Patent Description:
There is currently a great need to reduce the environmental impact of plastic. In particular, in the area of containers, such as bottles or vials, there is a need to prevent the respective caps from being dispersed in the environment.

For this reason, they should preferably be disposed of together with their container.

Currently, also in compliance with recent environmental protection regulations, a variety of technical solutions are therefore being developed to address the problem of keeping the cap attached to its container.

Many of the technical solutions proposed to date involve connecting elements between the cap and the safety ring. These connecting elements consist, for example, of partly pre-cut annular bands which, when the cap is unscrewed from the neck of the container, stretch out, allowing the cap to be removed from the neck while keeping it attached to the container via the safety ring.

Patent document <CIT> describes a tethered type closure that has a cap, designed to couple with the neck of a container, and a safety ring, connected to the cap and engaged with a rib in the neck of the container, known in jargon as a lip. In particular, in order to connect the cap to the safety ring, the closure has two annular bands obtained cutting the safety ring itself, giving rise to two deformable arms. When the cap is opened, these arms extend and twist, thus allowing the cap to be tipped, which remains attached to the neck.

Disadvantageously, the closure element described in <CIT> has a rigid structure that results in poor handling of the closure element by a user. Patent document <CIT> discloses a tethered type closure according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

The main task of the present invention is to realise a tethered closure element for containers that overcomes the drawbacks of the above-mentioned known technique. In particular, it is the purpose of the present invention to make available a tethered closure element for containers that is flexible and can be easily manoeuvred by an end user. It is the purpose of the present invention to also make available a container, comprising such a closure element, which can be easily opened.

In the context of this task, a further aim of the present invention is to realise a tethered closure element for containers, and a container comprising this closure element, that are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while still complying with the environmental guidelines for single-use plastics.

Another purpose of the invention is to realise a tethered closure element for containers, and a related container, that is resistant.

The aforementioned task and purposes, and others that will appear more clearly later, are achieved by a tethered closure element for a container as well as container for liquids, as set out in the appended independent claims.

Other features are provided in the dependent claims.

Further characteristics and advantages will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a tethered closure element for containers, illustrated only by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a closure element <NUM> for containers <NUM> forms part of the present invention. In particular, the closure element <NUM> described below is of the type tethered to the container <NUM>.

In particular, a first embodiment of the closure element <NUM> according to the present invention is shown in <FIG>.

A second embodiment of the closure element <NUM> not according to the present invention is shown in <FIG>.

The closure element <NUM> for containers <NUM> comprises a cap <NUM> comprising a substantially cylindrical inner wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> is threaded and is configured to couple with an externally threaded portion <NUM> of a neck <NUM> of a container <NUM>.

The closure element <NUM> further comprises a safety ring <NUM> configured to fit around the neck <NUM> and shaped to be retained below a lip <NUM> of the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Specifically, in the present description, the term lip refers to an abutment of the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM>, which is radially projecting outwards, located below the externally threaded portion <NUM>.

The safety ring <NUM> and cap <NUM> are spaced apart from each other.

It should be noted that, in accordance with the present invention, the safety ring <NUM> has a slot <NUM> extending through a first arc of circumference.

In particular, the first arc of a circumference is intended with reference to the circumference of the safety ring <NUM>, i.e. it is an arc of circumference defined as a part of the entire circumference on which safety ring <NUM> develops.

Preferably, the first arc of circumference subtends an angle greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°.

The slot <NUM> extends mainly along a circumferential development direction K, shown for simplicity only in <FIG> and <FIG>. The slot <NUM> also extends along a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the circumferential development direction K lies.

In other words, the slot <NUM> is a through-hole formed on the safety ring <NUM>.

In particular, the slot <NUM> partially subdivides the safety ring <NUM> into a lower band <NUM> and an upper band <NUM> separated from the lower band <NUM>. In particular, the upper band <NUM> is distanced from the lower band <NUM> by the presence of the slot <NUM>, which is interposed between the upper band <NUM> and the lower band <NUM>.

In more detail, the upper band <NUM> defines, with the slot <NUM>, two arms <NUM> connected to the cap <NUM>.

Note that the cap <NUM> is configured to switch between a closing configuration in which it is coupled to the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM> and an opening configuration in which it is uncoupled from the neck <NUM>.

In other words, the internal threaded wall <NUM> of the cap <NUM> is not engaged with the externally threaded portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM> in the opening configuration, while it is engaged with the externally threaded portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM> in the closing configuration.

The closure element <NUM> in the closing configuration is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The closure element <NUM> in the opening configuration is shown in <FIG>.

In particular, the slot <NUM> is configured to allow a deformation of the two arms <NUM> to allow coupling and/or uncoupling of the cap <NUM> with/from the neck <NUM> in the passage from the closing configuration to the opening configuration and vice versa.

Advantageously, the presence of the slot <NUM> increases the mobility of the arms <NUM>, giving them greater flexibility. This allows a user to easily manoeuvre the cap <NUM> between the closing configuration and the opening configuration and vice versa.

Preferably, in the closing configuration the arms <NUM> extend along two respective arcs of circumference belonging to the same circumference, as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The two arms <NUM> are deformed when cap <NUM> is in the opening configuration.

Preferably, the deformation of the two arms <NUM> is at least partly elastic.

In particular, due to the presence of the arms <NUM>, the cap <NUM>, although uncoupled from the neck <NUM>, remains constrained to the neck <NUM>.

As mentioned above, when the cap <NUM> is in the opening configuration, the arms <NUM> are deformed, especially twisted and extended, and thus enable the cap <NUM> to be tilted.

In accordance with the present invention, the lower band <NUM> extends for an arc of circumference equal to the first arc of circumference.

Also in accordance with the present invention, the arms <NUM> extend for a second arc of circumference having a length less than the length of the first arc of circumference. In other words, the second arc of circumference subtends a smaller angle than that subtended by the first arc.

The safety ring <NUM> also has a side band <NUM> that extends seamlessly from the upper band <NUM> and the lower band <NUM> for a third arc of circumference explementary to the first arc.

In particular, the side band <NUM> has a height that is substantially equal to the sum of the heights of the lower band <NUM>, the slot <NUM> and the upper band <NUM>, i.e. of the arms <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> has a height that can be constant or greater in some sections and lesser in others. With reference to <FIG>, preferably, the slot <NUM> has a maximum height H1 that is comprised between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the height H2 of the safety ring <NUM>. More preferably, the slot <NUM> has a maximum height H1 that is between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the height H2 of the safety ring <NUM>. Still preferably, the slot <NUM> has a maximum height H1 that is equal to <NUM>% of the height H2 of the safety ring <NUM>.

For example, for a safety ring <NUM> with a height H2 of <NUM>, the maximum height H1 of the slot <NUM> is <NUM>.

In the opening configuration, the cap <NUM> is away from the side band <NUM> of the safety ring <NUM>.

To open/close it, the cap <NUM> is unscrewed/screwed by rotation in relation to its central axis J.

In particular, in the unscrewing rotation, once the cap <NUM> is separated from the externally threaded portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM>, as explained below, the cap <NUM> pulls the safety ring <NUM> with it by means of the arms <NUM>, which deform and extend.

In the passage of the cap <NUM> from the closing configuration to the opening configuration, the safety ring <NUM> rises upwards until it abuts with the lip <NUM> below, remaining retained around the neck <NUM>.

In particular, the cap <NUM> can be unscrewed from the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM> in such a way that the safety ring <NUM> still remains engaged with the lip <NUM>, and in such a way that the cap <NUM> is not separated from the container <NUM>, due to the presence, in the retaining ring <NUM>, of abutment elements <NUM> configured to engage with the lip <NUM> at the bottom.

The abutment elements <NUM>, as for example shown with reference to the first embodiment, can take the form of a circumferential rib <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, which extends seamlessly around the entire circumference of the safety ring <NUM> to generate an undercut.

Alternatively, as for example shown with reference to the second embodiment, the safety ring <NUM> comprises a plurality of internal tabs <NUM>, visible in <FIG> and <FIG>.

These tabs <NUM> extend upwards and inwards from the lower band <NUM>, along the entire circumference of the safety ring <NUM>.

Specifically, each tab <NUM> comprises a heel <NUM> configured abut against the lip <NUM>.

The tabs <NUM> are partly facing the slot <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> preferably has a symmetrical structure with respect to a plane passing through its central axis J.

According to the invention, the cap <NUM> comprises a tooth <NUM> that extends below the inner wall <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> extends, preferably circumferentially, away from the inner wall <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> is interposed between the two arms <NUM>.

The tooth <NUM> is configured to abut against the externally threaded portion <NUM> of the neck <NUM> when the cap <NUM> is in the opening configuration.

Thus the tooth <NUM> defines a maximum opening angle α of the cap <NUM>, where this maximum opening angle α is less than <NUM>°. In particular, the maximum opening angle α is defined by the inclination of the base of the cap <NUM> with respect to a plane K' parallel to the plane in which the circumferential development direction K lies, as shown in <FIG>.

Preferably, the upper band <NUM> comprises for each arm <NUM> a junction bridge <NUM> between the end of the respective arm <NUM> and the cap <NUM>.

The cap <NUM> therefore always remains connected to the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM> via bridges <NUM>, and therefore arms <NUM>.

In particular, each bridge <NUM> is connected to the cap <NUM> laterally to the tooth <NUM>, if provided.

The arms <NUM> and the bridges <NUM> ensure that the cap <NUM> is never separated from the container <NUM>, keeping it constrained to the neck <NUM> by the safety ring <NUM>.

Advantageously, it is possible to keep the container <NUM> and the closure element <NUM> connected even when the cap <NUM> is in the opening configuration.

Preferably, the junction bridges <NUM> are separated from the tooth <NUM> by two respective gaps <NUM>.

Preferably, the bridges <NUM> extend transversally to the plane in which the circumferential development direction K lies when the cap <NUM> is in the closing configuration.

Still preferably, the bridges <NUM> extend substantially orthogonally to the plane in which the circumferential development direction K lies when the cap <NUM> is in the closing configuration.

Still preferably, the gaps <NUM> partly define the slot <NUM>. In agreement, the slot <NUM> and the gaps <NUM> form, when the cap <NUM> is in the closed configuration, a single space that is enclosed between the base of the cap <NUM>, the tooth <NUM>, the arms <NUM> and the lower band <NUM>.

Due to the presence of the gaps <NUM>, the mobility of the arms <NUM> is further improved.

Preferably, the closure element <NUM> comprises first frangible joining elements <NUM> placed at the slot <NUM>.

The first frangible joining elements <NUM> are in particular connecting the upper band <NUM> and the lower band <NUM> and are configured to break at a first passage of the cap <NUM> from the closing configuration to the opening configuration.

Preferably, the first frangible joining elements <NUM> are placed transversely to the plane in which the development direction K lies and are configured to break on a first passage of the cap <NUM> from the closing configuration to the opening configuration.

Still preferably, the first frangible joining elements <NUM> are placed substantially orthogonally to the plane in which the development direction K lies.

Preferably, the closure element <NUM>, in addition to the first frangible joining elements <NUM>, comprises second frangible joining elements <NUM>.

The second frangible joining elements <NUM> are a connection between the cap <NUM> and the safety ring <NUM> and are configured to break on a first passage of the cap <NUM> from the closing configuration to the opening configuration.

Preferably, the second frangible joining elements <NUM> are placed transversely to the plane in which the development direction K lies.

More preferably, the second frangible joining elements <NUM> are placed substantially orthogonally to the plane in which the development direction K lies.

The second frangible joining elements <NUM> are preferably arranged evenly between the cap <NUM> and the safety ring <NUM>, above the arms <NUM>, except at the bridges <NUM>.

Basically, prior to a first opening, the cap <NUM> is connected at the bottom to the safety ring <NUM> by means of both the second frangible joining elements <NUM> and the bridges <NUM>.

After an initial opening, the cap <NUM> is connected to the safety ring <NUM> exclusively via the bridges <NUM>.

In particular, at a first opening, a rotation of the cap <NUM> about its central axis J, in the unscrewing direction, causes a displacement of the whole closing element <NUM> upwards in an axial direction, until the abutment elements <NUM> abut with the lip <NUM> of the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM>, retaining the safety ring <NUM> until the second frangible joining elements <NUM> are completely broken.

At the same time, the first frangible joining elements <NUM> located at the slot <NUM> also break.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the closure element <NUM> includes at least one dragging tooth <NUM>. This dragging tooth <NUM> is connected to the cap <NUM>.

In particular, the dragging tooth <NUM> protrudes axially from the cap <NUM> towards the safety ring <NUM> and is configured to abut with the safety ring <NUM>.

When the closure element <NUM> is mounted on the neck <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and in particular is rotated with respect to the central axis J during such mounting, the dragging tooth <NUM> associated with the cap <NUM> drags the safety ring <NUM> together with the cap <NUM>. In this way, when mounting the closure element <NUM> on the container <NUM>, it is possible to avoid straining the first and second joining elements <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to the invention, the retaining ring <NUM> has a protrusion <NUM> projecting in an axial direction towards the cap <NUM>, which is configured to abut with the dragging tooth <NUM>.

The dragging tooth <NUM> extends seamlessly from the cap <NUM>, similarly to the tooth <NUM>, and has a pointed shape.

Preferably, the closure element <NUM> comprises two or more dragging teeth <NUM>. More preferably, the closure element <NUM> comprises three dragging teeth <NUM>, two of which are located at the arms <NUM>, as illustrated for example in <FIG>, and one at the tooth <NUM>, as illustrated for example in <FIG>.

In the case of the dragging tooth <NUM> placed at the arms <NUM>, the safety ring <NUM> has a recess <NUM> in the upper portion of the arm <NUM> at the dragging tooth <NUM>. This recess <NUM> defines the protrusion <NUM> with one of its walls.

A container <NUM> comprising the closure element <NUM> described above also forms part of the present invention.

In particular, the container <NUM> has a neck <NUM> having an externally threaded portion <NUM> to be coupled with the substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. The container <NUM> also has a lip <NUM> that retains the safety ring <NUM> of the closure element <NUM> at the bottom.

The tethered closure element <NUM> for containers <NUM> of the type tethered to the container <NUM> thus conceived, and the container <NUM> comprising such closure element <NUM>, are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations all within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

Claim 1:
Closure element (<NUM>) for containers (<NUM>), said closure element (<NUM>) being of the tethered type and comprising:
- a cap (<NUM>) comprising a substantially cylindrical threaded inner wall (<NUM>), configured to couple with an externally threaded portion (<NUM>) of a neck (<NUM>) of a container (<NUM>);
- a safety ring (<NUM>) configured to fit on said neck (<NUM>) and shaped to be retained below a lip (<NUM>) of the neck (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>); said safety ring (<NUM>) having a slot (<NUM>) extending for a first arc of circumference, mainly along a circumferential development direction (K); said slot (<NUM>) partially dividing said safety ring (<NUM>) into a lower band (<NUM>) and an upper band (<NUM>) separate from the lower band (<NUM>); said upper band (<NUM>) defining with the slot (<NUM>) two arms (<NUM>) connected to said cap (<NUM>);
said cap (<NUM>) being configured to switch between a closing configuration in which it is coupled to the neck (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) and an opening configuration in which it is uncoupled from the neck (<NUM>); said slot (<NUM>) being configured to allow a deformation of said two arms (<NUM>) to allow the coupling and/or uncoupling of said cap (<NUM>) to/from said neck (<NUM>) in the passage from said closing configuration to said opening configuration and vice versa; said two arms (<NUM>) being deformed when said cap (<NUM>) is in said opening configuration; said cap (<NUM>) comprising a tooth (<NUM>) extending below said inner wall (<NUM>) and away from said inner wall (<NUM>), said tooth (<NUM>) being interposed between said two arms (<NUM>) and being configured to abut said externally threaded portion (<NUM>) when said cap (<NUM>) is in the opening configuration; characterized in that said closure element (<NUM>) comprises one or more dragging teeth (<NUM>) connected to the cap (<NUM>); the safety ring (<NUM>) having a protrusion (<NUM>) which protrudes in an axial direction towards the cap (<NUM>), said protrusion (<NUM>) being configured to abut with the dragging tooth (<NUM>); said dragging tooth (<NUM>) extending seamlessly from the cap (<NUM>) and having a pointed shape.