WO2000010884A1

WO2000010884A1 - Container cap for release of contents contained therein

Info

Publication number: WO2000010884A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/016886
Authority: WO
Inventors: David S. Soane; Gary R. Mcluen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-08-19
Filing date: 1999-07-26
Publication date: 2000-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2001-02-19
Also published as: AU5231599A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container cap (50d) comprising a housing (52d) for containing a quantity of a concentrated material and a cover (54d) which forms an air-tight seal with the housing. The housing (52d) includes a depressible portion (80) with an extension (82) which punctures a wall (58d) of the cover (54d) to release the contents into a container (110d).

Description

CONTAINER CAP FORRELEASE OF CONTENTS CONTAINED

THEREIN

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation-in-part application of application Serial No.

09/136,199, filed on August 19, 1998, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a container cap for release of contents contained therein. More particularly, the present invention is a container cap for releasing a volume of fluidic material contained therein approximately simultaneously upon engagement with a container or upon actuation of the container cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water comprises a large portion of the weight and volume of most beverages and, as a result, is relatively heavy and bulky to transport, such as from a bottling plant to a local distributor or from the local distributor, such as a supermarket, to the consumer's home. As a result of the weight and volume of the large water content of beverages as well as the high heat capacity of water, much fuel and labor are expended for the transport, storage and/or refrigeration of beverages in bottles and other containers. Thus, cost of such beverages is increased. Therefore, it is desirable to eliminate most of the water content of beverages throughout much if not all of the distribution process to achieve substantial economic savings and increases in environmental friendliness.

Similarly, pre-packaged food items also contain a large portion of water, contributing to their weight, volume and cost. An example of such a prepackaged food item is ready-to-eat soups in cans, jars or other containers which contain a high water content. Thus, it is also desirable to eliminate most of the water content of such pre-packaged food items containing high water content during most or all of the distribution process. Certain products such as tea bags and coffee bags have been commercialized in part to reduce the weight and volume by delaying the introduction of water to result in the desired drinks. However, the consumer must wait for the contents of such tea or coffee bags to diffuse and leach through the bags. It is desirable to provide a read-to-drink beverage without substantial increase in the cost and inconvenience associated with transport, storage and/or refrigeration of such high water content beverages by eliminating most of the water content of such beverages during most or all of the distribution process. Other products such as dried powders have also been commercialized. Examples of such dried powders include instant coffee, powdered milks, powdered dietary or nutritional shakes or drinks, and flavored drinks such as iced teas. However, the consumer must follow a multi-step process of opening the product, measuring a desired amount of the product, pouring the product into another container, filling the container with a suitable volume of water, agitate the mixture to facilitate dissolution of the powder and wait for the powder to dissolve.

The conventional packaging techniques described above are time consuming, inconvenient and cannot be easily utilized for carbonated beverages.

Thus, what is needed is a packaging system and technique which reduce the cost and inconvenience associated with the transportation, storage and refrigeration of fluidic consumer products and which can be easily and conveniently prepared by the consumer for consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a container cap for containing a quantity of a concentrated fluidic or powdery material. The container cap generally comprises a housing for containing the concentrated fluidic or powdery material and a cover which forms an air-tight and fluid-tight or a hermetic seal with the housing for enclosing the fluidic material in the housing. The cover has a member which can be opened to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in the housing. The member may be, for example, a tab or a membrane, which upon breakage, rupture and/or separation, such as from the remainder of the cap, to allow the release of the fluidic material. Additionally or alternatively, the member may be scored to facilitate breakage thereof.

The container cap is preferably engageable with a corresponding container. For example, an interior surface of the housing of the container cap may define threads for engagement with threads provided on an exterior surface at the opening of the container. Of course, any other types of suitable cap-container engagement mechanisms may be utilized, such as a snap-in and lock engagement or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps.

To release the fluid contained in the container cap into the container, the container may provide a lip for cooperating with the container cap member such that, upon engagement of the cap with the container, the lip engages and opens the container cap member to allow the release of the fluidic material into the container.

Alternatively, the housing may provide a flexible depressible portion depressible from an exterior surface thereof and having an extension extending into the housing from an interior surface of the depressible housing portion. The depressible housing portion may be depressed from its exterior surface such that the extension contacts and punctures or pierces a wall or the member of the cover to allow the release of the fluidic material into the container. The housing preferably defines a flange around the depressible housing portion to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional puncture of the member.

The depressible housing portion-extension embodiment is more preferred particularly when the contents of the container cap is under pressure, such as in the case of carbonated beverages. Because the depressible housing portion must be depressed in a direction toward the interior of the housing, the contents of the container cap under pressure exert a force on the depressible housing portion in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the exterior of the housing. Thus, the pressurized contents of the container cap further prevent accidental or unintentional puncture of the member. When reconstitution of the concentrated material contained in the container cap is desired, the consumer may fill a container with a suitable volume of water at a desired temperature for reconstitution. The instructions for reconstitution may be provided, for example, on the container cap or on a label affixed to the container cap. In the embodiment where the container provides a lip, the engagement of the container cap with the opening of the container approximately simultaneously causes the container lip to engage and open the container cap member, thereby releasing the fluidic material into the water contained in the container. In the embodiment where the housing provides a depressible portion and an extension extending therefrom, after engagement of the container cap with the container, the consumer may depress the depressible housing portion from its exterior surface to cause the extension to contact and puncture the member of the cover. The contents of the container cap are thus released into the container. With either embodiment, the consumer may then shake or otherwise agitate the water and concentrated fluidic material mixture to facilitate mixing thereof. The present invention may be utilized for non-carbonated drinks such as fruit juices, hot chocolates, various types of milks, iced and hot teas, iced and hot coffees, other caffeinated drinks such as espressos, mochas and lattes, as well as carbonated drinks such as carbonated water and sodas, and alcoholic beverages, non-carbonated and carbonated, such as wines, liquors, beers and stout. For carbonated beverages, the container cap of the present invention may be filled with a beverage concentrate and dry ice comprising carbon dioxide, separately, or with the carbon dioxide already dissolved in the beverage concentrate. With carbonated beverages, an internal pressure equilibrium is reached over time. Further, the dissolution of the gas in a fluid and/or ethanol based concentrate also facilitates the storage of such carbonated contents. The present invention may also be utilized for soups, soup stocks and other food concentrates. Although described in the context of beverages, the container cap of the present invention may be utilized in, for example, pharmaceutical applications such as fluidic drugs and therapeutic agents. Further, the container cap may contain a reactive chemical concentrate which chemically reacts with a diluent contained in the container and the mixture may be utilized or applied shortly after the chemical reaction. The present invention offers several advantages which include ease of use, decreased packaging and decreased weight and volume, with concurrent reduction in the costs associated with transport, handling, storage, refrigeration and the need to recycle. The consumer may utilize tap, filtered or bottled water or other diluents, at the desired temperature, to mix with the concentrate. Furthermore, because germs generally do not proliferate in syrups, such beverage concentrates are much more difficult to spoil and cause waste and/or health risks. The concentrates are also more readily sterilized and/or pasteurized if such treatments are necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of the present invention prior to engagement;

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 A shows a plane view of the container cap from line 3A-3A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 3 A after the member of the container cap has been opened; FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIGS. 1 and 2 after engagement;

FIG. 5 A shows a plane view of a variation of the container cap of the present invention;

FIG. 5B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 5A after the member of the container cap has been opened;

FIG. 5C shows a plane view of another variation of the container cap of the present invention;

FIG. 5D shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 5C after the member of the container cap has been opened; FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a container and a container cap of the present invention illustrating a variation of the engagement mechanism between the container and the container cap;

FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 6 after engagement;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of the present invention illustrating a variation of the container lip prior to engagement;

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and the container cap of FIG. 8 prior to engagement; FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and the container cap of FIGS. 8 and 9 after engagement;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of the container cap of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a container and a container cap of an alternative embodiment of the present invention prior to attachment of the container cap to the container and prior to actuation of the container cap;

FIG. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 12 prior to attachment of the container cap to the container and prior to actuation of the container cap; FIG. 14 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container and container cap of FIG. 12 after attachment of the container cap to the container and during actuation of the container cap by depressing a depressible portion of the container cap;

FIG. 15A shows a plane view of the container cap from line 15A-15A of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B shows a plane view of the container cap of FIG. 15A after the member of the container cap has been opened;

FIG. 16 shows a plane view of a housing of the container cap from line 16-16 of FIG. 13; FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of a container cap of the present invention prior to actuation; FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a housing of the container cap of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 shows a plane view of a housing of the container cap from line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a container cap for containing a quantity of a concentrated fluidic or powdery material therein. The container cap generally comprises a housing for containing the concentrated fluidic material and a cover which forms an air-tight and fluid-tight or a hermetic seal with the housing for enclosing the fluidic material in the housing. The cover has a member which can be opened to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in the housing. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show, respectively, a perspective view and a partial cross- sectional view of a container 110 and a container cap 50 prior to engagement. The container cap 50 generally comprises a housing 52 and a cover 54 for forming an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52 such that a quantity of a material, such as a fluidic concentrate, may be enclosed in a volume 56 within housing 52.

The cover 54 includes a member 58 which can be ruptured, pierced, punctured, broken, severed, or otherwise opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56. The member may be opened by breakage, rupture and/or separation from the remainder of the cover 54 to allow the release of the fluidic material from the volume 56. In a currently preferred embodiment, the member 58 may include a scored separation contour 60, as shown in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, the member 58 may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum. When a sufficient force is exerted on the member 58 in a direction perpendicular to the member 58 and at a location at or radially interior to the separation contour 60, a tab 61 is separated from the remainder of the member 58 along the contour 60. Thus, the opening of the member 58 is approximately contemporaneous with the engagement of the container cap 50 with the container 110.

The tab 61 formed upon the opening of member 58 is similar to the pull- tab of a can of carbonated beverage. Upon separation of the tab 61 from the remainder of the member 58, the cover 54 is opened to allow the release of the contents in the volume 56. Preferably, the separation contour 60 is scored on the surface of member 58 adjacent the volume 56 of housing 52 to reduce risks of unintentional and premature separation of the tab 61 from the remainder of member 58, particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume 56 is at a pressure above the ambient pressure. Other provisions known in the art, such as indentations on the surface of the member 58, may be additionally or alternatively provided to facilitate the opening of the member 58 and/or to reduce risks of unintentional and premature breakage of the member 58. For engagement of container cap 50 and container 110, container cap 50 may provide threads 62 on an interior surface thereof corresponding and engageable with threads 112 defined on an exterior surface of container 110. Thus, the container cap 50 may be placed upon and rotated relative to the opening 114 of the container 110 to close the opening 114 of container 110. The container 110 preferably provides a lip 116 in the shape of a small tapered arc extending from a portion of the perimeter of the opening 114. When the container cap 50 is rotated until the lip 116 contacts member 58, the lip 116 is preferably at or radially interior to the separation contour 60, if one is provided. Continued rotation of the container cap 50 relative to the opening 114 of the container 110 exerts a force on the member 58 in a direction perpendicular to the member 58 and at or radially interior to the separation contour 60. When a sufficient force is exerted by the lip 116 upon member 58, the tab 61 is separated from the remainder of the member 58 along the separation contour 60. Upon separation of the tab 61 from the remainder of the member 58, the cover 54 is opened and fluidic material contained in volume 56 is released into the container 110. FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container 110 engaged with the container cap 50 and the lip 116 having forced open the member 58.

Preferably, the housing 52 and the cover 54 form a pressure tight hermetic seal therebetween. Alternatively or additionally, the housing 52 and cover 54 may form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween by applying an adhesive to, by soldering and/or by melting surfaces of housing 52 and cover 54 which are in contact with each other.

The separation contour 60 of the member 58 may have any number, any suitable configuration, shape, depth and/or any combination thereof. For example, the separation contour 60 may comprise a scored or etched circle or portion of a circle adjacent the perimeter of the member 58 . Examples of variations of the member of the container cap are shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, wherein the material of the member is preferably distensible or thinned to allow expansion thereof and separation along the separation contour. FIG. 5A shows a container cap 50' having a member 58' with four separation lines 60' which generally intersect at the approximate center of the member 58'. As shown in FIG. 5B, upon separation, breakage or rupture of member 58' along the separation lines 60', member 58' is opened by being separated into several pieces along the separation lines 60' to allow the release of the contents in volume 56.

Another example is shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D wherein a container cap 50" has a member 58" with multiple arcuate curves or arcs 60" located along the circumference of two concentric circular shapes. As shown in FIG. 5D, upon separation, breakage or rupture of member 58" along the separation lines 60", member 58" is opened by having multiple openings at the locations of the separation lines 60". In each of the examples of FIGS. 5A-5D, the separation contour 60' or

60" may be scored or otherwise provided on either or both surfaces of the members 58' or 58". Preferably, the separation contour 60' or 60" is scored on the surface of the member 58' or 58" adjacent the volume of the housing 52, as described above, to reduce risks of unintentional and premature separation or breakage of the member 58' or 58", particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume is at a pressure above the ambient pressure. The threading and rotation of the container cap relative to the container opening is such that the force exerted by the lip of the container on the separation contour is maximized because the large axial distance relative to the small vertical distance traversed by the member relative to the lip. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, container cap 50A and container 110A are engageable via a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism rather than via threads. Container cap 50A may provide a circumferential indentation 62A on an interior surface of cover 54A corresponding and engageable with a circumferential ring 112A defined on an exterior surface of container 110A. Thus, the container cap 50 A may be placed upon and pushed toward the opening 114 of container

110A a direction indicated by arrow D. When a sufficient force is exerted, circumferential indentation 62 A of container cap 50A will snap around the circumferential ring 112 A of container 110A to close the opening 114 of container 110A. As another variation, indentation 62 A of cover 54 A and/or ring 112A of container 110 A need not extend around the entire circumference but may be portion or portions thereof. Other variations include providing the circumferential indentation on an exterior surface of the container and providing the circumferential ring on an interior surface of the container cap. As is evident, any other suitable types of closure mechanism, such as a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps, may be utilized to engage the container cap with the container.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, container HOB may provide an engageable portion such as a circumferential lip 116B extending around the opening 114. FIGS. 8 and 9 show, respectively, a perspective and a partial cross-sectional view of the container HOB and a container cap 50B prior to engagement. FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the container HOB and a container cap 50B after engagement. The container cap 50B utilized in conjunction with container HOB having a circumferential lip 116B preferably provides a member 58B which is distensible. The circumferential lip 116B may be a mere circumferential extension of the container opening 114. When the container cap 50B is continued to be rotated after the circumferential lip 116B contacts member 58B, the circumferential lip 116B exerts a force upon member 58B in a direction perpendicular to the member 58B, to cause member 58B to distend. When a sufficient force is exerted by the circumferential lip 116B upon member 58B, the force causes the separation contour or lines (not shown) of the member 58B to separate, break or rupture along the separation contour to release the fluidic material contained in volume 56 into the container HOB.

Preferably, the container 110 is transparent or translucent such that the level of the water or other diluent contained therein can be seen. Further, container 110 preferably includes marks 118 for indication to the consumer of the amount of water or diluent level 120. In addition, although not shown, the container cap 50 and/or container 110 may include ribbings on the curved exterior surface to facilitate rotation thereof relative to each other. Further, container cap 50 preferably includes information such as nutritional, pricing and/or directions for the reconstitution of the fluidic material contained in the volume 56. Such information may be printed directly on the container cap 50 and/or on a label affixed to the container cap 50. Alternatively, the container cap 50 may contain a reactive chemical concentrate which chemically reacts with a diluent contained in the container 110 and the mixture may be utilized or applied shortly after the chemical reaction.

FIG. 11 shows another variation of the container cap 50C of the present invention. In this variation, the housing 52C of container cap 50C is affixed to cover 54C by the provision of cooperating and engageable threads 70, 72 on an interior surface of the housing 52C and on an exterior surface of the cover 54C, respectively. By providing threads 70, 72, a consumer may fill volume 56 with a quantity of the desired fluidic material, for example, when the consumer purchases concentrate beverages by bulk. Although not shown, container cap 50C may also provide one or more O-rings to further ensure sealing between the housing 52C and the cover 54C.

An interior surface of the cover 54C may provide a circumferential indentation 62C on an interior surface of cover 54C corresponding and engageable with a circumferential ring defined on an exterior surface of container (similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). As described, indentation 62C of cover 54C and/or the ring of the container need not extend around the entire circumference but may extend around portion or portions thereof. As is evident, any other suitable types of closure mechanism, such as a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps, may be utilized to engage the container cap with the container.

FIGS. 12-16 show yet another variation of a container cap 50D of the present invention. FIGS. 12 and 13 show, respectively, a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a container HOD and the container cap 50D prior to attachment of the container cap 50D to the container HOD and prior to actuation of the container cap 50D. The container cap 50D generally comprises a housing 52D and a cover 54D for forming an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52D to contain a quantity of a material in a volume 56D defined by housing 52D. The cover 54D includes a member 58D which can be ruptured or opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56D.

The housing 52D comprises a flexible depressible portion 80 and an elongate extension 82 extending into the housing from the depressible portion 80. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14, the depressible portion 80 is depressible from an exterior surface thereof such that the extension 82 contacts and punctures, ruptures or pierces member 58D of cover 54D to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in volume 56D.

Although not shown, the depressible portion 80 is preferably convex, i.e. curves outwardly away from the volume 56D, particularly when the content of volume 56D is pressurized such as when volume 56D contains a carbonated beverage concentrate. Alternatively or additionally, the curvature of the depressible portion 80 may be designed into and formed during manufacturing of the container cap 50D. The convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 causes the depressible portion 80 to pop or snap inwardly toward volume 56D upon exertion of a minimum threshold depression force upon the depressible portion 80. The convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 results in increased travel of extension 82 and increased depression force required to break the member 58D. Thus, the convex configuration of the depressible portion 80 may reduce accidental actuation of the depressible portion 80.

To facilitate the puncture of the member 58D, member 58D preferably includes separation scores 60D as shown in the plane view of FIG. 15 A. As shown in the cross-sectional and plane views of FIGS. 14 and 15B, respectively, when the member 58D is ruptured or punctured by extension 82, the member 58D breaks along the separation scores 60D. Alternatively or additionally, member 58D may be thinned (not shown) in the area of the contact with the extension 82. The material in volume 56D then flows into the container HOD via the opening

114 of the container HOD.

Although housing 52D preferably provides one elongate extension 82 approximately centrally located relative to the depressible portion 80, housing 52D may provide any number of elongate extensions located circularly, randomly or in any suitable other arrangement relative to the depressible portion 80.

Preferably, the separation scores 60D are disposed on a surface of member 58D opposite the volume 56D of housing 52D such that the separation force applied by the extension 82 for rupturing or puncturing the member 58D is more efficiently applied on the opposing surface. Thus, having the separation scores 60D on the surface of member 58D adjacent the volume 56D reduces the risks of unintentional and premature rupture of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D, particularly when the fluidic material contained in the volume 56D is at a pressure above the ambient pressure, such as with carbonated beverages. The housing 52D preferably defines a flange 84 around the depressible portion 80 to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional depression of the depressible portion 80. Thus, the contents of the container cap 50D can be released without engagement of the container cap 50D with the container HOD. Consequently, the container HOD may but does not need to provide a lip or other mechanism to cooperate with the container cap 50D in order to release the contents of the container cap 50D from volume 56D. Similar to the other embodiments, cover 54D of container cap 50D may define threads 62 on an interior surface thereof corresponding and engageable with threads 112 defined on an exterior surface of container 110. Any other suitable mechanism may be provided for engagement between the container cap 50D with the container HOD, such as a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps.

FIG. 16 shows a plane view of the housing 52D of the container cap 50D from line 16-16 of FIG. 13. As shown, extension 82 extends from an interior surface of the depressible portion 80 and comprises three prongs 86. The prongs 86 taper toward a point at an end distal to the depressible portion 80 and taper outwardly at an end adjacent the depressible portion 80. The prongs 86 are preferably spaced at approximately equal arc angles relative to each other. The prongs 86 provide structural integrity to extension 82 and is easily manufacturable using convention techniques such as injection molding. In addition, the prongs 86 themselves do not occupy significant portion of the volume 56D such that the size of the container cap 50D can be minimized. Although any suitable number of prongs 86 may be provided, the extension 82 preferably provides three prongs for reasons of structural integrity and manufacturability. The prongs 86 also facilitate the breakage of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D. The number and orientation of the prongs 86 may also correspond to the number and orientation of the separation scores 60D to further facilitate the breakage of the member 58D along the separation scores 60D.

FIGS. 17-19 show yet another variation of a container cap 50E of the present invention. FIGS. 17 and 18 show, respectively, a cross-sectional view of the container cap 50E and a cross-sectional view of a housing 52E of the container cap 50E. The container cap 50E generally comprises a housing 52E and a cover 54E. The cover 54E includes a member 58E which can be ruptured or opened to allow the release of the material contained in the volume 56E.

An interior surface of the housing 52E and an exterior surface of the cover 54E may define indentations and protrusions 88, 90, respectively, which cooperate to form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing 52E to contain a quantity of a material in a volume 56E defined by housing 52E. Preferably, in the undeformed states, the inner diameter of the housing 52E is greater than the outer diameter of the cover 54E such that the housing 52E and the cover 54E form a pressure tight fit to facilitate the air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween. Alternatively or additionally, the housing 52E and cover 54E may form an airtight and fluid-tight seal therebetween by applying an adhesive on, by soldering and/or by melting surfaces of housing 52E and cover 54E which are in contact with each other.

The cover 54E may provide threads 62E on an interior surface thereof. Threads 62E correspond and engage with threads provided on an exterior surface of container (not shown). Again, any other suitable mechanism may be provided for engagement between the container cap 50E with the container, such as a snap- in and lock engagement mechanism or a twist and lock engagement typical of child-proof bottle caps. In this embodiment, cover 54E is not entirely enclosed by the housing such that the portion of the cover 54E defining threads 62E extend outside of the housing 52E.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-16, the housing 52E comprises a depressible portion 80' and an elongate extension 82' extending into the housing 52E from the depressible portion 80'. The depressible portion 80' is depressible from an exterior surface thereof such that the extension 82' contacts and punctures or ruptures member 58E of cover 54E to allow the release of the fluidic material contained in volume 56E. Member 58E may include separation scores and/or be thinned (not shown) to facilitate the puncture or breakage of the member 58E. The housing 52E preferably defines a flange 84' around the depressible portion 80' to prevent or reduce accidental or unintentional depression of the depressible portion 80'. In addition, the cover 54E of container cap 50E and/or the container with which the container cap 50E is to be engaged preferably provides corresponding and engageable threads and/or any other suitable mechanism for engagement between the container cap 50E and the container (not shown). Examples of such suitable engagement mechanism include a snap-in and lock engagement mechanism and a twist and lock engagement typical of childproof bottle caps.

FIG. 19 shows a plane view of the housing 52E of the container cap 50E from line 19-19 of FIG. 18. As shown, extension 82' extends from an interior surface of the depressible portion 80' and comprises three prongs 86'. The prongs 86' taper toward a point at an end distal to the depressible portion 80' and taper outwardly at an end adjacent the depressible portion 80'. The prongs 86' are preferably spaced at approximately equal 120° arc angles relative to each other. The prongs 86' provide structural integrity to extension 82' and is easily manufacturable using convention techniques such as injection molding. Although any suitable number of prongs 86' may be provided, extension 82' preferably provides three prongs for reasons of structural integrity and manufacturability. The prongs 86' also facilitate the breakage of the member 58D' such as along its separation scores. The number and orientation of the prongs 86' may also correspond to the number and orientation of the separation scores to further facilitate the breakage of the member 58D' along the separation scores.

In one preferred embodiment, the housing 52E is approximately 2.0 inches in diameter, 1.3 inches in height and has a circumferential wall of 0.04 inches in thickness and indentations 88 each 0.125 inches in height. The depressible portion 80' of the housing 52E is approximately 0.03 inches in thickness and is preferably rounded in a direction away from the extension 82' at a radius of approximately 5 inches. The extension 82' extending from the depressible portion 80' of the housing 52E is approximately 1.15 inch in height, 0.66 inches in diameter, 0.04 inches in the thickness of the prongs, and the prongs taper toward the end distal to the depressible portion 80' at an approximately 10° angle. The prongs may be chamfered at the end distal to the depressible portion 80'. In addition, the cover 54E is approximately 1.91 inches in diameter, 1.8 inches in total height including the portion having threads 62E, and has a circumferential wall of 0.04 inches in thickness and protrusions 90 each 0.120 inches in height. The portion of cover 54E below the member 58E and having the threads 62E is approximately 0.6 inches in height. The member 58E has a thickness of approximately 0.015 inches. Preferably, the housing 52E and the cover 54E are made of polyethylene.

The depressible housing portion-extension embodiments are more preferred, particularly when the contents of the container cap is under pressure, such as in the case of carbonated beverages. Because the depressible housing portion must be depressed in a direction toward the interior of the housing, the contents of the container cap under pressure exert a force on the depressible housing portion in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the exterior of the housing. Thus, the pressurized contents of the container cap further prevents accidental or unintentional puncture of the member. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and

18, the depressible portion curves outwardly. The curvature of the depressible portion may generally be due to the pressure of the contents of the container cap exerted onto an interior surface of the depressible portion but may alternatively or additionally be designed into and formed during manufacturing of the container cap.

In any of the embodiments above, the cover and the member may be integrally formed or may be separately formed and then affixed together. The housing, cover, including or excluding the member, and/or the member may be made of any suitable material such as metal and existing food-grade plastics. Examples of existing food-grade plastics include polyolefms (polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates and esters), plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) and PET-PEN blends. Any of the materials may be strengthened or otherwise varied by one or more layers of an inorganic material such as silicon or aluminum oxide. In addition to plastic and/or metal, the member may comprise any other suitable material such as Mylar, foil or waxed cardboard paper, whether distensible or not. Further, the container cap may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer material. Preferably, the member of cover can withstand the pressure of the material contained within volume. Further, when the material is carbonated or otherwise pressurized, the member of cover preferably comprises a material which is not gas permeable to prevent the depressurization of the contents in volume.

Further, in any of the depressible housing portion embodiments described above, the container may also provide a lip (such as one similar to lip 116 shown in FIG. 1) or other suitable mechanism to cooperate with the container cap in order to facilitated in breaking of the container cap member for release of the contents of the housing volume. For example, upon engagement of the container cap with the container, the lip may engage the member to expand or distend the member toward the extension such that the member is in contact or near contact with the prongs of the extension. Such positioning of the member relative to the extension reduces the required amount of travel and thus the required amount of force necessary to break the member. Alternatively, the container-container cap system may be designed such that upon engagement of the container cap with the container, the lip engages and breaks the member. Thus, the depressible portion and the member are provided only as a redundancy and a safeguard against instances where the lip fails to engage and/or break the member.

The above description of the various container caps illustrates the simplicity and ease of use of the present invention. The simplicity in design and manufacture as well as the ease of use which allow the container cap of the present invention to be adapted for utilization in a wide spectrum of applications. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it will be appreciated that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, the invention is intended to be defined in terms of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A container cap system for closing a container, comprising: a container cap, the container cap comprising: a housing having a flexible portion; a member, the housing and member forming an air-tight and fluid-tight volume to enclose a material therein, and an elongate extension extending from an interior surface of the flexible portion of the housing and adapted to open the member upon depression of the flexible portion toward said member.

2. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein said member comprises a separation contour on a surface such that the member is opened by breaking along said separation contour upon engagement of the elongate extension with the member.

3. The container cap system of claim 2, wherein the separation contour is selected from the group consisting of a scored separation contour, a scored or etched circle or portion of a circle adjacent the perimeter of the member, a plurality of lines intersecting at approximately the center of the member and a plurality of arcuate curves on a surface of the member.

4. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a meterial selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, paper, foil, polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates, and esters, plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and combinations thereof.

5. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the housing, member and elongate extension comprise a meterial selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, paper, foil, polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates, and esters, plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and combinations thereof.

6. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the housing, member and elongate extension are integrally formed.

7. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the member and the housing are affixed by a soldered joint, an adhesive and/or cooperating and engaging threads to form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween.

8. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein one of said member and housing defines at least one protrusion and the other of said member and housing defines at least one cooperating indentation such that the protrusion and indentation engage the housing with the member to form said air-tight and fluid- tight volume.

9. The container cap system of claim 1, further comprising the material in the housing, the material being selected from the group consisting of non-carbonated concentrate, a carbonated concentrate, alcoholic concentrate, nonalcoholic concentrate, concentrated therapeutic fluid, a concentrated nutritional fluid, and a reactive chemical concentrate.

10. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the extension comprises a plurality of prongs disposed about a central axis of said extension.

11. The container cap system of claim 10, wherein the extension comprises three of said prongs.

12. The container cap system of claim 1, wherein the extension tapers toward an end distal to said flexible housing portion.

13. The container cap system of claim 1, further comprising a container, the container having an opening engageable with said container cap such that the opening of the container is in communication with the volume of the container cap upon opening of said member.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each of said container and the container cap defines cooperating threads to engage the container with said at least one of said housing and member.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said container defines a lip adjacent to said opening such that upon engagement of said container cap with said container, said lip engages said member.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein upon engagement of said lip with said member, said lip opens said member.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein engagement of said lip with said member distends said member toward said elongate extension.

18. A container cap for closing a container having an opening with a lip, the container cap comprising: a housing engageable with the container to close the opening of the container; and a member forming an air-tight and fluid-tight seal with the housing to enclose a material in the housing, the member being engageable with the lip of the container opening such that upon engagement of the member with the container lip, the member opens to allow release of the material.

19. The container cap of claim 18, wherein said member comprises a separation contour such that the member is opened by breaking along the contour upon engagement with the lip of the container opening.

20. The container cap of claim 19, wherein the separation contour is selected from the group consisting of a scored separation contour, a scored or etched circle or portion of a circle adjacent the perimeter of the member, a plurality of lines intersecting at approximately the center of the member and a plurality of arcuate curves on a surface of the member.

21. The container cap of claim 18, wherein the member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, paper, foil, polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates and esters, plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and combinations thereof.

22. The container cap of claim 18, wherein the member and the housing are affixed by a soldered joint, an adhesive and/or cooperating and engaging threads to form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween.

23. The container cap of claim 18 further comprising a material in the housing, the material being a material selected from the group consisting of powdery material, non-carbonated concentrate, carbonated concentrate, alcoholic concentrate, non-alcoholic concentrate, concentrated therapeutic fluid, concentrated nutritional fluid and a reactive chemical concentrate which can chemically react with a diluent.

24. The container cap of claim 18, wherein said housing has a flexible portion and further comprising an elongate extension extending from an interior surface of the flexible portion of the housing and adapted to open the member upon depression of the flexible portion toward said member.

25. The container cap of claim 24, wherein the extension comprises a plurality of prongs disposed about a central axis of said extension.

26. The container cap of claim 25, wherein the extension comprises three of said prongs.

27. The container cap of claim 24, wherein the extension tapers toward an end distal to said flexible housing portion.

28. A container system, comprising: a container having an engageable portion with an opening; and a container cap comprising: a housing for containing a material, the housing being engageable with the opening of the container to close the opening; and a cover forming a seal with the housing enclosing the material in the housing, the cover being engageable with the engageable portion of the container opening, wherein upon engagement of the cover with the engageable portion of the container opening, the member opens to allow release of the material.

29. The container system of claim 28, wherein said cover comprises a separation contour on a surface of the member such that the cover is opened by breaking along the contour upon engagement with the engageable portion of the container opening.

30. The container system of claim 29, wherein the separation contour is selected from the group consisting of a scored separation contour, a scored or etched circle or portion of a circle adjacent the perimeter of the member, a plurality of lines intersecting at approximately the center of the member and a plurality of arcuate curves on a surface of the member.

31. The container system of claim 28, wherein the member comprises a meterial selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, paper, foil, polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers with acrylates, methacrylates, and esters, plasticized polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and combinations thereof.

32. The container system of claim 28, wherein the cover and the housing are affixed by a soldered joint, an adhesive and/or cooperating and engaging threads to form an air-tight and fluid-tight seal therebetween.

33. The container system of claim 28, wherein each of the container cap housing and the container defines cooperating threads to engage the housing with the container.

34. The container system of claim 28 further comprising the material in the housing, the material being selected from the group consisting of non- carbonated concentrate, a carbonated concentrate, alcoholic concentrate, non- alcoholic concentrate, concentrated therapeutic fluid, a concentrated nutritional fluid, and a reactive chemical concentrate.

35. The container system of claim 28, wherein said housing has a flexible portion and further comprising an elongate extension extending from an interior surface of said flexible portion and adapted to open said cover upon depression of the flexible portion toward said cover.

36. The container system of claim 35, wherein the extension comprises a plurality of prongs disposed about a central axis of said extension.

37. The container system of claim 36, wherein the extension comprises three of said prongs.

38. The container system of claim 35, wherein the extension tapers toward an end distal to said flexible housing portion.