WO2013175288A1 - Bottle cap comprising a gas accommodation region - Google Patents

Bottle cap comprising a gas accommodation region Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013175288A1
WO2013175288A1 PCT/IB2013/000991 IB2013000991W WO2013175288A1 WO 2013175288 A1 WO2013175288 A1 WO 2013175288A1 IB 2013000991 W IB2013000991 W IB 2013000991W WO 2013175288 A1 WO2013175288 A1 WO 2013175288A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bottle cap
bottle
substance
gas
cap
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/000991
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Samuel James STANTIFORD
Original Assignee
Stantiford Samuel James
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 Stantiford Samuel James filed Critical Stantiford Samuel James
Publication of WO2013175288A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013175288A1/en

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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
    • 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
    • B65D79/00—Kinds or details of packages, not otherwise provided for
    • B65D79/005—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting
    • B65D79/0087—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting the deformable part being located in a closure, e.g. in caps or lids
    • 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
    • B65D51/2821—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 a blister, a capsule or like sealed container
    • 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
    • B65D51/2828—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 a film or a foil
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a bottle cap and a container bottle cap.
  • Bottled water and other soft drinks and sodas are available to the public in plastic or glass bottles.
  • the bottles are portable and allow the user and consumer to keep hydrated whilst out and about and when away from a mains or ready supply of fresh water.
  • This type of bottled beverage is popular and there are several conventional bottle sealing devices with which the public are familiar. Screw caps and sports-cap or 'pop- top' bottles are some of these.
  • a fixing portion adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle, a container portion and a deformable chamber comprising a gas accommodation region.
  • a user may wish to add a substance to the beverage in a bottle, for example tablets of electrolytic substance designed to aid hydration while playing sports, energy giving substances or gels for sustaining energy and performance during endurance activity or substances providing stimulation to overcome tiredness.
  • the substance can be stored in the container portion of the bottle cap. Examples of such substance and tablet products include BeroccaTM, ProPlusTM, Zero High 5TM. Other tablets or substances for addition may provide health benefits such as vitamin and mineral supplements, some may be therapeutic, for example for pain management or pain relief.
  • On adding the substance to the beverage there may be a release of gas and there may be a release of heat on contact with the liquid beverage as the substance reacts with the beverage or dissolves.
  • the release of gas may be in the form of fizzing as the structure of the substance breaks down and the substance dissipates and mixes with the beverage.
  • a gas accommodation region is helpful for collecting and holding the gas released without affecting the structural integrity of the beverage container and avoids spills and liquid release from the bottle.
  • the container portion comprises a breakable seal urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance, whereby a said substance is released from the compartment into a said bottle, and whereby release of gas from a said substance is accommodated by the gas accommodation region of the deformable chamber.
  • a sealed compartment provides a storage facility for a substance that the user may wish to add.
  • the sealing may be before or after purchase and may be effected by the user.
  • a sealed compartment is a hygienic option for storage.
  • a breakable membrane between the sealed compartment and the bottle breakable by a user allows the user control over how and when the substance is released into the water or other beverage in the bottle. This is important if there is a breakdown or deterioration in the substance or in the active ingredients in the substance to be added. In this case a user will only want to add the substance to the beverage shortly before it is required.
  • the breakable seal comprises a friable portion that can crumble or break into a number of pieces.
  • the breakable seal in a further embodiment may comprise a pierceable membrane.
  • the membrane of an embodiment is foil or plastic.
  • the seal should be manageably breakable when effected by the user and the shape and structure of the seal should be such that it matches the user's requirements.
  • the force required in an embodiment will be that suitablely generated by a user's digit such as a thumb on the cap or container surface, for example 1 to 20 N.
  • a piercing device may be required in an embodiment.
  • the bottle cap is substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the shape is arranged so as to conform with and be located around a neck of a bottle.
  • the shape is also arranged in an embodiment to fit with the container portion and the deformable chamber comprising a gas accommodation region.
  • the bottle cap is designed as a device not dissimilar in size and shape to a conventional bottle cap. In this way it should not provide an overall different look and feel to the user than that of a standard beverage container. This means the user will be readily accepting of the device within existing packaging bounds.
  • a peel back tamper seal is arranged at an outer portion of the cap. A user can tell at a glance if the seal has been broken and can therefore detect possible tamper or damage before using the bottle cap and dispensing the substance to be added to the beverage in the bottle or other container.
  • a disc is provided in the outer portion of the cap for urging the breakable seal to break. The disc can be used and pushed into engagement with the breakable seal by a user's thumb for example.
  • the gas accommodation region is flexible and further can be arranged to expand outwards to form a gas containment chamber.
  • accommodation region in an embodiment is adapted to hold a volume of gas equivalent to twice the volume of the container portion.
  • any lid or cap seal provided on the bottle and cap in order to open the beverage product to a user for consumption has not yet been broken.
  • a bottle comprising a bottle cap as hereinbefore described.
  • the invention bottle can be a standalone device or can be retro fitted to an existing bottle during or after bottle or container production.
  • Figure 1a is a perspective view of the bottle cap of the present invention
  • Figure 1 b is an expanded view of the bottle cap of Figure 1 a
  • Figure 2a is a plan view of the bottle cap of Figure 1a;
  • Figure 2b is a plan view of the bottle cap of Figure 1a in an alternative configuration
  • Figure 2c is a side view of the bottle cap of Figure 2b;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of the bottle cap of Figure 1 a;
  • Figure 4a is a representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 3 in use
  • Figure 4b is an enlarged view of the bottle cap in Figure 4a;
  • Figure 5a is a further representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 3 in use
  • Figure 5b is a further representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 5b in use
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap and a gas accommodation region of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap Figure 6 in use with a portion of a bottle.
  • Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap of Figure 6 with a bottle.
  • the bottle cap 1 comprises a generally cylindrical shape.
  • the bottle cap 1 comprises a fixing portion 10 adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle B a container portion 20 and a deformable chamber 30 comprising a gas accommodation region 100.
  • the container portion 20 comprises a breakable seal 40 urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance S, whereby a said substance S is released from the compartment into a said bottle B, and whereby release of gas from a said substance S is accommodated by the gas accommodation region 100 of the deformable chamber 30.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a bottle cap 1 in place on a bottle B prior to use.
  • Figure 1A shows the bottle cap 1 with parallel sides forming a cylinder 1 1 and a circular top face 12.
  • the cylinder 1 1 includes a fixing portion 10 shaped and sized to connect and engage with the neck of a bottle B so as to seal the bottle opening, the bottle cap 1 and the bottle B comprise the same or similar materials.
  • the top face 12 may include a child proof opening feature and in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 B has a peel back lid 13, with a tab 14 for gripping by a user.
  • the fixing portion 10 includes a screw threaded section shown in dotted lines on Figure 1 B.
  • the container portion 20 is bounded by the breakable seal 40, the inner surface of the deformable chamber 30 and sides of the cylinder 11.
  • An expanded view of the container portion and substance S is shown in Figure 1 B.
  • the container portion 20 provides a sealed compartment.
  • the compartment is air tight.
  • the compartment provides a controlled, uncontaminated area in which to store a substance S, protected from the external environment.
  • the substance can be inserted and sealed in a factory setting or a means could be found to allow user insertion and choice. Sealing in a factory environment provides a bottle cap that can be produced and fitted or retro fitted to a beverage bottle without contaminating the beverage contents of the bottle B
  • the breakable seal 40 in the embodiment is a breakable membrane or foil material and is comprised of a line of perforations providing a weakened area of the seal 40.
  • weakened the seal and perforated portion may be broken by any conventional means, such as a force exerted from above or tool adapted for piercing.
  • the structure of the deformable chamber 30 is, when not in use, a flattened disc or button, such as a compressed concertina.
  • the structure of the disc is such that when not in use it forms a button but that on extension, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, it comprises a series of small folds of thinner gauge materials enabling it to move and reshape easily.
  • With a downward force the deformable disc extends and pushes through the container portion 20.
  • the deformable disc With expansion and upward force, relative to the bottle cap 1 , the deformable disc provides a gas accommodation region 100.
  • a substance S is within the container portion 20 of the bottle cap B.
  • the substance S and beverage remain in their separate locations and are unaffected by each other.
  • a user will grasp the tab 14 and peel back the tamper lid 13 to reveal button 30 for the deformable chamber.
  • button 30 On depressing the button 30 and exerting a downward force of up to 100 N on the button the user can actuate the deformable chamber 30 and the breakable membrane 40 as the perforated region or the membrane itself is ruptured by the downward force.
  • the seal at the lower face of the chamber and container portion 20 is broken allowing the substance S to come into contact and mix with the beverage.
  • the deformable chamber 30 is sufficiently flexible with suitable structural integrity such that the concertina expands outwards to form a gas
  • the gas accommodation region 100 is provided for as long as necessary but in some instances the gas is released when the bottle seal is broken by a user removing the bottle cap B.
  • the deformable chamber 30 reforms and deflates, the contertina folds reform as the material of the deformable chamber 30 moves freely.
  • the gas accommodation region 100 deflates and the button is again located flat to and flush with the upper surface 12 of the bottle cap 1. In this way the deformable chamber does not sit proud of the bottle cap 1 after the addition of the substance S and the chamber 30 is not in the way of the use of the bottle and bottle cap by a consumer.
  • the button and the deformable chamber 30 has performed its function.
  • the bottle cap has completed its function and is ready to be removed from the bottle B if necessary.
  • a new bottle cap V (not shown) with a fresh substance S' could be attached to the bottle B if a reuse is required.
  • a sealed compartment in which a substance S can be contained and subsequently released into the contents of a bottle B without the seal being broken has been developed.
  • the contents of the bottle cap 1 is therefore prevented from being touched or contaminated.
  • the bottle cap 1 and container portion 20 expand in the event that the pressure within the bottle is altered due to any chemical reaction that may take place upon the substance S coming into contact with the contents of the bottle B.
  • the features of the invention may be altered in order to accommodate other beverages, or other beverage container shapes. Suitable substances for inclusion in the
  • compartment could be in tablet, gel or other form.
  • the substance may be a
  • the bottle cap is of particular relevance in the food and drink industry.

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

Abstract

A bottle cap (1) and bottle system is described with an improved cap or a lid. The bottle cap comprising a fixing portion (10) adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle, a container portion (20) and a deformable chamber (30)comprising a gas accommodation region (100). The container portion comprises a breakable seal (40) urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance (S), whereby a said substance is released from the compartment into a said bottle, and whereby release of gas from a said substance is accommodated by the gas accommodation region of the deformable chamber. The bottle cap provides a user with a more hygienic and longer lasting way to add a substance to a bottle of liquid such as water.

Description

BOTTLE CAP COMPRISING A GAS ACCOMMODATION REGION
The invention relates to a bottle cap and a container bottle cap.
Bottled water and other soft drinks and sodas are available to the public in plastic or glass bottles. The bottles are portable and allow the user and consumer to keep hydrated whilst out and about and when away from a mains or ready supply of fresh water. This type of bottled beverage is popular and there are several conventional bottle sealing devices with which the public are familiar. Screw caps and sports-cap or 'pop- top' bottles are some of these.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle cap
comprising a fixing portion adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle, a container portion and a deformable chamber comprising a gas accommodation region.
A user may wish to add a substance to the beverage in a bottle, for example tablets of electrolytic substance designed to aid hydration while playing sports, energy giving substances or gels for sustaining energy and performance during endurance activity or substances providing stimulation to overcome tiredness. The substance can be stored in the container portion of the bottle cap. Examples of such substance and tablet products include Berocca™, ProPlus™, Zero High 5™. Other tablets or substances for addition may provide health benefits such as vitamin and mineral supplements, some may be therapeutic, for example for pain management or pain relief. On adding the substance to the beverage there may be a release of gas and there may be a release of heat on contact with the liquid beverage as the substance reacts with the beverage or dissolves. The release of gas may be in the form of fizzing as the structure of the substance breaks down and the substance dissipates and mixes with the beverage. A gas accommodation region is helpful for collecting and holding the gas released without affecting the structural integrity of the beverage container and avoids spills and liquid release from the bottle.
In an embodiment the container portion comprises a breakable seal urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance, whereby a said substance is released from the compartment into a said bottle, and whereby release of gas from a said substance is accommodated by the gas accommodation region of the deformable chamber.
A sealed compartment provides a storage facility for a substance that the user may wish to add. The sealing may be before or after purchase and may be effected by the user. A sealed compartment is a hygienic option for storage. A breakable membrane between the sealed compartment and the bottle breakable by a user allows the user control over how and when the substance is released into the water or other beverage in the bottle. This is important if there is a breakdown or deterioration in the substance or in the active ingredients in the substance to be added. In this case a user will only want to add the substance to the beverage shortly before it is required. In an embodiment the breakable seal comprises a friable portion that can crumble or break into a number of pieces. The breakable seal in a further embodiment may comprise a pierceable membrane. The membrane of an embodiment is foil or plastic. The seal should be manageably breakable when effected by the user and the shape and structure of the seal should be such that it matches the user's requirements. The force required in an embodiment will be that suitablely generated by a user's digit such as a thumb on the cap or container surface, for example 1 to 20 N. A piercing device may be required in an embodiment.
In an embodiment the bottle cap is substantially cylindrical in shape. The shape is arranged so as to conform with and be located around a neck of a bottle. The shape is also arranged in an embodiment to fit with the container portion and the deformable chamber comprising a gas accommodation region. The bottle cap is designed as a device not dissimilar in size and shape to a conventional bottle cap. In this way it should not provide an overall different look and feel to the user than that of a standard beverage container. This means the user will be readily accepting of the device within existing packaging bounds.
In order to prevent contamination due to tamper or due to damage in transit or at any other time before use a peel back tamper seal is arranged at an outer portion of the cap. A user can tell at a glance if the seal has been broken and can therefore detect possible tamper or damage before using the bottle cap and dispensing the substance to be added to the beverage in the bottle or other container. In an embodiment a disc is provided in the outer portion of the cap for urging the breakable seal to break. The disc can be used and pushed into engagement with the breakable seal by a user's thumb for example.
In an embodiment the gas accommodation region is flexible and further can be arranged to expand outwards to form a gas containment chamber. The gas
accommodation region in an embodiment is adapted to hold a volume of gas equivalent to twice the volume of the container portion. This means that should the substance cause a chemical reaction with the liquid beverage contained in the bottle that releases gas or heat or otherwise causes a change in the pressure inside the bottle the accommodation region within the bottle cap is able to expand and contain the gas without egress of the contents of the bottle beyond the bottle and bottle cap. This leads to a more hygienic and provenance-proof combination of beverage and substance to be added to the beverage. At this point of containment any lid or cap seal provided on the bottle and cap in order to open the beverage product to a user for consumption has not yet been broken.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for producing the bottle cap of any preceding claim. The manufacture of the cap of the bottle will accommodate the gas chamber and container portion within a standard bottle cap.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an embodiment of a bottle comprising a bottle cap as hereinbefore described. The invention bottle can be a standalone device or can be retro fitted to an existing bottle during or after bottle or container production.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1a is a perspective view of the bottle cap of the present invention; Figure 1 b is an expanded view of the bottle cap of Figure 1 a; Figure 2a is a plan view of the bottle cap of Figure 1a;
Figure 2b is a plan view of the bottle cap of Figure 1a in an alternative configuration;
Figure 2c is a side view of the bottle cap of Figure 2b;
Figure 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of the bottle cap of Figure 1 a;
Figure 4a is a representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 3 in use;
Figure 4b is an enlarged view of the bottle cap in Figure 4a;
Figure 5a is a further representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 3 in use;
Figure 5b is a further representative view of the bottle cap of Figure 5b in use;
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap and a gas accommodation region of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap Figure 6 in use with a portion of a bottle; and
Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the bottle cap of Figure 6 with a bottle.
The bottle cap of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The bottle cap 1 comprises a generally cylindrical shape. The bottle cap 1 comprises a fixing portion 10 adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle B a container portion 20 and a deformable chamber 30 comprising a gas accommodation region 100. The container portion 20 comprises a breakable seal 40 urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance S, whereby a said substance S is released from the compartment into a said bottle B, and whereby release of gas from a said substance S is accommodated by the gas accommodation region 100 of the deformable chamber 30. Figures 1 and 2 show a bottle cap 1 in place on a bottle B prior to use.
Figure 1A shows the bottle cap 1 with parallel sides forming a cylinder 1 1 and a circular top face 12. The cylinder 1 1 includes a fixing portion 10 shaped and sized to connect and engage with the neck of a bottle B so as to seal the bottle opening, the bottle cap 1 and the bottle B comprise the same or similar materials. The top face 12 may include a child proof opening feature and in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 B has a peel back lid 13, with a tab 14 for gripping by a user. The fixing portion 10 includes a screw threaded section shown in dotted lines on Figure 1 B.
The container portion 20 is bounded by the breakable seal 40, the inner surface of the deformable chamber 30 and sides of the cylinder 11. An expanded view of the container portion and substance S is shown in Figure 1 B. The container portion 20 provides a sealed compartment. The compartment is air tight. The compartment provides a controlled, uncontaminated area in which to store a substance S, protected from the external environment.
The substance can be inserted and sealed in a factory setting or a means could be found to allow user insertion and choice. Sealing in a factory environment provides a bottle cap that can be produced and fitted or retro fitted to a beverage bottle without contaminating the beverage contents of the bottle B
The breakable seal 40 in the embodiment is a breakable membrane or foil material and is comprised of a line of perforations providing a weakened area of the seal 40. Thus weakened the seal and perforated portion may be broken by any conventional means, such as a force exerted from above or tool adapted for piercing.
The structure of the deformable chamber 30 is, when not in use, a flattened disc or button, such as a compressed concertina. The structure of the disc is such that when not in use it forms a button but that on extension, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, it comprises a series of small folds of thinner gauge materials enabling it to move and reshape easily. With a downward force the deformable disc extends and pushes through the container portion 20. With expansion and upward force, relative to the bottle cap 1 , the deformable disc provides a gas accommodation region 100. In use, prior toactivation, a substance S is within the container portion 20 of the bottle cap B. The substance S and beverage remain in their separate locations and are unaffected by each other.
Following Figures 4 to 8, if required to mix the substance S with the beverage, for example, water, a user will grasp the tab 14 and peel back the tamper lid 13 to reveal button 30 for the deformable chamber. On depressing the button 30 and exerting a downward force of up to 100 N on the button the user can actuate the deformable chamber 30 and the breakable membrane 40 as the perforated region or the membrane itself is ruptured by the downward force. Thus the seal at the lower face of the chamber and container portion 20 is broken allowing the substance S to come into contact and mix with the beverage.
There may be some fizzing or release of gas from the substance S, on contact with the beverage. In some cases a chemical reaction may occur. The user may facilitate the reaction or assist by shaking the bottle B.
In the event that a chemical reaction occurs or a pressure change or a release of gas occurs within the bottle B the deformable chamber 30 is sufficiently flexible with suitable structural integrity such that the concertina expands outwards to form a gas
accommodation region 100. The gas accommodation region 100 is provided for as long as necessary but in some instances the gas is released when the bottle seal is broken by a user removing the bottle cap B.
Once the gas or additional pressure has been released the deformable chamber 30 reforms and deflates, the contertina folds reform as the material of the deformable chamber 30 moves freely. The gas accommodation region 100 deflates and the button is again located flat to and flush with the upper surface 12 of the bottle cap 1. In this way the deformable chamber does not sit proud of the bottle cap 1 after the addition of the substance S and the chamber 30 is not in the way of the use of the bottle and bottle cap by a consumer. Once the substance S has suitably dissolved or mixed with the contents of the bottle the button and the deformable chamber 30 has performed its function. The bottle cap has completed its function and is ready to be removed from the bottle B if necessary. A new bottle cap V (not shown) with a fresh substance S' could be attached to the bottle B if a reuse is required. In this way a sealed compartment in which a substance S can be contained and subsequently released into the contents of a bottle B without the seal being broken has been developed. The contents of the bottle cap 1 is therefore prevented from being touched or contaminated. The bottle cap 1 and container portion 20 expand in the event that the pressure within the bottle is altered due to any chemical reaction that may take place upon the substance S coming into contact with the contents of the bottle B.
Various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. There may be a different shape of bottle or bottle cap. The material used for each part of the bottle and bottle cap may be the same or different. The materials may be metal or may be plastic. There may be more than one portion or section. Alternative forms of construction of the capping system may be considered.
The features of the invention may be altered in order to accommodate other beverages, or other beverage container shapes. Suitable substances for inclusion in the
compartment could be in tablet, gel or other form. The substance may be a
pharmaceutical, it may aid weight loss, sliming, provide stimulation, anti-drowsiness, it may be therapeutic or provide diagnostic properties. The bottle cap is of particular relevance in the food and drink industry.

Claims

Claims
1. A bottle cap comprising a fixing portion adapted to cooperate with a neck of a bottle, a container portion and a deformable chamber comprising a gas accommodation region.
2. A bottle cap as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the container portion comprises a
breakable seal urged to break by the application of a downward force and a sealed compartment for housing a substance, whereby a said substance is released from the compartment into a said bottle, and whereby release of gas from a said substance is accommodated by the gas accommodation region of the deformable chamber.
3. A bottle cap as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the breakable seal comprises a friable portion.
4. A bottle cap as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the breakable seal comprises a pierceable membrane.
5. A bottle cap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cap is substantially
cylindrical in shape.
6. A bottle cap as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a peelable tamper lid arranged at an outer portion of the cap.
7. A bottle cap as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a disc for urging the breakable seal to break.
8. A bottle cap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gas accommodation region is flexible.
9. A bottle cap as claimed in any claim 7, wherein the gas accommodation region is arranged to expand outwards to form a gas containment chamber.
10. A bottle cap as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the gas accommodation region is adapted to hold a volume of gas equivalent to twice the volume of the container portion.
1 1.A process for producing the bottle cap of any preceding claim.
12. A bottle comprising a bottle cap as claimed in any preceding claim.
13. A bottle cap as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IB2013/000991 2012-05-19 2013-05-19 Bottle cap comprising a gas accommodation region WO2013175288A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1208971.0 2012-05-19
GBGB1208971.0A GB201208971D0 (en) 2012-05-19 2012-05-19 Container-button bottle cap
GB1215815.0 2012-09-05
GB1215815.0A GB2502160A (en) 2012-05-19 2012-09-05 Bottle cap having compartment for a substance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013175288A1 true WO2013175288A1 (en) 2013-11-28

Family

ID=46546458

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2013/000991 WO2013175288A1 (en) 2012-05-19 2013-05-19 Bottle cap comprising a gas accommodation region

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201208971D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2013175288A1 (en)

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JP7193820B1 (en) 2022-03-29 2022-12-21 日本山村硝子株式会社 shaker

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WO2003051744A1 (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-06-26 Charles Rere Barnett A package for keeping a liquid and another substance separate prior to use
WO2006053013A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2006-05-18 Graham Packaging Company, L.P. Moveable seal
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GB2565813A (en) * 2017-08-23 2019-02-27 Norwood House Chocolate Ltd Mixing vessel for consumable substances
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JP2023145939A (en) * 2022-03-29 2023-10-12 日本山村硝子株式会社 shaker

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201215815D0 (en) 2012-10-24
GB201208971D0 (en) 2012-07-04
GB2502160A (en) 2013-11-20

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