EP2432703B1 - Metal cover with stiffening moldings for a container body - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to metal lids for containers according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular metal containers. It relates more particularly to the covers of the type comprising an associated peripheral ring, by means of a breaking initiation line, to a central panel provided with at least one stiffening molding and equipped with a type of gripping member " opening ring ".

Some metal containers, mainly cans for food packaging, are equipped with an "easy" opening system, avoiding the use of a can opener. The patent US 2004/0099665 discloses a lid according to the preamble of claim 1.

A particularly interesting solution consists of a one-piece cover comprising an associated peripheral ring, via a breaking initiation line, to a central panel equipped with a gripping and pulling member commonly known by the name of " opening ring ".

This type of gripping member conventionally comprises two parts along its length: a peripheral part carrying a "spout", fixed to the central panel of the cover near the breaking initiation line, and an inner part forming a loop of gripping which, before its maneuver for the opening, is pressed against the upper surface of the associated central panel.

To open the container, the user grasps the free portion of the loop of the gripping member, then it separates the latter from the associated central panel. The gripping member then forms a kind of lever, rotated by the user at its peripheral end in the form of a support beak, which causes a break in the breaking initiation line.

It is then sufficient for the user to exert a suitable traction on the gripping member so as to continue the opening at the breaking initiation line and dissociate the central panel of its associated ring.

However, in practice, during the opening operation, the central panel generally undergoes folding phenomena along transversely oriented lines relative to the general traction line (in other words, the torn portion of the panel tends to to curl up next to his part that is not yet torn).

These phenomena have the effect of reducing the efficiency of the traction energy, and thus increase the effort required to tear the line of initiation of rupture by the consumer.

To limit this problem, it is common to make stiffening moldings on the central panel, to improve the resistance of this panel against these unwanted folding or bending phenomena. The traction energy to be exerted by the consumer for opening the lid is then reduced.

However, in practice, it turns out that all the stiffening moldings are not as effective relative to each other, to optimize the traction energy exerted by the consumer.

For this reason, the Applicant has developed a new cover structure with opening ring, which aims to optimize and reduce the traction energy required for opening.

The metal cover according to the invention comprises (i) a peripheral part for its assembly on a container body and (ii) a central part forming a central closure panel, delimited and connected to said peripheral part via a rupture initiation line, which central panel is equipped, at one of its surfaces, with a gripping member composed of two parts through which passes a longitudinal axis of symmetry: a first portion secured to said panel central, and - a second gripping part proper; this gripping member makes it possible to exert traction on said central panel to break said breaking initiation line from a proximal zone adjoining said gripping member, to a distal zone opposite said gripping member; it is intended to progress, during this traction, at least approximately along the length and facing a general traction line defined on said central panel between said proximal and distal zones; the central panel also comprises one or more internal moldings formed of sections, arranged to reinforce its resistance to folding at least along lines transverse to said general traction line, at least two of said internal sections of molding being each formed on one side of said general traction line.

According to the invention, this cover is characterized in that said internal sections of molding form two lateral portions of molding which are each formed on one side of said general line of traction, which side portions of molding each comprise (i) an inner molding section, on the general traction line side, and (ii) an outer molding section, extending in the space separating said inner section and said opposite rupture initiation line; and said inner and / or outer portions of the two lateral molding parts extend (advantageously over at least part of their length) divergently with respect to said general traction line and also with respect to each other constituting divergent sections of molding.

This cover structure has the advantage of reducing transverse bending phenomena (or bending), and thus further reducing the traction energy required for opening. This advantage results in particular from the creation of an effect called "saddle" or "tile", that is to say a bending phenomenon of the panel oriented transversely relative to the general line of traction on the gripping member.

• les tronçons intérieur des deux parties latérales de moulure s'étendent de manière divergente (avantageusement sur une partie au moins de leur longueur) par rapport à ladite ligne générale de traction et également l'un par rapport à l'autre, et les tronçons extérieurs des deux parties latérales de moulure s'étendent de manière divergente (avantageusement sur une partie au moins de leur longueur) par rapport à ladite ligne générale de traction et également l'un par rapport à l'autre, lesdits tronçons intérieurs et extérieurs des deux parties latérales de moulure constituant les tronçons divergents de moulure ;
• les tronçons intérieurs et/ou extérieurs des deux parties latérales de moulure s'étendent de manière divergente (avantageusement sur une partie au moins de leur longueur) par rapport à ladite ligne générale de traction et également l'un par rapport à l'autre, en direction de la zone distale de la ligne d'amorce de rupture ;
• les tronçons divergents de moulure s'étendent de manière rectiligne, ou au moins sensiblement de manière rectiligne, sur au moins une partie de leur longueur ;
• les tronçons divergents de moulure s'étendent de manière symétrique, ou au moins sensiblement de manière symétrique, par rapport à la ligne générale de traction ;
• les tronçons intérieurs des deux parties latérales de moulure sont avantageusement raccordés au niveau d'une première extrémité à proximité de la ligne générale de traction, par un premier tronçon de jonction s'étendant au niveau de la ligne générale de traction, et les deux tronçons de chacune desdites parties latérales de moulure sont reliés par un second tronçon de jonction, au niveau de leur seconde extrémité située à distance de la ligne générale de traction et à proximité de la ligne d'amorce de rupture ;
• les deux tronçons de moulure d'une même partie latérale de moulure divergent avantageusement, l'un par rapport à l'autre, depuis leurs extrémités à proximité de ladite ligne générale de traction, jusqu'à leurs extrémités à distance de la ligne générale de traction ;
• la ligne générale de traction se compose d'au moins deux portions : (i) une portion proximale du côté de la zone proximale de la ligne d'amorce de rupture, et orientée coaxialement ou au moins sensiblement coaxialement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal de l'organe de préhension, et (ii) une portion distale du côté de la zone distale de ladite ligne d'amorce, et orientée coaxialement ou au moins sensiblement coaxialement par rapport à un axe médian du panneau central passant par ladite zone distale ; dans ce cas, les tronçons divergents de moulure sont ménagés au niveau de ladite portion distale de la ligne générale de traction ; toujours dans ce cas, au moins deux autres tronçons de moulure sont avantageusement ménagés chacun d'un côté de la portion proximale de la ligne générale de traction, lesquels tronçons de moulure proximaux s'étendent à proximité et le long d'une partie de la ligne d'amorce de rupture ; dans le cas d'une moulure interne avec deux parties latérales, les tronçons de moulure proximaux sont chacun raccordés à la première extrémité du tronçon extérieur de l'une desdites parties latérales de moulure ;
• les deux tronçons divergents de moulure s'écartent dans le sens de la ligne générale de traction proximal vers distal ; dans ce cas, le panneau central présente avantageusement une forme générale non circulaire, délimitée par une ligne d'amorce de rupture comprenant deux tronçons longitudinaux reliés par deux tronçons transversaux ; l'organe de préhension est fixé au niveau d'un angle de ladite ligne d'amorce de rupture correspondant à la jonction entre un premier tronçon transversal et un premier tronçon longitudinal de ladite ligne d'amorce de rupture, pour former sa zone proximale de rupture, et les deux tronçons divergents de moulure s'écartent partant de la ligne générale de traction, en direction du second tronçon transversal de ladite ligne d'amorce de rupture pour former la zone distale de rupture ;
• de manière alternative, les deux tronçons divergents de moulure peuvent s'écarter dans un sens inverse à celui de la ligne générale de traction (c'est-à-dire qu'ils sont divergents dans un sens distal vers proximal) ;
• le panneau central comporte encore des tronçons de moulure dit « périphériques » s'étendant le long et à proximité d'au moins une partie de la longueur de la ligne d'amorce de rupture, de telle sorte que la distance entre lesdits tronçons périphériques de moulure et ladite ligne d'amorce de rupture soit comprise entre 0,5 et 5 mm ;
• les tronçons internes et périphériques de moulure du panneau central sont reliées les unes aux autres de sorte à former ensemble une moulure continue unique ;
• les tronçons internes de moulure, et le cas échéant les tronçons périphériques de moulure, comportent une extrémité proximale située au niveau d'une ligne s'étendant transversalement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal dudit organe de préhension, pour favoriser le pliage du panneau central au niveau de ladite ligne transversale lors d'une manoeuvre de soulèvement dudit organe de préhension.

Other advantageous characteristics, which can be taken in combination or independently of one another, are specified below:

• the inner sections of the two lateral molding parts extend divergently (advantageously over at least part of their length) with respect to said general traction line and also with respect to each other, and the outer sections the two lateral molding portions extend divergently (advantageously over at least part of their length) with respect to said general traction line and also with respect to each other, said inner and outer portions of the two lateral molding parts constituting the divergent sections of molding;
• the inner and / or outer portions of the two lateral molding parts extend divergently (advantageously over at least part of their length) with respect to said general traction line and also with respect to each other, towards the distal zone of the rupture initiation line;
• the diverging sections of molding extend rectilinearly, or at least substantially rectilinearly, over at least part of their length;
• the diverging segments of the molding extend symmetrically, or at least substantially symmetrically, with respect to the general traction line;
• the inner portions of the two lateral molding parts are advantageously connected at a first end near the general traction line, by a first connecting section extending at the general traction line, and the two sections each of said lateral molding parts are connected by a second joining section, at their second end located at a distance from the general traction line and close to the breaking initiation line;
• the two molding sections of one and the same lateral part of the molding advantageously diverge, with respect to each other, from their ends close to said general traction line, to their ends at a distance from the general line of traction;
• the general traction line is composed of at least two portions: (i) a proximal portion on the proximal zone side of the rupture initiation line, and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the grasping member, and (ii) a distal portion on the side of the distal zone of said leader line, and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with respect to a central axis of the central panel passing through said distal zone; in this case, the diverging sections of molding are provided at said distal portion of the general traction line; always in this case, at least two other sections of molding are advantageously formed each one side of the proximal portion of the general line of traction, which sections of molding Proximals extend near and along part of the breakaway line; in the case of an internal molding with two lateral parts, the proximal molding sections are each connected to the first end of the outer section of one of said side molding parts;
• the two divergent sections of molding deviate in the direction of the general line of proximal to distal traction; in this case, the central panel advantageously has a generally non-circular shape delimited by a breaking initiation line comprising two longitudinal sections connected by two transverse sections; the gripping member is fixed at an angle of said rupture initiation line corresponding to the junction between a first transverse section and a first longitudinal section of said rupture initiation line, to form its proximal zone of rupture, and the two divergent sections of molding deviate from the general line of traction, towards the second transverse section of said breaking line to form the distal rupture zone;
• alternatively, the two divergent sections of molding may deviate in a direction opposite to that of the general line of traction (that is to say that they are diverging in a distal to proximal direction);
• the central panel further comprises "peripheral" molding sections extending along and close to at least a part of the length of the breaking initiation line, such that the distance between said peripheral sections of molding and said breaking initiation line is between 0.5 and 5 mm;
• the internal and peripheral molding sections of the central panel are connected to each other so as to form together a single continuous molding;
• the internal sections of molding, and where appropriate the peripheral sections of molding, have a proximal end located at a line extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said gripping member, to promote the folding of the central panel at said transverse line during a lifting operation of said gripping member.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale et de dessus d'un couvercle dont le panneau central comporte une moulure de rigidification continue conforme à la présente invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon un plan II-II du couvercle de la figure 1.

The invention is further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description in relation to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a general view from above of a lid whose central panel comprises a continuous stiffening molding according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 is a sectional view along a plane II-II of the lid of the figure 1 .

The lid 1, as shown on the figure 1 , is intended to be assembled with the upper edge of a metal container body (not shown).

This container body generally consists of a bottom element associated with the lower edge of a sidewall belt (circular section, square, rectangular, etc.).

The connection between the lid 1 and the container body is usually performed by a crimping technique.

The cover 1 consists, in a conventional manner, of a portion 2 forming a peripheral ring which is associated, via a breaking initiation line 3, to a portion 4 forming central shutter panel, removable.

It is advantageously made monobloc by a stamping technique, that from a sheet metal material of the type aluminum, steel, etc..

The lid 1 has, seen from above, a generally non-circular shape, in this case rectangular.

The ring 2 is thus rectangular. It is adapted to allow the attachment of the cover 1 by crimping, on a side wall of container also rectangular section (as indicated above, this general shape may be different).

The rupture initiation line 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "rupture line") is here also of generally rectangular shape, seen from above ( figure 1 ). It comprises two longitudinal sections 3 to 1 and 3 to 2, connected by two transverse sections 3 b 1 and 3 b 2.

This breaking line 3 is produced by a thinning material, obtained by the implementation of a suitable tool, during the manufacture of the lid.

The break line 3 is here closed / complete (it extends around the entire periphery of the shutter panel 4); alternatively, it could be only partial.

On the other hand, the central shutter panel 4 is also of generally rectangular shape, with a longitudinal axis of symmetry 4 '.

This panel 4 is intended to be equipped, at its upper surface, with a gripping member 6 whose manipulation by the user will allow easy opening of the lid 1 (that is to say, a separation, total or partial, of the central panel 4 relative to the peripheral ring 2 by breaking line 3).

This gripping member 6 is generally known to those skilled in the art under the name of "opening ring".

The opening ring 6 is shown in broken lines on the figure 1 , only as an indication and schematically.

It is set here at an angle to the fracture line 3, formed by the junction between a first transverse portion 3 b 1 and a first longitudinal portion 3 1 of said fracture line 3; this angle of the fracture line 3 corresponds to a rupture zone 3c said proximal or upstream.

• une partie périphérique 7 fixée au panneau 4, à proximité de la ligne de rupture 3, comportant un bec (non représenté), et
• une partie intérieure 8, formant boucle de préhension, qui est plaquée contre la surface supérieure du panneau central 4.

This ring 6 comprises two parts, arranged along an axis of symmetry 6 'aligned coaxially to the bisector of the proximal zone 3 c:

• a peripheral portion 7 fixed to the panel 4, close to the break line 3, having a spout (not shown), and
• an inner portion 8, forming a gripping loop, which is pressed against the upper surface of the central panel 4.

In practice, this ring 6 allows the user to exert traction on the central panel 4, so as to break the breaking line 3 starting from the proximal zone or upstream 3 c above (adjacent to the body of 6), to a distal zone or downstream located opposite said ring 6. This distal zone here corresponds to the second transverse section 3 b 2 of the break line 3, located opposite the first transverse section 3 b 1 above.

During this traction, the ring 6 progresses at least approximately along the length and facing a general traction line 9 defined on the central panel between the proximal 3c and distal 3b 2 .

• une portion proximale 9a située du côté de la zone proximale 3c de la ligne d'amorce de rupture 3, et orientée coaxialement ou au moins sensiblement coaxialement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal 6' de l'organe de préhension 6, et
• une portion distale 9b située du côté de la zone distale 3b2 de ladite ligne de rupture 3, et orientée coaxialement ou au moins sensiblement coaxialement par rapport à l'axe médian 4' du panneau central 4 passant par ladite zone distale 3b2 (cet axe médian 4' s'étend ici parallèlement et entre les deux tronçons longitudinaux 3a de la ligne de rupture 3).

This general traction line 9 is represented on the figure 1 , by a line in broken lines. It consists here of two portions of rectilinear general shape:

• a proximal portion 9 is located on the side of the proximal portion 3 c of the incipient fracture line 3, and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis 6 'of the handle 6, and
• a distal portion 9b located on the side of the distal area 3 b 2 of said breaking line 3, and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with the central axis 4 'of the central panel 4 via said distal zone 3 b 2 (the center axis 4 'extending here in parallel and between the two longitudinal portions 3a of the fracture line 3).

These two portions 9 and 9b of the traction line 9 here form an angle with respect to each other, due to the position of the ring 6 at an angle of break of priming line 3. They are connected by a junction portion 9c, the general shape of a circular arc: the ring normally passes progressively from the proximal portion 3a to the distal portion 3 b.

The central panel 4 further comprises moldings or indentations, here hollow (or alternatively hump), adapted to stiffen the central panel 4.

In this case, the central panel 4 comprises a first molding 10 called "central" or "internal", surrounded by a second molding 11 called "peripheral", extending along and close to the length of the line of breaking point 3.

These "internal" and "peripheral" moldings 11 are here continuous; alternatively, they may also be discontinuous, one with respect to the other and / or in themselves.

These moldings are delimited by simple sections of molding (a single change of height); they may also be defined by sections of double molding, forming for example a simple hollow or humped rib.

According to the invention, at least some of the molding sections defining the central molding 10 are arranged to generate a "saddle" or "tile" effect on the central panel 4 during its opening (that is to say a bending of this panel 4 transversely to the general traction line 9, or in other words, an incipient bending from the two longitudinal portions 3a of the fracture line 3 with a high point at its center axis 4 '.

For this and as developed below, at least two of the sections of the inner molding 10 are each formed on one side of the general traction line 9, and extend divergently with respect to said general traction line 9 and also relative to each other.

More specifically, the inner molding 10 is composed of said molding sections "proximal" or "upstream" 10a and other so-called "distal" or "downstream" 10b, extending respectively at and on both of other proximal portions 9 a and 9 b of the distal pull line 9.

The distal sections 10b of internal molding 10 form two lateral parts of molding 13 in the general shape of a loop or U, which are each formed on one side of the distal portion 9b of the general traction line 9.

These lateral molding parts 13 each comprise (i) an inner molding section 10b 1, general traction line side 9, (ii) an outer molding section 10b 2, extending in the space separating said inner portion 10 b 1 and the rupture initiation line 3 opposite, and (iii) a junction section 10 b 3, connecting the two sections of moldings 10 b 1 and 10 b 2 at their downstream end, situated at a distance traction general line 9 and close to the distal area 3 b 2 of the predetermined breaking line 3.

These are the inner sections 10b 1, and also 10b 2 outer sections, which constitute the divergent sections of molding, able to generate the desired saddle effect or tile.

These inner portions 10b 1 and outer 10b 2 extend symmetrically, or at least almost symmetrically, relative to the general line of traction 9 and in particular its distal portion 9b .

They extend opposite and along almost the entire length of this distal portion 9b , here about half the length of the panel 4.

The inner portions 10b 1 extend rectilinearly, or at least substantially rectilinearly.

They are connected together at their upstream end, close to the general traction line 9, by a junction section 10b 4 (in the general shape of a circular arc) extending at and across said line general traction 9.

These inner portions 10 b 1 together form a kind of V, open towards the distal rupture zone 3 b 2 and whose axis of symmetry corresponds to the median axis 4 'of the panel 4.

These inner portions 10 b 1 diverge relative to each other in the upstream to downstream direction (i.e. still towards said distal rupture zone 3b2).

The inner portions 10b 2 comprise two parts extending rectilinearly, or at least substantially rectilinearly: - an upstream portion 10b 2 ', diverging with respect to the pulling line 9 opposite, and - a downstream portion 10 b 2 ", parallel or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal sections of rupture 3 to 1.

The upstream portions 10b2 'also diverge with respect to each other in the upstream direction to downstream (that is to say even in the direction of said distal rupture zone 3 b 2).

Likewise, the two sections of molding 10b 1 and 10b 2 (in particular at the level of the upstream parts 10b 2 ') of one and the same lateral part of the molding 13 diverge relative to each other since their upstream ends near the general traction line 9 (upstream side of the distal portion 9b), to their downstream ends away from the general traction line 9 (downstream side of the distal portion 9b).

This particular structure reinforces the effect of "tile" or "saddle" sought.

On the other hand, as represented on the figure 1 , Proximal bead sections 10 are formed also has one on each side of the traction general line 9, mainly at its proximal portion 9a and also the joint portion 9 c.

The function of these sections is 10 to stiffen the panel 4, to optimize the initiation of tearing the break line 3.

Two of these proximal molding portions 10 to 1 extend proximate to and along a portion of the rupture leader line 3. They have a shape identical to, or similar to, the primer line portion of rupture 3 opposite.

In this case, one of the sections 10 to 1 '(on the right on the figure 1 , and facing a part of the first longitudinal section of fracture 3 a 1) has a simple rectilinear shape; the other section 10 to 1 "(left on the figure 1 And facing a portion of the first transverse portion 3 b 1 and second longitudinal portion 3 breaking 2) is generally L-shaped

These two proximal molding sections 10 to 1 are here each connected, via a curved junction, to the upstream end of the outer section 10 b 2 of one of the lateral molding parts 13.

This junction is in this case carried out by a section of molding 10 to 2, rectilinear or at least substantially rectilinear, converging towards each other in the proximal to distal direction. These convergent sections 10 to 2 make it possible in particular to reinforce the divergent nature of the sections 10b 1 and 10b 2 of the distal lateral portions 13.

Moreover and as discussed above, the central panel 4 further comprises peripheral molding sections 11 which run along the breaking line 3.

As an indication, the width separating these peripheral sections of molding 11 and said breaking initiation line 3 is advantageously between 0.5 and 5 mm.

These sections of molding devices 11 are connected to the upstream end of the proximal inner stretches 10a, so as to form the single continuous molding assembly.

The two links 14 between the inner sections 10 and the peripheral sections 11 (at their proximal ends) are located at a distance from each other, and on either side of the traction line 9; they are located again outside the bulk of the ring 6 and away from the proximal zone of rupture 3 c .

These two links 14 are positioned on a line 15 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 6 'of the gripping member 6, to promote the folding of the central panel 4 at the level of said transverse line 15 during a maneuver of lifting of said gripping member 6.

On the figure 1 , Can still be seen the presence of a circular bead 16, located between the proximal molding sections 10a and on the axis of path 9 of the ring 6. This molding 16 is further designed to be located at the loop 8 of the ring 6 to facilitate its grip by the consumer when opening the box.

In practice, the opening of the lid is implemented in a conventional manner, by pulling on the dedicated ring 6, that in the proximal-distal direction.

During this traction, this ring 6 moves substantially along the general traction line 9 described in detail above.

It is in particular at the distal portion 9b of this traction line 9 that the two lateral parts of moldings 13 will produce the desired saddle or tile effect.

In particular, the efficiency of the tensile energy with respect to tearing of the rupture line is improved with respect to the lid provided with moldings whose sections extend parallel to the pulling line.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the ring 6 can be placed in the middle, or at least substantially in the middle of the transverse section 3 b 1 of the break line. This ring 6 is thus oriented so that its axis 6 'is coaxial with respect to the median axis 4' of the panel 4.

In this case, the path line 9 of the ring 6 is rectilinear, or at least almost rectilinear. The internal stiffening moldings 10 can then be formed by the two lateral parts 13 which extend over almost the entire length of the panel 4, to obtain an optimal "saddle" effect.

Claims (13)

1. A metal cover for a body of a container, in particular for a container of the metal can type,
   which cover (1) comprises (i) a peripheral portion (2) for assembling it to said container body and (ii) a central portion (4) forming a central closing panel, delimited and connected to said peripheral portion (2) by means of a breakage starting line (3),
   which central panel (4) is fitted, on one of its surfaces, with a gripping member (6) consisting of two portions through which a longitudinal axis of symmetry (6') passes: - a first portion (7) attached to said central panel (4) and - a second portion (8) for gripping proper,
   which gripping member (6) makes it possible to pull on said central panel (4) in order to break said breakage starting line (3) from a proximal zone (3c) adjacent to said gripping member (6) to a distal zone (3b2) at the opposite end from said gripping member (6),
   which gripping member (6) is designed to progress, during this pull, at least approximately over the length and facing a general pulling line (9) defined on said central panel (4) between said proximal zone (3c) and distal zone (3b2),
   which central panel (4) also comprises one or more internal moldings (10) formed of molding sections (10a, 10b), arranged in order to reinforce its resistance to bending at least along lines that are transverse to said general pulling line (9), at least two of said internal molding sections (10b1, 10b2) each being arranged on one side of said general pulling line (9),
   characterized in that said internal molding sections (10b) form two lateral molding portions (13) which are each arranged on one side of said general pulling line (9), which lateral molding portions (13) each comprise (i) an internal molding section (10b1), on the side of the general pulling line (9), and (ii) an external molding section (10b2) extending in the space separating said internal section (10b1) and said facing breakage starting line (3), and in that said internal sections (10b1) and/or external sections (10b2) of the two lateral molding portions (13) extend in a divergent manner relative to said general pulling line (9) and also relative to one another, forming divergent molding sections.
2. The cover as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the internal sections (10b1) of the two lateral molding portions (13) extend in a divergent manner relative to said general pulling line (9) and also relative to one another, and in that the external sections (10b2) of the two lateral molding portions (13) extend in a divergent manner relative to said general pulling line (9) and also relative to one another, which internal sections (10b1) and external sections (10b2) of the two lateral molding portions (13) form the divergent molding sections.
3. The cover as claimed in either one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the internal sections (10b1) and/or external sections (10b2) of the two lateral molding portions (13) extend in a divergent manner relative to said general pulling line (9) and also relative to one another, toward the distal zone (3b2) of the breakage starting line (3).
4. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the internal sections (10b1) of the two lateral molding portions (13) are connected at a first end close to the general pulling line (9), via a first junction section (10b4) extending on the general pulling line (9), and in that the two sections (10b1, 10b2) of each of said lateral molding portions (13) are connected via a second junction section (10b3) at their second end situated at a distance from the general pulling line (9) and close to the breakage starting line (3).
5. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two molding sections (10b1, 10b2) of one and the same lateral molding portion (13) diverge relative to one another from their ends close to said general pulling line (9) to their ends distant fro the general pulling line (9).
6. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the divergent molding sections (10b1, 10b2) extend in a straight, or at least substantially straight, line, over at least one portion of their length.
7. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the divergent molding sections (10b1, 10b2) extend symmetrically, or at least substantially symmetrically, relative to the general pulling line (9).
8. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the general pulling line (9) consists of at least two portions:

   - a proximal portion (9a) on the side of the proximal zone (3c) of the breakage starting line (3), and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axes (6') of the gripping member (6), and

   - a distal portion (9b) on the side of the distal zone (3c2) of said starting line (3), and oriented coaxially or at least substantially coaxially with a median axis (4') of the central panel (4) passing through said distal zone (3c2),

   and in that the divergent molding sections (10b1, 10b2) are arranged on said distal portion (9b) of the general pulling line (9).
9. The cover as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that at least two other molding sections (10a) are each arranged on a side of the proximal portion (9a) of the general pulling line (9), which proximal molding sections (9a) extend close to and along a portion of the breakage starting line (3).
10. The cover as claimed in claim 9 in combination with claim 1, characterized in that the proximal molding sections (10a) are each connected to the first end of the external section (10b2) of one of the lateral molding portions (13).
11. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two divergent molding sections (10b1, 10b2) separate in the proximal to distal direction of the general pulling line (9).
12. The cover as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the central panel (4) is of a generally noncircular shape, delimited by a breakage starting line (3) comprising two longitudinal sections (3a) connected by two transverse sections (3b),
    in that the gripping member (6) is attached at a corner of said breakage starting line (3) corresponding to the junction between a first transverse section (3b1) and a first longitudinal section (3a1) of said breakage starting line (3) in order to form its proximal breakage zone (3c), and
    in that the two divergent molding sections (10b1, 10b2) separate while leaving the general pulling line (9) toward the second transverse section (3b2) of said breakage starting line (3) forming the distal breakage zone.
13. The cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the central panel (4) also comprises molding sections (11) extending along and close to at least a portion of the length of the breakage starting line (3), and in that the internal molding sections (10) and peripheral molding sections (11) of the central panel (4) are connected to one another so as to form together a single continuous molding.

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