Container neck and container closure system

Abstract

A neck for a container made of cellulosic material, having a substantially cylindrical shape and a side wall (3) configured to be coupled to each corresponding container (2) and having a lower edge (3a) defining a lower passage opening (4a) for the material contained in said container (2) and an upper edge (3b) defining an upper passage opening (4b) for the material contained in said container (2), and coupling means (5) configured to enable detachable coupling to each corresponding cap (101), characterized in that the upper opening (4b) defines a passage cross-sectional area (S1) smaller than the passage cross-sectional area (S2) of the lower opening (4a).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neck for a container and a closure system for a container.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a neck for a container, such as a bottle or tube, which is adapted to be coupled to an associated cap.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a container neck made of a natural, renewable and recyclable material, such as a cellulosic or other fibrous material, that is commonly used in the manufacture of many products (particularly, but not exclusively, in the packaging sector) that are currently made of synthetic polymeric materials. Cellulosic materials are advantageously much less polluting and easier to dispose of than synthetic polymeric materials. Furthermore, the associated closure cap applied to the neck is also made of a natural material, preferably cellulosic. [Background technology]

[0004] As is known, the neck of a container has a substantially cylindrically extending side wall at its upper end provided with an opening for the material contained in the container, the side wall being generally threaded so that a cap can be screwed onto the neck.

[0005] Alternatively, the cap may be attached to the neck by pressure and mechanical interference.

[0006] The passage opening in the neck is defined by a generally circular edge that is joined to a cap that defines a closure suitable for closing the opening and preventing the passage of a substance contained in the container.

[0007] In particular, the seal is formed by a bond between the edge of the neck and a circular protrusion (called a "plug") emerging from the inside surface of the cap. In this way, the circular protrusion is located inside the edge and abuts against the edge. Alternatively, the circular protrusion may be located outside the edge and be wider than the neck opening so that it can contact the edge. Furthermore, some prior art caps have two circular concentric protrusions configured to contact both the inside and outside of the edge.

[0008] In the case of containers for liquid or paste products, such as tubes of toothpaste, the neck opening may be particularly narrow to contain and control the through flow of material out of the container.

[0009] The side walls defining the neck are therefore also made with very compact dimensions. In this context, as best shown in Figure 1, in order to facilitate gripping and screwing / unscrewing of cap "A", the cap is sized larger than the size of neck "B". In particular, cap "A" is made to have a first inner side wall "A1" sized accordingly to neck "B" and threaded thereon to work in conjunction with the threads of neck "B", and an outer side wall "A2" which is wider and therefore serves only to provide an outer surface of the cap that can be better gripped by the user.

[0010] However, this type of cap, best shown in Figure 1, has major drawbacks, primarily due to the complexity of the cap itself with its two side walls "A1, A2", which in turn creates drawbacks in the manufacturing process. Further complications arise from the cellulose-based material, which makes the manufacture of this type of complex cap and neck expensive and in some cases unfeasible.

[0011] In addition, the outer side wall "A2" is easily deformed when the user squeezes it too hard. In fact, in this case, the outer side wall "A2" is not internally supported by the neck "B" of the container and is therefore bent inwards, i.e. towards the inner side wall "A1".

[0012] There are also prior art containers with necks and caps made from natural materials, such as cellulosic materials, but these have design limitations due to the molding processes involved and the structural capabilities of the materials themselves.

[0013] In this context, the circular protrusions ("plugs") emerging from the inner walls of the cap are spaced apart from the side walls of the cap itself so that they can be correctly molded in the respective molds to give the cap sufficient structural stability. To ensure restraint between the edges of the neck and the circular protrusions, the neck is made so that each side wall has a width slightly greater than the width of the protrusions.

[0014] In other words, the edge of the neck is sized according to the width of the circular projection to provide a proper fit between the projection and the wall of the cap to ensure a tight seal of the container.

[0015] However, it should be noted that in this state the side walls of the neck are separated from the side walls of the cap and that a particularly sharp thread is made to ensure that the cap is screwed onto the neck very tightly.

[0016] In this context, the use of excessively sharp threads would require thickness variations that cannot be achieved with cellulosic materials, which must have a constant thickness to be properly compressed.

[0017] Furthermore, even molding such pronounced protrusions can be difficult with cellulosic materials, which, given their density, can be damaged during the demolding step of the product (neck or cap). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] In this context, one object of the present invention is to produce a neck for a container that is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0019] In particular, a first object of the present invention is to provide a container with a neck that can be made from cellulose and at the same time can be adapted to the construction of a cap.

[0020] More specifically, one object of the present invention is to produce a cellulosic neck that is easy to manufacture with prior art processes for forming by molding, and at the same time, that can be optimally bonded to the respective cap.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container with a neck that can be adapted to the dimensions of the cap and whose relative structure can be simplified, despite the size constraints on the cross section of the opening for passage of the material contained in the container.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention allows for the normal functioning of the neck and cap system using a simple and inexpensive geometry, which is also lighter than more complex solutions, resulting in less material consumption, lower costs and even an "eco-design" being guaranteed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a neck for a container is provided. The neck has a substantially tubular shape and comprises a side wall configured to be connected to a respective container, the side wall having a lower edge defining a lower passage opening for a material contained in the container, and an upper edge defining an upper passage opening for the material contained in the container. The neck also comprises connecting means configured to be reversibly or irreversibly connected to a respective cap. Advantageously, the upper opening defines a passage cross-section smaller than the passage cross-section of the lower opening.

[0024] In other words, the width of the upper edge is smaller than the width of the lower edge.

[0025] In this way, an upper opening can be obtained whose dimensions are smaller than those of the side wall of the neck.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to plug the neck edge also or only on the outside.

[0027] To that end, the sidewall has a first extension near the upper edge that tapers to a second extension near the lower edge.

[0028] Advantageously, said coupling means, preferably in the form of a thread, are made on said second extension of the outer surface of said side wall, adapted to couple with a thread of the respective cap.

[0029] Advantageously, the second extension of the side wall in which the upper opening is formed is sized independently of the size of the second extension supporting the screw thread.

[0030] Furthermore, the neck is advantageously made of a cellulosic material.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a closure system for a container comprising a neck as described above and a cap, also advantageously made from a cellulosic material, releasably engageable with the neck.

[0032] Preferably, the cap has a closing wall that closes the upper opening and a side wall that extends perpendicular to the closing wall, the closing wall having an annular protrusion that emerges from an inner surface of the closing wall facing the neck so as to contact the upper edge and be inside the upper opening.

[0033] Advantageously, the entire system made of cellulosic material also allows great versatility in creating the upper opening, regardless of the dimensions of the neck and the cap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] The invention may be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary, non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1]1 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation of a neck and associated cap according to the prior art discussed above. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of a neck of a container according to the present invention coupled to a respective cap. [Figure 3] 10 shows a side elevational cross section of a neck in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] 10 shows a side elevational cross section of a neck according to a third embodiment in an operational state. [Figure 4b] 10 shows a side elevational cross section of a neck according to a third embodiment in an operational state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] With reference to the accompanying figures, the numeral 1 generally designates a neck for a container 2, only part of which is shown as it is not part of the present invention.

[0036] In fact, the container 2 to which the neck 1 according to the invention is applied may be of any type and made of any material, depending on the product to be contained (solid, semi-solid or liquid product).

[0037] Advantageously, the neck 1 is made entirely of natural material, preferably cellulosic.

[0038] The neck 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has side walls 3 extending about a respective extending longitudinal axis "X".

[0039] The wall 3, which is preferably cylindrical and has a circular cross section, has a lower edge 3a configured to be joined to the container 2 by known joining techniques, and an upper edge 3b opposite the lower edge 3a.

[0040] The lower edge 3a defines a lower passage opening 4a for material (not shown) contained within the container 2. In other words, the lower opening 4a is in fluid communication with the interior compartment of the container 2 to allow material to pass from the container 2 towards the interior of the neck 3.

[0041] In contrast, the upper edge 3b defines an upper passage opening 4b for the material contained in the container.

[0042] More specifically, the upper opening 4b allows material to pass from the inside to the outside of the wall 3. The upper opening also defines a passage cross section "S" having a predetermined width depending on the nature of the material to be contained in the container 2 and depending on the shape and dimensions of the container 2 itself.

[0043] Advantageously, as will be explained in more detail below, the upper opening 4b defines a cross section "S1" having a width that is smaller than the width of the passage cross section "S2" defined by the lower opening 4a.

[0044] In other words, the width of the upper edge 3b is smaller than the width of the lower edge 3a, as clearly shown in the accompanying figures.

[0045] The neck 1 also comprises coupling means 5 adapted to be reversibly coupled to the respective cap 101 .

[0046] Advantageously, the coupling means 5 have projections 6a, 6b - preferably threads - made on the outer surface of the side wall 3 and configured to couple with threads 102 of the respective cap 101 (Fig. 2).

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, the neck 1 is shown with threads 6a, 6b which are different alternatives to one another. In fact, the first thread 6a is produced by a molding of the wall 3 which is suitable for defining a recess on the inner surface of the wall 3 and a protrusion on the outer surface of the wall 3. In this situation, the wall 3 has a constant thickness over its entire extent. In fact, the thread 6a also has a constant thickness.

[0048] In another embodiment, there is a second thread 6b that does not have a recess on the inside but only a protrusion on the outer surface of the wall 3. In this case, the wall 3 has a change in thickness at the thread 6b, i.e. a thicker cross section. However, with both threads 6a, 6b described above, it is possible to avoid a thin cross section of the wall 3 by taking advantage of the compactness achievable with cellulose material, which ensures a mechanical seal over the entire neck 1.

[0049] The wall 3 also has a first extension 7 near the upper edge 3b, tapering to a second extension 8 near the lower edge 3a.

[0050] In other words, the cross section of the wall 3 changes to narrow at the upper first stretch 7 (near the upper edge 3b).

[0051] It should be noted that in this situation the thread is located in the second extension 8 of the side wall 3 and therefore close to the lower edge 3 a and the container 2 .

[0052] More particularly, according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the first extension 7 and the second extension 8 are both defined by annular portions which are coaxial with the axis "X" and which are joined to one another by a curved extension 9.

[0053] It should be noted that in this situation, the curved extension 9 seamlessly connects the first extension 7 and the second extension 8 so as to define a change in the passage cross section from the wider lower opening 4a to the narrower upper opening 4b.

[0054] According to a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the first extension 7 comprises a first portion 7a which extends annularly and which is associated with the above-mentioned curved extension 9, and a second portion 7b which extends transversely to the first portion 7a and which defines the above-mentioned upper edge 3b.

[0055] In other words, in this embodiment the first extension has a second portion 7b extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "X" and the annular extension of the first portion 7a.

[0056] In this situation, the opening 4b opposite the upper edge 3b is obtained in the form of a hole made on said second portion 7b of the first extension 7. Preferably, but without limiting the scope of the invention, said hole is provided axially relative to the longitudinal axis "X", i.e. in the center of the second portion 7b.

[0057] Advantageously, the opening 4b formed in the second portion 7b can have any passage cross section "S1" smaller than the cross section "S2" of the lower opening 4a, sized according to the various needs involved in the application.

[0058] According to a third embodiment shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the first extension 7 has a first portion 7a extending annularly coaxially with the axis "X" and associated with the curved extension 9, a second portion 7b extending annularly coaxially with the longitudinal axis "X" and defining the above-mentioned upper edge 3b, and a third portion 7c extending transversely with respect to the first and second portions 7a and 7b and interposed therebetween.

[0059] More specifically, in this embodiment, the third portion 7c extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "X" and the annular extension of the first and second portions 7a, 7b.

[0060] In this situation, the second portion 7b emerges (projects) from the planar extension of the third portion 7c so as to extend upward therefrom. In other words, the second portion 7b of the first extension 7 defines a "spout" that projects from the third portion 7c, on which the upper opening 4b is formed, having a cross section "S1" that is smaller than the cross section "S2" of the lower opening 4a.

[0061] With reference to Figure 4a, it should be noted that there may also be a closing wall 10 closing the upper opening 4a, which extends in a plane parallel to the extension of the third portion 7c and is adapted to be removed by a suitable system for cutting or penetrating the wall 10 itself, to define an upper edge 3b with an associated upper opening 4b.

[0062] Advantageously, the closure wall 10 can also be provided in the previous embodiment, ie the embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0063] The invention also relates to a closure system 100 comprising a cap 101 connectable to a neck 1 according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0064] In fact, it should be noted that the closure system 100 may be used with any type of neck 1, even though the cap 101 is only shown in FIG.

[0065] In particular, the cap 101 is also preferably made of a cellulosic material and has a closure wall 103 suitable for closing the upper opening 4 b of the neck 1 and a side wall 104 extending perpendicular to the closure wall 103 .

[0066] The side wall 104 has the aforementioned threads 102 which interact with the threads 6 a, 6 b of the neck 1 in order to screw / unscrew the cap 101 from the neck 1 .

[0067] Advantageously, the cap 101 may be provided with at least one interference member for interfering with the closure wall 10 suitable for cutting and removing said wall 10 during movement (rotation) of the cap 101 relative to the neck 1.

[0068] In this situation, the cap 101 therefore also defines an opening 4b associated with the upper edge 3b during a single movement to open the cap 101 itself.

[0069] The closure wall 103 has an annular projection 105 emerging from its inner surface facing the neck 1. Advantageously, when the cap 101 is closed on the neck 1, the annular projection 105 is located inside the upper opening 4b and contacts the upper edge 3b, defining a mechanical seal suitable for preventing material from leaving the container 2.

[0070] Alternatively, the protrusion (105) may be provided on the outside of the upper edge (3b), or there may be two concentric protrusions (105) arranged to contact the inside and outside of the edge 3b.

[0071] Advantageously, the cap 101 has the above-mentioned projections 105 located at a distance from the respective side wall 104 so as to facilitate each step of shaping the cellulose material. In this situation, the mechanical seal is still ensured, given the position of the upper edge 3b, which is located on the first extension 7 tapering with respect to the second extension 8. In other words, the possibility of reducing the cross section "S1" of the upper opening 4b with respect to the cross section "S2" of the lower opening 4a allows the first extension 7 of the wall 3 to be located also at a distance from the side wall 104 of the cap 101.

[0072] Advantageously, it should be noted that in this situation the size of the second extension 8 on which the threads 6a, 6b are made is not changed.

[0073] Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to obtain a neck 1 with an upper opening 4b of any size, if desired, regardless of the dimensions of the thread imposed by the respective cap.

[0074] In other words, it is possible to manufacture a neck 1 with a particularly wide side wall, suitable for connection to, for example, a cap with a wide diameter, and at the same time have a first extension 7 that is tapered so as to define a particularly narrow upper opening 4b.

Claims

1. 1. A neck for a container, comprising: a sidewall made of a cellulosic material and having a substantially cylindrical shape, the sidewall being configured to be coupled to each corresponding container and having a lower edge defining a lower passage opening for the material contained in the container and an upper edge defining an upper passage opening for the material contained in the container; coupling means configured to allow releasable coupling to each corresponding cap; Equipped with the upper opening defines a smaller cross-sectional passage area than the cross-sectional passage area of ​​the lower opening; A neck characterized by:

2. 2. The neck of claim 1, wherein the width of the upper edge is less than the width of the lower edge.

3. 3. A neck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall has a first extension located near the upper edge, the first extension tapering to a second extension located near the lower edge.

4. A neck according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a protrusion made on an outer surface of the side wall and configured to be coupled to each corresponding cap.

5. A neck according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion is connectable to a thread formed on the cap.

6. A neck according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the projection is provided within the second extension of the side wall.

7. A neck according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the side wall also comprises a curved connecting extension between the first extension and the second extension.

8. 8. The neck of claim 7, wherein the first extension comprises: a first portion extending annularly coaxially with a longitudinal axis about which the neck extends and associated with the curved extension; a second portion extending annularly coaxially with the longitudinal axis and defining the upper edge; a third portion extending transversely relative to the first portion and the second portion and interposed between the first portion and the second portion; A neck portion having a

9. A neck according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the third portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; the second portion emerges from a planar extension of the third portion; Neck.

10. 10. A neck according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a closure wall closing the upper opening, the closure wall being configured to be detachable and to define the upper edge and the lower edge.

11. 8. The neck of claim 7, wherein the first extension comprises: a first portion extending coaxially with respect to a longitudinal axis along which the neck extends and associated with the curved extension; a second portion extending transversely relative to said first portion and defining said upper edge; A neck having

12. A neck according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

13. A closure system comprising a neck according to one or more of the preceding claims and a cap made of cellulosic material and engageable with said neck.

14. 14. The closure system according to claim 13, wherein the cap has a closure wall that closes the upper opening and a side wall that extends perpendicular to the closure wall, and the closure wall has at least one annular protrusion that emerges from an inner surface of the closure wall facing the neck so as to contact the upper edge portion.

15. 15. A closure system according to claim 13 or 14, the neck portion includes a closing wall that closes the upper opening, the cap has at least one interface portion in contact with the wall; the interface portion of the cap defines the upper edge and the upper opening by removing the wall during an opening movement of the cap relative to the neck; Closure system.

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