Cap for a container

Abstract

A closure cap 1 for a container comprises a lateral wall 3 extending around an axis Z and a transverse wall 4 located at one end of the lateral wall. A separation line 5 is provided on the lateral wall to define a retaining ring 301 comprising a retaining portion 303 extending to a free edge 304 of the retaining ring and configured to engage internally with a locking ring of a neck of the container in a retaining anchoring to the neck, and a closure element 302 removably engageable with the neck to open or close the container. The cap further comprises a cut line 7 also provided on the lateral wall to define with the separation line at least one connecting band 306, 307 for connecting the closure element and the retaining portion to each other. The cap comprises a coupling structure 2 located inside the lateral wall for removably coupling the closure element to the neck of the container, the lateral wall having a first portion 309 devoid of the coupling structure and a second portion 310 provided with the coupling structure, and the separation line and the cut line being made on the first portion, the first portion having a first height T1 measured along an axis parallel to the axis starting from the free edge, the second portion having a second height T2 measured along an axis parallel to the axis starting from the transverse wall. The ratio between the second height and the first height is less than or equal to 2.00, so that the connecting band can be made in suitable dimensions in the first portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap for a container.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a cap provided with a retaining ring which can be coupled to the neck of a container, the cap being further provided with a closure element which remains connected to the retaining ring after the cap has been opened.

[0003] The cap is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for use in a bottle for containing a liquid substance. BACKGROUND

[0004] The prior art bottle caps comprise a cup-shaped body having a lateral wall extending about an axis, the cup-shaped body being provided with an internal thread suitable for engaging with the external thread of the neck of a bottle. The prior art caps are further provided with a safety ring which is connected to the cup-shaped body by means of a tear line provided with a plurality of breakable elements, such as breakable bridges. When the cap is opened for the first time, the cup-shaped body is separated from the safety ring along the tear line after the breakable bridges have broken. The safety ring remains coupled to the neck of the bottle, while the cup-shaped body can be unscrewed by the user who, in this way, separates the cup-shaped body from the bottle to access the contents of the bottle. Subsequently, the cup-shaped body can be screwed again onto the neck to reclose the bottle.

[0005] Sometimes, after the bottle has been emptied, the user, intentionally or unintentionally, throws the cup-shaped body on the ground, while the bottle and the safety ring coupled to it are correctly thrown into the bin. Obviously, this is an undesirable behaviour.

[0006] To overcome this drawback, caps have been proposed which are provided with a separation line made in the lateral wall of the cap to define a retaining ring configured to remain anchored to the neck of a container and a closure element which can be removably engaged with the neck so as to open or close the container. The retaining ring is provided with a retaining portion which extends to the free edge of the retaining ring and is configured to engage internally with a locking ring of the neck in such a way as to remain anchored to the neck. These caps further comprise a cut line also on the lateral wall to define, together with the separation line, at least one connecting band positioned for connecting the closure element and the retaining portion to each other.

[0007] Along the separation line or along the cut line, there can be a breakable bridge which is intended to break upon the first opening of the cap.

[0008] The closure element can be rotated between an open condition, in which the user can access the contents of the bottle, and a closed condition, in which the closure element prevents access to the bottle.

[0009] The connecting band keeps the closure element coupled to the retaining ring and therefore to the bottle, preventing the possibility of the closure element being thrown on the ground independently of the bottle.

[0010] Moreover, the connection band allows the closure element to move away from the retaining portion of the retaining ring which retains the locking ring anchored to the neck of the container during the opening of the container. In fact, it is possible to exploit the movement ability of the connection band itself to pass from the closed condition to the open condition and vice versa.

[0011] The cap can be obtained from a concave body comprising a lateral wall and a transverse wall placed at one end of the lateral wall, and it can be made, for example, by molding a polymeric material, for example compression molding or injection molding.

[0012] After the concave body is formed, the separation line and the incision line are made on the lateral wall using a cutting tool which can be, for example, a blade positioned perpendicularly to the axis Z, in the case where the separation line and the incision line are located in respective parallel planes which are, for example, perpendicular to the axis Z.

[0013] If we now consider the lateral wall, it comprises a first portion starting from the free edge which is not threaded and a second portion starting from the transverse wall which is provided with threads.

[0014] Since the separation line and the incision line are made by a cutting operation, they can be located only in the first portion of the lateral wall which is not threaded and not in the second portion which is threaded.

[0015] Since the connection band is made together with the separation line and the incision line, the axial height of the connection band is defined by the positioning of the separation line and the incision line with respect to each other in the first portion of the lateral wall.

[0016] In order to ensure that the connection band is robust and in order to ensure that the connection band does not break together with the breakable bridge at the first opening of the cap, the connection band must have a minimum axial height. However, this is not always possible if the cap has a small height.

[0017] In fact, for relatively short caps, a portion of the cap can be without threads which extends to the free edge which is so small as to mean that the connection band made in this free edge has a height which is not suitable to guarantee the robustness and deformability of the same connection band.

[0018] The robustness of the connection band guarantees that it does not break, while the deformability of the connection band guarantees the correct locking of the closure element when the cap is in the open condition.

[0019] In fact, in the prior art caps, in the open condition, when the user tilts the bottle to pour its contents, the retaining ring can easily rotate and also cause the closure element connected to it to fall downwards due to gravity. If this happens, the closure element can be positioned facing and below the dispensing opening. Therefore, the user must manually lock the cap before tilting the bottle to avoid unwanted splashing or deviation of the contents to be poured and to guarantee that the closure element does not interfere with the dispensing.

[0020] If the connecting band is deformable, it can be subjected to bending and can operate together with the neck to stably lock the cap in the same position in the open condition.

[0021] Figures 1 to 4 A cap with reduced height is shown, in which the possibility of making a separation line 105 and a cut line 107 intended to define at least one connecting band is considered.

[0022] In particular, Figures 1 to 4 Two connecting bands 116 and 117 are shown below the cap 100 shown in

[0023] In Figures 1 to 4 In the cap with reduced height shown, the cut line 107 is located between the separation line 105 and the free edge of the cap and the separation line 105 that defines the closure element and the retaining ring is interrupted circumferentially to make the closure element and the retaining ring join together through the joining portion.

[0024] Figure 1 A section of the cap 100 widely present on the market is shown, disclosing a first axial portion of the side wall without threads having a first height T1 and a second axial portion with threads having a second height T2, from Figure 1 It can be seen in that the first height T1 is much smaller than the height H2 of the cap;

[0025] Figure 2 A side view of one embodiment of the cap 100 in Figure 1 is shown, in which Figure 2 it is assumed that the separation line 105 and the cut line 107 are made in the first portion to define the closure element, the retaining ring and the two connecting bands 116 and 117 made between the separation line 105 and the cut line 107;

[0026] Figure 3 A side view of one embodiment of the cap 100 in Figure 1A side view of another embodiment of the cover 100, in which it is assumed that the separation line 105 and the cut line 107 are formed in the first part to define the closing element, the retaining ring, and two connecting strips 116 and 117 formed between the separation line 105 and the cut line 107, and in this embodiment it is assumed that the pull tab 108 is formed between the two connecting strips 116 and 117, and the end edge of the pull tab 108 is aligned with the cut line 107;

[0027] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A side view of another different embodiment of the cover 100, in which a separation line 105 and a notch line 107' are formed in the first part to define a closure element, a retaining ring, and two connecting strips 116 and 117 formed between the separation line 105 and the notch line 107', and in this embodiment, a pull tab 108' is formed between the two connecting strips 116 and 117, the pull tab and... Figure 3 The pull tab 108 is different because the central elongated section of the cut line 107' used to make the end edge of the pull tab 108' protrudes toward the free edge relative to the connecting strips 116, 117.

[0028] The separation line 105 is located at a distance D1 from the free edge of the retaining ring. Therefore, the height of the retaining ring along the axis parallel to the Z axis is equal to D1.

[0029] When the closing element is in the closed state, H1 represents the height of the connecting band along the axis parallel to axis Z, and D2 represents the height of the retaining portion along this axis. Therefore, the cut lines 107 and 107' are located at a distance D2 from the free edge of the retaining ring.

[0030] H2 represents the height of cover 1 measured between the transverse wall and the free edge.

[0031] In the presence of prominent film pulls Figure 4 In this context, D3 represents the distance between the central elongated section of the cut line and the free edge.

[0032] Therefore, it should be noted that there is a transition section from the first part to the second part, which is located at a distance equal to T1 from the free edge 304, and the separation line 105 may be located in the side wall of the first part of the cover.

[0033] If the height D1 of the retaining ring is smaller due to the threads in the second part, then the height H1 of the connecting strip may be smaller, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 4If, as shown, a tab 108' is present that protrudes with respect to the connecting band, the height H1 of the connecting band is even smaller, despite the fact that the distance D3 with respect to the free edge is kept to a minimum, since the tab 108' itself must also be made within the height D1 of the retaining ring.

[0035] Therefore, considering that the caps 100 with a small height are currently widely used on the market, and assuming that at least one connecting band is made in the cap to keep the closure element connected to the retaining ring in the open condition of the cap, the height of this connecting band can not be sufficient to guarantee that the connecting band does not break during the opening of the container or during the subsequent use of the container.

[0036] Furthermore, if the thickness is insufficient, the deformability of the connecting band or of the two connecting bands previously shown can not be sufficient to guarantee that the closure element remains stably locked in the same position in the closed condition.

[0037] Document US2020 / 115115 shows a closure cap comprising a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion comprises an upper wall portion and a first breakable connection portion and a second breakable connection portion, wherein the first breakable connection portion extends around a closure periphery and the second breakable connection portion is at a distance from the first breakable connection portion, at least a portion of the second breakable connection portion being positioned further from the upper wall portion than a portion of the first breakable connection portion. The second breakable connection portion defines an area suitable for forming a tab. SUMMARY

[0038] The aim of the present invention is to improve the prior art caps, in particular those comprising a retaining ring intended to remain joined to the neck of a container and a closure element that can be removably engaged with the neck to allow the user to open or alternatively close the container.

[0039] Another aim is to provide a cap for a container provided with a closure element that remains connected to a retaining ring, which additionally can remain stably locked in a position after being opened, even when the height of the cap is small.

[0040] A different aim of the present invention is to provide a cap provided with at least one connecting band, which is located between the closure element of the cap and the retaining portion of the retaining ring and is intended to retain the locking ring anchored to the neck, which is robust and deformable in the open condition of the cap, even when the height of the cap is small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which show several exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, in which:

[0042] Figure 1The cross-section of a cover widely available on the market is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of one embodiment of the cover;

[0044] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side view of another embodiment of the cover;

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A side view of another different embodiment of the cover;

[0046] Figure 5 It is a cross-section of the closed lid for a container according to the invention along a plane passing through the axis of the lid;

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The side view of the lid shows optically recognizable markings between the knurled lines on the sidewalls of the lid;

[0048] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The cover is located along the section plane VII-VII;

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A side view of an embodiment of the cover, which includes a separation line and a cut line to define a closure element, a retaining ring, and two connecting strips defined between the cut line and the separation line;

[0050] Figure 9 It shows Figure 5 A side view of a different embodiment of the cover, which has a separation line, a slit line and two connecting strips, and a pull tab between the two connecting strips, the central elongated section of the slit line being designed to form the end edge of the pull tab aligned with the slit line.

[0051] Figure 10 It shows Figure 5 A side view of another embodiment of the cover, in which there is a separation line, a cut line and two connecting strips, and a pull tab between the two connecting strips, the central elongated section of the cut line is intended to form the end edge of the pull tab, the end edge protruding toward the free edge of the retaining ring;

[0052] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 A cross-section of a variant of the closed lid along a plane passing through the axis of the lid;

[0053] Figure 12 From Figure 13 Viewed from angle DFigure 11 enlarged side view of a portion of the side wall of the cap in Fig. 1, for highlighting Figure 6 an embodiment of the optically recognizable marking in Fig. 1;

[0054] Figure 13 is Figure 11 a section of the cap in Fig. 1 along the section plane XIII-XIII;

[0055] Figure 14 is Figure 5 a section of the closed cap in Fig. 1 along a plane passing through the axis of the cap;

[0056] Figure 15 is Figure 14 enlarged side view of a portion of the side wall of the cap in Fig. 1, for highlighting Figure 6 another embodiment of the optically recognizable marking in Fig. 1;

[0057] Figure 16 is Figure 14 a section of the cap in Fig. 1 along the section plane XVI-XVI;

[0058] Figure 17 is Figure 5 a section of the closed cap in Fig. 1 along a plane passing through the axis of the cap;

[0059] Figure 18 is Figure 17 a section of the cap in Fig. 1 along the section plane XVIII-XVIII;

[0060] Figure 19 is Figure 8 a side view of another different embodiment of the cap in Fig. 1, comprising a separation line and a cut line to define a closure element, a retaining ring and two connection bands defined between the cut line and the separation line, wherein the cap further comprises a protrusion located between the separation line and the cut line, which protrudes from the outer surface of the cap transversely to the axis Z;

[0061] Figure 20 is Figure 19 another side view of the cap in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference is made to the attached Figures 5 to 20 , the number 1 indicates a closure cap for a container (not shown), in particular for a bottle for containing a liquid substance such as a beverage.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this description, the same reference numbers will be assigned to the same components.

[0064] The cap 1 is made of polymeric material. Any polymeric material suitable for molding can be used to obtain the cap 1.

[0065] In Figures 5 to 20 The cap 1 shown in the figures is in a condition in which it leaves the cap production line and can be applied to the neck (not shown) of a container to be combined with the same.

[0066] The cap 1 comprises a lateral wall 3 extending around an axis Z, and a transverse wall 4 located at one end of the lateral wall 3 to close the same. The transverse wall 4 extends transversely to the axis Z, in particular perpendicularly to the axis Z.

[0067] The axis Z is a central axis about which the cap 1 is symmetrical.

[0068] The transverse wall 4 can be flat, but other shapes are theoretically possible. In the example shown, the transverse wall 4 has a substantially circular shape in plan view.

[0069] The lateral wall 3 and the transverse wall 4 define a cup-shaped body suitable for receiving an end portion of the neck of a container, so that the cap 1 can close the same container.

[0070] In particular, the lateral wall 3 is connected to the transverse wall 4 by a connection area 401, the cross section of which can be shaped like a bevelled edge or a rounded connector.

[0071] At least in Figures 8 to 10 The cap 1 shown comprises a separation line 5 provided on the lateral wall 3 to define a retaining ring 301 configured to retain anchoring to the neck of a container.

[0072] The separation line 5 on the lateral wall 3 not only defines the retaining ring 301, but also a closure element 302 removably engageable with the neck so as to open or close the container. The closure element 302 is engageable for closing a dispensing opening (not shown) of the container.

[0073] The retaining ring 301 comprises a retaining portion 303 configured to engage internally with a locking ring (not shown) of the same neck in such a way as to retain anchoring to the neck.

[0074] The locking ring is an annular protrusion that projects from the outer surface of the neck in a plane positioned transversely to the axis Z.

[0075] The retaining portion 303 extends to a free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301, which delimits the retaining ring 301 on the side opposite the transverse wall 4.

[0076] In other words, when the cap is coupled to the container, the retaining portion 303 is a lower portion of the retaining ring 301 and therefore of the cap 1, and is configured to retain anchoring of the retaining ring 301 to the neck of the container.

[0077] The sidewall 3 may have a plurality of knurled lines 312 on its outer surface, which extend parallel to the axis Z and are adapted to facilitate the user to grip the cap 1 or the capping machine to grip the cap 1 to apply the cap 1 to the container to be closed.

[0078] The knurled wire 312 may be located in the closing element 302, but may also extend into the connection area 401 and / or the retaining ring 301.

[0079] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, it should be noted that the sidewall 3 includes: a cylindrical portion extending to the connecting region 401, on which knurling 312 is formed; a widened portion, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion, extending to the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301; and a connecting region located between the cylindrical portion and the widened portion. The knurling 312 is provided on the connecting region but not in the widened portion, which is externally defined by a smooth outer surface; that is, the widened portion may not have knurling 312. However, this is not mandatory, as the knurling 312 may also extend on the widened portion.

[0080] Figure 6 As shown, in the connection area, the knurling line 312 is interrupted and there is an optically identifiable mark 311 with a rectangular shape and a smooth outer surface, which allows the optical inspection system for the cover 1 in the cover 1 production line to optically distinguish the difference between the mark and the knurling line.

[0081] like Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the cut line 7 is provided on the side wall 3 and together with the separation line 5 defines at least one connecting band for connecting the closing element 302 and the retaining portion 303 to each other.

[0082] The separation line 5 and the cut line 7 can be cut lines made by cutting on a concave body obtained by molding.

[0083] The cutting line can pass through the entire thickness of the sidewall, or it can partially cut through the thickness of the sidewall without passing through the entire thickness of the sidewall.

[0084] Preferably, the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 are made by a cut that passes through the entire thickness of the sidewall.

[0085] Optionally, there may be multiple breakable bridges 503 along the separation line 5, and multiple breakable elements 704 along the cut line 7, such as... Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, these breakable bridges 503 and breakable elements 704 are intended to break when the cap 1 is opened for the first time. The breakable elements 704 can be positioned in an angularly offset position with respect to the breakable bridges 503 about the axis Z.

[0086] Preferably, the breakable bridges 503 are arranged along the separation line 5 and not on the cut line 7.

[0087] As will be explained in greater detail below, different variants of the cap 1 can be identified depending on the position of the cut line 7 with respect to the separation line 5, for example depending on the position of the connecting band or the number of connecting bands present.

[0088] As already explained, the separation line 5 is located at a distance D1 from the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301. The height of the retaining ring 301 along an axis parallel to the axis Z is therefore equal to D1.

[0089] H1 represents the height of the connecting band along an axis parallel to the axis Z when the closure element 302 is in the closed condition, and D2 represents the height of the retaining portion 303 along this axis.

[0090] H2 represents the height of the cap 1 measured between the lateral wall 4 and the free edge 304.

[0091] At least in the caps 1 shown in Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 17 the cap 1 also comprises a coupling structure 2 or thread located inside the side wall 3 for removably coupling the closure element 302 to the neck of the container.

[0092] Figure 7 The way in which the thread 2 is shown with three starting points, that is to say, it comprises three different helically curved threads 201 each of which extends continuously for an angle a and starts every 120°, the angle a being equal to 120°.

[0093] Figure 7 The way in which there are also three different optically identifiable markers 311 is also shown, which are angularly spaced apart by an angle b, and which are in turn spaced apart from the starting position of each thread 201, the angle b also being equal to 120°.

[0094] Alternatively, the angular spacing of each marker 311 with respect to each thread 201 can be equal to 0°, or to any other value required in the production line of the cap 1, to allow the quality of the cap on the container or the assembly of the cap on the container to be checked.

[0095] This applies not only to the cap 1 in Figure 7 but also to the caps that will be described below, which also have their respective optically identifiable markers.

[0096] The lateral wall 3 has a first portion 309, without thread 2, having a first height T1 measured along an axis parallel to the axis Z starting from the free edge 304.

[0097] The separation line 5 and the cut line 7 are located on the first portion 309, since the cutting operations that are necessary to make the separation line and the cut line must be made in the portion without thread 2.

[0098] The lateral wall 3 also has a second portion 310, provided with thread 2, having a second height T2 measured along an axis parallel to the axis Z starting from the transverse wall 4.

[0099] The sum of the first height T1 and the second height T2 is equal to the height H2 of the cap 1 and, therefore, at a distance from the free edge 304 equal to the first height T1, there is a transition from the first portion 309 to the second portion 310, that is, the thread 2 begins.

[0100] At the first portion 309, the inner side of the lateral wall 3 has a cylindrical inner surface, while at the second portion 310 the inner surface is shaped like the thread 2.

[0101] The first portion 309 can have a connecting surface 314 to connect the inner surface shaped like a thread of the second portion 310 and the cylindrical inner surface of the first portion 309. Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, the connecting surface 314 can have a conical shape, or alternatively, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 17 the connecting surface can have a planar shape.

[0102] According to the present application, the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is less than or equal to 2.00, so that the connecting bands can be made with suitable dimensions. The term "suitable" dimensions means that the dimensions of the connecting bands are such that they keep the closure element 302 stably connected to the retaining ring 301 when the closure element 302 is in the open state.

[0103] In other words, if we consider the second height T2 as the dividend and the first height T1 as the divisor, the ratio between them is less than or equal to 2.00, which ensures that the connecting bands can have the characteristics necessary to keep the closure element 302 and the retaining ring 301 connected during the passage from the closed state to the open state and when the cap 1 is in the open state.

[0104] Since, when the cap is in the open condition, the connecting band stably connects the closure element 302 to the retaining portion 303, the possibility of the closure element 302 separating from the container and being thrown on the ground is eliminated. This increases the possibility of the closure element 302 and the container being correctly disposed of together with waste of the same type as them, in particular waste made of plastic material.

[0105] Since the ratio between the second portion 310 provided with the thread 2 and the first portion 309 without the thread 2 is less than or equal to 2.00, it is guaranteed that a portion of the height H2 of the cap 1, which is established proportionally with respect to the height H2, remains without the thread 2 at all times, so that the separation line 5 and the incision line 7 can be made in said portion, the separation line and the incision line together defining the height H1 of the connecting band.

[0106] Even if the cap 1 has a small overall height H2, it is guaranteed that the height H1 of the connecting band defined by the separation line 5 and the incision line 7 present in the first portion 309 can remain at a size sufficient to ensure that the connecting band is robust and can deform when it is stressed by the user in the open condition of the cap.

[0107] This allows the closure element 302 to be stably locked on the neck of the container when the cap is in the open condition and prevents any rotational movement of the closure element towards the dispensing opening or around the neck of the bottle. Therefore, the closure element cannot fall due to gravity, as explained below.

[0108] Even when the user wants to close the container again, the presence of the robust connecting band allows the transition from the open condition to the closed condition without the connecting band breaking.

[0109] According to a variant of the present application, the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is less than or equal to 1.70, preferably less than or equal to 1.40.

[0110] Even more preferably, the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is greater than or equal to 1.0.

[0111] Therefore, the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 can be greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0; preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 1.70; even more preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 1.40.

[0112] The Applicant has noted that said size ratio is particularly advantageous for caps 1 having a height H2 greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 16.0 mm, preferably for caps 1 having a height greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 12.5 mm, even more preferably for caps 1 having a height greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 11.0 mm.

[0113] For example, Figures 5 to 10 The height H2 of the cap 1 is equal to 11.71 mm. According to the application, the first height T1 is equal to 5.41, the second height T2 is equal to 6.30, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.16.

[0114] It should therefore be noted that, despite the small height H2 of the cap, the first portion 309 having an increased height is particularly advantageous to guarantee that an important part of the cap 1 can be used to make the separation line 5 and the cut line 7.

[0115] It should be noted, however, that according to the application, the ratio between the second portion 310 and the first portion 309 can be applied to any type of cap. In fact, even in caps having a height H2 greater than 16 mm, the first portion 309 having an increased height is still advantageous if it is intended to lock the closure element 302 beyond the locking ring, against the coupling structure of the neck, in order to make the combination of the cap and the neck to which the cap is applied more stable.

[0116] If according to the application the first portion 309 has an increased height, the second portion 310 having the thread 2 is therefore smaller, independently of the height H2 of the cap 1. Therefore, when the cap 1 is engaged with the neck of the container, the thread 2 engages with the corresponding thread of the neck of the container later than the time at which a cap 1 having the same height H2 but not made according to the application would engage with the corresponding thread.

[0117] The cap 1 also comprises a sealing element 8 which extends from the inner surface of the transversal wall 4 inwardly with respect to the lateral wall 3 and which, in use, is configured to be positioned inside the dispensing opening of the neck to form a seal with the inner wall of the neck.

[0118] The sealing element 8 is made as a cylindrical wall which protrudes from the transversal wall 4 to a sealing end 801 having an increased thickness and protruding radially outwardly towards the lateral wall 3 so as to form a seal with the inner wall of the neck when the sealing element 8 is inserted in the dispensing opening of the neck.

[0119] The sealing element 8 is coaxial with respect to the lateral wall 3 and has a height H3 measured along an axis parallel to the axis Z starting from the transversal wall 4.

[0120] The height H3 of the sealing element 8 is less than or equal to the first height T1.

[0121] In other words, even if the height H3 of the sealing element 8 is small, it is ensured that during closure of the cap 1 the sealing element 8 engages with the neck of the container only after the thread 2 of the cap 1 engages with the corresponding thread of the neck.

[0122] The small size of the sealing element 8 makes it possible to ensure that the cap 1 can be screwed onto the neck of the container in the usual manner, independently of the time at which the thread 2 according to the application engages with the neck, compared to the time at which the thread of a cap not made according to the application engages with the neck.

[0123] It should be noted that the "small" size means compared to the corresponding size of a cap 1 of the same height known but not made according to the application.

[0124] If we now consider the transition between the first portion 309 and the second portion 310 and at the height T1 (from the free edge 304), it can be seen that the separation line 5 or the cut line 7 is advantageously positioned at a distance (not shown) from said transition which is less than or equal to 1.00 mm and therefore at a height which is less than or equal to 1.00 mm from the height T1.

[0125] Preferably, the separation line 5 or the cut line 7 can be located at a distance from said transition which is preferably less than or equal to 0.50 mm, preferably equal to 0.40.

[0126] Thanks to this distance from the transition, the separation line 5 or the cut line 7 can be made in a region of the side wall 3 which is radially the hardest region of the cap 1. The cutting operation required to make the separation line 5 or the cut line 7 is therefore very effective, since the cutting tool is able to make optimal contact with the side wall 3, maximizing the penetration in the side wall 3, which allows high cutting precision and minimum wear of the cutting tool itself to be achieved.

[0127] As already explained, the retaining ring 301 is configured to engage internally with the locking ring in such a way as to remain anchored to the neck.

[0128] To this end, as Figure 5 shown, the retaining ring 301 is internally provided with an engagement element 313 adapted to engage with the locking ring. The engagement element 313 is configured to abut against the locking ring so as to prevent axial movement of the retaining ring 301 away from the neck when the closure element moves away from the neck.

[0129] In detail, the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301 is provided with the engagement element 313, thereby making it so that the retaining ring remains anchored to the locking ring even when the closure element 302 is in the open condition and locked at a distance from the neck and the dispensing opening.

[0130] The shape of the engagement elements 313 is similar to that of annular elements that are bent inwardly around the free edge 304 toward the inner side of the retaining portion 303. In detail, the annular elements can be continuous or discontinuous. In fact, as shown, there can be a plurality of bent elements in the shape of tabs that protrude from the free edge 304 and are bent inwardly toward the inner side of the retaining portion 303 to form the engagement elements. Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the engagement elements 313 can be shaped as continuous or discontinuous protrusions that protrude from the inner surface of the retaining portion 303 toward the axis Z to engage with the locking ring. Figure 5

[0131] If we now consider the cap 1 in Figures 5 to 7 and we place the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 therein, as shown in Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 we can see that there are a plurality of connection bands (for example two), that is to say a first connection band 306 and a second connection band 307 for connecting the closure element 302 and the retaining portion 303 to each other, which are defined by the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 together.

[0132] In detail, the first connection band 306 and the second connection band 307 are defined between the separation line 5 and the cut line 7.

[0133] Advantageously, since the separation line 5 or the cut line 7 approaches the height T1, it is possible to obtain the first connection band 306 and the second connection band 307 with sufficient height to make the first connection band and the second connection band strong and unbroken.

[0134] The cut line 7 comprises a first lateral elongated segment 702 and a second lateral elongated segment 703, which at least partially define the first connection band 306 and the second connection band 307. The first connection band 306 is defined between the first lateral elongated segment 702 and a first portion of the separation line 5 that extends from the first end 501 of the separation line 5.

[0135] The second connection band 307 is defined between the second lateral elongated segment 703 and a second portion of the separation line 5 that extends from the second end 502 of the separation line.

[0136] The separation line 5 extends around the axis Z and is discontinuous circumferentially, so as to join the retaining ring 301 and the closure element 302 by the joining portion 305. In detail, the separation line 5 extends between the first end 501 and the second end 502.

[0137] The cut line 7 extends between the separation line 5 and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301.

[0138] ​The retaining ring 301 thus extends between the separation line 5 and the free edge 304 and can be delimited by a cylindrical outer surface or a frustoconical outer surface.

[0139] Preferably, the separation line 5 is parallel to the free edge 304.

[0140] The first and second connecting bands 306, 307 are thus located in the retaining ring 301 and extend from the joining portion 305 to the retaining portion 303.

[0141] The first and second connecting bands 306, 307 are located on opposite sides of the joining portion 305, circumferentially.

[0142] It should be noted that the cut line 7 has an angular extent, measured about the axis Z, which is greater than the angular distance between the first and second end portions 501, 502 of the separation line 5, also measured about the axis Z, that is to say, greater than the angular extent of the joining portion 305.

[0143] In addition, the joining portion 305 extends circumferentially over the angular extent of the cut line 7.

[0144] The first and second lateral stretches 702, 703 of the cut line 7 are both perpendicular to the axis Z and aligned. However, in an embodiment not shown, the two lateral stretches 702, 703 can be slightly angled with respect to each other and have different inclinations, not necessarily parallel to each other.

[0145] The first and second lateral stretches 702, 703 preferably extend in a first plane (not illustrated) parallel to a separation plane (not shown) containing the separation line 5, which is transverse to the axis Z, in particular perpendicular to the axis Z.

[0146] The first and second lateral stretches 702, 703 define, respectively, a first and a second free lower edge (not shown) of the connecting bands 306, 307 when the lid 1 is in the open state.

[0147] In addition, the first and second lateral stretches 702, 703 also define a first and a second free upper edge (not shown) of the retaining portion 303.

[0148] The first and second lateral stretches 702, 703 are located at a distance D2 from the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 along an axis parallel to the axis Z, which corresponds to the height of the retaining portion 303.

[0149] The cut line comprises a central elongated section 701 which is interposed between a first lateral elongated section 702 and a second lateral elongated section 703 of the cut line 7 and defines an end edge which, in the closed condition, faces the retaining portion 303 and is configured to be directed towards the neck of the container, or towards the dispensing opening of the container, when the cap is in the open condition.

[0150] It should be noted that, as Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 19 indicated, the central elongated section 701 and the two lateral elongated sections 702 and 703 lie in a plane which is positioned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z.

[0151] When the closure element 302 is transformed from the closed condition to the open condition, the joining portion 305 is deformed and is overturned with respect to the neck so that the end edge can rest against the neck itself.

[0152] The centre line of the joining portion 305 and the centre line of the cut line 7 can be positioned angularly close to each other.

[0153] Preferably, the centre line of the separation line 5 and the centre line of the cut line 7 coincide with each other, as Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 19 indicated, so that the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the plane containing the axis Z and the centre line of the joining portion 305 and the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 have equal lengths.

[0154] According to an embodiment not shown, the centre line of the cut line 7 can not coincide with the centre line of the joining portion 305, provided that, as previously mentioned, the centre line of the cut line is positioned angularly close to the centre line of the joining portion and, in this case, the first connecting band 306 can have a different length from the second connecting band 307, since the first lateral elongated section 702 and the second lateral elongated section 703 can have different angular ranges.

[0155] As Figure 9 indicated, the retaining ring 301 comprises a tab 308 so that, when the closure element 302 is in the open condition and the connecting bands 306, 307 keep the closure element 302 connected to the retaining ring 301, the tab 308 can rest against the neck.

[0156] When the cap 1 is in the open condition, the central elongated section 701 defines the end edge of the tab 308.

[0157] Two cut lines 6 are provided on the side wall 3 to define the respective lateral edges of the tab 308 and are made by cut lines which pass through the entire thickness of the side wall 3.

[0158] The central elongated section 701 of the cutout line 7 is located between the cutting lines 6 and also between the first lateral elongated section 702 and the second lateral elongated section 703 of the cutout line.

[0159] As Figure 9 shown, if the central elongated section 701 and the two lateral elongated sections 702 and 703 are aligned with each other and are all in a single plane positioned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z, the end edge of the tab 308 is aligned with the first free lower edge and the second free lower edge of the connecting bands 306, 307.

[0160] If we consider the height of the tab 308, which is determined by the height of the cutting lines 6.

[0161] Otherwise, as Figure 10 shown, the cap 1 can comprise a tab 308' which, unlike the tab 308 shown in Figure 9 , is different thanks to a cutout line 7' comprising a central elongated section 701'which extends in a second plane parallel to the separation plane and which is interposed between the first plane and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 to define an end edge of the tab 308' which projects with respect to the connecting bands 306, 307.

[0162] In fact, while the first lateral elongated section 702 and the second lateral elongated section 703 are similar to those in Figure 9 , the cutout line 7' has a central elongated section 701'which is closer to the free edge 704 to define a tab 308' which projects with respect to the connecting bands 306, 307.

[0163] D3 represents the distance between the central elongated section 701'and the free edge 304.

[0164] In this case, the height of the tab 308' is also determined by the height of the cutting lines 6 which extend from the central elongated section 701'to the point at which they intersect the lateral elongated sections 702, 703.

[0165] In an embodiment not shown, the cutting lines 6 can continue in the joining portion 305 and optionally also in the closure element 302 to give the tab 308 greater flexibility with respect to a virtual hinge line which is provided on the opposite side of the end edge between the opposite ends of the cutting lines 6.

[0166] While Figure 9 the tab 308 in Figure 4 is made at the height HI of the connecting bands 306, 307, the tab 308' in is made only as an external portion and projects with respect to the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307.

[0167] Figure 19 A cap different from that in Fig. 1 is shown, in which the coupling portion 305 is provided externally with a protrusion 315 protruding from the coupling portion 308 and located between the separation line 5 and the cut line 7, so that, when the closure element 302 is in the open position and the connecting bands 306, 307 keep the closure element 302 connected to the retaining ring 301, the end edge defined by the central elongated section 701 of the cut line is directed towards the dispensing opening of the container in the open position and the protrusion 315 is directed against the neck. Figure 8 The protrusion 315 operates together with the overturning of the coupling portion 305 and can stabilize and lock the closure element 302 on the neck, preventing the connecting bands 306 and 307 from rotating in opposite directions.

[0168] Now considering the shape of the cap 1 and the positioning of the separation line 5, it should be noted that the closure element 302 is defined by a cylindrical portion, while the retaining ring 301 is defined by a widened portion, since the separation line 5 is provided on the widened portion near a first height T1 at which the first portion 309 starts without the thread 2.

[0169] However, other configurations of the cap 1 with respect to the position of the separation line 5, the extent of the knurled line 312 and the external shape of the cap 1 are possible. For example, if the transition from the first portion 309 to the second portion 310 occurs on the same cylindrical portion, the separation line 5 can be located on the cylindrical portion.

[0170] According to one variant not shown, the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 have an angular extent greater than 180° and the centre line of the separation line 5 and the centre line of the cut line 7 are positioned angularly opposite each other. Preferably, the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 have an equal angular extent.

[0171] According to this variant, the separation line 5 and the cut line 7 overlap each other only between the first portion of the separation line 5 and the first lateral elongated section 702 of the cut line 7, and between the second portion of the separation line 5 and the second lateral elongated section 703, to define the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307, respectively.

[0172] According to another variant not shown, the separation line 5 is located between the cut line and the free edge 304. In this case, the retaining ring 301 coincides with the retaining portion 303 and the connecting bands 306, 307 are made in the closure element 302.

[0173] The coupling portion 305 defined between the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the separation line 5 is coupled to the retaining portion 303.

[0174] The protrusion 315 operates together with the overturning of the coupling portion 305 and can stabilize and lock the closure element 302 on the neck, preventing the connecting bands 306 and 307 from rotating in opposite directions.

[0175] Therefore, when the cover changes from the closed state to the open state, the first connecting strip 306 and the second connecting strip 307 are configured in a trapezoidal shape (not shown), but the smaller base of the trapezoid points to the free edge 304, while the larger base of the trapezoid defined by the cut line points to the transverse wall 4.

[0176] In other words, the central elongated section of the cut line faces the closing element 302, and more specifically, faces the end edge of the closing element 302.

[0177] Therefore, it should be noted that, advantageously, in all embodiments of the cover 1 according to the invention, as shown or only described in the drawings, there exists a ratio between the second height T2 of the second portion 310 and the first height T1 of the first portion 309 such that the first portion 309 has a height sufficient to form a separation line 5 or a cut line 7 therein, which is positioned in a manner to ensure at least one robust and deformable connecting strip.

[0178] according to Figures 11 to 13 The proposed variation 1a of the cover 1 according to the present invention has a connecting structure 2a that is compatible with... Figures 5 to 10 The cover 1 shown is different. The connection structure is a variation of the connection structure 2 and has a single thread 201a that is intermittently angled to leave equally spaced vents 202 at which there is no thread 2a.

[0179] Figures 11 to 13 The height H2 of the cover 1a is equal to 15.27 mm. According to the present invention, the first height T1 is equal to 7.03 mm, the second height T2 is equal to 8.24 mm, and the ratio of the second height T2 to the first height T1 is equal to 1.17.

[0180] Thread 201a extends from the starting point 201a' to the ending point 201a'', as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the starting point and the ending point are 45° apart.

[0181] Figures 11 to 13 The cap 1a has only one starting point and is particularly suitable for use with carbonated beverages.

[0182] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the optically recognizable mark 311a exists in a manner that is similar in shape to the knurled line 312. Figure 6 The mark 311 is different, but the height of the mark is different from all other heights present in the sidewall 3.

[0183] like Figure 13 As shown, there is a single mark 311a, and the mark is positioned at an angular interval relative to the start point 201a' and end point 201a'' of the thread 201a.

[0184] According to Figures 14 to 16 , another embodiment 1b of the cap 1 according to the present application is proposed, which differs from the cap 1 shown in Figure 6 due to the fact that it comprises optically recognizable markings 311b different from the markings 311 in Figure 12 and from the markings 311a in Figures 5 to 10 .

[0185] Figures 14 to 16 The height H2 of the cap 1b of is equal to 11.29 mm. According to the present application, the first height T1 is equal to 5.56 mm, the second height T2 is equal to 5.73 mm and the ratio between the second height T1 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.03.

[0186] Figure 12 The shape of the markings 311b is also similar to the knurling lines 312, but the height of this marking is different from all the other heights present in the lateral wall 3, also from the height of the markings 311a in

[0187] The cap 1b has a coupling structure 2 with three starting points, similar to the coupling structure in Figures 5 to 10 , that is to say, it has three helically curved threads 201, each of which extends continuously for an angle a equal to 120° and starts a thread every 120°.

[0188] Figure 16 It is also shown that there are three different optically recognizable markings 311b angularly spaced apart at an angle b also equal to 120° and which are also spaced apart with respect to the starting position of each thread 201.

[0189] Optionally, Figures 14 to 16 the cap 1b of may also have two threads.

[0190] Figure 15 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5 , it can be seen that the cap 1b has a way of engaging elements 313b which, due to the fact that their shape is similar to a plurality of fins, are different from the engaging elements 313 in , these fins being positioned circumferentially at a predetermined distance from the free edge 304, being associated in pairs, opposite each other and projecting towards each other from the retaining portion 303. The fins are bent inwards towards the inner side of the retaining portion 303, so as to form the engaging elements 313b.

[0191] Figure 17 According to Figure 18 and Figures 5 to 10Unlike the cover 1 shown, this connecting structure is another variation of the connecting structure 2 and has three starting points, that is, the connecting structure has three helical curved threads 201c, each thread starting at an angle α equal to 120° but extending at an angle γ equal to 150°.

[0192] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The height H2 of the cover 1c is 15.18 mm. According to the present invention, the first height T1 is 6.66 mm, the second height T2 is 8.52 mm, and the ratio of the second height T2 to the first height T1 is 1.28.

[0193] The three threads 201c are interrupted at an angle to leave nine vents 202c that are equidistant from each other at 40° intervals, at which there are no threads 2c.

[0194] It should be noted that, Figures 11 to 18 The covers 1a, 1b, and 1c have a first portion 309 without threads 2 on the sidewall 3 and a second portion 310 with threads 2. For this purpose, it is still a valid fact that the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is less than or equal to 2.00, preferably less than or equal to 1.70, and even more preferably less than or equal to 1.40.

[0195] Thus, although not shown, it can be ensured that the height H1 of at least one connecting strip obtained in the first part 309 (or, if there are two connecting strips, connecting strips 306, 307) is sufficient to ensure that the connecting strip itself is robust and deformable.

[0196] According to the invention, if the connecting strip is defined between the separation line 5 and the slit line 7, the connecting strip can advantageously have a height H1 of at least 1.00 mm or more, preferably greater than 1.20 mm, and even more preferably greater than 2.00 mm.

[0197] Other embodiments of the cover according to the invention regarding the dimensions of the first height T1, the second height T2, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 are possible, as shown below.

[0198] For example, in a first other embodiment of the cap 1 (not shown), the second height T2 is equal to 6.79, the first height T1 is equal to 4.47, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.52; in a second other embodiment of the cap 1 (not shown), the second height T2 is equal to 6.87, the first height T1 is equal to 4.05, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.70; in a third other embodiment of the cap 1 (not shown), the second height T2 is equal to 9.79, the first height T1 is equal to 5.32, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.84; in a fourth other embodiment of the cap 1 (not shown), the second height T2 is equal to 9.55, the first height T1 is equal to 5.02, and the ratio between the second height T2 and the first height T1 is equal to 1.90.

[0199] In use, the cap 1 is applied in the closed condition on the neck of the container. The cap 1 is positioned so that the engagement elements 313 provided inside the retaining ring 301, in particular on the retaining portion 303, are located below the locking ring present on the neck.

[0200] When the user wants to open the container for the first time, the user grips the closure element 302 and rotates it around the axis Z to unscrew the closure element 302 from the neck. Initially, the closure element 302 and the retaining ring 301 rotate together around the axis Z and the closure element and the retaining ring move simultaneously away from the neck in a direction parallel to the axis Z, the coupling structure 2 of the cap 1 engaging with the corresponding coupling structure of the neck of the container.

[0201] During the initial rotation of the closure element 302 and the retaining element 301 away from the neck, the sealing element 8 continues to remain in contact with the inner wall of the neck, thus continuing the sealing.

[0202] This continues until the engagement elements 313 of the retaining portion 303 abut against the locking ring provided on the neck. At this point, the locking ring prevents the retaining portion 303 from rising further along the axis Z, thus acting as a stop for the movement of the retaining portion 303 and of the retaining ring 301 away from the neck.

[0203] The closure element 302 unscrewed by the user continues to move away from the neck along the axis Z. The breakable bridge 503 is thus tensioned until it breaks. As a result, the closure element 302 is separated from the retaining ring 301 along the separation line 5, but remains joined to the retaining ring 301 at the joining portion 305.

[0204] Reference is made in particular to Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 19 and Figure 20If the user continues to screw the closure element 302 so as to move the closure element 302 along the axis Z to remove it from the neck, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are deformed because these two connecting bands extend between the retaining portion 303 locked by the locking ring 202 and the joining portion 305 fixed and joined to the closure element 302, which moves away from the locking ring and is lifted upwards.

[0205] If the tab 308 or 308' is present, it also moves away from the locking ring while the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are pulled upwards.

[0206] If the breakable element 704 of the joining portion is present, it is thus tensioned until it breaks.

[0207] Subsequently, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are spaced apart from both the closure element 302 and the retaining portion 303 and remain joined to each other in the joining portion 305.

[0208] The first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 thus adopt a configuration in the shape of a trapezium (not shown). If the tab 308 or 308' is present, it can be located in the smaller base of the trapezium.

[0209] If the first connecting band 306 has the same length as the second connecting band 307, the trapezium that can be described by the first connecting band and the second connecting band is isosceles. Conversely, if the connecting bands 306, 307 have different lengths, these two connecting bands will adopt a shape of the type of an oblique-angle trapezium. As regards the position of the tab 308 or 308' in the joining portion 305, the tab 308, 308' can be positioned centrally or laterally.

[0210] The first connecting band 306 remains joined to the retaining portion 303 at the outer end of the first lateral elongated section 702 of the cut line 7. Similarly, the second connecting band 307 remains joined to the retaining portion 303 at the outer end of the second lateral elongated section 703 of the cut line 7, the outer end of the first lateral elongated section 702 and the outer end of the second lateral elongated section 703 externally delimiting the cut line 7 circumferentially.

[0211] If the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are positioned in an angular configuration with respect to the retaining portion 303 and the first connecting band and the second connecting band meet in the joining portion 305, the tab 308 or 308' extends along an axis parallel to the axis Z.

[0212] Continuing to screw the closure element 302, the closure element is disengaged from the coupling structure or thread made on the neck, so that the container can be opened. Conversely, the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301 remains anchored to the neck.

[0213] The joining portion 305 defines a hinging band which keeps the closure element 302 connected to the neck and around which the closure element 302 can be moved in rotation away from the neck and which is simultaneously deformed to allow the closure element 302 to rotate with respect to the neck.

[0214] In other words, after having been disengaged from the neck, the closure element 302 can be rotated around the joining portion 305.

[0215] In addition, the joining portion 305, the first connecting band 306, the second connecting band 307 and the optional tab 308 or 308' are combined with each other and define a hinging device whose ability to move in the axial direction is significantly greater than the ability to move allowed by the joining portion 305 alone.

[0216] The hinging device is a portion of the retaining ring 301 which is interposed between the closure element 302 and the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301.

[0217] For the cap shown in Figure 8 In the open condition, the connecting bands 306 and 307 can be deformed. In fact, if we consider the first band directed towards the closure element 302 and the second band directed towards the end edge, the first band can expand radially without being substantially twisted, while the second band can be twisted to pass under the first portion with the second band itself interposed between the first band and the outer surface of the neck. From this, when the end edge of the first elongated portion 701 is directed towards the dispensing opening of the container, the second band of the connecting bands 306 and 307 is twisted and passes under the first portion. This allows the closure element 302 to be stably fixed in the same position in the open condition.

[0218] Thanks to the solidity of the connecting bands 306, 307 and their deformability, the connecting bands 306 and 307 can be twisted without breaking.

[0219] For the cap with protrusion 315 shown in Figure 19 In the open condition, the connecting bands 306 and 307 can be bent, but not completely twisted.

[0220] In fact, the protrusion 315 rests against the neck and allows the closure element 302 to be stably fixed in the open condition.

[0221] On the contrary, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10If the tab 308 or 308' is present, as shown, after the closure element 302 and, if necessary, the tab 308 or 308' is detached from the neck, by moving the closure element 302 around the joining portion 305, it is possible to move the closure element 302 to a position laterally to the neck and at a distance from the neck until the tab 308 or 308' is locked against the neck.

[0222] In the open condition, the end edge of the tab 308 or 308' intersects the neck of the container and can rest against the locking ring of the neck, since the locking ring prevents the tab 308 or 308' from rotating further.

[0223] For example, depending on the shape of the retaining ring 301 and / or the shape of the locking ring of the neck and / or the height H of the tab 308 or 308', the tab 308 or 308' can rest against the outer region of the neck between the locking ring and the lower thread 201 of the thread 2, or against the thread 2 itself.

[0224] The end edge of the tab 308, 308' becomes directed towards the dispensing opening of the container and the tab 308 prevents the closure element 302 from being able to accidentally rotate towards and around the neck.

[0225] In the case of the tab 308 in Figure 9 the end edge of the tab 308 remains aligned with the first and second free lower edges of the connecting bands 306, 307.

[0226] In the case of the tab 308' in Figure 10 the end edge of the tab 308' protrudes with respect to the connecting bands 306, 307.

[0227] When the user wants to close the container again, in order to be able to completely detach the tab 308 or 308' or the protrusion 315 from the neck of the container, it is necessary to move the closure element 302 further away. However, the tab 308 or 308' or the protrusion 315 can also be selectively bent so as to detach the end edge of the tab or of the protrusion from the neck.

[0228] Again, it should be noted that the connecting bands 306, 307 must have a suitable height, since the user must be able to pull and bend the connecting bands 306 and 307 to open and close the container, even at least several times until he or she wants to dispose of the container as waste.

[0229] The caps 1, la, lb and lc described previously are made of a plastic material, for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0230] If PE is used, the density of the PE can range from low density to high density. In particular, high density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used.

[0231] The high density polyethylene (HDPE) used to make the aforementioned cap can have the following characteristics:

[0232] - a density ranging from 950 kg / m 3 to 968 kg / m 3 ;

[0233] - a melt index ranging from 0.3 g to 20 g under the following measurement conditions: 10 minutes, 190°C, 2.16 kg;

[0234] - a molecular weight distribution that is broad, narrow, unimodal or multimodal.

[0235] If PP is used, the material can be in the form of a homopolymer, or a heterophasic copolymer, or even a statistical copolymer.

[0236] The melt index of the PP can range from 2 g to 20 g under the following measurement conditions: 10 minutes, 230°C, 2.16 kg.

[0237] The present invention is advantageously applicable to caps 1, la, lb, lc which are suitable for use on necks, for example in the following list, each neck being associated with a corresponding code which identifies, according to the nomenclature of CETIE (www.cetie.org) or ISBT (www.bevech.org), the name of the neck, the diameter of the outer surface of the neck and the diameter of the dispensing opening of the neck.

[0238] For each code, if the neck is also a European standard, the reference number is also provided.

[0239] GME30.39 25 / 22 mm

[0240] GME30.28 26 / 22 mm DIN EN 16594:2016

[0241] GME30.38 26 / 22 mm

[0242] GME30.37 26 / 22 mm

[0243] GME30.40 26 / 22 mm

[0244] GME30.24 27 / 22 mm EN 16067:2012

[0245] PCO1881 28 / 22 mm

[0246] PCO1810 28 / 22 mm

[0247] GME30.26 29 / 25 mm EN 16592:2015

[0248] GME30.21 30 / 25 mm EN 16064:2012

[0249] GME30.31 32 / 26 mm

[0250] GME30.36 32 / 27 mm

[0251] GME30.30 33 / 28 mm

[0252] GME30.25 38 / 33 mm

[0253] GME30.29 38 / 32 mm

Claims

1. A closure lid (1; 1a; 1b; 1c) for a container, comprising a sidewall (3) extending about an axis (Z) and a transverse wall (4) located at one end of said sidewall (3), a separation line (5) disposed on said sidewall (3) to define a retaining ring (301) and a closure element (302), said retaining ring including a retaining portion (303) extending to a free edge (304) of said retaining ring (301) and configured to engage internally with a locking ring of said neck in a manner that retains anchorage to said neck, said closure element removably engaging said neck to open or close said container; said lid further comprising a cut line (7; 7') also disposed on said sidewall (3) to define, together with said separation line (5), at least one connecting band (306; 307) for connecting said closure element (302) to said retaining portion (303); wherein, The cover (1; 1a； 1b; 1c) includes: a connecting structure (2; 2a; 2c) located inside the sidewall (3) for removably connecting the closure element (302) to the neck of the container, the sidewall (3) having a first portion (309) without the connecting structure (2; 2a; 2c) and a second portion (310) with the connecting structure (2; 2a; 2c), and having the separation line (5) and the cut line (7; 7') formed on the first portion, the first portion having a first height (T1) measured from the free edge (304) along an axis parallel to the axis (Z), the second portion... The first part (310) has a second height (T2) measured from the transverse wall (4) along an axis parallel to the axis (Z); wherein the ratio between the second height (T2) and the first height (T1) is greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.00, such that the connecting strips (306, 307) can be made in the first part (309) at a suitable size, and wherein there is a transition from the first part (309) to the second part (310) at a distance from the free edge (304) equal to the first height (T1), the separation line (5) or the cut line (7) is located at a distance less than or equal to 1.00 mm from the transition, and the connecting structure begins at the transition.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio between the second height (T2) and the first height (T1) is less than or equal to 1.

70.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The height (H2) of the cover along the axis parallel to the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 16.0 mm.

4. The cover according to claim 3, wherein, The height (H2) of the cover along the axis parallel to the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 12.5 mm.

5. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cap includes a sealing element (8) that extends from the transverse wall (4) and is configured in use to be located inside the dispensing opening of the container to form a seal with the inner wall of the neck, wherein the height of the sealing element (8) is less than or equal to the first height (T1).

6. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The separation line (5) or the cut line (7) is located at a distance of less than or equal to 0.50 mm from the transition portion.

7. The cover according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one connecting band (306; 307) includes a first connecting band (306) and a second connecting band (307) defined between the separation line (5) and the cut line (7; 7'), wherein the cut line (7; 7') includes a first lateral extension (702) and a second lateral extension (703), the first lateral extension defining the first connecting band (306) with a first portion of the separation line (5) extending from a first end (501) of the separation line (5), and the second lateral extension defining the second connecting band (307) with a second portion of the separation line (5) extending from a second end (502) of the separation line (5).

8. The cover according to claim 7, wherein, Each connecting strip (306; 307) has a height (H1) greater than or equal to 1.00 mm.

9. The cover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The separation line (5) extends around the axis (Z) and is circumferentially discontinuous between the first end (501) and the second end (502), thereby allowing the retaining ring (301) and the closing element (302) to be joined by a joining portion (305) having an angle range smaller than that of the cut line (7; 7') and in the cut line (7; Extending circumferentially within the angle range of 7'), the connecting band (306; 307) connects the joining portion (305) and the retaining portion (303) to each other; the cut line (7; 7') is located between the separation line (5) and the free edge (304) and further includes a central elongation (701; 701') located between the first lateral elongation (702) and the second lateral elongation (703), the central elongation having an end edge configured to be guided toward the neck of the container or toward the dispensing opening of the container when the cap (1; 1a; 1b; 1c) is in the open state.

10. The cover according to claim 9, wherein, The cover includes a pull tab (308; 308'), the end edge of which is formed by the central elongation (701; 701'), and the lateral edge of which is formed by two cutting lines (6) extending from the central elongation (701, 701') toward the closure element (302), the cutting lines (6) being formed by cuts through the entire thickness of the sidewall (3).

11. The cover according to claim 10, wherein, The first lateral elongation (702) and the second lateral elongation (703) of the cut line (7) are aligned with each other and located in a first plane parallel to the separation plane where the separation line is located; and wherein the central elongation (701) is located in the same first plane to form a pull tab (308) aligned with the connecting strip (306; 307), or wherein the central elongation (701') is located in a second plane parallel to the separation plane and parallel to the first plane to form a pull tab (308) protruding relative to the connecting strip (306; 307').

12. The cover according to claim 9, wherein, The centerline of the separation line (5) and the centerline of the cut line (7) are positioned at an angle to each other, and wherein the separation line (5) and the cut line (7) also have an equal angle range greater than 180°.

13. The cover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The separation line (5) extends around the axis (Z) and is circumferentially discontinuous between the first end (501) and the second end (502), thereby connecting the retaining ring (301) and the closing element (302) through a connecting portion (305) having an angle range smaller than that of the cut line and extending circumferentially within the angle range of the cut line, wherein the separation line (5) is located between the cut line and the free edge (304); wherein the cut line includes a central elongation located between the first lateral elongation and the second lateral elongation, the central elongation having a top edge positioned facing the end edge of the closing element (302).

14. The cover according to claim 2, wherein, The ratio between the second height (T2) and the first height (T1) is less than or equal to 1.

40.

15. The cover according to claim 4, wherein, The height of the cover along the axis parallel to the axis (Z) is greater than or equal to 10.0 mm and less than or equal to 11.0 mm.

16. The cover according to claim 6, wherein, The separation line (5) or the cut line (7) is located at a distance of 0.40 mm from the transition portion.

17. The cover according to claim 8, wherein, Each connecting strip (306; 307) has a height (H1) greater than or equal to 1.20 mm.

18. The cover according to claim 8, wherein, Each connecting strip (306; 307) has a height (H1) greater than or equal to 2.00 mm.

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