Closure for a container, method and dose for forming the closure

Abstract

A closure for a container comprises a base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405), a lid (9; 209; 409) and at least one connecting band (10) which connects the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the lid (9; 209; 409), the closure (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503; 603) having a dispensing hole (21; 521) for dispensing a product contained in the container. The connecting band (10) is flexible for allowing the lid (9; 209; 409) to be displaced between an open configuration and a closed configuration so as to selectively open or close the dispensing hole (21; 521). The lid (9; 209; 409), the connecting band (10) and the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) are formed as a single component (1; 101; 201; 501; 601) made with a natural fibre-based material.

Description

[0001] CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER, METHOD AND DOSE FOR FORMING THE CLOSURE

[0002] The invention relates to a closure for a container, of the type comprising a lid hinged to a base. The closure according to the invention may optionally, but not exclusively, be used for closing squeezable containers, for example containers having a squeezable tubular body. The closure according to the invention may also be used in combination with other types of containers, for example bottles or heat-welded containers made starting from a sheet material.

[0003] The closure according to the invention is made with a natural fibre-based material, in particular with a cellulose-based material.

[0004] The invention also relates to a dose of natural fibre-based material for making the closure by pressing, and a method for making the closure.

[0005] Squeezable containers are known, which comprise a tubular body having a first end closed by a transversal welding line. At a second end of the tubular body, opposite to the first end, a closure is applied comprising a lid movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0006] In order to reduce the environmental impact of squeezable containers, it was suggested that the tubular body be made with a cellulose-based material, rather than with a synthetic polymeric resin as is traditionally the case.

[0007] However, due to its structure which is not simple, the closure continues to be made with a synthetic polymeric resin, which can be shaped by moulding even into complex shapes.

[0008] That makes it difficult to correctly dispose of the squeezable container. In fact, it is necessary to separate the tubular body, made with the cellulose- based material, from the closure, made with the synthetic polymeric resin. An object of the invention is to improve containers, for example but not exclusively containers comprising a squeezable body to which a closure is joined. A further object is to make it easier to recycle containers comprising a body and a closure fixed to the body.

[0009] Another object is to reduce the material to be used for forming a closure for a container.

[0010] A further object is to provide a closure for containers which can be made simply.

[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a closure for a container, comprising a base, a lid and at least one connecting band which connects the base to the lid, the closure having a dispensing hole for dispensing a product contained in the container, wherein the connecting band is flexible for allowing the lid to be displaced between an open configuration and a closed configuration in order to selectively open or close the dispensing hole, and wherein the lid, the connecting band and the base are formed as a single component made with a natural fibre-based material.

[0012] Owing to this aspect of the invention, a closure is made available which is mainly made with a natural fibre-based material, that can easily be disposed of or recycled.

[0013] The closure according to the first aspect of the invention is particularly suitable for being applied on containers made with materials containing natural fibres, for example squeezable containers having a tubular body made with a cellulose-based material, but also rigid containers made by folding and welding a material containing at least one paper-based layer. This makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact of the container and of the related closure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the closure comprises a support intended to be interposed between the container and the base for fixing the base to the container.

[0015] The support is formed as a further component which is distinct from the component which comprises the base, the lid and the connecting band.

[0016] By making the connecting band in one component and by giving to another component the function of support for fixing the base to the container, the structure of the connecting band can be rendered independent from the structure of the support, in particular from the structure of an edge zone of the support intended to be joined to the container.

[0017] This makes it possible to keep simple the structure of the connecting band, which acts as a hinge, so that the latter can easily be made by compressing a natural fibre-based material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support has an edge zone suitable for being joined to a body of the container.

[0019] The edge zone of the support extends 360° around an axis of the dispensing hole.

[0020] The edge zone of the support projects towards the container even at the connecting band.

[0021] However, since the support is made as a component separate from the component which comprises the base, the connecting band and the lid, the shape of the edge zone does not complicate production of the connecting band.

[0022] In one embodiment, the closure is positionable in an extended configuration in which the connecting band lies in a plane, so as to define a first halfspace and a second half-space.

[0023] In the extended configuration, a peripheral region of the base adjacent to the connecting band is in the first half-space, without projecting into the second half-space.

[0024] In the extended configuration, a peripheral portion of the lid adjacent to the connecting band is in the second half-space, without projecting into the first half-space.

[0025] This simplifies production of the closure, since, near the connecting band, the material which forms the lid is arranged in a single half-space and the material which forms the base is arranged in a single half-space. This means that, when the natural fibre-based material is pressed to obtain the closure, that material does not have to follow complicated paths. The closure may be a snap-cap, that is to say, it can be closed by applying pressure to the lid.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connecting band has a thickness less than an average thickness of the base and less than an average thickness of the lid. Thus, a closure is provided in which the connecting band can be relatively thin, so as to be easily flexible, have a reduced weight and create a limited resistance to the heads of the capping machines intended to apply the closure on a container. At the same time, the lid may have a relatively high thickness, so as to be difficult to be deformed and reduce the risks of being accidentally opened.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lid has a shape, in plan view, corresponding to the shape in plan view of the base.

[0028] Thus, in a closed position, an edge region of the base can engage with an edge portion of the lid almost along the whole perimeter of the edge region and of the edge portion, apart from the part of perimeter at the connecting band. This ensures that the lid remains in the closed position even if external forces are applied.

[0029] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for making a closure for a container, the closure comprising a base, a lid and at least one connecting band which connects the base to the lid, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0030] - providing a dose made with a natural fibre-based material, the dose having a first portion, a second portion and a narrow portion which connects the first portion and the second portion;

[0031] - pressing the dose, thereby forming the base from the first portion of the dose, the lid from the second portion of the dose and the connecting band from the narrow portion of the dose.

[0032] In this way at least one component of a closure for a container with low environmental impact is obtained, in a particularly simple way.

[0033] In one embodiment, after the step of pressing the dose, there is provided:

[0034] - providing a support made with a natural fibre-based material; - mounting the base on the support;

[0035] - connecting the support on which the base is mounted to the container. This makes it possible to render the structure of the support, and in particular the structure of a zone of the support to be connected to the container, independent from the structure of the connecting band. Consequently, the shape of the support does not complicate the structure of the connecting band.

[0036] In this way it is possible to form the closure even with materials which do not easily flow in a mould, such as natural fibre-based materials.

[0037] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a dose made with a natural fibre-based material, in particular cellulose, for forming a component of a closure by pressing, the dose having a thickness and having, in a view in a plane substantially perpendicular to the thickness, a first portion for forming a base of the closure, a second portion for forming a lid of the closure and a narrow portion which connects the first portion and the second portion, the narrow portion being intended for forming a connecting band which connects the base to the lid.

[0038] The dose according to the third aspect of the invention allows at least one component of the closure to be formed in a simple way and without waste.

[0039] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several example, non-limiting embodiments of it, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a top view showing a first component of a closure for a container, in an open position;

[0041] Figure 2 is a cross-section along the plane II - II of Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 3 is a cross-section like that of Figure 2, showing the first component of the closure in an intermediate position between the open position and a closed position;

[0043] Figure 4 is a cross-section like that of Figure 2, showing the first component in the closed position; Figure 5 is a cross-section showing a second component or support intended to be coupled to the first component of Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-section showing the first component arranged in the open position and mounted on the second component;

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-section showing the first component arranged in the closed position and mounted on the second component;

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-section like that of Figure 2, showing an alternative embodiment of the first component of a closure;

[0047] Figure 9 is a cross-section like that of Figure 5, showing the second component or support intended to be coupled to the first component of Figure 8;

[0048] Figure 10 is a cross-section like that of Figure 7, showing the closure obtained by coupling the first component of Figure 8 and the second component of Figure 9, in a closed position;

[0049] Figure 1 1 is a cross-section like that of Figure 10, showing an alternative embodiment of a closure;

[0050] Figure 12 is a cross-section like that of Figure 10, showing another alternative embodiment of a closure;

[0051] Figure 13 is a cross-section like that of Figure 10, showing an alternative embodiment of a closure, in which the first component comprises retaining means for keeping the lid in the closed position;

[0052] Figure 14 is a cross-section like that of Figure 7, showing an alternative embodiment of a closure, which has no second component;

[0053] Figure 15 is a cross-section like that of Figure 14, showing another alternative embodiment of a closure, which has no second component;

[0054] Figure 16 is a schematic plan view, showing a dose for making a component of a closure or a closure, by pressing;

[0055] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-section, showing a portion of a mould for obtaining a component of a closure or a closure, by pressing the dose of Figure 16. Figures 6 and 7 show a closure 3 for a container. The closure 3 is intended to be applied on a squeezable container, for example a container comprising a tubular body 4, schematically shown with a broken line in Figure 6. The tubular body 4 has an open end, to which the closure 3 is applied, and a further end, which is closed by a transversal joining line. The container to which the closure 3 is applied may contain fluid substances, in particular pasty substances, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs or other substances.

[0056] The closure 3 comprises a first component 1 , shown in Figures 1 to 4, intended to be coupled to a second component 2, shown in Figure 5. Both the first component 1 and the second component 2 are made with a natural fibre-based material, for example with a cellulose-based material.

[0057] More specifically, the first component 1 and the second component 2 may be made with a material comprising at least 80% by weight of cellulose.

[0058] Also the container to which the closure 3 is intended to be applied may be made with a material containing natural fibres, in particular with a cellulose- based material.

[0059] The first component 1 comprises a base 5 having an opening 6 which allows the product contained in container to be dispensed. The opening 6 may have a circular shape in plan view, but this condition is not necessary.

[0060] The base 5 may have a circular shape in plan view, but this condition too is not necessary. In fact, the base 5 could have a shape in plan view which is not circular, for example oval or elliptical. In general, the shape of the base 5 in plan view corresponds to the shape of the end of the container on which the closure 3 must be applied.

[0061] In the example illustrated, the base 5 has a concave shape, with a concavity facing towards the container to which it is intended to be applied.

[0062] More specifically, the base 5 comprises a main region 7, in which the opening 6 is made. In the example illustrated the main region 7 is flat. For example, the main region 7 may comprise a flat circular crown which surrounds the opening 6. The base 5 further comprises an edge region 8, which projects from the main region 7. The edge region 8 surrounds the main region 7. In the example illustrated, the edge region 8 has the shape of a rounded zone delimited by a free edge 8a.

[0063] The base 5 may have a substantially constant thickness S1 .

[0064] The first component 1 further comprises a lid 9, connected to the base 5 by at least one connecting band 10.

[0065] The connecting band 10 is flexible, in such a way that the lid 9 can be shifted between an open position, shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, and a closed position, shown in Figure 4. Between the open position and the closed position there is a plurality of intermediate positions, one of which is shown in Figure 3. The lid 9 is moved between the open position and the closed position by a rotating movement, or a substantially rotating movement, by bending the connecting band 10. Therefore, the latter acts as a hinge band.

[0066] Also the lid 9 may have a concave shape.

[0067] More specifically, the lid 9 may comprise a main portion 1 1 from a periphery of which an edge portion 12 projects.

[0068] In the main portion 1 1 , the lid 9 may have a protuberance 13 which, in the closed position, projects towards the container and penetrates inside the opening 6, so as to close the container, as will be described in more detail below.

[0069] The protuberance 13 projects from an inner surface 14 of the lid 9. The inner surface 14 is a surface intended to face the base 5, in the closed position of the first component 1 .

[0070] The lid 9 is also delimited by an outer surface 15, which is directed the opposite way to the inner surface 14. A recess 16 is provided at the protuberance 13, on the outer surface 15.

[0071] The recess 16 allows the protuberance 13 to be made without introducing substantial variations in the thickness of the lid 9. In other words, owing to the recess 16, the lid 9 may have, even at the protuberance 13, a thickness which does not differ too much from the thickness of the lid 9 outside of the protuberance 13.

[0072] In particular, the lid 9 may have a substantially constant thickness S2.

[0073] The thickness S2 of the lid 9 may be substantially equal to the thickness S1 of the base 5.

[0074] The main portion 1 1 may comprise a flat annular zone which surrounds the protuberance 13.

[0075] The edge portion 12 surrounds the main portion 1 1. In the example illustrated, the edge portion12 has the shape, in cross-section, of a rounded zone delimited by a free edge 12a.

[0076] The lid 9 may have a substantially circular shape in plan view, even though this condition is not necessary. More generally, the lid 9 may have a shape in plan view corresponding to the shape in plan view of the base 5 and / or of the open end of the container.

[0077] The lid 9 may have, in plan view, a diameter equal to the diameter of the base 5.

[0078] When the lid 9 is in the closed position, its edge portion 12 is superposed on the edge region 8 of the base 5, as shown in Figure 4.

[0079] The connecting band 10 connects the lid 9 and the base 5.

[0080] In the open position shown in Figure 2, the connecting band 10 has a substantially flat structure. In plan view, the connecting band 10 may have a width W which is substantially constant.

[0081] The connecting band 10 has a thickness S, which may be substantially constant. The thickness S may be less than the average thickness of the base 5 and less than the average thickness of the lid 9. In particular, if the base 5 has a constant thickness S1 and the lid 9 has a constant thickness S2, the thickness S of the connecting band 10 may be less than both S1 and S2.

[0082] The open position of the first component 1 shown in Figure 2 may also be defined as an extended configuration. In this configuration, the connecting band 10 lies in a plane and defines a first half-space A and a second halfspace B.

[0083] In the extended configuration shown in Figure 1 , the base 5 is in the first half-space A, whilst the lid 9 is mainly in the second half-space B.

[0084] In the extended configuration shown in Figure 1 , the edge region 8 of the base 5 is in the first half-space A and does not project into the second halfspace B. More generically, in the extended configuration, a peripheral region of the base 5 adjacent to the connecting band 10 is in the first halfspace A, without projecting into the second half-space B.

[0085] In the extended configuration shown in Figure 1 , the edge portion 12 of the lid 9 is in the second half-space B and does not project into the first halfspace A. More generically, in the extended configuration, a peripheral portion of the lid 9 adjacent to the connecting band 10 is in the second halfspace B, without projecting into the first half-space A.

[0086] This renders the first component 1 easy to make by pressing a dose of natural fibre-based material, because the material of the dose does not have to follow complicated paths in order to form the connecting band 10 and the regions of the base 5 and of the lid 9 adjacent to the connecting band 10.

[0087] Figure 5 shows the second component 2, which may be defined as a support 17 for supporting the first component 1 and rendering the base 5 fixed relative to the container.

[0088] The support 17 comprises a main zone 18 from which an edge zone 19 projects, the edge zone 19 being suitable for engaging with a peripheral edge of the open end of the container.

[0089] The support 17 may have a circular shape in plan view, as in the example illustrated. More generally, the shape in plan view of the support 17 corresponds to the shape of the open end of the container and / or of the base 5 and of the lid 9.

[0090] A neck 20 projects from the main zone 18 of the support 17, the neck having a dispensing hole 21 through which it is possible to dispense the product contained in container on which the closure 3 is applied. In particular, the neck 20 may project from a flat part of the main zone 18. That flat part surrounds the neck 20.

[0091] The neck 20 extends around an axis Z.

[0092] In the example illustrated, the dispensing hole 21 has a circular shape in plan view, even though this condition is not necessary. Other shapes, different from the circular one, could be possible for the dispensing hole 21 . The dispensing hole 21 has a transversal dimension, for example a diameter, which is less than a transversal dimension, for example a diameter, of the opening 6.

[0093] The opening 6 made in the base 5 is so dimensioned that the neck 20 can pass through that opening.

[0094] The edge zone 19 surrounds the main zone 18 and projects from a side of the main zone 18 opposite to the side from which the neck 20 projects. More specifically, the edge zone 19 projects towards the container, whilst the neck 20 projects outwards away from the container.

[0095] The second component 2 may have a thickness S3 which is substantially constant, for example equal to the thickness S1 of the base 5 and / or to the thickness S2 of the lid 9.

[0096] After the first component 1 and the second component 2 have been separately formed, for example by pressing, as will be described in more detail below, the first component 1 and the second component 2 are assembled to obtain the closure 3.

[0097] The first component 1 is brought into contact with the second component 2 by superposing the base 5 on the second component 2, in such a way that the neck 20 of the second component 2 enters the opening 6 of the base 5. In an assembled configuration, the neck 20 projects from the main region 7 of the base 5. In this way, in the assembled configuration, the dispensing hole 21 opens at a level higher than the main region 7 of the base 5.

[0098] The edge region 8 of the base 5 is in contact with the second component 2 in a peripheral zone of the latter. The first component 1 is therefore in contact with the second component 2 both near the opening 6, and along the edge region 8.

[0099] The first component 1 can now be joined to the second component 2, for example by gluing or by applying non-adhesive substances capable of making the first component 1 stick to the second component 2.

[0100] It is also possible that the first component 1 is fixed to the second component 2 by interference between the edge region 8 of the base 5 and the edge zone 19 of the second component 2.

[0101] The closure 3 is thus obtained and may be brought into a closed configuration, shown in Figure 7, before being joined to the tubular body 4 of the container.

[0102] In order to bring the closure 3 into the closed configuration, the lid 9 is positioned above the base 5 by bending the connecting band 10. The edge portion 12 of the lid 9, and more precisely the free edge 12a thereof, is brought into contact with the edge region 8 of the base 5. The protuberance 13 is inserted into the dispensing hole 21 of the neck 20.

[0103] In one embodiment, the protuberance 13 engages inside the dispensing hole 21 with interference, in such a way that the closure 3 remains in the closed configuration until the user applies a minimum force to the lid 9, that force being such that it overcomes the interference between the protuberance 13 and the neck 20 and allows the lid 9 to be moved into an open configuration.

[0104] In this way the risk of accidentally opening the closure 3 is reduced, or even eliminated.

[0105] It is now possible to join the closure 3 to the container.

[0106] For that purpose, the second component 2 is positioned in contact with the open end of the tubular body 4 of the container, for example in such a way that the edge zone 19 surrounds a lateral wall 22 of the tubular body 4 near the relative open end. The second component 2 is then joined to the lateral wall 22 of the tubular body 4, for example by applying adhesive substances or other substances capable of rendering the second component 2 stably anchored to the tubular body 4, or by welding.

[0107] The second component 2 guarantees that the closure 3 is joined to the tubular body 4 of the container with a continuous, good quality connection. In fact, the second component 2 makes available an edge zone 19, which extends continuously for a 360° angle around the axis Z of the dispensing hole 21. The edge zone 19 allows pressure to be applied in a continuous interface defined between the edge zone 19 and the tubular body 4, which can thereby be stably joined to each other even near the connecting band 10.

[0108] If the second component 2 were not present, it could be difficult to apply pressure between the tubular body 4 and the closure 3 at the connecting band 10.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the edge zone 19 of the second component 2 may be positioned inside the lateral wall 22 of the tubular body 4 and then joined to the latter. It is also possible to anchor the edge zone 19 frontally to the lateral wall 22.

[0110] In the example described above, the closure 3 was brought into the closed configuration before being joined to the container. It is also possible that the closure 3 is joined to the container while it is in the open configuration and is brought into the closed configuration afterwards.

[0111] Figure 10 shows a closure 103 according to an alternative embodiment, which has a dimension smaller than that of the closure 3 previously described, along an axial line, that is to say, parallel to the axis Z of the neck.

[0112] The closure 103 comprises the first component 101 , shown in Figure 8, which differs from the first component 1 previously described mainly because it has a substantially flat base 105. The opening 6 is made in the base 105.

[0113] In the first component 101 , the lid 9 is similar to that of the first component 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The second component 102 is also similar to the second component 2 shown in the Figure.

[0114] In order to reduce the dimension along an axial direction, the second component 102 may have a neck 120 which is shorter than the neck 20 shown in Figure 5. The neck 120 may be delimited, at an end thereof furthest from the edge zone 19, by a flat wall 23 in which the dispensing hole 21 is made.

[0115] In the closure 103, the first component 101 is mounted on the second component 102 in such a way that the base 105 is in contact with the part of the main zone 18 which surrounds the neck 120. Owing to the flat structure of the base 105, the contact between the latter and the main zone 18 occurs at a relatively large surface. That makes it easy to attach the base 105 to the second component 102.

[0116] The neck 120 projects, although to a limited extent, from the opening 6 and is removably closed by the protuberance 13 of the lid 9, which engages in the dispensing hole 21 , as shown in Figure 10.

[0117] Production and operation of the closure 103 are similar to what was already disclosed for the closure 3 shown in Figures 1 to 7. However, owing to the reduced axial dimensions, the closure 103 allows a reduction in the quantity of material containing natural fibres from which it is formed.

[0118] Figure 1 1 shows an alternative embodiment of a closure 203, which differs from the closure 103 shown in Figure 10 mainly because at least one abutting element is provided, for making a part selected from either the lid or the base abut against the other part selected from either the base or the lid.

[0119] In the example of Figure 1 1 , an abutting element 24 is provided which is made in the lid 209 for abutting with the base 205. The abutting element 24 is shaped like a projection which projects from the lid 209 in the same direction as the protuberance 13, that is to say, towards the container when the closure 203 is positioned in the closed configuration. The abutting element 24 may have a trapezium-shaped cross-section. For example, the abutting element 24 may be delimited by a contact surface 25 which, in the closed configuration, extends transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z and is in contact with the base 205 of the first component 201. The contact surface 25 may be flat, for guaranteeing contact with the base 205 which, in the example illustrated, is also flat.

[0120] The abutting element 24 may extend circumferentially continuously around the axis Z, that is to say, it may extend for 360°. Alternatively, it is possible to have a plurality of abutting elements 24 having a limited angular extent, which is less than 360°, which are distributed around the axis Z and spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction.

[0121] On the outer surface 15 of the lid 209, at the abutting element 24, a niche 26 is provided. In this way, substantial variations in the thickness of the lid 209 at the abutting element 24 are avoided. Thus, the lid 209 may have a substantially constant thickness.

[0122] When the lid 209 is moved towards the base 205, the contact surface 25 of the abutting element 24 makes contact with the base 205. This makes it possible to apply on the lid 209 a pressure sufficient to overcome the interference between the protuberance 13 and the dispensing hole 21 , so as to lock the lid 209 in the closed configuration. This avoids unwanted damage to the lid 209 even if a relatively high degree of force is required in order to lock it in the closed configuration.

[0123] Providing the abutting element 24 helps in particular in embodiments in which the base of the first component has a flat shape, that is to say, it does not comprise an edge region 8 which projects from the main region 7. When a projecting edge region is present, in order to lock the lid in the closed configuration it is in fact possible to act on the edge portion 12 of the lid, which is pushed against the edge region 8 of the base. In this case, the edge region 8 of the base provides a support for the edge portion 12 of the lid, which prevents excessive deformations of the lid. Figure 12 shows a closure 303 according to an alternative embodiment, which comprises an abutting element made in the base 305 rather than in the lid 9. The abutting element projects from the base 305 towards the lid 9 and is delimited by a contact surface 325, which may be flat, against which the lid 9 rests when it is brought into the closed configuration. This makes it possible to apply on the lid 9 a force sufficient to lock the protuberance 13 in the dispensing hole 21 with interference, without excessively deforming the lid 9.

[0124] Figure 12 shows two possible alternative embodiments of the abutting element. In the right-hand part of Figure 12 there is provided an abutting element 324a, having a trapezium-shaped cross-section. The abutting element 324a is delimited, at its upper end, by the contact surface 325, which is joined to the base 305 by two inclined portions 27, which are positioned on opposite sides of the contact surface 325.

[0125] The abutting element 324a may extend circumferentially continuously around the opening 6 of the base 305. Alternatively, there may be multiple abutting elements 324a, which each have an angular extent which is less than 360° and are distributed around the opening 6, spaced apart from each other.

[0126] In contrast, in the left-hand part of Figure 12, there is a step-shaped abutting element 324b, delimited at its upper end by the contact surface 325. The latter is joined to the base 305 by a single inclined portion 27. In this case, the opening 6 of the base 305 is made on the contact surface 325.

[0127] The contact surface 325 may extend continuously or interrupted around the opening 6.

[0128] On the base 305, at the abutting element 324a or 324b, there is a niche 326, which allows the abutting element to be made without local thickening of the base 305, that is to say, keeping the thickness of the base 305 substantially constant.

[0129] It is possible to provide abutting elements, made on the base and / or on the lid, which extend continuously or interrupted around the opening of the base and / or around the protuberance of the lid, which have shapes different from those shown in the Figures.

[0130] The abutting element, made in the base and / or in the lid, may also be provided in closures of types different from those shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, for example even in closures of the type shown in Figures 1 to 10.

[0131] Figure 13 shows a closure 403 according to an alternative embodiment, in which snap-on retaining means 28 are provided by means of which the lid 409 can be kept in the closed configuration. The snap-on retaining means 28 may comprise a tooth 29 which projects inwards towards the inside of the lid 409 near the free edge 12a. The tooth 29 engages by shape coupling in an indentation 30 which, in the example illustrated, is made in the base 405, thereby preventing unwanted opening of the lid 409.

[0132] The tooth 29 may be arranged in a position diametrically opposed to the connecting band 10, as in the example illustrated. It is also possible to have a tooth 29 arranged in a position which is not diametrically opposed to the connecting band 10.

[0133] The angular extent of the tooth 29 may be selected arbitrarily. It is also possible to have a plurality of teeth 29 along the free edge 12a of the lid 409.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the tooth 29 may be made on the base, whilst the indentation 30 is made on the lid.

[0135] It is also possible to have the snap-on retaining means 28 in closures different from that shown in Figure 13, for example in one of the closures shown in Figures 1 to 12.

[0136] Figure 14 shows a closure 503 according to an alternative embodiment, which differs from the closures described up to now mainly because the closure 503 does not comprise the second component, but comprises only the first component 501. In the example shown in Figure 14, the first component 501 is of the type shown in Figures 1 to 7, that is to say, it comprises a lid 9 and a base 5 both having a concave shape. In this case, the edge region 8 of the base 4 is fixed to the container. Figure 15 also shows a closure 603 in which the second component is absent and only the first component 601 is present. The first component 601 is of the type shown in Figure 1 1 , that is to say, it comprises a flat base 205. In this case, the lid 206 is provided with at least one abutting element 24.

[0137] In both of the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, that is to say, when the second component is absent, the closure comprises a dispensing hole 521 defined by the opening 6 of the base 5 or 205.

[0138] In the example illustrated, the dispensing hole 521 is made on a flat surface of the main region 7 of the base. In this case, the neck is absent. However, this condition is not necessary.

[0139] The protuberance 13 made on the lid 9 can engage with interference in the dispensing hole 521.

[0140] More generally, it is possible to have a closure in which there is no second component and the first component has any structure selected from the structures shown in the preceding Figures.

[0141] The closure in which the second component is absent may be used with containers for which it is not critical to apply a pressure between the closure and an end portion of a tubular body of the container, for example because the closure is joined to the container frontally, so that presence of the connecting band 10 near an edge of the closure does not cause particular disadvantages.

[0142] More specifically, the closures which do not comprise the second component can be applied on containers such as bottles (in particular made of paper or other cellulose-based material) or containers formed starting from a sheet material, which is bent and heat-welded.

[0143] In all of the embodiments of a closure described so far, it is possible to have at least one intended bending line on the connecting band 10 for facilitating bending of the connecting band 10 when the lid goes from the open configuration to the closed configuration or vice versa.

[0144] The intended bending line may extend transversally to the length of the connecting band 10. In other words, if a connecting direction is defined as a line which goes from the base to the lid or vice versa, the intended bending line may extend transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the connecting direction.

[0145] The intended bending line may have the shape of a straight line, or may have other structures.

[0146] The intended bending line may comprise a cut line. In particular, it is possible to have an interrupted cut line, that is to say, formed by a plurality of cut segments, for example through-cut segments, in which a joining segment is provided between two consecutive cut segments.

[0147] The intended bending line may also comprise a cut line which is not a through cut line, that is to say, which only partly affects the thickness of the hinge zone.

[0148] The intended bending line may comprise scoring of the connecting band.

[0149] More generally, the intended bending line may involve a local thinning of the connecting band.

[0150] The thinning may be due either to the reduced thickness of the connecting band, which is therefore thinned in terms of its thickness, or it may be due to one or more through cuts made in the connecting band, which is thinned in terms of its width.

[0151] The intended bending line may be made in the mould in which the first component is formed, or downstream of the mould.

[0152] The intended bending line may be made using various methods, for example cutting with a blade, laser cutting or scoring, embossing, creasing tools, or the like.

[0153] The intended bending line may be made on a face of the connecting band 10 which, in the extended configuration, is directed towards the base, or which is directed towards the lid, or on both faces.

[0154] The first component and the second component of the closures described so far may for example be made by means of respective forming processes in which a dosed quantity of natural fibre-based material, in particular cellulose-based material, is pressed. These forming processes may be substantially dry forming processes, which use a cellulose-based starting material containing a quantity of water which is not greater than 20% by weight. The starting material may be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material may be a fluffy element, for example a wad of material or a dose of airlaid.

[0155] A dose of airlaid may be obtained by cutting a sheet of airlaid material, for example unwound from a reel. The airlaid material may be obtained starting from a compact web of cellulose-based material, which has a relatively high density. The compact web is ground and defibrated, then the fibres are recombined to form a sheet of material with low density, in which significant quantities of air are present between one fibre and another. An airlaid material is obtained in this way. It is possible to add to the airlaid material small quantities of additives in the liquid state, for example water, to favour the subsequent moulding process.

[0156] Alternatively, an airlaid dose may be obtained starting from a compact web of cellulose-based material, having a relatively high density, which is ground and defibrated. The fibres obtained in this way are recombined to directly form individual airlaid doses from each of which it is possible to obtain the first component or the second component.

[0157] The second component may be obtained in particular by pressing a dose shaped like a circular disk. The dose may be provided with a hole, intended to create the dispensing hole 21 . Alternatively, the dose may be solid, in which case the dispensing hole 21 may be made by subsequently removing a portion of material.

[0158] The first component may be obtained by pressing a dose 31 , for example of the airlaid type, shown in plan view in Figure 16.

[0159] The dose 31 has a thickness T measured perpendicularly to the sheet, which may be constant or variable. In the example illustrated, the thickness T is constant, as shown in Figure 17, but this condition is not necessary.

[0160] In the plane of the sheet, that is to say, in a plane perpendicular to the thickness T, the dose 31 has a narrow portion 32 in its central zone. The dose has a first portion 41 and a second portion 42 between which the narrow portion 32 is interposed.

[0161] The narrow portion 32 joins the first portion 41 and the second portion 42.

[0162] The first portion 41 , the narrow portion 32 and the second portion 42 are positioned in sequence in a first direction D1 .

[0163] The dose has a transversal dimension W in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 . The transversal dimension W of the dose 31 decreases going from the first portion 41 to the narrow portion 32 and increases going from the narrow portion 32 to the second portion 42.

[0164] The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 may each have a substantially circular shape in plan view.

[0165] The dose 31 therefore has the shape of an “8” if seen in a plane perpendicular to the thickness T.

[0166] The dose 31 may be symmetrical relative to a plane P1 perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

[0167] The first portion 41 is intended to form the base 5 of the first component 1 of the closure 3, whilst the second portion 42 is intended to form the lid 9. The narrow portion 32 is intended to form the connecting band 10.

[0168] In the first portion 41 there could be a hole which is not illustrated, intended to form the opening 6. In this case, the dose 31 is a pierced dose. Alternatively, as in the example illustrated, the dose 31 may be without holes, in which case the opening 6 is formed by subsequently removing material, for example during or after the forming.

[0169] The dose 31 may be flat or may have portions which are not flat, for example which are concave.

[0170] The dose 31 may be subjected to a pressing process in a mould 33 of the type schematically shown in Figure 17. The mould 33 comprises a first halfmould 34 and a second half-mould 35 which are facing each other. At least one half-mould selected from the first half-mould 34 or the second halfmould 35 is movable relative to the other half-mould selected from the second half-mould 35 or the first half-mould 34 along a moulding direction M for pressing the dose 31 .

[0171] The first half-mould 34 comprises a male portion 36 facing a female portion

[0172] 37 for forming the base 5. The first half-mould 34 also comprises a cavity 38 facing a punch portion 39 for forming the lid 9. Projecting from the cavity

[0173] 38 there is a protrusion 40 suitable for engaging in a hollow 43 of the punch portion 39 for forming the recess 16 and the protuberance 13.

[0174] The first half-mould 34 also has a forming surface 43 suitable for engaging with a further forming surface 44 of the second half-mould 35 for forming the connecting band 10.

[0175] Using the mould 33 and the dose 31 , it is possible to obtain the first component 1 of the closure 3 (or of a different closure of the type previously described) in a simple and rapid way, with a material which has a low environmental impact.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Closure for a container, comprising a base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405), a lid (9; 209; 409) and at least one connecting band (10) which connects the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the lid (9; 209; 409), the closure (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503; 603) having a dispensing hole (21 ; 521 ) for dispensing a product contained in the container, wherein the connecting band (10) is flexible for allowing the lid (9; 209; 409) to be displaced between an open configuration and a closed configuration in order to selectively open or close the dispensing hole (21 ; 521 ), and wherein the lid (9; 209; 409), the connecting band (10) and the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) are formed as a single component (1 ; 101 ; 201 ; 501 ; 601 ) made with a natural fibre-based material.

2. Closure according to claim 1 , and furthermore comprising a support (17) intended to be interposed between the container and the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) for fixing the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the container, the support (17) defining a further component (2; 102) distinct from said single component (1 ; 101 ; 201 ).

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

4. Closure according to claim 3, wherein the support (17) has a main zone (18) from which the neck (20; 120) projects, and an edge zone (19) which surrounds the main zone (18) to engage with the container, and wherein the neck (20; 120) and the edge zone (19) project from opposite faces of the main zone (18).

5. Closure according to claim 4, wherein the base (5) has a main region (7) in which the opening (6) is made and an edge region (8) which surrounds the main region (7), the edge region (8) projecting from the main region (7) transversally to the main region (7) to engage with the edge zone (19) of the support (17).

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

7. Closure according to claim 1 , wherein the base (5; 205) is directly fixable to the container and the dispensing hole (521 ) is made in the base (5; 205).

8. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid (9; 209; 409) has a shape, in plan view, corresponding to the shape in plan view of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405).

9. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid (9; 209; 409) has a substantially circular shape, in plan view.

10. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is delimited by an edge (8a), the lid (9; 209; 409) being positionable in an extended configuration in which the connecting band (10) lies in a plane, and wherein, in the extended configuration, the edge (8a) is coplanar with the connecting band (10) at least in a portion of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) from which the connecting band (10) projects laterally.1 1 . Closure according to any preceding claim, and further comprising snap- on retaining means (28) for keeping the lid (409) in the closed configuration, the snap-on retaining means (28) comprising a tooth (29) which projects from a part selected from either the lid (9; 209, 409) or the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to engage in an indentation (30) made in the other part selected from either the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) or the lid (9; 209; 409).

12. Closure according to any preceding claim, and furthermore comprising at least one abutting element (24; 324a; 324b) which projects from a part selected from either the lid (9; 209; 409) or the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) and abuts against the other part selected from either the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) or the lid (9; 209; 409) in the closed configuration, so as to limit deformation of the lid (9; 209; 409) when a pressure is applied to the lid (9; 209; 409) while the lid (9; 209; 409) is brought into the closed configuration.

13. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein a protuberance (13) projects from an inner surface (14) of the lid (9; 209, 409) to engage in thedispensing hole (21 ; 521 ), a recess (16) being formed on an outer surface (15) of the lid (9; 209; 409) at the protuberance (13) for keeping the thickness of the lid (9; 209; 409) in the protuberance (13) substantially constant.

14. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting band (10) has a substantially constant thickness.

15. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting band (10) has a thickness which is less than an average thickness (S1) of the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) and less than an average thickness (S2) of the lid (9; 209; 409).

16. Closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting band (10) has a local thinning for facilitating bending of the connecting band (10) when the lid (9; 209; 409) is displaced from the open configuration to the closed configuration or vice versa.

17. Dose made with a natural fibre-based material, in particular cellulose, for forming a component (1 ; 101 ; 201 ; 501 ) of a closure (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503; 603) by pressing, the dose (31 ) having a thickness (T) and having, in a view in a plane substantially perpendicular to the thickness (T), a first portion (41 ) for forming a base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) of the closure, a second portion (42) for forming a lid (9; 209; 409) of the closure and a narrow portion (32) which connects the first portion (41 ) and the second portion (42), the narrow portion (32) being intended for forming a connecting band (10) which connects the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the lid (9; 209; 409).

18. Dose according to claim 17, wherein the first portion (41 ) and the second portion (42) each have a rounded shape in the plane perpendicular to the thickness (T), thereby giving the dose (31 ) the shape of an “8” in plan view.

19. Dose according to claim 17 or 18, comprising a quantity of cellulose of at least 80% by weight.

20. Dose 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 insequence along a first direction (D1 ), the dose having a transverse dimension (W) in a second direction (D2) which is perpendicular to the first direction (D1 ), and wherein the transverse dimension (W) decreases going from the first portion (41 ) to the narrow portion (32) and increases going from the narrow portion (32) to the second portion (42).

21. Method for making 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) which connects the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) to the lid (9; 209; 409), wherein the method comprises the steps of:- providing a dose (31 ) made with a natural fibre-based material, the dose(31 ) having a first portion (41 ), a second portion (42) and a narrow portion(32) which connects the first portion (41 ) and the second portion (42):- pressing the dose (31 ), thereby forming the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) from the first portion (41 ) of the dose (31 ), the lid (9; 209; 409) from the second portion (42) of the dose (31 ) and the connecting band (10) from the narrow portion (32) of the dose (31 ).

22. Method according to claim 21 , wherein the following steps are performed after the step of pressing the dose (31 ):- providing a support (17) made with a natural fibre-based material;- mounting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) on the support (17);- connecting the support (17) on which the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is mounted to the container.

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the support (17) has a neck (20; 120), and wherein the step of mounting the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) on the support (17) comprises making the neck (20; 120) pass through an opening (6) made in the base (5; 105; 205; 305; 405).

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