CN113631485A

CN113631485A - Caps for closing containers and combinations of caps and necks

Info

Publication number: CN113631485A
Application number: CN202080023617.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚历山德罗·法尔佐尼; 马尔科·马佐蒂; 克里斯蒂安·斯帕多尼; 马尔科·索齐
Original assignee: Sacmi Imola SC
Current assignee: Sacmi Imola SC
Priority date: 2019-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-30
Also published as: US20220106081A1; ZA202105584B; CN113631485B; EP3917852A1; WO2020157695A1

Abstract

A combination includes a lid (1; 201) for the container and a neck (18; 218) for the container. The neck (18; 218) is bounded by an outer surface (219) from which a circular enlargement (23; 223) protrudes, the outer surface (219) extending to the end of the neck (18; 218) Rim (220). The cover (1; 201) comprises a side wall (2) extending around the axis (Z). A separation line (4) is provided on the side wall (2) for delimiting a securing ring (5) and a closing element (6) intended to engage with the circular enlargement (23; 223) to maintain the anchorage To the neck (18; 218) of the container, the closure element is removably engageable with the neck (18; 218) so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The separation line (4) extends around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction to leave a joint (8) between the fixing ring (5) and the closure element (6). The cover (1; 201) further has a notch line (21) extending transversely to the axis (Z) between the separation line (4) and the free edge (16) of the fixing ring (5) so that the two connecting strips (29, 30) is defined between the separation line (4) and the incision line (21), the connecting strip joining the securing ring (5) to the joining portion (8). The connecting straps (29, 30) are deformable to allow the coupling part (8) to rotate when the closure element (6) is moved from the closed position to the open position, so that in the closed position the coupling part (8) faces the securing ring (5) ) of the rim (50) facing the rim (220) of the neck (18; 218) in the open position.

Description

Cap for closing a container and combination of cap and neck

The present invention relates to a lid for a container, in particular a lid having a securing ring which can be associated with the neck of the container, the lid further having a closure element which remains connected to the securing ring after opening. The cap according to the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for bottles for containing liquid substances.

The invention further relates to a combination of a cap and a neck of a container.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a lid for a container.

Caps for bottles are known, comprising a cup-shaped body provided with an internal thread adapted to engage with an external thread of the neck of the bottle. The known lid is further provided with a tamper-evident ring connected to the cup-shaped body by a plurality of breakable elements. When the cap is opened for the first time, the cup-shaped body is separated from the tamper-evident ring due to the breakage of the breakable element. The tamper-evident ring remains associated with the neck of the bottle, while the cup-shaped body can be unscrewed by the user, in such a way as to separate the cup-shaped body from the bottle to access the contents of the bottle. Subsequently, the cup-shaped body can be screwed on the neck again to reclose the bottle.

Sometimes, after the bottle has been emptied, the user intentionally or accidentally throws the cup-shaped body on the ground, while the bottle, with its associated tamper-evident ring, is correctly discarded in the waste bin.

To overcome this drawback, covers have been proposed which: the cap is provided with a fixing ring which can be associated with the neck of the bottle, and a closing element which is connected to the fixing ring by a hinge. The closure element is rotatable about the hinge between an open position in which a user can access the contents of the bottle and a closed position in which the closure element prevents access to the bottle. The hinge keeps the closing element associated with the fixing ring and therefore with the bottle, preventing the closing element from being thrown onto the ground independently of the bottle.

However, the known lids provided with a hinge have the disadvantage of being rather complex to manufacture. In practice, the hinge is usually produced in the same mould as the one in which the lid is obtained, in particular by injection moulding or compression moulding.

In order to produce lids with hinges of known type, it is therefore 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 lids with hinges of the known type may have undercut portions, thus requiring special means to be taken out of the mould.

Furthermore, lids with hinges of known type may have areas of very reduced thickness, which are difficult to obtain, since the molten polymeric material is difficult to flow in the parts of the mould intended to form these areas.

This increases the production costs of the hinged lids and/or the cycle time required to obtain them.

In lids with hinges of the known type, sometimes the closing element is prematurely re-closed by rotating around the hinge after being moved into the open position. It may also happen that the closure element is rotated about the hinge portion, thereby moving to a vertical or almost vertical configuration. In these cases, the closure element may strike the face of a user who is drinking from a bottle fitted with a hinged lid, in an undesirable manner, or be inserted in a desired manner between the bottle and a container (e.g. a glass) into which the liquid in the bottle is poured.

Furthermore, in lids with hinges of known type, the fixing ring that remains associated with the neck can rotate freely around the neck itself when the closing element has been moved into the open position. It may therefore happen that, when the user drinks the liquid in a bottle provided with a hinged lid, or pours the liquid in the bottle into a glass, the fixing ring and the closing element rotate around the neck due to gravity. If this happens, the closure element may strike the face of the user who is drinking or be inserted between the neck of the bottle and the glass, which may hinder the dispensing of the liquid into the glass.

It is an object of the present invention to improve caps of the known type, in particular caps comprising a fixing ring intended to be retained in association with the neck of the container and a closing element which can be removably engaged with the neck to allow the user to open or alternatively close the container.

Another object is to provide a lid for a container of the above-mentioned type which is simple to produce.

Another object is to provide a lid for a container provided with a closing element which remains connected to a fixing ring, the production of which does not require very complex moulds.

Another object is to provide a lid for a container comprising a closure element which remains connected to a fixing ring, wherein the closure element is stably maintained in an open position.

Another object is to provide a lid for a container in which, in the open position, the risk of the closure element accidentally striking the face of the user or obstructing the dispensing of the substance contained in the container into a glass or the like is reduced.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a cap for a container and a neck of a container,

wherein the neck is delimited by an outer surface from which a circular enlargement projects, the outer surface extending up to the rim of the neck, and wherein the lid comprises a side wall extending around an axis, a separation line being provided on the side wall for delimiting:

a fixing ring intended to engage with the circular enlargement to remain anchored on the neck,

and a closure element removably engageable with the neck to be movable between a closed position and an open position,

wherein the separation line extends around an axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction so as to leave a joint between the securing ring and the closure element,

wherein the lid further has a cut line extending between the separation line and the free edge of the securing ring transverse to the axis, thereby defining two connecting strips between the separation line and the cut line, the two connecting strips connecting the securing ring to the coupling portion,

and wherein the connecting band is deformable to allow the engaging portion to rotate when the closure element is moved from the closed position to the open position, such that an edge of the engaging portion facing the securing ring in the closed position faces the rim of the neck in the open position.

Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a lid that can be stably held in an open position. In fact, when the coupling portion rotates and the closure element passes from the closed position to the open position, interference occurs between the coupling portion and the neck of the container. This interference is still present even in the open position. In order to return the closure element to the closed position, a predetermined force must be applied to the closure element to overcome the interference between the neck and the engaging portion. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the closure element to return to the closed position by itself.

In more detail, in the open position, the joining portion rests on the neck of the container and the connecting strip, which has been deformed, exerts on the joining portion a force tending to keep the joining portion in contact with the neck of the container. This results in an interference between the coupling portion and the neck of the container, which stably holds the closure element in the open position.

Rotation of the cap, particularly the stationary ring around the neck, is also hindered due to interference between the engaging portion and the neck.

In one embodiment, the connecting band is deformable by a twisting motion when the closure element is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Such a twisting movement may affect at least a portion of the height of each connecting strap, which is defined as the dimension of the connecting strap in a direction parallel to said axis in the closed position of the closure element.

This makes it possible to rotate the joining portion without providing a breaking or weakening line between the joining portion and the connecting band, as previously described. Thus facilitating the production of the cap.

When the coupling part is rotated and its edge comes into sliding contact with the neck until it reaches an open position in which the edge of the coupling part faces the rim of the neck, an interference is generated between the coupling part and the neck, which interference reaches a maximum when the coupling part is substantially perpendicular to the neck and which interference is reduced (but does not reach a zero value) after the coupling part has been turned over and the edge rests upwards on the neck.

The user moving the closure element towards the open position notices that the position of maximum interference has been passed, because his/her hand feels a vibration which lets him/her know that the closure element has been moved steadily to the open position. This is welcomed by the user, who is assured that the container has been opened correctly.

In one embodiment, the distance between the separation line and the cut line is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the difference between the outer diameter of the circular enlargement and half the diameter of the outer surface of the neck directly above the circular enlargement.

The distance is measured parallel to the axis of the side wall when the closure element is in the closed position. Thus, the distance corresponds to the height of the connection strap.

Experiments have shown that the above-mentioned value of the distance between the separation line and the incision line ensures that the connecting strip is correctly deformed when the closure element is transferred from the closed position to the open position. In particular, if the distance between the separation line and the incision line satisfies the above condition, an interference condition occurs between the joining portion and the neck portion, which is very advantageous for holding the closure element in the open position.

Preferably, said distance between the separation line and the incision line is equal to or greater than 2 times half the difference between the outer diameter of the circular enlargement and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck directly above the circular enlargement.

Even preferably, said distance between the separation line and the incision line is equal to or greater than 2.5 times half the difference between the outer diameter of the circular enlargement and the diameter of the outer surface of the neck directly above the circular enlargement.

In one embodiment, the joining portion has an angular dimension greater than or equal to 20 °, preferably greater than or equal to 25 °, around the axis of the lateral wall.

In one embodiment, the joining portion has an angular dimension of less than or equal to 120 °, preferably less than or equal to 90 °, around the axis of the side wall.

In this way, the joining portion is not excessively wide around the axis of the side wall, which would otherwise make it difficult to invert the joining portion, i.e. to transform its edge from a configuration facing the fixing ring to a configuration facing the rim of the neck.

At the same time, the joining portion is not too narrow about the axis of the side wall, which would otherwise create an interference between the joining portion and the neck, which is not sufficient to stably hold the closure element in the open position.

In one embodiment, the neck is provided with at least one securing element adapted to engage with the closure element to allow the closure element to be removably secured to the neck.

The at least one fixation element may comprise a thread having one or more origins.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the distance between the circular enlargement and the at least one fixing element is greater than or equal to half the distance between the separation line and the incision line.

In this way, there is a space between the circular enlargement and the at least one fixing element sufficient to receive the coupling portion without the edge of the latter interfering with the at least one fixing element.

In one embodiment, the rim of the circular enlargement towards the neck is delimited by a frustoconical surface.

In one embodiment, a generatrix of the frustoconical surface forms an angle of less than or equal to 35 ° with a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck.

Preferably, the angle is 30 °.

In this way, the closure element can be easily positioned in an open position in which it forms a sufficiently large opening angle with the neck.

In one embodiment, the separation line extends in a portion of the sidewall where the plurality of linear rollers are provided.

That is, the separation line intersects a knurled line provided on the side wall of the lid.

This allows the height of the attachment strap to be maximized without affecting the ability of the user or the capping machine to grasp the lid. Alternatively, the separation line may extend in a portion of the sidewall bounded externally by a smooth surface (i.e., a surface without a knurled line).

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a container comprising a side wall extending about an axis and a transverse wall disposed at an end of the side wall, a line of separation being provided on the side wall for defining:

a securing ring intended to remain anchored on the neck of the container, and

-a closure element removably engageable with the neck to open or close the container;

wherein the separation line extends about an axis and is interrupted in the circumferential direction so as to leave a joining portion between the fixing ring and the closure element, which joining portion defines a hinge strap extending between two opposite end regions of the joining portion,

the lid further has a cut line extending transversely to said axis between the separation line and the free edge of the securing ring, so as to define, between the separation line and the cut line, two connecting strips connecting the securing ring to opposite end regions of the joining portion,

the coupling portion makes it possible to keep the closure element stably associated with the fixing 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 likelihood that the closure element, together with the container, is properly disposed of together with waste of the same type, in particular with plastic waste.

The second aspect of the invention provides a cap which can be produced in a relatively simple manner without the need for special moulds. Indeed, if the cut-out line is made by a cutting operation, the cap provided by the second aspect of the invention may be produced in a conventional mould. A cut line through the entire thickness of the sidewall, or a cut line that does not pass through but only partially cuts through the thickness of the sidewall, may be obtained by a cutting operation.

The cut-out line can also be produced by moulding inside the mould for producing the cap, but without causing excessive complications to the mould due to the particularly simple shape of the cut-out line. In this case, the incision line may even be shaped as a weakening line.

Since the cut line is located between the separation line and the free edge of the securing ring, the cut line does not weaken the bonded portion. In the cap provided in the second aspect of the present invention, therefore, the bonded portion is relatively strong, which makes it more difficult to accidentally separate the fixing ring from the closing element.

The connecting band defines, together with the coupling part, a hinge device which has a movement capacity in the axial direction which is significantly greater than the movement capacity allowed by the coupling part alone.

In fact, the hinge means can move the closing element away from the fixing ring along a considerable axial distance determined by the combination of the length of the connecting band and of the coupling portion. In this way, the closure element can be easily detached from the neck of the container.

This allows the engaging portion to rotate when the closure element is moved from the closed position to the open position, so that the edge of the engaging portion facing the securing ring in the closed position faces the rim of the neck in the open position. In this way, the advantages described previously with reference to the first aspect of the invention, in particular with respect to the closure element stably held in the open position, can be obtained.

In one embodiment, the connection bands may be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane containing the axis of the side wall and the center line of the coupling portion.

This symmetrical shape allows to reduce unintentional movements of the closure element, in particular to limit its lateral movements, when the lid is in the open position.

In one embodiment, the bonded portion has a substantially constant thickness in a plane containing the separation line.

This makes the lid of the second aspect of the invention easier to manufacture as no special moulds are required to produce the triangular hinges or very thin joining lines.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the steps of:

-producing a lid for a container, the lid comprising a side wall extending around an axis and a transverse wall arranged at an end of the side wall,

-providing a separation line on the side wall, the separation line defining a securing ring intended to remain anchored to the neck of the container and a closing element removably engageable with the neck to open or close the container, wherein the separation line extends around an axis and is circumferentially interrupted so as to leave a bonding portion between the securing ring and the closing element,

-making a cut line extending transversely to the axis, so as to define, between the separation line and the cut line, two connecting strips joining the fixing ring to the joining portion.

The method according to the third aspect of the invention makes it possible to obtain a lid in a particularly simple manner, in which the closing element remains associated with the fixing ring.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for a container comprising a side wall extending about an axis and a transverse wall disposed at an end of the side wall, a line of separation being provided on the side wall for defining:

a securing ring intended to remain anchored to the neck of the container, an

wherein the separation line extends about an axis and is circumferentially interrupted to define a joining portion having an angular dimension about said axis, the lid further having a first cut-out line and a second cut-out line extending transversely to said axis to delimit the joining portion on opposite sides, the first cut-out line and the second cut-out line having respective angular extensions about the axis greater than the angular dimension of the joining portion.

The lid according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be produced in a relatively simple manner without the use of special moulds. In fact, if the first and second incision lines are made by a cutting operation, the lid according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be produced in a conventional mould. A cut line through the entire thickness of the sidewall, or a cut line that does not pass through but only partially cuts through the thickness of the sidewall, may be obtained by a cutting operation.

It is also possible to consider producing the first incision line and the second incision line by moulding in a mould for producing the cap, but without causing excessive complications to the mould due to the particularly simple shape of the first incision line and of the second incision line. In this case, the first and second incision lines may be shaped as weakening lines.

Since the first and second incision lines are located at opposite sides of the bonded portion, respectively, the first and second incision lines do not weaken the bonded portion. In the cap according to the fourth aspect of the invention, therefore, the bonded portion is relatively strong, which makes it more difficult to accidentally separate the fixing ring from the closing element.

In one embodiment, the first cut line at least partially defines one connecting band and another connecting band connecting the securing ring to the coupling portion.

The one connecting band may be defined between one peripheral portion of the first incision line and one end portion of the separation line.

The further connecting strap may be defined between a further peripheral portion of the first cut line and a further end portion of the separation line.

The joining portion is interposed between the one end portion and the other end portion of the separation line.

In one embodiment, the second cut line at least partially defines one connecting strip and another connecting strip connecting the closure element to the bonding portion.

The one connecting strip may be defined between one peripheral portion of the second incision line and one end portion of the separation line.

The further connecting strip may be defined between a further peripheral portion of the second cut line and a further end portion of the separation line.

The fixing ring is thus connected to the joining portion by the one connecting band and the other connecting band, which converge in the joining portion from two regions of the fixing ring spaced apart from each other.

The closure element is in turn connected to the joining portion by means of the one and the other connecting strip, which converge in the joining portion from two regions of the closure element spaced apart from one another.

Said one connecting strap, said other connecting strap, said one connecting strip and said other connecting strip define a particularly strong and effective hinge means.

In fact, the hinge means can move the closing element away from the fixing ring along a considerable axial distance defined by the combination of the lengths of said one connecting strip and said one connecting strip (or by the combination of the lengths of said other connecting strip and said other connecting strip). In this way, the closure element can be easily detached from the neck of the container.

The coupling parts ensure that the hinge means have a good resistance, which for the same length is certainly larger than a hinge defined only by two mutually parallel non-interconnected straps.

This reduces the risk that the closure element may accidentally detach from the securing ring and reduces the likelihood of the closure element being laterally misaligned when the lid is moved to the open position.

In one embodiment, the one connection band and the one connection strip may be symmetrically arranged with the other connection band and the other connection strip, respectively, with respect to a plane including the axis of the sidewall and the center line of the coupling portion.

This symmetrical shape reduces unintentional movement of the closure element, in particular limits lateral movement of the closure element, when the lid is in the open position.

In one embodiment, in the open position, the closure element is rotatable about a desired line passing through one end of the second incision line and through the other end of the second incision line such that an edge region of the closure element diametrically opposite the bonding portion is movable proximate the bonding portion to engage the neck.

This makes it possible to keep the closure element stably spaced from the neck in the open position, thus preventing the closure element from tending to accidentally reclose.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1 in a configuration in which the closure elements of the lid are separated from the securing ring;

fig. 3 is a perspective and broken-away view of the cap of fig. 1 applied on the neck of a container, in a configuration in which the closing element of the cap is moved into a transverse position with respect to the neck;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid according to an alternative embodiment, in a configuration in which the closure elements of the lid are initially separated from the securing ring;

FIG. 4a illustrates an enlarged detail of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a lid for a container according to an alternative embodiment;

fig. 6 is a view similar to fig. 5, viewed from the direction D shown in fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 5, in a configuration in which the closure element of the lid is separated from the securing ring;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the neck onto which the cap of FIG. 5 may be screwed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the neck of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the cap of FIG. 5 applied over the neck of FIG. 8 with the closure element of the cap disposed in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 11 in a closed position;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 11 in a configuration in which the closure elements of the lid are separated from the securing ring;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 11 in an open position applied to the neck of a container;

fig. 15 is a view similar to fig. 14, wherein the closure element of the cap interferes with the neck to remain stably open.

Fig. 1 shows a cap 1 for closing a container, in particular a bottle intended to contain a liquid substance such as a beverage. The lid 1 is made of a polymer material. Any polymeric material suitable for molding can be used to obtain the cap 1.

The lid 1 is shown in figure 1 in a closed position in which the lid 1 is in a state ready for application on a container as it leaves the lid production line. In this case, the lid 1 comprises a lateral wall 2 extending about the axis Z and a transverse wall 3 arranged at the end of the lateral wall 2 to close it. The transverse wall 3 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z. The transverse wall 3 may be flat, even though other shapes are theoretically possible. In the illustrated example, the transverse wall 3 has a substantially circular shape in plan view.

The lid 1 has a separation line 4 located on the side wall 2 and extending about the axis Z. The separation line 4 extends in a plane arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z. The separation line 4 delimits a fixing ring 5 and a closing element 6 on the lid 1. The securing rings and the closing elements are located on opposite sides of the separation line 4. As described in more detail below, when the lid 1 is transferred to the open position, the closure element 6 is separated from the fixing ring 5 along the separation line 4.

Along the separation line 4, a plurality of frangible bridges 7 can be provided, the frangible bridges 7 connecting the securing ring 5 to the closure element 6. The frangible bridges 7 are intended to break when the lid 1 is moved to the open position for the first time to signal that the container is no longer intact. The separation line 4 may be parallel to the free edge 16 of the lid 1. More specifically, the free edge 16 delimits, on the side opposite to the transverse wall 3, the fixing ring 5.

The separation line 4 does not extend for the entire angle of 360 deg. about the axis Z. The separation line 4 is interrupted in the circumferential direction to define a joining portion 8 on the side wall 2 where the closure element 6 remains joined to the fixing ring 5.

In other words, the separation line 4 has a first end 9 and a second end 10. The coupling portion 8 is interposed between the first end 9 and the second end 10. At the joining portion 8, the securing ring 5 is joined to the closure element 6.

As shown in fig. 1, the coupling portion 8 has an angular dimension W about the axis Z.

The coupling portion 8 defines a hinge band about which the closure element 6 can rotate after detachment from the neck 18 of the container to which the cap 1 is applied as shown in figure 3.

The hinge strip extends between two opposite end regions of the joining portion 8, that is to say it extends from a region of the joining portion 8 which is immediately adjacent to the first end 9 to a region of the joining portion 8 which is immediately adjacent to the second end 10.

Thus, the hinge strip defined by the joining portion 8 affects the overall angular dimension W of the joining portion 8 without interposing an arrow-shaped hinge or a region of reduced thickness.

In the example illustrated, the closure element 6 has a cup-shaped body and comprises a skirt 11 extending about the axis Z. The skirt 11 is connected to the transverse wall 3, the transverse wall 3 being arranged at the end of the skirt 11 opposite the separation line 4. In particular, the skirt 11 is connected to the transverse wall 3 by a connecting zone 12, the connecting zone 12 being shaped in cross-section like a bevelled or rounded connecting zone.

The skirt 11 has on its inner surface removable fixing means, not shown, by which the closure element 6 can be removably engaged with the neck 18 of the container. The removable fixing means may comprise, for example, an internal thread intended to engage with an external thread 17 formed on a neck 18 as shown in fig. 3.

The skirt 11 may be provided, on its outer surface, with a plurality of knurl lines 13 extending parallel to the axis Z and adapted to facilitate gripping of the cap 1 by the user or by a capping machine for applying the cap 1 to the container to be closed.

The thread rolling thread 13 may also continue in the connecting region 12 and/or the fixing ring 5.

In the example shown, the skirt 11 comprises a cylindrical portion 14 on which the thread rolling thread 13 is formed. The skirt 11 further comprises a wide portion 15 having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 14. The wide portion 15 may be defined by a smooth outer surface, that is, it may be free of a knurled line. However, this need not be the case, and the knurled line may also extend over the wide portion 15. A step 19 may be provided between the cylindrical portion 14 and the wide portion 15.

The securing ring 5 extends between the free edge 16 and the separation line 4. The fixing ring 5 may be defined by a cylindrical or truncated conical outer surface. In the closed position of the lid 1 shown in fig. 1, the securing ring 5 is coaxial with the closing element 6.

The fixing ring 5 is internally provided with engaging elements 20, as shown in fig. 2, the engaging elements 20 being adapted to engage with a circular enlargement 23, as shown in fig. 3, the circular enlargement 23 projecting from the outer surface of the neck 18. The engaging element 20 is configured to abut against the circular enlargement 23 to prevent axial movement of the fixing ring 5 away from the neck 18 when the closing element 6 is removed from the neck 18.

The engaging element 20 may be shaped like a ring-shaped element which is bent around the free edge 16 towards the inside of the fixing ring 5. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, there may be a plurality of engaging elements shaped like tabs projecting from the free edge 16 and bent towards the inside of the fixing ring 5. Alternatively, the engagement element 20 may be shaped as a continuous or interrupted enlargement projecting from the inner surface of the fixing ring 5 towards the axis Z to engage with the circular enlargement 23.

As shown in fig. 1, the lid 1 has a cut-out line 21, the cut-out line 21 extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Z on the side wall 2. In more detail, the incision line 21 is interposed between the separation line 4 and the free edge 16.

If the lid 1 is positioned in the same orientation that it will have after it has been applied to the container, that is to say with the transverse wall 3 facing upwards, the cut-out line 21 is arranged below the separation line 4. Therefore, the slit line 21 is located on the side of the fixing ring 5 with respect to the separation line 4.

The joining portion 8 is located on the opposite side of the slit line 21 with respect to the fixing ring 5. Thus, the slit line 21 defines the joining portion 8 toward the fixing ring 5.

The cut-out line 21 has an angular extension a1, measured about the axis Z, the angular extension a1 being greater than the angular distance (also measured about the axis Z) between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the separation line 4, that is to say the angular dimension W of the joining portion 8. For example, the angular extension a1 of the cut-out line 21 may be between 60 ° and 200 °, preferably between 75 ° and 180 °. The angular dimension W of the coupling portion 8 about the axis Z, i.e. the angular distance between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the separation line 4, may be between 5 ° and 40 °, preferably between 10 ° and 30 °.

In the illustrated example, the bonded portion 8 is centered with respect to the separation line 21. In other words, the midpoints of the separation lines 21 are aligned with the center line of the bonded portion 8 in a direction parallel to the Z-axis, i.e., they lie in a common plane containing the Z-axis. However, this condition is not necessary, since even a not perfectly centered positioning of the incision line 21 with respect to the joining section 8 is allowed.

In the illustrated example, the cut line 21 has a flat arcuate shape. However, other shapes are possible.

The incision line 21 and the separation line 4 may be parallel to each other, but this condition is not essential. For example, the incision line 21 and the separation line 4 may be slightly inclined with respect to each other. Alternatively, the incision line 21 may include a plurality of segments having different inclination angles, which are not necessarily parallel to each other.

As shown in fig. 1, the cut line 21 has one end 27 and another end 28. The one end portion 27 extends outside the joining portion 8 beyond the first end 9 of the separation line 4. The other end 28 also extends outside the joining portion 8, but beyond the second end 10 of the separation line 4.

The cut line 21 comprises a central portion 24 between a peripheral portion 25 and a further peripheral portion 26. The central portion 24 faces the coupling portion 8. The peripheral portion 25 faces the separation line 4, in particular the end portion of the separation line 4. More precisely, the peripheral portion 25 faces the separation line 4 in the region between the first end 9 of the separation line 4 and the end 27 of the incision line 21. The other peripheral portion 26 faces the separation line 4, in particular the other end portion of the separation line 4. More precisely, the further peripheral portion 26 faces the separation line 4 in a region between the second end 10 of the separation line 4 and the other end 28 of the incision line 21.

Between the peripheral portion 25 of the cut line 21 and the portion of the separation line 4 starting from the first end 9, a connecting band 29 for connecting the joining portion 8 to the fixing ring 5 is defined. Similarly, between the further peripheral portion 26 of the cut line 21 and the further portion of the separation line 4 starting from the second end 10, a further connecting strip 30 is defined for connecting the joining portion 8 to the fixing ring 5.

In the illustrated example, the one connecting strip 29 and the other connecting strip 30 are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane containing the axis Z and the centre line of the joining portion 8.

The incision line 21 may be shaped as a through incision through the entire thickness of the side wall 2. Although this feature is not shown in the drawings, there may be one or more frangible elements along the cut line 21 intended to break upon first opening of the lid 1.

Alternatively, the cut line 21 may be shaped as a weakening line that does not pass through the entire thickness of the side wall 2, but where the thickness of the side wall 2 is reduced relative to the surrounding area.

At the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the separation line 4, and/or at the end 27 and the other end 28 of the incision line 21, there may be an incision area 38 as shown in fig. 1. The kerf regions 38 may have a circular geometry and typically have a transverse dimension greater than the width of the corresponding kerf line or separation line. This makes it possible to prevent the propagation of fracture cracks starting from the cut lines or the separation lines. In an alternative embodiment, the cutout region 38 may not be present.

In the central part of the coupling part 8 there may be a stress-reducing slit 39, the size of which is very limited in relation to the size of the coupling part 8 in order not to adversely affect the resistance of the coupling part 8. The stress reducing slits 39 can increase the deformability of the central portion of the bonding portion 8, thereby reducing the tension in the surrounding area. The presence of the gravity-reducing slit 39 is optional.

The cap 1 is applied to the neck 18 of the container in the closed position shown in figure 1. The cap 1 is positioned in such a way that the engagement elements 20 provided inside the fixing ring 5 are located below the circular enlargement 23 present on the neck 18.

When the user wishes to open the container for the first time, the user grasps skirt 11 of closure element 6 and rotates closure element 6 about axis Z to unscrew closure element 6 from neck 18. Initially, the closing element 6 and the fixing ring 5 rotate together about the axis Z and they move together simultaneously away from the neck 18 in a direction parallel to the axis Z. This occurs until the engagement elements 20 of the fixing ring 5 abut against the circular enlargement 23 provided on the neck 18. At this time, the circular enlargement 23 acts as a stop for the movement of the fixing ring 5 away from the neck 18 to prevent the fixing ring 5 from rising further along the axis Z.

The closing element 6 unscrewed by the user continues to move along the axis Z away from the neck 18. The frangible bridges 7 are thereby tensioned until they are caused to fail. Thus, the closure element 6 is separated from the fixing ring 5 along the separation line 4, but remains connected to the fixing ring 5 at the joining portion 8.

If the user continues to unscrew the closure element 6 to move the closure element 6 along the axis Z to remove it from the neck 18, the first connecting band 29 and the second connecting band 30 are deformed. In particular, by moving the closing element 6 upwards, the first connecting strip 29 and the second connecting strip 30 are also pulled upwards. Thus, the first connecting band 29 and the second connecting band 30 are spaced apart from both the closing element 6 and the fixing ring 5 and remain joined to each other in the joining portion 8.

The first connecting band 29 and the second connecting band 30 thus adopt a trapezoidal shape as shown in figure 2, in which the neck 18 of the container is not shown. In this configuration, the first connecting strip 29 remains joined to the fixed ring 5 at the end 27 of the incision line 21. Similarly, the second connecting strip 30 remains joined to the fixing ring 5 at the other end 28 of the cut line 21.

The first and

second connection bands

29 and 30 are coupled to each other in the coupling portion 8.

In other words, the first connecting band 29 and the second connecting band 30 are arranged in an inclined configuration with respect to the fixed ring 5 and converge in the joining portion 8.

Continuing to unscrew the closure element 6, the closure element 6 is disengaged from the external thread 17 made on the neck 18, so that the container can be opened. However, the fixing ring 5 remains anchored to the neck 18. The first connecting strip 29, the second connecting strip 30 and the coupling portion 8 define a hinge arrangement 40 as shown in fig. 3, about which hinge arrangement 40 the closure element 6 can be rotated to allow access to the contents of the container by a user.

In particular, by moving the closing element 6 about the hinge means 40 after the closing element 6 has been detached from the neck 18, it is possible to move the closing element 6 into a transverse position with respect to the neck 18, so that the closing element 6 is no longer coaxial with the fixing ring 5, as shown in fig. 3. The closure element 6 can be rotated further back relative to the position shown in figure 3 to move it further away from the neck 18 and allow the user to more easily access the contents of the container.

After use, the user may return the lid 1 to the closed position shown in figure 1 by a series of operations that are reversed from the preceding sequence of operations.

The first connecting band 29 and the second connecting band 30 allow to obtain a longer hinge device 40 than would be available if only the hinge band defined by the joining portion 8 were present. By rotating the closure element 6 about the hinge arrangement 40, this makes it easier to disengage the closure element 6 from the neck 18 and reapply the closure element 6 to the neck 18.

The ability to rotate the closure element 6 about the hinge arrangement 40 can be further increased by using a lid 101 according to an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 4.

The lid 101 shown in figure 4 bears many similarities to the lid 1 shown in figures 1 to 3. Specifically, the incision line 21, the separation line 4, the bonding portion 8, the first connecting tape 29, and the second connecting tape 30 exist and are identical in structure and function to those described with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

The lid 101 differs from the lid 1 in that the side wall 2 has a pair of break lines 41, which break lines 41 extend from the joining portion 8 towards the transverse wall 3.

In particular, a first fracture line of the above-mentioned pair of fracture lines 41 extends from the first end 9 of the separation line 4 towards the transverse wall 3, while a second fracture line extends from the second end 10 of the separation line 4 towards the transverse wall 3.

Between the break lines 41 is a flexible strip 42, the flexible strip 42 connecting the closure element 6 to the bonding portion 8.

In the illustrated example, the fracture lines 41 are parallel to each other, but this condition is not essential.

In the example shown, the fracture line 41 extends parallel to the axis Z. However, this condition is not essential, and the fracture line 41 may be slightly inclined with respect to the axis Z.

The break lines 41 may have the same length.

The fracture line 41 may be shaped as a cut through the entire thickness of the closure element 6. In this case, there may be one or more junction points along the break line 41 intended to break when the lid 101 is moved to the open position for the first time.

In an alternative embodiment, the breaking line 41 may be shaped as a weakening line where the closure element 6 has a reduced thickness relative to the surrounding area. Along these weakening lines, the material constituting the closure element 6 is intended to break when the lid 101 is opened for the first time.

To move the lid 101 to the open position, the process is as previously described with reference to fig. 1-3. In particular, the closing element 6 of the cap 101 is unscrewed from the neck 18 until the position shown in fig. 4 is reached, in which the internal thread formed in the closing element 6 is completely disengaged from the external thread 17 formed on the neck 18. At this time, the closing member 6 of the cover 101 can be rotated backward by an angle larger than that of the closing member 6 of the cover 1 due to the breaking line 41 which increases flexibility and deformability of the corresponding hinge device. Fig. 5 to 7 and 10 show a cover 201 according to another embodiment. Parts of the cover 201 common to the cover 1 described with reference to fig. 1 to 3 will be denoted by reference numerals already used in fig. 1 to 3 and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. Unless a difference is explicitly provided, what was described previously with reference to the lid 1 is to be understood as also applying to the lid 201.

As shown in fig. 5 to 7 and 10, the lid 201 includes a side wall 2 extending about the axis Z and a transverse wall 3 located at an end of the side wall 2 to close the end.

The lid 201 is further provided with a separation line 4 on the side wall 2, the separation line 4 delimiting a fixing ring 5 and a closing element 6 on the lid 201. Due to the at least one engagement element provided inside the fixing ring 5, the fixing ring 5 is intended to remain anchored to the neck of the container on which the cap 201 is applied. In contrast, the closure element 6 is adapted to be removably engaged with the neck, since removable fixing means are provided inside the skirt 11. In this way, the closure element 6 can be moved between a closed position shown in fig. 5 and 6 and an open position shown in fig. 10.

The separation line 4 extends about the axis Z and is circumferentially interrupted to define a joining portion 8 on the lateral wall 2, the closure element 6 being joined to the fixed ring 5 by means of the joining portion 8.

A cut line 21 is further provided on the side wall 2. In the example illustrated, the cut line 21 is axially interposed between the free edge 16 of the fixed ring 5 and the separation line 4.

Between the separation line 4 and the incision line 21, two connection bands, i.e., one connection band 29 and the other connection band 30, are defined, which couple the fixing ring 5 with the coupling portion 8.

In particular, the connecting strip 29 extends between the peripheral portion 25 of the incision line 21 and a portion of the separation line 4 starting from the first end 9 of the separation line. Similarly, a further connecting strip 30 extends between the further peripheral portion 26 of the cut line 21 and a further portion of the separation line 4 starting from the second end 10.

The one connecting band 29 and the other connecting band 30 may be arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane containing the axis Z and the center line of the joining portion 8.

Fig. 8 and 9 show a neck 218 onto which the cap 201 may be applied. The neck 218 extends about a longitudinal axis Z1. When the cap 201 is applied on the neck 218 and the closure element 6 is in the closed position, the axis Z of the side wall 2 coincides with the longitudinal axis Z1.

The neck 218 is bounded by an outer surface 219, which outer surface 219 is cylindrical and coaxial with the longitudinal axis Z1 in the illustrated example.

The outer surface 219 extends all the way to the rim 220 of the neck 218. The rim 220 surrounds an opening 221 and when the closure element 6 is in the open position, access to the container can be gained through the opening 221. Vice versa, the closing element 6 closes the opening 221 when the opening 221 is arranged in the closed position.

The neck 218 comprises a collar 222, the collar 222 being adapted to prevent the fixation ring 5 from descending along the neck 218 below a predetermined level. In addition, collar 222 may be used to transport containers during manufacturing, filling, and capping processes.

The outer surface 219 extends from the collar 222 to the rim 220.

Projecting from the outer surface 219 is a circular enlargement 223, the circular enlargement 223 being adapted to engage with an engagement element provided inside the securing ring 5 to prevent the securing ring 5 from disengaging from the neck 218.

The circular enlargement 223 may include a frustoconical portion 224 that increases in diameter in a direction from the rim 220 toward the collar 222.

The circular enlargement 223 is delimited on the side opposite the rim 220 by an abutment surface 225 against which at least one engagement element of the fixing ring 5 abuts.

The cylindrical portion of the circular enlargement 223 may be interposed between the frustoconical portion 224 and the abutment surface 225.

However, other geometries for the circular enlargement 223 are possible. The neck 218 comprises at least one removable fixing element with which removable fixing means formed inside the closing element 6 can be engaged to allow the closing element 6 to be applied alternatively on the neck 218 or removed from the neck 218.

The at least one removable fixation element may comprise an external thread 217 formed on the outer surface 219, in particular protruding from the outer surface 219.

When the closure element 6 is in the closed position, the cap 201 is intended to be applied on the neck 218. In particular, the cap 201 is applied on the neck 218 in such a way that at least one engagement element provided inside the fixing ring 5 is located below the circular enlargement 223, in particular in a position interposed between the collar 222 and the circular enlargement 223.

When the user acts on the cap 201 for the first time to move the closure element 6 to the open position, the closure element 6 is unscrewed, i.e. rotated about the longitudinal axis Z1 and simultaneously moved away from the collar 222. The fixing ring 5, which is coupled to the closing element 6 by the frangible bridges 7, initially moves together with the closing element 6. When at least one engagement element provided inside the securing ring 5 abuts against the abutment surface 225, the securing ring 5 cannot be raised further along the neck 218. On the other hand, as the user continues to unscrew the closure element 6, the closure element 6 moves further away from the container body and simultaneously rotates progressively about the longitudinal axis Z1. In this way, the breakable bridges 7 arranged along the separation line 4 are subjected to stresses that cause them to break. When the closure element 6 is unscrewed, the connecting

strips

29, 30 are also deformed. In particular, as the closing element 6 is progressively moved away from the fixing ring 5 during unscrewing, the connecting

bands

29, 30 are positioned in an inclined position with respect to the fixing ring 5, so as to be detached from the fixing ring 5 along the incision line 21. The closure element 6 is also separated from the connecting

strips

29, 30. Any frangible elements located along the cut line 21 break.

In this way, the position shown in fig. 7 is reached, wherein the neck is not shown. The position shown in fig. 7 can be defined as a disengaged position, since in the position shown in fig. 7 the removable fixing means formed inside the closing element 6 have been disengaged from the thread 217 of the neck 218.

At this point, the closing element 6 can be rotated relative to the fixing ring 5 to move it into the open position shown in fig. 10, in which the closing element 6 is arranged on one side of the neck 218 and the axis Z of the closing element 6 no longer coincides with the longitudinal axis Z1 of the neck 218.

These connecting

strips

29, 30 are deformable, so that not only the closing element 6 but also the coupling part 8 rotate relative to the neck 218.

As shown more clearly in fig. 7, the coupling portion 8 is delimited by an edge 50, the edge 50 facing the fixed ring 5 in the closed position of the closure element 6 (and generally before the closure element 6 is rotated with respect to the fixed ring 5 to move to the open position). More specifically, the edge 50 is defined on the side wall 2 towards the closing element 6 by the incision line 21.

When the closure element 6 is transferred from the disengaged position to the open position, the coupling portion 8 is turned over with respect to the neck 218. Thus, the edge 50 facing the fixing ring 5 in the disengaged position (and also in the closed position) is positioned so that it faces the rim 220 of the neck 218, that is to say upwards in fig. 10.

In order to make this possible, the coupling portion 8, and in particular the edge 50 thereof, slides along the truncated-cone portion 224 of the circular enlargement 223 and simultaneously rotates with respect to the connection strips 29, 30. Assuming that the neck 218 is positioned with the opening 221 facing upward, the edge 50 reaches a height above the circular enlargement 223. Thus, the engaging portion 8 is positioned at least partially over the circular enlargement 223, resting on the neck 218. In particular, the engagement portion 8 rests on the outer surface 219 above the circular enlargement 223.

In this way, an interference is generated between the neck 218 and the coupling portion 8, in particular along the edge 50 and close to the latter. There may also be interference between the

straps

29, 30 and the neck 218. This allows the closure element 6 to be held stably in the open position. In fact, in order to return the closing element 6 to the closed position, it is necessary to overcome the interference between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218. Normally, this does not happen accidentally, but only if the user intentionally applies sufficient force to the closure element 6, that is to say if the user wishes to move the closure element 6 into the closed position.

Further, due to the rotation of the fixing ring 5 around the neck 218, the interference occurring between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218 makes it difficult for the cap 201 to be able to rotate around the neck 218. In practice, the fixing ring 5 is connected to the coupling portion 8 by connecting

bands

29, 30. Thus, the fixing ring 5 cannot rotate freely around the neck 218, but only if the interference between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218 is overcome.

In order to enable the coupling part 8 to rotate when the closure element 6 is transferred from the disengaged position to the open position, the connecting

strips

29, 30 are subjected to a twist, which affects at least part of the height H of each connecting

strip

29, 30. The term "height H" of the connecting

strips

29, 30 refers to the dimension of the connecting

strips

29, 30 in a direction parallel to the axis Z of the side wall 2 when the closure element 6 is in the closed position, as shown in fig. 5.

In the illustrated example, in which the separation line 4 and the incision line 21 lie in respective planes parallel to each other, the height H of the connecting

strips

29, 30 is constant along the entire length of the connecting

strips

29, 30 and the two connecting

strips

29, 30 are equal. As shown in fig. 5 to 7 and 10, a knurl line 13 is provided on the closure element 6. The stitch line 13 may extend parallel to the axis Z.

In the illustrated example, the separation line 4 intersects the knurl line 13. In other words, the stitch line 13 extends on both sides of the separation line 4, i.e. above and below the separation line 4.

This occurs because the separation line 4 is provided as close as possible to the removable fixing means arranged inside the closure element 6, i.e. to the internal thread. In this way, the height H of the connecting

strips

29, 30 can be increased.

Thus, as shown in fig. 10, the connecting

strips

29, 30 comprise a first portion 51 provided with the knurl thread 13 and a smooth second portion 52. The widened portion 53 may be provided between the first portion 51 and the second portion 52.

In the example shown, when the coupling portion 8 is rotated so that the edge 50 faces the rim 220, the second portion 52 of the connecting

strips

29, 30 is twisted and passes under the first portion 51. As with the widened portion 53, the first portion 51, if present, instead expands radially, but does not undergo substantial twisting.

Due to the deformation of the connection strips 29, 30, the joining portion 8 can rest on the neck 218 with the edge 50 facing the rim 220 without the need to provide weakening or breaking lines in the joining portion 8 and/or in the connection strips 29, 30. In this way, the production of the cap 201 is not complicated.

In the closed position, when the edge 50 faces the fixing ring 5, there is a small amount of play between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218. When the closure element 6 is moved to the open position, the engagement portion 8 starts to rotate and starts to interfere with the neck 218. The interference between the coupling part 8 and the neck 218 is at a maximum when the coupling part 8 is arranged approximately in a plane perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the neck 218, in particular perpendicular to its longitudinal axis Z1. When the joining portion 8 is turned over, i.e. when the edge 50 is moved over the connecting

strips

29, 30, the interference between the joining portion 8 and the neck 218 is reduced. In the open position, the interference between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218 is still present, although it is less than the maximum.

When the position where the interference reaches the maximum is crossed, a vibration is felt by the user who manually rotates the closure element 6 to move it to the open position. This vibration is perceived by the hand of the user who is moving the closure element 6 as a discontinuity in the motion of the closure element 6. In other words, the closure element 6 snaps into place beyond the point where the interference between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218 reaches a maximum, and the user perceives this snapping movement.

In this way, the user determines that the closure element 6 has been moved correctly to the open position.

The vibration may also be accompanied by a sound such as a "click" that the user can hear, but this is not required.

The above-described cap 201 ensures not only that the closure element 6 is stably held in the open position, but also that in the open position the closure element 6 is rotated backwards relative to the neck by a wide opening angle a1, as shown in fig. 10.

In particular, angle a1 may be greater than or equal to 140 °. This is so that the closure element 6 does not hit the face of a user drinking directly from the bottle to which the cap 201 is applied in an undesirable manner, or the closure element 6 does not obstruct the dispensing of the liquid contained in the bottle into a container, such as a glass.

Experiments have shown that several geometrical parameters of the cap 201 and/or the neck 218 are advantageous for the behavior described earlier with reference to fig. 10.

In particular, on the neck 218, an outer or maximum diameter Dmax of the circular enlargement 223 may be defined, as shown in fig. 8. The diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 of the neck 218 at a location directly above the enlarged circular portion 223, that is, between the enlarged circular portion 223 and the external threads 217, may also be defined. In the illustrated example, the diameter Ds directly above the circular enlargement 223 coincides with the diameter of the outer surface 219 in the region between the external thread 217 and the rim 220, but this condition is not essential.

Δ indicates the difference between the outer diameter Dmax of the circular enlarged portion 223 and the diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 immediately above the circular enlarged portion 223.

In the illustrated example, the outer diameter Dmax of the circular enlargement 223 is 30.2 mm.

The diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 immediately above the circular enlarged portion 223 is 28 mm.

The difference Δ between Dmax and Ds is 30.2-28 ═ 2.2 mm.

Half of the difference delta indicates how far the circular enlargement 223 protrudes relative to the outer surface 219.

As mentioned above, H indicates the height of the connecting

strips

29, 30, that is to say the distance between the line of separation 4 and the line of incision 21, measured parallel to the axis Z, when the closure element 6 is in the closed position.

In the illustrated example, the height H is 2.8 mm.

The ratio R1 between the height H and half of the difference Δ is thus 2.8/1.1, that is to say 2.55.

As defined above, the ratio R1 between the proposed height H and half of the difference Δ is greater than or equal to 1.5. Preferably, the above ratio R1 is greater than or equal to 2. Even more preferably R1 is greater than or equal to 2.5.

This ensures that the height H of the connecting

strips

29, 30 is correctly proportional to the distance the circular enlargement 223 protrudes from the outer surface 219.

More specifically, if the ratio R1 is less than 1.5, it may happen that the interference generated between the coupling portion 8 and the neck 218 is not sufficient to stably lock the closure element 6 in the open position in which the opening angle a1 is greater than or equal to 120 °, preferably greater than or equal to 140 °.

In the illustrated example, one-half of the difference Δ between the outer diameter Dmax of the circular enlargement 223 and the diameter Ds of the outer surface 219 of the neck 218 is Δ/2 ═ 1.1 mm.

Even if a value of the difference Δ other than the above is used, a properly functioning cap 201 can be obtained. In general, experiments have shown that a relatively low difference Δ (and therefore Δ/2) helps to obtain a behavior of the type shown in fig. 10.

The coupling portion 8 has an angular dimension W about the axis Z of the side wall, which has been explicitly indicated in fig. 1 and can be defined in the same way with reference to the lid 201.

In the illustrated example, the angular dimension W of the joining portion 8 is 54 °.

In general, the angular dimension W may be greater than or equal to 20 °, preferably greater than or equal to 25 °.

Furthermore, the angular dimension W may be less than or equal to 120 °, preferably less than or equal to 90 °.

Experiments have shown that if the angular dimension W is greater than 120 deg., the connecting

strips

29, 30 may break when the closure element 6 is rotated to move it to the open position.

Conversely, if W is less than 20 °, it may happen that the joining portion 8 is not successful in stably maintaining the closure element 6 in the open position in which the opening angle a1 is greater than or equal to 120 °, preferably greater than or equal to 140 °.

A distance Y may also be defined between the circular enlargement 223 and at least one removable fixation element disposed on the neck 219, as shown in fig. 8. In other words, the distance Y is measured between the upper limit of the circular enlarged portion 223 and the starting point of the external thread 217.

The distance Y may be greater than or equal to half the distance between the separation line 4 and the incision line 21, i.e. half the height H. However, this condition is not essential.

An angle a may be defined between a generatrix of the frustoconical portion 224 and a line parallel to the longitudinal axis Z1, as shown in fig. 8.

In the illustrated example, the angle a is 30 °.

More generally, angle a is preferably less than or equal to 35 °.

This reduces the risk that the engaging portion 8 cannot slide correctly on the circular enlargement 223, in particular in the vicinity of the outer diameter Dmax, and then stops steadily in contact with the neck 218.

When the user wishes to reclose the container, the closure element 6 can be returned to the closed position by a series of operations reverse to the preceding sequence of operations. In particular, the user rotates the closure element 6 with respect to the neck 218 to return it to the closed position. Consequently, the coupling portion 8 is also rotated to return the edge 50 below the

connection bands

29, 30 to a position facing the fixing ring 5. When the rim 50 disengages from the neck 218, the user perceives a vibration or quick motion feedback, which may (but need not) be accompanied by a "click" sound. In this way, the user realizes that the closure element 6 is ready to be screwed onto the neck 218 again. In fact, the disengagement position has been reached, from which the closing element 6 can be screwed again onto the neck 218 to move it into the closing position.

In the example described so far, the separation line 4 is located in the portion of the side wall 2 where the stitch line 13 is present.

However, this condition is not essential. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the separation line 4 may be made in a portion of the side wall 2, wherein this portion of the side wall 2 is externally delimited by a substantially smooth outer surface. That is, the separation line 4 may be located at a portion of the sidewall 2 without the linear stitching 13, for example between the linear stitching 13 and the free edge 16. Thus, in the alternative embodiment just described, the connection strips 29, 30 are externally delimited by a smooth surface, that is to say a surface without knurl wires.

The cover 201 is also particularly easy to manufacture.

In practice, the lid 201 can be obtained starting from a concave body comprising the lateral walls 2 and the transverse walls 3. The concave body is manufactured by moulding a polymer material, for example compression moulding or injection moulding.

After forming the concave body, a separation line 4 and a cut line 21 are made on the sidewall 2.

The separation line 4 and the incision line 21 can be made by a cutting operation, for example in a cutting unit located downstream of the mould in which the concave body has been formed. Such cutting operations may be performed by means of respective blades, for example circular or linear blades, interacting with the lateral wall 2 from the outside or from the inside of the lateral wall 2. In particular, the concave body can rotate about the axis Z of the lateral wall 2, while the blades are held in their position, so that successive areas of the lateral wall 2 interact one after the other with the blades. It is also possible to hold the concave body in place and rotate the blade to make the cut. The blade allowing to obtain the separation line 4 and the incision line 21 may be configured to interact with the lateral wall 2 in respective parallel planes, for example with the lateral wall 2 in respective parallel planes perpendicular to the axis Z, if, as in the desired example, the separation line 4 and the incision line 21 lie in the respective parallel planes.

The insert may have an interrupted cutting edge if the frangible bridges 7 remain defined along the separation line 4 and/or if the respective frangible elements remain defined along the cut line 21.

It is also possible that the blade does not cut through the entire thickness of the side wall 2, but only partially through the thickness of the side wall 2, so as to leave a film along the cut line 21 and/or along the separation line 4 that breaks when the lid is opened for the first time.

The separation line 4 and the incision line 21 may be manufactured simultaneously or during two separate steps.

Thus, the cap 201 is particularly easy to produce, since the concave body can be formed in a common mold. No undercut or thinned portions are required other than those typically provided for known types of lids.

While the separation line 4 is obtained, an additional operation, namely making the cut line 21, can be performed very simply.

Fig. 11 and 12 show a cap 301 for closing a container, in particular a bottle intended to contain a liquid substance such as a beverage. The cover 301 is made of a polymer material. Any polymer suitable for molding may be used to obtain the cover 301.

The lid 301 is shown in figures 11 and 12 in a closed position in which the lid 301 is in a condition ready for application to a container as it leaves the lid production line. In this case, the cover 301 includes a side wall 302 extending about the axis Y and a transverse wall 303 located at an end of the side wall 302 to close the end. The transverse wall 303 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Y. The transverse wall 303 may be flat, but other shapes are theoretically possible. In the illustrated example, the transverse wall 303 has a generally circular shape in plan view.

The cover 301 has a separation line 304 arranged on the side wall 302 and extending about the axis Y. The separation line 304 extends in a plane arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Y. The separation line 304 forms a fixing ring 305 and a closure element 306 in the lid 301. The securing loops and closure elements are disposed on opposite sides of the separation line 304. As described in more detail below, when the lid 301 is moved to the open position, the closure element 306 separates from the securing ring 305 along a separation line 304.

Along the separation line 304, there may be a plurality of frangible bridges 307, the frangible bridges 307 connecting the securing ring 305 to the closure element 306. Frangible bridge 307 is intended to break when the lid 301 is first moved to the open position to signal that the container is no longer intact.

The separation line 304 may be parallel to the free edge 316 of the cover 301. More specifically, the free edge 316 delimits the securing ring 305 on the opposite side to the transverse wall 303.

The separation line 304 does not extend the entire angle of 360 deg. about the axis Y. The separation line 304 is interrupted in the circumferential direction to define a joining portion 308 on the side wall 302 where the closure element 306 remains joined to the fixing ring 305.

In other words, the split line 304 has a first end 309 and a second end 310. The coupling portion 308 is interposed between the first end 309 and the second end 310. At the joining portion 308, the securing ring 305 is joined to the closure element 306.

As shown in fig. 11, the coupling portion 308 has an angular dimension W1 about the axis Y.

In the example shown, the closure element 306 has a cup-shaped body and comprises a skirt 311 extending about the axis Y. The skirt 311 is connected to the transverse wall 303, the transverse wall 303 being arranged at an end of the skirt 311 opposite to the separation line 304. More specifically, the skirt 311 is connected to the lateral wall 303 by a connection zone 312, the cross-sectional shape of the connection zone 12 may be like a hypotenuse or a circular connection portion.

The skirt 311 has on its inner surface removable fixing means, not shown, by which the closure element 306 can be removably engaged with the neck 318 of the container, as shown in figures 14 and 15. The removable securing means may comprise, for example, internal threads intended to engage with external threads 317 (shown in fig. 14 and 15) formed on the neck 318.

The skirt 311 may have, on its outer surface, a plurality of knurl lines 313 extending parallel to the axis Y and intended to facilitate gripping of the cap 301 by a user or by a capping machine that applies the cap 301 to the container to be closed.

The knurled wire 313 may also continue in the attachment area 312 and/or the securing ring 305.

In the example shown, skirt 311 includes a cylindrical portion 314 on which a roll wire 313 is formed. The skirt 311 also includes a wide portion 315 having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 314. The wide portion 315 may be defined by a smooth outer surface, that is, it may be free of a knurled line. However, this is not essential, and the knurled line may also extend over the wide portion 315. There may be a step 319 between the cylindrical portion 314 and the wide portion 315.

The securing ring 305 extends between the free edge 316 and the separation line 304. The retaining ring 305 may be defined by a cylindrical or frustoconical outer surface. In the closed position of the lid 11 shown in fig. 301, the securing ring 305 is coaxial with the closure element 306.

The fixing ring 305 is internally provided with engaging elements 320, fig. 13, the engaging elements 20 being adapted to engage with a circular enlargement 323, fig. 14, the circular enlargement 23 projecting from the outer surface of the neck 318. The engagement element 320 is configured to abut against the circular enlargement 323 to prevent axial movement of the securing ring 305 away from the neck 318 when the closure element 306 is removed from the neck 318.

The engaging element 320 may be shaped like a ring-shaped element that curves around the free edge 316 towards the inside of the securing ring 305. In an alternative embodiment not shown, there may be a plurality of engaging elements shaped like tabs projecting from the free edge 316 and bent towards the inside of the fixing ring 305. Alternatively, the engagement element 320 may be shaped as a continuous or interrupted enlargement protruding from the inner surface of the fixing ring 305 towards the axis Y to engage with the circular enlargement 323.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the cover 301 has a first slit line 321 and a second slit line 322 provided on the side wall 302 and located on two different levels from each other. More specifically, if the lid 301 is positioned in the same direction that it will have after it has been applied to the container, that is to say with the transverse wall 303 facing upwards, the first incision line 321 is arranged below the separation line 304. On the other hand, the second incision line 322 is arranged above the separation line 304. In other words, the first and

second cut lines

321, 322 are disposed on opposite sides of the separation line 304.

The first cut line 321 is disposed closer to the free edge 316 than the second cut line 322. In practice, the first cut line 321 is arranged on one side of the fixing ring 305 with respect to the separation line 304.

The second incision line 322 is arranged closer to the transverse wall 303 than the first incision line 321. In practice, the second cut line 322 is disposed on one side of the closure element 306 relative to the separation line 304.

The bonded portion 308 is interposed between the first cut line 321 and the second cut line 322. The first and second cut lines 321, 232 extend transverse to the axis Y, thereby defining bonded portions 308 on opposite sides of the separation line 304.

In other words, the first and

second incision lines

321, 322 face each other, i.e., are not offset, such that the joining portion 308 is interposed therebetween.

First incision line 321 and second incision line 322 have respective angular extensions a1 and a2, measured about axis Y, the angular extensions a1 and a2 being greater than the angular distance (also measured about axis Y) between first end 309 and second end 310 of separation line 304, that is, the angular dimension W1 of bonding portion 308. For example, the angular extension a1 of the first kerf line 321 and the extension angle a2 of the second kerf line 322 may be between 60 ° and 200 °, preferably between 75 ° and 180 °. The angular dimension W1 of the coupling portion 308 about the axis Y, i.e. the angular distance between the first end 309 and the second end 310 of the separation line 304, may be between 5 ° and 75 °, preferably between 10 ° and 40 °.

The first and

second incision lines

321, 322 may have the same angular extension about the Y-axis, or different angular extensions about the Y-axis from each other. In other words, the angular extensions a1 and a2 may be the same as or different from each other.

In the illustrated example, the joining portion 308 is centered with respect to the first parting line 321 and the second parting line 322. In other words, the midpoint of the separation line 321, the midpoint of the separation line 322, and the centerline of the bonded portion 308 are aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the axis Y, that is, they lie in a common plane containing the axis Y. However, this condition is not necessary as slight misalignment between the first and

second incision lines

321, 322 and/or imperfect centering of the first and

second incision lines

321, 322 relative to the bonding portion 308 is allowed.

In the example shown, the first and

second cut lines

321, 322 each have a flat arcuate shape. However, other shapes are possible.

The first incision line 321 and the second incision line 322 may be parallel to each other, but this condition is not necessarily required. For example, the first and

second incision lines

321, 322 may be slightly inclined with respect to each other, or each incision line may include a plurality of segments having different inclination angles, which are not necessarily parallel to each other.

In the example shown, the first incision line 321 and the second incision line extend perpendicularly to the axis Y, that is to say they extend in respective planes which are oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis Y. However, such conditions are not necessary either.

As shown in fig. 1, the first kerf line 321 has one end 327 and another end 328. The one end portion 327 extends outside the bonded portion 308 beyond the first end 309 of the split line 304. The other end 328 also extends outside the bonded portion 308, but beyond the second end 310 of the split line 304.

The first kerf line 321 includes a central portion 324 between one peripheral portion 325 and another peripheral portion 326. The central portion 324 faces the coupling portion 308. The peripheral portion 325 faces the separation line 304, particularly an end portion of the separation line 304. More precisely, the peripheral portion 325 faces the separation line 304 in a region between the first end 309 of the separation line 304 and the end 327 of the first incision line 321. The other peripheral portion 326 faces the separation line 304, particularly the other end portion of the separation line 304. More specifically, the further peripheral portion 326 faces the separation line 304 in a region between the second end 310 of the separation line 304 and the other end 328 of the first incision line 321.

Between the peripheral portion 325 of the first incision line 321 and the portion of the separation line 304 starting from the first end 309, a connecting band 329 for connecting the joining portion 308 to the fixing ring 305 is defined. Similarly, between the further peripheral portion 326 of the first incision line 321 and the further portion of the separation line 304 starting from the second end 310, a further connection strip 330 is defined for connecting the joining portion 308 to the fixing ring 305.

The second incision line 322 has one end 331 and the other end 332. The one end portion 331 extends outside the joining portion 308 beyond the first end 309 of the separation line 304. The other end 332 also extends outside the bonded portion 308, but beyond the second end 310 of the split line 304.

The second kerf line 322 includes a central portion 333 between one peripheral portion 334 and another peripheral portion 335. The central portion 333 faces the coupling portion 308. The one peripheral portion 334 faces the separation line 304 in a region between the first end 309 of the separation line 304 and the end 331 of the second incision line 322. Another peripheral portion 335 faces the separation line 304 in a region between the second end 310 of the separation line 304 and the other end 332 of the second incision line 322.

Between the peripheral portion 334 of the second cut line 322 and the portion of the separation line 304 starting from the first end 309, a connecting strip 336 is defined for connecting the joining portion 308 to the closure element 306. Similarly, between another peripheral portion 335 of the second cut line 322 and another portion of the separation line 304 from the second end 310, another connecting strip 337 is defined for connecting the bonding portion 308 to the closure element 306.

In the example shown, the connecting band 329 and the connecting strip 336 are arranged symmetrically to the further connecting band 330 and the further connecting strip 337, respectively, with respect to a plane containing the axis Y and the centre line of the joining portion 308.

The first incision line 321 is free from any connection with the second incision line 322, i.e., is isolated from the second incision line 322. More specifically, there is no cut line on the cover 301 passing through the bonding portion 308 to connect the first cut line 321 to the second cut line 322. This prevents the resistance of the bonding portion 308 from being adversely affected.

The first cut line 321 and the second cut line 322 may be formed as through cuts that extend through the entire thickness of the sidewall 302. Although this feature is not shown in the drawings, there may be one or more frangible elements along the first cut line 321 and along the second cut line 322 that are intended to be broken upon first opening of the lid 301.

Alternatively, the first and

second cut lines

321, 322 may be formed as a line of weakness that does not pass through the entire thickness of the sidewall 302, but at which the thickness of the sidewall 302 is reduced relative to the surrounding area.

At the first 309 and second 310 ends of the separation line 304, and/or at the end 327 and the other end 328 of the first incision line 321, and/or at the end 331 and the other end 332 of the second incision line 322, there may be an incision region 338 as shown in fig. 12. The cutout region 338 may have a circular geometry and generally has a transverse dimension greater than the width of the corresponding cut or separation line. This makes it possible to prevent the propagation of fracture cracks starting from the cut lines or the separation lines. In an alternative embodiment, the cutout region 338 may not be present.

At the central portion of the bonding portion 308, there may be a stress-reducing notch 339 whose size is very limited relative to the size of the bonding portion 308 so as not to adversely affect the resistance of the bonding portion 308. The stress reducing cutout 339 may increase the deformability of the central portion of the bonding portion 308, thereby reducing the tension in the surrounding area. The presence of the stress reducing notch 339 is optional.

The cap 301 is applied to the neck 318 of the container in the closed position shown in figures 11 and 12. The cap 301 is positioned in such a way that the engagement elements 320 provided in the fixing ring 305 are located below a circular enlargement 323 present on the neck 318.

When the user wishes to open the container for the first time, the user grasps the skirt 311 of the closure element 306 and rotates the closure element 306 about axis Y to unscrew the closure element 306 from the neck 318. Initially, the closure element 306 and the fixing ring 305 rotate together about the axis Y and they move together simultaneously away from the neck 318 in a direction parallel to the axis Y. This occurs until the engagement elements 320 of the securing ring 305 abut against the circular enlargement 323 provided on the neck 318. At this time, the circular enlarged portion 323 serves as a stopper for movement of the fixing ring 305 away from the neck 318 to prevent the fixing ring 305 from being further raised along the axis Y.

The closure element 306, unscrewed by the user, continues to move along the axis Y away from the neck 318. The frangible bridge 307 is thereby tensioned until failure results. Thus, the closure element 306 is separated from the securing ring 305 along the separation line 304, but remains bonded to the securing ring 305 at the bonded portion 308.

If the user continues to unscrew the closure element 306 to move the closure element 306 along the axis Y to remove it from the neck 318, the connecting

bands

329, 330 and the connecting

strips

336, 337 are deformed. More specifically, by moving the closure element 306 upward, the connecting

strips

336, 337 are also pulled upward. Thus, the connecting

strips

336, 337 are spaced apart from the closure element 306 and remain bonded to one another in the bonded portion 308. The connecting

straps

329, 330 are also pulled upward and thus moved away from the securing ring 305. The

connection bands

329, 330 remain coupled to each other in the coupling portion 308.

The connecting strips 329, 330 and the connecting

strips

336, 337 thus take the form of an "X" as shown in figure 13, in which the neck 318 of the container is not shown. In this configuration, the first connecting strap 329 remains joined to the securing ring 305 at the end 327 of the first kerf line 321. Similarly, the second connecting strap 330 remains coupled to the securing ring 305 at the other end 328 of the first kerf line 321. The connecting strip 336 remains joined to the closure element 306 at the end 331 of the second cut line 322. The other connecting strip 337 remains joined to the closure element 306 at the other end 332 of the second cut line 322.

The connecting strips 329, 330 and the connecting

strips

336, 337 are bonded together at the bonding portion 308.

The connecting

bands

329, 330 are arranged in an inclined configuration relative to the fixed ring 305 and converge in the joining portion 308. Similarly, the connecting

strips

336, 337 are arranged in an inclined configuration with respect to the closure element 306 on the opposite side with respect to the connecting

strips

329, 330 and converge in the joining portion 308.

Continuing to unscrew the closure element 306, it disengages from the external thread 317 made on the neck 318, so that the container can be opened. However, the securing ring 305 remains anchored to the neck 318. The connecting strips 329,330, connecting strips 336,337 and joining portion 308 form a hinge arrangement 340 as shown in figure 14 about which the closure element 306 can be rotated to allow a user to access the contents of the container.

More specifically, by moving the closure element 306 about the hinge structure 340 after the closure element 306 has been disengaged from the neck 318, the closure element 306 can be moved to a lateral position relative to the neck 318 such that the closure element 306 is no longer coaxial with the securing ring 305. In addition, the orientation of the concave surface defined within the interior of the closure element 306 may be changed. Thus, the concavity does not always remain downward as when the closure element 306 is applied to a container in the closed position.

When the user terminates unscrewing the closure element 306 from the neck 318 and the closure element 306 is about to be disengaged from the neck 318, the "X" configuration shown in fig. 13 is achieved. Subsequently, when the closure element 306 is arranged in a transverse position with respect to the neck 318, the connecting

bands

329, 330 can be moved again close to the fixing ring 305, as shown in fig. 14. As shown in fig. 14, the closure element can now be rotated about an ideal line passing through the end 331 and the other end 332 of the second cut line 322 such that the concavity defined inside the closure element 306 is facing primarily downward.

At this point, as shown in fig. 15, an edge region 341 of the closure element 306 proximate the separation line 311 may move toward the neck 318 until engaging a protrusion projecting outwardly from the neck 318, such as a portion of the external threads 317. The edge region 341 may be diametrically opposed to the bonding portion 308.

In this manner, the closure element 306 remains stably locked in a transverse position relative to the neck 318, away from a dispensing opening 342 formed in the interior of the neck 318, through which dispensing opening 342 access to the contents of the container is provided. This prevents the closure element 306 from obstructing access to the container and/or spillage of the substance contained therein from the container back to a position where the dispensing opening 342 is at least partially blocked. More specifically, if the container is a bottle containing a liquid for drinking when the user rests his/her lips directly on the neck 318, premature reclosing of the closure element 306, and thus bumping against the user's face, may be avoided.

In summary, in a first embodiment, a lid for a container is provided, comprising a lateral wall (302) extending about an axis (Y) and a transverse wall (303) arranged at an end of the lateral wall (302), a separation line (304) provided on the lateral wall (302) for delimiting:

-a securing ring (315) intended to remain anchored to the neck (318) of the container, and

-a closure element (306) removably engageable with the neck (318) to open or close the container;

wherein the separation line (304) extends about an axis (Y) and is circumferentially interrupted to define a joining portion (308) having an angular dimension (W1) about the axis (Y),

the lid (301) further has a first incision line (321) and a second incision line (322) extending transversely to the axis (Y) to delimit the joining portion (8) on opposite sides, the first incision line (321) and the second incision line (322) having respective angular extensions (a1, a2) about the axis (Y) greater than an angular dimension (W1) of the joining portion (308).

In a second embodiment, a lid according to the first embodiment is provided, wherein the first incision line (321) at least partially defines one connecting strip (329) and another connecting strip (330) connecting the fixing ring (305) to the joining portion (308), and wherein the second incision line 3(22) at least partially defines one connecting strip (336) and another connecting strip (337) connecting the closing element (306) to the joining portion (308).

In a third embodiment, there is provided a lid according to the second embodiment, wherein a connecting band (329) is defined between one peripheral portion (325) of the first incision line (321) and one end portion of the separation line (304), and another connecting band (330) is defined between the other peripheral portion (326) of the first incision line (321) and the other end portion of the separation line (304).

In a fourth embodiment, there is provided a lid according to the third embodiment, wherein a connecting strip (336) is defined between one peripheral portion (334) of the second incision line (322) and one end portion of the separation line (304), and another connecting strip (337) is defined between the other peripheral portion (335) of the second incision line (322) and the other end portion of the separation line (304).

In a fifth embodiment, there is provided a lid according to any one of the second to fourth embodiments, wherein the one connecting band (329) and the one connecting strip (336) are positioned symmetrically to the other connecting band (330) and the other connecting strip (337), respectively, with respect to a plane containing the axis (Y) and a center line of the combining portion (308).

In a sixth embodiment, a closure according to any of the first to fifth embodiments is provided, wherein, in the open position, the closure element (306) is rotatable around a desired line passing through one end (331) of the second incision line (322) and through the other end (332) of the second incision line (322), such that an edge region (341) of the closure element (306) diametrically opposite the engagement portion (308) is movable towards the engagement portion (308) for engagement with the neck (318).

In a seventh embodiment, there is provided a cap according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the first incision line (321) is isolated from the second incision line (322).

In an eighth embodiment, there is provided the cap according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the first incision line (321) and the second incision line (322) extend on two horizontal planes different from each other.

In a ninth embodiment, there is provided a lid according to any of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the second line of cut (322) is parallel to the first line of cut (321).

In a tenth embodiment, a lid according to any of the first to ninth embodiments is provided, wherein the first incision line (321) and the second incision line (322) extend in respective planes parallel to a further plane on which the separation line (304) extends, the further plane being interposed between the respective planes.

In an eleventh embodiment, a lid according to any of the first to tenth embodiments is provided, wherein the angular extension (a1, a2) of the first incision line (321) and the second incision line (322) are equal to each other.

In a twelfth embodiment, a lid according to any of the first to eleventh embodiments is provided, wherein the angular extension (a1, a2) of the first incision line (321) and the second incision line (322) are each between 60 ° and 200 °, preferably between 75 ° and 180 °.

In a thirteenth embodiment, there is provided a lid according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the angular dimension (W1) of the coupling portion (308) is between 5 ° and 75 °, preferably between 10 ° and 40 °.

In a fourteenth embodiment, a cap according to any of the first to thirteenth embodiments is provided, wherein the closure element (306) is provided with an internal thread intended to engage with an external thread (317) of the neck (318).

Claims

1. Combination of a cap (1; 201) for a container and a neck (18; 218) of a container, wherein the neck (18; 218) is delimited by an outer surface (219) from which a circular enlargement (23; 223) protrudes, the outer surface (219) extending up to a rim (220) of the neck (18; 218), and wherein the cap (1; 201) comprises a side wall (2) extending about an axis (Z), the side wall (2) being provided with a separation line (4) for delimiting:

-a fixing ring (5) intended to engage with said circular enlargement (23; 223) to remain anchored to said neck (18; 218),

-and a closure element (6) removably engageable with the neck (18; 218) to be movable between a closed position and an open position,

wherein the separation line (4) extends about the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction so as to leave a bonding portion (8) between the fixing ring (5) and the closing element (6), the lid (1; 201) further having a cut-out line (21) extending transversely to the axis (Z) between the separation line (4) and a free edge (16) of the fixing ring (5) such that two connection strips (29, 30) are defined between the separation line (4) and the cut-out line (21) which bond the fixing ring (5) to the bonding portion (8), the connection strips (29, 30) being deformable so as to allow the bonding portion (8) to rotate when the closing element (6) is transferred from the closed position to the open position, such that an edge (50) of the bonding portion (8) facing the fixing ring (5) when in the closed position is at the opening position The rim (220) facing the neck (18; 218) when in an open position.

2. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the connecting straps (29, 30) are deformable by a twisting movement which affects at least a portion of the height of each connecting strap (29, 30) when the closure element (6) is transferred from the closed position to the open position.

3. Combination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance (H) between the separation line (4) and the incision line (21) is equal to or greater than 1.5 times half the difference (Δ) between the outer diameter (Dmax) of the circular enlargement (223) and the diameter (Ds) of the outer surface (19) of the neck (218) directly above the circular enlargement (223), preferably equal to or greater than 2 times half the difference (Δ), more preferably equal to or greater than 2.5 times half the difference (Δ).

4. A combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said joining portion (8) has an angular dimension (W) about said axis (Z) greater than or equal to 20 °, preferably greater than or equal to 25 °.

5. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining portion (8) has an angular dimension (W) about the axis (Z) which is less than or equal to 120 °, preferably less than or equal to 90 °.

6. Combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neck (218) is provided with at least one fixing element (217) adapted to engage with the closing element (6) to allow removable fixing of the closing element (6) to the neck (218), the distance (Y) between the circular enlargement (223) and the at least one fixing element (217) being greater than or equal to half the distance (H) between the line of separation (4) and the line of incision (21).

7. Combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circular enlargement (234) is delimited by the rim (220) facing the neck (218) by a frustoconical surface whose generatrix forms an angle (A) less than or equal to 35 ° with a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z1) of the neck (218).

8. Combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed position of the closure element (6), the incision line (21) lies in a plane arranged transversely to the axis (Z), the edge (50) being defined by the incision line (21) at a central portion (24) thereof.

9. Combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bonding portion (8) is bonded to the connecting strip (29, 30) without the interposition of a breaking line or weakening line.

10. The combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (2) is provided externally with a plurality of thread rolling lines (13), the separation lines (4) intersecting the thread rolling lines (13).

11. Lid for a container, comprising a side wall (2) extending about an axis (Z) and a transverse wall (3) arranged at the end of the side wall (2), a separation line (4) being provided on the side wall (2) for delimiting:

-a fixing ring (5) intended to remain anchored to the neck (18; 218) of the container, and

-a closure element (6) removably engageable with the neck (18; 218) to open or close the container;

wherein the separation line (4) extends around the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction so as to leave a bonding portion (8) between the fixing ring (5) and the closing element (6), the lid (1; 201) further having a cut-out line (21) extending transversely to the axis (Z) between the separation line (4) and a free edge (16) of the fixing ring (5) so that two connecting strips (29, 30) are defined between the separation line (4) and the cut-out line (21) which bond the fixing ring (5) to the bonding portion (8), the bonding portion (8) having an angular dimension (W) around the axis (Z) which is greater than or equal to 20 ° and less than or equal to 120 °.

12. Cap according to claim 11, wherein the angular dimension (W) is greater than or equal to 25 ° and less than or equal to 90 °.

13. Cap according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the incision line (21) lies in a plane arranged transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the axis (Z) when the closing element (6) is in the closed position.

14. Lid according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the side wall (2) is provided externally with a plurality of thread rolling lines (13), the separation lines (4) intersecting the thread rolling lines (13).

15. Cap according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the connecting band (29, 30) is deformable to allow the joining portion (8) to rotate when the closing element (6) is transferred from the closed position to the open position, so that the edge (50) of the joining portion (8) facing the fixing ring (5) in the closed position faces the rim (220) of the neck (18; 218) in the open position.

16. Lid for a container, comprising a side wall (2) extending about an axis (Z) and a transverse wall (3) arranged at the end of the side wall (2), a separation line (4) being provided on the side wall (2) for delimiting:

-a fixing ring (5) intended to remain anchored to the neck (18) of the container, and

-a closure element (6) removably engageable with the neck (18) to open or close the container;

wherein the separation line (4) extends about the axis (Z) and is interrupted in the circumferential direction so as to leave a joining portion (8) between the fixing ring (5) and the closing element (6), the joining portion (8) defining a hinge strip extending between two opposite end regions of the joining portion (8),

the lid (1; 101) further has a cut-out line (21) extending transversely to the axis (Z) between the separation line (4) and a free edge (16) of the fixing ring (5), such that two connecting strips (29, 30) are defined between the separation line (4) and the cut-out line (21), the connecting strips (29, 30) joining the fixing ring (5) to the opposite end regions of the joining portion (8).

17. Lid as claimed in claim 16, wherein the joining portion (8) has a substantially constant thickness in a plane containing the separation line (4).

18. Lid as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein one (29) of the two connecting strips (29, 30) is defined between one peripheral portion (25) of the incision line (21) and one end portion of the separation line (4), the other (30) of the two connecting strips (29, 30) being defined between the other peripheral portion (26) of the incision line (21) and the other end portion of the separation line (4).

19. Cap according to claim 18, wherein said one connecting strip (29) is arranged symmetrically to said other connecting strip (30) with respect to a plane containing said axis (Z) and the centre line of said coupling portion (8).

20. Lid according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the cut line (21) and the separation line (4) extend in respective parallel planes.

21. Cap according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said incision line (21) has an angular extension (a1) around said axis (Z) of between 60 ° and 200 °, preferably between 75 ° and 180 °.

22. Cap according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein said coupling portion (8) has an angular dimension (W) around said axis (Z) comprised between 5 ° and 75 °, preferably between 10 ° and 40 °.

23. Lid as in any claim from 16 to 22, wherein two breaking lines (41) are provided on the lateral wall (2), said breaking lines (41) extending from a first end (9) and a second end (10) respectively of the separation line (4) towards the transverse wall (3).

24. Cap according to claim 23, wherein said breaking lines (41) are parallel to each other and to said axis (Z), said breaking lines (41) having equal length.

25. Cap according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the closing element (6) is provided with an internal thread adapted to engage with an external thread (17) of the neck (18).

26. Lid as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 25, wherein the separation line (4) has a first end (9) and a second end (10), the joining portion (8) joining the fixing ring (5) to the closure element (6) extending from the first end (9) to the second end (10).

27. Lid as in any claim from 11 to 26, wherein said hinge strip extends over the entire angular dimension (W) of said joining portion (8).

28. Lid as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 27, wherein the separation line (4) and the incision line (21) are cutting lines.

29. Cap according to any one of claims 11 to 28, wherein the securing ring (5) is internally provided with at least one engagement element (20) suitable for engaging with a circular enlargement (23) of the neck to prevent axial movement of the securing ring (5) away from the neck (18) when the closing element (6) is removed from the neck (18).

30. Cap according to any one of claims 11 to 30, wherein the separation line (4) and/or the incision line (21) have respective ends (9, 10; 27, 28) at which incision zones (38) having a circular geometry are provided for preventing the propagation of fracture cracks starting from the separation line (4) and/or from the incision line (21).