WO2010046568A1

WO2010046568A1 - Cap with improved stopper

Info

Publication number: WO2010046568A1
Application number: PCT/FR2009/001237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Bet; Philippe Nusbaum
Original assignee: Bericap
Priority date: 2008-10-24
Filing date: 2009-10-22
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Also published as: EP2361199B1; ZA201104273B; EP2361199A1; FR2937623B1; FR2937623A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cap to be secured on the neck of a container for liquids, including: a spout (100), a tubular stopper (2), and a bottom (3) formed with one or more holes (4), characterised in that the outer wall (12) of the annular projection (1) and the guiding skirt (20) of the stopper are shaped so as to slide relative to each other so that, in a first opening phase starting from the blocked position up to an intermediate position between the blocked position and the open position, the guiding skirt (20) slides on the outer wall (12) with an resultant axial friction not exceeding a predetermined threshold value F1, and so that, in an eventual opening phase, the annular elastic skirt (5) is not in contact anymore with the tubular wall (11), wherein the resultant axial friction between the outer wall (12) and the guiding skirt (20) increases continuously up to a maximum value F2 such that 10N < F2-F1 < 20N.

Description

IMPROVED SHUTTER CAP

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cap to be fixed on a container neck, in particular on a bottle neck containing a liquid, particularly drinks. This type of plug allows easy closure and opening on the part of the user.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

This type of plug generally comprises three main elements namely a pourer which is screwed on the neck of the bottle, a shutter member movable in translation and an optional protective cover. It is for the user to be able to move from a state (open for example) to another state (closed for example) in a simple way, by intervention of the mouth or one hand, with a further flow controlled liquid. Athletes in particular find here an interest in that they can drink while continuing their physical activity. Young children can favorably use containers equipped with such caps because their handling is very easy and the flow of liquid is controlled.

EP 1 065 150 A1 discloses a cap of the type described above wherein the pourer comprises a coaxial cylindrical projection having a central opening; the cylindrical projection is covered over most of its height with a shutter element comprising two coaxial cylinders and a flow control means disposed on the axis of the stopper and provided with orifices for the passage of the liquid. The outer cylindrical wall of the projection comprises two annular protuberances which cooperate with an inner flange of the outer cylinder of the closure member; and the shutter member, which is movable in translation vis-à-vis the projection, can take the two conventional positions of opening and closing for the passage of the liquid. It is easily understood that on the one hand the user must exert a certain traction to open the shutter element because it must then overcome the force exerted on the abutment of one of the protuberances, and once this force is overcome, the shutter element can slide freely until it reaches the protrusion distal to the projection which serves as a stop. limit switch for the shutter. The user must exert a significant force at the opening; this peak early in the race is not welcome especially when we know that the main advantage and expected of this type of cap is easy opening.

We also know the application WO 2006/053845 wherein the cylindrical projection comprises an outer wall of smaller section over a portion of its height which corresponds to the stroke of the closure member. Indeed in this area an inner flange of the shutter is in contact with the outer wall of the projection. In addition this plug has both a central passage and openings arranged in a circle for the liquid. The passage section is therefore quite important so that the thrust of the liquid on the walls of the shutter, possibly associated with excessive traction of the user may dissociate the shutter vis-à-vis the pourer of the cap; Unexpected and unexpected projection of liquid out of the bottle follows.

WO 2006/094415 shows a plug which differs from that previously described essentially by the profile of the outer wall of the projection: a coarse thread is provided according to this document, so that it is a rotation of the shutter element vis-à-vis the plug pourer that allows to change the state of the plug. One does not meet here the main problem mentioned previously, namely the unexpected and uncontrolled opening of the stopper, but rather that of the difficulty to maneuver a part of the stopper.

Still known plugs whose tubular projection 1 and the shutter 2 have profiles as shown in section in Figures 1 A and 1 B where Figure 1 A shows a closed position of the cap, and the figure 1 B a starting position of opening of the cap. In known manner the outer wall of the tubular projection 1 has in particular an annular groove 22 dug in said outer wall. Furthermore, a flange 15 on the inner wall of the shutter 2 ensures its guiding in translation vis-à-vis the tubular projection 1; a collar 21 forming axial stop is further provided at the distal end of the projection 1. Apart from the section at the annular groove 22, the outer section of the tubular projection 1 is constant.

With such a design, curves are obtained according to FIG. 1C which show the variations of the axial forces as a function of the position of the shutter during its axial stroke relative to the annular projection 1. More precisely, three curves are represented in FIG. 1C: the curve marked A relates to the axial tensile stress (or resultant friction) of an elastic annular skirt (not shown) on a tubular wall (not shown) of the tubular projection 1. This effort is first constant (catch-up game), then decreasing to zero when there is more contact between this skirt and said tubular wall. The curve marked B is relative to the resultant axial friction between the outer wall of the tubular projection 1 and the inner wall of the shutter 2. There is a strong increase in this force at the beginning of opening, when it s' is to release the shutter 2 vis-à-vis the circumferential groove 22, then a slight decrease followed by a stabilization of the effort to a final increase related to the final snap. It should be noted that curve C, which is the "sum" of curves A and B, has a specific profile, with a sharp increase in the first phase of opening followed by an equally abrupt decrease; a stabilization phase is then observed over most of the race which ends with an increase followed by a fall in the axial force.

As already mentioned, this known concept is not satisfactory in particular because a large traction force is required at the beginning of the opening; in addition, there is not a uniform distribution of the tractive force throughout the axial stroke of the shutter 2 along the tubular projection 1; in fact, the user must first exercise a significant effort at the beginning of the opening, so that once the point of the race corresponding to the maximum of force is passed, the shutter is precipitated to the open position, which is not satisfactory and requires a strengthening of the opening limit stop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art and in particular to provide a plug which allows an easy opening maneuver. To do this, it is proposed, according to a first aspect of the invention, a cap to be fixed on a liquid container neck, comprising:

a pourer provided with a means of connection with the neck surmounted by a tubular projection defining a reference axis of the stopper, the tubular projection having an outer guide wall and a tubular wall delimiting a mouth to empty the container, and

a tubular obturator externally covering the mouth of the pourer, the shutter comprising:

an outer guide skirt cooperating with the outer guide wall to guide the shutter in axial translation vis-à-vis the pourer between a closed position and an open position allowing the passage of liquid,

a bottom pierced with one or more holes and extending perpendicularly to the reference axis, the bottom having a shutter portion without a hole,

a resilient annular sealing skirt protruding from the shutter portion of the bottom and in contact with the tubular wall of the tubular projection to form an annular seal.

According to the invention, the outer wall of the tubular projection and the guide skirt of the shutter are shaped so as to sliding relative to each other so that in a first opening phase from the closed position to an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position the guide skirt slides on the outer wall with an axial friction resultant not exceeding a predetermined maximum value F1, and that in a subsequent opening phase, the elastic annular skirt no longer in contact with the tubular wall, the axial resultant friction between the outer wall and the The guide skirt increases continuously up to a maximum value F 2 such that 10 N <F 2-F1 <20 N.

With this curve of friction forces, the user must increase its effort as and when the opening. It follows a better cinematic opening, which is less impulsive. The arrival in the open position is less brutal, which avoids possible malfunctions at the end of the opening limit stop and allows a lighter dimensioning of the end stop.

Advantageously, during the subsequent opening phase, the shutter travels at least 50%, and preferably at least 60% of the stroke between the closed position and the open position. In addition, during the first opening phase, the shutter travels less than 20%, and preferably less than 15% of the stroke between the closed position and the open position. In other words, the subsequent opening phase constitutes the major part of the opening race.

In addition, during the first opening phase, the resultant frictional forces between the guide skirt and the outer wall increases from an initial value up to the value F1 to decrease thereafter to a value F1 such that 2 <F1 -F1 '<5N. This passage through the relative maximum value F1 constitutes a top dead center which indicates to the user the proximity of the closed position and can if necessary be accompanied by a slight click.

Furthermore, in an ultimate phase of opening, succeeding the subsequent phase of opening, the axial resultant of friction between the wall outside and the guide skirt decreases from the maximum value F2 to a value F3 such that there exists a difference (F3-F2) between 2 and 10 N. This passage through an absolute maximum F2 and the decrease of the effort in opening limit switches indicate to the user the proximity of the open position.

It is advantageous that the force F2, which also corresponds to the maximum force to be printed at the shutter, remains less than 30 N, and preferably less than 25N, and preferably less than 20 N. Thus, the opening can be obtained with one hand or with the mouth without difficulty.

It is also advantageous for the force F1 to be less than the maximum of the resultant of the sealing frictional forces between the elastic annular sealing skirt and the tubular wall of the tubular projection. It is also advantageous if the maximum of the resultant of the sealing frictional forces between the elastic annular sealing skirt and the tubular wall of the tubular projection is less than 15N, and more preferably less than 10N. In all cases, it is advantageous for the value of the force F1 to be less than 15 N, and more advantageously less than 10 N. These arrangements allow a beginning of opening with a low effort, so that we can have in the subsequent phase of opening a significant increase in effort to a value F2 which is not too high.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer wall of the tubular projection comprises a zone having an increasing section away from the base, and cooperating with the guide skirt in the subsequent opening phase.

More specifically, the region of increasing section preferably extends over at least 50%, and preferably at least 60% of the translational travel of the shutter between the closed position and the open position.

These precise data are derived from numerous and varied tests, and they make it possible to achieve the objectives previously identified reliably and reproductively. Advantageously, the outer wall of the tubular projection further comprises a circumferential snap groove located near its distal end, which cooperates with a flange of the shutter to form an opening stop. This snap gives the user a feeling of end of race

Interestingly, the cooperation between the flange and the groove creates a decrease in the resulting axial force between 2 and 10 N.

More specifically, the circumferential groove has a height measured along the axis of the plug of the order of 0, 4 mm.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the tubular wall of the pourer is rotated radially inwardly, the sealing skirt penetrating in the closed position in the mouth of the pourer, in radial elastic contact with the tubular wall. the hole or holes being located radially outside the sealing skirt. This embodiment is particularly suitable for a distribution of the holes on a circle located radially outside the skirt. This gives a "shower" type flow. The sealing skirt may then have at its distal end an annular protuberance turned radially outwards and intended to reinforce the seal against the inner wall of the tubular projection.

The invention is however also applicable to a plug whose pourer has a tubular wall rotated radially outwardly, the sealing skirt cap this tubular wall, with a radially protruding sealing bead if appropriate inwardly in contact with the tubular wall. In this case, the hole or holes through the bottom of the shutter will be located radially inside the skirt.

Furthermore, the tubular projection advantageously has a distal wall which, in the closed position, obstructs the hole or holes of the shutter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

- Figures 1A and 1B, a sectional view of a cap according to a known embodiment, with a shutter in two different positions, already commented; FIG. 1C shows several curves giving different tensile forces on the shutter as a function of the position of the shutter relative to the tubular projection, for a plug according to FIGS. 1A and 1B; FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a plug according to the invention, in a closed position; Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a plug according to the invention, in the open position; - Figures 4A to 4C are sectional views of a cap according to one embodiment of the invention, with the shutter in three different positions; FIG. 5 illustrates several curves giving different tensile forces applied to the shutter, as a function of the position of the shutter relative to the tubular projection, for a plug according to the invention.

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT In FIG. 2, one can see in longitudinal section the main elements of a plug according to the invention, in the closed state. The pourer 100 of the plug is fixed for example by screwing its lower portion 110 on the neck of the container containing the liquid to be dispensed. Any other reversible connection means can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. The pourer 100 is surmounted by a tubular projection 1 of specific shape which will be described in more detail below; a tubular shutter 2 is disposed coaxially with the tubular projection 1 vis-à-vis which it is movable in axial translation. Moreover, the shutter 2 comprises, in known manner, an internal collar 15.

In addition, the shutter 2 comprises a circular bottom 3 provided with holes 4 arranged in a circle; the holes 4 are arranged vis-à-vis a distal wall of the tubular projection; in the closed position of the plug there is annular or substantially annular contact between these two elements, which contributes to the closure of the plug.

The shutter 2 comprises an annular elastic sealing skirt 5 integral with the bottom 3, which projects internally and which cooperates with an inner tubular wall 11 of the projection 1. In more detail the skirt 5 is elastic and present at its distal end an annular protuberance 6 (or olive) for reinforcing, in the closed position, the sealing vis-à-vis the inner cylindrical wall of the protrusion 1. The skirt 5 associated with the tubular wall 11 reinforce in addition, the axial guide of the shutter 2. They have substantially the same height measured along the axis of the plug.

Furthermore in the open position as shown in Figure 3, the respective positions, axially remote, of the skirt 5 and the inner wall 11 of the tubular projection 1, form a sort of baffle for the liquid, thus contributing to flow regulation.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the outer wall 12 of the tubular projection 1 has a specific profile; FIG. 3, which illustrates the plug in the open position, more legibly shows this profile: starting from the base of the wall 12, the latter is first of all cylindrical with a constant section, then it has a profile of variable section including a zone 13 of increasing section. This area is followed by a groove circumferential 14 serving as a snap for the shutter as will be explained in more detail below.

Indeed, a flange 15 provided on the inner wall of the shutter 2 is in permanent radial contact with the wall 12 of the projection 1.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show the positions of the shutter 2 and the projection 1 respectively in the closed position, opening start and in the open position. In the closed position, the flange 15 is housed so as to have a very limited radial contact with the outer wall 12 of the tubular projection since the latter has a kind of groove vis-à-vis; at the beginning of opening (Figure 4B), the flange 15 is in contact with the beginning of the zone 13 of increasing section of the tubular projection 1; then the flange 15 is guided along the zone 13, until it arrives (FIG. 4C) in contact with a circumferential ratchet flange 14 formed near the distal end of the tubular projection 1.

It is very interesting to note that the axial tensile force measured throughout the displacement of the shutter 2 is as shown in Figure 5. More specifically, Figure 5 comprises three curves: the curve A relates to axial force due to the friction of the elastic annular skirt 5 against the tubular wall 11; this curve is identical to the curve A of FIG. 1C. The curve B relates to the frictional force between the guide skirt 20 and the outer wall 12 of the tubular projection 1. And the curve C is the resultant ( or sum) of the two aforementioned efforts.

It is advantageously found that, during a first opening phase of the plug between the abscissa points O and A of FIG. 5, the curve B increases continuously between the beginning of the race and an ordinate point. F1 which corresponds to a maximum local value of effort in this phase of the race. The increase here is of the order of a few Newtons, for example from 2 to 4 N. Also in this first opening phase, the curve B decreases between the abscissa points A and B, here a few Newtons, indicating a decrease of the effort up to a value F1 ', here about 5N. Advantageously, the curve B, at the beginning of the race near the abscissa point O, lies below the curve A, which reflects lower friction forces at the outer guide surfaces than at the sealing. Then, because of the reduction of the sealing friction forces, the friction forces between the guide skirt 20 and the outer wall 12 become predominant, which results in a crossing of the two curves A and B. By force things, the sealing friction forces of the curve A cancel at the latest when the skirt 5 leaves the tubular wall 11, at the point of abscissa B. It is therefore found that the resultant force on the curve C at the point B is equal to F1 'which is, by construction, less than the maximum force F1 exerted on curve B at point A.

In a subsequent phase of the race, when the skirt 5 is no longer in contact with the tubular wall 11, that is to say beyond the abscissa point B of FIG. 5, the resultant axial (curve C, coincides with the curve B) continuously increases to a maximum point of abscissa C and ordinate F2. Interestingly, the efforts involved are such that 1ON <F2-F1 <2ON

The tests carried out according to the invention have made it possible to measure a maximum force F1 of the order of 7 N and a force F2 of about 20 N for a total stroke of about 4 mm, comprising about 0.4 mm between points O and B (first phase of the race) and 0, 4 mm between points C and D (final phase of the race). The duration of the opening during these tests is of the order of a few seconds.

At the end of the stroke, that is to say between the abscissa points C and D, there is a relaxation of the traction force, due to the snap in the groove 14. It is advantageous to this stage of the race a fall of the tensile force to provide, which is quite noticeable by the user; in addition, this effect can be accompanied by a slight noise (click) characteristic and audible to the user, indicating the end of the race of the shutter. Moreover, the latching thus produced contributes to the sealing of the plug in the open position.

Thus, we have a resultant relatively well distributed and in any case is avoided at the beginning of the race a strong growth followed by a decrease as shown in Figure 1 C of the prior art. It is also observed that the resulting axial force involved is much lower than that required according to the prior art; it reaches at most 20 N whereas in known manner (cf Figure 1C) 35 N are necessary.

Finally, the opening energy, which is measured by the surface area of the curve C, is generally lower.

Thus, not only the parts of the cap are less stressed, but they are better solicited. In addition it is a lesser effort that is asked to the user when manipulating the cap.

The race of the shutter 2 is limited between the snap which has just been described and, for the closed position, by the axial contact of the bottom 3 with the distal end of the tubular projection 1.

It is the combined effects of the new and unexpected characteristics mentioned above that make it possible to obtain such advantageous effects.

The shape and arrangements just described also allow the presence of a first tamper ring 50 located in the lower part of the pourer 1 which it is connected, before the first use, by regularly scored bridges spaced apart and separated by incisions.

Additionally, it can be provided a cover 55, visible in section in Figure 2, covering the shutter 2 and provided internally with clipping means cooperating with a groove of the tubular projection 1. In addition, it can be provided a second tamper evident ring 60 located in the lower part of the cover 55 to which it is bonded, before the first use, by breakable bridges regularly spaced apart and separated by incisions. Many variants are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cap to be fixed on a neck of liquid container, comprising: a pourer (100) provided with a connection means with the neck surmounted by a tubular projection (1) defining a reference axis of the plug, the tubular projection having an outer guide wall (12) and a tubular wall (11) defining a mouth for emptying the container, and a tubular shutter (2) externally covering the mouth of the pourer, the shutter (2) comprising: an outer skirt guide (20) cooperating with the outer guide wall (12) to guide the shutter in axial translation vis-à-vis the pourer between a closed position and an open position allowing the passage of liquid, a bottom (3) pierced one or more holes (4) extending perpendicular to the reference axis, the bottom having a plug portion without a hole, - an annular elastic sealing skirt (5) projecting from the shutter portion of the bottom and in touch with of the tubular wall (11) of the tubular projection (1) to form an annular seal, characterized in that the outer wall (12) of the tubular projection (1) and the shutter guide skirt (20) are shaped so as to slide relative to one another so that in a first opening phase from the closed position to an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position the guide skirt (20) ) slides on the outer wall (12) with an axial friction resultant not exceeding a predetermined maximum value F1, and that in a subsequent opening phase, the elastic annular skirt (5) no longer in contact with the wall tubular (11), the axial resultant of friction between the outer wall (12) and the skirt of guidance (20) increases continuously to a maximum value F2 such that 10N <F2-F1 <2ON.

2. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that during the subsequent opening phase, the shutter travels at least 50%, and preferably at least 60% of the stroke between the closed position and the open position.

3. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the first opening phase, the shutter travels less than 20%, and preferably less than 15% of the race between the closed position and the open position. .

4. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the first opening phase, the resultant frictional forces between the guide skirt (20) and the outer wall (12) increases by one value. initial up to the value F1 to then decrease to a value F1 'such that 2 <F1-F1' <5N.

5. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a final phase of opening, succeeding the subsequent opening phase, the axial resultant friction between the outer wall (12) and the skirt of guidance (20) decreases from the maximum value F2 to a value F3 such that there is a difference (F3-F2) of between 2 and 10 N.

6. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the effort F2 is less than 30 N, and preferably less than 25N, and preferably less than 20 N.

7. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force F1 is less than the maximum of the resultant of the sealing frictional forces between the annular elastic sealing skirt and the tubular wall of the tubular projection, and preferably less than 15N, or less than 1ON.

8. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (12) of the tubular projection comprises a zone (13) having a growing section away from the base, and cooperating with the guide skirt. (20) in the subsequent opening phase.

9. Stopper according to claim 6 characterized in that the zone (13) of increasing section extends over at least 50%, and preferably at least 60% of the translation travel of the shutter between the closed position and the open position.

10. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the outer wall (12) of the tubular projection further comprises a circumferential groove (14) latching located near its distal end, which cooperates with a collar (15) of the shutter to form an aperture stop.

11. Stopper according to claim 8, characterized in that the cooperation between the flange (15) and the groove (14) creates a reduction in the resulting axial force of between 2 and 10 N.

12. Stopper according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the circumferential groove has a height measured along the axis of the plug of the order of 0.4 mm.

13. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the tubular wall (11) of the pourer is rotated radially inwardly, the sealing skirt (5) penetrating in the closed position in the mouth of the pourer, in radial elastic contact with the tubular wall, the hole or holes (4) being located radially outside the sealing skirt (5).

14. Stopper according to claim 11 characterized in that the sealing skirt (5) has at its distal end an annular protuberance (6) rotated radially outwards and intended to reinforce the seal against the inner wall of the projection. tubular.

15. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the tubular projection (1) has a distal wall which, in the closed position, obstructs the hole or holes (4) of the shutter (2).