U.S. patent application number 11/884104 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for container closure.
Invention is credited to Eugene Carley, Adrian McCarthy, Finbarr Twohig, Victor Twohig.
Application Number | 20080314858 11/884104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36201445 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080314858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Twohig; Finbarr ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
Container Closure
Abstract
A container closure for mounting on a container is disclosed,
the container being of the type comprising a container body in
fluid communication with a bored container opening for the delivery
of liquid from the interior of the container. The closure comprises
a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a
closure inlet at the other end. The closure body mounts a plurality
of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the
container opening. The closure is particularly advantageous as it
will prevent the entry of liquid or other contaminants into the
container, in addition to enabling air to flow into the container
during drinking which will prevent the formation of a vacuum within
the container.
Inventors: |
Twohig; Finbarr; (County
Cork, IE) ; Twohig; Victor; (County Cork, IE)
; McCarthy; Adrian; (County Cork, IE) ; Carley;
Eugene; (County Cork, IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
K&L Gates LLP
STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER, One Lincoln Street
BOSTON
MA
02111-2950
US
|
Family ID: |
36201445 |
Appl. No.: |
11/884104 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
February 10, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP06/50857 |
371 Date: |
April 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031 20130101;
B65D 47/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/307 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 10, 2005 |
IE |
S2005/0068 |
Claims
1. A container closure for mounting on a container of the type
comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored
container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of
the container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a
closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the
closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement
with the interior walls of the container opening characterised in
that the closure comprises a closure gate which extends between the
interior walls of the closure body, the closure gate formed from a
plurality of closure flaps which pivot between a closed position
against a closure stop to seal the container to an open position
allowing liquid to exit the container through the closure outlet,
the closure further comprising a container venting tube having an
venting tube air inlet at one end and a venting tube air outlet at
the other end, the venting tube being arranged such that when
liquid exits the container through the closure the liquid is
directed away from the venting tube air inlet to allow air to enter
the venting tube air inlet and pass through the venting tube and
out through the venting tube air outlet into the interior of the
container without being restricted by the liquid exiting the
closure.
2. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure
is mounted on the container and comprises a tamper evident seal
between itself and the container.
3. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure
body is plug-like for insertion into the container opening.
4. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure
flaps are provided by a disc shaped film out of which have been cut
a plurality of notches.
5. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure
stop is formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member out of
which have been cut a plurality of triangular wedge shaped
portions.
6. A container closure as claimed in claim 4, in which the closure
flaps provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure
stop together form a one-way valve within the container
closure.
7. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the venting
tube has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below
the closure inlet substantially vertically through the closure body
breaking through an interior wall of the closure body beneath a
closure rim to the venting tube air inlet.
8. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which a venting
tube air valve is fixed to the end of the venting tube.
9. A container closure as claimed in claim 8, in which the venting
tube air valve comprises a valve closure device provided by ball
bearing, and a valve closure device retaining shell.
10. A container closure as claimed in claim 5, in which the closure
flaps provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure
stop together form a one-way valve within the container closure.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a container closure and in
particular to a container closure for mounting on a container of
the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a
bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the
interior of the container, the closure comprising a bored closure
body having a closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the
other end, the closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs
for engagement with the interior walls of the container
opening.
[0002] Many people, particularly the younger generation, drink
beverages from bottles or containers, rather than first pouring the
contents of the container or bottle into a glass. This has become a
very popular practice and is particularly prevalent in
establishments where drink is sold to the public, such as bars and
lounges or indeed, particularly when sold for consumption in the
open air or in large areas whom the patrons are not seated. Thus,
at events in particular, it is not uncommon to see many people
drinking directly out of the containers.
[0003] A particular problem that is sometimes encountered is the
problem of the "spiking" of drinks. This problem has manifested
itself in various ways in that people have had their drink spiked
by the introduction therein of unwanted substances. Indeed, there
has been considerable publicity recently about what is called "date
rape drugs", where a person's drink is adulterated by some
substance, which substance makes the person, particularly girls,
vulnerable and forget what happened over a relatively short period
of time, such as 24 hours. Outing that 24 hours, the person may
have boon raped or otherwise interfered with.
[0004] Even leaving out the problems of such date rape, there are
other problems in that people do not want substances introduced
into their drink, whether it be by way of deliberate attempt to
cause the person harm or simply by an idea that it would in some
way funny to do so.
[0005] Another problem associated with drinking directly from
bottles or other containers is Weils disease. This is a potentially
fatal disease carried in the urine and/or faeces of rats which,
when deposited on the top of bottles (such as when stored in
cellars), can be transmitted to humans when the contents are drunk
directly out of the bottles.
[0006] It is a therefore one object of the present invention to
provide a container closure which goes someway toward overcoming at
least the above problems, and/or which will provide the public
and/or industry with a useful choice.
[0007] It is acknowledged that the term `comprise` may, under
varying jurisdictions, be provided with either an exclusive or
inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and
unless otherwise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have an
inclusive meaning--i.e. that it may be taken to moan an inclusion
of not only the listed components it directly references, but also
other non-specified components. Accordingly, the term `comprise` is
to be attributed with as broader interpretation as possible within
any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when
the terms `comprised` and/or `comprising` are used.
[0008] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent form the ensuing description which is given by way of
example only.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
[0009] According to the invention, there is provided a container
closure for mounting on a container of the type comprising a
container body in fluid communication with a bored container
opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the
container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a
closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the
closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement
with the interior walls of the container opening characterised in
that the closure comprises a closure gate which extends between the
interior walls of the closure body, the closure gate formed from a
plurality of closure flaps which pivot between a closed position
against a closure stop to seal the container to an open position
allowing liquid to exit the container through the closure outlet,
the closure further comprising a container venting tube having an
venting lube air inlet at one end and a venting tube air outlet at
the other end, the venting tube being arranged such that when
liquid exits the container through the closure the liquid is
directed away from the venting tube air inlet to allow air to enter
the venting tube air inlet and pass through the venting tube and
out through the venting tube air outlet into the interior of the
container without being restricted by the liquid exiting the
closure.
[0010] Such a closure is particularly advantageous as it will
prevent the entry of liquid or other contaminants into the
container. Additionally, the provision of the venting tube will
enable air to flow into the container which will prevent the
formation of a vacuum within the container, which will enable
persons drinking from the container to be able to drink for longer
periods from the container without having to stop.
[0011] The closure also provides a barrier between the bottle being
drunk out of and the mouth of the person drinking from the
container, which will remove the likelihood of contaminants or
germs, such as Weils disease, being passed from the bottle top to
the drinker. Such a barrier between the bottle will also serve an
anti-spill function preventing liquid being accidentally spilled
from the bottle. The closure will also minimise the likelihood of a
drinkers teeth being accidentally chipped in the case when the
container is a glass bottle.
[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure is mounted
on the container and comprises a tamper evident seal between itself
and the container.
[0013] The provision of a tamper evident seal will also provide a
means to alert drinkers when the closure has been tampered or
otherwise interfered with.
[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure body is
plug-like for insertion into the container opening.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps are
provided by a disc shaped film out of which have cut a plurality of
notches.
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure stop is
formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member out of which
have been cut a plurality of substantially triangular wedge shaped
portions. The closure stop is thus provided by a peripheral rim out
of which extend, toward the centre of the disc shaped member, a
plurality of substantially rigid radial bands.
[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps
provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure stop
together form a one-way valve within the container closure.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the venting tube has a
downwardly extending portion which extends from below the closure
inlet substantially vertically through the closure body breaking
through an interior wall of the closure body just beneath a closure
rim to the venting tube air inlet.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, a venting tube air valve
is fixed to the end of the venting tube.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention the venting tube air
valve comprises a valve closure device provided by ball bearing,
and a valve closure device retaining shell.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a container closure
according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a cut-away perspective side view of the
container closure shown FIG. 1:
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the container closure shown
in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the container closure shown
in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a configuration of closure flaps
according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a configuration of a closure
slop according to the invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a plan view similar to FIG. 6 of an alternative
construction of closure stop;
[0029] FIG. 8 shows perspective views of a configuration of valve
closure device retaining shell according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a perspective views similar to FIG. 8 of an
alternative construction of valve closure device retaining
shell;
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a configuration of a
closure outlet sleeve according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a configuration of
closure sealing cap according to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a configuration of an
air guide according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of a further hollow pipe
according to the invention, and
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of a receptacle used for
storing the closure according to the invention.
[0036] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a
container closure, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1
for mounting on a container 2 of the type comprising a container
body, indicated generally by the reference numeral 4, in fluid
communication with a bored container opening 6 for the delivery of
liquid from the interior of the container 2. With specific
reference now to FIG. 2, the closure 1 comprises a bored closure
body, indicated generally by the reference numeral 8, having a
closure outlet 10 at one end and a closure inlet 12 at the other
end, the closure body 8 mounting a plurality of exterior ribs 14
for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening 6.
Ideally, the body 8 is formed of rubber or other resilient or
elastic material. It should be appreciated that when liquid is
being consumed or expelled from the container 2 it will flow from
the closure inlet 12 through the bored closure body 8 and out of
the closure outlet 10 in the direction generally indicated by arrow
16. It should further be appreciated that the closure body 8 is
also plug-like for insertion into the container opening 6.
[0037] The closure 1 further comprises a closure gate, indicated
generally by the reference numeral 18, which extends between the
interior walls of the closure body 8, and is formed from a
plurality of closure flaps 20 which pivot between a closed position
against a closure stop 22 to seal the container 2 to an open
position allowing liquid to exit the container 2 through the
closure outlet 10. In particular, when in the open position the
flaps 20 will pivot outwards in the direction of the arrow 16. At
the same time, if liquid or other unwanted substances are poured
against the closure flaps 20 from outside the container, the
movement of the closure flaps 20 against the closure stop 22 will
prevent the liquid or unwanted substances passing beyond the flaps
20 into the container.
[0038] In the instance shown, and with brief reference now to FIG.
5, in which parts similar to those described already are identified
by the same reference numerals, the closure flaps 20 are provided
by a flexible disc shaped film 24 out of which have cut a plurality
of notches 26, which notches extend from near the centre of the
film 24 to its outer rim. Additionally, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and
7, and again with parts similar to those described already
identified by the same reference numerals, the closure stop 22 is
formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member 28 out of
which have been cut a plurality of triangular wedge shaped portions
30 to form a peripheral rim 34 having a plurality of substantially
rigid radial arms 32 which extend to, and meet at the centre of the
disc shaped member 28. It should be appreciated that the closure
flaps 20 in conjunction with the closure stop 22 together form a
one-way valve within the container closure 1. It will however be
appreciated that the one-way valve may be any other suitable valve
mechanism allowing liquid to pass out of the container but
resisting the entry of liquid into the container, such as for
example a diaphragm valve.
[0039] With reference now to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded
view of the closure, again identified by the same reference numeral
1 with parts similar to those described already identified by the
same reference numerals. As shown, the closure outlet 10
incorporates a closure outlet ridge 36 onto which the closure stop
22 is mounted. As shown the closure stop 22 extends, when in
position in the closure 1, between the interior walls of the
closure body 8 across the closure outlet 10. The flexible disc
shaped film 24 is then placed over the upward facing surface 23 of
the closure stop 22 so that the closure flaps 20 then extend over
the closure stop 22. A hollow closure outlet sleeve 25 (see FIG. 10
also) is then secured around the closure outlet 10 and seats on a
closure rim 50 to secure the film 24 and the closure stop 22 in
position over the closure outlet 10. A closure sealing cap 27 (see
FIG. 11) is then optionally placed over the closure outlet sleeve
25 to fully seal the closure 1 and the container 2.
[0040] Also shown is a hollow container venting tube 38 having a
venting tube air inlet 40 at one end 42 and a venting tube air
outlet 44 at the other end 46. In the instance shown, the venting
tube 38 has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below
the closure inlet 12 substantially vertically through the closure
body 8 breaking through an interior wall of the closure body 8 just
beneath the closure rim 50 to the venting tube air Inlet 40. A
venting tube air valve, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 48, is fixed to the end 46 of the venting tube 38. The
venting tube air valve 48 comprises a valve closure device, which,
in the instance shown is provided by ball bearing 52, and a valve
closure device retaining shell 54 having a plurality of venting
holes 56 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).
[0041] The venting tube 38 is arranged within the closure 1 such
that when liquid exits the container 2 through the closure 1 the
liquid is directed away from the venting tube air inlet 40 to allow
air to enter the venting lube air inlet 40 and pass through the
venting tube 38 and out through the venting tube air outlet 44 into
the interior of the container 2 without being restricted by the
liquid exiting the closure 1. Accordingly, when the container 2 is
upended and the contents are being drunk air will pass into the air
inlet 40 and through the venting tube 38 causing the bail bearing
52 to be pushed away from air outlet 44. When the container 2 is
removed from the drinkers mouth the ball bearing 52 will seat on
the air outlet 44 of the venting tube 38 preventing liquid going up
through the venting tube 38. A hollow air guide or diffuser 58 (see
FIG. 12) may also be fixed to the venting lube outlet 44 to further
increase the air flow through the venting tube 38 and minimise the
likelihood that liquid may accidentally flow up through the venting
tube 38. Such an air diffuser 58, when mounted to the venting tube
outlet 44 will retain the ball bearing 52 to complete the one way
valve and misdirect the pressure of liquid pushing on the venting
tube 38 to control the air bubbles passing through the liquid in
the container. It will also prevent excessive gassing in carbonated
drinks. A further hollow pipe, such as the straw 60 shown in FIG.
13, may also optionally be secured to the end of the venting tube
38 to let air travel to the end of the container 1 so that
carbonated liquid within the container to prevent excessive gassing
of the liquid.
[0042] The closure 1 may itself be stored in a receptacle, such as
the vial 62, shown in FIG. 14.
[0043] The closure 1 may also comprise a tamper evident seal
between itself and the container 2.
[0044] It is envisaged that the liquid dispenser according to the
present invention may be permanently fitted as part of a closure or
alternatively, it may be retrofitted immediately prior to selling
the beverage. It is also envisaged that the body 2 may be provided
with suitable indicia such as advertising or the tike.
[0045] The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore
described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within
the scope of the claims.
* * * * *