GB2411167A

GB2411167A - Closure and spigot assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2411167A
Application number: GB0503365A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Allen Kordan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-18
Filing date: 2005-02-18
Publication date: 2005-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-18
Also published as: GB0403528D0; GB2411167B; GB0503365D0

Abstract

An adaptor (10) for fitting to a necked container (12) for laboratory use comprises a cylindrical cap (11) internally threadedly engaged to screw onto the neck, a spigot (13) having a bore (23) therethrough and being received through a threaded aperture (18) of the cap, external threads (24, 25) provided at respective opposite ends of the spigot (13) with the threads at the upper end of the spigot being engaged with the threads of said aperture (13) thereby releasably to engage the spigot to the cap. An extension member (14) and nut (15) can be engaged with the threads (24, 25) respectively, and a closure member (55) or a connector can fit the end of the extension member or the spigot.

Description

2411 167 - 1 -

ADAPI OR

This invention relates to an adaptor suitable for fitting to a container.

In research or educational laboratory experimental investigations, it is often necessary to create a controlled environment within a container, and to be able to monitor one or more conditions within the container. For example, in tissue culture experiments, it may be necessary to monitor the temperature within the container, the pH of the culture medium, or the composition of any gases produced by the culture. It is often desirable to be able to measure such factors whilst causing minimum disruption to the environment within the container and avoiding contamination of its contents.

Conventional laboratory containers are often supplied with standard closures, such as a screw-threaded cap, a stopper or a bung. Such standard closures suffer the potential disadvantage of lacking versatility. For example, if during an experiment in which a container is sealed with a cap it is decided to suspend a measurement device such as a thermometer inside the container, the existing closure may have to be removed and replaced with a closure such as a rubber bung having a bore through which the thermometer may pass.

The act of removal and replacement of the closure could be disruptive to the experiment, and such handling may lead to contamination of the container.

Thus it will be appreciated that it is advantageous to provide an adaptor suitable for fitting to a container, which allows for the introduction and removal of various items of apparatus whilst minimising disruption to the container contents. - 2-

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adaptor that minimises the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor comprising a cap for fitting to a container, and a spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof, said cap having a threaded aperture therein, and said spigot being externally threaded and releasably engaged with said threaded aperture.

Preferably, said cap has internal threads which, in use, cooperate with external threads of a neck of said container. Desirably, said cap is formed from a metal, or alternatively, said cap is formed from a polymer.

Advantageously, said cap is formed from a heat-resistant material.

Preferably, said bore extends longitudinally throughout said spigot such that said bore is open at its opposite ends. Desirably, said bore is circular in profile, and advantageously said spigot is substantially cylindrical in external profile. Advantageously, said spigot has an externally threaded portion at one, or conveniently both of its respective opposite ends, the remaining central portion of said spigot being externally unthreaded. Conveniently, said spigot has stops at the respective inner ends of the threads. Preferably, said spigot is formed with at least one aperture extending radially from said bore, to the external surface of said spigot, and conveniently said at least one aperture is disposed in said unthreaded central portion.

Desirably, when said spigot is threadably engaged with said threaded aperture of said cap, at least a portion of said spigot projects below said cap such that, in use, when said cap is fitted to said container, said spigot extends into said - 3- container. Advantageously, when said spigot is threadably engaged with said threaded aperture of said cap, at least a portion of said spigot projects above said cap.

Preferably, said adapter further comprises at least one internally threaded nut. Advantageously, in use, said internal threads of said nut cooperate with at least one of said external threads of said spigot. Desirably, said at least one nut has a substantially cylindrical internal profile, and preferably said nut has at one of its ends an inwardly stepped collar, such that in use, when said nut is engaged with said spigot, an end of said spigot either indirectly or directly abuts said collar. Conveniently, said nut further comprises a washer abutting said collar. Advantageously, said washer is formed from distensible material, such that tightening of said nut onto at least one of said external threads of said spigot causes said end of said spigot to abut said collar, causing the washer to distend radially inwardly.

Preferably, said adapter further comprises an extension member which is releasably connectable to an end ol said spigot. Advantageously, said extension member is in the form of an internally threaded hollow cylinder, said internal threads cooperating, in use, with said external threads of said spigot. Conveniently, said extension member has a stepped internal profile such that a portion of the extension member has a smaller internal diameter than that of the remainder of the extension member.

Preferably, said adapter further comprises a closure member which may be fitted either directly to an end of the spigot, or indirectly, via said extension member, which is in turn fitted to an end of said spigot. Desirably, said - 4- closure member has external threads for releasable engagement with said internal threads of said spigot and/or said extension member, and advantageously said closure member is in the form of a headed bolt.

Preferably, said adapter further includes a connector member which may be fitted either directly to an end of the spigot, or indirectly, via said extension member, which is in turn fitted to an end of said spigot. Desirably, said connector member has external threads 1-or releasable engagement with said internal threads of said spigot and/or said extension member, and advantageously said connector member is in the form of a screw portion with said external threads, and a frustroconical portion for connection to other components, such as tubing. Conveniently, but not essentially, said connector member has a stopcock which is moveable between an open and a closed position.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for assembly of an adapter according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising a cap for fitting to a container, having a threaded aperture therein, a spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof and being externally threaded for cooperation with said threaded aperture.

Preferably, said kit contains at least one internally threaded nut. Desirably, said kit contains at least one extension member in the form of an internally threaded hollow cylinder for cooperation with said external threads of said spigot. Advantageously, said kit contains a connector member allowing connection of components such as tubing to the adaptor, in use, said connector member being fitted either to an end of said spigot, or to said extension member. Conveniently, said kit contains a closure member which, - s - in use, may be fitted either to an end of said spigot, or to said extension member.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a container, a cap having an internally threaded aperture therein, an externally threaded spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof, said cap being fitted to said container, and said spigot being releasably threadably engaged with said internally threaded aperture.

Preferably, said assembly further comprises an elongate measurement device, and advantageously said assembly also includes an internally threaded nut.

Preferably, a lower portion ol said spigot projects below said cap into said container, and an upper portion of said spigot projects above said cap, said measurement device being at least partially inserted into said bore, and said nut being threadably engaged to said lower spigot portion such that said nut retains said measurement device in place.

Preferably, said assembly further comprises an electrical measurement device such as an electrode, said electrode advantageously being releasably attached to said assembly by a clip. Desirably, said electrode has a wire attached thereto, and conveniently said wire passes through said at least one aperture of said spigot. Advantageously, said clip is releasably attached to said spigot.

An example of an adaptor in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: - 6- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adaptor assembly according to the present invention, fitted to a container, Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an adaptor assembly according to the present invention, showing alternative fittings for use as part of the adaptor assembly, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a cap according to the present invention, and Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a container fitted with an adaptor, including an electrode.

Referring to the drawings, an adaptor 10, shown assembled and fitted to a container in Figure 1, comprises a cylindrical cap 11 for fitting to a necked container 12, a spigot 13, an extension member 14, and a nut 15. The cap comprises a cylindrical body portion] 6, and a dependent annular portion 17.

As can be seen best from Figure 3, the body portion of the cap has a central aperture 18 therein. This central aperture is circular in profile, and is provided with internal threads 19. The dependent portion of the cap has internal threads 21. The relevance of the internal threads of the aperture and the dependent portion will be referred to later. A washer 22 as shown in Figure 2 is fitted inside the cap, although this is not an essential feature of the invention.

The spigot 13 is best seen from Figure 2, and is of cylindrical form, formed with a bore 23 open at its opposite ends such that the spigot is tubular in the preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that the bore may - 7 instead be blind, extending only partially along the spigot from one end thereof. The relevance of the bore will be discussed later. The spigot has externally threaded portions 24, 25 at each of its ends. In use, the threads of the upper portion 24 of the spigot releasably engage with the threaded aperture 18 of the cap 11. As can be seen from Figure 2, the remaining central portion 26 of the spigot has an unthreaded external surface. In this preferred.embodiment, the threaded portions of the spigot have stops 27, 28 at the respective inner ends of the threads 24, 25. Circular apertures 29 are provided in the unthreaded portion of the spigot, extending radially outwardly from the bore. In the preferred embodiment shown, four equi-angularly spaced such apertures are provided. The relevance of these apertures will be discussed later. It will be appreciated that such apertures are not essential.

In an alternative embodiment, the spigot may have threads along its entire length. The spigot bore may be internally threaded, for example for releasable engagement with an externally threaded measurement device.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the spigot is not an integral component of the cap.

In use, the upper portion of the spigot 13 is introduced into the threaded aperture 18 of the cap from the underside of the cap. The upper external threads 24 of the spigot cooperate with the internal threads 19 of the cap aperture 18 and thus hold the spigot in a desired screwed-up position, with part of the spigot extending both above and below the cap as can be seen best from Figure 4. Stops 27, 28 prevent the spigot from passing entirely through the cap aperture 18, and ensure that the spigot only passes through the aperture up to the central spigot portion 26. - 8-

In use, the cap is fitted to the neck 31 of a container 12. As can be seen from Figure 4, the neck of the container has external threads 32. In use, the internal threads 21 of the dependent portion 17 of the cap 1 1 cooperate with the external threads 32 of the container neck 31. The container may be formed from any suitable material, such as glass. A washer 33 may be fitted to the uppermost surface of the neck of the container. It will be understood that the cap need not be internally threaded, and may be fitted to the neck of the container by any suitable means, such as a push fit or bayonet fitting between the cap and the neck. In the embodiment shown, it will be necessary to fit the spigot to the cap prior to fitting the cap to the container.

A measurement device such as a thermometer 34 may be used with the apparatus, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, such a measurement device may be introduced into the container via the bore 23 of the spigot. It will be appreciated that a variety of measurement devices may be used, such as electrodes to measure pH, oxygen levels, or electrical conductivity. It may be desirable to suspend the measurement device in the body of' the container, in which case a nut 15 may be used to secure the measurement device in place within the bore. Once the measurement device (thermometer in this case) has been introduced into the spigot bore, the nut is passed over an end of the thermometer and fitted to an end of' the spigot. In the embodiment shown, the nut is fitted to the lower portion 25 of the spigot, in which case it is passed over the lower end of the thermometer. However, it will be appreciated that the nut may be fitted to the upper portion 24 of the spigot. It is possible that two nuts may be fitted; one at either end of the spigot for further securement of' the measurement device within the spigot bore. Ii'the spigot bore is blind, for example only extending part way along the spigot from the lower portion of' the spigot, then it will be appreciated - 9 that the measurement device will be inserted into the bore from the lower end of the spigot.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the nut has internal threads 35 and has a substantially cylindrical internal profile. The nut has an inwardly stepped collar 36 at its lower end. The nut is fitted with a washer 37 which is disposed inside the nut, adjacent the collar. The nut is also fitted with a tubular sleeve 38 which is of smaller diameter than the washer, and is disposed radially inwardly of the washer. The washer and sleeve are formed from a distensible material, such as plastics material.

In use, the internal threads 35 of the nut cooperate with the external threads of the spigot. When the nut is introduced onto (in this case) the lower portion 25 of the spigot and the nut tightened, the lower end of the spigot abuts the sleeve 38 adjacent the collar. Tightening of the nut causes the sleeve to distend radially inwardly under pressure, thus gripping the measurement device within the nut. Tightening or releasing the nut on the spigot may vary the degree of grip of the nut on the measurement device. In practice, it is possible to tighten the nut to a degree so that a device such as a thermometer may be passed in and out of the spigot bore, yet is frictionally gripped by the nut sufficiently such that the device remains suspended at the desired level whilst within the bore.

An extension member 14 may be fitted as part of the adaptor. The extension member is in the form of a hollow cylinder. As will be seen from Figures 2 and 4, the extension member has internal threads 39. In use, the internal threads cooperate with the external threads of the spigot. In the embodiment shown, the extension member is fitted to the upper portion 37 of the spigot. - 10

As can be seen from Figure 4, the extension member has a stepped internal profile, such that a portion 41 of the extension member has a smaller internal diameter than that of the remainder 42 of the extension member. The portion 42 of the extension member having the larger internal diameter is fitted to the upper threaded portion 24 of the spigot, such that the bore 23 of the spigot is of continuous internal profile with that of the extension member. The extension member is introduced onto the upper portion of the spigot and the threads 39, 24 screwed together until the spigot reaches the reduced diameter portion 41 of the extension member, or the lower end of the extension member abuts the cap 11. A washer 43 as can be seen from Figure 2, may be placed between the extension member and the cap.

Once the adapter according to the invention has been assembled as described above, and fined to a container as shown in Figures 1 and 4, it is ready for use. Examples of adaptor uses include research and laboratory experimental investigations. If during use of the apparatus, the user wishes to remove the thermometer and replace it with another measurement device, then he may do so without unscrewing the cap, as long as the nut holding the thermometer in place has not been secured too tightly. Some measuring devices such as electrodes are formed with wires connecting them to a power supply, in which case the wires may conveniently be passed through the previously described spigot apertures 29. Figure 4 shows an example of an adaptor fitted to a container and including a measuring device such as an electrode 44. The electrode is held in position inside the container 12 by a clip 45 which is attached to the spigot 13. The clip may grip the electrode and spigot by any suitable means, such as via a friction fit, screw thread engagement, clamp fastening, or a spring clip. Electrode wires 46 conveniently pass - 11 through spigot apertures 29, into spigot bore 23 and into extension member 14.

If the user wishes to connect the container to further components by means such as tubing, then it would he desirable to fit a connector member to the adaptor. A preferred embodiment of a connector 47 is shown in Figure 2.

As can be seen, the connector comprises a cylindrical portion 48, having external threads 49, a collar portion 51 and a frustroconical portion 52. In use, the external threads 49 of the cylindrical portion cooperate with the internal threads 39 of the extension member 14, and the threaded cylinder portion 48 of the connector is screwed into the extension member until the collar portion 51 abuts the extension member. If an extension member is not used, it is envisaged that a connector may be formed with internal threads for cooperation with the threads of the spigot directly. In use, tubing may be connected to the frustroconical portion 52 of the connector for connection oi the container to further components, such as a vessel for collecting gases produced by the contents of the container during the course of an experiment.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the frustroconical portion is formed with a series of ridges 53 which act to retain tubing fitted to the connector. In the embodiment shown, the connector has a stopcock 54 which is moveable between an open and a closed position so that the flow of liquids or gases in or out of the container may be controlled.

If the user wishes to seal the container, then a closure member may be fitted to the adaptor apparatus. As san be seen best from Figure 2, in the preferred embodiment, the closure member 55 is in the form of a headed screw, having a cylindrical portion 56 with external threads 57, and a flat head portion 58.

In the preferred embodiment, in use, the closure member is fitted to the free - 12 end of the extension member 14, with the external threads 57 of the closure member cooperating with the internal threads 39 of the extension member. It will he appreciated that if an extension member is not used, a closure member having internal threads could be fitted directly to the spigot 13. The closure member may be of any suitable form, and may, for example, be a push-fit cap for fitting over the extension member, or over the spigot.

Ii the user of the adaptor does not wish to seal the container completely, then a closure member having an aperture therethrough (not shown) may be fitted in place of the previously described and illustrated closure member. As will be seen from Figure 2, a washer 59 may be fitted between the closure member and the extension member to improve the seal formed between the two components.

It will be appreciated that an adaptor according to the present invention allows for a variety of components to be fitted to the apparatus. Thus, additional components to those mentioned herein may be fitted to the adaptor according to the present invention. Furthermore, it is envisaged that more than one aperture may be provided in the cap, thus more than one spigot may be fitted to the cap. Moreover, the spigot may be provided with more than one bore therein or therethrough, and it could have internal threading, for example to threadedly connect a reducing element providing a capillary. It is also possible to connect two containers together by means of an adaptor according to the present invention, or to connect a plurality of containers together in series. It will also be appreciated that the absolute and relative sizes of the components as described herein may be changed without departing from the present invention. - 13

The cap, spigot, nut, extension member and closure member may be formed from any suitable material, such as any suitable metal or polymer. The washers, sleeve and connector may be formed from suitable materials such as PTFE. It will be appreciated that an advantage ot the adaptor according to the present invention is that it can be made entirely from materials that can withstand autoclaving or other methods of sterilization, thus the adaptor components may be sterilised efficiently for re-use. A further advantage with the present invention is that it may be manufactured so as to fit standard laboratory containers. - 14

Claims

Claims 1. An adaptor comprising a cap for fitting to a container, and a

spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof, said cap having a threaded aperture therein, and said spigot being externally threaded and releasably engaged with said threaded aperture.
2. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said cap has internal threads which, in use, cooperate with external threads of a neck of said container.
3. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said cap is formed from a metal.
4. An adaptor as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein said cap is formed from a polymer.
5. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the cap is funned from a heat-resistant material.
6. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said bore extends longitudinally throughout said spigot such that said bore is open at its opposite ends.
7. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said bore is circular in profile. - 15
8. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said spigot is substantially cylindrical in external profile.
9. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said spigot has an externally threaded portion at one of its ends.
] O. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spigot has an externally threaded portion at both of its respective opposite ends, a remaining central portion of said spigot being externally unthreaded.
11. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 10, in which said spigot has stops at the respective inner ends of the threads.
12. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spigot is fonned with at least one aperture extending radially from said bore, to the external surface of said spigot.
13. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 12 when appended to Claim 10, wherein said at least one aperture is disposed in said unthreaded central portion.
14. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 9, wherein said spigot is formed with at least one aperture extending radially from said bore, to the external surface of said spigot, said at least one aperture being disposed in an unthreaded portion of the spigot. - 16
15. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when said spigot is threadably engaged with said threaded aperture of said cap, at least a portion of said spigot projects below said cap such that, in use, when said cap is fitted to said container, said spigot extends into said container.
16. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when said spigot is threadably engaged with said threaded aperture of said cap, at least a portion of said spigot projects above said cap.
l 7. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said adaptor further comprises at least one internally threaded nut.
18. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 17, wherein, in use, said internal threads of said at least one nut cooperate with external threads of said spigot.
19. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, in which said at least one nut has a substantially cylindrical internal profile.
20. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 19, in which said nut has at one of its ends an inwardly stepped collar, such that in use, when said nut is engaged with said spigot, an end oi said spigot either indirectly or directly abuts said collar.
21. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 20, in which said nut further comprises a washer abutting said collar.
22. An adaptor as claimed in either Claim 20 or Claim 21, in which said washer is formed from distensible material, such that tightening of said nut onto said external threads of said spigot causes an end of said spigot to abut said collar, causing the washer to distend radially inwardly.
23. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said adaptor further comprises an extension member which is releasably connectable to an end of said spigot.
24. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 23, in which said extension member is in the form of an internally threaded hollow cylinder, said internal threads cooperating, in use, with external threads of said spigot.
25. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 23 or Claim 24, in which said extension member has a stepped internal profile such that a portion of the extension member has a smaller internal diameter than that of the remainder of the extension member.
26. An adaptor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said adaptor further comprises a closure member which is fitted to an end of the spigot.
27. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the closure member has external threads for releasable engagement with internal threads of said spigot. - 18
28. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 25, including a closure member fitted to said extension member.
29. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 28, wherein said closure member has external threads for releasable engagement with internal threads of said extension member.
30. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 26 to 29, wherein the closure member is in the form of a headed bolt.
31. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims I to 25, including a connector member fitted to an end of the spigot.
32. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the connector member has external threads for releasable engagement with said internal threads of said spigot.
33. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the connector member is in the form of a screw portion with said external threads, and a frustoconical position for connection to at least one other component.
34. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 31 to 33, wherein the connector member has a stopcock.
35. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 25, including a connector member fitted to said extension member. - 19
36. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the connector member has external threads for releasable engagement with said internal threads of the extension member.
37. An adaptor as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the connector member is in the form of a screw portion with said external threads, and a frustoconical position for connection to at least one other component.
38. An adaptor as claimed in any one of Claims 35 to 37, wherein the connector member has a stopcock.
39. A kit of parts for assembly of an adaptor according to Claim 1, comprising a cap for fitting to a container, having a threaded aperture therein, and a spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof and being externally threaded for cooperation with said threaded aperture.
40. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 39, including at least one internally threaded nut.
41. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 38 or Claim 39, including an extension member in the form of an internally threaded hollow cylinder for cooperation with said external threads of said spigot.
42. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 41, including a connector member allowing connection of components to the adaptor, in use, said connector member being fitted either to an end of said spigot, car to said extension - 20 member.
43. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 41 or Claim 42, including a closure member which, in use, may be fitted either to an end of said spigot, or to said extension member.
44. An assembly comprising a container, a cap having an internally threaded aperture therein, and an externally threaded spigot having a bore extending longitudinally from one end thereof, said cap being fitted to said container, and said spigot being releasably threadably engaged with said internally threaded aperture.
45. An assembly as claimed in Claim 44, including an elongate measurement device.
46. An assembly as claimed in Claim 44 or Claim 45, including an internally threaded nut.
47. An assembly as claimed in Claim 46 when appended to Claim 45, wherein a lower portion of said spigot projects below said cap into said container, and an upper portion of said spigot projects above said cap, said measurement device being at least partially inserted into said bore, and said nut being threadably engaged to said lower spigot portion such that said nut retains said measurement device in place. - 21
48. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 44 to 47, including an electrical measurement device releasably attached to said assembly by a clip.
49. An assembly as claimed in Claim 48, in which the electrical measurement device has a wire attached thereto.
50. An assembly as claimed in Claim 49, in which said wire passes through a radial aperture of said spigot.
51. An assembly as claimed in Claim 50, in which said clip is releasably attached to said spigot.
52. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 48 to 51, wherein the electrical measurement device is an electrode.
53. An adaptor substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, or Figure 2, or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.
54. An assembly as hereinbefore described, and as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.