BR102014003102A2 - essentially cylindrical functional block-shaped lid, use of lid, lid making process, and assembly containing at least one lid - Google Patents

Abstract

"essentially cylindrical building block functional lid, use of lid, lid making process, and assembly containing at least one lid" the present invention consists of essentially cylindrical building block shaped functional lid comprising side wall (1) having inner portion (1-i) and outer portion (1-e) provided with lid securing member to the package to be capped (14), top surface (2) having inner portion (2) -i) and outer portion (2-e), with at least one male pin-type engaging member (4) and / or female niche (5) and / or multiple locking element (30) locked in at least one of its faces (2-i) or (2-e) and lid base (3), the lid base (3) not projecting outwardly from the outer portion of the side wall (1-e), element niche type (5), and such lid having an element for easy positioning mpa (16), selected from the group formed by drawing (16-a), cam (16-b), indent (16-c) or combinations thereof. It also consists of its uses and manufacturing processes, as well as assemblies containing such a lid. 2 1/1

Description

Field of the Invention Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention pertains to the field of packaging-type packaging lids. building blocks containing male pin and / or female niche type connecting elements and / or multiple locked connecting elements. More specifically, essentially cylindrical caps containing element to facilitate their positioning for engagement as well as their uses, their manufacturing processes and assemblies containing such caps.

Background of the Invention Building block type closures are known and have been described in various patent publications: EP2489605, WO2011153598, CN202046587U, RU106605, RU108024, WO201023652, US8187050, BR200802245, GB24104959, CN2706417208218181818, , WO0200055063, WO9967151, BR9802607, WO9948582, WO9936332, US5361919, DE8003690, US4202456, IL41948, US3713247. Recently, the following inventors have received patent applications and industrial designs from the present inventors: BR 10 2012 033635 9, BR 10 2012 033632 4, BR 10 2013 024009 5, BR 10 2013 027156 0, BR 30 2013 004810 1, BR 30 2013 004811 0 and BR 30 2013 004812 8.

They have also been described in several other industrial designs: BR-DI7002250-0, BR-DI7002421-9, BR-DI7002422-7, BR-DI7002423-5, BR-DI7002424-3, BR-DI7002425-1, BR- DI7002426-0, BR-DI7002427-8, BR-DI7002428-6, BR-DI7002429-4, BR-DI7002430-8, BR-DI7003736-1, BR-DI7003737-0, BR-DI7003738-8, BR-DI7003739- 6, BR-DI7003740-0, BR-DI7003741-8, BR-DI7003742-6, BR-DI7003743-4, BR-DI7003744-2, BR-DI7003745-0, BR-DI7003746-9, BR-DI7003747-7, BR-DI7005906-3, BR-DI7005907-1, BR-DI7005908-0, BR-DI7005909-8, BR-DI7005910-1, BR-DI7005911-0, BR-DI7005912-8, BR-DI7005913-6, BR- DI7005914-4, BR-DI7005915-2, BR-DI7005916-0, BR-DI7005917-9, BR-DI7005918-7, BR-DI7005919-5, BR-DI7005920-9, BR-DI7005921-7, BR-DI7005922- 5, BR-DI7005923-3, BR-DI7005924-1, BR-DI7005925-0, BR-DI7102727-0, BR-DI7102833-1, CN-201230100653.9, WO-D053490-002, WO-D053490-003 and WO- D053490-004.

Additionally, they have also been portrayed, for example, in publications on caps under the name Clever Caps, in EmbalagemMarca Magazine No. 170 (October 2013), Embanews Ed. 284 (November 2013) and Mercado de Águas Ed Magazine. 54 (November 2013).

Interesting aspects of caps such as the Clever Caps versions published in such magazines are their compatibility with existing building blocks and the fact that they have female niche-type connectors that look similar to those of small ears or rings. protruding from the base of the lid (FIGURE 25). The presence of female niches in the outer portion of the cap, as in such Clever Caps, is particularly interesting as it makes it quite intuitive to fit the caps with other caps themselves or with other building blocks, as the female niches are visible when the covers are viewed from top to bottom and bottom to top.

On the other hand, the presence of female niches protruding from the base of the lid may be undesirable in some situations. For example, their presence may reduce productivity or require adaptations, however small, to filling and packaging lines designed to work with cylindrical lids devoid of such bulges. Also, for example, the presence of female niches in the outer portion of the lid may undesirably alter the final appearance of packages with a lid on them.

A possible alternative to solve this problem would be the removal of the female niches protruding out of the lid base, such as solutions described in the unpublished patent application BRIO 2012 033632 4 of the present inventors. However, while removing the female niches protruding out of the base of the lid solves some problems, on the other hand it can also make it difficult to fit the covers with other caps themselves or with other building blocks, as the caps no longer have a visible snap position indicator on their outer portion. This problem is particularly relevant in the case of cylindrical caps.

[0008] The present invention solves the problems of the current state of the art by providing essentially cylindrical mounting block type cover with male pin and / or female niche connection element (s) and / or connecting element (s). locking device (s), wherein such a lid does not contain female niches protruding out of the base of the lid and such lid additionally has an element to facilitate its positioning for engagement with other mounting block type covers or with other building blocks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIGURE 1 illustrates optional examples of essentially cylindrical building block type lids according to the present invention, comprising side wall (1) provided with lid securing member to the package to be capped (14), showing inner portion (1-i) and outer portion (1-e), top surface (2) having inner portion (2-i) with female niche-type engaging elements (5) and outer portion (2-e) with male pin-type plug-in elements (4) and lid base (3), such caps having on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) or on the outer portion of the side wall (1-e) to facilitate positioning for locking the lid (16), with another lid equal to itself, wherein the element for facilitating positioning for locking the lid (16) is formed by the low relief drawing (16-a) in FIGURE 1 A by rebound (16-b) in FIGURE 1B and by indentation (16-c) in FIGURE 1C. In all examples, the inner portion of the top surface (2i) has been illustrated with an optional ring-shaped sealing member (20) and the caps appear and top perspective, bottom perspective, top view, and bottom view. FIGURE 2 illustrates caps such as those shown in FIGURE 1A, with optional element examples to facilitate positioning for engagement of the cap (16) in the form of drawings (16-a), located on the outer portion of the top surface (2). e) including the following optional variations: (a) position indicator of female niche type connectors (5) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i) (FIGURE 2A), (b) graphic pattern which complements standard graph on the surface of another cap itself (FIGURE 2B), (c) position indicator relative to element on the surface of another cap itself (FIGURE 2C), (d) image indicating contour of the base of another cap lid equal to itself in snap position (FIGURE 2D).

FIGURE 3 illustrates caps such as those polished in FIGURE 1C, but without male pins over the outer portion of the top surface (2-e), with optional element examples to facilitate positioning for engagement of the cap (16) on the drawings (16-a), located on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) of covers, including the following optional variations: (a) position indicator and / or orientation of female niche type connectors (5) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i) (FIGURE 3A), (b) graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on the surface of another “L-pattern” block of connector size, shape and distribution (FIGURE 3B), (c) position and / or orientation indicator relative to element on the surface of another “L-pattern” block of connector size, shape and distribution (FIGURE 3C). In all cases illustrated in FIGURES 3A, 3B and 3C, the caps according to the present invention do not have connecting elements on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e).

FIGURE 4 illustrates optional examples of element to facilitate positioning for snapping of the lid (16) in the form of drawings (16a) located on the outer portion of the sidewall (1e), including the following optional variations. : (a) position indicator of locked multi-connection member components (30) on inner portion of side wall (2-e), (FIGURE 4A), (b) graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on outer portion of wall (1e) and the top surface (2e) of another cap itself (FIGURE 4B), (c) position indicator relative to an element on the top surface of another cap itself, in a vertical snap position (FIGURE 4C).

FIGURES 5A to 5C illustrate optional examples of respectively mounting caps according to FIGURES 1A to 1C with a top perspective view.

FIGURES 6A to 6D illustrate optional examples of cap assemblies according to FIGURES 2A to 2D.

FIGURES 7A to 7C illustrate optional examples of cap mounts according to FIGURES 3A to 3C, with "L-pattern" mounting block size, shape and distribution of male pin type connectors (4).

FIGURES 8A-8C illustrate optional examples of cap assemblies according to FIGURES 4A-4C in vertical stacking.

FIGURE 9 contains a selection of top perspective view images depicted in FIGURES 1 through 22, and illustrates optional configurations for the outer portion of caps according to the present invention, including examples of elements for ease of positioning for snapping in. cap (16) in the form of drawing (16-a), shoulder (16-b) or indentation (16-c).

FIGURES 10A-10C illustrate examples of indentations in the form of clipping (FIGURE 10A), deviation (FIGURE 10B) and wall narrowing (FTGURE 10C). In all three cases, in front, top and perspective view.

FIGURES 11A-11C illustrate examples of cap fasteners to the package to be capped (14), such as: thread (14-a) (FIGURE 11A), push and turn lock (14) -b) (FIGURE 11B), deformable ring type lock (14-c) (FIGURE 11C).

FIGURE 12 illustrates optional configurations for male pins (4) and points out ways in which their outside diameters (DE) are measured.

FIGURE 13 illustrates optional configurations for female niches (5) and points to ways in which their internal diameters (D1) are measured.

[00022] FIGURE 14 illustrates optional configurations for multi-locking interlocking elements (30), with “L pattern” size, shape and distribution, where dotted lines correspond to voids where male pins (4) from another block can be accommodated.

[00023] FIGURE 15 illustrates hypothetical “pattern L” mounting block surface segment of size, shape and distribution for male pin type engaging elements (4).

[00024] FIGURE 16 illustrates examples of building blocks with male pin (4) and female niche (5) type “L” pattern connecting elements of size, shape and distribution.

FIGURE 17 illustrates hypothetical “T-pattern” infinite mounting block surface segment of size, shape and distribution for male pin-type engaging elements (4).

[00026] FIGURE 18 illustrates examples of building blocks with male T-type connection elements (4) with “T pattern” size, shape and distribution.

FIGURE 19 illustrates examples of optional security seals (8), wherein in FIGURES 19A to C the optional security seals (8) are pictured connected to the bases of the covers (3) while in FIGURES 19D to F only The safety seals (8) are retracted.

FIGURE 20 illustrates optional examples of drawings (16-a) in the form of graphic patterns that complement graphic pattern on the surface of another cap itself, with the use of complementary figure segments in the form of the letter "A". (FIGURE 20A) and employing different color patterns or textures on parts of the lid (FIGURE 20B).

FIGURE 21A illustrates an example of a female niche-type connection element-free cap (5) containing male-type “L-pattern” type connection element (4) in size, shape and distribution where the element for facilitate positioning for snapping the lid (16), with another lid just like itself is indentation type (16-c), along with indentations on the inner portion of the side wall (1-i) also feature "L-pattern" size , shape and distribution, forming locked multiple connecting element (30), as illustrated in FIGURE 14P. FIGURE 21B illustrates cap according to FIGURE 21A fitted with another cap itself and fitted with another eight-pin male block (4) with "L-pattern" size, shape and distribution.

FIGURE 22A illustrates an example of a cap according to the present invention containing male pin (4) and female niche (5) connectors with "L-pattern" size, shape and distribution in which the elements for ease of positioning for fitting the cap (16) with another cap equal to itself are of the cam (16-b) and recess (16-c) type, and the cam (16-b) forms a dovetail connection pair with the recess (16c). FIGURE 22B illustrates a cap according to FIGURE 22A fitted with another cap itself in vertical stacking by engaging male pin type connectors (4) with female niche type connectors (5). FIGURE 22C illustrates a cap according to FIGURE 22A engaged with another cap itself in horizontal queuing using the element engaging to facilitate positioning for engagement of the shoulder-type cap (16-b) and the recess-type cap (16- ç).

FIGURE 23 illustrates an example of a lid not comprised by the present invention, wherein the positioning of the vertical stacking socket can be done by simply aligning the sidewalls. In this case, although the drawings on the cover walls may indicate desirable positions for fitting, other fittings with simple vertical alignment of the side walls in any position is also possible, as the covers connected by the four male pins (4) of a of them and the base of the circular lid (3) of the other can freely rotate with each other as shown in FIGURES 23B ', 23B ”, 23B'” and 23B ””.

FIGURE 24 illustrates an example of a lid comprised by the present invention, wherein the positioning of the vertical stacking socket cannot be done by simply aligning the sidewalls. In this case, although three other locking positions are also possible, the designs on the lid walls indicate at least one of the locking positions required.

FIGURE 25 illustrates a mounting block type cover not encompassed by the present invention, similar to those depicted in EmbalagemMarca Magazine No. 170 (October 2013), Embanews Ed. 284 (November 2013) and Mercado de Aguas Ed Magazine 54 (November 2013), a cap having female niche-type connectors (5) on the outer portion of the cap at the height of the cap base (3).

Description of the Invention As a first principal aspect, the present invention consists of essentially cylindrical building block-shaped functional lid comprising side wall (1) provided with lid securing member to the package to be capped (14), having inner portion (1-i) and outer portion (1-e), top surface (2) having inner portion (2-i) and outer portion (2-e), with at least one pin-type engaging member male (4) and / or female niche (5) and / or multi-locking element (30) locked on at least one of its faces (2-i) or (2-e) and cover base (3), being that the base of the lid (3) does not have, projecting outwardly from the outer portion of the side wall (1-e), female niche-type locking element (5), and such lid contains an element to facilitate positioning for locking the lid. cap (16) is selected from the group formed by drawing (16-a), boss (16-b), indent (16-c) or combinations thereof.

Examples of cap components comprising the present invention are illustrated in FIGURE 1.

According to the present invention, a functional lid means any lid with a closure function provided with fastening elements of the lid to the package to be capped, such as a thread or latches for its attachment, removal and eventual Replacement. The application of caps according to the present invention is not limited, but may be particularly interesting for the closure of soda bottles, water, juices, etc., where the opening has a relatively uniform pattern between products of different brands found on the market. Other types of packages in which the lids of the present invention may be useful are, for example, food jars, cosmetics, medicines or even tubes or tubes for creams and pastes, among others.

Still according to the present invention, building blocks are understood to be unitary structures with protrusions and recesses, which can be fitted with other compatible unitary structures, forming relatively stable three-dimensional assemblies which can be lifted and turned upside down. with smooth movements, without the unitary structures detaching from each other.

According to the present invention, the sidewall (1) means that portion of the lid that is laterally and directly in contact with the package to be closed. Lid securing member to the package 14 is understood as constituting the side wall element 1 which has the function of keeping the lid securely attached to the package to be capped. The top surface (2) is the portion of the lid that joins the side wall (1) to provide closure of the package and the base of the lid (3) is the lower perimeter of the side wall (1), opposite the top surface (2).

According to the present invention, the sidewall (1) is essentially cylindrical in shape. Examples of lid-to-package fasteners (14) are illustrated in FIGURES 1A through 11C and include: thread (14-a), push-and-turn lock (14-b), deformable ring-shaped lock (14c). Threaded fasteners (14-a) are in the form of a continuous or segmented helical-shaped groove or shoulder, and are particularly useful for capping packs provided with necks with complementary shoulder or grooves, similar to the nut. and screw. Push-and-lock fasteners (14-b) are in the form of lugs on the lid that can be inserted and then accommodated by rotating the lid in grooves or grooves in letter form "L" in the packaging to be capped. In optional construction, they are in the form of "L" -shaped grooves or channels in the lid into which lugs in the package can be inserted and then accommodated by rotating movement of the lid. Flexible ring-shaped locking fasteners (14-c) are in the form of a continuous or segmented ring shape on the lid, which swells and then compresses around the neck of the package to be capped, commonly provided. bounce. In optional construction, they are in the form of a compressible ring or multi-flap assembly in the lid which compresses and then swells around the neck of the package to be capped, commonly provided with a groove or recess.

In optional embodiments, the top surface (2) may have essentially flat surfaces in both its outer (2-e) and inner (2-i) portions. Also optionally, the inner wall (2i) of the top surface (2) may be associated with sealing aids such as sealing rings, sealing membranes, stoppers or bungs. In cases where the top surface (2) is associated with a cork or bung, the cork or bung wall that comes in contact with the packaging may make the side wallpaper (1). Still optionally, the top surface may be composed or covered by overlapping layers. In this case, the outer surface of the top surface (2-e) shall be considered as its exposed outer wall and the inner surface of the top surface (2-i) shall be considered as its exposed outer wall. inside the lid.

According to the present invention, male pins (4) means any protrusions capable of being inserted and fitted into cylindrical niches. An example of interesting optional conformation is that wherein the male pins (4) according to the present invention are essentially cylindrical. "Essentially cylindrical shape" means an elongated and rectilinear shape having an essentially circular cross-section having an essentially smooth side surface or, if at most, having protuberances or protrusions of heights not exceeding 20% of its radius, especially containing protuberances or protrusions with heights not exceeding 10% of the radius of their cross-section; heights these measurements in the radial direction of the cross section. Also optionally, the male pins 4 may have different shapes, such as polygonal prisms or other shapes. Additionally, they may also be formed of separate sets of parts which together delimit the outer perimeter of cylinders or polygonal prisms.

Interesting shape options for the male studs (4) include, for example, cylindrical studs with cutouts (12) so as to allow the seating and fitting of the lid according to the present invention with a second lid having constitutive elements that would coincide with the positioning of such male pins (4) if they were not cut out. The presence of cut-out barrel-shaped male pins (4) may be particularly interesting, for example in the case of caps where male pins (4) are present on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) and female niches. The tubular tubes (5) are present on the inner portion of the top surface (2-i) in positions where the base of the cap (3) would collide with one or more of the male pins (4) if they had fully circular cross sections without Clippings.

Still in relation to the shapes, the male pins (4) may have their ends slightly rounded or chamfered, to facilitate their introduction in female niches (5).

According to the present invention, the external diameter (DE) of the male pins (4) may be varied. An interesting example of outside diameter for male pins (4) according to the present invention is (4.8 ± 0.1), (6.5 ± 0.1) or (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters. In the case of cylindrical male pins (4) constructed of poorly deformable materials, the outer diameter (DE) corresponds to the diameter of the outer circular section of the pin itself. For differently shaped male studs (5) constructed of slightly deformable materials, the outer diameter (DE) corresponds to the diameter of the smallest circumference surrounding the cross section of the stud. Male pins (4) constructed of deformable materials and having a variable outside diameter (ED) when pressed shall be considered to have a diameter of (4.8 ± 0.1), (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters or ( 9,4 ± 0,2) millimeters where they can be inserted under pressure into cylindrical holes of these diameters.

In a possible optional configuration, male studs (4) with (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters OD may be combined with female studs (5) with (4.8 ± 0.1) or (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters in diameter (Dl), or even male pins (4) with (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters in diameter (DE) can be combined with female niches (5) ) with (4,8 ± 0,1) mm internal diameter (Dl), in tube-shaped shoulders, where the inner space of the tube corresponds to the female niche (5) and the outer wall of the tube delimits the male pin. (4). Other possible tubular shaped configurations include, for example, tubes with an outer diameter (DE) of (13.0 ± 0.2) millimeters and an inner diameter (Dl) of (9.4 ± 0.2), (6, 5 ± 0.1) or (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters.

Regarding their length, the male pins (4) may have different dimensions. For example, lengths of about 1 to 10 millimeters. The use of longer studs (4) may be particularly interesting when they are constructed of more deformable materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene or when studs (4) are positioned under the inner portion of the lid surface. (2i). Especially in the case of longer male studs (4), it may be interesting to use small sleepers or walls interconnecting the base of two or more male studs (4) to prevent or minimize their deformation or misalignment over time.

Examples of possible male stud configurations (4) are illustrated in FIGURE 13.

According to the present invention, female niches (5) mean any recesses into which cylindrical pins can be inserted and engaged. Female niches (5) according to the present invention may take on multiple shapes. Interesting shapes of female niches (5) that tangent at least three cylinder points that can be inserted into them are interesting.

Female niche shape options (5) comprise, for example, cylindrical holes, polygonal prismatic holes, inner portions of tubular ducts, essentially parallel spaced spaces between cylinders or prisms, substantially parallel flat surfaces, projections or fins arranged in configuration. that form essentially parallel planes or combinations thereof. Essentially parallel means planes or straight lines with an angle of inclination of up to fifteen degrees to one another. In examples of optional conformations, female niches (5) are delimited by elements totally parallel to each other.

According to the present invention, the internal diameter (D1) of the female niches (5) may be varied. An interesting example of internal diameter (D1) for female niches is (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters, (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters or (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters. In the case of cylindrical female niches (5) constructed of poorly deformable materials, the inner diameter (D1) corresponds to the diameter of the inner circular section of the niche itself. For female niches (5) of different shapes constructed of poorly deformable materials, the inside diameter (D1) corresponds to the diameter of the largest caliber cylinder that can be inserted into the niche. Female niches (5) constructed of deformable materials and having a variable internal diameter (D1) when pressed shall be considered to have a diameter of (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters, of (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters. or (9,4 ± 0,2) millimeters, when cylinders of these diameters can be inserted into them under pressure.

In a possible optional configuration, female niches (5) with (6.5 ± 0.1) or (4.8 ± 0.1) mm internal diameter (Dl) may be combined with male pins (4) with (9.4 ± 0.2) mm outside diameter (DE), or female niches (5) with (4.8 ± 0.1) mm inside diameter (Dl) can be combined with male studs (4 ) with (6.5 ± 0.1) mm outside diameter (DE), in tube-shaped shoulders, where the inner span of the pipe corresponds to the female niche (5) and the outer wall of the pipe delimits the male pin (4). Other possible tubular shaped configurations include, for example, tubes with an outer diameter (DE) of (13.0 ± 0.2) millimeters and an inner diameter (Dl) of (9.4 ± 0.2), (6, 5 ± 0.1) or (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeters.

Examples of possible optional configurations of female niches (5) are illustrated in FIGURE 13.

An interesting conformation for female niches (5) is that formed by a space delimited by a male niche (4) in the form of a cylindrical tube (TC) with an outer diameter of (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters and an inner diameter (Dl) of (4,8 ± 0,1) millimeters or with an outer diameter of (13,0 ± 0,2) millimeters and an inner diameter (Dl) of (9,4 ± 0,2) millimeters by the parallel faces of two fins (AL) pointing towards the cylinder tube (TC), where the apexes of such fins (AL) and a semi-straight in the outer wall of the cylindrical tube (TC) delimit female niches (5) with internal diameters (Dl) of (4,8 ± 0,1) millimeters or (9,4 ± 0,2) millimeters, respectively.

With respect to depth, female niches (5) may have different dimensions. For example, depth of about 1 to 10 millimeters. The use of deeper female (5) niches may be particularly interesting when combined with longer (4) male pins. Especially in the case of deeper female niches (5), it may be interesting to use small sleepers or walls interconnecting the outer walls of two or more female niches (5) to avoid or minimize their deformation or misalignment over time. .

According to the present invention, multiple locking connecting elements (30) are understood as elements formed by walls that provide a placeholder for fitting with two or more male pins (4) of another lid equal to itself, when it is used. the case, or another building block, so that when the male pins (4) of another cap itself or another building block are fitted to the locked multiple connecting elements (30), the formed assembly does not allow the cap according to the present invention and the other cap itself or the other building block rotate with each other about an axis formed by one or more male pins (4).

Examples of locked multiple connecting elements (30) are illustrated in FIGURE 14 and include, among others: inner portions of tubular elements that may or may not have indentations tangent to male pin studs of another block (FIGURES 14A and 14B ), walls that tangent to male studs (4) from another block, such tangenting occurs at the distal portions of the tangent (4) male studs (FIGURES 14C to 14G), walls that tangent to studs (4) from another block, such biasing occurring in the proximal portions of the biased male pins (4) (FIGURES 14H to 140), or combinations thereof (FIGURE 14P). According to the present invention, when present, the male pins (4) and / or the female niches (5) may be located on the inner or outer portions of the top surface (2) or extension thereof, provided that the base of the cover (3) does not have, projecting outwardly from the outer portion of the side wall (1-e), female niche-type locking element (5). Also according to the present invention, when present, the locked multiple connecting elements (30) may be present on or in the inner or outer portions of the top surface (2) or may be constituted as part of the side wall (1). ) at the height of the lid base (3).

With respect to orientation, when present, male pins (4) and / or female niches (5) are preferably arranged with their longitudinal axes in a direction essentially parallel to the inner portion of the sidewall (1-i). Also according to the present invention, when present, the locked multiple connecting elements (30) are presently arranged with their walls essentially parallel to the inner portion of the side wall (1-i). Essentially parallel means planes or straight lines with an angle of inclination of up to fifteen degrees to one another. In examples of optional arrangements, the male pins (4) and / or the female niches (5) and / or the multiple locking connecting elements (30) are arranged with their longitudinal axes in a direction totally parallel to the inner portion of the sidewall ( 1-i) and each other.

As an optional specific aspect, the caps comprised by the present invention not only have male pins (4) and female niches (5) with specific dimensions, but also have specific spatial distributions for such pins and niches when more than one of them. is present as well as for locked multiple connecting elements (30). An interesting example is when two or more male pin (4) or female niche (5) connection elements with a diameter of (4.8 ± 0.1) or (6.5 ± 0.1) are present. ) millimeters, the spatial distribution of such pins corresponds to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance of (8.0 ± 0.1) millimeters from each other. Another interesting example is that when two or more male pin (4) or female niche (5) connection elements with a diameter of (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeters are present, the spatial distribution of the center of such pins corresponds to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance of (16 ± 0.2) millimeters from each other. In addition, another interesting optional example is that in which multiple locking connection elements 30 may have dimensions and distributions such that they tangent points or segments of spaces into which (4.8 ± 0) diameter male stud assemblies may be fitted. , 1) millimeters, with spatial distribution corresponding to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance of (8.0 ± 0.1) millimeters from each other.

Regarding the number and distribution of male pins (4) and / or female niches (5) and / or multiple locking elements (30), these may be present in different quantities and locations. In certain types of optional constructions, they have distributions that allow caps according to the present invention to be simultaneously fitted with three or more caps equal to themselves in multiple positions and configurations, including diagonal stacking of caps in which one or more Male pins (4) or female niches (5) on the same surface are available for additional fittings, even when the cover is already attached to another. To do so, it may be interesting to place two or more locking elements (female niches (5) or male pins (4)) apart and close to the perimeter of the top surface (2) on its outer wall (2- e) and / or its inner wall (2i). According to other optional conformations, the caps according to the present invention may be provided only with male pin-type locking elements (4) or may only be provided with female niche-type locking elements (5) and / or only connecting elements. multiple locks (30) which are compatible with other building blocks.

Examples of other building blocks are blocks marketed under the LEGO and / or LEGO DOUBLE markings, which have defined size, shape and distribution standards for male pins (4) and / or female niches (5), such as “L pattern” and the “L DOUBLE” pattern below.

According to the present invention, "standard L" of male stud size, shape and distribution (4) is considered to be that observed in building blocks containing (4) cylindrical male studs (OD) of (4) , 8 ± 0,1) millimeters, having a spatial distribution in which the center of the cylindrical circular cross-section corresponds to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines (DC) of (8,0 ± 0,1) ) millimeters to each other. A “double L standard” in size, shape and distribution of male pins (4) is considered to be that observed in a building block containing male (4) cylindrical male pins (OD) of (9.4 ± 0.2). millimeters, with a spatial distribution in which the centers of the cylindrical circular cross sections correspond to quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines (DC) of (16.0 ± 0.2) millimeters between them.

Also according to the present invention, "standard L" of size, shape and distribution of female niches (5) is considered as that observed in a building block containing female niches (5) in which cylindrical pins with diameter (4,8 ± 0,1) millimeters, with a spatial distribution in which the center of the circular cross-section of the cylindrical pins correspond to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance (DC) of (8,0) ± 0,1) millimeters to each other. A “double L standard” in size, shape and distribution of female niches (5) is considered to be that observed in a building block containing female niches (5) in which cylindrical pins with a diameter of (9.4 ± 0, 2) millimeters, with a spatial distribution in which the center of the circular cross-section of the cylindrical pins corresponds to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance (DC) of (16.0 ± 0.2) millimeters to each other. .

Also according to the present invention, the "standard L" is considered as the size, shape and distribution of locked multiple connecting elements (30), such as that in which locked multiple connecting elements (30) have dimensions and distributions of mode. tangent points or segments of spaces into which male (4.8 ± 0.1) millimeter diameter male pin assemblies can be fitted, with spatial distribution corresponding to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal straight lines (8.0 ± 0.1) millimeters to each other. “Double L standard” is considered to be the size, shape and distribution of locked multiple connecting elements (30), as one where locked multiple connecting elements (30) have dimensions and distributions so that they tangent points or segments of spaces into which male (9.4 ± 0.2) millimeter diameter male stud assemblies may be fitted, having a spatial distribution corresponding to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with a distance of (26,0 ± 0 , 2) millimeters to each other.

[00065] Example "L-pattern" mounting block segment of size, shape and distribution for male pin type fasteners (4) is illustrated in FIGURE 15. Examples of "L-pattern" construction blocks size, shape and distribution for male pin (4) and female niche (5) type plug elements are illustrated in FIGURE 16.

[00066] Another example of other building blocks are "T-pattern" blocks of size, shape and distribution for male pins (4). “T-pattern” of male pin size, shape and distribution (4) is considered to be that observed in a building block containing male (4) cylindrical male pins (OD) of (3.2 + 0.1) millimeters , with a spatial distribution in which the center of the circular cross-section of the cylinders corresponds to that of quadrangular matrix points formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines with distances (DC1) of (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters and distance (DC2) of (24.3 ± 0.2) millimeters. Interestingly, the "T-pattern" size, shape, and distribution of male pins and / or female niches may be applied to convert conventional Finish PCO 1881 bottle caps into building-type caps such as those illustrated in FIGURE IA.

[00067] Hypothetical “pattern T” mounting block segment of size, shape and distribution for male pin type fasteners (4) is illustrated in FIGURE 17. Examples of building blocks having size “T pattern” , shape and distribution, for male pin type locking elements (4) are illustrated in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 17 illustrates “T-pattern” mounting block segment of size, shape and distribution for male pin type fittings (4), where the drawn circles correspond to the outside diameter (DE) of the pins. (4) and in which the hypothetical dotted lines illustrate a quadrangular matrix formed by multiple parallel and orthogonal lines passing through the centers of the male pins (4) at an alternating distance (DC1) and (DC2) from each other. For the “T standard”, the outside diameter (OD) is (3.0 ± 0.1) millimeters, the distance (DC1) is (6.5 ± 0.1) millimeters and the distance (DC2) is of (19 ± 0.2) millimeters.

As another optional aspect, the closures comprised by the present invention may be associated with a rupture seal (8), which may or may not detach from the lid at the time of opening of the package. Commonly, the seal (8) is shaped like a ring attached to the base of the lid (3) by means of small perforated connections or a thin wall made of the material with which the lid is made, such connections being thin or wall are broken when the lid is removed from the packaging.

Examples of optional rupture seals (8) for caps according to the present invention are illustrated in FIGURE 19.

According to the present invention, the element for facilitating the positioning for fitting of the lid (16) is understood as a tactile / visual element present / visible on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) and / or on the outer portion of the side wall (1e), which is not a male pin type connector (4) or a female niche type connector (5), with the function of indicating the positioning of type connector elements. male pin (4) or female niche (5) which may be in the inner portion of the lid (ie portion below the top surface (2) and surrounded by the side wall (1)) or at least indicate a required position so that it can be fitted with another cap equal to itself, where appropriate, or with another building block relative to the connecting member located on the inner portion of the cap.

Elements for facilitating positioning for fitting of the lid (16) according to the present invention differ from other mounting block type lid elements comprised in the state of the art in that they simultaneously have such (tactile / visual) shape and such function ( facilitate positioning for fitting).

For example, in the case of a cylindrical lid, as illustrated in FIGURE 23, not comprised by the present invention, the positioning of the vertical stacking socket can be done by simply aligning the sidewalls. In this case, although the designs on the lid walls may indicate desirable positions for engaging, other fittings with simple vertical alignment of the sidewalls in any position is also possible.

Also for example, in the case of a cylindrical lid, as illustrated in FIGURE 24, comprised by the present invention, the positioning of the vertical stacking socket cannot be done by simply aligning the sidewalls. In this case, although other locking positions are also possible, the designs on the lid walls indicate at least one of the locking positions required.

Also according to the present invention, the element for facilitating the positioning of the lid (16) is selected from the group formed by drawing (16-a), shoulder (16-b), indentation (16-c) or combinations. of these.

According to the present invention, the element for facilitating the positioning for fitting of the lid (16) in the shape of the drawing (16-a) is understood as a visual element that can be formed, for example, by changing color, altering texture, high relief, low relief, translucency or transparency of the material constituting the cover or combinations thereof.

Commonly, drawing (16-a) can be applied to the lid by processes such as painting, printing, decaling, chemical reaction, abrasion, material depositing, molding, or combinations thereof, among other processes. . If translucent or transparent material is used in the construction of the lid, the design may be formed as a result of increased light absorption by thicker portions of the lid, such as when female niche connectors (5) are present under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i) and especially the attachment points of the connectors are visible on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e).

According to the present invention, the drawing 16-a may be visible on the outer portion of the top surface 2-e, on the outer portion of the side wall 1-e or both. Optional examples where drawing 16-a is visible on the outer portion of the top surface 2-e include: position and / or orientation indicator of connecting member (s) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-e) 2-i); graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on the surface of another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or on the surface of another building block on which the cover will be fitted; position and / or orientation indicator relative to the element on the surface of another lid equal to itself, where appropriate, or in another building block on which the lid will be fitted; image indicating contour of the base of another cover equal to itself, as the case may be, or of a building block to be fitted onto the cover in a snap position. Optional examples where the drawing (16-a) is visible on the outer portion of the side wall (1-e) include: position and / or orientation indicator of connecting member (s) under the inner portion of the top surface (2) -i); graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on the top surface and / or the sidewall of another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or building block on which the cover will be fitted; position and / or orientation indicator relative to the element on the top surface of another lid equal to itself, where appropriate, or building block on which the lid will be fitted.

Optional examples of drawings (16-a) of position and / or orientation indicators of connecting member (s) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i) include drawings (16-a) in the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) indicating the outline or center of female niches (5), such as those illustrated in FIGURES 2A and 3A. Also include drawings (16a) on the outer portion of the sidewall (1e) indicating the placement of female niches (5) near the inner portion of the sidewall (1i), such as those illustrated in FIGURE 4A.

[00080] Optional examples of drawings (16-a) in the form of graphic patterns that complement graphic pattern on the surface of another cap itself, where appropriate, or on the surface of another building block on which the cap will be Embedded patterns include drawings (16-a) on the outer portion of the top surface (2-e) and / or the outer portion of the side wall (1-e), such as lines (FIGURES IA, 2B, 4B), complementary segments of familiar figures such as letters, numbers, geometric figures, faces, dolls, animals (FIGURE 20A), different color or texture patterns on parts of the lid (FIGURE 20B), pattern design of connecting elements such as “L-pattern” design of male stud size, shape and distribution (4) (FIGURE 3B), or the use of brightness variations, texture variations or groove distribution pattern variations.

Optional examples of drawings (16-a) in the form of position and / or orientation indicators relative to an element on the top surface of another lid equal to itself, where appropriate, or building block on which the lid will be fitted include drawings (16a) on the outer portion of the top surface (2e) and or on the outer portion of the sidewall (1e) in the form of lines or arrows pointing to the position, for example of male studs (4) on the surface of another cap equal to itself (FIGURES 2C, 4C) or another block (FIGURE 3C) in locking position.

[00082] Optional example of drawing (16-a) in the form of an image indicating the contour of the base of another lid equal to itself, where appropriate, or of a building block to be snapped onto the lid in a snap position , is illustrated in FIGURE 2D.

According to the present invention, the element for facilitating the positioning for snapping of the lid (16) in the form of the shoulder (16-b) is understood as a constructive element formed by the outward deviation or addition of material from the outer portion of the surface. top (2e) and / or the outer portion of the sidewall (1e).

According to the present invention, the element for facilitating the positioning for fitting of the lid (16) in the form of a recess (16-c) is understood as a constructive element formed by the inward deviation or withdrawal / relief of material in the outer portion. top surface (2-e) and / or the outer portion of the side wall (1-e) of the lid. Such removal / relief of material may be done in part, leading to narrowing of the thickness of the top surface (2) and / or the side wall (1). It may also be integrally formed by forming holes in the top surface (2) and / or the side wall (1) or, when applied at the height of the lid base (3), forming indentations in the side wall (1). Preferably, the reciprocating engagement member of the lid (16) in recessed form (16-c) is in the form of inward biasing or wall narrowing, as the opening of cutouts may be undesirable in some situations, such as sealing, hygiene or appearance problems.

FIGURES 10A-10C illustrate examples of indentations in the form of clipping (FIGURE 10A), deviation (FIGURE 10B) and wall narrowing (FIGURE 10C).

Elements for facilitating positioning for snap-on lid (16-b) or recoil (16-c) can be applied analogously respectively to elements for facilitating positioning for snap-on lid (16-a) high relief and low relief drawing. However, they present constructive and / or functional properties resulting from their three-dimensionality. Such properties may have practical tactile applications, for example facilitating the assembly of the caps according to the present invention by users with visual limitations. They may also have practical applications of a constructive nature, for example by assisting in anchoring or securing lids according to the present invention with other lids themselves, where appropriate, or with other building blocks.

Depending on optional constructions, elements for facilitating positioning for snap-on lid (16-b) or recess (16-c) may serve as a lateral contact element, for example with a male pin (4). ) on the surface of another lid just like itself. Examples of elements for facilitating positioning for snap-fit lid (16-b) and recess (16-c) with such configuration are illustrated respectively in FIGURE 1B and FIGURE 1C.

Interesting optional lid constructions according to the present invention comprise lids wherein elements for ease of positioning for snap-fit lid (16-b) or recess (16-c) are positioned at the height of the lid base ( 3) and are combined with indentations in the form of wall deflections or narrows on the inner portion of the sidewall (1), also at the height of the lid base (3), to form a locked multiple connecting element (30). For example, when such indentations tangent four "L-pattern" male pins (4) in size, shape and distribution, such as the covers illustrated in FIGURES 1C, 3B and 3C, it is possible to fit the cover into a building block containing four Male pins (4) with “L pattern” size, shape and distribution, even in the absence of female niches (5) under the top surface (2). The firmness of such a fitting without the use of female niches (5) can be enhanced by widening the thickness of the side wall (1) as a whole or only at the height of the lid base (3). In the latter case, the flare may look like a ring surrounding the base of the lid. Example of a cap according to the present invention with such a conformation, with neck compatible dimensions with Finish PCO 1881, with twelve male niches (4) on the top surface (2-e), wherein the base of the cap (3) has a flare ring around you. This circular ring which forms part of a square (L) of (31.8 ± 0.2) millimeters is shown in FIGURE 21 A. Example of mounting such a lid with another lid of its own and with A block containing eight “standard L” male pins of size, shape and distribution is illustrated in FIGURE 21B.

According to other optional constructions, elements for facilitating positioning for snap-on lid (16-b) or recess (16-c) can serve as connecting elements, unlike male pins (4) and / or female niches (5).

[00090] Example of a cap containing male pin (4) and female niche (5) connectors with “L-pattern” size, shape and distribution in which the elements for easy positioning to fit the cap (16), with another cap itself are shoulder (16-b) and undercut (16-c), and shoulder (16-b) forms a dovetail connection pair with undercut (16-c), is illustrated in FIGURE 22.

In this particular case, the alignment of the two shoulders (16-b) to each other and the two shoulders (16-c) to each other indicate the mating position of the male studs (4) with the female niches (5) when two equal covers are fitted one above the other. In addition, the side-by-side engagement of the shoulder 16-b of one cover with the recess 16-c of another cover allows the male pins 4 and female niches 5 of the two covers to hold between itself, the “standard L” in size, shape and distribution.

Various other additional aspects may be used in conjunction with the covers comprised by the present invention, including the use of reliefs or patterns on their surfaces that may form predetermined mosaics or figures, use of materials with different colors, transparencies and compositions. . Optionally combinations of the covers of the present invention with slots, cutouts and other types of connectors may also be used, such as those described in the publications referenced on pages 1 and 2 above.

According to a second main aspect, the present invention consists of the use of caps according to the present invention for the assembly of connected caps assemblies, by means of the tubular female niche (5) or male pin (4) socket of a first lid according to the present invention, with another lid equal to itself, where appropriate, or with another building block.

The use of covers according to the present invention for assembling assemblies with other covers or building blocks can be applied in various types of industries. For example, in the toy industry, the furniture industry, the construction industry, as a structural element of thermal insulation, sound insulation, among other applications.

According to a third main aspect, the present invention consists of closure production processes according to the present invention. Such production processes include injection or compression molding processes of thermoplastic material.

In accordance with the present invention, injection molding is understood as a manufacturing process comprising melting the raw material (commonly in the form of grains or powder) in a chamber, followed by injecting the molten material into a cavity of a mold and followed by subsequent cooling and extraction of the formed parts. Examples of injection molding equipment are produced by NISSEI PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. and marketed under the name ΝΈΧ-ΠΪ Series such as NEX80-III-12EG equipment.

Compression molding according to the present invention is understood as a manufacturing process comprising heating and compressing the raw material (commonly in the form of grains or powder) directly into molding cavities, followed by extraction of the formed parts. Examples of injection molding equipment are produced by S ACMI GROUP and sold under names such as CCM32M, CCM24L, CCM48S, among others.

According to a fourth major aspect, the present invention consists of cap assemblies containing at least one cap according to the present invention and at least one other block containing female niche-type engaging member (5) or male pin (4) which form a coupling pair with male pin (4) or female niche (5) of such a cap according to the present invention.

Optional assemblies according to the present invention include, for example, closure assemblies comprising closures according to the present invention provided only with male pin type locking elements (4) or only female niche type locking elements (5). , together with other building blocks provided with male pin (4) and / or female niche (5) locking elements.

CLAIM

Claims (11)

1. Essentially cylindrical building block shaped lid comprising sidewall (1) provided with lid securing member to the package to be capped (14) having inner portion (1-i) and outer portion (1-e ), top surface (2) having inner portion (2-i) and outer portion (2-e), with at least one male pin-type engaging member (4) and / or female niche (5) and / or multiple connecting element locked (30) on at least one of its faces (2-i) or (2-e) and lid base (3), the lid base (3) not being projected to outside the outer portion sidewall (1-e), female niche-type locking member (5), characterized in that it contains an element to facilitate positioning for locking the lid (16) selected from the group formed by drawing (16-a ), cam (16-b), indent (16-c) or combinations thereof. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains locking elements of the type (a) male pin (4) and (b) female niche (5) and / or locking multiple connecting element (30) which form a fitting pairs with those of another cover equal to itself. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains male pin (4) and / or female niche (5) and / or locked multi-connector (30) locking elements which do not allow locking with another lid just like it, but allow it to snap into another building block. Lid according to Claim 3, characterized in that the other building block has male-type (4) or female-niche (5) pin fittings of “L-pattern” or “D-L-pattern” size; format and distribution. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the design (16-a) is visible on the outer portion of the top surface (2- e) and is selected from the group consisting of: (a) position indicator and / or orientation of connecting member (s) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i), (b) graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on the surface of another cap itself, where appropriate, or on the surface (c) position and / or orientation indicator relative to the element on the surface of another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or in another building block on the cover. which cover will be fitted, (d) image indicating contour of the base of another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or of building block to be fitted over the cover, in locking position. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the design (16-a) is visible on the outer portion of the side wall (1-e) and is selected from the group consisting of: (a) position indicator and / or orientation of connecting member (s) under the inner portion of the top surface (2-i), (b) graphic pattern that complements graphic pattern on the top surface and / or the side wall of another cap itself, when (c) position and / or orientation indicator relative to the element on the top surface of another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or block. on which the lid will be fitted. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the shoulder (16-b) or recess (16-c) is positioned on the outer portion of the side wall (1-e) at the height of the lid base (3) and It functions as a side contact element with a male pin (4) on the top surface of another cap, as it is, or in another building block on which the cap will be fitted. Cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it has male pin (4) and / or female niche (5) connectors and / or shoulders (16-b) and / or indentations (16-c) distributed according to “standard”. L ”or“ standard L DOUBLE ”. Use of cover as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is for mounting the connected cover assembly by means of the female niche socket (5) or the locking multiple connecting element (30). or of male pin (4) with another cover equal to itself, where appropriate, or with another building block. A capping process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is by injection molding or compression molding of thermoplastic material. An assembly containing at least one lid as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it contains at least one other block containing female niche-type plug-in element (5) or male pin (4) which forms a pair. connection, respectively, with male pin (4) or female niche (5) of such cover according to the present invention.