CA2464170C - Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle - Google Patents
Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2464170C CA2464170C CA2464170A CA2464170A CA2464170C CA 2464170 C CA2464170 C CA 2464170C CA 2464170 A CA2464170 A CA 2464170A CA 2464170 A CA2464170 A CA 2464170A CA 2464170 C CA2464170 C CA 2464170C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- skirt
- tension ring
- line
- weakness
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 20
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 7
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 2
- 101100334009 Caenorhabditis elegans rib-2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000931191 Scincidae Species 0.000 description 1
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000000481 breast Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/46—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
- B65D41/48—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/62—Secondary protective cap-like outer covers for closure members
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A threadless cap for closing a potable liquid bottle is provided. The potable liquid bottle has a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening. The threadless cap comprises a lid for overlying and sealingly engaging the upper edge of the neck. The lid includes a tension ring for retaining the cap on the neck of the bottle, the tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt depending from the lid, the skirt including a line of weakness facilitating a manual tear of the skirt. The threadless cap further comprises a tear stop at a location intersecting a line of tear propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on the skirt, the tear stop preventing the line of tear to propagate beyond the tear stop. The line of weakness may include a portion extending across the tension ring to reduce a retaining force exerted by the tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a tear line propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on the skirt extends across the tension ring. Also, provided is a closure system that includes such a threadless cap and a protective sheath for application on the cap.
Description
~~fITLE: CAP A1~1D CLOSURE SYSTEM FAR ~Lr4SXN''Ca ~ 'LARGE
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;geld of the invention present invention relates to a threadless cap for closing a potable liquid bottle, such a water bottle for a water dispenser, and to a closure system including such a #hreadlcss cap.
14 ~ackgr'oxcnd ofthe inverxtiorz :.a :.:r ~. potable liquid bottle, such as a water bottle for a vwater cooler or similar dispenser, is suatly Provided with a cap to close and seal a discharge opening on the neck of the ottle daring storage, transportation, and manipulation of the bottle. c~f course, other than I S ~ = ~~ater, the potable liquid contained in the bottle can also he juice, soft drink, or any other ~E
.:~7 hype of drinkable liquid.
:_ ;~, ~1'he cap prevents inadvertent spilling of Liquid from the bottle and contamination of the ~i~~eid by exposl:re to the environment. The cap also ensures that hygiextic conditions ~U ' exist on surfaces of the neck of the bottle and around the discharge opening on which ~~itluid flowing out of tile bottle wil l come into direct contact with.
Typically, the cap is '. ~ ~nad~ of a polymeric rnaxerial and it~ludes a tension ring or the like that provides a radial '":force far retaining the cap on the neck of the bottle. The cap also generally ineiudes a line vhf weakness that facilitates tearing or rupturing of the cap material by a manual pull 25 v'pvrhen the cap is to be removed from the bottle_ ';
Frequently, however, a tEar of t~ cap material propagating along the line of weakness 'propagates along tlae ~a~tire periphery of the cap, which causes a first portion of the cap ;'on which the manual pull is applied to be completely detached from. a second portion of 3U vhe cap which remains fixed on the neck of the bottle. In other words, conventional caps ' .F
.~la not include any means tt3 prevent complete separation of the first portion of the cap :vi I
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.3 "5 ion which the zxtanual pull is applied from the second portion. It then becoFnes diffZCUlt .o remove tl~e second portion retnainin~ on the neck of the bottle sine~e there no loner s sufficient Cap material to provide a ~-ip to apply tl~e; nZanual pull.
Moreover, the ~Ciifticuity in removing the ctlp is compounded by the presence of the tension rind which y v Fusually remains on the cap as part of the second portion. In fact, oven without the :.~ ~idif~culty arising froth complete separation of the fizst and secvztd portions of the cap, iconventional caps do not include any means to zeducc the retaixting force exerted lay the ttension ring on the neck o~ tlxe bottle when the cap is to be removed from the bottle, :.r :~~which often creates unnecessary cliff~culty in removing the Lap.
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'~In addition, in order to corrtplement the hygienic conditions ensured lay the cap, ~t :'~ ;protective sheath, sleeve, or wrap made of a polymeric material is son~etimcs used to :.~~eover a portion of the neck of the bottle and the cap, The protective sheath typically -F
covers the entire cap and a portion of the neck of the bottle below the cap, since these t5 :'v #clerrtents arc the ones most fretluently cotjtacted during manipulation of tho botEle.
'o _' ~Naw, the neck of the bottle aerae~ ~Ily has an annular recessed area below the upper edge :c~f the nc,~ck.1-Iawever, the dimezrsions of a conventional cap are such that the cap extends .id 'v ~ beyond the tower. limit ofthe azzn.ular eecessed area of the neck. As a result, the protective ~:~;
2t7 v~~~sheath essentially conforms to 'the outer surface of the cap and is prevented from .id canfortnin~ to at least a portion of the aamular recessed area of the mock.
The resulting t configuration of the protective sheath i5 such that tk~ere is a tendency for axial sliding of t ~ the protective sheath on the c:ap and an the portion of the neck afi the bottle bolow the eag ~~-~ during manipulation ofth4 battle. In turn, the axial sliding of the protective sheath can ?5 ' 4 Iead to an increase in the area of the neck of the bottle and the cap that is exposed to direct contact with human hands during manipulation, of the battle, which is detricnerttal v' , to the hygienic conditions of the battle.
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:y WhzIe various solutions to the above pxoblems have been propa5ed, none of these is ;.
30 =.r satisfactory and thus there remains a need in the industry to provide a threadless cap for .:; :;
:x :':t a potable liquid bottle tlut alleviates at least in part the problems associated. with caps.
of the dxeventiort ;' ~l:n. accordance with a first broad aspect, the invention provides a tl~readless cap for r closing a potable liquid bottle. Tlie potable liquid bottle has a neck with an upper edge ~s;defining a discbu~rge opening. The tlzreadless cap comprises a lid for overlying and :~~setrlingly engaging the upper edge of the neck. The lid includes a tension ring for 1 Q ' T retaining the cap on the neck of the lyottle, the tensiozz ring having an inwardly extending %rib for engaging the neck of the bottle. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt :v depending frarn the lid, the skirt including a line of weaicttess facilitating a yanual tear :r ~'lof the skirt. The threadiess oap further comprises a tear stop at a location intersecting a ' ~ =line of tear propagatinf; a5 a result of a manual. pull applied on the skirt, the tear stop 15 :'.~provcnting the line oftear to propagate beyond the tear stap_ :, :~s .;, :R In accordance with a second broad aspect, the invention provides a ihreadle5s cap for ~f ~ closing a. potable liquid bottle. The potable liquid bottle has a neck with an c.ppcr edge :;~a defining a discharge opening. The threadless cap comprises a lid for overlying azad ., 20 ;y sealingly engaging the upper edge of the neck. The lid includes a tension rind for '~ retaining the cap on the neck, the tension ring having art inwardly extending rib for v ~ engaginb the neck of the bottle. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt depending from !s .~ the lid, the skirt including a line ofweakness faeilitatinQ a manual tear oftl~o skirt. The ::~ line of weakness includes a portion extending across the teztsion rin.~;
to reduce a ~5 :.~~~ retaining farce exerted by the tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a tear line :,i :5 propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on the skirt extends across the tension wng.
i ~.~ In accordance with a third broad aspect, the invention. provides a closure system for a 30 ' ~ potable liquid bottle. The potable liquid bottle Eras a neck ltavixs,g an upper edge defining a discharge opening and art annular recessed area below the upper edge, the annular _.....~~ . .., .,.. ,~.."*~~~ -~:~.~,w~ "~ :",;,:~ m* u-,*...,~~K,~s,~.~;~x.~," ,",..~.e.~.. .___._ .
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~ : :f :.s ;, .: 2 ~eceased area having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The closure system amprises a threadless cap having a lid for overlying and sealixzgly engaging the upper .dge. The tlrreadless cap also has a skirt depending 1'xom the lid, the skirt hawing a Iower The skirt has dimensions such that when the cap sealingly engabes the upper edge ' ~ tof the neck, at least a portion of the lower edge of the skirt is located between the upper .: ~~nd portion and the lower end portion of the annular recessed area. The cloaure system eftzrClier comprises a protective slxeath for application on the cap and on a portion of the neck ofthe bottle below the yap. "1:'!ae protective sheath is shrinkable to create a recessed i ~ zone within the annular recessed area adjacent the portion of the lower edge of the skirt l A :' ~ located between the upper and portion and the lower end portion of the annular recessed ::r area.
va rn accordance with a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a water bottle F!i~
y4~ comprising a neck having art upper Edge defining a d.ischar~e opening and an annular ~ recessed area on the neck below the upper edge, the annular recessed area laving an ! upper edge portion az~d a lower edge portion. The water bottle also has a threadless cap 1 '.~ liaving a lid overlying and seali~;ly engaging the upper edge. ThE
tlzreadless Cap also has ;a skirt depending from the lid, the skirt l~avin~ a lower edge, at least a portion of the lower edge being located vv~ithiz~ the annular recessed area between the tFpper edge ZU ' ~ portion and the lower edge portion. The water bottle ~fizrCher comprises a. protective sheath applied on tkte bottle, the protective sheath extending over the cap and over a ~'. ~ portion of the neck Located below the cap. The protective sheath forms a, recessed zone ::.>
'overlying the, annular recessed az~ea and being adjacent to the portion of tba lowez edge :,~ of the skirt located within tlae t3nnular recessed area between the upper edge portion and v~~ ttte lowez edge portion.
a In accordance with a fifth brt~ad aspect, the invention provides a tl~readless Cap fox a ;4~water trottle having a neck with an upper edge detnii~g a discharge opening, the neck also inciudmg an annular recessed area below the upper edge. The threadless aap 3tJ!? i corr~prises a lid for overlying attd sealingly engaging the topper edge of the bottle. The lid :::, '' ~ includes a tension ring foz retaining the cap on the neck of the bottle, the tension ring ?~~i ' d :..I ;E
i.~
;S
~:~avin ; an inwardEy extending rib for engagin ; the rreclc of the bottle.
Tho threadless cap i Iso comprises a skirt depending &o>.n the Eid, the skirt having a lower edge. a portion of .;?.~e lower edge residing in the annular recessed area when the cap is applied on the bottle ~;~a,nd the Eid sealingEy engages the upper edge of the bottle.
;7 ~~"fhese and ether aspects and featu><~es of tlfe present invention will now become apparent :.i .Pte those of ordinary skill in the art upon review ofthe foElowinb description of specific :Y iembodiments o~fthe invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
i 1 t) ~ ~.~rief'des~rfptian ~f the drasvr.'ng5 :i~
.i y:A detailed description of specific embodixz~ents of the present invention is provided . ~~ herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, ,~;~ in which:
:i Figure 1 A shows an isometric view of a threadlsss cap fbr closing a potable licEuid bottle ~in accordan.ce with a speczfic exannple of impEemez~tatian of the present invention;
.,_ :.~ Figi.we 'I S shows an isometric view of the neck of the potable liquid bottle shown in 2~.< ~ Figure lA~
;i'~
i ~ Figure 2 shows an isometric view ofthe underside of the threadlcss cap shown in 1~igure :i ~~ lA;
:., a~~~ ri~~r~ 3 shows an isornctric view of the tlareadless cap shown in l figure 1 A;
:.
Figure 4 shows Rn elevation view of the threadless cap shown in Figure 3;
.:, '< ~ Figure S shown a cross-sectional elevation view of the threadless cap along line 5 -- 5 iri 3Q'~~ Figure 4;
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'~'s .fin sib :; figure 6 shown a crass-sectional elevation view of the threa.dless cap along line 6 - 6 in i figure 3; and ~~~1 ;yFigure 7 shows an isometric view of a closure systen3 for a potable liquid bottle in °'~aecortiance with a spoei~c example of impIcmentation of the present invention.
:;; ~1'n the drawings, the embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples.
isilt is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings arc only for ti3e purpose r' .j of iIiustration and are an aid for understanding. They arc; not intended to be a def nition t E~ ~? s of the limits of the invention.
.~etrc~led rlescriptian of specific embadimenh ;'i ~,'~ Figure lA shows a tbreadiess c"xp lU for closing a potable liquid bottle;
12 in accordance w +1-.~~~.7lann ~ ~ wStl~ a specific example of ~mpternentatlon c~r2~PG IFI~VGti~lVtt. Tit tll,T~ rif:rjixivtso:~v n, ...
.i3 is intended to mean that the cap 10 does not have threads that are required to retain the ;i ~' ~ cap 10 on the potable liquid bottle 12. The potable liquid c;ontau~.ed iu the bottle 12 can v% be water, juice, soft drink, or any other type of drinkable liquid. In the specific :, embodi:xrEents described in the present description, the potable liquid bottle l,2 on which ~ ~ ;~ the cap 10 is to be mounted is a bottle for a water cooler or other liquid dispen;~er.
ra As can be seen in Figure 1 B, the potable liquid bottle :l2 loos a main body 14 defining a container (not shown) for holding liquid. The bottle 12 also has a neak 1$
ha~i ng an ,~~ k upper edge 27 defining ~t discharge opening ~0 through which liquid captained in the 25i ~ ~ container can be discharged, and an anzPUIar recessed area 19 below the upper edge 27.
.' r The annular recessed area I9, which extends around the perimeter of the neck 1$, has an ::l . ';; upper end portion 21 and a lower end portion 23. tlpvn installation of the bottle 12 in a 'f dispenser device (not shown), actuation of the dispenser by a user causes liquid contained i ~; ; in container to flow through t3ie discharge opening 20 into the dispenser and eventually 3D= through a faucet of the dispenser, where the liquid can be poured into a glass, cup, or the ~f :' ~ lll~e.
;a ':1 I2efernt~g to Figures 1.A andll"3 and to 1~igures 2 to 5, the cap 10 comprises a lid 22 for .~ovezlyin$ and sealingly engaging the upper edge 27 of the neck 1$ ofthe bottle 12 and ~: ~a skirt 24 depending irorn the lid 2Z. In the specific embodiment shovsm, the lid 22 and ~~,j Ethe skirt 24 are a unitary struchtre made of a polymeric material such as polyethylene.
:~ The lid 22 and the skirt 24 can Iae integrally formed, for instance, via an injection ~' ~i xoolding process. In other embodiments, the lid 22 and the skirt 24 are made of separate pieces and thereafter assembled to;ether using, for instance, a gluing or sonic welding ;~ .' z operation. .Although not shown in the drawings, the lid 22 can be provided with tt suitable 1 d ;.' ~ gasket to better seal the upper edge 27.
y ~ The Iid 22 includES a tension ring 26 for retaining the cap I O on the neck 18 of the bottle v~ 12. Upon positioning the cap lU an the neck ofthe bottle 12, the tension ring 26 provides a radial force that causes tlm cap 1 (? to be retained on the neck 1$. The tension ring 26 v'y has an inwardly extending rib 28 fc?r engaging the neck I$ o~Fthe bottle 12. 'the rib 28 is an intemai projection or protrusion. In the non-limiting exarrtplc of implementation ,a shown, the rib 28 is in the form of a Continuous projection extending along a substantial '.portion of the perimeter of the lid 22. rn other etnbodimertts, the rxb 28 can 'be segmented, r:;
that is, the rib 28 can be fotxned of individual segments disposed along the periphery of 2~,~ ~~ the lid 22 rather than a Continuous structure. Also, in this specii~ic example of :~ itxtplementatian, the tension rrng 26 extends over substantially the entire periphery vfthe '' ~ lid 22, although it is to be understood that the tension ring 26 can also he desigr~.Cd to :;~ extend along only a portion of xhe periphery of the !id 22. As well, while the lid 22 ;,; shown in Figures 1 to f is essentially a circular structure, it will be appreciated that 25v ~ various other configuzations are possible without departing frorrt the spirit of the invention.
~,~ In Pig ores S and 6, the crass-sectionHl view of the cap 10 shows that the thickness of the ., can 10 in the shoulder area R"~ is cnmau,~hstt rPr3mrF~r~I ftt~ rnmnaricnn fa, ,~rin,~ Sr4 no.,v~ ", 30.~ ~ order to increase the flexl'bility of the cap 10 in that ragiort.
Accordingly, this allows the . ~. I
i rib 28 to be made thicker and to project radially inwardly further such as to create a ~~'F
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',':;stronger retention force on the neck 18 of the bottle 12. V~then the cap l U is applied an .:i v 'the neck I8 of the bottle 12, the tension ring is progressively spread radially until it snaps v~ into place_ The increased flexibility of the shoulder area. $3 allows the thicker retention :;z ::ring to be conveniently applied ott the neclc 1$ of the bottle I2.
S ~3 ~; The skirt 24 depends from the liil 22 and sunouz~ds the neck 18 of the bottle 12 when the cap t 0 is installed thereon, In the particular embodiment shown, the skirt 24 has a lower .' '' edge 33 and is dirnensianed such that when the cap 10 sealin,gly engages the uppez edge i v z of the neck T 8, at least a portion of the lower edge 33 of the skirt 24 is lo~oated between la ;v! ~a the upper end portion 21 and the lower end portion 23 of the an3~ular recessed area 19 of a ~ the neck 18 of the bottle i 2_ ;:
:, The skirt 2~t includes a line of weaianess 32 facilitating a manual tear of the skirt 24. The r~
°':; line of weakness 32 is a line slang which the slcirt material is likely to tear or rupture ;;
IS ~':f when the skirt 24 is pulled. in the non-limiting exan3lSEe of implementation shown in .~., Figures 1 to S, the line of weakness 32 is realized by making the skirt material thinner .,;
_:i i along a certain. line selected to be the line of weakness 32 than at other portions of the skirt '24. Alternati vely, the line of weakness 32 can be realized by making a series of ~T
indentations or a series of perforations in the skirt rr~terial along a c:ertaiu line seleoted 20 ~ i ~ to tie the line of wcala~ess 32. rn tl3e speaif is embodiment shown, tho line c~f weaIrness 32 extends along a portion of the periphery of thc; shirt 24 in the vicinity of the tension '' ~ ring; 26_ Mare sped really, tl~e line of weakness 32 extends along approximately three 1 ~ quarters of the periphery of the skirt 24 in an arf;a adjacent to the tension ring 26.
Furthermore, in this case, the line of weakness 32 includes a portion 3$
extending across 25s ~, the tension ring 26. When the skirt 24 is torn. and the material is ruptured at the portion .F
-,'E 38, the tension ring 26 is severed wl.~ieh reduces its ability to hold the cap 10 on the bottle 12.
-i ~ In addition, in the non-limiting erryodiment shown, the skink 24 defunes a pull tab 34 for 30~ facilitating a txzanual tear ofthe stcirt material along the line ofweakness 32 when the cap .v ~ 10 is removed from the bottle 12. The pull tab 34 projects down and depending on its :.
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size may extend down past the Lower en.d portion 23 of the annular recessed area 19.
In the particular example of implementation shown in Figures 1 to 6, the cap 10 further comprises a tear stop 36 at a location intersectinb a line of tear propabating as a result of ~,~'a a manual. pull applied on the Blurt 24. The line of tear produced by a manual pull of the Y'~~ skirt ~4 is most Likely to follow the line ofweakness 32 of the skirt 2~.
The tear stop 36 ~~ i prevents the line of tear to propagate beyond the tear stop 36. lvlore spocifiaally, the tear ;~ stop 36 is a structure adapted to prevent propagatioyt of the line of tear beyond the . ~'~ location of the structure. In the specific embodirnent shown, the tear stop 3~5 includes a 10~''~ thickened portion on the cap 10. ivlore speci~cahy, the tear stop 36 is realized by a :;a ;.' s thickening of the skitrt material in a certain area of the skirt 2~4.
Thickening of the skirt i i material is intended to mean that the skirt material in that certain area of the skirt 24 is thicker than in adjacent areas of the skirt 24 through which the line of weakness 32 extends. Once the propagating line of tear reaches the tear stop 36, the thicker material ~ ~ of the skirt 24 at that location will prevent further tearing of the skirt rnatcrial without a :E significant increase in the pulling force applied on the skim: 24. In other embodiments, v ' the tear stop 36 can be realized by a separate piece of material affixed, for example, by gluing or sonic welding to a specific location c~f the cap ! 0. In yet ottaer embodiments, ;the tear stop 36 can be realized by farming a hole of sufficien t dimensions in the skirt 20~s material. When the tear reaches such a tear stop 36, the absence of material in the hole z negates availability of material througks which the tear can propagate and thus prevents further propagation of the tear beyond that location.
<y In the specific ea~ampie of implementation, the tsar stop 36 is located adjacent the rib 2$
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ZS' ~ and as such ~sists the rib 28 in perfarrfting the function of a. tension ring. The tear stop ~;a .~ 35 has a cross-sectional shape that is analpgt>cts to the cross-sectional shape afthe rib 2$.
;; f ~'~s More specifically, the tear stop 36 has a smooth ramp surface 37 and allows the tension j ring of the cap !0 to progressively spread radially outwardly as the cap is being snap ;' i fitted on the neck t R ot'the bottle 12. above the ramp suxface 3T, the tear stop 36 defnes 3Q: i.~ a tooth 39 that engages the neck 1$ of the bottle I2 to assist the tension ring in retaininb :aM
the cap on the nook 18 of the boirtle I2.
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~ It will thus be appreciated that tlz.e tension ring 26, the line of°weakness 32, and the tear ~' ; stop 36 facilitate the rzzountinl;, retention, and removal of the cap 10 on or from the neck .....
1$ of the bottle 12. in particular, the tension ring 26 f-acil.itates installation and ensures ~: ~ ~~ retention of the cap 10 on the neck 18 of the 6ottl~ 12. For their part, the line ofweakness :.' a 32 and tb.e tear stop 35 facilitate the removal of the cap 10 from tile neck 1 g of the bottle .
::i i i ~ 12.
'i i specifically, when a user applios a pulling farce on the pull tab 34 of the skirt 24, a tear lt)! ~ or rupture ofthe skirt material is initiated and propagates along the line of weakness 32 y ,{
udder continual application of the farce. In the particular errilwdirnent shown, the line of :, i weakness 32 is configured such that a strip is formed wheiz the skirt 24 is being torn.
'~'~ Upon reaching the tear stop 36, the tear of the skizrt rz~aterial, or tear line, propagating y along the line of weakness 32 is prevented from lE~rrlrer propagation through the tear stop 15 ~' :~ 36. Advantageorzsly, this prevents a situation whereby a tear line would propagate along ~~ the entire periphery of the skirt 24 causing for the Skirt to be coz~3pletely detached from the lid 22, with the latter remaining fixed an the neck 18 of the Llottie 12.
In other words, :~ the tear stop 36 prevents complete separation of the strip formed from the toxn skizt material from the remainder of the cap 10. in addition, owing to the portion 3$ pf the line ., 20 .y of weakness 32 exterzdirtg across the tension ring 26 which, in this particular embodiment, is located adjacent the tear :;top 36, the tear line propagates along the ~a . ° ~ pol-tion 38 and thus tears nr ruptures at least part of Che tension ring 26. As a result, the :~ retaining force exerted by the tension ring 26 on the neck 18 ofthe botti.e l~ is reduced ;:.
~~~ thereby facilitating removal ofthe cap 10 front the neck 18.
25~~s ~~ The cap I D may also be part of a closure system for a potable liquid bottle. figure 7 :j.;
y ; shows a closure system ~l0 for a potable liquid bottle 12, in accordance with a specific E exampke of irnplemontation of the invention.. 'fhe bottle 12 is essentially identical to that .~ ~~ described previously in connection with 1~i~;ure .113. The closure system 40 comprises a 30 ~ ~ threaciless cap F0, such as the cap described. previously in connection with Figures 1 to ~" fi, and a protecti a sheath. 42 far application on the cap 10 and on a portion of the neck .a :; s ~~ i0 ;.;
a:'a :, i '~~ 18 of the bottle 12 below the cap I0. 'fhe protective sheath 42 is shrinkable to create a y y recessed zone 44 within the annular recessed a~a I ~ of the neck I $
adjacent the portion :3 ~ of the lower edge 33 of the skirt 24 located betwean the upper end portio~~ ~ I and the i i lower end portion 23 of the annular recessed area 19.
Sa ;;,i In a particular example of implementation, the portion of the lower edge 33 of tha skirt ~~ 24 that is located between the upper emd portion 2I and the lower end portion 23 of the ;,' ~ annular recessed area 19 includes the entirety of the lower edge 33 ofthe skirt 24 except .~~ ~ the pull tab 34. Also, the sheafih 42 is heat shrinkable on the cap i0 and an the portion .,v ~ ~~ of the ncclc '1$ of the bottle 12 below the cap 10. Furthem-~are, like the skirt 24, the sheath 4~2 includes a line ofweakness 415 to facilitate tear and rcrno~al aftlte sheath 42 after the ~, ~ sheath has been heat shrunk on ~tl~e c:ap 10 and on the portion of the neck 18 of the bottle f.
12 below the cap 10. The line afweakness 4fi is realized bra making the sheath nnatezial 1y thinner along a certain line sClectecl to be the line of weakness 4~5 than at other portions I S . ~ ~ of the sheath 42. Alternatively, the line of weakness 46 coal be rEalized by making a series of indentations or a series of pertbrations in the; sheath material along a certain line selected to be the line of waeatcrtESS 46.
' ~ Advantageously, the recessed zone 44 within the annular recessed area 19 of the neck i $
~'# reduces the tendency of the sheath 42 to slide on the cap 10 and on the portion of the :< ~ neok I8 of tlxe bottle I2 below the cap 10. Thus, the recessed zone 44, which is made .i~, possible by the dimensions ofthe skirt 24 of the c:ap 10, enhvnces retention of the sheath '! 42 on the cap LO aad on the portion ofthe neck 't 8 ol'the bottle 12 below the cap 10. In ;.~ addition, the rib 28 of the tension ring 26 projects radially outwardly out ofthe cap id e~~ ~ which further enhances retention of the: sheath 42. ~"he enhanced retention of the sheath 42 helps in ensuring that hybienic; conditions are maintained in the urea of the neck I $
ofttte bottle I2 and the cap IO that is exposed to direct contact with human hands during manipulation of the bottle 12.
v:; ~ Altl~tough the above description related to a specific type of cap, it will be appreciated that the invention can also be applied to caps hawing other features. Mor instance, the il ___.______.__. m=.~ ~d~,.~~".~~~,.~.. ~~_~~ ,J..~~~,~~,,.~,~~~..-~~ ~.a ..__ .... . ___......x....,~. . ._... __. . _.... __»~..n.~.
invention can he applied. to a cap which has a lid portion that is pierced when a bottle on which the cap is mounted is installed in a liquid dispenser. fhe invention can also be applied to caps having a central well as described, for instance, in (.J'.S.
patent no.
6,032,812.
The above description of the c~bodiments Shhc~uld not be interpzeted ia~ a limiting manner since other variations, ~nodificatior~,s and refinements are possible within the spirit an,d scope of the present inventxan, 'fhe scape of the invention is defined in the appended claims and tl-~eir equivalents.
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;geld of the invention present invention relates to a threadless cap for closing a potable liquid bottle, such a water bottle for a water dispenser, and to a closure system including such a #hreadlcss cap.
14 ~ackgr'oxcnd ofthe inverxtiorz :.a :.:r ~. potable liquid bottle, such as a water bottle for a vwater cooler or similar dispenser, is suatly Provided with a cap to close and seal a discharge opening on the neck of the ottle daring storage, transportation, and manipulation of the bottle. c~f course, other than I S ~ = ~~ater, the potable liquid contained in the bottle can also he juice, soft drink, or any other ~E
.:~7 hype of drinkable liquid.
:_ ;~, ~1'he cap prevents inadvertent spilling of Liquid from the bottle and contamination of the ~i~~eid by exposl:re to the environment. The cap also ensures that hygiextic conditions ~U ' exist on surfaces of the neck of the bottle and around the discharge opening on which ~~itluid flowing out of tile bottle wil l come into direct contact with.
Typically, the cap is '. ~ ~nad~ of a polymeric rnaxerial and it~ludes a tension ring or the like that provides a radial '":force far retaining the cap on the neck of the bottle. The cap also generally ineiudes a line vhf weakness that facilitates tearing or rupturing of the cap material by a manual pull 25 v'pvrhen the cap is to be removed from the bottle_ ';
Frequently, however, a tEar of t~ cap material propagating along the line of weakness 'propagates along tlae ~a~tire periphery of the cap, which causes a first portion of the cap ;'on which the manual pull is applied to be completely detached from. a second portion of 3U vhe cap which remains fixed on the neck of the bottle. In other words, conventional caps ' .F
.~la not include any means tt3 prevent complete separation of the first portion of the cap :vi I
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.3 "5 ion which the zxtanual pull is applied from the second portion. It then becoFnes diffZCUlt .o remove tl~e second portion retnainin~ on the neck of the bottle sine~e there no loner s sufficient Cap material to provide a ~-ip to apply tl~e; nZanual pull.
Moreover, the ~Ciifticuity in removing the ctlp is compounded by the presence of the tension rind which y v Fusually remains on the cap as part of the second portion. In fact, oven without the :.~ ~idif~culty arising froth complete separation of the fizst and secvztd portions of the cap, iconventional caps do not include any means to zeducc the retaixting force exerted lay the ttension ring on the neck o~ tlxe bottle when the cap is to be removed from the bottle, :.r :~~which often creates unnecessary cliff~culty in removing the Lap.
IO a~
'~In addition, in order to corrtplement the hygienic conditions ensured lay the cap, ~t :'~ ;protective sheath, sleeve, or wrap made of a polymeric material is son~etimcs used to :.~~eover a portion of the neck of the bottle and the cap, The protective sheath typically -F
covers the entire cap and a portion of the neck of the bottle below the cap, since these t5 :'v #clerrtents arc the ones most fretluently cotjtacted during manipulation of tho botEle.
'o _' ~Naw, the neck of the bottle aerae~ ~Ily has an annular recessed area below the upper edge :c~f the nc,~ck.1-Iawever, the dimezrsions of a conventional cap are such that the cap extends .id 'v ~ beyond the tower. limit ofthe azzn.ular eecessed area of the neck. As a result, the protective ~:~;
2t7 v~~~sheath essentially conforms to 'the outer surface of the cap and is prevented from .id canfortnin~ to at least a portion of the aamular recessed area of the mock.
The resulting t configuration of the protective sheath i5 such that tk~ere is a tendency for axial sliding of t ~ the protective sheath on the c:ap and an the portion of the neck afi the bottle bolow the eag ~~-~ during manipulation ofth4 battle. In turn, the axial sliding of the protective sheath can ?5 ' 4 Iead to an increase in the area of the neck of the bottle and the cap that is exposed to direct contact with human hands during manipulation, of the battle, which is detricnerttal v' , to the hygienic conditions of the battle.
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:y WhzIe various solutions to the above pxoblems have been propa5ed, none of these is ;.
30 =.r satisfactory and thus there remains a need in the industry to provide a threadless cap for .:; :;
:x :':t a potable liquid bottle tlut alleviates at least in part the problems associated. with caps.
of the dxeventiort ;' ~l:n. accordance with a first broad aspect, the invention provides a tl~readless cap for r closing a potable liquid bottle. Tlie potable liquid bottle has a neck with an upper edge ~s;defining a discbu~rge opening. The tlzreadless cap comprises a lid for overlying and :~~setrlingly engaging the upper edge of the neck. The lid includes a tension ring for 1 Q ' T retaining the cap on the neck of the lyottle, the tensiozz ring having an inwardly extending %rib for engaging the neck of the bottle. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt :v depending frarn the lid, the skirt including a line of weaicttess facilitating a yanual tear :r ~'lof the skirt. The threadiess oap further comprises a tear stop at a location intersecting a ' ~ =line of tear propagatinf; a5 a result of a manual. pull applied on the skirt, the tear stop 15 :'.~provcnting the line oftear to propagate beyond the tear stap_ :, :~s .;, :R In accordance with a second broad aspect, the invention provides a ihreadle5s cap for ~f ~ closing a. potable liquid bottle. The potable liquid bottle has a neck with an c.ppcr edge :;~a defining a discharge opening. The threadless cap comprises a lid for overlying azad ., 20 ;y sealingly engaging the upper edge of the neck. The lid includes a tension rind for '~ retaining the cap on the neck, the tension ring having art inwardly extending rib for v ~ engaginb the neck of the bottle. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt depending from !s .~ the lid, the skirt including a line ofweakness faeilitatinQ a manual tear oftl~o skirt. The ::~ line of weakness includes a portion extending across the teztsion rin.~;
to reduce a ~5 :.~~~ retaining farce exerted by the tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a tear line :,i :5 propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on the skirt extends across the tension wng.
i ~.~ In accordance with a third broad aspect, the invention. provides a closure system for a 30 ' ~ potable liquid bottle. The potable liquid bottle Eras a neck ltavixs,g an upper edge defining a discharge opening and art annular recessed area below the upper edge, the annular _.....~~ . .., .,.. ,~.."*~~~ -~:~.~,w~ "~ :",;,:~ m* u-,*...,~~K,~s,~.~;~x.~," ,",..~.e.~.. .___._ .
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~ : :f :.s ;, .: 2 ~eceased area having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The closure system amprises a threadless cap having a lid for overlying and sealixzgly engaging the upper .dge. The tlrreadless cap also has a skirt depending 1'xom the lid, the skirt hawing a Iower The skirt has dimensions such that when the cap sealingly engabes the upper edge ' ~ tof the neck, at least a portion of the lower edge of the skirt is located between the upper .: ~~nd portion and the lower end portion of the annular recessed area. The cloaure system eftzrClier comprises a protective slxeath for application on the cap and on a portion of the neck ofthe bottle below the yap. "1:'!ae protective sheath is shrinkable to create a recessed i ~ zone within the annular recessed area adjacent the portion of the lower edge of the skirt l A :' ~ located between the upper and portion and the lower end portion of the annular recessed ::r area.
va rn accordance with a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a water bottle F!i~
y4~ comprising a neck having art upper Edge defining a d.ischar~e opening and an annular ~ recessed area on the neck below the upper edge, the annular recessed area laving an ! upper edge portion az~d a lower edge portion. The water bottle also has a threadless cap 1 '.~ liaving a lid overlying and seali~;ly engaging the upper edge. ThE
tlzreadless Cap also has ;a skirt depending from the lid, the skirt l~avin~ a lower edge, at least a portion of the lower edge being located vv~ithiz~ the annular recessed area between the tFpper edge ZU ' ~ portion and the lower edge portion. The water bottle ~fizrCher comprises a. protective sheath applied on tkte bottle, the protective sheath extending over the cap and over a ~'. ~ portion of the neck Located below the cap. The protective sheath forms a, recessed zone ::.>
'overlying the, annular recessed az~ea and being adjacent to the portion of tba lowez edge :,~ of the skirt located within tlae t3nnular recessed area between the upper edge portion and v~~ ttte lowez edge portion.
a In accordance with a fifth brt~ad aspect, the invention provides a tl~readless Cap fox a ;4~water trottle having a neck with an upper edge detnii~g a discharge opening, the neck also inciudmg an annular recessed area below the upper edge. The threadless aap 3tJ!? i corr~prises a lid for overlying attd sealingly engaging the topper edge of the bottle. The lid :::, '' ~ includes a tension ring foz retaining the cap on the neck of the bottle, the tension ring ?~~i ' d :..I ;E
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~:~avin ; an inwardEy extending rib for engagin ; the rreclc of the bottle.
Tho threadless cap i Iso comprises a skirt depending &o>.n the Eid, the skirt having a lower edge. a portion of .;?.~e lower edge residing in the annular recessed area when the cap is applied on the bottle ~;~a,nd the Eid sealingEy engages the upper edge of the bottle.
;7 ~~"fhese and ether aspects and featu><~es of tlfe present invention will now become apparent :.i .Pte those of ordinary skill in the art upon review ofthe foElowinb description of specific :Y iembodiments o~fthe invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
i 1 t) ~ ~.~rief'des~rfptian ~f the drasvr.'ng5 :i~
.i y:A detailed description of specific embodixz~ents of the present invention is provided . ~~ herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, ,~;~ in which:
:i Figure 1 A shows an isometric view of a threadlsss cap fbr closing a potable licEuid bottle ~in accordan.ce with a speczfic exannple of impEemez~tatian of the present invention;
.,_ :.~ Figi.we 'I S shows an isometric view of the neck of the potable liquid bottle shown in 2~.< ~ Figure lA~
;i'~
i ~ Figure 2 shows an isometric view ofthe underside of the threadlcss cap shown in 1~igure :i ~~ lA;
:., a~~~ ri~~r~ 3 shows an isornctric view of the tlareadless cap shown in l figure 1 A;
:.
Figure 4 shows Rn elevation view of the threadless cap shown in Figure 3;
.:, '< ~ Figure S shown a cross-sectional elevation view of the threadless cap along line 5 -- 5 iri 3Q'~~ Figure 4;
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'~'s .fin sib :; figure 6 shown a crass-sectional elevation view of the threa.dless cap along line 6 - 6 in i figure 3; and ~~~1 ;yFigure 7 shows an isometric view of a closure systen3 for a potable liquid bottle in °'~aecortiance with a spoei~c example of impIcmentation of the present invention.
:;; ~1'n the drawings, the embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples.
isilt is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings arc only for ti3e purpose r' .j of iIiustration and are an aid for understanding. They arc; not intended to be a def nition t E~ ~? s of the limits of the invention.
.~etrc~led rlescriptian of specific embadimenh ;'i ~,'~ Figure lA shows a tbreadiess c"xp lU for closing a potable liquid bottle;
12 in accordance w +1-.~~~.7lann ~ ~ wStl~ a specific example of ~mpternentatlon c~r2~PG IFI~VGti~lVtt. Tit tll,T~ rif:rjixivtso:~v n, ...
.i3 is intended to mean that the cap 10 does not have threads that are required to retain the ;i ~' ~ cap 10 on the potable liquid bottle 12. The potable liquid c;ontau~.ed iu the bottle 12 can v% be water, juice, soft drink, or any other type of drinkable liquid. In the specific :, embodi:xrEents described in the present description, the potable liquid bottle l,2 on which ~ ~ ;~ the cap 10 is to be mounted is a bottle for a water cooler or other liquid dispen;~er.
ra As can be seen in Figure 1 B, the potable liquid bottle :l2 loos a main body 14 defining a container (not shown) for holding liquid. The bottle 12 also has a neak 1$
ha~i ng an ,~~ k upper edge 27 defining ~t discharge opening ~0 through which liquid captained in the 25i ~ ~ container can be discharged, and an anzPUIar recessed area 19 below the upper edge 27.
.' r The annular recessed area I9, which extends around the perimeter of the neck 1$, has an ::l . ';; upper end portion 21 and a lower end portion 23. tlpvn installation of the bottle 12 in a 'f dispenser device (not shown), actuation of the dispenser by a user causes liquid contained i ~; ; in container to flow through t3ie discharge opening 20 into the dispenser and eventually 3D= through a faucet of the dispenser, where the liquid can be poured into a glass, cup, or the ~f :' ~ lll~e.
;a ':1 I2efernt~g to Figures 1.A andll"3 and to 1~igures 2 to 5, the cap 10 comprises a lid 22 for .~ovezlyin$ and sealingly engaging the upper edge 27 of the neck 1$ ofthe bottle 12 and ~: ~a skirt 24 depending irorn the lid 2Z. In the specific embodiment shovsm, the lid 22 and ~~,j Ethe skirt 24 are a unitary struchtre made of a polymeric material such as polyethylene.
:~ The lid 22 and the skirt 24 can Iae integrally formed, for instance, via an injection ~' ~i xoolding process. In other embodiments, the lid 22 and the skirt 24 are made of separate pieces and thereafter assembled to;ether using, for instance, a gluing or sonic welding ;~ .' z operation. .Although not shown in the drawings, the lid 22 can be provided with tt suitable 1 d ;.' ~ gasket to better seal the upper edge 27.
y ~ The Iid 22 includES a tension ring 26 for retaining the cap I O on the neck 18 of the bottle v~ 12. Upon positioning the cap lU an the neck ofthe bottle 12, the tension ring 26 provides a radial force that causes tlm cap 1 (? to be retained on the neck 1$. The tension ring 26 v'y has an inwardly extending rib 28 fc?r engaging the neck I$ o~Fthe bottle 12. 'the rib 28 is an intemai projection or protrusion. In the non-limiting exarrtplc of implementation ,a shown, the rib 28 is in the form of a Continuous projection extending along a substantial '.portion of the perimeter of the lid 22. rn other etnbodimertts, the rxb 28 can 'be segmented, r:;
that is, the rib 28 can be fotxned of individual segments disposed along the periphery of 2~,~ ~~ the lid 22 rather than a Continuous structure. Also, in this specii~ic example of :~ itxtplementatian, the tension rrng 26 extends over substantially the entire periphery vfthe '' ~ lid 22, although it is to be understood that the tension ring 26 can also he desigr~.Cd to :;~ extend along only a portion of xhe periphery of the !id 22. As well, while the lid 22 ;,; shown in Figures 1 to f is essentially a circular structure, it will be appreciated that 25v ~ various other configuzations are possible without departing frorrt the spirit of the invention.
~,~ In Pig ores S and 6, the crass-sectionHl view of the cap 10 shows that the thickness of the ., can 10 in the shoulder area R"~ is cnmau,~hstt rPr3mrF~r~I ftt~ rnmnaricnn fa, ,~rin,~ Sr4 no.,v~ ", 30.~ ~ order to increase the flexl'bility of the cap 10 in that ragiort.
Accordingly, this allows the . ~. I
i rib 28 to be made thicker and to project radially inwardly further such as to create a ~~'F
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',':;stronger retention force on the neck 18 of the bottle 12. V~then the cap l U is applied an .:i v 'the neck I8 of the bottle 12, the tension ring is progressively spread radially until it snaps v~ into place_ The increased flexibility of the shoulder area. $3 allows the thicker retention :;z ::ring to be conveniently applied ott the neclc 1$ of the bottle I2.
S ~3 ~; The skirt 24 depends from the liil 22 and sunouz~ds the neck 18 of the bottle 12 when the cap t 0 is installed thereon, In the particular embodiment shown, the skirt 24 has a lower .' '' edge 33 and is dirnensianed such that when the cap 10 sealin,gly engages the uppez edge i v z of the neck T 8, at least a portion of the lower edge 33 of the skirt 24 is lo~oated between la ;v! ~a the upper end portion 21 and the lower end portion 23 of the an3~ular recessed area 19 of a ~ the neck 18 of the bottle i 2_ ;:
:, The skirt 2~t includes a line of weaianess 32 facilitating a manual tear of the skirt 24. The r~
°':; line of weakness 32 is a line slang which the slcirt material is likely to tear or rupture ;;
IS ~':f when the skirt 24 is pulled. in the non-limiting exan3lSEe of implementation shown in .~., Figures 1 to S, the line of weakness 32 is realized by making the skirt material thinner .,;
_:i i along a certain. line selected to be the line of weakness 32 than at other portions of the skirt '24. Alternati vely, the line of weakness 32 can be realized by making a series of ~T
indentations or a series of perforations in the skirt rr~terial along a c:ertaiu line seleoted 20 ~ i ~ to tie the line of wcala~ess 32. rn tl3e speaif is embodiment shown, tho line c~f weaIrness 32 extends along a portion of the periphery of thc; shirt 24 in the vicinity of the tension '' ~ ring; 26_ Mare sped really, tl~e line of weakness 32 extends along approximately three 1 ~ quarters of the periphery of the skirt 24 in an arf;a adjacent to the tension ring 26.
Furthermore, in this case, the line of weakness 32 includes a portion 3$
extending across 25s ~, the tension ring 26. When the skirt 24 is torn. and the material is ruptured at the portion .F
-,'E 38, the tension ring 26 is severed wl.~ieh reduces its ability to hold the cap 10 on the bottle 12.
-i ~ In addition, in the non-limiting erryodiment shown, the skink 24 defunes a pull tab 34 for 30~ facilitating a txzanual tear ofthe stcirt material along the line ofweakness 32 when the cap .v ~ 10 is removed from the bottle 12. The pull tab 34 projects down and depending on its :.
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size may extend down past the Lower en.d portion 23 of the annular recessed area 19.
In the particular example of implementation shown in Figures 1 to 6, the cap 10 further comprises a tear stop 36 at a location intersectinb a line of tear propabating as a result of ~,~'a a manual. pull applied on the Blurt 24. The line of tear produced by a manual pull of the Y'~~ skirt ~4 is most Likely to follow the line ofweakness 32 of the skirt 2~.
The tear stop 36 ~~ i prevents the line of tear to propagate beyond the tear stop 36. lvlore spocifiaally, the tear ;~ stop 36 is a structure adapted to prevent propagatioyt of the line of tear beyond the . ~'~ location of the structure. In the specific embodirnent shown, the tear stop 3~5 includes a 10~''~ thickened portion on the cap 10. ivlore speci~cahy, the tear stop 36 is realized by a :;a ;.' s thickening of the skitrt material in a certain area of the skirt 2~4.
Thickening of the skirt i i material is intended to mean that the skirt material in that certain area of the skirt 24 is thicker than in adjacent areas of the skirt 24 through which the line of weakness 32 extends. Once the propagating line of tear reaches the tear stop 36, the thicker material ~ ~ of the skirt 24 at that location will prevent further tearing of the skirt rnatcrial without a :E significant increase in the pulling force applied on the skim: 24. In other embodiments, v ' the tear stop 36 can be realized by a separate piece of material affixed, for example, by gluing or sonic welding to a specific location c~f the cap ! 0. In yet ottaer embodiments, ;the tear stop 36 can be realized by farming a hole of sufficien t dimensions in the skirt 20~s material. When the tear reaches such a tear stop 36, the absence of material in the hole z negates availability of material througks which the tear can propagate and thus prevents further propagation of the tear beyond that location.
<y In the specific ea~ampie of implementation, the tsar stop 36 is located adjacent the rib 2$
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ZS' ~ and as such ~sists the rib 28 in perfarrfting the function of a. tension ring. The tear stop ~;a .~ 35 has a cross-sectional shape that is analpgt>cts to the cross-sectional shape afthe rib 2$.
;; f ~'~s More specifically, the tear stop 36 has a smooth ramp surface 37 and allows the tension j ring of the cap !0 to progressively spread radially outwardly as the cap is being snap ;' i fitted on the neck t R ot'the bottle 12. above the ramp suxface 3T, the tear stop 36 defnes 3Q: i.~ a tooth 39 that engages the neck 1$ of the bottle I2 to assist the tension ring in retaininb :aM
the cap on the nook 18 of the boirtle I2.
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~ It will thus be appreciated that tlz.e tension ring 26, the line of°weakness 32, and the tear ~' ; stop 36 facilitate the rzzountinl;, retention, and removal of the cap 10 on or from the neck .....
1$ of the bottle 12. in particular, the tension ring 26 f-acil.itates installation and ensures ~: ~ ~~ retention of the cap 10 on the neck 18 of the 6ottl~ 12. For their part, the line ofweakness :.' a 32 and tb.e tear stop 35 facilitate the removal of the cap 10 from tile neck 1 g of the bottle .
::i i i ~ 12.
'i i specifically, when a user applios a pulling farce on the pull tab 34 of the skirt 24, a tear lt)! ~ or rupture ofthe skirt material is initiated and propagates along the line of weakness 32 y ,{
udder continual application of the farce. In the particular errilwdirnent shown, the line of :, i weakness 32 is configured such that a strip is formed wheiz the skirt 24 is being torn.
'~'~ Upon reaching the tear stop 36, the tear of the skizrt rz~aterial, or tear line, propagating y along the line of weakness 32 is prevented from lE~rrlrer propagation through the tear stop 15 ~' :~ 36. Advantageorzsly, this prevents a situation whereby a tear line would propagate along ~~ the entire periphery of the skirt 24 causing for the Skirt to be coz~3pletely detached from the lid 22, with the latter remaining fixed an the neck 18 of the Llottie 12.
In other words, :~ the tear stop 36 prevents complete separation of the strip formed from the toxn skizt material from the remainder of the cap 10. in addition, owing to the portion 3$ pf the line ., 20 .y of weakness 32 exterzdirtg across the tension ring 26 which, in this particular embodiment, is located adjacent the tear :;top 36, the tear line propagates along the ~a . ° ~ pol-tion 38 and thus tears nr ruptures at least part of Che tension ring 26. As a result, the :~ retaining force exerted by the tension ring 26 on the neck 18 ofthe botti.e l~ is reduced ;:.
~~~ thereby facilitating removal ofthe cap 10 front the neck 18.
25~~s ~~ The cap I D may also be part of a closure system for a potable liquid bottle. figure 7 :j.;
y ; shows a closure system ~l0 for a potable liquid bottle 12, in accordance with a specific E exampke of irnplemontation of the invention.. 'fhe bottle 12 is essentially identical to that .~ ~~ described previously in connection with 1~i~;ure .113. The closure system 40 comprises a 30 ~ ~ threaciless cap F0, such as the cap described. previously in connection with Figures 1 to ~" fi, and a protecti a sheath. 42 far application on the cap 10 and on a portion of the neck .a :; s ~~ i0 ;.;
a:'a :, i '~~ 18 of the bottle 12 below the cap I0. 'fhe protective sheath 42 is shrinkable to create a y y recessed zone 44 within the annular recessed a~a I ~ of the neck I $
adjacent the portion :3 ~ of the lower edge 33 of the skirt 24 located betwean the upper end portio~~ ~ I and the i i lower end portion 23 of the annular recessed area 19.
Sa ;;,i In a particular example of implementation, the portion of the lower edge 33 of tha skirt ~~ 24 that is located between the upper emd portion 2I and the lower end portion 23 of the ;,' ~ annular recessed area 19 includes the entirety of the lower edge 33 ofthe skirt 24 except .~~ ~ the pull tab 34. Also, the sheafih 42 is heat shrinkable on the cap i0 and an the portion .,v ~ ~~ of the ncclc '1$ of the bottle 12 below the cap 10. Furthem-~are, like the skirt 24, the sheath 4~2 includes a line ofweakness 415 to facilitate tear and rcrno~al aftlte sheath 42 after the ~, ~ sheath has been heat shrunk on ~tl~e c:ap 10 and on the portion of the neck 18 of the bottle f.
12 below the cap 10. The line afweakness 4fi is realized bra making the sheath nnatezial 1y thinner along a certain line sClectecl to be the line of weakness 4~5 than at other portions I S . ~ ~ of the sheath 42. Alternatively, the line of weakness 46 coal be rEalized by making a series of indentations or a series of pertbrations in the; sheath material along a certain line selected to be the line of waeatcrtESS 46.
' ~ Advantageously, the recessed zone 44 within the annular recessed area 19 of the neck i $
~'# reduces the tendency of the sheath 42 to slide on the cap 10 and on the portion of the :< ~ neok I8 of tlxe bottle I2 below the cap 10. Thus, the recessed zone 44, which is made .i~, possible by the dimensions ofthe skirt 24 of the c:ap 10, enhvnces retention of the sheath '! 42 on the cap LO aad on the portion ofthe neck 't 8 ol'the bottle 12 below the cap 10. In ;.~ addition, the rib 28 of the tension ring 26 projects radially outwardly out ofthe cap id e~~ ~ which further enhances retention of the: sheath 42. ~"he enhanced retention of the sheath 42 helps in ensuring that hybienic; conditions are maintained in the urea of the neck I $
ofttte bottle I2 and the cap IO that is exposed to direct contact with human hands during manipulation of the bottle 12.
v:; ~ Altl~tough the above description related to a specific type of cap, it will be appreciated that the invention can also be applied to caps hawing other features. Mor instance, the il ___.______.__. m=.~ ~d~,.~~".~~~,.~.. ~~_~~ ,J..~~~,~~,,.~,~~~..-~~ ~.a ..__ .... . ___......x....,~. . ._... __. . _.... __»~..n.~.
invention can he applied. to a cap which has a lid portion that is pierced when a bottle on which the cap is mounted is installed in a liquid dispenser. fhe invention can also be applied to caps having a central well as described, for instance, in (.J'.S.
patent no.
6,032,812.
The above description of the c~bodiments Shhc~uld not be interpzeted ia~ a limiting manner since other variations, ~nodificatior~,s and refinements are possible within the spirit an,d scope of the present inventxan, 'fhe scape of the invention is defined in the appended claims and tl-~eir equivalents.
Claims (34)
1. A threadless cap for closing a potable liquid bottle, the potable liquid bottle having a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening, said threadless cap comprising:
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle;
a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including a line of weakness facilitating a manual tear of said skirt, said line of weakness extending along a portion of a perimeter of said skirt, said line of weakness including a portion extending across said tension ring to reduce a retaining force exerted by said tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a line of tear propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on said skirt extends across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that the line of tear propagates along the portion of the perimeter of said skirt and then propagates along the portion extending across said tension ring; and a tear stop for preventing the line of tear to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the bottle.
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle;
a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including a line of weakness facilitating a manual tear of said skirt, said line of weakness extending along a portion of a perimeter of said skirt, said line of weakness including a portion extending across said tension ring to reduce a retaining force exerted by said tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a line of tear propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on said skirt extends across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that the line of tear propagates along the portion of the perimeter of said skirt and then propagates along the portion extending across said tension ring; and a tear stop for preventing the line of tear to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the bottle.
2. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein said tear stop includes a thickened portion on said cap.
3. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein said line of weakness is configured such that a strip is formed when said skirt is being torn.
4. A threadless cap as defined in claim 3, wherein said tear stop prevents complete separation of said strip from a remainder of said cap.
5. A threadless cap as defined in claim 4, wherein said skirt includes a pull tab that is attached to said strip.
6. A threadless cap as defined in claim 5, wherein said strip extends partially around the perimeter of said skirt.
7. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt along which extends said line of weakness is adjacent to said tension ring.
8. A threadless cap as defined in claim 7, wherein said lid and said skirt are integrally formed.
9. A threadless cap as defined in claim 8, wherein said lid and said skirt are integrally formed by injection molding.
10. A threadless cap for closing a potable liquid bottle, the potable liquid bottle having a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening, said threadless cap comprising:
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle;
a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including a line of weakness facilitating a manual tear of said skirt, said line of weakness extending along a portion of a perimeter of said skirt adjacent to said tension ring, said line of weakness including a portion extending across said tension ring to reduce a retaining force exerted by said tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a tear line propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on said skirt extends across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that the tear line propagates along the portion of the perimeter of said skirt and then propagates along the portion extending across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that a strip is formed when said skirt is being torn;
and a tear stop for preventing the tear line to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the bottle.
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle;
a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including a line of weakness facilitating a manual tear of said skirt, said line of weakness extending along a portion of a perimeter of said skirt adjacent to said tension ring, said line of weakness including a portion extending across said tension ring to reduce a retaining force exerted by said tension ring on the neck of the bottle when a tear line propagating as a result of a manual pull applied on said skirt extends across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that the tear line propagates along the portion of the perimeter of said skirt and then propagates along the portion extending across said tension ring, said line of weakness being configured such that a strip is formed when said skirt is being torn;
and a tear stop for preventing the tear line to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the bottle.
11. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein said tear stop includes a thickened portion on said cap.
12. A threadless cap as defined in claim 11, wherein said tear stop prevents complete separation of said strip from a remainder of said cap.
13. A threadless cap as defined in claim 12, wherein said skirt includes a pull tab that is attached to said strip.
14. A threadless cap as defined in claim 13, wherein said strip extends partially around the perimeter of said skirt.
15. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt along which extends said line of weakness is below and adjacent to said tension ring.
16. A threadless cap as defined in claim 15, wherein said lid and said skirt are integrally formed.
17. A threadless cap as defined in claim 16, wherein said lid and said skirt are integrally formed by injection molding.
18. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt comprises at least half of the perimeter of said skirt.
19. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt comprises at least three-quarters of the perimeter of said skirt.
20. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein the portion of said line of weakness extending across said tension ring is adjacent to said tear stop.
21. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein said tear stop has a surface allowing said tension ring to progressively spread radially outwardly when said cap is being snap fitted on the neck of the bottle.
22. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt comprises at least half of the perimeter of said skirt.
23. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein the portion of the perimeter of said skirt comprises at least three-quarters of the perimeter of said skirt.
24. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein the portion of said line of weakness extending across said tension ring is adjacent to said tear stop.
25. A threadless cap as defined in claim 10, wherein said tear stop has a surface allowing said tension ring to progressively spread radially outwardly when said cap is being snap fitted on the neck of the bottle.
26. A threadless cap for closing a water bottle, the water bottle having a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening, said threadless cap comprising:
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle; and a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including:
a first weakness line segment below and adjacent to said tension ring and extending along said tension ring for at least half of a perimeter of said tension ring;
a second weakness line segment extending across said tension ring;
a pull tab to initiate a tear which propagates along said first weakness line segment in order to partially separate said skirt form said lid and then along said second weakness line segment to rupture said tension ring and allow removal of said cap from the neck; and a tear stop for preventing the tear to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the water bottle.
a lid for overlying and sealing the discharge opening, said lid including a tension ring for retaining said cap on the neck of the bottle, said tension ring having an inwardly extending rib for engaging the neck of the bottle; and a skirt depending from said lid, said skirt including:
a first weakness line segment below and adjacent to said tension ring and extending along said tension ring for at least half of a perimeter of said tension ring;
a second weakness line segment extending across said tension ring;
a pull tab to initiate a tear which propagates along said first weakness line segment in order to partially separate said skirt form said lid and then along said second weakness line segment to rupture said tension ring and allow removal of said cap from the neck; and a tear stop for preventing the tear to propagate beyond said tear stop, said tear stop having a portion for engaging the neck of the water bottle.
27. A threadless cap as defined in claim 26, wherein said first weakness line segment and said second weakness line segment are part of a continuous line of weakness.
28. A threadless cap as defined in claim 27, wherein said continuous line of weakness is configured to prevent a complete separation of said skirt from said lid as said cap is being removed from the neck.
29. A threadless cap as defined in claim 28, wherein said first weakness line segment extends along said tension ring over more than half of the perimeter of said tension ring.
30. A threadless cap as defined in claim 29, wherein said first weakness line segment defines an arc of circle.
31. A threadless cap as defined in claim 30, wherein said arc of circle is parallel to said tension ring.
32. A threadless cap as defined in claim 30, wherein said second weakness line segment extends upwardly from said first weakness line segment and intersects said tension ring.
33. A threadless cap as defined in claim 28, wherein said first weakness line segment extends along said tension ring over less than three-quarters of the perimeter of said tension ring.
34. A threadless cap as defined in claim 1, wherein said inwardly extending rib tapers radially inwardly.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2714101A CA2714101C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
| CA2464170A CA2464170C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2464170A CA2464170C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2714101A Division CA2714101C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2464170A1 CA2464170A1 (en) | 2005-10-08 |
| CA2464170C true CA2464170C (en) | 2011-07-12 |
Family
ID=35206744
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2464170A Expired - Lifetime CA2464170C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
| CA2714101A Expired - Lifetime CA2714101C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2714101A Expired - Lifetime CA2714101C (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-04-08 | Cap and closure system for closing a large potable liquid bottle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2464170C (en) |
-
2004
- 2004-04-08 CA CA2464170A patent/CA2464170C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-04-08 CA CA2714101A patent/CA2714101C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2714101A1 (en) | 2005-10-08 |
| CA2464170A1 (en) | 2005-10-08 |
| CA2714101C (en) | 2015-06-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request |