WO2023194846A1

WO2023194846A1 - Cap for a container

Info

Publication number: WO2023194846A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/053066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zeno Zuffa
Original assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2023-03-28
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Also published as: TW202402631A

Abstract

A cap (1) for a container comprising: a body (2), configured to be coupled and uncoupled relative to the neck of the container and including a side wall (21) and a transverse wall (22); a tamper evident ring (3), configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container; a joining zone 5 (4), where the tamper evident ring (3) is joined to the body (2), wherein the joining zone (4) includes a tether (41), connected to the tamper evident ring (3) in a first connecting zone (32), and to the body (2) in a second connecting zone (23), a first narrow thickness zone (42) configured to connect a first flank (412) of the tether (41) to the tamper evident ring (3), 10 and a second narrow thickness zone (43) to connect a second flank (413) of the tether (41) to the side wall (21) of the body (2), wherein the first narrow thickness zone (42) and the second narrow thickness zone (43) are configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3).

Description

DESCRIPTION

CAP FOR A CONTAINER

Technical field

This invention relates to a cap for a container. The invention also relates to a method for making a cap for a container. The invention also relates to a mould for making a cap for a container.

Background art

This invention addresses the technical field of “tethered” caps, comprising a body and a tamper evident ring intended to remain attached to the neck of the container even when the body is uncoupled from the neck; these caps are, in particular, characterized in that the body is joined to the tamper evident ring by a joining zone including a set of bridges which are intended to be torn when the cap is screwed off for the first time, except for a permanent connecting zone by which the body remains permanently connected to the tamper evident ring. This creates a robust connection between the body and the tamper evident ring so that, when the cap is used by a consumer, the body remains attached to the tamper evident ring and does not become litter scattered about in the environment.

Examples of caps of this kind are described in patent documents IT102021000006557 and IT102019000018737 in the name of the present Applicant. In order to make the bridges of the joining zone, the caps of prior art solutions require a post moulding process comprising a step of engraving that makes cap production a laborious process and limits its applications. In addition or alternatively to these solutions, the permanent connections between body and tamper evident ring can be made using drawers or movable inserts inside the cap production mould, which makes the cap mould complex in construction.

Disclosure of the invention

This disclosure has for an aim to provide a cap for a container, as well as a method and a mould for making it to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, the aim of this disclosure is to provide a cap which can be moulded using a constructionally simple mould, without drawers or movable inserts, to make the permanent connecting zone.

A further aim of this disclosure is to provide a cap that does not need a further processing step of engraving to make the joining zone between the body and the tamper evident ring.

Another aim of this disclosure is to provide a cap that does not require a step of bending the tamper evident ring after moulding.

Yet another aim of this disclosure is to provide a cap that is free of defects thanks to a mould which can be correctly filled during the moulding process.

These aims are fully achieved by the cap, method and mould of this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

This disclosure relates to a cap for a container. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a plastic cap for containers such as bottles for water or other beverages, oil containers or containers for non-food liquids (such as liquid soaps, detergents or medical products). This disclosure might, however, also apply to caps made from a different material such as a metal, for example, or caps made from two different materials such as, for example, caps comprising a metal body and a plastic tamper evident ring which is engaged in the body and in which a permanent connecting element can be made.

The container includes a body, defining an internal space to contain a product, and a threaded neck.

The cap comprises a body configured to be coupled and uncoupled relative to the neck of the container. The cap body includes a side wall (or skirt) which extends around a longitudinal axis between a first and a second end (the first and the second end extending in a ring around the longitudinal axis). Preferably, the side wall is internally threaded; the cap is thus a screw cap. The cap body includes a transverse wall joined to the first end of the side wall. Preferably, the transverse wall is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

The cap comprises a tamper evident ring. The tamper evident ring also extends around the longitudinal axis. The tamper evident ring is configured to remain attached to the neck of the container even when the cap body is uncoupled from the neck. More specifically, the tamper evident ring is configured to engage a locking member of the container. For this purpose, in an example, the tamper evident ring includes a retaining portion configured to engage the locking member (or annular protrusion) on the neck of the container.

The cap includes a joining zone, where the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body. The joining zone is configured to be torn at least partly along a perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis responsive to a displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring. It should be noted that the perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis is preferably circular.

It should be noted that to open the container, the user induces a rotation of the cap (more specifically, a rotation of both the cap body and the tamper evident ring, which are connected to each other at the joining zone); since the side wall of the cap body is internally threaded and coupled to the corresponding thread on the neck of the container, rotating the cap causes it to be displaced along the longitudinal axis (specifically away from the body of the container). The neck of the container includes an abutment member (that is, the locking member) configured to abut against the tamper evident ring (that is, the retaining portion of the tamper evident ring) and to stop its displacement along the longitudinal axis (for example, the abutment member may have the shape of an annular portion jutting from a wall of the neck of the container). Thus, when the user induces the rotation of the cap, the cap body and the tamper evident ring are first displaced along the longitudinal axis until the tamper evident ring meets the abutment member; after that, a further rotation of the cap creates tension in the joining zone due to a force, directed along the longitudinal axis, which tends to displace the body away from the tamper evident ring. This tension results in tearing of the joining zone. Once the joining zone is torn, the cap body can continue to rotate and to move away from the tamper evident ring until it is free of the thread and uncoupled from the neck of the container, while the tamper evident ring remains coupled to the neck of the container.

The cap also comprises a tether. In an example, the tether may form part of the side wall of the body, or the tether may form part of the tamper evident ring. Preferably, the joining zone includes a tether having a first end that is connected to the tamper evident ring in a first connecting zone preferably forming part of the tamper evident ring. The tether also has a second end that is connected to the side wall of the body in a second connecting zone preferably forming part of the side wall of the body. The tether also has a first flank and a second flank, opposite to the first flank.

The joining zone also includes a first narrow thickness zone, preferably thinner than the tether and the tamper evident ring. It should be noted that the thickness is defined in a radial direction, relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap. In an example, the first narrow thickness zone is thinner than the side wall of the body. For example, the thickness of the first narrow thickness zone may be less than 0.8 mm, specifically less than 0.1 mm (for example, 0.03 mm).

The first narrow thickness zone extends around the longitudinal axis. The first narrow thickness zone extends along the first flank of the tether, to connect the first flank of the tether to the tamper evident ring (that is, the first narrow thickness zone is adjacent to the first flank of the tether to connect the first flank of the tether to the tamper evident ring). Further, the first narrow thickness zone extends along the second connecting zone. The first narrow thickness zone also extends beyond the second connecting zone and (beyond) the second end of the tether, to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evident ring to the side wall of the body. The first narrow thickness zone, on the other hand, is interrupted in the first connecting zone; preferably, it is interrupted only in the first connecting zone.

Preferably, the separating stretch (of the first narrow thickness zone) has, in at least one portion of it relative to its extension around the longitudinal axis (or in all of its extension around the longitudinal axis), an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis. More preferably, the separating stretch has, in at least one portion of (or in all of its extension around the longitudinal axis), an extension less than 2 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, in an example, the separating stretch may have an extension greater than 2 mm or even greater than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis (for example, if the cap is a cap for containers for cosmetics or home care products).

Preferably, the separating stretch (of the first narrow thickness zone) has, in at least one portion of it relative to its extension around the longitudinal axis (or in all of its extension around the longitudinal axis), a thickness (measured radially) less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and, more preferably, less than 0.8 mm.

More specifically, the first narrow thickness zone is configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring; more specifically, tearing occurs in the first narrow thickness zone, around the longitudinal axis, except in the first connecting zone which connects the first end of the tether to the tamper evident ring. After tearing of the first narrow thickness zone, the body of the cap remains attached to the tamper evident ring by the first connecting zone.

The joining zone includes a second narrow thickness zone, preferably thinner than the tether and the side wall of the body. In an example, the narrow thickness second zone is thinner than the tamper evident ring. In an embodiment, the second narrow thickness zone has the same thickness as the first narrow thickness zone. For example, the thickness of the second narrow thickness zone may be less than 0.8 mm, specifically less than or equal to 0.1 mm (for example, 0.03 mm).

The second narrow thickness zone is configured to connect the second flank of the tether to the side portion of the body. The second narrow thickness zone extends around the longitudinal axis, preferably along a stretch running from the second end of the tether to the first connecting zone. Thus, the second narrow thickness zone also connects the first connecting zone to the side of the body.

The second narrow thickness zone is configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring. More specifically, tearing of the second narrow thickness zone occurs around the longitudinal axis along the stretch from the second end of the tether to the first connecting zone. It is noted that after tearing of the second narrow thickness zone, the body of the cap remains attached to the tamper evident ring by the second connecting zone, by the tether and, when the first narrow thickness zone is torn, by the first connecting zone. More specifically, it is stressed that the first narrow thickness zone also connects the second connecting zone to the tamper evident ring; that way, responsive to a displacement of the cap body, the first narrow thickness zone is torn and the second connecting zone is separated from the tamper evident ring.

Thus, the joining zone is configured to be torn at the first narrow thickness zone and at the second narrow thickness zone in response to a displacement of the cap body away from the tamper evident ring.

It is noted that a portion of the second narrow thickness zone connecting the second flank of the tether, a portion of the first narrow thickness zone connecting the first flank of the tether, and the tether form a connecting window.

Therefore, the cap comprises a first operating configuration, in which the tamper evident ring is engaged with the locking member on the neck of the container, the cap body is coupled to the neck of the container and the joining zone is intact (specifically, the first narrow thickness zone is intact and the second narrow thickness zone is intact).

The cap comprises a second operating configuration, responsive to a first displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring. Preferably, in the second operating configuration, the first narrow thickness zone is torn, the second narrow thickness zone is intact, the tamper evident ring is engaged with the locking member on the neck of the container, and the cap body is uncoupled from the neck of the container. More specifically, in the second operating configuration, the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body by the first connecting zone and the tether is held to the side wall of the body by the second narrow thickness zone, hence the tether does not protrude from the side wall of the body.

The cap comprises a third operating configuration, responsive to a second displacement of the body further away from the tamper evident ring, additional to the first displacement. Preferably, in the third operating configuration, both the first and the second narrow thickness zones are torn and the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body by the tether. More specifically, in the third operating configuration, the tether preferably protrudes from the side wall of the body away from the longitudinal axis and the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body by the first connecting zone, the tether and the second connecting zone.

It is noted, therefore, that the first narrow thickness zone and the second narrow thickness zone perform two functions: the first narrow thickness zone has, as its main function, that of tamper evident seal to reveal that the container has been opened and, in addition, the first narrow thickness zone has the function of allowing the body to move away from the neck of the container; the second narrow thickness zone has, as its main function, that of allow further movement of the body away from the neck of the container, for example to facilitate pouring out the liquid and to prevent the cap body from returning elastically back onto the neck of the container. Further, both the first zone and the second zone act in conjunction with the tether to perform the function of connecting the tamper evident ring to the cap body so that the latter cannot fall off and scattered about as litter in the environment.

Furthermore, it is stressed that in at least one portion of it, the first narrow thickness zone preferably has an extension less than 3 mm, parallel to the longitudinal axis, so that during forming of the cap in a forming cavity of a mould, the plastic is spread uniformly in the forming cavity despite the presence of the first narrow thickness zone which, if extended too far in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, might obstruct the passage of the plastic. It is noted, however, that if the extension is greater than 3 mm (as in the case of containers for cosmetics or home care products), correctly filling the mould during the forming process can in any case be assured by suitably dimensioning the tether and/or the first and the second connecting zone, thereby allowing the plastic to be correctly distributed inside the forming cavity.

Thus, relative to the tether, the side wall of the cap body and the tamper evident ring, the first narrow thickness zone constitutes a hollow which performs the same function as the bridges of the joining zone, that is to say, that of separating the body from the tamper evident ring to reveal that the container has been opened. Thanks to the presence of the first narrow thickness zone, the connecting zone between the tamper evident ring and the cap body can be made without having to use a cutting device (usually after the cap has been moulded) to make the bridges. Furthermore, the first narrow thickness zone has the advantage of being easy to make by compression moulding, unlike the bridges, which, if they are to be made during the moulding process, necessarily involve injection moulding or injection-compression moulding. Moreover, the first narrow thickness zone also has the advantage of keeping the neck of the container covered to prevent infiltration by external contaminants, such as dust or other dirt, that may be present in the container production and distribution chain.

The tether, on the other hand, is substantially the same in thickness as the side wall of the cap body and the tamper evident ring. Preferably, the tether does not protrude from the side wall of the cap body in the first operating configuration and in the second operating configuration; in other words, the tether is substantially contained within a contour of the cap. Further, the first connecting zone and the second connecting zone are preferably the same as or greater in thickness than the side wall of the cap body and the tamper evident ring. It is stressed that during forming of the cap in a forming cavity of a mould, the tether, the first connecting zone and the second connecting zone have the function of distributing the plastic inside the cavity (that is to say, the tether, the first connecting zone and the second connecting zone act as a riser for the plastic) and also have the function of reducing defects known as “weld lines”, which are created when the filling flow fronts do not merge correctly into each other; in effect, during the forming process, the plastic spreads from the cap body zone to the tamper evidence zone through the second narrow thickness zone, the tether and the first narrow thickness zone. For example, in an operating sequence of filling a forming cavity, the plastic flows from the cap body to the second connecting zone and then passes through the tether and, from there, into the first connecting zone and, lastly, into the tamper evident ring.

It is noted that in a preferred embodiment, the first narrow thickness zone and the second narrow thickness zone extend along respective angular stretches around the longitudinal axis such that these stretches, in their entirety, cover an entire perimeter edge of the cap (that is to say, the sum of the angular stretches around which the first and second narrow thickness zones extend is at least equal to 360 degrees).

In an embodiment, the joining zone comprises an additional tether. The additional tether includes a first end, connected to the tamper evident ring in the first connecting zone, a second end, connected to the body in the second connecting zone and a first flank and a second flank, opposite the first flank. The first narrow thickness zone may also extend along the first flank of the additional tether, to connect the first flank of the additional tether to the tamper evident ring, and beyond the second end of the additional tether. The second narrow thickness zone may extend angularly around the longitudinal axis along an additional stretch running from the second end of the additional tether to the first connecting zone, so that the second narrow thickness zone also connects the second flank of the additional tether to the side portion of the body. Preferably, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether. In other words, considering that the cap extends angularly around the longitudinal axis, the second end and the first end of the tether, and the first end and the second end of the additional tether are disposed consecutively spaced from each other. In this regard, it is noted that in the embodiment of the additional tether, in the second operating configuration of the cap, the additional tether is preferably held to the side wall of the body by the second narrow thickness zone (specifically, by the additional stretch), hence the additional tether, too, does not protrude from the side wall. Preferably, in the third operating configuration of the cap, the tamper evident ring is joined to the body by the tether and the additional tether; further, both the tether and the additional tether protrude from the side wall of the body away from the longitudinal axis and the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body by the first connecting zone, the tether, the additional tether and the second connecting zone.

The additional tether, together with the tether, has the advantage of stabilizing the cap body when the container is open, and preventing the cap body from returning elastically back onto the neck of the container when the liquid content is being poured. Furthermore, the additional tether, together with the tether, the first connecting zone and the second connecting zone, being thicker than the first and second narrow thickness zones, have the function of distributing the plastic uniformly in the forming cavity and also of reducing defects known as “weld lines”, which are created when the filling flow fronts do not merge correctly into each other.

In an embodiment, the second connecting zone includes a connecting element and an additional connecting element which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other. Preferably, the second end of the tether is connected to the connecting element of the second connecting zone and, preferably, the second end of the additional tether is connected to the additional connecting element of the second connecting zone. In this case, therefore, the second connecting zone extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along a stretch, corresponding to the connecting element, and along an additional stretch, corresponding to the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone; more specifically, the second connecting zone may be interrupted in an angular stretch (that is, the second connecting zone may comprise a first angular interrupting stretch) around the longitudinal axis, between a portion of the connecting element opposite to a portion of the connecting element connected to the second end of the tether, and a portion of the additional connecting element opposite to a portion of the additional connecting element connected to the second end of the additional tether. It is noted that, preferably, the first narrow thickness zone may extend as far as the first interrupting stretch of the second connecting zone.

In an embodiment, the first connecting zone includes a connecting element and an additional connecting element which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other. Preferably, the first end of the tether is connected to the connecting element of the first connecting zone and, preferably, the first end of the additional tether is connected to the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone. Therefore, the first connecting zone extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along a stretch, corresponding to the connecting element, and along an additional stretch, corresponding to the additional connecting element; more specifically, the first connecting zone is interrupted in an angular stretch (that is, the first connecting zone may comprise a first angular interrupting stretch) around the longitudinal axis, between a portion of the connecting element opposite to a portion of the connecting element which connects the first end of the tether, and a portion of the additional connecting element opposite to a portion of the additional connecting element which connects the second end of the additional tether. More specifically, it is noted that the first narrow thickness zone is configured to be torn except for the connecting element and except for the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone. The connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone have the advantage of stabilizing the cap body when the body is away from the neck of the container, that is to say, when the cap is in the second or third configuration. In addition, the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone have the advantage of further facilitating the distribution of the plastic inside the mould and reducing possible defects in the areas where opposite flows of plastic merge. Preferably, the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone and of the second connecting zone are substantially equal or greater in thickness than the cap body and the tamper evident ring; that way, the connecting element and the additional connecting element facilitate the distribution of the plastic during the cap forming process.

In an example embodiment, the first connecting zone includes a single connecting element, where the first ends of the tether and of the additional tether are both connected to the single connecting element. Thus, it is noted that the first narrow thickness zone is configured to be torn except for the single connecting element of the first connecting zone. In this case, compared to the connecting element or the additional connecting element, the single connecting element may preferably extend around the longitudinal axis for a longer angular stretch, so as to give stability to the cap body in the second and third configurations of the cap even with a single connecting element and to facilitate the distribution of the plastic during the cap forming process. In this case, the second connecting zone is preferably interrupted in an angular stretch (that is, the second connecting zone may comprise one angular interrupting stretch) around the longitudinal axis, between a portion of the single connecting element which connects the first end of the tether, and a portion of the additional connecting element and a portion of the single connecting element which connects the first end of the additional tether.

In an embodiment, the angular distance between the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether is less than the angular distance between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether. Preferably, the angular distance between the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone is less than the angular distance between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether (or of the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the second connecting zone). Preferably, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are located at the ends of a circular arc of at least 50 degrees (or at least 45 degrees) around the longitudinal axis. The smaller distance between the first ends of the tether and of the additional tether (that is, of the connecting element and additional connecting element of the first connecting zone) has the advantage of facilitating the movement of the cap body away from the neck of the container after tearing the first connecting zone; if the first ends of the tether and of the additional tether (or of the connecting element and additional connecting element of the first connecting zone) were not close enough to each other when the first connecting zone is torn, the cap body would be subjected to an elastic force tending to move it back towards the neck of the container and preventing the user from pouring the liquid. It is noted, however, that in an embodiment, the distance between the first ends of the tether and of the additional tether might be greater than the distance between the second ends of the tether and of the additional tether. In an example, the second ends of the tether and of the additional tether might be interposed between the first ends of the tether and of the additional tether.

In an embodiment, the first narrow thickness zone has a first thickness and the second narrow thickness zone has, at least in a main portion of it adjacent to the second flank of the tether and of the additional tether, a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. For example, the first thickness of the first narrow thickness zone may be less than or equal to 0.03 mm and the second thickness of the second narrow thickness zone may be less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The second thickness is preferably greater than the first so that during the process of forming the cap in a cavity of the mould, the plastic can spread uniformly in the cavity even in the presence of narrow thickness zones, thus filling the mould correctly.

In an embodiment, the second narrow thickness zone has, in a secondary portion of it, a thickness that is less than or equal to the first thickness. Preferably, the secondary portion is located at the first connecting zone. For example, in the case where the first connecting zone comprises a single connecting element, the secondary portion may be located at the first connecting zone, adjacent to the first connecting zone and interposed between the extension stretch and the additional extension stretch of the second narrow thickness zone. In other words, the second narrow thickness zone (specifically, the secondary portion thereof) extends for an angular stretch, at the angular stretch of the first connecting zone from the first end of the tether to the first end of the additional tether. In another example where the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone are distinct and angularly separate, the secondary portion may comprise a first secondary portion and a second secondary portion. The first secondary portion and the second secondary portion may extend for a stretch in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and be adjacent to the stretch and the additional stretch of the second narrow thickness zone, respectively, that is, to the stretch and the additional stretch of the second zone, near the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting zone. In addition, the first and second secondary portions may be connected to the angular stretch of the first narrow thickness zone interposed between the connecting element and the additional connecting element (that is, in the interrupting stretch of the first connecting zone).

In the example embodiment in which the second ends of the tether and additional tether are interposed between the first ends of the tether and additional tether, the first and second secondary portions are adjacent to the stretch and additional stretch of the second narrow thickness zone and close to the connecting element and additional connecting element of the first connecting zone; furthermore, the first and second secondary portions are in communication with a zone of the first narrow thickness zone from the portion of the connecting element opposite to the portion that connects the first end of the tether to the portion of the connecting element opposite to the portion that connects the first end of the additional tether. The secondary portion (or the first and second secondary portions) is particularly advantageous in the case where the second thickness of the second narrow thickness zone is greater than the first thickness of the first zone: in effect, in this case, the secondary portion (or the first and second secondary portions), having a thickness equal to the first thickness of the first zone, has the function of initiating, or facilitating, the tearing of the second narrow thickness zone which, being thicker than the first, might be more difficult to tear.

In an example, the tether, between its first and its second end, extends along a path running angularly in a single direction around the longitudinal axis. Preferably, when provided, the additional tether, between its first and its second end, extends along an additional path running angularly in an additional single direction, preferably opposite to the direction in which the path of the tether runs. The fact that the path of the tether (and of the additional tether, when provided) runs in a single direction has the advantage that the tether can be made in a mould having components that are movable only along the longitudinal axis, hence without using transverse elements (such as drawers, for example), thus making it possible to use a mould that is constructionally simple. In effect, the single direction of extension of the tether has the advantage of making it easier to extract the tether and the cap as a whole from the mould.

For this purpose, in an example, the path followed by the tether (and the additional tether) is parallel to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). In another example, the path followed by the tether (and the additional tether) is, in at least one portion of it between its first and its second end, inclined relative to the transverse direction. Preferably, the path followed by the tether and the path followed by the additional tether, in at least one portion between the first and the second end, are reciprocally inclined relative to the transverse direction so they are convergent towards the tamper evident ring and divergent towards the side wall of the cap body.

For example, the tether and the additional tether may include respective transversely extending portions (that is, portions extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis). More specifically, the tether and the additional tether may each include a first transversely extending portion to connect the respective first end to the first connecting zone. The tether and the additional tether may each include a second transversely extending portion to connect the respective second end to the second connecting zone. In other words, the tether and the additional tether may extend, from the first end to the second end, along a plurality of levels to facilitate extraction of the cap from the mould.

According to an example, the tether (as well as the additional tether, when present) presents a longitudinal extending portion, has a longitudinally extending portion, i.e. the tether (and/or the additional tether) extends longitudinally, in particular between the first flank and the second flank; the longitudinal extending portion may have a variable height (or extension), relative to the longitudinal direction; in particular, the tether (and the additional tether) may have a tapered shape. For example, the height of the longitudinal extending portion may vary between the first end and the second end of the tether (and/or of the additional tether). According to another example, the height of the longitudinal extending portion may be variable between an end between the first end and the second end and a point located between the first end and the second end. Preferably, the height of the longitudinal extending portion is variable between the second end and a point located between the first end and the second end. The point can be located halfway between the first end and the second end. The height of the longitudinal extending portion can decrease between an end between the first and second ends (preferably the second end) and a point located between the first end and the second end; the height of the longitudinal extending portion may be constant between the point located between the first end and the second end of the tether and/or additional tether and the other end between the first and second end of the tether and/or additional tether (preferably the first end).

In other words, the second flank (or the first flank) has a variable altitude (or height) in the longitudinal direction between an end between the first end and the second end (preferably the second end) and a point located between the first end and the second end.

The variable height has the purpose of facilitating the flow of plastic during the forming of the cap in the mold and to make the tether (and/or the additional tether) more robust.

According to an example, the joining zone comprises an intermediate section, between a portion of the second flank of the tether (and/or of the additional tether) and the second narrow thickness zone. The intermediate section may be placed at the first or second end of the tether (and/or of the additional leash) and at a point located between the first and second ends of the tether. In other words, the intermediate section may extend around the longitudinal axis, along a portion of the second flank to connect the portion of the second flank to the second narrow thickness zone. In particular, the tether (and/or the additional tether) may have a longitudinal extending portion or it may have a portion extending longitudinally. The height of the longitudinal extending of the tether (and/or of the additional tether) portion may be constant between the first end and the second end. The intermediate section may have a longitudinal extending portion or it may have a portion extending longitudinally. The height of the longitudinal extending portion of the intermediate section may be variable at the first or second end (preferably the second end) of the tether (and/or of the additional tether) and at a point located between the first and second ends. In particular, the height of the longitudinal extending portion is variable so as to decrease at the first or second end and the point located between the first and second ends. Preferably, at the first or second end, the longitudinal extending portion of the intermediate section has a maximum height and at the point located between the first and second ends it has a minimum height, i.e. zero.

The intermediate section may have a thickness defined in the radial direction equal to the thickness of the tether (and/or of the additional tether), preferably, the intermediate section has a lower radial thickness (i.e. thinned) compared to the thickness of the tether (and/or of the additional tether); in particular, the intermediate section has a radial thickness between the thickness of the tether (and/or of the additional tether) and the thickness of the second narrow thickness zone. For example, the thickness of the intermediate section may be equal to or greater than 0.03 mm. The intermediate section has the purpose of facilitating the flow of plastic during the formation of the cap in the mold and of making the tether to which it is adjacent more robust.

This disclosure also relates to a method for making a cap for a container. The cap is preferably a cap according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

The method comprises a step of forming in a mould that defines a forming cavity having the shape of the cap to be made. Made in the step of forming is a body of the cap, configured to be coupled and uncoupled relative to the neck of the container; the body of the cap includes a side wall that is internally threaded and extends around a longitudinal axis between a first and a second end. The cap body also includes a transverse wall joined to the first end of the side wall. Also made in the step of forming is a tamper evident ring, configured to remain attached to the neck of the container, even when the body is uncoupled from the neck. More specifically, the tamper evident ring is configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container. For this purpose, the tamper evident ring may include a retaining portion. The step of forming makes a joining zone, where the tamper evident ring is joined to the cap body; the joining zone is configured to be torn at least partly along a perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis responsive to a displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring.

The step of forming makes a tether, preferably in the joining zone. The tether includes a first end, connected to the tamper evident ring in a connecting zone forming part of the tamper evident ring, and a second end, connected to the cap body in a second connecting zone forming part of the side wall of the cap body; the tether also includes a first flank and a second flank, opposite to the first flank. The step of forming makes a first narrow thickness zone that is thinner than the tether, the tamper evident ring and the side wall of the cap body, preferably in the joining zone; the first narrow thickness zone extends around the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first narrow thickness zone extends around the longitudinal axis along the first flank of the tether to connect the first flank of the tether to the tamper evident ring. In an example, the first narrow thickness zone extends along the second connecting zone and, preferably, beyond the second connecting zone and the second end of the tether, to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evident ring to the side wall of the body. More preferably, the separating stretch has, in at least one portion of it, an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first narrow thickness zone, on the other hand, is interrupted only in the first connecting zone. The step of forming makes a second narrow thickness zone, preferably in the joining zone. The second narrow thickness zone extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along a stretch running from the second end of the tether to the first connecting zone, so that the second narrow thickness zone connects the second flank of the tether and the first connecting zone to the side portion of the body. The first and second narrow thickness zones are configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body away from the tamper evident ring.

The step of forming may be carried out by injection moulding, by injectioncompression moulding or by compression moulding.

The method according to this disclosure allows forming a cap without necessitating, after moulding, any step of engraving to weaken the material between the tamper evident ring and the body of the cap; in an example, however, the method may comprise a step of engraving in the first narrow thickness zone, to weaken the material between the tamper evident ring and the body of the cap.

In an embodiment, the step of forming makes an additional tether in the joining zone. The additional tether includes a first end, connected to the tamper evident ring in the first connecting zone, a second end, connected to the body in the second connecting zone and a first flank and a second flank, opposite the first flank. If the additional tether is provided, the first narrow thickness zone also extends along the first flank of the additional tether, to connect the first flank of the additional tether to the tamper evident ring, and beyond the second end of the additional tether. Preferably, the second narrow thickness zone extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along an additional stretch running from the second end of the additional tether to the first connecting zone, so that the second narrow thickness zone also connects the second flank of the additional tether to the side portion of the body. In an embodiment, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether.

In an embodiment, forming comprises a step of displacing an upper unit and a lower unit of the mould towards each other along the longitudinal axis to define the forming cavity. Preferably, the upper unit comprises an extractor, including a first element which juts towards the longitudinal axis to form the first narrow thickness zone of the cap (that is, the first jutting element of the extractor externally defines the first narrow thickness zone). Thus, the step of forming may comprise a step of forming the first narrow thickness zone by the first jutting element of the extractor. Preferably, the lower unit comprises a second element which juts towards the longitudinal axis to form the second narrow thickness zone of the cap (that is, the second jutting element of the extractor externally defines the second narrow thickness zone). Thus, the step of forming may comprise a step of forming the second narrow thickness zone by the second jutting element of the lower unit. Preferably, when the mould is in the closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit act in conjunction to delimit a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis to form the tether of the cap (that is, the recess delimited by the extractor and by the lower unit externally defines the tether). Thus, the step of forming may comprise a step of forming the tether of the cap by the extractor and the lower unit. In one or more embodiments, the extractor and the lower unit act in conjunction to delimit the additional tether.

In one or more embodiments, the upper unit comprises a central core, where the central core and the extractor are movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis. The central core and the extractor are movable relative to each other preferably between a retaining configuration and a releasing configuration. In the retaining configuration, in an example, the extractor is at a lowered position to hold a cap at a tether. In the releasing configuration, in an example, the extractor is at a retracted position, and the central core is configured to bend, that is, to elastically deform, a retaining portion of a tamper evident ring of the cap towards the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor. In other words, therefore, the method may comprise a step of retaining, in which the extractor is at a lowered position to hold a cap at a tether; the method may comprise a step of releasing, in which the extractor is at a retracted position, and a step of bending, in which the central core bends, that is, elastically deforms, a retaining portion of a tamper evident ring of the cap towards the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor.

This disclosure also relates to a mould for making a cap for a container. The cap is preferably a cap according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

The mould is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which it defines a forming cavity having the shape of the cap to be made. In the open configuration, the mould is configured to allow extracting the cap.

The mould comprises a side hollow. The side hollow includes a body portion that is internally threaded and extends around a longitudinal axis between a first and a second end. The side hollow includes a tamper evidence portion that extends around the longitudinal axis. The side hollow includes a joining zone that extends around the longitudinal axis and is connected to the second end of the body portion. The joining portion is interposed between the body portion and the tamper evidence portion. The body portion is configured to form the side wall of the body of the cap; the joining portion is configured to form the joining zone of the cap; the tamper evidence portion is configured to form the tamper evidence zone of the cap. The mould includes a transverse hollow, connected to the first end of the body portion of the side hollow. The transverse hollow is configured to form the transverse wall of the body of the cap.

The joining portion includes a tether portion. The tether portion is elongated between a first end and a second end. The first end is in (fluid) communication with the tamper evidence portion through a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper evidence portion. The second end is in (fluid) communication with the body portion through a second connecting portion forming part of the body portion. The tether portion is configured to form the tether of the cap. It is noted that filling the mould from the body portion to the tamper evidence portion occurs through the joining portion, and specifically, through the tether portion of the joining portion.

The joining portion includes a first narrow thickness portion that is thinner than the tether portion, the tamper evidence portion and the body portion. The first narrow thickness portion extends around the longitudinal axis, along a first flank of the tether portion, to connect the first flank of the tether portion to the tamper evidence portion. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion extends around the longitudinal axis, along the second connecting portion and beyond the second connecting portion and the second end of the tether portion, to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evidence portion to the body portion of the side hollow. More preferably, the separating stretch has, in at least one portion of it, an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion is interrupted in the first connecting portion. In an example, the first narrow thickness portion is interrupted only in the first connecting portion. The first narrow thickness portion is configured to form the first narrow thickness zone of the cap.

The joining portion includes a second narrow thickness portion. The second narrow thickness portion extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along a stretch running from the second end of the tether portion to the first connecting portion, so that the second narrow thickness portion connects a second flank of the tether portion and the first connecting portion to the body portion of the side hollow. The second narrow thickness portion is configured to form the second narrow thickness zone of the cap. In an example, the joining portion comprises an additional tether portion, elongated between a first end and a second end. The first end is in communication with the tamper evidence portion through the first connecting portion and the second end is in communication with the body portion through the second connecting portion. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion extends also along a first flank of the additional tether portion to connect the first flank of the additional tether portion to the tamper evident portion and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether portion. Preferably, the second narrow thickness portion extends angularly around the longitudinal axis along an additional stretch running from the second end of the additional tether portion to the first connecting portion, so that the second narrow thickness portion also connects a second flank of the additional tether portion to the body portion of the side hollow. In an example, the first end of the tether portion and the first end of the additional tether portion are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end of the tether portion and the second end of the additional tether portion.

In an embodiment, the mould comprises an upper unit and a lower unit, movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis between a spaced-apart position, to define the open configuration of the mould, and a close-together position, to define the closed configuration of the mould. Preferably, the upper unit comprises an extractor. The upper unit may include a first element which juts towards the longitudinal axis and which is configured to delimit the first narrow thickness portion of the forming cavity. Thus, the first jutting element is configured to form the first narrow thickness zone of the cap. Preferably, the upper unit comprises a second element which juts towards the longitudinal axis and which is configured to delimit the second narrow thickness portion of the forming cavity. Thus, the second jutting element is configured to form the second narrow thickness zone of the cap. Preferably, when the mould is in the closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit act in conjunction to delimit a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis to delimit the tether portion of the forming cavity. Thus, the recess is configured to form the tether of the cap.

Alternatively, the mould may comprise a drawer, movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X, to define the tether portion of the forming cavity when the mould is at the closed position where the drawer, the upper unit and the lower unit are close together. Thus, in this case, the drawer is configured to form the tether of the cap. In an example, the drawer may be made according to what is described in patent document IT102021000006557 in the name of this Applicant and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Brief description of drawings

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figures 1A-1 E illustrate a cap in the operating configurations according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, specifically, Figure 1 E illustrates a cap that is closed on the neck of a container, where the first and the second narrow thickness zones are both torn, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figure 2 illustrates a flat representation around a longitudinal axis of a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E each show a cross section of a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure at lines A, B, C, D and E of Figure 2, respectively;

- Figure 3 illustrates a flat representation around a longitudinal axis of a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E each show a cross section of a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure at lines A, B, C, D and E of Figure 3, respectively;

- Figures 4-8, 14 and 15 illustrate flat representations around a longitudinal axis of a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figure 9A illustrates a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, as made in a forming cavity;

- Figure 9B illustrates a mould for forming a cap and Figure 9C illustrates a detail of the mould shown in Figure 9B to form a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure;

- Figures 10-13 illustrate, in sequence, operating configurations of a mould for forming a cap according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a cap for a container.

The cap 1 comprises a body 2. The body 2 is configured to be coupled to the neck of the container to close the container and to be uncoupled from the neck of the container to open the container. The body comprises an internally threaded side wall 21 (that is to say, including an internal thread) to be connected to a corresponding thread on the neck of the container. The side wall 21 extends around a longitudinal axis X. The side wall 21 is radially symmetric about the longitudinal axis X. The side wall 21 has a first end, annular in shape, and a second end, also annular in shape. The body comprises a transverse wall 22, oriented transversely to the side wall and connected to the first end of the side wall 21. Preferably, the transverse wall 22 is circular in shape. However, the transverse wall 22 might have other shapes and the side wall 21 might have other types of symmetry about the longitudinal axis; for example, the transverse wall 22 might be polygonal in shape and the side wall 21 might have polygon symmetry about the longitudinal axis. The cap 1 comprises a tamper evident ring 3. The tamper evident ring 3 includes a retaining portion 31 configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, so that the tamper evident ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the cap body 2 is uncoupled from the neck; the retaining portion 31 is annular in shape.

The cap 1 includes a joining zone 4, where the tamper evident ring 3 is joined to the cap body 2. The joining zone 4 is configured to be torn at least partly along a perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis X, in response to a displacement of the body 2 away from the tamper evident ring 3 (due to unscrewing the thread of the side wall 21 on the body 2 from the thread on the neck of the container). The joining zone 4 comprises a tether 41. The tether 41 includes a first end 410 connected to the tamper evident ring 3 in a first connecting zone 32 forming part of the tamper evident ring 3. The tether 41 includes a second end 411 connected to the side wall 21 of the body 2 in a second connecting zone 23 forming part of the side wall 21 of the body 2. The tether 41 has a first flank 412 and a second flank 413, opposite to the first flank 412. The joining zone 4 also includes a first narrow thickness zone 42 that is thinner than the tether 41 , the tamper evident ring 3 and the side wall 21. The first narrow thickness zone 42 extends around the longitudinal axis X, along the first flank 412 of the tether 41 , to connect the first flank 412 to the tamper evident ring 3, and along the second connecting zone 23. The first narrow thickness zone 42 extends beyond the second connecting zone 23 and the second end 411 of the tether 41 , to form a separating stretch. The separating stretch connects the tamper evident ring 3 to the side wall 21 of the body 2 and, preferably, in at least one portion of it, the separating stretch has an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first narrow thickness zone 42 is interrupted in the first connecting zone 410 (preferably, it is interrupted only in the first connecting zone). The first narrow thickness zone 42 is configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body 2 away from the tamper evident ring 3. The joining zone 4 includes a second narrow thickness zone 43 that is thinner than the tether 41 , the side wall 21 of the body 2 and the tamper evident ring 3. The second narrow thickness zone 43 extends around the longitudinal axis, along a stretch running from the second end 411 of the tether 41 to the first connecting zone 32. Thus, the second narrow thickness zone 43 is adjacent to the second flank 413 of the tether 41 and connects the second flank 413 and the first connecting zone 32 to the side wall 21 of the body 2.

The second narrow thickness zone 43 is also configured to be torn in response to a displacement of the body 2 away from the tamper evident ring 3.

In one or more embodiments, the joining zone 4 comprises an additional tether 44. The additional tether 44 includes a first end 440 connected to the tamper evident ring 3 in the first connecting zone 32. The additional tether 44 includes a second end 441 connected to the side wall 21 of the body 2 in the second connecting zone 23. The additional tether 44 includes a first flank 442 and a second flank 443 opposite to the first flank 442. Thus, the first narrow thickness zone 42 also extends along the first flank 442 of the additional tether 44 to connect the first flank 442 to the tamper evident ring 3. Further, the first narrow thickness zone 42 extends beyond the second end 441 of the tether 44. Preferably, the second narrow thickness zone 43 extends angularly around the longitudinal axis X along an additional stretch running from the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 to the first connecting zone, so as to also connect the second flank 443 of the additional tether 44 to the side portion 21 of the body 2. Preferably, the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the additional tether 44 are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44.

In one or more embodiments, the second connecting zone 23 includes a connecting element 23A and an additional connecting element 23B which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other; in this case, preferably, the second end 411 of the tether 41 is connected to the connecting element 23A and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 is connected to the additional connecting element 23B. When the connecting element 23A and the additional connecting element 23B of the second connecting zone 23 are provided, the second connecting zone 23 is interrupted, around the longitudinal axis X, in a first angular interrupting stretch 24 between a portion of the connecting element 23A opposite to a portion of the connecting element 23A connected to the second end 411 of the tether 41 , and a portion of the additional connecting element 23B opposite to a portion of the additional connecting element 23B connected to the second end 441 of the additional tether 44; more specifically, the first narrow thickness zone 42 also extends at the first interrupting stretch 24 of the second narrow thickness zone 23.

In one or more embodiments, the first connecting zone 32 includes a connecting element 32A and an additional connecting element 32B which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other. In this case, preferably, the first end 410 of the tether 41 is connected to the connecting element 32A and the second end 440 of the additional tether 44 is connected to the additional connecting element 32B. Thus, when provided, the second narrow thickness zone 43 connects to the side wall 21 of the body 2 both the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B of the first connecting zone 32, and the first narrow thickness zone 42 connects to the tamper evident ring 3 both the connecting element 23A and the additional connecting element 23B of the second connecting zone 23. When the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B of the first connecting zone 32 are provided, the first connecting zone 32 is interrupted, around the longitudinal axis X, in a first angular interrupting stretch 33 between a portion of the connecting element 32A opposite to a portion of the connecting element 32A connected to the first end 410 of the tether 41 , and a portion of the additional connecting element 32B opposite to a portion of the additional connecting element 32B connected to the first end 440 of the additional tether 44.

In one or more embodiments, the first connecting zone 32 includes a single connecting element 32C and the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 411 of the additional tether 44 are both connected to the single connecting element 32C of the first connecting zone 32. Preferably, the single connecting element 32C extends angularly for a longer stretch than the connecting element 32A or the additional connecting element 32B. For example, when provided, the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B each extend angularly for a circular arc of at least 4 degrees; for example, when provided, the single connecting element 32C extends angularly for a circular arc of at least 30 degrees.

In an example, the angular distance between the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the additional tether 44 is less than the angular distance between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44; preferably, the first ends 410 and 440 of the tether 41 and additional tether 44 are located at the ends of a circular arc, around the longitudinal axis X, between 50 degrees and 45 degrees. Further, the first ends 410 and 440 are interposed between the second ends 411 and 441 of the tether 41 and additional tether 44. In another example, the angular distance between the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the additional tether 44 is greater than the angular distance between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44; further, the second ends 411 and 441 are interposed between the first ends 410, 440 of the tether 41 and additional tether 44.

In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness zone 42 and the second narrow thickness zone 43 are the same in thickness in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness zone 42 has a first thickness (preferably 0.03 mm) and the second narrow thickness zone 43 has, at least in a main portion 43A of it, adjacent to the second flank 413 of the tether 41 and to the second flank 443 of the additional tether, a second thickness (preferably 0.1 mm) that is greater than the first thickness.

In one or more embodiments, the second narrow thickness zone has, in a secondary portion of it, a thickness that is less than the thickness of the main portion 43A, preferably equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness zone 42.

When the first connecting zone 32 has a single connecting element 32C, the secondary portion comprises a single secondary portion 43B, which may be located at the single connecting element 32C, adjacent to it and interposed between the stretch and the additional stretch of the second narrow thickness zone 43 (that is, interposed between the first ends of the tether 41 and additional tether 44). In an example, the single secondary portion 43B, located at the single connecting element 32C, may comprise first thickness zones and second thickness zones, disposed alternately with each other, where the first thickness zones have a thickness that is equal to the first thickness (hence substantially equal to 0.03 mm) and the second thickness zones have a thickness that is equal to the second thickness (hence substantially equal to 0.1 mm).

When the first connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B are provided, the secondary portion may include a first secondary portion 430B and a second secondary portion 431 B. The first secondary portion 430B and the second secondary portion 431 B may extend for a stretch in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and be adjacent to the stretch and the additional stretch of the second narrow thickness zone 43, respectively, near the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B. Preferably, the first secondary portion 430B and the second secondary portion 431 B are connected to the first narrow thickness zone 42 in an angular stretch between the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B. The first and second secondary portions 430B and 431 B have the function of making it easier to start tearing the second narrow thickness zone 43 (that is, to make the cap pass from the second to the third operating configuration).

In one or more embodiments, the tether 41 , between its first end 410 and its second end 411 , extends along a path running angularly in a single direction V1 around the longitudinal axis X. When provided, the additional tether 44, between its first end 440 and its second end 441 , extends along an additional path running angularly in an additional single direction V2, preferably opposite to the single direction V1 of the tether 41. In an example, the path followed by the tether 41 (and, when provided, by the additional tether 44) is substantially parallel to a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

In one or more embodiments, the path followed by the tether 41 is, in at least one portion of it, between the first end 410 and the second end 411 , inclined to the transverse axis Y. When the additional tether 44 is also provided, the paths followed by the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 are inclined relative to the transverse direction Y so they are convergent towards the tamper evident ring 3 and divergent towards the side wall 21 of the cap body 2.

In one or more embodiments, the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 respectively include a first transversely extending portion 414A, 444A to connect the respective first end 410, 440 to the first connecting zone 32 (to the single connecting element 32C or to the connecting element 32A and the connecting element 32B, respectively); the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 respectively include a first transversely extending portion 414B, 444B to connect the respective second end 411 , 441 to the second connecting zone 23 (to the connecting element 23A and the connecting element 23B, respectively).

In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness zone 42 has a first thickness and the second narrow thickness zone 43 has a first thickness equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness zone 42; preferably, the first thickness of the first narrow thickness zone 42 and the first thickness of the second narrow thickness zone 43 are substantially equal to 0.03 mm.

In an example, the tether 41 presents a longitudinal extending portion, extending between the first flank 412 and the second flank 413 of the tether 41 , and the longitudinal extending portion presents a height, relatively to the longitudinal direction, which is variable. The height of the longitudinal extending portion may vary between the second end 411 of the tether 41 a point located between the first 410 end and the second end 411 of the tether 41. In particular, the height of the longitudinal extending portion decreases between the second end 411 and the point located between the first 410 and the second end 411 of the tether 41 , while the height of the longitudinal extending portion says constant going from said point and the first end 410 of the tether 41. When the additional tether 44 is present, also the additional tether 44 may present a longitudinal extending portion, extending between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the additional tether, and said longitudinal extending portion may have a height, relatively to the longitudinal direction, which is variable. Preferably, the height of the longitudinal extending portion is variable between the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 and a point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the additional tether. In particular, the height of the longitudinal extending portion decreases from the second end 441 to the point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441 , while it stays constant between said point and the first end 440 of the additional tether.

According to an example, the joining zone 4 comprises an intermediate section 45, located between a portion of the second flank 413 of the tether 41 and the second narrow thickness zone 43 which is proximal to the second flank 413 of the tether 41. The intermediate section 45 extends around the longitudinal axis between the second end 441 of the tether 41 and a point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411 of the tether 41 , and connects the portion of the second flank 413 of the tether 41 to the second narrow thickness zone 43. The tether 41 may have a longitudinal extending portion and the height of the longitudinal extending portion may be constant between the first 410 end and the second end 411 , while the intermediate section 45 may have a longitudinal extending portion having a height that is variable at the second end 411 of the tether 41 and at the point located between the first 410 and second 411 ends. In particular, at the second end 411 , the longitudinal extending portion presents a maximum height and at the point located between the first 410 and second 411 ends it has a minimum height, i.e. zero.

According to an embodiment, the intermediate section 45 is further located between a portion of the second flank 443 of the additional tether 44 and the second narrow thickness zone 43 which is proximal to the second flank 443 of the additional tether 44. The intermediate section 45 extends around the longitudinal axis between the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 and a point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44, and connects the portion of the second flank 443 of the additional tether 44 to the second narrow thickness zone 43. The additional tether 44 may have a longitudinal extending portion and the height of the longitudinal extending portion may be constant between the first 440 end and the second end 441 , while the intermediate section 45 may have a longitudinal extending portion having a height that is variable at the second end 441 of the tether 44 and at the point located between the first 440 and second 441 ends. In particular, at the second end 441 , the longitudinal extending portion presents a maximum height and at the point located between the first 440 and second 441 ends it has a minimum height, i.e. zero.

The intermediate section 45 presents a thickness defined in the radial direction that may be equal to the thickness of the tether 41 (and to the thickness of the additional tether 44, when present); in particular, the intermediate section presents a radial thickness between the thickness of the tether 41 (and/or of the additional tether 44) and the thickness of the second narrow thickness zone 43. Preferably, the thickness of the intermediate section 45 is equal to or greater than 0.03 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the cap 1 includes a fastening element 51 and a protrusion 52 extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X. The fastening element 51 may be provided in the tamper evident ring 3 and the protrusion 52 may be provided in the body 2, or the fastening element 51 may be provided in the body 2 and the protrusion 52 may be provided in the tamper evident ring 3. The fastening element 51 is configured to releasably engage the protrusion 52 so as to keep the cap body 2 at a flipped over position relative to the tamper evident ring 3. Preferably, the protrusion 52 is provided in the body 2 and is located in a zone between the stretch and the additional stretch of the second narrow thickness zone 43.

This disclosure also provides a mould 6 for forming the cap 1 .

The mould comprises an upper unit 61 and a lower unit 62, movable towards and away from each other along an axis of the mould 6 which, operatively (when the cap 1 is formed in the mould 6), coincides with the longitudinal axis X. More specifically, the upper unit 61 and the lower unit 62 are movable between a spaced-apart position, to define an open configuration of the mould 6, and a close-together position, to define a closed configuration of the mould 6.

The lower unit 62 includes (or defines) a cavity 62A. The cavity 62A is configured to receive a charge of extruded thermoplastic material.

The upper unit 61 includes a core 611. In an embodiment, the core 611 includes an inner core 611 A, a central core 611 B and an outer core 611 C. The outer core 611 C surrounds the central core 611 B which in turn surrounds the inner core 611 A. The inner core 611 A, the central core 611 B and the outer core 611 C are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X. The central core 611 B includes a plurality of recesses configured to form the internal thread on the side wall 21 of the cap 1 .

In one or more embodiments, the upper unit 61 includes an extractor 612, which surrounds the core 611 and is movable relative to the core 611 (that is, relative to the inner core 611 A, the central core 611 B and the outer core 611 C). Preferably, the inner core 611 A and the central core 611 B define a male element, configured to penetrate the cavity 62A of the lower unit 62 when the mould 6 is in the closed configuration. More specifically, when the mould is in the closed configuration, the core 611 , the extractor 612 and the lower unit 62 define a forming cavity 7 having the shape of the cap to be made. More specifically, the lower unit 62 (that is, the cavity 62A) externally delimits part of the forming cavity 7, the male element (that is, the inner core 611 A and the central core 611 B) internally delimits the forming cavity 7 and the extractor 612 and the outer core 611 C externally delimit part of the forming cavity 7.

In a sequence in which the mould 1 is opened, there is first of all a downward movement of all the components except the outer core 611 C and the inner core 611 A (in practice equivalent to an upward movement of the outer core 611 C and of the inner core 611 A); at this stage, the central core 611 B and the cavity 62A remain adherent to the cap 1 . After that, there is a downward movement of the cavity 62A away from the upper unit 61 and from the cap 1 , thereby releasing an outside wall of the cap 1 ; at this stage, the central core 611 B remains adherent to an inside wall of the cap 1 , while the extractor 612 moves downwards under the action of an elastic means that is released when the cavity 62A is moved away. After that, there is a further downward movement of the extractor 612, under the action of a cam. The extractor 612, being in contact with an upper edge of the cap 1 , entrains the cap downwards with it (more specifically, the extractor 612 and the central core 611 define a retaining configuration in which the extractor 612 is at a lowered position relative to the central core 611 B and holds the cap 1 at a tether). As it moves downwards, the extractor 612 releases the inside wall of the cap 1 from the central core 611 B, thereby extracting the internal thread from the recesses of the central core 611 B. Next, the extractor 612 moves upwards under the action of the cam, and the central core 611 B elastically deforms a retaining element of the cap, bending it towards the longitudinal axis X, so as to release the cap from the extractor 612, if necessary with the aid of compressed air blown between the inner core 611 A and the central core 611 B (specifically, the extractor 612 and the central core 611 B define a releasing configuration, where the extractor 612 is at a retracted position relative to the central core 611 B and the central core 611 B elastically deforms the retaining element of the cap 1 towards the longitudinal axis X to release the cap 1 from the extractor 612).

The forming cavity 7 comprises a side hollow 71 , extending around the longitudinal axis X, and a transverse hollow 72, oriented along the transverse axis Y and connected to one end of the side hollow 71. The transverse hollow 72 is configured to form the transverse wall 22 of the cap 1. The side hollow 71 includes a body portion 711 , a joining portion 712 and a tamper evidence portion 713. The body portion 711 , the joining portion 712 and the tamper evidence portion 713 each extend around the longitudinal axis X (and are thus annular in shape). The joining portion 712 is interposed between the body portion 711 and the tamper evidence portion 713. The body portion 711 is internally threaded and extends around a longitudinal axis X between a first and a second end. The joining portion 712 is connected to the second end of the body portion 711. The body portion is configured to form the side wall 21 of the body 2 of the cap 1 ; the joining portion 712 is configured to form the joining zone 4 of the cap 1 ; the tamper evidence portion 713 is configured to form the tamper evidence zone 3 of the cap 1 . The mould 6 comprises a transverse hollow 72, connected to the first end of the body portion 711 of the side hollow 71. The transverse hollow 72 is configured to form the transverse wall 22 of the body 2 of the cap 1 . The joining portion 712 includes a tether portion 73. The tether portion 73 is elongated between a first end and a second end. The first end is in (fluid) communication with the tamper evidence portion 713 through a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper evidence portion 713. The first connecting portion is configured to form the first connecting zone 32. The second end is in (fluid) communication with the body portion 711 through a second connecting portion forming part of the body portion 711. The second connecting portion is configured to form the second connecting zone 23. The tether portion 73 is configured to form the tether 41 of the cap 1 .

The joining portion 712 includes a first narrow thickness portion 76 that is thinner than the tether portion 73, the tamper evidence portion 713 and the body portion 711 . The first narrow thickness portion 76 extends around the longitudinal axis X, along a first flank of the tether portion 73, to connect the first flank of the tether portion 73 to the tamper evidence portion 713. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion 76 extends around the longitudinal axis X, along the second connecting portion and beyond the second connecting portion and the second end of the tether portion 73, to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evidence portion 713 to the body portion 711 of the side hollow 71. Preferably, the separating stretch has, in at least one portion of it, an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first narrow thickness portion 76 is interrupted only in the first connecting portion. The first narrow thickness portion 76 is configured to form the first narrow thickness zone 42 of the cap 1 .

The joining portion 712 includes a second narrow thickness portion 77. The second narrow thickness portion 77 extends angularly around the longitudinal axis X along a stretch running from the second end of the tether portion 73 to the first connecting portion, so that the second narrow thickness portion 77 connects a second flank of the tether portion 73 and the first connecting portion to the body portion 71 1 of the side hollow 71. The second narrow thickness portion 77 is configured to form the second narrow thickness zone 43 of the cap 1 .

The extractor 612 includes a first jutting element 612A that juts towards the longitudinal axis X. The first jutting element 612A delimits (that is defines) in the side hollow 71 , the first narrow thickness portion 76 of the forming cavity 7. Thus, the first jutting element 612A is configured to form the first narrow thickness zone 42 of the cap 1 . Preferably, the lower unit 62 comprises a second jutting element 62B that juts towards the longitudinal axis X. The second jutting element 62B delimits (that is defines) the second narrow thickness portion 77 of the forming cavity 7. Thus, the second jutting element 62B is configured to form the second narrow thickness zone 77 of the cap 1 . Preferably, when the mould 6 is in the closed configuration, the extractor 612 and the lower unit 62 act in conjunction to delimit a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis X to delimit the tether portion 73 of the forming cavity 7. Thus, the recess is configured to form the tether 41 of the cap 1 .

Therefore, the lower unit 62 and the upper unit 61 (specifically, the extractor 612) may be shaped to match each other to define, in the closed configuration of the mould 6, an annular contact surface which includes a portion S lying in a closing plane P (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X). More specifically, the portion S lies in a zone interposed between the first flank and the second flank of the tether portion 73, so that the upper unit 61 (specifically, the extractor 612) and the lower unit 62 act in conjunction to form the tether 41 of the cap 1 .

It is noted, however, that in the embodiments in which the first narrow thickness zone 42 has a first thickness and the second narrow thickness zone 43 has a second thickness equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness zone 42 (preferably equal to 0.03 mm), the upper unit 61 (preferably the extractor 612) might be configured to form the tether 41 and, when provided, the additional tether 44 (that is to say, without the upper unit 61 and the lower unit 62 acting in conjunction).

Claims

1. A cap (1 ) for a container, comprising:

- a body (2) configured to be coupled and uncoupled relative to the neck of the container and including a side wall (21 ), internally threaded and extending around a longitudinal axis (X) between a first and a second end, and a transverse wall (22) joined to the first end of the side wall (21 );

- a tamper evident ring (3), configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, so that the tamper evident ring (3) remains attached to the neck of the container even when the cap body (2) is uncoupled from the neck; a joining zone (4), where the tamper evident ring (3) is joined to the cap body (2), the joining zone (4) being configured to be torn at least partly along a perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis (X) in response to a displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3), characterized in that the joining zone (4) includes

- a tether (41 ), including a first end (410), connected to the tamper evident ring (3) in a first connecting zone (32) forming part of the tamper evident ring (3), a second end (411 ), connected to the body (2) in a second connecting zone (23) forming part of the side wall (21 ) of the body (2), a first flank (412) and a second flank (413) opposite to the first flank (412),

- a first narrow thickness zone (42) that is thinner than the tether (41 ), the tamper evident ring (3) and the side wall (21 ) of the body (2), the first narrow thickness zone (42) extending around the longitudinal axis (X), along the first flank (412) of the tether (41 ), to connect the first flank (412) of the tether (41 ) to the tamper evident ring (3), along the second connecting zone (23) and beyond the second connecting zone (23) and the second end (411) of the tether (41 ), to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evident ring (3) to the side wall (21 ) of the body (2), the separating stretch having, in at least one portion of it, an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), and being interrupted in the first connecting zone (32),

- a second narrow thickness zone (43), extending angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) along a stretch running from the second end (411 ) of the tether (41 ) to the first connecting zone (32), so that the second narrow thickness zone (43) connects the second flank (413) of the tether (41 ) and the first connecting zone (32) to the side wall (21 ) of the body (2), wherein the first narrow thickness zone (42) and second narrow thickness zone (43) are configured to be torn in response to the displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3).

2. The cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the joining zone (4) comprises an additional tether (44), including:

- a first end (440), connected to the tamper evident ring (3) in the first connecting zone (32);

- a second end (441 ), connected to the body (2) in the second connecting zone (23);

- a first flank (442) and a second flank (443) opposite to the first flank (442), wherein the first narrow thickness zone (42) extends also along the first flank (442) of the additional tether (44), to connect the first flank (442) of the additional tether (44) to the tamper evident ring (3), and beyond the second end (441 ) of the additional tether (44), and wherein the second narrow thickness zone (43) extends angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) along an additional stretch running from the second end (441 ) of the additional tether (44) to the first connecting zone (32), so that the second narrow thickness zone (43) also connects the second flank (443) of the additional tether (44) to the side wall (21 ) of the body (2), and wherein the first end (410) of the tether (41 ) and the first end (440) of the additional tether (44) are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end (411 ) of the tether (41 ) and the second end (441 ) of the additional tether (44).

3. The cap (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting zone (23) includes a connecting element (23A) and an additional connecting element (23B) which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other, wherein the second ends (411 , 441 ) of the tether and additional tether are connected to the connecting element (23A) and to the additional connecting element (23B) of the second connecting zone (23), respectively.

4. The cap (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting zone (32) includes, alternatively,

- a connecting element (32A) and an additional connecting element (32B) which are distinct and angularly spaced from each other, wherein the first ends (410, 440) of the tether (41 ) and additional tether (44) are connected to the connecting element (32A) and to the additional connecting element (32B) of the first connecting zone (32), respectively;

- a single connecting element (32C), wherein the first ends (410, 440) of the tether (41 ) and additional tether (44) are both connected to the single connecting element (32C).

5. The cap (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the angular distance between the first end (410) of the tether (41 ) and the first end (440) of the additional tether (44) is less than the angular distance between the second end (411 ) of the tether (41 ) and the second end (441 ) of the additional tether (44).

6. The cap (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first narrow thickness zone (42) has a first thickness and the second narrow thickness zone (43) has, at least in a main portion (43A) of it, adjacent to the second flank (411 , 441 ) of the tether (41) and of the additional tether (44), a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

7. The cap (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the second narrow thickness zone (43) has, in a secondary portion of it, at the first connecting zone (42), a thickness that is less than or equal to the first thickness.

8. The cap (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tether (41 ), between its first end (410) and its second end (411 ), extends along a path running angularly in a single direction (V1 ) around the longitudinal axis (X).

9. The cap (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first operating configuration, in which the tamper evident ring (3) is engaged with the locking member on the neck of the container, the cap body (2) is coupled to the neck of the container and the joining zone (4) is intact; a second operating configuration, in response to a first displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3), wherein the first narrow thickness zone (42) is torn, the second narrow thickness zone (43) is intact, the tamper evident ring (3) is engaged with the locking member on the neck of the container, and the body (2) is uncoupled from the neck of the container; a third operating configuration, in response to a second displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3), additional to the first displacement, wherein both the first narrow thickness zone (42) and the second narrow thickness zone (43) are torn and the tamper evident ring (3) is joined to the body (2) by the tether (41 ).

10. A method for making a cap for a container, comprising a step of forming in a mould (6) that defines a forming cavity (7) having the shape of the cap to be made, wherein the step of forming makes the following features:

- a body (2), configured to be coupled and uncoupled relative to the neck of the container and including a side wall (21 ), internally threaded and extending around a longitudinal axis (X) between a first and a second end, and a transverse wall (22) joined to the first end of the side wall (21 );

- a tamper evident ring (3), configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, so that the tamper evident ring (3) remains attached to the neck of the container even when the cap body (2) is uncoupled from the neck; a joining zone (4), where the tamper evident ring (3) is joined to the cap body (2), the joining zone (4) being configured to be torn at least partly along a perimeter surrounding the longitudinal axis (X) in response to a displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper evident ring (3), characterized in that the step of forming makes the following features in the joining zone (4):

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming makes, in the joining zone (4) an additional tether (44), including:

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11 , comprising a step of displacing an upper unit (61 ) and a lower unit (62) of the mould (6) towards each other along the longitudinal axis (X) to define the forming cavity (7), wherein

- the upper unit (61 ) comprises an extractor (612), including a first jutting element (612A) that juts towards the longitudinal axis (X) to form the first narrow thickness zone (42) of the cap (1 ),

- the lower unit (62) comprises a second jutting element (62B) that juts towards the longitudinal axis (X) to form the second narrow thickness zone (43) of the cap (1 ), and wherein, when the mould (6) is in the closed configuration, the extractor (612) and the lower unit (62) act in conjunction to delimit a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis (X) to form the tether (41 ) of the cap (1 ).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the upper unit (61 ) comprises a central core (611 B), the central core (611 B) and the extractor (612) being movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), between a retaining configuration, wherein the extractor (612) is at a lowered position to hold a cap (1 ) at the tether (41 ), and a releasing configuration, wherein the extractor (612) is at a retracted position, and the central core (611 B) bends a retaining portion (31 ) of a tamper evident ring (3) of the cap (1) towards the longitudinal axis (X) to release the cap (1 ) from the extractor (612).

14. A mould (6) for making a cap (1 ) for a container, movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which it defines a forming cavity (7) having the shape of the cap (1 ) to be made, and including:

- a side hollow (71 ) that includes a body portion (711 ) that is internally threaded and extends around a longitudinal axis (X) between a first end and a second end, a tamper evidence portion (713) that extends around the longitudinal axis (X), a joining zone (712) that extends around the longitudinal axis (X) and is connected to the second end of the body portion (711 ), so that the joining zone (712) is interposed between the body portion (711 ) and the tamper evidence portion (713); - a transverse hollow (72), connected to the first end of the body portion (711 ) of the side hollow (71 ), characterized in that the joining portion (712) includes

- a tether portion (73), elongated between a first end and a second end, the first end being in communication with the tamper evidence portion (713) through a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper evidence portion (713), and the second end being in communication with the body portion (711 ) through a second connecting portion forming part of the body portion (711 ),

- a first narrow thickness portion (76) that is thinner than the tether portion (73), the tamper evidence portion (713) and the body portion (711 ), the first narrow thickness portion (76) extending around the longitudinal axis (X), along a first flank of the tether portion (73), to connect the first flank of the tether portion (73) to the tamper evidence portion (713), along the second connecting portion and beyond the second connecting portion and the second end of the tether portion (73), to form a separating stretch that connects the tamper evidence portion (713) to the body portion (711 ) of the side hollow (71 ), the separating stretch having, in at least one portion of it, an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), and being interrupted in the first connecting portion,

- a second narrow thickness portion (77), extending angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) along a stretch running from the second end of the tether portion (73) to the first connecting portion, so that the second narrow thickness portion (77) connects a second flank of the tether portion (73) and the first connecting portion to the body portion (711 ) of the side hollow (71 ).

15. The mould according to claim 14, wherein the joining portion (712) comprises an additional a tether portion (78), elongated between a first end and a second end, the first end being in communication with the tamper evidence portion (713) through the first connecting portion and the second end being in communication with the body portion (711 ) through the second connecting portion, wherein the first narrow thickness portion (76) extends also along a first flank of the additional tether portion (78), to connect the first flank of the additional tether portion (78) to the tamper evidence portion (713), and beyond the second end of the additional tether portion (78), and wherein the second narrow thickness portion (77) extends angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) along an additional stretch running from the second end of the additional tether portion (78) to the first connecting portion, so that the second narrow thickness portion (77) also connects a second flank of the additional tether portion (78) to the body portion (711 ) of the side hollow (71 ), and wherein the first end of the tether portion (73) and the first end of the additional tether portion (78) are disposed angularly one after the other consecutively and are interposed between the second end of the tether portion (73) and the second end of the additional tether portion (78).

16. The mould (6) according to claim 14 or 15, comprises an upper unit (61 ) and a lower unit (62), movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X) between a spaced-apart position, to define the open configuration of the mould, and a close-together position, to define the closed configuration of the mould (6), wherein

- the upper unit (61 ) comprises an extractor (612), including a first jutting element (612A) that juts towards the longitudinal axis (X), configured to delimit the first narrow thickness portion (76) of the forming cavity (7),

- the lower unit (62) comprises a second jutting element (62B) that juts towards the longitudinal axis (X), configured to delimit the second narrow thickness portion (77) of the forming cavity (7), and wherein, when the mould (6) is in the closed configuration, the extractor (612) and the lower unit (62) act in conjunction to delimit a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis (X) to delimit the tether portion (73) of the forming cavity (7).

17. The mould (6) according to claim 16, wherein the upper unit (61 ) comprises a central core (611 B), the central core (611 B) and the extractor (612) being movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), between a retaining configuration, wherein the extractor (612) is at a lowered position and is configured to hold a cap (1 ) at the tether (41 ), and a releasing configuration, wherein the extractor (612) is at a retracted position, and the central core (611 B) is configured to bend a retaining portion (31 ) of a tamper evident ring (3) of the cap (1 ) towards the longitudinal axis (X) to release the cap (1 ) from the extractor (612).