cap

Abstract

The present invention provides a cap that prevents the opening assist member from unintentionally rotating in the folding direction when the opening assist member is expanded. [Solution] A cap having a screw-type lid 12 that is rotatable in the opening and closing direction, wherein an opening assist member 47 is connected to the outer circumference of the lid 12 via a first hinge 50, and the opening assist member 47 is rotatable around the first hinge 50 in an expanding direction 51 that expands radially outward from the outer circumference of the lid 12 and in a folding direction 52 that closes toward the outer circumference of the lid 12, and the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47 is connected to the first hinge 50, and an expanded position maintenance mechanism 55 is provided to maintain the opening assist member 47 in an expanded position P1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap having a screw-type lid that is rotatable in the opening and closing directions.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a cap of this type, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, there is a screw-type lid provided with an opening assistance member for assisting the opening operation. The opening assistance member is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the lid via a hinge (connecting portion), and is rotatable about the hinge in an expanding direction that expands outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral portion of the lid and a folding direction that closes toward the outer peripheral portion of the lid.

[0003] According to this, at the time of the opening operation, the opening assistance member is rotated in the expanding direction to expand outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral portion of the lid. Then, by picking up the outer periphery of the lid with a fingertip and turning the lid in the opening direction while pushing the opening assistance member in the opening direction, the turning force (rotational torque) is amplified, so that even a weak user can easily turn the lid in the opening direction to open the cap.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above conventional form, when the opening assistance member is expanded, it cannot be maintained in the expanded posture, and there is a risk that the opening assistance member will inadvertently rotate in the folding direction. For example, when the opening assistance member is expanded in a state where the lid is inclined, there is a risk that the opening assistance member will inadvertently rotate in the folding direction and be folded due to its own weight. For this reason, there is a problem that the opening operation cannot be performed smoothly.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a cap that can prevent the opening assist member from unintentionally rotating in the folding direction when the opening assist member is expanded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a cap having a screw-type lid that is rotatable in the opening and closing direction, The opening assist member is connected to the outer circumference of the lid via the first hinge. The opening assist member is rotatable around the first hinge in an expanding direction, which expands radially outward from the outer circumference of the lid, and in a folding direction, which closes toward the outer circumference of the lid. In the folded opening assist member, one end of the opening assist member in the lid opening direction is connected to the first hinge as the base end, and the other end of the opening assist member in the lid closing direction is the free end. It is characterized by being equipped with an expanded posture maintenance mechanism that maintains the opening assist member in an expanded position.

[0008] According to this, when opening the lid, the opening assist member is rotated in the expanding direction to expand the lid radially outward from the outer circumference. Then, by pinching the outer circumference of the lid with the fingertips and pushing the opening assist member in the opening direction while rotating the lid in the opening direction, the rotational force (rotational torque) is amplified, so even a user with little strength can easily rotate the lid in the opening direction and open it.

[0009] As described above, when the opening assist member is expanded, it is maintained in the expanded position by the expanded position maintenance mechanism, thus preventing the opening assist member from unintentionally rotating in the folding direction. This allows for a smooth opening operation.

[0010] According to the cap of the present invention, the mechanism for maintaining the expanded position includes a first locking portion provided at the base end of the opening assist member and a second locking portion provided on the outer circumference of the lid. When the opening assist member rotates in the expanding direction, the first locking part engages with the second locking part, thereby maintaining the opening assist member in the expanded position. It is preferable that the opening assist member folds when the opening assist member rotates in the folding direction, as the first locking portion disengages from the second locking portion.

[0011] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that a folding posture maintenance mechanism is provided to maintain the opening assist member in a folded position.

[0012] According to this design, when the opening assist member is rotated in the folding direction and folded to the outer circumference of the lid, the opening assist member is maintained in the folded position by the folding posture maintenance mechanism. This prevents the opening assist member from unintentionally rotating in the expanding direction. As a result, when folding the opening aid and pinching the outer edge of the lid with your fingertips to turn the lid in the closing direction to close it, the opening aid does not interfere with the operation of closing the cap.

[0013] According to the cap of the present invention, the folding posture maintenance mechanism has a third locking portion provided at the free end of the opening assist member and a fourth locking portion provided on the outer circumference of the lid. When the opening assist member rotates in the folding direction, the third locking part engages with the fourth locking part, thereby maintaining the opening assist member in the folded position. When the opening assist member rotates in the expanding direction, it is preferable that the opening assist member expands as the third locking portion disengages from the fourth locking portion.

[0014] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that the opening assist member is connected to the lid via a breakable first bridge in a folded state.

[0015] According to this, upon initial opening, the first bridge is broken, and then the opening assist member is rotated from its folded state in the expanding direction to expand radially outward from the outer circumference of the lid. Thus, since the first bridge is broken at the time of first opening, if the cap is illegally opened, the illegal opening can be easily confirmed.

[0016] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that a rotation range limiting portion that limits the rotation range of the opening assisting member is provided.

[0017] According to this, when the opening assisting member is rotated in the expanding direction to expand, the rotation range of the opening assisting member is limited by the rotation range limiting portion. Thereby, the opening assisting member does not rotate excessively in the expanding direction and is surely maintained in a predetermined expanded posture by the expanded posture maintaining mechanism.

[0018] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that the rotation range of the opening assisting member is limited by the outer peripheral surface at the base end portion of the opening assisting member coming into contact with the rotation range limiting portion in the expanding direction.

[0019] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable to have a weakened portion that breaks when the lid is turned in the opening direction at the time of first opening.

[0020] According to this, at the time of first opening, when the lid is turned in the opening direction to open, the weakened portion breaks. Therefore, if the cap is illegally opened, the illegal opening can be easily confirmed visually.

[0021] According to the cap of the present invention, it has a cap body attached to the mouth portion of the container. The lid is detachable from the cap body via a screw portion. The lid and the cap body are swingably connected via a second hinge. It is preferable that the second hinge is a weakened portion.

[0022] According to this, at the time of first opening, when the lid is turned in the opening direction to remove it from the cap body and open it, the second hinge breaks and the lid and the cap body are separated. Therefore, if the cap is illegally opened, the illegal opening can be easily confirmed visually.

[0023] According to the cap of the present invention, the lid is attached to the mouth of the container, a sealing band is attached to the lid via a second bridge, and it is preferable that the second bridge is a weakened part.

[0024] According to this, when the lid is rotated in the opening direction for the first opening, the second bridge breaks, and the lid and the sealing band are separated. Therefore, when the cap is illegally opened, the illegal opening can be easily visually confirmed.

[0025] According to the cap of the present invention, it is preferable that an extrusion member for extruding the opening assistance member in the expanding direction is provided on the lid.

[0026] According to this, at the first opening, by extruding the opening assistance member in the expanding direction by the extrusion member, the opening assistance member is forcibly rotated in the expanding direction and expands outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral portion of the lid. Thereby, the opening assistance member can be easily expanded in the expanding direction.

[0027] According to the cap of the present invention, the extrusion member has a main body portion attached to the lid and an extrusion arm provided on the main body portion, the main body portion is movable in the axial direction of the lid, and it is preferable that when the main body portion is pushed into the lid, the extrusion arm extrudes the opening assistance member outward in the radial direction in conjunction with the main body portion.

[0028] According to this, at the first opening, by pushing the main body portion of the extrusion member into the lid, the extrusion arm extrudes the opening assistance member outward, so that the opening assistance member is forcibly rotated and expanded in the expanding direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0029] As described above, according to the present invention, when the opening assist member is expanded, the opening assist member is maintained in the expanded position by the expanded position maintenance mechanism, thereby preventing the opening assist member from unintentionally rotating in the folding direction. This allows for a smooth opening operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the lid is folded towards the cap body. [Figure 2] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of XX in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap, showing it in an unopened state. [Figure 5] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a partially enlarged plan view of the lid in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the cap lid, showing the opening assist member in its expanded state. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged plan view of the lid. [Figure 10] The same image shows a plan view of the cap lid, illustrating the folded opening assist component. [Figure 11] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the YY direction. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap, showing it in its opened state. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap in the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before the lid is folded towards the cap body. [Figure 14] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of XX in Figure 14. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap, showing it in an unopened state. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of the cap lid, showing the unopened state. [Figure 18] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This is a plan view of the cap lid, showing the opening assist member in its expanded state. [Figure 20] The same image shows a plan view of the cap lid, illustrating the folded opening assist component. [Figure 21] This is a partially cutaway front view of the cap in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a plan view of the cap lid, showing the unopened state. [Figure 23] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is a plan view of the cap lid, showing the opening assist member in its expanded state. [Figure 25] The same image shows a plan view of the cap lid, illustrating the folded opening assist component. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when the main body of the extruded member is in the standby position in an unopened state. [Figure 27] The same image shows a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the cap, illustrating the state when the main body of the extruded member is in the standby position. [Figure 28] The same is a cross-sectional view of the cap, showing the state when the main body of the extruded component is pushed in to the recessed position while the cap is unopened. [Figure 29] The same image shows a magnified cross-sectional view of a part of the cap, illustrating the state when the main body of the extruded member is pushed in to the recessed position. [Figure 30] This is a plan view of the extruded cap component. [Figure 31] This is a cross-sectional view of XX in Figure 30. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view of the cap, showing the state before the lid is folded towards the cap body and before the extruded member is attached to the lid. [Figure 33]The same is a plan view of the cap lid with the extruded member attached, showing the unopened state. [Figure 34] This is a view from the direction of arrow XX in Figure 33. [Figure 35] The same is a plan view of the cap lid with the extruded member attached, showing the opening assist member in an expanded state. [Figure 36] The same is a plan view of the cap lid with the extruded member attached, showing the opening assist member folded. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment)

[0032] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, 1 is a cap having a cap body 11 that can be attached to the mouth 3 of a container 2 such as a PET bottle, a screw-type lid 12 that can rotate freely in the opening and closing directions 18 and 23, and a breakable second hinge 13 (an example of a weakened part).

[0033] The lid 12 is detachably attached to the cap body 11 via a male threaded portion 15 and a female threaded portion 16. The lid 12 and the cap body 11 are pivotably connected via a second hinge 13. When the cap 1 is opened for the first time, the second hinge 13 breaks when the lid 12 is turned in the opening direction 18 (see Figure 5). Note that "first opening" refers to the first time an unopened cap 1 is opened.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the cap body 11 is directly attached to the mouth 3 of the container 2, but it may also be indirectly attached to the mouth 3 via an inner stopper or the like.

[0035] The direction of the axis 19 passing through the center of the lid 12 is defined as the vertical direction 20, the direction perpendicular to the axis 19 is defined as the radial direction 21, and the circumferential direction centered on the axis 19 is defined as the circumferential direction 22, as shown in Figure 5.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the cap body 11 has a disc-shaped top wall 24 that covers the mouth 3, a cylindrical outer cylinder 25 that extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top wall 24, and a cylindrical inner cylinder 26 that extends downward from the top wall 24 inside the outer cylinder 25.

[0037] A mounting groove 27 is formed around the entire circumference between the outer cylinder 25 and the inner cylinder 26, with the upper part closed by the top wall 24 and the lower part open. As shown in Figure 4, when the mouth 3 of the container 2 is fitted into the mounting groove 27 from below, the outer cylinder 25 fits onto the outer circumference of the mouth 3, and the inner cylinder 26 fits onto the inner circumference of the mouth 3, thereby attaching the cap body 11 to the container 2.

[0038] The top wall 24 has a cylindrical dispensing tube 28 and an annular first circumferential wall 29 that protrude upward. The dispensing tube 28 is positioned on the inside of the first circumferential wall 29 in the radial direction 21. The male threaded portion 15 is formed on the outer circumference of the first circumferential wall 29.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 25 is provided with a main body side flange portion 30 that protrudes outward in the radial direction 21. The top wall 24 has a detachable member 32 surrounded by a breakable weakened portion 31. The weakened portion 31 has a thin-walled structure with reduced thickness.

[0040] A support column 33 is erected on the detachment member 32, and a pull ring 34 is provided at the tip of the support column 33. The detachment body 36 is composed of the detachment member 32, the support column 33, and the pull ring 34.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lid 12 includes a circular lid plate 40, a cylindrical skirt 41 provided on the outer edge of the lid plate 40, a cylindrical intermediate cylinder 42 provided on the inside of the skirt 41 in the radial direction 21, and a cylindrical sealing member 43 provided on the inside of the intermediate cylinder 42 in the radial direction 21.

[0042] The female threaded portion 16 is formed on the inner circumference of the skirt 41. As shown in Figure 4, when the cap 1 is closed, the male threaded portion 15 and the female threaded portion 16 are screwed together, and the sealing member 43 is inserted into the dispensing cylinder 28 and makes close contact with the inner surface of the dispensing cylinder 28 around its entire circumference. This seals the space between the dispensing cylinder 28 and the lid 12.

[0043] The outer circumference of the skirt 41 is provided with a plurality of lid-side flange portions 46 that protrude outward in the radial direction 21, and a plurality of opening assist members 47. These lid-side flange portions 46 are arranged with a predetermined space 48 (see Figure 8) in the circumferential direction 22, and are joined to the main body-side flange portion 30 in the closed state as shown in Figure 4.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 5 to 10, each opening assist member 47 is positioned in space 48, curved in an arc shape in plan view, and connected to the outer circumference of the skirt 41 via a first hinge 50. It is rotatable around the first hinge 50 in an expanding direction 51, which expands outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer circumference of the skirt 41, and in a folding direction 52, which closes toward the outer circumference of the skirt 41.

[0045] In the folded opening assist member 47, one end of the opening assist member 47 in the opening direction 18 of the lid 12 is connected to the first hinge 50 as the base end 47a, and the other end of the opening assist member 47 in the closing direction 23 of the lid 12 is the free end 47b.

[0046] The lid 12 is equipped with an expanded posture maintenance mechanism 55 that maintains the opening assist member 47 in an expanded posture P1 (hereinafter referred to as the expanded posture P1) as shown in Figure 8, and a folded posture maintenance mechanism 56 that maintains the opening assist member 47 in a folded posture P2 (hereinafter referred to as the folded posture P2) as shown in Figure 10.

[0047] The expanded position maintenance mechanism 55 includes a hook 59 (an example of a first locking part) provided on the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47, and a stopper 60 (an example of a second locking part) provided on the outer circumference of the skirt 41.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the stopper 60 has a stopper recess 60a recessed in the closing direction 23 of the lid 12 and a stopper surface 60b formed outward in the radial direction 21.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, when the opening assist member 47 rotates in the expanding direction 51, the hook 59 engages with the stopper 60, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the expanded position P1. At this time, as shown in Figure 9, the hook 59 fits into the stopper recess 60a, and the end face 49 of the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47 makes surface contact with the stopper surface 60b.

[0050] Furthermore, when the opening assist member 47 rotates in the folding direction 52, as shown in Figure 10, the hook 59 detaches from the stopper 60, causing the opening assist member 47 to fold along the outer circumference of the skirt 41 and be stored in the space 48. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the hook 59 is dislodged from the stopper recess 60a, and the end face 49 of the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47 separates from the stopper surface 60b.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 10, the folding posture maintenance mechanism 56 has an auxiliary member-side locking projection 62 (an example of a third locking part) provided on the free end 47b of the opening auxiliary member 47, and a lid-side locking projection 64 (an example of a fourth locking part) provided on the lid-side flange 46.

[0052] When the opening assist member 47 rotates in the folding direction 52 and is folded, as shown in Figure 10, the assist member side locking projection 62 locks onto the lid side locking projection 64 from the inside in the radial direction 21, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the folded position P2.

[0053] Furthermore, when the opening assist member 47 rotates in the expanding direction 51, the locking projection 62 on the assist member side detaches from the locking projection 64 on the lid side outward in the radial direction 21, causing the opening assist member 47 to expand and protrude outward from within the space 48 in the radial direction 21, as shown in Figure 8.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the opening assist member 47 is connected to the lid 12 in a folded state via a breakable first bridge 67. The first bridge 67 is provided on the outer circumference of the skirt 41 of the lid 12 and is connected to the free end 47b of the opening assist member 47. As shown in Figure 8, when the first bridge 67 is broken, the opening assist member 47 becomes rotatable in the expanding direction 51 and the folding direction 52. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0055] When manufacturing the cap 1 by injection molding, as shown in Figure 1, the cap body 11 and the lid 12 are connected via a second hinge 13. Therefore, using a single mold, the cap body 11 and the lid 12 can be molded simultaneously in a single molding process.

[0056] After manufacturing, the lid 12 is swiveled and folded towards the cap body 11 around the second hinge 13, thereby returning the cap 1 to an unopened state as shown in Figure 4. Then, the cap 1 is pressed into place and attached to the opening 3 of the container 2. In the unopened state, the female thread portion 16 of the lid 12 engages with the male thread portion 15 of the cap body 11.

[0057] Subsequently, when the unopened cap 1 is opened for the first time (hereinafter referred to as the initial opening), first, as shown in Figure 11, the fingertip 68 is inserted between the inner circumference of the opening assist member 47 and the outer circumference of the skirt 41 of the lid 12, and the gap D between the inner circumference of the opening assist member 47 and the outer circumference of the skirt 41 is widened with the fingertip 68, thereby breaking the first bridge 67.

[0058] Next, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8, the opening assist member 47 is rotated from its folded state in the expanding direction 51, expanding outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer circumference of the skirt 41 of the lid 12.

[0059] Subsequently, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8, the user grasps the outer circumference of the skirt 41 with their fingertips 68 and pushes the opening assist member 47 in the opening direction 18 while rotating the lid 12 in the opening direction 18. This amplifies the rotational force (rotational torque), causing the second hinge 13 to break and separating the cap body 11 from the lid 12. As a result, even a user with little strength can easily rotate the lid 12 in the opening direction 18 to remove it from the cap body 11 and open the cap, as shown in Figure 12.

[0060] In this way, when the cap is opened for the first time, the first bridge 67 is broken and the second hinge 13 is broken, separating the cap body 11 and the lid 12. Therefore, if the cap 1 is opened illegally, the illegal opening can be easily confirmed by visual inspection.

[0061] As described above, when the opening assist member 47 is rotated in the expanding direction 51 to expand it, as shown in Figure 8, the hook 59 engages with the stopper 60, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the expanded position P1. At this time, as shown in Figure 9, the hook 59 fits into the stopper recess 60a, and the end face 49 of the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47 makes surface contact with the stopper surface 60b. This prevents the opening assist member 47 from unintentionally rotating in the folding direction 52, allowing for a smooth opening operation.

[0062] As shown by the solid line in Figure 12, with the container open, the pull ring 34 is pulled with the fingertip 68 to break the weakened portion 31, causing the detachable member 32 to detach from the top wall 24 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 12, and a through hole (not shown) is formed in the top wall 24. As a result, the contents of the container 2, such as liquid or fluid, are dispensed from the dispensing cylinder 28 through the through hole.

[0063] After opening, the opening assist member 47 is rotated in the folding direction 52, causing the hook 59 to detach from the stopper 60, as shown in Figure 10. The opening assist member 47 is then folded along the outer circumference of the skirt 41 and stored in the space 48.

[0064] In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the hook 59 is disengaged from the stopper recess 60a, and the end face 49 of the base end 47a of the opening assist member 47 is separated from the stopper surface 60b. As shown in Figure 10, the assist member side locking projection 62 engages with the lid side locking projection 64 from the inside in the radial direction 21, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the folded position P2. This prevents the opening assist member 47 from unintentionally rotating in the expanding direction 51.

[0065] As a result, when folding the opening assist member 47 and pinching the outer circumference of the skirt 41 of the lid 12 or the outer circumference of the lid side flange 46 with the fingertips 68 to rotate the lid 12 in the closing direction 23 to close it, the opening assist member 47 does not interfere with the closing operation of the cap 1.

[0066] By rotating the lid 12 in the closing direction 23 and attaching it to the cap body 11 to close the cap, the sealing member 43 (see Figure 4) comes into close contact with the inner surface of the dispensing cylinder 28 around its entire circumference, thereby sealing the space between the dispensing cylinder 28 and the lid 12.

[0067] Subsequently, when opening cap 1 again, since the second hinge 13 has already been broken during the initial opening, the lid 12 can be rotated in the opening direction 18 and removed from the cap body 11 with less rotational force (rotational torque) than during the initial opening.

[0068] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the cap 1 may be opened by rotating the lid 12 in the opening direction 18 while the opening assist member 47 is kept in the folded position P2, or, as shown in Figure 8, the cap 1 may be opened by rotating the lid 12 in the opening direction 18 while the opening assist member 47 is switched from the folded position P2 to the expanded position P1, similar to the initial opening described above. (Second Embodiment)

[0069] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 5, two opening assist members 47 were provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction 22. However, in the second embodiment described below, as shown in Figures 14 and 17, three opening assist members 47 were provided in the circumferential direction 22.

[0070] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 5, the opening assist member 47 is connected to the lid 12 via one first bridge 67 in a folded state. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 14 and 17, the opening assist member 47 is connected to the lid 12 via two (or more) first bridges 67 in a folded state.

[0071] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, the detachable body 36 is composed of the detachable member 32, the support column 33, and the pull ring 34. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the detachable body 77 is composed of the detachable member 32, the engaging member 75, and the first rotation transmission member 76.

[0072] The engaging member 75 is an arc-shaped member in plan view and is provided in pairs on the detaching member 32. The first rotation transmission member 76 is a plate-shaped member and is provided in pairs on the detaching member 32, positioned between a pair of engaging members 75 that face each other in the radial direction 21.

[0073] As shown in Figures 13, 14, and 16, the inside of the lid 12 is provided with a cylindrical first retaining member 79 for holding the detachable body 77 and a plate-shaped second rotational transmission member 80. The first retaining member 79 and the second rotational transmission member 80 are attached to the lid plate 40. The second rotational transmission member 80 is positioned inside the first retaining member 79.

[0074] As shown in Figure 16, when the cap 1 is unopened, the second rotation transmission member 80 is inserted from above between the pair of first rotation transmission members 76, and the pair of engaging members 75 are inserted from below into the first holding member 79. As a result, the first rotation transmission members 76 and the second rotation transmission member 80 engage with each other in the opening and closing directions 18, 23 of the lid 12 (see Figure 17).

[0075] As shown in Figures 14, 17, and 19, rotation range limiting portions 83 that restrict the rotation range of the opening assist member 47 are provided on the outer circumference of the skirt 41 of the lid 12 and are arranged at multiple locations in the circumferential direction 22 of the lid 12. In a plan view, the rotation range limiting portion 83 has a limiting surface 83a that is inclined toward the closing direction 23 as it moves outward in the radial direction 21. In the circumferential direction 22, the limiting surface 83a faces the base end portion 47a of the opening assist member 47.

[0076] As shown in Figure 19, the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 47a of the opening assist member 47 contacts the limiting surface 83a of the rotation range limiting portion 83 in the expanding direction 51, thereby limiting the rotation range of the opening assist member 47.

[0077] As shown in Figure 20, the lid-side locking projection 64 of the folding posture maintenance mechanism 56 is provided on the rotation range limiting portion 83. The limiting surface 83a and the lid-side locking projection 64 are oriented opposite to each other in the circumferential direction 22. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0078] As shown in Figure 13, after manufacturing the cap 1, the lid 12 is swiveled and folded toward the cap body 11 around the second hinge 13, thereby returning the cap 1 to an unopened state as shown in Figure 16. At this time, the second rotation transmission member 80 is inserted from above between the pair of first rotation transmission members 76, and the pair of engaging members 75 are inserted from below into the first holding member 79. After that, the cap 1 is sealed and attached to the mouth 3 of the container 2.

[0079] During the initial opening, as shown in Figure 19, the first bridge 67 is broken, and the opening assist member 47 is rotated in the expanding direction 51, causing the lid 12 to expand outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer circumference of the skirt 41.

[0080] In this case, the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 47a of the opening assist member 47 comes into contact with the limiting surface 83a of the rotation range limiting portion 83 in the expanding direction 51, thereby limiting the rotation range of the opening assist member 47.

[0081] As a result, the opening assist member 47 does not rotate excessively in the expansion direction 51, and the hook 59 of the expansion posture maintenance mechanism 55 engages with the stopper 60, ensuring that it is reliably maintained in the predetermined expansion posture P1.

[0082] Subsequently, the user grasps the outer circumference of the skirt 41 with their fingertips 68 and pushes the opening assist member 47 in the opening direction 18 while rotating the lid 12 in the opening direction 18. This amplifies the rotational force (rotational torque), causing the second hinge 13 to break and separating the cap body 11 from the lid 12. This allows even a user with little strength to easily rotate the lid 12 in the opening direction 18 to remove it from the cap body 11 and open it. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the rotational force (rotational torque) acting on the lid 12 is transmitted from the second rotation transmission member 80 to the first rotation transmission member 76, and then from the first rotation transmission member 76 to the release member 32, causing the weakened portion 31 to break.

[0083] As a result, the detachment member 32 detaches from the top wall 24, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the top wall 24, and the contents of the container 2, such as liquid or fluid, are dispensed from the dispensing cylinder 28 through the through hole. As described above, when opening for the first time, the second hinge 13 and the weakened part 31 can be broken simultaneously by turning the lid 12 in the opening direction 18, so that the cap 1 can be opened quickly and easily.

[0084] After opening, by rotating the opening assist member 47 in the folding direction 52, as shown in Figure 20, the hook 59 disengages from the stopper 60, the opening assist member 47 folds along the outer circumference of the skirt 41, and the assist member side locking projection 62 engages with the lid side locking projection 64 from the inside in the radial direction 21, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the folded position P2.

[0085] In the second embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 16, a pair (i.e., two) first rotation transmission members 76 are provided on the release member 32, and one second rotation transmission member 80 is provided on the lid plate 40 of the lid 12. Conversely, one first rotation transmission member 76 may be provided on the release member 32, and a pair (i.e., two) second rotation transmission members 80 may be provided on the lid plate 40. In this case, in an unopened cap 1, the first rotation transmission member 76 is inserted from below between the pair of second rotation transmission members 80, and the first rotation transmission member 76 and the second rotation transmission member 80 engage with each other in the opening and closing directions 18 and 23 of the lid 12.

[0086] In the second embodiment described above, the limiting surface 83a (see Figure 17) of the rotation range limiting portion 83 may be inclined to an arc shape having the same curvature as the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 47a of the opening assisting member 47. (Third embodiment)

[0087] In the first and second embodiments described above, as shown in Figures 1 and 13, the cap 1 has a cap body 11 and a lid 12. However, in the third embodiment described below, as shown in Figure 21, the cap 1 has a rotatable screw-type lid 12 but does not have a cap body 11.

[0088] The lid 12 is detachably attached to the mouth 3 of the container 2. The outer circumference of the mouth 3 is provided with a male threaded portion 15 and a plurality of first projections 88. The first projections 88 protrude outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer surface of the mouth 3.

[0089] The lid 12 has a lid plate 40 and a skirt 41. A female threaded portion 16 is formed on the inner circumference of the skirt 41. When closed, the male threaded portion 15 and the female threaded portion 16 interlock with each other.

[0090] An annular sealing band 91 is connected to the lower end of the skirt 41 via a plurality of breakable second bridges 90 (an example of a weakened section). The sealing band 91 is positioned to surround the outside of the opening 3, and a plurality of second projections 93 are provided on the inner circumference of the sealing band 91. The second projections 93 protrude inward in the radial direction 21 from the inner circumferential surface of the sealing band 91.

[0091] As shown in Figure 21, by pressing the cap 1 onto the opening 3 of the container 2, when the container is unopened, the female thread portion 16 of the lid 12 engages with the male thread portion 15 of the opening 3, and the second projection 93 of the sealing band 91 can engage with the first projection 88 of the opening 3 in the circumferential direction 22 of the lid 12 (see Figure 22).

[0092] Furthermore, similar to the first and second embodiments described above, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 to 25, a plurality of opening assist members 47 are provided on the outer periphery of the skirt 41. Also, as shown in Figure 24, the lid 12 is provided with an expanded position maintenance mechanism 55 that maintains the opening assist members 47 in an expanded position P1, and as shown in Figure 25, a folded position maintenance mechanism 56 that maintains the opening assist members 47 in a folded position P2. A rotation range limiting part 83 is provided on the outer circumference of the skirt 41 to limit the rotation range of the opening assist member 47. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0093] During the initial opening, as shown in Figure 24, the first bridge 67 is broken, and the opening assist member 47 is rotated in the expanding direction 51, causing the lid 12 to expand outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer circumference of the skirt 41.

[0094] In this case, the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 47a of the opening assist member 47 comes into contact with the limiting surface 83a of the rotation range limiting portion 83 in the expanding direction 51, thereby limiting the rotation range of the opening assist member 47.

[0095] As a result, the opening assist member 47 does not rotate excessively in the expansion direction 51, and the hook 59 of the expansion posture maintenance mechanism 55 engages with the stopper 60, ensuring that it is reliably maintained in the predetermined expansion posture P1.

[0096] Subsequently, the user grasps the outer circumference of the skirt 41 with their fingertips 68 and pushes the opening assist member 47 in the opening direction 18 while rotating the lid 12 in the opening direction 18. As a result, the lid 12 rotates in the opening direction 18, but as shown in Figure 21, the second projection 93 of the sealing band 91 engages with the first projection 88 of the mouth 3 of the container 2 in the opening direction 18, preventing the sealing band 91 from rotating in the opening direction 18. Consequently, the second bridge 90 breaks, separating the sealing band 91 from the lid 12, and the lid 12 rotates in the opening direction 18 and is removed from the mouth 3 of the container 2, leaving the sealing band 91 on the mouth 3 side of the container 2. This makes it easy to visually confirm if the cap 1 has been opened illegally.

[0097] In this case, as shown in Figure 24, the opening assist member 47 is maintained in the expanded position P1, so the rotational force (rotational torque) is amplified, and even a user with little strength can easily turn the lid 12 in the opening direction 18 to remove it from the mouth 3 of the container 2 and open it.

[0098] After opening, by rotating the opening assist member 47 in the folding direction 52, as shown in Figure 25, the hook 59 disengages from the stopper 60, the opening assist member 47 folds along the outer circumference of the skirt 41, and the assist member side locking projection 62 engages with the lid side locking projection 64 from the inside in the radial direction 21, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the folded position P2. (Fourth embodiment)

[0099] In the fourth embodiment described below, the cap 1 of the second embodiment described above is modified, and as shown in Figures 26 to 29, an extrusion member 98 that pushes each opening assist member 47 in the expanding direction 51 is provided on the lid 12.

[0100] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the extrusion member 98 has a main body 99 that can be attached to the lid 12, and a plurality of extrusion arms 101 provided on the main body 99 via a third hinge 100. The main body 99 has a cylindrical body 103 and a top plate 104 provided at the upper end of the body 103. The extrusion arms 101 are connected to the upper end of the main body 99 via the third hinge 100 and are swingable inward 112 and outward 113 in the radial direction 21 around the third hinge 100.

[0101] As shown in Figures 26, 28, and 32, the lid plate 40 is provided with a cylindrical second retaining member 106 that holds the main body 99 of the extruded member 98. The second retaining member 106 is provided on the inside of the lid 12 from the lid plate 40 and is positioned inside the sealing member 43 in the radial direction 21. When the lid 12 is closed, the second retaining member 106 has a groove 107 formed around its entire circumference that is open at the top (downward in Figure 32).

[0102] The main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 is movable vertically 20 (in the axial direction of the lid 12) between a standby position P3 (see Figures 26 and 27) and a push-in position P4 (see Figures 28 and 29) while the body 103 is inserted into the groove 107 from above and held by the second holding member 106. The push-in position P4 is set lower than the standby position P3.

[0103] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, when the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 is in the standby position P3, a space 108 corresponding to the distance from the standby position P3 to the push-in position P4 is secured between the lower end of the body 103 and the bottom of the groove 107.

[0104] As shown in Figures 26, 27, 32, and 33, the outer edge of the lid plate 40 of the lid 12 and the upper end of the skirt 41 are connected via a curved portion 44 that is curved in an arc shape.

[0105] Furthermore, a cylindrical second circumferential wall 109 is provided on the outer circumference of the lid 12, rising upward from the skirt 41 when the lid 12 is closed. Multiple open-topped notches 110 (slits) are formed in the second circumferential wall 109. As shown in Figures 27 and 29, the notches 110 are formed in a range of 20 in the vertical direction, from the upper end of the second circumferential wall 109 to the upper end of the skirt 41.

[0106] As shown in Figures 27, 29, and 33, each extrusion arm 101 is inserted into each notch 110. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, when the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 is in the standby position P3, the tip (free end) of each extrusion arm 101 contacts the inner circumferential surface of each opening assist member 47, and as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the main body 99 is pushed downward and moves from the standby position P3 to the pushed-in position P4, so that each extrusion arm 101, supported from below by the curved portion 44 of the lid 12, swings outward 113 in the radial direction 21 around the third hinge 100.

[0107] In addition, in Figures 26 and 27, when the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 is in the standby position P3, the tip of the extrusion arm 101 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening assist member 47, but it may also be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the opening assist member 47 with a small gap. The following explains the operation of the above configuration.

[0108] When cap 1 is unopened, as shown in Figures 26, 27, and 33, the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 is inserted into the groove 107 and held by the second holding member 106 of the lid 12 in the standby position P3, while the tip (free end) of each extrusion arm 101 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of each opening assist member 47.

[0109] During the initial opening, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, by pushing the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 from the standby position P3 to the push-in position P4 with a fingertip, each extrusion arm 101, supported from below by the curved portion 44, swings outward 113 around the third hinge 100 in conjunction with the main body 99, simultaneously pushing out each opening assist member 47 outward 113.

[0110] As a result, each first bridge 67 is broken, and each opening assist member 47 is forcibly rotated in the expanding direction 51, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 35, and expands outward in the radial direction 21 from the outer circumference of the lid 12. This makes it easy to simultaneously expand all opening assist members 47 in the expanding direction 51.

[0111] Then, as shown by the solid line in Figure 35, the opening assist member 47 is further expanded with the fingertips to the expanded position P1, and while pushing the opening assist member 47 in the opening direction 18, the lid 12 is rotated in the opening direction 18 to remove it from the cap body 11 and open.

[0112] After opening, as shown in Figure 36, by rotating the opening assist member 47 in the folding direction 52, the hook 59 disengages from the stopper 60, the opening assist member 47 folds along the outer circumference of the skirt 41, and the assist member side locking projection 62 locks onto the lid side locking projection 64 from the inside in the radial direction 21, thereby maintaining the opening assist member 47 in the folded position P2.

[0113] At this time, each extrusion arm 101 is pushed in by the opening assist member 47 and swings inward 112 in the radial direction 21 around the third hinge 100, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 26 and the solid line in Figure 27. As a result, the main body 99 of the extrusion member 98 rises and returns from the pushed-in position P4 to the standby position P3, as shown in Figures 26 and 27.

[0114] In the fourth embodiment described above, the extrusion member 98 is attached to the lid 12 of the cap 1 of the second embodiment described above. However, similarly, the extrusion member 98 may be attached to the lid 12 of the cap 1 of the first embodiment described above, or the extrusion member 98 may be attached to the lid 12 of the cap 1 of the third embodiment described above.

[0115] In the first, second, and fourth embodiments described above, a cap 1 having a second hinge 13 (an example of a weakened part) is shown as in Figures 1, 13, and 32. However, a cap without a second hinge 13 may also be used. In this case, the cap 1 is manufactured with the cap body 11 and the lid 12 separated from the beginning.

[0116] In the third embodiment described above, a cap 1 having a second bridge 90 (an example of a weakened portion) is shown as in Figure 21, but a cap without a second bridge 90 may also be used. In this case, the sealing band 91 is not provided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1 cap 2 containers 3 Mouth 11 Cap body 12 Lid 13. Second hinge (weakened part) 15 Male threaded section 16 Female thread section 18 Opening direction 20. Vertical direction (direction of the lid's axis) 21 Radial direction 23 Close direction 47 Opening assistance member 47a Base end of opening assist member 47b Free end of opening assist member 50 First hinge 51. Expanding direction 52 Folding direction 55 Expanded posture maintenance mechanism 56. Folding posture maintenance mechanism 59 Hook (First locking part) 60 Stopper (Second locking part) 62 Auxiliary member side locking protrusion (third locking part) 64 Lid side locking protrusion (4th locking part) 67. First Bridge 83 Rotation range limiting unit 90 Second bridge (weakened section) 91 Sealing Band 98 Extruded member 99 Main body 101 Extrusion Arm 113 Outside P1 Expanded posture P2 Folding position

Claims

1. A cap having a screw-type lid that can rotate freely in the opening and closing direction, An opening assist member is connected to the outer circumference of the lid via a first hinge. The opening assist member is rotatable around the first hinge in an expanding direction, which expands radially outward from the outer circumference of the lid, and in a folding direction, which closes toward the outer circumference of the lid. In the folded opening assist member, one end of the opening assist member in the lid opening direction is connected to the first hinge as the base end, and the other end of the opening assist member in the lid closing direction is the free end. A cap characterized by being equipped with an expanded position maintenance mechanism that maintains the opening assist member in an expanded position.

2. The expanded position maintenance mechanism has a first locking portion provided at the base end of the opening assist member and a second locking portion provided on the outer circumference of the lid. When the opening assist member rotates in the expanding direction, the first locking part engages with the second locking part, thereby maintaining the opening assist member in the expanded position. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that when the opening assist member rotates in the folding direction, the first locking part disengages from the second locking part, thereby folding the opening assist member.

3. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a folding posture maintenance mechanism for maintaining the opening assist member in a folded position.

4. The folding posture maintenance mechanism has a third locking part provided at the free end of the opening assist member and a fourth locking part provided on the outer circumference of the lid. When the opening assist member rotates in the folding direction, the third locking part engages with the fourth locking part, thereby maintaining the opening assist member in the folded position. The cap according to claim 3, characterized in that when the opening assist member rotates in the expanding direction, the third locking portion disengages from the fourth locking portion, thereby expanding the opening assist member.

5. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening assist member is connected to the lid via a breakable first bridge in a folded state.

6. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a rotation range limiting part that limits the rotation range of the opening assisting member.

7. The cap according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotation range of the opening assist member is limited by the outer circumferential surface at the base end of the opening assist member contacting the rotation range limiting portion in the expanding direction.

8. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a weakened portion that breaks when the lid is turned in the opening direction upon initial opening.

9. It has a cap body that is attached to the mouth of the container, The lid is detachable from the cap body via a screw thread. The lid and the cap body are pivotably connected via a second hinge. The cap according to claim 8, characterized in that the second hinge is a weakened part.

10. The lid is attached to the opening of the container. A sealing band is attached to the lid via the second bridge. The cap according to claim 8, characterized in that the second bridge is a weakened portion.

11. The cap according to claim 1, characterized in that an extrusion member for pushing an opening assist member in the expanding direction is provided on the lid.

12. The extrusion member has a main body that is attached to the lid and an extrusion arm provided on the main body. The main body is movable in the direction of the axial axis of the lid, The cap according to claim 11, characterized in that when the main body is pressed into the lid, the extrusion arm moves in conjunction with the main body to push the opening assist member radially outward.

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