Closure for container, method and agent for forming closure

Abstract

A closure for a container, the closure comprising a base (5, 105, 205, 305, 405), a lid (9, 209, 409) and at least one connecting band (10) connecting the base (5, 105, 205, 305, 405) to the lid (9, 209, 409), the closure (3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603) has a dispensing opening (21, 521) for dispensing the product contained in the container. The connecting band (10) is flexible to allow the lid (9, 209, 409) to be displaced between an open configuration and a closed configuration to selectively open or close the dispensing aperture (21, 521). The cover (9, 209, 409), the connecting band (10) and the base (5, 105, 205, 305, 405) are formed as a single part (1, 101, 201, 501, 601) made of a natural fiber-based material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure for a container, of the type comprising a lid hinged to a base. The closure according to the present invention can be optionally, but not exclusively, used to close a squeezable container, for example a container having a squeezable tubular body. The closure according to the present invention can also be used in combination with other types of containers, for example bottles or hot-welded containers made starting from a sheet of material.

[0002] The closure according to the present invention is made with natural fiber-based materials, in particular cellulose-based materials.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a dose of natural fiber-based material for manufacturing a closure by a compression process, and to a method for manufacturing the closure. BACKGROUND

[0004] Squeezable containers are known, comprising a tubular body, the first end of which is closed by a transversal weld line. At the second end of the tubular body, opposite the first end, a closure is applied, comprising a lid which can be moved between an open position and a closed position.

[0005] In order to reduce the environmental impact of squeezable containers, it is suggested to manufacture the tubular body from cellulose-based materials, instead of synthetic polymer resins, as is traditionally done.

[0006] However, since the structure of the closure is not simple, the closure continues to be made from synthetic polymer resins, which can be molded even for complex shapes.

[0007] This makes it difficult to properly dispose of the squeezable container. In fact, it is necessary to separate the tubular body made with cellulose-based materials from the closure made with synthetic polymer resins. SUMMARY

[0008] One purpose of the present invention is to improve containers, for example but not limited to containers comprising a squeezable body to which a closure is joined.

[0009] Another purpose is to make containers comprising a body and a closure fixed to the body more easily recyclable.

[0010] Yet another purpose is to reduce the material used to form the closure of the container.

[0011] Still another purpose is to provide a closure for a container which can be easily manufactured.

[0012] In a first aspect of the application, a closure for a container is provided, the closure comprising a base, a lid and at least one connecting band connecting the base to the lid, the closure having a dispensing aperture for dispensing a product contained in the container, wherein the connecting band is flexible to allow the lid to be displaced between an open configuration and a closed configuration to selectively open or close the dispensing aperture, and wherein the lid, the connecting band and the base are formed as a single piece made of a natural fiber-based material.

[0013] Thanks to this aspect of the application, a closure is provided which is mainly made of a natural fiber-based material, which can be easily disposed of or recycled.

[0014] The closure according to the first aspect of the application is particularly suitable for use with containers made of a material comprising natural fibers, such as squeezable containers having a tubular body made of a cellulose-based material, and also for use with rigid containers made of a material comprising at least one paper-based layer, by folding and welding. This makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact of the container and the associated closure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the closure comprises a support intended to be interposed between the container and the base to fix the base to the container.

[0016] The support is formed as a separate piece from the piece comprising the base, the lid and the connecting band.

[0017] By making the connecting band in one piece and by giving the other piece the support function for fixing the base to the container, it is possible to make the structure of the connecting band independent of the structure of the support, in particular of the structure of the edge zone of the support intended to be engaged to the container.

[0018] This makes it possible to maintain a simple structure of the connecting band which functions as a hinge, so that the hinge can be easily made by compressing the natural fiber-based material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support has an edge zone adapted to be engaged to the body of the container.

[0020] The edge zone of the support extends 360° around the axis of the dispensing aperture.

[0021] The edge zone of the support even projects towards the container at the connecting band.

[0022] However, since the support is made as a separate piece from the piece comprising the base, the connecting band and the lid, the shape of the edge zone does not complicate the manufacture of the connecting band.

[0023] In one embodiment, the closure can be positioned in an extended configuration in which the connecting band lies in a plane to define a first half-space and a second half-space.

[0024] In the extended configuration, the peripheral region of the base adjacent to the connecting band is in the first half-space, without protruding into the second half-space.

[0025] In the extended configuration, the peripheral portion of the lid adjacent to the connecting band is in the second half-space, without protruding into the first half-space.

[0026] This simplifies the production of the closure, since, in the vicinity of the connecting band, the material forming the lid is arranged in a single half-space and the material forming the base is arranged in a single half-space. This means that when the natural fiber-based material is pressed to obtain the closure, the material does not have to follow a complex path.

[0027] The closure can be a snap-on closure, that is to say, it can be closed by exerting pressure on the lid.

[0028] In one embodiment, the thickness of the connecting band is less than the average thickness of the base and less than the average thickness of the lid.

[0029] Thus, a closure is provided in which the connecting band can be relatively thin so as to be easily bent, to have a reduced weight and to generate limited resistance to the head of the closure machine intended to apply the closure on the container. At the same time, the lid can have a relatively greater thickness, making it difficult to deform and reducing the risk of accidental opening.

[0030] In one embodiment, the shape of the lid in plan view corresponds to the shape of the base in plan view.

[0031] Thus, in the closed position, the edge region of the base can be joined with the edge portion of the lid almost along the entire periphery of the edge region and the edge portion, except for a portion of the periphery at the connecting band. This ensures that the lid remains in the closed position even if an external force is applied.

[0032] In a second aspect of the application, a method for manufacturing a closure for a container, the closure comprising a base, a lid and at least one connecting band connecting the base to the lid, is provided, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - providing a charge made of a natural fiber-based material, the charge having a first portion, a second portion and a narrow portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; - pressing the charge, thereby forming the base from the first portion of the charge, the lid from the second portion of the charge and the connecting band from the narrow portion of the charge.

[0033] In this way, at least one component of a closure for a container with a lower environmental impact is obtained in a particularly simple manner.

[0034] In one embodiment, after the step of pressing the charge, the following step is provided: -Provide support components made of natural fiber-based materials; - Install the base onto the support; - Connect the support piece, on which the base is mounted, to the container.

[0035] This allows the structure of the support (especially the structure of the area of ​​the support to be connected to the container) to be independent of the structure of the connecting strip. Therefore, the shape of the support does not complicate the structure of the connecting strip.

[0036] In this way, even materials that do not easily flow in the mold (such as natural fiber-based materials) can be used to form the cap.

[0037] In a third aspect of the invention, a material made of a natural fibrous base material (particularly cellulose) is provided for forming a capping component by a pressing process. The material has a thickness and, in a view of a plane substantially perpendicular to the thickness, has: a first portion for forming a base of the cap, a second portion for forming a cap, and a narrow portion connecting the first and second portions, the narrow portion being used to form a connecting strip connecting the base to the cap.

[0038] The material according to the third aspect of the invention allows for the simple formation of at least one component of the cap without causing waste. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention can be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several examples and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which: Figure 1 This is a top view showing the first component of the container's cap in the open position; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane II-II in the middle; Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The cross-section shows the first component of the cap in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions; Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 2 The cross-section shows the first component in the closed position; Figure 5 It shows the intended connection to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second component or support member of the first component in the process; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first component arranged in the open position and mounted on the second component; Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view showing the first component arranged in a closed position and mounted on the second component; Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 2 The cross-section shows an alternative embodiment of the first component of the cap; Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 5 The cross-section shows the section designed to be connected to Figure 8 The second component or support of the first component; Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 7 The cross-section shows how by... Figure 8 The first component and Figure 9 The cap, in a closed position, is obtained by connecting the second component in the middle; Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 10 The cross-section shows an alternative embodiment of the cap; Figure 12 It is similar to Figure 10 The cross-section shows another alternative embodiment of the cap; Figure 13 It is similar to Figure 10 The cross-section shows an alternative embodiment of the cap, wherein the first component includes a retaining device for holding the cap in a closed position; Figure 14 It is similar to Figure 7 The cross-section shows an alternative embodiment of the cap, which does not have a second component; Figure 15 It is similar to Figure 14 The cross-section shows another alternative embodiment of the cap, which does not have a second component; Figure 16 This is a schematic plan view showing the material used to manufacture caps or cap components by a pressing process; Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of pressing. Figure 16 The material in the mold is used to obtain a cap or a part of the capped component. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cap 3 for a container is shown. The cap 3 is intended for use on compressible containers, such as containers comprising a tubular body 4 (in...). Figure 6 (Schematally shown in dashed lines). The tubular body 4 has an open end and another end, to which a cap 3 is applied, while the other end is closed by a transverse joint line. The container to which the cap 3 is applied can hold fluid substances, especially paste-like substances, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, or other substances.

[0041] The cap 3 includes the first component 1, in Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first component is intended to be connected to the second component 2 (in Figure 5 (As shown in the figure). Both the first component 1 and the second component 2 are made of natural fiber-based materials, such as cellulose-based materials.

[0042] More specifically, the first component 1 and the second component 2 may be made of a material containing at least 80% cellulose by weight.

[0043] The lid 3 is intended to be applied to containers that can also be made of materials containing natural fibers, especially cellulose-based materials.

[0044] The first component 1 includes a base 5 with an opening 6 that allows dispensing of the product contained in the container. The opening 6 may have a circular shape in a plan view, but this is not required.

[0045] The base 5 may have a circular shape in the plan view, but this is not mandatory. In fact, the base 5 may have a non-circular shape in the plan view, such as an oval or elliptical shape. Generally, the shape of the base 5 in the plan view corresponds to the shape of the end of the container, on which the cap 3 must be applied.

[0046] In the example shown, the base 5 has a concave shape, with the concave surface facing the container to which the base is intended to be applied.

[0047] More specifically, the base 5 includes a main region 7, in which an opening 6 is formed. In the example shown, the main region 7 is flat. For example, the main region 7 may include a flat, circular crown surrounding the opening 6.

[0048] The base 5 also includes an edge region 8 protruding from the main region 7. The edge region 8 surrounds the main region 7. In the example shown, the edge region 8 has the shape of a rounded region defined by a free edge 8a.

[0049] The base 5 can have a substantially constant thickness S1.

[0050] The first component 1 also includes a cover 9, which is connected to the base 5 by at least one connecting strap 10.

[0051] The connecting strap 10 is flexible, allowing the cover 9 to be in the open position (e.g., in...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (shown in) and closed position (in) Figure 4 It moves between (as shown in the diagram). There are multiple intermediate positions between the open and closed positions. Figure 3One of the intermediate positions is shown in the diagram. The cover 9 moves between the open and closed positions by means of a rotational or substantially rotational movement, through the bending of the connecting strap 10. Thus, the connecting strap functions as a hinge strap.

[0052] The cover 9 can also have a concave shape.

[0053] More specifically, the cover 9 may include a main portion 11, with an edge portion 12 protruding from the periphery of the main portion 11.

[0054] In the main part 11, the lid 9 may have a protrusion 13 that protrudes toward the container and penetrates the interior of the opening 6 in the closed position in order to close the container, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Protrusion 13 protrudes from the inner surface 14 of the cover 9. This inner surface 14 is the surface that faces the base 5 in the closed position of the first component 1.

[0056] The cover 9 is also defined by an outer surface 15, which is oriented in the opposite manner to the inner surface 14. A recess 16 is provided at the protrusion 13 on the outer surface 15.

[0057] The recess 16 allows the protrusion 13 to be manufactured without substantially changing the thickness of the cover 9. In other words, due to the recess 16, the cover 9 can have a thickness at the protrusion 13 that is not much different from the thickness of the cover 9 outside the protrusion 13.

[0058] In particular, the cover 9 can have a substantially constant thickness S2.

[0059] The thickness S2 of the cover 9 can be substantially equal to the thickness S1 of the base 5.

[0060] The main part 11 may include a flat annular region surrounding the protrusion 13.

[0061] Edge portion 12 surrounds main portion 11. In the example shown, edge portion 12 has a cross-sectional shape of a rounded region defined by free edge 12a.

[0062] The lid 9 may have a substantially circular shape in the plan view, but this condition is not required. More generally, the lid 9 may have a shape in the plan view that corresponds to the shape of the base 5 and / or the open end of the container in the plan view.

[0063] In a plan view, the diameter of cover 9 can be equal to the diameter of base 5.

[0064] When the cover 9 is in the closed position, its edge portion 12 overlaps the edge region 8 of the base 5, as shown. Figure 4 As shown.

[0065] Connecting strap 10, connecting cover 9, and base 5.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In the open position shown, the connecting strip 10 has a substantially flat structure. In the plan view, the connecting strip 10 may have a substantially constant width W.

[0067] The connecting strip 10 has a thickness S, which can be substantially constant. The thickness S can be less than the average thickness of the base 5 and less than the average thickness of the cover 9. In particular, if the base 5 has a constant thickness S1 and the cover 9 has a constant thickness S2, then the thickness S of the connecting strip 10 can be less than both S1 and S2.

[0068] exist Figure 2 The open position of the first component 1 shown can also be defined as an extended configuration. In this configuration, the connecting strap 10 is located in a plane and defines a first half-space A and a second half-space B.

[0069] exist Figure 1 In the extended configuration shown, the base 5 is located in the first half-space A, while the cover 9 is mainly located in the second half-space B.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the extended configuration shown, the edge region 8 of the base 5 is located in the first half-space A and does not protrude into the second half-space B. More generally, in the extended configuration, the peripheral region of the base 5 adjacent to the connecting strip 10 is located in the first half-space A and does not protrude into the second half-space B.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In the extended configuration shown, the edge portion 12 of the cover 9 is located in the second half-space B and does not protrude into the first half-space A. More generally, in the extended configuration, the peripheral portion of the cover 9 adjacent to the connecting strip 10 is located in the second half-space B and does not protrude into the first half-space A.

[0072] This makes the first component 1 easy to manufacture by pressing a material of natural fiber base, because the material does not have to follow a complicated path to form the connecting strip 10 and the area of ​​the base 5 and the cover 9 adjacent to the connecting strip 10.

[0073] Figure 5 A second component 2 is shown, which can be defined as a support 17 for supporting the first component 1 and fixing the base 5 relative to the container.

[0074] The support 17 includes a main region 18 and an edge region 19 protruding from the main region 18, the edge region 19 being adapted to engage with the peripheral edge of the container opening.

[0075] The support member 17 may have a circular shape in the plan view, as in the example shown. More generally, the shape of the support member 17 in the plan view corresponds to the shape of the open end of the container and / or the base 5 and the lid 9.

[0076] A neck 20 extends from the main region 18 of the support 17. This neck has a dispensing hole 21 through which product contained in a container to which a cap 3 has been applied can be dispensed. Specifically, the neck 20 can protrude from a flat portion of the main region 18, which surrounds the neck 20.

[0077] The neck 20 extends around axis Z.

[0078] In the example shown, the dispensing hole 21 has a circular shape in the plan view, but this condition is not required. Other shapes than circular are also possible for the dispensing hole 21.

[0079] The lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) of the dispensing hole 21 is smaller than the lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) of the opening 6.

[0080] The size of the opening 6 formed in the base 5 is determined such that the neck 20 can pass through the opening.

[0081] The edge region 19 surrounds the main region 18 and protrudes from the side of the main region 18 opposite to the side from which the neck 20 protrudes. More specifically, the edge region 19 protrudes toward the container, while the neck 20 protrudes outward away from the container.

[0082] The second component 2 may have a substantially constant thickness S3, for example, equal to the thickness S1 of the base 5 and / or the thickness S2 of the cover 9.

[0083] After the first component 1 and the second component 2 have been formed separately, for example by a pressing process, as will be described in more detail below, the first component 1 and the second component 2 are assembled to obtain the cap 3.

[0084] The first component 1 contacts the second component 2 by superimposing the base 5 on the second component 2, such that the neck 20 of the second component 2 enters the opening 6 of the base 5.

[0085] In the assembled configuration, the neck 20 protrudes from the main region 7 of the base 5. In this way, in the assembled configuration, the dispensing hole 21 opens at a horizontal height above the main region 7 of the base 5.

[0086] The edge region 8 of the base 5 contacts the second component 2 in the peripheral region of the second component 2. Therefore, the first component 1 contacts the second component 2 near the opening 6 and along the edge region 8.

[0087] The first component 1 can now be joined to the second component 2, for example by gluing or by applying a non-sticky substance that enables the first component 1 to adhere to the second component 2.

[0088] Alternatively, the first component 1 may be fixed to the second component 2 by an interference fit between the edge region 8 of the base 5 and the edge region 19 of the second component 2.

[0089] Thus, the cap 3 is obtained, and the cap can be placed before being joined to the tubular body 4 of the container. Figure 7 The closed configuration shown.

[0090] To allow the cap 3 to enter the closed configuration, the cap 9 is positioned above the base 5 by bending the connecting strap 10. The edge portion 12 of the cap 9 (more precisely, its free edge 12a) contacts the edge region 8 of the base 5. The protrusion 13 is inserted into the dispensing hole 21 of the neck 20.

[0091] In one embodiment, the protrusion 13 is interference-fitted into the dispensing hole 21 such that the cap 3 remains in the closed configuration until the user applies a minimum force to the cap 9, which overcomes the interference fit between the protrusion 13 and the neck 20 and allows the cap 9 to move into the open configuration.

[0092] In this way, the risk of accidentally opening the seal 3 is reduced or even eliminated.

[0093] Now you can attach the cap 3 to the container.

[0094] For this purpose, the second component 2 is positioned to contact the open end of the tubular body 4 of the container, for example, such that the edge region 19 surrounds the sidewall 22 of the tubular body 4 near the opposite open end. The second component 2 is then joined to the sidewall 22 of the tubular body 4, for example, by applying an adhesive material or other material that enables the second component 2 to be stably anchored to the tubular body 4, or by welding.

[0095] The second component 2 ensures that the cap 3 is joined to the tubular body 4 of the container with a continuous and high-quality connection. In fact, the second component 2 makes the edge region 19 available, which extends continuously at a 360° angle around the axis Z of the dispensing hole 21. The edge region 19 allows pressure to be applied in the continuous interface defined between the edge region 19 and the tubular body 4, thereby ensuring a stable engagement even near the connecting strip 10.

[0096] If the second component 2 is not present, it may be difficult to apply pressure between the tubular body 4 and the cap 3 at the connecting strip 10.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the edge region 19 of the second component 2 may be positioned inside the sidewall 22 of the tubular body 4 and then joined to the tubular body. Alternatively, the edge region 19 may be anchored to the sidewall 22 from the front.

[0098] In the above example, the cap 3 is placed in a closed configuration before being engaged with the container. It is also possible that the cap 3 is engaged with the container while in an open configuration, and then placed in a closed configuration thereafter.

[0099] Figure 10 A cover 103 according to an alternative embodiment is shown, which has a smaller dimension along the axis (i.e., the axis Z parallel to the neck) than the previously described cover 3.

[0100] The cap 103 includes a first component 101, such as Figure 8 As shown, this first component differs from the previously described first component 1 primarily because it has a substantially flat base 105. An opening 6 is formed in this base 105.

[0101] In the first component 101, the cover 9 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover of the first component 1 shown is similar.

[0102] The second component 102 is also similar to the second component 2 shown in the figure.

[0103] To reduce the dimension along the axial direction, the second component 102 can have a larger dimension than... Figure 5 The neck 20 shown is short, and the neck 120 is short. The neck 120 may be defined by a flat wall 23 at its end furthest from the edge region 19, in which the dispensing hole 21 is formed.

[0104] In the cap 103, the first component 101 is mounted on the second component 102 such that the base 105 contacts the portion of the main region 18 surrounding the neck 120. Due to the flat structure of the base 105, the contact between the base and the main region 18 occurs on a relatively large surface. This facilitates the attachment of the base 105 to the second component 102.

[0105] The neck 120 protrudes from the opening 6 (albeit to a limited extent) and is removably closed by the protrusion 13 of the cover 9, which engages in the dispensing hole 21, as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0106] The production and operation of the 103 cap are similar to those already targeted Figures 1 to 7 The production and operation of the cap 3 shown are disclosed. However, due to the reduced axial dimension, the cap 103 allows for a reduction in the amount of natural fiber-containing material used to form the cap.

[0107] Figure 11An alternative embodiment of the cap 203 is shown, which is related to Figure 10 The main difference of the cover 103 shown is that it is provided with at least one abutting element for abutting one of the parts selected from the cover or the base against another part selected from the base or the cover.

[0108] exist Figure 11 In this example, an abutment element 24 is provided, which is formed in the cover 209 for abutting against the base 205. The abutment element 24 is shaped like a protrusion that extends from the cover 209 in the same direction as the protrusion 13, that is, it extends toward the container when the cover 203 is positioned in the closed configuration.

[0109] The abutment element 24 may have a trapezoidal cross-section. For example, the abutment element 24 may be defined by a contact surface 25, which, in a closed configuration, extends laterally, particularly perpendicular to axis Z, and contacts the base 205 of the first component 201. The contact surface 25 may be flat to ensure contact with the base 205, which, in the example shown, is also flat.

[0110] The abutment element 24 can extend continuously around the axis Z in the circumferential direction, that is, it can extend 360°. Alternatively, there can be a plurality of abutment elements 24 distributed around the axis Z and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, having a limited angular range of less than 360°.

[0111] A cavity 26 is provided on the outer surface 15 of the cover 209 at the abutting element 24. In this way, significant changes in the thickness of the cover 209 at the abutting element 24 are avoided. Thus, the cover 209 can have a substantially constant thickness.

[0112] As the cover 209 moves toward the base 205, the contact surface 25 of the abutment element 24 contacts the base 205. This allows sufficient pressure to be applied to the cover 209 to overcome the interference fit between the protrusion 13 and the dispensing hole 21, thereby locking the cover 209 in a closed configuration. Thus, even if a relatively large force is required to lock the cover 209 in the closed configuration, undesirable damage to the cover 209 can be avoided.

[0113] The abutment element 24 is particularly helpful in embodiments where the base of the first component has a flat shape, i.e., the first component does not include the edge region 8 protruding from the main region 7. When a protruding edge region is present, in order to lock the cover in a closed configuration, it is actually possible to act on the edge portion 12 of the cover, which is pushed against the edge region 8 of the base. In this case, the edge region 8 of the base provides support for the edge portion 12 of the cover, which prevents excessive deformation of the cover.

[0114] Figure 12 A cover 303 according to an alternative embodiment is shown, which includes an abutment element formed in a base 305 rather than in a cap 9. The abutment element protrudes from the base 305 toward the cap 9 and is defined by a contact surface 325, which may be flat, against which the cap 9 rests when it is in a closed configuration. This allows sufficient force to be applied to the cap 9 to lock the protrusion 13 in the dispensing hole 21 using an interference fit without causing excessive deformation of the cap 9.

[0115] Figure 12 Two possible alternative implementations of the abutment element are shown. Figure 12 The right-hand portion is provided with an abutment element 324a having a trapezoidal cross-section. The abutment element 324a is defined at its upper end by a contact surface 325, which is connected to the base 305 by two inclined portions 27 located on opposite sides of the contact surface 325.

[0116] The abutment element 324a may extend continuously around the opening 6 of the base 305 in a circumferential direction. Alternatively, a plurality of abutment elements 324a may be present, each having an angular range of less than 360° and distributed around the opening 6 and spaced apart from each other.

[0117] In contrast, Figure 12 In the left-hand portion, there is a stepped abutment element 324b, which is defined at its upper end by a contact surface 325. This contact surface is connected to the base 305 by a single inclined portion 27. In this case, an opening 6 is formed in the base 305 on the contact surface 325.

[0118] The contact surface 325 may extend continuously or be interrupted around the opening 6.

[0119] On the base 305, at the abutment element 324a or 324b, there is a cavity 326 that allows the abutment element to be formed without locally thickening the base 305, that is, keeping the thickness of the base 305 substantially constant.

[0120] Multiple abutment elements may be provided formed on the base and / or the cover, which extend or interrupt continuously around the opening of the base and / or around the protrusion of the cover, and these abutment elements have shapes different from those shown in the figure.

[0121] The abutment element formed in the base and / or cover can also be provided with... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The type of cap shown is found in different types of caps, for example, even in [the context of] setting. Figures 1 to 10 In the type of cap shown.

[0122] Figure 13 A cover 403 according to an alternative embodiment is shown, in which a snap-fit ​​retaining device 28 is provided, by which the cover 409 can be held in a closed configuration. The snap-fit ​​retaining device 28 may include teeth 29 that project inward toward the interior of the cover 409 near the free edge 12a. The teeth 29 engage in a notch 30 by form-fitting, which in the illustrated example is formed in the base 405, thereby preventing unintended opening of the cover 409.

[0123] The tooth 29 can be arranged in a position opposite to the radial direction of the connecting band 10, as shown in the example. Alternatively, the tooth 29 can be arranged in a position not opposite to the radial direction of the connecting band 10.

[0124] The angle range of the teeth 29 can be arbitrarily selected. Multiple teeth 29 can also be provided along the free edge 12a of the cover 409.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the tooth 29 may be formed on the base, while the notch 30 is formed on the cover.

[0126] The snap-fit ​​retaining device 28 can also be applied to... Figure 13 The caps shown are used in different caps, for example, in applications Figures 1 to 12 One of the caps shown.

[0127] Figure 14 A cover 503 according to an alternative embodiment is shown, which differs primarily from the cover described to date in that the cover 503 does not include a second component, but only includes a first component 501. Figure 14 In the example shown, the first component 501 is Figures 1 to 7 The type shown indicates that the first component includes a cover 9 and a base 5, both having concave shapes. In this case, the edge region 8 of the base 4 is fixed to the container.

[0128] Figure 15 It also shows a cover 603 in which there is no second component and only the first component 601. The first component 601 is Figure 11 The type shown, that is, it includes a flat base 205. In this case, the cover 206 is provided with at least one abutment element 24.

[0129] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the two embodiments shown, that is, when the second component is not present, the cover includes a dispensing hole 521 defined by the opening 6 of the base 5 or 205.

[0130] In the illustrated example, the dispensing hole 521 is formed on the flat surface of the main region 7 of the base. In this case, there is no neck. However, this condition is not required.

[0131] The protrusion 13 formed on the cover 9 can be interference-fitted into the dispensing hole 521.

[0132] More generally, a cover may be provided in which there is no second component and the first component has any structure selected from the structures shown in the preceding figures.

[0133] A cap without a second component can be used with a container for which applying pressure between the cap and the end of the tubular body of the container is not critical, for example, since the cap is joined to the container face up, the presence of a connecting strip 10 near the edge of the cap does not cause any particular disadvantage.

[0134] More precisely, these caps, excluding the second component, can be applied to containers such as bottles (especially those made of paper or other cellulose-based materials) or containers made from sheet material that are bent and heat-welded.

[0135] In all embodiments of the cap described to date, the connecting strip 10 may have at least one predetermined bend line to facilitate bending of the connecting strip 10 when the cap changes from an open configuration to a closed configuration or from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0136] The predetermined bend line can extend laterally along the length of the connecting strip 10. In other words, if the connecting direction is defined as a line extending from the base to the cover or vice versa, the predetermined bend line can extend laterally, particularly perpendicular to the connecting direction.

[0137] The predetermined curved line can have a straight shape or other structures.

[0138] The predetermined bend line may include a cutting line. In particular, it may have discontinuous cutting lines, that is, formed by multiple cutting segments (e.g., through-cut segments), wherein a joint segment is provided between two consecutive cutting segments.

[0139] The predetermined bending line may also include a cutting line that does not run through the cutting line, that is, it only partially affects the thickness of the hinge area.

[0140] The predetermined bend line may include grooves on the connecting strip.

[0141] More generally, the predetermined bend line may involve localized thinning of the connecting strip.

[0142] This thinning could be due to a reduction in the thickness of the connecting strip itself (thus the thickness of the connecting strip is reduced), or it could be due to one or more through cuts formed in the connecting strip (the width of the connecting strip is reduced).

[0143] The predetermined bending line can be formed in the mold in which the first part is formed or in a downstream process of the mold.

[0144] Pre-defined curved lines can be made by various methods, such as cutting with a blade, laser cutting or scoring, embossing, crease tools, etc.

[0145] The predetermined bend line can be formed on one surface of the connecting strip 10 in the extended configuration, pointing towards the base or the cover, or on both surfaces.

[0146] The first and second components of the cap described so far can be made, for example, by a corresponding molding process in which a given amount of natural fibrous-based material (especially cellulose-based material) is pressed.

[0147] These molding processes can be substantially dry molding processes, where the moisture content of the cellulose-based starting material used is no more than 20% by weight. The starting material can be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material can be a loose element, such as a lump of material or an aerosolized web material.

[0148] An air-laid material can be obtained by cutting a sheet of air-laid material (e.g., unwinding it from a spool). Air-laid materials can be obtained starting with a dense web of a relatively high-density cellulose-based material. This dense web is milled and fibrillated, and then the fibers are recombine to form a low-density sheet of material, with a significant amount of air between fibers. This is how the air-laid material is obtained. Small amounts of liquid additives, such as water, can be added to the air-laid material to facilitate subsequent molding processes.

[0149] Alternatively, air-laid agents can also be obtained by starting with a dense web of a relatively high-density cellulose-based material, followed by milling and fibrillation. The fibers obtained in this way are then recombine to directly form individual air-laid agents, from which a first component or a second component can be obtained.

[0150] The second component can be obtained, in particular, by pressing a material into a disc-like shape. This material may be provided with holes for forming a dispensing hole 21. Alternatively, the material may be solid, in which case the dispensing hole 21 can be formed by subsequently removing a portion of the material.

[0151] The first component can be pressed, for example... Figure 16The airflow web-type material 31 shown in the plan view is obtained by using the material 31.

[0152] Material 31 has a thickness T measured perpendicular to the sheet, which can be constant or variable. In the example shown, the thickness T is constant, such as... Figure 17 As shown, but this condition is not required.

[0153] In the plane of the sheet, that is, in the plane perpendicular to the thickness T, the material 31 has a narrow portion 32 in its central region. The material has a first portion 41 and a second portion 42, with the narrow portion 32 located between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42.

[0154] The narrow portion 32 joins the first portion 41 and the second portion 42.

[0155] The first part 41, the narrow part 32, and the second part 42 are positioned sequentially in the first direction D1.

[0156] The material has a lateral dimension W in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The lateral dimension W of the material 31 gradually decreases from the first portion 41 to the narrow portion 32, and gradually increases from the narrow portion 32 to the second portion 42.

[0157] Part 41 and Part 42 may each have a substantially circular shape in a plan view.

[0158] Therefore, if viewed in a plane perpendicular to the thickness T, the material 31 has an "8" shape.

[0159] Material 31 can be symmetrical with respect to plane P1, which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

[0160] The first part 41 is intended to form the base 5 of the first component 1 of the cap 3, while the second part 42 is intended to form the cap 9. The narrow part 32 is intended to form the connecting band 10.

[0161] In the first part 41, a hole (not shown) may be present, which is intended to form opening 6. In this case, the material 31 is a perforated material. Alternatively, as in the example shown, the material 31 may not have a hole, in which case opening 6 is formed by subsequent removal of material, for example, during or after molding.

[0162] Material 31 can be flat or can have uneven parts, such as concave parts.

[0163] Material 31 can be used Figure 17The material 31 is subjected to pressing in a mold 33 of the type schematically shown. The mold 33 includes a first half 34 and a second half 35 facing each other. At least one half selected from the first half 34 or the second half 35 can be moved relative to the other half selected from the second half 35 or the first half 34 along the molding direction M to press the material 31.

[0164] The first half-mold 34 includes a punch portion 36 facing the die portion 37 for forming the base 5. The first half-mold 34 also includes a cavity 38 facing the punch portion 39 for forming the cover 9. Protruding from the cavity 38 is a protrusion 40, which is adapted to engage in the hollow portion 43 of the punch portion 39 to form a recess 16 and a protrusion 13.

[0165] The first half-mold 34 also has a molding surface 43, which is adapted to engage with another molding surface 44 of the second half-mold 35 to form the connecting strip 10.

[0166] Using mold 33 and material 31, the first part 1 of cap 3 (or a different type of cap previously described) can be obtained in a simple and quick manner using materials with low environmental impact.

Claims

1. A cap for a container, the cap comprising a base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405), a cap (9; 209; 409) and at least one connecting strip (10) connecting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the cap (9; 209; 409); the cap (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503; 603) has a dispensing hole (21; 521) for dispensing the product contained in the container, wherein the connecting strip (10) is flexible to allow the cap (9; 209; 409) to be dispensed. 409) Shifting between an open configuration and a closed configuration to selectively open or close the dispensing hole (21; 521), and wherein the cover (9; 209; 409), the connecting strip (10) and the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) are formed as a single component (1; 101; 201; 501; 601) made of a natural fiber-based material.

2. The cap according to claim 1, and further comprising a support (17) intended to be located between the container and the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for securing the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the container, the support (17) defining an additional component (2; 102) different from the individual component (1; 101; 201).

3. The cap according to claim 2, wherein, The support (17) has a neck (20; 120), the distribution hole (21) is formed at one end of the neck, and wherein the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) has an opening (6) from which the neck (20; 120) protrudes.

4. The cap according to claim 3, wherein, The support (17) has: a main region (18) from which the neck (20; 120) protrudes; and an edge region (19) surrounding the main region (18) to engage with the container, wherein the neck (20; 120) and the edge region (19) protrude from opposite sides of the main region (18).

5. The cap according to claim 4, wherein, The base (5) has a main region (7) and an edge region (8), the opening (6) is formed in the main region, the edge region surrounds the main region (7), and the edge region (8) protrudes laterally from the main region (7) to engage with the edge region (19) of the support (17).

6. The cap according to claim 4, wherein, The base (105; 205; 305; 405) is substantially flat and is joined to the support (17) at the flat main area (7) of the base (105; 205; 305; 405).

7. The cap according to claim 1, wherein, The base (5; 205) can be directly fixed to the container, and the dispensing hole (521) is formed in the base (5; 205).

8. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (9; 209;) 409) has a shape in the plan view that corresponds to the shape of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) in the plan view.

9. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (9; 209; 409) has a substantially circular shape in a plan view.

10. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is defined by an edge (8a), and the cover (9; 209; 409) is locating in an extended configuration in which the connecting strip (10) lies in a plane, and wherein, in the extended configuration, the edge (8a) is coplanar with the connecting strip (10) at least in the portion of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) from which the connecting strip (10) protrudes laterally.

11. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a snap-fit ​​retaining device (28) for retaining the cap (409) in the closed configuration, the snap-fit ​​retaining device (28) comprising teeth (29) protruding from one of the caps (9; 209; 409) or the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for engaging in a notch (30) formed in another of the bases (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) or the cap (9; 209; 409).

12. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one abutting element (24; 324a; 324b), said at least one abutting element protruding from a member selected from the cap (9; 209; 409) or the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405), and abutting against a member selected from the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) or the cap (9; 209; 409) in the closed configuration. 209； On another piece of 409, so as to when the cover (9; 209; 409) Apply pressure to cause the cover (9; 209; 409) into the closed configuration while limiting the deformation of the cover (9; 209; 409).

13. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, A protrusion (13) protrudes from the inner surface (14) of the cover (9; 209, 409) to engage in the dispensing hole (21; 521), and a recess (16) is formed at the protrusion (13) on the outer surface (15) of the cover (9; 209; 409) to keep the thickness of the cover (9; 209; 409) substantially constant in the protrusion (13).

14. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The connecting strip (10) has a substantially constant thickness.

15. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of the connecting strip (10) is less than the average thickness (S1) of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) and less than the average thickness (S2) of the cover (9; 209; 409).

16. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The connecting strip (10) has a partially thinned portion to facilitate bending of the connecting strip (10) when the cover (9; 209; 409) is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration or from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

17. A feedstock made of a natural fiber-based material, particularly cellulose, the feedstock being used to form a component (1; 101; 201; 501) of a cap (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503; 603) by a pressing process, the feedstock (31) having a thickness (T) and having, in a view substantially perpendicular to the plane of the thickness (T): a first portion (41) for forming a base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) of the cap; a second portion (42) for forming a cap (9; 209; 409) of the cap; and a narrow portion (32) connecting the first portion (41) and the second portion (42), the narrow portion (32) being used to form a connecting band (10) connecting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the cap (9; 209; 409).

18. The feedstock according to claim 17, wherein, The first part (41) and the second part (42) both have a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the thickness (T), so that the material (31) appears as an "8" shape in a plan view.

19. The feedstock according to claim 17 or 18, comprising at least 80% by weight of cellulose.

20. The feedstock according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, The first portion (41), the narrow portion (32) and the second portion (42) are arranged sequentially along a first direction (D1), the material has a lateral dimension (W) in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), and wherein the lateral dimension (W) gradually decreases from the first portion (41) to the narrow portion (32) and gradually increases from the narrow portion (32) to the second portion (42).

21. A method of manufacturing a cap for a container, the cap comprising: Base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405), cover (9; 209； 409) and connecting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the cover (9; 209; At least one connecting strip (10) of 409), wherein the method includes the following steps: - Provide an ingredient (31) made of natural fiber-based material, the ingredient (31) having a first part (41), a second part (42) and a narrow portion (32) connecting the first part (41) and the second part (42); - Press the material (31) so that the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is formed by the first portion (41) of the material (31), the cap (9; 209; 409) is formed by the second portion (42) of the material (31), and the connecting strip (10) is formed by the narrow portion (32) of the material (31).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, After the step of pressing the material (31), the following steps are performed: - Provide a support component (17) made of natural fiber-based material; - The base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is mounted on the support (17); - Connect the support (17) on which the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is mounted to the container.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The support (17) has a neck (20; 120), and the step of mounting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) on the support (17) includes: causing the neck (20; 120) to pass through an opening (6) formed in the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405).

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