US20120199503A1 - Dispensing cap for beverage container - Google Patents
Dispensing cap for beverage container Download PDFInfo
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- US20120199503A1 US20120199503A1 US13/450,381 US201213450381A US2012199503A1 US 20120199503 A1 US20120199503 A1 US 20120199503A1 US 201213450381 A US201213450381 A US 201213450381A US 2012199503 A1 US2012199503 A1 US 2012199503A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flow tube
- flow
- skirt
- container
- membrane
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
- B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
- B65D47/243—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2857—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it
- B65D51/2864—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it the element being a plug or like element closing a passage between the auxiliary container and the main container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2217/00—Details of mixing containers or closures
- B65D2217/02—Whereby the mixture can be used several times, e.g. containers which can be resealed after mixing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2217/00—Details of mixing containers or closures
- B65D2217/04—Whereby the separation between the different product compartments can be restored, e.g. for reuse
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to beverage container closure devices having reservoirs for holding an additive substance, and operative to dispense the additive substance into the container to facilitate mixing of the additive substance with the beverage.
- a dispensing cap incorporates a reservoir for receiving a quantity or dose of an additive substance, to be mixed with the base liquid (e.g., water; sport beverage) in the container.
- the additive substance could be of various types, and could be in either liquid or powdered form; examples would include flavoring ingredients, medicinal or pharmaceutical agents, dietary supplements, and therapeutic substances.
- Some additives may have diminished efficacy if mixed with the base liquid a significant length of time before consumption, or early mixing could reduce the mixture's shelf life.
- proper proportioning of the additive may be important to ensure that the additive will have the desired benefits for the person consuming the mixture. Provision of the additive in a dispensing cap facilitates precise proportioning of the additive and base liquid, and also allows a consumer to ensure optimal freshness of the additive/base liquid mixture by dispensing the additive into the base liquid just prior to consumption.
- the present disclosure teaches a dispensing cap that may be screwed onto or otherwise sealingly mounted to a conventional beverage container, and which may be actuated to dispense an additive substance from a reservoir within the dispensing cap, into the beverage container.
- the dispensing cap has an open-bottomed flow tube which is connected to a surrounding skirt by means of a resilient diaphragm, forming an annular reservoir or storage chamber surrounding the flow tube.
- a substantially rigid annular base cap is provided at the bottom of the flow tube, with the outer perimeter of the base cap being adapted for releasably sealing circumferential engagement with the skirt, so as to close off the bottom of the storage chamber.
- the dispensing cap is threaded or otherwise adapted for sealing attachment to a beverage container, such that the skirt and storage chamber are disposed within the throat or neck of the container.
- a downward force applied to the flow tube will induce resilient downward deformation of the diaphragm, disengagement of the base cap from the skirt, and downward displacement of the base cap relative to the skirt, thus opening the lower end of the storage chamber and releasing the contents thereof into the container, whereupon the container can be agitated to mix the storage chamber contents with a liquid in the container.
- the flow tube extends above the storage chamber and terminates in a flow assembly which enables consumption of the container contents without removing the dispensing cap from the container.
- the upper end of the flow tube is closed off, and is sealingly engageable with an opening in a cap sleeve which is slidingly mounted over a wall structure defining a flow chamber.
- the portion of the flow tube disposed within the flow chamber has openings to permit liquid flowing in the flow tube to pass into the flow chamber.
- the bottom of the storage chamber is closed off by a substantially impermeable membrane which is sealingly attached to the periphery of the skirt.
- the membrane may be made from metal foil, but other materials may be used for the membrane without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
- the open lower end of the flow tube is initially disposed slightly above the membrane, and is configured such that it can readily pierce the membrane when pushed downward against the membrane.
- a downward force applied to the flow tube will induce resilient downward deformation of the diaphragm and cause the lower end of the flow tube to pierce the membrane, thus opening the lower end of the storage chamber and dispensing its contents (i.e., additive substance) into the container, whereupon the container can be agitated to mix the additive substance with a liquid in the container.
- the container can then be tipped back so that the mixture formed inside the container can flow through the flow tube and flow assembly and out the cap sleeve opening.
- the portion of the flow tube below the diaphragm may optionally be provided with slots or other types of openings to enhance flow of the mixed liquid into and out of the flow tube.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric section through a first embodiment of a dispensing cap in accordance with the present disclosure, with the dispensing cap being screwed onto a beverage container and with security tab in place.
- FIG. 2 is an elevational section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 , with security tab removed in preparation for dispensing additive into the container.
- FIG. 4 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 , shown after actuation to dispensing additive from the reservoir.
- FIG. 5 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 , shown after actuation to allow consumption from the container.
- FIG. 6 is a vertical section through second embodiment of a dispensing cap in accordance with the present disclosure, shown with an additive substance stored in the storage chamber and with the security tab being removed in preparation of dispensing the additive substance.
- FIG. 7 is a section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 6 , showing the lower end of the flow tube having pierced the membrane to dispense the additive substance from the storage chamber into the container.
- FIG. 8 is a section through the dispensing cap of FIG. 6 , illustrating the flow path from the container through the dispensing cap and out the cap sleeve opening.
- FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a dispensing cap 10 in accordance with the present disclosure, shown mounted on a beverage container 100 having a throat section 110 .
- the dispensing cap 10 is adapted for mounting on a container 100 having a threaded neck, but this is not essential; dispensing cap 10 may be readily adapted for use with containers designed to receive alternative, non-threaded types of closures.
- All components of dispensing cap 10 are preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, but other materials providing suitable functional effectiveness may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- Dispensing cap 10 has a flow tube 20 having an upper end 20 U and a lower end 20 L.
- flow tube 20 is of generally cylindrical configuration, and the descriptions herein will be in the context of a generally cylindrical flow tube 20 . Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that flow tube 20 could be of a different geometric configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- flow tube 20 may be considered as comprising four contiguous sections, as follows:
- Lower end 20 L of flow tube 20 has an opening 21 which leads into a flow passage 24 extending the full length of flow tube 20 , from lower end 20 L to upper end 20 U.
- the cylindrical walls of flow tube 20 are solid except within perforated section 22 P, which is formed with a plurality of perforations 25 , for purposes to be explained herein.
- perforations 25 are provided in the form of vertical slots, but this is not essential; perforations 25 could alternatively be provided in various other forms (e.g., round holes).
- upper end 20 U of flow tube 20 is closed off by a cap member 26 .
- Top section 22 T of flow tube 20 is preferably somewhat smaller in cross-sectional diameter than perforated section 22 P. However, this feature is not essential, and in alternative embodiments top section 22 T and perforated section 22 P may be of substantially the same diameter.
- Dispensing cap 10 also has a cylindrical skirt 30 which surrounds lower section 22 L of flow tube 20 , so as to form a generally annular storage chamber 40 between the inner surface of skirt 30 and the outer surface of lower section 22 L of flow tube 20 .
- the outer diameter of skirt 30 is smaller than the inner diameter of throat section 110 of the container 100 on which dispensing cap 10 is to be installed, such that skirt 30 may be readily disposed within throat section 110 .
- the outer diameter of skirt 30 is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of throat section 110 , thus maximizing the volume of storage chamber 40 .
- Skirt 30 has an upper end 30 U and a lower end 30 L.
- annular skirt flange 31 extends radially outward from upper end 30 U of skirt 30 , and transitions at its outmost edge to a downwardly extending cylindrical collar 32 .
- collar 32 has internal threads 32 A and is of a suitable diameter such that it can be screwed onto the top of container 100 with its internal threads 32 A engaging the external threading 115 at the top of container 100 .
- a resiliently flexible and generally annular diaphragm 42 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flow tube 20 at first intermediate point 20 - 1 , and extends radially outward therefrom to circumferentially and sealingly connect to upper end 30 U of skirt 30 .
- Flow tube 20 , skirt 30 , and diaphragm 42 are preferably (but not necessarily) molded as an integral unit. Although this integral unit may thus be made of a rigid or semi-plastic material, the required flexibility of diaphragm 42 may be provided by making diaphragm 42 substantially thinner than the components to which it is connected (i.e., flow tube 20 and skirt 30 ).
- a substantially rigid and generally annular base cap 44 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flow tube 20 at lower end 20 L, and extends generally radially outward therefrom for circumferentially sealingly engagement with lower end 30 L of skirt 30 .
- the circumferential engagement of base cap 44 with lower end 30 L of skirt 30 is not integral, but is adapted to permit ready disengagement and downward displacement of base cap 44 relative to skirt 30 in response to application of a sufficient downward force on flow tube 20 relative to skirt 30 .
- base cap 44 preferably (but not necessarily) has a downward slope radially away from lower end 20 L of flow tube 20 , to promote efficient and complete dispensing of an additive substance from.
- base flange 44 may be provided in the form of a discrete component that snaps onto a circumferential retention flange 20 F formed at lower end 20 L of flow tube 20 .
- base cap 44 could also be integrally formed or molded with flow tube 20 .
- annular storage chamber 40 becomes a sealed and preferably liquid-tight chamber.
- Storage chamber 40 may be filled or partially filled with a selected additive substance in liquid, powder, or other form as appropriate.
- Dispensing cap 10 also incorporates a beverage flow assembly 50 , which may be most clearly understood with reference to FIG. 3 .
- flow assembly 50 comprises a base flange 52 which extends radially outward from second intermediate point 20 - 2 on flow tube 20 .
- An open-topped cylindrical flow chamber wall 54 extends upward from base flange 52 , forming a generally annular flow chamber 56 surrounding perforated section 22 P of flow tube 20 .
- a generally dome-shaped, cylindrical cap sleeve 58 having a top closure member 59 , with a flow opening 59 A formed in top closure 59 is disposed over and around flow chamber wall 54 such that cap sleeve 58 is slidingly movable relative to cylindrical wall 54 between:
- Flow chamber wall 54 and cap sleeve 58 are designed and configured such that cap sleeve 58 forms a substantially liquid-tight seal against flow chamber wall 54 as cap sleeve 58 moves between the closed and open positions.
- the Figures conceptually illustrate one particular design whereby this liquid-tight seal may be achieved, but the present disclosure is not limited to this or any other particular method or means of providing a sliding seal between cap sleeve 58 and flow chamber wall 54 , which as persons skilled in the art will recognize can be accomplished in a variety of ways using known technology.
- flow chamber wall 54 is described and illustrated herein as being generally cylindrical, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that flow chamber wall 54 and flow chamber 56 could be of different geometric configurations (with corresponding modifications to cap sleeve 58 ) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- a generally annular security tab 60 is preferably (but not necessarily) disposed provided around middle section 22 M of flow tube 20 , between skirt flange 31 and base flange 52 .
- security tab 60 prevents unintentional release of the additive substance from storage chamber 40 , as could result from inadvertent downward displacement of flow tube 20 relative to skirt 30 . Accordingly, security tab 60 will typically be left in place until it is desired to release the additive substance into container 100 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate dispensing cap 10 threadingly mounted over the threaded neck of a beverage container 100 , with skirt 30 (and lower section 22 L of flow tube 20 ) disposed within throat 110 of container 100 .
- Security tab 60 is in place, storage chamber 40 has been filled with a selected additive substance (not shown), and cap sleeve 58 is in the closed position.
- FIG. 3 illustrates dispensing cap 10 essentially as in FIGS. 1 and 2 but with security tab 60 removed.
- FIG. 4 illustrates dispensing cap 10 in the “dispense” position, which is achieved by applying a downward force on top closure 59 (and flow assembly 50 as a whole), such that flow tube 20 moves downward within skirt 30 (with corresponding deformation and downward deflection of diaphragm 42 ), causing base cap 44 to become disengaged from and displaced below lower end 30 L of skirt 30 , such that the additive substance will readily flow out of storage chamber 40 and into container 100 , whereupon the additive substance will become mixed with the liquid (e.g., water; sport beverage) in container 100 .
- the liquid e.g., water; sport beverage
- FIG. 5 illustrates dispensing cap 10 in the open or “consume” position, which is achieved subsequent to the release of the additive substance from storage chamber 40 , by simply sliding cap sleeve 58 into the “consume” position as previously described.
- container 100 may be tilted or inverted to allow the mixed beverage to flow through opening 21 of flow tube 20 into flow passage 24 within flow tube 20 , and thence through perforations 25 in perforated section 22 P of flow tube 20 into flow chamber 56 , and out through flow opening 59 A in top closure 59 .
- a particular advantage of this first embodiment of the dispensing cap is that it provides the beverage consumer with the option of drinking the base liquid from container 100 without releasing the additive substance from storage chamber 40 into container 100 . This may be done by simply by sliding cap sleeve 58 into the “open” position without displacing flow tube 20 ; this can be done with security tab 60 either removed or in place.
- Another advantage of this first embodiment is that it gives the beverage consumer the option of releasing only a portion of the additive substance into container 100 . This can be done by, for example, displacing flow tube 20 only partially downward and then retracting flow tube 20 (by pulling upward on base flange 52 ) so as to sealingly re-engage base cap 44 with lower end 30 L of skirt 30 , thus retaining the remaining amount of additive substance within storage chamber 40 until the consumer is ready to dispense it into container 100 at a later time.
- FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a dispensing cap 200 in accordance with a second embodiment.
- elements similar or identical to corresponding components of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are denoted by the same reference numbers.
- FIG. 6 shows dispensing cap 200 mounted to a beverage container 100 containing a liquid 105 .
- Dispensing cap 200 comprises a flow tube 220 having an open-ended lower end 200 L and defining a flow passage 224 .
- the uppermost region of flow tube 200 defines a perforated section 220 P having one or more perforations 25 , for purposes as previously described with reference to the embodiment in FIGS. 1-5 .
- the uppermost end of perforated section 220 P is closed off by a cap member 26 .
- a cylindrical skirt 30 surrounds a lower portion of flow tube 220 so as to form a generally annular storage chamber 40 .
- a resiliently flexible and generally annular diaphragm 42 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flow tube 200 at a point below perforations 25 , and extends radially outward therefrom to circumferentially and sealingly connect to the upper end 30 U of skirt 30 , thereby closing off the top of storage chamber 40 .
- diaphragm 42 in its initial, pre-use configuration has a generally conical form, with its connection to flow tube 220 being at a level higher than its connection to skirt 30 .
- a substantially impermeable membrane 210 is sealingly attached to the periphery of skirt 30 at its lower end 30 L, thereby closing off the bottom of storage chamber 40 .
- Membrane 210 may be made from metal foil, but other materials may be used for the membrane without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
- Dispensing cap 200 also incorporates a beverage flow assembly 50 generally as previously described with reference to FIG. 3 , and comprising a base flange 52 and an open-topped cylindrical flow chamber wall 54 which extends upward from base flange 52 to form a generally annular flow chamber 56 surrounding perforated upper section 220 P of flow tube 220 .
- a generally dome-shaped, cylindrical cap sleeve 58 having a top closure member 59 , with a flow opening 59 A formed in top closure 59 is disposed over and around flow chamber wall 54 such that cap sleeve 58 is slidingly movable relative to cylindrical wall 54 between closed and open positions as previously described.
- base flange 52 may be of a downwardly-oriented, generally conical configuration. However, this configuration is not essential, and in variant embodiments base flange 52 could be of a different configuration (generally flat or planar, for example, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 ).
- Dispensing cap 200 optionally may be provided with a generally annular security tab 60 disposed between diaphragm 42 and base flange 52 , such that dispensing cap 200 cannot be actuated to dispense the contents of storage chamber 40 into container 100 until security tab 60 has been removed.
- lower end 200 L of flow tube 200 when dispensing cap 200 is in its pre-use configuration, with a desired amount of additive substance having been placed in storage chamber 40 , lower end 200 L of flow tube 200 will be disposed above and fairly close to membrane 210 .
- Lower end 200 L of flow tube 200 is designed and configured such that it will readily pierce or puncture membrane 210 when pressed downward against membrane 210 .
- FIGS. 6-8 lower end 200 L of flow tube 200 is shown as having a chisel point (similar to the point of a hypodermic needle). However, this is only one example of how lower end 200 L of flow tube 220 could be configured to facilitate piercing of membrane 210 , and the present disclosure is not limited to this or any other particular means or method for providing this functionality.
- dispensing cap 200 may be readily understood with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- a downward force has been applied to flow tube 220 , thereby resiliently deforming diaphragm 42 to a downwardly-deflected position as shown, and causing lower end 200 L of flow tube 220 to pierce membrane 210 , thus allowing the additive substance to flow out of storage chamber 40 into container 100 .
- the side wall of flow tube 220 may be provided with one or more slots 222 (or openings of a different configuration) such that the additive substance can flow from storage chamber 40 through slots 222 and then downward through flow passage 224 of flow tube 220 and exit lower end 200 L of flow tube 220 into container 100 .
- lower end 200 L of flow tube 220 will be configured to pierce membrane 210 in such as manner as to create a large enough opening in membrane 210 to allow the additive substance to flow directly out of storage chamber 40 into container 100 without having to flow through slots 222 and flow passage 224 (or to flow partially via flow passage 224 and partly directly out of storage chamber 40 into container 100 ).
- FIG. 8 illustrates how liquid 105 , after being mixed with the additive substance dispensed from storage chamber 40 , can flow through dispensing cap 200 for consumption.
- the liquid mixture can flow into directly into flow chamber 224 of flow tube 220 via the open lower end 220 L of flow tube 200 (as indicated by flow path arrows A in FIG. 8 ), and thence through openings 25 in perforated section 220 P of flow tube 200 and out through flow opening 59 A in top closure 59 (as indicated by flow path arrows B).
- the liquid mixture can flow through the opening in membrane 210 external to flow tube 200 and then through slots 222 in the side wall of flow tube 200 into flow chamber 224 (as indicated by flow path arrows C), and thence via flow path B to exit through flow opening 59 A in top closure 59 .
- lower end 220 L could be closed (but still adapted to pierce membrane 210 ), such that all flow of the additive substance from storage chamber 40 into container 100 is directly through the opening in pierced membrane 210 , and such that all flow of the liquid mixture from container 100 and out through flow opening 59 A is via flow paths C and B in sequence.
- dispensing caps in accordance with the present disclosure not intended to be limited to illustrated embodiments, and that the substitution of a variant of a claimed element or feature, without any substantial resultant change in functionality, will not constitute a departure from the scope of the disclosure.
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Abstract
A dispensing cap has an open-bottomed flow tube connected to a surrounding skirt by a resilient diaphragm, and extending into a storage chamber defined by the diaphragm, skirt, and a membrane sealingly closing off the bottom of the skirt. The lower end of the flow tube is disposed above and closely adjacent to the membrane, and is adapted to pierce the membrane when pressed downward against it. The dispensing cap is sealingly mountable to a beverage container with the skirt and storage chamber disposed within the throat of the container. A downward force applied to the flow tube will resiliently deform the diaphragm and force the lower end of the flow tube against and pierce the membrane, thus releasing the contents of the storage chamber into the container, which can then be agitated to mix the storage chamber contents with liquid in the container.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/937,516, which was filed on Oct. 12, 2010 as the U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/CA2009/000452, filed on Apr. 7, 2009, claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/045,896, filed on Apr. 17, 2008. All three said earlier applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for continuity of disclosure.
- The present disclosure relates in general to beverage container closure devices having reservoirs for holding an additive substance, and operative to dispense the additive substance into the container to facilitate mixing of the additive substance with the beverage.
- It is known to use dispensing caps and closures with beverage containers such as bottled water and sport beverages. A dispensing cap incorporates a reservoir for receiving a quantity or dose of an additive substance, to be mixed with the base liquid (e.g., water; sport beverage) in the container. The additive substance could be of various types, and could be in either liquid or powdered form; examples would include flavoring ingredients, medicinal or pharmaceutical agents, dietary supplements, and therapeutic substances. Some additives may have diminished efficacy if mixed with the base liquid a significant length of time before consumption, or early mixing could reduce the mixture's shelf life. In other cases, such as for medicinal, therapeutic, or other health-related additives, proper proportioning of the additive may be important to ensure that the additive will have the desired benefits for the person consuming the mixture. Provision of the additive in a dispensing cap facilitates precise proportioning of the additive and base liquid, and also allows a consumer to ensure optimal freshness of the additive/base liquid mixture by dispensing the additive into the base liquid just prior to consumption.
- The prior art discloses numerous examples of container closures for dispensing an additive into the container, including the following patent documents:
- DE 31 40 398 A1
- DE 42 38 819 A1
- FR 1178 115 A1
-
FR 2 814 156 A1 - JP 2002-282565
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,570 A1
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,433
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,528
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,573
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,335
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,341 B1
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,650 B2
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,070 B1
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,595 B2
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,839 B2
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,453 B2
- US 2007/0074979 A1
- US 2007/0090000 A1
- US 2008/0067172 A1
- US 2008/0073307 A1
- US 2008/0093381 A1
- US 2008/0116221 A1
- WO 2006/050538 A1
- WO 2008/014444 A2
- Notwithstanding the identified prior art, there remains a need for an improved dispensing cap for beverage containers.
- In general terms, the present disclosure teaches a dispensing cap that may be screwed onto or otherwise sealingly mounted to a conventional beverage container, and which may be actuated to dispense an additive substance from a reservoir within the dispensing cap, into the beverage container. The dispensing cap has an open-bottomed flow tube which is connected to a surrounding skirt by means of a resilient diaphragm, forming an annular reservoir or storage chamber surrounding the flow tube.
- In accordance with a first embodiment, a substantially rigid annular base cap is provided at the bottom of the flow tube, with the outer perimeter of the base cap being adapted for releasably sealing circumferential engagement with the skirt, so as to close off the bottom of the storage chamber. The dispensing cap is threaded or otherwise adapted for sealing attachment to a beverage container, such that the skirt and storage chamber are disposed within the throat or neck of the container. A downward force applied to the flow tube will induce resilient downward deformation of the diaphragm, disengagement of the base cap from the skirt, and downward displacement of the base cap relative to the skirt, thus opening the lower end of the storage chamber and releasing the contents thereof into the container, whereupon the container can be agitated to mix the storage chamber contents with a liquid in the container.
- The flow tube extends above the storage chamber and terminates in a flow assembly which enables consumption of the container contents without removing the dispensing cap from the container. The upper end of the flow tube is closed off, and is sealingly engageable with an opening in a cap sleeve which is slidingly mounted over a wall structure defining a flow chamber. The portion of the flow tube disposed within the flow chamber has openings to permit liquid flowing in the flow tube to pass into the flow chamber. When the cap sleeve is in its closed position with the upper end of the flow tube engaging the cap sleeve opening, liquid cannot flow out of the container through the cap sleeve opening. When the cap is slidingly moved to its open position, with the upper end of the flow tube disengaged from the cap sleeve opening, liquid can flow from the container, through the flow tube, into the flow chamber, and out the cap sleeve opening.
- In accordance with a second embodiment, the bottom of the storage chamber is closed off by a substantially impermeable membrane which is sealingly attached to the periphery of the skirt. The membrane may be made from metal foil, but other materials may be used for the membrane without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the open lower end of the flow tube is initially disposed slightly above the membrane, and is configured such that it can readily pierce the membrane when pushed downward against the membrane. The other elements of this embodiment of the dispensing cap, including the flow assembly, are similar to corresponding elements of the first embodiment described previously.
- A downward force applied to the flow tube will induce resilient downward deformation of the diaphragm and cause the lower end of the flow tube to pierce the membrane, thus opening the lower end of the storage chamber and dispensing its contents (i.e., additive substance) into the container, whereupon the container can be agitated to mix the additive substance with a liquid in the container. The container can then be tipped back so that the mixture formed inside the container can flow through the flow tube and flow assembly and out the cap sleeve opening. In this embodiment, the portion of the flow tube below the diaphragm may optionally be provided with slots or other types of openings to enhance flow of the mixed liquid into and out of the flow tube.
- Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which numerical references denote like parts, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric section through a first embodiment of a dispensing cap in accordance with the present disclosure, with the dispensing cap being screwed onto a beverage container and with security tab in place. -
FIG. 2 is an elevational section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 1 , with security tab removed in preparation for dispensing additive into the container. -
FIG. 4 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 1 , shown after actuation to dispensing additive from the reservoir. -
FIG. 5 is an isometric section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 1 , shown after actuation to allow consumption from the container. -
FIG. 6 is a vertical section through second embodiment of a dispensing cap in accordance with the present disclosure, shown with an additive substance stored in the storage chamber and with the security tab being removed in preparation of dispensing the additive substance. -
FIG. 7 is a section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 6 , showing the lower end of the flow tube having pierced the membrane to dispense the additive substance from the storage chamber into the container. -
FIG. 8 is a section through the dispensing cap ofFIG. 6 , illustrating the flow path from the container through the dispensing cap and out the cap sleeve opening. -
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a dispensingcap 10 in accordance with the present disclosure, shown mounted on abeverage container 100 having athroat section 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensingcap 10 is adapted for mounting on acontainer 100 having a threaded neck, but this is not essential; dispensingcap 10 may be readily adapted for use with containers designed to receive alternative, non-threaded types of closures. All components of dispensingcap 10 are preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, but other materials providing suitable functional effectiveness may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. -
Dispensing cap 10 has aflow tube 20 having an upper end 20U and a lower end 20L. In the illustrated embodiment, flowtube 20 is of generally cylindrical configuration, and the descriptions herein will be in the context of a generallycylindrical flow tube 20. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, thatflow tube 20 could be of a different geometric configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - Having reference to
FIG. 2 , flowtube 20 may be considered as comprising four contiguous sections, as follows: -
- lower section 22L, extending upward from lower end 20L of
flow tube 20 to a first intermediate point 20-1; -
middle section 22M, extending upward from first intermediate point 20-1 to a second intermediate point 20-2 a selected distance above first intermediate point 20-1; - a
perforated section 22P, extending upward from second intermediate point 20-2 to a third intermediate point 20-3 a selected distance above second intermediate point 20-2; and - a top section 22T, extending upward from third intermediate point 22-3 to upper end 20U of
flow tube 20.
- lower section 22L, extending upward from lower end 20L of
- Lower end 20L of
flow tube 20 has anopening 21 which leads into aflow passage 24 extending the full length offlow tube 20, from lower end 20L to upper end 20U. The cylindrical walls offlow tube 20 are solid except withinperforated section 22P, which is formed with a plurality ofperforations 25, for purposes to be explained herein. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment,perforations 25 are provided in the form of vertical slots, but this is not essential;perforations 25 could alternatively be provided in various other forms (e.g., round holes). In the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures, upper end 20U offlow tube 20 is closed off by acap member 26. Top section 22T offlow tube 20 is preferably somewhat smaller in cross-sectional diameter thanperforated section 22P. However, this feature is not essential, and in alternative embodiments top section 22T andperforated section 22P may be of substantially the same diameter. -
Dispensing cap 10 also has acylindrical skirt 30 which surrounds lower section 22L offlow tube 20, so as to form a generallyannular storage chamber 40 between the inner surface ofskirt 30 and the outer surface of lower section 22L offlow tube 20. The outer diameter ofskirt 30 is smaller than the inner diameter ofthroat section 110 of thecontainer 100 on which dispensingcap 10 is to be installed, such thatskirt 30 may be readily disposed withinthroat section 110. Preferably (but not necessarily), the outer diameter ofskirt 30 is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter ofthroat section 110, thus maximizing the volume ofstorage chamber 40.Skirt 30 has an upper end 30U and a lower end 30L. Anannular skirt flange 31 extends radially outward from upper end 30U ofskirt 30, and transitions at its outmost edge to a downwardly extendingcylindrical collar 32. As may be seen in the Figures,collar 32 hasinternal threads 32A and is of a suitable diameter such that it can be screwed onto the top ofcontainer 100 with itsinternal threads 32A engaging theexternal threading 115 at the top ofcontainer 100. - A resiliently flexible and generally
annular diaphragm 42 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flowtube 20 at first intermediate point 20-1, and extends radially outward therefrom to circumferentially and sealingly connect to upper end 30U ofskirt 30.Flow tube 20,skirt 30, anddiaphragm 42 are preferably (but not necessarily) molded as an integral unit. Although this integral unit may thus be made of a rigid or semi-plastic material, the required flexibility ofdiaphragm 42 may be provided by makingdiaphragm 42 substantially thinner than the components to which it is connected (i.e., flowtube 20 and skirt 30). - A substantially rigid and generally
annular base cap 44 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flowtube 20 at lower end 20L, and extends generally radially outward therefrom for circumferentially sealingly engagement with lower end 30L ofskirt 30. Unlike the connection ofdiaphragm 42 to upper end 30U ofskirt 30, the circumferential engagement ofbase cap 44 with lower end 30L ofskirt 30 is not integral, but is adapted to permit ready disengagement and downward displacement ofbase cap 44 relative to skirt 30 in response to application of a sufficient downward force onflow tube 20 relative to skirt 30. - As shown in the Figures,
base cap 44 preferably (but not necessarily) has a downward slope radially away from lower end 20L offlow tube 20, to promote efficient and complete dispensing of an additive substance from. - Also as shown in the Figures,
base flange 44 may be provided in the form of a discrete component that snaps onto acircumferential retention flange 20F formed at lower end 20L offlow tube 20. In alternative embodiments, however,base cap 44 could also be integrally formed or molded withflow tube 20. - Having reference to
FIGS. 1 , 2, and 3 and the foregoing descriptions, it will be seen that whenbase cap 44 is sealingly engaged with lower end 30L ofskirt 30,annular storage chamber 40 becomes a sealed and preferably liquid-tight chamber.Storage chamber 40 may be filled or partially filled with a selected additive substance in liquid, powder, or other form as appropriate. -
Dispensing cap 10 also incorporates abeverage flow assembly 50, which may be most clearly understood with reference toFIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, flowassembly 50 comprises abase flange 52 which extends radially outward from second intermediate point 20-2 onflow tube 20. An open-topped cylindricalflow chamber wall 54 extends upward frombase flange 52, forming a generallyannular flow chamber 56 surroundingperforated section 22P offlow tube 20. A generally dome-shaped,cylindrical cap sleeve 58 having atop closure member 59, with a flow opening 59A formed intop closure 59, is disposed over and around flowchamber wall 54 such thatcap sleeve 58 is slidingly movable relative tocylindrical wall 54 between: -
- a closed position (as seen in
FIGS. 1 to 4 ) in which top section 22T offlow tube 20 sealingly engages flow opening 59A; and - an open position (as seen in
FIG. 5 ) in whichtop closure 59 is displaced to a position above top section 22T offlow tube 20 such that liquid can flow out offlow chamber 56 through flow opening 59A.
- a closed position (as seen in
-
Flow chamber wall 54 andcap sleeve 58 are designed and configured such thatcap sleeve 58 forms a substantially liquid-tight seal againstflow chamber wall 54 ascap sleeve 58 moves between the closed and open positions. The Figures conceptually illustrate one particular design whereby this liquid-tight seal may be achieved, but the present disclosure is not limited to this or any other particular method or means of providing a sliding seal betweencap sleeve 58 and flowchamber wall 54, which as persons skilled in the art will recognize can be accomplished in a variety of ways using known technology. - Although
flow chamber wall 54 is described and illustrated herein as being generally cylindrical, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that flowchamber wall 54 and flowchamber 56 could be of different geometric configurations (with corresponding modifications to cap sleeve 58) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a generallyannular security tab 60, withpull tab 62, is preferably (but not necessarily) disposed provided aroundmiddle section 22M offlow tube 20, betweenskirt flange 31 andbase flange 52. As will be explained in greater detail below,security tab 60 prevents unintentional release of the additive substance fromstorage chamber 40, as could result from inadvertent downward displacement offlow tube 20 relative to skirt 30. Accordingly,security tab 60 will typically be left in place until it is desired to release the additive substance intocontainer 100. - The particular security tab configuration shown in the Figures is exemplary only. Embodiments incorporating a security tab are not limited or restricted to the use of a security device as specifically illustrated herein or in accordance with any other particular design or style.
- The operation of dispensing
cap 10 may be readily understood with reference to the Figures and the foregoing descriptions.FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate dispensingcap 10 threadingly mounted over the threaded neck of abeverage container 100, with skirt 30 (and lower section 22L of flow tube 20) disposed withinthroat 110 ofcontainer 100.Security tab 60 is in place,storage chamber 40 has been filled with a selected additive substance (not shown), andcap sleeve 58 is in the closed position. -
FIG. 3 illustrates dispensingcap 10 essentially as inFIGS. 1 and 2 but withsecurity tab 60 removed. -
FIG. 4 illustrates dispensingcap 10 in the “dispense” position, which is achieved by applying a downward force on top closure 59 (and flowassembly 50 as a whole), such thatflow tube 20 moves downward within skirt 30 (with corresponding deformation and downward deflection of diaphragm 42), causingbase cap 44 to become disengaged from and displaced below lower end 30L ofskirt 30, such that the additive substance will readily flow out ofstorage chamber 40 and intocontainer 100, whereupon the additive substance will become mixed with the liquid (e.g., water; sport beverage) incontainer 100. -
FIG. 5 illustrates dispensingcap 10 in the open or “consume” position, which is achieved subsequent to the release of the additive substance fromstorage chamber 40, by simply slidingcap sleeve 58 into the “consume” position as previously described. With dispensingcap 10 in the “consume” position,container 100 may be tilted or inverted to allow the mixed beverage to flow through opening 21 offlow tube 20 intoflow passage 24 withinflow tube 20, and thence throughperforations 25 inperforated section 22P offlow tube 20 intoflow chamber 56, and out through flow opening 59A intop closure 59. - A particular advantage of this first embodiment of the dispensing cap is that it provides the beverage consumer with the option of drinking the base liquid from
container 100 without releasing the additive substance fromstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100. This may be done by simply by slidingcap sleeve 58 into the “open” position without displacingflow tube 20; this can be done withsecurity tab 60 either removed or in place. - Another advantage of this first embodiment is that it gives the beverage consumer the option of releasing only a portion of the additive substance into
container 100. This can be done by, for example, displacingflow tube 20 only partially downward and then retracting flow tube 20 (by pulling upward on base flange 52) so as to sealinglyre-engage base cap 44 with lower end 30L ofskirt 30, thus retaining the remaining amount of additive substance withinstorage chamber 40 until the consumer is ready to dispense it intocontainer 100 at a later time. -
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a dispensingcap 200 in accordance with a second embodiment. InFIGS. 6-8 , elements similar or identical to corresponding components of the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 are denoted by the same reference numbers. -
FIG. 6 shows dispensing cap 200 mounted to abeverage container 100 containing a liquid 105.Dispensing cap 200 comprises aflow tube 220 having an open-ended lower end 200L and defining aflow passage 224. The uppermost region offlow tube 200 defines aperforated section 220P having one ormore perforations 25, for purposes as previously described with reference to the embodiment inFIGS. 1-5 . The uppermost end ofperforated section 220P is closed off by acap member 26. - A
cylindrical skirt 30 surrounds a lower portion offlow tube 220 so as to form a generallyannular storage chamber 40. A resiliently flexible and generallyannular diaphragm 42 is circumferentially and sealingly connected to flowtube 200 at a point belowperforations 25, and extends radially outward therefrom to circumferentially and sealingly connect to the upper end 30U ofskirt 30, thereby closing off the top ofstorage chamber 40. As illustrated inFIG. 6 ,diaphragm 42 in its initial, pre-use configuration has a generally conical form, with its connection to flowtube 220 being at a level higher than its connection to skirt 30. A substantiallyimpermeable membrane 210 is sealingly attached to the periphery ofskirt 30 at its lower end 30L, thereby closing off the bottom ofstorage chamber 40.Membrane 210 may be made from metal foil, but other materials may be used for the membrane without departing from the scope of the disclosure. -
Dispensing cap 200 also incorporates abeverage flow assembly 50 generally as previously described with reference toFIG. 3 , and comprising abase flange 52 and an open-topped cylindricalflow chamber wall 54 which extends upward frombase flange 52 to form a generallyannular flow chamber 56 surrounding perforatedupper section 220P offlow tube 220. A generally dome-shaped,cylindrical cap sleeve 58 having atop closure member 59, with a flow opening 59A formed intop closure 59, is disposed over and around flowchamber wall 54 such thatcap sleeve 58 is slidingly movable relative tocylindrical wall 54 between closed and open positions as previously described. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 6-8 ,base flange 52 may be of a downwardly-oriented, generally conical configuration. However, this configuration is not essential, and in variant embodiments baseflange 52 could be of a different configuration (generally flat or planar, for example, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5 ). -
Dispensing cap 200 optionally may be provided with a generallyannular security tab 60 disposed betweendiaphragm 42 andbase flange 52, such that dispensingcap 200 cannot be actuated to dispense the contents ofstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100 untilsecurity tab 60 has been removed. - As seen in
FIG. 6 , when dispensingcap 200 is in its pre-use configuration, with a desired amount of additive substance having been placed instorage chamber 40, lower end 200L offlow tube 200 will be disposed above and fairly close tomembrane 210. Lower end 200L offlow tube 200 is designed and configured such that it will readily pierce or puncturemembrane 210 when pressed downward againstmembrane 210. InFIGS. 6-8 , lower end 200L offlow tube 200 is shown as having a chisel point (similar to the point of a hypodermic needle). However, this is only one example of how lower end 200L offlow tube 220 could be configured to facilitate piercing ofmembrane 210, and the present disclosure is not limited to this or any other particular means or method for providing this functionality. - The operation and use of dispensing
cap 200 may be readily understood with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8 . InFIG. 7 , a downward force has been applied to flowtube 220, thereby resiliently deformingdiaphragm 42 to a downwardly-deflected position as shown, and causing lower end 200L offlow tube 220 to piercemembrane 210, thus allowing the additive substance to flow out ofstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100. To facilitate the flow of the additive substance out ofstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100, the side wall offlow tube 220 may be provided with one or more slots 222 (or openings of a different configuration) such that the additive substance can flow fromstorage chamber 40 throughslots 222 and then downward throughflow passage 224 offlow tube 220 and exit lower end 200L offlow tube 220 intocontainer 100. In preferred embodiments, however, lower end 200L offlow tube 220 will be configured to piercemembrane 210 in such as manner as to create a large enough opening inmembrane 210 to allow the additive substance to flow directly out ofstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100 without having to flow throughslots 222 and flow passage 224 (or to flow partially viaflow passage 224 and partly directly out ofstorage chamber 40 into container 100). -
FIG. 8 illustrates how liquid 105, after being mixed with the additive substance dispensed fromstorage chamber 40, can flow through dispensingcap 200 for consumption. Whencontainer 100 is tipped back or inverted by a consumer as shown, the liquid mixture can flow into directly intoflow chamber 224 offlow tube 220 via the openlower end 220L of flow tube 200 (as indicated by flow path arrows A inFIG. 8 ), and thence throughopenings 25 inperforated section 220P offlow tube 200 and out through flow opening 59A in top closure 59 (as indicated by flow path arrows B). Alternatively or in addition, the liquid mixture can flow through the opening inmembrane 210 external to flowtube 200 and then throughslots 222 in the side wall offlow tube 200 into flow chamber 224 (as indicated by flow path arrows C), and thence via flow path B to exit through flow opening 59A intop closure 59. In unillustrated alternative embodiments,lower end 220L could be closed (but still adapted to pierce membrane 210), such that all flow of the additive substance fromstorage chamber 40 intocontainer 100 is directly through the opening inpierced membrane 210, and such that all flow of the liquid mixture fromcontainer 100 and out through flow opening 59A is via flow paths C and B in sequence. - It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the disclosed dispensing cap may be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to come within the scope of the disclosure and the claims appended hereto. It is to be especially understood that dispensing caps in accordance with the present disclosure not intended to be limited to illustrated embodiments, and that the substitution of a variant of a claimed element or feature, without any substantial resultant change in functionality, will not constitute a departure from the scope of the disclosure.
- In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following that word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one such element. The word “sealing” and derivative forms thereof, as used herein, are to be understood as connoting the provision of a substantially liquid-tight seal. As used in this patent document, the words “cylindrical”, “annular”, or other words relating to shape, form, or properties are not intended to denote or require geometrical or technical precision, and are accordingly to be understood as denoting general or substantial conformity (e.g., “cylindrical” would be understood as “at least substantially cylindrical”) unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
Claims (4)
1. A dispensing cap sealingly mountable to a beverage container, said dispensing cap comprising:
(a) an open-bottomed flow tube;
(b) a skirt surrounding the flow tube so as to form an annular chamber between the flow tube and the skirt, said skirt being adapted for disposition within the throat of the beverage container;
(c) a resilient annular diaphragm sealingly connecting an upper perimeter region of the skirt and an intermediate perimeter region of the flow tube; and
(d) a membrane sealingly attached to the periphery of the skirt at the lower end thereof;
wherein:
(e) a storage chamber is defined by the skirt, diaphragm, and membrane;
(f) the flow tube extends into the storage chamber, with the lower end of the flow tube being disposed above the membrane; and
(g) the lower end of the flow tube is adapted to pierce the membrane upon being pressed downward against the membrane;
such that when the dispensing cap is mounted to the beverage container with the skirt disposed within the throat thereof and with a quantity of additive substance stored in the storage chamber, a downward force applied to the flow tube will resiliently deform the diaphragm, allowing the lower end of the flow tube to push against and pierce the membrane, thus allowing the contents of the storage chamber to flow into the container.
2. A dispensing cap as in claim 1 , further comprising a flow assembly having a cap sleeve operable between an open position in which liquid can flow from the container into the flow tube and out of a flow opening in the cap sleeve, and a closed position in which liquid flow from the container through the flow assembly is prevented.
3. A dispensing cap as in claim 2 wherein the upper end of the flow tube is closed and an upper region of the wall of the flow tube has one or more perforations, and wherein the flow assembly comprises:
(a) a base flange sealingly connected, along its inner circumference, to the outer perimeter of the flow tube at a point below said perforations;
(b) an open-topped perimeter retaining wall having a lower end sealingly connected to the base flange so as define an annular chamber between the perimeter wall and the flow tube; and
(c) a cap sleeve comprising a top closure and an open-bottomed perimeter sidewall extending downward from the top closure, wherein:
c.1 the top closure has a flow opening adapted for releasably sealing engagement with the upper end of the flow tube; and
c.2 the perimeter sidewall is sealingly slidable over said retaining wall, between a closed position in which the upper end of the flow tube is sealingly engaged within said flow opening in the top closure, and an open position in which liquid can flow through the flow opening.
4. A dispensing cap as in claim 1 , further comprising a security tab disposable around the flow tube in a region between the base flange and the diaphragm.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/450,381 US20120199503A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2012-04-18 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
US14/018,364 US9211984B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2013-09-04 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
US14/960,632 US9604766B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2015-12-07 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4589608P | 2008-04-17 | 2008-04-17 | |
PCT/CA2009/000452 WO2009127039A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-07 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
US93751610A | 2010-10-12 | 2010-10-12 | |
CA2718325 | 2010-10-21 | ||
CA2718325A CA2718325C (en) | 2010-10-21 | 2010-10-21 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
US13/450,381 US20120199503A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2012-04-18 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
Related Parent Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/937,516 Continuation-In-Part US20110024454A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-07 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
PCT/CA2009/000452 Continuation-In-Part WO2009127039A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-07 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
US93751610A Continuation-In-Part | 2008-04-17 | 2010-10-12 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/018,364 Continuation US9211984B2 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2013-09-04 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
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US20120199503A1 true US20120199503A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/450,381 Abandoned US20120199503A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2012-04-18 | Dispensing cap for beverage container |
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US11046488B2 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2021-06-29 | Teamplast B.V. | Container with multi depressible cap press top |
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US10640276B2 (en) | 2017-06-12 | 2020-05-05 | Bio-Techne Corporation | Dual chamber storage device |
US10640275B2 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2020-05-05 | Bio-Techne Corportion | Dual chamber storage device |
US20210362920A1 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2021-11-25 | Muhlemann Ip Gmbh | Plastic container having an opening means |
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