GB2449469A

GB2449469A - Coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2449469A
Application number: GB0709896A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Etienne Vincent Bunoz; Jeremy Mark Rossall
Original assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Ltd
Current assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-23
Filing date: 2007-05-23
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-23
Also published as: GB2449469B; GB0709896D0

Abstract

A coupling 1 comprising cap apparatus 2 and probe means 3, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture. Engagement means in the form of arms 7 and 8 extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the engagement means are adapted to engage with the probe means such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along an axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position. For coupling, for example, a container of fluid such as soap to a dispensing pump.

Description

Coupling This invention relates to a coupling for use particularly, but

not exclusively, to connect a container of fluid to be dispensed to a dispensing pump.

Soap dispensers generally comprise a container provided with a dispensing pump, on which is mounted a disposable container of soap to be dispensed. There are various known ways to attach these disposable containers to the pumps, although they are fairly basic and suffer from a number of problems.

In particular, the disposable containers are provided with a lid or seal which IS removed or perishes when the container is mounted on the pump, and as such the disposable containers cannot be re-sealed if they are removed from the pump. This can result in leakage if the disposable container has to be removed from the dispenser before its contents have been used. Leakages also occur when a depleted container Is removed because a certain quantity of soap always remains therein.

In addition, where a lid or seal has to be manually removed prior to use, there is the risk of leakage during the process of fitting the container to the pump.

Some known lids and seals are also not very robust and can also fail during transit or storage.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention a coupling comprises cap apparatus and probe means, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which engagement means extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the engagement means are adapted to engage with the probe means such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along an axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

Thus, a disposable soap container can be provided with cap apparatus which can open the container when it is mounted on a pump, and which can then close the container again when it is removed therefrom.

In a preferred construction the engagement means can engage with the probe means in a resilient snap-fit arrangement This ensures that the cap body is securely fixed to the probe means in use.

The engagement means can comprise two or more resilient arms, each comprising an outer end provided with a flange. The probe means can comprise a work surface provided with latch means, and the flanges can be a resilient snap-fit with the latch means. The work surface can be adapted to act against the outer ends to move the cap body into the open position, and the latch means can be adapted to act against the flanges to move the cap body Into the closed position.

In a preferred construction the snap-fit arrangement can be releasable, such that the cap apparatus and the probe means can be configured in an engaged arrangement, in which movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards and away from one another moves the cap body into the open and closed position, and in a disengaged arrangement in which the cap apparatus and the probe means are separated.

The construction of the cap apparatus and/or the probe means can provide a working space through which the two or more arms can be moveable in order to engage and disengage from the latch means, however when the cap body is in the open position no working space can be provided. As such, the cap body and the probe means cannot be released from one another when the cap body is in the open position.

It is important that the cap apparatus and the probe means do not disengage from one another when the cap body is being moved into the closed position, to ensure that the cap body is completely closed before the cap apparatus and the probe means can disengage from one another.

Therefore, in a preferred construction a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the disengaged arrangement can be greater than a force required to move the cap body into the closed position.

In order to provide such an arrangement, the flanges can extend from a first side of each arm, and each arm can be adapted to flex in the direction of a second side opposite to the first side. As such, forcing the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis when the cap body is in the closed position forces each arm to flex such that its flange is drawn away from the latch means, and the cap apparatus and the probe means can move into the disengaged arrangement. Therefore, once the cap body is in the closed position, further application of force serves to rotate the outer ends of the arms because the flanges are provided on one side thereof, and this forces the arms to flex, and the flanges are drawn away from the latch means.

When disengaged the cap apparatus and the probe means need to be able to readily engage with one another. Therefore, in one construction the flanges can have an outer side, the latch means can have an outer side, and the outer side of the flanges and/or the outer side of the latch means can be tapered. (In this description the terms Inner" and TMouter apply to the components of the cap apparatus and the probe means separately, and in each case outer" means facing towards the point of engagement.) Further, the outer side of the flanges can be aligned for engagement with the outer side of the latch means when the cap apparatus and the probe means are arranged on said axis in the disengaged arrangement, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along said axis when they are in the disengaged arrangement can urge the outer side of the flanges over the outer side of the latch means such that the cap apparatus and the probe means move into the engaged arrangement In other words, the flanges can be adapted to ride over the latch means and snap into position.

It is important that the cap apparatus and the probe means are moveable into the engaged arrangement without moving the cap body from the closed position, to ensure that the cap body is only opened after the cap apparatus and the probe means are properly engaged. Therefore, a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement as described above, can be less than a force required to move the cap body into the open position. As the arms are flexible, and either the flanges and/or the latch means have tapered outer sides, it does not require a great deal of force to urge the flanges over the latch means and snap into position.

However, to further prevent the cap body from opening when the cap apparatus and the probe means are being brought into engagement with one another, the aperture can be provided with an abutment, and the cap body can be provided with a slot adapted to releasably receive said abutment, and a force required to release the abutment from the slot can be greater than a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement.

It will be appreciated that a force required to move the abutment back into the slot can be less than that required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the disengaged arrangement, so the abutment and slot feature does not hinder the effective closure of the aperture.

It will be further appreciated that all the forces referred to above can be any amounts, provided the relative relationships between them remains as set out above.

The actual forces required to perform the above described actions will depend on the size and construction of the coupling, and the materials chosen, and a skilled man would be able to engineer all the correct tolerances.

In a preferred construction the probe means can comprise a cylindrical body defining a central bore therethrough, and the work surface can comprise an outer end of the cylindrical body. The latch means can comprise an annular boss surrounding an inlet of the central bore, which boss can be provided with a trough around its outer circumference in which the flanges can be locatable. As such the arms flex outwards from said axis to move into and out of engagement with the latch means.

Preferably the arms can be provided with second flanges on their second side which cannot pass through the aperture. As such, when the cap body is in the open position it is held in a fixed position because the outer ends of the arms are held between the probe means and an outer side of the cap apparatus.

The cap apparatus can comprise an outwardly extending cylindrical passageway adapted to receive the probe means when the cap body is moved into the open position. The cylindrical passageway can have a greater diameter than the aperture, and the working space described above can be provided between the annular boss and the cylindrical passageway. However, the aperture can be too narrow to allow the arms to flex therein, and as such the flanges cannot disengage from the latch means when the cap body is in the open position. In addition, as the second flanges are pressed against the outer side of the cap apparatus in this position, such flexure is further prevented.

First seal means can be provided between the cylindrical passageway and the probe means. As such, as soon as the probe means moves into the cylindrical passageway, a sealed passage is provided between the aperture and the central bore. Second seal means can be provided between the aperture and the cap body.

The second seal means serve to prevent leakage in the disengaged arrangement, and in the engaged arrangement prior to the entry of the probe means into the cylindrical passageway.

The second seal means can be positioned such that when the cap apparatus and the probe means are moved towards one another to move the cap body into the open position, the second seal means are not broken until the first seal means have engaged. With this arrangement the first seal means is also positioned such that when the cap apparatus and the probe means are moved away from one another to move the cap body into the close position, the first seal means are not broken until the second seal means have engaged. As such, a seal wiN always exist between the aperture and the central bore in use.

The cap apparatus can comprise a mounting frame adapted to mount the cap apparatus in an aperture provided in a container with which the cap apparatus can be used. Further, the probe means can be adapted to be mountable to a pump with which it is used. Therefore, the coupling of the invention can be used to connect a disposable soap container to a soap dispenser device.

The cap apparatus can be provided with a removable lid adapted to cover the two or more arms. The lid serves to prevent the cap body being inadvertently opened prior to use by any foreign body which might act against it.

In a preferred construction the cap apparatus can comprise an application handle. In some instances the container to which the cap apparatus is mounted is rigid, and as such the whole container can be manually mounted on the probe means without too much difficulty. However, in many cases disposable soap containers are made from a flexible material, and as such the application handle allows the user to align the cap apparatus over the probe means, and to affix it thereto.

A wide variety of different soaps and soap related materials are dispensed from the known dispensers, and there are a very large number of different end users.

In order to ensure that only the correct substances are loaded into each dispenser, and that only the correct manufacturer's inner containers can be used, the cap apparatus can comprise a shaped profile adapted to co-operate with a corresponding shaped profile provided on the probe means. -.7-

The shaped profile provided on the cap apparatus can be removably mounted thereon in a snap-fit arrangement. This allows the different shaped profiles to be added at a post filling stage to a standard cap apparatus construction.

It will be appreciated that once a soap dispenser is in place, the user will purchase a number of disposable soap containers to use in it, and in many cases the dispensers are given away and the revenue is generated from the sale of the disposable containers and their contents.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention a container comprises cap apparatus adapted to couple with a probe means with which it is to be used, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which engagement means extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the engagement means are adapted to engage with said probe means such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along an axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling according to the first aspect of the present invention in a first arrangement; Figure 2 Is a perspective view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in the first arrangement; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in a second arrangement; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in the second arrangement; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in a third arrangement; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in the third arrangement; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the components of a cap apparatus as used with the coupling as shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the components of a probe means as used with the coupling as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the coupling as shown in Figure 1 in use.

As shown in Figure 1, a coupling 1 comprises cap apparatus 2 and probe means 3, in which the cap apparatus 2 comprises a structure, in the form of ring 4, defining an aperture 5, and a cap body 6, which as described further below is moveable between a closed position, as shown in Figures 1 -4, in which it is disposed in the aperture 5, and an open position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which it is proud of the aperture 5. Engagement means, in the form of arms 7 and 8, extend from a first sIde 9 of the cap body 6, and as described further below the engagement means (7, 8) are adapted to engage with the probe means 3 such that movement of the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 towards one another along an axis A-A moves the cap body 6 into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 away from one another along said axis A-A moves the cap body 6 into the closed position.

The cap apparatus 2 is comprised of four moulded components constructed from a plastics material, for example polypropylene or polyethylene. These components are cap body 6, ring 4, frame 10 and shaped profile panel 11.

The cap body 6 is slideably engaged in the ring 4 and cannot escape therefrom. At its second side 12, the cap body is provided with an annular flange 13, which is greater in diameter than the aperture 5, so the cap body 6 cannot be pulled through the aperture 5 in the direction of the probe means 3 in the Figures. In addition, the arms 7 and 8 are provided with second flanges 14 and 15, which prevent the cap body 6 from being pushed through the aperture 5 in the opposite direction. The arms 7 and 8 are flexible, so it is possible to manually manipulate them to affix the cap body 6 in the aperture 5 during construction.

The ring 4 is provided with outwardly extending cylindrical passageway 16. (In this description the terms inner" and outer" apply to the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 separately, and in each case "outer" means towards the point of engagement.) The passageway 16 surrounds the arms 7 and 8, and sealingly receives the probe means 3 in use, as described further below. The frame 10 is bonded to the outside of the cylindrical passageway 16, and comprises mounting flange 17. which is adapted to allow the cap apparatus 2 to be mounted in the aperture of a container with which it is used.

The frame 10 also comprises a slot 18, in which a flange 19 of the shaped profile panel 11 is disposed in a snap-fit arrangement. The outer side 20 of the slot 18, and the inner side 21 of the flange 19 are tapered, so they ride over one another when the frame 10 and the shaped profile panel 11 are connected. The slot 18 and the flange 19 only extend around a part of the frame 10 and the panel 11, and as is clear from Figure 2 apertures 22 are provided in the panel 11 to allow the flange 19 to be manually removed from the slot 18. (The same arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the cap apparatus 2, as is clear from Figure 7.) As Is also clear from Figure 7, the resilient arms 7 and 8 are curved panels arranged opposite to one another on the underside 9 of the cap body 6. Referring back to Figure 1, each arm 7 and 8 comprises an outer end 23 and 24 respectively, and a flange 25 and 26 respectively, adjacent the outer ends 23 and 24. The flanges and 26 have tapered outer sides 27 and 28. As is clear from Figure 1, a working space 29 is provided between the arms 7 and 8 and the passageway 16, the purpose of which is explained below.

The ring 4 is provided with an annular abutment 30, which is received in a slot 31 provided on the cap body 6. This arrangement fixes the cap body 6 in the closed position as shown in Figure 1.

The cap body 6 is also provided with a second slot 32, in which is disposed an o ring seal (not shown), which is referred to herein as the second 0-ring seat. The second 0-ring seal serves to fluidly seal the aperture 5 so no fluid can pass theretti rough when the cap body 6 is in the closed position.

Referring to Figure 7, the cap apparatus 2 is provided with a removable lid 33 which can be secured in the outer end of the passageway 16 to prevent the cap body 6 being Inadvertently accessed during transit or storage. Referring back to Figure 1, the passageway 16 is provided with tabs 34, which serve to releasably fix the lid 33 in position.

As shown in Figure 2, the shaped profile panel 11 is provided with a plurality of shaped apertures 35 of a pre-determined pattern, and also comprises an application handle ha.

The probe means 3 comprises a cylindrical body 36 defining a central bore 37 therethrough. The outer end 38 of the cylindrical body 36 comprises a work surface 39 and latch means in the form of annular boss 40 which surrounds an inlet 41 of the bore 37. The boss 40 is provided with a trough 42 around its outer circumference, and it has a tapered outer side 43. As explained further below, the resilient arms 7 and 8 are a snap-fit on the boss 40, the work surface 39 acts against the outer ends 23 and 24 to move the cap body 6 into the open position, and the boss 40 acts against the flanges 25 and 26 to move the cap body 6 into the closed position.

The probe means 3 further comprises a shaped profile panel 44 which has an outwardly turned wall 45 provided with a plurality of members 46 adapted to fit into the apertures 35 in the shaped profile panel 11. The panel 11 is also generally shaped to fit into the shape provided by the wall 45, as is clear from Figures 2 and 4.

The cylindrical body 36 is also provided with a slot 47 in which is disposed an 0 ring seal (not shown), which is referred to herein as the first 0-ring seal.

In use the probe means 3 is affixed to a cJspensing pump 48, the workings of which are not further described in detail here. In addition, the cap apparatus 2 is mounted In a soap container 49, whIch is shown In full In Figure 9. In particular, the cap apparatus 2 is fixed in an aperture (not visible) in the container 49, with the mounting flange 17 bonded to the surrounding material. The correct shaped profile panel 11 for the contents of the container 49 is selected from a choice of Such panels and is affixed to the frame 10 during manufacture. The lid 33 is fixed in the passageway 16 during manufacture, and it is removed therefrom prior to use.

The coupling 1 works by bringing the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 towards one another until they engage, and then further to open the cap body 6. To close the cap body 6 and disengage the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3, the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are moved apart. In the case of coupling 1, the probe means 3 is arranged upright at the base of a dispensing device (not shown), and the cap apparatus is lowered onto it for engagement and opening, and lifted from it for closing and disengaging.

In particular, as referred to above, the arms 7 and 8 are a releasable snap-fit on boss 40. As is clear from Figure 1, when the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are centrally aligned on axis A-A and face one another, the outer sides 27 and 28 of the flanges 25 and 26 are aligned for engagement with the outer side 43 of the boss 40. Therefore, the cap apparatus 2 is arranged directly over the probe means 3, and is manually lowered thereon, perhaps with the use of the application handle ha (although in this case it is not strictly necessary because the container 49 is rigid and can be directly manipulated). When this is done the outer sides 27 and 28 of the flanges 25 and 26 come into contact with the outer side 43 of the boss 40, and the flanges 25 and 26 ride over the outer side 43 of the boss 40, until the flanges 25 and 26 snap into position in the trough 42, as shown in Figure 3.

During this action the arms 7 and 8 are forced radially outwards from the axis A-A into the working space 29 provided. The force required to force the arms 7 and 8 over the outer side 43 of the boss 40 is less than that required to move the cap body 6 out of the aperture 5, and as Such the cap body 6 remains in the closed position while the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are engaged with one another.

This is due partly to the presence of the second 0-ring seal (not shown) in the slot 32, which is compressed against the ring 4, and partly due to the abutment 30 in the slot 31.

When the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are brought together as described above, the apertures 35 in the shaped profile panel 11 slot onto the members 46 in the wall 45. If the apertures 35 and the members 46 did not correspond with one another, it would not be possible to engage the cap apparatus 2 with the probe means 3.

Referring to Figure 3, the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are now configured in the engaged arrangement. To open the aperture 5 for use the cap apparatus 2 is forced further onto the probe means 3, perhaps with the use of the application handle ha. When this is done the work surface 39 acts against the outer ends 23 and 24 of the arms 7 and 8 and forces the cap body 6 into the open position, as shown in Figure 5. In this position the aperture 5 is open and lateral passageways 50 lead from inside the container 49 to the aperture 5, as is clear from Figure 6, and fluid can pass from the container 49 to the pump 48 via the bore 37.

Referring to Figure 5, the linear force applied to the arms 7 and 8 forces the slot 31 to ride off the abutment 30, and pushes the cap body 6 clear of the aperture 5, until the second flanges 14 and 15 come into contact with the outer side of the ring 4, and in particular the outer side of tfle abutment 30. At this point the shaped profile panel 11 also comes into contact with the shaped profile panel 44.

As the cap body 6 is opened the cylindrical body 36 moves into the passageway 16, which keeps the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 in line with one another on the axis A-A, and ensures the cap body 6 is moved in a linear fashion.

In addition, when the cylindrical body 36 moves into the passageway 16, the first 0-ring seal (not shown) in slot 47 moves into the passageway 16 and fluidly seals the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3. As such, fluid leaving the container 49 can only travel down the central bore 37 and into the pump 48.

As is clear from Figure 3 in particular, the slots 47 and 32 are positioned such that the first 0-ring seal moves into the passageway 16 before the second 0-ring seal leaves the ring 4. As such, the cap apparatus 2 is fluidly sealed to the probe means 3 before the aperture 5 is opened.

As referred to above, when the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 are initially brought together, the working space 29 allows the arms 7 and 8 to move radially outwards from the axis A-A. However, the aperture 5 has a smaller diameter than the passageway 16, so when the cap body 6 is moved out of the aperture 5 and the arms 7 and 8 move therein, no working space is available around the arms 7 and 8, and It becomes physically impossible for them to disengage from the boss 40. In fact, as is clear from Figure 5, once the cap body 6 is in the open position, there is very little room around the flanges 14, 15, 25 and 26, and the outer ends 23 and 24 of the arms 7 and 8 are held in a snug close fitting configuration and no flexure of the arms 7 and 8 is possible. Therefore, it is not possible for the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 2 to disengage from one another until the aperture 5 is closed again.

To remove the cap apparatus 2 from the probe means 2, whether the container 49 is depleted or not, the reverse of the above described operation is performed.

In particular, the cap apparatus 2 is moved upwards off the probe means 3, perhaps with the use of the application handle ha. When this is done the boss 40 acts agaInst the flanges 25 and 26 and pulls the cap body 6 back into the closed position, as shown in Figure 3.

The Slot 31 rides onto the abutment 30, and the flange 13 comes Into contact with the ring 4. in addition, the second 0-ring seal moves into the ring 4 prior to the first 0-ring seal moving clear of the passageway 16, so the aperture 5 is sealed shut before the seal is broken between the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3.

Further movement of the cap apparatus 2 away from the probe means 3 moves the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 into the disengaged arrangement shown in Figure 1. In particular, once the cap body 6 is in the closed position the arms 7 and 8 are in a fixed axial position, and the application of a separation force between the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 forces the arms 7 and 8 to bow outwards because the flanges 25 and 26 are provided on one side thereof. When the arms 7 and 8 flex In this way the flanges 25 and 26 are drawn away from the boss until it can be moved clear.

It will be appreciated that some force is required to perform this action, but this is necessary to ensure that it does not take place while the cap body 6 is being closed. As referred to above, the force required to move the cap apparatus 2 and the probe means 3 into the disengaged arrangement has to be greater than a force required to move the cap body 6 into the closed position, to ensure that the container 49 is not removed from the probe means 3 with the aperture 5 still open, and this is clearly the case with coupling i..

Once the cap apparatus 2 is free of the probe means 3, the lid 33 can be replaced in the passageway if desired.

The second aspect of the present invention provides a container provided with cap apparatus as described above. The cap apparatus shown in Figure 7, the container shown in Figure 9, and the above accompanying description provide support for this aspect of the present invention.

The present Invention is not limited to the coupling 1 described above,and it will be appreciated that it could be altered in various ways without departing from the scope of Claim 1.

Therefore, a coupling is provided which allows a soap container to be fitted to and removed from a soap dispenser without the danger of any leakage. In addition, a container is provided with a robust cap arrangement unlikely to fail prior to use.

Claims

Claims.

1. A coupling comprising cap apparatus and probe means, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which engagement means extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the engagement means are adapted to engage with the probe means such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along an axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

2. A coupling as claimed in Claim 1 in which the engagement means engage with the probe means in a resilient snap-fit arrangement.

3. A coupling as claimed in Claim 2 in which the engagement means comprises two or more resilient arms, each comprising an outer end provided with a flange, in which the probe means comprises a work surface provided with latch means, in which the flanges are a resilient snap-fit with the latch means, in which the work surface is adapted to act against the outer ends to move the cap body into the open position, and in which the latch means is adapted to act against the flanges to move the cap body into the closed position.

4. A coupling as claimed in Claim 3 in which the snap-fit arrangement is releasable such that the cap apparatus and the probe means are configurable in an engaged arrangement in which movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards and away from one another moves the cap body into the open and closed position, and in a disengaged arrangement in which the cap apparatus and the probe means are separated.

5. A coupling as claimed in Claim 4 in which the construction of the cap apparatus and/or the probe means provides a working space through which the two or more arms are moveable in order to engage and disengage from the latch means1 and in which when the cap body is in the open position no working space Es provided.

6. A coupling as claimed in Claim 5 in which the flanges extend from a first side of each of the two or more arms, in which each of the two or more arms is adapted to flex in the direction of a second side opposite to the first side, in which forcing the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis when the cap body is in the closed position forces each arm to flex such that its flange is drawn away from the latch means and the cap apparatus and the probe means move into the disengaged arrangement, and In which a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the disengaged arrangement is greater than a force required to move the cap body into the closed position.

7. A coupling as claimed in Claim 6 in which the flanges have an outer side, in which the latch means has an outer side, in which the outer side of the flanges and/or the outer side of the latch means are tapered, in which the outer side of the flanges are aligned for engagement with the outer side of the latch means when the cap apparatus and the probe means are arranged on said axis in the disengaged arrangement, in which movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along said axis when they are in the disengaged arrangement urges the outer side of the flanges over the outer side of the latch means such that the cap apparatus and the probe means move into the engaged arrangement.

8. A coupling as claimed in Claim 7 In which a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement is less than a force required to move the cap body into the open position.

9. A coupling as claimed in Claim 8 in which the aperture is provided with an abutment, in which the cap body is provided with a slot adapted to releasably receive said abutment, and in which a force required to release the abutment from the aperture is greater than a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement.

10. A coupling as claimed in Claim 9 in which the probe means comprises a cylindrical body defining a central bore therethrough, in which the work surface comprises an outer end of the cylindrical body, in which the latch means comprises an annular boss surrounding an inlet of the central bore, which boss is provided with a trough around its outer circumference in which the flanges are locatable.

11. A coupling as claimed in Claim 10 in which the two or more arms are provided with second flanges on their second side, and in which the second flanges cannot pass through the aperture.

12. A coupling as claimed in Claim 11 in which the cap apparatus comprises an outwardly extending cylindrical passageway adapted to receive the probe means when the cap body is moved into the open position, and in which first seal means are provided between the cylindrical passageway and the probe means.

13. A coupling as claimed in Claim 12 in which second seal means are provided between the aperture and the cap body.

14. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus comprises a mounting frame adapted to mount the cap apparatus in an aperture provided in a container with which the cap apparatus is used.

15. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the probe means is adapted to be mountable to a pump with which it is used.

16. A coupling as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 15 in which the cap apparatus is provided with a removable lid adapted to cover the two or more arms.

17. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus comprises an application handle.

18. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus comprises a shaped profile adapted to co-operate with a corresponding shaped profile provided on the probe means.

19. A coupling as claimed in Claim 18 in which the shaped profile provided on the cap apparatus is removably mounted thereon in a snap-fit arrangement.

20. A container comprising cap apparatus adapted to couple with a probe means with which it is to be used, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable along an axis between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which two or more resilient arms extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the two or more resilient arms are adapted to flex radially outwardly from said axis to engage with said probe means in a resilient snap-fit arrangement such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along said axis moves the cap body * ** into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away **** from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

S

****** *

21. A container substantially as described herein.

S

SS* ISS * S

S

S SSSSS * S

20. A coupling substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

21. A container comprising cap apparatus adapted to couple with a probe means with which it is to be used, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which engagement means extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the engagement means are adapted to engage with said probe means such that movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along an axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

22. A container substantially as described herein.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 2ö Claims.

1. A coupling comprising cap apparatus and probe means, in which the cap apparatus comprises a structure defining an aperture and a cap body moveable along an axis between a closed position in which it is disposed in the aperture and an open position in which it is proud of the aperture, in which two or more resilient arms extend from a first side of the cap body, in which the two or more resilient arms are adapted to flex radially outwardly from said axis to engage with the probe means in a resilient snap-fit arrangement, and in which when the cap body and the probe means are engaged movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along said axis moves the cap body into the open position, and movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis moves the cap body into the closed position.

2. A coupling as claimed in Claim I in which the two or more resilient arms each comprise an outer end provided with a flange, in which the probe means comprises a work surface provided with latch means, in which the flanges are a resilient snap-fit with the latch means, in which the work surface Is adapted to act against the outer ends to move the cap body into the open position, and in which the latch means is adapted to act against the flanges to move the cap body into the closed position.

3. A coupling as claimed in Claim 2 in which the snap-fit arrangement is releasable such that the cap apparatus and the probe means are configurable in an engaged arrangement in which movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards and away from one another moves the cap body into the open and closed position, and in a **.* disengaged arrangement in which the cap apparatus and the probe means are separated.

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4. A coupling as claimed in Claim 3 in which the construction of the cap apparatus and/or the probe means provides a working space through which the two or more arms are moveable in order to engage and disengage from the latch means, and in which when the cap body is in the open position no working space is provided.

5. A coupling as claimed in Claim 4 in which the flanges extend from a first side of each of the two or more arms, in which each of the two or more arms is adapted to flex in the direction of a second side opposite to the first side, in which forcing the cap apparatus and the probe means away from one another along said axis when the cap body is in the closed position forces each arm to flex such that its flange is drawn away from the latch means and the cap apparatus and the probe means move into the disengaged arrangement, and in which a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means Into the disengaged arrangement is greater than a force required to move the cap body into the closed position.

6. A coupling as claimed in Claim 5 in which the flanges have an outer side, in which the latch means has an outer side, in which the outer side of the flanges and/or the outer side of the latch means are tapered, in which the outer side of the flanges are aligned for engagement with the outer side of the latch means when the cap apparatus and the probe means are arranged on said axis in the disengaged arrangement, in which movement of the cap apparatus and the probe means towards one another along said axis when they are in the disengaged arrangement urges the outer side of the flanges over the outer side of the latch means such that the cap apparatus and the probe means move into the engaged arrangement. * ** *. * * ** S..

7. A coupling as claimed in Claim 6 in which a force required to move the cap * apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement is less than a force S.....

* required to move the cap body into the open position.

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8. A coupling as claimed in Claim 7 in which the aperture is provided with an abutment, in which the cap body is provided with a slot adapted to releasably receive said abutment, and in which a force required to release the abutment from the aperture is greater than a force required to move the cap apparatus and the probe means into the engaged arrangement.

9. A coupling as claimed in Claim 8 in which the probe means comprises a cylindrical body defining a central bore therethrough, in which the work surface comprises an outer end of the cylindrical body, in which the latch means comprises an annular boss surrounding an inlet of the central bore, which boss is provided with a trough around its outer circumference in which the flanges are locatable.

10. A coupling as claimed in Claim 9 in which the two or more arms are provided with second flanges on their second side, and in which the second flanges cannot pass through the aperture.

11. A coupling as claimed in Claim 10 in which the cap apparatus comprises an outwardly extending cylindrical passageway adapted to receive the probe means when the cap body is moved into the open position, and in which first seal means are provided between the cylindrical passageway and the probe means.

12. A coupling as claimed in Claim 11 in which second seal means are provided between the aperture and the cap body. * S.

13. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus * comprises a mounting frame adapted to mount the cap apparatus in an aperture provided in a container with which the cap apparatus is used.

*.** *5 * * 14. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the probe means is adapted to be mountable to a pump with which it is used. *

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15. A coupling as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 14 in which the cap apparatus is provided with a removable lid adapted to cover the two or more arms.

16. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus comprises an application handle.

17. A coupling as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the cap apparatus comprises a shaped profile adapted to co-operate with a corresponding shaped profile provided on the probe means.

18. A coupling as claimed in Claim 17 in which the shaped profile provided on the cap apparatus is removably mounted thereon in a snap-fit arrangement.

19. A coupling substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.