Cap for a container

Abstract

A lid (1) for a container includes: a body (2) configured to engage and disengage relative to the neck of the container and including a side wall (21) and a transverse wall (22); an tamper-evident ring (3) configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container; and an engagement region (4) in which the tamper-evident ring (3) engages with the body (2), wherein the engagement region (4) includes a tether (41) connected to the tamper-evident ring (3) in a first connection region (32) and connected to the body (2) in a second connection region (23), a first narrow thickness region (42) configured to connect a first side (412) of the tether (41) to the tamper-evident ring (3) and a second narrow thickness region (43) connecting a second side (413) of the tether (41) to the side wall (21) of the body (2), wherein the first narrow thickness region (42) and the second narrow thickness region (43) are configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body (2) away from the tamper-evident ring (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lid for a container. It also relates to a method for manufacturing the lid for a container. Furthermore, it relates to a mold for manufacturing the lid for a container. Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to the technical field of "tethered" lids, which include a body and a tamper-evident ring designed to remain attached to the neck of a container even when the body is separated from the neck. Specifically, in these lids, the body engages with the tamper-evident ring via an engagement area comprising a set of bridging members designed to be torn apart upon first unscrewing of the lid, except for a permanent connection area where the body remains permanently attached to the tamper-evident ring. This creates a secure connection between the body and the tamper-evident ring, ensuring that the body remains attached to the ring when the lid is used by the consumer and does not become scattered waste in the environment.

[0003] Examples of such caps are described in the applicant's patent documents IT102021000006557 and IT102019000018737. To form the bridging element in the mating area, prior art caps require a post-forming process, which includes engraving steps that make cap production laborious and limit their application. In addition to or as an alternative to these solutions, a permanent connection between the body and the tamper-evident ring can be achieved using a drawer or movable insert within the cap production mold, which complicates the construction of the cap mold. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lid for a container and a method and mold for manufacturing the lid, in order to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] More specifically, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lid that can be molded using a simple mold without the need for drawers or movable inserts to form a permanent connection area.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a cap that does not require further engraving steps to form the joint area between the body and the tamper-evident ring.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a cap that eliminates the need for bending the tamper-evident ring after molding.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a cap that is free of defects due to a mold that can be properly filled during the molding process.

[0009] These objectives are achieved entirely through the lid, method, and mold disclosed herein.

[0010] This disclosure relates to a lid for a container. More specifically, this disclosure relates to plastic lids for containers such as bottles for water or other beverages, oil containers, or containers for non-food liquids such as liquid soap, detergent, or medical products. However, this disclosure can also be applied to lids made of different materials (e.g., metal), or lids made of two different materials, such as lids comprising a metal body and a plastic tamper-evident ring, the plastic tamper-evident ring being engaged in the body and a permanent connecting element being formed in the plastic tamper-evident ring.

[0011] The container includes a body that defines the internal space for containing the product and a threaded neck.

[0012] The lid includes a body configured to engage and disengage relative to the neck of the container. The lid body includes a sidewall (or skirt) extending about a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end (the first and second ends extending in a ring about the longitudinal axis). Preferably, the sidewall has internal threads; the lid is therefore a screw-on lid. The lid body includes a transverse wall engaging the first end of the sidewall. Preferably, the transverse wall is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] The lid includes a tamper-evident ring. The tamper-evident ring also extends about a longitudinal axis. Even when the lid body is separated from the neck, the tamper-evident ring is configured to remain attached to the neck of the container. More specifically, the tamper-evident ring is configured to engage a locking member of the container. For this purpose, in one example, the tamper-evident ring includes a retaining portion configured to engage a locking member (or annular protrusion) on the neck of the container.

[0014] The cap includes an engagement area where an tamper-evident ring engages with the cap body. The engagement area is configured to tear at least partially along a periphery around a longitudinal axis in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring. It should be noted that the periphery around the longitudinal axis is preferably circular.

[0015] It should be noted that, in order to open the container, the user causes the lid to rotate (more specifically, the rotation of both the lid body and the tamper-evident ring, which are connected to each other at the engagement area); because the sidewalls of the lid body have internal threads and corresponding threads engaging on the neck of the container, rotating the lid causes it to shift along the longitudinal axis (specifically away from the container body). The neck of the container includes an abutment member (i.e., a locking member) configured to abut against the tamper-evident ring (i.e., the retaining portion of the tamper-evident ring) and stop its shift along the longitudinal axis (e.g., the abutment member may have the shape of an annular portion projecting from the wall of the container neck). Thus, when the user causes the lid to rotate, the lid body and the tamper-evident ring initially shift along the longitudinal axis until the tamper-evident ring encounters the abutment member; thereafter, further rotation of the lid creates tension in the engagement area due to a force oriented along the longitudinal axis that tends to shift the body away from the tamper-evident ring. This tension causes the engagement area to tear. Once the engagement area is torn open, the cap body can continue to rotate and move away from the tamper-evident ring until it is no longer threaded and separates from the neck of the container, while the tamper-evident ring remains attached to the neck of the container.

[0016] The cap also includes a tether. In one example, the tether may form part of a sidewall of the body, or the tether may form part of a tamper-evident ring. Preferably, the engagement area includes the tether having a first end connected to the tamper-evident ring in a first connection area that preferably forms part of the tamper-evident ring. The tether also has a second end connected to a sidewall of the body in a second connection area that preferably forms part of the sidewall of the body. The tether also has a first side and a second side opposite the first side.

[0017] The mating area also includes a first narrow thickness region, which is preferably thinner than the tether and tamper-evident ring. It should be noted that the thickness is defined radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap. In one example, the first narrow thickness region is thinner than the sidewall of the body. For example, the thickness of the first narrow thickness region can be less than 0.8 mm, specifically less than 0.1 mm (e.g., 0.03 mm).

[0018] A first narrow thickness region extends around a longitudinal axis. This first narrow thickness region extends along a first side of the tether to connect the first side of the tether to the tamper-evident ring (i.e., the first narrow thickness region is adjacent to the first side of the tether to connect the first side of the tether to the tamper-evident ring). Furthermore, the first narrow thickness region extends along a second connecting region. The first narrow thickness region also extends beyond the second connecting region and / or beyond the second end of the tether to form a separation tension portion connecting the tamper-evident ring to the side wall of the body. Alternatively, the first narrow thickness region is interrupted in the first connecting region; preferably, it is interrupted only in the first connecting region.

[0019] Preferably, the separation stretch portion (of the first narrow thickness region) has an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis in at least a portion of its extension relative to the longitudinal axis (or in all its extensions around the longitudinal axis). More preferably, the separation stretch portion has an extension less than 2 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis in at least a portion (or all) of its extensions around the longitudinal axis. However, in one example, the separation stretch portion may have an extension greater than 2 mm or even greater than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis (e.g., if the cap is a cap for a container used for cosmetics or home care products).

[0020] Preferably, the separated stretch portion (of the first narrow thickness region) has a (radial measured) thickness of less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably less than 0.8 mm in at least a portion of its extension around the longitudinal axis (or in all of its extension around the longitudinal axis).

[0021] More specifically, the first narrow thickness region is configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring; more specifically, the tearing occurs around the longitudinal axis in the first narrow thickness region, except in the first connection region where the first end of the tether is connected to the tamper-evident ring. After the first narrow thickness region is torn open, the body of the cap remains attached to the tamper-evident ring via the first connection region.

[0022] The joining area includes a second narrow thickness region, which is preferably thinner than the sidewalls of the tether and the body. In one example, the second narrow thickness region is thinner than the tamper-evident ring. In one embodiment, the second narrow thickness region has the same thickness as the first narrow thickness region. For example, the thickness of the second narrow thickness region may be less than 0.8 mm, specifically less than or equal to 0.1 mm (e.g., 0.03 mm).

[0023] The second narrow thickness region is configured to connect the second side of the tether to the side of the body. The second narrow thickness region extends about a longitudinal axis, preferably along a stretch portion extending from the second end of the tether to the first connecting region. Therefore, the second narrow thickness region also connects the first connecting region to the side of the body.

[0024] The second narrow thickness region is configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring. More specifically, the tearing of the second narrow thickness region occurs along the stretch from the second end of the tether to the first connecting region about a longitudinal axis. It should be noted that after the second narrow thickness region is torn open, the body of the cap remains attached to the tamper-evident ring via the second connecting region, via the tether, and via the first connecting region when the first narrow thickness region is torn open. More specifically, it should be emphasized that the first narrow thickness region also connects the second connecting region to the tamper-evident ring; thus, in response to displacement of the cap body, the first narrow thickness region is torn open and the second connecting region separates from the tamper-evident ring.

[0025] Therefore, the joint area is configured to be torn open in the first narrow thickness region and the second narrow thickness region in response to the displacement of the cover body away from the tamper-evident ring.

[0026] It should be noted that a portion of the second narrow thickness region on the second side of the connecting rope, a portion of the first narrow thickness region on the first side of the connecting rope, and the rope form a connecting window.

[0027] Therefore, the lid includes a first operating configuration in which the tamper-evident ring engages with a locking member on the neck of the container, the lid body is attached to the neck of the container and the engagement area is intact (specifically, the first narrow thickness area is intact and the second narrow thickness area is intact).

[0028] The lid includes a second operating configuration in response to a first displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring. Preferably, in the second operating configuration, the first narrow thickness region is torn open, the second narrow thickness region remains intact, the tamper-evident ring engages with a locking member on the neck of the container, and the lid body separates from the neck of the container. More specifically, in the second operating configuration, the tamper-evident ring engages with the lid body via a first connecting region, and the tether is held to the side wall of the body via the second narrow thickness region, so that the tether does not protrude from the side wall of the body.

[0029] The lid includes a third operational configuration that, in addition to the first displacement, responds to a second displacement of the body further away from the tamper-evident ring. Preferably, in the third operational configuration, both the first and second narrow thickness regions are torn open, and the tamper-evident ring is engaged to the lid body via a tether. More specifically, in the third operational configuration, the tether preferably protrudes from the side wall of the body away from the longitudinal axis, and the tamper-evident ring is engaged to the lid body via a first connecting region, the tether, and a second connecting region.

[0030] Therefore, it should be noted that the first and second narrow thickness regions perform two functions: the first narrow thickness region, as its primary function, provides an tamper-evident seal indicating that the container has been opened, and additionally, it allows the body to move away from the neck of the container; the second narrow thickness region, as its primary function, allows the body to move further away from the neck of the container, for example, to facilitate pouring liquid and prevent the cap body from elastically returning to the neck of the container. Furthermore, both the first and second regions work together with a tether to perform the function of attaching the tamper-evident ring to the cap body so that the cap body cannot detach and scatter in the environment like trash.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that, in at least a portion thereof, the first narrow thickness region preferably has an extension of less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that during the formation of the cap in the molding cavity of the mold, the plastic is evenly spread in the molding cavity despite the presence of the first narrow thickness region. If the first narrow thickness region extends too far in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, it may obstruct the passage of the plastic. However, it should be noted that if the extension is greater than 3 mm (as in the case of containers for cosmetics or home care products), proper filling of the mold during molding can in any case be ensured by appropriately determining the dimensions of the tether and / or the first and second connecting regions, thereby allowing the plastic to be properly distributed within the molding cavity.

[0032] Therefore, relative to the tether, the sidewalls of the cap body, and the tamper-evident ring, the first narrow thickness region constitutes a hollow portion. This hollow portion performs the same function as the bridging element in the engagement area, that is, separating the body from the tamper-evident ring to reveal that the container has been opened. Due to the presence of the first narrow thickness region, the connection area between the tamper-evident ring and the cap body can be formed without using a cutting device (usually after the cap has been molded) to form the bridging element. Furthermore, the first narrow thickness region has the advantage of being easily formed by compression molding, unlike the bridging element, which, if formed during molding, necessarily involves injection molding or injection compression molding. Additionally, the first narrow thickness region also has the advantage of keeping the neck of the container covered to prevent the infiltration of external contaminants (such as dust or other dirt) that may be present in the container production and distribution chain.

[0033] On the other hand, the thickness of the tether is substantially the same as the thickness of the sidewall of the cap body and the tamper-evident ring. Preferably, in both the first and second operating configurations, the tether does not protrude from the sidewall of the cap body; in other words, the tether is substantially contained within the contour of the cap. Furthermore, the first and second connecting regions are preferably greater than or equal in thickness to the sidewall of the cap body and the tamper-evident ring. It is important to emphasize that during cap formation in the molding cavity of the mold, the tether, the first connecting region, and the second connecting region function to distribute plastic within the cavity (that is, the tether, the first connecting region, and the second connecting region act as risers for the plastic), and also function to reduce defects known as “weld lines” that occur when the filling flow fronts do not properly merge with each other; in fact, during formation, the plastic spreads from the cap body region to the tamper-evident region through the second narrow thickness region, the tether, and the first narrow thickness region. For example, in the sequence of operations of filling the molding cavity, the plastic flows from the cap body to the second connecting region, then through the tether, and from there into the first connecting region, and finally into the tamper-evident ring.

[0034] Note that in the preferred embodiment, the first narrow thickness region and the second narrow thickness region extend along corresponding angular stretches around the longitudinal axis, such that these stretches collectively cover the entire peripheral edge of the cover (that is, the sum of the angular stretches around which the first narrow thickness region and the second narrow thickness region extend is at least 360 degrees).

[0035] In one embodiment, the engagement area includes an additional tether. The additional tether includes a first end connected to the tamper-evident ring in a first connection area, a second end connected to the body in a second connection area, and a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A first narrow thickness region may also extend along the first side of the additional tether to connect the first side of the additional tether to the tamper-evident ring, and extend beyond the second end of the additional tether. A second narrow thickness region may extend at an angle about a longitudinal axis along an additional stretch portion extending from the second end of the additional tether to the first connection area, such that the second narrow thickness region also connects the second side of the additional tether to a side of the body. Preferably, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are arranged sequentially at an angle, one after the other, and inserted between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether. In other words, considering that the cap extends at an angle about a longitudinal axis, the second end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are continuously spaced apart from each other. In this regard, it should be noted that in the implementation of the additional tether, in the second operating configuration of the lid, the additional tether is preferably held to the side wall of the body through a second narrow thickness region (specifically, through an additional tension portion), so that the additional tether does not protrude from the side wall. Preferably, in the third operating configuration of the lid, the tamper-evident ring is engaged to the body by the tether and the additional tether; furthermore, both the tether and the additional tether protrude from the side wall of the body away from the longitudinal axis, and the tamper-evident ring is engaged to the lid body through a first connecting region, the tether, the additional tether, and a second connecting region.

[0036] The additional tether, together with the tether, offers the following advantages: it stabilizes the lid body when the container is opened and prevents the lid body from elastically returning to the container neck when liquid contents are poured out. Furthermore, the additional tether, together with the tether, the first connecting region, and the second connecting region, is thicker than the first and second narrow thickness regions, enabling it to distribute the plastic evenly within the molding cavity and reducing defects known as "weld lines" that occur when the filling flow fronts do not properly merge.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second connection region includes a connecting element and an additional connecting element that are different from each other and spaced at an angle. Preferably, the second end of the tether is connected to the connecting element of the second connection region, and preferably, the second end of the additional tether is connected to the additional connecting element of the second connection region. Therefore, in this case, the second connection region extends at an angle about the longitudinal axis along the tension portion corresponding to the connecting element and along the additional tension portion of the additional connecting element corresponding to the first connection region; more specifically, the second connection region may be interrupted about the longitudinal axis in an angular tension portion between the portion of the connecting element opposite to the portion of the connecting element connected to the second end of the tether and the portion of the additional connecting element opposite to the portion of the additional connecting element connected to the second end of the additional tether (i.e., the second connection region may include a first angularly interrupted tension portion). It should be noted that, preferably, the first narrow thickness region may extend to the first interrupted tension portion of the second connection region.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first connecting region includes connecting elements and additional connecting elements that are distinct from each other and spaced at an angle. Preferably, a first end of a tether is connected to a connecting element in the first connecting region, and preferably, a first end of an additional tether is connected to an additional connecting element in the first connecting region. Thus, the first connecting region extends at an angle about a longitudinal axis along a tension portion corresponding to the connecting element and along an additional tension portion corresponding to the additional connecting element; more specifically, the first connecting region is interrupted about a longitudinal axis in an angular tension portion between a portion of the connecting element opposite to the first end of the connecting tether of the connecting element and a portion of the additional connecting element opposite to the second end of the connecting tether of the additional connecting element (i.e., the first connecting region may include a first angularly interrupted tension portion). More specifically, it should be noted that the first narrow thickness region is configured to be torn apart except for the additional connecting elements and connecting elements in the first connecting region. The connecting elements and additional connecting elements in the first connecting region have the advantage of stabilizing the lid body when the body is away from the neck of the container (i.e., when the lid is in a second or third configuration). Furthermore, the connecting elements and additional connecting elements in the first connecting region have the advantage of further facilitating the distribution of plastic within the mold and reducing potential defects in areas where the plastic flows together relatively. Preferably, the connecting elements and additional connecting elements in the first and second connecting regions are substantially greater than or equal in thickness to the cap body and the tamper-evident ring; thus, the connecting elements and additional connecting elements facilitate the distribution of plastic during the cap forming process.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the first connection region includes a single connecting element, to which the first ends of both the tether and the additional tether are connected. Therefore, it should be noted that the first narrow thickness region is constructed to be torn apart except for the single connecting element of the first connection region. In this case, the single connecting element can preferably extend a longer angular stretch about the longitudinal axis compared to the connecting element or the additional connecting element, so as to provide stability to the lid body in the second and third configurations of the lid, even in the case of a single connecting element, and to facilitate the distribution of plastic during lid formation. In this case, the second connection region is preferably interrupted about the longitudinal axis in an angular stretch between a portion of the first end of the connecting tether of the single connecting element and a portion of the additional connecting element and a portion of the first end of the connecting additional tether of the single connecting element (i.e., the second connection region may include an angularly interrupted stretch).

[0040] In one embodiment, the angular distance between the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether is less than the angular distance between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether. Preferably, the angular distance between the connecting element of the first connecting region and the additional connecting element is less than the angular distance between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether (or the connecting element of the second connecting region and the additional connecting element). Preferably, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are located at the ends of an arc of at least 50 degrees (or at least 45 degrees) around the longitudinal axis. The smaller distance between the first ends of the tether and the additional tether (i.e., the connecting element of the first connecting region and the additional connecting element) has the advantage of facilitating the movement of the cap body away from the neck of the container after the first connecting region is torn open; if the first ends of the tether and the additional tether (or the connecting element of the first connecting region and the additional connecting element) are not close enough to each other when the first connecting region is torn open, the cap body will be subjected to a spring force that tends to move it back toward the neck of the container and prevent the user from pouring liquid. However, it should be noted that in one embodiment, the distance between the first ends of the tether and the additional tether may be greater than the distance between the second ends of the tether and the additional tether. In one example, the second end of the tether and the second end of the attachment tether can be inserted between the first end of the tether and the first end of the attachment tether.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first narrow thickness region has a first thickness, and the second narrow thickness region has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, at least in the main portion of its adjacent second side of the tether and additional tether. For example, the first thickness of the first narrow thickness region may be less than or equal to 0.03 mm, and the second thickness of the second narrow thickness region may be less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The second thickness is preferably greater than the first thickness, such that during the formation of the cap in the cavity of the mold, even in the presence of the narrow thickness region, the plastic can be evenly spread in the cavity, thereby properly filling the mold.

[0042] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second narrow thickness region in its auxiliary portion is less than or equal to the first thickness. Preferably, the auxiliary portion is located in the first connecting region. For example, if the first connecting region includes a single connecting element, the auxiliary portion may be located in the first connecting region, adjacent to the first connecting region, and inserted between the extended tension portion and the additional extended tension portion of the second narrow thickness region. In other words, the second narrow thickness region (specifically, its auxiliary portion) extends at an angled tension portion in the first connecting region from the first end of the tether to the first end of the additional tether. In another example, where the connecting element and the additional connecting element in the first connecting region are different and angularly separated, the auxiliary portion may include a first auxiliary portion and a second auxiliary portion. The first and second auxiliary portions may extend tension portions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and may be adjacent to the tension portion and the additional tension portion of the second narrow thickness region, respectively, near the connecting element and the additional connecting element in the first connecting region, i.e., the tension portion and the additional tension portion of the second region. Furthermore, the first and second auxiliary portions may be connected to the angled tension portion of the first narrow thickness region inserted between the connecting element and the additional connecting element (i.e., in the interrupted tension portion of the first connecting region).

[0043] In an example embodiment where the second ends of the tether and the additional tether are inserted between the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether, the first auxiliary portion and the second auxiliary portion are adjacent to the tension portion and the additional tension portion of the second narrow thickness region, and close to the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting region; furthermore, the first auxiliary portion and the second auxiliary portion communicate with the region of the first narrow thickness region from the portion of the connecting element opposite to the first end of the connecting tether to the portion of the connecting element opposite to the first end of the connecting additional tether. The auxiliary portion (or the first auxiliary portion and the second auxiliary portion) is particularly advantageous when the second thickness of the second narrow thickness region is greater than the first thickness of the first region: in fact, in this case, the auxiliary portion (or the first auxiliary portion and the second auxiliary portion) with a thickness equal to the first thickness of the first region has the function of initiating or facilitating tearing of the second narrow thickness region, which is thicker than the first narrow thickness region and may be more difficult to tear.

[0044] In one example, the tether extends between its first and second ends along a path angled in a single direction about a longitudinal axis. Preferably, when installed, an additional tether extends between its first and second ends along an additional path angled in an additional single direction, which is preferably opposite to the direction of the tether's path. The fact that the paths of the tether (and the additional tether (when installed)) extend in a single direction has the advantage that the tether can be formed in a mold with components movable only along the longitudinal axis, thus eliminating the need for lateral elements (e.g., drawers), thereby allowing the use of a mold with a simple structure. In practice, the single direction of extension of the tether makes it easier to remove the tether and lid as a whole from the mold.

[0045] Therefore, in one example, the path followed by the tether (and additional tether) is parallel to the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). In another example, the path followed by the tether (and additional tether) is inclined relative to the transverse direction for at least a portion between its first end and its second end. Preferably, the paths followed by the tether and the additional tether are inclined relative to each other relative to the transverse direction for at least a portion between the first end and the second end, such that they converge toward the tamper-evident ring and diverge toward the sidewall of the cap body.

[0046] For example, the tether and the additional tether may include corresponding lateral extensions (i.e., portions extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). More specifically, the tether and the additional tether may each include a first lateral extension to connect a corresponding first end to a first connection region. The tether and the additional tether may each include a second lateral extension to connect a corresponding second end to a second connection region. In other words, the tether and the additional tether may extend from the first end to the second end along multiple levels to facilitate removal of the lid from the mold.

[0047] According to one example, the tether (and additional tether (when present)) has a longitudinally extending portion, i.e., the tether (and / or additional tether) extends longitudinally, particularly between a first side and a second side; the longitudinally extending portion may have a variable height (or extension) relative to the longitudinal direction; in particular, the tether (and additional tether) may have a tapered shape. For example, the height of the longitudinally extending portion may vary between a first end and a second end of the tether (and / or additional tether). According to another example, the height of the longitudinally extending portion may vary between one of the first and second ends and a point located between the first and second ends. Preferably, the height of the longitudinally extending portion is variable between the second end and the point located between the first and second ends. This point may be located midway between the first and second ends. The height of the longitudinally extending portion may decrease between one of the first and second ends (preferably the second end) and the point located between the first and second ends; the height of the longitudinally extending portion may be constant between the point located between the first and second ends of the tether and / or additional tether and the other end (preferably the first end) of the tether and / or additional tether.

[0048] In other words, the second side (or the first side) has a variable elevation (or height) in the longitudinal direction between one of the first end and the second end (preferably the second end) and a point located between the first end and the second end.

[0049] The purpose of variable height is to facilitate the flow of plastic during the formation of the cap in the mold and to make the tether (and / or additional tether) more secure.

[0050] According to one example, the joining area includes an intermediate section between a portion of the second side of the tether (and / or additional tether) and the second narrow thickness region. The intermediate section may be located at a first or second end of the tether (and / or additional tether) and at a point located between the first and second ends of the tether. In other words, the intermediate section may extend about a longitudinal axis along a portion of the second side to connect that portion of the second side to the second narrow thickness region. Specifically, the tether (and / or additional tether) may have a longitudinally extending portion or may have a longitudinally extending portion. The height of the longitudinal extension of the tether (and / or additional tether) portion may be constant between the first and second ends. The intermediate section may have a longitudinally extending portion or may have a longitudinally extending portion. The height of the longitudinal extension of the intermediate section may be variable at the first or second end (preferably the second end) of the tether (and / or additional tether) and at the point located between the first and second ends. Specifically, the height of the longitudinal extension is variable so as to decrease at the first or second end and at the point located between the first and second ends. Preferably, the longitudinal extension of the intermediate section has the maximum height at the first end or the second end, and the minimum height, i.e., zero, is located at the point between the first end and the second end.

[0051] The thickness of the intermediate section defined in the radial direction can be equal to the thickness of the tether (and / or additional tether), preferably, the intermediate section has a smaller radial thickness (i.e., thinner) compared to the thickness of the tether (and / or additional tether); specifically, the intermediate section has a radial thickness between the thickness of the tether (and / or additional tether) and the thickness of the second narrow thickness region. For example, the thickness of the intermediate section can be greater than or equal to 0.03 mm. The purpose of the intermediate section is to facilitate the flow of plastic during the process of forming the cap in the mold, and to make the adjacent tether more robust.

[0052] This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a lid for a container. The lid is preferably a lid according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0053] The method includes a forming step in a mold that defines a forming cavity having the shape of a cap to be formed. The forming step forms a cap body configured to engage and disengage relative to the neck of a container; the cap body includes sidewalls having internal threads and extending about a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The cap body also includes a transverse wall engaging the first end of the sidewalls. A tamper-evident ring is also formed in the forming step, configured to remain attached to the neck of the container even when the body is disengaged from the neck. More specifically, the tamper-evident ring is configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container. For this purpose, the tamper-evident ring may include a retaining portion. The forming step forms an engagement area where the tamper-evident ring engages with the cap body; the engagement area is configured to tear at least partially along a periphery about the longitudinal axis in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring.

[0054] The forming step preferably forms a tether in the joining region. The tether includes a connection to a first end of the tamper-evident ring in a connecting region forming part of the tamper-evident ring, and a connection to a second end of the cap body in a second connecting region forming part of the sidewall of the cap body; the tether also includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The forming step forms a first narrow thickness region, which is preferably thinner than the tether, the tamper-evident ring, and the sidewall of the cap body in the joining region; the first narrow thickness region extends about a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first narrow thickness region extends about a longitudinal axis along a first side of the tether to connect the first side of the tether to the tamper-evident ring. In one example, the first narrow thickness region extends along a second connecting region, and preferably extends beyond the second connecting region and the second end of the tether to form a separation stretch that connects the tamper-evident ring to the sidewall of the body. More preferably, the separation stretch has an extension of less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis in at least a portion thereof. Preferably, on the other hand, the first narrow thickness region is interrupted only in the first connecting region. The forming step preferably forms a second narrow thickness region in the joining region. The second narrow thickness region extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along the stretch portion extending from the second end of the tether to the first connecting region, such that the second narrow thickness region connects the second side of the tether and the first connecting region to the side of the body. The first and second narrow thickness regions are configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring.

[0055] The forming process can be carried out through injection molding, injection compression molding, or compression molding.

[0056] The method according to this disclosure allows for the molding of a cap without any engraving steps after molding to weaken the material between the tamper-evident ring and the body of the cap; however, in one example, the method may include the step of engraving in a first narrow thickness region to weaken the material between the tamper-evident ring and the body of the cap.

[0057] In one embodiment, the forming step forms an additional tether in the engagement region. The additional tether includes a first end connected to the tamper ring in a first connection region, a second end connected to the body in a second connection region, and a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. If the additional tether is provided, a first narrow thickness region also extends along the first side of the additional tether to connect the first side of the additional tether to the tamper ring, and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether. Preferably, a second narrow thickness region extends at an angle about a longitudinal axis along an additional stretch portion extending from the second end of the additional tether to the first connection region, such that the second narrow thickness region also connects the second side of the additional tether to a side of the body. In one embodiment, the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are arranged sequentially at an angle and inserted between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether.

[0058] In one embodiment, forming includes the step of displacing an upper unit and a lower unit of the mold toward each other along a longitudinal axis to define a forming cavity. Preferably, the upper unit includes an extractor that includes a first element projecting toward the longitudinal axis to form a first narrow thickness region of the cap (i.e., the first protruding element of the extractor externally defines the first narrow thickness region). Therefore, the forming step may include the step of forming the first narrow thickness region by the first protruding element of the extractor. Preferably, the lower unit includes a second element that projectes toward the longitudinal axis to form a second narrow thickness region of the cap (i.e., the second protruding element of the extractor externally defines the second narrow thickness region). Therefore, the forming step may include the step of forming the second narrow thickness region by the second protruding element of the lower unit. Preferably, when the mold is in a closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit work together to define a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis to form a tether for the cap (i.e., the recess defined by the extractor and the lower unit externally defines the tether). Therefore, the forming step may include the step of forming the tether for the cap by the extractor and the lower unit. In one or more embodiments, the extractor and the lower unit work together to define the additional tether.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the upper unit includes a central core, wherein the central core and the extractor are movable relative to each other parallel to a longitudinal axis. The central core and the extractor are preferably movable relative to each other between a holding configuration and a release configuration. In the holding configuration, in one example, the extractor is in a lowered position to hold the cap at the tether. In the release configuration, in one example, the extractor is in a retracted position, and the central core is configured to bend (i.e., elastically deform) the holding portion of the cap's tamper-evident ring toward the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor. Thus, in other words, the method may include a holding step where the extractor is in a lowered position to hold the cap at the tether; the method may include a release step where the extractor is in a retracted position and a bending step where the central core bends (i.e., elastically deforms) the holding portion of the cap's tamper-evident ring toward the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor.

[0060] This disclosure also relates to a mold for manufacturing a lid for a container. The lid is preferably a lid according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0061] The mold is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the mold defines a forming cavity with the shape of the lid to be formed. In the open configuration, the mold is configured to allow the lid to be removed.

[0062] The mold includes a side hollow portion. The side hollow portion includes a main body portion having internal threads and extending between a first end and a second end about a longitudinal axis. The side hollow portion includes an tamper-evident portion extending about the longitudinal axis. The side hollow portion includes an engagement region extending about the longitudinal axis and connected to the second end of the main body portion. The engagement region is inserted between the main body portion and the tamper-evident portion. The main body portion is configured to form a sidewall of the body of the cap; the engagement region is configured to form the engagement region of the cap; the tamper-evident portion is configured to form the tamper-evident region of the cap. The mold includes a transverse hollow portion connected to the first end of the main body portion of the side hollow portion. The transverse hollow portion is configured to form a transverse wall of the body of the cap.

[0063] The joining portion includes a cord portion. The cord portion extends between a first end and a second end. The first end communicates with the tamper-evident part (fluid) via a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper-evident part. The second end communicates with the main body part (fluid) via a second connecting portion forming part of the main body part. The cord portion is configured to form a cord for the cap. It should be noted that the filling mold from the main body part to the tamper-evident part occurs through the joining portion and specifically through the cord portion of the joining portion.

[0064] The joining portion includes a first narrow thickness portion that is thinner than the tether portion, the tamper-evident portion, and the main body portion. The first narrow thickness portion extends about a longitudinal axis along a first side of the tether portion to connect the first side of the tether portion to the tamper-evident portion. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion extends about a longitudinal axis, extends along a second connecting portion, and extends beyond the second end of the second connecting portion and the tether portion to form a separation stretch portion connecting the tamper-evident portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion. More preferably, the separation stretch portion has an extension of less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis in at least a portion thereof. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion is interrupted in the first connecting portion. In one example, the first narrow thickness portion is interrupted only in the first connecting portion. The first narrow thickness portion is configured to form a first narrow thickness region of the cap.

[0065] The joining portion includes a second narrow thickness portion. This second narrow thickness portion extends at an angle about a longitudinal axis along a stretching portion extending from the second end of the tether portion to the first connecting portion, such that the second narrow thickness portion connects the second side of the tether portion and the first connecting portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion. The second narrow thickness portion is configured to form a second narrow thickness region of the lid.

[0066] In one example, the joining portion includes an additional tether portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end communicates with the tamper-evident portion via a first connecting portion, and the second end communicates with the main body portion via a second connecting portion. Preferably, a first narrow thickness portion also extends along a first side of the additional tether portion to connect the first side of the additional tether portion to the tamper-evident portion, and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether portion. Preferably, a second narrow thickness portion extends at an angle about a longitudinal axis along an additional tension portion extending from the second end of the additional tether portion to the first connecting portion, such that the second narrow thickness portion also connects the second side of the additional tether portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion. In one example, the first end of the tether portion and the first end of the additional tether portion are arranged sequentially at an angle and inserted between the second end of the tether portion and the second end of the additional tether portion.

[0067] In one embodiment, the mold includes an upper unit and a lower unit movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis between a spaced position defining an open configuration of the mold and an approaching position defining a closed configuration of the mold. Preferably, the upper unit includes an extractor. The upper unit may include a first element projecting toward the longitudinal axis and configured to define a first narrow thickness portion of the molding cavity. Thus, the first projecting element is configured to form a first narrow thickness region of the cap. Preferably, the upper unit includes a second element projecting toward the longitudinal axis and configured to define a second narrow thickness portion of the molding cavity. Thus, the second projecting element is configured to form a second narrow thickness region of the cap. Preferably, when the mold is in the closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit work together to define a recess extending radially away from the longitudinal axis to define a tethered portion of the molding cavity. Thus, the recess is configured to form a tethered portion of the cap.

[0068] Alternatively, the mold may include a drawer movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X to define a tethered portion of the molding cavity when the mold is in a closed position with the drawer, upper unit, and lower unit converging. Thus, in this case, the drawer is configured to form a tethered lid. In one example, the drawer may be manufactured according to the description in the applicant's patent document IT102021000006557, which is incorporated herein by reference. Attached Figure Description

[0069] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments illustrated by non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings:

[0070] - Figure 1 A lid according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0071] - Figures 1A to 1E A lid in an operational configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, specifically, Figure 1E A lid closed on the neck of a container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a first narrow thickness region and a second narrow thickness region are torn open;

[0072] - Figure 2 A planar representation of the lid about its longitudinal axis is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] - Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2E The lids according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively. Figure 2 The cross-sections at points A, B, C, D, and E along the line;

[0074] - Figure 3 A planar representation of the lid about its longitudinal axis is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] - Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D and Figure 3E The lids according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively. Figure 3 The cross-sections at points A, B, C, D, and E along the line;

[0076] - Figures 4 to 8 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 A planar representation of the lid about its longitudinal axis is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] - Figure 9A A lid according to one or more embodiments of the invention, manufactured in a molding cavity, is shown;

[0078] - Figure 9B A mold for forming a lid according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 9C It shows Figure 9B Details of the mold used to form the lid are shown;

[0079] - Figures 10 to 13 The operational configuration of a mold for forming a lid according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in sequence. Detailed Implementation

[0080] Referring to the attached figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a lid for a container.

[0081] The lid 1 includes a body 2. The body 2 is configured to engage with the neck of a container to close the container and to disengage from the neck to open the container. The body includes a sidewall 21 with internal threads (i.e., including internal threads) to engage with corresponding threads on the neck of the container. The sidewall 21 extends about a longitudinal axis X. The sidewall 21 is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis X. The sidewall 21 has an annular first end and a second end that is also annular. The body includes a transverse wall 22 oriented transversely to the sidewall and connected to the first end of the sidewall 21. Preferably, the transverse wall 22 is circular. However, the transverse wall 22 may have other shapes, and the sidewall 21 may have other types of symmetry about the longitudinal axis; for example, the transverse wall 22 may be polygonal in shape, and the sidewall 21 may have polygonal symmetry about the longitudinal axis.

[0082] The lid 1 includes an tamper-evident ring 3. The tamper-evident ring 3 includes a retaining portion 31, which is configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, such that the tamper-evident ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the lid body 2 is separated from the neck; the retaining portion 31 is annular in shape.

[0083] The lid 1 includes an engagement region 4 to which an tamper-evident ring 3 engages with the lid body 2. The engagement region 4 is configured to tear at least partially along its periphery around the longitudinal axis X in response to displacement of the body 2 away from the tamper-evident ring 3 (due to loosening of the threads on the sidewall 21 of the body 2 from the threads on the neck of the container). The engagement region 4 includes a tether 41. The tether 41 includes a first end 410 of the tamper-evident ring 3 connected in a first connection region 32 forming part of the tamper-evident ring 3. The tether 41 includes a second end 411 of the sidewall 21 of the body 2 connected in a second connection region 23 forming part of the sidewall 21 of the body 2. The tether 41 has a first side 412 and a second side 413 opposite to the first side 412. The engagement region 4 also includes a first narrow thickness region 42 that is thinner than the tether 41, the tamper-evident ring 3, and the sidewall 21. A first narrow thickness region 42 extends along the first side 412 of the tether 41 about the longitudinal axis X to connect the first side 412 to the tamper ring 3, and extends along the second connection region 23. The first narrow thickness region 42 extends beyond the second connection region 23 and the second end 411 of the tether 41 to form a separation tension portion. The separation tension portion connects the tamper ring 3 to the side wall 21 of the body 2, and preferably, in at least a portion thereof, the separation tension portion has an extension less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first narrow thickness region 42 is interrupted in the first connection region 410 (preferably, it is interrupted only in the first connection region). The first narrow thickness region 42 is configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body 2 away from the tamper ring 3.

[0084] The joining region 4 includes a second narrow thickness region 43 that is thinner than the tether 41, the sidewall 21 of the body 2, and the tamper-evident ring 3. The second narrow thickness region 43 extends about a longitudinal axis along a stretch portion extending from the second end 411 of the tether 41 to the first connecting region 32. Therefore, the second narrow thickness region 43 is adjacent to the second sidewall 413 of the tether 41 and connects the second sidewall 413 and the first connecting region 32 to the sidewall 21 of the body 2.

[0085] The second narrow thickness region 43 is also configured to be torn open in response to the displacement of the main body 2 away from the tamper-evident ring 3.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the engagement region 4 includes an additional tether 44. The additional tether 44 includes a first end 440 connected to the tamper-evident ring 3 in the first connection region 32. The additional tether 44 includes a second end 441 connected to the side wall 21 of the body 2 in the second connection region 23. The additional tether 44 includes a first side 442 and a second side 443 opposite to the first side 442. Therefore, a first narrow thickness region 42 also extends along the first side 442 of the additional tether 44 to connect the first side 442 to the tamper-evident ring 3. Furthermore, the first narrow thickness region 42 extends beyond the second end 441 of the tether 44. Preferably, the second narrow thickness region 43 extends at an angle about the longitudinal axis X along an additional stretch portion extending from the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 to the first connection region, so as to also connect the second side 443 of the additional tether 44 to the side 21 of the body 2. Preferably, the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the additional tether 44 are arranged one after another at an angle and inserted between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the second connection region 23 includes a connecting element 23A and an additional connecting element 23B that are different from each other and angularly spaced apart; in this case, preferably, the second end 411 of the tether 41 is connected to the connecting element 23A, and the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 is connected to the additional connecting element 23B. When the connecting element 23A and the additional connecting element 23B of the second connection region 23 are provided, the second connection region 23 is interrupted around the longitudinal axis X in a first angular interruption stretch 24 between the portion of the connecting element 23A opposite to the portion of the connecting element 23A connected to the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the portion of the additional connecting element 23B opposite to the portion of the additional connecting element 23B connected to the second end 441 of the additional tether 44; more specifically, the first narrow thickness region 42 also extends at the first interruption stretch 24 of the second narrow thickness region 23.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the first connection region 32 includes a connecting element 32A and an additional connecting element 32B that are different from each other and angularly spaced apart. In this case, preferably, the first end 410 of the tether 41 is connected to the connecting element 32A, and the second end 440 of the additional tether 44 is connected to the additional connecting element 32B. Thus, when installed, the second narrow thickness region 43 is connected to the sidewall 21 of the body 2 via the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B of the first connection region 32, and the first narrow thickness region 42 is connected to the tamper-evident ring 3 via the connecting element 23A and the additional connecting element 23B of the second connection region 23. When the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B of the first connection region 32 are provided, the first connection region 32 is interrupted around the longitudinal axis X in a first angular interruption stretch 33 between the portion of the connecting element 32A opposite to the portion of the connecting element 32A connected to the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the portion of the additional connecting element 32B opposite to the portion of the additional connecting element 32B connected to the first end 440 of the additional tether 44.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the first connection region 32 includes a single connecting element 32C, and the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 411 of the additional tether 44 are both connected to the single connecting element 32C of the first connection region 32. Preferably, the single connecting element 32C extends at an angle to a longer extension than the connecting element 32A or the additional connecting element 32B. For example, when configured, the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B each extend in an arc of at least 4 degrees; for example, when configured, the single connecting element 32C extends in an arc of at least 30 degrees.

[0090] In one example, the angular distance between the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the supplementary tether 44 is less than the angular distance between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the supplementary tether 44; preferably, the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the supplementary tether 44 are located at the ends of an arc (between 50 degrees and 45 degrees) around the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, the first ends 410 and 440 are inserted between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the supplementary tether 44. In another example, the angular distance between the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the supplementary tether 44 is greater than the angular distance between the second end 411 of the tether 41 and the second end 441 of the supplementary tether 44; furthermore, the second ends 411 and 441 are inserted between the first end 410 of the tether 41 and the first end 440 of the supplementary tether 44.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness region 42 and the second narrow thickness region 43 have the same thickness in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness region 42 has a first thickness (preferably 0.03 mm), and the second narrow thickness region 43 has a second thickness (preferably 0.1 mm) greater than the first thickness, at least in the main portion 43A of the second side 413 adjacent to the tether 41 and the second side 443 of the additional tether.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the second narrow thickness region in its auxiliary portion is less than the thickness of the main portion 43A, and preferably equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness region 42.

[0094] When the first connecting region 32 has a single connecting element 32C, the auxiliary portion includes a single auxiliary portion 43B, which may be located at the single connecting element 32C, adjacent to the single connecting element 32C and inserted between the tension portion and the additional tension portion of the second narrow thickness region 43 (i.e., inserted between the first end of the tether 41 and the first end of the additional tether 44). In one example, the single auxiliary portion 43B located at the single connecting element 32C may include a first thickness region and a second thickness region that are alternately arranged, wherein the first thickness region has a thickness equal to the first thickness (and thus substantially equal to 0.03 mm), and the second thickness region has a thickness equal to the second thickness (and thus substantially equal to 0.1 mm).

[0095] When the first connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B are provided, the auxiliary portion may include a first auxiliary portion 430B and a second auxiliary portion 431B. The first auxiliary portion 430B and the second auxiliary portion 431B may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and may be adjacent to the extension portion and the additional extension portion of the second narrow thickness region 43, respectively, near the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B. Preferably, the first auxiliary portion 430B and the second auxiliary portion 431B are connected to the first narrow thickness region 42 in an angular extension portion between the connecting element 32A and the additional connecting element 32B. The first auxiliary portion 430B and the second auxiliary portion 431B have the function of making it easier to begin tearing open the second narrow thickness region 43 (i.e., to switch the cap from the second operating configuration to the third operating configuration).

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the tether 41 extends between its first end 410 and its second end 411 along a path angled in a single direction V1 about the longitudinal axis X. When set, the additional tether 44 extends between its first end 440 and its second end 441 along an additional path angled in an additional single direction V2 (preferably opposite to the single direction V1 of the tether 41). In one example, the path followed by the tether 41 (and when set, the path followed by the additional tether 44) is substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the path followed by the tether 41 is inclined relative to the lateral axis Y between at least a portion of its first end 410 and the second end 411. When an additional tether 44 is also provided, the paths followed by the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 are inclined relative to the lateral direction Y, so that they converge toward the tamper-evident ring 3 and disperse toward the sidewall 21 of the cover body 2.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 each include a first lateral extension portion 414A, 444A to connect the respective first ends 410, 440 to the first connection region 32 (to a single connecting element 32C or to connecting elements 32A and 32B respectively); the tether 41 and the additional tether 44 each include a first lateral extension portion 414B, 444B to connect the respective second ends 411, 441 to the second connection region 23 (to connecting elements 23A and 23B respectively).

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the first narrow thickness region 42 has a first thickness, and the second narrow thickness region 43 has a first thickness equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness region 42; preferably, the first thickness of the first narrow thickness region 42 and the first thickness of the second narrow thickness region 43 are substantially equal to 0.03 mm.

[0100] In one example, the tether 41 has a longitudinal extension extending between a first side 412 and a second side 413, and this longitudinal extension has a variable height relative to the longitudinal direction. The height of the longitudinal extension can vary between a second end 411 of the tether 41 and a point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411 of the tether 41. Specifically, the height of the longitudinal extension decreases between the second end 411 and the point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411 of the tether 41, while the height of the longitudinal extension remains constant from said point to the first end 410 of the tether 41. When an additional tether 44 is present, the additional tether 44 can also have a longitudinal extension extending between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the additional tether, and this longitudinal extension can have a variable height relative to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the height of the longitudinal extension is variable between the second end 441 of the additional tether 44 and the point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the additional tether. Specifically, the height of the longitudinally extended portion decreases from the second end 441 to a point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441, while remaining constant between that point and the first end 440 of the attached tether.

[0101] According to one example, the joining region 4 includes an intermediate section 45 located between a portion of the second side 413 of the tether 41 and a second narrow thickness region 43 adjacent to the second side 413 of the tether 41. The intermediate section 45 extends about a longitudinal axis between the second end 441 of the tether 41 and a point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411 of the tether 41, and connects this portion of the second side 413 of the tether 41 to the second narrow thickness region 43. The tether 41 may have a longitudinally extending portion, and the height of the longitudinally extending portion may be constant between the first end 410 and the second end 411, while the intermediate section 45 may have a longitudinally extending portion having a variable height at the second end 411 of the tether 41 and at the point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411. Specifically, the longitudinally extending portion exhibits a maximum height at the second end 411, and a minimum height, i.e., zero, at the point located between the first end 410 and the second end 411.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the intermediate section 45 is also located between a portion of the second side surface 443 of the attachment tether 44 and a second narrow thickness region 43 adjacent to the second side surface 443 of the attachment tether 44. The intermediate section 45 extends about a longitudinal axis between the second end 441 of the attachment tether 44 and a point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441 of the attachment tether 44, and connects a portion of the second side surface 443 of the attachment tether 44 to the second narrow thickness region 43. The attachment tether 44 may have a longitudinally extending portion, and the height of the longitudinally extending portion may be constant between the first end 440 and the second end 441, while the intermediate section 45 may have a longitudinally extending portion having a variable height at the second end 441 of the tether 44 and at the point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441. In particular, the longitudinally extending portion exhibits a maximum height at the second end 441, and a minimum height, i.e., zero, at the point located between the first end 440 and the second end 441.

[0103] The intermediate section 45 has a radially defined thickness, which may be equal to the thickness of the tether 41 (and, when present, equal to the thickness of the additional tether 44); specifically, the intermediate section has a radial thickness between the thickness of the tether 41 (and / or the additional tether 44) and the thickness of the second narrow thickness region 43. Preferably, the thickness of the intermediate section 45 is greater than or equal to 0.03 mm.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the cover 1 includes a fastening element 51 and a protrusion 52 extending radially away from the longitudinal axis X. The fastening element 51 may be disposed in the tamper-evident ring 3 and the protrusion 52 may be disposed in the body 2, or the fastening element 51 may be disposed in the body 2 and the protrusion 52 may be disposed in the tamper-evident ring 3. The fastening element 51 is configured to releasably engage the protrusion 52 to hold the cover body 2 in a flipped position relative to the tamper-evident ring 3. Preferably, the protrusion 52 is disposed in the body 2 and located in the region between the stretch portion and the additional stretch portion of the second narrow thickness region 43.

[0105] The present invention also provides a mold 6 for forming a lid 1.

[0106] The mold includes an upper unit 61 and a lower unit 62, which are movable toward and away from each other along an axis of the mold 6, which is operatively coincident with the longitudinal axis X (when the cover 1 is formed in the mold 6). More specifically, the upper unit 61 and the lower unit 62 are movable between a spaced position defining an open configuration of the mold 6 and a closed position defining a closed configuration of the mold 6.

[0107] The lower unit 62 includes (or defines) a cavity 62A. The cavity 62A is configured to receive a charge of extruded thermoplastic material.

[0108] The upper unit 61 includes a core 611. In one embodiment, the core 611 includes an inner core 611A, a central core 611B, and an outer core 611C. The outer core 611C surrounds the central core 611B, which in turn surrounds the inner core 611A. The inner core 611A, the central core 611B, and the outer core 611C are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X. The central core 611B includes a plurality of recesses configured to form internal threads on the sidewall 21 of the cover 1.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the upper unit 61 includes an extractor 612 that surrounds the core 611 and is movable relative to the core 611 (i.e., relative to the inner core 611A, the central core 611B, and the outer core 611C). Preferably, the inner core 611A and the central core 611B define convex elements configured to penetrate the cavity 62A of the lower unit 62 when the mold 6 is in a closed configuration. More specifically, when the mold is in a closed configuration, the core 611, the extractor 612, and the lower unit 62 define a molding cavity 7 having the shape of a cap to be formed. More specifically, the lower unit 62 (i.e., the cavity 62A) externally defines a portion of the molding cavity 7, the convex elements (i.e., the inner core 611A and the central core 611B) internally define the molding cavity 7, and the extractor 612 and the outer core 611C externally define a portion of the molding cavity 7.

[0110] In the sequence of opening mold 1, all components except the outer core 611C and inner core 611A are first moved downwards (effectively equivalent to moving the outer core 611C and inner core 611A upwards); during this stage, the central core 611B and cavity 62A remain adhered to the lid 1. Subsequently, cavity 62A moves downwards away from the upper unit 61 and lid 1, thereby releasing the outer wall of lid 1; during this stage, the central core 611B remains adhered to the inner wall of lid 1, while the extractor 612 moves downwards under the action of an elastic device that is released when cavity 62A is removed. Subsequently, the extractor 612 moves further downwards under the action of a cam. The extractor 612, in contact with the upper edge of lid 1, moves downwards with the lid (more specifically, the extractor 612 and central core 611 define a retaining structure in which the extractor 612 is in a lowered position relative to the central core 611B and holds lid 1 at the tether). As it moves downward, the extractor 612 releases the inner wall of the cap 1 from the central core 611B, thereby pulling out the internal thread from the recess of the central core 611B. Next, the extractor 612 moves upward under the action of the cam, and the central core 611B elastically deforms the retaining element of the cap, bending it toward the longitudinal axis X, so that if necessary, the cap can be released from the extractor 612 by means of compressed air blown between the inner core 611A and the central core 611B (specifically, the extractor 612 and the central core 611B define a release configuration in which the extractor 612 is in a retracted position relative to the central core 611B, and the central core 611B elastically deforms the retaining element of the cap 1 toward the longitudinal axis X to release the cap 1 from the extractor 612).

[0111] The molding cavity 7 includes a side hollow portion 71 extending about a longitudinal axis X and a transverse hollow portion 72 oriented along a transverse axis Y and connected to one end of the side hollow portion 71. The transverse hollow portion 72 is configured to form a transverse wall 22 of the cover 1. The side hollow portion 71 includes a main portion 711, a connecting portion 712, and an tamper-evident portion 713. The main portion 711, the connecting portion 712, and the tamper-evident portion 713 each extend about the longitudinal axis X (and are therefore annular in shape). The connecting portion 712 is inserted between the main portion 711 and the tamper-evident portion 713. The main portion 711 has internal threads and extends about the longitudinal axis X between a first end and a second end. The connecting portion 712 is connected to the second end of the main portion 711. The main portion is configured to form a side wall 21 of the body 2 of the cover 1; the connecting portion 712 is configured to form a connecting region 4 of the cover 1; and the tamper-evident portion 713 is configured to form a tamper-evident region 3 of the cover 1. The mold 6 includes a transverse hollow portion 72, which is connected to the first end of the main body portion 711 of the side hollow portion 71. The transverse hollow portion 72 is configured to form the transverse wall 22 of the main body 2 of the cover 1.

[0112] The connecting portion 712 includes a tether portion 73. The tether portion 73 extends between a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the tamper-evident portion 713 via a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper-evident portion 713. The first connecting portion is configured to form a first connecting region 32. The second end is in fluid communication with the body portion 711 via a second connecting portion forming part of the body portion 711. The second connecting portion is configured to form a second connecting region 23. The tether portion 73 is configured to form a tether 41 for the cover 1.

[0113] The joining portion 712 includes a first narrow thickness portion 76 that is thinner than the tether portion 73, the tamper-evident portion 713, and the main body portion 711. The first narrow thickness portion 76 extends along a first side of the tether portion 73 about a longitudinal axis X to connect the first side of the tether portion 73 to the tamper-evident portion 713. Preferably, the first narrow thickness portion 76 extends along a second connecting portion about the longitudinal axis X and extends beyond the second connecting portion and the second end of the tether portion 73 to form a separation stretch portion connecting the tamper-evident portion 713 to the main body portion 711 of the side hollow portion 71. Preferably, the separation stretch portion has an extension of less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis X in at least a portion thereof. The first narrow thickness portion 76 is interrupted only in the first connecting portion. The first narrow thickness portion 76 is configured to form a first narrow thickness region 42 of the cover 1.

[0114] The joining portion 712 includes a second narrow thickness portion 77. The second narrow thickness portion 77 extends at an angle about the longitudinal axis X along the stretch portion extending from the second end of the cord portion 73 to the first connecting portion, such that the second narrow thickness portion 77 connects the second side of the cord portion 73 and the first connecting portion to the main body portion 711 of the side hollow portion 71. The second narrow thickness portion 77 is configured to form a second narrow thickness region 43 of the cover 1.

[0115] The extractor 612 includes a first protruding element 612A projecting toward the longitudinal axis X. The first protruding element 612A defines (i.e., defines) a first narrow thickness portion 76 of the molding cavity 7 within the side hollow portion 71. Therefore, the first protruding element 612A is configured to form a first narrow thickness region 42 of the cap 1. Preferably, the lower unit 62 includes a second protruding element 62B projecting toward the longitudinal axis X. The second protruding element 62B defines (i.e., defines) a second narrow thickness portion 77 of the molding cavity 7. Therefore, the second protruding element 62B is configured to form a second narrow thickness region 77 of the cap 1. Preferably, when the mold 6 is in a closed configuration, the extractor 612 and the lower unit 62 work together to define a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis X to define a tether portion 73 of the molding cavity 7. Therefore, the recess is configured to form a tether 41 of the cap 1.

[0116] Therefore, the lower unit 62 and the upper unit 61 (specifically, the extractor 612) can be shaped to match each other to define an annular contact surface in the closed configuration of the mold 6, the annular contact surface including a portion S located in the closed plane P (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X). More specifically, the portion S is located in the region inserted between the first and second sides of the tether portion 73, such that the upper unit 61 (specifically, the extractor 612) and the lower unit 62 work together to form the tether 41 of the cover 1.

[0117] However, it should be noted that in an embodiment in which the first narrow thickness region 42 has a first thickness and the second narrow thickness region 43 has a second thickness (preferably equal to 0.03 mm) equal to the first thickness of the first narrow thickness region 42, the upper unit 61 (preferably the extractor 612) may be configured to form a tether 41, and when an additional tether 44 is provided, an additional tether 44 is formed (that is, the upper unit 61 and the lower unit 62 do not work together).

Claims

1. A lid for a container, comprising: The body, configured to connect and disconnect relative to the neck of the container, and includes... The sidewall, having internal threads, extends about a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and A transverse wall, which is joined to the first end of the sidewall; A tamper-evident seal ring is configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, such that the tamper-evident seal ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the body of the lid is separated from the neck. A tamper-evident ring engages with the body of the cap in a mating region, the mating region being configured to tear at least partially along its periphery around the longitudinal axis in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring. The joining region includes: The rope, which includes: The first end is connected to the tamper-evident ring in a first connection region that forms part of the tamper-evident ring. The second end is connected to the body in a second connection region that forms part of the sidewall of the body. A first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A first narrow thickness region, thinner than the tether, the tamper-evident ring, and the sidewall of the body, extends about the longitudinal axis, along the first side of the tether to connect the first side of the tether to the tamper-evident ring, extends along a second connection region, and extends beyond the second connection region and the second end of the tether to form a separation tension portion connecting the tamper-evident ring to the sidewall of the body. The separation tension portion has at least a portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of less than 3 mm in at least a portion thereof, and the first narrow thickness region is interrupted in the first connection region. A second narrow thickness region, which extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along the stretching portion extending from the second end of the tether to the first connecting region, connects the second side of the tether and the first connecting region to the sidewall of the body. The first and second narrow thickness regions are configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the engagement area includes an additional tether, the additional tether comprising: The first end is connected to the tamper-evident ring in the first connection area; The second end is connected to the body in the second connection region; A first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first narrow thickness region extends along a first side of the additional tether to connect the first side of the additional tether to the tamper-evident ring, and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether. The second narrow thickness region extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along an additional tension portion extending from the second end of the additional tether to the first connection area, such that the second narrow thickness region also connects the second side of the additional tether to the sidewall of the body. The first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are arranged one after the other at an angle and inserted between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether.

3. The lid according to claim 2, wherein the second connection region includes a connection element and an additional connection element that are different from each other and spaced at an angle, wherein the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether are respectively connected to the connection element and the additional connection element of the second connection region.

4. The lid according to claim 3, wherein, The first connection area includes: Connecting elements and additional connecting elements that are different from each other and spaced at an angle, wherein the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are respectively connected to the connecting element and the additional connecting element of the first connecting region; or A single connecting element, wherein both the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are connected to the single connecting element.

5. The lid according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the angular distance between the first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether is less than the angular distance between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether.

6. The lid according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first narrow thickness region has a first thickness, and the second narrow thickness region has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, at least in the main portion of its second side adjacent to the tether and the second side of the additional tether.

7. The lid of claim 6, wherein the thickness of the second narrow thickness region in its auxiliary portion at the first connection region is less than or equal to the first thickness.

8. The lid according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cord extends between its first end and its second end along a path that extends at an angle in a single direction about the longitudinal axis.

9. The lid according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising: In a first operating configuration, the tamper-evident ring engages with the locking member on the neck of the container, the body of the lid is attached to the neck of the container, and the engagement area is intact. In response to a first displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring, a second operational configuration is provided in which the first narrow thickness region is torn open, the second narrow thickness region remains intact, the tamper-evident ring engages with the locking member on the neck of the container, and the body separates from the neck of the container. In addition to the first displacement, a third operational configuration is initiated in response to a second displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring, in which both the first and second narrow thickness regions are torn open, and the tamper-evident ring is attached to the body via the tether.

10. The lid of claim 2, wherein the cord has a longitudinally extending portion extending between a first side and a second side of the cord and having a variable height relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the height decreases between a second end and a point located between the first end and the second end, and is constant between the point located between the first end and the second end and the first end of the cord.

11. The lid of claim 2, wherein the engagement region includes a middle section, wherein the middle section: Located between a portion of the second side and the second narrow thickness region adjacent to the second side; Extending about the longitudinal axis between the second end and the point located between the first end and the second end; Connect the portion of the second side to the second narrow thickness region; and It has a longitudinal extension portion, which has the maximum height at the second end of the tether and the minimum height at a point located between the first end and the second end of the tether.

12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the intermediate section defined in the radial direction is between the thickness of the tether and the thickness of the second narrow thickness region.

13. A method for manufacturing a lid for a container, comprising a step of forming in a mold, the mold defining a forming cavity having the shape of the lid to be formed, wherein the forming step creates the following features: The body, configured to connect and disconnect relative to the neck of the container, and includes... The sidewall, having internal threads, extends about a longitudinal axis (X) between a first end and a second end, and A transverse wall, which is joined to the first end of the sidewall; A tamper-evident seal ring is configured to engage a locking member on the neck of the container, such that the tamper-evident seal ring remains attached to the neck of the container even when the body of the lid is separated from the neck. A tamper-evident ring engages with the body of the cap in a mating region, the mating region being configured to tear at least partially along its periphery around the longitudinal axis in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring. The forming step creates the following features in the joining region: The rope, which includes: The first end is connected to the tamper-evident ring in a first connection region that forms part of the tamper-evident ring. The second end is connected to the body in a second connection region that forms part of the sidewall of the body. A first side and a second side opposite to the first side. A first narrow thickness region, thinner than the tether, the tamper-evident ring, and the sidewall of the body, extends about the longitudinal axis, along the first side of the tether to connect the first side of the tether to the tamper-evident ring, extends along a second connection region, and extends beyond the second connection region and the second end of the tether to form a separation tension portion connecting the tamper-evident ring to the sidewall of the body. The separation tension portion has at least a portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of less than 3 mm in at least a portion therein, and the first narrow thickness region is interrupted in the first connection region. A second narrow thickness region, which extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along the stretching portion extending from the second end of the tether to the first connecting region, connects the second side of the tether and the first connecting region to the sidewall of the body. The first and second narrow thickness regions are configured to be torn open in response to displacement of the body away from the tamper-evident ring.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming step forms an additional tether in the joining region, the additional tether comprising: The first end is connected to the tamper-evident ring in the first connection area; The second end is connected to the body in the second connection region; A first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first narrow thickness region extends along a first side of the additional tether to connect the first side of the additional tether to the tamper-evident ring, and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether. The second narrow thickness region extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along an additional tension portion extending from the second end of the additional tether to the first connection area, such that the second narrow thickness region also connects the second side of the additional tether to the sidewall of the body. The first end of the tether and the first end of the additional tether are arranged one after the other at an angle and inserted between the second end of the tether and the second end of the additional tether.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of displacing the upper and lower units of the mold toward each other along the longitudinal axis to define the molding cavity, wherein... The upper unit includes an extractor, the extractor including a first protruding element that protrudes toward the longitudinal axis to form the first narrow thickness region of the lid. The lower unit includes a second protruding element that projects toward the longitudinal axis to form the second narrow thickness region of the cover. And among them, When the mold is in the closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit work together to define a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis to form the tether of the lid.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the upper unit includes a central core, the central core and the extractor being movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis: The retaining configuration, in which the extractor is in a lowered position to hold the cap at the tether, and A release mechanism in which the extractor is in a retracted position and the central core bends the retaining portion of the tamper-evident ring of the cap toward the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor.

17. A mold for manufacturing a lid for a container, movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, the mold defines a forming cavity having the shape of the lid to be formed, and the mold comprises: The hollow side portion includes: The main body portion, having internal threads, extends about a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The tamper-evident portion extends around the longitudinal axis. A joining portion that extends about the longitudinal axis and is connected to a second end of the body portion, such that the joining portion is inserted between the body portion and the tamper-evident portion; A transverse hollow portion, which is connected to the first end of the main body portion of the side hollow portion. The joining portion includes: The tethered portion extends between a first end and a second end, the first end communicating with the tamper-evident portion via a first connecting portion forming part of the tamper-evident portion, and the second end communicating with the main body portion via a second connecting portion forming part of the main body portion. A first narrow thickness portion, thinner than the tether portion, the tamper-evident portion, and the main body portion, extends about the longitudinal axis, along a first side of the tether portion to connect the first side of the tether portion to the tamper-evident portion, extends along a second connecting portion, and extends beyond the second connecting portion and the second end of the tether portion to form a separation stretch portion connecting the tamper-evident portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion. The separation stretch portion has an extension of less than 3 mm parallel to the longitudinal axis in at least a portion therein, and the first narrow thickness portion is interrupted in the first connecting portion. The second narrow thickness portion extends at an angle around the longitudinal axis along the stretch portion extending from the second end of the tether portion to the first connecting portion, such that the second narrow thickness portion connects the second side of the tether portion and the first connecting portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion.

18. The mold of claim 17, wherein the engagement portion includes an additional tether portion extending between a first end and a second end, the first end communicating with the tamper-evident portion via the first connecting portion, and the second end communicating with the body portion via the second connecting portion. The first narrow thickness portion extends along a first side of the additional tether portion to connect the first side of the additional tether portion to the tamper-evident portion, and extends beyond the second end of the additional tether portion. The second narrow thickness portion extends at an angle about the longitudinal axis along an additional tension portion extending from the second end of the additional tether portion to the first connecting portion, such that the second narrow thickness portion also connects the second side of the additional tether portion to the main body portion of the side hollow portion. The first end of the tether portion and the first end of the additional tether portion are arranged one after the other at an angle and are inserted between the second end of the tether portion and the second end of the additional tether portion.

19. The mold according to claim 17 or 18, comprising an upper unit and a lower unit, the upper unit and the lower unit being movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis between a spaced position defining the opening configuration of the mold and an abutting position defining the closing configuration of the mold, wherein The upper unit includes an extractor, the extractor including a first protruding element projecting toward the longitudinal axis, the first protruding element being configured to define a first narrow thickness portion of the molding cavity. The lower unit includes a second protruding element projecting toward the longitudinal axis, the second protruding element being configured to define a second narrow thickness portion of the molding cavity. And among them, When the mold is in the closed configuration, the extractor and the lower unit work together to define a recess that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis to define the tethered portion of the molding cavity.

20. The mold of claim 19, wherein the upper unit includes a central core, the central core and the extractor being movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis: The retaining configuration, in which the extractor is in a lowered position and configured to hold the cap at the tether, and A release mechanism in which the extractor is in a retracted position and the central core is configured to bend the retaining portion of the tamper-evident ring of the cap toward the longitudinal axis to release the cap from the extractor.

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