Object of the invention
[0001] The invention, as stated in the wording of the present specification, refers to a
cap for non-refillable containers, which brings advantages and new features, which
will be described in more detail later, that they represent a remarkable improvement
of the current state of the art.
[0002] More particularly, the object of the invention focuses on a cap that, being the type
to allow the pouring of the liquid contained in a receptacle, bottle or container
but preventing that it can be refilled, avoiding not appropriate or fraudulent manipulations
of product, is distinguished by having an innovative structural configuration that
makes it especially suitable for oil containers, although without being limited thereto,
since it allows to obtain a regular flow on the pouring of such thicker product, effectively
ensuring the impossibility of refilling the container.
Field of application of the invention
[0003] The scope of the present invention is within the sector of the industry dedicated
to the manufacture of caps for containers, particularly focusing on the scope of the
safety caps equipped with anti-refill systems.
Background of the invention
[0004] As is known, different types of caps that prevent refilling the containers or bottles
to which is incorporated are known on the market. In general such caps are intended
for liquors bottles so its configuration tends to be focused to ensure the impossibility
of refilling the bottle with another liquid other than that originally incorporated
by the producer, but regardless of achieving a regular and constant fluidity in the
pouring of the liquid, since it, in the case of spirits, is not important. In fact
it is common in this type of bottles the need for several shakes of the same, once
placed upside down, so that the liquid falls into the glass.
[0005] This circumstance, however, is a problem for other types of liquid, such as oil,
since a shake of the bottle could cause an unwanted spilling of oil that could stain
the users.
[0006] On the other hand, given the importance of this precious liquid is becoming as renowned
gastronomic element, and to guarantee the origin of the oil that is sold and served
in public establishments or consumed in private homes, the need for bottles that incorporate
non-refillable caps particularly designed for oil, even though they may also be used
for other liquids, is being created.
[0007] As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that it is has
knowledge of the existence of multiple documents related to the subject, in most of
the cases referred to caps for spirit bottles, among which highlight however, as closest
structurally speaking to which is here proposed:
The Utility Model ES0208718 U, referred to a "Tapón irrellenable para botellas" the occluder element of which consists
of an inverted truncated cone body provided in its lower base of an appendix provided
with radial fins by which slides into a hole provided at the base of the body housed
in the mouth of the bottle, the hole of which extends towards the inside of said bottle
by means of an tubular appendix, having provided in the outer mouth of the hole a
tapered seat for the occluder element, which is provided with a skirt that surrounds
the seat and an axial stop which is constituted by an appendix emerging on the side
opposite to the seat of the occluder element. In addition, the body housed in the
mouth of the bottle is located a cap provided with output means;
[0008] Or the Utility Model
ES0229104U, referred to other "Tapón irrellenable perfeccionado", that in this case comprises
a cover coupled on the neck of the bottle on which a capsule provided at its bottom
with a plug of a tubular neck formed in a cup fitted in a tubular body adjusted at
the neck of the bottle, is applicable, the cup of which is provided with peripheral
openings having inside said tubular body a ball and a button provided with radial
guide fins in the tubular body and capable of moving between a plugging position,
in which the bottle is in a vertical position and said button is applied on a seat
at the bottom of the tubular body and in which the refilling is prevented, and a position
in which it is possible the discharge of fluid through the guide fins of the button
and the tubular body and through the openings in the cup.
[0009] However, it is not noted that any of the inventions known or aforementioned utility
models, taken separately or in combination, describe the present invention, as claimed.
Explanation of the invention
[0010] Thus, the cap for non-refillable containers proposed by the invention is thus configured
as an advantageous alternative within its field of application, characterizing details
that make it possible and distinguish it from what is already known being conveniently
collected in the final claims attached to the present description thereof.
[0011] Specifically, that proposed by the invention is a non-refillable cap, in particular
a plastic cap for containers containing liquid or fluid products such as for example
oil, these containers being preferably also of the same or another type of flexible
plastic, since the structure of the cap is designed to procure the pouring of the
fluid using pressure on the container itself. It is possible, however, optionally,
the container can also be of glass or other non-flexible material, in which case the
cap will have greater dimensions allowing exerting pressure directly on the same.
[0012] In any case, the cap is essentially made from two pieces coupled to each other, one
external as an upper cover and one internal as a lower base, the upper cover comprising
a spout for the flowing out of liquid and the lower base comprising a plug in the
form of tack, said spout and said plug being located on each other in such a way that,
when turning the container and exerting pressure, they allow the exit of fluid from
the inside of the container to the outside passing through the plug and the spout,
but if the penetration of fluid through the spout into container is tried to force,
they prevent its passage.
[0013] To that end, and now in a characteristic manner, the spout has, in its lower portion,
a bottom platform that is joined to the walls of the same along the entire length
thereof, apart from a small lateral opening, through the passage of liquid is possible,
this bottom platform being located directly in contact on the plug and at a very small
distance of the hole in which said plug is located and rests, so an eventual introduction
of liquid through the spout to try to refill the container will result in pressure
of the bottom platform of said spout on the upper base of the plug and, as a result,
its conventional closure on the area of the hole in which rests and, at the same time
causes the closure above the edge of the hole where the plug is incorporated, such
that the security to prevent the refilling is more effective.
[0014] In addition, the plug, as mentioned it has form of tack, that is formed by a lower
rod and a wider conical head, is arranged housed in the through-hole that is of complementary
configuration and is provided for that purpose in the portion of the plug that forms
the aforementioned lower base, having certain intermediate space that allows its vertical
displacement to be blocked or not, and allow the passage of fluid from the inside
of the container towards the inside of the cap and, from this point, to the outside
through the spout. However, it is important to note that, unlike how other known plugs
act, in this case the plug only have vertical shift inside the hole in which houses
while in operating position, that is, when there is pressure on it, while when there
is no pressure on it, it does not have movement since it is held among the hole in
which is housed, since its conical head is supported on complementary configuration
of said hole, and the bottom platform of the spout with which remains in contact its
upper base.
[0015] To that end, the plug is also distinguished by having, in its top, above the conical
head of the tack that determines its shape, a flexible element that joins it to its
upper base, which, as noted above is attached below the bottom platform of the spout.
In this way, said upper base has the flexibility that determines the ability of movement
of the plug into the hole in which is housed, and therefore a greater efficiency thereof
to prevent the passage of fluid as well as to allow said passage of fluid therethrough.
[0016] It should be mentioned that the aforementioned flexible element may consist of any
type of spring, flexo or flap able to have elasticity and, at the same time, allow
the passage of fluid therethrough.
[0017] It is also worth noting that, preferably, the floor of the base of the base portion
of the cap, has a certain inclination, in the highest point of which is the through-hole
in which the plug is incorporated, such that, when turning the container to pour product,
this runs into said hole.
[0018] And, also, in the bottom of the plug rod, it is envisaged a perimeter spoiler the
purpose of which is to provide a wider surface to help the fluid pressure, in the
operating position of the container to pour liquid, is greater, improving and increasing
the output flow. Logically, this spoiler will be located in a suitable point of the
plug rod enough away from the bottom edge of the hole in which is housed so that,
in the aforementioned operating position, it does not contact said hole and block
the passage of fluid.
[0019] Optionally, the cap may incorporate a system of air flow that favors regular and
continuous fluid flow when poured, by the existence of two small holes for that purpose
in both parts of the cap, although this is not necessary since, as has been mentioned
the container is envisaged that it is of the type that pours its contents using pressure
thereon.
[0020] Finally, it should be noted that, preferably, the base part and cover part of the
cap are joined to each other by fingers that fit using pressure onto perforated bosses
provided complementary. And both pieces are attached to the container neck inserted
using pressure into a perimeter slot provided for that purpose at the edge of the
same.
[0021] Ultimately, the main advantage and difference of the cap proposed compared to other
existing systems, lies in the configuration and arrangement of its plug that, in an
innovative way, does not present free movement, because it is trapped between the
support of its conical head into the hole in which is housed and the bottom platform
of the spout where it is attached its upper base, and its movement to allow or prevent
the passage of fluid is due to its flexible configuration determined by the flexible
element that incorporates. This feature prevents the attempt to refill the container
forcing the lifting of the plug, as it might occur with the ball plugs or similar
which have free movement within their accommodation and only act by gravity. In the
case of the plug of the present invention, this only moves if there is pressure and,
therefore, if the pressure comes from the internal fluid, this comes out and can be
poured easily, but if the pressure comes from outside, by trying a refilling, the
plug is closed.
[0022] In the light of the above, it is confirmed that the described cap for non-refillable
containers represents a structure of constituent and structural characteristics unknown
so far for the purpose for which it is intended.
Description of the drawings
[0023] In order to complement the description that is being carried out and with the object
to help to a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is accompanied
to the present specification as an integral part thereof, in which with an illustrative
and non-limiting character, the following has been represented:
FIG. 1.- It shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the cap, object of the
invention, coupled to a container, appreciating its general external configuration.
FIG. 2.- It shows a section view of the container with the cap, according to the invention,
shown in FIG. 1, appreciating in it the main parts and elements that comprises.
FIG. 3.- It shows a enlarged and section view of the cap of the invention, according
to the same example shown in FIG. 2, appreciating with greater detail the parts and
elements that comprises.
FIGs. 4 and 5.- They show both views, top and section views respectively, of the outer
part or upper cover comprising the cap of the invention.
FIGs. 6 and 7.- They show both views, plan and elevation views respectively, of the
plug that includes the cap.
[0024] And FIGs. 8 and 9.-. They show both views, plan and section views respectively, of
the inner part or lower base comprising the cap of the invention.
Preferred embodiment of the invention
[0025] In the light of the above figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering,
it can be seen in them an example of preferred embodiment but not limited to, of the
proposed cap for non-refillable containers, which comprises the parts and elements
listed and described in detail below.
[0026] Thus, as shown in said figures, the cap (1) under consideration is configured from
two parts of flexible plastic material (for example PP, PET, among others) coupled
to each other, consisting of a upper cover (2) and a lower base (3) which are coupled
jointly to the container neck (4), the upper cover (2) comprising a spout (5), that
determines a liquid outlet channel, and under this, a plug (6) housed in a complementary
through-hole (7) provided for the purpose in the lower base (3).
[0027] As can be seen more clearly in FIGs. 4 and 5, the spout (5) is cylindrical and has
a bottom platform (8) inside and in the lower portion of same which is joined to the
walls thereof along the entire length thereof apart from a lateral opening (9), by
which the passage of liquid is possible. In addition, this bottom platform (8) protrudes
slightly at the bottom of the upper wall (2a) of the cover (2), thus remaining located
at a very small distance above the upper edge of the through-hole (7) of the lower
base (3) in which the plug (6) is incorporated as seen in FIG. 3.
[0028] On the other hand, the plug (6), as seen in FIGs. 6 and 7, has the form of tack,
that is, is formed by a lower rod (10) and a wider conical head (11) that, in rest
position of the plug, rests on the complementary conical portion of the through-hole
(7). Moreover, over said conical head (11), the plug (6) incorporates flexible elements
(12), for example in the form of tabs, but without being a limitation, to which an
upper base (13) is joined, determining an intermediate passage (14) that increases
or reduces in size according to the extension of said flexible elements (12) caused
by the pressure exerted under the same due to the operating position of the container
and the flow of liquid, said upper base (13) being in contact with the bottom platform
(8) of the spout (5), when the cap is mounted. Consequently, it is determined that
the plug (6) is partially flexible and, in rest position, becomes stationary coupled
under the bottom platform (8) of the spout (5) with which remains in contact and the
area of the through-hole (7) on which rests.
[0029] In addition, at the bottom of the rod (10) of the plug (6), it is envisaged a perimeter
spoiler (15) arranged at certain distance from the conical head (11) to be separated
from the bottom edge of the through-hole (7) in which the plug (6) is housed.
[0030] It should be mentioned that, preferably, the spout (5) and the through-hole (7) where
the plug (6) is housed, are located on each other with a slight lateral displacement
of their respective axial axis to favor the passage of fluid through the lateral opening
(9) of the bottom platform (8), logically, notwithstanding that where appropriated,
said bottom platform (8) when pressed due to the attempt to refill liquid in the container
through the spout (5) completely blocks the through-hole (7) when makes contact with
the top edge of the walls thereof.
[0031] According to the figures 8 and 9, it can be seen how the part that forms the lower
base (3) of the cap has a floor (3a) with inclined configuration, in the example shown
formed by two slopes (16), the highest point of which is the point where it is located
the through-hole (7) in which the plug (6) is incorporated, facilitating slipping
of the liquid towards the same when poured down. It also shown how said through-hole
(7) has a configuration complementary to that of the plug (6), wherein has a step
(17) where the conical head (11) of the plug (6) rests, having between both elements
in the straight area of the rod (10) certain space for the passage of fluid in its
operating position.
[0032] Finally, it is observed how the upper base (2) has on the inner side of its upper
wall (2a) fingers (18) that emerge in coincident points with perforated bosses (19)
provided in a complementary manner in the top of the floor (3a) of the lower base,
intended to ensure the union of both parts by snapping-in of said fingers (18) in
said perforated bosses (19).
[0033] Likewise, the lower base (3) has a perimeter wall (3b) internally fitted to the lateral
wall (2b) of the upper cover (2), having both parts two skirts (3c, 2c) that fit into
a slot (4a) on the edge of the container (4).
[0034] On the other hand, when the container is not in flexible plastic, and for example
is in glass or other rigid material, the perimeter wall (3b) of the lower base (3)
and the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2) will increase in height sufficiently
to allow exercising the necessary pressure on the cap and achieve its functionality
to pour the liquid, since the described cap (1) is designed to operate and pour the
product by its turning exerting pressure on the container, provided that this is of
flexible plastic, which may be of the same plastic material as the cap or other material.
[0035] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the
way of putting it into practice, stating that, within its essence, it can be put into
practice in other embodiments which differ only in detail from the one indicated by
way of example, and which are also covered by the protection which is sought provided
that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.
1. Cap for non-refillable containers that, designed to operate and pour the product using
turning and pressure, of the container, if it is made of flexible plastic, or the
cap itself, and that, formed by a upper cover (2) and a lower base (3) which are coupled
jointly to the container neck (4), the upper cover (2) comprising a liquid outlet
channel, and the lower base (3), a plug (6) housed in a complementary through-hole
(7) provided for the purpose, is characterized in that, the upper cover (2) and the lower base (3) are two parts of flexible plastic material
coupled to each other, the upper cover (2) comprising a spout (5), which determines
the liquid outlet channel, which is located on the plug (6) housed in a through-hole
(7) of the lower base (3); and in that said spout (5) has a bottom platform (8) inside and in the lower portion of same
which is joined to the walls thereof along the entire length thereof apart from a
lateral opening (9), by which the passage of liquid is possible, which is located
at a very small distance above the upper edge of the through-hole (7) in which the
plug (6) is incorporated; and in that the plug (6) is partially flexible and, in rest position, becomes stationary coupled
under the bottom platform (8) of the spout (5), with which remains in contact, and
an area of the through-hole (7) on which rests.
2. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (6) is partially flexible because incorporates flexible elements (12) to
which an upper base is joined (13), remaining in contact with the bottom platform
(8) of the spout (5), and which determine an intermediate passage (14) that increases
and reduces in size according to the operating positions of the container and the
flow of liquid.
3. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug (6) has the shape of tack and is formed by a lower rod (10) and a wider
head (11) on which incorporates the flexible elements (12), and in that the through-hole (7) has a configuration complementary to that of the plug (6), in
which has a step (17) where the head (11) of the plug (6) rests.
4. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 3, characterized in that in the lower portion of the rod (10) of the plug (6), a perimeter spoiler (15) has
been envisaged.
5. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the part that forms the lower base (3) of the cap has a floor (3a) of inclined configuration,
the highest point of which is the point where the through-hole (7) in which the plug
(6) in incorporated, is located.
6. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the upper base (2) has on the inner side of its upper wall (2a) fingers (18) that
emerge in coincident points with perforated bosses (19) provided in a complementary
manner in the top of the floor (3a) of the lower base, intended to ensure the union
of both parts by snapping-in of said fingers (18) in said perforated bosses (19).
7. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the lower base (3) has a perimeter wall (3b) internally fitted to the lateral wall
(2b) of the upper cover (2), having both parts two skirts (3c, 2c) that fit into a
slot (4a) on the edge of the container (4).
8. Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the container (4) is not flexible, the perimeter wall (3b) of the lower base
(3) and the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2) have a sufficient height that
allows exerting pressure on the cap to achieve its functionality to pour the liquid.