WO2015009171A1 - Fermeture de récipient - Google Patents

Fermeture de récipient Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015009171A1
WO2015009171A1 PCT/NZ2014/000149 NZ2014000149W WO2015009171A1 WO 2015009171 A1 WO2015009171 A1 WO 2015009171A1 NZ 2014000149 W NZ2014000149 W NZ 2014000149W WO 2015009171 A1 WO2015009171 A1 WO 2015009171A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator
closure
storage chamber
cutter
cutting apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2014/000149
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey John Sharp
Original Assignee
Sji Limited
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 Sji Limited filed Critical Sji Limited
Publication of WO2015009171A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015009171A1/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
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
    • B65D47/243—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
    • B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
    • 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
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
    • B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
    • B65D51/221—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening
    • B65D51/222—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure
    • B65D51/224—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure the outer closure comprising flexible parts
    • 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
    • B65D51/2835—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 ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
    • B65D2251/0015—Upper closure of the 41-type
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0093—Membrane

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a closure for use with a vessel.
  • the present invention relates to a closure for separating two substances until mixing is desired.
  • Dispensers are known for use in holding, and when activated, adding additives to another substance such as water, other solutions, or powders.
  • Such dispensers are often in the form of a dispensing closure to be attached to a vessel such as a bottle containing the substance to which the additive is to be added.
  • the dispensing closure holds the additive until a user activates a mechanism to mix the substances.
  • One arrangement for dispensing closures includes a storage chamber containing an additive and sealed with a frangible membrane. Actuation of a diaphragm drives a cutting member through the membrane, releasing the additive from the storage chamber.
  • Such dispensing closures are used in the pharmaceutical industry to keep one or more active ingredients separate from the solution with which they are to be mixed, until the mixture is required. This is particularly useful in situations where the efficacy of the mixture may degrade with time. Use of a dispensing closure allows the active ingredient(s) to be added to the solution at the time of use, thus ensuring the mixture has the correct properties, concentration of ingredients and so on.
  • Another common use is for sports drinks where the active ingredient, for example an electrolyte, may be kept separate from the solution until immediately prior to use, thus maintaining the full efficacy of the mixture.
  • dispensing closures allow accurate amounts of substance to be mixed with the contents of a vessel without the need for additional measuring cups and other devices. This is envisaged as having application to the mixing of infant formulas, where it may be desirable to have a pre-packaged quantity of formula for ease of transportation and convenience, or mixing of the formula with one hand while caring for the infant with the other.
  • closures are designed to easily dispense substance based on free flowing granular substances such as sugar. They are not particularly effective when the closure is used with substances that does not flow easily, such as milk powder, or milk powder blends.
  • Milk powder based ingredients are inherently hard to dispense due to poor flowing properties.
  • One of the causes of this is that the milk fat in the powder tends to bind the powder together and reduce fluidity.
  • Whole milk power has a higher fat concentration than skim milk powder thus the whole milk powder is more difficult to dispense or flow from containers.
  • Another cause is the fine powdery textures of milk powder which can lead to "wadding".
  • milk powder is used in many applications, such as infant formulas, coffee mixes, and other food products, it may be desirable to provide a closure effective for use with milk powder, milk powder blends and other substances having similar dispersal issues.
  • a unitary moulded closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber to be sealed by a frangible membrane; an actuator; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber and movable in relation to the frangible membrane by the actuator to break the frangible membrane, wherein the cutting apparatus includes: a cutter having a cutting edge facing the frangible membrane, wherein the greatest distance between two points on the cutting edge is at least substantially 50% of the width of the storage chamber at the junction between the storage chamber and the frangible membrane; a plurality of connectors extending from the cutter to the actuator, wherein the length of the cutter is less than or equal to the sum of the width of spaces between the connectors and width of the connectors from their junction with the actuator; and a central axis extending from the actuator towards the cutter, wherein the angle between each connector and the central axis is within the range of 3 degrees to 15 degrees, tapering outwardly from their junction with the actuator to the cutter.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, wherein the cutting apparatus is movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator, and the widest part of the cutting apparatus is greater or equal to substantially 50% of the width of the storage chamber at the junction between the storage chamber and the frangible membrane.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, wherein the cutting apparatus is movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator; and the cutting apparatus includes a plurality of connectors extending from a cutter to the actuator, and the length of the cutter is less than or equal to the sum of the width of spaces between the connectors and width of the connectors along their junction with the actuator.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, wherein the cutting apparatus is movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator; and the cutting apparatus includes a plurality of connectors extending from a cutter to the actuator, and the connectors are arranged about the perimeter of a notional shape on the actuator, and the length of the cutter is less than or equal to the length of the perimeter.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, and the cutting apparatus is movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator; and the cutting apparatus includes a plurality of connectors extending from a cutter to the actuator, and the angle between the connectors and a central axis of the cutting apparatus extending from the actuator towards the cutter is within the range of 3 degrees to 15 degrees, tapering outward at the cutter end of the cutting apparatus.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, the cutting apparatus being movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator; the cutting apparatus including a plurality of connectors extending from a cutter to the actuator, wherein the total area of the connectors is between 5% to 25% of the total area of ports defined by the space between the connectors, the cutter and the actuator.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber, the cutting apparatus being movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator; wherein the depth of the storage chamber is less than twice the width of the storage chamber.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber and movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator, wherein the cutting apparatus includes a cutter and a plurality of connectors extending from the cutter to an actuator, and spaces between the connectors, the cutter, and the actuator define ports in the cutting apparatus, and the portion of the ports closest to the cutter reach the level of the frangible membrane when the cutting apparatus is actuated by the actuator.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber and movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator, the cutting apparatus including a plurality of connectors extending from a cutter to the actuator, wherein ends of the connectors closest to a cutting edge of the cutter are configured to push against the frangible membrane when the cutting apparatus is actuated by the actuator.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber sealed by a frangible membrane; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber and movable in relation to the frangible membrane by an actuator, wherein the cutting apparatus partitions the storage chamber to define a first storage area on the interior of the cutting apparatus, and a second storage area outside the cutting apparatus.
  • Reference to a vessel should be understood to be any structure, apparatus or device which can be used to contain a fluid material within its structure.
  • the vessel may be a bottle, can, cup or the like.
  • a closure should be understood to be any structure, apparatus or device which can be used to stop the fluid material from exiting out of the opening of a vessel - for example a cap, lid, base, cork or the like.
  • the closure may include engaging means for attachment of the closure to the vessel.
  • the vessel and closure may include complementary engaging means for this purpose - for example, screw threads, key-in-lock arrangements, locking tabs, spring locks, retention rings and the like.
  • complementary engaging means for this purpose - for example, screw threads, key-in-lock arrangements, locking tabs, spring locks, retention rings and the like.
  • the closure may be designed to interface with the vessel by way of an interference fit for example.
  • the thickness and dimensions of the closure may be influenced by the structure and shape of the opening of the vessel that it is designed to be used with. Furthermore, the thickness and dimensions of the closure may be affected by the volume and properties of the substance it is designed to retain. Generally, the thickness and dimensions of the closure may be designed so that it can withstand its operating conditions, under calculations using normal thermal fluid dynamics, material properties principals and other engineering principles.
  • the closure is a moulded unitary part.
  • One piece manufacture decreases the cost of manufacture significantly - both in terms of tooling and time.
  • the one step process also allows higher production rates, with the production rate being directly proportional to the rate of moulding (or other manufacturing process) to produce the closure and is not limited by further steps such as assembling a number of separate small components which are labour, and thus cost, intensive.
  • the closure may include a dispensing valve having a spout moulded to the actuator, and a cap moveable relative to the spout to open and close a fluid pathway through the closure.
  • closure may be manufactured in multiple parts - for example the cap may be manufactured separately to the remainder of the closure - it should be appreciated that such a closure retains a number of the advantages of embodiments in which the storage chamber, actuator, and cutting apparatus are unitarily moulded without a dispensing valve.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber to be sealed by a frangible membrane; an actuator; a dispensing valve connected to the actuator; a cutting apparatus positioned within the storage chamber and movable in relation to the frangible membrane by the actuator to break the frangible membrane, wherein the cutting apparatus includes: a cutter having a cutting edge facing the frangible membrane, wherein the greatest distance between two points on the cutting edge is at least substantially 50% of the width of the storage chamber at the junction between the storage chamber and the frangible membrane; a plurality of connectors extending from the cutter to the actuator, wherein the length of the cutter is less than or equal to the sum of the width of spaces between the connectors and width of the connectors from their junction with the actuator; and a central axis extending from the actuator towards the cutter, wherein the angle between each connector and the central axis is within the range of 3 degrees to 15 degrees, tapering outwardly from their junction with the actuator to the cutter.
  • the closure may be made of a plastics material.
  • the closure may be made of a thermoplastics polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials may have desirable flexing properties, approval for use in food contact applications, good chemical resistance, good gas barrier properties and are low cost.
  • such materials allow moulding in one piece while still providing sufficient strength and rigidity of the closure to be attached to a vessel, and being flexible enough to easily depress an actuator formed as part of the closure.
  • Reference to a storage chamber should be understood as any structure, apparatus or device which can be used to contain a substance within its structure.
  • the storage chamber may include at least one wall which assists in defining a space for containing the substance to be released into a vessel to which the closure is attached.
  • the substance to be stored within the storage chamber may include, for example, a liquid, powder, granules, flavouring agents such as sugar, salt and the like. It is envisaged that embodiments described herein may have particular application to the storage and release of fine powder, for example milk powder. It should be appreciated that this is not intented to exclude the use of the closure with other substances - particularly highly viscous liquids.
  • the substance may be stored in predetermined volumes - whether defined by the apparatus supplying the substance to the storage chamber, or by filing the storage chamber to capacity.
  • frangible membrane should be understood to be a thin sheet of material which can be relatively easily penetrated or broken by the manual application of force.
  • frangible membrane examples include metallic foil, plastic, paper and the like, including laminates of these materials.
  • the storage chamber may include a wall at one end - for example defined by the actuator - and be sealed at the opposite end by a frangible membrane following filling of the chamber with the substance.
  • the dimensions of the storage chamber may be defined in terms of the width of its interior, as well as its depth.
  • the depth of the storage chamber may be less than or equal to substantially two times the widest part of the storage chamber.
  • this ratio may be within the range of 30% to 150%. By restricting this ratio, it is envisaged that the likelihood of the substance being restricted from flowing from the storage chamber due to compacting may be reduced - assisting in helping dispensing of the substance from the storage chamber.
  • Reference to a cutting apparatus should be understood to be any apparatus, structure, or device which can cut, pierce or break another structure.
  • the cutting apparatus may be moved from a rest position where it is clear of the frangible membrane to a cutting position where the cutting apparatus breaks the frangible membrane to allow the substance stored within the storage chamber to enter the vessel.
  • the cutting apparatus may act to partition the storage chamber, so substance is stored within both outside and within the cutting apparatus.
  • the closure may include an actuator which when operated by the user may be used to move the cutting apparatus in the manner described above.
  • the actuator once actuated, may remain in the cutting position. In doing so, the substance stored within the storage chamber may be allowed to also flow out through ports of the cutting apparatus (discussed in greater detail below) - without requiring the user to maintain force on the actuator.
  • the actuator may be a flexible diaphragm, configured in a dome-like shape whereby the user will actuate the actuator by pushing down on substantially the apex of the dome. It is envisaged that the curved shape of the diaphragm may increase the degree of movement achievable - and thus the travel of the cutting apparatus - in order to increase the likelihood of the frangible membrane being sufficiently pierced to permit flow of the substance.
  • the cutting apparatus may be configured with a self-returning mechanism so that once the cutting apparatus is moved to the cutting position, it can return to its rest position via the self-returning mechanism.
  • a self-returning mechanism can be in the form of a compression spring, a leaf spring or an elastic type structure which acts as a leaf spring.
  • the actuator may be configured to include the self-returning mechanism - reducing the number of working parts and therefore complexity.
  • the actuator is the diaphragm described above it may be configured to elastically deform, and return to its original form and therefore position on release of force pushing it towards the frangible membrane.
  • the cutting apparatus may include a cutter for penetrating and breaking the frangible membrane so the substance retained within the storage chamber can be released into the vessel.
  • the cutter may include a cutting edge that is sufficiently sharp, or structured in a manner, so the cutter can penetrate the frangible membrane upon actuation of the actuator to move the cutting apparatus from the rest position into the cutting position.
  • the cutting edge may be serrated, with a series of teeth along its length. This serrated arrangement may assist in creating gaps between the teeth and the frangible membrane when the cutting apparatus is actuated, through which the substance can flow. It should be appreciated that reference to the cutting edge being serrated is not intended to be limiting, and that the cutting edge may, for example, be straight, curved, or wave-like.
  • the cutter may be a partial ring.
  • This configuration may enable penetration and breaking of the frangible membrane - while leaving a part of the frangible membrane intact and connected to the edge of the storage chamber so that the frangible membrane does not fall into the vessel.
  • ring is not intended to limit the shape of the cutter to being generally circular - for example the partial ring may be elliptical.
  • the widest part of the cutter may be greater than or equal to substantially 50% of the width of the storage chamber opening to the vessel. More particularly, the greatest distance between two points on the cutting edge may be at least substantially 50% of the width of the storage chamber at the junction between the storage chamber and the frangible membrane.
  • this the size of the hole formed by the cutter in the frangible membrane relative to the storage chamber may reduce the space outside the cutting apparatus, and therefore reduce the likelihood of substance retaining trapped within this space on breaking of the frangible membrane. It is envisaged that this may be particularly applicable in instances where the substance is a fine powder and subject to wadding or clogging during dispensing - although it should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting.
  • the widest part of the cutter may be within the range of 50% to 85% of the width of the storage chamber.
  • the thickness of moulding parts used for the interior of the storage chamber may be sufficient to avoid compromising the cooling and strength properties of those parts. This may help in improving longevity of the moulding parts themselves, and achieving consistency in production of the closures.
  • the cutting apparatus may include a plurality of connectors extending from the cutter to the actuator.
  • the connectors may position the cutter relative to the frangible membrane and the actuator, provide structural integrity to the cutting apparatus, and together with the actuator and the cutter define ports between the interior and exterior of the cutting apparatus.
  • the cutting apparatus may include a central axis extending from the actuator towards the cutter, with the connectors angled to taper outwardly from the central axis towards the end of the cutting apparatus at which the cutter is located.
  • the angle between each connector and the central axis may be within the range of 3 degrees to 15 degrees. More particularly the angle may be within the range of 3 degrees to 12 degrees. While it may be desirable for the width of the cutter to be large in order to create a large hole through the frangible membrane, in embodiments it may simultaneously be desirable to reduce the distance between each connector's junction with the actuator and the central axis of the cutting apparatus.
  • connection of the connectors towards the centre or apex of the diaphragm may allow a greater degree of movement of the cutting apparatus in comparison with the junctions between the connectors and the diaphragm being located further away.
  • the extent of this movement may be useful for ensuring penetration of the frangible membrane, but also for increasing the likelihood of substance being able to flow through the ports between the connectors without becoming trapped against cutter.
  • this angle is formed by separate parts of the closure mould.
  • the angle may be required to be such that when the separate parts move away from each other, a gap may be formed allowing the cutter of the closure to be extracted from the mould.
  • the dimensions of the connectors may be determined based on loading requirements, it is envisaged that the total area of the connectors between the cutter and actuator, and facing the storage chamber may be between 5% to 25% of the total area of the ports that are defined by the space between the connectors, the actuator, and the cutter. This may assist in ensuring that the substance flows easily from the storage chamber through the hole in the frangible membrane and into the vessel.
  • the length of the cutter may be less than or equal to the sum of the width of spaces between the connectors and width of the connectors along their junctions with the actuator.
  • the width of the spaces between the connectors may not be measured linearly (i.e. along a straight line between the connectors), but along a curve reflecting the corresponding curvature of the cutter at the distal end of the connectors.
  • controlling the length of the cutter relative to the length of the cutting apparatus around their junctions with the actuator may assist with manufacture of the closure as a unitary moulding - particularly where the aforementioned angle between the connectors and the central axis of the cutting apparatus is to be achieved - by increasing the ease of extraction of the cutting apparatus from a mould.
  • the plurality of connectors may arranged about the perimeter of a notional shape on the actuator, wherein the length of the cutter is less than or equal to the length of the perimeter.
  • references to a notional shape should be understood to mean a theoretical representation of a geometric shape.
  • the notional shape may be an enclosed curve - and more particularly circular, effectively acting as a pitch circle for the junctions between the connectors and the actuator. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the geometric shape may be non-circular, for example elliptical.
  • the notional shape may be embodied by a physical feature of the closure - for example an aperture in the actuator about which the connectors are arranged.
  • the lowest portion of the ports may be substantially in line with or below the plane defined by the frangible membrane when the cutting apparatus is actuated into the cutting position. This may assist with enabling as much substance as possible to flow through the ports into the vessel as well as around the edges of the cutting apparatus.
  • the connectors may join to the side of the cutter such that when the cutting apparatus is actuated into the cutting position, the ends of the connectors extend beyond the storage chamber along the central axis. This may provide additional surface area of the cutting apparatus pushing against the frangible membrane to assist with opening the storage chamber to the vessel.
  • a closure for a vessel including: a storage chamber; and an actuator, wherein the actuator is connected to the storage chamber by a flexure bearing around its periphery.
  • the wall thickness of the storage chamber may be in the order of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm.
  • the storage chamber may be required to have sufficient rigidity to resist substantive flexure - particularly during attachment of the closure to a vessel. It is envisaged that this may be particularly important in embodiments where the closure includes a frangible membrane configured to seal an opening of the chamber. Otherwise, such flexure may result in damage to the frangible membrane and potential release of the contained substance before the desired time. Maintaining a minimum thickness of the wall of the storage chamber may assist with this.
  • a flexure bearing may be used in conjunction with the actuator being a flexible diaphragm made of a thin section of material forming a barrier on one side of the storage chamber, in which depression of the flexible diaphragm may cause the substance contained in the storage chamber to be released into the vessel - potentially the aforementioned cutting apparatus.
  • the thickness of the diaphragm at the junctions with the cutting apparatus may be greater than the outer periphery of the diaphragm. It is envisaged that this may assist in maintaining the shape and structure of the cutting apparatus in use - particularly where the cutting apparatus includes a cutter supported by a plurality of connectors. If the connectors and cutter flex out of shape in use, then the load bearing capacity may be significantly reduced. This could result in the connectors buckling, reducing the force capable of being delivered to the cutter to the point of it being unable to pierce the frangible membrane.
  • use of the flexure bearing may allow for the thickness of the diaphragm at the junctions with the cutting apparatus to be increased while still allowing sufficient flexure and therefore travel to pierce the frangible membrane - discussed further below.
  • this increased thickness may provide reinforcing for supporting a spout extending from this section of the diaphragm.
  • a flexure bearing should be understood to mean a component which allows motion of the diaphragm relative to the storage chamber by bending a load element.
  • the flexure bearing may be configured to permit the diameter of the diaphragm to spread as force is applied to depress the diaphragm.
  • this spreading action may be desirable in order to reduce the likelihood of the diaphragm distorting and affecting the piercing of the frangible membrane. This spreading action may also draw the centre of the diaphragm downwards, assisting the user in depressing it.
  • the flexure bearing may be a living hinge, where the load element is made of the same material as the diaphragm and the storage chamber. This may enable the closure to be manufactured as a unitary piece. This may provide a number of benefits as discussed previously. A further advantage may be that the likelihood of mechanical failure or faults in the closure is greatly reduced, as attachment points are eliminated (for example between the diaphragm, flexure bearing, and the storage chamber).
  • the flexure bearing may extend downwardly at an angle from its junction with the storage chamber, to the diaphragm, in order to facilitate this movement.
  • the thickness of the flexure bearing and diaphragm may be substantially the same in exemplary embodiments. In doing so, it is envisaged that the two components may flex or deflect to a similar extent on application of force by a user. Further, this may assist in providing continuous tactile feedback to the user, rather than a stepwise transition as either the flexure bearing or diaphragm gives way before the other.
  • the diaphragm and flexure bearing may be in the order of 0.15 mm to 0.75 mm in thickness. More preferably, the thickness may be in the order of 0.25 mm to 0.7 mm. It is envisaged that this may provide sufficient strength to maintain the position of the cutting apparatus before use, while allowing for ease of movement during actuation without tearing, which might compromise the sealed nature of the closure and vessel to which it is attached.
  • the various embodiments of the closure as herein described may be used as follows.
  • the closure may be fitted to a vessel such as a bottle - whether distributed or sold containing a liquid with which the substance contained by the closure is to be mixed, or to be filled by the user.
  • Depressing the actuator causes the cutting apparatus to break the frangible membrane, allowing the substance to pass from the storage chamber into the vessel.
  • depressing the actuator and subsequent mixing by shaking of the vessel may be performed one-handed, which may be particularly useful in the context of preparing a drink for an infant where it may be desirable to have the other arm free for carrying or otherwise caring for the infant. It should be appreciated that this context of use is by way of example, and not intended to be limiting.
  • FIG. 1A is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispensing closure
  • FIG. 1 B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary dispensing closure
  • FIG. 1C is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispensing closure
  • FIG 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispensing closure in a first stage of use
  • FIG 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispensing closure in a second stage of use
  • FIG 2C is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispensing closure in a third stage of use.
  • FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary dispensing closure.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary unitary moulded dispensing closure (generally indicated by arrow 10), including a cylindrical outer wall 12 configured to fit over the neck of a vessel such as a bottle (not illustrated).
  • a storage chamber is defined in the closure 10 by an interior wall 14 and an actuator in the form of a flexible domed diaphragm 16 connecting to the interior wall 14 around its periphery at one end.
  • the thickness of the interior wall 14 is within the range of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm where the closure may be made of a thermoplastics polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This thickness provides sufficient rigidity, particularly while the closure 10 is being fitted to the bottle, to reduce the likelihood of a frangible membrane (not illustrated in FIG. 1A, but positioned across the end of the interior wall 14) from tearing due to flexure of the closure 10.
  • a cutting apparatus is connected to the diaphragm 16, including a cutter 18 having a cutting edge with a series of serrated teeth 20, connected to the diaphragm 16 by a number of elongate connector legs 22.
  • the space between the legs 22, cutter 18, and diaphragm 16 define ports 24, through which substance in the storage chamber can pass.
  • the total area of the legs 22 between the diaphragm 16 and cutter 18, and facing the interior wall 14, is designed to be within the range of 5% to 25% of the area defined by the ports 24. This places bounds which allow for rigidity and loading capabilities of the legs 22, while providing a large enough pathway between the exterior and interior of the cutting apparatus to assist in flow of substance from the storage chamber.
  • the cutting apparatus includes a central axis 26 extending between the diaphragm 16 and cutter 18, with the legs 22 tapering outwardly from their junctions with the diaphragm 16 towards the end of the cutting apparatus at which the cutter 18 is located.
  • the angle 28 between the legs 22 and the central axis 26 is designed to be within the range of 3 to 15 degrees, influenced by the intended use of the closure 10. When the separate parts of a mould used in a tooling process such as "two stage ejection" move in relation to each other, the angle 28 permits a gap to form - enabling the cutter 18 of the closure 10 to be extracted from the closure mould.
  • the greatest distance 30 between two points on the cutting edge 20 of the cutter 18 is at least substantially 50% of the width 32 of the storage chamber at the distal end of the interior wall 14 from the diaphragm 16.
  • this the size of the hole formed by the cutter 18 in the frangible membrane relative to the storage chamber may reduce the space outside the cutting apparatus, and therefore reduce the likelihood of substance retaining trapped within this space on breaking of the frangible membrane.
  • the substance to be dispensed is a fine powder such as milk powder, this may reduce the likelihood of wadding or clogging due to compaction within that space.
  • distance 30 is within the range of 50% to 85% of the width 32, allowing for a minimum thickness of moulding parts used for the interior of wall 14 to be maintained in order to avoid compromising the cooling and strength properties of those parts.
  • the depth 34 of the storage chamber defined by the height of interior wall 14, is less than or equal to substantially two times the width 32 of the storage chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, this ratio may be within the range of 30% to 150%. It is envisaged that this may assist in reducing the likelihood of the substance being restricted from flowing from the storage chamber due to compacting in a relatively narrow space may be reduced - improving the likelihood of all of the substance being delivered to the vessel.
  • FIG. 1 B it may be seen that the junctions between the legs 22 and diaphragm 16 are arranged a notional shape in the form of a pitch circle 36.
  • the cutter 18 is a partial ring, connecting between all but two of the legs 22. This resulting gap means that when the cutter 18 penetrates the frangible membrane (not illustrated, but previously described), the portion of the frangible membrane inside the cutter 18 will remain connected to the portion exterior to the cutter - preventing it from dropping into the vessel.
  • the length 38 of the cutter 18 between the legs 22 is less than, or equal to, the sum of the width of the legs 22 and the width of ports 24 along the diaphragm 16 - or in other words, the perimeter length of the pitch circle 36. This again assists with extraction of the cutting apparatus from a mould when moulding the closure 10 as a unitary part, particularly given the angle 28 of the legs 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 A.
  • a frangible membrane in the form of a foil sheet 40 is capped over the end of the interior wall 14 distal from the diaphragm 16, to seal the storage chamber.
  • the diaphragm 16 includes a reinforced portion 42, surrounded by a flexing portion 44 - the reinforced portion 42 being thicker that the flexing portion 44.
  • the legs 22 of the cutting apparatus are connected to the reinforced portion 42, the comparatively greater thickness and rigidity of which assists in maintaining the shape and orientation of the cutting apparatus as the diaphragm 16 deforms during actuation.
  • the flexing portion 44 is connected to the interior wall 14 by a flexure bearing in the form of living hinge 46 around the periphery of the diaphragm 16. In its inactivated state as illustrated, the flexing portion 44 extends downwardly from the reinforced portion 42 to meet the living hinge 46. The living hinge 46 then extends upwardly at an angle to connect to the interior wall 14.
  • the thickness of the flexing portion 44 and living hinge 46 is within the range of 0.15 mm to 0.75 mm in thickness, and more particularly within 0.25 mm to 0.7 mm.
  • FIG. 2A to 2C illustrate the closure 10 in stages of use. Referring to FIG. 2A, in operation, force is applied to the reinforced portion 42 to depress the diaphragm 16.
  • FIG. 2C shows the diaphragm 16 fully depressed, with the cutting apparatus and therefore cutting teeth 20 at full extension beyond the distal end of the interior wall 14. It may be seen that the reinforced portion 42 of the diaphragm 16 maintains its shape through the range of motion, providing a solid base for the legs 22.
  • the ends of the legs 22 closest to the teeth 20 of the cutter 18 extend to a position on the cutter 18 between the teeth and a point 52 extending beyond the interior wall 14 when the cutting apparatus is actuated into the cutting position illustrated in FIG. 2C. These ends are configured to push against the foil to assist with opening the storage chamber to the bottle.
  • the length of the legs 22 and height of the cutter may be such that, in the cutting position, the bottom edge of the ports 24 against the cutter 18 may be substantially level with or below the end of the interior wall 14. This may increase the likelihood of substance flowing through the ports 24 rather than becoming trapped between the interior wall 14 and the cutting apparatus.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a dispensing closure (generally indicated by arrow 300), generally configured as described with reference to the dispensing closure 10 of FIG. 1A to 2C.
  • the apex of diaphragm 302 includes a dispensing valve 304.
  • the dispensing valve 304 includes a spout 306 integrally moulded with diaphragm 302, and a cap 308.
  • the cap 308 may be selectively moved relative to the spout 306 in order to open and close a passage from the interior of the closure 300 so that a user may access the substance in storage chamber 310, or mixed substances in the container to which it is attached (not illustrated).
  • the dispensing valve 304 may be selectively covered using lid 312.
  • the remainder of the closure 300 may be unitarily moulded, as with the exemplary closure 10 previously described.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne une fermeture destinée à un récipient comprenant une chambre de stockage que doit sceller une membrane susceptible de rompre. Un appareil de coupe se trouve dans la chambre de stockage et peut être déplacé par un actionneur pour rompre la membrane. L'appareil de coupe contient un couteau comportant un bord de coupe qui fait face à la membrane, la plus grande distance entre deux points sur le bord de coupe représentant au moins sensiblement 50 % de la largeur de la chambre de stockage à la jonction entre la chambre de stockage et la membrane. Les connecteurs s'étendent du couteau vers l'actionneur, la longueur du couteau étant inférieure ou égale à la somme de la largeur des espaces entre les connecteurs et de la largeur des connecteurs à partir de leur jonction avec l'actionneur. Les connecteurs s'évasent extérieurement vers le couteau, alors que l'angle entre chaque connecteur et un axe central de l'appareil de coupe se trouve dans l'intervalle allant de 3 à 15°.
PCT/NZ2014/000149 2013-07-18 2014-07-17 Fermeture de récipient WO2015009171A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ613389 2013-07-18
NZ613390 2013-07-18
NZ61338913 2013-07-18
NZ61339013 2013-07-18

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WO2015009171A1 true WO2015009171A1 (fr) 2015-01-22

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Cited By (6)

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WO2017046420A1 (fr) * 2015-09-18 2017-03-23 Bevaswiss Ag Fermeture à bouchon remplissable dotée d'un film de scellement, à ouverture de film par rotation uniquement ou par pression axiale uniquement
CN109867020A (zh) * 2019-04-12 2019-06-11 珠海添健食品科技有限公司 一种即配饮料瓶盖
WO2019121067A1 (fr) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-27 Mühlemann Ip Gmbh Récipient en matière plastique muni d'un moyen d'ouverture
CN110077716A (zh) * 2019-04-09 2019-08-02 上海金苇子生物技术有限公司 长效即配饮料瓶盖
GB2595478A (en) * 2020-05-27 2021-12-01 Medcap Ltd Dispenser for selectively delivering a substance in a container
WO2023180215A1 (fr) * 2022-03-24 2023-09-28 Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh Fermetures pour produit fluide

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US20040007587A1 (en) * 2002-07-09 2004-01-15 Westphal Scott K. Membrane piercing closure
US20040155071A1 (en) * 2001-03-19 2004-08-12 Phillip Higgins Push/pull closure
WO2006123946A1 (fr) * 2005-05-16 2006-11-23 Sji Limited Fermeture de distribution a dispositif d'ouverture membranaire equipe de dents coupantes
US20070187428A1 (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-16 Viktorija Dzabrailova Shutoff device for packages of liquid products

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US20040155071A1 (en) * 2001-03-19 2004-08-12 Phillip Higgins Push/pull closure
US20040007587A1 (en) * 2002-07-09 2004-01-15 Westphal Scott K. Membrane piercing closure
WO2006123946A1 (fr) * 2005-05-16 2006-11-23 Sji Limited Fermeture de distribution a dispositif d'ouverture membranaire equipe de dents coupantes
US20070187428A1 (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-16 Viktorija Dzabrailova Shutoff device for packages of liquid products

Cited By (17)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108349635B (zh) * 2015-09-18 2020-03-10 贝瓦斯维斯股份公司 具有仅通过旋转或轴向按压打开的膜密封件的可填充盖闭合件
CN108349635A (zh) * 2015-09-18 2018-07-31 贝瓦斯维斯股份公司 具有仅通过旋转或轴向按压打开的膜密封件的可填充盖闭合件
JP2018527261A (ja) * 2015-09-18 2018-09-20 ベヴァスイス アーゲー 回転または軸方向の押圧だけで開放されるフィルムシールを有する充填可能なキャップクロージャ
US10597207B2 (en) 2015-09-18 2020-03-24 Bevaswiss Ag Fillable cap closure with a film seal that is opened purely by means of rotation or axial pressing
WO2017046420A1 (fr) * 2015-09-18 2017-03-23 Bevaswiss Ag Fermeture à bouchon remplissable dotée d'un film de scellement, à ouverture de film par rotation uniquement ou par pression axiale uniquement
WO2019121067A1 (fr) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-27 Mühlemann Ip Gmbh Récipient en matière plastique muni d'un moyen d'ouverture
CH714475A1 (de) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-28 Muehlemann Ip Gmbh Kunststoffbehälter, umfassend einen Behälterkörper, eine Behälterabdeckung und ein Öffnungsmittel zum Öffnen der Behälterabdeckung.
CN111566020A (zh) * 2017-12-20 2020-08-21 穆勒曼知识产权有限公司 带有开启装置的塑料容器
JP2021506692A (ja) * 2017-12-20 2021-02-22 ミュールマン、イーペー、ゲゼルシャフト、ミット、ベシュレンクテル、ハフツングＭｕｈｌｅｍａｎｎ Ｉｐ Ｇｍｂｈ 開口手段付きプラスチック容器
EA038169B1 (ru) * 2017-12-20 2021-07-19 Мюлеманн ИП ГмбХ Пластиковая емкость со средством открытия
CN110077716A (zh) * 2019-04-09 2019-08-02 上海金苇子生物技术有限公司 长效即配饮料瓶盖
CN110077716B (zh) * 2019-04-09 2023-12-19 上海金苇子生物技术有限公司 长效即配饮料瓶盖
CN109867020A (zh) * 2019-04-12 2019-06-11 珠海添健食品科技有限公司 一种即配饮料瓶盖
CN109867020B (zh) * 2019-04-12 2023-12-29 珠海添健食品科技有限公司 一种即配饮料瓶盖
GB2595478A (en) * 2020-05-27 2021-12-01 Medcap Ltd Dispenser for selectively delivering a substance in a container
WO2021239853A1 (fr) * 2020-05-27 2021-12-02 Medcap Limited Distributeur pour distribuer sélectivement une substance dans un récipient
WO2023180215A1 (fr) * 2022-03-24 2023-09-28 Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh Fermetures pour produit fluide

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