A lockable closure device

Abstract

 A closure (10) for a container or a fluid outlet or inlet comprising a retention means (14) operable to engage a region of the interior surface of the container, outlet or inlet. The closure (10) further comprises an actuation means (16, 26) operable to cause the retention means (14) to engage said region. The closure (10) further comprises a cap housing (18) movable between a first position in which the actuation means may be operated and a second position in which operation of the cap housing is prevented. The closure (10) further comprises a lock means (20) moveable between a first unlocked position in which movement of the cap housing is allowed and a second locked position in which movement of the cap housing (18) is prevented.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lockable closure for a container or a fluid flow outlet or inlet, in particular to a lockable closure for a container for fluids.

Background

[0002] Lockable closures for fluid containers are known in which a combination lock means is actuated in order to allow a user to access the contents of the container. Prior art devices are generally adapted for use with specific container types or sizes, for example to fit to a specific pattern of screw thread or shape of the container body and/or opening. Additionally prior art closures often have restricted flow pathways leading to limited flow rate and difficulty of ensuring the flow pathway does not collect residue and remains clean in use. A lockable closure device that is able to fit to more than one size or shape of container, and provides an unimpeded flow path and an unobstructed free-flow aperture will have utility.

Prior Art

[0003] Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

United States Patent US 6059132 (Benjamin) provides a locking device that includes an internal closure cap having a threaded bore for engagement with the threads of a container or opening. The closure cap is structured with an upstanding stem which is open for discharging liquid. The outer surface of the stem has a rib gear section. A sleeve member superimpose the stem of the closure cap, whereby seals the tip. An annular shell surrounds the closure cap, and the sleeve member, controlling the engagement of the closure cap. However the sleeve member is structured with internal and external gearing formed to engage the outer ribbing of the closure cap and an internal ribbing within the annular shell, when raised vertically; whereby, a twisting action of the annular shell can be transferred to the closure cap for engaging and disengaging a threaded neck.

[0004] A set of cylinders with marked flanges are positioned through the annular shell, superimposing the sleeve member, restricting its upward movement. The release position of the sleeve member can only be facilitated by rotating the flanges to a predetermined alignment.

[0005] This device fixes to the threads of the neck of the container and so is limited to a specific container and thread design. It is not adapted to fit to a pipe or to a tap outlet. It has a fluid pathway that has a rapid change of diameter and has a small aperture and sharp edges in the sealing region, so offering resistance to flow and being unsuitable for viscous liquids or suspensions, while further being difficult to clean. The aperture restriction makes this device an inefficient pouring system.

[0006] United States Patent Application US-A1-2011/0079058 (Nielsen et al) provides a locking apparatus for containers, vials and bottles that comprises a combination lock to be applied to a generic bottle or vial or for a custom bottle. The locking apparatus comprises a locking subassembly: a housing, a collapsible portion on the housing or on a separate washer piece, at least one indicia ring, at least one tumbler key ring, and a setting plug; the locking subassembly will engage a first bracket, which can be mounted on a generic bottle or vial or to a custom bottle with a top end, which has a integrated bracket end.

[0007] United States Patent Application US-A1-2003/0089145 (Michels) relates to a twist closure for a bottle which can be used to close plug-in openings of objects. The invention proposes a pull member which can be displaced axially by virtue of a rotary handgrip being rotated and is intended for actuating a retaining element. This device comprises a locking cap and either a second component - the first bracket - which must be passed over the outside of a generic vial to lock to the cap, or the locking cap must be used with a specifically adapted vial. Therefore this device does not provide a simple, single component lockable closure. Further it has no provision for a flow path for liquids.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In contrast the present invention provides a lockable closure that in preferred embodiments may be used with generic, non-modified containers, and that may comprise a fluid flow pathway that is lockable and that may be used with fluid containers, and other fluid inlets or outlets such as pipes or taps, is self-contained and does not require ancillary components.

[0009] In the following the invention will be described with reference to its application for closing a fluid outlet. It will be apparent to the reader that the invention is applicable also to closure of a fluid inlet, and so herein by 'fluid outlet' is meant a fluid pathway such as a neck of a container, a nozzle, a spout, tube or other conduit through which a fluid may flow, and both directions of flow, either first through the conduit and then through the closure, or first through the closure and then through the conduit, and encompassed within the description and claims.

[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a lockable closure for an container comprising:

a retention means that is operable to engage a region of an interior surface of the container;

an actuation means that is operable to cause the retention means to engage said region;

a cap housing is movable between a first position, in which the actuation means is capable of being operated and a second position, in which operation of the actuation means is inhibited;

a fluid pathway is defined through the closure, the fluid pathway is open when the cap housing is in the first position and is closed when the cap housing is in the second position;

a lock means is moveable between a first unlocked position, in which movement of the cap housing is permitted and a second locked position in which movement of the cap housing is prevented; wherein the actuation means comprises an operating means that is usable to control engagement of the retention means with the interior surface of the container and is accessible when the cap housing is in the first position and is in-accessible when the cap housing is in the second position.

[0011] In preferred embodiments the closure comprises a fluid pathway through the closure that in the first position of the cap housing is open and in the second position is closed. Preferably the container retention means comprises an opening extending within it, the actuation means comprises a further opening extending within it, and the cap housing comprises yet a further opening extending within it and being defined in part by an internal surface of the cap housing, the fluid pathway extending through the said openings.

[0012] In preferred embodiments the outlet is the outlet of a container for fluid such as a bottle and the closure is adapted to seal mechanically to the interior surface of the container.

[0013] In other embodiments the outlet may comprise a pipe or tap and the closure is adapted to seal to the interior surface of the pipe or tap.

[0014] In preferred embodiments the lock means is located concentrically with the cap housing. In this way the cap housing and lock means can be concentric to the outlet.

[0015] The operating means are usable to control the engagement of the retention means with the interior surface of the container. Preferably the operating means is adapted to engage the actuation means so as to cause movement of the actuation means in response to movement of the operating means.

[0016] In preferred embodiments the closure further comprises a cap armature having an open pathway extending within it. The retention means, the actuation means, the operating means and the cap housing may be mounted on the armature and being moveable relative to it. Preferably the fluid pathway extends through the open pathway within the armature and is closed in the second position of the cap housing by engagement of a perimeter region of the internal surface of the cap housing with a perimeter region of the armature forming a fluid tight seal.

[0017] Preferably the fluid pathway comprises a 'free-flow' pourer, adapted to provide a high fluid flow rate. Preferably the pourer opening of the fluid pathway comprises two or more manifolds arranged around a central axis.

[0018] Preferably the closure further contains a cap ring mounted on the closure that engages with the outer surface of the container. In a preferred embodiment the cap ring is adapted to engage with the outer edge or lip of the container neck. In some embodiments the cap ring is adapted to seal to the outer edge of the container neck. Preferably the retention means comprises a flexible member that engages mechanically with an internal perimeter region of the container so as to form a fluid tight seal to the interior of the container. In this way the retention means seals against leaks from the container to the exterior, while leaving open the fluid pathway through the interior of the cap components as described above. In some embodiments the flexible member may engage the outer edge of the container opening in order to provide a fluid-tight seal.

[0019] Preferably the flexible member has a distal end attached to the actuation means and a proximal end held in a constant axial position by a portion of the armature, such that when the actuator moves axially with respect to the armature the flexible member is caused to contract or expand axially, so being caused to flex outwards adjacent to its distal end.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a lockable fluid flow closure comprising:

a retention means comprising a hollow flexible member arranged such that in use the flexible member is deformable to engage mechanically with an internal portion of the container;

a retention means actuator comprising a hollow cylindrical member located within the retention means and located at the distal end of the retention means;

an operation ring having the retention means actuator located within it and adapted to engage at least a portion of the outer surface of the retention means actuator, so as to move the actuator axially in response to a rotational or a push movement of the operation ring;

a cap armature comprising a hollow cylindrical component sized and located such that the retention means actuator locates outside it, and is movable axially along a portion of the cap armature, the proximal end of the retention being held axially in position by a portion of the cap armature in use;

a cap housing comprising an internal surface and an external surface, and in which the cap housing is movable axially between a first position in which a perimeter region of the internal surface engages a perimeter region of the cap armature so as form a fluid tight seal between them and a portion of the cap housing prevents rotation of the retention means operating ring by a user, and a second position in which said perimeter regions of the internal surface and the cap housing are spaced apart so as to open the fluid flow pathway and the cap housing is positioned so as no longer to prevent rotation of the operating ring, and

a lock means operable to control vertical movement of the cap housing between the first position and the second position.

[0021] In preferred embodiments the locking means comprises a combination lock means that when unlocked allows movement of the cap housing between the first and second positions.

[0022] In preferred embodiments when in the second position the cap housing prevents access by a user to the operating ring, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the cap housing substantially or completely covers the operating ring so preventing access.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment the closure comprises an interlock means that in the second position prevents movement of the operating ring or the retention means actuator. Preferably the interlock means comprises a member that in the second position of the cap housing engages with a region of the operating ring or with a region of the retention means actuator so as to prevent movement of one or both, and in the first position is disengaged, so allowing movement.

[0024] In preferred embodiments the retention means comprises a flexible sealing surface adapted to engage with the inner surface of the container so as to form a fluid tight seal. In a preferred embodiment adapted for use with a substantially cylindrical container such as a bottle having a circular cross-section the retention means has a circular cross section and is deformable to meet and seal to the circular cross-section internal surface of the bottle.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment the closure is adapted for use with a container having one or more container features formed on its inside surface, the container retention means having one or more retention features adapted to engage in use with the container features. In preferred embodiments such retention features may comprise a specific shape or orientation of one of more surfaces or edges of the retention means, for example one or more teeth, latching features, flattened or more highly curved regions of the retention means.

[0026] In preferred embodiments the components of the closure as described above are substantially circular in cross-section and have an axial length, being substantially cylindrical in appearance though of varying internal and external surface profiles. The fluid pathway through the closure preferably comprises pathways through the components, the fluid pathway having a smooth variation in cross-sectional dimension.

[0027] Preferably the seal region between the cap housing and the closure armature comprises an annular region having a thickness dimension that changes continuously with distance along the fluid pathway from inside the container to the outside of the closure, so avoiding sudden changes and sharp edges that impede flow and may trap residual liquid, so facilitating higher flow rate and easy cleaning compared with devices of the prior art.

[0028] It is a feature of certain embodiments that the degree of flexure of the retention means is controllable by the operating ring, and hence a user may control the degree of flexure and hence the sealing of the closure to the container by applying a given degree of rotation. In this way the closure may be used with a range of container sizes and shapes, in contrast to closures of prior art.

[0029] It is understood that where reference to a container has been made, according to the embodiment, the closure of the invention may be used with or adapted for use with other forms of fluid outlet or inlet, such as a pipe, a nozzle, a spout, a tube or other conduit through which a fluid may flow, for example in fluid communication with tubes, tanks, taps or the like.

[0030] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Brief Description of Figures

[0031] 

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1a shows a detail of the embodiment in Figure 1 at E;

Figure 2 shows a three quarter view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 3 at X-X;

Figure 5 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 3 at Y-Y;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 7 at C-C;

Figure 9 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 7 at D-D;

Figure 10 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means unlocked, prior to insertion into a container;

Figure 11 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 10 at F-F;

Figure 12 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means unlocked, inserted into a container;

Figure 13 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 12 at G-G;

Figure 14 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means unlocked, inserted into a container and with the retention means engaged with the container;

Figure 15 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 14 at H-H;

Figure 16 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means locked, inserted into a container, in which the fluid pathway is closed; and

Figure 17 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 16 at I-I.

Detailed Description of Figures

[0032] Figures 1 to 17 show a first embodiment of the closure 10, having a fluid pathway through it and adapted to control flow of liquid from a container, and adapted to fit to a substantially cylindrical bottle-shaped container. It will be appreciated that such an embodiment with minor changes may fit to different internal profiles of the container, and in some embodiments may be adapted to fit to a specific container design or to a range of containers having different shapes and dimensions, and in further embodiments may be adapted to fit to a liquid outlet such as a pipe or tap.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a side view and Figure 2 shows a three quarter view of an embodiment of the invention, in which a closure 10 is inserted into a container 12, the closure comprising a retention means 14, a cap armature (also referred to herein as simply an 'armature') 24 housing or retaining a cap ring 22, adapted to engage with the top of the container neck, a cap housing 18 and a locking means 20. In Figures 1 and 2 the cap housing is shown in the locked position, having a lower edge adjacent to the upper edge of the armature.

[0034] Figure 1a shows a detail of the embodiment in Figure 1 at E, showing a projection on the cap armature 24 engaging with a recess in the edge of the cap housing 18. In use such an arrangement may prevent rotation of one or both of the cap housing and the armature one relative to another. Preferably the cap housing and the armature 24 have a stepped detail 29 to limit the amount of axial sliding between them.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment in situ on a container 12. Figure 4 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 3 at A-A and Figure 5 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 3 at B-B. Details of the internal structure of the closure are shown. The closure 10 is shown in a second position as referred to above, that is, locked in place in the container 12 and with the fluidic pathway 30 closed. The retention means 14 comprises a flexible cylindrical member 32 that in the closed position is flexed outwards so as to engage with the internal surface of the container, and comprises a sealing surface 34 that forms a liquid-tight seal against the inner surface of the container. The retention means is actuated by a retention means actuator 16, here a rigid cylindrical member located inwards of the flexible member 32 and concentric with it, and attached to the flexible member 32 at its distal end 35. The flexible member 32 is mounted against or attached to the cap ring 22 at its proximal end 36. It will be seen from Figures 4 and 5 that axial movement of the actuator 16 relative to the cap ring 22, as held in position by the armature 24, will cause axial compression of the flexible member 32, so causing the flexible member 32 to bulge outwards and to engage the inner surface of the container. The bulge of the flexible member completes a triangular shape as shown in Figures 4, 5, 15, and 17.

[0036] Figures 11 and 13 shows the flexible member 32 in an unbulged and uncompressed condition. Operating ring 26 comprises features, for example a screw thread or flexure or spring, that engages and operates with retention means actuator 16 so as to cause such axial movement of the actuator when the operating ring 26 is rotated or pushed. Hence rotation, pushing or indentation of the operating ring 26 causes the retention means to bulge radially outwards and to grip the container. The components of the closure are mounted on and are located concentrically external to a cap armature 24. The cap housing 18 is movable axially relative to the cap armature 24, movement being controlled by the lock means 20, here shown as a combination lock having three locking rings located axially adjacent one to another.

[0037] The fluid pathway 30 through the closure passes through pathways through the interior of the components, and is closed in the second, locked position of the closure shown in Figures 1 to 5 by the engagement of the armature 24 with a region of the internal surface of the cap housing in the upper region of the fluid pathway as shown at region 28.Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 5 with parts numbered similarly. O rings 38 and 39 seal the fluidic pathway from the operating components of the closure. The actuator 16 comprises one or more rails 54 allowing actuation along an axial direction, preventing rotation, the rails being shown in cross section in Figure 8.

[0038] The lock means 20 comprises three locking rings 40, 42 and 44, each having a series of numerals, for example 0 to 9, on its external edge, a flexure detent 50 and an unlocking groove 48, the rings being mounted in a housing body 52. The armature 24 has an inner barrel having three locking teeth 52, each corresponding to an unlocking groove 48 in a locking ring. While this embodiment is shown as having three locking rings, it will be apparent that two, or four or more may be provided along with corresponding features forming part of other components of the closure.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the flexible member 32 of the retention means 14 is in some embodiments moulded into a pre-formed shape, which in some embodiments may be suitable for it to be retained within a container 12 or outlet such as a pipe (not shown), and the movement of the actuator 16 may then stretch the flexible member into a flatter, more axially uniform or even substantially cylindrical shape so that it may be inserted into a container, as shown in Figures 11 and 13. Alternatively, in some embodiments the flexible member may be moulded so as to be more axially uniform, or substantially cylindrical when relaxed, compression resulting from movement of actuator 16 then causing the flexible member to bulge. The flexible member 32 is shown in the relaxed case in Figures 11 and 13 and in the compressed case in Figure 4, 5, 15, and 17. In either case, movement of the operating ring 26 preferably adjusts the degree of axial compression of the flexible member, so adjusting the degree of radial bulge and hence the sealing properties to the container inner wall. In this way, the tightness of seal may be adjusted by the user to achieve adequate liquid sealing. In some embodiments the operating ring may be provided with a click-stop mechanism to indicate a preferred sealing position suitable for use with a given container type. This feature allows the closure to be used with a variety of sizes and shapes of containers or with other liquid outlets, according to the embodiment.

[0040] Retention means 14 is formed from a thin elastomeric membrane. The retention means 14 is preferably formed from a compliant material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or a rubber.

[0041] The retention means 14 has two forms. In one form the retention means is adapted to engage against an internal surface of an outlet such as a pipe or the container. In the other form the retention means is adapted to be inserted into and to be removed from the outlet or container.

[0042] The retention means 14 has a hollow tube shape when in the form adapted to put into and taken out of the outlet or container. In this form the retention is means is unloaded.

[0043] The form of the retention means 14 adapted to engage against the internal surface of an outlet or container 12 has different shapes at either end. One end is fixed to the cap ring 22. This end is the hollow tube shape that is unaltered by changing the form from disengagement to engagement.

[0044] The other end of the retention means 14 is the end that is inserted first into the pipe opening or bottle neck opening is attached to the retention means actuator 16. This end has the shape of a hollow tube.

[0045] The form of the retention means 14 adapted to engage against the internal surface of a pipe or bottle neck 22 has a different shape at the end that is inserted first into the pipe opening or bottle neck opening. This end is attached to the retention means actuator 16. In this form the retention means actuator 16 has moved this end toward the other end of the retention means. The two hollow tube ends are closer together in this form. The hollow tube is made from flexible elastomeric material and the portion of the hollow tube between the ends gets squeezed as they are drawn together. The portion of the hollow tube between the ends has to expand outwards. The expanded tube seals against the internal surface of the pipe or bottle neck 22.

[0046] To improve the seal, the retention means comprises a washer shaped flap that acts a diaphragm. The inner perimeter of the flap is integral with the outer surface of the retention means tube. A washer flap is made from a soft smooth flexible material and so the washer surface 34 is compressed against the inner surface of the pipe.

[0047] The engage the retention means 14 against the pipe inner surface the operating ring 26 is turned. The operating ring 26 is screwed on the retention means actuator 16. Turning the operating ring 26 forces the retention means actuator 16 to move linearly along them mutual axis of the ring 26 and actuator 16. One end of the tubular retention means 14 is attached to the retention means actuator. Thus turning the operating ring 26 one way moves the two ends of the retention means apart to contract the diameter of the tubular retention means and disengage it from the pipe inner surface. Turning the operating ring 26 the other way moves the two ends of the tubular retention means together. This expands the diameter of the tubular retention means to engage the inner surface of a pipe or bottle neck.

[0048] The retention means 14, which is a hollow flexible tube, and the cap ring 22, which is a hollow ring to which one end of the hollow tube is fixed, may be supplied together for use with a standard cap housing 18 for use as a pipe or bottle closure.

[0049] A use-able pipe closure that engages and seals to the pipe and prevents and allow flow through the pipe may be made by assembling the hollow tube retentions means 14, cap ring 22, and standard cap housing. One end of the hollow tube retaining means 14 is connected to the cap ring 22 as shown in Figure 4. The cap housing is connected to the other end of the hollow tube retaining means 14. The cap ring 22 is slide-ably connected to the cap housing 18 permitting axial linear motion of the cap housing 18 relative to the cap ring 22. Sliding the cap housing 18 one way moves the ends of the hollow tube 14 closer together causing the portion of the tube between the ends to bulge outwards to a larger diameter so as to engage the inner wall of a pipe or bottle neck and to open the flow passageway. Sliding the cap housing the other way causes the tube diameter to contract and release the diameter of the tube 14 to contract and release from the inner surface of the pipe or bottle neck.

[0050] Cap ring 22 holds operating ring 26 in place within the armature 24. Preferably cap ring 22 has press fit teeth on its external flange 56 which permanently lock into place within armature 24, for example within features 58, when fitted into it.

[0051] Preferably corresponding threads 60 and 62 are provided on the actuator 16 and the operating ring 26, so that by turning operating ring 26 the actuator 16 is moved along an axial direction guided by rails 54.

[0052] Features of the locking means are as follows. The locking means is unlocked when for each of the locking rings 40, 42 and 44 the unlocking groove 48 is aligned with the corresponding locking tooth 52. Flexure detents 50 are integral to the locking rings 40 to 44, to provide a positive location for each rotational increment 0 to 9. The detents 50 also provide added security to the prevention of combination lock tampering as every increment turn will have a pre-loaded feel to the user, so disguising the change in resistance when the locking ring is rotated to its unlocked state during tampering.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 6, again in the second, locked position. Figure 8 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 7 at C-C, showing the rails 54. Referring to Figure 5, the cap armature 24 comprises a bullet-shaped profile 70 within the diffuser region of the armature, providing low flow resistance for exiting liquids, hence promoting the 'free-flow' characteristic of the closure. Liquids exit through manifold regions 72, shown in Figure 9 as being in four regions disposed around the bullet shaped centre 70. Sealing of the fluid pathway occurs at the outer edge region 28 of the cap housing inner surface 74 and the armature region 70. The contoured sharp edge 76 of the spout of the cap housing promotes controlled pouring without unwanted spillage.

[0054] Figures 10 to 17 show the operation of the embodiment. Components are as shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0055] Figure 10 shows a top view of the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 to 9 with the lock means unlocked, prior to insertion into a container. Figure 11 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 10 at F-F. The cap housing is in position one, that is, the locking means is unlocked, the housing cap is positioned axially so that the operating ring is accessible to the user and the fluid pathway is open at the region 28 (see Figures 1 to 9). In Figure 11 the operating ring is in a first position where the retention means is aligned with the axis of the closure and not bulging outwards. This represents the condition of the closure ready for insertion into the container.

[0056] Figure 12 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means unlocked, inserted into a container. Figure 13 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 12 at G-G. In Figure 13 the configuration of the closure is as in Figure 11, i.e. neither the operating ring nor the lock means have been actuated. In alternative terminology for the same functions, the pouring lock is unlocked, the container lock is open and unsealed and the integral pourer (i.e. opening of the fluidic pathway at the outer end) is open.

[0057] Figure 14 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means unlocked, inserted into a container and with the retention means engaged with the container. Figure 15 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 14 at H-H. The closure is now retained inside the container and the fluid pathway is open. In alternative terminology, the pouring lock is unlocked; the container lock is closed and sealed, and the integral pourer is open. To move to this condition from that in Figure 13, the operating ring is rotated in order to actuate the actuator 16 axially, which compresses (or, depending on the pre-formed configuration of the flexible member, allows to relax) the retention means 14 back to its pre-formed shape to close and seal the container lock. The open liquid flow pathway is indicated by arrows.

[0058] Figure 16 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the lock means locked, inserted into a container, in which the fluid pathway is closed. Figure 17 shows a cross section of the embodiment in Figure 16 at I-I. The pouring lock is in its locked state, the container lock is closed and sealed and the integral pourer is closed. To move to this condition from that in Figure 15, the cap housing 18 is manually slid axially to butt against the outer profile of the armature 24, so disabling manual use of the operating ring 26, thereby securing the closure within the container. In order to lock the container, the locking rings 40, 42 and 44 are then rotated so as to misalign the unlocking groove 48 on each with its corresponding locking tooth 52 provided on the armature 24, thereby securing the container in a closed and locked state. In order to release the lock and to open the pourer, the locking rings 40, 42, and 44 are rotated to the correct combination, so that the unlocking groove 48 on each is aligned with the locking tooth: the cap housing may then be slid back axially away from the outer portion of the armature, so opening the pourer at region 28. In this state the operating ring may also be accessed if it is desired to remove the closure from the container.

[0059] It is a feature of this embodiment that the same locking/unlocking action both opens the fluid pathway from the container and allows the closure to be inserted into or removed from the container.

[0060] The closure 10 is a lockable closure 10 for a container 12. The lockable closure comprises a retention means 14 operable to engage a region of the interior surface of the container. It also comprises an actuation means 16, 26 operable by a user to cause the retention means 14 to engage said region. It also comprises a cap housing 18 movable axially between a first position in which the actuation 16, 26 means is accessible by the user and a second position in which access to the actuation means 16, 26) is prevented. It also comprises a fluid pathway extending through the closure. In the first position of the cap housing the fluid pathway is open so as to permit flow in or out of the container and in the second position it is closed. The closure 10 also comprises an operating means 26 usable to control the engagement of the retention means 14 with the interior surface of the container 12 or outlet. With the cap housing 18 in the first position, the operating means is access-able by a user. In the second position of the cap housing 18 access by a user to the operating means 26 is prevented by the cap housing 18.

[0061] The closure of the invention enables a simple method of manufacture for all components, for example by injection moulding or casting plus machining. Component materials and fabrication methods may be chosen according to the application, having regard to the suitability of the materials for contact with the fluids concerned and the environments that the closure will be exposed to, as will be known by those skilled in the art. The closure may be sized, and have its proportions adapted, to suit a variety of applications, including use with drinks containers, fuel containers such as jerry cans or tanks, water hosepipes, taps, or shower heads, and for gas pipes and conduits such as gas lines in a domestic or commercial setting.

[0062] Unlocking combination settings may be set by the user in some embodiments or may be pre-determined in manufacture. The closure mechanically locks to the internal side of a generic container via a manually adjustable mechanism to provide the correct amount of pre-load to clamp/seal the closure to the container. The closure has an integral 'free-flow' pourer, so gravity alone will extract the liquids within the container through the product, so manual squeezing of the container would not be required. The pourer can only be actuated for pouring when the three locking rings are set to the unlocked state. In some embodiments an additional external cap may be provided to cover the pourer closure for purposes of hygiene.

Claims

1. A lockable closure (10) for an container (12) comprising:

a retention means (14) that is operable to engage a region of an interior surface of the container;

an actuation means (16, 26) that is operable to cause the retention means (14) to engage said region;

a cap housing (18) is movable between a first position, in which the actuation (16, 26) means is capable of being operated and a second position, in which operation of the actuation means (16, 26) is inhibited;

a fluid pathway is defined through the closure (10), the fluid pathway is open when the cap housing (18) is in the first position and is closed when the cap housing (18) is in the second position;

a lock means (20) is moveable between a first unlocked position, in which movement of the cap housing (18) is permitted and a second locked position in which movement of the cap housing (18) is prevented; wherein the actuation means (16, 26) comprises an operating means (26) that is usable to control engagement of the retention means (14) with the interior surface of the container (12) and is accessible when the cap housing (18) is in the first position and is in-accessible when the cap housing (18) is in the second position.

2. A lockable closure (10) according to claim 1 wherein with the cap housing (18) in the second position, access to the operating means (26) is prevented by the cap housing (18).

3. A closure (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the retention means (14) comprises a flexible member (32) arranged to engage an internal surface of the container or outlet so as to form a fluid tight seal to the interior surface.

4. A closure (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein the flexible member (32) is arranged to engage the internal surface of the container in a shouldered region.

5. A closure (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 4 where the flexible member (32) is a hollow tube formed of elastomeric material.

6. A closure (10) as claimed in claim 5 wherein the flexible member (32) comprises a flap of flexible elastomeric material in the form of a washer with an inner circumference joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube so as to form a washer shaped diaphragm seal between the internal surface of the container and the hollow tube.

7. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a 'free-flow' pourer (24) having two or more manifolds arranged around a central axis.

8. A lockable fluid flow closure (10) comprising:

a retention means (14) comprising a hollow flexible member arranged such that in use the flexible member is deformable to engage with an internal portion of a container (12);

a retention means actuator (16) comprising a hollow cylindrical member located within the retention means (14) and located at the distal end of the retention means (14);

an operation ring (26), having the retention means actuator (16) located within it and adapted to engage at least a portion of the outer surface of the retention means actuator, so as to move the actuator (16) axially in response to a rotational or a push movement of the operation ring (26);

a cap armature (24), comprising a hollow cylindrical component sized and located such that the retention means actuator (16) locates outside it, and is movable axially along a portion of the cap armature (24), the distal end of the retention means actuator (16) being in contact with a portion of the cap armature (24) in use;

a cap housing (18), comprising an internal surface (74) and an external surface and in which the cap housing (18) is movable axially between a first position in which a perimeter region of the internal surface (74) engages a perimeter region (70) of the cap armature (24) so as form a fluid tight seal between them and a portion of the cap housing (18) prevents rotation of the retention means operating ring (26) by a user, and a second position in which said perimeter regions of the internal surface and the cup are spaced apart so as to open the fluid flow pathway and the cap housing (18) is positioned so as no longer to prevent rotation of the operating ring (26), and

a lock means (20, 40, 41, 42) operable to control axial movement of the cap housing (18) between the first position and the second position.

9. A closure (10) as claimed in claim 8 wherein the retention means actuator (16) comprises one or more linear rails (54) adapted to limit motion of the actuator to motion in the orientation of the rails.

10. A closure (10) as claimed in either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the cap housing (18) and the cap armature (24) comprise features adapted to come into contact when the cap housing (18) is moved with respect to the armature (24) so as to limit the amount of axial movement one relative to another.

11. A closure (10) as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a combination lock means (20) having a number of locking rings (40, 42, 44) movable with respect to the armature wherein each locking ring comprises a flexure detent (50) that acts in use to provide a positive location for each rotational increment of the locking rings (40, 42, 44).

12. A closure as claimed in claim 11 wherein each increment provides a consistent pre-load.

Drawing