Opening / closing device for a container and method of closing / opening a container

Abstract

Opening / closing device for a container having a pierceable portion, comprising a collar which can be associated with the container at the pierceable portion, a cap provided with a lower part and displaceable on the outer surface of the collar in a constrained and only rotatable manner by first guide means interposed between the collar and the lower part, a cutting element and a pushing device, the cap comprising a lid which is rotatably constrained between open and closed positions with respect to the lower part of the cap and vice versa, characterized in that the cap comprises release / engagement means between the lid and the collar so as to allow opening / closing of the lid as a function of the rotation angle reached by the cap with respect to the collar, the cap allowing opening of the lid only when it reaches an opening angle after a first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar, and the lid being lockable in a stable position with the collar by rotating the cap with respect to the collar once the lid has been reclosed, reaching a closing angle different from the rotation of the lid with respect to the lower part of the cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device for a container suitable for containing a pourable product. In particular, the opening / closing device is three-part, comprising: a collar having a flange that can engage a pierceable portion of the container; a cutting element adapted to pierce the cutting portion during a first opening of the device; and a cover constrained to the collar, the cover having the task of controlling the displacement of the cutting element during the first opening of the device and retaining the pourable product inside the container while the container is opened but not yet completely emptied of its contents. Background Art

[0002] Opening / closing devices of this type are known. For example, patent EP1088764 in the name of Tetra-Laval describes a three-piece closing device of the type mentioned above.

[0003] While this opening / closing device is extremely efficient, it is not without its drawbacks, particularly in terms of environmental impact. Indeed, once the cap is removed, it is not always repositioned on the collar, as it is either thrown away immediately after the initial opening by the user in a distracted manner, or it falls to the ground, making it unhygienically unusable. This is obviously extremely harmful to the environment, as the cap, as well as the entire closing / opening device, is made of plastic.

[0004] In order to overcome this disadvantage, an opening / closing device is known that prevents the cap from being separated from the collar after the cap is opened.

[0005] For example, document DE102010028518, in the name of Robert Bosch GmbH, describes an opening / closing device for a container of pourable products, the container having a pierceable portion, the opening / closing device comprising: a collar that can be coupled to the container at the pierceable portion; a cap having a lower portion and displaceable on the outer surface of the collar in a constrained and rotational manner by means of guide means interposed between the collar and the lower portion; and a cutting element that can be displaced in a constrained manner inside the collar by means of second guide means interposed between the cutting element and the collar to sever the pierceable portion. The device further comprises a pushing device for pushing the cutting element and is driven by the cap during a first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar to assist displacement of the cutting element inside the collar in the direction of the pierceable portion. Advantageously, the cap comprises a lid that is integrally constrained in a rotatable manner relative to the lower portion of the cap for opening or closing the container. Thanks to this solution, the cap will never be detached from the collar and at the same time the product can be poured out of the container by simply opening the lid rotatably coupled to the cap.

[0006] Unfortunately, this solution is not without its drawbacks. The cap can be opened regardless of its position relative to the collar. This means that the user may mistakenly open the cap when it is oriented in a position that is unfavorable for pouring the liquid contained in the container. This can result in the user experiencing discomfort while pouring the liquid, or, in the worst case, causing some of the liquid to escape from the container in an uncontrolled manner. This is particularly true in all cases where the opening device is located on the upper face of the container, in a non-central position, but close to one of the four edges or one of the corners of the container.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to implement a three-part opening / closing device of the type described above which reduces or completely eliminates the contamination problems caused by containers for pourable products of the prior art and which at the same time prevents the user from pouring the product contained in the container with difficulty or from it flowing out of the container in an uncontrolled manner.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to implement an opening / closing device which is simple in any case from a structural point of view and which is therefore simple and economical to produce.

[0009] Finally, an object of the present invention is to implement a method for opening a container which solves the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] These and other objects are achieved by an opening / closing device for a container of pourable products, the container having at least one pierceable portion, the opening / closing device comprising: a collar which can be coupled to the container at the pierceable portion; a cap which is provided with a lower portion and which can be displaced on the outer surface of the collar in a constrained and only rotatable manner by means of first guide means interposed between the collar and the lower portion; and a cutting element which can be displaced in a constrained manner inside the collar by means of second guide means interposed between the cutting element and the collar to cut off the pierceable portion, the device also comprising a pushing device which pushes the cap. for pushing the cutting element and being driven by the cap at least during a first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar to assist displacement of the at least one cutting element inside the collar in the direction of the pierceable portion, the cap comprising at least one cover rotatably constrained relative to the lower portion of the cap between an open position and a closed position, and vice versa, characterised in that the cap comprises release / engagement means between the cover and the collar so as to allow, after a first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar, opening / closing of the cover depending on the rotation angle reached by the cap relative to the collar,

[0011] This solution clearly prevents the user from having difficulty pouring the product contained in the container, or, worst of all, from having the product escape from the container in an uncontrolled manner. Indeed, the lid, which is coupled to the cap, can only be opened when the cap is conveniently oriented relative to the collar. In practice, depending on the position of the opening / closing device on the container, opening the lid may only be permitted when the cap has reached a rotation angle that, for example, makes pouring more convenient for the user. At the same time, once the lid has been reclosed, it can be locked in a stable position by rotating the cap relative to the collar, thereby achieving a rotation angle that is different from the angle at which the cap is rotated relative to the lower portion of the cap.

[0012] It should be noted here and below that the above-mentioned rotation angle at which the lid can be opened is also referred to as the "opening angle" (and indicated by the reference numeral B1), whereas a rotation angle different from the rotation angle at which the lid can be rotated relative to the lower part of the cap is also referred to as a "different closing angle" or "closing angle" (and indicated by the reference numeral B2).

[0013] In particular, the release / engagement device allows opening / closing of the lid within an angular interval achieved by the lid relative to the collar, starting from an initial assembly position of the lid relative to the collar; the release / engagement device allows opening of the lid at said angular intervals of opening angles achieved by the lid in a first rotational direction relative to the collar, and prevents opening of the lid at different closing angles achieved by the lid in a rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the collar, wherein the opening angles are preferably greater than the rotational angles required for the cutting element to sever the pierceable portion and are measured starting from the initial assembly position of the lid relative to the collar, in which the lid is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar.

[0014] Furthermore, the release / engagement device comprises at least one locking tooth engaged with the lid and at least one guide for the tooth engaged with the outer surface of the collar, or vice versa, wherein the guide is provided with at least one first area and at least one second area, the locking tooth being constrained to slide along the at least one first area so as to maintain the lid engaged with the collar in its closed position, while the locking tooth is not constrained in the at least one second area so as to release the lid from engagement with the collar and allow the lid to reach its open position.

[0015] This solution is structurally simple and allows the user to simply use the opening / closing device.

[0016] In particular, the at least one first area of ​​the guide comprises at least one protruding profile which can engage with the at least one locking tooth in order to lock the rotation of the lid portion, thereby holding the lid portion in its closed position.

[0017] In practice, at the projecting profile, which preferably has a partially circular cross-section, the locking tooth / teeth holds the lid in its constrained position relative to the collar, whereas in the portion where the guide of the annular profile is absent, i.e. in the second zone or zones, the tooth is not constrained and, therefore, as the lid rotates relative to the collar, the lid itself moves into its open position to allow pouring of the liquid contained in the container.

[0018] Specifically, the locking teeth protrude from the inner surface of the lid, and the at least one first region extends over a portion of the outer circumference of the collar. In practice, the contour is not formed along the entire circumference of the collar, i.e., it does not form a complete 360° circle. Instead, the contour includes one or more second regions that do not extend beyond the contour. In these regions, the locking teeth no longer slide constrainedly along the first region but instead disengage from the first region. The lid is rotatable relative to the lower portion of the lid in these second regions.

[0019] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises a limiting device for limiting the rotation between the cap and the collar.

[0020] In particular, the limiting means for limiting rotation comprise a first protruding element projecting from the lower portion of the cap and at least one seat engaging with the outer surface of the collar, or vice versa, wherein, at the end of the assembly operation of the opening device, the first protruding element engages with the seat so as to constrain the cap in its assembled position with the collar, at least before a first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar. In the assembled position, the cap is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar.

[0021] However, the seat is shaped to allow the cap to be rotated in a first rotational direction when a given torsional force to which the cap is subjected is exceeded.

[0022] As an alternative to the above situation, the limiting device for limiting rotation includes a first protruding element protruding from the lower part of the cap, and a reference element for orienting the cap relative to the collar at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device, wherein, at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device, the first protruding element contacts the first surface of the reference element, and at least before the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar, the cap is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar in the assembly position.

[0023] In particular, the reference element is shaped to allow the cap to rotate in the first rotational direction away from the first surface of the reference element. In addition, the limiting device includes a second protruding element, which is arranged on the outer surface of the collar and is shaped to allow the cap to rotate in the first direction and prevent the cap from rotating in the opposite rotational direction only after the first protruding element exceeds the second protruding element; the at least one second area of ​​the guide is arranged at a position on the outer surface of the collar so that when the cap rotated relative to the collar is in a position such as the first protruding element in the rotational angle interval, the at least one second area of ​​the guide encounters the at least one locking tooth, the rotational angle interval including between the second protruding element and the seat or between the second protruding element and the second surface of the reference element.

[0024] In particular, the angular interval comprised between the second protruding element and the seat or between the second protruding element and the reference element, starting from the assembled position of the cap relative to the collar, is between 100° and 355°. Preferably, this rotation angle is between 180° and 355°, in particular between 300° and 355°.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one second area of ​​the guide is arranged at a position on the outer surface of the collar so that the at least one second area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth when the cap rotated relative to the collar (in a first rotational direction) is in a position such as that the first protruding element abuts the second surface of the seat or the reference element within a rotational angle interval, preferably at the open angle of the angular interval, the rotational angle interval including the position between the second protruding element and the seat or the reference element.

[0026] Advantageously, the first area of ​​the guide is arranged at a position on the outer surface of the collar such that the first area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth when the cap rotated in the opposite rotational direction relative to the collar is in a position such as the first protruding element abuts the second protruding element at the different closing angles at the rotational angle intervals.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second region of the guide element includes an inclined surface shaped to guide the locking tooth along a path with a vertical component, such as to push the lid away from the collar and facilitate opening the lid; the at least one locking tooth reaches the inclined surface when the first protruding element reaches the opening angle. This solution facilitates opening the container lid by simply rotating the lid until the opening angle of the rotation interval is reached. Thus, this solution even allows the lid to be lifted before the user can open it. In fact, during the operation of rotating the lid to reach the opening angle of the rotation interval, the lid undergoes not only a horizontal rotational movement but also a directly upward movement due to the upward inclination of the inclined surface.

[0028] In addition, the limiting device includes one or more temporary stop elements, which are arranged near the second protruding element and / or the second surface of the reference element, or when they are arranged between the second protruding element and the first stop element, and / or arranged between the stop element and the seat, or the second surface of the stop element, such as the seat of the first protruding element is also only temporarily maintained at the open angle or the different closed angle; in any case, the one or more stop elements are shaped to allow the cap to be rotated relative to the collar from the closed angle in the direction of the open angle, or from the open angle to the closed angle, when a further torque applied by the user is exceeded (exceeding the torque required to rotate the cap relative to the collar alone), thereby allowing the at least one first protruding element to exceed the resistance provided by the one or more stop elements.

[0029] In practice, this stop element, cooperating with the second protruding element or seat, or reference element, allows the cap to be held in a stable position when it reaches the opening angle or the closing angle within a rotational interval during which the engagement / release device operates to allow or prevent the cap from opening. Thus, when the cap is, for example, at a different closing angle, it is impossible to accidentally pull the cap back to the opening angle (e.g., solely by gravity or due to a relatively small force) because the temporary stop element prevents such an operation. However, if the user applies a given torque to the cap, the first protruding element is able to overcome the resistance provided by the stop element and thus move in the direction of the opening angle or the different closing angles, depending on the position of the cap relative to the collar at that moment. Furthermore, at least before the first rotation of the cap relative to the lower part, the cap is integrally restrained to the lower part of the cap by means of at least one frangible bridge, so that it can be switched from the closed position to the open position when a given force is exceeded, thereby causing the at least one frangible bridge to break. Thus, a first rotation of the cover relative to the lower part occurs when a given force exerted by the user on the cover exceeds the resistance of the at least one frangible bridge.

[0030] Said object is also achieved by a method for opening a container of pourable products provided with an opening / closing device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0031] a) rotating the cap relative to the collar;

[0032] b) during said step a), displacing said cutting element in the direction of said pierceable portion of said container in order to sever it;

[0033] c) raising the lid, which is integral with the cap, from its closed position to its open position to pour the product from the container;

[0034] Characterized in that step c) comprises a step c1) allowing the lid to be opened / closed after the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface of the collar, depending on the rotation angle reached by the cap relative to the collar during step a), the lid being allowed to be opened only when the cap reaches a rotation angle that makes it more convenient for the user to pour, and once the lid has been reclosed, the lid can be locked in a stable position with the collar by rotating the cap relative to the collar, thereby reaching a rotation angle that is different from the angle at which the lid can be rotated relative to the lower part of the cap.

[0035] Furthermore, step c1) occurs when the cap has reached a rotational angular interval measured from an initial assembly position of the cap relative to the collar during step a), the release / engagement device allowing the cap to open at the opening angles of the angular interval, the opening angles of the angular interval being reached by the cap in a first rotational direction relative to the collar, and preventing the cap from opening at different closing angles of the rotational interval, the different closing angles of the rotational interval being reached by the cap in a rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the collar, the opening angles being greater than the rotational angle required for the cutting element to sever the pierceable portion during step b) of the method, and the opening angles being measured from the initial assembly position of the cap relative to the collar, in which the cap is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar.

[0036] In particular, during said step c) of said method, said rotation interval, starting from the assembled position of said cap relative to said collar, is between 100° and 355°, preferably between 180° and 355°, even more preferably between 300° and 355°.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment described herein, said step c) comprises a step c0) during which said at least one frangible bridge integrally connecting the lid to the lower part of the cap is broken upon a first rotation of the lid relative to the lower part, such as switching from the closed position to the open position.

[0038] In particular, before step a), a step is provided for coupling the cap to the collar, such as coupling a first protruding element protruding from the lower part of the cap to at least one seat, or a first surface of the reference element, the first surface of the reference element being coupled to the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), or vice versa, characterized in that step a) comprises a step a1) of suitably shaping the seat to allow the cap to rotate in a first rotational direction relative to the collar above a given torsional force to which the cap is subjected. In the assembled position, the cap is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar, or step a) comprises a step a1') of suitably shaping the reference element to allow the cap to rotate in the first rotational direction away from the first surface of the reference element.

[0039] In addition, step a) includes step a2), causing the at least one protruding element to reach and exceed the second protruding element during rotation of the cap in the first rotational direction, wherein the second protruding element is arranged on the outer surface of the collar and is shaped to allow the cap to rotate in the first direction and prevent the cap from rotating in the opposite rotational direction only after the first protruding element exceeds the second protruding element, wherein the at least one second area of ​​the guide is arranged at a position on the outer surface of the collar so that when the cap rotated relative to the collar is in a position such as the first protruding element within the rotational angle interval, the at least one second area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth, and the rotational angle interval includes the position between the second protruding element and the seat, or the second surface of the reference element.

[0040] In practice, the cap can only be opened within the aforementioned angular interval, encompassed between the second protruding element and the aforementioned seat or reference element. Within this angular interval, the cap can be rotated in both directions; however, the locking teeth are located at a given angle in the second region of the guide, thereby allowing the cap to be opened, which is no longer integral with the collar. Once the product has been poured out, the cap is rotated in the opposite direction, and then the cap is rotated to a position where it remains locked in place with the collar. This position is advantageously achieved with the first protruding element in contact with the second protruding element, although it can also be achieved within the entire closed angular interval encompassed by the rotational angular interval within which the release / engagement mechanism operates.

[0041] However, said step c) further comprises a step c2) of guiding said locking tooth along a slope obtained on said second area of ​​said guide so that it follows a path having a vertical component, thereby pushing said lid away from said collar and assisting in opening said lid, said at least one locking tooth reaching said slope when said first protruding element reaches said first opening angle.

[0042] However, said step c) includes a step c3) of maintaining said first protruding element in said open angle and / or said open angle of said angular interval in which said engagement / release device operates, allowing said cap to rotate from said open angle in the direction of said closed angle, or to rotate relative to said collar from said closed angle in the direction of said open angle, upon exceeding a further twisting force applied by a user to said cap, thereby allowing said first protruding element to exceed the resistance of said one or more temporary stop elements.

[0043] Still according to the present invention, a method for producing an opening / closing device according to the present invention is provided, the method comprising: step a), injection molding the cap; step b), injection molding the collar; and step c), injection molding the cutting element, characterized in that step a) includes step a0), injection molding the cover and the lower part of the cover, wherein, at least before the first rotation of the cover relative to the lower part, the cover and the lower part of the cap are integrally constrained together by means of at least one frangible bridge so as to switch from the closed position to the open position when a given force is exceeded, thereby causing the at least one frangible bridge to break. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Some specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1A is an axonometric view of the opening / closing device according to the invention, still closed and mounted on a container for pourable products;

[0046] Figure 1B is an axonometric view of the opening / closing device according to the present invention, the opening / closing device being open and mounted on a container for pourable products;

[0047] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A partial longitudinal sectional view of an opening / closing device;

[0048] Figure 2A is an isometric bottom view of the cap of the opening / closing device according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An axonometric bottom view of the cap of the opening / closing device shown rotated 180°;

[0050] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A specific view of the cap of the opening / closing device;

[0051] Figure 2D yes Figure 2B A specific view of the cap of the opening / closing device;

[0052] Figure 3A is an axonometric top view of a collar of an opening / closing device according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3B is an axonometric top view of the collar of the opening / closing device according to the present invention rotated 180°;

[0054] Figure 4A is an axonometric top view of a cutting element of an opening / closing device according to the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4B is an isometric bottom view of a cutting element of an opening / closing device according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5A yes Figure 1A an axonometric top view of the device while still closed;

[0057] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The device is rotated 180° in the axonometric top view;

[0058] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B an axonometric view of the device, wherein the seat portion and the first protruding element of the limiting device for limiting the rotation are shown in dotted lines;

[0059] Figure 6A yes Figure 1B an axonometric top view of the device with the pierceable portion torn off;

[0060] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The device is rotated 180° in the axonometric top view;

[0061] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B a particular view of the device, in which the seat of the limiting means for limiting the rotation, shown in dotted lines, and the first protruding element are in a mutual position, such that the cover can be opened;

[0062] Figure 7A is an axonometric top view of the collar, wherein the position of the first protrusion is shown in dotted lines, the position of the first protrusion being arranged within a given angular interval included between the second protruding element and the seat after the cap is rotated;

[0063] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An axonometric top view of the collar rotated 180°, wherein the position of the teeth relative to the guide is shown in dashed lines;

[0064] Figure 8A is an axonometric top view of the collar, wherein the position of the first protrusion is shown in dotted lines, the position of the first protrusion being arranged within a given angular interval included between the second protruding element and the seat after the cap is rotated;

[0065] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A An axonometric top view of the collar rotated 180°, wherein the position of the teeth relative to the guide is shown in dashed lines;

[0066] Figure 9A is an axonometric view of the opening / closing device according to the present invention, with the cap in its open position;

[0067] Figure 9B Too Figure 9A Axonometric drawing of the opening / closing device rotated 180°;

[0068] Figure 10A is an isometric view of an opening / closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A top view of the device;

[0070] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A Axonometric drawing of the opening / closing device rotated 180°;

[0071] Figure 10D yes Figure 10C a particular isometric view of FIG, showing a reference element and a first protruding element of a restriction device for restricting rotation when the cap is in an open position;

[0072] Figure 10E yes Figure 10A Axonometric view of the collar of the opening / closing device showing the locking teeth during displacement for reaching the opening angle (the locking teeth are combined with a cap not shown in the figure for simplicity);

[0073] Figure 10F yes Figure 10A an axonometric view of the collar of the opening / closing device showing the locking teeth of the cap once it has reached the closed angle (the locking teeth are combined with the cap which is not shown in the figure for simplicity);

[0074] Figure 10G yes Figure 10E Axonometric view of the collar of the opening / closing device, showing the opening angle of the cap (eg Figure 10E ), a first protruding element arranged at a position between the reference element and the stop element (the first protruding element is combined with a cap not shown in the figure for simplicity);

[0075] Figure 10H yes Figure 10F Axonometric view of the collar of the opening / closing device, showing the opening and closing angle of the cap when the cap reaches the closing angle (such as Figure 10F ), a first protruding element arranged at a position between the second protruding element and the stop element (the first protruding element is combined with a cap not shown in the figure for simplicity);

[0076] Figure 10I Here is an axonometric view of the newly assembled opening / closing mechanism;

[0077] Figure 10L yes Figure 10I A specific axonometric view of the opening / closing device of FIG. 1 , wherein the reference element and the first protruding element are shown in dotted lines;

[0078] Figure 10M yes Figure 10A An axonometric bottom view of a cap of an opening / closing device;

[0079] Figure 10N yes Figure 10G Axonometric bottom view of the cap rotated 180°. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] With particular reference to these figures, 1 represents a universal opening / closing device according to the present invention.

[0081] The opening / closing device 1 is applied to a container 100 for pourable products (not shown in its entirety here, but known to experts in the field) which has a pierceable portion 101 (only partially shown in FIG. Figure 1C , but known to those skilled in the art). Such a container 100 is made in a known manner with the aid of a laminate obtained by superimposing various layers of paper, cardboard, polyethylene and / or other additional materials on each other, suitably shaped and folded, generally in the shape of a parallelepiped and having perforated portions 101 at their ends, i.e. the parts of the laminate free of the paper or cardboard layer, which can therefore be easily pierced by a cutting body, thus allowing the liquid contained in the container 100 to flow out.

[0082] The opening / closing device 1 for a container 100 for pourable products comprises a collar 2, which can be coupled to the container 100 at a pierceable portion 101; and a cap 3, which is provided with a lower portion 3a and is displaceable on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 in a constrained and rotationally limited manner to a first guide 40 interposed between the collar 2 and the lower portion 3a. This first guide 40 comprises a ring 41 extending around the entire circumference of the collar; and a corresponding U-shaped profile 42, which is integral with the cap 3 at its lower portion 3a and is adapted to slide over the ring 41 once the cap 3 is assembled to the collar 2. In practice, the profile 42 spans the ring 41 and is shaped so that the cap 3 cannot be released from the collar 2 even if stressed by an upward vertical force. In a known manner, the collar 2 also comprises a flange 2b constrained by gluing to the upper surface 102 of the container 100 , orthogonal to the two faces 103 and 104 , lateral and front, respectively, of the container 100 itself.

[0083] Device 1 also includes a cutting element 5, which can be constrainedly moved inside collar 2 by means of a second guide 60 interposed between the cutting element 5 and collar 2 to sever the pierceable portion 101 of container 100. This cutting element 5 includes suitable teeth 5a for severing the pierceable portion 101. However, device 1 also includes a pushing device 7 for pushing the cutting element 5 and is driven by cap 3 during the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface 2a of collar 2, i.e., during its first rotation, to facilitate displacement of the cutting element 5 inside collar 2 in the direction of the pierceable portion. Furthermore, cap 3 includes a lid 3b, which is rotatably constrained relative to the lower portion 3a of cap 3 between an open position P1 and a closed position P2. Rotation between lid 3b and lower portion 3a of cap 3 is achieved by means of a plastic hinge 3c. As shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be further explained that before the first rotation of the cover 3b relative to the lower part 3a, the cover 3b and the lower part 3a of the cap 3 are integrally constrained together by means of two fragile bridges 90 (only one is shown in the figure) so as to switch from the closed position P2 to the open position P1 when a given force is exceeded, thereby causing the fragile bridge 90 to break.

[0084] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises release / engagement means 10 between the lid 3b and the collar 2, allowing the lid 3b to be opened / closed, after a first displacement of the lid 3 on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2, according to the angle of rotation of the lid 3 relative to the collar 2. Essentially, the aforementioned release / engagement means 10 allow the lid 3 to be maintained integral with the collar 2 within a given angular interval, or at a precise angle between the lid 3 and the collar 2 (denoted above as the closing angle and subsequently also with the reference numeral B2), while they allow release from this engagement within another angular interval, or at a precise angle between the lid 3 and the collar 2 (denoted above as the opening angle and subsequently with the reference numeral B1). During the first opening of the lid 3b, once the appropriate opening angle allowing the lid 3b to rotate with the collar 2 and, therefore, with the lower portion 3a, has been determined, the user must apply a given force suitable for breaking the frangible bridges 90, thereby causing the lid 3b to open. Once the lid 3b has been closed again, the cap 3 must be rotated to reach a rotation angle different from the rotation angle that allows the lid 3b to be opened. At this different rotation angle, the lid 3b is prevented from being opened.

[0085] According to the embodiment described herein, the release / engagement device 10 comprises two locking teeth 11 coupled to the cap 3 b and a guide 12 for these locking teeth 11, formed on the outer surface 2 a of the collar 2. In another embodiment, the number of locking teeth 11 may vary, for example, there may be only one locking tooth 11, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, not shown herein, the locking tooth 11 or teeth 11 are coupled to the collar 2, while the guide 12 is coupled to the cap 3.

[0086] In the embodiment described herein, the guide 12 is provided with: two first areas 12a, along which the two locking teeth 11 are constrained to slide so as to keep the lid 3b engaged with the collar 2 in its closed position P2; and two second areas 12b, in which the two locking teeth 11 are simultaneously unconstrained so as to release the lid 3b from engagement with the collar 2, thereby allowing the lid 3b to rotate freely relative to the lower part 3a of the cap 3 and allowing it to reach its open position P1.

[0087] Specifically, the two first areas 12a each comprise a protruding profile that can engage with at least one locking tooth 11a to lock the lid 3b in rotation. Two protruding profiles are obtained on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. Thus, the two second areas 12b are arranged at two interrupted areas between the two protruding profiles 12a.

[0088] The two locking teeth 11 project from the inner surface 14 of the cover 3 b , whereas the two first areas 12 a extend over part of the circumference of the outer surface 2 a of the collar 2 .

[0089] According to the invention, the device 1 further comprises limiting means 50 for limiting the rotation between the cap 3 and the collar 2 .

[0090] In particular, the limiting means 50 for limiting rotation includes a first protruding element 51 protruding from the lower portion 3a of the cap 3, and a seat 52 engaged with the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. In other embodiments not shown herein, the limiting means 50 for limiting rotation includes a first protruding element 51 protruding from the outer surface 2a of the collar 2, and a seat 52 engaged with the lower portion 3a of the cap 3, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0091] The first protruding element 51 engages with the seat 52 at the end of the manufacturing operation T0 of the opening / closing device 1 (see FIG5 c ) so as to constrain the cap 3 in its assembled position with the collar 2, at least before the first displacement of the cap 3 on the outer surface 2 a of the collar 2. In this assembled position, the cap is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar 2.

[0092] According to the invention, the seat 52 is shaped to allow the cap 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction L when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded. In the drawings, the rotational direction is counterclockwise without thereby limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

[0093] In particular, the seat 52 includes two blocks 52a and 52b, wherein the second block 52b has an inclined surface 52c that allows the first protruding element 51 to exceed the second block 52b when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded.

[0094] Still according to the present invention, the limiting device 50 includes a second protruding element 53, which is arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 and is shaped so as to allow the cap 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction L when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded, and subsequently prevent the cap 3 from rotating in the opposite rotational direction R within the angular interval between the seat 52 and the second protruding element 53. In practice, once the protruding element 51 has passed the second protruding element 53, the cap 3 can rotate in both rotational directions L and R within the angular interval between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52, but it cannot return within the angular interval between the seat 52 and the second protruding element 53. To this end, the second protruding element 53 has a second inclined surface 53a on the side that first contacts the first protruding element 51, so as to make it easier for the first protruding element 51 to pass the second protruding element 52.

[0095] Advantageously, the two second areas 12 b of the guide 12 are arranged on the outer surface 2 a of the collar 2 at such positions that they meet the two locking teeth 11 when the cap 2 rotated relative to the collar 1 is in a position such as that in which the first protruding element 51 is within the rotational angular interval comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52. In practice, opening of the lid 3 b is possible only within the angular interval comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52, but, as will be explained below, not within the entire angular interval but only at very precise angles within this angular interval.

[0096] Advantageously, the rotational angular interval comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52 is between 330° and 355°, starting from the assembled position of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 .

[0097] According to other embodiments of the invention not shown here, the rotation angle is between 100° and 355°, in particular between 300° and 355°.

[0098] Furthermore, the two second regions 12b of the guide 12 are arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 such that, when the cap 3, rotated relative to the collar 2, is in a position such that the first protruding element 51 abuts the seat 52 within the rotational angular interval comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52, the two second regions 12b encounter the two locking teeth 11. Specifically, this occurs when the first protruding element 51 abuts the first block 52a of the seat 52. In this position, the lid 3b can be rotated relative to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 to its open position P1, thereby allowing the product to be poured from the container 100. In the second embodiment described below, this rotational angular interval will be indicated by the reference numeral B.

[0099] Therefore, opening of the lid 3b of the cap 3 is only possible at a clearly defined angle within the angular interval between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52. Within this angular interval, the cap 3 can be rotated in both directions; however, the locking tooth 11 lies at a given angle in the second region 12b of the guide 12, thus allowing opening of the lid 3b, which is no longer integral with the collar 2. Once the product has been poured out, the lid 3b is rotated in the opposite direction to reach its closed position P2. The cap 3 is then rotated in a direction R opposite to the first rotation direction L, still within the angular interval between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52, to reach a position in which the lid 3b remains locked to the collar 2. This position is advantageously achieved when the first protruding element 51 and the second protruding element 53 come into contact on their inner sides 53b. Essentially, the movement that allows the lid 3b to be opened, within the angular interval between the second protruding element 51 and the seat 52, consists of rotating the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 until the first block 52a of the seat 52 is reached, and rotating the cap 3b relative to the lower portion 3a, for example, from the closed position P2 to the open position P1. It should be remembered that, during the first rotation of the cap 3b relative to the lower portion 3a, the cap 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 are integrally restrained by means of two breakable bridges 90. Therefore, the user must apply a given force to break the breakable bridges 90 connecting these two elements.

[0100] Still within the angular interval between the second protruding element 51 and the seat 52, the movement that allows the lid 3b to be subsequently closed is to rotate the lid 3b relative to the lower part 3a to switch from the open position P1 to the closed position P2, and then to rotate the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 until the first protruding element 51 reaches the inner side 53b of the second protruding element 53 (i.e. the side not provided with the second inclined surface 53a). It should be noted that Figure 5B 、 5C, 6B, 6C, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B show in dotted lines elements such as the locking tooth 11, the first protruding element 51, the seat 52 and the second protruding element 53 in their working positions after the cap 3 is rotated relative to the collar 2, but the cap 3 is not shown in order to simplify the drawings and increase their understanding.

[0101] Figures 10A to 10L Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is different from the embodiment shown above and some of its characteristics will be explained below. It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be used here and below to describe the embodiment. Figures 10A to 10L The features of the embodiment shown are the same as those of the first embodiment shown above.

[0102] In the embodiment having a pierceable portion 101 (not shown here, but Figure 1A 、 1B The opening / closing device 1 used on a container 100 for pourable products (similar to those shown in 1C) comprises: a collar 2, which can be combined with the container at the pierceable part 101; a cap 3, which is provided with a lower part 3a and can be displaced in a constrained and only rotatable manner on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 to a first guide device 40 inserted between the collar 2 and the lower part 3a; and a cutting element 5, which is moved in a constrained manner inside the collar 2 by a second guide device 60 inserted between the cutting element 5 and the collar 2 to cut off the pierceable part.

[0103] As in the previous embodiment, this first guide means 40 comprises a ring 41 extending around the entire periphery of the collar and a corresponding U-shaped profile 42 integral with the cap 3 at its lower portion 3a and adapted to slide over the ring 41 once the cap 3 is assembled to the collar 2. In practice, the profile 42 spans the ring 41 and is shaped so that the cap 3 cannot be released from the collar 2 even if stressed by an upward vertical force. In a known manner, the collar 2 also comprises a flange 2b, which is constrained by gluing to the upper surface 102 of the container 100 and is orthogonal to the two faces 103 and 104, lateral and front, of the container 100 itself. Furthermore, the cutting element 5 comprises suitable teeth 5a for severing the aforementioned pierceable portion 101.

[0104] Still, the device 1 further includes a pushing device 7 for pushing the cutting element 5. This pushing device 7 is driven by the cap 3 during the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2, i.e., during its first rotation, to facilitate displacement of the cutting element 5 inside the collar 2 in the direction of the pierceable portion. The cap 3 rotates relative to the collar 2 about a central vertical axis V. Furthermore, the cap 3 includes a lid 3b, which is rotatably constrained about a horizontal axis O relative to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 between an open position P1 and a closed position P2, and vice versa. The rotation between the lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 is achieved by means of a plastic hinge 3c. As shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be further explained that, prior to the first rotation of the lid 3b relative to the lower portion 3a, the lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 are integrally constrained together by two frangible bridges 90 (only one of which is shown in the drawings). When a given force is exceeded, the lid 3b switches from the closed position P2 to the open position P1, thereby causing the frangible bridges 90 to break.

[0105] According to the present invention, device 1 includes a release / engagement device 10 between lid 3b and collar 2 to allow, after the first displacement of lid 3 on outer surface 2a of collar 2, the opening / closing of lid 3b depending on the angle of rotation reached by lid 3 relative to collar 2. Essentially, release / engagement device 10 allows release from engagement between lid 3 and collar 2 at an opening angle B1 and prevents release at an angle B2, also referred to as the closing angle, different from the opening angle. During the first opening of lid 3b, once the appropriate opening angle allowing rotation between lid 3b and collar 2 has been determined, the user must apply a predetermined force sufficient to break breakable bridge 90 and thereby open lid 3b. Subsequently, once lid 3b has been reclosed, the user will be able to rotate lid 2 relative to collar 2 to an opening angle B1, different from the angle B2 that allows opening of lid 3b relative to lower portion 3a.

[0106] In particular, the release / engagement device 10 allows the lid 3b to be opened / closed within a rotational angular interval B reached by the lid 3 relative to the collar 2, starting from the initial assembly position B0 of the lid 3 relative to the collar 2. The release / engagement device 10 allows the lid 3b to be opened, in particular within the aforementioned opening angle B1 within the angular interval B reached by the lid 3 in a first rotational direction L relative to the collar 2, and, after the lid 3b is reclosed, prevents the lid 3b from opening at a different angle B2 reached by the lid 3 in a rotational direction R relative to the collar 2 opposite to the first rotational direction L. This opening angle B1 is greater than or equal to the rotational angle N required for the cutting element 5 to sever the pierceable portion 101 and, like the rest of the angles, is measured from the initial assembly position of the lid 3 relative to the collar. In particular, the assembly position of the lid 3 is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar 2.

[0107] It should be noted that the number of opening angles B1 can be greater than one, even within the opening interval B1, just as the number of different closing angles B2 can be greater than one, i.e., within the closing interval B2, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In this case, there is only one precise opening angle B, while the plurality of different opening angles B2 are combined within the closing interval B2, which is included within the aforementioned operating interval B. In particular, as will be seen below, the closing angle B2′ at the end of the rotational angle interval B opposite to angle B1 is included in this closing interval.

[0108] According to the embodiment described herein, the rotation angle interval B starting from the assembly position of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 is between 180° and 345°, however in other embodiments not shown herein, such operating angles may be between 100° and 355°, even more preferably between 300° and 355°. In the embodiment described herein, the rotation angle N required for the cutting element 5 to sever the pierceable portion 101 is 330°, starting from the initial assembly position B0 of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2.

[0109] According to the embodiment described herein, the release / engagement means 10 comprises only one locking tooth 11 associated with the cap 3b and a guide 12 for this locking tooth 11 obtained on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. Figures 1A to 9B In another embodiment of the invention not shown herein, the locking tooth 11 or teeth 11 are combined with the collar 2, while the guide 12 is combined with the cap 3.

[0110] In the embodiment described herein, the guide 12 is provided with: a first region 12a along which the locking tooth 11 is constrained to slide so as to maintain the lid 3b engaged with the collar 2 in its closed position P2; and a second region 12b in which the locking tooth 11 is not constrained so as to release the lid 3b from engagement with the collar 2 and thereby allow the lid 3b to rotate freely about the horizontal axis O relative to the lower part 3a of the cap 3 and thereby allow it to reach its open position P1.

[0111] Specifically, the first region 12a comprises an annular projection that can engage with the locking tooth 11 to lock the lid 3b against rotation about the horizontal axis O. The projection 12a is obtained on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. The second region 12b is thus arranged at the interruption of the projection 12a. In this embodiment, the first region 12a extends angularly over approximately 345°; in other embodiments, this extension can also be less without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0112] The locking teeth 11 project from the inner surface 14 of the cover 3 b , whereas the first area 12 a extends over part of the circumference of the outer surface 2 a of the collar 2 .

[0113] According to this embodiment, the limiting means 50 for limiting the rotation comprises a first protruding element 51 protruding from the lower portion 3a of the cap 3, and a reference element 55 for orienting the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device 1 (see Figure 10L At the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device 1, at least before the first displacement of the cap 3 on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2, the first protruding element 51 engages in contact with the first surface 55a of the reference element 55. In the assembled position, the cap 3 is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar 2, also indicated by angle B0 (see Figure 10B ).

[0114] In particular, the reference element 55 is shaped to allow the cap 3 to rotate in the first rotational direction L away from the first surface 55 a of the reference element 55 .

[0115] The limiting device 50 further comprises a second protruding element 53 which is arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 and is shaped so as to allow the cap 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction L when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded, and to prevent the cap 3 from rotating in the opposite rotational direction R only after the first protruding element 51 has exceeded the second protruding element 53. The second area 12b of the guide 12 is arranged at a position on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 such that when the cap 3 rotating relative to the collar 1 is in a position such as when the first protruding element 51 is within the operating interval B, the second area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth 11 (see FIG. Figure 10E 、10F , 10G and 10H).

[0116] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an operating interval B is comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the second surface 55B of the reference element 55. This operating angular interval is approximately 180°.

[0117] In practice, once the protruding element 51 exceeds the second protruding element 53, the cap 3 can rotate in both rotational directions L and R within the angular interval included between the second protruding element 53 and the second surface 55B of the reference element 55 (a surface facing the operational angular interval B), but it cannot return within the angular interval included between the first surface 55a of the reference element 55 and the second protruding element 53. To this end, the second protruding element 53 has a slope 53a on the side that first contacts the first protruding element 51, so as to make it easier for the first protruding element 51 to exceed the second protruding element 53.

[0118] According to the present invention, the second area 12b of the guide 12 is arranged at a position on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 so that the second area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth 11 when the cap 3 rotated in the first rotational direction L relative to the collar 2 is in a position such as when the first protruding element 51 abuts against the second surface 55a of the reference element 55 within the rotational angle interval, preferably at the opening angle B1 of the operating interval B, which is included between the second protruding element 53 and the reference element 55 (see Figure 10E and 10G ).

[0119] However, the second area 12a of the guide 12 is arranged at a position on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 so that the first area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth 11 when the cap 3 rotated in the opposite rotational direction relative to the collar 2 is in a position such as the protruding element 51 in the angular closing interval within the operating interval B (see Figure 10F and 10H ).

[0120] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the second region 12b of the guide 12 comprises a slope 70 shaped to guide the locking tooth 11 along a path having a vertical component so as to push the lid 3b away from the collar 2 and thus to the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 and to facilitate opening of the lid 10. When the first protruding element 51 reaches the opening angle B1 of the operating interval B, the locking tooth 11 reaches this slope 70 (see FIG. Figure 10E ).

[0121] According to another specific aspect of the present invention, the limiting device 50 further includes two temporary stop elements 71 and 72, which are arranged near the second protruding element 53 and the second surface 55b of the reference element 55. For example, when arranged between the second protruding element 53 and the first stop element 71, the first protruding element 51 is constrained within the preferred closing angle B2′, and when arranged between the second stop element 72 and the second surface 55b of the stop element 55, the first protruding element 51 is constrained within the angular closing interval B2 and the opening angle B1. The two stop elements 71 and 72 are configured to allow the cap 3 to rotate relative to the collar 2 from the opening angle B1 to a different closing angle B2′, or from the closing angle B2′ to the opening angle B1, when the first protruding element 51 is at the stop element 71 or 72, if further twisting force applied to the cap 3 by the user exceeds the limit.

[0122] Such temporary stoppers 71 and 72 are shaped like double slopes so as to locally increase the user's force when the cap 3 b is rotated and the first protruding piece 51 encounters such temporary stoppers 71 and 72 .

[0123] As in the previously described embodiment, at least before the first rotation of the lid 3b relative to the lower part 3a, the lid 3b is integrally restrained with the lower part 3a of the cap 3 by means of certain frangible bridges 90 (only one of which is shown in the drawings) so as to switch from the closed position P2 to the open position P1 when a given force is exceeded, thereby causing the frangible bridge 90 to break. In this regard, the presence of the aforementioned inclined surface 70 not only facilitates the opening of the lid 3b each time it is necessary to pour the liquid contained in the container 100, but also allows the frangible bridge 90 to be facilitated at the first opening of the container 100, i.e., when the lid 3b is first lifted and placed in the open position P1. Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, the number of frangible bridges 90 may also be only one.

[0124] The following describes a method for opening a container 100 for pourable products, which container is provided with an opening / closing device 1 according to the invention, in particular according to the embodiment described above.

[0125] The method comprises the following steps:

[0126] a) rotating the cap 3 relative to the collar 2;

[0127] b) during step a), displacing the cutting element 5 in the direction of the pierceable portion of the container 100 in order to sever the pierceable portion;

[0128] c) raising the lid 3 b integral with the cap 3 from its closed position P2 to its open position P1 in order to pour out the product in the container 100 ;

[0129] Therein, step c) includes a step c1) of allowing the lid 3b to be opened / closed according to the rotation angle reached by the lid 3 relative to the collar 2 during step a) after the first displacement of the lid 3 on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2. Thus, opening of the lid 3b is allowed only when the lid 3 reaches a rotation angle B1 that makes it easier for the user to tip over, and once the lid 3b has been reclosed, it can be locked in a stable position by rotating the lid 3 relative to the collar 2, thereby reaching a rotation angle different from the rotation angle B2 at which the lid 3b can be rotated relative to the lower part 3a of the lid 3.

[0130] Specifically, the step c) includes a step c0) during which, when the lid 3b is rotated for the first time relative to the lower part 3a, the frangible bridge 90 integrally connecting the lid 3b to the lower part 3a of the cap 3 is broken, for example, switching from the closed position P2 to the open position P1. This operation ensures that the lid 3b remains in the closed position before it can be opened by the user for the first time.

[0131] In particular, a step of coupling the cap 3 to the collar 2 is provided before step a), for example, coupling a first protruding element 51 protruding from the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 to a seat 52 (which is coupled to the outer surface 2a of the collar 2), or vice versa. Step a) includes a step a1), namely, by appropriately shaping the seat 52, so as to allow the cap 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction L relative to the collar 2 when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded. In this assembled position, the cap 3 is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar 2.

[0132] Furthermore, step a) comprises a step a2) of causing the first protruding element 51 to reach and exceed the second protruding element 53 during rotation of the cap 3 in the first rotational direction L. Thus, the second protruding element 53 is arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 and is shaped so as to allow the cap 3 to rotate in the first rotational direction L when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded, and then to prevent the cap 3 from rotating in the opposite rotational direction R only after the first protruding element 51 has exceeded the second protruding element 53. In fact, rotation in the opposite rotational direction R is prevented by the engagement of the second protruding element 53 with the first protruding element 51.

[0133] The two regions 12b of the guide 12 are arranged at a position on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 so that when the cap 3 rotating relative to the collar 2 is in a rotation angle interval such as the first protruding element 51, the two regions of the guide meet the locking tooth 11, and the rotation angle interval is included between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52, or more specifically between the second protruding element 53 (on its inner side 53b) and the first block portion 52a of the seat 52.

[0134] In practice, the lid 3b of the cap 3 can only be opened within the aforementioned angular interval, which is included between the second protruding element 53 and the aforementioned seat 52. Within this angular interval, the cap 3 can be rotated in both directions; however, the locking teeth 11 are located simultaneously at the two second areas 12b of the guide 12 only at a given angle, thus allowing the lid 3b to be opened, which is no longer integral with the collar 2. The lid 3b of the cap 3 can only be opened within the aforementioned angular interval, which is included between the second protruding element 53 and the seat 52. Within this angular interval, the cap 3 can be rotated in both directions; however, the locking teeth 11 are located simultaneously at the two second areas 12b of the guide 12 only at a given angle, thus allowing the lid 3b to be opened, which is no longer integral with the collar 2.

[0135] This specific angle corresponds to the angle at which the first protruding element 51 contacts the seat 53. Specifically, when the first protruding element 51 contacts the first block 52a of the seat 52.

[0136] Once the product has been poured, the lid 3 b is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the lower part 3 a to reach its closed position P2, and then the cap 3 is rotated in a direction R opposite to the first direction of rotation L to reach a position such that the lid 3 b remains locked in place with the collar 2. This position is advantageously obtained when the first protruding element 51 comes into contact with the second protruding element 53.

[0137] At once Figures 10A to 10H For the embodiment described in FIG. 1 , the method of opening the container 100 is substantially similar to the method described above for the first embodiment of the present invention, with certain minor differences described below.

[0138] Steps a), b), c) and c1) of the method are consistent with those of the above embodiment.

[0139] In this case, step c1 occurs as soon as, during step a), the cap 3 reaches an operating angular interval B measured from the initial assembly position of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2. The release / engagement device 10 allows the lid 3 b to be opened within an opening angle B1 of the rotational angular interval B, which is reached by the cap 3 in a first rotational direction L relative to the collar 2, and prevents the lid 3 b from being opened at a different closing angle B2 of the angular interval B, which is reached by the cap 3 in a rotational direction R relative to the collar 2 opposite to the first rotational direction L. The first opening angle B1 is greater than the rotational angle N required for the cutting element 5 to sever the pierceable portion 101 during step b) of the method and is also measured from the initial assembly position of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2. In this assembly position, the cap 3 is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar 2.

[0140] As also mentioned above, in the embodiment described herein, the operating interval during said step c) of the method is between 180° and 345°. In another embodiment, such operating interval is between 180° and 355°, or between 100° and 355°, or between 300° and 355°, starting from the assembled position of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0141] However, step c) includes a step c0) during which, when the lid 3b is rotated for the first time relative to the lower part 3a, the frangible bridge integrally connecting the lid 3b to the lower part 3a of the cap 3 is broken, for example switching from the closed position P2 to the open position P1.

[0142] Furthermore, prior to step a), a step is provided for coupling cap 3 to collar 2. For example, at the completion of the assembly operation of opening / closing device 1, first protruding element 51 disposed on lower portion 3a of cap 3 couples to first surface 55a of reference element 55 (which couples to outer surface 2a of collar 2), or vice versa. Unlike the above-described embodiment, step a) further includes step a1′) of appropriately shaping reference element 55 to allow cap 3 to rotate in a first rotational direction L away from first surface 55a of the reference element.

[0143] As in the previous embodiment, step a) further comprises a step a2) of causing the first protruding element 51 to reach and exceed the second protruding element 53 during the rotation of the cap 3 in the first rotational direction L, wherein the second protruding element 53 is arranged on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 and is shaped so as to allow the cap 3 to rotate in the first direction L when a given torsional force to which the cap 3 is subjected is exceeded, and then prevent the cap 3 from rotating in the opposite rotational direction R only after the first protruding element 51 exceeds the second protruding element 53. Advantageously, the second region 12b of the guide 12 is arranged at a position on the outer surface 2a of the collar 2 such that the second region of the guide encounters the locking tooth 11 when the cap 3 rotated relative to the collar 2 is in a position such as when the first protruding element 51 is within the rotational angle interval B comprised between the second protruding element 53 and the second surface 55b of the reference element.

[0144] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned embodiment, step c) further comprises a step c2) of guiding the locking tooth 11 along a bevel 70 obtained on the second region 12b of the guide 12 so that it follows a path having a vertical component in order to push the lid 3b away relative to the collar and help open the lid; the locking tooth 11 reaches the bevel 70 when the first protruding element 51 reaches the opening angle B1.

[0145] Finally, step c) further includes a step c3) of at least temporarily restraining the first protruding element 51 within the first opening angle B1 and a preferred closing angle B2′ included in the closing interval B2 within the angular interval B. Thus, rotation of the cap 3 relative to the collar 2 from the opening angle B1 in the direction of the second preferred closing angle B2′, or from a different closing angle B2 in the direction of the first opening angle B1, is permitted only when a further torsional force applied by the user to the cap 3 exceeds the force, thereby allowing the first protruding element 51 to exceed the resistance of the two temporary stop elements 71 and 72. This further torsional force must be greater than the torsional force normally applied by the user to allow the cap 3 to rotate normally relative to the collar 2.

[0146] Finally, a method for producing an opening / closing device 1 according to the present invention, particularly according to the above-described embodiment, is provided, comprising steps a) of injection molding the cap 3, b) of injection molding the collar 2, and c) of injection molding the cutting element 5, wherein step a) includes a step a0) of integrally molding the lid 3b with the lower portion 3a of the cap 3. Prior to the first rotation of the lid 3b relative to the lower portion 3a, the lid 3b and the lower portion 3a of the cap 3 are integrally constrained by two frangible bridges 90, so as to switch from a closed position P2 to an open position P1 when a predetermined force is exceeded, thereby causing the frangible bridges 90 to break. In practice, after both are injection molded, the lid 3b of the cap 3 is not closed on the lower portion 3a, as occurs in known "flip-top" closure devices, but is instead directly integrally molded and separated upon rupture of the connecting frangible bridges 90. This significantly reduces the production and assembly time of the device 1, as the closing operation of the lid 3b relative to the lower portion 3a is no longer necessary.

[0147] It should be emphasized that whenever the collar 2 and the cutting element 5 are made in one piece, said step b) and said step c) of the production method can also advantageously be carried out simultaneously.

Claims

1. An opening / closing device (1) for a container (100) for pourable products and having at least one pierceable portion (101), the opening / closing device comprising: a collar (2) capable of being coupled to the container at the pierceable portion; A cap (3) having a lower portion (3a) and capable of being displaced on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) in a constrained and rotationally movable manner by means of a first guide device (40) interposed between the collar (2) and the lower portion (3a); and a cutting element (5) capable of being displaced on the inner side of the collar (2) in a constrained manner by means of a second guide device (60) interposed between the cutting element (5) and the collar (2) to cut off the pierceable portion, the device (1) further comprising a pushing device (7) for pushing the cutting element (5) and being driven by the cap (3) at least during the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) to assist in the displacement of the at least one cutting element in the collar in the direction of the pierceable portion, the cap (3) comprising at least one cover (3b) The lid (3b) is rotatably constrained relative to the lower part (3a) of the cap (3) between an open position (P1) and a closed position (P2), and vice versa, and is characterized in that the cap includes a release / engagement device (10) located between the lid (3b) and the collar (2) so as to allow the lid to be opened / closed according to the rotation angle reached by the cap (3) relative to the collar (2), and after the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), the lid (3b) is allowed to be opened only when the cap (3) reaches the opening angle (B1), thereby making it more convenient for the user to pour, and once the lid (3b) has been reclosed, the lid can be locked in a stable position with the collar by rotating the cap (3) relative to the collar (2), thereby reaching a closing angle (B2) different from the rotation of the lid relative to the lower part of the cap.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The release / engagement device (10) allows the lid (3b) to be opened / closed within an angular interval (B) reached by the cap (3) relative to the collar (2), the angular interval starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2), the release / engagement device (10) allows the lid (3b) to be opened within the opening angle (B1) of the angular interval (B), the opening angle being reached by the cap in a first rotational direction (L) relative to the collar, and after the lid (3b) is reclosed, prevents the lid from being opened within the closing angle (B2) of the angular interval (B), the closing angle being reached by the cap in a rotational direction (R) opposite to the first rotational direction (L) relative to the collar (2).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The opening angle (B1) is equal to or greater than the rotation angle (N) required for the cutting element (5) to cut through the pierceable portion (101), and is measured from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2), in which the cap (3) is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar (2).

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The angular interval (B) is between 100° and 355° starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2).

5. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The angular interval (B) is between 180° and 355° starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2).

6. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The angular interval (B) is between 300° and 355° starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2).

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The release / engagement device (10) comprises at least one locking tooth (11) engaged with the lid (3b), and at least one guide (12) for the locking tooth (11) engaged with the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), or vice versa, the guide (12) being provided with at least one first area (12a) along which the at least one locking tooth (11) is constrained to slide so as to keep the lid (3b) engaged with the collar (2) in its closed position (P2), and being provided with at least one second area (12b) in which the locking tooth (11) is unconstrained so as to release the lid (3b) from engagement with the collar (2) and allow the lid (3b) to reach its open position (P1).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one first area (12a) comprises at least one profile protruding on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), and the at least one profile is engageable with the at least one locking tooth (11) to lock the rotation of the cover (3b).

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The at least one locking tooth (11) protrudes from the inner surface (14) of the cover (3b), and the at least one first area (12a) extends over a portion of the periphery of the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2).

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that A limiting device (50) is included for limiting the rotation between the cap (3) and the collar (2).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The limiting device (50) for limiting the rotation comprises a first protruding element (51) protruding from the lower part (3a) of the cap (3), and at least one seat (52) coupled to the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), or vice versa, wherein, at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device (1), the first protruding element (51) is coupled to the seat (52) so as to limit the cap (3) to its initial assembly position with the collar (2), at least before the first displacement of the cap (3) on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), in which the cap (3) is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The seat (52) is shaped to allow the cap (3) to rotate in the first rotational direction (L) when a given torsional force to which the cap (3) is subjected is exceeded.

13. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The limiting device (50) for limiting the rotation comprises a first protruding element (51) protruding from the lower portion (3a) of the cap (3), and a reference element (55) for orienting the cap (3) relative to the collar (2) at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device (1), wherein, at the end of the assembly operation of the opening / closing device (1), the first protruding element (51) is engaged in contact with the first surface (55a) of the reference element (55), and at least before the first displacement of the cap (3) on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), in the initial assembly position, the cap (3) is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that The reference element (55) is shaped to allow the cap (3) to rotate in the first rotational direction (L) away from the first surface (55a) of the reference element.

15. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The limiting device (50) includes a second protruding element (53) which is arranged on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) and is shaped to allow the cap (3) to rotate in the first rotational direction (L) and subsequently prevent the cap (3) from rotating in the opposite rotational direction (R) when a given torsional force to which the cap (3) is subjected is exceeded, and only after the first protruding element (51) exceeds the second protruding element (53) the second area (12b) of the guide is arranged in a position on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) so that the second area of ​​the guide meets the at least one locking tooth (11) when the cap (3) rotated relative to the collar (2) is in a position such as the first protruding element (51) in the rotational angle interval, the rotational angle interval including between the second protruding element (53) and the seat (52), or between the second protruding element (53) and the second surface (55b) of the reference element (55).

16. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The second area (12b) of the guide (12) is arranged at a position on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) so that when the cap (3) rotated relative to the collar (2) is in a position such as the first protruding element (51) abuts against the seat (52) or the second surface (55a) of the reference element (55) within the rotation angle interval, at the opening angle (B1) of the angle interval (B), the second area of ​​the guide meets the locking tooth (11).

17. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The first region (12a) of the guide (12) is arranged at a position on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) such that the first region of the guide meets the locking tooth (11) when the cap (3) rotated relative to the collar (2) in the opposite rotational direction is in a position such as the first protruding element (51) abuts against the second protruding element at the closing angle (B2) of the angular interval (B).

18. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one second region (12a) of the guide (12) includes a slope (71) shaped to guide the locking tooth (11) along a path having a vertical component, such as to push the lid (3b) away relative to the collar (2) and help open the lid (3b), and when the first protruding element (51) reaches the opening angle (B1), the at least one locking tooth (11) reaches the slope (71).

19. The device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that The limiting device includes one or more temporary stop elements (72, 73) which are arranged near the second protruding element and / or the second surface of the reference element, or the seat, and when the first protruding element (51) is arranged between the second protruding element (53) and at least one stop element (72) of the one or more stop elements (72), and / or between at least one stop element (73) of the one or more stop elements (72, 73) and the seat or the second surface of the stop element, the first protruding element is maintained at the opening angle (B1) or the closing angle (B2, B2'), and the one or more stop elements are shaped to allow the cap to rotate relative to the collar from the opening angle (B1) in the direction of the closing angle (B2, B2') or from the closing angle (B2, B2') at the opening angle when the first protruding element is located at the one or more temporary stop elements and when a further twisting force applied by the user to the cap is exceeded.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein At least before the first rotation of the lid (3b) relative to the lower part (3a), the lid (3b) is integrally constrained with the lower part (3a) of the cap (3) by means of at least one frangible bridge (90) so as to switch from the closed position (P2) to the open position (P1) when a given force is exceeded, thereby causing at least one frangible bridge (90) to break.

21. Method for closing / opening a container for pourable products and provided with an opening / closing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising the following steps: Step a) rotating the cap (3) relative to the collar (2); Step b) during step a), displacing the cutting element (5) in the direction of the pierceable portion (101) of the container (100) to sever the container; Step c) raising the lid (3b) integral with the cap (3) from its closed position (P2) to its open position (P1) to pour the product in the container (100); Characterized in that step c) comprises a step c1) allowing the lid (3b) to be opened / closed after the first displacement of the cap on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) according to the rotation angle reached by the cap (3) relative to the collar (2) during step a), allowing the lid to be opened only when the cap reaches a rotation angle such as that which makes it more convenient for the user to pour, and once the lid has been reclosed, the lid can be locked in a stable position with the collar by rotating the cap relative to the collar, thereby reaching a rotation angle different from the angle at which the lid can be rotated relative to the lower part of the cap.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Step c1) occurs when the cap during step a) has reached an angular interval (B) measured from the initial assembly position of the cap relative to the collar, the release / engagement device (10) allowing the lid (3b) to open within an opening angle (B1) of the angular interval (B), the opening angle being reached by the cap in a first rotational direction (L) relative to the collar, and preventing the lid from opening at a different closing angle (B2) of the angular interval (B) after the cap is reclosed, the different closing angle being reached by the cap in a rotational direction (R) relative to the collar (2) opposite to the first rotational direction (L), the opening angle (B1) being greater than the rotational angle (N) required for the cutting element to sever the pierceable portion during step b) of the method and being measured from the initial assembly position of the cap relative to the collar in which the cap (3) is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar (2).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The angular interval, starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2) during step c) of the method, is between 100° and 355°.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The angular interval, starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2) during step c) of the method, is between 180° and 355°.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein The angular interval, starting from the initial assembly position of the cap (3) relative to the collar (2) during step c) of the method, is between 300° and 355°.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that Said step c) comprises a step c0) during which at least one frangible bridge integrally connecting said lid (3b) to said lower part (3a) of said cap (3) is broken during a first rotation of said lid (3b) relative to said lower part (3a) in order to switch from said closed position (P2) to said open position (P1).

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that Prior to step a), there is a step of combining the cap (3) with the collar (2), such as combining a first protruding element (51) protruding from the lower portion (3a) of the cap (3) with at least one seat (52), or a first surface (55a) of a reference element (55), the first surface of the reference element being combined with the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2), or vice versa, and step a) includes step a1), by appropriately shaping the seat (52), the cap (3) is rotated relative to the collar (2) in a first rotational direction (L), and when a given torsional force to which the cap (3) is subjected is exceeded, the cap (3) in the initial assembly position is arranged at an angle of 0° relative to the collar (2), or step a) includes step a1'), by appropriately shaping the reference element, allowing the cap (3) to rotate in the first rotational direction (L) away from the first surface (55a) of the reference element.

28. The method according to claim 21 or 27, characterized in that Said step a) comprises a step a2) of causing said at least one protruding element (51) to reach and exceed said second protruding element (53) during rotation of said cap (3) in said first rotational direction (L), wherein said second protruding element is arranged on said outer surface (2a) of said collar (2) and is shaped so as to allow said cap (3) to rotate in said first rotational direction (L) and subsequently prevent said cap (3) from rotating in the opposite rotational direction (R) when a given torsional force to which said cap (3) is subjected is exceeded, and said at least one protruding element (51) reaches and exceeds said second protruding element (53) only when said first protruding element (51) exceeds said second protruding element (53) After passing the second protruding element (53), the at least one second area (12b) of the guide is arranged at a position on the outer surface (2a) of the collar (2) so that when the cap (3) rotated relative to the collar (2) is in a position such as the first protruding element (51) within the rotation angle interval, the at least one second area of ​​the guide meets the at least one locking tooth (11), and the rotation angle interval includes the position between the second protruding element (53) and the seat (52), or the second surface of the reference element.

29. The method according to claim 21, wherein Said step c) further comprises a step c2) of guiding said locking tooth along a slope obtained on said second area of ​​said guide so that it follows a path having a vertical component, thereby pushing said lid away from said collar and assisting in opening said lid, said at least one locking tooth reaching said slope when said first protruding element reaches an opening angle (B1).

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein Said step c) further comprises a step c2) of guiding said locking tooth along a slope obtained on said second area of ​​said guide so that it follows a path having a vertical component, thereby pushing said lid away from said collar and assisting in opening said lid, said at least one locking tooth reaching said slope when said first protruding element reaches an opening angle (B1).

31. The method according to claim 21, wherein The step c) includes a step c3) of maintaining the first protruding element at an opening angle (B1) and / or different closing angles (B2, B2') at operating angle intervals, and allowing the cap to rotate relative to the collar from the opening angle (B1) in the direction of the closing angle (B2, B2') or from the closing angle (B2, B2') in the direction of the opening angle (B1) when further twisting force applied by the user on the cap is exceeded, so as to allow the first protruding element (51) to exceed the resistance of the one or more temporary stop elements (71, 72).

32. The method according to claim 29, wherein The step c) further includes a step c3) of maintaining the first protruding element at the opening angle (B1) and / or closing angle (B2, B2') at the operating angle interval, and allowing the cap to rotate relative to the collar from the opening angle (B1) in the direction of the closing angle (B2, B2') or from the closing angle (B2, B2') in the direction of the opening angle (B1) when further twisting force applied by the user on the cap is exceeded, so as to allow the first protruding element (51) to exceed the resistance of the one or more temporary stop elements (71, 72).

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