portion abuts in a flush manner with the engaging surface portion. Thereby avoiding abrupt transitions between the engaging surface portion and the gradually widening surface portion. This can be achieved in particular by the diameter of the gradually widening surface portion increasing according to a curve function.

In a possible embodiment, the end portion of the skirt has a wall portion with a diameter increasing towards the end of the end portion of the circumferential skirt. Thus in this embodiment the end portion of the skirt flares towards the end of the end portion. This contributes to an easier and better centering of the flange of the container when the annular base is arranged on the top side of the container.

In a possible embodiment, the proximal end of the locking edge is connected to the end of the end portion of the circumferential skirt. So that the proximal end of the locking edge is not connected to the inner surface of the skirt end portion. Thus, the locking edge is less interfering with the flange of the container when the locking edge moves past the flange when the annular base is pushed over the top side of the container.

In a possible embodiment, the proximal end of the locking edge is arranged radially outwards with respect to the engagement surface portion. This feature facilitates the positioning and centering of the flange of the container and further reduces the interference of the locking edge with the flange as the locking edge moves past the flange as the annular base is pushed over the top side of the container.

In a possible embodiment of the closure according to the invention, the circumferential locking edge comprises a proximal portion extending from the proximal end to the dog-ear portion and a distal portion extending from the dog-ear portion to the distal end, and wherein, in the initial state, the distal portion is inclined inwardly with respect to the proximal portion of the locking edge. Preferably, in the initial condition, the proximal portion of the locking edge extends in a substantially aligned manner with the circumferential skirt of the annular seat or in a concentric manner with said circumferential skirt of the annular seat.

Preferably, the thickness of the proximal portion gradually increases from the proximal end toward the folded portion. The proximal end is therefore thinner, which enables a better hinging effect.

The thickness of the distal portion may be substantially constant.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking edge has an inwardly curved shape.

In a possible embodiment of the closure according to the invention, the annular base further comprises an inner skirt coaxial with the circumferential skirt and integrally connected at the upper side to the circumferential skirt. Preferably, the inner skirt is arranged radially inwardly from an upper edge of the container when in a secured condition on the container. The inner skirt defines a passageway through which a user may access the container to remove the contents, for example using an instrument.

In a possible embodiment, the inner skirt has a lower end portion which, in the secured state on the container, is located above and spaced apart from the upper edge of the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the closure according to the invention, the circumferential skirt has an axially extending rib on the inside, wherein the rib has an end close to an end portion of the circumferential skirt, wherein said end of the rib forms a stop for the upper side of the container.

Preferably, in the folded-in condition, the axial distance between the end of the rib and the distal end of the circumferential locking edge in the folded-in condition is greater than the height of the circumferential flange of the container.

In a practical embodiment of the closure according to the invention, the annular base and the lid are connected by a hinge.

The annular base and the lid may be integral, for example by injection moulding, wherein the hinge is a living hinge integrally formed with the annular base and the lid.

In another possible embodiment, the annular base and the cover are separately formed components that are assembled to form the closure. The cover part and the annular base part may for example be injection moulded separately in separate moulds and then connected to each other by cooperation of hinge elements integrally formed on the annular member and the cover part.

In a possible embodiment of the closure, the annular base has a retaining member to retain an appliance adapted to extract the product from the container. Optionally, the lid has a retaining member to retain an appliance adapted to remove a product from the container. In a practical embodiment, the utensil may be, for example, a scoop, which may be used, in particular, for taking a powdered or granular product out of the container. Other implements, such as shovels, chopsticks, tweezers, or other types of gripping tools, are also contemplated depending on the particular container and its contents.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a closure as described above, wherein the closure is formed by injection moulding.

It is noted that, as is conventional in the field of the manufacture of closures of this type, the closures are generally made of a plastic material, in particular of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE). However, the use of alternative, preferably moldable, materials suitable for forming the closure is not excluded.

Preferably, the locking edge of the closure is brought into the folded state immediately after the closure is removed from the injection mould. Thus, the closure is supplied to an assembly line for assembly with a container having a locking edge in a folded state. The locking edge thus provides a centring guide surface for the flange of the container, which facilitates automatic assembly of the container and closure.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the above-mentioned closure and container. In foreseeable practical applications, the container may contain a powdered product, such as an infant formula or a granulated product. In another application, the container may, for example, contain a product in tablet form, such as a sweetener tablet, a dietary supplement tablet, or a pharmaceutical tablet. Even pieces of fruit or pieces of fruit may be received in the container.

Drawings

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a closure according to the invention, assembled with a container for containing a powdered product,

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the assembly of fig. 1, with the closure lid in an open state, and with an appliance disposed in the closure,

figure 3 shows a perspective view of the same assembly as figure 2 but with the appliance removed,

figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of the closure of figure 1 in an unassembled initial state,

figure 5 shows a partial perspective view of the closure of figure 1 with the locking edges folded inwards,

figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the part of the closure in the state of figure 4,

figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the part of the closure in the state of figure 5,

FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a closure similar to FIG. 5 during assembly with a container, an

Fig. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a closure similar to that of fig. 5 after assembly with a container.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 to 3 a container 1 is shown, which is adapted to contain a powdered or granular product, such as milk powder or infant formula. The container 1 as shown is of cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open top. The container 1 may be made of metal, plastic or other suitable material.

It is noted here that the container for the powdered product is described by way of non-limiting example, but the invention is not limited to application to containers for powdered or granular products. The container may also contain other products, for example tablets, such as sweetener tablets or dietary supplement tablets, or pieces of candy, or even pieces of (canned) fruit.

A closure 2 is mounted on top of the container 1. The closure 2 selectively closes the open top of the container 1. The closure 2 comprises an annular base 3 and a lid 4, the lid 4 being openable to allow access to the interior of the container 1, as shown in figure 3. The annular base 3 defines an access opening 5 into the interior of the container 1.

The closure 2 may be made from a suitable plastics material such as PP or PE by an injection moulding process.

The embodiment of the closure 2 shown in fig. 1 to 3 comprises a hinge such that the lid part 4 can be rotated from a closed position as shown in fig. 1 to an open position as shown in fig. 2 and 3. The hinge may be a living hinge integrally formed with the annular base 3 and the lid 4. Another option is to form the cover and the annular base separately and to join them by means of a hinge. However, the following embodiments are also possible: in this embodiment, the cap is not coupled to the annular base by a hinge and may be integrally removed from the annular base. The arrangement of the cover and the annular base relative to each other is not essential to the invention.

The annular base 3 is adapted to be arranged on the open top of the container 1. The container 1 comprises an upper edge 6 comprising a circumferential flange 7 extending radially outwards with respect to the outer surface 1A of the container wall, as seen in fig. 8.

The annular base 3 comprises a circumferential skirt 8. In fig. 4 it can be seen that the peripheral skirt 8 has an integral non-removable lower end portion 9, which can be arranged on the upper edge 6 of the container 1. In this context, non-removable means that the lower end portion is not intended to be separated from the rest of the skirt 8. The end portion 9 of the circumferential skirt 8 comprises a locking edge 10 extending circumferentially from the lower end of the circumferential skirt 8, as best seen in fig. 4 and 6. The locking edge 10 is integral with the skirt 8.

The end portion 9 of the circumferential skirt 8 has a wall portion 9A of increasing diameter towards the end. The wall portion 9A may be referred to as a flare with respect to the rest of the circumferential skirt 8. Therefore, the diameter of the inner surface 11 of the wall portion 9A gradually increases toward the end portion 9B.

Furthermore, the end portion 9 of the skirt 8 has an engagement surface portion 12 on an inner surface, as can best be seen in fig. 6. The inner diameter of the engagement surface portion 12 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the circumferential flange 7 of the container 1, as can best be seen in fig. 9. The term "corresponding" means that at most a small gap 13 exists between the outer portion of the flange 7 and the surface 12, as represented in fig. 9.

The inner surface 11 of the wall portion 9A is curved outwardly so that the diameter gradually increases according to a curved function. In another possible embodiment, the diameter of the inner surface may increase gradually according to a linear function, thus resulting in a complete cone shape of the inner surface 11. In any case, the inner surface 11 starts flush with the engagement surface portion 12 and ends at the end 9B of the skirt end portion 9 at a radial distance from the engagement surface portion 12, as can best be seen in fig. 6. The inner surface 11 tapers in a continuous manner, as seen from the end portion 9B, towards the joint surface portion 12 and smoothly transitions between the inner surface 11 and the joint surface portion 12. The inner surface 11 and the engagement surface portion 12 form a continuous surface.

The locking edge 10 is connected to the circumferential skirt 8 at a proximal end 13 of the locking edge 10. The locking edge 10 also has a distal end 14, which is remote from the proximal end 13 and is a free end (see fig. 6).

The proximal end 13 of the circumferential locking edge 10 is hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt 8. In particular, the proximal end 13 is connected to the end 9B of the end portion 9 of the skirt 8. The proximal end 13 comprises a circumferential hinge region 15, as can be seen in fig. 6. The hinge region 15 allows the circumferential locking edge 10 to be moved from an initial state (as shown in fig. 4 and 6) towards a folded state (as shown in fig. 5 and 7).

Due to the curved or flared shape of the wall portion 9A, the junction of the proximal end 13 of the locking edge 10 with the end 9B of the skirt end portion 9 is located radially further outward than the engagement surface portion 12 of the skirt end portion 9, as can best be seen in fig. 6. The hinge area 15 is thus located further outwards, which provides a better centering with the flange 7 of the container when the skirt end portion 9 is positioned on the upper edge 6 of the container 1, as will be explained further below.

In the initial state (see fig. 4 and 6), the locking edge 10 extends away from the lower end 9B of the skirt 8, so that the distal edge 14 of the locking end 10 is away from the end portion 9A of the circumferential skirt 8. In the folded state (see fig. 5 and 7) the circumferential locking edge 10 is folded inwardly towards the inner surface 11 of the end portion 9 of the circumferential skirt 8.

In the initial state (fig. 6), the distal end 14 of the locking rim 10 has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the circumferential flange 7 of the container 1. When the closure 2 and the container 1 are assembled, there are two options: the locking edge 10 is in an initial state, or the locking edge is in a folded state, before the closure 2 and the container 1 are combined together.

When the closure 2 and container are assembled, the locking rim 10 is in an initial state, the distal end 14 of the locking rim 10 abutting the circumferential flange 7 of the container 1. When the closure 2, in particular the annular base 3, is moved further on the upper edge 6 of the container 1, the locking edge 10 is pushed inwards by the flange 7 and folds towards the inner surface 11. Thus, the locking edge 10 can move beyond the circumferential flange 7.

Another more preferred option is that the locking edge 10 is brought into the folded state by a device before the closure 2 and the container 1 are assembled. In particular, the locking edge 10 can be brought into the folded state immediately after the closure 2 has been removed from the mould in which it is formed. Thus, when the closure 2 and the container 1 are assembled together, the closure 2 has the locking edge 10 in a folded state, as shown in fig. 5 and 7. Thus, the manufacturer of the closure 2 can supply the closure 2 in the state shown in fig. 5 and 7 to a filling company, which fills the container 1 and assembles the closure 2 and the container 1. The assembly steps are shown in fig. 8. The locking edge 10 then slides along the outer surface of the flange 7 of the container 1 and the locking edge 10 is pushed outwards towards the inner surface 11 of the skirt 8 so as to be able to move beyond the flange 7.

The precise dimensions of the upper edge of the container 1 may vary with respect to the dimensions of the annular base 3 of the closure 2, for example due to manufacturing tolerances. Thus, when the locking edge 10 passes the flange 7, there may be a gap between the folded-up locking edge 10 and the inner surface 11. However, it may also be the case that the passage for the flange 7 is still too narrow even if the folded-up locking edge 10 is pushed tightly against the inner surface 11. In this case, the tapering shape of the inner surface 11 towards the upper side of the skirt 8 and the locking edge 10 also form a tapering guide surface 16, as can be seen in fig. 8. This results in an axial movement of the circumferential skirt 8 relative to the flange 7 as indicated by arrow 17 in fig. 8, generating a radial force pushing the lower portion 9 of the annular skirt 8 radially outwards. Since the plastic material of which the annular base 3 is made is sufficiently flexible to enable such deformation to occur that the diameter of the passage for the flange 7 temporarily increases. After the passage of the flange 7, the wall portion 9 flexibly returns to its original diameter.

When the distal end 14 has advanced beyond the circumferential flange 7, the distal end 14 of the locking edge 10 is resiliently hingedly moved back to engage under the circumferential flange 7 of the container 1. This state is shown in fig. 9. In this condition, the locking edge 10 prevents the annular base 3 from being able to move upwards (and therefore opposite to the direction 17 shown in fig. 8) with respect to the upper edge 6 of the container 1. The annular base 3 is thus locked to the upper edge 6 of the container 1. The annular base 3 is intended to remain in a locked condition on the upper end of the container 1 during normal use. Thus, the annular base 3, which is locked to the upper edge 6 of the container 1, cannot be removed from the container 1 without using excessive force.

An axially extending rib 18 is formed on the inside of the circumferential skirt 8. The rib 18 has an end 19 close to the end portion 9 of the circumferential skirt 8. The end 19 of the rib 18 forms a stop for the upper side of the upper edge 6 of the container, as can be seen in fig. 9. The axial distance between the end 19 of the rib 18 and the distal end 14 of the circumferential locking edge 10 in the folded-in state is greater than the height of the circumferential flange 7 of the container 1, as can be seen in the figure 9. In other words, when the rib 18 and the end 19 of the rib rest on the upper edge 6 of the container, there is a small spacing 20 (maximum 1mm) between the distal end 14 of the locking edge 10 and the underside of the flange 7, as can be seen in fig. 9. This measure makes it possible for the annular base 3 to always fit on the upper edge 6 of the container 1, even if in practice the height of the flange 7 may vary, for example due to manufacturing tolerances, even if there is little play.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the circumferential locking edge 10 comprises a proximal portion 10A and a distal portion 10B. The proximal portion 10A extends from the proximal end 13 to the folded portion 10C. The distal portion 10B extends from the dog-ear portion 10C to the distal end 14. In the initial condition shown in fig. 4 and 6, the proximal portion 10A of the locking edge 10 extends substantially coaxially to the circumferential skirt 8 of the annular seat. The distal portion 10B is inwardly inclined with respect to the proximal portion 10A of the locking edge 10, so that the diameter of the distal end 14 of the locking edge 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the engagement surface 12 of the end portion 9 of the skirt 8, and may also be smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 7 of the container 1.

The thickness of the proximal portion 10A gradually increases from the proximal end toward the folded portion. The proximal portion 13 starts with an area of smaller thickness to form a hinge area 15, and then the thickness of the proximal portion increases towards the dog-ear portion 10C. Distal portion 10B has a substantially constant thickness.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking edge has an angled shape. However, it is also possible to give the locking edge an inwardly curved shape.

In the folded state shown in fig. 7, the proximal end portion 10A forms a guiding and centering surface for the flange 7 when the closure is arranged on the top side of the container 1, as shown in fig. 8. When the flange 7 has advanced beyond the distal end portion 10B, the locking edge 10 resiliently moves back and the distal end portion 10B engages under the flange 7. Thus, the proximal portion 10A of the locking edge 10 has a guiding and centering function, and the distal portion 10B of the locking edge 10 has a locking function.

In the practical embodiment shown in the figures, the annular base 3 comprises an inner skirt 21 coaxial with the circumferential skirt 8. The inner skirt 21 is integrally connected to the circumferential skirt 8 at the upper side 22 of the annular base 3. The inner skirt 21 has a lower end 23 which is spaced above the upper edge 6 of the container 1 when in the secured condition on the container 1, as can be seen in figure 9. The inner skirt 21 is arranged radially inwards from the upper edge 6 of the container 1 when in a secured state on the container 1. The inner skirt 21 defines a passage 5 through which a user can access the container 1 to remove the contents.

The user may remove the contents from the container through a utensil, such as a spoon 24, as shown in fig. 2. In fig. 2, the spoon 24 is seated in the annular base 3 in a storage position. In addition, the annular base 3 has a retaining formation 25 formed on the inner skirt 21, as seen in fig. 2 and 3. The retaining structure receives an end 24A of the spoon 24 to retain the spoon in the storage position. In addition, the holding structure has a holding member 26. A similar retaining structure, not visible in fig. 2 and 3, is formed on diametrically opposite sides of the inner skirt 21 to retain the opposite ends 24B of the scoop 24.

The invention may be summarized by the following clauses:

1. closure (2) for a container (1), wherein the container (1) has an open top side defined by an upper edge (6) comprising a circumferential flange (7) extending outwardly around the open top side,

the closure (2) comprising an annular base (3) for fixing to an upper edge (6) of the container (1) and defining an access opening (5) of the container (1), and the closure (2) further comprising a cover (4) movable with respect to the annular base (3) between a closed position, in which the cover (4) covers the access opening (5), and an open position, in which the access opening (5) is not closed by the cover,

the annular base (3) comprising a circumferential skirt (8) having an end portion (9) adapted to be arranged on the upper edge (6) of the container (1), and a circumferential locking edge (10) integrally formed on said end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8), said circumferential locking edge (10) having a proximal end (13) and a distal end (14),

the proximal end (13) of said circumferential locking edge (10) being hingedly connected to the circumferential skirt (8) such that the circumferential locking edge (10) is movable to a folded state in which the circumferential locking edge (10) is folded inwardly towards the inner surface of the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8) such that the distal end (14) of the locking edge can be moved beyond the circumferential flange (7) of the container (1) and engage under the circumferential flange of the container to lock the annular base (3) to the upper edge (6) of the container (1) when the locking edge (10) is in the folded state,

characterized in that the end portion (9) of the skirt (8) has, on the inner surface, an engagement surface portion (12) having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the peripheral flange (7) of the container and a gradually widening surface portion (11) having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the engagement surface portion (12).

2. A closure according to clause 1, wherein the inner diameter of the gradually widening surface portion (11) increases gradually from the engagement surface portion (12) towards the end of the circumferential skirt (8).

3. The closure according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the circumferential locking edge (10) comprises a proximal portion (10A) and a distal portion (10B), the proximal portion (10A) extending from the proximal end (13) to a dog-ear portion (10C), the distal portion (10B) extending from the dog-ear portion (10C) to the distal end (14), and wherein, in an initial state, the distal portion (10B) is inwardly inclined with respect to the proximal portion (10A) of the locking edge (10).

4. A closure according to clause 3, wherein, in the initial condition, the proximal portion (10A) of the locking edge (10) extends in substantial alignment with the circumferential skirt (8) of the annular base (3) or concentrically with said circumferential skirt.

5. The closure according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the thickness of the proximal portion (10A) gradually increases from the proximal end (13) toward the bevel portion (10C).

6. The closure according to any of clauses 3-5, wherein the thickness of the distal portion (10B) is substantially constant.

7. The closure according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the locking edge (10) has an inwardly curved shape.

8. The closure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the annular base (3) further comprises an inner skirt (21) coaxial to the circumferential skirt (8) and connected integrally at the upper side to the circumferential skirt (8).

9. The closure according to clause 8, wherein the inner skirt (21) has a lower end (23) which is spaced above the upper edge (6) of the container (1) when in a secured condition on the container (1).

10. The closure according to clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the inner skirt (21) is arranged radially inwardly from the upper edge (6) of the container (1) when in a secured state on the container (1).

11. The closure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the circumferential skirt (8) has an axially extending rib (18) on the inside, wherein the rib (18) has an end (19) close to the end portion (9) of the circumferential skirt (8), wherein said end (19) of the rib (18) forms a stop for the upper edge (6) of the container (1).

12. The closure according to clause 11, wherein the axial distance between the end (19) of the rib (18) and the distal end (10B) of the circumferential locking edge (10) in the inwardly folded state is greater than the height of the circumferential flange (7) of the container (1).

13. The closure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the annular base (3) and the lid (4) are connected by a hinge.

14. The closure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the annular base (3) and the cover (4) are integral.

15. A closure according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the annular base (3) and the cover (4) are separately formed components that are assembled to form the closure.

16. The closure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the annular base (3) has a retaining member (26) to retain an appliance (24) adapted to remove product from the container (1).

17. A closure according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cap has a retaining member (26) to retain an appliance adapted to remove product from the container.

18. Method for manufacturing a closure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the closure (1) is formed by injection moulding.

19. The method according to clause 18, wherein the locking edge of the closure enters the folded state immediately after the locking edge (10) of the closure is removed from the injection mould.

20. An assembly comprising a closure (2) according to any of clauses 1-17 and a container (1).

21. The assembly of clause 20, wherein the container contains a powdered or granular product.

22. The assembly of clause 20, wherein the container contains a product in sheet form.