WO2008002160A2

WO2008002160A2 - Cap with a capsule rupturable by a cutter

Info

Publication number: WO2008002160A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000166
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederick Michael Coory
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-28
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2008-12-28
Also published as: WO2008002160A3

Abstract

A cap (1 1 ) for a container (10), the cap (1 1 ) including a capsule (25) which contains an additive (T) intended for addition to a liquid contained in a container (10) to which the cap (1 1 ) is to be attached, a cutting edge (39) is located within the cap (1 1 ) to, in use, circumscribe at least a part of the capsule (25), the cutting edge (39) being positioned adjacent the capsule (25), the capsule (25) and cutting edge (39) being mounted for relative movement therebetween and externally accessible movement inducing means operative to effect such relative movement between the capsule (25) and cutting edge (39) to cause the cutting edge (39) to rupture the capsule (25).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A CAP FOR A CONTAINER

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cap for a container.

The cap of the present invention is particularly intended for use with containers for containment of drinks the drinks being of the type where two components making up the drink are best mixed immediately before consumption. One component can be a liquid and the other a concentrate, in a tablet, powder or liquid form, contained in a rupturable pack or capsule. By manipulating the cap the pack can be ruptured to thereby release the tablet, powder or liquid additive into liquid contained in the container. As a result a drink mixture is formed within the container. The drink mixture can then be consumed generally from the container either by firstly removing the cap and then drinking from the container or by way of a sipper top forming part of the cap.

In my international patent specification WO98/40289 there is disclosed a cap which has the material to be added into the liquid in the container located within a rupturable pack. Upon the pack being ruptured to release the material into the fluid a flow passage is formed in the cap whereby the resultant drink mixture can be consumed via a sipper top forming part of the cap.

In my international patent specification WO00/2771 7 there is disclosed a cap which, once again, is able to be operated to release the solid material into the liquid. However, a passageway through which the resultant drink mixture can be consumed is not formed. The cap therefore needs to be removed so that the drink mixture is consumed direct from the container or dispensed into a drinking vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The caps of my aforementioned international patent specifications have been successful but it has become evident that there is a need for an improved cap of this type where thorough ejection of the containers of the pack and reduced operating pressure to cut/eject the ingredients of the pack/capsule would be desirable. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cap which achieves these improvements.

Broadly, accordingly to one aspect of the invention there is provided a cap for a container, the cap including a capsule which contains an additive intended for addition to a liquid contained in a container to which the cap is to be attached, a cutting edge is located within the cap to, in use, circumscribe at least a part of the capsule, the cutting edge being positioned adjacent the capsule, one of the capsule and cutting edge being mounted for movement relative to the other and externally accessible movement inducing means operative to effect relative movement between the capsule and cutting edge to cause the cutting edge to rupture the capsule.

The sipper top can be mounted with the cap to be moveable by a push-pull action or a twisting action applied thereto to achieve a movement of the sipper top in a longitudinal direction.

According to an alternative form of the invention the movement inducing means is a collapsible element which upon an external pressure being applied thereto collapses such that the applied external pressure causes the capsule to move whereby the cutting edge comes into rupturing contact with the capsule.

According to one form of the invention the sipper top includes means for additional rupturing of the capsule to provide a flow passage for liquid in the container, to which the cap is attached to the sipper top. According to one form of the invention the capsule when in the first position creates a seal to prevent flow of liquid from a container to which the cap is attached.

In a preferred form of the invention the cutting edge is an annular element. Preferably the annular element has a plurality of teeth.

According to one form of the invention the annular element includes a sealing flange which, when the cap is attached to the open end of a neck of a container, creates a seal between the cap and the open end.

In one form of the invention the capsule is located in a fixed position, the movement inducing means is located to one side of the capsule, the cutting edge is located to an opposite side of the capsule and the cutting edge is coupled by coupling means to the movement inducing means whereby movement of the movement inducing means causes the cutting edge to move into rupturing engagement with the capsule.

The additive can be in powder, tablet or liquid form.

In one form of the invention the capsule is moveable from a first to a second position.

Containers for which a cap of this type are mounted come in different sizes and, more particularly, different neck dimensions. The container will generally have a neck which is of generally tubular configuration with an external thread. The diameters of the neck can thus differ from one container to the next. When the neck diameter, which is generally measured in the external diameter, is smaller (such as 28mm) the dimensions of the cap are such that the allowable internal space for the pack is necessarily restricted especially when it is considered that the overall height of the cap needs to desirably be kept as low as possible. Consequently the internal space within the cap has a limiting effect on the size of the capsule/pack that can be fitted into the cap. A further problem that arises from the different neck sizes of container is that the cap manufacturer is required to tool up for different size caps so as to accommodate the different external threaded dimension of the container neck. This represents a significant cost to the manufacturer and can have a bearing on whether a manufacturer of caps can, in some circumstances, justify tooling up for a different neck size.

There is therefore a need for a cap for the threaded neck of a container which provides a good sized internal volume to accommodate an encapsulate/pack of material to be added into a fluid within the container. It is one object of the invention to provide such a cap.

There is also a need for a cap for the threaded neck of a container which is able to accommodate, with minimum of tooling, different sizes an configuration of neck. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cap.

Accordingly, in a second broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a cap for a container, the cap including a cap body having a skirt, the cap body defining an internal cavity of a volume in which is located a capsule which contains an additive intended for addition to a liquid contained in a container to which the cap is to be attached, an insert adapted to be engaged internally within the skirt and a thread form incorporated with the insert and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread form of a neck of the container to thereby attach the cap to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to a further broad aspect of the invention there is provided a cap for a container, the cap including a cap body having a skirt, an insert adapted to be engaged internally within the skirt and a thread form incorporated with the insert and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread form of a neck of the container to thereby attach the cap to the container.

In the following more detailed description of the invention according to different embodiments reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is an elevation view of a container with a threaded neck onto which a cap, according to the present invention, is mounted,

Figure 2 is a cross-section or illustration on line A-A of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is detail B on an enlarged scale of the arrangement shown in Figure 2,

Figure 4 is an elevation view of a container of the type shown in Figure 1 but with a second form of the cap,

Figure 5 is a cross-section on line C-C of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is detail D of Figure 5 on an enlarged scale,

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but with the overcap and cap body removed,

Figure 8 is an elevation view of the cap in the form as shown in Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the container as shown in Figure 1 ,

Figure 10 is a further detailed cross-sectional view of the cap on a container but showing yet a further embodiment of the cap of Figures 4 to 8, Figure 1 1 is a detailed cross-sectional illustration of a fourth embodiment of the cap,

Figure 1 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the cap,

Figure 1 3 is a cross-sectional pictorial view of a sixth embodiment of the cap,

Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 3 but with the sipper top in a lowermost position,

Figure 1 5 is a view similar to Figure 14 but showing the cap in the drinking position,

Figure 1 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of a seventh embodiment of the cap, the cap being shown in the closed (ready) position,

Figure 1 7 is a view similar to Figure 16 but with the cap in place on the neck of a container and the sipper top moved to an open position,

Figure 1 8 is a pictorial cross-sectional illustration of the cap in the configuration shown in Figure 1 6,

Figure 19 is a pictorial view of the same as Figure 1 8 but with the cap removed,

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 but with the sipper top in the open position as shown in Figure 1 7,

Figure 21 is a perspective view of yet a further (eighth) embodiment of the cap, the cap being shown in an initial closed position, Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21 but showing the capsule opened to release contents thereof into liquid in the container and the cap in a second closed position, and

Figure 23 is a view similar to Figures 21 and 22 showing the sipper top in the drinking position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown a container 10 on which a cap 1 1 is fitted to the neck 12. An overcap 13 is fitted to the cap 1 1 . This overcap 1 3, in accordance with conventional construction, is a protective element which is removed prior to a user partaking of drink (dispensing drink) from the container 10. In a known manner the overcap 1 3 can be a simple press fit or interference fit on the top of cap 1 1 . It may or may not include tamper evidence.

In accordance with a conventional construction the neck 1 2 is provided on its external surface with a screw thread form 14. The cap 1 1 can be fixed to the neck 12 by the cap having a corresponding screw thread form which is threadingly engageable onto the thread 14 of the neck 1 2. As will hereinafter be described the cap, according to the invention, can include a novel thread insert 1 5 to provide the threaded engagement of the cap 1 1 onto the neck 12.

According to the embodiments of the invention as shown in Figures 1 -8 the cap incorporates a sipper top 16. This sipper top 16 is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position the flow of liquid from within the container 10 is prevented whereas in the open position flow from the container 10 through the sipper top 16 and into the mouth of the user can be achieved. In the arrangements as shown in Figures 3 and 6 the sipper top 16 is shown in an open position but, according to a further embodiment as disclosed herein and shown in Figure 1 2, the sipper top in the "as sold" configuration is in the closed position. Irrespective of the configuration the sipper top 16 fits with a clearance within the overcap 13.

In the preferred construction the sipper top 16 is slidingly engaged within an annular wall 17. This annular wall 1 7 can, as shown in Figure 6, be formed integrally (as a unit) with an upper body 18 of the cap 1 1 . This upper body 18 is formed integrally (as a unit) with a downwardly depending skirt 19.

According to the embodiment as shown in Figure 3 the annular wall 1 7 is engaged with a dome 20 which is part of a separate unit which fits with the upper body 1 8 or could be part of body 1 8. In the preferred form of the construction the dome section 20 is co-moulded with the cap body 1 8. As can be seen in Figure 3 the dome section 20 engages within the interior of the body 1 8 and extends downwardly following the contours of the body 1 8 to terminate in a portion which engages with the inner face surface of the upper part of the skirt 19.

A seal between the interior of the cap 1 1 and the top of the neck 1 2 is achieved by an annular sealing ring 21 . This sealing ring 21 sits atop the extreme upper end of the neck 1 2 and extends transversely to the inner wall surface of the skirt 19. As shown in Figure 6 the annular sealing ring 21 is engaged between a shoulder 24 formed by the body 18 and the upper end of the neck 12 as well as the upper end surface of the insert 1 5. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when an insert 1 5 is not employed then the seal 21 is engaged between the end of the neck 12 and the shoulder 24.

A slightly different arrangement is shown in Figure 3 where the peripheral edge portion of the seal 21 is engaged between a shoulder 24a formed by the lower most end of the dome section 20 and the upper end of the neck 1 2 and insert 1 5. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3 the seal 21 incorporates a plurality of upwardly projecting teeth 22. Projecting downwardly from seal 21 is a skirt 23 which engages within the upper end of the neck 1 2. This skirt 23 not only increases the sealing effect provided by the seal 21 but also provides additional support to maintain the teeth 22 in the correct orientation when rupturing of the capsule 25 takes place as will hereinafter be described.

The capsule 25 has a top 26, side wall 27 and a peripheral flange 28. The capsule 25 further includes a base 29 which is joined to the peripheral flange 28 as can be seen in e.g. Figure 6. The base 29 and the top part 26 of the capsule 25 thus define an enclosed space 30 into which the ingredients to be released into the liquid in the container 10 can be located. The ingredients can be in the form of a tablet T as shown in Figure 6 or in a powder form P as indicated in Figure 3 or can be a liquid.

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 10 the top 26 of the capsule 25 can be shaped where it is contacted by the sipper top 16 to ensure a good cutting action of top 26.

In the form of the capsule 25 as shown in Figures 3, 1 2 and 1 3 the flat base 29 and the peripheral flange 28 are joined together in a thick circumferential edge 31 . This is in contrast to the arrangement shown in Figure 6 where the base 39 and the peripheral edge 28 sealingly join together in a substantially thin surface to surface contact edge.

The arrangement of Figures 3, 1 1 1 2 and 1 3 can be achieved by a deep or double draw process where the top 26 and side wall 27 is drawn from sheet foil with the remaining part of the parent foil forming the flange 28. A plastic coated foil disc forming the base 29 is adhered, i.e. gluded or heat sealed, to the flange 28,

The base 29 is a material that has a lesser burst strength than that of the top 26 with the sides 27. The base 29 is made of a foil material of known type which is impervious to liquid and gases. The foil may include a plastic film of known type. In one form of the capsule 25 as shown in Figure 3 the top 26 includes a domed portion 32. In the arrangements shown in Figure 6 the top is planar. In Figure 10 a small dished portion 33 is provided in the top 26.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 (where the capsule is made by a cold forming process) the circumferential edge of the capsule 25 is sandwiched between the shoulder 24 and sealing ring 21. In the arrangements shown in Figure 3 and 10, however, the thickened circumferential edge 31 engages in a snap fit arrangement in the cap by way of a recess or shallow groove 34. The configuration of the recess/groove 34 is such that it provides sufficient anchorage of the thickened circumferential edge 31 but not sufficient to prevent downward movement of the capsule 25 during rupturing thereof as will hereinafter be described.

When the sipper top 16 is in the open position liquid in the container can flow via a flow passage into the sipper top.

Referring now more specifically to Figure 6 the sipper top 16 includes in the lower portion thereof one or more recesses 35. These, in the preferred form, are crated by the spigot portion 36 of the sipper top 16 being formed by a pair of mutually at right angles flanges 36'. Thus the spigot 36 is of a generally "+" cross-sectional shape. The recesses (for clearances) 35 could be formed by other cross-sectional shapes of spigot 36.

A spike/knife arrangement 37 is coupled to the spigot 36. This is achieved in one embodiment (as illustrated) by a collar 38 which is fitted onto a projection 38' of the spigot 36 such that it is fixed in place. Hence the spike arrangement 37 is anchored to the spigot 36 to move with the sipper top 1 6 as it moves between its two positions (open and closed positions). The spike arrangement 37 includes a plurality of the spikes 39 which, as is evident from Figure 8, can be three in number. These extend from the collar 38 downwardly alongside the side 27 of the capsule 25.

In the "as sold" or manufactured state (Figure 6) with the cap 1 1 fitted to the container 10 (the container having been filled with an appropriate liquid) the sipper top 16 is in the open position and is covered by the overcap 13. A user wishing to partake of the drink will remove the overcap 1 3 and then apply a downward pressure to the sipper top 16. The sipper top 16 thus moves longitudinally within the annular wall 1 7 which causes the spikes 39 to puncture the side wall 27 of the capsule 25.

The extreme end of the spigot 36 contacts the top 26 of the capsule 25 to apply pressure thereon. This pressure is thus applied to the tablet T to thereby force the tablet T to burst through the base 29. The tablet T therefore drops into the liquid in the container 10 to become dissolved therein.

The action of cutting the sidewall 27 provides a rupturing of the capsule which is not reliant on undue stretch of the material occurring before rupturing takes place. Thus, less stretch of the material is required and hence less "stroke" to achieve rupture/cutting.

The downward movement of the sipper top 16 not only forces the tablet T to eject through the ruptured capsule 25 but also applies a piercing/cutting action (by the spikes 38) to the side wall 27. Therefore the tablet T is injected into the liquid in the container 10 and the side wall 27 is cut so as to provide a flow passage for liquid from the container 10 into the upper part of the body 1 8.

When the sipper top 1 6 has been moved to its fully lowered position so as to eject the table T and open up the side walls 27 the sipper top 16 is in the closed position so that liquid cannot flow through the clearances 35. This is achieved by a "plug" portion 80 sealing closed opening 78 in stopped wall 79 of turret 1 7. However upon the sipper top 16 being pulled up into its open position the opening 78 is unplugged and the liquid can flow through the sipper top 1 6 via clearances 35 to be consumed by the user. The liquid after having flowed through clearances 35 into turret 1 7 can then flow through apertures 58 in sipper top 16 and into the interior or outlet 59 of the sipper top.

The embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 3 is particularly suited for ingredients contained in the capsule 25 being in powdered form. Once again Figure 3 shows the cap and container in the "as sold" position. The user therefore removes the overcap 1 3 and pushes downwardly on the sipper top 16. The distal end of the spigot 36 applies a pushing action on the domed portion 32 of the top 26. This downward pressure is sufficient to move the capsule 25 downwardly so that it engages on the teeth 22. These teeth 22 extend around the periphery of the opening in the seal 21 thus the base 29 is cut by the teeth thereby permitting the powder P to be forced out of the capsule 25.

A flow passage is therefore formed through the capsule between the container 10 and the sipper top 16 though, as with the previously described embodiment, the sipper top, by being in the closed and sealed position prevents liquid (with the in dispersed or dissolved powder) to flow through the cap 1 1 . However, by returning the sipper top 16 back to the open position the cap is in a configuration whereby a user can consume the contents via the sipper top 1 6.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 3 the dome 20 can provide a degree of flexibility so the downward pressure on the sipper top 1 6 can cause the annular wall 1 7 to move downwardly toward the teeth 22 by virtue of the flexibility of the dome 20. This can be used to further ensure the complete clearing of powder P from the capsule 25.

In accordance with convention construction the inside surface of the skirt 19 can be formed with a screw thread so that the cap 1 1 can be threaded directly onto the threaded neck 1 2 of the container 10. However, with the present invention the insert 1 5 provides the screw on function for the cap 1 1. The insert 1 5 can thus be formed to a suitable diameter commensurate with the diameter of the neck 12 for an interference or snap lock fit into the cap and is provided with the required thread form to threadingly mate with the thread formed on the neck 12.

The insert 1 5 takes the form of a sleeve 40. On the inner surface of the sleeve 40 there is formed a thread form 41 . At one end of the sleeve 40 (which is lower most when the sleeve is fitted into the cap 1 1 ) there is a peripheral rim 42 which includes a recess 43. As can be seen from the drawings this rim 42 fits over a circumferential flange 44 which is normally provided on containers of a type for which the cap 1 1 is intended and which is located below but spaced from the thread form 14 of the neck 1 2.

The insert 1 5 interfits with the skirt 19 of the cap 1 1 . Thus a shallow rebate 45 is formed in the external wall of the sleeve 40. Into this recess 45 fits an inwardly projecting ledge 46 formed at the distal end of the skirt 19. In the preferred form the insert 1 5 is an interference fit within the skirt 19 and/or snap locks into position by virtue of the ledge 46 engaging into the recess 45 when the insert 1 5 is pushed into the skirt 1 9 of the cap 1 1 .

As mentioned above the insert 1 5 can be made of a size suited to fit with the neck 1 2 and having a thread form 41 which correspondences with the form of thread 14. In this way a manufacturer can make an insert 1 5 suitable to adapt the cap 1 1 to the particular container onto which it is to be fitted. Therefore the manufacturer only needs to tool for the particular insert 1 5 required for the purpose rather than retool the whole of the cap to fit a different sized neck.

However, a primary advantage is that the cap 1 1 can be made of dimensions such as to provide maximum area within the body 18 to accommodate the required size of capsule 25. Therefore the problem that can arise when a cap has previously been dimensioned to fit a smaller neck size but provide insufficient internal space for the volume of powder P or tablet T is overcome by the present invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cap according to the invention can take on different forms but still be within the scope of the invention. For example the embodiments described herein provide a sipper top 16 which is able to be slid rectilinearly between the open and closed positions. When first moved to the closed position the capsule is ruptured as described above.

However, in an alternative embodiment the sipper top could be moved between the open and closed positions with a screwing action. Thus the sipper top 16 in one form could have a male thread form which inter engages with a female thread formed in an annular wall. It is envisaged that using a threaded means of movement of the sipper top a broader contact surface between the sipper top and the top 26 of the capsule 25 could be achieved which may have an added advantage of further ensuring ejection of the powder P or tablet T from the capsule 25.

A further embodiment is shown in Figure 10 which is similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, however, the spigot portion 36 of the sipper top 16 can be provided with cutting/piercing means 47 which cooperate with a recessed portion 32a in the top 26 of the capsule 25. These piercing/cutting means 47 can thus ensure a good cut of the top 26 so as to ensure a clear flow path for liquid from the container 10 into the sipper top 16. The cutting/piercing means 47 can be formed integrally as part of the spigot 36 or else can be separate elements moulded therein.

According to yet a further embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 1 1 the cap 1 1 can be of a form which does not include a sipper top 16 and therefore is intended for complete removal prior to a user dispensing drink from the container 10. In this form of the invention a concertina type plunger 48 is formed as part of body part 20a. Thus when the overcap 1 3 has been removed a downward pressure can be applied to the domed top portion 49 which will cause the concertina portion 48 to collapse and permit the downward pressure to be applied to the capsule 25. This thereby results in the aforementioned downward movement of the capsule 25 and hence cutting of the base 29 by the teeth 22 to dispense the powder P/tablet T in the capsule 25 into the container 10.

In yet a further (fifth) embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the action applied to cause rupturing of the capsule 25 can be a pulling upward motion rather than the downward pushing motion of the embodiments described above.

According to this embodiment of the invention the cap in its as manufactured state (i.e. ready for use) has the sipper top 16 in the closed position. When first use of the cap occurs, the overcap 13 is removed and the sipper top 16 is lifted. A basket 51 is attached to the lower end of the spigot 36 of the sipper top 1 6. This basket 51 has coupled (or formed therewith) a lower annular portion 52 which can form part of the, or be coupled to the annular toothed ring 53.

The capsule 25 is held in a position within the cap by internal fingers 55 which extend downwardly from the top of the body portion 1 8. Beneath the capsule 25 is an annular element which has upwardly projecting flexible fingers 54 which support the capsule 25 by engaging with the base 29. As shown these fingers 54 can be part of the insert 1 5. In this form the insert 1 5 also incorporates skirt 23 and thus provides the seal between the top of neck 12 and the cap.

Thus, when the sipper top 16 is lifted for the first time, it takes with it the basket 51 which raises the cutting ring (teeth 22) which cuts the lower foil 29 about 70-80% of the way around. This ensures that the flap remains attached to the capsule and does not fall into the drink. According to this embodiment the drink flows around the capsule 25 to the sipper top 1 6 rather than passing through the capsule. This is achieved by one or more gaps 56 in the ring 53 to permit flow through the ring 53 up into the interior of cap part 18 and then via apertures 57 in the spigot 36. Because the sipper top 1 6 is in the raised position the apertures 57 permits liquid to flow into the internal space of the annular wall 1 7 and then via apertures 58 to the outlet 59 of the sipper top 16. This flow path is probably seen more clearly in Figures 14 and 1 5 relating to a sixth, but similar, embodiment so far as the flow path is concerned.

As shown the flexible finger support can be formed with a thread form which threads onto the thread 14 of the neck 1 2. The flexible finger support thus can form part of the insert 1 5 which can be snap fit or otherwise fixed to the flexible finger support and the inside wall surface of the skirt 19 of the cap 1 1 .

In an alternative arrangement this embodiment can take a form where the insert 1 5/flexible finger support can hold the capsule 25 as well as effect sealing between the cap and the neck.

One benefit of this fifth embodiment is that the overall cap height can be lower since the sipper top 1 6 starts its life in the closed position. It is believed that it may also provide a better sealing action. The container is also aseptic fillable.

Figure 1 2 also shows an embodiment where a tamper evident ring 60 is provided so as to provide a visual evidence of the cap having been removed from the neck 1 2. The tamper evident ring construction is in accordance with known art.

Turning now to Figures 13-1 5 which show a sixth embodiment of the invention, the cap construction is similar to the fifth embodiment though is of a type where the capsule "drops down" so as to contact teeth 22 and cause the teeth 22 to rupture the base 29. However, contrary to the previously disclosed construction of the capsule dropping down to cause the rupturing the flow of liquid from the bottle is not via the top 26 of the capsule 25 but via the flow path created by gap 56 in teeth element 23 then around circumferential edge 31 to flow through the upper part of the cap 1 8 into apertures 57 (formed by spigot 36 being formed by flange 36' at mutual right angles) and hence into annular wall 1 7 an finally flow via apertures 58 into the outlet 59 of the sipper top 16. As shown, the circumfrential edge 31 is simply held by flanges 1 8a projecting from the inner wall surface of cap 18. The flow passage described above is closed by "plug" 77 engaging in opening 78 in sloped lower end 79 of turret 17.

Figures 14 and 1 5 show the capsule in the dropped down and ruptured position whereas Figure 13 shows the capsule in the upper position prior to being "dropped down" onto the teeth 22. Figure 1 3 shows how the plug 77 sealingly engages in the opening 78 in order to prevent liquid from flowing from the container 10 and into sipper top 16.

It will be appreciated that in the as manufactured (ready) state, the sipper top 1 6 is in the open position. To drop the capsule 25 down into the lower position the sipper top 1 6 is moved to the closed position and upper "plug" 80 of spigot 36 engages in opening 78. This ensures that no liquid will flow into the outlet 59 of the sipper top 1 6.

Figures 1 5 shows the sipper top 16 moved back up to a third position (the drinking position) where clearance or gaps 57 formed by the "+" cross-section created by flanges 36' locate in opening 78. This completes the flow passage to permit liquid to flow into the sipper top outlet 59.

The present invention as described herein thus provides an arrangement whereby ingredients encapsulated in the capsule 25 can be fully ejected such that all of the contents move into the liquid in the container 10. The ejection of the contents of the capsule 25, however, is with reduced cutting /ejection pressure than has hitherto been possible with known caps incorporating a capsule containing powdered or tablet form ingredients. This is achieved in one embodiment by causing the capsule to move relative to the teeth 22 so as to ensure a good cutting action on the base 29 of the capsule 25. In the other embodiment the spikes 38 act on the edge of the capsule 25 so that less stretch of the top 26 and walls 27 occurs so as to provide a better cut but with lower pressure needing to be applied to achieve this result. A further advantage is that the objectives can be achieved with a cap which is of overall less height.

With the co-moulded dome 20 a further modification is that feet or pusher arms could be incorporated to be pushed by the dome 20 to push on the top 26 of the capsule 25 as well as to act as an internal seal.

With the sipper cap embodiments there is no reason for the cap 1 1 to be removed from the container 10. Thus the insert 1 5 could be designed in such a way as to prevent the cap from being removed from the neck 12.

In Figures 16-18 there is yet a further (seventh) embodiment of the cap. Elements of the construction which are the same as the previously described embodiments carry the same reference numerals.

According to this embodiment the sipper top 16 is, in the ready position, in the closed position (the sipper top is pushed fully down as shown in Figures 16, 18 and 19). Moulded with or coupled to the sipper top 16 is a projection which forms an arm mount 62. A plug portion 1 6' of sipper top 1 6 engages in opening 63 in the turret 1 7 to close the opening.

When the sipper top 16 is moved to the open position (Figure 1 7) a flow passage is created through the cutting element apertures 61 , past the capsule 25, through apertures 65 in a capsule engagement member 66, along the clearance between flanges 36' of spigot 36 into the interior of turret 17 and finally via apertures 35 into outlet 59 of sipper top 16. The arm mount 62 is pivotally coupled to a pair of oppositely direct arms 64. These arms 64 are in turn engaged with the upper surface of the capsule engagement member 66. In the illustrated form of this embodiment the engagement member 66 sits over and engages with the top 26 of the capsule 25.

The underside of the top of the body part 18 is configured by profiled areas 18' so as to engage with the arms 64 when the sipper top 16 is pulled to the open position. Thus, for example, as shown in the drawings the underside of this part 1 8' of the cap part 18 are formed so as to deflect the arms 64 downwardly and inwardly as the sipper top 16 moves upwardly. This movement is reflected via contact of arms 64 with engagement member 66 into a downward movement of the engagement element 66. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means of engaging with the arms 64 so as to set up a reaction to cause the arms to move downwardly can be employed.

Consequently, if the sipper cap 1 6 is moved to the open position for the first time the arms 64 apply a downward movement to the pusher element 66, which due to its engagement with the capsule 25 moves the capsule 25 down onto the cutting teeth 22. This applies the necessary rupturing of the base 29 of the capsule 25 to thereby release the additive from the capsule 25 into the liquid within the container. As with the arrangement shown in e.g. Figures 1 2 and 1 3 the apertures 61 provide the necessary flow passage for liquid to pass up past the capsule 25 and into the cap part 18 to flow through to the sipper top 16 as explained above.

In an alternative arrangement the pressure pad element 66 could be provided with one or more cutting or piercing elements which upon applying the downward pressure to the capsule 25 causes an opening or openings to be formed in the top part 26. The flow passage would thus be through the ruptured capsule 25 and into the body part 18 to flow via opening 63 into the sipper top 16. In such an arrangement it is envisaged that in the "ready" position the pressure pad 66 with its associated cutting/piercing elements will not be in contact with the top part 26 of the capsule 25.

An advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 6-20 is that the intuitive action of a user of the cap is to pull the sipper top 16 into the open position. This action automatically causes rupturing of the capsule 25 to occur. Thus, upon first opening of the container the contents of the capsule 25 are disbursed into the liquid. Therefore, operation of the cap is entirely intuitive.

In an alternative form of this embodiment the cap might not include a capsule 25 but simply have a foil or other sealing over the end of the neck 12 of the container 10. Thus, the opening of the sipper cap 1 5 for the first time would cause the arms 64 to operate and thereby cause the pressure pad 66 to engage with a rupture/cut the foil sealing element. Thus, once again an entirely intuitive action when a user first uses the cap will cause the foil sealing to be ruptured/cut.

Because the sipper top 16 is in the closed position when the cap is in the "ready" state the overall height of the cap can be kept down. However, in yet an alternative embodiment, an annular element having the upwardly projected teeth 22 could be formed as part of the skirt 23, this skirt 23 being extended so as to fit further into the open end of the neck 12. The cutting ring would thus be located, when the cap is screwed onto the neck of the bottle, within wholly or partially the confines of the upper end of the neck 1 2. Naturally, with such an arrangement the capsule 25 would need to be located within the confines of the cap and be dimensioned such that it can fit down into the skirt 23 so as to engage with the teeth 22.

In an alternative embodiment the annular cutting member might be suspended by connecting elements which extend downwardly from the ring 21 /skirt 23 so as to mount the annular cutting element within the confines of the neck 12. Such a type of construction can be further understood from the eighth embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 23. Referring now to Figures 21 to 23 there is shown an eight embodiment of the invention. As previously, elements of construction which correspond to those of previous embodiments carry the same reference numerals.

Figure 21 shows the cap 1 1 on a container 10, the cap 1 1 being in the pre-use position where it would be covered by an overcap 13. The sipper top 16 is in a raised closed position this being the first of three positions that the sipper top 1 6 can be in. This is the position shown in Figure 21 .

This embodiment shows the teeth 22 formed as part of an annular member 70 which is suspended below the neck 12 of the container 10. The annular member 70 can be suspended by fingers but in the illustrated form the annular member 70 is formed as a unit with a wall 71 in which are formed apertures 72. The upper end of wall 71 has an outwardly projecting peripheral Mp 73 which engages over the upper end of neck 12.

The cap 1 1 has an integrally formed shoulder 74. When the cap 1 1 is screwed (or otherwise fitted) to the neck 12 the lip 73 is clamped between the top of the neck 12 and the shoulder 74.

In a further form of this embodiment the wall 71 and annular member 70 can be formed integrally as a unit with the cap 1 1.

As previously disclosed, the capsule 25 is movable within the cap 1 1 from the position shown in Figure 21 to the lower position shown in Figure 22. This is achieved by the circumferential edge or rim 31 being engaged behind a rim or projection 75 formed in the inner wall surface of wall 71. In this position the capsule 25 is suspended above teeth 22. However, when sipper top 1 6 is pushed down into the second of its positions (Figure 22) the capsule 25 is pushed down onto teeth 22 so as to cause the base 29 to be ruptured. Because of the presence of apertures 72, liquid in the container will flow through the apertures 72 and into the chamber 76 formed by the wall 71 and upper part 18 of cap 1 1 . However, because of circular part 77 of spigot portion 36 of the sipper top 1 6 engaging snugly in the opening 78 in the slopped lower wall 79 of annular wall 1 7, the cap 1 1 is sealed closed when the sipper top is in its first position (Figure 21).

When the sipper top 1 6 is in the lower position (Figure 22) the upper circular part 80 of spigot 36 is also engaged in the opening 78 to once again seal the cap closed. The sipper top 16 can, however, be raised up to the intermediate or third position of Figure 23 (as determined by a rib 81 of sipper top 16 engaging between internal circumferential projections 81 a in wall 1 7) which corresponds to the cap being in the open position.

As illustrated, the spigot 36 is of a cruciform shape being formed by flanges 83 at mutual right angles. This cruciform part 82 is, in the intermediate position of sipper top 16 within the opening 78 thus providing the necessary clearance to form a flow passage between chamber 76 and the interior of wall 1 7. Apertures 84 in the sipper top 1 6 permits flow into the outlet 39 of the sipper top.

This embodiment of the invention provides a minimal height of the cap 1 1 above the neck 12. Thus, the overall height of the container and cap is not much higher or significantly higher than would be the case with a conventional sipper top cap fitted on the container. This is achieved by having the capsule 25 and teeth 22 suspended down into the container preferably beyond the lower part of the neck 1 2 as illustrated.

The invention is open to modification as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. One such modification is to use a pourer in place of the sipper top. The pourer could be of a construction whereby it "flips up" out of the top of the cap thereby moving from a closed position to a pouring position. This flip up action of the pourer will apply the necessary force to the capsule so as to cause the capsule to rupture as previously described to thereby release the tablet, power or liquid additive into the liquid in the container.

This arrangement, as with the arrangement shown in Figure 12, ensures that the intuitive operation of the sipper top/pourer automatically results in dispensing of the additive into the liquid. The user is therefore assured that upon first operation (this being an intuitive operation) the capsule is ruptured and the additive falls into the liquid.

A further modification, which has more application to the embodiment of Figure 1 1 , is to have the insert of a form whereby it can be simply pressed onto the neck of the bottle. Thus, the insert can be configured to simply engage onto the neck. For example, the insert could be of a soft material which will comply with the size and shape (thread pattern) of the neck. The soft material will enable the insert to engage with different neck diameters within a range of diameters.

An insert of this form would enable the cap with insert to be said as a separate item. A consumer would thus be able to purchase a cap and then, after taking off the cap of say a bottle of water, apply the cap of the present invention. The cap can then be manipulated to enable the ingredients of the capsule to pass into the water. The cap of the present invention can then be discarded.

With such an arrangement no sealing effect is necessary as the cap is only temporarily associated with the water bottle. It is sufficient that the cap of the invention can be stabilised on top of the water bottle sufficient to enable discharge to take pace. In a preferred form, the insert may be more like that of Figure 14 so that it extends both sides of the neck. The position which engages within the neck could be more pronounced into a funnel shape to ensure that discharge into the water bottle is effectively achieved. Other modifications to the embodiments of the cap as disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:-

1. A cap for a container, the cap including a capsule which contains an additive intended for addition to a liquid contained in a container to which the cap is to be attached, a cutting edge is located within the cap to, in use, circumscribe at least a part of the capsule, the cutting edge being positioned adjacent the capsule, the capsule and cutting edge being mounted for relative movement therebetween and externally accessible movement inducing means operative to effect such relative movement between the capsule and cutting edge to cause the cutting edge to rupture the capsule.

2. The cap of claim 1 wherein a sipper top is mounted with the cap to be moveable by a push-pull action or a twisting action applied thereto to achieve a movement of the sipper top.

3. The cap of claim 1 or 2 wherein the movement inducing means is a collapsible element which upon an external pressure being applied thereto collapses such that the applied external pressure causes the capsule to move to cause the cutting edge to come into engagement contact with the capsule.

4. The cap of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sipper top includes means for rupturing of the capsule to provide a flow passage for liquid in the container, to which the cap is attached to the sipper top.

5. The cap of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the capsule is movable between first and second positions and in a first position creates a seal to prevent flow of liquid from a container to which the cap is attached.

6. The cap of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the capsule has a peripheral edge which is retained by a retaining means, the capsule being movable by the application of force thereto by the moving means from a first position to a second position in which the capsule is punctured by the cutting edge.

7. The cap of claim 1 , 2, 3, 5 or 6 wherein the cutting edge is an annular element.

8. The cap of claim 7 wherein the annular element has a plurality of teeth.

9. The cap of claim 7 or 8 wherein the annular element includes a sealing flange which, when the cap is attached to the open end of a neck of a container, creates a seal between the cap and the open end.

10. The cap of claim 1 or 2 wherein the capsule is located in a fixed position, the movement inducing means is located to one side of the capsule, the cutting edge is located to an opposite side of the capsule and the cutting edge is coupled by coupling means to the movement inducing means whereby movement of the movement inducing means causes the cutting edge to move into rupturing engagement with the capsule.

1 1. The cap of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein a flow passage is provided whereby liquid in a container to which the cap can, in use, be fitted can flow past the capsule to an outlet means of the cap.

12. The cap of claim 1 1 wherein the flow passage incudes one or more gaps provided in the cutting edge.

13. The cap of claim 11 or 12 wherein the outlet means is operable between a sealed and closed position and an open position.

14. The cap of claim 1 3 wherein the outlet means is a sipper top which includes an outlet opening and apertures which permit, when the sipper top is in the open position, liquid to flow from within the cap to the outlet opening.

1 5. The cap of any one of claims 1 to 14 further including an insert engaged internally within the cap and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread form of a neck of a container to which, in use, the cap will be attched.

16. The cap of claim 1 5 wherein the cap includes a cap body having a skirt, the insert being engaged internally within the skirt.

1 7. The cap of any one of claims 6, 7 and 8 wherein the cutting edge is carried by suspension means whereby the cutting edge is, in use, located below the upper edge of a neck of a container on which the cap is mountable.

1 8. The cap of claim 1 7 wherein apertures in the suspension means permits liquid in the container to move into the interior of the cap, the cap including an outlet means which is movable between open and closed positions to control flow of liquid from the cap.

1 9. The cap of claim 1 8 wherein the outlet means is a sipper top which forms the moving means to cause relative movement between the capsule and the cutting edge, the sipper top being arranged to be movable from a first closed position to a second closed position and in effecting such movement forces the capsule to move into the contact with the cutting edge.

20. The cap of claim 19 wherein the sipper top is moveable to a third position in which liquid can flow from the cap via the sipper top.

21 . A cap for a container, the cap including a cap body having a skirt, the cap body defining an internal cavity of a volume in which is located a capsule which contains an additive intended for addition to a liquid contained in a container to which the cap is to be attached, an insert adapted to be engaged internally within the skirt and a thread form incorporated with the insert and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread form of a neck of the container to thereby attach the cap to the container.

22. A cap for a container, the cap including a cap body having a skirt, an insert adapted to be engaged internally within the skirt and a thread form incorporated with the insert and configured to threadingly engage with a corresponding thread from a neck of the container to thereby attach the cap to the container.

23. A cap for a container, the cap being substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3, Figures 6-9, Figure 10, Figure 1 1 , Figure 12, Figures 1 3 to 1 5, Figures

16 to 1 8, Figure 19 or Figures 20 to 22 of the accompanying drawings.