[0001] The invention relates to a cap as well as a container comprising such a cap. It also
includes an apparatus for dispensing a liquid substance. In addition, the invention
also relates to a system comprising a container and an apparatus for dispensing a
liquid substance.
[0002] Such a cap is known from
US 5 556 005 and is indicated in Figure 1 of that patent, for example, with reference number 18.
The known cap is attached to the collar of a container for soap. The cap is provided
with a valve (indicated in the figures with reference number 22) that can be moved
telescopically in the direction of the centre line of the cap relative to a stationary
cap portion from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The valve can
be used in its open position to create a fluid connection between the contents of
the container with soap and a soap dispenser. The soap dispenser comprises a suction
tube (50) for this purpose that can be inserted in the cap and can be used to move
the valve from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. In order to
open and close the valve, the valve and the suction tube are temporarily coupled by
means of a lip (44) from the valve and a groove (56) from the suction tube.
[0003] One disadvantage of the cap involves the temporary coupling, which means that when
changing a container the operator must accurately and carefully move the cap and the
suction tube relative to each other. This is because when a container with a cap is
not attached carefully to the suction tube, there is a risk of an incorrect temporary
coupling which means the valve will not open or not open fully, as a result of which
the soap dispenser will not function properly. Conversely, when the container with
the cap is not removed carefully from the suction tube there is a risk that the temporary
coupling will be broken before the closed state of the valve is reached, wherein the
valve cannot moved fully back to the closed position, which means that the cap of
a container removed from the dispenser can start to leak.
[0004] One of the objects of this invention is to provide a robust cap that can be replaced
in a user-friendly way.
[0005] This object is achieved with a cap according to claim 1.
[0006] With a cap according to claim 1, a robust cap is provided by means of the elastic
self-closing valve, which ensures that a user can replace a container without difficulty.
Due to the elastic self-closing valve, there is almost no danger that a removed container
will start leaking. Furthermore, the elastic valve reduces the risk of an incorrect
assembly of a container with a cap in an apparatus.
[0007] By exerting an external force on the elastic valve - for example, by moving a suction
tube in or against the valve - it is elastically deformed from a closed position to
an open position, wherein, when this force is removed - for example, by moving the
suction tube out of the valve - the elastic deformation is automatically undone, which
means that the elastic valve will automatically close itself as the container is being
removed from the apparatus. In other words, the valve then automatically returns to
the original closed shape.
[0008] This type of cap is therefore user-friendly and facilitates the rapid and correct
operational coupling of the container with the cap and the apparatus. Moreover, the
cap can be manufactured relatively easily and cost-effectively.
[0009] The elastic valve is dome-shaped, and the top of the dome shape is provided with
a single self-closing slit. By exerting a force on the elastic valve, the slit can
be opened to create a fluid connection. The dome shape and/or the single slit provide
excellent test results for providing an airtight operational coupling, particularly
compared to a flatter-shaped valve and/or various intersecting slits.
[0010] In the hole, at least one elastic seal is attached in addition to the valve. Furthermore,
the combination of the valve and seal further promotes an airtight operational coupling
of the suction tube in the cap. Particularly in the case of a dispenser, this combination
in the cap guarantees that the dosing amount can be accurately set and that the volumes
of successive doses are constant.
[0011] The elastic seal is provided with a central opening that can be stretched from a
first diameter at rest to a second diameter in operation, wherein the second diameter
is greater than the first diameter. Elastic deformation therefore also takes place
in the elastic seal.
[0012] Other aspects of the cap have been defined in dependent claims.
[0013] A container can be provided with the type of cap described above. The cap is non-detachable
from the container and therefore cannot be removed manually from the container by
a user.
[0014] The cap can be provided with a coupling edge that extends in the opposite direction
of the raised inside edge with respect to the lower surface of the protruding edge.
Using the coupling edge of the cap that cooperates with a groove into which the coupling
edge is introduced, a container with a cap can be secured in an apparatus so that
it is stably locked for use. In addition, the coupling edge running in the groove
can be used to align the suction tube of the apparatus relative to the seal and/or
the valve in the cap so that the assembly of the container with a cap on the suction
tube of the apparatus is simplified and an incorrect assembly of a container with
a cap on the suction tube of the apparatus is virtually ruled out.
[0015] Because the shape and dimensions of the coupling edge correspond with the shape and
dimensions of the groove, it means that the apparatus can only be used together with
containers provided with a cap with this coupling edge, which has been adapted specifically
to the groove.
[0016] The apparatus can be provided with a coupling element, which is a coupling ring provided
with at least two concentric rings connected to each other in one piece, wherein the
suction tube can be positioned in a hole of the coupling ring located inside the inner
ring and the coupling edge of the cap can be positioned in a coupling element groove
formed between the concentric rings. The coupling ring is non-detachable connected
with the pump mechanism, which means that the coupling ring cannot be removed from
the pump mechanism without getting damaged.
[0017] In another model, the coupling element can be just a groove, for example in the upper
surface of the pump mechanism of the apparatus, for example.
[0018] The cap, the container, the apparatus and the system will now be explained in detail
in an embodiment example that is shown in the following figures:
figures 1a, 1b show a perspective view of a system in which, for the sake of clarity,
a number of components are show separately from each other
figure 2a shows a perspective view of an apparatus, and more particularly a soap dispenser
that contains a cap
figure 2b shows an enlarged detailed view of figure 2a
figure 3 shows a cross-section of a cap
figure 4 shows a perspective view of a cap in which the components that are attached
in the cap are shown separately from each other for the sake of clarity.
[0019] In the figures, the same components are given the same reference numbers.
[0020] In figures 1a, 1b, a system 1 is shown comprising an apparatus being a soap dispenser
10 and a container in the form of a cartridge 50 for soap. The cartridge 50 is provided
with a cap 100, which is described below in more detail. The cap 100 is non-detachable
from the cartridge 50 - that is, the cap 100 and the cartridge 50 are manufactured
as one piece or fixed by means of material fusion such as ultrasonic welding or an
adhesive bond. The soap dispenser 10 is provided with a pump mechanism 25 with a suction
tube 35.
[0021] In a part that is sunken relative to the upper surface of the pump mechanism 25,
a non-detachable coupling element 45 is attached around the suction tube 35. The coupling
element 45 is provided with at least two concentric rings connected to each other
to form one component, wherein the suction tube 35 can be positioned tight in hole
48 located inside the inner ring 47 and a coupling element groove 46 is located between
the concentric rings that operates in unison with a coupling edge 112 from the cap
100. In the coupling element groove 46 of the coupling element 45, a coupling edge
112 from the cap can be positioned to provide an operational coupling between the
cartridge 50 and the soap dispenser 10 and between the cap 100 and the suction tube
35 of the soap dispenser 10 - that is, a coupling where the suction tube 35 is positioned
in the cap to create a fluid connection between the cartridge 50 and the pump mechanism
25.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment that is not shown, the coupling element can be a groove
in the upper surface of the pump mechanism.
[0023] The soap dispenser 10 includes a handle 11 that the user can operate so that the
pump mechanism 25 can supply a predefined dose of soap that is extracted through the
suction tube 35 from the cartridge 50 to the outlet 30 of the pump mechanism 25 so
that the user can catch the soap in his hands and then wash them. In itself, the working
principle of a soap dispenser 10 is generally known so it is not explained here in
further detail.
[0024] In Figures 2a, b, the soap dispenser 10 is shown with a cap 100 attached thereto.
It is shown how the suction tube 35 extends through the cap 100 in order to provide
a fluid connection between the cartridge 50 and the pump mechanism 25 of the soap
dispenser when the cap is attached to a cartridge 50. The figures also show that a
side wall 103 that forms the outside of the cap 100 is provided on an inner surface
105 of the cap with a screw thread profile 106. The screw thread profile 106, combined
with glue, can create a non-detachable connection between a cap 100 and a collar edge
(not shown) of a cartridge 50 provided with a screw thread profile that cooperates
in unison with the screw thread profile 106.
[0025] The cap 100 will now be explained in detail on the basis of the embodiment example
shown in Figures 3 and 4.
[0026] Besides the closed side wall 103 with the inner surface 105 comprising the screw
thread 106, the cap 100 is also provided with an outer surface 107, an upper surface
area 109 that is located in a connected state to the cartridge 50 around an opening
(not shown) or collar of the container 50, as well as a lower surface 111.
[0027] Furthermore, the cap 100 comprises a protruding edge 115. The edge 115 extends radially
inward towards the centre line of the cap from the inner surface 105 of the side wall
103. The protruding edge 115 has an upper surface 117, as well as a lower surface
119. The lower surface of the protruding edge 115 can be located close to or on the
same level as the lower surface 111 of the cap and in that way form a base for the
cap together with the lower surface 111. The protruding edge 115 also has an inner
surface edge 141 that defines the access opening for a suction tube into the cap.
The diameter of the access opening is less than the diameter of the opening of the
cap formed by the inner surface 105 of the side wall 103 located opposite it. The
diameter of the access opening of the cap 100 is greater than the diameter of the
suction tube 35 and less than half the diameter of the opening of the cap 100 located
opposite it.
[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the access opening can be covered with a seal 143 that a user
can remove once from the cap used to open the access opening using a pull-tab 145
connected to it so that the cap 100 and the cartridge 50 attached to it are ready
for use - that is, ready to be attached in the soap dispenser 1.
[0029] The protruding edge 115 has a ridge 124 that extends upward from the upper surface
117 of the protruding edge 115, wherein an inner surface 126 of the ridge 124 coincides
with the inner surface edge 141 of the protruding edge 115.
[0030] Furthermore, between the side wall 103 and the ridge 124 the cap 100 contains a raised
closed inside edge 125 that extends upward from the upper surface 117 of the protruding
edge 115 and has an inner surface 127, an outer surface 128 and an upper surface 129.
The inner surface 127 of the cylindrical raised inside edge defines a hole 130, wherein
in the hole 130 at least an elastic self-closing valve 150 is attached through which
a tube 35 from a soap dispenser 1 can be inserted to open the valve 150 of the cap
100 to create a fluid connection between the suction tube 35 and the cartridge 50.
Furthermore, at least an elastic seal 170 is located in the hole 130 between the access
opening of the cap 100 and the elastic self-closing valve, which is attached between
the ridge 124 and the raised inside edge 125. A suction tube 35 is moved through the
access opening of the cap 100 through the elastic seal 170 and then through the elastic
valve 100. For an operational coupling of the suction tube, the distance between the
tip located in the cap of the suction tube and the access opening is greater than
the distance between the part of the elastic valve 100 that is located furthest away
from the access opening and the access opening.
[0031] The height of the raised inside edge 125 extending in the direction of the centre
line of the cap 100 is less than the height h of the side wall 103 of the cap. The
height of the raised inside edge 125 is at most of half the height h of the side wall
103. The height of the ridge 124 is minimal - that is, the height of the ridge is
approximately equal to or even less than the thickness of the protruding edge 115
measured in the direction of the centre line.
[0032] The elastic valve 150 is dome-shaped. This shape of the elastic valve contributes
that the valve does not open under the effect of the forces that can be exerted from
the interior of the cartridge 50. Close to a tip facing away from the dome 152, the
elastic valve is provided with coupling rings 151, 153. The dome 152 is connected
to the coupling rings 151, 153 by means of a coupling edge 154. An endless coupling
groove 155 has been provided between the coupling edge 154 and the outer coupling
ring 153 as viewed radially from the centre line.
[0033] The elastic seal 170 is provided with a central portion 171 with, in the middle,
an opening 173 and an outer coupling ring 175 connected to the central portion 171.
There is an endless coupling slot 177 located between the coupling ring 175 and the
central portion 171.
[0034] To manufacture the cap 100, the coupling ring 175 of the elastic seal 170 is positioned
in the hole 130 on the upper surface 117 of the protruding edge 115, wherein the coupling
ring 175 is clamped between the ridge 141 and the raised edge 125. The elastic valve
150 is attached on top of the peripheral part of the elastic seal 170. The elastic
valve 150 and the elastic seal 170 are aligned and centred with each other using the
inner surface 127. The assembly ring 180 comprises an assembly edge that can be positioned
and/or clamped/welded in the hole 130 between the inner surface 127 of the raised
edge 125. The assembly ring is correctly positioned when the outer bottom part of
the assembly ring 180 is located against the upper surface 129 of the raised inside
edge 125. The inner surface 184 of the assembly ring 180 then (fully) surrounds the
coupling edge 154 so that the elastic valve 150 is attached in the hole 130 using
the assembly ring 180. Where necessary, the elastic valve 150, the assembly ring 180
and/or the elastic seal can be additionally glued to each other.
[0035] The centre of the central opening 173 of the elastic seal 170 coincides with the
centre line of the cap 100. The dome 152 at its highest point has a single self-closing
slit 156 that intersects the centre line of the cap 100, preferably the centre of
the slit 156 coincides with the centre line. The slit 156 of the valve 150 and the
central opening 173 of the seal 170 are kept apart by the dome 152 and the coupling
edge 154. This distance that extends along the centre line of the cap 100 is greater
in the embodiment example shown than the height of the raised inside edge 125. The
dome 152 protrudes from the hole 130 from the upper surface 182 of the assembly ring
180. The height of the valve 100 is therefore greater than the height of the inside
edge 125, but less than the height h of the side wall 103.
[0036] The elastic self-closing valve 150 and the elastic seal 170 are manufactured from
an elastomeric material - for example, silicon rubber.
[0037] The elastic assembly ring 180 is manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS). Preferably, the elastic assembly ring 180 is attached by means of ultrasonic
welding.
[0038] The central opening 173 of the elastic seal 170 can be stretched from a first diameter
at rest to a second diameter in use, wherein the second diameter is greater than the
first diameter. To make this possible, the suction tube 35 contains a cross-section
that is greater than the first diameter. By stretching the diameter of the central
opening 173, the suction tube 35 is surrounded by the elastic seal, which makes it
airtight.
[0039] The configuration of the cap that is shown and described guarantees an airtight coupling
of a suction tube 35 in the cap 100. Moreover, a suction tube 35 can easily be inserted
into the elastic seal and the elastic valve to create an operational coupling between
the suction tube and the cap. Due to the elasticity, the risk of damaging the valve
150 and/or the seal 170 is minimal, even if roughly assembled. Moreover, during the
coupling process the suction tube 35 can be inserted into the valve at an angle -
that is, at an angle of less than 20 degrees with the centre line of the cap - without
causing problems when opening the valve. The valve will also close itself when the
"crooked" suction tube is being removed.
[0040] The coupling edge 112 of the cap 100 enables the cartridge 50 to be attached in the
soap dispenser 10 and can ensure the suction tube 35 is inserted into the cap 100
so that it is aligned, and the correct coupling of the suction tube 35 in the cap
can be guaranteed. The coupling edge 112 extends downward from the lower surface 111
of the side wall 103 and the lower surface 119 of the protruding edge 115. The lower
surface 111 runs into the lower surface 119 of the protruding edge 115 by means of
the coupling edge 112. The coupling edge 112 cooperates in unison with the coupling
element 45 of the pump mechanism 25; more specifically, the coupling edge 112 operates
in unison with the coupling element groove 46 of the coupling element 45. The shape
and the dimensions of the coupling edge should correspond with the shape and the dimensions
of the coupling element groove 46.
[0041] The coupling edge 112 has an outer diameter d1 that is less than the outer diameter
of the groove 46 and greater than the inner diameter of the groove 46, and an inner
diameter d2 that is less than the outer diameter of the groove 46 and greater than
the inner diameter of the groove 46. If the coupling edge 112 fits properly into the
coupling element groove 46, the suction tube 35 can also penetrate the cap 100 sufficiently
deeply, so that the suction tube 35 can be used to open the elastic valve 150 to provide
an operational coupling.
[0042] Instead of soap, the apparatus described here can also be used for other substances
to be dispensed in doses.
[0043] It is a well-known phenomenon that the airtight sealed contents of a deformable (so
non-rigid) container/cartridge 50 can distort the cartridge as a consequence of temperature-dependent
reactions of the contents, for example. One example of this is that the sides of the
cartridge can become hollow. By providing a small opening of, for example, 1-2 mm
or smaller in the seal 143, the vacuum seal of the contents of the cartridge is broken
through and because the valve 150 tends to open when there is a predefined negative
pressure in the cartridge, an equilibrium in terms of pressure in and outside the
container 50 can be created in this way. A small opening like this in the seal 143
therefore ensures that the cartridge 50 does not distort during storage and transport,
while the contents of the cartridge are kept airtight and leak-tight by the valve
150.
1. Cap (100) provided with:
a protruding edge (115) that extends radially inward towards the centre line of the
cap, wherein the protruding edge comprises an upper surface (117) and a lower surface
(119),
a raised inside edge (125) that extends upward from the upper surface of the protruding
edge (115) and that has an inner surface (127), an outer surface (128) and an upper
surface (129), wherein the inner surface of the raised inside edge defines a hole
(130), wherein in the hole at least one elastic self-closing valve (150) is attached.
2. Cap according to claim 1, wherein the elastic valve is dome-shaped.
3. Cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic valve is provided with a single
self-closing slit (156).
4. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least an elastic seal (170)
has been attached in the hole.
5. Cap according to claim 4, wherein the elastic seal is provided with a central opening
(173) that can be stretched from a first diameter at rest to a second diameter in
operation, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
6. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic self-closing valve
and/or the elastic seal is manufactured from an elastomeric material.
7. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is provided with a closed
side wall (103) with an inner surface (105), an outer surface (107), an upper surface
(109), and a lower surface (111), wherein the protruding edge (115) extends radially
inward towards the centre line relative to the inner surface of the side wall.
8. Cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap is provided with a coupling
edge (112) that extends with respect to the lower surface of the protruding edge in
the opposite direction of the raised inside edge.
9. Container (50) provided with a cap according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Container according to claim 9, wherein the cap is inseparably fixed to the container.
11. Apparatus (10) for dispensing a liquid substance such as soap, for example, which
is provided with a pump mechanism (25) with a suction tube (35), wherein a coupling
element (45) surrounds the suction tube in which a coupling edge of the cap according
to claim 8 can be positioned to create an operational coupling between the cap and
the apparatus.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the coupling element is a coupling ring provided
with at least two concentric rings connected to each other in one piece, wherein the
suction tube can be positioned in a hole of the coupling ring located inside the inner
ring and the coupling edge of the cap can be positioned in a coupling element groove
formed between the concentric rings, preferably the coupling ring is non-detachable
connected with the pump mechanism.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the coupling element is a groove in the pump
mechanism (25).
14. Apparatus according to at least one of the claims 11-13, wherein the apparatus is
a soap dispenser.
15. System (1) comprising a container according to claim 9 or 10 and an apparatus for
dispensing a liquid substance such as soap, for example which is provided with a pump
mechanism and a suction tube connected to the pump mechanism.