The invention relates to a cap for closing a container with an upright edge such as a bottle, jerrycan or the like.

Such a cap is per se known. A drawback of the per se known cap is that there is a reasonable chance of it not closing the container in leakproof manner. Particularly when the container contains expensive and/or chemical substances, this can have very adverse consequences.

The per se known cap is for instance a screw cap. In order to provide a better closure with less chance of leakage, this cap is in practice screwed more tightly and/or with more force onto the container. However, when the cap is screwed more tightly and/or with more force onto the container there is also a relatively great chance, of about 1 in a 100, that it will not close the container in leakproof manner.

It is an object of the invention to provide a cap for closing a container with an upright edge such as a bottle, jerrycan or the like whereby the chance of the cap not closing the container in leakproof manner is at least smaller than in the case of the per se known cap.

For this purpose the cap of the type stated in the preamble comprises according to the invention:

- a closing end;

- an outer peripheral edge which extends from the closing end and which can be connected to the upright edge of the container;

- an inner peripheral edge which extends from the closing end and extends at a determined distance from the outer peripheral edge of the cap;

- sealing means comprising a peripheral wall which is disposed between the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge at least during use of the cap such that the peripheral wall lies against the inner peripheral edge and is disposed with a determined intermediate space at a distance from the outer peripheral edge, which intermediate space is suitable for at least partially accommodating the upright edge of the container;

wherein:

- the inner peripheral edge has along at least a part of the length thereof an increasing outer dimension in the direction of the closing end such that when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container the inner peripheral edge presses the peripheral wall of the sealing means with a continuously increasing outer dimension against the upright edge of the container; and/or

- the peripheral wall of the sealing means increases in thickness along at least a part of the length thereof in a direction away from the closing end and has herein a decreasing inner dimension. When the cap is arranged on the container the free end of the upright edge of the container is moved in an axial direction relative to the cap in the direction of the closing end of the cap. Because the inner peripheral edge of the cap has according to a first solution of the invention along at least a part of the length thereof a continuously increasing outer dimension in this direction, a transverse distance, i.e. the distance in a transverse direction perpendicularly of said axial direction, between the inner peripheral edge of the cap and the upright edge of the container becomes continuously smaller so that the peripheral wall of the sealing means, which is situated between the upright edge of the container and the inner peripheral edge of the cap, is pressed against the upright edge of the container. The peripheral wall of the sealing means is particularly pressed to increasing extent and/or with increasing pressing force against the upright edge of the container. A good seal is in this way provided between the cap and the container so that the chance of the cap not closing the container in leakproof manner is at least relatively small. According to an alternative or additional solution of the invention, the peripheral wall of the sealing means increases in thickness along at least a part of the length thereof in a direction away from the closing end and has herein a decreasing inner dimension. Where the peripheral wall is relatively thick and has a relatively small inner dimension, a relatively great pressing force is exerted by the inner peripheral edge on the peripheral wall of the sealing means so that a good seal between the cap and the container can be provided, so that the chance of the cap not closing the container in leakproof manner is at least relatively small. The length of the inner peripheral edge can be defined here transversely of the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral edge, in particular from the closing end to a free end of the inner peripheral edge.

The length of the outer peripheral edge can be defined transversely of the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral edge, in particular from the closing end to a free end of the outer peripheral edge.

The length of the peripheral wall can be defined transversely of the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall, in particular between two opposite ends thereof.

The length direction of the upright edge of the container can be defined transversely of the circumferential direction of the upright edge, in particular from the container to a free end of the upright edge.

At least during use of the cap the length directions and/or circumferential directions of the inner peripheral edge and/or the outer peripheral edge and/or the peripheral wall and/or the upright edge can be disposed substantially parallel to each other.

The said axial direction can in particular be substantially parallel to the length direction of the inner peripheral edge and/or the outer peripheral edge and/or the peripheral wall and/or the upright edge.

The outer dimension of the inner peripheral edge can be defined here as the distance between two diametrically opposite points on the outer surface of the inner peripheral edge. In the case of a round inner peripheral edge the outer dimension can be the outer diameter.

In order to bring about an increase in the outer dimension of the inner peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge can have a thickness increasing along at least the part of the length thereof. The thickness can for instance increase in the direction of the closing end from a first smaller thickness at the free end of the inner peripheral edge to a second greater thickness closer to the closing end. The inner peripheral edge can particularly increase in thickness only in an outward direction, wherein the inner dimension of the inner peripheral edge is the same over substantially the whole length thereof, and only the outer dimension increases along at least said part of the length.

The thickness can be defined here in a direction perpendicularly of both the

circumferential direction and the length direction of the inner peripheral edge, for instance in a radial direction.

Alternatively, the thickness of the inner peripheral edge could be substantially the same along the whole length thereof, wherein at least the part of the length of the inner peripheral edge can be disposed at an angle greater than 0° to the outer peripheral edge.

In the alternative or additional solution it is particularly possible that only the inner dimension of the peripheral wall decreases in the direction away from the closing end. The outer dimension of the peripheral wall can particularly be substantially the same along the length of the peripheral wall. In other words, an outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, as seen in the length direction, can be disposed substantially parallel to the upright edge and/or the outer peripheral wall, while an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall is disposed at an angle which is not 0° relative to the upright edge and/or the outer peripheral wall. It can hereby be easier to arrange the cap on the container because the upright edge of the container fits more easily into the intermediate space.

The intermediate space can have a width dimension which is roughly equal to the width of the upright edge of the container. The width can here be defined in a direction perpendicularly of both the peripheral direction and the length direction of the inner peripheral edge, for instance in a radial direction.

In use of the cap according to the invention the outer side of the upright edge of the container lies against the inner side of the outer peripheral edge of the cap and/or is connected thereto, the inner side of the upright edge of the container lies against the outer side of the peripheral wall of the sealing means, and the inner side of the peripheral wall of the sealing means lies against an outer side of the inner peripheral edge.

The inner peripheral edge can be formed by a solid element which comprises only an outer side but no inner side, or by a hollow element comprising both an outer side and an inner side. The outer dimension of the inner peripheral edge can particularly increase gradually and/or uninterruptedly and/or with derived constant along the length thereof or the part of the length thereof. The pressing of the peripheral edge of the sealing means against the upright edge of the container can hereby take place gradually and/or uninterruptedly.

The inner peripheral edge has for instance along at least a part of the length thereof a taperingly increasing outer dimension in the direction of the closing end.

In this application taperingly can alternatively be understood to mean in frustoconical manner, particularly for elements with a substantially round cross-section. A taperingly increasing form is here a form widening in frustoconical manner. A taperingly decreasing form is here a form narrowing in frustoconical manner.

In an embodiment of the cap according to the invention the peripheral wall of the sealing means is movable in axial direction relative to the inner peripheral edge such that when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container the peripheral wall moves in the direction of the closing end, wherein:

- the inner peripheral edge lies with a continuously increasing outer dimension against the peripheral wall of the sealing means and thus presses the peripheral wall to increasing extent against the upright edge of the container; and/or

- when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container, the peripheral wall lies with a continuously increasing thickness and a continuously decreasing inner dimension against the inner peripheral edge and is thereby pressed against the upright edge of the container.

The greater the extent to which the peripheral wall is pressed against the upright edge of the container, the more the sealing capacity of the peripheral wall will increase, and thereby the chance of the cap closing the container in leakproof manner. In order to prevent leakage at least as far as possible it is thus desirable that the peripheral wall is pressed forcefully against the upright edge. When the peripheral edge is pressed more forcefully against the upright edge it does however become more difficult to insert the upright edge in the intermediate space when the cap is being arranged on the container. In this embodiment wherein the peripheral wall of the sealing means is pressed to increasing extent against the upright edge of the container by the axial movement during arranging of the cap, the peripheral wall can be pressed initially to lesser extent, and subsequently to greater extent against the upright edge of the container. It can hereby be relatively easy to arrange the cap on the container, while in the axial end position the peripheral wall can also be pressed with sufficient pressing force against the upright edge.

In this embodiment the arranging of the cap on the container can particularly take place relatively easily because the peripheral wall of the sealing means can already be in its axial end position relative to the container in an initial arranging position of the cap on the container. In other words, the axial starting position of the peripheral wall relative to the container can be the same as its axial end position in this embodiment. The inner peripheral edge is here displaced in axial direction relative to both the peripheral wall of the sealing means and the container between an axial starting position and an axial end position, which axial starting position and end position differ from each other. Because the peripheral wall of the sealing means does not move in axial direction during the arranging on, and particularly the tightening onto, the container of the cap, the peripheral wall moves only in an outward, optionally radially outward, direction due to the form of the inner peripheral edge and/or the form of the peripheral wall. The arranging on and particularly the tightening onto the container of the cap hereby requires relatively little force because no friction occurs between the sealing means and the container in axial direction.

It can be advantageous inter alia in this embodiment, but also in other embodiments, for the peripheral wall not to co-displace with the inner peripheral edge in rotational direction when the cap is screwed onto the container, so that no friction occurs between the sealing means and the container in rotational direction. In other words, the inner peripheral edge and peripheral wall are uncoupled from each other as seen in rotational direction, so that the inner peripheral edge can be displaced rotationally while the peripheral wall does not co-displace with the inner peripheral edge in the rotational direction.

It is noted that it will be apparent to the skilled person that, with a peripheral wall of the sealing means which is displaceable in axial direction relative to the inner peripheral edge, it is possible that during arranging on or tightening onto the container of the cap the peripheral wall moves in axial direction relative to the container while the peripheral edge does not move in axial direction relative to the container, or that the peripheral wall does not move in axial direction relative to the container while the peripheral edge moves in axial direction relative to the container, or that both the peripheral wall and the peripheral edge move in axial direction relative to the container.

The embodiment in which the peripheral wall of the sealing means is displaceable in axial direction relative to the inner peripheral edge can be particularly advantageous when the peripheral wall is deformable or comprises a deformable peripheral part, such as the first part further described below, and in at least a situation where it is connected to the container is pressed sealingly against the upright edge of the container with the deformable peripheral part of the peripheral wall. The upright edge of the container can in that case be placed first adjacently of and/or against the deformable peripheral wall or the deformable peripheral part of the peripheral wall, after which the inner peripheral edge can come to lie with a continuously increasing outer dimension against the peripheral wall as a result of said axial movement and/or the peripheral wall lies with a continuously increasing thickness and a continuously decreasing inner dimension against the inner peripheral edge. This results in an increasing pressing force in a substantially, optionally radial, outward direction, i.e. directed from the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge. A pressing force in precisely this direction results in deformations in this same direction, whereby the deformable peripheral wall or the deformable peripheral part thereof is pressed sealingly against the upright edge.

During the axial displacement the peripheral wall of the sealing means can move relative to the inner peripheral edge at least from a first position at a first greater distance from the closing end to a second position at a second smaller distance from the closing end.

The peripheral wall of the sealing means can if desired move here relative to the inner peripheral edge between a first position at a first greater distance from the closing end and a second position at a second smaller distance from the closing end.

The first and second distances can be defined here between an end of the peripheral wall directed toward the closing end and the closing end in respectively the first and second position.

In the second position it may be the case that the peripheral wall of the sealing means, in particular the end thereof directed toward the closing end, lies against the closing end. The second distance can here be zero.

In the embodiment in which the peripheral wall of the sealing means is displaceable in axial direction relative to the inner peripheral edge it can be the case in practical manner that the inner peripheral edge has said increasing outer dimension, whereby it comes to lie with its continuously increasing outer dimension against the peripheral wall of the sealing means, or that the peripheral wall of the sealing means has said increasing thickness and decreasing inner dimension whereby it lies with its continuously increasing thickness and decreasing inner dimension against the inner peripheral edge, or that both the inner peripheral edge has said increasing outer dimension whereby it comes to lie with it continuously increasing outer dimension against the peripheral wall of the sealing means, and the peripheral wall of the sealing means has said increasing thickness and decreasing inner dimension whereby it lies with its continuously increasing thickness and decreasing inner dimension against the inner peripheral edge.

In another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the peripheral wall of the sealing means comprises on the end thereof directed toward the closing end a stop element, such as a protrusion, a flange or a collar, extending in the direction of the outer peripheral edge, which stop element is configured, when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container, to be moved in the direction of the closing end by the upright edge of the container in order to move the peripheral wall in the direction of the closing end.

A stop element extending in the direction of the outer peripheral edge hereby extends over at least a part of the width of the intermediate space. When the upright edge of the container is arranged in the intermediate space, the upright edge of the container will at a given moment come to lie against the stop element. When the upright edge is then moved still further in the direction of the closing end, the upright edge will move the stop element, and thereby the peripheral wall, in the direction of the closing end.

The stop element can extend for instance as a flange or collar over the circumference of the peripheral wall. One or more stop elements, for instance in the form of one or more protrusions, can alternatively be provided.

The stop element can in particular extend here transversely of the length direction of the peripheral wall, i.e. in the direction of the outer peripheral wall. The stop element can in particular extend along at least a part of the width of the intermediate space.

In said alternative or additional solution of the invention in particular it can be advantageous for the peripheral wall of the sealing means to be displaceable in axial direction relative to the inner peripheral edge, such that when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container the peripheral wall moves in the direction of the closing end, wherein the peripheral wall of the sealing means increases in thickness along at least a part of the length thereof in a direction away from the closing end and has a decreasing inner dimension here such that, when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container, the peripheral wall lies with a continuously increasing thickness and a continuously decreasing inner dimension against the inner peripheral edge, and is thereby pressed against the upright edge of the container.

Due to the increase in thickness and the decreasing inner dimension with which the peripheral wall lies against the inner peripheral edge the force of the inner peripheral edge on the peripheral wall increases when the cap is arranged in an axial direction on a said container. The peripheral wall is hereby pressed to increasing extent against the upright edge, whereby an increasingly better seal can be achieved and/or an increasingly smaller chance of leakage can be achieved.

In particular only the inner dimension of the peripheral wall decreases in the direction away from the closing end. The outer dimension of the peripheral wall particularly remains substantially the same along the length of the peripheral wall. In other words, an outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall, as seen in the length direction, is disposed substantially parallel to the upright edge and/or the outer peripheral wall, while an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall is disposed at an angle which is not 0° relative to the upright edge and/or the outer peripheral wall. It can hereby be easier to arrange the cap on the container because the upright edge of the container fits more easily into the intermediate space.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the peripheral wall of the sealing means has along at least a part of the length thereof a taperingly decreasing inner dimension in a direction away from the closing end, wherein the tapering (parts of the) inner peripheral edge and peripheral wall optionally have the same angle relative to the outer peripheral edge, wherein the angle is chosen for instance between 5° and 15°, is in particular about 10°.

Applicant has found that a taperingly decreasing inner dimension optionally having the same angle as the tapering increasing outer dimension of the inner peripheral edge can result in an at least sufficient seal and/or a smaller chance of leakage. Applicant has also found that at an angle of about 5 °- 15°, in particular about 10°, the cap is easy to arrange on the container and an at least sufficient seal can be achieved and/or a sufficiently small chance of leakage can be achieved.

When the tapering (parts of the) inner peripheral edge and peripheral wall have the same angle relative to the outer peripheral edge, they are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the peripheral wall of the sealing means comprises a first part of a first deformable and/or flexible material and a second part of a second material, which second material is stiffer than the first material, wherein the second part is disposed between the inner peripheral edge and the first part, wherein the second part is movable between a first innermost position and a second outermost position, and wherein during arranging of the cap in an axial direction on a said container the inner peripheral edge lies with a continuously increasing outer dimension against the second part and thereby moves the second part from its first innermost position in the direction of the upright edge of the container to its second outermost position, and whereby the second part presses the first part against the upright edge of the container.

Because the second part is moved from its innermost to its outermost position during arranging of the cap, the first part is pressed outward, so in the direction of the outer peripheral edge. Because the first part is deformable, the first part will be pressed against the upright edge by the inner peripheral edge and the second part of the peripheral wall under the influence of the increasing pressing force, and thereby deform. Because the first part deforms, an exceptionally good seal with the upright edge can be provided which can ensure a relatively small chance of leakage.

It is noted here that the second part is at least stiffer than the first part, but need not be undeformable. The second part is in particular stiff enough to distribute a pressing force of the inner peripheral edge over the whole circumference and so transmit this force to the first part, but flexible and/or deformable enough to be moved between the innermost and outermost positions. It will be apparent here that the second part is stiffer than the first part, and the first part is more deformable and/or flexible than the second part.

Over the whole outer circumference of the peripheral wall the first part particularly does not have any discontinuities such as openings, holes, passages, notches or the like so as to thus provide a seal with the upright edge along the whole circumference, at least in the situation where the cap is connected to the container.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the second part is provided with notches or recesses disposed substantially parallel to the length of the peripheral wall in order to enable the movement of the second part between its first innermost position and its second outermost position.

Because of the notches or recesses the second part can move, in particular in a

substantially radial direction, between its innermost and outermost position. The first part is hereby pressed in this substantially radial direction against the upright edge, whereby an at least sufficient seal can be provided and/or whereby the chance of leakage can be sufficiently reduced.

Because of the notches or recesses the second part can thus be flexible to some extent while the material from which the second part is manufactured need not be flexible.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the cap is provided with resilient means for biasing the second part to its first position and/or for moving the peripheral wall in an axial direction away from the closing end.

Because of the resilient means for biasing the second part to the first innermost position, the second part can be moved to a position when the cap is not connected to a container. When the second part is in this position, it is relatively easy to arrange the cap on the container. When a resilient means is provided for moving the peripheral wall away from the closing end, which resilient means can be the same resilient means as or a resilient means other than that for biasing the second part to the first position, the peripheral wall can also be moved to a position in which the cap can be arranged relatively easily on the or a container. Biasing of the peripheral wall away from the closing end with the resilient means can comprise of biasing the peripheral wall to its first position, so at the greater distance from the closing end.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the first part is manufactured from TPE and/or the second part is manufactured from PE.

Applicant has found that when the first part is manufactured from TPE an at least sufficient seal can be obtained and/or the chance of leakage can be sufficiently reduced. Applicant has also found that when the second part is manufactured from PE sufficient force can be transmitted to the first part and can be distributed thereover in order to obtain an at least sufficient seal and/or achieve a sufficiently small chance of leakage.

The inner peripheral wall and/or the outer peripheral wall and/or the closing end of the cap can be manufactured from PE.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the peripheral wall is provided on its outer circumference with one or more peripheral ribs.

In a situation where the cap is connected to the container the one or more peripheral ribs lie against the upright edge of the container. A pressing force of the peripheral wall on the upright edge of the container will be concentrated at the one or more peripheral ribs because these protrude outward in the direction of the upright edge relative to the outer surface of the peripheral wall. Because of this concentration of forces on the peripheral ribs it is precisely here that a particularly good seal can occur which reduces the chance of leakage. When the peripheral ribs are deformable or flexible, for instance because they are part of the first part of the peripheral wall, under the influence of the pressing force of the peripheral wall on the upright edge they can deform in both the length direction of the peripheral wall and the radial direction of the peripheral wall in order to thus provide an exceptionally good seal.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the sealing means further comprise a sealing end which is connected to the peripheral wall to sealingly close the end of the peripheral wall disposed away from the closing end.

When the sealing end seals the end of the peripheral wall disposed away from the closing end, liquid from the container could only leave the container on the outer side of the peripheral wall, i.e. between the peripheral wall and the upright edge of the container, if the peripheral wall were not to seal against the upright edge. A seal hereby need only be provided between the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall and the upright edge of the container for the cap to provide a sufficiently leakproof seal which, as elucidated above, is provided by pressing the peripheral wall of the sealing means against the upright edge of the container. Additionally or alternatively, the peripheral wall can be given a particularly sturdy form because of the closing end.

The sealing end can likewise prevent the liquid held in the container coming into contact with parts of the cap other than the sealing means. This can be particularly advantageous when for instance a volatile and/or corrosive, acidic, basic or other aggressive liquid is being held in the container. This is because a container is required for holding such liquids which can withstand these liquids and/or is even not permeable by the gaseous form of these liquids, or hardly so. When only the sealing means can come into contact with the liquid, but not the rest of the cap, only the sealing means have to meet these strict requirements. This provides the option of manufacturing the cap in relatively simple manner and/or from an inexpensive material.

Just as the peripheral wall of the sealing means, the sealing end can comprise a first part of a first deformable and/or flexible material and a second part of a second material, which second material is stiff than the first material.

The second part can be disposed here on a side of the sealing end facing toward the closing end, while the first part can be disposed on a side of the sealing end remote from the closing end. The first part, and in particular only the first part, can in this way be in or come into contact with liquid in the container when the cap is arranged during use on a container filled with liquid.

The material properties as described above with reference to the first part and/or second part of the peripheral wall can be the same for respectively the first part and/or the second part of the sealing end. The first part can in particular be manufactured from TPE and/or the second part can be manufactured from PE.

The first part of the sealing end can be formed integrally from one monolithic part with the first part of the peripheral wall. The second part of the sealing end can be formed integrally from one monolithic part with the second part of the peripheral wall.

The second part of the sealing end can be provided with notches or recesses extending in radial direction. Such recesses extending in radial direction can optionally debouch at the notches or recesses of the second part of the peripheral wall which are disposed substantially parallel to the length of the peripheral wall.

Over the whole the whole surface of the sealing end the first part particularly does not have any discontinuities such as openings, holes, passages, notches or the like so as to thus provide a seal along the whole surface of the sealing end.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the sealing means are releasably connectable to the cap, for instance by means of a click or snap connection.

Because the sealing means are releasably connectable to the cap, the sealing means and the cap can be manufactured separately of each other and then connected, which can result in advantages in terms of production engineering. The connection of the sealing means and the cap can take place easily with the use of a click or snap connection, whereby cost and/or time can also be saved.

This can further provide the advantage that worn sealing means and/or the rest of the cap can be replaced independently of each other and/or that the sealing means and/or the rest of the cap can be recycled separately of each other.

In yet another embodiment of the cap according to the invention the outer peripheral edge is provided with an internal screw thread for connection to an external screw thread of the upright edge of a said container.

By means of the screw thread the cap can be fastened onto the container with little risk of it coming loose. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the peripheral wall is movable relative to the inner peripheral edge and when a spring is optionally provided for moving the peripheral wall away from the closing end, since the axial movement of the peripheral wall which contributes toward the sealing can thus be brought about gradually and with sufficient force. The screw thread can likewise ensure that the spring does not move the peripheral wall in unintended manner away from the closing end of the cap when the cap is still connected to the container, whereby in undesirable manner the cap would no longer seal or would seal less well and/or would increase the chance of leakage.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a container with an upright edge such as a bottle, jerrycan or the like and a cap as specified above.

Such an assembly can of itself or in any appropriate random combination have the above stated features and provide the associated advantages.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a cap according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the cap of figure 1, wherein the sealing means are shown separately of the rest of the cap;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the cap of figures 1 and 2, wherein the two parts of the sealing means are shown separately of each other and the rest of the cap;

Figure 4A is a perspective exploded view of the components of the cap of figures 1-3;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of the assembled cap of figures 1-4A; and

Figures 5A-5D show cross-sections of different steps in a process wherein the cap of figures 1-4B is arranged on a container.

The same elements are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals.

Figures 1-5D show a cap 1 for closing a container 2 with an upright edge 3 (see figures 5A-5D in which upright edge 3 of the container is shown). Container 2 can be for instance a bottle, jerrycan or the like. Cap 1 comprises a closing end 4 and an outer peripheral edge 5 extending from closing end 4. Outer peripheral edge 5 can be connected to upright edge 3 of container 2. Upright edge 3 of container 2 is provided in this case with an external screw thread 6. Outer peripheral edge 5 of cap 1 is provided on its inner side with a complementary internal screw thread 7. Cap 1 can be fastened onto container 2 by means of the external screw thread 6 and the internal screw thread 7. Cap 1 is also provided with an inner peripheral edge 8 extending a determined distance from outer peripheral edge 5 of cap 1. Inner peripheral edge 8 extends from closing end 4. In this embodiment inner peripheral edge 8 is disposed substantially parallel to and concentrically with outer peripheral edge 5. Inner peripheral edge 8 is placed further inward relative to outer peripheral edge 5.

Cap 1 further comprises sealing means 9 with a peripheral wall 10. Sealing means 9 are in this case provided as separate element and releasably connectable to the rest of cap 1, though it could alternatively be the case that the cap and sealing means are formed from one monolithic element. Sealing means 9 and the rest of cap 1 are provided in this embodiment with mutually co acting connecting means 14, 15, in this case a snap connection 14, 15. Sealing means 9 and the rest of cap 1 can hereby be manufactured separately and later connected to each other by means of snap connection 14, 15. Snap connection 14, 15 is in this case also releasable again so that sealing means 9 can if desired be replaced separately of the rest of cap 1. During use of cap 1 the sealing means 9 are connected thereto. Peripheral wall 10 is further disposed between inner peripheral edge 8 and outer peripheral edge 5, at least during use of the cap (see figures 1 and 5A-5D).

Peripheral wall 10 lies here against inner peripheral edge 8 and at a distance from outer peripheral edge 5 with an intermediate space do. The intermediate space do is suitable for accommodating at least a portion of the upright edge 3 of container 2. In order to arrange cap 1 on container 2 the upright edge 3 of container 2 is arranged at least partially in an axial direction Li in intermediate space do of cap 1 (see the sequence of figures 5A-5D).

In figures 5A-5D the axial direction of container 2 relative to cap 1 is indicated with Li and the axial direction of cap 1 relative to the container is indicated with L ₂ . When reference is made to a direction toward closing end 4, this is understood to mean the axial direction Li of container 2 relative to cap 1. When reference is made to a direction away from closing end 4, this is understood to mean the axial direction L ₂ of cap 1 relative to container 2. Further shown in figure 1 is the length direction L, to which the length direction of inner peripheral edge 8, outer peripheral edge 5, peripheral wall 10 and upright edge 3 is parallel. In this embodiment the length direction L and axial directions Li and L ₂ are parallel to each other. Figure 1 also shows the radial direction R for inner peripheral edge 8, outer peripheral edge 5, peripheral wall 10 and upright edge 3 which is parallel to a direction from a centre point to a circumference of these elements. Indicated in figure 2 is circumferential direction C which is parallel to the circumference of these elements.

Inner peripheral edge 8 has a length h which is defined as parallel to the length direction L. Inner peripheral edge 8 of cap 1 has along a part lf of its length fi, in this case from a free end 81 of inner peripheral edge 8, an outer dimension ru, i . ru _l2 which increases in the direction of closing end 4 from a first smaller outer dimension run at the free end 81 to a second greater outer dimension nii ₂ . The thickness t, _| . t _l2 of inner peripheral edge 8 hereby increases in the direction of closing end 4 from a first smaller thickness t,i to a second greater thickness t _l2 . In this case the outer dimension run. ru _l2 taperingly increases here. In this specific embodiment the inner peripheral edge 8 has its second outer dimension ru _l2 and second thickness t _l2 at about one third of the total length f of inner peripheral edge 8 as seen from the free end 81 thereof, or at about two thirds from closing end 4. In this specific embodiment the angle a of the outer dimension ru, i . ru _l2 is about 10°. The angle a is defined here between the length direction L of inner peripheral edge 8 and/or of outer peripheral edge 5 and the part of the outer surface of inner peripheral edge 8 with increasing outer dimension ru, _| . nii ₂ . When cap 1 is placed in an axial direction L ₂ on container 2, upright edge 3 of container 2 moves in axial direction Li relative to cap 1 in the direction of closing end 4. Because inner peripheral edge 8 of cap 1 has in this direction a continuously increasing outer dimension mu, ni ₂ along at least a part lf of the length h thereof, a transverse distance di, i.e. the distance in a transverse direction perpendicularly of said axial direction Li, L ₂ , between inner peripheral edge 8 of cap 1 and outer peripheral edge 5, and so also the distance between inner peripheral edge 8 and upright edge 3 of container 2, becomes continuously smaller so that peripheral wall 10 of sealing means 9 is pressed against upright edge 3 of container 2.

In the embodiment shown in the figures peripheral wall 10 of sealing means 9 is movable in the axial direction Li, L ₂ relative to inner peripheral edge 8. When cap 1 is arranged on container 2 and upright edge 3 of container 2 thus moves in the direction of closing end 4 relative to cap 1, peripheral wall 10 also moves in the direction of closing end 4 relative to inner peripheral edge 8 (compare figures 5C and 5D). Owing to the increasing outer dimension run. rui ₂ of inner peripheral wall 8 of sealing means 9 the inner peripheral edge 8 lies with a continuously increasing outer dimension run. nii ₂ against peripheral wall 10 when peripheral wall 10 moves in the direction of closing end 4. Owing to the increasing outer dimension ru, i . ru _l2 of inner peripheral edge 8 the peripheral wall 10 is pressed outward, in this embodiment in a radially outward direction.

Peripheral wall 10 is hereby pressed to increasing extent against upright edge 3 of container 2. The increase in the pressing force provides for an increasing sealing. In this embodiment peripheral wall 10 is provided with a stop element 11 which consists in this case of a flange 11 which is disposed over the circumference of peripheral wall 10 and extends in the direction of outer peripheral wall 5 from the end 102 of peripheral wall 10 directed toward closing end 4. The peripheral wall has a length l ₂ which is defined parallel to the length direction L. In this case flange 11 lies at right angles to the circumferential direction C of peripheral wall 10 and to the length direction L of peripheral wall 11, whereby the flange extends in the intermediate space do. When an upright edge 3 of a container 2 is inserted into intermediate space do and moved in the direction of closing end 4, this flange 11 is moved in the direction of closing end 4, whereby peripheral wall 10 also moves in the direction of closing end 4. In the embodiment of the figures the peripheral wall 10 has a thickness t _0i , t ₀ 2 which is smaller close to the end 102 of peripheral wall 10 directed toward closing end 4 than at the end 101 remote from closing end 4. The thickness t _0i , t ₀ 2 of peripheral wall 10 thus increases in the direction away from closing end 4 from a first smaller thickness t ₀ 2 to a second greater thickness t _oi or, in other words, the thickness t _0i , t ₀ 2 of peripheral wall 10 decreases in the direction of closing end 4 from the second greater thickness t _0i to the first smaller thickness t ₀ 2- In this embodiment an inner dimension ri _0i , ri _o2 of peripheral wall 10 increases here in the direction of closing end 4 from a first smaller inner dimension ri _0i to a second greater inner dimension ri _o2 , while an outer dimension r _u0 of peripheral wall 10 remains substantially the same in this direction. When peripheral wall 10 is moved in the direction of closing end 4 during arranging of cap 1 in axial direction L ₂ on container 2, peripheral wall 10 lies with a continuously increasing thickness t _oi , t ₀ 2 and a continuously decreasing inner dimension ri _0i , ri _o2 against inner peripheral edge 8. Peripheral wall 10 is hereby pressed by inner peripheral edge 8 against upright edge 3 of container 2 and/or pressed increasingly forcefully against upright edge 3 during arranging of cap 1 thereon. The increasing inner dimension ri _0i , ri _o2 of peripheral wall 10 results in this case in a taperingly decreasing form of peripheral wall 10 in the direction of closing end 4. The angle which the tapering part of peripheral wall 10 makes with the length direction L of peripheral wall 10 is in this case equal to the angle a which the tapering part of inner peripheral edge 8 makes with the length direction L thereof, i.e. about 10°. Peripheral wall 10 is further provided with peripheral ribs 12 running along the whole circumference of peripheral wall 10 on the outer side thereof. Peripheral ribs 12 protrude outward relative to a main plane of an outer side of peripheral wall 10. When cap 1 is placed on a container 2, peripheral ribs 12 thus lie against upright edge 3 of container 2. The pressing force of peripheral wall 10 on upright edge 3 of container 2 will thus be first concentrated at peripheral ribs 12, which can thereby provide for a good seal.

In figures 2-4A sealing means 9 are shown separately of the rest of cap 1. In figures 3 and 4A can be seen that sealing means 9 consist in turn of a first part 91 and a second part 92. First part

91 comprises a first material which is deformable and/or flexible. The material is in this case a TPE. First part 91 can hereby deform to some extent. Second part 92 comprises a second material which is stiffer than the first material of first part 91. The material is in this case a PE. Second part

92 is hereby less deformable and/or flexible than first part 91. Second part 92 and first part 91 can be disposed substantially concentrically to each other, wherein second part 92 is placed on the inner side of first part 91 so that they together form sealing means 9. When sealing means 9 are connected to the rest of cap 1, second part 92 is disposed between inner peripheral edge 8 and first part 91. Second part 92 is movable between a first innermost position (see figures 5A-5C) and a second outermost position (see figure 5D). When peripheral wall 10 is moved in the direction of closing end 4, inner peripheral edge 8 lies with a continuously increasing outer dimension ru, i . nii ₂ against second part 92, whereby second part 92 moves in the direction of upright edge 3 of container 2 from its innermost position (figure 5C) to its outermost position (figure 5D). During arranging of cap 1 on container 2 the second part 92 thus moves radially outward, whereby first part 91 is pressed by second part 92 against upright edge 3 of the container. Because second part 92 is relatively stiff, the pressing force is distributed over substantially the whole circumference of peripheral wall 10. Because first part 91 comprises a deformable and/or flexible material, it can deform against upright edge 3 of container 2 under the influence of the pressing force of second part 92. It is noted here that first part 91 will substantially retain its shape despite the deformation. This is because first part 91 deforms mainly on its outer surface that makes contact with upright edge 3 of container 2 and thereby provides for a seal against peripheral wall 3. In the case peripheral wall 10 is provided with peripheral ribs 12 the peripheral ribs 12 are arranged on the outer side of first part 91 and manufactured from the same deformable and/or flexible material as first part 91 and/or manufactured monolithically therewith from one element. Peripheral ribs 12 are therefore also deformable and/or flexible as a result. When peripheral wall 10 is pressed with peripheral ribs 12 against upright edge 3, it is particularly the peripheral ribs 12 which deform so as to thus provide a good seal against upright edge 3 of container 2 by lying against it (see deformed peripheral ribs 12' in figure 5D). Second part 92 is provided with recesses 93 disposed substantially parallel to the length 1 ₂ of peripheral wall 10. Owing to these recesses 93 the second part 92 can move from its innermost to its outermost position and back because the recesses facilitate a radial contraction and expansion of second part 92. First part 91 of sealing means 9 is provided with protrusions 94 which run in the length direction L of sealing means 9 and correspond to recesses 93 in the second part, so that protrusions 94 are received in recesses 93 when first part 91 and second part 92 are connected to each other.

Sealing means 9 are further provided with a sealing end 13 which closes an end 101 of peripheral wall 10 remote from closing end 4. Sealing end 13 has in this case a compound function. Because sealing end 13 is spherical in the direction of closing end 4, sealing end 13 forms resilient means. In the embodiment shown in the figures second part 92 also extends along sealing end 13. Second part 92 along sealing end 13 is provided with recesses 95 which extend in radial direction R and which debouch at the recesses 93 in second part 92 which are disposed parallel to the length l ₂ of peripheral wall 10. These radial recesses 95 contribute toward the flexibility of second part 92 so that it can move between its first and second positions. When second part 92 of the sealing means moves from its innermost to its outermost position, the spherical sealing end 13 moves radially outward and, with elastic deformation, thereby becomes less spherical. The thereby resulting resilient force biases second part 92 back again to its innermost position when upright edge 3 of container 2 is removed from intermediate space do, i.e. when cap 1 is being or has been removed from container 2. The resilient means here also bias the peripheral wall away from closing end 4 using the increasing outer dimension ru _M . nii ₂ of inner peripheral edge 8 in the direction of closing end 4. When cap 1 is arranged on the container the peripheral wall 10 moves as described above in the direction of closing end 4, and during elastic deformation of sealing end 13 second part 92 moves to its second position counter to a resilient force created by this elastic deformation. When cap 1 is removed from container 2 the peripheral wall 10 moves back again away from closing end 4 and second part 92 moves again to its innermost position due to the resilient means formed by sealing end 13. Sealing end 13 further blocks a possible liquid passage along the inner side of peripheral wall 10. Liquid from container 2 could hereby only leave container 2 along the outer side of peripheral wall 10 if it were not to he sealingly against upright edge 3 of container 2 as described above. Sealing end 13 hereby also prevents liquid from container 2 coming into contact with the rest of cap 1, which therefore cannot be adversely affected by the liquid and also need not be given a liquid and/or gas-impermeable form. Figures 5A-5D show how cap 1 can be arranged on container 2. In figure 5 A cap 1 is first disposed in concentric manner above upright edge 3 of container 2. Sealing means 9 have already been connected in a previous step (not shown) to the rest of cap 1 by snap connection 14, 15. By moving cap 1 with the outer peripheral edge 5 thereof in the axial direction L ₂ round upright edge 3 of container 2 the upright edge 3 comes to lie in intermediate space do of cap 1. Cap 1 is in this case fastened, in particular screwed, onto upright edge 3 by means of the complementary screw threads 6, 7, so by being rotated relative to container 2. It can be seen in figure 5B how upright edge 3 is already partially arranged in intermediate space do. Peripheral wall 10 hereby already lies partially against upright edge 3 but is not yet being pressed firmly against it. By further rotating, and so moving the cap 1 in the axial direction L ₂ relative to container 2 the upright edge 3 is moved increasingly further into intermediate space do in the direction of closing end 4 until upright edge 3 reaches the stop element in the form of flange 11 as shown in figure 5C. Peripheral wall 10 at that moment lies against upright edge 3 of the container with a pressing force which is greater than in the situation of figure 5B. By now moving cap 1 still further in axial direction L ₂ relative to container 2 the upright edge 3 will push flange 11 of sealing means 9 in the direction of closing end 4. Peripheral wall 10 will hereby also move in the direction of closing end 4. Because the outer dimension run. ni ₂ of inner peripheral edge 8 increases in this direction, second part 92 of peripheral wall 10 will be pressed outward. Second part 92 therefore presses first part 91 of peripheral wall 10 against upright edge 3 of the container. First part 91 deforms here, wherein peripheral ribs 12 deform the most. When cap 1 is taken off container 2 again, peripheral wall 10 is biased back again away from closing end 4 by the resilient means formed by sealing end 13. Second part 92 of peripheral wall 10 moves back here to its innermost position. After removal from container 2 cap 1 can hereby be arranged again if desired on the or another container 2.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the shown embodiments, but also extends to variants within the scope of the appended claims.

For instance, though not exclusively, all stated dimensions, angles and the like are thus given by way of example and can if desired be chosen differently.