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US20090152269A1 - Cap - Google Patents

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Publication number
US20090152269A1
US20090152269A1 US12/279,036 US27903607A US2009152269A1 US 20090152269 A1 US20090152269 A1 US 20090152269A1 US 27903607 A US27903607 A US 27903607A US 2009152269 A1 US2009152269 A1 US 2009152269A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
arrangement
cap according
hooking
cap
lid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/279,036
Inventor
Fabrizio Pucci
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sacmi Imola SC
Original Assignee
Sacmi Imola SC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sacmi Imola SC filed Critical Sacmi Imola SC
Assigned to SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA reassignment SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PUCCI, FABRIZIO
Assigned to SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SCOIETA' COOPERATIVE reassignment SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SCOIETA' COOPERATIVE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PUCCI, FABRIZIO
Publication of US20090152269A1 publication Critical patent/US20090152269A1/en
Assigned to SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA reassignment SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA Assignors: PUCCI, FABRIZIO
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0823Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards the closed position only
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
    • B65D55/024Closures in which a part has to be ruptured to gain access to the contents
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/10Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1016Means for locking the closure in closed position
    • B65D2251/1025Integral locking elements penetrating in an opening, e.g. a flap through a slit, a hook in an opening
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2401/00Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/15Tearable part of the closure
    • B65D2401/20Frangible elements completely enclosed in closure skirt

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cap associable with a container, in particular a cap of the flip top type.
  • Flip top caps are known that are made of plastics and comprise a body arranged for being fixed to a container neck by means of a threaded coupling and provided with a dispensing hole through which a product contained inside the container can be dispensed.
  • the aforesaid caps further comprise a closing part that is movable between a closed configuration, in which the closing part is adjacent to the body to close the dispensing hole, and an open configuration in which the closing part is distant from the body, to enable the product to be drawn through the dispensing hole.
  • the closing part is connected to the body through a hinge that may be very voluminous.
  • the hinge is obtained in a peripheral end zone of the body and is positioned on a resting plane at which the body and the closing part are in mutual contact in the aforesaid closed configuration.
  • the body comprises a side surface and an end surface from which a projecting element leads away in which the dispensing hole is obtained.
  • the projecting element is shaped in such a way as to receive the mouth of a user.
  • a retaining member projects that is arranged for being received in the dispensing hole.
  • the caps disclosed above comprise a tamperproof band fixed to the closing part through breakable bridge elements.
  • the tamperproof band is provided with first locking elements that engage second locking elements obtained on the body.
  • a drawback of known caps is that as the latter are associated with a container neck, it is necessary to exert considerable force to enable the first locking elements to engage the second locking elements.
  • the bridge elements can therefore be stressed to such a point as to be damaged or even broken.
  • tougher bridge elements can be used, i.e. bridge elements having greater dimensions. These tougher bridge elements are nevertheless more difficult to break during a first opening of the cap, which is very unpleasant for a user.
  • the closing part is in the open configuration.
  • the closing part is rotated until it takes on the closed configuration.
  • the locking elements may not be aligned on the further locking elements, making closure of the cap still more difficult.
  • a further drawback of the known caps is that the locking elements and/or the further locking elements hide the breakable bridge elements, making it very difficult, or even impossible, for a user to check whether the breakable bridge elements have been broken.
  • a still further drawback of the known caps is that they can be applied to container necks only through dedicated capping apparatuses, as conventional capping apparatuses comprise tools that are not able to handle caps having hinges with very large overall dimensions.
  • An object of the invention is to improve known caps.
  • Another object of the invention is to obtain a cap that, when they are closed for the first time, do not require great force to induce locking elements associated with a tamperproof band and cooperating elements associated with a portion of the cap to engage mutually.
  • a further object is to obtain a cap provided with breakable bridge elements that are not broken when the cap is closed for the first time, but which can easily be broken when the cap is opened for the first time.
  • a still further object is to obtain a cap that enables a user to check easily and rapidly whether the breakable bridge elements are unbroken, or if they have been broken.
  • a still further object is to obtain a cap that can be applied to container necks through usual capping apparatuses.
  • a still further object of the invention is to obtain a cap in which the risks are limited that a retaining member obtained in a closing part of the cap interferes with a projecting element projecting from a body of the cap and provided with a dispensing hole, when the closing part is placed to rest on the body, i.e. when the cap is closed for the first time.
  • a cap comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein with said further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of said opening indicating device when said hooking arrangement interacts with said further hooking arrangement.
  • the hooking arrangement is shaped in such a way as to ensure great inviolability of the cap.
  • the hooking arrangement is positioned in such a way as not to be unpleasant for the mouth of a user.
  • a cap comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises engagement promoting arrangement arranged for inducing said hooking arrangement to interact with said further hooking arrangement.
  • the breakable arrangement may comprise a plurality of bridge elements having cross sections that increase the further they are from a zone of the lid that is intended for being grasped by a user during opening of the cap. In this way it is possible to obtain progressive—and therefore facilitated—opening of the cap.
  • a cap comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises an opening arrangement arranged for enabling the status of said breakable arrangement to be checked when said lid is in said closed configuration.
  • a cap comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, a hinge connecting said lid to said body, said body being provided with a side wall, wherein said hinge, in said closed configuration, does not protrude from said body beyond said side wall.
  • the cap being devoid of hinge portions that project from the side wall away from a longitudinal axis of the cap, can be applied by capping apparatuses provided with cone-shaped heads and arranged for surrounding the side wall.
  • a cap comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, a hinge connecting said lid to said body, said hinge defining a rotation axis for mutual rotation of said lid and said body, said body comprising a resting surface arranged for receiving an end of said lid in said closed configuration, wherein said rotation axis is distant from said resting surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a cap in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 1 in an open configuration
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cap in FIG. 1 in the open configuration
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view of a portion of the cap in FIG. 1 in the closed configuration
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view that shows a portion of the cap in FIG. 1 in the closed configuration
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cap in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 7 is a view like the one in FIG. 6 that shows the cap in an open configuration
  • FIG. 8 is a section taken along a longitudinal plane of a further embodiment of the cap.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the cap.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 show a cap 1 comprising a body 2 , associable with a neck of a container, and a lid element 3 , that may oscillate with respect to the body 2 .
  • the cap can be made, for example, through compression-forming of plastics, or through injection-moulding of plastics.
  • the body 2 is provided internally with a thread 5 (shown in FIG. 5 ) owing to which the body 2 can be screwed to the neck.
  • the body 2 comprises a side wall 4 bounded above by an end wall 6 , extending transversely with respect to the side wall 4 , on which there is provided a dispensing portion 8 through which a product contained inside the container can be dispensed.
  • the end wall 6 defines a resting surface 9 on which the lid element 3 abuts to close the dispensing portion 8 .
  • the lid element 3 comprises a further side wall 7 bounded above by a closing wall 11 arranged transversely with respect to the further side wall 7 .
  • a closing portion 10 projects transversely that, when the lid element 3 is brought nearer the resting surface 9 , surrounds the dispensing portion 8 .
  • a projecting element 41 further projects that, when the lid element 3 is brought near the resting surface 9 , penetrates inside a hole 42 obtained in the dispensing portion 8 .
  • the closing wall 11 is provided with a gripping element 12 that receives, during opening of the container, the thumb of a user.
  • the lid element 3 is connected to the body 2 by a hinge 13 that comprises two connecting elements 14 distanced from one another and an elastic connecting element 15 interposed between the connecting elements 14 .
  • the hinge 13 enables the lid element 3 to be moved between a closed configuration A (shown in FIG. 1 ), in which the closing portion 10 engages the dispensing portion 8 , and an open configuration B (shown in FIG. 2 ), in which the closing portion 10 is distanced from the dispensing portion 8 .
  • the hinge 13 is obtained peripherally on the end wall 6 and is shaped in such a way as to be positioned, in the closed configuration A, inside a region bounded by a perimeter edge 32 of the side wall 4 .
  • the hinge 13 is nearer the dispensing portion 8 than the side wall 4 and does not protrude beyond the side wall 4 .
  • cap 1 can be applied to container necks through conventional capping heads.
  • the connecting elements 14 define a rotation axis X (shown in FIG. 2 ) around which the lid element 3 rotates.
  • the rotation axis X is positioned at a distance D from the resting surface 9 .
  • the position of the rotation axis X enables the closing portion 10 , the projecting element 41 and the dispensing portion 8 , at the moment of their first interaction with one another when the lid element 3 is rotated from the open configuration B to the closed configuration A, to be mutually tilted by an angle of limited width.
  • the aforesaid width is less than in cases in which the rotation axis X lies on the resting surface 9 , as occurs in known caps.
  • the projecting element 41 is guided towards the hole 42 and penetrates inside the latter without interfering with the walls that bound it.
  • the elastic connecting element 15 acts as a return spring that enables the lid element 3 to be maintained near the resting surface 9 in the closed configuration A, and enables the lid element 3 to be maintained distant from the resting surface 9 in the open configuration B.
  • the lid element 3 is provided with opening indicating device 16 that enables a user to check whether the cap 1 has been tampered with.
  • the opening indicating device 16 comprises two tamperproof bands 17 which, before the cap 1 is opened for the first time, is connected to the further side wall 7 through bridge elements 18 .
  • the tamperproof bands 17 define portions of the further side wall 7 .
  • the tamperproof bands 17 are positioned on opposite sides of the lid element 3 with respect to the gripping element 12 and are arranged in a zone comprised between the gripping element 12 and the hinge 13 .
  • Each tamperproof band 17 comprises a first surface 20 , facing the outside of the lid element 3 , and a second surface 21 , facing the inside of the lid element 3 . Between the first surface 20 and the second surface 21 there extends an edge surface 19 arranged for being received on the resting surface 9 when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A.
  • Each tamperproof band 17 is circumferentially bounded by opening zones 22 that separate it laterally from the further side wall 7 .
  • Each tamperproof band 17 is provided with two wedge-shaped hooking elements 23 that are distanced from one another that project transversely from the first surface 20 .
  • the hooking elements 23 are shaped in such a way as to have, when the lid element is in the closed configuration B, cross sections increasing progressively moving away from the resting surface 9 .
  • Each hooking element 23 is provided with a third surface 24 , tilted with respect to a first surface 20 , and connected, at an end opposite the edge surface 19 , to a locking surface 25 (shown better in FIG. 5 ).
  • the opening indicating device 16 comprises two locking portions 26 associated with the body 2 and arranged on opposite sides with respect to the dispensing portion 8 in such a way as to receive, when the cap 1 is closed for the first time, the tamperproof bands 17 .
  • Each locking portion 26 comprises a first wall 27 that projects from a peripheral zone of the resting surface 9 substantially parallel to the side wall 4 .
  • hooking holes 28 On the first wall 27 there are obtained hooking holes 28 , with a substantially rectangular shape, each of which is arranged for receiving a corresponding hooking element 23 , when the cap 1 is closed for the first time.
  • Each hooking hole 28 is bounded by a further locking surface 29 , arranged substantially parallel to the resting surface 9 , that cooperates with the locking surface 25 to prevent the corresponding hooking element 23 , and therefore the tamperproof band 17 , from disengaging from the locking portion 26 when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.
  • Each locking portion 26 is provided with an engagement promoting surface 30 obtained on the first wall 27 in such a way as to face the dispensing portion 8 and arranged for interacting with the hooking elements 23 when the cap is closed for the first time.
  • the engagement promoting surface 30 is tilted with respect to the resting surface 9 in such a way as to guide each hooking element 23 to the corresponding hooking hole 28 .
  • the engagement promoting surface 30 is tilted with respect to an intended approach direction along which the lid element 3 is brought near the body 2 .
  • each first wall 27 there are provided second walls 31 that project from the wall 27 to a more internal zone of the resting surface 9 in such a way as to be arranged transversely to the perimeter edge 32 .
  • the second walls 31 make the opening indicating device 16 safer and more reliable inasmuch as the tamperproof bands 17 are surrounded on several sides and are therefore more protected so as to limit the risk of tampering.
  • the locking portions 26 comprise a guide arrangement 34 arranged for guiding the tamperproof bands 17 when the cap 1 is closed for the first time.
  • the guide arrangement 34 projects from the resting surface 9 , is more distant from the perimeter edge 32 than the first walls 27 and faces the latter.
  • the guide arrangement 34 comprises a pair of end guide elements 33 connected to the second walls 31 and an intermediate guide element 35 interposed between the two end guide elements 33 .
  • a plurality of intermediate guide elements can be provided.
  • the end guide elements may not be connected to the second walls 31 .
  • the end guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are positioned in such a way as to interact with the second surface 21 of the tamperproof band 17 .
  • end guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are arranged at the bridge elements 18 .
  • the tamperproof band 17 When the cap 1 is closed for the first time, the tamperproof band 17 is pushed towards the resting surface 9 to engage the corresponding locking portion 26 .
  • the hooking element 23 owing to the engagement promoting surface 30 , is induced to occupy the corresponding hooking hole 28 .
  • the guide arrangement 34 limits flexure of the tamperproof bands 17 at the bridge elements 18 , preventing the latter from breaking prematurely.
  • the guide arrangement 34 reduces the risk of tampering.
  • the guide arrangement in facts prevents the hooking elements from being pushed towards the dispensing portion 8 , i.e. to the inside of the cap 1 , to be disengaged from the respective hooking holes 28 .
  • inspection openings 36 are obtained that, when the lid element is in the closed configuration A, enable a user to inspect the bridge elements 18 to check the unbrokenness thereof.
  • the hooking elements interact with the hooking holes 28 so that the tamperproof bands 17 are retained on the body 2 and are not dispersed in the environment.
  • the tamperproof bands 17 are retained on the body 2 also owing to a labyrinth structure, or cage structure, defined by the first wall 27 (and by the hooking holes 28 with which the first wall 27 is provided), by the guide arrangement 34 and possibly by the second walls 31 .
  • the labyrinth structure, or cage structure, mentioned above enables cap 1 with great inviolability to be obtained.
  • the tamperproof bands 17 and the locking portions 26 are nearer to the rotation axis X than the gripping element 12 .
  • an opening promoting force exerted on the gripping element 12 by a user thus has a greater arm than the arm of forces resisting to the opening and generated by the bridge elements 18 .
  • the user can easily open the cap 1 , also exploiting the lever that is favourable to him that is defined by the particular arrangement of the bridge elements 18 and of the gripping element 12 on the lid element 3 .
  • each tamperproof band 17 are arranged at different distances from the rotation axis X —and then, when the cap is opened for the first time, are subject to deformation that is greater the greater their distance is from the rotation axis X—it is possible to break in sequence the bridge elements 18 in such a way that the cap can be opened with greater facility.
  • the bridge elements 18 arranged near the gripping element 12 have cross sections that are less than the cross sections of the bridge elements 18 arranged near the hinge 3 .
  • the cross sections of the bridge elements increase progressively the nearer they are to the hinge 3 .
  • the first bridge elements 18 to be stressed are those nearest the hinge 13 , i.e. the most resistant ones.
  • the bridge elements 18 that are most stressed are those that are nearest the gripping element 12 , i.e. the less resistant ones.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the cap 1 comprising a single tamperproof band (the further tamperproof band 37 ) cooperating with a corresponding sole locking portion (the further locking portion 38 ).
  • the further locking portion 38 is arranged on an opposite side of the hinge 13 with respect to the dispensing portion 8 , whilst the further tamperproof band 37 is arranged near the gripping element 12 . In this way, when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A (shown in FIG. 7 ), the further tamperproof band 37 cooperates with the further locking portion 38 and is arranged between the gripping element 12 and the resting surface 9 .
  • the further tamperproof band 37 can have a greater extent than the tamperproof bands 17 and may comprise a greater number of hooking elements 23 , for example three hooking elements 23 .
  • the further locking portion 38 can be provided with three hooking holes 28 .
  • the further tamperproof band 37 can be provided with a greater number of bridge elements 18 (for example four) with respect to the tamperproof bands 17 . Accordingly, the further locking portion 38 can comprise a corresponding number of control openings 36 .
  • a tamperproof ring 39 can be connected to the body 2 through bridge portions 40 that are broken if the body 2 is loosened from the neck, thus indicating that the cap has been opened or tampered with.
  • the dispensing portion 8 protrudes from a wall arrangement 43 arranged substantially parallel to the resting surface 9 and more distant from the tamperproof ring 39 than the resting surface 9 .
  • a user can rest his mouth on the wall arrangement 43 rather than on the resting surface 9 , preventing interaction, even accidentally, with the locking portions 26 , or with the further locking portion 38 .
  • the cap 1 comprising a recess arrangement 44 obtained in the body 2 and arranged for receiving the tamperproof bands 17 when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A.
  • the recess arrangement 44 has an opening 45 at the resting surface 9 and is partially bounded by the locking portions 26 that are positioned in such a way as to define a prolongation of the side wall 4 .
  • the locking portions 26 do not project from the recess arrangement 44 through the opening 45 .
  • the locking portions 26 are shaped in such a way as not to project from the body 2 beyond the resting surface 9 .
  • the cap 1 is more comfortable for a user, who does not risk interacting, even accidentally, with the locking portions 26 .
  • a mouthpiece surface can be identified—defined, respectively, by the wall arrangement 43 , or by the resting surface 9 ,—which is arranged for receiving the mouth of a user and is more distant from a zone of the body 2 opposite the dispensing portion than the locking portions 26 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)

Abstract

A cap comprises a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to the lid through a breakable arrangement and comprises a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of the body, wherein with the further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of the opening indicating device when the hooking arrangement interacts with the further hooking arrangement.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/iB2007/000311, filed 8 Feb. 2007, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to Italy Application No. M02006A000043, filed 10 Feb. 2006, the entire contents of each application is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • The invention relates to a cap associable with a container, in particular a cap of the flip top type.
  • Flip top caps are known that are made of plastics and comprise a body arranged for being fixed to a container neck by means of a threaded coupling and provided with a dispensing hole through which a product contained inside the container can be dispensed. The aforesaid caps further comprise a closing part that is movable between a closed configuration, in which the closing part is adjacent to the body to close the dispensing hole, and an open configuration in which the closing part is distant from the body, to enable the product to be drawn through the dispensing hole.
  • The closing part is connected to the body through a hinge that may be very voluminous. The hinge is obtained in a peripheral end zone of the body and is positioned on a resting plane at which the body and the closing part are in mutual contact in the aforesaid closed configuration.
  • The body comprises a side surface and an end surface from which a projecting element leads away in which the dispensing hole is obtained. The projecting element is shaped in such a way as to receive the mouth of a user.
  • From the closing part a retaining member projects that is arranged for being received in the dispensing hole.
  • The caps disclosed above comprise a tamperproof band fixed to the closing part through breakable bridge elements.
  • The tamperproof band is provided with first locking elements that engage second locking elements obtained on the body.
  • When the closing part is rotated around the hinge, stress is generated that breaks the bridge elements so as to separate the tamperproof band from the closing part. A user checking whether the tamperproof band is separated from the closing part (and whether the breakable bridge elements have been broken), is informed of the pristine condition of or possible tampering with the product contained inside the container.
  • A drawback of known caps is that as the latter are associated with a container neck, it is necessary to exert considerable force to enable the first locking elements to engage the second locking elements. The bridge elements can therefore be stressed to such a point as to be damaged or even broken. In order to overcome this drawback, tougher bridge elements can be used, i.e. bridge elements having greater dimensions. These tougher bridge elements are nevertheless more difficult to break during a first opening of the cap, which is very unpleasant for a user.
  • When the caps disclosed above are formed, the closing part is in the open configuration.
  • Subsequently, before the caps are associated with the container necks, the closing part is rotated until it takes on the closed configuration.
  • Another drawback of known caps is that when the closing part is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the retaining member may not be aligned with the dispensing hole and may interfere with the projecting element, making closure of the cap difficult.
  • In addition, the locking elements may not be aligned on the further locking elements, making closure of the cap still more difficult.
  • A further drawback of the known caps is that the locking elements and/or the further locking elements hide the breakable bridge elements, making it very difficult, or even impossible, for a user to check whether the breakable bridge elements have been broken.
  • A still further drawback of the known caps is that they can be applied to container necks only through dedicated capping apparatuses, as conventional capping apparatuses comprise tools that are not able to handle caps having hinges with very large overall dimensions.
  • An object of the invention is to improve known caps.
  • Another object of the invention is to obtain a cap that, when they are closed for the first time, do not require great force to induce locking elements associated with a tamperproof band and cooperating elements associated with a portion of the cap to engage mutually.
  • A further object is to obtain a cap provided with breakable bridge elements that are not broken when the cap is closed for the first time, but which can easily be broken when the cap is opened for the first time.
  • A still further object is to obtain a cap that enables a user to check easily and rapidly whether the breakable bridge elements are unbroken, or if they have been broken.
  • A still further object is to obtain a cap that can be applied to container necks through usual capping apparatuses.
  • A still further object of the invention is to obtain a cap in which the risks are limited that a retaining member obtained in a closing part of the cap interferes with a projecting element projecting from a body of the cap and provided with a dispensing hole, when the closing part is placed to rest on the body, i.e. when the cap is closed for the first time.
  • In a first aspect of the invention, a cap is provided, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein with said further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of said opening indicating device when said hooking arrangement interacts with said further hooking arrangement.
  • Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap in which the breakable arrangement is not damaged, or broken, during a first closure of the cap.
  • In an embodiment, the hooking arrangement is shaped in such a way as to ensure great inviolability of the cap.
  • In a further embodiment, the hooking arrangement is positioned in such a way as not to be unpleasant for the mouth of a user.
  • In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises engagement promoting arrangement arranged for inducing said hooking arrangement to interact with said further hooking arrangement.
  • Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap provided with a hooking arrangement and with a further hooking arrangement that easily engage with one another, during first closing of the cap. In particular, when the lid is associated with the body for the first time, great force is not required to induce the hooking elements to engage with the further hooking elements. As a result it is possible to make breakable arrangement having cross sections of limited extent, which can easily be fractured when the cap is opened for the first time.
  • In addition, the breakable arrangement may comprise a plurality of bridge elements having cross sections that increase the further they are from a zone of the lid that is intended for being grasped by a user during opening of the cap. In this way it is possible to obtain progressive—and therefore facilitated—opening of the cap.
  • In a third aspect of the invention, a cap is provided, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises an opening arrangement arranged for enabling the status of said breakable arrangement to be checked when said lid is in said closed configuration.
  • Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap that enables a user to check easily and rapidly whether the breakable arrangement has been broken and thus whether the cap has been tampered with.
  • In a fourth aspect of the invention, a cap is provided, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, a hinge connecting said lid to said body, said body being provided with a side wall, wherein said hinge, in said closed configuration, does not protrude from said body beyond said side wall. Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap shaped in such a way as to be able to be applied to container necks through usual capping apparatuses.
  • In particular, the cap, being devoid of hinge portions that project from the side wall away from a longitudinal axis of the cap, can be applied by capping apparatuses provided with cone-shaped heads and arranged for surrounding the side wall.
  • Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is not necessary to use complex and costly special heads provided with complicated movement devices.
  • In a fifth aspect of the invention, a cap is provided, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid movable between a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement, and an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement, a hinge connecting said lid to said body, said hinge defining a rotation axis for mutual rotation of said lid and said body, said body comprising a resting surface arranged for receiving an end of said lid in said closed configuration, wherein said rotation axis is distant from said resting surface.
  • Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap that enables, when the cap is closed for the first time, the lid to be brought near the resting surface in such a way as to limit possible interference of parts extending from the lid with further parts extending from the body.
  • In addition, during a first closure of the cap, it is possible to align the lid and the dispensing arrangement with greater precision.
  • The invention can be better understood and carried into effect with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a cap in a closed configuration;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cap in FIG. 1 in the open configuration;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view of a portion of the cap in FIG. 1 in the closed configuration;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged and fragmentary side view that shows a portion of the cap in FIG. 1 in the closed configuration;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cap in a closed configuration;
  • FIG. 7 is a view like the one in FIG. 6 that shows the cap in an open configuration;
  • FIG. 8 is a section taken along a longitudinal plane of a further embodiment of the cap;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the cap.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 show a cap 1 comprising a body 2, associable with a neck of a container, and a lid element 3, that may oscillate with respect to the body 2. The cap can be made, for example, through compression-forming of plastics, or through injection-moulding of plastics.
  • The body 2 is provided internally with a thread 5 (shown in FIG. 5) owing to which the body 2 can be screwed to the neck.
  • The body 2 comprises a side wall 4 bounded above by an end wall 6, extending transversely with respect to the side wall 4, on which there is provided a dispensing portion 8 through which a product contained inside the container can be dispensed.
  • The end wall 6 defines a resting surface 9 on which the lid element 3 abuts to close the dispensing portion 8.
  • The lid element 3 comprises a further side wall 7 bounded above by a closing wall 11 arranged transversely with respect to the further side wall 7.
  • From the closing wall 11 a closing portion 10 projects transversely that, when the lid element 3 is brought nearer the resting surface 9, surrounds the dispensing portion 8.
  • From the closing wall 11 a projecting element 41 further projects that, when the lid element 3 is brought near the resting surface 9, penetrates inside a hole 42 obtained in the dispensing portion 8.
  • The closing wall 11 is provided with a gripping element 12 that receives, during opening of the container, the thumb of a user.
  • The lid element 3 is connected to the body 2 by a hinge 13 that comprises two connecting elements 14 distanced from one another and an elastic connecting element 15 interposed between the connecting elements 14.
  • The hinge 13 enables the lid element 3 to be moved between a closed configuration A (shown in FIG. 1), in which the closing portion 10 engages the dispensing portion 8, and an open configuration B (shown in FIG. 2), in which the closing portion 10 is distanced from the dispensing portion 8.
  • The hinge 13 is obtained peripherally on the end wall 6 and is shaped in such a way as to be positioned, in the closed configuration A, inside a region bounded by a perimeter edge 32 of the side wall 4.
  • In other words, the hinge 13 is nearer the dispensing portion 8 than the side wall 4 and does not protrude beyond the side wall 4.
  • In this way, the cap 1 can be applied to container necks through conventional capping heads.
  • The connecting elements 14 define a rotation axis X (shown in FIG. 2) around which the lid element 3 rotates.
  • The rotation axis X is positioned at a distance D from the resting surface 9.
  • The position of the rotation axis X enables the closing portion 10, the projecting element 41 and the dispensing portion 8, at the moment of their first interaction with one another when the lid element 3 is rotated from the open configuration B to the closed configuration A, to be mutually tilted by an angle of limited width.
  • In particular, the aforesaid width is less than in cases in which the rotation axis X lies on the resting surface 9, as occurs in known caps.
  • In this way, the risks of interference between the closing wall 11—and/or the projecting element 41—and the dispensing portion 8, and mutual positioning drawbacks are limited that may prevent the lid element 3 from assuming the closed configuration A.
  • In particular, the projecting element 41 is guided towards the hole 42 and penetrates inside the latter without interfering with the walls that bound it.
  • The elastic connecting element 15 acts as a return spring that enables the lid element 3 to be maintained near the resting surface 9 in the closed configuration A, and enables the lid element 3 to be maintained distant from the resting surface 9 in the open configuration B.
  • The lid element 3 is provided with opening indicating device 16 that enables a user to check whether the cap 1 has been tampered with.
  • The opening indicating device 16 comprises two tamperproof bands 17 which, before the cap 1 is opened for the first time, is connected to the further side wall 7 through bridge elements 18.
  • The tamperproof bands 17 define portions of the further side wall 7.
  • The tamperproof bands 17 are positioned on opposite sides of the lid element 3 with respect to the gripping element 12 and are arranged in a zone comprised between the gripping element 12 and the hinge 13.
  • In an embodiment that is not shown, it is possible to provide only a tamperproof band 17 arranged between the gripping element 12 and the hinge 13.
  • Each tamperproof band 17 comprises a first surface 20, facing the outside of the lid element 3, and a second surface 21, facing the inside of the lid element 3. Between the first surface 20 and the second surface 21 there extends an edge surface 19 arranged for being received on the resting surface 9 when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A.
  • Each tamperproof band 17 is circumferentially bounded by opening zones 22 that separate it laterally from the further side wall 7.
  • Each tamperproof band 17 is provided with two wedge-shaped hooking elements 23 that are distanced from one another that project transversely from the first surface 20.
  • The hooking elements 23 are shaped in such a way as to have, when the lid element is in the closed configuration B, cross sections increasing progressively moving away from the resting surface 9. Each hooking element 23 is provided with a third surface 24, tilted with respect to a first surface 20, and connected, at an end opposite the edge surface 19, to a locking surface 25 (shown better in FIG. 5).
  • The opening indicating device 16 comprises two locking portions 26 associated with the body 2 and arranged on opposite sides with respect to the dispensing portion 8 in such a way as to receive, when the cap 1 is closed for the first time, the tamperproof bands 17.
  • Each locking portion 26 comprises a first wall 27 that projects from a peripheral zone of the resting surface 9 substantially parallel to the side wall 4. On the first wall 27 there are obtained hooking holes 28, with a substantially rectangular shape, each of which is arranged for receiving a corresponding hooking element 23, when the cap 1 is closed for the first time. Each hooking hole 28 is bounded by a further locking surface 29, arranged substantially parallel to the resting surface 9, that cooperates with the locking surface 25 to prevent the corresponding hooking element 23, and therefore the tamperproof band 17, from disengaging from the locking portion 26 when the cap 1 is opened for the first time.
  • Each locking portion 26 is provided with an engagement promoting surface 30 obtained on the first wall 27 in such a way as to face the dispensing portion 8 and arranged for interacting with the hooking elements 23 when the cap is closed for the first time. The engagement promoting surface 30 is tilted with respect to the resting surface 9 in such a way as to guide each hooking element 23 to the corresponding hooking hole 28.
  • The engagement promoting surface 30 is tilted with respect to an intended approach direction along which the lid element 3 is brought near the body 2.
  • At opposite ends of each first wall 27 there are provided second walls 31 that project from the wall 27 to a more internal zone of the resting surface 9 in such a way as to be arranged transversely to the perimeter edge 32. The second walls 31 make the opening indicating device 16 safer and more reliable inasmuch as the tamperproof bands 17 are surrounded on several sides and are therefore more protected so as to limit the risk of tampering.
  • The locking portions 26 comprise a guide arrangement 34 arranged for guiding the tamperproof bands 17 when the cap 1 is closed for the first time. The guide arrangement 34 projects from the resting surface 9, is more distant from the perimeter edge 32 than the first walls 27 and faces the latter. The guide arrangement 34 comprises a pair of end guide elements 33 connected to the second walls 31 and an intermediate guide element 35 interposed between the two end guide elements 33.
  • In an embodiment that is not shown, a plurality of intermediate guide elements can be provided.
  • In a further embodiment that is not shown, the end guide elements may not be connected to the second walls 31.
  • The end guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are positioned in such a way as to interact with the second surface 21 of the tamperproof band 17.
  • Further, the end guide elements 33 and the intermediate guide element 35 are arranged at the bridge elements 18.
  • When the cap 1 is closed for the first time, the tamperproof band 17 is pushed towards the resting surface 9 to engage the corresponding locking portion 26. The hooking element 23, owing to the engagement promoting surface 30, is induced to occupy the corresponding hooking hole 28.
  • When the third surface 24 interacts with the first wall 27, the bridge elements 18 are deformed. Excessive deformation could cause the bridge elements 18 to break and therefore make them ineffective as opening indicator devices.
  • In order to prevent the bridge elements 18 from getting excessively deformed the guide arrangement 34 limits flexure of the tamperproof bands 17 at the bridge elements 18, preventing the latter from breaking prematurely.
  • Further, the guide arrangement 34 reduces the risk of tampering. The guide arrangement in facts prevents the hooking elements from being pushed towards the dispensing portion 8, i.e. to the inside of the cap 1, to be disengaged from the respective hooking holes 28.
  • On each locking portion 26, in a zone that is more distant from the resting surface 9, inspection openings 36 are obtained that, when the lid element is in the closed configuration A, enable a user to inspect the bridge elements 18 to check the unbrokenness thereof.
  • When the cap 1 is opened for the first time, a user acts on the gripping element 12 in such a way as to remove the lid element 3 from the resting surface 9. The locking portions 26 prevent the tamperproof bands 17 from moving together with the lid element 3. This generates stress that breaks the bridge elements 18.
  • The hooking elements interact with the hooking holes 28 so that the tamperproof bands 17 are retained on the body 2 and are not dispersed in the environment. The tamperproof bands 17 are retained on the body 2 also owing to a labyrinth structure, or cage structure, defined by the first wall 27 (and by the hooking holes 28 with which the first wall 27 is provided), by the guide arrangement 34 and possibly by the second walls 31.
  • The labyrinth structure, or cage structure, mentioned above enables cap 1 with great inviolability to be obtained.
  • The tamperproof bands 17 and the locking portions 26 are nearer to the rotation axis X than the gripping element 12.
  • As the distance of the gripping element 12 from the hinge 13 is greater than the distances of each of the bridge elements 18 from the hinge 13, an opening promoting force exerted on the gripping element 12 by a user thus has a greater arm than the arm of forces resisting to the opening and generated by the bridge elements 18.
  • As a result, the user can easily open the cap 1, also exploiting the lever that is favourable to him that is defined by the particular arrangement of the bridge elements 18 and of the gripping element 12 on the lid element 3.
  • Further, as the bridge elements 18 of each tamperproof band 17 are arranged at different distances from the rotation axis X —and then, when the cap is opened for the first time, are subject to deformation that is greater the greater their distance is from the rotation axis X—it is possible to break in sequence the bridge elements 18 in such a way that the cap can be opened with greater facility.
  • In an embodiment that is not shown, the bridge elements 18 arranged near the gripping element 12 have cross sections that are less than the cross sections of the bridge elements 18 arranged near the hinge 3.
  • In particular, the cross sections of the bridge elements increase progressively the nearer they are to the hinge 3.
  • As a result, during the first closure of the cap 1, the first bridge elements 18 to be stressed are those nearest the hinge 13, i.e. the most resistant ones.
  • This means that the risks of damage, or breakage, of the bridge elements 18 during the first closure of the cap 1 are reduced.
  • During the first opening of the cap 1, the bridge elements 18 that are most stressed are those that are nearest the gripping element 12, i.e. the less resistant ones.
  • This enables the first opening of the cap 1 to be facilitated.
  • In conclusion, as the cross sections of the bridge elements 18 increase proceeding from the gripping element 12 to the hinge 13, it is possible to limit the risks of breakage of the bridge elements during the first closure of the cap 1 and to obtain an improved seal.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the cap 1 comprising a single tamperproof band (the further tamperproof band 37) cooperating with a corresponding sole locking portion (the further locking portion 38).
  • The further locking portion 38 is arranged on an opposite side of the hinge 13 with respect to the dispensing portion 8, whilst the further tamperproof band 37 is arranged near the gripping element 12. In this way, when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A (shown in FIG. 7), the further tamperproof band 37 cooperates with the further locking portion 38 and is arranged between the gripping element 12 and the resting surface 9. The further tamperproof band 37 can have a greater extent than the tamperproof bands 17 and may comprise a greater number of hooking elements 23, for example three hooking elements 23. Correspondingly, the further locking portion 38 can be provided with three hooking holes 28.
  • The further tamperproof band 37 can be provided with a greater number of bridge elements 18 (for example four) with respect to the tamperproof bands 17. Accordingly, the further locking portion 38 can comprise a corresponding number of control openings 36.
  • With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, a tamperproof ring 39 can be connected to the body 2 through bridge portions 40 that are broken if the body 2 is loosened from the neck, thus indicating that the cap has been opened or tampered with.
  • As shown in FIG. 8, the dispensing portion 8 protrudes from a wall arrangement 43 arranged substantially parallel to the resting surface 9 and more distant from the tamperproof ring 39 than the resting surface 9.
  • In such a case, a user can rest his mouth on the wall arrangement 43 rather than on the resting surface 9, preventing interaction, even accidentally, with the locking portions 26, or with the further locking portion 38.
  • With reference to FIG. 9, there is shown the cap 1 comprising a recess arrangement 44 obtained in the body 2 and arranged for receiving the tamperproof bands 17 when the lid element 3 is in the closed configuration A.
  • The recess arrangement 44 has an opening 45 at the resting surface 9 and is partially bounded by the locking portions 26 that are positioned in such a way as to define a prolongation of the side wall 4.
  • The locking portions 26 do not project from the recess arrangement 44 through the opening 45.
  • In other words, the locking portions 26 are shaped in such a way as not to project from the body 2 beyond the resting surface 9.
  • In this way, the cap 1 is more comfortable for a user, who does not risk interacting, even accidentally, with the locking portions 26.
  • Both in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a mouthpiece surface can be identified—defined, respectively, by the wall arrangement 43, or by the resting surface 9,—which is arranged for receiving the mouth of a user and is more distant from a zone of the body 2 opposite the dispensing portion than the locking portions 26.

Claims (34)

1-127. (canceled)
128. Cap, comprising a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to said lid through a breakable arrangement and comprising a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging a corresponding further hooking arrangement of said body, wherein with said further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of said opening indicating device when said hooking arrangement interacts with said further hooking arrangement.
129. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a wall arrangement associated with said body.
130. Cap according to claim 129, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a further wall arrangement associated with said body and arranged transversely with respect to said wall arrangement.
131. Cap according to claim 130, wherein said further wall arrangement comprises walls leading away from opposite ends of said wall arrangement.
132. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said guide arrangement comprises guide elements associated with said body.
133. Cap according to claim 132, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a wall arrangement associated with said body and said guide elements face said wall arrangement.
134. Cap according to claim 132, wherein said breakable arrangement comprises a plurality of bridge elements, each guide element facing a respective bridge element of said plurality of bridge elements when said hooking arrangement interacts with said further hooking arrangement.
135. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises an engagement promoting arrangement arranged for inducing said hooking arrangement to interact with said further hooking arrangement.
136. Cap according to claim 135, wherein said engagement promoting arrangement comprises an engagement promoting surface tilted with respect to an intended approach direction along which said hooking arrangement interacts with said further hooking arrangement.
137. Cap according to claim 136, wherein said engagement promoting surface converges on said dispensing arrangement.
138. Cap according to claim 136, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a wall arrangement associated with said body and said engagement promoting surface defines a bevelled portion of said wall arrangement.
139. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises an opening arrangement arranged for enabling the status of said breakable arrangement to be checked when said cap is in a closed position in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement.
140. Cap according to claim 139, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a wall arrangement associated with said body and said opening arrangement comprises a plurality of openings obtained in said wall arrangement.
141. Cap according to claim 140, wherein, in said closed position, each opening of said plurality of openings is arranged at a breakable element of a plurality of breakable elements with which said breakable arrangement is provided.
142. Cap according to claim 128, and further comprising a hinge connecting said lid to said body in such a way as to enable said cap to assume a closed configuration, in which said lid engages said dispensing arrangement.
143. Cap according to claim 142, wherein said body is provided with a side wall and said hinge does not protrude from said body beyond said side wall when said cap is in said closed configuration.
144. Cap according to claim 143, wherein said hinge is provided in a zone arranged inside a perimeter edge of said body.
145. Cap according to claim 142, wherein said hinge defines a rotation axis for mutual rotation of said lid and said body, said body a comprising resting surface arranged for receiving an end of said lid in said closed configuration and said rotation axis being distant from said resting surface.
146. Cap according to claim 145, wherein said body is provided with a side wall and said hinge does not protrude from said body beyond said side wall when said cap is in said closed configuration and said rotation axis is arranged on a side opposite said side wall with respect to said resting surface.
147. Cap according to claim 145, wherein said rotation axis is arranged substantially parallel to said resting surface.
148. Cap according to claim 145, wherein said hinge comprises a pair of connecting elements defining said rotation axis.
149. Cap according to claim 142, wherein said hinge comprises an elastic connecting arrangement arranged for maintaining said cap in said closed configuration, or in an open configuration, in which said lid disengages from said dispensing arrangement.
150. Cap according to claim 149, wherein said hinge comprises a pair of connecting elements defining said rotation axis and said elastic connecting arrangement comprises an elastic connecting element interposed between said connecting elements.
151. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said hooking arrangement comprises hooking elements projecting from said opening indicating device.
152. Cap according to claim 151, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises recess elements arranged for cooperating with said hooking elements.
153. Cap according to claim 152, wherein said further hooking arrangement comprises a wall arrangement associated with said body and said recess elements are obtained in said wall arrangement.
154. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said opening indicating device comprises a pair of tamperproof bands.
155. Cap according to claim 154, wherein said tamperproof bands are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a gripping zone of said lid.
156. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said opening indicating device comprises a tamperproof band.
157. Cap according to claim 156, wherein said tamperproof band is arranged at a gripping zone of said lid.
158. Cap according to claim 128, and further comprising a mouthpiece surface, said mouthpiece surface being more distant than said further hooking arrangement from a zone of said body opposite said dispensing arrangement.
159. Cap according to claim 128, wherein said further hooking arrangement is received in a cavity arrangement of said body.
160. Cap according to claim 159, and further comprising a mouthpiece surface, said mouthpiece surface being more distant than said further hooking arrangement from a zone of said body opposite said dispensing arrangement wherein said further hooking arrangement is so shaped as to extend from said body towards said dispensing arrangement without protruding from said cavity arrangement beyond said mouthpiece surface.
US12/279,036 2006-02-10 2007-02-08 Cap Abandoned US20090152269A1 (en)

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IT000043A ITMO20060043A1 (en) 2006-02-10 2006-02-10 MEANS OF CAPSULE
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PCT/IB2007/000311 WO2007091167A2 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-02-08 Cap means

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CN (1) CN101378974B (en)
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BR (1) BRPI0708046A2 (en)
DE (1) DE602007008071D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2349755T3 (en)
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US9828146B2 (en) * 2014-06-24 2017-11-28 Stefan LOUKOV Tamper evident flip-top closure, method and tool for making the same
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USD833278S1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2018-11-13 Bericap Closure for a container
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KR20190066602A (en) * 2016-10-12 2019-06-13 포스타그 프로멘바우 아게 Plastic plug with integrity assurance element
KR102556158B1 (en) 2016-10-12 2023-07-14 뮬레만 아이피 게엠바흐 Plastic closure with integrity guarantee element
US11292641B2 (en) 2016-10-12 2022-04-05 Mühlemann Ip Gmbh Plastic closure for a container having an integrity guarantee element
US11161658B2 (en) * 2017-04-21 2021-11-02 Capartis Ag Closure with cover cap
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US20190177044A1 (en) * 2017-12-12 2019-06-13 Hoffer Plastics Corporation Tamper evident closure
USD949692S1 (en) * 2018-12-03 2022-04-26 Ink Projects Llc Tattoo ink bottle cap
USD962063S1 (en) * 2018-12-03 2022-08-30 Ink Projects Llc Tattoo ink bottle cap
US11535429B2 (en) * 2019-07-09 2022-12-27 A. Raymond Et Cie Breakable locking cap for a container comprising a neck
US11059633B2 (en) * 2019-10-31 2021-07-13 Cheer Pack North America Flip-top closure for container
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ZA200806117B (en) 2009-07-29
ATE475606T1 (en) 2010-08-15
CN101378974B (en) 2011-05-11
ITMO20060043A1 (en) 2007-08-11
EP1991473A2 (en) 2008-11-19
CN101378974A (en) 2009-03-04
RU2423304C2 (en) 2011-07-10
RU2008136389A (en) 2010-03-20
JP2009525928A (en) 2009-07-16
WO2007091167A3 (en) 2008-03-20
DE602007008071D1 (en) 2010-09-09
WO2007091167A2 (en) 2007-08-16
BRPI0708046A2 (en) 2011-05-17
ES2349755T3 (en) 2011-01-11
EP1991473B1 (en) 2010-07-28

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