Abstract
Liquid product packaging caps with opening plugs are disclosed. The proposed caps comprise dispensing glands and protection meshes attached to the liquid product packaging caps. In examples, when opening, the opening plugs do not touch the liquid content and fold over the liquid product packaging caps, rather than inside them, while at the same time sharp circumferential edge guards prevent users from touching the sharp circumferential edges of the metal plugs. The dispensing glands are released and prevent the liquid from touching potentially contaminated caps of the liquid product packaging which may have been in contact with polluting and contaminating agents. Protection meshes are fitted or secured to dispensing glands which close the packaging holes after they are opened. The protection meshes, apart from the gaps also prevent insects or objects from entering, have pre-selected pre-cut areas to allow users to insert drinking straws into the packaging.
Claims
1. Liquid product packaging cap comprising a fixed portion and a metal opening plug attached to the fixed portion, the metal opening plug having a sharp circumferential edge guard, a strengthening rib, a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin, a traction ring, attached to the retaining pin, a primary folding line to drive an opening plug bending a first part of a male-female type fitting; the fixed portion having a packaging cap strengthening rib, a frangible line, partially encircling the metal opening plug, a folding line to drive an opening plug folding, a second part of the male-female type fitting, and a dispensing gland that is releasable from inside the liquid product packaging of the product by opening the metal opening plug, the dispensing gland being internally secured in the packaging, sterilised and, in use, preventing the liquid content from being in contact with the external surface of the liquid product packaging.
2. A product packaging cap according to claim 1, wherein when the user applies force to the traction ring attached to the metal opening plug by means of the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin, a portion of the metal plug is bent slightly towards the inside of the liquid product packaging to help the frangible line to break, detach and open the metal opening plug from the liquid product packaging cap, wherein the distance of the metal opening plug from the liquid level is such that due to the dispensing gland attached inside, the metal opening plug does not enter into contact with the liquid content of the liquid product packaging and the user, with a second move, folds the metal opening plug onto an external surface of the liquid product packaging cap rather than inside it.
3. A product packaging cap according to claim 1, wherein the sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug, is a membrane formed and fixed internally in the packaging around the opening plug, under tension and once opened, the metal opening plug is configured to spring out due to the pre-existing bending stress and overlap the sharp circumferential edge of the opening plug, thereby protecting the user.
4. A product packaging cap according to claim 1, wherein the metal opening plug, when folded over its outer surface through the pressure applied by the user, is configured to be secured on the surface with the male-female type fitting through which the metal opening plug is held on the cap of the liquid product packaging.
5. A product packaging cap according to claim 1, wherein the traction ring is articulated and consists of two parts, one of which is fixed to the opening plug by means of a retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug, is freely movable with respect to the opening plug after the initial cut off and opening of the metal opening plug from the surface of the liquid product packaging cap, while the metal opening plug is configured to not enter in contact with the content of the liquid product packaging and the user, with a second move, folds the metal opening plug onto the liquid product packaging cap, rather than inside it and by applying pressure on the opening plug, the user neutralises the elastic recovery tendencies of the folding line to drive the opening plug bending, to create a plastic deformation in the metal opening plug so that the opening plug to secure on the fixed portion and remain parallel to the liquid product packaging cap.
6. A product packaging cap according to claim 1 characterised by the fact that a storage cavity of the traction ring is formed in the fixed portion of the liquid product packaging cap, wherein the traction ring is articulated and consists of two parts, one of which to remain fixed to the opening plug by means of the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin after the initial cut off and opening of the metal opening plug from the surface of the liquid product packaging cap, while the metal opening plug does not enter in contact with the content of the liquid product packaging and the user, with a second move, to fold the metal opening plug onto the liquid product packaging cap, rather than inside it and by applying pressure on the opening plug, the user to neutralise the elastic recovery tendencies of the folding line to drive the opening plug bending, create a plastic deformation in the metal opening plug and the opening plug to remain parallel to the liquid product packaging cap, while the traction ring to be placed inside the storage cavity.
7. A liquid product packaging cap, comprising: a fixed portion and a metal opening plug attached to the fixed portion, the metal opening plug having: a sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib, a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin, a traction ring, a primary folding line to drive an opening plug bending, a first part of a male-female type fitting, the fixed portion having: a packaging cap strengthening rib, a frangible line to cut the opening plug, a dispensing gland, a folding line to drive an opening plug bending, a second part of the male-female type fitting, wherein the fixed portion further comprises a preselected pre-cut area for a protective mesh located under the dispensing gland that is released from inside the liquid product packaging of the product by opening the metal opening plug, configured to be drawn by the dispensing gland and move along with it to a final position fully fitting into the opening and allowing the flow of liquid products from the packaging, while preventing the entry of insects or objects into the packaging.
8. A product packaging cap according to claim 7, wherein the protection mesh comprises a preselected pre-cut area for the protective mesh configured to receive a standard sized drinking straw, to pass through the protection mesh and enter inside the packaging.
9. A product packaging cap according to claim 8, wherein the preselected pre-cut area for the protective mesh has a diameter smaller than the drinking straw which is configured to stabilize the drinking straw by the clamping fit when the drinking straw enters the mesh.
10. A product packaging cap according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing gland comprises an additional support accessory incorporated or secured on the back of the dispensing gland to assist the gland opening through its material.
11. A product packaging cap according to claim 10, wherein the additional support accessory is made of metal or plastic and any other material with elastic recovery, configured to draw the dispensing gland out of the packaging.
12. A product packaging cap according to claim 7, wherein the protection mesh comprises an additional protection mesh support accessory incorporated to assist the opening of the protection mesh and therefore, the dispensing gland to be drawn by the protection mesh.
13. A product packaging cap according to claim 12, wherein the additional protection mesh support accessory is made of metal or plastic or other material having elastic recovery.
14. A product packaging cap according to claim 13, wherein the traction ring is configured in its final position to be parallel to the fixed portion and abut the liquid product packaging via the male-female type fitting.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0030] FIGS. 1A to 1G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a first example.
[0031] FIGS. 2A to 2H schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a second example.
[0032] FIGS. 3A to 3G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a third example.
[0033] FIGS. 4A to 4G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a fourth example.
[0034] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a detail of the liquid product packaging cap of FIGS. 1A to 1G in an opened state.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the liquid product packaging cap of FIGS. 4A to 4G, in a closed state.
[0036] FIG. 7 presents a side view of the mode of consumption of various liquid packaging products according to examples.
[0037] FIGS. 8A to 8H schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a fifth example.
[0038] FIGS. 9A and 9B shows in detail an additional protection mesh support accessory.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows in detail an additional dispensing gland support accessory.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0040] FIGS. 1A to 1G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to an example. In FIGS. 1A to 1G the liquid product packaging cap (101) comprises a metal opening plug (102), a dispensing gland (103), a sharp circumferential edge guard (104) for the opening plug, a packaging cap strengthening rib (105), a frangible line (106) to cut the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib (107), a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (108), a traction ring (109), a primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (110), a folding line (111) to drive an opening plug folding, a male-female type fitting (112).
[0041] FIG. 1A shows the liquid product packaging cap (101) as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0042] FIG. 1B shows the first operation phase by the user. The user applies force to the traction ring (109) attached to the metal plug (102) through the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (108). A portion of the metal plug (102) is bent slightly into the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (110) to the interior of the liquid product packaging to aid in cutting the opening plug (107) off and open the metal opening plug (102) from the liquid product packaging cap (101).
[0043] FIG. 1C shows the second operation phase by the user. The user pulls the traction ring (109) and the metal opening cap (102) is cut off circumferentially over the entire length of the frangible line (106) of the opening plug and remains attached to the secondary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (111). At the same time, the dispensing gland (103) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (101).
[0044] FIG. 1D shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. The dispensing gland (103) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (101).
[0045] FIG. 1E shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. Cutting has been completed across the frangible line (106) of the opening plug. The user has completed pulling the traction ring (109) and is removing his finger from the traction ring (109). The dispensing gland (103) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory.
[0046] FIG. 1F shows the third operation phase by the user. The user applies pressure to the metal opening plug (102) thereby eliminating the elastic recovery tendencies of both the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (110) and a secondary folding line (111) to drive the opening plug bending, creating a plastic deformation on the metal opening plug (2) resulting in both lines (110) and (111) remaining parallel to the liquid product packaging cap (101).
[0047] FIG. 1G shows that at the same time as the above process, the metal opening plug is held onto the cap of the liquid product packaging (through the pressure applied by the user) using a male/female type accessory (112). The dispensing gland (103) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory and the user can consume the contents of the packaging in a safe manner.
[0048] FIGS. 2A to 2H schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to another example. In FIGS. 2A to 2H the liquid product packaging cap (201) comprises a metal opening plug (202), a dispensing gland (203), a sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (204), a packaging cap strengthening rib (205), a frangible line (206) to cut the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib (207), a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (208), a traction ring (209), a primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (210), a secondary folding line to drive the opening plug folding line (211), a male-female type fitting (212), a traction ring joint (214).
[0049] FIG. 2A shows the liquid product packaging cap (201) as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0050] FIG. 2B shows the first operation phase by the user. The user applies force to the traction ring (209) attached to the metal plug (202) through the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (208). A portion of the metal plug (202) is bent slightly into the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (210) to the interior of the liquid product packaging to aid in cutting the opening plug off and open the metal opening plug (202) from the liquid product packaging cap (201).
[0051] FIG. 2C shows the second operation phase by the user. The user pulls the traction ring (209) and the metal opening cap (202) is cut off circumferentially over the entire length of the frangible line (206) of the opening plug and remains attached to the secondary folding line to drive the opening plug folding line (211). At the same time, the dispensing gland (203) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (201).
[0052] FIG. 2D shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. The dispensing gland (203) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (201).
[0053] FIG. 2E shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. Cutting has been completed across the frangible line surface for the opening plug (206). The user has completed pulling the traction ring (209) and is removing his finger from the traction ring (209). The dispensing gland (203) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory.
[0054] FIG. 2F shows the third operation phase by the user. The user applies pressure to the metal opening plug (202) thereby eliminating the elastic recovery tendencies of both the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (210) and the secondary folding line to drive the opening plug folding line (211), creating a plastic deformation on the metal opening plug (202) resulting in both lines (210) and (211) remaining parallel to the liquid product packaging cap (201).
[0055] FIG. 2G shows that at the same time as the above process, the metal opening plug is held onto the cap of the liquid product packaging (through the pressure applied by the user) using a male/female type accessory (212).
[0056] FIG. 2H shows the traction ring (209) being bent at the traction ring joint (214) through the pressure on the traction ring (209) applied by the user. The dispensing gland (203) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory and the user can consume the contents of the packaging in a safe manner.
[0057] FIGS. 3A to 3G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to yet another example. In FIGS. 3A to 3G the liquid product packaging cap (301), a metal opening plug (302), a dispensing gland (303), a sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (304), a packaging cap strengthening rib (305), a frangible line (306) to cut the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib (307), a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (308), a traction ring (309), a primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (310), a folding line (311) to drive the opening plug bending, a male-female type fitting (312), a storage cavity (313), a traction ring joint (314). The traction ring (309) is articulated and consists of two parts one of which is fixed to the opening plug (304) by means of the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (308), thereby exerting force by means of a lever to assist in guiding the opening plug frangible line (306) to detach the metal opening plug (302) from the liquid product packaging cap (301). In this case, a storage cavity (313) for the traction ring (309) is formed in the liquid product packaging cap (301).
[0058] FIG. 3A shows the liquid product packaging cap (301) as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0059] FIG. 3B shows the first operation phase by the user. The user applies force to the traction ring (309) attached to the metal plug (302) through the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (308). A portion of the metal plug (302) is bent slightly into the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (310) to the interior of the liquid product packaging to aid in cutting the opening plug off and open the metal opening plug (302) from the liquid product packaging cap (301).
[0060] FIG. 3C shows the second operation phase by the user. The user pulls the traction ring (309) and the metal opening cap (302) is cut off circumferentially over the entire length of the frangible line (306) of the opening plug and remains attached to the folding line (311) to drive the opening plug bending. At the same time, the dispensing gland (303) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (301).
[0061] FIG. 3D shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. The dispensing gland (303) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (301).
[0062] FIG. 3E shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. Cutting has been completed across the frangible line (206) of the opening plug. The user has completed pulling the traction ring (309) and is removing his finger from the traction ring (309). The dispensing gland (303) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory.
[0063] FIG. 3F shows the third operation phase by the user. The user applies pressure to the metal opening plug (302) thereby eliminating the elastic recovery tendencies of both the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (310) and the folding line (311) to drive the opening plug bending, creating a plastic deformation on the metal opening plug (302) resulting in both bending lines (310) and (311) remaining parallel to the liquid product packaging cap (301).
[0064] FIG. 3G shows that the traction ring (309) is partially placed inside the storage cavity (313). At the same time as the above process, the metal opening plug (302) is held onto the cap of the liquid product packaging (301) (through the pressure applied by the user) using a male/female type accessory (312). The dispensing gland (303) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory and the user can consume the contents of the packaging in a safe manner. In the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to neutralise the elastic recovery tendencies of the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (310).
[0065] FIGS. 4A to 4G schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to yet another example. In FIGS. 4A to 4G, the liquid product packaging cap (401), a metal opening plug (402), a dispensing gland (403), a sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (404), a packaging cap strengthening rib (405), a frangible line (206) to cut the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib (407), a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (408), a traction ring (409), a primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (410), a folding line (411) to drive the opening plug bending, a male-female type fitting (412), a storage cavity (413), a traction ring joint (414), a retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug (415), a storage cavity for the retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug (416).
[0066] FIG. 4A shows the liquid product packaging cap (401) as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0067] FIG. 4B shows the first operation phase by the user. The user applies force to the traction ring (409) attached to the metal plug (402) through the retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug (415). A portion of the metal plug (402) is bent slightly into the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (410) to the interior of the liquid product packaging to aid in cutting the opening plug off and open the metal opening plug (402) from the liquid product packaging cap (401).
[0068] FIG. 4C shows the second operation phase by the user. The user pulls the traction ring (409) and the metal opening cap (402) is cut off circumferentially over the entire length of the frangible line (406) of the opening plug and remains attached to the folding line (411) to drive the opening plug bending. At the same time, the dispensing gland (403) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (401).
[0069] FIG. 4D shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. The dispensing gland (403) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (401).
[0070] FIG. 4E shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. Cutting has been completed across the frangible line (406) of the opening plug. The user has completed pulling the traction ring (409) and is removing his finger from the traction ring (409). The dispensing gland (403) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory.
[0071] FIG. 4F shows the third operation phase by the user. The user applies pressure to the metal opening plug (402) thereby eliminating the elastic recovery tendencies of both the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (410) and the folding line (411) to drive the opening plug bending, creating a plastic deformation on the metal opening plug (402) resulting in both bending lines (410) and (411) remaining parallel to the liquid product packaging cap (401).
[0072] FIG. 4G shows that the retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug (15) is placed inside the storage cavity for the retaining loop of the traction ring of the opening plug (416). At the same time as the above process, the metal opening plug (402) is held onto the cap of the liquid product packaging (401) (through the pressure applied by the user) using a male/female type accessory (412). The dispensing gland (403) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory and the user can consume the contents of the packaging in a safe manner. In the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to neutralise the elastic recovery tendencies of the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (410).
[0073] FIG. 5 shows in detail the sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (104) initially located at the underside of the liquid product packaging cap (101), as the metal opening plug (102) has been cut and detached from the liquid product packaging cap (101), having obtained a sharp circumferential edge. The sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (104), due to the existing bending stresses, overlaps the sharp circumferential edge of the metal opening plug, thus protecting the user.
[0074] FIG. 6 shows the liquid product packaging cap (401) described in FIG. 4, as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0075] FIG. 7 presents a side view of the mode of consumption of various liquid packaging products according to examples using the dispensing gland and is used for understanding purposes.
[0076] FIGS. 8A to 8H schematically illustrate various states of a liquid product packaging cap, according to a fifth example. In FIGS. 8A to 8H, the liquid product packaging cap (801) comprises a metal opening plug (802), a dispensing gland (803), a sharp circumferential edge guard for the opening plug (804), a packaging cap strengthening rib (805), a frangible line (806) to cut the opening plug, an opening plug strengthening rib (807), a traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (808), a traction ring (809), a folding line (810), to drive the opening plug bending a folding line (811) to drive the opening plug bending, a male-female type fitting (812), a protection mesh (813), a preselected pre-cut area for the protective mesh (814).
[0077] FIG. 8A shows the liquid product packaging cap (801) as produced by the factory and ready for use.
[0078] FIG. 8B shows the first operation phase by the user. The user applies force to the traction ring (809) attached to the metal plug (802) through the traction ring-opening plug retaining pin (808). A portion of the metal plug (802) is bent slightly into the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (810) to the interior of the liquid product packaging to aid in cutting the opening plug (807) off and open the metal opening plug (802) from the liquid product packaging cap (801).
[0079] FIG. 8C shows the second operation phase by the user. The user pulls the traction ring (809) and the metal opening cap (802) is cut off circumferentially over the entire length of the frangible line (806) of the opening plug and remains attached to the folding line (811) to drive the opening plug bending. At the same time, the dispensing gland (803) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (801).
[0080] FIG. 8D shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. The dispensing gland (803) is ready to be released and spring out from the liquid product packaging cap (801).
[0081] FIG. 8E shows the interval between the second and third operation phases by the user. Used for understanding purposes. Cutting has been completed across the frangible line (806) of the opening plug. The user has completed pulling the traction ring (809) and is removing his finger from the traction ring (809). The dispensing gland (803) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory. Below the dispensing gland (803) a protection mesh (814) is integrated, forming an integral part of the dispensing gland (803). The protection mesh (814) is drawn by the dispensing gland (803) and moves with it. The protection mesh (814) in its final position fits fully into the opening in the packaging after it is opened by the user and allows the flow of liquid products out of the packaging, while preventing the entry of insects or objects into the packaging.
[0082] FIG. 8F shows the third operation phase by the user. The user applies pressure to the metal opening plug (802) thereby eliminating the elastic recovery tendencies of both the primary folding line to drive the opening plug bending (810) and the folding line (811) to drive the opening plug bending, creating a plastic deformation on the metal opening plug (802) resulting in both bending lines (810) and (811) remaining parallel to the liquid product packaging cap (801).
[0083] FIG. 8G shows that at the same time as the above process, the metal opening plug is held onto the cap of the liquid product packaging (through the pressure applied by the user) using a male/female type accessory (812). The dispensing gland (803) is fully released and has followed a 90-degree trajectory and the user can consume the contents of the packaging in a safe manner.
[0084] FIG. 8H shows the preselected pre-cut area for the protective mesh (814) which has been pierced and the user has placed the drinking straw.
[0085] FIG. 9 shows in detail an additional protection mesh support accessory (915).
[0086] FIG. 10 shows in detail the additional dispensing gland support accessory (1016). The protection mesh, apart from the gaps it has to prevent insects or objects from entering, has a pre-selected pre-cut area to allow the user to insert a standard sized drinking straw into the packaging.
[0087] In this case, the user applies the drinking straw to the protection mesh (813) and the latter is cut at the pre-cut points (which are preselected for this purpose by design), the drinking straw passes through the protection mesh (813) and enters in the packaging.
[0088] The preselected pre-cut area for the protective mesh (814) with the pre-cut has a slightly smaller diameter than the drinking straw, which when inserted into the former, is stabilized by the clamping fit. The clamping fit is necessary so that the drinking straw does not rise (due to the buoyancy of the plastic in the liquid content) and make it difficult for the user to place the drinking straw in his mouth.
[0089] In an alternative view, an additional dispensing gland support accessory (1016) is incorporated or secured on the back of the dispensing gland (803) to assist in the dispensing gland opening (803).
[0090] The additional dispensing gland support accessory (1016) is made of metal or plastic, and any other material having sufficient elastic recovery, with which it draws and ultimately helps the dispensing gland (803) to exit the packaging.
[0091] In an alternative view, an additional protection mesh support accessory (915) has been incorporated to assist the opening of the protection mesh (813) and therefore, the dispensing gland drawn by the protection mesh.
[0092] The additional protection mesh support accessory (915) is made of metal or plastic or any other material that has an elastic recovery.
[0093] The additional protection mesh support accessory (915) assists the protective mesh (813) to cover the hole opening and hence the dispensing gland to be drawn out of the packaging.
[0094] The additional protection mesh support accessory (915) exerts a force on the protection mesh (813) and the protection mesh (813) exerts force in turn to the dispensing gland draw out of the packaging.
[0095] Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.
