Container made of polymeric material

Abstract

A container comprises an upper portion (30) made of polymeric material; a first element (10) made as one piece with the upper portion (30) and comprising an outer seal (11), a tubular body (12) arranged innerly to the outer seal (11) and frangibly connected to the outer seal (11), the tubular body (12) has an opening (2) adapted to dispense the content of the container, the first element (10) has a gap (13) defined between the outer seal (11) and the tubular body (12), the gap (13) is configured to receive a second element (20) comprising a cap (21) and fixable on the tubular body (12), the outer seal (11) is configured to prevent access to the cap (21) when it is inserted inside the gap (13).

Description

[0001] “Container made of polymeric material”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a container made of polymeric material. This container can be usefully used in the technical field of transport and sale of liquid products in the food sector, in particular for beverages and especially for alcoholic beverages.

[0004] Different types of containers made of polymeric material are known in the state of the art, in particular they can be made starting from a plurality of distinct elements.

[0005] US 6382438 Bl shows different embodiments of a hose made with a separable cover, which can be reused as a cap. The cover comprises a plastic upper element and a panel. The upper element has a neck and a cover. The neck is connected to the cover by a ring portion that can be tom off.

[0006] US 4671420 A shows a plastic container made as one piece, which comprises a body, a neck extending from the body, a tear-off strip on the body of the container, and a cap portion connected to the tear-off strip. The cap portion has an opening, through which the container can be filled. A cover portion is produced separately and is placed over the opening to close it after the container has been filled. After the first opening of the container, which takes place by tearing the strip, the cap portion and the cover define a cap, which can be repositioned on the container to close it again.

[0007] US 4463867 A shows, in the embodiment of figures 5-10, a container made of thermoplastic material made by blow moulding. This container is formed, filled and hermetically sealed in a single operation. A removable cap is thus formed as one piece together with the container, and has an outer side wall, a horizontal flange portion connected in continuity with the neck of the container, and a tear-off portion.

[0008] US 5544770 A describes a tamper evident seal usable in various combinations of containers and closures. This seal is applied on the junction between container and closure, or at the opening of the container, and provides an indication to the consumer if it is tampered with. In one embodiment, the two seals are combined with each other, defining a double seal system.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] All the above containers have important disadvantages. In particular, the systems of US ‘867 and US ‘770 make the closing step of the container, following the product insertion step, rather complex. The closure of US ‘438 is applicable to a flexible tubular container, while that of US ‘420 does not offer sufficient guarantees against tampering, as it is basically possible to separate the cover portion and reapply it without removing the tear-off seal.

[0011] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a container made of polymeric material which obviates the drawbacks in the prior art as described above.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a container made of polymeric material capable of facilitating the closing operation and, at the same time, making it evident to the consumer that the first opening has taken place.

[0013] The technical task mentioned and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a container made of polymeric material comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0014] In particular a container according to the present invention comprises an upper portion made of polymeric material.

[0015] The container further comprises a first element made as one piece with the upper portion, which comprises an outer seal and a tubular body arranged innerly to the outer seal. The tubular body is frangibly connected to the outer seal and has an opening adapted to dispense the content of the container.

[0016] The first element has a gap defined between the outer seal and the tubular body. The gap is configured to receive a second element comprising a cap and fixable on the tubular body. The outer seal is configured to prevent access to the cap when inserted into the gap.

[0017] LIST OF FIGURES

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but nonexclusive embodiment of a container made of polymeric material, as illustrated in the attached drawings in which:

[0019] - Figure l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a closure applied to a container according to the present invention;

[0020] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the closure of Figure 1;

[0021] - Figure 3 is a top view of the detail of Figure 2;

[0022] - Figure 4 is a sectional view of the closure of Figure 1 according to line A- A of Figure 3;

[0023] - Figure 5a is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 during a first step of the first opening;

[0024] - Figure 5b is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 1 after the first step of the first opening

[0025] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a closure applied to a container according to the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the closure of Figure 6 following removal of a tear-off seal;

[0027] - Figure 8 is a top view of a detail of the closure of Figure 6; and

[0028] - Figure 9 is a perspective view of detail of Figure 6.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With reference to the attached figures, 1 indicates a closure applicable to a container in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] The container (not illustrated) is made of polymeric material, in particular of plastic, even more in particular made for example of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Preferably, but not necessarily, the container is a bottle. It should be noted that, in accordance with the present invention, a precursor of the container itself, for example a parison or a preform to be used in a blow moulding process for the construction of the actual container, is also considered to be assimilable to a “container”.

[0032] The container object of the present invention can be made starting from a kit, which will also be described in detail.

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, the kit comprises a first element 10 having an outer seal 11. The first element 10 further comprises a tubular body 12, which is located inside the outer seal 11 and is frangibly connected thereto. The tubular body 12 has an opening 2, which is adapted to dispense the contents of the container. The first element 10 has a gap 13 defined between the outer seal 11 and the tubular body 12,

[0034] The kit further comprises a second element 20 associable with the first element 10 to define the closure 1. This second element 20 comprises a cap 21, which has the function of sealing the opening 2. In particular, the cap 21 is designed to be fixed to the tubular body 12. It should be noted that the second element 20 can be inserted into the gap 13 of the first element 10, in such a manner to be irreversibly locked on the tubular body 12 so as to define the closure 1.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the kit comprises both the first 10 and the second element 20, which are then designed to be assembled together. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the kit exclusively comprises the first element 10, which can therefore be associated with a generic cap per se known to the person skilled in the art. In both cases, the outer seal 11 prevents accessibility to the element inserted into the gap 13 (whether it is the second element 20 or another type of cap) until the user removes it. More details on the first 10 and the second element 20 will be provided later in the present description. In particular, the assembled closure 1 will be described in the following part of the present description, without however losing its generality. In fact, the technical characteristics described and illustrated below are to be considered referred to the kit when the first 10 and the second element 20 are separated from each other, and to the closure 1 when they are coupled.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the first element 10 is made as one piece with an upper portion 30 of the container, preferably with the entire container.

[0037] In accordance with the present invention the first element 10 and at least the upper portion 30 of the container are made of polymeric material. Preferably, also the second element 20 is made of polymeric material.

[0038] With particular reference to figure 4, it should be noted that the first element 10 has a transverse surface 14 between the tubular body 12 and the outer seal 11. In particular, the transverse surface 14 extends radially from the tubular body 12 to the outer seal 11, and defines at least in part the gap 13. Preferably, the transverse surface 14 is defined on a connection flange 15 extending from the tubular body 12 to the outer seal 11.

[0039] In more detail, the first element 10 has an outer weakening line 16 which is formed between the transverse surface 14 and the outer seal 11. This outer weakening line 16 develops circumferentially along the entire perimeter of the outer seal 11 so that the user can completely remove the outer seal 11 by breaking the outer weakening line 16 itself. The outer weakening line 16 can be made with a local reduction in the thickness of the first element 10, with a series of bridges or in any other way known to the person skilled in the art.

[0040] Note that the outer seal 11 has an outer grasping zone I la, which is configured to be grasped and torn by a user so as to break the outer seal 11. The outer seal 11 also has a weakening zone 1 lb, which is preferably adjacent to the outer grasping zone I la. Advantageously, the user can grasp the outer grasping zone I la and tear the outer seal 11. The weakening zone 1 lb can be made in the same way as the outer weakening line 16.

[0041] It is worth noting now that, as shown for example in figures 2 and 3, the first element 10 has at least one protrusion 17, which is formed on the tubular body 12 and proj ects into the gap 13. This protrusion 17 has the function of allowing the snap locking of the second element 20, as will be better specified later in the present description. Preferably, the protrusion 17 extends circumferentially on the tubular element over an arc comprised between 20° and 45°. Even more preferably, the first element 10 has a pair of protrusions 17, opposite each other.

[0042] At each protrusion 17, the outer seal 11 has a window 18. Advantageously, the window 18, in addition to allowing the creation of the corresponding protrusion 17 by moulding, also allows the consumer to visually check the integrity of the second element 20 in order to verify that it has not been tampered with.

[0043] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 6-9, the protrusion 17 may not be present, and be replaced for example by a threaded portion formed on the tubular body 12. As shown for example in figure 9, each threaded portion is defined by a plurality of segments 19, arranged along a substantially helical path around the tubular body 12. Advantageously, in this case it is possible to use a screw-type cap 21 which, once the outer seal 11 has been removed by the user after the first opening, can be unscrewed and subsequently screwed back.

[0044] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the second element 20 comprises an inner seal 22, which is frangibly connected to the cap 21. Advantageously, the simultaneous use of the outer seal 11 and of the inner seal 22 significantly reduces the chances of the closure 1 being tampered with without this being visually detectable.

[0045] In more detail, the inner seal 22 extends circumferentially along the entire perimeter of the second element 20. In use, the inner seal 22 is inserted into the gap 13 of the first element 10, thus surrounding the tubular body 12.

[0046] In further detail, the second element 20 comprises an inner weakening line 23, which is arranged between the cap 21 and the inner seal 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner weakening line 23 does not extend circumferentially along the perimeter of the second element 20, but is interrupted at a tab 24, connected to the cap 21. Optionally, the inner weakening line 23 has an interruption in a zone opposite to the tab 24, wherein a hinge (not illustrated) connecting the cap 21 to the inner seal 22 is defined. Advantageously, in this way it is possible to make a flip-top type cap 21.

[0047] In alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the inner weakening line 23 extends circumferentially along the perimeter of the second element 20. In this case the tab 24, if present, can be connected to the inner seal 22 instead of to the cap 21. In this way, moreover, the cap 21 is also completely separable from the inner seal 22.

[0048] The inner weakening line 23 can be made with a local reduction in the thickness of the second element 20, with a series of bridges or in any other way known to the person skilled in the art.

[0049] It is worth noting that the second element 20 has an inner grasping zone 25 defined on the cap 21 or on the inner seal 22, and configured to be grasped and torn by a user so as to break the inner seal 22. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment the inner grasping zone 25 is defined by the aforementioned tab 24.

[0050] At least one weakening zone 26 is formed in a position adjacent to the inner grasping zone 25, in such a way as to allow its separation from the inner seal 22 if it is connected to the cap 21, or from the cap 21 if it is connected to the inner seal 22.

[0051] Note that the inner grasping zone 25 is configured to be positioned behind the outer seal 11 when the second element 20 is inserted into the gap 13 and is fixed to the first element 10. Advantageously this makes the inner grasping zone 25 inaccessible until the outer seal 11 is removed, providing further assurance that the closure 1 has not been tampered with. To be locked onto the first element 10, the second element 20 has an inner surface 27 and at least one abutment portion 28 projecting from the inner surface 27. The abutment portion 28 is configured to snap-lock onto the aforementioned protrusion 17 of the first element when the second element 20 is locked on the first element 10, so as to firmly retain the second element 20 on the tubular body 12. In particular, to perform this operation it is sufficient to push the second element 20 into the gap 13 of the first element 10 along an axial direction and, once the abutment portion 28 has passed beyond the protrusion 17, the closure 1 is considered assembled, and the container closed until the seals 11, 22 are broken.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment portion 28 projects from the inner seal 22. It should also be noted that the number of abutment portions 28 present in the second element 20 is equal to the number of protrusions 17 present in the first element 10. Furthermore, the abutment portions 28 are positioned in such a way as to match with the corresponding protrusions 17 while the second element 20 is fixed on the first element 10.

[0053] To prevent the removal of the second element 20, the closure 1 comprises antirotation means (not illustrated) which are active in particular between the tubular body 12 and the inner seal 22. Such anti -rotation means are formed on the inner surface 27 of the second element 20 and / or on an outer surface 12a of the tubular body 12. The anti-rotation means can be made in any way known to the person skilled in the art, for example by suitably shaping the inner surface 27 of the second element and / or of the outer surface 12A of the tubular body, or parts thereof.

[0054] The container according to the invention solves the technical problem, as it incorporates part of the closure, in particular the outer seal. After filling the container, the closure is completed with a simple insertion by pressure of the second element into the gap of the first element. The assembled closure is extremely resistant to tampering attempts.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Container, characterized in that it comprises an upper portion (30) made of polymeric material; a first element (10) made as one piece with the upper portion (30) and comprising an outer seal (11), a tubular body (12) arranged inside the outer seal (11) and frangibly connected to the outer seal (11), the tubular body (12) having an opening (2) adapted to deliver the contents of the container, the first element (10) having a gap (13) defined between the outer seal (11) and the tubular body (12), the gap (13) being configured to receive a second element (20) comprising a cap (21) and fixable on the tubular body (12), the outer seal (11) being configured to prevent access to the cap (21) when it is inserted inside the gap (13).

2. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein the first element (10) is made of polymeric material.

3. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire container is made as one piece with the first element (10) and preferably of the same material as the first element (10).

4. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (10) has a transverse surface (14) between the tubular body (12) and the outer seal (11), an outer weakening line (16) between the transverse surface (14) and the outer seal (11).

5. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer seal (11) has an outer grasping zone (I la) configured to be grasped and torn by a user so as to break the outer seal (11), at least one weakening zone (11b) adjacent to the outer grasping zone (I la).

6. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second element (20) inserted in the gap (13) and fixed to the first element (10), the second element (20) defining a closure (1) together with the first element (10), the second element (20) comprising a cap (21) fixed to the tubular body (13) and arranged on the opening (2) to sealingly close it.

7. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein the second element (20) comprises an inner seal (22) frangibly connected to the cap (21).

8. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein the second element (20) comprises an inner weakening line (23) arranged between the cap (21) and the inner seal (22).

9. Container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second element (20) has an inner grasping zone (25) defined on the cap (21) or on the inner seal (22) and configured to be grasped and torn by a user so as to break the inner seal (22), at least one weakening zone (26) adjacent to the inner grasping zone (25).

10. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner grasping zone (25) is configured to be positioned behind the outer seal (11) when the second element (20) is inserted into the gap (13) and fixed to the first element (10).

11. Container according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the tubular body (12) has at least one protrusion (17) projecting inside the gap (13) and the second element (20) has an inner surface (27) and an abutment portion (28) projecting from the inner surface (27) and configured to snap-lock on the protrusion (17) when the second element (20) is locked on the first element (10) so as to firmly retain the second element (20) on thetubular body (12).

12. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising antirotation means formed on an inner surface (27) of the second element and / or on an outer surface (12a) of the tubular body (12).

13. Kit comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a second element (20) that can be associate with the first element (10) to define a closure (1), the second element (20) comprising a cap (21) configured to sealingly close the opening (2) and fixable to the tubular body (13); the second element(20) being insertable into the gap (13) to be fixed to the tubular body (12).

14. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the second element (20) comprises an inner seal (22) frangibly connected to the cap (21).

15. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the second element (20) comprises an inner weakening line (23) arranged between the cap (21) and the inner seal (22).

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