WO2020109284A1

WO2020109284A1 - Cover for a container body, in particular for a container of the preserving can type

Info

Publication number: WO2020109284A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/082530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrice Leboucher; Lucas Sireau; Philippe Boidin
Original assignee: Trivium Packaging Group Netherlands B.V.
Priority date: 2018-11-27
Filing date: 2019-11-26
Publication date: 2020-06-04
Also published as: MA54277A; FR3088913B1; EP3887272A1; FR3088913A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover for a container body, in particular for a container of the metal preserving can type. The cover (1) comprises a removable part (5), which is delimited by a rupture initiation line (6) and which is equipped with an opening member (7). The removable part (5) has at least two successive zones: a downstream stiffening zone (54) and a bending zone (53) provided upstream of said downstream stiffening zone (54). The downstream stiffening zone (54) has at least one stiffening moulding (9) designed to confer longitudinal bending resistance on said downstream stiffening zone (54) during the tearing of said rupture initiation line (6). Moreover, the bending zone (53) has a transverse virtual axis (53') defining a bending line (53') generated on said removable part (5) during the tearing of said intermediate portions (613, 623). This configuration confers a "booster" effect, with a reduction in the overall energy required to end the step of manipulating the downstream stiffening zone (54).

Description

DESCRIPTION

LID FOR A CONTAINER BODY, PARTICULARLY FOR A GENDER CONTAINER

CANNED BOX

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of metal covers for a container body, in particular for a container of the metal tin can type.

It relates more particularly to metal covers comprising a central part comprising a removable part delimited by a line of initiation of rupture and which is equipped with an opening member.

STATE OF THE ART

Some metal containers (mainly cans for packaging foodstuffs) are provided with an opening system called "easy" (or "Easy Open End"), avoiding the use of a tool like can opener during of the opening.

A particularly interesting solution consists of a one-piece cover comprising a peripheral ring associated, by means of a line of initiation of rupture, with a central panel.

This central panel is also equipped with an opening member (for gripping and pulling), commonly known as the "opening ring".

This type of opening member conventionally comprises successive parts along its length: a perforating peripheral part and a central gripping part, formed along a longitudinal axis and on either side of a fixing part with the removable part. of the central panel.

To open the container, the user grasps the grip part of the opening member, then moves the latter away from the associated central panel.

The opening member then forms a kind of lever, rotated by the user at its peripheral end in the form of a support spout, which causes the breaking line to break.

It then suffices for the user to exert a suitable traction on the opening member so as to continue the opening at the level of the initiation line and to dissociate the central panel from its associated ring.

However, in practice, during the opening operation, the central panel generally undergoes folding phenomena along lines oriented transversely to the general line of traction. In other words, the torn part of the panel tends to come to curl / bend opposite its part which is not yet torn.

These phenomena have the effect of reducing the yield of the traction energy, and thus increasing the effort necessary for the consumer to tear the line of rupture initiation.

To limit this problem, it is common to make stiffening moldings on the central panel. These stiffening moldings are also useful for improving the resistance to pressure, and the rigidity in the face of forces and shocks.

However, certain arrangements of stiffening moldings are capable of generating an unfavorable opening force curve, which leads the consumer to exert increased and discontinuous traction energy for the opening of the cover.

There is therefore a need for cover structures which have an optimum opening force curve, accompanied by reduced traction energy for the consumer during the opening of the cover.

Indeed, during the progression of the opening, the central panel is likely to go back, giving the impression of not having progressed in the tearing process.

And if the opening process is resumed, it is first necessary to "reload" the elastic structure, to finally continue the opening.

In other words, there is a difference between, on the one hand, the feeling of the consumer at the level of effort and progression during the opening and, on the other hand, the actual advancement of the opening.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention provides a new cover structure with opening ring, which aims to optimize / reduce the traction energy necessary for opening.

More particularly, a cover is proposed according to the invention for a container body, in particular for a container of the metal tin can type, which cover comprises:

- a central part forming a central closure panel, and

a peripheral part adapted to be secured to said container body, which central part comprises a removable part which is delimited by a line of initiation of rupture and which is equipped with an opening member,

which breaking line has two long sides connected by two short sides,

which opening member comprises a perforating peripheral part and a central gripping part, arranged along a longitudinal axis and on either side of a fixing part with said removable part.

And, according to the invention, said removable part comprises at least two successive zones, taking into account the direction of tearing of the line of initiation of rupture during the operation of the opening member, namely:

a downstream stiffening zone, at a distance from said opening member, delimited by a small downstream side extended by a downstream portion on the two long sides, and

- A folding zone, provided upstream of said downstream stiffening zone, delimited laterally by an intermediate portion of the two long sides.

Said downstream stiffening zone comprises at least one stiffening molding arranged to impart longitudinal flexural strength to said downstream stiffening zone (in the direction of tearing of the line of failure initiation) during the tearing of said line d initiation of rupture.

And said folding zone comprises a transverse virtual axis, extending between said intermediate portions of the two long sides, defining a fold line (advantageously a plastic deformation) generated on said removable part during the tearing of said intermediate portions.

Such a folding zone / downstream stiffening zone combination has the advantage of optimizing and reducing the traction energy necessary for finishing the opening.

In practice, this combination generates a “downstream” effort peak, the value of which is advantageously less than 80% (or even 70%) of the value of a maximum upstream effort peak generated by the pivoting maneuver of the opening body.

But, downstream of this same “downstream” effort peak, the opening effort curve has, advantageously and unexpectedly, a general U-shaped or parabola shape.

This configuration gives an "amplifier" / "booster" effect, with a reduction in the overall energy required for the termination of the maneuvering step in pivoting of the downstream stiffening zone.

This configuration also offers a feeling of control of the opening by the consumer, because the panel does not present a marked / significant folding.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the cover according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are the following:

- the longitudinal flexural strength of said folding zone is less than the longitudinal flexural resistance of said downstream stiffening zone; preferably, the longitudinal flexural strength of the downstream stiffening zone is adjusted so that, after tearing of said rupture initiation line, the angle defined by the longitudinal tangents passing through the respective upstream / downstream edges is less or equal to 20 °;

- The downstream stiffening zone has a downstream longitudinal axis, parallel to the long sides; said at least one stiffening molding of said downstream stiffening zone is arranged to impart resistance in longitudinal bending parallel to said downstream longitudinal axis; in this case, the downstream stiffening zone advantageously has a plurality of transverse rectilinear virtual lines, perpendicular to said longitudinal axis downstream, which virtual lines are each cut by at least one stiffening molding;

- the downstream stiffening zone forms between 40 and 80%, on the surface, of the removable part;

- the transverse virtual axis of the folding zone is cut by at least one stiffening molding.

According to one embodiment, said removable part is advantageously divided into four successive zones, taking into account the direction of tearing of the line of initiation of rupture during the operation of the opening member, namely: a folding zone upstream, intended to be deformed by the initial pivoting of said opening member, an upstream stiffening zone, on the side of said opening member, delimited by a small upstream side extended by an upstream portion of the two large sides, said folding zone , interlayer, formed between said upstream stiffening zone and said downstream stiffening zone, and said downstream stiffening zone; said upstream stiffening zone comprises at least one stiffening molding arranged to impart longitudinal flexural strength to said upstream stiffening zone (in the direction of tearing of the line of failure initiation) during the tearing of said line d initiation of rupture.

In this embodiment, the longitudinal flexural strength of said intermediate folding zone is advantageously lower than the longitudinal flexural resistance of the upstream and downstream stiffening zones.

Still in this embodiment, the upstream stiffening zone advantageously comprises an upstream longitudinal axis, coaxial with said longitudinal axis of the opening member; and the stiffening moldings of the upstream and downstream stiffening zones are arranged to impart resistance in longitudinal bending parallel, respectively, to the upstream and downstream longitudinal axes.

Preferably, the upstream stiffening zone has a plurality of transverse rectilinear virtual lines, perpendicular to said upstream longitudinal axis, which virtual lines are each cut by at least one stiffening molding.

More preferably, the opening member is advantageously positioned at an angle to the line of initiation of rupture, defined between the small upstream side and a large side.

Again in this embodiment, the intermediate folding zone and the transverse virtual axis are advantageously skirted by at least one stiffening molding of the upstream stiffening zone and by at least one stiffening molding of the downstream stiffening zone.

Still in this embodiment, the longitudinal flexural strength of the upstream stiffening zone is advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing of said rupture initiation line, the angle defined by the longitudinal tangents passing through the respective upstream / downstream edges is less than or equal to 20 °.

According to another characteristic, the resistances in longitudinal bending of an upstream zone, of the downstream stiffening zone and of the intermediate folding zone, are advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing of said line of initiation of rupture, the general angle F1 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangent passing through the upstream border of the upstream zone, on the one hand, and the downstream longitudinal tangent passing through the downstream border of the downstream stiffening zone, on the other hand, is less than or equal at 90 °.

The present invention also relates to a container of the metal tin can type, comprising a container body equipped with a lid according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

In the accompanying drawings:

[Fig. 1] is a general view, in perspective, of a "standard" metal cover, in accordance with the prior art, the removable part of which is illustrated after partial (almost total) tearing of the line of failure initiation;

[Fig. 2] is a top view of an embodiment of a metal cover according to the invention;

[Fig. 3] is a perspective view of the metal cover according to Figure 2;

[Fig. 4] shows the metal cover according to FIG. 3, following a step of deformation of an upstream folding zone, by initial pivoting of its opening member;

[Fig. 5] shows the metal cover according to FIG. 3, following a step of maneuver in pivoting of a possible upstream stiffening zone, with a phenomenon of folding of the intermediate folding zone;

[Fig. 6] shows the metal cover according to FIG. 3, following a pivoting operation step of the downstream stiffening zone;

[Fig. 7] is a sectional view of the removable part according to FIG. 6, after tearing of its rupture initiation line, according to a section plane VII-VII illustrated in FIG. 2 which passes through the fixing part of the opening member and through the center of the small downstream side;

[Fig. 8] represents two force curves at the opening, respectively, for the standard metal cover according to FIG. 1 (curve A) and for the metal cover according to FIG. 3 (curve B); Legend - abscissa: position of the opening member (ring), comparable to a time or a progression of the opening and Ordered: effort in Newton;

[Fig. 9] represents two folding resistance curves, respectively, for the standard metal cover according to FIG. 1 (curve A) and for the metal cover according to FIG. 3 (curve B), corresponding to its downstream stiffening zone, obtained by folding of moldings of the cover with a linear support and measurement of the forces as a function of the progression of the crosspiece (deformation of the cover); Legend - abscissa: position of the cross member in linear and ordered support: force in N;

[Fig. 10] shows another embodiment of the metal cover according to the invention;

[Fig. 1 1] shows another embodiment of the metal cover according to the invention;

[Fig. 12] shows another embodiment of the metal cover according to the invention;

[Fig. 13] shows another embodiment of the metal cover according to the invention.

As a preliminary, the “standard” metal cover Ç, shown in FIG. 1, conventionally comprises in itself two main parts:

- a central part C1 forming a central closure panel, and

- a peripheral part Ç2, forming a peripheral ring, adapted to be secured to the container body.

The central part Ç1 comprises a removable part Ç3 which is delimited by a line of initiation of rupture and which is equipped with an opening member C5.

Metallic cover

The cover 1 according to the invention, as shown in particular in Figures 2 to 6 and 10 to 13, is intended to be assembled with the upper edge of a container body T, in particular for a container of the tin can type advantageously metallic (illustrated very schematically and partially in Figure 3).

This container body T generally consists of a bottom element associated with the lower edge of a side wall belt (with square, rectangular section, etc.).

The connection between the cover 1 and the container body T is carried out, in the usual way, by a crimping technique.

As described in detail below in connection with FIG. 2, the cover 1 comprises, conventionally in itself, two main parts:

- a central part 2 forming a central closure panel, and

- A peripheral part 3, forming a peripheral ring, adapted to be secured to the container body.

This cover 1 is advantageously made in one piece, advantageously in metallic material, even in composite material or in plastic material.

The central part 2 and the peripheral part 3 can be made from the same material or from two different materials.

Preferably, the metal cover 1 is produced by a technique stamping, this from a sheet of metal material such as aluminum, steel, etc. In the present description, the terms “cover” and “metal cover” are used in an equivalent manner.

The cover 1 has, seen from above, a generally non-circular shape, in this case rectangular.

The peripheral part 3 is thus rectangular in shape. It is adapted to allow the fixing of the cover 1 by crimping, on a side wall of container T also with rectangular section (as indicated above, this general shape may be different).

The central part 2 comprises a removable part 5 which is delimited by a line of initiation of rupture 6 and which is equipped with an opening member 7.

This central part 2, the removable part 5 and the line of initiation of rupture 6 (hereinafter also called "line of rupture") also have a generally rectangular shape, seen from above (FIG. 2).

The rupture initiation line 6 has two long sides 61, 62 (longitudinal) connected by two short sides 63, 64 (transverse), namely:

- a first small side 63, upstream, on the side of the opening member 7, and

- a second small side 64, downstream, at a distance from the opening member 7.

This rupture line 6 is produced by a thinning of material, obtained by the use of a suitable tool, during the manufacture of the cover 1.

The rupture line 6 is here closed / complete (it extends around the entire periphery of the removable part 5); alternatively, it could be only partial, along a small upstream side 63 and long sides 61, 62.

The opening member 7 equips the upper surface of the removable part 5.

The manipulation of the opening member 7 by the user will allow easy opening of the cover 1 (that is to say a separation, total or partial, of the removable part 5 relative to the peripheral part 2 by rupture of the rupture initiation line 6).

This opening member 7 is generally known to those skilled in the art under the name of "opening ring".

It is fixed here at an “upstream” angle of the breaking line 6, formed by the junction between an upstream portion 631 of the first short side 63 upstream and an initial portion 611 of the first large side 61 of said breaking line 6 (Figure 3).

This angle of the breaking line 6 corresponds to an upstream folding zone 51 intended to be deformed by the initial pivoting of the opening member 7.

The opening member 7 comprises three parts, arranged along an axis of symmetry 7 ′ (FIG. 2) oriented here coaxially with the bisector of the upstream folding zone 51:

a perforating peripheral part 71, near the rupture line 6, comprising a spout (not shown), a central gripping part 72, forming a gripping loop, which is pressed against the upper surface of the removable part 5, and

- a fixing part 73, secured to the removable part 5.

The perforating peripheral part 71 and the central gripping part 72 are provided on either side of the fixing part 73.

In practice, this opening member 7 allows the user to exert traction on the removable part 5, so as to break the line of initiation of rupture 6 from the aforementioned upstream folding zone 51 (adjoining the opening member 7), up to a distal or downstream area situated opposite said opening member 7. This distal area here corresponds to the second short side 64 (downstream) of the rupture line 6.

During this traction, the opening member 7 progresses at least approximately over the length and opposite a general line of traction 8 defined on the removable part 5, between the upstream folding zone 51 and the middle of the second small side 64.

This general line of traction 8 (or line of traction 8) is represented in FIG. 2, by a line in broken lines (virtual). It consists here of two generally rectilinear portions:

a proximal portion 8a situated on the side of the upstream folding zone 51, and oriented coaxially, or at least substantially coaxially, relative to the longitudinal axis 7 ′ of the opening member 7, and

a distal portion 8b situated on the side of the second short side 64, and oriented parallel and between the two long sides 61, 62 of the rupture line 6.

These two portions 8a and 8b of the traction line 8 here form an angle, one with respect to the other, due to the position of the opening member 7 in an angle of the start line of rupture 6.

They are connected by a junction portion 8c, in the general shape of an arc of a circle: the opening member 7 normally passes progressively from the proximal portion 8a to the distal portion 8b.

The cover 1 according to the invention is structured so that the removable part 5 is divided into successive zones, taking into account the direction of tearing of the rupture initiation line 6 during the operation of the opening member 7 ( along the pull line 8).

The successive zones of the removable part 5 are delimited by broken lines in FIG. 3, namely:

- the upstream folding zone 51, mentioned above, intended to be deformed by the initial pivoting of the opening member 7 (FIGS. 3 and 4),

- an upstream area 52, advantageously in the form of an upstream “stiffening” area 52, located on the side of the opening member 7 and delimited by the small upstream side 63 (in particular a downstream portion 632 of the latter ) extended by an upstream portion 612, 622 on the two long sides 61, 62 (FIGS. 3 and 5), an intermediate folding zone 53, formed between the upstream zone 52 and a downstream stiffening zone 54, and delimited laterally by an intermediate portion 613, 623 on the two long sides 61, 62 (FIGS. 3 and 5), and

- The downstream stiffening zone 54, at a distance from the opening member 7, delimited by the small downstream side 64 extended by a downstream portion 614, 624 on the two long sides 61, 62 (Figures 3 and 6).

These different zones 51, 52, 53 and 54 are in particular observable after tearing of the rupture initiation line 6, by maneuvering the opening member 7 (FIG. 6 for example).

After tearing of the rupture initiation line 6, the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary the upstream zone 52, are each delimited by upstream edges 521, 541 / downstream 522, 542 (Figures 3 and 5).

In particular, the upstream area 52 includes:

an upstream border 521, connected to the upstream folding zone 51, and

- a downstream border 522, connected to the intermediate folding zone 53.

In particular, the downstream edge 522 advantageously passes through a downstream edge 92b of at least one stiffening molding 92 of this upstream stiffening zone 52 (FIG. 3). This downstream border 522 can also be defined as a line of change in curvature between the upstream zone 52 and the intermediate folding zone 53, observed after tearing of said line at the start of rupture 6.

The downstream stiffening zone 54 comprises:

an upstream edge 541, connected to the intermediate folding zone 53, and

- a downstream edge 542, connected to the second short side 64, downstream.

In particular, the upstream edge 541 advantageously passes through an upstream edge 94a of at least one stiffening molding 94 of this downstream stiffening zone 94 (FIG. 3). This upstream edge 541 can also be defined as a line of change in curvature between the intermediate folding zone 53 and the downstream stiffening zone 54, observed after tearing of said line at the start of rupture 6.

Likewise, the downstream edge 542 advantageously passes through a downstream edge 94b of at least one stiffening molding 94 of this downstream stiffening zone 94 (FIG. 3). This downstream edge 542 can also be defined as a line of change in curvature in the downstream stiffening zone 54, observed after tearing of said line at the start of rupture 6.

In addition, the upstream area 52 has an upstream longitudinal axis 52 ', coaxial with the longitudinal axis T of the opening member 7. And the downstream stiffening area 54 has a downstream longitudinal axis 54', parallel to the long sides 61, 62.

Preferably, the downstream stiffening zone 54 forms between 40 and 80%, on the surface, of the removable part 5. For its part, the upstream area 52 advantageously forms between 20 and 60%, on the surface, of the removable part 5.

Still according to the invention, the downstream stiffening zone 54, and where appropriate the upstream stiffening zone 52, comprise at least one stiffening molding 9 (designated by the references 94 and 92 respectively) arranged to impart resistance in longitudinal bending to the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary the upstream stiffening zone 52, during the tearing of the breaking initiation line 6 during the pulling on the opening member 7.

In general, by "stiffening molding" is meant any molding, imprint or tray, formed in hollow (towards the inside of the container) or in a bump (towards the outside of the container), suitable to stiffen the removable part 5 (here an area of this removable part).

Still generally, a stiffening molding 9 is delimited by simple molding sections (a single change in height); it can also be defined by sections of double molding, for example forming a single hollow or humped rib.

By “longitudinal bending”, it is advantageously meant a phenomenon of bending, folding, or bending, generated on the removable part 5 along lines transverse to the general line of traction 8 above (such a phenomenon can be observed in FIG. 1) . In other words, a longitudinal bending results in a curvature of the removable part, along the aforementioned general line of traction 8.

In other words, the phenomenon of longitudinal bending can be quantified by the angle F defined by the upstream / downstream (in / out) longitudinal tangents passing through the upstream / downstream edges of at least one determined area of the removable part 5.

“Longitudinal bending strength” advantageously means a bending strength in the direction of tearing of the breaking initiation line 6. That is to say, also a bending resistance along the general line of traction 8 mentioned above .

Still in other words, the longitudinal flexural strength (also called "folding resistance") of the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary the upstream zone 52, is advantageously greater than the forces necessary for tearing the line failure initiation 6.

In this sense, the longitudinal flexural strength of the downstream stiffening zone 54 is advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing of the breaking initiation line 6, the angle F4 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 541 '/ downstream 542 'passing through the respective upstream 541 / downstream 542 edges extends from 0 to 20 ° (less than or equal to 20 °) (Figure 7).

Likewise, preferably, the longitudinal flexural strength of the upstream stiffening zone 52 is advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing the line starting point 6, the angle F2 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 521 '/ downstream 522' passing through the respective upstream 521 / downstream edges 522 extends from 0 to 20 ° (less than or equal to 20 °) ( figure 7).

By "extends from 0 to 20 °", we also include an angle ranging from 0 to 15 °, from 0 to 10 ° or from 0 to 5 °.

In other words, the angle F4 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 541 '/ downstream 542' passing through the upstream 541 / downstream edges 542 of the downstream stiffening zone 54 is less than or equal to 20 °.

And, in the same way, the angle F2 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 521 ’/ downstream 522’ passing through the upstream 521 / downstream 522 edges of the upstream stiffening zone 52 is advantageously less than or equal to 20 °.

In practice, the angle F2 of the upstream stiffening zone 52 can be greater than the angle F4 of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

Still in general, the longitudinal flexural strengths of the upstream area 52, the downstream stiffening area 54 and the intermediate folding area 53 are advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing of the line of failure initiation 6, the general angle F1 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 521 '/ downstream 542' (passing respectively through the upstream 521 / downstream 542 edges of the upstream 52 and downstream 54 zones) is less than or equal to 90 °, advantageously less than or equal to 60 ° or from 30 ° to 60 ° (figure 7).

It will be noted that this general angle F1 (initially of the order of 0 °) is measured on the angular sector situated on the side of the lower / inner face of the removable part 5, intended to come from the inner side of the container and forming a line of the upper surface type.

In other words, the general angle F1 (defined by the upstream longitudinal tangent 521 'passing through the upstream edge 521 of the upstream area 52, on the one hand, and the downstream longitudinal tangent 542' passing through the downstream edge 542 downstream stiffening zone 54, on the other hand) is less than or equal to 90 °.

To this end, said at least one stiffening molding 9 of the downstream stiffening zone 54, and where appropriate of the upstream stiffening zone 52, is arranged to impart longitudinal flexural strength parallel, respectively, to the downstream longitudinal axes 54 'and upstream 52'.

Again advantageously, the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary the upstream stiffening zone 52, have a plurality of transverse rectilinear virtual lines 54 ”, 52”, perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 54 ', 52' mentioned above (only a few 52 ”, 54” transverse rectilinear virtual lines are shown for the sake of simplification in FIG. 2). And these virtual lines 54 ”, 52” are each cut by at least one stiffening molding 9.

In this case, for example, the upstream stiffening zone 52 comprises two moldings stiffening 92, formed on either side of the opening member 7.

Each molding 92 extends from the upstream edge 521 (connecting with the upstream folding area 51), and here up to the downstream edge 522 (connecting with the intermediate folding area 53).

This upstream stiffening zone 52 again here includes a reservation 525 formed (at least partially) under the gripping part 72 of the opening member 7. This reservation 525 is bordered here by the transverse virtual axis 53 'of the zone folding 53.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, this upstream stiffening zone 52 can also be provided with another arrangement of the stiffening moldings 92.

Also alternatively, this upstream area 52 can also be devoid of stiffening moldings to form:

- the upstream stiffening zone 52, advantageously adjusted so that, after tearing of the rupture initiation line 6, the angle F2 defined by the upstream longitudinal tangents 521 '/ downstream 522' passing through the upstream edges 521 / downstream Respective 522 ranges from 0 to 20 °, or

- an upstream zone 52 “foldable” intended to undergo a phenomenon of longitudinal bending during the opening maneuver.

In this second case, the upstream area 52 and the intermediate folding area 53 are merged (FIG. 13). In other words, the upstream area 52 will have a certain curvature (for example greater than 20 °), but the intermediate folding area 53 will always have a greater curvature / folding because the opening process will temporarily block just upstream of the downstream stiffening zone 54 (more rigid).

The downstream stiffening zone 54 can have different stiffening molding configurations 94.

According to FIG. 2, the stiffening molding 94 has a general U shape, composed of a curved portion 941 extended by two rectilinear portions 942.

This stiffening molding 94 is here formed symmetrically with respect to the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’:

the curved portion 941 is centered on the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’, and

- the rectilinear portions 942 are situated on either side of the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’.

The apex 94a of the curved portion 941 is situated at the level of the upstream edge 541 of the downstream stiffening zone 54; and the free end 94b of the straight portions 942 is located at the level of the downstream edge 542 of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

According to a variant of this embodiment of FIG. 2, illustrated in FIG. 10, the removable part 5 also has a peripheral rib 95 which runs along the line of initiation of rupture 6 and which is formed in the upstream zone 52, the intermediate folding zone 53 and the downstream stiffening zone 54.

This peripheral rib 95 can be useful for improving behavior of the removable part 5 during heat treatment of the container and also to improve the rigidity of the removable part 5.

Still according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the stiffening molding 94 of the downstream stiffening zone 54 is composed of:

- a transverse portion 943, rectilinear, intersecting the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’, and

- two rectilinear portions 944, extending the transverse portion 943 and located on either side of this downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’.

The transverse portion 943 runs along the upstream edge 541 of the downstream stiffening zone 54, parallel to the transverse virtual axis 53 ’; and the free end of the straight portions 944 is located at the level of the downstream edge 542 of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

Still according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the stiffening molding 94 is formed by a plate whose contour includes:

- a curved portion 945, upstream, centered on the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’,

- two longitudinal portions 946, convex, located on either side of the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’, and

- a straight portion 947, downstream.

The top of the curved portion 945 is located at the upstream edge 541 of the downstream stiffening zone 54; and the rectilinear portion 947 is located at (and parallel to) the downstream edge 542 of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

Still according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the downstream stiffening zone 54 comprises several straight stiffening moldings 948.

The stiffening moldings 948 extend parallel to the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’, and they are distributed on either side of this downstream longitudinal axis 54’. These stiffening moldings 948 here consist of two pairs of stiffening moldings 948, each on one side of this downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’.

Each stiffening molding 948 has two free ends which are located respectively at the upstream 541 and downstream 542 edges of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

At the same time, in order to generate the intermediate folding zone 53, the longitudinal flexural strength of the intermediate folding zone 53 is advantageously lower than the longitudinal flexural resistance provided at the level of the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary the upstream zone 52.

In a complementary or alternative manner, not shown, the intermediate folding zone 53 could also be defined by a variation in the residual thickness of the breaking initiation line 6 at the level of the intermediate portions 613, 623 on the two long sides 61, 62.

In this case, the intermediate folding zone 53 has a transverse virtual axis 53 ′, extending between the intermediate portions 613, 623 on the two long sides 61, 62 (FIG. 5). The transverse virtual axis 53 ′ defines a fold line (plastic deformation) generated on the removable part 5 during the tearing of the intermediate portions 613, 623 and before tearing of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

This transverse virtual axis 53 ′ here forms an angle, other than 90 °, relative to the downstream longitudinal axis 54 ’. For example, this virtual axis is parallel, or at least approximately parallel, to a bisector defined between the longitudinal axes 52 ’, 54’.

Alternatively, when the longitudinal axes 52 ’, 54’ are coaxial, this transverse virtual axis 53 ’can be at 90 ° with respect to these same longitudinal axes 52’, 54 ’.

To define this intermediate folding zone 53 and the transverse virtual axis 53 ′, these are advantageously bordered (bordered) by at least one stiffening molding 94 of the downstream stiffening zone 54, and if necessary by at least one stiffening molding 92 of the upstream stiffening zone 52.

According to one possible embodiment, the transverse virtual axis 53 ′ of the intermediate folding zone 53 can also be cut by at least one stiffening molding 9 (FIG. 10).

Opening kinematics

The particular structure of the cover 1 gives here a particular opening kinematics which is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6.

In this case, during the operation of the opening member 7, the consumer notes at least three successive stages.

First, a step of deformation of the upstream folding zone 51 is carried out by the initial pivoting of said opening member 7 (FIG. 4).

This movement generates a folding of the removable part 5, along the upstream edge 521 of the upstream area 52.

Then, a pull on the opening member 7 ensures a step of maneuvering the upstream zone 52, here a maneuver in pivoting around its downstream edge 522. Alternatively, in the case of an upstream zone 52 "flexible », The latter is intended to undergo a longitudinal bending phenomenon (Figure 13).

This maneuvering of the upstream area 52 is accompanied / terminated by a phenomenon of folding of the intermediate folding area 53, around the transverse virtual axis 53 ′ (FIG. 5).

Finally, according to the invention, the continuation of the traction action on the opening member 7 leads to a step of maneuver in pivoting of the downstream stiffening zone 54 around its downstream edge 542 (FIG. 6).

During this maneuver, the general angle F1 mentioned above advantageously passes from a value of the order of 0 ° to a value less than or equal to 90 ° (FIG. 7).

Similarly, the angle F4 of the downstream stiffening zone 54 (and possibly the angle F2 of the upstream stiffening zone 52) advantageously pass, respectively and independently, from a value of the order of 0 ° to a value less than or equal to 20 ° (FIG. 7).

The force curve at the opening of such a cover 1 is illustrated by the curve B in FIG. 8, in comparison with the force curve at the “standard” opening of a cover according to FIG. 1 ( curve A).

This force curve at opening B is advantageously characteristic of the invention with a downstream portion (corresponding to the tearing of the downstream stiffening zone 54) in a U or in a parabola.

Here, due to the two upstream 52 and downstream 54 stiffening zones, this opening force curve B is generally in the form of a double U or double parabolas (or W), with two successive force peaks.

In general, it is important to note that, despite the effort peaks, the energy required to open the cover 1 according to the invention is reduced compared to a "standard" cover. In addition, opening in stages significantly reduces the spring / elastic effect.

More precisely, the points B1_, B2 and B3 of the curve B correspond, respectively, to the states illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, namely respectively initiation of the tearing of the upstream stiffening zone 52, initiation of the tearing of the downstream stiffening zone 54 and close to the end of the tearing of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

It is observed in particular that the cover 1 according to the invention has a downstream force peak B2 (curve B), relative to the force curve at the "standard" opening (curve A), corresponding to the priming / initiating the pivoting maneuvering step of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

Preferably, the cover 1 is structured so that the value of this downstream force peak B2 is less than 80% (or even 70%) of the value of the maximum upstream force peak B1.

It can also be observed that, advantageously and unexpectedly, the structure of the cover 1 according to the invention allows a reduction in the energy required for the step of maneuvering the removable part 5 (from B1 to B3), and by particular of the operation of the downstream stiffening zone 54 (between points B2 and B3), this despite this peak of downstream force B2.

In general, the efficiency of the traction energy (in terms of tearing the rupture line 6) is in particular improved compared to the standard metal cover.

Furthermore, the folding resistance curve of the downstream stiffening zone 54 is illustrated by curve B in FIG. 9, in comparison with the “standard” folding resistance curve of a cover according to FIG. 1 (curve A ).

In general, the resistance to folding of the downstream stiffening zone 54 is greater than the resistance to folding of the standard cover (maximum force - in N). Similarly, the downstream stiffening zone 54 is advantageously stiffer than the standard cover (the steeper the angle of the initial slope of the curve, the steeper the cover).

Finally, for a 25 N load, a deformation of 0.25 mm is observed for the invention, against 1.5 mm for the moldings of the standard cover.

The values illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 are advantageously obtained in the case of an easy-opening cover in Club format, advantageously whose proportions are of the order of 100 x 55 mm. The invention applies to other rectangular formats, with possibly some variations in particular in the opening force curve or the bending resistance curve of the downstream stiffening zone 54.

In view of the above, the folding zone / downstream stiffening zone combination has the advantage of optimizing and reducing the traction energy necessary for opening, while optimizing the quality perceived for the consumer.

Claims

1. Lid for a container body, in particular for a container of the metal tin can type,

which cover (1) comprises:

- a central part (2) forming a central closure panel, and

- A peripheral part (3) adapted to be secured to said container body, which central part (2) comprises a removable part (5) which is delimited by a line of initiation of rupture (6) and which is equipped with an opening member (7),

which breaking line (6) has two long sides (61, 62) connected by two short sides (63, 64),

which opening member (7) comprises a peripheral perforating part (71) and a central gripping part (72), formed along a longitudinal axis (7 ') and on either side of a fixing part (73 ) with said removable part (5),

characterized in that said removable part (5) comprises at least two successive zones, taking into account the direction of tearing of the line of initiation of rupture (6) during the operation of the opening member (7), know :

a downstream stiffening zone (54), at a distance from said opening member (7), delimited by a small downstream side (64) extended by a downstream portion (614, 624) on the two long sides (61, 62), and

a folding zone (53), provided upstream of said downstream stiffening zone (54), delimited laterally by an intermediate portion (613, 623) on the two long sides (61, 62),

in that said downstream stiffening zone (54) comprises at least one stiffening molding (9) arranged to impart longitudinal flexural strength to said downstream stiffening zone (54) during the tearing of said primer line of rupture (6),

and in that said folding zone (53) comprises a transverse virtual axis (53 '), extending between said intermediate portions (613, 623) on the two long sides (61, 62), defining a folding line (53 ') generated on said removable part (5) during the tearing of said intermediate portions (613, 623).

2. Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the resistance in longitudinal bending of said folding zone (53) is lower than the resistance in longitudinal bending of said downstream stiffening zone (54).

3. Lid according to claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal flexural strength of the downstream stiffening zone (54) is adjusted so that, after tearing of said line of initiation of rupture (6), the angle ( F4) defined by the longitudinal tangents (54T, 542 ') passing through the respective upstream (541) / downstream (542) edges is less than or equal to 20 °.

4. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the downstream stiffening zone (54) has a longitudinal downstream axis (54 '), parallel to the large ones sides (61, 62),

and in that said at least one stiffening molding (9) of said downstream stiffening zone (54) is arranged to impart resistance in longitudinal bending parallel to said downstream longitudinal axis (54 ’).

5. Lid according to claim 4, characterized in that the downstream stiffening zone (54) has a plurality of transverse rectilinear virtual lines (54 ”), perpendicular to said downstream longitudinal axis (54’),

which transverse rectilinear virtual lines (54 ”) are each cut by at least one stiffening molding (9).

6. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said removable part (5) is divided into four successive zones, taking into account the direction of tearing of the line of initiation of rupture (6) during the operation of the opening member (7), namely:

- an upstream folding zone (51), intended to be deformed by the initial pivoting of said opening member (7),

- an upstream stiffening zone (52), on the side of said opening member (7), delimited by a small upstream side (63) extended by an upstream portion (612, 622) on the two long sides (61, 62),

said intermediate folding zone (53) formed between said upstream stiffening zone (52) and said downstream stiffening zone (54), and

- said downstream stiffening zone (54),

in that said upstream stiffening zone (52) comprises at least one stiffening molding (9) arranged to impart resistance in longitudinal bending to said upstream stiffening zone (52) during the tearing of said primer line of rupture (6).

7. Lid according to claim 6, characterized in that the resistance in longitudinal bending of said intermediate folding zone (53) is less than the resistance in longitudinal bending of the upstream (52) and downstream (54) stiffening zones.

8. Cover according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the upstream stiffening zone (52) has an upstream longitudinal axis (52 '), coaxial with said longitudinal axis of the opening member (7) ,

and in that the stiffening moldings (9) of the upstream (52) and downstream (54) stiffening zones are arranged to impart longitudinal flexural strength parallel, respectively, to the upstream (52 ') and downstream (54') longitudinal axes ).

9. Lid according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the folding zone (53) intermediate and the virtual transverse axis (53 ') are bordered by at least one stiffening molding (9) of the upstream stiffening zone (52) and by at least one stiffening molding (9) of the downstream stiffening zone (54).

10. Lid according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the longitudinal flexural strength of the upstream stiffening zone (52) is adjusted so that, after tearing of said rupture initiation line (6), the angle (F2) defined by the longitudinal tangents (521 ', 522 ') passing through the respective upstream (521) / downstream (522) edges is less than or equal to 20 °.

1 1. Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the resistances in longitudinal bending of an upstream zone (52), of the downstream stiffening zone (54) and of the intermediate folding zone ( 53), are adjusted so that, after tearing of said line of initiation of rupture (6), the general angle (F1) defined by the upstream longitudinal tangent (521 ') passing through the upstream edge (521) of the upstream area (52), on the one hand, and the downstream longitudinal tangent (542 ') passing through the downstream edge (542) of the downstream stiffening area (54), on the other hand, is less than or equal to 90 ° .

12. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the downstream stiffening zone (54) forms between 40 and 80%, on the surface, of the removable part (5).

13. Container of the metal tin can type, comprising a container body fitted with a lid according to any one of claims 1 to 12.