WO2006062418A1

WO2006062418A1 - Cartridge for a container

Info

Publication number: WO2006062418A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2005/000321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pamela Kay Pearce; Roy Victor Bladen
Original assignee: Mezzanti Technology Limited; Hough, John, Alley
Priority date: 2004-12-07
Filing date: 2005-12-07
Publication date: 2006-06-15

Abstract

A cartridge (1) including a seal opening means (10) and an open topped housing (2) defined by a side (3) extending from a base (4); the end of the side distal to the base defining the periphery of the open top; the housing being adapte to be sealed by a seal (8) attached on the periphery of the open top of the housing, characterised in that; the seal opening means (10) adapted to move from a non-opening to an open position in response to the movement of the base (4) of the housing (2) from a first to a second position; wherein the seal opening means (10) removes the sea (8) from about part of the periphery of the top of the housing (2) and, when in the open position, the seal opening means (10) is adapted to hold the part of the seal (8) removed from the top of the housing away from where it was attached.

Description

CARTRIDGE FOR A CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method of removing a seal from a cartridge or closure. The invention also relates to a cartridge or closure including seal opening means which allows release of product sealed within the container or closure. The invention also relates to a method for releasing product from such a cartridge or closure and to use of the cartridge in a container. The invention also relates to a container releasabiy or integrally including the cartridge or closure.

Background

Many products exist which are sold in a powder or liquid form for subsequent mixture with a liquid (usually water) to form a final product. Such powder and liquid products can include formula milk products, food supplements (eg COMPLAN®), concentrate flavourings, or even precursors for forming glues, paints and dyes for example. To produce the final product, the solute (ie the flavouring, powder etc) must be removed from its container and mixed with the solvent in a separate container. Often, the solute must be mixed in certain proportions which necessitates the provision of a standard sized spoon or similar.

In the particular case where the product is a powder such as a formula milk product for infants, the release of foreign objects into the milk product formed from the formula milk powder should clearly be minimised, if not avoided completely. Such foreign objects could, for example, include pieces of the seal covering the container holding the milk powder following piercing of the seal to release the milk powder into the water to form the formula milk product. Similar issues will arise with any drink or food supplement type product and could also arise when dealing with substances such as paints and dyes, for example. When faced with a seal that needs to be removed to access a drink, whether or not a product is to be added, disposal of the seal once removed is a problem as is the presence of pieces of seal in the drink if the seal is simply pierced.

As mentioned above, often the products must be mixed in certain proportions in order to create an effective final product. Such a requirement necessitates ready access of the solvent (ie the liquid into which the powder, flavouring etc is to be mixed) to the solute. If some of the solute is not dissolved or dispersed into the solvent then this may be detrimental to the efficacy of the final product. This could also occur when mixing two dry powders.

Reference to solvents and solutes may be made within this specification. Such references, if made, are intended to include, for the purposes of this specification, the situation where the product formed is a dispersion or suspension as well as a solution.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative and/or improved cartridge capable of containing and releasing a substance.

It is an alternative object to provide a method and means of removing a seal that will provide the public a useful alternative to known seal removal options.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a cartridge, the cartridge including an open topped housing defined by a side or sides extending from a base; the end or ends of the side or sides distal to the base defining the periphery of the open top of the housing; the housing being adapted to be sealed by a seal attached on or about the periphery of the open top of the housing, characterised in that; the base of the housing is movable between a first and second position; the cartridge also including seal opening means adapted to move from a non-opening to an open position in response to movement of the base of the housing from the first to the second position; and wherein the seal opening means removes the seal from about part of the periphery of the top of the housing and, when in the open position, the seal opening means is adapted to hold the part of the seal removed from the top of the housing away from the top of the housing to which it was attached.

Preferably the seal opening means removes the seal from the periphery of the top of housing except for two seal points lying at each end of a diameter across the top of the housing. Preferably the sea! opening means is adapted to peel the seal (when present) from the periphery of the top of the housing.

Preferably the seal opening means is an insert within the housing.

Preferably the insert is removable.

Preferably the insert includes a base and sides, the sides having a top end defining the open top of the insert and a bottom end attached to the base of the insert, the top end of the sides having an apex and a nadir, and wherein the apex of the top end of the sides is adapted to lie adjacent and below the periphery of the open top of the cartridge.

Preferably the insert and the housing have complementary domed convex bases wherein the diameter of the base of the insert is less than the diameter of the base of the housing.

Preferably the insert has two apex points at each end of a diameter across the open top of the inset and two nadir points at each end of another diameter across the open top of the housing, the two diameters lying substantially at right angles to each other and the plane of the diameter of the two nadir points being adapted to lie along the same plane as the diameter across the top of the housing formed by the two seal points.

Preferably the cartridge is adapted to be releasably secured within a container.

Preferably the cartridge is fixed within a container.

Preferably the container is a bottle.

Preferably the cartridge includes a seal.

Preferably the seal is attached to the top of the housing with food grade adhesive material.

Preferably the cartridge contains a powder or a liquid substance. Preferably the cartridge contains a milk powder, juice powder or liquid concentrate.

Preferably the cartridge contains precursor material for a liquid dye, glue or paint.

The invention in a second aspect provides a closure for a container, the closure being adapted to move from a closed to an open position, the closure having: (i) a housing defining a channel therethrough, the channel being capable of allowing passage of the container content when in the open position; (ii) a seal attached to the periphery of the housing; (iii) seal opening means adapted to move from a non-opening position to an opening position in response to movement of the closure from the closed to the open position; and wherein the seal opening means is adapted to remove the seal from about part of the periphery of the housing when moved from the non-opening position to the opening position and, when the closure is in the open position, the seal opening means is adapted to hold the part of the seal removed from the periphery of the housing away from the periphery of the housing to which the part of the seal was attached.

Preferably the seal opening means removes the seal from the periphery of the housing except for seal points lying at each end of a diameter across the housing.

Preferably the closure includes a compartment capable of holding a fluid material, the compartment and the closure being sealed by said seal and being openable by said seal opening means.

Preferably the compartment holds a powder or liquid substance.

Preferably the compartment contains a milk powder, juice powder or liquid concentrate.

Preferably the seal is attached to the periphery of the housing with a food grade adhesive material.

Preferably the closure is attached to a container.

Preferably the closure plus container includes a further seal. The invention in a third aspect may be seen to be a method of opening a sealed vessel, the method including the steps of removing the seal from about the periphery of an end of the vessel while retaining the seal in place at two seal points, one at each end of a diameter across the end of the vessel, and holding the removed parts of the seal away from the end of the vessel.

Preferably the end of the vessel is the top of the vessel and the vessel is a cartridge.

Preferably the end of the vessel is the base of the vessel and the vessel is a closure for a container.

Preferably the method includes the step of folding the seal about the diameter of the vessel formed by the two points.

In a fourth aspect the invention may be seen to be a container adapted to include the cartridge according to the first aspect of the invention, the container including two parts, a main body part and a holding part; the main body part being releasably attachable to the holding part; the holding part being adapted to receive the cartridge and adapted to allow movement of the base of the cartridge from the first to the second position; and wherein the main body part is capable of containing a liquid substance when attached to the holding part including the cartridge.

Preferably the container is in three parts; the main body part, the holding part and the container.

Preferably the container is in three parts; the main body part is not releasable from the holding part, and the container is a disposable container.

Preferably the cartridge/closure/vessel of the previous aspects of the invention are made at least primarily of plastics material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from the top of a cartridge according to the invention in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the cartridge of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows another cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figures 1 and

2 at 90° to Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from the top of a cartridge according to the invention in the open position;

Figure 6 shows another perspective view from the top of the cartridge as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge as shown in Figures 5 and 6 at 90° Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view through the section C-C of the cartridge as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view from the top of an alternative form of the cartridge according to the present invention. The cartridge is shown without a seal and in the closed position;

Figure 11 shows a top view of the alternative form of the cartridge shown in

Figures 9 and 10;

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a bottle including a cartridge in the closed position;

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottle cartridge in the closed position at 90° to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a bottle as shown in Figure 12 including a cartridge in the open position; and

Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a bottle including a cartridge in the open position at 90° to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 shows a cross-section of a closure according to an embodiment of the invention in the closed position

Figures 17 & 18 show a cross-section of a closure according to an embodiment of the invention in the open position

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention in general terms is directed to a cartridge which can hold material to be dispersed or dissolved into liquids to create a product for subsequent use. The cartridge will preferably be placed into a bottle, or like container, adapted to receive the cartridge. The product to be formed will preferably be a drink or food product, such as infant milk formula, food supplements, juices and the like, but could also be paints, dyes, glues and like material, particularly when such materials are distributed via pens or sticks or like devices that utilise felt tips or foam rubber tips as will be known in the art. The content of the cartridge is preferably a powder, or similar granular material, that mixes with the liquid to form the final product. The powder could either dissolve or be dispersed into the liquid as necessary. As will be apparent, the cartridge could also contain a powder substance for mixing with another powder (eg in the case of paints etc).

In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge can take the form of a closure for a container. In such an embodiment in use the cartridge would be inverted and would allow the cartridge content to be added to the content of the container to which the closure was attached. The closure would also allow passage of the container content through the closure when in an open position. The cartridge/closure can be seen to be a vessel that can retain a substance within and that can be attached to a container. The vessel when attached to the base of the container (ie the end of the container opposite the access or spout end) would be in a cartridge embodiment (with the seal across the top of vessel). The vessel when attached to the top end of the container (ie the access or spout end of the container) would be in a closure embodiment (with the seal being across the base of the vessel). Both embodiments would incorporate the inventive seal removal method referred to herein.

The invention in its preferred form is particularly adapted to be able to provide a fixed amount of product to be dissolved or dispersed into the liquid to form a product for use. Discrete cartridges can readily be filled according to any suitable method with an appropriate amount of product, and then sealed for release at a subsequent time. The cartridge according to the present invention is particularly adapted to be included within a larger container, (ie a bottle or like device). The cartridge could be fitted into the bottle and then the bottle filled with water or other suitable substance. When the cartridge takes the form of a closure, the closure would be attached to the neck of a container, the seal on the closure also sealing the neck of the container.

The cartridge is adapted to minimise the chance of foreign material being released into the food or drink product formed. The reasons for this are obvious in that foreign material in the final product could either hinder the release of product from the bottle in which the cartridge is contained, or the foreign material could be released into the mouth of the consumer (a particular risk with infant milk formula). In addition, access of the liquid to the powder or like material in the cartridge should be maximised. If any of the material contained within the cartridge is hindered from mixing with the liquid, then the concentration levels of the product finally formed could be affected and the efficacy, taste, etc of the product may be put at risk. In order to achieve these objectives, the invention provides a cartridge in which the seal is opened about the periphery of the seal but where at least a part of the periphery of the seal remains attached to the cartridge. This allows a minimisation of the risk of pieces of the seal (or the seal itself) being released into the final product. Once the seal is open the seal is held away from the cartridge to allow ready access of the liquid to the inside of the cartridge thus reducing the risk of incomplete mixing.

This inventive method of seal opening is also used when the invention takes the form of a closure for a container. In this circumstance, the closure need not necessarily act as a cartridge but could simply act as a closure for the container. The seal on the closure would act as a barrier to egress of the container content when the closure was in the closed position. The removal of the seal about its periphery, where it is attached to the closure, while retaining at least the part of the seal on the closure, will again minimise the risks involved with pieces of the seal (or the seal itself) being released into the container content. Preferably this connection will be maintained at two points, one at each end of a diameter across the passage through the closure that is sealed by the seal. This will allow the seal to fold about that line. Of course, if the closure or cartridge takes a square, or other, shape then the seal will preferably remain attached at points opposite each other across the passage to allow a similar result to occur. Again, holding the opened parts of the seal away from the closure will maximise ready egress of the container content through the closure, and will also allow ready mixing with the container content.

As will be readily apparent, the liquid into which the material contained in the cartridge/closure is to be released will usually be water but could be a variety of other products, such as juices, milk or the like. In some cases it could also be another solid powder material. There may be an advantage in containing a vitamin or flavouring product in a cartridge which could be released into a juice or into milk, for example. The invention should not be seen to be restricted to any particular combination of products, but should rather be seen as a device that is capable of containing a substance, and that can be inserted into a larger container (such as a bottle) for ready release of the substance into liquid contained within the larger container.

The cartridge itself (and the seal opening means) may be made of any suitable material as would be known to a skilled person in this art, such as a suitable plastics material

(PET, PVP etc) and could be injection or rotationally moulded as would also be known. The seal could also be made of any suitable material known in the art but would preferably be adapted to be water- and airtight to protect the contents of the cartridge from the outer environment. The seal itself is releasable in part, preferably by a peeling action (as will be described further hereinafter) from the cartridge. The seal can be attached to the cartridge using any known means but will preferably be such that will allow a peeling action to occur. The seal attachment will preferably include the use of a consumable adhesive or plastics material.

As mentioned earlier, it is a feature of this invention that a portion of the seal is retained on the cartridge following opening of the cartridge. This can be achieved simply by not peeling or tearing the seal from a part (or parts) of the cartridge to which the seal is attached, and possibly by combining this with seal reinforcement at those points. This reinforcement could take the form of a variation in the sealing arrangement (eg glue type) at the seal attachment points that are not to be removed from the top of the cartridge for example. It is preferable that the seal remain attached at two seal attachment points, one at each end of a diameter line across the top of the container to which the seal is attached.

Minimising mixing interference is achieved by holding the part (or parts) of the seal removed from the container away from the container. This is preferably achieved by the seal opening means also holding the opened seal away from the opening(s) formed in the cartridge. Where the seal remains attached to the cartridge at two attachment points across a diameter line, the opened seal would be folded about that line and be held in the folded position, away from the cartridge, by the seal opening means. This can readily be seen in the attached Figures.

It is another aspect of this invention to provide a container, such as a bottle, including the cartridge according to the present invention.

The cartridge could be replaceable or could be fixed within the bottle or like container.

Should the cartridge be fixed within the bottle then filling and sealing the bottle as a whole with water, such that the cartridge can be opened, the product formed within the sealed bottle and then the product consumed by the user subsequent to product formation, is an option. In this case the bottle including the cartridge could be seen to be a disposable product as a whole.

It is an additional inventive aspect to provide a method and means to peel a seal from the top of a cartridge (or like container) rather than tearing or cutting the seal to open the cartridge. In particular, the ability to open the cartridge using means provided in the inside of the sealed cartridge offers particular advantages in terms of reducing the likelihood that the seal will tear, as often occurs when peeling a seal off a container from the outside.

It is a further inventive aspect to provide a container closure adapted to be capable of releasabiy sealing the container to which it is attached, the container closure including a means to remove a seal from the container closure, rather than tearing or cutting the seal, to open the passage through the closure that was sealed by the seal. The seal is preferably peeled from about the periphery of the passage in the closure while retaining the seal in place at two seal points at the end of a diameter across the closure passage. The parts of the seal that have been peeled away are then held away from the periphery of the closure passage thus allowing relatively unimpeded access to the container contents. The seal itself remains attached to the closure at the two seal points, as discussed earlier in relation to the cartridge embodiment.

It is also possible for a portion of the seal to be peeled away from the periphery of the closure passage while the remainder of the seal remains attached. For example, half (or three quarters) of the seal could be peeled away while the remainder remains attached but it remains an advantage for the seal to be held away from the passage while the closure is in the open position. The option of two seal points, one at each end of a diameter across the closure, remains the most preferred as it allows ready access through the container closure.

A benefit of such a container closure is that the seal which prevents primary access to the contents of the container is attached to the closure rather than to the neck of the container. Therefore, as part of the seal remains attached to the closure following opening, the seal itself does not need to be disposed of. In addition, it allows ease of container recycling as the neck of the container does not include the seal, this is retained on the closure. Further, as the seal is peeled from the periphery of the closure, rather than tearing or cutting the seal, the risk that small portions of the seal will enter the container content is minimised. In addition, it allows the option of the closure including a compartment to hold powder or like product for addition to the contents of the container to which the closure is attached. When the closure includes a compartment holding such a product, the container closure will in many respects be essentially the cartridge described earlier, about which the features of a container closure have been added.

Referring now to the Figures:

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show perspective views of a cartridge 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a view of the cartridge 1 from the top, the cartridge 1 including a housing 2 of generally cylindrical shape. The housing 1 having sides 3 extending from the base 4 (obscured in Figure 1) to the top 5 of the housing 2. The housing 2 also includes a lip 6 that depends from the top 5 of the housing 2, the lip 6 ending in a flange 7. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the top 5, the lip 6 and the flange 7 are all circumferential in aspect with the lip 6 extending substantially in the same plane as the sides 3 of the housing 2. The flange 7 extends outwardly from the lip 6 substantially at right angles to the plane of the sides 3 of housing 2.

Also shown in Figure 1 is a seal 8 that covers the otherwise open top of the cartridge, the open top of the cartridge 1 being defined by the periphery of the top 5 of the sides 3 of housing 2. As will be described in more detail later in the specification, the seal 8 is releasably sealed about at least part of the periphery of the top 5 of the sides 3. The seal is essential only when the cartridge has been filled and is ready for use.

With reference to Figure 2, this Figure shows the base 4 of housing 2 in more detail, while the seal 8 is obscured. The relationship of the lip 6 and flange 7 to the sides 3, as discussed in relation to Figure 1 above, is also shown in more detail. Sides 3 are shown as meeting base 4 at the bottom 3a of sides 3.

Base 4 of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 2, is a convex domed shape with the nadir (or apex - depending on perspective) of the dome being at the centre of the dome shape.

This centre point of the domed base 4 as shown in Figure 2 would substantially correspond to the central rotational axis (indicated at X-X or Y-Y in Figures 3 and 4) of the cylindrical shape of the housing 2.

With the seal 8 in place, particularly as shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge 1 of Figures 1 and 2 is in the closed position.

With reference now to Figure 3 and 4, cross-sectional views of the cartridge 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 are shown.

With reference to Figure 3, the cartridge 1 is shown as including an insert 10 within the housing 2 and beneath the seal 8. The convex domed aspect of the base 4 is also shown in greater relief than as seen in Figure 2. The domed shape base 11 extends from the bottom 3a of sides 3 of housing 2.

The insert 10 is also substantially cylindrical in shape (as best seen in Figures 5 and 6) and includes a base 11, sides 12 and profiled top 13. The substantially cylindrical shape of insert 10 narrows, however, from the profiled top 13 to base 11. The profiled top 13 defines the open top to insert 10.

With reference to the insert 10 as shown in Figure 3, base 11 of the insert 10 can be W

13 seen to be of a substantially complementary convex domed shape to that of the base 4 of housing 2, however the width of the base 11 as shown in the cross section (and hence the diameter of the base of the insert 10) is less than that of the base 4 of housing 2. This width reduction is as a result of the sides 12 of the insert being at a greater angle from the vertical than the angle of the sides 3 of the housing 2 (and hence the narrowing of the generally cylindrical shape of insert 10 referred to earlier). This can readily be seen in both Figures 3 and 4.

The profiled top 13 of the insert 10 as shown in Figure 3 is shown as including apex points 14 from which the profiled top 13 slopes toward the base 11 and inwardly toward the central axis of the cartridge 1 depicted by line X-X. The apex points 14 effectively lie on a diameter line drawn across the profiled top 13 of insert 10. The inward slope of profiled top 13 extends to ridge 15 where the angle of the profiled top 13 increases to form a convex portion having its nadir point 16 on the central axis X-X of the cross- section. As for apex points 14, nadir points16 will also be on a diameter line across profiled top 13 of insert 10. The diameter lines between apex points 14 and between nadir points 16 will preferably lie substantially at right angles to each other.

It is important to note that the distance between the seal 8 and the nadir points 16 of profiled top 13 is less than twice the distance between the plane of the bottom 3a of sides 3 of the housing 2 and the nadir 17 of the domed base 4 of housing 2. The nadir 17 is also on the central axis X-X of the cartridge 1 as shown in Figure 3. This distance relationship is important to the working of the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1- 8 in particular as it allows the seal 8 to be peeled from the top 5 of housing 2 by insert 10 while retaining the parts of the seal 8 along the plane of axis X-X (that aligns with the nadirs 16 and 17 to remain attached to the top 5 of housing 2. This is best seen in Figures 5 and 6 (and creates seal attachment points 21 in Figures 5 and 6).

With reference now to Figure 4 this shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 at a 90° angle to the cross-section shown in Figure 3.

In Figure 4, it can be seen that the apex point 14 of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 lies against or immediately adjacent to the seal 8 on housing 2. The profiled top 13 of insert 10 extends in an arcuate manner towards ridge 15 creating a dome-like structure. At the nadir 16 of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 a support wall 20 (not shown in Figure

3) is shown as descending and lying adjacent to sides 12 and base 11 of insert 2. This support wall 20 is also shown as extending up the central axis Y-Y of cartridge 1 as shown in Figure 4 and extending to the top point 14 of insert 10 (and consequently the top portion 15 of the profiled top 13) via extension 20a. Support wall 20/2Oa will be attached to sides 12. The presence of support wall 20 is best seen in Figures 5 and 6.

As will be better apparent with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the shape of support wall 20 together with extension 20a mirrors the cross-sectional shape of insert 10 as shown in Figure 3. In this way, the insert 10, together with support wall 20, 2OA, act in conjunction when the seal 8 is pierced (as best seen in Figures 5 and 6).

The combination of the initial positioning of the apex point 14 of insert 10 against or immediately adjacent the seal 8, the profiled shape of top 13 of insert 10 and the narrowing of the generally cylindrical shape of insert 10 (from top 13 to base 11) allows the insert 10 to peel the seal 8 from the top of the housing 2 in a controlled, continuous manner. This reduces the likelihood of ripping or tearing the seal when opening the container.

With reference now to Figures 5 and 6, perspective views of the cartridge 1 in an open position are shown. As seen in both these Figures, the apex points 14 of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 have been pushed through seal 8, peeling or tearing the seal from the top perimeter 5 of the sides 3 of housing 2. The insert 10 thus acts as a tearing or peeling means that is adapted to remove the seal 8, at least in part, from the cartridge 1 to allow access to the substance contained therein.

Referring back to Figure 3, it can be seen that immediately prior to peeling the seal 8 from the top perimeter 5 of the housing 2, the apex points 14 of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 lies immediately adjacent both the seal 8 and the top perimeter 5 of the housing 2. As seen in Figure 4, the arcuate shape of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 allows initial penetration (or peeling) of seal 8 at apex point 14 of profiled surface 13 and a gradual movement down to ridge 15. This maximises the efficiency of the peeling effect of insert

10 as it removes seal 8 from top perimeter 5.

In the open position as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the seal 8 is folded into the convex portion of the profiled surface 13 of insert 10 (between ridges 15 and nadir 16) and also into the convex portion of support wall 20 (not shown in Figures 3 and 4 and obscured in

Figures 5 and 6) that mirrors the convex portion between ridges 15 in contoured top 13 of insert 10. Seal 8 remains attached to the top perimeter 5 of the housing 2 at seal attachment points 21. The fold line between seal attachment points 21 on top perimeter 5 lies along the plane of line X-X as shown in Figures 5 and 6 (and also in Figure 3). The fold line between seal attachment points 21 is in effect a diameter across the top perimeter 5 of housing 2. This diameter line between seal points 21 will lie along the same line as the diameter line between nadir points 16 (as best seen in Figure 3). The nadir 16 (obscured in Figures 5 and 6) in the convex portion between ridges 15 in profiled top surface 13 of insert 10, will lie beneath the fold created in seal 8 between attachment points 21 (and hence is obscured in Figures 5 and 6). Support wall 20, together with extension 20a assists in maintaining the seal 8 in the folded position.

Support wall 20/2Oa is, however, a preferable inclusion only.

Figures 7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of the cartridge 1 in the open position as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

With reference to Figure 7, the insert 10 can be seen protruding from the housing 2 of cartridge 1. The base 4 of housing 2 has been moved from the convex position (as seen in Figures 3 and 4) to a concave position such that the nadir 17 of the convex dome shown in Figure 3 (container in closed position) is now the apex of the concave dome as seen in Figure 7. This movement has pushed the insert 10 through seal 8 such that seal 8 has been peeled from the top perimeter 5 of housing 2 to the folded position about line X-X within the convex portion between ridges 15 of profiled top surface 13 of insert 10. The seal attachment point 21 has been indicated in Figure 7 however, as this is a cross-sectional view, attachment point 21 is simply indicative. The attachment point 21 is indicated as lying immediately above nadir 16 of the profiled top 13 of insert 10.

The convex base 11 of insert 10 contacts the now concave base 4 of housing 2 at apex 17 of base 4. When the cartridge 1 is in the open position, there is therefore a minimum contact between the insert 10 and the housing 2. The variation in the angle of sides 12 of insert 10 and sides 3 of housing 2 (as discussed earlier with reference to Figure 3) allows for a space 22 to be created between the top perimeter 5 of housing 2 and the walls 12 of insert 10. This allows for liquid flow into and around the interior of cartridge 1 and reduces the difficulties that can occur with a lack of access to the substance contained in cartridge 1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view at 90° to that of Figure 7. As can be seen in Figure 8, a dome shape has been created that extends above the top perimeter 5 of housing 2. This dome shape is created by combination of the profiled top 13 of insert 10 and the folded seal 8. Again, gap 22 and the relationship between the base 4 of housing 2 and the base 11 of insert 10 is indicated as for Figure 7. The internal wall 20 is shown extending up to a point substantially in line with top 5 of housing 2. The extension 20a forms part of, or is obscured by, the dome shape created by profiled top surface 13 and seal 8.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show an alternative form of a cartridge 1 according to the present invention. This alternative form includes a housing 2 identical to that for Figures 1 to 8.

With reference first to Figure 10, the perspective view of the alternative form of the cartridge 1 shows the housing 2 including an insert 100. The insert 100 has two sides 101/102 and a base 103. The base 103 forms the point at which sides 101 and

102 connect within the housing 2 of cartridge 1. Both sides 101 and 102 have substantially fan-like shapes including a top part 104 that lies at or adjacent to the top 5 of housing 2 when in the closed position. The fan shape of sides 101/102 creates a narrow neck point 105 at the base 103.

While seal 8 is not shown in Figures 9 and 10, it can readily be seen that the fan shape of sides 101 , 102 will allow the peeling or tearing of the seal (not shown in Figure 10) from the top perimeter 5 of housing 2 in a similar manner to that described in relation to top profiled surface 13 of insert 10 in Figures 1 to 8.

With reference now to Figure 9, this is a cross-sectional view through lines C-C of the top view shown in Figure 11.

Figure 9 indicates the presence of the seal 8 on the top perimeter 5 of housing 2. Figure 9 also shows protrusion 106 extending from base 11 of insert 100 to the housing 2. Protrusion 106 supports insert 100 within the housing 2. In this alternative the base 11 of the insert 100 includes the protrusion 106. The top point 104 of insert 100 is clearly indicated as lying immediately beneath the seal 8 and adjacent the top perimeter 5 of housing 2.

Figure 11 shows a top view of the alternative embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 indicating the relationship between the top point 104 of sides 101 and 102 with the top perimeter 5 of housing 2 and also the narrow neck 105 and base 103 of insert 100.

With reference now to Figures 12 to 15, cross-sectional views of a bottle incorporating a cartridge as shown in Figures 1 to 8. Figures 12 to 14 show the same cross-sectional view through the bottle and cartridge shown with the Figure 12 showing the cartridge in the closed position (as described with reference to Figures 3) and Figure 14 shows the cartridge in the open position (as shown in Figures 7). Figures 13 and 15 are cross- sectional views of the bottle shown in Figures 12 and 14 respectively turned through 90°. Figure 13 shows the cartridge in the closed position (as for Figure 4) and Figure 15 shows the cartridge in an open position (as for Figure 8).

With reference to each of Figures 12 to 15, these Figures show a bottle 200 having an open top 201 defined by externally threaded sides 202. The externally threaded sides 202 are adapted to receive a top (not shown) for the bottle 200. The top could be any form of top that would be suitable in the circumstances, such as something to simply seal the open top of the bottle 200, or a sipper cap type arrangement, or an attachment for a nipple for a baby's bottle. Such suggestions are not intended to be limiting, however.

The externally threaded sides 202 form a neck 203 which extends from the main body 204 of the bottle 200 defined by sides 205. The main body 204 will be adapted to hold the liquid into which the powder or like material contained within the cartridge 1 is dissolved or dispersed. The externally threaded sides 202 are connected to the sides 205 of the main body 204 via ridges 206 which serve to define the neck 203 from the main body 204. The base 207 of the sides 205 is also externally threaded and includes end 208 that is circumferential and which serves to define the open base 201 a at the end of main body 204 distal the open top 201. The externally threaded base 207 is adapted to releasably attach to holder 220 via internal threads 221 which are complementary to the external threads on base 207of the sides 205. The holder 220 includes sides 222 and an open end 223 defined by the perimeter of end 224 of the sides 222 of holder 220. Open end 223 allows access to the base 4 of the cartridge 1 within holder 220.

As is apparent, the bottle 200 shown in Figures 12 to 15 is composed of three interconnecting parts; the body part 204, the holder 220, and the cartridge 1. Holder 220 also includes circumferential flange 225 which together with circumferential end 208 is adapted to accept the flange 7 that extends from lip 6 of housing 2 of the cartridge 1 therebetween.

The interaction between the threaded areas 207 and 221 together with the interactions between flanges 7 and 225 and circumferential end 208, form a liquid-tight seal preventing the liquid to be contained within the main body 204 of the bottle 200 from escaping. As is clear, the threading arrangement between main body 204 and holder 220 could be of any style as known to a skilled person. For example the internal/external thread relationship could be reversed.

Access to the base 4 of the cartridge 1 through the open end 223 allows the user to move the cartridge from the closed position shown in Figures 12 and 13 to the open position as shown in Figures 14 and 15 simply by pressing on the base 4 with fingers or thumbs for example. There would, of course, be alternatives to this process such as the provision of a screw base adapted to move the cartridge 1 from the open to a closed position (amongst other options) as would be known to a person skilled in this particular art. Use of the cartridge with a bottle also allows the option of including a bar extending across the open base of the main body 104 shown in Figures 12 to 15. This bar (not shown) would serve to further support the seal attachment points 21 and would allow the seal 8 to fold about the bar. The optional bar could be used in preference to (or together with) the optional support wall (20, 20a) as seen in Figures 5 and 6.

In use, and with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and 12 to 15, a cartridge 1 containing formula milk powder, for example, would be placed into holder 220 so that flange 7 on housing 2 of cartridge 1 is seated against flange 225 on holder 220. Main body part 104 would then be attached to holder 220 via complementary threads on base 207 of main body part 204 and the internal threads 221 on holder 220. This attachment seals circumferential end 208 against flange 7 of housing 2 of cartridge 1 and seals the main body part 4 such that liquid cannot escape suitable rubber, plastics, or silicon material could be used to maximise this sealant effect, as will be well known.

The main body part 204 is then filled with water, for example, via open top 201 and a suitable top placed on the container using threads 202. The user then forces (through open end 223 of holder 220) base 4 of cartridge 1 from the convex position (shown in Figures 14/15) thus moving the insert 10 against seal 8, peeling it from the top of housing 2 and folding it as seen in Figure 14/15. The water in main body part 204 flows into cartridge 1 via gap 22, around and into the insert 10 via the open top defined by profiled top 13 around folded seal 8 (which is held in the folded position with the assistance of support wall 20 and extension 20a. The concave/convex relationship between base 4 of housing 2 and base 1 1 of insert 10 when the cartridge 1 is open minimises contact and thus increases access of the water to the powder in the cartridge 1. The bottle will then normally be shaken to enhance mixing. The top over open top 201 on the bottle is then removed and the final milk product is able to be consumed.

With reference now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, a container closure 300 is shown. The container closure includes an overcap 301 (not shown in Figures 17 and 18) that covers spout 302 of closure body 303. Spout 302 is at the end of closure body 303 distal to a seal 304. Closure body 303 includes an inner section 305 and an outer section 306, the inner section 305 being housed, at least in part, within outer section 306 and being adapted to move reciprocally within outer section 306.

Outer section 306 also includes a first arm 307 and a second arm 307A both of which are generally concentric in aspect. First arm 307 includes screw thread 308 and a tamper evident ring 309 that will include a frangible connection (not shown) which, if broken, will indicate that the closure 300 has been tampered with. Second arm 307A lies adjacent to, and is in contact with, inner section 305 and defines a housing including a passage through closure 300 (best seen in Figure 18). Second arm 307A includes annular rib 318. The seal 304 is releasably attached about its periphery to the base 314 of second arm 307A. Inner section 305 also includes a series of three rings 330, 330A, 330B, the tips of which slidably contact arm 307A.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 also show a container 400 to which a container closure 300 is attached. The container 400 includes a neck 401 which includes screw thread 402 adapted to interact with the screw thread 308 on arms 307 of the container closure 300's outer section 306. As can be seen in Figures 16, 17 and 18, neck 401 lies between the first and second arms, 307 and 307A₁ of outer section 306 of closure body 303.

When container closure 300 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 16, the contents of container 400 are prevented from exiting container 400 by two seals. The first, or primary, seal is seal 304 on container closure 300 which seals the passage through closure body 303. The second seal will be present at the point of contact between the top 403 of container neck 401 , and the underside 310 of shoulder 311 of closure body's outer section 306. The second seal will preferably be an induction seal, or the like. The seal will preferably provide a hermetic seal to the container 400 thus increasing the storage life of the contents of container 400 and minimising the risk of contamination. Additional seals, or repositioning of seals, to provide a hermetic seal to the container 400 could also be used as would be known to the skilled person.

Container closure 300 also includes a seal opening means 312 which includes edge 313 positioned adjacent and above (as seen in Figure 16) seal 304. Edge 313 is adapted to be able to peel seal 304 away from the base 314 of second arm 307A (as is best seen in Figure 17) thus opening the passage through closure body 303. The profile of the edge 313 of seal opening means 312 will preferably be as shown for profiled surface 13 of insert 10 in the cartridge embodiment discussed earljer.

Inner section 305, and hence seal opening means 312, is held in place within outer section 306 by a combination of a projection 315, which is positioned adjacent the base of the inner section 305, and a recess 316 on the wall of second arm 307A of outer section 306 that lies adjacent inner section 305. The combination of projection of 315 and recess 316 prevents inner section 305 from readily moving from position and thus maintains seal 304 intact. This is further supported by annular rib 318 on arm 307A abutting the first ring 330.

Figure 16 also shows the presence of compartment 320 within inner section 305. In this embodiment, compartment 320 can be adapted to hold a powder or a liquid substance. The base of the compartment 320 is formed by seal 304. The seal 304 will preferably form a hermetic seal for compartment 320 to maximise the storage ability of the content of the compartment 320.Therefore, removing seal 304 from the base 314 of second arm

307A preferably via a peeling action, will allow transfer of the contents of compartment 320 into the container 400 content. In this way, supplements, flavourings, colourings etc can be added to the container content at a time chosen by the consumer. The closure 300 can be prefilled with a desired substance and stored for later use. In addition the shelf life of the container and closure (including an additive substance) is extended. ; Figure 17 shows the container closure 300 in an open position on container 400. Inner section 305 has been moved in direction of arrows A (in response to the urging of a user) whilst outer section 306 remains fixed in place about neck 401 of container 400. Movement of inner section 305 in direction of arrows A has also moved seal opening means 312 which has resulted in portions of seal 304 being peeled away from the base 314 of second arm 307A of outer section 306. This allows the content of compartment 320 to enter container 400 as indicated by arrows B.

The seal 304 remains attached to the base 314 of second arm 307A at seal points 317. Seal points 317, while slightly obscured in Figure 17, are positioned at two points, one each at the ends of a diameter across the base 314 of second arm 307A. As will be apparent to the skilled person, the second arm at 307A is substantially concentric, with the seal 304 forming a circular seal plane across the opening formed by the concentric base 314 which defines the periphery of the housing that includes the passage through closure body 303. Seal 304 is attached at its periphery to base 314. As will also be apparent, the general shape of the closure 300 as a whole, or simply inner section 305 for example, could take other shapes as well.

Movement of inner section 305 in the direction indicated by arrows A is halted by annular rib 318 on arm 307A catching against second ring 330A on inner section 305.

Movement of inner section 305 in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrows A, will then close the container closure 300 preventing egress of the content of container 400. With reference to Figure 18, container closure 300 is again shown attached to container 400. Closure 300 is in the open position as also seen in Figure 17. A series of arrows C shows the passage of the contents of container 400 through the passage created in in the section 305 of closure body 303. As can be seen, the passage is first between seal removal means 312 and arm 307A and then between the walls of container 320 and in a section 305 and out through spout 302.

The passage that allows the container 400 content to exit via closure 300 can be closed by moving inner section 305 in the general direction of arrows C which will move seal removal means 312 back into the position substantially as shown in Figure 16. Moving inner section 305 back to the open position (by moving inner section 305 in the direction of arrow A as seen in Figure 17) will again open the passage allowing egress of the container 400 content. Again, the seal 304 will be held away from closure 300 thus minimising the ability of seal 304 to impede the flow of container 400 content out through closure 300.

As for the cartridge embodiment described earlier herein, the invention is capable of providing a fixed amount of product to be dissolved or dispersed in to a liquid to form a product for immediate use. For example, the compartment 320 could contain milk powder and the container content could be sterilised water. Spout 302 could readily be replaced by a nipple or like device, and the bottle, as a whole, could be a disposable baby's bottle. The ability to retain the seal 304 on the container closure even in the open position (as best seen in Figure 17) and to minimise the risk of pieces of the seal 304 entering into the container content, makes the use of the container closure 300 a realistic option for infant feeding.

The container closure, and the seal opening means and compartments and therein, may also be made of any suitable material as will be known to the skilled person at this art, such as a suitable plastic material (PET, PVP etc) and could be injection or rotationally moulded as will also be known. The seal could be made of any suitable material as will be known in the art that will preferably be adapted to be water and air tight to protect the container contents from the outer environment as much as possible. The seal, as discussed earlier, is releasable in parts, preferably by a peeling action, from the closure.

The seal itself can be attached to the closure using any known means but this will preferably be a means that will allow a peeling action to occur. The seal attachment used will preferably include the use of a consumable (ie food grade) adhesive, or plastics material.

Again, in a like manner to the cartridge embodiment discussed earlier, as the seal opening means holds the portions of the seal away from the base of the closure when in the open position, the ability of the seal to interfere with mixing or egress of container content is minimised.

The closure embodiment shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18 has been described with reference to the presence of a compartment (indicated at 320) to hold a fluid material. As will be readily apparent, this compartment described is optional and the container closure could readily be manufactured without the presence of such a compartment. This will allow closure to operate in a manner more conducive to drink bottles that have contents that do not require the addition of extra material prior to consumption. The seal that prevents egress of the container content would still be removed as described earlier to open the passage through the closure.

While in the foregoing description there has been made reference to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example only and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge, the cartridge including an open topped housing defined by a side or sides extending from a base; the end or ends of the side or sides distal to the base defining the periphery of the open top of the housing; the housing being adapted to be sealed by a seal attached on or about the periphery of the open top of the housing, characterised in that; the base of the housing is movable between a first and second position; the cartridge also including seal opening means adapted to move from a non- opening to an open position in response to movement of the base of the housing from the first to the second position; and wherein the seal opening means removes the seal from about part of the periphery of the top of the housing and, when in the open position, the seal opening means is adapted to hold the part of the seal removed from the top of the housing away from the top of the housing to which it was attached.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1 wherein the seal opening means removes the . seal from the periphery of the top of housing except for two seal points, one at each end of a diameter across the top of the housing.

3. The cartridge according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the seal opening means is adapted to peel the seal (when present) from the periphery of the top of the housing.

4. The cartridge according to any one of the previous claims wherein the seal opening means is an insert within the housing.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4 wherein the insert is removable.

6. The cartridge according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the insert includes a base and sides, the sides having a top end defining the open top of the insert and a bottom end attached to the base of the insert, the top end of the sides having an apex and a nadir, and wherein the apex of the top end of the sides is adapted to lie adjacent and below the periphery of the open top of the cartridge.

7. The cartridge according to claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the insert and the housing have complementary domed convex bases wherein the diameter of the base of the insert is less than the diameter of the base of the housing.

8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the insert has two apex points at each end of a diameter across the open top of the inset and two nadir points at each end of another diameter across the open top of the housing, the two diameters lying substantially at right angles to each other and the plane of the diameter of the two nadir points being adapted to lie along the same plane as the diameter across the top of the housing formed by the two seal points.

9. The cartridge according to any one of the previous claims wherein the cartridge is adapted to be releasably secured within a container.

10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the cartridge is fixed within a container.

11. The cartridge according to any one of the previous claims wherein the container is a bottle.

12. The cartridge according to any one of the previous claims wherein the cartridge includes a seal.

13. The cartridge according to claim 12 wherein the seal is attached to the top of the housing with food grade adhesive material.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13 wherein the cartridge contains a powder or a liquid substance.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14 wherein the cartridge contains a milk powder, juice powder or liquid concentrate.

16. The cartridge according to claim 14 wherein the cartridge contains precursor material for a liquid dye, glue or paint.

17. A closure for a container, the closure being adapted to move from a closed to an open position, the closure having: (i) a housing defining a channel therethrough, the channel being capable of allowing passage of the container content when in the open position; (ii) a seal attached to the periphery of the housing; (iii) seal opening means adapted to move from a non-opening position to an opening position in response to movement of the closure from the closed to the open position; and wherein the seal opening means is adapted to remove the seal from about part of the periphery of the housing when moved from the non-opening position to the opening position and, when the closure is in the open position, the seal opening means is adapted to hold the part of the seal removed from the periphery of the housing away from the periphery of the housing to which the part of the seal was attached.

18. Preferably the seal opening means removes the seal from the periphery of the housing except for seal points, one at each end of a diameter across the housing.

19. The closure according to claim 17 or 18 including a compartment capable of holding a fluid material, the compartment and the closure being sealed by said seal and being openable by said seal opening means.

20. The closure according to claim 19 wherein the compartment holds a powder or liquid substance.

21. The closure according to claim 20 wherein the compartment contains a milk powder, juice powder or liquid concentrate.

22. The closure according to any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the seal is attached to the periphery of the housing with a food grade adhesive material.

23. The closure according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the closure is attached to a container.

24. The closure according to any one of claims 17 to 23 wherein the closure plus container includes a further seal therebetween.

25. A method of opening a sealed vessel, the method including the steps of removing the seal from about the periphery of an end of the vessel while retaining the seal in place at two seal points, one at each end of a diameter across the end of the vessel, and holding the removed parts of the seal away from the end of the

5 vessel. .

26. The method according to claim 25 wherein the end of the vessel is the top of the vessel and the vessel is a cartridge.

o 27. The method according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the end of the vessel is the base of the vessel and the vessel is a closure for a container.

28. The method according to claims 25 to 27 including the step of folding the seal about the diameter of the vessel formed by the two points.

5

29. A container adapted to include the cartridge according to the first aspect of the invention, the container including two parts, a main body part and a holding part; the main body part being releasably attachable to the holding part; the holding part being adapted to receive the cartridge and adapted to allow movement of the o base of the cartridge from the first to the second position; and wherein the main body part is capable of containing a liquid substance when attached to the holding part including the cartridge.

30. The container according to claim 29 wherein the container is in three parts; the 5 main body part, the holding part and the container.

31. The container according to claim 30 wherein the container is in three parts, the main body part is not releasable from the holding part, and the container is a disposable container. 0

32. The cartridge according to claims 1 and 29 wherein the cartridge is made of plastics material.