WO2020049474A1

WO2020049474A1 - A dispensing cap assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020049474A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057443
Authority: WO
Inventors: Denis FUTTER
Original assignee: JEUSCHENAK, Hermann Arnulf
Priority date: 2018-09-04
Filing date: 2019-09-04
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

The invention provides a cap assembly (100) with a screw-threaded base (102) securable onto a container. The cap assembly (100) includes a chamber (108) supported from the base (102) with an internal biasing sleeve (122). The sleeve (122) is guided for longitudinal movement along an inside of the chamber (108) and extendable through screw-threaded engagement with a rotating nozzle (118) to rupture an end wall (110) of the chamber (108). The contents of the chamber (108) are dispensed into the container, usually for mixing with water.

Description

A DISPENSING CAP ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cap assembly for dinking a beverage or mixed liquid from a bottle or other container. The cap assembly includes a rupturable chamber to house mixing contents that can be dispensed into the container for dissolution in water (or some other liquid) when consumption is required.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Caps of the kind that include a rupturable, dispensing chamber are known. A nozzle is usually pressed down and this provides mechanical means to rupture an end wall and open the chamber. The end wall may be moulded as part of the chamber or fitted in the form of foil or some other membrane or laminate. The contents of the chamber are dispensed into the bottle/container and can be dissolved by shaking.

Provision of a regularly and easily rupturable chamber is not readily achieved by the prior art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cap with a dispensing chamber that can be easily opened and/or is convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a cap assembly (a) with a base for connection to an outlet spigot of a container

i. the base including a [substantially] central, inner chamber with an end wall that is rupturable [to dispense mixing contents of the chamber into a container fitted with the cap assembly]; and ii. a cylindrical hub coaxial to the chamber extending outwardly from the hub, opposite to the chamber;

(b) the hub provided with a retaining formation located in an annular groove inside a nozzle that is rotatably secured on the hub;

(c) the nozzle including an internal screw-thread located outwardly from the hub;

(d) an internal biasing member extending along the chamber and hub with a corresponding external screw-thread that engages inside the nozzle; and

(e) the biasing member

i. guided for movement longitudinally in relation to the chamber;

ii. with a working end that moves from a retracted condition into an extended condition and protrudes past the end wall on rotation of the nozzle.

The invention further provides for the base to be securable to a screw-threaded outlet spigot of a container.

A further feature of the invention provides for the biasing member to be a sleeve; and for the biasing sleeve has a flow passage [provided by an arrangement of openings] around a spigot that locates into [and seals] an outlet of the nozzle when the sleeve is in the retracted condition.

A further feature of the invention provides for the retaining formation to be an annular rib.

Further features of the invention provide for the biasing sleeve to have a suitably sharp [inclined, tapered and/or serrated] working end; for the biasing sleeve to be cylindrical; and for the biasing sleeve to be in splined engagement with an inside of the chamber wall.

Further features of the invention provide for a pilfer cap to be removably secured to the nozzle for rotation of the nozzle; for the pilfer cap to be connected to a retaining ring on the nozzle by an arrangement of shear connectors [for removal of the pilfer cap when the nozzle is rotated to a stop, with the sleeve in the extended condition]; and for the pilfer cap to have a second spigot that locates into the outlet of the nozzle.

A further feature of the invention provided for an external shoulder on the biasing sleeve to abut against the base to limit rotation of the nozzle.

Further features of the invention provide for the container to be a bottle, alternatively, a flexible pouch provided with a screw-threaded outlet spigot.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a cap assembly comprising a base supporting a chamber having an a internal biasing sleeve that is guided for movement along the chamber and screw-threadedly engaged with a nozzle that is rotatably retained in relation to the base to bias the sleeve from a retracted condition into an extended condition to rupture an end wall of the chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description made, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show in:

Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a cap assembly;

Figure 2 a side cross-sectional view the assembled cap with a biasing sleeve in a retracted condition; and

Figure 3 a side view of the cap assembly with the biasing sleeve in an extended condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, a cap assembly (100) is provided with a base (102) for connection to an outlet spigot (104) of a container (not shown). More specifically, the base (102) of the current embodiment is configured with an annular, internally screw threaded, bottle engaging flange (106) that is moulded concentrically around an inner dispensing chamber (108).

The chamber (108), which is cylindrical, extends from the base (102) and will be provided with a suitable end wall (not shown but located at 110) that is rupturable to dispense mixing contents of the chamber (108) into a container fitted with the cap assembly (100).

The end wall may be a foil and plastic laminated membrane that is adhered across the end (110). Alternatively, an end wall may be moulded in place and could be provided with a suitable line of weakness (through reduced material thickness) to facilitate rupturing.

A cylindrical hub (112) is provided coaxial to the chamber (108) extending outwardly from the base (102), opposite to the chamber (108). The hub (112) includes a retaining formation (114) that locates in an annular groove (116) on the inside of a drinking nozzle (118). The retaining formation is an annular rib (114) in this embodiment and the nozzle (118) is rotatably secured or retained on the hub (112) through this arrangement of the rib (114) in the groove (116).

The nozzle (118) has an internal screw-thread (120) located outwardly from the hub (112). The internal screw-thread (120) is supported in this position to interact with an internal biasing member (122). The biasing member is provided as a sleeve (122) that extends along the chamber (108) and through the hub (112). A corresponding external screw-thread (124) on the biasing sleeve (122) engages with the internal screw-thread (122) of the rotating, captive nozzle (118).

In accordance with the invention, the biasing sleeve (122) is guided longitudinally against rotation in relation to the chamber (108) and can accordingly slide axially along the length of the chamber as described below.

In the current embodiment, the biasing sleeve (122) is cylindrical and lines or locates closely against a sidewall (109) of the chamber (108) and inside the cylindrical hub (112), in sliding relationship with these parts. It will however be appreciated that alternative configurations may be employed for a biasing member (122) that will still achieve the longitudinal displacement of a working end (126) in the manner described. Openings, slots or cutaway portions in the sleeve (122) may accordingly be included where a functional formation or structure is not required from this component (bearing in mind that the chamber sidewall (109) and hub (112) provide the enclosure for the chamber contents). A cylindrical sleeve (122) is however convenient and effective.

The biasing sleeve (122) shown in the drawings includes longitudinal splines (128) that slide in corresponding grooves (130) in the chamber sidewall (109). The splined engagement between these components permits longitudinal sliding but prevents any rotation of the sleeve (122) inside the cap assembly (100).

In the result, rotation of the nozzle (108) is converted to longitudinal displacement of the biasing sleeve (122) from a retracted condition (shown in Figure 2) into an extended condition (shown in Figure 3). This mechanism of the assembly (100) provides for direct engagement of the end wall at (110) by the sliding sleeve (122) in a predetermined position that is suitably configured to rupture. Where the end wall is a seal provided as a foil/plastic membrane, as with the current embodiment, the sliding longitudinal movement of the sleeve (122) without rotation prevents snagging on the seal. A cutting edge at the working end (126) is kept in alignment with a line of weakness in the end wall.

On actuation of the mechanism, the working end (126) moves from the retracted condition to protrude past a free end (110) of the chamber (108) that will be fitted with a rupturable end wall. The sleeve (122) has a suitably sharp working end provided by an inclined or tapered and bevelled edge, which is also serrated in the current embodiment. The splines (128) on the biasing sleeve (122) extend from an annular step (132) providing a first external shoulder (132). The step (132) is slidably engaged against an inner surface of the cylindrical hub (112). The inside of the hub (112) is formed with a slightly larger diameter than the chamber sidewall (109) that extends to the opposite side of the base (102). The configuration provides a second shoulder (134) on the base between the chamber (108) and the hub (112). The second shoulder forms a stop (134) to limit the sliding displacement of the biasing sleeve (122) into the extended condition and also, accordingly, stops rotation of the nozzle (118). The rotation of the nozzle (118) is stopped with the corresponding screw-threads (120) and (124) still engaged, which allows for reverse rotation to move the sleeve (122) back into the retracted condition. The latter also corresponds to a re-closure of the nozzle (118) to seal the container as described below. The biasing sleeve (122) has a flow passage (136.1 and 136.2) that extends from an interior (136.1) of the sleeve (122) past a central spigot (138) on the end of the sleeve (122). The flow passage includes an arrangement of openings (136.2) located around the spigot (138). The spigot (138) cooperates with an outlet (140) of the nozzle (118), into which it sealingly locates when the sleeve (122) is in the retracted condition. When the sleeve (122) is moved out of the retracted condition, the openings permit the flow of liquid through the sleeve (122) and via the outlet (140) of the nozzle (118). The sleeve (122) accordingly forms part of a outlet passage from the inside of the container to and through the nozzle (118). The central spigot (138) could alternatively be supported by an arrangement of two or more spokes inside the sleeve (122) to provide the same result.

The cap assembly (100) of the invention also includes pilfer or dust cap (142) that is removably secured to the nozzle (118) for rotation of the nozzle (118). More specifically, the pilfer cap (142) is connected to a retaining ring (144) by an arrangement of shear connectors (146). This allows for the pilfer cap (142) to be used to rotate the nozzle (118) and move the sleeve (122) into the extended condition, which opens the chamber (108). The pilfer cap (142) can be removed and the nozzle (118) does not need to be touched by a hand, which may be dirty.

The retaining ring (144) engages over a ridge (148) on the nozzle and may be locked against rotation separate from the nozzle (118), through a suitable degree of frictional engagement - in that case, removal of the pilfer cap (142) will easily be effected when the nozzle (118) is rotated to a stop, with the sleeve (122) in the extended condition, by further turning of the pilfer cap (142) to shear the connectors (146).

The contents of the chamber (108) can be of any description. This would include solid or liquids of a colouring, flavouring, nutritional, sanitizing and/or medicament nature. Any substance that is sought to be kept separate from water or some other liquid in a bottle until just before intended consumption (or for whatever reason).

In use, the pilfer cap (142) and nozzle (118) will be turned clock-wise. This displaces the biasing sleeve (122) through the end wall to open the chamber (108).

A second spigot (150) in the pilfer cap (142) provided as a cylindrical skirt seals the central outlet (140) in the nozzle (118) while the pilfer cap (142) is secured in place. This arrangement allows for mixing of the contents that have been dispensed into the container, which is usually full of water, by shaking. Once the mixing contents are dissolved, the pilfer cap (142) can be removed and the resulting beverage or dissolved liquid mixture consumed. Rotation of the nozzle (118) in an anti-clockwise direction will retract the biasing sleeve (122) and close the flow passage (136.1 and 136.2) through the cap assembly (100) by bringing the first spigot (138) of the sleeve into engagement with the outlet (140) in the nozzle (118).

The pilfer cap (142) can also be replaced to rotate the nozzle (118) closed without touching the nozzle by hand. Although this step is not necessary to provide a seal it is a feature of the cap assembly (100) which can provide added benefit and/or be useful in certain applications.

The cap assembly (100) is obviously well suited for use with a bottle, whether it is made of be plastic, glass or aluminium for example. Other containers may also be used. Instead of a bottle the container could be a flexible pouch provided with a screw-threaded outlet spigot. A tin can or cup-shaped container that has a screw- threaded end but no bottle neck as such could also be used. In addition to the beverage and flavoured water industry, the invention will find specific application with respect to two-part medicines and also in the sanitization of dirty water (especially where natural disasters have occurred). The size of the container may vary according to the application and volume required and this should not limit the use of the cap assembly in any way. It may for example be desirable to mix 1 litre of a medicine in some cases. The cap assembly may also be provided in engagement with or fitted onto a container or it may be supplied separately for use with a normal commercially available bottle of water or other re- usable bottle or container.

In this example, the splines are linear but it will be appreciated that a suitable spiral configuration may also be used to provide the desired displacement of the biasing member.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that several other variations may also be made to the features of the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the current invention.

Claims

1. A cap assembly

(a) with a base for connection to an outlet spigot of a container

i. the base including a central, inner chamber with an end wall that is rupturable; and

ii. a cylindrical hub coaxial to the chamber extending outwardly from the hub, opposite to the chamber;

(e) the biasing member

i. guided for movement longitudinally in relation to the chamber;

2. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the base is securable to a screw- threaded outlet spigot of a container.

3. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the biasing member is a sleeve.

4. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which the biasing sleeve has a flow passage around a spigot that locates into an outlet of the nozzle when the sleeve is in the retracted condition.

5. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 4, in which the flow passage includes an arrangement of openings around the spigot.

6. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the retaining formation is an annular rib.

7. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the biasing sleeve has suitably sharp working end.

8. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the biasing sleeve is cylindrical.

9. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the biasing sleeve is in splined engagement with an inside of the chamber wall.

10. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , which includes a pilfer cap removably secured to the nozzle for rotation of the nozzle.

11. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the pilfer cap is connected to a retaining ring on the nozzle by an arrangement of shear connectors.

12. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the pilfer cap has a second spigot that locates into the outlet of the nozzle.

13. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 1 , which includes an external shoulder on the biasing sleeve to abut against the base providing a limit to rotation of the nozzle.

14. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the container is a bottle.

15. A cap assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the container is a flexible pouch provided with a screw-threaded outlet spigot.

16. A cap assembly comprising a base supporting a chamber having an a internal biasing sleeve that is guided for movement along the chamber and screw- threadedly engaged with a nozzle that is rotatably retained in relation to the base to bias the sleeve from a retracted condition into an extended condition to rupture an end wall of the chamber.