A DISPENSER
A bottle closure with liquid dispenser relates generally to liquid storage devices for storing and ejecting a liquid. The closure is in the form of a hand holdable dispenser attachable to a bottle neck to close the bottle. The closure is compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid comprising a cap and a dispenser including a reservoir, wherein the cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a passage for a first liquid from the reservoir into a socket in the cap for capping a bottle.
This invention relates generally to a dispenser, more particularly to a dispenser for storing and ejecting a liquid. The invention is in the field of devices for use with bottles and other portable vessels for storage of liquids especially beverages.
BACKGROUNDTypically, bottles are used to store and dispense a single liquid. Often two liquids are mixed together in use. For example, a beverage may be mixed with another liquid according to a person's desire for a particular flavor or taste.
In the past the beverage and other liquid were stored in separate bottles and then mixed in a drinking cup, receptacle or in a third bottle. This process necessitated use of three bottles or two bottles and a cup.
PRIOR ARTDevices have been developed in the prior art to carry and store a first substance in a lid of the bottle and a second substance in the bottle. By doing so, the requirement for carrying two bottles separately has been overcome. However, these devices have lacked suitability for conveniently mixing liquids to achieve a flavour especially tailored a person's particular taste at any moment.
There is disclosed in publications WO-A-2008/017891 (Fruitin) and WO-A-2017/174962 (Fruitin) a closure device which includes a fluid chamber containing an additive. The closure is fitted to an opening in the neck of a bottle. The additive is introduced into a liquid in the bottle by operation of the closure device.
There is disclosed in publication US-B1-U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,685 (Patterson et. al.) a mixing cap pre-loaded during time of manufacture with an ingredient. The mixing cap is engageable to the mouth of a bottle. The preloaded ingredient may be discharged into the bottle by depressing an outer housing.
There is disclosed in publications WO-A1-2014/196792 (Kim et al) and WO?A KR2013/0055951 (Kim) a container stopper comprising a lower cap coupled to an entry portion of a container. The stopper also comprises an upper cap having an additive containing space therein. The additive may be ejected from the space into the container when the stopper is coupled to the entry portion.
There is disclosed in publication WO-A1-2004/005154 (Williams-Lucas et al) a device for dispensing material into a container. The device is attachable to a container and has a reservoir for holding the material.
Generally, the prior art discloses devices that can only dump all the substance that they store into the bottle to which they are attached. The aforementioned devices do not allow for precise metering of a flavouring or flavoured liquid into a base liquid, stored in the bottle, to achieve a particular taste a person wants to drink at a particular moment.
Use of the prior art devices may result in waste of the flavouring or flavoured liquid and the mixture of the base liquid making it hard to store them after mixture has occurred if a person does want to drink them all at once. With the prior art, it is inconvenient if not impossible to mix the substance stored in the device with any other substance save the substance stored in the bottle to which the lid-type device is attached. Typical devices of the prior art are often not suitable for storing and mixing liquids.
The present invention is devised for a user to have long term storage together with a single bottle often mixed liquids both before and after mixing, and to satisfy a person's thirst for a particular taste at an immediate moment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to a first aspect of the invention there is a dispenser is adapted to receive a modified cap and to be connected to a bottle, the dispenser has a reservoir which receives and stores a first liquid; the dispenser is manipulated to be in an operable configuration when the modified cap is displaced relative to the dispenser from a first to a second position; and in the second position a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir, via a first passage in the modified cap, to dispense a user selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.
According to a second aspect of the invention a modified cap for bottle is adapted to connect to a dispenser, the modified cap is manipulated to displace relative to the dispenser from a first to a second position to configure the dispenser to an operable configuration wherein a fluid pathway is defined from a reservoir in the dispenser via a first passage in the modified cap to dispense a user selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid for connecting to a bottle, comprising: a modified cap and a dispenser adapted to receive the modified cap and be connected to the bottle, the dispenser has a reservoir that is shaped to receive, store and dispense the first liquid;
and is configured to an operable configuration when the modified cap is displaced relative to the dispenser from a first to a second position wherein a fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via a first passage in the modified cap to dispense a user selected amount of the first liquid into the bottle.
The dispenser may comprise an ejector for the user to manipulate to dispense the selected amount of the first liquid.
An advantage of the present invention is the flexibility it provides. The dispenser and modified cap may be combined either on or off the bottle for use as a compound device either on or off the bottle.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of filling and capping a bottle and connecting the bottle to a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, including: filling the bottle with a liquid drink or pourable substance; capping the bottle with a modified cap; and connecting a dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and modified cap, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a first passage in the modified cap.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is a method of filling a reservoir in a compound device connected to a bottle including: filling a first liquid through an opening into the reservoir arranged to fit to an ejector for ejecting the first liquid through a fluid pathway, and fitting the ejector to the opening to close the reservoir.
Various embodiments of the compound device are envisaged. For example according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid comprising: a modified cap through which there is a first passage closeable to close a capped bottle, and a reservoir in a dispenser connectable to the bottle by a connector wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the first passage through which the first liquid flows from the reservoir into a cavity, hollow, socket or channel in the modified cap which in use caps the bottle.
The connector interlocks the dispenser and modified cap together once they are connected. The dispenser is thereby connected to the capped bottle, and the whole compound device is removable from the bottle upon removal of the modified cap.
Preferably the dispenser is arranged to interlock with the modified cap upon connection thereto and a means prevents removal of the modified cap from the dispenser. The means which prevents removal of the modified cap may be a tamper evident means. The modified cap may be arranged to interlock with the dispenser upon connection therewith in order to prevent disconnection of the dispenser from the modified cap.
At the first and second positions the compound device may be said to be in either of a first or a second configuration, since there are first and second arrangements of the dispenser relative to the modified cap respectively.
According to another aspect the invention, there is a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid comprising a modified cap and a dispenser including a reservoir, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a fluid pathway for a first liquid from the reservoir into a socket in the modified cap for capping a bottle.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, comprising: a modified cap for capping a bottle, and a dispenser including a reservoir, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close a fluid pathway for the liquid to escape the reservoir.
Herein the term bottle includes a flask, jug, jar or similar vessel with a neck around an opening used for storing drinks or other pourable substances.
The bottle may be capped by the compound device as the modified cap connects the compound device to the bottle.
According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of filling a bottle and connecting the compound device including filling the bottle with a drink or other pourable substance; and capping the bottle with the modified cap or a modified cap unit including a blocking means to close the modified cap. Advantageously, the dispenser may be filled with the first liquid in a different place or with different equipment and then connected to the bottle. The method may also include connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and modified cap or modified cap unit with the connector wherein the modified cap is displaceable to relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the first passage or another portion of a fluid pathway from a reservoir holding the first liquid.
According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of filling the reservoir in the compound device including filling the first liquid through an opening into the reservoir arranged to fit to an ejector for ejecting the first liquid through the fluid pathway and fitting the ejector to the opening to close the reservoir.
The method may also include closing a portion of the fluid pathway which is through the dispenser. This portion may be referred to as a second passage. Advantageously the dispenser including the filled reservoir may then be stored and transported to machinery where the bottle is filled. The dispenser is connectable to the bottle by a connector wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the fluid pathway for the first liquid from the reservoir into a cavity, hollow, socket or plug in the modified cap for capping the bottle.
According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of filling the reservoir in the compound device when the dispenser is connected to the bottle including filling the reservoir with the first liquid through an opening into the reservoir arranged to fit to an ejector for ejecting the first liquid through the fluid pathway, and fitting the ejector to the opening to close the reservoir. Advantageously the dispenser on the bottle may be displaced to the position where the fluid pathway is closed so the reservoir may be filled.
According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of filling a bottle and connecting the compound device including: filling the bottle with a drink or other pourable substance; capping the bottle with the modified cap; connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and modified cap with the connector wherein the modified cap is displaceable to relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the first passage; and displacing the modified cap relative to the dispenser relative to the passage to close the first passage. Advantageously the filled bottle may be stored before transported to machinery where the dispenser is filled on the bottle.
The first liquid may be stored in the reservoir. When the fluid pathway is closed, the first liquid stored in the reservoir cannot escape. The fluid pathway may be through the reservoir and/or the modified cap. The passage may also pass through another part or portion of the compound device.
When the fluid pathway is open, the first liquid may be ejected from the dispenser. When the modified cap is capped on the bottle, the liquid may be ejected through the open fluid pathway directly into the bottle capped by the compound device. The fluid pathway may be opened and closed by opening and closing the first passage through the modified cap or opening and closing another passage which the fluid pathway comprises.
Preferably the dispenser and modified cap or modified cap unit are interlocked together upon the dispenser being connected to the modified cap on the bottle. The compound device may also be twisted off the bottle. The modified cap and dispenser may be removable from the bottle together.
When the compound device is removed from the bottle, the compound device may be held in a user's hand. Preferably the dispenser may be held in a user's hand above the bottle. The user ejects the first (flavoured) liquid from the dispenser into the bottle or another receptacle.
A second liquid or pourable substance is storable in the bottle.
Preferably the modified cap is a modified bottle cap and comprises a cavity, hollow, socket or plug for capping a bottle opening.
Preferably the modified cap is formed to cap or plug the opening of a vessel or bottle, especially a bottle neck. The form may comprise a hollow, cavity, socket, plug or stopper for receiving a portion of the bottle wherein there is an opening into the bottle. Preferably the socket is formed to receive a bottle neck opening of the bottle. The modified cap covers and caps over the bottle neck cover the neck opening. Preferably the bottle is thereby capped closed. Preferably the modified cap is of the twist on and twist off variety. Preferably the socket is threaded to twist on and off the bottle neck. The modified cap has a rotational axis for twisting onto the bottle neck.
Herein displacement refers to translation and/or rotation. Preferably the modified cap is translatable and/or twistable relative to the dispenser and vice versa. Advantageously a user may handle and pull, push or twist the dispenser relative to the modified cap which may be attached to the bottle or other type of vessel. Preferably the modified cap is displaceable to change a distance from the dispenser to the modified cap. Preferably the distance is from the reservoir to the modified cap.
Counter displacement such as translation and/or twist of the dispenser and modified cap, which is translation, displacement or twist or rotation in opposite directions, may be permitted between the first and second positions, and preferably only between the first and second positions. Preferably the modified cap is twistable relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the fluid pathway and preferably the first passage. The first passage may be opened by counter twist between the modified cap and dispenser from the first to the second position. Similarly, the first passage may be closed by a reverse counter twist between the modified cap and dispenser from the second position to the first position.
The modified cap may have a cap head to cover an opening of the bottle, wherein the first passage passes through the cap head.
The compound device may comprise a blocking means which attaches to both a part of the dispenser and a part of the modified cap. Thus, both the dispenser and the modified cap may comprise the blocking means. Alternatively, the blocking means may be a part of the dispenser only or part of the modified cap only.
The dispenser may comprise the blocking means which displaces with the dispenser relative to the modified cap to block the first passage thereby configuring the dispenser in an inoperable configuration in the first position. Preferably the blocking means is a part of the dispenser which connects to another part of the dispenser to form the reservoir. The another part of the dispenser may be the inside surface of the tubular body, or it may be the partition. Preferably the blocking means comprises the partition.
The modified cap may comprise the blocking means to close the first passage. The blocking means may connect to a part of the modified cap which comprises the first passage. The modified cap may be connected to the blocking means so as to displaces with the dispenser relative to the part of the modified cap which comprises the first passage to block the first passage thereby configuring the dispenser in an inoperable configuration in the first position. The modified cap including the blocking means may have the blocking means fixedly connect to another part of the dispenser. An advantage is that the bottle may be filled and capped with the modified cap. The dispenser body may attach to the modified cap on the bottle. As the body is attached the blocking means fixedly connects. This ensures the blocking means displaces with the dispenser.
Once the blocking means which the modified cap comprises connects to a portion of the dispenser, then the blocking means also becomes a part of the dispenser.
The modified cap may be arranged wherein a portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage connects to the dispenser. This connection is arranged to enable the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to displace relative to the dispenser. The dispenser may be adapted to interlock with the modified cap comprising the blocking means. Preferably the connection is made by the lug(s) on the modified cap in the slots in the dispenser.
The dispenser may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a plug which is dimensioned to block the first passage in the first position and unblock the first passage in the second position. The plug may comprise the second passage and be arranged to displace coaxially in the first passage.
The dispenser may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a plug arranged to displace coaxially in the first passage. Preferably the plug comprises a second passage through a wall of the reservoir wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via the second passage and the first passage.
The modified cap may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises the plug arranged to displace coaxially in the first passage. The plug may comprise a second passage through a wall of the reservoir wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via the second passage and the first passage
The modified cap may be arranged wherein the blocking means comprises a partition which is a portion of the reservoir and a portion of a receptacle which the dispenser comprises to receive the modified cap. The partition may be the portion of the blocking means which fixedly connects to another part of the dispenser.
The modified cap may comprise the blocking means to close the first passage and connect to a part of the modified cap which comprises the first passage. The modified cap may comprise the blocking means such that the blocking means fixedly connects. This prevents displacement of the blocking means with respect to the part of the modified cap which comprises the first passage. For example, the blocking means may comprise a foil which covers the first passage, or a plug in the first passage. An advantage is that the bottle may be filled with standard bottling equipment and then capped with the modified cap comprising the blocking means. The filled bottle may then be stored and transported since the bottle is capped with the modified cap with its first passage closed.
The compound device may comprise: a first blocking mean to an entrance to the passage in the head of the modified cap to close the passage; or a second blocking means to an exit from the passage in the cavity, hollow, socket or plug of the modified cap to close the passage. The modified cap and blocking means may be assemble-able together into a unit for capping the bottle after filling. Advantageously the bottle may be filled with a drink or other pourable substance and then capped with the modified cap closed by the blocking means. The dispenser connected to the modified cap or unit may pierce the blocking means. The first liquid is then ejected through the passage when the passage is opened as the modified cap is displaced relative to the dispenser between first and second positions. The blocking means may be arranged to open and close the first passage or another portion of the fluid pathway. The blocking means may be a valve. The blocking means maybe a stopper or means to clog the passage. The blocking means or valve may be operable by displacing the dispenser relative to the modified cap between the first and second positions. The blocking means may be a component which is attachable to the modified cap and/or the dispenser.
Preferably the blocking means progressively retracts and opens the passage as the dispenser displaces relative to the modified cap from the first to the second position. Displacement from the second position to the first may progressively close the passage. Preferably progressive restriction is from fully open to fully closed and progressive opening is from fully closed to fully open.
To reduce cost of filling the bottle, it may be filled utilizing standard bottling equipment and then capped with a closed modified cap. The modified cap may be closed with the blocking means such as a first membrane glued to the cap head and covering the entrance to the passage in the head. A second blocking means such as a second membrane may be glued over the cap pin hole exit. Either the first or second membrane could be used to seal the passage through the modified cap. The membranes may be pierced by a portion of the dispenser when the dispenser is joined to the modified cap. The passage is thereby unblocked by the membrane and the blocking means may function as described to open and close the passage at the convenience of a user.
Preferably the dispenser has a second passage through a wall of the reservoir wherein the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via the second passage and the first passage. The first and second passages may have mutually complementing shapes.
Preferably the first passage displaces with the modified cap and the second passage displaces with the dispenser so that the first passage displaces relative to the second.
The user may displace the dispenser relative to the modified cap to displace the first passage relative to the second. This may facilitate opening and closing the fluid pathway.
The dispenser may comprise the blocking means or a portion thereof. The portion of the blocking means which the dispenser comprises may be arranged to block and unblock the second part of the passage through the modified cap. Preferably blocking and unblocking of the passage is enabled by displacement of the dispenser relative to the modified cap.
The second part of the passage through the modified cap may open into the means for closing or stopping the opening of a vessel or bottle. For example, the second part the passage may open into the hollow, cavity. When the passage is open, the first liquid may be dispensed from the reservoir in the dispenser into the first part of the passage and then into the second part of the passage and then into or through the hollow, cavity or socket. Advantageously the first liquid may be poured or drunk from the hollow, cavity or socket or the first liquid may be dispensed through the hollow, cavity, socket and thence into the capped bottle.
When the passage is open the first and second parts of the passage may be contiguous. When the passage is closed the first part of the passage may be blocked from the second part of the passage.
The compound device for storing and ejecting the first liquid, may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention the compound device comprises,: the/a modified cap, and the/a dispenser including the reservoir, wherein the modified cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage for a first liquid from the reservoir into the/a socket in the modified cap for capping a bottle.
Preferably a person may manipulate the dispenser relative to the modified cap to make the first and second parts of the passage contiguous to open and/or close the passage.
The dispenser may cover the modified cap when the device is attached by the modified cap to the bottle. Advantageously the person may manipulate the dispenser while the device is on the bottle covering the bottle opening.
Preferably a user may easily open and close the passage by pulling and pushing the dispenser relative to the modified cap. Preferably the first and second parts of the passage cooperate to open and close the passage as they are displaced relative to each other. Preferably the modified cap and dispenser cooperate for displacement in a direction parallel to a common axis of the modified cap and dispenser. The common axis may be that of the bottle neck when the modified cap is capped over the bottle neck opening.
Preferably a user may easily open and close the passage by twisting the modified cap relative to the dispenser. Preferably the first and second parts of the passage cooperate to open and close the passage as they are twisted relative to each other.
The modified cap and dispenser may comprise complementary shapes by which the modified cap is displaced relative to the dispenser as the modified cap is twisted relative to the dispenser. Preferably the first and second parts of the passage are displaced by the relative displacement of the modified cap and dispenser to open and close the passage. Hence a user's twisting torque easily opens and closes the passage. Preferably the displacement is parallel to the axis of twist.
The dispenser may be displaced relative the modified cap. Preferably as the dispenser is rotated relative to the modified cap between the first and second positions, the dispenser urges the modified cap to be displaced axially relative to the modified cap. Preferably the axial displacement operates the blocking means. The dispenser and modified cap may cooperate to displace axially and relatively only between the first and second positions. By this means the passage is only opened by the relative displacement of the dispenser to the modified cap between the first and second positions.
In use the modified cap is on the bottle neck, so a user may grasp the dispenser and the bottle to displace and/or twist the dispenser relative to the modified cap.
The dispenser may include a receptacle shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified cap. A partition may separate the receptacle from the reservoir. The partition may be a portion of the receptacle and the reservoir.
The reservoir may be defined by a wall of the dispenser, the partition and an ejector for the user to manipulate to dispense the selected amount of the first liquid. The partition may include the second passage through a wall of the reservoir.
The receptacle may be integrally formed with the dispenser or a separate part which is assembled with another to form the dispenser and preferably the reservoir also.
The volume of reservoir may be ten times, five times, three times, or twice the volume of the receptacle or it may be substantially the same as the volume of the receptacle.
The blocking means may be a separate part from the modified cap and body of the dispenser. The blocking means may be joinable to a portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to form a cap unit. The portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage may also include the socket to attach the modified cap to a bottle. The modified cap may comprise the blocking means when the blocking means is attached so that the modified cap is the modified cap unit.
Preferably the blocking means may displace with respect to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to close and open the first passage through the modified cap. Advantageously the bottle may be filled with a drink or other pourable substance with a standard bottling equipment and then capped closed with the closed cap unit for storage or transport before the tubular body of the dispenser is connected to the blocking means.
The modified cap and/or modified cap unit may be connected to the dispenser by a connection of the blocking means to the dispenser.
The blocking means may be connectable to the dispenser or a portion of it to fix the blocking means immovable with respect to the dispenser. The portion of the dispenser to which the blocking means may be immovably connected may be the partition which separates the reservoir from the receptacle.
The blocking means may be part of another component such as the partition. The component may be a single part such a moulded or injection moulded part or 3D printed part. The component may be connectable to the dispenser to fix the component immovable with respect to the dispenser.
The modified cap unit may be connected to the dispenser by a connection of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to the dispenser or part of the dispenser. The connection of the modified cap to the dispenser may permit the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to displace relative to the dispenser only intermediate the first and second positions. The portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage may be displaceable relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the passage through the modified cap by displacing the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage relative to the blocking means which is fixed to the dispenser.
Mutually complementary shapes of the modified cap and dispenser may be the connector for connection of the modified cap and/or modified cap unit to the dispenser. The receptacle of the dispenser may be one of the mutually complementary shapes. The connector for connection may be or comprise a torque transfer part. The modified cap or modified cap unit may be thereby interlocked to the dispenser or a part of it such as the receptacle.
The compound device may comprise: the modified cap, the dispenser including the reservoir, a fluid pathway for a first liquid to escape the reservoir, and a blocking means joinable to the cap to close the fluid pathway and fixable to the dispenser, a connector of the cap to the dispenser by which the modified cap displaces relative to the dispenser, wherein the cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the fluid pathway. Preferably a portion of the fluid pathway which is closed is a first passage through the modified cap.
According to another aspect of the invention there is a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid, comprising: a dispenser including a reservoir, a modified cap through which there is passage for the liquid, and a blocking means joinable to the modified cap to close the passage, wherein the dispenser is fixable to the blocking means and interlock-able with the modified cap displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage. Since the modified cap displaces relative to the dispenser and the blocking means is fixed to it, a person may manipulate the dispenser to open and close the passage. Preferably there is also an ejecting device by which the liquid may be ejected from the reservoir through the passage.
Advantageously using standard bottling equipment, a bottle may be filled and capped with a modified cap unit including the modified cap blocking means closing the passage through the modified cap. Then the dispenser may be attached to the bottle by an interlocking means which interlocks the modified cap and dispenser. The dispenser may comprise a fixing means which fixes the blocking means relative to the dispenser when the modified cap and dispense are attached and/or interlocked. The interlocking means may locate the position of the fixing means as the dispenser and cap unit are joined to effect both fixing and interlocking. Preferably the dispenser comprises a first break-away ring attached by frangible stringers to a rim of the receptacle in the dispenser for receiving the modified cap. Preferably the first break-away ring comprises a lip inward into the receptacle. The lip may hook over a corresponding protrusion on the bottle. Preferably twisting the dispenser to remove it from the bottle displaces the dispenser along the axis of the bottle neck or axis of the bottle opening. axially. The frangible stringers are torn by being axially stretched. Advantageously the torn stringers are evidence that both the bottle has been opened and that the passage into the reservoir has been opened.
Preferably the modified cap comprises a second break-away ring attached by frangible ribs to the rim of the modified cap socket or cavity. Since the dispenser and modified cap are interlocked, they may be taken off the bottle together. As the dispenser is unscrewed from the first position to the second position the second break-away ring, and preferably the clamping means if included, prevent the modified cap from unscrewing together. So, the first break-away ring may break-away from the dispenser leaving evidence that the passage has opened. As the dispenser is unscrewed after the second position is reached, the modified cap is required to unscrew with the dispenser. So, the second break-away ring may break away from the modified cap leaving evidence that the bottle is opened. An advantage of including the clamping means is that the compound device may be screwed back the bottle to store remaining material in the bottle. Even though the second break-away ring is broken the clamping means will continue to function so the passage can be opened and closed reliably.
Some standard bottles are equipped so that the corresponding protrusion on the bottle has a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the thread on the bottle neck. The tamper evident/break-away ring on the dispenser may have a too large diameter to hook behind the corresponding protrusion of the bottle. However the two breakaway rings described here overcome this problem because after assembly of the dispenser on the modified cap the two break-away rings (of the dispenser and the modified cap) will now act as one: the break-away ring on the modified cap hooks behind the protrusion of the bottle and since the break-away ring on the dispenser has a tight connection with this break-away ring of the modified cap the tamper evident on the dispenser will break at the same time as the tamper evident of the modified cap. The consumer now can see that the dispenser on/or bottle has been opened.
The compound device may comprise first and second tamper evident means connected to the dispenser and the modified cap respectively by ribs, wherein both the first and second tamper evident means are arranged to fix to the bottle when the compound device is in the first configuration. The ribs of the first tamper evident means are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted. The ribs of the second tamper evident means are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted.
The modified cap may be situated in the dispenser, and preferably in the receptacle of the dispenser. When the compound device is screwed tight on the bottle neck, the modified cap is in between the dispenser and the bottle neck.
The action of twisting the compound device tightly onto the neck opening, closes both the bottle and the reservoir. The bottle is closed because the modified cap closes the bottle opening since the dispenser cooperates with the modified cap to twist the modified cap when the first position is reached. The reservoir is closed because the dispenser cooperates with the modified cap to close the passage as the dispenser twists relative to the modified cap from the second to the first position. The blocking means and/or the first part of the passage may cooperate with the second part of the passage to close the passage. Advantageously the first liquid is thereby stored in the closed reservoir and the second liquid or substance is stored in the closed bottle.
Preferably the passage includes a pin hole for dispensing droplets of the first liquid from the reservoir into the socket. Advantageously precise discrete amounts of the first liquid in the reservoir may be ejected through the passage.
The modified cap and dispenser may both twist around the rotational axis of the bottle cap. The rotational axis of the receptacle for the cap may coincide with the rotational axis of the cap to twist the cap around the bottle. The receptacle of the dispenser may constrain the cap to twist around the rotational axis of the socket. Preferably the rotational axis of the dispenser around the cap is coaxial with the rotational axis with the rotational axis of the socket. So, the dispenser and cap have a mutual axis of rotation about which they twist relative to each other.
Preferably the amount that the cap is displaceable relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions is or includes a preselected angle of rotation.
Preferably the cap is twistable the preselected angle of rotation relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage. The preselected angle may be five degrees, ten degrees, twenty degrees, thirty degrees, sixty degrees, one hundred twenty degrees, three hundred sixty degrees or seven hundred twenty degrees.
Preferably the dispenser is twistable forward (clockwise) and backward (counterclockwise) relative to the bottle cap between the first and second positions. Where the dispenser is twisted clockwise to the first position, further clockwise twisting of the dispenser requires the cap to twist clockwise also.
Preferably the cap comprises threads arranged to bring the cap to seal closed the bottle opening as the dispenser is twisted clockwise from the first position a further clockwise amount of five degrees, ten degrees, twenty degrees, thirty degrees, sixty degrees, one hundred twenty degrees, three hundred sixty degrees or seven hundred twenty degrees. A rotation clamp is engaged as the cap is brought to seal.
Similarly, where the dispenser is twisted counterclockwise the second position, further counterclockwise twisting of the dispenser requires the cap to twist counterclockwise also.
Preferably the compound device comprises a torque transfer part. The torque transfer part urges the cap to twist together with the dispenser. The torque transfer part transfers twisting torque from the dispenser to the cap and vice versa.
Where the modified cap and dispenser turn together, they twist in the same direction, preferably without any relative displacement between them.
Preferably the modified cap and the dispenser rotate together forward (clockwise) from the first position. The modified cap and the dispenser may only rotate tougher forward (clockwise) from the first position. The modified cap and dispenser are twisted together clockwise relative to the bottle so that the modified cap closes the bottle shut tight. The modified cap and dispenser are then at the first position relative to each other.
Before the modified cap and dispenser can rotate together, the dispenser is twisted clockwise relative to the modified cap from the second position to the first position which closes the passage. It is only when the first position is reached that the torque transfer part transfers torque clockwise from the dispenser to the modified cap to twist the modified cap tight on the bottle. The order may also be switched: first the modified cap is twisted tight to the bottle and then the dispenser is closing on the modified cap. In both situations the consumer twists the dispenser clockwise on the bottle resulting in a closed bottle and dispenser
The torque transfer part may limit the preselected angle of rotation of the modified cap relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the passage. Preferably from the first position the dispenser twists counterclockwise independently of the modified cap. Therefore, there may be relative twisting between the modified cap and the dispenser when the dispenser is twisted counterclockwise from the first position.
Preferably the modified cap and the dispenser rotate together counterclockwise from the second position. Preferably the modified cap and the dispenser only together counterclockwise from the second position The modified cap and dispenser are twisted in sync counterclockwise relative to the bottle so that the modified cap twists loose from the bottle. Before the modified cap and dispenser are twisted in sync, the dispenser is twisted counter-clockwise relative to the modified cap from the first position until the second position is reached. The relative rotation from the first position to the second position opens the fluid pathway. It may open a passage in the dispenser and/or open the first passage in the modified cap.
Preferably from the second position, the dispenser twists clockwise independently of the modified cap or the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket. Therefore, there may be relative twisting between the modified cap and the dispenser when the dispenser is twisted clockwise from the second position.
Preferably the transfer part only engages at the first and second positions. So, the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket is twistable forward and backward relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage where the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket engages the dispenser to twist in sync from the first and second positions.
The torque transfer part may be the connector by which the dispenser is connectable and displaceable relative to the dispenser. Preferably the torque transfer part is formed from complementary shapes of the dispenser and modified cap. There may be a dispenser torque transfer part on the dispenser having a mutually complementing shape to a modified cap torque transfer part on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket.
Preferably the modified cap torque transfer part is exposed to be operable by a user to open and close the passage. A user may easily open and close the passage where the dispenser is removed from the bottle by manipulating the exposed torque transfer part.
Alternatively, the dispenser stop part may cover the modified cap torque transfer part so that the modified cap or modified cap unit is covered and not accessible for manipulation by the user. The user is thereby encouraged to open and close the bottle and passage together while the modified cap in on the bottle. Preferably the torque transfer part comprises the first and second complementary forms to stop relative twisting of the dispenser and modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket in counter twisting directions. Preferably the first and second complementary forms are at and/or engage at the first and second positions. The modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket is thereby twistable relative to the dispenser between stops at the first and second positions to open and close the passage for a first liquid from the reservoir into the socket in the cap. Counter twisting of the dispenser and modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket is permitted only between the stops.
Preferably the torque transfer part includes mutually complementary forms of the cap and dispenser. There may be first form on the cap complementary with a first form on the dispenser. There may also be a second form on the cap complementary with a second form on the dispenser. The complementary forms may therefore limit the preselected angle of rotation of the cap relative to the dispenser between the first and second positions to open and close the passage.
The first and second complementary forms may be or include first and second stops respectively which are separated by an angle of separation around the mutual axis of rotation of the cap and dispenser. The dispenser is twistable relative to the cap between the first and second complementary forms. The angle of separation may equal the preselected angle of rotation.
Preferably each of the stops comprises a dispenser stop part on the dispenser having a mutually complementing shape or form to a cap stop part on the cap. Preferably the dispenser stop part of the first stop is separated from the dispenser stop part of the second stop by the angle of separation.
Preferably the torque transfer part mutually complementary forms of the dispenser and cap interlock to join the cap to the dispenser. The compound device is an assembled unit of the dispenser and cap that may be held together by the interlocked cap and dispenser. The dispenser and cap remain held together by the torque transfer part as the cap displaces relative to the dispenser. The dispenser and cap may remain held together by the torque transfer part as the compound device is attached to and removed from the bottle.
Preferably where the cap and the dispenser mutually complementary forms are twisted until they stop each other, the mutually complementary forms transfer torque from the cap to the dispenser. The cap and the dispenser are then twisted synchronized together by the torque transferred through the mutually complementary forms. Once engaged there is no relative twisting between the synchronized cap and dispenser so that they rotate together as one.
The torque transfer part mutually complementary form of the cap may protrude though the dispenser to be exposed. There may be a slot through the dispenser. The torque transfer part form of the cap may protrude through the slot to be exposed so that a user may manipulate the cap torque transfer part. The user may thereby apply torque the cap to open and close the passage.
Preferably the dispenser has a body, which may be tubular, and defined in the body there is at least one slot to receive a lug on the modified cap to interlock the modified cap in the dispenser. The modified cap may comprise a first lug to be received in a slot in a body of the dispenser to interlock the modified cap and dispenser.
Preferably the dispenser comprises two or more slots. The modified cap may comprise a second lug. Each slot may be arranged to receive one of the two or more corresponding lugs on the modified cap. There may be one lug per slot.
The second lug may be located on a substantially diametrically opposite side of the modified cap to the first lug. The slots may be located on substantially diametrically opposite sides of the tubular body.
The slots may lie on a helical path defined in the body. So as the modified cap rotates with respect to the dispenser, it is displaced axially since the lugs must follow the helical slots.
Preferably the dispenser has a receptacle shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified cap, wherein the receptacle comprises the slot(s).
The slot may have opposite ends that serve as the complementary shapes or forms of the dispenser which are the dispenser torque transfer part. The opposite ends of the slot may stop the cap torque transfer part thereby stopping the cap and dispenser at the first and second positions.
Preferably the/each slot in the dispenser has an edge at the end arranged to butt against the/each lug at the first and second positions to transfer torque from the dispenser to the modified cap. The modified cap may be arranged with the/each lug to butt against an edge of the/each slot at the first and second positions to transfer torque from the dispenser to the modified cap. The edge of the slot in the dispenser and the lug on the modified cap complementary shapes.
The slot may be only a recess in the dispenser so that the slot does not go completely through the dispenser. The cap lug in the slot is covered by the dispenser and so is not exposed and is not accessible for manipulation.
Preferably the modified cap is arranged with the, or each, lug tapered so as to facilitate connection of the modified cap to the body of the dispenser. The modified cap may be arranged with the maximum diametrical distance between tips of the lugs exceeding a diameter of the body so as to ‘snap fit’ into the slots and prevent removal of the modified cap from the dispenser.
The angular distance between the ends of the slot may be the preselected angle of rotation relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage.
The cap torque transfer part and the opposite ends of the slot in the dispenser may be bumpers. The slot may have a rim which acts as a bumper for the cap torque transfer part bumper.
The dispenser may be twistable relative to the bottle between the first and second positions defined by the complementary forms by a torque applied to the dispenser. The torque being a relative torque on the dispenser with respect to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket because the dispenser and modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket are free to twist relative to each other between the first and second position. The user may therefore apply a torque to the dispenser to manipulate the dispenser to open and close the passage.
However, where the dispenser is twisted relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to reach one of the first or second positions, then the corresponding complementary forms of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket and dispenser grip each other, bump into each other, stop against each other or are otherwise engaged together to transfer the torque from the dispenser to the modified cap. As the dispenser twists further in the same direction the reached engaged complementary forms forces the dispenser and modified cap to twist synchronized together. Preferably where the modified cap and dispenser are synchronized, as the dispenser twists further in the same direction the engaged complementary forms prevent counter twisting between the dispenser and the modified cap.
Where the dispenser and modified cap are twisted relative to each other to the first or second position by a torque, the torque may be reversed to twist the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket toward the distal position. The reversed displacement disengages the engaged complementary forms. At the distal position the distal complementary forms grip, bump into, stop against or are otherwise engaged together. The distal engaged complementary forms transfer the torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket. This causes the dispenser and modified cap to twist synchronized together without counter twisting. There is no counter twisting between the dispenser and the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket unless the direction of the torque is reversed.
Preferably where the dispenser is twisted in a first direction relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to one of either the first or second positions, there is a complementary form on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket engages a complementary form on the dispenser. Preferably the engaged complementary forms only stop further twisting of the dispenser in the first direction relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket. Therefore, twisting of the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket outside the angle of separation between the stops is prevented by the engaged torque transfer part.
Preferably the engaged torque transfer part disengages to allow displacement including twisting and/or displacement of the dispenser relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from the engaged complementary parts toward the distal complementary parts. So within the angle of separation between the first and second positions, relative twisting and/or displacement is allowed. Thus the engaged torque transfer part is disengaged by twisting the dispenser relative to modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from the position where it is engaged toward the distal position.
For example, a user may place the compound device on a bottle by putting the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket so that it connects to a neck around an opening and covers or plugs the opening. The user may twist the dispenser around the mutual axis of rotation to screw the compound device into or onto the neck and/or the user may push or pull the dispenser to displace the compound device into or onto the neck. The dispenser is twisted and/or displaced relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from the second position until the first position is reached.
Preferably at the first position the first torque transfer part will be engaged. Advantageously, where the first position is reached, the passage will also be closed. There at the first position the first torque transfer part will stop the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from twisting relative to the dispenser as the dispenser is continued to be twisted to screw the compound device on the bottle neck. So, the first torque transfer part will transfer the twisting torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to screw the modified cap onto the bottle. The dispenser may be twisted further in the same direction until the modified cap will screw onto the bottle no further. Advantageously the first liquid in the reservoir will be reliably stored in reservoir while the compound device is attached to the bottle neck because the passage is closed.
A user may also twist off and/or push or pull the compound device from the bottle neck. The user twists the dispenser in the direction to unscrew the modified cap from the bottle neck and/or pushes or pulls the compound device away from the bottle neck and opening. The dispenser may twist around the mutual axis of rotation of the cap and dispenser.
Initially the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket may remain stationary relative to the bottle and sealed covering the opening because the displacement clamp holds the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket in position on the bottle. The first torque transfer part may be disengaged and then the dispenser may be translated relative to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from the first to the second position while the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket remains stationary relative to the bottle and sealed covering the opening.
Advantageously, where the second position is reached the relative movement of the dispenser and modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket will have urged the blocking means to unblock the passage open and thereby open the passage.
Upon further manipulating the dispenser to twist or pull off the compound device from the second position, the second torque transfer part will stop the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket from twisting relative to the dispenser as the dispenser is continued to be twisted or pulled to unscrew or pull the compound device off the bottle neck. So, the second torque transfer part will transfer the torque from the dispenser to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to twist unscrew the modified cap from the bottle neck.
The dispenser may be twisted further in the same direction until the modified cap comes off the bottle neck. The compound device may be removed from the bottle with the cap as the cap is interlocked to the dispenser, preferably by the torque transfer device. Advantageously the removed compound device is ready to dispense the liquid in the reservoir because the first passage is open.
Thus, the bottle cap may translate to open and close the bottle and to open and close the reservoir. The reservoir and the bottle may be sealed closed simultaneously by the bottle cap. The mutually complementary shape of the cap and dispenser enables the cap to seal the reservoir closed. The mutually complementary shape of the cap to the bottle neck enables the cap to seal the bottle closed.
An amount of rotational drag or friction is present between the cap and the dispenser. This rotational drag or friction is manifest where the dispenser rotates relative to the cap between the first and second positions.
If the friction between the cap and the dispenser is too high, the friction will drag the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket along with the dispenser as the dispenser is pulled or twisted off the bottle. This will prevent the first passage from being opened. To overcome this, preferably the cap comprises a displacement clamp which clamps the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to the bottle neck. The displacement clamp may urge the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to resist both the rotation and the displacement relative to the bottle while permitting the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to rotate and/or displace relative to the dispenser.
The displacement clamp may resist only twisting the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket off the bottle neck and therefore be only a rotation clamp which prevents rotation of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket around the central axis of the bottle opening. The displacement clamp may resist only displacement of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket along the central axis of the bottle opening and therefore be only a displacement clamp.
The modified cap may comprise a sealing means to seal the cap around the bottle opening. Preferably where the displacement clamp does clamp the cap to the neck, the displacement clamp also seals the modified cap to the neck or urges a cap seal to maintain its seal around the bottle opening so as to prevent any substance in the bottle from escaping.
Preferably the rotation clamp only clamps where the modified cap is fully twisted on the bottle neck and at a maximum twisted on position.
Preferably the modified cap is arranged to twist freely off the bottle, except where the cap seals closed the bottle opening it covers. There the translation or rotation clamp resists twisting the modified cap off the bottle until sufficient torque is applied to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to unseal the opening, whereupon the rotation clamp is released from bottle. The sufficient torque may be applied on the dispenser through the torque transfer part to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket when the dispenser is twisted to the second position where the dispenser engages the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket via the torque transfer part. By this action, the block and unblocking means may be urged to block the passage, thereby closing the reservoir holding the first liquid.
Advantageously a person opens the passage as they twist the dispenser from the first position to the second position. The person can then dispense the first liquid into the bottle through the open passage or continue to twist the dispenser in the same direction and remove the compound device from the bottle to dispense the first liquid through the open passage into another space of their choice.
The displacement clamp may prevent the modified cap seal from sealing around the bottle opening unless a sufficient sealing and/or clamping force and/or torque is applied. The sealing and/or clamping force may be applied by manipulating the dispenser. The sealing and/or clamping force may be applied to the displacement clamp via the torque transfer part. Preferably the sealing and/or clamping force may be applied only where the dispenser engages the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket at the first position.
Preferably the rotation clamp releases upon twisting the modified cap a finite angle in the twist off direction.
The compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention the compound device comprises,: the/a modified cap with the rotation clamp; the/a dispenser including the reservoir; and the/a torque transfer part which transfers torque clockwise from the dispenser to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to twist them synchronized together clockwise from the first position and/or synchronized together counter-clockwise from the second position, wherein the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage.
So, a person may twist the dispenser clockwise onto the bottle to close the passage and seal the bottle opening closed with the modified cap. Advantageously the person securely stores both the first liquid in the reservoir and any other liquid in the bottle with this motion.
A person may twist the dispenser counterclockwise on the bottle to open the passage, unseal the bottle and if they choose further twist the compound device off the bottle. Advantageously with this motion the person can position the dispenser to dispense the first liquid into the bottle or any other space they choose. Furthermore, they can also open the bottle.
Advantageously the where the modified cap is fully twisted on the bottle neck, the rotation clamp makes the dispenser twist relative to the stops before the modified cap starts to twist off the bottle neck. So, the passage is opened as soon as the dispenser is twisted in the off direction. Reliability of the opening the passage is thereby improved.
Preferably the rotation clamp is engaged where the modified cap seals closed against the bottle. Preferably the rotation clamp seals the modified cap to the bottle.
Examples of suitable rotation clamps include portions of the modified cap, for example a thread in the socket arranged for friction contact in the closed position, or a clamp ring in the socket to clamp on and seal to the rim of the bottle in the closed position, or another portion of the socket arranged to come into friction contact with the bottle neck in the closed portion.
The rotation clamp holds the modified cap in the closed position fixed to the bottle so that between the first and second positions, the dispenser rotates relative to the clamped modified cap as the compound device is initially twisted off the bottle neck. The passage is opened by the initial twist of the dispenser where the cap is still on the bottle. Advantageously a user may eject the first liquid directly into the bottle from the reservoir and through the socket.
With further twisting off the compound device, the dispenser is twisted with respect to the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to where the second position is reached. There, the second torque transfer part will constrain the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to twist with the dispenser with further twisting off the compound device. The user may apply a further twisting torque to overcome the friction of the rotation clamp and twist the modified cap along with the dispenser off the bottle neck. The bottle is thereby opened and the passage in the compound device is also opened. Advantageously the user may eject the first liquid from the dispenser into the opened bottle or another vessel or reservoir.
The outer and/or or inner diameters of the reservoir and receptacle may be substantially the same. Preferably the dispenser comprises a tubular body providing the reservoir and receptacle for the modified cap with a tubular form. The external form of the tubular body may be cylindrical. The internal form of the tubular body or a portion thereof may be cylindrical to provide the receptacle with a cylindrical for to receive the cap. Advantageously the dispenser may be easily twisted around the modified cap to achieve the first and second positions. To receive the modified cap the receptacle may have a circular access formed by an open end of the tubular body.
A slot or slots in or through the tubular body may receive a corresponding torque transfer part on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket to interlock the modified cap and dispenser. The slots may be diametrically opposite and be part of the torque transfer part of the dispenser. The corresponding torque transfer part on the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket may be an ear or ears extending diametrically outward from the rim of the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket.
The inner diameter of the receptacle from the receptacle opening to where the slots are located may be less than the diametral distance of the ears. The ears may protrude into the slots. The receptacle or the tubular body may be flexible or stretchable for the modified cap to be inserted into the receptacle as the ears force the receptacle to bulge until the ears click in the slots. The receptacle may be squeezable from a circular configuration to an oval configuration. In the oval configuration the maximum diameter where the slots are located may be greater than the diametral distance between the ears. The minimum diameter may exceed the diameter of the circular skirt of the cap. The modified cap may then be inserted headfirst into the receptacle. When the receptacle is returned to the circular configuration the ears protrude into the slots. The modified cap and dispenser are thereby interlocked.
The compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid may comprise, or according to another aspect of the invention the compound device comprises,: the/a modified cap; the/a dispenser including the/a reservoir; and an ejector, wherein the modified cap, or portion of the modified cap comprising a first passage and socket, is displaceable relative to the dispenser between first and second positions to open and close the passage through the reservoir and the modified cap, and the ejector is operable by hand to dispense the first liquid through the open passage. Preferably the modified cap comprises the rotation clamp. Preferably the dispenser comprises the ejector. Advantageously a person can open and close the passage to store or dispense the first liquid into any space they want including the reservoir, the bottle or another space of their choice merely by manipulating the dispenser.
Preferably a portion of the dispenser is adapted to be squeezed or displaced to dispense the first liquid from the reservoir through the passage. The portion of the dispenser adapted to be squeezed may be a resilient portion of the tubular body. The portion of the dispenser adapted to be displaced may be the ejector for a user to operate by hand to dispense the first liquid through the first passage or fluid pathway.
Preferably the ejector comprises a deformable and/or flexible and/or squeezable portion of the dispenser. The portion may include a spring or other resilient portion. Preferably the ejector comprises a resilient portion of the reservoir which recovers its form after dispensing the selected amount of the first liquid. This may be a deformable and/or flexible portion of the reservoir wall.
This resilient portion of the reservoir wall may comprise flexible flaps extending diametrically inward from the tubular body of the dispenser. The flexible flaps may extend radially inward from the tubular wall only part way to the tubular centre. At the tubular centre a gap between the flexible flaps is an aperture to fill the reservoir with the first liquid. A foil or flexible membrane may be glued or attached with heat to the flexible flaps to seal first liquid inside the reservoir.
Preferably the ejector is a piston displaceable in the reservoir. The piston may slide in the reservoir. It may slide inside the tubular body. Preferably the piston is a one-piece part or comprises parts assembled into a single unit.
The reservoir may have an opening to receive or be connected to the ejector before the dispenser is assembled with the ejector. The opening may be an open end of the tubular body. The opening may be opposite and or distal from the partition. It may be opposite or distal from the entrance to the passage through which the first liquid may escape the reservoir.
Preferably the opening is dimensioned to receive the piston for assembly and to provide finger access to deformable part of the ejector or a head of the piston to operate the piston. The reservoir may be enclosed by the piston when the dispenser assembled.
Preferably the piston is displaceable to proximate the rim of the opening so that there is a maximum volume for the first liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, the partition surface of the reservoir is shaped to mate with the surface of the piston facing into the reservoir. These mating surfaces have matching contours for ejecting substantially all the beverage from the reservoir. Where the mating surfaces are brought into contact by displacement of the piston, the interior of the reservoir is deprived of volume so as to eject all the first liquid out of the reservoir.
Advantageously, were the first liquid to freeze inside the reservoir and expand, the piston would slide to increase the volume inside the reservoir to accommodate the volume of the frozen beverage without damaging the dispenser popping the passage open. Preferably hermetic storage of the first liquid in the reservoir would be maintained.
Preferably the piston has a head that has rigidity that is provided by a thickness of the material at the head of piston, or by a concave shape of the piston head with the concavity facing inwards into the reservoir, or by ribs on piston head which reinforce it. Advantageously the rigidity helps maintain the orientation of the piston in the reservoir and maintain the matching contour.
Preferably the piston head has a soft, deformable interior surface. Preferably the piston head is flexible. Advantageously by virtue of a soft deformable surface facing the interior of the reservoir, the piston head conforms to the partition contour when pressed against the partition.
At the first position, the passage is sealed closed to the first liquid and the passage may also be sealed to block gas or air. The seal may be the blocking means where the modified cap or portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage and socket is translated relative to the dispenser to reach the first position.
The ejector may comprise a sliding liquid proof seal to prevent escape of the first liquid from the reservoir except through the fluid pathway and/or first passage. Preferably it is the piston that comprises the seal. Preferably neither the first liquid or gas or air may by-pass the piston. The first liquid in the reservoir can only escape the reservoir by being ejected through the passage, and only when the passage is open.
The passage may include or narrow down to a nozzle or pin hole opening which restricts the passage. The pin hole may be of capillary-like diameter. Only the first liquid may occupy the pin hole portion of the passage. Air or gas may be unable to by-pass the first liquid in the pin hole portion. The first liquid is prevented or discouraged from dribbling out of the passage through the pin hold opening even if the passage is open unless a user actuates the ejector. Preferably the ejector is also gas and/or air proof. It is therefore impossible for air to enter the reservoir via the ejector to ease escape of the first liquid in the reservoir through the open passage.
Advantageously the first liquid only escapes from the reservoir when intentionally ejected.
Advantageously effervescent beverages are storable in the reservoir. The effervescent gas may escape through either the closed passage or via the ejector.
Preferably the sliding seal is formed of resilient polymer.
Preferably the sliding seal comprises a circumferential flap around the piston tubular portion or piston head. Preferably the sliding seal comprises a pair of circumferential flaps. The flaps are axially space apart on the piston to form a sealed volume between the flaps and the portion of the tubular body including the reservoir.
Preferably the head of the piston and the sliding seal are integrally formed, and preferably of a single material.
Preferably the sliding seal comprises a flexible O-ring which makes circumferential contact with the portion of the tubular body including the reservoir.
Preferably the flexibility of the sliding seal is provided by a thickness of the material proximate the circumference the piston head is which is thin as a membrane which preferably forms a flexible flap.
Preferably, the sliding seal is a coupling between the piston and the tubular body of the dispenser. Preferably the sliding seal provides friction which holds the piston in place against the weight of the piston itself when the passage is open. Advantageously the weight of the piston cannot eject the first liquid in the reservoir out through the passage. Only when the piston is pushed, such as by a user, is the first liquid ejected through the passage.
Preferably the friction coupling holds the weight of the piston itself and the weight of the first liquid in the reservoir which fills the maximum volume of inside the reservoir. This prevents unintentional dribbling of the first liquid out of the passage even when the passage is open. Preferably the reservoir wall is transparent or translucent and the position of the partition and/or the piston is visible through the wall for a user to judge the volume of the first liquid in the reservoir. Preferably the liquid may also be seen through the reservoir wall.
Advantageously the compound device is portable. The dispenser and the modified cap are held together and may be carried together with the first liquid inside the reservoir.
The compound device according to the invention is further disclosed in the accompanying claims.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to the Figures, there is shown in
The dispenser 100 includes a reservoir 118, 119 for a first liquid. The modified cap 300 is twistable relative to the dispenser.
The modified cap is twistable between edges 128, 129 on the dispenser of first and second slots 124, 125. The slots are formations of torque transfer parts which operate as stops. The modified cap 300 may be twisted from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop by twisting the dispenser 100 relative to the modified cap 300 and bottle 400 while the modified cap 300 is capped on the bottle 400. By twisting the modified cap 300 relative to the dispenser 100, a passage 314 from the reservoir into a socket 321 in the modified cap is opened and closed. To close the passage 314, the modified cap 300 is twisted from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop. To open the passage, the modified cap 300 is twisted from the edge of the second stop 129 to the edge of the first stop 128.
The angular distance is thirty degrees from the edge 128 of the first stop to the edge 129 of the second stop. The modified cap 300 is twistable thirty degrees relative to the dispenser 100.
As shown in
The dispenser 100 comprises a partition 112 though the interior of the dispenser 100. The partition 112 is connected to the tubular wall 110 and is a block across the interior of the dispenser. The dispenser 100 comprises a receptacle in which the modified cap 300 is held. The tubular wall 114 of the receptacle is a portion of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser. For convenience of explanation, the portion of the tubular wall 100 which is the receptacle is labelled 114. The portion which is the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle extends from the partition 112 to the receptacle tubular rim 115.
The receptacle for the modified cap 300 is formed by the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle and the partition 112. The partition 112 forms the closed end of the receptacle. The modified cap 300 is situated in the interior 116 of the receptacle. The modified cap 300 has a tubular skirt 302 which conforms within the tubular wall of the receptacle 114 so that the modified cap 300 is twistable within the receptacle.
The reservoir for the first liquid is on the opposite side partition 112 as the receptacle for the modified cap 300. For convenience of explanation, the portion of the tubular wall 100 which is the side of the reservoir is labelled 118. The portion which is the tubular wall 118 of the reservoir extends from the partition 112 to the reservoir tubular rim 121.
The partition 112 is disk shaped. The disk has opposite surfaces. One of the surfaces 119 forms the closed end of the reservoir. The opposite surface is the closed end of the receptacle.
The tubular wall 118 of the reservoir forms the side of the reservoir. The reservoir is can shaped. The tubular rim 121 of the reservoir is distal from the partition. The interior 120 of the reservoir is where the first liquid is stored until ejected from the dispenser 100.
The tubular wall 118 of the reservoir is translucent or transparent. A user can see the first liquid stored in the reservoir by looking through the tubular wall 118.
On the tubular wall are volume markers 122 by which the user can ascertain how much of the first liquid remains in the reservoir or how much has been ejected. The volume markers are formed in the material of the tubular wall or they are opaque markings in or on the transparent material. Graduation numbers or symbols are observable relative to the level of the first liquid in the reservoir. This volume markers aid a user to eject a precise and discrete amount of the first liquid through a pin hole 320 of the passage.
On the other side the partition 112 of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser 100 is the receptacle within which the modified cap 300 is twistable relative to the dispenser 100. As mentioned the portion of the tubular wall which is the side of the receptacle is labelled 114. Since the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle is a portion of the tubular wall 110 of the dispenser, a user can grab and twist the whole dispenser 100 to twist the dispenser 100 relative to the modified cap 300.
There is a first slot 124 in the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle. One hundred and eighty degrees opposite the first slot 124 is a second slot 125 in the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle.
The first and second slots 124, 125 are elongate and aligned so that the lengthwise direction is substantially parallel to, but also slanted from, the direction of twisting the modified cap 300 around the axis of the tubular wall 114.
Two lugs 326, 328 are like ears which protrude radially from the skirt 302 of the modified cap 300. The first lug 326 protrudes into the first slot 124. The second lug 328 is diametrically opposite the first lug 326 and protrudes into the second slot 125.
The modified cap 300 and dispenser body 100 comprise complementary shapes of the slots 124, 125 and ears 326, 328 by which the modified cap 300 is displaced relative to the dispenser as the modified cap is twisted relative to the dispenser. The slots and ears are complementary forms of a torque transfer part to stop relative twisting of the dispenser and modified cap in counter twisting directions.
The lengthwise edge 126 of the first slot 124 is substantially parallel to, but slanted from, the hoop direction around the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle. Second slot has a correspondingly oriented lengthwise edge 127.
The first and second lugs 326, 328 slide along the lengthwise edges of the first and second slots 124, 125 as the modified cap 300 is twisted relative to the dispenser 100. The modified cap 300 is displaced axially by the slant of the lengthwise edges 126, 127 as the modified cap 300 is twisted.
The length of the slots 124, 125 is defined by edges and the lengthwise ends. The length of the first slot 124 is the distance from edge 128 to distal edge 129. The length the second slot 125 is the same as the length of the first 124.
The first lug 326 is slidable in the first slot 124 between the edges 128, 129 at the lengthwise ends. The edges 128, 129 stop the first lug 326 from traveling beyond the first slot. The second lug 328 is in the same way stopped from traveling beyond the second slot 125. The modified cap 300 is thereby stopped from twisting beyond where the first and second lugs 326, 328 bump into the lengthwise ends of the first and second slots 124, 125 respectively.
The first slot 124 in the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle is a first stop part, and it is on the dispenser. The first slot 124 has a mutually complementing shape to the modified cap first lug 326. The first Is a second stop part, and it is on the modified cap.
The first and second stop parts which are the first slot 124 and the first lug 326 respectively interlock to join the modified cap 300 to the dispenser. The second slot 125 and the second lug 328 also interlock in the same manner to join the modified cap 300 to the dispenser. So, the modified cap 300 and dispenser body 100 are interlocked by the torque transfer part slot 124, 125 and first and second lugs 326, 328.
The first and second slots 124, 125 are shown penetrating through the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle. However, it is not essential for the slot to penetrate through the tubular wall because the first and second lugs 326, 328 would slide and interlock just as well in grooves in the tubular wall which did not penetrate through the tubular wall.
The skirt 302 of the modified cap 300 is cylindrical. The inner surface of the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle is also cylindrical so that the modified cap 300 is twistable within the receptacle. The outer surface of the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle is not necessarily cylindrical. The inner surface and outer surface of the tubular reservoir are not necessarily cylindrical. For simplicity of construction, tubular wall of the reservoir and the tubular wall of the receptacle are in some embodiments all formed from a simple cylindrical tube having inner and outer cylindrical surfaces. Such embodiment is shown in
The partition 112 comprises a circular ribbon-like bumper ring 130 proximate the tubular wall of the receptacle. The bumper ring 130 extends into the interior of the receptacle a distance that does not reach to the slots 124, 125. The bumper 130 is flexible due to the ribbon-like thickness.
The rim of the bumper ring 130 is pressed against the modified cap 300 when the modified cap is twisted and stopped by the first and second lugs 326, 328 contacting the end of the first and second slots 124, 125 closest to the partition 110 due to the slat of the slots.
A valve tube 132 is located at the center of the partition, although it is not essential for the valve tube 132 be at the center of the partition. The valve tube pierces through the partition 132 from the interior 116 of the receptacle to the interior 120 of the reservoir. The valve tube protrudes into the interior 116 of the receptacle beyond the distance that the bumper ring 130 protrudes, but the valve tube does not extend into the interior 120 of the reservoir.
A spike 138 at the center of the interior of the valve tube 132 is supported by spokes 134 connected to the valve tube 132. The spike 134 extends into the interior of the receptacle further than the valve tube. There are passages 136 between the spokes 134.
The blocking pin 138 and pin hole 320 of the passage are precisely positioned relative to the torque transfer part location and helical slope of the slots 124, 125 and lugs 326, 328. Thus, it is by the mutually complementary shapes of the torque transfer part that the dispenser and modified cap 300, which are interlocked together by the torque transfer part, that the passage is opened and closed by manipulating the dispenser.
On the modified cap 300 there is a step 304 radially inward from the skirt 302 a frustum 306 which forms a covering portion 310 over a bottle opening when the modified cap 300 is capped onto a bottle 400.
The rim of the bumper ring 130 presses against the step 304. Weight that is stacked on top of the dispenser is transferred down through the tubular wall 118 of the reservoir then into the bumper ring 130 and then into the modified cap 300 screwed on the bottle. Convenient stacking of bottles closed by the compound device is thereby possible without damaging the fine parts 132, 134, 136, 138, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 of the passage. The weight transfer path may be most clearly seen in the cross section of
The cylindrical skirt 302 of the modified cap 300 fits within the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular wall 114 of the receptacle. The modified cap 300 is thereby centered in the receptacle.
There is a valve recess 312 in the covering portion 310 of the modified cap 300. The valve recess 312 is located at the center of the covering portion. At the base 316 of the valve recess 312 is a valve hollow mortice 314 which extends deeper than the base. At the bottom of the hollow mortice is a valve pin hole 320.
The valve recess 312, mortice 314, and base 316 are formed in a valve nozzle 318 which extends into the interior 321 of the modified cap 300. The valve nozzle 318 is centered in the interior 321 and protrudes from the interior surface of the covering portion 310.
The valve nozzle 318 has a mutually complimentary shape with the valve tube 132 and spike 138 of the dispenser 100. When the modified cap 300 is in the receptacle, the valve tube 132 and spike 138 fit inside the valve nozzle 318. A passage from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 into the socket 321 in the modified cap 300 is formed.
The passage flows through the valve tube 132 of the receptacle, then through the passages 136 between the spokes 134 in the valve tube, then into the valve recess 312 in the covering portion 310, then into the valve hollow mortice 314, and then into the valve pin hole 320.
When the modified cap 300 is twisted so that the lugs 326, 328 are against the ends of the slots 124, 125 which are farthest from the partition 112, the spike 138 on the dispenser 100 is retracted from the valve mortice 314 of the modified cap. Clearance space is provided between the spike 138 and valve mortice 314 so that passage from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 into the socket 321 in the modified cap 300 is open.
When the modified cap 300 is twisted so that the lugs 326, 328 are against the ends of the slots 124, 125 which are closest to the partition 112, the spike 138 on the dispenser 100 is pressed into the valve mortice 314 of the modified cap. The clearance space is filled by the spike so that passage from the reservoir in the dispenser 100 into the socket 321 in the modified cap 300 is closed.
Thus, the recess 312, mortice 314 and base 314 of the modified cap 300 are parts which have a mutually complementing shape to the tube 134, spokes 134 between channels 136 and the spike 138 of the dispenser 100. These parts of the modified cap and dispenser respectively cooperate as the modified cap and dispenser translate relative to each other to open and close the passage.
The modified cap 300 comprises a resilient clamp ring 324 proximate the skirt 302. The clamp ring 324 extends into the interior of the socket a distance that is less that the distance that the valve nozzle 318 extends into the socket. There is a circular channel intermediate the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324.
The clamp ring 324 is a type of rotation clamp which engages the modified cap 300. The rim of the bottle neck is clamped in the circular channel between the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324. The rim of the bottle neck only reaches into the circular channel where the modified cap is in a maximum twisted on position on the bottle neck. Therefore, the rotation clamp is engaged where the modified cap seals closed against the bottle.
As the modified cap 300 is twisted off the bottle neck, the rim of the bottle neck is withdrawn from the channel and the rotation clamp disengages. A user only need twist the bottle clamp a finite angle for the socket threads 322 to displace the modified cap far enough axially for the rim of the bottle to be withdrawn from the channel and release the clamp.
The clamp ring 324 prevents twisting of the modified cap 300 off the bottle neck without twisting the modified cap relative to the dispenser between the stops.
Where the rim of the bottle neck is clamped inside the circular channel between the skirt 302 and the clamp ring 324, the modified cap is prevented from rotation with respect to the bottle 400 by the friction of the clamp ring 324. Consequently, when a user twists the dispenser to twist the compound device off a bottle where the modified cap is in a maximum twisted on position on the bottle neck, the dispenser 100 first twists relative to the modified cap 300 from the first stop 128 towards the second stop. The passage from the interior 120 of the reservoir into the socket 321 is thereby opened. Reliability of the opening the passage as the compound device is twisted off the bottle neck is improved.
Upon reaching the second stop, the second stop transfers torque from the dispenser 100 to the modified cap 300 in the direction to twist the modified cap off the bottle 400. Consequently, the further twisting twists the modified cap to withdraw the rim of the bottle neck from the channel of clamp ring 324. The compound device is then easily twisted off the bottle.
In the same fashion the rotation clamp is not engaged until the modified cap 300 seals closed against the bottle when the compound device is twisted onto the bottle. So, the passage is reliably closed upon the compound device being twisted to where the modified cap closes the bottle neck.
The dispenser 100 comprises a break-away ring 140 attached to the receptacle tubular rim 115 by frangible stringers 142. The break-away ring comprises ratchet teeth allowing it to be twisted onto the bottle neck. However, when the compound device is twisted off, the ratchet teeth engage complimentary teeth on the bottle so that the frangible stringers are torn. The break-away ring 140 has a lip inward toward the ring centre. The bottle has a corresponding ring. The lip on the break-away ring of the dispenser hook over the corresponding ring of the bottle. As the dispenser is twisted of the bottle, the cap thread displaces the dispenser axially. The lip of the break-way ring is hooked on the ring around the bottle neck. So, the frangible stringers are stretched axially until they break. The break-away ring remains on the bottle when the rest of the dispenser is twisted off. The break-away ring 140 thereby serves as evidence that the dispenser has been twisted off the bottle 400.
An ejector in the form of a piston 200 is situated within the reservoir of the dispenser 100. The piston head has a user operable surface 202 for a user to push and eject a first liquid in the reservoir through the open passage. On opposite side of the piston head is an interior surface 204 of the reservoir.
Around the circumference of the piston head are first and second ring seals 206, 208 which are axially spaced apart. The ring seals are sliding seals which allow the piston to slide along the tubular wall 116 of the reservoir. The ring seals form a leakproof seal between the tubular wall 118 and the piston 200. The tubular wall 118 and piston 200 are thereby combined into a leakproof blocking means for the first liquid in the reservoir. So, the only escape for first liquid from the reservoir is though the passage.
A user operates the piston 200 by hand to dispense the first liquid out the reservoir through the passage and into the socket 321 of the modified cap 300.
It is not necessary for the ejector to comprise a piston. The dispenser body or reservoir wall itself may be flexible to eject the liquid from the reservoir.
The partition 154 and flexible flaps 152 enclose the interior 158 of the reservoir which makes it difficult to remove an injection moulding tool from the interior 158. To reduce cost of manufacture, the partition 612 may be formed as a separate part 600 which may be subsequently connected to the dispenser body 800 and cap 700. In particular they it may be connected to the tubular wall 810 as shown in
To reduce cost of filling the bottle, it may be filled with standard bottling equipment and then capped with a closed cap.
These second embodiments are assembled into a second embodiment of the compound device. The passage in the second embodiment of the compound device may be opened and closed by similar manipulation by the user and function of components as the passage in the first embodiment of the compound device.
The first and second embodiments of the compound device allow for different processes to fill the reservoir with a first liquid and the bottle with a second liquid or other pourable substance.
In a standard bottling factory, there are standard machines to fill the bottle 400 with a second liquid or other pourable substance automatically. There are also standard machines to cap the filled bottle 400. The connected portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 and partition 600 second embodiments are a unit 500 which the standard machines may handle.
The unit 500 capped onto the filled bottle 400 closes the bottle opening. Since the passage 712, 720 is blocked, the bottle is closed. The bottle filled with the second liquid may be transported to a place where there are other machines which finish assembly of the compound unit on the bottle 400. This is convenient because the machines to finish assembly of the compound unit may be in a different factory than the standard bottle filling and capping machines.
The portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 is similar to the first embodiment of the modified cap 300. The second embodiment has a cap cylinder wall 702 around the socket 721. There are diametrically opposite ears 726, 728 protruding outwards from the cylinder wall 702. The ears 726, 728 are part of the torque transfer part as explained for the first embodiment of the modified cap 300.
The top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage is shaped to receive the second embodiment of the partition 600. The top of the head 710 is ring shaped with a central circular entrance to the inlet 712 of the second part of the passage. The outer perimeter of the ring is formed out of the cap cylinder wall 702. A circular groove at the edge of the top of the head 700 provides a circular groove having a head cylinder wall 706 just diametrically inwards from the cap cylinder wall 702.
The second embodiment of the partition 600 is disk shaped to conform with the top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. The partition 600 has opposite ring-shaped surfaces 612, 614. One of the surfaces 612 faces the top of the head 710 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 when the partition 600 and portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 are connected. The opposite surface 614 is the top of the head of the unit 500 and surrounds the entrance to the first part of the passage 636 through the partition.
The partition 600 has a circular rim 650 around the perimeter of the disk-shaped surfaces 612, 614. The diameter of the circular rim 650 of the partition 600 and the diameter of the circular wall 702 to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 are the same. So, when the partition 600 is connected to the head 710 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 the unit 500 is formed with a single cylindrical diameter.
A circular flange extends from the circular rim 650 axially away from the surface 614 which faces the cap 700. The flange has an inner cylindrical surface 646 with a diameter just slightly larger than the cap circular groove cylinder wall 706 at the head of portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. The flange has a circular edge 648. The distance from the circular edge 648 to the surface the surface 614 which faces that portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 is just slightly less than the distance of the circular groove step 604 into the cylindrical wall 702 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. The partition 600 is connected to the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 by placing the flange of the partition into the circular groove.
The cylindrical surface 646 of the flange surrounds the circular groove cylinder wall 706 when the partition 600 is connected to the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. The partition 600 is guided by the groove cylindrical wall 706 to be twistable around the central axis of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700.
A tubular conduit protrudes 630, 632 from the surface 614 which faces the top 712 of the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. The tubular conduit 630, 632 of the second embodiment of the partition is akin to the tube 132 which protrudes from the 112 of the first embodiment of the partition 112.
The tubular conduit end 632 connected to disk surface 614 which faces which faces the top of the head of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage protrudes away from this surface. It is extended further away by a portion 630 of the tubular conduit which has a free end. There is an entrance 636 through the disk surface 612 to face the reservoir. This entrance 636 is the exit from the reservoir into the first part of the passage through the partition.
The tubular conduit 630, 632 is coaxial with the central axis of the partition disk rim 650. The outer diameter the tubular conduit 630,632 just slightly less than the inner diameter of the second part of the passage inlet 712 and central recess 713 in the centre of the head 710 the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700. Upon connection of the partition 600 to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage, the tubular conduit 630, 632 of the partition 600 fits coaxially through the second part of the passage inlet 712 into the central recess 713. The first part of the passage through the tubular conduit 630, 632 of the partition thereby becomes contiguous with the second part of the passage through the central recess 713 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage.
A blocking means to open and close the passage is a pin 638 axially held by spokes from the tubular conduit free end 630. The diameter of the pin 638 is less than the inner diameter of the tubular conduit free end 630. The first part of the passage 636 through the partition 600 includes a space intermediate the pin 638 and the inner diameter tubular conduit free end 630.
The pin 638 extends from the free end further from the disk surface 614 to face the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 when the portion is attached to the partition 600. The diameter of the pin 638 is slightly larger than the diameter of a pin hole exit 720 from the otherwise closed end of the cylindrical recess 713 in the cap head 710. The pin 638 blocks the pin hole 720 when the partition 600 is placed onto the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 where the disk surface 614 to face the cap head contacts the cap head 710. The passage is shown closed in the cross-section view on the left-hand side of
As shown in
However, another option is to first connect the second embodiment of the partition 600 to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 to form the single unit 500 in which the passage is closed. The bottle 400 is filled with a drinking liquid or other pourable substance using standard bottling equipment. The bottle opening is closed by capping it with the single unit 500 using standard bottling equipment. Then the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 is connected to the capped bottle connecting the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 to the whole unit 500. This process assembles the compound device very efficiently using standard bottling machinery.
While the mostly assembled compound device is on the bottle, the reservoir 920 is filled with a first liquid through the open end of the reservoir distal from the partition disk surface 612. The reservoir 920 is then closed by cover the open end with a piston 200 or other type of ejector such as a flexible part. These processes may be done with different equipment in a second factory. The filled bottle 400 capped and closed with the unit 500 may be stored and then transported the second factory when convenient by the most convenient mode of transport.
The slots 824, 825 through the receptacle wall 814 of the tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are akin to the slots 124, 125 through the wall of first embodiment of the dispenser 100. The slots 824, 825 interlock the unit 500 and the dispenser as the ears 726, 728 of the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 are inserted into the slots. The location and helical slope of the slots 824, 825 is precisely positioned with respect to the ring 844 to capture the partition 600. The end and length of the blocking pin 638 precisely selected with respect to the disk surface 614 to face the cap head 710. The position of the pin hole passage outlet 720 is precisely selected with respect to the cap head 710. The shape and dimensions of the partition 600, portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700 and tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are mutually complementary. These mutually complementary shapes ensure that where the unit 500 is interlocked to the dispenser tubular part 800 via the torque transfer parts of the ears 726, 728 and slots 824, 825 that the passage may be opened and closed by twisting dispenser relative to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage on the bottle. Specifically, the mutually complementary shapes also ensure that the dispenser may be twisted clockwise with respect to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to a first position where the ears 726, 728 contact the ends of the slots 824, 825 and the blocking pin 638 blocks the passage pin hole 720. The mutually complementary shapes also ensure that the dispenser may be twisted counterclockwise with respect to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage to a second position where the ears 726, 728 contact the distal ends of the slots 824, 825 and the blocking pin 638 is free of the passage pin hole 720. Furthermore, by the counter-clockwise torque applied to the portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage via the mutually complementary shape of the torque transfer part ears and slots the cap may be twisted off the bottle with passage open by manipulating the dispenser.
The partition 600, portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage 700, and tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are moulded or injection moulded. Tools and the process to mould or injection mould the second embodiment of the partition 600 and tubular portion of the dispenser 800 are relatively simple compared to those to mould or injection mould the first embodiment of the dispenser body 100 wherein the tubular wall 100 and partition 112 are integrally formed. The is because the partition 112 is located intermediate the tubular wall 110 open ends which complicates removal of the tools after moulding.
INDEX OF LABELLED FEATURES IN FIGURES10 compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid
100 dispenser
110 tubular wall of dispenser
112 partition between reservoir and receptacle
114 tubular wall of receptacle for cap
115 receptacle tubular rim
116 interior of receptacle
118 tubular interior wall of reservoir for first liquid in dispenser
119 closed end of reservoir
120 interior of reservoir
121 reservoir tubular rim
122 reservoir volume markers
124 first slot in tubular wall of receptacle
125 second slot in tubular wall of receptacle
126 edge of first slot to guide lug as cap twists between positions
127 edge of second slot to guide lug as cap twists between positions
128 first stop at first position at end of first slot
129 second stop second position at distal end of first slot
130 bumper ring
132 valve tube of first part of passage which protrudes into receptacle
134 passage blocking means spokes to central spike in valve tube
136 first part of passage channels between spokes in valve tube
138 passage blocking means central spike in valve tube
140 break-away ring of dispenser
142 fragile stringers connecting break-away ring
150 alternate embodiment of dispenser body
152 flexible flaps for ejector
156 reservoir wall
158 reservoir interior
200 ejector in form of piston
202 piston head user operable surface
204 piston head surface which is an interior surface of the reservoir
206 piston first ring seal
208 piston second ring seal
300 modified cap
302 skirt of cap
304 step from skirt
306 slanted wall from step
310 covering portion over bottle opening
312 central recess in covering portion
314 valve second part passage through mortice
316 valve shelf from recess to mortice
318 valve nozzle and mortice for passage blocking pin
320 pin hole and second part of passage
321 socket in cap
322 thread to the engage neck of bottle opening
324 clamp ring for receiving rim of bottle neck
326 cap first lug or ear
328 cap second lug or ear
330 membrane to cover cap head passage entrance
332 membrane to cover cap pin hole passage outlet
400 bottle
500 modified cap second embodiment closed by connection with partition
600 individual partition
612 disk surface to face reservoir
614 disk surface to face receptacle and top of head of the cap
630 tubular conduit free end
632 tubular conduit end connected to disk surface to face reservoir
634 exterior threads on tubular conduit
636 first part of passage through partition
638 passage closing and opening pin
646 disk rim inner cylindrical surface
648 disk rim cylinder edge
650 disk rim
700 portion of the modified cap comprising the first passage
702 cap cylinder wall
704 cap circular groove step
706 cap circular groove cylinder wall
710 cap head
712 second part of passage inlet
713 central recess in cap head
715 seal tube to receive passage opening and closing pin
720 second part of passage outlet
721 cavity, hollow or socket for receiving bottle neck
722 cap thread to engage neck of bottle opening
726 cap torque transfer part ear
728 cap torque transfer part opposite ear
800 tubular portion of dispenser
810 reservoir tubular wall
814 receptacle tubular wall
824 torque transfer part first slot
825 torque transfer part second slot
844 ring to capture individual partition
846 tubular wall surface to grip individual partition rim
900 tubular portion of dispenser connected to individual partition
920 interior of reservoir
916 interior of receptacle
920 interior of reservoir
1000 bottle seal washer
The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1-49. (canceled)
50. A dispenser is adapted to receive a modified cap and to be connected to a bottle, the dispenser comprising:
- a reservoir which receives and stores a first liquid; and
- an ejector for a user to manipulate to dispense a selected amount of the first liquid through a fluid pathway;
- wherein the dispenser is in an operable configuration when the modified cap is displaced relative to the dispenser from a first position to a second position, and when in the second position the fluid pathway is defined from the reservoir via a first passage in the modified cap through which the selected amount of the first liquid is ejected from the reservoir into the bottle.
51. The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein:
- the dispenser is arranged to interlock with the modified cap upon connection to the modified cap, wherein the dispenser further comprises means in the dispenser to prevent removal of the interlocked modified cap from the dispenser.
52. The dispenser according to claim 51, further comprising:
- a body in which there is at least one slot which receives a lug on the modified cap for interlocking the modified cap with the dispenser.
53. The dispenser according to claim 52, wherein:
- the at least one slot comprises two slots, each of the two slots being arranged to receive one of two corresponding lugs on the modified cap.
54. The dispenser according to claim 52, wherein:
- the at least one slot lies on a helical path defined in a body of the dispenser.
55. The dispenser according to claim 53, wherein:
- each of the two slots lie on a respective helical path defined in the body.
56. The dispenser according to claim 53, wherein:
- the body is tubular; and
- each of the two slots is located on substantially diametrically opposite sides of the tubular body.
57. The dispenser according to claim 52, wherein:
- the each of the at least one slot has an edge at an end arranged to abut the lug in the first position and the second position in order to transfer torque from the dispenser to the modified cap.
58. The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein the ejector comprises:
- a piston displaceable in the reservoir.
59. The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein the ejector comprises:
- a resiliently deformable portion of the reservoir which recovers its form after dispensing the selected amount of liquid.
60. The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein:
- the reservoir is defined by a wall of the dispenser, a partition and the ejector.
61. The dispenser according to claim 50, further comprising:
- a second passage through a wall of the reservoir, the second passage defining the fluid pathway from the reservoir to the first passage.
62. The dispenser according to claim 61, wherein
- the first passage displaces with the modified cap and the second passage displaces with the dispenser so that the first passage displaces relative to the second passage.
63. The dispenser according to claim 50, further comprising:
- a receptacle shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified cap.
64. The dispenser according to claim 52, further comprising:
- a receptacle shaped and dimensioned to receive the modified cap,
- wherein the receptacle comprises the at least one slot.
65. The dispenser according to claim 63, further comprising:
- a partition which is a portion of the receptacle and the reservoir.
66. The dispenser according to claim 65, further comprising:
- a tubular portion into which a partition is insertable to divide the receptacle from the reservoir.
67. The dispenser according to claim 62, further comprising:
- a partition that includes the second passage.
68. The dispenser according to claim 50, further comprising:
- blocking means which displaces with the dispenser, when the dispenser moves relative to the modified cap, and blocks the first passage thereby configuring the dispenser in an inoperable configuration in the first position.
69. The dispenser according to claim 68, wherein:
- the blocking means is a part of the dispenser which connects to another part of the dispenser to form the reservoir.
70. The dispenser according to claim 68, adapted to interlock with the modified cap comprising a second blocking means.
71. The dispenser according to claim 68, wherein the blocking means comprises:
- a partition.
72. The dispenser according to claim 68, wherein the blocking means comprises:
- a plug which is dimensioned to block the first passage in the first position and unblock the first passage in the second position.
73. The dispenser according to claim 72, further comprising:
- a second passage defined through the plug, wherein
- the plug is arranged to displace coaxially in the first passage.
74. A compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid and for connecting to the bottle, comprising: the modified cap and the dispenser according to claim 50.
75. The compound device according to claim 25, further comprising:
- first and second tamper evident means connected to the dispense and the modified cap respectively by a plurality of ribs, wherein
- both the first and second tamper evident means are arranged to fix the compound device to the bottle.
76. The compound device according to claim 74, wherein:
- the plurality of ribs of the first tamper evident means are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted with respect to the modified cap.
77. The compound device according to claim 75, wherein:
- the plurality of ribs of the second tamper evident means are adapted to tear when the dispenser is twisted with respect to the bottle.
78. A method of filling and capping a bottle and connecting the bottle to a compound device for storing and ejecting a first liquid according to claim 73, including:
- filling the bottle with a liquid drink or pourable substance;
- capping the bottle with the modified cap;
- filling the first liquid in the dispenser; and
- connecting the dispenser to the bottle by interlocking the dispenser and modified cap.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 10, 2019
Publication Date: Aug 19, 2021
Inventors: Vincent SITWELL (Barnet), Kamila SITWELL (Barnet), Lucas Karel Johannes VAN DEN BROEK (Wadhurst)
Application Number: 16/973,186
