IE20060091U1 - A container closure - Google Patents
A container closureInfo
- Publication number
- IE20060091U1 IE20060091U1 IE2006/0091A IE20060091A IE20060091U1 IE 20060091 U1 IE20060091 U1 IE 20060091U1 IE 2006/0091 A IE2006/0091 A IE 2006/0091A IE 20060091 A IE20060091 A IE 20060091A IE 20060091 U1 IE20060091 U1 IE 20060091U1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- container
- venting tube
- liquid
- outlet
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 235000021271 drinking Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000004634 feeding behavior Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 206010024238 Leptospirosis Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010047903 Weil's disease Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003608 Feces Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 241000700159 Rattus Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000002700 Urine Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogens Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drugs Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2031—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
Abstract
ABSTRACT A container closure (1) for mounting on a container (2) is disclosed, the container being of the type comprising a container body (4) in fluid communication with a bored container opening (6) for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container (2). The closure (1) comprises a bored closure body (8) having a closure outlet (10) at one end and a closure inlet (12) at the other end. The closure body (8) mounts a plurality of exterior ribs (14) for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening (6). The closure (1) is particularly advantageous as it will prevent the entry of liquid or other contaminants into the container (2), in addition to enabling air to flow into the container (2) during drinking which will prevent the formation of a vacuum within the container.
Description
“A Container Closure”
Introduction
The present invention relates to a container closure and in particular to a container
closure for mounting on a container of the type comprising a container body in fluid
communication with a bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the
interior of the container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a
closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the closure body
mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the
container opening.
Many people, particularly the younger generation, drink beverages from bottles or
containers, rather than first pouring the contents of the container or bottle into a
glass. This has become a very popular practice and is particularly prevalent in
establishments where drink is sold to the public, such as bars and lounges or indeed,
particularly when sold for consumption in the open air or in large areas where the
patrons are not seated. Thus, at events in particular, it is not uncommon to see many
people drinking directly out of the containers.
A particular problem that is sometimes encountered is the problem of the “spiking" of
drinks. This problem has manifested itself in various ways in that people have had
their drink spiked by the introduction therein of unwanted substances. Indeed, there
has been considerable publicity recently about what is called “date rape drugs”,
where a persons drink is adulterated by some substance, which substance makes
the person, particularly girls, vulnerable and forget what happened over a relatively
short period of time, such as 24 hours. During that 24 hours, the person may have
been raped or otherwise interfered with.
Even leaving out the problems of such date rape, there are other problems in that
people do not want substances introduced into their drink, whether it be by way of
deliberate attempt to cause the person harm or simply by an idea that it would in
some way funny to do so.
Another problem associated with drinking directly from bottles or other containers is
Weils disease. This is a potentially fatal disease carried in the urine and/or faeces of
rats which, when deposited on the top of bottles (such as when stored in cellars), can
be transmitted to humans when the contents are drunk directly out of the bottles.
It is a therefore one object of the present invention to provide a container closure
which goes someway toward overcoming at least the above problem s, and/or which
will provide the public and/ or industry with a useful choice.
it is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be
provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this
specification, and unless othenivise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have
an inclusive meaning — i.e. that it may be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the
listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components.
Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributed with as broader interpretation as
possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when
the terms ‘comprised’ and/or ‘comprising’ are used.
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuing
description which is given by way of example only.
Statements of Invention
According to the invention, there is provided a container closure for mounting on a
container of the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored
container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container, the
closure comprising a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a
closure inlet at the other end, the closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for
engagement with the interior walls of the container opening characterised in that the
closure comprises a closure gate which extends between the interior walls of the
closure body, the closure gate formed from a plurality of closure flaps which pivot
between a closed position against a closure stop to seal the container to an open
position allowing liquid to exit the container through the closure outlet, the closure
further comprising a container venting tube having an venting tube air inlet at one end
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and a venting tube air outlet at the other end, the venting tube being arranged such
that when liquid exits the container through the closure the liquid is directed away
from the venting tube air inlet to allow air to enter the venting tube air inlet and pass
through the venting tube and out through the venting tube air outlet into the interior of
the container without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure.
Such a closure is particularly advantageous as it will prevent the entry of liquid or
other contaminants into the container. Additionally, the provision of the venting tube
will enable air to flow into the container which will prevent the formation of a vacuum
within the container, which will enable persons drinking from the container to be able
to drink for longer periods from the container without having to stop.
The closure also provides a ban'ier between the bottle being drunk out of and the
mouth of the person drinking from the container, which will remove the likelihood of
contaminants or germs, such as Weils disease, being passed from the bottle top to
the drinker. Such a barrier between the bottle will also serve an anti-spill function
preventing liquid being accidentally spilled from the bottle. The closure will also
minimise the likelihood of a drinkers teeth being accidentally chipped in the case
when the container is a glass bottle.
in one embodiment of the invention, the closure is mounted on the container and
comprises a tamper evident seal between itself and the container.
The provision of a tamper evident seal will also provide a means to alert drinkers
when the closure has been tampered or otherwise interfered with.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure body is plug-like for insertion into the
container opening.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps are provided by a disc shaped
film out of which have cut a plurality of notches.
in one embodiment of the invention, the closure stop is formed from a substantially
rigid disc shaped member out of which have been cut a plurality of substantially
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triangular wedge shaped portions. The closure stop is thus provided by a peripheral
rim out of which extend, toward the centre of the disc shaped member, a plurality of
substantially rigid radial bands.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps provided by the flexible disc
shaped film and the closure stop together form a one-way valve within the container
closure.
In one embodiment of the invention, the venting tube has a downwardly extending
portion which extends from below the closure inlet substantially vertically through the
closure body breaking through an interior wall of the closure body just beneath a
closure rim to the venting tube air inlet.
In one embodiment of the invention, a venting tube air valve is fixed to the end of the
venting tube.
In one embodiment of the invention the venting tube air valve comprises a valve
closure device provided by ball bearing, and a valve closure device retaining shell.
Detailed 9escriLtion of t_he lnventiin
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective side view of a container closure according to the
invention;
Fig. 2 shows a cut-away perspective side view of the container closure shown
Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the container closure shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the container closure shown in Fig. 1;
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Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a configuration of closure flaps according to the
invention;
Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a configuration of a closure stop according to the
invention;
Fig. 7 shows a plan view similar to Fig. 6 of an altemative construction of
closure stop;
Fig. 8 shows perspective views of a configuration of valve closure device
retaining shell according to the invention;
Fig. 9 shows a perspective views similar to Fig. 8 of an alternative
construction of valve closure device retaining shell;
Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a configuration of a closure outlet sleeve
according to the invention;
Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a configuration of closure sealing cap
according to the invention;
Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a configuration of an air guide according
to the invention;
Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of a further hollow pipe according to the
invention, and
Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of a receptacle used for storing the closure
according to the invention.
Referring initially to Figs. 1 to 4, there is shown a container closure, indicated
generally by the reference numeral 1 for mounting on a container 2 of the type
comprising a container body, indicated generally by the reference numeral 4, in fluid
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communication with a bored container opening 6 for the delivery of liquid from the
interior of the container 2. With specific reference now to Fig. 2, the closure 1
comprises a bored closure body, indicated generally by the reference numeral 8,
having a closure outlet 10 at one end and a closure inlet 12 at the other end, the
closure body 8 mounting a plurality of exterior ribs 14 for engagement with the interior
walls of the container opening 6. Ideally, the body 8 is formed of rubber or other
resilient or elastic material. It should be appreciated that when liquid is being
consumed or expelled from the container 2 it will flow from the closure inlet 12
through the bored closure body 8 and out of the closure outlet 10 in the direction
generally indicated by arrow 16. It should further be appreciated that the closure
body 8 is also plug—like for insertion into the container opening 6.
The closure 1 further comprises a closure gate, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 18, which extends between the interior walls of the closure body 8, and is
formed from a plurality of closure flaps 20 which pivot between a closed position
against a closure stop 22 to seal the container 2 to an open position allowing liquid to
exit the container 2 through the closure outlet 10. In particular, when in the open
position the flaps 20 will pivot outwards in the direction of the arrow 16. At the same
time. if liquid or other unwanted substances are poured against the closure flaps 20
from outside the container, the movement of the closure flaps 20 against the closure
stop 22 will prevent the liquid or unwanted substances passing beyond the flaps 20
into the container.
in the instance shown, and with brief reference now to Fig. 5, in which parts similar to
those described already are identified by the same reference numerals, the closure
flaps 20 are provided by a flexible disc shaped film 24 out of which have cut a
plurality of notches 26, which notches extend from near the centre of the film 24 to its
outer rim. Additionally, and as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. and again with parts similar to
those described already identified by the same reference numerals, the closure stop
22 is formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member 28 out of which have
been cut a plurality of triangular wedge shaped portions 30 to form a peripheral rim
34 having a plurality of substantially rigid radial an'ns 32 which extend to, and meet at
the centre of the disc shaped member 28. It should be appreciated that the closure
flaps 20 in conjunction with the closure stop 22 together form a one-way valve within
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the container closure 1. it will however be appreciated that the one-way valve may
be any other suitable valve mechanism allowing liquid to pass out of the container but
resisting the entry of liquid into the container, such as for example a diaphragm valve.
With reference now to Fig. 3, there is shown an exploded view of the closure, again
identified by the same reference numeral 1 with parts similar to those described
already identified by the same reference numerals. As shown, the closure outlet 10
incorporates a closure outlet ridge 36 onto which the closure stop 22 is mounted. As
shown the closure stop 22 extends, when in position in the closure 1, between the
interior walls of the closure body 8 across the closure outlet 10. The flexible disc
shaped film 24 is then placed over the upward facing surface 23 of the closure stop
22 so that the closure flaps 20 then extend over the closure stop 22. A hollow
closure outlet sleeve 25 (see Fig. 10 also) is then secured around the closure outlet
and seats on a closure rim 50 to secure the film 24 and the closure stop 22 in
position over the closure outlet 10. A closure sealing cap 27 (see Fig. 11) is then
optionally placed over the closure outlet sleeve 25 to fully seal the closure 1 and the
container 2.
Also shown is a hollow container venting tube 38 having a venting tube air inlet 40 at
one end 42 and a venting tube air outlet 44 at the other end 46. In the instance
shown, the venting tube 38 has a downwardly extending portion which extends from
below the closure inlet 12 substantially vertically through the closure body 8 breaking
through an interior wall of the closure body 8 just beneath the closure rim 50 to the
venting tube air inlet 40. A venting tube air valve, indicated generally by the
reference numeral 48, is fixed to the end 46 of the venting tube 38. The venting tube
air valve 48 comprises a valve closure device, which, in the instance shown is
provided by ball bearing 52, and a valve closure device retaining shell 54 having a
plurality of venting holes 56 (see Figs. 8 and 9).
The venting tube 38 is arranged within the closure 1 such that when liquid exits the
container 2 through the closure 1 the liquid is directed away from the venting tube air
inlet 40 to allow air to enter the venting tube air inlet 40 and pass through the venting
tube 38 and out through the venting tube air outlet 44 into the interior of the container
without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure 1. Accordingly, when the
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container 2 is upended and the contents are being drunk air will pass into the air inlet
40 and through the venting tube 38 causing the ball bearing 52 to be pushed away
from air outlet 44. When the container 2 is removed from the drinkers mouth the ball
bearing 52 will seat on the air outlet 44 of the venting tube 38 preventing liquid going
up through the venting tube 38. A hollow air guide or diffuser 58 (see Fig. 12) may
also be fixed to the venting tube outlet 44 to further increase the air flow through the
venting tube 38 and minimise the likelihood that liquid may accidentally flow up
through the venting tube 38. Such an air diffuser 58, when mounted to the venting
tube outlet 44 will retain the ball bearing 52 to complete the one way valve and
misdirect the pressure of liquid pushing on the venting tube 38 to control the air
bubbles passing through the liquid in the container. It will also prevent excessive
gassing in carbonated drinks. A further hollow pipe, such as the straw 60 shown in
Fig. 13, may also optionally be secured to the end of the venting tube 38 to let air
travel to the end of the container 1 so that carbonated liquid within the container to
prevent excessive gassing of the liquid.
The closure 1 may itself be stored in a receptacle. such as the vial 62. shown in Fig.
14.
The closure 1 may also comprise a tamper evident seal between itself and the
container 2.
It is envisaged that the liquid dispenser according to the present invention may be
permanently fitted as part of a closure or alternatively, it may be retrofitted
immediately prior to selling the beverage. It is also envisaged that the body 2 may be
provided with suitable indicia such as advertising or the like.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, but may be
varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.
Claims (1)
- CLAIMS A container closure (1) for mounting on a container (2) of the type comprising a container body (4) in fluid communication with a bored container opening (6) for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container (2), the closure (1) comprising a bored closure body (8) having a closure outlet (10) at one end and a closure inlet (12) at the other end, the closure body (8) mounting a plurality of exterior ribs (14) for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening (6) characterised in that the closure (1) comprises a closure gate (18) which extends between the interior walls of the closure body (8), the closure gate (18) formed from a plurality of closure flaps (20) which pivot between a closed position against a closure stop (22) to seal the container (2) to an open position allowing liquid to exit the container (2) through the closure outlet (10), the closure (1) further comprising a container venting tube (38) having an venting tube air inlet (40) at one end (42) and a venting tube air outlet (44) at the other end (46), the venting tube (35) being arranged such that when liquid exits the container (2) through the closure (1) the liquid is directed away from the venting tube air inlet (40) to allow air to enter the venting tube air inlet (40) and pass through the venting tube (38) and out through the venting tube air outlet (44) into the interior of the container (2) without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure (1). A container closure (1) as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure (1) is mounted on the container (2) and comprises a tamper evident seal between itself and the container (2). A container closure (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which, the closure body (8) is plug-like for insertion into the container opening (6). A container closure (1) as claimed in as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the venting tube (38) has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below the closure inlet (12) substantially vertically through the closure body (8) breaking through an interior wall of the closure body (8) ‘ beneath a closure rim (50) to the venting tube air inlet (40). A container closure (1) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IEIRELAND10/02/2005S2005/0068 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
IE20060091U1 true IE20060091U1 (en) | 2006-08-23 |
IES84444Y1 IES84444Y1 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
Family
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