closure

Abstract

Tethered closure for a container neck, the closure comprising - an annular cap with a top plate and a lateral skirt provided with means for engaging the container, - a circular tamper-evident ring retaining part (TE) for attaching the closure to the container, where the annular cap skirt is connected to two film hinges and a tongue hanging axially between the two film hinges from the cap edge and has two circular arms, each connected via a film hinge to the cap part on the one hand and to the fastening ring on the other hand, each arm has at least the same thickness even at the level of the film hinges, and there are breakable bridges on the upper and lower edges of the arms, where when the annular cap is first released from the container neck, the annular cap gradually leaves its position near the fastening ring part and moves into a position axially remote from the fastening ring, whereby the frangible bridges break and the arms from the folded to the unfolded position, with the annular cap remaining connected to the fixing ring.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure device comprising means for preventing the complete separation of a container and the cap closing this container.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a tethered closure cap and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a tethered tamper-evident closure.

[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a cap is provided, the lateral skirt of which is provided with a means for engaging a container, allowing the cap to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, to be released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a film hinge, the film hinges being rectangular.

[0004] In another aspect, a cap is provided, the lateral skirt of which is provided with a means for engaging a container, allowing the cap to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, to be released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a film hinge, the film hinges being square.

[0005] In a further aspect, a cap is provided whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, allowing the cap to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, to be released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a film hinge, the film hinges being trapezoidal in shape.

[0006] In a further aspect, a closure is provided comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, the cap being able to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to define the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a flexible connector, the arms being connected to the ring at locations spaced at an angle to the flexible connectors;wherein the flexible connecting pieces allow pivoting of the arms between a folded position in which the arms are placed close to the ring and in which the cap is axially close to the ring, and an unfolded position in which the arms are pivoted with respect to the flexible regions and with respect to the ring, and allow the cap to be brought into a position axially remote from the ring, this position being sufficient to enable the means for engaging the cap with the container to be released and the cap to be tilted outwards with respect to the container to bring the cap into the position in which it is detached from the opening of the container, the flexible regions being rectangular;

[0007] In a further aspect, a closure is provided comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, the cap being able to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to define the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a flexible connector, the arms being connected to the ring at locations spaced at an angle to the flexible connectors;wherein the flexible connecting pieces allow pivoting of the arms between a folded position in which the arms are placed close to the ring and in which the cap is axially close to the ring, and an unfolded position in which the arms are pivoted with respect to the flexible regions and with respect to the ring and allow the cap to be brought into a position axially remote from the ring, this position being sufficient to allow the means for engaging the cap with the container to be released and the cap to be tilted outwards with respect to the container to bring the cap into the position in which it is detached from the opening of the container, wherein the flexible regions are square;

[0008] In a further aspect, a closure is provided comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, the cap being able to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to define the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a flexible connector, the arms being connected to the ring at locations spaced at an angle to the flexible connectors;wherein the flexible connecting pieces allow pivoting of the arms between a folded position in which the arms are placed close to the ring and in which the cap is axially close to the ring, and an unfolded position in which the arms are pivoted with respect to the flexible regions and with respect to the ring and allow the cap to be brought into a position axially remote from the ring, this position being sufficient to allow the means for engaging the cap with the container to be released and the cap to be tilted outwards with respect to the container to bring the cap into the position in which it is detached from the opening of the container, the flexible regions being trapezoidal in shape;

[0009] The flexible connectors may include webs of reduced thickness.

[0010] A tongue may be positioned between the connecting pieces, which rests against the container when the cap is tilted and exerts a pulling force on the arms.

[0011] In a further aspect, a tethered closure is provided comprising an annular tamper-evident ring retaining member, two arms, two film hinges, and a annular cap member, the entire assembly being integrally molded from synthetic material, each arm having the shape of a circular arc and being connected by a film hinge to the cap member and on the other side to the ring member, each arm being connected to the ring member at a location spaced at an angle to the film hinges to which it is connected, the film hinges comprising walls of reduced thickness connected to the wall of the cap member on one side and to respective arms on the other side, the film hinges being rectangular, or the film hinges being square, or the film hinges being trapezoidal.

[0012] There may be breakable bridges along the top and bottom edges of the arms.

[0013] The cap portion may also include a tongue that hangs axially between the two film hinges.

[0014] The hinges may be symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the tongue.

[0015] The tongue may be of such a length that it rests against the container during tilting of the cap and exerts a pulling force on the arms via this bearing.

[0016] The closure cap may comprise a skirt provided with a screw thread that mates with that of the container neck.

[0017] There is also provided a closure as described herein in combination with a container.

[0018] In another aspect, a tamper-evident closure for a container mouth is provided, comprising a cap and a retaining ring disposed beneath the cap for holding the closure to the container, the cap being separable from the ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a pair of arms, the arms being non-fracturably connected to a common base at one end, the other end of one of the arms being non-fracturably connected at a clockwise circumferential position from the base and the other end of the other arm being non-fracturably connected at a counterclockwise circumferential position from the base, the arms permitting axial separation of the cap from the ring and assuming a generally V-shaped configuration therein, and the cap remaining tethered to the ring.

[0019] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 1 to 8 shown.

[0020] The common foot can be located on the ring, and the offset circumferential positions can be located on the cap, meaning the arms extend circumferentially away from the foot. Alternatively, the common foot can be located on the cap, and the offset positions can be located on the ring.

[0021] In a non-opened state, at least some of the arms may be frangibly connected to the ring and / or cap, for example, by breakable bridges. When the closure is opened, the connection is broken, which can be helpful for tamper evidence.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cap can be removed from the container mouth and can be docked to the container while remaining tethered to the ring.

[0023] The container mouth may be provided with a screw thread, and any or both of the arms may be positioned under a screw thread for docking the cap. See, for example, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cap must be rotated to dock onto the container. This can cause the arms to deform plastically and / or elastically. See, for example, Fig. 8.

[0025] In some embodiments, the arms are approximately the same length. The V-shaped connection can thus be generally symmetrical.

[0026] The arms can be arched.

[0027] Another aspect provides a tamper-evident closure for a container mouth, the closure comprising a cap and a retaining ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a tether, the tether comprising a first arm non-fracturably connected to the cap at one end and a second arm non-fracturably connected to the ring.

[0028] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 9 to 12 shown.

[0029] Together, the arms can allow axial separation of the cap from the ring and allow the cap to be removed from the container mouth while remaining attached to the ring.

[0030] The arms can be arched.

[0031] In an unopened state, the first and second arms may be concentric. For example, the arm connected to the ring may be concentric with the arm connected to the cap when the cap is screwed on.

[0032] The connecting arms can be connected to an angle piece (e.g. a V-shaped angle piece).

[0033] The connection may allow the cap to be lifted from the connection by plastic deformation and / or elastic deformation of the elbow and / or the arms of the ring.

[0034] In another aspect, a closure is provided comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, allowing the cap to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap by a film hinge and a tongue positioned between the hinges, which bears against the container during tilting of the cap and exerts a pulling force on the arms, the diameter of the ring being greater than the diameter of the cap skirt, the hinges being inclined from the ring towards the cap.

[0035] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 15 shown.

[0036] The hinges can generally be square, trapezoidal or rectangular.

[0037] In a further aspect, a closure is provided comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with means for engaging a container, the cap being able to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to define the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap and to the ring by a film hinge and a hinged means, the arms being connected to the ring at locations spaced at an angle to the film hinge;wherein the hinged means allows pivoting of the arms between a folded position in which the arms are placed close to the ring and in which the cap is axially close to the ring, and an unfolded position in which the arms are pivoted with respect to the film hinge and the ring and allow the cap to be brought into a position axially remote from the ring, this position being sufficient to enable the means for engaging the cap with the container to be released and the cap to be tilted outwards with respect to the container to bring the cap into the position in which it is disengaged from the opening of the container;

[0038] The cap may comprise a bearing means which, when tilted, bears against the container and exerts a pulling force on the arms, the pulling force being minimal in the position of engagement of the cap on the opening of the container and the position of complete detachment of the cap from the opening, but being maximal in the intermediate position of the cap between these two positions.

[0039] The support means may comprise a tongue projecting axially from the skirt of the cap proximate the film hinge.

[0040] on the opening of the container and the position of complete release of the cap from the opening, but in the intermediate position of the cap between these two positions is maximum.

[0041] The aforementioned means, together with the possibility of elastic expansion offered by the arms, thus makes it possible to create a point of attachment in the middle of the tilting of the cap, so that the device is of the "hinged lid" type.

[0042] This flip-top feature allows the cap to be perfectly held in its tilted position, counteracting the elastic recovery of the synthetic material from which the device is made; thus, the user does not need to hold the cap in the tilted position while pouring the product contained in the container.

[0043] In addition, the device appears appealing to handle due to this hinged lid feature.

[0044] The means may consist of a tongue projecting axially from the skirt of the cap close to the film hinge.

[0045] The edge of the tongue which rests against the container is advantageously rounded to promote the rolling of this tongue along the wall of the container.

[0046] The means allowing sufficient deformation of the device to permit pivoting of the arms between the folded and unfolded positions may consist of one or more of the following means: a material forming the closure device and selected from materials, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene, which offer the possibility of elastic expansion; a distance between the ring and the container to allow, by deformation of this ring, the relative displacement in the circumferential direction of the ends of the arms connected to this ring; at least one slot or notch provided at the level of the film hinge to allow relative displacement in the circumferential direction of the ends of the arms connected to this film hinge;

[0047] Arms which, in the folded position, are included in the thickness of the ring and separated by recesses provided in this thickness, so that the ring has a height perpendicular to the arms which is less than the height it has at other points on its circumference, this lower height favouring its deformation during movement of the arms.

[0048] Preferably, before the first opening of the container, the ring and / or at least one arm is / are connected to the cap and / or to the film hinge by frangible bridges which are intended to be broken at the time of this first opening.

[0049] These bridges not only provide proof that the container has not been tampered with, but also allow the device to achieve perfect structural homogeneity.

[0050] Advantageously, the means for engaging the cap with the container are of the screw thread type and the ring is mounted on the container so as to rotate freely.

[0051] Unscrewing the cap causes the previously mentioned movement of the arms and, if necessary, the breaking of the bridges, which provides proof that the container has not been tampered with.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap comprises two film hinges provided on either side of a tongue, as previously mentioned, an arm being connected to each of these film hinges.

[0053] These two film hinges, positioned on either side of the tongue, allow stable movement of the arms and stable tilting of the cap relative to the container.

[0054] In another aspect, a threaded closure for a container neck is provided, the closure comprising a cap and a tamper-evident band ring, the lower end of the cap being connected to the ring by a band hinge and the ring being connected to the lower part of the cap by frangible bridges.

[0055] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 18 to 24 shown.

[0056] Another aspect provides a tamper-evident closure for a container mouth, the closure comprising a cap and a tamper-evident retaining ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a tether, the tether being an arc connected to the ring and connected to the cap, the tether being positioned radially outwardly of the cap and the ring.

[0057] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 25 to 27 shown.

[0058] The connection can be connected to the ring at both ends.

[0059] The connection may be connected to the cap at a point approximately midway between the connection ends.

[0060] The connection can be connected to the cap at both ends.

[0061] The connection can be connected to the ring at a point approximately midway between the connection ends.

[0062] Separation of the cap and the ring can be achieved by plastic and / or elastic deformation of the connection.

[0063] The connection can generally be U-shaped.

[0064] In another aspect, a tethered closure is provided comprising a cap and a retaining ring, the cap and ring being connected by a hinge portion and two flexible connectors.

[0065] An example of a closure of this type is shown in Fig. 16 and / or Fig. 17 shown.

[0066] The closure can include both horizontal and vertical incisions / gaps.

[0067] In some aspects and embodiments, the diameter of the ring is larger than the diameter of the cap.

[0068] In some aspects and embodiments, separation of the cap and the ring is achieved by plastic and / or elastic deformation.

[0069] In some aspects and embodiments, the container mouth is provided with a screw thread.

[0070] In some aspects and embodiments, the container mouth includes a bayonet-like formation for engagement with a corresponding formation on a closure. See, for example, Fig. 13.

[0071] In some aspects and embodiments, the retaining ring is a tamper-evident band.

[0072] In some aspects and embodiments, the cap may include a top plate and a descending side wall.

[0073] In some aspects and embodiments, the closure may be a flip-top closure.

[0074] In some aspects and embodiments, the closure may be a flip-top sports cap.

[0075] The present invention also provides a closure as described herein in combination with a container.

[0076] The container may have a short neck.

[0077] Some aspects and embodiments relate to and / or are combined with a short neck finish. For the purposes of this specification, a "short" neck finish can be defined as anything with a ratio of 0.35 or less, when calculated as the finish height (measured between the bottom of a transfer bead and the top of the finish referred to the "D" dimension according to the beverage industry nomenclature for technical drawings of bottle necks) divided by the diameter of the thread crest referred to the "T" dimension according to the beverage industry nomenclature for technical drawings of bottle necks.

[0078] Further aspects and embodiments are listed in the following numbered paragraphs. 1. A tamper-evident closure for a container mouth, comprising a cap and a retaining ring disposed beneath the cap for holding the closure to the container, the cap being separable from the ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a pair of arms, the arms being non-breakably connected to a common base at one end, the other end of one of the arms being non-breakably connected at a clockwise circumferential position from the base and the other end of the other arm being non-breakably connected at a counterclockwise circumferential position from the base, the arms permitting axial separation of the cap from the ring and assuming a generally V-shaped configuration therein, and the cap remaining tethered to the ring. 2. Closure according to paragraph I, wherein the common foot is located on the ring and the displaced circumferential positions are located on the cap. 3. A closure according to paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, wherein in an unopened state at least some of the arms are frangibly connected to the ring and / or the cap. 4. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the cap can be removed from the container mouth and docked onto the container. 5. According to paragraph 4, wherein the container mouth is provided with a screw thread and any one or both of the arms can be positioned under a screw thread for docking the cap. 6. In accordance with paragraph 4 or paragraph 5, whereby the cap must be rotated to dock onto the container. 7. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the arms are of approximately the same length. 8. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the arms are curved. 9. A tamper-evident closure for a container mouth, the closure comprising a cap and a retaining ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a tether, the tether comprising a first arm non-fracturably connected to the cap at one end and a second arm non-fracturably connected to the ring. 10. A closure according to paragraph 9, wherein the arms together permit axial separation of the cap from the ring and permit the cap to be removed from the container mouth while remaining attached to the ring. 11. A closure according to paragraph 9 or paragraph 10, the arms of which are curved. 12. A closure according to any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein in an unopened state the first and second arms are concentric. 13. A closure according to paragraph 12, wherein the arm connected to the ring sits concentrically within the arm connected to the cap when the cap is screwed on. 14. Closure according to one of paragraphs 9 to 13, wherein the connecting arms are connected to an angle piece. 15. A closure according to paragraph 14, wherein the connection allows the cap to be lifted from the connection by plastic deformation and / or elastic deformation of the elbow and / or the arms of the ring. 16. A closure comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, it being possible for the cap to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and to be released from the opening in another position to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of an arc of a circle, each of which is connected to the cap by a film hinge and a tongue positioned between the hinges which bears against the container during tilting of the cap and exerts a pulling force on the arms, the diameter of the ring being greater than the diameter of the cap skirt, the hinges being inclined from the ring towards the cap. 17. A closure as defined in paragraph 16, wherein the hinges are generally square, trapezoidal or rectangular. 18. A closure comprising a cap whose lateral skirt is provided with a means for engaging a container, the cap being able to be placed in one position on an opening of the container to close the container and, in another position, to be released from the opening to allow access to the interior of the container; a ring engaged with the container to delimit the opening and held axially thereon; and two arms in the shape of a circular arc, each of which is connected to the cap and to the ring by a film hinge and a hinged means, the arms being connected to the ring at points spaced at an angle to the film hinge;wherein the hinged means allows pivoting of the arms between a folded position in which the arms are placed close to the ring and in which the cap is axially close to the ring, and an unfolded position in which the arms are pivoted with respect to the film hinge and with respect to the ring and allow the cap to be brought into a position axially remote from the ring, this position being sufficient to allow the means for engaging the cap with the container to be released and the cap to be tilted outwards with respect to the container to bring the cap into the position in which it is disengaged from the opening of the container; 19. A closure according to paragraph 18, wherein the cap comprises a bearing means which, when tilted, bears against the container and exerts a pulling force on the arms, the pulling force being minimal in the position of engagement of the cap on the opening of the container and in the position of complete detachment of the cap from the opening, but being maximal in the intermediate position of the cap between these two positions. 20. A closure according to paragraph 18 or paragraph 19, wherein the storage means comprises a tongue projecting axially from the skirt of the cap proximate the film hinge. 21. A threaded closure for a container neck, the closure comprising a cap and a tamper-evident band ring, the lower end of the cap being connected to the ring by a band hinge and the ring being connected to the lower part of the cap by frangible bridges. 22. A tamper-evident closure for a container mouth, the closure comprising a cap and a tamper-evident retaining ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a tether, the tether being an arc connected to the ring and connected to the cap, the tether being positioned radially outwardly of the cap and the ring. 23. A closure according to paragraph 22, wherein the connection is connected to the ring at both its ends. 24. A closure according to paragraph 23, wherein the connection is connected to the cap at a point approximately midway between the connection ends. 25. A closure as defined in paragraph 22, wherein the connection is connected to the cap at both its ends. 26. A closure according to paragraph 25, wherein the connection is connected to the ring at a point approximately midway between the connection ends. 27. A closure according to any one of paragraphs 22 to 26, wherein separation of the cap and the ring is achieved by plastic and / or elastic deformation of the connection. 28. A closure according to any one of paragraphs 22 to 27, wherein the connection is generally U-shaped. 29. A tethered closure comprising a cap and a retaining ring, the cap and the ring being connected by a hinge portion and two flexible connectors. 30. Closure as defined in paragraph 29, which includes both horizontal and vertical cuts / gaps. 31. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the diameter of the ring is greater than the diameter of the cap. 32. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein separation of the cap and the ring is achieved by plastic and / or elastic deformation. 33. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the container mouth is provided with a screw thread. 34. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the container mouth comprises a bayonet-like formation for engagement with a corresponding formation on a closure. 35. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the retaining ring is a tamper-evident band. 36. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the cap comprises a top plate and a descending side wall. 37. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the closure is a flip-top closure. 38. A closure according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the closure is a flip-top sports cap. 39. A closure as defined in any preceding paragraph in combination with a container. 40. Closure according to paragraph 39, the container having a short neck finish.

[0079] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0080] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are recited in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims accordingly, and in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. Each aspect may be practiced independently of the other aspects or in combination with one or more of the other aspects.

[0081] The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that embodiments may be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples provided herein.

[0083] Accordingly, while embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in more detail below by way of example. Limitation to the specific forms disclosed is not intended. Instead, it is intended to embrace all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. Elements of the exemplary embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and the detailed description.

[0084] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) should be interpreted as customary in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as customary in the relevant art, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0085] In the following description, all directional terms such as upper, lower, radial and axial are used in conjunction with the drawings and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0086] With reference first to Fig. 1 to 6, a closure 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown.

[0087] The closure 10 comprises a cup-shaped cap 15 comprising a top plate 20 and a descending side skirt 25, and a retaining ring / band 30 at the free end / lower part of the skirt.

[0088] Generally, a threaded closure is provided in which the lower shell end remains connected to two fixed sectors positioned within the upper end of the tamper-evident band. The tamper-evident band has two flexible arms attached to the tamper-evident band at their intersection. This allows the closure to be lifted vertically along the threaded helix upon unscrewing to gain access to the beverage while remaining tethered to the bottle.

[0089] Formed within the ring (in this embodiment) is a V-shaped connection 35. The connection 35 comprises two arcuate arms 37, 39 extending in opposite directions from a central base portion 40 on the ring. At the other end 36, 38, each of the arms is non-breakably connected to the skirt. This means that when the closure is unscrewed, the arms deform into a general V-shape, as shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is shown.

[0090] Furthermore, after removing the cap from the container mouth, the length of the arms is such that the cap can be rotated; in doing so, the arms rotate and one of the arms can be positioned under a screw thread on the container neck, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7A and as shown in the sequence of Fig. 8A to 8C.

[0091] With reference now to Fig. 9 to 12, a "double tether" version of a closure 110 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown.

[0092] Generally, a threaded closure is provided with a double connection on either side of the peripheral area of ​​the lower shell end. This double connection is also connected on either side of the peripheral area of ​​the tamper-evident band ring. This allows the closure to be lifted vertically along the thread helix during unscrewing to access the beverage while remaining connected to the bottle. Furthermore, by folding the closure back against the neck, a parking position can be achieved below the neck support rim of the bottle neck.

[0093] The closure 110 comprises a cup-shaped cap 115 having a top plate 120 and a descending side plate 125, and a retaining ring / band 130 at the free end / lower portion of the skirt.

[0094] In this embodiment, a connection 150 is provided in the form of a first arm 155 and a second arm 160. Both arms are arcuate. In the unopened / closed position, the first arm 155 sits within the ring, and the second arm 160 sits radially outside the first arm. The arms are connected at an angle piece 165.

[0095] The first arm 155 is non-breakably connected to the ring, and the arm 160 is non-breakably connected to the cap.

[0096] This means that when the cap is unscrewed, the connection will be deformed, as best seen in Fig. 10 and Fig. 12B. The arms are pulled apart using the angle piece.

[0097] After removing the cap from the container mouth, the length of the connection is such that the cap can be docked under the container neck support ring / transport ring 170 - see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12C.

[0098] Fig. 13 shows a closure 210 constructed according to another aspect. The closure includes a tethered tamper-evident band; a hinged tamper-evident band with two connecting arms. The band has a hinged annular flap with a cutout in a hinge area and molded bridges. This closure allows for safe degassing of carbonated packages prior to opening. In this embodiment, a bayonet mechanism with a cam formation may be used to secure the closure to the neck.

[0099] Fig. 14 shows a tethered closure 381. The closure is constructed with a butterfly hinge and two flexible connecting pieces.

[0100] The closure 381 comprises an annular tamper-evident ring retaining portion 383, two arms 384a, 384b, two film hinges 385a, 385b and an annular cap retaining portion 386, the entire assembly being integrally molded from a synthetic material such as polyethylene.

[0101] Each arm 384a, 384b has the shape of a circular arc and is connected on one side to the part 186 at the level of one of the film hinges 385a, 385b and on the other side to the ring part 383. Along the upper and lower edges of the arms there are breakable bridges 387.

[0102] Each arm 384a, 384b is connected to the ring part 383 at a location spaced at an angle to the film hinges 385a, 385b to which it is connected, the angle formed by this location and this film hinge being in the range of 45 to 50 degrees in the example shown.

[0103] The film hinges 385a, 385b consist of walls with a reduced thickness, which are trapezoidal / triangular and are connected to the wall of the cap part 386 on one side and to respective arms 384a, 384b on the other side.

[0104] The flexibility that allows the closure cap to be tilted is achieved in part by this hinge shape and by the arrangement in the cap part 386.

[0105] The cap portion 386 also includes a tongue 391 that hangs axially between the two inclined film hinges 385a, 385b. The hinges 385a, 385b are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the tongue 391.

[0106] The closure cap 396 comprises a skirt 396a which is provided with a screw thread which mates with that of the container neck.

[0107] This tongue 381 is of such a length that it rests against the container 382 during the tilting of the cap 396 and, via this support, exerts a tensile force on the arms 384a, 384b. This tensile force is not present when the cap 396 is engaged with the opening of the container and when the cap 396 is completely released from this opening, but is at its maximum in the intermediate position of the cap 396 between these two positions, in which the tongue 381 is bent.

[0108] In practice, the closure is placed on the container 382 by simply screwing it on (or the device can be added after closure). During the initial unscrewing of the cap, this cap portion 186 gradually leaves its position axially close to the ring 383 until it reaches the position axially distant from this ring 383, at which position the screw threads of the container and the cap 386 are disengaged. The frangible bridges 387 rupture during this movement, and the arms 384a, 384b pivot from their folded position to their unfolded position, as shown.

[0109] The cap 396 can be tilted by the film hinges 385a, 385b and by rolling and deforming the tongue 381 on the neck.

[0110] The shell can be removed and reattached. The tongue, arms, and hinge of the device effectively allow the cap 396 to be of the "hinged lid" type.

[0111] Fig. Figure 15 shows a tethered closure 481 comprising an annular tamper-evident ring retaining member 483, two arms 484a, 484b, two film hinges 485a, 485b, and an annular cap 486, the entire assembly being integrally molded from a synthetic material such as polyethylene.

[0112] Each arm 484a, 484b has the shape of a circular arc and is connected on one side to part 186 at the level of one of the film hinges 485a, 485b and on the other side to the ring part 483. Along the upper and lower edges of the arms there are breakable bridges 487.

[0113] Each arm 484a, 484b is connected to the ring part 483 at a location spaced at an angle to the film hinges 485a, 485b to which it is connected, the angle formed by this location and this film hinge being in the range of 45 to 50 degrees in the example shown.

[0114] The film hinges 485a, 485b consist of trapezoidal / triangular walls with a reduced thickness, connected to the wall of the cap portion 186 on one side and to respective arms 484a, 484b on the other side. Since the ring has a larger diameter than the closure, the hinges are angled.

[0115] The flexibility that allows the cap to be tilted is achieved in part by this hinge shape and by the arrangement in the cap 486.

[0116] The cap 486 also includes a tongue 491 that hangs axially between the two inclined film hinges 485a, 485b. The hinges 485a, 485b are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the tongue 491.

[0117] The closure cap 496 comprises a skirt 496a which is provided with a screw thread which mates with that of the container neck.

[0118] This tongue 481 is of such a length that it rests against the container 482 during the tilting of the cap 496 and, via this support, exerts a tensile force on the arms 484a, 484b. This tensile force is not present when the cap 496 is engaged with the opening of the container and when the cap 496 is completely released from this opening, but is at its maximum in the intermediate position of the cap 496 between these two positions, in which the tongue 481 is bent.

[0119] In practice, the cap 496 is placed on the container 482 by simply screwing it on. During the initial unscrewing of the cap, this cap 486 gradually leaves its position axially close to the ring 483 until it reaches the position axially distant from this ring 483, at which position the screw threads of the container and the cap 496 are disengaged. The frangible bridges 487 break during this movement, and the arms 484a, 484b pivot from their folded position to their unfolded position, as shown.

[0120] The cap 496 can be tilted by the film hinges 485a, 485b and by rolling and deforming the tongue 481 on the neck.

[0121] The shell can be removed and reattached. The tongue, arms, and hinge of the device effectively allow the cap 496 to be of the "flip-top" type.

[0122] Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 - see descriptions of the closures 510, 610 in the figures.

[0123] In Fig. 18 to 20, a closure 710 formed according to an alternative embodiment is provided.

[0124] A threaded closure 710 and a corresponding beverage container neck 702 are shown. The lower end of the tray 703 is connected to a band hinge 704. The band hinge 704 is also connected to the tamper-evident band ring 705 located therebelow. The tamper-evident band ring 705 is connected to the lower end of the tray by frangible bridges 706.

[0125] Upon initial opening, the frangible bridges 706 are broken, and the closure is lifted off the threaded helix of the container neck while remaining attached to the tamper-evident band ring thanks to the band hinge. The required length (L) of the "band hinge" depends on the vertical displacement needed to disengage the closure shell sufficiently to allow access to the beverage.

[0126] In Fig. 21 and Fig. Figure 22 shows a closure 810 constructed according to another embodiment. A threaded closure (1) and a corresponding beverage container neck (2) are shown. The closure (1) is connected to the lower end of the tray (3) with a band hinge (4). The band hinge (4) is also connected to the tamper-evident band ring (5) located thereunder. The tamper-evident band ring (5) is connected to the lower end of the tray with frangible bridges (6).

[0127] Upon initial opening, the frangible bridges (6) are broken, and the closure is lifted off the threaded helix of the container neck, while remaining attached to the tamper-evident band ring thanks to the band hinge. The required length (L) of the band hinge depends on the vertical displacement required to disengage the closure shell sufficiently to allow access to the beverage.

[0128] Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 illustrate two different examples of processes that could be used to manufacture the closure 810.

[0129] Fig.25 to 27 illustrate a closure 910 comprising a cap 901 and a tamper-evident ring 902, the cap and ring being connected by a tether 903, the tether being an arc connected to the ring and connected to the cap, the tether being positioned radially outwardly of the cap and ring.

[0130] The connection is connected to the ring at both ends.

[0131] The connection is connected to the cap at a point approximately halfway between the connection ends.

[0132] Separation of the cap and the ring is achieved by plastic and / or elastic deformation of the connection.

[0133] The connection is generally U-shaped.

[0134] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications may be made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Figure 7A & 7B:

[0135] For example, it is possible to achieve a stable position after opening. In this embodiment, this is achieved by locking one of the fastening straps under the neck end. To achieve this position, the consumer must rotate the closure after opening so that it is positioned parallel to the neck end. This positions one of the connecting straps under the neck thread segments, locking the closure in place. Figure 15:

[0136] This embodiment relates to a closure for a shorter neck. A feature of this embodiment is the position of the flexible section constructed between the two thread starts.

[0137] For the case of a standard cap that should remain attached to the bottle after opening. The existing concept of using connectors between the cap (I) and the base / tamper-evident band (2) and a vertical hinge area is widely known.

[0138] The tilting of the hinge and the extension of these connecting pieces occur when the cap is passed over the neck during opening. This movement could be facilitated by rotating the cap around a rigid, protruding finger on the lid cap, which serves as a support against the neck for stability during opening.

[0139] Packaging costs require a shorter neck, and the widely known previous design is not compatible with the shorter neck. Concept improvement:

[0140] Creation of a flexible area 3, square, trapezoidal or rectangular, which could bend when opened, characterized by the position of this flexible area: - Oblique, following an angle α created by the difference between the diameter of the cap and the diameter of the tamper-evident strip. This configuration provides sufficient length to ensure the bend. - Ideally positioned after the start of the thread or between two thread starts or in an area where the thread is interrupted. - Positioned as high as possible in the lid cap. - Positioned higher than the thread start position. Figure 16:

[0141] Goal: That the cap is tied to the bottle after opening.

[0142] That the O-band that remains on the neck of the bottle is made of a plastic with a non-continuous cutout (a non-continuous slit), which leaves some breakable elements (bridges) between the O-band and the cap.

[0143] Proposed solution: Creation of a “hinge area” + two flexible connectors by two superimposed slots

[0144] Creating a connection between the cap and the tamper-evident band at the time of slitting. The slitting process of the O-band is carried out using two superimposed blades: A first blade slits to create breakable elements (bridges) and also a wider sector, creating a connector that serves as a hinge area at the opening of the cap. A second blade slits at a height of x to create a flexible connector that can allow deformation to assist in opening the closure.

[0145] The height x defines the flexibility of the connectors that allow the connection between the O-band and the lid. Figure 17:

[0146] Goal: That the cap is tied to the bottle after opening.

[0147] That the O-band that remains on the neck of the bottle is made of a plastic with a non-continuous cutout (a non-continuous slit), which leaves some breakable elements (bridges) between the O-band and the cap.

[0148] Proposed solution: Creation of a “hinge area” + two flexible connectors through a process of superimposed & vertical slitting

[0149] Creating a connection between the cap and the tamper-evident band at the time of slitting. The slitting process of the O-band is carried out using two superimposed blades: A first blade slits to create breakable elements (bridges) and also a wider sector, creating a connector that serves as a hinge area at the opening of the cap. A second blade slits at a height of x to create a flexible connector that can allow deformation to assist in opening the closure. A vertical slit is added to create a flexible area that maintains the stability of the cap once opened.

[0150] The W dimension defines the thickness of the connecting pieces.

[0151] The X dimension defines the thickness of the hinge area.

[0152] The Y dimension defines the flexibility of the connectors that allow the connection between the O-band and the lid.

[0153] The Z dimension defines the flexibility of the joints when opening the lid, allowing the stability of one at xxx°. Figure 21 & Figure 22

[0154] A threaded closure (1) and a corresponding beverage container neck (2). The closure (1) is connected to a band hinge (4) at its lower shell end (3). The band hinge (4) is also connected to the tamper-evident band ring (5) located below it on the lower shell end (3). The tamper-evident band ring (5) is connected to the lower shell end by breakable bridges (6). Information:

[0155] Upon initial opening, the breakable bridges are broken, and the closure is lifted along the threaded helix of the container neck while remaining attached to the tamper-evident band ring thanks to the "band hinge." The length (L) of the "band hinge" varies depending on the vertical displacement required to disengage the closure shell sufficiently to allow access to the beverage.

Claims

[1] Tethered closure for a container neck, the closure comprising - an annular cap with a top plate and a lateral skirt provided with means for engaging the container, - a circular tamper-evident ring retaining part (TE) for attaching the closure to the container, where the annular cap skirt is connected to two film hinges and a tongue hanging axially between the two film hinges from the cap edge and has two circular arms, each connected via a film hinge to the cap part on the one hand and to the fastening ring on the other hand, each arm has at least the same thickness even at the level of the film hinges, and there are breakable bridges on the upper and lower edges of the arms, where when the annular cap is first released from the container neck, the annular cap gradually leaves its position near the fastening ring part and moves into a position axially remote from the fastening ring, whereby the frangible bridges break and the arms from the folded to the unfolded position, with the annular cap remaining connected to the fixing ring. [2] A closure according to claim 1, wherein each arm is connected to the mounting ring at a location spaced at an angle from the film hinge to which it is connected. [3] A closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the film hinges are square, trapezoidal, triangular or rectangular. [4] A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the film hinges consist of walls of reduced thickness. [5] Closure according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the film hinges are symmetrical to the central axis of the tongue. [6] A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means for engaging the container is a screw thread. [7] A closure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cap has a lateral skirt with a screw thread that mates with that of the container neck. [8] Closure according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closure is a flip closure. [9] Closure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastening ring part of the tamper-evident closure band (TE) has a larger diameter than the annular cap. [10] Closure according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the film hinges forming a flexible region are positioned after a thread start or between two thread starts or in the region of a thread interruption. [11] A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, which is integrally formed from polyethylene or polypropylene. [12] A closure according to any preceding claim in combination with a container.

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