NZ531198A - Improvements in and relating to caps - Google Patents

Abstract

A cap (1) for a container including: a body (2) having a base (4) at one end capable of connection to the container outlet, and a tapered spout (11) at the other end, the spout including an exit face (15) having an opening (17) therein; and an outer closure (3) including a control face (7), the control face including an outlet (8) and being in continuous rotatably slidable connection with the exit face of the body. The cap is opened by rotating the outer closure such that the outlet in the control face of the outer closure aligns with the opening in the exit face of the body. The cap is closed by rotating the outlet in the control face of the outer closure out of alignment with the opening in the exit face of the body.

Description

531198 Ottice ot \ 6 FEB 2005 t VED.

Patents Form No. 5 Our Ref: MK504642 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 Complete After Provisional No. 531198 Filed: 16 February 2004 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CAPS We, BLOW MOULDERS LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 8 Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention, for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: PT054279764 300365813 1 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CAPS Technical Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to a cap which is engaged or engageable with a container outlet.

Background to the Invention Caps which dispense fluids generally include a nozzle. In some cases, the nozzle tapers upwardly from the base of the cap and the fluid in the container to which the cap is attached exits the cap via an outlet in the nozzle. The nozzle provides directional control of fluid dispensed from the container.

A variety of sealing means have been developed to seal such caps when not in use.

Some caps are provided with a top which is engageable with the outlet of a nozzle to seal the nozzle and close the cap.

Alternative sealing means have included more complex arrangements. A commonly used cap includes a rotatable outer closure that opens and closes the cap. The outer closure is also tapered to fit over a portion of the tapered cap nozzle and includes a closable outlet that overlies the outlet of the tapered cap nozzle. The cap can thus adopt an open or closed configuration by rotation of the outer closure. Rotating the outer closure in one direction raises the outer closure creating a gap thus allowing fluid to flow through the openings in the cap, into the gap, and then through the outlets in the outer closure to exit the cap. The gap is closed by rotating the outer closure in the opposite direction. A projection of the nozzle lodges within the outlet of the outer closure when closed to prevent fluid escaping from the cap.

There are a number of difficulties with this type of cap. For example, fluid or fluid residue residing in the gap when the outer closure is lowered to the closed configuration can act to "glue" the outer closure to the spout or body portion. This can lead to difficulties in raising the outer closure for future use. 300364513 1 Furthermore, fluid or fluid residue trapped between the cap and the outer closure when the outer closure is lowered to a closed configuration can become stale and/or solid and prevent an even flow of fluid from the cap in future. This is partly because the trapped fluid may be exposed to air and other contaminants. The fluid or fluid residue (stale or solid particles) may exit the cap with flowing fluid in later use. This can occur particularly when the fluid released from the cap is a viscous fluid such as a sauce or topping.

A number of caps used with dry particulate materials to some extent include a flat plate engaged with a container outlet. A rotatable outer closure is attached to the plate. The rotatable outer closure rotates about the longitudinal axis of the plate until the openings in the outer closure aligns with the openings in the plate. Such caps have problems with directional control and cannot readily be used with liquids.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages of present caps, and/or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative.

Other objects will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a cap for a container including: a body having a base at one end capable of connection to the container outlet, and a tapered spout at the other end, the spout including an exit face having an opening therein; an outer closure including a control face, the control face including an outlet and being in continuous rotatably slideable connection with the exit face of the body; wherein the cap is opened by rotating the outer closure such that the outlet in the control face of the outer closure aligns with the opening in the exit face of the body, and the cap is closed by rotating the outlet in the control face of the outer closure out of alignment with the opening in the exit face of the body. 300604238 1.DOC Intellectual Propertv Office of N.Z. 1 4 AUG 2006 Received Preferably, the body provides block portions which extend from a surface of the spout to restrict free rotation of the outer closure relative to the body.

Preferably, the spout is adapted to provide directional control of fluid exiting the container outlet.

Preferably, the outer closure is tapered to match the tapered spout.

Preferably, the outer closure includes a gripping means adapted to aid rotation of the outer closure relative to the body.

Preferably, the base includes a means to releasably engage the cap with a container outlet. Preferably, the means includes a rim with a snap fit or spiral top engagement means.

Preferably, the body is integrally formed with the container outlet.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a cap substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method of operating a cap substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a kit-of-parts for making a cap for a container, the kit including: a body having a base at one end capable of connection to the container outlet, and a tapered spout at the other end, the spout including an exit face having an opening therein; an outer closure including a control face, the control face including an outlet and in continuous rotatably slideable connection with the exit face of the body when in use.

Preferably, the outer closure snap fits with the body. 300604238 1.DOC Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 1 h AUG 2006 received Preferably, the outer closure is adapted to remain connected to the body once engaged.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a kit of parts for a cap substantially as herein described and with reference to the Figures.

Description of the Figures The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a plan perspective view of a cap of one preferred embodiment of the present invention; ^ Figure 2 illustrates a plan perspective view of a body portion of the cap of Figure 1; and Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap of Figure 1.

Description of the Invention This invention broadly relates to caps and in particular to caps which are adapted for use with containers for fluids. The cap is particularly adapted to dispense fluids such as viscous sauces, toppings or industrial or vegetable oils. However, it is envisaged that the cap could also be used to dispense particulate materials such as salt, herbs, powders, grains and other particulate materials. The cap can be used in conjunction with containers for domestic or 2^ industrial dispensers.

The invention is directed at providing a cap for dispensing fluids with directional control.

The cap of the present invention adopts two configurations. In a functional or "open 30 configuration" the cap facilitates flow through and/or from the cap. In a "closed configuration", the cap is adapted to substantially prevent or at least reduce the passage of fluid through and/or from the cap.

The cap has been developed to reduce the likelihood of clogging or blocking of the cap when 35 moving from an open to a closed configuration. 300604238 1.DOC Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 14 AUG 2006 ♦ received 6 Figure 1 illustrates a plan perspective view of a cap 1 of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Broadly, the cap 1 includes a body portion 2 (partially obscured in Figure 1), and an outer closure 3. The outer closure 3 is adapted to overlie and be received by a spout of the body portion 2 in a male/female relationship. As is apparent the spout of body portion 2 is obscured in Figure 1 by outer closure 3 (best seen in Figure 2).

As can be seen in Figure 1, the body portion 2 provides a base 2a which includes a rim 4. The rim 4 is, however, optional and may be absent where the cap 1 is integrally with the container outlet (not shown).

The rim 4 is adapted to engage with a container outlet (not shown in Figure 1). The rim 4 may include an internal profile which allows the body portion 2 to engage with a container outlet.

^ For example, the rim 4 could include a spiral thread which allows the body portion 2 to be engaged with the container outlet. This is best described with reference to Figure 3 (below).

Alternatively, the rim 4 may be adapted to snap fit with a container outlet. In this case, the rim 4 may include a single solid rib which encircles the interior of the rim 4 and in use abuts an internal profile on the container outlet to substantially prevent removal of the cap 1 from the container outlet. Such options would be well known to a person skilled in this art.

The body portion 2 further includes a mounting surface 10 which includes an annular cavity 13 on which outer portions of the outer closure 3 are retained when the cap 1 is constructed as shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that the mounting surface 10 is not essential and may be modified or excluded completely depending on the design of the outer cap 3. 2j^ The outer closure 3 includes an outlet 8, a tapered nozzle 5, a control face 7 at the tip of nozzle 5, and flange member 14 that lies substantially parallel to the plane of the control face 7. The outer closure 3 is rotatably engaged with the body portion 2. The outer closure 3 is rotational about a central longitudinal axis of the cap 1. The flange member 14 is located within the annular cavity 13 provided by the mounting surface 10 (best described with reference to Figure 2 and annular cavity 13).

In Figure 1 the nozzle 5 is tapered in an overall sense. The tapering of nozzle 5 assists in the manufacture of the outer closure 3. For example, a body portion 2 with a tapered nozzle 5 allows easy removal of the outer closure 3 from moulds when the cap 1 is prepared. It is not essential that the nozzle 5 be tapered in all embodiments of the invention. For example, external shape of the nozzle 5 could instead be substantially cylindrical to match the size and 300604238 1.DOC Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 1 <i AUG 2006 received diameter of the rim 4 provided that the spout of the body portion 2 and outer closure 3 retain contact at or beneath the outlets 8 of the outer closure 3 to control whether the cap is in an open or closed configuration. (The spout 11 of body portion 2 best seen in Figure 2 would remain tapered in this less preferred alternative.) In a preferred embodiment the nozzle 5 includes an inwardly directed annular internal profile (obscured in Figure 1) adapted to complement the annular profile of an enclosed region of the body portion 2 as will be described with reference to Figure 3. This improves the engagement of the outer closure 3 with the body 2.

The nozzle 5 (shown in Figure 1) includes a gripping means 6. The gripping means 6 is adapted to allow a user to rotate and/or control the outer closure 3 relative to the body portion 2 in use. In Figure 1, the gripping means 6 appears as a series of radial longitudinal ribs which extend down outer surfaces of the outer closure 3 and outwardly form the central longitudinal axis of the cap 1. The gripping means 6 allows the user to firmly grip the outer closure 3. It will be appreciated that the particular appearance and structure of the gripping means 6 is not essential to the function of the cap 1 and may be excluded or varied where desirable.

The control face 7 is adapted to control whether liquid (or other fluid material) may exit through and from the cap 1. Further the control face 7 may be used to control the quantity of fluid to exit the cap 1. The control face 7 is located at the tip 5a of the nozzle 5 distal to base 2a of body portion 2. The control face 7 includes the outlets 8 from which fluid may be dispensed from the cap 1.

The size and shape of the outlets 8 assists the controlled release of fluid from the cap 1 by varying the amount of fluid that can exit the cap 1. The particular size and shape of the outlets 8 may be varied as required for a particular cap 1 and will preferably match the size and shape of ports 17 in an exit face 15 of spout 11 (not shown in Figure 1, best seen in Figure 2). In effect the outlets 8 control release of fluid through and from the cap by aligning or non-aligning with ports 17 of spout 11 and switching the cap between an open and closed configuration.

The under surface 7a of the control face 7 is also planar (invisible in Figure 1) and is immediately adjacent to and presses slidably against the exit face 15 of the spout 11 (shown in Figure 2). • Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 14 AUS 2006 received 300604238 1.DOC Although the control face 7 is illustrated as a planar surface in Figure 1 this is not essential to the overall workings of the invention. The control face 7 could be contoured in any manner as desired depending on the particular use for a cap 1 provided the under surface 7a of the control face 7 is slidably engaged with the exit face 15 of the underlying spout 11 in a face to face relationship. This minimises the ability of fluid passing through the cap 1 becoming trapped and clogging the cap 1 preventing later fluid passage are restricting the open/close movement. For example, the control face 7 could be partially spherical or generally curved provided that the under surface 7a of control face 7 and the exit face 15 are immediately adjacent each other and co-operatively engage in a face to face relationship.

The body portion 2 of the cap 1 is better illustrated with reference to Figure 2. The body portion 2 shown includes base 2a which includes rim 4, mounting surface 10, tapered spout 11 and exit face 15. The primary functions of the body portion 2 are to provide a spout 11 and a means of maintaining the spout connected to a container outlet. It will be appreciated that there may be a variety of ways of achieving this. The body portion 2 illustrated by Figure 2 achieves this using a rim 4 and tapered spout 11.

As mentioned above, the rim 4 provides a means of connecting the cap 1 to a container outlet (not shown). It should be appreciated that the particular shape and size of the rim 4 is not essential to the overall function of the invention. The rim 4 may be of any shape or size provided that it is generally adapted to engage with a desirable container outlet. The rim 4 may include a spiral thread or a snap fit connector, for example. The rim 4 illustrated in Figure 2 is substantially circular and adapted to engage with a standard circular container outlet such as would be provided on a bottle or plastic sauce container.

The mounting surface 10 is a substantially planar surface on the body portion 2. The mounting surface 10 may, however, be angled or be otherwise shaped depending on the specific function of the cap 1 and/or the shape and structure of the outer closure 3. The mounting surface 10 provides an outwardly directed profiled surface 12. The profiled surface 12 includes an annular cavity 13 which accommodates the flange member 14 extending from the outer closure 3. As mentioned, where the outer closure 3 is absent a flange member 14, an annular cavity 13 may not be required.

Extending from the mounting surface 10 to the exit face 15 is the tapered spout 11. The tapered spout 11 defines an internal channel through the body portion 2 (invisible in Figure 2) which is adapted to direct fluid towards the exit face 15 at the tip of the spout 11. The tapered 300364513 1 spout 11 provides directional control of fluid flow by controlling the quantity of fluid flowing to the exit face 15 and directing fluid flow by the shape of the spout 11.

The tapered spout 11 is located along the central longitudinal axis of the cap 1 as a whole (and generally appears similar to the outer closure 3). However, it will be appreciated that the spout 11 may be lopsided and the taper may lean towards one side of the cap 1. A cap 1 of this embodiment may have particular application in the motor oil industry, for example. It will be appreciated that on such an embodiment of the invention the outer closure 3 may be appropriately modified to be able to rotate about the spout 11.

The exit face 15 is located at the tip of the spout 11 and is provided as a planar surface to match the under surface 7a of the control face 7 (best seen in Figure 3). The exit face 15 includes at least one port or aperture 17 or preferably two as is shown in Figure 1 which in part dictates the diameter of the fluid stream to exit the cap 1. The exit face 15 is adapted to cooperate with the control face 7 of the outer closure 3 to provide the open and closed configurations of the cap 1.

The exit face 15 includes two ports 17. It will be appreciated that the number of ports 17 in the exit face 15 is dependent on a number of factors including the function of the cap 1, the required diameter of fluid to exit the cap 1, and the quantity of liquid to exit the cap 1. In a preferred embodiment the number of ports 17 in the body portion 2 is equal to the number of outlets 8 in the outer closure 3.

The size, shape and number of ports 17 of the exit face 15 and outlet 8 of the control face 7 can be used to tailor the quantity and flow rate of the fluid stream to exit through or from the cap.

The body portion 2 includes an externally outwardly directed annular profiled surface. This assists in connecting the body portion 2 to the outer closure 3. In Figure 2 the profiled surface includes a ledge 22 and two oppositely disposed blocks 16 forming part of the spout 11.

The ledge 22 is adapted to abut with an internal surface of the outer closure 3 to substantially prevent removal of the body portion 2 from the outer closure 3 in use. This is described in more detail with reference to Figure 3 below. 300364513 1 The block(s) 16 is adapted to restrict rotational movement of the outer closure 3 when engaged with the body portion 2. In Figure 2 the blocks 16 are illustrated as broken annular extensions of the spout 11. The blocks 16 are adapted to abut the inwardly directed internal annular profile of the outer closure 3 and obstruct or restrict complete rotation of the outer closure 3 about a longitudinal axis of the cap 1 (again, as best seen in Figure 3).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are a variety of other means of securing the outer closure 3 to the body portion 2.

Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap 1 of Figure 1. In Figure 3, the outer closure 3 is attached to the body portion 2. The body portion 2 includes rim 4 which includes an internal spiral thread 18 adapted to engage with a container outlet (not shown). In the embodiment the cap 1 may be engageable with a standard container outlet such as that of a standard sauce bottle, plastic or glass bottle or the like.

The flange member 14 of the outer closure 3 resides in the annular cavity 13 of the mounting surface 10 which encircles the spout 11. The tapered spout 11 extends upwardly from the base 2a substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cap 1 creating internal channel 21. The outer closure 3 is also tapered along the longitudinal axis of the cap 1 to mutually engage with the shape of the spout 11 such that they engage in a male/female relationship.

The outer closure 3 includes an annular internal profile as previously mentioned. The internal profile is adapted to cooperatively engage with the external profile of the body portion 2 to maintain rotatable engagement between the body portion 2 and outer closure 3. The internal profile of the outer closure 3 includes an abutment face 19 which abuts the ledge 22 of the body portion 2 to maintain attachment between the outer closure 3 and body portion 2 once engaged.

A second abutment face 20 of the outer closure 3 is adapted to abut the blocks 16 of the body portion 2, as discussed earlier. This restricts or obstructs rotational movement of the outer closure 3 on the body portion 2. In a preferred embodiment the movement of the outer closure 3 on the body portion 2 in Figure 3 is restricted to about 90°. This is the level of movement required to convert the cap from the open to the closed configuration. As will be appreciated the closure 3 could be allowed to continuously rotate, however, this is not preferred. 300364513_1 11 The under surface 7a of the control face 7 of outer closure 3 is immediately adjacent and presses against the exit face 15 of body portion 2 when the outer closure 3 is attached to the body portion 2. The control face 7 and exit face 15 are in slidable engagement with each other. Rotation of the outer closure 3 on the body portion 2 slides the under surface 7a over the exit 5 face 15. This allows the outlets 8 of the outer closure 3 to be alignable with the ports 17 of the exit face 15. In such an aligned open configuration, fluid can flow through the internal channel 21 through the ports 17 and outlets 8 to exit the cap 1. As mentioned, the mechanism of rotating the control face 7 on the exit face 15 without the creation of a gap between them means that the cap 1 is less likely to clog and/or be blocked by fluid which flows through the 10 capl The cap 1 may be formed in a number of ways and from a number of materials. Generally the ^ cap 1 may be made using standard plastic injection moulding techniques or other options known in the art. However, it will be appreciated that the cap 1 may be made from a number of 15 other materials including metal materials, for example. The cap of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with viscous fluid such as sauces, toppings, creams, oils and the like but could also be used for more granular fluid materials such as powders etc. Products such as salt, pepper, herbs etc could be catered for.

With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the outer closure 3 is at least partially rotatable on the body portion 2. Rotation of the outer closure 3 on the body portion 2 means that the cap 1 may adopt the open and closed configurations. In an open configuration, the outlet 8 of the outer closure 3 is substantially aligned with the ports 17 of the body portion 2. This is illustrated in Figure 3.

Alignment of the outlets 8 and ports 17 exposes the internal channel 21 through the body portion 2 of the cap 1 in an open configuration. This allows fluid to exit the cap 1 when the cap 1 is engaged with a container outlet. The outlets 8 and ports 17 may be moved out of register to provide the closed configuration by rotating the outer closure 3. This blocks the flow of fluid 30 through the cap 1. In the preferred embodiment, rotation of the outer closure 3 by about 90° relative to the body portion 2 converts the cap 1 from an open to a closed configuration.

The size of the tapered internal channel 21 controls the quantity of fluid released from the cap 1. The diameter of the outlets 8 and ports 17 further provide an option for predetermining 35 the volume of liquid (or other fluid material) exiting the cap 1. 300364513J 12 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cap 1 may function with an outer closure 3 including a control face 7 alone. In this case the control face 7 is rotatably engaged to the exit face 15 and covering substantially only the exit face 15. A control means could allow the control face 7 to be turned into and out of the open configuration. A planar relationship between surfaces 7 and 15 would allow such an alternative.

The present invention provides an outlet which glides across an exit face 15 into and out of an open configuration. Any internal gap between the exit face 15 and under surface 7a of the outer closure 3 is at least minimised or excluded completely. This reduces the possibility of build up of fluid material which can become dry and block the cap 1 or be present in the fluid that later exits the cap.

The cap 1 is easy and cost effective to manufacture. As the cap 1 is made from two parts the cost, time and the likelihood of problems is reduced. To this extent the invention can also be seen to provide a kit of parts for making the cap 1. If the cap 1 is made from a suitable plastics material, it can be made with little cost.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is understood that modifications or improvements may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 300364513 1 13

Claims (14)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS

1. A cap for a container including: - a body having a base at one end capable of connection to the container outlet, and a tapered spout at the other end, the spout including an exit face having an opening therein; - an outer closure including a control face, the control face including an outlet and being in continuous rotatably slideable connection with the exit face of the body; wherein the cap is opened by rotating the outer closure such that the outlet in the control face of the outer closure aligns with the opening in the exit face of the body, and the cap is closed by rotating the outlet in the control face of the outer closure out of alignment with the opening in the exit face of the body.

2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the body provides block portions which extend from a surface of the spout to restrict free rotation of the outer closure relative to the body.

3. The cap according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the spout is adapted to provide directional control of fluid exiting the container outlet.

4. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer closure is tapered to match the tapered spout.

5. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer closure includes a gripping means adapted to aid rotation of the outer closure relative to the body.

6. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base includes a means to releasably engage the cap with a container outlet.

7. The cap according to claim 6, wherein the means includes a rim with a snap fit or spiral top engagement means.

8. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the body is integrally formed with the container outlet. 300604219 1.DOC Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 14 AUG 2006 r e ceivep, 14

9. A cap substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.

10. A method of operating a cap substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.

11. A kit-of-parts for making a cap for a container, the kit including: - a body having a base at one end capable of connection to the container outlet, and a tapered spout at the other end, the spout including an exit face having an opening therein; an outer closure including a control face, the control face including an outlet and in continuous rotatably slideable connection with the exit face of the body when in use.

12. A kit-of-parts according to claim 11, wherein the outer closure snap fits with the body.

13. A kit-of-parts according to claim 12, wherein the outer closure is adapted to remain connected to the body once engaged.

14. A kit-of-parts for a cap substantially as herein described and with reference to the Figures. BLOW MOULDERS LIMITED By their attorneys BALDWINS CSPEC4276925 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 14 AUG 2006 received 300604219_1.DOC