ES2560027T3 - A container closure device capable of dispensing measured amounts of liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

A container closure device capable of dispensing a metered amount of a liquid into a container, wherein said container closure comprises: * a stopper wall (3); * a reservoir (5) capable of being filled with liquid; * a porous structure (8); * a rigid plate (4), in which said plate comprises one or more perforations (6) communicating with said reservoir (5), characterized by - said rigid plate (4) being located between said reservoir and said porous structure ( 8); and * one or more channels (7) capable of communicating said perforation (6) with the porous structure (8), in which at least part of said one or more channels (7) are formed by a deformable and elastic structure (10 ) capable of limiting communication through said channels (7) when deformed.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

A container closure device capable of dispensing measured quantities of liquid Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a container closure device capable of dispensing measured amounts of liquid.

Background of the invention

A variety of packaging materials are available on the market represented by devices such as caps, lid seals, seals, caps, caps, shutters and valves designed to close bottles, jars, jars, boxes, cans, barrels, tanks, tanks and other containers used to package and store food, dietary products and cosmetic products. A container is generally defined as a set of materials designed to receive, contain and protect a product intended to be stored, transported and opened by the consumer.

A suitable container can contribute to the preservation of its contents by forming a physical barrier for, for example, external germs and microbes, moisture and direct sunlight. The barrier provided by the container is violated after opening, after which the contents can be exposed to air, which can initiate and / or accelerate decomposition. A suitable container closure device, such as a screw cap, allows opening and closing of the container, such as a bottle or jar, limiting exposure and possibly extending the storage time in open. The open storage time is defined as the time during which the content is considered safe for consumption after opening the container for the first time. For example, many food products have a maximum "open" shelf life during which they are considered safe for use after the container is first opened by the consumer.

A known method for extending the shelf life is to mix chemical preservatives directly into the food product during manufacturing, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. However, the presence of preservatives, especially artificial preservatives in food, dislikes consumers and is considered unhealthy. In addition, typically a relatively large amount of preservatives are mixed throughout the product since it is not known in advance what parts of the contents may undergo exposure (for example, the surface layer).

Document US 2008/0169217 discloses a closing device according to the preamble of the attached claim 1, capable of releasing preservatives directly on the surface of a product in a container (i.e. the contents) after the container is closed. Most of the preservatives contained in the closing device are released into the container during the first closing action of the container with the closing device.

The release of most of the preservatives during the first closing action is not desirable. This can lead to a high local concentration on the surface (i.e. the top layer) of the product, which, in turn, can result in a bad taste when the food is tested by the consumer. In addition, when the top layer of the food product is consumed, the level of preservatives that remains in the food product may fall below its effective concentration.

WO 01/68470 discloses a device capable of releasing a gaseous aromatic material during several successive opening actions of a container. The closure device comprises an expandable / contractile gap, which is filled with gas, evaporated from an impregnated body, when the device is in place in the container (ie, the container is closed). When the container is opened, the gaseous material is ejected from the gap into the empty space of the container. Said closing device does not allow the dispensing of a measured amount of liquid material nor does it show how to dispense a material during the closing of a container.

When the container is opened and closed several times in a short time, it may not be desirable for a liquid dosage to be dispensed each time. For example, in the case of a mayonnaise can, it can be opened and closed several times during the course of a dinner, although only a small amount of product is taken at a time. The limitation of the amount of material dispensed during successive opening and / or closing actions when performed in rapid succession can prevent premature depletion of the material (that is, before a significant part of the contents of the container is consumed). In addition, a high local concentration of the dispensed material can be prevented from forming on the surface (i.e., the top layer) of the product, which, in turn, can result in a bad taste when the food is tested by the consumer .

After the closure device is in place (ie, closing the container) and a measured amount of material, such as a liquid, is dispensed, an uncontrolled dispensing of liquid in the cap (eg, of a deposit) by leakage and / or evaporation. For example, when the time interval between two successive opening / closing actions is long (for example, a jar stored for a month in a closet

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before opening again), the level of liquid in a tank can be slowly depleted by an uncontrolled leak and / or evaporation that can limit the amount of successive measured dispensing actions.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container closure device capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid in a container during several successive closing actions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container closure device capable of controlling the amount of liquid dispensed in a container during several successive closing and / or opening actions when performed in rapid succession.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a container closure device capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid and subsequently allowing at least part of the material dispensed to come into contact with the contents of the container in gaseous form.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a container closure device capable of limiting the amount of uncontrolled liquid loss due to leakage and / or evaporation when it is in a closed position (i.e. when it is in place) in the recipient.

These objectives have been met by the closing device of the present invention, which is capable of dispensing a measured amount of a liquid in a container during several closing actions. The closing device comprises a plug wall, a tank capable of filling with a liquid, a rigid plate with one or more perforations, and one or more channels that go from the perforations to a porous structure, in which at least part of the Channel is formed by a deformable and elastic material. Said material is arranged in such a way that it is capable of closing the communication channels when compressed, typically as a result of a closing action.

When the closure device is not in place in a container (for example, when the container is open), the fluid can flow from the reservoir through the one or more perforations in the rigid plate through the connection channels to the structure porous, for example, by capillary force and / or gravity. By virtue of having a maximum saturation (ie, a maximum volume of liquid capable of being contained by the porous structure), a measured amount can accumulate in the porous structure. When the closure device is placed on the container, the deformable and elastic structure that forms part of the connection channel (ie, communication channel) is compressed and limits or stops the flow of liquid from the tank through the channels to the porous structure. Therefore, once the closure device is placed on the container, a measured amount of liquid is present in the porous structure and is in contact with the interior of the container (for example, the empty space). Although the container is closed with the closing device, the liquid evaporates the liquid evaporates and / or drips from the porous structure to the (rest of) the interior of the container and can come into contact with the contents of the container, such as a product food When the porous structure has released a measured amount of liquid through gravity (e.g. drip) and / or evaporation, the closing device is adjusted again to dispense another measured amount of liquid to the porous structure after an action of rear opening If the porous structure is not yet adequately desaturated, such as when the closure-container device combination opens / closes a second time in rapid succession, the ability of the porous structure to accumulate more liquid from the reservoir after opening is reduced. Therefore, the maximum amount of liquid dispensed to the container (through the porous structure) is controlled during several opening / closing actions when performed in rapid succession. After opening the container, by virtue of the elasticity of the deformable structure, the restricted and / or closed channel or channels can again reach their uncompressed form and again allow an unrestricted flow of liquid from the tank through the channel or channels to the porous structure. Therefore, the closing device is capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid in a container, capable of doing so at least a second time, and capable of controlling the amount of liquid dispensed to the container when it is opened / closed in succession. fast

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a container closure device capable of dispensing a measured amount of a liquid in a container, wherein said container cap comprises:

• a plug wall;

• a deposit that can be filled with liquid;

• a porous structure;

• a rigid plate located between said deposit and said porous structure,

wherein said plate comprises one or more perforations that communicate with said deposit; Y

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• one or more channels capable of communicating said perforation with the porous structure,

in which at least part of said channels is formed by a deformable and elastic structure capable of limiting the communication through said channels when deforming.

It was further discovered that a closure device according to the invention can be suitably filled with a preservative and used to extend the shelf life of a container sensitive to decomposition of the container. After each closing action of the container, at least for the first two closing actions with the closing device, the interior of the container and its contents can be treated with a dispensed material, such as a preservative.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for extending the open preservation time of a decomposition sensitive content (i.e., products) contained in a container comprising the step of closing the container. with a closing device according to the invention.

Detailed description

The closure device according to the present invention is intended to include any form of closure for a container, and preferably includes various types of caps, such as screw caps, pressure caps, compound caps having a retractable pouring mouth and the like . In addition, the invention is applicable to any type of container, although containers having a mouthpiece opening, such as bottles and jars, are preferred. Other types of containers, such as drums, vats and cans are also within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the closure device is applied to containers comprising food, but non-food decomposition sensitive products are also within the scope of the invention. Solid, semi-solid, semi-liquid products, as well as liquid products can be applied to the use of the present invention.

With "dispensed to the container" it refers to the transfer of liquid material from the deposit through the one or more perforations of the rigid plate to the porous structure. When the closure device is not in place in the container (ie, the container is open), the porous structure is provided with a measured amount of liquid, since the channel between the reservoir and the porous structure is open. When the closure device is in place in the container (ie, the container is closed), the inside of the container is exposed to the measured amount of liquid in the porous structure. The liquid dispensed in the porous structure is distributed by the contents of the container as a liquid (for example, by dripping) and / or as a gas (for example, by evaporation). The gaseous form of the dispensed material allows a more efficient distribution of the dispensed material over the entire surface exposed to the air of the container and its contents. Preferably, at least part and, more preferably, the entire measured dispensed liquid is distributed inside the container in a gaseous manner.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an axial cross section through a first embodiment of the invention in an open position. A subsection of Figure 1 is enlarged for more detail. The cross section is made along the line A-A 'as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

- Figure 2 is an axial cross-section through the first embodiment of Figure 1 screwed into the neck of a container and closing it. A subsection of Figure 2 is enlarged for more detail. The cross section is made along the line A-A 'as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

- Figure 3 is a terminal view of the first embodiment of the side opposite the interior of the container in a case where the closing device is in place in the container. A subsection of Figure 3 is enlarged for more detail.

- Figure 4 is a terminal view of the first embodiment as in Figure 3, but in which the porous structure and the deformable and elastic structure have been removed for purposes of illustration. A subsection of Figure 4 is enlarged for more detail.

- Figure 5 is an axial cross section through a second embodiment of the invention in an open position. A subsection of Figure 5 is enlarged for more detail.

- Figure 6 is an axial cross-section through the second embodiment of Figure 5 screwed into the neck of a container and closing it. A subsection of Figure 6 is enlarged for more detail.

According to a first preferred, but not exclusive, general embodiment of the closure device according to the invention, the screw cap according to Figure 1 is characterized by its additive function, which consists of

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contain and dispense a liquid; and exposing a product in the container to the liquid dispensed as drops (ie, as a liquid) and / or as a gas (for example, by evaporation). In another embodiment, the screw cap may be a click closure or the like. Figure 1 shows a closure device according to the invention and the container in an open configuration. The closure device is in the form of a plug and fits with an internal thread (1) that allows it to screw into the neck of the container (2). The plug wall (3) comprises an internal cavity comprising a rigid plate (4), a tank (5), a deformable and elastic structure (10) and a porous structure (8). The tank (5) comprises a sponge-like material and is arranged in a disk. The tank (5) can be filled with a liquid, for example, a preservative. The rigid plate (4) comprises several perforations (6). Two perforations (6) are visible in the axial cross-section of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The closing device additionally comprises several channels (7) that connect to the perforations (6) and which allow a communication of the tank (5) with the porous structure (8). In this particular embodiment of the closing device, the channels (7) tunnel a projection (9) that surrounds the porous structure (8). The channels (7) are formed by the area closed by the rigid plate (4), the projection (9) and the deformable and elastic structure (10). Therefore, part of the channels (7) (for example, part of the channel wall) are made of the deformable and elastic structure (10). The deformable and elastic structure (10) can be made, for example, of silicon rubber. In this particular embodiment, the porous structure (8) is made of an absorbent sponge-like material capable of absorbing liquid. The liquid present in the tank (5) is able to flow through the perforations (6) through the channels (7) to the porous structure (8). In this particular embodiment, the porous structure (8) is capable of containing from 1 to 15 percent by volume of the maximum amount of liquid that can be contained by the reservoir (5).

Figure 2 shows the cap according to Figure 1 screwed into the neck of the container thus closing it. When the closing device is in place on the neck of the container, the deformable and elastic structure (10) deforms, as the mouth of the container (11) has arrived very close to the rigid plate (4), and closes the channels . Said closure stops the flow of liquid from the reservoir (5) to the porous structure (8) and also prevents further leakage and / or evaporation of liquid in the reservoir when the closure device is in place in the container. The dispensed liquid that may be present in the porous structure (8) can evaporate and / or drip properly into the container.

Figure 3 is a view of the closure device of the first embodiment, in which the side is shown opposite the interior of the container in a case in which the closure device is in place in the container. The dashed line A-A 'represents the position of the axial cross-sections shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The parts of the channel (7) that tunnel the projection (9) are illustrated by broken lines, although said parts (is say, tunnels) are typically not visible from this perspective. The closing device of the first embodiment comprises a deformable and elastic structure (10) that forms a circular tongue around the porous structure (8) from which it is separated by a projection (9).

Figure 4 is a view of the closure device of the first embodiment, such as Figure 3, but in which the porous structure (8) and the deformable and elastic structure (10) have been erased from the illustration to show the perforations ( 6) and a larger part of the channel (7). Again, the parts of the channel (7) that tunnel the projection (9) are illustrated by broken lines. The closing device of the first embodiment comprises ten perforations (6) radially separated around the porous structure (8) to allow the liquid to flow from the reservoir (5) at multiple points. The number and radial arrangement of the perforations (6) shown in Figure 3 is not essential. The arrangement shown is only illustrative of a specific embodiment and is not limiting.

It will be appreciated that depending on the particular shape of the deformable and elastic structure (10) one or more channels (7) can be defined. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 to Figure 4, the deformable and elastic structure (10) forms a circular tongue and the closed area under it (ie, the channel (7)) forms a circular space that interconnects the perforations (6) and comprises the ten tunnels through the projection (9) that leads to the porous structure (8). Said enclosed space, including the ten tunnels, can be observed as a channel (7) or as a set of interconnected channels (7).

Figure 5 is an axial cross section through a second embodiment of the closure device out of place in the container. In this second embodiment, the perforations (12) and the channels (13) are aligned to form uniform tunnels that drill the circular projection (14) and the deformable and elastic structure (15). The deformable and elastic structure (15), for example, made of silicon rubber, in this embodiment has the form of a thick cylindrical ring located between the projection (14) and the plug wall (16). This elastic and deformable structure (15) is perforated at regular intervals to form the channels (13) that align with the perforations (12) in the rigid plate (17). Therefore, in this embodiment each perforation (12) is connected to a channel (13). The benefit of such alignment is a reduction in dead space volume when the liquid flows from the reservoir (19) to the porous structure (18). In this second embodiment, a tube with a unidirectional pressure valve (20) is provided in the plug wall (16) that allows gas (for example, air) to be introduced into the tank (19) from the outside in the case of underpressure in The deposit.

Figure 6 shows the cap according to Figure 5 screwed into the neck of the container thus closing it. When the closure device is in place on the neck of the container, the deformable and elastic structure (15) is deformed by having reached the mouth of the container (21) very close to the rigid plate (17), and closes the channels.

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Said closure stops the flow of liquid from the tank (19) to the porous structure (18). The dispensed liquid that may be present in the porous structure (18) can evaporate and / or drip properly into the container.

Both the first and second embodiments of the closure device as illustrated in Figure 1 to Figure 4 and Figure 5 and Figure 6 respectively comprise a circular projection (9, 14). The projection (9, 14) provides added structural stability, allows better control over the shape of the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) when deformed and can improve the restriction of the liquid flow (i.e., reduces leaks) by The deformable structure and compressed elastic. Although not essential, preferably the closing device according to the invention comprises a projection (9, 14).

The tank (5, 19) in the closing device is a gap formed by the plug wall (3, 16) and the rigid plate (4, 17). Preferably, the reservoir (5, 19) comprises an absorbent material and, more preferably, comprises a material with an open cell structure, a sponge-like structure or a low-density fiber structure, or combinations thereof. Examples of low density fiber structures are a piece of cotton and a piece of cloth. The presence of absorbent material in the reservoir (5, 19) controls the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the porous structure (8, 18). Preferably, said open-cell, sponge-type and / or low-density fiber structures comprise, more preferably they are made basically of natural polymers and / or polymers, even more preferably they comprise, even more preferably they are made basically of, selected compounds Among the list consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl, polysulfone, starch polymers, cellulose, agarose, casein, chitosan or lactic acid, and combinations thereof.

The rigid plate (4, 17) is preferably not adjustable in relation to the stopper wall (3, 16) (for example, it is fixed to the stopper wall), more preferably both the stopper wall and the rigid plate are made of a rigid material, and even more preferably, comprise, or basically consist of a hard metal and / or a hard polymer (for example, a hard plastic at room temperature). The rigid plate (4, 17) comprises one or more perforations (6, 12) capable of allowing the liquid to be transferred from the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) through the one or more channels ( 7, 13). Depending on the specific use and application of the closing device, the size of the perforations (6, 12) and the size of the channels (7, 13) may vary. It will be appreciated that the width of the one or more perforations (6, 12) and the connection channels (7, 13) must be such to be able to allow fluid to flow from the reservoir (5, 19) to the porous structure ( 8, 18), such as by capillary force and / or gravity (when the closure device is not in place and the container is open). Preferably, the average diameter of the perforations in the rigid plate (4, 17) ranges from 0.05 to 8 millimeters, more preferably from 0.1 to 5 millimeters, even more preferably from 0.25 to 4 millimeters, and even more preferably 0.5 to 2 millimeters. Preferably, the average length of the flow passage from the reservoir (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) ranges from 0.01 to 50 millimeters, more preferably from 0.1 to 40 millimeters, even more preferably from 1 to 30 millimeters, and even more preferably 3 to 15 millimeters. The perforation (6, 12) indicates the position in which the liquid can pass through the rigid plate (4, 17). A perforation (6, 12) connected to a channel (7, 13) forms an end of said channel. For example, in the case of a thick rigid plate (4, 17), the tunnel through said plate can also be considered as part of a channel (7, 13).

The liquid material flowing from the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) will pass at least one perforation (6,

12) and at least one connection channel (7, 13). Multiple channels (7, 13) can connect to the same hole (6, 12), one channel can connect to all holes (for example, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 to Figure 4), and each hole You can connect to a channel (for example, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 to Figure 6). The channels (7, 13) can be simple or branched. A characteristic function of the closure device according to the invention is that at least one, preferably each of said channels (7, 13) is formed, at least partially, by a deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) that allows the flow through the channel is limited when said structure (10, 15) is deformed. Although the term "channel" is used (7,

13), the channels do not need to have any particular shape and / or length as long as they allow the flow of liquid from the reservoir (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18), preferably by a combination of capillary forces and gravity, more preferably by capillary force, when the closure device is not in place in the container (the container is open).

The number of perforations (6, 12) and channels (7, 13) can affect the total liquid flow rate of the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) (when the closing device is not in place In the container). It will be appreciated that the number of perforations (6, 12) will typically also be related to the size of the plug (ie, a rigid plate (4, 17) with a large surface area typically contains a greater number of perforations). Preferably, the number of perforations (6, 12) in the rigid plate (4, 17) is from 2 to 100, more preferably from 2 to 25, even more preferably from 3 to 15, and even more preferably from 5 to 12 Preferably, the number of communication channels (7, 13) is equivalent to the number of perforations (6, 12) to allow separate flow streams of liquid from the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18). Preferably, the channels (7, 13) are separated to allow the liquid to enter (ie, be absorbed by) the porous structure (8, 18) at different points.

Preferably, the perforations (6, 12) are separated (as shown in Figure 4) to allow the liquid to exit the tank (5, 19) at different points. It will be appreciated that depending on the specific design and application

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From the closing device there is a maximum flow of liquid from the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) and a minimum time required to saturate the porous structure. Preferably, the time between opening and closing a container with a container device according to the invention is 1 to 1200 seconds, more preferably 5 to 600 seconds, and even more preferably 15 to 240 seconds.

The saturation level of the porous structure (8, 18) allows a measured amount of liquid dispensed to be exposed inside the container. When completely desaturated, preferably the porous structure (8, 18) is capable of absorbing from 0.1 to 50 percent by volume, more preferably from 0.5 to 25 percent by volume, even more preferably from 0.75 to 15 volume percent, and even more preferably 1 to 5 volume percent of the maximum volume of the liquid with which the deposit (5, 19) can be filled. In case that the reservoir (5, 19) of the closing device according to the invention is completely filled with liquid, preferably the closing device is capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid for 2 to 50, more preferably 3 to 25, even more preferably from 4 to 12 and even more preferably from 5 to 8 closing actions. It will be appreciated that these closing actions are preferably not carried out in rapid succession to adequately allow at least part of the liquid present in the porous structure (8, 18) to evaporate when the container is closed with the closing device. It will be appreciated that depending on the specific embodiment of the closure device and the specific application (for example, the type of liquid), the time required to release a measured amount of the porous structure (8, 18), when in place in The container may vary. In order to provide a successive measured liquid dispensing action, the closure device according to the invention is preferably left in place in the container for 1 to 7200 minutes, more preferably 10 to 3600 minutes, even more preferably 30 to 600 minutes and even more preferably 60 to 120 minutes.

Any structure that is capable of being impregnated with the dispensed liquid and that can preferably allow evaporation of at least part of the retained liquid can suitably form the porous structure (8, 18). Preferably, the porous structure (8, 18) is absorbent. An absorbent porous structure (8, 18) can increase the liquid flow rate of the tank (5, 19) when the closing device is not in place in the container. Preferably, the porous structure (8, 18) comprises an absorbent material with an open cell structure, a sponge-like structure or a low-density fiber structure, or combinations thereof; which can be impregnated by the liquid dispensed and placed so that it is in contact with the interior (for example, the empty space) of the container. An example of a low density fiber structure is a piece of cotton or a piece of cloth. Preferably, said absorbent material comprises, more preferably it is basically made of, natural polymers and / or polymers, even more preferably it comprises, even more preferably it is made basically of, compounds selected from the list consisting of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl, polysulfone , starch, cellulose, agarose, casein, chitosan or lactic acid polymers, and combinations thereof. It will be appreciated that preferably, the attraction of the liquid (for example, the capillary force), if any, of the reservoir (5, 19) is less than that of the porous structure (8, 18) and allows the liquid to move from the I deposit the porous structure through the one or more perforations (6, 12) and channels (7, 13).

The surface of the rigid plate (4, 17), opposite the interior of the container when the closing device is in a closed position, can form microstructures that are connected to the channels (7, 13) and capable of impregnating (for example, absorbing) of liquid from the channels by capillary forces. Examples of such microstructures are grooves engraved on the surface of the rigid plate (4, 17) and in line with a channel (7, 13). Therefore, said microstructures can form a porous structure (8, 18) and are within the scope of the present invention.

The liquid can be released from the porous structure (8, 18) to the drip container (ie, in the form of drops). As such, it can be dosed effectively on the surface of the contents of the container. The liquid present in the porous structure (8, 18) can leave the structure in the form of a gas, for example, by evaporation. As a gas, the dispensed material can be efficiently distributed over the entire surface exposed to the container air (for example, the empty space, the inner face of the container walls, as well as its contents). The liquid present in the porous structure (8, 18) can also leave the structure by a combination of drip and evaporation. A combination of drip and evaporation allows the distribution of the material dispensed throughout the surface exposed to the air of the container but with a relatively high concentration dispensed on the surface of the contents of the container (for example, a food).

The dripping of liquid dispensed directly on the contents of the container can lead to a high local concentration (for example, on the surface), poor taste and / or a reduced total efficiency of the material dispensed (for example, a preservative). Preferably, at least part of the dispensed liquid and, more preferably, all the dispensed liquid leaves the porous structure (8, 18) by evaporation (that is, in the form of a gas). The evaporated liquid is distributed more efficiently throughout the surface exposed to the air of the container and its contents.

When it is not in place in the container, the liquid can enter the porous structure (8, 18) until a saturation point of the porous structure is reached. After this point, the flow rate of the liquid will decrease (for example, a reduced flow can still be triggered by evaporation of the liquid from the porous structure (8, 18) and / or drip). Preferably, the absorbent capacity (i.e., the ability to contain a liquid) of the

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Porous structure (8, 18) and the type of liquid are properly selected to minimize the loss of liquid due to dripping when the closure device is not in place in the container.

It will be appreciated that a volume of liquid flowing out of the reservoir (5, 19) may require that a similar volume of air enter the reservoir to prevent the formation of a subpressure. Suitably, the air can enter by ascending the one or more channels (7, 13) and through the one or more perforations (6, 12) to relieve subpressure in the tank (5, 19). Preferably, a closure device according to the invention can be fitted with one or more openings (20) (eg tubes) through the wall of the cap (3, 16), more preferably above the level of the liquid in the tank (5, 19) (for example, the upper part of the plug wall) which even more preferably comprise valves operated by unidirectional pressure to allow air to enter the tank (5, 19) in case of underpressure. Said unidirectional valve also prevents the evaporation of the liquid in the tank along said one or more openings (20) in the wall of the cap. The reduction of the underpressure, if any, in the tank (5, 19) can improve the liquid flow rate of the deposit in the porous structure (8, 18) when the cap is not in place in the container.

It will be appreciated that the dispensed material typically moves from the porous structure (8, 18) to the empty space of the container. The expression empty space generally indicates the region of the interior of the container above the level of any product contained therein. It will be appreciated that this expression also includes the situation in which what is defined as the empty space is a closed vacuum formed under the closure cap. Preferably, the gas flowing from the porous structure (8, 18) is able to bring the contents of the container into contact.

After the closure of a container with the closure device according to the invention, the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) deforms and limits, preferably completely stops, the flow of liquid from the tank (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) partially or completely blocking the channels (7, 13). It will be appreciated that typically the force of deformation (for example, compression) is provided by the muscular power of a consumer who closes the container with the closure device. The parts of the closure device are properly arranged to allow the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) to deform (for example, compress, squeeze) between the rigid plate (4, 17) and any suitable rigid surface of the container after closing, such as the edge of the mouth of the container (11, 21). Preferably, the position of the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) is such that it is adjacent to the edge of the mouth of the container (11,21) when the closing device is in place in the container.

Preferably, the elastic structure (10, 15) and / or the rigid plate (4, 17) are capable of providing a seal with the mouth (11, 21) of the opening of the container. For example, the surface of the rigid plate (4, 17) and / or the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) that is adjacent to the mouth of the container (11, 21) when the closing device is in place can coated with a layer of rubber and / or silicon.

It will be appreciated that after opening the container (for example, the closing device is removed from the jar by a consumer, that is, the closing device is not in place in the container), the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15 ) is capable of reforming to its undeformed form (for example, not compressed) and allows the unrestricted flow of liquid from the reservoir (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) to resume. Preferably, the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) is able to substantially regain its uncompressed form (i.e., allows the flow to resume) in a short time interval, and preferably in 60 seconds, more preferably in 30 seconds, even more preferably in 15 seconds, and even more preferably in 5 seconds after opening the container. The elasticity of the deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) may be due to any material and / or structure comprised by it. Examples of elastic materials are many types of rubber, and examples of elastic structures are winding spring structures. The deformable and elastic structure (10, 15) preferably comprises (or basically consists of) elastomers and, more preferably comprises (or basically consists) of one or more compounds selected from the list consisting of silicon rubber, natural rubber, rubber nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, polyurethane and fluoroelastomers.

It was found that the closure cap according to the invention is especially suitable for dispensing liquids with a low viscosity. Preferably, the viscosity of the liquid is from 0.01 to 1000 mPa.s, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 mPa.s, even more preferably from 0.2 to 5 mPa.s and even more preferably from 0.5 to 1.5 mPa.s at a temperature that varies from 2 to 40 degrees Celsius, and more preferably at a temperature that varies from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

The closing device is capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid from the tank (5, 19) to the container (through the porous structure (8, 18)). The liquid is transferred from the reservoir (5, 19) to the porous structure (8, 18) when the closing device is not in place in the container (for example, the container is open). A measured amount of liquid is defined as an amount that is within a minimum and maximum amount selected. Subject to considerations such as the specific application of the closing device, the volume of the container, the volume of the deposit (5, 19), the concentration of an asset in the liquid and the desired number of dispensing actions; The minimum and maximum volume chosen to form the measured amount of liquid may vary. Preferably, a measured amount is 0.1 to 50% in vol., More preferably 0.5 to 25% in vol.,

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even more preferably from 0.75 to 15% in vol. and even more preferably from 1 to 5% in vol. of the volume of the liquid with which the closing device is initially charged.

Preferably, the ratio of the volume of the tank (5, 19) to the volume of the container is 0.001: 1 to 5: 1, preferably 0.1: 1 to 1: 1.

It will be appreciated that, preferably before the container is first opened by the consumer, the reservoir (5, 19) of the closure device is filled as far as possible with a liquid material to be dispensed. In addition, embodiments of the closure device that allow filling the tank (5, 19) with a liquid material are included. The maximum volume of liquid with which the deposit (5, 19) can be filled depends on the structure of the deposit, such as the density of the deposit. Preferably, the reservoir (5, 19) is filled with 10 to 95 percent by volume, more preferably from 20 to 80 percent by volume, even more preferably from 30 to 70 percent by volume, and even more preferably from 30 to 60 percent in volume of liquid based on the total volume of the deposit.

The liquid that may be present in the tank (5, 19) can have any suitable chemical property and, for example, form an aqueous or oily solution. For example, the liquid may be an organic and / or inorganic solvent or comprises a mixture of solvents. Preferably, the liquid is a volatile material to allow efficient transformation of the liquid dispensed in gaseous form into the porous structure (8, 18). It will be appreciated that preferably the liquid does not compromise the structural integrity of the closing device, for example, by dissolving the structural components of the tank (5, 19). The liquid can be a mixture of liquids.

Preferably, the reservoir (5, 19) comprises a liquid, and more preferably a liquid that is a Newtonian fluid and even more preferably a liquid that is a continuous water system. Preferably, the liquid comprises one or more assets selected from the list consisting of dietary supplements, antioxidants, flavors, coloring agents, preservatives, thickeners, surfactants, dispersing agents, releasing agents, diffusion agents and stabilizers, more preferably one or more antimicrobials and even more preferably bactericides or fungicides and combinations thereof. Preferably, the liquid comprises compounds selected from the list consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, peracetic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, sodium and potassium sulphites, sodium and potassium nitrites, sodium and potassium bicarbonate, sodium and potassium sorbates, sodium benzoates and potassium, hydroxy-8 quinoline, peroxide, salts, ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, nisin and other bacteriocins, and combinations thereof. The liquid can basically consist of said compounds in a case in which these are liquids. The assets can be dissolved in the liquid according to the standard way according to the chosen ingredients. It will be further appreciated that, based on the specific properties of the liquid, the liquid is dispensed to the porous structure (8, 18) and can be completely evaporated. Preferably, when the liquid and / or any compound present in the liquid leaves a residue when the liquid evaporates (eg salts), preferably these types of liquids drip, at least partially, through the porous structure (8, 18 ) in liquid form.

Use

A closure device according to the invention is capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid, such as a preservative (ie, a liquid comprising a preservative and / or is the preservative itself). This allows the areas of the container and its contents that have been exposed, for example, to the air (for example, the surface of a sauce, such as a mayonnaise) to be treated with preservative (drip and / or evaporation of the liquid dispensed from the porous structure). In addition, the interior of the container and its contents can be treated with a material dispensed after more than one closing action. The dispensed material may contact the contents of the container in the form of a liquid, but preferably at least partially and more preferably completely completely in gaseous form. Such transformation can occur suitably in the porous structure (8, 18) (for example, by evaporation). Therefore, by allowing the treatment and retreatment of the area exposed to the air with a preservative, the open storage time of the contents of the container can be extended. Accordingly, the present invention includes a method for extending the open preservation time of a decomposition sensitive content, such as a food, contained in a container by closing the container with a closure device according to the invention in which The reservoir (5, 19) comprises a preservative.

A feature of the closure device according to the invention is that the dispensing of the liquid in the porous structure (8, 18) can occur relatively quickly, while dripping and / or evaporation of the porous structure can occur relatively slowly (depending of the nature of the liquid). This feature makes the closure device especially suitable for food containers that open and close in rapid succession to control the amount of liquid dispensed in a short amount of time. For example, during dinner, a jar of mayonnaise can be opened and closed several times while only a small amount of mayonnaise can be consumed each time. In such a case, the porous structure (8, 18) can reach saturation during the first opening, after which little additional liquid is dispensed from the tank (5, 19). Subsequently, when, for example after dinner, the container is stored, for example, in the closet or the refrigerator, the porous structure (8, 18) can adequately release the dispensed liquid measured by

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evaporation and / or drip. As such, the device can be used more efficiently to extend the food preservation period since it allows the dispensing of liquid, such as a preservative, for a greater part of the product's shelf life (i.e., the time interval between the first opening of the container by the consumer and the time in which the product is consumed basically). Accordingly, a method is carried out by the present invention to extend the open storage time of products, for example, dietary supplements, contained in a container by closing the container by a closing device according to the invention, in which its use typically involves opening / closing periods of the container in rapid succession.

In more traditional methods for extending the time of preservation in open food, completely preservatives (i.e. chemical preservatives) can be mixed throughout the food product during manufacturing. Mixing a relatively large amount of preservatives is required, since it is not known beforehand which parts of the product will be exposed directly (for example, a surface layer) during use and which parts are not (for example, parts of mayonnaise in the bottom corner of a jar). By using the closure device according to the invention, preservatives are added to the area of the container and its contents that have been directly exposed to air (for example, the surface). Therefore, a smaller amount of total preservatives may be required to provide a prolonged open storage time. The present invention includes a method for reducing the amount of preservative necessary to provide adequate open preservation time for a decomposition sensitive product by closing the container by means of a closure device according to the invention. It will be appreciated that, in a method according to the invention to reduce the amount of chemical preservatives, preferably during manufacturing, the content will have to undergo one or more suitable physical preservation processes, such as, heating, irradiation, drying and / or lyophilization.

Preferably, the method according to the invention for extending the storage time in open and / or reducing the amount of preservative is applied to a container comprising an edible product comprising from 5 to 95 percent by weight of water, more preferably an edible product selected from the list consisting of sauces, pure, candied fry, jams, cooked vegetables, compotes, water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, pastes, creams, dairy products and food concentrates, and combinations of they themselves and even more preferably comprise an edible product selected from the list consisting of creams spread based on dairy products, low fat margarines, margarines, non-preservative margarines, mayonnaise, dressings, desserts, tomato sauce, drinks, such as teas and teas with milk, condiments, such as pesto sauce, jelly-based soup, juice and sauces concentrates and combinations thereof s.

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. A container closure device capable of dispensing a measured amount of a liquid in a container, wherein said container closure comprises: • a plug wall (3); • a deposit (5) that can be filled with liquid; • a porous structure (8); • a rigid plate (4), wherein said plate comprises one or more perforations (6) that communicate with said tank (5), characterized by - said rigid plate (4) being located between said reservoir and said porous structure (8); Y • one or more channels (7) capable of communicating said perforation (6) with the porous structure (8), wherein at least part of said one or more channels (7) are formed by a deformable and elastic structure (10) capable of limiting the communication through said channels (7) when deforming. 2. A closure device according to claim 1, wherein the average diameter of the perforations (6) in the rigid plate (4) ranges from 0.1 to 5 millimeters and preferably from 0.5 to 2 millimeters. 3. A closure device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the number of perforations (6) is from 2 to 25 and preferably from 5 to 12. 4. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the porous structure (8) is capable of absorbing from 0.5 to 25 percent by volume and, preferably, from 1 to 5 by volume percent of the maximum volume of the liquid with which the deposit (5) can be filled. 5. A closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closing device is capable of dispensing a measured amount of liquid for 2 to 50 and, preferably, 5 to 8 closing actions. 6. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the porous structure (8) comprises an absorbent material and, more preferably comprises a material with an open cell structure, a sponge-like structure or a low density fiber structure, or combinations thereof. 7. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deformable and elastic structure (10) is able to reach its uncompressed shape preferably in 60 seconds and, more preferably, in 5 seconds after The opening of the container. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the deformable and elastic structure (10) comprises one or more compounds selected from the list consisting of silicon rubber, natural rubber, rubber nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, polyurethane and fluoroelastomers. 9. A closure device according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the reservoir (5) comprises a liquid with a viscosity of 0.1 to 10 mPa.s, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mPa. s, at a temperature that varies from 2 to 40 degrees Celsius. 10. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reservoir (5) comprises a liquid comprising one or more assets selected from the list consisting of dietary supplements, antioxidants, aromas, agents colorants, preservatives, thickeners, surfactants, dispersing agents, releasing agents, diffusion agents and stabilizers and more preferably one or more antimicrobials. 11. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reservoir (5) comprises a liquid comprising compounds selected from the list consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, peracetic acid, tartaric acid , benzoic acid, sodium and potassium sulphites, sodium and potassium nitrites, sodium and potassium bicarbonate, sodium and potassium sorbates, sodium and potassium benzoates, hydroxyl-8 quinoline, peroxide, salts, ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, nisin and other bacteriocins; and combinations thereof. 12. A container equipped with a closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ratio of the volume of the tank (5) to the volume of the container varies from 0.001: 1 to 5: 1, 5 preferably from 0.1: 1 to 1: 1. 13. Method for extending the open preservation time of a decomposition sensitive content contained in a container comprising the step of closing the container with a closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The reservoir (5) comprises a preservative. 10 14. Method according to claim 13, wherein said decomposition sensitive content comprises an edible product selected from the list consisting of creams spread based on dairy products, low fat margarines, margarines, margarines without preservatives, mayonnaise , dressings, desserts, ketchup, drinks, such as teas and teas with milk, condiments, such as pesto sauce, jelly-based soup, concentrates 15 juices and sauces and combinations thereof. 15. Method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least part of the liquid dispensed in the porous structure (8), and more preferably all the liquid dispensed, is transformed into a gas before coming into contact with the contents of the container