Knife for cutting caps

Abstract

To provide an improved knife for a device for cutting caps.SOLUTION: A knife (100; 100') is arranged so that it is fitted to a cutting device for obtaining a cutting line and a notch in a plastic cap (7) intending to close a container, and is provided with an edge (60; 60') protruding from a peripheral area (19; 19') of the knife. An arrangement of the edge is provided with an opening formation part (68a; 68a') and at least one connection formation part (64a; 64a'). The knife (100; 100') is composed of a single component, and the arrangement of the edge (60; 60') is obtained in the single component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic cap, closure, or stopper of the type used to close containers such as bottles, and to a knife for cutting (severing) such closures. In particular, the present invention relates to an opening indication (tamper-evident) band or ring, also known as a strap or hinge, and one or more connecting portions, arranged to cut (sever) the side wall of a cap so as to obtain them on the side wall of the cap, the opening indication band or ring, and the one or more connecting portions connecting the opening indication band or ring to different parts of the cap, for example, to the body of the cap, i.e., to the part of the side wall having the closed end of the cap.

[0002] The knife can also be arranged to cut (sever) the side wall of the cap so as to obtain a tab, i.e., a part of the body, formed in the body of the cap to maintain the closure in a predetermined position relative to the opening indication ring after the container has been opened, so that access to the container by the user is facilitated.

Background Art

[0003] The design of articles made of plastic materials is increasingly directed towards recyclable materials and recycling of the articles after use. As a result, even in the field of closures for containers, there is an increasing demand for closures provided with a strap that can hold the closure to its opening indication ring even after the container has been opened.

[0004] In use, when a cap equipped with an tamper-evident band and strap is applied to the mouth of a container such as a bottle to close the container, the tamper-evident band is positioned on a seat provided on the container body, which is generally formed between two annular projections and restricts the axial movement of the tamper-evident ring. By loosening the screw of the closure, the container is opened and the tamper-evident band is held in its seat, and even after the closed end of the closure has separated from the mouth of the container, the strap holds the tamper-evident ring and the cap thereby joined to the bottle. The tab is shaped in particular to hold the closed end of the closure in place, especially in a position overturned relative to the tamper-evident ring or the mouth of the container, so that the user can easily access the mouth of the container.

[0005] This means that the tamper-evident ring can be separated from the bottle at the same time as the closure, which contributes to the effective recycling of plastics when the plastic material of the closure is intended for recycling. Furthermore, retaining the closure attached to the tamper-evident ring even after the container has been opened helps prevent the cap from being dispersed into the environment.

[0006] The strap on the side wall of the cap is obtained by following two main processes: namely, by forming or providing a mold that is properly shaped to form the strap, or by cutting or providing cuts and notches in the side wall of an already formed cap. The cuts and notches determine a side wall portion that is partially removable from the rest of the side wall of the cap, and such a side wall portion forms a connecting portion or strap in addition to the opening indicator ring and tab. Techniques for manufacturing straps are also known that combine a specific shape of the mold that forms the cap with the determined shape of the notches obtained in the cap after formation.

[0007] Cutting devices are also known that are equipped with blades suitable for cutting or creating notches in the side wall of the cap in order to determine a circumferential weakening and preferential separation line between the tamper-evident band and the cap, i.e., the rest of the side wall of the body. This type of cutting is also known as a horizontal cut.

[0008] For example, there are cutting devices known that are suitable for cutting and creating notches at one or more points or zones in the side wall of a cap, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the cap, in order to obtain a weakening zone in an tamper-evident band. This type of cutting is also known as a vertical cut.

[0009] Cutting devices are also known that are suitable for creating notches in the sidewall of the cap by both horizontal and vertical cuts at the radial position of the cap. This last cutting device generally has a knife for horizontal cutting, and downstream of that, an insert is positioned with a vertical blade for creating notches in the cap by vertical cutting.

[0010] Cutting devices are also known that have a knife with multiple blades to obtain connecting parts or straps and tabs.

[0011] The different cutting devices described above are equipped with knives manufactured for specific cutting shapes and specific cap sizes. As the complexity of the specific cutting shape increases, the cutting device appears as a combination of more parts or blades assembled between them. This means that whenever a cap manufacturer needs to change a cap production batch, they must find and keep several blades to be equipped in the cutting device. Furthermore, equipping a cutting device with new blades requires a predetermined machine downtime, as such blades must first be assembled into their parts and then into the cutting device, which incurs high manufacturing costs. In addition, the knives used to obtain straps and tabs are structurally complex and, once installed, require numerous parts to be replaced; therefore, manufacturing caps with such complex structures increases manufacturing costs. Moreover, the assembly configuration of such parts is time-consuming and requires high precision in the relative placement of the parts between them so that the notches are continuously produced in the cap wall. Incorrect placement of the parts between them, and / or relative displacement of the parts between them during use, results in low-quality notches, reduces the productivity of the cutting device, and increases waste. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0012] The objective of this invention is to improve upon conventional knives used in devices for cutting caps.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution for creating a notch in the cap.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a knife having a relatively simple structure for a device for cutting caps to create notches for straps or other elements such as tabs in the side walls of plastic caps.

[0015] According to the present invention, a knife as defined by the claims is provided.

[0016] The present invention makes it possible to provide a single-piece knife that creates cuts of more or less complex shapes by having continuously connectable cutting profiles arranged according to different inclines.

[0017] This invention makes it possible to provide a robust, compact, and stable knife for use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] The present invention should be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a knife for cutting off a cap. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a detailed view of Figure 1, showing the protrusions on the knife. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the blade arrangement of the knife in Figure 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a cylindrical projection diagram of the side wall of the cap cut by the knife in Figure 1, in the closed configuration of the cap. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cylindrical projection diagram of the side wall of the cap cut by the knife in Figure 1, showing the opening configuration of the cap. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the blade shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is the first detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a second detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a third detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is the fourth detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6E] Figure 6E is the fifth detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6F] Figure 6F is the sixth detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 6G] Figure 6G is the seventh detailed view of Figure 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the knife for cutting the cap. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of FIG. 7, showing the cutting protrusion of the knife. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the blade arrangement of the knife of FIG. 7. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a view in a cylindrical drawing method of the side wall of the cap cut by the knife of FIG. 7 in the closed configuration of the cap. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a view in a cylindrical drawing method of the side wall of the cap cut by the knife of FIG. 7 in the open configuration of the cap.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 3, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, FIGS. 6A - 6G, a first embodiment of a knife for cutting a capsule or a cap or a closure, i.e., a knife 100 arranged to cut or make a cut in the side wall 70 of the cap 7, is disclosed. The cap 7 is made of a plastic material and is intended to close a container such as a bottle. The cap 7 has a cup-shaped body 71 and is provided with a closed end 8 and an open end 9.

[0020] The knife 100 is arranged to be mounted on a cutting device to obtain cut lines and cutouts in the cap 7.

[0021] The terms "cut" or "notch" refer to a zone of the cap 7 that has a piercing cut, i.e., a through slit where the continuity of the material is interrupted by the action of the knife. The term "incision" refers to a zone of the cap 7 where the side wall 70 has a thin thickness caused by a knife penetrating the material to a predetermined depth without interfering with the continuity of the material. Based on the thickness of the cap wall, equal action of the knife, i.e., equal penetration depth of the knife, can produce a cut if the penetration depth is equal to or greater than the wall thickness, or an incision if the same penetration depth is less than the wall thickness.

[0022] The knife 100 comprises at least cutting protrusions arranged to interact with the wall of the cap 7 to create a notch or cut therein. In particular, the knife 100 comprises a plurality of cutting protrusions, such as a first cutting protrusion, a second cutting protrusion, a third cutting protrusion, and a fourth cutting protrusion. The knife 100 has a plate structure made in a single piece from which the cutting protrusions forming the cutting portion of the knife 100 are obtained, and is hereafter referred to as the arrangement of the cutting edges 60. In this disclosure, the arrangement of the cutting edges means an arrangement or assembly of cutting edges of different shapes and sizes provided on the knife, which enables the knife to perform cuts and / or cuts in the cap 7 when the knife 100 is mounted on a cutting device for cutting or creating a notch in the cap.

[0023] Referring to Figures 7-9, 10A, and 10B, a second embodiment of the knife, namely knife 100', is shown. Knife 100' has a plate structure made of a single piece, the cutting edge having a different inclination than that of knife 100. Such a structure forms the cutting portion of knife 100', i.e., the arrangement of the cutting edges 60'.

[0024] Knives 100 and 100' are suitable for forming an tamper-evident band or ring 72 (Figures 4A, 4B, 10A, and 10B) on the cap 7. Knives 100 and 100' are suitable for forming connecting portions 74a and 74b between the tamper-evident ring 72 and the body 71. The connecting portions 74a and 74b ensure that the body 71 of the cap 7 remains connected to the tamper-evident ring 72 even when the cap 7 is removed from the container opening, i.e., when the cap is in the opening configuration D (Figures 4B and 10B).

[0025] The knives 100, 100' are also suitable for forming tab portions 79, 79' on the side walls 70 of the body 71 of the cap 7. The tab portions 79, 79' allow the body 71 of the cap 7 to be held in an overturned position at the container opening. When the cap is in the open configuration D, if there are straps 74a, 74b, 74a', 74b' connecting the tamper-evident ring 72 to the body 71, the body 71 remains closed and lifted at the container opening even though it has been removed from the container opening. That is, it may be necessary to overturn (turn over) the body 71 relative to the tamper-evident ring 72 in order to remove the container opening from the volume of the body 71 and to easily access the container opening to which the cap 7 is applied. In other words, once the body 71 is overturned due to the elasticity of the straps, if it is not held in place, the body 71 can return to a configuration close to the open configuration D. The tab portions 79 and 79' allow the main body 71 to be stably held in an inverted configuration (not shown) relative to the tamper-evident ring 72, and the tab portions 79 and 79' are shaped to be adjacent to the main body 71 or to a main body holding element placed on the container opening.

[0026] The knives 100, 100' within the cutting device cooperate with a rotating spindle (not shown) that grips the cap 7 and rotates the cap around a rotation axis R parallel to or coincident with the axis of the cap 7. The rotating spindle brings the side walls 70 of the cap 7 into contact with the cutting portions of the knives 100, 100', moves the cap 7 forward in the direction T along a substantially arc-shaped circumferential path, rotates the cap around the rotation axis R, and rolls the cap against the cutting portions of the knives 100, 100'. As is known, any possible sliding of the cap against the spindle or cutting portions is undesirable. Based on the arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' of the cutting portions of the knives 100, 100', a corresponding cut is obtained in the side walls 70 of the cap. In other words, such arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' is translated into a recess in the side walls 70 of the cap 7.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 7, it should be noted that the forward direction T and rotational direction R of the cap 7 are for illustrative purposes only, and the effect of the knives 100 and 100' on the cap 7 is the same as that obtained by reversing both the forward direction T and the rotational direction R.

[0028] Referring to Figures 3, 9, 4B, and 10B, the arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' forms the body 71 and the tamper-evident band or ring 72 in the side wall 70 after the cutting and notch-making operation. In this disclosure, the term “body” refers to the portion of the side wall 70 having a closed end 8, while the term “tamper-evident band” or “tamper-evident ring” refers to the portion of the side wall 70 having an open end 9, which is substantially annular in shape.

[0029] The main body 71 and the tamper-evident band 72 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting parts or straps 74a, 74b and a plurality of bridges 73, i.e., by elements made of plastic material intended to be broken by the user when the container to which the cap 7 is applied is opened for the first time, in order to provide tamper-evident evidence of tampering with the closure of the container.

[0030] Referring particularly to Figures 4A and 10A, the cap 7 has a closure configuration C in which its side wall 70 is shown on the display surface, and in closure configuration C, the bridges 73, 73' are integrated with the straps 74a, 74b, 74a', 75b' and contribute to joining the tamper-evident band 72 to the body 71. Closure configuration C is required by the cap before or after it has been applied to the container, and before the container is opened for the first time and the cap is activated.

[0031] Referring particularly to Figures 4B and 10B, the cap 7 has an opening configuration D in which its side wall 70 is shown on the display surface, in which the bridges 73, 73' are broken and the body 71 is positioned away from the tamper-evident band 72, the tamper-evident band 72 is connected to the body 71 only by straps 74a, 74b, 74a', 74b'. The opening configuration D is required by the cap applied to the container and after the container has been opened and the cap has moved away for the first time.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 5, the knife 100 has a plate structure shape, that is, it has a planar shape, particularly a rectangle, and extends along two main dimensions with respect to a third lateral dimension (thickness) (Figure 5). The main dimensions may lie in plane P, and the lateral dimensions may lie along the vertical axis Z, and substantially perpendicular to plane P. Axis Z is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R of the cap 7. The knife 100 has two planes, namely the bottom surface 17 and the top surface 18, which are substantially parallel to each other and parallel to plane P.

[0033] The cutting projections of the knives 100, 100' are particularly equipped with multiple blades. Each of the multiple blades has a root or proximal end connected to the peripheral region 19, 19' of the blades 100, 100', and a cutting edge or distal end positioned to create a notch or cut in the side wall 70 of the cap 7. The cutting edges 60, 60' are positioned to protrude from their peripheral region 19, 19' in use and face the axis of rotation R, i.e., the cap 7.

[0034] The blade may have one or more notches 16, 16' arranged in particular to form bridges 73, 73'. Such notches 16, 16' are appropriately spaced and sized to form bridges 73, 73' in such a way as not to disrupt the continuity of the material, for example, by not affecting it locally or by forming cuts without penetrating the side walls 70 of the cap.

[0035] The knife 100 is provided with a first cutting projection that extends parallel to the horizontal plane P, particularly in the surrounding region 19. Such a first cutting projection is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a first height along the vertical axis Z, thereby forming an open indicator ring 72 on the cap 7.

[0036] The first cutting edge comprises, in particular, a plurality of first cutting edges 11, 14, 15, 23a, 23b, such first cutting edges 11, 14, 15, 23a, 23b, in particular, can be spaced apart from each other along the forward direction T.

[0037] The first cutting edges 11, 14, 15, 23a, and 23b can be in the same plane parallel to plane P, and thus the first projection functions as a horizontal cutting tool. The first plane is at a predetermined height relative to plane P on a vertical axis Z perpendicular to plane P. By joining the multiple first cutting edges 11, 14, 15, 23a, and 23b, a first substantially circular arc circumferential curve is obtained, whose center is located outside the knives 100, 100' on an axis substantially perpendicular to plane P. The first cutting projection, together with the second and third cutting projections, is positioned to particularly contribute to forming straps 74a and 74b on the side wall 70, creating notches and cuts that separate the body 71 from the opening indicator band 72.

[0038] The knife 100 is provided with a second cutting projection that extends in the surrounding region 19, in particular parallel to the horizontal plane P. Such a second cutting projection at least partially overlaps with a first cutting projection relating to one or more tracts of a predetermined length measured along the forward direction T. Such a second cutting projection is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a second height along the vertical axis Z, and together with the first cutting projection in use, to determine (define, identify) a connection portion that connects the opening indicator ring 72 and the main body 71.

[0039] The second cutting edge comprises, in particular, a plurality of second cutting edges 13, 22a, 22b, such second cutting edges 13, 22a, 22b can be spaced apart from each other, in particular, along the forward direction T.

[0040] The second cutting edges 13, 22a, and 22b are located in the same second plane parallel to plane P, and therefore the second projection functions as a horizontal cutting tool. By joining the multiple second cutting edges 13, 22a, and 22b, a second substantially circular arc circumferential curve is obtained, the center of which is located outside the knife 100, 100' on an axis substantially perpendicular to plane P. The second cutting projection is positioned, in particular, together with the first cutting projection in use, on the side wall 70 to contribute to determining (defining, identifying) the straps 74a, 74b, and in particular the central portions 77a, 77b of the straps 74a, 74b.

[0041] The knife 100 is provided with a third cutting projection in the surrounding area 19, in particular, to create oblique and / or vertical notches in the side wall 70. Such a third cutting projection, in particular in use (when used), together with the first and / or second cutting projections, is positioned in the side wall 70 to help determine (define, identify) the straps 74a, 74b, in particular the joining portions 75a, 75b, 76a, 76b of the straps 74a, 74b, and the tab portion 79.

[0042] The third cutting edge comprises, in particular, a plurality of third cutting edges 12, 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b, 31, and such third cutting edges 12, 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b, 31 can be spaced apart from each other, in particular, along the forward direction T.

[0043] The third cutting projection is positioned to create an oblique notch in the side wall 70. The third cutting projection may comprise at least three third inclined cutting edges 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b having an inclination opposite to that of at least the third inclined cutting edges 12, 31. In this context, inclination refers to a tangent plane to the forward direction T on a reference plane passing through the vertical axis Z.

[0044] Referring particularly to a specific embodiment of knife 100, the third inclined cutting edges 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b have a negative inclination, and the third inclined cutting edges 12, 31 have a positive inclination. A negative inclination corresponds to a cutting edge having its upper end receding relative to its lower end along the forward direction T, while a positive inclination corresponds to a cutting edge having its upper end advancing relative to its lower end along the forward direction T. For example, referring to Figure 6B, the third cutting edge 21b has an upper end 92 and a lower end 91, and considering the forward direction T, the upper end 92 is receding relative to the lower end 91, and therefore the third cutting edge 21b has a negative inclination. Similarly, for example, referring to Figure 6C, the third cutting edge 31 has an upper end 94 and a lower end 93, and considering the forward direction T, the upper end 94 is more advanced than the lower end 93, and therefore the third cutting edge 31 has a positive inclination.

[0045] The third cutting projection may, in particular, comprise one or more third vertical blades, each having a vertical cutting edge.

[0046] Therefore, with respect to the Cartesian plane formed by a vertical axis Z perpendicular to plane P, and an axis substantially oriented as the forward direction T, starting from any point in the forward direction T, the inclined cutting edge can be oriented into the surrounding region 19 in the following alternative method: - Third cutting edges 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b, etc., having a negative bevel; - Third cutting edges 12, 31, etc., having a positive inclination; - Perpendicular (not shown), i.e., parallel to the vertical axis Z.

[0047] The surrounding regions 19, 19' of the knives 100, 100' form a third substantially circular arc circumferential curve in the third plane, with the center of the circumference located outside the knives 100, 100' on a third axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. In addition, the surrounding region 19 reveals the surface of the knives 100, 100', and in contact with it, the sidewall 70 of the cap 7 can rotate on its axis of rotation R while the knives 100, 100' create notches and cuts in the sidewall 70. In other words, the third curve defined by the surrounding regions 19, 19' contributes to guiding the cap 7 along the interaction path with the blades 100, 100' in the forward direction T.

[0048] The third cutting projection is positioned, in particular, to form an oblique notch in the side wall 70 of the cap 7, and the oblique notch also includes a vertical notch.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1-3, in the surrounding region 19, the knife 100 is provided with a fourth cutting projection that extends in particular parallel to the horizontal plane P. Such a fourth cutting projection is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a third height along the vertical axis Z, and together with the third cutting projection, determines (defines, identifies) a tab portion 79 in the side wall 70 during use.

[0050] The fourth cutting projection comprises, in particular, a horizontal fourth cutting edge 32. The fourth cutting edge 32, or at least one point thereof, lies on the circumferential curve of a fourth substantially circular arc, the center of which is located outside the knife 100 on a fourth axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. This fourth curve, and thus the fourth cutting edge 32, lies in the third plane at a height equal to or greater than that of the second cutting edges 22a, 22b. The fourth cutting edge 32 has a longitudinal extension smaller than the circumference of the side wall 70 of the cap being processed.

[0051] The fourth cutting edge 32 can exist at a different height, measured along the vertical axis Z, for example, at a height higher than the height at which the second cutting edges 13, 22a, and 22b exist. Referring specifically to an embodiment of the knife 100, the second and fourth cutting edges are at the same height; in other words, the third height of the fourth cutting projection coincides with the second height of the second cutting projection, and therefore the second and fourth planes also coincide.

[0052] Furthermore, in knife 100: - The first axis of the first curve formed by the first cutting edges 11, 23a, 23b, 14, 15 of the first cutting projection, - The second axis of the second curve formed by the second cutting edges 13, 22a, and 22b of the second cutting projection, - The third axis of the third curve formed by the surrounding region 19, and - The fourth axis of the fourth curve formed by the fourth cutting edge 32 They are essentially in agreement with each other.

[0053] Furthermore, in knife 100, the relative positions between the following: -First cutting edge 11, 23a, 23b, 14, 15, -Second cutting edge 13, 22a, 22b, - Third cutting edge having negative inclination 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b, - Third cutting edge 12, 31 having a positive inclination, -Fourth cutting edge 32, This forms the arrangement of the cutting edge 60 of the knife 100.

[0054] The arrangement of the cutting edges 60 may include a third perpendicular cutting edge that may be perpendicular to the plane P.

[0055] As already mentioned, the first cutting edges 11, 23a, 23b, 14, 15 and the second cutting edges 22a, 22b, 13 are positioned between each other at different heights along the vertical axis Z, i.e., at different distances from the plane P.

[0056] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, depending on the relative position between the cutting edges of the cutting tool, the knife 100 can form different portions on the side wall 70 of the cap 7.

[0057] The knife 100 can form one or more intended separation lines 78a, 78b, 78c in the side wall 70, which are obtained by arranging them in the same plane and penetrating through the thickness of the side wall 70.

[0058] The knife 100 may have one or more connecting portions or straps 74a, 74b formed in the side wall 70. Each strap 74a, 74b may, in particular, comprise a central portion 77a, 77b obtained by the penetration of first cutting edges 23a, 23b and second cutting edges 22a, 22b, and a first joining portion 75a, 75b obtained by the penetration of a third cutting edge having a negative bevel 21a, 21b, which is positioned in particular to connect the connecting portion 74a to the opening indicator ring 72. Each strap 74a, 74b may, in particular, comprise a second joining portion 76a, 76b obtained by the penetration of a third cutting edge having a negative bevel 24a, 24b, which is positioned in particular to connect the connecting portion 74a to the body 71.

[0059] The knife 100 can form tab portions 79 on the side wall 70, particularly due to the intrusion of a third cutting edge having a negative bevel 21b, a fourth cutting edge 32, and a third cutting edge having a positive bevel 31, such tab portions 79 are positioned in particular to invert and maintain the body 71 against the tamper-evident ring 72 when the container is opened. Furthermore, referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the knife 100 can form tooth portions 78d on the body 71 in particular to form recesses corresponding to the tamper-evident ring 72, such tooth portions 78d are positioned in particular downstream of the intended separation line 78a and upstream of the strap 74a. The tooth portions 78d can be obtained in particular from a third cutting edge having a positive bevel 12 and from a second cutting edge 13. The tooth portions 78d are positioned in particular to connect the intended separation line 78a to the first joint portion 75a, and the intended separation lines 78a and 78b are coplanar so as to make the open end of the body 71 uniform. The tooth portion 78d is made able to conform to the adjacent strap 74a, resulting in more elastic behavior in use and thus a lower likelihood of breakage. In detail, referring to Figure 3, along the forward direction T, the knife 100 may have an opening-forming portion 68a with a first cutting edge 11 located in a first plane parallel to plane P. The final end of the first cutting edge 11 is connected to the starting end of a third inclined cutting edge 12, in other words, the cutting edges 11 and 12 are adjacent to each other (Figure 6F). The opening-forming portion 68a extends over, for example, about 50% of the length of the knife 100. The opening-forming portion 68a is conformed at the cap by a relevant intended separation line 78a (Figures 4A, 4B). In other words, the opening-forming portion 68a is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a first height, particularly on a vertical axis Z substantially parallel to the rotation axis R, in order to form the opening indicator ring 72 and the main body 71.

[0060] The knife 100 may, in particular, include a connecting portion 64a. The connecting portion 64a occupies a region of the knife 100 that extends between 10% and 15% of the length of the knife 100. The connecting portion 64a corresponds to the strap 74a of the cap 7. In other words, the connecting portion 64a is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 in order to determine (define, identify) the connecting portion or strap 74a that connects the tamper-evident ring 72 to the body 71 in use. The connecting portion 64a may, in particular, include a connecting central portion 67a where a second cutting edge 22a located in a second plane overlaps the first cutting edge 23a along the vertical axis Z at a greater height than the first cutting edge 23a. The connecting central portion 67a extends, for example, to about 3 / 5 of the connecting portion 64a. The connecting central portion 67a coincides with the corresponding central portion of the strap 77a.

[0061] Next, the connection forming portion 64a may include a first joining portion 65a, in particular, which has a third cutting edge 21a that is inclined with a negative slope and is located especially upstream of the central connecting portion 67a. The starting end of the third inclined cutting edge 21a is connected to the ending end of the second cutting edge 13, and the ending end of the third inclined cutting edge 21a is connected to the starting end of the first cutting edge 23a, in other words, the cutting edges 13, 21a, and 23a are adjacent to each other (Figure 6E). The first joining central portion 65a extends, for example, to about 1 / 5 of the connection forming portion 64a. The joining portion 65a coincides with each joining portion 75a in the cap 7. In other words, the first joining portion 65a is positioned to define the joining portion 75a, especially in use (when in use).

[0062] Next, the connection forming portion 64a may include a second joining portion 66a, which is located particularly downstream of the central connection forming portion 67a and includes a third inclined cutting edge 24a having a negative slope. The starting end of the third inclined cutting edge 24a is connected to the ending end of the second cutting edge 22a, and the ending end of the third inclined cutting edge 24a is connected to the starting end of the first cutting edge 14, in other words, the cutting edges 22a, 24a, and 14 are adjacent to each other (Figure 6D). The joining portion 66a extends, for example, to about one-third of the connection forming portion 64a. The joining portion 66a coincides with each of the joining portions 76a in the cap 7. In other words, the joining portion 66a is positioned to specifically define (determine) the joining portions 76a in use.

[0063] The knife 100 may have a further (additional) opening-forming portion 68b, in particular, having a first cutting edge 14 located in the first plane. The starting end of the first cutting edge 14 is connected to the ending end of a third inclined cutting edge 24a, and the ending end of the first cutting edge 14 is connected to the starting end of a third inclined cutting edge 31, in other words, the cutting edges 24a, 14, and 31 are adjacent to each other (Figures 6C and 6D). The further opening-forming portion 68b extends, for example, to about 10% of the length of the knife 100. The further opening-forming portion 68b coincides with the associated intended separation line 78b.

[0064] The knife 100 may, in particular, include a tab-forming portion 69 having a third cutting edge 31 and a fourth cutting edge 32 having a positive inclination, and a third cutting edge 21b having a negative inclination. The starting end of the fourth cutting edge 32 is connected to the ending end of the third inclined cutting edge 31, and the ending end of the second cutting edge 32 is connected to the starting end of the third inclined cutting edge 21b, in other words the cutting edges 31, 32, and 21b are adjacent to each other (Figures 6B and 6C). In other words, the tab-forming portion 69 includes a horizontal cutting edge 32 parallel to the plane P and two inclined cutting edges 21b, 31 having opposite inclinations, and the horizontal cutting edge 32 and the inclined cutting edges 21b, 31 are continuously connected to each other.

[0065] The tab-forming portion 69 coincides with the tab portion 79 in the side wall 70. In other words, the tab-forming portion 69 is positioned to create a notch in the side wall 70 so as to determine the tab portion 79 on the main body 71 during use. The tab-forming portion 69 extends, for example, to about 5% to 10% of the length of the knife 100.

[0066] The knife 100 may, in particular, comprise a further (additional) connecting portion 64b. The further connecting portion 64b extends, for example, to about 10% to 15% of the length of the knife 100. The further connecting portion 64b coincides with the associated strap 74b. The further connecting portion 64b may then comprise a further (additional) connecting central portion 67b, wherein a second cutting edge 22b in the second plane overlaps the first cutting edge 23b along the vertical axis Z at a greater height than the first cutting edge 23b. The further connecting central portion 67b may, for example, extend to about 3 / 5 of the further connecting portion 64b. The further connecting central portion 67b coincides with the corresponding central portion of the strap 77b. The further connecting portion 64b may then comprise a further first connecting portion 65b, in particular, comprising a third cutting edge having a negative incline 24b, located particularly upstream of the further connecting central portion 67b. The starting end of the third inclined cutting edge 21b is connected to the ending end of the fourth cutting edge 32, and the ending end of the third inclined cutting edge 21b is connected to the starting end of the first cutting edge 23b, in other words, the cutting edges 32, 21b, and 23b are adjacent to each other (Figure 6B). A further first joining portion 65b extends, for example, to about 1 / 5 of the further joining portion 64b. The further first joining portion 65b coincides with each joining portion 75b in the cap 7. The further joining portion 64b may then comprise a further second joining portion 66b having a third cutting edge with a negative inclination 24b, located particularly downstream of the further joining central portion 67b. The starting end of the third inclined cutting edge 24b connects to the ending end of the second cutting edge 22b, and the ending end of the third inclined cutting edge 24b connects to the starting end of the first cutting edge 15; in other words, the cutting edges 22b, 24b, and 15 are adjacent to each other (Figure 6A). A further second joining portion 66b extends, for example, to about 1 / 5 of the further joining portion 64b. The further second joining portion 66b coincides with the respective joining portions 76b in the cap 7.

[0067] The knife 100 may, in particular, include another further opening-forming portion 68c having a first cutting edge 15 located in a first plane. The final end of the cutting edge having a negative bevel 24b is connected to the starting end of the first cutting edge 15 located in the first plane (Figure 6A), and it extends, for example, over 10% of the length of the knife 100 along the forward direction T. The other further opening-forming portion 68c coincides with its respective intended separation line 78c.

[0068] Referring again to Figure 3, the knife 100 may particularly include a tooth-forming portion 68d located particularly downstream of the opening-forming portion 68a and upstream of the strap-forming portion 64a. The tooth-forming portion 68d may particularly include a third cutting edge and a second cutting edge 13 having a positive inclination 12. The final end of the inclined third cutting edge 12 is connected to the starting end of the second cutting edge 13, in other words, the cutting edges 12 and 13 are adjacent to each other (Figure 6F). The tooth-forming portion 68d is positioned in particular to connect the opening-forming portion 68a to the joint portion 65a, so that the opening-forming portions 68a and 68b are in the same first plane. The tooth-forming portion 68d coincides with the respective tooth portions 78d in the cap 7.

[0069] Since the arrangement of the cutting edges 60 is substantially suitable for cutting cylindrical objects, it should be noted that there may be different orders of the arrangement portions of the cutting edges 60 as described above, as long as the order is satisfied. For example, the opening-forming portions 68a and 68c in the arrangement of the cutting edges 60 may be incorporated into a single opening-forming portion, or they may be arranged together as the first or last part of the arrangement of the cutting edges 60 along the forward direction T.

[0070] In the context of this invention, the terms "initial / final," "starts / ends," "beginning / end," and "upstream / downstream" refer to the sequence of projections of the ends of the cutting edge along the forward direction T, or, in the case of a vertical cutting edge, the sequence of such ends along the direction in which the height of the vertical axis Z increases.

[0071] As described above, the arrangement of the cutting edges 60 can include, in particular, cutting edges that are adjacent to each other and cutting edges that are spaced apart from each other. Here, "adjacent" means that the blades of each cutting edge and the other blades of each cutting edge are substantially connected to each other in a direction parallel to direction T. That is, if the blades of each cutting edge and the other blades of each cutting edge are substantially separated from each other in a direction parallel to direction T, the cutting edges are "spaced apart" from each other. Referring in particular to Figures 1-3, the knife 100 has, in particular, a first group of cutting edges comprising adjacent cutting edges 11, 12, 13, 21a, 23a, a second group of cutting edges comprising adjacent cutting edges 22a, 24a, 14, 31, 32, 21b, 23b, and a third group of adjacent cutting edges 22b, 24b, 15, and these groups are spaced apart from each other.

[0072] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the blade 100' has a plate structure shape in particular, that is, it has a planar shape which is particularly rectangular (Figure 5) and extends mainly along two main dimensions with respect to a third lateral dimension (thickness). Its main dimensions may be located in plane P in particular, and the lateral dimensions may be located in plane P in particular along the vertical axis Z and substantially perpendicular to plane P. The blade 100' has two planes which are substantially parallel to each other and to plane P, namely the lower surface 17' and the upper surface 18'.

[0073] The knife 100' is provided with a first cutting projection that extends in the surrounding region 19' in particular parallel to the horizontal plane P. Such a first cutting projection is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a first height along the vertical axis Z in order to form an opening indicator ring 72 in the cap 7.

[0074] The first cutting projection comprises, in particular, a plurality of first cutting edges 11', 15', 23a', 23b'. These cutting edges 11', 15', 23a', 23b' can be arranged apart from each other (spaced apart) or adjacent to each other, in particular along the forward direction T. Referring in particular to the second embodiment, in the knife 100', the first cutting edges 11', 23a' are adjacent to each other, the first cutting edges 23b', 15' are adjacent to each other, while the first cutting edges 23a', 23b' are spaced apart from each other.

[0075] The first cutting edges 11', 15', 23a', and 23b' can be in the same plane parallel to plane P, and thus the first projection functions as a horizontal cutting tool. The first plane is at a predetermined height relative to plane P on a vertical axis Z perpendicular to plane P. By joining the multiple first cutting edges 11', 15', 23a', and 23b', a first substantially circular arc circumferential curve is obtained, the center of which is located outside the knife 100' on an axis substantially perpendicular to plane P. The first cutting projection, together with the second and third cutting projections, is positioned to contribute in particular to forming the straps 74a' and 74b' on the side wall 70, creating notches and cuts that separate the body 71 from the opening indicator band 72.

[0076] The knife 100' is provided with a second cutting projection that extends in the surrounding region 19' in particular parallel to the horizontal plane P. Such a second cutting projection at least partially overlaps with the first cutting projection with respect to a predetermined length tract measured in the forward direction T. Such a second cutting projection is positioned in particular to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a second height along the vertical axis Z, and together with the first cutting projection in use, to determine and define the connecting portion that connects the opening indicator ring 72 and the main body 70.

[0077] The second cutting edge, in particular, comprises a plurality of second cutting edges 22a', 22b', such second cutting edges 22a', 22b' can be spaced apart from each other, in particular, along the forward direction T.

[0078] The second cutting edges 22a', 22b' are in the same second plane parallel to plane P, and therefore the second projection functions as a horizontal cutting tool. By joining the multiple second cutting edges 22a', 22b', a second substantially circular arc circumferential curve is obtained, the center of which is located outside the knife 100' on an axis substantially perpendicular to plane P. The second cutting projection is positioned, in particular, in use together with the first cutting projection to contribute to determining (defining, identifying) the central portions 77a', 77b' of the straps 74a', 74b' in the side wall 70.

[0079] The knife 100' is provided with a third cutting projection positioned in the surrounding region 19', in particular in the side wall 70, to create oblique and / or vertical notches. Such a third cutting projection is positioned, in particular in use, in conjunction with the first and / or second cutting projections, in the side wall 70, to contribute to determining (defining, identifying) the joint portions 76a', 76b' of the straps 74a', 74b', and in particular the tab portion 79', together with the fourth cutting projection.

[0080] The third cutting edge, in particular, comprises a plurality of third vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b', such third cutting edges 24a', 24b' can be spaced apart from each other, in particular, along the forward direction T.

[0081] Referring to Figures 7-9, the knife 100' is provided with a fourth cutting projection extending parallel to the horizontal plane P in the surrounding region 19'. Such a fourth cutting projection is positioned, in particular, to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a third height along the vertical axis Z, and, in use, together with the third cutting projection, to define and set the tab portion 79' in the side wall 70.

[0082] The fourth cutting projection, in particular, comprises a horizontal fourth cutting edge 32'. The fourth cutting edge 32' or at least a point thereof lies on the circumferential curve of a fourth substantially circular arc, its center located outside the knife 100' in a fourth axis substantially perpendicular to the plane P. The fourth curve, and therefore the fourth cutting edge 32', lies on the third plane at a height equal to or greater than that of the second cutting edges 22a', 22b'. The fourth cutting edge 32' has a longitudinal extension smaller than the circumference of the side wall 70 of the cap being processed.

[0083] In Knife 100', furthermore: - The first axis of the first curve formed by the first cutting edges 11', 23a', 23b', 15' of the first cutting projection, - The second axis of the second curve formed by the second cutting edges 22a' and 22b' of the second cutting projection, -The third axis of the third curve formed by the surrounding region 19', and -The fourth axis of the fourth curve formed by the fourth cutting edge 32', They are essentially in agreement with each other.

[0084] In knife 100', the relative positions between the following are also: -First cutting edge 11', 23a', 23b', 15', - Second cutting edge 22a', 22b', - Third cutting edge 24a', 24b', and -4th cutting edge 32' This forms the arrangement of the 60' tip of the knife blade at 100'.

[0085] As already mentioned, the first cutting edges 11', 23a', 23b', 15' and the second cutting edges 22a', 22b', as well as the fourth cutting edge 32', are positioned at different heights along the vertical axis Z, i.e., at different distances from the plane P.

[0086] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, depending on the relative position between the cutting edges of the cutting tool, the knife 100' can form different portions on the side wall 70 of the cap 7. The knife 100' can form one or more intended separation lines 78a', 78b' in the side wall 70, in particular, which are arranged in the same plane and obtained by penetrating the first cutting edges 11', 15' through the thickness of the side wall. The knife 100' can have, in particular, one or more connecting portions or straps 74a', 74b' formed in the side wall 70. Each strap 74a', 74b' may have a central portion 77a', 77b' obtained in particular by the intrusion of a first cutting edge 23a', 23b' and a second cutting edge 22a', 22b'. Next, each strap 74a', 74b' may have a second connecting portion 76a', 76b' obtained in particular by the intrusion of a third vertical cutting edge 24a', 24b' and positioned in particular to connect the connecting portion 74a' to the body 71. The knife 100' can form a tab portion 79' in the side wall 70 due to the trough penetration of the third vertical cutting edge 24a', 24b and the fourth cutting edge 32', such tab portion 79' is positioned in particular to maintain the body 71 inverted (overturned) relative to the opening indicator ring 72 once the container is opened.

[0087] Referring in detail to Figure 9, along the forward direction T, the knife 100' may have an opening-forming portion 68a' with a first cutting edge 11' located in a first plane parallel to plane P. The final end of the first cutting edge 11' is connected to the starting end of the first cutting edge 23a', in other words, the cutting edges 23a' and 11' are adjacent to each other (in Figures 8 and 9, the distinction between such cutting edges is represented by a dotted line). The opening-forming portion 68a' extends, for example, over about 30% and 45% of the length of the knife 100'. The opening-forming portion 68a' coincides with the relevant intended separation line 78a' (Figures 10A and 10B) in the cap 7. In other words, the opening-forming portion 68a' is positioned to form a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 at a first height on a vertical axis Z substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R, in order to form the opening indicator ring 72 and the body 71.

[0088] The knife 100' may, in particular, include a connecting portion 64a'. The connecting portion 64a' occupies, for example, a region of the knife 100' that extends between 10% and 20% of the length of the knife 100'. The connecting portion 64a' corresponds to a strap 74a' on the cap 7. In other words, the connecting portion 64a' is positioned to create a circumferential notch in the side wall 70 in particular to determine a connecting portion 74a' that connects the tamper-evident ring 72 to the body 71 in use. The connecting portion 64a' may, in particular, include a connecting central portion 67a', where the first cutting edge 23a' overlaps with the second cutting edge 22a' in the second plane along the vertical axis Z, i.e., overlaps at a higher height than the first cutting edge 23a'. The second cutting edge 22a' is positioned perpendicular to the third vertical cutting edge 24a'. The central connection-forming portion 67a' extends, for example, to about 5 / 6 of the connection-forming portion 64a'. The central connection-forming portion 67a' coincides with the corresponding central portion of the strap 77a'. The connection-forming portion 64a' may then include a joining-forming portion 66a', in particular located downstream of the central connection-forming portion 67a' and comprising a third vertical cutting edge 24a'. The joining-forming portion 66a' may, in particular, comprise the final path of the second cutting edge 22a'. The final end of the second cutting edge 22a' connects to an intermediate path of the third cutting edge 24a', such an intermediate path is located particularly near the final end of the third vertical cutting edge 24a'. The second cutting edge 22a' is positioned perpendicular to the third vertical cutting edge 24a'. The joining-forming portion 66a' extends, for example, to about 1 / 6 of the connection-forming portion 64a'. The joint-forming portion 66a' coincides with each joint 76a' in the cap 7. In other words, the joint-forming portion 66a' is positioned specifically to determine the joint 76a' in use.

[0089] The knife 100' may, in particular, include a tab-forming portion 69' having a third cutting edge 24a', a fourth cutting edge 32', and a third vertical cutting edge 24b'. The starting end of the fourth cutting edge 32' is connected to the ending end of the third cutting edge 24a', and the ending end of the fourth cutting edge 32' is connected to the starting end of the third vertical cutting edge 24b', so that the fourth cutting edge 32' is perpendicular to the third vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b'. The final paths of the third vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b' are connected to the ending end of the second cutting edge 22a' and the starting end of the second cutting edge 22b', respectively, so that the third vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b' are perpendicular to the second cutting edges 22a', 22b'. In other words, the tab-forming portion 69' comprises a horizontal cutting edge 32' parallel to the plane P and two vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b' parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane P, with the horizontal cutting edge 32' and the vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b' being continuously connected to each other. The tab-forming portion 69' coincides with the tab portion 79' in the side wall 70. In other words, the tab-forming portion 69' is positioned to create a notch in the side wall 70 in order to define (determine) the tab portion 79' in the body 71 during use. The opening-forming portion 69' extends, for example, over approximately 10% of the length of the knife 100'.

[0090] The knife 100' may, in particular, comprise a further connecting portion 64b'. The further opening portion 64b' extends, for example, to about 10% to 20% of the length of the knife 100. The further opening portion 64b' coincides with the associated strap 74b'. The further connecting portion 64b' may, in particular, comprise a further connecting central portion 67b' in which the first cutting edge 23b' overlaps with the second cutting edge 22b' along the vertical axis Z, i.e., at a height higher than the first cutting edge 23b'. The further connecting central portion 67b' extends, for example, to about 5 / 6 of the further connecting portion 64b'. The further connecting central portion 67b' coincides with the corresponding central portion of the strap 77b'. The connecting portion 64b' may, in particular, comprise a further joining portion 66b' located particularly upstream of the further connecting central portion 67b', comprising a third vertical cutting edge 24b'. The further joining portion 66b' may, in particular, comprise an initial track for the second cutting edge 22b'. The initial end of the second cutting edge 22b' is connected to an intermediate track of the third vertical cutting edge 24b', particularly located near the final end of the third vertical cutting edge 24b'. The second cutting edge 22b' is positioned perpendicular to the third vertical cutting edge 24b'. The further joining portion 66b' extends, for example, to about one-third of the further joining portion 64b'. The further joining portion 66b' coincides with each of the joining portions 76b' in the cap 7.

[0091] The knife 100' may have a further opening-forming portion 68b', in particular, having a first cutting edge 15' in a first plane parallel to plane P. The starting end of the first cutting edge 15' connects to the ending end of the first cutting edge 23b'. In other words, the cutting edges 23b' and 15' are adjacent to each other (in Figures 8 and 9, such distinctions between cutting edges are represented by dotted lines). The opening-forming portion 68b' extends, for example, to about 30 to 45% of the length of the knife 100'. The opening-forming portion 68b' coincides with the relevant intended separation line 78b' at the cap 7 (Figures 10A and 10B).

[0092] The arrangement at the cutting edge 60' can include, in particular, cutting edges that are adjacent to each other and cutting edges that are spaced apart from each other.

[0093] Referring to Figures 7-9, the knife 100' has, in particular, a first group of cutting edges 11', 23a' connected to each other, a second group of cutting edges 22a', 24a', 32', 24b', 22b' connected to each other, and a third group of cutting edges 23b', 15' connected to each other, with each group spaced apart from the others.

[0094] Knives 100, 100' can be made from a single piece, and can be obtained from a solid part, in particular, by cutting and / or milling operations.

[0095] Knives 100, 100' can be obtained, for example, from a metal plate, and their surrounding area can be processed with a suitable tool to obtain cutting protrusions, blades, and their respective cutting edges.

[0096] Thanks to the knife structures 100 and 100', it is possible to remove the knives 100 and 100' and replace them with other knives in order to obtain different shapes of connection or strap portions 74a and 74b. This simplifies the cutting device and reduces downtime for equipping the cutting device with different knives.

[0097] The illustrated examples show a notched cap having two straps. That is, the first example shows two straps inclined with a negative inclination with respect to the forward direction T, and the second example shows two straps inclined with a negative inclination and the other with a positive inclination with respect to the forward direction T, as seen in the opening configuration D of the cap. Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty in changing the number and arrangement of the blades of the knife 100, 100' to create more than two straps, for example three or four straps, inclined with negative and / or positive inclinations in the cap, according to various combinations.

[0098] It is possible to provide a number and arrangement of positive and negative angled cutting edges combined to form three straps arranged at the same inclination or a strap at a predetermined inclination, and two consecutive straps with opposite inclinations or three straps with alternating inclinations. It is also possible to provide other different cutting edge arrangements in which the combination of positive and negative inclinations can form four straps all inclined at the same inclination, or two groups of straps inclined opposite to each other, or four straps inclined at alternating inclinations, or three consecutive inclined straps with the same inclination and an inclined strap with the opposite inclination. It is also possible to provide other arrangements of cutting edges having positive or negative inclinations combined to form multiple straps, in particular more than four straps, connecting the tamper-evident ring 72 and the body 71. In other words, the arrangement of cutting edges 60, 60' may include further connection-forming portions arranged to determine multiple connection portions connecting the tamper-evident ring 72 and the body 71 in use.

[0099] It is also possible to provide a partial arrangement of cutting edges that enables the formation of a single strap on the side wall of the cap 7. In particular, it is possible to provide a partial arrangement of cutting edges with multiple edges in the arrangement of cutting edges 60, such as adjacent cutting edges 13, 21a, 23a and adjacent cutting edges 22a, 24a, 14, in order to create a single strap such as strap 74a. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a partial arrangement of cutting edges with multiple edges in the arrangement of cutting edges 60, such as adjacent cutting edges 32, 21b, 23b and adjacent cutting edges 22b, 24b, 15, in order to create a single strap such as strap 74b.

[0100] In particular, to produce a single strap such as strap 74a', it is possible to provide a partial arrangement of cutting edges with multiple edges in the arrangement of cutting edges 60', such as adjacent cutting edges 11', 23a' and adjacent cutting edges 22a', 24'. Alternatively, to produce a single strap such as strap 74b', it is possible to provide a partial arrangement of cutting edges with multiple edges in the arrangement of cutting edges 60', such as adjacent cutting edges 15, 23b' and cutting edges 22b', 24b'.

[0101] In addition to the inclined cutting edges 21a, 21b, 24a, 24b or the vertical cutting edges 24a', 24b' in the third cutting projection, there may be further cutting edges arranged to determine three or four connecting parts, or straps connecting the opening indicator ring 72 and the side wall 70, in use.

[0102] Alternatively, or in addition to the additional cutting edge in the third cutting projection, to obtain three or four connecting parts, the knife 100, 100' may include, within its structure, an additional cutting projection arranged to cooperate with the first cutting projection, the second cutting projection, and the third cutting projection, and, if present, an additional cutting edge for determining three or four connecting parts that connect the opening indicator ring 72 and the side wall 70 in use.

[0103] The arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' may further include additional tab-forming portions positioned to determine multiple tab portions in order to maintain the body 71, which is inverted relative to the tamper-evident ring 72, once the container is opened during use. The arrangement of the cutting edges 60, 60' may further include additional tab-forming portions in order to determine two or three tab portions in order to determine two or three tab portions during use.

Claims

1. A knife (100;100') positioned to be attached to a cutting device for obtaining notches and notches in a plastic cap (7) intended to close a container, wherein the knife (100;100') is suitable for creating notches and notches in the side wall (70) of the cap (7) as the cap (7) rotates around its axis of rotation (R) and moves along a path in which it interacts with the knife (100;100') in a forward direction (T), wherein the knife (100;100') has an arrangement of cutting edges (60;60') protruding from a periphery (19;19') of the knife (100;100'), the arrangement of the cutting edges (60;60') is - An opening-forming portion (68a; 68a') extending parallel to a horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to the rotation axis (R), wherein at least one opening-forming portion (68a; 68a') is arranged to create at least one circumferential notch in the side wall (70) at a first height on a vertical axis (Z) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (R) in order to form an open indicator ring (72) and a body (71) in the cap (7), and an opening-forming portion (68a; 68a') - A connection forming portion (64a; 64a') occupying a region of the blade (100; 100') extending between a first height and a second height greater than the first height in the vertical axis (Z), wherein the connection forming portion (64a; 64a') is arranged to create at least one notch in the side wall (70) to determine at least one connection portion (74a; 74a') for connecting the tamper-evident ring (72) and the main body (71), Equipped with, The above-mentioned connection forming portion (64a; 64a') is - A central connection-forming portion (67a; 67a') wherein the first blade has a first base portion and a first cutting edge (23a; 23a') positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (P) and at a first height, and the second blade has a second base portion and a second cutting edge (22a; 22a') positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (P) and at a second height, and the second cutting edge (22a; 22a') is superimposed on the first cutting edge (23a; 23a'), - Joint forming portions (66a; 66a') arranged to determine the connection between the connecting portion (74a; 74a') and the main body (71), Equipped with, The aforementioned joining portion (66a; 66a') is - A third blade having a third root portion and a third inclined cutting edge (24a), wherein the third inclined cutting edge (24a) has a negative inclination such that its upper end recedes relative to its lower end along the forward direction (T), - A further first cutting edge (14) positioned parallel to the horizontal plane (P) and at the first height, wherein the starting end of the third inclined cutting edge (24a) is connected to the final end of the second cutting edge (22a), and the final end of the third inclined cutting edge (24a) is connected to the starting end of the further first cutting edge (14), Equipped with, The knife (100;100') consists of a single part, and the arrangement of the blade tips (60;60') is obtained in this single part. The second root portion and the third root portion are separated from each other along the forward direction (T), Knife (100; 100').

2. The arrangement of the cutting edges (60; 60') further comprises a further connecting portion (64b; 64b'), where an additional first cutting edge (23b; 23b') parallel to the horizontal plane (P) is superimposed on a second cutting edge (22b; 22b') parallel to the horizontal plane (P) along a perpendicular axis (Z), and the further connecting portion (64b; 64b') is arranged to determine a further connecting portion (74b; 74b') that connects the opening indicator ring (72) and the body (71) in use, the knife (100; 100') according to claim 1.

3. The knife (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection forming portion (64a) comprises a further joining forming portion (65a) positioned to determine the connection between the connection portion (74a) and the opening indicator ring (72).

4. The knife (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the arrangement of the cutting edge (60) comprises two inclined cutting edges (21a, 12) having different inclinations, one of the two inclined cutting edges (21a) (21a) having a negative inclination such that its upper end recedes relative to its lower end along the forward direction (T) of the cap (7), and the other of the two inclined cutting edges (21a, 12) (12) having a positive inclination such that its upper end advances relative to its lower end along the forward direction (T) of the cap (7).

5. The knife (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the arrangement of the cutting edge (60; 60') further comprises a tab-forming portion (69; 69') arranged to create at least one notch in the side wall (70) for determining a tab portion (79; 79') in use on the body (71), the tab portion (79; 79') is positioned to maintain the body (71) inverted relative to the opening indicator ring (72) once the container is opened.

6. The tab-forming portion (69) comprises a horizontal cutting edge (32) parallel to the horizontal plane (P) and two inclined cutting edges (21b, 31) having opposite inclinations, wherein the horizontal cutting edge (32) and the inclined cutting edges (21b, 31) are continuously connected to each other, and one of the two inclined cutting edges (21b) has a negative inclination such that its upper end recedes relative to its lower end along the forward direction (T) of the cap (7), and the other of the two inclined cutting edges (31) has a positive inclination such that its upper end advances relative to its lower end along the forward direction (T) of the cap (7), the knife (100) according to claim 5.

7. The tab-forming portion (69') comprises a horizontal cutting edge (32') parallel to the horizontal plane (P), and two vertical cutting edges (24a', 24b') parallel to each other and perpendicular to the horizontal plane (P), wherein the horizontal cutting edge (32') and the vertical cutting edges (24a', 24b') are continuously connected to each other, the knife (100') according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a further connection-forming portion arranged to determine a plurality of connection portions that connect the opening indicator ring (72) and the body (71) in use.

9. The knife (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the arrangement of the blade tip (60; 60') further comprises a further tab-forming portion arranged to determine a plurality of tab portions to maintain the body (71) which is inverted relative to the opening indicator ring (72) once the container is opened in use.

Images