GB2514339A

GB2514339A - Bottle top closure

Info

Publication number: GB2514339A
Application number: GB1309000.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benjamin Nicholas Parton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-19
Filing date: 2013-05-19
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: GB201309000D0

Abstract

A closure for a vessel 103 designed to hold fizzy or gaseous liquid. The closure comprises of two parts, an inner portion 101 and an outer portion 102 which is moved between two different positions by a defined level of pressure in the vessel. The first position (Figure 2) is where the vessel can be opened as normal by a turning action and the second position (Figure 3) is where the outer portion of the closure is able to turn freely without opening the vessel. An element 9, such as a diaphragm, is configured to react to the pressure within the vessel and so move the outer portion between these two positions. Pressing down on the outer portion may reengage it with the inner portion via a series of opposing protrusions. The element may have means for indicating when the pressure within the vessel is fine to open the closure.

Description

BOTTLE TOP CLOSURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a closure for sealing a vessel configured to contain a carbonated liquid. The present invention is particularly applicable for use in sealing plastic, glass and metal drinks bottles and containers with cylindrical openings.

BACKGROUND ART

When opening a bottle containing a carbonated liquid (i.e. a plastics drink bottle containing a 1 0 tizzy drink) the gas dissolved within the liquid under pressure can rapidly expand causing the liquid to rush to the opening and overflow and in some cases explode out of the opening.

Generally, the more the bottle has been agitated prior to opening, the greater the chance of overflowing. Temperature can also make a difference to how aggressively the liquid rushes out of the opening. The warmer the temperature of the liquid the more likdy it is to overflow.

1 5 This means, a carbonated drinks bottle with a common threaded closure can overflow onto the person holding it and the floor without warning or prior indication when opening the bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a closure for sealing a vessel with a circular opening, wherein the dosure is configured to prevent the vessel form being opened when the pressure inside the vessel is such that any liquid contained within the said vessel, is likely to overflow the said opening. This is advantageous because it prevents the user from opening the vessel in the usual way and so prevents the liquid contained in the vessel from spraying or overflowing on to them.

Preferably, the closure incorporates a threaded element. This is advantageous because it allows the closure to be opened and closed numerous times.

Preferably, the closure is prevented from being opened with only an unscrewing action if the pressure inside the vessel is such that any liquid contained within said vessel is likely to overflow the said opening. This enables the user to open the vessel with a single turning action if the liquid is not going to spray or overflow onto them, but prevents them from opening the vessel just by turning the closure if the liquid inside is going to spray or overflow onto them.

Preferably, the closure comprises: a) an inner portion that includes a thread configured to co-operate with a thread on the said vessel to seal the vessel, and an element configured to react to a defined level of pressure 1 0 within the vessel; and b) an outer portion configured to move between a first position, where it is engaged with the inner portion, and a second position where it is disengaged from the inner portion.

This arrangement enables #a) the closure to achieve a gas and liquid tight seal with the vessel 1 5 and can be tailored to react in a consistent way with different sizes and shapes of vessel and types of liquid therein and the fact that #b) the closure has two distinct positions; the user can open the vessel with a single turning action when the closure is in a first position and the liquid inside the vessel is not going to overflow and, a second position when the liquid inside the vessel is likely to overflow and the same aforementioned simple turning action has no effect on the opening of the vessel.

Preferably, the element is a flexible element to enable it to be motivated by an increase or decrease in pressure inside the vessel, when the closure is tightly closed.

Preferably, the flexible element is a flexible diaphragm configured to react to a change in pressure within the vessel and to enable it to be integral to the inner portion rather than a separate element.

Preferably, the flexible diaphragm is configured to move axially up and down in relation to the inner portion and vessel as in this plane of movement it is most sensitive to changes in pressure within the vessel.

Preferably, the flexible diaphragm is configured to be connected to the outer portion by a connector so that the outer portion responds with the same axial movement.

Preferably, the movement of the flexible diaphragm results in the movement of the outer portion axially between a first position, where the outer portion is engaged with the inner portion, and a second position where the outer portion is disengaged from the inner portion so when the outer portion is in a first position it will, if turned, also turn the inner portion but when the outer portion is in a second position as is turned, it will not turn the inner portion.

Preferably, the connector is configured to allow the outer portion to rotate freely about the inner portion when the outer portion is in the second position. This provided the user with a tactile indication that the closure cannot be opened in the usual manner.

Preferably, the flexible diaphragm comprises of a living hinge so that the diaphragm can only ever occupy one of two positions, the configuration and thickness of the living hinge can be tailored to move from a first position to a second position at a defined pressure.

1 5 Preferably, the inner and outer portions are provided with an inter-engaging means configured to engage and disengage axially, enabhng the outer portion to have a purchase on the inner portion when in a first position but have no purchase on the inner portion when in a second position.

Preferably, the inter-engaging means comprises of an array of opposing protrusions.

So there is a reduced likelihood of a partial engagement between the inner and outer portions.

When the outer portion is in the first position and has purchase on the inner portion, it is fully engaged without the means of slipping. And, when the outer portion is in it's second position it is fully disengaged from the inner portion and has no purchase on the inner portion at all.

Preferably, the protrusions comprise of rectangular prisms, arranged radially, projecting outward from the outer surface of the inner portion and inwards from the inner surface of the outer portion. This arrangement allows for the axia' movement of the outer portion between being fully engaged and fully disengaged with the inner portion.

Preferably, the rectangular prisms have opposing chamfered ends that allow the arrays of opposing rectangular prisms, integral to the inner and outer portions, to engage and disengage smoothly.

Preferably, the outer portion of the closure has a chamfered inside flange that enables it to be push fitted onto the inner portion to prevent the outer portion from being over-extending in relation to the inner portion by the flexible diaphragm and, to prevent the inner and outer portions separating during use.

Preferably, the inner and outer portions are injection moulded as it is likely the closure would need to be manufacture in very large numbers.

Preferably, the inner and outer portions are moulded integrally auid connected together by a 1 0 small ligature so, iii effect; only one component needs to be injection moulded.

Preferably, the closure incorporates a visual indicator integral to the shoulder of the inner portion and able to protrude through openings in the outer portion, so the indicator is visible when the outer portion is in its first position and obscured from view when the outer portion is 1 5 its secondary position. So by ooking at the closure, if the indicator is clearly visible, the user can tell the vessel is likely to overflow on opening without having to try and undo the closure.

It also provides a new branding opportunity on the top of closure, as the visual indicator can be an image, logo, letters or symbols.

Preferably, a second aspect of the closure incorporates a visual indicator integral to the diaphragm of the inner portion and able to protrude through an opening in the outer portion when the diaphragm moves axially from a first position to a second position so the visual indicator is obscured from view when the outer portion is in a first position and visible when the outer portion is a secondary position. So by looking at the dosure, if the indicator is clearly visible it acts as a warning telling the user that the vessel is likely to overflow on opening without having to try and undo the closure. It also provides a new branding opportunity on the top of closure, as the visual indicator can be an image, logo, letters or symbols.

A method of opening a vessel fined with a closure wherein, an increase in pressure in the vessel motivates the flexible diaphragm, incorporated into the inner portion, axially upwards which in turn moves the connection with the outer portion, and thus the outer portion, upwards from a first position, disengaging the radial arrays of rectangular protrusions on the inner and outer portions, until the outer portion is in a second position, prevented from moving further by the chamfered inside flange. In the second position the outer part is able to turn freely about the connection. In order to unscrewed the closure from the vessel the user is required to push the outer portion down, in relation to the inner portion and vessel, which, in turn, pushes the connection and thus the flexible diaphragm back into the first position, re-engaging the radial arrays of rectangular protrusions on both portions. The closure can then be unscrewed.

The present invention is defined by reference to the accompanying claims.

Broadly stated, the present invention provides an alternative closure for a screw top bottle containing a carbonated liquid. The closure prevents the liquid from ever over-tiowing when the bottle is opened for the first time, or subsequently, by reacting to a defined level of pressure inside the bottle, temporarily disengaging the top (outer portion) from the thread of 1 5 the bottle, preventing the user from opening the bottle until the thread has been re-engaged by the user. This is advantageous because the present invention includes a preventative step that not only acts as an indication that the bottle is likely to overflow if opened, but abo actively prevents it from being opened in the usual manner. Further more, the present invention still prevents gas from escaping from the bottle when it is closed and does not vent gas to alleviate the pressure inside the bottle before opening, meaning that the liquid does not lose its fizz".

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There will now be descnbed, by way of example only, an embodiment of the present invention in which: Figure 1 is a side view, outer portion 102 in first position relative to inner portion 101 and vessel 103.

Figure 2 is a side view, cross-section, of the outer portion 102 in the first position relative to the inner portion 101 and vessel 103.

Figure 3 is a side view, cross section, of the inner portion 102 in the second position relative to the inner portion 101; after a defined increase in pressure in the vessel has moved the flexible diaphragm axially.

Figure 4 is a top down cross sectional view with cross section taken at location X,X.

Figure 5 is a detailed view (in isolation) of the rectangular protrusions disengaged.

Figure 6 is a side, detailed view (in isolation), of the rectangular protrusions engaged.

Figure 7 is a side, detailed view (in isolation), of alternative truncated kite shaped protrusions., disengaged.

Figure 8 is a side, detailed view (in isola(ion). of alternative truncated kite sh.aped protrusions in the process of engaging.

Figure 9 is a side, detailed view (in isolation) of alternative truncated kite shaped protrusions, engaged.

1 0 Figure 10 is a side view, cross-section, of the additional visual indicator It), in a first position (outer portion 101 engaged with inner portion 102) Figure 11 is a side view, cross-section, of the additional visual indicator 19 in a second position (outer portion 101 disengaged with inner portion 102) Figure 12 isa side view, cross-section, of the additional visual indicator 21 in a first 1 5 position (outer portion 101 engaged with inner portion 1C2).

Figure 13 is a side view, cross-section, of the additional visual indicator 2! in a second position (outer portion 101 disengaged with inner portion 102).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The new closure comprises of an inner portion 101 and an outer portion 102 Figure 1).

Figure I shows a side view the closure in situ on vessel 103. It shows inner portion 101 and an outer portion 102.

Figure 2 shows the same side view of the closure but in cross-section, showing how inner portion ID! fits within outer portion 102 and illustrates barbed flange 17. Before the closure is initially fitted to a vessel, portion 102 is push-fitted over the top of rectangular protrusions 6 on portion 101, and once in place, b'-bed flange 17 prevents portion 102 from separating from portion 101 by abutting the bottom of rectangular protrusions 6 on portion 101 when outer portion 102 is moved axially from the first position to the second position (Figure 3) in relation to portion 101 and vessel 103 by diaphragm 9.

An inner portion 101 that consists broadly of a cylinder, closed at one end, with a moulded thread 4 (Figure 2) on the inside that is configured to cooperate with a thread 5 on a vessel 103, aflowing the inner portion 101 to be screwed to the vessel forming an air and liquid tight seal. At the open (bottom) end of inner portion 101 is situated an a tamper proof seal ring common on closures intended for plastic drink bottles. The top (closed) end of the cylinder consists of a flexible diaphragm 9 encompassing a living hinge 10 comprising of one or more co-radial moulded fold lines allowing the diaphragm to flex between one of two different positions. A first position (Figure 2) where the diaphragm is recessed below the level of the top or shoulder of the inner portion 101 and a second position (Figure 3), where the diaphragm is flexed outward and is level with, or standing proud of, the shoulder 8 of portion 101. Figure 2 shows the array of rectangular protrusions 6 with the top ends 7 chamfered in 1 0 both the X and Z-axis (X being width, Z being depth), projecting outwards from the outer surface of portion 101. The rectangular protrusions are arranged radially around its circumference and are equally spaced.

Figure 2 also illustrates living hinge 10 of flexible diaphragm 9 (in its first position).

And shows nodule II of circifiar cross section with recess 12.

The outer portion 102 broadly consists of a cylindrical cap, closed at one end. Protruding downward from the centre of the inner surface of the top of portion 102 is a projection 13 of circular cross section with barbed lip 14 configured to be connected to the opposing aforementioned nodule II with recess 12 forming a constant connection between the centre of the top outer surface of the flexible diaphragm 9 integral to inner portion 101, and the centre of the under side of the top of outer portion 102. All the way around the inner surface of the outer part there is an radial array of equally spaced protrusions 15, similar in shape and size to the aforementioned protrusions 6 on portion 101, but of opposing orientation. The rectangifiar protrusions 15 are chamfered at the lower end in both the X and Z-axis (X being width, Z being depth).

Figure 4 shows a top down view of the co-radial arrangement of living hinge 10, around nodule I I and projection I 3 that form the connection between inner portion 101 and outer portion 102.

RefelTing to how the closure reacts to pressure within vessel 103 exceeding a defined level; when the pressure reaches a defined level (pre-determined by the flexibility of living hinge 10), diaphragm 9 on portion 101 is motivated axiafly upwards in relation to vessel 103. This motivates outer portion 102 axially in the same direction, via the aforementioned connection, from a first position (Figure 2) where outer portion 102 is engaged with inner portion 101, to a second position where outer portion 102 is disengaged with inner portion 101, until barbed flange 17 on portion 102 abuts the bottom of rectangular protrusions 6 on portion 101. This action disengages the array of rectangular protrusions 15 on portion 102 from the opposing array of rectangular protrusions 6 on portion 101, allowing nodule 11 with recess 12 to turn freely in projection 13 with barbed lip 14 and therefore, portion 102 to turn freely about portion 101 about. Thus, when the pressure in vessel 103 is such that the liquid is likely to 1 0 overflow the opening, turning outer portion 102 has no affect on inner portion 101 and does not undo the closure.

Referring to how the closure is opened once flexible diaphragm 9 and outer portion 102 are in a second position (Figure 3); 1 5 the user pushes down on outer portion 102 therefore motivating the aforementioned connection with flexible diaphragm 9 integra' to inner portion 101 and motivates flexible diaphragm 9 from a second position back to its first position and rectangular protrusions 15 on portion 102 to re-engage with rectangular protrusions 6 on inner portion 101. While still pushing down, turning portion 102 will now act upon portion 101 undo the closure. If the closure is being opened for the first time ligatures 18 on the tamper proof seal will be broken.

Referring to how the rectangular protrusions 6 on portion 101 and rectangular protrusions 15 on portion 102 re-engage when flexible diaphragm is motivated from a second position (Figure 5) to a first (Figure 6).

Figure 5 shows one aspect of the radial arrays of rectangular protrusions 6 and 15 (in isolation) which, by way of example may include, chamfered ends 7 and 16, enabling them to disengage and engage smoothly.

Figure 7 shows an alternative truncated kite shape for the shape protrusions 6 and 15. These protrusions still incorporate a chamfer in both the X and Z-axis (X being width, Z being depth) including chamfer 19, enabling barbed flange 17 on portion 102 to still be push-fitted over the opposing array of truncated kite shaped protrusions on portion 101, allowing portion 102 will fit over portion 101. Chamfered sides 7 and 16 enable the arrays of opposing protrusions 6 and 15 to engage smoothly (Figure 8) when portion 102 is motivated from its second position back to its first position. Chamfers 6 and 15 encourage the arrays of protrusions to remain frilly engaged (Figure 9), without slipping, when outer portion 102 is in its first position and is turned.

In one alternative aspect of the closure all additional visual indicator 20 (Figure 10 & 11) is incorporated. The indicator can vary in shape and size and include letteriiig axd symbols. The indicator is, visible when portion 102 is in its first position (Figure 10) and the pressure in the vessel is bethw a defined level. The indicator consists of projections 20 integral to into the 1 0 shoulder 8 of inner portion 101, and openings 21 integral into the body of outer portion 102.

When the pressure in the vessel rises above the defined level and outer portion 102 is motivated by flexible diaphragm 9 into a second position, projections 20 are hidden from view by portion 102 (Figure 11).

In another aliernative aspect of the closure an additional visual indicator 22 (Figure 12) can be 1 5 recessed when portion 102 is in its first position and the pressure in the bottle is below a defined level. The indicator consists of a projection 22 integral to the body of portion 101, centrally positioned in lieu of nodule 11 (Figure 3) on flexible diaphragm 9, and an opening 23 integral to the body of portion 102. When the pressure in the vessel rises above the defined level and flexible diaphragm 9 is motivated into its second position, projection 22 protrudes through opening 23 (prevented form travelling all the way through by flange 24) and pushes portion 102 axially upwards (Figure 13). As flange 24 (figure 13) abuts portion 102 pressing down on portion 102 with motivate the flexible diaphragm from its second position back to its first position (figure 12).

The present invention extends to an article in which a container with a threaded top is prevented from being opened without an additional action as generally described above.

furthermore, the present invention relates to a closure that helps to prevent a bottle containing a carbonated liquid from overflowing on opening by introducing an additional step', without venting gas or allowing any gas to escape when the closure is closed which would result in the liquid "losing its fizz".

Claims

CLAIMSI) A closure for sealing a vessel with a circular opening, wherein the closure is configured to prevent the vessel form being opened when the pressure inside the vessel is such that any liquid contained within the said vessel, is likely to overflow the said opening.
2) A closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure is threaded.
3) A closure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closure is prevented from being opened 1 0 with only an unscrewing action if the pressure inside the vessel is such that any liquid contained within the said vessel is likely to overflow the said opening.
4) A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the closure comprises: 1 5 a) an inner portion that includes a thread configured to co-operate with a thread on the said vessel to seal the vessel, and an element configured to react to a defined level of pressure within the vessel; and b) an outer portion configured to move between a first position, where it is engaged with the inner portion, and a second position where it is disengaged from the inner portion.
5) A closure as claimed in claim 4. wherein the element is a flexible element.
6) A closure as claimed in claim 5. wherein the flexible element is a flexible diaphragm configured to react to a change in pressure within the vessel.
7) A closure as claimed in claim 6. wherein the liexible diaphragm is configured to move axially up and down in relation to the inner portion and vessel.
8) A closure as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the flexible diaphragm is configured to be connected to the outer portion by a connector.
9) A closure as claimed in claim 8, wherein movement of the flexible diaphragm results in movement of the outer portion axially between a first position, where the outer portion is engaged with the inner portion, and a second position where the outer portion is disengaged from the iiiner portion.
10) A closure as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the connector is configured to allow the outer portion to rotate freely about the inner portion when the outer portion is in the second position.
II) A closure as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the flexible diaphragm 1 0 comprises of a living hinge.
12) A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer portions are provided with an inter-engaging means configured to to engage and disengage axially.
13) A closure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inter-engaging means comprises of an array of opposing protrusions.
1 5 14) A closure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the protrusions comprise of rectangular prisms, arranged radially, projecting outward from the outer surface of the inner portion and inwards from the inner surface of the outer portion.
15) A closure as claimed in claim 14, wherein the rectangular prisms have opposing chamfered ends.
16) A closure as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the outer portion has a chamfered inside flange that enables it to be push fitted onto the inner portion.
17) A closure as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the inner and outer portions are injection moulded.
18) A closure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the inner and outer portions are moulded integrally and connected together by a small ligature.
19) A closure as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the closure incorporates a visual indicator integral to the shoulder of the inner portion and able to protrude through openings in the outer portion so the indicator is visible when the outer portion is in its first position and obscured from view when the outer portion is its secondary position.
20) A closure as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein a second aspect of the closure incorporates a visual indicator integral to the diaphragm of the inner portion and able to protrude through an opening in the outer portion when the diaphragm moves axially from a first position to a second position so the visual indicator is obscured from view when the outer portion is in a first position and visible when the outer portion is a 1 0 secondary position.
21) A method of opening a vessel fitted with a closure substantially as herein claimed with reference to the accompanying figures wherein an increase in pressure in a vessel motivates the flexible diaphragm, incorporated into the inner portion, axially upwards 1 5 which in turn moves the connection with the outer portion, and thus the outer portion, upwards from a first position, disengaging the radial arrays of rectangular protrusions on the outer portion from the array of rectangular protrusions on the inner portion, until the outer portion is in a second position, prevented from moving further by the chamfered inside flange. In the second position the outer part is able to turn freely about the connection. In order to unscrew the closure from the vessel the user is required to push the outer portion down, in relation to the inner portion and vessel, which, in turn, pushes the connection and thus the flexible diaphragm back into the first position and re-engages the radial arrays of rectangular protrusions on both portions. The closure can then be unscrewed.