U.S. patent application number 11/382114 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for bottle cap and method of use with a liquid dispensing apparatus and system.
Invention is credited to Hung Hsiang Chen, Gregory N. Spear, Chun-Yen Wang.
Application Number | 20070267100 11/382114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38710922 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spear; Gregory N. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2007 |
Bottle Cap and Method of Use With a Liquid Dispensing Apparatus and
System
Abstract
A cap is provided for sealing a liquid container such as a water
bottle. The cap may include a cap body with an outer annular wall
engaging the bottle neck, and an inner annular wall with a plug
gripping formation engaging a cap gripping formation on a cap plug.
The cap body and the cap plug may be attached by a tether to ensure
that the cap plug does not completely disassociate from the cap
during liquid container removal and replacement. A method for using
such a cap, including various embodiments of the cap body and cap
plug, is also disclosed and claimed.
Inventors: |
Spear; Gregory N.; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Wang; Chun-Yen; (Ormand Beach, FL)
; Chen; Hung Hsiang; (Ormand Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL P. MAZZA, LLC
686 CRESCENT BLVD.
GLEN ELYN
IL
60137
US
|
Family ID: |
38710922 |
Appl. No.: |
11/382114 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2231/022 20130101;
B65D 47/141 20130101; B67D 3/0032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/351 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. A cap for sealing a liquid container, comprising: a cap body
comprising an outer annular wall sized to sealingly contact a neck
of the liquid container, and an inner annular wall with at least
one plug gripping formation; and a cap plug having an outer surface
with at least one cap gripping formation for engaging a
corresponding of the at least one plug gripping formation; wherein
the cap body and the cap plug are physically attached by a tether
to ensure that the cap plug does not completely disassociate from
the cap during liquid container removal and replacement.
2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the tether is connected to a plastic
ring sized to fit over the inner annular wall of the cap body.
3. A liquid container closure and probe combination for use in
dispensing a liquid from a container, comprising: a probe in fluid
communication with the liquid container and adapted to allow the
removal of liquid from the container; and a closure comprising a
cap body and a cap plug, the cap body comprising an annular wall
sized to sealingly contact a neck of the liquid container, an inner
surface of the annular wall comprising at least one plug gripping
formation; and the cap plug having an outer surface with at least
one cap gripping formation for engaging a corresponding of the at
least one plug gripping formation; wherein the cap body and the cap
plug are physically attached by a tether.
4. The liquid container closure and probe combination of claim 3,
wherein the plug comprises an annular sealing portion abutting a
corresponding portion of the inner annular wall of the cap body to
provide a liquid-tight seal between the plug and the cap body, and
wherein the plug further comprises an engaging portion which
engages and retains the plug in a fixed position adjacent the probe
when the probe is engaged to remove liquid from the container.
5. A method for enabling dispensing from a liquid container,
comprising the steps of: providing a cap body comprising an annular
wall sized to connect to a portion of the liquid container, and a
frangible cap plug having a seal that may be ruptured; inserting a
hollow probe into the cap plug, rupturing the cap plug and thereby
enabling fluid communication between the liquid container and the
probe; and disengaging the probe from the cap plug, wherein the cap
plug automatically substantially reseals.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the cap plug comprises a
resilient check valve.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the check valve comprises an
elastomeric material.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein when the probe is disengaged from
the cap plug, the cap plug returns to its approximate original
shape prior to insertion of the probe and seal rupture.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the cap plug contains a thinned
portion which ruptures upon insertion of the probe into the cap
plug.
10. A method for enabling dispensing from a liquid container,
comprising the steps of: providing a cap body comprising concentric
outer and inner annular walls, the outer annular wall adapted to
engage a portion of the liquid container in fluid communication
between the liquid container and the cap body, and the inner
annular wall adapted to seat a generally wedge-shaped cap plug;
inserting a hollow probe is inserted into the cap body to thereby
engage the cap plug, raising the cap plug above the inner annular
wall of the cap body and enabling fluid communication between the
liquid container and the probe; disengaging the cap body from the
probe, whereby the cap plug is caused to reseat itself within the
inner annular wall of the cap body, the cap plug thereby
substantially resealing the liquid container.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cap plug does not contact
any outside or top surface of the inner annular wall of the cap
body.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the inner annular wall of the
cap body bows outwardly when the probe is disengaged from the cap
and the cap plug reseats itself between within the inner annular
wall of the cap body.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein when the liquid container is
removed from the probe, the frictional force between the inner
annular wall of the cap body and outer wall of the cap plug exceeds
a snap engagement force between the cap plug and the post, thereby
allowing the post to disengage from the cap plug while permitting
the cap plug to reseal the liquid container by reseating itself
within the inner annular wall of the cap body.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the inner annular wall
and the outer wall of the cap plug include one or more annular ribs
designed to engaged each other in a liquid-tight manner.
15. A method for dispensing liquid from a bottle having a bottle
cap normally sealing the bottle and in selective fluid
communication with a water dispensing unit housing a reservoir and
an upstanding hollow probe, comprising the steps of: placing the
bottle adjacent the water dispensing unit, and seating the probe in
contact with and in fluid communication with the bottle cap,
wherein a cap plug is attached to the bottle cap by an attachment
mechanism; dispensing the liquid from the bottle, so that the
liquid flows through the bottle neck, the bottle cap and the
attached cap plug and through the probe; and removing the bottle
from the probe while retaining the bottle cap sealed to the bottle,
with the cap plug remaining attached to the bottle cap by the
attachment mechanism.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the attachment mechanism
comprises a tether.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the tether is connected to a
ring attached to a portion of the bottle cap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the dispensing of
liquid from bottles and, more particularly, to a no-spill
dispensing apparatus and system that overcomes the cap "floater"
problem in the industry, while retaining the advantages o current
liquid dispensing systems.
[0002] Bottled water companies supply packaged purified water to
end users, typically in five-gallon bottles. The five-gallon bottle
is heavy and difficult to install without spilling water. Also,
since the water in the bottle is purified, there is a desire by the
industry to maintain the integrity of both the water and the water
bottle. Therefore, caps have been developed to make the bottle
easier to install and to also maintain the quality of the water and
the container during transportation and installation onto a water
dispensing appliance such as a water cooler. Examples of such caps
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,392,939, 5,542,555 and 5,904,259,
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In these cap designs, the cap fits over the neck of the
bottle and seals the bottle so that it is watertight and sealed
against contamination. When the consumer of the water installs the
water bottle on the water dispensing appliance, an internal cap
plug is dislodged and seats itself on an upstanding probe. An
opening in the probe allows water to flow into the water dispensing
appliance without spilling and without the need to remove the can
and expose the contents of the bottle to contamination. During
water dispensing, the cap plug is intended to remain fixed to the
probe until the bottle is empty and is removed from the water
dispensing appliance. Then, upon bottle removal from the water
cooler, it is intended that the cap plug reseat itself inside the
cap and reseal the bottle. This allows the bottle to be removed
without spilling any remaining contents in the bottle, while also
resealing the bottle and reducing the opportunity for contamination
of the bottle during transportation of the empty bottle back to the
filling location. However, because of inconsistencies in the
manufacturing process of both the probe mechanism and the caps, and
because the cap must operate on many different type of probe
mechanisms used in the industry, the cap plug frequently does not
seat correctly on the probe. This may result in the plug, instead
of reseating itself inside the cap, separating from the cap and
floating inside the water bottle. This is termed a "floater" in the
industry and is objectionable both from the industry's perspective
and from the consumer's point of view. Additionally, when the
bottle is substantially empty and ready to be removed, a floating
plug will not reseat itself on the probe. The result is that water
can spill from the bottle as the bottle is removed, the bottle will
not be sealed, and the loose plug can foul washing and filling
equipment when the bottle is returned for refilling.
[0003] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a bottle
cap which overcomes these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention includes a bottle cap and method for
its use in connection with a water dispensing apparatus and system
in which the cap plug is physically attached to the cap body so
that if the cap plug does not seat properly on the probe mechanism,
it will not float away into the bottle. This eliminates the visual
"floater" problem and also ensures that the cap plug, since
physically attached to the cap, will be discarded when the cap is
discarded. It is believed that the present invention will,
therefore, substantially reduce customer complaints and concerns
over cap plug "floaters," reduce associated equipment problems, and
also reduce, although not eliminate, the possibility of the plug
releasing from the probe mechanism.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cap is
provided for sealing a liquid container such as a water bottle. The
cap includes a body with an annular wall sized to sealingly contact
a neck of the liquid container, and an inner annular wall with at
least one plug gripping formation. The cap also includes a cap plug
having an outer surface with at least one cap gripping formation
for engaging a corresponding of the at least one plug gripping
formation. The cap body and the cap plug are physically attached by
a tether to ensure that the cap plug does not completely
disassociate from the cap during liquid container removal and
replacement. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tether,
which may be a plastic strip, may be connected to a plastic ring
sized to snap-fit over the inner annular wall of the cap body.
[0006] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a liquid
container closure and probe combination for use in dispensing a
liquid from the container is provided. The probe is adapted to be
placed in fluid communication with the liquid container, and to
allow the removal of liquid from the container. The closure
includes a cap body and a cap plug. The cap body includes an outer
annular wall sized to sealingly contact a portion of the liquid
container, and an inner annular wall with at least one plug
gripping formation. The cap plug includes an outer surface with at
least one can gripping formation for engaging the at least one plug
gripping formation, to form a liquid-tight seal between the plug
and the cap body. Again, the cap body and the cap plug are
preferably physically attached by a tether to ensure that the cap
plug does not completely disassociate from the cap during liquid
container removal and replacement. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the plug includes a sealing portion fitting over and
sealing against a corresponding portion of the cap body, and an
engaging portion which engages and retains the plug in fixed
position adjacent the probe when the probe is engaged to remove
liquid from the container.
[0007] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention,
a method is provided enabling dispensing from a liquid container. A
cap body is provided having an annular wall sized for connection to
a portion of the liquid container, and a frangible cap plug having
a seal that may be ruptured. When a hollow probe is inserted into
the cap, the cap plug is ruptured, enabling fluid communication
between the probe and the liquid container, and when the probe is
disengaged from the cap, the cap plug automatically substantially
reseals the liquid container. The cap plug preferably is made of a
resilient membrane or check valve, and most preferably is made of a
thermoset or thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., silicone) that returns
to its original shape when the load is removed. Such a cap plug is
available, for example, from Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. of
Midland, Mich. When the probe is disengaged from the cap, the cap
plug, depending upon its design and material, may be caused to
return to its approximate original shape. The cap plug may
initially include a thinned portion which ruptures upon insertion
of the probe.
[0008] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, a method
is provided for enabling dispensing from a liquid container. A cap
is provided for sealing a liquid container which includes a cap
body with concentric outer and inner annular walls. The outer
annular wall may be sized to connect to a portion of the liquid
container. The inner annular wall may be sized to accept
wedge-shaped cap plug. When a probe is inserted into the cap, the
cap plug is engaged by the probe and the cap plug is raised by the
probe above the inner annular wall, enabling fluid communication
between the liquid container and the probe. Upon disengagement of
the cap from the probe, the cap plug substantially reseals the
liquid container by reseating itself within the inner annular wall
of the cap body. Preferably, the cap plug does not contact any
outside or top surface of the inner annular wall of the cap body.
The inner annular wall of the cap body may be caused to bow
outwardly when the cap is disengaged from the probe and the cap
plug is seated back within the inner annular wall; during this
reseating, the design of the cap plug, probe and inner annular wall
of the cap body is such that the frictional force between the inner
annular wall of the cap body and outer walls of the cap plug
exceeds a snap force between the cap plug and the post, thereby
allowing the post to disengage from the cap while permitting the
cap plug to reseat itself between the inner walls of the cap
body.
[0009] In yet another alternative embodiment of the present
invention, a method is provided for dispensing liquid from a bottle
having a bottle cap normally sealing the bottle and in selective
fluid communication with a water dispensing unit housing a
reservoir and an upstanding hollow probe. The bottle is placed
adjacent the water dispensing unit, and the probe is seated in
contact with and in fluid communication with the bottle cap. A cap
plug is attached to the bottle cap using an attachment mechanism
such as a tether terminating in a ring sized to fit an annular wall
on the bottle cap. Dispensing liquid from the bottle commences,
causing the liquid to flow through the bottle neck, the bottle cap
and the attached cap plug, and through the probe. When the bottle
is removed from the probe, the bottle cap remains engaged with the
bottle, and the cap plug remains attached to the bottle cap by the
attachment mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features which are characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, together with further objects and attendant advantage
thereof, can be better understood by reference to following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of one preferred
embodiment of the bottle cap of the present invention installed on
a bottle container neck, and about to be inserted onto the skirt of
a dispensing unit having an upstanding feedstock or probe;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded, sectional view of the bottle cap
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with the bottle now lowered such that
the probe has been inserted into the bottle cap; allowing
dispensing into a lower reservoir (not shown) to occur;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side and planar perspective of a preferred
bottle cap of the present invention, showing a cap plug tethered to
the cap body;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectional view along section line 4-4 of FIG.
3;
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B are enlarged sectional views showing the cap
plug/bottle cap wall interaction (before and after abutment,
respectively) as indicated by the referenced bracket in FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side and planar perspective view of an
alternative bottle cap embodiment according to another aspect of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows the bottle cap embodiment of FIG. 6, with a
probe having pierced the middle gasket of the cap;
[0018] FIGS. 8A-8C are sectional views of the bottle cap embodiment
shown in FIGS. 6-7 showing the bottle cap before, during and after
probe penetration, respectively, while FIGS. 8AA and 8CC are
enlarged sectional views of the circled portion shown in FIG. 8A
before and after seal rupture, respectively;
[0019] FIGS. 9A-9C are sectional views of yet another alternative
bottle cap design according to another aspect of the present
invention, showing the bottle cap before, during and after probe
penetration, respectively; and
[0020] FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG.
9C.
[0021] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS
[0022] The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as
filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent
with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are
possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the
claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of
grammar and the English language.
[0023] "Snap force" means the frictional force exerted between
interior surfaces of the cap plug and an exterior surface of a top
portion of the fill post, causing the cap plug to remain attached
to the fill post.
[0024] "Substantially reseals" means that the cap plug seal reseals
in a substantially liquid-tight fashion that may allow drips of
liquid to pass the seal, but does not allow a steady trickle or
stream of liquid to pass the seal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be
the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention
claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this
preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or
modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in
purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by
the claims of this patent.
[0026] Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the
bottle cap of the present invention, generally referenced by
numeral 10, is shown. Bottle cap 10 may be sealed over open neck
portion 15 of a liquid source, such as a 5-gallon water bottle. A
conventional liquid dispensing apparatus 20, which may include an
upstanding feedstock or probe 22 and a skirt 24 for supporting the
water bottle, is shown. Base 14 may be connected to a lower liquid
reservoir (not shown). Circulate plate 30 including annual wall 30A
may be connected in liquid-tight fashion to the lower reservoir
using rubber gasket 31, for example. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,957,316, for example, and as known in the art, once hollow probe
22 has been inserted into bottle cap 10, liquid such as water may
be allowed to flow from the liquid source through the probe and
into the reservoir in fluid communication with the probe, so that
liquid may be dispensed from the bottle and into the reservoir. To
ensure continuous dispensing and to avoid airlock, air may be
permitted to flow through probe ports 22A from an ambient source,
for example, so that air enters the liquid source/water bottle
during dispensing.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, bottle cap 10 includes inner
annular wall 27 and outer annular wall 29. A cap plug 25, having an
attached tether 26 and ring 28, is also provided. To overcome the
"floater" problem, ring 28 may be placed over the outer surface 27A
of inner wall 27. Cap plug 25 may then be inserted within inner
wall 27 of bottle cap 10. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5A-5B, rib 33 on
the outer surface of cap plug 25 is designed to provide a
liquid-tight seal with lip 27C of inner wall 27. Rib 33 also may
act as a secondary stop mechanism, to ensure that the plug is not
dislodged from the bottle cap. Edge 39 and ledge 37 on the cap plug
(see FIGS. 5A and 5B) may act as the primary stop mechanism,
abutting bottle cap flange 27B to ensure that the cap plug is not
pushed too deeply within wall 27 during initial water bottle
installation and mating with the probe.
[0028] In operation, when probe 22 has been inserted through inner
wall 27, inner wall lip 27C of the bottle cap (FIG. 3) may be
configured to snap fit with probe ledge 22B (FIG. 1), ensuring a
tight fit between the bottle cap and the probe. In this position,
cap plug 25 may cover the top portion of probe 22. During
dispensing, liquid is permitted to flow from the liquid source down
through the bottle neck and bottle cap 10, down through cap plug 25
(a pinhole, not shown, may be provided in the closed top 25A, shown
in FIG. 4, for this purpose), through probe ports 22A, down through
the hollow probe and into the lower reservoir below the probe (not
shown). When the liquid source (e.g., water bottle) is empty, and
is removed from the probe, bottle cap 10 with cap plug 25 intact
may be removed as an integral piece from the probe.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, bottle cap 10 may be provided with tear
tab 40 having ribs 40A to facilitate grasping of the tear tab A
seam of weakened area 41 may be provided to facilitate tearing. Of
course, with the present invention, as there is no need for the
consumer to remove the bottle cap during or after dispensing,
bottle caps without tear tabs or weakened seams may be employed. It
may be desirable, however, to utilize bottle caps with tear tabs
and weakened seams for those bottlers not possessing decapping
machines, for example. Finger 36 may be provided on the inner
surface of outer annular cap wall 29 to hold down a compressible
insert 57.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an alternative bottle cap 50 is
shown. Bottle cap 50 may be constructed in a similar fashion to
bottle cap, 10 described above; however, cap plug 25 may be
replaced with check valve 51, which may be made of a pliable or
elastomeric material such as silicone. Silicone valve 51 may have a
weakened area 51A at a midpoint so that, prior to insertion by
hollow post or probe 22, the check valve is still fully sealed.
Referring to FIG. 7, upon post penetration, check valve 51 is
ruptured at portion 51A, allowing separate upward movement of flaps
51B and permitting dispensing to occur. When the water bottle is
empty and probe 22 is removed from cap 50, check valve 51 returns
to its original shape, as shown in FIG. 8C, preferably resealing
the bottle in a liquid-tight or substantially liquid-tight
fashion.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, yet another alternative bottle
cap 60 is shown. Bottle cap 60 may be constructed in a similar
fashion to bottle cap 10, described, above; however, cap plug 25
may be replaced with a wedge-shaped plug 61, as shown. Referring to
FIG. 9A, plug 61 is initially retained within bottle cap 60 as
shown. Referring to FIG. 9B, upon penetration of the cap by probe
22, edges 61B (see FIG. 9D) of plug 61 are retained within the
annular inset between probe ledge 22B and the probe cap; plug 61 is
raised by upward movement of the probe and removed from the cap's
inner side walls 27, allowing water to flow through the liquid
source, through probe opening 22A, and from the post into a
reservoir (not shown), in the direction of the arrows. Ambient air
may also be permitted to enter the probe and then, through the
probe, to enter the liquid source to prevent air lock. Referring to
FIG. 9C, when the bottle cap is removed from the post, wedge-shaped
plug 61 is caused to slide down and once again seat itself within
inner cap side walls 27. Referring to FIGS. 9C and 9D, this occurs
as cap side walls 27 may be designed to distort or bow slightly
outwardly as wedge-shaped plug 61 enters, such that the friction
between the outer surface of plug walls 61A and the inner surface
of inner cap wall 27C and annular nubs 27B will gradually increase;
when the friction between these opposing surfaces exceeds the snap
force between plug 61 and post 22, the post will be released and
the plug will reseat itself within cap walls 27 and reseal cap 60,
as shown in FIG. 9C. In the event that the plug were not to thus
disengage from the probe, the tether (not shown in these drawings
for simplicity) could be used to ensure that the plug is removed
from the probe when the bottle cap/bottle combination is
removed.
[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, inner wall annular ribs 27D
function as the stopper for plug 61 to limit its downward movement.
Plug nub 27B interacts with wall protuberance 61C to provide a
liquid-tight seal between cap wall 27 and probe 22. As shown,
during its life cycle plug 61 does not touch either top portion 27A
or the outer periphery 27D of cap wall 27.
[0033] The above description is not intended to limit the meaning
of the words used in the following claims that define the
invention. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be, or will become apparent to one having
ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the foregoing
drawings, written description and claims, and persons of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs
still falling within the scope of the following claims may be
envisioned and used. It is contemplated that these or other future
modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are
not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in
what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.
* * * * *