Synthetic resin cap, closing device, and beverage-containing closing device

Abstract

To provide a synthetic resin-made cap, a closing device, and a beverage-containing closing device, which can be reduced in height and are excellent in unsealability.SOLUTION: The synthetic resin cap 1 includes a top plate part 2 and a cylindrical part 3 hanging down from the peripheral edge of the top plate part 2. The cylindrical portion 3 is divided into a main portion 8 and a TE ring portion 9. The TE ring part 9 is provided with a plurality of locking projections 11 which are locked to the locking step part of the mouth part when the cap is opened to prevent the movement of the TE ring part 9. A plurality of connecting protruding portions 12 that connect the main portion 8 and the TE ring portion 9 are formed protruding inward on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 3. The locking protrusion 11 is formed in a plate shape that can stand up and lie down with respect to the TE ring portion 9. The tip edge of the locking projection 11 in the lying posture is located at a position higher than the lower end of the connecting projection 12. A receiving recessed part 18 for receiving a part including the lower end of the connecting projecting part 12 in the lying posture is formed on the tip edge of the locking projection 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a synthetic resin cap, a closure device, and a closure device containing a beverage. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a synthetic resin cap (hereinafter simply referred to as a cap) has a top plate portion and a tubular portion hanging down from the periphery of the top plate portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The tubular portion is partitioned into a main portion and a tamper-evidence ring portion (TE ring portion). For example, a plate-shaped locking protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion. For example, the locking protrusion is capable of standing up and lying down (i.e., foldable). The locking protrusion locks with the container when the cap is opened, preventing the TE ring portion from moving. When the TE ring portion is separated from the main portion, it is clearly indicated that the cap has been opened. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-211605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for lighter caps. To this end, efforts are being made to reduce the height of caps (reducing their height). However, if the length of the locking protrusion is insufficient due to the reduced height of the cap, it may be difficult for the locking protrusion to lock onto the container when the cap is opened. If the locking protrusion does not lock onto the container when the cap is opened, the TE ring cannot be separated, which poses a problem in terms of the cap's tamper-evident properties.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a synthetic resin cap, a closure device, and a beverage-containing closure device that can be made low-profile and have good tamper-evident properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a synthetic resin cap that is attached to the mouth of a container, comprising a top plate portion and a tubular portion hanging down from the periphery of the top plate portion, the tubular portion being divided into a main portion and a tamper evidence ring portion, the tamper evidence ring portion being provided with a plurality of locking protrusions that lock into locking steps in the mouth portion to prevent movement of the tamper evidence ring portion when the cap is opened, the inner surface of the tubular portion being formed with a plurality of connecting protrusions that protrude inward and connect the main portion and the tamper evidence ring portion, the locking protrusions being formed in the shape of a plate that can stand up and lie down relative to the tamper evidence ring portion, the tip edge of the locking protrusion in the lying down position is at a higher position than the lower end of the connecting protrusion, and the tip edge of the locking protrusion is formed with a receiving recess that receives a portion including the lower end of the connecting protrusion in the lying down position.

[0007] The locking projection preferably has a first thick portion formed along the tip edge and a second thick portion formed along the side edge.

[0008] The multiple locking protrusions may be formed at intervals around the circumference of the tubular portion, and the multiple connecting protrusions may include a first connecting protrusion that fits into the receiving recess of the locking protrusion, and a second connecting protrusion formed at a circumferential position away from the locking protrusion.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a closure device comprising the synthetic resin cap and a container for filling a beverage.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a closure device containing a beverage, the closure device comprising the synthetic resin cap and a container filled with a beverage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a synthetic resin cap, a closure device, and a closure device containing a beverage, which can be made low-profile and have good tamper-evident properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a synthetic resin cap according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a synthetic resin cap and a container according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a synthetic resin cap according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin cap with the locking projection standing upright. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the synthetic resin cap with the locking projection standing upright. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin cap with the locking protrusion lying face down. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the synthetic resin cap with the locking projection lying face down. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the synthetic resin cap with the locking projection standing upright. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the synthetic resin cap with the locking protrusion lying face down. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Synthetic resin cap] An example of a synthetic resin cap according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the synthetic resin cap may also be simply referred to as a "cap."

[0014] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cap 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cap 1 and a container 20. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a cross section passing through the central axis C1 of the cap 1. FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] In the following description, "up" and "down" are defined according to the up-down direction in Figures 1 and 2. The up-down direction and height direction are directions along the central axis C1 of the cap 1. The direction passing through the central axis C1 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis C1 is the "radial direction." The direction around the central axis C1 (the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 3) is the "circumferential direction."

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cap 1 includes a top plate portion 2 and a tubular portion 3. The top plate portion 2 is formed in a disk shape. The tubular portion 3 hangs down from the periphery of the top plate portion 2. The tubular portion 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0017] The top plate 2 is formed with an inner seal projection 4 and an opening edge seal projection 5. The inner seal projection 4 expands in diameter and protrudes downward from the underside of the top plate 2. The inner seal projection 4 fits into the mouth 21 of the container 20 and abuts against the inner surface 21a of the mouth 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0018] The opening end seal projection 5 is formed radially outward from the inner seal projection 4. The opening end seal projection 5 is formed in an annular shape. The opening end seal projection 5 abuts against the opening end surface 21b of the container 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The cylindrical portion 3 is divided into a main portion 8 and a tamper-evidence ring portion 9 (TE ring portion 9) by scores 6 (weakened lines). A threaded portion 10 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main portion 8. The threaded portion 10 is threadedly engaged with a male thread 22 of the container 20 (see FIG. 2). The TE ring portion 9 is connected to the lower end of the main portion 8. The inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion 9 is a cylindrical surface that is approximately parallel to the central axis C1.

[0020] A plurality of knurls 17 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main portion 8. The knurls 17 increase the surface friction of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 3, reducing the force required to rotate the cap 1 when the user opens and closes the cap 1. The knurls 17 are formed to protrude outward in the radial direction. The knurls 17 are formed linearly along the vertical direction from the top to the bottom of the main portion 8. The multiple knurls 17 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0021] 2, the main portion 8 has a small diameter portion 13 and a large diameter portion 14 formed therebelow. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion 14 is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 13. A step 15 perpendicular to the central axis C1 is formed at the boundary between the small diameter portion 13 and the large diameter portion 14.

[0022] A plurality of connecting protrusions 12 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 3, extending from the large diameter portion 14 of the main portion 8 to the upper portion of the TE ring portion 9. The connecting protrusions 12 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 3, protruding radially inward (i.e., inward). The TE ring portion 9 (connecting portion 16) where the connecting protrusions 12 are connected has approximately the same inner diameter as the large diameter portion 14. The upper ends of the connecting protrusions 12 are integrally connected to the step portion 15. The connecting protrusions 12 function as a bridge connecting the main portion 8 and the TE ring portion 9.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting protrusion 12 has a base 12a of a constant thickness and an extension 12b that extends in the unplugging direction (arrow direction) while decreasing in thickness from the base 12a. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting protrusion 12 is a trapezoid consisting of a rectangular base 12a and a triangular extension 12b. The inner surface of the extension 12b is an inclined surface that slopes at a constant angle. As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness (radial dimension) of the base 12a is approximately the same as the height (radial dimension) of the step 15. The end of the connecting protrusion 12 on the unplugging direction side (left end in FIG. 3) is formed thinner than the end on the plugging direction side (right end in FIG. 3). The multiple connecting protrusions 12 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 4).

[0024] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are erected. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are erected. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are lying face down. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are lying face down. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are erected. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap 1 in a state where the locking protrusions 11 are lying face down.

[0025] 6, the multiple connecting ridges 12 include multiple first connecting ridges 12A and multiple second connecting ridges 12B. The first connecting ridges 12A are one of the multiple connecting ridges 12. The second connecting ridges 12B are another of the multiple connecting ridges 12. The first connecting ridges 12A and the second connecting ridges 12B are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0026] The circumferential position of the first connecting protrusion 12A corresponds to the circumferential center of the locking protrusion 11. The circumferential position of the second connecting protrusion 12B corresponds to the position between adjacent locking protrusions 11. In other words, the second connecting protrusion 12B is formed at a circumferential position away from the locking protrusions 11. When the locking protrusions 11 are in a prone position, the lower end 12c of the second connecting protrusion 12B is located between adjacent locking protrusions 11 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0027] 4 and 5, a plurality of locking projections 11 (tabs) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion 9. The locking projections 11 lock with the locking step portion 23 of the container 20 when the cap is opened, preventing the TE ring portion 9 from moving (see FIG. 2). The locking projections 11 are formed to protrude inward from the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion 9.

[0028] The locking protrusion 11 is formed along the circumferential direction on the lower part of the inner peripheral surface of the TE ring portion 9. For example, the locking protrusion 11 has an outer edge and an inner edge formed along the circumferential direction. The locking protrusion 11 may have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction with a certain width. The locking protrusion 11 may also have a rectangular shape. The multiple locking protrusions 11 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The locking protrusion 11 is shaped like a plate that can stand up and lie down by rotating around the point where it is connected to the TE ring portion 9. The locking protrusion 11 can be switched between an upright position (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 8) and a lie down position (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 9).

[0030] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, in the upright position, the locking protrusion 11 extends inward from the inner circumferential surface of the TE ring portion 9. In Figure 8, the locking protrusion 11 extends from the point where it is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the TE ring portion 9 as an origin, in an upward direction while approaching the central axis C1 (see Figure 1). The inclination angle of the locking protrusion 11 with respect to the central axis C1 is, for example, 30° or more. The inclination angle of the locking protrusion 11 is, for example, 30° or more and 90° or less.

[0031] 6, 7, and 9, in the prone position, the locking protrusion 11 extends upward from the point where it is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the TE ring portion 9. The locking protrusion 11 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the TE ring portion 9. The inclination angle of the locking protrusion 11 with respect to the central axis C1 is, for example, equal to or greater than 0° and less than 30°. The prone position can also be referred to as a folded position.

[0032] 5, a receiving recess 18 is formed on the leading edge 11a (leading edge) of the locking projection 11. One receiving recess 18 is formed on each locking projection 11. The receiving recess 18 is formed, for example, in the center (center in the circumferential direction) of the leading edge 11a.

[0033] The receiving recess 18 is, for example, a rectangular recess. The receiving recess 18 has a bottom edge 18a and two side edges 18b. The bottom edge 18a is parallel to the tip edge 11a. The side edges 18b extend from both ends of the bottom edge 18a and reach the tip edge 11a. The side edges 18b are, for example, perpendicular to the bottom edge 18a.

[0034] The receiving recess 18 may be trapezoidal in shape and widen toward the tip of the locking projection 11. When the receiving recess 18 is trapezoidal in shape, the two side edges 18b extend at an angle away from each other toward the tip edge 11a of the locking projection 11.

[0035] The receiving recess 18 can receive a portion of the connecting protrusion 12 (first connecting protrusion 12A) including the lower end 12c in the prone position (see Figures 7 and 9). The circumferential position of the receiving recess 18 is determined to correspond to the circumferential position of the lower end 12c of the connecting protrusion 12. The width W1 (e.g., minimum width) of the receiving recess 18 is the same as or greater than the width W2 (e.g., maximum width) of the portion of the connecting protrusion 12 including the lower end 12c. The "width" refers to the circumferential dimension. The circumferential position and width W1 of the receiving recess 18 are determined so that the receiving recess 18 can receive the portion of the connecting protrusion 12 including the lower end 12c.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the length L1 of the locking protrusion 11 (the distance from the base end of the locking protrusion 11 to the tip edge 11a) is greater than the heightwise distance L2 (height difference) from the base end of the locking protrusion 11 to the lower end 12c of the connecting protrusion 12. The distance L3 from the base end of the locking protrusion 11 to the bottom edge 18a of the receiving recess 18 is less than the distance L2. As shown in Figure 9, the tip edge 11a of the locking protrusion 11 in the prone position is higher than the lower end 12c of the connecting protrusion 12.

[0037] 5, the locking projection 11 has a first thick portion 11A and a second thick portion 11B that are thicker than other portions. The first thick portion 11A is formed along the tip edge 11a of the locking projection 11. The second thick portions 11B are formed along both side edges 11b of the locking projection 11, respectively.

[0038] The cap 1 can be made of a synthetic resin material such as high density polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the container 20 to which the cap 1 is attached can be made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A male thread 22 is formed on the outer surface of the mouth 21 of the container 20. The locking step 23 is an annular protrusion that protrudes radially outward.

[0040] [Closing device] The container 20 and the cap 1 attached to the mouth portion 21 constitute a closure device 100.

[0041] [Beverage container closure device] The closure device 100 can be used as a beverage-filled closure device by filling the container 20 with a beverage such as a carbonated drink, a fruit juice drink, a tea drink, or a coffee drink.

[0042] [How to use the cap] The operation of attaching the cap 1 to the container 20 will now be described. When the cap 1 is turned in the closing direction while it is placed on the mouth portion 21, the thread portion 10 engages with the male thread 22, and the cap 1 is attached to the mouth portion 21. In the process of attaching the cap 1 to the mouth portion 21, the locking protrusion 11 assumes a prone position as it climbs over the locking step portion 23 (see Figure 9).

[0043] The operation of opening the cap 1 will now be described. In the closed state shown in Figure 2, when a user grips the tubular portion 3 and rotates it in the opening direction, the main portion 8 rises as it rotates, but the locking protrusion 11 engages with the locking step 23, preventing the TE ring portion 9 from moving upward, and a tensile force acts on the connecting protrusion 12 connecting the main portion 8 and the TE ring portion 9. The tensile force breaks the connecting protrusion 12, and the TE ring portion 9 is separated from the main portion 8. This clearly indicates that the cap 1 has been opened.

[0044] [Effects of the cap according to the embodiment] In the cap 1 according to this embodiment, the leading edge 11a of the locking protrusion 11 in the prone position is positioned higher than the lower end 12c of the connecting protrusion 12. The leading edge 11a of the locking protrusion 11 is formed with a receiving recess 18 that receives a portion including the lower end 12c of the connecting protrusion 12 in the prone position. This allows the locking protrusion 11 to have a sufficient length L1 without interfering with the connecting protrusion 12. In the cap 1, the locking protrusion 11 can easily be locked into the locking step 23 when opened, which provides good tamper-evident properties. In the cap 1, the length L1 of the locking protrusion 11 can be ensured even when the height is reduced, allowing for a low profile.

[0045] In the cap 1, the locking projection 11 has a first thick portion 11A formed along the tip edge 11a and a second thick portion 11B formed along the side edge 11b. This allows the central portion surrounded by the first thick portion 11A and the second thick portion 11B to be thin-walled. This allows the locking projection 11 to be lightweight while maintaining its strength.

[0046] In the cap 1, the multiple connecting protrusions 12 include a first connecting protrusion 12A that fits into the receiving recess 18 and a second connecting protrusion 12B that is formed at a circumferential position away from the locking protrusion 11. With this configuration, the number of receiving recesses 18 can be reduced, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the locking protrusion 11.

[0047] As for the specific configuration of the cap, the configurations given in the above-mentioned embodiments can be selected or changed as appropriate to other configurations, as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The receiving recess formed in the locking protrusion is not particularly limited in shape as long as it can receive the portion including the lower end of the connecting protrusion. The receiving recess is not limited to a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, and may be, for example, an arc-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, or the like.

[0048] The number of receiving recesses formed in the locking projection is not limited to one per locking projection, and may be multiple. 3, in the cap 1, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting protrusion 12 is trapezoidal, but the shape of the connecting protrusion is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting protrusion may also be rectangular. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Cap (synthetic resin cap) 2 Top plate 3 Cylinder part 8 Main Section 9 TE Ring (Tamper Evidence Ring) 10 Threaded part 11 Locking protrusion 11a Tip edge (tip) 11A 1st thick part 11b Side edge 11B 2nd thick part 12 Connecting protrusion 12c bottom end 12A First connecting protrusion 12B Second connecting protrusion 18 Receiving recess 20 containers 21 Mouth area 22 Male thread 100 Closing device

Claims

1. A synthetic resin cap attached to the mouth of a container, A top plate portion and a tubular portion hanging down from the periphery of the top plate portion, The cylindrical portion is divided into a main portion and a tamper-evidence ring portion, The tamper evidence ring portion is provided with a plurality of locking protrusions that lock onto the locking step portion of the mouth portion when the cap is opened to prevent the tamper evidence ring portion from moving, a plurality of connecting protrusions that connect the main portion and the tamper evidence ring portion are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and protrude inward; The locking projection is formed in a plate shape that can stand up and lie down relative to the tamper evidence ring portion, In the prone position, the tip edge of the locking protrusion is located at a position higher than the lower end of the connecting protrusion, a receiving recess formed on the distal end edge of the locking protrusion for receiving a portion including a lower end of the connecting protrusion in the prone position; Synthetic resin cap.

2. The locking projection has a first thick portion formed along the tip edge and a second thick portion formed along the side edge. The synthetic resin cap according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of locking projections are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, The plurality of connecting protrusions include a first connecting protrusion that fits into the receiving recess of the locking projection, and a second connecting protrusion that is formed at a circumferential position away from the locking projection. The synthetic resin cap according to claim 1.

4. A closure device comprising the cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a container for filling with a beverage.

5. A closure device containing a beverage, comprising the cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a container filled with a beverage.

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