Container Closing Cap with Interrupted Ring and Anti-Rotation Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing caps for containers allow the closing element to detach completely from the retaining ring upon first opening, leading to potential loss or improper disposal of the closing element, and require additional mechanisms to prevent rotation during use.

Innovation Solution

A cap design with a circumferentially interrupted separating line and a projection that allows the closing element to remain connected to the retaining ring, featuring cuts and a free portion for axial movement, ensuring stable locking and easy reattachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the separating line is configured to extend circumferentially for the entire lateral wall, then the closing element completely detaches from the retaining ring upon first opening, but this leads to potential loss or improper disposal of the closing element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening mechanismVSAvoidclosing element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The separating line is circumferentially interrupted rather than continuous, dividing the lateral wall into a joining zone (where retaining ring and closing element remain connected) and a separating zone (where they can separate). This segmentation allows the closing element to partially detach for opening functionality while maintaining connection in the joining zone to prevent complete loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of substance

If the separating line is circumferentially interrupted to leave the closing element joined to the retaining ring, then the closing element remains connected and prevents loss, but special devices are required to prevent rotation during pouring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing elementVSAvoidanti-rotation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection on the retaining ring serves a dual function: it maintains the connection between the closing element and retaining ring in the joining zone, and simultaneously acts as an anti-rotation element during pouring. The projection's geometry and positioning provide inherent stability without requiring additional specialized devices, making the structure self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If the closing element remains connected to the retaining ring in a joining zone, then proper disposal is facilitated, but the closing element may rotate and fall due to gravity when the bottle is tipped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing elementVSAvoidcap position
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is pre-configured on the retaining ring in a specific position and orientation before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the bottle is tipped for pouring, the projection naturally engages with the closing element to prevent rotation, providing stable positioning in advance rather than requiring active control during pouring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4429964B1Closing cap for a container
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOC COOP ARL
  • EP4429964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4429964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4429964B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

What is proposed is a closing cap (1) for a container, comprising a lateral wall (3) extending around an axis and a transversal wall (4) positioned at one end of the lateral wall, a separating line being provided on the lateral wall to define a retaining ring (301), which is configured to remain anchored to the neck (201) of the container, and a closing element (302) removably engageable with the neck, so as to open or close the container. The separating line extends around the axis and is circumferentially interrupted to define in the lateral wall a joining zone (305), which extends circumferentially for a first angular portion, in which the retaining ring and the closing element are joined. The lateral wall comprises a first cut (601), a second cut (602) and a projection which projects from the lateral wall, wherein the first cut and the second cut extend circumferentially within a second angular portion which is contained in the first angular portion, the projection (8) being circumferentially positioned between the first cut and the second cut. The retaining ring comprises a retaining portion (303) and a free portion which extend as far as a free edge, the retaining portion being configured to internally engage with a stop ring (206) of the neck, during a passage from a closed condition to an open condition of the closing element; the free portion (306) being configured to allow an axial movement at least of the second angular portion of the retaining ring during said passage.