GB2618529A

GB2618529A - Container

Info

Publication number: GB2618529A
Application number: GB2206508.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gooch David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-05-04
Filing date: 2022-05-04
Publication date: 2023-11-15
Also published as: GB202206508D0

Abstract

A liquid-tight container has a cylindrical receptacle 10 and a conical lid 30. The receptacle has: a head region 16 configured for engaging with the lid; a base 12; and a body region between the two. The head region has a convex bulge portion 22 extending around its periphery and making a smooth transition into the body region by first tapering radially outwards from the lip 18 of the receptacle and then tapering radially inwards to transition into the body region of the wall. The lid is made of resiliently deformable material and engageable with the head region via a friction fit. It has a body 32 and a skirt 34 extending radially downwards from the body. The skirt has an inner surface for engagement with the convex bulge. The container lacks any threads or internal undercuts, making it easier to keep clean.

Description

CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a container for liquid and a system for sealing the container to prevent leaks.

Background to the Invention

Liquid-tight containers are well known and typically have one of two designs; 1) a traditional design of a liquid container with a threaded neck and a lid that screws onto the neck (see Figure 1A and 1B). Generally, the neck is narrower that the bottle. 2) a container with a lip that engages with a lid with a deformable seal, such as a silicone or rubber section that prevents both air and liquid transferring in and out of the container, such as a Kilner® jar (see Figure 1C).

By way of example, bottles for feeding babies traditionally follow the first model, adding a teat or nipple to the lid through which the milk is sucked. These bottles (see Figure 1A) typically consist of a container with threaded neck (A), a threaded collar for fastening to the container (B) and a teat or nipple with a flange (C) that is partially pushed or pulled through the collar before screwing the collar/teat assembly to the container.

All containers with threads are innately difficult to clean due to the peaks and troughs of the threads and the shoulders of the container being difficult to access. This means that, despite best efforts, debris and bacteria can build up in these regions which makes cleaning and sterilisation of the container very difficult. It is further acknowledged that threaded screw fastenings can lead to cross threading which may result in liquid escaping from the bottle.

Containers that follow the second model often have difficult to clean lids due to the complex profile and, often, the mixed materials used (Figure 1C). Frequently these lids feature a removeable seal recessed in a rim of the lid. Removing this seal can be tricky and result in damage to the lid and of the seal.

Lidless containers with convex profiles, known as the nonic glass (Figure 1D), are well known. The convex profile is intentionally located away from the mouth of the container and serves the purpose of making the glass more difficult to accidentally drop. Various lids can be attached to these glasses, some of which stretch over the perimeter of the glass. However, it is not know for these lids to interact with the convex profile because the convex profile is not located close to the mouth of the glass.

The present invention aims to overcome problems with threaded and non-threaded liquid tight containers by providing a simplified profile on the container and a cooperative profile on the lid. Advantageously, the profile can be used with glass and plastic containers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a liquid-tight container system comprising a receptacle and a lid: the receptacle being substantially cylindrical and having a base and a wall projecting upwardly therefrom, the wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a head region located distal to the base, the head portion configured for engaging with the lid, o the head region comprising a convex bulge portion extending around substantially all of a periphery of the head region, the bulge portion terminating at a lip which defines a substantially circular mouth, the mouth forming an opening of the receptacle; the lid being made of resiliently deformable material and being engageable with the head region via a friction fit, the lid having a lid body and a skirt extending radially downwards from the lid body, o the skirt comprising a skirt inner surface for engagement with the convex bulge of the head region; such that the skirt inner surface engages with the outer surface of the at least one wall at the concave bulge when the lid is engaged with the receptacle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows a traditional baby bottle with a container (A), collar (B) and teat (C) with a threaded 20 connection.

Figure 1B shows a traditional threaded screw lid container.

Figure 1C shows a traditional Kilner ® style container.

Figure 1D shows a prior art nonic glass.

Figure 2 shows a receptacle with a lid, the lid is shown as a teat for a baby bottle.

Figure 3 shows a receptacle with a variety of different lids, each of which is interchangeable. 3A is a receptacle without a lid, 3B shows the same receptacle with a drinking spout. 3C shows a baby bottle teat, 3D shows a sports lid and 3E shows a carry-handle lid.

Figure 4 shows a variety of different receptacles and lids. 4A shows the receptacle with an example sleeve, 4B shows a lid with a cap, 4C shows a receptacle with a handle, 4D shows a wide, shallow receptacle with a lid featuring a valve. 4E shows a lid which may be depressed to evacuate air from inside the container system, thereby creating a vacuum.

Figure 5 shows how receptacles might stack inside each other.

Figure 6 shows schematics of the effect of poisons ratio (6B), radial load due to the convex bulge (6C) and conical geometry effect (6D).

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a liquid-tight, or air-tight container, system comprising a receptacle 10 which is engageable with a lid 30 via a friction fit arrangement. The container system does not require threaded connections. When the lid 30 is a teat, this also removes the need for a separate, threaded collar to keep the teat in contact with the receptacle.

Advantageously, a variety of different lid types can be used with the same container. For example, a basic lid arranged to seal the container, a teat, a sippy spout, a sports cap, a carry handle, a lid with a vent to allow expulsion of air from the interior of the container or a lid featuring an additive (such as activated charcoal or similar) capsule/compartment to assist with preserving the contents of the container.

The lid 30 and receptable 10 have correspondingly shaped contact or engagement surfaces that provide friction between the lid and the container to keep them contact with one another during use. The container system may also comprise a cap 80 that can be used to pick up the lid and also can be used to aid with engaging the lid 30 (particularly where the lid is a teat or spout) with the receptacle so that the user does not need to handle the lid 30 directly. Advantageously, this retains the sterility of the lid when assembling the container. Advantageously, the absence of threads makes the container very easy to clean to remove traces of contamination.

Furthermore, the components are designed to eliminate threads, sharp corners, blind gaps or severe inaccessible and internal undercuts that present high risk of bacterial contamination being retained during and after cleaning that can lead to serious infection to the user of the container system or even to food spoilage. Whilst a cap 80 may be provided to aid with assembly of the container system, the lid can also be assembled without the use of the cap. The simple push fit assembly operation ensures the correct assembly of the lid onto the receptacle.

Advantageously, the container has no threads or internal undercuts that may trap microbes, dirt and contaminants.

The assembly and operation of a container system will be described with reference to figure 2. In this first non-limiting example, which is an infant's feeding bottle but could similarly be any type of liquid or food container or a container for non-foodstuffs, the container system comprises a receptacle 10 for containing a liquid. The receptacle 10 comprises a base 12 and a wall 14. The wall 14 having an inner surface 15 and an outer surface 17, and a head region 16 located distal to the base 12. The head region being configured for receiving and engaging with a lid 30, in this case a teat. The head region 16 comprises a lip 18 which defines a mouth 20 (the opening of the container). The head region further comprises a convex bulge portion 22 extending around all or most of the periphery of the head region. The bulge portion 22 forms a convex profile with a larger diameter than that of the wall on the outer surface 17 of the wall 14. The convex profile forming a smooth transition into the wall of the receptacle by first tapering radially outwards from the lip 18 and then tapering radially inwards to transition into the wall 14.

Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the bulge portion and the skirt of the lid engage by means of Poisson's principle, whereby pulling on the lid causes the skirt to clamp more tightly around the container. Advantageously, the lid and container can withstand a pulling force in excess of 90 Newtons.

The receptacle may be made from any suitable material including thermoplastic, glass, stainless steel etc, for example, polypropylene or materials that preferably do not contain BPA.

In this example, the lid is a teat, which is removably engageable with the receptacle 10. The teat comprises a drinking aperture (not shown) for releasing a liquid from the receptacle 10. Various shapes, sizes and numbers of openings are possible.

The lid 30 comprises a lid body 32 and a skirt 34 extending radially downwards and outwards therefrom. The skirt engages with the head region 14 to provide a friction fit. The skirt 34 comprises a skirt inner surface 35 for engagement with the head region 14 of the receptacle 10. The skirt inner surface 35 tapers radially outwards from a top of the skirt inner surface 36 to a bottom of the skirt inner surface 38 in a concave profile.

The lid may comprise a stop 40 at the intersection of the skirt and lid body, the stop being arranged to restrict travel of the lip 18 of the receptacle 10 into the lid 30.

The head region 14 outer surface 17 and the skirt inner surface 35 have substantially cooperative profiles to provide a friction fit when engaged (for example as shown in figure 2). As can be seen in the figures, the skirt inner surface 35 is concavely tapered and the outer surface 17 of the head region 14 is convexly tapered.

With reference to figure 4B, the container system may also comprise a cap 80 which can be placed over the lid 30 when the container is not being used, for example to protect the lid from contamination. The cap 80 is removably attachable to the lid. As can be seen, the cap 80 is designed to encase and grip the lid when engaged with sufficient friction so as to prevent the cap 80 separating from the lid easily, but also enabling a user to separate the cap and lid when required. To aid with this, the cap may also comprise one or more air vents (not shown).

To assemble the container system the user handles the lid 30 only by contacting the skirt 34. By gripping the skirt 34, the user may place the lid on top of the receptacle 10 and either pull or push (or a combination of both) the skirt 34 downwards over the lip 18 and the convex bulge portion 22 until the lid 30 is seated correctly on the receptacle 10 and the skirt 34 is engaged with the bulge portion 22.

In order to remove the lid 30 from the receptacle 10, the skirt 34 is lifted from the head region 14 (for example by rolling or lifting the skirt 34 upwards using a thumb or fingers) and pushed upwards past the receptacle lip 18.

In order to aid the user in the removal of the lid 30 from the receptacle 10, a release tab 70 may be provided on the skirt 34 (as shown in figure 2, 3B-E). The release tab 70 (see figure 3E) is shown formed from an area/region of the lid skirt 34 outer surface and is formed from the same material as the lid. In the embodiment shown, the user pulls the release tab 70 downwards in order to grip it (that is, the "hinge" of the tab is at the bottom of the tab), before pulling the material of the skirt away from the receptacle in and outwards and upwards direction, thereby releasing the friction between skirt 34 and bulge portion 22. In alternative embodiments the tab may be so formed as to have the hinge in other positions, for example at the top, left or right of the tab. Each alternative is considered to be effective and acceptable.

The release tab 70 provides an easier surface for the user to grip to deform the skirt 34 so as to enable the user to remove the lid 30 from the lip 18. Other types of release tab are envisioned, for example, the release tab may be formed of a piece of additional (integral or otherwise) skirt protruding from the bottom of the skirt.

In further examples of the present invention, the lid may be a sealing lid, i.e. a lid that seals the contents of the receptacle 10 for storage. Alternatively, the lid may be a lid that enables drinking of liquid contents stored within the receptacle (for example by older children or adults, who do not require teats) or the lid may have an interface to which other devices may be connected in order to enable liquids to be deposited into the receptacle (for example breast pumps attached to the lid to enable breast milk to be deposited into the receptacle), in which case the lid comprises an opening through which liquids in the receptacle are accessible. The opening may comprise a drink-through spout or straw extending from the lid, may be a suitably shaped and sized hole in the surface of the lid, or may be an adapted interface to enable other devices to be connected to the lid in fluid engagement. The opening, drink-through straw or spout may be sealable to prevent liquids leaving the receptacle when not desired.

As employed herein "liquid-tight container system" refers to the fact that the container system of the presently disclosed invention is substantially leak resistant, when assembled correctly. That is, when the lid is correctly engaged with the receptacle such that the skirt is lying flush against the bulge portion.

The assembled container system does not emit liquids other than from the described drinking aperture, when present.

In some embodiments, where an air-tight lid is employed, the container system is air-tight.

As employed herein receptacle refers to the liquid retaining part of the container system. The receptacle may be essentially cylindrical although the profile of the cylinder is not required to be straight, with parallel sides. Generally, the receptacle is formed of a single part although this is not essential.

Advantageously the lids and receptacles of the presently disclosed container system are interchangeable. Changing of the lid type changes the purpose and use of the receptacle. This means the same receptacle can have multiple uses which reduces the need for many receptacles, beneficially reducing the amount of overall materials needed, which is beneficial to the planet as well as economically.

Any size and volume of receptacle may be employed in the present system.

As employed herein lid refers to the sealing part of the bottle system. In traditional container systems the lid would be threaded, however, in the present disclosure, the lid is a push fit or friction fit. The lid is free of threads where bacteria and dirt may accumulate and be difficult to clean. Generally, the lid is formed of a single piece of material, although this is not essential and lids comprising resiliently deformable skirts and a body made of different material(s) are envisioned.

As employed herein friction fit refers to a thread-free fit designed to be pushed together such that friction between the lid and the bulge portion of the receptacle resists removal of the two parts. Also known as an interference fit, a friction fit is a fastening between two parts which is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together, rather than by any other means of fastening. Typically, increasing the surface area of contact between the lid and the receptacle increases the friction.

Poisson's ratio v (nu) is a measure of the Poisson effect, the deformation (expansion or contraction) of a material in directions perpendicular to the specific direction of loading. The value of Poisson's ratio is the negative of the ratio of transverse strain to axial strain. For small values of these changes, v is the amount of transversal elongation divided by the amount of axial compression. Most materials have Poisson's ratio values ranging between 0.0 and 0.5. For soft materials, such as rubber, where the bulk modulus is much higher than the shear modulus, Poisson's ratio is near 0.5. Many typical solids have Poisson's ratios in the range of 0.2-0.3.

When a rubber (or any elastomer) tube is stretched it becomes smaller in diameter and thinner. This is on account of its Poisson's Ratio, and rubbers have a Poisson's ratio near to 0.5 which is the highest of any material. This narrowing and contracting leads to very high contact forces at AA (See figure 6A/B) and these decrease with distance but remain high at BB where the distance from AA is small comparted with the diameter of the tube.

Hence, it is considered that Poisson's principle plays a role in retaining the attachment between the skirt of the lid and the convex bulge portion of the receptacle when a pulling force is applied to the lid.

Further to the Poisson effect, there is a radial load on the convex bulge portion. A rubber tube that is subject to a radial load (as shown in figure 6C) will deform in a gripping manner. The radial load at AA produces a clamping deflection so that there is a contraction at BB. This is important in the present invention as the convex bulge portion in the receptacle causes such a radial load.

Finally, there is conical geometry effect. Additional clamping force is produced by the conical geometry of the lid (see figure 60). If a force is applied to the lid then the conical shape distorts on account of its shape. The sides at AA are drawn closer together and this clamping effect continues to BB on account of the Poison's Ratio effect.

The lid is formed of resiliently deformable material. As employed herein resiliently deformable refers to any material having elastic properties such that they have the ability to change shape and return to a predetermined shape. Typically, the material has the ability to be slightly compressed in order to conform to a predetermined shape. By conforming closely to the profile of the bulge portion of the receptacle, the friction fit is improved.

In general, the resiliently deformable material is silicone, latex or other rubber compounds although it is not limited to these materials.

As employed herein "head region" refers to the part of the receptacle wall that is contoured to provide the friction fit and the mouth of the receptacle. The head region comprises both the mouth (and lip) and the convex bulge portion.

As employed herein engaging, engagement, engaged or engageable with refers to fitting of the container to the lid. The inner surface of the lid skirt and the outer surface of the bulge portion of the head region of the receptacle wall make overlapping contact, thereby providing the friction fit. These two surfaces are sometimes referred to as engagement surfaces.

The part of the receptacle wall that is not the read region may be referred to as the body region of the wall or the receptacle. In some embodiments the body is narrower than the head region and may have a tapered profile. The body may have calibrated volume markers to indicate the volume of liquid held in the receptacle.

As employed herein mouth refers to the opening of the receptacle. Typically, the mouth will be substantially circular although the friction fit nature of the bottle system disclosed herein does not preclude other shapes. The mouth of the receptacle enables transfer of liquid into the receptacle and permits cleaning of the receptacle.

As employed herein outer surface refers to the surface on the outside of the container system. That is, the outer facing surface, not the surface in contact with the liquid. Conversely, the inner surface is the inside of the container system, the surface that will be in contact with liquid in use.

As employed herein bottom and top refer to the normal meaning, the lower and higher edge or region of the part being described when the container system is in use, respectively.

As employed herein lid body refers to the part of the lid that is not the skirt. The lid body is typically central in the lid and may also be higher than the skirt in use. The lid body does not typically engage with the receptacle.

Advantageously, the lid and receptacle engage with a simple "pop-on" push fitting mechanism.

As employed herein skirt refers to the part of the lid that forms the friction fit with the receptacle. Typically, the skirt is the outer, circumferential part of the lid and features a contoured inner surface arranged to form the friction fit with the receptacle. In some embodiments the skirt has an outer surface that tapers downwards and outwards from the lid body.

As employed herein skirt inner surface refers to contoured inside of the skirt. The skirt inner surface has a top, closest to the lid body and a bottom closest to the outer edge of the lid.

As employed herein "substantially cooperative profiles" refers to fact that the profile of the inner surface of the skirt follows that of the outer surface of the head region of the wall. Cooperative profiles maximise the surface area in contact when the lid and container are engaged.

In one embodiment the skirt further comprises an outer surface having a release tab, the release tab being arranged to be pulled downwards and outwards to disengage the lid from the receptacle.

As employed herein release tab refers to the part of the lid arranged to be pulled on by the user to deform the skirt and reduce the friction between the container and the lid, thereby enabling the lid to be removed from the receptacle.

Advantageously, the release tab may further perform an anti-roll function should the container system be knocked onto its side.

In one embodiment the container system further comprises cap configured to be removably attachable to the lid.

As employed herein cap refers to a cover for the lid. The cap can be used to assist with engaging the lid and container so that the lid doesn't need to be manually handled. Advantageously, this enables the lid to be kept sterile. Furthermore, the cap may, in certain embodiments, cover or seal the drinking aperture, thereby preventing leaks therefrom.

In one embodiment the cap comprises at least one air vent. For example, the cap may comprise 1, 2, 3 or 4 or more air vents. Air vents function to allow air to escape from the cap when it is pushed onto the lid and likewise to enter the cap to enable the cap to be removed.

In one embodiment the lid body further comprises a drinking aperture.

As employed herein drinking aperture refers to any aperture or hole through the lid body, through which liquid may pass. For example, the drinking aperture may be selected from a hole for a straw, a teat and a spout.

In one embodiment the drinking aperture is a teat.

As employed herein teat refers to a typical baby feeding teat or nipple. The teat/nipple may be circular or flattened or any shape suitable therefor.

In one embodiment the drinking aperture is a spout.

Spout as employed herein refers to a child's sippy cup type spout, typically a soft spout of the type known in the art.

In one embodiment the drinking aperture is a hole for receiving a straw.

The receptacle of the present invention can be used without the lid, for example, as a drinking glass/cup.

Advantageously, the convex bulge portion forms a comfortable and safe surface from which to drink that is less prone to cracks and chips than a standard receptacle which is thinner at the lip.

In some embodiments, the receptacle may feature at least one handle to assist with holding the receptacle.

In one embodiment the lid body further comprises at least one valve to permit air into or out of the receptacle during use.

In one embodiment the valve is a duckbill valve. As employed herein duckbill valve refers to a valve shaped like the beak of a duck.

In certain embodiments, the lid may comprise a valve for permitting air to be removed from the receptacle whilst preventing air from re-entering the receptacle. The valve may produce a vacuum effect inside the receptacle.

In some embodiments the valve or the mechanism housing the valve may also comprise a device for adsorbing unwanted gases such as ethylene or for removing unwanted smells by way of non-limiting

example.

In one embodiment the head region and mouth each independently has a greater diameter than the receptacle body, such that multiple receptacles can be stacked inside each other.

As employed herein "stacked inside each other" refers to the fact that a significant proportion of the body of one receptacle can be inserted in through the mouth of a second receptacle for storage, distribution or retail purposes. Typically, at least half of the body will fit inside the second receptacle. In general, substantially all of the body of the first receptacle will sit inside the second receptacle. Typically, the head portion, in particular the convex bulge portion, of the first receptacle will prevent it falling further within the second receptacle. Advantageously, stackable receptacles reduce the amount of space needed for storage, transportation and the amount of retail space needed.

In one embodiment the diameter of the head region is at least 10% more than the diameter of the body. For example, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50% or more than the diameter of the body.

In one embodiment the diameter of the mouth is at least 2mm greater than the diameter of the body and the diameter of the head region is at least as big as the diameter of the mouth. For example, the diameter of the mouth is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20mm or more greater than the diameter of the body.

Advantageously, the shape of the receptacle in this embodiment means that it can accommodate a sleeve placed over the outside of it. The sleeve, which may be made of any suitable material but is typically made of silicone or neoprene, is multifunctional. The sleeve can act as a thermal insulator and can also serve a decorative function, making the container system customisable. Certain materials may also make the container easier/more comfortable to grip.

In one embodiment the container system further comprises a sleeve, an example of which is shown in figure 4. The sleeve can be used for insulation purposes, for decorative purposes or to add a means of personalisation/identification to the container. Advantageously, the sleeve also helps to prevent damage to the receptacle.

In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including".

Aspects of the invention comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements.

Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features/elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features/elements.

Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A liquid-tight container system comprising a receptacle and a lid: - the receptacle being substantially cylindrical and having a base and a wall projecting upwardly therefrom, the wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a head region located distal to the base, the head portion configured for engaging with the lid, o the head region comprising a convex bulge portion extending around substantially all of a periphery of the head region, the bulge portion terminating at a lip which defines a substantially circular mouth, the mouth forming an opening of the receptacle; - the lid being made of resiliently deformable material and being engageable with the head region via a friction fit, the lid having a lid body and a skirt extending radially downwards from the lid body, o the skirt comprising a skirt inner surface for engagement with the convex bulge of the head region; such that the skirt inner surface engages with the outer surface of the at least one wall at the concave bulge when the lid is engaged with the receptacle.
2. The liquid-tight container system according to claim 1 wherein the convex bulge portion presents a concavo-convex portion of the head portion of the wall; wherein the concave portion is formed on the inner surface of the wall and the convex portion is formed on the outer surface of the wall.
3. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim wherein the lid body further comprises a drinking aperture.
4. The liquid-tight bottle system according claim 3 wherein the drinking aperture is selected from a hole for a straw, a teat and a spout.
5. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim the lid body further comprises at least one valve to permit air into or out of the receptacle during use.
6. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim wherein the lid skirt is made of or comprises silicone.
7. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle is made of a rigid material such as plastic or glass.
8. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim wherein the skirt further comprises a release tab being arranged to be pulled downwards and outwards to disengage the lid from the container.
9. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim further comprising a cap configured to be removably attachable to the lid.
10. The liquid-tight container system according to any preceding claim wherein the skirt and the concave bulge are configured to provide sufficient tension that, when a 90 newton pulling force is applied to the lid, the lid and receptacle remain engaged.COC