EP2331418B1 - Cap with a cut weakening line and method for making said cap - Google Patents

Cap with a cut weakening line and method for making said cap Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2331418B1
EP2331418B1 EP09755992A EP09755992A EP2331418B1 EP 2331418 B1 EP2331418 B1 EP 2331418B1 EP 09755992 A EP09755992 A EP 09755992A EP 09755992 A EP09755992 A EP 09755992A EP 2331418 B1 EP2331418 B1 EP 2331418B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
skirt
line
weakness
axis
bridge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09755992A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2331418A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Luzzato
Jérôme MEZERETTE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Original Assignee
Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA filed Critical Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority to PL09755992T priority Critical patent/PL2331418T3/en
Publication of EP2331418A1 publication Critical patent/EP2331418A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2331418B1 publication Critical patent/EP2331418B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
    • B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
    • B65D41/3442—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container
    • B65D41/3447—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
    • B65D41/46—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
    • B65D41/48—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
    • B65D2401/30—Tamper-ring remaining connected to closure after initial removal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cap for a container neck, and a method of manufacturing such a cap.
  • the invention relates, in general, to plugs comprising a skirt which surrounds the neck of a container and a lower part of which, when it is considered that this neck extends vertically with its upwardly directed mouth, is intended to to remain around the neck after the first opening of the cap and is in particular in the form of a tamper-evident band.
  • the remainder of the skirt that is to say its upper part, is provided removable relative to the neck, while being initially connected to the lower non-removable portion of the skirt by frangible bridges, distributed along the periphery of the skirt and able to be broken at the first opening of the cap.
  • frangible bridges distributed along the periphery of the skirt and able to be broken at the first opening of the cap.
  • the weakening line formed by these bridges serves as a witness of this first opening, for the attention of users.
  • the nature of the removable connection between the upper skirt portion and the container neck is indifferent, so that the invention also aims, for example, the so-called “snap" caps, it that is to say the plugs able to be clipped around the neck, that the caps screwed.
  • the invention is more particularly concerned with plugs whose line of weakness is cut off, that is to say which comprises a succession of through-cuts, cut through the wall of the skirt and along its periphery, of to define, between two successive notches, one of the aforementioned frangible bridges.
  • Achieving the line of weakening by cutting rather than molding is preferred because it is more economical and more practical since it does not require the use of complex molds, provided for example with drawers.
  • a weakening line obtained by cutting is traditionally provided to extend over the entire periphery of the skirt and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skirt, which limits the possibilities of arrangements of the caps, to the difference of the plugs whose line of weakening is obtained by molding
  • molded lines can include including a portion of non-breakable material which connects the removable skirt portion to the non-removable skirt portion, even when the closure is open, as proposed in US-A-5,215,204 , this document disclosing a plug according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object of the present invention is to improve in a simple and economical manner the manufacture of cut-off line caps, to have a plug whose removable skirt portion remains connected to the non-removable skirt portion after the first opening of the cap.
  • the invention relates to a cap for a container neck, as defined in claim 1.
  • the idea underlying the invention is to seek to improve existing methods and means for cutting in a plug a traditional line of weakness to, firstly, achieve this line of weakness on a portion only of the skirt so as to leave a non-breakable connection portion between the removable and non-removable skirt portions and, on the other hand, cut a second weakening line which extends over less than half of the periphery of the skirt.
  • the notches of these first and second lines of weakness are distinguished from molded embodiments because they have, before the first opening of the stopper, contiguous edges which, in particular, thus prevent dust and dirt from reaching the inside. of the skirt via these weakening lines.
  • the cutting of the second weakening line is quick and easy to achieve insofar as this weakening line extends into the removable skirt portion which, traditionally, has an axial dimension greater than the non-removable skirt portion , the latter being reduced most of the time to a thin strip of inviolability, for which the presence of the permanent restraint means around the neck limits the possibilities of development by cutting.
  • the bridges of the first line of weakness break, while the connecting portion remains without being able to be driven upwards by the removable skirt portion. Because of the retention of the non-removable skirt portion around the container neck.
  • the upward movement of the removable skirt part causes deformation of the strand interposed between the first and second lines of weakening, more precisely the deformation of the lateral portions of this strand arranged on either side of the connecting portion, by relative spacing of the edges of the or notches of the second weakening line.
  • This deformation of the strand is facilitated by the first weakening line in the sense that the aforementioned lateral portions of the strand are, throughout their entire length, devoid of jumpers along this first line of weakening, if it is not possible to the vertical plumb of the ends of the second weakening line.
  • the plug according to the invention is as efficient as the plugs with weakening lines molded in the sense that the removable skirt portion remains connected to the non-removable skirt portion after the first opening of the plug, via of the aforementioned connecting portion, with the significant advantages that the molds for manufacturing the plugs according to the invention are less complex and less fragile, while including more molding cavities, than molds for manufacturing molded plug caps.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cap for a container neck, as defined in claim 10.
  • a method of manufacturing a cap according to the preamble of claim 10 is known from the document US 2007/089587 .
  • a plug 1 adapted to be removably attached to a neck 2 of a container.
  • the plug 1 considered here by way of illustration is a plug fixed on the neck by screwing.
  • the neck 2 is integral with the rest of the container, especially when the latter is a glass or plastic bottle as shown on the drawing.
  • figure 1 or adapted to be permanently attached to a wall of the container, at an opening through this wall.
  • the plug 1 and the neck 2 have respective generally tubular shapes, whose central longitudinal axes are substantially coincident, under the reference XX, when the cap is screwed onto the neck.
  • the following description is oriented by considering that the terms “upper” and “top” correspond to a direction generally parallel to the axis XX and from the body of the container to its neck 2, that is to say say a direction directed towards the party high of figures 1 , 2 and 5 , while the terms “lower” and “lower” correspond to an opposite direction.
  • the neck 2 comprises a generally cylindrical body 4 with a circular base of axis XX. At its upper end, this body 4 defines a rim 3 at which the liquid in the container is intended to be poured. As shown in the right part of the figure 4 , on the outer face of the body 4, the neck 2 comprises, successively from its rim 3, a thread 5 and a boss 6, which both extend radially outwardly from the body.
  • the plug 1, considered screwed on the neck 2 is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end by a bottom wall 10, at the outer periphery of which extends axially downwardly a tubular skirt 12 centered on the XX axis and circular base.
  • the cap here advantageously comprises a lip 14 which extends axially downwards from the bottom wall 10, centrally on the axis XX, inside the outer skirt 12.
  • the skirt 12 is provided with an internal thread 16 which extends radially inwardly of the main wall of the skirt, in a manner complementary to the thread 5 of the neck 2.
  • the cooperation of the threads 5 and 16 makes it possible to screw and unscrew the skirt 12 around the collar.
  • the outer face of this skirt is provided with elongate ribs 18 which extend parallel to the X-X axis. These ribs 18 allow the user to grip the stopper 1 more easily.
  • the skirt 12 is adapted to separate into two distinct parts, namely an upper portion 12 1 , integral with the bottom wall 10, and a lower portion 12 2 initially connected to the part upper 12 1 at a weakening peripheral line 20 located axially in the current portion of the skirt.
  • the skirt portion 12 1 is intended to be completely disengaged from the neck 2, so that this portion 12 1 internally carries the screw thread 16 and externally the ribs 18.
  • the skirt portion 12 2 is, for its part, intended to remain around the neck 2.
  • this portion 12 2 is provided internally with pallets 22 which extend radially inwardly projecting from the inner surface of the skirt 12 and which are located generally in the same plane perpendicular to the axis XX, being distributed over the entire periphery of the skirt.
  • pallets 22 which extend radially inwardly projecting from the inner surface of the skirt 12 and which are located generally in the same plane perpendicular to the axis XX, being distributed over the entire periphery of the skirt.
  • the weakening line 20 is generally inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX and comprises peripheral notches, here seven in number and respectively referenced 24 1 to 24 7 , each of which passes radially right through the wall of the skirt 12. These notches 24 1 to 24 7 succeed each other along the line 20, in other words, along the periphery of the skirt. Each pair of two notches immediately successive delimits, between the two notches of the pair, a frangible bridge that connects, in the direction of the axis XX, the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2 .
  • the six bridges present here, successively referenced 26 1 to 26 6 are distributed substantially uniformly over the total length of the weakening line 20.
  • the weakening line 20 does not extend over the entire periphery of the skirt 12 but, on the contrary, is interrupted by a portion 28 of the skirt permanently connecting the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2.
  • This portion of skirt 28 is generally inscribed in the same plane perpendicular to the axis XX, in which is inscribed the weakening line 20, separating, along the periphery of the skirt, the two notches 24 1 and 24 7 respectively located at both ends 20A and 20B of the line of weakness 20.
  • the skirt portion 28 is located on the side of the plug 1 considered to be the rear side of this plug, as far as this side is intended in use to be directed away from the user.
  • the skirt portion 28 extends around the axis XX on an angle ⁇ 28 which, in the embodiment considered on the Figures 1 to 5 is approximately 50 °, but which in practice has a value between 5 and 90 °, preferably between 40 and 70 °.
  • the skirt portion 28 comprises, at each of its two peripheral ends 28A and 28B, a non-breakable bridge 30 1 , 30 2 integral with the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2 .
  • the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 are separated by a cut 32 passing radially right through the wall of the skirt 12.
  • the skirt 12 further comprises a second weakening peripheral line 34, distinct from the weakening line 20.
  • this weakening line 34 is inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX, being delimited in the removable skirt portion 12 1 , so that, as shown in FIG. figure 2 a non-breakable strand 36, consisting of a peripheral fragment of the wall of the skirt 12 and belonging to the removable skirt portion 12 1 , is interposed in the direction of the axis XX between the weakening lines 20 and 34.
  • the weakening line 34 is constituted, throughout its length, a single peripheral notch 38 which passes radially right through the wall of the skirt portion 12 1 .
  • the weakening line 34 extends around the axis XX at an angle ⁇ 34 which, in the embodiment of FIGS. Figures 1 to 5 is about 135 ° but in practice has a value strictly less than 180 °, preferably between 60 ° and 175 °, preferably 90 ° and 170 °.
  • the angular positioning, around the axis XX, of the weakening line 34 is provided so that its two peripheral ends 34A and 34B are located, along the periphery of the skirt 12, on either side of the the skirt portion 28, without going beyond the frangible bridges respectively closest to the ends 28A and 28B of this portion 28 along the line of weakness 20, namely the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 .
  • the ends 34A and 34B of the line of weakness 34 are respectively vertically plumb or a peripheral point of the notches 24 1 and 24 7 or the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 , as it is also the case for the embodiment considered here.
  • the angle, noted ⁇ 26 on the figure 3 between the radii at the axis XX which pass respectively by the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 has a value and an angular positioning around the axis XX identical to the value and the positioning of the angle ⁇ 34 .
  • the strand 36 includes a running portion 36 1 permanently connected, over its entire length, to the non-removable skirt portion 12 2 by the connecting portion 28, and two side portions 36 2 and 36 3 which are respectively disjointed, both of the non-removable skirt portion 12 2 due to the notches 24 1 and 24 7 , and the remainder of the removable skirt portion 12 1 due to the notch 38, except at the peripheral ends 36A and 36B strand 36, which are integral with the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 and which, before the first opening of the plug 1, are connected, in the direction of the axis XX, to the skirt portion 12 2 respectively by the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 .
  • the skirt portion 28 and the weakening line 34 are centered on one another. other in the sense that the bisector of angle ⁇ 28 occupies the same angular position about axis XX as the bisector of angle ⁇ 34 .
  • the skirt portion 12 1 When the user first opens the cap 1 by rotating the skirt portion 12 1 about the axis XX to unscrew it from the neck 2, the skirt portion 12 2 is retained, in the direction of the XX axis, around this neck by the boss 6 while the skirt portion 12 1 is spaced from the skirt portion 12 2 upwards. To do this, the weakening lines 20 and 34 are solicited jointly.
  • the skirt portion 28 immobilizes, with respect to the skirt portion 12 2 , the central portion 36 1 of the strand 36, while the lateral portions 36 2 and 36 3 of this strand deform along their length, thanks to the free the relative spacing of the edges of the notch 38 and that of the edges of the notches 24 1 and 24 7 , without being hindered by the presence of bridges that induce a certain resistance.
  • the portions 36 2 and 36 3 of the strand 36 thus extend over their entire length relative to the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 and with respect to the skirt portion 12 2.
  • the various bridges 26 1 to 26 6 break simultaneously.
  • the plug 1 is then in the configuration illustrated in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the strand portions 36 2 and 36 3 further deform, progressively passing from a substantially horizontal extended configuration to an extended inclined configuration with respect to the horizontal, up to complete disengagement of the threads 5 and 16.
  • the user can then tilt the skirt portion 12 1 backward, using the skirt portion 28 as a tilting hinge about a geometric axis ZZ substantially orthoradial to the axis XX and passing through the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 , as represented on the figure 1 .
  • the articulation of the skirt portion 28 in the manner of a hinge is facilitated by the presence of the notch 32 in the sense that the latter limits the stresses necessary to twist the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 around the axis ZZ.
  • the skirt 12 is at the same time closed by the bottom wall 10 and provided with the lip 14, the threading 16, the ribs 18 and the pallets 22.
  • This skirt is obtained in particular by molding a plastic material.
  • both the weakening line 20 and the portion 28 are produced in the direction in which the first blade passes right through the wall. of the skirt 12 to cut the notches 24 1 to 24 7 , as well as the notch 32.
  • the weakening line 34 is produced, by passing through this blade the wall of the skirt portion 12 1 so as to cut the notch 38.
  • the cutting action by the first blade and the cutting action by the second blade are indexed both along the axis XX and angularly around this axis so as to obtain the adequate relative positioning between, on the one hand, the weakening line 20 and the skirt portion 28 and, on the other hand, the weakening line 34.
  • first and second blades are carried out either one after the other or, preferably, concomitantly, by driving the skirt 12 and these two relative to each other. cutting blades in rotation about the axis XX.
  • FIG. 6 and 7 On the Figures 6 and 7 is shown an alternative embodiment of the plug 1, referenced 100.
  • the plug 100 is distinguished from the plug 1 by its second weakening line, referenced 134.
  • the other components of the plug 100 being identical to those of the plug 1, they carry the same alphanumeric references.
  • the weakening line 134 consists of two peripheral notches 138 1 and 138 2 , which follow one another following the periphery of the skirt portion 12 1 , with interposition of a frangible bridge 140 connecting, in the direction of the axis XX, the strand 36 and the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 .
  • This bridge 140 makes it possible to prevent, or at least to limit, the separation of the edges of the weakening line 134 during the demolding of the plug, as well as when the plug 100, after its manufacture, is assembled around the neck of container 2, in particular being force-fitted around the neck, until the pallets 22 are engaged under the boss 6.
  • the bridge 140 breaks to allow the relative spacing of the edges of the line of weakness 134.
  • the breaking strength of the bridge 40 is low in that the bisector ⁇ 134 of the angle ⁇ 134 passes through this bridge 140: thus, the bridge 140 is located angularly, about the axis XX, in the zone of the weakening line 134 where apply the strongest axial stresses when the cap 100 is opened.
  • FIG. 8 and 9 is shown another variant of the plug 1, referenced 200.
  • the components of the plug 200 identical to those of the plug 1 have the same alphanumeric references.
  • the plug 200 is distinguished from the plug 1 by its second weakening line 234 which comprises three peripheral notches 238 1 , 238 2 and 238 3 , which follow one another along the periphery of the skirt portion 12 1 , with the interposition of a jumper frangible 240 1 between the notches 238 1 and 238 2 and another frangible bridge 240 2 between the notches 238 2 and 238 3 .
  • the bridges 240 1 and 240 2 keep the notches 238 1 to 238 3 closed during the demolding of the plug and its assembly at the neck 2.
  • the value of the angle ⁇ 234 is greater than that of the angle ⁇ 34 .
  • ⁇ 234 is about 165 °.
  • the stopper 200 is also distinguished from the stopper 1 by the angular dimensions of its first weakening line 220 and its connecting portion 228, as can be clearly seen by comparing the figures 3 and 8 however, it is noted that the structure, as such, of the weakening line 220 and the skirt portion 228 is similar to that of the weakening line 20 and the skirt portion 28 of the cap 1.
  • line the weakening device 220 comprises seven notches 224 1 to 224 7 , respectively similar to the notches 24 1 to 24 7 , as well as six frangible bridges 226 1 to 226 6 , respectively similar to the bridges 26 1 to 26 6 .
  • the skirt portion 228 successively comprises an end bridge 230 1 , a peripheral notch 232 and an opposite end bridge 230 2 , respectively similar to the bridge 30 1 , the notch 32 and the bridge 2 .
  • the angle ⁇ 226 associated with the bridges 226 1 and 226 7 of the line 220 has a value greater than the angle ⁇ 26 , so that this angle ⁇ 226 has a value and an angular position around the axis XX, identical to the value and the angular positioning of the angle ⁇ 234 .
  • angle ⁇ 228 associated with the skirt portion 228 has a value greater than that of the angle ⁇ 28 : in the exemplary embodiment considered at the figure 8 the ⁇ 228 angle is about 60 °.
  • the skirt portion 228 and the weakening line 234 are sized so that the bridge 230 1 and the bridge 240 1 are aligned in the direction of the axis XX while the bridge 230 2 and the bridge 240 2 are also aligned in this direction.
  • the bridges 240 1 and 240 2 break from the beginning of the upward drive of the skirt portion 12 1 due to its unscrewing because these bridges are angularly positioned around the axis XX, vertical plumb with the most rigid zones of the skirt portion 228, namely the bridges 230 1 and 230 2 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap (1) that comprises a circular skirt (12), said cap including an irremovable portion (12-2) fixedly attached about the neck of a vessel (2) and a removable portion (12-1) removably attached to the neck, the irremovable and removable portions being separated by a first weakening line (20). In order to maintain the removable portion of the skirt attached to the irremovable portion of the skirt after the first opening, the skirt is provided with a second peripheral weakening line (34). It is also provided that the first weakening line extends less than 360°, while the two ends (34A, 34B) of the second weakening line are located along the periphery of the skirt respectively between a first (28A) of the two ends of a linking portion of the skirt and the hasp (26-1) closest to said first end, and between the second end (28B) of the linking portion and the hasp (26-6) closest to said second end.

Description

La présente invention concerne un bouchon pour un col de récipient, ainsi qu'un procédé de fabrication d'un tel bouchon.The present invention relates to a cap for a container neck, and a method of manufacturing such a cap.

L'invention a trait, de manière générale, aux bouchons comprenant une jupe qui entoure le col d'un récipient et dont une partie inférieure, lorsqu'on considère que ce col s'étend verticalement avec son buvant dirigé vers le haut, est destinée à demeurer autour du col après la première ouverture du bouchon et se présente en particulier sous la forme d'une bande d'inviolabilité. Le reste de la jupe, c'est-à-dire sa partie supérieure, est prévue amovible par rapport au col, tout en étant initialement reliée à la partie inférieure non amovible de la jupe par des pontets frangibles, répartis suivant la périphérie de la jupe et à même d'être rompus lors de la première ouverture du bouchon. La ligne d'affaiblissement formée par ces pontets sert de témoin de cette première ouverture, à l'attention des utilisateurs. Dans le cadre de la présente invention, la nature de la liaison amovible entre la partie de jupe supérieure et le col de récipient est indifférente, de sorte que l'invention vise aussi bien, par exemple, les bouchons dits « snap », c'est-à-dire les bouchons à même d'être clipsés autour du col, que les bouchons vissés.The invention relates, in general, to plugs comprising a skirt which surrounds the neck of a container and a lower part of which, when it is considered that this neck extends vertically with its upwardly directed mouth, is intended to to remain around the neck after the first opening of the cap and is in particular in the form of a tamper-evident band. The remainder of the skirt, that is to say its upper part, is provided removable relative to the neck, while being initially connected to the lower non-removable portion of the skirt by frangible bridges, distributed along the periphery of the skirt and able to be broken at the first opening of the cap. The weakening line formed by these bridges serves as a witness of this first opening, for the attention of users. In the context of the present invention, the nature of the removable connection between the upper skirt portion and the container neck is indifferent, so that the invention also aims, for example, the so-called "snap" caps, it that is to say the plugs able to be clipped around the neck, that the caps screwed.

L'invention s'intéresse plus particulièrement aux bouchons dont la ligne d'affaiblissement est découpée, c'est-à-dire qui comprend une succession d'entailles traversantes, découpées au travers de la paroi de la jupe et suivant sa périphérie, de manière à définir, entre deux entailles successives, un des pontets frangibles précités. L'obtention de la ligne d'affaiblissement par découpage plutôt que par moulage est préférée car elle est plus économique et plus pratique puisqu'elle ne nécessite pas d'utiliser des moules complexes, munis par exemple de tiroirs. Cependant, une ligne d'affaiblissement obtenue par découpage est traditionnellement prévue pour s'étendre sur toute la périphérie de la jupe et dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal de la jupe, ce qui limite les possibilités d'aménagements des bouchons, à la différence des bouchons dont la ligne d'affaiblissement est obtenue par moulage, de telles lignes moulées pouvant notamment inclure une portion de matière non frangible qui relie de manière permanente la partie de jupe amovible à la partie de jupe non amovible, même lorsque le bouchon est ouvert, comme proposé dans US-A-5 215 204 , ce document divulguant un bouchon selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The invention is more particularly concerned with plugs whose line of weakness is cut off, that is to say which comprises a succession of through-cuts, cut through the wall of the skirt and along its periphery, of to define, between two successive notches, one of the aforementioned frangible bridges. Achieving the line of weakening by cutting rather than molding is preferred because it is more economical and more practical since it does not require the use of complex molds, provided for example with drawers. However, a weakening line obtained by cutting is traditionally provided to extend over the entire periphery of the skirt and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the skirt, which limits the possibilities of arrangements of the caps, to the difference of the plugs whose line of weakening is obtained by molding, such molded lines can include including a portion of non-breakable material which connects the removable skirt portion to the non-removable skirt portion, even when the closure is open, as proposed in US-A-5,215,204 , this document disclosing a plug according to the preamble of claim 1.

Le but de la présente invention est d'améliorer de manière simple et économique la fabrication des bouchons à ligne d'affaiblissement découpée, pour disposer d'un bouchon dont la partie de jupe amovible reste liée à la partie de jupe non amovible après la première ouverture du bouchon.The object of the present invention is to improve in a simple and economical manner the manufacture of cut-off line caps, to have a plug whose removable skirt portion remains connected to the non-removable skirt portion after the first opening of the cap.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un bouchon pour un col de récipient, tel que défini à la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to a cap for a container neck, as defined in claim 1.

L'idée à la base de l'invention est de chercher à améliorer les procédés et les moyens existants permettant de découper dans un bouchon une ligne d'affaiblissement traditionnelle pour, d'une part, réaliser cette ligne d'affaiblissement sur une portion seulement de la jupe de manière à laisser subsister une portion de liaison non frangible entre les parties de jupe amovible et non amovible et, d'autre part, découper une seconde ligne d'affaiblissement qui s'étend sur moins de la moitié de la périphérie de la jupe et qui est située, lorsqu'on considère que l'axe de la jupe est vertical avec sa partie non amovible dirigée vers le bas, verticalement au-dessus et de part et d'autre de la portion de liaison non frangible précitée. Les entailles de ces première et seconde lignes d'affaiblissement se distinguent de réalisations moulées car elles présentent, avant la première ouverture du bouchon, des bords jointifs qui, notamment, empêchent ainsi à de la poussière et des salissures d'accéder à l'intérieur de la jupe via ces lignes d'affaiblissement. Le découpage de la seconde ligne d'affaiblissement est simple et rapide à réaliser dans la mesure où cette ligne d'affaiblissement s'étend dans la partie de jupe amovible qui, traditionnellement, présente une dimension axiale plus grande que la portion de jupe non amovible, cette dernière se réduisant la plupart du temps à une fine bande d'inviolabilité, pour laquelle la présence des moyens de retenue à demeure autour du col limite les possibilités d'aménagement par découpage. Lorsqu'on ouvre le bouchon conforme à l'invention pour la première fois, les pontets de la première ligne d'affaiblissement se rompent, tandis que la portion de liaison subsiste sans toutefois pouvoir être entraînée vers le haut par la partie de jupe amovible en raison de la retenue de la partie de jupe non amovible autour du col de récipient. Le mouvement vers le haut de la partie de jupe amovible, sous l'action de l'utilisateur, entraîne la déformation du brin interposé entre les première et seconde lignes d'affaiblissement, plus précisément la déformation des parties latérales de ce brin agencées de part et d'autre de la portion de liaison, par écartement relatif des bords de la ou des entailles de la seconde ligne d'affaiblissement. Cette déformation du brin est facilitée par la première ligne d'affaiblissement dans le sens où les parties latérales précitées du brin sont, sur toute leur longueur, dépourvues de pontet le long de cette première ligne d'affaiblissement, si ce n'est éventuellement à l'aplomb vertical des extrémités de la seconde ligne d'affaiblissement.The idea underlying the invention is to seek to improve existing methods and means for cutting in a plug a traditional line of weakness to, firstly, achieve this line of weakness on a portion only of the skirt so as to leave a non-breakable connection portion between the removable and non-removable skirt portions and, on the other hand, cut a second weakening line which extends over less than half of the periphery of the skirt. the skirt and which is located, when it is considered that the axis of the skirt is vertical with its non-removable part directed downwards, vertically above and on either side of the aforementioned non-breakable connection portion. The notches of these first and second lines of weakness are distinguished from molded embodiments because they have, before the first opening of the stopper, contiguous edges which, in particular, thus prevent dust and dirt from reaching the inside. of the skirt via these weakening lines. The cutting of the second weakening line is quick and easy to achieve insofar as this weakening line extends into the removable skirt portion which, traditionally, has an axial dimension greater than the non-removable skirt portion , the latter being reduced most of the time to a thin strip of inviolability, for which the presence of the permanent restraint means around the neck limits the possibilities of development by cutting. When opening the cap according to the invention for the first time, the bridges of the first line of weakness break, while the connecting portion remains without being able to be driven upwards by the removable skirt portion. because of the retention of the non-removable skirt portion around the container neck. The upward movement of the removable skirt part, under the action of the user, causes deformation of the strand interposed between the first and second lines of weakening, more precisely the deformation of the lateral portions of this strand arranged on either side of the connecting portion, by relative spacing of the edges of the or notches of the second weakening line. This deformation of the strand is facilitated by the first weakening line in the sense that the aforementioned lateral portions of the strand are, throughout their entire length, devoid of jumpers along this first line of weakening, if it is not possible to the vertical plumb of the ends of the second weakening line.

Ainsi, le bouchon conforme à l'invention est aussi performant que les bouchons à lignes d'affaiblissement moulées dans le sens où la partie de jupe amovible reste liée à la partie de jupe non amovible après la première ouverture du bouchon, par l'intermédiaire de la portion de liaison précitée, avec les avantages significatifs que les moules de fabrication des bouchons conformes à l'invention sont moins complexes et moins fragiles, tout en incluant davantage de cavités de moulage, que les moules de fabrication des bouchons à pontets moulés. En outre, on peut rapidement et facilement passer d'une fabrication de bouchons existants avec une seule ligne d'affaiblissement découpée à une fabrication de bouchons conformes à l'invention, en ajoutant ou en retirant les aménagements nécessaires à la découpe de la seconde ligne d'affaiblissement, offrant ainsi une grande souplesse de production de différents bouchons.Thus, the plug according to the invention is as efficient as the plugs with weakening lines molded in the sense that the removable skirt portion remains connected to the non-removable skirt portion after the first opening of the plug, via of the aforementioned connecting portion, with the significant advantages that the molds for manufacturing the plugs according to the invention are less complex and less fragile, while including more molding cavities, than molds for manufacturing molded plug caps. In addition, it is possible to quickly and easily switch from making existing plugs with a single cut-off line to making plugs according to the invention, by adding or removing the necessary arrangements for cutting the second line. of weakening, thus offering a great flexibility of production of different plugs.

Des caractéristiques avantageuses du bouchon selon l'invention, prises isolément ou suivant toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles, sont spécifiées aux revendications dépendantes 2 à 9.Advantageous features of the plug according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are specified in the dependent claims 2 to 9.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un bouchon pour un col de récipient, tel que défini à la revendication 10. Un procédé de fabrication d'un bouchon selon le préamble de la revendication 10 est connu du document US 2007/089587 .The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cap for a container neck, as defined in claim 10. A method of manufacturing a cap according to the preamble of claim 10 is known from the document US 2007/089587 .

Ce procédé permet de fabriquer le bouchon tel que défini ci-dessus, avec les avantages de production mentionnés plus haut.This process makes it possible to manufacture the stopper as defined above, with the production advantages mentioned above.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un bouchon conforme à l'invention, illustrant ce bouchon mis en place autour d'un col de récipient et dans une configuration ouverte ;
  • la figure 2 est une coupe longitudinale du bouchon avant sa première ouverture, les moitiés gauche et droite de cette figure illustrant ce bouchon respectivement avant et après sa mise en place autour du col de récipient ;
  • les figures 3 et 4 sont des coupes respectivement selon les plans III-III et IV-IV de la figure 2, illustrant le bouchon avant sa mise en place autour du col de récipient ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en élévation du bouchon mis en place autour du col de récipient et en train d'être ouvert pour la première fois, la direction d'observation de cette figure correspondant à la flèche V indiquée à la figure 3 ;
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues respectivement analogues aux figures 3 et 4, illustrant une première variante de réalisation du bouchon conforme à l'invention ; et
  • les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues respectivement analogues aux figures 3 et 4, illustrant une seconde variante de réalisation du bouchon conforme à l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a plug according to the invention, illustrating the plug placed around a container neck and in an open configuration;
  • the figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the plug before its first opening, the left and right halves of this figure illustrating this plug respectively before and after its introduction around the container neck;
  • the Figures 3 and 4 are sections respectively according to plans III-III and IV-IV of the figure 2 illustrating the stopper before being placed around the container neck;
  • the figure 5 is an elevational view of the stopper placed around the container neck and being opened for the first time, the observation direction of this figure corresponding to the arrow V indicated in FIG. figure 3 ;
  • the Figures 6 and 7 are views respectively similar to Figures 3 and 4 illustrating a first embodiment of the plug according to the invention; and
  • the Figures 8 and 9 are views respectively similar to Figures 3 and 4 , illustrating a second variant embodiment of the plug according to the invention.

Sur les figures 1 à 5 est représenté un bouchon 1 adapté pour être fixé de manière amovible sur un col 2 d'un récipient. Le bouchon 1 considéré ici à titre d'illustration est un bouchon fixé sur le col par vissage. En pratique, le col 2 est soit venu de matière avec le reste du récipient, notamment lorsque ce dernier est une bouteille en verre ou en matière plastique comme représenté sur la figure 1, soit adapté pour être solidarisé à demeure sur une paroi du récipient, au niveau d'une ouverture traversant cette paroi.On the Figures 1 to 5 is shown a plug 1 adapted to be removably attached to a neck 2 of a container. The plug 1 considered here by way of illustration is a plug fixed on the neck by screwing. In practice, the neck 2 is integral with the rest of the container, especially when the latter is a glass or plastic bottle as shown on the drawing. figure 1 , or adapted to be permanently attached to a wall of the container, at an opening through this wall.

Le bouchon 1 et le col 2 présentent des formes respectives globalement tubulaires, dont les axes longitudinaux centraux sont sensiblement confondus, sous la référence X-X, lorsque le bouchon est vissé sur le col. Par commodité, la suite de la description est orientée en considérant que les termes « supérieur » et « haut » correspondent à une direction globalement parallèle à l'axe X-X et allant du corps du récipient vers son col 2, c'est-à-dire une direction dirigée vers la partie haute des figures 1, 2 et 5, tandis que les termes « inférieur » et « bas » correspondent à une direction opposée.The plug 1 and the neck 2 have respective generally tubular shapes, whose central longitudinal axes are substantially coincident, under the reference XX, when the cap is screwed onto the neck. For convenience, the following description is oriented by considering that the terms "upper" and "top" correspond to a direction generally parallel to the axis XX and from the body of the container to its neck 2, that is to say say a direction directed towards the party high of figures 1 , 2 and 5 , while the terms "lower" and "lower" correspond to an opposite direction.

Le col 2 comporte un corps 4 globalement cylindrique à base circulaire d'axe X-X. A son extrémité haute, ce corps 4 délimite un buvant 3 au niveau duquel le liquide contenu dans le récipient est destiné à être déversé. Comme représenté dans la partie droite de la figure 4, sur la face extérieure du corps 4, le col 2 comporte, successivement depuis son buvant 3, un filetage 5 et un bossage 6, qui s'étendent tous deux radialement vers l'extérieur depuis le corps.The neck 2 comprises a generally cylindrical body 4 with a circular base of axis XX. At its upper end, this body 4 defines a rim 3 at which the liquid in the container is intended to be poured. As shown in the right part of the figure 4 , on the outer face of the body 4, the neck 2 comprises, successively from its rim 3, a thread 5 and a boss 6, which both extend radially outwardly from the body.

Le bouchon 1, considéré vissé sur le col 2, est ouvert à son extrémité inférieure et fermé à son extrémité supérieure par une paroi de fond 10, à la périphérie extérieure de laquelle s'étend axialement vers le bas une jupe tubulaire 12 centrée sur l'axe X-X et à base circulaire. Le bouchon comporte ici avantageusement une lèvre 14 qui s'étend axialement vers le bas depuis la paroi de fond 10, de manière centrée sur l'axe X-X, à l'intérieur de la jupe externe 12. Lorsque le bouchon est vissé sur le col 2, la paroi de fond 10 s'étend au-dessus et en travers de ce col, tandis que la jupe 12 entoure extérieurement le corps 4 et la lèvre 14 est appuyée de manière étanche contre la face intérieure de ce corps.The plug 1, considered screwed on the neck 2, is open at its lower end and closed at its upper end by a bottom wall 10, at the outer periphery of which extends axially downwardly a tubular skirt 12 centered on the XX axis and circular base. The cap here advantageously comprises a lip 14 which extends axially downwards from the bottom wall 10, centrally on the axis XX, inside the outer skirt 12. When the cap is screwed onto the neck 2, the bottom wall 10 extends above and across this neck, while the skirt 12 externally surrounds the body 4 and the lip 14 is pressed sealingly against the inner face of the body.

La jupe 12 est munie d'un filetage intérieur 16 qui s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur de la paroi principale de la jupe, de manière complémentaire au filetage 5 du col 2. La coopération des filetages 5 et 16 permet de visser et de dévisser la jupe 12 autour du col. Avantageusement, pour faciliter l'entraînement par l'utilisateur de la jupe 12 autour de l'axe X-X, la face extérieure de cette jupe est munie de nervures allongées 18 qui s'étendent parallèlement à l'axe X-X. Ces nervures 18 permettent à l'utilisateur d'agripper plus facilement le bouchon 1.The skirt 12 is provided with an internal thread 16 which extends radially inwardly of the main wall of the skirt, in a manner complementary to the thread 5 of the neck 2. The cooperation of the threads 5 and 16 makes it possible to screw and unscrew the skirt 12 around the collar. Advantageously, to facilitate the drive by the user of the skirt 12 around the X-X axis, the outer face of this skirt is provided with elongate ribs 18 which extend parallel to the X-X axis. These ribs 18 allow the user to grip the stopper 1 more easily.

Lors du premier dévissage du bouchon 1, la jupe 12 est adaptée pour se séparer en deux parties distinctes, à savoir une partie supérieure 121, venue de matière avec la paroi de fond 10, et une partie inférieure 122 reliée initialement à la partie supérieure 121 au niveau d'une ligne périphérique d'affaiblissement 20 située axialement dans la partie courante de la jupe. Comme représenté sur la figure 1, la partie de jupe 121 est destinée à être dégagée en totalité du col 2, de sorte que cette partie 121 porte intérieurement le filetage de vissage 16 et extérieurement les nervures 18. La partie de jupe 122 est, quant à elle, destinée à demeurer autour du col 2. A cet effet, cette partie 122 est munie intérieurement de palettes 22 qui s'étendent radialement en saillie vers l'intérieur depuis la surface intérieure de la jupe 12 et qui sont situées globalement dans un même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X, en étant réparties sur toute la périphérie de la jupe. Lorsque le bouchon est assemblé au col 2, ces palettes s'étendent axialement en dessous du bossage 6 et sont adaptées, lorsque le bouchon est soulevé pour la première fois, pour buter axialement contre ce bossage.During the first unscrewing of the plug 1, the skirt 12 is adapted to separate into two distinct parts, namely an upper portion 12 1 , integral with the bottom wall 10, and a lower portion 12 2 initially connected to the part upper 12 1 at a weakening peripheral line 20 located axially in the current portion of the skirt. As shown on the figure 1 , the skirt portion 12 1 is intended to be completely disengaged from the neck 2, so that this portion 12 1 internally carries the screw thread 16 and externally the ribs 18. The skirt portion 12 2 is, for its part, intended to remain around the neck 2. For this purpose, this portion 12 2 is provided internally with pallets 22 which extend radially inwardly projecting from the inner surface of the skirt 12 and which are located generally in the same plane perpendicular to the axis XX, being distributed over the entire periphery of the skirt. When the cap is assembled at the neck 2, these vanes extend axially below the boss 6 and are adapted, when the cap is raised for the first time, to abut axially against this boss.

Comme bien visible sur la figure 3, la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 est inscrite globalement dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X et comporte des entailles périphériques, ici au nombre de sept et respectivement référencées 241 à 247, qui chacune traversent radialement de part en part la paroi de la jupe 12. Ces entailles 241 à 247 se succèdent le long de la ligne 20, autrement dit, suivant la périphérie de la jupe. Chaque paire de deux entailles immédiatement successives délimite, entre les deux entailles de la paire, un pontet frangible qui relie, suivant la direction de l'axe X-X, les parties de jupe 121 et 122. Les six pontets présents ici, successivement référencés 261 à 266, sont répartis de manière sensiblement régulière sur la longueur totale de la ligne d'affaiblissement 20.As clearly visible on the figure 3 , the weakening line 20 is generally inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX and comprises peripheral notches, here seven in number and respectively referenced 24 1 to 24 7 , each of which passes radially right through the wall of the skirt 12. These notches 24 1 to 24 7 succeed each other along the line 20, in other words, along the periphery of the skirt. Each pair of two notches immediately successive delimits, between the two notches of the pair, a frangible bridge that connects, in the direction of the axis XX, the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2 . The six bridges present here, successively referenced 26 1 to 26 6 , are distributed substantially uniformly over the total length of the weakening line 20.

Comme bien visible sur la figure 3, la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 ne s'étend pas sur toute la périphérie de la jupe 12 mais, au contraire, est interrompue par une portion 28 de la jupe reliant à demeure les parties de jupe 121 et 122. Cette portion de jupe 28 est inscrite globalement dans le même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X, dans lequel est inscrite la ligne d'affaiblissement 20, en séparant, suivant la périphérie de la jupe, les deux entailles 241 et 247 respectivement situées aux deux extrémités 20A et 20B de la ligne d'affaiblissement 20. Pour des raisons pratiques que l'on comprendra plus loin, la portion de jupe 28 est située du côté du bouchon 1 considéré comme étant le côté arrière de ce bouchon, dans la mesure où ce côté est destiné en service à être dirigé à l'opposé de l'utilisateur.As clearly visible on the figure 3 , the weakening line 20 does not extend over the entire periphery of the skirt 12 but, on the contrary, is interrupted by a portion 28 of the skirt permanently connecting the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2. This portion of skirt 28 is generally inscribed in the same plane perpendicular to the axis XX, in which is inscribed the weakening line 20, separating, along the periphery of the skirt, the two notches 24 1 and 24 7 respectively located at both ends 20A and 20B of the line of weakness 20. For practical reasons that will be understood later, the skirt portion 28 is located on the side of the plug 1 considered to be the rear side of this plug, as far as this side is intended in use to be directed away from the user.

La portion de jupe 28 s'étend, autour de l'axe X-X, sur un angle α28 qui, dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures 1 à 5, vaut environ 50°, mais qui, en pratique, présente une valeur comprise entre 5 et 90°, de préférence entre 40 et 70°.The skirt portion 28 extends around the axis XX on an angle α 28 which, in the embodiment considered on the Figures 1 to 5 is approximately 50 °, but which in practice has a value between 5 and 90 °, preferably between 40 and 70 °.

Comme bien visible sur la figure 3, la portion de jupe 28 comprend, à chacune de ses deux extrémités périphériques 28A et 28B, un pont non frangible 301, 302 venu de matière avec les parties de jupe 121 et 122. Suivant la périphérie de la jupe, les ponts 301 et 302 sont séparés par une entaille 32 traversant radialement de part en part la paroi de la jupe 12.As clearly visible on the figure 3 , the skirt portion 28 comprises, at each of its two peripheral ends 28A and 28B, a non-breakable bridge 30 1 , 30 2 integral with the skirt portions 12 1 and 12 2 . Next to the periphery of the skirt, the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 are separated by a cut 32 passing radially right through the wall of the skirt 12.

La jupe 12 comprend en outre une seconde ligne périphérique d'affaiblissement 34, distincte de la ligne d'affaiblissement 20. Comme bien visible sur la figure 4, cette ligne d'affaiblissement 34 est inscrite dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X, en étant délimitée dans la partie de jupe amovible 121, de sorte que, comme représenté sur la figure 2, un brin non frangible 36, constitué d'un fragment périphérique de la paroi de la jupe 12 et appartenant à la partie de jupe amovible 121, se trouve interposé suivant la direction de l'axe X-X entre les lignes d'affaiblissement 20 et 34.The skirt 12 further comprises a second weakening peripheral line 34, distinct from the weakening line 20. As clearly visible on the figure 4 , this weakening line 34 is inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX, being delimited in the removable skirt portion 12 1 , so that, as shown in FIG. figure 2 a non-breakable strand 36, consisting of a peripheral fragment of the wall of the skirt 12 and belonging to the removable skirt portion 12 1 , is interposed in the direction of the axis XX between the weakening lines 20 and 34.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré sur les figures 1 à 5, la ligne d'affaiblissement 34 est constituée, sur toute sa longueur, d'une unique entaille périphérique 38 qui traverse radialement de part en part la paroi de la partie de jupe 121.In the example of realization considered on the Figures 1 to 5 , the weakening line 34 is constituted, throughout its length, a single peripheral notch 38 which passes radially right through the wall of the skirt portion 12 1 .

La ligne d'affaiblissement 34 s'étend, autour de l'axe X-X, sur un angle ß34 qui, dans l'exemple de réalisation des figures 1 à 5, vaut environ 135° mais qui, en pratique, présente une valeur strictement inférieure à 180°, choisie avantageusement entre 60° et 175°, de préférence en tre 90° et 170°.The weakening line 34 extends around the axis XX at an angle β 34 which, in the embodiment of FIGS. Figures 1 to 5 is about 135 ° but in practice has a value strictly less than 180 °, preferably between 60 ° and 175 °, preferably 90 ° and 170 °.

En outre, le positionnement angulaire, autour de l'axe X-X, de la ligne d'affaiblissement 34 est prévu pour que ses deux extrémités périphériques 34A et 34B soient situées, suivant la périphérie de la jupe 12, de part et d'autre de la portion de jupe 28, sans aller au-delà des pontets frangibles respectivement les plus proches des extrémités 28A et 28B de cette portion 28 le long de la ligne d'affaiblissement 20, à savoir les pontets 261 et 266. Autrement dit, comme bien visible sur la figure 5 qui sera commentée en détail plus loin, les extrémités 34A et 34B de la ligne d'affaiblissement 34 sont respectivement situées à l'aplomb vertical soit d'un point périphérique des entailles 241 et 247, soit des pontets 261 et 266, comme c'est d'ailleurs le cas pour le mode de réalisation considéré ici. Cela revient à dire que, ici, l'angle, noté α26 sur la figure 3, entre les rayons à l'axe X-X qui passent respectivement par les pontets 261 et 266 présente une valeur et un positionnement angulaire autour de l'axe X-X identiques à la valeur et au positionnement de l'angle ß34.In addition, the angular positioning, around the axis XX, of the weakening line 34 is provided so that its two peripheral ends 34A and 34B are located, along the periphery of the skirt 12, on either side of the the skirt portion 28, without going beyond the frangible bridges respectively closest to the ends 28A and 28B of this portion 28 along the line of weakness 20, namely the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 . In other words, as clearly visible on the figure 5 which will be discussed in detail below, the ends 34A and 34B of the line of weakness 34 are respectively vertically plumb or a peripheral point of the notches 24 1 and 24 7 or the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 , as it is also the case for the embodiment considered here. That is to say that here, the angle, noted α 26 on the figure 3 , between the radii at the axis XX which pass respectively by the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 has a value and an angular positioning around the axis XX identical to the value and the positioning of the angle β 34 .

De la sorte, comme noté sur la figure 5, le brin 36 inclut une partie courante 361 reliée à demeure, sur toute sa longueur, à la partie de jupe non amovible 122 par la portion de liaison 28, et deux parties latérales 362 et 363 qui sont respectivement disjointes, à la fois, de la partie de jupe non amovible 122 en raison des entailles 241 et 247, et du reste de la partie de jupe amovible 121 en raison de l'entaille 38, excepté au niveau des extrémités périphériques 36A et 36B du brin 36, qui sont venues de matière avec le reste de la partie de jupe 121 et qui, avant la première ouverture du bouchon 1, sont reliées, suivant la direction de l'axe X-X, à la partie de jupe 122 respectivement par les pontets 261 et 266.In this way, as noted on the figure 5 , the strand 36 includes a running portion 36 1 permanently connected, over its entire length, to the non-removable skirt portion 12 2 by the connecting portion 28, and two side portions 36 2 and 36 3 which are respectively disjointed, both of the non-removable skirt portion 12 2 due to the notches 24 1 and 24 7 , and the remainder of the removable skirt portion 12 1 due to the notch 38, except at the peripheral ends 36A and 36B strand 36, which are integral with the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 and which, before the first opening of the plug 1, are connected, in the direction of the axis XX, to the skirt portion 12 2 respectively by the bridges 26 1 and 26 6 .

De plus, pour garantir un comportement homogène du brin 36, notamment de ses parties latérales 362 et 363, suivant la périphérie de la jupe 12, la portion de jupe 28 et la ligne d'affaiblissement 34 sont centrées l'une sur l'autre dans le sens où la bissectrice de l'angle α28 occupe la même position angulaire, autour de l'axe X-X, que la bissectrice de l'angle ß34.In addition, to ensure homogeneous behavior of the strand 36, in particular its lateral portions 36 2 and 36 3 , along the periphery of the skirt 12, the skirt portion 28 and the weakening line 34 are centered on one another. other in the sense that the bisector of angle α 28 occupies the same angular position about axis XX as the bisector of angle β 34 .

Lorsque l'utilisateur ouvre pour la première fois le bouchon 1 en entraînant en rotation la partie de jupe 121 autour de l'axe X-X pour la dévisser du col 2, la partie de jupe 122 est retenue, suivant la direction de l'axe X-X, autour de ce col par le bossage 6 tandis que la partie de jupe 121 est écartée de la partie de jupe 122 vers le haut. Pour ce faire, les lignes d'affaiblissement 20 et 34 sont sollicitées conjointement. Plus précisément, la portion de jupe 28 immobilise, par rapport à la partie de jupe 122, la partie centrale 361 du brin 36, tandis que les parties latérales 362 et 363 de ce brin se déforment suivant leur longueur, grâce au libre l'écartement relatif des bords de l'entaille 38 ainsi que celui des bords des entailles 241 et 247, sans être gênées par la présence de pontets qui induiraient une certaine résistance. Les parties 362 et 363 du brin 36 se déploient ainsi sur toute leur longueur par rapport au reste de la partie de jupe 121 et par rapport à la partie de jupe 122. De manière sensiblement concomitante, les différents pontets 261 à 266 se rompent simultanément. Le bouchon 1 est alors dans la configuration illustrée à la figure 5.When the user first opens the cap 1 by rotating the skirt portion 12 1 about the axis XX to unscrew it from the neck 2, the skirt portion 12 2 is retained, in the direction of the XX axis, around this neck by the boss 6 while the skirt portion 12 1 is spaced from the skirt portion 12 2 upwards. To do this, the weakening lines 20 and 34 are solicited jointly. More specifically, the skirt portion 28 immobilizes, with respect to the skirt portion 12 2 , the central portion 36 1 of the strand 36, while the lateral portions 36 2 and 36 3 of this strand deform along their length, thanks to the free the relative spacing of the edges of the notch 38 and that of the edges of the notches 24 1 and 24 7 , without being hindered by the presence of bridges that induce a certain resistance. The portions 36 2 and 36 3 of the strand 36 thus extend over their entire length relative to the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 and with respect to the skirt portion 12 2. In a substantially concomitant manner, the various bridges 26 1 to 26 6 break simultaneously. The plug 1 is then in the configuration illustrated in FIG. figure 5 .

En poursuivant le dévissage de la partie de jupe 121, les parties de brin 362 et 363 se déforment davantage, en passant progressivement d'une configuration étendue sensiblement horizontale à une configuration étendue inclinée par rapport à l'horizontal, jusqu'au désengagement complet des filetages 5 et 16. L'utilisateur peut alors basculer la partie de jupe 121 vers l'arrière, en utilisant la portion de jupe 28 comme une charnière basculante autour d'un axe géométrique Z-Z sensiblement orthoradial à l'axe X-X et passant par les ponts 301 et 302, comme représenté sur la figure 1. L'articulation de la portion de jupe 28 à la façon d'une charnière est facilitée par la présence de l'entaille 32 dans le sens où cette dernière limite les contraintes nécessaires pour tordre les ponts 301 et 302 autour de l'axe Z-Z.Continuing unscrewing of the skirt portion 12 1 , the strand portions 36 2 and 36 3 further deform, progressively passing from a substantially horizontal extended configuration to an extended inclined configuration with respect to the horizontal, up to complete disengagement of the threads 5 and 16. The user can then tilt the skirt portion 12 1 backward, using the skirt portion 28 as a tilting hinge about a geometric axis ZZ substantially orthoradial to the axis XX and passing through the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 , as represented on the figure 1 . The articulation of the skirt portion 28 in the manner of a hinge is facilitated by the presence of the notch 32 in the sense that the latter limits the stresses necessary to twist the bridges 30 1 and 30 2 around the axis ZZ.

Pour fabriquer le bouchon 1, on dispose initialement de la jupe 12 à la fois fermée par la paroi de fond 10 et munie de la lèvre 14, du filetage 16, des nervures 18 et des palettes 22. Cette jupe est notamment obtenue par moulage d'une matière plastique.In order to manufacture the stopper 1, the skirt 12 is at the same time closed by the bottom wall 10 and provided with the lip 14, the threading 16, the ribs 18 and the pallets 22. This skirt is obtained in particular by molding a plastic material.

Puis, à l'aide d'une première lame de découpe, non représentée sur les figures, on réalise à la fois la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 et la portion 28, dans le sens où cette première lame traverse de part en part la paroi de la jupe 12 pour découper les entailles 241 à 247, ainsi que l'entaille 32. A l'aide d'une seconde lame de découpe, on réalise la ligne d'affaiblissement 34, en faisant traverser par cette lame la paroi de la partie de jupe 121 de manière à découper l'entaille 38. Bien entendu, l'action de découpage par la première lame et l'action de découpage par la seconde lame sont indexées à la fois le long de l'axe X-X et angulairement autour de cet axe de manière à obtenir le positionnement relatif adéquat entre, d'une part, la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 et la portion de jupe 28 et, d'autre part, la ligne d'affaiblissement 34.Then, with the aid of a first cutting blade, not shown in the figures, both the weakening line 20 and the portion 28 are produced in the direction in which the first blade passes right through the wall. of the skirt 12 to cut the notches 24 1 to 24 7 , as well as the notch 32. With the aid of a second cutting blade, the weakening line 34 is produced, by passing through this blade the wall of the skirt portion 12 1 so as to cut the notch 38. Of course, the cutting action by the first blade and the cutting action by the second blade are indexed both along the axis XX and angularly around this axis so as to obtain the adequate relative positioning between, on the one hand, the weakening line 20 and the skirt portion 28 and, on the other hand, the weakening line 34.

En pratique, les actions de découpage par les première et seconde lames précitées sont réalisées soit l'une après l'autre, soit, de préférence, de manière concomitante, en entraînant l'une par rapport à l'autre la jupe 12 et ces lames de découpe en rotation autour de l'axe X-X.In practice, the cutting actions by the aforementioned first and second blades are carried out either one after the other or, preferably, concomitantly, by driving the skirt 12 and these two relative to each other. cutting blades in rotation about the axis XX.

Sur les figures 6 et 7 est représentée une variante de réalisation du bouchon 1, référencée 100. Le bouchon 100 ne se distingue du bouchon 1 que par sa seconde ligne d'affaiblissement, référencée 134. Les autres composants du bouchon 100 étant identiques à ceux du bouchon 1, ils portent les mêmes références alphanumériques.On the Figures 6 and 7 is shown an alternative embodiment of the plug 1, referenced 100. The plug 100 is distinguished from the plug 1 by its second weakening line, referenced 134. The other components of the plug 100 being identical to those of the plug 1, they carry the same alphanumeric references.

Comme bien visible sur la figure 7, la ligne d'affaiblissement 134 est constituée de deux entailles périphériques 1381 et 1382, qui se succèdent suivant la périphérie de la partie de jupe 121, avec interposition d'un pontet frangible 140 reliant, suivant la direction de l'axe X-X, le brin 36 et le reste de la partie de jupe 121. Ce pontet 140 permet d'empêcher, ou tout au moins de limiter, l'écartement des bords de la ligne d'affaiblissement 134 lors du démoulage du bouchon, ainsi que lorsque le bouchon 100, après sa fabrication, est assemblé autour du col de récipient 2, notamment en étant emmanché en force autour du col, jusqu'à mettre en prise les palettes 22 sous le bossage 6.As clearly visible on the figure 7 , the weakening line 134 consists of two peripheral notches 138 1 and 138 2 , which follow one another following the periphery of the skirt portion 12 1 , with interposition of a frangible bridge 140 connecting, in the direction of the axis XX, the strand 36 and the remainder of the skirt portion 12 1 . This bridge 140 makes it possible to prevent, or at least to limit, the separation of the edges of the weakening line 134 during the demolding of the plug, as well as when the plug 100, after its manufacture, is assembled around the neck of container 2, in particular being force-fitted around the neck, until the pallets 22 are engaged under the boss 6.

Lors de la première ouverture du bouchon 100, le pontet 140 se rompt pour permettre l'écartement relatif des bords de la ligne d'affaiblissement 134. En pratique, la résistance à la rupture de ce pont 40 est faible dans la mesure où la bissectrice Δ134 de l'angle ß134 passe par ce pontet 140 : ainsi, le pontet 140 est situé angulairement, autour de l'axe X-X, dans la zone de la ligne d'affaiblissement 134 où s'appliquent les contraintes axiales les plus fortes lorsqu'on ouvre le bouchon 100.At the first opening of the plug 100, the bridge 140 breaks to allow the relative spacing of the edges of the line of weakness 134. In practice, the breaking strength of the bridge 40 is low in that the bisector Δ 134 of the angle β 134 passes through this bridge 140: thus, the bridge 140 is located angularly, about the axis XX, in the zone of the weakening line 134 where apply the strongest axial stresses when the cap 100 is opened.

Sur les figures 8 et 9 est représentée une autre variante du bouchon 1, référencée 200. Les composants du bouchon 200 identiques à ceux du bouchon 1 portent les mêmes références alphanumériques.On the Figures 8 and 9 is shown another variant of the plug 1, referenced 200. The components of the plug 200 identical to those of the plug 1 have the same alphanumeric references.

Le bouchon 200 se distingue du bouchon 1 par sa seconde ligne d'affaiblissement 234 qui comprend trois entailles périphériques 2381, 2382 et 2383, qui se succèdent suivant la périphérie de la partie de jupe 121, avec interposition d'un pontet frangible 2401 entre les entailles 2381 et 2382 et d'un autre pontet frangible 2402 entre les entailles 2382 et 2383. De façon analogue au pontet 140, les pontets 2401 et 2402 maintiennent fermées les entailles 2381 à 2383 lors du démoulage du bouchon et de son assemblage au col 2.The plug 200 is distinguished from the plug 1 by its second weakening line 234 which comprises three peripheral notches 238 1 , 238 2 and 238 3 , which follow one another along the periphery of the skirt portion 12 1 , with the interposition of a jumper frangible 240 1 between the notches 238 1 and 238 2 and another frangible bridge 240 2 between the notches 238 2 and 238 3 . In a similar manner to the bridge 140, the bridges 240 1 and 240 2 keep the notches 238 1 to 238 3 closed during the demolding of the plug and its assembly at the neck 2.

De plus, comme bien visible par comparaison des figures 4 et 9, la valeur de l'angle ß234 est supérieure à celle de l'angle ß34. Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 9, ß234 vaut environ 165°.Moreover, as clearly visible by comparison of figures 4 and 9 the value of the angle β 234 is greater than that of the angle β 34 . In the example shown in figure 9 β 234 is about 165 °.

Le bouchon 200 se distingue également du bouchon 1 par les dimensionnements angulaires de sa première ligne d'affaiblissement 220 et de sa portion de liaison 228, comme bien visible par comparaison des figures 3 et 8, étant toutefois remarqué que la structure, en tant que telle, de la ligne d'affaiblissement 220 et de la portion de jupe 228 est similaire à celle de la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 et de la portion de jupe 28 du bouchon 1. Ainsi, la ligne d'affaiblissement 220 comprend sept entailles 2241 à 2247, respectivement analogues aux entailles 241 à 247, ainsi que six pontets frangibles 2261 à 2266, respectivement analogues aux pontets 261 à 266. De même, la portion de jupe 228 comprend successivement un pont d'extrémité 2301, une entaille périphérique 232 et un pont d'extrémité opposée 2302, respectivement analogues au pont 301, à l'entaille 32 et au pont 302.The stopper 200 is also distinguished from the stopper 1 by the angular dimensions of its first weakening line 220 and its connecting portion 228, as can be clearly seen by comparing the figures 3 and 8 however, it is noted that the structure, as such, of the weakening line 220 and the skirt portion 228 is similar to that of the weakening line 20 and the skirt portion 28 of the cap 1. Thus, , line the weakening device 220 comprises seven notches 224 1 to 224 7 , respectively similar to the notches 24 1 to 24 7 , as well as six frangible bridges 226 1 to 226 6 , respectively similar to the bridges 26 1 to 26 6 . Similarly, the skirt portion 228 successively comprises an end bridge 230 1 , a peripheral notch 232 and an opposite end bridge 230 2 , respectively similar to the bridge 30 1 , the notch 32 and the bridge 2 .

Cependant, l'angle α226 associé aux pontets 2261 et 2267 de la ligne 220 présente une valeur supérieure à l'angle α26, de manière que cet angle α226 présente une valeur et un positionnement angulaire, autour de l'axe X-X, identique à la valeur et au positionnement angulaire de l'angle ß234.However, the angle α 226 associated with the bridges 226 1 and 226 7 of the line 220 has a value greater than the angle α 26 , so that this angle α 226 has a value and an angular position around the axis XX, identical to the value and the angular positioning of the angle β 234 .

En outre, l'angle α228 associé à la portion de jupe 228 présente une valeur supérieure à celle de l'angle α28 : dans l'exemple de réalisation considéré à la figure 8, l'angle α228 vaut environ 60°.In addition, the angle α 228 associated with the skirt portion 228 has a value greater than that of the angle α 28 : in the exemplary embodiment considered at the figure 8 the α 228 angle is about 60 °.

De la sorte, la portion de jupe 228 et la ligne d'affaiblissement 234 sont dimensionnées pour que le pont 2301 et le pontet 2401 soient alignés suivant la direction de l'axe X-X tandis que le pont 2302 et le pontet 2402 sont eux aussi alignés suivant cette direction. De cette façon, lorsque le bouchon 200 est ouvert pour la première fois, les pontets 2401 et 2402 se rompent dés le début de l'entraînement vers le haut de la partie de jupe 121 en raison de son dévissage car ces pontets sont positionnés angulairement, autour de l'axe X-X, à l'aplomb vertical des zones les plus rigides de la portion de jupe 228, à savoir les ponts 2301 et 2302.In this way, the skirt portion 228 and the weakening line 234 are sized so that the bridge 230 1 and the bridge 240 1 are aligned in the direction of the axis XX while the bridge 230 2 and the bridge 240 2 are also aligned in this direction. In this way, when the cap 200 is opened for the first time, the bridges 240 1 and 240 2 break from the beginning of the upward drive of the skirt portion 12 1 due to its unscrewing because these bridges are angularly positioned around the axis XX, vertical plumb with the most rigid zones of the skirt portion 228, namely the bridges 230 1 and 230 2 .

Divers aménagements et variantes aux bouchons 1, 100 et 200, ainsi qu'au procédé permettant de les fabriquer, tels que décrits ci-dessus, sont par ailleurs envisageables. A titre d'exemples :

  • pour ce qui concerne la ligne d'affaiblissement 20 ou 220, le nombre de ses entailles, et donc de ses pontets, peut être différent de celui considéré sur les figures ;
  • pour ce qui concerne la portion de jupe 28 ou 228, elle peut être dépourvue de l'entaille 32 ou 232, ce qui revient à dire qu'alors cette portion de jupe est constituée d'un unique pont non frangible, qui s'étend sur tout l'angle α28 ou α228 et qui, de ce fait, peut être qualifié de « pont large » ;
  • pour ce qui concerne la ligne d'affaiblissement 34, 134 ou 234, elle peut comporter plus que deux pontets frangibles, tels que les pontets 2401 et 2402, en particulier si l'on cherche à renforcer la résistance de cette ligne d'affaiblissement lors du démoulage et de l'assemblage du bouchon autour du col de récipient ;
  • on rappelle que la fixation amovible du bouchon 1, 100 ou 200 sur le col 2 peut être prévue autrement que par vissage, notamment par clipsage, la partie de jupe 121 étant alors pourvue intérieurement d'une bande de clipsage, éventuellement fragmentée en plusieurs clips distincts, à même d'être mise en prise avec un bord extérieur saillant, prévu à l'extrémité supérieure du col ; et/ou
  • la retenue à demeure de la partie de jupe 122 autour du col 2 peut être obtenue par d'autres formes de réalisation que les palettes 22.
Various arrangements and variants of the plugs 1, 100 and 200, and the method for manufacturing them, as described above, are also possible. As examples:
  • as regards the line of weakness 20 or 220, the number of its notches, and therefore its bridges, may be different from that considered in the figures;
  • as regards the portion of skirt 28 or 228, it may be devoid of notch 32 or 232, which is to say that then this portion of skirt consists of a single non-breakable bridge, which extends over the whole angle α 28 or α 228 and which, therefore, can be described as a "wide bridge";
  • as regards the weakening line 34, 134 or 234, it may comprise more than two frangible bridges, such as bridges 240 1 and 240 2 , in particular if one seeks to reinforce the resistance of this line of weakening during demolding and assembly of the stopper around the container neck;
  • it is recalled that the removable attachment of the plug 1, 100 or 200 on the neck 2 may be provided otherwise than by screwing, in particular by clipping, the skirt portion 12 1 then being provided internally with a clipping band, possibly fragmented into several separate clips, capable of being engaged with a protruding outer edge, provided at the upper end of the neck; and or
  • the indwelling restraint of the skirt portion 12 2 around the collar 2 can be obtained by other embodiments than the pallets 22.

Claims (10)

  1. A stopper (1; 100; 200) for a container neck (2), which stopper includes a tubular skirt (12) suitable for surrounding the neck and provided with a first peripheral line of weakness (20; 220) that is made up both of cut through notches (241 to 247; 2241 to 2247) that succeed one another around the periphery of the skirt, and also, between said notches, of non-cut breakable bridges (261 to 266; 2261 to 2266) that are adapted to being broken when the stopper is opened for the first time and that, before the stopper is opened for the first time, interconnect, in the direction of the axis (X-X) of the skirt, a non-removable portion (122) of the skirt, which portion is provided with retainer means (22) for retaining it permanently around the neck, and a removable portion (121) of the skirt, which portion is provided with fastener means (16) for fastening it removably to the neck;
    said stopper being characterized in that the skirt (12) is provided with a second peripheral line of weakness (34; 134; 234) that extends through less than 180° about the axis (X-X) of the skirt, that is made up of at least one cut through notch (38; 1381, 1382; 2381 to 2383) and that is defined in the removable skirt portion (121) in a manner distinct from the first line of weakness (20; 220), with a non-breakable strip (36) being interposed in the direction of the axis of the skirt;
    and in that the first line of weakness (20; 220) extends through less than 360° about the axis (X-X) of the skirt (12) such that the two notches (241 and 247; 2241 and 2247) situated at respective ones of the peripheral ends (20A and 20B) of the first line of weakness are separated by a tether portion (28; 228) of the skirt that is not cut, at least in part, and that is adapted to interconnect the non-removable skirt portion (122) and the strip (36) non-breakably, while the two peripheral ends (34A and 34B) of the second line of weakness (34; 134; 234) are situated, around the periphery of the skirt, respectively between a first one (28A) of the two peripheral ends (28A and 28B) of the tether portion and the bridge (261) that is closest to said first end along the first line of weakness, and between the second peripheral end (28B) of the tether portion and the bridge (266) that is closest to said second end along the first line of weakness.
  2. A stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that the tether portion (28; 228) is adapted to interconnect the non-removable skirt portion (122) and the strip (36) tiltably about an axis (Z-Z) that is substantially circumferential relative to the axis (X-X) of the skirt (12).
  3. A stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the two peripheral ends (34A and 34B) of the second line of weakness (34; 134; 234) are aligned, in the direction of the axis (X-X) of the skirt (12), respectively with the bridge (261) that is closest to the first end (28A) of the tether portion (28; 228) and the bridge (266) that is closest to the second end (28B) of the tether portion.
  4. A stopper according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the tether portion (28; 228) extends through more than 5° and through less than 90° about the axis (X-X) of the skirt (12), and preferably through more than 40° and through less than 70° about said axis.
  5. A stopper according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the tether portion is constituted by a non-breakable single bridge.
  6. A stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, at each of its peripheral ends (28A, 28B), the tether portion (28; 228) is provided with a non-breakable bridge (301, 302; 2301, 2302) and, in its main portion, said tether portion is provided with at least one cut through notch (32; 232).
  7. A stopper according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the second line of weakness (34; 134; 234) extends through more than 60° and through less than 175° about the axis (X-X) of the skirt (12) and preferably through more than 90° and through less than 170° about said axis.
  8. A stopper according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the second line of weakness (134) is made up of two cut through notches (1381 and 1382) and of one breakable bridge (140) interposed between said two notches around the periphery of the skirt (12), said bridge preferably being positioned substantially in the middle of the second line of weakness.
  9. A stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second line of weakness (234) is made up of at least three cut through notches (2381 to 2383) and of breakable bridges (2401, 2402) interposed between successive ones of said notches around the periphery of the skirt (12), each of the breakable bridges of the second line of weakness preferably being aligned, in the direction of the axis (X-X) of the skirt, with the non-breakable bridge constituting the tether portion or else with one of the non-breakable bridges (301, 302; 2301, 2302) belonging to the tether portion (28; 228).
  10. A method of fabricating a stopper (1; 100; 200) for a container neck (2),
    in which method there is provided a tubular skirt (12) suitable for surrounding the neck (2), and provided both with retainer means (22) for retaining it permanently around the neck, and also with fastener means (16) for fastening it removably to the neck;
    and in which method the skirt and a first blade are driven in rotation relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the skirt so that the first blade cuts a first peripheral line of weakness (20; 220) in the skirt, which line of weakness is made up both of cut through notches (241 to 247; 2241 to 2247) and also, between said notches around the periphery of the skirt, of non-cut breakable bridges (261 to 266; 2261 to 2266) that are adapted to being broken when the stopper is opened for the first time and that, before the stopper is opened for the first time, interconnect, in the direction of the axis of the skirt, a non-removable portion (122) of the skirt, which portion is provided with the retainer means (22), and a removable portion (121) of the skirt, which portion is provided with the fastener means (16);
    said method being characterized in that the skirt (12) and a second blade are driven relative to each other about the axis (X-X) of the skirt through less than 180° so that the second blade cuts a second peripheral line of weakness (34; 134; 234) in the removable skirt portion (121) with a non-breakable strip (36) being interposed in the direction of the axis of the skirt;
    and in that, the skirt and the first blade are driven in rotation relative to each other over an angular stroke that is strictly less than 360° about the axis of the skirt so that the two notches (241 and 247; 2241 and 2247) situated at respective ones of the peripheral ends (20A and 20B) of the first line of weakness (20; 220) are separated by a tether portion (28; 228) of the skirt that is not cut, at least in part, by the first blade and that is adapted to interconnect the non-removable skirt portion (122) and the strip (36) non-breakably, while the skirt and the second blade are driven in rotation relative to each other in such a manner that the two peripheral ends (34A an 34B) of the second line of weakness (34; 134; 234) are situated, around the periphery of the skirt, respectively between a first one (28A) of the two peripheral ends (28A and 28B) of the tether portion (28; 228) and the bridge (261) that is closest to said first end along the first line of weakness, and between the second peripheral end (28B) of the tether portion and the bridge (266) that is closest to said second end along the first line of weakness.
EP09755992A 2008-10-09 2009-10-08 Cap with a cut weakening line and method for making said cap Active EP2331418B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL09755992T PL2331418T3 (en) 2008-10-09 2009-10-08 Cap with a cut weakening line and method for making said cap

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0856842A FR2937016B1 (en) 2008-10-09 2008-10-09 DECOUPETED WEAKENING LINE PLUG AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE PLUG
PCT/FR2009/051921 WO2010040961A1 (en) 2008-10-09 2009-10-08 Cap with a cut weakening line and method for making said cap

Publications (2)

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EP2331418A1 EP2331418A1 (en) 2011-06-15
EP2331418B1 true EP2331418B1 (en) 2012-07-25

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US (1) US9010555B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2331418B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2738388C (en)
ES (1) ES2390749T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2937016B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2011003610A (en)
PL (1) PL2331418T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2331418E (en)
WO (1) WO2010040961A1 (en)

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US11485550B2 (en) 2019-05-13 2022-11-01 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Closure device for a container

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EP2080709A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-22 InBev S.A. Assembly of a container and a closure
EP2080708A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-22 InBev S.A. A closure
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FR2937016B1 (en) 2010-11-26
CA2738388C (en) 2016-07-19
EP2331418A1 (en) 2011-06-15
MX2011003610A (en) 2011-05-10
FR2937016A1 (en) 2010-04-16
US9010555B2 (en) 2015-04-21
PL2331418T3 (en) 2012-12-31
US20110174760A1 (en) 2011-07-21
CA2738388A1 (en) 2010-04-15
ES2390749T3 (en) 2012-11-16
PT2331418E (en) 2012-10-03
WO2010040961A1 (en) 2010-04-15

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