WO2012099669A1

WO2012099669A1 - Cap and spout assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012099669A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/065984
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard C. G. Dark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-18
Filing date: 2011-12-20
Publication date: 2012-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-18

Abstract

A cap and spout assembly (10) has a cap element (20) and a spout element (40). The cap element (20) includes a container engagement element (22) adapted to engage a container (12); a sealing ring extending upwardly around the cap seal surface (24); and flow apertures (28) through the cap seal surface (24). The spout element (40) includes a spout orifice; an annular spout rim extending downwardly to engage the cap element; a flow chamber (52) formed between an inner spout surface and the cap seal surface (24); and sealing elements (54) extending to abut the cap seal surface (24) for sealing the flow apertures (28) when the spout element is moved to a closed position, but not block the flow of the liquid when the spout element is in an open position.

Description

TITLE: CAP AND SPOUT ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

This invention relates generally to bottle closures, and more particularly to a cap and spout assembly that can be moved to either on or off positions for controlling liquid flow from a container through the cap and spout assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:

The prior art teaches a variety of closures for containers. For example, Dark , U.S. 6,616,012, teaches a fluid dispensing valve that includes a cap, a retainer, and a dispensing valve body. The cap is adapted to engage the container and includes a spout that defines a through-conduit having a top opening, a bottom opening, and an interior spout surface shaped to receive the dispensing valve body. The retainer includes at least one flow aperture and an upwardly extending plug having a plug shoulder. The dispensing valve body is bounded by an exterior surface, an interior surface, a valve perimeter, and a dispensing orifice perimeter. When the dispensing valve body is positioned on the retainer, the dispensing orifice perimeter fits securely around and seals against the upwardly extending plug; and the valve perimeter forms a sealing relationship with the interior spout surface. The retainer engages the spout to seal the dispensing valve body within the spout.

While the valve controls flow of fluid from the container, the control is not perfect, and leakage can occur, especially if the container is jarred, squeezed, or otherwise placed under stress. There is no method to completely turn off fluid flow when the container is meant to be in an off position.

The prior art also teaches various closures that include both a cap and a spout, and that can be moved between open and closed positions. Examples include Adams, U.S. 7,261,226, which teaches a closure having a cap, a spout and a stem. The stem includes a downwardly extending piercing structure adapted for piercing a foil or membrane of a container upon rotation of the spout relative to the cap. The cap includes a cap top, a cap skirt depending from the cap top, an open sleeve and a stem guide. The open sleeve has an inwardly extending thread adapted to detachably engage the container. The open sleeve extends upwardly from the cap top. The stem guide extends along an internal surface of the sleeve. The spout rotatably engages the sleeve and includes a spout top having an aperture, an outer spout skirt and an inner skirt. The outer skirt depends from the spout top radially outward of the sleeve and rotatably engages the sleeve. The inner spout skirt depends from the spout top radially within the sleeve. The stem includes a substantially cylindrical body positioned radially within the inner spout skirt, a plug for selectively sealing the aperture, an outwardly extending spout-engaging thread, and an outwardly extending cap-engaging member. The spout engaging member engages the inner spout skirt and is adapted for helical motion with respect to the inner spout skirt. The cap-engaging member engages the stem guide and is adapted for axial motion with respect to the sleeve. Preferably, the stem guide includes a substantially vertically extending groove and the cap-engaging member includes a tab received in the groove.

Schmeisser, U.S. 20070205229, teaches a closure having a base adapted to be attached to an opening of a fluid container. The base includes a conduit that is adapted to be in fluid communication with fluid contents of the fluid container when attached to the opening of the fluid container, and the base further including a spout guide defining at least a portion of the conduit and having an annular deck extending inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the base, defining an orifice in fluid communication with the conduit; (b) a spout mounted to the spout guide for reciprocation between an open position and a closed position, the spout including a plug having a leading end adapted to allow fluid flow through the orifice when the spout is in the open position; and (c) a discrete sealing member coupled to at least one of the spout and the base, adapted to be at least partially displaced to provide a fluidic seal between at least one of the spout and the base to seal off the orifice when the spout is in the closed position.

Zeitlin, U.S. 20070295762, teaches a dispensing device for dispensing the contents of a container. The dispensing device includes a dispensing gate having an open position and a closed position, a closing system for moving the dispensing gate from the opened position to the closed position, and a restraint system to limit the movement of the dispensing gate only between the open position and the closed position. The dispensing gate defines a plurality of apertures that substantially match the apertures defined by a cover, such that, in the open position, the plurality of apertures of the dispensing gate is aligned with the apertures of the cover, thereby allowing contents to be dispensed from the container. The closing system can be engaged when the dispensing gate is in the open position, thereby causing a bias to move the dispensing gate from the open position to the closed position.

The above-described references are hereby incorporated by reference in full. The prior art teaches various closures and valves for controlling fluid flow from a container (e.g., sports bottle, etc.). However, the prior art does not teach a cap and spout assembly that has a unique construction that enables the assembly to be moved to either on or off positions for controlling fluid flow through the assembly. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

The present invention provides a cap and spout assembly adapted to be mounted on a container for selectively dispensing a liquid from a container opening. The cap and spout assembly includes a cap element and a spout element. The cap element includes a container engagement element adapted to engage the container so that the cap element covers the container opening; a cap seal surface; and flow apertures through the cap seal surface, the flow apertures being in fluid communication with the container when the cap element is mounted on the container. The spout element includes a spout orifice for dispensing the liquid through the spout element; an annular spout rim extending downwardly to engage the cap element such that the spout element can move with respect to the cap element between an open position and a closed position; a flow chamber formed between an inner spout surface and the cap seal surface for establishing fluid communication between the flow apertures and the spout orifice when the spout element is in the open position; and sealing elements extending from the inner cap surface to abut the cap seal surface for sealing the flow apertures when the spout element is moved to the closed position.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a cap and spout assembly having advantages not taught by the prior art. Another objective is to provide a cap and spout assembly that can be moved to either an on position or an off position for controlling fluid flow through the assembly. A further objective is to provide a cap and spout assembly that is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a cap and spout assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded side elevational sectional view thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view thereof; FIGURE 4 is a sectional view thereof taken along line B-B in Figure 3, illustrating the cap and spout assembly in a closed position;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view thereof taken along line A-A in Figure 4;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view thereof taken along line C-C in Figure 3, illustrating the cap and spout assembly in an open position; and

FIGURE 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cap and spout assembly, illustrating a cap seal surface and flow apertures therethrough, and sealing elements of the spout element for selectively closing the flow apertures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a cap and spout assembly 10 adapted to be mounted on a container 12 (e.g., sports bottle, etc.) for selectively dispensing a liquid (e.g., water, sports drink) from a container opening 14. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cap and spout assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded side elevational sectional view thereof, Figure 3 is a top plan view thereof, and Figures 4-6 are various sectional views, discussed in greater detail below. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly 10, illustrating the internal construction of the assembly 10.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 -7, the assembly 10 includes a cap element 20, a spout element 40, and may further include a valve assembly 60. The cap element 20 comprises a container engagement element 22, a cap seal surface 24, and may further include a sealing ring 26 or other form of seal-forming element.

The container engagement element 22 is adapted to engage the container 12 so that the cap element 20 covers the container opening 14. On one embodiment, the container engagement element 22 is a cap rim extending downwardly and adapted to engage the container 12 (e.g., internal threads, or any other interlocking features known in the art). Alternative structures for mounting the cap element 20 on the container 12 may also be used, according to the knowledge of one skilled in the art. Since such constructions are well known in the art, their details of construction are now discussed in greater detail.

The cap seal surface 24 is a surface for selectively sealing against the spout element 40, as discussed below, and includes flow apertures 28 for selectively enabling fluid flow through the cap seal surface 24. The cap seal surface 24 may include the sealing ring 26 extending upwardly around the cap seal surface 24 for also sealing against the spout element 40, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the cap seal surface 24 is planar and generally disk- shaped, although other shapes may be used in alternative embodiments. For purposes of this application, the requirement that "the sealing ring 26 extend upwardly around the cap seal surface 24" is hereby expressly defined to include the inverse, wherein the sealing ring 26 extends from the spout element 40 to abut the cap seal surface 24.

The flow apertures 28 extend through the cap seal surface 24 and are in fluid communication with the container 12 when the cap element 20 is mounted on the container 12. Flow through the flow apertures 28 may be controlled via the spout element 40, as discussed below. The term "flow apertures" is used because multiple apertures will typically be used; however, the term is hereby defined to include any number of apertures (one or more), depending upon the direction of one skilled in the art.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the cap element 20 may further include an annular spout engaging wall 30 extending upwardly to the sealing ring 26. In this embodiment, the annular spout engaging wall 30 has an inner surface 32 and an outer surface 34, and the outer surface 34 includes a first annular locking feature 36 for interlocking with the spout element 40, as described in greater detail below. The cap seal surface 24 may extend across the space surrounded by the annular spout engaging wall 30, for closing the cap element 20, so that the fluid from the container 12 may only flow through flow apertures 28 through the cap seal surface 24.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the spout element 40 comprises an inner spout surface 42, an outer spout surface 44, a second annular locking feature 46, a spout orifice 48, and an annular spout rim 50, The spout orifice 48 is shaped and sized for dispensing the liquid through the spout element 40.

The annular spout rim 50 extends downwardly from the inner spout surface 42 to engage the cap element 20, such as via the annular spout engaging wall 30. In this manner, the spout element 40 can move with respect to the cap element 20 between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the annular spout rim 50 includes the second annular locking feature 46, which is adapted to lockingly engage the first annular locking feature 36 of the cap element 20 for locking the spout element 40 onto the cap element 20. The first and second annular locking features 46 allow the spout element 40 to rotate with respect to the cap element 20 between the open position and the closed position.

In one embodiment, the first and second annular locking features 46 are annular ridges that lockingly engage each other to form a watertight seal, and yet enable rotation of the spout element 40 with respect to the cap element 20 for movement between the open and closed positions. While such annular ridges are utilized in the present embodiment, those skilled in the art can devise similar or equivalent structures (e.g., grooves, posts, tracks, various types of threaded elements, etc.), and such similar or equivalent structures should be considered within the scope of the present invention,

In this manner, when the spout element 40 is mounted on the cap element 20 via the first and second annular locking features 46, a flow chamber 52 is formed between an inner spout surface 42 of the spout element 40 and the cap seal surface 24, which are spaced apart by the sealing ring 26 of the cap element 20. The flow chamber 52 allows the liquid from the container 12 to flow from the flow apertures 28 to the spout orifice 48 when the spout element 40 is in the open position.

As illustrated in Figs. 4, 6, and 7, sealing elements 54 extend from the inner surface 32 to abut the cap seal surface 24 when the spout element 40 is mounted on the cap element 20. The sealing elements 54 function to seal the flow apertures 28 when the spout element 40 is moved to the closed position, but not block the flow of the liquid when the spout element 40 is in the open position.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Figs. 4 and 7, each of the sealing elements 54 are annular sealing walls that extend downwardly to contact the cap seal surface 24 to surround and seal one of the flow apertures 28. The particular size and shape are not important, except that they must be large enough to surround at least one of the flow apertures 28, while small enough to enable fluid flow through the flow chamber 52 when in the open position. In alternative embodiments, other forms of plugs or sealing elements 54 may also be utilized, and such alternatives known to those skilled in the art should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 7, the cap element 20 includes cap stops 56 (hereby defined to include a single or multiple cap stops), and the spout element 40 includes ribs 58 (also defined to include a single rib, or multiple ribs). The cap stops 56 and the ribs 58 limit the rotation of the spout element 40 with respect to the cap element 20, to movement between the open position and the closed position.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, when the spout element 40 has been twisted to the closed position, the cap stops 56 and the ribs 58 abut to halt further rotation, and in this position the sealing elements 54 cover the flow apertures 28. In this manner, the fluid cannot flow through the cap and spout assembly 10. This position is achieved quickly and easily due to the rotational constraint of the cap stops 56 abutting the ribs 58 in one direction, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the spout element 40 has been twisted to the open position, the cap stops 56 abut the ribs 58 in the other direction thereby halting further movement in this direction, and in this position the sealing elements 54 do not cover the flow apertures 28. In this manner, the fluid can flow through the cap and spout assembly 10.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, the cap and spout assembly 10 further includes a valve assembly 60 that further constrains fluid flow from the container 12 through the cap and spout assembly 10. In alternative embodiments, different valve constructions may be utilized, or the valve element may be removed entirely.

The cap element 20 and the spout element 40 may be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, although other materials may be used if desired by one skilled in the art). In the embodiment described herein, the cap element 20 is made of polypropylene and the spout element 40 is made of polyethylene, so that the two components to not tend to stick together as might occur if the two components were made of the same material.

In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 4, the valve assembly 60 includes a valve post 62 extending upwardly from the cap seal surface 24, and a resilient valve element 64. The resilient valve element 64 of the present embodiment includes a central aperture 66 and a valve perimeter 68. A suitable valve is taught by DARK, U.S. 6,616,012, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The valve element is adapted to be mounted on the valve post 62 such that the valve post 62 fits through and seals against the central aperture 66, and such that the valve perimeter 68 seals against the inner spout surface 42 when the spout element 40 is mounted on the cap element 20. Once properly seated, the valve element 64 adapts to pressure from the container 12 to selectively restrict fluid flow, allow fluid flow, or allow venting.

When light or transient pressure is exerted against the valve element 64, the valve element 64 remains seated on the valve post 62, and does not allow fluid flow. When a sustained pressure from the container 12 is exerted against the resilient valve element 64, the valve element 64 lifts the valve element 64 from the valve post 62, such that the liquid from the container 12 may flow through the central aperture 66 of the resilient valve 64. When the container 12 requires venting, the atmospheric pressure pushes the valve perimeter 68 away from the inner spout surface 42, allowing air to vent into the container 12.

As used in this application, the words "a," "an," and "one" are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the terms "have," "include," "contain," and similar terms are defined to mean "comprising" unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A cap and spout assembly adapted to be mounted on a container for selectively dispensing a liquid from a container opening, the cap and spout assembly comprising: a cap element comprising:

a container engagement element adapted to engage the container so that the cap element covers the container opening;

a cap seal surface; and

flow apertures through the cap seal surface, the flow apertures being in fluid communication with the container when the cap element is mounted on the container; and

a spout element comprising:

a spout orifice for dispensing the liquid through the spout element;

an annular spout rim extending downwardly to engage the cap element such that the spout element can move with respect to the cap element between an open position and a closed position;

a flow chamber formed between an inner spout surface and the cap seal surface for establishing fluid communication between the flow apertures and the spout orifice when the spout element is in the open position; and

sealing elements extending from the inner cap surface to abut the cap seal surface for sealing the flow apertures when the spout element is moved to the closed position.

2. A cap and spout assembly adapted to be mounted on a container for selectively dispensing a liquid, the cap and spout assembly comprising:

a cap element comprising:

a cap rim extending downwardly, the cap rim being adapted to engage the container;

an annular spout engaging wall extending upwardly to a sealing ring, the annular spout engaging wall having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a first annular locking feature formed on the outer surface of the annular spout engaging wall;

a cap seal surface extending across the space surrounded by the annular spout engaging wall; and

a spout element comprising:

an inner spout surface and an outer spout surface;

an annular spout rim extending downwardly from the inner spout surface to engage the annular spout engaging wall of the cap element;

a second annular locking feature of the annular spout rim adapted to lockingly engage the first annular locking feature of the cap element for locking the spout element onto the cap element, while allowing the spout element to rotate with respect to the cap element between an open position and a closed position; a spout orifice for dispensing the liquid through the spout element;

a flow chamber formed between the inner spout surface and the cap seal surface, spaced by the sealing ring of the cap element, for allowing the liquid from the container to flow from the flow apertures to the spout orifice when the spout element is in the open position; and

sealing elements extending downwardly from the inner cap surface to abut the cap seal surface, the sealing elements functioning to seal the flow apertures when the spout element is moved to the closed position.

3. The cap and spout assembly of claim 2, wherein the cap seal surface is disk shaped.

4. The cap and spout assembly of claim 2, wherein the first and second annular locking features are annular ridges that iockingly engage, and yet still enable rotation of the spout element with respect to the cap element.

5. The cap and spout assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the sealing elements are annular sealing walls that extend downwardly to contact the cap seal surface to surround and seal one of the flow apertures.

6. The cap and spout assembly of claim 2, further comprising a valve assembly positioned between the cap element and the spout element for regulation the flow of liquid therethrough.

7. The cap and spout assembly of claim 6, wherein the valve assembly includes

a valve post extending upwardly from the cap seal surface;

a resilient valve element having a central aperture and a valve perimeter, the valve element being mounted on the valve post such that the valve post fits through and seals against the central aperture, and such that the valve perimeter seals against the inner spout surface when the spout element is mounted on the cap element; and

wherein pressure from the container against the resilient valve element lifts the valve element from the valve post, such that the liquid from the container may flow through the central aperture of the resilient valve.

8. A cap and spout assembly adapted to be mounted on a container for selectively dispensing a liquid from a container opening, the cap and spout assembly comprising: a cap element comprising:

a cap seal surface;

a sealing ring extending upwardly around the cap seal surface; and flow apertures through the cap seal surface, the flow apertures being in fluid communication with the container when the cap element is mounted on the container;

a spout element comprising:

a spout orifice for dispensing the liquid through the spout element;

wherein a flow chamber is formed between an inner spout surface of the spout element and the cap seal surface, which are spaced apart by the sealing ring of the cap element, for allowing the liquid from the container to flow from the flow apertures to the spout orifice when the spout element is in the open position; and sealing elements extending from the inner cap surface, to abut the cap seal surface when the spout element is mounted on the cap element, the sealing elements functioning to seal the flow apertures when the spout element is moved to the closed position, but not block the flow of the liquid when the spout element is in the open position; and

a valve assembly comprising:

a valve post extending upwardly from the cap seal surface;