Container Closure
A container closure for mounting on a container is disclosed, the container being of the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container. The closure comprises a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end. The closure body mounts a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening. The closure is particularly advantageous as it will prevent the entry of liquid or other contaminants into the container, in addition to enabling air to flow into the container during drinking which will prevent the formation of a vacuum within the container.
The present invention relates to a container closure and in particular to a container closure for mounting on a container of the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening.
Many people, particularly the younger generation, drink beverages from bottles or containers, rather than first pouring the contents of the container or bottle into a glass. This has become a very popular practice and is particularly prevalent in establishments where drink is sold to the public, such as bars and lounges or indeed, particularly when sold for consumption in the open air or in large areas whom the patrons are not seated. Thus, at events in particular, it is not uncommon to see many people drinking directly out of the containers.
A particular problem that is sometimes encountered is the problem of the “spiking” of drinks. This problem has manifested itself in various ways in that people have had their drink spiked by the introduction therein of unwanted substances. Indeed, there has been considerable publicity recently about what is called “date rape drugs”, where a person's drink is adulterated by some substance, which substance makes the person, particularly girls, vulnerable and forget what happened over a relatively short period of time, such as 24 hours. Outing that 24 hours, the person may have boon raped or otherwise interfered with.
Even leaving out the problems of such date rape, there are other problems in that people do not want substances introduced into their drink, whether it be by way of deliberate attempt to cause the person harm or simply by an idea that it would in some way funny to do so.
Another problem associated with drinking directly from bottles or other containers is Weils disease. This is a potentially fatal disease carried in the urine and/or faeces of rats which, when deposited on the top of bottles (such as when stored in cellars), can be transmitted to humans when the contents are drunk directly out of the bottles.
It is a therefore one object of the present invention to provide a container closure which goes someway toward overcoming at least the above problems, and/or which will provide the public and/or industry with a useful choice.
It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it may be taken to moan an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components. Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributed with as broader interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when the terms ‘comprised’ and/or ‘comprising’ are used.
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTIONAccording to the invention, there is provided a container closure for mounting on a container of the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening characterised in that the closure comprises a closure gate which extends between the interior walls of the closure body, the closure gate formed from a plurality of closure flaps which pivot between a closed position against a closure stop to seal the container to an open position allowing liquid to exit the container through the closure outlet, the closure further comprising a container venting tube having an venting lube air inlet at one end and a venting tube air outlet at the other end, the venting tube being arranged such that when liquid exits the container through the closure the liquid is directed away from the venting tube air inlet to allow air to enter the venting tube air inlet and pass through the venting tube and out through the venting tube air outlet into the interior of the container without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure.
Such a closure is particularly advantageous as it will prevent the entry of liquid or other contaminants into the container. Additionally, the provision of the venting tube will enable air to flow into the container which will prevent the formation of a vacuum within the container, which will enable persons drinking from the container to be able to drink for longer periods from the container without having to stop.
The closure also provides a barrier between the bottle being drunk out of and the mouth of the person drinking from the container, which will remove the likelihood of contaminants or germs, such as Weils disease, being passed from the bottle top to the drinker. Such a barrier between the bottle will also serve an anti-spill function preventing liquid being accidentally spilled from the bottle. The closure will also minimise the likelihood of a drinkers teeth being accidentally chipped in the case when the container is a glass bottle.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure is mounted on the container and comprises a tamper evident seal between itself and the container.
The provision of a tamper evident seal will also provide a means to alert drinkers when the closure has been tampered or otherwise interfered with.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure body is plug-like for insertion into the container opening.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps are provided by a disc shaped film out of which have cut a plurality of notches.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure stop is formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member out of which have been cut a plurality of substantially triangular wedge shaped portions. The closure stop is thus provided by a peripheral rim out of which extend, toward the centre of the disc shaped member, a plurality of substantially rigid radial bands.
In one embodiment of the invention, the closure flaps provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure stop together form a one-way valve within the container closure.
In one embodiment of the invention, the venting tube has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below the closure inlet substantially vertically through the closure body breaking through an interior wall of the closure body just beneath a closure rim to the venting tube air inlet.
In one embodiment of the invention, a venting tube air valve is fixed to the end of the venting tube.
In one embodiment of the invention the venting tube air valve comprises a valve closure device provided by ball bearing, and a valve closure device retaining shell.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring initially to
The closure 1 further comprises a closure gate, indicated generally by the reference numeral 18, which extends between the interior walls of the closure body 8, and is formed from a plurality of closure flaps 20 which pivot between a closed position against a closure stop 22 to seal the container 2 to an open position allowing liquid to exit the container 2 through the closure outlet 10. In particular, when in the open position the flaps 20 will pivot outwards in the direction of the arrow 16. At the same time, if liquid or other unwanted substances are poured against the closure flaps 20 from outside the container, the movement of the closure flaps 20 against the closure stop 22 will prevent the liquid or unwanted substances passing beyond the flaps 20 into the container.
In the instance shown, and with brief reference now to
With reference now to
Also shown is a hollow container venting tube 38 having a venting tube air inlet 40 at one end 42 and a venting tube air outlet 44 at the other end 46. In the instance shown, the venting tube 38 has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below the closure inlet 12 substantially vertically through the closure body 8 breaking through an interior wall of the closure body 8 just beneath the closure rim 50 to the venting tube air Inlet 40. A venting tube air valve, indicated generally by the reference numeral 48, is fixed to the end 46 of the venting tube 38. The venting tube air valve 48 comprises a valve closure device, which, in the instance shown is provided by ball bearing 52, and a valve closure device retaining shell 54 having a plurality of venting holes 56 (see
The venting tube 38 is arranged within the closure 1 such that when liquid exits the container 2 through the closure 1 the liquid is directed away from the venting tube air inlet 40 to allow air to enter the venting lube air inlet 40 and pass through the venting tube 38 and out through the venting tube air outlet 44 into the interior of the container 2 without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure 1. Accordingly, when the container 2 is upended and the contents are being drunk air will pass into the air inlet 40 and through the venting tube 38 causing the bail bearing 52 to be pushed away from air outlet 44. When the container 2 is removed from the drinkers mouth the ball bearing 52 will seat on the air outlet 44 of the venting tube 38 preventing liquid going up through the venting tube 38. A hollow air guide or diffuser 58 (see
The closure 1 may itself be stored in a receptacle, such as the vial 62, shown in
The closure 1 may also comprise a tamper evident seal between itself and the container 2.
It is envisaged that the liquid dispenser according to the present invention may be permanently fitted as part of a closure or alternatively, it may be retrofitted immediately prior to selling the beverage. It is also envisaged that the body 2 may be provided with suitable indicia such as advertising or the tike.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A container closure for mounting on a container of the type comprising a container body in fluid communication with a bored container opening for the delivery of liquid from the interior of the container, the closure comprising a bored closure body having a closure outlet at one end and a closure inlet at the other end, the closure body mounting a plurality of exterior ribs for engagement with the interior walls of the container opening characterised in that the closure comprises a closure gate which extends between the interior walls of the closure body, the closure gate formed from a plurality of closure flaps which pivot between a closed position against a closure stop to seal the container to an open position allowing liquid to exit the container through the closure outlet, the closure further comprising a container venting tube having an venting tube air inlet at one end and a venting tube air outlet at the other end, the venting tube being arranged such that when liquid exits the container through the closure the liquid is directed away from the venting tube air inlet to allow air to enter the venting tube air inlet and pass through the venting tube and out through the venting tube air outlet into the interior of the container without being restricted by the liquid exiting the closure.
2. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure is mounted on the container and comprises a tamper evident seal between itself and the container.
3. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure body is plug-like for insertion into the container opening.
4. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure flaps are provided by a disc shaped film out of which have been cut a plurality of notches.
5. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the closure stop is formed from a substantially rigid disc shaped member out of which have been cut a plurality of triangular wedge shaped portions.
6. A container closure as claimed in claim 4, in which the closure flaps provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure stop together form a one-way valve within the container closure.
7. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the venting tube has a downwardly extending portion which extends from below the closure inlet substantially vertically through the closure body breaking through an interior wall of the closure body beneath a closure rim to the venting tube air inlet.
8. A container closure as claimed in claim 1, in which a venting tube air valve is fixed to the end of the venting tube.
9. A container closure as claimed in claim 8, in which the venting tube air valve comprises a valve closure device provided by ball bearing, and a valve closure device retaining shell.
10. A container closure as claimed in claim 5, in which the closure flaps provided by the flexible disc shaped film and the closure stop together form a one-way valve within the container closure.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 10, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 25, 2008
Inventors: Finbarr Twohig (County Cork), Victor Twohig (County Cork), Adrian McCarthy (County Cork), Eugene Carley (County Cork)
Application Number: 11/884,104
International Classification: B65D 51/16 (20060101);