Lid assembly and container with lid

Abstract

[The technical problem to be solved] A cap assembly is provided, in which a nozzle cap can be rotated and properly installed on the nozzle portion of the cap body by screwing. Technical means to solve the problem With the nozzle cap 9 fitted inside the connecting portion 11a located at the front end of the rotating member 11, the nozzle cap 9 is installed so that it can rotate freely and rock freely around the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a. Furthermore, the angle range in which the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 can tilt relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a is greater in the front-rear direction of the connecting portion 11a than in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lid assembly and a lidded container. Prior Technology

[0002] Previously, there was a lidded container with a lid assembly mounted on an open upper part of the container body. The lid assembly includes: a cap body that seals the upper opening of the container body and has a nozzle portion communicating with the inside of the container body; a nozzle cap for opening and closing the front end of the nozzle portion; and a rotating member that is rotatably mounted on the cap body via a hinge portion; and the lid assembly is mounted so that the nozzle cap is rotatably mounted about an axis relative to the connecting portion when the nozzle cap is fitted inside the connecting portion provided on the front end of the rotating member (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage container comprising: a container body having an opening, and a cap covering the opening. The cap includes: a cap body; a drinking spout having a through hole on its inner side and protruding from the cap body in a cylindrical shape; a drinking spout cover, which can be mounted on the opening side of the drinking spout and is cylindrical; and a connecting member extending in one direction to connect the cap body and the drinking spout cover, and having a rigid plate shape such that the elastic deformation in the thickness direction does not exceed the thickness dimension. The drinking spout has a drinking spout-side threaded portion on its outer peripheral surface, and the drinking spout cover has a cover-side threaded portion on its inner peripheral surface that can be screwed onto the drinking spout-side threaded portion. The connecting member has a connecting portion and an annular retaining portion, the connecting portion being disposed at one end in one of the directions and rotatably connected to the cap body about a rotation axis orthogonal to the thickness direction of the connecting member along one of the directions. The annular retaining portion is disposed at the other end in one direction, surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the drinking spout cover, allowing the drinking spout cover to rotate about its axis. Between the inner peripheral surface of the retaining portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drinking spout cover, the drinking spout cover has an annular radial gap relative to the retaining portion. This annular radial gap includes a radial gap in one direction that allows movement along the longitudinal direction of the connecting member, i.e., one of the directions, and this radial gap in one direction is larger than the radial gap in the width direction included in the annular radial gap.

[0004] In the invention described in Patent Document 1 below, by rotating the connecting member around the rotation axis of the connecting part, when the drinking spout cover is installed on the opening side of the drinking spout, the threaded part on the cover side can be easily moved to a position that does not interfere with the drinking spout. Therefore, in a beverage container with a threaded part on the outer circumferential surface of the drinking spout and a connecting member that is not easily deformed, the installation of the drinking spout cover relative to the drinking spout becomes easier.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7387212 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1 above, when the drinking spout cover is installed on the drinking spout, the drinking spout cover traces an arc-shaped trajectory, approaching the protruding drinking spout from an obliquely upward position. In this case, the threads of the front end of the drinking spout and the female thread of the drinking spout cover may interfere, potentially preventing the female thread of the drinking spout cover from engaging with the male thread of the drinking spout.

[0007] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, an annular radial gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the retaining part and the outer peripheral surface of the drinking spout cover part to address this problem. The gap in the longitudinal direction (i.e., one direction) of the connecting member is made larger than the gap in the width direction. This prevents thread interference between the front end of the drinking spout part and the female threaded part of the drinking spout cover part, and makes it easier to install the drinking spout cover part relative to the drinking spout part.

[0008] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to make the gap in the longitudinal direction (one of the directions) of the aforementioned connecting structure greater than the gap in the width direction, the outer shape of the drinking spout cover becomes a perfect circle, while the inner shape of the retaining part becomes an ellipse. Therefore, in order to retain the drinking spout cover in a rotatable manner inside the retaining part, the aforementioned radial gap must be adjusted, and the plate thickness of the retaining part must be managed, or the radial dimension of the circular shape, which is prone to distortion during molding, must be managed, making manufacturing management difficult.

[0009] Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when the drinking spout cover is installed on the drinking spout, in order to prevent interference between the male threaded portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drinking spout located on the rear side (hinge side) in the longitudinal direction (one of the directions) and the drinking spout cover, the drinking spout must be positioned on the front side and the hinge portion on the rear side, thus making it difficult for the cover assembly to be a compact shape.

[0010] This invention addresses such conventional situations and aims to provide a cap assembly and a capped container. The cap assembly has a connecting portion provided at the front end of a rotating member of a cap body, which is rotatably mounted via a hinge. A nozzle cap is rotatably mounted inside the connecting portion. With this configuration, the cap assembly can be rotated while the nozzle cap is being fitted to the nozzle portion of the cap body via screwing, simplifying manufacturing processes and enabling a compact shape. The convenience of use is further enhanced in the capped container by incorporating this cap assembly.

[0011] [Means for Solving the Problem] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A lid assembly for mounting on an open upper portion of a container body, comprising: A cap body for sealing the upper opening of the container body, and having a nozzle portion communicating with the inside of the container body; A nozzle cap, which is detachably and removably installed on the nozzle portion via a screw thread, thereby switching on a nozzle orifice located at the front end of the nozzle portion; and A rotating component is rotatably mounted to the cap body via a hinge. With the nozzle cap fitted inside a connecting portion located at the front end of the rotating member, the nozzle cap can be freely rotated and swayed about the central axis of the connecting portion, and the angle range in which the central axis of the nozzle cap can tilt relative to the central axis of the connecting portion is greater in the front-rear direction than in the left-right direction. [2] As described in [1], the cover assembly has a locking portion provided throughout the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of the connecting portion. A locking portion is provided circumferentially on the outer periphery of the nozzle cap, and the locking portion engages with the locking portion. Between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, a gap is provided in the axial direction that allows the nozzle cap to move relative to the connecting portion. Furthermore, the gap is greater on the front-back side of the connecting part than on the left-right side. [3] As described in [2], the cover assembly is provided with the lower or upper surface of the engaging part facing the engaging part at an angle, so that the gap gradually increases from the left-right side position of the connecting part to the front-rear side position. [4] As described in [1], the cap assembly has a female threaded portion on the inner circumference of the nozzle cap. The outer periphery of the nozzle portion is provided with a male thread portion that engages with the female thread portion. The starting position for the engagement of the male threaded portion with respect to the female threaded portion is located in the front-back direction of the nozzle portion, excluding the opposing outer peripheral portions. [5] As described in [4], in the rotational direction of the nozzle cap centered on the central axis of the nozzle portion, the angle formed by the straight line connecting the central axis of the nozzle portion and the starting position of engagement located on the rear side of the male threaded portion, relative to the reference line passing through the front-rear direction of the central axis of the nozzle portion, is greater than the angle formed by the straight line connecting the central axis of the nozzle portion and the starting position of engagement located on the front side of the male threaded portion. [6] As described in [1], the cover assembly further includes an outer cover that is detachably mounted to the cover body while covering the nozzle cap, the rotating member and the hinge portion installed on the nozzle portion. [7] A lidded container comprising a lid assembly described in any one of [1] to [6] and a container body on which the lid assembly is mounted.

[0012] As described above, the present invention provides a cap assembly and a capped container. The cap assembly, configured such that a connecting portion is provided at the front end of the rotating member of the cap body via the hinge portion, and the nozzle cap is rotatably mounted inside the connecting portion, allows the nozzle cap to be rotated while the nozzle is screwed onto the nozzle portion of the cap body. Furthermore, the cap assembly is easy to manage during manufacturing and has a compact shape. The capped container, by having the cap assembly described above, further enhances ease of use. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0013] [Figure 1] shows a cross-sectional view of the structure of a lidded container having a lid assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] is a perspective view showing the nozzle cap of the nozzle section in a sealed position relative to the cap assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] is a perspective view showing the nozzle cap of the nozzle section in the open position relative to the cap assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] shows the nozzle cap of the nozzle part installed by screwing relative to the cover assembly shown in Figure 1. (A) is a cross-sectional view along its front-back direction, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the framed part X enlarged. [Figure 5] shows the nozzle cap installed by screwing relative to the nozzle part of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1. (A) is a cross-sectional view along its left and right direction, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the framed part Y enlarged. [Figure 6] shows the rotating component of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1. (A) is its perspective view, (B) is a cross-sectional view along its front-back direction, and (C) is a cross-sectional view along its left-right direction. [Figure 7] shows the nozzle cap of the cap assembly shown in Figure 1. (A) is its perspective view and (B) is its side view. [Figure 8] shows the nozzle cap covering the nozzle part of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1, and the central axis of the nozzle cap is most inclined in the front-back direction relative to the central axis of the connecting part. (A) is a side view along the front-back direction, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along the front-back direction. [Figure 9] is a side view along the left and right directions showing the rotating member and nozzle cap of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1, with the central axis of the nozzle cap most tilted in the left and right directions relative to the central axis of the connecting part. [Figure 10] is a top view showing the cap body of the cap assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] is a side view of the cover assembly in the same state as shown in Figure 2 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 12] is a cross-sectional view showing the outer cover of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1. [Fig. 13] shows the outer cover installed on the cap body with the nozzle cap of the nozzle part of the cap assembly shown in Fig. 1 fully screwed in. (A) is a cross-sectional view along the front-back direction and (B) is a cross-sectional view along the left-right direction. [Figure 14] is a cross-sectional view showing the outer cover installed after the cap body is installed, with the nozzle cap of the nozzle part of the cap assembly shown in Figure 1 not fully tightened. [Fig. 15] is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the outer cover cannot be installed on the cap body when the nozzle cap of the nozzle part of the cap assembly shown in Fig. 1 is not fully installed. Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures. As one embodiment of the present invention, a lidded container 100 having a lid assembly 1 shown in Figures 1 to 15 will be described, for example.

[0015] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a covered container 100 with a cover assembly 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the nozzle cap 9 in a sealed position relative to the nozzle portion 7 of the cover assembly 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the nozzle cap 9 in an open position relative to the nozzle portion 7 of the cover assembly 1. Figure 4 shows the nozzle cap 9 installed relative to the nozzle portion 7 of the cover assembly 1 via screwing, (A) is a cross-sectional view along its front-rear direction, and (B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the framed portion X. Figure 5 shows the nozzle cap 9 installed relative to the nozzle portion 7 of the cover assembly 1 via screwing, (A) is a cross-sectional view along its left-right direction, and (B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the framed portion Y. Figure 6 shows the rotating member 11 of the cover assembly 1, (A) is a perspective view of it, (B) is a cross-sectional view along its front-rear direction, and (C) is a cross-sectional view along its left-right direction. Figure 7 shows the nozzle cap 9 of the display cover assembly 1, (A) is its perspective view, and (B) is its side view. Figure 8 shows the nozzle cap 9 covering the nozzle portion 7 of the cover assembly 1, and the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 is most inclined in the front-rear direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a, (A) is a side view along the front-rear direction, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction. Figure 9 shows the rotating member 11 and the nozzle cap 9 of the display cover assembly 1, and the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 is most inclined in the left-right direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a. Figure 10 shows the upper surface view of the cap body 8 of the display cover assembly 1. Figure 11 shows the side view of the cover assembly 1 in the same state as shown in Figure 2 with the outer cover 12 removed. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer cover 12 of the display cover assembly 1. Figure 13 shows the outer cover 12 installed on the cap body 8 with the nozzle cap 9 of the nozzle part 7 relative to the cap assembly 1 fully screwed in. (A) is a cross-sectional view along the front-back direction, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along the left-right direction. Figure 14 shows the outer cover 12 installed on the cap body 8 with the nozzle cap 9 of the nozzle part 7 relative to the cap assembly 1 not fully screwed in. Figure 15 shows the outer cover 12 unable to be installed on the cap body 8 with the nozzle cap 9 of the nozzle part 7 relative to the cap assembly 1 not fully installed.

[0016] As shown in FIG1, the lidded container 100 of this embodiment includes a lid assembly 1 of this embodiment and a container body 2 that can be easily installed and removed from the lid assembly 1.

[0017] The covered container 100 is a beverage container. By means of the container body 2 having a vacuum insulation structure, the beverage (liquid) contained in the container body 2 can be kept cold (or warm).

[0018] Specifically, the container body 2 is made of a bottomed cylindrical outer container 3 and an inner container 4, for example, stainless steel or other materials. The outer container 3 houses the inner container 4, and the periphery of the openings of the two are joined together to form a double-layered container.

[0019] In addition, a vacuum insulation layer 5 is provided between the outer container 3 and the inner container 4. The vacuum insulation layer 5 can be formed, for example, in a chamber that has been depressurized to a high vacuum (evacuated), by sealing the degassing holes provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 3.

[0020] The container body 2 has a generally circular bottom 2a, a generally cylindrical body portion 2b that rises from the outer periphery of the bottom 2a, and a generally cylindrical neck 2c that narrows at the upper side of the body portion 2b.

[0021] The upper end of the neck 2c serves as the upper opening 2d of the container body 2, and has a circular opening. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the neck 2c (the upper side of the body portion 2b) of the container body 2 is more constricted than the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 2b. Moreover, an annular overhang 6 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the neck 2c, and this overhang 6 protrudes inwardly along the entire circumference of the container body 2.

[0022] Furthermore, although the lidded container 100 of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape, the shape of the lidded container 100 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to size or design. In addition, coating or printing can be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the container body 2.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment includes: a cap body 8 for sealing the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 and having a nozzle portion 7 communicating with the inner side of the container body 2; a nozzle cap 9 that can be freely installed and removed from the nozzle portion 7 by screwing, thereby opening and closing the liquid inlet 7a provided at the front end of the nozzle portion 7; a rotating member 11 that can be freely installed and rotated on the cap body 8 through a hinge portion 10, and the nozzle cap 9 is rotatably installed on the inner side of the connecting portion 11a provided at its front end, relative to the connecting portion 11a; and an outer cover 12 that, while covering the nozzle cap 9, the rotating member 11, and the hinge portion 10 installed on the nozzle portion 7, is freely installed and removed from the cap body 8 by screwing.

[0024] Furthermore, in the following description, the "vertical direction" of the upright cover assembly 1 (covered container 100) will sometimes be described as the "central axis direction" or "axial direction". In the radial direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the "vertical direction (axial direction)," the side where the hinge portion 10 is located is referred to as the "rear side" of the cover assembly 1 (covered container 100), and conversely, the side where the nozzle portion 7 is located, opposite to the hinge portion 10, is referred to as the "front side." The direction connecting the two is referred to as the "front-rear direction," and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the "left-right direction." Furthermore, the front and rear positions in the front-rear direction are uniformly referred to as the "front-rear direction side," and the individual right and left positions in the left-right direction are uniformly referred to as the "left-right direction side."

[0025] The cap body 8 has: a peripheral wall portion 8a, made of, for example, heat-resistant resin, which is formed in a generally cylindrical shape in a manner continuous with the body portion 2b of the container body 2 and covers the entire circumference of the outer periphery; an upper wall portion 8b, which covers the upper part of the peripheral wall portion 8a; and an inner wall portion 8c, which protrudes in a generally cylindrical shape from the lower surface of the upper wall portion 8b in a manner that is fitted into the inner side of the container body 2 from the upper opening portion 2d.

[0026] The cap body 8 is detachably and removably installed on the neck 2c of the container body 2 by means of screwing. Therefore, a first male threaded portion 13 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the neck 2c (the upper side of the body portion 2b). On the other hand, a first female threaded portion 14 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 8a of the cap body 8, which engages with the first male threaded portion 13.

[0027] The nozzle 7 is located in front of the hinge 10 of the upper wall 8b and protrudes upward in a generally cylindrical shape, penetrating the upper wall 8b in a vertical direction. In addition, a liquid inlet 7a with a circular opening is provided on the front end (upper end) side of the nozzle 7, which serves as a drinking or pouring port.

[0028] In other words, when the cap body 8 is installed on the neck 2c of the container body 2, it blocks the upper opening 2d of the container body 2 and connects the inside and outside of the container body 2 through the nozzle 7 (liquid inlet 7a).

[0029] A water-stop gasket 15 can be detachably installed on the lower inner surface of the cap body 8. The water-stop gasket 15 is a sealing member used to seal (water seal) between the container body 2 and the cap body 8, and is made of an elastic member such as heat-resistant silicone or an elastomer.

[0030] The water-stopping gasket 15 has a stepped shape formed along the lower surface of the upper wall portion 8b, the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall portion 8c, and the lower end surface, and is cylindrical and annular in shape. The water-stopping gasket 15 contacts the lower surface of the upper wall portion 8b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall portion 8c, is slightly separated from the lower end surface of the inner wall portion 8c, and is fitted into the lower surface of the inner side of the cap body 8 in a state of covering from below.

[0031] On the other hand, the waterproofing gasket 15 can be removed from the lower inner surface of the cap body 8 by its own elastic deformation (stretching). Thus, the waterproofing gasket 15 and the cap body 8 can be cleaned separately, and the waterproofing gasket 15 and the cap body 8 can be hygienically maintained.

[0032] Furthermore, an elastic flange portion 15a protruding along the entire circumference in the expansion direction is provided at the upper end of the water-stop gasket 15. When the cap body 8 is installed to the container body 2, the elastic flange portion 15a can elastically deform while its upper surface side is fully sealed to the lower surface of the upper wall portion 8b, and its lower surface side is fully sealed to the upper opening portion 2d. Thus, a liquid-tight seal (water seal) can be achieved between the cap body 8 and the container body 2.

[0033] The nozzle cap 9 is made of heat-resistant resin, for example, and has: a peripheral wall portion 9a, which is generally cylindrical; a top wall portion 9b, which covers the upper part of the peripheral wall portion 9a; a flange portion 9f, which extends outward from the outer periphery of the middle part of the peripheral wall portion 9a; and a plurality of protrusions 9g, which intermittently protrude outward from the lower end side outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 9a.

[0034] The rotating member 11 has a connecting part 11a, which is made of, for example, heat-resistant resin. Its base end is rotatably mounted to the cap body 8 through the hinge part 10, and its front end opening is approximately circular.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4(A), (B) and 5(A), (B), the nozzle cap 9 is installed such that, when it is embedded inside the connecting part 11a of the rotating member 11, it can rotate freely about the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a and can swing freely around the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a.

[0036] Furthermore, the term "shaking" as used here refers to any movement of the nozzle cap 9 in the up-down direction, in the radial direction, or tilting of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX2 of the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a, or a combination thereof, while maintaining the nozzle cap 9 in the state of being fitted inside the connecting part 11a.

[0037] Specifically, the inner periphery of the connecting portion 11a is provided with a engaging protrusion 16 as an engaging portion. On the other hand, the outer periphery of the nozzle cap 9 is provided with an engaging recess 17 as an engaging portion, which engages with the engaging protrusion 16.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), the engaging protrusion 16 is configured to protrude inward from the inner circumference of the upper end side of the connecting portion 11a. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the engaging recess 17 is formed between the flange portion 9f of the nozzle cap 9 and the plurality of protrusions 9g, and is recessed inward throughout the entire circumference.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(A), (B) and 5(A), (B), between the engaging protrusion 16 and engaging recess 17, there is an upper and lower clearance (freeway) Sh that allows the nozzle cap 9 to tilt relative to the central axis of the connecting part 11a and to move along its central axis.

[0040] Furthermore, the vertical gap Sh is larger in the front-back direction than in the left-right direction of the connecting portion 11a. Further, the lower or upper surface (lower surface 16a in this embodiment) of the engaging protrusion 16 and the engaging recess 17 are inclined relative to each other, so that the gap Sh gradually increases from the left-right direction of the connecting portion 11a towards the front-back direction.

[0041] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4(B) and 5(B), the vertical gap Sh is the difference (H2-H1) between the vertical width H1 of the engaging protrusion 16 and the vertical width H2 of the engaging recess 17.

[0042] The vertical width H2 of the engaging recess 17 is the length from the lower end of the flange 9f of the nozzle cap 9 to the upper end of the plurality of protrusions 9g. Since the lower surface of the flange 9f extends horizontally outward and the plurality of protrusions 9g are also arranged horizontally, the vertical width H2 of the engaging recess 17 is constant throughout the circumference of the nozzle cap 9.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 6(B) and (C), the vertical width H1 of the engaging protrusion 16 is smaller in the front-back direction than the left-right direction side of the connecting portion 11a. That is, the lower surface 16a of the engaging protrusion 16 is inclined in the circumferential direction so that the vertical width H1 of the engaging protrusion 16 gradually increases from the front-back direction side of the connecting portion 11a to the left-right direction side.

[0044] Therefore, the vertical width H1a of the engaging protrusion 16 at the front-rear side of the connecting part 11a is smaller than the vertical width H1b of the engaging protrusion 16 at the left-right side of the connecting part 11a. <H1b)。

[0045] Therefore, the vertical gap Sh1 (H2-H1a) at the front-to-back side of the connecting part 11a is greater than the vertical gap Sh2 (H2-H1b) at the left-to-right side of the connecting part 11a (Sh1>Sh2).

[0046] While this embodiment configures the lower surface 16a of the engagement protrusion 16 to be inclined in the circumferential direction, it is also possible to configure the upper surface of the engagement protrusion 16 to be inclined in the circumferential direction, so that the gap Sh is larger in the front-rear direction side than in the left-right direction side of the connecting portion 11a.

[0047] However, regarding the radial clearance (freeway) between the engaging protrusion 16 and the engaging recess 17, when the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a coincides with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9, the clearance is constant (uniform) throughout the entire circumference.

[0048] That is, the radial clearance (freeway) Sd of the connecting part 11a in the front-rear direction shown in Figure 4(B) and the radial clearance (freeway) Sw of the connecting part 11a in the left-right direction shown in Figure 5(B) are the same in size (Sd=Sw) when the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a and the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 are aligned.

[0049] Therefore, the inner diameter of the engaging protrusion 16 of the connecting portion 11a is larger than the outer diameter of the engaging recess 17 of the nozzle cap 9, and they have a constant diameter and are formed as a perfect circle.

[0050] In the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, with the engaging protrusion 16 engaged in the engaging recess 17, the nozzle cap 9 is mounted so that it can rotate freely about an axis relative to the connecting portion 11a, and the nozzle cap 9 is mounted so that it can tilt relative to the connecting portion 11a, the degree of tilt depending on the size of the vertical gap Sh (Sh1, Sh2), and it can move in the direction of its central axis (vertical direction). Furthermore, the nozzle cap 9 is mounted so that it can move radially relative to the connecting portion 11a, the degree of which depends on the size of the radial gaps Sd, Sw.

[0051] Therefore, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, the nozzle cap 9 is installed so that it can rotate freely about the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a, and the nozzle cap 9 is installed so that it can swing freely around the entire circumference of the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a.

[0052] That is, when the nozzle cap 9 is fitted inside the connecting part 11a, the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 can be tilted relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a.

[0053] Furthermore, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, the tilting degree of the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a in the front-back direction is greater than that in the left-right direction. That is, as shown in Figures 8(A) and (B), the tilting angle range θ1 of the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a in the front-back direction is greater than the tilting angle range θ2 of the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 9.

[0054] Furthermore, the angle range θ1 and θ2 that the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 can tilt relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a is managed by the gap Sh (Sh1 and Sh2) in the upper and lower directions between the above-mentioned engaging protrusion 16 and engaging recess 17.

[0055] On the other hand, if the angular ranges θ1 and θ2 are managed by the radial gaps Sd and Sw between the aforementioned engaging protrusion 16 and engaging recess 17, then because the connecting part 11a is circular, it is easily affected by radial deformation during forming, resulting in unstable dimensional management.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover assembly 1 uses the gap Sh (Sh1, Sh2) between the engaging protrusion 16 and the engaging recess 17 in the vertical direction to manage the angle range θ1, θ2 that the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 can tilt relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a, thereby making management easier during manufacturing.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the nozzle cap 9 of this embodiment can be rotated vertically together with the rotating member 11 between the position of blocking the liquid inlet 7a of the nozzle section 7 and the position of opening the liquid inlet 7a of the nozzle section 7. Furthermore, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, the nozzle cap 9 can be screwed onto the nozzle section 7 by rotating it around an axis from the state where it covers the nozzle section 7.

[0058] Therefore, a second female threaded portion 18 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 9a (nozzle cap 9). On the other hand, a second male threaded portion 19 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle portion 7, which engages with the second female threaded portion 18.

[0059] The second female thread portion 18 and the second male thread portion 19 are composed of double-stranded threads with complementary shapes. By using double-stranded threads, the nozzle cap 9 can be disassembled and installed relative to the nozzle portion 7 with less rotation (approximately 180° in this embodiment).

[0060] Specifically, in the aforementioned double-threaded configuration, there are two points where the second female thread portion 18 and the second male thread portion 19 begin to engage. That is, the pair of threads constituting the second female thread portion 18 and the pair of threads constituting the second male thread portion 19 are formed by spiraling outwards with a predetermined pitch.

[0061] Specifically, regarding the second female thread portion 18, the starting end 18a of one thread and the starting end 18b of the other thread constituting the pair of threads are respectively configured to have a 180° phase difference around the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9. That is, the starting end 18a and the starting end 18b of the second female thread portion 18 are positioned in a position that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9.

[0062] On the other hand, regarding the second male threaded portion 19, the starting end 19a of one thread and the starting end 19b of the other thread constituting the pair of threads are arranged in a manner that does not have a 180° phase difference around the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7. That is, the starting end 19a and the starting end 19b of the second male threaded portion 19 are arranged in a position that is rotationally asymmetrical relative to the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7.

[0063] In the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 10, the starting ends 19a and 19b of the second male threaded portion 19 are provided in the front-to-back direction of the nozzle portion 7 as the starting position for engagement with the second female threaded portion 18, except for the opposite front and rear outer peripheral portions, and the thread of the second male threaded portion 19 is provided in the circumferential direction covering the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle portion 7 except for the front and rear sides.

[0064] Therefore, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, since the second male thread 19 is not provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle part 7, when the rotating member 11 is rotated relative to the cap body 8 toward the nozzle part 7 and the nozzle cap 9 is used to cover the nozzle part 7, the threads of the second female thread 18 and the threads of the second male thread 19 can be prevented from interfering on the rear side, and the nozzle cap 9 can be properly guided to the starting position of engagement.

[0065] Furthermore, by avoiding interference between the threads of the second female thread portion 18 and the second male thread portion 19 on the rear side, the distance between the nozzle portion 7 and the hinge portion 10 can be brought closer together. Accordingly, the nozzle portion 7 and the hinge portion 10 can be housed inside the outer cover 12, so that the cover assembly 1 can be realized as a compact structure.

[0066] On the other hand, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, since the second male thread 19 is not provided on the outer periphery in front of the nozzle 7, when drinking beverage (liquid) in the container body 2 through the nozzle 7, the second male thread 19 will not hinder the taste of the nozzle 7, thus achieving a good taste.

[0067] Furthermore, a vertical clearance (freeway) is provided between the mutually screwed second male threaded portion 19 and the second female threaded portion 18. As a result, when the second male threaded portion 19 is screwed into the second female threaded portion 18, the nozzle cap 9 can move relative to the nozzle portion 7 in the axial direction (vertical direction) according to the size of the clearance.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4(A), (B) and 5(A), (B), the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment rotates the rotating member 11 relative to the cap body 8 toward the nozzle part 7. From the state where the nozzle cap 9 covers the nozzle part 7, by rotating the nozzle cap 9 to one side around the axis (clockwise in the top view), the second male thread part 19 and the second female thread part 18 are screwed together.

[0069] At this time, although the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a is tilted relative to the central axis AX3 of the nozzle part 7 in the front-back direction, since the nozzle cap 9 is installed so that it can swing freely in the front-back direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a, the second male thread part 19 and the second female thread part 18 can be smoothly screwed together when the central axis AX3 of the nozzle part 7 is aligned with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9.

[0070] In other words, in order for the second male threaded portion 19 and the second female threaded portion 18 to engage smoothly, the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 must be aligned with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9.

[0071] On the other hand, since the nozzle cap 9 is mounted obliquely above the nozzle part 7 while rotating the rotating member 11 relative to the cap body 8 toward the nozzle part 7, the central axis AX3 of the nozzle part 7 is not aligned with the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a. In particular, the rotating member 11 is made of a highly rigid resin such as polypropylene, and it cannot undergo significant elastic deformation.

[0072] In contrast, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, the nozzle cap 9 is mounted so that it can swing freely around the entire circumference relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a. This allows the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9 to be tilted in the front-back direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting portion 11a, while maintaining the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 aligned with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9, thereby smoothly engaging the second male thread portion 19 with the second female thread portion 18.

[0073] In the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG10, when the cap body 8 is viewed from the top view, in the rotation direction of the nozzle cap 9 centered on the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7, the angle α formed by the straight line T1 connecting the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 and the starting position of the engagement located on the front side of the second male threaded portion 19, i.e., one of the starting ends 19a, relative to the reference line T0 in the front-rear direction passing through the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7, is smaller than the angle β formed by the straight line T2 connecting the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 and the starting position of the engagement located on the rear side of the second male threaded portion 19, i.e., the other starting end 19b (α<β).

[0074] Specifically, one of the starting ends 19a and the other starting end 19b of the second male threaded portion 19 are positioned in a rotationally asymmetrical manner relative to the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7. That is, one starting end 19a is located at a position rotated by an angle α from the foremost end of the nozzle portion 7. Conversely, the other starting end 19b is located at a position rotated by an angle β from the rearmost end of the nozzle portion 7, and the angle β is set to be greater than the angle α.

[0075] Here, the second female thread portion 18 and the second male thread portion 19 are composed of the aforementioned double-strand threads. When using double-strand threads, it is possible that only one thread in a pair of threads engages while the other thread fails to engage, i.e., a so-called one-sided engagement situation, which may cause the second female thread portion 18 and the second male thread portion 19 to fail to engage properly.

[0076] In particular, since the nozzle cap 9 covers the nozzle part 7 from an oblique upper position when the rotating member 11 rotates relative to the cap body 8 toward the nozzle part 7, the starting position of engagement of the nozzle part 7 near the rear side of the hinge part 10 is more likely to start engagement earlier than the starting position of engagement of the nozzle part 7 far from the hinge part 10, and a one-sided engagement situation is more likely to occur.

[0077] In contrast, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, by setting angle β to be greater than angle α, compared to setting angle α and angle β to be the same, or setting angle α to be greater than angle β, the starting point of engagement on the rear side of the nozzle portion 7 is delayed further, and the starting point of engagement on the front side of the nozzle portion 7 is advanced.

[0078] Therefore, the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment can synchronize the start of the screw engagement on the rear side of the nozzle part 7 with the start of the screw engagement on the front side, and prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned one-sided engagement.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in FIG10, in this embodiment of the cap assembly 1, when the cap body 8 is viewed from the top view, the front-to-back distance L between the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 and one of the starting ends 19a located on the front side of the nozzle portion 7 is greater than the front-to-back distance M between the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 and the other starting end 19b located on the rear side of the nozzle portion 7 (L>M).

[0080] In this way, similar to setting angle β to be greater than angle α, the start of engagement on the rear side of nozzle section 7 can be delayed, and the start of engagement on the front side of nozzle section 7 can be advanced, preventing the occurrence of the aforementioned one-sided engagement. Furthermore, in the second male thread section 19, the engagement allowance of the thread starting from one of the starting ends 19a is kept larger than that of the thread starting from the other starting end 19b.

[0081] Furthermore, the angle α is preferably set to 20°~70°, more preferably 30°~60°. On the other hand, the angle β is preferably set to approximately 0.5°~8° compared to the angle α. Since the second male threaded portion 19 is not provided on the outer periphery in the direction before and after the nozzle portion 7, the aforementioned one-sided engagement is likely to occur when the angles α and β are too small. Conversely, if the angles α and β are too large, the thread engagement allowance between the second male threaded portion 19 and the second female threaded portion 18 is reduced, making it difficult to ensure the engagement strength.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the cover assembly 1, as the rotating member 11 rotates relative to the cover body 8 toward the nozzle portion 7, the nozzle cap 9 is positioned obliquely above the nozzle portion 7. In this embodiment of the cover assembly 1, the range θ2 of the tilt angle relative to the central axis AX1 of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX2 of the connecting portion 11a in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 9, is reduced, while the range θ1 of the tilt angle relative to the central axis AX1 of the nozzle cap 9 relative to the central axis AX2 of the connecting portion 11a in the front-back direction, as shown in FIG. 8, is increased. That is, in this embodiment of the cover assembly 1, the angle range θ1 is greater than the angle range θ2. As a result, the occurrence of the aforementioned one-sided engagement can be more effectively suppressed.

[0083] In other words, when the nozzle cap 9 is screwed onto the nozzle part 7, in order to make the central axis AX3 of the nozzle part 7 coincide with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9, it is advisable to set the tilting angle range θ1 of the nozzle cap 9 in the front-back direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a to be large; while in order to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned one-sided engagement, it is advisable to set the tilting angle range θ2 of the nozzle cap 9 in the left-right direction relative to the central axis AX1 of the connecting part 11a to be as small as possible.

[0084] As described above, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, by aligning the central axis AX3 of the nozzle portion 7 with the central axis AX2 of the nozzle cap 9, the second male thread portion 19 on the nozzle portion 7 side and the second female thread portion 18 on the nozzle cap 9 side can avoid one-sided engagement and properly begin screwing.

[0085] Furthermore, at the position where the second male threaded portion 19 and the second female threaded portion 18 are screwed together, the nozzle cap 9 can be fixed to the nozzle portion 7.

[0086] On the other hand, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, from this state onwards, by rotating the nozzle cap 9 to the other side of the axis (counterclockwise in the top view), the engagement between the second male threaded portion 19 and the second female threaded portion 18 can be released, and the nozzle cap 9 can be removed from the nozzle portion 7.

[0087] As shown in Figures 1, 4(A), and 5(A), a plug gasket 20 is detachably installed on the lower surface of the top wall portion 9b of the nozzle cap 9. The plug gasket 20 is a sealing member used to seal the liquid inlet 7a, and is made of elastic members such as heat-resistant rubber or elastomers, for example.

[0088] The plug gasket 20 has a generally cylindrical insert portion 20a, a plug portion 20b that protrudes throughout the circumference from the lower end of the insert portion 20a in the direction of increasing diameter, and a protrusion portion 20c that protrudes downward from the center of the plug portion 20b. In addition, an increasing diameter portion 20d that increases throughout the circumference is provided on the upper front end side of the insert portion 20a.

[0089] On the other hand, the nozzle cap 9 has a hole 9c that extends through the center of the top wall portion 9b in the vertical direction. At the lower end of the hole 9c, there is a circular protrusion 9d that protrudes downward from the top wall portion 9b throughout the entire circumference. On the other hand, along the upper side of the hole 9c, there is a diameter-reduced portion 9e.

[0090] When the insert 20a is inserted into the hole 9c from below, the insert 20a is fitted onto the lower surface of the top wall 9b by the engagement of the enlarged portion 20d of the insert 20a with the reduced portion 9e of the hole 9c.

[0091] In this embodiment, the cap assembly 1 can be easily installed on the lower surface (lower surface of the top wall portion 9b) of the nozzle cap 9 by pushing it upward from the inside of the nozzle cap 9 while the protrusion 20c of the plug pad 20 is being pinched.

[0092] On the other hand, in the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, the plug pad 20 can be easily removed from the lower surface (lower surface of the top wall portion 9b) inside the nozzle cap 9 by pulling it downward while holding the protrusion 20c of the plug pad 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the plug gasket 20 removed from the nozzle cap 9 can be washed separately from the nozzle cap 9, thus maintaining a hygienic relationship between the plug gasket 20 and the nozzle cap 9.

[0094] Furthermore, in order for the insert 20a to be inserted into the hole 9c, the insert 20a needs to have a certain degree of rigidity. Therefore, the bolt gasket 20 is preferably a solid component with no voids inside the insert 20a. On the other hand, the interior of the insert 20a of the bolt gasket 20 can also be hollow to reduce material usage and achieve weight reduction. In this case, a material with appropriate hardness needs to be selected to ensure rigidity.

[0095] Furthermore, with the insert portion 20a inserted into the hole portion 9c, the plug gasket 20 is installed on the lower inner surface of the nozzle cap 9. This ensures that even if the nozzle cap 9 blocks the liquid inlet 7a of the nozzle portion 7, the insert portion 20a (expanded diameter portion 20d) will still be exposed, allowing for visual confirmation that the plug gasket 20 has been installed. This makes it easy to confirm that no plug gasket 20 has been omitted from installation.

[0096] The protrusion 20c can enter the inside of the nozzle 7 from the liquid inlet 7a and protrude downward to a degree that it can be pinched by fingers. In addition, to facilitate pinching by fingers, the protrusion 20c is formed in a flat shape, for example.

[0097] Furthermore, at the front (lower) end of the protrusion 20c, a flat, long side protrudes as a flange 20e in the expanding direction. The function of the flange 20e is to prevent slippage when the protrusion 20c is pinched by the fingers and to allow the fingers to hook it.

[0098] Furthermore, the lower end of the protrusion 20c is located above the lower end of the nozzle cap 9 and below the central axis of the hinge portion 10. If the protrusion 20c is too long, it will be difficult for the protrusion 20c to enter the inside of the nozzle portion 7 from the liquid inlet 7a when the nozzle cap 9 covers the nozzle portion 7; conversely, if it is too short, it will be difficult to pinch.

[0099] In the cap assembly 1 of this embodiment, when the nozzle cap 9 blocks the liquid inlet 7a of the nozzle section 7, the plug 20b is in close contact with the liquid inlet 7a located on the front end side of the nozzle section 7 around the entire circumference.

[0100] Here, the plug portion 20b has a hemispherical shape with a convex lower part, and an upper rib 20f that is concentric with the insert portion 20a and protrudes upward. When the plug gasket 20 is installed on the lower surface of the inner side of the nozzle cap 9, the circular protrusion 9d is inserted into the valley between the insert portion 20a and the upper rib 20f.

[0101] Therefore, when the plug portion 20b is in close contact with the front end side of the nozzle portion 7, the plug portion 20b is pressed from above by the circular protrusion 9d, and the upper end of the upper rib portion 20f abuts against the lower surface side of the top wall portion 9b.

[0102] Therefore, the central side (protrusion 20c side) of the plug 20b is less likely to elastically deform upwards, while only the outer peripheral side of the plug 20b that abuts against the front end side of the nozzle 7 can elastically deform and flex.

[0103] Furthermore, since the actual bending length of the plug portion 20b is shortened, and it is pressed from above by the circular protrusion 9 and from below by the front end side of the nozzle portion 7, it can more strongly seal against the periphery of the front end side of the nozzle portion 7. In this way, the liquid inlet 7a can be reliably sealed through the plug gasket 20.

[0104] The outer cover 12 is made of, for example, heat-resistant resin and has a generally circular bottom wall portion 12a and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 12b that rises upward (or downward in Figure 1) from around the bottom wall portion 12a, forming a cylindrical bottom overall. The outer cover 12 protects the upper part of the covered container 100 and can be used as a cup to pour and drink beverages poured from the liquid inlet 7a.

[0105] The outer cover 12 is mounted to the cap body 8 with its bottom wall portion 12a facing upwards by screwing on. Therefore, a third male thread portion 21 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 8a of the cap body 8. On the other hand, a third female thread portion 22 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 12b of the outer cover 12, which engages with the third male thread portion 21.

[0106] The third male thread portion 21 and the third female thread portion 22 are composed of double-stranded threads with complementary shapes that are not inclined to each other. When using double-stranded threads, the outer cover 12 can be disassembled and assembled relative to the cap body 8 with less rotation operation (approximately 180° in this embodiment).

[0107] Furthermore, the third male thread portion 21 and the third female thread portion 22 do not extend in a spiral shape, but are configured to engage (lock) with each other in the horizontal direction.

[0108] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the third male threaded portion 21 is formed by horizontally slotting grooves that are opposite to each other on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 8a. Furthermore, a locking protrusion 23 protruding from the inner side of the threaded groove is provided before the end of the third male threaded portion 21 (near the end). Additionally, a step portion 8d is provided on the outer circumference of the cap body 8, allowing the opening 12c of the outer cover 12 to abut against it. This step portion 8d is arranged outwards and downwards throughout the entire circumference.

[0109] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, the third female threaded portion 22 is composed of threads that protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 12b in a horizontal direction with opposing positions. In front of the end of the third female threaded portion 22 (near the end), there is a locking recess 24 formed by slotting a part of the thread.

[0110] In the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, from the state where the outer cover 12 is covered on the cap body 8, at the position where the opening 12c of the outer cover 12 abuts against the step portion 8d, the third male thread portion 21 and the third female thread portion 22 are screwed together by rotating the outer cover 12 to one side around the axis (clockwise in the top view).

[0111] At the point where the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 are fully engaged, the locking protrusion 23 engages with the locking recess 24, thereby preventing the outer cover 12 from unintentionally falling off or loosening, and providing a clicking sensation when flipped over, while simultaneously securing the outer cover 12 to the cap body 8. More specifically, the front end of the third female thread 22 (the part on the right side of the locking recess 24 in Figure 12 that is separated) flips over the locking protrusion 23 and locks the locking protrusion 23 into the locking recess 24, thereby providing a clicking sensation.

[0112] On the other hand, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, from this state, by rotating the outer cover 12 to the other side of the axis (considered as counterclockwise in the top view), the locking state of the locking recess 24 and the locking protrusion 23 is first released, and then the engagement (locking) of the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 is released, and the outer cover 12 can be removed from the cap body 8.

[0113] In the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment having the above configuration, as shown in Figures 13(A) and (B), when the nozzle cap 9 is fully screwed and locked to the nozzle part 7, the outer cover 12 is installed to the cap body 8 and the outer cover 12 and the nozzle cap 9 are in a non-contact state.

[0114] On the other hand, regarding the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG14, the case where the outer cover 12 is installed on the cover body 8 is described when the nozzle cap 9 is only partially locked to the nozzle part 7 during the screwing process.

[0115] First, by slightly rotating the nozzle cap 9 to one side of the axis (clockwise in the top view), a portion of the second male thread 19 and the second female thread 18 are brought into a state of initial engagement. During this engagement, the second male thread 19 and the second female thread 18 are not yet fully engaged, and the seal between the plug portion 20b of the plug gasket 20 and the periphery of the front end of the nozzle portion 7 is weak. Therefore, the plug gasket 20 cannot reliably seal the liquid inlet 7a. For example, if the capped container 100A is inverted or shaken violently, the beverage (liquid) contained in the container body 2 may leak from the liquid inlet 7a into the inner side of the outer cap 12.

[0116] On the other hand, from this state onwards, since the outer cover 12 is installed on the cap body 8, the outer cover 12 abuts against the nozzle cap 9 from above, and the outer cover 12 abutting against the nozzle cap 9 presses the nozzle cap 9 downwards. Specifically, the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 12a of the outer cover 12 abuts against the upper surface of the top wall portion 9b of the nozzle cap 9, and in this state, the outer cover 12 is pushed downwards as shown in FIG. 14, while rotating the cover 12 toward one side of the axis (clockwise in the top view), thereby making the third male thread portion 21 and the third female thread portion 22 mutually engaged (locked).

[0117] At this time, the nozzle cap 9 will push the nozzle part 7 downwards by a gap (clearance) in the vertical direction between the second male thread part 19 and the second female thread part 18. As a result, the plug part 20b of the plug gasket 20 will bend due to elastic deformation, and the plug gasket 20 will be pressed to the liquid inlet 7a.

[0118] Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover assembly 1 can be in an insufficiently tight state during the screwing of the nozzle cap 9 onto the nozzle part 7, and the liquid inlet 7a located at the front end of the nozzle part 7 can be sealed by the plug gasket 20.

[0119] On the other hand, as shown in FIG15, in the cover assembly 1 of this embodiment, the case in which the outer cover 12 is installed on the cover body 8 before the nozzle cap 9 is completely screwed into the nozzle part 7 is explained.

[0120] First, the nozzle cap 9 is positioned so that it covers the front end of the nozzle portion 7. In this position, the second female thread 18 is placed on top of the second male thread 19, and the second male thread 19 and the second female thread 18 are not fully engaged. Before engagement, the plug portion 20b of the plug gasket 20 is not tightly sealed to the front end of the nozzle portion 7, or if it is, the seal is very weak. Therefore, the plug gasket 20 cannot seal the liquid inlet 7a. For example, if the capped container 100A is inverted or shaken violently, the beverage (liquid) inside the container body 2 may leak from the liquid inlet 7a to the inside of the outer cap 12.

[0121] If the outer cover 12 is attempted to be installed on the cap body 8 in this state, the lower surface of the second female threaded part 18 abuts against the upper surface of the second male threaded part 19, and the third male threaded part 21 and the third female threaded part 22 interfere with each other, resulting in the outer cover 12 being unable to be screwed (locked) onto the cap body 8.

[0122] Therefore, in this embodiment, before the nozzle cap 9 is fully screwed onto the nozzle part 7, the outer cover 12 cannot be installed onto the cap body 8. In this situation, it can be recognized that the nozzle cap 9 is not fully installed onto the nozzle part 7, thereby reminding the user to re-tighten the nozzle cap 9 or avoid carrying the covered container 100A, etc.

[0123] Here, the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 are not formed in a spiral shape like ordinary threads, but are configured to screw (lock) each other in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the position of the outer cover 12 installed on the cap body 8 in the vertical direction can be clearly defined.

[0124] If the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 are helically threaded, the outer cover 12 will move downwards as it rotates relative to the cap body 8, as soon as there is a slight hook and the screwing begins. Therefore, if the outer cover 12 is installed in an insufficiently tight state during the screwing of the nozzle cap 9 onto the nozzle part 7, the outer cover 12 will rotate and move downwards while abutting against the nozzle cap 9, resulting in excessively pressing the nozzle cap 9 against the nozzle part 7. At this time, because the final locking position will change depending on the degree of tightening by the user, it is difficult to regulate the position after installation.

[0125] On the other hand, since the third male thread portion 21 and the third female thread portion 22 are configured to engage (lock) with each other in the horizontal direction, the starting position of the engagement (return) of the outer cover 12 relative to the cap body 8 is at the same height as the completed engagement position. Therefore, under the same circumstances, the pressing pressure of the nozzle cap 9 on the nozzle portion 7 is fixed and will not change during the engagement (locking) process.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, when the outer cover 12 is installed on the cap body 8 during the insufficient tightening of the nozzle cap 9 onto the nozzle part 7, the nozzle cap 9 will push the outer cover 12 upwards due to the elastic reaction force of the bushing gasket 20 on the nozzle part 7, as the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 are horizontally engaged (locked). Therefore, the locking force of the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 increases, preventing the outer cover 12 from loosening.

[0127] Furthermore, at the point where the third male thread 21 and the third female thread 22 are fully engaged, the locking protrusion 23 engages with the locking recess 24, allowing the user to identify the completion of the fixing of the outer cover 12 relative to the cap body 8 via a click-sensitive feel. Moreover, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the termination position of the thread can be clearly defined by the engagement positions of the locking recess 24 and the locking protrusion 23. Therefore, the completed installation position will not change due to different users, making it more clearly identifiable.

[0128] As described above, in the case of insufficient locking caused by the screwing of the nozzle cap 9 onto the nozzle portion 7, when the outer cover 12 is installed on the cap body 8, the outer cover 12, which abuts against the nozzle cap 9, presses the nozzle cap 9 downward, thereby pressing the plug gasket 20 against the liquid inlet 7a.

[0129] In this way, the liquid inlet 7a can be sealed by the plug gasket 20 to prevent the beverage (liquid) contained in the container body 2 from leaking out of the liquid inlet 7a into the inside of the outer cover 12.

[0130] As described above, in this embodiment of the cover assembly 1, the connecting portion 11a is provided on the front end side of the rotating member 11 of the cover body 8, which is rotatably mounted to the cover body 8 via the hinge portion 10, and the nozzle cap 9 is rotatably mounted inside the connecting portion 11a. With this configuration, one-sided engagement between the second male thread portion 19 on the nozzle portion 7 side and the second female thread portion 18 on the nozzle cap 9 side can be prevented, and proper and easy screwing can be performed. Furthermore, the nozzle portion 7 and the hinge portion 10 can be accommodated inside the outer cover 12, so that the cover assembly 1 has a compact configuration.

[0131] Therefore, the lidded container 100 of this embodiment, having the lid component 1 of this embodiment described above, makes manufacturing management easier and further improves ease of use.

[0132] Furthermore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the intent of the present invention.

[0133] For example, although the cover assembly 1 is configured such that the outer cover 12 can be freely installed on the cap body 8 by screwing, the outer cover 12 can also be omitted, or the outer cover 12 can be freely installed on the container body 2 by screwing.

[0134] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cover assembly 1, although a locking protrusion 16 serving as a locking portion is provided on the inner periphery of the connecting portion 11a, and a locking recess 17 serving as a locking portion and engaging with the locking protrusion 16 is provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle cap 9, the opposite configuration can also be adopted, i.e., a locking recess is provided on the inner periphery of the connecting portion 11a, and a locking protrusion engaging with the locking recess is provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle cap 9.

[0135] Furthermore, the outer cover 12 is not limited to being able to be freely installed relative to the cap body 8 or the container body 2 by means of screwing. For example, the outer cover 12 can also be freely installed relative to the cap body 8 or the container body 2 by means of fitting.

[0136] Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate the use of a container body 2 with a vacuum insulation structure to provide heat preservation and cold preservation functions for beverage containers, the present invention can be widely applied to containers with lids that have a container body and a lid assembly that can be detachably installed on the container body.

[0137] 1: Cover component 2: Container body 2a: Bottom 2b: Ontology part 2c: mouth and neck 2d: Upper opening 3: Outer container 4: Content container 5: Vacuum insulation layer 6: Overhang part 7: Nozzle section 7a: Liquid inlet 8: Cap body 8a: Peripheral wall section 8b: Upper wall portion 8c: Inner wall portion 8d: Step difference section 9: Nozzle cap 9a: Peripheral wall section 9b: Top wall 9c: Hole 9d: Circular convex part 9e: Reduction section 9f: Flange portion 9g: Protrusion 10: Hinge section 11: Rotating component 11a: Connecting part 12: Outer cover 12a: Bottom wall portion 12b: Peripheral section 12c: Opening 13: First male thread section 14: First female thread section 15: Water-stopping gasket 15a: Elastic flange portion 16: Engaging protrusion 16a: Lower surface 17: Engagement recess 18: Second female thread section 18a, 18b: Beginning end 19: Second male thread section 19a, 19b: Beginning end 20: Bolt gasket 20a: Embedded part 20b: Bolt part 20c: Protrusion 20d: Expanded diameter section 20e: Flange portion 20f: Upper rib 21: Third male thread section 22: Third female thread section 23: Locking protrusion 24: Locking recess 100: Container with lid AX1, AX2, AX3: Central axes X, Y: Boxed areas Sd, Sw, Sh, Sh1, Sh2: Clearance (playback space) H1, H2, H1a, H1b: Width θ1, θ2: Angular range α, β: Angles M,L: Interval T0: Baseline T1, T2: Straight lines

Claims

1. A lid assembly for mounting on an open upper portion of a container body, comprising: A cap body for sealing the upper opening of the container body, and having a nozzle portion communicating with the inner side of the container body; a nozzle cap for being detachably and removably installed on the nozzle portion by means of a screw, thereby opening and closing a nozzle orifice located at the front end of the nozzle portion; and a rotating member for being rotatably installed on the cap body by means of a hinge portion; when the nozzle cap is fitted inside a connecting portion located at the front end of the rotating member, the nozzle cap can be rotatably and swingably installed about the central axis of the connecting portion, and the angle range in which the central axis of the nozzle cap can tilt relative to the central axis of the connecting portion is greater in the front-rear direction than in the left-right direction.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein a locking portion is provided throughout the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of the connecting portion, and a locked portion is provided throughout the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the nozzle cap, and the locked portion engages with the locking portion, and a gap is provided between the locking portion and the locked portion in the axial direction that allows the nozzle cap to move relative to the connecting portion, and the gap is greater on the front-rear direction side of the connecting portion than on the left-right direction side.

3. As in claim 2, the cover assembly wherein the lower or upper surface of the engaging portion is inclined relative to the engaged portion, such that the gap gradually increases from the left-right side position of the connecting portion to the front-rear side position.

4. As claimed in claim 1, the nozzle cap has an inner threaded portion on its inner periphery and an outer threaded portion on its outer periphery that engages with the inner threaded portion, wherein the starting position of the engagement of the outer threaded portion with respect to the inner threaded portion is located in the front-back direction of the nozzle portion, except for the outer periphery portion which is facing each other.

5. As claimed in claim 4, in the rotational direction of the nozzle cap centered on the central axis of the nozzle portion, the angle formed by the straight line connecting the central axis of the nozzle portion and the starting position of engagement located on the rear side of the male threaded portion, relative to a reference line passing through the front-rear direction of the central axis of the nozzle portion, is greater than the angle formed by the straight line connecting the central axis of the nozzle portion and the starting position of engagement located on the front side of the male threaded portion.

6. The cover assembly of claim 1 further includes an outer cover that is detachably mounted to the cover body while covering the nozzle cap, the rotating member and the hinge portion mounted on the nozzle portion.

7. A lidded container comprising a lid assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and a container body on which the lid assembly is mounted.

Images