Patent Publication Number: US-8123056-B2

Title: Closure arrangement with opening indicating (anti-tamper) elements

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/IB2006/003607, filed 14 Dec. 2006, which designated the U.S. The entire contents of that application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to a closure arrangement comprising an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container and a cap having an opening indicating device provided with a security ring and a flap arrangement arranged for interacting with the above-mentioned abutting arrangement. 
     Caps are known consisting of a cylindrical shell comprising a first portion, cooperating with a base wall for defining a base cap body, and a second portion forming an opening indicating device designed to provide a user with information about the integrity of a product packaged in the container. 
     The above-mentioned second portion comprises a ring which interacts with a projection obtained on the neck of the container. 
     The projection is ring-shaped and projects from a lateral wall of the neck. 
     The first portion and the second portions are separated by an intended opening line consisting of a plurality of cuts, or openings, passing through the cylindrical shell and alternating with bridge-like elements extending between the first and second portions, the bridge-like elements being designed to be broken when the container is first opened. 
     From a zone at the edge of the ring there extends a plurality of flaps which—in use—are positioned inside the cap and directed towards the base wall. 
     When the container is opened for the first time, the flaps interact with the projection to prevent the ring from being detached from the neck of the container and to promote breakage of the bridge-like elements. 
     A drawback of known caps is that, during the first opening of a container, it is rather difficult to separate the first portion from the second portion. In particular, the bridge-like elements tend to deform so allowing the ring to rotate together with the base body before breaking. 
     In that way, the opening indicating device is unreliable, since the container may have been opened and part of the contents removed and also substituted without the bridge-like elements breaking. 
     This does not allow certainly verify whether or not a container has been tampered with. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the invention is to improve prior art closure arrangement. 
     Another object of the invention is to obtain a closure arrangement provided with an opening indicating device which, during first opening of a container can be rapidly and effectively separated from a base body of a cap. 
     A further object of the invention is to obtain a closure arrangement which prevents an opening indicating device from rotating together with a base body of a cap, when the cap is unscrewed from the neck of a container. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container, comprising a neck provided with a wall defining an opening and an abutting arrangement arranged to interact with an opening indicating device of a cap associatable with said neck, said abutting arrangement comprising a ring-shaped projection extending circumferentially from said wall, wherein said abutting arrangement further comprises an abutting element arrangement projecting from said ring-shaped projection. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container, comprising a neck provided with a wall defining an opening, an abutting arrangement provided with a ring-shaped projection extending circumferentially from said wall and with an abutting element arrangement projecting from said ring-shaped projection, said container further comprising a cap provided with an opening indicating device, said opening indicating device comprising an active surface arrangement arranged to interact with a face arrangement of said abutting arrangement and a further active surface arrangement arranged to interact with a further face arrangement of said abutting arrangement. 
     Owing to these aspects of the invention, during the first opening of the container, the abutting element arrangement and the ring-shaped projection promote the separation of the opening indicating device from a base body of the cap. In fact, when the cap is unscrewed from the neck to open the container, a zone of the abutting element arrangement interacts with the active surface arrangement, generating a shearing stress in bridge-like elements interposed between the opening indicating device and the base body, whilst the ring-shaped projection interacts with the further active surface arrangement, generating a normal stress in the bridge-like elements. This allows easier breaking of the bridge-like elements. 
     In a version, a further zone of the abutting element arrangement also interacts with the further active surface arrangement to contribute to generating the above-mentioned normal stress. 
     Moreover, the ring-shaped projection forms a grip element which makes the container easier to handle during production steps—for example starting with a container preform—of blowing, moving and filling. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first flap and at least one second flap, said at least one first flap being provided with a portion and a further portion, a dimension of said further portion, measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a further dimension of said portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said second flap being provided with a still further dimension measured transversally to said outer edge which is substantially constant. 
     Thanks to this aspect of the invention, when the cap is removed from the neck for the first time, the bridge-like elements interposed between the opening indicating device and a base body of the cap is rapidly and effectively broken. 
     The above-mentioned portion can interact with an abutting arrangement projecting from the neck to generate a tensile stress which promotes breakage of the bridge-like elements. 
     The above-mentioned further portion can interact with the above-mentioned abutting arrangement to generate a shearing stress which promotes breakage of the bridge-like elements. 
     The above-mentioned at least one second flap can interact with the above-mentioned abutting arrangement to generate a tensile stress which promotes breakage of the bridge-like elements. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with an outer edge from which projects a flap arrangement arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising a first flap arrangement and a second flap arrangement, said first flap arrangement and said second flap arrangement being distinct from one another, said first flap arrangement having a dimension, measured transversally to said outer edge, which is substantially constant, and said second flap arrangement having a further dimension, measured transversally to said outer edge, which is substantially constant, said dimension being greater than said further dimension. Thanks to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a cap allowing rapid and effective breakage of bridge-like elements interposed between the opening indicating device and a base body of the cap, when the cap is removed from the neck for the first time. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along a part of an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first portion, at least one second portion and at least one third portion alongside one another along said outer edge, a dimension of said at least one second portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one first portion measured transversally to said outer edge, and than a corresponding still further dimension of said at least one third portion measured transversally to said outer edge. 
     According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along a part of an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first portion and at least one second portion alongside one another along said outer edge, a dimension of said at least one second portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one first portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said at least one first portion preceding said at least one second portion in an intended rotation direction along which said cap is screwed on said neck. 
     According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one portion and at least one further portion alongside one another along said outer edge, a dimension of said at least one portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one further portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said at least one further portion comprising a positioning arrangement arranged to position said at least one further portion in relation to said abutting arrangement. 
     Thanks to this aspect of the invention, when the container with which the cap is associated is opened for the first time, the positioning arrangement causes the at least one further portion to be positioned below the abutting arrangement so as to guarantee an effective interaction between the flap arrangement and the abutting arrangement, allowing easy separation of the opening indicating device from a base body of the cap. 
     According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first portion and at least one second portion alongside one another along said outer edge, a dimension of said at least one second portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one first portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said at least one second portion having a thickness different to a further thickness of said at least one first portion. 
     According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first portion and at least one second portion, a dimension of said at least one second portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one first portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said flap arrangement comprising a closing promoting arrangement, arranged to promote sliding of said flap arrangement on said abutting arrangement in an intended rotation direction along which the cap is screwed on the neck. 
     According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap, comprising an opening indicating device provided with a flap arrangement extending along an outer edge of said opening indicating device and arranged to interact with an abutting arrangement associated with a neck of a container, and a plurality of breakable elements arranged to connect said opening indicating device to a body of said cap, said flap arrangement comprising at least one first portion and at least one second portion alongside one another along said outer edge, a dimension of said at least one second portion measured transversally to said outer edge, being greater than a corresponding further dimension of said at least one first portion measured transversally to said outer edge, said at least one second portion being interposed between two adjacent breakable elements of said plurality of breakable elements. 
     The flap arrangement comprises active surfaces arranged to interact with zones of the abutting arrangement and further active surfaces arranged to interact with further zones of the abutting arrangement. In particular, the active surfaces interact with the above-mentioned zones in such a way as to prevent the opening indicating device from moving axially relative to the neck when the container is opened for the first time. Moreover, the further active surfaces, positioned substantially along axial planes of the cap, prevent the opening indicating device from being rotated without breaking the bridge-like elements, which connect the opening indicating device to a base body of the cap. 
     In this way, the bridge-like elements break after the cap has been rotated through a very limited angle relative to the neck. 
     Therefore, it is possible to obtain a cap which cannot be tampered with without such tampering being clearly shown by the opening indicating device. 
     Moreover, the flap arrangement, interacting with the abutting arrangement, allows the container to be opened quickly, since the bridge-like elements break immediately thanks to the interaction between the further active surfaces of the flap arrangement and the further zones of the abutting arrangement. 
     According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a neck from which extends an abutting arrangement arranged to interact with a flap arrangement with which a cap associatable with said container is provided, said abutting arrangement comprising a plurality of distinct abutting elements, between two consecutive abutting elements of said plurality of abutting elements being defined a space arranged to receive said flap arrangement, said container further comprising a projecting arrangement extending circumferentially from said neck and further from an opening of said container than said abutting arrangement. 
     During use, the projecting arrangement holds portions of the flap arrangement in a predetermined position in relation to the abutting arrangement. In particular, the projecting arrangement holds the above-mentioned portions in a position substantially parallel with a lateral cylindrical wall of the neck. 
     Thanks to the projecting arrangement, it is possible, when the container is opened for the first time, to have very large contact zones between the above-mentioned portions and the abutting elements, so that the latter can more effectively exert a contrast action to the flap arrangement when the container is opened for the first time, so promoting early separation of the opening indicating device from a base body of the cap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be better understood and carried out with reference to the enclosed drawings, which show some exemplifying and non-limitative embodiments thereof, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an axial section of a cap provided with a flap arrangement; 
         FIG. 2  is an interrupted view of a first version of an opening indicating device, showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 3  is an interrupted view of a second version of an opening indicating device, showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 4  is an interrupted view of a third version of an opening indicating device, showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 5  is an interrupted view of a fourth version of an opening indicating device, showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 6  is an interrupted view of a fifth version of an opening indicating arrangement, showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a container neck; 
         FIG. 8  is an interrupted axial section showing a cap associated with a container neck; 
         FIG. 9  is an axial section of a portion of a cap provided with a first version of a flap arrangement; 
         FIG. 10  is an axial section of a portion of a cap provided a second version of a flap arrangement; 
         FIG. 11  is an axial section of a portion of a cap provided a third version of a flap arrangement; 
         FIG. 12  is an interrupted axial section showing a version of a cap associated with a container neck; 
         FIG. 13  is an interrupted top view showing a flap arrangement cooperating with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view from below of a container neck provided with an abutting arrangement; 
         FIG. 15  is an axial section of the neck of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a section along the plane XVI-XVI shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view, partly enlarged and partly sectioned, showing the neck of  FIG. 14  to which a cap according to a version is associated; 
         FIG. 18  is a section along the plane XVIII-XVIII shown in  FIG. 17  showing a position of a flap arrangement, provided in the cap, relative to the abutting arrangement when the cap is associated to the neck; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial side view of the flap arrangement of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the flap arrangement of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic front view of the neck of  FIG. 14  with which a cap according to a further version is associated; 
         FIG. 22  is a view like that of  FIG. 19  showing a flap arrangement according to a still further version. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 8  show a closure arrangement  1  comprising a cap  3  associatable with a container neck  2 . 
     The cap  3  may be made of plastic, moulded by compression or injection. 
     The neck  2  comprises a mouth  4 , having a longitudinal axis A, from which abutting elements  5 , arranged to interact with an opening indicating device  6  fitted on the cap  3 , project outwards. 
     The abutting elements  5  are positioned along the outer perimeter of the neck  2  in such a way that a space  17  is defined between two adjacent abutting elements  5 . As is better illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the cap  3  comprises a base body  8  provided with a base wall  10  from which peripherally a lateral wall  9  projects, positioned transversally to the base wall  10 . 
     The lateral wall  9  is internally provided with a threading  7  arranged to engage with a further threading  11  obtained on the mouth  4 . 
     The opening indicating device  6  comprises a security ring  12  (illustrated in  FIGS. 1  and from  8  to  12 ) connected by bridge-like elements  13  to an end portion  14  of the lateral wall  9  opposite to the base wall  10 . The bridge-like elements  13  may be obtained, while moulding the cap  3 , by forming thicker portions of the opening indicating device  6 , or ribs, distributed along the perimeter of the opening indicating device  6 . After moulding, a continuous circumferential cut is made in the opening indicating device  6 , passing through the lateral wall  9 , but not passing through the afore-mentioned thicker portions which in this way define the bridge-like elements  13 . 
     Alternatively, a plurality of through-cuts alternating with uncut portions forming the bridge-like elements  13  may be obtained in the lateral wall  9 —having substantially constant thickness—by means of knife having a serrated outline. 
     A flap arrangement  16  is connected to a lower edge zone  15  of the security ring  12 . In use, the flap arrangement  16  is bent inside the cap  3  and, when the container is opened for the first time, the flap arrangement  16  interacts with the abutting elements  5  to promote breakage of the bridge-like elements  13  and so allowing the separation of the security ring  12  from the base body  8 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a first version of the opening indicating device  6 , in which the flap arrangement  16  comprises a plurality of flaps  100  arranged along the perimeter of the cap  3 . In particular, each flap  100  comprises a first flap portion  20 , a second flap portion  21  and a third flap portion  22 . The first flap portion  20  has a first circumferential extension B, and a first transversal dimension C. The second flap portion  21  has a second circumferential extension E and a second transversal dimension F, greater than the first transversal dimension C. The third flap portion  22  has a third transversal dimension Q, substantially equal to the first transversal dimension C, and a third circumferential extension G, which may for example be less than the first circumferential extension B. 
     The second flap portion  21  is interposed between the first flap portion  20  and the third flap portion  22 . 
     When the cap  3  is associated with the neck  2 , each second flap portion  21  is positioned in a corresponding space  17  defined by a pair of adjacent abutting elements  5 . In said configuration, the first flap portion  20  cooperates with a first abutting element  5   a  of said pair of abutting elements and the third flap portion  22  cooperates with a second abutting element  5   b  of said pair of abutting elements. 
     In particular, a first active surface  23  of the first flap portion  20  and a second active surface  25  of the third flap portion  22  are arranged to interact with first faces  24  of the abutting elements  5 . 
     The second flap portion  21  comprises a first side  30  which is substantially rectilinear, so that the abutting element  5  can more effectively oppose to a thrust exerted by the second flap portion  21 , when the cap  3  is removed from the container for the first time. The first side  30  comprises a third active surface  26  positioned transversally to the second active surface  25  and arranged to interact with a second face  27  of the abutting element  5  extending transversally to the first face  24 . 
     As better illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the second flap portion  21  comprises a second side  31 , opposite the first side  30 , which may be rounded, or provided with a bevelled portion  32  lying in a plane transversal to the plane of  FIG. 13 . 
     When the cap  3  is screwed on the neck  2  for the first time, to close a container just filled, the bevelled portion  32  promotes sliding of the second flap portion  21  relative to the abutting element  5 , in a screwing direction N, so that the second flap portion  21 , after passing the abutting element  5 , is positioned in the respective space  17 . 
     The second flap portions  21  are so positioned as to be interposed between two adjacent bridge-like elements  13 . This allows the second flap portions  21  to bend towards an inner surface  36  of the security ring  12  without interfering with the bridge-like elements  13 , so as to facilitate screwing cap  3  when the container is closed for the first time. In other words, the bridge-like elements  13  do not limit the deformability of the second flap portions  21  when the cap  3  is applied to the neck  2 . 
     It is possible to provide that the second flap portions  21  may have a first thickness near to the lower edge zone  15 , substantially equal to the thickness of the first flap portions  20  and of the third flap portions  22 , and, a second thickness greater than the above-mentioned first thickness near to an end edge  35  opposite to the lower edge zone  15 . 
     In a first version of the flap arrangement  16 , illustrated in  FIG. 9 , each second flap portion  21  comprises a first surface  37 , facing the inner surface  36  when the cap  3  is associated with the neck  2 , which is substantially aligned with further first surfaces  38  of the first flap portion  20  and of the third flap portion  23 , also facing the inner surface  36 . The second flap portion  21  is shaped in such a way that it projects transversally relative to the first flap portion  20  and the third flap portion  23  on the opposite side relative to the further first surfaces  38 . 
     In a second version of the flap arrangement  16 , illustrated in  FIG. 10 , each second flap portion  21  is so shaped as to transversally project from both sides relative to the first flap portion  20  and the third flap portion  23 . 
     In a third version of the flap arrangement  16 , illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each second flap portion  21  comprises a second surface  39 , opposite the first surface  37 , which is substantially aligned with further second surfaces  40  of the first flap portion  20  and the third flap portion  23 . The second flap portion  21  is so shaped as to transversally project relative to the first flap portion  20  and the third flap portion  23  from the opposite side relative to the further second surfaces  40 , that is to say, towards the inner surface  36 , when the cap  3  is associated with the neck  2 . 
     On the mouth  4  a widened portion  18  is obtained, positioned on the opposite side to the further threading  11  relative to the abutting elements  5  and close to the latter. The widened portion  18  holds the second flap portions  21  in a substantially vertical position, that is to say, substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis A. This allows, when the container is opened for the first time, large contact zones to be obtained between the second flap portions  21  and the abutting elements  5 . In this way, the abutting elements  5  can more effectively oppose the flap arrangement  16 , and therefore the opening indicating device  6 , so promoting the breaking of the bridge-like element  13 . 
     The widened portion  18  may extend along an entire circumferential perimeter of the neck  2 , or it may be interrupted, for example so that the widened portion  18  only occupies zones between adjacent abutting elements  5 , that is to say, zones positioned at the spaces  17 . 
     When the container is opened for the first time, the cap  3  is unscrewed from the neck  2  and is rotated in a rotation direction H (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). During the rotation, the third active surfaces  26  come to rest on the second faces  27 , thus preventing the opening indicating device  6  from rotating together with the base body  8 . In this way, there is a relative rotation between the base body  8  and the opening indicating device  6  which generates a shearing stress on the bridge-like elements  13 . Moreover, as the cap  3  is unscrewed, the base body  8  is distanced from the abutting elements  5 , moving parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The first faces  24  interacting with the first active surfaces  23  and the second active surfaces  25 , axially stop the flap arrangement  16  and, therefore, the opening indicating device  6 . This generates a tensile stress which together with the above-mentioned shearing stress rapidly and effectively breaks the bridge-like elements  13 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a second version of the opening indicating device  6 , in which the flaps  100  are shaped in a substantially similar way to that described with reference to  FIG. 2 , but they are devoid of the third flap portions  22 . In this way, the opening indicating device  6  is only axially stopped by the first flap portions  20  which act, by means of the first active surfaces  23 , on the first faces  24 . The bridge-like elements  13  are broken in a similar way to that described with reference to the first version of the opening indicating device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In particular, when the cap  3  is removed from the neck  2  for the first time, the first flap portion  20  cooperates with an abutting element  5   c  of a pair of abutting elements and the third flap portion  22  cooperates with a further abutting element  5   d  of said pair of abutting elements. 
     Similarly to what was described for the first version of the opening indicating device  6 , the opening indicating device  6  according to the second version may be provided with second flap portions  21  shaped as described with reference to  FIG. 9 , or  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a third version of opening indicating device  6 , in which the flaps  100  comprise second flap portions  21  and third flap portions  22 , but are devoid of first flap portions  20 . When the container is opened for the first time, the opening indicating device  6  is axially stopped only by the third flap portions  22  which act, by means of the second active surfaces  25 , on the first faces  24 . The second flap portions  21 , cooperating with the abutting elements  5 , prevent the opening indicating device  6  from rotating together with the base body  8 , similarly to what was described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     Similarly to what was described for the first version of the opening indicating device  6 , also the opening indicating device  6  according to the third version may be provided with second flap portions  21  shaped as described with reference to  FIG. 9 , or  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a fourth version of the opening indicating device  6 , in which the flaps  100  are shaped in a similar way to that described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     Instead of the first flap portion  20  there is a further first flap portion  28  having a further first transversal dimension C 1  substantially equal to the third transversal extension Q of the third flap portion  22  and a further first circumferential extension M less than the first circumferential extension B, so that the further first flap portion  28  is received in a corresponding space  17 , together with the second flap portion  21 . 
     When the cap  3  is opened, the third flap portion interacts with an abutting element  5 , whilst the further first flap portion  28  does not interact with any abutting element  5 . 
     Similarly to what was described for the first version of the opening indicating device  6 , the opening indicating device  6  according to the fourth version may also be provided with second flap portions  21  shaped as described with reference to  FIG. 9 , or  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a fifth version of the opening indicating device  6 , similar to the fourth version of the opening indicating device  6  of  FIG. 5 , in which each flap  100  comprises a third flap portion  22  in which is obtained a bevel  29  affecting part of the second active surface  25  and lying on a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 6 . Between the bevel  29  and the first face  24  an acute angle L is defined. 
     When the cap  3  is rotated in such a way as to disengage it from the neck  2 , the bevel  29  causes the third flap portion  22  to position below the corresponding abutting element  5 , so that the second active surface  25  contacts the first face  24 . 
     The bevel  29  may also be provided in the flap arrangement  16  in  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 . 
     Similarly to what was described for the first version of the opening indicating device  6 , also the opening indicating device according to the fifth version  6  may be provided with second flap portions  21  shaped as described with reference to  FIG. 9 , or  FIG. 10 , or  FIG. 11 . 
     The first flap portion  20 , in the versions illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and the further first flap portion  28  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , comprise a third side  33 , opposite the first side  30 , which may be rounded in a zone facing the neck  2 , or may have a further bevel  34 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     When the cap  3  is screwed on the neck  2  to close a container for the first time, the third bevel  34  promotes sliding of the first flap portion  20 , or of the further first flap portion  28 , in the screwing direction N, on an outer surface of a corresponding abutting element  5 . This facilitates positioning the first flap portion  20  or the further first flap portion  28 , below the abutting elements  5 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a version of the cap  3  provided with a seal portion  41  which allows the inside of the container to be effectively isolated from the outside environment. 
     The seal portion  41  comprises a ring-shaped wall  42  projecting transversally from the base wall  10  and substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis A, so as to be positioned in use inside the mouth  4 . On the ring-shaped wall  42  a first projecting portion  43  is obtained which radially projects away from the longitudinal axis A and that is arranged to cooperate with a cylindrical inner surface  44  of the mouth  4 . 
     The seal portion  41  comprises a second projecting portion  45  projecting in the same direction as the ring-shaped wall  42  and interposed between the latter and the lateral wall  9 . 
     The second projecting portion  45  is shaped in such a way to cooperate with a mouth surface  46  of the neck  2  that, in use, faces the base wall  10 . 
     Furthermore, the seal portion  41  further comprises a third projecting portion  47  arranged close to the second projecting portion  45  and projecting from the lateral wall  9  towards the ring-shaped wall  42 . The third projecting portion  47  is so shaped as to cooperate, in use, with a cylindrical outer surface  48  of the neck  2 . The seal portion  41  may be present on any of the versions of the cap  3  described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 11 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a neck  2  of a container, for example a bottle or a container preform, comprising a wall  49  defining an opening  50  through which a product can be inserted into, or removed from, the container. 
     The neck  2  comprises a threading  111 , arranged externally to a mouth portion  4  of the container. 
     The neck  2  may comprise a collar  56  positioned below the threading  111  and projecting from the wall  49 . 
     The threading  111  is arranged to engage with a corresponding further threading internally provided on a cap, which may be associated with the neck  2  to close the opening  50 . 
     The neck  2  further comprises an abutting arrangement  105  arranged to interact with an opening indicating device with which the cap is provided. 
     The abutting arrangement  105  comprises a ring-shaped projection  51  extending circumferentially from the wall  49  and from which abutting elements  5  project outwards. 
     The abutting elements  5  are distinct from one another and are so arranged along the outer perimeter of the ring-shaped projection  51  that a space  17  is defined between two adjacent abutting elements  5 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the ring-shaped projection  51  comprises a first wall  52  defined by a portion of surface having a cone-shaped outline, or having a profile suitable for allowing the opening indicating device to easily pass beyond the ring-shaped projection  51  when the cap is associated with the neck  2  for the first time. 
     The ring-shaped projection  51  further comprises a second wall  53  defined by a portion of surface which is substantially cylindrical and substantially parallel to the wall  49 . 
     The ring-shaped projection  51  further comprises a first face  54 , substantially flat and positioned almost parallel to a plane defined by the opening  50 . 
     The first face  54  has the shape of a circular crown. 
     The second wall  53  delimits a zone of the spaces  17  closer to the longitudinal axis A. 
     Each abutting element  5  comprises a further first wall  58 , delimiting at the upper part each abutting element  5 , and a further first face  59 , delimiting at the lower part each abutting element  5 . 
     The further first wall  58  may lie on an extension of the first wall  52 . 
     Similarly, the further first face  59  may lie on an extension of the first face  54 . In such a case, the further first face  59  and the first face  54  are substantially coplanar. Moreover, the abutting elements  5  have a maximum thickness S, measured parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the neck  2 , substantially equal to the maximum thickness T of the ring-shaped projection  51 , also measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the neck  2 . In other words, the abutting elements  5  do not project axially from the ring-shaped projection  51 , but each abutting element  5  extends substantially radially from the ring-shaped projection  51 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , each further first face  59  projects radially from the first face  54  and extends circumferentially through an acute angle γ. The abutting elements  5 , and, therefore, also the further first faces  59 , are positioned at a substantially constant angular pitch. 
     The first face  54  and the further first faces  59  together define a face arrangement  77  arranged to interact with the flap arrangement of the opening indicating device in the manners described below. 
     Between the further first wall  58  and the further first face  59  is interposed a fourth wall  62  defined by a portion of surface which is cylindrical and substantially parallel to the wall  49 . 
     Each abutting element  5  further comprises a second face  60 , substantially flat, tilted in relation to the plane defined by the opening  50  and arranged to interact with a flap arrangement of the opening indicating device in the manners described below. 
     In particular, the second face  60  is substantially perpendicular to the above-said plane, that is to say, it is positioned radially relative to the neck  2 . 
     Each abutting element  5  further comprises a connecting wall  63  interposed between the fourth wall  62  and the second wall  53 . The connecting wall  63  may be defined by a curved surface. 
     Each abutting element  5  has a dimension measured radially relative to the neck  2  which increases from the connecting wall  63  towards the second face  60 , until it reaches its maximum value at the fourth wall  62 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a closure arrangement  1  comprising the neck  2 , according to the version of  FIG. 14 , and a cap  3  associated to the neck  2  to close the opening  50 . 
     The cap  3  comprises a base body  8  provided with a base wall  10  from which a lateral wall  9  peripherally projects, that is positioned transversally to the base wall  10 . The lateral wall  9  is internally provided with a further threading  7  arranged to engage with the threading  111  of the neck  2 . 
     The cap  3  comprises opening indicating device  6 . 
     The opening indicating device  6  comprises a security ring  12  connected by bridge-like elements  13  to an end portion  14  of the lateral wall  9  opposite to the base wall  10 . Between bridge-like elements  13  positioned consecutively along an upper edge  67  of the security ring  12  there is provided weakened zones, made, for example, by cuts  66 . The cuts  66 , which may be through-cuts, form a zone for intended separation between the security ring  12  and the base body  8 . 
     A flap arrangement  16  is connected to a lower edge zone  15  of the security ring  12 . In use, the flap arrangement  16  is bent inside the cap  3  and, when the container is opened for the first time, the flap arrangement  16  interacts with the abutting arrangement  105  to promote breakage of the bridge-like elements  13  and, therefore, allowing the separation of the security ring  12  from the base body  8 . 
     In the version of the cap  3  illustrated in  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the flap arrangement  16  has a plurality of flaps  200  comprising first flaps  68  and second flaps  69  arranged along the perimeter of the cap  3 . 
     The first flaps  68  may alternate with the second flaps  69  along the lower edge zone  15 , so that between two consecutive first flaps  68  it is interposed a second flap  69  and, similarly, so that between two consecutive second flaps  69  it is interposed a first flap  68 . 
     Each first flap  68  comprises a first flap portion  121 , having a first circumferential extension E′ and a first transversal dimension F′, and a second flap portion  122 , having a second circumferential extension G′ and a second transversal dimension Q′. The first circumferential extension E′ may be substantially equal to the second circumferential extension G′. 
     The first transversal dimension F′ is greater than the second transversal dimension Q′. 
     Each second flap  69  has a circumferential extension U and a transversal dimension V. 
     The circumferential extension U may be greater than the sum of the first circumferential extension E′ and the second circumferential extension G′. 
     The transversal dimension V is substantially equal to the second transversal dimension Q′. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the position of the first flaps  68  and of the second flaps  69  relative to the ring-shaped projection  51  (illustrated with a line with double dashes because it is not intercepted by the plane of section XVIII-XVIII of  FIG. 17 ). When the cap  3  is associated with the neck  2  of  FIG. 14 , each first flap  68  is positioned in a space  17  between a pair of adjacent abutting elements  5 , and each second flap  69  is below the ring-shaped projection  51 . 
     The first flap portion  121  is provided with a first active surface  126 , arranged to interact with the second face  60  of the abutting element  5 , and the second flap portion  122  comprises a second active surface  125 , positioned transversally relative to the first active surface  126  to interact with the further first face  59  of the abutting element  5 . 
     The second flaps  69  are provided with a third active surface  70 , substantially parallel to the second active surface  125  and arranged to interact with the first face  54  of the ring-shaped projection  51 . 
     Starting from the position illustrated in  FIG. 18 , when the cap  3  is rotated, along a direction indicated by the arrow R, to open the opening  50 , the security ring  12  and also the plurality of flaps  200 , rotate together with the base body  8  of the cap  3 , until the first flap portions  121  contact respective abutting elements  5 . 
     In this position, the first active surface  126  cooperates with the second face  60  of the abutting element  5  to prevent any further rotation of the security ring  12 . Since the security ring  12  is blocked whilst the base body  8  of the cap  3  continues to rotate, a shearing stress is generated acting on the bridge-like elements  13 . 
     When the cap  3  is unscrewed from the neck  2 , through rotation of the base body  8  on the threading  111 , the base body  8  is distanced from the security ring  12  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The second active surfaces  125  and the third active surfaces  70  make contact respectively with the further first face  59  and with the first face  54  so as to axially block the security ring  12  relative to the base body  8 . This generates a tensile stress which acts on the bridge-like elements  13 . 
     The combination of the above-mentioned shearing and tensile stresses promotes a rapid, effective breakage of the bridge-like elements  13 . 
     In the version of the neck  2  illustrated in  FIGS. 14 to 17  and  21 , the ring-shaped projection  51  provides a large surface against which the flap arrangement  16  can be blocked in order to promote the traction of the bridge-like element  13 . This allows the tensile stress to be distributed along the entire perimeter of the security ring  12  and not just at the abutting elements  5 . 
     Thanks to the ring-shaped projection  51 , it is possible to promote the breakage of the bridge-like elements  13  without the security ring  12  asymmetrically deforming relative to the longitudinal axis A, for example forming a corner close to each abutting element  5 . 
     Moreover, the ring-shaped projection  51  allows the tensile stress acting on the bridge-like elements  13  to be distributed in such a way that stress is substantially uniformly applied to the latter and the bridge-like elements  12  can break practically simultaneously. 
     Moreover, the ring-shaped projection  51  defines a zone of the container—having significant size—with which a guiding and transporting device can interact to move the container, for example, along a container production and/or filling line. Again with reference to  FIG. 17 , the first flaps  68  are provided with a resting surface  74  cooperating with the second wall  53  of the ring-shaped projection  51  to hold the first flap portion  121  in a substantially vertical position, that is to say, substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis A. The seconds flaps  69  are tilted in relation to the first flaps  68  towards the longitudinal axis A. 
     With reference to  FIG. 20 , a portion of the security ring  12  provided with the first flap  68  and with the second flap  69  it is shown. 
     Between the second flap portion  122  and the second flap  69  it is interposed a joining element  71 . The joining element is thinner than the first flap  68  and than the second flap  69  and forms a flexible connecting portion. The joining element  71  joins one side  72  of the second flap portion  122  furthest from the first flap portion  121  to a further side  73  of the second flap  69 . 
     The joining element  71  prevents the second flap  69  from tipping over, in particular when the container is opened, since in use the second flap  69  is tilted in relation to the longitudinal axis A of an angle greater than the first flap  68 . 
     The cap  3  illustrated in  FIGS. 17 to 20  may also be applied to a neck such as that illustrated in  FIG. 7 , that is to say, to a neck in which there is no ring-shaped projection  51  and the abutting elements  5  extend directly from the mouth  4 . 
     A cap  3  different to that described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 20  may be associated with the neck  2  illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a cap  3  with a plurality of flaps  200 , comprising first flaps  78  and second flaps  79  positioned along the perimeter of the cap  3 , may be associated with the neck  2 . 
     The first flaps  78  may alternate with the second flaps  79  along the lower edge zone  15 , so that between two consecutive first flaps  78  there is inserted a second flap  79  and, similarly, between two consecutive second flaps  79  it is inserted a first flap  78 . 
     Each first flap  78  has a substantially constant transversal dimension F 1 . 
     Each second flap  79  has a substantially constant further transversal dimension Q 1 . 
     The transversal dimension F 1  is greater than the further transversal dimension Q 1 . 
     Each first flap  78  has a first active surface  226  so arranged to interact with the second face  60  of an abutting element  5 , according to manners similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     Each second flap  79  comprises a second active surface  225  arranged to interact with the first face  54  of the ring-shaped projection  51 , and/or with the further first face  59  of the abutting element  5 , according to manners similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     Also between the first one first flap  79  and one second flap  79  adjacent to it, may be interposed a joining element  71  of the type described with reference to  FIG. 20 . 
     The cap  3  illustrated in  FIG. 22  may also be applied to a neck such as that illustrated in  FIG. 7 , that is to say, to a neck in which there is no ring-shaped projection  51  and the abutting elements  5  extend directly from the mouth  4 . Alternatively, a cap  3  comprising a flap arrangement  16  as described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 6  and  8  to  13  may be provided. 
     In an alternative version, in place of the plurality of separate flaps, there may be a continuous flap, provided with variable-height flap portions. For example, with reference to  FIG. 21 , the opening indicating device  6  comprises a security ring  12  provided with a continuous flap  74  that is ring-shaped and comprising first portions  75  with a predetermined circumferential extension L 1  and a predetermined height H 1 , and second portions  76  having a further predetermined circumferential extension L 2  and a further predetermined height H 2 , greater than the predetermined height H 1 . Each first portion  75  is interposed between two second portions  76  in such a way that the first portions  75  and the second portions  76  alternate with one another. 
     Moreover, when the cap is associated with the neck  2 , the second portions  76  are received in the spaces  17 . 
     The first portion  75  comprises a first active surface  126  arranged to interact with the second face  60  of the abutting elements  5 , according to methods similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     The second portion  76  comprises a second active surface  125  arranged to interact with the first face  54  of the ring-shaped projection  51  and/or with the further first face  59  of the abutting elements  5 , according to methods similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 17 .