Abstract:
A closure device comprising a plastic lid which is articulated to a skirt that is designed to surround a neck of a container. A majority of the surface of the lid is made up of an external convex surface that is provided with a concave recess which is disposed more or less opposite an area in which the lid is articulated to the skirt. One section of the lid can rest against a heel which is provided close to an upper edge of the skirt so as to lock the lid in a position in which the device is completely open.

Description:
BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a closure device for a container and to a container provided with such a device. 
   2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
   In the domain of packaging liquids, it is known to equip the threaded or non-threaded neck of a bottle with a closure device of plastics material comprising a lid articulated on a skirt, itself provided to be immobilized about this neck. A band or breakable bridges may connect the lid to the skirt before the bottle is first opened. When the lid is tipped from its position of closure towards an open position, it is generally not held with respect to the skirt, with the result that, depending on the direction of inclination of the container, it may interfere with the liquid flowing from the neck. Such a lid can also be a nuisance for a user wishing to drink from the neck of a bottle, particularly for applications in the domain of mineral water or liquid yoghurts. 
   In certain devices, such as those known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,902, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,612 or from U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,536, there are provided tongues constituting a hard point for stabilizing an articulated lid in a position making an angle of about 90° with respect to its position of closure of a container. In this position at 90°, the lid may hinder pouring of the contents of the container and prevents a user from drinking from the neck. If the lid is tipped towards its completely open position, it is no longer maintained with respect to the rest of the device and, there again, may be a nuisance. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a more particular object of the invention to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a closure device of which the lid may be efficiently maintained in open position, with the result that it is not a nuisance when the liquid contained in the container is used. 
   In this spirit, the invention relates to a closure device of a container provided with a neck, this device comprising a lid made of plastics material which is articulated on a skirt designed to surround this neck, characterized in that the lid bears, in its zone of articulation on the skirt, at least one section adapted to rest against a heel provided close to the upper edge of the skirt, in a configuration of blockage of the lid in a position in which the device is completely open. 
   With the invention, the lid is efficiently maintained in completely open position due to the cooperation of the afore-mentioned section and heel. Within the meaning of the present invention, the completely open position of the device is the one in which the lid is pivoted towards its position of tipping in which it provides access to the rest of the device and to the neck of the container, the most. This completely open position corresponds to an angle of opening of the lid substantially greater than 90°. It will be noted that the stable nature of the opening of the lid is obtained without having to resort to a hinge provided with a spring, such a hinge being notably more complicated and more difficult to mold than the mechanism of the invention. 
   According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, the device incorporates one or more of the following characteristics:
         The geometry and positioning of the afore-mentioned section of the lid and of the heel are such that the angle of opening of the lid, in completely open and blocked position, is greater than or equal to 180°. Under these conditions, the lid is disengaged from the neck during the pouring of a liquid contained in the container or when a person wishes to drink from the bottle.   According to certain advantageous forms of embodiment of the invention, the afore-mentioned section of the lid is formed between two elastic lamellae which form a hinge and connect the lid and the skirt. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, two sections are provided on the lid to rest against a heel, these sections being distributed on either side of an elastic lamella forming hinge and joining the lid and the skirt. In any case, the abutment of the section of the lid on the heel may be obtained by an elastic effort exerted by the lamellae.       

   According to a first advantageous form of embodiment of the invention, the heel may be formed by a part of the upper edge of the neck. 
   According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heel may be formed by a tongue in one piece with the skirt and extending upwardly from its upper edge. In that case, this tongue may come into abutment, under the effect of an effort exerted by the afore-mentioned section of the lid, against the outer radial surface of the neck and transmit to that section an effort of reaction generated by the neck. 
   Such a lid may have a convex outer shape in order to give it a satisfactory aesthetic appearance and to avoid the accumulation of liquid or dirt on its upper surface. When such a lid has been opened, it is sometimes difficult to fold it down towards its position closing the neck of the container, as the fingers of a user slide on the edge of the lid opposite its zone of articulation on the skirt. In particular, it is often necessary to close a bottle with both hands, by holding the neck of the bottle in one hand while the other hand exerts an effort of closure of the closure device. 
   For certain types of drinks, it is desirable to be able to close a closure device in particularly easy manner, for example with one hand, and the known devices do not give satisfaction under these conditions. 
   In order to solve this problem, the invention also relates to a closure device of the afore-mentioned type of which the lid has a convex outer face over the greater part of its surface, while this outer face is provided with a concave depression made substantially opposite the zone of articulation of the lid on the skirt. 
   Thanks to the invention, the depression formed on the outer face of the lid constitutes a zone for receiving the end of a user&#39;s finger, which makes it possible to exert an efficient effort to fold the lid down, limiting the risks of the user&#39;s finger sliding with respect to the outer surface of the lid. 
   According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the surface state of the depression is different from the surface state of the convex part of the outer face of the lid. In particular, the depression may be provided to have a rougher surface than the convex part. Thus the coefficient of friction of the user&#39;s finger with this depression is relatively high, which further limits the risks of slide. In addition, the depression advantageously joins an upper face of a nose projecting radially from the edge of the lid, this nose making it possible to exert on the lid an effort of opening of the device. 
   The invention also relates to a container provided with a neck and equipped with a closure device as described previously. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more readily understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of four forms of embodiment of a closure device in accordance with its principle and of the modelization of two hinges adapted to be used in one or the other of these devices, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of a closure device according to the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a view in perspective of the device of  FIG. 1 , seen from another angle. 
       FIG. 3  is a view in perspective of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  mounted on the neck of a bottle and in the course of being opened. 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  at the end of the movement of opening of the lid. 
       FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4 , with parts of the closure device torn away. 
       FIG. 6  is an axial section through the bottle and the device in the configuration along line VI—VI of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is a view in perspective of a lid in accordance with a second form of embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a view in section of the lid of  FIG. 7 , in open configuration. 
       FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  for a closure device in accordance with a third form of embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 7  for a closure device in accordance with a fourth form of embodiment of the invention. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C are models which illustrate the articulation between a lid and the fixed part of a closure device incorporating certain characteristics of the present invention, and 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C are views similar to  FIGS. 11A to 11C  for another articulation. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C are modelizations of the articulation between a lid and the fixed part of a closure device incorporating certain characteristics of the present invention, and 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C are views similar to  FIGS. 11A to 11C  for another articulation. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The closure device  1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6  is provided to be mounted on the neck  2  of a bottle  3  of which only the upper part is visible in  FIGS. 3 to 6 . 
   The device  1  comprises a lid  11  and a skirt  12  which are substantially symmetrical with respect to a central axis X–X′ of the device  1 . 
   The device  1  is in one piece and made by molding plastic material. A tearable band  13  connects the lid  11  and the skirt  12  over an essential portion of the periphery of the device  1 , except for a zone  14 , more particularly visible in  FIG. 2 , in which the lid  11  is articulated on the skirt  12 . 
   The skirt  12  is provided with an inner rib  121  intended to cooperate with an outer annular flange  21  of the neck  2  in order to immobilize the device  1  on the neck  2 . 
   Two elastic lamellae  15  and  15 ′ connect the lid  11  and the skirt  12 , on either side of a tongue  122  extending upwardly from the upper edge  123  of the skirt  12 . 
   In the present description, the adjectives “upper” and “lower” are defined with reference to a lid placed flat on a substantially horizontal surface in the position of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The upper parts of the device  1  are oriented upwardly in the Figures, while the lower parts are oriented downwardly. 
   The upper or outer face  111  of the lid  11  is convex, i.e. presents a marked convexity, on a principal part  112  corresponding to the major part of the face  111 . 
   A depression  113  is provided in this face  111 , opposite the zone  14 , this depression  113  being concave, i.e. forming a hollow with respect to the principal part  112 . This depression  113  constitutes a natural zone for exerting an effort on the lid  11 . 
   When the device  1  is mounted on the neck  2  of the bottle  3  and when it is desired to open this bottle, an effort F 2  for tearing the band  13  is made on a grip  131  of the band  13 , this making it possible to release the edge  114  of the lid  111  from its connection with the skirt  12  over the major part of the periphery of the device  1 . It is then possible to tip the lid  11  about a geometrical axis A–A′ substantially perpendicular to axis X–X′ by exerting a suitable effort F 3  on a nose  115  of the lid  11 . The nose  115  projects radially with respect to the edge  114  of the lid  11  opposite the zone  14 . 
   This makes it possible to cause the lid to pass from the configuration of  FIGS. 1 and 2  to that of  FIGS. 4 to 6 , via that of  FIG. 3 . 
   When the device  1  is to be closed again, it is possible to exert an effort F 4  on the depression  113 . 
   Taking into account the shape of this depression, this effort F 4  may be exerted with one finger of a hand, of which the other fingers are at the level of the skirt  12 . In this way, it is possible to close the device  1  easily, i.e. to tip the lid  11  to return it into its position of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   The depression  113  is provided to be rougher than the principal part  112  of the face  111 , in order that the effort F 4  can be exerted without risk of slide of a user&#39;s finger. For example, the surface  113  may be grained or striated. 
   Furthermore, the upper face  116  of the nose  115  prolongs the depression  113 , with the result that the surface on which the effort F 4  may be exerted is increased accordingly. 
   The lid  11  is also provided with a projection  117  extending substantially opposite the nose  115  with respect to axis X–X′, i.e. in zone  14 . 
   During pivoting of the lid  11  about axis A–A′, the projection  117  comes to rest by the outside against the tongue  122  under the effect of an elastic effort F 5  exerted by the lamellae  15  and  15 ′. Due to this effort F 5 , the tongue  122  is applied against the outer radial surface  22  of the neck  2 , in the vicinity of its upper edge  23 , this surface  22  exerting an effort of reaction F 6  on the projection  117 , the direction and the intensity of the efforts F 5  and F 6  being such that the lid  11  is blocked in the position of  FIGS. 4 to 6 . 
   In the position of  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the tongue  122  is compressed between the section  117  and the neck  2 . This tongue  122  extends, from the skirt  12 , up to above the geometrical axis A–A′ of articulation of the lid  11  on the skirt  12 . In this position, it will be noted that the angle of opening α of the lid  11  is greater than 180°, with the result that access to the neck  2  is clearly disengaged, even though the lid  11  is provided with an inner skirt  118 . In this way, the lid  111  does not risk hindering a user who is pouring the contents of the bottle, whatever the orientation of the lid  11  about axis X–X′. Moreover, the lid  11  does not hinder a person wishing to drink directly from the neck of the bottle  11 . 
   It will also be noted that the closure device of the invention presents the particular advantage of being able to be molded in the configuration of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , i.e. in closed configuration, in which it may be directly mounted on the neck  2  of the bottle  3 . Molding in closed configuration allows a greater density of the impressions in the manufacturing mold. 
   Section  117  of the lid  11  does not project to too great a degree with respect to the edge of the lid, with the result that it does not hinder its manipulations by automated devices for positioning it on the neck. In addition, section  117  does not risk injury to a user. 
   In the second form of embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references increased by 500. The device  501  of this embodiment is provided to be mounted on the neck  502  of a bottle  503 . A lid  511  is articulated on a skirt  512  thanks to elastic lamellae  515  and  515 ′ formed in a zone of articulation  514 . 
   Projecting elements  513  extend from the upper edge  623  of the skirt  512  and are connected in breakable manner to the lower edge  614  of the lid  511 . 
   As previously, the outer surface  611  of the lid  511  comprises a principal part  612  of which the edges are rounded and of which the top is substantially planar. This part  612  is therefore convex. A depression  613  is formed on the lid  511  substantially opposite the zone  514 . This depression allows an efficient transmission of effort when the lid is to be closed again, as represented by arrow F 4  in  FIG. 8 . 
   A projection  617  is provided on the lid  611  between the lamellae  515  and  515 ′, this projection coming into abutment against the upper edge  522  of the neck  502 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . This makes it possible to immobilize the lid  511  in the open position shown in this Figure, with the combining of efforts similar to efforts F 5  and F 6  mentioned with reference to the first embodiment. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , where elements similar to those of the second embodiment bear identical references, the shape of the section  617  may be modified in a third embodiment so that, in open and blocked configuration, the angle of opening α′ of the lid  511  is greater than 180°. 
   As previously, the section  617  comes into abutment against the upper edge  522  of the neck  502 , above the upper edge  623  of the skirt  512 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , where elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references increased by 1000, there may be provided, in a zone of articulation  1014  between a lid  1011  and a skirt  1012 , two sections  1117  and  1117 ′ extending downwardly from the lower edge  1114  of the lid  1011  in the direction of the skirt  1012 , this skirt being intended to be disposed around the neck  1002  of a bottle  1003 . 
   An elastic lamella  1015  connects the lid  1101  and the skirt  1012  and constitutes a hinge for articulation about an axis X–X′ substantially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry X–X′ of the neck  1002  and of the closure device  1001 . 
   As previously, the outer face  1111  of the lid  1011  comprises a first convex principal part  1112  and a concave depression  1113 . 
   In open configuration of the device  1001 , the projecting sections  1117  and  1117 ′ come respectively into abutment against the upper edge of the neck  1002  on either side of the lamella  1015 . The geometry of the sections  1117  and  1117 ′ may be chosen so that the angle of opening of the lid  1011  in blocked position is greater than 180°. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11C , another articulation may be envisaged in which elastic lamellae  815  and  815 ′ connect a part  811  of a device, which may correspond to a lid, to another part  812 , which may correspond to a skirt. The part  812  comprises a central stud  8121  of which the upper surface  8122  is inclined by an angle β equal to about 45° with respect to a central axis Z–Z′of the stud  8121 . 
   Furthermore, part  811  is provided with pins  8111  allowing it to pivot about an axis A–A′ with respect to the upper ends of the lamella  815  and  815 ′. 
   In the position of  FIG. 11A , the lower surface  8112  of part  811  is inclined by an angle γ with respect to axis Z–Z′ which is substantially equal to angle β. 
   When part  811  is rotated about axis A–A′, the lamellae  815  and  815 ′ tend to be drawn, due to the difference in length of the parts  811  and  812  in contact, then these lamellae contract again, firmly applying a lateral surface  8113  of part  811  against the surface  8122  of part  812 , as shown in  FIG. 10C . In this position, part  811  is maintained in folded down position with respect to part  812 , by reason of the elastic effort due to the lamellae  815  and  815 ′. 
   Such a structure might be used as bi-stable hinge for the lid of the three closure devices described hereinabove. 
   This form of embodiment presents the particular advantage that the hinge thus constituted is stable in the two positions shown respectively in  FIGS. 11A and 11C . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 12A to 12C , it is possible to modify the hinge shown in  FIGS. 11A to 11C  so that its angle of opening α″ is greater than 180°. In that case, part  811  is provided with a part  8114  in the form of a frustum of cylinder centered on the axis A–A′ of rotation defined by the pins  8111  and by the upper parts of the lamellae  815  and  815 ′. 
   During the movement of opening of the hinge thus constituted, the cylindrical surface of part  8114  slides against the upper surface  8122  of the stud  8121  of the fixed part  812 , which makes it possible to obtain a movement of opening of great angular amplitude α″. 
   In the configuration of  FIG. 12C , the hinge is stable thanks to the surface bearing of the lateral surface  8113  of part  811  on the surface  8122  of the stud  8121 .