WO2024084350A2

WO2024084350A2 - Closure cap for containers.

Info

Publication number: WO2024084350A2
Application number: PCT/IB2023/060298
Authority: WO
Inventors: Federico MORSELLI; Francesco CUTAIO; Doriano NALDI
Original assignee: Pelliconi & C. S.P.A.
Priority date: 2022-10-21
Filing date: 2023-10-12
Publication date: 2024-04-25
Also published as: WO2024084350A3

Abstract

Described is a closure cap for containers (100) having a neck (101), the closure cap comprises: a base portion (2), designed to cover an opening (102) of the neck (101) of the container (100); a lateral wall (3) adjacent to the base portion (2), configured for circumferentially wrapping around the end portion (103) of the neck (101) adjacent to the opening (102), the lateral wall (3) and/or the base portion (2) having a thickness (S) and having at least one pair of notches (4); a seal (5) applied inside the base portion (2) and designed for coupling with the opening (102) for determining a seal between the closure cap and the container (100); the closure cap is characterised in that it comprises an opening appendage (6), comprising: a first portion (7) extending from the lateral wall (3), close to said notches (4), away from the base portion (2) and a second portion (8) connected to the first portion (7); the second portion (8) extends along the extension of the first portion (7) and has an end (9) positioned inside a space (10) defined by the base portion (2) and the lateral wall (3).

Description

DESCRIPTION

CLOSURE CAP FOR CONTAINERS.

Technical field

This invention relates to a closure cap for containers having a neck.

More specifically, this invention relates to the closure caps for containers consisting of bottles, normally made of glass, which have, at the end portion of their neck, an annular collar projecting externally.

Background art

The most commonly known solutions for these closure caps comprises the so-called crown caps, that is to say, the closure caps having a circular portion from which extends a series of teeth designed to close, during capping, beneath the above-mentioned protruding collar.

There are further prior art solutions for these closure caps which constitute variant embodiments of the crown caps and/or which have in any case a circular portion designed to close, during capping, below the collar.

The versions of these solutions most commonly used, during uncapping, require the use of a tool for applying a force on the circular portion away from the neck of the container which deforms the closure cap so that it can be uncoupled from the neck and therefore from the container.

In addition to the need to use a tool, the user almost always requires, for the uncapping operation, the use of two hands or a supporting surface thanks to which it is possible to lock the container whilst uncoupling the closure cap from the neck.

There are solutions which do not require the use of an object outside the container-closure cap system.

For example, there are prior art solutions which comprise the presence of a series of threads on the neck of the container so that the closure cap functions during opening like a twist-off closure cap.

However, this solution requires a modification of the neck of the container, adding the thread, with respect to the majority of the necks of the prior art containers.

Another example of the prior art solution is that of the pull-off closure cap.

The closure cap comprises an upper shell from which extends a collar which is, during capping, turned over and closed under the annular collar of the neck of the bottle. The collar is connected to a tab or a gripping ring which extends substantially in a perpendicular fashion to the upper surface.

Lines of weakness are made at both the collar and the upper surface of the pull-off closure cap, which allow, when the ring is gripped by the user and moved upwards, an initial breakage of the collar, followed by a partial breakage of the upper surface, along the above-mentioned lines of weakness. This partial opening thereby allows the release of the closure cap, in its entirety, from the neck of the bottle.

This type of closure cap comprises, at least as regards the supper surface and the collar, the use of aluminium.

The partiality of the lines of weakness and their geometry are also designed to prevent a dividing of the cap which, even in the configuration after pulling off, remains configured in the form of a single body.

A seal is positioned at the inner face of the upper surface which comes into contact with the free edge of the neck of the bottle. This seal is made by moulding operations by means of a punch appropriately shaped and acting on a small volume of plastic material brought to the deformation temperature.

These solutions, however, also often require the use of both hands and/or have overall dimensions of the closure cap which are considerably greater than a crown cap due to the pull-off mechanism. Moreover, these solutions often require complex and elaborate production procedures.

Moreover, the prior art solutions, in particular the pull-off closure caps, have difficulty in finding the balance between the opening and sealing forces of the closure cap on the container. In fact, the need is felt that the container can be opened easily by a user by applying a force which is not particularly great, but it is also necessary that the closure cap does not open spontaneously due to any high pressures of the contents of the container.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide a closure cap which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

The aim of the invention is to provide a closing cap for containers which has a more facilitated opening with respect to the prior art.

In particular, another aim of the invention is to provide a closure cap for containers having a neck which can be opened by the user with a single hand and, in particular, with only the use of the thumb, with greater ease than in the prior art.

Brief description of drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a closure cap for containers according to the invention applied to the neck of a container;

Figures 2A and 2B are two different schematic views of the closure cap for containers according to the invention applied to the neck of a container;

Figure 2C is a cross section of the closure cap for containers according to the invention illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B;

Figure 3A is a schematic view of the closure cap for containers according to the invention; Figures 3B and 3C are cross sections of the closure cap for containers according to the invention illustrated in Figure 3A;

Figures 4A and 4B are, respectively, a top view and a bottom view of the closure cap for containers according to the invention;

Figures 5A and 5B are schematic perspective views of an exploded view of a closure cap for containers according to the invention, and of a container, according to two different embodiments.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a closure cap for containers 100 (hereinafter also referred to simply as closure cap 1 ), in particular for containers 100 having a neck 101 .

Preferably, the container 100 is a traditional bottle.

The neck 101 of the container 100 has an end portion 103.

Preferably, the end portion 103 forms an annular collar 104 protruding externally.

The closure cap 1 for containers 100 will preferably be applied to the end portion 103 of the neck 101 of the container 100.

The closure cap 1 comprises a base portion 2, configured to cover an opening 102 of the neck 101 of the container 100.

The base portion 2 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 102.

Preferably, the base portion 2 is circular in shape.

The closure cap 1 comprises a lateral wall 3 adjacent to the base portion 2, configured to wrap circumferentially around the end portion 103 of the neck 101 adjacent to the opening 102.

In other words, the lateral wall 3, during capping, can be turned over and closed on the end portion 103 of the neck 101 and in particular below the annular collar 104. The closure cap 1 is therefore firmly anchored to the neck 101 of the container 100. As in the prior art, during capping, the lower portion 14 of the lateral wall 3 undergoes a bending action towards the inside so as to stably associate the closure cap 1 with the neck 101 , and in particular with the annular collar 104, of the container 100.

In effect, the closure cap 1 originates from a flat sheet, preferably made of metal, even more preferably made of aluminium, which is deformed until forming a flat cylindrical body (also referred to as shell) open at the bottom and closed at the top by the base portion 2.

The flat sheet has a thickness S of between 0.10 mm and 0.30 mm, preferably between 0.14 mm and 0.25 mm, more preferably between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm, still more preferably equal to 0.21 mm.

In other words, at least the base portion 2 and the lateral wall 3 have a thickness S of between 0.10 mm and 0.30 mm, preferably between 0.14 mm and 0.25 mm, more preferably between 0.20 mm and 0.22 mm, still more preferably equal to 0.21 mm.

According to an aspect of the invention, the base portion 2 and the lateral wall 3 define, at their connection, an annular edge 15.

The annular edge 15 coincides with the outer circumference of the base portion 2, which has a diameter D.

According to the invention, the closure cap 1 comprises a seal 5 applied inside the base portion 2.

The seal 5 is configured for coupling with the opening 102 for determining a seal between the closure cap 1 and the container 100, in particular between the closure cap 1 and the neck 101 at the opening 102.

According to the invention, the lateral wall 3 and/or the base portion 2 have at least one pair of notches 4.

The notches 4 correspond to lines of weakness formed on the lateral wall 3 and/or on the base portion 2.

Preferably, the notches 4 are made by punching the material of which the closure cap 1 is made in such a way as to reduce the thickness S by a value which does not affect the mechanical seal of the closure cap 1 after capping operation.

At the same time, during opening, as described in more detail below, the notches 4 facilitate detachment of the closure cap 1 from the container 100.

Preferably, the depth of the notches 4, that is to say, the reduction of the thickness S at the notches 4, is between 0.01 mm and 0.18 mm, more preferably between 0.03 mm and 0.16 mm.

According to an aspect of the invention, the depth of the notches 4 is between 5% and 80% of the thickness S, more preferably between 10% and 70% of the thickness S.

According to a preferred embodiment, the depth of the notches 4 does not exceed two thirds of the thickness S.

It should be noted that the notches 4 are made on the lateral wall 3 and/or on the base portion 2 as internal, and not external, incisions, that is to say, on the side of the closure cap 1 which will, in the final use, face towards the neck 101 of the container 100.

Preferably, the extension of the notches 4 terminates before the outer edge of the lateral wall 3, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Advantageously, this prevents accidental opening of the closure cap 1 due to the pressure inside the container 100 to which the closure cap 1 is applied.

According to an embodiment, the notches 4 extend on the lateral wall 3 outside the annular edge 15, preferably along circular arcs outside the annular edge 15.

According to the invention, the closure cap 1 comprises an opening appendage 6.

The appendage 6 is, for example, a tab extending from the lateral wall 3 away from the base portion 2.

According to an aspect of the invention, the notches 4 comprise at least one portion 4A proximal to the opening appendage 6, having a first depth, and a portion 4B distal to the opening appendage 6, having a second depth.

Preferably, the first depth is less than the second depth.

More specifically, the notches 4 have at least a first reduction in the thickness S in the portion 4A proximal to the appendage 6 and a second reduction in the thickness S in the portion 4B distal to the appendage 6 and, preferably, the first reduction in the thickness S is less than the second reduction in the thickness S.

In short, according to a preferred embodiment, the closure cap 1 has notches 4 in the portion 4A proximal to the appendage 6 which are less deep than the notches 4 in the portion 4B distal to the appendage 6.

According to the invention, the opening appendage 6 comprises a first portion 7 extending from the lateral wall 3, close to the notches 4, away from the base portion 2.

The appendage 6 comprises a second portion 8 connected to the first portion 7.

The second portion 8 extends along the extension of the first portion 7.

More specifically, the first and second portions (7, 8) of the appendage 6 both extend away from the base portion 2.

The second portion 8 has an end 9 positioned inside the space 10 defined by the base portion 2 and the lateral wall 3.

In other words, the extension of the second portion 8 means that the end 9 is positioned inside the flat cylindrical body, or shell, open below and closed at the top by the base portion 2.

According to an aspect of the invention, the end 9 of the second portion 8 is configured to be positioned between the lateral wall 3 and the neck 101 of the container 100.

Preferably, the second portion 8 is positioned in such a way that a contact surface 11 is determined between the end 9 of the second portion 8 and the neck 101 of the container 100. Basically, during capping, the end 9 of the second portion 8 is closed between the lateral wall 3 of the closure cap 1 and the neck 101 of the container 100.

When the container is closed, that is to say, with the closure cap 1 firmly anchored to the container 100, the end 9 of the second portion 8 and at least part of the second portion 8 lie against the neck 101 of the container 100.

Basically, during capping, part of the second portion 8 is clipped to the lateral portion 3 and closed on the neck 101 of the container 100.

According to an aspect of the invention, the end 9 of the second portion 8 is configured to apply a force on the neck 101 of the container 100 following the pulling of said opening appendage 6.

It should be noted that the term “pulling” means a lifting force of the appendage 6, directed in the sense VM, that is to say, in a direction (towards the outside and upwards) which allows the material of the closure cap 100 to be detached, at the notches 4.

More specifically, in the case of force applied to the opening appendage 6 away from the neck 101 , the end 9 of the second portion 8 is configured to apply a force on the neck 101 .

According to an aspect of the invention, the second portion 8 is configured to make a second type lever following the application of an external driving force FM on the appendage.

As is known, a second type lever is a simple machine which can be schematically represented as a rigid rod having a pivot located at the end of the rod, a driving force applied at the other end of the rod and a resistant force applied between the pivot and the driving force.

The contact surface 11 between the end 9 of the second portion 8 and the neck 101 of the container 100 determines a pivot 12 of said second type lever.

The lateral wall 3 determines a resistant force FR on the opening appendage 6 in said second type lever. It should be noted that the force applied to the opening appendage 6 away from the neck 101 determines the driving force FM on said second type lever.

More specifically, with particular reference to Figure 2C, during opening the user applies a driving force FM on the opening appendage 6 away from the container 100 in a first direction VM; the appendage 6 operates as a second type lever, with pivot 12 in said contact surface 11 , opposing the resistant force FR applied by the lateral wall 3 towards the container 100 in a second direction VR.

It should be noted that Figure 2C shows a schematic and therefore nonlimiting example view.

Said lever made by means of the appendage 6 makes it easier to overcome the resistant force FR of the lateral wall 3 towards the container 100.

Overcoming the resistant force FR allows the closure cap 1 to be uncoupled from the neck 101 .

It should be noted that the application of said driving force FM to the appendage 6 results in a fracture of the lateral wall 3 at the notches 4. More specifically, by means of the lever described, the driving force FM makes it possible to overcome the resistance of the lateral wall 3 and to lift a flap of the closure cap 1 , that is to say, the part of the lateral wall 3 which breaks at the notches 4.

Advantageously, the breakages on the lateral wall 3 at the notches 4, extending close to the first portion 7, further facilitate the overcoming of the resistant force FR and therefore the opening of the container 100.

Advantageously, the notches 4 favour the detachment of the seal 5 from the end portion 103 of the neck 101 during opening, reducing the forces applied.

It should be noted that, during opening, the seal 5 remains attached only to the portion of the closure cap 1 which does not undergo the breakage. The closure cap 1 comprises a portion 4C extending between the end of the proximal portion 4A of the notches 4 and the first portion 7 of the appendage 6.

In other words, the proximal portion 4A of each notch 4 terminates at a distance from the portion 7 of the appendage 6 corresponding to the portion 4C.

Advantageously, the presence of the portion 4C prevents accidental opening of the closure cap 1 due, for example, to the pressure inside the container 100 to which the closure cap 1 is applied.

It should be noted that the distance between the end of the proximal portion 4A of the notches 4 and the first portion 7 of the appendage 6 is in the order of tenth of a millimetre.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the distance between the end of the proximal portion 4A of the notches 4 and the first portion 7 of the appendage 6 do not increase the resistant force FR in a significant manner. For this reason, more specifically, the portion 4C does not significantly oppose the driving force FM during opening and breaks as a continuation of the notch 4.

It should be noted that the lever made using the appendage 6 is physically advantageous and it is therefore sufficient to apply a driving force FM with a relatively low module with respect to the forces necessary according to the prior art to open the closure caps of containers having a neck.

For this reason, advantageously, the invention allows the closure cap 1 to be detached from the container 100 using a single hand.

In particular, the invention allows the closure cap 1 to be detached from the container 100 by using only the thumb. In effect, the closure cap 1 described in the invention allows a user who grips the neck 101 of the container 100 to apply with the thumb a force to the appendage 6 away from the neck 101 which is sufficient to open the container 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the base portion 2, the lateral wall 3, the first portion 7 and the second portion 8 are made of the same material, preferably metal, still more preferably made of aluminium.

According to an alternative embodiment, the opening appendage 6 is made of plastic material and the base portion 2 and the lateral wall 3 are made of metal.

According to further alternative embodiments, one between the first portion

7 and the second portion 8 is made of plastic material and the other between the second portion 8 and the first portion 7 is made of metal.

According to a first embodiment, the first portion 7 and the second portion

8 are separate elements which are rigidly connected to each other.

The connection between the first and second portions (7, 8) of the opening appendage 6 is made, for example, by sealing or by connecting means. The connecting means may be elastic elements, such as springs or the like, or rigid elements, such as, for example, metal wire.

According to a second embodiment, the first portion 7 and the second portion 8 constitute a single bent element 13.

In other words, the appendage 6 extends from the lateral wall 3 away from the base portion 2, is bent on itself and extends along the previous extension up to the end 9 positioned inside the space 10 defined by the base portion 2 and lateral wall 3, determining in this way the first portion 7 and the second portion 8.

According to an aspect, in this embodiment, the base portion 2, the lateral wall 3, the first portion 7 and the second portion 8 are made by means of a single moulding.

In short, the closure cap 1 is made by moulding in a single piece.

Advantageously, moulding in a single part facilitates the production of the closure cap 1 .

Advantageously, a single moulding eliminates the connections between the various elements of the closure cap 1 , consequently eliminating any defects due to these connections. Advantageously, due to the features described in the invention, the closure cap 1 does not require dedicated closing capping heads, and may be applied on prior art systems.

Claims

1. A closure cap for containers (100) having a neck (101 ), the closure cap comprising: a base portion (2), designed to cover an opening (102) of the neck (101 ) of the container (100), the neck (101 ) comprising an end portion (103), a lateral wall (3) adjacent to the base portion (2), configured for circumferentially wrapping around the end portion (103) of the neck (101 ) adjacent to the opening (102), the lateral wall (3) and/or the base portion (2) having a thickness (S) and having at least one pair of notches (4), a seal (5) applied inside the base portion (2) and designed for coupling with the opening (102) for determining a seal between the closure cap and the container (100), the closure cap being characterised in that it comprises an opening appendage (6), comprising: a first portion (7) extending from the lateral wall (3), close to said notches (4), away from the base portion (2) and a second portion (8) connected to the first portion (7); the second portion (8) extending along the extension of the first portion (7) and having an end (9) positioned inside a space (10) defined by the base portion (2) and the lateral wall (3).

2. The closure cap according to the preceding claim, wherein the end (9) of the second portion (8) is configured to be positioned between the lateral wall (3) and the neck (101 ) of the container (100).

3. The closure cap according to the preceding claim, wherein the end (9) of the second portion (8) is configured to apply a force on the neck

4. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (8) is configured for making a second type lever following the application of an external driving force (FM) on the appendage and wherein: a contact surface (11 ) between the end (9) of the second portion (8) and the neck (101 ) of the container (100) determines a pivot (12) of said lever; the lateral wall (3) determines a resistant force (FR) on the appendage (6).

5. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion (2), the lateral wall (3), the first portion (7) and the second portion (8) are made of the same material, preferably metal.

6. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness (S) of at least the base portion (2) and the lateral wall (3) is between 0.14 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably equal to 0.21 mm.

7. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notches (4) have a depth of between 0.01 mm and 0.18 mm, more preferably between 0.03 mm and 0.16 mm.

8. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notches (4) comprise at least one portion (4A) proximal to the opening appendage (6), having a first depth, and a portion (4B) distal to the opening appendage (6), having a second depth, the first depth being less than the second depth.

9. The closure cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (7) and the second portion (8) are separate elements which are rigidly connected to each other.

10. The closure cap according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion (7) and the second portion (8) constitute a single bent element (13).

11 . The closure cap according to the preceding claim, wherein the base portion (2), the lateral wall (3), the first portion (7) and the second portion (8) are made by a single moulding.