Patent Description:
Multi-flow caps are known to have two distinct openings that allow the amount of flow through the cap to be regulated. The main advantage of multi-flow caps is that, depending on the user's need, they allow the container to be emptied at a high flow rate or at a low flow rate, depending on whether emptying speed or precision is required. This multi-flow system allows the use of a single cap, and therefore a single container, for applications requiring two different flows. These types of caps are especially used in the food industry, and more specifically in the food oils industry, since a low flow of oil is especially suitable for seasoning food while a high flow is advantageous when placing oil in pans, etc. for cooking.

Spanish Utility Model <CIT> reveals a multi-flow cap with an insert attached to the main body comprising a large opening and a small opening to regulate the outgoing flow from the container to which the cap is attached.

United States Patent <CIT> reveals a pouring adaptor adapted to be mounted over the open end in a container for liquid products comprising a central disc portion having a locking rib for securing the adaptor over the discharge opening in the container, a lower section depending into the container having a plurality of window-like discharge openings of a size and shape to control discharge of fluid therethrough and an upper generally cylindrical head section terminating in an outwardly flared lip and having flange members for detachably securing the adaptor to a closure.

United States Patent Application Publication <CIT> reveals a multi-flow cap according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, which also reduces or minimizes spurting of the fluid contained in the recipient, wherein it is proposed that the two openings of the multi-flow cap are comprised in an insert connected to the main body and in that the insert additionally comprises a plurality of baffles distributed along an inner perimeter and arranged such that each opening is partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outlet direction of the flow.

United States Patent Application Publication <CIT> reveals a twist and flip closure including first and second closure portions, wherein the first closure portion includes a top wall portion, a skirt portion, and first and second frangible connections, wherein the first frangible connection extends around the closure circumference, wherein the second frangible connection has first and second sections, wherein the second frangible connection is spaced from the first frangible connection, wherein at least a portion of the second frangible connection is located further from the top wall portion than a portion of the first frangible connection, wherein the second frangible connection defines an area adapted to form a tab, wherein the second closure portion includes a tamper-evident band, wherein the closure is adapted to be opened by twisting to break the frangible connections and expose the tab and then flipping the first closure portion from the second closure portion via the exposed tab, wherein the closure is adapted to be locked when flipped.

United States Patent Application Publication <CIT> reveals a closure for a flask with a spout and a hinged lid has a tamper indicating element, wherein the tamper indicating element consists of a part, which is fixed to the flask and a tearable strip, wherein only when the strip is removed, the hinged lid can be lifted from the spout.

United States Patent <CIT> reveals a top for closing a container, comprising a hinge for articulating the cap on the ring at the container opening plane or above the latter, wherein the top further comprises a boss projecting inside the top provided on the ring beneath the hinge articulating the cap on the ring.

International patent application <CIT> reveals a pouch fitment comprising a base which is attachable to a pouch and includes a dispensing spout, wherein the fitment further comprises a closure for closing the spout, wherein the closure is non-releasably associated with the base.

One problem associated with this type of cap, where fluid regulation is in an insert separate from the main body, is the difficult manufacture of the cap.

It is an objective of the present invention to reveal a multi-flow cap for liquids comprising a fluid regulation system in the cap itself, such that it facilitates the manufacture of multi-flow caps, also entailing a reduction in the financial cost thereof.

More specifically, the present invention reveals a multi-flow cap for liquids, comprising:.

with the special feature that said two openings form an integral part of the part forming the main body of the cap.

Preferably, the openings are diametrically opposite. More preferably, the openings define an axis of symmetry, the openings being symmetrical with respect to said axis of symmetry.

Preferably, the large opening is circular trapezoid in shape. Preferably, the small opening is circular trapezoid in shape. Preferably, both openings are circular trapezoid in shape. Alternatively, the small opening may have a triangular shaped.

The main body of the cap comprises a first plurality of baffles distributed along an inner perimeter of the main body. Said baffles are arranged such that each opening is partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outflow direction. These baffles allow flow to be regulated and they produce a continuous and constant outflow, without bubbles, spurting, etc..

Preferably, the cap comprises a spacing between baffles at least partially coincident with each of the openings. More preferably, the baffles and their respective spacings from each other are evenly distributed.

Preferably, each of the baffles has the shape of a petal. Preferably, each of the baffles is circular trapezium in shape. More preferably, each of the baffles is tilted in the opposite direction of the outflow.

Preferably, the length of each of the baffles is such that its horizontal projection is less than the horizontal projection of the length of each of the openings.

Preferably, the main body of the cap comprises a second plurality of baffles on a lower face of the main body that are centrally located with respect to the first plurality of baffles.

Preferably, the main body of the cap comprises a non-return snap-fit and a snap-on protrusion that prevents the cap from being released after passing over a collar of the neck.

Preferably, the cap comprises a cover configured to close said cap. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is closed by helical thread. Preferably, said cover of the cap is a hinged cover. In a preferred embodiment, said cover is attached to the main body in a hinged manner, the cover and main body forming a single element.

Preferably, the cap comprises a tear-away first-opening system or tamper resistant system.

The first-opening system acts as a tamper-resistant system, enabling "tamper-evident" detection at a glance if a cap has been previously tampered with. More preferably, the first-opening system forms an integral part of the cap before and after its opening. That is, it does not comprise any element that is detached from the cap. Even more preferably, this first-opening system comprises an area of the cap that undergoes a deformation upon first opening of the cap. Preferably, this tamper-proof system comprises at least one tear-away connector and/or a weakened area of the cap.

Preferably, the tear-away first-opening system or tamper-evident system comprises an indicator element comprising tear-away connectors, the indicator element being deformed during the first opening of the cap, evidencing the opening of said cap. More preferably, the indicator element is attached to the cover of the cap by at least one tear-away connector.

Preferably, the indicator element comprises a tab to facilitate the opening of the cap.

More preferably, the indicator element comprises a U-shaped area, comprising two side arms and a lower arm, one of said side arms comprising a tear-away connector. More preferably, the indicator element comprises a weakened area that is plastically deformed by dimensional interference with a protrusion from the cap's main body. This deformation prevents its return to its initial position after a first opening of the cap. Preferably, this weakened area has a thickness less than the rest of said side arm. More preferably, the indicator element comprises a notch or joint to facilitate its breakage.

In a preferential embodiment, the indicator element of the first opening system is located on the cover of the cap, said indicator element comprising tear-away connectors and a tear-away security band, preferably housed in a space of the main body. Preferably, the security band is mechanically connected to the main body of the cap, said connector preferably being between a protrusion of the band and a recess of the main body by dimensional interference. Preferably, the indicator element comprises a U shaped or S shaped area. More preferably, said U shaped or S shaped area comprises a weakened and tear-away area, for example, a notch, a joint or a section of less thickness, being attached to the indicator element by said weakened area. More preferably, the security band is generally rectangular in shape. More preferably, the first-opening system comprises a tear-away sealing strip. Preferably, the indicator element comprises a protruding tab located on the security band. More preferably, the tear-away sealing strip is attached to said protruding tab. Even more preferably, the indicator element comprises tear-away connectors that are bridges or tear-away connection points, the security band being connected to a top of the cap in a tear-away manner.

Preferably, the indicator element comprises a security band or tear-away strip.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover of the cap is a hinged cap, comprising an indicator element and a ring, the ring preferably arranged at a lower part of the cap. Preferably, the indicator element is a hinged indicator element that hinges the ring of the cover of the cap with an upper part of the cover. More preferably, the indicator element has an area that is deformed after the first opening or unscrewing of the cap such that it cannot return to its original position after a first opening of the cap, as well as an area that acts as a hinge. Preferably, the tear-away first-opening system comprises at least one tear-away connector between the ring and the indicator element.

More preferably, the indicator element is attached in a tear-away manner to an upper part of the cover of the cap along its full length except for a section of said indicator element acting as a hinge. Even more preferably, the indicator element is attached in a tear-away manner to the ring along its full length except for an area of said indicator element that is deformed upon first opening or unscrewing of the cap.

Preferably, the ring comprises additional tear-away connectors that are tear-away sealing points, located between the hinge and an area of the ring that is connected to the tear-away indicator element.

Preferably, said ring comprises means for connection to the main body of the cap. Preferably, the means for connection to the main body of the cap comprise a protruding retention element or elements comprising a circumferential protrusion situated on an inner face of the ring, extending along the entire circumferential perimeter of the cap.

Preferably, the ring of the cap's cover comprises a skirt. More preferably, the ring has a length greater than the height of the main body of the cap such that said ring may rest on top of a collar of the neck of a container.

In a preferred embodiment, the tear-away first-opening system comprises an indicator element comprising tear-away connectors, such that the indicator element is attached to an upper part of the cover and the ring by said tear-away connectors. Preferably, these tear-away connectors are tear-away areas located along the upper and lower parts of the indicator element, preferably in the form of a tear-away strip. In this way, the indicator element is connected to the top of the cap's cover in a tear-away manner, and a section of the ring is connected to the indicator element in a tear-away manner. Preferably, the indicator element comprises a tab for facilitating opening of the cap, said indicator element being connected to the cap's cover by said tab, preferably by dimensional interference between a cover element and a tab element. Preferably, the ring comprises additional tear-away connectors that are tear-away sealing points, located between the hinge and the section of the ring connected to the tear-away indicator element. Alternatively, this tab is a hook. Alternatively, this indicator element is a security band.

For better comprehension, attached by way of explanatory but non-limiting example are drawings of example embodiments of the present invention.

In the figures, equal or equivalent elements have been identified with identical numerals.

<FIG> show a first example embodiment of a multi-flow cap <NUM> for liquids of the present invention. More specifically, multi-flow cap <NUM> is a bi-flow or dual-flow cap.

<FIG> shows cap <NUM> of the first example embodiment. The cap <NUM> comprises a cover <NUM> configured to close said cap <NUM> by helical thread. In this example embodiment, the cap <NUM> is a one-piece independent element that forms a main body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and the main body <NUM> have connecting means uniting them, these connecting means being a helical thread. Other ways of closing access to the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, such as a cover comprising a hinged ring that is attached to the main body, are also possible.

Alternatively, the cover need not be an independent element of the main body of the cap. In such a case, the cap's main body could comprise a cover configured to close said cap, said cover of the main body being connected to said main body by a hinge.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. The main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> comprises two dispensing outlets that are two openings <NUM>, <NUM> of unequal size, such that they define a large opening <NUM> and a small opening <NUM>. These openings are comprised in the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and form an integral part of the said main body <NUM>.

These openings <NUM>, <NUM> are responsible for allowing the outward flow of fluid from the container. When the user wishes to empty liquid from the container using a reduced flow rate, the container is emptied by the small opening <NUM> and the large opening <NUM> allows air to pass into the container so that the pressure between the inside and outside of the container is equalized. When the user wishes to empty liquid from the container using a high flow rate, the container is emptied by the large opening <NUM> and the small opening <NUM> allows air to pass into the container so that the pressure between the inside and outside of the container is equalized. The small opening <NUM> and the large opening <NUM> are fully independent and are not connected to one another.

The openings <NUM>, <NUM> are located on a diametrically opposite surface <NUM> of the main body, defining an axis of symmetry, the openings being symmetrical with respect to said axis of symmetry. In the embodiment shown, both openings are circular trapezoid shaped, although the openings may have other shapes not shown, such as for example triangular or quadrangular shape, both openings being able to have different shapes from one another. Additionally, the cap <NUM> could comprise more than two openings of different size therebetween, such that the cap <NUM> is a multi-flow cap that allows liquid to be dispensed into the container by more than two different flow rates.

In the embodiment shown, the surface <NUM> of the horizontal body is V shaped so it is not completely horizontal. The surface <NUM> can also be a horizontal surface.

The main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> comprises a first plurality of baffles <NUM> distributed along an inner perimeter of the main body <NUM>, located below the two openings <NUM>, <NUM>. These baffles are arranged such that each opening is partially coincident with at least one baffle in the outflow direction, the spacing between baffles being at least partially coincident with each of the openings. The baffles and their respective spacings are evenly distributed between one another, the spacing between baffles being shown at least partially coincident with each of the openings. In the example shown, each of the baffles <NUM> has the shape of a petal. Alternatively, the baffles <NUM> may be circular trapeze shaped. In the example embodiment shown, the plurality of baffles <NUM> is composed of ten baffles, but other embodiments with a different number are also possible.

To have a dual outflow while preventing bubbling of the fluid, both openings act together with the plurality of baffles <NUM>. That is, the plurality of baffles <NUM> are located closer to the inside of the container than the openings <NUM>, <NUM> once the main body <NUM> of the cap is attached to the neck of a container.

The plurality of baffles <NUM> are evenly distributed along the inner perimeter of an inner skirt <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. More specifically, the embodiment of <FIG> shows the plurality of baffles <NUM> arranged at the edge formed by the inner part of an inner skirt <NUM> of the main body <NUM> and the lower face of the surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the plurality of baffles <NUM> may be arranged on said inner part of the inner skirt <NUM>, or on the lower part of said surface <NUM>. Each of the baffles is tilted in the opposite direction of the outflow, with the length of each of the baffles being such that its horizontal projection is less than the horizontal projection of the length of each of the openings. This configuration results in the baffles leaving a centre space free.

The two openings <NUM>,<NUM> as well as the plurality of baffles <NUM> define their own axis of symmetry. The centre of each of the openings <NUM>, <NUM> coincides with the centre of the deflector spacing. This arrangement allows the surface area of the openings to be minimized, since other layouts would partially act as a labyrinthine seal, making it difficult for the fluid to pass through. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the large opening <NUM> is such that the horizontal projection of two baffles is centred in the horizontal projection of said opening, in other words, the horizontal projection of the large opening <NUM> comprises the horizontal projection of two baffles and three separations.

Additionally, the main body of the cap may comprise a second plurality of baffles on a lower face of the main body that are centrally located with respect to the first plurality of baffles.

<FIG> shows how the various components of the biflow cap <NUM> interact with each other when the cap is closed. The cover <NUM> of the cap <NUM> is shown positioned covering the main body <NUM>, so that the cap is closed. <FIG> also shows the closure of the cap by the threading of a screw thread <NUM> of the cover <NUM> with a screw thread <NUM> of the main body <NUM>.

When the threaded cover <NUM> is closed, an inner skirt <NUM> of the cover <NUM> is housed within the mouth <NUM> of the main body <NUM> of the cap, such that the inner skirt <NUM> of the threaded cover <NUM> makes a dimensional interference with the mouth <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Additionally, the inner skirt <NUM> of the cover could comprise an additional circumferential protrusion to aid in the proper securing of the cover to the main body.

The main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> comprises means of connection to the neck <NUM> of a container, comprising a protrusion <NUM> located on a skirt <NUM> of the main body (more specifically located on its outermost face, that is, the face of the inner skirt closest to the outer skirt), as well as a protrusion <NUM> located in an outer skirt <NUM> of the main body <NUM> (more specifically located on the innermost face of the outer skirt <NUM>, that is, the face of the inner skirt closest to the outer skirt) that make dimensional interference with the neck <NUM> of a container. These protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> are circumferential protrusions that fit with the neck <NUM> of a container and allow the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> to be fixed on the neck <NUM> and prevent its relative movement.

The skirts <NUM> and <NUM> could further comprise a plurality of additional protrusions positioned above and/or inside the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, these protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may not be single protrusions and may be formed of a plurality of protrusions of smaller dimension.

<FIG> show a second example embodiment of a multi-flow cap of the present invention. The cap <NUM> comprises two dispensing outlets that are two openings <NUM>,<NUM> of unequal size, such that they define a large opening <NUM> and a small opening <NUM>, in a manner analogous to that of the example embodiment of <FIG>. Likewise, these openings are within the main body <NUM> of the cap and form an integral part of said main body <NUM>. The elements analogous to those described in previous embodiments have been represented with analogous numerals.

In this example embodiment, the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> comprises a cover <NUM> configured to close said cap <NUM>, said cover <NUM> of the main body <NUM> being a hinged cover, being attached to the main body <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. Since the cap is formed of a single main body <NUM>, it can be manufactured from a single piece.

The cap <NUM> also comprises a tear-away first opening system (also called a tamper-resistant system), which acts as a tamper-evident system. This tear-away first opening system may be of known type, for example the type that undergoes a deformation after the first opening of the cap and makes it possible to detect at first glance that a cap has been previously manipulated.

<FIG> show an example of a tear-away first-opening system comprising an indicator element <NUM> that comprises tear-away connectors and which is deformed during the first opening of the cap. The indicator element <NUM> comprises a U-shaped area that comprises two side arms and a lower arm <NUM>, further comprising a tear-away connector <NUM> or weakened area in one of said side arms. This weakened area has a thickness less than the rest of said side arm, facilitating the breakage of said side arm when opening the cap <NUM>. Additionally, the opposite side arm does not have such weakening, with the indicator element <NUM> remaining attached to the cover <NUM> of the cap <NUM> at least partially by said tear-away connector <NUM> or weakened area. The indicator element <NUM> may also comprise additional tear-away connectors, such as tear-away bridges. The tear-away connector <NUM> makes it possible to determine at any time and by simply looking whether the cap <NUM> has been opened, verifying its integrity: if the tear-away connector <NUM> is broken, the cap <NUM> has been previously opened. Other types of tamper-resistant systems, such as those shown in other example embodiments, are also considered.

<FIG> shows the cap <NUM> closed, while <FIG> and <FIG> show the cap <NUM> open, showing the inner side of the cap <NUM> in <FIG> (i.e. showing the sides of the cover <NUM> and the main body <NUM> intended to be in contact with one another once the cap <NUM> is closed) and the outer side of the cap <NUM> in <FIG> (i.e., showing the side of the cover <NUM> facing the outside and the side of the main body <NUM> facing the inside of the container once the cap <NUM> is closed). On closing the cap <NUM>, the cover <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are tightened together by dimensional interference between an inner skirt <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and the mouth <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. In addition, these figures show a circumferential projection <NUM>, included in the inner skirt <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, which assists in the correct attachment of both elements and the sealing of the cap.

When the cap <NUM> has not yet been opened for the first time, the indicator element <NUM> is partially placed in a space <NUM> of the base <NUM> of the cap <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and is interlocked with the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> by dimensional interference existing between the lower arm <NUM> of said indicator element <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM> placed on an interior wall of the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. During opening, the protrusion <NUM> hinders upward vertical displacement of the indicator element <NUM>, with the pressure produced by the protrusion <NUM> on the lower arm <NUM> of the indicator element <NUM> being sufficient to break the tear-away connector <NUM>. <FIG> shows the indicator element <NUM> once opened.

During the opening of the cap, the tear-away connector <NUM> is broken, while the end of the other side arm will not be broken and will exert a grip on the indicator element <NUM> preventing it from falling. When the tear-away connector <NUM> is broken, the indicator element <NUM> undergoes a slight plastic deformation in its side arm that makes it difficult to subsequently place it in the space <NUM> of the main body after a first opening of the cap.

Additionally, the indicator element <NUM> also comprises a tab for providing the indicator element with better stability, as well as a notch <NUM> or a joint to facilitate its breakage. This notch <NUM>, located on a side arm, also causes an inclination of the side arm upon breakage of the tear-away connector <NUM>, which makes it difficult for said arm to be placed back in the space <NUM> when closing the cap <NUM>. By not being able to return the indicator element <NUM> to its initial position after the first opening, the breach is more easily visible.

Additionally, this tamper-resistant system could comprise a weakened area of the cap or be of any other type.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a third example embodiment of a cap, in which the cap <NUM> comprises another known type of tamper-resistant system. In this embodiment, and analogous to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the main body <NUM> of the cap <NUM> comprises a cover <NUM>, attached to the main body by a hinge, said cover being configured to close said cap <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a closed cap <NUM>, prior to its first opening, while <FIG> shows the cap <NUM> open after a first opening.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the first-opening system comprises an indicator element located on the cover <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, said indicator element comprising tear-away connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and a tear-away security band <NUM>, shown housed in a space of the main body <NUM>. The indicator element shown comprises a U-shaped area <NUM>, and the band <NUM> is generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes are also possible.

The tear-away band <NUM> is shown attached to the cover <NUM> of the cap by tear-away connectors that are tear-away bridges or attachment points <NUM>, and is further attached to the U-shaped area <NUM> of the indicator element by a tear-away connector in the form of a tear-away strip <NUM>. More specifically, the strip <NUM> is shown attached to a protruding tab <NUM> of the band <NUM> that facilitates the opening of the cap, the tab being attached to said indicator element in a tear-away manner by a tear-away sealing strip <NUM>. During the first opening of the cap, the tear-away connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are broken, causing the disconnection of the strip <NUM> with the cover <NUM> of the cap and tearing the tear-away band <NUM> of the U-shaped area <NUM> of the indicator element.

Additionally, the area <NUM> may be attached to the band <NUM> by a weakened tear-away area (not shown) which may be, for example, a notch, a joint or a section of lesser thickness, the latter being in addition to the tear-away connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. In this case, the area <NUM> could also be S-shaped.

A second plurality of additional baffles <NUM>, of known type, located on a lower face of the main body <NUM>, are also shown in <FIG>. These baffles <NUM> are arranged such that each opening <NUM>, <NUM> is delimited by said baffles <NUM>, and are centrally located with respect to the first plurality of baffles.

<FIG> show a fourth example embodiment of a cap <NUM>, comprising a main body <NUM>, two unequally sized openings <NUM>, <NUM> in the main body <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> configured to close said cap.

In this embodiment, the cap comprises a hinged cover <NUM>, the cover comprising a indicator element and a ring <NUM> located at the bottom of the cover <NUM> of the cap. This ring <NUM> is mechanically attached to the main body of the cap.

The first opening system comprises an indicator element that is a hinged indicator element that articulates the ring <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the cap located at a lower part of the cover with an upper part of the cover, the indicator element having an area <NUM> that is deformed upon the first opening or unscrewing of the cap such that it cannot return to its original position after a first opening of the cap, as well as an area <NUM> that acts as a hinge. The tear-away first-opening system further comprises tear-away connectors between the ring <NUM> and the indicator element. More specifically, the ring <NUM> is connected to the indicator element in a tear-away manner, as well as to an upper part of the cover <NUM> by tear-away connectors. This ring <NUM> is mechanically connected to the main body <NUM> of the cap, not separating from the main body of the cap upon unscrewing thereof, this connection preferably being threaded.

This ring <NUM> is torn away during unscrewing of the cap due to tear-away connectors, which act as controlled break points, leaving the ring <NUM> attached to the indicator element by a section of area <NUM> (which is deformed after the first opening), and leaving the indicator element attached to the top of the cover <NUM> of the cap by the hinged area <NUM> thereof. <FIG> shows the closed cap <NUM> before a first opening, while <FIG> shows the open cap and <FIG> shows the closed cap after said first opening.

In the embodiment shown, the surface <NUM> of the main body is horizontal in form, and the small opening <NUM> is shown as having a triangular shape. These shapes should be considered as a representation of alternative example embodiments. and other embodiments such as a V-shaped surface and/or a circular trapezoid shaped opening are also possible.

Additionally, the indicator element may comprise a tab to facilitate the opening of the cap. Furthermore, the ring may comprise additional tear-away connectors that are tear-away sealing points. These sealing points may be moulded points, located between the hinge and the part of the ring attached to the indicator element in a tear-away manner.

<FIG> also shows a protruding retaining element or elements comprising a circumferential protrusion <NUM> located on the inner face of the ring <NUM>, extending along the entire circumferential perimeter of the cap. These connecting means facilitate mechanical attachment of the lower part of the cover <NUM> of the cap and the ring <NUM> to the main body <NUM> of the cap.

<FIG> also shows baffles <NUM>, of a known type, located on a lower face of the main body <NUM>. These baffles may be of any known type and have any known shape.

<FIG> show THE fifth and sixth example embodiments of a cap, in which the cap comprises a hinged cover <NUM>, the cover comprising a ring <NUM>, <NUM> placed at a lower part of the cover <NUM> of the cap. The ring <NUM>, <NUM> is mechanically attached to the main body of the cap.

In these embodiments, the tear-away first-opening system comprises an indicator element <NUM> or tear-away connector seal comprising tear-away connectors <NUM>, which is attached to the top of the cover and to said ring <NUM>, <NUM> of the cap by said tear-away connectors <NUM> prior to the first opening of the cap. These tear-away connectors <NUM> are tear-away areas located along the top and bottom of the indicator element <NUM> and are shown in the form of a tear-away strip, although other forms of tear-away connectors are also possible. The indicator element <NUM> further comprises a tab <NUM> or hook at one end thereof to facilitate the opening of the cap, being attached to the cover <NUM> of the cap by said tab <NUM>.

The upper part and ring <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the cap are also shown attached by tear-away connectors <NUM> located between the hinge <NUM> and the section of the ring <NUM>, <NUM> attached to the indicator element <NUM> in a tear-away manner by the connectors <NUM>. These tear-away connectors <NUM> are shown as moulded tear-away connector points, or tear-away sealing points. These connectors <NUM> facilitate separation of the ring <NUM> from the cover <NUM> of the cap when the cap is opened. <FIG> shows these tear-away connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, the security band <NUM> also comprises a weakened area <NUM>.

In said two example embodiments, and prior to the first opening, the indicator element <NUM> is attached to the ring <NUM>, <NUM> and to the upper part of the cover <NUM> of the cap by tear-away connectors <NUM> and by dimensional interference between one end <NUM> of the tab <NUM> of the seal <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the cap (as shown in <FIG>).

During the first opening of the cap, the pressure produced by the dimensional interference between elements <NUM> and <NUM> facilitates the breaking of the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> and the deformation of the weakened area <NUM>, hindering the subsequent placement of the indicator element <NUM> in its original position. After closing the cap after a first opening, the tear-away area <NUM> cannot be reattached to the cover of the cap, and the connectors <NUM> have been separated, evidencing manipulation of the cap.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the ring <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the cap having a length greater than the height of the main body <NUM> of the cap, such that said ring <NUM> can rest on top of the neck <NUM> of a container. The length of the ring is the distance between the uppermost point of the ring and the point of the ring that is located most internally.

The main body <NUM> of the cap in turn has a non-return snap-fit <NUM> and a snap-on protrusion <NUM> that prevents the cap from being released after passing over the collar <NUM> of the neck <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the non-return snap-fit <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> are located at the lower part <NUM> of the cover <NUM> of the cap. Additionally, the main body <NUM> of the cap comprises an additional element <NUM> that facilitates attachment of the main body to the neck.

While the invention has been described and represented based on representative examples, it should be understood that such an embodiment is in no way limiting for the present invention, so any variations that are directly included in the content of the appended claims should be considered included within the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
Multi-flow cap (<NUM>) for liquids, comprising:
- a part having means of attachment to a neck of a container, said part forming a main body (<NUM>) of the cap (<NUM>),
- two unevenly sized flow outlet openings (<NUM>, <NUM>), such that they define a large (<NUM>) and a small opening (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the main body (<NUM>) comprises a first plurality of baffles (<NUM>) distributed along an inner perimeter of the main body (<NUM>) and arranged such that each opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) is partially coincident with at least one baffle (<NUM>) in the outflow direction,
wherein said two openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) form an integral part of the component that forms the main body (<NUM>) of the cap (<NUM>).