MX2012009427A

MX2012009427A - Cap for a container neck.

Info

Publication number: MX2012009427A
Application number: MX2012009427A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Michel Luzzato; Stephane Graux; Stephane Iacopi
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance
Priority date: 2010-02-15
Filing date: 2011-02-14
Publication date: 2012-09-12
Also published as: EP2536642A1; PL2536642T3; PT2536642E; FR2956387A1; FR2956387B1; WO2011098739A1; US20130043207A1; EP2536642B1; ES2436504T3; CA2789558A1

Abstract

A cap (1) for a container neck, comprising a tubular skirt (3) which defines a longitudinal central axis (X-X), which is able to coaxially surround the neck and which is provided on the outside with a plurality of longitudinal ribs (31, 32) that are distributed around the periphery of the skirt and are each provided with a free supporting end for the pad of at least one finger of the user, wherein the plurality of ribs on the skirt (3) includes main ribs (31) and secondary ribs (32), the supporting ends of the main ribs having, in cross section to the axis, a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the supporting ends of the secondary ribs, wherein, around the periphery of the skirt (3), at least one of the secondary ribs (32) is arranged between the main ribs (31), and wherein the cap (1) also comprises a tamperproofing strip (4) centred on the axis (X-X) and connected to the skirt (3) by a weakening line that is designed to break when the cap (1) is opened for the first time. This cap (1) is characterized in that the tamperproofing strip (4) is provided on the outside with longitudinal ribs (41, 42) which are distributed around the outer periphery of the strip and are each provided with a free supporting end for the pad of at least one finger of the user.

Description

RECIPIENT NECK PLUG DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a plug for a container neck.

The invention has to do, in general, with the plugs adapted to seal the neck of a container. In a known manner, the side surface of the cap includes a relief in order to facilitate handling of the cap by the user who wishes to open or close the container, by screwing and unscrewing. The fingers of the user, in particular the thumb, exert an effort on the plug in order to drag it in rotation around the neck.

There are different solutions to facilitate the opening or to improve the feeling of comfort in the opening, but these are not satisfactory. A provision of ribs all pointed provides a good grip but an aggressive contact, susceptible to damage the fingers. The arrangement of ribs all rounded presents a pleasant touch, but the fingers slide in a very important way.

In an alternative, it has been considered to put into operation a molding process by means of double injection, in order to combine the properties of the different ones.

REF. 233992 materials. The outer profile can be made of an elastomer, and the inner part with a polymeric material classically used to make the plugs. However, the obtained stopper is more expensive and more difficult to recycle.

European patent EP-A-1, 914, 174, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a plug for a container neck, comprising a tubular skirt adapted to coaxially surround the neck and provided externally with a plurality of longitudinal ribs. The plug of European patent EP-A-1,914,174 also comprises an externally smooth inviolability band.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a plug which, insofar as it is economical, can be handled efficiently and comfortably.

For this purpose, the invention aims at a plug as defined in claim 1.

In this way, the invention makes it possible to obtain a good compromise between, on the one hand, the feeling of comfort thanks to the main ribs where the supporting end has a large radius of curvature and, on the other hand, the effectiveness of the fastening and the transmission of stress thanks to the secondary ribs where the supporting end has a small radius of curvature. In addition, the ribs placed on the inviolability band further improve the comfort sensation in the opening. On the other hand, mainly for closures of very small dimensions, the user has the sensation of manipulating a plug of larger dimensions.

Other advantageous features of the invention, taken alone or in combination, are specified in claims 2 to 9.

The invention will be better understood after reading the following description, given only by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug according to the invention, - Figure 2 is an elevation view of the plug of figure 1, Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the plug of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a larger scale view of the circulated area IV of Figure 3, Figure 5 is a partial section according to line V-V of figure 3, Figures 6, 7 and 8 are views analogous to Figure 5, showing respectively the embodiments according to the invention, and Figures 9 and 10 are, respectively, a perspective view and a longitudinal section view of a plug according to another embodiment according to the invention.

In Figures 1 to 5, a plug 1 is shown for a container neck, the latter is not shown. The plug 1 is a tubular piece centered on an X-X axis defining the longitudinal direction. The plug 1 has an axial symmetry, except for its internal threading 8, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, which allows the screw and the screw of the cap 1 to be screwed around the container neck. Commonly, plug 1 is obtained by molding a polymeric material. In particular, the plug 1 can be manufactured by injection of polyethylene.

The plug 1 comprises a substantially flat transverse upper wall 2 which, externally, is slightly raised at the periphery, as is visible in figure 1. The side wall of the plug 1 is tubular with axis XX, and comprises two main parts, specifically a skirt 3 and a band 4. The angle between the transverse wall 12 and the skirt 3 has a rounded shape. The side wall of the cap 1 also comprises an oversize 6, corresponding to a variation of internal and external diameter of the skirt 3 at the axial level where the latter is connected to the band, and a peripheral edge 7, which forms the opposite end to the transverse wall 2.

In practice, the band 4 and the skirt 3 are initially joined by a weakening line, not shown, adapted to be broken at the time of the first opening of the plug 1. The line of weakness is located axially substantially at the level of the oversize 6. in this way, the skirt 3 is removable relative to the neck of the container, while the band 4 is intended to remain around the neck after the first opening of the cap 1, for this reason this is commonly called the tamper-evident band. The weakening line serves as a witness to this first opening, to the attention of the users. More precisely, the internal thread 8 allows the screwing and unscrewing of the skirt 3, which coaxially surrounds the neck of the container. In order that the band 4 can rest on the neck after opening, its internal surface is provided with bulges 9. The bulges 9 extend radially in projection towards the inside of the plug 1 from the inner surface of the band 4, located globally in the same transverse plane, being distributed over the entire inner periphery of the band 4. When the plug 1 is assembled to the neck, the bulges 9 extend axially below a shoulder of the neck. The bulges 9 are adapted, when the cap is lifted for the first time, to axially bump against this projection.

The skirt 3 is provided with a plurality of main longitudinal ribs 31 and secondaries 32, distributed along its outer periphery, which extend between the transverse wall 2 and the extra thickness 6. As can be seen in figures 3 and 5, each rib 31, 32 is provided with a free end 331, 332 supporting the tip of a finger D of the user. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the abutment ends 331 of the main ribs 31 have, in cross-section to the axis XX, a radius of curvature R larger than the radius of curvature r of the abutment ends 332 of the secondary ribs. 32. In addition, the main ribs 31 and the secondary ribs 32 follow each other following the periphery of the skirt 3, so that when the bud of the user's finger D is supported against the abutment end 332 of the secondary ribs 32, this bud it also rests against the supporting ends 331 of the two main ribs 31 located, following the periphery of the skirt, on the one hand and on the other side of this secondary rib 32.

The band 4 is also provided with a plurality of main longitudinal ribs 41 and secondaries 42 distributed along its outer periphery, which extend partially between the overshoot 6 and the edge 7. Like those of the skirt 3, the main ribs 41 and the ribs 3 secondary ribs 42 follow each other following the outer periphery of the band 4, each being provided with a free support end 441 and 442 for the bud of a finger D of the user. The bearing ends 441 of the main ribs 41 have, in cross-section to the X-X axis, a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the bearing ends 442 of the secondary ribs 42.

In this way, the skirt 3 as the band 4 are respectively provided with two different types of ribs that follow each other on their outer periphery: the main ribs 31 and 41 on the one hand, and the secondary ribs 32 and 42 on the other side. Comparatively, the ribs 31 and 41 can be described as thick and rounded, while the ribs 32 and 42 are presented as thin and sharp. In the exemplary embodiment considered here, the ribs of the skirt 31 and 32 and the ribs of the band 41 and 42 are axially aligned one by one, in correspondence of the same type: 31 with 41, 32 with 42.

Each rib 31, 32, 41, 42 has dimensions that can be defined as its length, thickness and width: the length is the dimension in the longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to the axis XX of the cap 1, the thickness is the protruding dimension of the rib, in relation to the cylindrical surface of the skirt 3 or of the band 4, oriented towards the outside of the cap 1 following a radial direction to axis XX, the width is the ortho-radial dimension of the base of the rib, in the region where it forms a projection with the cylindrical surface of the skirt 3 or of the band 4.

In the exemplary embodiment considered in FIGS. 1 to 5, the ribs 31 and 32 of the skirt 3 each have a base of width B31 or B32 substantially constant from one longitudinal end to the other of the rib, while the ribs 41 and 42 of the band 4 each have a base of variable width B41 or B42, more precisely increasing the length of the rib in the direction of the edge 7, as is visible in figure 2.

In addition, the thickness E31 or E32 of the ribs 31 or 32 of the skirt 3 is substantially constant over the entire current part 31a or 32a of the rib, comprised at the level of its longitudinal end 31c or 32c which is joined to the thickness 6, in so much that its ends 31b or 32b surrounded towards the transverse wall 2 are widened between the circumferences Cl "and C0 of the plug, at the axial level of which the thickness of the rib is respectively maximum and zero.

The thickness E41 or E42 of the ribs 41 or 42 of the band 4 is increasing from the longitudinal end 41b and 42b of the ribs, turned towards the skirt 3, to reach a maximum at the level of its longitudinal end 41c and 41c, on a circumference C2 located at the axial end of the band 4 opposite the transverse wall 2 of the cap 1, ie at the level of the edge 7.

As it is visible in figure 5, at the time of opening the cap 1, the fingertip of the user's fingers comes to be placed, on the skirt 3, at least on two ribs 31, which provides a feeling of comfort, and, by this fact, on at least the rib 32 located peripherally between the two ribs 31 mentioned above, which allows a good fastening of the plug. More generally, at the time of the first opening, of the stopper, that is, before the breaking of the aforementioned weakening line, the fingers touch both the ribs 31 and 41 and the ribs 32 and 42, but not excessively, in particular when, as seen in Figure 5, these ribs 32 and 42 are as thick as the ribs 31 and 41, which is to say that the thicknesses E31 and E32 are equal. In this way, the ribs 32 and 42 can not penetrate too deeply into the fingertip, but are of sufficient dimensions to ensure a good hold. In addition, the ribs 32 and 42 are advantageously of suitable dimensions, mainly as regards their width B32 and B42, in order to have a deformation capacity in flexion following a direction orthoradial to the X-X axis. In this way, the flexibility resulting from the fineness of these secondary ribs 32 and 42 participates in the feeling of comfort, giving the user the impression of a sensation close to that which he could perceive when contacting an elastomeric surface.

In order to produce the expected effects, respectively the main ribs 31 and 41 and the secondary ribs 32 and 42 have a particular profile, adapted for their function, as visible in FIG. 5 for the ribs 31 and 32 of the skirt 3. In practice, in the exemplary embodiment considered here, the main ribs 31 and 41 have, in cross section to the axis XX, an arc-shaped profile that has the radius R, which allows to obtain a comfortable sensation to the touch. The secondary ribs 32 and 42 themselves have, in cross section to the axis XX, a truncated isosceles triangular base, where the truncated tip angle is comprised between 30 and 45 °, with its supporting end 432 and 442 presenting a profile in arc of circle of radius of curvature r.

In practice, the finger D can be placed on the support on the parts of the ribs of the skirt 3 and of the band 4 having a maximum thickness. This corresponds mainly, on the one hand, to the circumference Cl on the skirt 3, and on the other hand to the circumference C2 on the band 4. In this way, the ribs of the skirt 31 and 32 and the ribs of the band 41 and 42 jointly define a global envelope E between Cl and 0.2, which has a frustoconical shape, centered on the axis XX and convergent in the direction of the wall: this envelope E also molds at least in part the finger of the user's finger D, as is visible in figure 3.

In figures 6, 7 and 8, other embodiments of the main ribs 31 and secondaries 32 of the skirt 3 are shown, susceptible to being weakened for the main ribs 41 and secondaries 42 of the band 4.

In figure 6, the thickness E31 of the main ribs 31 is less than the thickness E321 of the secondary ribs 321. The taking of the fingertip D on the secondary rib 32 'is thus more pronounced, but the feeling of comfort It is less.

In Figure 7, the thickness E31 of the main ribs 31 is greater than the thickness E32"of the secondary ribs 32". The placement of the fingertip D on the secondary rib 32"is thus less pronounced, but the feeling of comfort is better.

In FIG. 8, two secondary ribs 32"'are arranged in the peripheral peripheral space between two of the main ribs 31. The placement of the fingertip D on the secondary ribs 32"' is thus facilitated by the double support , but the feeling of comfort may be diminished.

In figures 9 and 10, another embodiment of the plug 1 is shown, in which, by comparison with the embodiment of the preceding figures, the difference in diameter between the skirt 3 and the band 4 is more important: at the level of the excess thickness 6 , the plug 1 has a significant internal and external diameter variation, although, in the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer diameter of the skirt 3 is smaller than the internal diameter of the band 4. This difference in diameter is made to Such purpose is that the end 131c of the main ribs 131 of the skirt, which is turned towards the band 4, is increasing according to a concave profile adapted to the profile of the fingertip D of the user. The running part 131a and the other end 131b of these ribs 131 are, by themselves, similar to the part 31a of the end 31b of the ribs 31 described above. Similarly, the secondary ribs 132 of the skirt are similar to the ribs 32 described above.

The embodiment of figures 9 and 10 is distinguished from the embodiment of the preceding figures, also by the fact that its band is provided with ribs 140, all identical with one another. In other words, it is not possible here to differentiate the main and secondary ribs of the band 4. This being so, these ribs 140 are advantageously individually sized according to the same considerations as the ribs 41 and 42 described above. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ribs 140 have an increasing thickness E140, like that of the ribs 41 and 42, and jointly define with the ribs 131 and 132 of the skirt 3, the overall frustoconical envelope E described above.

Other modalities may be considered, all within the scope of the invention. What is essential for the ribbed stopper is to provide a good compromise between the feeling of comfort and effective hold when the fingertip of the user comes into contact with the stopper. This advantage is even more marked when the cap is small, short and light. The ribs can be put into operation on all caps and closure devices of existing containers, without adding weight, modifying only the usual molds. Likewise, the usual raw material is always used preferably for an assembly of the different materials, which thus allows to retain the usual properties of the stopper, including a good recycling capacity.

Whatever the modality, in order to improve the comfort sensation for opening, the cap includes a band equally provided with ribs, either identical between them, as for the ribs 140 of figures 9 and 10, or differentiated in the main and secondary ribs that meet the definition given above, as for the main ribs 31 and secondaries 32, 32 ', 32"and 32"' of figures 1 to 8. In this way, and mainly for the plugs of very small dimensions, the user has the sensation of manipulating a plug of larger dimensions.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A cap for a container neck, comprising a tubular skirt defining a longitudinal central axis, which is adapted to coaxially surround the neck and which is provided externally by a plurality of longitudinal ribs, distributed along the periphery of the skirt and provided each of a free end, support for the yolk of at least one finger of the user, in which the plurality of ribs of the skirt includes main ribs and secondary ribs, the bearing ends of the main ribs have, in cross-section to the axis, a radius of curvature (R) greater than the radius of curvature (r) of the supporting ends of the secondary ribs, in which, following the periphery of the skirt, at least one of the secondary ribs is arranged between the main ribs so that, when the fingertip of the user's finger is supported against the abutment end of one of the secondary ribs for screwing or unscrewing the cap, this pad also rests against the supporting ends of two main ribs located on one side and on the other of this secondary rib, and in which the cap also comprises a band of inviolability centered on the axis, connected to the skirt by a weakening line adapted to break at the moment of the first opening of the cap, characterized in that the tamper-evident band is externally provided with longitudinal ribs that are distributed along the outer periphery of the band, and that each is provided with a free end of support for the yolk of at least one finger of the user. 2. The plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary ribs of the skirt are flexible with respect to the rest of the skirt, mainly deformable in flexion following a direction orthoradial to the axis at the moment of the support of the finger tip of the user. 3. The plug according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each main or secondary rib of the skirt has a radial thickness that is substantially constant over the entire part of the rib and that is decreasing at least towards one of its longitudinal ends . 4. The plug according to claim 3, characterized in that at its longitudinal end turned towards a transverse wall closing the skirt, each

Claims

The main or secondary rib of the skirt has a continuously decreasing radial thickness between two circumferences of the plug, at the axial level of which this thickness is respectively maximum and zero. 5. The stopper according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that at its longitudinal end opposite a transverse wall closing the skirt, each main or secondary rib of the skirt has a radial thickness that is increasing in the opposite direction to the transverse wall , presenting. in particular a concave profile. 6. The plug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of ribs of the band includes main ribs and secondary ribs, the supporting ends of these main ribs have, in cross section to the axis, a greater radius of curvature than that of the supporting ends of the secondary ribs, and because following the periphery of the band, at least one of the secondary ribs is accommodated between the main ribs so that, when the fingertip of the user's finger is supported against the end of the ribs. supporting one of the secondary ribs for unscrewing the cap for the first time, this bud also rests against the supporting ends of two main ribs located on the one hand and on the other side of this secondary rib. 7. The cap according to claim 6, characterized in that before the weakening line is broken, the angular positioning around the axis of the main ribs of the band is identical to that of the main ribs of the skirt, and the angular positioning of the secondary ribs of the band are identical to that of the secondary ribs of the skirt. 8. The plug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial thickness of each rib, depending on the case, main or secondary, of the band is increasing from its longitudinal end turned towards the skirt at its longitudinal end opposite the skirt, for achieve a maximum radial thickness at the axial level of a circumference of the plug, forming a peripheral edge. 9. The plug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main and secondary ribs of the skirt and. the ribs, depending on the main and secondary cases, of the band together define a substantially frusto-conical envelope, centered on the axis and convergent in the direction of a transverse closing wall of the skirt, located axially opposite the band. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A plug (1) for a container neck is described, comprising a tubular skirt (3) defining a longitudinal central axis (XX), which is adapted to coaxially surround the neck, and which is provided externally with a plurality of ribs longitudinal (31, 32), distributed along the periphery of the skirt and each provided with a free end of support for the yolk of at least one finger of the user, in which the plurality of ribs of the skirt (3) includes main ribs (31) and secondary ribs (32), the supporting ends of the main ribs have, in cross section to the axis, a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the supporting ends of the secondary ribs, in which , following the periphery of the skirt (3), at least one of the secondary ribs (32) is accommodated between the main ribs (31), and in which the plug (1) also comprises a band of inviolability (4) c entrance on the shaft (X-X), connected to the skirt (3) by a line of weakness adapted to break at the time of the first opening of the plug (1). This plug (1) is characterized in that the tamper-evident band (4) is externally provided with longitudinal ribs (41, 42) that are distributed along the outer periphery of the band and that each is provided with a free end of support. for the yolk of at least one finger of the user.