EP3150506B1

EP3150506B1 - Cap for non-refillable containers

Info

Publication number: EP3150506B1
Application number: EP15758682.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Josep Maria Janes Autonell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2018-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-28
Also published as: EP3150506A1; EP3150506A4

Description

Object of the invention

The invention, as stated in the wording of the present specification, refers to a cap for non-refillable containers, according to the preamble of claim 1, which brings advantages and new features, which will be described in more detail later, that they represent a remarkable improvement of the current state of the art.
More particularly, the object of the invention focuses on a cap that, being the type to allow the pouring of the liquid contained in a receptacle, bottle or container but preventing that it can be refilled, avoiding not appropriate or fraudulent manipulations of product, is distinguished by having an innovative structural configuration that makes it especially suitable for oil containers, although without being limited thereto, since it allows to obtain a regular flow on the pouring of such thicker product, effectively ensuring the impossibility of refilling the container.

Field of application of the invention

The scope of the present invention is within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of caps for containers, particularly focusing on the scope of the safety caps equipped with anti-refill systems.

Background of the invention

As is known, different types of caps that prevent refilling the containers or bottles to which is incorporated are known on the market. In general such caps are intended for liquors bottles so its configuration tends to be focused to ensure the impossibility of refilling the bottle with another liquid other than that originally incorporated by the producer, but regardless of achieving a regular and constant fluidity in the pouring of the liquid, since it, in the case of spirits, is not important. In fact it is common in this type of bottles the need for several shakes of the same, once placed upside down, so that the liquid falls into the glass.
This circumstance, however, is a problem for other types of liquid, such as oil, since a shake of the bottle could cause an unwanted spilling of oil that could stain the users.
On the other hand, given the importance of this precious liquid is becoming as renowned gastronomic element, and to guarantee the origin of the oil that is sold and served in public establishments or consumed in private homes, the need for bottles that incorporate non-refillable caps particularly designed for oil, even though they may also be used for other liquids, is being created.
As a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that it is has knowledge of the existence of multiple documents related to the subject, in most of the cases referred to caps for spirit bottles, among which highlight however, as closest structurally speaking to which is here proposed:

The Utility Model ES0208718 U , referred to a "Tapón irrellenable para botellas" the occluder element of which consists of an inverted truncated cone body provided in its lower base of an appendix provided with radial fins by which slides into a hole provided at the base of the body housed in the mouth of the bottle, the hole of which extends towards the inside of said bottle by means of an tubular appendix, having provided in the outer mouth of the hole a tapered seat for the occluder element, which is provided with a skirt that surrounds the seat and an axial stop which is constituted by an appendix emerging on the side opposite to the seat of the occluder element. In addition, the body housed in the mouth of the bottle is located a cap provided with output means;
Or the Utility Model ES0229104U , referred to other "Tapón irrellenable perfeccionado", that in this case comprises a cover coupled on the neck of the bottle on which a capsule provided at its bottom with a plug of a tubular neck formed in a cup fitted in a tubular body adjusted at the neck of the bottle, is applicable, the cup of which is provided with peripheral openings having inside said tubular body a ball and a button provided with radial guide fins in the tubular body and capable of moving between a plugging position, in which the bottle is in a vertical position and said button is applied on a seat at the bottom of the tubular body and in which the refilling is prevented, and a position in which it is possible the discharge of fluid through the guide fins of the button and the tubular body and through the openings in the cup.

The patent US2262115A discloses a cap for non-refillable containers according to the preamble of claim 1.
However, it is not noted that any of the inventions known or aforementioned utility models, taken separately or in combination, describe the present invention, as claimed.

Explanation of the invention

Thus, the cap for non-refillable containers proposed by the invention is thus configured as an advantageous alternative within its field of application, characterizing details that make it possible and distinguish it from what is already known being conveniently collected in the final claims attached to the present description thereof.
Specifically, that proposed by the invention is a non-refillable cap, in particular a plastic cap for containers containing liquid or fluid products such as for example oil, these containers being preferably also of the same or another type of flexible plastic, since the structure of the cap is designed to procure the pouring of the fluid using pressure on the container itself. It is possible, however, optionally, the container can also be of glass or other non-flexible material, in which case the cap will have greater dimensions allowing exerting pressure directly on the same.
In any case, the cap is essentially made from two pieces coupled to each other, one external as an upper cover and one internal as a lower base, the upper cover comprising a spout for the flowing out of liquid and the lower base comprising a plug in the form of tack, said spout and said plug being located on each other in such a way that, when turning the container and exerting pressure, they allow the exit of fluid from the inside of the container to the outside passing around the plug and through the spout, but if the penetration of fluid through the spout into container is tried to force, they prevent its passage.
To that end, and now in a characteristic manner, the spout has, in its lower portion, a bottom platform that is joined to the walls of the spout along the entire length thereof, except from a small lateral opening, through which the passage of liquid is possible, this bottom platform being located directly in contact with the plug and at a very small distance of the hole in which said plug is located and rests, so that an eventual introduction of liquid through the spout to try to refill the container will result in the bottom platform of said spout pressing on the upper base of the plug and, as a result, the closure of the area of the hole in which the plug rests, while at the same time said bottom platform closes the edge of the hole where the plug is located, such that the security to prevent the refilling is more effective.
In addition, the plug, as mentioned it has form of tack, that is formed by a lower rod and a wider conical head, is arranged housed in the through-hole that is of complementary configuration and is provided for that purpose in the portion of the plug that forms the aforementioned lower base, having certain intermediate space that allows its vertical displacement to be blocked or not, and allow the passage of fluid from the inside of the container towards the inside of the cap and, from this point, to the outside through the spout. However, it is important to note that, unlike how other known plugs act, in this case the plug only have vertical shift inside the hole in which houses while in operating position, that is, when there is pressure on it, while when there is no pressure on it, it does not have movement since it is held among the hole in which is housed, since its conical head is supported on complementary configuration of said hole, and the bottom platform of the spout with which remains in contact its upper base.
To that end, the plug is also distinguished by having, in its top, above the conical head of the tack that determines its shape, a flexible element that joins it to its upper base, which, as noted above is attached below the bottom platform of the spout. In this way, said upper base has the flexibility that determines the ability of movement of the plug into the hole in which is housed, and therefore a greater efficiency thereof to prevent the passage of fluid as well as to allow said passage of fluid therethrough.
It should be mentioned that the aforementioned flexible element may consist of any type of spring, flexo or flap able to have elasticity and, at the same time, allow the passage of fluid therethrough.
It is also worth noting that, preferably, the floor of the base of the base portion of the cap, has a certain inclination, in the highest point of which is the through-hole in which the plug is incorporated, such that, when turning the container to pour product, this runs into said hole.
And, also, in the bottom of the plug rod, it is envisaged a perimeter spoiler the purpose of which is to provide a wider surface to help the fluid pressure, in the operating position of the container to pour liquid, is greater, improving and increasing the output flow. Logically, this spoiler will be located in a suitable point of the plug rod enough away from the bottom edge of the hole in which is housed so that, in the aforementioned operating position, it does not contact said hole and block the passage of fluid.
Optionally, the cap may incorporate a system of air flow that favors regular and continuous fluid flow when poured, by the existence of two small holes for that purpose in both parts of the cap, although this is not necessary since, as has been mentioned the container is envisaged that it is of the type that pours its contents using pressure thereon.
Finally, it should be noted that, preferably, the base part and cover part of the cap are joined to each other by fingers that fit using pressure onto perforated bosses provided complementary. And both pieces are attached to the container neck inserted using pressure into a perimeter slot provided for that purpose at the edge of the same.
Ultimately, the main advantage and difference of the cap proposed compared to other existing systems, lies in the configuration and arrangement of its plug that, in an innovative way, does not present free movement, because it is trapped between the support of its conical head into the hole in which is housed and the bottom platform of the spout where it is attached its upper base, and its movement to allow or prevent the passage of fluid is due to its flexible configuration determined by the flexible element that incorporates. This feature prevents the attempt to refill the container forcing the lifting of the plug, as it might occur with the ball plugs or similar which have free movement within their accommodation and only act by gravity. In the case of the plug of the present invention, this only moves if there is pressure and, therefore, if the pressure comes from the internal fluid, this comes out and can be poured easily, but if the pressure comes from outside, by trying a refilling, the plug is closed.
In the light of the above, it is confirmed that the described cap for non-refillable containers represents a structure of constituent and structural characteristics unknown so far for the purpose for which it is intended.

Description of the drawings

In order to complement the description that is being carried out and with the object to help to a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is accompanied to the present specification as an integral part thereof, in which with an illustrative and non-limiting character, the following has been represented:

FIG. 1.- It shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the cap, object of the invention, coupled to a container, appreciating its general external configuration.
FIG. 2.- It shows a section view of the container with the cap, according to the invention, shown in FIG. 1, appreciating in it the main parts and elements that comprises.
FIG. 3.- It shows a enlarged and section view of the cap of the invention, according to the same example shown in FIG. 2, appreciating with greater detail the parts and elements that comprises.
FIGs. 4 and 5.- They show both views, top and section views respectively, of the outer part or upper cover comprising the cap of the invention.
FIGs. 6 and 7.- They show both views, plan and elevation views respectively, of the plug that includes the cap.

And FIGs. 8 and 9.-. They show both views, plan and section views respectively, of the inner part or lower base comprising the cap of the invention.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

In the light of the above figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, it can be seen in them an example of preferred embodiment but not limited to, of the proposed cap for non-refillable containers, which comprises the parts and elements listed and described in detail below.
Thus, as shown in said figures, the cap (1) under consideration is configured from two parts of flexible plastic material (for example PP, PET, among others) coupled to each other, consisting of a upper cover (2) and a lower base (3) which are coupled jointly to the container neck (4), the upper cover (2) comprising a spout (5), that determines a liquid outlet channel, and under this, a plug (6) housed in a complementary through-hole (7) provided for the purpose in the lower base (3).
As can be seen more clearly in FIGs. 4 and 5, the spout (5) is cylindrical and has a bottom platform (8) inside and in the lower portion of same which is joined to the walls thereof along the entire length thereof apart from a lateral opening (9), by which the passage of liquid is possible. In addition, this bottom platform (8) protrudes slightly at the bottom of the upper wall (2a) of the cover (2), thus remaining located at a very small distance above the upper edge of the through-hole (7) of the lower base (3) in which the plug (6) is incorporated as seen in FIG. 3.
On the other hand, the plug (6), as seen in FIGs. 6 and 7, has the form of tack, that is, is formed by a lower rod (10) and a wider conical head (11) that, in rest position of the plug, rests on the complementary conical portion of the through-hole (7). Moreover, over said conical head (11), the plug (6) incorporates flexible elements (12), for example in the form of tabs, but without being a limitation, to which an upper base (13) is joined, determining an intermediate passage (14) that increases or reduces in size according to the extension of said flexible elements (12) caused by the pressure exerted under the same due to the operating position of the container and the flow of liquid, said upper base (13) being in contact with the bottom platform (8) of the spout (5), when the cap is mounted. Consequently, it is determined that the plug (6) is partially flexible and, in rest position, becomes stationary coupled under the bottom platform (8) of the spout (5) with which remains in contact and the area of the through-hole (7) on which rests.
In addition, at the bottom of the rod (10) of the plug (6), it is envisaged a perimeter spoiler (15) arranged at certain distance from the conical head (11) to be separated from the bottom edge of the through-hole (7) in which the plug (6) is housed.
It should be mentioned that, preferably, the spout (5) and the through-hole (7) where the plug (6) is housed, are located on each other with a slight lateral displacement of their respective axial axis to favor the passage of fluid through the lateral opening (9) of the bottom platform (8), logically, notwithstanding that where appropriated, said bottom platform (8) when pressed due to the attempt to refill liquid in the container through the spout (5) completely blocks the through-hole (7) when makes contact with the top edge of the walls thereof.
According to the figures 8 and 9, it can be seen how the part that forms the lower base (3) of the cap has a floor (3a) with inclined configuration, in the example shown formed by two slopes (16), the highest point of which is the point where it is located the through-hole (7) in which the plug (6) is incorporated, facilitating slipping of the liquid towards the same when poured down. It also shown how said through-hole (7) has a configuration complementary to that of the plug (6), wherein has a step (17) where the conical head (11) of the plug (6) rests, having between both elements in the straight area of the rod (10) certain space for the passage of fluid in its operating position.
Finally, it is observed how the upper base (2) has on the inner side of its upper wall (2a) fingers (18) that emerge in coincident points with perforated bosses (19) provided in a complementary manner in the top of the floor (3a) of the lower base, intended to ensure the union of both parts by snapping-in of said fingers (18) in said perforated bosses (19).
Likewise, the lower base (3) has a perimeter wall (3b) internally fitted to the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2), having both parts two skirts (3c, 2c) that fit into a slot (4a) on the edge of the container (4).
On the other hand, when the container is not in flexible plastic, and for example is in glass or other rigid material, the perimeter wall (3b) of the lower base (3) and the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2) will increase in height sufficiently to allow exercising the necessary pressure on the cap and achieve its functionality to pour the liquid, since the described cap (1) is designed to operate and pour the product by its turning exerting pressure on the container, provided that this is of flexible plastic, which may be of the same plastic material as the cap or other material.
Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, stating that, within its essence, it can be put into practice in other embodiments which differ only in detail from the one indicated by way of example, without departing from the scope of protection which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Cap for non-refillable containers suitable to pour a product by turning of the container and pressing on the container if the container is made of flexible plastic, or pressing on the cap itself, said cap being formed by a upper cover (2) and a lower base (3) which are suitable to be coupled jointly to a neck (4) of the container; the lower base (3) comprising a plug (6) housed in a complementary through-hole (7) provided for the purpose; the upper cover (2) comprising a liquid outlet channel in the form of a spout (5) located on the plug (6), and a bottom platform (8) located in the lower portion of the spout and joined to the walls of the spout along the entire length thereof except from a lateral opening (9) by which the passage of liquid is possible; wherein the plug, in rest position, becomes stationary coupled under the bottom platform (8) of the spout (5), with which it remains in contact, and an area of the through-hole (7) on which it rests;
said cap being characterized in that the upper cover (2) and the lower base (3) are two parts of flexible plastic material coupled to each other; and
in that the bottom platform (8) is located at a very small distance above the upper edge of the through-hole (7) so that an eventual introduction of liquid through the spout to try to refill the container will result in the bottom platform pressing on an upper base (13) of the plug causing the closure of the area of the through-hole in which the plug rests, while at the same time said bottom platform closes the edge of the through-hole.
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (6) incorporates flexible elements (12) to which an upper base (13) is joined, making the plug partially flexible, said flexible elements being configured so that the upper base (13) of the plug remains in contact with the bottom platform (8) of the spout when the cap is mounted; said flexible elements determining an intermediate passage (14) that increases and reduces in size according to the operating positions of the container and the flow of liquid.
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug (6) has the shape of tack and is formed by a lower rod (10) and a wider head (11) on which the flexible elements (12) are incorporated, and in that the through-hole (7) has a configuration complementary to that of the plug (6), in which has a step (17) where the head (11) of the plug (6) rests.
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 3, characterized in that in the lower portion of the rod (10) of the plug (6), a perimeter spoiler (15) has been envisaged.
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the part that forms the lower base (3) of the cap has a floor (3a) of inclined configuration, the highest point of which is the point where the through-hole (7) in which the plug (6) in incorporated, is located.
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the upper base (2) has on the inner side of its upper wall (2a) fingers (18) that emerge in coincident points with perforated bosses (19) provided in a complementary manner in the top of the floor (3a) of the lower base, intended to ensure the union of both parts by snapping-in of said fingers (18) in said perforated bosses (19).
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the lower base (3) has a perimeter wall (3b) internally fitted to the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2), having both parts two skirts (3c, 2c) adapted to fit into a slot (4a) on the edge of the container (4).
Cap for non-refillable containers, according to claim 7, characterized in that the perimeter wall (3b) of the lower base (3) and the lateral wall (2b) of the upper cover (2) have a sufficient height that allows exerting pressure on the cap to achieve its functionality to pour the liquid.