JP4236306B2

JP4236306B2 - Plastic cap

Info

Publication number: JP4236306B2
Application number: JP22947098A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英彦近江; 建夫久保; 光雄熊田
Original assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nippon Closures Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-07-31
Filing date: 1998-07-31
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2018-07-31
Also published as: JP2000043911A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、液体等の内容物が収容されたガラス製又は合成樹脂製容器の開口部に打栓して使用される合成樹脂製キャップ（含む合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップ）に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
液体等の内容物が収容された容器に適用される合成樹脂製キャップの従来例としては、例えば、実公昭４７−１３１０９号公報に開示されたものを挙げることができる。上記公報に開示された合成樹脂製キャップは、天面壁と、天面壁の周囲から下方に延びるスカート壁とを備えている。天面壁の中央には下方に突出する中栓部（凹部）が形成されている。中栓部は天面壁の中央から垂下する環状の側壁と側壁の下端を閉じる底壁とからなり、側壁の上面及び底壁の内周面は天面壁の上面の一部をなしている。以上のように形成された中栓部の側壁の外周面は容器開口部の内周面に嵌合される、環状のシール突条（インナーシール）をなしている。スカート壁の内周面には容器開口部の外周面に形成された環状の被係止あご部に係止される係止突条（肉厚隆条凸条及び肉厚隆条凸片）が形成されている。スカート壁の開口端部における外周面には半径方向外方に突出するつまみ部が周方向の一部にわたって形成されている。スカート壁の、つまみ部の周方向両側端縁には破断可能な薄肉部（肉薄溝）が形成されている。上記キャップは打栓によって、シール突条の外周面が容器開口部の内周面に嵌合されかつ係止突条が容器開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部に係止され、容器開口部に装着される。また開栓時にはつまみ部を容器開口部から離れる方向に引っ張ることにより、薄肉部に沿ってスカート壁が破断させられ、キャップは容器開口部から離脱させられる。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかして、上記の如く構成された従来の合成樹脂製キャップを容器に適用した場合には次のような問題が存在する。すなわち、例えば牛乳等の飲料用の液体が容器内に充填された後、容器開口部は上記キャップを打栓することにより閉じられる。このような容器が夏季の外部温度、例えば４０℃に曝された場合には容器の内圧が上昇せしめられ、これにより上記キャップが持ち上げられてシール機能が低下する現象が認められる。シール機能が低下すると、容器開口部から液体がしみ出て開口部を濡らす、あるいは開口部から外部に完全に漏れ出す、等の不具合が発生する。この問題を解消するため、容器開口部の被係止あご部に係止する係止突条の突出量を増大した場合には、シール機能は向上するものの、開栓が著しく困難となる。またそれ自体は周知の合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップにおいては、比較的高温に加熱された調味料等の内容液が容器に充填された後、ヒンジキャップが打栓されたとき該高温に起因する圧力上昇によって、上蓋が容器に装着されているヒンジキャップ本体から開いてしまうおそれがある。また打栓のため容器に対しヒンジキャップを供給するときにも、外力の作用で上蓋がヒンジキャップ本体から開いてしまうおそれがある。このようにして上蓋が不本意に開いてしまうのを防止するため、上蓋とヒンジキャップ本体との間の係止力を強くする必要があるが、このように係止力を強くすると、ヒンジキャップ本体に対するシール機能は向上するものの、上蓋をヒンジキャップ本体から開く操作が著しく困難となる。
【０００４】
特に消費者が力の弱い、子供、女性、あるいは病人である場合には、開栓の困難性は回避しなければならない。したがって、上記従来の合成樹脂製キャップを容器に打栓した場合には、スカート壁内周面の係止突条による容器開口部外周面の被係止あご部に対する係止力を制限することによって開栓の困難性を防止すると共に、該係止力の制限は、決して過剰となることなく、液体の内圧上昇に充分に対抗できる程度にせしめ、上記の如き液体のしみ出しあるいは漏出を確実に防止することが必要となる。他方、上記従来の合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップを容器に打栓した場合においても、上蓋とヒンジキャップ本体との間の係止力を制限することによって、上蓋をヒンジキャップ本体から開く操作が著しく困難となることを防止すると共に、該係止力の制限は、決して過剰となることなく、上記の如き不本意に上蓋が開くことのない程度にせしめしかも所望のシール性を確保する必要がある。
【０００５】
したがって本発明の目的は、内容物が外部に漏出しないよう容器開口部に対して充分確実な密封状態を維持しながらしっかりと装着され、しかも人手による容器開口部からの開栓時には、力の弱い消費者であっても容器開口部から充分容易に離脱せしめることができる、新規な合成樹脂製キャップを提供することである。
【０００６】
本発明の更に他の目的は、容器開口部に対する全体の係止力を充分に保持することによってシール性を充分に確保しながら、人手による容器開口部からの最初の開栓力を、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開栓できる程度に弱くすることができる、新規な合成樹脂製キャップを提供することである。
【０００７】
本発明の他の目的は、構造が簡単で成形が容易であり、したがって低コストで大量生産することができる、新規な合成樹脂製キャップを提供することである。
【０００８】
本発明の更に他の目的は、内容物が外部に漏出しないよう本体に対して充分確実な密封状態を維持しながらしっかりと装着され、しかも人手によって上蓋を本体から開くときには、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開くことができる、新規な合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップを提供することである。
【０００９】
本発明の更に他の目的は、本体に対する全体の係止力を充分に保持することによってシール性を充分に確保しながら、人手によって上蓋を本体から開くときには、最初に開くときの力を、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開くことができる程度に弱くすることができる、新規な合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップを提供することである。
【００１０】
本発明のその他の目的及び特徴は、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップ及び合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップの実施形態について添付図面を参照して詳細に説明する後の記載から明らかになるであろう。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の一局面によれば、天面壁と、該天面壁の周囲から下方に延びるスカート壁とを備え、該スカート壁の内周面には容器開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部に係止される係止突条が形成され、該スカート壁の開口端における外周面には半径方向外方に突出するタブが周方向の一部の領域にわたって形成されている合成樹脂製キャップにおいて、該係止突条が該被係止あご部に係止されたとき、該スカート壁の内周面の、該タブが形成されている該一部の領域に対応するタブ存在領域に形成された該係止突条及び／又は該タブ存在領域の周方向の両側における周方向の一部領域であるタブの両側領域に存在する該係止突条、の該被係止あご部に対する半径方向の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する該係止突条の該係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成され、該係止突条の各々の該スカート壁の内周面からの突出量は同一に形成され、該タブ存在領域に存在する該係止突条及び／又は該タブの両側領域に存在する該係止突条の、該天面壁側に存在する該スカート壁の内周面には、少なくとも１個の補助突部が形成され、該補助突部の該突出量は、該係止突条の該突出量よりも少なく規定されている、ことを特徴とする合成樹脂製キャップ、が提供される。
【００１２】
本発明の他の局面によれば、本体と、該本体にヒンジ部を介して開閉自在に一体成形された上蓋とからなり、該本体は、頂面壁、該頂面壁の周囲から下方に延びる環状の外側装着壁、該頂面壁に形成された開封予定部、該頂面壁の、該開封予定部の周囲から上方に延びる環状の排出案内壁及び該頂面壁の、該排出案内壁の外側から上方に延びる環状係止壁の外周面の全周にわたって形成された被係止突条、を備え、該上蓋は、天面壁、該天面壁の周囲から下方に延びるスカート壁、該スカート壁の内周面に形成されて該本体の該被係止突条に係止される係止突条及び該係止突条の該天面壁側に連続して形成されかつ該本体の該被係止突条に嵌合する環状係止凹部を備え、該上蓋の該スカート壁の開口端における外周面には半径方向外方に突出するタブが周方向の一部の領域にわたって形成され、該本体の該外側装着壁の内周面には容器開口部の外周面に形成された係止あご部に係止される係止突部が形成されている合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップにおいて、該係止突条が該被係止突条に係止されたとき、該上蓋の該スカート壁の内周面の、該タブが形成されている該一部の領域に対応するタブ存在領域に存在する該係止突条及び／又は該タブ存在領域の周方向の両側における周方向の一部領域であるタブの両側領域に存在する該係止突条の、該本体の該被係止突条に対する半径方向の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する該係止突条の該係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成され、該上蓋の該係止突条の該スカート壁の内周面からの突出量は同一に形成され、該タブ存在領域に存在する該環状係止凹部及び／又は該タブの両側領域に存在する該環状係止凹部には、少なくとも１個の補助突部が形成され、該補助突部の該突出量は該係止突条の該突出量よりも少なく規定されている、ことを特徴とする合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップ、が提供される。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップ及び合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップの好適実施形態を、図１〜図２２を参照して更に詳細に説明する。なお図１〜図２２において、実質上同一部分は同一符号で示す。
【００１４】
先ず図１〜図６を参照して、全体を番号２で示す合成樹脂製キャップは、実質上円板形状をなす天面壁４と、天面壁４の周囲から下方に延びるスカート壁６とを備えている。天面壁４の内面には下方に延びる環状のシール突条（インナーリング）８が形成されている。シール突条８の外周面は、図７〜図９に示す容器であるびん１００の開口部の内周面１０２に離脱自在に嵌合される。スカート壁６の内周面には、周方向に間隔をおいて複数個（図１〜図６の実施形態では８個）の係止突条１０が形成されている。係止突条１０の各々は、びん１００の開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部１０４（図７〜図９参照）に離脱自在に係止される。天面壁４の下面であってシール突条８の半径方向外方位置と、天面壁４の下面とスカート壁６の内周面とが接続される、断面が曲面からなる角部１１とには、それぞれ環状のリブ４ａ及び４ｂが形成されている。スカート壁６の開口端における外周面には半径方向外方に突出するタブ１２が周方向の一部の領域にわたって形成されている。タブ１２の根元とスカート壁６との間には、周方向に間隔をおいて３個のリブ１３が一体に形成されている。図１に示されているように、リブ１３の各々は、スカート壁６の周方向に所定の厚さを有すると共にスカート壁６の軸線方向の断面が三角形をなすよう形成されている。スカート壁６の外周面における、タブ１２が存在しない周方向の領域には、周方向に間隔をおいて軸線方向に延びる複数個のリブ１４が形成されている。
【００１５】
図５に示されているように、スカート壁６は、天面壁４寄りの上部領域Ｓ１に形成された、比較的肉厚の厚い厚肉部１６と、開口端寄りの下部領域Ｓ２に形成された、比較的肉厚の薄い薄肉部１８とから構成されている。そしてスカート壁６の薄肉部１８の、上記係止突条１０より下方位置であって、開口端側における下端部内周面１８ａ（もちろん係止突条１０を除く内周面）の内径は、スカート壁６の厚肉部１６の内周面の内径より大きく形成されている。この構成は、キャップ２の、びん１００の開口部に対する打栓性を良好にせしめるのに寄与する。
【００１６】
図３に明確に示されているように、上記係止突条１０は、上記したように、スカート壁６の内周面に、周方向に間隔をおいて８個形成されているが、実施形態ではスカート壁６の内周面における、タブ１２が存在する周方向のタブ１２存在領域には形成されていない。また係止突条１０のうちの２個は、タブ１２存在領域の周方向の両側における周方向の一部領域であるタブ１２の両側領域に形成されている。そして相互に周方向に実質上分離された係止突条１０の各々の周方向の両端は、図２から明らかなように、軸心から半径方向に見て、少なくとも軸線方向に延びる直線状ではなく、湾曲状をなしている。係止突条１０はまた、図５から明らかなように、軸線方向の断面がスカート壁６の内周面に対し略放物線状の山形をなしている。係止突条１０の各々の、スカート壁６の内周面（上部領域Ｓ１に形成された厚肉部１６の内周面１６ａ）から半径方向内側への突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。したがって、係止突条１０の各々の頂部は、図示しない一つの内接円上に位置付けられる。
【００１７】
係止突条１０が被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、スカート壁６の内周面のタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０、のびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する半径方向の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成されていることが重要である。更に具体的に説明すると、スカート壁６の内周面の、上記タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面には、キャップ２の軸線方向に延在するリブ２０（補助突部を構成する）が、少なくとも１個形成されている。リブ２０は、実施形態では３個、周方向に間隔をおいて形成されている。リブ２０の各々の、スカート壁６の内周面（上部領域Ｓ１に形成された厚肉部１６の内周面１６ａ）から半径方向内側への突出量は、各々実質上同一でありかつ係止突条１０の各々の突出量よりも少なく規定されている。実施形態では、リブ２０の各々の突出量は、係止突条１０の各々の突出量の１／２以下に規定されている。
【００１８】
以上のように構成されたキャップ２は、全体として構造が簡単であり、適宜の合成樹脂、例えば低密度ポリエチレン（ＬＤＰＥ）から射出成形ないし圧縮成形により容易に一体成形することができる。したがって低コストで大量生産することができる。そして上記の如く構成されたキャップ２は、図７〜図９に示すように、打栓によって、シール突条８の外周面がびん１００の開口部の内周面１０２に離脱自在に嵌合され、係止突条１０が開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部１０４に離脱自在に係止されることにより、びん１００の開口部に装着される。
【００１９】
図７〜図９を参照して、キャップ２がびん１００の開口部に打栓された状態において、スカート壁６の、係止突条１０よりも天面壁４側の内周面、すなわち厚肉部１６の内周面１６ａであって、上記リブ２０が存在しない周方向の領域の、リブ２０の近傍を除く大部分は、びん１００の開口部における被係止あご部１０４と開口端との間の外周面１０６に実質上密着せしめられる（図８参照）。そして上記リブ２０が存在しない６個の係止突条１０は、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対し、半径方向の所定の係止深さ（びん１００の上記外周面１０６から係止突条１０の頂部までの半径方向の長さ）Ｄ１をもって係止される。他方、スカート壁６の厚肉部１６の内周面１６ａであって、上記リブ２０が存在するタブ１２の両側領域及びそれらの近傍の領域は、リブ２０の各々の頂部が、びん１００の上記外周面１０６に圧接せしめられる（図９参照）。その結果、リブ２０が存在するタブ１２の両側領域及びそれらの近傍の領域は、リブ２０の各々によって拡大され、上記リブ２０が存在する２個の係止突条１０は、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対し、半径方向の所定の係止深さＤ１よりもリブ２０の突出量だけ少ない（浅い）係止深さＤ２をもって係止される（図９参照）。またリブ２０が存在するタブ１２の両側領域及びそれらの近傍の領域は、びん１００の上記外周面１０６に対してリブ２０の頂部が圧接せしめられるので、略線接触に近い状態となり、密着度が少なくなる。
【００２０】
キャップ２のシール突条８の外周面がびん１００の開口部の内周面１０２に嵌合されることにより、ビン１００内の飲料が外部に漏出しないよう開口部の内周面１０２に対して充分確実な密封状態が維持される。上記キャップ２においては更に、天面壁４の下面であってシール突条８の半径方向外方位置と、天面壁４の下面とスカート壁６の内周面とが接続される、断面が曲面からなる角部１１とには、それぞれ環状のリブ４ａ及び４ｂが形成されている。図７〜図９に示すように、キャップ２が上記の如くびん１００の開口部に装着された状態で、リブ４ａは開口部の上端面に密着させられ、リブ４ｂは開口部の、断面が曲面をなす周縁部の表面に密着させられる。この状態でびん１００が冷蔵庫内に収容され、飲料の温度が充填温度５℃よりも低い温度、例えば４℃に低下すると、びん１００内が負圧となり外気を吸引しようとする。しかしながら上記リブ４ａ及び４ｂが上記開口部の表面に一層強く密着してシール機能が向上し、外気の吸引は確実に防止される。
【００２１】
上記説明から明らかなように、上記キャップ２において、係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さＤ２は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さＤ１よりも少なくなるよう構成されているので、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止力よりも弱くせしめられる。しかもスカート壁６の内周面の、タブ１２の両側領域におけるびん１００の外周面１０６に対する密着度は、他の周方向領域の密着度よりも少なくせしめられる。したがって、開栓のため、指によってタブ１２に、びん１００の開口部から離れる方向に力を加えたとき（持ち上げると）、最初にタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０が、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４を乗り越え易くなる。その結果、開栓が著しく容易となり、子供、女性、あるいは病人等の力の弱い消費者であっても、びん１００の開口部から容易に離脱せしめることができる。タブ１２の両側領域以外の他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止力よりも強く規定されているので、キャップ２の、びん１００の開口部に対する全体の係止力は充分確実に保持される。したがって、内圧の上昇によるキャップ２の持ち上がりは確実に防止され、シール突条８の、開口部の内周面１０２に対するシール機能は充分に確保される。その結果、びん１００の開口部からの飲料のしみ出しあるいは漏出の発生は充分確実に防止される。このような作用効果は、シール突条８が存在しないキャップ、例えば図１〜図６に示すキャップ２からシール突条８を除去した形態のキャップ、あるいは上記リブ４ａ及び４ｂを除去しかつ天面壁４の下面にそれ自体周知のライナを配設した形態のキャップにおいても、同じ如くに達成されることは充分可能である。例えば、上記他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さＤ１を若干多くする（深くする）ことによって、全体の係止力をアップする手段を施すことにより、上記作用効果の達成は容易に可能である。しかしながら、シール性と開栓性のバランスを最もとり易いという点ではシール突条８との組合せが最も好ましい。
【００２２】
次に図１０〜図１３を参照して本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの他の実施形態について説明する。キャップ２００のスカート壁６には、周方向に間隔をおいて開口端から天面壁４に向かって延びる合計９個の弱化ライン、すなわち、２個の比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０（ａ及びｂ）と、７個の比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０（ａ〜ｇ）が、それぞれ周方向に間隔をおいて形成されている。スカート壁６をキャップ２００の軸線方向に見て、タブ１２が周方向の実質上中央に位置付けられるスカート壁６の１８０°のタブ側領域Ｘと、スカート壁６の他の１８０°の反タブ側領域Ｙとに分けたとき、タブ側領域Ｘには、上記比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０が２個（３０ａ及び３０ｂ）形成され、かつ上記比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０が２個（４０ａ及び４０ｂ）形成されている。他方反タブ側領域Ｙには、上記比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０だけが５個（４０ｃ〜４０ｇ）形成されている。
【００２３】
タブ側領域Ｘにおいて、比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０ａ及び４０ｂは、タブ１２の周方向の両側に近接してかつ両側から等間隔で配設され、また比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂは、タブ１２の周方向の両側に弱化ライン４０ａ及び４０ｂよりタブ１２の両側から周方向に離れた位置であって、タブ１２の両側から等間隔で配設されている。反タブ側領域Ｙにおいて、比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０ｃ〜４０ｇは、相互に等間隔で配設されている。弱化ライン４０のうちの１個４０ｇは、タブ１２の周方向中心位置に対して直径方向正反対側に配設されている。スカート壁６の外周面における、上記弱化ライン３０及び４０が存在しない部位に、上記リブ１４が形成されている。なお図１１において、符号Ｌ１はタブ側領域Ｘと反タブ側領域Ｙを仕分ける線（キャップ２００の軸心を通る線）、符号Ｌ２はキャップ２００の軸心を通り線Ｌ１に直交する線である。上記説明から明らかなように、弱化ライン４０ｇは線Ｌ２上に位置付けられている。
【００２４】
比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂはそれぞれ実質上同一の構成を有するので、ここでは一方の弱化ライン３０ａについて説明する。比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０ａは、図１３に明確に示されているように、スカート壁６における天面壁４寄りの上部領域Ｓ１に形成された、残留肉厚の比較的厚い第一の薄肉部３２と、開口端寄りの下部領域Ｓ２に形成された、上記第一の薄肉部３２より残留肉厚の薄い第二の薄肉部３４とから構成されている。上記弱化ライン３０ａは、スカート壁６の外周面の軸線方向全域にわたって直線状に延在するよう形成された溝３６を含んでいる。溝３６は所定の周方向幅及び深さを有している。
【００２５】
第一の薄肉部３２は溝３６の深さだけスカート壁６の厚さよりも薄く形成される。第一の薄肉部３２及び第二の薄肉部３４の半径方向外方側の面は同一面上（溝３６の底面上）にあり、そして第一の薄肉部３２の内周面（もちろん係止突条１０を除く内周面）はスカート壁６の対応する内周面と同一面上（同一内周面上）にあるので、第二の薄肉部３４の半径方向内方側の面は、第一の薄肉部３２の半径方向内方側の面より半径方向外方に位置付けられる。そして第二の薄肉部３４の、上記係止突条１０より下方位置であって、開口端側における下端部内周面３４ａ（もちろん係止突条１０を除く内周面）は、スカート壁６の対応する下端部内周面と同一面上（同一内周面上）に位置付けられている。したがって、スカート壁６の第二の薄肉部３４が存在する下端部内周面３４ａの内径は、スカート壁６の第一の薄肉部３２が存在する部位の内周面の内径より大きい。
【００２６】
図１２に明確に示されているように、上記弱化ライン３０ａを構成する比較的幅広の薄肉部は周方向幅Ｗ１を有している。スカート壁６における薄肉部の周方向の両端部には、薄肉部の周方向両端から周方向に離れるに従って半径方向の厚さが外径側に向かって徐々に増大する傾斜部分が存在するが、薄肉部の周方向両端はこれらの傾斜部分との二つの境界により規定され、薄肉部の周方向幅Ｗ１はすなわち薄肉部の上記周方向両端間の幅である。弱化ライン３０ａを構成する比較的幅広の薄肉部の周方向幅Ｗ１は、上記実施形態においては溝３６の底部の周方向幅である。図１２において符号Ｗ２は溝３６の、半径方向外側の周方向幅（スカート壁６の外周面と上記傾斜部分の各々との二つの境界間の幅）を示している。なお、図示の如くＷ１とＷ２との寸法関係はＷ１＜Ｗ２である。
【００２７】
比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇはそれぞれ実質上同一の構成を有するので、ここでは１個の弱化ライン４０ｃについて説明する。比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン４０ｃが、比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる上記弱化ライン３０ａに対して相違するところは、上記周方向幅Ｗ２及びＷ１が弱化ライン３０ａよりも小さく規定されていることであり、その他の構成は弱化ライン３０ａと実質上同一であるので説明は省略する。
【００２８】
上記係止突条１０は、弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂ、弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇの各々の形成部位において周方向に複数個に実質上分離される。係止突条１０の各々の、スカート壁６の内周面３２ａから半径方向内側への突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。したがって、係止突条１０の各々の頂部は、図示しない一つの内接円上に位置付けられる。そして上記キャップ２と同じ如く、スカート壁６の内周面の、上記タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面には、キャップ２の軸線方向に延在するリブ２０が、周方向に間隔をおいて３個形成されていることが重要である。リブ２０の各々の、スカート壁６の内周面（上部領域Ｓ１に形成された第一の薄肉部３２の内周面３２ａ）から半径方向内側への突出量は、各々実質上同一でありかつ係止突条１０の各々の突出量よりも少なく規定されている。
【００２９】
以上のように構成されたキャップ２００は、全体として構造が簡単であり、適宜の合成樹脂、例えば低密度ポリエチレン（ＬＤＰＥ）から射出成形ないし圧縮成形により容易に一体成形することができる。したがって低コストで大量生産することができる。そして上記の如く構成されたキャップ２００は、キャップ２と同じ如く、打栓によって、シール突条８の外周面がびん１００の開口部の内周面１０２に離脱自在に嵌合され、係止突条１０が開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部１０４に離脱自在に係止されることにより、びん１００の開口部に装着される。
【００３０】
上記キャップ２００において、タブ側領域Ｘのスカート壁６に周方向に間隔をおいて形成されている２個の弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂは、開口端から天面壁４に向かって延びる薄肉部からなり、これら薄肉部の各々は周方向幅Ｗ１を有する比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる。このような比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂはスカート壁６の周方向への弾性変形（伸び）が比較的容易に遂行されるので、打栓時にスカート壁６の係止突条１０がびん１００の開口部の被係止あご部１０４を打栓方向に乗り越える際にスカート壁６の径が比較的拡がり易く、したがって弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂが破断されることはないので、破断のない打栓を容易に遂行することが可能となり、打栓時におけるキャップ２００の信頼性（安定性）が充分確保される。またスカート壁６には、タブ側領域Ｘ及び反タブ側領域Ｙにわたって周方向幅Ｗ１を有する比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる他の弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇが形成されているので、スカート壁６を拡大する力は弱化ライン全体（弱化ライン３０ａ及び３０ｂ、弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇ）の弾性変形によりバランス良く一層容易に吸収されるので、比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン２０ａ及び２０ｂはもちろんのこと、比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる他の弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇの破断も確実に防止され、打栓時におけるキャップ２００の信頼性（安定性）が充分確保される。
【００３１】
また打栓後においては、上記の如く一時的に弾性変形させられた比較的幅広の薄肉部からなる弱化ライン３０ａ、３０ｂ及び比較的幅狭の薄肉部からなる他の弱化ライン４０ａ〜４０ｇはその弾性力により直ちに元の形状に戻るので、係止突条１０の、びん１００の開口部の外周面に形成された被係止あご部１０４に対する所定の係止力（保持力）が確保されてしっかりと装着され、内圧の上昇によるキャップ２００の持ち上がりは確実に防止され、シール突条８の、開口部の内周面１０２に対するシール機能は充分に確保される。その結果、びん１００の開口部からの飲料のしみ出しあるいは漏出の発生は充分確実に防止される。
【００３２】
更に上記キャップ２００においては、上記キャップ２と同じ如く、係止突条１０の各々がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さＤ２（図９参照）は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さＤ１（図８参照）よりも少なくなるよう構成されている。すなわち係止突条１０の各々のスカート壁６の内周面からの突出量は実質上同一に形成され、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁３２の内周面３２ａには、軸線方向に延在しかつ突出量が係止突条１０の各々の突出量よりも少ないリブ２０が３個形成されているので、キャップ２と実質上同一の作用効果が、上記作用効果に加えて達成される。したがって上記キャップ２００においても、シール性を充分に確保しながら、最初の開栓力を更に弱くすることができ、子供、女性、あるいは病人等の力の弱い消費者であっても、びん１００の開口部から容易に離脱せしめることができる。
【００３３】
次に、図１４〜図１７を参照して本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップの実施形態について説明する。先ず図１４及び図１５を参照して、全体を番号３００で示す合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップは、本体３０４と、本体３０４にヒンジ部３０５を介して開閉自在に一体成形された上蓋３０６とからなる。本体３０４と上蓋３０６とは、ポリプロピレン又はポリエチレンの如き適宜の合成樹脂から一体成形することができる。本体３０４は、実質上水平に延在する頂面壁３０８を備えている。頂面壁３０８には、破断可能なスコア３１０が形成されている。スコア３１０は、図１４に示されているように、軸線方向から見て適宜の形状をなすループ状に形成されて、開封予定部３１２を構成している。開封予定部３１２には上方に延在する開封用のプルリング３１４が形成されている。頂面壁３０８には、更に、開封予定部３１２の周囲から上方に延びる環状の排出案内壁３１６、排出案内壁３１６の周囲から上方に延びる環状係止壁３１８、頂面壁３０８の周囲から下方に延びる環状の外側装着壁３２０、頂面壁３０８における、外側装着壁３２０の内側から下方に延びる環状の内側装着壁３２２が形成されている。上記環状係止壁３１８の外周面にはその全周にわたって被係止突条３２４が形成されている。外側装着壁３２０と内側装着壁３２２との間には環状の隙間が形成されている。
【００３４】
上蓋３０６を、図１５の２点鎖線で示す如く本体３０４を閉じた状態を想定して説明すると、上蓋３０６は、実質上水平に延在する天面壁３３０を備えている。天面壁３３０には、その周囲から下方に延びるスカート壁３３２、天面壁３３０の内側から下方に延びる円筒形状のシール壁３３４が形成されている。スカート壁３３２の内周面には、その全周にわたって延在する係止突条３３６と、係止突条３３６の天面壁３３０側に連続する環状係止凹部３３８とが形成されている。上蓋３０６のスカート壁３３２の一部周域の下端外縁部と、本体３０４の頂面壁３０８の周縁の、対応する一部周域の上端外縁部との間には上記ヒンジ部３０５が介在されている。スカート壁３３２の開口端における外周面には、上蓋３０６を開くためのタブ３４０が形成されている。タブ３４０は、ヒンジ部３０５と半径方向に対峙する周方向の一部領域において半径方向外方に突出するよう形成されている。
【００３５】
係止突条３３６が本体３０４の被係止突条３２４に係止されたとき、上蓋３０６のスカート壁３３２の内周面の、タブ３４０が形成されている周方向の一部の領域に対応するタブ３４０存在領域に存在する係止突条３３６及びタブ３４０存在領域の周方向の両側における周方向の一部領域であるタブ３４０の両側領域に存在する係止突条３３６の、本体３０４の被係止突条３２４に対する半径方向の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条３３６の係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成されていることが重要である。更に具体的に説明すると、上蓋３０６の係止突条３３６のスカート壁３３２の内周面からの突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。そして、上記タブ３４０存在領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８及び上記タブ３４０の両側領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８には、軸線方向に延在しかつ上記突出量が係止突条３３６の突出量よりも少ないリブ３４２（補助突部を構成する）が少なくとも１個、実施形態では２個形成されている。図１４に示すように、上蓋３０６を軸線方向から見て、タブ３４０存在領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８に形成されたリブ３４２は、タブ３４０存在領域の周方向の中央と上蓋３０６の軸心Ｏを通る直線Ｌ３の両側Ａ及びＢに配設され、タブ３４０の両側領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８に形成されたリブ３４２は、直線Ｌ３の両側Ａ及びＢの更に両側Ｃ及びＤに配設されている。
【００３６】
上記本体４の外側装着壁３２０の内周面にはその全周にわたって係止突部３３７が形成されている。図１５において２点鎖線で示す示すように、上蓋３０６は、これをヒンジ３０５のまわりに図１５の反時計方向に回動させ、そのスカート壁３３２の係止突条３３６を本体３０４の被係止突条３２４に係止させ、かつ環状係止凹部３３８を被係止突条３２４に嵌合させることにより、本体３０４に装着され、本体３０４の上方が開自在に閉じられる。図１５において２点鎖線で示すように、ポリエチレンテレフタレートの如き適宜の合成樹脂あるいはガラス等から形成されている容器１５０は、容器開口部１５２を備えている。容器開口部１５２の外周面には係止あご部１５４が形成されている。ヒンジキャップ３００は、容器１５０内に液体等の内容物が収容された後に、その容器開口部１５２に打栓することにより装着される。ヒンジキャップ３００の打栓により、内側装着壁３２２の外周面は容器開口部１５２の内周面に圧入され、外側装着壁３２０の係止突部３３７は容器開口部１５２の外周面に形成された係止あご部１５４を乗り越えた位置に位置付けられる。上蓋３０６のシール壁３３４の外周面が本体３０４の排出案内壁３１６の内周面に密着して嵌合せしめられる。使用時には上蓋３０６を開き、プルリング３１４を指で引き上げて開封予定部３１２を開封する。
【００３７】
上記した如く、タブ３４０存在領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８には２個のリブ３４２が、また上記タブ３４０の両側領域に存在する環状係止凹部３３８にはそれぞれ１個のリブ３４２が形成されているので、上蓋３０６の係止突条３３６が本体３０４の被係止突条３２４に係止させられ、かつ環状係止凹部３３８が被係止突条３２４に嵌合させられたとき、図１４のＡ、Ｂ、Ｃ及びＤの部位における環状係止凹部３３８はリブ３４２によって被係止突条３２４に密着して嵌合することができないので、上記Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ及びＤの部位における係止突条３３６の係止深さは、他の領域の係止突条３３６の係止深さよりも小さくせしめられる。その他の領域においては環状係止凹部３３８は被係止突条３２４に密着して嵌合せしめられる。その結果、キャップ２と同じ如く、本体３０４に対する全体の係止力は充分に確保され、上蓋３０６のシール壁３３４の外周面と本体３０４の排出案内壁３１６の内周面との間のシール機能は確実に維持される。しかしながら、開栓においては、上記構成に起因して、最初にタブ３４０存在領域及びタブ３４０の両側領域に存在する係止突条３３６が被係止突条３２４を乗り越え易くなり、子供、女性、あるいは病人等の力の弱い消費者であっても、上蓋３０６を本体３０４に対し開くことが著しく容易となる。リブ３４２は、図１４のＡ、Ｂの部位のみ、あるいはＣ、Ｄの部位のみに形成される実施形態もある。タブ３４０存在領域、タブ３４０の両側領域において、リブ３４２は少なくとも１個形成される。
【００３８】
図１８には、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの他の実施形態が示されている。図１８に示されているキャップ４００の基本構成は、図１〜図６に示すキャップ２と実質上同一である。キャップ４００がキャップ２と相違するところは、キャップ４００において、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面に上記リブ２０が形成されていないこと、及びスカート壁６の内周面の、タブ１２存在領域に１個の係止突条１０が形成され、この係止突条１０の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面に上記リブ２０が周方向に間隔をおいて３個形成されていることである。係止突条１０の各々の上記突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。したがって、係止突条１０の各々の頂部は、図示しない一つの内接円上に位置付けられる。キャップ４００は上記の如く構成されているので、その係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、タブ１２存在領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さよりも少なくせしめられるので、タブ１２存在領域に存在する係止突条１０の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止力よりも弱くせしめられる。したがって、開栓のため、指によってタブ１２に、びん１００の開口部から離れる方向に力を加えたとき、最初にタブ１２存在領域の係止突条１０が、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４を乗り越え易くなる。その結果、開栓が著しく容易となる。タブ１２の存在領域以外の他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、タブ１２の存在領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止力よりも強く規定されているので、キャップ２の、びん１００の開口部に対する全体の係止力は充分確実に保持され、シール性は充分確保される。
【００３９】
図１９には、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態が示されている。図１９に示されているキャップ５００の基本構成は、図１〜図６に示すキャップ２と実質上同一である。キャップ５００がキャップ２と相違するところは、キャップ５００において、係止突条１０は、スカート壁６の内周面の、タブ１２存在領域を除く周方向の全領域にわたって形成されていること、及びタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面に上記リブ２０が周方向に間隔をおいて３個形成されていることである。係止突条１０の上記突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。したがって、係止突条１０の頂部は、図示しない一つの内接円上に位置付けられる。キャップ５００は上記の如く構成されているので、その係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さは、その他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さよりも少なくせしめられるので、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止力よりも弱くせしめられる。したがって、開栓のため、指によってタブ１２に、びん１００の開口部から離れる方向に力を加えたとき、最初にタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０が、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４を乗り越え易くなる。その結果、開栓が著しく容易となる。しかもタブ１２存在領域に係止突条１０は形成されていないので、最初の開栓力は一層低下せしめられ、開栓が一層容易となる。タブ１２の両側領域以外の他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、タブ１２の存在領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止力よりも強く規定されているので、キャップ２の、びん１００の開口部に対する全体の係止力は充分確実に保持され、シール性は充分確保される。
【００４０】
図２０には、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態が示されている。図２０に示されているキャップ６００の基本構成は、図１〜図６に示すキャップ２と実質上同一である。キャップ６００がキャップ２と相違するところは、キャップ６００において、タブ１２存在領域及びタブ１２の両側領域に、他の周方向領域の係止突条１０の各々の突出量よりも少なく規定された突出量を有する係止突条１１が形成されていることである。係止突条１０の各々の上記突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。図２０において、２点鎖線で示す円は突出量の多い上記他の該係止突条１０の各々の頂部を通る内接円を示しており、タブ１２存在領域に存在する係止突条１１及びタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１１の頂部はこの内接円よりも半径方向外方に位置付けられていることが理解されるであろう。キャップ６００は上記の如く構成されているので、その係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、タブ１２存在領域の係止突条１１及びタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１１の係止深さは、その他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止深さよりも少なくせしめられるので、タブ１２存在領域の係止突条１１及びタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１１の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止力よりも弱くせしめられる。したがって、開栓のため、指によってタブ１２に、びん１００の開口部から離れる方向に力を加えたとき、最初にタブ１２存在領域の係止突条１１及びタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１１が、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４を乗り越え易くなる。その結果、開栓が著しく容易となる。タブ１２存在領域及びタブ１２の両側領域以外の他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、タブ１２存在領域及びタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１１の係止力よりも強く規定されているので、キャップ６００の、びん１００の開口部に対する全体の係止力は充分確実に保持され、シール性は充分確保される。係止突条１１は、タブ１２存在領域のみ（少なくとも１個）、あるいはタブ１２の両側領域のみに形成される実施形態もある。
【００４１】
図２１及び図２２には、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態が示されている。図２１に示されているキャップ７００の基本構成は、図１〜図６に示すキャップ２と実質上同一である。キャップ７００がキャップ２と相違するところは、キャップ７００において、タブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０の、天面壁４側に存在するスカート壁６の内周面には、補助突条７０２（補助突部を構成する）が形成されていることである。係止突条１０の各々の上記突出量は実質上同一に形成されている。補助突条７０２の形状自体は係止突条１０と実質上同一であるが、補助突条７０２の上記突出量は、係止突条１０の各々の突出量よりも少なく規定されている。キャップ７００は上記の如く構成されているので、その係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、スカート壁６の厚肉部１６の内周面１６ａであって、上記補助突条７０２が存在するタブ１２の両側領域及びそれらの近傍の領域は、補助突条７０２の頂部が、びん１００の上記外周面１０６に圧接せしめられる。その結果、補助突条７０２が存在するタブ１２の両側領域は、補助突条７０２によって拡大され、補助突条７０２が存在する２個の係止突条１０は、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対し、半径方向の所定の係止深さよりも補助突条７０２の突出量だけ少ない（浅い）係止深さをもって係止される。これによりタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の係止力よりも弱くせしめられる。したがって、開栓のため、指によってタブ１２に、びん１００の開口部から離れる方向に力を加えたとき、最初にタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０が、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４を乗り越え易くなる。その結果、開栓が著しく容易となる。タブ１２の両側領域以外の他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の各々の、びん１００の被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力は、タブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０の係止力よりも強く規定されているので、キャップ７００の、びん１００の開口部に対する全体の係止力は充分確実に保持され、シール性は充分確保される。
【００４２】
以上、添付図面を参照して、本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの好適実施形態について説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲を逸脱することなく種々の変形ないし修正が可能である。例えば、本発明は打栓式の合成樹脂製キャップ（含む合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップ）であればいずれの形態のキャップにも適用することができる。また上記実施形態において、補助突部としては、リブ２０、係止突条１１及び補助突条７０２が示されているが、その他の実施形態として、図示はされていないが、軸線方向及び周方向に延在しかつスカート壁６の内周面１６ａ、３２ａよりも小径の内周面を有する小径部からなる補助突部もある。更に具体的に説明すると、この補助突部は、図５及び図６において、３個のリブ２０の各々の頂部を通る図示しない内接円までスカート壁６の内周面１６ａが突出せしめられた如き形状をなすものである。図示しないで説明した上記小径部、係止突条１１及び補助突条７０２は、もちろん、キャップ２、キャップ２００及びヒンジキャップ３００にも適用しうることはいうまでもない。なおヒンジキャップ３００に適用される小径部は、軸線方向及び周方向に延在しかつ環状係止凹部３３８の底部よりも小径の内周面を有するよう構成される。更にはまた、本発明は様々な組合せが可能である。例えば図１〜図６に示すキャップ２及び図１１〜図１３に示すキャップ２００において、タブ１２存在領域にも係止突条１０を形成し、この係止突条１０の、天面壁４側のスカート壁６の内周面に上記リブ２０を３個形成する実施形態もある（図３に示す構成と図１８に示す構成とを組合せた如き実施形態）。したがって、キャップ２、キャップ２００は、係止突条１０がびん１００の被係止あご部１０４に係止されたとき、スカート壁６の内周面の、タブ１２存在領域に形成された係止突条１０及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０、の被係止あご部１０４に対する半径方向の係止深さは、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成される。またタブ１２存在領域及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０の係止深さを小さくする手段ないし被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力を弱くする手段は、上記リブ２０の他、図２１に示す補助係止突条７０２であってもよいし、リブ２０や補助係止突条７０２を配設することなく、それ自体の突出量が少ない係止突条１１を形成する手段であってもよく、また上記の如く図示しないで説明した小径部であってもよく、更には、それらの組合せであってもよい。
【００４３】
一つの係止突条１０に関連して形成されるリブ２０は少なくとも１個でよい。タブ１２存在領域に係止突条１０が形成される場合、この係止突条１０は少なくとも１個でよい（通常は１個か２個）。更にはまた、係止突条１０をスカート壁６の内周面の全周にわたって形成し、タブ１２存在領域に存在する係止突条１０及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域に存在する係止突条１０、の被係止あご部１０４に対する半径方向の係止深さを、他の周方向領域に存在する係止突条１０の係止深さよりも少なくなるよう構成する実施形態もある。その場合、タブ１２存在領域及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０の係止深さを小さくする手段ないし被係止あご部１０４に対する係止力を弱くする手段として、タブ１２存在領域及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０それ自体の突出量を小さくする実施形態も考えられる。この実施形態は、他の形態の係止突条１０に対しても適用可能であるし、またヒンジキャップ３００の係止突条３３６に対しても適用可能である。係止突条１０それ自体の突出量を小さくする周方向の範囲は適宜に設定することができる。なお、タブ１２存在領域及び／又はタブ１２の両側領域の係止突条１０の係止深さを小さくする手段は、その係止突条１０の少なくとも周方向の一部に施されていればよい。例えば、図１８において、タブ１２存在領域の係止突条１０に関連して配設された３個のリブ２０に代えて、係止突条１０の周方向の中央に１個のリブ２０を形成した場合には、係止突条１０の周方向の中央部における上記係止深さは他の係止突条１０のそれより小さくせしめられるが、係止突条１０の周方向の両端部における上記係止深さは他の係止突条１０のそれと同一になる場合もありうる（特にタブ１２存在領域の係止突条１０の周方向長さが比較的長い場合）。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係る合成樹脂製キャップによれば、内容物が外部に漏出しないよう容器開口部に対して充分確実な密封状態を維持しながらしっかりと装着され、しかも人手による容器開口部からの開栓時には、力の弱い消費者であっても容器開口部から充分容易に離脱せしめることができる。また、容器開口部に対する全体の係止力を充分に保持することによってシール性を充分に確保しながら、人手による容器開口部からの最初の開栓力を、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開栓できる程度に弱くすることができる。更にはまた、構造が簡単で成形が容易であり、したがって低コストで大量生産することができる。
本発明に係る合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップによれば、内容物が外部に漏出しないよう本体に対して充分確実な密封状態を維持しながらしっかりと装着され、しかも人手によって上蓋を本体から開くときには、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開くことができる。また、本体に対する全体の係止力を充分に保持することによってシール性を充分に確保しながら、人手によって上蓋を本体から開くときには、最初に開くときの力を、力の弱い消費者であっても充分容易に開くことができる程度に弱くすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの実施形態を示す斜視図。
【図２】図１に示すキャップの正面図であって軸線から半径方向の一方側を破断して示す正面図。
【図３】図１に示すキャップを開口端側から見た下面図。
【図４】図３のＡ部拡大図。
【図５】図４のＢ−Ｂ矢視断面図。
【図６】図５のＣ−Ｃ矢視断面図。
【図７】図１に示すキャップをびんに装着した状態を一部を破断して示す正面図。
【図８】図７の破断部分を拡大して示す断面図。
【図９】図７の他の破断部分（キャップは図５に示す破断部分）を拡大して示す断面図。
【図１０】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの他の実施形態を示す斜視図。
【図１１】図１０に示すキャップを開口端側から見た下面図。
【図１２】図１１のＤ部拡大図。
【図１３】図１２のＥ−Ｅ矢視断面図。
【図１４】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップの実施形態を、その上蓋を開いた状態で示す平面図。
【図１５】図１４のＦ−Ｆ矢視断面図。
【図１６】図１５のＧ部拡大図。
【図１７】図１６のＨ−Ｈ矢視断面図。
【図１８】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの他の実施形態を開口端側から見た下面図。
【図１９】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態を開口端側から見た下面図。
【図２０】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態を開口端側から見た下面図。
【図２１】本発明に従って構成された合成樹脂製キャップの更に他の実施形態を開口端側から見た下面図。
【図２２】図２１のＩ−Ｉ矢視断面図。
【符号の説明】
２、２００、４００、５００、６００、７００合成樹脂製キャップ
４天面壁
６スカート壁
８シール突条
１０、１１係止突条
１２タブ
１００びん
１０２開口部
１０４被係止あご部
１０６びんの開口部の外周面
３００合成樹脂ヒンジキャップ
３０４本体
３０６上蓋
３２４被係止突条
３３６係止突条
３３８環状係止凹部
３４２リブ
７０２補助突条[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a synthetic resin cap (including a synthetic resin hinge cap) that is used by being plugged into an opening of a glass or synthetic resin container in which contents such as liquid are accommodated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional example of a synthetic resin cap applied to a container in which contents such as liquid are accommodated, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 47-13109 can be cited. The synthetic resin cap disclosed in the above publication includes a top wall and a skirt wall extending downward from the periphery of the top wall. An inner plug portion (concave portion) protruding downward is formed at the center of the top wall. The inner plug portion includes an annular side wall depending from the center of the top wall and a bottom wall that closes the lower end of the side wall, and the upper surface of the side wall and the inner peripheral surface of the bottom wall form part of the upper surface of the top wall. The outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the inner plug portion formed as described above forms an annular seal protrusion (inner seal) that is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the container opening. On the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall, there are formed locking ridges (thick ridges and thick ridges) that are locked to an annular locked jaw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening. ing. On the outer peripheral surface at the opening end of the skirt wall, a knob portion protruding radially outward is formed over a part in the circumferential direction. A thin portion (thin groove) that can be broken is formed at both edges in the circumferential direction of the knob portion of the skirt wall. The cap is stoppered so that the outer peripheral surface of the seal protrusion is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the container opening and the locking protrusion is locked to the locked jaw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening. And attached to the container opening. Further, when the cap is opened, the skirt wall is broken along the thin wall portion by pulling the knob portion away from the container opening portion, and the cap is detached from the container opening portion.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the conventional synthetic resin cap configured as described above is applied to a container, the following problems exist. That is, for example, after a beverage liquid such as milk is filled in the container, the container opening is closed by plugging the cap. When such a container is exposed to an external temperature in summer, for example, 40 ° C., the internal pressure of the container is increased, thereby causing a phenomenon in which the cap is lifted and the sealing function is lowered. When the sealing function is lowered, problems such as liquid oozing out from the opening of the container to wet the opening or completely leaking out from the opening. In order to solve this problem, when the protruding amount of the locking ridge locked to the locked jaw portion of the container opening is increased, the sealing function is improved, but the opening is significantly difficult. Moreover, in a known synthetic resin hinge cap, when the hinge cap is capped after the container is filled with a content liquid such as a seasoning heated to a relatively high temperature, the pressure rises due to the high temperature. As a result, the upper lid may be opened from the hinge cap body mounted on the container. Further, when the hinge cap is supplied to the container for stoppering, the upper lid may open from the hinge cap body due to the action of external force. In order to prevent the upper lid from unintentionally opening in this way, it is necessary to increase the locking force between the upper lid and the hinge cap body. Although the sealing function for the main body is improved, it is extremely difficult to open the upper lid from the hinge cap main body.
[0004]
Opening difficulties must be avoided, especially if the consumer is a weak child, a woman, or a sick person. Therefore, when the above-mentioned conventional synthetic resin cap is plugged into the container, the locking force of the container opening outer peripheral surface to the locked jaw portion by the locking protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is limited. While preventing the difficulty of opening, the limit of the locking force is never excessive, so that it can sufficiently resist the increase in the internal pressure of the liquid, and the above-described exudation or leakage of the liquid is ensured. It is necessary to prevent it. On the other hand, even when the conventional synthetic resin hinge cap is plugged into the container, it is extremely difficult to open the upper lid from the hinge cap body by limiting the locking force between the upper lid and the hinge cap body. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that a desired sealing property is ensured to such an extent that the upper lid is not opened unintentionally as described above, without being excessively limited.
[0005]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to securely attach the container opening to the container opening so that the contents do not leak to the outside, and when the container is opened manually, the force is weak. To provide a novel synthetic resin cap that can be easily removed from a container opening even by a consumer.
[0006]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an initial opening force from the container opening by hand, while ensuring sufficient sealing performance by sufficiently retaining the entire locking force with respect to the container opening. To provide a novel synthetic resin cap that can be weak enough to be opened easily even by a weak consumer.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel synthetic resin cap that is simple in structure and easy to mold, and thus can be mass-produced at low cost.
[0008]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a consumer with low strength when the cover is securely attached to the main body so that the contents do not leak to the outside, and the upper lid is manually opened from the main body. Even so, it is to provide a novel synthetic resin hinge cap that can be opened sufficiently easily.
[0009]
Still another object of the present invention is to maintain a sufficient sealing force by sufficiently retaining the entire locking force with respect to the main body, and when opening the upper lid from the main body by hand, It is to provide a novel synthetic resin hinge cap that can be weakened to such an extent that even a weak consumer can be opened sufficiently easily.
[0010]
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of synthetic resin caps and synthetic resin hinge caps constructed according to the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. .
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, a top wall and a skirt wall extending downward from the periphery of the top wall are provided, and the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening. A synthetic ridge is formed with a locking ridge that is locked to the jaw part, and a tab that protrudes outward in the radial direction is formed on a part of the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface at the open end of the skirt wall In the cap, when the locking ridge is locked to the locked jaw portion, in a tab existing area corresponding to the partial area where the tab is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall. The formed locking protrusion and / or the locking protrusion that is present on both sides of the tab that is a partial region in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab-existing region, with respect to the locked jaw The locking depth in the radial direction is greater than the locking depth of the locking ridges present in other circumferential regions. No way of configuration The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is the same, and is present in the locking ridges present in the tab existence region and / or in both side regions of the tab. At least one auxiliary protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall existing on the top wall side of the locking protrusion, and the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary protrusion is determined by the amount of the locking protrusion. Less than the protruding amount of A synthetic resin cap is provided.
[0012]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the main body includes a main body and an upper lid that is integrally formed with the main body via a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable. The main body has a top wall and an annular shape that extends downward from the periphery of the top wall. An outer mounting wall, a planned opening portion formed on the top wall, an annular discharge guide wall extending upward from the periphery of the planned opening portion on the top wall, and Of the top wall, A locking ridge formed over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the annular locking wall extending upward from the outside of the discharge guide wall, and the upper lid includes a top surface wall and a skirt extending downward from the periphery of the top surface wall A wall, a locking ridge formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall and locked to the locked ridge of the main body, and continuously formed on the top wall side of the locking ridge, and An annular locking recess that fits into the locked protrusion of the main body is provided, and a tab that protrudes radially outward extends over a partial area in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the skirt wall of the upper lid. A synthetic resin hinge cap formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer mounting wall of the main body and formed with a locking projection that is locked to a locking jaw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening; When the locking ridge is locked to the locked ridge, the tab on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall of the upper lid is shaped. Existing in the tab existence area corresponding to the partial area being present and / or present in both side areas of the tab which is a partial area in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab existence area A locking depth in a radial direction of the locking ridge with respect to the locked ridge of the main body is configured to be smaller than the locking depth of the locking ridge existing in another circumferential region. The The amount of protrusion of the locking ridge of the upper lid from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is the same, and exists in the annular locking recess and / or on both sides of the tab. The annular locking recess is formed with at least one auxiliary protrusion, and the protrusion amount of the auxiliary protrusion is defined to be smaller than the protrusion amount of the locking protrusion. A synthetic resin hinge cap is provided.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a synthetic resin cap and a synthetic resin hinge cap constructed according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0014]
First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a synthetic resin cap generally indicated by reference numeral 2 includes a top wall 4 having a substantially disk shape, and a skirt wall 6 extending downward from the periphery of the top wall 4. ing. An annular seal protrusion (inner ring) 8 extending downward is formed on the inner surface of the top wall 4. The outer peripheral surface of the seal protrusion 8 is detachably fitted to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening of the bottle 100 which is a container shown in FIGS. A plurality (eight in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6) of locking ridges 10 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the locking ridges 10 is detachably locked to a locked jaw 104 (see FIGS. 7 to 9) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening of the bottle 100. On the lower surface of the top wall 4, the radially outer position of the seal protrusion 8, the lower surface of the top wall 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 are connected to the corner portion 11 having a curved section. The annular ribs 4a and 4b are respectively formed. On the outer peripheral surface at the opening end of the skirt wall 6, tabs 12 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed over a partial region in the circumferential direction. Three ribs 13 are integrally formed between the base of the tab 12 and the skirt wall 6 at intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the ribs 13 has a predetermined thickness in the circumferential direction of the skirt wall 6 and is formed so that the axial cross section of the skirt wall 6 forms a triangle. A plurality of ribs 14 extending in the axial direction at intervals in the circumferential direction are formed in a circumferential region where the tab 12 does not exist on the outer peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 5, the skirt wall 6 is formed in a thick part 16 having a relatively thick thickness and a lower region S2 near the opening end, which are formed in the upper region S1 near the top wall 4. Further, it is composed of a thin portion 18 having a relatively small thickness. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 18a of the lower end portion of the thin wall portion 18 of the skirt wall 6 below the locking ridge 10 on the opening end side (of course, the inner peripheral surface excluding the locking ridge 10) is the skirt. It is formed larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the thick part 16 of the wall 6. This configuration contributes to making the cap 2 have a good plugability with respect to the opening of the bottle 100.
[0016]
As clearly shown in FIG. 3, as described above, eight locking ridges 10 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 at intervals in the circumferential direction. In a form, it is not formed in the tab 12 existence area | region of the circumferential direction in which the tab 12 exists in the internal peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6. FIG. Further, two of the locking protrusions 10 are formed in both side regions of the tab 12 which are partial regions in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab 12 existing region. As shown in FIG. 2, both ends in the circumferential direction of the locking ridges 10 that are substantially separated from each other in the circumferential direction are linearly extending at least in the axial direction when viewed in the radial direction from the axial center. It is not curved. As is apparent from FIG. 5, the locking protrusion 10 has a substantially parabolic mountain shape with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 in the axial direction. The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10 from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 (the inner peripheral surface 16a of the thick portion 16 formed in the upper region S1) inward in the radial direction is substantially the same. Yes. Therefore, the top of each locking protrusion 10 is positioned on one inscribed circle (not shown).
[0017]
When the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw 104, the locking ridge of the bottle 100 of the locking ridge 10 and the locking ridge 10 present on both sides of the tab 12 on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6. It is important that the locking depth in the radial direction with respect to 104 is configured to be smaller than the locking depths of the locking protrusions 10 existing in other circumferential regions. More specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 existing on the top surface wall 4 side of each of the locking ridges 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12 on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 At least one rib 20 (which constitutes an auxiliary protrusion) extending in the axial direction of the cap 2 is formed. In the embodiment, three ribs 20 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The amount of protrusion of each rib 20 inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 (the inner peripheral surface 16a of the thick portion 16 formed in the upper region S1) is substantially the same and is locked. It is defined to be less than the protruding amount of each of the protrusions 10. In the embodiment, the protruding amount of each of the ribs 20 is defined to be 1/2 or less of the protruding amount of each of the locking ridges 10.
[0018]
The cap 2 configured as described above has a simple structure as a whole, and can be easily integrally formed by injection molding or compression molding from an appropriate synthetic resin, for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE). Therefore, mass production can be performed at low cost. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the cap 2 configured as described above is removably fitted to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening portion of the bottle 100 by a stopper so that the outer peripheral surface of the seal protrusion 8 is detachable. The locking protrusion 10 is attached to the opening of the bottle 100 by being removably locked to the locked jaw 104 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening.
[0019]
With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, in the state where the cap 2 is plugged into the opening of the bottle 100, the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 on the top wall 4 side with respect to the locking protrusion 10, that is, the thick wall Most of the inner peripheral surface 16a of the portion 16 in the circumferential region where the rib 20 does not exist, except for the vicinity of the rib 20, is the engagement jaw 104 and the opening end of the opening of the bottle 100. It is made to adhere | attach substantially on the outer peripheral surface 106 between (refer FIG. 8). The six locking ridges 10 without the ribs 20 have a predetermined locking depth in the radial direction with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 (the locking protrusions from the outer peripheral surface 106 of the bottle 100). It is locked with a radial length (D1) up to the top of the strip 10. On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface 16a of the thick wall portion 16 of the skirt wall 6 and on both sides of the tab 12 where the rib 20 is present and in the vicinity thereof, the top of each rib 20 is the above of the bottle 100. It is press-contacted with the outer peripheral surface 106 (refer FIG. 9). As a result, both side regions of the tab 12 where the ribs 20 are present and regions in the vicinity thereof are enlarged by each of the ribs 20, and the two locking ridges 10 where the ribs 20 are present are engaged with the bottle 100. The locking jaw 104 is locked with a locking depth D2 that is smaller (shallow) than the predetermined locking depth D1 in the radial direction by a protruding amount of the rib 20 (see FIG. 9). In addition, the both side regions of the tab 12 where the ribs 20 are present and regions in the vicinity thereof are brought into a state close to a substantially line contact because the tops of the ribs 20 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface 106 of the bottle 100, and the degree of adhesion is high. Less.
[0020]
The outer peripheral surface of the seal protrusion 8 of the cap 2 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening of the bottle 100, so that the beverage in the bottle 100 does not leak to the outside with respect to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening. A sufficiently secure seal is maintained. In the cap 2, the lower surface of the top wall 4 and the radially outward position of the seal protrusion 8 are connected to the lower surface of the top wall 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6, and the cross section is curved. In the corner portion 11, annular ribs 4 a and 4 b are respectively formed. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the state where the cap 2 is attached to the opening of the bottle 100 as described above, the rib 4a is brought into close contact with the upper end surface of the opening, and the rib 4b has a cross section of the opening. It is made to adhere to the surface of the peripheral part which makes a curved surface. In this state, when the bottle 100 is accommodated in the refrigerator and the temperature of the beverage is lowered to a temperature lower than the filling temperature 5 ° C., for example, 4 ° C., the inside of the bottle 100 becomes negative pressure and tries to suck the outside air. However, the ribs 4a and 4b are more closely attached to the surface of the opening to improve the sealing function, and suction of outside air is reliably prevented.
[0021]
As apparent from the above description, in the cap 2, when the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100, the engagement of the locking ridge 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12. Since the stop depth D2 is configured to be smaller than the lock depth D1 of each of the locking ridges 10 existing in the other circumferential regions, the locking ridges existing in both side regions of the tab 12 are configured. The locking force with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of 10 is made weaker than the locking force of each locking protrusion 10 existing in the other circumferential region. Moreover, the degree of adhesion of the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 to the outer peripheral surface 106 of the bottle 100 in both side regions of the tab 12 can be made smaller than that of other peripheral regions. Therefore, when a force is applied to the tab 12 by a finger in the direction away from the opening of the bottle 100 for opening (when lifted), the locking ridges 10 initially present on both sides of the tab 12 are It becomes easy to get over 100 locked jaws 104. As a result, the opening is remarkably facilitated, and even a weak consumer such as a child, a woman, or a sick person can be easily removed from the opening of the bottle 100. The locking force of the locking protrusions 10 existing in the other circumferential regions other than the both side regions of the tab 12 with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 is the locking protrusions existing in the both side regions of the tab 12. Since it is defined more strongly than the locking force of the strip 10, the entire locking force of the cap 2 with respect to the opening of the bottle 100 can be held sufficiently reliably. Therefore, the cap 2 is prevented from being lifted due to an increase in internal pressure, and the sealing function of the seal protrusion 8 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening is sufficiently ensured. As a result, the occurrence of oozing out or leakage of the beverage from the opening of the bottle 100 is sufficiently reliably prevented. Such an effect is obtained by removing the cap 4 without the seal protrusion 8, for example, a cap in which the seal protrusion 8 is removed from the cap 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, or by removing the ribs 4 a and 4 b and the top wall. Even in the case of a cap in which a liner known per se is arranged on the lower surface of 4, it can be achieved in the same manner. For example, by providing a means for increasing the overall locking force by slightly increasing (increasing) the locking depth D1 of each locking ridge 10 present in the other circumferential region, It is easy to achieve the effect. However, the combination with the seal protrusion 8 is most preferable in that the balance between sealability and openability is most easily achieved.
[0022]
Next, another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The skirt wall 6 of the cap 200 has a total of nine weakening lines extending from the opening end toward the top wall 4 at intervals in the circumferential direction, that is, weakening lines 30 (two relatively wide thin portions) ( a and b) and seven weakened lines 40 (a to g) made up of relatively narrow thin portions are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. When the skirt wall 6 is viewed in the axial direction of the cap 200, the 180 ° tab side region X of the skirt wall 6 where the tab 12 is positioned substantially in the center in the circumferential direction, and the other 180 ° anti-tab side of the skirt wall 6 When divided into the region Y, the tab side region X is formed with two weakening lines 30 (30a and 30b) made of the relatively wide thin portion, and weakened by the relatively narrow thin portion. Two lines 40 (40a and 40b) are formed. On the other hand, only five weakening lines 40 (40c to 40g) made of the relatively narrow thin portion are formed in the anti-tab side region Y.
[0023]
In the tab-side region X, the weakening lines 40a and 40b made of a relatively narrow thin portion are disposed adjacent to both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab 12 and at equal intervals from both sides, and are also relatively wide thin portions. The weakening lines 30a and 30b are located on both sides of the tab 12 in the circumferential direction and are spaced apart from both sides of the tab 12 in the circumferential direction from the weakening lines 40a and 40b, and are arranged at equal intervals from both sides of the tab 12. Yes. In the non-tab side region Y, the weakening lines 40c to 40g made of a relatively narrow thin portion are arranged at equal intervals. One of the weakening lines 40 g is disposed on the diametrically opposite side with respect to the circumferential center position of the tab 12. The rib 14 is formed at a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 where the weakening lines 30 and 40 are not present. In FIG. 11, reference numeral L <b> 1 is a line that separates the tab side region X and the anti-tab side region Y (a line passing through the axis of the cap 200), and reference numeral L <b> 2 is a line that passes through the axis of the cap 200 and is orthogonal to the line L <b> 1. . As is clear from the above description, the weakening line 40g is positioned on the line L2.
[0024]
Since the weakening lines 30a and 30b made of a relatively wide thin portion have substantially the same configuration, only one weakening line 30a will be described here. As is clearly shown in FIG. 13, the weakening line 30a composed of a relatively wide thin portion is formed in the upper region S1 of the skirt wall 6 near the top wall 4 and has a relatively thick residual thickness. One thin portion 32 and a second thin portion 34 having a residual thickness smaller than that of the first thin portion 32 formed in the lower region S2 near the opening end. The weakening line 30 a includes a groove 36 formed so as to extend linearly over the entire axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6. The groove 36 has a predetermined circumferential width and depth.
[0025]
The first thin portion 32 is formed thinner than the thickness of the skirt wall 6 by the depth of the groove 36. The surfaces of the first thin portion 32 and the second thin portion 34 on the radially outer side are on the same plane (on the bottom surface of the groove 36), and the inner peripheral surface (of course locking) of the first thin portion 32. Since the inner peripheral surface excluding the ridges 10 is on the same plane as the corresponding inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 (on the same inner peripheral surface), the radially inner surface of the second thin portion 34 is The first thin portion 32 is positioned radially outward from the radially inner surface. The second thin-walled portion 34 is positioned below the locking ridge 10 and has a lower end inner peripheral surface 34a (of course, an inner peripheral surface excluding the locking ridge 10) on the opening end side of the skirt wall 6. It is positioned on the same surface (on the same inner peripheral surface) as the corresponding lower end inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 34a of the lower end portion where the second thin portion 34 of the skirt wall 6 exists is larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the portion where the first thin portion 32 of the skirt wall 6 exists.
[0026]
As clearly shown in FIG. 12, the relatively wide thin portion constituting the weakening line 30a has a circumferential width W1. At both ends in the circumferential direction of the thin wall portion in the skirt wall 6, there are inclined portions where the radial thickness gradually increases toward the outer diameter side as the distance from the circumferential ends of the thin wall portion increases in the circumferential direction. Both ends in the circumferential direction of the thin portion are defined by two boundaries with these inclined portions, and the circumferential width W1 of the thin portion is the width between the circumferential ends of the thin portion. The circumferential width W1 of the relatively wide thin portion constituting the weakening line 30a is the circumferential width of the bottom of the groove 36 in the above embodiment. In FIG. 12, symbol W2 indicates the circumferential width of the groove 36 on the radially outer side (the width between two boundaries between the outer peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 and each of the inclined portions). As shown in the figure, the dimensional relationship between W1 and W2 is W1 <W2.
[0027]
Since each of the weakening lines 40a to 40g composed of a relatively narrow thin portion has substantially the same configuration, only one weakening line 40c will be described here. The weakening line 40c made of a relatively narrow thin part differs from the weakening line 30a made of a relatively wide thin part in that the circumferential widths W2 and W1 are defined smaller than the weakening line 30a. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the weakening line 30a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0028]
The said locking protrusion 10 is substantially isolate | separated into multiple in the circumferential direction in each formation part of the weakening lines 30a and 30b and the weakening lines 40a-40g. The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10 from the inner peripheral surface 32a of the skirt wall 6 inward in the radial direction is formed substantially the same. Therefore, the top of each locking protrusion 10 is positioned on one inscribed circle (not shown). In the same manner as the cap 2, the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 existing on the top surface wall 4 side of each of the locking ridges 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12 on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6. It is important that three ribs 20 extending in the axial direction of the cap 2 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The amount of protrusion of each rib 20 inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 (the inner peripheral surface 32a of the first thin portion 32 formed in the upper region S1) is substantially the same, and It is defined to be less than the protruding amount of each of the locking ridges 10.
[0029]
The cap 200 configured as described above has a simple structure as a whole, and can be easily integrally formed by injection molding or compression molding from an appropriate synthetic resin, for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE). Therefore, mass production can be performed at low cost. In the cap 200 configured as described above, like the cap 2, the outer peripheral surface of the seal protrusion 8 is removably fitted to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening of the bottle 100 by plugging, so that the locking protrusion The strip 10 is attached to the opening of the bottle 100 by being releasably locked to the locked jaw 104 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening.
[0030]
In the cap 200, the two weakening lines 30a and 30b that are formed on the skirt wall 6 in the tab side region X at intervals in the circumferential direction are formed of a thin portion that extends from the opening end toward the top surface wall 4, Each of these thin portions is a relatively wide thin portion having a circumferential width W1. Since the weakening lines 30a and 30b made of such relatively wide thin portions can be elastically deformed (elongated) in the circumferential direction of the skirt wall 6 relatively easily, the locking protrusions of the skirt wall 6 can be applied when plugging. Since the diameter of the skirt wall 6 is comparatively easy to expand when the strip 10 passes over the locked jaw 104 of the opening of the bottle 100 in the direction of plugging, the weakening lines 30a and 30b are not broken. It is possible to easily perform the plugging without any trouble, and sufficiently ensure the reliability (stability) of the cap 200 at the time of the plugging. The skirt wall 6 is formed with other weakening lines 40a to 40g made of a relatively narrow thin portion having a circumferential width W1 across the tab side region X and the anti-tab side region Y. Since the force for expanding the power is absorbed more easily in a balanced manner by the elastic deformation of the entire weakening line (weakening lines 30a and 30b, weakening lines 40a to 40g), the weakening lines 20a and 20b made of relatively wide thin portions are of course In other words, the other weakening lines 40a to 40g made of a relatively narrow thin portion are reliably prevented from being broken, and the reliability (stability) of the cap 200 at the time of stoppering is sufficiently ensured.
[0031]
In addition, after the plugging, the weakening lines 30a and 30b composed of relatively wide thin portions temporarily elastically deformed as described above and the other weakening lines 40a to 40g composed of relatively thin thin portions are Since the elastic shape immediately returns to the original shape, a predetermined locking force (holding force) for the locked jaw portion 104 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening of the bottle 100 of the locking ridge 10 is ensured. The cap 200 is reliably prevented from being lifted due to an increase in internal pressure, and the sealing function of the seal protrusion 8 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 102 of the opening is sufficiently ensured. As a result, the occurrence of oozing out or leakage of the beverage from the opening of the bottle 100 is sufficiently reliably prevented.
[0032]
Further, in the cap 200, as in the cap 2, when each of the locking ridges 10 is locked to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100, the locking ridges present on both sides of the tab 12. The locking depth D2 of 10 (see FIG. 9) is configured to be smaller than the locking depth D1 (see FIG. 8) of each of the locking ridges 10 existing in other circumferential regions. In other words, the protruding amount of the locking ridge 10 from the inner peripheral surface of each skirt wall 6 is formed substantially the same, and exists on the top surface wall 4 side of the locking ridge 10 existing in both side regions of the tab 12. On the inner peripheral surface 32a of the skirt wall 32, three ribs 20 extending in the axial direction and having a protruding amount smaller than each protruding amount of the locking protrusion 10 are formed. The same operation effect is achieved in addition to the above operation effect. Therefore, in the cap 200 as well, it is possible to further weaken the initial opening force while ensuring sufficient sealing performance, so that even a weak consumer such as a child, a woman, or a sick person can It can be easily detached from the opening.
[0033]
Next, an embodiment of a synthetic resin hinge cap constructed according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a synthetic resin hinge cap denoted as a whole by reference numeral 300 includes a main body 304 and an upper lid 306 integrally formed on the main body 304 through a hinge portion 305 so as to be opened and closed. The main body 304 and the upper lid 306 can be integrally formed from an appropriate synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The body 304 includes a top wall 308 that extends substantially horizontally. A breakable score 310 is formed on the top wall 308. As shown in FIG. 14, the score 310 is formed in a loop shape having an appropriate shape when viewed from the axial direction, and constitutes a scheduled opening portion 312. An opening pull ring 314 extending upward is formed in the planned opening portion 312. The top wall 308 further includes an annular discharge guide wall 316 extending upward from the periphery of the planned opening portion 312, an annular locking wall 318 extending upward from the periphery of the discharge guide wall 316, and extending downward from the periphery of the top wall 308. In the annular outer mounting wall 320 and the top wall 308, an annular inner mounting wall 322 extending downward from the inner side of the outer mounting wall 320 is formed. Locked protrusions 324 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular locking wall 318 over the entire periphery. An annular gap is formed between the outer mounting wall 320 and the inner mounting wall 322.
[0034]
The upper lid 306 will be described on the assumption that the main body 304 is closed as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15. The upper lid 306 includes a top wall 330 that extends substantially horizontally. A skirt wall 332 extending downward from the periphery of the top wall 330 and a cylindrical sealing wall 334 extending downward from the inside of the top wall 330 are formed. On the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 332, there are formed a locking protrusion 336 extending over the entire periphery, and an annular locking recess 338 continuous to the top wall 330 side of the locking protrusion 336. The hinge portion 305 is interposed between a lower end outer edge portion of a partial peripheral area of the skirt wall 332 of the upper lid 306 and an upper end outer edge portion of a corresponding peripheral area of the top wall 308 of the main body 304. Yes. A tab 340 for opening the upper lid 306 is formed on the outer peripheral surface at the open end of the skirt wall 332. The tab 340 is formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction in a partial region in the circumferential direction facing the hinge portion 305 in the radial direction.
[0035]
When the locking protrusion 336 is locked to the locked protrusion 324 of the main body 304, it corresponds to a partial region in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 332 of the upper lid 306 where the tab 340 is formed. The locking ridge 336 existing in the region where the tab 340 is present and the locking ridge 336 existing in both sides of the tab 340 which is a partial region in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab 340 are shown in FIG. It is important that the locking depth in the radial direction with respect to the locked protrusion 324 is configured to be smaller than the locking depth of the locking protrusion 336 existing in the other circumferential region. More specifically, the amount of protrusion of the locking ridge 336 of the upper lid 306 from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 332 is formed substantially the same. The annular locking recess 338 existing in the region where the tab 340 is present and the annular locking recess 338 existing on both sides of the tab 340 extend in the axial direction and the protruding amount of the locking protrusion 336 is At least one rib 342 (which constitutes an auxiliary projection) that is smaller than the protruding amount is formed, and in the embodiment, two ribs 342 are formed. As shown in FIG. 14, when the upper lid 306 is viewed from the axial direction, the rib 342 formed in the annular locking recess 338 existing in the tab 340 existence area is formed in the circumferential center of the tab 340 existence area and the axis of the upper lid 306. The ribs 342 disposed on both sides A and B of the straight line L3 passing through the center O and formed in the annular locking recesses 338 in both side regions of the tab 340 are further provided on both sides C and D of both sides A and B of the straight line L3. It is arranged.
[0036]
A locking protrusion 337 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer mounting wall 320 of the main body 4 over the entire periphery. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15, the upper lid 306 is rotated around the hinge 305 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 15, and the locking ridge 336 of the skirt wall 332 is engaged with the main body 304. By engaging with the locking ridge 324 and fitting the annular locking recess 338 with the locked protrusion 324, it is mounted on the main body 304 and the upper portion of the main body 304 is closed openably. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 15, a container 150 formed of an appropriate synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, glass, or the like includes a container opening 152. A locking jaw 154 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening 152. The hinge cap 300 is mounted by plugging the container opening 152 after the contents such as the liquid are accommodated in the container 150. By the stopper of the hinge cap 300, the outer peripheral surface of the inner mounting wall 322 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the container opening 152, and the locking projection 337 of the outer mounting wall 320 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening 152. It is positioned at a position over the locking jaw 154. The outer peripheral surface of the seal wall 334 of the upper lid 306 is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the discharge guide wall 316 of the main body 304 and is fitted. In use, the upper lid 306 is opened, and the pull ring 314 is pulled up with a finger to open the planned opening portion 312.
[0037]
As described above, two ribs 342 are formed in the annular locking recess 338 existing in the region where the tab 340 is present, and one rib 342 is formed in each of the annular locking recesses 338 existing on both sides of the tab 340. Therefore, when the locking protrusion 336 of the upper cover 306 is locked to the locked protrusion 324 of the main body 304 and the annular locking recess 338 is fitted to the locked protrusion 324, Since the annular locking recesses 338 in the portions A, B, C, and D in FIG. 14 cannot be closely fitted to the locked protrusion 324 by the ribs 342, the portions A, B, C, and D described above. The locking depth of the locking ridge 336 is smaller than the locking depth of the locking ridge 336 in the other region. In the other region, the annular locking recess 338 is fitted into the locked protrusion 324 in close contact. As a result, like the cap 2, the entire locking force with respect to the main body 304 is sufficiently secured, and the sealing function between the outer peripheral surface of the seal wall 334 of the upper lid 306 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge guide wall 316 of the main body 304 is achieved. Is reliably maintained. However, in the opening, due to the above-described configuration, the locking ridges 336 first existing in the tab 340 existence region and the both side regions of the tab 340 easily get over the locked ridges 324, and children, women, Alternatively, even a weak consumer such as a sick person can remarkably easily open the top cover 306 with respect to the main body 304. In some embodiments, the ribs 342 are formed only in the portions A and B of FIG. 14 or only in the portions C and D. At least one rib 342 is formed in the region where the tab 340 exists and on both sides of the tab 340.
[0038]
FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention. The basic configuration of the cap 400 shown in FIG. 18 is substantially the same as the cap 2 shown in FIGS. The cap 400 is different from the cap 2 in that the rib 20 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 on the top surface wall 4 side of each of the locking ridges 10 on both sides of the tab 12 in the cap 400. Is not formed, and one locking ridge 10 is formed in the area where the tab 12 is present on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6, and the skirt existing on the top wall 4 side of the locking ridge 10. That is, three ribs 20 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wall 6 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10 is formed substantially the same. Therefore, the top of each locking protrusion 10 is positioned on one inscribed circle (not shown). Since the cap 400 is configured as described above, when the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw 104 of the bottle 100, the locking ridge 10 existing in the region where the tab 12 exists is locked. Since the depth can be made smaller than the locking depth of each of the locking ridges 10 present in the other circumferential regions, the depth relative to the locked jaw 104 of the locking ridge 10 existing in the region where the tab 12 is present. The locking force is made weaker than the locking force of each locking ridge 10 present in the other circumferential region. Therefore, when a force is applied to the tab 12 by a finger in a direction away from the opening of the bottle 100 for opening, the locking ridge 10 in the region where the tab 12 is present first causes the locking jaw portion of the bottle 100 to be locked. It becomes easy to get over 104. As a result, opening is significantly facilitated. The locking force of each of the locking ridges 10 existing in the circumferential region other than the region where the tab 12 is present to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 is the locking protrusion existing in the region where the tab 12 is present. Since it is defined more strongly than the locking force of the strip 10, the entire locking force of the cap 2 with respect to the opening of the bottle 100 is held sufficiently reliably, and the sealing performance is sufficiently secured.
[0039]
FIG. 19 shows still another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention. The basic configuration of the cap 500 shown in FIG. 19 is substantially the same as the cap 2 shown in FIGS. The difference between the cap 500 and the cap 2 is that, in the cap 500, the locking protrusion 10 is formed over the entire area in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 except for the area where the tab 12 exists, and That is, three ribs 20 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 on the top surface wall 4 side of the locking ridge 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12. . The protruding amount of the locking ridge 10 is formed substantially the same. Therefore, the top of the locking protrusion 10 is positioned on one inscribed circle (not shown). Since the cap 500 is configured as described above, when the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100, the engagement of the locking ridge 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12. Since the stop depth is made smaller than the respective lock depths of the locking ridges 10 existing in the other circumferential regions, the locked jaw portions of the locking ridges 10 existing in the both side regions of the tab 12 are used. The locking force with respect to 104 is made weaker than the locking force of each locking ridge 10 existing in the other circumferential region. Therefore, when a force is applied to the tab 12 by a finger in a direction away from the opening of the bottle 100 for opening, the locking ridges 10 on both sides of the tab 12 first have the locking jaws of the bottle 100 locked. It becomes easy to get over the section 104. As a result, opening is significantly facilitated. Moreover, since the locking protrusions 10 are not formed in the region where the tabs 12 are present, the initial opening force is further reduced and the opening is further facilitated. The locking force of the locking protrusions 10 existing in the other circumferential regions other than the both side regions of the tab 12 with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 is the locking protrusion existing in the region where the tab 12 exists. Since it is defined more strongly than the locking force of the strip 10, the entire locking force of the cap 2 with respect to the opening of the bottle 100 is held sufficiently reliably, and the sealing performance is sufficiently secured.
[0040]
FIG. 20 shows still another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention. The basic configuration of the cap 600 shown in FIG. 20 is substantially the same as the cap 2 shown in FIGS. The difference between the cap 600 and the cap 2 is that the cap 600 has protrusions defined in the tab 12 existence region and the regions on both sides of the tab 12 that are smaller than the protrusion amounts of the locking protrusions 10 in the other circumferential regions. That is, a locking protrusion 11 having a large amount is formed. The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10 is formed substantially the same. In FIG. 20, a circle indicated by a two-dot chain line indicates an inscribed circle passing through the top of each of the other locking ridges 10 having a large protruding amount, and the locking ridges 11 existing in the tab 12 existence region. It will be understood that the tops of the locking ridges 11 present on both sides of the tab 12 are located radially outward from this inscribed circle. Since the cap 600 is configured as described above, when the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw 104 of the bottle 100, both sides of the locking ridge 11 and the tab 12 in the region where the tab 12 is present. Since the locking depth of the locking ridges 11 in the region is made smaller than the locking depths of the locking ridges 10 existing in the other circumferential regions, the locking ridges 11 in the region where the tab 12 is present. And the latching force with respect to the to-be-latched jaw part 104 of the latching protrusion 11 of the both sides area | region of the tab 12 is made weaker than each latching force of the latching protrusion 10 which exists in another circumferential direction area | region. Therefore, when a force is applied to the tab 12 in a direction away from the opening of the bottle 100 for opening, the locking protrusions 11 in the region where the tab 12 is present and the locking protrusions in both regions of the tab 12 are first applied. The strip 11 can easily get over the locked jaw 104 of the bottle 100. As a result, opening is significantly facilitated. The locking force of the locking protrusions 10 existing in the circumferential direction region other than the tab 12 existing region and the both side regions of the tab 12 with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 is as follows. 12 is defined stronger than the locking force of the locking protrusions 11 on both side regions, so that the entire locking force of the cap 600 with respect to the opening of the bottle 100 can be held sufficiently securely, and the sealing performance can be sufficiently secured. Is done. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion 11 is formed only in the region where the tab 12 exists (at least one) or only in the regions on both sides of the tab 12.
[0041]
21 and 22 show still another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed in accordance with the present invention. The basic configuration of the cap 700 shown in FIG. 21 is substantially the same as the cap 2 shown in FIGS. The difference between the cap 700 and the cap 2 is that, in the cap 700, there is an auxiliary protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 existing on the top wall 4 side of the locking protrusion 10 existing on both sides of the tab 12. 702 (which constitutes an auxiliary protrusion) is formed. The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10 is formed substantially the same. The shape of the auxiliary ridge 702 is substantially the same as that of the locking ridge 10, but the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary ridge 702 is defined to be smaller than the amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges 10. Since the cap 700 is configured as described above, when the locking ridge 10 is locked to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100, the cap 700 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 16 a of the thick portion 16 of the skirt wall 6. In addition, in the regions on both sides of the tab 12 where the auxiliary ridges 702 exist and the regions in the vicinity thereof, the tops of the auxiliary ridges 702 are brought into pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface 106 of the bottle 100. As a result, both sides of the tab 12 where the auxiliary ridges 702 exist are enlarged by the auxiliary ridges 702, and the two locking ridges 10 where the auxiliary ridges 702 exist are the jaws to be locked of the bottle 100. 104 is locked with a locking depth that is smaller (shallow) than the predetermined locking depth in the radial direction by the amount of protrusion of the auxiliary protrusion 702. Thereby, the locking force with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the locking ridge 10 on both sides of the tab 12 is made weaker than the locking force of each of the locking ridges 10 existing in the other circumferential regions. . Therefore, when a force is applied to the tab 12 by a finger in a direction away from the opening of the bottle 100 for opening, the locking ridges 10 on both sides of the tab 12 first have the locking jaws of the bottle 100 locked. It becomes easy to get over the section 104. As a result, opening is significantly facilitated. The locking force of each of the locking ridges 10 existing in the circumferential region other than the both side regions of the tab 12 with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the bottle 100 is such that the locking ridges 10 of the both sides of the tab 12 are locked. Therefore, the entire locking force of the cap 700 with respect to the opening of the bottle 100 is sufficiently securely held, and the sealing performance is sufficiently secured.
[0042]
The preferred embodiments of the synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and departs from the scope of the present invention. Various modifications or corrections are possible. For example, the present invention can be applied to any type of cap as long as it is a stopper-type synthetic resin cap (including a synthetic resin hinge cap). Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the rib 20, the latching protrusion 11, and the auxiliary protrusion 702 are shown as an auxiliary | assistant protrusion, although not shown as another embodiment, it is an axial direction and a circumferential direction There is also an auxiliary protrusion formed of a small-diameter portion extending in the direction and having a smaller inner peripheral surface than the inner peripheral surfaces 16 a and 32 a of the skirt wall 6. More specifically, in this auxiliary projection, the inner peripheral surface 16a of the skirt wall 6 is projected to an inscribed circle (not shown) passing through the top of each of the three ribs 20 in FIGS. It has such a shape. Needless to say, the small-diameter portion, the locking ridge 11, and the auxiliary ridge 702 described without being illustrated can also be applied to the cap 2, the cap 200, and the hinge cap 300. The small diameter portion applied to the hinge cap 300 is configured to extend in the axial direction and the circumferential direction and have an inner peripheral surface having a smaller diameter than the bottom of the annular locking recess 338. Furthermore, various combinations are possible for the present invention. For example, in the cap 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the cap 200 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the locking ridge 10 is also formed in the region where the tab 12 exists, and the locking ridge 10 on the top wall 4 side is formed. There is also an embodiment in which three ribs 20 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 (an embodiment in which the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and the configuration shown in FIG. 18 are combined). Therefore, the cap 2 and the cap 200 are formed in the region where the tab 12 is present on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6 when the locking protrusion 10 is locked to the locked jaw 104 of the bottle 100. The locking depth in the radial direction with respect to the locked jaw 104 of the locking ridge 10 present on both sides of the ridge 10 and / or the tab 12 is the locking ridge 10 present in the other circumferential region. It is comprised so that it may become less than the latching depth of. The means for reducing the locking depth of the locking protrusions 10 in the region where the tab 12 is present and / or the both sides of the tab 12 or the means for weakening the locking force with respect to the locked jaw 104 are other than the rib 20 described above. 21 may be the auxiliary locking ridge 702 shown in FIG. 21, or means for forming the locking ridge 11 having a small amount of protrusion without being provided with the rib 20 or the auxiliary locking ridge 702. It may be a small-diameter portion described above without being illustrated as described above, or a combination thereof.
[0043]
At least one rib 20 may be formed in association with one locking ridge 10. When the locking ridge 10 is formed in the region where the tab 12 is present, the locking ridge 10 may be at least one (usually one or two). Furthermore, the locking ridge 10 is formed over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall 6, and the locking ridge 10 existing in the region where the tab 12 exists and / or the locking ridge existing in both regions of the tab 12. There is also an embodiment in which the locking depth in the radial direction with respect to the locked jaw portion 104 of the strip 10 is configured to be smaller than the locking depth of the locking projection 10 existing in the other circumferential region. In this case, the presence of the tab 12 is used as a means for reducing the locking depth of the locking protrusions 10 in the tab 12 existing area and / or on both sides of the tab 12 or as a means for weakening the locking force on the locked jaw 104. An embodiment is also conceivable in which the protruding amount of the locking ridge 10 itself on both sides of the region and / or the tab 12 is reduced. This embodiment can be applied to other types of locking ridges 10, and can also be applied to the locking ridges 336 of the hinge cap 300. The range in the circumferential direction for reducing the protruding amount of the locking protrusion 10 itself can be set as appropriate. It should be noted that the means for reducing the locking depth of the locking ridge 10 in the tab 12 existence region and / or the both side regions of the tab 12 may be applied to at least a part of the locking ridge 10 in the circumferential direction. Good. For example, in FIG. 18, instead of the three ribs 20 arranged in relation to the locking ridges 10 in the region where the tabs 12 are present, one rib 20 is provided at the center in the circumferential direction of the locking ridges 10. When formed, the locking depth at the central portion in the circumferential direction of the locking ridge 10 is made smaller than that of the other locking ridges 10, but both end portions in the circumferential direction of the locking ridge 10. The above-mentioned locking depth may be the same as that of the other locking ridges 10 (particularly when the circumferential length of the locking ridges 10 in the region where the tab 12 is present is relatively long).
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the synthetic resin cap of the present invention, the container opening is firmly attached to the container opening so as to prevent the contents from leaking outside, and the container is manually opened from the container opening. Sometimes even a weak consumer can be removed from the container opening sufficiently easily. In addition, even if the consumer is weak, the initial opening force from the container opening by hand is sufficient to ensure sufficient sealing performance by sufficiently retaining the entire locking force to the container opening. It can be weakened so that it can be opened easily. Furthermore, the structure is simple and the molding is easy, so that it can be mass-produced at a low cost.
According to the synthetic resin hinge cap of the present invention, it is firmly attached while maintaining a sufficiently secure sealing state with respect to the main body so that the contents do not leak to the outside, and when the upper lid is manually opened from the main body, Even a weak consumer can open it easily enough. In addition, when the upper lid is manually opened from the main body while ensuring sufficient sealing performance by sufficiently retaining the entire locking force with respect to the main body, the force at the time of opening first is a consumer with weak power. Can be made weak enough to open sufficiently easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the cap shown in FIG. 1, with one side in the radial direction cut away from the axis.
3 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the end of the opening. FIG.
4 is an enlarged view of a part A in FIG. 3;
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4;
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5;
7 is a front view showing a state in which the cap shown in FIG.
8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a broken portion of FIG.
9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another broken part of FIG. 7 (cap is a broken part shown in FIG. 5).
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a synthetic resin cap constructed in accordance with the present invention.
11 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the opening end side.
12 is an enlarged view of a part D in FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a synthetic resin hinge cap constructed according to the present invention in a state where an upper lid thereof is opened.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG. 14;
16 is an enlarged view of a G part in FIG. 15;
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention as viewed from the open end side.
FIG. 19 is a bottom view of still another embodiment of the synthetic resin cap configured according to the present invention as viewed from the open end side.
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of still another embodiment of the synthetic resin cap constructed according to the present invention as viewed from the open end side.
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of still another embodiment of the synthetic resin cap configured according to the present invention as viewed from the open end side.
22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 21. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700 Synthetic resin cap
4 Top wall
6 Skirt wall
8 Seal protrusion
10, 11 Locking ridge
12 tabs
100 bottles
102 opening
104 Locked jaw
106 Outer peripheral surface of bottle opening
300 Synthetic resin hinge cap
304 body
306 Upper lid
324 Locked protrusion
336 Locking ridge
338 annular locking recess
342 ribs
702 Auxiliary protrusion

Claims

The top surface wall and a skirt wall extending downward from the periphery of the top surface wall, and the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is locked to a locked jaw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening In a synthetic resin cap in which a ridge is formed and a tab protruding radially outward is formed over a partial region in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface at the opening end of the skirt wall,
When the locking ridge is locked to the locked jaw, it is formed in a tab existing area corresponding to the partial area where the tab is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall. The locking protrusions and / or the locking protrusions present in both side regions of the tab, which are partial regions in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the tab existence region, in the radial direction with respect to the locked jaw portion The locking depth is configured to be less than the locking depth of the locking ridge present in the other circumferential region ,
The amount of protrusion of each of the locking ridges from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is the same, and the engagement ridges present in the tab existence area and / or the both sides of the tab are present. At least one auxiliary protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall existing on the top wall side of the stop protrusion, and the protrusion amount of the auxiliary protrusion is the amount of the protrusion of the locking protrusion. It is prescribed less than the protruding amount,
A synthetic resin cap.

A main body and an upper lid formed integrally with the main body through a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable. The main body is formed on a top wall, an annular outer mounting wall extending downward from the periphery of the top wall, and the top wall. An outer peripheral surface of an annular discharge guide wall that extends upward from the periphery of the planned opening portion , and an annular locking wall that extends upward from the outside of the discharge guide wall. A locking ridge formed over the entire circumference, and the upper lid is formed on the top surface wall, a skirt wall extending downward from the periphery of the top surface wall, and an inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall, and the cover of the main body. A locking ridge that is locked to the locking ridge, and an annular locking recess that is continuously formed on the top wall side of the locking ridge and fits into the locked ridge of the main body. A tab projecting outward in the radial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the skirt wall of the upper lid. A synthetic resin hinge cap formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer mounting wall of the main body and formed with a locking projection that is locked to a locking jaw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container opening In
When the locking ridge is locked to the locked ridge, a tab existing area corresponding to the partial area where the tab is formed is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall of the upper lid. The locking protrusions of the main body of the locking protrusions present on both side regions of the tab, which are the partial regions in the circumferential direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the locking protrusions and / or the tab existence region The locking depth in the radial direction with respect to the strip is configured to be smaller than the locking depth of the locking protrusion existing in the other circumferential region ,
The amount of protrusion of the locking ridge of the upper lid from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt wall is the same, and is present in the annular locking recess and / or on both sides of the tab. At least one auxiliary protrusion is formed in the annular locking recess, and the protrusion amount of the auxiliary protrusion is defined to be smaller than the protrusion amount of the locking protrusion.
A synthetic resin hinge cap.

The auxiliary protrusion consists ribs extending axially claim 1 Symbol placement synthetic resin cap or claim 2 plastic hinge cap according to.

The auxiliary protrusion has an auxiliary projection extending in the circumferential direction, according to claim 1 Symbol placement synthetic resin cap or claim 2 plastic hinge cap according to.