Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is related to closures for liquid containers. Particularly,
the present invention is related to child-resistant closures. The present invention
is equally related to closures for liquid containers with external trigger and dispensing
devices.
State of the Art
[0002] Child-resistant closures are used nowadays for containers carrying lightly inflammable
and/or toxic liquids, in order to prevent accidental exposure of a child to the container's
content. These liquids, which may contain hazardous agricultural or household chemicals,
are dispensed from the container in a number of different ways. In some applications,
e.g. for pesticides, it is desirable to apply the liquid solution by spraying in order
to achieve a maximal coverage of the surface to be treated. In a spraying device,
the fluid is dispensed under pressure through a nozzle. The nozzle may be integrally
comprised in the closure, or may be mounted in an outlet hose or extension rod. Pressure
is applied by squeezing the container or pressurizing the liquid with the use of a
pump.
[0003] Document
US 2004/0129728 discloses a child-resistant fluid delivery device comprising a tubular wand with
spray nozzle. The wand is assembled onto a liquid container through a child-resistant
rotatable connector. This connector is provided with a ratchet mechanism to permit
attachment of the connector to the container and thereafter prevent removal of the
connector from the container. The spray nozzle is protected by a child-resistant cover
of the "squeeze-and-turn"-type. A drawback here is that, in order to be child-resistant,
the wand has to remain assembled with the container.
[0004] Patent document
US 3874562 discloses a squeeze bottle having a closure with a flip spout. The bottle dispenses
liquid in a pump-like fashion. The closure comprises a vent and inlet and outlet check
valves, the combination of which constitutes what in effect is a pump. The flip spout
can rotate between a closed and open position. The vent is located within the housing
that accepts the flip spout when in closed position. The flip spout is provided with
a bump, which closes the vent when the spout is closed, thereby avoiding leakage of
liquid through the vent. However, if the spout is not fully rotated to the closed
position, there is a possibility of leakage through the vent. This closure is not
child-resistant.
[0005] In the Patent Abstracts of Japan, 1996,
Japanese patent application publication 08 072915 discloses a liquid discharging container according to the preamble of claim 1 comprising
a closure comprising a base connected to the container and a cap rotatably coupled
to the base for closing and opening a discharge of the container. The axis of rotation
of the cap is substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the base. The closing
valve is formed by a cylindrical projection provided on the first body and a mating
cylinder provided on the cap. Both the cylindrical projection and the mating cylinder
comprise two grooves arranged at 180 degree angle. The valve is open in a position
of the cap where the grooves of the cylindrical projection match the grooves of the
cylinder. A drawback of this configuration is that the closing face of the valve is
located in between the base and the cap. Hence, when the valve is closed, there may
be liquid trapped outside of the container, in between the base and the cap. The trapped
liquid may leak when the cap is deformed by an unauthorized person (e.g. a child),
causing a possible hazardous situation.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims at providing an improved closure for a container.
Particularly, it is an aim of the invention to provide a closure which does not present
the drawbacks of prior art closures.
[0007] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a closure comprising a valve with
improved closing properties. It is still a further aim of the invention to provide
a closure comprising a child-resistant closing valve.
[0008] It is a further aim of the invention to provide an improved child-resistant closure.
[0009] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a closure to which a dispensing device
can be connected and disconnected.
[0010] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a closure arranged for not being
removed from the container and with improved sealing properties compared with prior
art closures.
[0011] The invention further aims at providing an improved method of sealing a closure onto
a container for carrying liquids.
[0012] Aims of the invention are met by providing a closure, as set out in the appended
claims, for a container for carrying a liquid.
[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure
comprising a first body, a second body, a valve and an outlet. The first body comprises
an upper face, a sidewall and means for mounting onto a discharge opening of the container.
The first body also comprises a passageway for the evacuation of liquid out of the
container. The valve is arranged for closing said passageway. The second body is (rotatably)
mounted onto the first body.
[0014] The closure comprises means for rotating the second body with reference to the first
body between a position in which the valve is open and a position in which the valve
is closed. Preferably, when the valve is open, the container communicates with the
outlet of the closure through said valve. In the closure, for opening and closing
the valve, the second body is arranged to rotate around a main axis substantially
perpendicular to the upper face of the first body.
[0015] The main axis refers to the axis of rotation of the second body relative to the first
body (and hence relative to the container). According to a preferred embodiment, the
main axis is parallel to the symmetry axis of the sidewall of the first body. The
main axis is preferably substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container,
although other embodiments are possible as well.
[0016] The valve comprises a valve seat and a valve element. The valve seat is arranged
for housing the valve element. The first body comprises the valve seat and the second
body comprises the valve element. The valve seat and the valve element together constitute
the valve.
[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve element and valve seat are arranged
so that the passageway through the valve (i.e. at the location of the valve) is substantially
parallel to the main axis.
[0018] The combination of valve element and valve seat comprises an extension (or a projection),
arranged to liquid-tightly fit inside an opening (or a hollow member) and arranged
to rotate with reference to said opening.
[0019] The opening and the extension are concentric. Preferably, the extension is hollow.
The axis of rotation of the extension relative to the opening is coincident with the
main axis.
[0020] Preferably, the liquid passageway through the valve is essentially concentric with
the main axis.
[0021] The extension and the opening are advantageously of substantially cylindrical shape.
The extension and the opening can have the shape of conical segments. The extension
and the opening can have the shape of cylinders.
[0022] Preferably, the opening and the extension provide a liquid passageway which is substantially
parallel to the main axis.
[0023] Either the opening or the extension comprises a transverse member which narrows the
liquid passageway and the other of the opening and the extension comprises at least
one tab. The transverse member and the at least one tab are arranged for sliding over
each other, whereby the at least one tab opens or closes the valve. The sliding is
performed by said rotation of the second body.
[0024] Preferably, the transverse member is substantially perpendicular to the main axis.
Either of the opening or the extension that comprises the transverse member preferably
comprises a fitting for frictionally holding a dip tube.
[0025] The narrowing of the liquid passageway is achieved by the transverse member comprising
one or more apertures. The tabs are arranged for opening or closing said one or more
apertures.
[0026] Even more preferably, the first body comprises a vent and the second body comprises
a second valve arranged for closing the vent. The vent is closed when the closure
is in a closed position. According to a preferred embodiment, the vent is comprised
in the upper face of the first body. According to an equally preferred embodiment,
the vent comprises an L-shaped channel, the channel abutting in the upper face of
the first body. The vent passes in both cases through the upper face of the first
body.
[0027] Preferably, in the closure of the invention, said means for rotating the second body
with reference to the first body comprise a circular rib provided on either the first
body or the second body and a circular groove provided on the other of the first body
and second body, the groove accepting said rib and the groove and rib guiding the
rotation of the second body.
[0028] Preferably, either the first body or the second body further comprises an arc-shaped
skirt and the other of the first body and the second body further comprises a bar
arranged for engaging with the lateral ends of said skirt. Even more preferably, said
bar extends between the valve (i.e. the opening or the extension) and the outlet of
the closure and comprises a passageway for the evacuation of liquid from the valve
to the outlet of the closure.
[0029] Preferably, the first body of the closure comprises a projection and the second body
comprises a lip. The projection is arranged for engaging with the lip when the second
body is in the closed position thereby preventing rotation of the second body towards
the open position. The lip is more preferably arranged for being disengaged from the
projection by application of a squeezing force on the second body at a substantially
right angle with reference to the location of said projection and lip.
[0030] Preferably, the first body of the closure comprises a (second) tab and the second
body comprises a flap, arranged for engaging with the (second) tab at a position in
which the valve is open. The action of said engaging produces a click-sound.
[0031] The closure according to the invention preferably comprises a double-sided induction
seal comprising an electrically conductive core layer coated at both sides with plastic.
The double-sided induction seal is preferably located at a distance from the upper
face of the first body. The double-sided induction seal can contact the sidewall of
the first body, at an end remote of the upper face.
[0032] Preferably, the outlet of the closure comprises a socket arranged for accepting a
connector plug.
[0033] The present invention equally provides a method of sealing a closure non-removably
onto a container, the method comprising the steps of: providing a closure and providing
a seal between the closure and the container, wherein the seal is a double sided induction
seal comprising an electrically conductive core layer coated at both sides with plastic.
The method further comprises the step of induction-heating the seal.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0034] Figure 1 represents the closure according to the invention.
[0035] Figure 2a represents the closure base that is mounted onto a container. Figure 2b
represents a top view of the closure base.
[0036] Figure 3 represents a cross section of the closure and the dip tube.
[0037] Figure 4 represents a bottom view of the closure cap that is mounted on top of the
base.
[0038] Figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the closure.
[0039] Figure 6 represents a bottom view of the closure base comprising an induction seal.
[0040] Figures 7a and 7b represent respectively a cross sectional and upper view of the
closure base.
[0041] Figures 8a, 8b and 8c represent respectively a bottom view, a cross sectional view
of the cap and a cross sectional view of the vent valve.
Detailed description of the Invention
[0042] The closure according to the invention, for a container carrying liquids, can be
provided with a spout for discharging the container's content, or with a spray nozzle.
Preferably, the closure is provided with a socket at its outlet. The socket accepts
a connector plug of an extension hose. At the distal end of the extension hose a spray
gun is preferably provided. Liquid may be withdrawn from the container by the sucking
action of the spray gun creating a vacuum at the outlet of the extension hose. The
liquid in the container may be brought under pressure. The closure can be arranged
for attaching a dip tube to it for withdrawing liquid from the bottom of the container.
[0043] The closure comprises two main bodies: a first body or closure base, comprising means
for mounting onto the discharge opening of the container, and a second body or cap
that is secured onto the base and is allowed to rotate thereby opening or closing
a liquid passageway from the container to the outlet of the closure.
[0044] The closure comprises a valve for closing the liquid passageway. The valve comprises
a valve element arranged for fitting into a valve seat.
[0045] According to the invention, the valve comprises a first member (or opening) of rotation
symmetrical shape, arranged for accepting a second member (or extension) of rotation
symmetrical shape. The first member and the second member are preferably of substantially
cylindrical shape (they are referred to as respectively the first cylinder and the
second cylinder). The second member can rotate relative to the first member.
[0046] The second cylinder can be a substantially cylindrical extension which is arranged
to liquid tightly fit inside the first cylinder, which can be a substantially cylindrical
opening. The first and the second cylinders provide a liquid passageway which is substantially
parallel to the axis of rotation of the cap and which can be closed by rotation of
the cap (the second body) with reference to the base (the first body).
[0047] The first cylinder forms part of either the valve seat or the valve element. The
second cylinder forms part of the other of the valve seat and the valve element.
[0048] Either the first or the second cylinder comprises a member, arranged transversely
in the cylinder which comprises the member. The other of the first and the second
cylinder comprises sliding means arranged to slidingly rotate over the transverse
member. By slidingly rotating, the sliding means open or close one or more apertures
provided in the transverse member, thereby opening or closing the valve. Advantageously,
said means can be one or more tabs.
[0049] Hence, when the cap is rotated, the one or more tabs rotate relative to the transverse
member. The rotation of the cap (the second body) relative to the base (the first
body) causes the second cylinder (cylindrical extension) and the first cylinder (cylindrical
opening) to rotate relative to one another and the one or more tabs to rotate relative
to and slide over the transverse member.
[0050] The transverse member can be a plate provided at the inside of the first or the second
cylinder. One or more apertures are provided in the plate.
[0051] The one or more tabs refer to one or more flaps or tags, projecting from the inside
wall of the first or the second cylinder. The tabs' face sliding over the transverse
member advantageously ensures liquid-tight sealing of the apertures.
[0052] The first and second cylinders (members) can be conical segments instead of cylinders.
[0053] The axis (of symmetry) of the first and second cylinders substantially coincides
with the axis of rotation of the cap relative to the closure base (i.e. the main axis).
Hence, the first and second cylinders (the opening and extension) are preferably concentric.
The transverse member is preferably arranged perpendicular to the axis (of symmetry)
of the first and the second cylinders.
[0054] The closure of the invention allows to close a container liquid tightly. When the
valve is in a closed position, the liquid of the container can not go beyond the closure
base. As a result of the valve assembly, no liquid can get entrapped between the closure
base and the cap. As the liquid passageway of the valve and the closing elements (i.e.
the transverse member, the one or more tabs and the first and second cylinder) can
be arranged in close proximity of the axis of rotation of the cap, a liquid tight
closure is ensured even in case of inappropriate use of the closure, such as during
actions of deforming the cap in order to open or to damage it. Hence, an improved
child-resistant closure results.
[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the closure comprises a vent. The vent is closed
off when the closure is in its closed position. The vent is preferably also closed
when the cap is positioned in between the open and closed positions.
[0056] The closure is preferably attached in such a way to the container that it can not
be removed from the container without damaging both the container and the closure.
Securing the closure on the container is preferably achieved by use of a double-sided
induction seal. The induction seal is interposed between the container's discharge
opening and the closure base. Induction-heating the seal bonds the closure to the
container.
[0057] The closure according to the invention is preferably child-resistant. Preferably,
the cap's rotation from the closed to the open position is child-resistant. The liquid
passageway in the closure can only be opened after application of a squeezing force
onto the cap. The squeezing force releases a lip that otherwise is stuck behind a
projection.
[0058] The valve in the closure that closes off the liquid passageway is designed so as
not or almost not to deform during the squeezing action. This ensures a liquid-tight
closure and prevents accidental discharge of liquid. These properties are best achieved
when the valve is located in the vicinity of, and preferably concentrically around
the cap's axis of rotation and the valve opening is as small as possible.
[0059] An additional advantageous child-resistant feature of the cap is the tight mounting
of the cap onto the closure base. A circular groove and rib, present both on the cap
and on the base, engage in each other and ensure that the cap is not easily torn off
the base.
Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention
[0060] It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be
interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude
other elements or steps. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means
A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It
means that with respect to the present invention, A and B are relevant components
of the device.
[0061] A preferred embodiment of the closure according to the present invention is depicted
in figure 1.
Figure 1 presents a closure 1 for a liquid container, said closure comprising a base
part 2 and a cap 3 on top of base 2. Cap 3 can rotate with reference to base 2 around
axis 4 between an open and closed position. Referring to figure 3, base 2 is screwed
onto a container with aid of internal thread 31. The thread 31 is provided at the
inner side of the sidewall 210 of base 2. It is therefore necessary for this embodiment
that the discharge opening of the container accepting closure 1 is provided with an
external thread of the same size. Figures 2a and 2b present the base 2 with cap 3
removed. On top of sidewall 210, the base is provided with an upper face 200. Face
200 is related to the axis of rotation 4, in that axis 4 is essentially perpendicular
to face 200.
[0062] Figure 4 presents cap 3 turned upside down. Cap 3 is assembled onto base 2 by pressing
circular rib 41 and groove 42 into circular groove 21 and rib 22 respectively. The
cap comprises a hollow cylindrical extension 43 which fits liquid-tightly into a cylindrical
opening 23 arranged in the base. The cylindrical opening 23 defines a passageway for
the fluid out of the container. The engagement of rib 41 into groove 21 and of rib
22 into groove 42 enable a tight fit of cap 3 onto base 2 and make it difficult for
e.g. a child to accidentally remove the cap from the base.
[0063] The cylinders 43 and 23 constitute a combination of a valve element and valve seat
respectively, arranged concentrically with the main axis 4 around which the cap can
rotate. Referring to figure 2b, into cylindrical opening 23 a transverse member 24
is provided, with a number of apertures 25. The transverse member 24 narrows the liquid
passageway of cylinder 23 to only the apertures 25. In the present embodiment, the
transverse member has four apertures. Cylinder 23 abuts in face 200 and extends at
both sides of the transverse member 24 as shown in figure 3, thus defining the liquid
passageway out of the container. The lower end of the cylinder 23, proximal to the
container, is meant to frictionally hold a dip tube 70 (see figure 3) which leads
to the bottom of the container from where liquid is taken. Referring to figure 4,
the cylindrical extension 43 abuts in tabs 44 around aperture 45.
[0064] When assembled, tabs 44 slide over transverse member 24. In a closed position, tabs
44 close all apertures 25. No liquid can escape from the container. By rotating cap
3 towards the open position, tabs 44 will free the apertures 25, thereby providing
a passage for the liquid out of the container. The apertures 25 should be large enough
in size and/or sufficient in number so as to avoid an excessive pressure loss when
the liquid flows through apertures 25.
[0065] The reverse arrangement of cylinders 23 and 43 is equally possible. In that case,
the base 2 comprises a cylindrical extension with tabs 44 at its end aperture, and
the cap 3 comprises a cylindrical opening with a transverse member comprising apertures
25. In the same way as described above, the extension fits in the opening in a liquid-tight
way. In this reverse embodiment, the cylindrical opening plays the part of the valve
element (i.e. the movable part), which rotates around the cylindrical extension, the
latter playing the part of the valve seat (i.e. the non-movable part). In both the
embodiment shown in the drawings, and the reverse embodiment described above, the
tabs 44 and transverse member 24 with apertures 25 may be interchanged, i.e. tabs
44 may be provided in the cylindrical opening, while the transverse member 24 with
apertures 25 is provided at the end of the cylindrical extension.
[0066] The walls of cylinders 23 and 43 constitute a liquid-tight seal so as to avoid liquid
leakage. A small internal diameter of cylinder 23 reduces possible deformations and
eases the closing off of the liquid passageway. The flow path of the liquid is best
seen on figure 5, which depicts a cross-sectional view of closure 1. Cylinder 43 is
in fluid communication with passage 51 which provides a lateral discharge aperture
52 for the liquid. Discharge aperture 52 may be shaped in a determined way for accepting
a connector plug of an extension hose to which a spray gun is connected at a distal
end. It may alternatively be provided with a spray nozzle.
[0067] Cylinders 43 and 23, together with tabs 44 and the intermediate member 24 constitute
a valve that opens or closes the liquid passage out of the container. The cylinders
43 and 23 are concentric with the axis of rotation 4 of cap 3. The liquid passageway
through the valve is located in a close vicinity around the axis of rotation 4. Therefore,
closure of the valve is ensured even when an unauthorized user, such as e.g. a child
tries to deform cap 3 by squeezing it or by trying to tear cap 3 off from base 2.
[0068] Referring to figures 2a and 4, the rotation of cap 3 with reference to base 2 is
guided by groove 21, rib 22 and cylinder 23. The cap's angle of rotation is limited
by skirt 28 to the arc in between closed position 5 and open position 6 (see fig.
1). This skirt 28 is provided onto face 200. The lateral ends of skirt 28 constitute
end travels for the rotation of the body 48 of fluid passage 51.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the closure is equipped with a vent 26 (see figure 2b)
providing a fluid communication between the internal volume of the container and the
ambient air. Vent 26 is provided on face 200. In order to prevent the vent from spilling
liquid when the closure is in a closed position, cap 3 is provided with a projection
46 having a bump 47. The projection 46 acts as a valve. Vent 26 accepts bump 47 when
cap 3 is rotated in the closed position, thereby sealing the vent. When cap 3 is rotated
to the open position, projection 46 travels to depression 27 in face 200 providing
a seat for bump 47, thereby leaving vent 26 open. The projection 46 has the shape
of an arc. Bump 47 is located substantially in the centre of the arc. Even if cap
3 is not fully rotated to the closed position 5, projection 46 will be on top of vent
26. Hence, vent 26 is closed liquid-tightly by bump 47 in the closed position. In
between the closed and open position, the closing of vent 26 by projection 46 is generally
not liquid-tight (i.e. sealing liquids such as water or comparable to water). However,
accidental spill of liquid through the vent when e.g. the container is turned over
is considerably reduced in the latter case.
[0070] Figures 7 and 8 represent an alternative embodiment for the vent 26 and the skirt
28. In this embodiment, vent 261 is provided in the skirt 28. As can be seen in figure
7a, the vent 261 is an L-shaped tube between face 200 and the outer wall of skirt
28. At the outer wall of skirt 28, vent 261 is closed off by a projection 81 provided
in cylinder 80. This cylinder also comprises rib 41 and groove 42. Projection 81 ensures
closure of the vent 261 when the closure is in the closed position.
[0071] Referring to figure 7b, skirt 28 abuts in tags 71 and 72 at both ends of the arc.
The tags 71 and 72 constitute the end travels for the rotation of the body 48 of fluid
passage 51.
[0072] Cap 3 of closure 1 is provided with a child-resistant turning mechanism. Opening
of the closure - i.e. turning cap 3 from the closed position to the open position
- is made impossible for persons not having enough force or not knowing how to perform
the non-obvious combination of actions, which are based on the "squeeze and turn"
principle. In the closed position 5, the cap 3 is locked because lip 49 on cap 3 (fig.
4) engages with projection 29 of base 2 (fig. 2b). Hence, the cap can not be rotated
in a direction towards the open position 6. In the closed position of cap 3, a rotation
lock in the other direction is provided by skirt 28 as explained previously. The child-resistant
locking mechanism resembles that of a ratchet mechanism. In order to rotate cap 3
from the closed position 5 to the open position 6, a pressure has to be applied onto
cap 3 at the positions indicated by numeral 7 in figure 1. This pressure has to be
directed towards the cap centre, such as tending to squeeze the cap in a direction
indicated by arrows 8. The squeezing action causes the outer skirt 9 of the cap (see
fig. 4) to move outwards in a perpendicular direction with reference to the squeezing
direction 8. Lip 49 is located along this direction, at a 90 degree angle from where
the squeezing force should be applied. Hence, the squeezing causes lip 49 to move
outwards, which releases lip 49 from projection 29. Cap 3 is now enabled to rotate
towards position 6. When cap 3 is rotated back from position 6 towards position 5,
the lip 49 engages with projection 29 at side 291, which guides lip 49 radially outwards,
thereby deforming cap 3 a little. Once lip 49 passes side 292, cap 3 reassumes its
undeformed state and the engagement of lip 49 with projection 29 at side 292 ensures
a rotation lock in the direction of opening the cap.
[0073] Referring to figures 2b and 4, base 2 may be provided with tabs 203 at the open position
and optionally also at the closed position and cap 3 may be provided with flap 401.
When turning cap 3, flap 401 engages with tabs 203 so as to produce a click-sound
each time the cap has been turned in the open or closed position. Hence, the click-sound
draws the user's attention to the fact that the closure has reached either the open
or the closed position. Referring to figure 7b, tab 203 is provided only at the open
position. In the closed position, the engagement of lip 49 with projection 29 already
serves as an acknowledgement of reaching the closed position of the cap 3.
[0074] At the open position, the engagement of flap 401 with tab 203 has the additional
advantage of constituting a certain resistance against an accidental, unwanted rotation
of cap 3. For example, supposing that a hose with spray gun is attached to the cap,
and the user is in the action of spraying the container's contents (e.g. insecticide,
herbicide, etc.), the engagement of flap 401 with tab 203 reduces the risk that the
cap is accidentally rotated a little towards the closed position thereby closing the
valve element 44 a little, which would reduce pressure and cause a less optimal flow
of liquid out of the container (and in this particular case a less optimal spraying).
[0075] The closure may additionally be equipped with a tamper evidence. In such case, cap
3 is provided with a tag 402, as depicted in figure 4. Tag 402 is connected to cap
3 at both lateral ends 403 and 404 with tooth-shaped links. The tag is removed from
cap 3 at first use of closure 1 by tabs 201 and 202 provided on base 2 (see figure
2a). Tabs 201 and 202 engage with the tooth-shaped links 403 and 404 respectively
when cap 3 is turned from the closed position 5 towards the open position 6, thereby
destroying each link between tag 402 and cap 3. Hence, tag 402 need not be removed
manually prior to first usage of the closure 1. Furthermore, the present configuration
ensures that tag 402 will be completely removed from the closure at first usage of
the closure (i.e. first turning from the closed to the open position).
[0076] Closure 1 is preferably mounted onto the discharge opening of a container in a sealed
and non-removable way. This can be performed in a number of ways. According to a first
embodiment, the base 2 is provided with internal thread, arranged for being screwed
onto the discharge opening of a container, which is provided with external thread
of the identical size. Liquid-tight sealing of the base onto the container can be
achieved by state-of-the-art methods, such as providing a circular, tapered seal in
the base that engages with the discharge opening of the container, such as is usual
for sealing bottles with screw caps. In that case, removal of the base may be prevented
by a ratchet mechanism such as the one described in document
US 2004/0129728.
[0077] The present invention additionally proposes an alternative embodiment of the closure
and a method of sealing a closure, as e.g. the closure 1 onto a container. The embodiment
provides a closure for a container for carrying a liquid which comprises a double-sided
induction seal. Referring to figure 5, a double-sided induction seal 53 is provided
at the bottom of base 2, above the thread 31. This induction seal 53 comprises a metal,
electrically conductive (e.g. aluminium) core layer, coated at both sides with a plastic
foil (e.g. a PE-foil).
[0078] In the method of sealing, the double-sided induction seal also prevents removal of
the closure from the container. When base 2 is screwed onto the container, the seal
53 is pressed between base 2 and the discharge opening of the container. Thereafter,
an inductive heating of seal 53 is performed, through which the plastic foils at both
sides of the seal 53 melt thereby sealing at the lower face the seal 53 to the container
and at the upper face the seal 53 to the base 2. Solidification of the plastic foils
ensures a high-resistant fixation of closure base and container, making removal of
the closure base from the container impossible. A large contact area between seal
and base and between seal and container increases the sealing force.
[0079] Figure 6 depicts the closure base 2 viewed upside down with the induction seal 53
mounted in it. As is clear from figures 5 and 6, a clearance is provided between induction
seal 53 and cylinder 23. The clearance ensures a fluid (air) passage between the container's
internal volume and vent 26 or vent 261. Furthermore, in order to prevent that vent
26 or vent 261 is closed off by the double-sided induction seal when it is heated,
face 200 is provided at a distance from the double-sided induction seal 53.
[0080] An advantage of the closure according to the present invention is that it is leakage-free
even when unauthorised persons try to deform the cap. As the valve element 44 of the
valve for closing the liquid passageway is located near the axis of rotation of the
cap, the valve will not deform when the cap 3 is accidentally squeezed. Therefore,
the valve remains liquid-tightly closed when in closed position.
[0081] Leakage through vent 26 or 261 is also unlikely to occur. The valve 46 for vent 26
closes the vent unless the closure is in an open position.
[0082] Alternative embodiments than the ones disclosed above are possible. Particularly,
the thread 31 for screwing the base 2 onto a container may be substituted with a skirt
comprising one ore more grooves and/or ribs. These grooves and/or ribs are intended
to mate with ribs and/or grooves provided on the neck of the container. Such a configuration
is analogous to the rib/groove combination 21/22-41/42 for snapping the cap 3 onto
the closure base 2. Alternatively it may be of the kind as described in patent document
US 3874562.
1. A closure (1) for a container for carrying a liquid, said closure comprising a first
body (2), a second body (3) mounted onto said first body, a valve comprising a valve
seat (23,24) and a valve element (43,44), and an outlet (52), wherein:
- the first body comprises an upper face (200), a sidewall (210) and means (31) for
mounting the first body onto a discharge opening of the container;
- the closure comprises means (21,41) for rotating the second body with reference
to the first body around a main axis (4) substantially perpendicular to said upper
face (200) and between a position (6) in which the valve is open and a position (7)
in which the valve is closed;
- the first body comprises the valve seat and the second body comprises the valve
element, wherein:
- the combination of said valve element and valve seat comprises an extension (43)
arranged to liquid-tightly fit inside an opening (23) and to rotate with reference
to said opening, wherein:
- the extension and the opening provide a liquid passageway (90) through the valve,
characterised in that
- either the extension or the opening comprises a transverse member (24) for narrowing
said liquid passageway, the transverse member comprising one or more apertures (25)
and
- the other of extension and opening comprises at least one tab (44), said at least
one tab and said transverse member arranged for sliding over each other, thereby closing
or opening the valve.
2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein said valve element and valve seat are arranged
so that the passageway (90) through said valve is substantially parallel to said main
axis.
3. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation
of the extension relative to the opening is coincident with said main axis.
4. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (43)
and the opening (23) are of substantially cylindrical shape.
5. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (43)
and the opening (23) are conical segments.
6. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body comprises
a vent (26) and the second body comprises a second valve (47) arranged for closing
said vent, the vent being closed when the closure is in a closed position and said
vent being open when the closure is in an open position.
7. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (21,22,41,42)
for rotating the second body with reference to the first body comprise a circular
rib (22,41) provided on either the first body or the second body and a circular groove
(21,42) provided on the other of the first body and the second body, the groove accepting
said rib and the groove and rib guiding the rotation of the second body.
8. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein either the first
body or the second body further comprises an arc-shaped skirt (28) and the other of
the first body and the second body further comprises a bar (48) arranged for engaging
with the lateral ends (71, 72) of said skirt.
9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein said bar (48) extends between the opening
or the extension and the outlet (52) and comprises a passageway for the evacuation
of liquid from the valve (44) to the outlet of the closure.
10. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body further
comprises a projection (29) and the second body comprises a lip (49), whereby the
projection is arranged for engaging with the lip when the second body is in the closed
position thereby preventing rotation of the second body towards the open position.
11. The closure according to claim 10, wherein the lip is arranged for being disengaged
from the projection by application of a squeezing force on the second body at a substantially
right angle with reference to the location of said projection and lip.
12. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body comprises
a tab (203) and the second body comprises a flap (401), the flap arranged for engaging
with the tab at a position in which the valve is open, the action of said engaging
producing a click-sound.
13. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a double
sided induction seal (53) which comprises an electrically conductive core layer, coated
at both sides with plastic.
14. The closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet comprises
a socket for accepting a connector plug.
15. A container for carrying a liquid comprising the closure according to any one of the
preceding claims.
1. Verschluss (1) für einen Behälter zum Transportieren einer Flüssigkeit, wobei der
Verschluss einen ersten Körper (2), einen zweiten Körper (3), der an dem ersten Körper
angebracht ist, ein Ventil, das einen Ventilsitz (23, 24) und ein Ventilelement (43,
44) umfasst, und einen Auslauf (52) umfasst, wobei:
- der erste Körper eine obere Fläche (200), eine Seitenwand (210) und Mittel (31)
zum Anbringen des ersten Körpers an einer Ablassöffnung des Behälters umfasst;
- der Verschluss Mittel (21, 41) zum Drehen des zweiten Körpers mit Bezug auf den
ersten Körper um eine Hauptachse (4) herum im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig zu der oberen
Fläche (200) und zwischen einer Position (6), in der das Ventil offen ist, und einer
Position (7), in der das Ventil geschlossen ist, umfasst;
- der erste Körper den Ventilsitz und der zweite Körper das Ventilelement umfasst,
wobei:
- die Kombination des Ventilelements und des Ventilsitzes eine Verlängerung (43) umfasst,
die angeordnet ist, um flüssigkeitsdicht in eine Öffnung (23) zu passen und sich mit
Bezug auf die Öffnung zu drehen, wobei:
- die Verlängerung und die Öffnung einen Flüssigkeitsdurchgang (90) durch das Ventil
hindurch bereitstellen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
- entweder die Verlängerung oder die Öffnung ein Querelement (24) umfasst, um den
Flüssigkeitsdurchgang zu verengen, wobei das Querelement eine oder mehrere Öffnungen
(25) umfasst, und
- die andere Verlängerung bzw. Öffnung mindestens eine Lasche (44) umfasst, wobei
die mindestens eine Lasche und das Querelement angeordnet sind, um übereinander zu
gleiten, so dass sie das Ventil schließen oder öffnen.
2. Verschluss nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Ventilelement und der Ventilsitz derart angeordnet
sind, dass der Durchgang (90) durch das Ventil hindurch im Wesentlichen parallel zur
Hauptachse ist.
3. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Drehachse der Verlängerung
im Verhältnis zur Öffnung mit der Hauptachse zusammenfällt.
4. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Verlängerung (43) und
die Öffnung (23) im Wesentlichen zylinderförmig sind.
5. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Verlängerung (43) und
die Öffnung (23) konische Segmente sind.
6. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Körper ein Luftloch
(26) umfasst und der zweite Körper ein zweites Ventil (47) umfasst, das angeordnet
ist, um das Luftloch zu verschließen, wobei das Luftloch geschlossen ist, wenn der
Verschluss sich in einer geschlossenen Position befindet, und das Luftloch offen ist,
wenn der Verschluss sich in einer offenen Position befindet.
7. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Mittel (21, 22, 41,
42) zum Drehen des zweiten Körpers mit Bezug auf den ersten Körper eine kreisförmige
Rippe (22, 41) umfassen, die entweder auf dem ersten Körper oder auf dem zweiten Körper
vorgesehen ist, und eine kreisförmige Rille (21, 42), die auf dem anderen ersten bzw.
zweiten Körper vorgesehen ist, wobei die Rille die Rippe aufnimmt und die Rille und
Rippe die Drehung des zweiten Körpers führen.
8. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei entweder der erste Körper
oder der zweite Körper ferner einen bogenförmigen Kragen (28) umfasst und der andere
erste bzw. zweite Körper ferner einen Riegel (48) zum Eingriff mit den seitlichen
Enden (71, 72) des Kragens umfasst.
9. Verschluss nach Anspruch 8, wobei der Riegel (48) sich zwischen der Öffnung oder der
Verlängerung und dem Auslauf (52) erstreckt und einen Durchgang zum Entleeren von
Flüssigkeit vom Ventil (44) zum Auslauf des Verschlusses umfasst.
10. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Körper ferner
einen Vorsprung (29) umfasst und der zweite Körper eine Lippe (49) umfasst, wodurch
der Vorsprung angeordnet ist, um in die Lippe einzugreifen, wenn der zweite Körper
sich in der geschlossenen Position befindet, so dass er die Drehung des zweiten Körpers
in die offene Position verhindert.
11. Verschluss nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Lippe angeordnet ist, um aus dem Vorsprung
gelöst zu werden, durch Anwenden einer Presskraft auf den zweiten Körper in einem
im Wesentlichen rechten Winkel mit Bezug auf die Position des Vorsprungs und der Lippe.
12. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Körper eine Lasche
(203) umfasst und der zweite Körper eine Klappe (401) umfasst, wobei die Klappe angeordnet
ist, um in die Lasche an einer Position einzugreifen, in der das Ventil geöffnet ist,
wobei der Eingriffsvorgang ein Klickgeräusch hervorruft.
13. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend ein doppelseitiges
Induktionssiegel (53), das eine elektrisch leitfähige Kernschicht umfasst, die auf
beiden Seiten mit Kunststoff beschichtet ist.
14. Verschluss nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Auslauf eine Fassung
zur Aufnahme eines Steckers umfasst.
15. Behälter zum Transportieren einer Flüssigkeit, umfassend den Verschluss nach einem
der vorhergehenden Ansprüche.
1. Fermeture (1) pour un récipient destiné à contenir un liquide, ladite fermeture comprenant
un premier corps (2), un deuxième corps (3) qui est installé sur ledit premier corps,
une vanne comprenant un siège de vanne (23, 24) et un élément de vanne (43, 44) et
une sortie (52), dans laquelle :
- le premier corps comprend une face supérieure (200), une paroi latérale (210) et
des moyens (31) pour installer le premier corps sur un orifice de vidange du récipient
;
- la fermeture comprend des moyens (21, 41) pour faire tourner le deuxième corps par
rapport au premier corps autour d'un axe principal (4) essentiellement perpendiculaire
à ladite face supérieure (200) et entre une position (6) dans laquelle la vanne est
ouverte et une position (7) dans laquelle la vanne est fermée ;
- le premier corps comprend le siège de vanne et le deuxième corps comprend l'élément
de vanne, où :
- la combinaison desdits élément de vanne et siège de vanne comprend un prolongement
(43) qui est conçu pour rentrer de façon étanche aux liquides dans un orifice (23)
et pour tourner par rapport audit orifice, dans laquelle :
- le prolongement et l'orifice présentent un passage pour liquide (90) à travers la
vanne,
caractérisée en ce que
- soit le prolongement, soit l'orifice comprend un élément transversal (24) pour rétrécir
le passage pour liquide, l'élément transversal comprenant une ou plusieurs ouvertures
(25), et
- l'autre (prolongement ou orifice) comprend au moins une languette (44), ladite au
moins une languette et ledit élément transversal étant disposés pour coulisser l'un
sur l'autre, fermant ou ouvrant ainsi la vanne.
2. Fermeture selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit élément de vanne et ledit
siège de vanne sont disposés de telle sorte que le passage (90) à travers ladite vanne
soit essentiellement parallèle audit axe principal.
3. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'axe
de rotation du prolongement par rapport à l'orifice coïncide avec ledit axe principal.
4. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
prolongement (43) et l'orifice (23) se présentent essentiellement sous forme cylindrique.
5. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
prolongement (43) et l'orifice (23) sont des segments coniques.
6. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
premier corps comprend un évent (26) et le deuxième corps comprend une deuxième vanne
(47) conçue pour fermer ledit évent, l'évent étant fermé lorsque la fermeture se trouve
dans une position fermée et ledit évent étant ouvert lorsque la fermeture se trouve
dans une position ouverte.
7. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdits
moyens (21, 22, 41, 42) pour faire tourner le deuxième corps par rapport au premier
corps comprennent une nervure circulaire (22, 41) qui est prévue soit sur le premier
corps, soit sur le deuxième corps, et une rainure circulaire (21, 42) prévue sur l'autre
premier ou deuxième corps, la rainure épousant ladite nervure, et la rainure et la
nervure guidant la rotation du deuxième corps.
8. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle soit
le premier corps, soit le deuxième corps comprend en outre une collerette arquée (28)
et l'autre premier ou deuxième corps comprend en outre une barre (48) conçue pour
entrer en prise avec les extrémités latérales (71, 72) de ladite collerette.
9. Fermeture selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle ladite barre (48) s'étend entre
l'orifice ou le prolongement et la sortie (52) et comprend un passage pour l'évacuation
du liquide de la vanne (44) vers la sortie de la fermeture.
10. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
premier corps comprend en outre une saillie (29) et le deuxième corps comprend un
rebord (49), la saillie étant conçue pour entrer en prise avec le rebord lorsque le
deuxième corps se trouve en position fermée, empêchant ainsi la rotation du deuxième
corps vers la position ouverte.
11. Fermeture selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle le rebord est conçu pour se libérer
de la saillie par l'application d'une force de compression au deuxième corps sous
un angle essentiellement droit par rapport à l'emplacement desdits saillie et rebord.
12. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
premier corps comprend une languette (203) et le deuxième corps comprend un volet
(401), le volet étant conçu pour entrer en prise avec la languette dans une position
dans laquelle la vanne est ouverte, l'action de mise en prise produisant un clic audible.
13. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre
un joint par induction double face (53) qui comprend une couche centrale électriquement
conductrice recouverte des deux côtés d'une matière plastique.
14. Fermeture selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la
sortie comprend un logement femelle pour recevoir un connecteur.
15. Récipient pour transporter un liquide, comprenant la fermeture selon l'une quelconque
des revendications précédentes.