Stopper and packaging container

Abstract

Allow the detached band to fall smoothly. [Solution] The spout comprises a spout, a cap, a band portion, and a break portion. The spout has a side wall, an external thread, a flange, and a notch protruding outward from the side wall. The cap has a top plate, a peripheral wall, and an internal thread that engages with the external thread. The band portion has a cylindrical band body and a flap that extends inclined from the lower end of the band body toward the top plate and restricts the cap from separating from the spout by contacting the notch. The break portion comprises a break portion that connects the band body and the peripheral wall so that the band portion and the cap are separated when the cap is removed from the spout. A gap is provided between the lower end of the band portion and the portion of the flange that faces the lower end of the band portion. The flap is positioned below the notch, away from the spout.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mouthplug and a packaging container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a nozzle structure of a bottle with enhanced tamper-evident function. Patent Document 2 discloses a composite container lid composed of a combination of a lid body, an inner lid made of a thin metal plate, and an upper lid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a mouthplug and a packaging container in which a separated band portion can fall smoothly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A plug according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a spout, a cap, a band portion, and a break portion. The spout has a cylindrical side wall, an external thread provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall, a flange provided on one end of the side wall, and a notch formed to protrude outward from the side wall. The cap has a top plate, a peripheral wall connected to the outer circumferential edge of the top plate, and an internal thread provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall that engages with the external thread. The band portion has a cylindrical band body and a flap that extends inclined from the lower end of the band body toward the top plate and restricts the cap from separating from the spout by contacting the notch. The break portion comprises a break portion that connects the band body and one end of the peripheral wall so that the band portion and the cap are separated when the cap is removed from the spout. A gap is provided between the lower end of the band portion and the portion of the flange that faces the lower end of the band portion. The flap is positioned below the notch, away from the spout.

[0006] In some cases, a restoring force may be generated in the flap that causes it to tilt towards the spout. Due to this restoring force, the flap may pinch the spout, potentially preventing the band from falling down when the cap is removed. In the above-mentioned cap, the flap is positioned separately from the spout, making it less likely for the flap to come into contact with the spout when the cap is removed. Therefore, in the above-mentioned cap, the detached band can fall down smoothly.

[0007] In a longitudinal section including the central axis of the cap, the distance d1 between the flap and the side wall of the spout in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap may be 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. A distance d1 of 0.3 mm or more ensures that contact between the flap and the spout is more reliably avoided. A distance d1 of 0.7 mm or less reduces the possibility that the tip of the flap will not catch on the notch when removing the cap, allowing the flap to function more reliably.

[0008] In a longitudinal section including the central axis of the cap, the distance d2 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap between point A, which is located at the outermost edge of the notch, and point B, which is located at the innermost edge of the flap, may be between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm. A distance d2 of 0.5 mm or more reduces the possibility that the tip of the flap will not catch on the notch when removing the cap, allowing the flap to function more reliably. A distance d2 of 0.9 mm or less allows for more reliable avoidance of contact between the flap and the spout.

[0009] In a longitudinal section including the central axis of the cap, the width wb of the portion of the side wall located below the notch, along the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap, may be 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm. A width wb of 1.0 mm or more maintains the strength of the spout. A width wb of 1.4 mm or less ensures that contact between the flap and the spout is more reliably avoided.

[0010] In a longitudinal section containing the central axis of the cap, the distance xb in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap between the portion of the side wall located below the notch and point A located at the outermost edge of the notch may be greater than the distance xa in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap between the portion of the side wall located above the notch and point A located at the outermost edge of the notch. In this case, the possibility of contact between the flap and the spout can be reduced.

[0011] The ratio of distance xb to distance xa may be 1.5 or greater. A ratio of 1.5 or greater further reduces the possibility of contact between the flap and the spout.

[0012] The above distance xb may be between 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm. A distance xb of 1.0 mm or more further reduces the possibility of contact between the flap and the spout. Conversely, a distance xb of 1.4 mm or less maintains the strength of the spout.

[0013] The notch may include a protruding portion that forms a side surface extending along the central axis of the cap, and an inclined surface that extends from the lower surface of the protruding portion at an angle to the outer circumferential surface of the side wall. In this case, even if the flap falls toward the spout due to the restoring force, the tip of the flap may come into contact with the inclined surface. Contact with the inclined surface makes the flap more slippery, allowing the band to fall smoothly. Therefore, the possibility of the band remaining in its original position can be reduced.

[0014] The flap may include a base end connected to the lower end of the band body and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion connected to the base end and formed to extend toward the top plate. In a longitudinal cross-section including the central axis of the cap, the radius of curvature of the upper surface of the base end may be 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm. A radius of curvature of 0.55 mm or more reduces the possibility that the tip of the flap will not catch on the notch when removing the cap, and allows the flap to function more reliably. A radius of curvature of 0.75 mm or less increases the degree of deformation and can reduce the restoring force generated in the inclined portion.

[0015] The flap may include a base end connected to the lower end of the band body and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion connected to the base end and formed to extend toward the top plate. In a longitudinal section including the central axis of the cap, the minimum angle of inclination of the side of the inclined portion facing the central axis of the cap, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cap, may be 50° or more. Having a minimum angle of inclination of 50° or more reduces the possibility of contact between the flap and the spout.

[0016] The side of the flap facing the central axis of the cap may include a tip edge that follows the circumference around the central axis of the cap, a side edge that extends intersecting the band body, and a connecting edge located between the intersection of a virtual line extending along the tip edge and a virtual line extending along the side edge and the band body, connecting the end of the tip edge and the end of the side edge. Even if the flap comes into contact with the spout, the area in which the flap comes into contact with the spout in the circumferential direction is reduced. As a result, the flap becomes more slippery, allowing the band to fall smoothly. Therefore, the possibility of the band remaining in its original position is reduced.

[0017] The radius of curvature of the angle formed by the tip edge and the connecting edge may be 0.30 mm to 0.55 mm. A radius of curvature of 0.30 mm or more makes the flap more slippery, allowing the band to fall smoothly. Furthermore, a radius of curvature of 0.55 mm or less simplifies the fabrication of the band.

[0018] The band portion may have multiple flaps. The multiple flaps may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the cap. The band portion may further have multiple thin-walled sections that are thinner than the multiple flaps and connect adjacent flaps. Even if any of the flaps try to fall toward the central axis due to a restoring force, the movement to fall is restricted because the multiple thin-walled sections connect the multiple flaps to each other. Therefore, the possibility of a flap falling toward the central axis and coming into contact with the spout can be reduced.

[0019] The ratio of the thickness of the multiple flaps to the thickness of the multiple thin-walled sections may be between 1.5 and 5.0. A ratio of 1.5 or higher facilitates the processing of the flaps. A ratio of 5.0 or lower more reliably suppresses the collapse of the flaps due to the restoring force that may occur.

[0020] The thickness of the plurality of thin portions may be 0.15 mm or more and 0.35 mm or less. The thickness of the plurality of flaps may be 0.6 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. By the thickness being 0.15 mm or more, it is possible to more reliably suppress the collapse due to the restoring force that can occur in the flap. By the thickness being 0.35 mm or less, the processing of the flap is easy.

[0021] Each of the plurality of flaps may be formed such that the width decreases from the tip toward the lower end of the band body. In this case, when removing the cap, bending processing at the base of the flap is easy while maintaining the range where the plurality of flaps abut against the notch.

[0022] The number of the plurality of flaps may be 8 to 12. By the number of the plurality of flaps being 8 or more, the flaps are likely to catch on the notch and a force to break the breaking portion is likely to be generated when removing the cap. Also, by the number of the plurality of flaps being 12 or less, the bending processing of the plurality of flaps is easy.

[0023] The packaging container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the above plugs and a container body to which the plug is attached. Since this packaging container includes any one of the above plugs, the separated band portion can fall smoothly.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, there are provided a plug in which the separated band portion can fall smoothly and a packaging container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a packaging container including a plug according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a side view showing an example of the plug in the unopened state. FIG. 2(b) is a side view showing an example of the plug after opening. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the plug. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a bottom view showing an example of a band section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by the V line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the folding of the flap. Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the base end. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the flap of the modified mouthpiece. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a bottom view showing the band portion of the plug according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are illustrative for the purpose of illustrating the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the following. In the description, the same reference numerals will be used for elements that are the same or have the same function, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where applicable. The dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to those shown. Some drawings show a Cartesian coordinate system defined by the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0027] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging container according to the first embodiment. The packaging container 1 is a container for holding contents. The contents held in the packaging container 1 may be liquid, and specific examples include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and seasonings. The packaging container 1 comprises a container body 2 and a spout 4. The container body 2 is the main body portion that holds the contents, such as liquid. The material of the container body 2 may be paper, resin, and glass. The material of the container body 2 may be a laminate of paper and resin. The spout 4 is attached to the container body 2.

[0028] (mouth plug) The spout 4 is a component that forms a spout for dispensing the contents from the packaging container 1 (container body 2). Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show side views of the spout 4. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the spout 4 shown in Figure 2(a). As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 3, the spout 4 comprises a cap 10, a spout 30, and a band portion 40. The cap 10 is fixed (attached) to the spout 30.

[0029] The cap 10, spout 30, and band portion 40 may all be made of resin. For example, the cap 10 and band portion 40 may be made of polypropylene resin. The spout 30 may be made of low-density polyethylene resin, and more specifically, of linear low-density polyethylene resin. The cap 10, spout 30, and band portion 40 will be described below. In the following description, with the central axis Ax of the cap 10 (see Figure 3) as the reference, the direction toward the central axis Ax will be referred to as "inward," and the direction away from the central axis Ax will be referred to as "outward." The direction along the central axis Ax will be referred to as the "up and down direction," the direction in which the cap 10 moves away from the spout 30 will be referred to as the "upward direction," and the direction in which the cap 10 moves toward the spout 30 will be referred to as the "downward direction."

[0030] The cap 10 comprises a top plate 12, a peripheral wall 14, an internal screw 15, and an inner ring 16. The top plate 12 is formed in a disc shape. A tapered portion 18 is formed on the outer edge of the top plate 12. The peripheral wall 14 extends downward from the tapered portion 18 and has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the peripheral wall 14 is connected to the outer edge of the top plate 12. The central axis Ax of the cap 10 may pass through the center of the top plate 12 and be perpendicular to the upper surface of the top plate 12. Knurling 20 is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 14.

[0031] The knurling 20 is composed of, for example, a plurality of projections 22 and a plurality of bases 24. The plurality of projections 22 and the plurality of bases 24 are arranged alternately one by one along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax of the cap 10. That is, in the circumferential direction, each projection 22 is sandwiched between a pair of bases 24, and each base 24 is sandwiched between a pair of projections 22. In a plan view of the cap 10 (viewed from above along the central axis Ax), the outer edges of the projections 22 may be saw-toothed.

[0032] In a plan view of the cap 10, the outer edge of the base 24 may be located inside a virtual circle connecting the tops of the outer edges of each of the multiple protrusions 22. The outer edge of the base 24 may be curved, straight, or sawtooth. The shape of the knurling 20 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and the knurling 20 may be formed in any way from the viewpoint of improving the operability of the cap 10.

[0033] The peripheral wall 14 may include a base portion 28 provided below the knurling 20. The base portion 28 has a cylindrical shape. A band portion 40 is connected to the lower end of the base portion 28. Providing the base portion 28 facilitates the molding of the cap 10 and connection to the band portion 40. In this disclosure, "connected to (attached to)" includes not only cases where it is directly connected to that member, but also cases where it is connected (attached) via other fixing members. The knurling 20 is formed between the lower end of the tapered portion 18 and the upper end of the base portion 28. Unlike the examples shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the cap 10 does not have to have a tapered portion 18, nor does it have to have a base portion 28. The knurling 20 may be formed on the entire peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10.

[0034] The internal thread 15 is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 14, as shown in Figure 3. The inner ring 16 is provided on the inner surface (bottom surface) of the top plate 12. The inner ring 16 extends from the inner surface of the top plate 12 along the central axis Ax and has a cylindrical shape. The inner ring 16 is positioned inside the peripheral wall 14 with a gap between it and the peripheral wall 14.

[0035] The spout 30 has a side wall 32, an external thread 33, and a flange 34. The side wall 32 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the side wall 32 is smaller than the diameter of the circumferential wall 14 of the cap 10. That is, the distance between the side wall 32 and the central axis Ax is smaller than the distance between the circumferential wall 14 and the central axis Ax. The external thread 33 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper half of the side wall 32. The internal thread 15 formed on the circumferential wall 14 of the cap 10 is screwed into the external thread 33. The upper end of the side wall 32 (the upper end and the portion near it) is inserted between the circumferential wall 14 and the inner ring 16. The side wall 32 and the external thread 33 are in close contact with the circumferential wall 14, the internal thread 15, and the inner ring 16 at multiple locations. This prevents the contents from leaking (e.g., liquid leakage) from between the spout 30 and the cap 10.

[0036] The flange 34 is provided on one end of the side wall 32. The flange 34 is connected to the lower end of the side wall 32 and extends outward from the side wall 32. The flange 34 is formed in an annular shape. The flange 34 is the joint when attaching the stopper 4 to the container body 2. The flange 34 may include an upper surface 34a to which the packaging material of the container body 2 is joined. The joining of the packaging material and the flange 34 may be performed by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. The flange 34 includes the portion on which the upper surface 34a is formed (hereinafter referred to as the "flange portion 35") and a ring portion 36 that connects the flange portion 35 to the lower end of the side wall 32. The ring portion 36 is located inside the flange portion 35 and is connected, for example, to the side surface of the lower end of the side wall 32.

[0037] The spout 30 has a notch 38. The notch 38 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32 and is formed to protrude outward from the side wall 32. The notch 38 is annular in shape and is continuously provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32 along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The notch 38 is located below the external screw 33 and is provided in the central part in the vertical direction of the side wall 32. The notch 38 has the function of restricting the movement of the band portion 40.

[0038] The band portion 40 is attached to the lower end of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10. The band portion 40 is connected, for example, to the lower end of the base portion 28 included in the peripheral wall 14. The band portion 40 has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the band portion 40 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10. The band portion 40 is positioned between the peripheral wall 14 and the spout 30 (for example, the ring portion 36) and restricts the cap 10 from moving away from the spout 30.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2(a), a gap g is formed between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the portion of the flange 34 of the spout 30 that faces the lower end of the band portion 40. For example, a gap g is provided between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the ring portion 36 of the flange 34. The gap g is formed for the purpose of preventing tampering. The band portion 40 is connected to the peripheral wall 14 so that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 in an unopened state (initial state in which the cap 10 has never been removed), the band portion 40 and the cap 10 are separated. When the band portion 40 and the cap 10 are separated (cut), the band portion 40 and the cap 10 are no longer connected to each other. In this case, when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30 and opened, the band portion 40 remains on the spout 30.

[0040] The band portion 40, once detached from the cap 10, can move downward so that its lower end contacts the ring portion 36 of the flange 34. The gap g is formed so that the band portion 40 falls downward when it is detached from the cap 10. When the cap 10, once opened, is reattached to the spout 30, a gap g1 is formed between the lower end of the cap 10 and the upper end of the band portion 40 remaining on the spout 30, as shown in Figure 2(b). The size (width) of the gap g1 is approximately the same as the size (width) of the gap g in the unopened state. After opening, the gap formed between the lower end of the cap 10 and the upper end of the band portion 40 allows for visual confirmation that the cap 10 has already been opened.

[0041] The size of the gap g (size of gap g1) may be 0.5 mm or more. The size of the gap g is defined by the shortest distance between the lower end of the band portion 40 and the upper end of the ring portion 36. From the viewpoint of visibility (more specifically, visibility of the gap after opening), the size of the gap g may be 0.7 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, or 1.0 mm or more. From the viewpoint of ensuring the size of the cap 10 (length along the central axis Ax), the size of the gap g may be 2.0 mm or less, 1.8 mm or less, 1.6 mm or less, or 1.4 mm or less.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the band portion 40 as seen from below along the central axis Ax, with some elements of the cap 10 and the spout 30 omitted from the illustration. The left half of Figure 3 shows a cross-section along line IIIA in Figure 4, and the right half of Figure 3 shows a cross-section along line IIIB in Figure 4. The band portion 40 has a band body 41 and a plurality of flaps 42. The band body 41 is located below the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the band body 41 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 14 (base portion 28 of the peripheral wall 14).

[0043] The flap 42 is connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and extends from that lower end toward the top plate 12 of the cap 10. The flap 42 is inclined with respect to the central axis Ax and the plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax (the XY plane in the figure). The flap 42 is formed such that the distance between the central axis Ax and the flap 42 decreases as it approaches the top plate 12.

[0044] The multiple flaps 42 have the function of restricting the cap 10 from moving away from the spout 30. At least a portion of the tip 42a (upper end surface) of each flap 42 faces the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 of the spout 30. When attempting to remove the cap 10, each flap 42 contacts the lower surface 38a of the notch 38, thereby restricting the cap 10 from moving away from the spout 30.

[0045] The flap 42 is positioned below the notch 38, away from the spout 30. The flap 42 is formed so that no part of it contacts the side wall 32 or the notch 38. The tip 42a (upper end surface) of the flap 42 is away from the spout 30. When the tip 42a of the flap 42 is away from the spout 30, the tip 42a of the flap 42 does not contact the side wall 32 or the notch 38 of the spout 30. In addition to the spout 30, the tip 42a of the flap 42 does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 (it is also away from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41).

[0046] Each flap 42 is connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and includes a base end 43 that curves downward and an inclined portion 44 that is connected to the base end 43 and is formed to extend toward the top plate 12. The base end 43 is curved downward, giving it a shape that is convex downward. The tip of the inclined portion 44 (the end face opposite to the end face connected to the base end 43) corresponds to the tip 42a of the flap 42.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple flaps 42 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The number of multiple flaps 42 may be 8. Unlike the example shown in Figure 4, the number of multiple flaps 42 may be 9 to 12. Each flap 42 is formed in a plate shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. When viewed from the direction along the central axis Ax, the area on the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 where the multiple flaps 42 are formed (circumferential range) may be larger than the area on the circumferential surface where none of the flaps 42 are formed (circumferential range). When viewed from the direction along the central axis Ax, the area on the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 where the multiple flaps 42 are formed may be 3 to 6 times the size of the area where none of the flaps 42 are formed.

[0048] The side surface 45 of the flap 42 facing the central axis Ax (see also Figure 5) includes a tip edge 45a, a pair of side edges 45b, and a pair of connecting edges 45c. The tip edge 45a is curved to extend along the circumference about the central axis Ax. Viewed from the direction along the central axis Ax (downward), the tip edge 45a is located inside the inner circumference of the band body 41. The pair of side edges 45b extend to intersect the band body 41 and, viewed from the direction along the central axis Ax (downward), are connected to the inner circumference of the band body 41.

[0049] Each of the pair of connecting edges 45c connects the end of the front edge 45a to the end of the side edge 45b. The connecting edges 45c extend so as to intersect both the front edge 45a and the side edge 45b. The connecting edges 45c may be straight or curved. As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 4, the connecting edges 45c are located between the intersection point CP and the band body 41. The intersection point CP is the intersection of a virtual line IL1 extending along the front edge 45a on a circumference around the central axis Ax and a virtual line IL2 extending along the side edge 45b. When viewed from the direction along the central axis Ax (downward), the pair of connecting edges 45c are located within the region demarcated by the inner surface of the band body 41, virtual line IL1, and virtual line IL2. In this way, notches are formed at each of the pair of corners of the side surface 45 closer to the central axis Ax.

[0050] The radius of curvature of the corner RP formed by the tip edge 45a and the connecting edge 45c may be 0.30 mm or more, 0.32 mm or more, 0.34 mm or more, or 0.35 mm or more, from the viewpoint of making the flap 42 slide easily when the flap 42 comes into contact with the side wall 32 of the spout 30. The radius of curvature of the corner RP may be 0.55 mm or less, 0.50 mm or less, 0.47 mm or less, or 0.45 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the band portion 40. The radius of curvature of the corner RP may be 0.30 mm to 0.55 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.45 mm.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the region enclosed by the V line in Figure 3. Figures 3 and 5 show longitudinal sections when the spout 4 is cut by a plane that includes the central axis Ax and passes through either flap 42. Hereinafter, the longitudinal section that includes the central axis Ax and passes through the flap 42 will be referred to as the "observation section". The observation section may also be set to include the central axis Ax and pass through the center of the circumference of the flap 42 around the central axis Ax. In the observation section, the direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax is defined as the "lateral direction". In the example shown in Figure 5, the observation section corresponds to the XZ plane, and the lateral direction corresponds to the X-axis direction.

[0052] In the observed cross-section, the lateral distance d1 between the flap 42 and the spout 30 may be 0.30 mm or more, 0.35 mm or more, 0.40 mm or more, or 0.45 mm or more, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. From the viewpoint of allowing the flap 42 to function properly, the distance d1 may be 0.70 mm or less, 0.65 mm or less, 0.60 mm or less, or 0.55 mm or less. The distance d1 may also be between 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm, or between 0.45 mm and 0.55 mm. The distance d1 is defined as the shortest lateral distance between the flap 42 and the spout 30. In the example shown in Figure 5, the distance d1 corresponds to the shortest lateral distance between the tip 42a of the flap 42 and the spout 30.

[0053] In the observation cross-section, the lateral distance d2 between point A, located on the outermost side of the notch 38, and point B, located on the innermost side of the flap 42, may be 0.50 mm or more, 0.55 mm or more, 0.60 mm or more, or 0.65 mm or more, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42 to function properly. The lateral distance d2 between point A and point B may be 0.9 mm or less, 0.85 mm or less, 0.80 mm or less, or 0.75 mm or less, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. The distance d2 may be between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm, or between 0.65 mm and 0.75 mm.

[0054] In the observed cross-section, the minimum inclination angle of the side surface of the inclined portion 44 facing the central axis Ax (the portion of the side surface 45 of the flap 42 corresponding to the inclined portion 44) with respect to the lateral direction may be 50° or more, 55° or more, 60° or more, or 65° or more, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. The minimum inclination angle may be 85° or less, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42 to perform its function. The maximum inclination angle may be 85° or less. If the side surface of the inclined portion 44 facing the central axis Ax has multiple inclination angles, the multiple inclination angles (the smallest angle among the multiple inclination angles) may be 50° or more, or 50° to 85°. In the example shown in Figure 5, the multiple inclination angles are indicated as "θ1" and "θ2", and the inclination angle θ2 is smaller than the inclination angle θ1. The inclination angle θ2 may be 50° or more.

[0055] Here, the portion of the side wall 32 of the spout 30 located above the notch 38 is defined as the "upper portion 32a," and the portion located below the notch 38 is defined as the "lower portion 32b." The notch 38 may include a protruding portion 39a that extends along the central axis Ax and forms a side surface 37a facing the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41, and an inclined portion 39b that forms an inclined surface 37b that extends from the upper end of the side surface 37a of the protruding portion 39a to the upper portion 32a in an inclined manner. The upper portion 32a of the side wall 32 is located above the upper end of the inclined portion 39b, and the lower portion 32b of the side wall 32 is located below the lower end of the protruding portion 39a.

[0056] In the observed cross-section, the width wb along the lateral direction of the lower portion 32b may be 1.40 mm or less, 1.35 mm or less, 1.30 mm or less, or 1.25 mm or less, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. The width wb may be 1.0 mm or more, 1.05 mm or more, 1.10 mm or more, or 1.15 mm or more, from the viewpoint of the strength of the spout 30. The width wb may be 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm, or 1.15 mm to 1.25 mm. The width wb may be smaller than the width wa of the upper portion 32a. The width wb may be 0.5 to 0.8 times the width wa.

[0057] In the observed cross-section, the lateral distance xb (shortest lateral distance) between the lower portion 32b and point A located at the outermost edge of the notch 38 may be greater than the lateral distance xa (shortest lateral distance) between the upper portion 32a and point A. The ratio of distance xb to distance xa may be 1.5 or greater, 1.6 or greater, 1.7 or greater, or 1.8 or greater, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. The ratio of distance xb to distance xa may be 3.0 or less, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the spout 30.

[0058] The distance xb in the width direction between the lower portion 32b and point A may be 1.00 mm or more, 1.05 mm or more, 1.10 mm or more, or 1.15 mm or more, from the viewpoint of more reliably avoiding contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. The distance xb may be 1.40 mm or less, 1.35 mm or less, 1.30 mm or less, or 1.25 mm or less, from the viewpoint of the strength of the spout 30. The distance xb may be 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm, or 1.15 mm to 1.25 mm. The distance xa in the width direction between the upper portion 32a and point A may be 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0059] Figure 6(a) schematically shows an example of how the flap 42 is formed. The cap 10 and the band portion 40 are manufactured as a single unit by resin molding. Immediately after molding, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6(a), the flap 42 protrudes outside the internal space formed by the cap 10 and the band portion 40. By bending the outwardly protruding flap 42 toward the internal space using a jig or the like, the flap 42, including the base portion 43 and the inclined portion 44, is formed. As the flap 42 is bent, the curved base portion 43 is formed, and a restoring force (a restoring force that causes it to fall toward the central axis Ax) may be generated in the flap 42, causing it to return to its original shape.

[0060] Figure 6(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of the base portion 43. The upper surface 43a of the base portion 43 is curved downwards. The radius of curvature of the upper surface 43a may be 0.75 mm or less, 0.72 mm or less, 0.70 mm or less, or 0.68 mm or less, from the viewpoint of reducing the restoring force in the inclined portion 44. The radius of curvature of the upper surface 43a may be 0.55 mm or more, 0.57 mm or more, 0.60 mm or more, or 0.62 mm or more, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42 to function properly. The radius of curvature of the upper surface 43a may be between 0.55 mm and 0.75 mm.

[0061] Returning to Figure 3, the cap 4 includes a break section 50. The break section 50 connects the band body 41 and the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 so that the band portion 40 and the cap 10 are separated when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30. The break section 50 has, for example, a plurality of ribs 52. The plurality of ribs 52 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 28 of the peripheral wall 14, and protrude inward (towards the central axis Ax) from their inner circumferential surfaces (see also Figure 4).

[0062] Multiple ribs 52 are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. For example, each of the multiple ribs 52 is positioned between adjacent flaps 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The thickness of the ribs 52 (the amount they protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41) may be less than the amount the flaps 42 protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41. A notch 54 extending into the interior of the rib 52 (for example, approximately in the center) may be formed at the boundary between the lower end of the base portion 28 on the circumferential wall 14 of the cap 10 and the upper end of the band body 41. The cap 10 and the band portion 40 are separated by the notch 54.

[0063] In one example, after the portion corresponding to the cap 10, the portion corresponding to the band portion 40, and the multiple ribs 52 are integrally formed, a notch 54 is formed at a height position that marks the boundary between the cap 10 and the band portion 40, extending from the outside of the peripheral wall of the cap 10 to a position where the ribs 52 are not interrupted. The notch 54 is formed continuously along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. With the formation of the notch 54, the cap 10 and the band portion 40 are formed, and the peripheral wall 14 (base portion 28) and the band body 41 are connected via a thin-walled portion 56. The thin-walled portion 56 is the portion of the rib 52 at the height position of the notch 54 where the notch 54 is not formed.

[0064] The notch 54 is located above the upper end of the protruding portion 39a (side surface 37a) that forms the side surface 37a of the notch 38. The vertical distance between the notch 54 and the upper surface of the top plate 12 is smaller than the vertical distance between the upper end of the protruding portion 39a (side surface 37a facing the band body 41) and the upper surface of the top plate 12. The distance between the lower end of the band body 41 and the notch 54 (i.e., the upper end of the band body 41) may be 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm or 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The thickness of the rib 52 may be 0.40 mm to 0.60 mm or 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm.

[0065] When a consumer or other user extracts the contents from the unopened packaging container 1, they rotate the cap 10 relative to the spout 30. As the cap 10 rotates relative to the spout 30, the internal thread 15 formed on the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and the external thread 33 formed on the side wall 32 of the spout 30 are gradually released. As the internal thread 15 and the external thread 33 are released, the cap 10 and the band portion 40 gradually separate from the flange 34 of the spout 30.

[0066] As the cap 10 and band portion 40 begin to separate from the flange 34, several flaps 42 of the band portion 40 soon come into contact with the lower surface 38a of the notch 38 of the spout 30. The contact of the flaps 42 with the notch 38 generates tensile stress between the cap 10 and the band portion 40 (the thin-walled portion 56 of the fractured portion 50), which restricts the cap 10 and band portion 40 from separating from the flange 34 of the spout 30. As the relative rotation of the cap 10 continues and the tensile stress reaches a predetermined value, the thin-walled portion 56 fractures.

[0067] Each of the thin-walled portions 56 of the multiple ribs 52 is formed to have sufficient strength to break when the tensile stress reaches a predetermined value. When all the thin-walled portions 56 break, the cap 10 and the band portion 40 are physically separated (detached), and the restriction on the movement of the cap 10 is released. The band portion 40, separated from the cap 10, moves downward to a position where it contacts the ring portion 36 of the spout 30. After the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30, the band portion 40 remains on the spout 30.

[0068] (Method of manufacturing a mouthpiece) Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the spout 4 will be described below. The method for manufacturing the spout 4 includes at least the steps of preparing the spout 30, preparing the cap member, attaching the cap member to the spout 30 by screwing the internal thread 15 onto the external thread 33, and forming the notch 54.

[0069] In the process of preparing the spout 30, for example, the spout 30 is manufactured by resin molding. In the process of preparing the cap member, a cap member in which the part corresponding to the cap 10, the part corresponding to the band 40, and the multiple ribs 52 are integrated is manufactured, for example, by resin molding. The cap member has the same shape as the cap 10, the band 40, and the multiple ribs 52, except that it does not have a thin-walled part 56 (no notches 54 are formed). Therefore, the cap member will be described below using the names of the constituent parts of the cap 10 and the band 40. The peripheral wall of the cap member corresponds to the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and the band body 41 of the band 40 before they are separated from each other.

[0070] Immediately after resin molding, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6(a), the multiple flaps 42 protrude outside the internal space of the cap member. After resin molding, the multiple flaps 42 are bent (folded) into the internal space of the cap member using a jig or the like. By bending with a jig or the like, a base end portion 43 and an inclined portion 44 are formed on the flap 42. The flap 42 is folded into the internal space of the cap member to a position where the tip 42a of the flap 42 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the spout 30 and the band body 41.

[0071] Next, the upper end of the side wall 32 of the spout 30 is inserted into the circumferential wall of the cap member. When the cap member is rotated in one direction around the central axis Ax relative to the spout 30, the internal thread 15 of the circumferential wall 14 and the external thread 33 of the side wall 32 engage, and the cap member moves in a direction toward the flange 34 of the spout 30. Then, the multiple flaps 42 come into contact with the notch 38 (inclined portion 39b) and begin to ride up onto the notch 38. At the same time, the upper end of the side wall 32 begins to be inserted between the circumferential wall 14 of the cap member and the inner ring 16.

[0072] When the cap member is rotated further relative to the spout 30, each flap 42 moves over the notch 38, and the upper end of the side wall 32 of the spout 30 is inserted between the peripheral wall of the cap member and the inner ring 16. As a result, the spout 30 is capped by the cap member (the cap member is attached to the spout 30).

[0073] Next, a process is carried out to form notches 54 (thin-walled portions 56) in the cap member. For example, notches 54 are formed by making cuts all around the circumference of the peripheral wall of the cap member using a score cutter. In one example, the blade of the score cutter is applied from the outer circumference of the peripheral wall 14 to the portion that will later become the boundary between the base portion 28 and the band portion 40 of the peripheral wall 14, and to the position corresponding to the boundary portion of each rib 70. For each of the multiple ribs 52, the blade of the score cutter is inserted to approximately the center portion in the lateral direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax of the rib 52.

[0074] Then, with the score cutter pressed against the inside of the cap member and rib, the cap member and spout 30 are rotated around the central axis Ax to form a notch 54. This creates a thin-walled portion 56 in the rib 52. The formation of the thin-walled portion 56 separates the cap 10 and the band portion 40 in the cap member, and these members are connected via the rib 52 (thin-walled portion 56), resulting in the mouth stopper 4. By adjusting the size of the notch 54, the size and thickness of the thin-walled portion 56 can be changed to adjust the force required to cause breakage. After that, the mouth stopper 4 is attached to the container body 2, and the packaging container 1 is manufactured.

[0075] (modified version) The spout 30 may have a notch 38A instead of a notch 38, as shown in Figure 7. The notch 38A differs from the notch 38 in that, in addition to the protruding portion 39a and the inclined portion 39b, it includes an inclined portion 39c. The inclined portion 39c is the portion that forms an inclined surface 37c that extends inclined toward the side wall 32 from the lower surface of the protruding portion 39a. The inclined surface 37c of the inclined portion 39c may extend from the lower surface of the protruding portion 39a to the side wall 32. In the above observation cross-section including the central axis Ax, the point C where the inclined surface 37c of the inclined portion 39c and the lower surface of the protruding portion 39a intersect is located inside the side surface 37a of the protruding portion 39a (point A, which is located on the outermost side of the notch 38A).

[0076] The lower portion 32b of the side wall 32 is located below the lower end of the inclined portion 39c. In the observation cross-section, when point D is defined as the boundary between the inclined portion 39c and the outer surface of the lower portion 32b (the lower end of the inclined surface 37c), point D may be lower than the tip 42a of the flap 42. In this case, in the observation cross-section, the shortest lateral distance perpendicular to the central axis Ax between the flap 42 (tip 42a of the flap 42) and the spout 30 is defined by the shortest lateral distance between the tip 42a and the inclined portion 39c.

[0077] In the observed cross-section, the lateral distance xc between the outer surface of the lower portion 32b and point C may be 55% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, or 40% or less of the lateral distance xb between the outer surface of the lower portion 32b and point A, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42 to function properly. The distance xc may also be 0.6 mm or less, 0.55 mm or less, 0.50 mm or less, or 0.45 mm or less, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42 to function properly.

[0078] In the observed cross-section, the corner near the side wall 32 of the tip 42a of the flap 42 may have a rounded shape. In the observed cross-section, the radius of curvature of the corner 44R formed by the tip 42a and the side surface 45 facing the central axis Ax of the flap 42 may be 0.30 mm or more, 0.32 mm or more, 0.34 mm or more, or 0.35 mm or more, from the viewpoint of making the flap 42 slide easily when the flap 42 comes into contact with the side wall 32 of the spout 30. In the observed cross-section, the radius of curvature of the corner 44R may be 0.6 mm or less.

[0079] Unlike the example described above, the side surface 45 of the flap 42 facing the central axis Ax may include a tip edge 45a and a pair of side edges 45b, without including a pair of connecting edges 45c. That is, notches may not be formed at each of the pair of corners of the side surface 45. In this case, a pair of side edges 45b may extend from both ends of the tip edge 45a.

[0080] The fractured portion 50 is not limited to the configuration in which a thin-walled portion 56 is formed on the rib 52, as in the example described above, but can be formed in any way as long as it fractures in such a way that the cap 10 and the band body 41 are physically separated when the cap 10 is removed from the spout 30. The fractured portion 50 may include a fracture line. The fracture line includes a plurality of bridges connecting the peripheral wall 14 of the cap 10 and the band body 41 at a plurality of locations around the central axis Ax. The plurality of bridges are formed to fracture when the tensile stress applied to them reaches a predetermined value. The fracture line may also be formed by cutting the peripheral wall of the cap member with a cutter, leaving the plurality of bridges intact.

[0081] [Effects of the First Embodiment] When the flap 42 is bent, a restoring force may be generated in the flap 42 that causes it to tilt toward the spout 30. Due to this restoring force, the flap 42 may come into contact with the spout 30 and clamp the spout 30, which may cause the band portion 40 to remain in its original position and not fall down when the cap 10 is removed. In the mouth cap 4, the flap 42 is positioned below the notches 38, 38A, away from the spout 30, so the flap is less likely to come into contact with the spout when the cap is removed. Therefore, in the mouth cap 4, the detached band portion 40 can fall smoothly.

[0082] In the longitudinal section (observation section) including the central axis Ax, the lateral distance d1 between the flap 42 and the side wall 32 of the spout 30, perpendicular to the central axis Ax, may be 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. A distance d1 of 0.3 mm or more ensures that contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30 is more reliably avoided. A distance d1 of 0.7 mm or less reduces the possibility that the tip 42a of the flap 42 will not catch on the notches 38, 38A when removing the cap 10, allowing the flap 42 to function more reliably.

[0083] In the observation cross-section, the lateral distance d2 between point A, located at the outermost edge of notches 38, 38A, and point B, located at the innermost edge of the flap 42, may be between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm. A distance d2 of 0.5 mm or more reduces the possibility that the tip of the flap 42 may not catch on the notches 38, 38A when removing the cap 10, allowing the flap 42 to function more reliably. A distance d2 of 0.9 mm or less ensures that contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30 is more reliably avoided.

[0084] In the observed cross-section, the lateral width wb of the portion of the side wall 32 located below the notches 38, 38A may be 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm. A width wb of 1.0 mm or more maintains the strength of the spout 30. A width wb of 1.4 mm or less ensures that contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30 is more reliably avoided.

[0085] In the observed cross-section, the lateral distance xb between the portion of the side wall 32 located below the notches 38, 38A (lower portion 32b) and point A located at the outermost edge of the notches 38, 38A may be greater than the lateral distance xa between the portion of the side wall 32 located above the notches 38, 38A (upper portion 32a) and point A located at the outermost edge of the notches 38, 38A. In this case, the possibility of contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30 can be reduced.

[0086] The ratio of distance xb to distance xa may be 1.5 or greater. A ratio of 1.5 or greater further reduces the possibility of contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30.

[0087] The above distance xb may be between 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm. A distance xb of 1.0 mm or more further reduces the possibility of contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30. Also, a distance xb of 1.4 mm or less maintains the strength of the spout 30.

[0088] The notch 38A may include a protruding portion 39a that forms a side surface 37a extending along the central axis, and an inclined surface 37c that extends from the lower surface of the protruding portion 39a at an angle to the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 32. In this case, even if the flap 42 tilts toward the spout 30 due to the restoring force, the tip 42a of the flap 42 may come into contact with the inclined surface 37c. Contact with the inclined surface 37c makes the flap 42 more slippery, allowing the band portion 40 to fall smoothly. Therefore, the possibility of the band portion 40 remaining in its original position can be reduced.

[0089] The flap 42 may include a base end 43 connected to the lower end of the band body 41 and formed to curve downward, and an inclined portion 44 connected to the base end 43 and formed to extend toward the top plate 12 of the cap 10. In the observed cross section, the radius of curvature of the upper surface 43a of the base end 43 may be 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm. If the radius of curvature is 0.55 mm or more, the possibility that the tip 42a of the flap 42 will not catch on the notches 38, 38A when removing the cap 10 can be reduced, and the function of the flap 42 can be performed more reliably. If the radius of curvature is 0.75 mm or less, the degree of deformation will be greater, and the restoring force generated in the inclined portion 44 can be reduced.

[0090] In the observed cross-section, the minimum values ​​of the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the side surfaces of the inclined portion 44 facing the central axis, relative to the lateral direction, may be 50° or more. Having a minimum inclination angle of 50° or more reduces the possibility of contact between the flap 42 and the spout 30.

[0091] The side surface 45 of the flap 42 facing the central axis Ax may include a tip edge 45a along the circumference around the central axis Ax, a side edge 45b extending to intersect the band body 41, and a connecting edge 45c located between the band body 41 and the intersection point CP of a virtual line IL1 extending along the tip edge 45a and a virtual line IL2 extending along the side edge 45b, connecting the end of the tip edge 45a and the end of the side edge 45b. Even if the flap 42 comes into contact with the spout 30, the area in which the flap 42 comes into contact with the spout 30 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax becomes smaller. As a result, the flap 42 becomes more slippery, allowing the band portion 40 to fall smoothly. Therefore, the possibility of the band portion 40 remaining in its original position can be reduced.

[0092] The radius of curvature of the corner RP formed by the tip edge 45a and the connecting edge 45c may be 0.30 mm to 0.55 mm. If the radius of curvature is 0.30 mm or more, the flap becomes slippery, allowing the band portion to fall smoothly. If the radius of curvature is 0.55 mm or less, the fabrication of the band portion 40 becomes easier.

[0093] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the spout of the packaging container according to the second embodiment will be described. The spout according to the second embodiment differs from the spout 4 according to the first embodiment in that a plurality of flaps are connected to each other by a thin-walled portion. The spout according to the second embodiment has a band portion 40A instead of a band portion 40. The band portion 40A has a band body 41 and a plurality of flaps 42A. The band portion 40A may have 8 flaps 42A as shown in Figure 8, or, unlike the example shown in Figure 8, it may have 9 to 12 flaps 42A.

[0094] The multiple flaps 42A are arranged (provided) at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax, similar to the multiple flaps 42 of the spout 4 according to the first embodiment. In a longitudinal cross-section (the observation cross-section described above) that includes the central axis Ax and passes through the center of any of the flaps 42A in the circumferential direction, the shape and various dimensions of the flaps 42A may be the same as those of the flaps 42. In the observation cross-section, the relationship between the flaps 42A and the surrounding members (spout 30 and band body 41) may be the same as the relationship between the flaps 42 and the surrounding members.

[0095] The band portion 40A has a plurality of thin-walled portions 48A. Each of the plurality of thin-walled portions 48A connects adjacent flaps 42 in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. One flap 42A and one thin-walled portion 48A are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. One thin-walled portion 48A connects (links) a pair of flaps 42 that sandwich it in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The thin-walled portions 48A are formed in a plate shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax.

[0096] The thickness of the multiple thin-walled sections 48A is smaller than the thickness of the multiple flaps 42A. The thicknesses of the multiple thin-walled sections 48A may be approximately the same as those of the multiple flaps 42A. The ratio of the thickness of the flaps 42A to the thickness of the thin-walled sections 48A may be 5.0 or less, 4.5 or less, 4.0 or less, or 3.5 or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the restoring force of the flaps 42A. The ratio of the thickness of the flaps 42A to the thickness of the thin-walled sections 48A may be 1.5 or more, 2.0 or more, 2.5 or more, or 3.0 or more, from the viewpoint of ease of processing the flaps 42A. The ratio of the thickness of the flaps 42A to the thickness of the thin-walled sections 48A may be between 1.5 and 5.0, or between 2.0 and 4.5.

[0097] The thickness of the thin-walled portion 48A may be 0.15 mm or more, 0.18 mm or more, 0.20 mm or more, or 0.22 mm or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing the restoring force of the flap 42A. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 48A may be 0.35 mm or less, 0.32 mm or less, 0.30 mm or less, or 0.28 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ease of processing the flap 42A. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 48A may be 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm, or 0.22 mm to 0.28 mm. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 48A may be measured at the tip of the thin-walled portion 48A (the tip surface located on the opposite side from the band body 41).

[0098] The thickness of the flap 42A may be 0.60 mm or more, 0.62 mm or more, 0.64 mm or more, or 0.65 mm or more, from the viewpoint of enabling the flap 42A to perform its function. The thickness of the flap 42A may be 0.80 mm or less, 0.78 mm or less, 0.76 mm or less, or 0.75 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ease of processing the flap 42A. The thickness of the flap 42A may be 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, or 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm. The thickness of the flap 42A may be measured at the tip of the flap 42A (the tip surface located opposite to the band body 41).

[0099] Each of the multiple flaps 42A may be formed such that its width decreases from the tip (the end closest to the central axis Ax) toward the lower end of the band body 41. As shown in Figure 8, when viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the width of the flap 42A along the circumferential direction about the central axis Ax decreases from the inside toward the outside. When viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the inner circumferential edge 47a of the flap 42A is smaller than the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the outer circumferential edge 47b of the flap 42A. The length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the outer circumferential edge 47b may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 times the length of the line segment connecting the two ends of the inner circumferential edge 47a. The distance between the pair of side edges 47c connecting the inner circumferential edge 47a and the outer circumferential edge 47b decreases as it moves away from the central axis Ax.

[0100] The thin-walled portion 48A does not necessarily have to be connected to the tip (inner circumferential edge 47a) of the flap 42A. When viewed from below along the central axis Ax, the amount of protrusion y1 of the flap 42A from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41 is greater than the amount of protrusion y2 of the thin-walled portion 48A from the inner circumferential surface of the band body 41. The amount of protrusion y2 may be 0.7 to 0.95 times the amount of protrusion y1. When connected by multiple thin-walled portions 48A, the multiple flaps 42A are formed after resin molding by being bent into the inside of the cap member together with the multiple thin-walled portions 48A using a jig or the like.

[0101] [Effects of the second embodiment] In the spout equipped with the band portion 40A according to the second embodiment, the flap 42A is positioned below the notches 38, 38A, separated from the spout 30. Similar to the spout 4 according to the first embodiment, the detached band portion 40A can fall smoothly.

[0102] The multiple flaps 42A of the band portion 40A may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the central axis Ax. The band portion 40A may have multiple thin-walled portions 48A that are thinner than the multiple flaps 42A and connect adjacent flaps 42A to each other. Even if any of the flaps 42A were to fall toward the central axis Ax due to a restoring force, the movement would be restricted because they are connected by the multiple thin-walled portions 48A. Therefore, the possibility of the flaps 42A falling toward the central axis Ax and coming into contact with the spout 30 can be reduced.

[0103] The ratio of the thickness of the multiple flaps 42A to the thickness of the multiple thin-walled sections 48A may be between 1.5 and 5.0. A ratio of 1.5 or more facilitates the processing of the flaps 42A connected to the thin-walled sections 48A. A ratio of 5.0 or less more reliably suppresses the collapse of the flaps 42A due to the restoring force that may occur.

[0104] The thickness of the multiple thin-walled sections 48A may be 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm. The thickness of the multiple flaps 42A may be 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. When the thickness of the flaps 42A is 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, having a thickness of 0.15 mm or more for the thin-walled sections 48A makes it possible to more reliably suppress the collapse of the flaps 42A due to the restoring force that may occur. When the thickness of the flaps 42A is 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, having a thickness of 0.35 mm or less for the thin-walled sections 48A makes it easier to process the flaps 42A connected to the thin-walled sections 48A.

[0105] Each of the multiple flaps 42A may be formed such that its width decreases from the tip towards the lower end of the band body 41. In this case, when removing the cap 10, the multiple flaps 42A maintain contact with the notches 38, 38A, and the bending process at the base of the flaps 42A connected by the thin-walled portion 48A is facilitated.

[0106] The number of flaps 42A may be 8 to 12. When the number of flaps 42A is 8 or more, the flaps 42A catch on the notches 38, 38A, making it easier to generate a force that breaks the breaking section 50 when removing the cap 10. Also, when the number of flaps 42A is 12 or less, it is easier to bend the flaps 42A that are connected by the thin-walled sections 48A.

[0107] Although several embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above. Some of the matters described in the first embodiment may be applied to the spigot of the second embodiment, and some of the matters described in the second embodiment may be applied to the spigot 4 according to the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1...Packaging container, 2...Container body, 4...Spout, 10...Cap, 14...Surface wall, 15...Internal thread, 30...Spout, 32...Side wall, 33...External thread, 34...Flange, 38, 38A...Notch, 39a...Protruding part, 39c...Inclined part, 40...Band part, 41...Band body, 42, 42A...Flap, 43...Base end, 44...Inclined part, 45...Side, 45a...Tip edge, 45b...Side edge, 45c...Connecting edge, 48A...Thin-walled part, 50...Break part.

Claims

1. A spout having a cylindrical side wall, an external thread provided on the outer surface of the side wall, a flange provided on one end of the side wall, and a notch formed to protrude outward from the side wall, A cap comprising a top plate, a peripheral wall connected to the outer edge of the top plate, and an internal thread provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall that engages with the external thread, A band portion having a cylindrical band body and a flap that extends inclined from the lower end of the band body toward the top plate and which contacts the notch to restrict the cap from separating from the spout, The band body and one end of the peripheral wall are connected by a break portion such that the band portion and the cap are separated when the cap is removed from the spout. A gap is provided between the lower end of the band portion and the portion of the flange that faces the lower end of the band portion. The flap is a spout plug positioned below the notch, separated from the spout.

2. The stopper according to claim 1, A packaging container comprising a container body to which the aforementioned spout is attached.

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