Capsule with a piercable cap, stopper and container provided with said capsule

Abstract

A capsule (1) mounted in a stopper for a container which is essentially used to distribute liquids. The sealed capsule (1) essentially includes a deformable membrane (2) which is sealed at the base thereof by a piercable cap (3) defining a volume containing at least one substance and having at least one intermediate part (6) which is provided by a breaking elements (4) which is integrated into the cap (3) and which can break it in order to release an effective amount of substance (s) (S) further to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane (2), the intermediate part (6) being embodied in the form of a peripheral ring (7) on which an arc-shaped element (15) rests, whereby the free end (16) of the element is embodied in the form of at least one protruding or pointed element (12) directed towards the cap (3) in order to achieve the breakage.

Description

The present invention relates to a capsule for fitting in a stopper for a receptacle with a neck or collar designed to dispense liquids or pastes, particularly for mineral water bottles and the corresponding stopper and receptacle.

More precisely, the stopper equipped with a capsule according to the present invention is provided to contain, in a hermetically isolated compartment of the receptacle thus closed, a substance or special composition designed to be mixed with the contents of said receptacle just before use or consumption thereof.

The stopper of the present invention may in particular be used to close bottles made of synthetic materials generally known as plastics materials (for example PET) designed to contain all sorts of more or less fluid food or non-food liquids, such as, for example, mineral water, fruit juice, milky drinks, etc. but also sauces or condiments (ketchup, mustard, vinaigrette, etc.) or non-food liquids (cleaning products, detergents, etc.).

In this particular field, a fair number of stoppers are already known with compartments enclosing a substance, particularly a food substance, to be added to the contents of the receptacle that generally contains a drink such as water or milk, for example for preparing energy-giving drinks or feeding bottles.

However, all the current stoppers have a certain number of more or less inconvenient drawbacks.

A first type from among these known stoppers has a capsule or reservoir sealed by a membrane or detachable tongue and fixed on the upper part of said stopper equipping a receptacle. To add the substance contained in the reservoir to said receptacle, it is necessary to unscrew the stopper, pull back the membrane or tongue closing said reservoir in order to create an opening for said substance, to turn over the stopper to pour said substance into said receptacle and finally, to rescrew the stopper on said receptacle to be able to shake it and thus mix the substance with the contents thereof. The use of this type of stopper therefore requires numerous tiresome stages, of which certain, such as that consisting of turning over the stopper to release the substance into said receptacle, may demand a certain dexterity to avoid pouring the substance over the sides thereof.

Another type of stopper has a capsule or reservoir releasing a solid substance in the form of a tablet by means of pressure applied by the finger of the user on said capsule. But, this type of stopper has sealing problems, as it will be recalled that the contents of the receptacle must not accidentally come into contact with the substance enclosed in the capsule. These problems are resolved in this type of stopper by the presence of a sealing cap fixed on the neck of the receptacle. In a first variant embodiment of this stopper, to release the substance, the user first unscrews the stopper to remove the cap, then replaces the stopper on the receptacle and releases the tablet of the capsule by pressing thereon. In a second variant, the user may remove the cap, while the stopper is fixed on the receptacle. In both cases, numerous tiresome stages are again necessary to release the substance. Moreover, another drawback resides in the fact that the cap of the capsule that allows the substance to be released only functions well when this substance is in the form of tablets or rigid pastilles.

To limit the number of stages needed to release the substance, a type of stopper has been designed in which the substance, in the form of a tablet or rigid pastille, is contained between an upper deformable membrane to which pressure is applied to release said substance, and a lower cap serving as a sealing element. The lower cap is torn by the tablet when the user applies pressure to the upper membrane.

Now, the rigidity of the cap is a critical parameter in that it must be both low enough to allow the easy release of the substance (preferably whatever its state) and high enough to allow said cap to resist pressure that may be applied thereto by the contents of the receptacle when it is compressed during the handling phases of the receptacle. In fact, when the cap is too weak, breakages occur to it during the handling phases, and the substance is mixed accidentally with the contents of the receptacle.

When the cap is fairly rigid, the pressure that must be applied by the user or consumer on the cap to release the substance must also be high, which can be disadvantageous for certain people. Ideally, the pressure transmitted to the cap by means of the substance should be identical, whatever the form or structure of the substance. But, when using a substance in powder form, for example, the force applied to the elastic membrane is reduced when transmitted to the cap and is not always enough to tear the membrane in order to release the substance.

The main disadvantage of this type of stopper is therefore that it is limited to the use of substances in the form of tablets or rigid pastilles which are the only ones capable of substantially completely transmitting the force applied by the finger to the cap. This type of stopper cannot be applied therefore in the case of substances that are liquid or in powder form. In addition, the breakage of the cap is a function of the form of the substance, which excludes any reproducibility of said breakage.

The present invention aims to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of known capsules and stoppers with capsules and to provide a capsule and stopper that minimise the risk of accidental breakage of the cap allowing isolation of the substance contained in the receptacle to which it must be added and that allow easier clean and reproducible breakage of said cap by the user which is as independent as possible of the state or physical structure of said substance.

In fact, ideally it should be possible to break the sealed cap whatever the type of substance that is to be added to the contents of the receptacle, particularly in the case of partially filled capsules containing substances that do not always allow transmission of enough of the mechanical force applied by the user to break the sealing cap.

This may be the case particularly for very fluid liquids, very deformable or compressible solids such as fine powders, very crumbly granules, etc.

In addition, it must be possible to use the stopper according to the invention with little force and few manipulations by one hand of the consumer, and the opening should not preferably cause the formation of detached pieces.

The present invention therefore relates to a sealed capsule basically consisting of a deformable membrane sealed at its base by a piercable cap so as to define a sealed volume for containing at least one substance between said deformable membrane and said cap, characterised in that it has at least one integrated breakage means for said piercable cap capable of tearing it to release an effective quantity of the substance(s) following sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane due to an external mechanical force applied thereto.

It also relates to a stopper for a receptacle with a neck or collar designed to dispense liquids or pastes, in particular for a mineral water bottle, characterised in that it basically consists of a base plate for fixing on said receptacle and closing said receptacle by means of a capsule according to the invention added in a sealed manner on said base plate, the deformable membrane of said capsule being itself covered by a rigid protective cover resting on an annular base part added on said base plate, the lower base of said capsule being formed by the piercable cap, a useful sealed volume filled with at least one substance for adding to the contents of the receptacle before consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane and said cap of said capsule, an effective quantity of the substance(s) being released into the contents of the receptacle when the cap breaks due to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane.

It also relates to a receptacle with a neck or collar for distributing liquids or pastes, particularly mineral water, characterised in that it comprises a capsule according to the present invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description that follows, given as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a first embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of the capsule of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a second embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view in section along A-A of the capsule of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a third embodiment of the capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view in section along A-A of the capsule of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view in section along B-B of the capsule of FIG. 6 in the used state:

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view in section of a fourth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view in section of a fifth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a sixth embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view in section along A-A of the capsule of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view in section along B-B of the capsule of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view in section along B-B of the capsule of FIG. 10 in the used state;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view in section of a seventh embodiment of the capsule according to the invention before use;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view in section along A-A of the capsule of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view in section along B-B of the capsule of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view in section of the capsule of FIG. 14 in the used state;

FIG. 18 is a side view in section of a stopper according to the invention in the closed state equipped with a capsule according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 before use;

FIG. 19 is a view of the stopper of FIG. 18 fitted on a receptacle, after opening the protective cover and breaking the cap of the capsule;

FIG. 20 is a side view in section of a stopper according to the invention in the closed state equipped with a capsule according to the third embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7;

FIG. 21 is a view of the stopper of FIG. 18 fitted on a receptacle, after opening the protective cover and breaking the cap of the capsule;

FIG. 22 is a side view in exploded section of a stopper according to the invention in the closed state equipped with a stopper according to an eighth embodiment before assembly;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic side illustration in partially exploded section of a stopper according to the invention in the closed state equipped with a protective cover produced according to a variant embodiment of the invention, before assembly;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of the view of FIG. 23, after assembly;

FIG. 25 is a view in perspective of the protective cover of FIGS. 23 and 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a particular embodiment of a constituent element of the stopper according to the invention;

FIG. 27 is a view in section along A-A of the element of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a view from above of the element of FIG. 26 and, FIG. 29 is a partially enlarged view in perspective of the central portion of FIG. 26.

Reference will be made initially to FIG. 1 which shows a diagrammatic side view in section of a first embodiment of the capsule according to the invention. In the embodiment described and illustrated, the sealed capsule 1 basically consisting of a deformable membrane 2 sealed at its base by a piercable cap 3 so as to define a sealed volume V designed to contain at least one substance S between said deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3 is characterised in that it has at least one integral breakage means 4 for said piercable cap 3 capable of tearing it to release an effective quantity of the substance(s) S following sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane 2 due to external mechanical force applied thereon.

The incorporation actually within said capsule 1 of the breakage means 4 allows a one-piece capsule 1 to be manufactured ready to be fitted in the stopper selected to close the desired receptacle which does not require the provision of an additional external element to break the cap 3.

According to a first particularly simple and economical embodiment, the capsule 1 according to the present invention is characterised in that the breakage means 4 is produced in the form of a pre-cut-out 5 of the cap 3, namely at least one preferred point or line of breakage thereof.

Advantageously, the pre-cut-out 5 is produced in the form of a set of preferred breakage lines arranged in the form of a star, preferably centred on said cap 3.

In this way, opening by tearing of the cap 3 is guaranteed and it is as easy and reproducible as possible.

Another example of a pre-cut-out 5 in the form of a cross has been illustrated as an indication in FIG. 2, but other geometries may also be suitable.

The pre-cut-out 5 as such may be produced by any generally used process, known in itself, particularly by laser cut-out, die-stamping, etc.

Preferably, the deformable membrane 2 is produced from PVC, a resilient material that allows the user to deform it sufficiently, for example with a finger, to succeed in breaking the cap 3 and thus releasing the substance(s) S into the contents of the receptacle R. The deformable membrane 2 itself may take any form although a global shape such as a bell-shape, preferably a bell of which the highest point is flat, for example disk- or oval-shaped, etc. may be preferred.

According to another non-illustrated characteristic, the deformable membrane 2 may comprise at least one preferential deformation means thereof produced in the form of a point, line or surface of preferential deformation, for example, in the form of a recess in the form of a groove portion of substantially semi-cylindrical section situated on the side of said deformable membrane 2. This means allows a point, line or surface to be created initiating and facilitating the deformation of the rest of the deformable membrane 2 to achieve the desired objective, namely a concentration of force leading to a sufficiently marked deformation of said deformable membrane 2 which allows tearing or sufficient breakage of the cap 3 to allow the passage of the substance(s) S contained in the sealed volume V for adding to the contents of the receptacle equipped with the capsule 1 according to the invention.

In the above-mentioned preferred example, the thumb or finger of the user pressing first on the deformable membrane 2 at the place where the preferred deformation means (which are situated in a place that is easy for the consumer to access, for example in a region close to the highest point) are situated, initiates a relatively easier deformation of the deformable membrane 2 which is propagated over the remaining, more rigid, surfaces drawing them into the deformation movement which rapidly becomes extensive enough to lead to a significant passage opening for the substance(s) S in the piercable cap 3.

If the deformable membrane 2 is produced from a flexible or elastic material, such as natural rubber, said membrane may be restored to its initial form when the pressure applied by the finger of the user stops, thus retaining the original aesthetic appearance of the stopper.

Of course, other deformable materials fulfilling the same function may also be suitable, although PVC is preferred, in particular because of its physical and chemical properties which are particularly suited to the use described.

It goes without saying that the material(s) used to produce the capsule 1, the stopper and more particularly that or those used to produce the deformable membrane 2 and the cap 3 must be chemically and physically compatible with the nature of the liquid or paste contents of the receptacle R thus closed, respectively with the substance(s) S contained in the sealed volume V delimited by said deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3. Moreover, if the receptacle R closed by the stopper according to the invention is designed to contain an edible liquid or paste, it should also be ensured that the aforementioned materials are indeed of food quality and that the stoppered product marketed does indeed meet the applicable health regulations.

Thus, a single operation after opening the protective cover 19 (cf. for example FIGS. 18 and 19) is sufficient to transfer the substance(s) S into the receptacle R.

The operation to open said protective cover 19 may also be performed with only one hand, for example, by seizing the receptacle R in the palm and releasing said protective cover 19 by the action of the thumb of the same hand. FIG. 19 illustrates a stopper equipped with a capsule of the type of that of FIG. 1 when the protective cover 19 has been opened, the deformable membrane 2 pushed in sufficiently for the cap 3 to be torn, the substance(s) S then falling into said receptacle R.

To close it, the index finger replaces the protective cover on the base part 20 until it “clicks” closed.

The structure of the base part 20 and the opening and closing means 33, 34 will be detailed later.

According to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises at least one intermediate part 6 provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3, said intermediate part 6 having at least one breakage means 4 of said deformable membrane 2 which can be activated when said sufficient deformation thereof occurs.

As illustrated, for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, a capsule 1 according to the invention produced in accordance with a second embodiment is characterised in that said at least one intermediate part 6 is produced in the form of a ring 7 arranged between the deformable membrane 2, preferably substantially bell-shaped and more preferably of which the highest point is flattened, and the cap 3 sealing said volume V, said ring 7 having, as a breakage means 4, at least one surface portion 8 delimited in said ring 7 so that it forms a hinged flap in relation to said ring 7, said flap being suitable to pivot towards the cap 3 with a view to piercing it when said deformable membrane 2 is sufficiently deformed.

According to a third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the capsule 1 according to the invention may be characterised in that said at least one intermediate part 6 is produced in the form of a ring 7 arranged between the deformable membrane 2, preferably substantially produced in the form of a bell and more preferably of which the highest point is flattened, and the cap 3 sealing said volume V, said ring 7 having, as a breakage means 4, several surface portions 8, 8′, preferably connected to each other by at least one breakage bridge 10 and delimited in said ring 7 so as to form, for each surface portion 8, 8′, a hinged flap in relation to said ring 7, each flap being suitable to pivot, after breakage of the bridge(s) 10 connecting them, towards the cap 3 in order to pierce it when said deformable membrane 2 is sufficiently deformed.

As can be seen in FIGS. 10, 11, 14, 15, 22, 23 and 24, the end of the breakage means 4 opposite the hinge 9 of the pivoting flap formed or the tie of said breakage means 4 on the intermediate part 6 may be equipped with a slender tie or bridge 10′ performing the function of a breakage bridge that secures said means 4 while the stopper is not effectively being used. This bridge 10′ also requires the user, if he wishes to tear the cap 3, to apply fairly strong pressure or force on the arched element 15 sufficient to break said bridge 10′ and which, at the same time and because of its great intensity and sudden application, allows a sharper or cleaner breakage or cutting of the cap 3, compared to a progressive breakage by applying force that increases as required, thus releasing all the substance S contained in the capsule 1.

This is the case if the deformable membrane 2 has not been deformed (pushed in) enough to transmit the mechanical force either by coming into contact itself or by transmitting the pressure via the substance S to the cap 3 or to the surface of a support 14 as illustrated in FIG. 10 and described in more detail below, and if the force thus transmitted is not sufficient to break this bridge 10′ or a bridge 10 that connects two surface portions to each other (cf. FIGS. 6 and 9), a comparatively smaller force than that needed to pierce the cap 3.

Advantageously, said ring 7 and said surface portions 8, 8′ are produced by injection-moulding of a synthetic material, preferably polyethylene, in the region of or in immediate proximity to the breakage bridge(s) 10, 10′.

As can be seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the capsule 1 according to the invention is further characterised in that at least one part of the free contour of said surface portions 8, 8′ has one or more sharp-angled parts 11, of the tooth type, facilitating piercing of the cap 3.

This makes it easier, if necessary, to break said cap 3 which must otherwise be torn without being assisted. The form of the pivoting flap and/or breakage means 4 and the number thereof is determined according to the tear resistance procured by the cap 3 which is generally produced in the form of a thin aluminium foil that may be plasticised or similar.

Projecting teeth for the breakage means have been illustrated as a non-limiting example but other projecting and cutting geometries are also possible, for example in the form of vertical protruding and projecting points or in the thickness of said pivoting flap directed towards the cap 3.

According to the variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, the breakage means 4 has at least one substantially vertical projecting element 12 directed towards the cap 3 facilitating piercing thereof. This variant will be described in more detail later.

A sixth variant of the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterised in that the surface portion(s) 8, 8′ of the breakage means 4 have a rigid element 13, protruding in the direction of the deformable membrane 1 and with a global useful support surface 14 capable of transmitting an external mechanical force applied to said deformable membrane 2 by the user which is sufficient to cause at least one surface portion 8, 8′ to pivot and the cap 3 to break releasing an effective quantity of the substance(s) S into the contents of the receptacle R on which said capsule 1 will be fitted.

A non-limiting example corresponding to this type of variant is illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13.

To facilitate the transfer of energy needed to break the cap 3, the capsule 1 is preferably characterised in that the rigid element 13 has a useful support surface 14 taking on the form, at least on one portion, substantially of said deformable membrane 2, preferably the form of the highest point or of a portion of the highest point thereof.

In an even more preferred manner, the rigid element 13 is produced in the form of a vertical or substantially vertical semi-cylindrical portion of semi-circular section, the useful support surface 14 being then in the form of a rectangular or substantially rectangular band, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 of the sixth embodiment given as an indication.

This configuration allows the user to deform the deformable membrane 2 to a level that can go from a point close to the base plate 18 (and opposite said support surface 14) to a point close to the highest point of said deformable membrane 2, the direction of the force applied being then substantially vertical and more convenient for applying by a finger or by the thumb of the consumer.

A seventh embodiment provides for the intermediate part 6, provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3, to be produced in the form of a peripheral ring 7 on which an arched element 15 taking on substantially and at least locally the form of the deformable membrane 2 in its initial state rests locally, by means of a hinge portion 9 and of which the free end 16 is produced in the form of at least one protruding or pointed element 12 directed towards the cap 3, a useful support surface 14 being provided on said arched element 15 which is capable of transmitting an external mechanical force applied on said deformable membrane 2 by the user which is sufficient to tip the protruding end element(s) 12 in order to break the cap 3 releasing an effective quantity of the substance(s) S into the contents of the receptacle R.

This solution is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17.

In a particularly advantageous way, the useful support surface 14 provided on the arched element 15 has on its internal face directed towards the cap 3, a vertical or substantially vertical wall portion 17 directed towards the cap 3 of which an additional support surface 14′ assists transmission of the external mechanical force applied to said deformable membrane 2 by the user to break the cap 3.

According to another characteristic, the peripheral ring 7 and the surface portion(s) 8, 8′ and/or the hinge portion(s) and/or the arched element 15 are produced in a single piece, preferably by injection-moulding of a synthetic material.

Finally, if necessary, provision can also be made to equip the cap 3 provided in the capsules 1 of different embodiments of the first variant (FIGS. 1 and 2) in addition with at least one point or line of preferential breakage, for example in the form of a pre-cut-out 5, to further facilitate the breakage of said cap 3, in combination with the aforementioned breakage means 4.

It is thus possible to provide one or more grooves where the thickness of the cap 3 has been intentionally reduced for example by laser ablation or a similar or equivalent process.

Regarding assembly of the different constituent parts of the capsule, a first solution consists of ensuring that the cap 3 is fixed directly on the deformable membrane 2, preferably in the region of their common circular periphery where said cap 3 and said deformable membrane 2 are in contact while straddling one another.

This first possibility is exemplified in FIGS. 1, 18, 19 and 22. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, for example, the arched element 15 and the ring 7 are produced in a single piece in the form of a one-piece part that can be inserted freely (without welding) in the hollow formed by the deformable membrane 2 during manufacture of the capsule 1. The cap 3 is then welded directly on the corresponding peripheral portion of said deformable membrane 2, the arched element 15 being trapped therebetween without necessarily being fixed there. The manufacturing process of the capsule I according to this embodiment is thus advantageously simplified.

According to a second possibility, the cap 3 is fixed directly on the lower face 6′ of the intermediate part 6, in particular on the lower face 6′ of the periphery of the ring 7 forming said intermediate part 6, which then excludes direct contact between said cap 3 and the deformable membrane 2 (cf. FIGS. 3 to 17, 20 and 21).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, the arched element 15 and the ring 7 are also produced in a single piece in the form of a one-piece part that is however fixed, for example, by welding on the cap 3, the deformable membrane 2 being itself fixed or welded on a corresponding peripheral portion of said ring 7, the arched element 15 being then trapped therebetween and fixed there.

Advantageously, the cap 3 is fixed by circular welding, circular thermal contact or by any similar process on the deformable membrane 2 or the lower face 6′ of the intermediate part 6.

The present invention also relates to a stopper for a receptacle with a neck or collar for the distribution of liquids or pastes, in particular for mineral water bottles, characterised in that it basically consists of a base plate 18 designed to be fixed on said receptacle R closing said receptacle R by means of a capsule 1 according to the invention added in a sealed manner on said base plate 18, the deformable membrane 2 of said capsule 1 being itself covered by a rigid protective cover 19 resting on a ring-shaped base part 20 added on said base plate 18, the lower base of said capsule 1 being formed by the piercable cap 3, a useful sealed volume V filled with at least one substance S for adding to the contents of the receptacle R before consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3 of said capsule 1, an effective quantity of the substance(s) S being released into the contents of the receptacle R when the cap 3 breaks due to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane 2.

According to a preferred variant embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 25, the sealed capsule 1 according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises at least one intermediate part 6 provided between said deformable membrane 2 and said cap 3, said intermediate part 6 having said at least one breakage means 4 of said deformable membrane 2 which can be activated when there is sufficient deformation thereof and in that the intermediate part 6 is produced in the form of a peripheral ring 7 on which rests locally, by means of a hinge portion 9, an arched element 15 taking on substantially and at least locally the form of the deformable membrane 2 in its initial state and of which the free end 16 is produced in the form of at least one projecting or pointed element 12 directed towards the cap 3, a useful support surface 14 being provided on said arched element 15 that is capable of transmitting an external mechanical force applied on said deformable membrane 2 by the user that is sufficient to cause the end projecting element(s) 12 to tip in order to break the cap 3 releasing an effective quantity of the substance(s) S contained in said capsule 1.

Preferably, the deformable membrane 2 and the protective cover 19 can both be produced from an elastically deformable material, substantially in the form of two hemispheres, the radius of the hemisphere of the protective cover 19 being slightly less than that of the hemisphere of the deformable membrane 2, said hemisphere of the protective cover 19 being provided with at least one meridional indentation 19′ extending from the base of said hemisphere over a part of the height thereof. This embodiment of the protective cover 19 is particularly advantageous since said protective cover does not need to be moulded in the open position, the size of the mould is thus considerably reduced and its resistance increased, which allows the manufacturing cost of the protective cover 19 to be substantially reduced. In addition, from the mechanical point of view, the fact of not moulding the protective cover 19 in the open position also allows the integrity of the hinge 35, which can be weakened during moulding in the open position, to be preserved.

FIG. 23 illustrates the protective cover 19 and the base part 20 before they are fitted on the base plate 18 in the stopper and FIG. 24 illustrates the protective cover 19 and the base plate 18 assembled. During this assembly, the meridional indentations 19′ are enlarged and diverge from each other for the fitting of said protective cover 19, in such a way that its size is increased to close it on the base plate 18, in collaboration with the opening and closing means 33 and 34.

The non-limiting examples of stoppers that can be equipped with a capsule 1 according to the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 25.

Advantageously and as can be seen for example in FIGS. 18 and 19, the stopper according to the invention is characterised in that the base plate 18 is produced in the form of a part consisting of a cylindrical portion 21 designed to be fixed on the neck or collar G of the receptacle R equipped, in the region of its upper end, with a flat annular portion 22 forming a circular internal shoulder 23 delimiting an opening 24 of said receptacle R, the cap 3 resting or being fixed on the upper face 22′ of said flat annular portion 22 turned towards the capsule 1.

The base plate 18 may be produced as a moulded part, for example by injection-moulding, and will preferably be produced from a plastic material.

The base plate 18 allows the stopper to be fixed on the receptacle R and at the same time provides the base for the deformable membrane 2 and the base part 20 of the rigid protective cover 19 covering said deformable membrane 2.

As can be seen particularly in FIGS. 18 to 22, the stopper according to the invention is further characterised in that the lower face 22″ of the flat annular portion 22 has a vertical indent 25 in the form of a ring-shaped skirt designed to collaborate with the internal face of the neck of the receptacle R and the cylindrical portion 21 in order to fix said stopper thereon. Said vertical indent 25 is also visible in FIGS. 23 and 24 which illustrate a simplified version similar to that in FIGS. 18 to 22 as regards this part of the stopper.

Advantageously, the stopper according to the invention (in the variant illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 22) is further characterised in that the upper face 22′ of the flat annular portion 22 is equipped with an annular rim 26 which is at least slightly deformable forming, after fitting the capsule 1 in said stopper, an annular throat 27 with said flat annular portion 22 trapping the peripheral part of the capsule 1, in the region of the cap 3 and the deformable membrane 2 and, if applicable, the intermediate part 6.

In this way, it becomes possible to seal said deformable membrane 2 perfectly and to guarantee a better seal of the sealed volume V. Accordingly, the annular rim 26 is folded down towards the flat annular portion 22 of the base plate 18 when said deformable membrane 2 is fitted. This crimping of the deformable membrane 2 may be further reinforced by the flat annular part 22 of the base part 20 when said base part is fitted on the base plate 18 by compression thereof as explained below.

Preferably, the stopper according to the invention is also characterised in that the cylindrical portion 21 designed to be fixed on the neck or collar G of the receptacle R has on its circular external side wall means 28 designed to cooperate with additional means 29 situated on the base part 20 to fix the base part 20 on the base plate 18.

These means may all be traditional suitable mechanical fixing means.

As a non-limiting example, the means 28 and the additional means 29 are produced, as suggested diagrammatically in FIGS. 18 to 22, by “female” elements such as notches or grooves cooperating with “male” elements, such as, lugs or beads, etc.

Also advantageously, the stopper according to the invention is characterised in that the base part 20 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 30 designed to be fixed on the base plate 18 and equipped, in the region of its upper end, with a flat annular part 31 forming a circular internal rim 32 designed to come to rest, preferably compressing it, on the annular rim 26 which traps the peripheral part of the capsule 1, in the region of the cap 3 and the deformable membrane 2 and, if applicable, the intermediate part 6.

As explained above, this measure advantageously allows the upper seal between the deformable membrane 2 and the base plate 18 of the stopper to be further reinforced.

Alternatively, the cylindrical sleeve 30 of the base part 20 can be fixed directly, by any usual means (welding, gluing, etc.) on the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1 that rests and/or is fixed in its turn on the base plate 18, possibly by means of the cap 3. Thus, said cylindrical sleeve 30 may come to a mechanical stop when the protective cover 19 is assembled with the base plate 18 and be fixed in the region of this end stop and/or laterally in the region of the cylindrical periphery of said base plate (cf. FIG. 24).

The stopper according to the invention may be fixed on the neck of the receptacle R by any usual means. Preferably, said stopper is screwed on the neck of said receptacle R.

In the latter case, provision can be made as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 24, for the cylindrical part 21 to be produced in the form of a cylindrical sleeve equipped with an internal thread 21′ designed for screwing on the external thread of the threaded neck or collar G of the receptacle R.

Thus, the stopper according to the present invention may be fitted on any receptacle equipped with a standard thread.

According to another characteristic, the base part 20 has a first opening and closing means 33 designed to cooperate by engagement by elastic deformation with a second corresponding means 34 situated on the protective cover 19.

In general, any male-female-type device or similar can be adapted to the present stopper to guarantee reliable and easily unlockable closure of the protective cover 19.

According to a first variant, the base part 20 has a push button equipped with a first hook designed to cooperate with a second corresponding hook situated on the protective cover 19.

Thus, it is enough to press, for example using the thumb, on said push button for the aforementioned hooks to come undone, which causes said protective cover 19 to open and gives access to the deformable membrane 2.

According to another variant, the base part 20 has a push button equipped with a recess designed to cooperate with a corresponding lug situated on the protective cover 19.

To allow the protective cover 19 to pivot during opening and the pivoted part to be held provision is advantageously made for the protective cover 19 to be connected to the base part 20 by at least one cover hinge 35. This hinge 35 may be produced in different forms. In FIGS. 18 to 22, for example, said hinge 35 is produced in the form of a simple element injected in a synthetic material connecting the base of the protective cover 19 to the base part 20.

The hinge 35 illustrated in FIG. 25 connecting the protective cover 19 in the region of its highest point to the base part 20 is produced according to a particular method that allows said cover to be articulated or pivoted in the region of the highest point of its constituent hemisphere. This embodiment of the protective cover 19 and the hinge 35 allows the protective cover 19 to be positioned on the base part 20 in order to “crush it” against said base part 20, this crushing causing the meridional indentations 19′ to spread and the opening and closing means 33 and 34 to engage, as illustrated in FIG. 25. When said opening and closing means are engaged with each other, the closed position of the protective cover 19 on the base part 20 is stabilised.

Alternatively provision can be made for the cover 19 not to be fixed permanently to the base part 20 but for it to only rest thereon (for example being engaged there by elastic deformation) and for it to be finally removed during use or consumption of the contents of the receptacle R. In fact, the protective cover 19 is designed primarily to protect the deformable membrane 2 from any unwanted outside aggression, for example during handling, storage and transport of the stoppered receptacles R which could accidentally deform or damage it and break the seal of the volume V.

In a particularly simple and economical embodiment, the protective cover 19 is produced in a single piece with the base part 20.

According to another characteristic, the lower end of the base plate 18 at a distance from the outlet of the neck or collar G of the receptacle R is equipped with a security ring 36.

It ensures that the stopper has never been unscrewed from the neck or collar of the receptacle R.

In addition, the stopper according to the invention is further characterised in that it also comprises at least one anti-tamper device in the region of a means participating in the locking of the protective cover 19 in the closed position.

Such a means can for example be produced in the form of a ring or circular band of foil in a thermoformed thermoplastic material that takes on the form and covers, before the first use, said locking means of the protection cover. This band is pulled off during the first use, for example, using a means to facilitate this removal such as a pre-cut-out portion (in perforated lines), a pulling notch, an opening thread, etc. and thus serves as evidence of the opening of the stopper in question.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the protective cover 19 and the deformable membrane 2 are produced from one or more translucent, preferably transparent, materials.

Thus, the user can check the presence of the substance S before use, for example the presence of a tablet such as a particular medicament that must be dissolved in the contents of the receptacle R before ingestion. If transparent materials are used, it also allows the nature of the substance S to be controlled, for example by means of a colour code or shape. It is thus possible to imagine a substance S coloured according to the nature of its taste which can be added to a drink with no or relatively little taste or a taste that needs to be modified, by being intensified or on the other hand reduced or even masked.

As a non-limiting example, the substance S may be a coloured powder, pastille or syrup to be dissolved in mineral water, each colour corresponding to a flavour or other pre-defined characteristic (yellow=lemon, red=apple, green=lime, orange=mandarin or orange, brown=chocolate, blue=menthol, black=cola, etc.).

Finally, producing [the stopper] in a transparent material also enables the aesthetic and playful aspect to be increased.

More generally, the substance(s) S may be any kind of food or non-food substance (in whatever state—solid, liquid, gaseous, paste-like, etc.) or mixture of substances that may be wished to be added to the contents of the receptacle R, it being also possible for said contents to be any kind of food or non-food, also regardless of its physical state.

Preferably, the substance(s) S are solids or liquids and the contents of the receptacle R is a more or less viscous liquid, preferably water and still more preferably mineral water.

Preferably, the substance(s) and the contents of the receptacle R are food, in other words not toxic to people or animals.

Although the non-limiting example of the present exposition is given for a solid substance S and a liquid contents of the receptacle R, it goes without saying that a person skilled in the art will know how to adapt it to other cases not explicitly described here, by providing arrangements for use regarding the nature of the materials employed, the dimensions of the different parts, etc.

The term “added” concerning said substance(s) is also understood to include addition pure and simple, in other words the simple fact of adding said substance(s) S (for example insoluble) to the contents of the receptacle R, but also their physical mixing (assisted or not) to form a stable mixture, suspension, emulsion, etc. therefrom, their partial or complete dissolving in said contents, and their chemical mixing (causing one or more chemical reactions).

Advantageously, the substance(s) S comprise(s) at least one substance which is sensitive to the contents of the receptacle R with which the capsule 1 is intended to collaborate and that must only be added thereto a very short time or just before its consumption.

Non-limiting examples of such a substance S are medical preparations in which the active compound is very fragile and must be put in administrable form at the last minute, mixtures that have little physical or chemical stability over time (non-miscible substances, perishable goods), etc.

Thus, according to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterised in that the substance(s) S comprise(s) at least one medicament.

According to another characteristic, the capsule 1 according to the invention is characterised in that the substance(s) S comprise(s) at least one drinkable cosmetic agent, for example a drinkable solution of collagen.

As mentioned earlier, the substance(s) S are preferably food substances.

Advantageously, the substance(s) S are selected from the group made up of colorants, flavours, preservatives, sweeteners, thickeners, stabilisers, nutraceuticals, nutritional or dietetic supplements or any composition obtained from at least two of these ingredients.

Nutraceutical is understood to be any foodstuff considered particularly beneficial to health (milky, cereal-based products, fibres, etc.).

Finally, the capsule 1 according to the invention is further characterised in that the substance or substances S comprise at least one solid substance, possibly reduced in the form or powder or granules.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the capsule 1, and indeed the stopper equipped with such a capsule 1, has a substantially rounded hemispherical external form, perhaps slightly flattened.

Because of these ergonomic rounded shapes, handling receptacles thus stoppered (holding, transport, etc.) and their aesthetic appearance are reinforced and the risk of injury, particularly to children, is reduced.

According to a particularly interesting variant, in particular for a capsule 1 according to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) to which it is particularly well suited, the circular internal shoulder 23 delimiting an opening 24 of said stoppered receptacle R is provided on part of its internal periphery with at least one tooth-shaped element 37, designed to facilitate breakage of the piercable cap 3 when the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1 is sufficiently deformed (cf. FIG. 18).

Alternatively, provision can be made for this type of capsule 1, for the vertical annular indent 25 (of the base plate 18) to be provided with a pair of parallel arms 38, 38′ extending in a plane parallel to the surface of the cap 3 and originating on the internal periphery of said vertical indent 25 at diametrically opposed points 39, 39′, said arms 38, 38′ being preferably connected to each other by a pontoon 40 passing through the centre of the opening 24, said arms 38, 38′ each having, in the region of their ends, at least one projecting element in the form of a point 41, 41′ or similar directed towards the surface of the cap 3 and designed to facilitate breakage of said piercable cap 3 when the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule 1 is sufficiently deformed.

This particular embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 29, which have been simplified for greater clarity compared with FIGS. 18 to 21.

When the part in question is being manufactured by injection-moulding, the pontoon 40 can be used as an injection-moulding place I for the plastic material (cf. FIG. 29).

When the deformable membrane 2 is deformed sufficiently, with or without the assistance in particular of the substance(s) S contained in the sealed volume V of the capsule 1, the cap 3 which is situated above and at a sufficiently safe distance from the points 41, 41′ (to avoid any accidental breakage) is pushed downwards in the direction thereof which pierce it through or cause the beginning of breakage along a pre-existing preferential breakage point or line, so as to release a sufficient quantity of the substance(s) S into said receptacle R.

Finally, the present invention also relates to a receptacle R with a neck of collar for the distribution of liquids or pastes, in particular mineral water, characterised in that it comprises a capsule 1 according to the present invention.

Advantageously, said receptacle R is characterised in that said capsule 1 is fitted in a stopper according to the present invention.

To pour or drink directly from the neck or collar G of the receptacle R the mixture resulting from the mixing of the substance(s) S with the contents of the receptacle R, the stopper need only be unscrewed completely to allow said mixture to pass through the opening 24 of the receptacle R. This embodiment is economical because it does not need the addition of a part to pour the mixture. In addition, the stopper can be screwed or unscrewed at will without altering the seal of the receptacle R, which also allows said mixture to be kept in the receptacle R, while guaranteeing protection from the outside, since the deformable membrane 2 is impermeable, after it has been deformed. Provision can also be made for an element such as a valve in the region of the base plate 18 to allow the discharge of gases that may have formed when the substance S was mixed with the content of the receptacle R accumulating in the receptacle R (for example C0₂ for effervescent tablets), and thus avoid the risk of over-pressure.

An access or second stopper may also be provided on the lateral surface of the receptacle R to allow said mixture to be dispensed. This access or second stopper may also have a de-gassing means. This variant embodiment is more complicated to implement, and therefore more expensive. Moreover, it requires the addition of a part, which breaks the symmetry of the receptacle R and complicates its storage and handling.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the structure of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Sealed capsule (1) basically consisting of a deformable membrane (2) sealed at its base by a piercable cap (3) so as to define a sealed volume (V) for containing at least one substance (S) between said deformable membrane (2) and said cap (3), said capsule (1) having at least one integrated breakage means (4) for said piercable cap (3) capable of tearing it to release an effective quantity of the substance(s) (S) following sufficient deformation of said deformable membrane (2) due to an external mechanical force applied thereto, characterised in that it comprises at least one intermediate part (6) provided between said deformable membrane (2) and said cap (3), said intermediate part (6) having said at least one breakage means (4) of said deformable membrane (2) that can be activated when there is sufficient deformation thereof and in that the intermediate part (6) is produced in the form of a peripheral ring (7) on which rests locally, by means of a hinge portion (9), an arched element (15) taking on substantially and at least locally the form of the deformable membrane (2) in its initial state and of which the free end (16) is produced in the form of at least one projecting or pointed element (12) directed towards the cap (3), a useful support surface (14) being provided on said arched element (15) that is capable of transmitting an external mechanical force applied on said deformable membrane (2) by the user that is sufficient to cause the end projecting element(s) (12) to tip in order to break the cap 3 releasing an effective quantity of the substance(s) (S).

2. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the useful support surface (14) provided on the arched element (15) has on its internal face directed towards the cap (3), a vertical or substantially vertical wall portion (17) directed towards the cap (3) of which an additional support surface (14′) assists transmission of the external mechanical force applied to said deformable membrane (2) by the user to break the cap (3).

3. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the peripheral ring (7) and the hinge portion(s) (9) and/or the arched element (15) are produced in a single piece, preferably by injection-moulding of a synthetic material.

4. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the end of the breakage means (4) opposite the hinge (9) or the tie of said breakage means (4) on the intermediate part (6) may be equipped with a slender tie or bridge (10′) performing the function of a breakage bridge that secures said means (4) while the stopper is not effectively being used.

5. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the cap (3) is fixed directly on the deformable membrane (2), preferably in the region of their common circular periphery where said cap (3) and said deformable membrane (2) are in contact while straddling one another.

6. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the cap (3) is fixed directly on the lower face (6′) of the intermediate part (6), in particular on the lower face (6′) of the periphery of the ring (7) forming said intermediate part (6).

7. Capsule according to claim 5, characterised in that the cap (3) is fixed by circular welding, circular thermal contact or by any similar process on the deformable membrane (2) or the lower face (6′) of the intermediate part (6).

8. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the substance(s) (S) comprise(s) at least one substance which is sensitive to the contents of the receptacle (R) with which the capsule (1) is intended to collaborate and that must only be added thereto a very short time or just before its consumption.

9. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the substance(s) (S) comprise at least one medicament.

10. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the substance(s) (S) comprise at least one drinkable cosmetic agent.

11. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the substance(s) (S) are foods.

12. Capsule according to claim 11, characterised in that the substance(s) (S) are selected from the group made up of colorants, flavours, preservatives, sweeteners, thickeners, stabilisers, nutraceuticals, nutritional or dietetic supplements or any composition obtained from at least two of these ingredients.

13. Capsule according to claim 1, characterised in that the substance or substances (S) comprise at least one solid substance, possibly reduced in the form or powder or granules.

14. Stopper for a receptacle with a neck or collar designed to dispense liquids or pastes, in particular for a mineral water bottle, characterised in that it basically consists of a base plate (18) for fixing on said receptacle (R) and closing said receptacle (R) by means of the capsule (1) according to claim 1 added in a sealed manner to said base plate (18), the deformable membrane (2) of said capsule (1) being itself covered by a rigid protective cover (19) resting on an annular base part (20) added to said base plate (18), the lower base of said capsule (1) being formed by the piercable cap (3), a useful sealed volume (V) filled with at least one substance (S) for adding to the contents of the receptacle (R) before consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane (2) and said cap (3) of said capsule (1), an effective quantity of the substance(s) (S) being released into the contents of the receptacle (R) when the cap (3) breaks due to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane (2).

15. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the deformable membrane (2) and the protective cover (19) can both be produced from an elastically deformable material, substantially in the form of two hemispheres, the radius of the hemisphere of the protective cover (19) being slightly less than that of the hemisphere of the deformable membrane (2), said hemisphere of the protective cover (19) being provided with at least one meridional indentation (19′) extending from the base of said hemisphere over a part of the height thereof.

16. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the base plate (18) is produced in the form of a part consisting of a cylindrical portion (21) designed to be fixed on the neck or collar (G) of the receptacle (R) equipped, in the region of its upper end, with a flat annular portion (22) forming a circular internal shoulder (23) delimiting an opening (24) of said receptacle (R), the cap (3) resting or being fixed on the upper face (22′) of said flat annular portion (22) turned towards the capsule (1).

17. Stopper according to claim 16, characterised in that the lower face (22″) of the flat annular portion (22) has a vertical indent (25) in the form of a ring-shaped skirt designed to collaborate with the internal face of the neck of the receptacle (R) and the cylindrical portion (21) in order to fix said stopper thereon.

18. Stopper according to claim 16, characterised in that the upper face (22′) of the flat annular portion (22) is equipped with an annular rim (26) which is at least slightly deformable forming, after fitting the capsule (1) in said stopper, an annular throat (27) with said flat annular portion (22) trapping the peripheral part of the capsule (1), in the region of the cap (3) and the deformable membrane (2) and, if applicable, the intermediate part (6).

19. Stopper according to claim 16, characterised in that the cylindrical portion (21) designed to be fixed on the neck or collar (G) of the receptacle (R) has on its circular external side wall means (28) designed to cooperate with additional means (29) situated on the base part (20) to fix the base part (20) on the base plate (18).

20. Stopper according to claim 15, characterised in that the base part (20) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (30) designed to be fixed on the base plate (18) and equipped, in the region of its upper end, with a flat annular part (31) forming a circular internal rim (32) designed to come to rest, preferably compressing it, on the annular rim (26) which traps the peripheral part of the capsule (1), in the region of the cap (3) and the deformable membrane. (2) and, if applicable, the intermediate part (6).

21. Stopper according to claim 16, characterised in that the cylindrical part (21) is produced in the form of a cylindrical sleeve equipped with an internal thread (21′) designed for screwing on the external thread of the threaded neck or collar (G) of the receptacle (R).

22. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the base part (20) has a first opening and closing means (33) designed to cooperate by engagement by elastic deformation with a second corresponding means (34) situated on the protective cover (19).

23. Stopper according to claim 22, characterised in that the base part (20) has a push button equipped with a first hook designed to cooperate with a second corresponding hook situated on the protective cover (19).

24. Stopper according to claim 22, characterised in that the base part (20) has a push button equipped with a recess designed to cooperate with a corresponding lug situated on the protective cover (19).

25. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the protective cover (19) is connected to the base part (20) by at least one cover hinge (35).

26. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the lower end of the base plate (18) at a distance from the outlet of the neck or collar (G) of the receptacle (R) is equipped with a security ring (36).

27. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that it also comprises at least one anti-tamper device in the region of a means participating in the locking of the protective cover (19) in the closed position.

28. Stopper according to claim 14, characterised in that the protective cover (19) and the deformable membrane (2) are produced from one or more translucent, preferably transparent, materials.

29. Stopper according to claim 15, characterised in that the circular internal shoulder (23) delimiting an opening (24) of said stoppered receptacle (R) is provided on part of its internal periphery with at least one tooth-shaped element (37), designed to facilitate breakage of the piercable cap (3) when the deformable membrane 2 of the capsule (1) is sufficiently deformed.

30. Receptacle with a neck or collar for distributing liquids or pastes, in particular mineral water, characterised in that it comprises a capsule (1) according to claim 1.

31. Receptacle according to claim 30, characterised in that said capsule (1) is fitted in a stopper comprising a base plate (18) for fixing on said receptacle (R) and closing said receptacle (R) by means of the capsule (1) according to claim 1 added in a sealed manner to said base plate (18), the deformable membrane (2) of said capsule (1) being itself covered by a rigid protective cover (19) resting on an annular base part (20) added to said base plate (18), the lower base of said capsule (1) being formed by the piercable cap (3), a useful sealed volume (V) filled with at least one substance (S) for adding to the contents of the receptacle (R) before consumption being thus defined between the deformable membrane (2) and said cap (3) of said capsule (1), an effective quantity of the substance(s) (S) being released into the contents of the receptacle (R) when the cap (3) breaks due to sufficient deformation of the deformable membrane (2).