EP2125556A1 - Plastic hinged stopper - Google Patents

Plastic hinged stopper

Info

Publication number
EP2125556A1
EP2125556A1 EP08775603A EP08775603A EP2125556A1 EP 2125556 A1 EP2125556 A1 EP 2125556A1 EP 08775603 A EP08775603 A EP 08775603A EP 08775603 A EP08775603 A EP 08775603A EP 2125556 A1 EP2125556 A1 EP 2125556A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base
resistance
longitudinal
zones
hinge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP08775603A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2125556B1 (en
Inventor
Grégory ANTIER
Véronique BERNARD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Original Assignee
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA filed Critical Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority to PL08775603T priority Critical patent/PL2125556T3/en
Publication of EP2125556A1 publication Critical patent/EP2125556A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2125556B1 publication Critical patent/EP2125556B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a plastic plug for a container neck.
  • the invention is more particularly concerned with so-called "articulated" plugs, that is to say plugs having a tiltable lid with respect to a base intended to securely surround a container neck, by deformation of a hinge joint. (s) integrally connecting the base and the lid.
  • This type of plug are given by WO-A-03/006333 and WO-A-03/059770.
  • This type of cap may pose safety problems vis-à-vis children: if a child plays with the hinged lid and subject to solicitations other than the normal load tilt around his or her hinges, such as solicitations torsion and / or traction, this or these hinges may tear, which separates the cover of the base. The child can then inhale the lid by mouth and may choke.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an articulated plastic cap which, while allowing a reliable and satisfactory articulation of its cover relative to its base to open and close the cap, limits the risk that a child can tear the lid when he plays with the cork.
  • the invention proposes to provide an articulated plastic plug that meets the French standard relating to the safety of children, referenced NF EN 71-1 or classified under the index S 51-212, which plans to apply, under certain test conditions, a torsion force and then a tensile force on an object to be tested.
  • the subject of the invention is a plastic stopper for a container neck, comprising a generally tubular base, which is intended to surround the neck, and a closure cover, which is integral, in a peripheral portion of the base, with a first longitudinal end of the base, forming a hinge joint (s) which defines a geometric axis of tilting of the lid relative to the base between open and closed service positions, characterized in that the base has two elongated zones of least mechanical strength, which extend in length from the first end of the base towards the second longitudinal end thereof, being located at this first end, on both sides of the hinge joint, and which are adapted to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid, in its open position, is rotated on itself around a geometric axis of torsion, transverse to the axis of tilting.
  • the cover of such a plug has a diameter greater than a predetermined value, which is provided to prevent the lid, if it were to be torn from the base, can not be introduced into the trachea of a child, is sufficient strength in its area of connection with the base not to dissociate completely from the base when a twisting of this bonding zone is applied at a predetermined intensity or when it is applied until the lid is completely turned over on itself, around a geometric test axis perpendicular to the tilting axis normal cover between its open and closed positions.
  • the idea underlying the invention is to ensure that the cover of the plug according to the invention can be turned on itself, that is to say, driven in rotation about itself around the axis geometric torsion, especially under the conditions specified by the above-mentioned standard, without applying significant stresses to the hinge joint (s), thus avoiding completely tearing this joint which nevertheless has a low resistance to fracture because of its flexibility relative.
  • the base of the plug according to the invention extends in length vertically, with the lid facing upwards, the base has, on either side of the peripheral portion of its end. high articulated with the lid, two elongated areas of least resistance, which extend from its upper end to its lower end.
  • each of these two zones breaks almost instantaneously, that is to say before the joint is subjected to significant torsional stresses.
  • the torsional stresses instead of concentrating at the upper end of the base, that is to say at the level of the articulation, are distributed in the portion of plastic material carrying this articulation and delimited between the two areas of least resistance over the entire length of these areas. This greatly limits the risk that the material connection connecting the lid to the base is completely torn under the effect of local over-stress when this link is biased in torsion, especially when the lid in the open position is returned to itself.
  • the safety of a child playing with a cap according to the invention is reinforced regardless of the maximum transverse dimension of the lid, in particular whatever its diameter for a circular base lid.
  • the invention can be applied to articulated plastic plugs of very different sizes.
  • the zones of lesser resistance according to the invention are achieved by decreasing the amount of plastic used, thus reducing the total weight of the plug.
  • the lid of the plug according to the invention when the lid of the plug according to the invention is stressed in its normal operating conditions, that is to say is tilted between its open and closed positions relative to the base, the presence of both areas of least resistance according to the invention has no impact, that is to say that these areas do not interfere with the normal tilting of the cover and do not limit the mechanical performance of the switchover.
  • the two zones of least resistance in accordance with the invention can be integrated into an articulated plug having the advantageous arrangements presented in WO-A-03/006333.
  • the cover when two successive hinges following the periphery of the base of the plug according to the invention are provided at the joint between the cover and the base, the cover is advantageously provided with a projection adapted to bear against a tab formed by the first end of the base, between the two hinges, to lock the lid in its open position with an opening angle of minus 180 °.
  • the two zones of least resistance are dimensioned and configured relative to the base so that, after breaking, they delimit between them a portion of material of the base, which carries the joint and which is adapted to work in torsion without breaking when the lid is rotated about itself about the torsion axis by at least 180 °. In this way, the cover can be completely turned on itself relative to the base, without being able to separate from the base, in particular by breaking the joint, which satisfies the torsion test of the aforementioned standard.
  • each zone of least resistance has, in the longitudinal direction of the base, a dimension greater than one quarter, preferably one half, of the length of the base.
  • the two zones of least resistance extend in length convergently towards each other while moving away from the first end of the base.
  • the lid is turned on itself around the geometric axis of torsion, an important part, even the essential torsion stress of the material connection between the base and the lid is concentrated in the portion of matter between the lower ends of the two zones of least resistance.
  • these torsion stresses are collected at the longitudinal level of the current part of the base, at a good distance from the articulation hinge or hinges, which preserves as much as possible the structural integrity of this or these hinges.
  • This portion has a thickness strictly greater than that of the hinge or hinges.
  • a longitudinal material portion of the base which extends between the longitudinal end of at least one of the zones of least resistance, opposite the first end of the base, and the second end of the base, has, in the direction longitudinal base, a dimension greater than 10% of the length of the base.
  • the resulting torn stopper then has a very large transverse dimension which, in practice, prevents this stopper from being able to be inhaled by a child.
  • At least one of the zones of least resistance is extended, at its longitudinal end opposite the first end of the base, by an elongated opening in the base, which extends in length from this zone in a substantially peripheral direction of the base and in the opposite direction to the other zone of least resistance.
  • an elongated opening in the base which extends in length from this zone in a substantially peripheral direction of the base and in the opposite direction to the other zone of least resistance.
  • each zone of least resistance comprises, on the one hand, a through slot, which extends in length from the first end to the second end of the base, and, on the other hand, at least a frangible element connecting the longitudinal edges of the slot to one another, which is adapted to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid, in its open position, is rotated on it; even around the torsion axis.
  • the frangible element or elements are arranged at the longitudinal end of the slot, located at the first end of the base.
  • the two zones of least resistance delimit between them a portion of material of the base, which carries the articulation and which is provided, in its median part along the periphery of the base, with a through hole of elongate shape in the longitudinal direction of the base.
  • This through hole allows, as it were, to subdivide the aforementioned portion of material into two sub-portions of material, disposed on either side of this orifice.
  • this through hole can be arranged in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/059770, that is to say that this through hole forms a insertion passage of a tamper-evident tongue in a space storage that the base and the neck are intended to delimit between them, the tamper-evident tab associating the base and the cover outside the hinge joint, being connected to this base and to this cover by suitable frangible means to break to remove the tab when first using the plug to open the lid.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plug according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational view along the arrow II of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the neck of a container closed by the cap of Figures 1 and 2;
  • - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing a lid of the cap in the open position relative to a base of the cap;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cap of Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the overturning itself of the lid in the open position;
  • FIG. 6 to 9 are views similar to Figure 2, respectively illustrating embodiments of the plug, according to the invention.
  • a plug 1 is shown either alone or mounted on the neck 2 of a container 3, such as a bottle, figured only in part.
  • a container 3 such as a bottle
  • the remainder of the description is oriented so that the terms "upper” and “lower”, as well as similar terms, are defined with reference to a plug lying flat on a generally horizontal surface in the position of FIGS. , 2 and 5, which amounts to considering that the plug is mounted on the neck 2 while the latter extends in length vertically being directed upwards relative to the remainder of the container 3, in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4.
  • the upper side of the device 1 is oriented upwards in the figures, while its lower side is oriented downwards.
  • the plug 1 made by molding a plastic material in the form of a single piece, comprises a lower base 10 having a tubular shape with a circular base and a central longitudinal axis XX.
  • the base 10 is provided with internal ribs January 1, located at the same level longitudinally of the base, being distributed along the periphery of the base, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, these ribs 11 are adapted to cooperate with an outer annular collar 4 of the neck 2 for purposes immobilization of the base around the neck.
  • the stopper 1 also comprises an upper cover 20 articulated on the upper end 10A of the base 10, in a restricted peripheral zone of the base, corresponding in practice to the rear of the stopper 1.
  • the corresponding rear articulation , referenced 30, between the base and the cover comprises two flexible strips 31 directly connecting the upper end 10A of the base and the lower end 21 A of a tubular main wall 21 of the cover, being integral with these ends .
  • the slats 31 respectively form hinges which, by deformation, make it possible to tilt the lid 20 between a closed position, represented in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the lid closes the neck 2, and an open position, represented in FIG. , in which the liquid contained in the container 3 can freely be discharged outside this container, via the neck 2, without being retained by the lid.
  • the lamellae 31 thus define a geometric axis AA of tilting of the lid between these closed and open positions, it being understood that, in practice, because of the flexible deformation of the lamellae, the position of this axis AA is not strictly fixed with respect to at the base 10 but that, during all the tilting movement of the plug, this axis is defined instantaneously on the rear side of the plug 1, extending in a direction orthoradial to the axis XX.
  • the strips 31 advantageously have a thickness less than that of the ends 10A and 21A of the base and the cover, facilitating their deformation.
  • this cover is provided, in its front peripheral portion, with a tab 22 projecting projecting forwardly with respect to the main wall 21.
  • the user wants to open the cap 1, it can then exert on the underside of the tab 22 a force Fi directed upwards, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the plug 1 advantageously has arrangements in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/006333, to which the reader can refer to have details and corresponding alternative embodiments.
  • the cover 20 is provided, opposite the tab 22, that is to say in its rear peripheral portion, a tab 23 which projects rearwardly relative to at the main wall 21, while the base 10 has in its rear peripheral portion, a tab 12 integrally with the base and projecting upwardly from the upper end 1OA.
  • this tongue 12 is disposed between the two hinge lamellae 31.
  • the tab 23 comes to bear against the tongue 12 from the outside. under the effect of an elastic force exerted by the slats 31.
  • the tongue 12 is pressed against the outer surface of the neck 2, this surface then exerting a reaction force on the tab 23, so this force, combined with the elastic force exerted by the slats 31, blocks the lid in its open position, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the opening angle of the lid 20 is then maintained greater than 180 °, so that access to the pass is clearly cleared.
  • the stopper 1 also comprises a tamper-evident tab 40 which, before the first opening of the stopper, associates the base 10 and the cover 20 over the majority of the periphery of the stopper 1, with the exception of the rear peripheral portion of the stopper 1.
  • This tongue 40 thus forms a peripheral material link between the base and the lid during the molding of the plug.
  • Frangible means intended to be broken during removal of the tongue, connect this tongue to the upper end 10A of the base and the lower end 21A of the lid, especially in the form of respective tear lines 42 and 43 extending continuously along the periphery of the plug.
  • the tongue 40 opposes the tilting of the lid 20 from its position closed.
  • a longitudinal end of the tongue advantageously shaped as a gripping pallet 44, and completely removes the tongue, tearing the lines 42 and 43, which releases the lid which can then be switched to the open position.
  • the cover is then turned back to the closed position, its lower end 21A abuts against the slot 41 to stop its tilting movement.
  • the plug 1 advantageously has arrangements in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/059770, to which the reader can refer for details and corresponding embodiments.
  • an orifice 13 is formed through the wall of the base 10, in its rear peripheral portion, at a substantially median longitudinal level of the base.
  • This orifice 13 forms a passage for the tongue 40 once the lines 42 and 43 are completely torn, in the sense that the tongue can be inserted, through the orifice 13, into a storage space 45 delimited radially between the face outer collar 2 and the inner face of the base 10, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the base 10 is provided with two lines of least mechanical strength 14, located in the rear peripheral portion of the base.
  • the two lines 14 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a diametral longitudinal plane of the base corresponding to the sectional plane of FIGS. 3 and 4, being noted that this plane corresponds, for the two hinge plates 31, to a plane of symmetry of each other, as well as a median plane of symmetry for both the tongue 12 and the orifice 13.
  • Each line of least resistance 14 has a slot 15 which passes radially.
  • the slots 15 extend in length in respective directions which are not strictly parallel to the axis XX, but which, in projection in a diametral plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the lines 14, are each slightly curved, with a concavity facing the joint 30, with the geometric line connecting their opposite ends 14A and 14B which forms with the axis XX an angle ⁇ ( Figure 2) facing upward, whose value is less than 45 °.
  • ⁇ Figure 2 facing upward, whose value is less than 45 °.
  • each line 14 opens, at its upper end 14A, into a gap separating the corresponding plate 31 and either the tamper-evident tongue 40 or the slot 41.
  • Each line of least resistance 14 also comprises a frangible bridge 17 connecting the two longitudinal edges of the corresponding slot 15 at the upper end 14A of the line.
  • the bridges 17 are configured and dimensioned so that the presence of the lines of least resistance 14 does not disturb the dynamic behavior of the hinge 30 when the lid 20 is tilted about the axis AA between its closed and open positions.
  • the lid 20 while in the open position, is urged in rotation about itself around a geometric axis BB both substantially perpendicular to the axis AA and extending in a diametrical plane.
  • the bridges 17 are configured and dimensioned to break almost instantaneously, that is to say, to break before the blades 31 of the joint 30 do not subject to such constraints that they would entail the total tearing of these lamellae.
  • the material portion IO1 4/14 of the base 10 which is delimited between the two lines of weakness 14 in the periphery of the base and which carries the hinge 30, is no longer connected to the rest of the base over the entire longitudinal dimension I 15 of the slots 15.
  • This portion of material IO 14/14 can then work in torsion about the axis BB, over the entire length I 15 slots 15, in particular until complete turning of the cover 20 on itself, by a rotation F 2 of 180 ° about the axis BB, as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the length h 5 is at least a quarter, preferably half, of the total length L of the base, measured between its upper ends 10A and lower 10B.
  • the presence of the through hole 13 divides the portion of material 10 14/14 into two elementary sub-portions 10 and 10 14/13 13/14, on either side of this orifice in the peripheral direction of the base, so that each of these sub-portions works individually in torsion, limiting potential overstressing, especially at the level of the median peripheral zone of the portion 10i 4/14 .
  • the plug 1 reaches the configuration of FIG. 5, these sub-portions 10 1 4/13 and 10 13/1 4 intersect each other.
  • this portion 10i 4B / i 4 B advantageously has a total cross-sectional material, in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX, greater than or equal to that of the slats 31, and / or a thickness strictly greater than that of the slats.
  • the lines of least resistance 14 are provided to limit the risk of tearing of the hinge.
  • portion IO 14/14 when the cover 20, after being thus turned on itself, is pulled away from the base 10, along the axis BB, as indicated by the arrow F 3 in FIG.
  • the lower part of the base 10 supports the corresponding tensile stresses in the longitudinal extension of the slots 15.
  • each slot 15 is extended by an elongate opening 18 which is provided in the base and which extends in length from the lower end 14B of the corresponding line 14 in a direction ection substantially peripheral of the base and in the opposite direction to the other line 14.
  • the tears and cracks of the plastic material constituting the base 10 do not propagate in the extension direct longitudinal slits 15, but are returned, through the openings 18, in a peripheral direction of the base 10, axially between the level of the ends 14B of the lines 14 and the lower end 10B of the base.
  • the openings 18 extend in length along respective directions which are not strictly orthoradial to the axis XX but which, projected in a diametral plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the lines 14 , each form with this axis an angle ⁇ turned down, whose value is between 45 and 90 °.
  • the plug 1 satisfies, inter alia, the requirements of the French standard NF EN 71-1 or S 51-212 relating to the safety of children, in the sense that its lid 20 is able to be turned over on itself, in particular over 180 °, and to be towed away from the base 10 under predetermined conditions imposed by the standard, without the material connection between the cover and the base is completely broken, especially at the level of the lamellae.
  • hinge 31 of the hinge 30 which are however parts of the plug 1 fragile because of their small relative thickness.
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 four variants of the plug 1 are respectively represented. Below, only the differences between each of these variants and the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 are detailed.
  • the plug of the variant of Figure 6 is devoid of elongate openings 18. This arrangement facilitates the manufacture of the cap.
  • the respective lower ends 14B of the lines 14 are provided sufficiently distant from the lower end 10B of the base 10, so that both longitudinal portions of material 14 I4B / I OB , extending between the lower end 14B of each line 14 and the lower end 10B of the base and indicated by two vertical hatched regions in FIG. 6, withstand significant tensile stresses without breaking.
  • the longitudinal dimension IHB / IOB of these parts 1 O 14B / IOB is at least 10% of the length L of the base.
  • FIG. 7 a variant of the plug 1 is considered which associates, for one of the lines of least mechanical resistance 14, namely that represented in the left-hand part of this figure, the presence of one of the elongate openings 18 and, for the other line 14, namely that represented on the right, the absence of such an opening, while dimensioning the length I H B / I OB as in Figure 6.
  • the behavior of the portion 10 14/14 remains substantially homogeneous on both sides of the orifice 13, the sub-portions 10 14/13 and 10 13 / i 4 being symmetrical to each other, during the bias F 2 of the cover 20 in torsion around the axis BB.
  • the lower part of the base 10 behaves asymmetrical on both sides of the plane of symmetry lines 14: the side provided with the opening 18, the tears and cracks of the plastic are guided in a substantially peripheral direction to the base, as explained in detail above with reference to FIG. 2, whereas, on the side devoid of aperture of the type of the opening 18, the tears and cracks of the plastic material propagate directly in the longitudinal extension of the corresponding line 14, essentially within the corresponding longitudinal part IO H B / IO B, indicated by a vertical hatched region in FIG. 7.
  • the tears of the lower part of the box 10 are more marked and closer to the base side end 10B shown in the right portion of FIG. 7 than to the side shown in the left-hand side.
  • the base 10 breaks at the part 1 OI 4B / IO B without the opening 18 but does not break in the extension of the opening 18 , so that the cap 1, with its base thus broken over its entire length L, remains in one piece, including its cover 20 securely linked to the base, being noted that this piece is found to have dimensions such that his inhalation by a child is in practice impossible.
  • the variant of the plug 1 contemplated in FIG. 8 is devoid of the through orifice 13, which prevents the tongue 40 from being able to be stored between the neck 2 and the base 10 once this tongue is torn, but this makes it possible to arrange of the material portion 10 -14 B / I 4 B UNDER a continuous shape, without interruption through the orifice 13.
  • the variant of the plug 1 envisaged in FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 in that, on the one hand, the hinge 30 comprises only a single hinge leaf 31 and, on the other hand, part, the two lines of least mechanical strength 14, which extend from the upper end 10A of the base 10 on either side of this joint 30, are strictly parallel to the axis XX.
  • the cap 1 and its variants described above are also possible.
  • other elongated shapes than the lines 14 may be provided with regard to the zones of least mechanical resistance provided by the base 10 in order to allow the lid 20 to be turned over on itself without causing the tearing
  • the slots 15 of the lines 14 do not have to be curved as in Figures 1 to 8 to be effective: their curvature can be inverted compared to that shown in these figures, or, as envisaged in FIG. 9, these slots may also be rectilinear, or these slots may include successive rectilinear and / or curved segments, with the two possible signs of curvature.
  • several frangible bridges, such as the bridge 17, can be integrated in the zones of least resistance, in particular according to the precise geometry of these zones.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Hinge Accessories (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

The stopper (1) has a tubular base (10) including two elongated areas (14) with less mechanical resistance, which extend in the length of an upper end (10A) of the base to a longitudinal lower end (10B). The elongated areas are formed on the upper end of an articulation (30) with a flake (31), and provided to break before the articulation is not tear completely when a cover (20) is driven in rotation around a torsion geometrical axis that is transversal to a tilting axis (A-A) in an open position.

Description

BOUCHON ARTICULE EN MATIERE PLASTIQUE ARTICULATED CAP IN PLASTIC MATERIAL
La présente invention concerne un bouchon en matière plastique pour un col de récipient. L'invention s'intéresse plus particulièrement aux bouchons dits « articulés », c'est-à-dire aux bouchons comportant un couvercle basculable par rapport à une base destinée à entourer fixement un col de récipient, par déformation d'une articulation à charnière(s) reliant de façon monobloc la base et le couvercle. Des exemples de ce type de bouchon sont donnés par WO-A-03/006333 et WO-A-03/059770. Ce type de bouchon peut poser des problèmes de sécurité vis-à-vis des enfants : si un enfant joue avec le couvercle articulé et le soumet à des sollicitations autres que la sollicitation normale de basculement autour de sa ou ses charnières, telles que des sollicitations de torsion et/ou de traction, cette ou ces charnières risquent de se déchirer, ce qui désolidarise le couvercle de la base. L'enfant peut alors inhaler par la bouche le couvercle et risque donc de s'étouffer.The present invention relates to a plastic plug for a container neck. The invention is more particularly concerned with so-called "articulated" plugs, that is to say plugs having a tiltable lid with respect to a base intended to securely surround a container neck, by deformation of a hinge joint. (s) integrally connecting the base and the lid. Examples of this type of plug are given by WO-A-03/006333 and WO-A-03/059770. This type of cap may pose safety problems vis-à-vis children: if a child plays with the hinged lid and subject to solicitations other than the normal load tilt around his or her hinges, such as solicitations torsion and / or traction, this or these hinges may tear, which separates the cover of the base. The child can then inhale the lid by mouth and may choke.
Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un bouchon plastique articulé qui, tout en permettant une articulation fiable et satisfaisante de son couvercle par rapport à sa base pour ouvrir et fermer le bouchon, limite le risque qu'un enfant puisse arracher le couvercle lorsqu'il joue avec le bouchon. En particulier, l'invention se propose de fournir un bouchon plastique articulé qui réponde à la norme française relative à la sécurité des enfants, référencée NF EN 71-1 ou classée sous l'indice S 51-212, qui prévoit d'appliquer, dans certaines conditions de test, un effort de torsion puis un effort de traction sur un objet à tester.The object of the present invention is to provide an articulated plastic cap which, while allowing a reliable and satisfactory articulation of its cover relative to its base to open and close the cap, limits the risk that a child can tear the lid when he plays with the cork. In particular, the invention proposes to provide an articulated plastic plug that meets the French standard relating to the safety of children, referenced NF EN 71-1 or classified under the index S 51-212, which plans to apply, under certain test conditions, a torsion force and then a tensile force on an object to be tested.
A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un bouchon en matière plastique pour un col de récipient, comportant une base globalement tubulaire, qui est destinée à entourer le col, et un couvercle d'obturation, qui est venu de matière, dans une partie périphérique de la base, avec une première extrémité longitudinale de la base, en formant une articulation à charnière(s) qui définit un axe géométrique de basculement du couvercle par rapport à la base entre des positions de service ouverte et fermée, caractérisé en ce que la base présente deux zones allongées de moindre résistance mécanique, qui s'étendent en longueur de la première extrémité de la base vers la seconde extrémité longitudinale de celle-ci, en étant situées, au niveau de cette première extrémité, de part et d'autre de l'articulation à charnières, et qui sont adaptées pour se rompre avant que l'articulation ne puisse se déchirer totalement lorsque le couvercle, dans sa position ouverte, est entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour d'un axe géométrique de torsion, transversal à l'axe de basculement.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a plastic stopper for a container neck, comprising a generally tubular base, which is intended to surround the neck, and a closure cover, which is integral, in a peripheral portion of the base, with a first longitudinal end of the base, forming a hinge joint (s) which defines a geometric axis of tilting of the lid relative to the base between open and closed service positions, characterized in that the base has two elongated zones of least mechanical strength, which extend in length from the first end of the base towards the second longitudinal end thereof, being located at this first end, on both sides of the hinge joint, and which are adapted to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid, in its open position, is rotated on itself around a geometric axis of torsion, transverse to the axis of tilting.
Pour garantir la sécurité d'un enfant jouant avec un bouchon articulé du type évoqué plus haut, notamment selon la norme française précitée, il est demandé que le couvercle d'un tel bouchon présente soit un diamètre supérieur à une valeur prédéterminée, qui est prévue pour empêcher que le couvercle, s'il devait être arraché de la base, ne puisse être introduit dans la trachée d'un enfant, soit une résistance suffisante au niveau de sa zone de liaison avec la base pour ne pas se désolidariser totalement de la base lorsqu'une torsion de cette zone de liaison est appliquée sous une intensité prédéterminée ou bien lorsqu'elle est appliquée jusqu'à retournement complet du couvercle sur lui-même, autour d'un axe géométrique de test perpendiculaire à l'axe de basculement normal du couvercle entre ses positions ouverte et fermée. L'idée à la base de l'invention est de garantir que le couvercle du bouchon conforme à l'invention puisse être retourné sur lui-même, c'est-à-dire entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour de l'axe géométrique de torsion, notamment dans les conditions spécifiées par la norme précitée, sans appliquer à l'articulation à charnière(s) des contraintes significatives, évitant ainsi de déchirer totalement cette articulation qui présente pourtant une faible résistance à la rupture en raison de sa souplesse relative. En effet, si on considère que la base du bouchon conforme à l'invention s'étend en longueur à la verticale, avec le couvercle tourné vers le haut, la base dispose, de part et d'autre de la partie périphérique de son extrémité haute articulée avec le couvercle, des deux zones allongées de moindre résistance, qui s'étendent de son extrémité haute vers son extrémité basse. Lorsque le couvercle est testé en flexion, chacune de ces deux zones se rompt quasi instantanément, c'est-à-dire avant que l'articulation ne soit soumise à des contraintes de torsion significatives. De la sorte, les contraintes de torsion, au lieu de se concentrer à l'extrémité haute de la base, c'est-à-dire au niveau de l'articulation, sont réparties dans la portion de matière plastique portant cette articulation et délimitée entre les deux zones de moindre résistance, sur toute la longueur de ces zones. On limite ainsi grandement le risque que le lien de matière reliant le couvercle à la base ne soit totalement déchiré sous l'effet de surcontraintes locales lorsque ce lien est sollicité en torsion, notamment lorsque le couvercle en position ouverte est retourné sur lui-même. Ainsi, la sécurité d'un enfant jouant avec un bouchon conforme à l'invention, notamment tordant le couvercle par rapport à la base au niveau de l'articulation, est renforcée quelle que soit la dimension transversale maximale du couvercle, en particulier quel que soit son diamètre pour un couvercle à base circulaire. Autrement dit, l'invention peut être appliquée à des bouchons articulés en matière plastique de dimensions très diverses. En outre, contrairement à une solution au problème posé plus haut, qui chercherait à augmenter la résistance de l'articulation entre le couvercle et la base, notamment en renforçant les abords de cette articulation par des nervures ou des surépaisseurs de matière plastique, les zones de moindre résistance conformes à l'invention sont réalisées en diminuant la quantité de matière plastique utilisée, réduisant donc le poids total du bouchon.To guarantee the safety of a child playing with an articulated cap of the type mentioned above, in particular according to the French standard mentioned above, it is required that the cover of such a plug has a diameter greater than a predetermined value, which is provided to prevent the lid, if it were to be torn from the base, can not be introduced into the trachea of a child, is sufficient strength in its area of connection with the base not to dissociate completely from the base when a twisting of this bonding zone is applied at a predetermined intensity or when it is applied until the lid is completely turned over on itself, around a geometric test axis perpendicular to the tilting axis normal cover between its open and closed positions. The idea underlying the invention is to ensure that the cover of the plug according to the invention can be turned on itself, that is to say, driven in rotation about itself around the axis geometric torsion, especially under the conditions specified by the above-mentioned standard, without applying significant stresses to the hinge joint (s), thus avoiding completely tearing this joint which nevertheless has a low resistance to fracture because of its flexibility relative. Indeed, if we consider that the base of the plug according to the invention extends in length vertically, with the lid facing upwards, the base has, on either side of the peripheral portion of its end. high articulated with the lid, two elongated areas of least resistance, which extend from its upper end to its lower end. When the lid is tested in flexion, each of these two zones breaks almost instantaneously, that is to say before the joint is subjected to significant torsional stresses. In this way, the torsional stresses, instead of concentrating at the upper end of the base, that is to say at the level of the articulation, are distributed in the portion of plastic material carrying this articulation and delimited between the two areas of least resistance over the entire length of these areas. This greatly limits the risk that the material connection connecting the lid to the base is completely torn under the effect of local over-stress when this link is biased in torsion, especially when the lid in the open position is returned to itself. Thus, the safety of a child playing with a cap according to the invention, in particular twisting the lid relative to the base at the joint, is reinforced regardless of the maximum transverse dimension of the lid, in particular whatever its diameter for a circular base lid. In other words, the invention can be applied to articulated plastic plugs of very different sizes. In addition, contrary to a solution to the problem mentioned above, which seeks to increase the strength of the joint between the cover and the base, in particular by reinforcing the surroundings of this joint by ribs or extra thicknesses of plastic, the zones of lesser resistance according to the invention are achieved by decreasing the amount of plastic used, thus reducing the total weight of the plug.
Par ailleurs, on comprend que lorsque le couvercle du bouchon conforme à l'invention est sollicité dans ses conditions normales de service, c'est-à-dire est basculé entre ses positions ouverte et fermée par rapport à la base, la présence des deux zones de moindre résistance conformes à l'invention n'a aucune incidence, c'est-à-dire que ces zones ne perturbent pas le basculement normal du couvercle et ne limitent en rien les performances mécaniques relatives à ce basculement. En particulier, les deux zones de moindre résistance conformes à l'invention peuvent être intégrées à un bouchon articulé présentant les aménagements avantageux présentés dans WO-A-03/006333. Autrement dit, lorsque deux charnières successives suivant la périphérie de la base du bouchon conforme à l'invention sont prévues au niveau de l'articulation entre le couvercle et la base, le couvercle est avantageusement pourvu d'une saillie adaptée pour venir en appui contre une languette ménagée par la première extrémité de la base, entre les deux charnières, pour bloquer le couvercle dans sa position ouverte avec un angle d'ouverture d'au moins 180°. Suivant un mode de réalisation préféré, les deux zones de moindre résistance sont dimensionnées et configurées relativement à la base de sorte que, après leur rupture, elles délimitent entre elles une portion de matière de la base, qui porte l'articulation et qui est adaptée pour travailler en torsion sans se rompre lorsque le couvercle est entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour de l'axe de torsion sur au moins 180°. De la sorte, le couvercle peut être complètement retourné sur lui-même par rapport à la base, sans pouvoir se désolidariser de la base, notamment par rupture de l'articulation, ce qui satisfait au test de torsion de la norme précitée.Furthermore, it is understood that when the lid of the plug according to the invention is stressed in its normal operating conditions, that is to say is tilted between its open and closed positions relative to the base, the presence of both areas of least resistance according to the invention has no impact, that is to say that these areas do not interfere with the normal tilting of the cover and do not limit the mechanical performance of the switchover. In particular, the two zones of least resistance in accordance with the invention can be integrated into an articulated plug having the advantageous arrangements presented in WO-A-03/006333. In other words, when two successive hinges following the periphery of the base of the plug according to the invention are provided at the joint between the cover and the base, the cover is advantageously provided with a projection adapted to bear against a tab formed by the first end of the base, between the two hinges, to lock the lid in its open position with an opening angle of minus 180 °. According to a preferred embodiment, the two zones of least resistance are dimensioned and configured relative to the base so that, after breaking, they delimit between them a portion of material of the base, which carries the joint and which is adapted to work in torsion without breaking when the lid is rotated about itself about the torsion axis by at least 180 °. In this way, the cover can be completely turned on itself relative to the base, without being able to separate from the base, in particular by breaking the joint, which satisfies the torsion test of the aforementioned standard.
Conformément à un dimensionnement pratique avantageux, chaque zone de moindre résistance présente, suivant la direction longitudinale de la base, une dimension supérieure au quart, de préférence à la moitié, de la longueur de la base.According to an advantageous practical dimensioning, each zone of least resistance has, in the longitudinal direction of the base, a dimension greater than one quarter, preferably one half, of the length of the base.
Suivant un aménagement préféré, les deux zones de moindre résistance s'étendent en longueur de manière convergente l'une vers l'autre en s'éloignant de la première extrémité de la base. De la sorte, lorsque le couvercle est retourné sur lui-même autour de l'axe géométrique de torsion, une partie importante, voire l'essentiel des contraintes de torsion du lien de matière entre la base et le couvercle est concentré dans la portion de matière entre les extrémités basses des deux zones de moindre résistance. Autrement dit, ces contraintes de torsion sont encaissées au niveau longitudinal de la partie courante de la base, à bonne distance de la ou des charnières d'articulation, ce qui préserve autant que possible l'intégrité structurelle de cette ou ces charnières.According to a preferred arrangement, the two zones of least resistance extend in length convergently towards each other while moving away from the first end of the base. In this way, when the lid is turned on itself around the geometric axis of torsion, an important part, even the essential torsion stress of the material connection between the base and the lid is concentrated in the portion of matter between the lower ends of the two zones of least resistance. In other words, these torsion stresses are collected at the longitudinal level of the current part of the base, at a good distance from the articulation hinge or hinges, which preserves as much as possible the structural integrity of this or these hinges.
Suivant des dimensionnements pratiques avantageux relatifs à la portion de matière de la base, qui est délimitée par les deux zones de moindre résistance, entre leur extrémité opposée à la première extrémité de la base et dans la partie périphérique de la base associée à l'articulation : - cette portion présente, dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la base, une section supérieure ou égale à celle de la ou des charnières de l'articulation ; et/ouAccording to advantageous practical dimensions relating to the portion of material of the base, which is delimited by the two zones of least resistance, between their end opposite the first end of the base and in the peripheral portion of the base associated with the joint : - This portion has, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base, a section greater than or equal to that of the hinge or hinges; and or
- cette portion présente une épaisseur strictement supérieure à celle de la ou des charnières de l'articulation.- This portion has a thickness strictly greater than that of the hinge or hinges.
Pour permettre au couvercle du bouchon conforme à l'invention de résister à un effort de traction appliqué suivant l'axe géométrique de torsion, notamment dans le cadre d'un test de traction subséquent au test de torsion prévu par la norme française précitée, une partie de matière longitudinale de la base, qui s'étend entre l'extrémité longitudinale d'au moins une des zones de moindre résistance, opposée à la première extrémité de la base, et la seconde extrémité de la base, présente, suivant la direction longitudinale de la base, une dimension supérieure à 10 % de la longueur de la base. De la sorte, après que les zones de moindre résistance conformes à l'invention aient joué leur rôle de préservation de l'intégrité structurelle de l'articulation entre le couvercle et la base, ces zones sont dimensionnées relativement à la base pour limiter le risque d'arracher le couvercle retourné sur lui-même, en tirant dessus par rapport à la base. Cependant, on comprend que, même dans le cas où l'application de l'effort de traction devait entraîner la déchirure de la base, par propagation de fissures, dans la matière plastique, dans le prolongement vers le bas des zones de moindre résistance jusqu'à l'extrémité inférieure de la base, le bouchon déchiré en résultant présente alors une dimension transversale très grande qui, en pratique, empêche ce bouchon de pouvoir être inhalé par un enfant. Suivant un aménagement alternatif ou cumulatif à l'aménagement qui précède, en vue d'améliorer le maintien de l'intégrité structurelle de la base lorsque le couvercle est ainsi sollicité en traction, au moins une des zones de moindre résistance est prolongée, à son extrémité longitudinale opposée à la première extrémité de la base, par une ouverture allongée ménagée dans la base, qui s'étend en longueur depuis cette zone suivant une direction sensiblement périphérique de la base et en direction opposée à l'autre zone de moindre résistance. De la sorte, des fissures dans la matière, amorcées aux extrémités basses des zones de moindre résistance conformes à l'invention, sont guidées par ces ouvertures suivant la périphérie de la base, c'est-à-dire suivant une direction où ces déchirures peuvent progresser sur une grande étendue de matière avant de compromettre l'intégrité structurelle de la base. Suivant une forme de réalisation pratique, chaque zone de moindre résistance comprend, d'une part, une fente traversante, qui s'étend en longueur de la première extrémité vers la seconde extrémité de la base, et, d'autre part, au moins un élément frangible reliant l'un à l'autre les bords longitudinaux de la fente, qui est adapté pour se rompre avant que l'articulation ne puisse se déchirer totalement lorsque le couvercle, dans sa position ouverte, est entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour de l'axe de torsion. Avantageusement, le ou les éléments frangibles sont disposés à l'extrémité longitudinale de la fente, située au niveau de la première extrémité de la base. Suivant un mode de réalisation possible, les deux zones de moindre résistance délimitent entre elles une portion de matière de la base, qui porte l'articulation et qui est pourvue, dans sa partie médiane suivant la périphérie de la base, d'un orifice traversant de forme allongée suivant la direction longitudinale de la base. Cet orifice traversant permet, en quelque sorte, de subdiviser la portion de matière précitée en deux sous-portions de matière, disposées de part et d'autre de cet orifice. De la sorte, lorsque la portion précitée de la base travaille en torsion lors du retournement sur lui-même du couvercle, chacune de ces sous-portions se déforme de manière particulièrement souple, en limitant l'apparition de surcontraintes locales. En outre, cet orifice traversant peut être aménagé conformément à l'enseignement de WO-A-03/059770, c'est-à-dire que cet orifice traversant forme un passage d'insertion d'une languette d'inviolabilité dans un espace de rangement que la base et le col sont destinés à délimiter entre eux, cette languette d'inviolabilité associant la base et le couvercle en dehors de l'articulation à charnières, en étant reliée à cette base et à ce couvercle par des moyens frangibles adaptés pour se rompre pour retirer la languette lors de la première utilisation du bouchon afin d'ouvrir le couvercle. L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :To allow the cap cover according to the invention to withstand a tensile force applied along the geometric axis of torsion, particularly in the context of a tensile test subsequent to the torsion test provided by the French standard mentioned above, a longitudinal material portion of the base, which extends between the longitudinal end of at least one of the zones of least resistance, opposite the first end of the base, and the second end of the base, has, in the direction longitudinal base, a dimension greater than 10% of the length of the base. In this way, after the zones of least resistance in accordance with the invention have played their role in preserving the structural integrity of the articulation between the lid and the base, these zones are dimensioned relatively to the base to limit the risk. tearing the lid back on itself, pulling it from the base. However, it is understood that, even in the case where the application of the tensile force was to cause tearing of the base, by propagation of cracks, in the plastic, in the downward extension of the zones of least resistance up to at the lower end of the base, the resulting torn stopper then has a very large transverse dimension which, in practice, prevents this stopper from being able to be inhaled by a child. According to an alternative or cumulative arrangement with the above arrangement, in order to improve the maintenance of the structural integrity of the base when the cover is thus stressed in tension, at least one of the zones of least resistance is extended, at its longitudinal end opposite the first end of the base, by an elongated opening in the base, which extends in length from this zone in a substantially peripheral direction of the base and in the opposite direction to the other zone of least resistance. In this way, cracks in the material, initiated at the low ends of the zones of least resistance according to the invention, are guided by these openings along the periphery of the base, that is to say in a direction where these tears can progress over a large extent of material before compromising the structural integrity of the base. According to a practical embodiment, each zone of least resistance comprises, on the one hand, a through slot, which extends in length from the first end to the second end of the base, and, on the other hand, at least a frangible element connecting the longitudinal edges of the slot to one another, which is adapted to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid, in its open position, is rotated on it; even around the torsion axis. Advantageously, the frangible element or elements are arranged at the longitudinal end of the slot, located at the first end of the base. According to one possible embodiment, the two zones of least resistance delimit between them a portion of material of the base, which carries the articulation and which is provided, in its median part along the periphery of the base, with a through hole of elongate shape in the longitudinal direction of the base. This through hole allows, as it were, to subdivide the aforementioned portion of material into two sub-portions of material, disposed on either side of this orifice. In this way, when the aforesaid portion of the base works in torsion during the overturning of the lid itself, each of these sub-portions is deformed in a particularly flexible manner, limiting the appearance of local over-stress. In addition, this through hole can be arranged in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/059770, that is to say that this through hole forms a insertion passage of a tamper-evident tongue in a space storage that the base and the neck are intended to delimit between them, the tamper-evident tab associating the base and the cover outside the hinge joint, being connected to this base and to this cover by suitable frangible means to break to remove the tab when first using the plug to open the lid. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
- La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un bouchon conforme à l'invention ;- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue en élévation selon la flèche II de la figureFIG. 2 is an elevational view along the arrow II of FIG.
1 ;1;
- la figure 3 est une coupe longitudinale du col d'un récipient obturé par le bouchon des figures 1 et 2 ; - la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 3, représentant un couvercle du bouchon en position ouverte par rapport à une base du bouchon ;- Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the neck of a container closed by the cap of Figures 1 and 2; - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing a lid of the cap in the open position relative to a base of the cap;
- la figure 5 est une vue en perspective du bouchon des figures 1 et 2, illustrant le retournement sur lui-même du couvercle en position ouverte ; et- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cap of Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the overturning itself of the lid in the open position; and
- les figures 6 à 9 sont des vues analogues à la figure 2, illustrant respectivement des variantes de réalisation du bouchon, conformes à l'invention.- Figures 6 to 9 are views similar to Figure 2, respectively illustrating embodiments of the plug, according to the invention.
Sur les figures 1 à 5, un bouchon 1 est représenté soit seul, soit monté sur le col 2 d'un récipient 3, telle qu'une bouteille, figurée seulement en partie. Par commodité, la suite de la description est orientée de manière que les termes « supérieur » et « inférieur », ainsi que des termes analogues, sont définis en référence à un bouchon posé à plat sur une surface globalement horizontale dans la position des figures 1 , 2 et 5, ce qui revient à considérer que ce bouchon est monté sur le col 2 alors que ce dernier s'étend en longueur à la verticale en étant dirigé vers le haut par rapport au reste du récipient 3, dans la configuration illustrée aux figures 3 et 4. De la sorte, le côté supérieur du dispositif 1 est orienté vers le haut sur les figures, alors que son côté inférieur est orienté vers le bas. Le bouchon 1 , réalisé par moulage d'une matière plastique sous forme d'une pièce monobloc, comporte une base inférieure 10 présentant une forme tubulaire à base circulaire et d'axe longitudinal central X-X. La base 10 est pourvue de nervures internes 1 1 , situées à un même niveau longitudinal de la base, en y étant réparties suivant la périphérie de la base, comme visible à la figure 5. Comme représenté aux figures 3 et 4, ces nervures 11 sont adaptées pour coopérer avec une collerette annulaire externe 4 du col 2 à des fins d'immobilisation de la base autour du col. Le bouchon 1 comporte également un couvercle supérieur 20 articulé sur l'extrémité supérieure 1OA de la base 10, dans une zone périphérique restreinte de la base, correspondant en pratique à l'arrière du bouchon 1. A cet effet, l'articulation arrière correspondante, référencée 30, entre la base et le couvercle comporte deux lamelles souples 31 reliant directement l'extrémité supérieure 10A de la base et l'extrémité inférieure 21 A d'une paroi principale tubulaire 21 du couvercle, en étant venues de matière avec ces extrémités. Les lamelles 31 forment respectivement des charnières qui, par déformation, permettent de basculer le couvercle 20 entre une position fermée, représentée sur les figures 1 à 3, dans laquelle le couvercle obture le col 2, et une position ouverte, représentée sur la figure 4, dans laquelle le liquide contenu dans le récipient 3 peut librement être déversé à l'extérieur de ce récipient, via le col 2, sans être retenu par le couvercle. Les lamelles 31 définissent ainsi un axe géométrique A-A de basculement du couvercle entre ces positions fermée et ouverte, étant entendu que, en pratique, en raison de la déformation souple des lamelles, la position de cet axe A-A n'est pas rigoureusement fixe par rapport à la base 10 mais que, durant tout le mouvement de basculement du bouchon, cet axe est défini de manière instantanée du côté arrière du bouchon 1 , en s'étendant suivant une direction orthoradiale à l'axe X-X. Les lamelles 31 présentent avantageusement une épaisseur moindre que celle des extrémités 10A et 21 A de la base et du couvercle, facilitant leur déformation.In Figures 1 to 5, a plug 1 is shown either alone or mounted on the neck 2 of a container 3, such as a bottle, figured only in part. For convenience, the remainder of the description is oriented so that the terms "upper" and "lower", as well as similar terms, are defined with reference to a plug lying flat on a generally horizontal surface in the position of FIGS. , 2 and 5, which amounts to considering that the plug is mounted on the neck 2 while the latter extends in length vertically being directed upwards relative to the remainder of the container 3, in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4. In this way, the upper side of the device 1 is oriented upwards in the figures, while its lower side is oriented downwards. The plug 1, made by molding a plastic material in the form of a single piece, comprises a lower base 10 having a tubular shape with a circular base and a central longitudinal axis XX. The base 10 is provided with internal ribs January 1, located at the same level longitudinally of the base, being distributed along the periphery of the base, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, these ribs 11 are adapted to cooperate with an outer annular collar 4 of the neck 2 for purposes immobilization of the base around the neck. The stopper 1 also comprises an upper cover 20 articulated on the upper end 10A of the base 10, in a restricted peripheral zone of the base, corresponding in practice to the rear of the stopper 1. For this purpose, the corresponding rear articulation , referenced 30, between the base and the cover comprises two flexible strips 31 directly connecting the upper end 10A of the base and the lower end 21 A of a tubular main wall 21 of the cover, being integral with these ends . The slats 31 respectively form hinges which, by deformation, make it possible to tilt the lid 20 between a closed position, represented in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the lid closes the neck 2, and an open position, represented in FIG. , in which the liquid contained in the container 3 can freely be discharged outside this container, via the neck 2, without being retained by the lid. The lamellae 31 thus define a geometric axis AA of tilting of the lid between these closed and open positions, it being understood that, in practice, because of the flexible deformation of the lamellae, the position of this axis AA is not strictly fixed with respect to at the base 10 but that, during all the tilting movement of the plug, this axis is defined instantaneously on the rear side of the plug 1, extending in a direction orthoradial to the axis XX. The strips 31 advantageously have a thickness less than that of the ends 10A and 21A of the base and the cover, facilitating their deformation.
Pour faciliter l'entraînement en basculement du couvercle 20 par l'utilisateur, ce couvercle est muni, dans sa partie périphérique avant, d'un onglet 22 s'étendant en saillie vers l'avant par rapport à la paroi principale 21. Lorsque l'utilisateur veut ouvrir le bouchon 1 , il peut alors exercer sur la face inférieure de l'onglet 22 un effort Fi dirigé vers le haut, comme indiqué sur la figure 3. Dans le mode de réalisation considéré aux figures 1 à 5, le bouchon 1 présente avantageusement des aménagements conformes à l'enseignement de WO-A-03/006333, auquel le lecteur peut se reporter pour disposer de détails et de variantes de réalisation correspondants. Suivant cet enseignement, le couvercle 20 est muni, à l'opposé de l'onglet 22, c'est-à- dire dans sa partie périphérique arrière, d'un onglet 23 qui s'étend en saillie vers l'arrière par rapport à la paroi principale 21 , tandis que la base 10 comporte, dans sa partie périphérique arrière, une languette 12 venue de matière avec la base et s'étendant en saillie vers le haut depuis l'extrémité supérieure 1OA. Suivant la périphérie de la base, cette languette 12 est disposée entre les deux lamelles d'articulation 31. Au cours du basculement du couvercle autour de l'axe A-A, l'onglet 23 vient s'appuyer par l'extérieur contre la languette 12 sous l'effet d'un effort élastique exercé par les lamelles 31. Du fait de cet effort, la languette 12 est plaquée contre la surface externe du col 2, cette surface exerçant alors un effort de réaction sur l'onglet 23, de sorte que cet effort, combiné à l'effort élastique exercé par les lamelles 31 , bloque le couvercle dans sa position ouverte, comme représenté à la figure 4. Avantageusement, l'angle d'ouverture du couvercle 20 est alors maintenu supérieur à 180°, de sorte que l'accès au col est clairement dégagé.To facilitate the tilting drive of the cover 20 by the user, this cover is provided, in its front peripheral portion, with a tab 22 projecting projecting forwardly with respect to the main wall 21. the user wants to open the cap 1, it can then exert on the underside of the tab 22 a force Fi directed upwards, as shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment considered in Figures 1 to 5, the plug 1 advantageously has arrangements in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/006333, to which the reader can refer to have details and corresponding alternative embodiments. According to this teaching, the cover 20 is provided, opposite the tab 22, that is to say in its rear peripheral portion, a tab 23 which projects rearwardly relative to at the main wall 21, while the base 10 has in its rear peripheral portion, a tab 12 integrally with the base and projecting upwardly from the upper end 1OA. Next to the periphery of the base, this tongue 12 is disposed between the two hinge lamellae 31. During the tilting of the lid about the axis AA, the tab 23 comes to bear against the tongue 12 from the outside. under the effect of an elastic force exerted by the slats 31. Due to this force, the tongue 12 is pressed against the outer surface of the neck 2, this surface then exerting a reaction force on the tab 23, so this force, combined with the elastic force exerted by the slats 31, blocks the lid in its open position, as shown in FIG. 4. Advantageously, the opening angle of the lid 20 is then maintained greater than 180 °, so that access to the pass is clearly cleared.
Le bouchon 1 comporte également une languette d'inviolabilité 40 qui, avant la première ouverture du bouchon, associe la base 10 et le couvercle 20 sur l'essentiel de la périphérie du bouchon 1 , à l'exception de la partie périphérique arrière de la base où sont formés l'articulation 30 et un créneau 41 venu de matière avec la base et s'étendant en saillie vers le haut depuis l'extrémité supérieure 10A. Cette languette 40 forme ainsi un lien de matière périphérique entre la base et le couvercle lors du moulage du bouchon. Des moyens frangibles, destinés à être rompus lors du retrait de la languette, relient cette languette à l'extrémité supérieure 10A de la base et à l'extrémité inférieure 21A du couvercle, notamment sous forme de lignes déchirables respectives 42 et 43 s'étendant de manière continue suivant la périphérie du bouchon. Tant que ces lignes 42 et 43 ne sont pas déchirées, la languette 40 s'oppose au basculement du couvercle 20 depuis sa position fermée. Lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite ouvrir pour la première fois le bouchon, il saisit une extrémité longitudinale de la languette, avantageusement conformée en une palette de préhension 44, et retire totalement la languette, en déchirant les lignes 42 et 43, ce qui libère le couvercle qui peut alors être basculé en position ouverte. Lorsque le couvercle est rebasculé ensuite en position fermée, son extrémité inférieure 21A vient buter contre le créneau 41 pour arrêter son mouvement de basculement.The stopper 1 also comprises a tamper-evident tab 40 which, before the first opening of the stopper, associates the base 10 and the cover 20 over the majority of the periphery of the stopper 1, with the exception of the rear peripheral portion of the stopper 1. base where the hinge 30 is formed and a crenel 41 integral with the base and projecting upwardly from the upper end 10A. This tongue 40 thus forms a peripheral material link between the base and the lid during the molding of the plug. Frangible means, intended to be broken during removal of the tongue, connect this tongue to the upper end 10A of the base and the lower end 21A of the lid, especially in the form of respective tear lines 42 and 43 extending continuously along the periphery of the plug. As long as these lines 42 and 43 are not torn, the tongue 40 opposes the tilting of the lid 20 from its position closed. When the user wishes to open the cap for the first time, he grasps a longitudinal end of the tongue, advantageously shaped as a gripping pallet 44, and completely removes the tongue, tearing the lines 42 and 43, which releases the lid which can then be switched to the open position. When the cover is then turned back to the closed position, its lower end 21A abuts against the slot 41 to stop its tilting movement.
Dans le mode de réalisation considéré aux figures, le bouchon 1 présente avantageusement des aménagements conformes à l'enseignement de WO-A-03/059770, auquel le lecteur peut se reporter pour connaître des détails et des variantes de réalisation correspondants. Suivant cet enseignement, un orifice 13 est ménagé au travers de la paroi de la base 10, dans sa partie périphérique arrière, à un niveau longitudinal sensiblement médian de la base. Cet orifice 13 forme un passage pour la languette 40 une fois que les lignes 42 et 43 sont totalement déchirées, dans le sens où la languette peut être insérée, à travers l'orifice 13, dans un espace de rangement 45 délimité radialement entre la face externe du col 2 et la face interne de la base 10, comme représenté sur la figure 4.In the embodiment considered in the figures, the plug 1 advantageously has arrangements in accordance with the teaching of WO-A-03/059770, to which the reader can refer for details and corresponding embodiments. According to this teaching, an orifice 13 is formed through the wall of the base 10, in its rear peripheral portion, at a substantially median longitudinal level of the base. This orifice 13 forms a passage for the tongue 40 once the lines 42 and 43 are completely torn, in the sense that the tongue can be inserted, through the orifice 13, into a storage space 45 delimited radially between the face outer collar 2 and the inner face of the base 10, as shown in Figure 4.
Pour limiter le risque que le couvercle 20 en position ouverte ne puisse être totalement arraché de la base 10, notamment lorsque ce couvercle est sollicité en dehors de son mouvement de basculement normal autour de l'axe A-A par un enfant s'amusant avec le bouchon 1 , la base 10 est munie de deux lignes de moindre résistance mécanique 14, situées dans la partie périphérique arrière de la base. Les deux lignes 14 sont symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport à un plan longitudinal diamétral de la base correspondant au plan de coupe des figures 3 et 4, étant remarqué que ce plan correspond, pour les deux lamelles d'articulation 31 , à un plan de symétrie l'une de l'autre, ainsi qu'à un plan médian de symétrie pour, à la fois, la languette 12 et l'orifice 13. Chaque ligne de moindre résistance 14 comporte une fente 15 qui traverse radialement de part en part la paroi de la base 10 et qui s'étend globalement suivant une direction longitudinale de cette base, depuis l'extrémité supérieure 10A de cette dernière en direction de son extrémité inférieure 10B. Dans l'exemple considéré aux figures 1 à 5, les fentes 15 s'étendent en longueur suivant des directions respectives qui ne sont pas rigoureusement parallèles à l'axe X-X, mais qui, en projection dans un plan diamétral perpendiculaire au plan de symétrie des lignes 14, sont chacune légèrement incurvées, avec une concavité tournée vers l'articulation 30, avec la droite géométrique reliant leurs extrémités opposées 14A et 14B qui forme avec l'axe X-X un angle α (figure 2) tourné vers le haut, dont la valeur est inférieure à 45°. Ainsi, comme bien visible à la figure 2, les deux fentes 15 convergent l'une vers l'autre lorsqu'on les parcourt en s'éloignant de l'extrémité supérieure 1OA de la base, en présentant chacune un contour longitudinal légèrement incurvé, de concavité globalement centrée sur l'articulation 30.To limit the risk that the lid 20 in the open position can not be completely torn from the base 10, especially when the lid is biased outside its normal tilting movement about the axis AA by a child having fun with the cap 1, the base 10 is provided with two lines of least mechanical strength 14, located in the rear peripheral portion of the base. The two lines 14 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a diametral longitudinal plane of the base corresponding to the sectional plane of FIGS. 3 and 4, being noted that this plane corresponds, for the two hinge plates 31, to a plane of symmetry of each other, as well as a median plane of symmetry for both the tongue 12 and the orifice 13. Each line of least resistance 14 has a slot 15 which passes radially. through the wall of the base 10 and extending generally in a longitudinal direction of this base, from the upper end 10A of the latter towards its lower end 10B. In the example considered in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slots 15 extend in length in respective directions which are not strictly parallel to the axis XX, but which, in projection in a diametral plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the lines 14, are each slightly curved, with a concavity facing the joint 30, with the geometric line connecting their opposite ends 14A and 14B which forms with the axis XX an angle α (Figure 2) facing upward, whose value is less than 45 °. Thus, as clearly visible in FIG. 2, the two slots 15 converge towards each other when they are traversed away from the upper end 10A of the base, each having a slightly curved longitudinal contour, of concavity globally centered on articulation 30.
Les extrémités supérieures respectives 14A des deux lignes de moindre résistance 14, qui correspondent respectivement à l'extrémité supérieure de la fente 15 correspondante, débouchant à l'extrémité supérieure 10A de la base 10, sont situées de part et d'autre de l'articulation 30, c'est-à-dire de part et d'autre des côtés latéraux respectifs des lamelles 31 les plus éloignés l'un de l'autre. Dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré aux figures, chaque ligne 14 débouche, au niveau de son extrémité supérieure 14A, dans un interstice séparant la lamelle correspondante 31 et, soit la languette d'inviolabilité 40, soit le créneau 41.The respective upper ends 14A of the two lines of weakness 14, which respectively correspond to the upper end of the corresponding slot 15 opening at the upper end 10A of the base 10, are located on either side of the articulation 30, that is to say on either side of the respective lateral sides of the slats 31 furthest apart from each other. In the exemplary embodiment considered in the figures, each line 14 opens, at its upper end 14A, into a gap separating the corresponding plate 31 and either the tamper-evident tongue 40 or the slot 41.
Chaque ligne de moindre résistance 14 comporte également un pontet frangible 17 reliant les deux bords longitudinaux de la fente correspondante 15, au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure 14A de la ligne. Les pontets 17 sont configurés et dimensionnés pour que la présence des lignes de moindre résistance 14 ne perturbe pas le comportement dynamique de l'articulation 30 lorsque le couvercle 20 est basculé autour de l'axe A-A entre ses positions fermée et ouverte. En revanche, lorsque le couvercle 20, alors qu'il est en position ouverte, est sollicité en rotation sur lui-même autour d'un axe géométrique B-B à la fois sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe A-A et s'étendant suivant un plan diamétral au couvercle 20, comme indiqué par la flèche F2 à la figure 5, les pontets 17 sont configurés et dimensionnés pour se rompre quasi instantanément, c'est-à-dire pour se rompre avant que les lamelles 31 de l'articulation 30 ne soient soumises à des contraintes telles qu'elles entraîneraient la déchirure totale de ces lamelles. De la sorte, dès que les pontets 17 sont rompus, la portion de matière IO14/14 de la base 10, qui est délimitée entre les deux lignes de moindre résistance 14 suivant la périphérie de la base et qui porte l'articulation 30, n'est plus reliée au reste de la base sur toute la dimension longitudinale I15 des fentes 15. Cette portion de matière IO14/14 peut alors travailler en torsion autour de l'axe géométrique B-B, sur toute la longueur I15 des fentes 15, notamment jusqu'à retournement complet du couvercle 20 sur lui-même, par une rotation F2 de 180° autour de l'axe B-B, comme représenté sur la figure 5. Les contraintes liées à la torsion de la portion de matière 1014/14 étant réparties sur toute la longueur I15 des fentes 15, l'intensité de contrainte au niveau des lamelles 31 reste modérée et est en pratique insuffisante pour entraîner leur complète déchirure et, par là, l'arrachement du couvercle 20 par rapport à la base 10. A cet effet, suivant un dimensionnement pratique, la longueur h5 vaut au moins le quart, de préférence la moitié, de la longueur totale L de la base, mesurée entre ses extrémités supérieure 10A et inférieure 10B.Each line of least resistance 14 also comprises a frangible bridge 17 connecting the two longitudinal edges of the corresponding slot 15 at the upper end 14A of the line. The bridges 17 are configured and dimensioned so that the presence of the lines of least resistance 14 does not disturb the dynamic behavior of the hinge 30 when the lid 20 is tilted about the axis AA between its closed and open positions. On the other hand, when the lid 20, while in the open position, is urged in rotation about itself around a geometric axis BB both substantially perpendicular to the axis AA and extending in a diametrical plane. 20, as indicated by the arrow F 2 in Figure 5, the bridges 17 are configured and dimensioned to break almost instantaneously, that is to say, to break before the blades 31 of the joint 30 do not subject to such constraints that they would entail the total tearing of these lamellae. In this way, as soon as the bridges 17 are broken, the material portion IO1 4/14 of the base 10, which is delimited between the two lines of weakness 14 in the periphery of the base and which carries the hinge 30, is no longer connected to the rest of the base over the entire longitudinal dimension I 15 of the slots 15. This portion of material IO 14/14 can then work in torsion about the axis BB, over the entire length I 15 slots 15, in particular until complete turning of the cover 20 on itself, by a rotation F 2 of 180 ° about the axis BB, as shown in FIG. 5. The constraints related to the twisting of the portion of material 10 14/14 being distributed over the length l 15 of the slots 15, the stress intensity in the slat 31 remains moderate and is in practice insufficient to cause them to complete tear, and thus, tearing of the lid 20 relative at the base 10. For this purpose, following a practical dimensioning, the length h 5 is at least a quarter, preferably half, of the total length L of the base, measured between its upper ends 10A and lower 10B.
En pratique, la présence de l'orifice traversant 13 subdivise la portion de matière 1014/14 en deux sous-portions élémentaires 1014/13 et 1013/14, de part et d'autre de cet orifice suivant la direction périphérique de la base, de sorte que chacune de ces sous-portions travaille individuellement en torsion, en limitant les surcontraintes potentielles, notamment au niveau de la zone périphérique médiane de la portion 10i4/14. Lorsque le bouchon 1 atteint la configuration de la figure 5, ces sous-portions 10i4/13 et 1013/i4 s'entrecroisent.In practice, the presence of the through hole 13 divides the portion of material 10 14/14 into two elementary sub-portions 10 and 10 14/13 13/14, on either side of this orifice in the peripheral direction of the base, so that each of these sub-portions works individually in torsion, limiting potential overstressing, especially at the level of the median peripheral zone of the portion 10i 4/14 . When the plug 1 reaches the configuration of FIG. 5, these sub-portions 10 1 4/13 and 10 13/1 4 intersect each other.
En outre, dans la mesure où les deux lignes de moindre résistance 14 convergent l'une vers l'autre au niveau de leur extrémité inférieure 14B, on comprend que les contraintes de torsion les plus intenses supportées par la portion de matière 1014/14 sont appliquées à la portion 1014B/14B qui, comme indiqué par une région hachurée horizontale à la figure 2, s'étend entre les extrémités inférieures 14B suivant la périphérie de la base. Dans l'exemple de réalisation des figures 1 à 5, cette portion 1014B/I4B est en fait interrompue en son milieu par l'orifice 13. Ainsi, le dimensionnement de cette portion 10-J4B/14B est critique, dans le sens où cette dernière doit conserver son intégrité structurelle durant la torsion autour de l'axe B-B. En particulier, comparativement aux lamelles 31 , prévues pour conserver leur intégrité structurelle tout en étant soumises à une intensité de contrainte minimale eu égard à la convergence vers le bas des lignes 14, cette portion 10i4B/i4B présente avantageusement une section totale de matière, dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X, supérieure ou égale à celle des lamelles 31 , et/ou une épaisseur strictement supérieure à celle des lamelles.In addition, insofar as the two lines of weakness 14 converge towards each other at their lower end 14B, it is understood that the most intense torsional stresses to which the portion of material 10 14/14 are applied to the portion 14B / 14B which, as indicated by a hatched horizontal region in Figure 2, extends between the lower ends 14B along the periphery of the base. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, this portion 14B / 14B is in fact interrupted in its middle by the orifice 13. Thus, the dimensioning of this portion 10-J4B / 14B is critical, in the sense that the latter must maintain its structural integrity during the twisting around the BB axis. In particular, compared to the slats 31 in place to maintain their structural integrity while being subjected to a minimum stress intensity with respect to the downward convergence of the lines 14, this portion 10i 4B / i 4 B advantageously has a total cross-sectional material, in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX, greater than or equal to that of the slats 31, and / or a thickness strictly greater than that of the slats.
Avantageusement, en plus de conserver l'intégrité structurelle de l'articulation 30 lorsque le couvercle 20 est retourné complètement sur lui- même autour de l'axe B-B, les lignes de moindre résistance 14 sont prévues pour limiter le risque d'arrachement de la portion IO14/14 lorsque le couvercle 20, après avoir été ainsi retourné sur lui-même, est tiré à l'opposé de la base 10, suivant l'axe B-B, comme indiqué par la flèche F3 à la figure 5. En effet, lorsqu'on considère le bouchon 1 dans sa configuration de la figure 5 et qu'on tire le couvercle 20 suivant la flèche F3, la partie basse de la base 10 supporte les contraintes de traction correspondantes, dans le prolongement longitudinal des fentes 15. Pour garantir un niveau de résistance à la traction élevé, chaque fente 15 est prolongée par une ouverture allongée 18 qui est ménagée dans la base et qui s'étend en longueur depuis l'extrémité inférieure 14B de la ligne correspondante 14 suivant une direction sensiblement périphérique de la base et en direction opposée à l'autre ligne 14. De la sorte, lors de la traction F3 du couvercle, les déchirures et les fissures de la matière plastique constituant la base 10 ne se propagent pas dans le prolongement longitudinal direct des fentes 15, mais sont renvoyées, par l'intermédiaire des ouvertures 18, dans une direction périphérique de la base 10, axialement entre le niveau des extrémités 14B des lignes 14 et l'extrémité inférieure 10B de la base. En pratique, comme bien visible à la figure 2, les ouvertures 18 s'étendent en longueur suivant des directions respectives qui ne sont pas rigoureusement orthoradiales à l'axe X-X mais qui, projetées dans un plan diamétral perpendiculaire au plan de symétrie des lignes 14, forment chacune avec cet axe un angle β tourné vers le bas, dont la valeur est comprise entre 45 et 90°. Ainsi, le bouchon 1 satisfait, entre autres, aux exigences de la norme française NF EN 71-1 ou S 51-212 relative à la sécurité des enfants, dans le sens où son couvercle 20 est apte à être retourné sur lui-même, notamment sur 180°, et à être tracté à l'opposé de la base 10 dans des conditions prédéterminées imposées par la norme, sans que le lien de matière entre le couvercle et la base ne soit totalement rompu, en particulier au niveau des lamelles de charnière 31 de l'articulation 30 qui sont pourtant des parties du bouchon 1 fragiles en raison de leur faible épaisseur relative.Advantageously, in addition to preserving the structural integrity of the hinge 30 when the cover 20 is completely turned on itself about the axis BB, the lines of least resistance 14 are provided to limit the risk of tearing of the hinge. portion IO 14/14 when the cover 20, after being thus turned on itself, is pulled away from the base 10, along the axis BB, as indicated by the arrow F 3 in FIG. Indeed, when considering the plug 1 in its configuration of Figure 5 and pulling the lid 20 along the arrow F 3 , the lower part of the base 10 supports the corresponding tensile stresses in the longitudinal extension of the slots 15. To ensure a high level of tensile strength, each slot 15 is extended by an elongate opening 18 which is provided in the base and which extends in length from the lower end 14B of the corresponding line 14 in a direction ection substantially peripheral of the base and in the opposite direction to the other line 14. In this way, during the traction F 3 of the lid, the tears and cracks of the plastic material constituting the base 10 do not propagate in the extension direct longitudinal slits 15, but are returned, through the openings 18, in a peripheral direction of the base 10, axially between the level of the ends 14B of the lines 14 and the lower end 10B of the base. In practice, as clearly visible in FIG. 2, the openings 18 extend in length along respective directions which are not strictly orthoradial to the axis XX but which, projected in a diametral plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the lines 14 , each form with this axis an angle β turned down, whose value is between 45 and 90 °. Thus, the plug 1 satisfies, inter alia, the requirements of the French standard NF EN 71-1 or S 51-212 relating to the safety of children, in the sense that its lid 20 is able to be turned over on itself, in particular over 180 °, and to be towed away from the base 10 under predetermined conditions imposed by the standard, without the material connection between the cover and the base is completely broken, especially at the level of the lamellae. hinge 31 of the hinge 30 which are however parts of the plug 1 fragile because of their small relative thickness.
Sur les figures 6 à 9, quatre variantes du bouchon 1 sont respectivement représentées. Ci-dessous, seules les différences entre chacune de ces variantes et le mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5 sont détaillées.In FIGS. 6 to 9, four variants of the plug 1 are respectively represented. Below, only the differences between each of these variants and the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 are detailed.
Le bouchon de la variante de la figure 6 est dépourvu des ouvertures allongées 18. Cette disposition facilite la fabrication du bouchon. Pour garantir à la portion de matière 1014/i4 un niveau de résistance à la traction suffisamment élevé, les extrémités inférieures respectives 14B des lignes 14 sont prévues suffisamment distantes de l'extrémité inférieure 10B de la base 10, de manière que les deux parties longitudinales de matière 14I4B/I OB, s'étendant entre l'extrémité inférieure 14B de chaque ligne 14 et l'extrémité inférieure 10B de la base et indiquées par deux régions hachurées verticales sur la figure 6, supportent des contraintes en traction importantes sans se rompre. A cet effet, la dimension longitudinale IHB/IOB de ces parties 1 O14B/IOB vaut au moins 10 % de la longueur L de la base.The plug of the variant of Figure 6 is devoid of elongate openings 18. This arrangement facilitates the manufacture of the cap. To ensure that the material portion 10 14 / i 4 has a sufficiently high level of tensile strength, the respective lower ends 14B of the lines 14 are provided sufficiently distant from the lower end 10B of the base 10, so that both longitudinal portions of material 14 I4B / I OB , extending between the lower end 14B of each line 14 and the lower end 10B of the base and indicated by two vertical hatched regions in FIG. 6, withstand significant tensile stresses without breaking. For this purpose, the longitudinal dimension IHB / IOB of these parts 1 O 14B / IOB is at least 10% of the length L of the base.
Bien entendu, ce dimensionnement longitudinal des parties 1 O14B/IOB peut être prévu dans le mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5, en étant ainsi avantageusement combiné à la présence des deux ouvertures 18.Of course, this longitudinal dimensioning of the parts 1 O 14B / I O B can be provided in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, thus being advantageously combined with the presence of the two openings 18.
A la figure 7, on envisage une variante du bouchon 1 qui associe, pour l'une des lignes de moindre résistance mécanique 14, à savoir celle représentée dans la partie gauche de cette figure, la présence d'une des ouvertures allongées 18 et, pour l'autre ligne 14, à savoir celle représentée à droite, l'absence d'une telle ouverture, tout en dimensionnant la longueur IHB/I OB comme à la figure 6. De cette façon, le comportement de la portion 1014/14 demeure sensiblement homogène de part et d'autre de l'orifice 13, les sous-portions 1014/13 et 1013/i4 étant symétriques l'une de l'autre, lors de la sollicitation F2 du couvercle 20 en torsion autour de l'axe B-B. En revanche, lors de la sollicitation F3 en traction suivant l'axe B-B, la partie basse de la base 10, entre les extrémités 14B des deux lignes de moindre résistance 14 et l'extrémité 1 OB de la base, se comporte de manière dissymétrique de part et d'autre du plan de symétrie des lignes 14 : du côté pourvu de l'ouverture 18, les déchirures et les fissures de la matière plastique sont guidées selon une direction essentiellement périphérique à la base, comme expliqué en détail plus haut en regard de la figure 2, tandis que, du côté dépourvu d'ouverture du type de l'ouverture 18, les déchirures et les fissures de la matière plastique se propagent directement dans le prolongement longitudinal de la ligne correspondante 14, essentiellement au sein de la partie longitudinale correspondante I OHB/IOB, indiquée par une région hachurée verticale sur la figure 7. Comparativement, pour une intensité de traction F3 donnée, les déchirures de la partie basse de la base 10 sont plus marquées et se rapprochent davantage de l'extrémité 10B du côté de la base représenté dans la partie droite de la figure 7 que du côté représenté dans la partie gauche. A l'extrême, si l'intensité de traction est suffisamment grande, la base 10 se rompt au niveau de la partie 1 OI4B/IOB dépourvue de l'ouverture 18 mais ne se rompt pas dans le prolongement de l'ouverture 18, de sorte que le bouchon 1 , avec sa base ainsi rompue sur toute sa longueur L, reste en une seule pièce, avec notamment son couvercle 20 lié de manière sûre à la base, étant remarqué que cette pièce s'avère présenter des dimensions telles que son inhalation par un enfant est en pratique impossible.In FIG. 7, a variant of the plug 1 is considered which associates, for one of the lines of least mechanical resistance 14, namely that represented in the left-hand part of this figure, the presence of one of the elongate openings 18 and, for the other line 14, namely that represented on the right, the absence of such an opening, while dimensioning the length I H B / I OB as in Figure 6. In this way, the behavior of the portion 10 14/14 remains substantially homogeneous on both sides of the orifice 13, the sub-portions 10 14/13 and 10 13 / i 4 being symmetrical to each other, during the bias F 2 of the cover 20 in torsion around the axis BB. On the other hand, during the bias F 3 in tension along the axis BB, the lower part of the base 10, between the ends 14B of the two lines of weakness 14 and the end 1 OB of the base, behaves asymmetrical on both sides of the plane of symmetry lines 14: the side provided with the opening 18, the tears and cracks of the plastic are guided in a substantially peripheral direction to the base, as explained in detail above with reference to FIG. 2, whereas, on the side devoid of aperture of the type of the opening 18, the tears and cracks of the plastic material propagate directly in the longitudinal extension of the corresponding line 14, essentially within the corresponding longitudinal part IO H B / IO B, indicated by a vertical hatched region in FIG. 7. Comparatively, for a given tensile strength F 3 , the tears of the lower part of the box 10 are more marked and closer to the base side end 10B shown in the right portion of FIG. 7 than to the side shown in the left-hand side. At the extreme, if the tensile strength is sufficiently large, the base 10 breaks at the part 1 OI 4B / IO B without the opening 18 but does not break in the extension of the opening 18 , so that the cap 1, with its base thus broken over its entire length L, remains in one piece, including its cover 20 securely linked to the base, being noted that this piece is found to have dimensions such that his inhalation by a child is in practice impossible.
La variante du bouchon 1 envisagée à la figure 8 est dépourvue de l'orifice traversant 13, ce qui empêche de pouvoir ranger la languette 40 entre le col 2 et la base 10 une fois que cette languette est déchirée, mais ce qui permet de disposer de la portion de matière 10-I4B/I4B SOUS une forme continue, sans interruption par l'orifice 13.The variant of the plug 1 contemplated in FIG. 8 is devoid of the through orifice 13, which prevents the tongue 40 from being able to be stored between the neck 2 and the base 10 once this tongue is torn, but this makes it possible to arrange of the material portion 10 -14 B / I 4 B UNDER a continuous shape, without interruption through the orifice 13.
La variante du bouchon 1 envisagée à la figure 9 se distingue du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 5 par le fait que, d'une part, l'articulation 30 ne comporte qu'une unique lamelle de charnière 31 et, d'autre part, les deux lignes de moindre résistance mécanique 14, qui s'étendent depuis l'extrémité supérieure 1OA de la base 10 de part et d'autre de cette articulation 30, sont rigoureusement parallèles à l'axe X-X.The variant of the plug 1 envisaged in FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 in that, on the one hand, the hinge 30 comprises only a single hinge leaf 31 and, on the other hand, part, the two lines of least mechanical strength 14, which extend from the upper end 10A of the base 10 on either side of this joint 30, are strictly parallel to the axis XX.
Divers aménagements et variantes au bouchon 1 et à ses variantes décrits ci-dessus sont par ailleurs envisageables. A titre d'exemples, d'autres formes allongées que les lignes 14 peuvent être prévues en ce qui concerne les zones de moindre résistance mécanique ménagées par la base 10 en vue de permettre le retournement sur lui-même du couvercle 20 sans entraîner la déchirure totale de l'articulation 30. En outre, les fentes 15 des lignes 14 n'ont pas à être incurvées comme sur les figures 1 à 8 pour être efficaces : leur courbure peut être inversée par rapport à celle représentée sur ces figures, ou, comme envisagé à la figure 9, ces fentes peuvent également être rectilignes, ou bien ces fentes peuvent inclure des segments successifs rectilignes et/ou incurvés, avec les deux signes de courbure possibles. De même, plusieurs pontets frangibles, tel que le pontet 17, peuvent être intégrés aux zones de moindre résistance, notamment selon la géométrie précise de ces zones. Various arrangements and variants of the cap 1 and its variants described above are also possible. By way of example, other elongated shapes than the lines 14 may be provided with regard to the zones of least mechanical resistance provided by the base 10 in order to allow the lid 20 to be turned over on itself without causing the tearing In addition, the slots 15 of the lines 14 do not have to be curved as in Figures 1 to 8 to be effective: their curvature can be inverted compared to that shown in these figures, or, as envisaged in FIG. 9, these slots may also be rectilinear, or these slots may include successive rectilinear and / or curved segments, with the two possible signs of curvature. Likewise, several frangible bridges, such as the bridge 17, can be integrated in the zones of least resistance, in particular according to the precise geometry of these zones.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 .- Bouchon (1) en matière plastique pour un col (2) d'un récipient (3), comportant une base (10) globalement tubulaire, qui est destinée à entourer le col (2), et un couvercle d'obturation (20), qui est venu de matière, dans une partie périphérique de la base, avec une première extrémité longitudinale (10A) de la base, en formant une articulation (30) à charnière(s) (31) qui définit un axe géométrique (A-A) de basculement du couvercle par rapport à la base entre des positions de service ouverte et fermée, caractérisé en ce que la base (10) présente deux zones allongées de moindre résistance mécanique (14), qui s'étendent en longueur de la première extrémité (10A) de la base vers la seconde extrémité longitudinale (10B) de celle-ci, en étant situées, au niveau de cette première extrémité, de part et d'autre de l'articulation à charnières (30), et qui sont adaptées pour se rompre avant que l'articulation ne puisse se déchirer totalement lorsque le couvercle (20), dans sa position ouverte, est entraîné en rotation sur lui- même autour d'un axe géométrique de torsion (B-B), transversal à l'axe de basculement (A-A). 1 .- Plastic cap (1) for a neck (2) of a container (3), comprising a base (10) generally tubular, which is intended to surround the neck (2), and a closure cover (20), which is integral, in a peripheral portion of the base, with a first longitudinal end (10A) of the base, forming a hinge (30) hinge (s) (31) which defines a geometric axis (AA) tilting of the lid relative to the base between open and closed service positions, characterized in that the base (10) has two elongated zones of least mechanical strength (14), which extend in length of the first end (10A) of the base towards the second longitudinal end (10B) thereof, being located, at this first end, on either side of the hinge joint (30), and are adapted to break before the joint can tear completely when the lid (20), in its open position, is rotated on itself about a geometric axis of torsion (B-B), transverse to the axis of tilting (A-A).
2.- Bouchon selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les deux zones de moindre résistance (14) sont dimensionnées et configurées relativement à la base (10) de sorte que, après leur rupture, elles délimitent entre elles une portion de matière (1014/14) de la base, qui porte l'articulation (30) et qui est adaptée pour travailler en torsion sans se rompre lorsque le couvercle (20) est entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour de l'axe de torsion (B-B) sur au moins 180°.2. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that the two zones of least resistance (14) are dimensioned and configured relative to the base (10) so that, after breaking, they delimit between them a portion of material ( 14/14 ) of the base, which carries the hinge (30) and which is adapted to work in torsion without breaking when the cover (20) is rotated about itself about the torsion axis ( BB) over at least 180 °.
3.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque zone de moindre résistance (14) présente, suivant la direction longitudinale (X-X) de la base (10), une dimension (I15) supérieure au quart, de préférence à la moitié, de la longueur (L) de la base.3. Stopper according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each zone of least resistance (14) has, in the longitudinal direction (XX) of the base (10), a dimension (I 15 ) greater than a quarter, preferably half, of the length (L) of the base.
4.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les deux zones de moindre résistance (14) s'étendent en longueur de manière convergente l'une vers l'autre en s'éloignant de la première extrémité (10A) de la base (10).4.- cap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two zones of weakness (14) extend in length converging towards each other away from the first end (10A) of the base (10).
5.- Bouchon selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les deux zones de moindre résistance (14) délimitent, entre leur extrémité (14B) opposée à la première extrémité (10A) de la base (10) et dans la partie périphérique de la base associée à l'articulation (30), une portion de matière (10-I4B/14B) de la base, qui présente, dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale (X-X) de la base, une section supérieure ou égale à celle de la ou des charnières (31 ) de l'articulation. 5.- cap according to claim 4, characterized in that the two zones of weakness (14) delimit between their end (14B) opposite the first end (10A) of the base (10) and in the peripheral portion of the base associated with the articulation (30), a portion of material (10 -14B / 14B ) of the base, which has, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) of the base, a section greater than or equal to that of the hinge (s) (31) of the joint.
6.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que les deux zones de moindre résistance (14) délimitent, entre leur extrémité (14B) opposée à la première extrémité (10A) de la base (10) et dans la partie périphérique de la base associée à l'articulation (30), une portion de matière (I OUB/UB) de la base (10), qui présente une épaisseur strictement supérieure à celle de la ou des charnières (31 ) de l'articulation.6. Stopper according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the two zones of least resistance (14) delimit between their end (14B) opposite the first end (10A) of the base (10) and in the peripheral portion of the base associated with the articulation (30), a portion of material (I OUB / UB) of the base (10), which has a thickness strictly greater than that of the hinge (s) (31) of the joint.
7.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'une partie de matière longitudinale (1 OI4B/IOB) de la base (10), qui s'étend entre l'extrémité longitudinale (14B) d'au moins une des zones de moindre résistance (14), opposée à la première extrémité (10A) de la base, et la seconde extrémité (10B) de la base, présente, suivant la direction longitudinale (X-X) de la base, une dimension (IUB/IOB) supérieure à 10 % de la longueur (L) de la base.7. Stopper according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a portion of longitudinal material (1 OI 4B / IOB) of the base (10), which extends between the longitudinal end (14B) of at least one of the areas of least resistance (14), opposite the first end (10A) of the base, and the second end (10B) of the base, has, in the longitudinal direction (XX) of the base, a dimension (IUB / IOB) greater than 10% of the length (L) of the base.
8.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que au moins une des zones de moindre résistance (14) est prolongée, à son extrémité longitudinale (14B) opposée à la première extrémité (10A) de la base (10), par une ouverture allongée (18) ménagée dans la base, qui s'étend en longueur depuis cette zone suivant une direction sensiblement périphérique de la base et en direction opposée à l'autre zone de moindre résistance (14). 8. Stopper according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the zones of least resistance (14) is extended at its longitudinal end (14B) opposite the first end (10A) of the base (10). ), by an elongated opening (18) in the base, which extends in length from this area in a substantially peripheral direction of the base and in a direction opposite to the other zone of least resistance (14).
9.- Bouchon selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque zone de moindre résistance (14) comprend, d'une part, une fente traversante (15), qui s'étend en longueur de la première extrémité (10A) vers la seconde extrémité (10B) de la base (10), et, d'autre part, au moins un élément frangible (17) reliant l'un à l'autre les bords longitudinaux de la fente, qui est adapté pour se rompre avant que l'articulation (30) ne puisse se déchirer totalement lorsque le couvercle (20), dans sa position ouverte, est entraîné en rotation sur lui-même autour de l'axe de torsion (B- B).9. Stopper according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each zone of least resistance (14) comprises, on the one hand, a through slot (15), which extends in length of the first end (10A ) towards the second end (10B) of the base (10), and on the other hand, at least one frangible member (17) interconnecting the longitudinal edges of the slot, which is adapted to rupture before the hinge (30) can be completely torn off when the lid (20), in its open position, is rotated on itself about the torsion axis (B-B).
10.- Bouchon selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le ou les éléments frangibles (17) sont disposés à l'extrémité longitudinale (14A) de la fente (15), située au niveau de la première extrémité (10A) de la base (10).10. Stopper according to claim 9, characterized in that the frangible element or elements (17) are arranged at the longitudinal end (14A) of the slot (15), located at the first end (10A) of the base (10).
11.- Bouchon selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les deux zones de moindre résistance (14) délimitent entre elles une portion de matière (10i4/14) de la base (10), qui porte l'articulation (30) et qui est pourvue, dans sa partie médiane suivant la périphérie de la base, d'un orifice traversant (13) de forme allongée suivant la direction longitudinale (X-X) de la base. 11. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two zones of least resistance (14) delimit between them a portion of material (10i 4/14 ) of the base (10), which carries the articulation (30) and which is provided in its median portion along the periphery of the base, a through hole (13) of elongate shape in the longitudinal direction (XX) of the base.
EP08775603A 2007-02-28 2008-02-27 Plastic hinged stopper Active EP2125556B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL08775603T PL2125556T3 (en) 2007-02-28 2008-02-27 Plastic hinged stopper

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0701447A FR2913002B1 (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 ARTICULATED CAP IN PLASTIC MATERIAL
PCT/FR2008/000253 WO2008132295A1 (en) 2007-02-28 2008-02-27 Plastic hinged stopper

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2125556A1 true EP2125556A1 (en) 2009-12-02
EP2125556B1 EP2125556B1 (en) 2010-12-01

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US (1) US20110000871A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2125556B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE490193T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2678826C (en)
DE (1) DE602008003763D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2355539T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2913002B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2009009152A (en)
PL (1) PL2125556T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2125556E (en)
WO (1) WO2008132295A1 (en)

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US10836544B2 (en) 2018-05-09 2020-11-17 Silgan White Cap LLC Closure with hinge
US20190375555A1 (en) * 2018-06-12 2019-12-12 Closure Systems International Inc. Tethered Bridge Closure
ES2981353T3 (en) 2018-07-11 2024-10-08 Closure Systems Int Inc Rotating and folding closure
US10654625B2 (en) 2018-10-12 2020-05-19 Closure Systems International Inc. Twist and flip lock closure
CN116062306A (en) 2019-05-13 2023-05-05 赫斯基注塑系统有限公司 Closure device for a container and mold for forming a closure device
EP3741703B1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-03-02 Société Lorraine de Capsules Metalliques - Manufacture de Bouchage Screw cap intended to remain attached to a container after opening of the container
IT202000006496A1 (en) * 2020-03-27 2021-09-27 Sacmi Combination of a cap for a container and a container neck.
RU2765791C1 (en) * 2019-07-22 2022-02-03 Сакми Кооператива Мекканичи Имола Сочиета' Кооператива Lid for the container and the method for its manufacture
CA3163971A1 (en) * 2020-02-07 2021-08-12 Stephane Graux Hinged stopper
IT202100008564A1 (en) * 2021-04-07 2022-10-07 Affaba & Ferrari S R L CAP FOR A CONTAINER WITH HINGED CAP
CN114212383A (en) * 2021-12-01 2022-03-22 湖南万容包装有限公司 Repeatedly openable sealed container

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ES2355539T3 (en) 2011-03-28
ATE490193T1 (en) 2010-12-15
PT2125556E (en) 2010-12-23
CA2678826C (en) 2015-04-28
EP2125556B1 (en) 2010-12-01
WO2008132295A1 (en) 2008-11-06
MX2009009152A (en) 2009-09-03
FR2913002B1 (en) 2009-04-10
CA2678826A1 (en) 2008-11-06
DE602008003763D1 (en) 2011-01-13
FR2913002A1 (en) 2008-08-29
US20110000871A1 (en) 2011-01-06
PL2125556T3 (en) 2011-04-29

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