WO2000010884A1 - Bouchon de receptacle destine a liberer le contenu du receptacle - Google Patents

Bouchon de receptacle destine a liberer le contenu du receptacle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000010884A1
WO2000010884A1 PCT/US1999/016886 US9916886W WO0010884A1 WO 2000010884 A1 WO2000010884 A1 WO 2000010884A1 US 9916886 W US9916886 W US 9916886W WO 0010884 A1 WO0010884 A1 WO 0010884A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
housing
container cap
extension
cap
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/016886
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David S. Soane
Gary R. Mcluen
Original Assignee
Soane David S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Soane David S filed Critical Soane David S
Priority to AU52315/99A priority Critical patent/AU5231599A/en
Publication of WO2000010884A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000010884A1/fr

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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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2842—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being provided with a preformed weakened line
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2814—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2842—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being provided with a preformed weakened line
    • B65D51/285—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it said element being provided with a preformed weakened line ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer

Definitions

  • the present invention is a container cap for release of contents contained therein. More particularly, the present invention is a container cap for releasing a volume of fluidic material contained therein approximately simultaneously upon engagement with a container or upon actuation of the container cap.
  • Water comprises a large portion of the weight and volume of most beverages and, as a result, is relatively heavy and bulky to transport, such as from a bottling plant to a local distributor or from the local distributor, such as a supermarket, to the consumer's home.
  • a bottling plant to a local distributor or from the local distributor, such as a supermarket
  • the consumer's home As a result of the weight and volume of the large water content of beverages as well as the high heat capacity of water, much fuel and labor are expended for the transport, storage and/or refrigeration of beverages in bottles and other containers. Thus, cost of such beverages is increased. Therefore, it is desirable to eliminate most of the water content of beverages throughout much if not all of the distribution process to achieve substantial economic savings and increases in environmental friendliness.
  • pre-packaged food items also contain a large portion of water, contributing to their weight, volume and cost.
  • An example of such a prepackaged food item is ready-to-eat soups in cans, jars or other containers which contain a high water content.
  • Certain products such as tea bags and coffee bags have been commercialized in part to reduce the weight and volume by delaying the introduction of water to result in the desired drinks. However, the consumer must wait for the contents of such tea or coffee bags to diffuse and leach through the bags.
  • Other products such as dried powders have also been commercialized. Examples of such dried powders include instant coffee, powdered milks, powdered dietary or nutritional shakes or drinks, and flavored drinks such as iced teas.
  • the consumer must follow a multi-step process of opening the product, measuring a desired amount of the product, pouring the product into another container, filling the container with a suitable volume of water, agitate the mixture to facilitate dissolution of the powder and wait for the powder to dissolve.
  • the present invention provides a container cap for containing a quantity of a concentrated fluidic or powdery material.
  • the container cap generally comprises a housing for containing the concentrated fluidic or powdery material and a cover which forms an air-tight and fluid-tight or a hermetic seal with the housing for enclosing the fluidic material in the housing.
  • the cover has a member which can be opened to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in the housing.
  • the member may be, for example, a tab or a membrane, which upon breakage, rupture and/or separation, such as from the remainder of the cap, to allow the release of the fluidic material. Additionally or alternatively, the member may be scored to facilitate breakage thereof.
  • the container cap is preferably engageable with a corresponding container.
  • an interior surface of the housing of the container cap may define threads for engagement with threads provided on an exterior surface at the opening of the container.
  • any other types of suitable cap-container engagement mechanisms may be utilized, such as a snap-in and lock engagement or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps.
  • the container may provide a lip for cooperating with the container cap member such that, upon engagement of the cap with the container, the lip engages and opens the container cap member to allow the release of the fluidic material into the container.
  • the housing may provide a flexible depressible portion depressible from an exterior surface thereof and having an extension extending into the housing from an interior surface of the depressible housing portion.
  • the depressible housing portion may be depressed from its exterior surface such that the extension contacts and punctures or pierces a wall or the member of the cover to allow the release of the fluidic material into the container.
  • the housing preferably defines a flange around the depressible housing portion to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional puncture of the member.
  • the depressible housing portion-extension embodiment is more preferred particularly when the contents of the container cap is under pressure, such as in the case of carbonated beverages. Because the depressible housing portion must be depressed in a direction toward the interior of the housing, the contents of the container cap under pressure exert a force on the depressible housing portion in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the exterior of the housing. Thus, the pressurized contents of the container cap further prevent accidental or unintentional puncture of the member.
  • the consumer may fill a container with a suitable volume of water at a desired temperature for reconstitution.
  • the instructions for reconstitution may be provided, for example, on the container cap or on a label affixed to the container cap.
  • the engagement of the container cap with the opening of the container approximately simultaneously causes the container lip to engage and open the container cap member, thereby releasing the fluidic material into the water contained in the container.
  • the housing provides a depressible portion and an extension extending therefrom
  • the consumer may depress the depressible housing portion from its exterior surface to cause the extension to contact and puncture the member of the cover. The contents of the container cap are thus released into the container.
  • the consumer may then shake or otherwise agitate the water and concentrated fluidic material mixture to facilitate mixing thereof.
  • the present invention may be utilized for non-carbonated drinks such as fruit juices, hot chocolates, various types of milks, iced and hot teas, iced and hot coffees, other caffeinated drinks such as espressos, mochas and lattes, as well as carbonated drinks such as carbonated water and sodas, and alcoholic beverages, non-carbonated and carbonated, such as wines, liquors, beers and stout.
  • non-carbonated drinks such as fruit juices, hot chocolates, various types of milks, iced and hot teas, iced and hot coffees, other caffeinated drinks such as espressos, mochas and lattes, as well as carbonated drinks such as carbonated water and sodas, and alcoholic beverages, non-carbonated and carbonated, such as wines, liquors, beers and stout.
  • the container cap of the present invention may be filled with a beverage concentrate and dry ice comprising carbon dioxide, separately, or with the carbon dioxide already dissolved in the beverage concentrate. With carbonated beverages, an internal pressure
  • the dissolution of the gas in a fluid and/or ethanol based concentrate also facilitates the storage of such carbonated contents.
  • the present invention may also be utilized for soups, soup stocks and other food concentrates.
  • the container cap of the present invention may be utilized in, for example, pharmaceutical applications such as fluidic drugs and therapeutic agents.
  • the container cap may contain a reactive chemical concentrate which chemically reacts with a diluent contained in the container and the mixture may be utilized or applied shortly after the chemical reaction.
  • the present invention offers several advantages which include ease of use, decreased packaging and decreased weight and volume, with concurrent reduction in the costs associated with transport, handling, storage, refrigeration and the need to recycle.
  • the consumer may utilize tap, filtered or bottled water or other diluents, at the desired temperature, to mix with the concentrate. Furthermore, because germs generally do not proliferate in syrups, such beverage concentrates are much more difficult to spoil and cause waste and/or health risks. The concentrates are also more readily sterilized and/or pasteurized if such treatments are necessary.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of the present invention prior to engagement
  • FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 A shows a plane view of the container cap from line 3A-3A of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 3B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 3 A after the member of the container cap has been opened;
  • FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIGS. 1 and 2 after engagement;
  • FIG. 5 A shows a plane view of a variation of the container cap of the present invention
  • FIG. 5B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 5A after the member of the container cap has been opened
  • FIG. 5C shows a plane view of another variation of the container cap of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5D shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 5C after the member of the container cap has been opened
  • FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a container and a container cap of the present invention illustrating a variation of the engagement mechanism between the container and the container cap;
  • FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 6 after engagement
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of the present invention illustrating a variation of the container lip prior to engagement
  • FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and the container cap of FIG. 8 prior to engagement
  • FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and the container cap of FIGS. 8 and 9 after engagement
  • FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of the container cap of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of an alternative embodiment of the present invention prior to attachment of the container cap to the container and prior to actuation of the container cap;
  • FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 12 prior to attachment of the container cap to the container and prior to actuation of the container cap
  • FIG. 14 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 12 after attachment of the container cap to the container and during actuation of the container cap by depressing a depressible portion of the container cap;
  • FIG. 15A shows a plane view of the container cap from line 15A-15A of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 15A after the member of the container cap has been opened
  • FIG. 16 shows a plane view of a housing of the container cap from line 16-16 of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of a container cap of the present invention prior to actuation;
  • FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a housing of the container cap of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 19 shows a plane view of a housing of the container cap from line 19-19 of FIG. 18.
  • the present invention comprises a container cap for containing a quantity of a concentrated fluidic or powdery material therein.
  • the container cap generally comprises a housing for containing the concentrated fluidic material and a cover which forms an air-tight and fluid-tight or a hermetic seal with the housing for enclosing the fluidic material in the housing.
  • the cover has a member which can be opened to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in the housing.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show, respectively, a perspective view and a partial cross- sectional view of a container 110 and a container cap 50 prior to engagement.
  • the container cap 50 generally comprises a housing 52 and a cover 54 for forming an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52 such that a quantity of a material, such as a fluidic concentrate, may be enclosed in a volume 56 within housing 52.
  • the cover 54 includes a member 58 which can be ruptured, pierced, punctured, broken, severed, or otherwise opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56.
  • the member may be opened by breakage, rupture and/or separation from the remainder of the cover 54 to allow the release of the fluidic material from the volume 56.
  • the member 58 may include a scored separation contour 60, as shown in FIG. 3A.
  • the member 58 may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum.
  • the tab 61 formed upon the opening of member 58 is similar to the pull- tab of a can of carbonated beverage.
  • the cover 54 is opened to allow the release of the contents in the volume 56.
  • the separation contour 60 is scored on the surface of member 58 adjacent the volume 56 of housing 52 to reduce risks of unintentional and premature separation of the tab 61 from the remainder of member 58, particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume 56 is at a pressure above the ambient pressure.
  • Other provisions known in the art, such as indentations on the surface of the member 58 may be additionally or alternatively provided to facilitate the opening of the member 58 and/or to reduce risks of unintentional and premature breakage of the member 58.
  • container cap 50 For engagement of container cap 50 and container 110, container cap 50 may provide threads 62 on an interior surface thereof corresponding and engageable with threads 112 defined on an exterior surface of container 110. Thus, the container cap 50 may be placed upon and rotated relative to the opening 114 of the container 110 to close the opening 114 of container 110.
  • the container 110 preferably provides a lip 116 in the shape of a small tapered arc extending from a portion of the perimeter of the opening 114. When the container cap 50 is rotated until the lip 116 contacts member 58, the lip 116 is preferably at or radially interior to the separation contour 60, if one is provided.
  • FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container 110 engaged with the container cap 50 and the lip 116 having forced open the member 58.
  • the housing 52 and the cover 54 form a pressure tight hermetic seal therebetween.
  • the housing 52 and cover 54 may form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween by applying an adhesive to, by soldering and/or by melting surfaces of housing 52 and cover 54 which are in contact with each other.
  • the separation contour 60 of the member 58 may have any number, any suitable configuration, shape, depth and/or any combination thereof.
  • the separation contour 60 may comprise a scored or etched circle or portion of a circle adjacent the perimeter of the member 58 .
  • FIGS. 5A-5D Examples of variations of the member of the container cap are shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, wherein the material of the member is preferably distensible or thinned to allow expansion thereof and separation along the separation contour.
  • FIG. 5A shows a container cap 50' having a member 58' with four separation lines 60' which generally intersect at the approximate center of the member 58'.
  • member 58' is opened by being separated into several pieces along the separation lines 60' to allow the release of the contents in volume 56.
  • FIGS. 5C and 5D Another example is shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D wherein a container cap 50" has a member 58" with multiple arcuate curves or arcs 60" located along the circumference of two concentric circular shapes. As shown in FIG. 5D, upon separation, breakage or rupture of member 58" along the separation lines 60", member 58" is opened by having multiple openings at the locations of the separation lines 60".
  • the separation contour 60' or 60" may be scored or otherwise provided on either or both surfaces of the members 58' or 58".
  • the separation contour 60' or 60" is scored on the surface of the member 58' or 58" adjacent the volume of the housing 52, as described above, to reduce risks of unintentional and premature separation or breakage of the member 58' or 58", particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume is at a pressure above the ambient pressure.
  • the threading and rotation of the container cap relative to the container opening is such that the force exerted by the lip of the container on the separation contour is maximized because the large axial distance relative to the small vertical distance traversed by the member relative to the lip.
  • container cap 50A and container 110A are engageable via a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism rather than via threads.
  • Container cap 50A may provide a circumferential indentation 62A on an interior surface of cover 54A corresponding and engageable with a circumferential ring 112A defined on an exterior surface of container 110A. Thus, the container cap 50 A may be placed upon and pushed toward the opening 114 of container
  • circumferential indentation 62 A of container cap 50A will snap around the circumferential ring 112 A of container 110A to close the opening 114 of container 110A.
  • indentation 62 A of cover 54 A and/or ring 112A of container 110 A need not extend around the entire circumference but may be portion or portions thereof.
  • Other variations include providing the circumferential indentation on an exterior surface of the container and providing the circumferential ring on an interior surface of the container cap.
  • any other suitable types of closure mechanism such as a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps, may be utilized to engage the container cap with the container.
  • container HOB may provide an engageable portion such as a circumferential lip 116B extending around the opening 114.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show, respectively, a perspective and a partial cross-sectional view of the container HOB and a container cap 50B prior to engagement.
  • FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container HOB and a container cap 50B after engagement.
  • the container cap 50B utilized in conjunction with container HOB having a circumferential lip 116B preferably provides a member 58B which is distensible.
  • the circumferential lip 116B may be a mere circumferential extension of the container opening 114.
  • the circumferential lip 116B exerts a force upon member 58B in a direction perpendicular to the member 58B, to cause member 58B to distend.
  • the force causes the separation contour or lines (not shown) of the member 58B to separate, break or rupture along the separation contour to release the fluidic material contained in volume 56 into the container HOB.
  • the container 110 is transparent or translucent such that the level of the water or other diluent contained therein can be seen.
  • container 110 preferably includes marks 118 for indication to the consumer of the amount of water or diluent level 120.
  • the container cap 50 and/or container 110 may include ribbings on the curved exterior surface to facilitate rotation thereof relative to each other.
  • container cap 50 preferably includes information such as nutritional, pricing and/or directions for the reconstitution of the fluidic material contained in the volume 56. Such information may be printed directly on the container cap 50 and/or on a label affixed to the container cap 50.
  • the container cap 50 may contain a reactive chemical concentrate which chemically reacts with a diluent contained in the container 110 and the mixture may be utilized or applied shortly after the chemical reaction.
  • FIG. 11 shows another variation of the container cap 50C of the present invention.
  • the housing 52C of container cap 50C is affixed to cover 54C by the provision of cooperating and engageable threads 70, 72 on an interior surface of the housing 52C and on an exterior surface of the cover 54C, respectively.
  • threads 70, 72 By providing threads 70, 72, a consumer may fill volume 56 with a quantity of the desired fluidic material, for example, when the consumer purchases concentrate beverages by bulk.
  • container cap 50C may also provide one or more O-rings to further ensure sealing between the housing 52C and the cover 54C.
  • An interior surface of the cover 54C may provide a circumferential indentation 62C on an interior surface of cover 54C corresponding and engageable with a circumferential ring defined on an exterior surface of container (similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
  • indentation 62C of cover 54C and/or the ring of the container need not extend around the entire circumference but may extend around portion or portions thereof.
  • any other suitable types of closure mechanism such as a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps, may be utilized to engage the container cap with the container.
  • FIGS. 12-16 show yet another variation of a container cap 50D of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 show, respectively, a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a container HOD and the container cap 50D prior to attachment of the container cap 50D to the container HOD and prior to actuation of the container cap 50D.
  • the container cap 50D generally comprises a housing 52D and a cover 54D for forming an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52D to contain a quantity of a material in a volume 56D defined by housing 52D.
  • the cover 54D includes a member 58D which can be ruptured or opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56D.
  • the housing 52D comprises a flexible depressible portion 80 and an elongate extension 82 extending into the housing from the depressible portion 80.
  • the depressible portion 80 is depressible from an exterior surface thereof such that the extension 82 contacts and punctures, ruptures or pierces member 58D of cover 54D to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in volume 56D.
  • the depressible portion 80 is preferably convex, i.e. curves outwardly away from the volume 56D, particularly when the content of volume 56D is pressurized such as when volume 56D contains a carbonated beverage concentrate.
  • the curvature of the depressible portion 80 may be designed into and formed during manufacturing of the container cap 50D.
  • the convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 causes the depressible portion 80 to pop or snap inwardly toward volume 56D upon exertion of a minimum threshold depression force upon the depressible portion 80.
  • the convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 results in increased travel of extension 82 and increased depression force required to break the member 58D.
  • the convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 may reduce accidental actuation of the depressible portion 80.
  • member 58D preferably includes separation scores 60D as shown in the plane view of FIG. 15 A. As shown in the cross-sectional and plane views of FIGS. 14 and 15B, respectively, when the member 58D is ruptured or punctured by extension 82, the member 58D breaks along the separation scores 60D. Alternatively or additionally, member 58D may be thinned (not shown) in the area of the contact with the extension 82. The material in volume 56D then flows into the container HOD via the opening
  • housing 52D preferably provides one elongate extension 82 approximately centrally located relative to the depressible portion 80, housing 52D may provide any number of elongate extensions located circularly, randomly or in any suitable other arrangement relative to the depressible portion 80.
  • the separation scores 60D are disposed on a surface of member 58D opposite the volume 56D of housing 52D such that the separation force applied by the extension 82 for rupturing or puncturing the member 58D is more efficiently applied on the opposing surface.
  • having the separation scores 60D on the surface of member 58D adjacent the volume 56D reduces the risks of unintentional and premature rupture of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D, particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume 56D is at a pressure above the ambient pressure, such as with carbonated beverages.
  • the housing 52D preferably defines a flange 84 around the depressible portion 80 to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional depression of the depressible portion 80.
  • cover 54D of container cap 50D may define threads 62 on an interior surface thereof corresponding and engageable with threads 112 defined on an exterior surface of container 110. Any other suitable mechanism may be provided for engagement between the container cap 50D with the container HOD, such as a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps.
  • FIG. 16 shows a plane view of the housing 52D of the container cap 50D from line 16-16 of FIG. 13.
  • extension 82 extends from an interior surface of the depressible portion 80 and comprises three prongs 86.
  • the prongs 86 taper toward a point at an end distal to the depressible portion 80 and taper outwardly at an end adjacent the depressible portion 80.
  • the prongs 86 are preferably spaced at approximately equal arc angles relative to each other.
  • the prongs 86 provide structural integrity to extension 82 and is easily manufacturable using convention techniques such as injection molding.
  • the prongs 86 themselves do not occupy significant portion of the volume 56D such that the size of the container cap 50D can be minimized.
  • the extension 82 preferably provides three prongs for reasons of structural integrity and manufacturability.
  • the prongs 86 also facilitate the breakage of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D.
  • the number and orientation of the prongs 86 may also correspond to the number and orientation of the separation scores 60D to further facilitate the breakage of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D.
  • FIGS. 17-19 show yet another variation of a container cap 50E of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 show, respectively, a cross-sectional view of the container cap 50E and a cross-sectional view of a housing 52E of the container cap 50E.
  • the container cap 50E generally comprises a housing 52E and a cover 54E.
  • the cover 54E includes a member 58E which can be ruptured or opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56E.
  • An interior surface of the housing 52E and an exterior surface of the cover 54E may define indentations and protrusions 88, 90, respectively, which cooperate to form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52E to contain a quantity of a material in a volume 56E defined by housing 52E.
  • the inner diameter of the housing 52E is greater than the outer diameter of the cover 54E such that the housing 52E and the cover 54E form a pressure tight fit to facilitate the air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween.
  • the housing 52E and cover 54E may form an airtight and fluid-tight seal therebetween by applying an adhesive on, by soldering and/or by melting surfaces of housing 52E and cover 54E which are in contact with each other.
  • the cover 54E may provide threads 62E on an interior surface thereof. Threads 62E correspond and engage with threads provided on an exterior surface of container (not shown). Again, any other suitable mechanism may be provided for engagement between the container cap 50E with the container, such as a snap- in and lock engagement mechanism or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps. In this embodiment, cover 54E is not entirely enclosed by the housing such that the portion of the cover 54E defining threads 62E extend outside of the housing 52E.
  • the housing 52E comprises a depressible portion 80' and an elongate extension 82' extending into the housing 52E from the depressible portion 80'.
  • the depressible portion 80' is depressible from an exterior surface thereof such that the extension 82' contacts and punctures or ruptures member 58E of cover 54E to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in volume 56E.
  • Member 58E may include separation scores and/or be thinned (not shown) to facilitate the puncture or breakage of the member 58E.
  • the housing 52E preferably defines a flange 84' around the depressible portion 80' to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional depression of the depressible portion 80'.
  • cover 54E of container cap 50E and/or the container with which the container cap 50E is to be engaged preferably provides corresponding and engageable threads and/or any other suitable mechanism for engagement between the container cap 50E and the container (not shown).
  • suitable engagement mechanism include a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism and a twist and lock engagement typical of childproof bottle caps.
  • FIG. 19 shows a plane view of the housing 52E of the container cap 50E from line 19-19 of FIG. 18.
  • extension 82' extends from an interior surface of the depressible portion 80' and comprises three prongs 86'.
  • the prongs 86' taper toward a point at an end distal to the depressible portion 80' and taper outwardly at an end adjacent the depressible portion 80'.
  • the prongs 86' are preferably spaced at approximately equal 120° arc angles relative to each other.
  • the prongs 86' provide structural integrity to extension 82' and is easily manufacturable using convention techniques such as injection molding.
  • extension 82' preferably provides three prongs for reasons of structural integrity and manufacturability.
  • the prongs 86' also facilitate the breakage of the member 58D' such as along its separation scores.
  • the number and orientation of the prongs 86' may also correspond to the number and orientation of the separation scores to further facilitate the breakage of the member 58D' along the separation scores.
  • the housing 52E is approximately 2.0 inches in diameter, 1.3 inches in height and has a circumferential wall of 0.04 inches in thickness and indentations 88 each 0.125 inches in height.
  • the depressible portion 80' of the housing 52E is approximately 0.03 inches in thickness and is preferably rounded in a direction away from the extension 82' at a radius of approximately 5 inches.
  • the extension 82' extending from the depressible portion 80' of the housing 52E is approximately 1.15 inch in height, 0.66 inches in diameter, 0.04 inches in the thickness of the prongs, and the prongs taper toward the end distal to the depressible portion 80' at an approximately 10° angle.
  • the prongs may be chamfered at the end distal to the depressible portion 80'.
  • the cover 54E is approximately 1.91 inches in diameter, 1.8 inches in total height including the portion having threads 62E, and has a circumferential wall of 0.04 inches in thickness and protrusions 90 each 0.120 inches in height.
  • the portion of cover 54E below the member 58E and having the threads 62E is approximately 0.6 inches in height.
  • the member 58E has a thickness of approximately 0.015 inches.
  • the housing 52E and the cover 54E are made of polyethylene.
  • the depressible housing portion-extension embodiments are more preferred, particularly when the contents of the container cap is under pressure, such as in the case of carbonated beverages. Because the depressible housing portion must be depressed in a direction toward the interior of the housing, the contents of the container cap under pressure exert a force on the depressible housing portion in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the exterior of the housing. Thus, the pressurized contents of the container cap further prevents accidental or unintentional puncture of the member. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and
  • the depressible portion curves outwardly.
  • the curvature of the depressible portion may generally be due to the pressure of the contents of the container cap exerted onto an interior surface of the depressible portion but may alternatively or additionally be designed into and formed during manufacturing of the container cap.
  • the cover and the member may be integrally formed or may be separately formed and then affixed together.
  • the housing, cover, including or excluding the member, and/or the member may be made of any suitable material such as metal and existing food-grade plastics.
  • suitable material such as metal and existing food-grade plastics.
  • existing food-grade plastics include polyolefms (polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates and esters), plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) and PET-PEN blends. Any of the materials may be strengthened or otherwise varied by one or more layers of an inorganic material such as silicon or aluminum oxide.
  • the member may comprise any other suitable material such as Mylar, foil or waxed cardboard paper, whether distensible or not.
  • the container cap may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer material.
  • the member of cover can withstand the pressure of the material contained within volume.
  • the member of cover preferably comprises a material which is not gas permeable to prevent the depressurization of the contents in volume.
  • the container may also provide a lip (such as one similar to lip 116 shown in FIG. 1) or other suitable mechanism to cooperate with the container cap in order to facilitated in breaking of the container cap member for release of the contents of the housing volume.
  • a lip such as one similar to lip 116 shown in FIG. 1
  • the lip may engage the member to expand or distend the member toward the extension such that the member is in contact or near contact with the prongs of the extension.
  • the container-container cap system may be designed such that upon engagement of the container cap with the container, the lip engages and breaks the member.
  • the depressible portion and the member are provided only as a redundancy and a safeguard against instances where the lip fails to engage and/or break the member.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un bouchon (50d) de réceptacle comprenant un corps (52d) pouvant contenir une quantité d'une substance concentrée et un couvercle (54d) qui forme un joint hermétique avec le corps. Le corps (52d) comprend une partie (80) pouvant être enfoncée et pourvue d'une extension (82) qui perce une paroi (58d) du couvercle (54d) de façon à libérer le contenu du réceptacle (100d).
PCT/US1999/016886 1998-08-19 1999-07-26 Bouchon de receptacle destine a liberer le contenu du receptacle WO2000010884A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU52315/99A AU5231599A (en) 1998-08-19 1999-07-26 Container cap for release of contents contained therein

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13619998A 1998-08-19 1998-08-19
US09/136,199 1998-08-19
US20590898A 1998-12-04 1998-12-04
US09/205,908 1998-12-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000010884A1 true WO2000010884A1 (fr) 2000-03-02

Family

ID=26834105

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/016886 WO2000010884A1 (fr) 1998-08-19 1999-07-26 Bouchon de receptacle destine a liberer le contenu du receptacle

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5231599A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000010884A1 (fr)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003053812A1 (fr) * 2001-12-20 2003-07-03 Rosa Elena Serra Galdos Emballage complexe
FR2853302A1 (fr) * 2003-04-02 2004-10-08 Nestle Waters Man & Technology Capsule a opercule percable, bouchon muni d'une telle capsule contenant une substance destinee a etre ajoutee au contenu du recipient ainsi bouche et recipient correspondant
EP1789335A1 (fr) * 2004-09-17 2007-05-30 Innovation Fund, LLC Bouchon de bouteille universelle
FR2907432A1 (fr) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-25 Vincent Deperrois Conditionnement pour deux composants a melanger et bouchon-dose prevu a cet effet
ITMO20100157A1 (it) * 2010-05-31 2011-12-01 Biodue S R L Confezione per sostanze da miscelare al momento dell uso e metodo per ottenere tale confezione.
US8342344B2 (en) 2008-01-11 2013-01-01 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing a positive pressure in the headspace of a plastic container
ITMI20111453A1 (it) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 S M P S R L Dispositivo con serbatoio di contenimento di una prima sostanza per la chiusura di un flacone di contenimento di una seconda sostanza da mantenere separata dalla prima sostanza fino al momento della miscelazione con essa
US20180022519A1 (en) * 2015-02-03 2018-01-25 Santa Tampa Particpacoes Ltda Device for mixing in a hermetically sealed manner substances stored in at least two containers
WO2018167681A1 (fr) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Steerlife India Private Limited Bouchon doseur pour récipient de liquide
WO2020089294A1 (fr) * 2018-10-31 2020-05-07 Montfort Solutions Gmbh Capsule pourvue d'une feuille de fermeture présentant un point de rupture
US11284867B2 (en) 2019-06-20 2022-03-29 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Sample collection system including a sample collection vessel, sealing cap, and reagent chamber and valve assembly in the sealing cap
US11536632B2 (en) 2011-06-19 2022-12-27 DNA Genotek, Inc. Biological collection system
US11572581B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2023-02-07 DNA Genotek, Inc. Compositions and methods for obtaining nucleic acids from sputum
US11712692B2 (en) 2018-11-20 2023-08-01 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Sample collection system including sealing cap and valve

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US3451540A (en) * 1967-12-12 1969-06-24 Pennsalt Chemicals Corp Disposable mixing capsule
US3720524A (en) * 1970-10-16 1973-03-13 S Nakagami Container assembly with frangible mixing means
US4785931A (en) * 1987-09-24 1988-11-22 Letica Corporation Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments
US5255812A (en) * 1992-07-01 1993-10-26 Hsu Yu T Container cap
US5370222A (en) * 1992-06-11 1994-12-06 Wella Aktiengesellschaft Arrangement for mixing two components
US5692644A (en) * 1994-07-25 1997-12-02 L'oreal Container for storing at least two products, mixing these products, and dispensing the mixture thus obtained

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2631521A (en) * 1953-03-17 Beverage mixing container
US3451540A (en) * 1967-12-12 1969-06-24 Pennsalt Chemicals Corp Disposable mixing capsule
US3720524A (en) * 1970-10-16 1973-03-13 S Nakagami Container assembly with frangible mixing means
US4785931A (en) * 1987-09-24 1988-11-22 Letica Corporation Molded plastic closure having integral stacking support ribs and rupturable mix compartments
US5370222A (en) * 1992-06-11 1994-12-06 Wella Aktiengesellschaft Arrangement for mixing two components
US5255812A (en) * 1992-07-01 1993-10-26 Hsu Yu T Container cap
US5692644A (en) * 1994-07-25 1997-12-02 L'oreal Container for storing at least two products, mixing these products, and dispensing the mixture thus obtained

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003053812A1 (fr) * 2001-12-20 2003-07-03 Rosa Elena Serra Galdos Emballage complexe
ES2201892A1 (es) * 2001-12-20 2004-03-16 Rosa Elena Serra Galdos Sistema de envasado complejo.
US6951275B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2005-10-04 Rosa Elena Serra Galdos Complex packaging device
US11572581B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2023-02-07 DNA Genotek, Inc. Compositions and methods for obtaining nucleic acids from sputum
FR2853302A1 (fr) * 2003-04-02 2004-10-08 Nestle Waters Man & Technology Capsule a opercule percable, bouchon muni d'une telle capsule contenant une substance destinee a etre ajoutee au contenu du recipient ainsi bouche et recipient correspondant
WO2004089777A2 (fr) * 2003-04-02 2004-10-21 NESTLE WATERS MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY (Société Anonyme) Capsule a opercule percable, bouchon et recipient muni d’une telle capsule
WO2004089777A3 (fr) * 2003-04-02 2005-04-07 Nestle Waters Man & Technology Capsule a opercule percable, bouchon et recipient muni d’une telle capsule
EP1789335A1 (fr) * 2004-09-17 2007-05-30 Innovation Fund, LLC Bouchon de bouteille universelle
EP1789335A4 (fr) * 2004-09-17 2009-09-02 Innovation Fund Llc Bouchon de bouteille universelle
FR2907432A1 (fr) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-25 Vincent Deperrois Conditionnement pour deux composants a melanger et bouchon-dose prevu a cet effet
US8342344B2 (en) 2008-01-11 2013-01-01 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing a positive pressure in the headspace of a plastic container
ITMO20100157A1 (it) * 2010-05-31 2011-12-01 Biodue S R L Confezione per sostanze da miscelare al momento dell uso e metodo per ottenere tale confezione.
US11536632B2 (en) 2011-06-19 2022-12-27 DNA Genotek, Inc. Biological collection system
US11549870B2 (en) 2011-06-19 2023-01-10 DNA Genotek, Inc. Cell preserving solution
US11592368B2 (en) 2011-06-19 2023-02-28 DNA Genotek, Inc. Method for collecting and preserving a biological sample
WO2013018009A1 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-02-07 S.M.P. S.R.L. Dispositif doté d'un réservoir de confinement d'une première substance permettant de fermer une bouteille de confinement d'une seconde substance devant être conservée séparément de la première substance jusqu'au moment du mélange avec celle-ci
ITMI20111453A1 (it) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 S M P S R L Dispositivo con serbatoio di contenimento di una prima sostanza per la chiusura di un flacone di contenimento di una seconda sostanza da mantenere separata dalla prima sostanza fino al momento della miscelazione con essa
US20180022519A1 (en) * 2015-02-03 2018-01-25 Santa Tampa Particpacoes Ltda Device for mixing in a hermetically sealed manner substances stored in at least two containers
WO2018167681A1 (fr) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Steerlife India Private Limited Bouchon doseur pour récipient de liquide
US11180296B2 (en) 2017-03-15 2021-11-23 Steerlife India Private Limited Doser cap for liquid container
WO2020089294A1 (fr) * 2018-10-31 2020-05-07 Montfort Solutions Gmbh Capsule pourvue d'une feuille de fermeture présentant un point de rupture
US11712692B2 (en) 2018-11-20 2023-08-01 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Sample collection system including sealing cap and valve
US11284867B2 (en) 2019-06-20 2022-03-29 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Sample collection system including a sample collection vessel, sealing cap, and reagent chamber and valve assembly in the sealing cap
US11547392B2 (en) 2019-06-20 2023-01-10 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Method of collecting and preserving a biological sample
US11701094B2 (en) 2019-06-20 2023-07-18 Spectrum Solutions L.L.C. Sample collection system including valve and plug assemblies

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