阅读说明：本技术 用于容器的盖和容器的颈部的组合 (Combination of a cap for a container and a neck for a container ) 是由 维托里奥·巴西 亚历山德罗·法尔佐尼 于 2021-03-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于容器的封闭盖和容器的颈部的组合,盖包括围绕轴线Z延伸的侧壁和定位于侧壁的端部处的横向壁,侧壁的分隔线限定保持环,配置为保持锚定在颈部和封闭元件上以打开或关闭容器。分隔线围绕轴线Z延伸并周向地中断,以使保持环和封闭元件接合在一起。保持环包括保持部分,保持部分被配置为与颈部的锁定环内部接合,锁定环从颈部的外表面突出并在平行于轴线Z的方向在上端和下端之间延伸。保持环包括允许保持环接合到封闭元件的接合部分、将接合部分连接到保持部分的第一连接带和第二连接带、以及位于第一连接带和第二连接带之间的突片。连接带由切口线制成,切口线包括第一横向延续段和第二横向延续段。(In combination, a closure cap for a container and a neck of the container, the cap comprising a lateral wall extending about an axis Z and a transverse wall positioned at an end of the lateral wall, a parting line of the lateral wall defining a retaining ring configured to remain anchored on the neck and on a closure element to open or close the container. The separation line extends around the axis Z and is circumferentially interrupted to join the retaining ring and the closure element together. The retaining ring includes a retaining portion configured to engage with an interior of a locking ring of the neck, the locking ring projecting from an outer surface of the neck and extending between an upper end and a lower end in a direction parallel to the axis Z. The retention ring includes an engagement portion that allows the retention ring to be engaged to the closure element, first and second webs that connect the engagement portion to the retention portion, and a tab located between the first and second webs. The connecting band is made of a cut line that includes a first transverse continuation and a second transverse continuation.)

1. A combination of a closure cap (1) for a container (2) and a neck (201) of said container (2), wherein said cap (1) comprises a lateral wall (3) extending around an axis (Z) and a transverse wall (4) positioned at the end of said lateral wall (3), a separation line (5') being provided on said lateral wall (3) for defining:

a retaining ring (301') configured to remain anchored on the neck (201); a closure element (302) removably engaged with the neck (201) to open or close the container (2); said separation line (5 ') extending around said axis (Z) and being circumferentially interrupted so as to join together said retaining ring (301') and said closure element (302); the retaining ring (301') comprises: a retaining portion (303) configured to engage internally with a locking ring (202) of the neck (201) and extend to a free edge (304) of the retaining ring (301'); an engagement portion (305) at which the retaining ring (301') engages with the closure element (302); a first connecting strap (306) and a second connecting strap (307) extending from the engaging portion (305) to the holding portion (303); a tab (308) circumferentially interposed between the first connecting band (306) and the second connecting band (307), the tab projecting towards the free edge (304); wherein the locking ring (202) protrudes from an outer surface of the neck (201) and extends, parallel to the direction of the axis (Z), between an upper end (202c) and a lower end (202b) closer to a dispensing opening (203) of the neck (202); and wherein the first connecting band (306) and the second connecting band (307) are made of a cut-out line (7 '), the cut-out line (7 ') extending between the separation line (5 ') and the free edge (304) and comprising a first transverse continuation (702 ') and a second transverse continuation (703 '), the first transverse continuation (702 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 ') partially defining the first connecting band (306) and the second connecting band (307), respectively, wherein, when the closure element (302) is in the closed state, the first transverse continuation (702 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 ') are positioned outside the lower end (202b) of the locking ring (202) or at the lower end (202b) of the locking ring (202) towards the dispensing opening (203), so that, when the closure element (302) is in the open state and the first connecting band (306) and the first connecting band (307) are in the open state The tabs (308) can rest on the neck (201) beyond the upper end (202c) of the locking ring (202) towards the dispensing opening (203) when the connecting band (307) keeps the closure element (302) connected to the retaining ring (301').

2. Combination according to claim 1, wherein the separation line (5') is positioned, when the closure element (302) is in the closed condition, beyond the upper end (202c) of the locking ring (202) or at the upper end (202c) of the locking ring (202) in a direction parallel to the axis (Z) towards the dispensing opening (203).

3. A combination according to claim 2, wherein said separation line (5') is positioned, when the closure element (302) is in the closed condition, between said upper end (202c) of the locking ring (202) and the lower thread of the coupling structure (204) of the neck (201) in a direction parallel to said axis (Z), so that said tab (308) can rest on said coupling structure (204) when the closure element (302) is in the open condition.

4. The combination according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tab (308) is connected to the side wall (3) by a hinge line (310), the tab (308) being optionally bent around the hinge line (310), the hinge line (310) being transverse to the axis (Z); the tab (308) comprises a pair of side edges (311) and a bottom edge (309) extending from the hinge line (310), the bottom edge (309) being transverse to the axis (Z), the side edges (311) being transverse to the bottom edge (309).

5. A combination according to claim 4, wherein the side edges (311) are parallel to each other and to a direction parallel to the axis (Z), and wherein there are two cut-outs (6) on the side wall (3) extending in a direction parallel to the axis (Z), the cut-outs defining respective side edges (311) of the tabs (308).

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the cuts (6) are of equal length and have first ends between which the hinge line (310) is defined.

7. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transverse continuation (702 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 ') are aligned with each other and transverse to the axis Z, and the first transverse continuation (702 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 ') extend in a first plane parallel to a separation plane containing the separation line (5 ').

8. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second transverse continuations (702 ') and (703 ') define respectively a first free lower edge (306 ') of the first connecting strip (306) and a second free lower edge (307 ') of the second connecting strip (307), the first connecting strip (306) being defined between a first end continuation of the separation line (5) and the first transverse continuation (702 ') of the incision line (7 '), the second connecting strip (307) being defined between a second end continuation of the separation line (5 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 ') of the incision line (7 ').

9. Combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transverse continuation (702 ', 703 ') of the incision line (7 '), that is to say the first transverse continuation (702 ') and the second transverse continuation (703 '), can have an angular extension around the axis (Z) of between 20 ° and 110 °, preferably between 30 ° and 70 °, more preferably between 50 ° and 60 °.

10. The combination according to one of claims 7 to 9 when depending on claim 4, wherein the incision line (7 ') comprises a central continuation (701') interposed between the first lateral continuation (702 ') and the second lateral continuation (703'), extending in a second plane parallel to the separation plane and interposed between the first plane and the free edge (304) of the retaining ring (301 '), the central continuation (701') defining the bottom edge (309) of the tab (308).

11. The combination according to any one of claims 7 to 9 when depending on claim 4, wherein the incision line comprises a central continuation interposed between the first and second lateral continuations, the central continuation extending in the same first plane, the central continuation defining the bottom edge of the tab aligned with the first and second connecting strips (306, 307).

12. The combination according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said central continuation (701) has an angular extension around said axis (Z) of between 10 ° and 120 °, preferably between 20 ° and 40 °, more preferably equal to 25 °.

13. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion (305) has an angular extension around the axis (Z) of between 10 ° and 120 °, preferably between 20 ° and 40 °.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a combination of a closure cap for a container and a neck of the container.

In particular, the invention relates to the combination of a cap provided with a retaining ring and a neck of a container associated with the cap, wherein the cap is provided with a closure element which, after opening, is in retaining connection with the retaining ring.

In particular, but not exclusively, the combination of a cap and a neck is suitable for bottles designed to receive liquid substances.

Background

Prior art closures comprise a cup-shaped body provided with an internal thread designed to engage with an external thread of a bottle neck. The prior art closures also have a safety ring connected to the cup-shaped body by a tear line provided with a plurality of breakable elements, such as breakable bridges. When the lid is opened for the first time, the cup-shaped body is separated from the safety ring along the tear line after the rupturable element is ruptured. The safety ring remains associated with the bottle neck while the user can screw the cup-shaped body, which can be separated from the bottle to access the contents of the bottle. The cup-shaped body can then be re-screwed on the neck to re-close the bottle.

Sometimes, after emptying the bottle, the user may intentionally or unintentionally throw the cup-shaped body on the ground, and the bottle and its associated safety ring should be correctly placed in the waste bin. This behavior is clearly undesirable.

In order to overcome this drawback, caps have been proposed which have a retaining ring associable with the neck of the bottle and a closing element connected to the retaining ring by a hinge.

The closure element is rotatable about the hinge between an open condition (in which a user can access the contents of the bottle) and a closed condition (in which the closure element prevents access to the bottle). The hinge keeps the closure element associated with the retaining ring and thus with the bottle, preventing the closure element from being thrown on the ground independently of the bottle.

However, the prior art covers provided with hinges have the drawback of being rather complex to manufacture. In practice, the hinge is generally produced in the same mould as the one in which the lid is obtained, in particular by injection moulding or compression moulding.

Therefore, in order to produce lids with hinges of known type, it is necessary to provide special moulds, which are different from the moulds normally used for producing lids without hinges. These moulds are more complex than the usual moulds, in particular because the lids with hinges of known type can be provided with undercut portions, thus requiring special measures to be taken to enable extraction from the mould.

Furthermore, lids with hinges of known type may have regions of very thin thickness, which are difficult to obtain because the molten polymeric material has difficulty flowing in the mould parts intended to form these regions.

This increases the production costs of the lid with the hinge and/or the cycle time required to obtain a lid with the hinge.

However, the lids provided with hinges of the prior art have further drawbacks, which are related to the fact that: in the open state, when the user tilts the bottle to pour the contents, the retaining ring can easily rotate and cause the closure element connected thereto to fall under the action of gravity, in such a way that it can be positioned facing and below the dispensing opening. Therefore, the user must manually lock the cap before tilting the bottle to avoid undesired splashing or deviation of the contents to be poured and to ensure that the closure element does not interfere with dispensing.

Document WO 2019/031779 discloses a cap for a container comprising an indicator ring to prevent the cap from separating from the neck of the container; a body threadedly coupled to an outer surface of the neck; a hinge portion connecting the body and the indicating ring to each other in a partial section of a circumference of the cutout portion disposed between the body and the indicating ring; and a breakable bridge disposed along the cut portion. The hinge portion has a protruding portion and opposite cutout portions at sides thereof, the cutout portions forming respective inclined surfaces having thicknesses gradually decreasing from a center thereof to outer edges thereof.

Since the cut-out portions are shaped like inclined surfaces, the manufacture of such a cover is rather complicated, which increases the production costs of the cover.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to improve the known types of cap and neck combinations, in particular wherein the cap comprises a retaining ring designed to be retained in association with the neck of the container and a closure element removably engaged with the neck to allow the user to open or alternatively close the container.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combination of a cap and a neck for a container, wherein the cap is provided with a closure element which can remain connected with a retaining ring and which can also remain stably locked in a position after opening.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a combination cap and neck for a container that simplifies the manner in which the cap is produced.

According to the invention, there is a combination of a closure cap for a container and a neck of the container on which the cap is applied.

In particular, according to the invention, there is a combination of a closure cap for a container and a neck of the container, wherein the closure cap comprises a side wall extending around an axis and a transverse wall at the end of the side wall, on which a parting line is provided to define: a retaining ring configured to remain anchored at the neck; a closure element removably engaged with the neck to open or close the container; a separation line extending around the axis and interrupted circumferentially to join the retaining ring and the closure element together;

the retaining ring includes: a retaining portion configured to engage with the locking ring interior of the neck and extend to a free edge of the retaining ring; an engagement portion where the retaining ring engages the closure element; a first connecting band and a second connecting band extending from the engaging portion to the holding portion; a tab (tab) circumferentially interposed between the first and second connecting bands, projecting towards the free edge; wherein the locking ring projects from an outer surface of the neck and extends in a direction parallel to the axis between an upper end and a lower end of the dispensing opening closer to the neck; and wherein the connecting band is made of a cut-out line extending between the separation line and the free edge and comprising a first and a second transverse continuation, which respectively partially define the first and second connecting bands, wherein the first and second transverse continuations are positioned beyond or at the lower end of the locking ring towards the dispensing opening when the closure element is in the closed state, so that the tab can rest on the neck beyond the upper end of the locking ring towards the dispensing opening when the closure element is in the open state and the connecting band holds the closure element in connection with the retaining ring.

The engagement portion makes it possible to keep the closure element stably associated with the retaining ring and therefore with the neck of the container. This prevents the closure element from being thrown onto the ground separately from the container. This therefore increases the possibility of the closure element being disposed of correctly together with the container together with the same type of waste, in particular with plastic material waste.

The tab located in the engagement portion, interposed between the first connecting band and the second connecting band and projecting towards the free edge of the retaining ring, allows the closure element to be stably locked on the neck of the container, since the bottom edge of the tab rests on the neck and prevents any rotational movement of the closure element towards the dispensing element and around the neck of the bottle.

According to one version, the tab may be interposed between and may protrude relative to the first end region of the first connecting strip and the second end region of the second connecting strip. According to another version, the bottom edge of the tab may be aligned with the first free lower edge of the first connecting strip and the second free lower edge of the second connecting strip and may be aligned with the first connecting strip and the second connecting strip. In any case, this allows the tab to rest stably against the neck for locking the closure element in the open condition.

Advantageously, the tab abuts against the neck portion adjacent the locking ring. In this way, the closure element is locked in movement towards the dispensing opening and cannot be rotated further, as the tabs interfere with the locking ring or the neck region close to the locking ring. Furthermore, the locking ring is also locked in rotation about the neck because friction between the tabs and the locking ring prevents the tabs from sliding laterally on the locking ring.

Thus, the closure element cannot fall by gravity.

The user can only close the bottle again after separating the tabs from the locking ring.

Advantageously, in order to obtain the bottom edge of the connecting band and tab, a cut line is made extending between the separation line and the free edge of the retaining ring, comprising a first transverse continuation and a second transverse continuation, which can lie in a first plane parallel to the separation plane in which the separation line lies.

Furthermore, the cut-out line may comprise a central continuation extending in a second plane parallel to the separation plane and interposed between the first plane and the free edge of the retaining ring for protruding the tab relative to the connecting band.

In other words, advantageously, the connecting strip and the tabs can be made with a line of separation and a line of incision lying on three planes parallel to each other.

The cut line may alternatively comprise a central continuation extending in the same first plane as the first and second lateral continuations for making the tab aligned with the web.

In this case, the connecting strips and tabs can be made with separation lines and cut-out lines, which extend only in two planes parallel to each other, and this makes it possible to obtain a cap which is easier to manufacture while being stably locked on the neck of the container in the open state.

It should be noted that the first and second lateral continuations define a first free lower edge of the first connecting band and a second free lower edge of the second connecting band, respectively.

Due to the fact that: the first and second transverse continuations of the cut line are located beyond the lower end of the locking ring or the lower end of the locking ring towards the dispensing opening when the closure element is in the closed state, so that the tab can rest on the neck beyond the upper end of the locking ring towards the dispensing opening when the closure element is in the open state and the connecting band holds the closure element in connection with the retaining ring.

This allows the tabs to rest on the coupling structure of the neck beyond the locking ring, for example like a thread shape, making the combination between the cap and the neck on which the cap is applied more stable.

Furthermore, in order to obtain the lateral edges of the tabs, two notches are made on the lateral wall of the lid, which can extend parallel to the axis of the lid.

The lid according to the invention can thus be produced in a relatively simple manner without the use of special moulds. Indeed, the lid according to the invention can be produced in a conventional mould and the incision lines and incisions used to make the side edges and bottom edges of the tabs can be made as incision lines by a cutting operation.

The cut line may pass through the entire thickness of the sidewall, or, if the thickness of the sidewall is only partially cut, the cut line may not pass through.

Preferably, the incision lines and incisions are made by cutting lines through the entire thickness of the side walls.

Alternatively, there may be rupturable elements on the incision line.

However, since the shape of the incision lines and incisions is particularly simple, the incision lines and incisions can also be made by moulding, suitably shaping the mould in which the lid is produced, without causing excessive complications to the mould. In this case, the shape of the incision line may also resemble a line of weakness.

The connecting band, the engaging portion and the tab define a hinge arrangement which is much more movable in the axial direction than is allowed by the engaging portion alone. The hinge arrangement allows the closure element to move away from the safety ring along a significant axial distance determined by the combination of the length of the connecting band and the engaging portion. Due to the fact that the tabs are interposed between the connecting band, the closure element can be easily detached from the neck of the container even if the tabs rest on the neck and interfere with the locking ring, since the movement and deformation capabilities of the connecting band can be used.

According to one version, the centre line of the tab coincides with the centre line of the engaging portion, taking into account the centre line of the engaging portion, and the connecting strip is positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane containing the axis and the centre line of the engaging portion.

The symmetrical shape of the tabs interposed between the webs makes it possible to reduce the involuntary movements of the closure element, in particular to limit the lateral movements, when the cap is in the open condition and the closure element is locked against the neck close to the locking ring. In this way, the cover cannot rotate.

It should also be noted that the engagement portions, which also include tabs, protrusions, or are aligned with the web, are so strong that it is difficult to accidentally separate the retention ring from the closure element.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood and put into practice with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting exemplary versions of the invention and in which:

fig. 1 is a side view of a closure cap for a container in a closed state, in combination with a neck portion to which the cap is applied, comprising a closure element and a retaining ring, wherein the cap comprises a first connecting band, a second connecting band and a tab interposed between the first connecting band and the second connecting band, wherein the tab has an outer portion protruding with respect to the connecting band;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one version of the lid of FIG. 1 in a closed state, wherein the tab includes an outer portion that protrudes relative to the connecting band and an inner portion;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 2 in an initial open state, wherein the closure element of the cap is initially separated from the retention ring and the tab is still partially received in the retention portion of the retention ring;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 2 in a final open state, wherein the closure element of the cap is almost completely separated from the retaining ring and the tab is completely separated from the retaining portion;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 2 in an open configuration with the closure element spaced from the neck of the container and the tab locked against the neck proximate the locking ring of the neck;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the neck of the container without the corresponding closure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the neck of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a variation of the cap of FIG. 2 in a closed condition, in combination with a neck portion having the cap applied thereto;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 8 in an initial open state with the closure element of the cap initially separated from the retaining ring and with the tab still partially received in the retaining portion of the retaining ring;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 8 in a final open state, wherein the closure element of the closure is almost completely separated from the retention ring and the tab is completely separated from the retention portion;

fig. 11 is a side view of the cap of fig. 8 in an open configuration with the closure element spaced from the neck of the container and the tab locked against the neck adjacent the locking ring of the neck.

Detailed Description

In the description below, like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals. It is also intended that, unless a difference is explicitly stated, the same element be considered as applicable to all of the different variations.

With reference to fig. 1 to 11, numeral 1 indicates a cap for closing a container 2, of which only a neck 201 is shown, in particular a bottle designed for receiving a liquid substance (for example a beverage).

It should be noted that elements common to different embodiments will be indicated with the same reference numerals.

The lid 1 is made of a polymeric material. Any polymeric material designed to be moulded can be used to obtain the lid 1.

The cap 1 is shown in fig. 1 in a closed state, in which the cap 1 is in the closed state and is applied in combination with it to the neck 201 of the container 2 when the cap 1 leaves the cap production line.

In this case, the lid 1 comprises a lateral wall 3 extending around the axis Z and a transverse wall 4 located at the end of the lateral wall 3 to close said end. The transverse wall 4 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z. The transverse wall 4 may be flat, even though other shapes are theoretically possible. In the example shown, the transverse wall 4 has a substantially circular shape in plan view.

The lateral wall 3 and the transverse wall 4 define a cup-shaped body designed to receive an end portion of the neck 201 of the container 2, so that the cap 1 can close the container 2.

More specifically, the side wall 3 is connected to the transverse wall 4 by a connecting zone 401, the connecting zone 401 being shaped like a bevelled or circular connector in cross-section.

The cap 1 comprises a separation line 5, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, provided on the side wall 3 to define a retaining ring 301, the retaining ring 301 being configured to remain anchored to the neck 201 of the container 2.

In more detail, the retaining ring 301 is configured to engage internally with the locking ring 202, the locking ring 202 protruding from the outer surface of the neck 201, thus remaining anchored to the neck 201.

The locking ring 202 is an annular enlarged portion extending in a plane located transversely to the axis Z.

In addition to defining the retaining ring 301, the separation line 5 on the side wall 3 also defines a closing element 302, the closing element 302 being removably engaged with the neck 201 to open or close the container 2. The closure element 302 can engage to close the dispensing opening 203 of the container 2.

The separation line 5 extends around the axis Z and is circumferentially interrupted to join together the retaining ring 301 and the closing element 302. In more detail, the separation line 5 extends between a first end 501 and a second end 502.

The retaining ring 301 comprises a retaining portion 303 configured to engage with the inside of the locking ring 202 and extend to a free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301.

The free edge 304 delimits the retaining ring 301 on the side opposite the transverse wall 4. Thus, the retaining ring 301 extends between the separation line 5 and the free edge 304 and can be delimited by a cylindrical or truncated-cone shaped outer surface. Preferably, the separation line 5 is parallel to the free edge 304.

In other words, when the cap is coupled to the container 2 and is configured to retain the retaining ring 301 anchored to the neck 201 of the container 2, the retaining portion 303 is the lower portion of the retaining ring 301, and thus the cap 1.

The retaining ring 301 further includes:

an engagement portion 305, where the retaining ring 301 engages with the closure element;

a first connecting strap 306 and a second connecting strap 307 extending from the engaging portion 305 to the holding portion 303.

In more detail, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 extend from end regions 305a, 305b circumferentially opposite to the engaging portion 305 to the holding portion 303. The first connecting band 306 extends from a first end region 305a of the engaging portion 305 to the holding portion 303, and the second connecting band 307 extends from a second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305, which second end region 305b is circumferentially opposite to the first end region 305a, to the holding portion 303.

When considering the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the separation line 5, the first end region 305a and the second end region 305b of the joining portion 305 are immediately adjacent to the first end 501 and the second end 502, respectively, and are therefore positioned circumferentially on opposite sides of the joining portion 305.

Thus, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are circumferentially positioned on opposite sides of the engaging portion 305.

The retaining ring 301 includes tabs 308.

The tab 308 is circumferentially interposed between the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 and protrudes towards the free edge 304, so that the tab 308 can rest on the neck 201 of the container 1 when the container 2 is in the open condition and the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 keep the closure element 302 connected with the retaining ring 301.

In more detail, the tab 308 is interposed between the connection strips 306, 307 and can project towards the free edge 304 with respect to the first end region 305a and the second end region 305b of the joining portion 305.

The tab 308 rests on the neck 201 for locking the closure element 302 spaced from the neck.

In the open state, as a result of the connection strips 306, 307 being connected to the engaging portion 305, the closure element 302 can be rotated about the engaging portion 305 relative to the neck 201 of the container 2, in such a way as to define a hinge strip which keeps the closure element 302 connected relative to the neck 201.

In other words, as shown in fig. 5, after detaching the neck 201, the closing element 302 rotates around the engaging portion 305.

It should be noted that, as described in more detail below, the engaging portion 305, the first connecting band 306, the second connecting band 307 and the tab 308 are engaged together and define a hinge device having a movement capability in the axial direction that is much greater than that permitted by the engaging portion 305 alone.

The hinge means is a part of the retaining ring 301 which is interposed between the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301 and the closure element 302.

It should be noted that when the tab 308 rests on the neck 201, the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308 faces towards the dispensing opening 203 of the container 2.

In practice, the tab 308 is connected to the side wall 3 by a hinge line 310, the tab 308 optionally being bent around the hinge line 310 to abut against the neck 201 adjacent the locking ring 202.

It should be noted that the hinge line 310 is a virtual line that defines an area in the side wall 3 around which the tab 308 may optionally bend, for example during the stroke from the closed state to the open state. On the other hand, when the closure element 302 is in an open state and rotated relative to the neck 201 to abut against the neck 201 proximate the locking ring 202, the tabs 308 do not bend but remain in line with the closure element 302. The hinge line 310 may be located near the junction 305 and the separation line 5, or closer to the free edge 304, relative to the height of the tab 308 along the axis Z.

The bottom edge 309 is the free edge of the tab 308, which is located on the opposite side with respect to the hinge line 310.

Due to the fact that the tabs 308 protrude with respect to the first and second end regions 305a, 305b, the bottom edge 309 is able to intercept the neck 201 of the container 2 without interference by the first and second connecting strips 306, 307, the first and second connecting strips 306, 307 remaining retracted with respect thereto.

Even if the user accidentally strikes the closure element 302 and applies pressure to the first and second connecting strips 306, 307, the closure element 302 is locked spaced from the neck 201 and cannot move towards it, since the tab 308 is locked by the neck 201 to rotate towards the bottom of the container 2.

When the closing element 302 is in the open condition, between the closing element 302, positioned spaced apart from the neck 201, and an axis parallel to the axis Z and tangential to the side of the neck 201, an opening angle is defined at least equal to 30 °, which ensures that the closing element 302 does not interfere with the dispensing of the contents of the bottle when the bottle is tilted.

As described in more detail below, the closure element 302 is angularly positioned, and the shape of the locking ring 202 and/or the retaining ring 301 and/or the tabs 308 helps determine the inclination of the closure element 302.

If now consider the plane passing through the axis Z, the joining portion 305 has a substantially constant thickness on the plane containing the separation line 5. In fact, the manufacturing of the engaging portion 305 does not require a reduced weight or a specially shaped area of the side wall of the lid 1.

Considering also that the plane passes through the Z axis, it can be noted that the locking ring 202 (fig. 6) has a triangular cross section and has an upper wall 202a facing towards the dispensing opening 203, which is inclined with respect to a bottom wall 202b of the locking ring 202 facing towards the bottom of the container 2. In other words, the locking ring 202 has an upper wall 202a of frustoconical shape.

A cylindrical wall (not shown) of the locking ring 202 may be interposed between the upper wall 202a and the bottom wall 202 b.

However, other geometries of the locking ring 202 are possible.

An angle a of 50 deg. shown in figure 6 is defined between an axis parallel to the axis Z passing through the outer edge of the locking ring 202 and the upper wall 202 a.

The inclination of the closure element 302 in the open state may depend on:

the height of the tab 308 along an axis parallel to the Z-axis, i.e. the distance between the bottom edge 309 and the hinge line 310;

the shape of the retaining ring 301 and the shape of the retaining portion 303, i.e. the height of the retaining portion 303 along an axis parallel to the axis Z;

the inclination angle α of the locking ring 202;

the lateral extension of the locking ring 202, i.e. the half difference between the diameter of the locking ring 202 and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck 201 directly above the locking ring 202.

The separation line 5 extends on a plane located transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z. It should be noted that the retaining ring 301 and the closure element 302 are located on opposite sides of the separation line 5.

The side wall 3 of the cap 1 is internally provided with a coupling structure (not shown) configured to removably couple the closing element 302 to the neck 201 of the container 2, so that the cap 1 can be moved from a closed state, in which the cap 1 closes the dispensing opening 203 of the container 2, to an open state.

The coupling structure of the cap 1 is located within the closure element 302 and is shaped to engage with a corresponding coupling structure 204 present outside the neck 201 of the container 2. As shown in the figures, the coupling structure of the closure element 302 and the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 are made as threads. In this case, the movement from the closed condition to the open condition is performed by rotation of the closure element 302 with respect to the neck 201 of the container 2.

Advantageously, the tab 308 abuts on the neck 201 close to the locking ring 202. In fact, with respect to the shape of the retaining ring 301 and/or the locking ring 202 and/or the tabs 308, the inclination of the closure element 302 with respect to the neck 201 is determined, which in turn determines the abutment of the tabs 308 on the neck 201.

The tab 308 may rest on the neck 201 in different positions of the neck. For example, the tab 308 may:

against the locking ring 202, since the locking ring 202 may define the lower contact elements for the tabs 308;

in the outer region of the neck 201, which rests between the locking ring 202 and the lower thread of the coupling structure 204;

against the coupling structure 204;

in another outer region of the neck 201, which rests directly below the bottom wall 202b of the locking ring 202, an upper contact element for the tab 308 can be formed as a result of the locking ring 202.

It should be noted that the side wall 3 may be equipped on its outer surface with a plurality of knurl lines 312, the knurl lines 312 extending parallel to the axis Z and being designed to facilitate gripping of the cap 1 by a user or by a capping machine that applies the cap 1 onto the container 2 to be closed.

The knurled line 312 may be located in the closure element 302, but may also continue to be located in the connection region 401 and/or the retaining ring 301.

In the example shown, it should be noted that the side wall 3 comprises: a cylindrical portion extending to the connection zone 401, a knurled line 312 being made on this connection zone 401; a widened portion extending to the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301; and a connecting portion between the cylindrical portion and the widened portion. The widened portion has a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion. The widened portion may be defined by a smooth outer surface, i.e. it may be free of the knurled line 312, but this is not necessary, since the knurled line 312 may also extend over the widened portion. The closing element 302 is defined by a cylindrical portion, the retaining ring 301 being formed by a widened portion, since the separation line 5 is provided on the connecting portion. However, other configurations of the lid 1 are possible with respect to the position of the separation line 5 and the extension of the knurl line 312.

Along the separation line 5 there may be a plurality of breakable bridges (not shown) which connect the retaining ring 301 with the closing element 302. The breakable bridges are designed to break when the lid 1 is moved into the open position for the first time, to indicate that the container is no longer intact. In this way, the closure element 302 is separated from the retaining ring 301 along the separation line 5.

As described above, the retaining ring 301 is configured to engage internally with the locking ring 202, thereby remaining anchored to the neck 201.

For this purpose, the retaining ring 301 is provided internally with engagement elements 313, shown in fig. 4, adapted to engage with the locking ring 202. The engagement element 313 is configured to contact the locking ring 202, thereby preventing axial movement of the retaining ring 301 away from the neck 202 when the closure element 301 is removed from the neck 201.

In more detail, the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301 is provided with an engagement element 313 so as to remain anchored to the locking ring 202 even if, as shown in fig. 5, the closure element 302 is in the open state and locked spaced apart from the neck 201 and the dispensing opening 203.

The engaging element 313 is shaped like a ring-shaped element, which is folded around the free edge 304 towards the inside of the holding portion 303. In more detail, the annular element may be continuous or interrupted. In fact, there may be a plurality of folded elements shaped like tabs and shown in fig. 4, which protrude from the free edge 304 and are folded towards the inside of the holding portion 303 to make the engaging element 313.

Alternatively, the shape of the engagement element 313 may be enlarged, continuous or interrupted (not shown) projecting from the inner surface of the retaining portion 303 towards the axis Z to engage with the locking ring 202, provided that the enlargement does not affect the tab 308.

As described above, the tab may be bent around the hinge line 310.

The hinge line 310 is transverse to the axis Z. In practice, the tab 308 includes a pair of side edges 311, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, that extend between the hinge line 310 and the bottom edge 309.

The bottom edge 309 is transverse, in particular perpendicular to the axis Z, and the lateral edges 311 are transverse to the bottom edge 309. In particular, the side edges 311 are parallel to each other, to the axis Z and to the bottom edge 309.

In other words, the tab 308 preferably has a rectangular shape, with the bottom edge 309 being the free edge and having a hinge line 310 on the opposite side.

However, this condition is not necessary as the shape of the tab 308 may be different, for example, the tab 308 may have curved side edges 311 or be inclined relative to the bottom edge 309.

For example, according to a version not shown, the tab 308 may have a trapezoidal shape and have side edges 311 that are inclined on opposite sides of the centerline of the tab 308. Alternatively, according to another version, not shown, the tabs 308 may have a rectangular shape but with rounded corners, that is to say, wherein the side edges 311 may be arcuate.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, on the lateral wall 3 there are two rupture lines 6 or cuts, parallel to each other and to the axis Z, which define respective lateral edges 311 of the tabs 308.

If the side edges 311 of the tabs 308 are curved, the cut-outs 6 from which the side edges 311 are derived are also curved.

The cut-outs 6 have the same height and have first ends facing the transverse wall 4, between which a hinge line 310 is defined.

As shown in fig. 1, the hinge line 310 is located in the engaging portion 305 of the side wall 3.

As mentioned, the tab 308 protrudes with respect to the first and second end regions 305a, 305b of the engaging portion 305 and has in fact only an outer portion 308 a.

Fig. 2 to 5 show a version of the cap 1 which differs from the version of fig. 1 in that it has, in addition to an outer portion 308a which protrudes with respect to a first end region 305a and a second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305, an inner portion 308b which is made in the engaging portion 305.

Also in this case, the hinge line 310 is located on the joining portion 305 of the side wall 3, but close to or in alignment with the first and second ends 501, 502 of the partition line 5.

The inner portion 308b is interposed between the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 and is separated from the connecting bands 306, 307 by respective continuations of the side edges 311.

In this manner, tab 308 has a greater ability to bend about hinge line 310 due to its greater height H along an axis parallel to axis Z.

Indeed, in this version of the cap 1, the cut-out 6 extends within the engagement portion 305 to define an inner portion 308b of the tab 308.

According to a version not shown, the tab 308 comprises, in addition to the inner portion 308b, an additional portion made in the closure element 302 and separated from the closure element 302 by a respective further continuation of the lateral edge 311. In fact, the hinge line 310 of the tab 308 is located in the closure element 302 of the side wall 3, as the cut-out 6 extends inside the closure element 302 beyond the engagement portion 305, i.e. beyond the retaining ring 301, to define an additional portion of the tab 308.

This version of the tab 308 has greater bending capability due to the increased height of the tab 308 from the hinge line 310 to the bottom edge 309.

For example, the cut-out 6 may extend to a knurl line 312 of the closure element 302 to obtain a hinge line 310 located at the knurl line 312.

It should be noted that for the lids of fig. 2 to 5, all of the above applies to the lid of fig. 1 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

The connecting strips 306, 307 are manufactured by means of a cut line 7, which extends between the separation line 5 and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301, as shown in fig. 1 and 2.

The cut-out line 7 has an angular extension (measured about the axis Z) which is greater than the angular distance (also measured about the axis Z) between the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the separation line 5, that is to say the angular extension of the engagement portion 305.

The kerf line 7 includes a first lateral continuation 702 and a second lateral continuation 703, the first lateral continuation 702 and the second lateral continuation 703 partially defining the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307, respectively.

In more detail, the first transversal continuation 702 and the second transversal continuation 703 are both perpendicular to the axis Z and aligned. However, the two lateral continuations 702 and 703 may be slightly inclined with respect to each other and have different inclinations, not necessarily parallel to each other.

The first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 preferably extend on a first plane (not shown) parallel to a separation plane (not shown) containing the separation line 5, which is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the axis Z.

The first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 define first and second free lower edges 306 ', 307' of the connecting strips 306, 307, respectively.

Furthermore, the first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 also define first and second free upper edges 303 ', 303' of the retention portion 303.

The first transverse continuation 702 and the second transverse continuation 703 are positioned along an axis parallel to the axis Z at a distance from the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 which corresponds to the height of the retaining portion 303.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, in which the first and second transverse continuations 702, 703 of the separation line 5 and of the incision line 7 lie in respective planes parallel to one another, the height of the connecting strips 306, 307 is constant along the entire length of the connecting strips 306, 307 and is equal for both connecting strips 306, 307.

In fact, as better shown in fig. 3 and 4, the first connecting strip 306 is formed between a first end continuation of the separation line 5 and a first transverse continuation 702 of the incision line 7. The second connecting band 307 is formed between a second end continuation of the separation line 5 and a second transverse continuation 703 of the incision line 7. The first end continuation of the separation line 5 is a continuation extending to the first end 501. The second end continuation is a continuation extending to the second end 502.

The first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 extend to the incision 6.

Each transverse continuation 702, 703, the first transverse continuation 702 and the second transverse continuation 703 of the incision line 7 may have an angular extension around the axis Z of between 20 ° and 110 °, preferably between 30 ° and 70 °, more preferably between 50 ° and 60 °. In other words, between the ends of each transverse continuation 702, 703 there is an angular distance of 20 ° to 110 °, preferably of 30 ° to 70 °, more preferably of 50 ° to 60 °.

In one version, each lateral continuation 702, 703 has an angular extension around the axis Z of between 20 ° and 90 °.

The kerf line 7 comprises a central continuation 701 interposed between a first lateral continuation 702 and a second lateral continuation 703.

The central continuation 701 extends in a second plane parallel to the separation plane and between the first plane and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 and defines the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308.

It should therefore be noted that advantageously the connecting strips 306, 307 and the tabs 308 can be made with a separation line 5 and a cut-out line 7 lying in three planes parallel to each other, that is to say the separation line 5 lies in a separation plane, whereas the cut-out line lies in a first plane with respect to the two lateral continuations 702 and 703 and in a second plane with respect to the central continuation 701.

The cut 6 has second ends between which a central continuation 701 of the cut line 7 extends. In other words, the cut 6 extends from the opposite end of the central continuation 701 to the hinge line 310.

The distance between the first end of the cut 6 and the central continuation 701 of the cut line 7 defines the height of the tab 308, which corresponds to the distance between the hinge line 310 and the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308.

The central continuation 701 determining the width of the tab 308 has an angular extension around the axis Z of between 10 ° and 120 °, preferably between 20 ° and 40 °, more preferably equal to 25 °. In other words, between the ends of each central continuation 701 there is an angular distance of 10 ° to 120 °, preferably between 20 ° to 40 °, more preferably equal to 25 °.

Due to these angular distances, the tabs 308 are sufficiently flexible around the hinge line 310 and the connecting strips 306, 307 are sufficiently long to allow the closure element 302 to move axially, moving the tabs 308 out of the upper edge of the neck 201 when the cap 1 is opened, and moving the tabs 308 to separate from the locking ring 202 when the cap 1 is closed.

It should be noted that the cut line 7, i.e., the central continuation 701, the first lateral continuation 702 and the second lateral continuation 703, may preferably be shaped as a cut through the entire thickness of the sidewall 302 (i.e., the entire thickness of the retention ring 301). This allows the user to remove the closure element 302 from the retaining ring 301 without difficulty during the stroke to the open state.

Alternatively, the cut line 7 may be shaped similarly to a line of weakness, which does not pass through the entire thickness of the sidewall 302, but where the thickness of the sidewall 302 is reduced much relative to the surrounding area to facilitate rupture of the cut line 7 in the retaining ring 301.

Alternatively, there may also be breakable elements, not shown, along the incision line 7, which may be similar to the breakable bridges of the separation line 5 and aligned angularly, or misaligned with respect to them. For example, the breakable bridge 503 may be angularly offset about the axis Z relative to the breakable element.

As regards the cuts 6, they are preferably shaped as through cuts, which therefore do not need to be broken at the moment of opening the container 2, extending the entire thickness of the side wall 3.

The engagement portion 305 has an angular extension around the axis Z of between 10 ° and 120 °, preferably between 20 ° and 40 °. In other words, between the first end 501 and the second end of the separation line 5, there is an angular distance of 10 ° to 120 °, preferably of 20 ° to 40 °.

For example, the closure cap 1 may have an engagement portion 305 with an angular extension equal to 40 °, a tab 308 with an angular extension equal to 25 °, and a first transversal continuation 702 and a second transversal continuation 703 with an angular extension between 50 ° and 60 °.

This type of lid 1 has a tab 308, which tab 308 has an angular extension smaller than that of the engaging portion 305 and has wide connecting strips 306, 307.

However, for certain specific types of containers 2, the length of the neck 201 of which is reduced, it is therefore advantageous to use a cap 1 of reduced thickness, the closure cap 1 being able to have an engagement portion 305 with an angular extension ranging from 90 ° to 120 °, a tab 308 with an angular extension ranging from 90 ° to 120 °, and a first transverse continuation 702 and a second transverse continuation 703 with an angular extension ranging from 20 ° to 35 °.

In another type of lid 1, the tab 308 is very wide, while the two connecting strips 306, 307 are very short.

The engagement portion 305 has a centerline that coincides with the centerline of the tab 308. Furthermore, the first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 have an equal angular extension, so that the connecting bands 306, 307 are of equal length and are positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane containing the axis Z and the centre line of the engaging portion 305.

However, according to a variant not shown, the first connecting strip 306 may have a different length with respect to the second connecting strip 307, since the first and second lateral continuations 702, 703 may have different angular extensions. According to even different variations, the centerline of the engagement portion 305 may not coincide with the centerline of the tab 308.

In use, the cap 1 is applied to the neck 201 of the container 2 in the closed condition shown in fig. 1 or 2. The cap 1 is positioned in such a way that the engagement elements 313 provided inside the retaining ring 301, in particular on the retaining portion 303, are located below the locking ring 202 present on the neck 201.

When the user wishes to open the container for the first time, the user grasps the closure element 302 and rotates the closure element 302 about the axis Z in order to unscrew the closure element 302 from the neck 201. Initially, the closing element 302 and the retaining ring 301 rotate together about the axis Z and they move together simultaneously away from the neck 201 in a direction parallel to the axis Z.

This occurs until the engagement element 313 of the retaining portion 303 abuts against the locking ring 202 provided on the neck 201. At this point, the locking ring 202 prevents the retaining portion 303 from rising further along the axis Z, thereby acting as a stop for the movement of the retaining portion 303, and hence the retaining ring 301, away from the neck 201.

The closing element 302 screwed by the user continues to move along the axis Z away from the neck 201. Thus, the breakable bridges are strained until failure is caused. Thus, the closure element 302 is separated from the retaining ring 301 along the separation line 5, but remains engaged with the retaining ring 301 at the engagement portion 305.

If the user continues to screw the closure element 302 in order to move the closure element 302 along the axis Z to remove it from the neck 201, the closure element 302 has been moved away from the locking ring 202 and lifted upwards, since the first and second connecting bands 306, 307 extend between the retaining portion 303 and the engaging portion 305 locked by the locking ring 202, the first and second connecting bands 306, 307 being deformed integrally with the closure element 302 and engaging to the closure element 302. At the same time as the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 are pulled upward, the tabs 308 protruding with respect to the first end region 305a and the second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305 are also removed from the lock ring 202.

If the rupturable elements 704 are present, the rupturable elements 704 are thus tensioned until they rupture.

Thus, the first connecting strap 306 and the second connecting strap 307 are spaced apart from the closure element 302 and the retention portion 303 and remain engaged with each other in the engagement portion 305.

Therefore, the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 take the shape of a trapezoid as shown in fig. 4. It can be noted that the tab 308 is centrally located in the smaller bottom of the trapezoid and protrudes towards the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301.

If the first connecting band 306 has the same length as the second connecting band 307, the trapezoid is an isosceles trapezoid. On the other hand, if the connecting strips 306, 307 have different lengths, they will take on a shape of the unequal waist trapezoidal type. With respect to the position of the tab 308 in the engaging portion 305, the tab 308 may protrude from the center or the side of the engaging portion 305.

The first connecting strip 306 remains engaged with the retention portion 303 at the outer end of the first transverse continuation 702 of the incision line 7. Similarly, the second connecting band 307 remains engaged with the holding portion 303 at the outer end of the second transverse continuation 703 of the incision line 7, the outer end of the first transverse continuation 702 and the outer end of the second transverse continuation 703 being circumferentially delimited outside the incision line 7.

If the first connecting strap 306 and the second connecting strap 307 are arranged in an inclined configuration with respect to the holding portion 303 and converge in the engaging portion 305, the tab 308 extends along an axis parallel to the axis Z.

Continuing to screw the closure element 302, the closure element 302 is disengaged from the coupling structure 204 made on the neck 201, so that the container 2 can be opened. On the other hand, the retaining portion 303 of the retaining ring 301 remains anchored to the neck 201.

Since the tab 308 protrudes towards the free edge 304, the closure element 302 must be moved further away from the neck 201 in order to be able to completely detach the tab 308 from the neck 201 of the container 2. However, the tab 308 may alternatively be bent relative to the hinge line 310 to separate its bottom edge 309 from the upper edge of the neck 201.

As mentioned above, the engaging portion 305 defines a hinge strap which maintains the connection of the closure element 302 relative to the neck 201, and about which the closure element 302 can be rotated away from the neck 201.

By moving the closure element 302 around the engagement portion 305, after the closure element 302 and the tab 308 have been separated from the neck 201, the closure element 302 can be moved to a lateral position and spaced from the neck 201, as shown in fig. 5, until the locking tab 308 abuts against the neck 201.

As the tab 308 projects towards the free edge 304, for example with respect to the first end region 305a to the second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305, the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308 intercepts the neck 201 of the container 2, as described above.

In more detail, the tabs 308 abut against the neck 201 near the locking ring 202, as the locking ring 202 prevents further rotation of the tabs 308.

The bottom edge 309 of the tab 308 faces towards the dispensing opening 203 of the container 2 and the tab 308 prevents the closure element 302 from accidentally rotating again towards and around the neck 201.

For the lid of figure 1, in which the tab 308 comprises only the outer portion 308a, not only the hinge strip is deformed, but also the connecting strips 306 and 307 are deformed, the connecting strips 306 and 307 comprising a first portion adjacent to the separation line 5 and a second portion adjacent to the cut-out line 7, which overlap each other along the axis Z.

The first portion may widen radially without experiencing substantial twist. On the other hand, the second portion may be twisted to pass under the first portion, between the first portion and the outer surface of the neck 201. In this way, when the tab 308 rests on the neck 201 so that the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308 faces towards the dispensing opening 203 of the container 2, the second portion of the connecting strips 306 and 307 is twisted and is located below the first portion.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 5, for the lid of fig. 2, in which the tab 308 comprises an outer portion 308a and an inner portion 308b, the hinge strap comprises a first hinge element and a second hinge element, which are at least partially defined in a first end region 305a and a second end region 305b, respectively, of the engaging portion 305. In this case, the deformation only affects the first and second hinge elements, not the connecting bands 306, 307, so the connecting bands 306, 307 remain substantially undeformed and untwisted.

The first and second hinge elements are located immediately adjacent to the first and second ends 501, 502, respectively, of the joint part 305 and are thus located circumferentially on opposite sides.

After use, the user can restore the lid 1 to the closed state shown in fig. 1 and 2 by the reverse operation sequence to that described above.

To separate the tabs 308 from the locking ring 202, if the tabs 308 have abutted against the locking ring 202, or between the connecting structure 204 and the locking ring 202, the user must first remove the closure element 302 from the neck 201, deforming the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307 in the same oblique direction as the upper wall 202a of the locking ring 202.

The particular shape of the hinge arrangement, that is to say the particular shapes of the connecting bands 306 and 307, the engaging portion 305 and the tab 308, is particularly adapted to deform in an oblique direction parallel to the upper wall 202a, so that the user can separate the tab 308 by sliding the tab 308 over the upper wall 202a of the locking ring 202 when pulling the closure element 302 away from the container 2. It should be noted, however, that the hinge device according to the invention (including the tabs 308) may also be advantageously applied to containers 2 having locking rings 302 of different shapes.

Subsequently, the user may reapply the closure element 302 to the neck 201, rotate the closure element 302 about the engagement portion 305 and axially remove the closure element 302 from the neck 201 before again screwing the closure element 302 onto the coupling structure 204.

During the closing of the container 2, the tab 308 is not an obstacle, since the tab 308 is parallel to the outer surface of the neck 201.

In order to manufacture a cap 1 for a container 2 according to the invention, a method is provided comprising the steps of:

providing a lateral wall 3 of the lid 1 extending about the axis Z and a transverse wall 4 positioned at one end of the lateral wall 3;

cutting a separation line 5 on the lateral wall 3 extending around the axis Z, so as to define:

a retaining ring 301 configured to anchor the retaining ring 301 to the neck 201 and to extend to the free edge 304;

a closing element 302 removably engaged with the neck 201 to open or close the container 2;

wherein the step of cutting the separation line 5 comprises interrupting the cut between the first end 501 and the second end 502 to engage the retaining ring 301 and the closure element 302.

The method further comprises the following steps:

defining in the retaining ring 301 a retaining portion 303 configured to engage internally with the locking ring 202 of the neck 201 and extending to a free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301;

-engaging the retaining ring 301 and the closure element 302 by means of an engagement portion 305;

forming a first connecting strip 306 and a second connecting strip 307 in the retaining ring 301, which extend from the engaging portion 305 to the retaining portion 303,

interposing a tab 308 between the connecting strips 306, 307, so that the tab 308 protrudes towards the free edge 304, so that the tab 308 can rest on the neck 201 when the container 2 is opened and the connecting strips keep the closure element 302 connected with the retaining ring 301.

The method comprises the following steps: providing a first end region 305a of the engaging portion 305, thereby extending a first connecting band 306, providing a second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305, thereby extending a second connecting band 307, the second end region 305b being positioned circumferentially on the opposite side with respect to the first end region 305 a; the tab 308 protrudes with respect to the first end region 305a and the second end region 305b of the engaging portion 305.

The method comprises the following steps: producing a cut line 7 extending between the separation line 5 and the free edge 304, comprising the steps of: a first transverse continuation 702 and a second transverse continuation 703 of the incision line 7 are made transversely to the axis Z in a first plane parallel to the separation plane containing the separation line 5.

In this way, a first free lower edge 306 ' of the first connecting strap 306, a second free lower edge 307 ' of the second connecting strap 307, a first free upper edge 303 ' and a second free upper edge 303 "' of the retaining portion 303 ' may be defined.

The method further comprises the following steps: a central continuation 701 of the incision line 7 between the first 702 and second 703 lateral continuations and between the first separation plane and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 in a second plane parallel to the separation plane is made.

In this manner, the bottom edge 309 of the tab 308 may be defined.

To produce the first transversal continuation 702, the second transversal continuation 703 and the central continuation 701 of the incision line 7, the method comprises the step of using a cutting tool positioned transversally to the axis Z.

The method comprises the step of producing the separation line 5 and the incision line 7 in three mutually separated planes.

If the axis Z of the lid is positioned vertically during the production of the lid 1, the incision line 7 can be obtained using a horizontal cutting tool (that is to say, using a horizontal blade), advantageously after the lid 1 has been manufactured.

To obtain the side edges 311 of the tabs 308, there is the step of making two cuts 6 parallel to the axis Z and to each other, using a cutting tool positioned parallel to the axis Z.

If the axis Z is positioned vertically, the cut 6 can be obtained using a vertical cutting tool (that is, a vertical blade can be used) after the cap 1 has been manufactured.

A horizontal blade can be used in the first cutting station (not shown) and a vertical blade in the second cutting station (not shown), that is to say, cutting the caps 1 horizontally and vertically in succession, combining a cutting tool transverse to the axis Z and a cutting tool parallel to the axis Z.

The tool can also be suitably positioned transversely to the axis Z and/or parallel to the axis Z, in such a way as to produce the separation line 5, the incision line 7 and the incision 6 in succession at an angle. For example, a first transverse continuation 702 of the incision line 7, a first incision 6, a central continuation 701 of the incision line 7, a second incision 6 and a second transverse continuation 703 of the last incision line 7 may be made in sequence, the horizontal blade for making the separation line 5 and the plurality of horizontal blades for making the incision line 7 being placed on top of each other.

It should therefore be noted that for manufacturing the lid 1 according to the invention, it is possible to use conventional moulds, since the separation line 5, the incision line 7 and the incision 6 can be manufactured in a simple and inexpensive manner by means of a cutting operation on the lid shaped as a concavity after the concavity has been formed.

Figures 8 to 11 show the combination of a cap 1' and a neck 201 of a container 2 according to the invention.

This version of the cap 1 ' differs from the cap 1 of fig. 2 in that it has a retaining ring 301 ' formed on the side wall 3 by a separation line 5 ', in which there are connecting bands 306, 307, which are produced by a cut-out line 7 ', the cut-out line 7 ' comprising a first transverse continuation 702 ' and a second transverse continuation 703 ', the first transverse continuation 702 ' and the second transverse continuation 703 ' defining a first free lower edge 306 ' and a second free lower edge 307 ' of the first connecting band 306 and the second connecting band 307, respectively, in which the first transverse continuation 702 ' and the second transverse continuation 703 ' are suitably positioned.

The first connecting strip 306 and the second connecting strip 307 also extend from the engaging portion 305 to the retaining portion 303, and the tabs 308 are circumferentially interposed between the first connecting strip 306 and the second connecting strip and project towards the free edge 304, which also applies to this version and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

As mentioned, the locking ring 202 protrudes from the outer surface of the neck 201, having an upper wall 202a facing towards the dispensing opening 203 having the shape of a truncated cone, and a bottom wall 202b facing towards the bottom of the container 2.

In other words, the locking ring 202 extends in a direction parallel to the axis Z between an upper end 202c of the dispensing opening 203 closest to the neck 201 and a lower end (which coincides with the bottom wall 202b in the case shown) located on the opposite side of the dispensing opening 203. It should be noted, however, that if the locking ring 202 has a shape other than a truncated cone shape, the lower end may not coincide with the bottom wall 202 b.

According to this version, advantageously, when the cap 1 and the neck 201 are combined with each other, the first and second transverse continuations 702 ', 703 ' of the incision line 7 ' are positioned beyond the lower end 202b of the locking ring 202 towards the dispensing opening 203, if considered in a direction parallel to the axis Z, when the closure element 302 is in the closed condition, with respect to the cap 1 applied on the neck 201.

In more detail, if the axis Z and a plane perpendicular to the axis Z passing through the lower end 202b of the locking ring 202 are considered, the first and second lateral continuations 702 ', 703' lie on this plane or in a half-space facing the dispensing opening 203.

In this way, when the closure element 302 is in the open state and the connecting strips 306, 307 keep the closure element 302 connected with the retaining ring 301', the tabs 308 can rest on the neck 201 beyond the upper end of the locking ring towards the dispensing opening 203.

Indeed, as mentioned above, the tabs 308 may be supported against the coupling structure 204, for example in the outer region of the neck 201 between the locking ring 202 and the lower thread of the coupling structure 204, or specifically against the shape of the retaining ring 301, 301' and/or the locking ring 202 and/or the tabs 308.

It should be noted that in the cap 1 ' of this version of fig. 8 to 11, with respect to the distance of the first and second continuations 702 ', 703 ' of the incision line 7 ' with respect to the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301 ' and with respect to the positioning of the locking ring 202 in the neck 201, in the combination between the cap 1 and the neck 201, the tabs 308 can move to abut, for example beyond the upper end 202c of the locking ring 202, for example between the upper end 202c and the thread of the coupling structure 204, or exactly on the coupling structure 204.

It should also be noted that in this version of the cap 1 ', the retaining ring 301 ' differs from the one described above in that it has a height, in a direction parallel to the axis Z, which may be greater than that shown in figures 1 to 7, measured between the separation line 5 ' and the free edge 304.

In practice, the separation line 5' can be positioned beyond the upper end 202c of the locking ring 202, or at the upper end 202c, towards the dispensing opening 203 in a direction parallel to the axis Z, when the closure element 302 is in the closed condition.

In more detail, if one considers the axis Z and a plane perpendicular to the axis Z passing through the upper end 202c of the locking ring 202, the separation line 5' can be located on this plane or in the half-space facing the dispensing opening 203.

In more detail, if the parting line 5' is positioned between the upper end 202c of the locking ring 202 and the lower thread of the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201 in a direction parallel to the axis Z, the tab 308 can abut against the coupling structure 204 when the closure element 302 is in the open condition.

Meanwhile, if the retaining ring 301 'has a larger size and the first and second continuation sections 702', 703 'are positioned beyond the lower end 202b of the retaining ring 301', the height of the connecting bands 306, 307 can be maintained equal to the height of the cap 1 of fig. 1 to 7, so that the connecting bands 306, 307 have robustness.

The same considerations for manufacturing the cap 1 'of fig. 1 to 7 (which will not be repeated for the sake of brevity) apply to the cap 1' of fig. 8 to 11, without limiting the scope of the invention.

The operation of the cap 1' of figures 8-11 in use in combination with the neck 201 is also similar to that of the cap 1 of figures 1 to 7 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

On the other hand, however, by moving the closure element 302 around the engagement portion 305, after the closure element 302 and the tab 308 have been separated from the neck 201, the closure element 302 can be moved to a transverse position and spaced from the neck 201, as shown in fig. 11, until the locking tab 308 abuts against the neck 201, more particularly against the thread 204.

According to an alternative version (not shown), the lid 1 or 1' may comprise tabs made of cut-out lines, wherein the central continuation lies on the same first plane on which the first and second lateral continuations lie when the lid is in the closed position. In this way, the tab has a bottom edge defined by a central continuation, which is aligned with the connecting band 306, 307, more specifically with the first free lower edge 306 'and the second free lower edge 307' of the connecting band 306, 307.

Also in this version, the tab 308 projects towards the free edge 304 and has an axial dimension determined by the length of the cut-out 6, the cut-out 6 extending from opposite ends of a central continuation of the cut-out line 7 or 7'.

In this version, the tab has an inner portion made in the engaging portion 305, but no outer portion, the bottom edge being aligned with the connecting strips 306, 307.

Advantageously, according to this variant, the separation line and the incision line extend only on two planes parallel to each other, and this makes it possible to obtain a cap 1 or 1' that is easy to manufacture while being stably locked in the open condition on the neck 201 of the container 2.

In fact, advantageously, on the side wall 3 there is a cut line extending between the separation line and the free edge 304 of the retaining ring 301, which defines the bottom edge of the tab, the first free lower edge 306 'of the first connecting strip 306 and the second free lower edge 307' of the second connecting strip 307, and is made by means of a cut line of the side wall 3.

Other shapes of the incision line are possible, for example, it may have a convex shape, or a "V" shape with a sloping lateral continuation, wherein the central continuation is closer to the free edge than the lateral continuation, as long as the lateral continuation extends continuously through the central continuation.

Also for this version, the above applies to the cap 1', that is to say, according to the invention, if the first and second transverse continuation of the incision line are positioned towards the dispensing opening 203 beyond the lower end 202b of the locking ring 202, or at the lower end when the closure element 302 is in the closed state, the tab can rest on the neck 201 beyond the upper end of the locking ring 202, or on the coupling structure 204, towards the dispensing opening 203.

The dimensions of the retaining ring 301 ' may be larger, so that, despite the fact that the tabs 308 protrude or are aligned with the connecting strips 306, 307, the connecting strips 306, 307 may have a height so as to be solid, yet allow the tabs 308 to abut against beyond the locking ring 202, for example against the coupling structure 204 of the neck 201, so that the combination between the cap 1 ' and the neck 201 on which the cap 1 ' is applied is more stable.