EP1257477A1

EP1257477A1 - Cap for closing an opening in a liquid container

Info

Publication number: EP1257477A1
Application number: EP01908445A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Etienne Herman Walter Blondeel
Original assignee: Regius BV
Current assignee: Regius BV
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-06
Publication date: 2002-11-20
Also published as: WO2001058778A1; AU2001236188A1; US20030146254A1; NL1014324C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap (6, 30) for closing an opening in a liquid container (1), such as a bottle or a small vessel which cap (6, 30) is provided with coupling means (4, 9) for coupling the cap (6, 30) to the liquid container (1), comprising a top element (7, 32) and an outer skirt (8, 33) connectable to the top element (7, 32). The outer skirt (8, 33) of the cap (6, 30) is provided with a projecting part (14) for fixing the cap (6, 30) to an object.

Description

Cap for closing an opening in a liquid container

The invention relates to a cap for closing an opening in a liquid container, which cap is provided with coupling means for coupling the cap to the liquid container, comprising a top element and an outer skirt connectable to the top element.

Such a cap is generally known. This is used to close liquid containers, in particular liquid containers for (soft) drinks. Such a cap is used to close liquid containers of widely varying volumes, from liquid containers (such as PET-bottles) of, among others, 0.2 litres for use in catering to liquid containers of several litres for domestic use. Although the invention relates particularly to liquid containers with a content of inter alia 0.5 litre, the invention can likewise be applied to liquid containers of other capacity. It is usually desired to carry such a liquid container during walks and the like. A prior art liquid container must then be carried in a rucksack, a plastic bag or must be held in the hand. This is usually perceived as inconvenient. There is therefore a need for a way of carrying such a liquid container without holding it in the hand or without using a separate sack or bag.

The American patent US 5 462 185 describes a closure with a distribution opening for liquid containers with an external screw thread. The closing device consists of a tubular main body with a central aperture and a cap closing off the opening. The tubular main body is provided with a pair of protruding arms to which the ends of a carrying strap can be secured.

The present invention has for its object to provide a cap of the type stated in the preamble, with which a liquid container can be carried in even simpler manner by a user while still retaining the advantages of the prior art.

The invention provides for this purpose a cap of the type stated in the preamble, characterized in that the outer skirt is provided with at least one projecting engaging member, which projecting engaging member is adapted to engage releasably on an object not connected to the cap. The carrying means make it possible to carry an optionally filled liquid container in very simple manner. The carrying means are adapted such that they can carry the cap and the liquid container coupled to the cap. Assist means such as straps or cords are unnecessary for coupling the cap to an external object such as for instance a belt, (trouser) pocket, waistband, loops in clothing, and so on. The projecting engaging member can readily be hooked to such an object and detached therefrom again. The hands as well as the arms and shoulders of the carrier of the cap with liquid container thus remain wholly free. The advantage of the cap according to the invention is that it enables a liquid container to be carried without it forming a hindrance to the user. Examples of users are walkers, joggers, cyclists, skiers, skaters, travellers, schoolchildren, tourists and so on. An additional advantage of the cap according to the invention is that it can also be opened and closed in an active (hooked-on) position, since the top element does not have to fulfill any function in respect of the external coupling of the cap.

The international patent application WO 99 65782 describes a container for a straw, whereby a straw can be stored in a liquid container when not in use. A spiral-shaped structure is arranged in the container such that in a closed state of the liquid container it is situated in the neck thereof. The container can be embodied such that it consists of at least two parts displaceable relative to each other, one of which is provided with carrying means in the form of an opening for a cord. The carrying means according to this publication are not adapted to carry the container independently, without additional assist means other than the object for carrying. The container described in this publication can only be carried using an assist means, such as a cord.

The carrying means preferably comprise a projecting material strip or lip. When the cap is being fixed, such a cap can be brought simply into engagement with an object. The size and shape of the strip of material determine the possible uses of the cap. In a preferred embodiment the strip of material extends substantially parallel to a part of the liquid container coupled to the cap. An external object can thus be clamped between the liquid container and the projecting engaging member. This increases the strength of the external coupling of the cap. The liquid container will moreover be positioned a short distance from the object to which it is coupled, so that it protrudes therefrom to a relatively limited extent. A projecting strip of material is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. It is also possible to form the cap from a normal cap and a separate, non- attached or fixedly snappable carrying part with a projecting engaging member.

In a preferred embodiment the carrying means comprise a carrying clip mounted on the cap. The carrying clip enables hooking of a liquid container to an object wherein a part of the object is clamped between different parts of the outer skirt. The carrying clip is preferably mounted on the lower side of the outer skirt; this is simple from a production viewpoint and also simplifies coupling of the outer skirt. In a possible embodiment the free end of the carrying clip is hook-shaped. The hook shape reduces the risk of undesired release of the cap from the object to which the cap is coupled. In another preferred embodiment the free end of the cap is provided with a thickened outer end. Such a thickened outer end has a function comparable to that of a hook-shaped outer end: to reduce the risk of undesired release of the cap.

In yet another preferred embodiment the outer skirt is provided with a collar. The collar serves particularly to strengthen the coupling between cap and liquid container. The collar also has an aesthetic function. Changing for instance the colour and shape of the collar can significantly influence the appearance of the cap. The top element is preferably coupled releasably to the outer skirt, so that opening and closing of the cap is readily possible. A plurality of colour combinations and/or shapes of top element and outer skirt can also be combined with each other.

In the usual prior art caps intended for closing a liquid container a sealing layer is arranged between the top part and the outer skirt of the cap. Such a layer is also possible in a cap according to the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment the outer skirt is provided for this purpose with sealing means for liquid-tight coupling of the outer skirt to a liquid container. These sealing means can be manufactured integrally with the cap, so that separate actions are no longer required to arrange a seal. The coupling means are preferably provided with a screw thread. When the cap is fastened onto the opening of the liquid container the screw thread preferably co-acts with another screw thread forming part of the liquid container. Other types of coupling are also possible in addition to such a screw coupling.

In yet another preferred embodiment the projecting engaging member of the cap is provided with a coupling member and a counter-coupling member co-acting therewith for securing a coupling realized by the engaging member. After engagement of the cap on an object the coupling member and the counter-coupling member can be brought into mutual engagement such that the realized coupling is secured. Undesirable release of a cap coupled to an object can thus be prevented.

According to yet another embodiment the cap is provided with a dispensing opening. Such a dispensing opening can be formed by the top element in co-action with the outer skirt. The drink-dispensing opening can be adapted to receive a straw. A prerequisite for piercing the dispensing cap with a straw is that the internal diameter of the drink- dispensing opening is larger than the external diameter of the straw being used. At least two or three centring lips are preferably also arranged in the drink-dispensing opening for centring and also at least partially fixing the straw in this opening. Dispensing openings formed in other manner can also be envisaged.

According to yet another preferred embodiment a drinking spout is placed on the dispensing opening. This facilitates drinking from the liquid container, since the drinking spout can be adapted for air bubble-free drinking from the liquid container.

The drink-dispensing opening can preferably be closed by a closing cap. Such a closing cap can be taken off the drink-dispensing opening at desired moments in order to take controlled quantities of liquid from the liquid container. The closing cap is preferably connected to the body of the dispensing cap by means of a connection. This connection is preferably flexible, but may also consists of two or more mutually pivotable parts. In another preferred embodiment the dispensing cap is provided with a bidon closure. With such a closure it is also possible to take controlled quantities of liquid from the liquid container.

In yet another preferred embodiment the outer skirt is provided with an advertising imprint. A manufacturer, distributor or any other organization or person can advertise in a conspicuous manner by means of the advertising imprint. As already stated, the outer skirt can also be provided, as well as with an advertising imprint, with a decoration for enhancing aesthetic aspects. Colour and shape of the outer skirt may also contribute thereto. Combinations of outer skirt and top element can also comprise a plurality of colours, patterns and shapes.

The invention also provides a combination of the above stated cap and a liquid container. The cap preferably comprises a screw thread which co-acts in such a combination with a screw thread of the bottle. In addition to a screw connection, the coupling of the cap onto a bottle can also be embodied in other ways, such as for instance a snap connection.

It will be apparent that in addition to the above stated preferred embodiments, many more variations which have not been described are possible for the skilled person within the scope of the invention. The invention will be further elucidated with reference to the non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a partly broken-away perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing cap according to the present invention, wherein it is placed on a bottle; figure 2 shows a view corresponding with figure 1 , wherein the cap has been removed from the bottle; figure 3 shows a partly broken-away perspective view of a second embodiment of the cap according to the present invention; figure 4 shows a view corresponding with figure 3, wherein the cap has been removed from the bottle; and figure 5 shows a perspective view of a dispensing cap according to the invention, wherein the dispensing cap is placed on a bottle.

Figure 1 shows a PET-bottle 1 which is formed by a bottle body 2 and a bottle neck 3 placed thereon. Bottle neck 3 is provided on the outside with a screw thread portion 4. A ring 5 is placed between bottle neck 3 and body 2 of the bottle. Ring 5 is the result of the production process applied in the manufacture of PET-bottles. The wall thickness of bottle body 2 is thereby particularly small, at least an order of magnitude smaller than that of bottle neck 3. It is pointed out here that such PET-bottles 1 are available in various sizes. The invention is applicable to this type of bottle 1, irrespective of the size of the bottle 1. The invention is moreover applicable to other types of bottle 1, such as bottles 1 manufactured from another plastic or from glass. These may be returnable bottles 1 , but also disposable bottles 1.

According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2 the dispensing cap 6 comprises a top part 7 and an outer skirt 8. Outer skirt 8 is provided on its inner side with a screw thread 9, with which the outer skirt 8 engages in the screw thread 4 arranged on bottle neck 3. A layer 11, which is best visible in figure 2, is arranged to form a good seal between dispensing cap 6 and bottle neck 3.

The outer edge 8 continues as a collar 13 extending all around. The collar is provided on one side with an extension in the form of a tongue or clip 14. Arranged in collar 13 at the position of tongue 14 are two openings 15a, 15b, which together form an eyelet. Clip 14 is adapted such that on its own it can carry the cap 6 with a bottle 1 optionally coupled to cap 6. A cord 16 can be passed through these openings to facilitate carrying of the cap 6 in combination with the bottle 1 screwed therein. Cord 16 has only a subordinate function in respect of bearing strength relative to clip 14. The top part 7 of bottle 1 is closed.

The embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4 provides the option of drinking from the bottle 1 without removing cap 6, by arranging a fixed drinking spout 20 on the top part 7 of the cap. This drinking spout 20 is provided with an opening 21 with which it is possible to drink directly from the content of bottle 1. It is also possible, as shown in figure 3, to insert a straw 22 through opening 21. There is herein sufficient space on either side of straw 22 to allow air to escape. In order to centre the straw 22 three centring protrusions 23 are arranged in opening 21. It is also important herein that the opening 21 can be closed. Present for this purpose is a plug 24 which is connected by means of a plastic bridge 25 to collar 13. This configuration provides the option of being able to close cap 6 with plug 24 after consuming a quantity of liquid.

Another difference between the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4 and the initially shown embodiment is the fact that the outer edges of the inner skirt 12 are provided with a chamfered portion 26. This enables easier fastening of cap 6 onto screw thread 4. Finally, the collar 13 has a slightly different form.

A further difference lies in the fact that an extension 27 is arranged opposite tongue 14. The extension 27 of collar 13 serves on the one hand to provide space for printing, for instance for advertising purposes. Furthermore, the forces exerted by the carrying means and particularly by clip 14 are partially transferred, so that screw thread 9 does not have to absorb all forces. In this embodiment a hole 28 is further arranged in the collar 13 for fixing a ring 29. A buckle connection can be made with ring 29.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a dispensing cap 30 according to the invention, wherein dispensing cap 30 is placed on a bottle 31. Dispensing cap 30 comprises a top element 32 and an outer skirt 33 connecting onto top element 32. Top element 32 comprises an opening 34 through which for instance a plastic straw (not shown) can be inserted. The position of the straw in opening 34 of top element 32 is centred, and also more or less fixed, by means of centring means 35. Outer skirt 33 comprises an advertising imprint 36. A pattern or any other decoration can also be arranged on outer skirt 33 as well as advertising imprint 36. Outer skirt 33 also comprises a projecting strip of material 37 which is provided with a coupling member 38 in the form of a press stud. Running parallel to the projecting strip of material 37 is a second strip of material

39 which comprises a counter-coupling member 40. Coupling member 38 is adapted for co-action with counter-coupling member 40. The second strip of material 39 is preferably embodied in a flexible material. When cap 30 engages on an object (not shown), the second strip of material 39 can, in co-action with the strip of material 37 and coupling members 38,40, be arranged in close-fitting manner round such an object.

Claims

1. Cap (6,30) for closing an opening in a liquid container (1), which cap (6,30) is provided with coupling means (4,9) for coupling the cap (6,30) to the liquid container (1), comprising a top element (7,32) and an outer skirt (8,33) connectable to the top element (7,32), characterized in that the outer skirt (8,33) is provided with at least one projecting engaging member (14), which projecting engaging member (14) is adapted to engage releasably on an object not connected to the cap (6,30).

2. Cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the carrying means (14) comprise a projecting material strip (14,37).

3. Cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the strip of material (14,37) extends substantially parallel to a part of the liquid container (1).

4. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the carrying means (14) are adapted as carrying clip (14).

5. Cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the free end of the carrying clip (14) is provided with a hook-shaped outer end.

6. Cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the free end of the carrying clip (14) is provided with a thickened outer end.

7. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outer skirt (8,33) is provided with a collar (13,27).

8. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the top element (7,32) is coupled releasably to the outer skirt (8,33).

9. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outer skirt (8,33) is provided with sealing means for liquid-tight coupling of the outer skirt (8,33) to a liquid container (1).

10. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the coupling means (4,9) are provided with a screw thread (4,9).

11. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the projecting engaging member (14) of the cap (6,30) is provided with a coupling member (38) and a counter-coupling member (40) co-acting therewith for securing a coupling realized by the engaging member (14).

12. Cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cap (6,30) is provided with a closable dispensing opening (21,34).

13. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the drink- dispensing opening (21,34) is adapted to receive a straw (22).

14. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that a drinking spout (20) is placed connecting onto the drink-dispensing opening (21,34).

15. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the drink-dispensing opening (21,34) is closable by a closing cap (24).

16. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the closing cap (24) is connected to the dispensing cap (6,30) by means of a flexible connection (25).

17. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the internal diameter of the drink-dispensing opening (21,34) is larger than the external diameter of a standard plastic straw (22).

18. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that at least three centring lips (23,35) for the straw (22) are arranged in the interior of the drink- dispensing opening (21,34).

19. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the claims 12-18, characterized in that the dispensing cap (6,30) is provided with a bidon closure.

20. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outer skirt (8,33) is provided with an advertising imprint (36).

21. Dispensing cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outer skirt (8,33) is provided with decoration.

21. Combination of a cap (6,30) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims and a liquid container ( 1 ) .