EP2663511B1

EP2663511B1 - A dispensing system

Info

Publication number: EP2663511B1
Application number: EP11807961.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernard Guglielmini; Jean-Yves Rognard
Original assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Current assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2011-11-21
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-11-21
Also published as: US20130233444A1; MX2013008136A; WO2012095617A1; EP2663511A1

Description

The present invention relates generally to a dispensing system and particularly to a dispensing system for introducing a consumable or other item from a container closure into the container.
There are a variety of circumstances in which it may be necessary and/or preferable for components of a product to be kept separate until the point of use. For example, certain additives may have only a limited period of efficacy once they are introduced into a base. In other situations it may be preferable for more aesthetic reasons, for example if the additive introduces colour and/or flavour to a beverage.
Various solutions have been proposed for the introduction of a substance from a closure into a container. For example, US7337921 , US7178683 , WO2006/123946 and EP1611024 . Document EP 1 819 603 B1 discloses a dispensing system according to the preamble of claim 1. Document GB 1 256 247 discloses breaching means contained in a cartridge intended for use in automatic machines.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems with known delivery systems.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispensing system for a container, the system comprising a cap and a storage cartridge for containing a consumable or other item and being attached or attachable to the cap, the cartridge comprising a breachable closure member and breaching means for breaching the closure member, in which the breaching means are contained in the cartridge and are activated upon rotation of the cap whereby to dispense the product into a container.
Other advantageous aspects are subject matter of the dependent claims.
By welding the cartridge to the base a firm connection and a seal can be established. This can be used to prevent product in an associated container from passing between the base and the cartridge.
The cartridge may comprise a welding flange. The flange may be formed surrounding the cartridge opening.
Welding may be achieved by induction sealing, for example inducting heat sealing. Other sealing methods, such as conduct, may be used.
The system may further comprise an overcap. The overcap may be used to actuate the system and cause dispensing from the cartridge into a container.
The present invention may therefore provide a means for holding a component separate until the cap is rotated whereupon the cartridge is caused to release its contents. Because the breaching means is contained within the cartridge the breach of the closure member is made from the inside towards the outside.
The consumable or other item may comprise, for example, a fluid such as a liquid or gel, or a solid such as powder or a tablet. There is a wide range of applications for such a system including, for example, for beverages to add flavouring, colouring, dietary supplements and the like, for pharmaceutical products such as bleach concentrates, fertilisers and for other products in which components need to be mixed just before use.
The system may be configured such that it is not possible to gain access to the container without rotating the cap. In other words, breach of the cartridge is not selective and will occur automatically in use.
The cap may comprise an overcap, with the system further comprising a base which is attachable to a container. The cap may be rotatable with respect to the base to activate the breaching means. In this case the base will remain stationary on the container whilst the overcap is rotated.
The base may be removable from the container. For example, an initial rotation phase may cause turning only of an overcap and in doing so activate the breaching means; then at the end of the first rotation phase the overcap may become prevented from further rotation so that continued force causes turning of the base. Accordingly the overcap and/or base may be provided with surface formations such as screwthread formations to engage with corresponding formations which provide for the required relative rotations.
The base may include tamper evident means for indicating if it has been removed from the container: and the cap may include tamper evident means for indicating if it has been rotated, for example with respect to a base. The tamper evident means may comprise, for example, a tamper evident band.
The cartridge may be collapsible and activation of the breaching means may be caused by collapse of the cartridge. The cap may have internal features such as cam profiles which press onto the cartridge as it is rotated.
The cartridge may be thermoformed or blown from a plastics material such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments the cartridge may be formed from a barrier material to prevent ingress or egress of substances such as oxygen, water or carbon dioxide. A multilayer material may be used for this purpose. The cartridge may be shaped and formed to facilitate collapse, for example a corrugated structure may be used.
The closure member may comprise a membrane, such as a laminar disc or pad. For example, an aluminium foil disc may be used.
The breaching means may comprise means for piercing, cutting, slitting, pushing or the like depending upon the form of the closure member. In some embodiments the breaching means comprises a rigid member such as a rigid spike. The breaching means may be placed into the cartridge at the time it is filled and sealed.
In some embodiments the system will provide confirmation that an initial rotation phase is complete to alert a user that the cartridge has dispensed its cargo. This could be useful, for example, if after release of the cartridge contents they need to be mixed into the container contents before removal of the closure system.
The breaching means may be activated by a cam arrangement provided on the cap. For example, the cam arrangement may provide the means of collapsing the cartridge which in turn activates the breaching means.
The present invention also provides the combination of a system as described herein together with a container.
Different features, embodiments and aspects of the present invention may be used together and/or separately.
The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing system formed according to the present invention shown connected to a container;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded side view of the system of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the system of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a storage cartridge forming part of the system of Figures 1 to 4;
Figure 6A is a section of the system of Figures 1 to 4 shown in an unopened position;
Figure 6B is a further section of the system shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 6C is an exterior side elevation of the system shown in Figure 6A and 6B;
Figure 7A is a section of the system of Figure 6A to 6C shown following a first rotation phase;
Figure 7B is a further section of the system of Figure 7A;
Figure 7C is an exterior view of the system of Figure 7A and 7B;
Figure 8A is a section of the system of Figures 6 and 7 shown following a second rotation phase;
Figure 8B is a further section of the system of Figure 8A;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the container neck finish following removal of the system;
Figure 10 is a perspective section of the finish of Figure 10;
Figure 11 is a perspective exploded view of a dispensing system formed according to an alternative aspect, which does not form part of the present invention ;
Figure 12 is a section of the system of Figure 11 shown assembled;
Figure 13 is a perspective exploded view of a dispensing system formed according to an alternative embodiment which does not form part of the present invention; and
Figure 14 is a perspective exploded view of a dispensing system formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a dispensing system generally indicated 10 shown connected to a container neck 15. The system 10 comprises an overcap 20 and a base 25 which are described in more detail below.
Referring now also to Figures 3 and 4 the system 10 is shown to comprise the overcap 20, the base 25, a storage cartridge 30, a cutting member 35 and a sealing disc 40 (the disc 40 is not shown in Figure 4).
Referring now also to Figures 6A to 6C, in which the system 10 is also shown assembled onto the container neck 15, the overcap 20 comprises a disc shape top plate 45 and a generally cylindrical side skirt 50 which depends from the periphery of the plate 45. At the end of the skirt opposite the plate 45 the cap has an annular tamper-evident band 55 which is connected to the skirt 50 by a plurality of frangible bridges 60.
The interior of the skirt 50 is provided with screw thread formations 65 and the top plate 45 is provided with a depending inner annular sealing skirt 70. The top plate 45 is further provided with a generally cylindrical annular cam member 75 which is inclined at its free end.
The cartridge 30, which is shown also in Figure 5, is generally rigid cone-shape body with an annular base 31 defining an open end and a frustoconical roof 32 which is inclined radially inwardly and formed as a series of concentric steps 33 to provide a corrugated structure which is collapsible.
At the centre of the roof 32 an annular channel 34 is provided. The channel 34 is dimensioned to receive the cam member 75 and accordingly is inclined as shown best in Figure 6A. In use the cartridge 30 is fitted into the overcap as shown in Figure 6A so that the cam member 75 fits into the channel 34.
The cutting member 35 comprises an annular cutting band 36 with a plurality of cutting teeth 37 at one end. At the other end of the band 36 three spokes 38 project and support a central hub 39 which includes an annular groove 39a. In use the cutting member 35 is received in the cartridge 30 so that the hub 39 engages in the roof 32 within the channel 34 where it is clipped into position by engagement of the channel bead 34a into the hub groove 39a as shown best in Figure 6A.
The sealing disc 40 comprises a laminar disc of aluminium foil dimensioned to fit over the open end of the cartridge band 31. In use the cartridge is prepared by inserting the cutting member 35 and filling it with product before sealing with the disc 40.
The base 25 comprises a generally cylindrical main section 26 the interior of which is provided with an internal screw thread 27. At the free end of the section 26 an annular tamper evident band is provided and is connected to the free end by a plurality of frangible bridges 27a. The interior of the band 27 is provided with a plurality of ridges 27b which in use engage under a locking bead 16 on the neck finish. At the other end of the section 26 a shoulder 26a projects radially inwardly. A generally cylindrical engagement body 28 projects from the shoulder 26a and carries external screw thread formations 28a which engage with the internal screw thread formations 65 on the overcap. The body 28 is dimensioned to fit between the sealing annulus 70 and the side wall 50 in use as best shown in Figure 6A.
The shoulder 26a terminates with a downwardly depending cartridge recess 29 which includes a radially inwardly directed step 29a and a terminal mouth portion 29b which depends from the step 29a.
In use, the filled and sealed cartridge 30 is assembled into the overcap 20 and then assembled onto the base 25 as shown in Figure 6A. The cartridge fits into the recess 29 and the free end of the band 31 (which is covered by the sealing disc 40) rests on the step 29a. The disc 40 is welded to the step 29a and this helps prevent rotation of the cartridge in use.
The assembled system 10 is fitted to the container neck 15 as shown in Figure 6A so that the neck finish is received between the base skirt 26 and the recess 29.
The section 28 also comprises a ratchet tooth 28b which engages with a corresponding ratchet tooth on the overcap to stop the overcap being rotated completely off the base.
In use, the overcap 20 is turned and begins to rise up the base 25. The tamper evident band 55 cannot rise axially because it is held firmly on the base. Accordingly the frangible bridges 60 break and the band 55 is released as shown in Figure 7A. As the overcap 20 turns the cam member 75 starts to travel through the channel 34 so that the longer sections of the cam start to pass through shallower sections of the channel 34. This results in compression of the roof 32 so that it collapses towards the disc 40.
As the roof 32 collapses it carries the piercing member 35 with it and pushes the cutting band 36 into and then through the disc 40. This breaches the disc 40 an releases the contents of the cartridge 30 which pass through the mouth 29b and into the container. At this point the ratchet prevents further rotation of the overcap with respect to the base.
Continued turning now starts to turn the base 25 relative to the neck fitting as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. As part of this movement the tamper evident band 27 breaks away from the skirt 26.
Continued rotation of the cap/base results in its release from the neck with the exception of the tamper evident bands 55, 27, which remain on the finish as shown in Figures 9 and 10.
The contents of the container, which now includes the contents of the cartridge, can be dispensed. The container can be reclosed by the cap/base if required. The cap is locked in its raised position relative to the base and cannot be screwed back down by virtue of the ratchets.
Referring now to Figures 11 and 12 there is shown a dispensing system which does not form part of the present invention, generally indicated 110. The system comprises a base 125, an inverted, generally cup-shape storage cartridge 130 and a laminar sealing panel 140.
The cartridge 130 is very similar to the cartridge 30 described in relation to Figures 1 to 10 and the annular base 131 which defines the open end terminates with an annular welding flange 131 a which projects orthogonally from the free end of the base 131.
In order to assemble the system 110 the cartridge 130 is filled with product and then the open end of the base 131 is sealed by welding the panel 140 to the flange 131 a. Subsequently, and as shown in Figure 12, the filled cartridge is fitted into the base so that the cartridge rests on the base, with the flange 131 a seated on the step 129a. Subsequently, the step 129a is welded to the pane 140. This results in a double welding which seals the mouth portion 129b.
Referring now to Figure 13 there is shown a dispensing system 210, which does not form part of the present invention, formed according to an alternative embodiment. The system 210 is very similar to the system 110 shown in Figures 11 and 12 except than an overcap 220 is provided.
Assembly of the system 210 is as follows. The cartridge 230 is filled with product and then the open end of the cartridge 230 is sealed by welding the laminar panel 240 to the welding flange 231 a. The filled cartridge is then inserted into the overcap 220 and this subassembly is fitted onto the base 225. The base 225 is then welded to the cartridge 230 by heat induction sealing of the base to the panel 240 on the opposite side of the panel to the flange 231a. The system 210 can then be applied to a bottleneck 215 ready for use.
Referring now to Figure 14 there is shown a dispensing system 310 formed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The system 310 is very similar to the system 210 in Figure 13 except than an internal cutting member 335 is provided for the cartridge 330.
Assembly of the system 310 is in some embodiments the same as that for the system 210. In alternative embodiments the order of assembly of the parts is different. For example filling of the cartridge may occur after the panel 340 is applied by filling through the opposite end or the cap 320 may be applied after the cartridge 330 has been welded to the base 325.
In embodiments where an internal cutting member is not provided, which therefore do not form part of the present invention, some other mechanism for breaching the panel 240 to allow product to be dispensed from the cartridge 230 may be provided. For example an external breaching means may be provided by the base 325 or collapse of the cartridge may be configured to cause bursting of the panel.

Claims

A dispensing system (10, 310) for a container (15, 315), the system comprising a cap (20, 320) and a storage cartridge (30, 330) for containing a consumable or other item and being attached or attachable to the cap (20, 220), the cartridge (30, 330) comprising a breachable closure member (40, 340) and the dispensing system (10, 310) comprising breaching means (35, 335) for breaching the closure member (40, 340), in which the breaching means (35, 335) are activated upon rotation of the cap (20, 320) whereby to dispense the product into a container, characterised in that the breaching means (35, 335) are contained in the cartridge (30, 330).
A system as claimed in Claim 1, in which the cartridge (30, 330) is collapsible.
A system as claimed in Claim 2, in which the breaching means (35, 335) are activated by collapse of the cartridge (30, 330).
A system (10, 310) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cap (20, 320) comprises an overcap and the system further comprising a base (25, 325) which is attachable to a container.
A system (10, 310) as claimed in Claim 4, in which the cap (20, 320) is rotatable with respect to the base (25, 325) to cause the closure member (40, 340) to be breached.
A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the breaching means (35, 335) comprise piercing means.
A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cap (20) and the cartridge comprisesa cam arrangement (75, 34) for causing the closure memberto be breached.
A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cartridge (30) comprises a channel(34) for receiving a cam member(75) on the cap (20).
A dispensing system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, the system comprising a base (25) which is attachable to a container, the cartridge (30) comprising an opening through which the consumable or other item is dispensed into the container in use, the opening being sealed by a sealing disc (40), the cartridge (30) being welded to the base (25).
In combination, a system (10, 310) as claimed in any preceding claim and a container.