EP4647358A1

EP4647358A1 - Tethered closure element for containers and container comprising such closure element

Info

Publication number: EP4647358A1
Application number: EP25174616.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marco Maria Carlo RIZZARDI
Original assignee: Capsulit SpA
Current assignee: Capsulit SpA
Priority date: 2024-05-07
Filing date: 2025-05-06
Publication date: 2025-11-12

Abstract

A tethered closure element (100) for container (200) is described, comprising a plug (1) comprising a substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall (110), configured to couple with an externally threaded neck (201) of a container (200); the plug (1) is configured to switch between a closure configuration, in which it is coupled to the neck (201) of the container (200), and an open configuration, in which it is uncoupled from the neck (201) while remaining tethered to the neck (201); a security ring (2) configured to fit around the neck (201); the security ring (2) comprises a first band (21) spaced from the plug (1), defining a first slot (3); the first band (21) extends along a circumferential extension direction (K) for a first circumferential arc defined by a first end (211) and a second end (212); in the closure configuration, the first end (211) and the second end (212) are adjacent to and separated from each other, forming a gap (4); the first band (21) is connected to the plug (1) by a first joining section (5) placed at the first end (211); a second band (22) spaced from the first band (21), defining a second slot (6); the second band (22) extends along a circumferential extension direction (K'); the second band (22) is shaped to be retained below a lip (202) of the neck (201) of the container (200); the first band (21) is connected to the second band (22) by a second joining section (7) placed at the second end (212); the first band (21) is configured to be partially separated from the neck (201) when the plug (1) is in the open configuration.

Description

The present invention refers to a tethered closure element for containers, also known in English as a "tethered closure," as well as to a related container comprising such closure element.
Currently, there is a strong need to reduce the environmental impact of plastic. In particular, in the field of containers, such as for example bottles or flasks, there is a recognized need to avoid the dispersion of the respective plugs in the environment. For this reason, it is preferable that they are disposed together with the related container.
Currently, also in compliance with recent environmental protection regulations, various technical solutions are being developed to address the problem of keeping the plug tethered to its container.
Many of the technical solutions proposed to date involve making connecting elements between the plug and the security ring. Such connecting elements consist for example of partially pre-cut annular bands which, when unscrewing the plug from the neck of the container, are stretched, allowing the plug to be removed from the neck while still keeping it tethered to the container by the security ring.
Disadvantageously, in known solutions, when the container is open, the plug is detached from the neck of the container but however is very close thereto and, in particular, in contact therewith, forming an obstruction for the user. Indeed, the user bumps into the plug both when drinking directly from the neck of the container and when pouring the product into a different container, such as for example a cup or a glass. Furthermore, although providing expedients to "lock" the plug in the open position is known, the plug nevertheless tends to move and partially return to the mouth of the container, covering it. Therefore, during use, the plug must be held in place by the user.
An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known solutions, and in particular to ideate a closure element which allows a greater convenience in use.
These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by a closure element having the features set forth in claim 1 and a container comprising such closure element as set forth in claim 14.
Further features of the closure element are specified in the dependent claims.
The features and advantages of a closure element and of a container comprising such closure element according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description referred to the attached schematic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a container comprising a closure element according to the present invention in a first embodiment, coupled to the neck of the container;
Figure 2 shows a different front view of the container of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows the container of Figures 1 and 2, sectioned along line III-III of Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the closure element shown in Figures 1-3;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the container of Figures 1-3, with the closure element uncoupled from the neck of the container but tethered thereto;
Figure 6 shows a front view of a container comprising a closure element according to the present invention in a second embodiment, coupled to the neck of the container;
Figure 7 shows the container of Figure 6, sectioned along line VII-VII of Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows an enlargement of the section in Figure 7;
Figure 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the closure element shown in Figures 6-8;
Figure 10 shows a different front view of the container of Figures 6-8;
Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the container of Figures 6-8 and 10, with the closure element in a first operating configuration;
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the container of Figures 6-8 and 10-11, with the closure element in the same operating configuration as Figure 11;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the container of Figures 6-8 and 10-12, with the closure element uncoupled from the neck of the container but tethered thereto;
Figures 14 and 15 show variant embodiments of the closure element shown in Figures 6-13.

With reference to the attached figures, a closure element generally indicated by reference number 100 is described below.
The closure element 100 according to the present invention is tethered to a container 200.
The container 200 is, for example, a bottle or a flask. In accordance with the present invention, the closure element 100 comprises a plug 1. The plug 1 is configured to be placed to close a mouth 203 of a container 200. The plug 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall 110, configured to couple with an externally threaded neck 201 of a container 200. The plug 1 is configured to switch between a closure configuration, in which it is coupled to the neck 201 of the container 200, and an open configuration, in which it is uncoupled from the neck 201 while remaining tethered to the neck 201. In other words, when the plug 1 is coupled to the neck 201, it covers the mouth 203 of the container 200, which is closed. Instead, when the plug 1 is uncoupled from the neck 201, it is not placed to cover the mouth 203 of the container 200, which is therefore open.
The closure element 100 comprises a security ring 2 configured to fit around the neck 201. The security ring 2 is configured to be arranged below the plug 1.
In the context of the present description, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood in the conditions of use of the closure element 100, that is, mounted on the container 200.
The security ring 2 is made of an at least partially deformable material.
The security ring 2 comprises a first band 21. The first band 21 is spaced from the plug 1, defining a first slot 3.
The first band 21 extends along a first circumferential extension direction K for a first circumferential arc. In particular, the first band 21 has a first end 211 and a second end 212 which define the first circumferential arc. It is noted that, in the closure configuration, the first end 211 and the second end 212 are adjacent to and separated from each other, forming a gap 4.
Indeed, in the closure configuration, the first band 21 surrounds the neck 201 of the container 200.
The security ring 2 comprises a first joining section 5 placed at the first end 211. In particular, the first band 21 is connected to the plug 1 through such first joining section 5. The first joining section 5 acts as a bridge between the first band 21 and the plug 1.
The security ring 2 further comprises a second joining section 7 placed at the second end 212.
The security ring 2 comprises a second band 22, spaced from the first band 21, defining a second slot 6. In the closure configuration, the first slot 3 and the second slot 6 are in communication through the gap 4.
The second band 22 extends along a second circumferential extension direction K'. The second band 22 is shaped to be retained below a lip 202 of the neck 201 of the container 200.
The second band 22 remains retained by the lip 202 of the neck 201 both in the open configuration and in the closure configuration.
The second band 22 has an inner surface 24 having an undercut 25 configured to abut below the lip 202 of the container 200 to be retained to the neck 201 of the container 200.
The second band 22 is arranged below the first band 21. The first band 21 is thus interposed between the plug 1 and the second band 22.
The first band 21 is connected to the second band 22 by the second joining section 7. The second joining section 7 acts as a bridge between the first band 21 and the second band 22.
The first band 21 is configured to be partially separated from the neck 201 when the plug 1 is in the open configuration. In particular, when the plug 1 is in the open configuration, the first band 21 remains connected to the neck 201 only by the second joining section 7, as particularly visible in Figure 5. Indeed, the second joining section 7 keeps the first band 21 connected to the second band 22, which is in turn connected to the neck 201 as it is retained to the lip 202. By the first band 21, the unscrewed plug 1 remains anchored to the mouth 203 of the container 200 but in a position moved away from the mouth 203 itself, allowing the user to take the contents of the flask more easily. In particular, the first band 21 is deformed, defining an arm 220 which extends when the plug 1 is uncoupled from the neck 201, allowing the plug 1 to be moved away from the neck 201 while still remaining connected thereto. In accordance with the present invention, it is particularly possible to completely move the plug 1 away from the neck 201, keeping it in a side position with respect to the neck 201 and not overlapping the neck 201, by the arm 220.
In particular, the longer the arm 220, the more the plug 1 can be spaced from the mouth 203 of the container 200. The length of the arm 220 depends on the extension of the first circumferential arc.
Preferably, the first circumferential arc is subtended by an angle close to a round angle, that is, an angle near a round angle while still being lower than it. Indeed, the first end 211 and the second end 212 must be separated to allow the first band 21 to be opened and the arm 220 to be extended.
More preferably, the first circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 300°. Even more preferably, the first circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 320°. More preferably, the first circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 330°.
Preferably, the second band 22 extends over a second circumferential arc subtended by a round angle. In other words, preferably the second band 22 is continuous and is adapted to completely surround the neck 201 of the container 200.
Preferably, the second slot 6 extends over a third circumferential arc which is subtended by an angle close to a round angle, that is, an angle near a round angle while still being lower than it.
The length of the arm 220 also depends on the extension of the third circumferential arc.
Preferably, the second slot 6 extends over a third circumferential arc which is subtended by an angle greater than 300°. More preferably, the third circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 320°.
Advantageously, the first band 21 can extend, allowing the plug 1 to be moved away from the neck 201 of the container 200.
In particular, the greater the angle subtending the third circumferential arc, the longer the arm 220 and thus the greater the capacity of the first band 21 to extend. The angle subtending the third circumferential arc is however lower than the angle subtending the first circumferential arc.
Preferably, the first joining section 5 extends away from the first band 21 towards the plug 1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first circumferential extension direction K.
Preferably, the second joining section 7 extends away from the first band 21 towards the second band 22 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second circumferential extension direction K'.
In accordance with the present invention, preferably the closure element 100 comprises first frangible break elements 8 interposed between the plug 1 and the first band 21. The first frangible break elements 8 are distributed axially in the first slot 3. The structure of the first frangible break elements 8 is of the known type.
Preferably, the closure element 100 comprises second frangible break elements 9 interposed between the first band 21 and the second band 22. The second frangible break elements 9 are distributed axially in the second slot 6. The structure of the second frangible break elements 9 is of the known type.
The first frangible break elements 8 are configured to break upon a first opening of the container 200. The second frangible break elements 9 are also configured to break upon a first opening of the container 200. Advantageously, the first band 21 can be separated from the plug 1 and from the second band 22. As specified above, the first band 21 is only partially separated from the plug 1 and from the second band 22. Indeed, even after the first opening, the first band 21 remains connected to the plug 1 and to the second band 22 respectively by the first joining section 5 and the second joining section 7.
Preferably, the closure element 100 comprises support flats 10. The support flats 10 are configured to reduce the distance between the first band 21 and the second band 22 and/or between the first band 21 and the plug 1. In particular, the support flats 10 allow to reduce the stress applied to the first and/or second frangible break elements 8, 9 when mounting the closure element 100 on the container 200.
Preferably, the support flats 10 extend from the first band 21 towards the second band 22 in the second slot 6, that is, from the first band 21 downward. Additionally or alternatively, the support flats 10 extend from the first band 21 towards the plug 1 in the first slot 3. Additionally or alternatively, the support flats 10 extend from the second band 22 towards the first band 21 in the second slot 6, that is, from the second band 22 upward.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, the closure element 1 comprises support flats 10 which extend from the second band 22 upward.
In accordance with one embodiment, the closure element 100 comprises one or more drag teeth 11. The drag teeth 11 have a function similar to that of the support flats 10 and can be provided in addition to or as a replacement for them. The drag teeth 11 also allow to reduce the stress on the first and second frangible joining elements 8, 9 when mounting the closure element 100 on the container 200.
The closure element 100 has one or more protrusions 20, each configured to abut with the drag tooth 11. The protrusion 20 protrudes in an axial direction.
In particular, the closure element 100 has one or more recesses 213 along an axial direction, each placed at a respective drag tooth 11. Each recess 213 is shaped at least partially complementarily to the drag tooth 11 it faces. Each recess 213 defines the protrusion 20.
The drag teeth 11 can be arranged between the first band 21 and the second band 22 and/or between the first band 21 and the plug 1.
For example, the closure element 100 comprises a drag tooth 11 connected to the plug 1.
In such case, the drag tooth 11 axially protrudes from the plug 1 towards the security ring 2 and is configured to abut with the security ring 2. The first band 21 has a recess 213 at the drag tooth 11 and comprises the protrusion 20 configured to abut with the drag tooth 11 during rotation.
When the closure element 100 is mounted on the neck 201 of the container 200, and in particular is rotated with respect to a central axis J during such mounting step, the drag tooth 11 associated with the plug 1 drags the first band 21 along with the plug 1 bumping into the protrusion 20.
Alternatively, or additionally, the closure element 100 comprises a drag tooth 11 connected to the second band 22. In such case, the drag tooth 11 protrudes axially from the second band 22 towards the first band 21 and is configured to abut with the first band 21. The first band 21 has a further recess 213 at the drag tooth 11 and comprises a further protrusion 20 configured to abut with the drag tooth 11 during rotation.
Indeed, when the closure element 100 is rotated when being mounted on the neck 201 of the container 200, and in particular is rotated with respect to a central axis J during such mounting step, the drag tooth 11 associated with the second band 22 drags the first band 21 bumping into the protrusion 20.
The closure element 1 can also be shaped to have one or more drag teeth 11 extending from the first band 21 towards the plug 1 and/or towards the second band 22. In such case, the plug 1 and/or the second band 22 have respective recesses 213 and thus respective protrusions 20 to allow hooking with the drag tooth 11.
Preferably, the closure element 1 comprises two or more drag teeth 11.
More preferably, the closure element 100 comprises three drag teeth 11 arranged along the first circumferential direction K.
Still more preferably, the closure element 100 comprises three drag teeth 11 arranged along the second circumferential direction K'.
According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 6-15, the closure element 100 is of the type for separately storing a first substance to be mixed with a second substance contained in a body 200' of a container 200. Such embodiment applies in the case of containers for chemical products in which a liquid or solid substance must be mixed with another liquid only at the time of or shortly before its intake or use. For example, such types of containers are used for marketing pharmaceutical products.
The first substance is, for example, a powder, while the second substance is, for example, a liquid.
In accordance with such types of closure elements 100, two operating configurations are provided, of which a first is obtained by rotating the plug 1 clockwise, before a first opening of the container 200, to mix the first substance with the second substance, and a second is obtained by rotating the plug 1 counterclockwise to open the container 200.
In accordance with such embodiment, the closure element 100 can comprise all as described above.
Additionally, the closure element 100 comprises a reservoir 12 containing the first substance and configured to be arranged at the mouth 203 of a container 200. The reservoir 12 is configured to engage on top of the neck 201 of the container 200.
The reservoir 12 has a bottom wall 120 adapted to be broken before the first opening to release the first substance inside the body 200', so that it can be mixed with the second substance contained in the body 200'.
Still in accordance with such embodiment, the closure element 100 comprises a breaker 13 connected to the plug 1. The breaker 13 is partially inserted into the reservoir 12. Before a first opening, the breaker 13 is spaced from the bottom wall 120.
The breaker 13 comprises a sharp end 130. When the closure element 100 is mounted, the sharp end 130 faces the bottom wall 120. In particular, the breaker 13 is configured to move downward to break the bottom wall 120 until engaging with the reservoir 12 from above. Preferably, according to the shown embodiment, the breaker 13 is connected to a top inner wall 101 of the plug 1. In particular, by rotating the plug 1 clockwise, the breaker 13 descends together with the plug 1. The reservoir 12 comprises a groove 122 into which the breaker 13 is designed to interlock after descending downward until breaking the bottom wall 120. The groove 122 is defined at one end of the reservoir 12, opposite to the bottom wall 120.
In accordance with such particular embodiment, the security ring 2 comprises a third band 23 spaced from the second band 22 and connected to the second band 22 by third frangible break elements 14. The third band 23 is arranged below the second band 22.
The closure element 100 comprises the third frangible break elements 14, which are configured to break upon the descending of the plug 1 and the breaking of the bottom wall 120.
The third band 23 has a discontinuity F. Such discontinuity F is preferably formed as a vertical slot, as particularly visible in Figure 6.
The third band 23 is configured to open and detach at least partially from the second band 22. In particular, upon the breaking of the third frangible break elements 14, the third band 23 is preferably configured to remain connected to the second band 22 only by a non-frangible element 15. Indeed, the closure element 100 comprises a non-frangible element 15 defined between the third band 23 and the second band 22.
In accordance with such embodiment, the third band 23 opens after releasing the first substance into the body 200' of the container 200 after the breaking of the bottom wall 120. Therefore, opening the third band 23 indicates the breaking of the bottom wall 120 and thus the release of the first substance.
In other words, by rotating the plug 1 clockwise, preferably before a first opening, the plug 1 descends and the third band 23 opens due to the presence of the discontinuity F, remaining connected to the second band 22 by way of the non-frangible element 15.
In accordance with Figures 6-15, the closure element 100 can comprise support flats 10 which extend from the first band 21 towards the plug 1 and from the first band 21 towards the second band 22, and support flats 10 which extend from the second band 22 towards the third band 23. In addition, with particular reference to Figures 14 and 15, the closure element 100 can comprise one or more drag teeth 11 which extend from the first band 21 towards the plug 1, one or more drag teeth 11 which extend from the second band 22 towards the first band 21, and/or one or more drag teeth 11 which extend from the second band 22 towards the third band 23.
The operation of the closure element 100 in accordance with such particular embodiment is as follows.
The plug 1 is rotated clockwise and is screwed on the neck 201 of the container 200, thereby pushing the breaker 13 downward, which cuts, by the sharp end 130, the bottom wall 120 of the reservoir 12 containing the first substance, which falls into the body 200' of the container 200 where the second substance is located.
As the plug 1 descends, the third band 23 opens in two parts due to the discontinuity F it has and also due to the breaking of the third frangible break elements 14 which connect the third band 23 to the upper bands 21, 22. This opening makes the closure element 100 tamper evident.
At the end of screwing, the breaker 13 interlocks on the groove 122 of the reservoir 12.
During the step of opening the container 200, the plug 1 is rotated counterclockwise and is unscrewed from the neck 201 of the container 200, dragging the reservoir 12 and the breaker 13 with itself.
The second band 22 is retained, due to the undercut 25 on the inner surface 24, by the lip 202 to the neck 201 of the container 200.
The first and second frangible break elements 8, 9 break, allowing the first band 21 to stretch while still remaining connected to the plug 1 and to the second band 22 by means of the first joining section 5 and the second joining section 7.
After unscrewing, the plug 1 remains suspended, with the reservoir 12 and the breaker 13 therein, by the first band 21 to the second band 22, which remains anchored to the neck 201 of the container 200.
Another part of the present invention is a container 200 comprising a closure element 100 as described above. The container 200 can be a bottle or a flask. The container 200 comprises a body 200' and an externally threaded neck 201 defining a mouth 203.
A closure element 100 in accordance with the present invention is placed at the neck 201.
The mouth 203 is openable by unscrewing the closure element 100 from the neck 201 of the container 200 by rotating it counterclockwise.
The neck 201 comprises a lip 201 with which the second band 22 is engaged.
The body 200' can contain a second substance to be mixed with a first substance enclosed in the reservoir 12 of the closure element 100, if the closure element 100 is of the type for separately storing a first substance to be mixed with the second substance contained in the body 200'.
The present invention has been described, by way of illustration and not limitation, according to preferred embodiments thereof, illustrated in the attached drawings, but it is to be understood that any variation and/or modification obvious to a person skilled in the art is to be considered included within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

Tethered closure element (100) for container (200), comprising:
- a plug (1) comprising a substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall (11), configured to couple with an externally threaded neck (201) of a container (200); said plug (1) being configured to switch between a closure configuration in which it is coupled with the neck (201) of the container (200) and an open configuration in which it is uncoupled from the neck (201) remaining tethered to said neck (201);

- a security ring (2) configured to fit around said neck (201); said security ring (2) comprising:

- a first band (21) spaced from the plug (1) defining a first slot (3); said first band (21) extending along a first circumferential extension direction (K) for a first circumferential arc defined by a first end (211) and a second end (212); in the closure configuration, the first end (211) and the second end (212) being adjacent to and separate from each other forming a gap (4); said first band (21) being connected to the plug (1) by a first joining section (5) placed at the first end (211);

- a second band (22) spaced from the first band (21) defining a second slot (6); said second band (22) extending along a second circumferential extension direction (K'); said second band (22) being shaped to be retained below a lip (202) of the neck (201) of the container (200); said first band (21) being connected to the second band (22) by a second joining section (7) placed at the second end (212); said first band (21) being configured to be partially separated from the neck (201) when said plug (1) is in said open configuration; said closure element (100) being of the type for separately storing a first substance to be mixed with a second substance contained in a body (200') of a container (200), said closure element (100) comprising:

- a reservoir (12) containing the first substance and configured to be arranged at the mouth (203) of a container (200), said reservoir (12) having a bottom wall (120) adapted to be broken before a first opening to release said first substance inside the body (200') to be mixed with the second substance contained in the body (200');

- a breaker (13) connected to the plug (1) and partially inserted into the reservoir (12) so as to be spaced from said bottom wall (120) before a first opening; said breaker (13) being configured to move downward to break said bottom wall (120) until engaging with the reservoir (12) from above, wherein said security ring (2) comprises a third band (23) spaced from said second band (22) and connected to said second band (22) by third frangible break elements (14); said third band (23) having a discontinuity (F) and being configured to open and detach at least partially from the second band (22) before a first opening by rotating the plug (1) clockwise.
Closure element (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said first circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 300°.
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said second band (22) extends over a second circumferential arc subtended by a round angle.
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first joining section (5) extends away from said first band (21) towards said plug (1) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first circumferential extension direction (K).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said second joining section (7) extends away from said first band (21) towards said second band (22) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second circumferential extension direction (K').
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, comprising first frangible break elements (8) interposed between the plug (1) and the first band (21) and distributed axially in the first slot (3) ; said first frangible break elements (8) being configured to break upon a first opening of the container (200).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, comprising second frangible break elements (9) interposed between the first band (21) and the second band (22) and distributed axially in the second slot (6); said second frangible break elements (9) being configured to break upon a first opening of the container (200).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, comprising support flats (10) configured to reduce the distance between the first band (21) and the second band (22) and/or between the first band (21) and the plug (1).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said support flats (10) extend from the first band (21) towards the second band (22) in the second slot (6) and/or towards the plug (1) in the first slot (3) and/or from the second band (22) towards the first band (21) in the second slot (6).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, comprising one or more drag teeth (11) arranged between the first band (21) and the second band (22) and/or between the first band (21) and the plug (1).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second band (22) has an inner surface (24) having an undercut (25) configured to abut below the lip (202) of the container (200) to be retained to the neck (201) of the container (200).
Closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second slot (6) extends over a third circumferential arc which is subtended by an angle greater than 300°.
Closure element (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the third circumferential arc is subtended by an angle greater than 320°.
Closure element (100) according to claims 2 and 12 or 13, wherein the angle subtending the third circumferential arc is lower than the angle subtending the first circumferential arc.
Container (200) comprising a closure element (100) according to any of the previous claims.