FR3094353A1 - CLOSING DEVICE INTENDED TO BE FIXED ON A NECK OF A CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stopper device (1) intended to be fixed on a neck (2) of a container in order to close an orifice (5) of said neck (2), the stopper device comprising:- a lower ring (3) comprising a first sector (15) intended to be retained axially on the neck (2) and a second sector (16); - a cap (4); and - a hinge device (6) which connects the cap (4) to the second sector (16) of the lower ring (3); - the first sector (15) and the second sector (16) of the lower ring (3) being hinged to each other so that the second sector (16) pivots relative to the first sector (15) from a lowered position to a raised position to allow the stopper (4) to move away axially from the neck (2) from the closed position to a released position in which said stopper (4) is no longer engaged with the neck (2) of the container; the hinge device (6) being configured to allow the stopper (4) to pivot between said released position and an open tilted position in which the stopper (4) is disengaged from the orifice (5) of the neck (2). Figure to be published: 2

Description

CLOSING DEVICE INTENDED TO BE FIXED ON A NECK OF A CONTAINER

The invention relates to a closure device for a container and to an assembly comprising a container equipped with such a closure device.

The invention relates more particularly to a stopper device which makes it possible to keep a stopper attached to the neck of a container, which avoids losing the stopper in nature.

Technological background

[In the prior art, closure devices are known which make it possible to keep a stopper attached to a neck of the container. Such a closure device is, for example, described in document US2018086510 in the name of the applicant.

The stopper device comprises a lower ring which is intended to be retained on the neck of the container, a stopper which is intended to cover the opening of the container so as to close it, two elastic strips connecting the stopper to the lower ring and a locking device arranged to lock the cap in an open tilted position.

Such a closure device is not fully satisfactory. In particular, this stopper is intended to be clipped onto the neck of the container. In addition, the movement of the cap between the closed position and the tilted open position is a simple pivoting movement, which limits the height of the cap that can be used. This limits the applications of said closure device. In particular, it is not suitable for containers intended to receive carbonated drinks as the pressure inside such containers would lead to unwanted openings of the stopper.]

summary

One idea at the basis of the invention is to provide a stopper device making it possible to keep a stopper attached to the neck of the receptacle which is reliable, easy to make and to use and capable of ensuring satisfactory holding of the stopper, in the closed position. .

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a closure device intended to be attached to a neck of a container in order to close an orifice in said neck, the closure device comprising:

a lower ring comprising a first sector intended to be retained axially to the neck and a second sector;

- A stopper comprising an upper wall and an outer peripheral skirt, the stopper being able to be disposed in a closed position in which the upper wall closes the orifice of the neck and the peripheral skirt surrounds said neck; and - an articulation device which connects the plug to the second sector of the lower ring;

- the first sector and the second sector of the lower ring being articulated to one another so that the second sector pivots relative to the first sector from a lowered position to a raised position to allow the plug to s' axially moving away from the neck from the closed position to a released position in which said stopper is no longer in engagement with the neck of the container;

- the articulation device being configured to allow the cap to pivot between said released position and a tilted open position in which the cap is released from the orifice of the neck;

the second sector comprising at least one support element which projects radially towards the inside of the lower ring and which is configured to come to be positioned above the attachment flange, resting against the latter, when the second sector is in the raised position.

Thus, the kinematics of the plug between the closed position and the open position involves moving the plug from the bottom to the top, then pivoting the plug rearward. Therefore, this allows the stopper to have a greater height and optionally to be screwed onto the neck. Also, such a closure device can be used for a wide variety of applications and in particular for containers containing carbonated drinks.

In addition, thanks to the support element that keeps the second sector in the raised position, the stopper is held out of the neck. This also ensures good docking of the stopper on the neck during its movement from the tilted open position to the closed position, and in particular without the consumer having to exert an uncontrolled tensile force on the second sector of the lower ring to allow the plug to dock on the neck.

According to other advantageous embodiments, such a closure device may have one or more of the following characteristics.

According to one embodiment, the first sector and the second sector are separated from one another by two thinned zones in which the lower ring locally has a reduction in radial thickness so as to allow the second sector to be articulated by compared to the first sector.

According to another embodiment, the lower ring has a sufficiently small thickness to allow the second sector to pivot relative to the first sector without the first sector and the second sector being separated from each other by two zones. thinned.

According to one embodiment, the second sector extends over the entire height of the lower ring. In other words, the second sector includes the entire portion of the lower band extending into the corresponding angular range. This makes it possible in particular to ensure good resistance to tearing of the lower ring.

According to another embodiment, the second sector extends over only a part of the height of the lower ring.

According to one embodiment, the second sector has a height, that is to say a dimension taken parallel to the X axis, which is substantially equal to that of the first sector.

According to one embodiment, the at least one support element is configured such that, when the second sector is in the raised position, the attachment flange exerts a tensile force on the lower ring which produces a force reaction pressing said at least one support element against the fastening collar. This makes it possible to reduce the play and thus improve the holding in position of the stopper, especially in the tilted open position.

According to one embodiment, the second sector comprises several support elements.

According to one embodiment, at least one support element is positioned in a central zone of the second sector.

According to one embodiment, the second sector extends over an angular range between 120 and 200 °, and preferably between 160 and 190 °.

According to one embodiment, the neck to which the closure device is intended to be fixed comprises a hooking flange, the first sector comprising one or more retaining elements which project radially towards the inside of the lower ring, are intended to be arranged below the hooking flange and are configured so as to axially retain the lower ring to the neck of the container.

According to one embodiment, the articulation device is connected to the second sector in a central zone of the second sector.

According to one embodiment, the central zone of the second sector extends over an angular range of between 20 and 90 °.

According to one embodiment, the articulation device comprises two elastic strips which connect the outer peripheral skirt and the second sector.

According to one embodiment, the second sector of the lower ring comprises a scalloped portion and the elastic lamellae join the second sector of the lower ring in said scalloped portion. According to one embodiment, the outer peripheral skirt comprises a scalloped portion and the elastic lamellae join said outer peripheral skirt in said scalloped portion. Such an arrangement makes it possible to provide elastic strips of sufficient length while limiting the dimensions of the interstices, formed between the stopper and the lower ring, and capable of allowing the passage of dust.

According to one embodiment, the stopper device further comprises a blocking device configured to block the stopper in the tilted open position.

According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises a tongue arranged between the two elastic strips and extending upwards from the lower ring and a heel projecting radially outwards from the outer peripheral skirt, the heel being arranged to come to bear against the tongue during the pivoting of the cap between the released position and the tilted open position, the elastic strips, the tongue and the heel being configured such that, during the pivoting movement of the cap between the released position and the tilted open position, the elastic strips are subjected to a tensile force which increases to an intermediate unstable position and then decreases from said intermediate unstable position to the open tilted position.

According to one embodiment, the lower ring is intended to be mounted so as to be able to rotate on the neck about an axis X and the outer peripheral skirt of the stopper has a helical thread intended to cooperate with a helical thread formed on the neck of the container. so as to allow screwing or unscrewing of the cap on the neck around the X axis.

According to one embodiment, the stopper device is molded in a single piece.

According to one embodiment, the stopper device is able to be molded in the closed position of the stopper.

According to one embodiment, the lower ring is connected to the outer peripheral skirt by frangible bridges. Such frangible bridges are intended to serve as witnesses of inviolability.

According to one embodiment, the stopper has an internal skirt which extends perpendicularly downwards from the upper wall of the stopper and is intended to fit inside the orifice of the neck.

According to one embodiment, the stopper further comprises an annular lip which extends from the upper wall radially between the internal skirt and the external peripheral skirt and which is intended to come into contact against an external face of the neck.

According to one embodiment, the cap comprises a gripping visor which projects radially outwardly from the outer peripheral skirt. According to one embodiment, the gripping visor is diametrically opposed to the articulation device. This maximizes the leverage attributable to the application of strain on the grip visor and improves consumer understanding.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides an assembly comprising a container equipped with a neck comprising a hooking flange and an orifice and a aforementioned closure device, the first sector of the lower ring being retained axially on said flange. hanging.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will emerge more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. , with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure device according to a first embodiment, in a closed position.

Figure 2 is a side view of the closure device of Figure 1, in which the cap is in a released position in which it is no longer in engagement with the neck of the container and is thus capable of being tilted to a position tilted open.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the closure device in which the cap is in the released position, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side view of the closure device of Figures 1 to 3, in a tilted open position.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the closure device in the tilted open position, illustrated in Figure 4.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of FIG. 5, illustrating a support element formed on the second sector of the lower ring and bearing against the hooking flange provided on the neck of the container when the second sector of the lower ring is in the raised position.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the closure device of FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrating the support elements and the retaining elements provided on the internal surface of the lower ring.

FIG. 8 is a detail view illustrating the geometry of the support elements.

FIG. 9 is a detail view illustrating the geometry of the retaining elements.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure device according to a second embodiment in a tilted open position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure device according to a third embodiment in a tilted open position.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a closure device according to a fourth embodiment in a tilted open position.

In the description and the figures, the X axis corresponds to an axis of the plugging device intended to be positioned orthogonally to the plane of the orifice to be closed when the plugging device is in the closed position and closes said orifice. The X axis thus corresponds to the axis of rotation of the stopper of the closure device when the latter is screwed onto the neck of the container. By convention, the "radial" orientation is directed orthogonally to the X axis. The terms "external" and "internal" are used to define the relative position of an element with respect to another, with reference to the axis X, an element close to the X axis is thus qualified as internal as opposed to an external element located radially at the periphery. The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another by reference to a position in which the orifice of the neck is directed upwards and the stopper is in the closed position. on the neck of the container, an element intended to be placed lower being designated by lower and an element intended to be placed higher being designated by upper.

In relation to Figures 1 to 9, there is described a closure device 1 according to a first embodiment. The stopper 1 is intended to be assembled on the neck 2 or neck of a container, as shown in Figure 1 to 6. The container is for example a bottle.

The stopper 1 comprises a lower ring 3 which is intended to be retained on the neck 2 of the container, a stopper 4 which is intended to cover the orifice 5 of the container so as to close it, and an articulation device 6 binding the stopper 4 to the lower ring 3. Advantageously, the stoppering device 1 also comprises a locking device 7 arranged to block the stopper 4 in an open tilted position, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the stopper 4 is disengaged from the orifice 5 of the container and does not interfere with the discharge of the contents of the container.

The stopper 4 has an upper wall 8 intended to be disposed substantially orthogonally to the X axis, facing the orifice 5 of the neck 2 when said stopper 4 is in the closed position. The stopper 4 further comprises an outer peripheral skirt 9 intended to surround the neck 2 of the container when the stopper 4 is in the closed position. The outer peripheral skirt 9 extends downwardly perpendicular to the top wall 8 from the outer periphery of said top wall 8.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the outer peripheral skirt 9 has, on its inner face, a thread 10 formed of a series of helical ribs intended to cooperate with a complementary thread 11, formed of a series of helical ribs, provided on the outer surface of the neck 2. Thus, the stopper 4 is able to be screwed onto the neck 2 in order to close the container and to be unscrewed from the neck 2 in order to open the container. The cap 4 is thus movable between the closed position, shown in Figure 1, and a released position, shown in Figures 2 and 3. In said released position, the cap 4 is no longer engaged with the neck 2 of the container. It is thus able to be tilted towards the tilted open position, shown in Figures 4 and 5, in which the plug 4 is released from the orifice 5 of the neck 2 so that it does not interfere with the discharge of the contents. of the container.

As shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, the outer peripheral skirt 9 has, on its outer face, a series of grooves distributed around the X axis and extending parallel to said X axis. The grooves thus provide a rough surface. facilitating the gripping of the cap 4 by the user or by the assembly device of the bottling line.

The stopper 4 also comprises an internal skirt 12, in particular shown in FIG. 3, which extends perpendicularly downwards from the upper wall 8 of the stopper 4 and is dimensioned so as to fit inside the orifice. 5 of the neck 2. The stopper 4 also comprises an annular lip 13, also visible in FIG. 3, which extends, from the upper wall 8, radially between the internal skirt 12 and the external peripheral skirt 9. The internal skirt 12 and the annular lip 13 are dimensioned such that, when the stopper 4 is in the closed position, on the neck 2 of the container, the internal skirt 12 is in contact against the internal face of the neck 2 while the annular lip 13 is in contact against the external face of the neck 2. Thus, the internal skirt 12 and the annular lip 13 make it possible to ensure the tightness of the closure.

Advantageously, the lower ring 3 is, before the first opening of the container, connected to the stopper 4 by frangible bridges 14, visible in FIG. 1, intended to break when opening the stopper 4. These frangible bridges 14 thus constitute witnesses of inviolability. More particularly, the frangible bridges 14 are distributed around the axis X and connect the upper edge of the lower ring 3 and the lower edge of the outer peripheral skirt 9. According to another embodiment not shown, the lower ring 3 and the stopper 4 are connected to each other by a tear-off strip which is interposed axially between the stopper 4 and the lower ring 3 and which is, on the one hand, connected to the lower ring 3 by frangible bridges and d 'on the other hand, connected to the plug 4 by frangible bridges.

The lower ring 3 is held axially on the neck 2 of the container while being able to rotate relative to the latter about the axis X. The lower ring 3 comprises two parts which are articulated to one another, namely a first sector 15 and a second sector 16 via which the lower ring 3 is linked to the stopper 4 by means of the articulation device 6.

As shown in Figure 7, the lower ring 3 comprises two thinned areas 17, that is to say the radial thickness of which is less than the radial thickness of the lower ring 3 outside said thinned areas 17. The two thinned zones 17 delimit the first sector 15 and the second sector 16. The thinned zones 17 thus form pivots allowing the articulation of the second sector 16 with respect to the first sector 15. In the embodiment shown, the two thinned zones 17 are diametrically opposed, on either side of the lower ring 3, so that the first and second sectors 15, 16 each extend over an angular sector of approximately 180 °. However, the relative lengths of the first and second sectors 15, 16 are likely to vary. Also, the second sector 16 is capable of extending over an angular range between 120 and 200 °, and preferably between 160 and 190 °.

Thanks to the aforementioned structure of the lower ring 3, the second sector 16 is able to pivot upwards relative to the first sector 15, from a lowered position to a raised position, so as to allow the stopper 4 to move towards upwards with respect to the neck 2 of the container, until the thread 10 of the stopper 4 disengages from the thread 11 provided on the neck 2 of the container. In other words, when the cap 4 is unscrewed, the lower ring 3 is rotated around the X axis while the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3 pivots relative to the first sector 15 to the position raised so as to allow axial movement, upward of the cap 4, from the closed position shown in Figure 1, to the released position shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The lower ring 3 is held axially on the neck 2 of the container by means of a hooking flange 18, in particular shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6. The hooking flange 18 has a frustoconical outer surface narrowing towards the bottom. up, that is to say in the direction of the opening 5 of the container. The attachment flange 18 defines, downwards, that is to say in a direction opposite to the orifice 5, a shoulder.

The first sector 15 of the lower ring 3 comprises retaining elements 19 which cooperate with the attachment flange 18 provided on the container in order to axially retain the lower ring 3 to the neck 2 of the container. The retainers 19 are protuberances, shown in detail in Figure 9, which protrude radially inward from the first sector 15 of the lower ring 3. The retainers 19 have an increasing radial dimension, from bottom up, that is to say in the direction of the upper edge of the lower ring 3. The retaining elements 19 also have an upper end, substantially horizontal, which forms a stop surface 20 intended to be positioned in Look at the shoulder formed by the fastening flange 18. In the embodiment shown, the retaining elements 19 have a generally semi-frustoconical shape. When assembling the closure device 1 on the neck 2 of the container, the retaining elements 19 slide against the frustoconical surface of the hooking flange 18 then lock by elastic return behind the hooking flange 18 so that the abutment surfaces 20 of the retaining elements 19 are located opposite the shoulder.

Note that the geometry of the retaining elements 19 is described above by way of example and that it is likely to vary.

The second sector 16 comprises support elements 21, shown in Figures 3, 5, 6 and 8. As shown in Figure 8, the support elements 21 are positioned in the central part 22 of the second sector 16, c 'That is to say in the part of the second sector 16 in which the articulation device 6 is implanted and which extends over an angular range of between 20 and 90 °. The supporting elements 21 are formed by protrusions projecting radially inward. The support elements 21 are configured such that, when the second sector 16 is in the lowered position, said support elements 21 are located below the hooking flange 18 and that, when the second sector 16 is in the raised position, said support elements 21 are located above the hooking flange 18 and resting thereon. Given the connection of the plug 4 with the second sector 16 via the articulation device 6, the lower ring 3 is subjected to traction during the movement of the second sector 16 from the lowered position to the raised position, which allows the elements support 21 to move from a low position in which they are located below the hooking flange 18 to a high position in which they are located above the hooking flange 18 and resting on that -this.

This maintenance of the central part 22 of the second sector 16 above the hooking flange 18 is particularly advantageous in that it allows, on the one hand, to keep the stopper 4 out of the grip of the neck 2, and 'On the other hand, a good docking of the cap 4 on the neck 2 of the container, during its movement from the tilted open position to the closed position.

Furthermore, when the second sector 16 is in the raised position, the support elements 21 bear against the hooking flange 18, as shown in Figure 6, so that the hooking flange 18 exerts a tensile force on the lower ring 3. This produces a reaction force which presses the bearing elements 21 against the hooking flange 18. This makes it possible to reduce the clearances and thus improves the holding in position of the stopper 4, in particular in the tilted open position.

When the cap 4 is screwed onto the neck 2 and moved in the direction of the closed position, the outer peripheral skirt 9 bears against the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3 so that the bearing elements 21 slide against the frustoconical surface of the hooking flange 18 then lock by elastic return behind the hooking flange 18. Therefore, when the second sector 16 is in the lowered position, the support elements 21 also perform a function of retaining the lower ring 3.

As shown in Figure 8, the support elements 21 have an upper surface, substantially planar, which forms a stop surface 23 intended to be positioned facing the shoulder formed by the hooking flange 18 when the second sector 16 is in the lowered position. The support elements 21 also have a lower surface, here substantially flat, which forms an abutment surface 24 intended to bear against the fastening flange 18 when the second sector 16 is in the raised position. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the support elements 21 have, between said upper and lower surfaces, an upper portion 25 of semi-frustoconical shape and a lower portion 26 of semi-cylindrical shape.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second sector 16 is also capable of comprising retaining elements 27 having a structure identical to the retaining elements 19 of the first sector 15. In this case, said retaining elements 27 are positioned outside the zone. central 22 in which the articulation device 6 is implanted.

The articulation device 6 is configured to allow the plug 4 to pivot between the released position, shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the tilted open position, shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the embodiment shown, the articulation device 6 comprises two elastic strips 28, 29 which connect the stopper 4, and more particularly the outer peripheral skirt 9 of the stopper 4 to the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3. The two elastic strips 28, 29 are positioned in the central part 22 of the second sector 16. In addition, in order to avoid truncating the thread and to degrade the pressure resistance as little as possible for carbonated drinks, the articulation device 6 is advantageously linked to the stopper 4 in a zone which is located axially at the same level as the lower end of the thread 10 and is angularly adjacent to said lower end of the thread, that is to say angularly spaced from said end lower end of the thread 10 at an angle between 0 and 90 ° and preferably between 0 and 30 °. Advantageously, the elastic strips 28, 29 join the outer peripheral skirt 9 in a notched portion. Likewise, the elastic strips 28, 29 advantageously join the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3 in a notched portion. In other words, the elastic lamellae 28, 29 extend substantially above the lower limit of the outer peripheral skirt 9 and extend substantially below the upper limit of the lower ring 3.

The locking device 7 comprises a tongue 30 which extends upwards from the upper edge of the lower ring 3. The tongue 30 is disposed between the two elastic strips 28, 29. The locking device 7 further comprises a heel. 31 projecting radially outwards from the outer peripheral skirt 9 of the cap 4. The heel 31 is configured to bear against the tongue 30 when the cap 4 is pivoted towards the tilted open position so as to block the cap 4 in said tilted open position.

The possibilities of stretching the elastic strips 28, 29 together with the aforementioned characteristics of the locking device 7, make it possible to create a hard point at the half-tilting stroke of the stopper 4 between the released position, shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the tilted open position, shown in Figures 4 and 5. In other words, the elastic strips 28, 29 as well as the locking device 7 are configured such that, during a first part of the movement of the cap 4 of the released position towards the open tilted position, the two elastic strips 28, 29 are, due to the support of the heel 31 on the tongue 30, subjected to a tensile force which increases to an intermediate unstable position and then decreases by said intermediate unstable position towards the tilted open position. This makes it possible to block the plug 4 in the tilted open position.

Advantageously, the locking device 7 is configured such that the opening angle of the cap 4 in said tilted open position is greater than or equal to 180 °.

Advantageously, the entire closure device is molded in a single piece of synthetic material, such as polyethylene and preferably high density polyethylene, for example. Advantageously, the stopper device is molded in the configuration of Figure 1, that is to say in a closed position, position in which it can be directly mounted on the neck 2 of the container.

The assembly operation of the stopper 1 with the container, on the one hand, and the opening and closing operations of the cap 4, on the other hand, are described below.

To assemble the stopper 1 to the container, the stopper 1 is placed on the neck 2 by simply screwing the stopper 4 on the neck 2, until the retaining elements and the support elements 21 provided on the lower ring 3 reach beyond the shoulder delimited by the fastening flange 18. The lower ring 3 is then fixed to the neck 2 while being movable in rotation around the axis X of the neck 2.

During the first unscrewing, the plug 4 leaves the closed position, illustrated in FIG. 1, and moves away from the lower ring 3 to the released position, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The frangible bridges 14 break. during this movement. In addition, during this movement of unscrewing the cap 4, the lower ring 3 is rotated around the X axis and the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3 pivots to the raised position as the cap 4 moves away from the hooking collar 18.

Subsequently, when the helical ribs of the plug 4 are disengaged from those of the neck 2, the plug 4 can then be pivoted back towards the tilted open position. In such a tilted open position, the outer peripheral skirt 9 extends upward from the top wall 8.

To close the container, the cap 4 is tilted from the tilted open position to the released position. As the second sector 16 is maintained in the raised position, docking the cap 4 on the neck 2 of the container is easy. The stopper 4 can then be screwed onto the neck 2 in order to reach the closed position. When screwing on the cap 4, its outer peripheral skirt 9 bears against the second sector 16 of the lower ring 3 so as to bring it back to the lowered position.

FIG. 10 represents a closure device 1 according to a second embodiment. This closure device 1 differs from that described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the stopper 4 is intended to be clipped onto the neck 2 of the container and not to be screwed onto said neck 2. The peripheral skirt external 9 as the neck 2 of the container are therefore devoid of thread. Furthermore, the outer peripheral skirt 9 includes a gripping visor 32 which projects radially outwards. The gripping visor 32 is advantageously arranged opposite the articulation device 6. The gripping visor 32 thus forms a gripping surface intended to facilitate the visibility, understanding and handling of the cap 4, in particular with a view to it. rotate to the tilted open position.

Furthermore, the stopper 4 also comprises an annular flange 33 which projects radially outwardly from the outer peripheral skirt 9. Such an annular flange 33 makes it possible to facilitate the gripping of the closure device by the assembly device which is intended. ensuring the assembly of the stopper 4 on the neck 2 of the container.

FIG. 11 represents a closure device 1 according to a third embodiment. It differs from that described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 9 only in that it comprises an annular flange 33, as described above in relation to FIG. 10, which projects radially outwardly from the outer peripheral skirt 9.

FIG. 12 represents a closure device 1 according to a fourth embodiment. It differs from that described above in relation to Figure 11 only in that it further comprises a gripping visor 32, as described above in relation to Figure 10.

Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The use of the verb "to comprise", "to understand" or "to include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims (15)

Capping device (1) intended to be fixed to a neck (2) of a container comprising a hooking collar (18) in order to close an orifice (5) of said neck (2), the stopper device comprising:
- a lower ring (3) comprising a first sector (15) intended to be retained axially on the attachment flange (18) of the neck (2) and a second sector (16);
- a plug (4) comprising an upper wall (8) and an outer peripheral skirt (9), the plug (4) being able to be disposed in a closed position in which the upper wall (8) closes the orifice ( 5) of the neck (2) and the peripheral skirt surrounds said neck (2); and
- an articulation device (6) which connects the plug (4) to the second sector (16) of the lower ring (3);
- the first sector (15) and the second sector (16) of the lower ring (3) being articulated to one another so that the second sector (16) pivots relative to the first sector (15) from a lowered position to a raised position to allow the stopper (4) to move away axially from the neck (2) from the closed position to a released position in which said stopper (4) is no longer in engagement with the neck (2) of the container;
- the articulation device (6) being configured to allow the plug (4) to pivot between said released position and an open tilted position in which the plug (4) is released from the orifice (5) of the neck (2) ;
the second sector (16) comprising at least one support element (21) which projects radially towards the inside of the lower ring (3) and which is configured to come to be positioned above the hooking collar ( 18), resting against it, when the second sector (16) is in the raised position Capping device (1) according to Claim 1, in which the first sector (15) and the second sector (16) are separated from each other by two thinned zones (17) in which the lower ring (3) locally has a reduction in radial thickness so as to allow articulation of the second sector (16) relative to the first sector (15). A closure device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second sector (16) extends over the entire height of the lower ring (3). A closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one support member (21) is configured such that when the second sector (16) is in the position raised, the hooking flange (18) exerts a tensile force on the lower ring (3) which produces a reaction force pressing said at least one support element (21) against the hooking flange (18). Capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one support element (21) is positioned in a central area of the second sector (16) A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the second sector (16) extends over an angular range of between 120 and 200 °, and preferably between 160 and 190 °. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the neck (2) to which the closure device (1) is intended to be fixed comprises a hooking collar (18), in which the first sector ( 15) comprises or more retaining elements (19) which protrude radially inwards from the lower ring (3), are intended to be arranged below the hooking flange (18) and are configured so as to axially retain the lower ring (3) at the neck (2) of the container. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the articulation device (6) is connected to the second sector (16) in a central area of the second sector (16). A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the articulation device (6) comprises two elastic lamellae (28, 29) which connect the outer peripheral skirt (9) and the second sector (16). A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a locking device (7) configured to lock the plug (4) in the tilted open position. Capping device according to claims 9 and 10 taken in combination, in which the locking device (7) comprises a tongue (30) disposed between the two elastic lamellae (28, 29) and extending upwards from the lower ring (3) and a heel (31) projecting radially outwards from the outer peripheral skirt (9), the heel (31) being arranged to bear against the tongue (30) during the pivoting of the stopper (4) between the released position and the tilted open position, the elastic lamellae (28, 29), the tongue (30) and the heel (31) being configured such that, during the pivoting movement of the plug (4) between the position released and the tilted open position, the elastic lamellae (28, 29) are subjected to a tensile force which increases to an intermediate unstable position and then decreases from said intermediate unstable position to the open tilted position. Capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the lower ring (3) is intended to be mounted so as to be able to rotate on the neck (2) about an axis X and in which the outer peripheral skirt ( 9) of the stopper (4) has a helical thread (10) intended to cooperate with a helical thread (11) formed on the neck (2) of the container so as to allow screwing or unscrewing of the stopper (4) on the neck (2) around the X axis. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the closure device is integrally molded. Capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lower ring (3) is connected to the outer peripheral skirt (9) by frangible bridges (14). Assembly comprising a container equipped with a neck (2) comprising a hooking collar (18) and an orifice (5) and a stopper device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the first sector of the lower ring (3) of the closure device being retained axially on the attachment flange (18) of the neck (2).
CLOSING DEVICE INTENDED TO BE FIXED ON A NECK OF A CONTAINER