CA2521219A1 - Capsule with a piercable cap, stopper equipped with such a capsule containing a substance designed to be added to the contents of the container thus stopped and said container - Google Patents

Abstract

The capsule (1) consists of a deformable membrane (2) with its base closed by a seal (3) to form an enclosed volume (V) for at least one substance (S) that is released when the seal is pierced by an integral rupturing component (4). After the seal has been pierced a mechanical pressure is applied to the membrane to expel the substance(s) from the capsule into a container that is fitted with a cap holding the capsule, enabling the substance(s) to be mixed with the container's contents.

Description

WO 2004/089777. PCT / FR2004 / 000827 Capsule with pierceable lid, cap fitted with such a capsule containing a substance intended to be added to the contents of the receptacle clogged and corresponding container The present invention relates to a capsule intended to be mounted in a stopper for a neck container or neck intended for dispensing liquids or pasty products, in particular for bottles of mineral water and the corresponding stopper and container.
More specifically, the cap provided with a capsule according to the The present invention is intended to contain, in a compartment hermetically sealed container, a substance or specific composition to be mixed with the contents of said container just before using or consuming it.
The plug of the present invention can in particular be used for butchering bottles made of synthetic materials plastics (eg PET) intended to contain all kinds of liquid food or not, more or less fluid, such that, for example, mineral water, fruit juice, milk drinks, etc. but also sauces or condiments (ketchup, mustard, vinaigrette ...) or non-food liquids (cleaning products, detergents. . .).
We already know, in this particular field, a good number of plugs having compartments enclosing a substance, particular food, intended to be added to the contents of the receptacle which usually contains a drink such as water or milk, for example example for the preparation of energy drinks or baby bottles.
However, all current caps present a certain number of disadvantages more or less troublesome.
A first type among these known plugs has a capsule or a reservoir sealed by a membrane or detachable tab and fixed on the upper part of said cap equipping a container. For adding the substance contained in the tank to said container, it is necessary to unscrew the cap, remove the membrane or tongue closing said reservoir to create an opening for said substance, return the cap to pour said substance into said container and finally, to screw the cap on said container to be able to shake it and

-2-thus mix the substance with the contents of the latter. The use of a such a plug therefore requires many tedious steps, of which some, such as turning the cork to release the substance in said container, may require some dexterity for avoid pouring the substance next to it.
Another type of cap has a capsule or reservoir releasing a solid substance in the form of compressed via a pressure exerted by a finger of the user on said capsule. Gold, this type of plug has sealing problems, being reminded that the container contents should not come accidentally into contact with the substance contained in the capsule. These problems are solved in this type of plug by the presence of a sealing cap attached to the neck of the container. In a first embodiment of this plug, the user, to release the substance, unscrews the plug first to remove the cap, then replace the cap on the container and release the capsule tablet by pressing on it. In a second variant, the user can remove the lid, while the cap is fixed on the container. In both cases, many tedious steps are again needed to release the substance. In addition, another disadvantage lies in the fact that the operculum of the capsule allowing release the substance only works well when this substance is present in the form of tablets or rigid pellets.
To limit the number of steps required to release the substance it was designed a type of cork in which the substance, under form of tablet or rigid tablet, is between a membrane deformable upper on which pressure is exerted to release said substance, and a lower seal serving as a sealing element.
The lower lid is torn by the tablet when the user is exercising pressure on the upper membrane.
However, the rigidity of the operculum is a critical parameter in the the latter must be both low enough to allow easy release of the substance (preferably its state) and sufficiently high to allow said operculum to withstand the pressure that can be exerted on the latter by the contents of the container when compressed during the handling steps of the container. In when the rigidity of the operculum is too low, disruptions

-3-of it during the handling stages, and the substance mixes accidentally with the contents of the container.
When the operculum is rigid enough, the pressure to be exercised by the user or the consumer on the lid to release the substance must also be high, which may be disadvantageous for some people. Ideally, this pressure transmitted to the operculum by (intermediate of the substance, should be identical, whatever the form and constitution of the substance. However, in the use of a substance in powder form, for example, the force exerted on the elastic membrane is transmitted in a reduced way to the operculum and is not sufficient not always tearing it to release the substance.
The main disadvantage of this type of plug is that it is limited to (use of substances in the form of tablets or rigid pellets which alone are capable of transmitting substantially the force exerted by the finger on the operculum. This type of cap does not therefore not applicable in the case of liquid substances or in the form of of powder. Moreover, the rupture of the operculum is a function of the form of the substance, which excludes any reproducibility of the said rupture.
The present invention aims to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of known capsule and capsule caps and is intended to provide a capsule and a cap to minimize risks accidental breakage of the seal to isolate the substance from the the contents of the container to which it must be added and allowing a break facilitated frank and reproducible said operculum by the user who is the more independent of the condition or physical constitution of the said substance.
In fact, the rupture of the sealed lid must ideally can be done for any type of substance to be added to the content of the container, in particular in the case of partially filled capsules containing substances that do not always allow the transmission of a sufficient part of the mechanical effort exerted by the user capable of breaking the sealing cover.
This can especially be the case for very fluid liquids, very deformable or compressible solids such as fine powders, very friable granules, etc.
Moreover, the plug according to the invention must be able to be used with little effort and little manipulation by one hand of the

-4-the consumer, the opening should preferably not lead to the formation of spare parts.
The present invention therefore relates to a sealed capsule essentially constituted by a deformable membrane sealed at its base by a pierceable seal so as to define a sealed volume intended for contain at least one substance between said deformable membrane and said operculum, characterized in that it has at least one means of rupture integrated said pierceable seal able to tear for a liberation of a effective quantity of substances) following sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane due to an external mechanical force exerted on this last.
It also relates to a cap for a container with a neck or neck intended for the distribution of liquids or pasty products, in particular for bottled mineral water, characterized in that it is essentially constituted by a base intended to be fixed on said container and closing said container via a capsule according to the invention reported in a sealed manner on said base, the membrane deformable of said capsule being itself covered by a hood of rigid protection based on an annular base piece reported on said base, the lower base of said capsule being formed by the pierceable lid, a sealed useful volume filled with at least one substance intended to be added to the contents of the front container consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane and said capsule, an effective amount of substances) being released into the contents of the container during a rupture of the lid due to a sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane.
It also relates to a container neck or neck intended the distribution of liquids or pasty products, in particular water mineral, characterized in that it comprises a capsule according to the present invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description, given as an example and in reference to the accompanying drawings in which fig. 1 is a schematic view in side elevation and in section of a first embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

-5-fig. 2 is a schematic view from below of the capsule of the figure 1 ;
fig. 3 is a schematic view in side elevation and in section of a second embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use ;
fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view along AA of the capsule of Figure 3;
fig. 5 is a schematic view in side elevation and in section of a third embodiment of the capsule according to the invention;
fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view along AA of the capsule of Figure 5;
fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view along BB of the capsule of Figure 6 in the state used;
fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention;
fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;
fig. 10 is a schematic view in side elevation and in section of a sixth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;
fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view along AA of the capsule of Figure 10;
fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view along BB of the capsule of Figures 10 and 11;
fig. 13 is a schematic sectional view of the capsule of the Figure 10 in the state used;
fig. 14 is a schematic view in side elevation and in section of a seventh embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;
fig. 15 is a schematic sectional view along AA of the capsule of Figure 14;
fig. 16 is a schematic sectional view along BB of the capsule of Figures 14 and 15;
fig. 17 is a schematic sectional view of the capsule of the Figure 14 in the state used;

-6-fig. 18 is a side elevation and sectional view of a cap according to the invention in the closed state provided with a capsule according to the first embodiment of Figure 1 before use;
fig. 19 is a view of the plug of FIG. 18 mounted on a container, after opening of the protective cover and rupture of the seal of the capsule;
fig. 20 is a view in side elevation and in section of a cap according to the invention in the closed state provided with a capsule according to the third embodiment of Figures 5 to 7;
fig. 21 is a view of the plug of FIG. 18 mounted on a container, after opening of the protective cover and rupture of the seal of the capsule;
fig. 22 is a side elevation view and exploded sectional view of a cap according to the invention in the closed state provided with a capsule according to a eighth embodiment before assembly;
fig. 23 is a schematic representation in elevation lateral section and partially exploded section of a plug according to the invention the closed state provided with a protective cover made according to a variant of embodiment of the invention, before assembly;
fig. 24 is a representation of the view of FIG. 23, after assembly;
fig. 25 is a perspective view of the protective cap of the Figures 23 and 24;
fig. 26 is a schematic perspective view of a mode of particular embodiment of a constituent element of the plug according to the invention;
fig. 27 is a sectional view along AA of the element of the Figure 26;
fig. 28 is a top view of the element of FIG. 26 and, fig. 29 is an enlarged partial view in perspective of the central portion of Figure 26.
Referring first to Figure 1 which shows a view schematic in side elevation and sectional view of a first mode of embodiment of the capsule according to the invention.
In the embodiment described and shown, the capsule 1 sealed essentially constituted by a deformable membrane 2 sealed at its base by a seal 3 pierceable so as to define a sealed volume V for WO 2004/08977

7 PCT / FR2004 / 000827 _ _ contain at least one substance S between said deformable membrane 2 and said lid 3 is characterized in that it has at least one means integrated rupture of said pierceable lid 3 capable of tearing it for a release of an effective amount of substances) S following deformation sufficient of said deformable membrane 2 due to mechanical stress outside exercised on the latter.
The incorporation into the very breast of said capsule 1 of means of rupture 4 makes it possible to manufacture a capsule 1 piece ready to be mounted in the cap selected to plug the desired container that does not require an additional external element for the rupture of the operculum 3.
According to a first embodiment particularly simple and economic, the capsule 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that that the breaking means 4 is made in the form of a pre-cut 5 of the lid 3, namely at least one point or a line of rupture preferential of the latter.
Advantageously, the pre-cut 5 is made in the form of a set of preferential rupture lines arranged in the form of a star, preferably centered on said operculum 3.
In this way, an opening by tearing of the operculum 3 which is the easiest and reproducible possible.
Another example of pre-cut 5 in the shape of a cross has been shown in Figure 2, but other geometries may also agree.
The pre-cut 5 itself can be carried out by any method usually used, known per se, in particular by laser cutting, stamping, etc.
Preferably, the deformable membrane 2 is made of PVC, a material that is resistant, allowing the user to deform it sufficiently, for example with a finger, to successfully break the operculum 3 and so release the substance or substances S into the contents of the container R. The shape of the deformable membrane 2 itself may be unspecified even if a overall shape of the type of a bell, preferably a bell of which the top is flat, for example disc-shaped, oval, etc., can be preferred.
According to another feature not shown, the membrane deformable 2 may comprise at least one deformation means _G_ preferential of the latter realized in the form of a point, a line or a preferential deformation surface, for example, in the form a recess in the form of a section groove portion substantially semi-cylindrical located on the sidewall of said membrane deformable 2. This means creates a point, line or surface priming and facilitating the deformation of the remainder of the deformable membrane 2 to achieve the desired objective, namely a concentration of the efforts leading to a sufficiently marked deformation of said membrane deformable 2 which allows to provide a tear or break sufficient cover 3 to allow the passage of the S substances contained in the sealed volume V and intended to be added to the contents of the container provided with the capsule 1 according to the invention.
In the preferred example referred to above, the thumb or finger of the user pressing first on the defarmable membrane 2 at the place where is the preferential deformation means or means (which are located at a convenient place of access for the consumer, for example at a level close to the summit), initiates a relatively easier deformation of the deformable membrane 2 which propagates to the remaining, more rigid surfaces, by dragging them into the deformation movement whose magnitude becomes quickly enough to cause a significant opening opening for 1a or S substances in the pierceable lid 3.
In the case where the deformable membrane 2 is made of a soft or elastic material, such as natural rubber, it is not excluded that said membrane returns to its original shape when the pressure exerted by the user's finger stops, thus preserving the aesthetic appearance original of the cap.
Of course, other deformable materials filling the same function may also be suitable, even if PVC is preferred, especially because of its particular physico-chemical properties adapted to the job described.
It goes without saying that the material or materials used for the production of the capsule 1, the cap and more particularly that or those used for the production of the deformable membrane 2 and the lid 3 will have to be chemically and physically compatible with the nature of the content liquid or pasty container R thus plugged, respectively with the or S substances contained in the sealed volume V delimited by the said deformable membrane 2 and said lid 3. In addition, if the container R

plugged by the cap according to the invention is intended to contain a product liquid or pasty food, it will also be necessary to ensure that aforementioned materials are of good food quality and that the product clogged marketed meets the applicable hygiene standards.
Thus, a single operation is sufficient after opening the cover of 19 (see, for example, Figures 18 and 19), to transfer the S substances in the container R.
The operation of opening said protective cover 19 can also be done by one hand, for example, by grasping the container R in the palm and discarding said protective cover 19 by the action of the thumb of the same hand. Figure 19 illustrates a plug provided a capsule of the type of that of Figure 1 when the protective cover 19 opened, the deformable diaphragm 2 pushed in sufficiently the lid 3 is torn, the substance S then falling into said R. container For closing, the index finger returns the protection cover 19 to the base piece 20 until the "click" closing.
The constitution of the base piece 20 and the means opening and closing 33, 34 will be detailed later.
According to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate piece 6 provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said lid 3, said piece intermediate 6 having at least one breaking means 4 of said deformable membrane 2 which can be activated during deformation sufficient of the latter.
As shown, for example in Figures 3 and 4, a capsule 1 according to the invention produced in accordance with a second embodiment of embodiment is characterized in that said at least one intermediate piece 6 is in the form of a ring 7 disposed between the membrane deformable 2, preferably substantially bell-shaped and more preferentially whose top is flattened, and the seal 3 sealing said volume V, said ring 7 having, as the breaking means 4, at minus a portion of surface 8 delimited in said ring 7 so as to forming a valve hinged relative to said ring 7, said valve being fit at pivot towards the cover 3 in order to pierce it during a deformation sufficient of said deformable membrane 2.

According to a third embodiment shown in FIGS.
to 7, the capsule 1 according to the invention can be characterized in that at least one intermediate piece 6 is made in the form of a ring 7 disposed between the deformable membrane 2, preferably substantially made in the form of a bell and more preferably whose apex is flattened, and the seal 3 sealing said volume V, said ring 7 having, in as the breaking means 4, several surface portions 8, 8 'of preferably interconnected by at least one breaking bridge 10 and delimited in said ring 7 so as to form, for each portion of surface 8, 8 ', a valve hinged relative to said ring 7, each valve being able to pivot, after breaking the bridge or bridges 10 which connect them, to the cover 3 to pierce it during a sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane 2.
As can be seen in Figures 10, 11, 14, 15, 22, 23 and 24, the end of the breaking means 4 opposite the hinge 9 of the valve formed swivel or attachment of said breaking means 4 to the workpiece intermediate 6 may be provided with a thin tie or bridge 10 'making breaking bridge office which secures said means 4 as the plug is not actually used. This bridge 10 'also imposes on the user, when he wishes to tear the lid 3, to apply pressure or force on the relatively high arcuate element which suffices to break said bridge 10 'and which, at the same time and because of its high intensity and its application abrupt, allows for a break or cut more clear or more of the operculum 3, compared to a progressive rupture by application of a force that grows progressively, thus releasing the whole S substance contained in the capsule 1.
This is the case as long as the deformable membrane 2 has not been enough deformed (depressed) to transmit the mechanical stress either in contacting it or transmitting the pressure via the substance S at the cover 3 or at the surface of a support 14 as shown in FIG.
Figure 10 and described in more detail below, and that the effort thus transmitted is not enough to break this bridge 10 'or a bridge 10 that connects two portions of surfaces between them (see Figures 6 and 9), compared lower than that required to pierce the lid 3.
Advantageously, said ring 7 and said portions of surface 8, 8 'are produced by injection of a synthetic material, preference of polyethylene, at or in the immediate vicinity of the bridges 10, 10 'breaking.
As can be seen on the embodiments of the figures

8 and 9, the capsule 1 according to the invention is further characterized in that at least a portion of the free contour of said surface portions 8, 8 'present one or more sharp-angled portions 11, of the tooth type, facilitating piercing of the operculum 3.
This facilitates, if necessary, the rupture of said lid 3 who must otherwise tear up without being assisted. The shape of the swivel flap and / or breaking means 4 and the number of these is determined according to the tear resistance provided by operculum 3 which is usually made in the form of a film of optionally plasticized aluminum or the like.
There is shown by way of non-limiting example of the teeth protruding for the breaking means 4 but other salient geometries and sharp are also possible, for example in the form of projecting protruding vertical points or in the thickness of said flap of pivoting towards the operculum 3.
According to the embodiment variant illustrated in the figures 14 to 17, the breaking means 4 has at least one salient element 12 substantially vertical directed towards the lid 3 and facilitating the drilling of this latest. This variant will be described in more detail below.
A sixth variant of the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the one or more surface portions 8, 8 'of the 4 have a rigid element 13 protruding towards the deformable membrane 2 and having a useful overall bearing surface 14 capable of transmitting an external mechanical force exerted on the said deformable membrane 2 by the user which is sufficient to cause the pivoting of at least one surface portion 8, 8 'and a failure of the operculum 3 releasing an effective amount of substances) S in the content of the container R on which said capsule 1 will be mounted.
A non-limiting example corresponding to this type of variant has has been shown in Figures 10 to 13.
In order to facilitate the transfer of energy necessary for the breakdown of operculum 3, the capsule 1 is preferably characterized in that the element rigid 13 has a bearing surface 14 useful at least on a portion, substantially the shape of said deformable membrane 2, of preferably the shape of the top or a portion of the top of this last.
Even more preferably, the rigid element 13 is made in the form of a half-cylinder portion of semicircular section vertical or substantially vertical, the useful bearing surface 14 is then in the form of a rectangular band or substantially rectangular, according to what is shown in Figures 10 to 13 of the sixth embodiment given for information only.
This configuration allows the user to distort the deformable membrane 2 at a level that can go from a point close to the base 18 (and facing said bearing surface 14) to a point close to the top of said deformable membrane 2, the direction of the effort applied then being substantially vertical and more convenient to a finger or the thumb of the consumer.
~ A seventh embodiment provides that the piece intermediate 6, provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said 3 is made in the form of a peripheral ring 7 on which relies locally, through a hinge portion 9, a arched element 15 substantially and at least locally in the shape of the deformable membrane 2 in its initial state and whose free end 16 is made in the form of at least one salient element 12 or pointed pointed towards the cover 3, a support surface 14 useful being provided on said element arched 15 which is capable of transmitting an external mechanical force exerted on said deformable membrane 2 by the user which is sufficient for cause the tilting of the end projecting element (s) 12 to to obtain a rupture of the lid 3 releasing an effective amount of substances) S in the contents of the container R.
This solution is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17.
Particularly advantageously, the bearing surface 14 useful provided on the arcuate element 15 has on its inner face directed towards the cover 3, a vertical wall portion 17 or substantially vertical also directed towards the lid 3, a bearing surface Auxiliary 14 'assists the transmission of the external mechanical stress exerted on said deformable membrane 2 by the user to cause said rupture of the lid 3.
According to another characteristic, the ring 7 and the portion or portions of the surface 8, 8 'and / or the portion or portions of hinge 9 and / or the arcuate member 15 are made in one piece, preferably by injection of a synthetic material.
Finally, it can also be provided, if necessary, to provide the operculum 3 provided in the capsules 1 different embodiments of the first variant (FIGS. 1 and 2) in addition to at least one point or preferential breaking line, for example in the form of a pre-5, in order to facilitate further, in combination with the means of rupture 4 referred to above, the rupture of said seal 3.
One can thus provide one or more grooves where the thickness of operculum 3 has been voluntarily reduced such as by laser ablation or a similar or equivalent process.
Regarding the assembly of the different parts constitutive part of the capsule, a first solution is to make sure that the cover 3 is fixed directly on the deformable membrane 2, preferably at their common circular periphery where said operculum 3 and said deformable membrane 2 contact each other overlapping.
This first possibility is exemplified by FIGS.
19 and 22. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 22, for example, the arched element 15 and the ring 7 are made in one piece in the form of a single piece that can be inserted freely (seamless) into the hollow formed by the deformable membrane 2 during the manufacture of the capsule 1. The lid 3 is then directly welded on the portion corresponding periphery of said deformable membrane 2, the element arque 15 being trapped between them without being fixed there. The method of manufacturing the capsule 1 according to this embodiment it is therefore advantageously simplified.
According to a second possibility, the lid 3 is fixed directly on the lower face 6 'of the intermediate piece 6, in particular on the face lower 6 'of the periphery of the ring 7 forming said piece intermediate 6, which then excludes direct contact between said operculum 3 and the deformable membrane 2 (c ~ Figures 3 to 17, 20 and 21).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, for example, the arcuate element 15 and the ring 7 are also made in one piece in the form of a one-piece piece which is however fixed, for example, by welding on the lid 3, the deformable membrane 2 being itself fixed or welded to a corresponding peripheral portion of said ring 7, the arched element 15 being then imprisoned between them by being fixed.
Advantageously, the device 3 is fixed by welding circular, circular thermocontact or by any similar process on the deformable membrane 2 or the lower face 6 'of the intermediate part 6.
The present invention also relates to a plug for neck or neck container for dispensing liquids or products pasty, in particular for bottled mineral water, characterized in that is essentially constituted by a base 18 intended to be fixed on said container R and closing said container R via a capsule 1 according to the invention reported in a sealed manner on said base 18, the deformable membrane 2 of said capsule 1 being itself covered by a rigid protective cover 19 resting on a piece of annular base reported on said base 18, the lower base of said capsule 1 being formed by the pierceable lid 3, a sealed useful volume V
filled with at least one substance S to be added to the contents of the container R before consumption being thus defined between the membrane deformable 2 and said lid 3 of said capsule 1, an effective amount of substances) S being released into the contents of the container R during a rupture of the operculum 3 due to a sufficient deformation of the membrane deformable 2.
According to a preferred embodiment variant, represented in FIGS. 23 to 25, the sealed capsule 1 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate piece 6 provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said lid 3, said intermediate piece 6 exhibiting said at least one breaking means 4 of said membrane deformable 2 which can be activated during a sufficient deformation of this last and in that the intermediate piece 6 is made in the form of a ring 7 device on which relies locally, via of a hinge portion 9, an arched element 15 substantially embracing and at least locally the shape of the deformable membrane 2 in its state initial and whose free end 16 is realized in the form of at least one protruding element 12 or pointed towards the cover 3, a bearing surface 14 being provided on said arcuate member 15 which is capable of transmitting an external mechanical force exerted on said membrane deformable 2 by the user which is sufficient to cause the tilting the end element or elements 12 in order to obtain a rupture of the lid 3 releasing an effective amount of substances) S
contained in said capsule 1.
Preferably, the deformable membrane 2 and the hood of protection 19 can both be made of a material deformable, substantially in the form of two half-spheres, the radius of the half-sphere of the protective cover 19 being slightly smaller than that of the half-sphere of the deformable membrane 2, said half-sphere of protective cover 19 being provided with at least one meridian notch 19 'extending from the base of said half-sphere to a portion of the height of it. This embodiment of the protective cover 19 is particularly advantageous because the latter does not need to be molded into opening position, thus considerably reducing the size of the mold and it increases its resistance, which makes it possible to reduce substantially the manufacturing cost of the protective cover 19. Moreover, from the point of view mechanical, the fact of not molding the protective cover 19 in position open can also preserve the integrity of the hinge 35 which can be weakened during molding in the open position.
FIG. 23 represents the protective cover 19 and the part of base 20 before mounting on the base 18 in the cap and FIG. 24 represents the protective cover 19 and the base 18 assembled. During this assembly, the meridian notches 19 'widen and deviate each other for mounting said protective cover 19, such way that its dimension enlarges to close on the base 18, in collaboration with the means of opening and closing 33 and 34.
Non-limiting examples of corks likely to be equipped with a capsule 1 according to the invention are shown in FIGS.
at 25.
Advantageously and as can be seen for example in FIGS. 18 and 19, the plug according to the invention is characterized in that that the base 18 is made in the form of a part consisting of a cylindrical portion 21 for attachment to the neck or the neck G of container R provided at its upper end with a portion flat annular 22 forming an internal circular shoulder 23 delimiting an opening 24 of said container R, the lid 3 resting or being fixed on the upper face 22 'of said flat annular portion 22 turned towards the capsule 1.

The base 18 may be made of a molded part, by example by injection, and will preferably be carried out in plastic.
The base 18 makes it possible to fix the cap on the container R and provides at the same time the base for the deformable membrane 2 and the piece base 20 of the rigid protective cover 19 covering said membrane deformable 2.
As can be seen in particular in Figures 18 to 22, the plug according to the invention is further characterized in that the underside 22 "of the flat annular portion 22 has a vertical recess 25 in the form of an annular skirt intended to collaborate with the inner face the neck of the container R and the cylindrical portion 21 for fixing said cap on the latter. Said vertical recess 25 is also visible in FIGS. 23 and 24 which represent a simplified version analogous to that of Figures 18 to 22 with respect to this part of the plug.
Advantageously, the plug according to the invention (in variant shown in FIGS. 18 to 22) is further characterized in that upper face 22 'of the flat annular portion 22 is provided with a rim annular 26 at least slightly deformable forming, after mounting the capsule 1 in said plug, an annular groove 27 with said portion flat ring 22 trapping the peripheral portion of the capsule 1, at level of the lid 3 and the deformable membrane 2 and, if appropriate, of the intermediate piece 6.
In this way, it becomes possible to perfectly seal said deformable membrane 2 and to guarantee the upper sealing of the V. For this purpose, the annular flange 26 is folded towards the flat annular portion 22 of the base 18 during assembly of said deformable membrane 2. This crimping of the deformable membrane 2 can still be reinforced by the flat annular portion 22 of the base piece 20 when it is mounted on the base 18 by compressing the latter as explained below.
Preferably, the stopper according to the invention is furthermore characterized in that the cylindrical portion 21 intended to be fixed on the collar or the neck G of the container R present on its lateral circular wall external means 28 for cooperating with complementary means 29 located on the base piece 20 to secure the piece of based 20 on the base 18.
These means can be all mechanical means suitable classic fasteners.
By way of non-limiting illustrative example, the means 28 and Complementary means 29 are made, as suggested schematically in FIGS. 18 to 22, by "female" elements such that notches or grooves cooperating with "male" elements as, for example, lugs or beads, etc.
Also advantageously, the stopper according to the invention is characterized in that the base part 20 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 34 intended to be fixed on the base 18 and provided with level of its upper end, a flat annular portion 31 forming an inner circular rim 32 intended to come to rest, preferably in the first compressing, on the annular flange 26 that traps the party peripheral of the capsule 1, at the level of the operculum 3 and the membrane deformable 2 and, if appropriate, the intermediate piece 6.
As explained above, this measure still allows advantageously strengthen the superior sealing between the membrane deformable 2 and the base 18 of the cap.
Alternatively, the cylindrical sleeve 30 of the base piece 20 can be fixed directly, by any usual means (welding, gluing ...) on the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1 which rests and / or which is fixed coughing on the base 18, possibly via the cover 3. Thus said cylindrical sleeve 30 can come into abutment mechanical when the protective cover 19 is assembled with the base 18 and be fixed at this stop and / or laterally at the level of the cylindrical periphery of said base 18 (see Figure 24).
The plug according to the invention can be fixed on the neck of the container R by any usual means. Preferably, said plug is screwed onto the neck of said container R.
In the latter case, it can be FIGS. 18 to 24, that the cylindrical portion 21 is made in the form of a cylindrical sleeve provided with an internal thread 21 'for screwing on the external thread of the neck or neck G threaded container R.
In this way, the plug according to the present invention can be mounted on any container with a standard thread.

-1 ~ -According to another characteristic, the base piece 20 presents a first opening and closing means 33 for cooperating with engagement by elastic deformation with a second means corresponding 34 located on the protective cover 19.
In general, any device of the male-female type or analog can be adapted to the present plug to guarantee a closure Reliable and easily unlockable protective cover 19.
According to a first variant, the base piece 20 presents a push button provided with a first hook intended to cooperate with a second corresponding hook located on the protective cover 19.
Thus, simply press, for example with the thumb, on said push button so that the two aforementioned hooks are detached, which causes the opening of said protective cover 19 and access to the membrane deformable 2.
According to another variant, the base part 20 has a button pusher provided with a recess for cooperating with a stub corresponding located on the protective cover 19.
In order to allow the pivoting of the protective cover 19 during of the opening and the retention of the rotated part it is advantageously provided that the protective cover 19 is connected to the base part 20 by minus a hood hinge 35. This hinge 35 can be made under different forms. In Figures 18 to 22, for example, said hinge 35 is realized in the form of a simple element injected with synthetic material and connecting the base of the protective cover 19 to the base part 20.
The hinge 35 illustrated in Figure 25 and connecting the cover of protection 19 at its top to the base piece 20 is realized according to a particular mode allowing said hood to be articulated or pivoted to level of the summit of its constituent hemisphere. This embodiment of the protective cover 19 and the hinge 35 allows to position the protective cover 19 on the base part 20 in order to "crush" it against said base part 20, this erosion causing the spacing of the 19 'meridian indentations and the engagement of the means of opening and 33 and 34, as shown in FIG.
these are engaged in one another, the closed position of the hood protection 19 on the base part 20 is stabilized.
Alternatively one can predict that the cover 19 is not fixed permanently to the base part 20 but that it rests only on the latter (for example by being engaged by elastic deformation) and that it be permanently removed during use or consumption of the contents of the container R. Indeed, the protective cover 19 Its primary purpose is to protect the deformable membrane 2 from any involuntary external aggression, for example during handling, storage and transport of clogged R containers which could accidentally deform or damage it and break the tightness of the volume V.
In a particularly simple embodiment and economic, the protective cover 19 is made in one piece with the basic piece 20.
According to another characteristic, the lower end of the base 18 remote from the outlet of the neck or neck G of the container R is provided with a safety ring 36.
It ensures that the cap has never been unscrewed the neck or neck of the container R.
Moreover, the stopper according to the invention is further characterized in that it comprises, in addition, at least one inviolability device at level of a means participating in the locking of the protective cover 19 in closed position.
Such a means can for example be realized in the form of a ring or a circular band of film made of a thermoplastic material thermoformed which marries and covers, before the first use, said locking means of the protective cover. This band is torn off the first use, for example, by means facilitating this removal such as a pre-cut portion (dashed), a notch pulling, an opening wire, etc. and thus serves as a witness to the opening of the stopper in question.
According to another advantageous characteristic, the hood of protection 19 and the deformable membrane 2 are made of one or more translucent materials, preferably transparent.
Thus, it is possible for the user to check the presence of substance S before use, for example the presence of a tablet such that a specific medicine must be dissolved in the contents of the container R before ingestion. It also allows, in case we use transparent materials, to control the nature of the substance S, by example by means of a color code or shape. We can imagine a substance S colored according to the nature of its taste that can be added to a beverage that has no or relatively little taste or a taste to be modified, either strengthened or on the contrary attenuated or mask.
By way of non-limiting example, the substance S can be a powder, a lozenge or a colored syrup intended to be dissolved in water mineral, each color corresponding to a taste or another predefined characteristic (yellow = lemon, red = ponune, green = lemon green, orange = tangerine or orange, brown = chocolate, blue = menthol, black = cola ...).
Finally, the transparent realization also allows to increase the aesthetic and playful aspect of the cap according to the invention.
In the most general way, the substance or substances S can to be any food substance or not (whatever its state solid, liquid, gaseous, pasty, etc.) or a mixture of substances that are may wish to add to the contents of the container R, said contents being able to also be any food content or not, this also regardless of its physical state.
Preferably, the substance or substances S are solids or liquids and the contents of the container R is a liquid more or less viscous, preferably water and even more preferably water mineral.
Preferably, the substance or substances S and the contents of the container R are of a dietary nature, that is, non-toxic to humans or animals.
Although the non-limiting example of this presentation is given for a solid substance S and a content of the liquid container R, it goes without saying that the man of the profession will be able to adapt the latter to other cases not explicitly described here, by providing for customary the nature of the materials used, the dimensions of the different rooms...
The term "added" for the said substance or substances must also be understood to include the addition pure and simple, that is to say the simple fact of adding said substance or substances S (by insoluble examples) to the contents of the container R, but also their physical mixture (assisted or not) to form a stable mixture, a suspension, an emulsion, etc., their partial or complete dissolution in said content, and their chemical mixture (resulting in one or more chemical reactions).
Advantageously, the substance or substances S comprise at least a substance sensitive to the contents of the container R with which the capsule 1 is intended to collaborate and only to be added to it shortly or just before consumption.
Non-limiting examples of such substance S are medical preparations in which the active compound is very fragile and must be put into its manageable form at the last minute, the blends physically or chemically unstable over time (non-hazardous substances miscible, perishable goods), etc.
Thus, according to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the substance or substances S comprise at less a drug.
According to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the substance or substances S comprise at least one oral cosmetic agent, for example a solution of oral collagen.
As mentioned above, the substance or substances S are preferably of a food nature.
Advantageously, the substance or substances S are chosen in the group formed by: dyes, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, thickeners, stabilizers, foods, Ies nutritional or dietary supplements or any composition obtained from at least two of these ingredients.
By food we mean any food considered as particularly beneficial to health (dairy products or cereals, fibers ...) Finally, the capsule 1 according to the invention is further characterized in the substance or substances S comprise at least one solid substance, possibly reduced to powder or granules.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the capsule 1, or even the cap provided with such a capsule 1, have an outer shape rounded substantially half-sphere shape, possibly slightly flattened.
Thanks to these rounded ergonomic shapes, handling containers thus plugged (handling, transport ...), as well as their _22_ aesthetic appearance are reinforced and the risk of injury, in particular in children, reduced.
According to a particularly interesting variant in particular for a capsule 1 according to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) which it is particularly well adapted, the shoulder 23 circular internal boundary delimiting an opening 24 of said closed container R is provided on a part of its inner periphery of at least one tooth-shaped element 37, intended to facilitate the rupture of the pierceable lid 3 during a sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1 (cf.
Figure 18).
Alternatively, it is possible for this type of capsule 1, that the annular verbal recess (of the base 18) is provided with a pair of parallel arms 38, 38 'extending in a plane parallel to the area of the operculum 3 and originating on the inner periphery of said vertical recess 25 at points 39, 39 'diametrically opposite, said arms 38, 38 'being preferably interconnected by a pontoon 40 passing through the center of the opening 24, said arms 38, 38 'presenting each, at their ends, at least one projecting element under the shape of a tip 41, 41 'or the like directed towards the surface of the operculum 3 and intended to facilitate the breaking of said pierceable lid 3 during a sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1.
This particular embodiment is represented in FIGS. 26 to 29 which have been simplified for clarity with respect to Figures 18 to 21.
During an injection molding of the part in question, will be able to use the pontoon 40 as place of injection I of the plastic material (see Fig. 29).
During a sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane 2 with or without the assistance, in particular, of the substance or substances S contained therein in the sealed volume V of the capsule 1, the operculum 3 which is located above and at a sufficient safety distance from the tips 41, 41 '(for avoid any accidental breakage) is pushed down towards these the last which pierces it or causes the beginning of the break according to a point or pre-existing preferential break line, so as to release a sufficient amount of substances) in said container R.
Finally, the present invention also relates to a receptacle R with a neck or neck intended for dispensing liquids or pasty products, in particular mineral water, characterized in that comprises a capsule 1 according to the present invention.
Advantageously, said container R is characterized in that said capsule 1 is mounted in a stopper in accordance with the present invention.
To pour or drink directly to the neck or neck G of container R the mixture resulting from the mixture of the substance or substances S with the container contents R, simply unscrew the cap completely to allow the passage of said mixture through the opening 24 of the container A. This embodiment is economical because it does not need to be added of room to pour the mixture. In addition, the cap can be screwed and unscrewed at will without altering the tightness of the container R, which allows also to keep said mixture in the container R, while guaranteeing a protection vis-à-vis the outside, because the membrane deformable 2 is impervious even after deformation. We can also provide an element such as a valve at the base 18 to allow the evacuation of any gas formed during mixing of the substance S with the container of the container R and accumulating in the container R (eg COZ for effervescent tablets), and avoid a risk of overpressure.
An access or a second stopper can also be provided on the lateral surface of the container R to allow dispensing of said mixture. This access or second stopper can also provide a means of degassing. This variant embodiment is more complicated to implement.
work, and therefore more expensive. In addition, it requires the addition of a room, which causes a rupture of the symmetry of the container R and has the effect of complicate storage and handling.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the modes of embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without going out for as much of the field of protection of the invention.

Claims (31)

1. Watertight capsule (1) consisting essentially of a deformable membrane (2) sealed at its base by a pierceable lid (3) of to define a sealed volume (V) for containing at least one substance (S) between said deformable membrane (2) and said lid (3), said capsule (1) having at least one integrated breaking means (4) of said operculum (3) perforable able to tear for a release of a quantity effective substance (s) (S) following a sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane (2) due to an external mechanical force exerted on the latter, characterized in that it comprises at least one piece intermediate (6) provided between said deformable membrane (2) and said operculum (3), said intermediate piece (6) having said at least one means of breaking (4) of said deformable membrane (2) which can be activated when there is sufficient deformation of the latter and in that the intermediate piece (6) is in the form of a ring (7) device on which it relies locally, through a hinge portion (9), an arcuate member (15) substantially conforming to and less locally the shape of the deformable membrane (2) in its state and whose free end (16) is in the form of at least a protruding element (12) or pointed towards the operculum (3), a surface bearing (14) is provided on said arcuate member (15) which is to transmit an external mechanical force exerted on said membrane deformable (2) by the user which is sufficient to cause the tilting of the at least one end projecting element (12) in order to obtain a rupture of the lid (3) releasing an effective amount of substance (s) (S). 2. Capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the support surface (14) provided on the arcuate element (15) present on its inner face directed towards the cover (3), a vertical wall portion (17) or substantially vertically also directed towards the operculum (3) an auxiliary support surface (14 ') assists the transmission of the effort external mechanism exerted on said deformable membrane (2) by the user to cause said rupture of the lid (3). 3. Capsule according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the peripheral ring (7) and the hinge portion (s) (9) and / or the arcuate element (15) are made in one piece, preferably by injection of a synthetic material. 4. Capsule according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the end of the breaking means (4) opposite to the hinge (9) or to the attachment of the said breaking means (4) to the intermediate piece (6) can be provided with a thin clip or a bridge (10 ') acting as a breaking bridge which secures said means (4) as long as the plug is not actually used. 5. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the cover (3) is fixed directly on the deformable membrane (2), preferably at their periphery common ring where said lid (3) and said deformable membrane (2) contact each other by overlapping. 6. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the cover (3) is fixed directly on the lower face (6 ') of the intermediate piece (6), in particular on the face lower (6 ') of the periphery of the ring (7) forming said piece intermediate (6). 7. Capsule according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the cover (3) is fixed by circular welding, circular thermocontact or by any similar process on the membrane deformable (2) or the lower face (6 ') of the intermediate piece (6). 8. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the substance or substances (S) comprise at least least a substance sensitive to the contents of the container (R) with which the capsule (1) is intended to collaborate and not to be added to it that little time or just before consumption. 9. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the substance or substances (S) include at least one drug. 10. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the substance or substances (S) comprise at least one drinkable cosmetic agent. 11. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the substance or substances (S) are of a food nature. 12. Capsule according to claim 11, characterized in that the or the substances (S) are chosen from the group formed by: the dyes, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, agents thickeners, stabilizers, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements dietary supplements or any composition obtained from at least two of these ingredients. 13. Capsule according to any one of the claims preceding, characterized in that the substance or substances (S) comprise at least one solid substance, possibly reduced under form of powder or granules. 14. Stopper for a necked container or neck intended for dispensing liquids or pasty products, in particular for bottles of mineral water, characterized in that it consists essentially of base (18) intended to be fixed on said container (R) and closing said container (R) via a capsule (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 reported sealingly on said base (18), the deformable membrane (2) of said capsule (1) being itself covered by a rigid protective cover (19) resting on a piece of annular base (20) attached to said base (18), the lower base of said capsule (1) being formed by the pierceable lid (3), a useful volume waterproof container (V) filled with at least one substance (S) to be added to the content of the container (R) before consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane (2) and said lid (3) of said capsule (1), a effective amount of substances) (S) being released in the contents of the container (R) during a rupture of the lid (3) due to deformation sufficient deformable membrane (2). Stopper according to Claim 14, characterized in that the deformable membrane (2) and the protective cover (19) are both made of an elastically deformable material, substantially under the shape of two half-spheres, the radius of the half-sphere of the hood of protection (19) being slightly smaller than that of the half-sphere of the deformable membrane (2), said half-sphere of the protective cover (19) being provided with at least one meridian notch (19 ') extending from the base of said half-sphere to a part of the height thereof. 16. Stopper according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that that the base (18) is in the form of a part consisting of a cylindrical part (21) intended to be fixed on the neck or the neck (G) of the container (R) provided at its upper end with a portion flat ring (22) forming an inner circular shoulder (23) defining an opening (24) of said container (R), the lid (3) resting or being fixed on the upper face (22 ') of said flat annular portion (22) turned towards the capsule (1). 17. Stopper according to claim 16, characterized in that the underside (22 ") of the flat annular portion (22) has a vertical recess (25) in the form of an annular skirt for collaborate with the inside of the container neck (R) and the part cylindrical (21) for fixing said cap on the latter. 18. Stopper according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the upper face (22 ') of the annular portion plate (22) is provided with an annular flange (26) at least slightly deformable forming, after mounting the capsule (1) in said cap, an annular groove (27) with said flat annular portion (22) trapping the peripheral part of the capsule (1), at the level of the cover (3) and the deformable membrane (2) and, if appropriate, the intermediate piece (6). 19. Stopper according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the cylindrical part (21) intended to be fixed on the neck or the neck (G) of the container (R) present on its circular wall outer side means (28) for cooperating with means (29) located on the base piece (20) to provide the fixing the base piece (20) on the base (18). 20. Stopper according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the base piece (20) comprises a sleeve cylinder (30) intended to be fixed on the base (18) and provided, at the level of its upper end, a flat annular portion (31) forming a inner circular flange (32) intended to be supported, preferably by compressing, on the annular flange (26) which traps the part peripheral of the capsule (1), at the level of the lid (3) and the deformable diaphragm (2) and, if appropriate, the intermediate piece (6). 21. Stopper according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the cylindrical portion (21) is made under the form a cylindrical sleeve provided with an internal thread (21 ') for screwing on the external thread of the neck or neck (G) threaded container (R). 22. Stopper according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the base piece (20) has a first means opening and closing means (33) for engaging by engagement with elastic deformation with a second corresponding means (34) located on the protective cover (19). 23. Stopper according to claim 22, characterized in that the base piece (20) has a push button with a first hook intended to cooperate with a corresponding second hook located on the hood protection (19). 24. Stopper according to claim 22, characterized in that the base piece (20) has a push button with a recess intended to cooperate with a corresponding lug located on the hood of protection (19). 25. Stopper according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the protective cover (19) is connected to the workpiece base (20) by at least one hood hinge (35). 26. Stopper according to any one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that the lower end of the base (18) remote from the outlet of the neck or neck (G) of the container (R) is provided with a ring of security (36). 27. Stopper according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that it comprises, in addition, at least one device inviolability at a means participating in the locking of the cover of protection (19) in the closed position. 28. Stopper according to any one of claims 14 to 27, characterized in that the protective cap (19) and the diaphragm deformable (2) are made of one or more translucent materials, preferably transparent. 29. Stopper according to any one of claims 15 to 28, characterized in that the internal circular shoulder (23) delimiting a opening (24) of said clogged container (R) is provided on a portion of its inner periphery of at least one tooth-shaped element (37) for facilitate breakage of the seal (3) pierceable during deformation sufficient deformable membrane (2) of the capsule (1). 30. Container with neck or neck intended for dispensing liquids or pasty products, in particular mineral water, characterized in that it comprises a capsule (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13. 31. Container according to claim 30, characterized in that said capsule (1) is mounted in a stopper according to any one of Claims 14 to 29.