Capsule cutting knife

Abstract

The knife 100; 100' for making incisions and cuts in the capsule 7 includes a layered cutting tool structure that cuts and cuts the side wall 70 of the capsule 7 as the capsule 7 moves along a path in the forward direction T while rotating about a rotation axis R. The cutting tools are stacked along a vertical axis Z, parallel to and perpendicular to the plane P. The layered structure includes a first horizontal cutting tool 10 that circumferentially cuts the side wall at a first height along the vertical axis Z to define a tamper ring 72 within the capsule; a second horizontal cutting tool 20 that circumferentially cuts the side wall at a second height along the vertical axis Z that is different from the first height; and a third cutting tool 30; 30' that obliquely cuts the side wall 70 to determine connecting portions 74a, 74b connecting the tamper ring and the side wall. The third cutting tool includes cutting edges 32a, 34; 32a', 34' with different inclinations. The inclinations indicate a reference plane that passes through the vertical axis and is tangent to the forward direction T. The third cutting tool is interposed between the first and second horizontal cutting tools, and is exchanged with another third cutting tool to obtain a different shape of the connecting portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a knife for cutting plastic capsules or closures or caps, for example of the type used to close containers such as bottles. In particular, the invention relates to a knife configured to cut a side wall of a capsule to obtain a tamper strip or ring in such side wall and one or more connecting portions, also known as braces or hinges, connecting the tamper strip or ring to a different portion of the capsule, for example the skirt, i.e., the portion of the side wall having the closed end of the capsule. [Background technology]

[0002] The design of plastic objects is increasingly oriented towards the selection of recyclable materials and the recovery of objects after use, so closures with braces that allow the closure to be held in its tamper ring even after the container has been opened are in even higher demand in the container closure industry.

[0003] In use, when a cap equipped with a tamper strip and a brace is applied to the mouth of a container, such as a bottle, to close the container, the tamper strip is seated in a seat generally defined between two annular projections on the body of the container, which limits the axial movement of the tamper ring. When the closure is unscrewed, the container is opened, the tamper strip is held in its seat, and the brace retains the tamper ring, and thus the capsule coupled to the bottle, even after the closed end of the closure has moved away from the mouth of the container.

[0004] This allows for effective recycling of plastics, assuming that the tamper ring can be separated from the bottle together with the closure at the same time, i.e. if the plastic material of the closure is to be recovered. Furthermore, keeping the closure connected to the tamper ring, even after the container has been opened, helps to prevent capsules from being dispersed into the environment.

[0005] The braces on the capsule side walls are mainly obtained according to two types of processing operations: forming the brace, i.e., by providing a mold suitably shaped to form the brace, or cutting the previously formed capsule side wall, i.e., by providing an arrangement of cuts and incisions, which define a portion of the side wall that is partially detachable from the rest of the capsule side wall, and which portion of the side wall defines a connecting portion or brace other than the tamper ring.Techniques for producing braces are also known that combine a specific shape of the mold for forming the capsule with a cut of a predetermined shape obtained on the capsule after formation.

[0006] Cutting devices are known which comprise knives suitable for cutting or incising the capsule in its side wall so as to define a circumferential line for weakening and preferential separation between the tamper strip and the remainder of the capsule's side wall, i.e., the skirt. This type of cutting is also known as horizontal cutting.

[0007] Cutting devices are also known that are suitable for cutting and incising the side wall of a capsule at one or more points or areas in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the capsule, for example to obtain weakened areas for tamper strips or access points for cleaning means to remove residues from the capsule. This type of cutting is also known as vertical cutting.

[0008] Cutting devices suitable for cutting the side wall of the capsule at radial positions, both horizontally and vertically, are also known, the latter generally comprising a knife for horizontal cutting, downstream of which is arranged an insert with a vertical blade for cutting the capsule by vertical cutting.

[0009] Cutting devices are also known which have knives with various blades for obtaining connections or braces.

[0010] The various cutting devices described above are provided with knives manufactured for specific cutting shapes and capsule dimensions. This means that capsule manufacturers must procure and store a large number of knives in their warehouses to equip the cutting devices every time a capsule production batch needs to be changed. Furthermore, having to equip the cutting devices with new knives requires significant machine downtime, which increases production costs. Furthermore, the knives used to obtain braces are structurally complex and require multiple parts, which must be replaced after wearing. Therefore, manufacturing caps with such complex structures increases production costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to improve upon known types of knives for capsule cutting devices.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a knife for a capsule cutting device having a relatively simple construction for making incisions in braces or other elements of the side wall of a plastic capsule.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a knife that is more versatile than known knives, capable of being used with slight modifications to make incisions of various cutting shapes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to the present invention there is provided a knife as defined by the appended claims.

[0015] By superimposing cutting tools with cutting profiles arranged according to different inclinations, the present invention makes it possible to provide a knife with a layered structure that makes cuts with more or less complex geometries.

[0016] The present invention allows for the provision of one or more assembly configurations that allow for a variety of cutting shapes to be applied to the capsule by adding and / or replacing cutting tools in the layered structure.

[0017] This allows for a variety of cutting shapes using the same knife, or for a limited number of components to be interchanged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The invention may be better understood and put into practice with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are shown by way of non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a knife for cutting capsules. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the knife of FIG. 1 showing two through holes. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 showing a first cutting tool, a second cutting tool, and a third cutting tool. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 showing the first cutting tool. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 showing a second cutting tool. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 showing a third cutting tool. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of the blade arrangement of the knife of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7A]2 is a cylindrical projection of the side wall of the capsule cut by the knife of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration of the capsule. [Figure 7B] 2 is a cylindrical projection of the side wall of the capsule cut by the knife of FIG. 1 in the capsule's open configuration. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of blades of a knife according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9A] 9 is a cylindrical projection of the side wall of a capsule cut by a knife having the blade arrangement of FIG. 8 with the capsule in the closed position. [Figure 9B] 9 is a cylindrical projection of the side wall of a capsule cut by a knife having the blade arrangement of FIG. 8 in the capsule opening position. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a capsule-cutting knife having the blade arrangement of FIG. 8. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of the knife of FIG. 10 showing two through holes. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detail view of FIG. 10 showing a first cutting tool, a second cutting tool, a further third cutting tool, a fourth cutting tool and a fifth cutting tool. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a detail of FIG. 10 showing a fourth cutting tool and a fifth cutting tool. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a detail of FIG. 10 showing a further third cutting tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 1 to 6, 7A and 7B, a first embodiment of a knife 100 for cutting a capsule or cap or closure, i.e., a knife configured to cut or cut a side wall 70 of a capsule 7, is described. The capsule 7 is made of plastic and is designed to close a container, such as a bottle. The capsule 7 has a cup-shaped body with a closed end 8 and an open end 9.

[0020] The knife 100 is attached to the cutting device and configured to make incisions and cuts on the capsule 7 .

[0021] The terms "cut" or "groove" are used to indicate areas of the capsule 7 that have been provided with perforation cuts, i.e., through slits where the continuity of the material has been interrupted by the action of a knife. The term "incision" is used to indicate areas of the capsule 7 where the sidewall 70 has a reduced thickness caused by the penetration of a knife into the material to a given depth without interrupting the continuity of the material.

[0022] The knife 100 includes a first cutting tool 10, a second cutting tool 20, and a third cutting tool 30. The knife 100 has a stacked structure with the third cutting tool 30 disposed between the first cutting tool 10 and the second cutting tool 20. The first cutting tool 10, the third cutting tool 30, and the second cutting tool 20 are stacked together in a removable assembly, as described below. The knife 100 is removably secured to a frame of a cutting device by fastening means (not shown), such as screw or bolt means, which further enable the cutting tools 10, 20, and 30 to be clamped and removably secured to one another. Referring to FIG. 1 , each of the cutting tools 10, 20, and 30 includes at least one through-hole 91, 92, particularly positioned to receive the fastening means, so that the cutting tools 10, 20, and 30 can be removed from or inserted into the stacked structure based on the stacking order of the tools from top to bottom. 1A, the at least one hole 91, 92 may include at least one eccentric hole or slot 92 arranged to allow adjustment of the position of the cutting tools 10, 20, 30 independently of one another, particularly in a plane parallel to plane P. The at least one hole 91, 92 may, among other things, allow selective removal of each cutting tool 10, 20, 30 to allow removal and / or insertion of additional cutting tools, for example, to replace tools with worn cutting edges or to change the placement of cutting edges. For example, the layered structure may be restored by replacing only the third cutting tool 30 without replacing the first or second cutting tools.

[0023] The layered structure of knife 100 defines a cutting portion of knife 100, hereinafter referred to as an arrangement of cutting edges 60. The expression arrangement of cutting edges is used herein to refer to an arrangement or set of cutting edges of various shapes and sizes with which knife 100 is provided that enable the knife to cut and / or incise capsule 7 when knife 100 is attached to a cutting device for incising and cutting the capsule.

[0024] 8-13, a second embodiment of a knife, namely, knife 100', is shown. The difference between knife 100' and knife 100 lies in the addition of two cutting tools, namely, fourth cutting tool 40 and fifth cutting tool 50, and the replacement of cutting tool 30 with a further cutting tool 30'. Such a layered structure defines the arrangement of the cutting portion, namely, cutting edge 60', of knife 100'.

[0025] The knives 100, 100' are suitable for forming a tamper strip or ring 72 in the capsule 7 (FIGS. 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B). The knives 100, 100' are suitable for forming connecting portions 74a, 74b between the tamper ring 72 and the side wall 70. The body of the capsule 7 remains connected to the tamper ring 72 by connecting portions 74a, 74b even when the capsule 7 is removed from a container mouth adapted to open the container and access its contents, i.e., when the capsule is in the open configuration D (FIGS. 7B, 9B).

[0026] The knives 100, 100' in the cutting device cooperate with a rotating spindle (not shown) that grips the capsule 7 by rotating the capsule about an axis of rotation R that is parallel to or coincident with the axis of the capsule 7. The rotating spindle moves the capsule 7 in an advance direction T along a substantially circumferential arcuate path by bringing the side wall 70 of the capsule 7 into contact with the cutting portion of the knife 100, 100' and rotating the capsule relative to the cutting portion of the knife 100, 100', causing the capsule 7 to rotate about the axis of rotation R. As is known, it is undesirable for the capsule to be able to slip relative to the spindle or cutting portion. Depending on the arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' of the cutting portions of the knives 100, 100', there are corresponding incisions in the side wall 70 of the capsule 7. In other words, such arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' is shown in a negative manner on the side wall 70 of the capsule 7.

[0027] With reference to Figures 1 and 10, it should be noted that the direction of advancement T and the direction of rotation R of the capsule 7 are merely indicative, and the effect of the knives 100, 100' on the capsule 7 is equal to that which can be obtained with both the direction of advancement T and the direction of rotation R of the capsule reversed.

[0028] 6, 8, 7B, and 9B, the arrangement of cutting edges 60, 60' defines sidewall 70 after the cutting and cutting operations, i.e., skirt 71 and tamper strip or ring 72. In the following description, the term "skirt" refers to sidewall portion 70 having closed end 8, and the terms "tamper strip" or "tamper ring" refer to sidewall portion 70 having substantially annular open end 9.

[0029] The skirt 71 and the tamper strip 72 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting portions or braces 74a, 74b and by a plurality of bridges 73, i.e. elements made of plastic material intended to be broken by the user at the first opening of the container to which the capsule 7 is applied in order to make the closure of the container tamper evident.

[0030] 7A and 9A, capsule 7, with sidewall 70 shown unfolded on the viewing plane, appears in closed configuration C, in which bridge 73 is integral and contributes to braces 74a, 74b together to connect tamper strip 72 to skirt 71. Closed configuration C is assumed by the capsule before or after application to a container, and before the container is first opened and the capsule is actuated.

[0031] 7B and 9B, capsule 7, with sidewall 70 shown unfolded in the plane of the representation, appears in open configuration D, in which bridge 73 is broken and skirt 71 is spaced apart from tamper strip 72, which is connected to skirt 71 only by braces 74a, 74b. Open configuration D is assumed by the capsule applied to a container and after initial opening of the container through which the capsule travels.

[0032] 1-3, and particularly FIG. 3, the first cutting tool 10 has a plate-like structure, i.e., extends primarily along two major dimensions relative to a third lateral dimension, particularly a rectangular base. The first cutting tool 10 has two planes, a first lower surface 14 and a first upper surface 15, that are substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the first plane P.

[0033] The first cutting tool 10 includes a plurality of first blades 11, e.g., first blades 11a, 11b, and 11c, and a plurality of first recesses 16a and 16b in a first peripheral region 17. The plurality of first blades 11a, 11b, and 11c and the first recesses 16 of the first cutting tool 10 are alternately arranged along the first peripheral region 17 of the cutting tool 10 and define a concave or sawtooth profile obtained by projecting the first cutting tool 10 above a plane P. The first blades 11a, 11b, and 11c may include one or more first cavities 13 arranged to form a bridge 73. The first blades 11a, 11b, and 11c are also provided with first cutting edges 12a, 12b, and 12c at their free ends.

[0034] The cutting tool 10 is a horizontal cutting tool because the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, and 12c are located on the same first plane parallel to the plane P. The first plane is at a given height relative to the plane P on a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the plane P. By joining the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, and 12c, a first, substantially circumferential, arc-shaped curve is obtained, the center of which is located outside the knife 100, 100' on an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The first cutting tool 10, together with the second cutting tool 20 and the third cutting tool 30, is positioned to contribute to the formation of braces 74a and 74b on the side wall 70, cutting and separating the skirt 71 to form the tamper strip 72. The first cavities 13 are spaced apart and appropriately dimensioned so as not to disrupt the continuity of the material, for example, to avoid local variations or to cut but not perforate the capsule side wall 70, thereby forming the bridge 73.

[0035] 1, 2, and 4, the second cutting tool 20 has a plate-like structure, in particular a rectangular base, extending parallel to the plane P. The second cutting tool 20 has two planes, namely a second lower surface 24 and a second upper surface 25, that are substantially parallel to each other and generally parallel to the plane P.

[0036] The second cutting tool 20 comprises a plurality of second blades 21 in a second peripheral region 27, including, for example, second blades 21 a, 21 b and a plurality of second recesses 26. The second blades 21 a, 21 b and the second recesses 26 are alternately arranged along the second peripheral region 27 of the cutting tool 20 and define a concave contour at an orthogonal projection of the plane P. The second blades 21 a, 21 b may comprise one or more second cavities 23 arranged at predetermined positions on the second blades 21 a, 21 b. The second blades 21 a, 21 b are provided with second cutting edges 22 a, 22 b at their free ends.

[0037] The second cutting edges 22a, 22b are located in the same first plane parallel to the plane P, so the cutting tool 20 is a horizontal cutting tool. Joining the second cutting edges 22a, 22b results in a second, generally circumferential, arc-shaped curve whose center is located outside the knife 100 on a second axis generally perpendicular to the plane P. The second curve defined by the second cutting edges 22a, 22b is located in a second plane parallel to the plane P, at a second height different from the first height, on the vertical axis Z. The second cutting tool 20, together with the first cutting tool 10 and the third cutting tool 30, is positioned to contribute to the formation of the braces 74a, 74b in the capsule side wall 70. The second cavities 23 are spaced apart and appropriately dimensioned so as not to disrupt the continuity of the material, for example, to locally alter it or to incise but not perforate the capsule side wall 70, thereby forming the bridges 73.

[0038] 1, 2, and 5, the third cutting tool 30 has a plate-like structure, particularly a rectangular base, parallel to a plane P. The third cutting tool 30 has two planes, namely a third lower surface 37 and a third upper surface 38, that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] The third cutting tool 30 is arranged to make an oblique cut in the side wall 70. In its peripheral region 36, the third cutting tool 30 comprises one or more third beveled blades 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 33 provided with respective beveled cutting edges 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 34. At least two beveled cutting edges 32 a, 34 have different inclinations relative to a reference plane passing through the vertical axis Z and tangent to the advance direction T.

[0040] In particular, beveled cutting edge 32a has a negative slope, while beveled cutting edge 34 has a positive slope. A negative slope corresponds to a cutting edge whose upper end is recessed relative to its lower end along said advancing direction T, and vice versa; a positive slope corresponds to a cutting edge whose upper end is advanced relative to its lower end along said advancing direction T. In fact, beveled cutting edge 32a includes its upper end 92 and its lower end 91; considering the advancing direction T, upper end 92 is recessed relative to lower end 91, and therefore beveled cutting edge 32a has a negative slope. Similarly, beveled cutting edge 34 includes its upper end 94 and its lower end 93; considering the advancing direction T, upper end 94 is more advanced relative to lower end 93, and therefore beveled cutting edge 34 has a positive slope.

[0041] In addition to the at least two inclined cutting edges 32a, 34 having different mutual inclinations, the third cutting tool 30 may comprise further third blades 31b, 31c having negative inclinations provided at the free ends of the respective inclined cutting edges having negative inclinations, and may also comprise one or more third vertical blades (not shown) having respective vertical cutting edges.

[0042] Thus, with respect to a Cartesian plane formed by a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the plane P and an axis oriented substantially as the forward direction T, starting from any point in the forward direction T, the inclined cutting edge of the third inclined blade may be oriented in the peripheral region 36 in the following alternative ways: - with a negative slope, for example a third blade with a negative slope 31a, 31b, 31c. - has a positive slope, for example the third blade 33 having a positive slope. - vertically (not shown), i.e. parallel to the axis Z.

[0043] The peripheral region 36 of the third cutting tool 30 defines a third substantially circumferential arcuate curve in a third plane, the center of the circumference being located outside the knife 100 at a third axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The peripheral region 36 further defines a surface of the third cutting tool 30 that can rotate the side wall 70 of the capsule 7 about its axis of rotation R while the knife 100 incises and cuts the side wall 70. In other words, the third curvature defined by the peripheral region 36 contributes to guiding the capsule 7 along its path for interaction with the knife 100 in the advancement direction T.

[0044] The third blades with negative slopes 31a, 31b, 31c and the third blade with positive slope 33 may include spaced apart and appropriately dimensioned cavities (not shown) so as not to interrupt the continuity of the material, for example, to not locally alter it or to cut but not perforate the side wall 70 of the capsule, thereby allowing the formation of bridges 73.

[0045] 5, a bridge made of a plastic material may be formed in the capsule 7 at a cavity 35 defined by the respective lower and / or upper ends of the beveled cutting edges, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, particularly a fairly short distance. For example, considering a pair of beveled cutting edges 32a, 34, the respective lower ends 91 and 93 are spaced apart by a limited distance, forming a cavity 35 that forms a corresponding bridge 75 (FIGS. 7A, 7B) in the capsule 7 under the action of the knife 100, which breaks in the same way as the bridge 73 when passing from the closed configuration C to the open configuration D of the capsule 7. During cutting, a similar bridge is formed between the upper end 94 of the cutting edge with the positive bevel 34 and the upper end of the cutting edge with the negative bevel 32b.

[0046] The third beveled blade 31 a extends below the third lower surface 37 of the third cutting tool 30 and is supported by a support protrusion 39 a that projects downwardly from the third lower surface 37. In a version not shown, the third beveled blade 31 a may be housed laterally in the thickness of the third cutting tool 30, i.e., its lower end does not project from the third lower surface 37. In this version, the support protrusion 39 a may not be present.

[0047] The third beveled blade 31b extends below the third lower surface 37 of the third cutting tool 30 and is also supported by a further support protrusion 39b protruding from the third lower surface 37 below it. The further support protrusion 39b can be obtained in the form of a support protrusion 39a. In a version not shown, the third beveled blade 31b can be entirely contained within the thickness of the third cutting tool 30, i.e., its lower end does not protrude from the third lower surface 37. In this version, the support protrusion 39b can be absent.

[0048] Each support protrusion 39a, 39b is shaped to be received in a recess present in the first cutting tool 10. In particular, the support protrusions 39a, 39b are both received in the recess 16a of the first cutting tool 10.

[0049] The third cutting tool 30 is positioned to make an angled cut 79 in the side wall 70 of the capsule 7, the angled cut also including a vertical cut.

[0050] 1-5, the knife 100 is assembled such that a third cutting tool 30 is interposed between the first cutting tool 10 and the second cutting tool 20, as described below.

[0051] In this assembled configuration of the knife 100, the second lower surface 24 is in contact with the third upper surface 38; the third lower surface 37 is in contact with the first upper surface 15;

[0052] Furthermore, in this assembled configuration of the knife 100: a first axis of curvature defined by the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c of the first cutting tool 10; a second axis of curvature defined by the second cutting edges 21 a, 21 b of the second cutting tool 20, and a third axis of curvature defined by the peripheral region 36 of the third cutting tool 30 is are substantially consistent with each other.

[0053] Furthermore, in such an assembled configuration of knife 100: - first blades 11a, 11b, 11c, - second blades 21a, 21b, - third blades 31a, 31b, 31c with a negative slope, a third blade 33 with a positive inclination, and - the relative position between the possible third vertical blades, It defines the location of the cutting edge 60 of the knife 100 .

[0054] Now, referring to FIG. 6, the cutting edge 60 of the knife 100 is arranged as follows: the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c lie in a first plane parallel to the plane P, the second cutting edges 22a, 22b lie in a second plane parallel to the plane P, the third cutting edges 32a, 32b, 32c with a negative inclination and the third cutting edge 34 with a positive inclination are defined by being disposed obliquely relative to the plane P; The arrangement of cutting edges 60 may include a possible third perpendicular cutting edge perpendicular to plane P.

[0055] As already mentioned above, the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c and the second cutting edges 22a, 22b are arranged at different heights along the vertical axis Z, i.e. at different distances from the plane P, relative to one another.

[0056] 7A and 7B, depending on the relative position between the cutting edges of the cutting tool, the knife 100 forms various elements in the side wall 70 of the capsule 7: one or more intended separation lines 78a, 78b, 78c arranged in the same plane and obtained by the penetration of the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c through the thickness of the side wall 70, one or more connecting portions or braces 74a, 74b, each of which in turn - central portions 77a, 77b through which the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c and the second cutting edges 22a, 22b penetrate, and the joints 76a, 76b obtained by the penetration of the second cutting edges 22a, 22b and the negatively beveled third cutting edges 32a, 32b, 32c and the positively beveled third cutting edge 34, one or more oblique cuts 79 by penetration of the third blades 31a, 31b, 31c with a negative slope and the third blade 34 with a positive slope.

[0057] In particular, and with reference to FIG. 6, following the forward direction T, the knife 100 comprises: an opening-forming portion 68a including a first cutting edge 12a in a first plane parallel to plane P. The opening-forming portion 68a extends, for example, over approximately 50% of the length of the knife 100. A relative intended detachment line 78a corresponds to the opening-forming portion 68a of the capsule 7 (FIGS. 7A, 7B). - connecting formation 64a. The connecting formation 64a extends, for example, approximately 10% of the length of the knife 100. The brace 74a corresponds to the connecting formation 64a in the capsule 7. The connecting formation 64a in turn includes: a connecting-forming central portion 67a, in which the last part of the first cutting edge 12a is superimposed along the vertical axis Z on the first part of the second cutting edge 22a, which is in the second plane, i.e. higher than the first cutting edge 12a. The connecting-forming central portion 67a extends, for example, about two-thirds of the length of the connecting portion 64a. The central portion of each brace 77a corresponds to the connecting-forming central portion 67a. - a joint-forming portion 66a downstream of the joint-forming central portion 67a, which includes a short portion of the second cutting edge 22a, the end of which is at the initial end of the negatively sloped third cutting edge 32a. In other words, the joint-forming portion 66a includes the second cutting edge 22a and the final portion of the negatively sloped third cutting edge 32a. The joint-forming portion 66a extends, for example, over approximately one-third of the joint-forming region 64a. Each joint portion 76a corresponds to a joint-forming portion 66a in the capsule 7. A brace-forming central portion 69, in which the final end of the negatively sloped third cutting edge 32a terminates at a height that can be equal to or lower than the height of a plane parallel to the first plane on which the first cutting edge 12a is located. The initial end of the positively sloped third cutting edge 34 is located at the final end of the negatively sloped third cutting edge 32a. The positively sloped third cutting edge 34 ends at a height equal to, but may be higher than, the height of the second plane on which the second cutting edge 22a is located. The final upper end of the positively sloped third cutting edge 34 is located at the initial upper end of the inclined negatively sloped third cutting edge 32b. The brace-forming central portion 69 further comprises a positively sloped third cutting edge 34 and a negatively sloped third cutting edge 32b. One or more oblique cuts 79 correspond to the brace-forming central portion 69 of the sidewall 70. The brace forming central portion 69 may extend, for example, between 5% and 10% of the length of the knife 100 . a further aperture-forming portion 68b with a first cutting edge 12b lying in a first plane, the further aperture-forming portion 68b extending, for example, between 5% and 10% of the length of the knife 100. A relative intended separation line 78b corresponds to the further aperture-forming portion 68b. Further connecting formation 64b. The further connecting formation 64b extends, for example, by approximately 10% of the length of the knife 100. The brace 74b corresponds to the further connecting formation 64b. The further connecting formation 64b in turn includes: a further connecting-forming central part 67b, in which the last part of the first cutting edge 12a is in the second plane, i.e., is superimposed along the vertical axis Z on the first part of the second cutting edge 22b, which is higher than the first cutting edge 12b. The further connecting-forming central part 67b extends, for example, by about two-thirds of the distance from the further connecting part 64b. Each brace central part 77b corresponds to a further connecting-forming central part 67b. - a further connecting portion 66b downstream of the further connecting portion 67b, which includes a short portion of the second cutting edge 22b and ends at the beginning of the third cutting edge 32c with a negative slope. In other words, the further connecting portion 66b includes the second cutting edge 22b and the final portion of the third cutting edge 32c with a negative slope. The further connecting portion 66b extends, for example, approximately one-third of the further connecting portion 64b. Each connecting portion 76b corresponds to a further connecting portion 66b in the capsule 7. At the final end of the third cutting edge 32c with a negative slope, there is a further opening-forming portion 68c, in which the first cutting edge 12c lies in a first plane extending, for example, over about 20% of the length of the knife 100 along the direction of advancement T. The respective intended separation lines 78c still correspond to the further opening-forming portions 68c.

[0058] It should be noted that the arrangement of cutting edges 60 may have a different order of the portions of the arrangement of cutting edges 60 described above, provided that continuity is satisfied, as it is suitable for cutting objects having a substantially cylindrical symmetry. For example, aperture forming portions 68a and 68c of the arrangement of cutting edges 60 may be incorporated into a single aperture forming portion that is arranged together as the first or last portion of the arrangement of cutting edges 60 along the advance direction T.

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the terms "first / last", "start / end", "upstream / downstream" are used to indicate the order in which the projections of the cutting edge ends along the advance direction T can be found.

[0060] The layered structure and relative assembly arrangement of the knives allows for the placement of cutting edges incised into the capsule to be changed by adding and / or changing cutting tools in the assembly configuration. In particular, given that a horizontal cut can be maintained across a given capsule size, a third cutting tool can be changed to produce a differently shaped brace on a capsule of the same size without also having to change the first and second cutting tools. This is made possible by the fact that the brace shape is substantially determined by the differently angled cutting edges provided on the third cutting tool.

[0061] In the illustrated second embodiment, knife 100' includes additional cutting tools, namely, fourth cutting tool 40 and fifth cutting tool 50, positioned to incise side surface 70 of capsule 7. In this embodiment of knife 100', first cutting tool 10 and second cutting tool 20 are also present, but cutting tool 30' has the same number of blades as the version according to FIGS. 1-6, with a different arrangement, as described below. Fourth cutting tool 40, first cutting tool 10, third cutting tool 30', second cutting tool 20, and fifth cutting tool 50 are stacked together in a removable assembly. Knife 100' is removably secured to the frame of a cutting device by fastening means (not shown), such as screws or bolts, which further allow cutting tools 10, 20, 30', 40, and 50 to be clamped and removably secured to one another. Referring to FIG. 10 , each of the cutting tools 10, 20, 30′, 40, and 50 includes at least one through-hole 91′, 92′, particularly arranged to receive a fastening means, so that the cutting tools 10, 20, 30′, 40, and 50 can be removed from or inserted into the layered structure according to the stacking order of the tools from top to bottom. Referring to FIG. 10A , the at least one hole 91′, 92′ can include at least one eccentric hole or slot 92′, particularly arranged to allow adjustment of the cutting tools 10, 20, and 30′ independently of one another, particularly in a plane parallel to plane P. The at least one hole 91′, 92, particularly allows selective removal of each cutting tool 10, 20, and 30′ to allow removal and / or insertion of additional cutting tools, for example, to replace tools with worn cutting edges or to change the placement of cutting edges. For example, it is possible to restore the layered structure by replacing only the third cutting tool 30′ without replacing the other cutting tools.

[0062] 12, the fourth cutting tool 40 has a plate-like structure, in particular a rectangular base, parallel to a plane P. The fourth cutting tool 40 has two planes, namely a fourth lower surface 44 and a fourth upper surface 45, that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0063] The fourth cutting tool 40 has a fourth blade 41 in a fourth peripheral region 47. The fourth blade 41 has a fourth cutting edge 42 at its free end. The fourth cutting edge 42, or at least one point thereof, is located in a fourth substantially circumferential arcuate curvature, the center of which is located outside the knife 100' on a fourth axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The fourth curvature, and therefore the fourth cutting edge 42, is located in the fourth plane at a lower height than the first cutting edge 12a. The fourth cutting edge 42 has a longitudinal extension that is smaller than the circumference of the side wall 70 of the capsule to be processed. The fourth cutting tool 40 is positioned to form an auxiliary groove 75' (FIGS. 9A and 9B) in the side wall 70 of the capsule. The fourth cutting tool 40 cooperates with the fifth cutting tool 50 and the third cutting tool 30' to form the braces 74a, 74b. The fourth blade 41 may include one or more fourth cavities 43 spaced apart and appropriately dimensioned so as not to interrupt the continuity of the material, e.g., to not locally alter it or to cut but not perforate the capsule side wall 70 to form a bridge 73. In particular, the fourth cutting edge 42 comprises only one cavity 43.

[0064] 12, the fifth cutting tool 50 has a plate-like structure, in particular a rectangular base, parallel to the plane P. The fifth cutting tool 50 has two planes, namely a fifth lower surface 55 and a fifth upper surface 55, that are substantially parallel to each other and generally parallel to the plane P.

[0065] The fifth cutting tool 50 has a fifth blade 51 in a fifth peripheral region 57. The fifth blade 51 has a fifth cutting edge 52 at its free end. The fifth cutting edge 52, or at least one point thereof, is located in a fifth substantially circumferential arcuate curvature, the center of which is located outside the knife 100' on a fifth axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The fifth curvature lies in a fifth plane. The fifth cutting edge 52 has an extension that is smaller than the circumference of the side wall 70 of the capsule to be processed. The fifth cutting tool 50 is positioned to form a further auxiliary groove 79' (FIGS. 9A and 9B) in the side wall 70 of the capsule. The fifth cutting tool 50 cooperates with the fourth cutting tool 40 and the third cutting tool 30' to form the braces 74a, 74b.

[0066] The fifth blade 51 may include one or more fifth cavities 53 that are spaced apart and appropriately dimensioned so as not to interrupt the continuity of the material, e.g., to not locally alter it or to cut but not perforate the side wall 70 of the capsule to form a bridge 73. In particular, the fifth cutting edge 51 comprises only one cavity 53.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 13 , the further third cutting tool 30′ has a structure similar to that of the previously described third cutting tool 30, which will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, other similar parts of shape and function are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The difference between the further third cutting tool 30′ and the third cutting tool 30 lies in the arrangement of the further third blades 31 a′, 31 b′ having a negative slope and the further third blade 33′ having a positive slope. In practice, as will be explained in detail below, the ends of the negatively sloped third cutting edges 32 a′, 32 b′ and the end of the positively sloped third cutting edge 34′ may be spaced apart by an amount approximately equal to the extension of the fourth cutting edge 42 and / or the fifth cutting edge 52 along the advancing direction T.

[0068] The third cutting tool 30' is positioned to make an oblique cut in the side wall 70. In its peripheral region 36', the third cutting tool 30 comprises one or more third beveled blades 31 a', 31 b', 31 c', 33' provided with respective beveled cutting edges 32 a', 32 b', 32 c', 34'. At least two beveled cutting edges 32 a', 34' have different inclinations relative to a reference plane passing through the vertical axis Z and tangent to the advance direction T.

[0069] In particular, the beveled cutting edge 32a' has a negative slope, and the beveled cutting edge 34' has a positive slope. A negative slope corresponds to a cutting edge whose upper end is recessed relative to its lower end along the advancing direction T, and vice versa; a positive slope corresponds to a cutting edge whose upper end is advanced relative to its lower end along the advancing direction T. In fact, the beveled cutting edge 32a' includes its upper end 92' and its lower end 91'; when considering the advancing direction T, the upper end 92' is recessed relative to the lower end 91'; therefore, the beveled cutting edge 32a' has a negative slope. Similarly, the beveled cutting edge 34' includes its upper end 94 and its lower end 93; when considering the advancing direction T, the upper end 94' is more advanced relative to the lower end 93'; therefore, the beveled cutting edge 34' has a positive slope.

[0070] Like beveled cutting edge 32a, beveled cutting edge 32a' extends below the height of third lower surface 37' and is supported by support protrusion 39a'. Even beveled cutting edge 34' extends below the height of third lower surface 37' and is supported by a further support protrusion 39b'. Furthermore, beveled cutting edge 34' extends above the height of third upper surface 38' and is supported by a support protrusion 39c' that protrudes from and is superimposed on third upper surface 38'.

[0071] 11, the fifth blade 51 rests on the support protrusion 39c'. The support protrusion 39c' can be accommodated in one or more second recesses 26 of the second cutting tool 20. The third beveled cutting edge 32b' is obtained on each beveled blade 31b', extends above the third upper surface 38', and is supported by a respective protrusion that protrudes from the third upper surface 38' above said third upper surface 38'. The protrusion can be obtained on the support protrusion 39c', which can be, for example, a separate body having the support protrusion 39c'.

[0072] The protrusions and projections described above are received in recesses in the first and second cutting tools similar to those provided in the knife 100 version.

[0073] 10 and 11, the assembly configuration of the knife 100 interposes the third cutting tool 30 between the first cutting tool 10 and the second cutting tool 20, and between the fourth cutting tool 40 and the fifth cutting tool 50, as described below.

[0074] In this assembled configuration of the knife 100': the fifth lower surface 54 is in contact with the second upper surface 25; The second lower surface 24 is in contact with the third upper surface 38'. the third lower surface 37' is in contact with the first upper surface 15; the first lower surface 14 is in contact with the fourth upper surface 45;

[0075] Furthermore, in this assembled configuration of the knife 100': a first axis of curvature defined by the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c of the first cutting tool 10; a second axis of the first curvature defined by the second cutting edges 21 a, 21 b of the second cutting tool 20; a third axis of curvature defined by a peripheral region 36' of the third cutting tool 30'; a fourth axis of a fourth curvature along which at least one point of the fourth cutting edge 42 is located; a fifth axis of the fifth curvature along which at least one point of the fifth cutting edge 52 is located; are substantially consistent with each other.

[0076] Furthermore, in this assembled configuration, the relative positions between knife 100′, first blades 11a, 11b, 11c, second blades 21a, 21b, third blades 31a′, 31b′, 31c′ having a negative slope, third blade 33′ having a positive slope, and possibly third orthogonal blade define the arrangement of cutting edge 60′ of knife 100′.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, the cutting edge 60' of the knife 100' is the first cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c lie in a first plane parallel to the plane P, - second cutting edges 22a, 22b lying in a second plane parallel to the first plane, further third cutting edges 32a', 32b', 32c' with a negative inclination and a third cutting edge with a positive inclination 34' arranged obliquely with respect to the plane P and / or a possible third cutting edge perpendicular to the plane P, a fourth cutting edge 42 lying in a fourth plane parallel to the plane P, - defined by a fifth cutting edge 52 lying in a fifth plane parallel to the plane P;

[0078] The ends of the negatively sloped third cutting edges 32a', 32b', 32c' and the end of the positively sloped third cutting edge 34' are disposed adjacent to or in contact with the ends of other cutting edges, for example, the ends of cutting edges 12a, 12b, 12c and / or the ends of cutting edges 22a, 22b and / or the ends of the negatively sloped third cutting edges 32a', 32b', 32c' and the end of the positively sloped third cutting edge 34' and / or the end of the fourth cutting edge 42 and / or the end of the fifth cutting edge 52. When the ends of the cutting edges 32a', 32b' with the negative slope and the end of the third cutting edge 34' with the positive slope are positioned near the other ends of the cutting edges, a spaced and appropriately sized third cavity is identified so as not to interrupt the continuity of the material, for example, to not locally alter it or to cut but not perforate the side wall 70 of the capsule, thereby forming a bridge.

[0079] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, depending on the relative positions between the cutting edges of the cutting tools, the knife 100' makes an arrangement of oblique cuts 79' on the side wall 70 of the capsule 7, which may differ from those shown, obtained by penetration of the third blades 31a', 31b' with negative slope and the third blade 33', fourth blade 41, and fifth blade 51 with positive slope.

[0080] In particular, with reference to Figures 8, 9A, 9B and 10, following a path along a forward direction T, the knife 100': The central portion 69' includes a fourth cutting edge 42, a third cutting edge 34' with a positive slope, a fifth cutting edge 52, and a third cutting edge 32b' with a negative slope. The final end of the negative slope third cutting edge 32a' terminates at a height that may be equal to or lower than the height of a plane parallel to the first plane P on which the first cutting edge 12a is located. The initial end of the fourth cutting edge 42, which is located on the fourth plane, i.e., lower than the height of plane P, is located at the final end of the negative slope third cutting edge 32a'. The final end of the fourth cutting edge 42 is located at or in contact with the initial end of the positive slope third cutting edge 34', which is in an inclined or vertical arrangement. The positive slope third cutting edge 34' terminates at a height that may be equal to or higher than the height of the second plane on which the second cutting edge 22a is located. The terminal end of the third cutting edge 34', which has a positive slope, is close to or in contact with the initial end of the fifth cutting edge 52, which is in the fifth plane, i.e., at a height that may be higher than the height of the second plane where the second cutting edge 22a is located. The terminal end of the fifth cutting edge 52 is located at the third cutting edge 32b', which has a negative slope. The attached central portion 69' corresponds to multiple beveled cuts and flat cuts, and the flat cuts are sandwiched between two beveled cuts of different slopes on the sidewall 70. The multiple beveled cuts and flat cuts allow the two braces 74a, 74b to be separated from each other. The attached central portion 69' may extend, for example, between 5% and 10% of the length of the knife 100'.

[0081] The shape of the knives 100, 100' allows the third cutting tool 30, 30' to be removed from the laminated structure and replaced with a different third cutting tool to obtain different shapes for the connecting portions or braces 74a, 74b. This simplifies the cutting equipment and reduces machine downtime for equipping the cutting equipment with different knives. Furthermore, the cutting equipment also maintains a certain flexibility, considering that it is possible to perform cuts with knives that can change the geometry of the cut portion of the capsule by replacing a small number of cutting tools.

[0082] The illustrated example shows a grooved capsule having two braces, both inclined with a negative slope relative to the forward direction T, as can be seen from the capsule's open configuration D. It is clear that a person skilled in the art will have no difficulty modifying the number and arrangement of the cutting edges of the knife 100, 100' in order to cut capsules having more than two braces, for example three or four braces, inclined with a negative and / or positive slope according to various combinations.

[0083] There can be three inclined braces arranged at the same incline, or one brace with a particular incline and two consecutive braces with the opposite incline, or multiple arrangements of cutting edges with positive and negative inclines combined to form three braces with alternating inclines. Other different arrangements of cutting edges can be provided, with the combinations of positive and negative inclines forming four braces all inclined at the same incline, or two pairs of braces with opposite inclines, or four braces inclined at alternating inclines, or three consecutive braces inclined at the same incline and one brace inclined at the opposite incline.

[0084] To obtain three or four connecting portions or braces connecting the tamper ring 72 and the side wall 70, in addition to the two beveled cutting edges 32a, 34, 32a', 34' on the third cutting tool 30, 30', further cutting edges may be provided arranged to define three or four connecting portions in use.

[0085] Instead of or in addition to the further cutting edge of the third cutting tool 30, 30', the knife 100, 100' can include further cutting tools arranged to cooperate with the first horizontal cutting tool 10, the second horizontal cutting tool 20, and the third cutting tool 30, 30', and additional cutting edges, if present, in its multiple cutting tools configuration to determine three or four connecting portions connecting the tamper ring 72 and the side wall 70 during use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 7 capsules 10,20,30,30' cutting tools 11a, 11b, 11c, 21a, 21b, 31a, 33, 31a', 33' Blades 12a, 12b, 12c cutting edge 14,24,37,37' Bottom side 15,25,38,38' Top 22a, 22b, 32a, 34, 32a', 34' cutting edge 72 Tamper Ring 100,100' knife

Claims

1. A knife (100; 100') attached to a cutting device and configured to obtain incisions and cuts on a plastic capsule (7) intended to close a container, said knife (100; 100') being suitable for making cuts and incisions in the side wall (70) of said capsule (7) when said capsule (7) is moved in a forward direction (T) along a path interacting with said knife (100; 100') by rotating about a rotation axis (R), said knife (100; 100') being suitable for making cuts and incisions in the side wall (70) of said capsule (7), said cutters being arranged in a layered structure, said cutters being stacked in the direction of a vertical axis (Z) parallel to a plane (P) and perpendicular to said plane (P), said layered structure comprising: a first horizontal cutting tool (10) arranged to perform a circumferential cut in said side wall (70) at a first height of said vertical axis (Z) to define a tamper ring (72) in said capsule (7); a second horizontal cutting tool (20) arranged to perform a further circumferential cut in said side wall (70) at a second height different from said first height of said vertical axis (Z); a third cutting tool (30; 30') arranged to perform an oblique cut in said side wall (70) and to determine, in use, together with said second horizontal cutting tool (20) and said first horizontal cutting tool (10) a connection portion (74a, 74b) connecting said tamper ring (72) and said side wall (70); Including, the third cutting tool (30; 30') comprises at least two inclined cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') having different inclinations from each other, the inclinations representing a reference plane passing through the vertical axis (Z) and tangent to the advancement direction (T) of the capsule (7); the third cutting tool (30; 30') is interposed between the first horizontal cutting tool (10) and the second horizontal cutting tool (20); the third cutting tool (30; 30') is configured to be removable from the layered structure; and a plurality of types of interchangeable cutting tools are provided as the third cutting tool (30; 30') to obtain different shapes of the connecting portions (74a, 74b).

2. The first horizontal cutting tool (10) comprises: a first lower surface (14) and a first upper surface (15), said first upper surface (15) being shaped to contact said third cutting tool (30; 30'); a plurality of first blades (11a, 11b, 11c) provided at their free ends with a plurality of first horizontal cutting edges (12a, 12b, 12c); Including, 2. The knife (100; 100') according to claim 1, wherein the first blades (11a, 11b, 11c) are spaced apart by one or more first recesses (16a, 16b).

3. The second horizontal cutting tool (20) comprises: a second lower surface (24) and a second upper surface (25), said second lower surface (24) being shaped to contact said third cutting tool (30, 30'); a plurality of second blades (21a, 21b) provided at their free ends with a plurality of second horizontal cutting edges (22a, 22b) extending along a second plane parallel to the plane (P); Including, 3. A knife (100; 100') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second blades (21a, 21b) are spaced apart by one or more second recesses (26).

4. 4. A knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third cutting tool (30; 30') comprises a third lower surface (37; 37') and a third upper surface (38; 38'), the third lower surface (37; 37') being shaped to contact the first horizontal cutting tool (10) and the third upper surface (38; 38') being shaped to contact the second horizontal cutting tool (20).

5. 5. The knife (100; 100') according to claim 4, wherein each blade (31a, 33; 31a', 33') having one of the at least two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') on its upper side extends below the third lower surface (37; 37') and is supported by a respective support protrusion (39a, 39b; 39a', 39b'), which protrudes from the third lower surface (37; 37') below the third lower surface (37; 37').

6. A knife (100; 100') according to claim 5 when claim 4 is attached to claim 2, wherein each of the support projections (39a, 39b; 39a', 39b') is shaped to be received in the one or more first recesses (16a, 16b).

7. 7. A knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each blade (33; 33') having one of the at least two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') on its upper side extends above the third upper surface (38; 38') and is supported by a respective support protrusion (39c') that protrudes from the third upper surface (38; 38') above the third upper surface (38; 38').

8. A knife (100; 100') according to claim 7 when claim 4 is attached to claim 3, wherein each of the support projections (39c') is housed in one or more of the second recesses (26).

9. 9. The knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two inclined cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') have opposite slopes, each comprising a third cutting edge (32a; 32a') with a negative slope and a third cutting edge (34; 34') with a positive slope, the negative slope corresponding to an edge whose upper end is receding relative to its lower end along the advancing direction (T), and vice versa, the positive slope corresponding to an edge whose upper end is advancing relative to its lower end along the advancing direction (T).

10. 10. The knife (100; 100') according to claim 9, wherein the third cutting edge (34; 34') with the positive slope is arranged downstream of the third cutting edge (32a; 32a') with the negative slope along the advance direction (T).

11. 11. A knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the third cutting tool (30; 30') further comprises, in addition to the two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34'), a further third beveled cutting edge (32b, 32c; 32b'; 32c') arranged downstream of the two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') along the advance direction (T).

12. 12. The knife (100; 100') according to claim 11, wherein the further third inclined cutting edge (32b, 32c; 32b'; 32c') has a negative slope in the reference plane, the negative slope corresponding to a cutting edge having an upper end that is set back relative to a lower end along the advancing direction (T).

13. A knife (100; 100') according to claim 11 or 12 when claim 11 is attached to claim 4, wherein the further third beveled cutting edge (32b') extends above the third upper surface (38; 38') and is obtained on each beveled blade (31b') supported from the third upper surface (38; 38') by a respective protrusion (39c') protruding above the third upper surface (38; 38').

14. A knife (100; 100') according to claim 13 when claim 11 is attached to claim 7 or 8, wherein said protrusion (39c') is obtained within said support projection (39c').

15. 15. The knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the third cutting tool (30; 30') further comprises a further third inclined cutting edge (32c; 32c') with a negative slope arranged downstream of the further third inclined cutting edge (31b; 31b') with a negative slope along the advancing direction (T), the negative slope corresponding to an edge whose upper end is set back relative to its lower end along the advancing direction (T).

16. 16. The knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 34, 32b; 32a', 34'; 34', 32b') comprise respective lower ends and / or respective upper ends spaced a predetermined distance (35) apart so as to form a bridge made of plastic material during the diagonal cuts that the beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 34, 32b; 32a', 34'; 34', 32b') make in the side wall (70).

17. 17. The knife (100') according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34') have respective lower ends arranged a predetermined distance apart, and a further blade (41) of the further cutting tool (40) of the layered structure is inserted between the respective lower ends.

18. 18. The knife (100') of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the plurality of cutting tools arranged in the layered structure further comprises a fourth horizontal cutting tool (40) arranged below the first horizontal cutting tool (10) for performing a further circumferential cut in the sidewall (70) at a height lower than the first height about the vertical axis (Z).

19. The fourth horizontal cutting tool (40) comprises: a lower fourth surface (44) and a fourth upper surface (45), said fourth upper surface (44) being shaped to be in contact with said first horizontal cutting tool (10); a fourth blade (41) provided at its free end with a fourth horizontal cutting edge (42); Including, A knife (100') according to claim 18 when attached to claim 17, wherein the fourth blade (41) is the further blade.

20. 20. The knife (100') of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of cutting tools arranged in the layered structure further comprises a fifth horizontal cutting tool (50) arranged above the second horizontal cutting tool (20) to perform a further circumferential cut on the sidewall (70) at a height above the second height on the vertical axis (Z).

21. The fifth horizontal cutting tool (50) comprises: a fifth lower surface (54) and a fifth upper surface (55), said fifth lower surface (54) being shaped to be in contact with said second horizontal cutting tool (20); a fifth blade (51) provided at its free end with a fifth cutting edge (52); Including, A knife (100') according to claim 20 when applied to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fifth blade (51) rests on the support projection (39c').

22. 22. A knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the third cutting tool (30; 30') comprises, in addition to the at least two beveled cutting edges (32a, 34; 32a', 34'), further cutting edges arranged to define three or four connecting portions connecting the tamper ring (72) and the side wall (70) in use.

23. 23. The knife (100; 100') of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the plurality of cutting tools of the layered structure further comprises additional cutting tools arranged to cooperate with the first horizontal cutting tool (10), the second horizontal cutting tool (20), and the third cutting tool (30; 30') and, if present, with the further cutting edges to determine, in use, three or four connection portions connecting the tamper ring (72) and the side wall (70).

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