[0001] The present invention relates to a resin cap having excellent sealing reliability
and can openability, and more specifically, to a resin cap which can form reliable
sealing and can be easily and exactly opened and has tamper-evident (TE) characteristics.
[0002] Since a resin cap can be integrally molded, and has excellent moldability and flexibility,
it can be fixed to a mouth portion of a container by a stopping operation and has
been used heretofore in various forms.
[0003] Various resin caps which have excellent sealability, can be easily removed from the
mouth portion of the container without using tools, and have excellent openability
have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10555/1976 (JP 51-10555)
describes an unfair act-preventing closure composed of a synthetic resin having a
handle on the outer surface of a skirt wall. The handle of this closure is spaced
from an outer circumferential surface of the skirt wall and surrounding it. It is
not a complete ring but arcuate and both its end portions are firmly fixed to the
outer surface of the skirt wall. The inner surface of the handle is connected to the
outer surface of the skirt wall by a plurality of easily breakable connecting pieces
formed circumferentially at suitable distances. Accordingly, when the handle of the
closure mounted on the container is pulled up by hand, the above connecting pieces
are broken off and this handle is connected to the skirt wall only at both end portions.
By further pulling the handle upwardly, the skirt wall is turned up from a portion
where the handle is not formed (between both end portions of the handle), and the
closure is removed from the container.
[0004] The prior art is significant because it provides a plastic cap which can be opened
by hand without requiring any particular tool such as a cap opener and to which an
unfair act-preventing function is imparted. However, there is a problem in respect
of a sealing reliability. Circumferential protrusions are formed on the inner surface
of the skirt wall, and when these protrusions are sealed with the neck portion of
the container, the container is sealed. In the above closure, it is impossible to
provide the protrusions over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the
skirt wall. In order to open the cap by hand, it is impossible to form the protrusion
in a portion where the handle is not formed. When the protrusions are formed in this
portion, the skirt wall cannot easily be turned up, and the openability of the can
becomes unsatisfactory. Since the protrusions for securing sealability are not formed
over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the skirt wall, the closure
of the above prior art has unsatisfactory sealing reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a resin cap which forms
a sealing structure having sealing reliability by a stopping operation, and can be
easily opened without using any particular tool and has tamper-evident characteristics.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a resin cap in which in a stopping
action, a ring-like member protects a skirt portion of a cap proper, in a closure-closed
condition, the ring member intimately contacts the outer surface of the skirt portion
of the cap proper to maintain sealability, the ring-like member is removed at the
time of opening the cap, the skirt portion can be easily removed from the mouth portion
of the container, and in addition, the ring-like member has tamper-evident characteristics.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is a cap made from resin comprising:
a cap proper which comprises a top panel and a skirt having a protrusion engaging
with a mouth of a vessel at an interface thereof; and
a ring member formed integrally with the cap proper so as to cover an outer surface
of the skirt;
characterised in that a plurality of slits elongating in an axial direction are
provided in the skirt at an interval into a circumferential direction, the skirt and
the ring member are separated by a cutting surface but interconnected with a plurality
of frangible bridges or other connecting portions on the upper side or under side
of the cutting surface and the outer surface of the skirt and the inner surface of
the ring member are contacted intimately with each other at the cutting surface, and
in opening the cap proper is separated from the ring member.
[0008] In the present invention, an opening tab is preferably formed in a part of the ring-like
member.
[0009] The skirt portion of the cap proper and the ring member are preferably formed by
injection- or compression molding them integrally, thereafter making a cut by a cutter
between the two to separate a portion excluding a bridge portion or further a connecting
portion.
[0010] The cap of the present invention is typically composed of a skirt portion in the
cap proper and a ring member provided so as to cover the outer surface of the skirt
portion, the skirt portion of the cap proper is provided with a plurality of slits
extending in an axial direction at intervals in a circumferential direction, the skirt
portion of the cap proper is separated from the ring member via a cutting face, the
skirt portion and the ring member are integrally formed via a plurality of frangible
bridges or further connecting portions on the upper side or under side of the cutting
faces, and the outside surface of the skirt portion of the cap proper and the inner
surface of the ring member are intimately contacting at a portion of the cutting faces.
[0011] The skirt portion of the cap proper is provided with a plurality of slits extending
in an axial direction at intervals in a circumferential direction whereby the skirt
portion is broadened diametrically outwardly at the time of cap opening so that the
cap proper can be easily removed from the mouth portion of the container.
[0012] In the present invention, the skirt portion of the cap proper is separated from the
ring member via a cutting face, but they are integrally molded through a plurality
of frangible bridges or further connecting portions on the upper side or the lower
side from the cutting face and the outer surface of the skirt portion of the cap proper
and the inner surface of the ring member are contacted intimately at a portion of
the cutting face.
[0013] First, by intimately contacting the skirt portion with the ring member at the portion
of the cutting face, the skirt portion of the cap proper at least in the closed state
is circumferentially bundled and fixed by the ring member so that the skirt portion
is prevented from broadening outwardly and accurate sealability against the mouth
portion of the container is maintained. This feature is especially important in the
case of the cap of the present invention which is provided with axially extending
slits in the skirt portion. The slits at the skirt portion act so as to weaken the
engaging state between the mouth portion of the container and the protrusions of the
skirt portion, but as a result of the action of circumferentially bundling and fixing
by the ring member, the engaging state becomes firm and accurate.
[0014] Since a plurality of frangible bridges or connecting portions for linking the skirt
portion of the cap proper to the ring member on an upper side or a lower side than
the cutting face, the provision of the cutting surface is prevented from adversely
affecting the bridge portions or connecting portions. At the time of closing the cap,
since the outer surface of the skirt portion of the cap proper and the inner surface
of the ring member are intimately in contact with each other, the action of an outer
force on the bridge portions which are frangible is prevented so that the protection
of bridge portions at the time of closing the cap is advantageously achieved.
[0015] Since in the present invention an opening tab is formed in a part of the ring member,
divergence occurs between the ring member and the skirt portion at the cutting face
by pushing up or down the tab whereby the bridge portion connecting the cap proper
with the ring member is cut off by a shearing force. Because slits are formed in the
skirt portion of the cap proper, when the ring member is removed from the skirt portion,
the skirt portion is freely broadened diametrically outwardly. Thus, the cap proper
is easily eliminated from the mouth portion of the container and can be opened easily
without using a tool.
[0016] By forming a plurality of ribs in an outer surface of the opening tab, the strength
of the opening tab is reinforced, or its position can be clearly shown.
[0017] When the opening of the cap has already been performed, the bridge portion is broken,
and the ring member can be moved up and down. It is thus known that the cap is already
opened. This further imparts tamper-evident characteristics.
[0018] Since in the present invention the skirt portion of the cap proper and the ring member
are typically formed by integral injection or compression molding, forming slits by
a cutter between both to separate a portion excepting the bridge portions or further
connecting portions, they can be produced by using a mold composed usually of a core
and a cavity, and a molding procedure is easy.
[0019] Between the skirt portion of the cap proper and the ring member, only the frangible
bridge portions may be formed, whereby the cap proper may be separated from the ring
member in opening the cap. In this case, as a result of cutting off the ring member,
tamper-evident characteristics become more marked. Furthermore, when the ring member
is cut off, the lower end of the skirt portion is pushed up by a finger whereby by
the existence of slits, the cap proper can be easily opened.
[0020] On the other side of the tab, connecting portions for connecting both may be positioned
between the skirt portion of the cap proper and the ring member, and in opening the
cap, the bridge portions are broken by pushing up or down the tab. Thereafter, by
lifting the ring member, the engagement between the skirt portion of the cap proper
and the mouth portion of the container can be released. In this case, the advantage
is that the ring member can be utilized as an opening handle of the cap proper.
[0021] An inner ring which is engaged with the inner circumferential side of the mouth portion
of the container may be formed in the top panel portion. In this case, sealing may
be performed at the inner circumferential side of the mouth portion of the container,
and the sealing advantageously becomes more accurate.
[0022] In the cap of this invention, the lower end of the ring member may be positioned
below the lower end of the skirt portion of the cap proper. By so doing, the lower
end of the skirt portion of the cap proper is hidden by the ring member. When a cap
is opened by inserting an instrument into the lower end of the skirt portion, the
bridge portions necessary break. Therefore, tamper-evident characteristics can be
increased.
[0023] Furthermore, the lower end of the ring member and the lower end of the skirt portion
of the cap proper may be provided so that they are positioned on the same horizontal
plane. In this case, when empty caps are loaded, a load, etc. is added to the bridge
portions to prevent breakage.
[0024] Furthermore, a weakened portion, such as a cut, can be formed to display cap opening
at a lower part of the ring member in a direction of about 90°C with respect to the
tab of the ring member. By this cut formation, when an opening tab is pushed upwardly
to open the cap, since the ring member is bended and broken from the weakened portion,
the display of cap opening becomes more clear. When opening by means of an instrument
is forcibly carried out from the opposite side of the opening tab, that is to say,
from the connecting portion, the weakening portion is bended and broken, it can be
learned that the opening is unfairly carried out.
[0025] Furthermore, in the upper portion or the lower portion of the connecting portions,
partial weakened portions may be formed. When a tool is inserted into the connecting
portions to perform unfair opening, the ring member is opened outwardly, and the engagement
of the tool is released. Thus, tamper-evident characteristics increase.
[0026] In order to increase tamper-evident characteristics, the top panel portion of the
connecting portion side may be provided with partial weakened portions. When an unfair
opening of the cap by the tool is carried out from the connecting portion side, the
top panel portion of the cap is cracked, and one can learn the performance of an unfair
opening.
[0027] In the cap of this invention, the inner ring can have an inclined end edge so that
the inner ring is relatively long on the tab side, and relatively short on the connecting
portion side. As already stated, the opening of the cap proper can be performed by
lifting the ring member from the side of the connecting portions. At the time of opening
from the side of the connecting portions, a gas vent from the short inner ring is
effectively carried out to effectively prevent blowing of contents, namely blow off.
[0028] The above prevention of blow off is also effectively carried out by providing weakened
portions on the inner surface of the inner ring on the side of the connecting portions.
This makes the deformation of the inner ring on the side of the connecting portions
easy, and the release of the gas inside the container is carried out effectively via
the inner ring.
[0029] Furthermore, a gas-barrier material can be insert-molded in the top panel portion
of the inner surface of the inner ring. This makes it possible to prevent the permeation
of gas through a plastic cap wall, and the preservability of contents can be increased.
[0030] Furthermore, in the cap of the present invention, a total circumferential ring or
intermittent rings which project upwardly into an outer circumferential portion of
the top panel portion may be formed, whereby it can be prevented from causing the
trouble when the containers with the cap are loaded with each other. When the contained
solution is a carbonated beverage, doming occurs on the top panel of the cap. Accordingly,
when such containers are loaded, the top panel portion which has been domed is pressed,
and the engagement protrusion of the skirt portion is broadened and the sealing reliability
is decreased, and as a result of forming the above ring, such an inconvenience can
be prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031]
Fig. 1 is a side view showing one example of the cap of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the cap of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line A-B of Fig. 2 in a condition in which the
cap is mounted on the mouth portion of the container;
Fig. 5 is an upper view of the cap of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing the opened state of the cap of Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the cap of still another example when the under surface
is the same horizontal plane;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the cap of another Example not provided with a connecting
portion;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the cap of another Example not provided with a connecting
portion using the lower surface as the same horizontal plane;
Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is an upper surface view showing an example in which cuts are provided so
as not to expose into the outer circumference of the skirt portion;
Fig. 14 is a front view of the cap of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the cap of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the cap of Fig. 13;
Fig. 17 is a left side view of the cap of Fig. 13;
Fig. 18 is an upper surface view showing an example in which bridge portions and connecting
portions are provided on the upper side of the cutting face;
Fig. 19 is a front view of the cap of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is an upper surface view of the cap of Fig. 18;
Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the cap of Fig. 18; and
Fig. 22 is a left side view of the cap of Fig. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0033] In the side view (Fig. 1) showing one example of the cap of this invention, the bottom
view (Fig. 2), the A-A' sectional view of Fig. 2 (Fig. 3), the sectional view (Fig.
4) shown by A-B section in a condition in which the cap is mounted on the mouth portion
of the container, and the upper surface view (Fig. 5), the cap of this invention,
roughly speaking, consists of a cap proper 1 and ring member 2. The cap proper 1 is
composed of a top panel portion 3 and a skirt portion 4 suspending from the outer
circumference of the panel 3.
[0034] As is best shown in Fig. 4, protrusions 7 which are engaged with concave portions
6 on the outer circumferential side of the mouth portion 5 of the container are formed
in the inner circumference of the skirt portion 4 so that the mouth portion 5 of the
container is intimately contacted with the inside surface of the top panel portion
3 to perform sealing. Furthermore, in this specific example, the top panel portion
3 has formed therein an inner ring 8 to be engaged with the inner circumferential
side of the mouth portion 5 of the container whereby sealing is carried out in the
inner circumferential side of the mouth portion 5 of the container to make the sealing
more accurate.
[0035] The ring member 2 is not divided and it is provided so as to cover at least a part
of the outer surface of the skirt portion 4 in the form of a continuous ring. The
skirt portion 4 of the cap proper 1 covered with the ring members 2 is provided with
a plurality of slits or cuts 9 extending in an axial direction at intervals in a circumferential
direction. The skirt portion 4 of the cap proper 1 and the ring member 2 are separated
via the cutting face 10, and the skirt portion 4 and the ring member 2 are integrally
formed via a plurality of frangible bridge portions 11 and unbreakable connecting
portions (hinge) 12 which are below the cutting face 10. The outer surface of the
skirt portion 4 of the cap proper and the inner surface of the ring member 2 are contacted
intimately with each other at a portion of the cutting face 10 in a condition in which
the cap proper 1 is applied to the mouth portion 5 of the container (Fig. 4).
[0036] An opening tab 13 protruding diametrically outwardly is formed at a part of the ring
member 2, and in opening the cap, the tab is held so that the ring member 2 may be
pushed up or down. As shown in Fig. 5, a rib 14 extending diametrically is formed
in the opening tab 13 to reinforce the opening tab 13 or display its position.
[0037] The plurality of axially extending cuts 9 provided in the skirt portion 4 of the
cap proper 1, in a cap opening condition (in which the ring member 2 is removed),
make it possible for the skirt portion 4 to broaden diametrically outwardly, whereby
the engagement between the concave portion 6 of the outer circumference of the mouth
portion of the container and the inwardly directed protrusion 7 of the skirt portion
is released and the elimination of the cap proper 1 from the mouth portion 5 of the
container can be easily carried out. The number of cuts 9 provided or the transverse
gaps of these cuts may be properly determined.
[0038] In the cap of the present invention, the number of cuts 9 provided in the skirt portion
4 may differ depending upon the diameter of the cap, but it is preferably 2 to 20,
especially 8 to 12.
[0039] By contacting the skirt portion 4 and the ring member 2 intimately at a portion of
the cutting face 10, the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper is circumferentially bundled
and fixed at least in a cap closed condition with the ring member 2 whereby the skirt
portion 4 is prevented from broadening outwardly, and accurate sealing with respect
to the mouth portion of the container can be maintained. In the cap of this invention
in which the cuts 9 extending in an axial direction are provided in the skirt portion
4, this intimate contacting condition is particularly important. The cuts 9 in the
skirt portion 4 act to weaken the condition of engagement between the concave portion
6 of the outer circumference of the mouth portion of the container and the protrusion
7 of the skirt portion 4. But when the force of bundling and fixing acts by the ring
member 2, the engagement condition becomes firm and accurate.
[0040] Since the plurality of frangible bridges 11 or the linking portions 12 are provided
for linking the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper and the ring member 2 below the
cutting face 10, the engraving of the cutting face 10 is prevented from adversely
affecting the bridge portions 11 or the connecting portions 12. Because at the time
of closing the cap the outer surface of the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper is contacted
intimately to the inner surface of the ring member 2 at a portion of the cutting face
10, an outer force is prevented from acting on the breakable bridge portions 11, and
the protection of the bridge portions 11 is perfect at the time of closing the cap.
[0041] In the present invention, the intimate contacting condition of the skirt portion
4 of the cap proper and the ring member 2 via the cutting face and the formation of
the bridge portions 11 and the connecting portions 12 may be carried out by integrally
injection molding or compression molding both, thereafter forming a cut between both
by means of a cutter to separate a portion excluding the bridge portions 11 and the
connecting portions 12. Therefore the cap of the present invention can be produced
with good efficiency and within a short period of time by usually using a mold composed
of a core and a cavity, an advantage may be obtained in that the accuracy of each
part of the cap is high, and the occurrence of poor goods is small.
[0042] The number of the bridge portions 11 provided between the skirt portion 4 of the
cap proper and the ring member 2 is such that the skirt piece 4a between adjoining
cuts 9, 9 and the ring member 2 is connected via at least one bridge portion 11. The
position of providing the bridge portion11 may be variously provided. For example,
as shown in Fig. 2, one bridge portion may be provided in a skirt piece 4a, or two
bridge portions may be provided on both ends of the skirt piece 4a. The position and
the number are not particularly limited so long as at the time of closing the cap,
the breakage of the bridge portions is prevented and at the time of opening the cap,
the bridge portions can be easily broken. The cross-sectional area of the bridge portion
11 in its direction of the cutting face 10 of the bridge portion 11 is preferably
0.1 to 0.8 mm
2, especially 0.2 to 0.4 mm
2, per one bridge portion.
[0043] An opening tab 13 protruding diametrically outwardly is formed at a part of the ring
member 2. This opening tab 13 is positioned in an opposite direction (180° direction)
with respect to the connecting portion 12. By pushing up or down the opening tab 13,
a divergence occurs between the ring member and the skirt portion at the cutting face,
and the bridge portion 11 linking the cap proper 1 and the ring member 2 is cut off
under a shearing force.
[0044] Fig. 6 shows the state of lifting the ring member 2. Since the cutting face 9 is
provided in the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper, when the ring member 2 is removed
from the skirt portion 4, the broadening of the skirt piece 4a in a diametrically
outward direction becomes free and the cap proper 1 can be easily eliminated from
the mouth portion 5 of the container. Hence, the container can be easily opened without
using any particular tool. Since in Fig. 6 the ring member 2 is fixed to the cap proper
1 at the connecting portion 12, and is lifted upwardly as a gripping tool, the bridging
portion 12 becomes a fulcrum and the cap proper 1 can be easily removed.
[0045] When the cap has already been opened, the bridging portions 11 have already been
broken and the ring members 2 can be freely moved up or down. From this state, one
can already learn that the cap has already been opened. By breakage and bending at
the weakening portion 17, it is learned that the cap is already opened, and therefore
tamper-evident characteristics are given.
[0046] Various mechanisms preventing from opening unfairly cap and mechanisms for showing
that unfair cap opening is carried out can be provided in the cap of this invention.
Some of these mechanisms are shown in Fig. 4.
[0047] In the cap shown in the specific example of Fig. 4, the lower end 15 of the ring
member 2 is positioned below the lower end 16 of the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper.
By so doing, the lower end 16 of the skirt portion of the cap proper is hidden by
the ring member 2, and therefore, when an attempt is made to open the cap by inserting
an instrument into the lower end 16 of the skirt portion, the bridge portions 11 are
broken, and the fact of opening the cap can be known and tamper-evident characteristics
can be increased. The lower end 15 of the ring member 2 suitably extends downwardly
over about 0.8 to 1.2 mm below the lower end 16 of the skirt portion.
[0048] It is possible to form a weakened portion for displaying cap opening, such as a cut
17, in a lower portion of the ring member in a direction of about 90° with respect
to the opening tab 13 of the ring member 2. When an opening tab is pushed upwardly
to open the cap, the breakage and bending occur at the weakening potion 17 (this deformation
is a plastic deformation). Even if this is returned to the original, the fact of cap
opening can be known, and tamper-evident characteristics can be increased more. Thus,
when cap opening by a tool from the opposite side of the opening tab, namely, the
side of the connecting portion 12, is forcibly carried out, the weakened portion 17
breaks, and one learns that the cap opening is performed unfairly.
[0049] Furthermore, a partly weakened portion, namely a groove 18, may be formed on the
upper portion of the connecting portion 12, or a weakened portion, namely a cut 19,
may be formed in both ends of a lower portion of the connecting portion 12. When an
attempt is made to open the cap unfairly by inserting a tool in the connecting portion,
the ring member is opened outwardly, the engagement of the tool is liable to be released,
and the tamper-evident characteristics can be increased.
[0050] In order to increase the tamper-evident characteristics, a partial weakened portion
20 may be formed in the top panel portion 3 on the side of the connecting portion
12. Therefore, when an unfair opening of the cap is carried out by using a tool from
the side of the connecting portion 12, the top panel portion 3 of the cap is deformed
or broken, and one can learn that the cap has been unfairly opened.
[0051] In the cap of the specific example shown in Fig. 4, an inner ring 8 is formed to
have an inclined end edge so that the inner ring 8 is relatively long at 21 on the
side of an opening tab 13, and is relatively short at 22 on the side of a connecting
portion 12. As already stated before, the opening of the cap proper is carried out
from the side of the connecting portion 12 by lifting the ring member 2. In the cap
opening from the side of the connecting portion 12, the venting of a gas from the
shorter inner ring 22 is carried out effectively, and the blowing of the contents,
that is to say the blowing off, can be prevented effectively.
[0052] The above-mentioned prevention of blow off can be effectively carried out by providing
a weakened portion 23 on the inner surface of the inner ring 22 on the side of the
connecting portion. This makes it easy to transform the inner ring 22 on the side
of the connecting portion, and the gas inside the container is effectively released
via the inner ring 22.
[0053] Furthermore, a gas-barrier material 24 may be provided by insert molding in the top
panel portion of the inside surface of the inner ring 8. This makes it possible to
prevent permeation of the gas through the plastic cap wall and to increase the preservability
of the contents. Examples of the gas-barrier material include, for example, metal
foils such as aluminum foil, and a gas-barrier resin such as an ethylene /vinyl alcohol
copolymer, a vinyl chloride resin, a vinylidene chloride resin, nylon resin, and gas-barrier
polyesters.
[0054] In place of the gas-barrier material or in combination with the gas-barrier material,
an oxygen absorbing layer may be provided in the top panel portion. As the oxygen
absorbing layer, iron-type oxygen absorbing agents, for example, dispersed in a resin
may be used.
[0055] In the cap of the specific example shown in Fig. 4, a total circumferential or intermittent
ring 25 may be formed which protrudes upwardly into an outer cylindrical portion of
the top panel portion 3. By this action, the inconvenience of loading the containers
with each other in which the cap is provided can be effectively prevented. When the
contained product is a carbonated beverage, the top panel of the cap which is domed
is pressed when the containers are loaded and the engaging protrusions 7 of the skirt
portion is proadened diametrically outwardly to reduce sealability, but the formation
of the ring 25 can prevent such an inconvenience.
[0056] In the caps shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the upper portion of the cut 9 is exposed to an
outside portion as best shown in Fig. 1. The caps of these examples are advantageous
in that the contents adhering to the outer circumference of the mouth portion at the
time of filling the contents can be washed and removed through the cuts 9.
[0057] In the cap of the bottom view (Fig. 7) and the cap of the sectional view of line
A-A' (Fig. 8) in Fig. 7 in other examples, the lower end 15 of the ring member 2 and
the lower end 16 of the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper may be provided so as to
be positioned on the same horizontal plane. In this case, it is possible to prevent
effectively the addition of a load on the bridge portion 11 at the time of loading
caps and the consequent breakage of the bridge portion 11.
[0058] In the caps of the bottom view (Fig. 9) and the sectional view along line A-A' (Fig.
10) in Fig. 9 of other examples, only the frangible bridge portion 11 is formed between
the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper and the ring member 2, and on the opposite side
of the opening tab 13, the connecting portion 12 is not formed. In opening the cap,
the cap proper 1 and the ring member 2 are cut off and separated from each other.
In this case, the ring member 2 is cut off, and the tamper-evident characteristics
become more marked. Furthermore, even when the ring member 2 is cut off, the lower
end 16 is pushed upwardly by a finger, the existence of the cut or slit 9 can easily
open the cap proper.
[0059] When the skirt portion 4 is connected to the ring member 2 by only the breakable
bridge portion 11 alone, the opening tab is not limited to one piece, but two tabs
may be provided in a symmetrical position. Furthermore, more than two tabs may be
provided.
[0060] In the caps of examples shown in the bottom view of Fig. 11 and the sectional view
of Fig. 12, the lower end 16 of the skirt portion 4 of the cap proper and the lower
end 15 of the ring member 2 are provided so that they are positioned on the same horizontal
plane. Except that they are the same as in Figs. 9 and 10.
[0061] In the present invention, the cuts 9 may be provided so that they are not exposed
into the outer circumference of the skirt portion. In the upper surface view (Fig.
13), the front view (Fig. 14), the bottom view (Fig. 15), the sectional view (Fig.
16) and the left side view (Fig. 17) showing these examples, the constructions of
the individual parts have been the same as explained hereinabove. But the outer upper
portion 26 of the cut 9 are provided so that it does not reach the outer surface of
the skirt portion 4, and therefore, the cut 9 is covered completely with the upper
surface of the skirt portion. In the cap of this specific example, an advantage is
achieved in that dirt is prevented from entering in the cut 9 and the cap is sanitary.
[0062] In the examples explained above, the bridge portion 11 and the connecting portion
12 are provided below the cutting face 10, but in the present invention, the bridge
portion and the connecting portion may be provided above the cutting face. In the
upper surface view (Fig. 18), the front view (Fig. 19), the bottom view (Fig. 20),
the sectional view (Fig. 21) and the left side view (Fig. 22) showing these examples,
the constructions of the individual parts are the same as explained hereinabove, but
the bridge portion 11 and the connecting portion 12 are formed above the cutting surface
10. In this case, the bridge portion 11 can be seen from outside at a first sight,
and it becomes advantageous that the fact of opening becomes clearer.
[0063] Examples of the resin used to form the cap are various plastics, such as low-, medium-
and high-density polyethylenes, linear low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic
polyesters, polyamides, styrene resins, and ABS resin.
[0064] The plastic cap of this invention is prepared by using the above resins, and usually
integrating the cap proper and ring member by means of injection molding, compression
molding, etc. The cutting face is usually produced by applying a cutting processing
after the molding step. Of course, a cutting surface can be formed simultaneously
with the molding step.
[0065] Separately, a liner may be applied to the cap proper. In this case, it is possible
to use low-density polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, various rubber or thermoplastic
elastomers, acrylic resin plastisol and vinyl chloride resin plastisol.
[0066] According to this invention, the above-mentioned constructions make it possible to
form a sealing structure having sealing reliability at the time of closing the cap,
and to open the cap easily without using any particular tool at the time of cap opening.
In addition, this is advantageous that tamper-evident characteristics are imparted.
Furthermore, at the time of closing the cap, the ring member protects the skirt portion
of the cap proper, in the state of a closure being closed, the ring member contacts
intimately with the outer surface of the skirt of the cap proper to maintain sealability,
and at the time of opening the cap, the skirt portion can be easily eliminated from
the mouth portion of the container as a result of removing the ring member. In addition,
it is advantageous that the ring member has tamper-evident characteristics.
1. A cap made from resin comprising:
a cap proper (1) which comprises a top panel (3) and a skirt (4) having a protrusion
(7) engaging with a mouth of a vessel at an interface thereof; and
a ring member (2) formed integrally with the cap proper (1) so as to cover an outer
surface of the skirt (4);
characterised in that a plurality of slits (9) elongating in an axial direction are provided in the skirt
at an interval into a circumferential direction, the skirt (4) and the ring member
(2) are separated by a cutting surface (10) but interconnected with a plurality of
frangible bridges (11) or other connecting portions (12) on the upper side or under
side of the cutting surface and the outer surface of the skirt (4) and the inner surface
of the ring member (2) are contacted intimately with each other at the cutting surface
(10), and in opening the cap proper (1) is separated from the ring member (2).
2. A cap of claim 1 wherein an opening tab (13) is formed in a part of the ring member
(2).
3. A cap of claim 1, wherein the cut (10) is formed in the outer surface of the skirt
portion (4) of the cap proper and the inner surface of the ring member (2) after injection
or pressure molding to separate a portion excepting the bridges (11) or the connecting
portions (12).
4. A cap of claim 1 or 3, wherein only a frangible bridge portion (11) is formed between
the skirt portion (4) of the cap proper and the ring member (2), and in opening the
cap, the cap proper is separated from the ring member.
5. A cap of claim 2, wherein on the opposite side of the tab (13), a connecting portion
(12) for linking the skirt portion (4) of the cap proper (1) with the ring member
(2) is positioned to connect both of them, in opening the cap, the tab (13) is pushed
up or down to break the bridge portions (11), and then by lifting the ring member
(2), the engagement between the skirt portion (4) of the cap proper (1) and the mouth
portion of the container is released.
6. A cap of claim 1, wherein an inner ring (8) to be engaged with the inner circumferential
side of the mouth portion of the container is formed in the top panel portion (3).
7. A cap of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the ring member (2) is positioned below
the lower end of the skirt portion of the cap proper (1).
8. A cap of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the ring member (2) and the lower end of
the skirt portion (4) of the cap proper (1) are positioned on the same horizontal
plane.
9. A cap of claim 2, wherein a weakened portion (17) for clearly indicating unfair opening
is formed in a lower portion of the ring member in a direction of about 90° with respect
to the tab (13) of the ring member (2).
10. A cap of claim 5, wherein a partial weakened portion (18,19) is formed in an upper
or lower portion of the connecting portion (12).
11. A cap of claim 5, wherein a partial weakened portion (20) is formed in the top panel
portion (3) on the side of the connecting portion (12).
12. A cap of claim 6, wherein the inner ring (8) is relatively long (21) on the side of
the tab (13), and the inner ring (8) is relatively short (22) on the side of the connecting
portion (12).
13. A cap of claim 12, wherein a weakened portion (23) is provided in the inner surface
of the inner ring (8) on the side of the connecting portion (12).
14. A cap of claim 6, wherein a barrier material (24) is insert-molded in the top panel
portion (3) of the inner surface of the connecting portion (12).
15. A cap of claim 1, wherein an upwardly projecting total circumferential or intermittent
ring (25) is formed in the outer circumferential portion of the top panel portion
(3).
1. Kunststoffkappe mit
einer eigentlichen Kappe (1), die eine obere Platte (3) und einen Kragen (4) mit einem
Vorsprung (7) aufweist, der mit einer Öffnung eines Behälters an einer Grenzfläche
hiervon im Eingriff steht, und
einem Ringelement (2), das einstückig mit der eigentlichen Kappe (1) ausgebildet ist
und eine Außenoberfläche des Kragens (4) abdeckt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem Kragen in einem Abstand in der Umfangsrichtung Schlitze (9) vorgesehen sind,
die sich längs in axialer Richtung erstrecken, sowie der Kragen (4) und das Ringelement
(2) durch eine geschnittene Oberfläche (10) getrennt, aber durch eine Mehrzahl von
aufbrechbaren Brücken (11) oder andere Verbindungsabschnitte (12) an der Oberseite
oder der Unterseite der geschnittenen Oberfläche miteinander verbunden sind, sowie
die Außenoberfläche des Kragens (4) und die Innenoberfläche des Ringelements (2) an
der geschnittenen Oberfläche (10) in engem Kontakt zueinander stehen sowie beim Öffnen
die eigentliche Kappe (1) von dem Ringelement (2) getrennt wird.
2. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin eine Öffnungszunge (13) in einem Teil des Ringelements
(2) ausgebildet ist.
3. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin der Schnitt (10) in der Außenoberfläche des Kragenabschnitts
(4) der eigentlichen Kappe und der Innenoberfläche des Ringelements (2) nach dem Spritzgießen
oder dem Druckformen ausgebildet wird, um einen Abschnitt mit Ausnahme der Brücken
(11) oder der Verbindungsabschnitte (12) abzutrennen.
4. Kappe nach Anspruch 1 oder 3, worin zwischen dem Kragenabschnitt (4) der eigentlichen
Kappe und dem Ringelement (2) nur ein aufbrechbarer Brückenabschnitt (11) ausgebildet
ist und beim Öffnen der Kappe die eigentliche Kappe von dem Ringelement getrennt wird.
5. Kappe nach Anspruch 2, worin an der entgegengesetzten Seite der Zunge (13) ein Verbindungsabschnitt
(12) zum Aneinanderfügen des Kragenabschnitts (4) der eigentlichen Kappe (1) an das
Ringelement (2) angeordnet ist, um beide zu verbinden, und beim Öffnen der Kappe die
Zunge (13) nach oben oder unten gedrückt wird, um die Brückenabschnitte (11) aufzubrechen,
und dann durch Anheben des Ringelements (2) der Eingriff zwischen dem Kragenabschnitt
(4) der eigentlichen Kappe (1) und dem Öffnungsabschnitt des Behälters gelöst wird.
6. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin in dem Abschnitt (3) der oberen Platte ein Innenring
(8) für den Eingriff mit der Innenumfangsseite des Öffnungsabschnitts des Behälters
ausgebildet ist.
7. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin das Unterende des Ringelements (2) unter dem Unterende
des Kragenabschnitts der eigentlichen Kappe (1) angeordnet ist.
8. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin das Unterende des Ringelements (2) und das Unterende
des Kragenabschnitts (4) der eigentlichen Kappe (1) in der gleichen horizontalen Ebene
angeordnet sind.
9. Kappe nach Anspruch 2, worin in einem unteren Abschnitt des Ringelements in einer
Richtung von etwa 90° bezüglich der Zunge (13) des Ringelements (2) ein geschwächter
Abschnitt (17) zum deutlichen Anzeigen eines unrechtsmäßigen Öffnens ausgebildet ist.
10. Kappe nach Anspruch 5, worin in einem oberen oder unteren Bereich des Verbindungsabschnitts
(12) ein teilweise geschwächter Abschnitt (18, 19) ausgebildet ist.
11. Kappe nach Anspruch 5, worin in dem Abschnitt (3) der oberen Platte auf der Seite
des Verbindungsabschnitts (12) ein teilweise geschwächter Abschnitt (20) ausgebildet
ist.
12. Kappe nach Anspruch 6, worin der Innenring (8) an der Seite der Zunge (13) relativ
lang (21) und an der Seite des Verbindungsabschnitts (12) relativ kurz (22) ist.
13. Kappe nach Anspruch 12, worin in der Innenoberfläche des Innenrings (8) an der Seite
des Verbindungsabschnitts (12) ein geschwächter Bereich (23) vorgesehen ist.
14. Kappe nach Anspruch 6, worin in dem Abschnitt (3) der oberen Platte der Innenoberfläche
des Verbindungsabschnitts (12) mittels eines Zweistufenspritzgießverfahrens ein Sperrmaterial
(24) angebracht ist.
15. Kappe nach Anspruch 1, worin im Außenumfangsbereich des Abschnitts (3) der oberen
Platte ein nach oben vorstehender, über den Umfang durchgehender oder unterbrochener
Ring (25) ausgebildet ist.
1. Capsule faite de résine, comprenant:
une capsule proprement dite (1) qui comprend un panneau supérieur (3) et une jupe
(4) comportant une saillie (7) s'engageant sur le goulot d'un récipient à une interface
de ce dernier; et
une bague (2) formée d'un seul tenant avec la capsule proprement dite (1) afin de
couvrir une surface extérieure de la jupe (4);
caractérisée en ce qu'une pluralité de fentes (9) s'étendant dans une direction axiale sont formées dans
la jupe à intervalles réguliers dans une direction circonférentielle, la jupe (4)
et la bague (2) sont séparées par une surface de coupe (10) mais rattachées l'une
à l'autre par une pluralité de ponts cassants (11) ou d'autres parties de jonction
(12) au-dessus ou en dessous de la surface de coupe, et la surface extérieure de la
jupe (4) et la surface intérieure de la bague (2) sont en contact intime l'une avec
l'autre au niveau de la surface de coupe (10), et, à l'ouverture, la capsule proprement
dite (1) se sépare de la bague (2).
2. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle une languette d'ouverture (13) est
formée dans une partie de la bague (2).
3. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la coupe (10) est formée dans la surface
extérieure de la partie jupe (4) de la capsule proprement dite et la surface intérieure
de la bague (2) après moulage par injection ou par pression, afin de séparer une partie
exceptant les ponts (11) ou les parties de jonction (12).
4. Capsule selon la revendication 1 ou 3, dans laquelle seule une partie pont cassant
(11) est formée entre la partie jupe (4) de la capsule proprement dite et la bague
(2), et à l'ouverture de la capsule, la capsule proprement dite se sépare de la bague.
5. Capsule selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle du côté opposé à la languette (13),
une partie de jonction (12) destinée à lier la partie jupe (4) de la capsule proprement
dite (1) à la bague (2) est placée pour les rattacher l'une à l'autre, à l'ouverture
de la capsule, la languette (13) est poussée vers le haut ou vers le bas pour casser
les ponts (11), et ensuite par soulèvement de la bague (2), l'engagement entre la
partie jupe (4) de la capsule proprement dite (1) et le goulot du récipient est rompu.
6. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle une bague intérieure (8) destinée
à entrer en contact avec le bord circonférentiel intérieur du goulot du récipient
est formée dans la partie panneau supérieur (3).
7. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'extrémité inférieure de la bague
(2) est placée sous l'extrémité inférieure de la partie jupe de la capsule proprement
dite (1).
8. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'extrémité inférieure de la bague
(2) et l'extrémité inférieure de la partie jupe (4) de la capsule proprement dite
(1) sont incluses dans le même plan horizontal.
9. Capsule selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle une partie fragilisée (17) servant
à indiquer clairement une ouverture frauduleuse est formée dans une partie inférieure
de la bague dans une direction à environ 90° par rapport à la languette (13) de la
bague (2).
10. Capsule selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle une partie fragilisée partielle (18,
19) est formée dans une partie supérieure ou inférieure de la partie de jonction (12).
11. Capsule selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle une partie fragilisée partielle (20)
est formée dans la partie panneau supérieur (3) du côté de la partie de jonction (12).
12. Capsule selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle la bague intérieure (8) est relativement
longue (21) du côté de la languette (13), et la bague intérieure (8) est relativement
courte (22) du côté de la partie de jonction (12).
13. Capsule selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle une partie fragilisée (23) est formée
dans la surface intérieure de la bague intérieure (8) du côté de la partie de jonction
(12).
14. Capsule selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle un matériau barrière contre les gaz
(24) est rapporté au moulage dans la partie panneau supérieur (3) de la surface intérieure
du côté de la partie de jonction (12).
15. Capsule selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle un anneau entièrement circonférentiel
ou discontinu (25) saillant vers le haut est formé dans la partie circonférentielle
extérieure de la partie panneau supérieur (3).