Closing cap for a container

Abstract

A cap (1) for a container which comprises a lateral wall (3) which extends around an axis (Z) and from a transversal wall (4), positioned at one end of the lateral wall (3). The cap has a breaking line (5) with a plurality of longitudinal segments (51, 52, 55) and defines, on the lateral wall (3), a breaking plane (50) transversal to the axis (Z). The breaking line (5) is suitable for dividing the cap (1) into a cup-shaped body (10), movable between a closed position and an open position of the cap (1) on the container, and a retaining ring (6), for engaging with the neck (101) of the container, to prevent it from coming off, even during opening. A separating line (7) is also provided which includes a plurality of longitudinal segments (73, 74) not intersecting with the breaking line (5). The separating line (7) defines, on the lateral wall (3), at least one separating plane (70) which is separate from the breaking plane (50). A first connecting band (11) and a second connecting band (12) are also provided, defined between the breaking line (5) and the separating line (7), for connecting the cup-shaped body (10) and the retaining ring (6) even in the cap (1) open position. In particular, the first connecting band (11) is interposed between a first longitudinal segment (51), belonging to the breaking line (5), and the separating line (7). The first connecting band (11) is therefore defined by a first joining segment (81) which joins the breaking line (5) to the separating line (7) and by a further segment (80) which extends between the first longitudinal segment (51) and the separating plane (70). That further segment (80) and the first joining segment (81) are both oblique relative to the axis (Z).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CLOSING CAP FOR A CONTAINER

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a closing cap for a container, in particular a cap provided with a retaining ring, joinable to a container neck. The cap is also provided with a closing element which, after opening, remains connected to the retaining ring. The cap according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for applying on bottles intended to contain liquid substances.

[0005] The invention also relates to a combination of a cap for a container and of a container neck.

[0006] Moreover, the invention relates to a method for making that cap for closing and opening.

[0007] Background art

[0008] There are prior art caps for bottles which comprise a cup-shaped body provided with an inner thread structure suitable for engaging with an outer thread structure of a neck of the bottle. The prior art caps are also provided with a security ring connected to the cup-shaped body by means of a plurality of breakable bridges, which are aligned along a breaking line. When the cap is opened for the first time, the action by the user causes breaking of the breakable bridges and the cup-shaped body separates from the security ring. The security ring remains joined to the neck of the bottle, whilst the cup-shaped body may be unscrewed by the user, who thereby separates the cup-shaped body from the bottle to access the contents of the bottle. Then, the cup-shaped body may be screwed back onto the neck in order to close the bottle again.

[0009] There are also prior art connecting bands between the cup-shaped body and the retaining ring, in such a way as to prevent the cup-shaped body from being lost in the surrounding environment.

[0010] Amongst the prior art documents, the one which the Applicant considers to be closest to the subject matter of this invention is the patent US 1 1312544 which describes a cap for a container which has a main body having an upper wall and a cylindrical lateral wall. The cap includes a security ring positioned at an open end of the main body.

[0011] Between the open end of the main body and the security ring, there is a first incision and a second incision both formed by respective pluralities of incision stretches connected in series, which extend on the main body or on the security ring.

[0012] The first incision and the second incision do not intersect and are configured in such a way that, when the cap is unscrewed, the body separates from the ring, except for two connecting bands.

[0013] In the open position, both sides of the connecting bands extend outside the first incision plane along their entire length, that is to say, they start from the first incision plane and extend on only one side of the first incision plane. The first incision and the second incision define respectively a first incision plane and a second incision plane, both horizontal relative to an axis of rotation of the body of the cap.

[0014] In that cap, there is a first tab which extends from the security ring and a second tab which extends from the lateral wall of the cap. Both of the tabs are positioned between the first incision plane and the second incision plane.

[0015] There is also a third tab which is formed by the movement of the tool for forming one of the two connecting bands.

[0016] In fact, the incision for making each connecting band starts from the first plane to make a longitudinal segment parallel to the first incision line, moves obliquely towards the second plane making an incision inclined relative to the axis and having reached the second plane, at the second incision line, provides a longitudinal segment parallel to the first segment. From here it starts again obliquely with a second inclined incision, parallel to the first incision, to return to the first plane and to substantially run along the same path again in order to make the other connecting band.

[0017] In the sketch, starting from a first plane and ending at the same height in order to define two connecting bands, the cutter creates three tabs; a pair of tabs with opposite orientation between the two connecting bands and a third tab when the tool is forced to reascend from the end of the second tab, in the second incision plane, in order to arrive at the start of the first, in the first incision plane.

[0018] Even if the two tabs with opposite orientation are useful, since by acting on the ring or on the main body in the open position they support the cap and hold it still during use of the container, it remains the case that the third tab, which projects from the lower bottom of the main body serves no purpose and may even be a hindrance for the user.

[0019] Disclosure of the invention

[0020] The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned problem and, within the scope of the above-mentioned purpose, to make a closing cap for a container, which does not have that tab which only serves to form the connecting band.

[0021] Another aim of the invention is to allow the making of a closing cap for a container, by incision, cutting or with other means, which does not require further working operations and which is therefore economically competitive. This purpose, as well as these and other aims which will be more apparent below, are achieved by a closing cap for a container, according to the invention, comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

[0022] In particular, in accordance with a first aspect, this invention relates to a cap for closing and opening a container, for example a bottle, that is to say, movable between a closed position and an open position of the cap on the bottle, which comprises a lateral wall which extends around an axis starting from a transversal wall positioned at one end of the lateral wall.

[0023] The cap has a breaking line and at least one separating line: there may be one or more separating lines, not necessarily parallel to each other provided that they do not intersect each other. Each breaking line and separating line defines a separate plane: a breaking plane and one or more separating planes, which do not intersect each other, preferably but not necessarily substantially parallel to each other and substantially normal relative to the axis. The two planes are placed at a different distance between the transversal wall and the base of the cap.

[0024] During opening, the breaking line divides the cap into two parts: an “upper” part consisting of a cup-shaped body and a “lower” part which corresponds to a retaining ring for engaging with the neck of the bottle, to prevent it from coming off, even during opening (also called the security ring).

[0025] After opening, the separating line separates two parts of the cap previously in contact with each other.

[0026] The breaking line and the separating line are both formed by a respective plurality of longitudinal segments.

[0027] Taking as a reference the ends of the cap, that is to say, the transversal wall and the base, from now on in this document the term “upper” will be used for an element, or a part of it, which is further from the base of the cap than a “lower” element.

[0028] Vice versa, it is also possible to assert that the “upper” element (or a part of it) is that which is closer to the transversal wall of the cap than the “lower” element.

[0029] In a first embodiment, the breaking line which determines the limit between the cup-shaped body and the retaining ring of the cap, is positioned above the separating line along the axis.

[0030] That is to say that the distance between the breaking line and the transversal wall is less than the distance between the latter and the separating line or, even, that the separating line is nearer to the base than the breaking line. In this case, the separating line will be entirely contained in the retaining ring.

[0031] Alternatively, if the breaking line is placed, again along the axis, below the separating line, and is therefore nearer to the base than the separating line, the separating line will be entirely included in the cup-shaped body. Connecting bands are also provided for keeping the cup-shaped body connected to the retaining ring even in the open position.

[0032] Such connecting bands, preferably a first and a second connecting band, are both defined between the breaking plane and the separating plane, that is to say, between the breaking line and the separating line in such a way as to extend in a substantially symmetrical way when the cap is being opened so as to facilitate its use.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention the first connecting band is interposed between the two above-mentioned planes and is further defined by a first joining segment between the breaking line and the separating line and a further segment which starts from the breaking line and descends towards the separating plane, without necessarily reaching it (therefore not necessarily arriving at the height of the separating line).

[0034] In other words, the further segment is defined by a first point of the breaking plane and by a second point which, although not belonging to that breaking plane, does not have to be on the separating plane; therefore, that further segment could not reach the separating plane or could even go beyond it, therefore continuing beyond the separating line.

[0035] A distinctive feature of the invention is the fact that the further segment has one end connected to the first longitudinal segment and one free end, that is to say, detached both from the breaking line and from the separating line. That is to say that said free end of the further segment is not linked or connected to either the breaking line, or the separating line or even to other incisions, cuts or openings.

[0036] Moreover, the Applicant notes that the further segment may be inclined in any direction and with any angle relative to the axis, therefore forming an angle which may vary from 0 to 360° around the axis, even in a way specular relative to how it is shown in the appended figures, also including the configuration in which it is normal relative to the separating plane or breaking plane.

[0037] The joining segment connects two incisions placed on different planes: in this sense, that segment “joins” the two incision lines which, otherwise, would remain separate from each other, even if - in fact - the joining segment simply represents a division of two portions of cap.

[0038] Advantageously, the further segment allows symmetrical behaviour of both connecting bands during cap opening and closing.

[0039] If the breaking line causes the break between the upper, cup-shaped part, of the cap and the lower part, where the security ring is located, then that further segment starts from the breaking line and “descends” as far as the separating plane without meeting the separating line or other longitudinal segments aligned with it.

[0040] If, in contrast, the separating line corresponds to the breaking line, then that further segment starts from the breaking line and “ascends” as far as the separating plane without meeting the separating line or other longitudinal segments aligned with it.

[0041] In particular, regarding the breaking plane and the separating plane, the first connecting band is defined by the first longitudinal segment which is aligned and collinear with the breaking line and by the separating line. Moreover, laterally, it is defined, on one side by the first joining segment which joins that first longitudinal segment to the separating line and, on the other side, by the above-mentioned further segment which starts from the first longitudinal segment and preferably ends at the separating plane, without meeting the separating line or other upper segments aligned with it.

[0042] The second connecting band, on the other hand, is interposed between a second longitudinal segment aligned with the breaking line and a third longitudinal segment, aligned with the separating line. Laterally it is defined by a second joining segment between the breaking line and the third longitudinal segment and by a third joining segment between the second longitudinal segment and a fourth longitudinal segment, also aligned with the separating line.

[0043] The Applicant found that by making that further segment, which starts from the breaking line, at the breaking plane, and arrives at the separating plane stopping without meeting the separating line or other segments aligned with it, it is advantageously possible to make only two tabs.

[0044] A first tab is that defined by the third joining segment, by the separating line and by a fourth joining segment which joins the separating line to a fifth longitudinal segment aligned with the breaking line.

[0045] Preferably, there is at least one breakable bridge along a stretch of the separating line which defines the first tab and / or along the third joining segment, and / or along the fourth joining segment.

[0046] A second tab shares the fourth joining segment with the first tab and is also defined by the fifth longitudinal segment and by the first joining segment. Preferably, there is at least one breakable bridge also along the fifth longitudinal segment and / or along the first joining segment and / or along the fourth joining segment.

[0047] The first, the second, the third and the fourth joining segment are substantially parallel to each other; in the same way the longitudinal segments are substantially parallel to each other.

[0048] The tabs made in this way, during opening of the cap, have the function of supporting the cup-shaped body divided from the retaining ring along the separating line corresponding to the breaking line, in such a way as to facilitate use of the container by the user.

[0049] Therefore, in this way it is not necessary to make a third tab which, by its nature projecting outwards from the lower part of the cup-shaped body, would be inconvenient for the user.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making such a cap for closing and opening.

[0051] That method comprises the following steps, not necessarily in sequential order.

[0052] The breaking line and the separating line are made on the lateral wall of the cap, in such a way as to identify the two respective incision planes, substantially parallel to each other and normal relative to the axis.

[0053] Only one of the above-mentioned separating lines has a plurality of breakable bridges which therefore make it a breaking line of the cap along which, when the user decides to open the container, the cap divides into a cup-shaped body and a retaining ring, the latter for engaging with the neck of the container to prevent it from coming off, even during opening.

[0054] Advantageously, the breaking line is made on the lateral wall, along the axis, above or below the separating line, in such in such a way that the breaking plane is positioned above or below the separating plane, if the separating line is to remain in the retaining ring after opening, or if the separating line is to be in the cup-shaped body.

[0055] Preferably, along the breaking line there is at least one breakable bridge. Similarly, there is also at least one breakable bridge along the separating line.

[0056] A first connecting band is also made between the cup-shaped body and the retaining ring, by making, for example with an incision or with thermoforming, the following segments:

[0057] - a first longitudinal segment aligned and collinear with the breaking line,

[0058] - a first joining segment oblique relative to the axis and which joins the breaking line to the separating line, and

[0059] - a further segment which is also oblique relative to the axis.

[0060] In use, the further segment starts from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment and a portion of breaking line, at the breaking plane, and preferably ends at the separating plane without meeting the separating line or other longitudinal segments aligned with it.

[0061] In order to make a second connecting band between the cup-shaped body and the retaining ring, the following segments are made:

[0062] - a second longitudinal segment aligned with the breaking line,

[0063] - a third longitudinal segment aligned with the separating line,

[0064] - a second joining segment, oblique relative to the axis, which joins the breaking line to the third longitudinal segment, and

[0065] - a third joining segment oblique relative to relative to the axis, which joins the second longitudinal segment to a fourth longitudinal segment, aligned with the separating line.

[0066] A fourth joining segment is then made, also oblique relative to the axis, which joins the separating line and a fifth longitudinal segment aligned with the breaking line, in such a way that the fourth joining segment defines, with the third joining segment and the separating line, a first a first tab.

[0067] A second tab will be made again by making the fourth joining segment and defined with the fifth longitudinal segment and the first joining segment; the first tab and the second tab will therefore share the fourth joining segment.

[0068] Brief description of drawings

[0069] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the closing cap for a container, illustrated by way of example and without limiting the invention with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0070] Figure 1 is an elevation view of the first connecting band 1 1 , of a first embodiment of the cap 1 in a closed position on a container, that is to say, the embodiment in which the breaking plane 50 is placed above the separating plane 70, along the axis Z;

[0071] Figure 2 is a second elevation view of the cap 1 of Figure 1 , showing the second connecting band 12, of the first embodiment;

[0072] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cap 1 of Figures 1 and 2;

[0073] Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the cap 1 of Figure 3, in which the user has divided the cup-shaped body 10 from the retaining ring 6;

[0074] Figure 5 is a third perspective view of the cap 1 of Figure 4, in the open position on the neck 101 of the container;

[0075] Figure 6 is a top view of the cap 1 of Figure 5;

[0076] Figure 7A schematically illustrates extending in plan view the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 of a variant of the closing cap 1 , in which the further segment 80 is substantially normal relative to the breaking plane 50; Figure 7B is an elevation view of the embodiment of the cap 1 of Figure 7A; Figure 7C schematically illustrates extending in plan view the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 of Figure 7A, with the geometric references relative to distinctive geometric features;

[0077] Figure 8 is an elevation view of the first connecting band 11 , of a variant of the cap 1 (compared with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 -6) in a closed position on a container, that is to say, the embodiment in which the breaking plane 50 is placed below the separating plane 70, along the axis Z;

[0078] Figure 9 is a second elevation view, showing the second connecting band 12, of the variant of Figure 7;

[0079] Figure 10A schematically illustrates extending in plan view the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 of another variant of the closing cap 1 , in which the further segment 80 does not reach the separating line 70;

[0080] Figure 1 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the cap 1 in a closed position on a container, with the breaking plane 50 placed above the separating plane 70, in which the breaking line 5 has breakable bridges;

[0081] Figure 12 is a second view of the cap 1 of Figure 1 1 , showing the first connecting band 1 1 , in which the breaking line 5 has breakable bridges;

[0082] Figure 13 is a third view of the cap 1 of Figure 1 1 , showing the first connecting band 1 1 and the tabs 15 and 16, in which both the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 have breakable bridges;

[0083] Figure 14 is a fourth view of the cap 1 of Figure 1 1 , showing the second connecting band 1 1 and the tabs 15 and 16, in which both the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 have breakable bridges;

[0084] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the cap 1 of Figures 1 1 -14, in which both the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 have breakable bridges;

[0085] Figure 16 shows a normal cross-section, parallel to the axis Z, of the cap 1 joined to the neck 101 of a container

[0086] Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment extending in plan view of the separating line and a part of the breaking line.

[0087] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0088] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a preferred embodiment of a closing cap for a container is shown, according to the invention, which is identified in its entirety with the reference number 1 and which comprises a lateral wall 3 which extends around an axis Z, a transversal wall 4 positioned at one end of the lateral wall 3, which extends as far as a free edge, at the neck of the container 101 .

[0089] A breaking line 5 is present which divides the cap 1 , after opening, into a cup-shaped body 10 and a retaining ring 6. The cup-shaped body 10 remains movable between a closed position and an open position on a container, for example by means of an inner thread structure 10a for engaging with a counter-thread structure 101 a defined on the neck 101 .

[0090] The retaining ring 6, in contrast, is intended to engage with the neck 101 of the container to prevent it from coming off, even during opening.

[0091] In use, on the breaking line 5 there is a plurality of breakable bridges (not shown), in such a way as to cause its breaking and separation of the cap into two parts, the first time the latter is brought into an open position.

[0092] On the lateral wall 3, the breaking line 5 defines a breaking plane 50 normal relative to the axis Z, whilst the separating line 7, parallel to the breaking line 5, identifies a separating plane 70 which is separate from and parallel to the breaking plane 50.

[0093] In other words, the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 define corresponding planes which are separate from and parallel to each other on the lateral wall 3: the breaking plane 50 and the separating plane 70, in this case both normal relative to the axis Z, and placed at a different distance between the transversal wall 4 and the neck of the container 101 .

[0094] The breaking line 5 comprises the longitudinal segments 51 , 52 and 55, just as the separating line 7 similarly includes the longitudinal segments 73, 74 and 76.

[0095] To prevent definitive separation of the cup-shaped body 10 from the retaining ring 6, two connecting bands 11 and 12 are made: a first connecting band 1 1 and a second connecting band 12, both defined between the breaking line 5 and the second separating line 7 and which, precisely, keep the cup-shaped body 10 and the retaining ring 6 connected. With reference to Figures 1 -6, the breaking plane 50 is positioned above the separating plane 70, that is to say, the breaking line 5 is nearer to the transversal wall 4 than the separating line 7.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first connecting band 11 is interposed between a first longitudinal segment 51 , which belongs to the breaking line 5, and the separating line 7. More specifically, the first connecting band 1 1 is defined between the first longitudinal segment 51 and a further longitudinal segment 76 which belongs to the separating line 7.

[0097] In use, the first longitudinal segment 51 is a portion of the breaking line 5. Laterally, the first connecting band 11 is defined by a first joining segment 81 , which joins the breaking line 5 to the separating line 7, and by a further segment 80; the latter starts from the first longitudinal segment 51 or, rather, from the meeting (or collinearity) point between the first longitudinal segment 51 and the breaking line 5, and, in the case described, ends at the separating plane 70.

[0098] Both of the segments 80 and 81 , that is to say, the further segment 80 and the first joining segment 81 , are oblique both relative to the axis Z and relative to the planes 50 and 70.

[0099] Those segments may be parallel to each other. However, as shown by Figures 7A, 7B and 8, the first joining segment 81 and the further segment 80 may not be parallel to each other. In the example shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, the further segment 80 is parallel to the axis Z.

[0100] The further segment 80 may be oriented in any way along the axis Z. In particular, it may even have an inclination very different from the other joining segments 81 , 82, 83 and 84. The second connecting band 12 is interposed between a second longitudinal segment 52, which is a portion of the breaking line 5, and a third longitudinal segment 73 aligned with the separating line 7 (substantially parallel to the separating plane 70).

[0101] The third longitudinal segment 73 is spaced apart from the fourth longitudinal segment 74, in such a way that between the third longitudinal segment 73 and the fourth longitudinal segment 74 a connecting portion remains defined which connects the second connecting band 12 to the retaining ring 6. Similarly, the second longitudinal segment 52 is spaced apart from the second joining segment 82, in such a way that between the second longitudinal segment 52 and second joining segment 82 a further connecting portion remains defined which connects the second connecting band 12 to the cup-shaped body 10

[0102] Laterally, it is defined by a second joining segment 82 which joins the breaking line 5 to the third longitudinal segment 73 and a third joining segment 83 which joins the second longitudinal segment 52 to a fourth longitudinal segment 74 aligned with the separating line 7; the joining segments 82 and 83 are parallel to each other and also parallel to the further segment 80.

[0103] A first tab 15 and a second tab 16 are also made in the cap 1 , both positioned between the breaking plane 50 and the separating plane 70, and they allow the cup-shaped body 10 to rest on portions of the retaining ring 6 to facilitate use of the cap 1 , in the open position.

[0104] The tabs 15 and 16, abutting against each other at their upper edge, help to keep the cap open.

[0105] The first tab 15 is defined by the third joining segment 83 and by the separating line 7 and is then completed by a fourth joining segment 84 which joins the separating line 7 to a fifth longitudinal segment 55 belonging to the breaking line 5. The second joining segment 82 is substantially parallel to the first joining segment 81 , even if this condition is not necessary.

[0106] The second tab 16 also has a profile drawn by the fourth joining segment 84, which it shares with the first tab 15. In addition to that fourth joining segment 84, it is also defined by the fifth longitudinal segment 55.

[0107] The further longitudinal segment 76 is spaced apart from the further segment 80, in such a way that between the further longitudinal segment 76 and the further segment 80 a connecting portion remains defined which connects the first connecting band 11 to the retaining ring 6.

[0108] Similarly, the first longitudinal segment 51 is spaced apart from the fifth longitudinal segment 55, in such a way that between the first longitudinal segment 51 and the fifth longitudinal segment 55 a further connecting portion remains defined which connects the first connecting band 1 1 to the cup-shaped body 10

[0109] The first tab 15 extends from the edge 6b of the retaining ring 6 nearest to the cup-shaped body 10 and the second tab 16 extends from the opposite end of the cup-shaped body 10 to the transversal wall 4.

[0110] In one variant, reproduced in Figures 8 and 9, the breaking plane is placed below the separating plane and, consequently, the breaking line 5 is positioned, along the axis Z, below the separating line 7.

[0111] In use, the breaking line 5 is further from the transversal wall 4 than the separating line 7.

[0112] In this configuration, the breaking line 5 is suitable for dividing the cap 1 , in the open position, in such a way that the separating line 7 is in the cupshaped body 10.

[0113] Therefore, the first connecting band 1 1 , interposed between the two planes 50 and 70, will be defined at the top by the separating line 7 and at the bottom by the first longitudinal segment 51. Laterally, on one side it is defined by the first joining segment 81 and, on the other side, by the further segment 80 which, again starting from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment 51 and a portion of the breaking line 5 at the breaking plane 50, reascends the lateral wall 3 ending, in this case at the separating plane 70.

[0114] As already said, the further segment 80 may be oriented in any way along the axis Z, even parallel to the axis and may have a length which does not reach the separating plane 70 (Figures 10A and 10B).

[0115] Advantageously, the more that further segment 80 moves away from the axis Z, the lower the risk is that the two tabs 15 and 16 will jam together when the cap, after having been removed from the thread structure, is rotated and put in the locked position.

[0116] To make the cap 1 for closing and opening according to the invention, a method based on the following steps is used (not necessarily in sequence). On the lateral wall 3 of the cap 1 , by incision, cutting, or directly in the mould during cap 1 forming, or even with other means, a breaking line 5 and a separating line 7 are made, in such a way as to identify respectively the breaking plane 50 and the separating plane 70 already described.

[0117] On the breaking line 5 a plurality of breakable bridges are present for dividing the cup-shaped body 10 from the retaining ring 6: the latter will engage with the neck 101 of the container on which the cap 1 is intended to be placed, so as to prevent it from coming off even during opening.

[0118] In the first embodiment, relative to the cap 1 shown in Figures 1 -7B, the breaking line 5 is made, along the axis Z on the lateral wall 3, above the separating line 7, in such a way that the breaking plane 50 is positioned above the separating plane 70.

[0119] In the other embodiment already described, the breaking line 5 is made, along the axis Z on the lateral wall 3, below the separating line 7, so that the breaking plane 50 is positioned below the separating plane 70.

[0120] The first connecting band 1 1 is made between the cup-shaped body 10 and the retaining ring 6, by making the first longitudinal segment 51 , aligned and collinear with the breaking line 5, the first joining segment 81 , oblique relative to the axis Z for joining the breaking line 5 to the separating line 7, and, as said, a further segment 80 is also made, not necessarily parallel to the first joining segment 81 . The further segment 80 starts from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment 51 and the separating line 5, at the breaking plane 50, and ends at the separating plane 70. That further segment 80, moreover, arrives at the separating plane 70 without meeting the separating line 7 or other longitudinal segments aligned with it, and allows the above-mentioned first connecting band 1 1 to be made.

[0121] The further segment 80 has a first end positioned on the first longitudinal segment 51 , and a second end, or free end, which is not connected to any other segment, or to any other incision line, cut or opening, and certainly not to the breaking line 5 or to the separating line 7. A second connecting band 12 is also made between the cup-shaped body 10 and the retaining ring 6. For that purpose, the following are made: the second longitudinal segment 52 aligned with the breaking line 5, the third longitudinal segment 73 aligned with the separating line 7, the second joining segment 82, parallel to the further segment 80, in such a way as to join the breaking line 5 to the third longitudinal segment 73. Also made is the third joining segment 83, parallel to the second joining segment 82, for joining the second longitudinal segment 52 to the fourth longitudinal segment 74, aligned with the separating line 7.

[0122] To make the first tab 15 and the second tab 16, the fourth joining segment 84 is made, parallel to the third joining segment 83 for joining the separating line 7, which will be shared between the two tabs 15 and 16.

[0123] The fifth longitudinal segment 55 is also made aligned with the breaking line 5, in such a way that the fourth joining segment 84 defines, with the third joining segment 83 and the separating line 7, the first tab 15. In the same way, the same fourth joining segment 84 will define, with the fifth longitudinal segment 55 and the first joining segment 81 , the second tab 16.

[0124] The segments (51 , 52, 73, 74, 81 , 82, 83, 84) which define the connecting bands 15 and 16, as well as the further segment 80 may comprise incisions or through openings, if necessary provided with joining bridges or lines of weakness, that is to say, incisions which only pass through part of the thickness. With reference to Figure 7C, the distinctive geometric features of the cap according to the invention are as follows.

[0125] The angular extent A of the tabs 15 and 16 is between 10° and 45°, inclusive; that angular extent A is preferably between 15° and 30°, inclusive. The distance between the two separating lines B, that is to say, between the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 is between 1.5 and 3.2 mm, inclusive, preferably between 2 mm and 2.8 mm, inclusive.

[0126] The angular extent C of the connecting bands 1 1 and 12 is between 10°- 80° inclusive, preferably between 15° and 65°, inclusive.

[0127] The thickness of the lateral wall 3 is between 0.5 and 1.2 mm, inclusive, preferably between 0.7 mm and 1 .2 mm, inclusive.

[0128] Regarding the making of the tabs 15 and 16, 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] It is also possible that the blades do not cut through the entire thickness of the lateral wall, but instead only partly 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.

[0131] 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 partly 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.

[0132] Figure 17 shows the breaking line 5 and the separating line 7 in a cap according to an alternative embodiment, in which the longitudinal segments of the separating line 7 and of the breaking line 5 are joined to the joining segments in rounded angular zones 90.

[0133] In other words, rather than having a cap in which the longitudinal segments are joined to the joining segments at respective sharp edges, as shown in Figures 1 to 16, there are rounded edges in the zones in which the joining segments meet the longitudinal segments.

[0134] More specifically, there are rounded angular zones 90 at least in one, or more, or all of the zones in which: the breaking line 5 meets the second joining segment 82; the second joining segment 82 meets the third longitudinal segment

[0135] 73; the second longitudinal segment 52 meets the third joining segment 83; the third joining segment 83 meets the fourth longitudinal segment 74; the fourth longitudinal segment 74 meets the fourth joining segment 84; the fourth joining segment 84 meets the fifth longitudinal segment 55; the fifth longitudinal segment 55 meets the first joining segment 81 ; the first joining segment 81 meets the sixth longitudinal segment 76. There may optionally also be a rounded angular zone 90 in the zone in which the further segment 80 meets the first longitudinal segment 51 .

[0136] The stretches or segments which define the first tab 15 may be provided with breakable bridges.

[0137] In particular, there may be at least one breakable bridge along the fourth longitudinal segment 74, and / or along the third joining segment 83, and / or along the fourth joining segment 84.

[0138] The stretches or segments which define the second tab 16 may also be provided with breakable bridges.

[0139] In particular, there may be at least one breakable bridge along the fifth longitudinal segment 55, and / or along the first joining segment 81 , and / or along the fourth joining segment 84.

[0140] More generally, there may be breakable bridges present, suitable for breaking the first time the cup-shaped body 10 is brought into the open position, along the breaking line 5 and / or along the separating line 7.

[0141] The breaking line 5 may have a number of breakable bridges which is between 0 and 36, more preferably between 4 and 14, even more preferably between 5 and 10.

[0142] The separating line 7 may have a number of breakable bridges which is between 0 and 6, preferably between 1 and 2.

[0143] The breakable bridges may have a radial thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.6 mm and 0.95 mm.

[0144] The breakable bridges may have a circumferential extent of between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, even more preferably between 0.35 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0145] The following applies to the plastic material used to make the cap 1 .

[0146] 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:

[0147] - density variable between 950 and 968 kg / m3;

[0148] - melt index variable from 0.3 to 20 g, in the following measuring conditions: 10 minutes, 190°C, 2.16 kg;

[0149] - molecular weight distribution wide, or narrow, or unimodal, or multimodal. If PP, polypropylene, is used, that material may be in the form of a homopolymer, or heterophasic copolymer, or even statistical copolymer.

[0150] The melt index of PP may vary from 2 to 20 g, in the following measuring conditions: 10 minutes, 230°C, 2.16 kg.

[0151] Advantageously, however, for the cap 1 it is possible to use PET.

[0152] For example, the same PET may be used as is used to make bottles with intrinsic viscosity of between 0.7 and 1.15 dl / g, preferably between 0.74 and 0.86 dl / g.

[0153] The density of the PET granule is between 1300 and 1400 kg / mA3, preferably between 1325 and 1385 kg / mA3.

[0154] This invention is advantageously applicable to a cap 1 , which is suitable for being used, for example, on necks 101 in the following list, each neck 101 of the container 101 being associated with a respective code which identifies the name of the neck 101 , the diameter of the outer surface of the neck 101 , and the diameter of the supply opening of the neck 101 , in accordance with the nomenclature of CETI ISBT

[0155] For each code, if the neck 101 is also a European standard, the reference number is also provided.

[0156] The specifications described below apply for the cap 1 according to this invention and for the neck 101 already known.

[0157] GME30.39 25 / 22 mm

[0158] GME30.28 26 / 22 mm DIN EN 16594:2016

[0159] GME30.38 26 / 22 mm

[0160] GME30.37 26 / 22 mm

[0161] GME30.40 26 / 22 mm

[0162] GME30.24 27 / 22 mm EN 16067:2012

[0163] PCO1881 28 / 22 mm

[0164] PCO1810 28 / 22 mm

[0165] GME30.26 29 / 25 mm EN 16592:2015

[0166] GME30.21 30 / 25 mm EN 16064:2012

[0167] GME30.31 32 / 26 mm

[0168] GME30.36 32 / 27 mm

[0169] GME30.30 33 / 28 mm

[0170] GME30.25 38 / 33 mm

[0171] GME30.29 38 / 32 mm

[0172] As regards the type of beverage which can be contained in the container, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 which is suitable for use for beverages in the following list: carbonated beverage up to 1 1 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;

[0173] (if the cap 1 is made of PET) cold filled beverages (<35°C); hot filled beverages <65°C,

[0174] (general note: this correction is valid only if the cap is made of PET, not in general, in the other cases the previous temperature range remains) (if the cap 1 is not made of PET but instead of PE, or HDPE, or PP) cold filled beverages (<35°C); hot filled beverages <95°C, preferably 70<Tf (Filling temperature) <89°C.

[0175] 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 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.

[0176] As regards the lateral wall 3, it may be provided with knurling lines.

[0177] With reference to those knurling lines, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the knurling lines: can be angularly equally spaced apart from each other, with a number between 30 and 144, preferably between 60 and 120; they can be grouped and each group can be separated from the adjacent group by a space without a knurling line, for example there can be 24 groups present, in which each group has 3 knurling lines which are equally spaced apart from each other; there can be service knurling lines present, with reduced length, used to guide the cap during a cutting operation; they can be present on the lateral wall and optionally on the transversal wall and / or on the retaining ring.

[0178] 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; or it may have a smooth or rough inner surface, as defined in accordance with standard ISO1302, for example between NO and N10, preferably between N4 and N9; however, preferably the sealing surfaces of the cap and neck are smooth, polished.

[0179] As regards the inner thread structure of the cup-shaped body 10a, which is configured to removably couple the cup-shaped body 10 to the neck 101 of the container, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the inner thread structure 10a 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 a plurality of helical threads, that is to say, with multiple helical threads, for example with two helical threads or with three helical threads, wherein 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.

[0180] 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. 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. As regards the production method, it should be noticed that the shell of the cap 1 may be made as a concave body obtained by means of injection moulding, or compression moulding, or injection compression moulding.

[0181] 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.

[0182] The retaining ring 6 has an engaging element 31 , which is configured to engage with a stop ring 102 of the neck 101 of the container in such a way as to allow separation of the cup-shaped body 10 from the retaining ring 6, promoting breaking of the breakable bridges, when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.

[0183] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the engaging element 31 may be shaped like a flap, which projects inwards towards the inside of the cap 1 starting from its initial end and may be placed on a free edge (Figure 16), or near the free edge.

[0184] Along the initial end of the engaging element 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.

[0185] The engaging element 31 preferably has a retaining portion 32 suitable for keeping the retaining ring 6 joined to the neck 101 . For that purpose, the retaining portion 32 is delimited by a contact surface 33 suitable for abutting against the annular protuberance 30 of the neck 2. The contact surface 33 is in particular suitable for abutting against a stop surface 102a which delimits the protuberance of the stop ring 102 towards the collar 103 of the container (Figure 10).

[0186] In use, the first time the cap 1 is unscrewed, the contact surface 33 abuts against the stop ring 102 causing it to stop and creating a tension on the breakable bridges which break.

[0187] The contact surface 33 may be substantially flat. The contact surface 33 extends transversally, for example perpendicularly, to the axis Z.

[0188] The engaging element 31 may also comprise a centring portion 35, which from the retaining portion 32 projects towards the breaking line 5. The centring portion 35 is suitable for engaging with the neck 101 , in particular with the stop ring 102, before the cup-shaped body 10 is separated from the retaining ring 6 by breaking the breakable bridges. The centring portion 35 has a centring function, since it allows the retaining portion 32 to be kept centred relative to the neck 101 before the cup-shaped body 10 is brought into the open position for the first time.

[0189] The centring portion 35 also has an anti-tipping function because it prevents the retaining portion 32 from “tipping over”, that is to say, from rotating towards the neck 101 around the anchoring end of the corresponding flap. If that were to occur, when the cup-shaped body 10 is unscrewed for the first time, the retaining portion 32 could inadequately engage with the neck 1 10, for example without abutting against the stop surface 33, and consequently breakage of the breakable bridges would not be guaranteed. In other words, the centring portion 35 engages with a lateral surface of the stop ring 102 and obstructs its rotation around the axis Z.

[0190] The centring portion 35 may be configured to engage with a lateral surface of the stop ring 102 facing the opposite way relative to the central axis of the retaining ring 6, that is to say, facing outwards from the neck 101 . At that surface, the external diameter of the stop ring 102 may be at its maximum. The centring portion 35 may have, radially, an average thickness less than the average radial thickness of the retaining portion 32.

[0191] The radial thickness of the centring portion 35 may increase going from the retaining portion 32 towards the cup-shaped body 10, in such a way that the centring portion 35 is delimited by an inclined surface facing the stop ring 102, said surface being inclined towards the stop ring 102. It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which the engaging element 31 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 an appendage which extends beyond the free edge and is then bent.

[0192] With reference to Figure 10, the cap 1 may also be provided with an annular inner sealing lip 41 , which projects from the transversal wall 4 towards the inside of the cap 1 . The inner sealing lip 41 is suitable for being inserted into the neck 101 of the container for engaging in a sealed way with an inner lateral surface of an end protuberance 105 of the neck 101. In particular, the inner sealing lip 41 may be delimited by a convex sealing surface 42 for making contact with the above-mentioned inner lateral surface.

[0193] The cap 1 may comprise an abutting element 43, in the shape of an annular protrusion which projects from the transversal wall 4 towards the inside of the cap 1 .

[0194] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a cap 1 in which, alternatively and according to an embodiment not shown in these figures, the engaging element may not be shaped like a flap, instead being an enlarged element which projects inwards towards the inside of the cap 1 ; which may be continuous; which may be interrupted and having a plurality of portions angularly equally spaced apart from each other, numbering from 3 to 15; which may have a flexibility recess adjacent to it, on the transversal wall 4 side, in which the lateral wall 3 has a reduced cross-section; which may have a further enlarged element continuing on from it which projects less than the enlarged element and is positioned, when the cap 1 is coupled to the neck 101 , at the stop ring of the neck 101 .

[0195] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a container which may be obtained by injection and stretch-blow moulding, or by injection and blow moulding, or by extrusion and blow moulding or by compression and blow moulding.

[0196] If the container is a bottle, not illustrated, which comprises the neck 101 and a containment body provided with a resting bottom, wherein the containment body is connected to the neck 101 by a shoulder, it should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a container wherein, alternatively and according to an embodiment not shown in these figures, the shoulder may be conical; concave (“flask-style"); convex; round; and wherein the containment body, according to an embodiment not shown in these figures may be: with round cross-section; with rectangular cross-section with rounded, or smoothed edges; with square cross-section with rounded, or smoothed edges; completely smooth on the outside; decorated on the outside; ribbed on the outside.

[0197] If the containment body has outer ribs, not shown in these figures, these ribs may be: straight, or undulating; continuous, or interrupted, and may have a crosssection that is square, or circular, or has a different dedicated shape.

[0198] It should be noticed that this invention is particularly applicable to a container in which, alternatively and according to an embodiment not shown in these figures, the resting bottom may be: flat, and may have a plurality of shapes which derive from the number and the position of the outer ribs which, positioned like radial spokes starting from a central zone of the resting bottom, at least partly extend upwards on the outside of the containment body of the container; concave, like a champagne bottom; having a plurality of resting projections, called petals, their number being greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 7; preferably their number being greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 6, wherein each resting projection may be divided in half in a resting part, configured to rest on the supporting surface, by means of a rib with small dimensions in order to increase the mechanical strength of the rib itself.

[0199] From what is described above it can therefore be seen how the invention achieves the purpose and the aims proposed and in particular it should be emphasised that a closing cap for a container is made which has only two tabs, opposite each other along the line of extension, both acting as a support for the cup-shaped body of the cap in the open position, without the third tab which only serves to form the connecting band.

[0200] Therefore, the cap made in this way has only two tabs, one projecting from the retaining ring and directed upwards, that is to say, towards the upper part of the cap, and the other projecting from the bottom of the cup-shaped body and extending the opposite way, which securely support the cupshaped body in the open position, locking it in a configuration substantially normal relative to the axis.

[0201] Another advantage of the invention is that said cap for opening and closing can be made by incision, cutting or with other known means, reducing the working operations compared with the prior art and therefore making it economically competitive.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cap (1 ) for a container comprising a lateral wall (3) extending, from a transversal wall (4) positioned at one end of the lateral wall (3), around an axis (Z); a breaking line (5) of the cap (1 ) having a plurality of longitudinal segments (51 , 52, 55) and defining, on the lateral wall (3), a breaking plane (50) transversal to the axis (Z); the breaking line (5) being suitable for dividing the cap (1 ) into a cup-shaped body (10), movable between a closed position and an open position of the cap (1 ) on a container, and a retaining ring (6), for engaging with the neck (101 ) of the container, to prevent it from coming off, even in said open position; a separating line (7) including a plurality of longitudinal segments (73, 74) on that separating line (7), not intersecting with the breaking line (5) defining, on the lateral wall (3), at least one separating plane (70) which is separate from the breaking plane (50); wherein, a first connecting band (1 1 ) and a second connecting band (12) are provided, defined between the breaking line (5) and the separating line (7), for connecting the cup-shaped body (10) and the retaining ring (6) even in the cap (1 ) open position: the first connecting band (1 1 ) being interposed between a first longitudinal segment (51 ), belonging to the breaking line (5), and the separating line (7) and also being defined by a first joining segment (81 ) which joins the breaking line (5) to the separating line (7) and by a further segment (80) extending between the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and the separating plane (70); wherein the further segment (80) has one end connected to the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and one free end (80a) detached from the breaking line (5) and from the separating line (7).

2. The cap (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the second connecting band (12) is interposed between a second longitudinal segment (52), aligned withthe breaking line (5), and a third longitudinal segment (73) aligned with the separating line (7), and it is also defined by a second joining segment (82) which joins the breaking line (5) to the third longitudinal segment (73) and a third joining segment (83) which joins the second longitudinal segment (52) to a fourth longitudinal segment (74) aligned with the separating line (7).

3. The cap (1 ) according to claim 2, comprising a first tab (15) defined by the third joining segment (83), by the separating line (7) and by a fourth joining segment (84) which joins the separating line (7) to a fifth longitudinal segment (55) aligned with the breaking line (5).

4. The cap (1 ) according to claim 3, comprising a second tab (16) sharing the fourth joining segment (84) with the first tab (15) and which is also defined by the fifth longitudinal segment (55) and by the first joining segment(81 ).

5. The cap (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the fourth joining segment (84), shared by the first tab (15) and the second tab (16), has an inclination relative to the axis (Z) which is different from that of the first (81 ), second(82) and / or third joining segment (83), in such a way that the inclination of the fourth joining segment (84) relative to the axis (Z) is inversely proportional to the risk of interference between the first tab (15) and the second tab (16).

6. The cap (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the breaking line (5) is positioned, along the axis (Z), above the separating line (7) and is suitable for dividing the cap (1 ), in the open position, in such a way that the retaining ring (6) comprises the separating line (7); the breaking plane (50) being positioned above the separating plane (70).

7. The cap (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting band (1 1 ) is defined at the top by the first longitudinal segment (51 ), at the bottom by the separating line (7) and laterally, on one side by the first joining segment (81 ) and, on the other side, by the further segment (80) which, starting from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and a portionof the breaking line (5), at the breaking plane (50), descends the lateral wall (3) ending at the separating plane (70)8. The cap (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the breaking line (5) is positioned, along the axis (Z), below the separating line (7) and is suitable for dividing the cap (1 ), in the open position, in such a way that the cup-shaped body (10) comprises the separating line (7); the breaking plane (50) being positioned below the separating plane (70).

9. The cap (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting band (1 1 ) is defined at the top by the separating line (7), at the bottom by the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and laterally, on one side by the first joining segment (81 ) and, on the other side, by the further segment (80) which, starting from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and a portion of the breaking line (5), at the breaking plane (50), reascends the lateral wall (3) ending at the separating plane (70).

10. The cap (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the further segment (80) ends before or after the separating plane (70).1 1 . The cap (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one separating plane (70) is parallel to the breaking plane (50).

12. The cap (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the further segment (80) and the first joining segment (81 ) are both oblique relative to the axis (Z)13. Combination of a cap (1 ) for closing and opening a container and a neck (101 ) of the container, wherein the cap (1 ) has the technical features of claims 1 to 8.

14. A method for making a cap (1 ) for closing and opening a container, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps which consist of:- making, on the lateral wall (3) of the cap (1 ) a breaking line (5) and a separating line (7) in such a way as to identify respectively a breaking plane (50) and a separating plane (70) which are separate, parallel to each other, normal relative to the axis (Z) and placed at a different distance between atransversal wall (4) and a base (2) of the cap (1 ); the transversal wall (4) and the base (2) being positioned at two opposite ends of the lateral wall (3),- making on the breaking line (5) a plurality of breakable bridges for dividing a cup-shaped body (10), movable between a closed position and an open position of the cap (1 ) on a container, from a retaining ring (6) for engaging with the neck (101 ) of the container, to prevent it from coming off, even during opening, and- making a first longitudinal segment (51 ), aligned and collinear with the breaking line (5), a first joining segment (81 ), oblique relative to the axis (Z), which joins the breaking line (5) to the separating line (7) and a further segment (80), oblique relative to the axis (Z), which starts from the meeting point between the first longitudinal segment (51 ) and the separating line (5), at the breaking plane (50) and ends at the separating plane (70), without meeting the separating line or other longitudinal segments aligned with it, in such a way as to make a first connecting band (1 1 ) between the cup-shaped body (10) and the retaining ring (6).

15. The method according to claim 14 comprising the step of making:- a second longitudinal segment (52), aligned with the breaking line (5), a third longitudinal segment (73) aligned with the separating line (7), a second joining segment (82), oblique relative to the axis (Z), which joins the breaking line (5) to the third longitudinal segment (73), a third joining segment (83), oblique relative to the axis (Z), which joins the second longitudinal segment (52) to a fourth longitudinal segment (74), aligned with the separating line (7), in such a way as to make a second connecting band (12) between the cup-shaped body (10) and the retaining ring (6), and- a fourth joining segment (84), oblique relative to the axis (Z), which joins the separating line (7) and a fifth longitudinal segment (55) aligned with the breaking line (5), in such a way that the fourth joining segment (84) defines, with the third joining segment (83) and the separating line (7), a first tab (15)and so that, with said fifth longitudinal segment (55) and the first joining segment (81 ), it defines a second tab (16); the first tab (15) and the second tab (16) sharing said fourth joining segment (84).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the breaking line (5) is made, along the axis (Z) on the lateral wall (3), above or below the separating line (7), in such a way that the breaking plane (50) is positioned above or below the separating plane (70).

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