ES2434253T3 - Pouring cap for fluid containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A cap (10) for a container (12) adapted to contain a fluid comprising: a cap body (14) configured to be attached to a neck (22) of the container (12) having at least one pouring opening (44 ) through which the fluid can be poured from the container (12), the cap body (14) being able to move by rotation in the neck (22) of the container (12) to an open position or to a closed position and; characterized by a deformable gasket (16) attached to the cap body (14) having a fluid flow opening (70), a first portion configured to form a first seal (63) on the cap body (14), and a second portion configured to form a second seal (65) on an inner diameter or upper surface (32) of the neck (22) of the container (12); the gasket (16) configured for deformation and compression by the cap body (14) in the closed position to form a third seal (67) on an upper surface (32) of the neck (22) of the container (12); the gasket (16) configured to form a fluid flow passage through the gasket (16) in the open position allowing fluid (20) to flow from the container (12) through the fluid flow opening (70) in the gasket (16) towards the pouring opening (44) in the cap body (14) while maintaining the first seal (63) and the second seal (65), the flow passage being fluid sealed in the closed position and having a maximum size in the open position controlled by movement of the gasket (16) towards an undeformed state.

Description

Pouring cap for fluid containers.

Countryside

This application relates, in general, to caps for fluid containers, and more particularly to a discharge plug for fluid containers, such as sports bottles.

Background

Fluid containers, such as sports bottles, provide a source of fluid for people who participate in various activities. Sports bottles typically include a plastic body for containing a fluid, and a screw-on cap that attaches to the body. The plug may also include a valve assembly that can be inserted into the plug to seal the fluid, or removed from the plug to dispense the fluid. One aspect of these sports bottles is that the fluid cannot be poured through the valve assembly and out of the bottle into a person's mouth. Rather, the body of the bottle must be squeezed to force the fluid through the valve assembly into the mouth. As the liquid level drops, the bottle must also be manipulated to allow air to flow from the atmosphere through the valve assembly in the bottle.

To pour the liquid out of a conventional sports bottle the cap can be unscrewed, and the fluid is poured out of the mouth of the bottle. However, this can be inconvenient in many situations, particularly during strenuous activities such as walking, cycling or running. Also, if the cap is removed from a conventional sports bottle, the fluid is more likely to spill out of the bottle and onto the ground. In addition, the mouth of the bottle has a relatively large diameter, such that while drinking with the cap removed, the fluid tends to splash on a person's face and clothing. Document FR 2716170 discloses a cap according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for sealing and pouring a fluid from a container.

It would be advantageous for a fluid container to have a cap that allows fluid to be easily poured from the container without having to remove the cap. It would also be advantageous for a fluid container to have a stopper that offers some protection against spills, and that allows a user to drink without wasting or wasting the fluid. In addition, a plug that could be used with containers having different constructions would be advantageous.

It is intended that the previous examples of the related technique and the limitations related thereto be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related technique will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. Similarly, the following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated together with a pouring plug and a fluid container that are intended to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

Summary

The problem of the invention is solved by a plug according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 11.

Brief description of the drawings

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

Fig. 1 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a first pouring plug of the embodiment;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pouring plug of Figure 1 attached to a container in an open position;

Figure 3 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a plug body for the pouring plug of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a joint for the pouring plug of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a threaded ring for the pouring plug of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pouring plug of Figure 1 attached to the container and shown in a closed position;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pouring plug of Figure 1 attached to the container and shown in an open position;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pouring plug substantially similar to the pouring plug of Figure 1 having coupling retainers to indicate an open position;

Figures 8A and 8B are enlarged parts of Figure 8 illustrating the coupling retainers;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pouring plug of Figure 1 attached to a container having an extrusion-blow molding construction;

Figure 9A is an enlarged part of Figure 9 showing a seal;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment pouring plug with a removable gasket shown in the open position;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment pouring plug of Figure 11 shown in the closed position;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment pouring plug with a removable bellows seal shown in the closed position;

Figure 13 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the pouring plug of alternative embodiment of Figure 10;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the joint for the alternative embodiment pouring plug of Figure 10;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the joint for the pouring plug of alternative embodiment of Fig. 10;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a single-use pouring plug having a tamper ring attached to a disposable container, which is not part of the invention;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a single-use pouring plug without a gasket attached to a disposable container, which is not part of the invention;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a pouring plug having an anti-drip nozzle, which is not part of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a pouring plug having an alternative plug body, which is not part of the invention;

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a pouring plug 10 for a fluid container 12 includes a plug body 14, a gasket 16 mounted on the plug body 14, and a threaded ring 18 attached to the plug body 14. In the pouring plug 10 the threaded ring 18 and the plug body 14 comprise separate elements that are linked together as one. However, it should be understood that the cap body 14 and the threaded ring 18 may comprise a single piece having a unitary molded construction. Some of the alternative embodiments described illustrate a one-piece construction.

As shown in Figure 2, the fluid container 12 is generally cylindrical in shape, having an outside diameter sized for handling by a user, and a body having an inner part 28 adapted to hold a fluid 20. In the embodiment Illustratively, the fluid container 12 comprises an injection-blow molded plastic bottle, adapted to contain a selected volume of fluid 20 (eg, 2002000 ml or 8-64 oz). However, the fluid container may comprise any suitable container such as a sports bottle, a water bottle, a beverage bottle, a medical bottle, a cup of coffee or a can of gasoline. In addition, instead of being made of plastic, the fluid container 12 may comprise another material such as glass or metal, and may be manufactured using any process known in the art. The fluid container 12 may also include a support 30 that facilitates user handling.

As also shown in Figure 2, the fluid container 12 includes a neck 22 having male threads 24 in an outer diameter thereof, and an inner diameter 26 formed continuously with the inner part 28 of the container 12. The Neck 22 has a continuous circular upper surface 32 with a selected diameter, which in the illustrative embodiment is smaller than that of the rest of the container 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the threaded ring 18 includes female threads 36 configured for a matching coupling with the male threads 24 in the neck 22 of the container 12 to attach the pouring plug 10 to the container 12. In addition, the Female threads 36 function to move the pouring plug 10 up or down in an axial direction or a z-direction, along the longitudinal axis 40 of the container 12, as indicated by the arrow 38 of two-pointed plug movement (figure 2). With the female threads 36 to the right, the rotation of the threaded ring 18 clockwise moves the pouring plug 10 downwards or towards the inner part 28 of the container 12. On the contrary, the rotation of the threaded ring 18 in a counterclockwise direction moves the pouring plug 10 upwards, or away from the inner part 28 of the container 12. As will be further explained, the clockwise rotation allows the pouring plug 10 is placed in a closed position in which the container 12 is sealed and the flow of fluid through the pouring plug 10 is not possible. On the contrary, the rotation counterclockwise of the threaded ring 18 in a quarter turn or more, it allows the pouring plug 10 to be placed in an open position where fluid flow is allowed through the pouring plug 10. Figure 2 illustrates the pouring plug 10 in a positionopen In addition, the rotation of the threaded ring 18 counterclockwise by approximately 1.5 to 2 turns allows the pouring plug 10 to be completely removed from the container 12.

Referring to Figure 3, the plug body 14 is shown separately. The cap body 14 generally has a cylindrical peripheral shape, which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck 22 of the container 12. The outer diameter of the cap body 14 can be selected as required, being representative from 2 cm to 10 cm. The plug body 14 can be formed of a rigid material, such as hard plastic, using a suitable process such as injection molding, extrusion molding or machining. Plastic materials suitable for cap body 14 include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate and polyester. Instead of plastic, the plug body 14 can be made of glass, ceramic or a metal, such as aluminum. As another alternative, the plug body 14 can be made of a composite material such as a carbon fiber material.

As shown in Figure 3, the plug body 14 includes an upper surface 42 and an outer circumferential side 46. The plug body 14 also includes a recessed plate 48 extending from the upper surface 42 which generally has a concave shape similar to a shallow soup bowl. The stopper body 14 also includes two pour openings 44 on the upper surface 42 located 180 degrees apart from the outer circumferential side 46 of the stopper body 14. The pour openings 44 are generally elliptically shaped, and are sized to Pour the liquid 20 (Figure 2) gently into another receptacle such as a user's mouth. The circumferential side 46 of the plug body 14 is smooth near the pouring openings 44, which allows the user to place his mouth around the pouring openings 44 without irritation. In addition, the circumferential side 46 of the cap body 14 may include one or more chamfered surfaces 54, such that there are no sharp edges in the cap body 14.

As also shown in Figure 3, the circumferential side 46 of the cap body 14 includes two grip segments 50 180 degrees apart, which allows the user to grab the cap body 14 to rotate it in any direction. The grip segments 50 include a plurality of parallel spaced grooves, which allow the plug body 14 to be manipulated without slipping from the user's hands. The grip segments 50 also extend along the upper surface 42 and over the recessed plate 48 with a curved contour edge 52.

As also shown in Figure 3, the plug body 14 includes a continuous side wall 56 that has a desired thickness that closes the recessed plate 48, and defines the cross-sectional shape of the plug body 14. A representative thickness of the side wall 56 can be from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The plug body 14 also includes an annular support shoulder 58 configured to maintain the shape of the gasket 16 (Figure 2) during use and storage. As shown in Figure 2, the support shoulder 58 has an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter 26 of the neck 22 of the container 12, such that the support shoulder 58 fits into the inside diameter 26 of the neck 22 but with a gap for the gasket 16. Therefore, the support shoulder 58 functions to center and seat the gasket 16 on the neck 22 of the container 12.

As also shown in Figure 3, the plug body 14 also includes a sealing boss 60 and a groove 61 that are configured to seat the seal 16 (Figure 2) to provide a first low pressure seal 63 (Figure 7) to seal container 12 in a manner described further. In the cap body 14A of alternative embodiment (Figure 11) described further, the sealing boss 60 can be removed. The cap body 14 also includes a rounded compression surface 62 configured to compress the seal 16 (Figure 2) with a controlled deformation against the upper surface 32 (figure 6) of the neck 22 of the container 12 to form a high pressure seal 67 (figure 6). The plug body 14 also includes an inner edge 64 that is sized and shaped to join the threaded ring 18 (Figure 2). For example, the threaded ring 18 can be attached to the plug body 14 using a link connection such as a rotation weld, a welding adhesive or other suitable adhesive. As another alternative, the threaded ring 18 can be sized and shaped to fit the inner edge 64 of the plug body 14, with the surfaces and coupling dimensions that provide a snap fit. With a snap fit, coupling elements such as splines (not shown) can also be provided to transmit a torque between the threaded ring 18 and the plug body 14.

Referring to Figure 4, the seal 16 is shown separately. The seal 16 is generally a ring-shaped element that is sized and shaped for attachment to the plug body 14. The seal 16 is configured to seal the container 12 in the closed position of the pouring plug 10 with the high pressure seal 67 (figure 6). As used herein, the term "high pressure seal" refers to a hydraulic seal capable of withstanding fluid pressures in the range of 0.68 to 2.04 bar (10 to 30 psi). In some of the following claims the high pressure seal 67 is called a "third seal". The seal 16 is also configured to allow fluid flow through the discharge openings 44 (Figure 3) in the open position of the discharge plug 10. The seal 16 is also configured to provide the first low pressure seal 63 ( Figure 7) and the second low pressure seal 65 (Figure 7) that prevent an unwanted fluid flow between the container 12 and the pouring plug 10 in the open position of the pouring plug 10. As used herein , the term low pressure seal refers to a hydraulic seal capable of withstanding fluid pressures in the range of 0.0345 bar (0 to 0.5 psi). In some of the following claims, the first low pressure seal 63 is called "a first seal" and the second low pressure seal 65 is called "a second seal". The gasket 16 can be made of a resilient polymer material such as silicone, urethane, synthetic rubber, natural rubber or polyamide. A representative hardness of the joint 16 can be from 60 to 85 Shore A.

As shown in Figure 4, the gasket 16 includes a support 66 configured to detachably hold the gasket 16 to the groove 61 (Figure 3) in the plug body 14. The gasket 16 also includes a bottom portion 72 which has an outer diameter substantially coinciding with the inner diameter 26 (figure 2) of the neck 22 (figure 2) of the container 12 (figure 2). The outer diameter of the lower part 72 of the seal 16 being smaller than the outer diameter of the support 66, the seal 16 has a stepped configuration. The lower part 72 of the seal 16 may have a conical shape, and a beveled edge, to aid in the insertion of the seal 16 into the inner diameter 26 (figure 2) of the neck 22. The seal 16 also includes the seal characteristics O-ring 68 configured to compress against the inner diameter 26 (Figure 2) of the neck 22 of the container 12 to form the second low pressure seal 65. The O-ring characteristics 68 are shown with a rounded or convex geometry for simplicity. However, the O-ring characteristics 68 can be formed with any suitable geometry, such as an angular geometry or other shape, as long as a circumferential contact line is achieved against the inner diameter 26 (Figure 2) of the neck 22.

As shown in Figure 4, the gasket 16 also includes a set of fluid flow openings 70 near the bottom 72. The fluid flow openings 70 are generally elliptical in shape and can have a diameter, number and spacing. desired For example, the fluid flow openings 70 can be spaced radially equally along the circumference of the bottom 72. In the open position of the pouring plug 10, the fluid flow openings 70 allow the fluid 20 ( figure 2) flow through the joint 16 and then through the pouring openings 44 (figure 3) in the plug body 14.

As shown in Figure 4, the gasket 16 also includes a U-shaped support 74 on the inner surface of the lower part 72 near the fluid flow openings 70. The support 74 is configured to center the gasket 16 on the support shoulder 58 (figure 3) of the plug body 14 when the pouring plug 10 is mounted on the neck 22 of the container 12. The gasket 16 also includes thinned segments 71 with thinned side walls 76 that help the gasket 16 to maintain flexibility and provide a localized place of predictable deformation in the closed position of the pouring plug 10, and to maintain the seals 63, of low pressure 65 in the open position. Furthermore, as will be explained further, the thinned segments 71 return to an essentially non-deformed state with little force when the pouring plug 10 is loosened.

As shown in Figure 4, the gasket 16 also includes a sealing surface 78 configured to seal against the upper surface 32 (Figure 2) and the inner edge of the neck 22 (Figure 2) of the container 12. As will be further explained, the sealing surface 62 (figure 3) in the cap body 14 compresses the sealing surface 78 of the seal 16 against the upper surface 32 (figure 2) and the inner edge of the neck 22 (figure 2) to form the seal high pressure 67 (figure 6). During initial placement of the pouring plug 10 in the container 12 it is also necessary to align the seal 16, so that it sits on the inside diameter 26 of the neck 22 of the container 12. In this position, the O-ring characteristics 68 form the second low pressure seal 65 (figure 6). The conical shape of the terminal part 72 of the seal 16 facilitates this alignment.

Referring to Figure 5, the threaded ring 18 is shown separately. The threaded ring 18 is generally ring-shaped, and is sized and shaped to bind or weld by rotation to the plug body 14 (Figure 3). The threaded ring 18 includes the female threads 36 configured for the coupling coinciding with the male threads 24 (figure 2) in the neck 22 (figure 2) of the container 12. The female threads 36 are not continuous, but the flat surfaces 64 are they form between female threads 36 for economic reasons. The threaded ring 18 also includes a constriction shoulder 84 configured to seal and secure the support 66 of the seal 16 (Figure 2) in the pouring plug 10. It should be understood, although not shown in the drawings, that the threaded ring 18 it can be attached to the plug body 14 with a pressure adjustment geometry in combination with axial grooves. Stretch marks could counteract the torsional forces that occur during tightening and loosening of the pouring plug 10.

Referring to Figure 6, the pouring plug 10 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the seal 16 hydraulically seals the neck 22 of the container 12. To start the closed position, the pouring plug 10 can be rotated clockwise, such that the female threads 36 in the threaded ring 18 are pressed into the male threads 24 in the neck 22 of the container 12. In addition, the seal 16 is formed for compression with a deformation controlled by the surface 78 and the rounded surface 62 of the plug body 14 against the upper surface 32 and the inner edge of the neck 22 of the container 12. Also in the closed position, the first low pressure seal 63 (figure 6) and the second low pressure seal 65 (figure 6) are formed by the gasket 16. However , in the closed position the low pressure seals 63 (figure 6) are replaced by the high pressure seal 67 (figure 6).

Referring to Figure 7, the pouring plug 10 is shown in an open position. To move the drain plug 10 from the closed position (figure 6) to the open position (figure 7), the drain plug 10 can be rotated counterclockwise by a quarter turn or more. As will be explained further, the plug body 14 may also have an alignment mark 118A (Figure 13) indicating the placement of the pour plug 10 in the open or closed position. As another alternative shown in Figure 8, the male threads 24 in the neck 22 of the container 12 may include retainers 86 that mate with the coupling retainers 88 in the female threads 36 of the threaded ring 18 to communicate with noise and resistance the rotation of the pouring plug 10 in the open position. However, retainers 86, 88 are optional and are not essential for the operation of the discharge plug 10.

As shown in Figure 7, in the open position, the pouring plug 10 has been moved upwards by the rotation of the female threads 36 in the threaded ring 18 against the male threads 24 in the neck 22 of the container

12. In addition, the seal 16 is no longer compressed, such that the high pressure seal on the upper surface 32 of the neck 22 of the container 12 is no longer present. However, the first low pressure seal 63 and the second low pressure seal 65 are held by the seal 16. The low pressure seals 63 prevent fluid 20 from flowing between the seal 16 and the inner diameter 26 and, then through the coupling threads 24/36. However, the fluid 20 can flow through the fluid flow openings 70 in the seal 16 and through a passage 82 formed between the seal 16 and the support shoulder 58 of the plug body 14.

Figure 7 also illustrates the formation of step 82 with the seal 16 in an essentially non-deformed state. As shown in Figure 7, during the formation of step 82, the controlled deformation of the seal 16 is reversed, and the seal 16 essentially returns to its molded form in its undeformed state. The flow rate of the fluid is affected by the size of the passage 82 and the size of the pouring openings 44 in the plug body 14. One way to ensure a size large enough for the passage 82 is to control the deformation of the joint 16 as the pouring plug 10 is rotated to the open position. In particular, the joint 16 can be configured such that deformation occurs essentially in the thinned segments 71 (Figure 4). As the discharge plug 10 is continuously loosened by rotating counterclockwise, the seal holder 66 moves away from the upper surface 32 of the neck 22 of the container 12, while the Thinned segments 71 (Figure 4) are sufficiently stretched from the deformed shape of the seal 16 in the closed position to an essentially undeformed geometry state. At this point, step 82 has a maximum size and provides a maximum flow rate. The O-ring characteristics 68 (Figure 4) will remain pressed against the inner diameter 26 of the neck 22 during the transition between the closed and open positions and vice versa, so that the low pressure seal is always maintained.

Figure 9 illustrates a fluid container 12A having a neck 22F with a flanged upper surface 32F. In this case, the fluid container 12F can be formed using an extrusion-blow molding process. As illustrated in Figure 9, the pouring plug 10 can be used with the container 12F substantially as explained above for the container 12 formed by an injection-blow molding process. With neck 22F only the O-ring feature 68 is coupled to the flanged upper surface 32F to form a low pressure seal 65F as shown in Figure 9A.

Referring to Figures 10-15, a pouring plug 10A attached to the container 12 is shown. The pouring plug 10A includes a plug body 14A, a removable seal 16A attached to the plug body 14A, and a threaded ring 18A attached to cap body 14A. The pouring plug 10A is substantially similar in structure and function to the pouring plug 10 (Figure 1), but includes some different elements and operating characteristics. An important difference is in the structure and function of the seal 16A that can be more easily removed from the pouring plug 10A for cleaning.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the gasket 16A includes a movable part 92A in an upper part 102A (Figure 14), which, as will be explained further, allows a greater relative movement between the plug 10A and the container

12. In addition, the plug body 14A does not include the sealing boss 60 (figure 3), and the threaded ring 18A does not include the constriction boss 84 (figure 5). In the pouring plug 10A, a tip of the seal 16A forms a sealing lip 96A, which is sealed against a surface 94A not inclined in the plug body 14A to form a first low pressure seal 63A (Figure 10). The sealing lip 96A is configured to slide between an edge 98A of the threaded ring 18A and an internal compression surface 100A in the plug body 14A. In particular, the sealing lip 96A can slide within this range of motion in the open position of the plug 10A, such as while pouring or drinking the fluid 20 from the container 12.

As shown in Figure 10, when the pouring plug 10A is initially screwed onto the container 12, the movable part 92A of the seal 16A initially comes into contact with the surface 98A, and is pushed up until it makes contact with the upper surface 100A of the plug body 14A. During this movement, the sealing lip 96A of the seal 16A comes into contact with the smooth surface 94A of the plug body 14A to form the first low pressure seal 63A. When the plug 10A is fully tightened by the clockwise rotation of the plug 10A to the closed position, the seal 16A is compressed between the compression surface 62A of the plug body 14A and the upper surface 32 and the edge inside the fluid container 12 to form the high pressure seal 67A (figure 11). As shown in Figure 10, as the cap 10A is rotated counterclockwise to the open position, the movable part 92A of the seal 16A will remain seated on the upper surface 32 of the neck 22 of the container , until the sealing lip 96A of the seal 16A comes into contact with the upper edge 98A of the threaded ring 18A. If the plug 10A is rotated further counterclockwise, the seal 16A will be dragged from its seated position. With the additional rotation of the cap beyond this point, the cap 10A can be completely removed from the container 12.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the seal 16A has a specific shape intended for optimal operation. The seal 16A includes an upper part 102A and a lower part 104A. The lower part 104A of the seal 16A has a thicker wall thickness than the upper section 102A. This ensures that there is a greater compression force between the O-ring characteristics 68A, and the inner diameter 26 (figure 11) of the neck 22 of the container (figure 11), that between the cap body 14A and the sealing lip 96A in the upper part 102A of the seal 16A. In other words, there is more friction between the seal 16A and the inner diameter 26 (figure 11) of the neck 22 of the container (figure 11), than between the sealing lip 96A and the sealing surface 94A not inclined in the body of seal 14A of seal 16A. This ensures that the cap 10A can move up and down in relation to the lower part 104A of the seal 16A, which remains stationary and seated in the inner diameter 26 (figure 11) of the neck 22 of the container (figure 11) to form the second low pressure seal 65A (figure 11). In this regard, the lower part 104A of the seal 16A must remain seated in the inner diameter 26 (figure 12) of the neck 22 of the container (figure 11) in the open position of the cap 10A to form the second low pressure seal 65A ( Figure 11) while pouring or drinking from the plug 10A.

Another feature of the thin wall of the upper part 102A (figure 14) of the gasket 16A (figure 14) is that it is more flexible than the lower part 104A (figure 14) of the gasket 16A (figure 14). This flexibility is essential because there is a relative movement between the female threads 36A (figure 13) in the cap body 14A (figure 13) and the male threads 24 (figure 11) in the neck 22 (figure 11) of the container 12 (figure 11), due to strikes. These strikes are necessary for the correct operation of the threads, and also occur due to variations in the manufacture of the plug 10A (figure 11) and the container 12 (figure 11). This relative movement can occur when the plug 10A (Figure 11) is pushed from side to side or stirred in an angular direction. In order to obtain the desired flexibility, the joint 16A includes a rounded corner 106A (figure 14), a vertical wall 108A (figure 14), and the movable part 92A (figure 14) in an upper part 102A thereof which is lose weight In particular, the seal 16A includes thinned side walls 110A (figure 14) at the top 102A above the rounded corner 106A (figure 14), and thick side walls 112A (figure 14) at the bottom 104A below of the rounded corner 106A (figure 14). In accordance with the good practices of plastic injection molding, once the wall section is thinned in the rounded corner 106A (figure 14), all remaining downstream wall sections (i.e. the bottom part 104A (figure 14)) should lose weight. For economic reasons the seal 16A can be made of a single material. However, the desired flexibility of the upper section 102A can be achieved using a more expensive overmolding process. In this way, a more flexible material can form the upper part 102A and join with a more rigid material used to form the lower part 104A of the joint 16A. This same method can be used to make the friction coefficient of the upper part 102A different from that of the lower part 104A.

During the use of the seal 14A (figure 14), it is advantageous for the sealing lip 96A (figure 14) to maintain a perfect round geometry when the cap 10A (figure 12) moves from side to side or is agitated. The seal 14A (figure 14) is constructed in such a way that the sealing lip 96A (figure 14) maintains its round shape. As shown in figure 14, the sealing lip 96A includes a beveled surface 114A (figure 14) that hardens the upper edge of the sealing lip 96A (figure 14) so that it remains circular when the plug 10A (figure 12) is Move from side to side or shake. If the sealing lip 96A (figure 14) is not stiffened by the beveled surface, it could be flexed so that it would break into contact with the smooth surface 94A (figure 12) on the side of the plug body 14A (figure 12) . To further harden the sealing lip 96A (figure 15), the seal 16A (figure 15) includes projections 116A (figure 15) that support the beveled surface 114A (figure 14) of the sealing lip 96A (figure 14). With this construction, the sealing lip 96A (figure 15) remains circular with any movement towards the sides of the cap 10A (figure 12). In addition, the thinned vertical side wall 108A (figure 14) and the rounded corner 106A (figure 14) provide articulation points that allow the sealing lip 96A (figure 14) to maintain a hydraulic seal even if the cap 10A (figure 12) it is pushed in a non-concentric alignment state and / or stirred up or down.

The beveled surface 114A (figure 14) is also angled to promote the flow of liquid in the container 12 (figure 12). Reinforcing projections 116A (figure 15) also protect the sealing lip 96A (figure 15) from turning from the inside out when the seal 16A (figure 11) is pulled up from the neck 22 (figure 11) of the container 12 (figure 11). In addition, the vertical length of the sealing lip 96A (figure 11) is sufficient to maintain contact with the smooth surface 94A (figure 11) when the plug 10A (figure 11) is angularly agitated to an extreme position. If the maximum angular rotation is known, a simple geometry can be used to calculate the length of the sealing lip 96A (Figure 11) which will ensure that the contact is maintained.

As shown in Figure 12, the movable part 92A (Figure 11) can be shaped as a movable part of bellows 92AB which allows even a greater range of misalignment of the cap and the bottle. As shown in Figure 13, an upper part 120A of the surface of the joint 16A may also include an alignment feature 118A such as a raised cross. By manufacturing the cap body 14A from a transparent material, the alignment feature 118A (figure 13) can be used to indicate whether the cap 10A (figure 13) is fully tightened or not. In particular, when the plug 10A (figure 13) is tight, the alignment feature 118A (figure 13) will come into contact with the plug body 14A (figure 13). If the plug 10A (figure 13) is molded from a transparent material, the contact between the gasket 16A (figure 13) and the plug body 14A (figure 13) will make visible the shape of the alignment feature 118A (figure 13 ) through the plug body 14A (figure 13). When the plug 10A (figure 13) is loosened, and the contact between the plug body 14A (figure 13) and the seal 16A (figure 13) is broken, the alignment feature 118A (figure 13) will not be seen clearly.

Referring to Figure 16, an alternative pouring plug 10B is constructed, which is not part of the invention, for use with a disposable, single-use container 12B, such as a beverage container adapted to contain water, enriched water. with vitamins, juice or soda. In the present application, it is essential to ensure the low cost and ease of assembly of large volume. The plug 10B includes a plug body 14B having a pouring opening 44B, a gasket 16B and a tamper-proof ring 120B for safety purposes. Alternatively, a heat shrink film (not shown) can be placed around the plug 10B instead of the tamper-proof ring 120B. The shrink film has the advantage that it provides a hygienic protector, as well as a safety seal.

As shown in Figure 16, the plug body 14B includes female threads 36B that are coupled with male threads 24B at an inner diameter 26B of the neck of the container 12B. The plug body 14B has a one piece construction so there is no specific threaded ring. The plug body 14B and the tamper-proof ring 120B can also be formed with a one-piece construction. The seal 16B fits inside the neck 26B of the container and acts as a seal between the container 12B and the cap body 14B in three different places. A high pressure seal 122B is formed by pinching the seal 16B when the plug 10B is in a closed position. This high pressure seal 122B ensures that the contents do not spill when the plug 10B is fully tightened. A first low pressure seal 124B is formed between the seal 16B and the cap body 14B, and a second low pressure seal 125B is formed between the neck 26B of the container and the seal 16B. The low pressure seals 124B, 125B prevent the fluid from pouring through the neck 22B of the container 12B, when the plug 10B is in the open position and the fluid contents are poured through the holes 44B in the plug 10B. In addition, angled surfaces 132B are required to guide the interfering surfaces at the same time during assembly.

Referring to Fig. 17, an alternative pouring plug 10C that is not part of the invention is substantially similar to the pouring plug 10B (Fig. 16) and includes a plug body 14C having a pouring opening 44C, and a ring 122C tamper proof, but without gasket. This construction is the cheapest and easiest to assemble. The plug 10C (figure 17), and also the plug 10B (figure 16), require that the neck 22C of the container 12C and the sealing surfaces 126C, 128C and 130C of the plug body 14C be free of tilt and separation lines. In the pouring plug 10C, the neck 22C of the container 12C comes into contact with the sealing surface 126C of the plug body 14C which is sealed against the inside diameter of the neck 22C. As also shown in Figure 17, a slight interference fit between the second sealing surface 130C and the outer diameter of the neck 128C may be necessary to ensure constant contact between the coupling surfaces. This requirement can be achieved using a thin wall, made from easily malleable polyethylene material. By making the plug 10C too small, it can stretch through the neck 22C and over time, relax any tension that occurs due to the interference fit. In addition, the polyethylene offers little friction when it slides against the container 12C, so that the interference fit will not cause excessive drag when the cap 10C is screwed open and closed. Finally, it should be noted that angled surfaces 132C are necessary to guide the interfering surfaces at the same time during assembly.

Referring to Figure 18, an alternative pouring plug 10D that is not part of the invention is substantially similar to the pouring plug 10 (Figure 1) or the pouring plug 10A (Figure 11). In addition, the pouring plug 10D includes a spigot 126D formed in one or more pouring openings 44D in the pouring plug 10D. Spigot 126D allows a fluid, such as a toxic liquid, to be more easily poured from the pouring plug 10D.

Referring to Figure 19, an alternative pouring plug 10E that is not part of the invention is substantially similar to the pouring plug 10 (Figure 1) or the pouring plug 10A (Figure 11). The alternative 10E pour plug has several improvements. First, the pouring openings 44E are placed in the uppermost part, or in the ridges of the cap body 14E, so only one look is required to orient the cap 10E 5 to a drinking position. The plug 10E is perfectly round, which requires a search for the location of the pouring openings 44E before facing the lips. Secondly, there is a greater distance between the pouring openings 44E and the seal 16E so that the fluid flows back to the container 12 (Figure 1) with a greater impulse to counteract the meniscus forces that can cause the fluid to flow. accumulate in the narrow gaps between the seal 16E and the plug body 14E. Third, there is a greater volume of empty space (gas) 10 above the seal 16E to absorb a pressure pulse when a pressurized vessel 12 (Figure 1) opens quickly. Pressure can occur in a vessel 12 (Figure 1) due to carbonation, or when the fluid heats up after the cap 10E has been placed in the closed position. Fourth, the plug body 14E includes a flange 136E that straightens the upper edge of the seal 16E if the plug 10E is not in a container, and the seal 16E is pushed up into the plug body 14E. A chamfer 134E in the

15 O-ring characteristics of the 16E seal also helps to gently guide the 16E seal into the inner diameter of the neck of the container.

Therefore, the disclosure describes an improved pouring plug for fluid containers and an improved method for pouring fluids from the containers. Although the description has been with reference to certain preferred embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims (14)

1. A cap (10) for a container (12) adapted to contain a fluid comprising: a plug body (14) configured to join a neck (22) of the container (12) having at least one pour opening (44) through which the fluid can be poured from the container (12), the cap body (14) move by rotation in the neck (22) of the container (12) to an open position or to a closed position and; characterized by a deformable seal (16) attached to the plug body (14) having a fluid flow opening (70), a first part configured to form a first seal (63) in the plug body (14), and a second part configured to form a second seal (65) on an inner diameter or an upper surface (32) of the neck (22) of the container (12); the gasket (16) configured for deformation and compression by the plug body (14) in the closed position to form a third seal (67) on an upper surface (32) of the neck (22) of the container (12); the gasket (16) configured to form a fluid flow passage through the gasket (16) in the open position which allows the fluid (20) to flow from the container (12) through the fluid flow opening (70) in the gasket (16) towards the pouring opening (44) in the cap body (14) while maintaining the first seal (63) and the second seal (65), the fluid flow passage being sealed in the closed position and having a size maximum in the open position controlled by the movement of the gasket (16) towards a non-deformed state.

2.

 The cap of claim 1 further comprising a support shoulder (58) in the cap body (14) configured to fit in the neck (22) of the container (12), to maintain a shape of the gasket (16) during the placement in the bottle and during storage of the cap (10) when it is not in the bottle.

3.

 The cap of claim 1 further comprising a threaded ring (18) attached to the cap body (14) having female threads (36) that mate with the male threads (24) in the neck (22) of the container ( 12).

Four.

 The plug of claim 1 wherein the first part of the gasket (16) sits in a groove (61) in the plug body (14) and a groove in the threaded ring (18) to form the first seal ( 63).

5.

 The plug of claim 1 wherein the first part of the seal (16) moves against a sealing surface (78) of the plug body (14) to form the first seal (63).

6.

 The plug of claim 1 wherein the second part of the seal (16) includes an O-ring feature

(68) configured to sit on the inner diameter (26) or on an edge of the neck (22) of the container (12) to form the second seal (65).

7.

 The plug of claim 1 wherein the gasket (16) includes at least one thinned segment (71) configured to maintain flexibility and provide a predictable localized deformation location in the open position of the pouring plug to hold the first seal ( 63) and the second seal (65), and the maximum size of the flow passage.

8.

 The cap of claim 1 further comprising a structure (86, 88, 118A) in the cap body configured to indicate the open position to a user of the pouring plug.

9.

 The plug of claim 8 wherein the structure comprises a retainer (86, 88) configured to indicate the open position with noise and resistance.

10.

The plug of claim 8 wherein the structure comprises a visual alignment feature (118A).

eleven.

 A method for sealing and pouring a fluid (20) from a container (12) having a threaded neck (22) comprising:

providing a pouring plug having a plug body (14) with one or more pouring openings (44), a deformable seal (16) in the plug body (14) having a fluid flow opening (70) , a first part configured to form a first seal (63) in the cap body (14), and a second part configured to form a second seal (65) at an inner diameter or an upper surface (32) of the neck (22) ) of the container (12), and a threaded ring (18) in the cap body (14) having threads for coupling the threaded neck (22) in the container (12); tighten the cap body (14) on the threaded neck (22) of the container (12) to a closed position where the deformation of the gasket (16) seals the container with a third high pressure seal (67); turn the cap body (14) in the threaded neck (22) of the container (12) to an open position in which the gasket (16) returns to an essentially non-deformed state to form a fluid flow passage through the gasket (16), while maintaining the first seal (63) and the second seal (65) to prevent the flow of unwanted fluid through the plug body (14) and the threaded ring (18); and controlling a deformation of the seal (16) in the open position using a plurality of thinned segments (71) in the seal (16) so that the fluid flow passage has a maximum size in the open position. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising in the open position, pouring the fluid through the gasket (16), through the flow passage, and through the pouring openings (44) in the plug body (14). 5 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing the seal with a sealing lip (96a) adapted to seal an inner surface of the cap body (14) to form the first low pressure seal (63), and a feature O-ring (68) configured to form the second low pressure seal (65) in the neck of the container (12). 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing the cap body (14) with a support shoulder (58) configured to fit in the neck (22) of the container (12) to maintain a gasket shape (16) during placement in the bottle and during storage of the cap when it is not in the bottle. 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing the cap body (14) with a structure (86, 88, 118A) configured to indicate an open position to a user of the pouring plug and communicating the open position to the user using the structure (86, 88, 118A).