This application claims priority to the following Patent Application: (1) PCT application PCT/ES2017/070210, filed Apr. 6, 2017; and (2) Spanish patent application P201630435, filed Apr. 8, 2016; the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.
This invention refers to an anti-spurt device, especially for Tetra Brik® container nozzles, or generally any container that has a screw cap in the outflow nozzle and where the cross-section has one dimension greater than the other. Particularly, but not exclusively, if it has a breakable membrane between the outflow nozzle and the inside of the container.
The invention is applicable to the field of packaging, mainly for food.
Containers, for example, those made with multi-layer materials such as those called Tetra Brick®, which contain liquids, have an opening system composed of a cap, a threaded nozzle glued to the body of the container and, depending on the type, a ring for cutting the breakable sealing membrane. The container is not usually full of liquid, so on opening it for the first time, some air gets inside. This air forms a bag in the upper part that fills with the emptying of the container.
Because of the geometry of the container and of the nozzle, when pouring, and especially in the first few uses, a vacuum forms inside that increases as the container is emptied. There frequently comes a time when the pressure of the vacuum is enough to suck air from the outside and slow down the outflow of the liquid. This results in a new pressure balance, which facilitates the outflow of new liquid. This continuous effect of vacuum and entry of air causes a series of spurts, or discontinuous flows of liquid, and is generally annoying because the liquid often spills and stains the recipient being filled.
The German patent DE202008010645 offers a solution that involves locating a tube in the nozzle that facilitates communication between the air space and the outside. This system requires a change in the manufacture of the containers and to have foreign components in contact with the liquid from the start, so it is not particularly hygienic.
The French patent FR3001205 on an anti-spurt device comprises a tube included in the cap of the container but in this case outside the sealing and closure membrane, so maintaining the hygiene of the contents. The cap comprises a cutting ring that breaks the membrane when the cap is opened for the first time, and in one embodiment drags the tube so that it serves as a ventilation pathway for the container and reduces the spurting in the outflow. In other embodiments, the tube must be manually deployed, with the hygiene problems that this involves and the risk that the tube remains in an incorrect position within the container and fills with liquid. Again, because of the limited dimensions of the tube, its rotation by 180 degrees towards the inside of the container causes interference with half of the teeth of the cutting ring, so these have been removed. This reduced number of teeth may be a serious problem for proper cutting of the sealing membrane.
This system is not very reliable, so it is relatively easy for liquid to get into the tube and to block it. To counter this, there is a small valve in the inner end but there cannot be anything on the outer end. Similarly, the tube is limited in terms of its dimensions, so it only operates appropriately for specific container sizes.
Furthermore, the tube is attached to the nozzle of the recipient and not to the cutting ring, so there is interference with the arms of the cap that drive the cutting ring. Therefore, the assembly and closures that are performed subsequently by users are difficult. Moreover, the tube forces a redesign in the cutting ring, making it more difficult to break the sealing membrane. Also, the join of the tube with the nozzle above the cutting ring limits the height of the cutting ring, so that the teeth and the threading must be small.
When there is no breakable membrane below the nozzle, it is possible to have a tube such as, for example, in the patent GB2345688, but a choice must be made between making it smaller and less practical or making it larger and less manageable.
It is, therefore, necessary to resolve these problems with the French patent, hence the following invention was developed.
The invention consists of an anti-spurt device according to the claims. This device with its alternatives solves the problems with the state-of-the-art.
This invention provides hygiene as an advantage, according to the embodiment, since the components of the invention are not in contact with the contents of the container until its opening. Furthermore, the tube deploys automatically, without the need for contact with external bodies, nor does it require different handling by the user. All the mechanism remains inside the hollow left free by the cap, outside the sealing membrane, and is freed by itself when the container is opened, so that users do not have to do anything different from what they do now.
By being extensible, the connection between the air space and the outside is total, so the fluid flows out smoothly from the first use.
Finally, by applying the system to the cutting ring, it is not necessary to affect any existing component, so taking advantage of the already optimised design of the cutting ring. As the cutting ring remains below the wings or arms of the cap, once the container is fully open, the cutting ring will always remain below the wings or arms of rotation of the cap, and consequently, there will be no interference between these wings and the tube during successive uses of the container.
In the second embodiment, it is independent of the sealing membrane, so this can be applied to containers that do not have a membrane, or in the case where the membrane is above the nozzle (between the nozzle and the cap). In this case, apart from several of the previous advantages, it is conveniently small and easy to install.
The anti-spurt device of the first main embodiment is similar, therefore, to the French document, insofar as it has a tube, with a longitudinal segment parallel to the axis of the nozzle (generally vertical, so this term will be used to refer to it) topped in an aspiration opening and a transversal segment to the axis of the nozzle (normally horizontal, although in this case there may be some variation within the invention, independently of the real position) with the air expulsion opening in the free end. This tube is connected to one or more arms for engaging with the cutting ring so it can descend simultaneously with it. But in contrast to the existing system, the tube is unfolded to increase the efficacy. That is, the dimensions of the tube are variable, being compressed, folded or similar (that is, with a size smaller than the corresponding final position) when the container is still not opened.
The preferred way of performing this unfolding is by means of a pair of springs covered by an impermeable film, that form the cited segments. The springs are generally helical, and their cross-section may be circular, oval, rectangular, etc. Preferably, the vertical spring, that conforms the vertical segment, is truncated-conical or truncated-pyramidal in shape.
An accumulation bag can be made in the lower part of the elbow of the tube (that is, the join between the two segments).
Preferably, the vertical segment is joined to the cutting ring, but has an extension above it.
In the elbow part, there may be a connector that joins the two segments together. This connector may include components that establish the direction of the segments, hereafter called guides, and their function is to contain the spring so that it does not escape or unfold towards the two sides. There may be a pair of components that contact with the internal or external walls of the segment itself or of the corresponding spring.
To facilitate unfolding, guides can be made in the arm or arms of the cutting ring, which can work together with a carriage connected to the elbow of the tube. This carriage may have a hook that connects to the upper edge of the cutting ring (including any component fused to it, such as the anchoring point or feet or a fixing support for the vertical segment to these arms), but working against a return tension that tends to release the hook.
The carriage may equally comprise a gate, hinged horizontally or vertically, that is placed in front of the free end of the horizontal segment of the tube, in its folded position, so that the upper edge of the gate is above the upper edge of the teeth. In this way, the gate cannot be opened to impede the cutting ring before the unfolding and the descent of the carriage below the cutting ring has started.
In the second main embodiment, the tube is also contained within the cap in a folded position, but in contrast to the previous case, it is independent of a possible cutting ring and the sealing membrane. Instead, the folded tube is retained directly by the cap or by a possible sealing membrane glued between the nozzle and the cap.
This second embodiment is applicable to a closure of a container formed by a cap threaded on a nozzle, without the need for a membrane or a cutting ring, although they may also be present. The closure also contains a tube, with a vertical segment parallel to the axis of the nozzle topped in an aspiration opening and a horizontal segment with an air expulsion opening at the free end. As in the previous case, the tube is automatically unfolded. Just as in an alternative of the previous main embodiment, the tube is carried by a carriage, moving along guides, in this case, linked to the inner face of the nozzle. The carriage comprises a hook fixed by its upper end to a notch of a grip fused to the nozzle so that the rotation of the cap releases the hook.
Two non-limiting examples of achieving this release are listed below. In the first, the hook comprises a hinge at its free end connecting to a final head, of greater cross-section than the hinge. In turn, the cap in the closed position is next to the grip, leaving a space of a size smaller than the head. That is a space or tolerance where the head cannot pass through.
In the second example, the hook is rigid and is held by the grip while the cap has a pin for releasing the hook. In the movement of opening the cap, the pin pushes the hook out of the grip.
All the alternatives of the tube, the carriage and other components of the first main embodiment are applicable to the second embodiment, provided that they do not refer to the cutting ring or to the membrane. As indicated above, these components may also be present, although with functions that are somewhat different from those exercised in the first main embodiment.
The following figures are included for a better understanding of the invention.
One method of the embodiment, as an illustrative, non-limiting example of the invention is briefly described below.
The invention shown in the embodiments of
By rotating the cap (1), the wings (2) drive the cutting ring (4), which rotates in the inner thread of the nozzle (3) but advancing in the opposite direction to that of the cap (1), inserting itself into the container. In this way, the teeth (5) sink into the membrane (6) and tear, break or cut it.
To this cap (1), already known in the state-of-the-art, the invention adds a system for deploying a tube (7), generally “L” shaped, that unfolds from the inside of the cutting ring (4). In this way, the system moves together with the cutting ring (4) so it is not necessary to modify the wings (2) or the teeth (5) with respect of the system already known in the state of the art. Furthermore, the invention allows having a longer tube length than that of the French system, obtaining higher effectiveness.
The tube (7) has a vertical segment (8), parallel to the axis of the nozzle (3), and a horizontal segment (9), approximately perpendicular to this axis. Both can unfold, preferably by having a pair of springs (10, 11) inside covered by an impermeable film (12) that gives shape to the tube (7). The springs (10, 11) can have square, rectangular, round or any other type of cross-section shape, but it is recommended that they are truncated conical or truncated pyramidal to occupy the minimum space when folded.
It is also possible to make the tube (7) using folded flexible components: the tube (7) itself in a spiral (
It is also possible to tilt up the horizontal segment (9) so that the free end is higher and therefore further from the level of the liquid (
The vertical segment (8) emerges through the nozzle (3) to aspirate the air by an aspiration opening (13), while the horizontal segment (9) connects with the airspace by an air expulsion opening (14). Between the two there is an elbow, as described below. Each of the segments (8, 9) have their own spring (10, 11), although these may be a single helicoidal metal spring, with the mentioned elbow.
The aspiration opening (13) of the vertical segment (8) remains higher than the cutting ring (4), preferably comprising a conical or pyramidal extension (15), that extends its length beyond the cutting ring (4). This extension (15) is folded when the cap (1) is put on for the first time in the factory. On subsequent replacements of the cap (1) after its first use, the cutting ring (4) remains at a lower level and the extension (15) of the aspiration opening (13) does not emerge beyond the nozzle (3).
The openings (13, 14) can be two single holes (
The tube (7) can have an accumulation bag (16) or a small collection tank in the lower part of the elbow, for any liquid that accidentally enters it. For example, this can be performed by a widening of the film (12) in this zone.
Before the container is opened for the first time, the tube (7) is compressed and “loaded” within the nozzle (3). The membrane (6) restrains its unfolding. With the breakage of the membrane (6) by the cutting ring (4), the restraint to the unfolding is removed and the tube passes through the lower border of the cutting ring (4), generally through the zone free of teeth (5), as this is the simplest. It must locate itself so that at the end of the travel of the cutting ring (4), pushed by the wings (2), the horizontal segment (9) is orientated towards the opposite side to the natural pouring position. This implies that the vertical segment (8) is arranged by the upper part in this natural position. In the case of a Tetra Brik®, the horizontal segment (9) is orientated towards the edge of the upper base furthest from the nozzle (3).
It is advisable to have some clips or arms (17) in the cutting ring (4) that engage and drag the tube (7) in the folded position with its rotation (
In order to keep the tube (7) folded, and to direct its unfolding, it is proposed to have a series of optional auxiliary components.
When the segments (8, 9) that make up the compressible structure of the tube (7) are independent, an intermediate connector (18) is required in the elbow that connects them. The fixing of each segment (8, 9) depends on the components of which they are made. For example, if they comprise springs (10, 11), there could be tabs (19) or fixing slots (19′) in them. It could also be an adhesive, plastic weld, or it could be made of a single item with one of the two segments (8, 9). If the tube (7) is single, the intermediate connector (18) can be eliminated or a curve made to generate the elbow section, preventing the tube (7) from strangulating.
In turn, the connector (18) can serve to ensure the orientation of the horizontal segment (9) in its folded or compressed position, for example, keeping the horizontal spring (11) in position by guides (20), whether internal (
For the vertical movement of the tube (7), there may be a carriage (21) linked to it that moves on guides (22) set in the arms (17) of the cutting ring (4). The first function of the carriage (21) is to prevent the tube (7) in the folded position from being displaced by the effect of the force of the horizontal segment (9) against the wall of the cutting ring (4). Without this carriage (21), the compressed tube (7) might slip out through the teeth (5) or above the cutting ring (4), or there might be a jam due to the release of the tube (7) towards the sides or upwards.
In turn, the carriage (21) and the guides (22) ensure that the movement of unfolding is performed correctly towards the inside of the container when the membrane (6) is cut.
The carriage (21) can be fused to the connector (18) or be directly attached to the tube (7).
The carriage (21) can have an additional restraining mechanism of one or more hooks (25) for fixing to the upper edge of the cutting ring (4) or some component fused to it, preferably a single hook (25). In the fixed position, the hook (25) is in a somewhat forced position, or in tension, so that its natural position (without tensions or forces) is away from its hooking point. Thus, the hook (25) is automatically released at the start of the opening of the container, at the moment in which the tube (7), fused with the cutting ring (4), presses towards the sealing membrane in its movement towards the inside of the container.
The hook (25) helps to prevent the carriage (21) from running along and leaving its guides (22) even when the membrane (6) is not in position. That is, it facilitates the assembly of the whole mechanism, which is held together and loaded within the cutting ring (4) even before its assembly with the container.
As can be seen schematically in
The vertical segment (8) of the tube (7) must be attached to the cutting ring (4), for example to the cited arms (17). To do this, it may have a support (26), preferably independent of the arms (17) but fixable to them, to facilitate the assembly of the mechanism. The vertical spring (10) can be fixed to the support (26) via some slots. The support (26) can comprise a receptor for the hook (25) (not shown) that may be a depression, a tab, etc., to define the hooking point of the hook (25).
The horizontal segment (9) in the folded position is directed against the cutting ring (4), generally in a zone without teeth (5). As a result of vibration, knocks or during assembly, it is possible that it is displaced below the cutting ring (4), through the space left free by the teeth (5), starting its unfolding and causing a jam. To prevent this, a gate (27) can be arranged in front of the free end of the horizontal segment (9). This gate (27) is hinged in the lower part of the carriage (21) as shown in the figures, or to one side. The upper edge of the gate (27) is above the upper edge of the teeth (5) when in the loaded position. This, therefore, prevents the unfolding of the horizontal segment (9) of the tube (7) before the membrane (6) has been broken.
The wings (2) of the cap (1) do not require modification if the size of the device is small or if there is a cutting ring (4) as can be seen in the right part of
In the second main embodiment, shown in
The alternative of
The tube (7), and carriage (21) and the connector (18) of this second main embodiment may comprise all the alternatives described for the first main embodiment, as indicated in the corresponding claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
201630435 | Apr 2016 | ES | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/ES2017/070210 | 4/6/2017 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2017/174850 | 10/12/2017 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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