adapter

Abstract

An adapter is readily applicable to connecting a dispensing container to a refill container. The adapter, along with one or more containers, is configured such that the adapter can easily and securely snap onto the container and easily unscrew it without requiring excessive force from the consumer. The adapter features a snap-fit ​​tube having one or more retaining recesses and guiding recesses.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] There has been considerable concern recently about the amount of solid plastic waste accumulating in our oceans and landfills. While plastics possess many of the properties required for consumer products, it is beneficial to make better use of our plastic containers, for example, by reusing them. One approach to reusing containers that deserves encouragement is to provide refills to replenish their contents when they are emptied, rather than discarding them.

[0002] While consumers are interested in minimizing plastic waste, there are clear competing benefits, such as convenience and ease of use. For example, a successful refilling idea might require providing a device for refilling containers that does not require considerable effort and whose operating mode is preferably obvious to consumers.

[0003] Various refills have been proposed, including those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,794,474 to Mueller et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007 / 0289670 to Johns et al., and WO 2018 / 114301 to Cesare et al.

[0004] One refilling method uses coupling devices to allow easy transfer of contents from the refiller to the master package. Coupling devices and the like are known in the art for various purposes. Some of these devices are listed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 237286A, U.S. Patent No. 10,029,903B, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 345744A by Wuhlstein, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 291277A by Perez, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 069552A by Liu et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2013 / 270266A by Lee, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 146 by Zinn et al. It was found in 174A, Cheol's KR20110067284A, Behar's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 205151A, Klein's DE20308059U1, US6659145B, US2002020637A, GB2342347A, US6237649B, US5884678A, WO9321103A1, US4347879A, US3945617A, US3156272A, and US2773521A.

[0005] The key characteristics of closures and refills are how they are applied to the container and how they are opened by the consumer. Ideally, the application of closures during manufacturing should be quick and reliable, and the way consumers open and reclose closures should be convenient and easy to understand.

[0006] Jackel's U.S. Patent No. 8,365,933 discloses a dispensing closure that is a snap-on closure that can be separated from a container by rotational movement. The closure includes a cylindrical snap-on tube. The snap-on closure can be pressed onto a nozzle, wherein two interacting elements are displaced relative to each other or above each other due to their flexibility. The container has a force-applying device designed to engage at least one recess on the snap-on tube to force the dispensing closure to move axially upon rotation of the closure, and such that at least one threaded segment of the snap-on tube presses against at least one threaded segment of the dispensing element, thereby releasing the dispensing closure from the nozzle.

[0007] Cesare et al., WO 2018 / 220013, disclose a snap-on / unscrew-off closure characterized by a cylindrical snap-on tube comprising threads designed to mate with external threads on the bottle neck. The tube includes a resistance recess and a guide recess. The resistance recess and guide recess accommodate a force-applying element on the shoulder of the bottle and allow the closure to be loosened. The cylindrical snap-on tube threads can axially pass over the bottle threads, thereby facilitating the removal of the closure. Interruptions in the external neck threads and / or internal snap-on tube threads, as well as the flexible material used to manufacture the closure, also aid in removal.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 5,992,656 to Dujardia et al. relates to a plastic closure having a recess for engaging with a protrusion at the base of a container neck to create a locking and snap-fit ​​connection.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,145,080 to Imbery et al. discloses a container neck protrusion housed in a closure recess to prevent relative rotation between the closure and the container.

[0010] CA 2098 544A1 relates to a connector for joining two containers together, such that contents can be poured from one container to the other without spilling. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating container refilling. The apparatus includes an adapter that is easily used to attach a dispensing container to a refill container. The adapter and one or more containers are configured such that the adapter can be easily and securely snapped onto the container and then easily rotated off without excessive force from the consumer.

[0012] The adapter includes two chambers with openings: one for applying the adapter to the dispensing container and the other for applying the adapter to the refiller. Therefore, the adapter connects the dispensing container and the refiller, allowing contents to be transferred from the refiller to the dispensing container. Transfer can be direct from one adapter chamber to the other, or a channel connecting them can exist.

[0013] The snap-on / screw-off function is facilitated by the presence of a cylindrical snap-on tube, open at one end, defining a first adapter chamber. Conversely, a second adapter opening may be defined by a wall forming a second adapter chamber, and is screwed onto or into the refill container in a conventional manner. The connection between the second adapter chamber and the container can also be a conventional snap-on arrangement. Alternatively, the connection between the refiller and the dispensing package can also be snap-on / screw-off. Or, the connection between the dispensing container and the adapter can be conventional, and the connection between the adapter and the refiller can be snap-on / screw-off.

[0014] The adapter may have various arrangements. These arrangements include: a snap-on connection between one end of the adapter and the dispensing container, and a conventional threaded or snap-on connection between the other end of the adapter and the refiller; a snap-on connection between one end of the adapter and the refiller container, and a conventional threaded or snap-on connection between the other end of the adapter and the dispensing container; or snap-on connections at both ends of the adapter, one with the dispensing container and the other with the refiller; or a conventional threaded or snap-on connection at one end of the adapter with the dispensing container, and a conventional threaded or snap-on connection at the other end of the adapter with the refiller.

[0015] The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube has a first fastener protrusion, which may be an internal snap-fit ​​strip, for securing the first adapter opening to the first container. Preferably, the first container is a dispensing container, but it may be a refill container, or again, both the refill container and the dispensing container may have snap-fit / screw-off connections.

[0016] The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube has a first proximal end adjacent to the channel or second chamber and an opposite second distal end at its opening. The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube includes at least one retaining recess or resistance recess at its second end, defining opposing first and second walls of the retaining recess. When the adapter is snapped onto the container in the closed position, the retaining recess receives a lug, preferably on the neck of the container. This helps to orient the adapter in the correct closed position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second walls of the retaining recess have different gradients, such that one wall can be steeper than the other, preventing rotation beyond a predetermined point in the non-opening direction. In another embodiment, the gradients of the first and second retaining recess walls are substantially the same at each point located at the same axial vertical height. The advantage of using symmetrical first and second resistance walls is that they are easier to manufacture than walls with different angles.

[0018] The second distal end of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube also includes an additional recess, a guide recess. This guide recess includes a first guide recess wall having an upward gradient that aligns with the descent of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube's threads relative to the container when the container is oriented so that the adapter is on top of the container. The guide recess also includes a second guide recess wall having a downward gradient in the opening direction.

[0019] In the rotational direction in which the adapter is open, the first guide recess wall allows the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube to descend axially toward the container, and the second wall allows the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube to rise relative to the container. The descent and ascent of the snap-fit ​​tube can occur with lugs on the container neck contacting the first and second guide recess walls; however, preferably, the lugs do not contact the first and second guide recess walls and are at least partially accommodated within the guide recesses. The force-applying element does not need to contact the guide recess walls; the guide recesses provide space for the torque of the force-applying element when the closure rotates in alignment with the angle of the neck and snap-fit ​​tube threads.

[0020] When the snap-fit ​​tube snaps onto the container from above, a protrusion (e.g., a thread) on the snap-fit ​​tube passes over a protrusion (e.g., a thread) on the container, such that the container's protrusion is positioned above the snap-fit ​​tube's protrusion. Therefore, the container protrusion above the snap-fit ​​tube holds the adapter onto the container. The flexibility of the material used to manufacture the closure and the presence of recesses help to give the snap-fit ​​tube sufficient flexibility so that the container's thread can pass over the snap-fit ​​tube's thread.

[0021] The second guide recess wall is angled to allow the protrusions on the container neck and the snap-fit ​​tube to slide past each other, i.e., to unscrew. The protrusions on the snap-fit ​​tube maintain their axial position relative to the protrusions on the container, and the adapter is applied to the container for most of the opening operation until it reaches approximately the end of the second guide recess wall. The bottle protrusions hold the adapter on the bottle until the adapter rotates to a position where there is an interruption in one or more of the protrusions, for example, where there are no container protrusions above the adapter protrusions, thereby releasing the adapter from the container. Thus, the guide recess wall ensures that the container protrusions remain in the position that holds the adapter on the container until the adapter rotates to a position where one or both of the protrusions are interrupted, and therefore at that point is not in a position that prevents the adapter from being removed from the container.

[0022] In embodiments where only one side of the adapter is configured for snap-on / screw-off, the second adapter wall on the other side of the adapter has a second fastener protrusion for securing the second adapter wall to a second container, which may have the same or different dimensions as the first container. Preferably, the protrusions on the second wall and the second container are conventional bottleneck threads. Alternatively, the second wall can be connected to the second container using conventional snap-on techniques.

[0023] As described above, at least one container includes a lug preferably disposed on its shoulder, which is received within a retaining recess when the adapter is in the snap / closed position on the container. When the adapter is rotated open, the lug can also be used to contact the edge of the snap tube, and then encounter the walls of the first and second guide recesses to help the adapter descend and then rise relative to the container neck, ensuring that the mating protrusions on the container and the snap tube remain aligned, with the bottle protrusion above the snap tube protrusion, until a point is reached where one or more protrusions are interrupted, such as the container protrusion, thereby releasing the adapter from the container.

[0024] To gain a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dispensing bottle, refiller, and adapter according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view taken from above and one side of the adapter of the present invention, showing the snap-on and unscrewed sides.

[0027] Figure 3 This is another perspective view taken from above the snap-on side of the adapter of the present invention and from another angle.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view taken from above the standard threaded side of the adapter of the present invention, for embodiments in which only one side of the adapter is snap-on / unscrew-off or in which both sides of the adapter include standard threads.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a dispensing bottle connected to a refill bottle using the adapter of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a front view with the adapter's distribution bottle removed.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a front view of the dispensing bottle with the adapter in the closed position, partially cut open.

[0032] Figure 8This is a front view of the dispensing master bottle, with the adapter rotated toward the open position and part of it cut open.

[0033] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 7 The adapter is in the closed position. The dispensing bottle is shown in a front view, partially cut open, but is an alternative embodiment in which the resistance recess wall is symmetrical. Detailed Implementation

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the adapter 14 of the present invention can be used with the dispensing bottle 10 (see also...) Figure 6 This is used in conjunction with the refill bottle 11. The dispensing bottle or master bottle can be more robust than the refill bottle and is designed for multiple uses by the consumer. The reusability of the dispensing bottle will save plastic and plastic waste. The refill bottle can be thinner and made of less plastic than the master bottle, making it suitable for single or multiple uses. Alternatively, the refill bottle can be made of a stronger material and can be used multiple times.

[0035] Transfer cover or adapter 14 ( Figure 2 This will typically include two sides, preferably at least one side will be a snap-on, unscrew-down side 16 for engaging with, for example, the opening of a dispensing bottle 10. The second side 18 ( Figure 4 It may have one or more elongated protrusions, preferably standard threads 20, for engaging with complementary protrusions, preferably threads 78 on the neck 22 of the refill bottle 11. Figure 1 and 6 Alternatively, side 18 may also include a snap-open feature of side 16 or a conventional snap-opening technique.

[0036] like Figure 3 As best seen, the snap-open side 16 of the adapter 14 includes an outer wall 30 and a cylindrical snap tube 32 located inside and generally parallel thereto. An edge 36 on the snap tube 32 defines a first adapter opening, and internally, the snap tube defines a first adapter chamber 31.

[0037] On the opposite side 18, the opposite second adapter opening 40, defined by the wall 42, forms the periphery of the second adapter chamber 44. Figure 4 ).

[0038] Fluid flows freely from the first adapter opening through the first adapter chamber 31 to the second adapter chamber 44 and out through the second adapter opening. Optionally, one or more channels 50 ( Figure 3 It is positioned between the first and second adapter chambers, which also allows fluid to flow between the first and second adapter chambers.

[0039] like Figure 3Ideally, the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube 32 preferably has one or more first fastener protrusions 54 on its inner wall for fastening the first adapter opening to the first container, and when only one side of the adapter is snapped / unscrewed, the second adapter wall 42 ( Figure 4 The adapter has one or more second fastener protrusions 20 for fastening the second adapter wall to the second container, which may be the same or different in size as the first container. The second fastener protrusions 20 are preferably conventional threads, while the first fastener protrusions 54 are preferably strips / beads for snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0040] Cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube 32 ( Figure 3 The cylindrical snap tube 32 has a first proximal end adjacent to the channel 50 (or adjacent to the second adapter chamber when there is no channel 50) and an opposite second end at the edge 36. The cylindrical snap tube 32 includes at least one retaining recess 60 that interrupts the edge 36 at the second end. Figure 3 The embodiment includes two opposing retaining recesses. Cylindrical snap-fit ​​tubes define opposing first and second walls 64, 46 of the retaining recesses. The retaining recess 60 is sized and shaped to receive a lug 70 on the container 10 when the adapter is in the closed position relative to the container. Figure 6 (This will be explained below.)

[0041] In one embodiment, the gradients of the first retaining recess wall 64 and the second retaining recess wall 46 are such that the gradient of one of the first and second resistance recess walls is less at at least one point than the gradient of the other of the first and second recess sides at a point located at the same axial height. In this embodiment, preferably, the steeper gradient of one of the walls prevents the lug from moving in the direction of that wall, thereby preventing the closure from opening in that direction. See in particular... Figure 7 Steep wall 46, together with the right steep wall of lug 70, prevents rotation in the closing (clockwise) direction.

[0042] Alternatively, the gradients on the walls of the first and second retaining recesses are the same or substantially the same at each point located at the same axial height. In this case, the recesses are primarily used to ensure that the adapter is correctly oriented on the bottle after it has snapped onto the bottle. Figure 9 This embodiment is illustrated. It can be seen that for the resistance recess 102, the gradients of walls 106 and 104 are the same at each axial height. In this case, additional structures can be added to ensure that the adapter rotates only in one direction (if desired). One example is a tooth on the adapter, which can engage with a ratchet on the bottleneck or shoulder to prevent rotation in an undesirable direction.

[0043] The second distal end of the cylindrical snap tube is also shaped to include one or more guide recesses 80, which also interrupt the edge 36. Figure 3The embodiments include two opposing guide recesses, but these are in Figure 7 , 8 As best seen in 9. One or more guide recesses include a first guide recess wall 72 that aligns with the descent of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​pipe thread relative to the container when the container is oriented so that the adapter is on top of the container. Then, still assuming the container is oriented so that the adapter is on top of the container, adjacent to the first guide recess wall is a second guide recess wall 82, which includes a downward gradient.

[0044] The wall 72 extending upwards from the guide recess has a gradient between 90 and 135 degrees relative to the horizontal line drawn through the segment 36 passing through the bottom edge, and the wall 82 extending downwards has a gradient relative to the horizontal line drawn through the wall 74 ( Figure 8 The horizontal line drawn at the intersection 75 of the tube bottom 36 and the tube 70 has a relatively mild gradient in the range of 0 to 10 degrees, particularly in the range of 4 to 10 degrees. The top walls 58 of the lugs 70 and 108 preferably do not contact the first and second guide walls during rotation. Instead, the guide recess allows the snap-fit ​​tube 30 to rotate freely, conforming to the inclination of the bottleneck and snap-fit ​​tube threads, during which the force-applying element 50 or 108 is accommodated within the space of the guide recess. The inclination of the snap-fit ​​tube and bottleneck threads is similar to the gradient of the wall 74, i.e., 0 to 10 degrees, particularly 4 to 10 degrees.

[0045] The length of the bottom edge of the snap-fit ​​tube extending between the resistance recess and the guide recess is preferably at least 2 mm and up to 5 mm, particularly from 2 mm to 4 mm, thereby maximizing the durability of the closure, including promoting a good, comfortable, and tight fit of the adapter on the bottle. The distance between the resistance recess and the guide recess is measured along the bottom edge segment 36 from the point where the wall 64 or 106 merges with the bottom end or edge 36 of the snap-fit ​​tube to the point where the guide recess wall 80 begins to rise at the beginning of the wall 72.

[0046] Reference, especially Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the asymmetric resistance wall shown, the adapter is configured such that when it is in the closed position at the top of the container, the lug 70 will be fully or partially received within the recess 60, as... Figure 7As the adapter rotates in the direction of rotation for the adapter to open (typically counterclockwise), the lug 70 applies force to the recess wall 64, forcing the snap-fit ​​tube slightly upward and then contacting the edge 36. Rotation of the closure in the opening direction results in axial upward movement caused by the angle between the bottleneck and the snap-fit ​​tube threads. Then, the contact of the first guide recess wall 72 with the lug 70 allows the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube to descend axially toward the container, and the second guide recess wall 82 aligns with the rise of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube relative to the container, such that the protrusion 54 on the snap-fit ​​tube maintains its axial position below the protrusion or thread 73 on the bottleneck 74 until the adapter rotates to… Figure 8 At a position near position 75, where, due to an interruption in one or more of the bottleneck and snap tube protrusions, no container protrusion 78 holds the cylindrical protrusion on the container above the snap cylindrical protrusion 54, and the adapter is released from the container.

[0047] Figure 9 The operation of the embodiment with symmetrical resistance recessed walls shown is similar to that just described for the embodiment shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operation described. Rotation of the closure in the opening direction results in axial upward movement due to the angle of the bottleneck and snap-fit ​​pipe threads. However, although the steep wall 46 is used to reach the lug 70... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The wall in the middle prevents rotation in the closing direction, but Figure 9 The embodiments do not include steep walls, and walls 106, 104 are symmetrical. However, once the lug 108 is in... Figure 9 As shown, the angle of the protrusion at the indicated position prevents further rotation in the closing direction. Furthermore, as mentioned above, other mechanisms, such as teeth on the adapter, can be provided if needed to engage the ratchet on the bottle, thus preventing further movement.

[0048] For embodiments where the resistance recess wall is asymmetrical, the lug 70 may include a front side (130) and a rear side (132) with different gradients, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The rear wall gradient 132 is gentler, facilitating a slight upward push at wall 64, while the front wall gradient 130 is steeper, consistent with its function of preventing further rotation in the closing direction together with wall 46. In embodiments where the resistance recess walls are symmetrical, walls 112 and 111 can also be symmetrical ( Figure 9 ).

[0049] The adapter of this invention facilitates the transfer of fluid from the refiller to the dispensing container and is easy to use. It can snap onto the container (for refilling and / or dispensing), which is generally a more economical manufacturing method, while allowing the consumer to easily remove it by rotating (i.e., unscrewing).

[0050] Although threads, snap strips, and other protrusions are typically shown in this document as being inside the snap tube and outside the bottleneck, this can be reversed if necessary, so that the protrusions are outside the snap tube and inside the bottleneck.

[0051] When it is mentioned herein that the gradient of each resistance recess wall is substantially the same at each axial height, this means that at each axial height, the angle of the wall relative to the edge of the snap-fit ​​tube is within 10% of the angle of the resistance recess wall at the same axial height. Preferably, the angle of the wall is within 5% of the angle of the recess wall, most particularly within 1%, more preferably within 0.5%, and also preferably, the angle is the same at each axial height.

[0052] The exact height and shape of the resistance recess can be affected by the material used to manufacture the snap-fit ​​tube, and therefore can be adjusted after testing the plastic part.

[0053] The adapter can be made of any durable material, such as polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, or even metal.

[0054] When it is mentioned that the adapter rotates toward the open position, it means that the adapter rotates toward the position where it is released from the container. When it is mentioned that the adapter rotates toward the closed position, it means that the adapter rotates toward the position where it is fully secured to the container, with the lugs receiving in the resistance recesses.

[0055] Of course, it should be understood that the specific forms of the invention shown and described herein are intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the invention.

[0056] Therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims when determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An adapter (14), comprising: A first adapter opening and a second adapter opening, each having a first fastener protrusion and a second fastener protrusion, allow free movement of liquid between the two openings. The second adapter opening (40) is opposite to the first adapter opening and is defined by a wall (42) forming a second adapter chamber (44) having the second adapter opening. The second adapter wall has a second fastener protrusion (20) for fastening the second adapter wall (42) to a second container, which may be the same or different in size from the first container. Its features a) A cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube (32) opening, which defines the first adapter chamber and the first adapter opening. The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube (32) has a first fastener protrusion (54) for securing the first adapter opening to the first container (10), and b) The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube (32) has a first proximal end and an opposite second distal end; c) The cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube (32) includes at least one retaining recess (60) at the second distal end; d) The cylindrical snap tube defines the opposing first and second walls (64, 46) of the retaining recess (60). e) The second distal end of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube (32) is shaped to include a guide recess (80) having a first guide recess wall (72) that corresponds to the descent of the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube fastener protrusion relative to the container when the container is oriented such that the adapter is on top of the container and the adapter is rotated in the opening direction, and the guide recess includes a second guide recess wall having a downward gradient when the container is oriented such that the adapter is on top of the container. The adapter is configured such that when the adapter is in the closed position at the top of the container, the lug (70) on the container can be fully or partially received within the retaining recess (60), and when the adapter is rotated in the rotational direction of the adapter opening, the lug (70) can exert force on the recess wall (64), forcing the snap tube slightly upward and then contacting the edge (36), wherein the rotation of the adapter in the opening direction can cause axial upward movement caused by the angle of the bottleneck and the snap tube fastener protrusion, and then the first guide recess wall (72) allows the cylindrical The snap-fit ​​tube descends axially toward the container, and the second guide recess wall (82) rises in alignment with the cylindrical snap-fit ​​tube relative to the container, such that the fastener protrusion (54) on the snap-fit ​​tube can maintain its axial position below the fastener protrusion (73) on the bottleneck (74) until the adapter rotates to a position where, due to an interruption in one or more of the bottleneck and snap-fit ​​tube protrusions, no container fastener protrusion (78) holds the cylindrical fastener protrusion in position on the container above the snap-fit ​​cylindrical fastener protrusion (54), and the adapter can be released from the container. The first retaining recess wall and the second retaining recess wall have substantially the same gradient at each point located at the same axial height.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein, One or both of the first fastener protrusion (54) and the second fastener protrusion (20) are threads for engaging with threads on the neck of the container.

3. The adapter of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fastener protrusion of the snap-fit ​​tube is located on its inner wall.

4. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fastener protrusion of the snap-fit ​​tube is at least one snap-fit ​​strip.

5. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, adapted to partially receive the lug (70) on the container in the retaining recess (60) when the adapter is closed on the main container.

6. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter is configured to receive the lug (70) on the container (10) within the guide recess when the container is rotated to the open position.

7. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second adapter wall is the second snap-fit ​​tube.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, wherein, The second snap-fit ​​tube includes at least one retaining recess and at least one guiding recess.

9. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The guide recess (80) is configured to receive a lug (70) on the container (10) and, when rotated in the opening direction, is shaped to accommodate the lowering and then raising of the adapter so that the snap tube fastener protrusion (54) slides relative to the container neck fastener protrusion until the container neck fastener protrusion and / or the snap tube fastener protrusion are interrupted and the adapter (14) is released from the container.

10. The adapter (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter (14) is combined with a container (10) having lugs (70) and fastener protrusions, wherein, When the adapter is in the closed position, the adapter snap tube (32) retaining recess (60) accommodates all or part of the lug therein, and wherein, when the adapter is rotated in the open position, the lug contacts the edge (36) of the snap tube (32), and the walls of the guide recesses (72, 82) allow the adapter to move downward and then upward relative to the container, whereby the fastener protrusions (54) on the snap tube (32) slide relative to the fastener protrusions on the container and maintain their axial position, wherein the container fastener protrusions hold the adapter on the container until the adapter rotates to one or more points where the container fastener protrusions and the snap tube fastener protrusions are interrupted, and the adapter is released from the container.

11. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An interruption in one or both of the container and the snap tube protrusion causes the adapter to be released from the container when there is no container protrusion above the snap tube protrusion.

12. The adapter according to claim 10, wherein, The protrusion (54) on the snap tube is located inside the snap tube (32), and the protrusion on the bottleneck is located outside the bottleneck.

13. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wall (72) extending upward from the guide recess has a gradient in the range of 90 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the horizontal line drawn through the section (36) passing through the bottom edge, and then the wall (82) extending downward has a less severe gradient in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees relative to the horizontal line drawn through the intersection (75) of the wall (74) and the bottom of the tube (36).

14. The adapter according to claim 13, wherein, The less severe gradient is in the range of 4 to 10 degrees.

15. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid travels freely through the channel (50) between the first adapter opening and the second adapter opening.

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