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WO2017174962A1 - Fermeture de récipient ayant un piston plongeur et un moyen d'introduction d'un additif dans un liquide du récipient - Google Patents

Fermeture de récipient ayant un piston plongeur et un moyen d'introduction d'un additif dans un liquide du récipient Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017174962A1
WO2017174962A1 PCT/GB2017/050871 GB2017050871W WO2017174962A1 WO 2017174962 A1 WO2017174962 A1 WO 2017174962A1 GB 2017050871 W GB2017050871 W GB 2017050871W WO 2017174962 A1 WO2017174962 A1 WO 2017174962A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plunger
cap member
aperture
closure device
fluid chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2017/050871
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2017174962A8 (fr
Inventor
Bernard D Frutin
Jordan MAGUIRE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gizmo Packaging Ltd
Original Assignee
Gizmo Packaging Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1608331.3A external-priority patent/GB201608331D0/en
Application filed by Gizmo Packaging Ltd filed Critical Gizmo Packaging Ltd
Priority to GB1816981.3A priority Critical patent/GB2565454B/en
Publication of WO2017174962A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017174962A1/fr
Publication of WO2017174962A8 publication Critical patent/WO2017174962A8/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2857—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2892—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it the element, e.g. a valve, opening an aperture of the auxiliary container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials

Definitions

  • CONTAINER CLOSURE HAVING PLUNGER AND MEANS FOR INTRODUCING AN ADDITIVE INTO A LIQUID IN THE CONTAINER
  • the present invention relates to a closure device for use with a container such as a beverage container which can fire a pressurised additive liquid into a liquid in the container by operation of the closure device, and which allows a user to access the mixed liquid and liquid additive, for example drinking a mixed beverage, without removal of the closure device.
  • the invention also relates to a container including such a closure device and to a method of introducing an additive liquid by means of operating such a closure device.
  • beverage when used in this specification includes any liquid, whether or not provided for drinking purposes, which may be mixed with an additive liquid, and is not limited to potable beverages.
  • a closure device for use with a beverage container which can release an additive liquid into the beverage by operation of the closure device, and which allows a user to drink the beverage without removal of the closure device, is known from the prior art.
  • International Patent Application WO2008/023197 discloses a closure device comprising a cap member defining a fluid chamber and a plug member which sealingly engages an aperture in the bottom of the fluid chamber and also sealingly engages a spout aperture at the top of the fluid chamber.
  • the cap member is raised relative to the plug member by unscrewing the cap member, from a closed position in which the plug member closes both the bottom aperture and the spout aperture, through a first open position in which the plug member still closes the spout aperture but is withdrawn from the bottom aperture to allow pressurised fluid to flow from the fluid chamber to the beverage, to a second open position in which both the bottom
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 aperture and the spout aperture are open, allowing the beverage to flow through the cap member.
  • the known device has the disadvantage that it is relatively complex to manufacture, requiring separate housing and cap members.
  • the chamber must be formed from two parts, including a separate bottom wall member, which must be joined to the chamber side wall with a pressure resistant seal, and so is complicated and expensive to make.
  • the closure has a larger diameter than conventional closures, since it must accommodate a housing flange between the external thread of the bottle neck and the internal thread of the outer cap wall.
  • the closure must be at least partially unscrewed before the beverage can be accessed, in contrast to conventional sports cap beverage containers, so that the method of operation is not obvious to new users. It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art.
  • a closure device for use with a container having a main liquid compartment and an opening with a container neck, the closure device comprising:
  • a cap member adapted to be secured to the opening of the container, a plug member fixed relative to the cap member and having a nozzle, a pressurised fluid chamber slidably mounted relative to the plug member and having a bottom aperture sealingly engageable by the plug member,
  • the plug member is arranged to provide a fluid communication path from the fluid chamber through the nozzle of the plug member.
  • a first sealing portion of the plug member closes the aperture in the cap member.
  • a second sealing portion of the plug member closes the aperture in the cap member .
  • the fluid chamber is located inside the cap member.
  • the fluid chamber contains an additive liquid and a pressurised propellant.
  • the additive liquid is then urged through the nozzle under pressure into the container where it is mixed with the liquid or beverage in the container as a result of being ejected through the nozzle under pressure.
  • the nozzle may be provided at the lower end of the plug member, opposite the fluid chamber.
  • the plug member may include an internal nozzle passage extending axially upwards in the plug member from the nozzle.
  • the plug member may include a transverse internal passage extending to the lateral exterior surface of the plug member and in communication with the internal nozzle passage. In the closed position the transverse internal passage may be closed by the bottom aperture of the fluid chamber.
  • the transverse internal passage may be located above the bottom aperture of the fluid chamber, such that the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the transverse internal passage and the nozzle.
  • the plug member may include a longitudinal internal passage extending to the upper exterior surface of the plug member and in communication with the internal nozzle passage.
  • the longitudinal internal passage may be closed by a projecting plug fixed relative to the fluid chamber.
  • the projecting plug In the firing position the projecting plug may be spaced from the upper exterior surface of the plug member, such that the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the longitudinal internal passage and the nozzle.
  • the plug member may include sealing means to provide a seal between the lateral external surface of the plug member and the aperture of the fluid chamber.
  • the sealing means may be a coating of an elastomeric material, such as a soft plastic.
  • the closure device may further comprise a housing supporting the plug member.
  • the housing may be fixed to the underside of the cap member.
  • the housing may include an upper cylindrical portion adapted to fit inside a neck of the container.
  • the housing may include a plurality of leg members extending from the upper cylindrical portion to the plug portion.
  • the leg members may be spaced from each other to allow fluid flow between the leg members.
  • the leg members may be arranged to at least partially surround the fluid chamber so as to guide the fluid chamber while the fluid chamber moves from the closed position to the firing position.
  • the fluid chamber may be a single moulded article.
  • the fluid chamber may be moulded from PET or other suitable plastic material.
  • the cap member may include an outer cap wall provided with internal threads adapted to engage with external threads on the neck of the container.
  • the fluid chamber may contain an additive liquid and a pressurised propellant gas.
  • the closure device further comprises a spout fixed to the cap member, wherein the plunger extends from the interior of the cap member through the aperture in the cap member into the spout, and wherein the plunger has first and second sealing portions arranged to seal the aperture in the cap member and a neck portion between the first and second sealing portions arranged to at least partially open the aperture in the cap member.
  • the plunger is further movable relative to the cap member and plug member,
  • the plunger can thus be operated by pushing the plunger down to the firing position to introduce the additive liquid to the beverage in the container, and then partially retracting the plunger to allow a user to access the beverage through the aperture in the cap member and the spout.
  • the spout may comprise a cylindrical spout wall extending from the upper surface of the cap member and surrounding the spout aperture.
  • the plunger may include a spout cover fixed to the upper end of the plunger.
  • the spout cover may include a cylindrical spout cover wall adapted to surround the spout wall.
  • the spout cover may include at least one cover aperture adapted to provide a communication path through the spout cover.
  • the interior surface of the spout cover wall may be provided with one or more engagement portions adapted to engage with one or more engagement portions on the exterior surface of the spout wall.
  • the engagement portions may be
  • the closure device further comprises a spout fixed to the cap member, wherein the plunger is arranged to extend through the aperture in the cap member, and wherein the plunger is slidably arranged with respect to the aperture such that the plunger can move downwards from the closed position in which the plunger abuts the fluid chamber to the firing position in which the plunger abuts the fluid chamber, and such that the plunger can move upwards from the firing position in which the plunger abuts the fluid chamber to a raised dispensing position in which the fluid chamber remains in the firing position and the plunger is spaced from the fluid chamber and is lifted clear of the aperture in the cap member.
  • the plunger can thus be operated by pushing the plunger down from an intermediate closed position to the firing position to introduce the additive liquid to the beverage in the container, and then retracting the plunger beyond the intermediate closed position to the raised dispensing position to allow a user to access the beverage through the aperture in the cap member and the spout.
  • the spout may comprise a cylindrical spout wall extending from the upper surface of the cap member and surrounding the aperture in the cap member.
  • the plunger may include a spout cover fixed to the upper end of the plunger.
  • the spout cover may include a cylindrical spout cover wall adapted to surround the spout wall.
  • the spout cover may include at least one cover aperture adapted to provide a communication path through the spout cover.
  • the interior surface of the spout cover wall may be provided with one or more engagement portions adapted to engage with one or more engagement portions on the exterior surface of the spout wall.
  • the engagement portions may be
  • circumferential ribs and/or grooves or other suitable engagement means which provide resistance to movement of the plunger from one of the closed position, firing position and raised dispensing position to another of the closed position, firing position and raised dispensing position.
  • the plunger extends through the aperture in the cap member to a plunger head which at least partially surrounds the cap member, wherein the plunger head is provided with guide means allowing relative axial movement of the plunger head and the cap member and preventing relative axial rotation of the plunger head and the cap member.
  • This allows the plunger head to be depressed to move the fluid chamber relative to the plug member and cause an additive liquid in the fluid chamber to be ejected through the nozzle by operation of the plunger, and thereafter allowing the cap member to be removed by unscrewing by twisting the plunger head.
  • the cap member may have a cylindrical upstand wall extending from the upper surface of the cap member and surrounding the aperture in the cap member.
  • the plunger head may include a cylindrical plunger head wall adapted to surround the upstand spout wall.
  • the interior surface of the plunger head wall may be provided with one or more engagement portions adapted to engage with one or more engagement portions on the exterior surface of the upstand wall.
  • the engagement portions may be circumferential ribs and/or grooves or other suitable engagement means, which provide resistance to movement of the plunger from the closed position the firing position.
  • the closure device further comprises a nozzle cap which at least partially surrounds the cap member, and the plunger extends through the aperture in the cap member and engages at its upper end with the nozzle cap, wherein the nozzle cap is provided with an internal thread which engages with an external thread on the cap member allowing the nozzle cap to be lowered relative to the cap member by relative rotation of the nozzle cap and cap member.
  • the plunger includes a sealing portion at its lower end adapted to seal the aperture in the cap member in the closed position.
  • the plunger includes a stem portion above the sealing portion, the stem portion having a smaller cross-sectional area than the sealing portion so that when the plunger is in the firing position the stem portion is located within the aperture of the cap member and a flow path exists between stem portion and the aperture in the cap member.
  • the cap member may have a cylindrical upstand wall extending from the upper surface of the cap member and surrounding the aperture in the cap member.
  • the nozzle cap may include a cylindrical seal wall adapted to seal with the cylindrical upstand wall to provide a telescopically variable volume for liquid dispensed through the nozzle cap from the aperture in the cap member.
  • the nozzle cap may include a conical nozzle portion at its upper end.
  • the plunger may include an abutment portion above the stem portion adapted to abut against an internal surface of the nozzle cap.
  • the plunger may comprise a hollow tube.
  • the hollow tube may comprise wall apertures in the wall of the hollow tube at its lower end, below the sealing portion.
  • pressurised liquid after firing of the additive liquid in the fluid chamber into liquid in a container, to pass from the container, around the fluid chamber, through the wall apertures and along the hollow tube to a nozzle portion of the nozzle cap.
  • a container having a container neck and an opening, wherein the container contains a liquid, and wherein a closure device according to the first aspect of the present invention is secured to the container neck to close the container.
  • a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of introducing an additive liquid into a container having a closure device according to the first aspect of the present invention secured to a container neck of the container, wherein the container contains a liquid, the method comprising:
  • the liquid in the container may be a beverage or a chemical or pharmaceutical composition.
  • the liquid may be of any viscosity, for example a gel.
  • the mixing step may be effected through ejection of the additive liquid through the nozzle at a sufficient velocity under pressure of the pressurised propellant in the fluid chamber.
  • the method may include the further step of raising the plunger to move the plunger from the firing position to an intermediate dispensing position between the closed position and the firing position in which the neck portion is located in the aperture in the cap member to provide a fluid communication path through the aperture in the cap member.
  • the second sealing portion closes the aperture in the cap member.
  • the method may include the further step of raising the plunger to move the plunger from the firing position to a raised dispensing position above the closed position in which the plunger is above the aperture in the cap member to provide a fluid communication path through the aperture in the cap member.
  • the method may include the further step of urging the mixed beverage and additive liquid from the container through the spout.
  • the step of moving the plunger from the closed position to the firing position may be effected by depressing the plunger.
  • the step of depressing the plunger may be effected by depressing a spout cover or a plunger head fixed to the upper end of the plunger.
  • the step of raising the plunger may be effected by raising the spout cover.
  • the method may include the further step of depressing the plunger to a further closed position in which the second sealing portion closes the aperture in the cap member.
  • the step of depressing the plunger may be effected by screwing the nozzle cap down onto the cap member.
  • the method may include the further step of dispensing the mixed liquid through a nozzle of the nozzle cap.
  • the step of dispensing the mixed liquid may be effected by squeezing the container to urge mixed liquid through the aperture in the cap member around the stem portion of the plunger.
  • the step of dispensing the mixed liquid may be effected by squeezing the container to urge mixed liquid through the wall apertures in the hollow tube of the plunger and along the hollow tube of the plunger.
  • the mixed liquid may be a chemical or pharmaceutical preparation, for example a hair dye.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective cut-away view of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present invention secured to a container when the closure device is in a closed position;
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure device of Fig. ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective cut-away view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in a firing position
  • Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure device of Fig 1 in the firing position
  • Fig. 5 shows a perspective cut-away view of the closure device of Fig.1 in an intermediate dispensing position
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the intermediate dispensing position
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the closed position
  • Fig. 8 shows a side view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the closed position
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the firing position
  • Fig. 10 shows a side view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the firing position
  • Fig. 1 1 shows a perspective view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the intermediate dispensing position
  • Fig. 12 shows a side view of the closure device of Fig. 1 in the intermediate dispensing position
  • Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure device according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure device with a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a closure device with a nozzle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • a closure device 10 in a closed position.
  • the closure device 10 is depicted connected to the upper part of a container 34 that contains a fluid.
  • the container depicted has a neck 38.
  • the container 34 may be, for example, a PET bottle.
  • the container 34 may hold a variety of liquids such as water, or a pharmaceutical or glucose solution.
  • the liquid may be for consumption, but may instead be a chemical composition for other use, such as cleaning, healthcare, hair dye application, painting or household maintenance.
  • the liquid held in the container 34 will hereinafter be referred to as the beverage.
  • the closure device 10 includes a spout 12 and a cap member 36.
  • the closure device 10 closes an opening 40 in the neck 38 and is attached to the container 34 by the cap member 36.
  • the cap member 36 is detachably attached to the container neck 38 by a threaded arrangement.
  • the threaded arrangement comprises an internal thread 42 located on an outer surface of the container neck 38 that engages with an external thread 46 located on an inner surface of the cap member 36.
  • All of the aforementioned components may be formed of polypropylene.
  • the fluid chamber 60 may contain an additive pressured fluid.
  • the additive fluid held in fluid chamber 60 may be of significantly greater pressure than the beverage held in the container 34.
  • the fluid chamber 60 is enclosed by a fluid chamber wall 62.
  • the fluid chamber 60 may be formed using plastic injection moulding and may be formed of PET or any other suitable plastic.
  • the fluid chamber 60 is supported by a housing 54 that extends upwards from the bottom of the container neck 38.
  • the housing 54 includes a cylindrical housing wall 56 that extends upwards and substantially parallel to the container neck 38.
  • the top of the housing wall 56 extends over the top of the container neck 38 to form a housing flange 58.
  • the housing flange 58 may be fixed to the underside of the cap member 36.
  • the housing flange 58 and cap member 36 may have a joint formed between them.
  • the joint may be moulded, welded or clipped. If the joint is clipped, the joint may include a seal, as to hermetically seal the joints.
  • the housing 54 may further comprise leg members that extend from the cylindrical wall 56 to a plug member 64. Both the housing 54 and the plug member 64 may be formed by injection moulding or another suitable method. The housing 54 must allow for the fluid communication of fluid through it from the container 34 to the cap member aperture 37, so the legs must be spaced apart.
  • the housing 54 may further include an upper cylindrical portion that is adapted to be fixed to the inside of the container neck 38.
  • the plug member 64 of the housing is a cylindrical member which extends upwards from the base of the housing 54 and is adapted to engage sealingly with an aperture 66 in the fluid chamber 60.
  • the leg members extend from the plug member 64 to the upper cylindrical portion of the housing 54.
  • the plug member 64 includes a lateral passage 70 that extends between the outer walls of the plug member 64.
  • the plug member 64 further includes a longitudinal internal nozzle passage 72 that extends downwards from the lateral passage 70 to a nozzle 74.
  • the plug member 64 has a coating 78 of formed of a resilient, soft plastic or rubber material such as mouldable thermo plastic elastomer or nitrile rubber, which acts to form a seal between the plug member 64 and the aperture 66 in the fluid chamber 60.
  • the closure device 10 may include anti-tamper means 76 to prevent rotation of the cap member 36 relative to the container neck 38 and vertical lifting of the cap member 36.
  • the anti-tamper means 76 extends circumferentially around the exterior of the container neck 38.
  • the anti-tamper means 76 includes an anti-tamper flange that is held beneath a detent 52 formed on the container neck 38. If sufficient rotational force is applied by the user of the closure device 10 to the cap member 36, the anti-tamper means 76 dissociates from the cap member 36, meaning that the cap member 36 can be freely rotated and detached by the user.
  • the spout 12 of the closure device 10 extends upwards from the upper surface of the cap member 36. Both the spout 12 and the cap member 36 may be formed by injection moulding, or another suitable method.
  • the spout 12 includes a cylindrical spout wall 20 extending upwards from the upper surface of the cap member 36 that encloses a spout chamber 30.
  • the cylindrical spout wall 20 includes positioning means comprising first
  • engagement portions that comprise first, second and third spout wall ribs 24, 26, 28 that are provided on its outer surface.
  • the spout wall ribs 24, 26, 28 extend circumferentially around the outer surface of the spout wall 20.
  • the closure device 10 also includes a spout cover 16, which includes a spout cover cylindrical wall 22.
  • the spout cover 16 has one or more spout cover apertures 32 that allows for the fluid communication of fluid.
  • the spout cover cylindrical wall 22 includes corresponding positioning means comprising second engagement portions that comprise first, second and third spout cover ribs 23, 25, 27.
  • the spout cover ribs 23, 25, 27 are provided on the inner surface of the spout cover cylindrical wall 22 and extend circumferentially around the inner surface of the spout cover cylindrical wall 22.
  • the spout cover ribs 23, 25, 27 are adapted to engage with the spout wall ribs 24, 26, 28, to provide positive positioning of the spout cover 16 relative to the spout 12 when the spout cover 16 is lifted from a firing position to an intermediate dispensing position, as will be described later.
  • the purpose of the positioning means is to provide a positive fit between the spout cover 16 and the spout 12 over which the spout cover 16 fits and slides.
  • the positioning means holds the spout cover 16 in the first closed position (Figs. 1 and 2) until sufficient force is exerted downwardly to move the spout cover 16 to the firing position (Figs. 3 and 4).
  • the positioning means can then lightly hold the spout cover 16 in the firing position until sufficient force is exerted upwardly to move the spout cover 16 to the intermediate dispensing position (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the positioning means provides a resistance to moving the spout cover upwardly beyond the intermediate dispensing position.
  • the positioning means allows a user to move the spout cover downwardly again against a small resistance force to the firing position, or a position close to the firing position, in which the cap member aperture is sealed closed by the plunger.
  • the positioning means are
  • the spout cover cylindrical wall 22 is adapted to slide up and down along the cylindrical spout wall 20. The furthest extent of the motion upwards is when the first spout wall rib 24 abuts the third spout cover rib 27. The furthest extent of the motion downwards is when the third spout wall rib 24 abuts the third spout cover rib 27, and the spout cover 16 abuts the upper surface of the cap member 36.
  • a plunger 14 is attached to the spout cover 16.
  • the plunger 14 extends downwards from spout cover 16 through a cap member aperture 37 in the cap member 36 to the upper surface of the fluid chamber 60.
  • the plunger 14 is capable of moving downwards until the spout cover cylindrical wall 22 abuts the upper surface of the cap member 36.
  • the plunger 14 further comprises first and second sealing portions 15a, 15b of a larger diameter.
  • the first and second sealing portions 15a, 15b are separated by a plunger neck portion 16 of a smaller diameter.
  • the first sealing portion 15a is located above the second sealing portion 15b.
  • the first and second sealing portions 15a, 15b are adapted to seal the cap member aperture 37, such that fluid communication from the container 34 to the spout 12 is prevented.
  • Spout apertures 32 are provided in the spout cover 16.
  • the portion of the upper surface of the spout cover 16 from which plunger 14 extends is connected to the remainder of the upper surface of the spout cover 16 by two connecting portions 33.
  • the connecting portions 33 separate apertures 32 when the spout cover is viewed in plan.
  • the spout cover 16 has two apertures 32 separated by connecting portions 33.
  • any suitable number, shape or arrangement of apertures 32 and connecting portions 33 may be utilised.
  • the mechanical operation of the closure device 10 allows the user to mix the additive liquid and the beverage, and to drink a mixed fluid formed of the two.
  • the user must first depress the plunger 14 of the closure device 10 from the closed position to the firing position.
  • the closed position as depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, the spout cover 16 and the plunger 14 are raised to their fullest extent above the cap member 36, and the second sealing portion 15b seals the cap member aperture 37.
  • the third spout cover rib 27 is positively positioned such that it abuts the first spout cover rib 23.
  • the plug member coating 78 seals between the plug member 64 and the aperture 66 in the fluid chamber 60, preventing the fluid communication of the pressurized additive fluid held in the fluid chamber 60 into the container 34.
  • FIG. 7 and 8 A perspective and side view of the container 34 and closure device 10 in the closed position is shown in Figs. 7 and 8 respectively.
  • the closure device 10 can move, by the action of the plunger 14, from the closed position to the firing position, illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 9 and 10.
  • the plunger 14 is depressed downwards through the cap member aperture 37 such that the base of the plunger 14 urges the fluid chamber 60 downwards.
  • the spout cover wall 22 slides down the cylindrical spout wall 20 such that the base of the spout cover wall 16 abuts the upper surface of the cap member 36, and the first, second and third spout cover ribs 23, 25, 27 abut the first, second and third cylindrical spout wall ribs 24, 26, 28.
  • the motion of the plunger 14 against the upper surface of the fluid chamber 60 forces the fluid chamber downwards longitudinally and away from the cap member 36.
  • the movement of the fluid chamber 60 downwards dissociates the seal formed by the plug member coating 78 between the fluid chamber 60 and the aperture 66.
  • the first sealing portion 15a prevents fluid escaping from the interior of the container 34 upwards through the cap member aperture 37.
  • the user can depress the plunger 14 by applying a force to the spout cover 16, as the plunger is connected to the spout cover 16.
  • the fluid chamber 60 contains an additive liquid and a propellant fluid, for example a gas such as nitrogen, typically at a greater pressure than the pressure of the beverage held in the container 34.
  • the propellant urges the additive liquid out of the nozzle 74.
  • FIG. 9 A perspective and side view of the container 34 and closure device 10 in the firing position is shown in Figs. 9 and 10 respectively.
  • the pressure difference between the additive liquid and the beverage held in the container is so great, the velocity of the additive liquid as is enters the container through the longitudinal nozzle passage 72 is sufficient to mix the two fluids.
  • the closure device must move from the firing position to the intermediate dispensing position, as depicted in Figs. 5 and 6. To achieve this, the plunger 14 is raised upwards from the firing position. As the plunger 14 is moved into position, the third spout cover rib 27 slides up the cylindrical spout wall 22 until the third spout cover rib 27 abuts the second spout wall rib 26.
  • the ribs 26, 27 serve as a positioning means, to assist the user in recognising when the plunger 14 and spout cover 16 have been raised sufficiently to open the cap member aperture 37.
  • the plunger neck portion 28 is located in the cap member aperture 37. There is a clearance between the neck portion 28 and the aperture 37, so the mixed fluid can flow around the fluid chamber 60, through the cap member aperture 27, into the spout 12 and out of the spout apertures 32. In this way the user of the closure device may drink the mixed fluid from the spout 12.
  • the user can grip the outer surface of the spout cover cylindrical wall 22, and then urge the spout cover cylindrical wall 22 upwards, as the spout cover 16 is connected to the plunger 14.
  • the action is made easier for the user as the spout cover 16 extends further laterally than the spout cover cylindrical wall 22. This provides a good grip for the user.
  • FIG. 11 and 12 A perspective and side view of the container 34 and closure device 10 in the intermediate dispensing position is shown in Figs. 11 and 12 respectively.
  • the user When the user wishes to close the spout, the user simply depresses the spout cover 16 again, to move the plunger 14 back to the firing position of Figs. 3 and 4, in which the first plunger sealing portion 15a again seals the cap member aperture 37, effectively sealing closed the container 34.
  • the user simply lifts the spout cover 16 back to the intermediate dispensing position of Figs. 5 and 6.
  • the closure device may be provided with a conventional overcap (not illustrated) which fits over the spout 12 and spout cover 16.
  • the overcap is removably attached to the cap member 36 in a known manner. The overcap prevents operation of the plunger 14 before removal of the overcap. If sufficient rotational force is applied to the overcap by the user, the overcap can be removed from the closure.
  • overcap Once the overcap is removed, the mechanical operation of the closure is permitted.
  • the overcap prevents movement of the spout cover and thus unintentional firing of the closure before it is used by the user. Without the overcap it is possible that unintentional firing of the closure may occur, for example, during transportation of the closure.
  • FIG. 13 With reference to Fig. 13 there is shown a closure device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the closure device 100 is depicted in the closed position.
  • the housing 154, fluid chamber 160 and plug member 164 are identical to those described in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 12, and are not described further.
  • the closure device 100 includes a plunger head 102.
  • the plunger head 102 comprises a head portion 105 and a wall portion 106.
  • the head portion 105 extends laterally and to a greater extent than the cap member 136.
  • the wall portion 106 extends downwards longitudinally from the lateral edge of the head portion 106.
  • the closure 100 also includes a generally cylindrical upstand wall 1 12 that projects upwards from the upper surface of the cap member 136.
  • the plunger head 102 also includes a generally cylindrical plunger head wall 1 14 that projects downwards from the head portion 105.
  • the plunger head wall 1 14 has an internal diameter which is marginally greater than an external diameter of the upstand wall 112. Consequently an internal wall of the plunger head wall 114 engages an external wall of the upstand wall 112 such that the plunger head wall 1 14 can slide up and down the upstand wall 1 12.
  • the upstand 112 includes on its exterior circumferential wall ribs 1 15 that positively engage with head wall ribs 117 located on the interior of the plunger head wall 1 14.
  • the plunger head 102 When the closure device 100 is in the closed position, the plunger head 102 is prevented from descending and rotating relative to the cap member 136 by an anti- tamper band 108.
  • the anti-tamper band 108 is held against the outer edge of cap member 136, and is attached to the plunger head 102 at the longitudinal edge of the wall portion 106 distal from the head portion 105.
  • the anti-tamper band 108 is depicted schematically in Fig. 13.
  • the plunger head 102 also includes longitudinal plunger head ribs 104.
  • the plunger head ribs 104 are located on the internal surface of the head portion 105 that abuts the cap member 136.
  • the plunger head ribs 104 are adapted to engage with corresponding longitudinal cap member grooves (not shown) located on the outer surface of the cap member 136.
  • the closure device 102 includes a plunger 116.
  • the plunger 1 16 does not include a neck portion.
  • the plunger 1 16 has substantially the same lateral diameter along its longitudinal length.
  • the user To allow the user of the closure device 100 to put the closure device 100 in the firing position, the user must remove the anti-tamper band 108 from the outer surface of the cap member 136.
  • the plunger head 102 is dissociated from the anti-tamper band 108, if a downwards force is applied to the plunger head 102, the plunger 116 is depressed downwards causing the closure device 100 to move into the previously described firing position.
  • the pressurized fluid held in the fluid chamber 160 mixes with the beverage held in the container 134 to form a mixed fluid.
  • the user in order for the user to drink the mixed fluid, the user must remove the closure device 100 from the opening in the neck 140. As the plunger head 102 is prevented from rotating relative to the cap member 136 by the engagement of the plunger head ribs 104 and the cap member grooves (not shown), any torque that is applied to the plunger head 102 is transferred to the cap member 136.
  • FIG. 14 With reference to Fig. 14 there is shown a closure device 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the closure device 200 is depicted in the closed position.
  • the housing 254, fluid chamber 260 and plug member 264 are identical to those described in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 12, and are not described further.
  • the plunger 214 in the closed position the plunger 214 extends through the spout 212 and through the aperture 237 in the cap member 236 to abut the fluid chamber 260.
  • the plunger 214 is slidably arranged with respect to the aperture 237 such that the plunger 214 can move downwards from the closed position, pushing the fluid chamber 260 with it to the firing position, in which the plunger 214 remains in contact with the fluid chamber 260.
  • the plunger 214 can move upwards to a raised dispensing position, in which the fluid chamber 260 remains in the firing position and the plunger 214 is lifted clear of the aperture 237 in the cap member 236.
  • the spout 212 comprises a cylindrical spout wall 220 extending from the upper surface of the cap member 236.
  • the plunger includes a spout cover 216 fixed to the upper end of the plunger 214.
  • the spout cover 216 includes a cylindrical spout cover wall 222 which surrounds the spout wall 220.
  • the interior surface of the spout cover wall 222 is provided with a number of ribs 227 or other suitable engagement means adapted to engage with the ribs 224 or other suitable engagement means provided on the exterior surface of the spout wall 220. Any suitable engagement means may be used, to provide resistance to movement of the plunger from one of the closed position, firing position and raised dispensing position to another of the closed position, firing position and raised dispensing position.
  • the spout cover 216 and the plunger 214 are held by the ribs 224, 227 in an intermediate closed position.
  • a user pushes the spout cover 216 until the spout cover 216 and the plunger 214 reach the firing position.
  • the same or different ribs 224, 227 can hold the spout cover 216 and the plunger 214 in this firing position.
  • the user lifts the spout cover 216 to retract the plunger 214 beyond the intermediate closed position to a raised dispensing position, in which the plunger 214 is removed from the aperture 237 in the cap member 236.
  • the user simply pushes the spout cover 216 down so that the spout cover 216 and the plunger 214 are again held by the ribs 224, 227 in the intermediate closed position. Even if the spout cover 216 is pushed further down to the firing position, the plunger 214 remains in the aperture 237 to close the cap.
  • the lower end 215 of the plunger 214 is tapered to permit easy re-entry of the plunger 214 into the aperture 237 of the cap member 236.
  • FIG. 15 there is shown a closure device 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the closure device 300 is depicted in the closed position.
  • the housing 354, fluid chamber 360 and plug member 364 are identical to those described in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 12, and are not described further.
  • the closure device includes a nozzle cap 302 which fits onto the cap member 336.
  • the plunger 314 extends through the aperture 337 in the cap member 336 and engages at its upper end 315 with the interior of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the upper end 315 is shaped to conform to the interior conical surface of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the nozzle cap 302 is provided with an internal thread 370 on a cylindrical wall portion 372 of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the cap member 336 has a corresponding external thread 374 on a cylindrical wall 376 of the cap member.
  • the internal thread 370 engages with the external thread 374, allowing the nozzle cap 302 to be lowered or raised relative to the cap member 336 by screwing the nozzle cap 302 clockwise down or anti-clockwise up.
  • An anti-tamper band (not shown) can be provided to prevent the nozzle cap being rotated until it is required to use the closure device to fire the contents of the fluid chamber 350 into the container 34.
  • the plunger 314 is depressed by screwing the nozzle cap 302 down onto the cap member 336, thereby moving the plunger 314 and fluid chamber 360 relative to the plug member 364 from the closed position (as shown in Fig. 15) to the firing position and causing an additive liquid in the fluid chamber 350 to be ejected through the nozzle 72.
  • the plunger includes a sealing portion 380 at its lower end adapted to seal the aperture 337 in the cap member 336 in the closed position.
  • the sealing portion 380 is a circular cylindrical portion which engages in a sealing fit in the aperture 337.
  • the plunger 314 has a stem portion 382 extending above the sealing portion 380.
  • the stem portion 382 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the sealing portion 380 so that when the plunger is lowered to the firing position the stem portion 382 is located within the aperture 337 of the cap member 336, thereby creating a flow path between the stem portion 382 and the aperture 337.
  • the stem portion 382 has a cruciform cross section whose external dimensions are the same as the circular cross section of the sealing portion 380, so that the stem portion 382 is guided by the aperture 337 and does not move transversely with respect to the aperture 337.
  • the cap member 336 has a cylindrical upstand wall 384 extending from the upper surface 386 of the cap member 336 and surrounding the aperture 337 in the cap member 386.
  • the nozzle cap 302 has a cylindrical seal wall 386 which extends downwards from the interior surface of a conical nozzle portion 388 of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the seal wall 386 is adapted to seal with the cylindrical upstand wall 384 to provide a telescopically variable volume for liquid dispensed through the nozzle cap 302 from the aperture 337 in the cap member when the nozzle cap 302 is in the firing position.
  • At the top end 315 of the plunger 314 is an abutment portion 390, above the stem portion 382, which in use abuts against an internal surface abutment surface 392 of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the conical nozzle portion 388 can be cut as appropriate, to form the required nozzle diameter, and the container 34 is squeezed to urge mixed liquid out of the container 34 and through the nozzle cap 302.
  • the plunger 314' comprises a hollow tube 400.
  • the hollow tube 400 is provided with a closed lower end 402 in a sealing portion 404, and it has wall apertures 406 in the wall of the hollow tube at its above the sealing portion 404. In the closed position the sealing portion 404 seals the aperture 337 closed.
  • the plunger 314' and fluid chamber 360 are urged down to the firing position. This allows pressurised liquid, after firing of the additive liquid in the fluid chamber 360 into liquid in the container 34, to pass from the container 34, around the fluid chamber 360, through the wall apertures 406 and along the hollow tube 400 to the conical nozzle portion 388 of the nozzle cap 302.
  • the fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15, and is not further described. If there is no requirement to seal the aperture 337 closed in the closed position, the closed end 402 can be omitted and the apertures 406 can be provided at the lower end of the hollow tube 400.
  • the mixed liquid may be a chemical or pharmaceutical preparation, for example a hair dye, or any other two component liquid mixture where it is required to store the two components separately and only mix them at the time of use.
  • the present invention allows a simplified manufacturing process.
  • the spout embodiment of the closure comprises only four separate components, each of which can be manufactured simply: the fluid chamber 60, which does not have to be physically bonded to any other component; the housing 54, which includes the plug member 64; the cap member 36, which includes the spout 10; and the spout cover 16, which includes the plunger 14.
  • the fluid chamber 60 of the closure device of the present invention is formed as a single part, the fluid chamber can be manufactured using a simple moulding process such as injection blow moulding using PET or other low cost impervious material.
  • the closure device of the present invention does not require a housing flange between the external thread of the bottle neck and the internal thread of an outer cap wall, the closure device of the present invention is no wider than a conventional closure.
  • the spout embodiment of the closure device of the present invention utilises a spout wall, spout cover and plunger mechanism, the mixed beverage can be easily accessed by the user. This means the closure device does not need to be unscrewed to access the mixed beverage.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de fermeture (10, 100, 200, 300) à utiliser avec un récipient (34) ayant un compartiment de liquide principal et une ouverture (40) avec un goulot de récipient (38) comprenant un élément capuchon (36) apte à être fixé sur l'ouverture (40) du récipient, un élément obturateur (64) fixé par rapport à l'élément capuchon (36) et ayant une buse (74), une chambre de fluide sous pression (60) à l'intérieur de l'élément capuchon (36) et un piston plongeur (14). La chambre de fluide (60) est montée coulissante par rapport à l'élément obturateur (64) et présente un orifice inférieur (66) pouvant être mis en prise de façon étanche par l'élément obturateur (64). Le piston plongeur (14) vient en butée contre la chambre de fluide (60) et s'étend à travers un orifice (37) dans l'élément capuchon (36). Le piston plongeur (14) et la chambre de fluide (60) sont mobiles par rapport à l'élément capuchon (36) et l'élément obturateur (64), depuis une position fermée dans laquelle l'orifice inférieur (66) de la chambre de fluide est fermé et scellé par l'élément obturateur (64), vers une position de tir dans laquelle l'élément obturateur (64) est disposé pour fournir un trajet de communication fluidique de la chambre de fluide (60) à travers la buse (74) de l'élément obturateur (64). Du liquide additif sous pression peut être ainsi éjecté à travers la buse (74) à pression élevée et mélangé avec le liquide dans le récipient (34) par l'actionnement du piston plongeur (14).
PCT/GB2017/050871 2016-04-04 2017-03-29 Fermeture de récipient ayant un piston plongeur et un moyen d'introduction d'un additif dans un liquide du récipient Ceased WO2017174962A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1816981.3A GB2565454B (en) 2016-04-04 2017-03-29 Container closure having plunger and means for introducing an additive into a liquid in the container

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201605757 2016-04-04
GB1605757.2 2016-04-04
GBGB1608331.3A GB201608331D0 (en) 2016-05-12 2016-05-12 Container closure having means for introducing an additive into a liquid in the container
GB1608331.3 2016-05-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017174962A1 true WO2017174962A1 (fr) 2017-10-12
WO2017174962A8 WO2017174962A8 (fr) 2017-11-30

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2017/050872 Ceased WO2017174963A1 (fr) 2016-04-04 2017-03-29 Fermeture de récipient comportant un moyen destiné à introduire un additif dans un liquide dans le récipient
PCT/GB2017/050871 Ceased WO2017174962A1 (fr) 2016-04-04 2017-03-29 Fermeture de récipient ayant un piston plongeur et un moyen d'introduction d'un additif dans un liquide du récipient

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2017/050872 Ceased WO2017174963A1 (fr) 2016-04-04 2017-03-29 Fermeture de récipient comportant un moyen destiné à introduire un additif dans un liquide dans le récipient

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GB (1) GB2565454B (fr)
WO (2) WO2017174963A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2574480A (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-11 Dexos Drinks Ltd Bottle closure with first liquid dispenser

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110406795A (zh) * 2018-04-28 2019-11-05 云南爱尔康生物技术有限公司 一种带有存储腔的瓶盖

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007129116A1 (fr) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-15 Gizmo Packaging Limited fermeture de contenant prÉsentant un moyen permettant d'introduire un additif dans le contenu du contenant
WO2008023197A1 (fr) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Gizmo Packaging Limited Fermeture de contenant ayant un bec et un moyen pour introduire un additif dans le contenu du contenant
DE102014113391A1 (de) * 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Gizmo Packaging Limited Verschlussvorrichtung für einen Behälter
DE102014113202A1 (de) * 2014-05-07 2015-11-26 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh Verschlussvorrichtung für einen Behälter
US20160052685A1 (en) * 2011-02-01 2016-02-25 Granite State Product Development LLC Dispensing cap for a container

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201110722D0 (en) * 2011-06-24 2011-08-10 Gizmo Packaging Ltd Container closure having means for introducing an additive into the contents of the container

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007129116A1 (fr) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-15 Gizmo Packaging Limited fermeture de contenant prÉsentant un moyen permettant d'introduire un additif dans le contenu du contenant
WO2008023197A1 (fr) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Gizmo Packaging Limited Fermeture de contenant ayant un bec et un moyen pour introduire un additif dans le contenu du contenant
US20160052685A1 (en) * 2011-02-01 2016-02-25 Granite State Product Development LLC Dispensing cap for a container
DE102014113391A1 (de) * 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Gizmo Packaging Limited Verschlussvorrichtung für einen Behälter
DE102014113202A1 (de) * 2014-05-07 2015-11-26 Rpc Bramlage Gmbh Verschlussvorrichtung für einen Behälter

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2574480A (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-11 Dexos Drinks Ltd Bottle closure with first liquid dispenser
WO2019234723A1 (fr) 2018-06-08 2019-12-12 Dexos Drinks Limited Distributeur
GB2583685B (en) * 2018-06-08 2023-03-22 Dexos Drinks Ltd A dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2565454B (en) 2021-07-21
GB201816981D0 (en) 2018-12-05
WO2017174962A8 (fr) 2017-11-30
WO2017174963A1 (fr) 2017-10-12
GB2565454A (en) 2019-02-13

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