Patent ID: 12202650

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description will hereinafter be given regarding embodiments for suitably practicing the present invention.

It is to be noted that, in these embodiments, X, Y, and Z directions are set as needed for the sake of convenience of description in descriptions in each of which one or more figures are used, but are for the convenience of description and do not excessively limit the present invention. Further, for other than the configurations to be mentioned in detail hereinafter, structures of known containers and caps can appropriately be applied.

First Embodiment

«Synthetic Resin Cap100»

With reference toFIGS.1to8as needed, a description will be given in detail regarding a structure of a synthetic resin cap100according to a first embodiment.

As depicted inFIG.1,FIG.2, etc., the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment has a function to fit to a spout opening of a container mouth portion201in a container200to be mentioned below and includes at least a tamper-evident band10, and a cap main body20serving as a generally-called upper lid.

Here, as the container200preferred for the first embodiment, a bottle in which, like, for example, a known milk bottle, a cap is pushed and affixed to a container mouth portion can be exemplified. It is however to be noted that, as the container200, a general bottle in which a refreshing beverage, tea, or the like is stored and a cap is threadedly attached on a container mouth portion may also be used without being limited to the above-described bottle. Further, as the material of the container200, polyester resins such as, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin are preferred. In addition, various known materials such as, for example, the above-described glass bottle can be used.

Further, the contents to be stored in the container200is not particularly limited, and various known liquids such as, for example, milk beverages such as cow's milk and refreshing beverages such as tea can be used. Moreover, as the contents to be stored in the container200, known solid materials or known semi-solid materials which are in a gel form, such as medicines including tablets and foods, may also be used in place of the above-described various types of liquids.

The container200as mentioned above is partly depicted by way of example inFIGS.1and2, etc., and includes the container mouth portion201with the spout opening formed therein to pour the contents, a ring-shaped, laterally extending portion202disposed below the container mouth portion201, and a main body203located below the laterally extending portion202(in the illustration of the figures, only an upper part of the main body203is presented, and its lower part is omitted). It is to be noted that the ring-shaped, laterally extending portion202depicted in the first embodiment functions as a neck support, which is disposed below the container mouth portion201, extends to a radially outer side of the container mouth portion201, and is a part, for example, to be held by a transfer mechanism upon transfer of the container200or to be held for prevention of a collapse or the like of the container main body when attaching the cap.

It is to be noted that the laterally extending portion202is formed in the ring shape along the entire periphery of the container mouth portion201in the first embodiment, but without being limited to this shape, is required only to be formed in a protruding shape extending outwards in a radial direction.

Further, the laterally extending portion202in the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described ring shape, and may be formed in a shape that the laterally extending portion202is integrated as a part (which constitutes the upper part) of the main body203of the container200, for example, as illustrated by way of example inFIG.11.

Taking the neck support, which is depicted inFIG.1, etc., as an example of the above-described, laterally extending portion202, the description will hereinafter be continued (will hereinafter be described as the neck support202). Furthermore, for structures other than those mentioned above with respect to the container200, known container structures including the above-described PTL 1 and PTL 2 may also be applied.

The synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment may preferably be a push-on cap that an inner ring23, which will be mentioned subsequently herein, is fitted inside the container mouth portion201. As the material of the synthetic resin cap100as mentioned above, a relatively soft material is preferred. Preferred examples include olefin resins including polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin such as low-density polyethylene called “LDPE,” but other known synthetic resins may also be used.

The tamper-evident band10, as understood fromFIGS.1,2, and5, etc., has a function that it is fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the container mouth portion201. As depicted inFIG.5, fitting protrusions13are disposed at predetermined intervals on an inner peripheral surface of the tamper-evident band10. By fitting engagement of the fitting protrusions13with the container mouth portion201, the fitted state on the outer peripheral surface of the container mouth portion201is maintained. It is to be noted that, as depicted by way of example inFIG.5, etc., the tamper-evident band10may have a form without the above-described fitting protrusion13in a region, where the fixing rib30and the strap portion12(both, to be mentioned subsequently herein), on a side of the inner peripheral surface thereof.

As depicted inFIGS.1and2, etc., the cap main body20has a skirt wall21and a top plate22, and is configured as the upper lid. Of these, the skirt wall21is disposed to extend vertically downwards from a peripheral edge of the top plate22such that the skirt wall21covers the outer peripheral surface of the container mouth portion210when the container200is closed.

As mentioned above, on an inner side of the top plate22, the inner ring23that can be fitted in the spout opening of the container mouth portion201is also formed. It is to be noted that, as the structure of the inner ring23, various known shapes may be applied as long as the above-described spout opening can be sealed.

The skirt wall21is provided around an upper end thereof on a side opposite to a fixing rib30, which will be described subsequently herein, with a tab portion40. As understood fromFIGS.4and6, the tab portion40in the first embodiment is preferably configured having a width W2greater than a width W1in a peripheral direction of the fixing rib30. This allows a user to perform opening operation by efficiently pulling up the cap main body20, for example, at whichever position in a peripheral direction the tab portion40is grasped. It is to be noted that the width W2of the tab portion40is not necessarily required to be greater than the width W1and may be smaller than or equal to the width W1.

As also depicted in the same figures, the tab portion40in the first embodiment preferably extends in the radial direction to such an extent that the drinker can pull up the tab portion40. This refrains the drinker's fingers from unintentionally coming into contact with the container mouth portion201when the container200is opened, and therefore is considered to be preferred from the viewpoint of hygiene.

Further, referring toFIGS.1,2,7(a) and8in combination, the cap main body20in the first embodiment is coupled at a lower edge of the above-described skirt wall21with the tamper-evident band10via weakened portions11and a strap portion12.

It is to be noted that, inFIG.7(a), the strap portion12in the first embodiment is connected to the lower edge of the skirt wall21, but the manner of the connection of the strap portion12to the skirt wall21is not limited to this structure. Described specifically, as depicted by way of example inFIG.7(b), it may be possible to adopt a structure that portions of the lower edge of the skirt wall21may be indented upwards, and the strap portion12may be connected at an upper edge thereof to the indented skirt wall21.

As also appreciated from these figures, the weakened portions11are configured with a strength of such a degree that the weakened portions11temporarily couple the tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20together, but can be easily torn, for example, when the user pulls up the tab portion40upon opening. In other words, the tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20are coupled together via the weakened portions11in an unopened state, but even once the container200is opened, the weakened portions11are torn. This serves as evidence of opening.

It is to be noted that the plurality of weakened portions11are intermittently disposed about an axis of the cap main body20in the first embodiment, but the weakened portions11are not limited to this manner. Instead of the above-described structure, it may be possible to adopt a manner that the weakened portions11are formed thin and couple the tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20together continuously along a peripheral direction.

As depicted inFIGS.2and8, the strap portion12is arranged on a side opposite to the tab portion40, that is, on a side where the fixing rib30to be mentioned below is disposed, and is configured with a function that permanently couples the above-described tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20together.

Described more specifically, the strap portion12in the first embodiment, as understood from these figures, includes a pair of a first connector strap12aand a second connector strap12bso as to sandwich the fixing rib30therebetween.

When the user pulls up the tab portion40, for example, upon opening the container200, the cap main body20remains coupled with the tamper-evident band10via the strap portion12. This allows the cap main body20to remain unseparated from the container200(more precisely, from the tamper-evident band10fitted on the container mouth portion201), thereby preventing falling or loss of the cap main body20after the opening.

It is to be noted that, in the first embodiment, the strap portion12has at least two connector straps, and the fixing rib30is arranged to be interposed between these two connector straps. However, the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, one or three or more connector straps may be disposed, or the strap portion12may be in a form that different numbers of connector straps are arranged on opposite sides, respectively, of the fixing rib30.

Further, as mentioned above, the shape that upon opening, the tab portion40is pulled up by the user is exemplified in the first embodiment. In addition to this manner, it also may be possible to adopt, for example, a shape that a finger is hooked on a lower surface of the tab portion40and the tab portion40is then pushed up from below.

<Fixing Rib30>

Referring next in particular toFIGS.2,4, and8, the structure and function of the fixing rib30in the first embodiment will be mentioned in detail.

First, as also understood from these figures, the cap main body20in the first embodiment further includes the fixing rib30, which extends vertically downwards from the above-described skirt wall21and extends to a radially outer side of the skirt wall21(in a −X direction, for example, inFIG.2).

As depicted inFIG.2, the fixing rib30is disposed on the side opposite to the above-described tab portion40in the cap main body20. As also understood fromFIG.4, the fixing rib30is formed in a shape that it substitutes for a portion of the skirt wall21in the cap main body20in the first embodiment.

Further, as depicted inFIG.4, the tamper-evident band10located below the tab portion40is set to have a height (a length in the Z direction) taller than a height of the tamper-evident band10located below the fixing rib30. In other words, the tamper-evident band10in the first embodiment is set such that its height is not uniform in the axial direction but differs in the peripheral direction. Furthermore, as mentioned above, on the tamper-evident band10in the first embodiment, the fitting protrusions13are disposed on the side of the inner peripheral surface along the peripheral direction except for the positions corresponding to the fixing rib30and the strap portion12.

As depicted inFIGS.2and8, etc., the fixing rib30in the first embodiment includes, from an upper side on the side of the top plate22to a lower side on the side of the tamper-evident band10, a first inclined portion31, an intermediate step portion32, a shoulder portion33, an outer side surface portion34, a lower tapered portion35, and a bottom surface portion36.

The first inclined portion31is formed on a top part of the fixing rib, and has a downwardly flared shape. It is to be noted that the first inclined portion31is formed as a linear slope inclined at approximately 20° with respect to a vertical direction as depicted inFIG.8, but without being limited to this form, may be in the form of a curved surface, or may be an inclined surface of approximately 15° to 25°.

The intermediate step portion32, as depicted inFIG.8, etc., is a surface extending to a radially outer side from a lower end of the above-described first inclined portion31. In more detail, the intermediate step portion32in the first embodiment is arranged between the above-described first inclined portion31and the shoulder portion33to be mentioned subsequently herein and includes a surface substantially parallel to the top plate22.

The shoulder portion33, as depicted inFIG.8, etc., is a part downwardly curved at an outer end portion of the above-described intermediate step portion32. In more detail, the shoulder portion33in the first embodiment is disposed below the above-described first inclined portion31, and is a corner part in the form of a curved surface continuing at an outer edge of the intermediate step portion32to the outer side surface portion34.

As described above, the fixing rib30in the first embodiment has the above-described first inclined portion31, intermediate step portion32, and shoulder portion33. If the fixing rib30does not have them, however, the fixing rib30has a structure extending downwards from the top plate22like the remaining skirt wall21(the structure being indicated as a boundary portion BP inFIG.8). It is to be noted that the heights of arrangements of the intermediate step portion32and the shoulder portion33(their heights from a lower end of the fixing rib30) can be set through an experiment or simulation to maintain a flipping angle of the cap main body20beyond 180° when the container200is opened.

The outer side surface portion34is a side surface, which continues from the above-described shoulder portion33, and juts out to a radially outer side of the skirt wall21. Formed on a lower side of this outer side surface portion34is the lower tapered portion35that is tapered (reduced in diameter) downwards.

As understood fromFIGS.2to5and8, the fixing rib30has the intermediate step portion2, the shoulder portion33, the outer side surface portion34, and the lower tapered portion35, all of which are described above, and therefore includes a part jutting out to a radially outer side below the first inclined portion31. In the first embodiment, a region that is configured of the intermediate step portion32, the shoulder portion33, the outer side surface portion34, and the lower tapered portion35out of the fixing rib30is therefore defined as “the protrusion portion.”

This lower tapered portion35functions as the second inclined portion located below the above-described first inclined portion31, and is disposed for a purpose of suppressing any interference with the tamper-evident band10or a like purpose when the container200is opened as will be mentioned below.

Further, the bottom surface portion36that makes up a bottom surface of the fixing rib30and is in continuation with the above-described lower tapered portion35is arranged such that it opposes an upper surface of the above-described tamper-evident band10with a predetermined interval therebetween.

According to the synthetic resin cap100having the fixing rib30configured of the above-described individual parts, it is possible that when the container200is opened, (A) the side surface of the container mouth portion201and a jut-out portion (the protrusion portion) disposed below the first inclined portion31come into contact with each other, and (B) an upper surface202aof the neck support202disposed below the container mouth portion201and the top plate22also come into contact with each other. This maintains the posture of the cap main body20when the container200is opened.

It is to be noted that, as will be mentioned subsequently herein, a shape in which the shoulder portion33out of the protrusion portion comes into contact with the side surface of the container mouth portion201(seeFIG.9(c), etc.) will be exemplified in the first embodiment, but the fixing rib30is not limited to this shape. The fixing rib30may be, for example, of a shape in which the outer side surface portion34, which constitutes the protrusion portion and the side surface of the container mouth portion201come into contact with each other. Taking as an example a case in which the shoulder portion33out of the protrusion portion and the side surface of the container mouth portion201come into contact with each other, in the following description, the description will be continued.

<State Transition when Container is Opened>

Also with reference toFIGS.9and10, a description will next be given regarding an opening method of the synthetic resin cap100in the first embodiment while referring to a state transition.

As depicted inFIG.9, when the drinker drinks the contents (for example, cow's milk or the like) from the container200, the drinker first opens the synthetic resin cap100that seals the spout opening. It is to be noted that, although illustration is omitted, a known cover, such as a shrink film, which covers the synthetic resin cap100may further be added to the container200.

When the container200is opened, the drinker first performs an operation to pull up the tab portion40with fingers or the like. This pull-up force then tears the weakened portions11that temporarily connect the tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20together. When the weakened portions11are torn, the tab portion40flips (turns over) upwards about the strap portion12as a base point, whereby the inner ring23separates from the spout opening of the container200.

When the cap main body20continues the above-described flipping movement at this time as depicted inFIG.9(b), the second inclined portion (lower tapered portion35) of the fixing rib30slidingly rides over the tamper-evident band10, followed by sliding of the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30on a side surface202bof the neck support202of the container200. In this manner, the downwardly flared first inclined portion is formed on the fixing rib30, the fixing rib30can slide smooth against the neck support202without being caught as described above.

When the cap main body20then further continues the above-described flipping movement as depicted inFIG.9(c), the outer side surface of the container mouth portion201and the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) disposed below the above-described first inclined portion31come into contact with each other, and the upper surface202aof the neck support202disposed below the container mouth portion201and the top plate22also come into contact with each other, thereby being brought into a state (a state of two-point contact) in which the posture of the cap main body20when the container200is opened is maintained.

At this time, it is preferred for the cap main body20to maintain its posture when the container200is opened, in a state in which the cap main body20has flipped beyond 180° about the strap portion12as a proximal end from the unopened state. It is to be noted that the angle from the above-described unopened state is maintained approximately at 225° or so in the figure, but the above-described angle is an example, and the angle from the above-described unopened state can appropriately be adjusted according to the position and shape of the neck support202, the preset height of the shoulder portion33described above, and the like.

As described above, the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) of the fixing rib30in the first embodiment is set in the height of arrangement from the lower end (bottom surface portion36) of the fixing rib30such that the cap main body20is flippable beyond 180° in terms of the above-described flipping angle.

Further, as understood from the state transition ofFIG.9(a)toFIG.9(c), the fixing rib30itself is suppressed from interfering with the tamper-evident band10even if the cap main body20performs flipping movement at the time of opening the container200, because the fixing rib30in the first embodiment includes the above-described second inclined portion (lower tapered portion35). This suppresses that the flipping of the cap main body20is stopped or otherwise hampered in an initial stage of the opening operation.

As also understood from the state transition ofFIG.9(b)toFIG.9(c), the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment also has such a feature that, when the container200is opened, the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30slides on the side surface202bof the neck support202, and the upper edge portion of the top plate22is hence guided to be driven toward the upper surface202aof the neck support202.

Owing to the features as described above, the upper edge portion of the above-described top plate22is suppressed from being driven toward a lower surface202cof the neck support202in the first embodiment, so that unintended tearing or the like of the tamper-evident band10and strap portion12is suppressed.

«Synthetic Resin Cap101as Comparative Example»

A state transition in an opening method with use of a synthetic resin cap101which does not have the above-described fixing rib30is depicted inFIG.10, as a comparative example to the first embodiment. It is to be noted that, in this comparative example, members having the same functions and configurations as in the above-described embodiment are identified by the same reference signs, and their description is omitted.

As appreciated from the figure, the synthetic resin cap101of the comparative example does not have the fixing rib30in the first embodiment, so that, at the time of opening the container200, for example, the neck support202hardly slides on a skirt wall21as inFIG.10(b), leading to a need for a relatively strong force to open.

Moreover, in the synthetic resin cap101of the comparative example, the neck support202hardly slides on the skirt wall21, so that, as depicted inFIG.10(c), the upper surface202aof the neck support202and the top plate22do not come into contact with each other, and the upper edge portion of the top plate22is driven toward the lower surface202cof the neck support202. In this case, an excessive force may be applied, for example, to the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12, leading to possible tearing of the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12. Even if the tearing of the strap portion12and the like is avoided in this case, the strap portion12is excessively stretched to result in a large flip radius of the upper lid (cap main body) at the time of opening the container200, thereby making it difficult to maintain stable fixing of the upper lid at the time of opening. If the maintenance of the stable fixing of the upper lid is made difficult, the fixing of the upper lid may be unintentionally released when drinking, so that the upper lid flips back in a closing direction. The upper lid may hence possibly interfere, for example, with the nose or the like of the user during drinking.

According to the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment, on the other hand, the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30slides on the side surface202bof the neck support202at the time of opening the container200, so that the upper lid (the upper edge portion of the top plate22) is guided to be driven toward the upper surface202aof the neck support202.

After that, the side surface of the container mouth portion201and the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) of the fixing rib30come into contact with each other, and the upper surface202aof the neck support202and the top plate22also come into contact with each other (a state of two-point contact).

Owing to the features as described above, the upper edge portion of the above-described top plate22is suppressed from being driven toward the lower surface202cof the neck support202in the first embodiment, so that unintended tearing or the like of the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12can be suppressed while permitting flipping over 180° or greater.

As mentioned above, the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment may include the above-described second inclined portion (lower tapered portion35) in the fixing rib30.

To effectively realize the above-described turnover of the upper lid over 180° or greater, it is desired that, at the time of opening the container200, the fixing rib30rides over the tamper-evident band10while somewhat jutting out to the radially outer side. This can be realized by the inclusion of this second inclined portion in the fixing rib30.

As appreciated from the above, there is evidently a significant difference in not only the openability (the ease of opening) but also in the stability (the absence of unintentional tearing) between the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment and the synthetic resin cap101of the comparative example.

In addition, according to the synthetic resin cap100of the first embodiment, a large turnover (a flipping angle, for example, beyond 180°) of the upper lid can be realized with a relatively small amount of resin material owing to the inclusion of the above-described characteristic features, for example, even if the dimensions in the axial direction of the synthetic resin cap100are reduced, and therefore, a cost reduction can also be realized while exhibiting the above-described advantageous effects.

Second Embodiment

A description will next be given regarding a second embodiment for suitably practicing the present invention.

It is to be noted that, in this embodiment, the members already described in the first embodiment and those having the same functions as the elements of the first embodiment are identified by the same reference signs, and their description is omitted as appropriate. Accordingly, the description will hereinafter be continued centering around differences from the first embodiment.

«Synthetic Resin Cap110»

Referring toFIGS.12to18as needed, a description will be given in detail regarding the structure of a synthetic resin cap110according to the second embodiment.

As depicted inFIG.12,FIG.13, etc., the synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment has a function to fit to a container mouth portion210in a container200to be mentioned below and includes at least the tamper-evident band10, and the cap main body20as the generally-called upper lid.

As depicted by way of example inFIGS.12,13,19, and20, etc., the container200as described above includes the container mouth portion210, a ring-shaped, laterally extending portion213disposed below the container mouth portion210, and a main body220located below the laterally extending portion213(in the illustration of the figures, only an upper part of the main body220is presented, and its lower part is omitted). Of these, the container mouth portion210has a pouring portion211through which a spout opening is formed to pour contents, and a reduced diameter portion212on which the tamper-evident band10to be mentioned subsequently herein is fitted.

It is to be noted that the reduced diameter portion212presented in the second embodiment is a part reduced in diameter below the pouring portion211, and as depicted inFIG.19, etc., a jaw portion211ais therefore formed, below the pouring portion211in the second embodiment, with its diameter gradually reduced downwards so as to continue from the reduced diameter portion212.

The ring-shaped, laterally extending portion213is disposed below the container mouth portion210, functions as a neck support extending to a radially outer side of the container mouth portion210, and is configured to be usable as a part, for example, to be held by a transfer mechanism upon transfer of the container200or to be held for prevention of a collapse or the like of the container main body when the cap is attached.

It is to be noted that the laterally extending portion213is formed in the ring shape along the entire periphery of the container mouth portion210in the second embodiment, but without being limited to this shape, is required only to be formed in a protruding shape extending outwards in a radial direction.

Further, the laterally extending portion213in the second embodiment is not limited to the above-described ring shape, and may be formed in a shape that the laterally extending portion213is integrated with a part (which makes up the upper part) of the main body220of the container200, for example, as illustrated by way of example inFIG.21.

Taking the neck support, which is depicted inFIG.12, etc., as an example of the above-described laterally extending portion213, the description will hereinafter be continued (will hereinafter be described as the neck support213). Furthermore, for structures other than those mentioned above with respect to the container200, known container structures including the above-described PTL 1 and PTL 2 may also be applied.

The synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment may preferably be a push-on cap that the inner ring23, which will be mentioned subsequently herein, is fitted inside the container mouth portion210. As the material of the synthetic resin cap100as mentioned above, a relatively soft material is preferred. Preferred examples include olefin resins including polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin such as low-density polyethylene called “LDPE,” but other known synthetic resins may also be used.

As depicted inFIGS.12and13, etc., the cap main body20has the skirt wall21and the top plate22, and is configured as the upper lid. Of these, the skirt wall21is disposed to extend vertically downwards from the peripheral edge of the top plate22such that the skirt wall21covers at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the container mouth portion210when the container200is closed.

<Fixing Rib30>

Referring next in particular toFIGS.13,15, and18, the structure and the function of a fixing rib30in the second embodiment will be mentioned in detail.

First, as also understood from these figures, the cap main body20in the second embodiment further includes the fixing rib30, which extends vertically downwards from the above-described skirt wall21and extends to a radially outer side of the skirt wall21(in a −X direction, for example, inFIG.13).

As depicted inFIG.13, the fixing rib30is disposed on a side opposite to the above-described tab portion40in the cap main body20. As also understood fromFIG.15, the fixing rib30is formed in a shape that it substitutes for a portion of the skirt wall21in the cap main body20in this embodiment.

Further, as depicted inFIG.15, the tamper-evident band10located below the tab portion40is set to have the height (the length in the Z direction) taller than the height of the tamper-evident band10located below the fixing rib30. In other words, the tamper-evident band10in this embodiment is set such that its height is not uniform in the axial direction and differs in the peripheral direction. Furthermore, as mentioned above, on the tamper-evident band10in this embodiment, the fitting protrusions13are disposed on the side of the inner peripheral surface along the peripheral direction except for the positions corresponding to the fixing rib30and the strap portion12.

As depicted inFIGS.13,15, and18, etc., the fixing rib30in this embodiment includes, from the upper side on the side of the top plate22to the lower side on the side of the tamper-evident band10, the first inclined portion31, the intermediate step portion32, the shoulder portion33, a curved portion37, and a lower bottom surface portion38.

The first inclined portion31is formed on the top part of the fixing rib and has the downwardly flared shape. It is to be noted that the first inclined portion31is formed as the linear slope inclined at approximately 20° with respect to the vertical direction as depicted inFIG.18, but without being limited to this shape, may be in the shape of a curved surface, or may be an inclined surface of approximately 15° to 25°.

The intermediate step portion32, as depicted inFIG.18, etc., is the surface extending to the radially outer side from the lower end of the above-described first inclined portion31. In more detail, the intermediate step portion32in this embodiment is arranged between the above-described first inclined portion31and the shoulder portion33to be mentioned subsequently herein and includes the surface substantially parallel to the top plate22.

The shoulder portion33, as depicted inFIG.18, etc., is the part downwardly curved at the outer end portion of the above-described intermediate step portion32. In more detail, the shoulder portion33in this embodiment is disposed below the above-described first inclined portion31, and is the corner part in the shape of the curved surface continuing at the outer edge of the intermediate step portion32to the curved portion37.

It is to be noted that the heights of arrangements of the intermediate step portion32and the shoulder portion33(their heights from the lower end of the fixing rib30) can be set through an experiment or simulation, which takes the material and the like of the synthetic resin cap100into account, to maintain a flipping angle of the cap main body20beyond 180° at the time of opening the container200.

As depicted inFIG.18, etc., the curved portion37is a part that is gradually reduced downwards in diameter in continuation from the above-described shoulder portion33. As understood from the figures, this curved portion37is a side surface that juts out to a radially outer side of the skirt wall21described above, and at the time of opening the container200, the jaw portion211adisposed on the container mouth portion210(pouring portion211) can slide along the curved curve.

It is to be noted that, as understood fromFIG.18, etc., the curved portion37in this embodiment is preferably configured of a curved surface, the curved surface being upwardly protruding in a state that the cap main body20seals the container mouth portion210, so that an opening force required for turnover of the cap main body20via the strap portion12at the time of opening the container200increases gradually. As mentioned above, the user can therefore be refrained from carelessly stopping the opening operation before its completion.

It is to be noted that the curved portion37in this embodiment is configured of the curved surface, the curved surface being upwardly protruding in the state that the container mouth portion210is sealed, as described above, but is not limited to this shape as long as the above-described function is exhibited. For example, the curved surface of the curved portion37may have a curvature of such a degree that is substantially close to that of a straight line.

Further, for example, in the case of a shape omitting the effect that the riding resistance of the jaw portion211aon the curved portion37gradually increases, a tapered second inclined portion (not depicted) as the curved portion37, the diameter of which is uniformly reduced downwards (in a direction from the shoulder portion33toward the lower bottom surface portion38inFIG.18), may be interposed, for example, as the curved portion37between the shoulder portion33and the lower bottom surface portion38.

The lower bottom surface portion38is disposed below the above-described curved portion37as depicted inFIG.18, etc. This lower bottom surface portion38includes a bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the above-described top plate22. In addition, the lower bottom surface portion38in this embodiment is arranged facing the upper surface of the tamper-evident band10with a predetermined interval left between itself and the tamper-evident band10.

As understood fromFIGS.13to16and18, the fixing rib30has the intermediate step portion32, the shoulder portion33, and the curved portion37, all of which are described above, and therefore includes a part jutting out to a radially outer side below the first inclined portion31. In the second embodiment, a region that is configured of the intermediate step portion32, the shoulder portion33, and the curved portion37out of the fixing rib30is therefore defined as “a protrusion portion.”

It is to be noted that the curved portion37and the lower bottom surface portion38are formed in a continuous shape in the second embodiment, but without being limited to this shape, for example, a third inclined portion (not depicted) the diameter of which is reduced downwards may further be interposed between the curved portion37and the lower bottom surface portion38. Owing to the inclusion of the third inclined portion as described above, it is possible to further suppress the interference with the tamper-evident band10, for example, at the time of opening the container200.

According to the synthetic resin cap110having the fixing rib30configured of the above-described individual parts, it is possible that, at the time of opening the container200, (A) the side surface of the container mouth portion210and the protrusion portion (shoulder portion33) disposed below the first inclined portion31come into contact with each other, and (B) an upper surface213aof the neck support213disposed below the container mouth portion210and the top plate22also come into contact with each other. This maintains the posture of the cap main body20at the time of opening the container200.

It is to be noted that, as will be mentioned subsequently herein, a shape in which the shoulder portion33out of the protrusion portion comes into contact with the side surface of the container mouth portion210(seeFIG.19(c), etc.) will be exemplified in this embodiment, but the fixing rib30is not limited to this shape. The fixing rib30may be, for example, of a shape in which the curved portion37, which constitutes the protrusion portion, and the side surface of the container mouth portion210come into contact with each other. Taking as an example the case in which the shoulder portion33out of the protrusion portion and the side surface of the container mouth portion210come into contact with each other in the following description, the description will be continued.

<State Transition when Container is Opened>

Also usingFIGS.19and20, a description will next be given regarding an opening method of the synthetic resin cap110in this embodiment while referring to a state transition.

As depicted inFIG.19, when the drinker drinks the contents (for example, cow's milk or the like) from the container200, the drinker first opens the synthetic resin cap110that seals the spout opening. It is to be noted that, although illustration is omitted, a known cover, such as a shrink film, which covers the synthetic resin cap110may further be added to the container200.

When the container200is opened, the drinker first performs an operation to pull up the tab portion40with fingers or the like. This pull-up force then tears the weakened portions11that temporarily connect the tamper-evident band10and the cap main body20together. When the weakened portions11are torn, the tab portion40flips (turns over) upwards about the strap portion12as a base point, whereby the inner ring23separates from the spout opening of the container200.

When the cap main body20continues the above-described flipping movement at this time as depicted inFIG.19(b), the jaw portion211adisposed on the pouring portion211in the container mouth portion210slides along the curved portion37. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the curved surface on the curved portion37is configured to lie upwardly protrude in a state in which the container mouth portion210is sealed. An opening force that the drinker feels at this time therefore gradually increases with the above-described flipping movement.

While the jaw portion211ais sliding on the curved surface of the curved portion37, the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30slides on a side surface213bof a neck support213of the container200. In this manner, the downwardly flared first inclined portion31is formed on the fixing rib30, the fixing rib30can slide smooth against the neck support213without being caught as described above.

When the cap main body20then further continues the above-described flipping movement as depicted inFIG.19(c), subsequent to sliding of the jaw portion211awhich is disposed on the container mouth portion210(pouring portion211), along the curved portion37, the outer side surface of the container mouth portion210and the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) disposed below the above-described first inclined portion31come into contact with each other, and the upper surface213aof the neck support213disposed below the container mouth portion210and the top plate22also come into contact with each other, thereby being brought into a state (a state of two-point contact) in which the posture of the cap main body when the container200is opened is maintained.

At this time, it is preferred for the cap main body20to maintain its posture when the container200is opened, in a state in which the cap main body20has flipped beyond 180° about the strap portion12as the proximal end from the unopened state. It is to be noted that the angle from the above-described unopened state is maintained approximately at 225° or so in the figure, but the above-described angle is an example, and the angle from the above-described unopened state can appropriately be adjusted according to the position and shape of the neck support213, the preset height of the shoulder portion33, and the like.

As described above, the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) of the fixing rib30in this embodiment is set in the height of arrangement from the lower end (bottom surface portion36) of the fixing rib30such that the cap main body20is flippable beyond 180° in terms of the above-described flipping angle.

As also understood from the state transition ofFIG.19(b)toFIG.19(c), the synthetic resin cap110of this embodiment also has such a feature that, when the container200is opened, the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30slides on the side surface213bof the neck support213, and an upper edge portion22eof the top plate22is hence guided to be driven toward the upper surface213aof the neck support213.

Owing to the features as described above, the upper edge portion22eof the above-described top plate22is suppressed from being driven toward a lower surface213cof the neck support213in this embodiment, so that unintended tearing or the like of the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12is suppressed.

In this embodiment, it is also configured that the fixing rib30comes into contact with the side surface of the container mouth portion210to emit a sound by cooperation with (effects of elastic deformation of) the tamper-evident band10after the jaw portion211adisposed on the container mouth portion210has ridden over the curved portion37in the state transition fromFIG.19(b)toFIG.19(c). This also allows the drinker to grasp the completion of the opening operation by auditory perception (effects of contact sound) in addition to the above-mentioned gradual increase of the opening force.

«Synthetic Resin Cap111as Comparative Example»

A state transition in an opening method with use of a synthetic resin cap111which does not have the above-described fixing rib30, as a comparative example to this embodiment is depicted inFIG.20. It is to be noted that, in this comparative example, members having the same functions and configurations as in the above-described embodiment are identified by the same reference signs, and their description is omitted.

As appreciated from the figure, the synthetic resin cap111of the comparative example does not have the fixing rib30in this embodiment, so that, when the container is opened, for example, the neck support213hardly slides on the skirt wall21as inFIG.20(b), leading to a need for a relatively strong force to open.

Moreover, in the synthetic resin cap111of the comparative example, the neck support213hardly slides on the skirt wall21, so that, as depicted inFIG.20(c), the upper surface213aof the neck support213and the top plate22do not come into contact with each other, and the upper edge portion of the top plate22is driven toward the lower surface213cof the neck support213. In this case, an excessive force may be applied, for example, to the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12, leading to possible tearing of the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12.

Even if the tearing of the strap portion12and the like is avoided in this case, the strap portion12is excessively stretched to result in a large flip radius of the upper lid (cap main body) at the time of opening the container200, thereby making it difficult to maintain stable fixing of the upper lid after the opening of the container200. If the maintenance of the stable fixing of the upper lid becomes difficult, the fixing of the upper lid is unintentionally released when drinking, so that the upper lid flips back in the closing direction. The upper lid may hence possibly interfere, for example, with the nose or the like of the user (drinker) during drinking.

According to the synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment, on the other hand, the first inclined portion31of the fixing rib30slides on the side surface213bof the neck support213when the container200is opened, so that the upper lid (the upper edge portion of the top plate22) is guided to be driven toward the upper surface213aof the neck support213.

After that, the side surface of the container mouth portion210and the shoulder portion33(protrusion portion) of the fixing rib30come into contact with each other, and the upper surface213aof the neck support213and the top plate22also come into contact with each other (a state of two-point contact).

Owing to the features as described above, the upper edge portion of the above-described top plate22is also suppressed from being driven toward the lower surface213cof the neck support213in the second embodiment, so that unintended tearing or the like of the tamper-evident band10and the strap portion12can be suppressed while permitting flipping over 180° or greater.

It is to be noted that, with respect to the synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment, the modification in which the second inclined portion is interposed between the shoulder portion33and the lower bottom surface portion38is also presented above as a further shape of the curved portion37in the fixing rib30, and while the fixing rib30still includes the curved portion37(the curved portion37of a first pattern) of the shape that the resistance increases gradually when the fixing rib30rides over the tamper-evident band10, the above-described second inclined portion may further be interposed as a curved portion37of a second pattern between the curved portion37of the first pattern and the lower bottom surface portion38. To more effectively realize the above-described turnover of the upper lid, for example, over 180° or greater, it is desired that, when the container200is opened, the fixing rib30rides over the tamper-evident band10while somewhat jutting out to the radially outer side. This movement can be realized more easily by the inclusion of both the curved portions37of these first pattern and second pattern in the fixing rib30.

As appreciated from the above, there is evidently a significant difference in not only the openability (the ease of opening) but also in the stability (the absence of unintentional tearing) between the synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment and the synthetic resin cap111of the comparative example.

In addition, according to the synthetic resin cap110of the second embodiment, a large turnover (a flipping angle, for example, beyond 180°) of the upper lid can be realized with a relatively small amount of a resin material owing to the inclusion of the above-described features, for example, even if the dimensions in the axial direction of the synthetic resin cap110are reduced, and therefore, a cost reduction can also be realized while exhibiting the above-described advantageous effects.

It is to be noted that the above-described individual embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. For example, the inner ring23is disposed on the inner side (bottom surface) of the top plate22of the synthetic resin cap110, but instead of or in addition to the inner ring23, a known packing or the like may be disposed on the side of the bottom surface of the top plate22.

The position in the axial direction (height direction, Z direction) of the tab portion40in each embodiment may be appropriately changed according to the design value of the opening force by drinkers. Described specifically, the above-described tab portion40, with respect to the above-described axial direction, may be disposed at a position higher than the intermediate step portion32of the fixing rib30, or may be disposed at a position lower than the intermediate step portion32.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is suited for realizing a cap that is further improved in convenience when drinking while suppressing falling or loss of the cap when opened.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100,101,110,111: Synthetic resin cap10: Tamper-evident band20: Cap main body21: Skirt wall22: Top plate23: Inner ring30: Fixing rib31: First inclined portion32: Intermediate step portion33: Shoulder portion34: Outer side surface portion35: Lower tapered portion36: Bottom surface portion37: Curved portion38: Lower bottom surface portion40: Tab portion200: Container201: Container mouth portion202: Neck support (an example of laterally extending portion)210: Container mouth portion211: Pouring portion212: Reduced diameter portion213: Neck support (an example of laterally extending portion)220: Main body