U.S. patent application number 13/191374 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for dispensing closure having membrane opening device with cutting teeth.
This patent application is currently assigned to SJI LIMITED. Invention is credited to Jeffrey John Sharp.
Application Number | 20110284402 13/191374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37431474 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110284402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sharp; Jeffrey John |
November 24, 2011 |
DISPENSING CLOSURE HAVING MEMBRANE OPENING DEVICE WITH CUTTING
TEETH
Abstract
A dispenser closure (A) for a container including a storage
chamber (2), a flexible diaphragm (3) and a membrane opening device
(6) attached to the flexible diaphragm (3), whereby the membrane
opening device (6) includes a support structure (7) in the form of
an open structure with cutting teeth (11) in which a substance,
additive, ingredient or powder to be dispensed may flow and out
through the opened membrane. The open support structure results in
mixing to occur immediately when the membrane is open, enables free
movement of the substance, and facilitates complete mixing as there
are fewer surfaces to trap the substance. Upon depression of the
flexible diaphragm, the cutting teeth (11) of the opening device
(6) moves to cut the membrane (5) thereby opening the storage
chamber to allow the substance to mix with water, a solution or a
sports drink contained in an attached container or bottle.
Inventors: |
Sharp; Jeffrey John;
(Hamilton, NZ) |
Assignee: |
SJI LIMITED
Tauranga
NZ
|
Family ID: |
37431474 |
Appl. No.: |
13/191374 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11914631 |
Mar 7, 2008 |
|
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PCT/NZ2006/000113 |
May 15, 2006 |
|
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13191374 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/222 ;
220/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0031 20130101;
B65D 51/2835 20130101; B65D 2251/0028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/222 ;
220/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08; B65D 51/28 20060101 B65D051/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 16, 2005 |
NZ |
540021 |
Claims
1. A dispensing closure for use with a container, the dispensing
closure including: a storage chamber configured to accommodate a
substance to be dispensed, a flexible diaphragm defining part of
the storage chamber; a membrane opening device attached to the
diaphragm and configured to open a membrane when the diaphragm is
activated, and a support structure joining the membrane opening
device to the diaphragm, characterized in that the support
structure is in the form of an open structure with at least one gap
such that the substance to be dispensed may flow through the
support structure and out through the opened membrane.
2. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
dispensing closure is configured as a lid for the container.
3. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
dispensing closure is made in one piece.
4. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the storage
chamber can contain a powder.
5. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the storage
chamber includes a membrane.
6. A dispensing closures claimed in claim 5 wherein the membrane is
positioned such that when the dispensing closure is attached to a
container the membrane forms a barrier between the dispensing
closure and an opening in the container.
7. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the membrane
is made of aluminium foil.
8. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
dispensing closure includes a membrane seat to support the
periphery of a membrane.
9. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the membrane
opening device is attached to the diaphragm at intervals.
10. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
membrane opening device is configured such that when the opening
device is activated, part of the membrane acts as an attachment
point for the opened section of the membrane.
11. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
membrane opening device includes one or more teeth.
12. A dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
dispensing closure is coated with material to enhance resistance to
gas permeation.
13. A dispensing closure as claimed claim 1, wherein the dispensing
closure is impregnated with at least one nano clay.
14. A method of using a dispensing closure as claimed in claim 1,
the method characterized by the step of: applying a force to the
flexible diaphragm sufficient to cause the membrane opening device
attached to the diaphragm to open a section of the membrane such
that the substance to be dispensed may flow through the support
structure and out through the opened membrane.
15. A container including a dispensing closure as claimed in claim
1.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/914,631, filed Mar. 7, 2008, which is the U.S. National Phase
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International Application
PCT/NZ2006/000113, filed May 15, 2006 designating the U.S., which
claims priority to New Zealand Patent Application No. 540021, filed
May 16, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a dispensing closure to be used in
conjunction with a container.
[0003] In particular the present invention relates to a dispensing
closure that keeps two or more substances separate until the
dispensing closure is activated, thus enabling the substances to be
mixed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0004] Dispensers are used frequently to hold and, when activated,
to add additives to water, other solutions or powders. These are
often in the form of a dispensing closure which can be attached to
a bottle or container in which the water, other solution or powder
to which the additive is to be added, is contained. The dispensing
closure holds the additive and once activated enables the
substances to mix.
[0005] For example, dispensing closures are widely used in the
pharmaceutical industry to keep one or more active ingredients
separate from the solution in which they may be used, until the
mixture is required. This is particularly useful in situations
where the efficacy of the mixture may degrade with time. Use of a
dispensing closure allows the active ingredient(s) to be added to
the solution at the time of use, thus ensuring the mixture has the
correct properties, concentration of ingredients and so on.
[0006] Another common use is for sports drinks where the active
ingredient, for example an electrolyte, may be kept separate from
the solution until immediately prior to use, thus maintaining the
full efficacy of the mixture.
[0007] WO 2004/060766 provides a basis background to the present
invention and early developments in the field. This document
discloses a dispenser in the form of a blister pack which can be
used to dispense a second substance into a container containing
another substance. This dispenser also requires a second aperture,
through which the mixed contents can be selectively removed from
the container, and the container resealed.
[0008] This document also discloses a dispenser which incorporates
a blister pack which ruptures on application of pressure.
[0009] Other documents, such as WO 2004/089777 and WO 03/043898
disclose dispensers incorporating a membrane opening device or
cutter.
[0010] WO 2004/089777 discloses an arc shaped element which fits
around the interior of the dispenser capsule/diaphragm to which
pressure is applied to activate. The arc shaped element has at
least one protruding or pointed element which acts to break the
membrane seal separating the two substances.
[0011] JP 2004115075 discloses a dispensing closure, the body of
which is formed in a single mould and includes a projection which
is used to penetrate a membrane.
[0012] Typical dispensers include a space to hold the substance to
be dispersed (the additive) which is bounded and sealed on one side
by a membrane. A membrane opening device is used, typically
activated by depression of a flexible diaphragm, which causes the
membrane opening device to pierce the membrane, thus enabling
mixing of the contents of the dispenser with those of the container
to which it is attached in use.
[0013] There are however a number of disadvantages with current
dispensing closures, such as those listed above. These relate
primarily to difficulties encountered in ensuring that complete
mixing of the substances occurs when the dispensing closure is
activated.
[0014] One disadvantage is that there may be inefficient or only
partial breaking of the seal/membrane. This can restrict the flow
of substances between the dispensing closure and the container,
leading to incomplete mixing of the substances in the dispensing
closure and the container. Inefficient or incomplete mixing of the
two substances is not desired as the concentration of the additive
may be critical for some applications, such as in preparing
pharmaceutical solutions.
[0015] For example, dispensing devices that rupture the membrane by
pushing a spike through the membrane to form a hole, such as that
disclosed in JP 2004115075, may be ineffective if the hole is not
large enough to ensure free flow and mixing of the contents of the
dispenser with those of the container to which it is attached in
use. Shaking or other means of forcing the contents of the
dispenser to mix with the contents of the container is time
consuming and cannot guarantee complete mixing, as, for example,
some additive may still remain trapped in the dispenser.
[0016] Increasing the size of the hole (for this type of dispenser)
involves increasing the size of the spike used to form the hole.
This solution however has the disadvantage of restricting the
volume of the available space inside the dispensing closure used to
store the additive compound.
[0017] This type of dispenser may not be appropriate for use with
additives in the form of tablets. To dispense a tablet the hole in
the membrane must be larger than the dimensions of the tablet so
that the tablet may move freely and reliably from the dispenser
into the container when the membrane is ruptured. This is a
disadvantage of some current dispersers where the hole is
small.
[0018] The mechanism used to break the membrane must also allow
space for the tablet to access the resulting hole in the membrane.
This is a disadvantage of dispensers that involve the use of a
spike or other solid structure to pierce the membrane as typically
the spike remains in close proximity to the hole formed in the
pierced membrane after activation.
[0019] Some dispensing closures, such as that disclosed in WO
2004/089777, use a closed structure located inside the dispenser to
make an arc shaped incision in the membrane. This type of piercing
device typically limits the available space used to store the
additive compound inside the dispensing closure. If the additive is
in the form of the tablet it must be placed between the piercing
structure and the membrane when the dispenser is constructed, in
order to allow the tablet access the arc shaped hole in the
membrane when formed. Again, the size of the opening in the
membrane must be sufficiently large to ensure that the tablet will
move through the opening without hindrance.
[0020] The use of a solid, closed structure has the added
disadvantage of increasing the amount of material required to
manufacture the dispenser. This increases the cost of production
and hence the cost of the closure device when sold.
[0021] It is a considerable disadvantage if the mixing requires
prolonged shaking in order for a solution from the container to
enter the dispenser and dissolve the tablet. Incomplete mixing, and
hence incorrect concentrations, may result if the tablet is not
fully dissolved.
[0022] If the additive is in the form of a powder or liquid then
there is the potential for some of the additive to be trapped
behind the piercing structure which may lead to incomplete
mixing.
[0023] The size of the hole is less important if the additive is in
powder form. However it is important to ensure all of the powder
can be combined and mixed with the solution in the container.
[0024] Again, a disadvantage with current dispensing disclosures
may arise if the hole in the membrane limits the free flow of
additive (powder or otherwise) or if the internal structure of the
dispenser, and in particular the structure used to make the cut in
the membrane, is such that access to the cut portion of the
membrane is limited or if additive can be trapped inside the
dispenser.
[0025] As in the case of additives in the form of tablets, shaking
or other mixing activity required to ensure that all the additive
has entered and been mixed with the contents of the container is
time consuming and cannot be used to guarantee complete mixing. It
is possible for the powder to get wet and stick to the inside of
the dispensing closure instead of mixing with the substrate as
desired.
[0026] A further significant disadvantage with most existing
dispensers is that they comprise a number of distinct components.
This is due in part to the different structural requirements of the
components of the dispensing closure. For example, a dispensing
closure normally requires a combination of a cap with rigid sides
to screw onto a bottle, a flexible diaphragm section to activate a
membrane opening device, and a membrane opening device strong and
rigid enough to open a hole in a membrane.
[0027] Having the dispensing enclosure made up of a number of
component parts increases the cost of manufacture and assembly, as
a range of different products and moulds are required to
manufacture the separate pieces, and slows the production rate due
to the increased assembly required.
[0028] A further major disadvantage is that joins are often
required between separate pieces. This introduces potential sealing
problems between the separate components, and may lead to an
increase in breakages or faulty operation.
[0029] It would be of advantage to people who manufacture or use
dispensing closures if a dispensing closure were available which
overcame the above disadvantages.
[0030] It is an object of the present invention to address the
foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful
choice.
[0031] All references, including any patents or patent applications
cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference.
No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and
the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and
pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood
that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to
herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of
these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the
art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0032] It is acknowledged that the term `comprise` may, under
varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an
inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and
unless otherwise noted, the term `comprise` shall have an inclusive
meaning i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only
the listed components it directly references, but also other non
specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used
when the term `comprised` or `comprising` is used in relation to
one or more steps in a method or process.
[0033] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description, which is given by way
of example only.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a dispensing closure for use with a container [0035] the
dispensing closure including [0036] a storage chamber configured to
accommodate a substance to be dispensed, [0037] a flexible
diaphragm defining part of the storage chamber; and [0038] a
membrane opening device attached to the diaphragm and configured to
open a membrane when the diaphragm is activated [0039] wherein the
membrane opening device includes a support structure, [0040]
characterised in that [0041] the support structure is in the form
of an open structure through which the substance to be dispensed
may flow and out through the opened membrane.
[0042] Throughout this specification the term container may be
taken to refer to a bottle, onto which the dispensing closure can
be attached. However this should not be seen as limiting as other
forms of container may be used with the present invention.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure is
configured as a lid to the container.
[0044] As with a normal lid, the dispensing closure may be
configured to be secured to the container. Preferably this securing
means is that of a normal screw threaded closure commonly used on
bottles for sealing by a lid or cap. However this should not be
seen as limiting as other securing means may be utilised.
[0045] An advantage of using a dispensing closure with a common
screw thread is that bottles do not have to be manufactured
specifically for use with the dispensing closure of the present
invention.
[0046] In one embodiment the dispensing closure may be releasably
secured to the container. In operation this allows the dispensing
closure to be activated to mix two substances together following
which the container may be opened for use and then resealed for
further use at a later time.
[0047] Having the container able to be opened and resealed multiple
times after the dispensing closure has been activated may have
significant advantages in some applications, such as for dispensing
multiple doses of a medication over time. However this should not
be seen as limiting as a single use dispensing closure may be made
according to the present invention, and indeed is a preferred
method of application.
[0048] In normal use the container contains a first substance to
which a second substance, contained in the dispensing closure, may
be mixed.
[0049] Throughout this specification the term storage chamber may
be taken to refer to a space in the dispensing closure configured
to accommodate the substance to be dispensed. Examples of such
substances include, but are not limited to, active components or
medication to be dispensed, chemicals for conducting testing of
particular substances, or energy or health supplements.
[0050] The substance to be dispersed may be in the form of a
tablet, a gas, a liquid, or a powder.
[0051] The dispensing closure allows the substance stored in the
storage chamber to remain separate from the substance in the
container until mixing is required. If the second substance
contains an active component, this may prevent the active component
from degrading or losing efficacy.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment the storage chamber contains a
powder.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment the container contains a
liquid.
[0054] Reference will be made throughout this specification to the
storage chamber containing a second substance in the form of a
powder and the container containing a first substance in the form
of a liquid. However, those skilled in the art would appreciate
that many other combinations of tablets, powders, gases and liquids
are possible, and reference to a powder in the storage chamber and
a liquid in the container should not be seen as limiting.
[0055] The dispensing closure incorporates a flexible diaphragm.
The diaphragm may typically have a domed shape, i.e., convex away
from the rest of the dispensing closure, and shall be referred to
as having such herein. This configuration provides the amount of
flexure and movement required to activate the dispensing closure.
However this should not be seen as limiting as in some embodiments
the diaphragm may be formed in other shapes or orientations, for
example it may be substantially flat and horizontal.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment the design of the diaphragm and
the side walls of the dispensing closure to which it is attached
may also be configured to allow easy depression of the
diaphragm.
[0057] For example, the design may include a depression around the
periphery of the flexible diaphragm in the region between the
diaphragm and the side wall of the dispensing disclosure. The
depression allows the side of the dispensing closure to move inward
as the diaphragm is depressed making downward movement of the
diaphragm easier.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment the diaphragm may be protected by
an overlying removable shroud (for example in the form of a bottle
cap) to prevent accidental depression/activation of the diaphragm
when the shroud is in place. The shroud may be removed when
activation of the dispensing closure is required.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment the storage chamber includes a
membrane.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment the membrane is positioned such
that when the dispensing closure is attached to a container the
membrane forms a barrier between the dispensing closure and an
opening in the container. More specifically, the membrane is
attached to the storage chamber and is positioned such that when
the membrane is opened by the membrane opening device a hole is
formed between the storage chamber and the interior of the
container thus enabling mixing of the contents of the storage
chamber with the contents of the container.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment the membrane may be an integral
part of the dispensing closure.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment the membrane may be made of an
inert material that does not react or interact with either the
substance in the storage chamber or that in the container. This
will prevent any adverse affects on either substance and maintain
the purity and composition of the substances as intended.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment the membrane may be made of a
material which may be readily ruptured and opened by the membrane
opening device. Therefore the membrane burst strength should be
limited to allow same, but not be so low that the membrane can
rupture without activation of the dispensing closure.
[0064] Throughout this specification the term burst strength should
be taken as meaning the minimum force required to be applied to the
diaphragm in order to rupture and open the membrane with the
membrane opening device.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment the membrane may be made from
aluminium foil. However this should not be seen as limiting as
membranes made from other materials that are suitable for contact
with the substances in both the container and the storage chamber
of the dispensing closure, may be utilised with the present
invention.
[0066] Aluminium foil membranes are widely used in packaging where
a secure seal is needed until the stored substance is required. A
relatively small force is then used to rupture the membrane and
release the substance.
[0067] An advantage in using an aluminium foil membrane is that it
may be induction welded to the dispensing closure, thus forming a
secure sealed closure. However this should not be seen as limiting
as any other method suitable to securely attach the membrane to the
dispensing closure may be utilised.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure includes a
membrane seat. The membrane seat may be in the form of a washer
which supports the outer annular ring of the membrane against any
pressure on it, thereby holding the membrane in position to allow
the membrane opening device to efficiently rupture and open same
when activated.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment the membrane and the membrane seat
are located opposite the flexible diaphragm and in a plane
substantially parallel to the plane through the base of the
diaphragm.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment the membrane and the membrane seat
are located so as to form a seal across the opening of the
container when in use.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment the membrane and membrane seat
may be located within the opening of the container when in use.
[0072] The dispensing closure device is activated to release the
second substance by pressing the flexible diaphragm. This motion
moves the membrane opening device such that it ruptures the
membrane to form an opening through which the second substance can
pass, thereby allowing the substances from the storage chamber and
the container to mix.
[0073] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device is
attached to the flexible diaphragm.
[0074] An advantage of attaching the membrane opening device to the
diaphragm is that depression of the flexible diaphragm is
immediately transferred into motion of the membrane opening device.
In this manner the motion of the membrane opening device can be
directly controlled through the application of appropriate force to
the diaphragm. In particular, the full flex of the diaphragm is
translated into movement of the membrane opening device, a
situation that does not occur when the membrane opening device is
not attached to the flexible diaphragm as in many of the prior art
dispensers.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device is
attached to the diaphragm at intervals. This is an important
feature that ensures full flexibility of the diaphragm is retained.
Flexure of the diaphragm is translated into full movement of the
membrane opening device when the diaphragm is activated by pressing
it down. This complete flexure results in more efficient rupture of
the membrane, for the least amount of force being exerted in order
to flex the diaphragm.
[0076] In contrast, an extended attachment of the membrane opening
device and the flexible diaphragm may severely restrict the motion
of the flexible diaphragm. This arises because the flexible
diaphragm and the connected section of the membrane opening device
are constrained to move as one entity. General movement of the
flexible diaphragm may therefore introduce significant forces
between the membrane opening device and the flexible diaphragm
which could lead to rupture of the connection and failure of the
dispensing closure to operate properly.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device is
attached to the flexible membrane with a hinge.
[0078] Reference to a hinge throughout this specification should be
understood to refer to a pliable part of a structure configured to
bend when a force is applied to it. The use of suitable hinges to
attach the membrane opening device to the flexible membrane allows
the membrane opening device to move in a direction normal to the
plane of the membrane when the diaphragm is pressed. This ensures
that the membrane opening device is always in the optimum
orientation relative to the membrane to rupture and open the
membrane with the minimum applied force.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device
includes a hinge in the form of a thin section of material adjacent
to where it is attached to the flexible diaphragm. This thin
section of material acts as a form of hinge which flexes in
response to the changing shape of the flexible diaphragm when the
latter is depressed. With appropriate design this allows the
remainder of the membrane opening device (ie other than the hinges)
to be relatively rigid as required in order to rupture the
membrane.
[0080] As the diaphragm is depressed it will typically move from a
convex shape to a corrugated or more likely a concave shape. This
changes the orientation of the flexible diaphragm relative to the
membrane opening device at the attachment points. The force applied
to the membrane opening device by the diaphragm is directed at
right angles to the tangent plane of the surface of the diaphragm
at the contact point. The direction of this force therefore changes
continually as the diaphragm shape changes.
[0081] Use of a hinge in the membrane opening device where it is
attached to the flexible diaphragm allows the hinge to bend such
that membrane opening device moves in a direction substantially
normal to the plane of the membrane at all times as the flexible
diaphragm is pressed.
[0082] Without the use of a hinge the force on the membrane opening
device at the attachment points would result in a tendency to splay
the sides of the membrane opening device. If the membrane opening
device is rigid the resultant force on the attachment point may be
such as to break the attachment leading to failure of the membrane
opening device.
[0083] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device
includes a membrane opening surface.
[0084] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening surface
includes one or more teeth.
[0085] Reference will be made throughout this specification to the
membrane opening surface including one or more teeth. However,
those skilled in the art will know that membrane opening surfaces
configured as other than teeth are possible and reference to the
membrane opening surface as including teeth only should not be seen
as limiting. For example, the membrane opening surface in some
embodiments may include a blade.
[0086] In a preferred embodiment the teeth are arranged so as to
open a substantially circular portion of the membrane.
[0087] Reference will be made throughout this specification to the
teeth being arranged so as to open a substantially circular arc
opening in the membrane. However, those skilled in the art will
know that other configurations of the teeth are possible and
reference to the teeth being arranged so as to open a substantially
circular arc opening in the membrane only should not be seen as
limiting. For example, the teeth may be arranged in some
embodiments so as to form an opening consisting of two
substantially straight cuts bisecting substantially at right
angles. Essentially any shape of opening may be used provided it
allows release of the substance to be dispensed without
hindrance.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device may
extend from the diaphragm in a substantially semicircular shape,
positioned substantially centrally on the diaphragm. However this
should not be seen as limiting as other configurations may be
utilised such as the membrane opening device extending around the
exterior of the diaphragm or at angles across the middle of
same.
[0089] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device is
configured such that when the opening device is activated part of
the membrane acts as an attachment point for the opened section of
the membrane.
[0090] At least one portion of the membrane opening surface may be
left without teeth (or other means to open the membrane) so that
when the membrane is opened the opened portion of the membrane
remains attached to the rest of the membrane. This provides the
advantage that the opened portion of membrane remains attached and
is unable to move around the container, thereby possibly
interfering with future uses of the container.
[0091] The membrane opening device includes a support structure
which links the membrane opening surface to the hinge attached to
the diaphragm.
[0092] The support structure is in the form of an open structure
configured such that the substance to be dispensed may flow through
the support structure and out through the opened membrane.
[0093] Reference to an open structure throughout this specification
should be understood to refer to a hollow structure including one
or more gaps through which the substance to be dispensed may flow
towards the opening in the membrane.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment the open support structure may
consist of spaced apart legs. One end of each leg may be attached
to a hinge attached to the diaphragm. The end of the leg distal to
the diaphragm may be attached to the membrane opening surface.
However, other forms of open structure are possible for the support
structure and reference to the support structure including space
apart legs only throughout this specification should not be seen as
limiting.
[0095] The use of an open support structure means that immediately
on opening of the membrane the substance to be dispersed may move
readily from throughout the storage chamber, through the open
support structure (if required) and into the container. Thus the
membrane opening device does not need to return substantially to
its original position before mixing can take place.
[0096] This is particularly the case when the substance to be
dispensed is in the form of a powder or a liquid. The same result
can be obtained when the substance to be dispensed is in tablet
form by using an open structure having spaces through which the
tablet or tablets can move.
[0097] The use of an open structure also means that there are fewer
surfaces in the storage chamber which could trap the substance to
be dispensed than in many existing dispensers. The open structure
allows more space within the storage space for the material to be
dispensed than is the case with many current dispensers having a
solid membrane opening device. Also if the substance in the
container is allowed to flow freely into the storage chamber it can
more readily mix with the substance therein.
[0098] The open structure therefore overcomes some of the
disadvantages of current dispensers by facilitating rapid and
complete mixing of the contents of the storage chamber with the
contents of the container following the opening of the
membrane.
[0099] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure is made in
one piece. In one piece construction the membrane (and possibly the
membrane seat) is added to the dispensing closure following
placement of the substance to be dispensed into the storage
chamber.
[0100] One piece construction of the basic dispensing closure is
made possible by the attachment of the membrane opening device to
the diaphragm. With appropriate design a continuous single moulding
is all that is required to produce a dispensing closure device as
outlined herein.
[0101] Manufacture of the dispensing closure in one piece provides
a significant number of advantages over previous dispensing
closures which were manufactured in a number of separate pieces.
One piece manufacture decreases the cost of manufacture
significantly as no assembly required.
[0102] The one step process also allows a higher production rate. A
single piece construction requires only one mould and production is
not limited by further steps such as assembling a number of
separate components.
[0103] A further advantage is that as the dispensing closure is
made in one piece it is less likely to break or to have sealing
problems at the attachment points, between for example the
diaphragm and the storage chamber or the membrane.
[0104] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure is coated
with material to enhance resistance to gas permeation.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure is
impregnated with at least one nano clay. Impregnation of nano clays
into the plastic material of the dispensing closure may decrease
permeability.
[0106] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure may be made
of a material which allows the desired properties of the dispensing
closure to be incorporated.
[0107] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure may be made
of plastic. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other
materials with the desired properties may also be utilised.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure may be made
of polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0109] In a preferred embodiment the storage chamber may have a
substance inserted/placed into same, before the membrane is
attached to the dispensing closure to form a closed unit. The
membrane may then be welded (for example by use of ultrasonic heat
or induction heat) or adhered (for example use of glue) to the
membrane seat in order to create a fully enclosed storage
chamber.
[0110] The design features discussed throughout this specification
allow the disclosed dispensing closure to be moulded in one piece
while still providing sufficient strength and rigidity of the
closure to be able to be attached to the bottle while being
flexible enough to easily depress the diaphragm and pierce the
membrane.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure leads to
the formation of an effectively sealed package through a
combination of the foil membrane with a coated impregnated cap
which is possibly UV, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour
resistant. For example the internal or external surface of the
storage chamber might also be coated with a material to enhance
resistance to gas permeation through the closure.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment the dispensing closure of the
present invention may be used in conjunction with a container
having one opening, over which the dispensing closure is configured
to fit.
[0113] In an alternative embodiment the dispensing closure of the
present invention may be used with containers having two openings.
The dispensing closure may be permanently attached to one opening
perhaps by welding or gluing the membrane or membrane seat to both
the dispensing closure and the container. The other opening in the
container can be fitted with a screw cap, a sipper top or any other
resealable opening.
[0114] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of using a dispensing closure as outlined
above,
[0115] the method characterized by the step of:
[0116] applying a force to the flexible diaphragm sufficient to
cause the membrane opening device to open a section of the membrane
thus enabling the contents of the storage chamber to flow freely
through the support structure and the open section of the membrane
to mix with the contents of the container.
[0117] A dispensing closure according to the present invention
provides a number of advantages over previous dispensing closures.
In particular, the open structure used for the support structure of
the membrane opening device enables free movement of the substance
to be dispensed through the support structure and out into the
container through the opened membrane when the closure device is
activated.
[0118] In the present invention, as a result of the open support
structure, mixing may occur immediately the membrane is opened. In
contrast, in prior art dispensing closures there may be a delay
prior to mixing of the contents while the membrane opening device
is retracted into its original position, thus providing access to
the opened membrane.
[0119] The open structure also facilitates complete mixing as there
are fewer surfaces in the storage chamber able to trap the
substance to be dispensed and prevent it from mixing with the
contents of the container. The open structure allows more space to
be used within the storage chamber for storing the substance to be
dispensed. In the instance where the container holds a liquid, the
use of an open support structure means that the liquid in the
container can flow into the storage chamber through the opened
membrane and freely move around inside the storage chamber. Each of
these aspects provides an advantage over earlier dispensing
closures in facilitating complete mixing of the components in the
dispensing closure and the container when required.
[0120] The use of an open structure also reduces the amount of
material required to construct the dispensing closure. This reduces
production costs and therefore the cost of the dispensing closure
to the consumer.
[0121] The design of the dispensing closure of the current
invention allows it to be made in one piece rather than single
pieces which are subsequently assembled into a finalised product.
This has a number of advantages over earlier dispensing closures
which contain a number of components that are made separately and
assembled into the final product. These advantages over multi
component disclosures include a decrease in manufacturing costs, as
there is no assembly required, an increase in the production rate
and a decrease in the number of breakages or problems with failed
seals between components.
[0122] A feature of the dispensing closure as described herein is
the attachment of the membrane opening device to the diaphragm only
at certain intervals. This allows greater flexure of the diaphragm
thus providing greater movement of the membrane opening device.
This also overcomes problems with the prior art caused by the
distortion forces between the extended contacts of the membrane
opening device and the diaphragm. These forces in prior art
dispensing closures reduce their efficiency or may lead to
breakdown should the attachment rupture.
[0123] A further advantage of the current invention is the use of
hinges to facilitate the attachment of the support structure of the
membrane opening device to the diaphragm. The hinges are designed
to flex when the diaphragm is depressed thus absorbing and
accommodating the forces that would otherwise lead to potential
rupture of the attachment.
[0124] These hinges may also be configured such that the membrane
opening device is constrained to move directly towards the
membrane, thus providing the most efficient transfer of force for
opening the membrane. Current dispensing closures that do not have
these features are less efficient and more likely to fail due to
rupture of the attachment between the membrane opening device and
the diaphragm.
[0125] The design of the dispensing closure according to the
present invention is suitable for use with the substance to be
dispensed in the form of powder, tablet, gas or liquid. In
particular, the open support structure of the membrane opening
device may be configured to allow free movement of the substance to
be dispensed in any of these forms through the open support
structure and out through the opened membrane into the attached
container. In contrast, in many prior art dispensing closures the
size and form of the membrane opening device is such that it may
limit access of the dispensing material to the opening in the
membrane, particularly when the substance is in the form of a
tablet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0126] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0127] FIG. 1 shows an external side view of a dispensing closure;
and
[0128] FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-section view of a dispensing
closure; and
[0129] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a plan view of a dispensing
closure; and
[0130] FIG. 4 shows a schematic of a diametrical cutaway
perspective view of a dispensing closure; and
[0131] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a dispensing closure attached to
a container; and
[0132] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a side elevation of a
dispensing closure including a shroud; and
[0133] FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a vertical cross-section cutaway
perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0134] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of the exterior of a
dispensing closure device according to the current invention,
generally indicated as (A). The dispensing closure device is
configured as a lid for a container (not shown in this Figure)
where the dispensing closure device is attached to the container
via a normal screw threaded closure (1). The dispensing closure
device (A) includes a side wall (20) and a flexible diaphragm
(3).
[0135] FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a dispensing
closure (A) including the normal screw threaded closure (1) for
attachment to a container (interior screw thread not shown). A
storage chamber (2) is formed by the space enclosed by the flexible
diaphragm (3), the side wall (20) and the membrane (5) (when
fitted).
[0136] A membrane seat (4) is positioned to hold the membrane (5)
in position. The top of the container when sealingly attached to
the dispensing closure device (A) sits against the side of the
membrane seat (4) opposite from the membrane (5).
[0137] The membrane opening device, generally shown as (6),
consists of a supporting structure (7) which is attached to the
flexible diaphragm only at particular intervals (in this instance
(8) and (9)), but not at others (in this instance (10)). The
membrane opening device also includes a membrane opening surface,
generally shown as (12). In this embodiment the membrane opening
surface (12) includes teeth (11).
[0138] FIG. 2 shows a depression (22) around the periphery of the
diaphragm between it and the side wall (20) of the dispensing
closure, which allows the side wall (20) of the dispensing closure
to move inwards as the diaphragm is depressed.
[0139] FIG. 3 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view through the
membrane cutting surface of a dispensing closure (A). This Figure
shows a typical substantially circular arc shaped membrane opening
device (6) in a substantially central position above the plane of
the membrane (5). The teeth (11) of the membrane opening device are
shown in a substantially circular arc shape.
[0140] Activation of the membrane opening device (6) results in the
membrane (5) being opened around the portion where teeth are
present. The unopened section of the circle, corresponding to the
section without teeth, ensures that the opened portion of the
membrane remains attached to the remainder of the membrane after
activation of the membrane opening device (6).
[0141] In a preferred embodiment the membrane opening device (6)
has a number of pointed teeth (11) configured so that as well as
having sharp points to pierce the membrane, the sides of the teeth
are also sharp, allowing the membrane to be easily cut.
[0142] The diaphragm (3) may be designed to revert to its initial
position, thus retracting the membrane opening device (6), or it
may stay in the depressed position.
[0143] FIG. 4 shows a dispensing closure (A) including a portion
(1) which functions as the screw threaded closure for a container
such as a bottle (not shown), a storage chamber (2), a flexible
diaphragm (3) and depression (22), a membrane seat (4), a membrane
(5) and a membrane opening device showing the support structure
(7), the membrane cutting surface (23) including cutting teeth
(11).
[0144] FIG. 5 shows a dispensing closure (A) attached to the top of
a container (23). The opening (13) in the container (23) is sealed
at the top by a membrane (5). The dispensing closure may also
include an underlying membrane seat (14) in the form of a washer of
compressible nature to ensure that any contents of the container do
not leak past the closure threads (if any).
[0145] The membrane (5) when attached to the dispensing closure (A)
is preferably in the form of a thin aluminium foil sheet, induction
or ultrasonically welded or glued to the dispensing closure, which
typically will be made of a plastics material.
[0146] The membrane opening device (6) extends from the diaphragm
(3) towards the membrane (5) and is integrally moulded with the
diaphragm as a single piece. The membrane opening device (6)
preferably extends from substantially the centre of the diaphragm,
which results in the greatest movement and efficiency when the
diaphragm (3) is activated. Before the diaphragm (3) is activated
the membrane opening device (6) does not touch the membrane
(5).
[0147] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a dispensing closure
device, generally indicated by (B), in which the dispensing closure
is recessed into the neck of the container (23).
[0148] FIG. 6 shows the positioning of a shroud (15) over the
dispensing closure. It should be noted that the dispensing closure
does not have to be recessed into the neck of the container for a
shroud to be used, and indeed a shroud is preferred with all
embodiments of the dispensing closure in order to prevent
accidental activation of the diaphragm (3).
[0149] The shroud (15) is attached to the container (23) or the
dispensing closure, by a retaining seat (16). The shroud (15) can
be detached and re-attached to the retaining seat (16) as required,
or alternatively discarded once the diaphragm (3) has been
activated.
[0150] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section cutaway perspective view of
another embodiment of a dispensing closure, generally indicated by
(C), wherein a membrane (19) is attached, typically by welding or
gluing, directly to the bottom of the sides (20) of the storage
chamber. This embodiment has an indentation (21) in which the top
edge of the container (not shown) sits when the dispensing closure
is in position on the container.
[0151] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *