U.S. patent application number 13/569511 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for sealing device for bottles and containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alberto OCHOA LABURU. Invention is credited to Alberto OCHOA LABURU.
Application Number | 20130043206 13/569511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45002861 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130043206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OCHOA LABURU; Alberto |
February 21, 2013 |
SEALING DEVICE FOR BOTTLES AND CONTAINERS
Abstract
A sealing device for bottles and containers, which comprises a
teat (1) coupled to the neck (2) of a bottle and a sealing cap (3)
coupled to said teat (1) and/or neck (2) of the bottle, wherein
said cap (3) comprises a fold-back lid (3b) and wherein an insert
(4) is over-injected on the cap (3) to form a hinge area (5), the
material of said insert (4) being more flexible than the material
of the cap (3), thereby improving the flexibility and resistance of
the hinge (5).
Inventors: |
OCHOA LABURU; Alberto; (San
Sebastian, ES) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OCHOA LABURU; Alberto |
San Sebastian |
|
ES |
|
|
Family ID: |
45002861 |
Appl. No.: |
13/569511 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/20 20200501;
B65D 2401/30 20200501; B65D 47/0814 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/237 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 41/00 20060101 B65D041/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2011 |
EP |
EP11382278.7 |
Claims
1. A sealing device for bottles and containers, comprising a teat
(1) which can be coupled to the neck (2) of a bottle and a closing
cap (3) comprising a body (3a), a lid (3b) which can be folded back
to allow access to the teat (1) and an anchor seal (3c), wherein an
insert (4) is over-injected on the lid (3), made from a more
flexible material than that of the cap (3), said insert (4) joining
the body (3a) to the lid (3b) and forming a hinge area (5).
2. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 1, wherein the cap (3) comprises a first cut (6) which
encompasses the entire perimeter of the cap (3), with the exception
of the hinge area (5), where said first cut (6) defines a line for
folding back and opening the lid (3b) in relation to the body (3a);
and a plurality of first connection points (10) disposed within the
area of the first cut (6) consisting of small projections formed in
the inner wall of the cap (3) which keep the lid (3b) and body (3a)
joined together until aperture by folding back of said lid
(3b).
3. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 1, wherein the cap (3) comprises a second peripheral cut (7)
that separates the body (3a) from the anchor seal (3c); and a
plurality of second connection points (11) disposed on the inner
wall of the cap (3) and on said second peripheral cut (7), the
connection points (11) of which keep the body (3a) joined to the
anchor seal (3c).
4. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 1, wherein the lid (3b) comprises a ridge (8) for
facilitating the cap (3) aperture operation.
5. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 1, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
6. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 2, wherein the cap (3) comprises a second peripheral cut (7)
that separates the body (3a) from the anchor seal (3c); and a
plurality of second connection points (11) disposed on the inner
wall of the cap (3) and on said second peripheral cut (7), the
connection points (11) of which keep the body (3a) joined to the
anchor seal (3c).
7. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 2, wherein the lid (3b) comprises a ridge (8) for
facilitating the cap (3) aperture operation.
8. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 3, wherein the lid (3b) comprises a ridge (8) for
facilitating the cap (3) aperture operation.
9. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 6, wherein the lid (3b) comprises a ridge (8) for
facilitating the cap (3) aperture operation.
10. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 2, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
11. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 3, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
12. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 4, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
13. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 7, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
14. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 8, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
15. The sealing device for bottles and containers, according to
claim 9, wherein the cap (3) comprises at least one vertical groove
(9) disposed on the lid (3b) next to the ridge (8), and in that
said, at least, one vertical groove (9) breaks on performing any
fraudulent operation on the cap (3).
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of European Patent
Application No. EP 11 38 2278.7, filed Aug. 16, 2011, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a sealing device of the
type normally used as caps for sealing bottles or containers, of
the type containing fluids such as water, energy drinks or soft
drinks in the interior thereof, which is applicable to the food and
food preservation industry.
[0003] The main purpose of this sealing device for bottles or
containers is to extend the useful life of the cap itself, due to
the cyclicity of the aperture and closure actions of the lid of
each cap, as well as guaranteeing the security of small children
against used bottles, where breakage of the cap can give rise to
accidental swallowing, entailing serious health risks; and which
additionally allows definition of a cap having a different outer
appearance to the other caps known in the state of the art; with a
sealing device that is quickly formed, simple and inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The problems relating to the fragility of bottle and
container cap lids, which are subject to a large number of
apertures and closures, particularly when reused by users, is known
in the state of the art; and, due to being formed from a plastic
material, said lids end up passing from an elastic state to a
plastic state, eventually giving rise to severing and detachment
thereof. Additionally, the bottle could be used by small children,
which are susceptible of introducing the bottle cap into their
mouth and breaking it with their teeth or hands, leading to choking
and possible suffocation of the child.
[0005] In relation to the sealing devices commonly used at present,
the example of the sealing device disclosed in the utility model
with publication number ES-1064802, wherein a cap for bottles,
preferably containing oil, is disclosed, formed from a pouring
element and a cap that comprises, on its upper part, a lid having a
fold-back hinge; said hinge is formed from the plastic material cap
itself, but wherein said cap has a section that is gradually
weakened by the repeated number of times it is opened and closed
and which, on being made of plastic material, implies that the
cyclicity of such actions causes breakage or cracking of the lid,
with the previously described risks.
[0006] Another drawback of the sealing devices currently used for
bottles or containers is that these have a tear off seal or closure
destined for aperture thereof, guaranteeing that the bottle has not
been adulterated with other products since bottling at the factory;
and where said seal, once torn, becomes waste material of the cap,
which incurs a cost in terms of material as, once opened, it is
useless and must be deposited at the corresponding plastic waste
container.
[0007] Due to this, in view of the aforementioned earlier patent
and the previously expounded problems relative to extending the
useful life of the cap, simplifying the cap forming process and
preventing the existence of waste products which incur a cost in
terms of material and preventing the appearance of a new sealing
device for bottles or containers that will avoid the aforementioned
drawbacks, as well as granting an aesthetic appearance which
differentiates it from the currently known state of the art, is
required, in such a manner that the user is familiarised with and
distinguishes the sealing device object of the invention from other
sealing devices and appreciates the environmental efficiency
achieved, among other things, in its form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a sealing device for
bottles or containers, which improves the resistance of the cap lid
while in turn shortening forming time and simplifying the mould
wherein the cap object of the invention is manufactured, as well as
giving the unit a personalisable and distinctive design by means of
a simple sealing device which allows adaptation to any bottle or
container currently available on the market.
[0009] The sealing device for bottles or containers proposed by the
invention comprises: [0010] a teat which can be coupled to the neck
of the bottle, which comprises an outflow orifice wherethrough the
liquid inside the bottle flows outwards, and [0011] a sealing cap
which comprises: [0012] a lid which can be folded back to allow
access to the teat; [0013] an anchor seal which is anchored to the
neck of the bottle by means of a skirt for preventing extraction of
the cap in relation to the neck of the bottle; and [0014] a body
which is disposed between the lid and the anchor seal and which can
be coupled to the teat by means of a first inner projection and to
the neck of the bottle by means of a second inner projection.
[0015] In order to provide the sealing device with the necessary
resistance to endure the multiple apertures of the lid, preventing
the lid from breaking in relation to the body, an insert made from
a more flexible material than that of the cap is over-injected on
the cap. This insert joins the body to the lid and forms a hinge
area.
[0016] This hinge area has greater resistance and flexibility to
endure the flexions, torsions and tractions to which it will be
subjected during the useful life thereof.
[0017] Over-injection is also aimed at obtaining an outer design
different to that currently known in the state of the art, as the
combination of materials allows combination of different visual
aspects (different colour combinations in the exterior) and even
superficial aspects (varying roughness or outer finish) between the
more flexible and less flexible material.
[0018] In relation to aperture of the lid, the possibility of the
cap comprising the following is envisaged: [0019] a first cut which
encompasses the entire perimeter of the cap with the exception of
the hinge area and where said cut defines a line for folding back
and opening the lid in relation to the body; and [0020] a plurality
of first connection points disposed in said first cut, consisting
of small projections disposed on the inner wall of the cap and
which keep the lid and said body joined together until aperture
thereof by folding back of said lid.
[0021] This solution avoids the use of a tear off and disposable
seal, due to the fact that the lid, as of the first cut made in the
perimeter of the cap and, logically, without being disposed in the
hinge area, can be opened and folded back with relative ease;
additionally, the plurality of first connection points are disposed
in the area where said first cut is made, in such a manner that
they are in charge of keeping the lid joined to the body of the cap
and, as mentioned earlier, are disposed in the interior of the cap
without being visible from the exterior by the user. These first
connection points are formed during the cap moulding phase in a
simple and efficient manner and, after partial peripheral severing
of the cap, said connection points are not severed, but must rather
be broken by the user in order to open the cap.
[0022] Additionally, the possibility of the cap comprising a second
peripheral cut defining the aperture area of the cap in relation to
the neck of the bottle and which separates the body from the anchor
seal is also envisaged.
[0023] Once again and in a manner similar to that of the first cut,
the existence of a plurality of second connection points in the
area of this second cut, disposed on the inner wall of the cap and
on the second peripheral cut, is envisaged, in such a manner that
they are in charge of keeping the cap body joined to the anchor
seal.
[0024] In relation to the execution of the first and second cut,
the possibility of disposing the hinge at a distance from the
centre of the lower cap at the distance from the perimeter thereof
for the first cut is envisaged, in such a manner that the machine
tool in charge of making that first cut does so in a previously
defined cutting radius which does not come into contact with the
hinge, due to which it is the only area where said first cut is not
made and prevents the hinge, on tearing the lid, from also being
torn, improving subsequent closure thereof. Complementarily, for
the second cut, the machine tool is in charge of cutting the entire
perimeter on not existing any hinge in that lower part of the cap
object of the invention.
[0025] Additionally, such cuts are technically imperceptible to the
human eye, giving rise to a clean outer appearance of the cap
suitable for introducing advertising or informative messages for
the user along the perimeter of said cap; and where additionally
there is no physical separation of the cut material prior to being
torn by the user.
[0026] It can be observed that, in order for the lid to be broken
by the user, aperture force increases with respect to the
possibility disclosed in earlier patents relative to the tear off
and disposable seal, due to which the possibility of the lid
comprising a ridge suitable for facilitating the aperture operation
thereof is envisaged, in such a manner that the user places one of
his/her fingers under said ridge and pushes the lid, severing it
along the previously described first cut.
[0027] In order to reinforce the hinge area, in addition to
modifying the type of material, the possibility of said area
comprising a thickness greater than the thickness of the cap is
envisaged, thereby increasing its resistance to traction, torsion
and flexion stresses in said area.
[0028] In order to guarantee the inviolability of the cap object of
the invention and avoid possible adulterations of the product
(water, energy drinks, soft drinks or similar) contained in the
interior of the bottle or container, the possibility of the cap
comprising at least one vertical groove disposed on the lid next to
the ridge is envisaged; where said, at least one, vertical groove
may break at the time of aperture of said lid by way of a weakened
area of the cap; i.e. the thickness or contact area between the
vertical groove and the cap is small, sufficient for the vertical
groove to crack and for the user to visually verify, upon opening
the cap, that the lid has not been opened beforehand; i.e. it acts
by way of a warning mechanism, alerting of aperture prior to the
purchase of the bottle or container by the user.
[0029] Additionally, the possibility of the lid comprising a
ring-shaped portion by way of an obturator, disposed towards the
neck of the bottle and inside the lid, is envisaged; wherein said
ring-shaped portion is introduced into the outflow orifice of the
teat when the lid is shut, ensuring tightness of the unit, and
wherein the outflow orifice may be introduced into the ring-shaped
portion of the lid at high pressure, in accordance with the
preferred design chosen by the manufacturer.
[0030] On the other hand, the teat that forms part of this
invention comprises a circumferential housing which allows
introduction of the neck of the bottle at high pressure and a
circumferential outer projection which interlocks with the first
inner projection of the cap body.
[0031] Finally, the possibility of the hinge comprising at least
one tensioning element suitable for keeping the lid in an aperture
position in relation to the body is envisaged, in such a manner
that the hinge has its own tension and the lid is retained in the
aperture position, facilitating the action of drinking for the
user. Said retention can be achieved through a combination of
thicknesses in different areas of the hinge.
[0032] Thus, according to the described invention, the sealing
device for bottles and containers proposed by the invention
constitutes an advance in the sealing devices used to date and
solves the previously expounded problems in an entirely
satisfactory manner, improving the flexibility and resistance of
the cap hinge and simplifying design and forming thereof, as well
as giving it a unique and differentiating outer design with respect
to the other caps of the state of the art.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] In order to complement the description being made and with
the object of helping to better understand the characteristics of
the invention, according to a preferred example of practical
embodiment thereof, a set of drawings has been included as an
integral part of said description, wherein the following has been
represented in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the sealing device object
of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing device
object of the invention, open;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing device
object of the invention closed, wherein the neck of the bottle is
coupled to the teat and cap body.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing device
object of the invention closed, without coupling to the neck of the
bottle; and
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the sealing device object
of the invention, from the hinge area.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0039] In light of the aforementioned figures it can be observed
that, in one of the possible embodiments of the sealing device for
bottles or containers proposed by the invention, it comprises:
[0040] a teat (1) which can be coupled to the neck (2) of a bottle
having an outflow orifice (1a) wherethrough the fluid inside the
bottle is expelled; and [0041] a cap (3), which in turn comprises:
[0042] a lid (3b) which can be folded back to allow access to the
teat (1); [0043] an anchor seal (3c) which is anchored to the neck
(2) of the bottle by means of a skirt (3c') in order to prevent
extraction of the cap (3) in relation to the neck (2) of the
bottle; [0044] a body (3a), which is disposed between the lid (3b)
and the anchor seal (3c), which can be coupled to the teat (1) by
means of a first inner projection (3a') and to the neck of the
bottle (2) by means of a second inner projection (3a'').
[0045] The device of the invention presents an insert (4) which is
over-injected on the cap (3) for forming a hinge area (5) that
keeps the body (3a) and lid (3b) joined together once the cap (3)
has been opened. This insert (4) is made from a more flexible
material than that of the cap (3).
[0046] This hinge area (5) has greater resistance and flexibility
for enduring the flexions, torsions and tractions to which it will
be subjected during its useful life.
[0047] The insert (4) may comprise a special polypropylene
based-material which will give the hinge area (5) resistance and
flexibility. For its part, the cap (3) may basically contain
polypropylene or polyethylene, materials which are frequently found
in caps.
[0048] It can be observed, in FIGS. 3 and 4, that the cap (3)
comprises a first cut (6) which defines the fold-back and aperture
area of the lid (3b) in relation to the body (3a) and which
encompasses the entire perimeter of the cap (3), with the exception
of the hinge area (5).
[0049] Disposed on the area of this first cut (6) are a plurality
of first connection points (10) formed in the inner wall of the cap
(3), which keep the lid (3b) and body (3a) joined together until
aperture thereof by folding back of said lid (3b).
[0050] As can be observed in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cap (3) may
comprise a second peripheral cut (7) which defines the aperture
area (3) in relation to the neck (2) of the bottle and which
separates the body (3a) from the anchor seal (3c).
[0051] A plurality of second connection points (11) disposed on the
inner wall of the cap (3) and on the second peripheral cut (7) can
be observed in the area of this second cut (7). These second
connection points (11) are in charge of keeping the cap (3) body
(3a) joined to the anchor seal (3c).
[0052] As mentioned earlier, the first (6) and second cuts (7) are
practically imperceptible to the human eye, giving rise to a clean
outer appearance of the cap and where, additionally, there is no
physical separation of the cut material prior to being torn by the
user.
[0053] As can be observed in FIGS. 1 and 5, the device object of
the invention may comprise a ridge (8) for facilitating the lid
(3b) aperture operation. The user places one of his/her fingers
underneath said ridge (8) and the first connection points (10) are
broken, causing separation of the lid (3b) from the body (3a). The
caps currently available on the market open by tearing, pulling,
peeling or breaking of a part which may be a puller, tab, flange or
similar with very small dimensions, which hampers cap aperture.
[0054] In order to reinforce the hinge area (5) and modify the type
of material, the possibility of this area (5) having a greater
thickness than the thickness of the cap (3) is envisaged, thereby
increasing its resistance to traction, torsion and flexion stresses
in said area.
[0055] As can be observed in FIG. 1, the device object of the
invention may comprise, at either side of the ridge (8), tearable
vertical grooves (9) which have been weakened, in such a manner
that when the slightest pressure is applied to the ridge (8), in
addition to tearing the first connection points (10), these two
vertical grooves will also be torn. Therefore, the inviolability of
the cap (3) is guaranteed and possible adulterations of the product
contained inside the bottle or container are prevented, as the user
can verify at first glance whether the cap (3) has been manipulated
prior to purchase.
[0056] When the user applies upward pressure to the ridge (8) it
causes backward pivoting thereof, facilitating tearing of the
vertical grooves (9). Said pivoting is aided by the elasticity of
the insert (4) which, as can be observed in FIGS. 1 and 5, extends
from the hinge area (5) to the ridge (8).
[0057] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the existence of a ring-shaped portion by
way of an obturator (36') can be observed in the interior of the
lid (3b), which is introduced into the outflow orifice (1a) of the
teat (1) when the lid (3b) is shut, ensuring tightness of the
unit.
[0058] It can also be observed in FIG. 3 that the teat (1)
comprises a circumferential housing (1b) which allows introduction
of the neck (2) of the bottle at high pressure and a
circumferential outer projection (1c) which interlocks with the
first inner projection (3a') of the cap (3) body (3a).
[0059] In FIG. 5, it can be observed that the hinge area (5)
comprises two tensioning elements (12) suitable for keeping the lid
(3b) in the aperture position in relation to the body (3a). The lid
(3b) will be retained in the aperture position by the tension
provided by these tensioners (12), which are disposed on both ends
of the hinge (5).
[0060] In light of this description and set of figures, a person
skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments
of the invention can be combined in multiple manners within the
object of the invention. The invention has been described in
accordance with some preferred embodiments thereof, but to a person
skilled in the art it will be evident that multiple variations may
be introduced into said preferred embodiments without exceeding the
object of the claimed invention.
* * * * *