Anti-spurt device

Abstract

An anti-spurt device, for application in a closure of a container with a cap and a ring with teeth for cutting a sealing membrane. The anti-spurt device may comprise a tube that automatically unfolds from a folded position and may be connected with the cutting ring. In the folded or loaded position, the tube may be outside of the sealing membrane and with the breakage of the membrane, it may be inserted and automatically unfolded in the inside of the container. In a second main embodiment, the need for a cutting ring and membrane may be eliminated, and the tube may be installed on a carriage held by a hook that is released with the opening of the cap.

Claims

1. Anti-spurt device in a closure of a container formed by a cap threaded onto a nozzle, comprising: a cutting ring with teeth on the lower part and a sealing membrane, in such a way that the first rotation of the cap drives the cutting ring to break the membrane, and where the closure contains a tube, with a vertical segment parallel to the axis of the nozzle topped by an aspiration opening and a horizontal segment with an expulsion opening for the air on its free end, connected to one or more arms for engaging with the cutting ring for its simultaneous descent, the tube is automatically unfolded and is folded prior to the breakage of the membrane.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the segments are made of a pair of springs covered by an impermeable film.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the springs is helicoidal of rectangular cross-section.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein it comprises an accumulation bag in the lower part of the elbow of the tube.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the vertical spring has a truncated pyramidal or truncated conical shape.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the vertical segment has an extension above the cutting ring.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the openings have multiple small-sized perforations.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a connector for the segments in the elbow of the tube.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the connector has guides for the horizontal segment.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein it has a carriage connected to the elbow of the tube that can move along guides arranged in the arm or arms of the cutting ring.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the carriage comprises one or more hooks that connect with the upper edge of the cutting ring or with a component fused to it, against a return tension.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the carriage comprises a gate, arranged in front of the free end of the horizontal segment and where the upper edge is above the upper edge of the teeth of the cutting ring.

13. The device according to claim 1, that comprises a support for fixing the vertical segment connected to the arm or arms of the cutting ring.

14. Anti-spurt device for application in a container closure formed by a cap threaded onto a nozzle, comprising: where the closure contains a tube, with a vertical segment parallel to the axis of the nozzle topped by an aspiration opening and a horizontal segment with an expulsion opening for air at the free end, the tube is automatically unfolded from a position of closure in which it is folded and is conveyed by a carriage that moves along guides connected to the inner face of the nozzle and the carriage comprises a hook fixed by its upper end to a notch of a grip fused to the nozzle, so that the act of rotating the cap releases the hook.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the hook comprises a hinge in its free end for connecting to a final head of greater cross-section than the hinge and that has a cap and/or upper sealing membrane that in the closed position is next to the grip, leaving a space of smaller size than the head.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the hook is rigid and the cap has a pin for releasing the hook in the movement of opening.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the segments are made of a pair of springs covered by an impermeable film.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, at least, one of the springs is helicoidal of rectangular cross-section.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein it comprises an accumulation bag in the lower part of the elbow of the tube.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein the vertical spring has a truncated pyramidal or truncated conical shape.

21. The device according to claim 14, wherein the openings have a multitude of small-sized perforations.

22. The device according to claim 14, wherein the carriage is fused to a connector of the segments arranged in an elbow of the tube.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the connector has some guides for the horizontal segment.

24. The device according to claim 14, wherein the carriage comprises a gate that in the closed position is arranged in front of the free end of the horizontal segment, with its upper edge above the lower edge of the nozzle.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The following figures are included for a better understanding of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1: schematic side view of an embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 2: closure according to a usual solution in the state-of-the-art, without any component of the device.

(4) FIG. 3: two views of an example of the connector for the elbow.

(5) FIG. 4: a first example of a carriage.

(6) FIG. 5: the example of the carriage of the previous figure, fixed to the connector of FIG. 3 and with a horizontal spring in the compressed position.

(7) FIG. 6: schematic cross-section views of the device, according to an embodiment, showing the operation of the hook: A) in the initial position; B) with the start of the breaking of the membrane; C) after the full breakage of the membrane.

(8) FIG. 7: side view of an example of the carriage with a gate, with a horizontal spring compressed and with the fixing hook of the mechanism.

(9) FIG. 8: top view of the two cutting rings of the invention with one or two arms, according to the two examples of embodiment.

(10) FIG. 9: a perspective view of an example of the support for the vertical segment.

(11) FIG. 10: first stages of the assembly of the device, according to one embodiment.

(12) FIG. 11: the remainder of the stages of the assembly of the device, according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

(13) FIG. 12: an example of an embodiment without springs in the tube.

(14) FIG. 13: a second example of embodiment without helicoidal springs.

(15) FIG. 14: schematic cross-section view of a first example of an embodiment of a second main form of embodiment, that does not require the cutting ring or the membrane.

(16) FIG. 15: a perspective view, half-exploded, of the example of FIG. 14, in the position corresponding to closure, but without the cap that prevents a clear view.

(17) FIG. 16: view of the stages of release of the example of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 17: schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an embodiment of the second main form of the invention.

(19) FIG. 18: a bottom perspective view of an example of a pin applicable to a cap for the example of FIG. 17.

METHODS OF THE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

(20) One method of the embodiment, as an illustrative, non-limiting example of the invention is briefly described below.

(21) The invention shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13 is an anti-spurt device for containers, for example, Tetra Brik or similar. It is formed by a closure similar to those existing in the state-of-the-art, to which components are added to aerate the inside during pouring. The closure comprises a threaded cap (1) with a series of wings (2) arranged towards the inside. It also comprises a nozzle (3) fixed to the body of the container and with an external thread corresponding to that of the cap (1). The nozzle (3) also presents an inner thread in a direction opposed to the exterior thread. A cutting ring (4) is mounted in the inner thread with teeth (5) in one part of its lower border, that can break a sealing membrane (6) on the container, arranged between the cutting ring (4) and the inside of the container. Normally these teeth (5) cover more than half of the lower border of the cutting ring (4) and the space they leave without cutting serves to leave a piece of the cut membrane (6) linked by a bridge to the rest.

(22) 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.

(23) 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.

(24) 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.

(25) It is also possible to make the tube (7) using folded flexible components: the tube (7) itself in a spiral (FIG. 12), an internal zigzag spring, etc. In this case, it would be useful if the horizontal segment (9) did not easily fold downwards, but did so towards the sides (through reinforcements (28) in the upper and lower area of the wall of the tube (7) or internal to it (FIGS. 12 and 13)). In this way, it could be kept folded within the nozzle (3) but the free end of the horizontal segment (9) would not fall by its own weight when deployed, despite being only fixed at one end.

(26) 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 (FIG. 10).

(27) 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.

(28) 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).

(29) The openings (13, 14) can be two single holes (FIG. 9) or a number of perforations (FIG. 1), which reduces the risk of entry of liquid that may block the tube (7). The expulsion opening (14) is preferably orientated upwards for the same reason.

(30) 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.

(31) 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).

(32) 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 (FIG. 8).

(33) In order to keep the tube (7) folded, and to direct its unfolding, it is proposed to have a series of optional auxiliary components.

(34) 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.

(35) 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 (FIG. 3) or external, for example a drawer (not shown).

(36) 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.

(37) 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.

(38) The carriage (21) can be fused to the connector (18) or be directly attached to the tube (7).

(39) FIG. 4 shows some tabs (23) for joining to a hole (24) of the connector (18). In FIG. 5, the join has already taken place, in addition to the coupling of the horizontal spring (11), although the figure does not show the film (12), which remains captive between the carriage (21) and the connector (18).

(40) 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.

(41) 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.

(42) As can be seen schematically in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the hook (25) in the initial position is linked to the upper edge of the cutting ring (4) or to any component fused to it (FIG. 6A). At the start of the opening, the teeth (5) penetrate the membrane (6), so the cutting ring (4) descends gently. However, the carriage (21) cannot descend because the membrane (6) still prevents it. Therefore, although the upper edge of the cutting ring (4) has descended, the hook (25), fused to the carriage (21), still has not done so and can be released (FIG. 6B). At this point, the system is free of anchors and is only sustained by the sealing membrane (6), the vertical segment (8) being even more folded or compressed than in its initial state. On continuing with the opening, the cutting ring (4) finishes breaking the membrane (6) and the carriage (21) is automatically released, descending along the guides (22) driven by the unfolding of the vertical segment (8) of the tube (7). When the elbow goes beyond the lower edge of the cutting ring (4), the horizontal segment (9) automatically unfolds and remains in its final position (FIG. 6B).

(43) 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).

(44) 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.

(45) 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 FIG. 8. If it needs to be made somewhat larger, it may be necessary to modify the arrangement of the wings (2). In the state-of-the-art, there are often three wings (2) in an equilateral triangle; in the invention, it may be necessary to reduce it to two wings (2) or to arrange them in a different geometry. The cutting ring (4) often has protrusions for contact with the wings (2) in the state-of-the-art, enabling the use of the arms (17) to replace one of these protrusions.

(46) FIGS. 10 and 11 show the stages of assembly of the most complete embodiment of the invention. In parts of these figures, the cutting ring (4) has been shown transparently in order to facilitate understanding. 1. Assembly starts with forming the springs (10, 11), either with a single component or using a connector (18) (FIG. 10A). 2. The film (12) is arranged to wrap around the springs (10, 11) and the connector (FIG. 10B). 3. The vertical spring (10) is fixed in the support (26), FIG. 10C, which is fixed to the arms (17) of the cutting ring (4) (FIG. 10D). 4. The carriage (21) is placed in position, joining it to the connector (18) if applicable. If this assembly must perforate the film (12), this will be performed with tightening to keep the assembly sealed. However, it is preferable not to perforate the film (12), eliminating edges and tips and leaving a margin or tolerance between the components for locating the film (12) (FIG. 11A). 5. The horizontal spring (11) is compressed, closing the gate (27) (FIG. 11B), and the carriage (21) is inserted into the guides (22) (FIG. 11C), until the hook (25) can be hooked into the support (26) (FIG. 11D). In this position, the lowest rigid component of the invention, generally a part of the carriage (21), remains at the level of the teeth (5) of the cutting ring (4).

(47) In the second main embodiment, shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the device is kept in the folded position by means of the hook (25), and its unfolding is automatically performed with the removal of the cap (1) or of the sealing membrane located between the cap (1) and the nozzle (3). Therefore, neither the cutting ring (4) nor the membrane (6) of the previous version are required (although they can be kept). This implies that the guides (22) of the carriage (21) are not arranged on the arm or arms (17) of the cutting ring (4) but are fused to the inner face of the nozzle (3).

(48) FIGS. 14 to 16 show a first fixing system for the carriage (21), similar to that described before and comprises a hook (25) fixed to an internal grip (29) of the nozzle (3). In this case, the hook (25) is not rigid but has a hinge (30) and a head (31) of larger dimensions than the hinge (30). The head (31) is housed in a hole or notch (32) of the grip (29). The grip (29) is adjacent to the upper opening of the nozzle (3) so that the head (31) cannot escape by the remaining space between the cap (1) or upper sealing membrane (not shown) in a closed position and the grip (29). On removing the cap (1), or upper sealing membrane, the head (31) can rise because of the hinge (30). Thus, it cannot stop the force of unfolding of the tube (7), either by the vertical spring (10) or by the selected medium (FIG. 16). This solution is compatible with the presence of a cutting ring (4) and a sealing membrane (3) or with an upper sealing membrane.

(49) The alternative of FIGS. 17 and 18 offers a hook (25) that is still rigid and a grip (29) arranged next to the cap (1). In contrast to the previous case, it is not essential that the distance between the grip (29) and the cap (1) prevents the passage of the hook (25), although this continues to be recommendable. The way of releasing the hook (25) continues by it emerging from the notch (32) of the grip (29), but in this case, it is pushed out by a pin (33) attached to the inner face of the cap (1). On turning this cap (1), the pin (33) pushes the hook (25) outside of the notch (32) (discontinuous line in FIG. 17), taking advantage of the fact that the cap (1) has slightly separated from the nozzle (3) to open the passage for the hook (25). This solution is not compatible with an upper sealing membrane because the pin (33) needs to cross it in a closed position. However, it is perfectly compatible with a lower sealing membrane (6) and a cutting ring (4).

(50) 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.