GB2556618A

GB2556618A - Collar and cap

Info

Publication number: GB2556618A
Application number: GB1614217.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gooch David
Original assignee: CAMBRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd; Cambridge Tech Ltd
Current assignee: CAMBRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2016-08-19
Publication date: 2018-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-19
Also published as: WO2018033702A1; GB201614217D0; GB2556618B

Abstract

A sealing assembly for releasably securing an open drinking vessel comprising: a collar having an internal sleeve and a peripheral annular shoulder with an outwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, the sleeve and shoulder interconnected by a mounting rim for temporarily receiving a corresponding rim of a drinking vessel; and a cap with a lid having at least one internal annular protrusion and an annular side wall having an inwardly facing surface having an interlocking element. The interlocking elements are operable to releasably secure the cap and collar together via a first lateral seal and a second longitudinal seal, the seals being spatially distinct from the interlocking elements. The assembly aims to prevent the spillage or leakage of drinks from disposable cups.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Cambridge Technologies Limited

Lake House, Market Hill, Royston, Hertfordshire,

SG8 9JN, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

David Gooch (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

TPT Cambridge

Toll Drove, MANEA, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0JX, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A47G 19/22 (2006.01) B65D 43/02 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

CN 202429483 U US 20120080433 A1

US 20100187247 A1 US 20030192891 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47G, B65D

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Internet (54) Title ofthe Invention: Collar and cap Abstract Title: Collar and cap (57) A sealing assembly for releasably securing an open drinking vessel comprising: a collar having an internal sleeve and a peripheral annular shoulder with an outwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, the sleeve and shoulder interconnected by a mounting rim for temporarily receiving a corresponding rim of a drinking vessel; and a cap with a lid having at least one internal annular protrusion and an annular side wall having an inwardly facing surface having an interlocking element. The interlocking elements are operable to releasably secure the cap and collar together via a first lateral seal and a second longitudinal seal, the seals being spatially distinct from the interlocking elements. The assembly aims to prevent the spillage or leakage of drinks from disposable cups.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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COLLAR AND CAP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a sealing assembly comprising a collar and cap for releasably securing open drinking vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking vessels can come in all shapes and sizes and can be disposable, i.e. a coffee cup, or reusable, i.e. a ceramic mug. Disposable drinking vessels are used in vast numbers on a daily basis across the globe and typically conform to uniform size and construction. Drinking vessels, depending on content, may be supplied by a vendor with a cap, or other closure means. Caps provided with disposable drinking vessels are typically push fitted over an annular lip at the top of the drinking vessel to form an interface providing at least some resistance against removal of the cap from the drinking vessel.

Due to the nature of the interface between a disposable drinking vessel and a cap, it is not uncommon for caps to become dislodged and the content of disposable drinking vessels spilt. This is at best an annoyance but in some circumstances can be dangerous if hot contents of a drinking vessel were to spill on to a person. Furthermore, disposable drinking vessels are inherently unstable having a small diameter base with a greater diameter opening at the top of the drinking vessel. In the event that a disposable drinking vessel is knocked over it is likely its contents will be spilt regardless of whether a cap is fitted or not.

Caps provided with disposable drinking vessels are typically formed from low grade plastic and may not be recyclable. The sheer volume of caps used annually poses a significant environmental impact a) from those caps that are not recycled and enter landfill, b) caps which are disposed of irresponsibly and affect local wildlife, and c) the energy required to both manufacture and recycle caps and the associated waste from the manufacturing and recycling processes used.

The present invention seeks to provide solutions to the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the invention concerns a sealing assembly for releasably securing an open drinking vessel therein, the assembly comprising: a collar having an internal sleeve and a peripheral annular shoulder with an outwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, the sleeve and shoulder interconnected by a mounting rim for temporarily receiving a corresponding rim of a drinking vessel; and a cap with a lid having at least one internal annular protrusion and an external annular side wall having an inwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, wherein the interlocking elements are operable to releasably secure the cap and collar together via a first lateral seal and a second longitudinal seal created between the cap and collar, the seals being spatially distinct from the interlocking elements.

Use of a sealing assembly according to the above aspect of the invention provides a robust seal between a disposable drinking vessel and a cap to significantly reduce the risk of spillage of the content of the disposable drinking vessel. The double seal arrangement provided by the first lateral seal and second longitudinal seal provides a fluid tight arrangement such that a disposable drinking vessel fitted with a sealing assembly according to the above aspect of the invention is inherently portable with minimal risk of content spillage. Furthermore, the sealing assembly according to the above aspect of the invention is re-usable and thus would reduce the number of caps required each year.

In one embodiment the first seal is created between the internal sleeve of the collar and internal annular protrusion ofthe cap and the second seal is created between the mounting rim ofthe collar and the lid ofthe cap.

This arrangement limits the possibility of content contamination between the first seal, second seal and the interlocking elements of the collar and the cap.

In one embodiment the mounting rim of the collar comprises a recess, preferably wherein the mounting recess is concave.

The recess provides a seat in which the annular lip of a disposable drinking vessel is located thus providing a means to securely mount the collar on the disposable drinking vessel. A concave profile is desirable to securely seat the lip of a disposable drinking vessel.

In another embodiment the internal sleeve of the collar extends longitudinally away from the mounting rim. In one embodiment the internal sleeve of the collar comprises two or more support means which extend longitudinally away from the mounting rim.

A longitudinally extending sleeve helps support the wall of a disposable drinking vessel to provide increased rigidity and additionally has thermal benefits to keep hot contents of the disposable drinking vessel hot for longer or to keep cold contents of the disposable drinking vessel cold for longer. The longitudinally extending sleeve also provides a thermal buffer to enable a user to comfortably hold a drinking vessel containing hot or cold contents.

In another embodiment the internal sleeve of the collar comprises inwardly facing protrusions, preferably ribs or ridges.

Inwardly facing protrusions provide a better grip with the drinking vessel, improve tightness of the lateral seal and create a thermal co-efficient for reduced conduction of heat.

In another embodiment the lid of the cap comprises a convexed portion.

The convexed portion is useful for applying branding to the lid of the cap.

In another embodiment the lid of the cap houses a wireless communication chip.

The wireless communication chip may store customer details and/or data relating to customer purchases. The wireless communication chip may be an RFID chip or other NFC chip having wireless communication capabilities for exchanging data with a base station.

In another embodiment the annular sidewall of the cap comprises a plurality of external gripping features.

The external gripping features, which may be longitudinal ribs, provide a suitable surface for gripping the lid to facilitate tightening or loosening the lid.

In another embodiment, the lid of the cap further comprises a second internal annular protrusion positioned within the first internal annular protrusion and configured to receive and secure a closed end of the drinking vessel to the cap.

The second annular protrusion receives the closed end of a drinking vessel to provide a secure base for the drinking vessel in order to improve stability of the drinking vessel when stood on a surface.

In another embodiment the lid of the cap comprises a vent.

Provision of a vent enables steam to escape from within the drinking vessel.

In another embodiment the internal sleeve of the collar may be angled conically.

Angling the internal sleeve conically enables the sealing assembly to be used with a straight walled drinking vessel and/or tighten the fit between the internal sleeve and the drinking vessel.

In another embodiment the lid of the cap comprises a fluid outlet means, preferably a sealable fluid outlet means. The sealable fluid outlet means may comprise a one-way valve.

The fluid outlet means provide access to the contents of the drinking vessel without the need to remove the cap.

FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a sealing assembly according to a first aspect of the invention; and

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate use of the sealing assembly of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of reference to Figures 1 to 5 which illustrate the invention configured for use with disposable drinking vessels as per those supplied with beverages by cafes and fast food outlets.

Disposable drinking vessels are typically of very similar construction regardless of the cafe or fast food outlet that provides them. A drinking vessel or cup (10) will typically comprise a conical body (12) open at one end (12a open end) and closed at the other end (12b - closed end). The open end 12a typically comprises a re-enforced rim or lip (12c) and the closed end 12b typically comprises a base (not shown) recessed such that the base does not make direct contact with a surface. Disposable drinking vessels can be manufactured from plastic, card or a layered construction comprising layers of card and plastic.

The body of such vessels are constructed by way of partially overlaying the ends of a material, such as cardboard, to create an overlap which extends longitudinally from the rim to the base of the vessel. Such a construction typically ensures that even when the vessel is sealingly secured and containing a hot beverage negative pressure is unlikely to build and thus the cup will typically be able to retain its shape.

The present invention is therefore suitable for use with standard drinking vessels of the type described above but minor modifications without departing from the scope of the claims are envisaged in order to optimise the suitability of the assembly to particular preferred dimensions and specifications of branded or unbranded disposable drinking vessels or cups.

The first aspect of the invention defines a sealing assembly (20) comprising a collar (22) and a cap (50).

As shown in figures 1 to 5, one embodiment of collar (22) comprises an internal sleeve (24) of annular construction having an internal diameter similar to the diameter of the open end (12a) of the drinking vessel (10). The internal sleeve (24) has an inwardly facing surface (24a) and an outwardly facing surface (24b). The inwardly facing surface (24a) of the internal sleeve (24) may comprise one or more projections such as ribs or ridges (not shown) for engaging the drinking vessel (10). The internal sleeve (24), in some embodiments, may also comprise two or more support means (not shown) that extend longitudinally along the longitudinal length of the drinking vessel (10) to support the drinking vessel (10). Such support means are provided in opposing pairs.

The collar (22) further comprises a peripheral annular shoulder (26) joined to the internal sleeve (24) by way of a mounting rim (28). The peripheral annular shoulder (26) extends longitudinally from the mounting rim (28) in the same direction as the internal sleeve (24) and comprises an inwardly facing surface (26a) and an outwardly facing surface (26b). The outwardly facing surface (26b) comprises an interlocking element (26c) for engaging with a corresponding interlocking element (58) of the cap (50).

The mounting rim (28) comprises a conical recess (28a) for seating the rim (12c) of the drinking vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal sleeve (24) extends conically away from the mounting rim (28). However, in other embodiments the internal sleeve (24) may extend perpendicularly away from the mounting rim (28).

The cap (50) comprises a first internal annular protrusion (52a), which may be continuous or formed from more than one protrusion, extending inwardly from a lid (54) and an external annular sidewall (56).

The external annular sidewall (56) comprises an inwardly facing surface (56a) having an interlocking element (58) for engaging with the corresponding interlocking element (26c) of the collar (22) and outwardly facing surface (56b) having a plurality of gripping features such as protrusions or ridges to assist gripping of the cap (50).

The lid (54) has an inwardly facing surface (54a) and an outwardly facing surface (54b). The outwardly facing surface (54a) of the lid, in some embodiments, comprises a convex portion for receiving branding or other information. The lid may also incorporate a wireless communication chip, i.e. a RFID chip, for storing customer and/or purchase information. The wireless communication chip can also be used to automate payment for a beverage each time a disposable drinking vessel (10) is filled and the sealing assembly applied (20). The wireless communication chip may be configured to communicate with a base station at point of sale and/or with a mobile device. In some embodiments the lid (54) may have a vent (not shown) and/or fluid outlet means (such as a spout - not shown) extending from the outwardly facing surface (54a) to the inwardly facing surface (54b) thereof. Such fluid outlet means is sealable to prevent unwanted discharge of fluid content and may be sealed using a one-way valve.

The lid (54) of the cap (50) comprises a second annular protrusion (not shown) extending from the inwardly facing surface (54b) of the lid (54) having an external diameter similar to the internal diameter of the drinking vessel (10) at the closed end (12b) thereof such that the closed end (12b) of a drinking vessel (10) can receive the second annular protrusion turning the cap (50) into a saucer.

In use, a collar (22) is positioned on a surface and a drinking vessel (10) is positioned within the collar (22). The collar (22) is moved upwardly until the rim (12c) of the drinking vessel (10) engages with the mounting rim (28) of the collar (22). The internal sleeve (24) of the collar (22) engages with the body (12) of the drinking vessel (10) to resist the sleeve falling under gravity.

The cap (50) is positioned over the collar (22) and drinking vessel (10) and attached by engagement of the interlocking element (26c) of the collar with the corresponding interlocking means (58) of the cap (50). In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking elements (26c, 58) are threaded portions hence the cap (50) is simply screwed on to the collar (22). Once the collar (22) and cap (50) are engaged, , a fluid tight seal is provided between the collar (22) and cap (50). The fluid tight seal comprises two distinct seals (60, 62) that are each spatially distinct from the interlocking elements (26c, 58 of the collar (22) and cap (50) respectively. The first seal (60) compresses the body (12) of the drinking vessel (10) between the internal sleeve (24) of the collar (22) and the internal annular protrusion (52) of the cap. The second seal (62) compresses the rim (12c) of the drinking vessel (10) between the mounting rim (28) of the collar (22) and the lid (54) of the cap (50).

A surface of annular protrusion 52a facing the internal vessel wall (in use) may additionally have one or more groove, preferably concave in cross-section. While not essential, it may be help to evenly equalize any pressure created after sealing the assembly together with the vessel when it contains hot liquid, particularly.

In embodiments of the invention, the collar (22) and cap (50) are formed from a plastic based material via manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art including injection moulding, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, for example.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly for releasably securing an open drinking vessel therein, the assembly comprising:

a collar having an internal sleeve and a peripheral annular shoulder with an outwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, the sleeve and shoulder interconnected by a mounting rim for temporarily receiving a corresponding rim of a drinking vessel; and a cap with a lid having at least one internal annular protrusion and an external annular side wall having an inwardly facing surface having an interlocking element, wherein the interlocking elements are operable to releasably secure the cap and collar together via a first lateral seal and a second longitudinal seal created between the cap and collar, the seals being spatially distinct from the interlocking elements.

2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first seal is created between the internal sleeve of the collar and the internal annular protrusion of the cap and the second seal is created between the mounting rim of the collar and the lid of the cap.

3. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting rim of the collar comprises a recess, preferably wherein the mounting recess is concave.

4. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the internal sleeve of the collar extends longitudinally away from the mounting rim.

5. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the internal sleeve of the collar comprises two or more support means which extend longitudinally relative to the internal sleeve.

6. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the internal sleeve comprisea inwardly facing protrusions, preferably ribs or ridges.

7. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid of the cap comprises a convexed portion.

8. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid of the cap houses a wireless communication chip

9. The sealing assembly of any proceeding claim, wherein the external annular sidewall of the cap further comprises an externally facing surface having a plurality of external gripping features.

10. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid of the cap comprises a second internal annular protrusion positioned within the first internal annular protrusion and wherein the second internal annular protrusion is configured to receive and secure a closed end of the drinking vessel to the cap.

11. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid of the cap comprises a vent therethrough.

12. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the internal sleeve of the collar is angled conically.

13. The sealing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein lid of the cap comprises a fluid outlet means, preferably a sealable fluid outlet means.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614217.6 Examiner: Anna Rice