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Title:
POURING DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1998/052838
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is disclosed an improved pouring device (5) optionally incorporating a non-refilling device (102) adapted to be secured within an outlet of a container for liquid, for example, as an insert in a neck of a bottle. The device (5) comprises a sleeve (15) a first end (20) of which is retained within the container, in use. The device (5) further comprises a pouring lip (30), a container closure means (35), and means for retaining the container closure means and the sleeve in association with one another so as to close the container, wherein, in use, retention of the sleeve (15) and container closure means (35) one with the other causes the pouring lip (30) to move from a first pouring position to a second position where the container is closed, removal of the container closure means (35) from the sleeve (15) causing the lip (30) to resume the first position.

Inventors:
THOMSON DAVID WILLIAM (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB1998/001340
Publication Date:
November 26, 1998
Filing Date:
May 11, 1998
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MONTGOMERY DANIEL & SON LTD (GB)
THOMSON DAVID WILLIAM (GB)
International Classes:
B65D47/40; B65D49/04; (IPC1-7): B65D49/04; B65D47/40
Domestic Patent References:
WO1996004179A11996-02-15
Foreign References:
FR1156919A1958-05-22
GB2195974A1988-04-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Mccallum, William Potter (19 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AE, GB)
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A pouring device for insertion within a neck portion of a container for liquids, the device comprising a sleeve a first end of which is retained within the container, in use, the device further comprising a pouring lip, a container closure means, and means for retaining the container closure means and the sleeve in association with one another so as to close the container, wherein, in use, retention of the sleeve and container closure means one with the other causes the pouring lip to move from a first, pouring position to a second position where the container is closed, removal of the container closure means from the sleeve causing the lip to resume the first position.
2. A pouring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouring lip is annular in shape.
3. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second end of the sleeve carries the pouring lip.
4. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the first, pouring position the lip stands proud of the neck portion of the container.
5. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the second position a first surface of the lip contacts an opposing surface of the neck portion.
6. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip is integrally formed with the sleeve.
7. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip is made from an elastically deformable material.
8. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip is made from polythene or polypropylene.
9. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip is of an inverted substantially frustoconical shape.
10. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a rim of the lip is shaped to substantially avoid liquid build up therearound.
11. A pouring device as claimed in claim 10, wherein in the first position the rim provides a first annular surface facing away from the neck portion and concave relative thereto.
12. A pouring device as claimed in claim 11, wherein in the first position the rim provides a second substantially planar surface facing towards the neck portion, the first and second surfaces being joined at respective outermost edges.
13. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip provides a weakened/tear portion such that if anyone attempts to employ the lip in removal of the device from the container the lip will tend to break/tear.
14. A pouring device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the weakened/tear portion is provided around the lip.
15. A pouring device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the weakened/tear portion is provided at an innermost end of the lip at or near where the lip joins with the sleeve.
16. A pouring device as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the weakened/tear portion is provided by a portion of the lip having a thinner wall relative to a remainder of the lip.
17. A pouring device as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the weakened/tear portion is provided by a perforated portion upon the lip.
18. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device incorporates a nonrefilling device.
19. A pouring device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the nonrefilling device comprises a tubular assembly adapted to be received at least substantially within said neck portion and having engagement means provided on an external surface thereof adapted for firm engagement with an internal surface of said neck portion, said assembly including the sleeve the first, lower end portion of which is directed in use towards the interior of said container, said sleeve being provided with a valve seat surface, there being provided a valve member adapted to seat against said seat surface in a closed position, said assembly further comprising a pouring member received in a force or interferencefit within an upper, open end portion of said sleeve, the container closure means including an annular sealing surface adapted, in use, to be in sealing engagement with said container neck portion, said annular sealing surface surrounding an annularly arranged projecting means adapted to engage removably with engagement means provided on the tubular assembly when the pouring device is in a fully assembled condition, the construction and arrangement being such that, prior to use, the pouring device is selfmaintaining in said fully assembled condition in which each component thereof is engaged with an adjacent component prior to and during the application of the pouring device to a container neck portion.
20. A pouring device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said closure means comprises a cap and an insert secured within the cap, said sealing surface and said annularly arranged projecting means engaging removably with said pouring member.
21. A pouring device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein a ridge or rib is provided upon one of said pouring member and said first mentioned annularly arranged projecting means, said ridge being adapted to engage with a rib or ridge provided upon the other of said pouring member and said first mentioned annularly arranged projecting means.
22. A pouring device as claimed in claim 21, wherein said ribs or ridges are formed as parthelical interengaging means.
23. A pouring device as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, wherein said pouring member is provided with a centrally disposed recessed inner portion adapted to receive and locate said valve member, said recessed inner portion being received in removable engagement with a second annularly arranged projection means on said closure means.
24. A pouring device as claimed in claim 23, wherein said valve member is provided with an axially arranged stem portion adapted to be received within said recessed portion of the pouring member.
25. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve is provided with a plurality of annular, substantially radially extending, flanges adapted to be deformed when the sleeve is inserted into the container neck.
26. A pouring device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the flanges are substantially equally spaced and of substantially the same diameter.
27. A pouring device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the flanges are spaced apart by differing distances therebetween.
28. A pouring device as claimed in claim 25 or 27, wherein one or more flanges are of larger diameter than the remainder.
29. A pouring device as claimed in claims 25, 27 or 28, wherein an uppermost flange is of larger diameter than said remainder.
30. A pouring device as claimed in any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the flanges are reinforced by the provision of one or more web members therebetween.
31. A pouring device as claim in any preceding claim, wherein an external surface of the pouring member is provided with annular ribs which are adapted to soften during insertion into the sleeve and to re harden in a distorted condition enhancing the permanency of the engagement with an internal surface of the sleeve.
32. A pouring device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one zone of weakness is provided in the structure of the pouring member, said zone fracturing to display damage caused by tampering with for purposes of refilling the container.
33. A sleeve adapted for use in a pouring device according to any of claims 1 to 32.
34. A nonrefilling device for insertion within a neck portion of a container for liquids, the device comprising a sleeve a first end of which is retained within the container, in use, the device further comprising a pouring lip, a container closure means, and means for retaining the container closure means and the sleeve in association with one another so as to close the container, wherein, in use, retention of the sleeve and container closure means one with the other causes the pouring lip to move from a first, pouring position to a second position where the container is closed, removal of the container closure means from the sleeve causing the lip to resume the first position.
35. A container for liquid having a neck portion and including a pouring device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 32.
36. A container as claimed in claim 35, wherein the container is a bottle.
37. A container as claimed in claim 36, wherein the bottle is a spirits bottle.
38. A pouring device as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 15.
39. A sleeve as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 15.
40. A nonrefilling device as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 15.
41. A container for liquids as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 15.
Description:
POURING DEVICE This invention relates to pouring devices and in particular, though not exclusively, to a pouring device incorporating a non-refilling device adapted to be secured within an outlet of a container for liquid, for example, as an insert in a neck of a bottle.

Devices to prevent refilling of bottles, particularly bottles intended to contain spirits, are well known. For example WO 96/04179 also by the present Applicant discloses an improved non-refilling device, known commercially as the Montgomery 500 or the Monte 500. The content of WO 96/04179 is incorporated herein by reference. In that device, while the device is being applied to the neck portion of a filled container all components of the device are maintained in an assembled condition by co-acting engagement means on a closure means and a pouring member.

However, when the container is opened normally, the action of unscrewing the closure means is adequate to overcome the action of the engagement means so that the container may be opened in a conventional manner.

Known refilling devices suffer from a number of problems. For example, after use liquid may be retained within the device or between the device and the neck of the bottle. This can lead to a drip or drips of liquid emanating from the bottle upon next being used.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages in the prior art.

It is a further object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a device which is effective in use and avoids an excessive cost penalty.

It is a yet further object of one or more embodiments of the present invention to provide a device that may be applied to a container neck in a combined condition and in a single operational step, so as to improve the speed of operation and the efficiency and versatility of the

container filling and closing production line.

One or more of the aforementioned objects are achieved by providing a pouring device having a moveable pouring lip.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pouring device for insertion within a neck portion of a container for liquids, the device comprising a sleeve a first end of which is retained within the container, in use, the device further comprising a pouring lip, a container closure means, and means for retaining the container closure means and the sleeve in association with one another so as to close the container, wherein, in use, retention of the sleeve and container closure means one with the other causes the pouring lip to move from a first, pouring position to a second position where the container is closed, removal of the container closure means from the sleeve causing the lip to resume the first position.

The pouring lip is preferably annular in shape.

A second end of the sleeve may carry the pouring lip.

In the first, pouring position advantageously the lip stands proud of the neck portion of the container.

In the second position a first surface of the lip may contact an opposing surface of the neck portion.

The lip may be integrally formed with the sleeve.

The lip may be made from an elastically deformable material.

For example, the lip may be made from polythene or polypropylene.

The lip may advantageously be of an inverted substantially frusto-conical shape.

A rim of the lip may be suitably shaped to seek to avoid liquid build up therearound.

For example, in the first position the rim may provide a first annular surface facing away from the neck portion and concave relative thereto.

Further in the first position the rim may provide a

second substantially planar surface facing towards the neck portion, the first and second surfaces being joined at respective outermost edges.

The lip may provide a weakened/tear portion such that if anyone attempts to employ the lip in removal of the device from the container the lip will tend to break/tear.

A visual indication of tampering is thereby provided.

The weakened/tear portion may be provided around the lip.

The weakened/tear portion may be provided at an innermost end of the lip at or near where the lip joins with the sleeve.

The weakened/tear portion may be provided by providing a portion of the lip having a thinner wall relative to a remainder of the lip.

Alternatively the weakened/tear portion may be provided by providing a perforated portion upon the lip.

The pouring device of the present invention may incorporate a non-refilling device.

The non-refilling device may comprise a tubular assembly adapted to be received at least substantially within said neck portion and having engagement means provided on an external surface thereof adapted for firm engagement with an internal surface of said neck portion, said assembly including the sleeve the first, lower end portion of which is directed in use towards the interior of said container, said sleeve being provided with a valve seat surface, there being provided a valve member adapted to seat against said seat surface in a closed position, said assembly further comprising a pouring member received in a force- or interference-fit within an upper, open end portion of said sleeve, the container closure means including an annular sealing surface adapted, in use, to be in sealing engagement with said container neck portion, said annular sealing surface surrounding an annularly arranged projecting means adapted to engage removably with engagement means provided on the tubular assembly when the

pouring device is in a fully assembled condition, the construction and arrangement being such that, prior to use, the pouring device is self-maintaining in said fully assembled condition in which each component thereof is engaged with an adjacent component prior to and during the application of the pouring device to a container neck portion.

Advantageously said closure means comprises a cap and an insert secured within the cap, said sealing surface and said annularly arranged projecting means engaging removably with said pouring member.

A ridge or rib may be provided upon one of said pouring member and said first mentioned annularly arranged projecting means, said ridge being adapted to engage with a rib or ridge provided upon the other of said pouring member and said first mentioned annularly arranged projecting means.

Said ribs or ridges may be formed as part-helical interengaging means.

Said pouring member may be provided with a centrally disposed recessed inner portion adapted to receive and locate said valve member, said recessed inner portion being itself received in removable engagement with a second annularly arranged projection means on said closure means.

Said valve member may be provided with an axially arranged stem portion adapted to be received within said recessed portion of the pouring member.

The sleeve means may be provided with a plurality of annular, substantially radially extending, flanges adapted to be deformed when the sleeve is inserted into the container neck, to provide a wedging effect rendering the insertion effectively permanent.

The flanges may be equally spaced and of substantially the same diameter.

The flanges may be spaced apart by differing distances therebetween.

One or more flanges may be of larger diameter than the

remainder.

The uppermost of the flanges may be of larger diameter than said remainder.

The flanges may be reinforced by the provision of one or more web members therebetween.

The external surface of the pouring member may be provided with annular ribs which are adapted to soften during insertion into the sleeve and to re-harden in a distorted condition enhancing the permanency of the engagement with the internal surface of the sleeve.

At least one zone of weakness may be provided in the structure of the pouring member, said zone fracturing to display damage caused by tampering with for purposes of re- filling the container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleeve adapted for use in a pouring device according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-refilling device for insertion within a neck portion of a container for liquids, the device comprising a sleeve a first end of which is retained within the container, in use, the device further comprising a pouring lip, a container closure means, and means for retaining the container closure means and the sleeve in association with one another so as to close the container, wherein, in use, retention of the sleeve and container closure means one with the other causes the pouring lip to move from a first, pouring position to a second position where the container is closed, removal of the container closure means from the sleeve causing the lip to resume the first position.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are: Fig. 1 a longitudinal sectional view through an embodiment of a device according to the present invention, in a first position with a container closure means removed;

Fig. 2 a longitudinal sectional view through the device of Fig. 1, in a second position with the container closure means in place; Fig. 3 a partial sectional side view of an annular pouring lip of the device of Fig. 1 to an enlarged scale; Fig. 4 a side view partly in section of a sleeve member of the device of Fig. 1, including a minor modification thereof; Fig. 5 a sectional view of a sealing insert of the device of Fig. 1.

Figs. 6 and 7 full and sectional side views respectively of a pourer member of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 a fragmentary view of a portion of Fig. 5 to an enlarged scale; Fig. 9 a fragmentary view of a portion of Fig. 7 to an enlarged scale;.

Fig. 10 an underneath plan view of the pourer member of Fig. 6; Figs. 11 and 12 a side view and a perspective view respectively of a valve member; Fig. 13 an underneath plan view of the valve member of Fig. 11; and Figs. 14 and 15 sections taken on lines XII-XII and XIII-XIII respectively of Figure 13.

Referring initially to Figs. 1 to 3, there is illustrated a pouring device generally designated 5 for insertion within a neck portion 10 of a container for liquids, the device 5 comprising a sleeve 15, a first end 20 of which is retained within the container, in use, a second end 25 of which carries an elastically deformable annular pouring lip 30 which is of a substantially inverted frusto-conical shape in a first natural position. The pouring device 5 further comprises a container closure means 35 and means for retaining the container closure means 35 and the sleeve 15 in association with one another so as to close the container. The retaining means will be described hereinafter in greater detail. In use,

retention of the sleeve 15 and container closure means 35 one with the other causes the annular pouring lip 30 to move from a first, pouring position (see Fig. 1) where the lip 30 stands proud of the neck portion 10 of the container to a second deformed position (see Fig. 2) where the container is closed. Subsequent removal of the container closure means 35 from the sleeve 15 causes the lip 30 to resume the first position.

In the second position a first surface 40 of the lip 30 may contact an opposing end surface of the neck portion.

In this embodiment the lip 30 is integrally formed with the sleeve 15, the lip 30 being made from an elastically deformable material, such as polythene or polypropylene.

Referring now to Fig. 2, rim 45 of the lip 30 is suitably shaped to seek to avoid liquid build up therearound. Thus the rim in the first position provides a first annular surface 50 facing away from the neck portion and concave relative thereto. Further on the first position the rim 45 provides a second substantially planar annular surface 55 facing towards the neck portion, the second surface and the first surface being joined at respective outermost edges. The lip 30 may provide a weakened/tear portion 60 such that if anyone attempts to employ the lip 30 in removal of the pouring device 5 from the container the lip 30 will tend to break/tear. A usual indication of tampering is thereby provided.

In the embodiment the weakened/tear portion 60 is provided around the lip 30, the weakened/tear portion 60 being provided at an innermost end of the lip 30 which joins the sleeve 15.

The weakened/tear portion 60 is provided by providing a portion of the lip 30 having a thinner wall relative to a remainder of the lip 30. In a minor modification the weakened/tear portion 60 is provided by providing a perforated portion upon the lip 30.

The present embodiment of the pouring device 5

incorporates a non-refilling device, generally designated 102.

The pouring device, 5, is intended to be assembled as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 with its components in an interengaging relationship such that the pouring device 5 may be applied to a neck portion 103 (shown in chain-dotted line) of a spirits bottle or the like, while the parts comprising the pouring device 5 are maintained in a fully assembled condition in which each part present as a component in the pouring device 5 is held in engagement with an adjacent one of the component parts so that the entire pouring device 5 may be applied to a container neck portion 103 in a single operational movement.

It should be noted that the single movement is similar to that conventionally used in the application of a cap to a container neck, and therefore there is a marked increase in efficiency when that movement can be used to apply all the closure parts in one operational step instead of two or more.

Subsequent to its application to the neck portion 103, the pouring device 5 is operable to enable the container closure means 35 thereof to be removed from and replaced on the remainder of the pouring device 5 as will be explained.

The non-refilling device 102 comprises the tubular sleeve 15 having a valve seat surface 106 at a lower portion thereof against which is seated a valve member 8.

Received in permanent engagement in the upper portion of the sleeve 15 is a pourer member 110, a lip 112 of which is adapted to engage, but in a removable manner, with an annular projection 114 of a sealing member 116. Outer edge portions 118 of the sealing member 116 are held captive in a formable foil cap 120 which is clenched about the sealing member 116 at A.

Figs. 1 and 3 show the sleeve 15 which in the present example is moulded from low density polyethylene and is provided with annular engagement flanges 122, 123 that

extend generally radially from the outer surface at selected levels. In the present example, three such flanges are provided in total.

Fig. 4 also shows at the right-hand side thereof an alternative arrangement in which three flanges 122, 123' and 123" are of decreasing width the smallest 123" being free-standing and the flanges 122 and 123' being joined at four equidistantly spaced regions by a web member 125 if enhancement of the rigidity of the flanges is deemed advantageous. In another modification, the lower flange 123" may be used as a wiping blade to remove traces of liquid from the surface of the glass that may otherwise interfere with the secure fit of the sleeve 15 in the neck portion 10.

However, all the flanges 122, 123, may, if preferred, be of the same diameter and may, for example, total three, four or five in number, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

When the fully assembled pouring device 5 is inserted within the bottle neck 103 the flanges 122, 123 are forced upwardly and inwardly so as to form an effectively immovable insert in the open mouth of the bottle.

The bottle is in fact closed by contact of the sealing member 116 with an upper edge surface of the neck portion 10. The sealing member 116 as shown in Figures 5 and 8 comprises a disc-like body member 124 having its outer edge portions 118 formed into a downwardly and outwardly turned flange 119. A sealing surface 126 intended to contact the neck portion 10 surround the first projecting means 114 which has an outwardly facing ridge 128. A shallow ridge 127 is formed in the surface 126, conveniently provided by an annular undulation formed in the sealing member 116.

This feature may be found to provide a degree of resilience in the member 116 which is capable of absorbing a portion of the force receiving during application of the closure to the bottle neck. This acts to reduce any tendency for the closure to be deformed or to release from the bottle lip, thus compromising the efficiency of the seal formed.

It will be understood that additional sealing ribs may be provided if thought necessary. Within the circumference of the first projecting means is a second, deeper, projecting means 130. The purpose of these projecting means will be described below.

Figure 6 illustrates the pourer member 110, while Figure 7 shows a sectional view in which an annular internal rib 132 on the lip 112 can be seen. The pourer member 110 is moulded from polystyrene in the present example but it will be understood that any suitable rigid material may be used that has the necessary heat-resistant properties for example a thermosetting plastics material or a ceramic.

When the component parts of the device 5 are engaged together prior to its application to the neck portion 10 of a filled bottle of, for example, spirits, the ridge 128 being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the annular rib 132, when pressed axially into overlapping contact with the latter in assembly, becomes held in positive engagement therewith. Thus, the sealing member 116 is held in a self-maintaining assembled condition with respect to the other component members of the pouring device 5, i.e. the pourer member 110, the sleeve 15 and the valve member 106 is applied to the neck portion 10 in an axial direction. However, in normal use by the consumer, the actions of removing and re-applying on of the container closure means 35 (sealing member 116 and cap 120) with respect to the pourer member 110 are carried out in an at least part-helical movement with normal manual force which is sufficient to permit dis-engagement of the rib 132 and the ridge 128.

In an alternative modification, the ridge 128 and the rib 132 may be formed in a helical manner, conveniently at the same inclination as that of a thread formation on the bottle neck portion 10, so that the turning action of removing the closure facilitates the ready dis-engagement of the ridge 128 and the rib 132.

Provided on an external surface of a body portion 134 of the pourer member 110 are a plurality, in this case four, of narrow ribs 36 which enhance the permanence of the fit between the pourer member 110 and the sleeve 15 into which it is forced. The ribs 136 engage with corresponding ribs 138 formed on an interior surface of the sleeve 15 (see Fig. 4) in such a manner that dis-assembly is at least severely hindered, if not in effect impossible, under most conditions. The result is that the valve member 108 is captive but movable within the space enclosed by the members 104 and 110.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 13, in order to ensure correct alignment of the movable valve member 108 relative to the seating surfaces 105, the valve member 108 is provided with a stem portion 140 having stabilising vanes 141 and which is capable of being received in a loose fit within a recessed inner portion 142 of the pourer member 110. The portion 142 is linked with the tubular portion by five link members 144 (see Figure 1 for example) and, when the device 5 is assembled, is itself received within the annular projecting means 130. This acts to stabilise the assembly in a lateral direction to resist the possibility of the components of the device 5 becoming off- centre or out of alignment at any time after assembly.

Ribs 146 may be provided to enhance the locating action of the projecting means 130 on the portion 142, which in turn ensures proper location of the valve member 108.

The valve member 108, as can be seen in Figure 1, is in contact with the valve seat surface 106 when the bottle is in a generally upright condition. Referring to Fig.

13 this seating effect may be enhanced by the provision of a saucer-like portion 150 around the valve member 108 which in practice traps a small quantity of liquid adding to the effective weight of the valve member 108. thus, re- filling is rendered extremely difficult, although inversion of the bottle in normal use causes the valve member 108 to fall away from the seat surface 106 and permit a normal

pouring out action for the genuine contents.

If a person wishes to re-fill the bottle with replacement liquid, any attempts to remove the device 5 will probably involve the application of a considerable amount of force. It will be noticed that zones of weakness are provided in the pourer member 110 at 148 and 152 so that the application in force causes the plastics material to fracture at these zones and the resulting damage and at least partial detachment of the inner portion 142 indicates to a user that tampering has taken place.

Where the inner portion 142 actually breaks away from the member 110, the valve member 108 is exposed to view.

While this is a positive indication that tampering has taken place, the visual effect may be enhanced if the materials from which the pourer member 110 including the portion 142 and the valve member 108 are made of differing colours.

The embodiment of the invention hereinbefore described is given by way of example only, and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way.