IT202000018187A1 - OPENING/CLOSING DEVICE FOR A POURABLE PRODUCT CONTAINER - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the Patent for Industrial Invention entitled: ?Opening/closing device for a container for pourable products?

The present invention relates to an opening/closing device for a container suitable for containing pourable products. In particular, this closing/opening device ? particularly suitable for use in laminar containers of the type known by the English name of? gable top? flat.

These opening/closing devices are normally made in two pieces, i.e. they comprise a collar equipped with a flange having a protruding ring on its upper face to facilitate welding of the flange to the internal surface of the container when the collar is inserted into this perforated portion. The opening/closing device of the known art also comprises a cap provided with a lower portion which can be moved on the outer surface of the collar in a manner constrained by first guide means of the helical type interposed between the collar and the lower portion.

This opening/closing device? extremely efficient, however not? free from drawbacks especially in terms of environmental impact. In fact, the hood, once removed, is not always repositioned on the collar because, either it is carelessly thrown away by the user immediately after the first opening, or it falls into the ground and, therefore, is not? more hygienically usable. There? clearly it results extremely harmful for? the environment given that the cap, cos? like the entire opening/closing device, ? made of plastic. In order to overcome this drawback ? I know an opening/closing device which prevents the cap from separating from the collar after it has been opened. In practice, the lower portion of the hood? displaceable on the outer surface of the collar in a manner constrained in a manner that can only be rotated by first guide means interposed between the collar and the lower portion of the cap itself. Furthermore, the cap comprises a lid rotatably constrained with respect to the lower portion between an open position and a closed position, and vice versa. In this embodiment, therefore, the cap never separates from the collar.

Unfortunately this solution is not ? free from drawbacks. In fact, the opening of the hood can? take place whatever its position with respect to the collar. There? does it mean that the user can mistakenly open the cap when ? oriented in an unfavorable position for the pouring of the liquid contained in the container and that, therefore, the liquid is poured in an inconvenient way by the user or that, in the worst cases, a part of the poured liquid leaks out of the container without control. There? occurs above all in all those cases in which the opening device ? arranged on the upper face of the container, in a non-central position, but near? of one of the four edges, or of one of the corners of the container.

Purpose of the present invention? therefore that of realizing an opening/closing device of the type described above suitable for use on containers of the gable top type which reduces, or completely eliminates, the problems of pollution caused by containers for pourable products of the prior art and which, at the same time, avoid that the product contained in the container is poured with difficulty? by the user, or that it leaks out of the container without control.

Another purpose of the present invention ? that of realizing an opening/closing device which is in any case simple from a structural point of view and, therefore, simple and cheap to manufacture.

Finally, the purpose of the present invention ? to create a method pe? the opening of a container that solves the criticality? mentioned above.

These and other purposes are achieved by an opening/closing device according to the first independent claim and the subsequent dependent claims.

This solution clearly makes it possible to prevent the product contained in the container from being poured with difficulty. by the user or which, worse, leaks out of the container without control. In fact, the lid associated with the hood can? be opened only when the hood ? suitably oriented with respect to the collar, i.e. it is located in a very precise first angle of rotation. In practice, based on the position of the opening/closing device on the container, it will be? Is it possible to allow the lid to open only when the cap reaches such an angle of rotation that the pouring is guaranteed? more comfortable for the user. At the same time, once the lid is closed it will be? possible to lock it in a stable position with the collar by rotating the cap with respect to the collar to reach a second angle of rotation, different from the first angle of rotation where the lid is? rotatable with respect to the lower portion of the cap. In particular, said release/engagement means allow the opening/closing of said lid in an angular range of rotation of operation reached by said cap with respect to said collar starting from the initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar; said release/engagement means allow the opening of said cover in a first opening angle of said operating range which is? reached by said cap in a first direction of rotation with respect to said collar, and prevent the opening of said lid in a second closing angle, of said operating interval, which is? reached by said cap in a direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation with respect to said collar, wherein preferably said operating range ? measured starting from said initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar. In said assembly position, said cap ? placed at an angle of 0? with respect to said collar.

The purposes are also achieved by the method for opening a container for pourable products equipped with an opening/closing device according to one or more functions. of claims 1 to 17, comprising the steps of:

a) rotating said cap relative to said collar;

b) lifting said lid integral with said cap from its closed position to its open position to pour the product contained in said container;

characterized in that said phase b) comprises the phase b1) of allowing the opening/closing of said lid according to the angle of rotation reached during said phase a) by said cap with respect to said collar, after the first movement of said cap on said outer surface of said collar; said opening of said lid ? allowed only when said cap reaches at least a first angle of rotation such that the pour is more? comfortable for the user, and once said lid is closed, said lid ? lockable in a stable position with said collar by rotating the cap with respect to said collar to reach at least a second rotation angle different from said first rotation angle, in which said lid ? rotatable with respect to the lower portion of said cap.

In particular, said phase b1) takes place when said cap, during said phase a), has reached an angular range of operation measured starting from the initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar, in which said release means/ engagement allow the opening of said cover in at least one first opening angle of said operating range which is? reached by said cap in a first direction of rotation with respect to said collar and, after having closed the lid, prevent the opening of said lid in at least one second closing angle of said operating interval, which is reached by said cap in a direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation with respect to said collar. Said range of operation ? measured starting from said initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar, in said assembly position said cap ? placed at an angle of 0? with respect to said collar.

Finally, said operating interval during said phase b) of the method is between 0? and 180?.

Some particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

figure 1A ? an axonometric view of the opening/closing device according to the invention still closed and mounted on a container for pourable products of the "gable top" type;

figure 1B ? an axonometric view of the opening/closing device of figure 1A open;

figure 1C ? a partial longitudinal sectional view of the opening/closing device of Figure 1A;

figure 2A ? an axonometric view of the device of figure 1A rotated by 180? in which some elements of the rotation limiting means with the device just assembled are shown with interrupted lines;

figure 2B ? an enlarged view of part of the rotation limiting means shown in Fig. 2A ;

figure 2C ? a particular view of the device of figure 2A with the cap rotated at the first opening angle (therefore with the lid of the cap capable of passing from its closed position to the open one) and in which part of the elements are shown with broken lines rotation limiting means;

the 2D figure ? an enlarged view of the limiting means shown in Fig. 2C ;

figure 3A ? a view of the collar of the opening/closing device according to the invention, in which part of the rotation limiting means shown in figure 2B are shown and in which the cap (in the figure not shown for simplicity) is located in the first angle of opening;

figure 3B ? a view of the collar of the opening/closing device according to the invention, in which ? shown the position of the locking tooth which passes from a position of engagement with the first region of the guide (with dotted line) and then reaches the ramp arranged in correspondence with the second region of the guide, the limiting means being at that moment in the position indicated in figure 3A;

figure 3C ? an axonometric view of the collar of the opening/closing device according to the invention, in which ? the position of part of the rotation limiting means is shown when the cap (in the figure not shown for simplicity) is in the second closing angle;

the 3D figure ? a view of the collar of the opening/closing device according to the invention, in which ? reported the position of the locking tooth when the limiting means are in the position indicated in figure 3C;

figure 4A ? an axonometric top view of the device according to the invention with the cap lid open;

figure 4B ? a top view of the opening/closing device in which the possible rotation intervals of the cap on the collar are schematically indicated;

figure 5A ? an isometric view of the open/close device rotated 180? with respect to Fig. 4A with the cap lid in its open position;

figure 5B ? an axonometric view of a detail of figure 5A, in which some elements of the rotation limiting means are shown in broken lines;

figure 6A ? a bottom axonometric view of the cap according to the invention;

figure 6B ? an axonometric view from below of the hood of figure 6A rotated by 180?.

With particular reference to these figures yes? 1 indicates the generic opening/closing device according to the invention.

The opening/closing device 1 ? applied on a container 100 of the gable top type (here not shown completely, but known to the expert in the sector) for pourable products having a perforated portion 101 (shown only partially in figure 1C and on a horizontal instead of an inclined plane, however known to the technician of the sector). This device 1 ? made of plastic of the type capable of coming into contact with food products. Such container 100 ? made in a known way by means of a laminated material, obtained by overlapping various layers of paper, or cardboard, aluminium, polyethylene and/or other additional materials, suitably shaped and folded and having on one of the two top faces 102,103 a perforated portion 101. The front side face 104 of the container 100 is the one in the direction of which should occur in a more? it is easy for the user to pour the liquid contained in the container 100.

As better visible in the following figures, the opening/closing device 1 comprises a collar 2 equipped with a flange 21 having a protruding ring 22 on its upper face 21a to facilitate welding of the flange 21 to the internal surface 100a of the container 100, in particular on face 102, when collar 2 ? inserted into the perforated portion 101 of the container 100.

In other embodiments, the protruding ring 22 can? be replaced by suitable means which facilitate easy welding between the upper face 21a of the flange 21 of the collar 2 and the inner surface 100a of the container 100 without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

As can be seen in figure 1C, the collar 2 of the opening/closing device 1, during the assembly of the same device 1 to the container 100, is inserted into the perforated portion 101 of the container 100 so that the upper face 21a of the flange 21 of the collar 2 is in contact with the internal face 100a of the container 100. The protruding ring 22 present on the upper face 21a of the collar 2, also known by the English name of ?energyring?, serves to facilitate welding between the container 100 and the opening/closing device 1.

The opening/closing device 1 for container 100 for pourable products also comprises a cap 3 equipped with a lower portion 3a that can be moved on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 in a manner constrained in a manner that can only be rotated to the first guide means 40 (again see figure 1C) interposed between the collar 2 and the lower portion 3a. These first guide means 40 comprise a ring 41 which runs around the collar along its entire circumference and a corresponding profile 42 integral with the cap 3, at its lower portion 3a, and able to slide on the ring 41 once the hood 3 ? been assembled to the collar 2. In practice, the profile 42 comes into contact with the ring 41 and ? shaped in such a way that the hood 3 can be assembled to the collar, but ? once assembled - it cannot free itself from the collar 2 even if urged by a vertical force directed upwards. In another embodiment, the profile 42 can? also be advantageously U-shaped without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In this case, this U-shaped profile 42 straddles the ring 41 to increase the connection security between cap 3 and collar 2.

Furthermore, the cap 3 comprises a cover 3b constrained in a rotatable manner with respect to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 between an open position P1 and a closed position P2. The rotation between the lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 ? obtained by means of a plastic hinge 3c and takes place around the horizontal axis O. As shown in the attached figures, it should also be specified that the lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 are solidly connected to each other by means of two breakable bridges 90 (in figure 1C only one is shown) before the first rotation of the lid 3b with respect to the lower portion 3a, to pass from the closed position P2 to the open position P1, upon exceeding a certain force such as to cause breakage of the breakable bridges 90. Furthermore, the device comprises means 120 for maintaining the seal between the cap 3 and the collar. These means comprise a sealing ring 121 which protrudes from the cover 3b of the cap 3 and which contrasts with the end? ring free 2b of collar 2.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises release/engagement means 10 between the lid 3b and the collar 2 to allow the opening/closing of the lid 3b according to the angle of rotation reached by the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2, after the first displacement, i.e. the first rotation, of the cap 3 is on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. Basically, the aforementioned release/engagement means 10 (see figure 3B) allow the release from this engagement in a first opening angle B1 between the cap 3 and the collar 2, and prevent it in a second closing angle B2, different from the first opening angle (or in several closing angles, or in a whole closing interval B2). During the first opening of the lid 3b, once the user has identified the appropriate opening angle B1, which allows rotation between the lid 3b and the collar 2, the user will have to exert a certain force capable of causing breakage of the breakable bridges 90 and, therefore, the opening of the lid 3b. Subsequently, once the lid 3b has been closed, the user can? rotate the cap 2 with respect to the collar 2 bringing it to a second rotation angle B2 different from that in which the lid 3b was allowed to open with respect to the lower portion 3a, ie to the first opening angle B1.

In particular, the release/engagement means 10 allow the opening/closing of the lid 2 in an angular range of operation B reached by the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 starting from the initial assembly position B0 of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 (yes see figure 4B). The release/engagement means 10 allow the lid 3b to be opened, in particular, in the aforementioned opening angle B1 of the operating range B which is? reached by the cap 3b in a first direction of rotation L with respect to the collar 2, and after the lid 3b has been closed again, they prevent the lid 3b from opening in a second angle B2 (different from the first angle B1) which ? reached by the cap 3b in a direction of rotation R opposite to the first direction of rotation L with respect to the collar 2. This opening angle B1 ? measured, like the other angles, starting from the initial assembly position of said cap 3 with respect to the collar. In particular, the assembly position of the cap 3 ? placed at an angle B0 of 0? compared to the collar 2. It should be noted that the number of the first opening angles B1 could also be greater than one, even being included in an opening interval B1, so? how the number of different closure angles B2 could be greater than one, or be included in a closure range B2, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In the present case, there ? only a precise opening angle B1, while there are many different closing angles B2 united in a closing interval B2 included in the aforementioned operating interval B. In image 4B ? also shown the second closing angle B2? which is located at? extremity? of the closing interval B2, in the opposite position to that in which the first opening angle B1 is found.

The first rotation of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 must be sufficiently extended angularly because? you can break the safety tab 95 (or also defined in English ?tamperevident?) cos? to prove the opening of the container 100. This safety tab 95 ? arranged integrally with the lower portion 3a of the cap 3, constrained to it by means of breakable bridges 96. At the first rotation these bridges 96 come into contact with protrusions 97 on the collar 2 which allow the breakage of these breakable bridges 96 and determine the separation of the ring of security 95 with the lower potion 3a of the cap 3.

According to the invention, the operating interval B ? between 0? and 180?, however in other embodiments not shown here this angle of operation is in the range of 0? and 500, starting from the assembly position of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

In particular, the second closing angles B2, or the closing interval B2 is included in an interval between 0? and 165?, in which the second closing angle of the extremity? B2? is approximately at 0?. According to the embodiment described here, said release/engagement means 10 comprise a single locking tooth 11 associated with the lid 3b and a guide 12 for this locking tooth 11 made on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. In another embodiment, the number of locking teeth 11 pu? vary, for example being two in number, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In another embodiment of the invention not shown here, the locking tooth 11, or locking teeth 11, is/are associated with the collar 2, while the guide 12 is associated with cap 3.

In the embodiment described here, the guide 12 (see figures 3B and 3A) is equipped with a first region 12a along which ? the locking tooth 11 is constrained to slide, to keep the lid 3b in engagement with the collar 2 in its closed position P2, and a second region 12b in which the locking tooth 11 is? free from constraints, to release the cover 3b from the engagement with the collar 2 and thus allow? the free rotation around the horizontal axis O of the lid 3b with respect to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 and thus allowing it? to reach its open position P1.

Specifically, the first region 12a comprises a protruding annular profile which can be engaged with the locking tooth 11 to lock the rotation of the cover 3b around the horizontal axis O. The protruding profile 12a is? formed on the external surface 2a of the collar 2. The second region 12b is therefore arranged in correspondence with the area of interruption of the projecting profile 12a.

The locking tooth 11 protrudes from the internal surface 14 of the cover 3b (see figures 4A and 6B), while the first region 12a extends perimetrically on part of the external surface 2a of the collar 2.

In the embodiment described here, the first region 12a of the guide 12 has an angular extension of 310? while the second region 12b has an extension of 50?. In any case, different angular extensions would still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

According to the embodiment described here, the device 1 comprises means 50 for limiting the rotation between the cap 3b and the collar 2. In practice, these limiting means 50 allow or not the rotation of the cap 3 around the collar, restricting ? after the first displacement of the cap - the range of rotation of the cap at a given angular range to allow smooth operation of the cap 3.

In particular, the rotation limiting means 50 comprise a first element 51 protruding from the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 and a reference element 55 for orienting the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 at the end of the assembly operation of the opening/ closure 1. The first protruding element 51 ? associated in contact with a first surface 55a of the reference element 55 at the end of the assembly operation of the opening/closing device 1, at least before the first displacement of the cap 3 on the external surface 2a of the collar 2 (see figure 2B) . In the assembly position, cap 3 ? placed at? corner 0? with respect to the collar 2, or also indicated as angle B0 (see also figure 4B).

In particular, the reference element 55 ? shaped to allow rotation of the cap 3 in the first direction of rotation L away from the first surface 55a of the reference element 55.

The limiting means 50 also comprise a second protruding element 53 (see figure 3B) arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 and shaped to prevent rotation of the cap 3 in the first direction of rotation L, at least when the first protruding element 51? in contact with the first surface 55a of the second protruding element 53 and, subsequently, allow the rotation of the cap 3 in the opposite direction of rotation R.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating range B ? comprised between the first face 53a of the second protruding element 53 and the first surface 55a of the reference element 55. This angular range of operation, in the example described here, is? of about 1800.

In practice, in this operating interval B, the first protruding element 51 will be able to rotate in the first direction of rotation Le in the opposite direction of rotation R, i.e. in both directions of rotation Led R in the angular interval between the first face 55a of the second protruding element 53 and the first face 55a of the reference element 55

According to the invention, the second guide region 12b 12 ? arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 in a position such that it is encountered by the locking tooth 11 when the cap 3, rotated with respect to the collar 2 in the first direction of rotation L, finds itself in such a position that the first protruding element 51 ? abutting with the first face 55a of the reference element 55, in the angular range of rotation included between the second protruding element 53 and the reference element 55, preferably in correspondence with the opening angle B1 of the operating range B ( see figures 2D, 3A and 5B).

Again, the first region 12a of said guide 12 ? arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 in a position such that it is encountered by the locking tooth 11 when the cap 3, rotated with respect to the collar 2 in the opposite direction of rotation R, finds itself in such a position that said protruding element 51 is located within the angular interval B2 which closes the operating interval B, which ends in correspondence with the first surface 55a of the reference element. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the second region 12b of the guide 12 comprises a ramp 70 shaped to guide the locking tooth 11 along a trajectory having a vertical component, so as to push the lid 3b away from the collar 2 and, therefore, to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3, and facilitate the opening of the lid 10. This ramp 70 is? reached by the locking tooth 11 when the first protruding element 51 reaches the opening angle B1 of the operating range B (see figure 3B).

According to a further particular aspect of the invention, the limiting means 50 further comprise two temporary stop elements 71 and 72 arranged close to the of the first surface 53a of the second protruding element 53 and of the first surface 55b of the reference element 55, so that the first protruding element 51, when arranged between the second protruding element 53 and the first stop element 71, and between the second stop element 72 and the reference element 55 (within the operating range B), are held, respectively, in a second preferred angle B2? closing, in the closing angular interval B2, and in the first opening angle B1. Are the two stop elements 71 and 72 shaped to allow rotation of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 in the direction of the second angle B2? closing, starting from the opening angular position B1, or from the first opening angle B1, starting from the second angle B2? closing, upon overcoming a further torsion force exerted by the user on the cap 3 when the first protruding element 51 is in correspondence with the stop element 71 or 71. The second closing angle B2? ? chosen among the different closing angles B2 of the closing interval B2 without limitations. In any case, in the present case, the position of the second closing angle B2? ? advantageous as it already exists? a protruding element (the second protruding element 53) which has the function of preventing rotation of the cap in the opposite direction R with respect to the collar 2 aldil? of a certain angle reached by the cap 3 and which, again in the case in point, together with the stop element 71, allows the cap 3 to be held in a certain position with respect to the collar 2. This positioning is? extremely favorable also to facilitate the assembly between hood and collar.

These temporary stops 71 and 72 have a double ramp shape so to locally increase the effort of the user when the cap 3b is rotated and the first protrusion 51 meets these temporary stop elements 71 and 72.

The lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 are solidly connected to each other by means of some breakable bridges 90 (only one is shown in the attached figures) at least before the first rotation of the lid 3b with respect to the lower portion 3a, to pass from the position closure P2 to the opening position P1, when a certain force is exceeded such as to cause breakage of the breakable bridges 90. In this regard, the presence of the aforementioned ramp 70 not only facilitates the opening of the lid 3b whenever it is necessary to pour the liquid contained in the container 100, but allows to facilitate the breaking of these bridges 90 at the first opening of the container 100, ie the first time that the lid 3b is lifted and brought to the open position P1. The method for opening a container 100, preferably of the "gable top" type, i.e. with a roof-like upper portion, for pourable products equipped with an opening/closing device 1 according to one or more containers, is described below. of claims from 1 to 17, and in particular according to the most? described above.

This method includes the steps of:

a) rotate the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2;

b) lift the lid 3b integral with the cap 3 from its closed position P2 to its open position P1 to pour the product contained in the container 100;

in which phase b) includes phase b1) of allowing the opening/closing of the lid 3b according to the angle of rotation reached during phase a) by the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2, after the first movement, i.e. the first rotation of the cap 3 on the external surface 2a of the collar 2. The opening of the lid 3b ? allowed only when the cap 3 reaches a first angle of rotation B1 such that the pour is more? comfortable for the user, and once the lid 3b is closed, the lid 3b ? engageable with the collar 2 by rotating the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 to reach a second rotation angle B2 different from the first rotation angle B1, in which the lid 3b is instead? rotatable with respect to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3.

The opening of the cover 3b ? therefore allowed only when the cap 3 reaches a rotation angle B1 such that the pouring is more? comfortable for the user, and once the lid 3b is closed, ? possible to lock it in a stable position with the collar 2 by rotating the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 to reach a different rotation angle B2 (or an entire rotation interval) with respect to the one in which the lid 3b ? rotatable with respect to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3.

According to the method, phase b1) takes place when the cap 3, during phase a), has reached an operating angular range B measured starting from the initial assembly position of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2. The release means/ engagement 10 allow the opening of the cover 3b in a first opening angle B1 of the operating interval B which ? reached by the cap 3 in a first direction of rotation L with respect to the collar 2, and prevent the opening of the lid 3b in a second closing angle B2 of the operating range B, which is? reached by the cap 3b in a direction of rotation R opposite to the first direction of rotation L with respect to the collar 2. The operating interval ? measured starting from the initial assembly position of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2. In this assembly position the cap 3 ? placed at an angle of 0? compared to the collar 2.

The first rotation of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 must be sufficiently extended angularly because? you can break the safety tab 95 (or also defined in English ?tamperevident?) cos? to prove that the container 100 has been opened.

In the embodiment described herein, the operating interval B during said phase b) of the method is between 0? and 180? starting from the assembly position of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2. In other embodiments this operating interval can also be different from the one indicated above without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Again, phase b) comprises phase b0) of causing breakage of the frangible bridges 90 which solidly connect the lid 3b to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 upon the first rotation of the lid 3b with respect to the lower portion 3a during phase c1), to pass from the P2 closed position to the P1 open position. These breakable bridges 90, together with the safety ring 95, form a double guarantee for verifying that the container 100 has been opened.

Furthermore, prior to phase a), ? the step of associating the cap 3 with the collar 2 is provided in such a way that at the end of the assembly operation of the opening/closing device 1 the first protruding element 51 arranged on the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 is associated with the first surface 55a of the ?reference element 55, associated with the outer surface 2a of the collar 2, or vice versa. Step a) also comprises step a1) of allowing, by suitably shaping the reference element 55, the rotation of the cap 3 in a first direction of rotation L away from the first surface 55a of the reference element.

Step a), moreover, also comprises step a 2) of making the first protruding element 51 reach the first surface of the second protruding element 53, during the rotation of the cap 3 in the first direction of rotation L, in which the second protruding element 53 ? disposed on the external surface 2a of the collar 2 and ? shaped to prevent rotation of the cap 3 in the first direction of rotation L, at least when the first protruding element 51? in contact with the first surface 53a of the second protruding element 53 and, subsequently, allowing the rotation of the cap 3 in the opposite direction of rotation R to reach the first surface 55a of the reference element 55. When the first protruding element 51 is in contact with the first surface 53a of the second protruding element 53 (ie at the opening angle B1), the locking tooth 11 will be found? on the ramp 70 and, therefore, in correspondence with the second region 12b of the guide 12. Conversely, when the first protruding element 51 is in contact with the first surface 55a of the reference element 55, (i.e. in correspondence with the angle of closure B2) then the locking tooth sar? in engagement with the first region 12a of the guide, the opening of the cover 3b remaining prevented.

It should be noted that this first region of 12a extends for an interval equal to all possible closure positions B2. The choice of the end position? of this interval allows to exploit the reference element 55, which is used for the assembly of the cap 3 to the collar 2, also as a reference element for the closing angle B2.

Furthermore, the phase b) also comprises the phase b2) of guiding the locking tooth 11 along a ramp 70 formed on the second region 12b of the guide 12 so? to make it follow a trajectory having a vertical component, so as to push the lid 3b away from the collar and facilitate the opening of said lid; such ramp 70 ? reached by the locking tooth 11 when the first protruding element 51 reaches the first opening angle B1, ie ? in contact with the first surface of the second protrusion 53.

Finally, step b) also includes step b3) of retaining at least temporarily the first protruding element 51 in the first opening angle B1 and in a second closing angle B2? of the closing interval B2 contained in the angular operating interval B. Therefore, the rotation of the cap 3 with respect to the collar 2 in the direction of the second preferred angle B2? closing, starting from the opening angle B1, or from the first angle B1, starting from the second preferred closing angle B2?, ? allowed only when overcoming a further torsion force exerted by the user on the cap 3 to allow the first protruding element 51 to overcome the resistance of the two temporary stop elements 71 and 72. This further torsion force must be greater than the normal torsion exerted by the user to normally rotate the hood 3 with respect to the collar 2.

Claims (24)

1. Opening/closing device (1) for container (100) for pourable products having at least one perforated portion (101), said opening/closing device (1) comprising a collar (2) equipped with a flange (21) having on its upper face a protruding ring (22) to facilitate the welding of said flange to the internal surface of said container when the collar ? inserted in said perforated portion of said container, said device also comprising a cap (3) equipped with a lower portion (3a) that can be moved on the outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) in a manner constrained in a manner that can only be rotated by first guide means (40) interposed between said collar (2) and said lower portion (3a), said cap (3) comprising at least one lid (3b) rotatably constrained with respect to said lower portion (3a) of said cap (3) between an open position (P1) and a closed position ( P2), and vice versa, characterized in that it comprises release/engagement means (10) between said lid (3b) and said collar (2) to allow the opening/closing of said lid according to the angle of rotation reached by said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2), after the first displacement of said cap on said external surface (2a) of said collar (2), said opening of said lid being allowed only when said cap reaches at least a first angle of rotation (B1) such that the payment is more? comfortable for the user, and once said lid has been closed, said lid being lockable in a stable position with said collar by rotating the cap with respect to said collar to reach at least a second rotation angle (B2) different from said first rotation angle, in which said lid ? rotatable with respect to the lower portion of said cap. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said release/engagement means (10) allow the opening/closing of said lid in an angular range of operation (B) reached by said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2) starting from the initial assembly position of said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2), said release/engagement means (10) allowing the opening of said lid (3b) in said at least one first angle of opening (B1) of said operating interval (B) which ? reached by said cap in a first direction of rotation (L) with respect to said collar and, after the closure of said lid (3b), preventing the opening of said lid in said at least one second closing angle (B2) of said interval of operation (B), that ? reached by said cap in a direction of rotation (R) opposite to said first direction of rotation (L) with respect to said collar (2), said operating interval being measured starting from the initial assembly position of said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2), in said assembly position, said cap (3) being arranged at an angle of 0? with respect to said collar (2). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said operating range (B) is between 0? and 180?. 4. Device according to one or more? of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said release/engagement means (10) comprise at least one locking tooth (11) associated with said lid (3b) and at least one guide (12) for said locking tooth (11 ) associated with the outer surface (2a) of said collar (2), or vice versa, said guide (12) being provided with at least one first region (12a) along which ? constrained to slide said at least one locking tooth (11), to keep said cover (3b) in engagement with said collar (2) in its closed position (P2), and of at least one second region (12b) in which said tooth lock (11) ? free from constraints, to release said lid (3b) from engagement with said collar (2) and allow said lid (3b) to reach its open position (P1). 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one first region (12a) comprises at least one profile projecting from the outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) which can be engaged with said at least one locking tooth (11) to lock the rotation of said cover (3). 6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said at least one locking tooth (11) protrudes from the inner surface (14) of said cover (3b) and said at least one first region (12a) extends perimetrically on part of said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2). 7. Device according to one or more? of claims from 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means (50) for limiting the rotation between said cap (3b) and said collar (2). 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said rotation limiting means (50) comprise a first element protruding (51) from said lower portion (3a) of said cap (3) and a reference element (55) to orient said cap (3) with respect to said collar (3) at the end of the assembly operation of said opening/closing device (1), in which said first protruding element (51) ? associated in contact with a first surface (55a) of said reference element (55) at the end of the assembly operation of said opening/closing device (1), at least before the first movement of said cap (3) on said surface outside (2a) of said collar (2), in said assembly position said cap (3) being disposed at an angle of 0? with respect to said collar. 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said reference element (55) ? shaped to allow rotation of said cap (3) in said first direction of rotation (L) away from said first surface (55a) of said reference element. 10.Device according to one or more? of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said limiting means (50) comprise a second protruding element (53) arranged on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) and shaped to prevent rotation of said cap (3 ) in said first sense (L), at least when said first protruding element ? in contact with a first surface of said second protruding element and, subsequently, allowing the rotation of said cap (3) in the opposite direction of rotation (R) to reach the first surface of said reference element. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said operating interval ? comprised between said first surface of said second protruding element (53) and said first surface (55a) of said reference element. 12.Device according to one or more? of claims from 8 to 11, characterized in that said second region (12b) of said guide (12) ? arranged on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) in a position such that it is encountered by said locking tooth (11) when said cap (3), rotated with respect to said collar (2) in said first direction of rotation, finds itself in such a position that said first protruding element (51) ? in abutment with said first surface of said second protruding element (53), preferably at said first opening angle (B1) of said operating interval (B). 13.Device according to one or more? of claims from 8 to 12, characterized in that said first region (12a) of said guide (12) ? arranged on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) in a position such that it is met by said locking tooth (11) when said cap (3), rotated with respect to said collar (2) in said opposite direction of rotation , finds itself in such a position that said first protruding element (51) ? in abutment with said first surface of said reference element, in correspondence with said second closing angle (B2) of said operating interval (B). 14.Device according to one or more? of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said at least one second region (12a) of said guide (12) comprises a ramp (71) shaped to guide said locking tooth (11) along a trajectory having a vertical component, so such as to push said lid (3b) away from said collar (2) and facilitate the opening of said lid (3b), said ramp (71) being reached by said at least one locking tooth (11) when said first element protruding (51) reaches said first opening angle (B1). 15.Device according to one or more? of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that said limiting means comprise one or more? temporary stop elements (72,73) arranged in the vicinity? of said first surface of said second protruding element and/or of said first surface of said reference element, such that said first protruding element (51) when disposed between said first surface of said second protruding element (53) and said first stop element, and/or between said stop element and said first surface of said reference element, is retained in said at least one first opening angle (B1), or in said second closing angle (B2), said one or more stop elements being shaped to allow rotation of said cap with respect to said collar in the direction of said at least one second closing angle (B2), starting from said at least one first opening angle (B1), or from said first opening angle starting from said second closure angle (B2), upon overcoming a further torsion force exerted by the user on the cap when said first protruding element is located in correspondence with said one or more? temporary stop elements. 16.Device according to one or more? of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said lid (3b) and said lower portion (3a) of said cap (3) are solidly connected to each other by at least one breakable bridge (90) at least before the first rotation of said lid (3b) with respect to said lower portion (3a), to pass from said closed position (P2) to said open position (P2) upon exceeding a certain force such as to cause the breakage of said at least one breakable bridge (90) . 17.Method for opening a container for pourable products equipped with an opening/closing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps of: a) rotating said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2); b) lifting said lid (3b) integral with said cap (3) from its closed position (P2) to its open position (P1) to pour the product contained in said container (100); characterized in that said phase b) comprises phase b1) of allowing the opening/closing of said lid (3b) according to the angle of rotation reached during said phase a) by said cap (3) with respect to said collar (2), after the first displacement of said cap on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2), said opening of said lid being permitted only when said cap reaches at least a first rotation angle (B1) such that the payment is more comfortable for the user, and once said lid has been closed, said lid being lockable in a stable position with said collar by rotating the cap with respect to said collar to reach at least a second rotation angle (B2) different from said first rotation angle, in which said lid ? rotatable with respect to the lower portion of said cap. 18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that said phase b1) takes place when said cap, during said phase a), has reached an angular range of operation (B) measured starting from the initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar, said release/engagement means allowing the opening of said lid in at least one first opening angle (B1) of said operating range which is? reached by said cap in a first direction of rotation (L) with respect to said collar and, after closing the lid, preventing the opening of said lid in at least one second closing angle (B2) of said operating range (B) , That ? reached by said cap in a direction of rotation (R) opposite to said first direction of rotation (L) with respect to said collar, said operating interval being measured starting from said initial assembly position of said cap with respect to said collar, in said assembly position said cap (3) being disposed at an angle of 0? with respect to said collar(2). 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that said operating interval during said phase b) of the method is between 0? and 180?. 20.Method according to one or more? of claims from 17 to 19, characterized by the fact that said phase c) comprises the phase b0) of causing the breakage of said at least one frangible bridge which solidly connects said cover (3b) to said lower portion (3a) of said cap (3 ) to the first rotation of said lid (3b) with respect to said lower portion (3a) during said phase b1), to pass from said closed position (P2) to said open position (P2). 21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that, prior to said step a), ? the step of associating said cap (3) with said collar (2) is provided in such a way that at the end of the assembly operation of said opening/closing device (1) a first protruding element (51) from said lower portion (3a ) of said cap (3) is associated with a first surface (55a) of a reference element (55), associated with said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2), or vice versa, and by the fact that said phase a ) comprises step a1) of allowing, by suitably shaping said reference element, the rotation of said cap (3) in said first direction of rotation (L) away from said first surface (55a) of said reference element. 22.Method according to one or more? of claims from 17 to 21, characterized in that said step a) comprises step a2) of making said at least one first protruding element (51) reach the first surface of said second protruding element (53), during the rotation of said cap (3) in said first direction of rotation (L), wherein said second protruding element (53) ? disposed on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) and ? shaped to prevent rotation of said cap (3) in said first direction (L), at least when said first protruding element ? in contact with a first surface of said second protruding element and, subsequently, allowing the rotation of said cap (3) in the opposite direction of rotation (R) to reach the first surface of said reference element. 23.Method according to one or more? of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that said step b) further comprises step b2) of guiding said locking tooth along a ramp formed on said second region of said guide so? to make it follow a trajectory having a vertical component, so as to push said lid away from said collar and facilitate the opening of said lid, said ramp being reached by said at least one locking tooth when said first protruding element reaches said at least a first opening angle (B1). 24.Method according to one or more? of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that said step b) comprises step b3) of retaining said first protruding element in said at least one first opening angle (B1) and/or in said at least one second closing angle (B2) of said angular range of operation, the rotation of said cap with respect to said collar in the direction of said second closing angle (B2), starting from said first opening angle (B1), or from said first opening angle (B1), starting from said second closure angle (B2), being allowed to overcome a further torsion force exerted by the user on the cap to allow said first protruding element (51) to overcome the resistance of said one or more? temporary stop elements (71,72).