U.S. patent application number 12/589507 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for sipper cap with a reciprocally movable nozzle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alto Plastics Limited. Invention is credited to Edward Scott.
Application Number | 20100108700 12/589507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19928869 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100108700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scott; Edward |
May 6, 2010 |
Sipper cap with a reciprocally movable nozzle
Abstract
Sipper cap (10) includes a cap section (30) with a housing, a
nozzle (50) reciprocally movable in the housing and an overcap
(70). The sipper cap is adapted to provide a releasable single
point seal between the housing and the nozzle capable of preventing
passage of liquid through the sipper. The cap section (30) has a
neck section (38) that provides a vertical guide for movement of
the nozzle member. The point seal is formed between the end of
angle surface (44) of an inwardly directed extension (43) and
sealing face (57b) on the outer wall of the nozzle (50). The
extension (43) also engages with a retention part (56) on a seal
piercing part (54) to prevent removal of the nozzle (50) from the
sipper cap. The overcap (70) and cap section (30) can each have a
tamper evident ring (71, 34).
Inventors: |
Scott; Edward; (Auckland,
NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
Alto Plastics Limited
Auckland
NZ
|
Family ID: |
19928869 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589507 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11982729 |
Nov 2, 2007 |
|
|
|
12589507 |
|
|
|
|
10499396 |
Jan 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
PCT/NZ02/00284 |
Dec 18, 2002 |
|
|
|
11982729 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/705 ;
222/566 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0056 20130101;
B65D 51/226 20130101; B65D 47/24 20130101; B65D 2251/0015 20130101;
B65D 2251/0093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/705 ;
222/566 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 25/40 20060101 B65D025/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2001 |
NL |
516300 |
Claims
1. A sipper cap for engagement with a container, the sipper cap
including a housing and a nozzle reciprocally movable in the
housing wherein the sipper cap is adapted to provide a releasable
seal between the housing and the nozzle capable of preventing
passage of liquid through the sipper cap.
2. The sipper cap according to claim 1 wherein the seal is a single
point seal.
3. The sipper cap according to claim 1 wherein the releaseable seal
is a single point seal which is formed by interaction of a
concentric extension from the housing that is adapted to interact
with a sealing face about the nozzle.
4. The sipper cap according to claim 3 wherein the concentric
extension includes an angled surface that interacts directly with a
sealing face on the nozzle.
5. The sipper cap according to claim 4 wherein the angled surface
is at an angle of between about 30.degree. and about 70.degree.
from the central longitudinal axis of the housing.
6. The sipper cap according to claim 5 wherein the angled surface
at an angle of between about 45.degree. and about 60.degree..
7. The sipper cap according to claim 6 wherein the angled surface
is at an angle of about 55.degree..
8. A sipper cap including a nozzle and a housing wherein the nozzle
is reciprocally movable in the housing from a closed position to an
open position and, when in the closed position, a seal is created
by an interaction between a concentric extension from the housing
and the external surface of the nozzle.
9. The sipper cap according to claim 8 wherein the sipper cap
includes an induction seal at the point of interaction between the
concentric extension and the nozzle surfaces.
10. The sipper cap according to claim 8 wherein the concentric
extension includes an angled surface that interacts directly with
sealing face on the nozzle.
11. The sipper cap according to claim 10 wherein the angled surface
is at an angle of between about 30.degree. and about 70.degree.
from the central longitudinal axis of the housing.
12. The sipper cap according to claim 8 wherein the nozzle includes
at least two windows for passage of fluid through the sipper cap,
the passage of fluid through the window being preventable by the
interaction of the concentric extension from the housing and the
nozzle.
13. A sipper cap according to claim 1 wherein the cap includes an
induction seal at the point of interaction between the concentric
extension and the nozzle and optionally another induction seal at
the point of contact between the container and the sipper cap.
14. A sipper cap for attachment to a container, the sipper cap
including a nozzle and a housing, wherein the nozzle is
reciprocally movable within the housing from a first to a second
open position, and from the second open position to a closed
position, and wherein the nozzle is restricted in movement from the
first open position to the second open position, and to and from
the closed position, and wherein when the nozzle is in the closed
position a seal is created by an interaction between a concentric
extension from the housing, and the external surface of the nozzle
preventing passage of liquid through the sipper cap.
15. The sipper cap according to claim 14 wherein the container does
not have a seal independent of the sipper cap and the container is
purchased with the sipper cap having the nozzle in the closed
position.
16. The sipper cap according to claim 14 wherein the container does
have a seal independent of the sipper cap and the container is
purchased with the sipper cap having the nozzle in the first open
position.
17. The sipper cap according to claim 14 wherein the concentric
extension includes an angled surface that interacts directly with
sealing face on the nozzle.
18. The sipper cap according to claim 17 wherein the angled surface
is at an angle of between about 30.degree. and about 70.degree.
from the central longitudinal axis of the housing.
19. The sipper cap according to claim 18 wherein the angled surface
is at an angle of about 55.degree. to the central longitudinal axis
of the sipper cap.
20. A housing for a sipper cap nozzle, the housing including a
concentric extension with an angled end surface, the extension
adapted to interact with the nozzle at the angled end surface to
provide a releasable seal preventing passage of liquid through the
nozzle and sipper cap.
21. The housing according to claim 20 wherein the concentric
extension includes an angled surface that interacts directly with
sealing face on the nozzle.
22. The housing according to claim 21 wherein the angled surface is
at an angle of between about 30.degree. and about 70.degree. from
the central longitudinal axis of the housing.
23. The housing according to claim 22 wherein the angled surface is
an angle of between about 45.degree. and about 60.degree..
24. The housing according to claim 23 wherein the angled surface is
at an angle of about 55.degree..
25. A sipper cap for attachment to a container, the sipper cap
including a housing and a nozzle, the nozzle being reciprocally
movable within the housing from an open position allowing passage
of liquid to a closed position preventing passage of liquid from
the container, wherein the nozzle includes a retention part adapted
to prevent removal of the nozzle from the housing.
26. The sipper cap according to claim 25 wherein the retention part
is at the end of the nozzle which, when the sipper cap is attached
to the container, is adapted to be positioned adjacent the
container.
27. The sipper cap according to claim 25 wherein the nozzle
includes a nozzle housing adapted to allow passage of liquid
therethrough, the nozzle housing having an open end and a partially
closed end, wherein the nozzle also includes an arm extending from
the partially closed end of the nozzle housing through the open end
of the nozzle housing, the arm including at least one wing
extending from the end of the arm distal the partially closed end
of the nozzle and being capable of preventing removal of the nozzle
from the sipper cap.
28. A nozzle for a sipper cap, the nozzle including a housing
adapted to allow passage of liquid therethrough, the housing having
an open end and a partially closed end, wherein the nozzle also
includes an arm extending from the partially closed end through the
housing and extending from the open end of the nozzle, the arm
including at least one wing extending from the end of the arm
distal the partially closed end of the nozzle and being capable of
preventing removal of the nozzle from the sipper cap.
29. The nozzle according to claim 28 wherein the wing extends at an
angle of between about 70.degree. and about 110.degree. from the
central longitudinal axis of the arm.
30. The nozzle according to claim 28 wherein the wing extends from
the arm at an angle of about 90.degree. from the longitudinal axis
of the arm.
31. The nozzle according to claim 28 wherein the arm including two
wings and the end of the arm distal the partially closed end of the
nozzle is substantially a "T" shape.
32. The nozzle according to claim 28 wherein the arm extends along
the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
33. A container including a sipper cap according to claim 1.
34.-36. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to sipper caps for containers and
more specifically for bottles used in the beverage industry. As
will be readily apparent the sipper cap could be used in industries
other than the beverage industry so this should not be seen as
limiting. The invention also relates to a means to assist in
preventing removal of the nozzle in a sipper cap thus enhancing the
safety of such caps.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Sipper caps have found considerable application in the
beverage industry. Sipper caps are commonly fitted to the top of
drink bottles and provide access to the content of the bottle. By
moving a nozzle member, which forms part of the sipper cap
assembly, the content of the bottle can be accessed by the user or
retained within the bottle as desired. Such caps could be attached
to a variety of other containers as well, however, they are
commonly used with drink bottles.
[0003] Induction seals and/or foils are often secured to the neck
of drink bottles to which sipper caps are attached. The induction
seal contains the content of the bottle within the bottle prior to
purchase of the drink bottle by the consumer. The seal is provided
to prevent contact by air and/or contaminants with the contents in
the bottle. Induction seals also provide the consumer with a
quality assurance.
[0004] Sipper caps have also been developed which have the ability
to pierce the induction seal. This is advantageous as it overcomes
the need to remove the cap manually, remove the seal, and replace
the cap before drinking from the sipper cap.
[0005] Currently available sipper caps both with and without
piercing means can have a number of disadvantages. The content of
the bottle often leaks out of the bottle via the sipper cap due to
inadequate sealing between the nozzle of the cap and the body of
the sipper cap that houses the nozzle. Another is the need for a
seal at the top of the bottle to which the cap is attached.
Piercing options for caps have been used to address the need to
remove the seal on the bottle before use but the closure seal in
the cap itself is often not as secure as might be desired.
[0006] There would be an advantage in providing a sipper cap that
includes a secure seal to prevent problems with leakage and which
may also offer an alternative to the need to seal the bottle
separately to the cap.
[0007] There is also a problem with sipper caps as the nozzle can
sometimes be removed by vigorous movement when opening the sipper
cap. It would be an advantage to assist in prevention of such
removal.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a sipper cap
which overcomes or at least reduces at least some of the
disadvantages of presently available sipper caps or which at least
provides the public with a useful alternative.
[0009] Other objects of the invention may become apparent from the
following description which is given by way of example only.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect of this invention there is provided
a sipper cap for engagement with container, the sipper cap
including a housing and a nozzle reciprocally movable in the
housing and wherein the sipper cap is adapted to provide a
releasable seal between the housing and the nozzle capable of
preventing passage of liquid through the sipper cap.
[0011] Preferably a single point seal is provided about the
nozzle.
[0012] Preferably the single point seal is formed by interaction of
a concentric extension from the housing that is adapted to interact
with a sealing face about the nozzle.
[0013] Preferably the concentric extension includes an angled
surface that interacts directly with a sealing face on the
nozzle.
[0014] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of between
about 30.degree. and about 70.degree. from the central longitudinal
axis of the housing.
[0015] Preferably the angled surface is an angle of between about
45.degree. and about 60.degree..
[0016] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of about
55.degree. to the central longitudinal axis of the sipper cap.
[0017] In another aspect the invention provides a sipper cap
including a nozzle and a housing wherein the nozzle is reciprocally
movable in the housing from a closed position to an open position
and, when in the closed position, a seal is created by an
interaction between a concentric extension from the housing and the
external surface of the nozzle.
[0018] Preferably the sipper cap includes an induction seal at the
point of interaction between the concentric extension and the
nozzle surfaces.
[0019] Preferably the concentric extension includes an angled
surface that interacts directly with sealing face on the
nozzle.
[0020] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of between
about 30.degree. and about 70.degree. from the central longitudinal
axis of the housing.
[0021] Preferably the angled surface is an angle of between about
45.degree. and about 60.degree..
[0022] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of about
55.degree. to the central longitudinal axis of the sipper cap.
[0023] In another aspect the invention provides a container
including a sipper cap as described above wherein the sipper cap
includes an induction seal at the point of interaction between the
concentric extension and the nozzle and optionally another
induction seal at the point of contact between the container and
the sipper cap.
[0024] Preferably the nozzle for use in the sipper cap described
above includes at least two windows for passage of fluid through
the sipper cap, the passage of fluid through the window being
preventable by the interaction of the concentric extension from the
housing and the nozzle.
[0025] In a further embodiment the invention provides a sipper cap
for attachment to a container, the sipper cap including a nozzle
and a housing, wherein the nozzle is reciprocally movable within
the housing from a first to a second open position, and from the
second open position to a closed position, and wherein the nozzle
is restricted in movement from the first open position to the
second open position, and to and from the closed position, and
wherein when the nozzle is in the closed position a seal is created
by an interaction between a concentric extension from the housing,
and the external surface of the nozzle preventing passage of liquid
through the sipper cap.
[0026] Preferably the container does not have a seal independent of
the sipper cap and the container is purchased with the sipper cap
having the nozzle in the closed position.
[0027] Preferably the container does have a seal independent of the
sipper cap and the container is purchased with the sipper cap
having the nozzle in the first open position.
[0028] Preferably the concentric extension includes an angled
surface that interacts directly with sealing face on the
nozzle.
[0029] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of between
about 30.degree. and about 70.degree. from the central longitudinal
axis of the housing.
[0030] Preferably the angled surface is an angle of between about
45.degree. and about 60.degree..
[0031] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of about
55.degree. to the central longitudinal axis of the sipper cap.
[0032] In another aspect, the invention provides a housing for a
sipper cap nozzle, the housing including a concentric extension
with an angled end surface, the extension adapted to interact with
the nozzle at the angled end surface to provide a releasable seal
preventing passage of liquid through the nozzle and sipper cap.
[0033] Preferably the concentric extension includes an angled
surface that interacts directly with sealing face on the
nozzle.
[0034] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of between
about 30.degree. and about 70.degree. from the central longitudinal
axis of the housing.
[0035] Preferably the angled surface is an angle of between about
45.degree. and about 60.degree..
[0036] Preferably the angled surface is at an angle of about
55.degree. to the central longitudinal axis of the sipper cap.
[0037] In another aspect, the invention provides a sipper cap for
attachment to a container, the sipper cap including a housing and a
nozzle, the nozzle being reciprocally movable within the housing
from an open position allowing passage of liquid to a closed
position preventing passage of liquid from the container, wherein
the nozzle includes a retention part adapted to prevent removal of
the nozzle from the housing.
[0038] Preferably the retention part is at the end of the nozzle
which, when the sipper cap is attached to the container, is adapted
to be positioned adjacent the container.
[0039] Preferably the nozzle includes a nozzle housing adapted to
allow passage of liquid therethrough, the nozzle housing having an
open end and a partially closed end, wherein the nozzle also
includes an arm extending from the partially dosed end of the
nozzle housing through the open end of the nozzle housing, the arm
including at least one wing extending from the end of the arm
distal the partially closed end of the nozzle and being capable of
preventing removal of the nozzle from the sipper cap.
[0040] In another aspect, the invention provides a nozzle for a
sipper cap, the nozzle including a housing adapted to allow passage
of liquid therethrough, the housing having an open end and a
partially closed end, wherein the nozzle also includes an arm
extending from the partially closed end through the housing and the
open end of the nozzle, the arm including at least one wing
extending from the end of the arm distal the partially closed end
of the nozzle and being capable of preventing removal of the nozzle
from the sipper cap.
[0041] Preferably the wing extends at an angle of between about
70.degree. and about 110.degree., more preferably about 90.degree.,
from the central longitudinal axis of the arm.
[0042] Preferably the arm includes two wings and the end of the arm
distal the partially closed end of the nozzle is substantially a
"T" shape.
[0043] Preferably the arm extends along the central longitudinal
axis of the nozzle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0044] The invention may be better understood with reference to the
following Figures which illustrate the preferred embodiment, in
which:
[0045] FIG. 1: shows a cross-section of a sipper cap of a preferred
embodiment where the sipper cap is in an "open/purchase"
conformation on a container having a seal;
[0046] FIG. 2: shows a cross-section of the sipper cap of FIG. 1 in
which the cap is in a open/seal pre-piercing position;
[0047] FIG. 3: shows a cross-section of the sipper cap of FIGS. 1
and 2 where the sipper cap is in an intermediate conformation in
which the seal has just been pierced;
[0048] FIG. 4: shows a cross-section of the sipper cap, in which
the sipper cap is in a "closed" conformation that prevents the
content of the bottle escaping from the bottle;
[0049] FIG. 5: shows an alternative cross-section through section
B-B of the sipper cap of FIG. 1, 90.degree. to section D-D;
[0050] FIG. 6: shows a perspective view of the external features of
the nozzle of the sipper cap of FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0051] FIG. 7: shows a perspective view of an alternative form of
the nozzle of the sipper cap excluding seal piercing means.
[0052] FIGS. 8 and 9: show a cross-section of a standard sipper
cap, in which the nozzle includes a retention part preventing the
nozzle being easily removed from the cap.
[0053] FIG. 10: shows a nozzle of use in the sipper cap of FIGS. 8
and 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The invention of the present application is broadly directed
to a sipper cap that includes an improved flow position and an
improved seal in comparison to existing options. The invention can
be applied to sipper caps that include an induction foil piercing
means, or that do not. Manufacture of a bottle/cap arrangement
without induction foil on the bottle can be achieved using the
improved seal arrangement of the present invention.
[0055] It will be appreciated that the sipper cap herein described
is not restricted to use with containers which hold consumable
beverages. This sipper cap may have application in any industry
where liquid (or gas) is to be stored in a bottle and released as
required. The sipper cap as herein described may be fitted to any
number of different bottles, or types of bottles, without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention.
[0056] The cap itself and/or any part thereof may be made of any
suitably rigid material including plastics, stainless steel or
aluminium, as would be known to a person skilled in the art. The
cap and its component parts are preferably produced using a
plastics material and formed by injection moulding or compression
moulding. The plastics material used will preferably be a
polypropylene or a polyethylene of a variety of grades as will be
well known. Alternative methods of moulding can also be used as
will be known by those skilled in the art.
[0057] A sipper cap of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 1. The sipper cap 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is adapted
for use with a container including an induction seal not shown but
which would be positioned at 90. Where an induction seal has been
fitted to the bottle, as is standard at present, the sipper cap 10
attached to the bottle may be purchased by a consumer in the
conformation as shown in FIG. 1.
[0058] The sipper cap 10 of FIG. 1 includes a cap section 30; a
nozzle member 50; and an overcap 70. It will be appreciated that
the overcap 70 is not essential to the operation of the sipper cap
10 and is present merely to reduce incidental damage to the nozzle
member 50 which may allow leakage from the sipper cap 10. The
overcap 70 also includes a tamper evident ring 71 which is
integrally associated with the overcap 70, via connection means 72.
The overcap 70 may be removed from the cap section 30 by breaking
the connection means 72. This breaks the connection between overcap
70 and the tamper evident ring 71. If the overcap 70 has been
removed, and/or tampered with, the ring 71 drops towards cap
surface 31. It is therefore visually apparent that the association
between the tamper evident ring 71 and the overcap 70 has been
broken. Other tamper evident means as will be well known (eg shrink
wrap plastic etc) could also be used. Alternatively the overcap, if
present, need not have tamper evident means but this is less
preferred.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 1, the cap section 30 includes a neck
section 38; a top section 39; and the bottle engagement means 32.
Neck section 38 provides a vertical guide for movement of the
nozzle member 50 within the sipper cap 10. Top section 39 provides
support for overcap 70 and extends to include bottle engagement
means 32.
[0060] The bottle engagement means 32 includes a screw thread 33,
engageable with a bottle thread screw top (not shown). Also
included is tamper evident ring 34 which is attached to sipper cap
10 via tabs 32a. Tabs 32a are frangible and will break leaving the
ring 34 as visual evidence of use (ie its absence or presence on
the bottle).
[0061] As mentioned previously, the sipper cap 10 may be integrally
associated with a bottle. In this case the bottle engagement means
32 and tamper evident ring 34 will not be necessary. To this extent
the invention can be seen to provide a housing which is adapted to
receive a nozzle, the housing being optionally integral with a
container such as a bottle, the housing and nozzle being as
described herein.
[0062] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle
member 50 includes an outlet end 51 and a sealing end 52. The
outlet end 51 includes a grip 53 adapted to allow the nozzle member
50 to be gripped by the user and moved manually within the sipper
cap 10. The grip 53 is contoured to allow the user to easily move
the nozzle member 50 with their teeth or fingers for example.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing end 52 of the nozzle member
50 includes a seal piercing part 54, distal to outlet end 51 on
nozzle member 50, adapted to pierce a seal, such as induction seal
90, at the top of the bottle (not shown) to which the sipper cap 10
is attached. It will be appreciated that when an induction seal 90
is not required, it will be unnecessary for the sealing end 52 to
include a piercing part 54. This is best seen with reference to
FIG. 6.
[0064] The piercing part 54 resides between seal support arms 35
formed in tip section 30. The piercing part 54 includes the
piercing means 55. The piercing means 55 may be of any design but
will need to be capable of piercing the foil and/or the induction
seal 90 which isolates the liquid in the bottle (not shown) from
the sipper cap 10. Seal support arms 35 protect seal 90 from
piercing means 55 when the product as a whole is put together. As a
secondary effect, the arms 35 protect piercing means 55 when the
cap 10 itself is being formed or stored.
[0065] The piercing part 54 of nozzle member 50 also includes a
retention part 56, distal piercing means 55 on piercing part 54.
The retention part 56 contacts with the extension 43 to prevent
removal of the nozzle member 50 from the cap section 30. This is a
safety feature of value to the use of sipper caps. There is an
advantage in being able to prevent ready removal of the nozzle from
the sipper cap as, if the nozzle is accidentally removed when
opening the cap using the user's teeth for example, there is the
possibility that the nozzle would be swallowed and possibly cause
the user to choke. Less important issues include spillage on the
user amongst other factors.
[0066] Nozzle member 50 has a contoured, stepped, outer wall 57
adapted to engage with the inner wall 36 of the neck section 38 of
the cap section 30.
[0067] It will be understood that the outer wall 57 is not
restricted exactly to the form and/or shape illustrated in the
Figures, however it will be appreciated that outer wall 57 should
be adapted to allow for movement of the nozzle member 50 within the
neck section 38 of the sipper cap 10. Outer wall 57 includes
shoulder 57b and sealing face 57a, as well as a series of
protrusions adapted to form a number of seals and clips with
associated protrusions on inner wall 36.
[0068] The neck section 38 includes a wiper seal 40; a retention
clip seal 41; and a locking clip 42. Each is formed by the
interaction of a series of protrusions on inner wall 36 and outer
wall 57 of nozzle member 50.
[0069] The wiper seal 40 is created by protrusion 40a at the top
end of neck section 38, that forms a tight, friction seal with the
outer wall 57 of nozzle member 50. The wiper seal 40 is adapted to
ensure that no residue leaks out between the nozzle member 50 and
the cap section 30 when the sipper cap 10 is in an open
conformation.
[0070] The clip seal 41 provides a method of retaining the nozzle
member 50 in a first open conformation, restricting movement, and
assisting in preventing accidental damage of the seal 90 when in
the purchase condition. In the preferred embodiment, the clip seal
41 is formed by engagement of protrusion 41a on inner wall 36 with
a ring 60 formed on the outer wall 57 of the nozzle member 50.
Damage and/or pressure applied to the nozzle member 50 may cause
the induction seal 90 to be broken. The clip seal 41 increases the
force required to move the nozzle member 50 from the first open
position to the second open position (FIGS. 3 and 5) and further
toward seal 90, thus minimising the risk of unintended nozzle
movement. In this way additional protection for seal 90 to that
provided by overcap 70 is given.
[0071] The ring 60 of the nozzle member 50 also engages with
protrusion 42a on inner wall 36 to form lock clip 42 (See FIG. 1
and FIG. 4). In the closed conformation, shown in FIG. 4, lock clip
42 via ring 60 firmly holds the nozzle member 50 in the desired
dosed conformation restricting further movement of the nozzle
member 50 toward the bottle (not shown) and toward the open nozzle
positions.
[0072] A closure seal is formed by interaction of the outer wall
57, and extension 43 having an angled surface 44. Extension 43
extends inwardly towards the nozzle member 50 and downwardly toward
the bottle (not shown) at an angle of about 45.degree. to vertical
axis D-D, and engages with sealing face 57a of outer wall 57 of
nozzle member 50 when the sipper cap 10 is in the closed
conformation (FIG. 4). The 45.degree. angle is not essential and
can vary as will be apparent to the skilled person. An angle of
between about 30.degree. and about 60.degree. will be preferred
however. A surface at 90.degree. to the vertical axis D-D would
work to an extent but would create problems in use. The sealing
surface of extension 43 in this option would simply abut surface
57b which would also preferably be at 90.degree. to axis D-D.
[0073] The extension 43 and the angled surface 44 are concentric
and the angled surface 44 is at an angle of substantially
55.degree. to the vertical axis D-D, although this specified angle
can be varied (as will be apparent to the skilled person). An
angular aspect is preferred as this allows ease of use and
maximises the sealing with face 57a, resulting in maximised sealing
effect. The angle could vary quite widely (eg 30.degree. to
70.degree.) but will preferably be between about 45.degree. and
about 60.degree.. As will be appreciated, the angled surface 44
could tie parallel to axis D-D. In this option, which is less
preferred, it would be preferable for sealing face 57a to also lie
parallel to axis D-D. The interference created between the surfaces
would be sufficient to create a seal but it would not be as secure
as preferred options.
[0074] The closure seal is created at a single point about the
nozzle member 50 of cap 10 and is capable of preventing passage of
liquid through the cap 10. A single point seal is preferable but,
provided sufficient interference is created between the nozzle and
the housing this may suffice.
[0075] The nozzle member 50 includes at least two windows 58a and
58b positioned in the wall 57 of the nozzle member 50 to allow
passage of liquid. The windows 58a/58b are adapted to allow liquid
to pass from the bottle via support arms 35 and inner chamber 37 of
the cap section 30 to an inner chamber 59 of the nozzle member 50
and out through outlet end 51, when the sipper cap 10 is in the
open conformation (FIG. 1 and FIG. 5). When in its closed
conformation (FIG. 4) liquid is prevented from reaching the windows
58a/58b.
[0076] In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the windows
58a and 58b are oppositely disposed on nozzle member 50. In this
preferred form the windows 58a and 58b act to lessen the vacuum
created by passage of liquid from the outlet end 51 of the sipper
cap 10. The size, shape and number of the windows 58 may depend on
a number of factors including the liquid stored in the bottle; the
size of the bottle and the size of the sipper cap 10.
[0077] The stepped shape of the outer wall 57 of the nozzle member
50 and its interaction with the inner wall 36 of cap section 30
reduces the likelihood of drips spills that may occur when the
sipper cap 10 is lowered from the consumer's mouth. Wall 57
channels liquid from the inner chamber 37 of the cap section 30
back into the bottle once the bottle is lowered from the consumer's
mouth.
[0078] An induction seal 90 may be affixed to the top of the bottle
(not shown), to which the sipper cap 10 is attached, by known
means, although this is not essential with the cap according to the
instant invention. Alternatively if the sipper cap 10 is integrally
formed with the bottle, an induction seal or seals could be
directly associated with the sipper cap 10 as will be discussed
later herein.
[0079] Preferably the induction seal 90 is formed from foil. The
foil may be manufactured from aluminium and include a heat
sensitive adhesive layer on one side. The induction seal 90 may
preferably be fitted into the cap section 30, resting on a suitable
ledge which, when a sipper cap 10 is fitted to the bottle, allows
the induction seal 90 and adhesive layer to rest on the open neck
of the bottle. The heat sensitive adhesive may, when passed through
or by an electromagnetic field and/or any other method known to
those skilled in the art, fuse the induction seal 90 to the bottle
via the adhesive.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, movement of the sipper cap
10 from a first position (open-seal not broken) to a second
position (closed-seal pierced) is shown. Reference to FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 shows movement from a first open position, where movement of
nozzle 50 is restricted in direction of arrow A, to a second open
position, where movement of nozzle 50 is less restricted in
direction of arrow A.
[0081] FIG. 2 shows the sipper cap 10 in an intermediate position
where the seal 90 is about to be broken by piercing means 55. In
this position the clip seal 41 has changed position (with respect
to the position shown in FIG. 1) from a first to a second open
position.
[0082] FIG. 3 shows the sipper cap 10 with the seal 90 pierced.
This is again an intermediate position between the first open
position (FIG. 1) and the closed position (FIG. 4). Ring 60 has not
passed protrusion 42a to move to the confirmation for lock clip 42
to hold the nozzle member 50 in the final, dosed position.
[0083] FIG. 4 then shows the sipper cap in the closed position. The
lock clip 42 is in place releasably holding the nozzle member 50 in
position. In this position the interaction between extension 43 at
angled surface 44 and face 57a of outer wall 57 of nozzle member 50
provides a firm seal preventing flow of liquid from the bottle (not
shown). The interaction between extension 43 at angled surface 44
and face 57a blocks channel 120. The extension 43 is adapted to
flex in response to urging, first by shoulder 57b and then face 57a
thus forming a firm and secure seal between surface 44 and
extension 43. The nozzle member 50 is held at this position by lock
clip 42 and friction/interference within the seal formed.
[0084] The seal formed is at a single point about nozzle member 50
and is sufficient to allow for the option of preparing a bottle and
sipper cap combination that does not require an induction seal at
the top of the bottle. This may result in a shorter product shelf
life if an induction seal of some sort is not used, but this may be
acceptable commercially.
[0085] The seal will preferably form a point seal between the end
of angled surface 44 and face 57a with the pressure being applied
to the point of contact by the urging of extension 43. In one
embodiment the cap could be attached to the bottle in this dosed
position at point of sale, and simple upward movement would open
the bottle for use. The provision of an induction or similar seal
between extension 43 and face 57a is also an option. This could be
coupled with a similar seal in the contact area between the bottle
and the sipper cap (eg engagement area 32) if desired. This would
result in simplicity of consumer use while maintaining product
integrity and shelf life. Removal of the need for a piercing means
in the cap would result in lower material costs as well.
[0086] When the sipper cap does include the single point seal
(FIGS. 1 to 7) extension 43 has a dual role. The first role is to
interact via angled surface 44 with sealing face 57b on nozzle 50
to form the single point concentric seal preventing liquid flow
through the sipper cap. The second role is to interact with
retention part 56 on piercing part 54 to prevent removal of nozzle
50 from the sipper cap.
[0087] In use and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the nozzle member
50 is held by neck section 38 of the cap section 30 above and/or in
close proximity to the induction seal 90 (open/purchase
conformation FIG. 1).
[0088] The induction seal 90 is pierced by the nozzle 50 of sipper
cap 10 moving from the first open/purchase conformation (FIG. 1) to
the "closed" conformation shown in FIG. 4 via the intermediate
positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0089] The induction seal 90 is broken by the user applying
downward pressure to the outlet end 51 of the nozzle member 50 in
the direction of arrow A. When pressure is applied in this way the
engagement at clip seal 41 is broken. This pressure also brings the
piercing means 55 into contact with the induction seal 90 (FIG.
2).
[0090] Continued pressure in the direction of arrow A pushes the
piercing means 55 through the induction seal 90 (FIG. 3). Shoulder
57b then forces concentric extension 43 away from its rest position
and, as nozzle member 50 continues in the direction of arrow A,
face 57a comes into sealing contact with angled surface 44 of
extension 43. The angled surface 44 prevents the escape of the
liquid from the bottle as pressure is exerted at this point by face
57a pressing on extension 43. This allows secure contact between
the face 57a and angled surface 44. There will be maximised force
applied to the contact area between these two parts as a result of
this interaction.
[0091] To prevent the content of the bottle escaping via the sipper
cap 10 once the induction seal 90 has been pierced, the sipper cap
10 is closed. FIG. 4 illustrates the closed conformation of the
preferred embodiment.
[0092] The movement of fluid from the bottle into the cap section
20 may be better understood with reference to FIG. 5 which shows a
cross section of the cap 10 of FIG. 1 through line B-B. Upturning
the bottle or applying pressure to the sides of the bottle
facilitates movement of liquid from the bottle into the sipper cap
10 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5. Liquid passes by supporting
arms 35 of cap section 30 and enters the inner chamber 37 of the
cap section 30 via channel 120. Once in the inner chamber 37,
liquid passes into the chamber 59 of the nozzle member 50 via
windows 58a and 58b. Liquid exits the sipper cap 10 via the outlet
end 51 of the nozzle member 50.
[0093] When the consumer lowers the bottle, liquid in the lower
part of the inner chamber 59 of the nozzle member 50 passes back
through windows 58a and 58b into inner chamber 37 and then back
into the bottle (not shown).
[0094] With reference to FIG. 6 a perspective external view of the
nozzle member 50 of sipper cap 10 is shown. As can be seen, the
nozzle member 50 includes piercing part 54 having piercing means
55. Shoulder 57b and sealing face 57a are also visible as is one of
windows 58a/58b. The other window is not visible from this
perspective. Also clearly visible is the retention part 56 on
piercing part 54.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 7 a perspective external view of an
alternative form of nozzle member 50 for sipper cap 10. The
difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 resides in the absence of
piercing means 55 in the embodiment of FIG. 7. As can be seen a
flat surface 55a is present instead. Such a nozzle part would be
used should the option of using the cap 10 with a bottle not having
a seal to be pierced be used. Alternatively, the cap 10 could be
removed and the seal then removed. This is clearly less
preferred.
[0096] As is readily apparent, retention part 56 shown in FIGS. 1
to 7 can be used in known sipper cap devices that do not utilise
the single point seal option. This allows the important safety
aspects of assisting in nozzle removal prevention to be transferred
to sipper caps where the use of the single point seal is not
necessary or is otherwise undesired.
[0097] FIGS. 8 to 10 show embodiments in which a retention part is
utilised in a sipper cap not including the single point seal.
[0098] The means by which known sipper caps operate to allow and
prevent passage of fluid is well known to persons skilled in the
art. This alternative is directed to assisting in the prevention of
removal of the nozzle from the sipper cap.
[0099] As seen in FIG. 8, a cross-section of a sipper cap 100 is
shown including a nozzle 101 and a housing 102. The nozzle 101 is
adapted to reciprocally move within housing 102 from an open to a
dosed position formed by known means.
[0100] The nozzle 101 includes retention part 104 on end 103a of
arm 103. The retention part 104 includes wings 104a and 104b
positioned to interact with an extension 105 on housing 102 to
prevent removal of nozzle 101 from housing 102, thus increasing the
safety aspects of the known sipper cap arrangement. As seen in FIG.
8, wings 104a and 104b extend from arm 103 at about 90.degree. from
the central axis of nozzle 101. While the retention part 104 and
wings 104a and 104b take a substantially inverted frustoconical
shape, it will be appreciated that other conformations would also
be able to be used. Wings 104a and 104b include surface 110 which
are adapted to abut extension 105. Surface 110 extends at
90.degree. from the central longitudinal axis of arm 103.
[0101] Extension 105 of housing 102 is provided to prevent nozzle
101 from moving too far out of the housing 102 before retention
part 104 stops removal. Extension 104 is optional however, if such
an extension is not used, the nozzle 102 will move from the housing
an extended distance prior to wings 104a and 104b Impacting on the
housing. The use of an extension such as that shown at 105 in FIGS.
8 and 9 is preferred.
[0102] FIG. 9 shows a perspective cutaway view of the sipper cap
shown in FIG. 8. Nozzle 101 is shown in an open position in housing
102 and the wing 104b of retention part 104 on nozzle 101 is
adjacent extension 105 of housing 102. Wing 104a is not shown in
this Figure. The retention part 104 being positioned to prevent
movement of nozzle 101 that would result, or likely result, in
nozzle 101 being removed from housing 102. The extension of arm 103
from the partially closed end 107 of nozzle 101, along the central
longitudinal axis of housing 102, and past the open end 108 of
nozzle 101 can be readily seen in this Figure.
[0103] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of nozzle 101 including
retention part 104 and wings 104a and 104b. As seen in this view,
partially closed end 107 of nozzle 101 includes openings 109
adapted to allow passage of liquid through the nozzle, as would be
well known to a person skilled in this art. Again, the extension of
arm 103 from open end 108 (not shown in FIG. 10) of nozzle 101 is
shown, as are wings 104a and 104b which form substantially a "T"
shape together with arm 103.
[0104] As will be readily be apparent, the arm 103 will preferably
extend along the central longitudinal axis of nozzle 101 (or
housing 102) but could lie adjacent, or be attached to, an internal
wall of housing 102. In addition, only one wing 104a or 104b could
be used, as could more than 2 wings if desired. However, a balance
needs to be drawn between securing the nozzle within the sipper cap
and allowing passage of liquid when desired.
[0105] The angle and shape of wings 104a and 104b from arm 103 is
not critical except to the extent that the wings need to be able to
retain the nozzle within a sipper cap. As such angles of surface
110 between 60.degree. and 110.degree. to the central longitudinal
axis of the nozzle are preferred with about a 90.degree. angle (as
seen in FIGS. 8 to 10) being preferable. Reference to FIGS. 1-7
show an angular aspect to retention part 56 which is present on the
"wings" of the nozzle 50.
[0106] The arm 103 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 extends across a
substantial amount of the central area encompassed by housing 102.
This is best seen in FIG. 8. The width of arm 103 is provided to
allow for increased strength and ease of manufacture The conformity
of fit between the extension 105 and arm 103 allows wings 104a and
104b to have increased strength that maximises removal resistance.
As will be apparent, the shape of arm 103 could vary from a narrow
pencil shape to the type of shape shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, however
the arm must be strong enough to hold the retention part 104
securely to prevent breakage, which would allow the nozzle to be
removed. The strength needed would be within the knowledge of the
skilled person in this art.
[0107] While in the foregoing description there has been made
reference to specific components or integers of the invention
having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein
incorporated as if individually set forth.
[0108] Although this invention has been described by way of example
only and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be
understood that modifications or improvements may be made without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *