RU2801539C2 - Container lid, combination of the lid and the neck of the container - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: container lids.

SUBSTANCE: lid for a container comprises a side wall extending around the axis and a transverse wall located at the end of the side wall, wherein a separating line is made on the side wall to form a retaining ring that remains attached to the neck of the container, and a closure element that can connect with the neck with the possibility of disconnection, providing opening or closing of the container. Moreover, the separating line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction with the formation of a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cut line passing transversely to the axis between the separating line and the free edge of the retaining ring so that between the separating line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring and the connecting part. Moreover, the connecting strips have a radial thickness measured in the radial direction, as well as a height measured parallel to the axis. Moreover, the ratio between the height and the radial thickness of the connecting strips is greater than or equal to 1.4, and the said ratio is less than or equal to 6.5. The group of inventions also relates to a combination of a lid and a container neck (variants). The aim of the invention is to improve known types of closures, in particular closures comprising a retaining ring that remains connected to the neck of the container, and a closure element that can releasably interact with the neck, allowing the user to open or close the container. Another purpose is to provide a container lid of the above type that is easy to manufacture. Yet another purpose is to provide a closure for a container having a closure that remains connected to the retaining ring and which does not require the use of very complicated moulds for its manufacture. Yet another purpose is to provide a container lid comprising a closure that remains connected to the retaining ring, the closure being held stationary in the open position. Another object of the invention is to provide a lid for a container which, when open, reduces the risk of the closure element accidentally hitting the user's face or preventing the substance contained in the container from pouring into a glass or similar vessel.

EFFECT: improved known types of closures.

29 cl, 16 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a lid for a container, in particular to a lid having a retaining ring which can be connected to the neck of the container, the lid also having a closure which remains connected to the retaining ring after opening. The closure according to the invention is particularly, inter alia, suitable for bottles intended for the storage of liquid substances.

The invention also relates to the combination of a lid and a container neck.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a lid for a container.

Known caps for bottles containing a cap made with an internal thread designed to interact with the external thread of the neck of the bottle. In addition, prior art closures are provided with a tamper-evident ring connected to the cap by breakable members. When the lid is opened for the first time, the rupture of the breakable elements causes the cap to separate from the first opening control ring. The tamper evident ring remains connected to the neck of the bottle while the cap can be unscrewed by the user, thereby separating it from the bottle to gain access to the contents of the bottle. Subsequently, the cap can be screwed back onto the neck to close the bottle again.

Sometimes, after emptying the bottle, the user either intentionally or accidentally drops the cap on the ground and the bottle, together with the first tamper-evident ring connected to it, is properly disposed of in a waste bin.

To overcome this drawback, closures have been proposed having a retaining ring that can be connected to the neck of the bottle and a closure connected to the retaining ring by means of a hinge. The closure can be pivoted around a hinge between an open position where the user can access the contents of the bottle and a closed position where the closure prevents access to the bottle. The hinge keeps the closure connected to the retaining ring and hence to the bottle, thereby preventing the closure from being thrown to the ground separately from the bottle.

However, a disadvantage of prior art hinged lids is that they are rather difficult to manufacture. In fact, the hinge is usually formed in the same mold in which the lid is made, in particular by injection molding or pressing.

Thus, for the manufacture of closures made with a known type of hinge, it is necessary to use special molds different from those normally used for the production of closures without a hinge. These molds are more complex than conventional molds, in particular because lids made with a known type of hinge may have notched parts which therefore require special tools to be removed from the mold.

Moreover, closures made with a known type of hinge may have zones of very thin thickness which are difficult to manufacture because the molten polymeric material does not readily flow into those portions of the mold intended to form said zones.

As a result, the costs associated with the manufacture of hinged closures and/or the cycle time required to produce them increase.

In lids made with a known type of hinge, the closing element sometimes, after being moved to the open position, closes prematurely by pivoting around the hinge. It may also be the case that the closure element rotates partially around the hinge, thereby moving into a vertical or almost vertical position. In these cases, the closure may unpleasantly hit the face of a user drinking from a bottle to which a hinged cap is attached, or may be positioned in a predetermined manner, but between the bottle and a vessel, such as a glass, into which the liquid contained in the bottle is poured.

Moreover, in hinged closures of the known type, after the closing element has been moved to the open position, the retaining ring, which has remained connected to the neck, freely rotates around this neck. Therefore, it may happen that when the user drinks the liquid contained in the bottle to which the hinged cap is attached, or pours the liquid contained in the bottle into a glass, the holding ring together with the closure element rotates around the neck by gravity. In such a case, the closure may hit the face of the user who is drinking from the bottle, or be caught between the neck of the bottle and the glass, preventing liquid from pouring into the glass.

The aim of the invention is to improve known types of closures, in particular closures comprising a retaining ring that remains connected to the neck of the container, and a closure element that can releasably interact with the neck, allowing the user to open or close the container.

Another object is to provide a container lid of the above type that is easy to manufacture.

Yet another object is to provide a closure for a container having a closure that remains connected to the retaining ring and which does not require the use of very complicated molds for its manufacture.

Yet another object is to provide a container lid comprising a closure that remains connected to the retaining ring, the closure being held stationary in the open position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lid for a container which, when open, reduces the risk of the closure element accidentally hitting the user's face or preventing the substance contained in the container from pouring into a glass or similar vessel.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a combination of a container lid and a container neck is provided,

moreover, the neck is limited by an outer surface from which an annular protrusion extends, while the outer surface extends to the edge of the neck,

and the lid comprises a side wall extending around the axis, wherein a dividing line is made on the side wall to form:

- a retaining ring configured to interact with the annular protrusion to remain attached to the neck,

- and a closing element which can be releasably connected to the neck, allowing this element to move between closed and open positions;

wherein the separating line extends around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closure element,

wherein the cover additionally has a slit line passing transversely to the axis between the separating line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the separating line and the slit line, two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part,

and moreover, the connecting strips are made with the possibility of deformation, allowing rotation of the connecting part when moving the closing element from the closed position to the open position, so that the edge of the connecting part, which in the closed position faces the retaining ring, in the open position faces the edge of the neck.

According to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to make a lid which, in the open position, can remain stable. Indeed, when the connecting part is rotated during the transition of the closing element from the closed position to the open position, an interaction occurs between the connecting part and the neck of the container. This interaction is maintained even in the open position. In order to return the closing element to the closed position, a certain force must be applied to it, overcoming the interaction that occurs between the neck and the connecting part. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the closure element to return to the closed position on its own.

In more detail, in the open position, the connecting part rests on the neck of the container, and the connecting strips, which have been deformed, exert a force on this part, which tends to keep it in contact with the neck of the container. This causes an interaction between the connecting part and the neck of the container, which stably holds the closure element in the open position.

Due to the interaction between the connecting part and the neck, rotation of the cap, in particular the retaining ring, around the neck is also difficult.

According to an embodiment, the connecting strips can be deformed as a result of the torsional movement when the closing element is moved from the closed position to the open position.

This twisting movement may affect at least one part of the height of each connecting strip, the height being defined as the dimension of the connecting strip in the direction parallel to the axis, in the closed position of the closing element.

This allows the connecting part to be rotated, as previously described, without breaking or weakening lines located between said part and the connecting strips. Therefore, the manufacture of the cap is facilitated.

While the connecting part rotates and its edge slides in contact with the neck until it reaches the open position in which the edge of the connecting part faces the edge of the neck, an interaction is created between the connecting part and the neck, which reaches a maximum value when the specified part along essentially perpendicular to the neck, and which decreases (but does not reach zero) after the connecting part is folded back and rests on the neck with the edge up.

The user who moves the closure element towards the open position is signaled that the position where the interaction is maximum has already been passed when his/her hand feels a kind of vibration which lets him/her know that the closure element has been moved to a stable open position. As a result, the user is assured that he has opened the container correctly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination of a cap for a container and a neck of the container is provided, wherein the neck is delimited by an outer surface from which an annular protrusion extends, the outer surface extending to the edge of the neck, which in operation faces upwards, and the lid comprises a side wall extending around the axis , while a dividing line is made on the side wall, providing the formation of:

- a retaining ring configured to interact with the annular protrusion to remain attached to the neck,

- and a closing element which can be releasably connected to the neck, allowing this element to move between closed and open positions;

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part, while the connecting strips can be deformed as a result of a twisting movement, which affects at least one part of the height of each connecting strip, so that the connecting part rotates relative to the connecting strips when the closing element is moved from from the closed position to the open position, and the edge of the connecting part, which in the closed position faces the retaining ring, at least in its central part is located above the annular ledge, while between the connecting part and the neck, an interaction is created that holds the closing element in the open position .

According to the second aspect of the invention, premature return of the closure element to the closed position can be prevented. Moreover, when the cap is open, the interaction between the connecting part and the neck, and possibly also between the connecting strips and the neck, prevents the retaining ring from freely rotating around the neck together with the closure element attached thereto.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a combination of a cap for a container and a neck of the container is provided, wherein the neck is delimited by an outer surface from which an annular protrusion extends, the outer surface extending to the edge of the neck, and the lid comprising a side wall extending around the axis, wherein on the side wall a dividing line was made to provide education:

- a retaining ring configured to interact with the annular protrusion to remain attached to the neck,

- and a closing element which can be releasably connected to the neck, allowing this element to be moved between closed and open positions,

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part, and each connecting strip contains the first part adjacent to the dividing line, and the second part adjacent to the cut line, while the first part is made with the possibility of stretching in the radial direction, so that when closing the element is moved from the closed position to the open position, the second part is twisted, thus passing under the first part.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the deformation of the connecting strips creates an interaction between the connecting part and the neck of the container, which allows you to stably hold the closing element in the open position.

In the embodiment according to the aspects of the invention described above, the distance between the dividing line and the slicing line is equal to or 0.8 times greater than half the difference between the outer diameter of the collar and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck just above said projection.

More precisely, the distance between the dividing line and the cut line is equal to or 1.5 times greater than half the difference between the outer diameter of the annular projection and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck immediately above the said projection.

The above distance is measured parallel to the axis of the side wall when the closing element is in the closed position. Thus, this distance corresponds to the height of the connecting strips.

Investigations have shown that the distance between the dividing line and the cut line as indicated above ensures proper deformation of the connecting strips when the closure element moves from the closed position to the open position. In particular, if the distance between the dividing line and the cutting line satisfies the above condition, a state of interaction occurs between the connecting part and the neck, which contributes greatly to holding the closure in the open position.

Preferably, the distance between the dividing line and the cutting line is equal to or 2 times greater than half the difference between the outer diameter of the annular projection and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck just above said projection.

Even more preferably, the distance between the dividing line and the slicing line is equal to or 2.5 times greater than half the difference between the outer diameter of the collar and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck immediately above the specified ledge.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a combination of a container lid and a container neck is provided,

at the same time, the neck is limited by an outer surface from which an annular protrusion extends, and the outer surface extends to the edge of the neck, and moreover, the lid contains a side wall passing around the axis, while a dividing line is made on the side wall, providing the formation of:

- a retaining ring configured to interact with the annular protrusion to remain attached to the neck,

- and a closing element which can be releasably connected to the neck, allowing this element to be moved between closed and open positions,

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part, and moreover, the distance between the dividing line and the cut line is equal to or 0.8 times greater than half the difference between the outer diameter of the annular protrusion and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck immediately above the specified protrusion, and this distance is preferable equal to or 1.5 times more than half of the specified difference.

In the combination according to the fourth aspect of the invention, an interaction occurs between the connecting part and the neck, which greatly contributes to holding the closure element in the open position.

In the embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the angular dimension of the connecting part, measured around the axis of the side wall, is greater than or equal to 20°, preferably greater than or equal to 25°.

In the embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the angular dimension of the connecting part, measured about the axis of the side wall, is less than or equal to 120°, preferably less than or equal to 90°.

Thus, the connecting part does not have too much width around the axis of the side wall, which would make it difficult to tip over the said part, that is, the transition from the configuration in which the edge of the connecting part faces the retaining ring, to the configuration in which the edge of the connecting part faces the edge neck.

At the same time, the connecting part is made not too narrow around the axis of the side wall, which could create such an interaction between the connecting part and the neck, which is not enough to stably hold the closing element in the open position.

In an embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the neck is provided with at least one fastening element designed to cooperate with the closure element, providing a releasable connection of the closure element with the neck.

At least one fastening element may contain a thread having one or more entries.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the distance between the collar and the at least one attachment element is greater than or equal to half the distance between the dividing line and the cutting line.

Thus, between the annular protrusion and at least one fastening element there is a space sufficient to accommodate the connecting part so that the edge of the latter does not interfere with said at least one fastening element.

In the embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the annular protrusion is limited towards the edge of the neck by a surface having the shape of a truncated cone.

In an embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the frustoconical surface forming an angle less than or equal to 35° with a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck.

Preferably, the above angle is 30°.

Thus, in the open position, the closure element can be easily positioned to form a sufficiently large opening angle with the neck.

In the embodiment according to the previous aspects of the invention, the dividing line extends in that part of the side wall in which the knurling lines are provided.

In other words, the dividing line crosses the knurling lines provided on the side wall of the cover.

This allows the height of the connecting strips to be maximized without compromising the grip of the cap by the user or the capping machine.

Alternatively, the dividing line may extend in that part of the side wall which is externally delimited by a smooth surface, ie a surface without knurling lines.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a container, comprising a side wall extending around an axis and a transverse wall located at the end of the side wall, wherein a dividing line is formed on the side wall to form:

- a retaining ring which remains attached to the neck of the container, and

- a closure element which can be releasably connected to the neck to open or close the container;

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with opposite end sections of the connecting part.

The connecting part makes it possible to keep the closure element firmly interconnected with the retaining ring and hence with the neck of the container. As a result, ejection of the closing element to the ground separately from the container is excluded. Thus, the probability is increased that the closure element together with the container will be properly disposed of with the same type of waste, in particular with waste plastic materials.

The lid according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be produced in a relatively simple manner without the need for special molds. In fact, the lid according to the fifth aspect of the invention can be produced in a conventional mold if the cutting line is performed during a cutting operation. As a result of the cutting operation, it is possible to obtain a cut line that extends through the entire thickness of the side wall, or a cut line that does not pass through when the thickness of the side wall is only partially cut.

Due to the very simple shape of the cutting line, said line can also be molded inside the mold in which the closure is made without causing unnecessary mold complications. In this case, the cut line may even be formed as a line of weakness.

Since the cutting line extends between the separating line and the free edge of the retaining ring, said line does not lead to weakening of the connecting part. Thus, in the lid according to the invention, the connecting part is relatively strong, which makes it difficult to inadvertently separate the retaining ring from the closure member.

The connecting strips form, together with the connecting part, a hinge device, which has a significantly greater axial movement capacity than the movement that would be provided only by the connecting part.

In effect, this hinge device allows the closure element to be moved away from the retaining ring by a significant axial distance determined by the combination of the length of the connecting strips and the connecting part. In this way, the closure element can be easily detached from the neck of the container.

According to an embodiment, the angular size of the connecting part around the axis of the side wall is greater than or equal to 20°, preferably greater than or equal to 25°.

According to an embodiment, the angular size of the connecting part around the axis of the side wall is less than or equal to 120°, preferably less than or equal to 90°.

This allows the connecting part to be rotated when the closure member is moved from the closed position to the open position, so that the edge of the connecting part, which in the closed position faces the retaining ring, faces the edge of the neck in the open position. Thus, it is possible to provide the advantages previously described with respect to the first aspect of the invention, in particular with respect to a closure element which is stably held in an open position.

According to an embodiment, the connecting strips can be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane containing the axis of the side wall and the center line of the connecting part.

This symmetrical shape makes it possible to reduce involuntary movements of the closure element when the lid is in the open position, in particular to limit lateral movements of the lid.

According to an embodiment, the thickness of the connecting part is essentially unchanged in the plane containing the dividing line.

This further simplifies the manufacture of the lid according to the fifth aspect of the invention, since special molds do not have to be used to produce three-way hinges or very thin lines of articulation.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a container, comprising a side wall extending about an axis and a transverse wall located at the end of the side wall, wherein a dividing line is formed on the side wall to form:

- a retaining ring which remains attached to the neck of the container, and

- a closure element which can be releasably connected to the neck to open or close the container;

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part, while the connecting strips have a radial thickness measured in the radial direction relative to the axis, as well as a height measured parallel to the axis, and the ratio between the height and the radial thickness of the connecting strips is greater than or equal to 1.4 , wherein said ratio is less than or equal to 6.5.

Said ratios between the height and radial thickness of the connecting strips ensure that these strips have optimum torsional rigidity by being subjected to a twisting movement in which the connecting part rotates relative to the connecting strips and rests on the neck over the collar. In this way, an interaction is created between the neck and the connecting part which is sufficient to securely and safely hold the closure element in the open position.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a container, comprising a side wall extending about an axis and a transverse wall located at the end of the side wall, wherein a dividing line is formed on the side wall to form:

- a retaining ring which remains attached to the neck of the container, and

- a closure element which can be releasably connected to the neck to open or close the container;

moreover, the dividing line passes around the axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element, while the lid additionally has a cutting line passing transversely to the axis between the dividing line and the free edge of the retaining ring, so that between the dividing line and the cutting line two connecting strips are formed connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part, and the cut line and the dividing line are lines obtained by cutting, while breaking bridges are made along the dividing line, destructible elements are made along the cut line, and breaking bridges and destructible elements are designed to be destroyed upon initial opening of the lid, wherein the cut line comprises a peripheral part, another peripheral part and a central part located between said peripheral parts, and wherein the cut line lies in a plane perpendicular to said axis.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, a method is provided, comprising the following steps:

- manufacturing a lid for a container, the lid comprising a side wall extending around the axis and a transverse wall located at the end of the side wall,

- providing a separating line on the side wall to form a retaining ring which remains attached to the neck of the container and a closure element which can be releasably connected to the neck to open or close the container, the separating line extending around the axis and interrupted in the circumferential direction with forming a connecting part between the retaining ring and the closing element,

- execution of a cutting line passing transverse to the axis, so that two connecting strips are formed between the dividing line and the cutting line, connecting the retaining ring with the connecting part.

Thanks to the method according to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to achieve a very simple production of a closure in which the closure element remains connected to the retaining ring.

According to an embodiment, the dividing line and the cutting line are performed during the cutting operation.

The invention is easier to understand and implement in view of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in a closed position;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 in a configuration in which the lid closure is separated from the retaining ring;

Fig. 3 is a broken perspective view of the lid shown in FIG. 1 and mounted on the neck of the container, in a configuration in which the lid closure is moved to a lateral position with respect to the neck;

Fig. 4 is a side view showing a container lid according to an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 when viewed in the direction D shown in FIG. 4;

Fig. 6 is a side view similar to FIG. 4, in a configuration in which the lid closure is separated from the retaining ring;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a neck onto which the cap shown in FIG. 4;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the neck shown in FIG. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 4 mounted on the neck shown in FIG. 7 with the closure element of the lid in the open position;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragment similar to the image in FIG. 9 showing different lid behavior;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 4, covers according to an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragment of the lid shown in FIG. 11, in section;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 4, lids according to another alternative embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 4, lids according to another alternative embodiment;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 4, lids according to another alternative embodiment;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 4, lids according to another alternative embodiment.

In FIG. 1 shows a lid 1 for closing a container, in particular a bottle, intended to contain a liquid substance such as a drink. Cover 1 is made of polymeric material. For the manufacture of the cover 1 can be used in any polymeric material suitable for molding.

In FIG. 1 the lid 1 is shown in the closed position, in which said lid is on leaving the lid production line and ready to be placed on the container. In this state, the lid 1 comprises a side wall 2 that extends around the Z-axis and a transverse wall 3 located at the end of the side wall 2, closing this end. The transverse wall 3 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the Z axis. The transverse wall 3 can be made flat, although other shapes are theoretically possible. In the illustrated example, the transverse wall 3 is substantially circular in plan view.

The lid 1 has a dividing line 4 located on the side wall 2 and extending around the Z axis. The dividing line 4 runs in a plane located transversely, in particular perpendicular to the Z axis. The dividing line 4 forms on the cover 1 a retaining ring 5 and a closing element 6. The retaining ring and the closure are located on opposite sides of the separating line 4. As described in more detail below, when the lid 1 is moved to the open position, the closure 6 separates from the retaining ring 5 along the separating line 4.

Break bars 7 may be provided along the dividing line 4 which connect the retaining ring 5 to the closure member 6. The break bars 7 are designed to break when the lid 1 is initially moved to the open position, signaling that the container has already been opened.

The dividing line 4 may be parallel to the free edge 16 of the lid 1. More specifically, the free edge 16 defines the retaining ring 5 on the side opposite the transverse wall 3.

The dividing line 4 does not extend over the entire 360° angle around the Z axis. The dividing line 4 is interrupted in the circumferential direction, forming a connecting part 8 on the side wall 2, with which the closing element 6 remains connected to the retaining ring 5.

In other words, the dividing line 4 has a first end 9 and a second end 10. The connecting part 8 is located between the first end 9 and the second end 10. The retaining ring 5 is connected to the closure element 6 by the connecting part 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting part 8 has an angular dimension W about the Z axis.

In the connecting part 8 there are no arrow-shaped hinges or zones of reduced thickness.

In the illustrated example, the closure element 6 has a cup-shaped body and comprises a skirt 11 extending around the Z axis. connecting section 12, which in cross section may have the form of a beveled edge or a rounded connecting section.

On the inner surface of the skirt 11 there is a releasable fastening means, not shown in the drawings, with which the closure element 6 can be releasably connected to the neck 18 of the container. For example, said means may comprise an internal thread designed to engage with an external thread 17 shown in FIG. 3 formed on the neck 18.

On the outer surface of the skirt 11 knurling lines 13 can be provided, running parallel to the Z axis and facilitating the gripping of the lid 1 by the user or by a capping machine that applies the lid 1 to the container to be closed.

The knurling lines 13 can also be continued in the connecting section 12 and/or the retaining ring 5.

In the example shown, the skirt 11 comprises a cylindrical part 14 on which the knurling lines 13 are made. The skirt 11 also includes a wide portion 15 whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 14. The wide portion 15 may be formed by a smooth outer surface, that is, may not have knurling lines. However, this condition is not necessary, and the knurling lines can also run along the wide part 15. A ledge 19 can be formed between the cylindrical part 14 and the wide part 15.

The retaining ring 5 extends between the free edge 16 and the dividing line 4. The retaining ring 5 may be defined by an outer surface having a cylindrical or frustoconical shape. In the closed position of the lid 1 shown in FIG. 1, the retaining ring 5 is arranged coaxially with respect to the closing element 6.

The retaining ring 5 is internally provided with an engaging element 20 shown in FIG. 2 designed to interact with the collar 23 shown in FIG. 3, which protrudes on the outer surface of the neck 18. The engaging element 20 is configured to abut against the annular protrusion 23 to prevent axial movements of the retaining ring 5 away from the neck 18 when the closing element 6 is removed from the neck 18.

The engaging element 20 may be in the form of an annular element that is folded around the free edge 16 towards the inside of the retaining ring 5. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the drawings, several engaging elements can be made in the form of tongues that protrude from the free edge 16 and bent towards the inside of the retaining ring 5. Alternatively, the engagement member 20 may be in the form of a protrusion, solid or discontinuous, which protrudes from the inner surface of the retaining ring 5 in the Z-axis direction to engage with the annular protrusion 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 1 has a slit line 21 extending along the side wall 2 transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the Z axis. More precisely, the slit line 21 is located between the separating line 4 and the free edge 16.

When the lid 1 is placed in the same orientation as it will have after being placed on the container, namely, when the transverse wall 3 is facing upwards, the cut line 21 is located below the dividing line 4. Thus, the cut line 21 is located on the side of the retaining ring 5 relative to dividing line 4.

The connecting part 8 is located on the opposite side of the cut line 21 relative to the retaining ring 5. Thus, the cutting line 21 limits the connecting part 8 in the direction of the retaining ring 5.

The angular extent A1 of the cut line 21, measured about the Z axis, exceeds the angular distance (also measured about the Z axis) between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the dividing line 4, that is, the angular dimension W of the connecting portion 8. For example, the angular extent A1 of the line 21 cuts can be from 60° to 200°, preferably from 75° to 180°. The angular dimension W of the connecting part 8 about the Z axis, i.e. the angular distance between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the dividing line 4, may be 5° to 40°, preferably 10° to 30°.

In the illustrated example, the connecting part 8 is centered with respect to the dividing line 21. In other words, the middle of the dividing line 21 and the center line of the connecting part 8 are aligned with each other in the direction parallel to the Z axis, that is, they lie in a common plane that contains the Z axis. However, this the condition is not mandatory, since even a not perfectly centered location of the cut line 21 relative to the connecting part 8 is acceptable.

In the example shown, the cutting line 21 has a flat, arcuate shape.

However, other forms are also possible.

The cut line 21 and the dividing line 4 may be parallel to each other, although this is not required. For example, the cutting line 21 and the dividing line 4 may be slightly inclined relative to each other. Alternatively, the cut line 21 may comprise segments having different slopes and not necessarily parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting line 21 has an end 27 and another end 28. Said end 27 extends beyond the connecting part 8, beyond the first end 9 of the dividing line 4. Said other end 28 also extends beyond the connecting part 8, but beyond the second end 10 of the dividing line 4.

The cutting line 21 comprises a central part 24 located between a peripheral part 25 and another peripheral part 26. The central part 24 faces the connecting part 8. The peripheral part 25 faces the dividing line 4, in particular the end part of the dividing line 4. More precisely, the peripheral part 25 faces the dividing line 4 in the area between the first end 9 of said line and the end 27 of the cutting line 21. The specified other peripheral part 26 faces the dividing line 4, in particular to the other end part of the dividing line 4. More precisely, the specified other peripheral part 26 faces the dividing line 4 in the area between the second end 10 of the specified line and the specified other end 28 of the cutting line 21.

Between the peripheral part 25 of the cut line 21 and the section of the dividing line 4, which starts from the first end 9, a connecting strip 29 is formed, connecting the retaining ring 5 with the connecting part 8. Similarly, between said other peripheral part 26 of the cut line 21 and the other section the dividing line 4, which starts from the second end 10, is formed by another connecting strip 30, ensuring the connection of the retaining ring 5 with the connecting part 8.

In the illustrated example, the connecting strip 29 and said other connecting strip 30 are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the plane containing the Z-axis and the center line of the connecting part 8.

The cut line 21 may take the form of a through cut that extends through the entire thickness of the side wall 2. Although in FIG. 1-3 this is not shown, but along the cut line 21 one or more breakable elements can be provided to break when the cover 1 is initially opened.

Alternatively, the cut line 21 may be in the form of a line of weakness that does not extend through the entire thickness of the side wall 2, but the thickness of the side wall 2 is reduced relative to the surrounding areas.

At the first end 9 and at the second end 10 of the dividing line 4 and/or at the end 27 and said other end 28 of the slicing line 21, the cut-out zones 38 shown in FIG. 1. The cut zones 38 may have a circular geometric shape and a transverse dimension that generally exceeds the width of the corresponding cut line or dividing line. This makes it possible to prevent the propagation of cracks starting from a cut line or parting line. In an alternative embodiment, the cut zones 38 may be omitted.

In the central area of the connecting part 8, a stress reduction cutout 39 can be provided, which cutout is very small relative to the size of the connecting part 8 so as not to adversely affect the stability of the connecting part 8. The stress reduction cutout 39 makes it possible to increase the ability of the central area of the parts 8 to deformation, reducing the stresses in the surrounding areas. The presence of cutout 39 to reduce the voltage is not a prerequisite.

The lid 1 is mounted on the neck 18 of the container in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. The cover 1 is positioned so that the engaging element 20, made inside the retaining ring 5, is below the annular protrusion 23, made on the neck 18.

If the user wishes to open the container and does so for the first time, he grasps the skirt 11 of the closure element 6 and rotates this element around the Z axis, unscrewing it from the neck 18. First, the closure element 6 and the retaining ring 5 jointly rotate around the Z axis and simultaneously move together in a direction parallel to the Z axis, moving away from the neck 18. This occurs until the engaging element 20 of the retaining ring 5 abuts against the annular protrusion 23 made on the neck 18. From this moment, the annular protrusion 23 prevents further lifting of the retaining ring 5 along axis Z, acting as a limiter for the movement of the retaining ring 5 from the neck 18.

The closing element 6, unscrewed by the user, continues to move along the Z-axis away from the neck 18. In this way, the rupture bridges 7 are stretched until their destruction occurs. Therefore, the closing element 6 separates from the retaining ring 5 along the separating line 4, but remains connected to said ring by the connecting part 8.

If the user continues to unscrew the closure member 6 by moving it along the Z-axis to remove said member from the neck 18, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are deformed. In particular, as a result of the upward movement of the closure member 6, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are also pulled upwards. Therefore, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are located at a distance from both the closing element 6 and the retaining ring 5, and remain connected to each other by the connecting part 8.

Thus, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are arranged in a trapezoid shape, as shown in FIG. 2, with the neck 18 of the container not shown in this image. In this configuration, the first connecting strip 29 remains connected to the retaining ring 5 at the end 27 of the cut line 21. Similarly, the second connecting strip 30 remains attached to the retaining ring 5 at said other end 28 of the cut line 21.

The first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are connected to each other by means of the connecting part 8.

In other words, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are arranged in an oblique configuration with respect to the retaining ring 5 and converge at the connecting part 8.

As a result of continuing to unscrew the closure element 6, this element is disconnected from the external thread 17 made on the neck 18, so that the container can be opened. However, the retaining ring 5 remains attached to the neck 18. The first connecting strip 29, the second connecting strip 30 and the connecting part 8 form the hinge device 40 shown in FIG. 3, around which the closure element 6 can be rotated, allowing the user to access the contents of the container.

In particular, by moving the closure element 6 around the hinge device 40 after said element has been detached from the neck 18, the closure element 6 can be moved to a lateral position relative to the neck 18, so that this element 6 is no longer coaxial with respect to the retaining ring 5, as shown in fig. 3. The closing element 6 can be rotated even further back from the position shown in FIG. 3 to move it away from the neck 18 and make it easier for the user to access the contents of the container.

After consuming the content, the user can return the lid 1 to the closed position shown in FIG. 1, performing in reverse order the previously described sequence of actions.

The first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 provide a hinge device 40 that has an increased length compared to the hinge device that would be obtained if only one hinge strip formed by the connecting part 8 was used. As a result of the rotation of the closing element 6 around the hinge device 40 facilitates the detachment of said element from the neck 18 and its reinstallation on this neck.

In FIG. 4-6 and 9 show a cover 201 according to another embodiment.

Parts of the lid 201 that are common to the lid 1 described with reference to FIG. 1-3 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-3, and for the sake of brevity, these details will not be re-examined in detail. It will be understood that everything previously described with reference to cap 1 also applies to cap 201, except for obvious differences.

As shown in FIG. 4-6 and 9, the lid 201 includes a side wall 2 extending around the Z axis and a transverse wall 3 located at the end of the side wall 2, closing said end.

The lid 201 is also made with a dividing line 4 located on the side wall 2, forming in the lid 201 a retaining ring 5 and a closing element 6. Thanks to at least one engaging element made inside the retaining ring 5, said ring remains attached to the neck of the container, on on which the cover 201 is fitted. The closure element 6, on the other hand, is releasably connected to the neck by means of a releasable attachment located inside the skirt 11. In this way, the closure element 6 can move between the closed position shown in FIG. 4 and 5 and the open position shown in FIG. 9.

The dividing line 4 runs around the Z-axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction, forming a connecting part 8 on the side wall 2, with which the closing element 6 is connected to the retaining ring 5.

In addition, a cut line 21 is provided on the side wall 2. In the illustrated example, the cut line 21 is located in the axial direction between the free edge 16 of the retaining ring 5 and the dividing line 4.

The cut line 21 comprises a peripheral part 25, another peripheral part 26 and a central part 24 located between said peripheral parts. The cut line 21 lies entirely in a plane transverse, in particular perpendicular to the Z axis. In other words, the peripheral part 25, the central part 24 and said other peripheral part 26 lie in a common plane transverse, in particular perpendicular to the Z axis.

Between the dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21, two connecting strips are formed, namely a connecting strip 29 and another connecting strip 30, which allow the holding ring 5 to be connected to the connecting part 8.

In particular, the connecting strip 29 extends between the peripheral part 25 of the cutting line 21 and the part of the dividing line 4 which starts from the first end 9 of said line. Similarly, said other connecting strip 30 extends between said other peripheral part 26 of the cut line 21 and said other section of the dividing line 4, which starts from the second end 10.

The connecting strip 29 and said other connecting strip 30 can be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the plane containing the Z-axis and the center line of the connecting part 8.

In FIG. 7 and 8 show a neck 218 onto which a cap 201 can be fitted. The neck 218 extends around the longitudinal axis Z1. When the cap 201 is mounted on the neck 218 and the closure 6 is in the closed position, the Z-axis of the side wall 2 coincides with the longitudinal axis Z1.

The neck 218 is defined by an outer surface 219, which in the illustrated example is a cylindrical surface coaxial with the longitudinal axis Z1.

The outer surface 219 extends to the very edge 220 of the neck 218. The edge 220 surrounds the opening 221 through which passage into the container can be made when the closure element 6 is in the open position. Conversely, the closing element 6 closes the opening 221 when placed in the closed position.

The neck 218 includes a rim 222 to prevent the retaining ring 5 from dropping along the neck 218 below a predetermined level. Moreover, the rim 222 can be used to carry the container during manufacturing, filling and sealing.

The outer surface 219 extends from the rim 222 to the edge 220.

An annular protrusion 223 extends from the outer surface 219 and is configured to engage with an engaging element provided inside the retaining ring 5 to prevent said ring from detaching from the neck 218.

The collar 223 may include a frusto-conical portion 224 that increases in diameter from edge 220 toward rim 222.

On the side opposite the edge 220, the annular protrusion 223 is limited by the support surface 225, against which at least one engaging element of the retaining ring 5 abuts.

Between the section 224, having the shape of a truncated cone, and the bearing surface 225 may be located a cylindrical portion of the annular projection 223.

However, other geometric configurations of the collar 223 are possible.

The neck 218 includes at least one releasable fastening element with which the releasable fastening means provided inside the closure element 6 can interact, allowing said element 6 to be either installed on the neck 218 or removed from this neck.

Said at least one releasable fastening element may comprise an external thread 217 formed on the outer surface 219, in particular projecting on said surface.

The lid 201 is adapted to be placed on the neck 218 when the closure element 6 is in the closed position. In particular, the cap 201 is mounted on the neck 218 in such a way that said at least one engaging element provided inside the retaining ring 5 is below the collar 223, in particular in a position between the rim 222 and said collar.

When the user acts on the lid 201 by moving the closure 6 to the open position for the first time, the closure 6 unscrews, i.e. rotates, about the longitudinal axis Z1 and simultaneously moves away from the rim 222. bridge 7, first moves together with the closure element 6. When at least one engaging element, made inside the retaining ring 5, abuts against the support surface 225, the retaining ring 5 can no longer rise further along the neck 218. Instead, the closure element 6 moves further and further away from the body of the container and simultaneously rotates about the longitudinal axis Z1 as the user continues to unscrew said element 6. Thus, the break bridges 7 located along the dividing line 4 experience a stress that leads to their destruction. When the closing element 6 is unscrewed, the connecting strips 29, 30 are also deformed. In particular, as the closure element 6 moves away from the retaining ring 5 during unscrewing, the connecting strips 29, 30 are arranged in an oblique position with respect to said ring, detaching from it along the cut line 21 . The closing element 6 is also detached from the connecting strips 29, 30. Any frangible elements located along the cut line 21 break.

As a result, the position shown in Fig. 6, with the neck not shown in this image. The position shown in Fig. 6 may be referred to as the detachment position, since in the position shown in FIG. 6, the releasable fastening means formed within the closure member 6 are detached from the threads 217 of the neck 218.

At this point, the closing element 6 can be rotated relative to the retaining ring 5 to move it to the open position shown in FIG. 9, in which the closing element 6 is located on one side of the neck 218 and the Z-axis of said element no longer coincides with the longitudinal axis Z1 of the neck 218.

The connecting strips 29, 30 are deformed in such a way that not only the closing element 6 but also the connecting part 8 rotates relative to the neck 218.

In FIG. 6 more clearly shows that the connecting part 8 is defined by the edge 50, which in the closed position of the closing element 6 (and essentially before the rotation of the closing element 6 relative to the retaining ring 5 to move to the open position) faces the retaining ring 5. More specifically, the edge 50 is formed by a cut line 21 on the side wall 2, towards the closing element 6.

When the closure 6 moves from the disconnected position to the open position, the connecting part 8 is tilted relative to the neck 218. Therefore, the lip 50, which in the disengaged position (as well as in the closed position) was facing the retaining ring 5, is now positioned so as to face to the edge 220 of the neck 218, i.e. upwards in the operational state shown in FIG. 9.

In order to reach this position, the connecting part 8, in particular the edge 50 of said part, slides along the frustoconical section 224 of the annular protrusion 223 and simultaneously rotates relative to the connecting strips 29, 30. The edge 50 reaches a position that is higher than the annular protrusion 223, provided that the neck 218 is located so that the opening 221 faces upward. Thus, the connecting part 8 is located at least partially above the collar 223, resting on the neck 218. In particular, the connecting part 8 rests on the outer surface 219 above the collar 223.

Thus, an interaction is created between the neck 218 and the connecting part 8, in particular along the edge 50 and next to this edge. In addition, interaction may occur between the connecting strips 29, 30 and the neck 218. This allows the closure element 6 to be held firmly in the open position. In fact, in order to return the closure element 6 to the closed position, it is necessary to overcome the interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218. Usually this action does not occur by accident, but only if the user deliberately applies sufficient force to the closure element 6, that is if the user wishes to move the closure element 6 to the closed position.

Moreover, the interaction occurring between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 makes it difficult for the cap 201 to rotate around the neck 218 due to the rotation of the retaining ring 5 around said neck. In fact, the retaining ring 5 is connected to the connecting part 8 by means of connecting strips 29, 30. Therefore, the retaining ring 5 cannot freely rotate around the neck 218, but can only rotate if the interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 is eliminated.

In order to allow the connecting part 8 to rotate when the closure element 6 passes from the disconnected position to the open position, the connecting strips 29, 30 are subjected to a twist that affects at least a part of the height H of each of said strips. The expression "height H" of the connecting strips 29, 30 refers to the dimension of said strips in the direction parallel to the Z-axis of the side wall 2 when the closing element 6 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 4.

In the illustrated example, in which the dividing line 4 and the cut line 21 lie in respective planes parallel to each other, the height H of the connecting strips 29, 30 is constant along the entire length of these strips and is the same for the two strips 29, 30.

As shown in FIG. 4-6 and 9, the closing element 6 is provided with knurling lines 13. The knurling lines 13 can run parallel to the Z axis.

In the illustrated example, the dividing line 4 crosses the knurling lines 13 . In other words, the knurling lines 13 run on both sides, i.e. both above and below the dividing line 4.

This is due to the fact that the dividing line 4 is located as close as possible to the detachable fastening means located inside the closing element 6, namely to the internal thread. Thus, it is possible to increase the height H of the connecting strips 29, 30.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting strips 29, 30 comprise a first part 51 adjacent to the dividing line 4 and in the example shown with knurling lines 13 and a second part 52 adjacent to the cutting line 21 and in the example shown being smooth. Between the first part 51 and the second part 52, a wider part 53 can be provided.

In the illustrated example, when the connecting part 8 is rotated so that the edge 50 faces the edge 220, the second part 52 of the connecting strips 29, 30 twists and passes under the first part 51. In contrast, the first part 51, like the wider part 53, if present, stretches radially but does not undergo significant twisting.

Due to the deformation of the connecting strips 29, 30, the connecting part 8 can rest on the neck 218, when the edge 50 faces the edge 220, without the need for lines of weakness or breakage lines in the connecting part 8 and/or in the connecting strips 29, 30. Thus, the manufacture of the cover 201 is simplified.

In the closed position, with the lip 50 facing the retaining ring 5, there is a gap, albeit a small one, between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218. When the closing member 6 is moved to bring it into the open position, the connecting part 8 begins to rotate and engage with the neck 218. The interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 reaches its maximum value when the connecting part 8 is located approximately in a plane perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the neck 218 or , rather, its longitudinal axis Z1. The interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 is reduced when the connecting part 8 overturns, that is, when the edge 50 moves over the connecting strips 29, 30. In the open position, the interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 is maintained, although its value is less than the maximum value.

When the position at which the interaction reaches the maximum value is passed, the user who manually rotates the closure member 6 to move it to the open position may feel a kind of vibration. This vibration is felt by the hand of the user who moves the closure 6 as a break in the movement of the closure 6. In other words, the closure 6 snaps into place beyond the position where the interaction between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 reaches its maximum value, and the user feels this snapping motion.

In this way, the user is assured that the closing element 6 has been moved to the open position properly.

It is also possible, but not necessarily, that the vibration is accompanied by a sound, such as a click, which can be heard by the user.

The lid 201 described above ensures not only that the closure element 6 remains stable in the open position, but also that, in the open position, said element swings back relative to the neck through a relatively wide opening angle A2, as shown in FIG. 9.

In particular, the angle A2 may be greater than or equal to 140°. This greatly reduces the possibility of the closure member 6 unintentionally hitting the face of a user drinking directly from the bottle on which the cap 201 is fitted, or the possibility of the closure member 6 interfering with the pouring of the liquid contained in the bottle into a vessel such as a glass.

Studies have shown that certain geometries of cap 201 and/or neck 218 contribute to the behavior previously described with reference to FIG. 9.

In particular, the outer or maximum diameter Dmax of the collar 223 can be set on the neck 218, as shown in FIG. 7. You can also set the diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 of the neck 218 directly above the collar 223, that is, at the position between the specified projection and the external thread 217. In the illustrated example, the diameter Ds directly above the collar 223 coincides with the diameter of the outer surface 219 in the area, located between the male thread 217 and the edge 220, but this condition is not mandatory.

The value Δ denotes the difference between the outer diameter Dmax of the annular protrusion 223 and the diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 immediately above said protrusion.

In the illustrated example, the outer diameter Dmax of the collar 223 is 30.2 mm.

The diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 directly above the collar 223 is 28 mm.

The difference Δ between Dmax and Ds is 30.2-28=2.2 mm.

Half the difference Δ indicates how far the collar 223 protrudes relative to the outer surface 219.

As already noted, H denotes the height of the connecting strips 29, 30, i.e. the distance between the dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21, measured parallel to the Z axis when the closure element 6 is in the closed position.

In the illustrated example, the height H is 2.8 mm.

Thus, the ratio R1 between the height H and half the difference Δ is 2.8/1.1, i.e. 2.55.

Suitably, the ratio R1 between the height H and half the difference Δ as defined above is greater than or equal to 1.5. Preferably, the above ratio R1 is greater than or equal to 2. Even more preferably, R1 is greater than or equal to 2.5.

It is thus ensured that the height H of the connecting strips 29, 30 properly corresponds to the degree of protrusion of the collar 223 from the outer surface 219.

More specifically, if the ratio R1 is less than 1.5, it may happen that the interaction created between the connecting part 8 and the neck 218 is not sufficient to ensure that the closure member 6 is firmly fixed in the open position, in which the opening angle A2 is greater than or equal to 120° , preferably greater than or equal to 140°.

In some cases, an R1 ratio value of less than 1.5 but not less than 0.8 may be considered appropriate.

In the illustrated example, half of the difference Δ between the outer diameter Dmax of the collar 223 and the diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 of the neck 218 immediately above said collar is: Δ/2=1.1 mm.

It is possible to provide a cap 201 that is effective even if the difference Δ is different from the above values. In general, experiments have shown that relatively low values of the difference Δ (and hence Δ/2) provide behavior similar to that depicted in FIG. 9.

The connecting part 8 has an angular dimension W about the Z-axis of the side wall, which is clearly shown in FIG. 1, and which can be set in the same way with respect to the cover 201.

In the illustrated example, the angular dimension W of the connecting part 8 is 54°.

As such, the angular dimension W may be greater than or equal to 20°, preferably greater than or equal to 25°.

Moreover, the angular dimension W may be less than or equal to 120°, preferably less than or equal to 90°.

According to an embodiment, the angular dimension W can be between 80° and 120°.

According to an embodiment, the angular dimension W of the connecting part 9 can be between 30° and 110°. For example, the specified dimension may be 60°.

Experiments have shown that if the angular dimension W exceeds 120°, the connecting strips 29, 30 may break when the closing element 6 is rotated to move it to the open position.

Conversely, if W is less than 20°, it may happen that the connecting part 8 cannot hold the closure member 6 stably in the open position in which the opening angle A2 is greater than or equal to 120°, preferably greater than or equal to 140°.

In addition, the distance Y shown in FIG. 7 between collar 223 and at least one releasable attachment formed on neck 219. In other words, the distance Y is measured between the top of collar 223 and the starting point of male thread 217.

The distance Y may be greater than or equal to half the distance between the dividing line 4 and the cut line 21, that is, half the height H. However, this condition is not mandatory.

You can set the angle A, indicated in Fig. 7 formed between the generatrix of the frustoconical portion 224 and a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis Z1.

In the illustrated example, angle A is 30°.

Generally, angle A is preferably less than or equal to 35°.

This reduces the possibility that the connecting part 8 does not slide directly over the collar 223, in particular near the outer diameter Dmax, then stopping in stable contact with the neck 218.

If the user wishes to close the container again, the closing element 6 can be returned to the closed position by performing the previously described sequence of operations in reverse order. In particular, the user rotates the closure 6 relative to the neck 218 to return it to the closed position. Accordingly, the connecting part 8 also rotates, returning the lip 50 below the connecting strips 29, 30, to the position where it faces the retaining ring 5. When the lip 50 is released from the neck 218, the user experiences vibration or feedback with a snapping motion, which can (but not necessarily) be accompanied by a clicking sound. In this way, the user understands that the closure 6 is ready to be re-threaded onto the neck 218. In fact, a release position has been reached from which the closure 6 can be screwed back onto the neck 218 to move it to the closed position.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the open position, the lip 50 lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z1 of the neck 218, that is, in a horizontal plane. However, this condition is not mandatory.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the open position, the rim 50 may also lie in a plane inclined to the outer surface 219 of the neck 218, on the side of the rim 22.

In the open position, the lip 50 can also assume a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 10, but not flat.

Moreover, in the case shown in FIG. 10, the behavior of the lid is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 4-6 and 9. Therefore, everything that has been described with respect to FIGS. 4-6 and 9 should also be considered applicable to FIGS. 10.

In the example described previously with reference to FIG. 4-6 and 9, the dividing line 4 is located in that part of the side wall 2 in which the knurling lines 13 are located.

However, this condition is not mandatory. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the drawings, the dividing line 4 can be provided in that part of the side wall 2 which is externally delimited by a substantially smooth outer surface. That is, the dividing line 4 can be located in that part of the side wall 2 which does not have the knurling lines 13, for example between the knurling lines 13 and the free edge 16. Therefore, in the alternative embodiment just described, the connecting strips 29, 30 are externally delimited by a smooth surface , that is, a surface that does not have knurling lines. An example of this type of cover is shown in Fig. eleven.

In FIG. 11 shows a cover 301 in which knurling lines 13 are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 2 of the cover.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the dividing line 4 is formed in that part of the side wall 2 which does not have knurling lines 13, that is, in the smooth part of the side wall 2. This is because the respective lower ends of the knurling lines 13 (that is, the ends closest to free edge 16) are located at a distance from the dividing line 4. Thus, the dividing line 4 is made in the non-corrugated part of the side wall 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the break webs 7 are shown along the dividing line 4. Also shown are some breakable elements 70 along the cut line 21. Destructible elements 70 may be similar to breakable bridges 7.

In the example shown, the breakable elements 70 are displaced relative to the break bridges 7 in a direction parallel to the Z axis of the cover 301. In other words, the plane that contains the Z axis and passes through the break bridge 7 does not intersect any breakable element 70.

In other words, destructible elements 70 are located in positions offset relative to the break bridges 7 in the angular direction around the Z axis.

Each break bridge 7 and each breakable element 70 may have a width, measured in the circumferential direction, respectively, along the dividing line 4 and along the cutting line 21, equal to 0.4 mm.

Cover 301 shown in FIG. 11 behaves similarly to the lid 201 shown in FIG. 4-6 and 9. Namely, when the closure member 6 of the lid 301 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the connecting strips 29, 30 are deformed by the torsional motion, which may affect part of the height of said strips, similar to the depiction in FIG. 9 and 10 for cover 201. In the example shown in FIG. 11, and the first part 51 adjacent to the dividing line 4 and the second part 52 adjacent to the cutting line 21 are smooth, that is, they do not have knurling lines.

The connecting strips 29, 30 shown in FIG. 11 can be deformed in such a way that the first part 51 expands in a radial manner without being subjected to significant twisting. But the second part 52, on the other hand, can bend, passing under the first part 51, to be located between the first part 51 and the outer surface 219 of the neck 218. Thus, the edge 50 can extend beyond the annular protrusion 223 and be located above the specified protrusion, that is, closer to the edge 220 than the collar 223.

This allows the connecting part 8 to rotate relative to the connecting strips 29, 30, thereby passing over the collar 223, i.e. at a higher height, and resting on the outer surface 219.

As shown in FIG. 11, the dividing line 4 is located at a distance D1 from the free edge 16 of the retaining ring 5.

The distance D1 is less than or equal to 6.5 mm. Preferably, the distance D1 is less than or equal to 5 mm.

Distance D1 is greater than or equal to 2 mm. Preferably, the distance D1 is greater than or equal to 3 mm.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the distance D1 is between 3 mm and 5 mm.

The angular extent of the dividing line 4 around the Z-axis may be greater than or equal to 250°. The angular extent of the dividing line 4 may be less than or equal to 330°.

According to an embodiment, the angular extent of the dividing line 4 can be between 250° and 280°.

The cut line 21 is located at a distance D2 from the free edge 16 of the retaining ring 5.

The distance D2 may be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

The distance D2 may be less than or equal to 5 mm. In particular, the distance D2 may be less than or equal to 4 mm.

According to an embodiment, the distance D2 can be between 1 mm and 3 mm.

According to an embodiment, the distance D2 may be 3.9 mm.

The angular extent of the cut line 21 around the Z axis may be greater than or equal to 120°. This angular extent may be less than or equal to 250°.

According to an embodiment, the angular extent of the cut line 21 may be greater than or equal to 130°.

The angular extent of the cut line 21 may be less than or equal to 200°.

For example, the angular extent of the cut line 21 may be 160°.

According to an embodiment, the angular extent of the cut line 21 can be between 180° and 250°.

The connecting strips 29, 30 may have a height H that is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

The height H is measured parallel to the Z axis in the closed position of the cover 1.

In particular, the height H of the connecting strips 29, 30 may be greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm.

According to an embodiment, the height H corresponds to a range of 1.2 mm to 3.5 mm.

The height H can be equal to 2 mm.

According to an embodiment, the cover 301 may have a height H1 of 10 mm to 21 mm, measured in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 12, each connecting strip 29, 30 may have a radial thickness S, that is, a thickness measured in the radial direction about the Z-axis, greater than or equal to 0.35 mm. This thickness may be less than or equal to 1.8 mm.

According to an embodiment, the radial thickness S of each connecting strip 29, 30 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. This thickness may be less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

The radial thickness S of the connecting strips 29, 30 may be constant in the direction parallel to the Z axis. Alternatively, the radial thickness S of the connecting strips 29, 30 may vary in the direction parallel to the Z axis. Namely, the radial thickness S of the connecting strips 29, 30 can vary along the direction parallel to the Z axis, while remaining within the above ranges.

According to an embodiment, a relatively large radial thickness S of the strips 29, 30 corresponds to a relatively small height H, and vice versa.

For example, if the radial thickness S is in the upper half of the range 0.35 mm - 1.8 mm, that is, in the range from 1.1 to 1.8 mm, the height H may correspond to the lower half of the range 1 mm - 5.5 mm, that is, to be in the range from 1 mm to 3.2 mm.

The reverse also applies, that is, if the radial thickness S varies in the range of 0.35 mm to 1.1 mm, the height H may vary in the range of 3.2 mm to 5.5 mm.

It is also possible to combine a relatively large radial thickness S of the connecting strips 29, 30 with a relatively large height H.

The following are some examples of the dimensions that lids of the type shown in FIG. 1.

It has been experimentally found that these closures remain stable when open at an opening angle A2 of at least 120°.

The ratio between the height H of the connecting strips (that is, the distance between the dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21) and the radial thickness S of the connecting strips may be greater than or equal to 1.4.

The above ratio may be less than or equal to 5.1.

More specifically, the ratio between the height H of the connecting strips and the radial thickness R of the connecting strips may be less than or equal to 6.5.

These values ensure that the connecting strips 29, 30 have optimum torsional rigidity, deforming as described above, and providing an interaction between the neck and the connecting part 8 (and possibly between the neck and the connecting strips 29, 30) sufficient for a secure and secure hold. closing element 6 in the open position.

The numerical values indicated above with reference to the cap 301 shown in FIG. 11 are also applicable to the cover 201 shown in FIG. 4-6, 9 and 10.

The cover 201 or 301 is also very easy to manufacture.

In fact, the lid 201 or 301 may be made by starting with a concave body comprising a side wall 2 and a transverse wall 3. The concave body is obtained by molding the resin material, for example by compression molding or injection molding.

After the concave body is formed, a separation line 4 and a cutting line 21 are made on the side wall 2.

The separating line 4 and the cutting line 21 may be made during cutting operations, for example performed in a cutting block located downstream of the mold in which the concave body was formed. Said cutting operations can be carried out with appropriate blades, for example circular or linear, which interact with the side wall 2 from the outside or from the inside of this wall. In particular, in order to ensure successive engagement of successive portions of the side wall 2 with the blades, the concave body can be rotated around the Z-axis of the side wall 2 while the blades remain stationary. You can also hold the concave body stationary and rotate the blades to make the cut.

The configuration of the blades with which the dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21 can be formed can engage with the side wall 2 in respective parallel planes, for example perpendicular to the Z-axis, if, as in the examples described above, the dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21 lie in corresponding parallel planes.

The blades can have a discontinuous cutting edge if it is necessary that break bridges 7 remain formed along the dividing line 4 and/or that appropriate breakable elements are formed along the cutting line 21.

The cut line 21 can be made using a blade having a flat cutting edge so that the cut line 21 lies in a plane running along the entire length of said line.

It is also possible that the blades do not cut through the entire thickness of the side wall 2, but only a part of the specified thickness, leaving a thin layer along the cutting line 21 and/or along the dividing line 4, which is torn when the lid is initially opened.

The dividing line 4 and the cutting line 21 can be made simultaneously or in two separate steps.

Thus, the lid 201 or 301 is very easy to manufacture because the concave body can be molded in a conventional mold. There is no need to use notched or thin parts, unlike those usually provided in a known type of lid.

An additional operation, namely the execution of the cutting line 21, can be carried out in a very simple way during the execution of the dividing line 4.

The geometric configurations of the cutting line may differ from those presented above.

For example, in FIG. 13 shows a cover 401 according to an alternative embodiment, which differs from the cover shown in Fig. 11 in that it has a cut line 421 that does not lie in the same plane, but is formed by two oblique segments 421a and 421b located in respective planes converging in a common line. That is, the skew lines 421a, 421b converge at point P, which, in FIG. 13 example, is located higher than the rest of the length of the indicated segments.

On the other hand, in the one shown in FIG. The 15th example shows a cover 601, the cut line 621 of which is formed by two oblique segments 621a, 621b converging at a point P1 located lower than the remaining length of these segments.

In turn, in the example shown in Fig. 14 shows a lid 501 having a cut line 521 which is not flat but runs in a curvilinear manner along the side wall of the lid, with the concavity of this line facing downward, i.e. towards the free edge 16 of the retaining ring 5.

And finally, in FIG. 16 shows a cover 701 in which the cut line 721 has a curvilinear shape, the concavity of which is directed upwards, that is, towards the closing element 6.

The lids described above are made of plastics such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

If PE is used, its density may vary from low density to high density. More specifically, high density polyethylene (PVP) can be used.

The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) used to make the lids described above can have the following properties:

- density varies from 950 to 968 kg/m ³ ;

- the flow index is from 0.3 to 20 g under the following measurement conditions: 10 minutes, 190°C, 2.16 kg;

- wide or narrow, or unimodal, or multimodal distribution of molecular weight.

If PP is used, the material may be in the form of a homopolymer, or a heterophasic copolymer, or a random copolymer.

The flow index of PP can vary from 2 to 20 g under the following measurement conditions: 10 minutes, 230°C, 2.16 kg.

Claims (41)

1. A lid for a container, containing a side wall (2) passing around the axis (Z), and a transverse wall (3) located at the end of the side wall (2), and on the side wall (2) a dividing line (4) is made, providing education: a retaining ring (5) that remains attached to the neck (218) of the container, and a closing element (6) that can be releasably connected to the neck (218) to open or close the container, moreover, the dividing line (4) passes around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to form a connecting part (8) between the retaining ring (5) and the closing element (6), while the lid additionally has a cut line (21) passing transversely axis (Z) between the separating line (4) and the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5), so that between the separating line (4) and the cutting line (21) two connecting strips (29, 30) are formed connecting the retaining ring ( 5) and a connecting part (8), wherein the connecting strips (29, 30) have a radial thickness (S) measured in the radial direction, as well as a height (H) measured parallel to the axis (Z), wherein the ratio between the height (H) and the radial thickness (S) of the connecting strips (29, 30) is greater than or equal to 1.4, and said ratio is less than or equal to 6.5. 2. Lid according to claim 1, wherein the height (H) of the connecting strips (29, 30) is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5.5 mm, preferably the height (H) is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. 3. Cover according to claim 1 or 2, in which the radial thickness (S) of the connecting strips (29, 30) is greater than or equal to 0.35 mm and less than or equal to 1.8 mm, preferably said radial thickness (S) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 1.2 mm. 4. Lid according to claim 1, wherein the radial thickness (S) is greater than or equal to 1.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.8 mm, and the height (H) is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3.2 mm. 5. Lid according to claim 1, wherein the radial thickness (S) is greater than or equal to 0.35 mm and less than or equal to 1.1 mm, and the height (H) is greater than or equal to 3.2 mm and less than or equal to 5.5 mm. 6. Lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing line (4) and the cutting line (21) are cutting lines. 7. Lid according to any preceding paragraph, in which fracturing bridges (7) are made along the dividing line (4), and destructible elements (70) are made along the cut line (21), moreover, fracturing bridges (7) and destructible elements (70) are made ensuring their destruction during the initial opening of the lid. 8. The lid according to claim 7, in which the destructible elements (70) are located in places offset in the angular direction around the axis (Z) relative to the break bridges (7). 9. Lid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut line (21) lies in a plane transverse to, for example perpendicular to, the (Z) axis when the closing element (6) is in the closed position. 10. Lid according to any preceding claim, wherein the angular dimension (W) of the connecting part (8) measured about the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 110°. 11. Lid according to any preceding claim, wherein the angular extent (A1) of the cut line (21) measured about the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 250°, said angular extent (A1) being preferably greater than or equal to 130° and less than or equal to 200°. 12. Lid according to any preceding claim, in which the dividing line (4) is located at a distance (D1) from the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5) greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 6.5 mm, while the distance (D1) from the dividing line (4) to the free edge (16) is preferably greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. 13. Lid according to any preceding claim, in which the cut line (21) is located at a distance (D2) from the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5) greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, and the distance between the line ( 21) of the cut and the free edge (16) is preferably less than or equal to 4 mm. 14. A combination of a lid according to any preceding claim and a container neck, wherein the neck (218) is defined by an outer surface (219) from which an annular protrusion (223) extends, the outer surface (219) extending to the edge (220) of the neck (218), the edge (220) in working condition is directed upwards, the closing element (6) of the lid is movable between the closed position and the open position, while the connecting strips (29, 30) are made with the possibility of deformation as a result of a twisting movement, which affects at least part of the height (H) of each of said strips (29, 30), so that the connecting part (8) rotates relative to the connecting strips (29, 30) when moving the closing element (6) from the closed position to the open position, and so that the edge (50) of the connecting part (8), which in the closed position faces the retaining ring (5), is located at least partially above the annular protrusion (223), due to which interaction occurs between the connecting part (8) and the neck (218) , ensuring the holding of the closing element (6) in the open position, and the closing element (6) is configured to create vibration that can be felt by the user when moving the closing element (6) from the closed position to the open position, while the vibration is created under conditions of maximum interaction between the connecting part (8) and the annular ledge (223). 15. Combination of container lid and container neck (218), wherein the neck (218) is defined by an outer surface (219) from which an annular protrusion (223) extends, with the outer surface (219) extending to the edge (220) of the neck (218) , the edge (220) in working condition is directed upwards, while the lid contains a side wall (2) passing around the axis (Z), and on the side wall (2) a dividing line (4) is made, providing the formation of: a retaining ring (5) configured to engage with the collar (223) to remain attached to the neck (218), and a closing element (6), which can be releasably connected to the neck (218), allowing the specified element to move between the closed position and the open position, moreover, the dividing line (4) passes around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction with the formation of a connecting part (8) between the retaining ring (5) and the closing element (6), and the cover additionally has a cut line (21) passing transverse to the axis (Z) between the separating line (4) and the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5), so that between the separating line (4) and the cutting line (21) two connecting strips (29, 30) are formed connecting the retaining ring (5 ) with a connecting part (8), wherein the connecting strips (29, 30) are made with the possibility of deformation as a result of a twisting movement, which affects at least part of the height (H) of each of these strips (29, 30), so that the connecting part (8) rotates relative to the connecting strips (29, 30) when moving the closing element (6) from the closed position to the open position, and so that the edge (50) of the connecting part (8), which in the closed position faces the retaining ring (5 ), is located at least partially above the annular protrusion (223), due to which an interaction occurs between the connecting part (8) and the neck (218), which ensures that the closing element (6) is held in the open position, and the closing element (6) is made with the possibility of creating a vibration that can be felt by the user when moving the closing element (6) from the closed position to the open position, while the vibration is created under conditions of maximum interaction between the connecting part (8) and the annular ledge (223). 16. Combination according to claim 15, in which, in the open position, interaction is also provided between the connecting strips (29, 30) and the neck (218). 17. The combination according to claim 15 or 16, in which each connecting strip (29, 30) contains the first part (51) adjacent to the dividing line (4), and the second part (52) adjacent to the cut line (21), and the first part (51) is made with the possibility of stretching in the radial direction, so that when the closing element (6) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the second part (52) is twisted, thus passing under the first part (51). 18. Combination of container lid and container neck (218), wherein the neck (218) is limited by an outer surface (219) from which an annular protrusion (223) extends, with the outer surface (219) extending to the edge (220) of the neck (218) , and the lid contains a side wall (2) passing around the axis (Z), and on the side wall (2) a dividing line (4) is made, providing the formation of: a retaining ring (5) configured to engage with the collar (223) to remain attached to the neck (218), and a closing element (6), which can be releasably connected to the neck (218), allowing the specified element to move between the closed position and the open position, moreover, the dividing line (4) passes around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction with the formation of a connecting part (8) between the retaining ring (5) and the closing element (6), and the cover additionally has a cut line (21) passing transverse to the axis (Z) between the separating line (4) and the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5), so that between the separating line (4) and the cutting line (21) two connecting strips (29, 30) are formed connecting the retaining ring (5 ) with a connecting part (8), and each connecting strip (29, 30) contains the first part (51) adjacent to the dividing line (4), and the second part (52) adjacent to the cut line (21), while the first part (51) is made with the possibility of stretching in the radial direction, so that when the closing element (6) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the second part (52) is twisted and passes under the first part (51), thereby being located between the first part (51 ) and neck (218). 19. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-18, in which the distance (H) between the dividing line (4) and the cut line (21) is 0.8 or more of half the difference (Δ) between the outer diameter (Dmax) of the annular protrusion (223) and the diameter (Ds) the outer surface (19) of the neck (218) directly above the annular protrusion (223), and the specified distance (H) exceeds half of this difference (Δ) by 1.5 times or more. 20. Combination of container lid and container neck (218), wherein the neck (218) is defined by an outer surface (219) from which an annular protrusion (223) extends, with the outer surface (219) extending to the edge (220) of the neck (218) , and the lid contains a side wall (2) passing around the axis (Z), and on the side wall (2) a dividing line (4) is made, providing the formation of: a retaining ring (5) configured to engage with the collar (223) to remain attached to the neck (218), and a closing element (6) that can be releasably connected to the neck (218), allowing the element to move between a closed position and an open position, moreover, the dividing line (4) passes around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction with the formation of a connecting part (8) between the retaining ring (5) and the closing element (6), and the cover additionally has a cut line (21) passing transverse to the axis (Z) between the separating line (4) and the free edge (16) of the retaining ring (5), so that between the separating line (4) and the cutting line (21) two connecting strips (29, 30) are formed connecting the retaining ring (5 ) with the connecting part (8), wherein the distance (H) between the dividing line (4) and the cut line (21) is 0.8 or more of half the difference (Δ) between the outer diameter (Dmax) of the annular protrusion (223) and the diameter (Ds) the outer surface (19) of the neck (218) just above the collar (223). 21. The combination according to claim 20, in which the specified distance (H) exceeds half of the specified difference (Δ) by 1.5 times or more. 22. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-21, in which the angular dimension (W) of the connecting part (8) around the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 20°, preferably greater than or equal to 25°. 23. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-22, in which the angular dimension (W) of the connecting part (8) around the axis (Z) is less than or equal to 120°, preferably less than or equal to 90°. 24. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-23, in which, when the closing element (6) is in the closed position, the cut line (21) lies in a plane located transversely with respect to the axis (Z), and the specified edge (50) is formed by the cut line (21) in the central part (24 ) of the specified line. 25. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-24, in which the connecting part (8) is connected to the connecting strips (29, 30) without the formation of intermediate lines of destruction or lines of weakening. 26. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-25, in which knurling lines (13) are made on the outer surface of the side wall (2), and the separating line (4) crosses the knurling lines (13). 27. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 15-26, in which the closing element (6) when in the open position is folded back relative to the neck (218) at an opening angle (A2) greater than or equal to 120°, 28. The combination according to claim 18 or 21, in which the closing element (6) is configured to create a vibration that can be felt by the user when moving the closing element (6) from the closed position to the open position, while the vibration is created under conditions of maximum interaction between connecting part (8) and collar (223). 29. The combination according to any one of paragraphs. 16-28, in which the lid is a lid made according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14.

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