Closing cap for a container

Abstract

What is proposed is a closing cap for a container comprising a lateral wall extending around an axis and a transversal wall positioned at one end of the lateral wall. The cap comprises a retaining ring, which is configured to remain anchored to a neck of the container and extends as far as a free edge of the lateral wall; a closing element removably engageable with the neck, so as to open or close the container; at least one connecting band for keeping the closing element connected to the retaining ring. The retaining ring comprises an engaging element, configured to engage with a locking ring of the neck. The engaging element projects inwards starting from an initial end, which is placed on the free edge, or near the free edge, and comprises a fixing part, which defines a final end of the engaging element, which is configured to guarantee that the engaging element remains fixed to the locking ring during a use of the cap.

Description

[0001] Closing cap for a container

[0002] This invention relates to a closing cap for a container.

[0003] In detail, this invention relates to a closing cap for a container comprising a retaining ring, configured to remain anchored to a neck of the container, a closing element removably engageable with the neck and at least one connecting band for keeping the closing element connected to the retaining ring.

[0004] The cap according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for being applied on containers such as bottles intended to contain liquid substances.

[0005] There are prior art caps for containers comprising a cup-shaped body provided with a transversal wall and with a lateral wall extending around an axis, which are typically made of plastic material and are provided with a separating line made in the lateral wall to define a retaining ring and a closing element, removably engageable with the neck, so as to open or close the container. The retaining ring is configured to remain anchored to a neck of the container. The closing element is provided with an inner thread structure, suitable for engaging with an outer thread structure of the neck, to allow the cap to be unscrewed from and screwed back onto the neck.

[0006] Along the separating line there are breakable bridges present, which are intended to be broken when the cap is opened for the first time.

[0007] In fact, when the cap is opened for the first time and is unscrewed from the neck of the container, the closing element and the retaining ring are rotated together around the axis, and they simultaneously move together along a line parallel to the axis, away from the neck. That happens until an engaging element of the retaining ring, which projects inwards from a free edge of the cap, abuts against a locking ring of the neck, which prevents the retaining ring from rising further along the axis, acting as a stop for the movement of the retaining ring away from the neck, and causes the breakable bridges to break along the separating line. After the breakable bridges have been broken, the retaining ring can remain associated with the neck of the bottle, whilst the closing element can be separated from the container and, subsequently, be screwed back onto the neck.

[0008] The retaining ring, after the breakable bridges have been broken, falls due to gravity but is kept in position by a supporting ring of the neck, placed below the locking ring, which acts as a support for the retaining ring and prevents it from freely falling downwards.

[0009] It should be noticed that the supporting ring is usually used while making the containers for conveying the containers themselves in the production plants, and is shaped like an annular flange.

[0010] The axial distance between the locking ring and the supporting ring is such that it keeps the retaining ring trapped, after separation of the retaining ring and the closing element, so as to prevent it from shifting freely on the neck. In order to prevent the closing element from completely detaching from the retaining ring, at the moment when the cap is opened for the first time, and the possibility of it being thrown on the ground, deliberately or accidentally, increasingly widespread use is being made of caps comprising at least one connecting band, in such a way as to leave the closing element and the retaining ring joined to each other, with the cap in an open condition. These caps are commonly known as “tethered” caps.

[0011] At the same time, on the market there are containers without the supporting ring, to make the containers lighter and at the same time reduce the quantity of plastic material necessary for making each container.

[0012] In these containers without the supporting ring it is difficult for a user to easily use tethered caps for them. In fact, in the absence of the supporting ring, the retaining ring falls downwards, as soon as the bridges have broken and the retaining ring is separated from the closing element. This means that the retaining ring also drags with it the connecting band, which joins the retaining ring to the closing element, and therefore, when the user wants to open, or re-close the cap, after it has been opened for the first time, they must also overcome the downward stress caused by the retaining ring and must resist free positioning of the retaining ring.

[0013] As a result, prior art tethered caps are particularly difficult to use for containers without the supporting ring.

[0014] Document US2001002661 shows a closure for a container, which comprises a cap and a security skirt, separatable from the cap, which are connected to each other by breakable bridges. The security skirt comprises an outer skirt and a plurality of inner skirts, which are positioned between the outer skirt and the neck. Each inner skirt includes an inner protuberance, directed towards the inside of the container, an outer protuberance, directed towards the outside of the container, and a flap, which is the end part of the inner skirt and is connected to the outer skirt, near the breakable bridges, by means of an anti-rotation strip.

[0015] The security skirt shown in document US2001002661 cannot be used for tethered caps with containers without the supporting ring, since the outer protuberance and the anti-rotation strip of the inner skirt may obstruct the movement of the connecting band, when the user wants to re-close the closing element on the neck of the container.

[0016] One aim of the invention is to improve prior art tethered caps, and in particular to provide a closing cap comprising a retaining ring, configured to remain anchored to a neck of the container, a closing element, removably engageable with the neck, and at least one connecting band, for keeping the closing element connected to the retaining ring, in such a way that the closing cap can advantageously be used even in the presence of a container without a supporting ring.

[0017] A further aim is to provide a tethered cap for a container, provided with a closing element which remains connected to the retaining ring by means of a connecting band, which can remain stably locked in position after opening and which at the same time allows a user to easily open, or re-close the cap, after it has been opened for the first time. Another aim is to provide a tethered cap for a container, provided with a closing element which remains connected to the retaining ring by means of a connecting band, which additionally can be made in a simple and inexpensive way.

[0018] Accordingly the invention provides a cap for a container according to claim 1 and the claims dependent on it.

[0019] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several example, non-limiting embodiments of it, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-section of a closing cap according to the invention, associated with a neck of a container, which comprises a closing element and a retaining ring connected to each other by means of a connecting band, in a closed condition, wherein the retaining ring comprises an engaging element comprising a fixing part, which defines a final end of the engaging element itself, which is hooked onto and wrapped around a locking ring of the neck;

[0021] Figure 1 A is an enlarged detail of the engaging element of Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective cross-section of the cap of Figure 1 , associated with the neck of the container;

[0023] Figure 3 is a front view of the cap of Figure 1 , which comprises a tab aligned with a pair of connecting bands, which are positioned at the sides of the tab, in the closed condition of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 4 is a front view of the cap of Figure 3, in an initial opening step of the closing element, wherein the closing element begins to be separated from the retaining ring and the fixing part of the engaging element continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring of the neck, and wherein the engaging element comprises a continuous annular root, and a plurality of flaps, which project from the annular root;

[0025] Figure 5 is a side view of the cap of Figure 4, in an intermediate opening step of the closing element, wherein the closing element has completely uncoupled from a coupling structure of the neck and the fixing part of the engaging element continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring of the neck;

[0026] Figure 6 is a side view of the cap of Figure 4, in an open condition, in which a user can access the contents of the container while the closing element is rotated and is resting on the neck, and wherein the fixing part of the engaging element continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring of the neck;

[0027] Figure 7 is a side view of a variant of the cap of Figure 4, in the initial opening step of the closing element, which differs from the cap of Figure 4 only in that the engaging element comprises a single continuous flap, and wherein the fixing part of the engaging element continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring of the neck;

[0028] Figure 8 is a side view of the cap of Figure 7, in the intermediate opening step, wherein the fixing part of the engaging element continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring of the neck.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the numeral 1 denotes a cap for closing a container 2, of which only a neck 201 is shown, in particular a bottle intended to contain a liquid substance such as a beverage.

[0030] It should be noticed that elements common to the various embodiments will be labelled with the same reference numbers.

[0031] The cap 1 is made of polymeric material. Any polymeric material suitable for moulding can be used to obtain the cap 1 .

[0032] In Figures 1 to 3 the cap 1 is shown in a closed condition in which the cap 1 is applied on the container 2.

[0033] The cap 1 comprises a lateral wall 3 which extends around an axis Z, and a transversal wall 4 positioned at one end of the lateral wall 3, so as to close that end. The transversal wall 4 extends transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z. The transversal wall 4 can be flat, even though other shapes are theoretically possible. In the example shown, the transversal wall 4 has a substantially circular shape in plan view. The lateral wall 3 and the transversal wall 4 define a cup-shaped body suitable for receiving a final portion of the neck 201 of the container 2, so that the cap 1 can close the self-same container 2.

[0034] In particular, the lateral wall 3 is connected to the transversal wall 4 by means of a connecting zone 401 , which may be shaped, in cross-section, like a rounded edge or a circular connection.

[0035] It should be noticed that the lateral wall 3 may be provided, on an outer surface thereof, with a plurality of knurling lines 312, extending parallel to the axis Z and suitable for facilitating gripping of the cap 1 by the user or by the capping machine which applies the cap 1 on the container 2 to be closed.

[0036] The cap 1 comprises a retaining ring 301 , which is configured to remain anchored to the neck 201 of the container 2 and extends as far as a free edge 303 of the lateral wall 3.

[0037] The cap 1 also comprises a closing element 302 removably engageable with the neck 201 , so as to open or close the container 2. In detail, the closing element 302 is configured to open, or close a supply opening 203 of the neck 201 .

[0038] It should be noticed that the knurling lines 312 may be positioned in the closing element 302, as shown in the accompanying figures, but may also optionally continue, according to a variant not illustrated, in the retaining ring 301.

[0039] The lateral wall 3 of the cap 1 is internally provided with a coupling structure 310, configured to removably couple the closing element 302 to the neck 201 of the container 2, in such a way that the cap 1 is movable from the closed condition, in which the cap 1 closes the supply opening 203 of the container 2, to an open condition.

[0040] The coupling structure 310 of the cap 1 is positioned inside the closing element 302 and is shaped to engage with a corresponding coupling structure 204 present on the outside of the neck 201 of the container 2. The coupling structure 310 of the closing element 302 and the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 are, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, made in the form of a thread structure. In this case, the passage from the closed condition to the open condition is performed by means of a rotation of the closing element 302 relative to the neck 201 of the container 2.

[0041] The closing element 302 completely disengages from the neck 201 when the coupling structure 310 of the cap 1 , that is to say, the thread structure 310 of the cap 1 , is unscrewed from the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 , that is to say, from the thread structure 204 of neck 201 .

[0042] As regards the coupling structure 310, the thread structure may be made using a single helical thread, or using multiple helical threads, for example using two helical threads, or three helical threads.

[0043] According to one alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the coupling structure may comprise at least one circular ridge, continuous or interrupted, for removably locking the cap 1 on the neck 201 using pressure. In other words, the coupling structure may comprise a hinge structure, interposed between the closing element and the retaining ring, which allows the closing element to be rotated relative to the retaining ring around an axis of the hinge structure itself.

[0044] The cap 1 comprises a separating line 5 which is provided on the lateral wall 3 to define the retaining ring 301 and the closing element 302.

[0045] Therefore, the retaining ring 301 extends between the separating line 5 and the free edge 303, which delimits the retaining ring 301 on the opposite side to the transversal wall 4, and may have a cylindrical or frustoconical outer surface.

[0046] Preferably, the separating line 5 is parallel to the free edge 303.

[0047] The separating line 5 may be circumferentially interrupted, to leave the closing element 302 and the retaining ring 301 joined to each other in the cap 1 open condition in a joining zone 305. The separating line 5 may, for example, extend between a first end 501 and a second end 502 which between them can define the joining zone 305, between the closing element 302 and the retaining ring 301 . The cap 1 also comprises at least one connecting band 306 for keeping the closing element 302 connected to the retaining ring 301 . By means of the connecting band 306, the closing element 302 remains connected to the retaining ring 301 even in an open configuration.

[0048] For that purpose, the lateral wall 3 comprises a further separating line 7, which may be provided to define, together with the separating line 5, if the separating line 5 is interrupted, the connecting band 306 capable of connecting the closing element 302 and the retaining ring 301 to each other, after the cap 1 has been opened for the first time.

[0049] Figure 3 shows how at least one connecting band advantageously comprises a pair of connecting bands, that is to say, a first connecting band 306 and a second connecting band 307, which are positioned at the sides of the joining zone 305.

[0050] The further separating line 7 may be positioned between the separating line 5 and the free edge 303, as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The cap 1 may also comprise two cuts 601 and 602, which extend in the lateral wall 3 and between them define a tab 308.

[0052] It should be emphasised that the cuts 601 and 602 extend parallel to the axis Z, but this is not necessary. In fact, the cuts 601 and 602 may even be inclined relative to respective axes parallel to the axis Z.

[0053] The tab 308 is positioned, circumferentially, between the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307.

[0054] Moreover, the tab 308 is delimited at the bottom by a central stretch 701 of the further separating line 7, which defines a lower edge of the tab 308 when the cap is in the initial step of opening of Figure 3 and in the open configuration of Figure 4.

[0055] In the open configuration of Figure 4, the lower edge is directed towards the supply opening 203.

[0056] The further separating line 7 comprises a pair of lateral stretches 702, 703 positioned circumferentially at the sides of the central stretch 701 , wherein a first lateral stretch 702 defines, with a first part of the separating line 5, the first connecting band 306 and a second lateral stretch 703 defines, with a second part of the separating line 5, the second connecting band 307.

[0057] The first part of the separating line 5 extends from the first end 501 of the separating line 5.

[0058] The second part of the separating line 5 extends from the second end 502 of the separating line 5.

[0059] Therefore, the central stretch 701 of the further separating line 7 is positioned between the cuts 601 , 602 to define the tab 308, but is also circumferentially interposed between the first lateral stretch 702 and the second lateral stretch 703 of the further separating line 7.

[0060] Therefore, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 extend from circumferentially opposite end portions of the further separating line 7 and are therefore circumferentially positioned on opposite sides of the tab 308.

[0061] However, it should be noticed that the cuts 601 and 602 which define the tab 308 are not necessary, since it is sufficient for the cap 1 to have the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 at the sides of the joining zone 305 to keep the retaining ring 301 and the closing element 302 joined to each other.

[0062] According to an embodiment not shown, in which the tab 308 is absent, it is the central stretch 701 of the further separating line 7, which circumferentially corresponds to the joining zone 305, that defines the lower edge which is directed towards the supply opening 203 of the neck 201 , when the cap 1 is in the open configuration.

[0063] The separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 may be made as cutting lines, by means of a cutting operation on a concave body obtained by moulding. Those cutting lines may pass through the entire thickness of the lateral wall, or not pass through if the thickness of the lateral wall is to be only partially cut. Preferably, the separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 are made by means of through cuts passing through an entire thickness of the lateral wall.

[0064] Alternatively, the separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 may be directly made by moulding, inside the mould in which the cap 1 is made, but without causing excessing mould complications, thanks to the particularly simple shape of the separating line 5 and of the further separating line 7, even if the latter comprises the central stretch 701 and the pair of lateral stretches 702, 703 to obtain the tab 308, together with the vertical cuts 601 , 602. In this case, the separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 may even be shaped in the form of lines of weakness, or small openings, capable of separating respectively the closing element 302 from the retaining ring 301 (considering the separating line 5) and the connecting bands 306, 307 from a remaining part of the retaining ring 301 (considering the further separating line 7).

[0065] Optionally, along the separating line 5 there may be a plurality of breakable bridges, not illustrated, whilst along the further separating line 7 there may be a plurality of breakable elements, also not illustrated, both being intended to break the first time the cap 1 is opened.

[0066] Preferably, the breakable bridges are provided along the separating line 5 and the breakable elements are provided along the further separating line 7. Optionally, the breakable elements may not be provided along the further separating line 7.

[0067] It should be noticed that it is not necessary for the further separating line 7 to be positioned in the retaining ring 301 , between the separating line 5 and the free edge 303.

[0068] In fact, in one variant of the cap 1 , not shown, the separating line 5 may be axially interposed between the further separating line 7 and the free edge 303. In other words, the joining zone 305 may be positioned below the further separating line 7, when the cap 1 is associated with the container 2. In this variant of the cap, the further separating line 7 is positioned in the closing element 302 and not in the retaining ring 301 . However, for this embodiment of the cap, not illustrated, what was previously said relative to the separating line 5 and to the further separating line 7 in any case applies. The separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 may be parallel to each other and transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the axis Z of the cap 1. In this case, the axial height of the connecting bands 306, 307 is circumferentially constant.

[0069] However, that is not necessary. According to one variant of the cap 1 not shown, the separating line 5 and the further separating line 7 may be inclined relative to each other and delimit connecting bands 306, 307 which have an axial height that is not circumferentially constant.

[0070] The retaining ring 301 comprises an engaging element 8, which is configured to engage with a locking ring 202 of the neck 201 of the container 2. It should be noticed that the engaging element 8 is configured to allow separation of the closing element 302 from the retaining ring 301 , promoting breaking of the breakable bridges present along the separating line 5 when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.

[0071] The engaging element 8 projects inwards towards the inside of the cap 1 starting from its initial end 801 , which may be placed on the free edge 303, or near the free edge 303. In other words, the initial end 801 of the engaging element 8 may define the free edge 303, or may be placed in a zone of the retaining ring 301 placed near the free edge 303, as shown in the accompanying figures.

[0072] The engaging element 8 is positioned between the retaining ring 301 and the neck 201 of the container 2.

[0073] Therefore, the engaging element 8 is positioned in a lower portion of the retaining ring 301 , and therefore of the cap 1 , when the cap 1 is joined to the container 2 and the container 2 is positioned vertically and, preferably, extends circumferentially for the entire retaining ring 301 .

[0074] It should be noticed that in the cap 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6, the engaging element 8 comprises an annular root 802, which is continuous and projects inwards from the initial end 801. It should be noticed that a plurality of projecting flaps 803, equally spaced and separate from each other, project from the annular root 802.

[0075] Therefore, the annular root 802 corresponds to a continuous annular zone of the engaging element 8, which starts from the initial end 801 and at least partially joins the plurality of projecting flaps 803 to each other.

[0076] However, according to a variant not shown, the engaging element 8 may comprise a plurality of projecting flaps, which differ from the projecting flaps 803 only in that they project from the initial end 801 and not from the annular root 802. In other words, the engaging element 8 may be at least partially continuous, or interrupted.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the cap 1 , shown in Figures 7 and 8, the engaging element 8 comprises a single flap 808, which is continuous. In this case, it should be noticed that the continuous annular zone of the engaging element 8, which starts from the initial end 801 extends uninterrupted as far as a final end of the engaging element 8.

[0078] The single continuous flap 808, or the plurality of projecting flaps 803, projecting from the initial end 801 (which are not illustrated), or from the annular root 802, have at most a length, measured as the distance from the initial end 801 , which is suitably selected in such a way that they can engage with the locking ring 202 in a first passage from the closed condition to the open condition of the cap 1 .

[0079] The number of projecting flaps 803 may be between 4 and 24, preferably between 6 and 16.

[0080] It should be noticed that, in the whole of this text, when a range is provided, it also includes the lowest and highest limits.

[0081] In other words, in this case, it means that the engaging element 8 may comprise a number of projecting flaps 803 greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 24; preferably greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 16. The locking ring 202, shown in the accompanying figures, projects from an outer surface of the neck 201 .

[0082] The locking ring 202 is an annular enlargement, which extends in a plane placed transversally to the axis Z and has, considering a plane passing through the axis Z, a substantially rectangular cross-section, in which an upper connection is rounded. An outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202, is inclined relative to a lower wall 202b, directed towards a bottom (not illustrated) of the container 2 and substantially planar. In other words, the locking ring 202 has a substantially cylindrical shape and the outer wall 202a and the lower wall 202b are connected to each other by an outer edge 202c. The locking ring 202 also has a top wall 202d, directed towards the supply opening 203, which is planar and is connected to the outer wall 202a by the rounded connection.

[0083] It should be noticed that the locking ring 202 could have a shape different from that illustrated in Figure 1 and 2, without this in any way limiting the invention. In fact, the locking ring 202 may have a substantially frustoconical shape and be without the top wall 202d, having a substantially triangular cross-section.

[0084] In accordance with the invention, the engaging element 8 comprises a fixing part 804, which defines a final end of the engaging element 8, which is configured to guarantee that the engaging element 8 remains fixed to the locking ring 202 during a use of the cap 1 .

[0085] It shall be understood that, if the engaging element 8 comprises the plurality of projecting flaps 803, each projecting flap 803 comprises a respective fixing part 804 which defines the final end of the projecting flap 803 itself, as shown at least in Figures 4 to 6.

[0086] In contrast, if the engaging element 8 comprises the single continuous flap 808, the fixing part 804 is annular and continuous.

[0087] Thanks to the fact that the engaging element 8 comprises the fixing part 804, the engaging element 8 can remain stably hooked onto the locking ring 202, both before the cap 1 is opened for the first time and during use of the cap 1 itself.

[0088] In this way, it is guaranteed that, even after the cap 1 has been opened for the first time, that is to say, after the breakable bridges have been broken, the retaining ring 301 cannot fall due to gravity.

[0089] In fact, since the retaining ring 301 is connected in one piece to the engaging element 8, and since the engaging element 8 is hooked onto the locking ring 202, the retaining ring 301 is prevented from falling due to gravity, and at the same time it is also guaranteed that the retaining ring 301 remains securely in position during use of the cap 1 .

[0090] Therefore, the fixing part 804 allows considerable improvement in the ease with which the cap 1 can be used, even in the absence of a supporting ring of the neck 201 , the retaining ring 301 remaining stably locked to the locking ring 202 of the neck 201 .

[0091] Therefore, the user can open and close the cap 1 multiple times, even after the first opening, without the retaining ring 301 disturbing the user.

[0092] The fixing part 804 may be “C”-shaped for wrapping around and hooking onto the locking ring 202.

[0093] Thanks to the “C” shape of the fixing part 804, fixing to the locking ring 202 is guaranteed in a simple way.

[0094] The fixing part 804 comprises a contact surface 805 and a hooking portion 806.

[0095] The contact surface 805 and the hooking portion 806 define the “C” shape of the fixing part 804.

[0096] The contact surface 805 of the fixing part 804 is configured to engage with the lower wall 202b of the locking ring 202. Since it is able to engage with the lower wall 202b, the engaging element 8 is configured to allow separation of the closing element 302 from the retaining ring 301 , promoting breaking of the breakable bridges when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.

[0097] The hooking portion 806 of the fixing part 804 is configured to wrap around the outer edge 202c and / or the outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202. The hooking portion 806 projects from the contact surface 805 and is shaped like a projection.

[0098] The hooking portion 806 initially projects upwards from the contact surface 805, when the cap 1 is associated with the container 2 and is in a vertical position, and then projects inwards.

[0099] Thanks to the fact that the hooking portion 806 is shaped like a projection, it is simple to make although being very effective in hooking onto the locking ring 202.

[0100] In fact, the hooking portion 806 comprises an initial section 806a, which extends from the contact surface 805, has a planar shape, and is configured to make contact with the outer edge 202c and / or the outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202 and a final section 806b, which projects inwards starting from the initial section 806a and is configured to make contact with the outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202.

[0101] The initial section 806a projects upwards, when the cap 1 is associated with the container 2 and is in a vertical position.

[0102] The outer edge 202c may be received between the contact surface 805 and the initial section 806a, as shown in Figure 1A, but may also make contact exclusively with the initial section 806a, if the contact surface 805 forms an acute angle with the initial section 806a.

[0103] The final section 806b may have a planar shape and be inclined relative to the initial section 806a. In other words, an angle may be formed between the initial section 806a and the final section 806b.

[0104] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, the initial section 806a and / or the final section 806b may be curved, since the hooking portion 806 may have the shape of a curved hook, which projects inwards, after initially projecting upwards, considering the cap 1 associated with the container 2 and in a vertical position.

[0105] The engaging element 8 comprises an initial part 807 which extends from the initial end 801 and has a thickness increasing until it defines the contact surface 805. In cross-section, the initial part 807 is triangular and the contact surface 805 defines a cathetus of the triangle whose opposite vertex is defined by the initial end 801 of the engaging element 8.

[0106] It should be noticed that the hooking portion 806 is less thick than the initial part 807, defined at the contact surface 805.

[0107] An outer wall 806a’ of the initial section 806a of the hooking portion 806 and an outer wall 807’ of the initial part 807, are both facing the lateral wall 3 and are aligned, to define an outer zone of the outer surface of the engaging element, which is continuous and without steps.

[0108] This allows the engaging element 8 to make contact with the lateral wall 3 in the cap 1 closed condition, as in Figure 1A, without interfering with cap 1 operation, when the cap 1 itself must be re-closed after having been positioned in the open condition.

[0109] In fact, the lower edge of the tab 308 (or the lower edge defined by the central stretch 701 of the further separating line 7, if the tab 308 is absent), which in the cap 1 open condition is positioned resting on the neck 1 , benefits from the fact that the outer zone, defined by the outer wall 806A’ of the initial section 806 and by the outer wall 807’ of the initial part 807, is continuous, since it can slide on that zone without getting stuck, when the user rotates the closing element 302 from the open condition to re-close the cap 1.

[0110] Considering the accompanying figures, it should be noticed that a combination is shown comprising the cap 1 associated with the neck 201 , in which the fixing part 804 of the engaging element 8 is stably associated with the locking ring 202.

[0111] In fact, the “C”-shaped fixing part 804 wraps around and hooks onto the locking ring 202: whilst the contact surface 805 is configured to engage with the lower wall 202b of the locking ring 202 of the cap 1 , the hooking portion 806 wraps around the outer edge 202c and the outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202.

[0112] In use, at the end of a moulding procedure, a cup-shaped body is obtained, not illustrated, which has the lateral wall 3 which extends from the transversal wall 4 as far as a free edge 303, beyond which a panel intended to form the engaging element 8 extends. When the cup-shaped body receives a final portion of the neck 201 of the container 2, the panel is bent to form the engaging element 8 and what is obtained is a cap 1 which can be associated with the neck 201 of the container 2 itself, as is shown for example in Figure 1 . The fixing part 804 is hooked onto the locking ring 202 and this guarantees that the retaining ring 301 remains fixed to the locking ring 202 during a use of the cap 1 even in the absence of the supporting ring for the cap itself.

[0113] In the closed condition shown in Figures 1 , 1 A and 2, the contact surface 805 is below the locking ring 202 present on the neck 201 , in the sense that the contact surface 805 is configured to engage with the lower wall 202b of the locking ring 202. However, it is not necessary, at least when the cap 1 is initially associated with the container 2, for the contact surface 805 to abut against the lower wall 202b, since the latter may even be positioned far from the contact surface 805 if the hooking portion 806 encloses and hooks onto the outer wall 202a of the locking ring 202.

[0114] When the user wishes to open the container 2 for the first time, the user grips the closing element 302 and rotates the closing element 302 around the axis Z, in order to unscrew the closing element 302 from the neck 201 . During the passage from the closed condition to the open condition, initially, the closing element 302 and the retaining ring 301 are rotated together around the axis Z, and they simultaneously move together along a line parallel to the axis Z, away from the neck 201 .

[0115] That happens until the engaging element 8 of the retaining ring 301 abuts against the locking ring 202, that is to say, the contact surface 805 of the fixing part 804 engages with the lower wall 202b of the locking ring 202 and prevents the retaining ring 301 from rising further along the axis Z, acting as a stop for the movement of the retaining ring 301 away from the neck 201 . The closing element 302, which is unscrewed by the user, continues to be stressed along the axis Z away from the neck 201 and also drags the retaining ring 301 with it, however the upward motion of the latter is stopped by the contact surface 805. The breakable bridges present along the separating line 5 are tensioned until causing them to break. The engaging element 8, which promotes breaking of the breakable bridges when the cap 1 is opened for the first time, therefore allows separation of the closing element 302 from the retaining ring 301 .

[0116] However, the closing element 302, which separates from the retaining ring 301 along the separating line 5, remains joined to the retaining ring 301 by means of the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0117] Both in an initial step of opening of the closing element 302, in which the user begins to unscrew the closing element 302, as in Figures 4 and 7, and in an intermediates step of opening, in which the user has completely uncoupled the closing element 302 from the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 , as in Figures 5 and 8, the hooking portion 806 continues to remain hooked onto the locking ring 202, wrapping around it.

[0118] Also considering the two connecting bands 306 and 307, positioned at the sides of the tab 308, each connecting band 306 and 307 tilts to follow the closing element 302, but it should be noticed that the engaging element 8 is still stably hooked onto the locking ring 202 and has not shifted relative to the closed condition, shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0119] When the user, continuing to unscrew the closing element 302, completely disengages the closing element 302 from the coupling structure 204 made on the neck 201 , the container 2 can be opened. By further rotating the closing element 302 to free the supply opening 203, the user can bring the closing element 302 into the open condition of Figure 6 and its rotating movement is not obstructed by the retaining ring 301 , since the retaining ring 301 is stably locked in the same position that it occupied both before and during opening. The retaining ring 301 cannot fall due to gravity, thanks to the fixing part 804.

[0120] It should be noticed that, when the cap 1 is in the open condition, as shown in Figure 6, the cuts 601 and 602 between which the tab 308 is defined are stressed and in that way the tab 308 can separate from the remaining parts of the retaining ring 301 , following the joining zone 305 connected to the closing element 302, so that it can rest on the neck 201 of the container 2. In the open condition, the closing element 302 is spaced apart from the neck 201 , is stably locked relative to the neck 201 and that prevents the closing element 302 from performing any involuntary rotating movement, either towards the supply opening 203 or around the neck 201 of the container 2, even if the user inadvertently knocks closing element 302.

[0121] After use, the user can return the cap 1 from the open condition of Figure 6 to the closed condition of Figure 1 by means of a sequence of operations in reverse order compared with what was previously described.

[0122] In fact, the user can re-apply the closing element 302 on the neck 201 , by initially moving the closing element 302 away from the neck 201 to free the tab 308, before rotating the closing element 302 around the joining zone 305 and then screwing the closing element 302 onto the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 again. When the closing element 302 moves towards the supply opening 203, the engaging element 8 again remains stably locked to the locking ring 202 and therefore user application of the closing element 302 on the neck 201 is facilitated.

[0123] Therefore, the fixing part 804 allows considerable improvement in the ease with which the cap 1 can be used, even in the absence of a supporting ring of the neck 201 , the retaining ring 301 remaining stably locked to the locking ring 202 of the neck 201 .

[0124] With regard to the plastic material used to make the cap 1 , the following should be noticed.

[0125] If PE is used, its density may range from low density to high density. In particular, it is possible to use high density polyethylene (HDPE). The high density polyethylene (HDPE) used to make the cap previously described may have the following properties:

[0126] - density variable between 950 and 968 kg / m3;

[0127] - melt index variable from 0.3 to 20 g, in the following measuring conditions: 10 minutes, 190°C, 2.16 kg;

[0128] - molecular weight distribution wide, or narrow, or unimodal, or multimodal. If PP is used, that material may be in the form of a homopolymer, or heterophasic copolymer, or even statistical copolymer.

[0129] The melt index of PP may vary from 2 to 20 g, in the following measuring conditions: 10 minutes, 230°C, 2.16 kg.

[0130] This invention is advantageously applicable to a cap 1 , which is suitable for use, for example, on necks 201 in the following list, each neck 201 being associated with a respective code which identifies the name of the neck 201 , the diameter of the outer surface of the neck 201 , and the diameter of the supply opening of the neck 201 , in accordance with the nomenclature of CETIE (www.cetie.org)) or ISBT (www.bevech.org).

[0131] For each code, if the neck 201 is also a European standard, the reference number is also provided.

[0132] GME30.39 25 / 22 mm

[0133] GME30.28 26 / 22 mm DIN EN 16594:2016

[0134] GME30.38 26 / 22 mm

[0135] GME30.37 26 / 22 mm

[0136] GME30.40 26 / 22 mm

[0137] GME30.24 27 / 22 mm EN 16067:2012

[0138] PCO1881 28 / 22 mm

[0139] PCO1810 28 / 22 mm

[0140] GME30.26 29 / 25 mm EN 16592:2015

[0141] GME30.21 30 / 25 mm EN 16064:2012

[0142] GME30.31 32 / 26 mm

[0143] GME30.36 32 / 27 mm

[0144] GME30.30 33 / 28 mm GME30.25 38 / 33 mm

[0145] GME30.29 38 / 32 mm

[0146] As regards the type of beverage which can be contained in the container 2, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 which is suitable for use for beverages on the following list: carbonated beverage up to 11 g / l of CO2; carbonated beverage up to 9 g / l of CO2; carbonated beverage up to 7 g / l of CO2; non-carbonated beverage, for example still water; pressurised beverage, for example due to the presence of N2 (nitrogen) in a head space of the container with overpressure of up to 1 .5 bar, preferably up to 1 bar; beverage sensitive to oxidative degradation, or beverage sensitive to microbial degradation; cold filled beverages (<35°C); hot filled beverages <95°C, preferably 70<Tf (Filling temperature) <89°C.

[0147] As regards the transversal wall 4 of the cap 1 , it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the transversal wall 4: may be flat, or concave, or may have an outer annular zone, flat or concave, at a first distance from the free edge and a central zone, flat or concave, at a second distance from the free edge, the second distance being greater than the first distance, to define a raised space; it may optionally have internal logos, or external logos; it may have a smooth or rough outer surface, as defined in accordance with standard ISO1302, for example between NO and N10, preferably between N4 and N9; it may have a thickness of between 0.4 mm and 2 mm; it may have an inner surface provided with a reinforcing ribbing, where the reinforcing ribbing can be made using spokes, or concentric rings, or a combination thereof.

[0148] The transversal wall 4 of the cap comprises a sealing zone, configured to create a fluid-tight seal with the neck 201 .

[0149] As regards the sealing zone, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the sealing zone: may be internal, that is to say, such that it engages with an inner surface of the neck, and may be made: by means of an annular protrusion which projects from the transversal wall and which may be provided with a free end that is olive-shaped, or shaped with an increasing cross-section, or with a constant cross-section but shaped in such a way that it can be bent towards the lateral wall; may be external, that is to say, such that it engages with an outer surface of the neck, and may be made: by means of a lip which projects from the transversal wall and may be shaped like a flexible ring, or by means of a lip which projects from the lateral wall, or from the connecting zone where the transversal wall is joined to the lateral wall; may be frontal, that is to say, such that it engages with an upper top surface of the neck and may be made: by means of a lip which projects from the transversal wall.

[0150] As regards the lateral wall 3, as already indicated, it can be provided with knurling lines 312.

[0151] With reference to those knurling lines 312, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the knurling lines 312: may be angularly equally spaced apart from each other, numbering between 30 and 144, preferably between 60 and 120; they may be grouped and each group may be separated from the adjacent group by a space without a knurling line, for example there may be 24 groups present, in which each group has 3 knurling lines which are equally spaced apart from each other; there may be service knurling lines present, with reduced length, used to guide the cap during a cutting operation; they may be present on the lateral wall and optionally on the transversal wall and / or on the retaining ring. As regards the lateral wall 3, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the lateral wall 3 may have: a constant thickness, for example between 0.35 and 1 .2 mm; or may have an uneven thickness, which is for example greater towards the free edge 303 of the lateral wall 3.

[0152] As regards the coupling structure 310, which is configured to removably couple the closing element 302 to the neck 201 of the container 2, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 , in which the coupling structure 310 may have: a thread structure with single helical thread with angular extent between 500° and 930°, preferably between 650° and 760°, in which the thread optionally has a plurality of interruptions numbering between 4 and 30; a thread structure with multiple helical threads, for example with two helical threads, or with three helical threads, in which each thread has an angular extent between 90° and 380°, preferably between 120° and 250°, wherein each thread optionally has a plurality of interruptions numbering between 2 and 15, for example the coupling structure may comprise two helical threads, or three helical threads; at least one circular ridge, continuous or interrupted, for removably locking the cap 1 on the neck 201 using pressure.

[0153] The interruptions of each thread, in the thread structures described above, are preferential escape routes for the gas which may be present inside the container 2. It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the interruptions may be made exclusively on the thread, or may be dug in the lateral wall 3 of the cap 1 , to guarantee greater depth for the interruption and therefore to increase a passage for the gas which may be present in the container 2.

[0154] As regards the method for making the cap, it should be noticed that the cap 1 may be made as a concave body obtained by means of injection moulding, or compression moulding. The breakable bridges and / or the breakable elements may be made using special moulds during moulding of the cap 1 , or by means of a cutting operation, after the concave body has been made.

[0155] In the latter case, the cutting operations may be carried out by means of respective blades, for example circular or linear, which interact with the lateral wall from the outside of the latter, or from the inside.

[0156] The blades may have an interrupted cutting edge, if the decision is made to leave the breakable bridges defined along the separating line and / or to leave respective breakable elements defined along the further separating line.

[0157] It is also possible that the blades do not cut through the entire thickness of the lateral wall, but instead only partially cut through the thickness of the lateral wall, so as to leave, along the separating line and / or along the further separating line, a thin membrane intended to be broken when the cap is opened for the first time.

[0158] Alternatively, each blade may have a continuous cutting edge if a respective strip of the lateral wall intended to be cut comprises a plurality of enlarged parts, circumferentially distributed in the strip and configured to be partially cut by a 360° cut by the continuous cutting edge, in such a way as to define the breakable bridges along the separating line and / or the breakable elements along the further separating line.

[0159] As regards the retaining ring 301 , it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which, after the cap has been opened for the first time, the retaining ring 301 : may completely separate from the closing element 302 and remain associated with the neck 201 of the container 2; may partially separate from the closing element to keep the cap 1 associated with the container 2; may be provided with one or more vertical incisions to remain connected to the closing element 301 , but completely separated from the neck 201 of the container 2. As already indicated, the retaining ring 301 comprises the engaging element 8, which is configured to engage with the locking ring 202 of the neck 201 of the container 2 in such a way as to allow separation of the closing element 302 from the retaining ring 301 , promoting breaking of the breakable bridges, when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.

[0160] The engaging element 8 projects inwards towards the inside of the cap 1 starting from its initial end 801 , which may be placed on the free edge 303, or near the free edge 303.

[0161] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which along the initial end 801 of the engaging element 8 there may be a plurality of drainage openings present, which have a small angular extent, are equally spaced apart from each other and serve to drain any washing liquid after moulding of the cap 1 . The number of drainage openings may be between 3 and 30, preferably between 5 and 16.

[0162] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the engaging element 8 may be moulded inwards, that is to say, it may be formed already directly bent inwards towards the inside of the cap, or in which it may be moulded outwards from the cap, that is to say, it may be made as a projection which extends beyond the free edge 303 and is then bent.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Closing cap (1 ) for a container (2), comprising a lateral wall (3) extending around an axis (Z) and a transversal wall (4) positioned at one end of the lateral wall (3), the cap (1 ) comprising:- a separating line (5) which is provided on the lateral wall (3) to define a retaining ring (301 ), which is configured to remain anchored to a neck (201 ) of the container (2) and extends as far as a free edge (303) of the lateral wall (3); and a closing element (302) removably engageable with the neck (201 ), so as to open or close the container (2); wherein the separating line (5) is circumferentially interrupted, to leave the closing element (302) and the retaining ring (301 ) joined in a joining zone 305, when the cap (1 ) is in an open condition; a further separating line (7), which is provided on the lateral wall (3) to define, together with the separating line (5), a first connecting band (306) and a second connecting band (307), which are positioned at the sides of the joining zone (305) for keeping the closing element (302) connected to the retaining ring (301 ) after the cap 1 has been opened for the first time; wherein- the retaining ring (301 ) comprises an engaging element (8), configured to engage with a locking ring (202) of the neck (201 ); and wherein- the engaging element (8) projects inwards starting from an initial end (801 ), which is placed on the free edge (303), or near the free edge (303); and wherein- the engaging element (8) comprises a fixing part (804), which defines a final end of the engaging element (8), which is configured to guarantee that the engaging element (8) remains fixed to the locking ring (202) during a use of the cap (1 ).

2. Cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing part (804) is “C”-shaped for wrapping around and hooking onto the locking ring (202).

3. Cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , or 2, wherein the fixing part (804) comprises a contact surface (805) configured to engage with a lower wall (202b) of thelocking ring (202).

4. Cap (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing part (804) comprises a hooking portion (806) configured to wrap around an outer edge (202c) and / or an outer wall (202a) of the locking ring (202).

5. Cap (1 ) according to claim 4, when it is dependent on claim 3, wherein the hooking portion (806) projects from the contact surface (805) and is shaped like a projection.

6. Cap (1 ) according to claim 4, or 5, when it is dependent on claim 3, wherein the hooking portion (806) comprises an initial section (806a), which extends from the contact surface (805), has a planar shape, and is configured to make contact with the outer edge (202c) and / or the outer wall (202a) of the locking ring (202) and a final section (806b), which projects inwards starting from the initial section (806a) and is configured to make contact with the outer wall (202a) of the locking ring (202).

7. Cap (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the final section (806b) is inclined relative to the initial section (806a) and is such that an angle is formed between the initial section (806a) and the final section (806b).

8. Cap (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the final section (806b) is curved.

9. Cap (1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the engaging element (8) comprises an initial part (807) which extends from the initial end (801 ) and has a thickness increasing until it defines the contact surface (805).

10. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging element (8) comprises an annular root (802) which is continuous and projects inwards from the initial end (801 ), from which a plurality of projecting flaps (803) project, equally spaced and separate from each other, each projecting flap (803) comprising a respective fixing part (804).11 . Cap (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising two cuts (601 , 602) which extend in the lateral wall (3) and between them define a tab (308), which is positioned between the first connecting band (306) and the second connecting band (307).

12. Cap (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the tab (308) is delimited at the bottom by a central stretch (701 ) of the further separating line (7), which defines a lower edge of the tab (308) when the cap is in an initial step of opening and in the open configuration; the further separating line (7) comprising a pair of lateral stretches (702, 703) positioned circumferentially at the sides of the central stretch (701 ), wherein a first lateral stretch (702) defines, with a first part of the separating line (5), the first connecting band (306) and a second lateral stretch (703) defines, with a second part of the separating line (5), the second connecting band (307).

13. Combination comprising a cap (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a neck (201 ) of a container (2), wherein the neck (201 ) comprises a locking ring (202) having a lower wall (202b), an outer edge (202c) and an outer wall (202a), and wherein the fixing part (804) of the engaging element (8) remains fixed to the locking ring (202) during a use of the cap (1 ).

14. Combination according to claim 13, wherein the fixing part (804) is “C”- shaped and wraps around and hooks onto the locking ring (202).

15. Combination according to claim 13, or 14, wherein the fixing part (804) comprises a contact surface (805) configured to engage with the lower wall (202b) of the locking ring (202) of the cap (1 ).

16. Combination according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fixing part (804) comprises a hooking portion (806) which wraps around the outer edge (202c) and / or the outer wall (202a) of the locking ring (202).

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